Member Reviews
Alessandra Torr's A Divided Heart is a captivating novel that explores the complexities of love and relationships. The story follows the journey of Layana Fairmont as she navigates through the challenges of balancing her career and personal life, while also dealing with the aftermath of a broken heart. I loved the writing, and I love a good romance novel with a twist. Overall, A Divided Heart is a well-written and compelling story that left me wanting more!
The first half of the book was just ok with a lot of spice. But the second half more than made up for it with twists I wasn't expecting and shattered my preconceptions. To say any more than that would be a spoiler.
Oh. My. Goodness!!! I loved this more than I could say. Layala meets Brant, brilliant, reclusive man. Even though his aunt tries to scare her off, Layala and Brant love each other. Their relationship seems perfect… until it doesn’t. She meets Lee, and tries to be with both of them secretly. This was hot 🌶️ and twisty. I couldn’t enough!
thank you to netgalley for the advanced reading copy. I really enjoyed this and will be getting copies for my shop.
"A Divided Heart" by Alessandra Torre is a gripping and suspenseful tale that delves deep into the intricacies of deception and the tangled web of secrets that can bind a relationship. The story revolves around Layana Fairmont, who seems to lead a picture-perfect life with her wealthy fiancé, Brant Sharp. However, as the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that nothing is as it seems. Torre's storytelling is masterful, and she skillfully weaves a narrative filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The characters are complex and multifaceted, and the exploration of love, trust, and betrayal is both thought-provoking and emotionally charged. "Black Lies" is a thrilling and thought-provoking read that will leave you questioning the nature of truth and the depths people are willing to go to protect the ones they love.
Torre's writing style is engaging and evocative, pulling readers into the story's dark and mysterious world. The pacing is well-executed, with just the right balance of suspense and romance to keep readers fully engrossed. As the layers of deception are peeled away, the story becomes increasingly addictive, and you won't be able to put it down until you uncover the truth behind the black lies. If you enjoy psychological thrillers with a side of steamy romance and intricate character dynamics, "A Divided Heart" is a must-read that will leave you guessing until the very end.
As much as I have loved all the Alessandra Torre books I have read in the past, I just couldn't connect with this one. I didn't care for the characters at all and the story didn't grab me like she usually does. I did try several times to come back to it, thinking I just wasn't in the right frame of mind for it, to no avail.
So thank you for allowing me to preview, I wish Alessandra nothing but success with this book, it just wasn't for me.
I...did not expect that!!!! At all!!!!! I have to give Layana (our MC and main POV) a lot of credit because I am not sure if I could have handled all that was thrown at her with her tenacity and determination. Which, I suppose, proves she was meant to be with her MMC. I read another review about being heartbroken for a man who did not exist and after reading the book I truly felt that. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, and by the end I was a little wrung out. I had to stop reading and take a few days break in the middle too! Overall I truly loved it and will seek out more books by this author!!
Thriling and mindblowing!
“A Divided Heart” by Alessandra Torre is my first book by the author and an exciting and a story that leaves you speechless. This is Layana and Brant's story.
I don't even know how to write my reading impression because this story made me go through so much.
Layana comes from a rich family who expects her to find a suitable partner. Then she meets the attractive Brant, who has everything she could ever want. He is rich, charismatic and makes her heart beat, but he has a secret that can change everything.
I was spellbound by the story! When I started reading, I wasn't expecting such an exciting and engaging story. There were a lot of points where I really hated Layana and I was constantly teased with Brant's secret and really wanted to know what the secret was!
But I don't want to write more, because the story is so crazy and you can enjoy the story the most if you go into the book blind!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
I first read this a looooong time ago when it was published as Black Lies. I remember being totally taken aback by the twist at the time that I knew I would want to read extra content in this story! We are both fans of this author publishing under both names so if you’re looking for more recommendations scroll a few back on our grid!
A Divided Heart follows the story of two men - Brant and Lee - and their love interest Layana. She loves both men, and neither of them know about the other.
This book is full of twists and turns and strikes the perfect balance between story and romantic scenes!
Love the author. Love the story. I just want to read more in this world as soon as possible. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good story.
