Torn Apart

by Aria Adams

“I was an enslaved mermaid. Now I have legs. And my master is coming for me.”

Taken as a child. Trained underwater. Lied to and manipulated. Aylia escapes by accident, but once she glimpses the surface world, she never wants to go back. Although she cannot speak, Prince Edward falls for her, and swears to protect her. But when her evil master returns, how can Edward disentangle Aylia from the dark wizard’s clutches?

This 40,000-word novel is a dark fairytale retelling of The Little Mermaid. The heroine has an unreliable point of view. The hero cannot always save her. And the villain is very evil. If you don’t like your HEAs to come easily, this series is for you.
Formerly a short story entitled Grim Mermaid, this novel has been vastly expanded and re-written.

Genres: Dark Romance, Paranormal, Mermaids

134 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 15, 2019

About the author

Aria is an author of dark erotic romance. Her heroes are not always immediately obvious, and neither are the villains. Her books often have elements of horror, and the characters at the end of a story are forever changed by the events that befell them. But she always makes sure there's a happy ending, even if the characters have to work for it.

Aria also writes the warm fuzzy romance stuff as Katie Douglas.

Reviews

[Louise H's Book Thoughts · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun retelling of The Little Mermaid

This wasn't quite as dark as some of Aria Adam's other work, there is some dubious and non-consent, thought it is viewed in flashback and doesn't involve the hero. The story flows nicely and has quite a sweet feel to it at times, particularly scenes with Eric and Aylia together.

Eric is a very easy to love hero, and whilst Aylia was quite naive and gullible at times her 'training', or perhaps I should call it brain washing, made her actions feel quite reasonable. Kept in captivity, isolated from interacting with other sentient beings (other than two fish who were also similarly isolated) and manipulated by a truly evil being, Aylia didn't stand a chance at recognising what was truth and what was lies. Eric is totally her knight protector in shining armour!

It has a slow burn feel but it is well worth the wait for the heat to ignite! The ending is scorching hot. My personal preference would have been to have more of Eric's point of view, particularly earlier in the book. This would have helped me 'connect' to him a little quicker, to understand his feelings and emotions. However I still enjoyed the story and look forward to reading more work by the author.


[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The great plot was well written and the characters were so well developed that as I turned each page the chemistry between the characters kept me totally hooked until the very last page!

[The P.Turners]

Please see blog for [K]'s review: https://thepturnersbookblog.wordpress...

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone who has ever read the original The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Andersen knows that *Spoiler Alert*  the prince marries another girl and the mermaid dies.  She becomes sea foam then turns into an angel like being.  It's not what I call a happy ending.  Torn Apart by Aria Adams does give the mermaid a happy ending, but it's darker then even the grimmest fairytales.

*Some Spoilers*

Aylia, the mermaid, is kidnapped and held prisoner by an evil merman who tortures, rapes and brainwashes her.  Somehow she is still able to maintain her soul.  She is a broken mermaid with humanity.

After Aylia escapes the evil merman, she is rescued by Prince Edward.  He is an alpha male with a heart.  He wants to heal Aylia physically, mentally and emotionally. 

The two fall in love, but there is still more to overcome on the way to there happy ending.  I liked how Aylia became strong enough to defeat the evil merman and brave enough to risk her heart on Edward.

This is a standalone in Aria Adams' dark fairytale series and is set in her Darkholme world.  This is a very dark story that includes kidnapping, torture and rape, so please be warned if these are triggers for you; the writing is very intense and often graphic. There is also a brave mermaid and a patient, handsome prince who helps her heal.  While I found this difficult to read at times, it's probably one of Ms. Adams' best written books; the plot and pacing both progressed at a good pace and the descriptions were well done.  If you like dark reads, you will enjoy this dark retelling of a classic book.

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased and honest review.

[Maria Reynoso · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in Ms. Adams' twisted and dark adult version of the fairy tales. Torn Apart is a wickedly enticing version of the little mermaid. Aylia has only known her small little world. When she finally escapes her master, Aylia finds that not only has she been lied to and abused, but there are true gentlemen out there that do not want to continuous harm her and others. Upon meeting Prince Edward, Aylia begins to grow in to herself and learn to trust others. Will the blossoming love between Aylia and Edward bloom or will her master destroy it all completely?

