Two years after the apparent murder of the one man Barb Kelly ever loved, a former Marine sniper with a dangerous MC, he’s alive—and he intends to reclaim her heart.
KILLING THE LIE
Barb and Viper had an explosive relationship from the moment they met. She looked past his MC affiliation and saw through his rough and possessive exterior. Then she fell. Hard. Just as she let down the wall around her heart, he was gone. It's taken her nearly two years to feel human again, and she's barely recovered.
Cole Ellett, road name Viper, is back. But his lies remain. Never a member of an outlaw MC. Never murdered. Undercover for the Department of Homeland Security, his job forced him to disappear. But now he's back for Barb, who is everything he’s ever desired. No matter that his life is still in danger and that their relationship was like a house built on sand. No matter that she’s locked her heart away for good. He will reignite her spark and bring back the fire that burns only for him. Theirs is a love that will never die.
A.F. Crowell lives in Charleston, SC with her husband and two sons. They have two dogs, Diesel, a German Shepherd rescue and Dez, a black Labrador Retriever. She shares her love of books with her children, who have a head start on becoming life-long readers.
Romance fiction hit her radar when her husband forced her to watch Twilight one weekend when they were snowed in. That was it! From there her love grew; Contemporary Romance, Paranormal, YA and Dystopian are her preferred reads.
Wow!! Could not wait to read this book after the cliffhanger AF left us with at the end of the last book! Barb and Viper ❤❤❤ Barb with her sassy mouth and alpha Viper were such a great couple. The obstacles that AF gave them...so glad you did this book AF!! awesome job as always!
Ok I've been following AF Crowell since she wrote her first book and have LOVED all of them....and this book was no exception!!!!!! I've always enjoyed Barb and her smart mouth and sassy attitude so of course I was thrilled when she got her own book!!!! Now if you read "His Redemption" you know the BOMB that you were left with at the end which set you up for this book and HOLY CRAP BATMAN it was amazing this book had it all!!! Love, anger, passion and a little bit of resentment but she wrote it all in a way that makes you feel all those emotions and yet you still love all the characters.....This book was such a fun,sassy read that I couldn't put the down...
Voluntarily leaving a review. Fiery and Sass! Love it! I have followed AF Crowell from the beginning and I have not been disappointed with any of her books. Gutted did not disappoint. AF Crowell delivered a story that will actually gut you. Barb and Cole will take you on a ride of emotions and then throw in some suspense and you have one hell of a read. This book is sexy, dirty and full of the best parts of attitude you could ask for in a fabulous read. Well done AF Crowell well done!
Omg what a killer book. I'm gutted. Lol. The way this book draws you in is seriously intense. You can't help but to feel all the emotions flying around. The characters draw you into their story and make you feel like your watching it on the screen. And let me tell you that this series would make an awesome move. There were some crazy shocks that came in this book that blew my mind. It made me so emotional. I was laughing and crying with this book. I hope there is more to the series to come
Wow!! Oh Wow!! Not sure where to really start at, so I will begin with Af Crowell this story is amazing as all the rest. I mean I think this one is one of my favorites. I love how you start everything out and gut you into two. lol. I never let your readers down that's for sure. I can't even begin to start what even is the best part of the book because he hooked me in and gutted me all in one. I love how she gave Barb a sassy attitude and mouth she sure is a spit fire. Cole has definitely met his match with Barb! If your checking out the reviews to see if this is a good read make sure you one click it I promise you will not be disappointed!!
