Torn

by T.N. King

Mason:
I’m a monster… it’s in my blood.
Living with the Carters proved that.
Adopted by the perfect family and I’m still an animal.
I can’t help it. I crave their daughter with a carnal lust.
She’s my secret obsession and the one girl I can never have. She deserves a safe distance from me and my fantasies.
I’m trouble. Period. And my temper is near catastrophic.
But I know one thing for sure.
I’m a damn better guy than that jackass Nicole is dating.
My thirst for her is stronger than ever.
And the more I watch that baastard abuse my adopted sister.
The more my instincts scream, fuck the consequences.
I don’t know how much longer I can hold back….

Nicole:
I craved his attention from the minute Mom brought him home. He’s my adopted brother; my best friend.
But for me, that was never enough.
I always needed more, much more.
Now we’re adults, and I wish I could say things have changed. But I still want him... only I'm dating another man.

Genres: Romance, Abuse

Unknown Binding

About the author

T.N King grew up in the heart of Texas, and now resides in the sunny beach of San Diego, California. He's a football fan, a Netflix binge-watcher, and loves barbecue. A writer of romance, he's the author of the Catching Fire Series, Chasing Dr.Bedell, The Seduction of Amy, and many more. T.N King plans to write many more sexy, suspenseful stories for his raving fans.

Reviews

[Carvanz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mason has been attracted to Nicole for years. As her adopted brother he cannot act upon his feelings and he hides them from everyone. Until danger threatens. Now, just as a time years ago, Mason lets loose the rage that consumes him. No one will hurt Nicole.

Nicole is in a relationship with a man who shares a history much like Mason’s. She knows just how to respond and she’s full of forgiveness because she understands the struggles he suffers due to his background. However, when things turn ugly and uglier, she finally takes the step necessary to find something real in her life.

I liked Nicole and her talk before you think, ramblings. She had tucked away memories from years ago and when she pulled them out, she was all in with Mason. Mason was intense. He didn’t communicate much if at all and he was not one to socialize. But he when he was able to finally express his feelings for Nicole, he let it all out.

This was just an okay read for me. I would have enjoyed it more if it had had a good edit. Too wordy and all the inner monologue made it drag and I found myself skimming toward the end. This couple’s romantic relationship never developed, it just exploded. I needed to see a bit more adjustment to each other, even if just time spent chilling.

However, there was never a doubt that they both wanted what they found together and what anyone else thought would not deter them. I truly respected them for that. And what they had was pretty dang steamy. I was sure my kindle had smoke coming from it at one point.

Dual POV
Safe not safe; she is in relationship with om when she makes out with H – this om was one she confessed to herself and others that she loved; om causes serious drama
Triggers abuse on page

[TJB's Girl · Rating 1 out of 5]

Holy cow! DNF!

I'm sure there's a good book in here somewhere but I just couldn't get through the dense writing style to find it. Paragraphs that were endlessly long, like papes and pages long, monologuing that went on and on and on so long I lost track of the whole scene and what the conversation was supposed to be about, pronoun over-usage to the point where i didn't know which parts if the monologue referred to which character. Aaaaaack! Just couldn't bear it any more and had to say no more!

[Kali McQuillen · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5* I really liked the story but was very distracted by the 50+ typos, words missing out of sentences, was and were being used in the same sentence, run on sentences, etc.

Love heroes that are damaged and he definitely fits the bill. He doesn't fit into today's society because of everything that he's been through, he's not a bad man though. He just has a hard time saying what needs to be said and expressing himself.

He's cared for his adopted sister for years, he's not a man that says I love you. She brings out his protective instincts and always has.

Her boyfriend made me want to throat punch him on numerous occasions.

Her parents are pretty awesome people, especially loved her dad.

[Vania Nunes · Rating 1 out of 5]

I swear I tried to read.
The prologue even promised to be an interesting story, but from the first chapter it was too much boring.

