Torn by Harper Phoenix

Nov 26, 2019 Natalia rated it liked it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Nov 24, 2019 SassafrasfromAmazon rated it did not like it · review of another edition

Shelves: violence, 2019-reading-challenge, heroine-tormented, major-proofreading-editing-problems, tormented-hero, contemporary-romance, tortured-and-abused-woman

1.5

First, I absolutely loved this story. The main character, Alyssa, invoked much empathy from me for a variety of reasons. Her anxiety disorder, and the physical manifestations of the mental illness, conveyed the real terror Alyssa (Lyssa) felt when confronted with crowds or going out in public, period. Alyssa, who was verbally abused by her soon to be ex-husband, caused almost irreparable harm to her confidence and self-esteem. Dealing with these enormous problems without professional help 1.5🌟

First, I absolutely loved this story. The main character, Alyssa, invoked much empathy from me for a variety of reasons. Her anxiety disorder, and the physical manifestations of the mental illness, conveyed the real terror Alyssa (Lyssa) felt when confronted with crowds or going out in public, period. Alyssa, who was verbally abused by her soon to be ex-husband, caused almost irreparable harm to her confidence and self-esteem. Dealing with these enormous problems without professional help were crippling. Yet, Lyssa created a healthy, happy environment in which to raise her adorable 2 year old, Nora. Lyssa's sister who lived in Australia had a close bond with each other. Their mother apparently was a waste of space.

Luke, Luke, Luke. This is a to die for hero. I loved his character who was understanding, patient and kind. But, Luke lost his baby girl 5 years previously because his ex was high, drove without placing Izzy in a car seat. She caused a 3 car collision and the 2 year old was killed. Luke mourned his baby girl every day and was haunted by her death because he felt guilty about working late that night. Hence, Luke had tremendous guilt, albeit unwarranted. I loved the support he received from his mother.

Two broken people found each other by happenstance. This story tells of their journey toward love, understanding and compassion.

Now, on to the reason for the one star. My God, didn't anyone do a cursory read to edit this book? I don't mean for content, but for punctuation alone. The many run-on sentences that went from cover to cover. Commas are available and should be used fro a reason. Wrong words were prevalent, e.g., the use of too instead of to. Other punctuation errors made these editing problems exceed the egregious level. Truly. Additionally, IMHO, it is also critical that an author is consistent when writing child-speak. Here, the inconsistencies in Nora's speech were glaring and often appeared during one conversation, e.g. pweese turned into please and Yuke turned into Luke to name a few.

This was such a heart-felt, heart-warming book with likeable main characters as well as a few notable ones. Thus, this review is rather painful to write because of the editing problems on every page of this book. I really wish the author can fix the editing problems and re-release the book. It is really worth reading. ...more

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Nov 05, 2019 Joy Westerfield rated it it was amazing

Torn is my first read by this author, and let just say, I am completely and utterly hooked! This story blew me away! Alissa and Luke will ingrain themselves into your very heart and soul. They meet in a bit of an unusual way, and Luke is instantly smitten with Alissa. She is a young, mother going thru some very tough times and sometimes it gets the best of her. But for some reason, she feels safe with Luke, and that is something normally hard for her. Luke shows her that there are good people in ...more

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Nov 04, 2019 Debra Phiri rated it it was amazing

We all wear a mask that no one can see, only we know what is truly going on inside of ourselves! Debra @Janise’s Jivin’ Book Blog

This story has so much depth and feeling involved that I wanted to not only hug our main female character I wanted to hug myself. Our lives can be hiding so much from everyone and that can give us an isolated feeling. It is not always easy to talk about what has happened to us or how we got so lost. We feel we have to show the world only the good or keep ourselves ...more

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Nov 07, 2019 Mandy Barnes rated it it was amazing

Oh All the Feels @Mandy for Janise’s Jivin’ Book Blog.

Harper Phoenix has taken me on a journey that I have absolutely loved. I have cried, gotten mad and at one time wanted to stick it to a certain character while giving the other one a swift kick up side his head.

Harper Phoenix is a new to me author and i am totally enamored with her writing.

