Review: Fast-Paced and Steamy
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 11 19, 2013
A review copy was provided by the publisher for an honest review. Torn is a hot little read with an impulsive and combustible romance. Gage was briefly introduced in the first novel Crave, but readers get to know and swoon over him in this installment. While I felt the previous book that was centered on Archer Bancroft and Ivy Emerson lacked consistency, Torn was solid. The two leads Gage and Marina have major chemistry and yet at the same time they struggle with what they feel for each other. Inner conflict plagues them both because they don't know if what they feel is real or just lust, and if it'll last. What begins as rocky relationship ends up becoming friends with benefits, and a whole lot more. Further adding complication is that they are both withholding information and using each other to get what they want. Their business arrangement takes an unexpected turn.Three best friends Gage, Archer, and Matt are billionaire bachelors. They made a bet at a reception that whoever remained the last unmarried man of the trio would win 1 million dollars. Archer fell out of the race first when Gage's sister Ivy reentered Archer's life and gave him a run for his money. With Gage and Matt still in the running to win, a gorgeous bakery owner takes him by surprise. Marina Knight is a blonde beauty, values family loyalty, and is ambitious, and smart. Gage Emerson is selfish, conceited, and devious. He's sure he's going to win the challenge, and he has no interest in being in a serious relationship but when he meets Marina, all bets may very well be off.Marina is a strong independent woman trying to save her business, and preserve the legacy of her family. Sadly her family doesn't take her endeavors seriously, and they underestimate her. I found Marina most relatable from her actions and reactions to situations. I liked that she chases after her dreams. Gage is overconfident, knows what he wants and gets it. No one ever stands up to him, women feign interest, and people only see the dollar signs. Marina is the first person to put him in his place, not fall prey to his good-looks and smooth-talk. However, he seems to say all the wrong things and Marina calls him out, and that captures his interest. She's not what he expected, and Gage isn't either, he can be thoughtful and sweet when he wants to be. He pursues her knowing that he's risking his heart, a million-dollar bet, and the opportunity to acquire more property and turn a profit. Marina knows he's probably after her family's real estate and legacy, but she needs Gage if she wants a chance at saving her bakery.Torn has a handful of sexy scenes, a gorgeous—albeit occasional jerk—bachelor, a saucy heroine, and a fast-paced story. Murphy is great at writing and igniting chemistry between characters. The idea of the bet is fun, and I really love Gage, Marina, Archer, and Ivy. I enjoyed seeing former characters interact with the new ones. Matt is up next, and I have a feeling his story will be the best one yet. If you like quick, steamy stories the Billionaire Bachelors Club is worth checking out!