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Torn
Ever been torn between two lovers? That's Ricky Comparetto's problem.
It's 1995, and Ricky is making his very first trip across the pond with his best friend. Ricky, hungry for love and looking for it in all the wrong places, finds it in the beach city of Brighton. His new love has the curious name of Walt Whitman and is also an American, which only serves to make him sexier and more intriguing. By the time Walt and Ricky part, promises are made for a reunion in Boston.
But the course of true love never runs smooth. In Chicago Ricky almost immediately falls in love again. Tom Green is a sexy blue-collar beast with the kindest heart Ricky has ever run across.
What's he to do? With a visit to the East Coast on the horizon and a new love blossoming in Ricky's home of Chicago, Ricky truly is torn.
It's 1995, and Ricky is making his very first trip across the pond with his best friend. Ricky, hungry for love and looking for it in all the wrong places, finds it in the beach city of Brighton. His new love has the curious name of Walt Whitman and is also an American, which only serves to make him sexier and more intriguing. By the time Walt and Ricky part, promises are made for a reunion in Boston.
But the course of true love never runs smooth. In Chicago Ricky almost immediately falls in love again. Tom Green is a sexy blue-collar beast with the kindest heart Ricky has ever run across.
What's he to do? With a visit to the East Coast on the horizon and a new love blossoming in Ricky's home of Chicago, Ricky truly is torn.
- GenresM M RomanceGay
187 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 21, 2019
5 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
Rick R. Reed
118 books1,046 followersReal Men. True Love.
Rick R. Reed is an award-winning and bestselling author of more than sixty works of published fiction, spanning genres such as horror, psychological suspense and love stories. He is a Lambda Literary Award finalist and a multiple Rainbow Award winner.
Entertainment Weekly has described his work as “heartrending and sensitive.” Lambda Literary has called him: “A writer that doesn’t disappoint…”
Find him at www.rickrreedreality.blogspot.com. Rick lives in Palm Springs, CA, with his two rescue dogs, Kodi and Joaquin.
Rick R. Reed is an award-winning and bestselling author of more than sixty works of published fiction, spanning genres such as horror, psychological suspense and love stories. He is a Lambda Literary Award finalist and a multiple Rainbow Award winner.
Entertainment Weekly has described his work as “heartrending and sensitive.” Lambda Literary has called him: “A writer that doesn’t disappoint…”
Find him at www.rickrreedreality.blogspot.com. Rick lives in Palm Springs, CA, with his two rescue dogs, Kodi and Joaquin.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 21, 2019
4.5*
Rick R. Reed does it again with an almost memoir-like romance which takes the reader back into the 1990s and into the mind of 35-year-old American Ricky Comparetto.
I don't know how he does it, but every time I read a book by this author, I feel like I'm sat listening to one of his friends telling their life story, this one is no exception.
It's a Dreamspinner Press publication so it's medium on the steam but still manages to be heavy on the sexual activity, all be it in no graphic detail and with a delightful feeling of slutty expression on the part of our erstwhile hero.
It's an examination of a unique part of a decade which was itself a study in contrasts and which is truly reflected in the differences between the two men Ricky finds himself falling for during a heady Summer of 1995.
Partly set in England, partly in America, the book evokes memories of a time when both countries were still in the fallout from the AIDS crisis and while the world itself was tearing itself up over oil in Iraq and conflicts in the Balkans and Africa.
It's the dawn of the World Wide Web, the advent of multiculturalism as a movement but also the end of the Cold War and the decline of Communism in the former Soviet states.
I can't go into the plot because it drives everything about the narrative, from start to finish the reader is taken through an emotional ride as Ricky tries to choose between the American he met while in the UK and the guy he unexpectedly fell for after returning home.
The ending is perfection, and one I perhaps saw coming just a tiny bit and welcomed it all the same.
I will say one thing though Rick - Spotted Dick is a fruity suet pudding, not a custard 🤣 that's what you have poured all over it.
https://www.bbc.com/food/recipes/spot...
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
Rick R. Reed does it again with an almost memoir-like romance which takes the reader back into the 1990s and into the mind of 35-year-old American Ricky Comparetto.
I don't know how he does it, but every time I read a book by this author, I feel like I'm sat listening to one of his friends telling their life story, this one is no exception.
