This was just okay and not what I expected given the previous two books in this series. I absolutely adored the other two and this one felt disconnected to me. I feel like this series was better left at a duology.

DNF at 34%.

Objectively speaking, the writing is great, I like the set of characters, and the chemistry between Beau and Cora is hot, but I'm just not feeling it. The story is character-driven, and at this point I still don't know where it is going. If I were in a better mood, I'd finish it just for the sake of finishing, but today is not that day.

This is the third book in the whiskey sharp series, this is Beau and Cora book, Beau has been going through life looking for something that matters to him he harbors a lot of secrets! Cora is the one in her family that takes care of everyone but she's tired of doing that and wants to pass it on to someone else! While it's time to make some changes her teenage crush reappears! Their connection is 🔥🔥🔥!! Beau craves Cora they've both never had a connection like this before! beau has a bunch of secrets from his past and Cora wants to help put Beau back together! Like I said not a bad read but not my favorite either. Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for sharing this book with me!

Friends reunited into a second chance love is always sweet. This series is well named. As a fan of Whiskey, I feel as though I'm enjoy different bottles of Whiskeys. This one is a sweeter than the others. The chemistry between Cora and Beau is smooth. If I had to pick a brand of Whiskey to describe this relationship, I would pick the Glenmorangie Sherry Cask. That hint of sweetness with a smooth burn works for them. This would be in contrast to Maybe's story in Unraveled which I would consider a smokey Ardbeg. And also different than Rachel's dark story in Jagged which I liken to Macallan. I digress.

Following the theme of dysfunctional families, Cora's mother is the issue here. I honestly start to wonder if Ms. Dane has family or friends with massive dysfunctions. Because some of these things the parents do in this series are just horrendous. My heart weeps for the women. Cora's treatment may not be as bad as Maybe or Rachel, but it is still emotionally scarring. Luckily for Cora, she now has a champion who counterbalances the negativity of her mother. Beau Petty is a boy Cora knew and now has the chance to reconnect. Boy do they reconnect. He does come with his own baggage.

Ms. Dane brings a reader into this story and adds additional connections to this world by bringing in familiar characters from Unraveled and Jagged. Growing this circle of friends and support is a key element in her romances and it is particularly appealing to me. In this one, there is less conflict than the previous two, but still enough to create a connection to Cora's pain and her joy. I do enjoy stories where people reconnect and this time, it is the right time and right place.

This romance flows and is an easy read. The erotic parts are just steamy enough to bring a nice heat. This erotic romance is recommended to romance readers who love second chance romances.

Torn is the third book in the Whiskey Sharp series by Lauren Dane. While each book is enjoyable on its own, the secondary characters and location is carried over from the previous books. I have read the previous books, and enjoyed them very much.

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.
Torn was a must read when I started, mainly because of the teaser I read at the end of the previous book. I had to read Cora's happy ever after. I still loved Cora through the whole book, and found her blend of strong and vulnerable to be well balanced and written. I thought Beau's character was well written, and his history and struggles with the issues it causes him was well done. I enjoyed seeing them get acquainted and deal with the complications brought on by friends and Cora's family. I like that both dealt with their personal issues, but was annoyed with Beau's efforts to 'protect' Cora by keeping thing from her. I also felt that something big was coming, something bigger than actually happened. I found the end to be a little anticlimactic, but I have hope that another book will come along (perhaps with one of Cora's siblings or one of the remaining single friends) that will include some big revelation to bring Beau's family back into play.

Torn did not grab me with the same amount of emotion as the previous books in the series, but I still enjoyed it and will continue reading the author's work. I think fans of the author and series will want to pick this one up, but I hope the next is even better.

Lauren Dane is an author on my always buy list. I so appreciate that her characters are so multi layered. Once again, in this third book of the series, the hero and heroine grabbed hold and held on - I truly cared about their happily ever after. Lauren Dane usually has minimal conflict in her stories, which is unique among romance writers. Her characters just live their lives, and though they might have exotic professions, they have normal experiences. Torn has it all, passion, romance, and a logical series conclusion. Torn could stand alone, but why would you want to miss spending more time in Lauren Dane's world?

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.

