Torn Hart

The Harty Boys #3

by Whitley Cox

A torn Hart can only be mended by the right woman.

Fired from her dream job, Lydia Sullivan loses hope. How else do you drown your sorrows than in a cheap bottle of rum? Seems like a good plan until she runs smack into the hard chest of her dreamy neighbor Rex. Despite her not-so-adorable drunkenness, they strike up a friendship that quickly turns into more. But just when Lydia’s life is starting to look up—she’s got the job, the great guy with deep dimples, and the sun is shining—weird things begin to happen that make her question whether she’s losing her mind ... or someone is out to get her.

Retired special operative and now security specialist Rex Hart normally falls in love with a new woman every night, but not this time. His neighbor with the hazel eyes and thin filter has him under her spell. He’d like to think she’s the one, but the way she’s acting has him torn between his heart and his head. He wants to believe she’s innocent, but instinct has him questioning everything—including his feelings.

Is Lydia who she claims to be? Is she the one … or the one he needs to turn loose?

Genres: Romance, Suspense, Romantic Suspense

348 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 15, 2021

About the author

A Canadian West Coast baby born and raised, Whitley is married to her high school sweetheart and together they have two beautiful daughters and a fluffy dog. She spends her days making food that gets thrown on the floor, vacuuming Cheerios out from under the couch and making sure that the dog food doesn't end up in the air conditioner. But when the kids are at school and it's not quite wine o'clock, Whitley sits down, avoids the pile of laundry on the couch, and writes.

A lover of all things decadent; wine, cheese, chocolate and spicy erotic romance, Whitley brings the humorous side of sex, the ridiculous side of relationships and the suspense of everyday life into her stories. With single dads, firefighters, Navy SEALs, mommy wars, body issues, threesomes, bondage and role-playing, Whitley’s books have all the funny and fabulously filthy words you could hope for.

For all foreign translation rights and audiobook rights inquiries please contact literary agent Ena Burnette with SBR Media: ena@sbrmedia.com

Reviews

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star review of Torn Hart (The Harty Boys Book #3) by Whitley Cox
I am loving this series from Whitley Cox; I love romantic suspense books and this was a great example of the genre.
When Rex stumbles across a crying Lydia in his apartment complex, he has no idea that his life is about to change in so many ways. When strange happenings keep occurring to Lydia, Rex isn’t sure if they are real or have been fabricated to get his attention. He has been burnt in the past and isn’t sure that he can trust his instincts or Lydia for that matter, while Lydia thinks she is loosing her mind.
However the danger is real and there were times that I was on the edge of my seat whilst reading. From start to finish Ms. Cox wove a story that had me hooked and I kept reading well past my bedtime.
The chemistry and connection between Rex and Lydia is obvious but for them to get their happily ever after they will need to navigate a number of twists and turns. The characters are engaging and the story fast paced and well written. The big question is can a relationship survive and grow when trust is not there? One click and find out.

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

Another amazing book by this author. The storyline was great and the twists and turns really threw me for a loop. Trust is the foundation for a relationship, when you don’t have it there is nothing. Rex is all alpha. While Lydia is a victim she sure doesn’t act like it. She is a complex and complicated character. The ending, I sure didn’t see that coming!!

[Alphas Do It Better Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Torn Hart is another great addition to the Harty Boys series by author Whitley Cox. Although you'll want to read them all, this book can certainly be read as a standalone.

As a former member of Joint Task Force 3 (the Canadian equivalent of the U. S. Navy SEALs), Rex Hart is used to being a savior, but never in the foyer of his apartment complex. But the drunk, sobbing woman in the lobby launches herself at him without hesitation and Rex's protective instincts kick in, along with some things further south of his border. Lydia's funny, sweet and gorgeous, and more than a little bit of a mess.

Lydia's life is a hot mess. After picking up her life to get away from an ex and into a fresh start, she's in an unfamiliar city, she barely knows anyone and she was just fired. When a super hot, protective guy from her complex rides to rescue, she can't help but think her luck is looking up, until really creepy things start happening to her.

This book was awesome. I've loved the Harty Boys series so far and this was no exception. Rex was surprisingly sweet, funny (so funny) and hold on to your undies hot. Lydia was witty and genuine and I really felt for her. She was both strong and vulnerable. The suspense was great, although super creepy! Really enjoyed this book, can't wait for more!

