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Marina Knight came to this party for one thing only: to slap Gage Emerson in the face. Poised to snatch up her family’s real estate empire, the sexy tycoon is on the verge of making an enemy for life—even if he can make her melt with a single kiss …

When Gage discovers that the alluring woman before him is the key to his latest acquisition, claiming her as his suddenly doesn’t seem quite so cut-and-dried. To get what he wants, he must get to know the fierce woman willing to face him down—as she steadily steals his heart.

Gage’s persistence and intense passion war with Marina’s determination to protect her family. As they delve deeper into an affair they didn’t see coming, Marina’s torn: Will she lose her heart to Gage—or everything she holds dear?

256 pages, ebook

First published November 19, 2013

71 people are currently reading
3171 people want to read

About the author

Monica Murphy

106 books18.7k followers
New York Times, USA Today and international bestselling author. A believer in kissing. A believer of love.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 216 reviews
Profile Image for ♡Karlyn P♡.
604 reviews1,281 followers
March 6, 2014
2 stars, just Meeehhhh. Too many WTF scenes, bad decisions, and stupid excuses. All of which killed the romance.
Profile Image for Crazy for Books (Stephanie).
1,912 reviews234 followers
November 14, 2013


ARC provided by publisher through Edelweiss for and honest review.

Unfortunately, I didn't really like this one. It followed a very similar formula as the first book in the series, Crave , which I liked. But this one felt rushed and I didn't feel like the there was as much care taken with the relationship between Gage and Marina. The story jumped ahead by weeks and months, seemingly to try to move forward in time to make the relationship progress more realistically for people to fall in love, but it lost momentum with me doing that.

Also, there were a couple of conflicting story points in the book.

There are several other contradictory situations that happen in the book. It just seemed to be all over the place. It was too bad, because as previously stated, I liked the first book and this one feels like it was thrown together. Bummer.
Profile Image for Michelle.
2,082 reviews895 followers
July 20, 2014
Gage Emerson is after one thing, prime real estate. But not just any location. The one location coveted by Marina Knight's family. The Molina & Knight Families are staples in the Napa Valley. But when Gage finds that the family is suffering financially he knows it's time to strike.

Marina Knight is desperate to keep her family's bakery open. But she knows that the handsome stranger from out of town is the one person who can take it all away from her. Staying away should be easy, right?



There are a few things in books that I love, we got one of those knocked out with Crave (guy falls for best friend's little sister) and in Torn we get the angry hate-fucking. There is just something about two characters that have such a strong attraction and distaste for each other, that when they get into a heated argument; the clothes go flying and bodies smash against the nearest wall.

Marina & Gage had off the charts chemistry and sexual tension. Although Gage and Marina rubbed me the wrong way at the start, both characters were a bit annoying (not as they were written, but how they behaved), I was on pins and needles just waiting for them to erupt.

Two bachelors down and one to go! Monica Murphy created three sexy bachelors that are loaded for us to lust after, and lust we will. Although this story was not necessarily short, it felt like it. I was unable to put it down and with a little over 250 pages, it felt like it went by so quickly. I loved the Drew & Fable story, but have to admit that I like this more adult side of Monica Murphy's writing.

I loved Crave and Torn was just as good, for some reason I have a feeling that Savor will end up being my favorite of the three books. Not sure why, but I think when he falls, he is going to try to fight it just enough that it's going to be explosive when it happens. I can't seem to get enough of anything this author puts out, all I can say is keep'em coming!
Profile Image for ✝✝ Ⓓaisy ❣ ✝✝ .
494 reviews268 followers
November 26, 2013

The second book in the series after Archer..... well who is going down next in this billionaire club?

Of course, it has to be Gage Emerson!

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Gage becomes very interested in purchasing a few block of buildings and goes all out to buy in! What he doesn't realise is his challenge and temptation comes in the form of Marina Knight, the daughter of the owner!

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"Why won't you go to dinner with me?"
"You want the truth"
"Hell yeah, I do"
"You're trouble"

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Another nice smut bedtime read <3

**ARC provided by publisher**
Profile Image for Autumn Review.
1,023 reviews524 followers
November 21, 2013
It's nice having a break heavy emotional books. TORN was fun and sexy! And I'll go ahead and add in romantic too. Sure, it's a romance read, but Gage turned out to be more of a romantic than I would have guessed. It was nice to see a bit of wooing.

After reading Crave a few months back, I was anxious to know more about Gage. He seemed to be a shark in business and with the ladies. What I found was a sweet, sexy man who also knows the art of courting his lady. But, he never pictured himself getting sucked into a relationship. Especially with someone who he's trying to work with. Or, I should say, with someone who is linked to the family he wants to buy out. From the moment Gage meets Marina, he feels like he's been struck my lightening. And he doesn't recognize her right away, so he doesn't really know she's part of the family he wants to buy out. That mystery is quickly solved though, but now Gage has to figure out how to manage getting the girl to actually like him and finish his business deal. There is no question that there's a physical attraction, but Marina doesn't make things easy on Gage.