It's a Dreamspinner Press publication so it's medium on the steam but still manages to be heavy on the sexual activity, all be it in no graphic detail and with a delightful feeling of slutty expression on the part of our erstwhile hero.
It's an examination of a unique part of a decade which was itself a study in contrasts and which is truly reflected in the differences between the two men Ricky finds himself falling for during a heady Summer of 1995.
Partly set in England, partly in America, the book evokes memories of a time when both countries were still in the fallout from the AIDS crisis and while the world itself was tearing itself up over oil in Iraq and conflicts in the Balkans and Africa.
It's the dawn of the World Wide Web, the advent of multiculturalism as a movement but also the end of the Cold War and the decline of Communism in the former Soviet states.
I can't go into the plot because it drives everything about the narrative, from start to finish the reader is taken through an emotional ride as Ricky tries to choose between the American he met while in the UK and the guy he unexpectedly fell for after returning home.
The ending is perfection, and one I perhaps saw coming just a tiny bit and welcomed it all the same.
I will say one thing though Rick - Spotted Dick is a fruity suet pudding, not a custard 🤣 that's what you have poured all over it.
https://www.bbc.com/food/recipes/spot...
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
July 29, 2020
Torn. In the context of Rick R. Reed's new novel, Ricky is torn between two lovers (wait, isn't that a song?). As a reviewer, I'm also torn about this book. Firstly, this is not what many M/M readers may consider a contemporary romance. Simply put, Ricky Comparetto's a huge slut, darlin', and arriving at a point in his life where he's pondering ...
I can't say this is one of my favorite Rick Reed books, and I'm probably not going to read this one again and again, but it's a necessary read. We all want the happy ending (and no, not in the way Ricky gets it in "Torn" again and again, and yes, again). We all want that absolute positive sign from the universe that we are making the Right Decision. Just suck it up, buttercup. Life is gloriously messy and unexpected and yes, you're going to be "torn" in many directions. 4 stars.
I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
What had I been doing with my life up to this point? Chasing love through being a slut? I wasn't in my twenties anymore. Had promiscuity ever worked for anyone in terms of finding love, real love? I'd always been sex-positive, but right now I felt like my whole 'out' youth, I'd been trading sexual experience for my soul, my future.My advice to you as you pick up this book is to not expect anything vaguely stereotypically "romantic." "Torn" rebels against that dream that you'll glance across a crowded room and find your true love forever and ever, amen. It's more a case of glancing across a crowded leather bar and getting f$cked and s$cked in a back room (graced with a sling in the corner and a St. Andrew's Cross.) Or as Ricky says "the floor probably had enough DNA soaked into its concrete to populate an entire country. Maybe the whole world." Ewwww.
I can't say this is one of my favorite Rick Reed books, and I'm probably not going to read this one again and again, but it's a necessary read. We all want the happy ending (and no, not in the way Ricky gets it in "Torn" again and again, and yes, again). We all want that absolute positive sign from the universe that we are making the Right Decision. Just suck it up, buttercup. Life is gloriously messy and unexpected and yes, you're going to be "torn" in many directions. 4 stars.
I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
September 17, 2021
Rick R. Reed writes a beautiful novel, and while I know to expect it, his words still have the power to leave me breathless. Though it only took a few days, I feel like it took me ages to read Torn, because I savored every aspect of this story. (After all, what could be better than having to stop and reread a passage, just because it is so perfect.) No idea how he does it, but Rick R. Reed just knows how to capture things just so exactly right.
Buckle up and gird your loins before delving into Torn. This is an emotional tale. The way Ricky exposes and shares every action and reaction, in the most intimate and personal way possible, it’s a pretty heavy story. I adored each and every minute of it though, and I promise, it’s 100% worth it!
I also have to mention what an amazing job Rick R. Reed does in capturing the experiences of living in the mid ‘90’s. At the risk of dating myself (I feel so old!), I’ve just shelved this novel about events that took place twenty-five years ago “historical”! Sometimes it doesn’t FEEL like it was that long ago. But considering the changes to how we live, and how we socialize, the past twenty-five years have brought some truly significant changes. Rick R. Reed brings it all back in Torn, and it’s superb.
thank you to NineStar Press and NetGalley for the ARC of Torn, all opinions are my own
Buckle up and gird your loins before delving into Torn. This is an emotional tale. The way Ricky exposes and shares every action and reaction, in the most intimate and personal way possible, it’s a pretty heavy story. I adored each and every minute of it though, and I promise, it’s 100% worth it!
