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Torn Asunder

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Aubrey Griffen is a witch whose true reasons for coming to London soon fall to the wayside when she catches the eye of Edmund Bryant, the Marquess of Dalysbury. He seduces her into a whirlwind romance until the lies and threats of his mother force her to flee to Triaill Brimuir, a secret island of her ancestors off the coast of Ireland.

Edmund chases after her, landing unannounced on the island only to be hit unexpectedly by Aubrey's confusion and anger. She magically transforms him into an elemental beast of her own creation.
However, when Edmund's lust mysteriously turns him back into a man, the couple is forced to deal with his family secret and untold powers.

In order to save her in a battle of black verses white magic, Edmund is forced to embrace his own magic and shift into the beast.

Will their love conquer the darkness within Edmund's bloodline?

Fraught with scenes of intimacy, romantic spells, and mystical shapeshifting, Torn Asunder is a unique blending of the age of manners with sexual magic.

515 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 9, 2010

223 people want to read

About the author

Kiki Howell

74 books204 followers
Ever since she was young, Kiki Howell has loved to listen to a well-woven tale with real characters, inspired plots, and delightful resolutions. Kiki could spend hours lost in a book, and soon she knew that creating lives, loves, and losses with just words had to be the greatest thing that she could do. To that end, she pursued her study of literature and writing, earning a bachelor’s degree in English from Kent State University.
“After a long break having my boys, I finally just had to write again. And, as soon as I gave the stories the space, they entered it. It’s both awesome and humbling to find the words in my mind become characters on a page and create their lives.”
Kiki is a multi-published author residing in Northeast Ohio with her incredibly handsome and talented, singer/songwriter husband and two children.

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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Profile Image for Kiki.
Author 74 books204 followers
May 16, 2011
About the Story from the Author:

I have always loved reading Regency-set historical romances, but it took me a long time to gather the nerve to write one myself. It was a lot of research, but I have been thrilled with the response this story has gotten so far. It was written over the course of a year, starting as a short story, moving up to a novella, and then finally it became a novel. And, having an author that I have read and admired for so long, NY Times Bestselling Author, Hannah Howell, (no relation, LOL) read and write a cover review for the story - well that was just a dream come true :)
Profile Image for Rick-Founder JM CM BOOK CLUB .
363 reviews831 followers
February 6, 2011
What a truly memorable and original novel! Torn Asunder by Kiki Howell is remarkable in its' depiction of a different time and age- and the adventures of Aubrey Griffen- a mystical and magical heroine. Torn Asunder brings to life the very essence of 19th Century England and Ireland, and in doing so, provides the reader with the feeling they are actually there! Only a rare talent can accomplish this, full of magic, drama and romance, Kiki Howell joins the ranks of the very top supernatural writers!
A JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB MUST READ
RICK FRIEDMAN
FOUNDER
THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB
Profile Image for Jennifer Labelle.
Author 23 books197 followers
August 31, 2011
I have had the pleasure of reading all of Kiki Howell’s work, and have to say, this one by far is my new favourite.

Torn Asunder captured my interested within the first few pages, and kept me turning them until I reached the end. I couldn’t put it down. The instant attraction between Aubrey and Edmund is hot, and there were amazing plot twists throughout filled with explosive intimacy, mystical shape shifting, and unique spells that reveal the most intriguing mysteries to solve. Ultimately love conquers all in the end, as Kiki takes us back into Regency England and into an amazingly written emotional tale that can only come from her unique style.

I Loved it!
Profile Image for Robin Barton.
39 reviews4 followers
February 11, 2013
Kiki once again spins her magic as only she can.
Aubrey and Edmund were simply magical. White Magic, Black Magic together? But somehow Kiki made it work. Loved it.
A true love story...with emotions from both of them that just kept you turning page after page to see what would happen.
Secrets, lies, love and sex...from beginning to end.

Well written and a book to recommend.
Kiki has done it again...
Profile Image for B.K. Walker.
Author 24 books171 followers
April 30, 2011
I was so excited to read this novel. I was first introduced to Kiki's writing with The Sorcerer's Song, which I absolutely loved, and she brought the same brilliance to her first full length novel in Torn Asunder.

