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.
Before I finally succumbed to the dark side (how could I refuse, they have cookies!), I read and reread the synopsis because I just didn't know if I could handle a hero 'turning' bad, or pretending to be someone they're not to capture the heroine. My thoughts were so far from the truth I seriously think I need a bitch slap, Nashoda weaves a tale of the unimaginable becoming the extraordinary. It's definitely a unique love story, with gut wrenching trials and tribulations. Emily has to be in my top 15 all time heroines, the woman had a will of steel throughout the book. I was in awe of her strength and determination. Now bear in mind I'd broken my novella rule and actually read With You first, and I'm so glad I did because it helped understand both characters but I think more than anything it gave me hope. From what I perceived of Sculpt in With You he wasn't the monster we witness in Torn From You, far from it minions because through every action and even his words you could see there was something more to it, we just didn't know what that more was. I'll be honest there were times I wanted to shake Emily, her unwavering belief that there was something more between her and Sculpt was annoying yet heartbreaking at the same time, because each time that hope was dashed my heart hurt for her but then when she somehow managed to find the will to endure and hope I was a little like 'girl give up already! He's an arsehole!' Yeah I was kicking myself for the statement as the book progressed. Emily was sweet, feisty, loyal and brave as hell. Nashoda ensnares you from page one, you find yourself holding your breath as you turn the page, all your muscles tense up as difficult to witness scenes come up and you find your voice a little hoarse towards the end from all the screaming done in anger, frustration and joy.
He was determined and focused. Unfathomable. He was confident with no fear. A steady resolve as if nothing could break him.
"Some things can't be repaired. You break them bad enough, they can't be fixed."
"It has always been you. It will always be you. Emily...you're my trophy."
“You, Emily. You're worth fighting for. I fought all my life, but never for anything worthwhile. Now... Now I'm fighting for my heart. Bullshit ends here and now.
So my rating? 5 fucktastic stars! I regret waiting so long to give this a try, but I'm so pleased with the outcome. Nashoda is definitely an author to keep an eye out for, and I can't wait to see what she gives us next. Her writing style flows effortlessly, keeping an even steady rhythm as the book progresses and everything's built up with just the right amount of emotion. If you're looking for a book that will have you clutching your Kindle for dear life, screaming quite a bit, jumping for pure joy and above all give you a sense of hope then look no further. The first 50 or so percent is really dark and crazy, but the second half completely makes up for it. This is definitely and 18+, and not for the fainthearted. Be warned this one hell of an emotional roller coaster, that will leave you slightly disoriented and questioning everything you know and believe about right and wrong. Brace yourselves for a love unlike any other.