e-Book Sweet Torment download

This review is of “Sweet Torment” by Elaine Barbieri.

The book begins with an introduction to the heroine of the book, Morgana Pierce, 18. Recently orphaned after her father’s passing, Morgana is traveling by various ships to Mexico to live with her aunt Isabella and her uncle, Manuel a high-ranking General in the Mexican Army. Another passenger heading to Mexico is the hero of the book, Devon Conrad. His reasons are different from Morgana’s; he is trying to negotiate the release of Stephen F. Austin from a Mexican jail. Upon meeting Morgana, Devon treats her contemptuously, insults, belittles and tries to seduce her. This pattern will continue for the rest of the book.

When they arrive in Mexico, they are greeted by the President of Mexico, Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, and things become more strained between Morgana and Devon. Like two dogs fighting over a bone, Antonio and Devon begin a duel for Morgana’s affections. Later, in what I can only describe as an incredibly stupid thing to do, Devon hires the bandits who nearly killed Morgana to kidnap her. The purpose of this: Devon wants to use her to punish Santa Anna and try to free Austin. Devon later takes Morgana to his ranch in Texas. Morgana gets away, goes back to Mexico and discovers she is pregnant with Devon’s child. This leads to a completely unromantic proposal from Devon, a marriage, a lame apology from him and their Happily Ever After, or something like that.

Upside: I say this about every book I read by Ms. Barbieri, and it remains true in “Sweet Torment”. Ms. Barbieri knows how to bring her characters emotions to life.

Downside: Devon Conrad is cut from the same cloth as Damien Straith from “Love’s Fiery Jewel”, which is to say he is an obnoxious bastard. No amount of lame “apology” at the end makes up for me the abuse he heaps on Morgana throughout the book. I also fault Morgana for being stupid enough to fall in love with Devon. The characters are not developed: Morgana is going to live with her aunt and uncle after her father’s death, but there is very little information about that, other than to say that she is penniless. Devon’s “I hate you, I think you’re a tramp, I love you” transformation through the book is completely unbelievable.

Sex: The sex scenes are very mildly graphic. They are not erotica, and use euphemisms to focus more on the feelings than the mechanics of lovemaking.

Violence: A few slapping scenes. Morgana is nearly killed by Mexican bandits. Later, Devon is shot and seriously injured in a war; sadly, he doesn’t get killed.

Bottom Line: Do you like books where the heroine has zero pride and self-esteem, and falls in love with a “hero” who emotionally, mentally and verbally abuses her? If you are, chances are you’ll love some of Elaine Barbieri’s books. The rest of us...not so much. Nothing “Sweet” about this “Torment”.

outstanding romance, great transaction

This is about the best book i have ever read. If you love romance you will love this book, morgana is a firy woman who has an opinion about every thing and is vary strong willed. this book has so many highs and lows you wont know if you should laugh or cry. Her counter part Dawyne is also vary vary dominant chareter and is why this book is so intising. They fight alot but make up alot to but niether wanting to give in to the other. just a lovley book. Oh she is rich and he is an ambasitor and is set in the war days/ western days