Consequences & Truth (Consequences Series) by Aleatha Romig - Review

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Consequences & Truth (Consequences Series)

by Aleatha Romig

Synopsis:

Consequences:

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.

Truth:

Claire Nichols endured the CONSEQUENCES of Anthony Rawlings’ vendetta. When she first arrived to his home, her goal was survival. Through strength and compartmentalization Claire captivated her captor. Her resilience in the face of his rule threatened Anthony’s well developed plan. Domination became desire and power turned to love. Their passion and adoration in a world of opulence appeared perfect. Yet, reality was a roller coaster of emotion. Claire’s world teetered on the edge of sanity as Antony monitored her every move. When given the opportunity to flee, Claire drove away. A fateful decision which set a well laid plan into motion. However, unbeknownst to either of them, there were others who saw past the perfect facade of Anthony Rawlings. There were others who saw the TRUTH. Conspiracy and unfulfilled promises result in an early prison release for Claire. Not just a release – a pardon. According to the law, her crime never happened! Will it be that easy? Faced with freedom from her past... can Claire seize it? Can she build a new life, mend her broken spirit, become the woman she once was, and seek her own revenge? Or is it all a game? And does the game master have different plans? How does Sophia Burke fit into the puzzle that is Tony and Claire? Will her presence affect the future of this well esteemed man? Can he dominate twice? Is that his goal? TRUTH continues the tumultuous saga of CONSEQUENCES, introduces new players, and uncovers more intrigue. Aleatha Romig skillfully weaves past transgressions through current deception to create a fervent world of obsessed desire. In this reality can an all-consuming relationship survive? When buried sins are discovered they threaten not only Tony and Claire’s future -- but their very lives! Will the TRUTH be revealed in time?

Review:

In all honesty I have no idea where to start with this review or how to proceed. These are the type of books where I want to tell you all about it because you won’t believe the beginning, middle, or the end (for now). After reading them both it is impossible to separate them in my mind, so I am reviewing them together. These are the first two books in the Consequences Series. The third & final book is due out at the end of 2013 or beginning of 2014. Mrs. Romig, I vote for 2013.

This is the second time I’ve read the books. The first was several months back, after they were recommended by a friend. The first night I think I slept about 2 hours. When I finished Consequences the second night I gave up on sleep & immediately started reading Truth. I needed to know what happened. I read them again in preparation for this review & interviews with Aleatha, Anthony, & Claire.

There are more twist & turns in these books than the road taking you up to Big Bear. (I’m here to tell you I saw my life pass before my eyes on multiple occasions on that road.) The story begins with Claire waking up to the realization that she has been abducted. Her captor, Anthony, does not share his reason for taking her with Claire. What we learn over the course of the story was there was nothing she could have done to avoid this outcome. In order to survive she adapts. She not only adapts, she thrives, & somewhat conquers.

Claire isn’t the only one changing throughout the story. Anthony is brutal, relentless, & driven. He is for all, intents & purposes, a monster. As the story unfolds we learn the true reason he took Claire. It wasn’t revenge. When you start reading the book you would probably ask me if I lost my mind with that statement. Hindsight is 20/20. Sometimes even monsters have their reasons & their salvation.

My take on Anthony’s actions through Consequences after reading Truth was very different than my first impression. What I bought hook, line, & sinker the first time I doubted at every turn the second time. It probably wasn’t until I was 3/4s of the way through Truth again that I came back to my first assessment of their interactions in Consequences. They both had lessons to teach each other. Some lessons were needed & others not so much.

Is this review confusing enough for you yet? Welcome to the story Aleatha has created. Consequences didn’t start out as a romance of any kind. It started as a suspense thriller with some romantic undertones. If the story ended as it did in Consequences that is what it would have been. I would have been heartbroken. Then we got the truth.

Unlike a lot of middle books in a series Truth really sets a new tone for the series. It propels the story in a way you could not imagine when you get to the end of Consequences. Anthony & Claire reverse roles in some ways. They end up saving & destroying each other.

Then we get to the biggest twist of all as the mastermind makes the move to end game. Everything we thought we knew about Anthony & Claire gets turned in a 180. The Truth shall set you free, but for Anthony it just might mean a prison he can’t break out of or be pardoned from. We’ll just have to wait for Convicted to see where everyone ends up.

I give both books 5 stars. They will have you wondering WTF from the moment you start until the moment you finish. Even after you finish you won’t be able to stop thinking about what happened & what is going to happen.  If you want my complete & totally honest opinion, these books are a MIND FUCK from beginning to end!

STAY TUNED FOR OUR UPCOMING INTERVIEWS WITH ALEATHA, ANTHONY, & CLAIRE!

Reviewed by Liz