AnnMarie - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog

[Jackie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love romantic suspense Torn Hart should certainly be on your radar.
When Rex arrived at his apartment complex the last thing he expected was to come across a woman crying because she had lost her job and more to the point he had no idea this chance meeting was about to change life as he knows it. When strange things start happening to Lydia he struggles to work out if they are real or if this woman just wants to get to know him better. He doesn’t trust his instincts because of past relationships but somehow he knows Lydia needs help but by hesitating will he actually put her in danger. Lydia is confused and at times thinks she is losing her mind but deep down she knows she should be trusting Rex.....
There is no doubting the chemistry and attraction this couple share but will that be enough or will the trust issues put their future in doubt before it’s even had a chance. This is a captivating, fast paced read with a fair few twists and turns, it has wonderful characters and it’s a perfect example of romantic suspense and a great addition to the series.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Torn Hart is another must read by Whitley Cox in the Hart Family series! Suspense, mystery, drama and lots of hot intense sex. Another page turner with both strong male and female characters.
*I was given a copy and am voluntarily giving my honest review.

[Whitley Cox]

Torn Hart releases tomorrow!!!!
Are you ready for the rollercoaster in the dark that is Rex and Lydia's relationship?
This one will keep you guessing right to the very end.
Who is the baddie? Is it Lydia? We just don't know.
I'm so excited for the third Harty Boy book to release and I can't wait to hear what everyone thinks of it. xoxo

[Soly's Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

J'adore les romans de Whitley Cox et notamment sa série "The Harty Boys" mais l'avant-dernier "Lost Hart m'avait un peu moins plu car vraiment trop sombre (on était dans le dark web et le monde des pédophiles et pffffffffiouuuu on a beau savoir que ça existe, moins mon truc de plonger dedans) Ici, dans "Torn Hart", nous retrouvons davantage l'ambiance de la série qui est du romantic suspense avec le troisième frère "Rex Hart": ce dernier est à l'image de ses frères : un badass qui a vécu des choses horribles dans son métier qui lui ont laissé des marques et depuis, il a du mal à faire confiance. Pourtant, lorsqu'il croise un jour sa voisine (sexy qu'il a déjà remarquée) en larmes, son côté chevaleresque va rentrer action et il va vouloir l'aider : celle-ci a été licenciée de son poste et elle craque en noyant son chagrin dans l'alcool.. elle va alors faire des propositions à Rex mais celui-ci est un homme bien et même si sa voisine sexy, Lydia, l'attire, hors de questions de profiter d'elle. Mais bientôt cette dernière va être victimes de faits étranges, comme si quelqu'un voulait lui faire peur : cela commence par une porte ouverte, des fruits abîmés, une glace décongelée etc.. si bien qu'elle se demande si elle ne perd pas la tête mais non! quelqu'un cherche à l'intimider et Rex évidemment va voler à son secours MAIS les preuves ne sont pas là : il n'y a aucun signe d'effraction, aucune empreinte digitale, rien! Bien que notre héros soit fortement impliquée dans cette nouvelle relation, il va se mettre à douter... Est-ce que Lydia est vraiment la femme qui lui est destinée et LA femme de sa vie? ou est-ce une femme instable qui cherche à attirer l'attention de son sexy voisin en se mettant en danger et en prétendant être victime d'attaques mesquines? Et si Lydia dit vrai, qui lui en veut et pourquoi? sachant qu'elle ne connaît quasiment personne en ville (elle est arrivée il y a peu) Qu'est-ce que cela signifie? eh bien vous le saurez en lisant cet excellent tome 3, qui une fois commencé, ne se lâche plus.
Chronique complète ici : https://solysbooks.blogspot.com/2021/...

[Ellen Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!
I was looking forward to reading Rex's story & I was blown away so much that I nearly read it in one go. Lydia left her hometown to start a new life away from her troubled ex but when she gets fired from her new job for no reason she breaks down in tears with a bottle in her hand in the hallway of her apartment, she finds herself being consoled by her hot neighbour. Rex is just home from work starving looking forward to eating his food then going to bed but when he sees his neighbour crying he offers to help her to her flat where she tells him everything that had happened resulting in her getting drunk, crying & throwing herself at him. He feels sorry for her there is obvious hot sexual chemistry but also a connection between them so when strange things start happening to her being stalked he promises to protect her & gradually they both fall deeper for each other but then she is accused of being a stalker to her ex boss which sees Rex & the other Hart brothers disbelieve her which she doesn't understand & why Rex has turned cold towards her then her stalker ups the anti & Rex is furious & adamant that she is making up the stalking doing all these things herself. This story has you guessing all the way through who the stalker is & no way did you expect the person to be & it almost costs Rex losing Lydia the love of his life who all his family adore her aswell. Theres drama, romance, hot sexy times, fear & emotional at times.
This is an amazing set of stories of the Hart brothers & can't wait for Heath's.