Now Marina...she wasn't very nice to Gage in the beginning. I mean, I got it, but I did think she was a tad bit harsh at times. She was trying to protect her family and her own business, AUTUMN HARVEST (loved this), since it's linked to the family business. And she felt conflicted about her feelings for Gage. However, once their relationship started she did warm up to him. This is actually the only part of the book that I had a bit of an issue with. It seemed that she was really hard on him and they started having sex, which was hot, and then all of a sudden she was acting like a smitten school girl. I think I just needed to see a bit more transition from the bitter woman into the love sick woman. In the end though, I did like Marina. She truly cared for Gage and I also loved that she and Ivy became good friends too.

Overall, Torn was nice tasty treat. I love that these high powered men, who've made this silly bet, are falling hard core for these equally strong women. Which brings up the next book, which features Matt. I had forgotten that Matt had been an athlete at one time and likely the hardest sell on falling in love. I'm excited to see what challenge he faces to win his love. I think I know who the girl will be and it's sure to make things interesting!

I'm a solid Monica Murphy fan and she's definitely a go-to author for me when I'm looking for something sexy! Definitely check this series out!

Quotes:
~"I can help you with whatever you want."

Her gaze narrows. "You say things like that, and it sounds sexual."

Guess this attraction between is isn't all one-sided. Good news. Just looking at her and I want to touch her. Run my fingers through her hair. Drop a soft kiss to her very kissable mouth. She might punch me if I try though. Can't push her too hard. "I guess I can't help but think of sex when I'm near you."-Loc 451

~Whether it's good or bad. Whether I want to know her response or not, I need to hear it. For once in my life, I want to leave myself vulnerable when it comes to a woman. But only for this woman. She has me so twisted up in knots I don't know if I'll ever be able to unravel them.

I don't know if I want to either.-Loc 752
Profile Image for Letitia.
499 reviews124 followers
November 11, 2013
Rating: B ... Heat: Hot

Marina Knight is worried about her and her aunt’s bakery—business has been pretty slow and it’s not picking up. Marina's afraid her dad will sell the whole strip of buildings he owns, bakery included, before she gets a chance to turn it around. Especially since Gage Emerson is very interested in the properties.

Gage Emerson, real estate mogul, has been buying up property all over Napa Valley. Which has made him one of the most disliked persons in the area but he's still trying to make it a home. When he meets Marina at a dinner party, sparks fly—the good and the bad kind. Add in the fact that she doesn't melt like putty in his hands and he is more than intrigued.

Gage and Marina fight and fight and fight. Gage wants her family's property and Marina is angry about it. Not that I blame her. Her family isn't the most supportive of her business, or act like they even believe in her. All she wants is a chance to prove herself and Gage is trying to take that chance away. I just wish the mean words and actions hadn't gone on for so long. It dragged the pace of the story down and, honestly, made both characters a bit unlikeable. It also led to some predictable drama at the end.

All that said, it did manage to pull on my heart strings and make me tear up. Plus, Gage is darn sexy. These two have some smoking hot scenes, period. My favorite involves a sports car, high speeds, and a roadside quickie. One of my favorite things is how full Torn is of deliciously sexy scenes—none of which are the same ol’, same ol’ that can feel redundant after a while. And, even though both characters are not always on their best behavior, they did manage to worm their way into my heart.

-- A Romantic Book Affairs Review.

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Profile Image for Anncleire.
1,335 reviews98 followers
November 19, 2013
Book Launch on my blog November 19th
Review + Except + Giveaway
http://pleaseanotherbook.tumblr.com/p...



“Torn” è uno di quei libri che volevo leggere quando sapevo che esisteva, appena finito “Crave” il primo volume della serie "Billionaire Bachelors Club”. Oggi festeggiamo il book launch, grazie a InkSlinger PR, ma io vi regalo anche la mia recensione grazie a Edelweiss, Harper Collins e Avon Books, che mi hanno concesso la meravigliosa occasione di leggere il libro in anteprima. E posso dirvi, che nonostante l’apparente impianto da romance classica è un libro che vi farà impazzire, perché veramente super sexy e passionale.


Marina Knight è andata a quel party solo per un motivo: schiaffeggiare Gage Emerson. Intenzionato a conquistare le proprietà immobiliari della sua famiglia, il sexy uomo d’affari è sull’orlo di farsi un nemico per la vita – anche se può farla sciogliere con un solo bacio…
Quando Gage scopre che la seducente donna di fronte a lui è la chiave per la sua ultima acquisizione, chiamarla sua immediatamente non sembra così semplice. Per ottenere quello che vuole, deve conoscere la fiera donna che vuole affrontarlo – mentre gli ruba il cuore.
La persistenza di Gage e intensa passione si scontra con la determinazione di Marina di proteggere la sua famiglia. Mentre si buttano in una relazione che non avevano visto accadere, Marina è divisa: perderà il suo cuore per darlo a Gage o tutto quello a cui tiene?


