Allison Pearl

Nora lives as one of the hired staff in Billionaire Archie Hamilton’s Manson. She is a companion of sorts to his grandmother Betsey. The prologue Is intense, and the reader soon realizes that Nora’s got some people that could do her and the people around her harm.

Archie is suspicious of Nora’s past, but then doesn’t care the more the talk. As things escalate the two must choose if they can put aside the past hurts and learn to work together to solve these mysteries.

If you like a good mystery, with some suspense, a splash of romance, and a few surprises, this is the book for you.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/… (meer)

Battered & Torn by Allison Pearl is a Faith-Based Romantic Suspense novel. Nora finds refuge in the home of billionaire Archie Hamilton. Hiding from her murderous family, she only wants to lead a low-profile life relying on God. But when Archie takes an interest in her, she finds herself and those around her in danger.

Allison Pearl builds a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat. With twists and turns, this book will keep you interested. I loved getting to know Nora, Archie, Archie’s grandmother, and Archie’s friends – with one exception. But I will leave it to you to read the book to make your own determination.

I must say if you want a book that wraps up everything in a neat package with a beautiful ribbon, this may not be the book for you. I know I was left wanting more.

So if you enjoy Faith-Based Romantic Suspense novels, check out Battered & Torn by Allison Pearl for yourself. I definitely recommend it. I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.… (meer)

The book is a suspenseful story that draws readers into the world of deceit. Nora is trying so hard to run away from her past but can she really ever be safe? I thought she was a complex character with deep scars and trust issues. It is understandable why it is hard to trust when you come from such a dysfunctional family like hers. When she is taken in by a sweet older woman she starts to relax a bit. Unfortunately that secure feeling won’t last for long.

Archie is a good character who adores his grandmother. He is fiercely protective of her and it shows when he interrogates Nora. Why has his grandmother allowed a stranger to come live with her? There are some tense moments between Nora and Archie that put them both on guard. Archie is angry at God for taking his loved ones but he is determined to keep his grandmother safe from the stranger living in the house.

I like the way the author develops the relationship between the two main characters. It is subtle and not without doubts that lead them to try to sort out their feelings. Nora has this idea about love that she explains to Archie. “Knowing when to let someone go is just as much an act of love as chasing them.” You can see the question in Archie’s eyes when she tells him this. There is pain deep within Nora and I think at that moment, Archie feels this need to protect her.

Nora’s past is getting closer to being exposed as unexplained accidents start happening. I loved the suspense throughout the book and the faith thread scattered in and out of the storyline. Someone wants Nora harmed but will Archie be able to protect her?

The author gives us some unexpected twists that had me on the edge of my seat. There are people after Nora but among her enemies is someone I never thought was capable of inflicting harm on someone else. It is a rollercoaster ride as the drama intensifies and the secrets start to explode in front of Nora.

During a very intense moment Archie reminds Nora that she is free because God loves her and has forgiven her. Will Nora trust Archie or leave with someone who she has been running from? There are a few moments in the story where sensitive subjects are mentioned. The author does handle this with grace but still could be a trigger for some readers. The author ends the story with a cliff hanger that tells me I have another book from her coming soon. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

“If you spend your whole life focusing on the bad, you’ll never see the good things you have left.”

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.… (meer)

Before I get into my review I just have to say that Allison Pearl seriously has the most delicious book covers around! I have been craving donuts something fierce lately and this eye candy is not helping things!

It has been awhile since I’ve been in St. Claire, so it took me a minute to get my bearings and jog my memory, but but this being a standalone made that a bit easier, though I still was fighting to remember what had happened in the previous books. I love how the story starts out with mystery and that foreboding feeling doesn’t leave you the entire time you’re reading.

Nora is hiding a big secret from Archie, a powerful businessman from a very wealthy family. Both Archie and Nora have compelling enemies, making you wonder which of these “coincidences” and threats are directed towards whom, adding another layer to the mystery. I wasn’t really a fan of Archie’s character, and fought to like him, even after his personal growth and redemption, but Nora had my sympathy in spades.

Battered & Torn is can be read as a standalone but this has been such a great series that I cannot help but recommend you read them all. The flow is perfection and I read the entire novel quickly, not ready for it to end. It is clear by the ending that there will be a future novel, as it does end on an intriguing cliffhanger, and I hope that we do not have to wait long. I am dying to see The Snitch get what’s coming to her once and for all.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.… (meer)