Call off Viper Security, we have located our suspect. Whew! We got quite the cliffy at the end of His Redemption and left our mouth hanging open with the ghost of Christmas past you can say. You don't know if you should be shocked, happy or want to shake AF for putting us through the ringer on this one. AF continues to deliver an outstanding story with mystery that you never see coming in any of her books. She Pushed you to the edge of your seats, she has Pulled you in, she continues to tear us apart (Torn), she redeems you (His Redemption-now called Ripped) after being lost, and she Gutted you while being happy and sad with the resurrection of Viper. Oh, don't you worry you get all these in this story and so much more as well. Barb, who I have loved from the beginning with her smart and sassy mouth gets her story finally told. We see the devastating story of how she portrays herself as OK to the outside world, but inside she is a hot mess and I don't think that is even the right word to describe what she went through. Cole AKA Viper, whom we loved from the beginning as well. He lives his life on lies to protect his job you can say. While we know that only Barb and Jax (mostly Barb though) see a different side to Viper than what is portrayed, we learn why he had to die when he did. Wow, I don't know if I could ever do his job and go through what families have to with being undercover. Just when Barb feels like she is finally getting to a point where she is moving on the best way she knows how, she is granted a gift for Christmas that would have me fainting. You don't know if you should feel happy or torn and wonder what will transpire with her friend, Damon. Damon is a true friend, with the added bonus in their relationship you can say. Viper will stop at nothing to finally get back on track with Barb, even if that means coming out of cover and putting his life and others in danger. Holy batman did we get many twists in here, that you never saw coming and I don't think he did either! But, will Barb's secret destroy their chance at a second chance is the question?! I love that we continued to see the secondary characters as well in this story. I hope that the triple D's get their own story though. Who are the triple D's you say? That would be Drew, Damon and Drake. From beginning to end you are kept on the edge of your seats with this intense mystery that we are waiting to see revealed as well as going through the emotions of what Barb/Cole go through to get the closure they need from each other. You will definitely be Gutted in this book and will be looking to close up your scar at the end. AF has once again given her all in this book and left us emotionally healed you can say for now until she does it again. We will continue coming back for more though because we can't get enough of the venom obviously that AF delivers to us. You do not have to read her other books to read this book, but I highly recommend reading all her books.
Oh. My. Goodness! I can’t I even I missed the fourth instalment of the Torn series, because Gutted reminded me just why I fell in love the first three books. A.F. Crowell has the ability to take a story and make me want more and that’s exactly what happened with Barb and Viper’s story. The man who had whole heartedly stolen Barb’s heart so many years ago is back from what she believes is the dead to claim what is his. Viper had to disappear under strict orders from his superiors and he has much to make up for to the woman he hurt.
4 breath taking dreams
The way these two were described was so vivid that I saw the entire story unfold as though I was there. The story was beautiful, saddening (at times) and so very decadent. Goodness, how many times I cheered as Barb and Viper got together are numerous and I enjoyed seeing them heal one another and become stronger as a pair than they ever were individually. Is this the end of the Torn series? It could be, or maybe A.F. Crowell will surprise her readers with more, but one thing is certain: should it be the end, Gutted was the perfect ending to what is an amazing series worth sinking your teeth into and i can’t wait to see what else she’ll come up with.
***ARC provided in exchange for an honest review - Naomi / Scandalous Book Blog***
After the massive cliffhanger at the end of the last book, I couldn't wait to get my hands on Barb's book and get answers. This book had it all and I was hooked. AF Crowell has a special way of writing and you feel everything. Gutted left me an emotional wreck and I LOVED IT!!!
Barb is sassy and fun on the outside but inside she is a mess. She has lost so much in a short space of time that she struggles to put one foot infront of the other. Just when she can finally see a light at the end of the tunnel, she gets the biggest shock of her life. Filled with resentment and anger she tries to push the only man she has loved away. He broke her and left her alone, not only that there is so much he doesn't know and things will never be the same again...SHE will never be the same again.
Cole (Viper) had no option to die when he did but now he is back and he wants his woman. Not everything is as it seems and he has alot of making up to do. Once he explains the why's to his alleged death he also has to explain why he is back.
This is no easy ride for the couple, the more he pushes the more she pulls back but it is very apparent the love they shared is still there. But trouble is coming for Cole and him main priority now is making a future with hit true love.
Can Barb forgive him? Will she tell him all her secrets and if so can he deal with them? When trouble comes will he be able to protect them both?