Questa è una delle classiche contemporary romance che ci offrono oggigiorno. Lui ricco e intraprendente, bellissimo e irresistibile, lei bellissima, intraprendente, anche se un po’ ingenua e determinata. I personaggi sono quelli, ma la Murphy è capace, in poche pagine di rendere la storia emozionante, fresca e indimenticabile. Le vicende, che vengono narrate da entrambi i protagonisti in prima persona, alternando i punti di vista, si svolgono nell’arco di un paio di mesi, ma l’attrazione tra i due è talmente forte che si supera tutto. Il libro non è particolarmente lungo, si legge in un soffio e ci si immerge subito nella tensione sessuale che si scatena tra i due protagonisti e che non lascia tregua, a cominciare dal primo incontro.
Marina, la manager della pasticceria di famiglia, in cui la zia Gina crea dolci meraviglie, è intenzionata a portare avanti l’attività a qualunque costo. Dalla lunga massa di capelli biondi, ventitreenne, è considerata la pecora nera della famiglia perché ancora non è convolata a nozze. Dedita al lavoro, ha trascurato la sua vita privata, per salvare la sua adorata pasticceria, anche se questo significa rinunciare ad avere una relazione. Forte, la piccola di casa, i genitori la vogliono felice, salvo poi suggerirle cosa fare. Ma Marina non si lascia mettere i piedi in testa da nessuno, tanto meno dal morgul dell’imprenditoria edilizia, venuto da San Francisco e che si impone sul mercato della Napa Valley come se non ci fosse un domani. Marina non è facilmente impressionabile, anche se Gage è un uomo che non lascia indifferenti:
“Too handsome is more like it. All that dark hair with gold, the intense hazel eyes, rugged bone structure and too tempting mouth – he is definitely gorgeous. Not to mention that amazing body and big ol’…” Con una descrizione del genere come si può rinunciare ad un tale esemplare d’uomo? E infatti Marina non può non cedergli. Ma Gage non è solo un bellissimo corpo e un playboy patentato. È il fratello di Ivy, e il migliore amico di Archer, i protagonisti del primo libro, e ha molto più da dire che non una semplice mossa di fianchi. Tenero, passionale, si accorge subito del vero valore di Marina ed è intenzionato a farla felice. Inizialmente è confuso, non sa cosa pensare, è totalmente impreparato a cedere ad una donna, ad averla continuamente nei pensieri e non solo nel letto, ma ad impegnarsi in prima persona per renderla felice. Paziente, determinato e assolutamente irresistibile, Gage è uno di quei ragazzi che ti colpisce per il fisico scolpito e poi ti conquista con il cuore, le attenzioni e la sua passione per le macchine veloci…e una certa Maserati troverà un posto d’onore nella collezione di Gage. Pur essendo molto simile a Archer, Gage è diverso. È sempre stato quello responsabile, quello che ripulisce i casini creati dall’amico e anche se gli passa minimamente per la testa la storia della scommessa con Matt, pure questa è marginale rispetto ad altri problemi e incomprensioni che nascono con tra lui e Marina.
Pur se compaiono personaggi secondari, questi non sono particolarmente rilevanti, eccezion fatta per zia Gina che io ho trovato assolutamente irresistibile con i suoi soprannomi per Gage e la sua abilità nel far torte…della serie ne voglio una anche io.

Il particolare da non dimenticare? Delle zucche decorative…

Una romance senza complicazioni, da leggere in un soffio e in cui immergersi completamente senza tirarsi indietro e amando ogni singola pagina. Marina e Gage offrono una storia spettacolare, senza questioni complicate e solo con lo spirito di essere insiemi. Io intanto aspetto “Savor” il terzo e ultimo volume della serie, con protagonista Matt, in uscita a gennaio 2014, che come mi ha scritto la Murphy su Twitter, ha la sua eroina preferita per protagonista.
Buona lettura guys!


