Beautiful Torment

Thin Red Lines #3

by Gen Ryan

Desiree Garcia always runs from her problems. But escaping memories and tragedy is impossible, no matter the distance. When her last FBI case pushes Desiree to her limits, she knows it’s time to move once more. This time, she heads back home and returns to her family and to her best friend she abandoned so long ago.


Hunter Collins was there for Desiree from the day they met at just twelve years old. He stood by her and waited for her, even when she joined the FBI, leaving him and all she loved behind. Now she’s back, he’s determined to not let her go again.


When faced with a police case that she can’t say no to, Desiree and Hunter navigate through the investigation as she faces the horrors of her past. As they struggle to solve the case, it’s up to Hunter to keep her tethered.


Will love and friendship be enough to save Desiree from herself and all that is tormenting her?

Unknown Binding

Published August 1, 2017

About the author

Gen Ryan is an international best-selling author that spends her days as a forensic psychologist filling the minds of college students with everything they need to know to be good at their jobs. From profiling, to interrogation and ending with her absolute favorite, serial killers. Her nights, however, are spent crafting stories that will tear a reader’s heart out and twist their minds at the same time.

She brings a unique twist to romance, a twist always rooted somewhere deep inside the character’s psyche.

Reviews

[Sassy Southern Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This is the third book in this series and although it could be read as a stand-alone I highly recommend reading the series in order to fully understand what all of the characters have gone though in the series.

Desiree Garcia has just left the FBI and returned to her parents after being buried alive on her last case. She is seeking to start again and try to find her place after losing her partner, Eden Marshall. Desiree joins the local police department but is promised a desk job where she won't be forced into the field.

Hunter Collins has been Desiree's best friend since they were 12 years old and he is ready for their relationship to progress to something more. Hunter convinces Desiree to work with him on a new case and despite her uneasiness she agrees.

Yet the case brings back lots of memories and soon Desiree finds herself emotionally involved in the case and it may be herself that ends up needing saving.

This was truly a beautiful story about overcoming out own past and coming out on top. The author does such a great job at linking the main character with the person they are after with having similar losses or struggles and seeing the different paths that people can take.

Desiree Garcia lost so much in El Salvador during the civil war and decided that she wanted a job as a FBI agent to help others yet she gave it up when she found herself a victim. She was still tough but at the same time she was so close to the edge that Hunter kept her up but at some point she knew she needed help.

Hunter was awesome and I loved how he took care of Desiree. He had so much guilt for getting Desiree involved in the case when she wasn't ready but part of it was because of his love for her. I loved how supportive he was of her and how he stood by her side through everything.

Desiree got so wrapped up with Sydney as she saw so much of herself in her and she hated to see anything bad. I felt so terrible for that whole thing, especially when we learn about what happened in her past and with Brian.

The ending was incredible and I absolutely loved it. I am seriously sad that this is the last book in the series as I would have loved Torres to have a story as well! - By Rebecca

[Elmarie Pieterse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn!!!! This is my first read by Gen Ryan!! Though its part of a series it can be read as a Standalone and I've read it as that and I have to say Omg I loved this book!!!! This isn't my normal genre that I read but I've heard so many good things about this book that I just had to give it a try..... And I'm soooooo happy that I did!!! This book is so heartbreakingly beautiful and it is full of suspense that I just couldn't stop reading cause I had to know what the hell is going to happen!!!!! I loved all the characters in this book and how they all played a big part in each others life's, Desiree and Hunters story was so beautiful that I fell in love with them right from the start!!! I really can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series now and everything else that Gen Ryan has written cause I just love her writing style!!!!

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful.
Just so heart breakingly beautiful!

Full review to follow.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best in the series. I loved every single one of the books in this series but this one blew me away. It is slightly different to the others, even though the aim is to track down a killer. It is so much relevant to the way we perceive people and especially those with mental health issues.

Desiree is hiding from her past: she witnessed her sisters burn in civil war and then she was buried alive and witnessed her friend and FBI colleague die in similar circumstances. She is coaxed from behind a desk by her best friend Hunter. Hunter is her anchor and has been there for her since she entered the country at the age of 12. Hunter is her everything - it just takes her a while to realise and do something about it. The case that coaxes her out into the field again involves an arsonist. An arsonist that evolves to murderer. As Desiree uncovers more about the perpetrator, the parallels with her own life are stark.