Cora is ready for a change. She is ready to live the life she wants and not the one expected of her. Reconnecting with Beau wasn’t part of the plan. But now that she has, do they have a future?
I thoroughly loved returning to this world Lauren Dane has created. Torn is third in her Whiskey Sharp series and I loved seeing Cora find her happily ever after. And I enjoyed the man that Ms. Dane gave her. A man that cooks and cooks well. Who cares that he is hot…he cooks, he feeds her and he loves doing it! Beau’s life hasn’t been easy. Raised by a cult, cut off from society, he still managed to become a good man.
And while Cora loves her family, they stifle her. They make it difficult for her to be the woman she needs and find the fulfillment that is hers alone. Can she stand firm and grab the future she wants?
I love the people that both Cora and Beau surrounded themselves with. We get to see old friends and see what has happened in their lives even as Ms. Dane gives Cora and Beau their story. I loved seeing just how well Cora and Beau fit. They had a little history but managed to see who they were in the now. Ms. Dane gave us two characters who were ready for more. I loved that there was little drama as they found a rhythm to their relationship. That is not to say there weren’t issues they had to get through. I loved that Ms. Dane made those issues outside factors to what Cora and Beau were building.
I thoroughly enjoyed returning to this world and I cannot wait to return in the future.

I have absolutely enjoyed reading Lauren Dane's Whiskey Sharp series and the latest book, Whiskey Sharp: Torn, was such a wonderful continuation.

A second chance story it is sweet...it's a stand alone within the Whiskey Sharp series and the characters are fun. they have an interesting relationship but there is a lack of something. Not a lot of conflict to be resolved, a few issues that fall into place a little too nicely. It's a sweet and quick read with a lot of good food mentioned (don't read hungry - LOL)

I’m not a big fan of the first book in this series as the family dysfunction of Maybe and Rachel with their parents irritated me. I skipped Jagged even though I already have it because I didn’t want to see that again in Rachel’s story. I'll get back to it sometime because I like what I've seen of Rachel and Vic from Torn.

This one still had some paternal conflict, but it did not overwhelm Cora’s and Beau’s romantic story. And what a great story it is with adult characters acting like their age, with real world issues faced head-on, and with people talking to each other to resolve issues. I love that the attraction between Cora and Beau was acknowledged early on, explored, and allowed to grow. I love the rich, strong relationships with their respective families, by blood or by choice, and with friends, both mutual and separate. I love that they both have successful careers and their lives melded together because they made the decision to work on it.

All the characters are fleshed out with Beau and Cora at the center of everything, with no cartoon cut-out villains. And there's a dog. So, yeah, I pretty much loved this book. It ticks all the boxes for me.

Thanks to Carina and NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy to review.

A great addition to the Whiskey Sharp series, Cora is best friends with Maybe and Rachel. She walks into another mutual friend's loft for dinner, and is brought up short by the man in the kitchen, Beau Petty, who she'd known and silently loved and then lost track of many years earlier. Beau has overcome a difficult upbringing and has become a world-famous chef, but doesn't want to burden Cora with all of his drama. She's decided that the time is right to assert herself and get out from under her famous mother's overbearing wing, and Beau is her escape. Don't get me wrong, it works both ways! And happily ever after is in the works for this part of the trio as well. Strong women, all three of them, and the men they love just make them stronger.

I received this as an ARC from Netgalley -- thanks!

Sometimes what you find isn’t what you were searching for...

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.

* * * * *

I am totally in love with this series! It is based in Seattle which is local to me so picking up a book in this series is similar to slipping on a comfy pair of jeans before heading off to hang out with your best friends. Now Cora hadn't been a character that I was familiar with but I looked forward to getting to know her simply because she was friends with Maybe and the rest of the gang. And getting to know her and Beau was a real pleasure.

Ms. Dane has penned another winner with TORN. Characters that quickly become as old friends, witty dialogue and really hot sex. Beau and Cora seem to be made for each other but they both have enough baggage from their pasts to keep both their lives and the story interesting. I was actually sad when I finished the book and had to tell them goodbye.

I do recommend WHISKEY SHARP TORN to my readers who enjoy a contemporary romance with a lot of heat. There is explicit sex in the story but it follows as part of the plot rather then being the plot. TORN does stand nicely on its own but reading the previous books will enrich the story as you will then have the backstory on a lot of the secondary characters.