Ringrazio immensamente Edelweiss, Avon Books e HarperCollins per avermi concesso l’opportunità di leggere questo libro in anteprima, in cambio della mia onesta opinione. E InkSlinger PR per avermi permesso di partecipare al Book Launch.
Profile Image for CrazyForRomance.
1,713 reviews253 followers
June 30, 2015
Per prima cosa, accenniamo brevemente a quanto già detto nella recensione del primo volumeNon posso fare a meno di te di questa serie.
description
In originale è pubblicata in un segmento diverso rispetto a quello previsto in Italia, si trova cioè nel genere che in Italia è rappresentato da Harmony; perciò è importante approcciarsi alla lettura di questi romanzi tenendo bene in mente la cosa.
Questo genere di romanzi presentano caratteristiche ben definite tra cui la brevità e la semplicità delle storie.
In questo volume arriva il turno di Gage Emerson, che mentre è impegnato in una nuova acquisizione per la sua attività, lavora infatti nel campo immobiliare, incontra sulla sua strada Marina Knight.
La famiglia di Marina è una delle più importanti della Napa Valley e di origine italiana, ma purtroppo naviga in cattive acque e Gage ha intenzione di fare un’offerta per alcune delle sue proprietà, tra cui la pasticceria che gestisce Marina.
Intenzionata a conoscere il suo nemico, Marina si reca ad una festa per affrontare Gage, peccato che nessuno dei due sarà preparato all’ incredibile attrazione fisica che scatterà tra i due.
Da qui parte la storia e la complicata relazione di Gage e Marina, sempre in bilico tra odio e attrazione fisica.
È davvero divertente leggere di questi siparietti in cui proprio non riescono a parlare senza mettersi a litigare, anche per colpa di Gage che quando si trova davanti a Marina non riesce a controllarsi e ad evitare di dire qualcosa di inappropriato o offensivo.
Naturalmente l’odio non è mai stato un deterrente allo scoppio della passione, e sarà così anche per la nostra coppia che comincerà una relazione appassionata che crescerà di giorno in giorno.
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CrazyforRomance
Profile Image for Megan.
354 reviews47 followers
November 5, 2013
This book is the second in the Billionaire Bachelors Cub series. While it is loosely connected to the first book in the series, Crave, it can be read as a stand alone.

Marina and Gage have a very tumultuous relationship in the beginning. One minute they can’t keep their hands off each other and the next they are angry and hurling insults. Once they both realize they like care for one another, things calm down quite a bit. There is a pretty large gap that get skipped, about a month, and we don’t see their relationship in this time. We see them fighting and thinking maybe they would be together and then, bam! straight to them being a full fledged couple and perfectly content in the relationship. I would have liked to see them grow together to get to that point.

There are some very steamy scenes between Marina and Gage. When they get together one touch is enough to get them going so they get creative. We don’t get a lot of scenes because, as I mentioned, we don’t see a large chunk of their relationship but what we do see is hot.

There were some times when the point of view would change, it is first person POV from both Marina and Gage but it is very clear who is speaking. However, sometimes when the POV would switch, the emotions and actions of the characters wouldn’t always seem consistent. I don’t mind the POV switching but I don’t like the characters to change their tune so completely from one second to the next.

We see quite a bit of the main characters from Crave, Ivy and Archer. We get a little update on them but it doesn’t detract from Marina and Gage. It would also not confuse anyone that hasn’t read the first book. However, we don’t see the other best friend, Matt, at all. His will probably be the next story. Right now he is winning the bet (a last bachelor standing bet for a million dollars) but that could change in his book.
Profile Image for Reader.
1,195 reviews91 followers
November 20, 2013
GAGE

Three men, friends that made a bet a million dollars to the last man standing. In book one we've already read about Archer and Ivy, this time it's Gage's turn.

Gage is after acquiring some property from Marina Knight's father. But Mr. Knight is proving elusive. When Gage meets Marina he intends to use her to get to her father, but Marina wants something from Gage as well. But neither had planned on the red hot attraction between them both.

This second book is ever better than the first IMO. Gage was sexy as hell, but endearing and vulnerable. Marina is desperate to keep the bakery that she and her Aunt Gina run. She can't allow Gage to be a distraction. What I liked about this was how the author managed to inject real emotion and tension into the story, and lets not forget the really hot sex. The scene in the kitchen was really sexy. Next up is Matt the last of the friends, can't wait to read his story which I believe is out January 2014.
Profile Image for Lisa.
904 reviews1,254 followers
January 3, 2015
3 “Boy Toy” Kisses

I had a feeling these devious little billionaire bad boys were going to be the death of me and I was so right. I feel the same way about Torn that I did about Crave . I loved the premise...I love the characters...it's just a cocktail for fun! There is just something to be said about a man...that when he meets the right woman...and everything just clicks...I dunno, I can’t help but love it. And I loved a lot about Gage and Marina.

Gage Emerson...his name just exudes sex for me. And so does he...brown hair tinged with gold, piercing green eyes, delicious body, the power and respect that he commands...plus he owns a shit ton of hot expensive cars. He’s intimidating and captivating, smart and business savy, he’s calm and patient to Archer’s impulsiveness…he’s very controlled and contained. Then the icing on the cake that is Gage - he's a fantabulous big brother...and I'm in official swoon-vile over Mr. Emerson. He's also never been in love...he doesn't really do relationships...he's never really encountered anyone that challenged him or made him want that...until Marina. I loved that she completely turned Gage into the exact opposite of everything he has ever been…that’s the kind of stuff that makes me smile. A lot.

