ONE FOR SORROW: Romantic Suspense (

by D.G. Torrens

THE PAST BROKE HER BUT THE PRESENT MAY KILL HER...
Avery Masters has never known love, only false representations of it. Failed by her mother and again by the state care system, she trusts no one. Until the charming, handsome, Ethan Channing enters her life unexpectedly and love bombs her. Avery falls hard and fast. Unbeknownst to Avery, Ethan is concealing a deadly secret!
Willow Forbes, Avery's best friend, sees right through Ethan and tries to warn Avery to no avail.
Avery's life is about to take a perilous turn.
AVERY'S LIFE HANGS IN THE BALANCE

Note from the (This book contains scenes of domestic violence and domestic abuse)


Editorial
With her characteristic clear, compelling prose, D.G. Torrens leads you on a dark journey, illustrating how easy it can be to empower our abusers. We all need to read this book. — Scott Bury, author of The Children of the Seventh Son

230 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2023

About the author

D.G. Torrens is a celebrated UK & USA bestselling Author/Poet with an impressive literary portfolio. With 25 published books to date, the author continues to captivate readers across genres.

Beyond her novels, D.G Torrens has contributed four short stories to multi-author anthologies, including “Love Letters to Water,” with all proceeds benefiting charity. Her literary journey began with the unexpected success of her first book, “Amelia’s Story”, which has been downloaded over 500k times worldwide. Originally penned for her daughter, this true-life story resonated with readers, propelling her into the spotlight. Securing a literary agent, who landed the author a three-book deal with Audible for the entire Amelia Series & most recently A foreign rights deal.

The author is currently penning book 26 -THREE FOR A GIRL due for release in 2025 (Autumn)

D.G Torrens has recently co-directed and co-produced her first documentary film titled: Birmingham A City Rooted in Talent, (due for broadcast 2026). The documentary film won Best Documentary 2024 at the Birmingham Film Festival Awards.

The author is represented in the USA by Hershman Rights Management (HRM Literary Agents)
D.G. Torrens subsequent works span diverse genres, from military romance to romantic suspense, domestic thrillers, contemporary romance novels, and poetry collections.
Her impact extended to the airwaves, where she served as a weekly Headline Reviewer on BBC Radio WM 95.6 FM during 2014/15. Discussing daily headlines with thousands of listeners, she navigated the challenge with grace and wit.

A quote from the author:
“It can be quite daunting discussing the day’s headlines knowing thousands of people are tuning in... You never know when you are going to mess up! Thankfully, with lady luck on my side, I managed to wing it! “

A quote by D.G. Torrens:
"Dream it, believe it, and think it into existence."

D.G. Torrens lives by the motto, "The child first and foremost."

Quote by D.G. Torrens: "Not everyone will understand your journey what matters is that you do."


All Titles by D.G. Torrens:

ONE FOR SORROW (Domestic Thriller)
TWO FOR JOY (Domestic Thriller)
Amnesia (Domestic Thriller)
The Poppy Fields (Book #1) Military/Romance
The Poppy Fields (Book #2) Military/Romance
The Poppy Fields (Book #3) Military/Romance
Tears of Endurance (Book #1) Romantic Drama
Whispers from Heaven (Book #2) Romantic
Drama
Broken Wings (Military/Romance)
A Soldier's Fear. (Military/Romance)
FINDING YOU - (Romantic Suspense)
Amelia's Story (Book #1) Autobiography
Amelia's Destiny (Book #2) Autobiography
Amelia The Mother (Book #3) Autobiography
Forbidden (Book #1) Hamilton/Sharma series
Dissolution (Book #2) Hamilton/Sharma series
Unforeseen (Book #3) Hamilton/Sharma series
Love In Times of War (Boxed set collaboration)
Military Boots (War Anthology)
Heart and Mind (Contemporary Poetry)
ABYSS (Thought provoking poetry & prose)
SONDER (Thought provoking poetry & Prose
Midnight Musings (300 quotes)

Short Stories:
Brumology Anthology (Catacoombs behind the green door)
Love Letters to Water Anthology: (The Man behind the Falls)
Love Letters to Water Anthology: ( The Golden Temple)

Author website: dgtorrensauthor.com
Twitter @torrenstp

Reviews

[Isra Sravenheart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Features rape, child rape, domestic abuse heavily laced with trauma and ptsd. Don't read this if you've suffered domestic abuse. I'm happy to confirm the bad guy gets it. I did actually like this story despite all of this however the authors reaction takes the cake for me.