Torn is a book about so much, losing yourself in the darkness to finding that rainbow in the storm clouds. I am truly honored that I have had the chance to ...more

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Nov 11, 2019 Donna rated it it was amazing

Another great read by Harper Phoenix, this is the latest in her books that I've read and i must say that this is one of the best. This is about Alissa and Luke.

Alissa had totally sworn of men… especially abusive men like her ex-husband WELL that was until a handsome tattooed sexy stranger arrived in the form of Luke. An accidental meeting that would change Alissa's life

The lovely Alissa has sacrificed all of her happy ever after and her all for her abusive and horrid husband David and of course Another great read by Harper Phoenix, this is the latest in her books that I've read and i must say that this is one of the best. This is about Alissa and Luke.

Alissa had totally sworn of men… especially abusive men like her ex-husband WELL that was until a handsome tattooed sexy stranger arrived in the form of Luke. An accidental meeting that would change Alissa's life

The lovely Alissa has sacrificed all of her happy ever after and her all for her abusive and horrid husband David and of course her little girl Nora. Alissa married David for all the wrong reasons as she thought it would be their happy ever after but no David had other ideas. David was climbing quickly up corporate ladders, Alissa was just a trophy wife all he wanted for her was to depend on everything. Alissa was made to be a stay at home trophy wife and a mother. That was all well and good until David broke her heart and cheated on her with her ex-best friend. David broke Alissa in all the ways you wouldn't believe was possible.

Luke has had to try re-build his life since a very tragic and heartbreaking accident changed his out-look on life. existence, Luke has been battling all of his demons on a daily basis. However after all the heartbreak he's suffered, Luke is determined to to live his life to the fullest.

Ir is a true but very heartbreaking painful promise he can’t break. Rather won't break.
No matter how bad the pain and days get.

However all this is put to the back of both Alissa and Luke's mind. That's when fate throws both of them together. However they both know that it’s the very last thing on either of their minds are looking for.

Can Alissa learn to love and trust Luke to mend her broken heart and become the man she can rely on mentally and physically. Not one who abuses her and makes her feel worthless.

Can Luke bring back Alissa from the brink of deep anxiety, depression and feeling worthless. Can her make "Lissa" see not all men are bad.

A very good book and love how it brings everyday mental illnesses into the books. I suffer from anxiety and depression so this is close to me.

A well written book, would recommend to anyone looking for a new author or to anyone who can relate to this book.

5* read well done Harper ...more

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Nov 05, 2019 United Indie Book Blog rated it it was amazing

OMG! I've volunteered to review this book for United Indie Book Blog. This is my first time reading one of Harper Phoenix books. This story is about Alissa and Luke. I was so drawn into it from the first chapter until the end. I'm not sure what i can say without giving away something that will spoil the story. I can say that both Luke and Alissa have been hurt in the past. It's hard for both of them to move forward. This story will pull at your heartstrings. You will laugh, get mad and yes even ...more

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Nov 10, 2019 Amanda Stelter rated it it was amazing

**I got this book from Give Me Books Promotions for my honest review**

I will have a full review that goes a bit more in detail up on my blog along with the release blitz.

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by this book. To the point where I was sad that it was ending because I wanted more of these characters. I really liked the story and this author handled mental illness well. I connected with the character on those levels and I'm so glad I got the chance to read this and discover this author. ...more

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Nov 15, 2019 Book-Lovin-Momma rated it really liked it

Torn was such an emotional romance story! Alissa and Luke have both taken hits to their journey in life. There is betrayal and deceit, psychological challenges, as well as losses suffered. I felt their pain much as I felt their burgeoning love. This was a sweet and heartfelt love story from beginning to end.

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Nov 11, 2019 Hope rated it it was amazing

Not to spoil or something but let me tell you something first, we hate David and we love Luke. I received ARC a week ago plus, minus a couple of days. This is the first book I’ve read by Harper Phoenix at definitely not the last. This book was about a young single mom named Alissa fighting with anxiety and terrible ex-husband. I hate this man. I'm talking about her ex-soon to be husband. He left her when she was pregnant with their daughter just because she was sexy enough for him, and he also ...more

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Nov 11, 2019 Jennifer Pierson rated it it was amazing

The amazing Harper Phoenix took me on one hell of an emotional ride, and I still feel raw to be honest, and I don't mean that in a bad way. Torn is the kind of story that transports you into the hero/heroine's world, like you're there in person, so every feel is magnified, and the best way to experience any story. I would love nothing more to go into all the crazy details, but, I can't do that, hell, I'm not even going to give you any sort of detail as I believe that the description is enough. I ...more

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Nov 12, 2019 Alicia Harrietha rated it it was amazing

Torn is a truly amazing and deeply touching story that you cannot help but fall in love with. Harper Phoenix can always make me feel such enormous emotion with her stories and this one of Alissa and Luke will be forever in my heart now.

