Cover Image: Torque: A Bad Boy Next Door Romance

Torque: A Bad Boy Next Door Romance

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This was a book I will go back to many times over. Friends brother, secret crush. Bad boy. Close proximity. Checks all the boxes. I love Nathan and the sudden awareness he has of Maddie is great. I loved it

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Another one of the Burns family falls in love and finds his happy ending and that with her brother best friend. Maddie has a thing for Nathan for years and when she finally decides to turn new leave in her life Nathan noticed her. I have a mixed feeling about this story, I just didn't feel it. Both Natan and Madie were ok but I couldn't really relate to them. I didn't get Maddies wish to keep their relationship a secret and a lot of Maddie's reaction was sometimes overreacted.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for NetGalley

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This is book four in a series and while I haven’t read all the previous books, I did not feel like I was missing anything. It was a well written, fun, fast paced read. My only drawback was I felt Maddie was too much an insecure doormat. While I could see why the author connected these characters (Maddie and Nathan) since they were definitely each other’s ying and yang, I prefer my h’s to have a bit more chutzpah. A good afternoon read though.

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I am a big fan of Romance books and I found this one to be a very enjoyable read. I will be looking for more books from this author.

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Torque is the fourth book series and focuses on Nathan and Maddie. Although it's helpful to have read the other stories, it's not necessary and can be read as a standalone novel.

Maddie has been in love with Nathan since she was six years old, but he's never noticed her as anything other than a friend. She has finally decided that it's time to move on when he finally notices that little Mads is all grown up. Maddie asks to keep their relationship a secret from everyone for a while as she has known his family forever and doesn't want to make things awkward in case it doesn't work out between them. We come to know Nathan as someone with a big heart underneath that tough exterior. Maddie is a sweet girl, but easily swayed, it seems.

This was a quick read. The story is filled with family dynamics and interference, friendships being tested, secrets (never a good idea), some danger and, of course, miscommunication.

I look forward to Dylan's story and revisiting with old friends..

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I received this arc for free through NetGalley for an honest review.

This is a pretty easy read. It is the fourth book in the Burns brother series. It reads pretty easy for a book series but there is spoilers for the first three books I imagine.

Nathan’s sister and Maddie grew up as best friends. Now that they are grown, Nathan finally starts seeing her as the grown ass woman she is.

As you can imagine, this relationship is very hot and steamy. This is an adult romance nov after all. The sex seemed really rushed on Nathan’s part. As for Maddie? Nope, this girl has been pining after this man for over a decade.

The plot line was interesting. It kept me on my toes. It wasn’t the typical MC style which it really wasn’t a MC novel. The smut wasn’t cringe she didn’t use the over used lines and I didn’t have to stop and cringe or sigh.

Overall, I think this was a pretty good book. It kind of reads a little bit like Jay Crownover. I will definitely be reading the first three.


I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.
4 out of 5 stars for plot
3 out of 5 stars for romance
4 out of 5 stars for creativity

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Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Friends-to-Lovers
Triggers: Attempted Murder, Stalking

The Burns brothers are back at it. This time, Nathan is trying to figure out why they agreed to do the TV show. It's one thing to have people film them while they work, it's another thing to have it be scripted. Nathan knows that his brothers think he doesn't listen to them, but he's just trying to show them how much he cares.

Maddie has loved Nathan since she was six years old. The years haven't diminished her crush either. When she finds herself in need of a new place, new job, and all-around new direction, she turns to her best friend, Dylan. Dylan and she are very close, but he also lives right next to Nathan. It's a small kind of hell that Maddie is living right now. She knows that Nathan has never and will never see her as more than his sister's best friend.

What happens when a dating app and sexual tension enter the equation? Things heat up fast. Nathan's eyes are sprung open, and Maddie is hoping beyond all hope than her life will start to go right.

With danger lurking around the Burns brothers, Maddie is sucked right in. It will take all of their strength to come together and solve this, but Nathan and Maddie are willing to see if their chemistry can turn in to something so much more.