Alessandra Torre has done it again. A Divided Heart had me gripping the pages for more. She’s such an amazing storyteller, you feel like your are part of that world.
Thank you Netgalley and Select Publishing for the chance to read A divided heart by Allessandra Torre. This is the 2nd book I have read from the author (aka A.R. Torre). A divided heart gave me the same reaction as The ghostwriter; I could not put it down! While I originally had issues with the m.c. Layana, it soon became apparent not everything is as it seemed. Originally published in 2014 as Black Lies, the author has revamped and added to the story. This is definitely a dark, conflicted and steamy read. Layana is in love with two men, Brant, a brilliant tech billionaire and Lee who is rough, and wild. She can't let either of them go. If you think you’ve heard this story before, trust me - you haven’t.
Fast paced with lots of twists and turns, it’s one of those books where you miss the characters when it ends.
Highly recommend.
Thank you NetGalley and Select Publishing for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I could not put this book down to save my life. It was so spicy and addictive, with such character depth and well described emotions that entwined so well with the plot. I was not expecting that plot twist. The MC took you on a journey where what you thought was not what it seemed at all. Additionally, while you make your way through this book, you’re piecing things together, and then the switch flicks and your whole view of the plot changes. I wish I could read this book for the first time again, it is incredibly well written by an author that is clearly super talented and knows how to capture the reader’s attention for the entire book.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I really enjoyed it!!
I love a good love triangle and this one is great! I especially loved the balance between story and smut. It's a hard line to walk to find the balance and I often struggle with this genre because it's too lopsided (too much smut, zero story, or long, drawn out story zero smut) but this author does it brilliantly! I also loved that most of it wasn't super nitty gritty to the point where it's embarrassing to read. Highly recommended for people new to the genre!
I was almost hesitant to read this because I'm not a huge fan of love triangles. But I kept hearing people recommend the original book Black Lies and of course I love the author, so I gave it a chance. I must have said to myself "what is going on?!?!?" about 20 times during this one and I'm glad I didn't read any spoilers. I'm sure people guessed but I had no clue and was totally shocked at the plot twist. I highly recommend this book!
I’ve been in a book slump and not really wanting to read. I figured I’d go back to the beginning and try a love triangle. I’m so happy that I gave this book a chance!!!
I absolutely loved the mystery in this book. At first I couldn’t figure out why we didn’t figure things out when the characters did, but it made perfect sense when we finally learned the secrets!!! I loved how Alessandra Torres wrote this story and kept me wanting more as I turned each page!!!
This book starts out pretty basic. Billionaire genius falls in love with a beautiful woman he met at a fundraiser. They're blissfully in love until something, or someone, tears them apart. There's a love triangle... With a twist. Not everything is as it seems. Then you absolutely question the sanity, the motives, and the morals of Layana as she spirals into a dark twisted love affair with no rhyme or reason for the lengths she goes to. As events finally start to unfold, it becomes clear just how talented the author is. Total mind bender.
I read this book in its earlier guise as Black Lies in December 2018. Nine years later and the re-mastered book is even better thanks to the additional content. My previous review was a 3-star, but this updated version is upgraded to a 4-star read.
I thought I knew what was coming. The main plot-twist that would have changed everything.
And it did. Change everything. But I was wrong, so wrong.
—Yes, “A Divided Heart” is contemporary romance and it’s gritty, it’s unusual and it’s definitely a page-turner.
You follow Layana’s life as she decides to show it to you. Because she’s not telling you the whole truth. About what happened.
Or at least, she’s trying to tell you but she’s taking her time. To get you accustomed to the situation. An impossible one.
Pacing was slow and enigmatic and yet it made me want to know more, because the stakes were high and I knew the protagonist had to face a choice, before the end. I knew she had to decide who she couldn't live without. Two men. Only one life.
I thought I knew what was coming and yet I did not.
Torre's prose was limpid, her characterisation was intense.
I read her novel in two days. It was a great show of storytelling.
OMG. Yes, please. More please. ❤️
Alessandra Torre can do no wrong. This is beautifully written. It tears you to pieces and then remakes you better than before. Utterly brilliant!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced digital reader's copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review!