Edit since the author decided to moan at me for this honest review. I honestly have to question if she understands the importance of trigger warnings. Having a subtitle is not enough. Neither is a blurb. Trigger warnings are extremely important for someone's mental health and to argue over such a thing is just silly. Suffice to say I won't be reading anything else from this author.

She even pmed me saying I had humiliated her but yet refused to acknowledge the rape scenes and it needing a trigger warning. I'm sorry to anyone who reads this and gets a shock 😲 but I stand by my review. Readers mental health is important. Damn 👀💀💩

[Gail McGuire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful Treatment of Damaging Relationships
The characters here are so well developed and relatable. Especially Avery who has had devastating life relationships. I found myself wanting to shake her as she spirals into an abusive situation. But all the while I appreciated the authenticity and compassionate way in which her story is told. Many of us have either experienced it or seen our loved ones go through it. And the author has masterfully captured the pain, confusion, and trauma of it. There is great suspense building throughout the story that kept me hooked. I appreciated the loving friends surrounding Avery and guiding her through it. Absolutely lovely. I highly recommend this book!

[Marcia Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book – I couldn’t put it down! After a desperately unhappy childhood, neglected and unloved by her mother and abused by those who should know better in the care system, Avery Masters has never experienced true love and, unsurprisingly, finds it difficult to trust anyone. Fortunately, she has good friends in Willow and Jackson, and they look out for her. When she meets the charming Ethan Channing, he seems too good to be true, and she falls head over heels in love with him. However, her friends see straight through him and warn her he is far too controlling, and they worry for her. However, Avery is not to be told, and in her eyes, Ethan can do no wrong. Her friends are distraught as they watch Avery fall under his command, and they fear for her safety. This is an outstanding story, well written and with strong characters and it fully deserves five stars.

[Elle Stockton · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most empathetic characters I’ve ever read—Avery.

Avery Masters suffered under the abuse of neglect from an alcoholic, whoring mother until the state care system took her away to the hell of a physically abusive security guard. She has never known love, which makes her vulnerable to Ethan Channing. Her three friends, Willow, Jackson and Ruth have stood by Avery through the good times and the bad.

The author has written a story about emotional and physical abuse/violence on one of the most empathetic characters I’ve ever read—Avery. The reader roots for Avery to deal with her past, get closure, and claim happiness. Is any of this realistic for a fragile woman suffering from Complex PTSD? Read the novel and find out. Highest recommendation.

[Amanda Sheridan · Rating 4 out of 5]

One for Sorrow is a good but brutal read. I found Avery’s story about her abusive childhood, and her climb out of both that ad the care system very engaging. She has a good job, a new home and solid support from her friends, Willow, Lucy and their widowed brother, Jackson. Then she meets Ethan and life is perfect.
Or is it?
Willow is suspicious of him, but Avery is blinded by love and believes she’s found the perfect man.
When their relationship goes badly wrong, Avery is so badly traumatised that she can barely function. It’s only her friends that bring her back from the brink as she struggles to cope with the PTSD brought on by her childhood, and now this.
I found this book very engaging right up to the large hole in the middle. Why wasn’t there a police investigation? Why wasn’t she questioned as soon as she was healed enough to speak? Then later brought in for questioning and released pending further enquiries? At some stage the police and CPS would have to decide if she should be charged or not. This would have made for a very dramatic middle of the book as she struggles to cope with everything that is being thrown at her. And of course, this would have resulted in an inquiry being opened regarding what happened to his ex in Scotland.
It’s a shame that the author ignored this completely as a police investigation would have to have taken place in a case such as this. And the novel would have been all the richer for it.
Apart from that, it’s a good read.

[Jane Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

One For Sorrow, by D. G. Torrens.