[Jenny B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not sure what it is but I have a love for broken characters and Mason is as broken as it gets. This story had an interesting premise between the characters and the family dynamic and I absolutely hated Aaron from the beginning. The author did an amazing job with Aaron’s character and developing him in such a way you knew he was bad news but weren’t 100% sure how much bad news. I found the characters had incredibly interesting dynamics and I loved the psychology of the two characters and the family dynamics. This story had some interesting plot lines and had me devouring every page and not wanting to let go.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written dark romance about taboo and sensitive subject matter. Loved Mason and his devotion to Nicole even if it seemed to border on obsessive. I love dark romance stories and this is a good one. Very emotional with lots of drama. So good! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.

[Arlena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Torn
Author: T. N. King
Publisher: Butterfly Publishing House
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Torn" by T. N. King

My Thoughts....

This was a well written contemporary romance story about Mason and Nicole with some very captivating characters who are well developed, deep and complexed that will keep your attention. I found this read a very riveting intensive read with such a interesting storyline. Basically what is this story about or better still let's get this question answered ... What will happen when Mason [the adopted brother] has strong feelings for his sister [Nicole] where he becomes her protector, best friend and even more?' Well, to find out all of this and more you will have to pick up 'Torn' to find out.

Be ready for a story that will have a little bit of it all from 'mental and physical abuse, obsession, emotional rollercoaster ride, lust, love, intense, drama-filled, angsty, sadness, steamy hot love scenes [dark & raw] and so much more.' This author really touches on as subject that is somewhat was 'scary, however this is one true topic that is very much alive and definitely happens in our world. It was interesting seeing how it all works out for Mason and Nicole. Will they finally get their HEA?

[Modern · Rating 4 out of 5]

If there’s one word I can use to describe Torn it is intense. This book is descriptive, dark, dramatic, sexy and the underlying emotion throughout is Love. This book does not skim over the details so be warned about possible triggers. I received this book for a voluntary, completely honest and non incentivized review.

[Space Cowgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotionally Unbalanced😠😈😨

His Obsession...
Mason🐺 lost his parents in a cruel and unusual way. Mom is in the cemetery because Dad murdered her, and Dad is locked up forever.
He is sent to live with a family with a daughter, Nicole👩💋. They wanted a son, but he doesn't want a family after everything he's been through.
Mason🐺 has severe anger issues, and he is over protective and very angry about Nicole👩💋. She is bullied at school, and she is naive, trusting. Mason🐺 thinks she is stupid, because she is so trusting and so she needs him to always be there for her, to protect her.
Mason🐺 goes to college and has a job, too, so he can't always be there. Nicole👩💋 is still in high school. Her current boyfriend, Aaron,👹 is somewhat like Mason🐺. He is over protective and ends up getting in a big fight over her at school.
However, there is something off about Aaron👹💪👋. He is slowly becoming totally controlling over every aspect of Nicole's life. She has to ask him permission before doing anything. He wants to know where she is every minute of the day. He checks up on her constantly.
He hurts her on occasion. Choking her, striking her👊, gripping💪 her so hard he leaves bruises. All while he fakes being the perfect boyfriend, in front of her parents and others.
Mason🐺 can see that Aaron👹 is an abuser👋💪👊 from a mile away! After all, his father was the same kind of man. Why does Nicole stay with him?
Mason🐺 has been seeing a physiologist for years to try to control his anger. When he sees finger shaped bruises👋 on Nicole's arm, he loses it and beats Aaron👹 within an inch of his life.
Why can't he make Nicole👩💋 see that Aaron👹 is a psychopath, an evil manipulator?

In many ways this isn't a Romance, it's a study in unrequited love💕, an obsession. It's the study of a young man who never fit in, and who loved💘 too much.

ARC Received for a Voluntary and Honest Review.
I also got the book with KU.

[Cataluna6 · Rating 1 out of 5]

This books is a hot mess. I can forgive some formatting errors in ebooks, but this was full of not just those but spelling mistakes and missing/incorrect words. The writing style is very wordy. If your story isn’t full length, and I’m assuming this wasn’t considering my percentage read is at 29%* and I’ve finished the story, you don’t have words to waste.