Beautifully tormented describes both Desiree and the person she is chasing. They have both suffered a severe trauma and whilst one had a network around her to take care of her and be her support, the other was left to fend for themselves with people giving up on them and tormenting them for the trauma they have suffered through. Without the right support at the right time it can not come as a surprise that they ended up on the path they did.

It was not a comfortable read as the system failed to protect and help when it was needed but it is also difficult to come to terms with the compassion Desiree shows and the need to help when others will turn their back because of the actions. I liked this conflict that the author created in me. I liked that it forced me to take a look at my own preconceived views on the subject matter and it made me consider if I needed to adapt my own viewpoint. It was definitely thought provoking and it was full of the usual action, suspense and high class characters that are characteristic of Gen Ryan's writing.

****Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

Beautiful Torment is the third book in the Thin Red Lines series by Gen Ryan. It is full of drama, action, suspense and mystery. There is bit of a chill factor to the story, and it has some really heartbreaking situations that will really make you think.
Desiree Garcia has been through so much- far more than any person should have to endure. After her last case put her through a harrowing ordeal and tested her sanity to the point of breaking, she has left the FBI and returned home, taking up a desk job at the local police department.
There she is reunited with her best friend, Hunter Collins. They have been friend since they were 12 years old, when Desiree had moved there from El Salvador. He has wanted her for a very long time and is ready to move their relationship to the next level. He not willing to let her go again.
Hunter convinces Desiree to work on an arson case with him, which at first seems pretty straight forward, so Desiree agrees. But the case soon turns out to be far more complicated and triggering painful memories and uncovering a lot of issues for Desiree. This case hits close to home and Desiree is becoming emotionally invested in the outcome. Can Hunter keep her grounded? Will his love be enough to keep her from reaching the point of no return? Why has this case affected her so deeply? What will the future hold for Hunter and Desiree? The outcome may just surprise you….

You know an author has some serious talent when they can make the reader feel for the ‘baddie’… This really made me think and made me a little conflicted.
This story had a fantastic plot, and some really masterful character development. Desiree and Hunter were really wonderful, and I found myself really invested in them and the story.
I am really looking forward to reading more from Ms. Ryan!

Thank you, Ms. Ryan!

[Amy K · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are no words...which is pretty much how every book of this series has left me. Speechless. Amazingly, each book gets better than the last, and the first one was awesome! I'm not sure what word outdoes awesome, but I need two of them. This author has quickly become a must read author for me. If I heard she wrote the ingredients on a can of biscuits I'd probably buy it to see what twist was included. Normally when I start a book I usually figure out pretty early on what the story will be, the way everything will go, and how the ending wraps up. With this series there are surprises lurking in the shadows waiting to grab you. The way she writes the emotions of the characters really brings you into the story. Great character development, an amazing plot line, wonderful love story weaved throughout, and a high creep factor. If you haven't bought the book yet...what the heck are you waiting for?? Grab the whole series, start from the beginning, and enjoy the creepy, toe-tingling, mind-boggling, yet romantically charged, leave-the-light-on, kind of stories that throw your emotions into bi-polar mode.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is everything! If anything else Gen Ryan writes is half as good as these books, I can safely say I have found a new favorite author. Beautiful Torment is book three in the Thin Red Lines series. They are connected but each about a different couple. I suppose you could read as a standalone but it goes much better reading them in order. It was told in multiple points of view with a happy ending.

Desiree has been through more than any one person ever should have. The way she deals with it is trying to help others, while not really helping herself. Hunter is a good man and has been her best friend forever, and these two might finally be ready to take that next step. It’s a hard journey on so many levels. But she mentions more than once that Hunter is her hope.

This story deals with the mental side of pain and it’s lasting effects on people. It’s shocking and surprising, and beautifully written. The friendships Desiree has built with Madison and Avery is more like family. These three have helped each other through the toughest of times. They are strong, fierce, and amazing women and it’s nice to check in with characters from the previous books. I find the different perspectives in this series interesting. To get a glimpse into the minds of people from all sides of the situation is unique. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future!