This is a story of a young woman’s journey through her harrowing younger years of living with her alcohol-fueled, abusive mother.
The years of neglect, coupled with the knowledge of being unloved and unwanted had affected Avery in a very negative way leaving her feeling vulnerable and distrustful of people. Social services intervened, placing Avery into the care system.

Finally after years of struggle Avery achieved her independence and was able to purchase her own two-bed house. She was proud of herself; she had friends to support and enjoy life with and a job she loved. Things were looking up for Avery and for the first time she was happy.

The attraction was instant as their eyes met across the room. Ethan was everything, handsome, charming, attentive. Avery fell for him in a big way as the couple began to date.
The weeks that followed were like a dream and Avery fell further under the spell of Ethan.
Gradually, Ethan’s personality changed, and the monster within slowly emerged.

I couldn’t stop reading from the midway point in the book. Very emotional, scary, with visual scenes of sex and brutality. Well-defined characters had me rooting for them, in this compelling story that held my attention to the exhausting climactic page in the book.

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

One for Sorrow by D.G. Torrens is an intensely riveting romantic suspense novel that will keep you reading until the very last page.

Surviving years of abuse from an alcoholic mother before being thrust into the foster care system to endure even worse, Avery Masters has struggled through subsequent years to finally achieve independence. Despite the instability of her past, she’s now made something of her life and is working at a job she loves. And, for the first time ever, she’s happy, after saving enough money to purchase her own two-bedroom home.

But Avery is still experiencing a lot of deep-seated insecurity. Despite her nervousness when she locks eyes with a man while eating out at a restaurant with her best friend, Willow, she takes a leap of faith, accepting a date with Ethan Channing after giving him her number.

Handsome, charming and remarkably attentive, Ethan sweeps Avery off her feet. But Avery’s friend Willow senses Avery’s in too deep after committing herself to a relationship and moving in with him much too quickly. Not only is she spending every free moment with Ethan, Avery’s also neglecting her friends and has yet to return to work after a leave of absence. Willow has stood by Avery through all, also feeling guilty for urging Avery to go out with Ethan in the first place, once she recognizes the total control Ethan seems to have over her.

Eventually, Willow’s able to reconnect with Avery. Fearing for her friend after recognizing the classic signs of abuse, both physical and mental, Willow never lets up, always reassuring Avery that she’s there for her. After eighteen months of systematic abuse, Avery finally has the courage to come up with a plan to get away.

But Ethan always seems to have eyes on her. Will Avery be able to escape?

Once again, not only does D.G. Torrens deliver a brilliantly written story detailing an emotionally charged story, but it’s also skillfully executed, despite the complexity of numerous violent triggers. The author expertly weaves an intriguing dark plot with well-developed characters. But the complexity of the story details much more than an account of an abuse victim at the hands of her abuser. It’s about the strong bonds of true friendship and having others to rely on in the absence of family.

With her friends’ support, healing begins. And although it’s a spoiler, I really enjoyed the hope filled ending, when Avery was eventually able to make peace with her past and trust her instincts to finally find her happily ever after. It's a story I highly recommend.

[World Of · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the kindest people I've ever come across, Avery, is the central figure in the author's story of emotional and physical abuse and cruelty.

D. G. Torrens' "One for Sorrow" is an intense, gripping tale of survival. Avery Masters was placed in terrible foster homes after her violent, alcoholic mother abandoned her as a child. She suffered from emotional scarring and vulnerability as a child, but her best friend Willow has always been there for her. Avery still finds it difficult to trust people because she has never experienced true love. When charming Ethan Channing enters her life and completely transforms it, it appears as though her luck has finally changed. Unaware of his sinister secret, Avery develops a strong romantic attachment to him.

Her difficult childhood made her vulnerable to people like Ethan, who ensnared her much like a spider ensnares a fly in its web. Desperate for love, she mistook his domineering and controlling behavior for genuine affection. Unfortunately, she was wrong, and it nearly cost her life. Avery is left deeply traumatized, struggling to function. As she fights to cope with the PTSD resulting from both her past and her experiences with Ethan, it is only her friends who keep her from the brink.