Aubrey Griffen was sent to live with her cousins, Lord and Lady Sanderly, to learn her magic. When she meets Edmund Bryant, the Marquess of Dalysbury, a love blooms beyond anyone's belief. Edmund's mother has other intentions for him though, arranging for him to marry The Lady Elizabeth Ward, daughter of the Duke.

Edmund continually defies his mother's wishes and sneaks off to secretly be with his true love. It is when his mother threatens Aubrey, forcing her to leave London to give Edmund the chance to marry who is best suited for his social status, that Edmund realizes he cannot live without her. Giving her money and the threat to expose her family for what they are, witches, Aubrey agrees and flees to the island Triaill Brimuir, a place her ancestors once inhabited.

Edmund leaves in search for his love, finding his way to the island. Out of fear for her family, Aubrey uses her magic to transform Edmund into a beast, willing him to return to his homeland with no success. To both of their surprise, Edmund carries a secret of his own. Fearful and angry, Aubrey tries to ignore the love that her and Edmund share, feeling that Edmund purposefully kept this information from her. Only after much plea and convincing, does she return to London to face Edmund's mother.

Learning of his true Father, the plot only thickens as Edmund fights to save his true love from the man he never knew, and figure out who he truly is. Will white magic and true love be enough to conquer the dark forces that so blatantly try to tear them apart?

I was so blown away at Howell's imagination. I was drawn into this novel from the first chapter, and as I neared the end the action picked up so much, forcing me to read it until I knew what the outcome would be. I greatly enjoyed this read and would recommend this to anyone that loves a good romance with a fantasy twist. If it weren't for the steamy sex scenes, I would even recommend this to a younger audience. It's that great that anyone would enjoy it, but because of the sex, it must be for 18 and above.
Profile Image for Donna (BLHmistress).
171 reviews85 followers
May 23, 2011
This is my first book that I have read by Kiki Howell and I found I was drawn the wonderful world of Aubrey and Edmund. I haven't to be honest read too many regency romances and found myself clicking to read faster.

Aubrey a witch came to London to live with her cousins Lord and Lady Sanderly, to learn her craft where she meets and falls in love with Edmund.

My heart broke for this couple almost like Romeo and Juliet, It seemed everything was against this couple. Edmund's mother I wanted to slap a few dozen times.

This story was told beautifully, you could feel the emotions of both Aubrey and Edmund as they fight to be together. All the obstacles that lay before them you honestly don't think they will.

Would I recommend? Yes if you love regency with a taste of paranormal, along with some hot steamy scenes this book is for you.
Profile Image for Raquel Vega-Grieder.
112 reviews67 followers
January 6, 2011
Review Of Torn Asunder By Kiki Howell

Kiki Howell I feel has a major hit on her hands with Torn Asunder. I was so glued to this book that I was up til 4AM reading it, and mind you, I had to be up at 7AM to see my kiddies off to school....lol. I was just so captivated by the story of Aubrey and her love Edmund. The second I read the name Edmund I immediately thought of Edmond Dantes from The Count Of Monte Cristo By Alexandre Dumas. That name just always conjures up images of James Caviezel and how HOT he looked as Edmond. But alas I digress, we were talking about Aubrey and her Edmund. They seemed destined to be together from the onset of this book. They are drawn together by an unseen force that unites this couple body and soul. You would think that would be a good book to read but lets add witches, shapeshifting, white and black magic, a despicable mother, and a malevolent father to the mix. That is the story I had the very great pleasure of reading. It seemed at every turn our fated couple had more than there fair share of obstacles to over come in order to try to be together and on their own terms. Edmund would like nothing better than to shuck the mantle of being the Marquess of Dalysbury so he and Aubrey could be free to be together and get married. BUT the Dowager Marchioness of Dalysbury a.k.a. Edmund's mother has other plans for her son and his future. With nothing but ill intent Edmund's mother pays Aubrey a visit and spews her venomous poison filling Aubrey's head with threats and lies leaving Aubrey with no other choice than to leave England and her Edmund behind for the country of her ancestor's Ireland. Edmund upon hearing of what his mother has done takes off for Ireland in search of his beloved Aubrey. This is where Aubrey's magical world is displayed and starts the beginning of the most nail biting journey of our two characters lives. In between all the chaos our couple must endure is the most breath taking love story. Think Romeo and Juliet without them both dying at the end....lol. Neither Aubrey nor Edmund see a future without each other. Their hearts and minds are linked for all time by an unforeseen connection that real couples only dream of. After reading this story you truly believe in soul mates and that love conquers all. On a scale of 1-10 I give this book a 10 and encourage everyone 18 and over to get a copy of this book and fall under Aubrey and Emund's spell. It is so worth the ride.