I also have to mention what an amazing job Rick R. Reed does in capturing the experiences of living in the mid ‘90’s. At the risk of dating myself (I feel so old!), I’ve just shelved this novel about events that took place twenty-five years ago “historical”! Sometimes it doesn’t FEEL like it was that long ago. But considering the changes to how we live, and how we socialize, the past twenty-five years have brought some truly significant changes. Rick R. Reed brings it all back in Torn, and it’s superb.
thank you to NineStar Press and NetGalley for the ARC of Torn, all opinions are my own
June 19, 2019
This author has a way with finding the right personalities for a certain plot, with all the best environments, all the feelings and people with their own typical characteristics.
We get to know Ricky and his struggle to choose between two lovers.
We are been taking in different times and in different places over different countries.
Without giving the plot away I want to say. It was a delightful read with wonderful characters and the end was just the best. I didn’t see it coming.
We get to know Ricky and his struggle to choose between two lovers.
We are been taking in different times and in different places over different countries.
Without giving the plot away I want to say. It was a delightful read with wonderful characters and the end was just the best. I didn’t see it coming.
June 30, 2020
An emotional roller coaster set in recent history and reaching into the present, this character-driven novel focuses on an age-old problem that appears as a literary theme quite frequently: that of someone being torn between two lovers. Ricky tells his story in first person, with lots of humor and utter honesty. His exploits are very real and all the details add lots of color to his adventures. The story starts in the present to set up Ricky’s back story and his problems with finding love once he knows to start looking for it, then returns to 1995 for the details of what happened to him, then jumps forward again to the present. The setup kept me guessing as to which man Ricky was going to end up with, as was entirely the author’s intent, I am sure. It’s also the reason why I won’t say anything about the ending – other than that I was sort of expecting a surprise and that was exactly what I got.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
May 21, 2019
Before I get started, as I was reading this, I came across a passage about a car accident that had a death because the driver was an alcoholic and drunk. The passenger survived. Now, that is all that's really said. It's not described in any detail, but it can take the slightest thing to trigger sometimes, so if this is something that triggers you, please be careful.
Now. When I first read this blurb, I wasn't quite sure how I was going to like it. The whole two lovers thing, and them not knowing about the other...I wasn't sure if I was going to be happy with that. Now before anyone gets upset, that is NOT a judgement on anyone who has two lovers or in an open relationship or anything of the sort. At all. It was more of, it felt like cheating to me. If that makes sense.
Anyway! I'm glad I did read this. It was so dang funny off and on, and made me remember a long ago friend that I had like Ricky’s. When you read, and you really need to, you will see what I mean. I think we all have that one friend where we can be ourselves with and most times it sounds like we have each other or something from all the smartassness being thrown about lol. Funny part is, it sounds like me and my kid most days lol.
So Ricky and his friend decide to take a trip to England. Ricky has always wanted to go and his friends is homesick for England, so away they go. They stay with friends of his friend or at place where they can get in fairly cheap and enjoy life. While there, Ricky meets an American name Walt Whitman, (I know right?) and it's the start of a very passionate affair. But all good things must come to an end. But they decide to meet again. Ricky will travel to Boston to see Walt and they will go from there. But things change quicker than Ricky expects. When he gets home, after being very sick for a bit, his friend decides they need a night out and Ricky meets Tom. It becomes a quick love affair as well. But things are getting serious and fast. Before Ricky knows it, Walt is calling him to come to Boston and Ricky has to figure out how to tell Tom. When he gets to Boston, it starts off ok, but Ricky is finding himself in a pickle. Who does he really want? Who's his heart really with?
I guess never having been in that kind of situation, I don't know what I'd do. I do know, I'd feel guilty as hell. As Ricky did. But when it comes down to it, Ricky was thinking with his dick first in both occasions. So after getting to know both a bit better, he had to decide where his heart really did lie. Sometimes it takes the time for the fog of lust to clear before we can think straight.