Once more, D.G. Torrens masterfully executes a superbly written novel that delves into an emotionally intense story. The author deftly combines a compelling, sinister storyline with nuanced character development.

[James Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Psychological Fiction with Romantic Suspense ~
This story grabbed me from the very first chapter with the tantalizing line that read, “I’m hurt. He’s dead…” This is the story about Avery Masters, who endured years of abuse from an alcoholic mother, and later abuse at the hands of those in charge while in foster care.
Avery is finally on her own as a responsible adult with an enviable job that she loves and is living in a safe home of her own. What more could she ask for? When a dashing and personable man by the name of Ethan sweeps her off her feet with love and attention, Avery believes that she has finally found someone to share her life with. But is it real love or an illusion?
This is a heartbreaking tale of a vulnerable young woman imprisoned in a toxic relationship with seemingly no way out. There is tension and suspense page after page. The characters are well-developed, and the feel of the story is as if you are experiencing the heartache along with Avery as she struggles to make sense of her traumatic experience living with the abusive Ethan who cuts her off from even close friends.
Author D. G. Torrens has the talent to draw the reader into this story beautifully, and she does an excellent job of depicting Avery as a victim of long-term abuse with the resulting signs of acute PTSD. This novel is well-researched, and the presentation is a wonderful, if not heartbreaking, character-driven tale. I highly recommend this book and others by Author Torrens.

[Eric J. Gates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author D.G. Torrens has a knack for eliciting strong emotional responses from her readers through her novels. ‘ONE FOR SORROW’ is no exception. This is the story of how a narcissist ‘weaponizes’ the childhood trauma and its sequels presented by her protagonist, Avery Masters. The tale covers a couple of years in all, opening with a brutal incident in the present day then flashes back eighteen months to allow the reader to understand how this event came about and the subsequent effect on Avery’s mental health.

It is a strong story, told with believable clarity, with no holds barred, and the reader will experience the heart-wrenching happenings which, though the author’s masterful writing, create a truly three-dimensional portrait of her protagonist. Situations the like of which Avery finds herself often are not limited to the victims alone, and author Torrens allows the reader to experience the anguish, tension, and frustration of her closest friends as they witness the trials and tribulations suffered by Avery, though can do little about the situation.

Described as a Romantic Suspense novel, ‘ONE FOR SORROW’ is much more. Its detailed description of Avery’s plight will educate readers such that they will be able to recognize similar situations in real life. An outstanding read.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

A physiological thriller that dives into the mind of a Narcissist, & gives you the POV of all that their actions affect. It will make your skin crawl with the tension & suspense.

Avery is a survivor of her childhood, she's suffered more than many from neglect & abuse, but she's worked hard, got an education & in a job she loves helping kids / families in other countries. She's reclaiming her life, giving herself stability with buying her new home until she meets Ethan!!

Ethan is a controlling, love bombing, narcissist who has a dark history & wants Avery & only Avery!

Willow is Avery's long standing friend & confidante, who at an early stage realises something is up with Ethan. But she never gives up on her friend, trying to keep the communication lines open, even when Ethan tries everything to cut that line. Seeing her trying to get Avery to see his true colours is heart breaking, but her constant support of her friend is heart warming.

Overall, a hard hitting, raw account of dealing with mental & physical abuse both as the recipient & from the viewpoint of those from the outside looking in. It is a brutal read & if you are a survivor of abuse you may find it triggering or helps with the healing. But that is your decision, just don't go into this novel blind.

I will definitely be grabbing '2 for joy' to read soon.

[Valerie Clarizio · Rating 5 out of 5]

“One for Sorrow” is an excellently written book depicting the story of a woman who suffered through an abusive relationship with her alcoholic mother and then wound up in abusive foster homes. Then, as an adult, when she’s finally ready to trust again, she suffers at the hands of an abusive boyfriend.

Ethan, the new man in Avery’s life starts out all nice and loving but it doesn’t take long for his true colors to shine through. He starts by driving a wedge between Avery and her best friend Willow, and the others who surround her. Everyone other than Avery can see through Ethan.

