TWO FOR JOY: Domestic Thriller (

by D.G. Torrens

HE CHOSE THE WRONG SISTER...
Jasper Monroe is haunted by the death of his brother, a tragedy he feels responsible for. During his darkest and most vulnerable time, he encounters Verity, a mysterious twin with a hidden, sinister agenda. As Jasper becomes entangled in her web of deceit, he is suddenly accused of a serious crime he didn’t commit.
Meanwhile, Aspen, Verity’s twin, remains blissfully unaware of her sister’s sinister secrets and the impending chaos about to engulf the quiet town of Kembleton. As Jasper’s world spirals out of control, he must race against an unforgiving clock to clear his name and unearth the truth before it’s too late.
Will he escape the same grim fate that befell the man before him, or is he doomed to repeat history?
JASPER'S ENTIRE WORLD IS ABOUT TO CRUMBLE


Note from the (This book contains scenes of domestic violence, manipulation, financial abuse & childhood trauma)

200 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 4, 2024

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

[S.R. Mallery · Rating 5 out of 5]

***** Well Done, Indeed!
When I start a book, I always enjoy a smack-you-in-the-face opening; a powerful opening which instantly gets you involved. In that way, this book definitely doesn’t disappoint. It opens 22 years before, when the twins, Verity and Aspen, are exposed to their father’s horrendous abuse against their mother. At nighttime, they overhear his relentlessly brutal attacks and their mother’s soft muffled cries of pain; her way of protecting her daughters from being completely exposed to what is happening nearby. But one morning, the little girls wake up to their father explaining their mother had passed away. And that is that. Or is it?

Twenty-two years later, as Aspen and Verity get together for their mother’s death anniversary, Verity talks about how Aspen is always alone with no romance in her life. But not herself; she’s always open to it.

We are then introduced to a broken and grief-laden Jasper, whose brother, Zack, took his own life. But when he meets up with the beautiful Verity, their connection is fast and deep. She moves in with him, and all appears well.

Then little things come into play: the girls’ Aunt Rachel is particularly close with Aspen, but Verity will have little to do with her and nobody knows why. Then, it appears that one of Jasper’s dogs, Loki, does not like Verity. Strange, since Loki gets along with most people, but in order to calm things down and give Verity top priority, Jasper asks Verity’s sister, Aspen, if she would be willing to take his two dogs for a while. She does, and all seems resolved. Until it isn’t. Verity becomes distant, cold, and bitter, and Jasper has no idea why.

Hints and events start to emerge, making this book even more compelling, as its pages continue to turn and you wonder about each of the characters: who is truthful and who is not. Does it all work out? Read it and find out! HIGHLY recommended!

[Ajay Howarth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quietly Powerful and Deeply Haunting

This book isn't about flashy twists or cheap thrills. It’s a slow, emotional unravelling that gets inside your head. The tension feels real, the characters are painfully human, and the story lingers long after the last page. Thoughtful, unsettling, and beautifully told.

[Marta Moran Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having never read a domestic thriller, I didn’t know what to expect. Nor had I previously read a book by D.G. Torrens, but it was recommended to me by a friend I trust. It lived up to the recommendation and then some. Striking cords in me that I didn’t expect.

Ms. Torren, took me on an emotional roller-coaster. One that I won’t soon forget. The book begins with two twins sisters huddled together as they listen to the violence of their abusive father beating their mother. Verity, appears the more fragile of the two, Aspen comforts her, the best she could. “Make them stop, Aspen.” Verity yells, as she flies into Aspen’s arms. “Don’t worry it will be over soon.” Aspen replies.

The beatings their mother faced by her drunken, abusive father, hit me very hard. I lived that as a child, as did the rest of my siblings.

Fast forward to the future where the twins meet up after a two-year separation. It’s not a cozy or heartwarming get together, more of one where two dogs are circling each other to get the scent of the other. A sense of is it okay to be friends? Is so clearly there.

The paths that Aspen & Verity have taken in life are so different as if they were not born out of the same parents. The hard shell around Verity, is so different than the warmness of Aspen.

I was completely unable to put this book down as I read on. Things just didn’t appear quite right with Verity, but the why of it, I wanted to know. Was it the abusive marriage from Oliver that she had just gotten out of, or the scars from the past? What made the two sisters so different?

It is natural for people, even from the same family, raised in the same situations, to be different, but the gap between the coldness of Verity and the warmth of Aspen, drew me further in for more answers.