‘He’s just a man, I remind myself. A dreamy, sexy man, in that polished, overtly masculine, deliciously commanding way that I don’t normally find myself drawn to, but…hmm.
A girl is always allowed to change her mind.’

Now Marina Knight is Italian - do not let the last name, blonde hair and blue eyes fool you. That pretty little package comes with the spicy little personality and attitude you get from being raised by full blown Italian women. I really enjoyed Marina because she was no-nonsense. She knew what she wanted out of life...she’s 23, a college grad and she’s come back home to work in the families bakery - the one place where she feels most at home, even if the business has seen better days. She is very, very close with her family and being Italian, that is one thing she has been raised to understand – family means everything. Marina is strong willed, she's smart and she's confident and you will not see that more evident than in her interactions with Gage.



‘All I could think about was…her.
She’s consuming my thoughts. I never let a woman do that to me, and I can’t believe how fast my attraction for her has grown. I like everything about her, even how much she seems to hate me.’

I loved how combustible these two were...it was like an electric current and they just had that connection that set things off. It was always hot and passionate...whether positive or negative. Marina never took any of Gage's shit and Gage always seemed to stick his foot in his mouth around Marina. And I loved it every time he did. They completely threw each other off…they didn’t want to like each other but denying the sexual chemistry was absolutely useless. And speaking of chemistry, I couldn't get enough of it! But…I did feel a little cheated, similar to the way I felt with Crave. The whole month they are together officially as a couple is skipped… in fact, finding out they are together is second knowledge because the chapter ends with them kind of in an in-between stage and then the next one opens up and it's like...oh yeah it's been a month and they are in a relationship. I was a little disappointed because…that was pretty crucial and given the fact that they were fighting the relationship aspect anyways…I kind of had readers jump. I liked that they were together, don’t get me wrong but…I needed a little more info then just to be told.



‘Excitement pulses through my veins. I can’t belive I’m doing this. It’s a mistake. I know it, and I’m sure he knows it too, but there’s something about him I can’t resist. The way he looks at me, the things he says, the way I feel when I’m in his arms, his mouth on mine, our tongues tangling…
He’s irresistible. And I’m tired of fighting it. Fighting with him.’

I crave seeing that build of what makes a couple a couple and I didn't get that with Gage and Marina. With Ivy and Archer it was established - they grew up together, they knew each other but Marina and Gage were basically strangers, we get to see their first meeting at the start of the book. And it's a pity too because as much as they fought it, Marina and Gage did have a lot in common and even from the little we got to see the two of them together as a couple, that one thing was evident. Also I felt like we were kind of left hanging a bit with Marinas mother...that was a pretty big lose end considering she was part of the cause of why they broke up...I would have liked to see her reaction in the end. The angst...like Crave...was relatively minimal, which I didn’t mind too much. I think both of them were being stubborn but...that's very realistic to their characters. There was more angst built into them finally getting together then there was in them reuniting though.

‘Damn it. That’s what I thought. And I hate that I feel lthis way, like I’m using her. Getting to know her, kissing her, having sex with her…it’s changed everything. The power has shifted between us.
Not that I ever really believed I held the power when it came to Marin and me. She’s been tough on me since the first moment we met.
And I like it.’

I make it no secret that I love series books…for many reasons, the biggest one being that you still get to see the original characters and each book builds on the original story line…so while you’re falling in love with a new couple, you’re still getting the other characters that you love just as much. Honestly, it’s hard not to compare Crave to Torn, and…honestly, Archer and Ivy were hot but damn...Gage and Marina were hotter. Lots of exhibitionism-ish style stuff...I never knew when or where the mood might hit them, which was...like I said- hot! I loved the spontaneity and sexiness of it, it was part of their pull and connection, it was just part of what made them a couple...their passion and desire for each other was their initial connection. It's obviously not everything that made them who they are, but it was hard not to be sucked in by it.



‘Sometimes, when you know, you just know.’

The Billionaire Bachelors Club series is a great blend of a loveable heroine, drool worthy bbf, a touch of angst, a lot of steam and a fabulous HEA. And I can't lie - I think Matt might be my fav. I feel like we’ve barely scratched the surface because he’s always been in the background, I get just enough to want more of him. Matt’s definitely the hard nut to crack...the last one to fall...and the story with Bryn has me super excited for Savor.


Profile Image for ☕️Kimberly  (Caffeinated Reviewer).
3,586 reviews784 followers
April 19, 2014
My date with Torn:
First date: We meet Marina Knight, who is struggling to keep her bakery Autumn Harvest above water. She is attending a local event when she meets the irresistible Gage Emerson. He is an outsider who has been buying up local real estate. Marina knows he has been trying to contact her father to buy the property he owns, and she hates him for it. Ooo but there are sparks and Marina’s panties are wet just from looking at him…that is till he opens his mouth and inserts his foot. Men.

