TORN is the third book in Lauren Dane's Whiskey Sharp series. This is my favorite type of story. Rather than having conflict between this hero and heroine, they support each other as they face their individual challenges. Former model and cult escapee Beau Petty and the exceedingly capable Cora Silvera knew each other when they were younger and become romantically involved after getting reacquainted a few years later. Their natural chemistry is palpable and the flirty and witty banter give this romance an extra boost.

About a million years ago, Cora had a crush on Beau when she was younger. At the time, she was a little too young for Beau to notice so no romance developed at the time. Now that they are both a little older, wiser, and both in Seattle, their mutual attraction is undeniable, and their romance develops very organically and exudes a very innocent kind of joy mixed with a wonderful sensuality. Lauren Dane does a superb job of writing an entertaining and sexy romance, as well as telling a character-driven story with challenges that highlight the complexities and strengths of the main characters. Beau and Cora have both had to deal with parents with varying degrees of narcissism and a controlling disposition. Beau's father is on the destructive and very negative end of that spectrum, while Cora's mother is obnoxious yet loving. I love how these two characters support and love each other without being judgmental in any way. Not only do they have each other, but Lauren Dane provides a tight-knit group of friends who offer advice, act as a sounding board, and throw in a little unconditional love to help Cora and Beau find the strength to handle their personal dramas.

TORN is a magical and deeply romantic story with characters you'll fall in love with. I'm wild about these characters and this book. Beau is a strong, sexy, and sensitive guy who is charming and unabashedly adores Cora. Cora is both extremely kind and understanding, while also being a jack of all trades and incredibly clever. I also like how, with Beau being a hot celebrity chef, food becomes foreplay. If you haven't read the previous books in this Whiskey Sharp series, I highly recommend it. I look forward to Lauren Dane's next book.

Book Summary

Beau Petty has been searching his whole life. Searching for a place that fills all the empty spaces in him. Searching for a way to tame the restlessness. Searching for answers to the secret he’s never stopped trying to solve. What he wasn’t searching for was a woman to claim all of him, but when Cora Silvera walks back into his life, he’s ready to search out all the ways he can make her his.

Cora has spent her life as the family nurturer, taking care of others. But now she’s ready to pass that job on to someone else. It’s time to make some changes and live for herself. It’s in that moment that her former teenage crush reappears and the draw and the heat of their instant connection is like nothing either of them has experienced. He craves being around her. She accepts him, dark corners and all.

Beau thinks Cora’s had enough drama in her life. He wants to protect her from the secrets of his past, even if it means holding back the last pieces of himself. But Cora is no pushover and she means to claim all those pieces.