My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Book Synopsis:
Besieged by memories of a brutal abduction, Claire Nichols wakes in an unfamiliar bedroom, within a luxurious mansion. Her recollections have one common denominator, the man she just met, Anthony Rawlings.
Unbeknownst to Claire, for a very long time, she has been within Anthony’s sights. Many of the pivotal events in her life occurred, due to his sinister manipulation. Every action has a consequence, and his actions result in their chance meeting.
More than a psychological thriller, Consequences is a vivid story of one woman’s struggle to survive incomprehensible circumstances. Every aspect of her being suddenly depends upon the tall, wealthy, dark haired, dark eyed businessman. Anthony Rawlings is known to the world as prosperous, benevolent, and kind. Claire quickly learns that he can also be a menacing controlling captor.
With few options but concession, Claire attempts to earn her freedom, while enduring a hellish existence that truly appears perfect. Persevering tests and trials, she struggles to retain her pure Midwest values and beliefs. Encouraged by memories of a loving upbringing, she gains strength in the simplest of joys: solitude in nature and good in the face of evil.
His goal in sight, Anthony’s calculated agenda encounters an unforeseen detour. He becomes captivated by Claire’s beauty, resilience, and determination. The interaction of these two compelling characters instigates strong emotions: fear, anger, love, and lust. Claire and Anthony’s tumultuous journey flows into uncharted waters of intrigue and passion.
Utilizing vivid detail, this 167,000-word novel unfolds like a movie, before the eyes of its readers. From the opening criminal abduction, through twists and turns, to the unlikely romantic thrills, the suspense climaxes as Anthony’s motivation becomes evident.
Anthony and Claire must decide if they will stay true to one another, or allow preceding actions to result in justifiable Consequences.
My Review:
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
STOP THE MADNESS!!!
I get giddy just thinking about the level of excitement and frustration I felt when I first read CONSEQUENCES. I was a little crazed by the "not knowing" what was going to happen next, but that is half the fun, right? I struggled with wanting to strangle and hug Aleatha Romig for creating a story that elicited such powerful emotions in me. I was one of the first people to review this book on Goodreads and according to the author, Aleatha Romig, I was the first blogger to ever post a review - WOW! I have got to say, she writes a damn good story!
If you have not read CONSEQUENCES, then congratulations! You have the pleasure of looking forward to beginning this insane roller coaster of a trilogy. I am jealous! You have a whole boat load of mystery, intrigue and sexy thrills ahead of you. LUCKY YOU! You don't have to wait for the second installment, because it is already out and the third and final book in the trilogy is due out somewhere in the September-ish (2013) time frame...
First of all, I feel the need to disclose that CONSEQUENCES is not a fun and fluffy book – entertaining, mysterious, scary and frustrating – yes, yes, yes and yes! NOT a story of goodness and light. Of-course, parts of the book are fun and sexy, but there is always a sinister undertone lurking in the background.
Brutalized and kidnapped by a handsome and wealthy psycho, Claire struggles with a wide range of emotions over a period of 2 years while being held captive - trapped in beautifully exquisite surroundings but a horrifically terrifying life.
As the book’s blurb says, it really does “unfold like a movie.” In fact, SLEEPING WITH THE ENEMY came to mind a lot. Reading CONSEQUENCES was like being on an emotional rollercoaster and I am still reeling. I was constantly conflicted. The emotional and physical abuse Claire endured was painful to read – I was screaming at her to get a freaking grip and get the hell out! Then, at other times, I was really rooting for Anthony and Claire to make it as a couple. As I was reading, I tried to distance myself from the contents on the pages, but ultimately, the bold imagery forced me to internalize the emotion of the abused heroine – this must be similar to the feelings abused women go through. The emotions of despair and anxiety at having to constantly walk on eggshells in fear of upsetting the sensitive balance between loving elation and angry outbursts. It was exhausting.
I love it when the author throws the reader a curve ball and that is exactly what Aleatha Romig does in CONSEQUENCES. I was certain I knew what was going to happen then she totally yanked the rug right out from under me, knocking me on my ass and leaving me totally stunned.
Just as I teetered on the narrow ledge between sanity and insanity, I was saved by the release of the second book in the Consequences Trilogy. Trust me when I say Aleatha really knows how to keep her readers on their toes!
Looking for a psychological thriller? Then you have found it! It’s a good one! CONSEQUENCES is definitely a book you have to read. I hope it evokes the same crazy emotions in you that it did in me and I hope you love it as much as I did!
BUY IT NOW! - Amazon
Want a little preview of what you are gonna get?
Here is a little teaser of the Tony I love...
She lifted her head out of the water to clear her ears and began to tread water.
“Tony, you startled me. Catherine said you wouldn’t be home until late.” She couldn’t see his eyes. She waited for him to respond. He stood in silence for a moment; she thought about talking. While she debated, he walked to a chair hidden in darkness. When he returned she could only see his silhouette but knew he was now nude.
Still not speaking, Tony dove into the pool. He swam up to Claire and wrapped his arms around her. Within seconds, Claire’s bathing suit disappeared. His actions were fast and rough. Their mouths united as their tongues searched wildly for one another. He moved from her lips to the nape of her neck and all places in between. The pool depth allowed Tony to touch but not Claire. She wrapped her legs around his torso, allowing him to support her. He continued to nuzzle her neck, lifting her body so her round supple breasts found his lips. His kisses became nips and he gently bit the tips of her hard nipples.
Claire groaned with pleasure.