Second date: flowers, banter, an apology and some wickedly hot scenes that had the pages curling from the heat. I like Marina and Gage and both claim they are using the other to obtain career goals but the sexual tension and heated banter had me saying, “Liar, liar, pants on fire” Had an interesting adventure in a sports car that left me a tad breathless. *evil grins*

Third date: Hot cars, secret deals, tears, and angst have me flipping the pages. Will Gage and Marina get their happy? What the heck is wrong with Marina’s mother? Worst parental advice ever! Someone give that woman some wine. Surprises and tender moments had me smiling by the end of this date.

Torn was a fun addition to this series with a romance that was very steamy, fun and kept me engaged. The romance went from zero-to sixty, but the characters were likable making me swallow the little blue pill and enjoy the ride. Torn offers a fast paced tale that will offer you the perfect afternoon escape. The final book is Savor and is currently available.

Copy received from publisher in exchange for unbiased review that originally published @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Profile Image for Janey.
1,317 reviews
November 25, 2013
3.5 stars

The 2nd of this series, we are introduced to Gage Emerson and Marina Knight.

Marina runs the Autumn Harvest Bakery, alongside her Aunt Gina, who makes the most delish cakes. Finances have been difficult lately, and word has spread that a new investor in town would like to buy up the Bakery, along with the surrounding commercial buildings that Marina's respected family currently own.

A wine & food tasting evening was guaranteed to bring the rumoured investor out of the woodwork, so Marina could approach and question this greedy, vulture...Gage Emerson.

Whilst their initial meeting enabled Marina to get her point across about how she felt about Gage's impersonal business dealings, their immediate chemistry was undeniable.

I always enjoy a good billionaire story, and I found this one to be satisfactory. I'm trying to put my finger on what didn't wow me about this story, and I've just come to the conclusion that the writing style just doesn't engage me. All the elements are there for a successful story, but I just feel there was something missing for me. I felt this about Crave also, but it won't stop me reading further, as I have thoroughly enjoyed other books from this author.
Profile Image for Makeba Stewart.
935 reviews19 followers
July 27, 2017
This love story is of Marina and Gage. At first Gage wanted her real estate, it was top priority, until he met her. I enjoyed this sweet love story and the characters within. The sex scenes were steamy and the sexual tension was good, as well as the story line and characters. This was a good reads.
Profile Image for Isa.
390 reviews13 followers
July 28, 2024
"𝐄𝒍𝒊́𝒈𝒆𝒎𝒆" es una novela que explora con sutileza las complejidades del amor en medio de la rivalidad, un tema que destaca con una intensidad palpable. A través de las vidas de sus protagonistas, Marina y Gage, Monica nos sumerge en un torbellino emocional donde la búsqueda de poder y la lucha por la protección familiar chocan con el deseo y la vulnerabilidad.

Desde el inicio, la autora establece un escenario cargado de tensión. Marina, una mujer decidida y apasionada, representa la lucha de muchas personas que ven sus sueños amenazados. Su motivación por proteger el imperio inmobiliario de su familia no solo habla de su lealtad, sino también de la presión que siente por cumplir con las expectativas familiares. En contraste, Gage Emerson es presentado como el antagonista carismático que, aunque provoca la furia de Marina, también incita en ella una atracción irresistible. Esta dualidad en sus personajes es clave, ya que observamos como su relación va más allá de lo superficial.

Un aspecto notable es la habilidad de Monica para construir una tensión sexual que atrapa. Desde el primer encuentro entre Marina y Gage, puedes sentir la química electrizante entre ambos, así como la resistencia de Marina a dejarse llevar. Esta dinámica de enemies to lovers es ejecutada a la perfección; cada obstáculo que se presenta se convierte en una oportunidad para el desarrollo de sus personajes y la exploración de sus motivaciones y deseos.

La narrativa no se limita a un simple desarrollo amoroso o s€x✓al. La autora se adentra en los dilemas éticos que surgen cuando las ambiciones personales chocan con las lealtades familiares. Este conflicto se convierte en el núcleo emocional de la historia, y te encuentras cuestionando qué harías en una situación similar. Marina se enfrenta a la difícil decisión de seguir su corazón o defender lo que considera un deber. El plus de la autora radica en presentarnos los matices de esta elección, sin ofrecer respuestas fáciles.

Es importante resaltar la prosa fluida y cercana que utiliza la autora. Su estilo permite que conectes rápidamente con las emociones de los personajes, evocando empatía y reflexión. Las descripciones vívidas de las escenas fogosas, acompañadas de la tensión palpable, te sumergen en un mundo donde cada beso y cada enfrentamiento se sienten reales y urgentes.