But what made this book for me, was without a doubt, Ricky and his friend. And I'm not even mentioning his name, because that's a fun part of the book as well. But the sparked off each other. They had those types of personalities where they could insult the crap out of each other, but it was in fun and love. Because when the chips were down, they were there for each other as soon as they could be. Without question. But I love those kinds of relationships. Those friends where you can just totally let your hair down and let it rip. It's freeing and so fun. And I adored them.
It's a good book. I'm so glad I got the chance to read it. It made my night. I hope you guys have fun with it as well.
ttp://lovebytesreviews.com/
Now. When I first read this blurb, I wasn't quite sure how I was going to like it. The whole two lovers thing, and them not knowing about the other...I wasn't sure if I was going to be happy with that. Now before anyone gets upset, that is NOT a judgement on anyone who has two lovers or in an open relationship or anything of the sort. At all. It was more of, it felt like cheating to me. If that makes sense.
Anyway! I'm glad I did read this. It was so dang funny off and on, and made me remember a long ago friend that I had like Ricky’s. When you read, and you really need to, you will see what I mean. I think we all have that one friend where we can be ourselves with and most times it sounds like we have each other or something from all the smartassness being thrown about lol. Funny part is, it sounds like me and my kid most days lol.
So Ricky and his friend decide to take a trip to England. Ricky has always wanted to go and his friends is homesick for England, so away they go. They stay with friends of his friend or at place where they can get in fairly cheap and enjoy life. While there, Ricky meets an American name Walt Whitman, (I know right?) and it's the start of a very passionate affair. But all good things must come to an end. But they decide to meet again. Ricky will travel to Boston to see Walt and they will go from there. But things change quicker than Ricky expects. When he gets home, after being very sick for a bit, his friend decides they need a night out and Ricky meets Tom. It becomes a quick love affair as well. But things are getting serious and fast. Before Ricky knows it, Walt is calling him to come to Boston and Ricky has to figure out how to tell Tom. When he gets to Boston, it starts off ok, but Ricky is finding himself in a pickle. Who does he really want? Who's his heart really with?
I guess never having been in that kind of situation, I don't know what I'd do. I do know, I'd feel guilty as hell. As Ricky did. But when it comes down to it, Ricky was thinking with his dick first in both occasions. So after getting to know both a bit better, he had to decide where his heart really did lie. Sometimes it takes the time for the fog of lust to clear before we can think straight.
But what made this book for me, was without a doubt, Ricky and his friend. And I'm not even mentioning his name, because that's a fun part of the book as well. But the sparked off each other. They had those types of personalities where they could insult the crap out of each other, but it was in fun and love. Because when the chips were down, they were there for each other as soon as they could be. Without question. But I love those kinds of relationships. Those friends where you can just totally let your hair down and let it rip. It's freeing and so fun. And I adored them.
It's a good book. I'm so glad I got the chance to read it. It made my night. I hope you guys have fun with it as well.
ttp://lovebytesreviews.com/
July 26, 2019
Torn caught my attention when it first came out because it seemed so unique in the romance genre. My to-be-read list being what it is, I just now got around to this title but I’m very glad I did.
Definitely a departure from the norm, it took me a while to really sink into Torn. Ricky is an amicable, fun-loving main characters and I liked the setup of heading to England with a best friend. The author worked in plenty about the places Ricky lived and visited throughout the book, creating a well-rounded book that was fun to get lost in. I also really liked the dry humor and banter between Ricky and other characters, especially his best friend Boutros. The smooth flowing dialogue and easy rhythm made for a pleasurable read. Not many authors succeed in breaking the fourth wall, but it worked well in Torn and I increasingly felt a kinship with Ricky as the book progressed.
Although it did take a bit for me to become invested in Torn, I loved how it came together. I liked seeing Ricky work though two very different loves and the examination of the difference between what you think you want and what calls to you really resonated with me. Then the ending came, surprised me, and I loved Torn and its message all the more. If you’re looking for a good story, have an open mind about romance, and want something a bit different but memorable, I’d definitely recommend Torn.
Reviewed by Annie from Alpha Book Club
Definitely a departure from the norm, it took me a while to really sink into Torn. Ricky is an amicable, fun-loving main characters and I liked the setup of heading to England with a best friend. The author worked in plenty about the places Ricky lived and visited throughout the book, creating a well-rounded book that was fun to get lost in. I also really liked the dry humor and banter between Ricky and other characters, especially his best friend Boutros. The smooth flowing dialogue and easy rhythm made for a pleasurable read. Not many authors succeed in breaking the fourth wall, but it worked well in Torn and I increasingly felt a kinship with Ricky as the book progressed.
