Torn from You

Torn from You (Tear Asunder, 1)
by Nashoda Rose
Rating: 4 Bows!

Love is like an avalanche. It hits hard, fast and without mercy.

At least it did for me when Sculpt, the lead singer of the rock band Tear Asunder knocked me off my feet. Literally, because he’s also a fighter, illegally of course, and he taught me how to fight. He also taught me how to love and I fell hard for him. I mean the guy could do sweet, when he wasn't doing bossy, and I like sweet.

Then it all shattered.

Kidnapped.
Starved.
Beaten.
I was alone and fighting to survive.
When I heard Sculpt's voice, I thought he was there to save me.

I was wrong.

Dear Lord. I was so not expecting this. The novella was sweet and romantic and then this story did a 180 and went in a whole new direction. It's dark, scary, and hard to read, well most of it is. 

The first half was difficult to read but at the same time I couldn't but down the book. I hated Sculpt, I wanted to crush his head and kick him while he was down...that's how angry I was. But even worse? I started to hate Emily as well. 
Honey, you're being tortured, humiliated, and beaten, why in the world are you feeling "lust-full" to the man that brought you to this situation? I wanted to slap her so she could see what was going on around her. 
There's a difference in complying so you'll survive and being dumb and wanting someone who has harmed you. Ugh! 

"You will fear me, Emily. And if you don't…I will make you."

But like all great authors, Rose turned us around again and soon I was starting to forgive Sculpt. I know it's like whiplash!

In the second half, you find out why things happened the way they did but even with the explanations (I won't give those away) I wasn't totally convinced they were justifiable. But that's just me.

Emily finally grows a backbone, Hurray!, and learns to trust those around her. It was great to see her mature and not be as whiny as she was in the novella. We have the old Sculpt back and he's just as swoon worthy and sexy as ever.

"What we had, we can't get back, Sculpt."

"We can, 'cause it never fuckin' left."

There's plenty of action, love, crying and redemption in Torn from You and even though the first half I loathed, the book was exceptional. I recommend this for everyone who wants to try something a little different, and out of their comfort zone. 

Hemlock (Hemlock, 1)

Hemlock (Hemlock, 1)
by Kathleen Peacock
Rating: 4 Bows!

Mackenzie Dobson's life has been turned upside down since she vowed to hunt her best friend Amy's killer: a white werewolf. Lupine syndrome—also known as the werewolf virus—is on the rise across the country, and bloodlust is not easy to control. But it soon becomes clear that dangerous secrets are lurking in the shadows of Hemlock, Mac's hometown—and she is thrown into a maelstrom of violence and betrayal that puts her in grave danger.

I started this book at 9pm and finished it at 2am because it was that good! The synopsis gives little details about the story so I was a little hesitant reading the story but from the first page you're thrust into the action and it doesn't let up until the very end!

There was plenty of action and suspense but overall I would categorize this book as a mystery. So we have Mac, whose best friend Amy was murdered by a werewolf and is determined to find her killer. Mac's best quality, in my opinion, is her loyalty to her friends Jason and Kyle, the fact that she is determined to help them get over Amy's death and not hit rock bottom. 

There is a bit of romance but wait for it...it's a love triangle! Normally I steer clear of these but in this case I felt like it wasn't really a love triangle. We have Jason and Kyle who are best friends but completely different in personalities and some other stuff... Jason is broken and on the verge of being an alcoholic due to Amy's death. He's on a path to destruction because of his rage but he's also sweet and protective towards Mac. Kyle, has issues of his own but he's sweet and protective and the Mac can always rely on him.

The good thing about this "love Triangle" is that Mac makes her choice, I won't say who 'cuz you have to read the book, but I can't say I'm too happy with her choice. However, from reading the story it's pretty clear that Mac isn't too sure about who she loves and I really hope that Mac will end up with the other person in the upcoming books!! 

Hemlock was a good book filled with mystery and action and it's a great start to the trilogy. I'm anxiously awaiting the release of ThornHill and I can't wait to see where Kathleen Peacock takes this series!