She was sworn off men… …Until an accidental meeting changed everything. Alissa sacrificed everything for her husband and child. While he climbed the corporate ladder she made them a nice home and became the perfect wife. Until he broke her trust. Broke her spirit. Since a tragic accident changed his existence, Luke has had to fight his demons on a daily basis. Despite the heartbreak that haunts him he is determined to live his life to the fullest. A promise he can’t break. No matter the pain. When fate throws Alissa and Luke together it’s the very last thing either of them are looking for. Is there a chance it could be everything they need?
1.5⭐️First, I absolutely loved this story. The main character, Alyssa, invoked much empathy from me for a variety of reasons. Her anxiety disorder, and the physical manifestations of the mental illness, conveyed the real terror Alyssa (Lyssa) felt when confronted with crowds or going out in public, period. Alyssa, who was verbally abused by her soon to be ex-husband, caused almost irreparable harm to her confidence and self-esteem. Dealing with these enormous problems without professional help were crippling. Yet, Lyssa created a healthy, happy environment in which to raise her adorable 2 year old, Nora. Lyssa's sister who lived in Australia had a close bond with each other. Their mother apparently was a waste of space.
Luke, Luke, Luke. This is a to die for hero. I loved his character who was understanding, patient and kind. But, Luke lost his baby girl 5 years previously because his ex was high, drove without placing Izzy in a car seat. She caused a 3 car collision and the 2 year old was killed. Luke mourned his baby girl every day and was haunted by her death because he felt guilty about working late that night. Hence, Luke had tremendous guilt, albeit unwarranted. I loved the support he received from his mother.
Two broken people found each other by happenstance. This story tells of their journey toward love, understanding and compassion.
Now, on to the reason for the one star. My God, didn't anyone do a cursory read to edit this book? I don't mean for content, but for punctuation alone. The many run-on sentences that went from cover to cover. Commas are available and should be used fro a reason. Wrong words were prevalent, e.g., the use of too instead of to. Other punctuation errors made these editing problems exceed the egregious level. Truly. Additionally, IMHO, it is also critical that an author is consistent when writing child-speak. Here, the inconsistencies in Nora's speech were glaring and often appeared during one conversation, e.g. pweese turned into please and Yuke turned into Luke to name a few.
This was such a heart-felt, heart-warming book with likeable main characters as well as a few notable ones. Thus, this review is rather painful to write because of the editing problems on every page of this book. I really wish the author can fix the editing problems and re-release the book. It is really worth reading.
Torn is my first read by this author, and let just say, I am completely and utterly hooked! This story blew me away! Alissa and Luke will ingrain themselves into your very heart and soul. They meet in a bit of an unusual way, and Luke is instantly smitten with Alissa. She is a young, mother going thru some very tough times and sometimes it gets the best of her. But for some reason, she feels safe with Luke, and that is something normally hard for her. Luke shows her that there are good people in this world and slowly their friendship starts to turn into something more. But someone from her life is making it very difficult and Alissa must make a big decision for her and her child. Can Luke be part of that decision? While they most definitely have sizzling chemistry, they also just mesh so well together and there is no doubt in my mind that they need to end up together. But do they? I certainly rooted for them throughout this heartwarming story. Also, I found that the author touched on a subject that many may be afraid too, but she did it with complete style, finesse and total respect and after you read it, you will know what I am talking about (no spoilers from me). I am in awe of this author and look forward to reading more by her. Please do yourself a favor read this incredible story of lust, newfound trust, second chances and even, possibly love!
I loved Luke!! He was a sweet knight in shining armor. I loved how he cared for Alissa and Nora. Nora was such a sweetheart. Alissa was a wonderful mother who loved her daughter fiercely. That ex was a piece of work and did not deserve to be a father.