[Amber - TBR Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW. Just wow. Gen Ryan's stories are amazing and constantly surprise and intrigue me. They're fascinating and thoroughly thought out and explained in depth. And just so amazing to me.

Desiree has taken a break from law enforcement after previous events. Rightfully so. Won't tell you why, you have to read it. She gets talked into working a case with her BFF Hunter. She has been friends with Hunter since they were 12 and there has always been an underlying attraction that hasn't been acted upon.

Hunter has always been Desiree's "home". He's always backed her and will always be there for her. And he just wants her to know that and to give him a chance.

This is the third book in this series but you don't have to read the others first. You should so you have some history with Desiree and her fellow FBI agents and their histories.

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Torment by Gen Ryan is the third book in the Thin Red Lines series. Hunter helps to get Desiree back in the field and helping with a case. It is on this case that Desiree becomes involved with Sydney, the issues that they share and the relationship that evolves. I loved Desiree's story. It was so well written. The flashbacks of her story and how they tie in with her current case is so well written. The relationship between Desiree and Hunter is so sweet, but I love that it takes a backseat to Desiree's story. Her relationship with Sydney and the telling of her mental illness, how its viewed, how it's handled and how it should be handled is simply emotionally beautiful.

[Amazeballs Book Addicts · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, I loved this one! This one is my favorite in the Thin Red Lines series. I was hooked from the beginning. Desiree has been through so much. She's a little disconnected but she opens up to Hunter. Hunter has been her friend for a very long time. Hunter is a great friend. He pulls her back into field with a case. They have great chemistry and I couldn't help but root for them to be more then friends. Hunter and Desiree alone had me hooked on the story. I wanted to read their story and see how they came out on the other end. But, we don't just get Hunter and Desiree's story, we also get Sydney's story. Sydney is a broken girl that is struggling with life. Her and Desiree have some things in common. Sydney's link in this story was surprising but amazing. Sydney brings an element to this story that had me engrossed in the story. This is an amazing heartbreaking but beautiful story. I know heartbreaking but beautiful may sound weird but you will totally get that when you read the story.

[Renee Mccleary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite out of the Thin Red Lines Series! Even though it is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. I loved Hunter and Desiree! This book is suspenseful, funny, heartbreaking and beautiful!! The story kept me pulled in reading as fast as I could, I had to know what was going to happen!! I loved the twists and turns! There are parts in there that had me saying "What in the world just happened?" Hunter and Desiree had amazing chemistry and I loved the banter between them! I hope everyone gets to find thier hero like Desiree does. If you are looking for a romantic thriller with some laughs I highly recommend this book.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gen Ryan is truly a wizard with words. Beautiful Torment is the third book in the Thin Red Lines series and it blew me away just as the other two did. This book is just like the others in that it is heartbreakingly beautiful. It is full of sadness and pain, heartbreak and sorrow and yet wonder and love. You get a glimpse into the minds of people who do terrible things and yet you can not stop reading because you have to know what is going to happen. The story evolves around three FBI agents who have each had more tragedy in their lives than anyone should have to see let alone live. These characters are trying to rebuild themselves and do their jobs at the same time. They are not only the best of friends they are family. Gen writes so well that you believe you are a part of their lives. They bleed, you bleed with them, they cry, you cry with. I can't wait to read other books by Gen Ryan because I enjoy her style of writing.

[Lozzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Torment was another hit for me. The third novel in the Thin Red Lines series by Gen Ryan also concentrates on mental health and how some people cope with trauma in their daily lives. It was yet agaim amother interesting read, and I could not put it down. Yet again, it contains sensitive issues that may cause triggers.

I loved everything about this novel. I loved how it touched up on different illnesses, and as I said before, how trauma affects the lives of people in the most difficult of ways. It was refreshing to see somebody discuss the complexities of the human mind, and how we cope with it.

I loved the characters in the novel: Desiree, Hunter, Sydney, and many more. I loved getting to know their characters, their strengths and their weaknesses. Their characters were all so different, but melded together so well.

I just loved it all in general. Every. Single. Word. This was a five star story worthy of more. Brilliant!

[Elissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gen Ryan has done an excellent job again. I have read the first story in the Thin Red Lines series and the third now and have not been disappointed. I have not read the second book yet but I do not feel as though you have to read them in order as they are in a way their own stories. Gen Ryan also grabs my attention and keeps me turning the pages to find out what is going to happen, not only with the events but also with the characters. While I was reading this story I went through so many emotions which I feel makes it a great story. I felt as though I was a part of everything that was happening and could feel what the characters were going through. This book is worth the read and I can't wait to see what else Gen Ryan comes up with.

[Ang -PNR Book Lover Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5!
So good.

[Randi Perrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story follows Garcia, as she returns home after enduring some stuff in Beautiful Sacrifice. Like, we’re talking sanity-ending-level stuff. But she’s not done with the sanity-ending stuff, oh no, it continues to follow her.

Enter Hunter Collins, her best friend from back home. He’s always had a thing for her, always waiting until the time was right. It’s right now and he will not let her go.

It’s kind of tough, though, when she is heeding the call of the FBI, to investigate a case she can’t ignore. But there is a teenager wrapped in secrets, Sydney, and can Garcia save her while also trying to save herself? Or will she get sucked down into the abyss of insanity and grief?

The story will tug at your heartstrings and remind you that there is love in this world, there are people who care, and someone who will understand. Love really can heal the scars, if only you give it the chance.

[Milena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful Torment was an intriguing, suspenseful thriller. Along with a great love story. Desiree and Hunter are a great couple, they compliment each other and have scorching chemistry. But what really solidified this couple for me was the depth they had.

There are some tough topics covered in the story and Gen Ryan presents it beautifully. Let's also not forget the suspense component here. There is a mystery to solve and you get the opportunity to form your own opinion before it is solved. I was rewarded by a believable resolution that wasn't typical but definitely fit the story.

This was my first book by Gen Ryan, but it won't be my last.

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful Torment (Thin Red Lines Book 3) by Gen Ryan is the third book in her Thin Red Lines series. This book can be read as a standalone but I would highly recommend reading this series from the beginning so that you get the full understanding of this series and characters. This story is full of suspense from the beginning to end and you will even find some romance. I enjoyed this author's writing style and her attention to detail. Her characters are connectable and true to life. They will pull you into their world of suspense and leave you sitting on the edge of your seat. The twists and turns they take you on will have you turning page after page just waiting to see what will happen next. Find out what happens when these characters take on a case that will either break or make them.

Desiree Garcia is a woman who runs from her problems but they always seem to catch up to her. She can't forget them nor can she escape them. Her last FBI case pushed her to her limits so she moved home to the comfort of her family and best friend she abandoned a long time ago.

Hunter Collins met her when she was twelve years old. He has stood by her and waited for her even when she joined the FBI, leaving him and everyone behind. Now that she is back, he is determined not to let her go again. When he presents a case to her, asking for her help, will she regret saying yes? Will it bring up old demons for her? They struggle through the case that brings up bad memories for her but will he keep her from losing it?

Desiree and Hunter's relationship is one that starts as a friendship and through the years even though she left for a while is still as strong as ever. He is the one person she can count on to keep her grounded. Their banter and sexual reference will keep you laughing and wondering why they are not together. You will love these two characters together and they really do make the story flow together. They complement each other and I can't see this story being the same without one of them. One of my favorite things about this book is how the author was able to connect Desiree with the person they were looking for. She stayed so tough throughout this story when she found a connection to that person. Hunter is a great character, he just has so many feelings for Desiree. He is not afraid to tell her, even her mother has been on his side. I just wanted to yell at them for them to finally get together instead of fighting what is right there. He does have some guilt about bring her in on the case because of her emotional struggle with her past. I did question her compassion with the killer and her determination to help the killer despite what she went through. The secondary characters are good and bad and you will have your favorite. I enjoyed how supportive her family was to her. These two will take you through some twists and turns that you won't see coming. Find out what happens to these characters as their relationship becomes stronger the closer they get to finding their killer.

This is my second book by Gen Ryan and it is my favorite of the series. She kept my attention glued to the page just wanting to see what would happen next. Gen is a teacher of forensic psychology by day and by night is frantically typing her stories on her laptop. Once again this author has created a fast story that will leave you wanting more. You will need to see what happens behind each page. I highly recommend this story as I know you will want to see what happens to Desiree and Hunter, will they find their HEA and will they put the case to rest?