I really enjoyed this book. I didn't find it as dark as Belle's Betrayal, but there are triggers in Torn Apart. Ms. Aria is a wizard in rebuilding classics tales and giving them a sassy and devious twist that will hold you captivated and begging for more. The sensual pleasures are intense and will leave you breathless. I highly recommend Torn Apart and Ms. Adams' other books to those 18+. Thank you Ms. Adams. I look forward to the next story in the series. I received an ARC or Torn Apart, and this was my honest review.

[Suniko · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a twisted retelling of the Little Mermaid. Not at all what I was expecting. It took time before I was hooked 100%. After the initial boredom, the book had me hooked until the bitter end. Aria did an amazing job retelling and reinvigorate a classic tale to becoming one with such a modern dark twist.

Aylia is a mermaid who is under the control of her so called "master" in the sea. Her master does thing to her that shouldn't be done. Until one day, the glass that kept her capture breaks and she takes off to see for herself. She meets Prince Edward and learns about thing she never understood because of her master twisted lies.

I absolutely loved this twisted dark version. Aylia is one amazing character who by the end has been transformed. A well written dark romance with a crew of characters that adds on the spice to this perfect recipe. I recommend reading this one of you love a fairy tale story with some darkness in it. Trust me...after reading this book...You will never look at the Little Mermaid the same way again.

*ARC provided by L. Woods PR in exchanged for an honest review.*

[Terri Trawets · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aylia is a sweet, gentle mermaid, who is enslaved and trained by a cruel and sadistic merman she knows only as Master. Master controls Aylia through painfully severe physical and mental punishments. She has no feelings of independence or self-worth, and exists only to please her master. When, through a twist of fate, Aylia accidentally escapes, she is rescued by Prince Edward. Seeing how badly her tail has been damaged, Edward summons a witch to alleviate her pain. It is through the witch’s magic that Aylia develops legs. Edward is charmed and captivated by her, and takes an active role in assisting her adjustment to her new circumstances.
The interaction between Aylia and her merman master made this book so amazingly dirty and dark. And then we meet the kind, understanding, and totally accepting Prince Edward. I thought Edward was going to be a vanilla hero. OMG! How wrong could I be, and how foolish of me not to trust the beautifully twisted mind of Aria Adams. Hot, Hot, Hot! This book is hotter than hot from beginning to end, and I loved it.

[Gwen Shafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a twisted retelling of the Little Mermaid. Not at all what I was expecting. Hooked me instantly and had me gripped until the end. Aria did an amazing job rewriting this storyline with such a dark twist on it.
Aylia is a mermaid who is under the control of her so called "master" in the sea. Her master does things to her that shouldn't be done. But she doesn't understand because he believes that he is protecting her from whatever is on the other side of the glass. But one day that glass gets broke and she takes off to see for herself. That is when her life becomes something she never knew before. She meets Prince Edward and learns about things she never understood because her master twisted what he told her. I absolutely loved this twisted dark version. Aylia is one amazing character who comes out so changed in the end. A well written dark twisted version with amazing characters who only add to the storyline. Highly recommend reading this one if you love fairy tales that are dark and twisted. You will never look at the Little Mermaid the same way again.

[Lisa Marie ~ Words We Love By · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5*

Aria Adams again takes on a fairy tale with Torn Apart. This time it is the Little Mermaid who gets a BDSM makeover before her happily ever after.  Aylia is a mermaid who has been at the sadistic beck and call of her Master.  Finally, she finds a way out and makes her way to land and is found by Prince Edward but her tail is destroyed in the process. Witch Marea gives her legs and her romance with Prince Edward and air-breathing begins.

This is a quick read novella that isn't as developed as Belle's Betrayal but is a dark, good retelling of the story.  As Aylia opens up to Edward about what her master has done to her (quite dark and violent) the Prince falls for the lovely mermaid.  The action revolves around Aylia's master trying to get her back in his clutches and Aylia's naivety despite what she has been through.  

If you are in for a fast Grim-style fairy tale, this is a good choice. 