My biggest issue with this book was the main conflict between the H and h. I get why the heroine made the decision she did but I felt like she kept dragging the hero along. Luke was having a hard enough time distancing himself from her after finding out her plans. He did not need her back and forth mind games. I also don’t like that he ultimately made all the sacrifices and changes. It just was not at all realistic in how quickly he was able to make those huge changes.
While we leaned a lot about Alissa’s history, I feel like Luke got left out. We did not get to understand his family dynamics and how his close group of friends/coworkers pulled him through such a tragic loss. His story just felt incomplete.
We all wear a mask that no one can see, only we know what is truly going on inside of ourselves! Debra @Janise’s Jivin’ Book Blog
This story has so much depth and feeling involved that I wanted to not only hug our main female character I wanted to hug myself. Our lives can be hiding so much from everyone and that can give us an isolated feeling. It is not always easy to talk about what has happened to us or how we got so lost. We feel we have to show the world only the good or keep ourselves locked away in fear of what could happen to us.
When our characters meet it is unique to any other story I have read before. Our heroines story is unlike any other I have read, but I related to her so very much. I could have been her. It is meeting Luke that helps Alyssa to gain some strength to start making decisions to change her life. When she finds love she begins to heal.
It is to me a huge success as a story because although it shows us a shattered, scared soul, it also shows us how that soul can be mended and healed.
My first Harper Phoenix story was the key to my reader heart, that I will be using over and over again.
Oh All the Feels @Mandy for Janise’s Jivin’ Book Blog.
Harper Phoenix has taken me on a journey that I have absolutely loved. I have cried, gotten mad and at one time wanted to stick it to a certain character while giving the other one a swift kick up side his head.😭
Harper Phoenix is a new to me author and i am totally enamored with her writing.
Torn is a book about so much, losing yourself in the darkness to finding that rainbow in the storm clouds. I am truly honored that I have had the chance to read this book.
If you feel like you are nothing, REMEMBER you are wanted, cherished and loved, LET your inner Light Shine in the Darkness.💖💖💖
Another great read by Harper Phoenix, this is the latest in her books that I've read and i must say that this is one of the best. This is about Alissa and Luke.
Alissa had totally sworn of men… especially abusive men like her ex-husband WELL that was until a handsome tattooed sexy stranger arrived in the form of Luke. An accidental meeting that would change Alissa's life
The lovely Alissa has sacrificed all of her happy ever after and her all for her abusive and horrid husband David and of course her little girl Nora. Alissa married David for all the wrong reasons as she thought it would be their happy ever after but no David had other ideas. David was climbing quickly up corporate ladders, Alissa was just a trophy wife all he wanted for her was to depend on everything. Alissa was made to be a stay at home trophy wife and a mother. That was all well and good until David broke her heart and cheated on her with her ex-best friend. David broke Alissa in all the ways you wouldn't believe was possible.
Luke has had to try re-build his life since a very tragic and heartbreaking accident changed his out-look on life. existence, Luke has been battling all of his demons on a daily basis. However after all the heartbreak he's suffered, Luke is determined to to live his life to the fullest.
Ir is a true but very heartbreaking painful promise he can’t break. Rather won't break. No matter how bad the pain and days get.
However all this is put to the back of both Alissa and Luke's mind. That's when fate throws both of them together. However they both know that it’s the very last thing on either of their minds are looking for.
Can Alissa learn to love and trust Luke to mend her broken heart and become the man she can rely on mentally and physically. Not one who abuses her and makes her feel worthless.
Can Luke bring back Alissa from the brink of deep anxiety, depression and feeling worthless. Can her make "Lissa" see not all men are bad.
A very good book and love how it brings everyday mental illnesses into the books. I suffer from anxiety and depression so this is close to me.
A well written book, would recommend to anyone looking for a new author or to anyone who can relate to this book.
The story of Alyssa and Luke is an emotional story, that will capture your heart. Alyssa is quite relatable . I could really empathize and sympathize with her and her anxiety. I think we all have a little bit of her in us, so I think she will definitely resonate with you.