Although it did take a bit for me to become invested in Torn, I loved how it came together. I liked seeing Ricky work though two very different loves and the examination of the difference between what you think you want and what calls to you really resonated with me. Then the ending came, surprised me, and I loved Torn and its message all the more. If you’re looking for a good story, have an open mind about romance, and want something a bit different but memorable, I’d definitely recommend Torn.
Reviewed by Annie from Alpha Book Club
May 10, 2019
The thought of having to pick between two vastly different, both perfect loves gives me anxiety. Fortunately, by the time I reached the end of this story, I was happy with the 'choice' as well as the ending.
The first section of this book follows Ricky as he plods across Brighton with his best friend, partying and sleeping with every bloke he makes eye contact with. It's set in 1995 where you were more concerned with getting off, not as much with what you'd end up catching. And there was some of that as well.
So our Ricky keeps running into Walt, who's hot and fun and studious. They get on well and decide that they want to see where it goes. After trading addresses and phone numbers, Walt walks away and Ricky lets him go...sadly.
Back at home in Chicago, Ricky meets Tom. He's everything that Walt isn't, but they just seem to fit. After spending weeks together, Walt calls and pops the bubble around him and Tom.
As much as I would love to go on there is no way I'm spoiling this read for you. You have to read it yourself to find the treasure at the end, but it was well worth the read. Rick R. Reed knows how to spin a story and give just enough information to hook you in. The specifics of each relationship unraveled at their own pace, giving way to understanding by the reader as you go.
I felt this was well done and a charming tale of a few months of Ricky's life in which he hoped to find Mr. Right and ended up with some options for the position as well as a few tough decisions.
Effortlessly fun and charming, I really enjoyed this story.
*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/ *
The first section of this book follows Ricky as he plods across Brighton with his best friend, partying and sleeping with every bloke he makes eye contact with. It's set in 1995 where you were more concerned with getting off, not as much with what you'd end up catching. And there was some of that as well.
So our Ricky keeps running into Walt, who's hot and fun and studious. They get on well and decide that they want to see where it goes. After trading addresses and phone numbers, Walt walks away and Ricky lets him go...sadly.
Back at home in Chicago, Ricky meets Tom. He's everything that Walt isn't, but they just seem to fit. After spending weeks together, Walt calls and pops the bubble around him and Tom.
As much as I would love to go on there is no way I'm spoiling this read for you. You have to read it yourself to find the treasure at the end, but it was well worth the read. Rick R. Reed knows how to spin a story and give just enough information to hook you in. The specifics of each relationship unraveled at their own pace, giving way to understanding by the reader as you go.
I felt this was well done and a charming tale of a few months of Ricky's life in which he hoped to find Mr. Right and ended up with some options for the position as well as a few tough decisions.
Effortlessly fun and charming, I really enjoyed this story.
*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/ *
May 22, 2019
I'm sure that life as a gay man in the 1995s wasn't easy...but not for Ricky. He slides through Chicago's gay market sampling all flavors available. When there's nothing new to try he accepts a friend's invitation to visit the UK,happy for the prospect of an adventure. He admits himself that he's easy,not discriminating age,color or size. That doesn't mean that he's not looking for a real connection with someone and just his luck,he finds two. The way he tells his story is hilarious, to the point that I couldn't stop snickering even when poor Ricky was distressed or sad.
Torn by Rick R. Reed is great,funny with entertaining story line and characters. I really enjoyed it.
Torn by Rick R. Reed is great,funny with entertaining story line and characters. I really enjoyed it.
June 30, 2020
An emotional roller coaster set in recent history and reaching into the present, this character-driven novel focuses on an age-old problem that appears as a literary theme quite frequently: that of someone being torn between two lovers. Ricky tells his story in first person, with lots of humor and utter honesty. His exploits are very real and all the details add lots of color to his adventures. The story starts in the present to set up Ricky’s back story and his problems with finding love once he knows to start looking for it, then returns to 1995 for the details of what happened to him, then jumps forward again to the present. The setup kept me guessing as to which man Ricky was going to end up with, as was entirely the author’s intent, I am sure. It’s also the reason why I won’t say anything about the ending – other than that I was sort of expecting a surprise and that was exactly what I got.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
May 7, 2022
3.5 stars
I'm torn between liking and disliking this story. The plot was a bit draggy and it was obvious that the author wanted to keep us on edge. Aside from the few hints and questions dropped here and there, the development wasn't intense or exciting. Despite so, it was easy to read through and you can actually do feel how torn Ricky was in deciding who is his true love and how he ended up with his HEA.