[Laura Furuta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Torment (Thin Red Lines Book 3)
By: Gen Ryan
5 out of 5 stars

The story Beautiful Torment (Thin Red Lines Book 3) by Gen Ryan is a thrilling crime book. It tells the story of Desiree Garcia. When memories and tragedy overcome Desiree she does what she has always done, run away. This time it is back to be with her family and her best friend Hunter Collins. Hunter has always been there for Desiree and he is determined to help her through the pain she is going through. Desiree finds herself and Hunter working on a police case together. She is both investigating the new case and working through the past that haunts her. Hunter is determined not only to help Desiree solve the current case but be the anchor that she can rely on. Will Desiree and Hunter be able to solve the current case? Will Desiree, with the help of Hunter and her friends be able to come to terms with what has happened in the past so that she no longer feels like she needs to run?

This is the second book that I have read by the author and I can’t say enough about how wonderfully she writes and the characters that she has created. This is a book that has plenty of suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat. Once I got started reading it was so hard to put this book down as I just had to know how it ends. I really loved the characters of Desiree and Hunter. Desiree is someone who has been through so much in the past and is always trying to outrun the memories. I have a lot of empathy for her as I learned about the situations that she has survived. Her past has left scars, both physical and emotional. She is a smart woman who has a large heart. She is someone who wants to help others. From the first time he met Desiree, Hunter knows that she is special. He has always stood by her. He sees her as his future. Can Hunter convince Desiree that they are meant to be together and that he can be the person who she can always turn to instead of running? These two have something special. Will they get a happy ending? This is one book and series that you don’t want to miss.

[Kim Shofner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Torment is the second book in the Thin Red Line series by Gen Ryan. Its the story of Desiree and an arsonist. This series just keeps getting better and better.
Desiree is pushing papers in her home town police department. She's avoiding real police work since her partner was killed in a fire by a serial killer. She just needs some time to get her mind on right. Desiree doesn't have a good history with fires. Every night she relives the fire that claimed the lives of her two younger sisters. So when her best friend convinces her to take a case related to a small fire arsonist she's a little reluctant. So far the fires are pretty tame. When the burned body of a child is found in the woods Desiree and her friend are sent to the school to question the kids. One kid stands out for her. She's a loner like Desiree. She has a hard time seeing this child as a criminal. She wants to help her more than anything.
Help maybe too late for Sydney. Her mom was plagued by mental disease. She believed that setting herself on fire would reunite her with her loved ones. Sydney was present for the whole thing. Even close enough to burn half of her face. Being bounced from one foster home to another doesn't help Sydney's mental disease either. Even though her actions are criminal they seem like logical decisions to her.
As Desiree and Sydney get closer more crimes are revealed and people are starting to point out who the killer might be. Desiree has to fight to protect Sydney and Sydney has to fight to stay lucid.
This author does an amazing job of catching the many angles of mental disease. I could almost feel what the characters were feeling. Awesome book!

[Tracy Wilkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Torment is a story filled with tension and suspense. The title describes the feeling you get while reading this book. It was a beautiful torment. It was sometimes confronting and devastating, and also very provocative. Gen Ryan made me sit back and think,

Desiree and Hunter are best friends who share much deeper feelings than friendship, but neither would admit it. Desiree has to come to terms with her past and not run at the slightest hint of trouble. She is trying to find her way out of the dark, and Hunter is there for her every step of the way. Their story was an often painful one, with many tense moments where anything could have transpired. It was an edgy and intriguing thriller packed with not just drama, but blissful passion.

Gen Ryan had me in a trance with Beautiful Torment. This was the first time I have read her work, and now I cannot wait to read the first two books in this series. I just cannot get enough of this genre, and Gen Ryan has written one of the best I have ever read. Being able to relate to the content of the story makes the reading experience that much more special and memorable. A book that was sometimes heartbreaking, but spectacular nonetheless. I was not entirely sure this book would be for me, but boy was it incredible. My heart hurt for Desiree and Hunter, but i also felt pleasure and wonder at the talent that the author presented to me as a reader. It was an experience that I will not forget, and cannot wait to get to know more of Gen Ryan and her work. 5 very worthy stars

[Laura Leyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. God. This was not what I was expecting. This was the first book I have read in this series and I now want to read the first few! The story was amazing. Ever single part gripped me and I had no idea what was going to happen next. It was such an amazing read. The beginning dedication started the book off amazingly.