Link:
http://www.kikihowell.com/
Profile Image for ѦѺ™.
447 reviews
August 3, 2011
"When shall we three meet again in thunder, lightning, or in rain? When the hurlyburly 's done, when the battle 's lost and won" — William Shakespeare, Macbeth


The Dowager Marchioness of Dalysbury threatens to expose Aubrey Griffen's true nature as a witch if Aubrey continues her affair with Edmund Bryant, the Marquess of Dalysbury. fearing for the safety of her cousins Lord and Lady Sanderly more than hers, Aubrey flees to the island of Triaill Brimuir but Edmund manages to find her in her secret sanctuary. confused and angry, Aubrey transforms her lover into an elemental creature. Edmund's baser yearnings, however, turns him back into a man. through Aubrey's guidance, Edmund acknowledges and releases the power within him that his mother had been trying to suppress. upon returning to London, the couple seeks out the truth of the identity of Edmund's father. what they discover will pit them against those who practice the dark arts and test their love for each other.
author Kiki Howell sure knows how to write a story by combining romance, history and magic. though the sexual situations are very graphic, they are also well-written. i never realized that making love could be described in so many ways and i have to give credit to the writer for being so eloquent about it. however, i find the steamy scenes too many for me and yet too little attention was given to the last part of the book. the remaining pages felt rushed and these were highly critical ones.
all in all, it was still a good read and escape for me especially since i got to meet a new and very interesting villain in the person of Edmund's mother!



Disclosure of Material Connection: i am a member of the Book Lovin' Bitches E-book Tours and a copy was provided by the author. although payment may have been received by Book Lovin' Bitches E-book Tours, i did not receive any payment in exchange for this review nor was i obligated to write a positive one. all opinions expressed here are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist or the readers of this review. this disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Profile Image for Diana.
921 reviews725 followers
June 5, 2011
Reviewed at Book of Secrets:

Rating 3.5 out of 5

Aubrey Griffin is a witch, and she has been sent to live with her cousins to learn about white magic. She meets Edmund Bryant, the Marquess of Dalysbury, at a party, and they begin a passionate love affair. Edmund's mother is none too thrilled about her son being with a "lower class" woman, and through threats and lies she forces Aubrey to flee to an island off the coast of Ireland. This secret deserted island was once the home of her ancestors, and its center holds a vortex of magical energy.

Edmund wants nothing more than to be with Aubrey. He would rather have her love than his title and wealth. He finally tracks her down to the island, but Aubrey wants nothing to do with him. She transforms him into a mythical beast in hopes it will send him away, but instead it reveals that Edmund has special powers of his own that he never knew about. When they return home to confront his mother, they uncover more family secrets and discover that forces of dark magic are working against them.

In TORN ASUNDER, Kiki Howell has woven together a Regency romance with a steamy erotic fantasy. Aubrey and Edmund's story was touching - two magical beings in love yet society dictated that they be apart. I was rooting for them from the beginning. Their passionate romance began very quickly, and I can only assume it's because their magic drew them together (though Edmund wasn't aware of his at that point). Probably my favorite part of the book was the time they spent on the island when they grew closer as lovers and delved deeper into their magical powers.