Luke is amazingly patient with her and I love that about him. And OMG! The way he is with Nora (Alyssa’s daughter from her failed marriage). He’s tough and strong when he needs to be and a soft, tender and safe place for both Alyssa and Nora two fall.
These two are definitely TORN. Alyssa is torn between escaping an old life and the “what could be” with Luke, but I totally understand her need to make the decisions that she does. Certainly can’t fault her for wanting to escaper her toxic past and build a new life without all the reminders of it.
As for Luke, he’s torn between a past he may not want to escape and the possibility of finding a different happiness with Alyssa and Nora and all the possibilities this entails.
Either way this story will definitely tug at your heart strings.
OMG! I've volunteered to review this book for United Indie Book Blog. This is my first time reading one of Harper Phoenix books. This story is about Alissa and Luke. I was so drawn into it from the first chapter until the end. I'm not sure what i can say without giving away something that will spoil the story. I can say that both Luke and Alissa have been hurt in the past. It's hard for both of them to move forward. This story will pull at your heartstrings. You will laugh, get mad and yes even cry at times. How can you just let the past be the past and move on? Sometime's it harder than what you think. Luke and Alissa are SOOO PERFECT for each other. I can't wait to read more from Harper. Keep up the amazing work. I HIGHLY recommend this one to everyone.
Torn was such an emotional romance story! Alissa and Luke have both taken hits to their journey in life. There is betrayal and deceit, psychological challenges, as well as losses suffered. I felt their pain much as I felt their burgeoning love. This was a sweet and heartfelt love story from beginning to end.
**I got this book from Give Me Books Promotions for my honest review**
I will have a full review that goes a bit more in detail up on my blog along with the release blitz.
Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by this book. To the point where I was sad that it was ending because I wanted more of these characters. I really liked the story and this author handled mental illness well. I connected with the character on those levels and I'm so glad I got the chance to read this and discover this author. I will be reading more from them.
I live for dark romance but sometimes there is a book that shifts my gears and TORN did that for me. It's not my go to kind of story but that blurb had me all kinds of curious.
Alissa and her beautiful daughter Nora are going to melt your heart. She deserves so much good but her demons from her past are still latching on. Her fears are not letting her or her daughter truly appreciate life. Until her sister comes from Australia and tells her she needs to go to the store.
That visit changes the lives of so many people. Luke is also a shell of himself. He's still hurting over his loss but can't explain the vibes he's feeling over Alissa. Luke also melted my heart. He's a good guy who still buys his mom flowers...do I need to say more?
This emotional journey through love, loss, grieving, mental health and finding that you never forget the past but the future is what you make of it.
I love these characters. They made me feel as though they were alive and stuck in my reader. Nora is too precious and her openness to Luke is just too special. The secondary characters are just as special because each play a part of making sure they don't mess up too bad. As I finish this review, I'm still crying. I won't forget these characters except the creep David.
I received an ARC for an honest and voluntarily review.
This is a new to me author and I just loved this cover  I mean seriously, how gorgeous is that! Okay so on to the book. There were a couple of niggly bits, things that were not to subtly mentioned that then happened, he had a freak out over not using protection in one section but had done so previously without cause for concern. Now, Luke. Luke claims to be an asshole, he says it enough to himself, and yet, he is like the nicest guy! Okay, so he has a bit of a temper, but its directed well, hes a bit blunt, but then arent most guys. Hes kind, considerate (mostly), he loves his mum and he thinks a lot of others. Hes actually a pretty great guy! Alissa is bag of nerves, bless her. The anxiety and agoraphobia is a nightmare, but ultimately it leads to good things. I thought Addie was a great addition but would have liked to have seen more of Alissa managing life without Addie or her process of coping on her own and I struggled a little with the timescales. Overall it was a good story with good character development and I wanted to shout at them on more than one occasion, which is usually a good sign!