Combine this together and it made for a disjointed, boring read. The distractions continually pulled me out of the story and made it hard for me to give a damn about characters I was already frustrated with. I don’t know who thought it was a good idea that there be a 24 page* sex scene outside of a police station, but it wasn’t. Not only is is ridiculous in terms of location, but if your sex scene is that long it better be good - it wasn’t.

I believe this is a KU book, which explains the page stuffing, another thing that pisses me off. I don’t have KU, so I paid for it. If I buy a book, I want the whole thing not a novella and a bunch of excerpts/blurbs of other books. According to the Loc count I’m at 4426 of 19562, that’s 15136 words that I didn’t read and with what I’ve read so far, I’m not interested in reading the rest.

* I’m reading this on the kindle app on my phone so the percentage/page count would be different on an actual kindle.

[Colleen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Good gawd... this book was torturous! I noticed, almost right off the bat, that I despised the author's writing style (it was scattered, in-cohesive and slow), but kept trying to ignore that and trudge through because I had pretty high hopes for the story. I finally decided to throw in the towel and DNF it, around 40% in, though; at that point I had been skimming for several chapters.

It was just so monotonous and tedious and rambling. On top of that, it was so poorly edited (yes, I understand the possibility of errors in an ARC, but this shouldn't have even made it to an ARC team/reader), and just SO. MUCH. RAMBLING!!

[Carol Hepstall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome ! I totally loved Mason and Nicole’s story. I was truly captivated by the storyline and it’s characters. It drew me in and kept me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what was next. It was some very powerful writing that held me riveted to every page and left me wanting more as I read the last word. T.N King certainly didn’t disappoint in the writing of this book. I definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a great read

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

Soooo slooow.

First and foremost the cover is freaking hot as hell! Now that that is out of they way, the book itself was decent, the story had a lot of potential. It was just way to slow paced for me. I found my mind wondering and that is a very bad thing when reading. It’s KU so worth the read but otherwise I’d probably say pass.

[Stasia Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMFG, you guys, this book. THIS BOOK! All the FEELS!!! I haven't read a book in a long time that hit me so hard in the guts. This book is a bestseller for a reason. Everybody go read it so then you can chat about it with me, lol.

[Dora Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

This was an interesting read. Although taboo, this story was deep, unrefined, emotional, suspenseful, and had passion that continue to keep you glued to the pages of this fascinating story. This book will have you on the edge of your seat. Once you are into the book, it was impossible to put down. This is the first time I read a book by T.N. King, but I assure you, it will not be the last. I thought this was a good book, and I loved the main characters of Mason and Nicole and the other cast of characters in the story. I must admit, it was slow at first to follow—but once I kept reading, I was able to adhere to the story. Mason was a troubled youth because he saw his father kill his mother. At a young age, he was adopted by the Carter family, and while living with them, he had lustful desires for their daughter, Nicole. Mason would do anything to keep Nicole safe. Not to give too much away, there are several twists and turns within the story that makes it interesting. The scenes are well written, fast-paced and flow smoothly from one scene to the next while the strong charismatic characters draw readers in and refuse to let go. The story will also pique your interest and draw you in from the beginning to the very end.

[✨✨ Claire✨✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read. Darker than what I've been flicking thru lately but that's ok - I've been searching for a book with a bit of a grip on the storyline and this one has it.

Mason is definitely a very misunderstood guy. But his way of dealing with everything is giving off such attitude that it's near impossible for people to get close.

Except for Nicole.

From the day Paul and Marie adopted mason, he's fought the emotions of caring that stir in him.

Nicole looks up to him. This is clear yo see in her actions while in school. And when he comes to her rescue when bullies get physical with her, it cements Mason as her "person" in nicoles life.

However, the two don't realise this and it takes disastrous turn of events to occur and life changing and threatening moments for these feelings to finally slot into place...

But the battle is far from over.