His hurried movements caused his bristled face to scratch her soft skin. However, the pain of his beard was quickly forgotten as the pleasure from his touch filled her consciousness. His mouth tantalized and his hands explored. Claire’s back arched as she pressed her breasts toward his mouth and wrapped her fingers in his wet hair. Though the night was hot, Claire’s arms and legs cloaked with goose bumps. In the silence of the country night her moans echoed as her body convulsed.
Tony eventually led Claire out of the pool, onto a chaise lounge. He resumed his exploration but not with his hands. They still hadn’t spoken. Claire’s mind teetered between the cognizant he doesn’t seem upset and the unconscious ecstasy. His actions slowed, became more deliberate and sensual, causing sensations deep inside of her. She held on to his massive shoulders and accepted everything he had to offer.
The carnal heat intensified by the night’s humidity instigated perspiration. Claire tasted the amazing salty, sweat, and chlorine potion as her lips and tongue seduced his neck. When he finished they were both moist, more from one another than the pool.
Panting, they lay still, listening to the cicadas and crickets. Finally, with a grin, Tony spoke, “Good evening, Claire.” His eyes were soft suede brown. “I wasn’t happy when you weren’t in your suite.” Claire started to speak but stopped as Tony’s finger lightly touched her lips. “But your idea of a swim on this hot evening was much better than what I planned.”
Claire smiled. They moved back into the water to cool off but found that even in the water they had problems staying cool.
“Tony, you startled me. Catherine said you wouldn’t be home until late.” She couldn’t see his eyes. She waited for him to respond. He stood in silence for a moment; she thought about talking. While she debated, he walked to a chair hidden in darkness. When he returned she could only see his silhouette but knew he was now nude.
Still not speaking, Tony dove into the pool. He swam up to Claire and wrapped his arms around her. Within seconds, Claire’s bathing suit disappeared. His actions were fast and rough. Their mouths united as their tongues searched wildly for one another. He moved from her lips to the nape of her neck and all places in between. The pool depth allowed Tony to touch but not Claire. She wrapped her legs around his torso, allowing him to support her. He continued to nuzzle her neck, lifting her body so her round supple breasts found his lips. His kisses became nips and he gently bit the tips of her hard nipples.
Claire groaned with pleasure.
His hurried movements caused his bristled face to scratch her soft skin. However, the pain of his beard was quickly forgotten as the pleasure from his touch filled her consciousness. His mouth tantalized and his hands explored. Claire’s back arched as she pressed her breasts toward his mouth and wrapped her fingers in his wet hair. Though the night was hot, Claire’s arms and legs cloaked with goose bumps. In the silence of the country night her moans echoed as her body convulsed.
Tony eventually led Claire out of the pool, onto a chaise lounge. He resumed his exploration but not with his hands. They still hadn’t spoken. Claire’s mind teetered between the cognizant he doesn’t seem upset and the unconscious ecstasy. His actions slowed, became more deliberate and sensual, causing sensations deep inside of her. She held on to his massive shoulders and accepted everything he had to offer.
The carnal heat intensified by the night’s humidity instigated perspiration. Claire tasted the amazing salty, sweat, and chlorine potion as her lips and tongue seduced his neck. When he finished they were both moist, more from one another than the pool.
Panting, they lay still, listening to the cicadas and crickets. Finally, with a grin, Tony spoke, “Good evening, Claire.” His eyes were soft suede brown. “I wasn’t happy when you weren’t in your suite.” Claire started to speak but stopped as Tony’s finger lightly touched her lips. “But your idea of a swim on this hot evening was much better than what I planned.”
Claire smiled. They moved back into the water to cool off but found that even in the water they had problems staying cool.
Aleatha Romig voted #1 "New Author to Read" on Goodreads, July 2012 through now! She is a "Published Author's Network" member of the Romance Writer's of America.
She has lived most of her life in Indiana, growing-up in Mishawaka, graduating from Indiana University, and currently living south of Indianapolis. Together with her husband of twenty six years, they've raised three children. She works days as a dental hygienist and enjoys spending her nights writing. She also likes to spend time with her family, friends and patients. Her pastimes include exercising, reading and writing.
Aleatha enjoys traveling, especially when there is a beach involved. In 2011 she had the opportunity to visit Sydney, Australia to visit her daughter studying at the University of Wollongong. Her dream is to travel to places in her novels and around the world. CONSEQUENCES, her first novel was released in August 2011 and has sold over 20,000 copies. TRUTH, the sequel was released October 2012 and has surpassed 10,000 copies in less than 3 months!
Aleatha originally published through self publisher Xlibris a subsidiarity of Author's Solution/ Penguin Publishing. In October of 2012 she re-published on her own, a true Indie Author. Later that month she published Truth through Romig Works. Aleatha is happy to be represented by Danielle Egan-Miller of Browne & Miller Literary Associates.
Author Links:
Facebook ● Goodreads ● Website/Blog ● Kindle
Tour Coordinator: Hard Cover Therapy
8 comments:
Remind me never to read an excerpt, interview, or review about Consequences or Truth right before going to bed - I dreamt about the good and the very scary Tony all night! I am as torn in my dreams as I am when I'm reading the books, Gaah!!!
LMAO! See, that's the difference between me and you... you had nightmares and I had wet dreams...lol...
Ooohhh! I LIKE that analogy and how apropos considering the image on the cover - clever ;-)
Oops, I meant pieces... We're two pieces of a puzzle.. Lmao
*snicker* I knew what you meant...lol...
Maybe its just me but that song Russian Roulette comes to my mind whenever I think about Consequences. It's by Rihanna too. Check it out and let me know what ya think.
Well, dealing with Tony is a bit like Russian Roulette... never know what you're gonna get.
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