Alissa gave everything of herself to her husband and child Nora, she gave her heart, her soul, her time, her everything but then her husband broke her in everyway and she was forever changed. He made her feel worthless and used as well as to never want to trust ...more

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Nov 10, 2019 Kelly cowee rated it it was amazing

I absolutely loved Alissa and Luke. It's like they were made for each other. I loved the book.

Alissa is in the middle of a divorce. While going through her divorce, Alissa is learning to do things she doesn't like to do. Leaving her home is one of those things. Alissa has major anxiety and it's so bad that she passes out at the store with her sister. Luke is at the store and sees a woman pass out. Luke feels the need to go help her, he feels the urge to make sure she is ok. Luke had an ...more

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Nov 11, 2019 Tamara rated it it was amazing

Wow! This was one emotion-packed love story dealing with so many issues that everyday people face silently. The characters are realistic, the story is real, and their road to HEA is believable. Alissa thought her life was perfect, until it left her shattered and dealing with self-esteem and anxiety issues. With the help of her sister, she finds the strength inside herself to put herself back together and give her daughter the life she deserves. Luke realized too late what was important in life, ...more

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Nov 10, 2019 Lesley Robson rated it it was amazing

Yet again this author never fails to deliver what is a heart breaking and emotional read. What a journey Luke and Allissa go on, they are both damaged and do not trust easily. Their journey is not an easy one but they do manage to heal each other. This emotional story touches on a very difficult, debilitating condition and the author with compassion showcases it for how It does affect you and the people around you. I loved Luke and Allissa they really were perfect for each other. I loved Luke’s ...more

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Nov 20, 2019 Tracy W (Tracy&HelensRomanceBlog) rated it it was amazing

Oh my word!!

Harper has yet again produced a story that has you feeling every emotion. I loved this story from the get go.

This is a story about how life can feel like you’re living in a darkness but in the most unexpected places, you can find the rainbow. I loved these characters so much and I just wanted to hug Alissa and tell her to stay strong and keep fighting for the life she deserves. Luke is completely taken by Alissa the minute he sees her and it has you smiling so big for them both.

I ...more

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Nov 06, 2019 Clare Beale cook rated it it was amazing

After discovering and reading The Stone Pack Series by Harper i jumped at the chance of reviewing this book. From the moment I started this book i was so stucked in. Alissa and Luke have each suffered huge heartache. When Luke notices Alissa and helps her out they form a lovely friendship. They have such a connection the friendship quickly turns to a romantic one. Has they try to more forward and have that second chance. The past sometimes has other ideas. This story is so emotionally charged. ...more

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Nov 07, 2019 Chantelle Bouffanie rated it it was amazing

OMG! I've volunteered to review this book for United Indie Book Blog. This is my first time reading one of Harper Phoenix books. This story is about Alissa and Luke. I was so drawn into it from the first chapter until the end. I'm not sure what i can say without giving away something that will spoil the story. I can say that both Luke and Alissa have been hurt in the past. It's hard for both of them to move forward. This story will pull at your heartstrings. You will laugh, get mad and yes even ...more

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Nov 10, 2019 Cassie Ashford rated it really liked it

I’ve read the Stone Pack series by Harper so I was excited to get my hands on this book. It didn’t disappoint!

Alyssa and Luke are two people with a mutual agreement. But we all know those mutual agreements never go as planned.

Alyssa is traumatized by her previous marriage and is having a hard time dealing with the consequences of who she has become from it. Luke steps in like a breath of fresh air and gives life back to her.