Maddie and Nathan speak different languages and sometimes, that can lead to miscommunications. Let's just say that everyone in the book speaks different languages and they all have to figure out how to communicate the same language before someone gets seriously hurt.

I can't wait for the next book!


Mary – ☆☆☆☆
Maddie has been in love with Nathan for as long as she can remember but Nathan doesn't know she exists other than as his sister's friend. When she decides it's time to move on and try to forget him, she joins a dating app.

Nathan gets the shock of his life when he goes on the dating app for a night of fun and finds Maddie there. He can't believe his eyes. When did she grow up? And he can't believe the answers she gives to the profile questions. He doesn't know if he should scold her or take her out.

This story has a lot going on with the Burns brothers, Dillon is MIA most of the time, the other brothers are trying to make the show work while the producer wants them to bicker and fight. And the producer wants them to hire a bimbo receptionist just because two of the brothers are single. While Nathan is fed up with the producer and his antics, he doesn't want the show to end. He is worried about Dillon though.

I really liked this story, the heat between Nathan and Maddie was good but not off the charts. He was a playboy and it seemed overnight he was a one-woman man. All because he realized Maddie had grown up. This is a really good series, and you can read each story as a standalone or read them in order.

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This was a meh read for me. I know I have read a great book when I am still thinking about it after I finished it and can remember little details. This did not happen to me after reading this book and I honestly forgot what it was about a few days after I read it (I had to skim through again to write this review). I think the miss for me was that I did not feel the chemistry between Maddie and Nathan. Nathan’s turn from seeing Maddie as a friend to a lover was not believable to me. I also thought that Maddie blows some things out of proportion in the book. I think the writing was great but the story could have been better.

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Torque is the fourth book in the burns Brothers series by Gillian Archer. This story can be read as a stand alone novel. However after reading this book I am excited to go back and read how the previous three couple got together. In Torque, we meet Maddie who has been in love with Nathan her entire life. She is about to give up on him when he finally makes his move. It gets complicated because Maddie is best friends with Nathan's siblings. I loved reading their story, and look forward to reading more about the burns family.

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Torque is easily read as a standalone if you haven't read the others in this series. Each book is a different relationship with an overreaching story line that connects them but doesn't detract from the individual story.

A quick steamy read with some page turning action.

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I was reluctant to like Nathan because he's always been a hothead and the most hostile to his brother's girlfriends. But this book really took a deep dive into who he is and I loved actually getting to know him. His transformation from not really thinking of Maddie in a romantic way to seeing her for the first time as more than his sister's annoying friend is fun to watch.

Maddie was fantastic and while many wouldn't have seen the two of them together, Maddie sees the best in Nathan and I enjoyed how that was reflected in the book especially with all the trauma the Burns brothers faced when they were younger.

Reading Nathan and Maddie's perspectives on what was happening in the relationship enhanced the book and allowed for us to really understand where they were at with each other. They have very honest conversations with each other and while they are keeping secrets about other people in the family, you understand it's because they have all grown up together and are really close.

I would recommend reading the first 3 books in the series to understand all the people in this book, but the author does a great job of refreshing the reader.

I received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.

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I picked this book up because I like the author and didn't even pay attention to which series. I'm so glad it was another Burns Brother story. I really like these books.

Nathan is the difficult brother so it's really fun to watch him be anything but with Maddie. He's surprisingly quick to fall for her once he realizes he's attracted to her after all these years of being like sister and brother. He's so caring too even if it takes Maddie a long time to recognize his motivation as love instead of basic high-handedness.

Maddie is more complex. At times too motivated to please and avoid conflict, most always too worried about other's opinions but showing great strength at other times. She's loved Nathan forever and never dreamed she'd actually get him but when things are finally going well she's quick to misinterpret his actions and to listen to everyone around them who think he's too strong willed for her.

Watching these two overcome their obstacles was heartwarming and rewarding. I really liked the story's progression and resolution. Sign me up for whatever is next!

I received this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley and the author.