[Joyffree]

This is an interesting retelling(?) of the little mermaid.
I question the use of the word retelling because everything is more of a reversal of fortune
Our little heroine (her innocence is quite endearing) is curious by nature but tamed by fear - A complete accident provides her with a bit of unwanted clarity that reveals her world may be nothing but a lie and the man who claims to be her protector is nothing but vile vermin - a villain by all definitions

I enjoyed Aylia's tenacity - despite her dark and painful upbringing and the sad truths that are unveiled as this story progressed she still held a small sliver of hope that she would find her happy ever after.
Eric is the dreamy patient and protective prince that any newly legged mermaid would hope to land **sigh**

This was a short read but complete. I do wish we were given a little more background as to how our villain picked sweet Alyia and a few other tidbits - but that was not to be - still enjoyed the story

[Ga Books LoverX · Rating 4 out of 5]

I sometimes go into books blind without re-reading the blurb before I start it and this was one that I was SO not expecting the beginning. Imagine my surprise when it looks to be A Little Mermaid retelling with Aylia and Edward as the main characters. It is also a dirty, dirty book! ;)

The story is different from our beloved Disney one, but it did keep me engaged. Aylia is extremely naive and not sure of this new world that she has found herself in, but luckily a handsome and nice prince found her and is helping her!

All in all, if you like fairy tales retelling and SUPER steamy scenes- you will enjoy this book. I typically like my leading ladies with a bit more backbone and Aylia was a bit too naive for me, so I give this book a 3.5 outta 5.

PS: Thank you to Aria Adams and L Woods PR for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review honestly!

[Patricia Hoffstaetter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fascinating, somewhat dark remake of an old fairytale “The Little Mermaid” certainly grabbed my attention & I absolutely enjoyed reading it. The plot is well-written, entertaining & delightful wicked at times. The characters are well-developed & interesting with some unexpected characteristic tendencies.
There is: an enslaved mermaid (Aylia) accidentally escapes a cruel master& is found by a handsome prince (Edward), a devious wizard (Arundel), a witch (Marea), humans, friendship, twists & turns, drama, suspense, adventure, action, mystery, deceit, curses, magic, complications, suspicions, devastating memories, threats, manipulations, confrontations, conflict, violence, trust, mild BDSM, some steam, love, happiness & a satisfying conclusion.

[Jackie Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a darker take on the little mermaid. She is enslaved and escapes. Her master has totally changed her view on the world to match whatever he wants. And he has been doing it for long enough that she believes what he says is true.

Then she realizes that the safe place he is keeping her is actually a prison made of glass that she can escape from. But when she escapes, her trail gets split in 2 and she loses the voice. She gets found by a prince who starts showing her that what she has been taught is wrong. Of course there is someone who is trying to tear her happiness away.

I liked that the author stuck close to the fairytale, but not to close. This one is a bit dark, but has an interesting storyline as well.

[Foodiegirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new series of Dark and dirty fairy tales by Aria Adams. In this story there is Aylia, in a take on Little Mermaid only this is a dark read with non-consent. This starts out with Aylia a naive mermaid, enslaved, abused Arundel, a cruel magician merman that she knows only as her Master. At one point Aylia accidentally escapes and is mortally wounded doing so. Prince Edward finds Aylia and takes her home to his castle and summons a local witch to help him save her. It is through the witch’s magic that Aylia develops legs and with Edward's help starts learing about her new world above the sea. Until her new master appears, will Aylia be finally able to escape the torture of her old master, and open fully to Edward? A dark but erotic new retelling of an old classic.

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darkness done right in this written story of "The Little Mermaid" by Aria Adams. I read "Grim Mermaid" when it came out and the extra written parts was a extra bonus. Aylia our mermaid is enslaved by a cruel merman called the Master. One day Aylia escapes her glass prison but the escape ripped her tail and damaged her voice. Aylia is found by Prince Edwards who summoned a witch to help her and the witch gives her legs. Prince Edward with patience and tenderness introduces her to new world as their feelings bloom, but her Master comes for her. Will Aylia and Prince Edwards get their happily ever after? I volunteer to read and review this ARC.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did read Grim Mermaid. This is the same book but with added story.

Think of Little Mermaid and you will know what is happening. But this one comes with a twist. Merman Master isn’t willing to give Aylia up. Prince Edward isn’t going to give her up either. This is a fight to claim her and be his bride. There is Dominance and BDSM. We even find out how she was treated by her Master of the Sea. He was a cruel merman. He used her in horrible ways and treated her friends worse. It was scary and shocking to read that. Edward was a kind man. He wanted nothing but the best for her. She had a lot to learn to be human. It had a very happy ending.