A very well written and well approached storyline by the author to a difficult subject. Such a fine line to be able to tell it just right.
The fear, nausea, and sheer helplessness that Nicole felt in moments was palpable thru the pages and tore st your heart.
But as much as your heart cried for them, it also sang when happiness flowed from the pages.

recommended to read but please be aware that it does contain a trigger.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I feel like I just went on an intense journey with this book. This is the story of Mason who was adopted later in his youth into the Carter Family. His father killed his mother. He has social issues due to the trauma. He has an adopted younger sister Nicole. He has strong feeling toward her that he keeps hidden.
Nicole is in an abusive relationship with a sociopath Aaron. She covers for him and excuses his behavior due to his family history. Mason figures what’s going on and swoops into defend her and almost winds up almost going to jail. Nicole moves in with Aaron and they become engaged. Mason tries to cope with what appears to be mutual attraction between himself and Nicole while she progresses in her abusive relationship.
It all comes to a head and Mason and Nicole get together but will Aaron and society let them find a HEA?
There are some triggers for those who have issues with abuse. Great in-depth and original read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[RoseyLovesBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

College student Mason has been obsessed with Nicole since he was 14 years old but he has never acted on his feelings because she's his adopted sister. Nicole wants Mason more than she ever wanted anyone but she could never be with him, even if she wasn't engaged to be married to her abusive fiancé Aaron. Then Nicole walks in on Aaron cheating on her and dumps him, packs her bags and moves into another apartment. Mason and Nicole decide to be together after a heart to heart conversation but when Mason leaves to go pack his stuff to move in with Nicole, Aaron shows up and he's pissed. When Mason comes back to find Aaron abusing Nicole, he loses it and sends him to the hospital for the second time. Aaron wants to press charges and things are looking so good for Mason. Will Mason and Nicole get their HEA?

T.N. King delivers an intense, angsty, and drama-filled that will have you on edge

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book

[Marilyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story that has Mason growing up,seeing his father abusing his mother until he kills her and ends up in prison. The Carter’s adopts him and Nicole. He’s angry and doesn’t want to love them because of his anger but he’s protective of Nicole with bullies at school. He has feelings for her but thinks its wrong but keeps watch over her. When she gets a boyfriend she’s abused but makes excuses until she catches him cheating on her. She packs up and leaves him. Mason comes to her new apartment and they finally talk about their feelings about each other and decide to be together. Mason goes to get his stuff but Nicole’s ex shows up and starts beating her again, will Mason get there to save her? Will they get a HEA? I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stephanie Ditmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. Wow! this book was crazy and suspenseful, it's emotionally raw and deep. Mason adopted by the Carter's not fitting in agressive, anger issues that need do be dealt with. He's survived a lot and now he's over!y protective of their daughter Nicole and he doesn't know what to do with the feelings he has for her. He can't explain it, but she's so naive and let's everyone take advantage and now that she's in a relationship with Aaron who isn't what he seems to be. How does Mason get through to her, little does he know that some of the things she does is to try to get his attention. This book is dark, intriguing and I was sucked in from the start and couldn't put this down until I was done. If you want to find out what happens with these two you need to grab it for yourself.

[Karen L Ledee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, the dog had to cross his legs because I couldn’t stop reading long enough to walk him and dinner was late, that’s how it goes sometimes. This was a one sitting read for me.
It grabbed me from a the beginning, but took a little bit to figure out the players. As current problems manifested, there were retro sequences which become easier to understand the direction of the book. This is definitely a psychodrama but not dark really.
I am not going to describe the characters or the storyline because it is complex and you should have the opportunity to read it from scratch. It is incredibly well written and I truly enjoyed reading it, sometimes on the edge.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anne Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forbidden Fruit

TN King never disappoints with his dark powerful reads,, which this one certainly is! Perfect title for this superb read “Torn”. Mason has his Demons from childhood watching his mother beaten to death by his abusive father who was sent to prison. Mason was adopted by the Carter’s who he couldn’t or wouldn’t accept nor his step “not his sister” Nicole, who followed him around and adored him. Mason is her hero always defending and protecting her from bullying school friends to her abusive ex Aaron. Very believable characters and storyline which could have triggers for abused women! I loved the slow burn of a romance between Mason & Nicole.
This is my honest review of an ARC I received.