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Lily’s been in love with her best friends brother just about her whole life. Problem is that Nathan sees her like a sister. When some of his brothers drop hints and he sees her without knowing it’s her, he changes his mind and us all in.
Lily is also having issues with her landlord and has moved in with Dylan, Nathan’s brother. When his troubles become her troubles, she’s in for a world of hurt.
Opinion
This tough guy romance is actually sweet. Reminds me of the old adage “the bigger they are, the harder they fall.” Nathan is a swoon worthy character.
I truly wish that I had realized this was part of a series (book 4) before I began because I’d love to have read the others first. It was a bit obvious I was missing some back story but it was ok as it pertained to supporting characters.
Many thanks to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC of this book.

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So this is part of a series but can be read as a standalone with no issues. I’m not usually into biker stories but thankfully this didn’t focus too much on that aspect. It’s about Nathan falling in love with his best friends sister. Everything moved a little fast to me and overall this was just an ok romance for me. Thank you to netgalley for the arc.

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I recieved this ARC through Netgalley and had not read any of the previous books in the series. Torque is a quick read and had me hooked from the first page. The story had me intrigued as to how their relationship would develop and what other obstacles were happening within the story.

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While this is a series this book can be read as a standalone as each book features a new couple. A Lot has happened to this family in previous books and I am definitely going to go back and look them up. I love a bad-boy romance and this one did not disappoint. There is a good blend of drama, romance, heat and excitement. This is a perfect lockdown read.

I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Obviously a series but can easily be read as a stand alone as Maddie finds her HEA. So... nice cover... yummy and despite being the fourth book in a series blurb just sucks you in.

What did I like? Maddie has secretly loved Nathan and the Burns family her whole life. She was an only child and longed for siblings to get lost in. After a dating app profile she orchestrates a date with her crush Nathan. Despite some tangible feelings this is a fun book with a smooth HEA.

Would I recommend or buy? Honestly if my TBR pile wasn’t so large I’d go back and read all of them. This was a fun one and all the brothers look like they have quite the story. I’d recommend to anyone liking a good romance and I’d definitely read more by this author.

I received a complimentary copy to read and voluntarily left a review! Four stars!

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Off the charts chemistry! With book four in her Burns Brothers series, Gillian Archer delivers a spot on best friend's older bro storyline. I love the Burns family and adored Nate and Maddie but I don't think enough of the family and the past storyline was carried forward to make this a fulfilling read for someone reading it as a standalone instead of in series order. I'm looking forward to more from the family!

Maddie is adorable and you find yourself loving her and crossing your fingers that Nathan will notice her quickly.

Nate is sizzling hot and has an ego to go with it, but he's got a heart of gold to anyone he lets in it.

I highly recommend this series to anyone that loves a tight knit group of family that isn't afraid to lay it all out there when they don't agree with one another.

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Anger management classes aside, those Burns brothers are sexy alpha males. And Nathan Burns is no exception. Maddie can’t believe her dreams have come true and that Nathan has finally noticed her as more than his little sisters best friend. But secrets and miscommunication might be too much for their budding relationship.
4 stars!

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This is my first time reading this author. This is book 4 in the series but I was told it could stand alone. While I found it fast paced and interesting at times I felt things were so confusing. I felt like I missed a lot by not reading the other books and I fairly lost in relation to who was with who and their back stories.

This appears to be a motorcycle reality show series about siblings and cousins who work there. The heroine is librarian Maddie who grew up close to their cousin who was like a sister to them. Her apartment caught fire or something and she cannot live there and so she is living with her friend who is Nathan's brother, Dylan.

Maddie has crushed on Nathan for years but he is a manwhore and now she is living next door to him since her apartment is unlivable and with his brother Dylan. He is pretty blind to her until he sees a hot girl in a bikini and finds out it is here and thats when the blinders come off and the book gets interesting.

I enjoyed this story BUT I don't think it stands alone. After reading it I had a million questions about what happened in the previous books. So I would recommend you read the series. I loved how fast paced it is and that so many things happen in the story and the twists and turns the story had.

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