WHISKEY SHARP UNRAVELED

WHISKEY SHARP JAGGED

***I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own and not influenced by the publisher or author.

Torn is the third book in the Whiskey Sharp series. This is Cora and Beau's story. Picking up about two years after the events of Jagged, Cora is back from an extended business trip with her mother. Tired of traveling, she is finally ready to settle down and plant some roots. Running into an old friend may help make part of that plan a reality.

I liked this one, just didn't love it. It wasn't my favorite of the series. Cora and Beau were cute together, but I kind of wanted more. It was almost too easy with no real obstacles in the way. They clicked, had sex, and fell in love. So, their story got a little dull toward the end. Beau's past and Cora's mother aren't huge issues for them. I guess I was expecting a deep dark secret, but there really wasn't one. I was a bit unsatisfied with the resolution to Beau's situation.

Don't get me wrong, there is plenty to like about the book. Beau was adorable and surprisingly well adjusted given his cult family background. I also loved Cora. There is the added bonus of the Dolan sisters, Rachel and Maybe showing up in the book. It was nice to catch up with those characters. It's a fast read and a nice addition to the series. It just wasn't as dark as I was expecting it to be based on the synopsis.

Favorite Quotes:

Beau’s had quite the colorful life. I mean. Wow. Also the modeling shots alone might have made me pregnant.

Naked, he’s like one of those magical things you’re not supposed to look at directly or you get ensorcelled.

I guess I need to make an honest man out of you or people might think you were easy… You must really love me to want my crazy mixing up with your crazy. You do realize we might have just bred the Kwisatz Haderach, right?

People take pictures of you. You’re not just a pretty surfing tourist. You’re Beau Petty. And so some video of you giving me the business would end up online and everyone would savage my thighs…

Rachel snatched the dog from her sister and Cora decided not to inform them that Beau had fed Jezzy an entire can of those gross sausages that smelled like dog food. Cute though Jezzy was, she also farted like a demon, and then pretended it wasn’t her.

My Review:

This book was a delight, I’ve never read this author before but look forward to further indulging myself with her magical combinations of words. Silly me, I jumped into a series with book three, and while it probably would have deepened my enjoyment and understanding of the secondary characters, it was not necessary to have read the previous books as Whiskey Sharp: Torn had strong legs, like mighty oaks, and was more than capable of standing alone. However, I am greedy and want to read the two earlier books as well as anything else this staggeringly talented wordsmith has scribbled.

The characters were multi-layered, alluring, and captivating while adorned with fascinating and complicated histories. The storylines were engaging, unique, intriguing, and laced with levity, zinging banter, bawdy wit, and clever humor. The copious meals that were prepared and enjoyed tantalized and tortured this salivating dieter, as they sounded as drool-worthy as the lascivious and bootylicious sensual scenes.

This was my favorite type of book as the featured couple enjoyed a refreshingly sweet, sensual, and profoundly nurturing and supportive relationship that was relatively conflict-free. And I absolutely loved this couple; they were adorable and precious, perfectly matched, irresistible, and off-the-charts passionate together. They were totally smitten and besotted and good to and for each other. I reveled in the ease, thoughtfulness, and care they took with each other, as well as their ability to scorch the sheets and singe the ceiling tiles. I have to adore a sweet and sexy man who can inventively cook in every room in the house.

Well, this wasn't my favorite. I liked Beau well enough, but Cora? Not so much. Don't get me wrong, there were times when I was liking her, but overall I thought she wasn't very mature. Still love the series though and would recommend.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

I started this series here (no surprise!) so I came into it with no preconceived notion of the characters. And I really enjoyed myself. Beau and Cora together are cute and sexy and pretty much melodrama free. But that doesn’t apply to the rest of their lives.

Cora has spent the last who-knows-how-many years being at her mom’s beck & call and she’s done. She’s ready to stay in one place and create a life for herself, something that fulfills her and isn’t just being minder to her diva mother. And the timing is perfect as it brings her back in time to connect with Beau again.