[Debra Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing heart wrenching story. This book is very emotional and touched on an issue that a number of women is facing today (physical abuse) that left me all twisted at the end. I got so angry when I read of the abuse and manipulation Nicole had to suffer at the hands of her boyfriend. The book was well written and realistic; the plot was consistent and well thought out. I found the characters Nicole and Mason (silent strong type) - to be very strong and showed true depth in spite of what they had to deal with. The end of the story is very beautiful. I strongly recommend this book, you will not regret it. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather Vandine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story drew me in from the start. Up until Mason was 12 he watched his father constantly beating his mom and eventually killing her and his father was sent to prison. Mason now lives with his adoptive parents and their daughter, Nicole. He doesn't deal well with people and hates small talk. He's been in and out of trouble and sees a therapist once a week. Now he is 22 and still seeing the same therapist trying to deal with his feelings for his adopted sister and anger issues. This is an intense read that deals with touchy subjects. I loved the characters and the story is well written, I definitely recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mason has been in love with his adopted sister since her was 14. He had never plan to act on it but we all know how life gets in the way of plans.
Nicole has a new boyfriend, one she things is exactly like her adopted brother. When he starts to get abusive she puts it off as a behavoir of his upbringing. When Mason sees a bruise he goes after Aaron and things start to get worse. Only Nicole doesn't see it, she just know she should be more excited about their future together.
When Nicole and Mason let their feelings for each other know it becomes an uphill battle because who will accept a relationship between adopted siblings.
Taboo read with sensitive subject matter to it.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mason and Nicole's story is one to get lost in. Mason has lost so much. His mother is in a cemetery thanks to his father and then he is sent to live with a family with a daughter who is very naive and too nice who would be Nicole. He doesn't want to be a part of this family and has many anger issues but will protect Nicole always. Aaron who is her boyfriend is a bit off as I'm concerned and is too controlling. How will Mason deal with this? Do Mason and Nicole have stronger feelings for each other besides being part of the same family but not by blood? This is a well written book that is a bit long so you should make sure you have the time to sit down and read it because you may not want to put the book down. Enjoy.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Torn
By TN King
Main Characters: Mason & Nicole
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5 out of 5 stars
I don't understand the bad reviews of this book. If this author is a male, I think he did a fabulous job at making us understand the thinking of a man. I wanted to cry sometimes while reading it. While the book was a little slow in the beginning it did pick up. I liked Mason right from the start. Nicole was a little dense and hard to connect with in the beginning. It does hit on abuse which is the sensitive subject that is given in the warning. Absolutely loved the ending. To all the people that did not finish reading this book, you really missed out.

[Christine Garza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mason has struggled with his feelings and desire for Nicole his adoptive sister, whom he never acknowledged as his sister. Nicole has desired Mason since she was old enough to discover boys. However they both fight their attraction and feelings because they didn’t think the other was interested. When Nicole begins to struggle with her boyfriend, Mason decides it’s time to prove Nicole is his and chooses to protect her no matter what. Filled with twists, raw emotions, and domestic abuse. Readers will laugh, cry, and fall in love with Mason and Nicole as they both struggle with emotional scars and help each other heal.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Troubleinfl (Dee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a little hard to read. The first part of the book is about Mason's interview with a psychologist. The appointment was court mandated following Mason sticking up for his younger sister (well, not his sister as he maintains). You will feel his inner turmoil, his pain and his yearning for something that he can't quite understand at this younger age. Later, we see Mason's life and how his protection of his sister has affected his life. It's not easy, but it's a nice story. You may not feel warm and fuzzy about it when you start, but it gets better. I promise.

I received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gritty story that just draws you in

Mason has always wanted Nicole ever since he was 14 but has never acted on it after all she is his adopted sister. Now she is with Aaron and he has lost his chance. Nicole finds Aaron with another woman and walks out, after a heart to heart with Mason they both admit their feelings and decide to move forward. While Mason is away getting his stuff Aaron arrives and starts to abuse Nicole Mason returns and ends up putting Aaron in hospital. Will this be the end for them before they have even started or will they finally get a hEA.

i was given an ARC copy of this book but this is true and honest review