Enter Jasper, handsome, tall, empathic, talented, and rich. A man most women dream of, that is, if they like dogs, for as he says, “We come as a package.” He is a man still morning his brother’s suicide, which makes him vulnerable, or does it? As rumors circulate that he might be a wife beater. We wonder just who is the villain, the manipulator, and who is innocent is something a reader must learn as they delve further into the story.

The richness in this tale, the believable characters, and story. Added to it the haunting story D. G. Torren’s tells in Two For Joy, make me want to read more of Torren’s work.

There is so much that feels real to this suspense-filled story, but as I don’t like spoilers, I’ll leave it there. Except to say, I will be reading it again.

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two for Joy is a riveting domestic thriller written by USA & UK International bestselling author D.G. Torrens.

Sisters Aspen and Verity endure continuous emotional trauma during their childhood due to their drunken father’s repeated beatings of their mother. Although they’re twins, even as children, Aspen appears to be much stronger than Verity, taking control by trying to comfort and reassure Verity during the violent episodes of abuse. But finally, their mother can’t seem to handle the beatings any longer, and one morning the girls wake up to find their mother gone, apparently having committed suicide.

Years later, we meet both Aspen and Verity again. They’ve had a falling out, but when Verity appears, Aspen grudgingly forgives her after the details come out about Verity’s recent divorce from the man she stole from Aspen. Supposedly, he’d been abusing her.

Meanwhile, the anniversary of their mother’s death arrives, and instead of meeting Aspen as promised at the cemetery, Verity makes a date with the new man in her life instead.

Jasper Monroe has just lost his brother, and he’s at a vulnerable time in his life when he meets Verity. Events move quickly, and he’s ready to propose. But then Jasper’s accused of a crime he didn’t commit, and his life is suddenly turned upside down.

Aspen is starting to realize that her sister might even be more cold-hearted than she realized. Something is definitely wrong that she just can’t quite put her finger on. Verity has always been able to recover a bit too quickly after a broken relationship, and when Verity starts distancing herself from Jasper for what seems to be no good reason, Aspen decides to look into it. Aspen is shocked by the web of danger and deceit she discovers.

This story had me hooked from the very first page. The author masterfully sent a powerful message about how living through trauma can impact you through the rest of your life but also affect the mental state of individuals involved in completely different ways.
It’s a wonderful page-turner. I highly recommend it!!

[Inge-Lise Goss · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Intriguing Psychological Thriller
“Two for Joy” begins in a terrifying scene of two young twin girls, Aspen and Verity, as they listen to the cries of their mother while she endures another beating from her abusive husband. Then the story moves forward in time. Verity, claiming the man she married was abusive, is recently divorced. Aspen, who used to be engaged to Verity’s ex-husband, is well-established in her career and enjoying spending time with Luna, her faithful dog.

Using all her charms, Verity has set out to entrap the wealthy Jasper Monroe in her sinister plot. Before it unfolds, Jasper meets Aspen while they are walking their dogs. That’s the start of a deep friendship and a strong attraction between them. When rumors about his flawed character and an alleged crime begin circulating at his company, instead of sharing the problem with his live-in girlfriend, Verity, he seeks out Aspen.

After talking to Verity’s ex-husband, Aspen has a hard time believing her sister could have such an evil agenda, but she slowly puts together the pieces. Can she help Jasper safe the life he has built or will he end up a destroyed man?

This story hooked me from the first chapter as I ached for the young girls cuddled in bed the night their mother died. The author expertly showed how that traumatic time had a lasting impact on the girls’ lives. One wanted to strike out at all men and the other accepted that most men were good and caring, not like their abusive father. Through all the turmoil Verity brought into Aspen’s life, the love the women shared for each other never died. This is a well thought out, engaging, good read!

[Jane Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two For Joy, by D. G. Torrens.

I was so immersed in this gripping story that I couldn’t put it down. I read it in three sittings which is rare for me to finish a book so quickly. Such was the pull of this heartfelt, traumatic, highly emotional but always engaging narrative.

The story entwines the lives of twin sisters, Verity and Aspen, who as children witness their father’s repeated violent attacks on their mother Charlotte. The situation becomes unbearable for Charlotte, who in despair ends her life.
The trauma stays with the girls as they grow up to adulthood. Each coming to terms with their past in different ways.

The author has written with sensitivity, bringing to the forefront the difficult subject of domestic abuse. Torrens has successfully managed to create a balance in her storytelling, building intrigue, friendships and tender moments, whilst downplaying the horror behind closed doors.

A heartfelt story of courage and resilience.
Recommended.