Gutted is Barb's story. If you followed from the beginning of the Torn Series you know that Barb is Leila's friend and coworker. She has feelings for Viper. Feelings she never got to share with Viper. Viper ends up shot and he died and well this story has a shocker. Barb is a smart, intelligent, feisty, sassy character. Her world came to an end when her love, Viper died. For two years she was lonely. Then on Christmas there was a knock on the door and she got the shock of her life. Viper who's name is Cole is back! He has to explain everything and it takes time. Barb is truly “gutted”. What a perfect title if you ask me!
AF Crowell is an amazing talented writer who in my opinion can make readers get sucked into her books. Sometimes it's like I'm right there with the characters. I couldn't wait to read this book and it doesn't disappoint!
This story had so many feels to it. I cried,smiled, laughed, made a frown face. My oh my, if you haven't heard of AF Crowell or whatever the case may be please start from the beginning and read The Torn Series. There was tension, compassion, action.
My favorite part of this book is when Barb and Cole went to Disney!
This quote made me laugh: “Whoa, buddy,” This aint taxi cab confessions No BJ's in the cab man.”
“I left her in the living room with Logan. I figured it would be as good as tying her to the chair. She can't just walk away if we're out here.”
Gutted by A.F Crowell a gut wrenching five star read. This is the fifth book in the torn series, and what a book, it may be my favourite of the series. We have had a roller-coaster ride, and just when you thought it was the lowest dip, we seem to get a massive high. A.F Crowell writes pages that read themselves, the words leap off the page at you, and the characters don’t stop shouting at you when you put the book down. Barbara Reagan Kelly was just a nurse, lives a simple life, she enjoyed sex and getting together with friends, then she meets a guy in a dive bar and her life changes forever, a little while later the bottom falls out of her world as he gets shot and killed. That man was Cole Storm Ellett who went by many other names, Viper being his road name and Captain being a term of endearment Babs calls him. But I suspect he is known by several other names as he works Undercover for the department of Homeland security, something Babs didn’t known when he died. Babs fell hard, and they had a passionate relationship, the only thing was Babs never told him she loves her, and she has wished for a do over ever since. Only problem is he turns up alive, just as she is getting over him. Will she ever get over the heart break, and will the secrets they keep be too much, will they keep them apart? Or will they finally be honest with one another and admit the secrets they kept from each other. One thing is for certain that he won’t ever let her go, he was forced to leave her at one time by circumstances beyond his control, but no more, no matter what, he won’t leave her again.
HEA that I didn't see coming at all. This was a great way to end the series of the best series I've read all year long.!. I was hooked on Barb and Cole's story. AF'S books always have the perfect mixture of laughter, tears, suspense, and heart swelling moments. This book was no different. I am seriously going to miss all these characters. Everyone got their happily ever afters but it took some time to get there. Can't wait to see what AF has in store for us next.
Voluntarily read and reviewed this book for my honest opinion.
Omg what a killer book. I'm gutted. Lol. The way this book draws you in is seriously intense. You can't help but to feel all the emotions flying around. The characters draw you into their story and make you feel like your watching it on the screen. And let me tell you that this series would make an awesome move. There were some crazy shocks that came in this book that blew my mind. It made me so emotional. I was laughing and crying with this book. I hope there is more to the series to come
Received a review copy. A new to me author, with a lovely little gem to start off with. A second chance romance, that's also the fifth in the series. Can be read as a standalone, but wish I'd of read the others first. Some great characters in this series, that seem like a great bunch to get to know.
Barbara Kelly and Cole Ellett aka Viper will take you to one epic journey.
We knew hell was gonna get loose once Viper came back from the "dead" but never did we expected to see him fighting so hard to keep Barb out of harms way and keep her love for him alive once and for all.
This two passionate people will show you how hard their love and loyalty is for one another. We knew this story would be one heck of a story but never did I imagine it would be EPIC.