Beau was raised in cult as the son of its leader. He got out when his dad started doing things that Beau didn’t agree with and worked with the authorities … which sent the others on the run. He’s managed to make a good life for himself and was a very successful model before becoming a chef. He’s in Seattle spending time with friends and is surprised to see Cora again.

The connection between the two is instantaneous and works for me. They get along very well and make for a believable (and steamy) couple. I also like the bond between the two of them and their friends. They have created a support group from themselves that is quite awesome and those interactions are fabulous to see.

There are some weaker moments – mainly Cora & her mom and Beau & his past. While Beau’s does have a bit more resolution by the end, there is still a little bit of an open-ended feel to it. Maybe Dane plans on it being a tie-in to a future book? It definitely feels like it could lead to more. And Cora & her mom definitely didn’t have the resolution that some will feel they need. Cora does stand up for herself and works to make the situation the best it can be, but her mom is just not very likable. Reading it you’re not sure why everyone is OK with her attitude and the way she treats people, especially family. They maneuver her well and there is a subtle addressing of things, but I think that it isn’t going to be enough for some readers.

Overall, as my first book by Dane, I found it to be a good read – enjoyable characters all around and a hot romance. I couldn’t ask for more in a summer read.

I have been a super fan of Lauren Dane ever since I read the Brown Sibling series. There is always so much depth to not only the characters, but the stories themselves as well.

The story of Beau and Cara isn’t exactly deep. Well, it could have been, but the author chose not to take that route. For me, the story needed it. There’s a lot of history to Cara and Beau that just seemed to just hang there … and I didn’t even realize it until I was almost finished with the book. It was almost as if it was too easy … that’s not always a bad thing. I love easy like Sunday morning reads, but I just can’t help but think that Beau and Cara deserved more. I dunno, I was just left wanting …..

The part of this story that was really well done was Beau and Cara themselves, together. It’s a second chance to get it right story and they both just flowed right into the present with ease. They were really good for each other. Like I said, Beau’s individual history with his past and Cara’s with her mother was what left me unsatisfied about the story.

This is the third in the series, and must be read in order. Cora and Beau reconnect after years, and sparks fly. Cora doesn't want drama in her life, and that seems to be all Beau has to offer. I really wanted to like this, because I did like the others in the series, but I really couldn't get into it. It really had too much introspection, and ironically, way too much drama. It was well written, but too angsty for me.

After the trainwrecks that were Unraveled and Jagged, I wasn't too sure how much I was going to like Torn. But Cora isn't a Dolan and she sure isn't living the Dolan trainwreck life. She's put together and has it going on, at least she is in the first 2 books where she features as Maybe and Rachel's best friend.

And, to Dane's credit, Cora is not in fact living a Dolan life. She's just living a light version of the Dolan life. With a fractured family and a mother who might not rival Daddy Dolan but is horribly manipulative, entitled, and just "ugly" in her mental wearing down of her children, Cora the peacemaker is struggling. She wants to be doing certain things with her life and being her mother's general dogsbody and fetcher and carer is not one of them, especially since her mother is perfectly capable of hiring someone to do these things.

Instead, it's Beau who is living the Dolan life. Having escaped from a religious cult run by his father, he has a good life - a millionaire life. Said cult saw him married and a father as a teen before daring to question his father's sexual abuse of children which almost gets him killed. Now, he gets to lament the fact that he has lost his twin sons (who along with their mother escaped when the FBI moved in) and pay serious money ($50K?! and more) to maybe get information about his family.

Despite all this, Beau is not the broken one here; that's Cora's role. Because, like Lyosha and Vic before him, Beau is perfect: the perfect foil for Cora, perfectly handsome, perfectly wealthy, perfectly able to deal with Cora's mother, perfectly in love with Cora and all he wants to do is lavish his love on her. The fantasy-land start to this series remains strong with this one.

For all that, I liked Torn way more than the first 2 books. Why? Because Dane returned to a tried-and-true theme of her books: Food=Love. We saw this earlier with the oh-so-perfect Orlvos and we see it here with Beau and his chef friends. Whether this series segues into one about Beau's friends or one about Cora's family remains to be seen, but either way would not be bad. As long as we leave this absurd fantasy land of the perfect man to lift up his broken woman, I'll be happy.