[James Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two For Joy begins on a sad note with young, twin girls witnessing daily spousal abuse in their home. Not to worry, though, the author handles the descriptions beautifully and not graphically. The abuse continues until the mother cannot tolerate the beatings any longer and commits suicide. The twins are traumatized and sent to be raised by a loving aunt, and they finally are in a good home environment.
As they grow to adults, however, one twin is well-adjusted while the other has repressed trauma and is led to take advantage of every man in which she enters a relationship. The plot becomes a true good versus a bad seed in so many ways.
The book is an excellent read. The plot is well-developed, and the pace is fast. I enjoyed the story and read it in a couple of days. If you have a weekend of reading coming up, be sure to add this excellent book to your list.

[Beverley Latimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

I literally couldn't put this down and read it in one day. An intriguing story with characters you will love and one in particular that you will loathe.
Twin girls, Aspen and Verity spent their early childhood listening to their mother being beaten by their father, until she finally took her own life, the only way to free herself of her abuser. Their mother's suicide has a devastating effect on one twin, turning her into a cold, calculating, man hater, with devastating consequences.
I'll not say anymore so as not to give away the story. But this is an excellent read that will have you holding your breath at times as you read this fascinating tale.
I loved it. Highest recommendations!

[Helen Huber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taut Thriller

This book is gripping from the off, and the tension never lets up from start to finish. From the moment I first encountered the adult Verity, I felt a sense of foreboding. Although Verity’s hard-edged character is a product of childhood trauma, she appears to not have a better nature to appeal to, and this lack of empathy makes her a truly menacing figure. Although it’s clear what she plans to do, the anticipation of waiting for her to do it and knowing she can’t be reasoned with racks up the apprehension level another notch. The author creates a feeling of unease with great skill, and in common with Oliver and Jasper, the reader clings to the dependable Aspen, Verity’s twin, in the hope she will alleviate it, making this smoothly written story very immersive.

[A.J. SAUNDERS · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only got into the book around the third chapter, and then it turned into a page-turner!

Verity, Aspen, Jasper and Oliver (to mention a few characters) brought the story to life with their actions and reasoning. My favourite character was Verity with her complex behaviour. At times, I even felt sorry for the woman…

I more or less guessed what would happen, but not the bombshell dropped a few chapters before the end. That was quite unexpected, and I must admit, I don’t know if I would have done what Aspen did. If you want to find out what happened, read the book – you won’t be disappointed.

[Amanda Sheridan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of twins—Aspen and Verity.
When their mother can no longer cope with her abusive husband, she takes her life leaving the young girls to be raised by their aunt. Cut to adulthood and Aspen is living the quiet life with her beloved dog, Luna, while Verity, rich with the spoils from her divorce from Oliver, has moved back to their hometown. She immediately sets her sights on rich and single, Jasper.
This is an excellent domestic abuse drama with a powerful psychological element. It’s common knowledge that if a dog doesn’t like someone you should be very wary of that someone, but will Jasper and Aspen take heed of Loki the husky?
Excellent.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 in the survivors series is just as good as book 1 but with a whole new plot line with a massive tangle of lies and deceit!
This time we have twin sisters Aspen and Verity, but with a rough childhood behind them, these woman could not have turned out any more different to each other if they tried!
So many bumps and twists that show who Verity really is behind the mask!
Would have liked more at the end of the book but still really enjoyed the story.
*Read as part of KU*

[Marcia Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aspen and Verity are twin sisters who shared a traumatic childhood, listening to their father regularly beating their mother until she was driven to take her own life. Naturally, these horrific events scarred both children, but one more than the other. Two for Joy is a captivating read which held my attention from page one. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is intriguing, with many twists and turns. A fascinating tale and a great read.

[S.S. Saywack · Rating 5 out of 5]

As advertised, it is a domestic thriller. Aspen and Verity, two sisters, couldn’t turn out to be two different people. With their background, something is bound to happen. As the book progresses you begin to find out and unravel the truth of the events that are taking place. I found the book easy to read and the story compelling, and it certainly held my attention, from the fascinating start to the end.

[Carrie O’Leary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall I enjoyed this story, but I think I’d have got more out of the book if there had been a slower reveal about how Verity’s relationship with Oliver had ended. It made it obvious what was happening to Jasper, so there weren’t any real surprises. It was a well written and easy read though and I will be reading the other books in the series.

[D.E. Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was recommended this book by a friend and I will definitely be thanking them. I absolutely loved this book and the writing style. So easy to follow, the story had me gripped from the start. The characters are so well written, I will be reading more from this author and recommmending this book to all my friends.