If you don't know Barb and Viper then you must read the Torn Series as the name describes it it will leave you torn with each book but never the less it will make you a fan of each character. I love it and you will too.
Finally, our Barb gets her story! Who doesn't love a fierce red head who is loyal to the end. I have loved Barb from the very beginning when we first met her as the friend of Leila in book 1, Pushed. She was always there, helping her friend through the good and the bad. It is also where we get to see Barb and Viper's relationship grow, a secret one, but a significant one. So when Viper is killed in book 2 Pulled, and poor Barb is left in shambles, only she truly knows the hell she is in without the one man that she finally allowed herself to love. Barb has moved on with her life without Viper. In her mind he is dead, but her heart and soul yearns for him. Barb being Barb, she covers up her pain in mindless sex and alcohol. Right when she is finally accepting that he is gone, BOOM here comes Viper walking back into her life,. What?!?!?!? Viper death was a hoax. He survived being shot and continued staying undercover to keep the people he cared about safe. But two years have passed and Viper is ready to reclaim his life with Barb. Barb is hurt and angry that Viper chose his work over her. She is angry that she mourned him when all this time he was alive. Poor Viper has his work cut out for him to get Barb to trust him again and allow LOVE back into their lives. He will stop at nothing. However danger still lurks in the shadows threatening those that are dear to Viper. Can Viper convince Barb to give him another chance? Can Barb trust Viper enough to open herself up and allow the love she has for him to consume her? In the end, will Viper and Barb survive the danger that threatens them so they can finally have their happily ever after? A.F. Crowell your amazing! Gutted is the perfect conclusion to the Torn series.
Finally, our Barb gets her story! Who doesn't love a fierce red head who is loyal to the end. I have loved Barb from the very beginning when we first met her as the friend of Leila in book 1, Pushed. She was always there, helping her friend through the good and the bad. It is also where we get to see Barb and Viper's relationship grow, a secret one, but a significant one. So when Viper is killed in book 2 Pulled, and poor Barb is left in shambles, only she truly knows the hell she is in without the one man that she finally allowed herself to love. Barb has moved on with her life without Viper. In her mind he is dead, but her heart and soul yearns for him. Barb being Barb, she covers up her pain in mindless sex and alcohol. Right when she is finally accepting that he is gone, BOOM here comes Viper walking back into her life,. What?!?!?!? Viper death was a hoax. He survived being shot and continued staying undercover to keep the people he cared about safe. But two years have passed and Viper is ready to reclaim his life with Barb. Barb is hurt and angry that Viper chose his work over her. She is angry that she mourned him when all this time he was alive. Poor Viper has his work cut out for him to get Barb to trust him again and allow LOVE back into their lives. He will stop at nothing. However danger still lurks in the shadows threatening those that are dear to Viper. Can Viper convince Barb to give him another chance? Can Barb trust Viper enough to open herself up and allow the love she has for him to consume her? In the end, will Viper and Barb survive the danger that threatens them so they can finally have their happily ever after? A.F. Crowell your amazing! Gutted is the perfect conclusion to the Torn series.
After being left with the massive cliffy in book 4, Viper is back (not that I believed he was gone). Can Barb get passed the lies & deceit that left her heartbroken almost 2 years ago?
Loved this book, can't wait to see what's next for AF Crowell.
I have been a fan of this authors from the begining. This story of Barb's and Cole'(Viper) was filled with mystery, suspense and some great heart wrenching moments. After believing Cole died Barb had a terriable time coping with the loss but it isn't until mid way through the book do we find out Coles loss isn't the only thing Barb lost. Cole lost two years of his life for his job, back and more determinted than ever to make things right with Barb he does whatever it takes to make her see that with him forever is where she belongs. This book is so good and the characters were written flawlesly. I enjoyed getting to know these characters and seeing them get their HEA.
Love, love AF Crowell and this series since the first book. I loved Barb and Viper when they were introduced as Jax and Leila's best friends and now getting their own book was something I have been excited about for awhile.