[Dimple · Rating 4 out of 5]

Torn Hart is another great addition to the Harty Boys series by author Whitley Cox. Although you'll want to read them all, this book can certainly be read as a standalone.

As a former member of Joint Task Force 3 (the Canadian equivalent of the U. S. Navy SEALs), Rex Hart is used to being a savior, but never in the foyer of his apartment complex. But the drunk, sobbing woman in the lobby launches herself at him without hesitation and Rex's protective instincts kick in, along with some things further south of his border. Lydia's funny, sweet and gorgeous, and more than a little bit of a mess.

Lydia's life is a hot mess. After picking up her life to get away from an ex and into a fresh start, she's in an unfamiliar city, she barely knows anyone and she was just fired. When a super hot, protective guy from her complex rides to rescue, she can't help but think her luck is looking up, until really creepy things start happening to her.

This book was awesome. I've lived the Harty Boys series so far and this was no exception. Rex was surprisingly sweet, funny (so funny) and hold on to your undies hot. Lydia was witty and genuine and I really felt for her. She was both strong and vulnerable. The suspense was great, although super creepy! Really enjoyed this book, can't wait for more!

[Jayne Wheatley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow another fabulous addition to a great series.
The characters of the Hart brothers have a wonderful family
vibe with great Is book fac used on Rex and his new love interest Lydia.
I took to Lydia immediately she had a vulnerability that made me love her. She showed such compassion at times and her loneliness made my want to give her a hun.
Her only real friendship was her ex colleague from the job she’d just been fired from but they stayed in contact and she showed to be a true loyal friend throughout.
Lydia was going through so much all at once, Rex was a breath of fresh air for her, both Rex Lydia and their pets all had an instant bond and connection which showed a level of contentment for them all until lots of drama ensues and Rex doubts Lydia’s honesty and integrity.
I saw the hurt it caused Rex but also the damage it did to Lydia.
My only wish was Lydia had the chance to tell the whole family how much they hurt her with their distrust I feel that would have been cathartic for her and given her a bit of her fire back.
Definitely a great addition to the series I highly recommend.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.8 stars
This is the third book in the Harty Boys series and it feels a little darker than its predecessors but none the less intriguing as each book just gets better. Rex is the “lie detector” brother who is dealing with some issues when he runs into Lydia, his neighbor, who is not having a good day. From their initial meeting, their chemistry is popping and it makes them connect like a moth to a flame. The more time they spend together and get to know each other, it appears as if they have similar proclivities. However, when some strange things begin happening to Lydia, it puts Rex into protector mode but everything is not a it seems. Will Rex trust the bond that he has started to form with Lydia or will he leave her to her own devices? Ms. Cox has a distinct way of enveloping her readers to willingly follow her characters wherever they may go under any circumstances. This is one ride you want to get on and never leave as you will be pinned to your seat trying to decipher what is going on and who is the guilty party. I cannot wait to see what this author has for the youngest brother with the next installment. I highly recommend this series.

[Donna Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rex Hart is the happy go lucky type of guy in comparison to his three other brothers. He is the one who his mother wishes would get rid of his hook up app. He comes home one afternoon to find a neighbor from his building drunk in the middle of the lobby. Talk about fate stepping in on a chance meeting. The two of them hit it off immediately. I loved Lydia! Her reaction to Rex is one of the funniest first meets I have ever read. I guess it helped that she was beyond tipsy but her inner monologue continues even after she’s sober. Their relationship takes off like a rocket with them finding more in common than they can ignore. But as it is with all of these brothers, their women find that trouble follows them. Lydia is no different but she can’t tell if it’s forgetfulness or something so beyond anything she could imagine. Kept me guessing for the whole book to the point where I suspected people that were just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Loved this!!

[Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last thing Rex hart thought he would run into inside his apartment complex is a woman in tears who was just fired from her job. His first impression of Lydia is not that she is half drunk and upset but that this could be a woman who he could really fall for. When strange and unusual things keep happening to her, it makes him wonder if she is out to get attention or if she is really in trouble. Torn between his heart and his head will only leave Rex off kilter, and Lydia possibly in danger. Can he figure out what is really going on before it is too late? With characters that instantly become a series favorite this was a great read. Once again Whitley Cox takes her readers on a wild ride filled with fast paced action and edge of your seat romance. I only wonder where I can find myself a Hart brother!!