I'm torn between liking and disliking this story. The plot was a bit draggy and it was obvious that the author wanted to keep us on edge. Aside from the few hints and questions dropped here and there, the development wasn't intense or exciting. Despite so, it was easy to read through and you can actually do feel how torn Ricky was in deciding who is his true love and how he ended up with his HEA.
May 2, 2019
I received an ARC copy for an honest review. First thing no spoilers will be posted. This was another great story by Rick R Reed. It kept my interest page after page. Ricky is definitely some one you need to get to know. He will keep you on your toes and wanting to know what’s going on in his life. It is definitely a one clicker.
May 16, 2019
Torn by Rick R. Reed is very interesting and entertaining. Torn between two lovers... decisions and choices to make, experiences to have and share... this journey we take with Ricky keeps your interest for sure. The ending was a surprise but a very satisfying one that made me smile. This is definitely worth reading.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
May 23, 2019
Torn is a great book. How do you choose between your two lovers? Do you choose the fulfill all of your wants or the one that fulfills all of your needs? Ricky is having hard choosing. I love that Rick Reed have you seating on the edge of your seat when you are reading his books. The book had my attention from start to finish and I hope you enjoy it much as did. I'm keeping short because I don't want to give to much of the book away. I can say it is one you don't want to pass up.
July 3, 2020
So I will start off by confessing that I wanted to review this book solely because of the cover. Seriously, take a gander at that baby. It. Is. Stunning. However letting that beautiful piece of art suck me in was a very, VERY amateur move on my part, but it happened nonetheless. So when I started reading? Yeah I hadn't even read the blurb.
Now let me say that love triangles are NOT my thing. My anxiety goes through the roof making decisions in my own life, but having to make decisions in my readerly life about which love interest I'm rooting for? No, I just can NOT handle that level of stress. So when my dumb self decided to read the blurb and realized what I was in for? I was sooooo nervous. I wanted to love this book so I very, very cautiously opened the first page and...
No, I didn't fall in love on page one, but as I read through, I fell. And here's the crazy thing about it, I fell in love with the words despite the fact that not only is it a love triangle, but the more I read the more I felt it wasn't a classic romance... and I appreciated that! If you know me at all, you know romance is my happy place, but the relationship between Ricky and his BFF as well as the immense character growth we get to experience with Ricky transformed this, to me, into more of a work of literary fiction.
Don't get me wrong, some key romance points are there from the adorable, awkward initial interactions, to the strong chemistry pulling them together. And as I reader I definitely felt torn, just as the title describes between Walt and Tom, exactly as Ricky was.
I will say that while I definitely recommend Torn, if you're looking for the typical romance, this isn't it. Brace yourself for a bumpy (and hilarious!) ride that still delivers a satisfying HEA, but breaks some of the romance stereotypes.
Thanks to Ninestar Press and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.
Now let me say that love triangles are NOT my thing. My anxiety goes through the roof making decisions in my own life, but having to make decisions in my readerly life about which love interest I'm rooting for? No, I just can NOT handle that level of stress. So when my dumb self decided to read the blurb and realized what I was in for? I was sooooo nervous. I wanted to love this book so I very, very cautiously opened the first page and...
No, I didn't fall in love on page one, but as I read through, I fell. And here's the crazy thing about it, I fell in love with the words despite the fact that not only is it a love triangle, but the more I read the more I felt it wasn't a classic romance... and I appreciated that! If you know me at all, you know romance is my happy place, but the relationship between Ricky and his BFF as well as the immense character growth we get to experience with Ricky transformed this, to me, into more of a work of literary fiction.
Don't get me wrong, some key romance points are there from the adorable, awkward initial interactions, to the strong chemistry pulling them together. And as I reader I definitely felt torn, just as the title describes between Walt and Tom, exactly as Ricky was.