Barb is broken and has been every since Viper died in a shootout 2 years ago. Now he is back from the dead and wants Barb and his life back. What he didn't count on was his fiery redhead's anger and hurt that he didn't trust her. Now the guys who thought had killed him also know he is back and are after him and Barb. Can he convince her to leave with him in order to save her life and to help bring down the cartel who wants him dead?
I have read Ms Crowell's books since her first novel and her writing keeps getting better and better after every book. Gutted is fast paced, with great dialog that's both witty and truthful. The pain both Barb and Viper have gone through is something you feel at every turn. Their is plenty of action and boy when Viper and Barb finally come together the heat comes right through the page. We do get to see Jax and Leila again which was great along with other characters from the first 4 books, but this is completely Barb and Viper`s story through and through.
What an amazing book I went through every emotion during this read my heart broke for both characters because of all that they went through . I loved Barb and Viper they were such a great couple had off the charts chemistry even though the h fought it with a good reason I still wanted to forgive him for her but it was understandable why and when she agrees to go out to dinner with him I was super giddy . When we find out the pain that the h went through I felt like crying it was truly gut wrenching. Barb is such a cool leading lady she's no pushover , funny, beautiful ,and confident . Now Viper was super hot and swoon worthy I literally wanted to jump his bones he tries so hard for the h to forgive him . I'm such a huge fan of this author I can't wait to read more from . copy provided for honest review **************************************** hero = 10 heroine = 10 secondary characters = 10 chemistry = 10 steam = 10 character development = 10 pacing = 10 enjoyment =10 writing style =10 storyline =10 romance =10 darkness level =6 humor =7 pov= dual ending = HEA cover =10 stars = 5+ author = 10+ would I recommend this book =yes would I re read this book = yes would I read future books by this author = yes
I haven't read any other books in this series but was able to read this as a stand-alone. I'm guessing there are a few spoilers but know i will still enjoy catching up on the series.
I loved that Barb didn't instantly forgive Colt/Viper and also that Viper was the one not giving up on them. At times the gender roles seemed reversed in this book, which was refreshing and also made the book more honest. Barb wasn't some perfect woman, she drank, swore, bitched and held a grudge. I also quite liked that she had been involved in a relationship since Colt/Viper 'died', as usually the woman is portrayed as having 'given up' on relationships/sex after being heart broken. In so many second chance romances the heroine comes across as weak and forgives too easily/ jumps back into the relationship without the guy seemingly having made any effort. I felt the rebuilding of bridges and trust was really well portrayed, as was both Barb and Colts emotional battles over the situation.
There were so many twists and turns in this tale, and the suspense was riveting. The supporting characters were well written, the plot exciting and fast paced and the writing was excellent. The book may be called 'Gutted' by I was 'Gripped' from start to finish.
I have been waiting for Barb's story and I absolutely LOVED it! I could feel Barb's pain, the hurt and anger from the loss and the mixed emotions with having Cole back in her life. I adore her and that spark, the attitude she has. Cole is yummy and his feelings are on the edge, not wanting to push too much. The story will pull at your heart, make you smile and make you love both Barb and Cole even more! This is a must read!!!
After reading the other books in this series i knew that you never knew what to expect with the characters and how their stories will turn out but i so didn't see this one coming. OMG this book had me shocked, laughing, crying, and rooting for Barb and Cole. During the other books you got a couple of glimpses of their relationship but the surprises that she brings to their story had me reading until 4 am wanting to know what will happen next, what secrets will be revealed and can they make it through it all in the end. I love love love the way this book comes together she really keeps you on the edge of your seat. Crowell really brings together not only Barb and Cole's story but she also gives you updates on all the others and has you looking forward to the next book to find out who will be next and wondering what their story will bring along with hoping she continues to bring updates of these so loved characters in future books. This is one series that you won't want to end, where you will be left feeling hungover because you feel so much a part of these characters lives.
Barb and Viper a.k.a Cole Elliot finally get their story. Barb has been drifting through life for the past two years numb with grief after loosing the only man she has ever loved...Viper. Viper and Barb had a turbulent, explosive love affair that all came to a tragic end when his life was taken away two years ago by a shooting. Viper was a member the local MC club and became a victim of their senseless violence .......or did he? Two years is a long time to grieve to realize one morning that it was all a lie/cover-up . Cole is back and Barb is blown away and mad as hell! He was never a member of the MC , he was not dead and he has been undercover for Homeland Security? This is a lot to take in . Cole is back and he will not take no for an answer two years is long time to be away from woman he loves. He will and is going to make her his...again! He can be very persuasive and Barb will not know what hits her when Cole turns on the charm and determination ! Gifted a copy for an honest review. ~~Michele McMullen ~~
10 Stars Read for Me! Barb is Mine! I have loved this spunky Lady since I picked up the first book in the series, I have watched her unfold in the background. I am so happy that her story is here! I have a Girl Crush!!! Finally.... Barb's story is one of a heart lost and broken with grief. Now she feels betrayed when the one man who crushed her heart with his death is ALIVE! In Gutted we get to see the Vivacious, Smart and Sexy woman behind the mask. We get to feel and really know what it is like to be loved by Barb and if she is willing to let her man back in. Viper’s death was a hoax! He was undercover and to protect the people he hold dear he has to allow this to play out for two years. Allow the woman he loves to believe he was DEAD for two years. He is back and he wants what is his….. BARB! Can Barb forgive Viper ? Can they rekindle everything that was lost? Can barb share her secret and hope he stays? Gutted A.F. Crowell
10 Stars Read for Me! Barb is Mine! I have loved this spunky Lady since I picked up the first book in the series, I have watched her unfold in the background. I am so happy that her story is here! I have a Girl Crush!!! Finally.... Barb's story is one of a heart lost and broken with grief. Now she feels betrayed when the one man who crushed her heart with his death is ALIVE! In Gutted we get to see the Vivacious, Smart and Sexy woman behind the mask. We get to feel and really know what it is like to be loved by Barb and if she is willing to let her man back in. Viper’s death was a hoax! He was undercover and to protect the people he hold dear he has to allow this to play out for two years. Allow the woman he loves to believe he was DEAD for two years. He is back and he wants what is his….. BARB! Can Barb forgive Viper ? Can they rekindle everything that was lost? Can barb share her secret and hope he stays?
Oh wow, I was so excited to read Gutted when I found out it was Barb's story, I missed #4! So I'll be heading back to read it directly!
Barb's story. She is an amazing woman. Never faultering through Lei's rollercoaster ride of a life! Then to be swept away in her own life only to have it ripped from her. Wow. Barb is so strong. Talk about traveling to the depths before you can climb back out. She did it in spades man!
Tragic to find out you love someone only to have them ripped from you before you can tell them. Heart wrenching. This story had me laughing and crying in turns...ending in happy crying.
You have got to read Barb's story. Yes, you could read it as a standalone, but you really don't want to miss the ride beforehand. I'm looking forward to seeing more from A.F. Crowell.
Wow what a ride !! Gutted is book five in The Torn Series by A.F. Crowell. Barb and Viper´s story continues.
After Cole Ellett- Viper, died his girlfriend Barbara- Barb discovers he was a undercover agent. She´s devastated and mourns him deeply.
2 years later, Barb can´t still not move on. On Christmas day there is a knock at the door- and yes.... I will not spoiler here, but Barb is in deep shock about the visitor. I´m sure you wants to read this next installment. This book is so thrilling, I couldn´t put it down. 5 Stars and Thank you A.F. Crowell !!
Cole and Barb's story was gut wrenching, beautiful and oh so steamy! Barb and sassy, stubborn attitude and Cole with his tattoos and caveman tendencies. Fantastic read!!