Los secundarios también aportan un valor significativo a la narración. Aunque el enfoque principal radica en la compleja relación entre Marina y Gage, los personajes secundarios añaden riqueza al contexto y permiten profundizar en la historia familiar de Marina. Las interacciones con sus seres queridos ofrecen un vistazo a las dinámicas familiares y a las expectativas que pesan sobre ella, enriqueciendo la trama de una manera que refleja las luchas diarias de muchas personas en el mundo real.

Esta novela no es solo una historia de amor; es un relato sobre el sacrificio, la ambición y la búsqueda de identidad. Al final, la autora nos deja reflexionando sobre la naturaleza del amor y el significado del compromiso, así como sobre las decisiones que inevitablemente cambian el rumbo de nuestras vidas.

💬ñEn definitiva, "𝐄𝒍𝒊́𝒈𝒆𝒎𝒆" es una novela que combina el romance explosivo con dilemas morales que van más allá de la ficción. Monica nos regala una historia que, con su prosa envolvente y sus personajes bien delineados, asegura mantenerte a la expectativa hasta el final. Un viaje emocionante donde el amor desafía las adversidades y donde cada elección tiene su peso. Sin duda, es una lectura recomendable para quienes buscan una narrativa que una el corazón y la razón de manera fantástica.
Profile Image for Tori.
2,844 reviews474 followers
December 4, 2013
Originally posted at http://smexybooks.com/2013/12/review-...

Favorite Quote: “I want to completely give in to sin and not worry about the consequences.”

Marina Knight came to this party for one thing only: to slap Gage Emerson in the face. Poised to snatch up her family’s real estate empire, the sexy tycoon is on the verge of making an enemy for life—even if he can make her melt with a single kiss …

When Gage discovers that the alluring woman before him is the key to his latest acquisition, claiming her as his suddenly doesn’t seem quite so cut-and-dried. To get what he wants, he must get to know the fierce woman willing to face him down—as she steadily steals his heart.

Gage’s persistence and intense passion war with Marina’s determination to protect her family. As they delve deeper into an affair they didn’t see coming, Marina’s torn: Will she lose her heart to Gage—or everything she holds dear? (Goodreads)

Monica Murphy’s Billionaire Bachelor Club trilogy is based on a trio of commitment shy billionaires who make a million dollar bet. The last man standing wins one million dollars. Crave, book one, is Archer Bancroft’s story. He is the first to lose the bet but his loss is really his gain in the form of Ivy Emerson, his soon to be wife.

Torn, second in the Billionaire Bachelors Club series, is an enemies to lovers trope. Gage Emerson, Ivy’s brother, is a successful real estate tycoon and he has been steadily buying up Napa Valley. He has his eye on some some prime real estate that the Molina family owns and isn’t above using their money issues against them to get it. The Molina’s are considered royalty in Napa Valley but certain bad investments have made them land rich but cash poor. Marina Knight, a Molina on her mother’s side, runs an organic bakery and wants, no, needs to prove to her family and herself that she can make it a success. Unfortunately, the bakery is one of the key pieces of property Gage wants. When these two hard working driven characters come together, it’s a stunning explosion fueled by lust and hate.

If we didn’t hate each other so much, I’d believe she was made just for me.

Gage is a playboy of the worse kind though he has sworn off ladies at the moment. A workaholic; some past nasty relationships and the need to expand his empire has him placing his business first and foremost. Charming though abrupt and not the best at small talk, he has what I like to refer to as foot in mouth syndrome. Especially when he meets Marina Knight. She comes to a party looking to confront him once she learns he is the one looking to buy up her bakery and the surrounding properties. One look at her and he’s a goner. Especially when she doesn’t play hard to get. In fact, she doesn’t make a play for him at all. As he’s making small talk with her, attempting to get to know her better, he makes the mistake of talking business and inadvertently insults her family. Marina gets angry, storms away, and Gage begins the chase.

I’m the idiot who’s drawn to her despite her obvious hate-or at the very least, disinterest in me.

Not one for over dramatizing or creating overly angst driven story lines, Murphy creates dynamic characters who love, laugh, fight, and experience life to the fullest. Torn hit some of my buttons. Its fast pacing, engaging dialogue, and super steamy love scenes made for enjoyable reading.

Gage and Marina were like oil and water but that only made watching their journey from enemy to lovers more entertaining. There is a lot of friction between them and it heats up more than just the sheets. Gage wants the Knight properties but he wants Marina too. Marina is equally attracted to Gage but she wants to make her bakery a success and protect her family’s legacy. Gage tries to work the alpha dominant mojo in here but it won’t work on Marina. She is independent, stubborn, loyal, and extremely snarky. Gage can’t control or anticipate her and that drives him insane. Gage’s inability to think before he speaks will leave you laughing as he puts his foot in his mouth repeatedly throughout the book. I think everyone winces when he opens his mouth around Marina.

