Book Review of 'Battered & Torn' by Allison Pearl

Hello Bookworms!

Today is a very special day for me, and not in the way that many celebrate today. Ten years ago my husband and I said "I do" and today we are celebrating this huge milestone. My mind still cannot comprehend the fact that it's been ten years! In some ways it feels like no time at all has passed, and in other ways it feels like a lifetime ago. Such is life!

I will say it was the best decision I've ever made, and I am more in love with my husband now than I was then. He has been my rock through the darkest time of my life, as I have battled an ongoing illness. I tell him all the time that when he said "In sickness and in health" that neither of us knew just how much I would be stuck on the former. Still, he has stood strong through it all and supported and loved me every moment, and I cannot thank him and love him enough for it. Happy 10th Anniversary LouLou ♥️

Today I am sharing a review from a series that I was excited to delve back into, and I hope you will enjoy it too.

Welcome to the Reviewer Tour for Battered & Torn by Allison Pearl, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Battered & Torn

Author: Allison Pearl

Publisher: Anaiah Press

Release Date: February 6, 2023

Genre: Christian Mystery & Suspense

As just another staff member in the mansion of billionaire Archie Hamilton, Nora’s finally found a place to hide from her murderous family. But when the handsome bigshot asks her out on a date, she worries Archie’s interest—no matter how thrilling—will blow her cover and shoot up a flare for those hunting her. And if she can’t squash his crush, only God will be able to keep him out of danger.

When Archie turned in his scalpel to run the family business, life became too busy to go home and deal with his grief. But when he discovers a suspicious hire at his ancestral estate, he’s forced to confront the situation as well as his anger at God for taking not only his family, but his dreams. Despite his objections, his grandmother is determined to keep Nora on staff, but that isn’t going to stop him investigating her on his own—no matter how attractive he finds her. But the more he digs, the more questions he has.

Drawn to Nora again and again, Archie wonders if she’ll help lead him back to the truth or get him killed. Is trusting a beautiful stranger worth the risk to his family, his life, and his heart? And when Nora’s past catches up with them, will anyone be left alive?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | BookBub

My Review

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.

My Rating: ★★★★1/2