TORN ASUNDER was a captivating romance with an intriguing mix of good and evil characters. I enjoyed the language - it felt true to the time period and definitely enhanced the story. I liked the premise, thought the pacing was a bit slow for me until the last third of the book. This is strictly an adults only read, as there were plenty of erotic scenes between Edmund and Aubrey. I would recommend this book to any fan of historical paranormal romance.
Profile Image for Bri Clark.
Author 7 books324 followers
March 9, 2011
This was an amazing and well crafted book of exotic magic and historical romance. Kiki has a wove a tale so beautifully together with magic and history that you thing you are reading a memoir and not fiction. Can't wait to read more of her work.
Profile Image for Eric Lieb.
33 reviews
June 30, 2019
Nice fiction story, with a spice of adult language. Ending could be a little more elaborate.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jon Thysell.
Author 1 book2 followers
October 18, 2016
As romance, the sex scenes were enjoyable. The story had an interesting premise, but a pretty weak execution that made it frustrating to read. Examples? First off, is the main male character's name Edmund or Edward? Looks like someone did a find/replace and missed a few. Sometimes even in the same paragraph. Secondly, we might talk about someone's majesty, not their "majesticness". Scenes feel padded as one character preimagines what will happen, then it happens differently. The dialog was overly long winded at times. No one wants to read an argument the way people actually talk, repeating themselves, circling around, beating a dead horse over and over.

Spoilers now.

The biggest thing that made the story interesting for me was the introduction of the "real" bad guy, Pendle, later on. We hear all about his evil reputation from other characters. And he kidnaps the main character! Perfect setup! Then, in the weakest move ever, rather than give us a proper introduction scene, where the main character meets him for the first time and finally get to see what kind of man Pendle really is, instead we skip to her waking up and remembering some first encounter that happened off stage, and it's boring. Then Pendle shows up for a second encounter almost immediately, but all the build-up has already been wasted. It served no benefit to the story or the characters to break things up like that.

Lots of things are like that, where the overall plot is interesting, but the presentation is weak. Big moments are rushed over, or worse, bogged down by inopportune dialogue. Don't give me an out loud lecture on how magic works in the middle of a fight! If it was important for me to know, and it was going to take a while to explain it, then weave it into the story earlier, not at the last minute cause you're at your big fight and you forgot.

Also, I know readers expect good sex scenes, and that you expect some leeway in a romance with scenes just turning to sex, but the main characters seem to be undeterred by anything, and it makes them even more unbelievable. Stuck in a cramped ship's cabin. Sex. Kidnapped and being held as semi-prisoners. Sex. Almost killed by the bad guy, lying on the concrete floor of his dungeon suffering from many wounds. Sex.

I honestly don't understand the reviews that say the writing was good.
Profile Image for Andrea Guy.
1,483 reviews67 followers
May 6, 2011
Kiki Howell creates a unique story that is part fantasy, part erotic novel and part regency romance. I wanted to like this book a little more than I did, which is not to say that there is anything wrong with it, it just didn't completely click with me at the beginning.

I just wasn't convinced with Edmund and Aubrey's love. It just felt too hurried for the sacrifices that they were making. However, once Aubrey was sent to the island off the Irish coast, the story picks up and I really began to enjoy the characters.

I loved how Kiki used both black and white magic to weave her story, as well as an inclusion of the Pendle Witches. I think this really added something to the story that made me want to keep the pages turning. These elements really helped to make the relationship between Aubery and Edmund a little more believable as well as really cementing their attraction.

As the story moved on the relationships with Edmund's family really heated things up, especially as the reader discovers some of his mother's secrets. This really helped hold my interest, because the sex in this story didn't sit well with me. It felt like sex for the sake of sex rather than sex that fit in with the story. That was really my main gripe with the story, but that is just me. I was raised on regency romances, so I'm not used to them being so full of sex.

All that aside, Kiki Howell really wrote a great story here. She is definitely an author I will try again in the future.
Profile Image for Kay Collins.
112 reviews2 followers
March 1, 2015
Once again Kiki Howell brings the mystical, magical, paranormal to life in her book. A spellbinding book that you won't want to put down until you find out how it ends. Taking two kinds of magic, adding a mythical element and you get it all in this paranormal, romantic book. And you won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for Cyber Killer.
112 reviews6 followers
January 14, 2017
I hate to give a bad rating, but the story really was rather bad even absurd at times. Trying to find something good here, I can say the sex scenes were the best parts of the book.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews

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