[Stephanie Ditmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better and better. I loved Rex and Lydia, Rex is all business with a little kinky side and Lydia is quirky, full of sass, and has a little side of kink mixed in which makes for great bedfellows. A chance meeting brings these two together for some fun, steam and a little suspense. Lydia has moved to a new town to get away from an old relationship and start anew and she loved her new job until she was let go. When Rex finds her drinking away her sorrows he lends an ear and a shoulder, because that’s just who he is, he’s kind, funny, and sexy, but trust does not come easy for him. When weird things start to happen, Rex is by Lydia’s side helping her figure out what is going on and then things take a turn and no one knows who or what to believe anymore. Is Lydia crazy, is she lying to everyone, is she doing all this for attention or is she truly in danger from someone out to get her? When everything comes to light, will Lydia be able to forgive Rex for his actions or will he have ruined the best thing that’s ever happened to him? I truly loved this book, I was sucked in and on the edge of my seat until the end. I didn’t see where the author was taking us until it smacked me in the face with a “no freaking way” moment. Great read, can’t wait for Heath’s book.

[Reva Parks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cox is one of my favorite writers, and this third book of the Hart brothers was no exception. In this story a neighbor on the floor below Rex in his apartment complex stumbles into him in the lobby, crying after losing her beloved job teaching preschoolers. And she's drunk and propositioning him! But our bald, blonde, blue-eyed hero flashes his dimples, feeds her, and puts her to bed without touching her. He is smitten and becomes more so as he begins helping her through her troubles. As her troubles continue Rex turns from trusting his lie-detecting senses to following orders to spy on her. The result is the end of their relationship and almost the end of Lydia's life! I recommend this great read.

[Jenny Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book with the understanding that I could leave a voluntary and honest review.

In this book we meet Lydia Sullivan and we get Rex Hart's story. When these two meet it is not one of Lydia's better days. She had just gotten fired and her hot neighbor well he was their for her to cry on. When she realizes what she has done she is mortified but brings him up to her apartment. To both her joy and dismay he is a nice guy which means no fun time on that night. When he asks her out later on she wonders if maybe her luck is changing. He also tells her he might have a lead on a new job for her. She wonders if he fell from heaven. Rex doesn't know what it is about this woman. All he wanted was to come home take a shower, take his dog out to do his thing, and eat dinner and go to be. What he didn't plan on a was a woman who comes out of no where and makes him want to protect her from everything. The more he gets to know her the more he wants to. When things start happening to Lydia though he wonders is he really falling for this woman or is she crazy? Will they find their HEA or will the mistakes and secrets that they have be more than can sustain them?

So So Amazing. This story will have you locked from the first word to the very end. I would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone.

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series and was so excited to read Rex's story and boy is one heck of a story, Lydia meets Rex when she is at an all time low after getting fired from her job and the sparks that fly are off the charts but insane attraction and what appears to be a perfect match is soon marred by weird happenings to Lydia and trust is brought into play. I loved not knowing what might happen to Lydia next and how she and Rex try to work through what's happening between them as well as who is behind the weird things. Things get pretty dicey and trust is well and truly broken, is Lydia crazy, is her past catching up with her and are she and Rex really meant to be together.... better read it to find out for yourself!!!

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

After being unexpectedly fired from her job, Lydia plans to drown her sorrows with a bottle of rum. Then she literally staggers into her hot neighbour, Rex. He turns her down when she drunkenly propositions him, but he hopes she will ask again when she is sober. They start to develop a relationship, but then strange things start happening. Does Lydia have a stalker? Rex and his security firm start to investigate, but is Lydia deceiving him?

The story has lots of twist with an unexpected villian. Enjoy the read.

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

[Ashton · Rating 4 out of 5]

* * I HAD BEEN GIVEN AN ADVANCED READERS COPY IN EXCHANGE FOR MY HONEST REVIEW * *

I have a not so secret love of Whitley Cox and her alpha men.

This one didn't give the instant chills I was hoping for. Actually, compared to his brothers his trauma was minimal.

Don't get me wrong the hilarity that ensues when he meets his neighbor drunk off her ass is amazing.

Their sex is off the charts sexy and amazing...

But the angst that I loved and got in the first two was not here. It was a lot more personal than professional drama and made me wanna slap a few people.