I will say that while I definitely recommend Torn, if you're looking for the typical romance, this isn't it. Brace yourself for a bumpy (and hilarious!) ride that still delivers a satisfying HEA, but breaks some of the romance stereotypes.
Thanks to Ninestar Press and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.
June 2, 2019
3.5 stars rounded to 4
I hate to say this, but I had to wait a few days to write this review after finishing the book because I was, well torn. Torn follows a few months in the life of out and proud Ricky in 1995. The premise of the book is that Ricky is torn between two lovers, Walt and Tom, but I honestly didn't walk away with that at all. Ricky was very single in 1995 and had many lovers. He met Walt and Tom within a few weeks of each other and dated them both. There was a lot of sex with both men, but the emotional connection seemed either nonexistent or fell flat to me. The whole concept of him being torn didn't shine through in this novel. He met 2 men around the same time, dated them at the same time, and then after a few weeks, made a choice. At most, he spent a couple of weeks debating and that felt manufactured since he barely knew either of them.
On a positive note, Ricky is a snarky, witty character and his interactions/banter with his best friend Boutros were so fun to read. That's really what kept me engaged. Unfortunately, while Boutros figured prominently in the first half of the book, he took a definite backseat in the latter half. So, the story got a bit boring for me.
The writing style was very poetic and flowery. Additionally, the narrative was sometimes hard to follow and I often found myself having to re-read paragraphs to get the correct perspective.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
I hate to say this, but I had to wait a few days to write this review after finishing the book because I was, well torn. Torn follows a few months in the life of out and proud Ricky in 1995. The premise of the book is that Ricky is torn between two lovers, Walt and Tom, but I honestly didn't walk away with that at all. Ricky was very single in 1995 and had many lovers. He met Walt and Tom within a few weeks of each other and dated them both. There was a lot of sex with both men, but the emotional connection seemed either nonexistent or fell flat to me. The whole concept of him being torn didn't shine through in this novel. He met 2 men around the same time, dated them at the same time, and then after a few weeks, made a choice. At most, he spent a couple of weeks debating and that felt manufactured since he barely knew either of them.
On a positive note, Ricky is a snarky, witty character and his interactions/banter with his best friend Boutros were so fun to read. That's really what kept me engaged. Unfortunately, while Boutros figured prominently in the first half of the book, he took a definite backseat in the latter half. So, the story got a bit boring for me.
The writing style was very poetic and flowery. Additionally, the narrative was sometimes hard to follow and I often found myself having to re-read paragraphs to get the correct perspective.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
June 27, 2020
💕Can he choose the right guy or does fate take over?🤔
4.5🌟stars
Once again, author Rick R. Reed had me wrapped up in the story, this time in a nostalgic trip to the 1990's as Ricky goes from hook-up to hook-up, across the pond on vacation and in Boystown Chicago. Apart from the revolving door of men in which he delights, within the space of a summer Ricky meets two men who start him considering his chances for enjoying a continuing relationship. He's torn between Walt and Tom. His best friend Boutros can only watch and stand ready to offer support.
Ricky's exploits with both men and strangers, in the leather bars of Chicago or in London and England's seaside resort towns, fills many of the pages. But Ricky's quest for a man also reveals alot about him, his working class roots, his insecurities and the domestic life he dreams of. I liked this Ricky despite his promiscuous ways.
The whole premise of the story -- who will Ricky choose to give a longer term chance -- seems a foregone conclusion early on but Reed kept the suspense going until the last chapters and then came up with a twist I did not see coming.
I enjoyed this story as I have every one of the dozen or so books by Reed I've read. It's a quick and easy read, the angst is minimal and the heat rolls out of every chapter.
Thanks to publisher NineStar Press and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
4.5🌟stars
Once again, author Rick R. Reed had me wrapped up in the story, this time in a nostalgic trip to the 1990's as Ricky goes from hook-up to hook-up, across the pond on vacation and in Boystown Chicago. Apart from the revolving door of men in which he delights, within the space of a summer Ricky meets two men who start him considering his chances for enjoying a continuing relationship. He's torn between Walt and Tom. His best friend Boutros can only watch and stand ready to offer support.
Ricky's exploits with both men and strangers, in the leather bars of Chicago or in London and England's seaside resort towns, fills many of the pages. But Ricky's quest for a man also reveals alot about him, his working class roots, his insecurities and the domestic life he dreams of. I liked this Ricky despite his promiscuous ways.