They have hurdles to cross and oceans to swim to get to their happy ...more

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Nov 13, 2019 Gina Burkart rated it it was amazing

I dont even know were to start with this story as it will make your heart melt and will have you feeling the anger and the emotions throughout this book. This book grabbed me from the beginning and i could recall some of the stuff happening to me in my life so this book was a emotional read. Their is so much love and anger throughout that i loved this book. This book has brought emotions that i felt durning my life and has brought the feels out when reading this book. This book will have you ...more

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Nov 10, 2019 Sissy's Romance Book Review rated it it was amazing

Shelves: contemporary, give-me-books-promotions, trt, 5-star, 2019-read, arc-author-publisher, kindle-sent, heroine-married-or-w-someone-else

Torn by Harper Phoenix is the story of Alissa and Luke.
Alissa is a women who finds out her husband isn't really who she thought he was and his actions reflect that. Alissa has tried to be the perfect wife but now she is at a lost with him and his actions. But they share a child so that adds to the mix of things. Luke to has his own story of heartache but when he helps Alissa out when she is in need they form a friendship. Luke is smitten with Alissa but with all that has happen to him and what ...more

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Nov 19, 2019 Kim Schimpf rated it it was amazing

So many thoughts are running through my mind as I write this review. Harper Phoenix hits every emotion in this book. It was so easy to relate to the heroine, Alissa. She could be your sister, your best friend or even you. Luke could be the person who broke down your walls. The person who loved you even when you couldn't love yourself. With Torn, Harper reminds you that love is more powerful than self doubt, more powerful than the voices in your head that tell you that you aren't good enough. ...more

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Nov 10, 2019 Wendy Livingstone rated it it was amazing

This is a new author to me, but goodness, I cannot wait to read more of her work! Alison and Luke’s story is unique and an emotional roller coaster journey throughout. This is a beautifully written story which has a riveting and intricate plot, and contains loss, hope, undeniable chemistry, trust, heartbreak, love, and 2nd chances. I was totally captivated throughout this addictive page turner, and I am in awe of this talented authors’ work, and the depth and emotion to her characters which is ...more

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Nov 15, 2019 Jamie rated it it was amazing

This is the first book I have read from Harper and I absolutely fell in love with this book and her writing. This book took me on a ride that I didn’t want to get off of. My heart was invested in these characters. My heart hurt when it ended. I want more of these two. The words just flowed and the emotions kept me on edge. Loved everything about this book. Will be reading more. I voluntarily read this as an advanced readers copy

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Nov 13, 2019 Lauren rated it it was amazing

First book by this author and I gotta say it didn't disappoint. Alissa is just getting by and surviving her little girl Nora is adorable and caught my attention from the start. When Luke bumps into there life you almost wonder if she's gonna give in at all. Luke has his own issues to overcome but he gonna grasps onto Lissa and Nora. These two are a little frustrating at times but they each eventually get there stuff together and figure out the new normal.

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Nov 07, 2019 Sarah rated it it was amazing

Alissa and Luke's story is one that will burrow down into your heart and stay with you a long time after the final page has turned. Theirs is an impressively written journey filled with loss, courage, hope, love and insatiable chemistry. The author touched upon a difficult subject with finesse and compassion. This one is truly a must read!

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Nov 12, 2019 Tiffany rated it it was amazing

Wow! What an emotional rollercoaster ride. The storyline and characters in this story is amazing. This one will have your emotions all over the place. Be ready to read some hard emotional words that are unfortunately what some deal with in real life. You won’t be able to put this one down!

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Nov 13, 2019 Kimberly Ann rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

5 STARS

This book will take you on a journey you never expected and end with a heart so full that it was worth every bump in the road. It'll captivate your heart and bring to light issues that have yet to have a light shown on them. 5 STARS all the way! ...more

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Nov 08, 2019 Charlotte Isaac rated it it was amazing

Shelves: read-books

Wow, what an emotional book. I cheered everytime Luke was there. I absolutely loved this book.

I loved Luke and Allissa together, they were perfect for each other.

I cried over each of their backgrounds.

Harper Phoenix has done amazing on this story.

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Nov 11, 2019 R yatsko rated it it was amazing

An emotional read, that hooks you from the first chapter.
...unexpected, intriguing, and heartfelt story.

With tissues, in hand, read this book, enjoy ~wtmo

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