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Torn: A Forensic Romance
Regret. Sacrifice. A killer on the loose.
TORN: A FORENSIC ROMANCE Ten years ago, Savanna Jones shared a single night of passion with a Lieutenant Colonel she knew only as Ishmael.
It was his last night before Dr. Nicholas Wade left for a war zone. It was the night that saved his life.
She would never see him again. He would never forget her.
But fate gets her way, and the lovers are reunited to solve a vicious crime.
A decade later, Savanna’s tormented personal life must take a backseat to her current forensic case—a serial murder that tracks a path to the military. Now she's face to face with a decade-old regret that complicates her life and her investigation.
Hardened by his years in the army and haunted by the deaths of fellow soldiers, Nicholas hunts for a killer, but his search for justice collides with an unforgettable night of lust and the woman who saved his life all those years ago.
If you have a passion for second chances, CSI mystery, and redemption, you'll love Angela Applewhite's hard-hitting thriller.
TORN: A FORENSIC ROMANCE Ten years ago, Savanna Jones shared a single night of passion with a Lieutenant Colonel she knew only as Ishmael.
It was his last night before Dr. Nicholas Wade left for a war zone. It was the night that saved his life.
She would never see him again. He would never forget her.
But fate gets her way, and the lovers are reunited to solve a vicious crime.
A decade later, Savanna’s tormented personal life must take a backseat to her current forensic case—a serial murder that tracks a path to the military. Now she's face to face with a decade-old regret that complicates her life and her investigation.
Hardened by his years in the army and haunted by the deaths of fellow soldiers, Nicholas hunts for a killer, but his search for justice collides with an unforgettable night of lust and the woman who saved his life all those years ago.
If you have a passion for second chances, CSI mystery, and redemption, you'll love Angela Applewhite's hard-hitting thriller.
390 pages, Hardcover
Published November 23, 2018
About the author
Angela Applewhite
2 books6 followersANGELA APPLEWHITE is a technical writer turned romantic suspense novelist.
She writes Romance with Motive, packed with mystery, intrigue, and heart-pounding suspense, set in Canada.
Her two works are her debut novel, Torn: A Forensic Romance, and Twist of Fate, a romantic suspense short story.
Angela’s second full-length novel is scheduled for release in the Fall of 2022.
Sign up for Angela's Newsletter: https://applewhite.ca/subscribe and receive a FREE short story.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 27, 2018
Torn is the debut romantic suspense novel by new author Angela Applewhite.
In Westbury, Ontario, Savanna Jones is a forensic investigator who has been haunted for the past year by the case of Colton Moore who has been convicted of kidnapping and rape. She is convinced that he and an accomplice are also responsible for the gruesome rape and murder of two women. Each victim is missing a hand, linking these murders to each other. During this time, her husband, a renowned concert pianist, is on an extended concert tour leaving Savanna alone and vulnerable at a time when she needs him most.
The death of three soldiers and the trail of illegal drugs has brought Lieutenant Colonel Nicholas Wade to Westbury as chief forensic pathologist, and as Savanna’s boss. Ten years ago, Nicholas and Savanna shared an unforgettable night together which has lingered in Nicholas’s heart ever since. As their careers and lives collide, Nicholas is rocked by the re‐appearance of Savanna in his life. Problem is she doesn’t remember him. The attraction is undeniable but Savanna is focused on her case and the two immediately butt heads and begin a complicated push and pull dance. Together they must come together to solve the case that involves kidnapping, rape, murder and the manufacture of illegal drugs.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel from start to finish. The characters were fully developed and there were many clever plot twists which kept me guessing until the end. The author writes strong willed, flawed but likable characters. Both main characters appealed to me, but Nicholas in particular stood out. Nicholas is the type of hero I love ‐ handsome, sexy, smart, loyal but level headed. Throughout the book, Nicholas is on Savanna’s side, even when he couldn’t be with her. He was the right balance of sweet, protective, passionate and supportive while never making Savanna feel like she was less than his equal.