'Dedicated to anyone who was ever bullied, teased, or tormented. You are beautiful and loved just the way you are. Don't give up on yourself.'

I loved how this emphasised mental health disorders, the problems they have and the people they effect.

'Our mind protects us. It does whatever it needs to ensure that we survive. Not only physically, but mentally.'

Desiree has suffered throughout her life. Escaping her memories is difficult. The only person that can help her is her best friend Hunter. He has been there since she was 12.

Hunter is the ultimate guy best friend. I actually want him. He knows what Desiree needs and how to get through to her. It is actually adorable.

The police case they were working on actually broke me. It was in such detail and so well thought out.

Overall, this was an amazing book. It was good that it showed about mental health, since it is on the rise. Everything about this was amazing. I will definitely read more of these books.

[Debi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Torment (Thin Red Lines Book 3) by Gen Ryan

5 Stars

“That even after pain, you should reach for the sun and try to find your happiness.”
That one line says so much more than the few words it took to make it a sentence.

Im blown away...This is the first book I've read by this author and I read it in one sitting because even though I had things I had to do I could not put this book down. I can tell there is history that I missed out on by not reading the first two books first but it in no way took away anything from this story. I will be reading the first two though as soon as I can.

This author built amazing characters in this book, I fell in love with Desiree, Hunter, and Sydney and did not want the book to end. This was full of grief, sadness, tragedy, loss, love, hope, and forgiveness, and I felt every one of those feelings while reading. This book had a great flow and the style was easy yet moved at a great pace. There was a couple times in the book where it was like “oh wait, how did I miss that?” I like books that catch me off guard and this one did, and I loved it!!

I hope there's more because I would love to see where the future takes all of these characters that deal with real life issues that aren't solved in a day and aren't always pretty.

Brilliant Read!!

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Beautiful Torment
Author: Gen Ryan
FIVE STARS
Again Gen Ryan has written an amazing book. The Thin Red Lines series is just phenominal. The strong yet vunerable female lead characters who have all had their own personal battles and how they want to make the world a better place by taking on some of the biggest challenges that society throws at them via the FBI and local law enforcement.
How these challenges make them face their biggest fears and deal with them in a multitude of ways. In Beautiful Torment we are learning Desiree's story and what all she has dealt with in her years. Now she has gone home and is sitting behind a desk at the local police department. She is wasting all of her education and talent. It is up to her best friend Hunter to get her to come out of her shell and face her fears and get help for herself instead of just hiding everything inside.
The suspense and the horrors that occur in these books are unfortunately things that could be occuring daily all over the world. And the turmoil and aftermath of PTSD and the things it causes in people that suffer from it. It has hit me personally and I can totally understand the things going on in this book.
Excellent writing. Easy to follow and while a few spots were very predictable it was a great read. I was unable to put it down.
Kelli Harper

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Torment by Gen Ryan is the third book in the Thin Red Line Series, and it's absolutely amazing! While you could read this book by itself, I would recommend reading the series in order, just because it's so good. This author had me completely spellbound by these characters and their story line. This was an amazing 5 star read!

Desiree Garcia is a runner, she runs from her problems and her past, but she's not very good at it. Her past and her problems always seem to catch up with her. Her last case was intense and it pushed her further than others have, so she decided to move home to be closer to her family and best friend. Hunter Collins is her best friend, one that's wanted to be more than friends, he's been waiting for her to come home after joining the FBI, and now she's back and he's determined not to let her go. Now he needs her help, will she help him? Or will it bring up more demons from her past then she's willing to deal with? Will Desiree ever be able to put her problems to rest?

One thing I love about this author is her ability to pull you into these stories and make you feel connected to these characters as though they are more than just characters in a story. I would recommend this series to everyone!

