ARC REVIEW: Torn (Torn #1) by K.A. Robinson

Title/Series: Torn | Torn #1
Author: K.A. Robinson
Publisher: Atria Publishing
Published: May 7th 2013
Format: eBook | Pages: 268
Genre: NA, Contemporary, Romance
Source: NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
★★★★✩ (4.5/5) Stars!

K.A. Robinson | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Chloe hasn't had the best life. With a mother who is gone more often than not, she has had to raise herself. After graduating high school, she leaves to start a new life away at West Virginia University with her best friends Amber and Logan, determined to leave her demons in the past. 

On her first day, she meets a stranger who takes her breath away at first sight. Until she met Drake, no one had ever sparked her interest. Now this tattooed and pierced bad boy is all she can think about, no matter how hard she fights it.

Falling for Drake was never part of her plans, but when it happens, things seem to do anything but fall into place.

Dealing with a tragic past, Drake has never cared about anyone else but himself and his band. But when Chloe takes the empty seat next to him in class, things start to change. Instantly drawn to her, he begins to wonder if one girl can take a cold hearted womanizer and change every part of him?

Long hidden feelings are revealed and friendships tested to the brink.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. There is nothing I love more, than a book that inspires intense emotions from me. Whether it be happiness, sadness and yes, even total and absolute frustration. I got so emotionally attached to these characters that when they were completely screwing things up I, in my head obviously, threw my Kindle across the room many, many times. If you were witness to my countless Goodreads status updates then I'm sure you already guessed as much.

I was hooked instantly. Chloe was a bit different from the average female MC. She was a bit more...alternative, for lack of a better word, in her style. She claimed Independence and "I can take care of myself" but the reality of it was she was very dependent on her two best friends Amber and Logan. Logan in particular.

On her first day of college she settles in to her first class of the day that she shares with Logan and when she notices the guy next to her, Drake, she's instantly attracted. What's not to like? Shaggy haired, pierced and tattoos. He screams bad boy. This is also where we first begin to realize that this "best friend" relationship with Logan may be just a bit more complicated than we originally thought. Because Logan notices Drake...noticing Chloe. This was all at about 3% into the book and I could already tell what was going to come of the situation and just knew it wasn't going to be good. Little did I know just how explosive and infuriating it was going to get!

Logan very quickly escalated to stab worthy to me. He was very jealous and possessive and his outbursts really made me nervous at times. It had me so angry because the jerk had 4 years that he's been best friends with her. FOUR YEARS in which he could have said "Hey girl. You. Me. Bed. Wanna?" But no he just allows himself to be secured in the friend zone and then when some other guy comes along and starts sniffing around he completely snaps. He's a complete tool. He only did ONE decent thing in this entire book in my opinion and that was in the last 10%. Still hasn't turned my opinion around on him. But it's a start.

Then we have Drake. Lead singer of a band, total bad boy. Womanizer, pierced, tattooed. Yeah I think I love him. What on earth is wrong with me?! Sigh. Honestly though, he's didn't escape my wrath at all. He has his fair share of moments where I wanted to crawl inside the book and punch him in the junk.

I nodded as tears welled up in my eyes again. "What if I don't want him. What if I want you?"

He leaned forward and pressed a kiss to my forehead. "You can't have me, not like that anyway."

This book tore my heart to shreds. It was one of the few times that I honestly did not think a happily ever after would be at all possible. Every time there would be some incredible high and I'd think "if only things could stay just like this" within moments it would all come crashing down and my heart would break just a little bit more.

I smiled as I wrapped my arms around him. "I'd like that. I'm just afraid we'll hurt each other again."

"We will, I have no doubt. We'll fight and slam doors and then we'll make up. Every couple in the world does it, Chloe. I'm willing to take all that hurt to be with you if you are too."  

"I am," I whispered as he pulled me close and kissed me gently.

Though as absolutely frustrating as this book and it's characters were, I fell in love with it completely and it's taking every ounce of self control I have to sit here and attempt to write this review instead of just diving straight into book two which is now waiting for me. What can I say it's become a favorite I must enjoy torture! I did take half a star away due to the number of times I had to restrain myself from tossing my Kindle. You now how it is.

"I love you, Chloe, so much it hurts"

Now if you'll excuse me. Drake, Twisted and I have a very important date. *Crosses self* Can I admit I'm a bit scared? Well played K.A. Robinson. Well played.