Savanna was the more impulsive and reactionary of the two and was a good contrast to Nicholas. She is a strong woman working in a predominantly male world, who followed her convictions and instincts. I loved the relationship between her and Nicholas and between her and the other men in her life: her father, her partner and the police officers she worked with.
The romance between Savanna and Nicholas was passionate with a good dose of angst. There was an undeniable sexual tension between these two that was palpable throughout the book. But there was also a sweetness and respect between them. The romance was handled very maturely and it did not overwhelm the story. There was a good balance between the suspense and the romance. I spent much of the book wondering how these characters would overcome their obstacles and was happy with how it was resolved. In particular, the major revelation in their relationship was a powerful moment.
The suspense in the book was well planned and the clues were carefully revealed as the story unfolded. The villains in the book were evil and their crimes were awful and there was some violence in the story, but it was not overly gruesome or explicit. The eventual plot revelations came as a surprise to me, which is what I look for in a suspense novel. The author obviously did her research and the book painted a realistic picture of working in a forensic office, investigating a crime and the Canadian military.
The author knows how to build suspense and keep her readers guessing. This is a well‐paced, well developed romantic suspense with balanced doses of drama, sizzle, intrigue and overcoming painful struggles. Readers won’t want to put it down until the gripping conclusion and sweet epilogue. I recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of romantic suspense.
In Westbury, Ontario, Savanna Jones is a forensic investigator who has been haunted for the past year by the case of Colton Moore who has been convicted of kidnapping and rape. She is convinced that he and an accomplice are also responsible for the gruesome rape and murder of two women. Each victim is missing a hand, linking these murders to each other. During this time, her husband, a renowned concert pianist, is on an extended concert tour leaving Savanna alone and vulnerable at a time when she needs him most.
The death of three soldiers and the trail of illegal drugs has brought Lieutenant Colonel Nicholas Wade to Westbury as chief forensic pathologist, and as Savanna’s boss. Ten years ago, Nicholas and Savanna shared an unforgettable night together which has lingered in Nicholas’s heart ever since. As their careers and lives collide, Nicholas is rocked by the re‐appearance of Savanna in his life. Problem is she doesn’t remember him. The attraction is undeniable but Savanna is focused on her case and the two immediately butt heads and begin a complicated push and pull dance. Together they must come together to solve the case that involves kidnapping, rape, murder and the manufacture of illegal drugs.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel from start to finish. The characters were fully developed and there were many clever plot twists which kept me guessing until the end. The author writes strong willed, flawed but likable characters. Both main characters appealed to me, but Nicholas in particular stood out. Nicholas is the type of hero I love ‐ handsome, sexy, smart, loyal but level headed. Throughout the book, Nicholas is on Savanna’s side, even when he couldn’t be with her. He was the right balance of sweet, protective, passionate and supportive while never making Savanna feel like she was less than his equal.
Savanna was the more impulsive and reactionary of the two and was a good contrast to Nicholas. She is a strong woman working in a predominantly male world, who followed her convictions and instincts. I loved the relationship between her and Nicholas and between her and the other men in her life: her father, her partner and the police officers she worked with.
The romance between Savanna and Nicholas was passionate with a good dose of angst. There was an undeniable sexual tension between these two that was palpable throughout the book. But there was also a sweetness and respect between them. The romance was handled very maturely and it did not overwhelm the story. There was a good balance between the suspense and the romance. I spent much of the book wondering how these characters would overcome their obstacles and was happy with how it was resolved. In particular, the major revelation in their relationship was a powerful moment.
The suspense in the book was well planned and the clues were carefully revealed as the story unfolded. The villains in the book were evil and their crimes were awful and there was some violence in the story, but it was not overly gruesome or explicit. The eventual plot revelations came as a surprise to me, which is what I look for in a suspense novel. The author obviously did her research and the book painted a realistic picture of working in a forensic office, investigating a crime and the Canadian military.
The author knows how to build suspense and keep her readers guessing. This is a well‐paced, well developed romantic suspense with balanced doses of drama, sizzle, intrigue and overcoming painful struggles. Readers won’t want to put it down until the gripping conclusion and sweet epilogue. I recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of romantic suspense.