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! My first thoughts after finishing this awesome story was, WHERE THE HELL HAVE I BEEN?! Beautiful Torment was the first story that I've read by this author, and I was blown away. Her talented writing style instantly captured my attention from the get go, and didn't let up until I finished the very last page! I'm only going to talk about my feelings as this was full of suspense, and there's no way that I will let myself accidentally give anything away. The twists and turns around every corner kept me dropping loud f-bombs everywhere. And the colorful cast of secondaries only added to the perfectness I experienced. The story came off realistically, as the author did a brilliant job with writing about overcoming the past which was so beautifully powerful, that my eyes may or may not have leaked more than once. These characters became like real life friends, as I felt everything physically that they went through, as they imprinted on me. I absolutely CANNOT WAIT to read the previous books in this series, and will just end with HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMENDING this AWESOME STORY TO ALL!

[Sunday · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful Torment by Gen Ryan
Four Stars

Beautiful Torment is the third book in the Thin Red Lines series by Gen Ryan. This book can be read as a stand alone, as I have only read the first and third books in the series. I'm planning on going back and reading the second book because this author has really great writing style. I love the way Ms Ryan brings her characters to life, and the twists and turns of this suspense/thriller had me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't put this book down.

This book follows Desiree after she leaves the FBI because of what happened to her at the end of her last case. She is running back to the safety of her own hometown and her best friend since she was twelve years old, Hunter. Running from your problems never solves them though.

This roller coaster of a ride had me on the edge of my seat from the very first page. I highly recommend this book if you love suspense, thrillers and mystery. I can't wait to go back and read book two in this series just to fill in some of the blanks. I'm also looking forward to reading anything Ms Ryan writes in the future.

[Natalie Hanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Torment is the third in the Thin Red Lines series by Gen Ryan. I was keen to read this having read the previous 2 books and I was not disappointed. Opening with a fascinating poem – The Lesson by Maya Angelou, this book grabbed my attention immediately and it didn’t let go until I got to the final words.
Gen Ryan has a way of drawing you in to her story and caring deeply about the characters from the get-go. The main character in this story is one of the minor characters from the earlier books – Agent Desiree Garcia. Having suffered a trauma in her last FBI case she has returned home to a desk job but can she live without the excitement as well as the risk? Meeting up with her childhood friend Hunter, they soon work together to try and solve an intricate case.
There was just the right amount of intrigue and the revelation of secrets & history was at a good pace. The author’s descriptions are so detailed you feel like you are in the room with her. I could almost feel the heat from the fire! Gen Ryan is becoming my favourite thriller writer and I have been recommending this series to everyone who will listen!! 5 stars again!

[Michelle Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title:Beautiful Torment
Author:Gen Ryan

Beautiful Torment was a great 5 star read.

Desiree has some not so great things from her past that are continuing to give her nightmares. She tries to avoid relationships because of the tragedies. It seems that anyone who gets close to me dies. Everyone I love leaves.

She is no longer with the FBI and has recently started working at the local police department with her good friend Hunter.

Hunter and Desiree have been friends since they were 12 years old. Hunter has never looked at Desiree in a sexual way until recently. Desiree is also starting to notice more things about Hunter and feeling attracted to him.

They end up working on a case that hits Desiree emotionally. Will Hunter be able to help her?

There is so much more to this great read. There are some secondary characters that really added a great element to the story, especially Sydney. Watching these two go from friends to lovers was great, I really enjoyed their story. Gen Ryan does a great job of pulling you right in with her writing and you won’t want to stop until your done. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Jean Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing read is Beautiful Torment by Gen Ryan. This book is such a good one. I love everything about the book. It is an intensely satisfying story. This book helps to explain the great unmentionable illness that plagues so many in our society today.
Ms. Ryan has written a fast paced thriller about the girl (or boy) next door. It is an amazingly compassionate and comprehensive story of mental illness and the people who struggle with it every day.
Gen Ryan’s characters are so wonderfully relatable. Anyone reading this book should be able to connect immediately with the people in it and the struggle they face every day. I particularly love the message of hope that is intertwined throughout this book.
Ms. Ryan gets major kudos for bringing light to a very dark subject. Our society has, for much too long pushed mental illness under the rug. Dismissing it as everything from irrelevant, to witchcraft, to demon possession. It is high time someone dragged it out of the shadows and shined the light of hope on it. We all know people who are struggling with mental illness, whether we actually know it or not.
I really loved this book and will gladly recommend it to my family and friends. It is a well written, edge of your seat, thriller. Kudos again, Ms Ryan!!!