“…I hold my breath, afraid he might say something to ruin the moment. Thank god he keeps his big mouth shut.”

A lot of antagonism ramps up the sexual tension to unbelievable levels as Gage and Marina begin their dance. Their chemistry is off the charts as this couple can only seem to fit when they are making love. There they can forget they are on opposites sides and give in to the craving that consumes them both.

I want to undo those bows and watch her panties fall away from her body. Then I want to get down on my knees and bury my mouth between her legs. I know she’ll taste hot and wild. I wonder how many flicks of my tongue will make her come.

Fuck, I’m beyond eager to find out.


Gage has a hard time understanding what drives Marina. His money and power means nothing to her. She just wants someone to appreciate her for who she is. We watch as they each had to learn to give in order to make their relationship work. Gage had to learn to stop working so hard and just live. He also needed to consider other people’s happiness before his own. Marina needed to learn to let down her walls and trust her own judgment.

Though I enjoyed Torn overall, I would have liked seeing more of them when they weren’t fighting. Their chemistry is HAWT but the emotional side was harder to buy into. This story moves fast and we didn’t have the background that Archer and Ivy did so it felt a little less developed than book one. Plus the misunderstanding the forces them to really look into their feelings for one another was a bit silly to me. Both were wrong but the crimes didn’t warrant the punishment in my opinion. Lack of communication was a huge problem in this couple. The ending is dramatic and resolves into a happy for now for Gage and Marina and clues are given to how our last bachelor will fall and to whom.

Rating: C+
Profile Image for Megan ~The Never Ending Book Basket.
2,362 reviews92 followers
March 4, 2024
This was another great addition to the series! It continued what I loved about the first book and brought that love to a new couple. Marina and Gage definitely get off to a memorable foot, but they are quick to show each other that there is something there between them. Their story is consuming, spicy, and sweet, and it was one that I really enjoyed. I love the connection of all of these characters and how these stories come together. This author does a fantastic job of bringing it all together in a way that works and I’ve really enjoyed getting these characters and their stories.

If you want a well written, quick read, that will give you the spice and the heart and a great story, then you will love this series. It is a great quick read that will give you a lot and I am really enjoying getting what I am with these characters. I cannot wait to get more as I continue this series.
Profile Image for Hermioneginny.
1,366 reviews
April 22, 2021
L'immobiliarista Gage da mesi cerca di avere un incontro con la famiglia Molina Knight. E nel suo primo incontro totalmente casuale con Marina Knight insulta la sua famiglia.
Marina farebbe di tutto per poter continuare a lavorare nella pasticceria della famiglia, ma ilr esto della famiglia vuole venderla.
Un incontro casuale che però farà cambiare molte idee...

Perché gli italiani sono sempre descritti come morbosamente attaccati alla famiglia? E perché non potremmo essere biondi naturali? E perché l'incubo peggiore per una ventitreenne dovrebbe essere quello di diventare grassa? Banale e irritante.
Profile Image for Bookcrazy.
1,091 reviews
February 7, 2017

Marina & Gages Hass/Liebesgeschichte kam nicht an den ersten Band ran.
Vor allem der Beginn wirkte etwas zu konstruiert und gestelzt, wobei ich seine nervöse Art mochte, mit der er alles verbockte. Torn war zwar unterhaltsam und ganz nett, aber auch das Ende hat mir auch nicht so gut gefallen, ich habe mich dabei ertappt ein paar Sätze gegen Ende hin zu überspringen.

2. 5 STerne
Profile Image for Skjoon.
737 reviews17 followers
April 25, 2021
Titel: Torn - Ich begehre dich!
Originaltitel: Torn
Autor: Monica Murphy
Seitenanzahl: 300
Genre: Liebesroman
Teil: 2/3
Verlag: Mira

Ein ganz süßer, kurzweiliger Liebesroman mit sympathischen Protagonisten und einer netten Handlung. Einzig die Liebesgeschichte entwickelte sich für meinen Geschmack viel zu schnell! Ansonsten eine wirklich nette Lektüre für zwischendurch!
Profile Image for Nelly.
177 reviews1 follower
April 9, 2024
Fast forward, dating in benefits of each other. Her dating him becuse she had a proposel for Arthur and him becuse he wanted ti buy the bakery from her family and convince her dad that he’s a good guy.
From not seeing each other for 2 months to being engaged felt weird so not the best ending and very short and rushed relationship overall
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Romina.
8 reviews
November 20, 2025
Hasta el momento de la saga es el que mas me gusto, siento que se supo encontrar una buena trama mas allá de lo que es la historia de amor. Me gusta que sea un libro fácil y rápido de leer, la trama te atrapa y te invita a querer saber la historia de todos.
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