[Lost Within The Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a struggle to read honestly I started it and then stopped and started it and stopped. Once you get halfway through the book it picks up and it starts getting a lot more interesting and you find out more things about the leading lady like what happened to her what her master did to her. You feel more emotions towards her it just takes a little bit to get into this book but I definitely recommend this book because it was a really good story and it really good retelling of The Little Mermaid it's just it needed something more in the beginning.

[Julia Red Hatter Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I really say about Torn Apart? I absolutely loved it! One of my childhood favorite fairy tales, turned a bit dark and twisted. I loved Aylia and hated everything she'd lived through. I loved how Edward was a constant good in her life and had the patience to show her and tell her how wrong she had been treated. He also helped her learn so much more!

Torn Apart was an amazing Little Mermaid retelling! Aria Adams put her on stamp on it and made it so much better!

[Saskia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 star

My heart broke for Aylia and what she had gone through living with her Master. He really broke her, apart from that small glimmer of hope and rebellion.

I really liked Eric, he was a bit of a rebel with a good heart and a lot of patience. I loved how he took care of Aylia and showing her his world and how a relationship should be. I was rooting for them.

I would have liked a bit more background and the reason why Aylia was picked.

[K. Ramjohn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Torn Apart is a fairy tale retelling of The Little Mermaid with some very dark twists. This novella was a quick read and told partially through flashbacks. With some twists to grab your attention it will have you at the edge of your seat. The story was dark, intense and steamy with some drama and emotions included and you will finish it all in one setting. This was a good read and I would recommend it to all lovers of fairytale retelling.

[Mim Crenshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a 4.5 star read. This was a lovely dark retelling of The Little Mermaid. This storyline was so interesting and intriguing it had me engrossed till the end. I felt for Aliyah; she was treated so badly. I loved when she met the Prince and learned that Master had lied to her. This book was amazing, because you see her change and grow.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Kaye Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms Adams brings a little darkness to the fairytale Little Mermaid where Aylia is enslaved by a cruel master on her 18th birthday, taken from her friends, but when a chance to escape happens she takes it and is rescued by Prince Edward who helps her see what a relationship could be...this story has drama, suspense and a twist making this a fast paced and definitely a great read....love it

[Ashley Carr, LSoR · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author has done it again with her dark and sinister take on a beloved fairytale, The Little Mermaid. Darkness and drama are at the forefront in this story along with emotional twists and turns. This is a fast-paced story that kept me glued to my kindle. I can’t wait to see which fairytale she dirties up next!!!

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that this was an interesting re-imagining of The Little Mermaid. I found the characters compelling and the story engaging. Darkness, heat, drama and emotion fill the twisted storyline and will keep you on the edge while reading. A very enjoyable read. I am electing to post an honest review.

[Fran Zoch, LSoR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little Mermaid with major dark tendencies. And I love it.
Aylia is captured and kept as a child and now she serves Master but she gets away to find her prince only not able to talk, this book didn't have as many twists and turns as I thought it would but the storyline and the characters made me love every word

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A dark fairytale retelling of The Little Mermaid." As every fairytale should…. A damsel in distress! A villian beyond any kindness whatsoever. A handsome hero. I'm an Adams fan, and this "dark" re-telling of The Liitle Mermaid, made me happy Aylia made it out from "Under the Sea!" Steamy, hot and very sexy!

[Breen · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I’ve recently become addicted to retelling stories and I was really excited for this one. Torn Apart was absolutely incredible! I practically devoured it because it was impressive. It was dark, twist and full of mystery regarding Aylia past. A not so common retelling of a classic story that you can’t miss.”

[LaToya (Readingbythebayou) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been loving dark fairy tales lately and I was excited to read this author's version of the Little Mermaid. I had high expectations for this story but it was just ok. It took awhile to get into the story. I cringed at some of the things Aylia had to go through with her master. I'm happy that she found Edward and got her HEA.

[Marika · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am loving these dark retelling! Tge litthe mermaid is always a favourite and I certainly enjoyed this adult version.
Aylia is naive and trusting, until she escapes and learns the truth..Prince Edward is obv the prince and comes to her rescue..but the villain is always in waiting..
It's not that dark but it is certainly hot and entertaining!

[Gab · Rating 3 out of 5]

This begins as a fairy tale should.
Little mermaid plays with her fishy friends...
But very soon it becomes clear there is a nasty undertow going on.
This is a short, sweet, slightly kinky, somewhat sinister story that could do with more background.