But puppies and kitties never fail to make me smile.

I highly recommend this book and this series!!

-Ashton 💙🧡📚🤓

[Karen L Ledee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lydia gets fired unexpectedly without any cause she could figure out. What better way to forget your problems than get drunk, or so she thought. Rex finds her in the lobby of their apartment building. Since neither of them are looking for complications, they become friends. We know how that goes..... She gets a new job and thinks all is well until weird stuff happens. Will Rex believe her? Well written addition to the Harty boys!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book

[Anita Fuhrmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was super Hot and yet sexy sweet too! I loved all of the banter and interaction between Rex and Lydia! It hit just the right balance without ever feeling trite or contrived. The stalker/vandal was downright creepy and kept me reading long into the night because I really wanted to find out what was going to happen next! A five-star plus book for me!! Looking forward in anticipation to when the next one in the series comes out and just how Ms. Cox plans to possibly top this!!

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Kylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lydia and Rex’s story had my heart being torn apart. As their story kept me on the edge of my seat and my mind working overtime, these two had me falling in love with them. Torn Hart may have been a story packed with suspense and intrigue but it also overflowed with witty banter and electric chemistry. These two had a connection right from the start and one that radiated off the pages and sparked through the words. It was steamy, emotional, passionate and heartfelt. A story of doubt, truth, instincts and second chances. A storyline and characters that will hold you captive and not wanting to escape.

[Crystal Felker-Onions · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every single page had me hooked the chemistry the banter and the SEX!!! Omg the SEX! Rex and Lydia are a great instalment to the Harty boys series. I love how the whole gang comes together with Lydia being an over qualified nanny and Rex being the big soft bald teddy bear who comes to the rescue of the heart broken, jobless and drunk Lydia. Whitley is and has been a favourite of mine from book number one, and she hits it out of the park again!

[Jo-Ann Forrest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading this amazing story!Rex and Lydia, he is a player and somehow Lydia makes him feel a different connection than is usual hook ups. She makes him want to be a better man and when strange things started happening to her, he wanted to help her and figure out who did this and why. Their attraction is magnetic and can they save their relationship. Another great story from Whitley Cox and the Harty boys i an amazing series. I volunteered to review this story.

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is hot and kinky. Such an amazing read. I loved Rex and Lydia. I don't always go for instant romance. But Whitley really wrote their story so good! It just fits them perfectly. They both had me smiling throughout. Then, there's their instant chemistry. And all the suspense, even I thought I was trippin'. That's how invested I was in their story. I couldn't put it down. But also looking forward to the next Hart brother's story.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lydia comes across her hot neighbor Rex on one of the worst days, and from there I found myself laughing after she tied one on. Rex finds her adorable as well, so their journey begins as he wants to make her his (like asking her out on a date first). They start spending time together & the sparks are flying, and when those sparks ignited, they definitely set the sheets on fire. Just when everything is going super well, like her cat & his dog attached to each other well, BAM! Weird things start happening to her, and I mean weird, so things are taking a dangerous turn. Someone is after Lydia, and things are escalating quickly as whoever it is is very unexpected so the twists were coming in hot all the way to the end. This leads to some questionable decisions by Rex, which really pissed me off to tell you the truth, because he put her in more danger by making them for real. Will he realize his mistake before it's too late?! You know what to do to find out! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND! 

[Jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing story! Ms. Cox hit another one out of the park with this addition to the series. I loved the entire series!! I loved he characters, Lydia and Rex. This was a story that will grab you from the beginning and won’t let you go. It is filled with suspense that’ll keep you turning the pages, amazing chemistry that is off the charts and so much more. This definitely a must read.

[Ann Gibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Rex and Lydia's story! This series has been absolutely amazing and each book just makes it better. Their chemistry is unmistakable, but their relationship hits a major roadblock. Rex always trusts his gut but didn't this time and blew it big time. Lydia's character was so likeable and sassy. I can't wait for the next book!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Rex and Lydia's story.
The plot has it all and it’s a real page turner.
With every book that comes out in the Harty Boys series
you know the plot is going to strong and the chemistry and
interaction between the characters is going to have some twists to
it.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Kara Coens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved Rex and Lydia together! They were cute and fun and sexy and hot all rolled up tight. Rex always trusts his gut feelings and the things happening with Lydia is making that hard. This one had so much riding on truth and trust and watching Rex and Lydia navigate those waters was amazing. I can't wait for the last Hart brother to fall!