The opening scene is captivating and heartbreaking, and the story held my undivided attention all the way through. Author D.G. Torrens does a wonderful job creating believable characters. So much in fact my heart actually ached for the heroine and I don’t think I’ve ever felt so much disdain for a fictional character as I did for Ethan.

This book is a chilling dark romantic suspense. Because of how the author starts the book, the reader will certainly know the direction the story will go, but the realistic emotional pull will have you flipping pages to see how Avery’s story will progress. I highly recommend this book.

[J.A. Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

"One for Sorrow" by D. G. Torrens is a harrowing, captivating story of survival. As a child, Avery Masters was abandoned by an abusive alcoholic mother, and put into abusive foster homes. She grew up vulnerable and emotionally scarred, but the one bright point of her struggle is her best friend, Willow. Still, Avery has never known real love and finds it hard to trust anyone. Finally luck seems to change for her when handsome Ethan Channing enters her life and sweeps her off her feet. Avery falls hard for him, unaware of the dark secret he is hiding.

While the story is primarily romantic suspense, what makes it special is its exploration of the themes of trust, friendship, and emotional resilience. The bond between Avery and Willow shines, emphasizing the importance of having someone who truly cares about you. Willow is strong, intuitive, and tries to warn Avery about the danger that lurks beneath Ethan's charming facade. The characters are wonderful, and the suspenseful romance is filled with secrets and danger that will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions. This is a wonderful book that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the last page. Highly recommended!

[Beverley Latimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional!

Oh my goodness. Wow!
If I could give this book ten stars then I would. I literally didn't put it down until I had read every single page.

Every woman should read this book! If a man who you have just met appears too good to be true, then he probably is. If he wants to spend every second of everyday with you after just one date, while showering you with gifts, flowers, and offers of weekends away, then beware. This is how narcissists often trap their victims.

Avery, the heroine in this incredible read, fell for such an individual. After suffering a horrific childhood, she was left vulnerable to the likes of Ethan, who drew her in like a spider draws a fly into its web. She wanted to be loved more than anything and mistook his overpowering and controlling nature as true love. But, she was wrong, and it almost cost her her life!

Narcissists prey on your vulnerability and your weaknesses. And D.G. Torren's beautifully written book reveals this magnificently.
Highest praise and recommendation D. G. Great job!

[Helen Huber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page-turning suspense

This book hooked me from the start. I found it hard to put down, and read it in a couple of days. There’s a great build up to the climax, though I did wonder why the author didn’t include anything about the police investigation that would have occurred after the main event, so could only assume it took place in the background. The characters are all extremely well-drawn, especially Avery’s combination of strength and vulnerability, and Ethan’s manipulative narcissism. Avery’s gradual subjugation to Ethan’s controlling behaviour is wholly believable, and his modus operandi is brilliantly depicted. The conclusion is very satisfying, though I’m left curious about what Avery might have learned if she’d agreed to speak to Ethan’s brother. A gripping story that I highly recommend.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

FOR ME IN EVERY WAY!!!
Reading romance novels is not my thing. But since joining the Authors Seeking Reader's Self Promotion Group, I've read romance novels that enlightened me about how to be better toward women. This novel brought it all home for me when Jackson took the stage; my kind of guy. I know this story was about Avery and her troubles and I enjoyed every second of it. I'm glad she made it through. But when Jackson revealed his desire for her, his patience, heart felt love, and understanding, I felt it, too, and I knew that this book was written for me. Thanks D. G. Torrens...GREAT JOB!!!

[Peter Scholes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard hitting

This is a story of a lady battered and bruised (literally) by life. A gentle and decent young lady whose misguided trust leads her into a controlling and abusive relationship.
It is easy to be both sympathetic and frustrated with the main character - attractive, popular but vulnerable, Avery.
The author takes us on a very believable journey through the life of a troubled lady. Her distressing and sad childhood forms the character she becomes as an adult. In her mind, she thinks she has met the perfect man, but the signs were there early on that all was not well.

A very well written fictional tale that shines a light on a very serious issue.