It's really difficult not to be angry or even bitter when your realize that your whole world just went nuclear and the two people you trusted more then anyone are the ones responsible for pushing the button. My sister is a harpy who really loves to stir the pot by threatening to whip me into shape. But I know that's not going to happen. But nothing prepared her for the super surprise ringing her door. She never should have let her sister to browbeat her into doing something she didn't feel comfortable doing. Alissa had mortified simply mortified. Luke's visit with his mom was a good thing even if while explaining how he meet a little girl named Nora sent him on a two lane road to the past. She couldn't believe he'd actually had the audacity to darken her doorstep but there he was making a complete fool of himself. As Alissa continues to get to know Luke better her confidence grows as she really starts to heal from the damage he soon to ex husband inflicted on her. And Luke has his own baggage to deal with before he to can really move on.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This had me and led me to a place I thought I was long gone in the feels department! Alyssa is very relatable. She is dealing with issues with herself that we all feel at times in our lives. She is strong yet she carries defeat on her shoulders! Enter Luke, he has his own pain to deal with. With Luke Alyssa finds a kindred soul. One who she can relate to and begin to heal. Luke is a remarkable man and it definitely shows with the pages. Harper writes a terrific story about love and healing and just being who you are. A remarkable read that will stick with you long after you are finished reading her words! This had me from the first chapter and did not let me go until the very end! I have found a wonderful new author to buckle down with when I need to feel emotions that will make me smile. She has created a masterpiece. Thank you for making me smile!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ok so I will say that I initially wanted to read this book as that cover drew me in.. it's just so gorgeous!!! And the story didnt disappoint one bit... jammed packed with so many emotions I couldnt help but get a little race of my heart at some bits! Alissa is a single mum living with anxiety after a bad break up with an ex husband who doesnt want her.....but also doesnt anyone else to have her.. hes mentally degraded her for so long she feels low and worthless.. Luke is....luke is fantastic! Hes hot..hes protective.. hes know heartbreak himself.. hes loving.. hes above all amazing with Alissas daughter Nora. When these pair meet under strange circumstances you cant help but see the chemistry flowing between them. Read this book in one sitting today and loved it. * Read as part of KU*
This was a great read. The emotions the characters experienced were well written and felt by me as a reader. The plot was great with all the ups and downs in it. The whole story was fantastic and had a lot of great dynamics to it. Both of the characters had issues they had to come to term with it and it was well written into the story. I found myself unable to put it down and also relating to the characters.
I give this a five out of five stars. I couldn’t put it down. The plot and characters resounded with me and I can see myself reading more by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was my first read from this author. I loved the first person point of view of the story, which is always a deal breaker for me. This is the story about Alissa whose life isn't exactly peachy. I really loved the story, especially our leading lady. I will definitely read more from this author in the future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book will take you on a journey you never expected and end with a heart so full that it was worth every bump in the road. It'll captivate your heart and bring to light issues that have yet to have a light shown on them. 5 STARS all the way!
The book is a good romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. The story is an enjoyable and emotional romance read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the first book I have read by this author and WOW it’s amazing!!!!!!! The life that ‘Lissa’ has lead will bring tears to your eyes but then hunky tattoo artist Luke swoops in 😋 😋 a bit of a rollercoaster ride then a lovely hea 🥵🥰😍👌🥵
Oh I love Luke! He is so sweet and swoon worthy, I love how he is with Lis, Nora and his mum... He is a perfect book boyfriend. This is a new author to me and it certainly won't be the last I read of hers. Loved it!
First book I've read by this author and it won't be my last. Wow , i loved every second. This book hit me with all the feels. Luke is so swoon-worthy , every woman needs a Luke. Amazing five star read that I couldn't put down.
My first Harper book. What an amazing story. Once started you can not put it down. The characters are so real and damaged each in their own way. Bravo!!!
Read about Alissa. Wife mother getting divorce from her abusive husband. Follow her rocky road with the help of her sister. Meet Luke. Good guy underneath a tough exterior.