The whole premise of the story -- who will Ricky choose to give a longer term chance -- seems a foregone conclusion early on but Reed kept the suspense going until the last chapters and then came up with a twist I did not see coming.
I enjoyed this story as I have every one of the dozen or so books by Reed I've read. It's a quick and easy read, the angst is minimal and the heat rolls out of every chapter.
Thanks to publisher NineStar Press and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
May 31, 2019
So this was a pain to read. I didn't like the writing...the way the past and present was done. I hated that the protagonist "talked" directly to me as the reader. None of the characters were especially likeable and definitely not sexy. There were a lot of sex, but it wasn't hot.
I wanted to read a story about a man, who was in love with two men, but what I got was a delusional man driven by his cock. The flirting, scoring, partying, drinking, popping poppers, bathroom-fucking, the superficial personality etc was sparingly cut through with sudden bursts of philosophical thoughts, and personal issues and feelings. Yes, I guess the author wanted the main character to seem multifaceted, but it just felt forced and misrepresenting.
Why didn't I throw it on my did-not-finish pile and walked away? I guess I was curious about how the story ended. I started skimming the sex scenes, but at 70% I started skimming more than that. The epilogue was actually the only thing I kind of liked.
I wanted to read a story about a man, who was in love with two men, but what I got was a delusional man driven by his cock. The flirting, scoring, partying, drinking, popping poppers, bathroom-fucking, the superficial personality etc was sparingly cut through with sudden bursts of philosophical thoughts, and personal issues and feelings. Yes, I guess the author wanted the main character to seem multifaceted, but it just felt forced and misrepresenting.
Why didn't I throw it on my did-not-finish pile and walked away? I guess I was curious about how the story ended. I started skimming the sex scenes, but at 70% I started skimming more than that. The epilogue was actually the only thing I kind of liked.
May 28, 2019
Not my style of writing. ..too much explaining, not enough showing. And boring to boot. Started skimming at 29%. Hated the ending.
Here's a more succinct review: felt like reading an outline of a story, with a made-up ending.
I checked. .. I usually like this author, so chalk it up as a one-off.
Here's a more succinct review: felt like reading an outline of a story, with a made-up ending.
I checked. .. I usually like this author, so chalk it up as a one-off.
September 20, 2020
I honestly don't know what to make of this book. The writing was good but I just didn't care. The characters were realistic but just generally not likable and the story just wasn't that interesting to be honest. There was never really a huge conflict about being torn between the two lovers, and I didn't really care what happened either way.
May 28, 2019
Rating: 3.5 stars
Review at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words.
ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Review at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words.
ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
August 29, 2019
This was a sweet story with an easy writing style. I would have liked more showing rather than telling of the story. But overall, it was a satisfying read.
December 22, 2019
Rick Reed's Torn left me wanting. More character depth, more character interaction. I feel like the main thing we saw was Ricky's sexual connection with Walt and Tom. I didn't feel their emotional connection at all.
I disliked about 75% of this book. I felt no connection to the characters, and would have preferred some more depth. Also, I disliked all three main characters. The relationships were built solely on sex, not on an emotional connection. I couldn't feel any of Ricky's heartache or pain.
BUT I absolutely loved the ending. And it might just have been the author's reason for the lack of depth throughout. Not sure. But the lack of connection to Walt and Tom definitely make the ending work.
That said, the time period of the 90's and the AIDs crisis still on everyone's minds, were represented wonderfully. The author definitely added authenticity to the times.
Not sure whether to recommend this one or not. If I had just felt some of Ricky's feelings I would have enjoyed this book a lot.
I disliked about 75% of this book. I felt no connection to the characters, and would have preferred some more depth. Also, I disliked all three main characters. The relationships were built solely on sex, not on an emotional connection. I couldn't feel any of Ricky's heartache or pain.
BUT I absolutely loved the ending. And it might just have been the author's reason for the lack of depth throughout. Not sure. But the lack of connection to Walt and Tom definitely make the ending work.
That said, the time period of the 90's and the AIDs crisis still on everyone's minds, were represented wonderfully. The author definitely added authenticity to the times.
Not sure whether to recommend this one or not. If I had just felt some of Ricky's feelings I would have enjoyed this book a lot.
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