[Lucas W Mayberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avery Masters never had a great childhood so when she meets the handsome and charming Ethan and he sweeps her off her feet she reckons she is truly happy now and has found true love. However over time Ethan’s facade drops and Avery’s life turns into a horror filled time of terror and abuse. Will her best friends Willow and Jackson be able to help her? And even if she can come out the other side another life changing announcement is set to change her life forever. This was a powerfully emotional tale and the author’s writing style flowed and brought it to life in equal amounts beautiful and heart wrenching. Definitely a book worth reading.

[Kiran · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really impactful read that explored the complex world of relationships, control and past trauma. All of the characters and the plot were explored in a way that felt intense but dignified. Nothing was overdramatised for the sake of it.

The emotional weight of the dynamic between Avery and Ethan was written really well. I remember being able to feel all the emotions the characters were going through. Without spoiling the plot, there were just a few things, including some of the dialogue, that pulled me out of the story at times, and a few plot arcs that I wish had been explored in more depth.

[Sarah Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raw and relatable

This romantic suspense has it all. Our main character Avery has never had an easy life, and the author successfully bonds us to Avery and her story with great character development and depth. We meet Ethan and hope for a better life for her, but Ethan isn't what he seems. The author touches on and explores a whole range of themes in this well written story. I found some parts hard to read, as I was so invested in the characters. If you like raw and real themes with natural and relatable characters then you'll enjoy this.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first read by this author and i went into the story blind (drawn in by the cover alone) and I can say this book won't be for everyone due to certain issues but it was definitely a story that draws you in and makes you want to know what happens next!
Avery has had a bad childhood and feels like she is finally getting settled when she's bought her own house, but that all starts to change slowly but surely when she meets Ethan.
Unable to see what her friends can and slowly being cut off from everyone, how will it all work out for these guys?
*Read as part of KU*

[Josephine Wrightson · Rating 5 out of 5]

lovely

This is an in-depth well written story of love, abuse and heartache. For those of you with triggers be warned, I found some parts difficult. Yet, it is life and unfortunately peop, e like that exist. I read through and did not out if down. Routing for Avery. Hoping she listened! However, I'm glad I did, there is retribution and an amazing happy ever after. It was well written and flowed brilliantly—well done.

[Lucy Brighton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This powerful novel gives an unflinching portrayal of how childhood neglect and abuse can shape vulnerability in later life. Avery’s journey from the care system to independence, and into a controlling relationship, is both gripping and deeply affecting. With strong characters and emotional honesty, the story gives an important voice to survivors and exposes the reality of coercive control. A compelling and unsettling read that deserves five stars.

[S.P. Dawes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

This story is simply outstanding. Impeccably told. Raw, real and emotional. The story was handled with such care, forethought and genuiness that it's incredibly striking. It covers all of the complexities with such ease and grace and really outlines how someone can become so absorbed. Beautifully crafted and I couldn't stop reading.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

a story of survival, strength and love given freely from friends

We don’t always know what has happened in others lives .
This group of friends formed their own family and freely accepted each other. The saying don’t judge me till you have walked in my shoes … Perserverence and support wins over the past traumas .
Definitely interesting and inspiring.

[S.A.McClelland S.A.McClelland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super suspenseful

A very good read. Loved the characters and plot. The raw and jarring read will have you turning the pages for that glimmer of hope. It's not for the faint of heart and I can't wait to see what this author does in future works.

[Jo-Anne Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gripping story about a woman who let her guard down after struggling with a traumatic childhood. Avery was in love when she closed the door on her friends. She wasn't prepared for the horrors that awaited her.

[D.David Croot · Rating 5 out of 5]

gets off to a kabooom of a first act

gets off to a kabooom of a first act
then slides in for a thorough portrayal of trauma and the winding routes this then goes onto affect the rest of a life
Kudos
A life most well explored!

[Ann Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to read this all in one go. From the very beginning you feel for Avery and want to know what happens to her. Even though the subject is raw, it is described well and not over violently. It was so good I'll be reading other stories by this excellent author

[Tanya Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absorbing, delightful read!

You know a book is good when you look forward to picking it up each day. I loved the plot, characters, and the way the author brought me into the protagonist’s vulnerabilities. An excellent read,and I can’t wait to read the next one!