January 21, 2019
Angela Applewhite’s debut novel takes us on a journey that weaves her second chance romance plot with timely yet unexpected subjects like drug abuse in the military, illegal street drug manufacturing, and the gruesome rape and murder investigations of three women. Applewhite’s graphic descriptions verge on forensic noir, with all the elements of a forensic crime drama, but Applewhite adds a softening lens through the eyes of her protagonist, Savanna Jones, a skilled forensic investigator. Surrounded by male colleagues, Jones holds her own – exuding confidence, strength and determination while still maintaining her alluring femininity.
A compelling read, Applewhite’s “Torn” is for CSI watchers and fans of suspense novels by Linwood Barclay, Tami Hoag or Halan Coben with startling twists and disturbing details – and for those who also crave a spicy touch of sizzling romance.
A compelling read, Applewhite’s “Torn” is for CSI watchers and fans of suspense novels by Linwood Barclay, Tami Hoag or Halan Coben with startling twists and disturbing details – and for those who also crave a spicy touch of sizzling romance.
November 30, 2018
"Torn" is fast-paced with a complex, well-developed story line. The author's writing style is sophisticated, thought provoking, and elegant. I was impressed by the imagery and attention to detail throughout. Savanna's character is inspiring, determined, and "real". Her strength, stubborn spirit, and femininity allow the reader to connect with her on many different levels. Overall, it was an exhilarating read and one I highly recommend.
November 25, 2021
Torn is Angela Applewhite’s debut novel set in 2012 in Westbury, Ontario. This romantic suspense novel is about Savannah Jones, a Feisty Forensic Investigator and the Ever-Serious Lieutenant Colonel Nicholas Wade. 🔥🔥
These two are working together to stop people from dying at the hands of a murderer as well as a drug dealer. They both are professionally and personally vested in closing this case and bringing the criminals to justice.
What will the army do about this?
Well looky here….it appears Savannah and Wade knew each other 10 years ago from one night of passion 😍😍 but (insert Bajan) “he like he is de only one dat remember da night”….or was he? They both face some serious life decisions….sigh.
Wait wait….I almost forgot to mention that they have a few secrets in this love situation….how will this impact their lives?
Last sweet nugget about this book was the well placed humor.
This book was beautifully written with a great blend of romance and suspense. This allowed me to visualize the scenes and Dr. Wade’s body 🔥🥵
If you love suspense, thrillers, romance and watch pics such as CSI where they focus heavily on forensics, you’re gonna love this one.
Thank you Angela
These two are working together to stop people from dying at the hands of a murderer as well as a drug dealer. They both are professionally and personally vested in closing this case and bringing the criminals to justice.
What will the army do about this?
Well looky here….it appears Savannah and Wade knew each other 10 years ago from one night of passion 😍😍 but (insert Bajan) “he like he is de only one dat remember da night”….or was he? They both face some serious life decisions….sigh.
Wait wait….I almost forgot to mention that they have a few secrets in this love situation….how will this impact their lives?
Last sweet nugget about this book was the well placed humor.
This book was beautifully written with a great blend of romance and suspense. This allowed me to visualize the scenes and Dr. Wade’s body 🔥🥵
If you love suspense, thrillers, romance and watch pics such as CSI where they focus heavily on forensics, you’re gonna love this one.
Thank you Angela
February 23, 2019
I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more by Ms. Applewhite! I loved how well thought out the characters were and how relatable as well. The blend of romance, intrigue and suspense were amazing! I did get a little confused once or twice about the time line, but other than that this book was awesome!
May 3, 2019
I enjoyed this book. It is full of excitement and lots of detective work. It shows what is behind the scenes of a forensic pathologist. I loved the love story in between the killings. It was unique and kept my attention. I loved the main characters. The writer does a wonderful job of letting you feel the characters problems.
February 6, 2019
What an excellent book. Hope to read more by her
January 4, 2022
This gifted author weaves and threads the life of the story, full circle, taking you on a very compelling journey. It is soul reaching. Love the strong female character.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews