Sunday, June 30, 2013

KITCHEN SCANDALS LAUNCH DAY by BROOKE CUMBERLAND

*** THIS IS BOOK #2 IN A RIVERSIDE NOVEL***

Synopsis:

She finally found the one… but he has a hidden secret. Could this be the breaking point for Molly? Has she endeared too much?

Drake and Molly had instant chemistry in Kitchen Affairs, but when his secret goes all wrong, their relationship will be tested, feelings get hurt, and limits will be reached.

Someone tries interfering with their relationship keeping them distant; longing for answers in all the wrong places.

Can they recover their once intense, sensual chemistry? Will love be enough? Secrets, betrayals, and scandals…
Chicago’s hottest couple, Molly & Drake, go through big changes, hidden secrets, and tragedies.

Author Bio:
Brooke is a midwestern gal, from the cheese state of Wisconsin! Go Packers! She's a stay-at-home mom of three beautiful children (one daughter & two stepsons) and a black fury dog. She's studied psychology in college, and counseling and education in graduate school where she found her love for writing. Most days you can find her reading or writing, or just hanging out with her family! She loves movies, cooking, and shopping! She's addicted to Starbucks, Coach purses, and wearing yoga pants.

Social Media Links:

Good Reads Author: Goodreads.com/brookecumberland,


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MADE FOR YOU LAUNCH AND REVIEW by VI KEELAND

Summary:

****** The sequel to Belong to You (Book two of a two part 

series) *******

Jack and Syd spent a week in paradise. It was only supposed to be a fling. But life can be funny sometimes, and circumstances brought them back together again. Together they seemed to have found their happy ever after. But when Sydney is offered a chance at the career she has always wanted, she must leave Jack behind to follow her dreams. Can their love survive long distance? Sydney’s touring with a man every woman wants, but he only has eyes for Syd. And an unexpected tragedy leaves Jack feeling remorseful. Can the two find a way through to forever?


Review:

This is a continuation of Vi’s first book Belong to Me. I fell in love with Jack and Syd, I was counting down the days for this book to release. Vi captivated me once again from the very beginning of the book that this book became a quick read for me. Some parts of the book did feel rushed and I wish the book was longer then it was, but still a very good ending to the series. It brought me the closure that I needed from the first book.

Syd and Sienna start their dream and go on their international tour, leaving Jack behind. When arriving at their hotel in London, they are greeted with great hospitality. It warms Syd’s heart to know that even thousands of miles away Jack is still taking care of her and making sure she has the best there is to offer. As hard as it is to be away from Jack, Syd tries to enjoy herself and the sights around her.
“I don’t want to lose you Syd. I know I have to give you this space to live your dream, but I’m afraid your dream will take you away from me.” ~ Jack
Being in the spotlight is a natural thing for Syd and Sienna. You can see the chemistry between the two of them and their passion for singing. They meet Kyle and Justin who are on the tour with them and are also old friends from the past. Justin had a thing for Syd a very long time ago when she was with Michael. Syd decides to not tell Jack about Justin, knowing exactly how he will react. There is no need to worry Jack when he is thousands of miles away.

Even so far away, Jack’s possessiveness and the need to be in control affects Syd. To others, it may seem as if Jack is being a jerk but Syd loves it. She finds him sexy as hell knowing he is always looking out for her best interests and controlling in the bedroom is even hotter. Syd and Jack have always had great sexual chemistry between them. Some parts will actually leave you wanting to take a cold shower. Jack is still your sexy, intense, panty melter!
“What’s not to be happy about? My life is pretty perfect. I get to do what I love, and I have an amazingly sexy man that I can’t get enough of.” ~Syd
Being so far away from Jack and seeing an old clip of him with his assistant, Jenna, on tv causes Syd’s insecurities to come creeping back. She is wondering if she was sent on tour so he has his space away from her. Was he done with her? Did he want her to go on tour so he can move on? After ignoring Jack for a while, he finally explains and that there is no one else for him but her. With his business, she will also have just a touch of uncertainty. Syd also needs to deal with Justin hitting on her. There is no doubt that he is not over her and he will not stop trying till she is his. Justin plays the, I want to be friends card, but anyone can see what a sleaze he really is. Syd is not the only one with insecurity issues. As dominating and in control Jack is, he feels that he will lose Syd to music. Not only will he have to share her with the world, he will have to put up with all types of men ogling at her. He thinks that her music career will tear them apart and he is afraid to lose her.
“You’re mine Syd. And I don’t want to share. Not a picture, not a smile, not a touch. All of it is mine. Only mine. You were made for me. That sexy mouth belongs to only me. I wake up every morning craving that body that wiggles beneath me. That body that surrenders as soon as it’s filled with me. It’s mine and I need it so bad it physically hurts when I reach over on the bed and find your warm body isn’t there. So yea, I’m not happy about the picture. But it’s the rest of it that’s killing me.” ~ Jack
Jack didn’t have a close relationship with his father. He could never forgive him for what he did to his mom while she was dying. But when his father suddenly passes away, he shuts down. Syd takes a few days off and goes home to be with him, but he has closed himself off and he won’t talk to her. Very unlike Jack. Things are very different. There isn’t anything Syd can do to make him open up to her; except to just be there for him. When she goes back on tour, Jenna does some evil stunt and answers Jack’s phone and giving Syd the idea that she is comforting Jack because she is not capable of doing so and he is opening up to her. This illusion throws Syd off. Jack is someone she can’t have and she doesn’t like that idea. Jenna had a thing with Jack a long time ago and she wants him to be with her. She will try anything to split them apart. I knew I always hated Jenna. She’s conniving and evil and will stop at nothing to get what she wants.
“I’m asking you to give up something I don’t like, so I gave up something that you don’t like.” ~ Jack
While back on tour,  Justin gets all werid. He wants Syd back in his life and believes that she has been giving him mixed signals this whole time. He thinks that her being nice and friendly to him means that she wants to be with him. Justin gets out of hand one night, forcing Syd to go back home to Jack. Jack is furious and his controlling self tries to take over the situation. Justin will pay for what he did, Jack makes sure of that.

Will Jack and Syd be able to handle this long distance relationship? Will Syd feel her love of music is stronger than her love for Jack? Will Jack give in to temptation and start things with Jenna? Has Justin gone too far? Will Jack and Syd be able to withstand everything that is thrown their way?


This was a great ending to this series. The love and desire that Jack and Syd have for each other are clear as day. They have such strength to have to endure all that is thrown at them. Jack will do anything to keep Syd happy. I felt bad for Syd at some parts, especially when she doubted Jack’s feelings for her. It was easy for misunderstandings to occur when they are so far apart from each other. I fell in love with Jack more in this book. He was good to Syd, did everything he could for her, gave her the best, and the little things he did tugged at my heart. I want a Jack! He had a very hard time dealing with their distance. Seeing such a strong and controlled man break down and slowly lose himself when his dad died broke my heart. Sienna is still that best friend that brings humor and excitement into everything. Damn that girl and her non filtered mouth made me laugh. Great job with this series Vi!! Can’t wait for more of your books to come!








**If you haven’t read book one yet, Belong to You, it’s on sale this week
for .99!**  



Buy links:

AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/Made-You-Cole-





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Saturday, June 29, 2013

BLOG TOUR - IN A HEARTBEAT by HILARY STORM



In a Heartbeat (Rebel Walking #1) 

Eaven Bennett is a college student with a passion for photography. She has high hopes of completing college and starting a new life as she moves away from her hometown with her best friend, Ivy Adams. Her last boyfriend ruined any chance of her trusting ever again.
Talon Walker is the dark and intriguing drummer for the up and coming band ‘Rebel Walking’. A tragedy in his past has left him empty with no desire for a relationship. That is until he meets Eaven.

One minute your heart is filled with love, the next your entire life comes crashing down. Everything can change in a heartbeat. Can Eaven and Talon overcome the obstacles in their way and find love?



Review

This was a very quick and cute read for me. Some parts were predictable, but some parts just had me sitting at the edge of my seat wondering “where the hell did that come from?” The story ended too quickly for me, but it left me wanting more at the end.

Eaven is very closed, quiet, self-conscious and keeps herself protected. Her ex-boyfriend Brandon was very controlling and degrading towards her. She caught him cheating on her, causing her to put her walls up.  Since that incident, she’s closed herself off and constantly doubts herself and how she looks. Her parents took in her BFF, Ivy, who is she complete opposite from her. Ivy is loud, outspoken and will tell you how it is. She is the kind of best friend I would want to have. When Eavan is with Ivy, she steps out of her comfort zone more, experiencing more of what life has to offer. Ivy is always encouraging Eavan not to allow the past influence any of the decisions she makes and to just live life a little.

Talon is a hot drummer in a band, who seems very confident in playing and loves what he does. But he just seems so depressed, like the life is just sucked out of him. He experienced a heartbreaking moment in his past that he can’t seem to get past. It haunts him every day, wishing he could change it, wishing it never happened. His twin brother Taron looks completely identical to him, but his personality is the total opposite. Taron is actually the male version of Ivy. They’re always butting heads, but he has definitely met his match with Ivy. With their constant sexual comments to one another, it won’t be long till the two of them end up in the sack. Too bad, Taron is a complete man whore and Ivy wants nothing to do with him.

Talon is the same band Eavan’s cousin Luke plays in. Talon and Eavan first meet at Smitty’s, a bar that the guys play at. It was instant attraction from the first moment they laid eyes on each other. There was a strong pull that brought them together. Eavan tried to get to know Talon, but he wouldn’t talk, he would just look at her. Talon was fighting this feeling he has towards Eavan with his past. But he couldn’t stay away from her. They got to know each other and he started to like her more and more. He felt really comfortable with her; like he could tell her anything and she wouldn’t judge him. She also wouldn’t push him to talk when she would notice him clam up. Eavan knew he would open up whenever he would be ready.

Their relationship progressed rather quickly. I think too quickly that it all seemed rushed. You can see the sexual tension between them; they can’t keep their hands or their eyes off of each other. But they decided to not rush into anything, but get to know each other better first. Talon helped Eavan move out of her comfort zone and to try different things. She used to feel self-conscious about herself, but being with Talon, he made her feel sexy and confident. He made her feel special and confident about herself.

Eavan has a passion for photography and it shows through the pictures she takes. When’s she has a camera in her hand, it takes her into a whole new element. Eavan behind a camera gives her the same feeling Talon has behind the drums. Eavan is highly intrigued by Talon’s drum skills that he ends up teaching her how to play. No one has ever taken this much interest in him, especially to ask to learn how to play the drums. The more time they spend together, the more they are slowly falling in love with one another. Eavan’s insecurities are slowly coming back around, but Talon constantly shows her that there is nothing to worry about. That is until his psycho ex-girlfriend, Nicole, comes back into the picture. When Talon finally puts his foot down and makes the Nicole go away, she does something extremely drastic to try and get him back and away from Eavan. She tries to get rid of Eavan once and for all, just barely accomplishing it. Eavan shows her strength as she pulls through, while Talon never leaves her side.


My heart can’t help but feel sorry for Talon, with the situations that he is put through. I admire Eavan for her strength and the ability to trust Talon and patiently wait for him to talk about his past instead of forcing it out of him. You can absolutely see the love that they have for each other. If you are looking for a quick, cute, romance book, this definitely is the book for you. Good job Hilary! I am definitely looking forward to Taron and Ivy’s story.


Author BIO

Hilary Storm lives with her high school sweetheart and three children in Enid, Oklahoma. She drives her husband crazy talking about book characters everyday like they are real people. She graduated from Southwestern Oklahoma State University with an MBA in Accounting and has a full time job as an accountant. Her passions include being a mom, writing, reading, photography, music, mocha coffee, and spending time with friends and family. She is the author of the 'Rebel Walking' Series. Book One: 'In a Heartbeat' is due to release in June.

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hilary-Storm-Author/492152230844841?fref=ts
Website - http://www.hilarystormwrites.com/#






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Friday, June 28, 2013

COVER REVEAL: WORTHY OF REDEMPTION by LD DAVIS

RELEASE DATE: JULY 23rd





SYNOPSIS


After his devastating actions in Accidentally On Purpose, Kyle Sterling is trying to move on. He has lost the love of his life and he does not believe he is worthy of ever being loved again. Kyle is still “a dick” and uses this cool exterior to keep others at bay.
Lily Whitman has been devastated by the ultimate betrayal and later tragedy hits her heart full force. She doubts she will ever be able to give her heart to anyone again. She hides her own demons behind a wall of colorful hair, piercings, tattoos and a style and attitude that is all her own.

Kyle and Lily find themselves thrown together when Lily takes a position at Sterling Corporation after her place of employment burned to the ground. Lily is the complete opposite of the type of woman that Kyle has ever had any interest in and he has no qualms telling her so. Lily is rough around the edges and challenges Kyle at every step. Despite his dick-like disposition and violent past, Lily fights to prove to Kyle that he is worthy – of being loved, and worthy of redemption, but Kyle is afraid of repeating history and he can’t let go of his past…And maybe a very important someone from his past isn’t ready to let go yet either….

BLOG TOUR: LOVE REALIZED by MELANIE CODINA

SYNOPSIS:

For Jake, it’s always been Gillian. It’s been her since that day she unknowingly stole a piece of his heart...when he watched her fall for one of his best friends. Resolved to the fate that she couldn't be his, he locked up the deeper emotions he felt for her and loved her as a friend.

As friends, they went through it all together. Marriages, births, divorces and even death. But when a shameful secret Gillian has kept from her friends is revealed, Jake realizes she needs him more than ever. He knew what it was like to go through heartbreak and he wasn't about to stand back and watch her endure it alone.

He also knew she would turn to him for support. What he wasn't prepared for was the return of the emotions he had long ago locked away. Could he control those emotions again and did he even want to? Could he make her realize his love for her was real, or would she slip through his fingers again?




REVIEW:
Have you ever had a book on your e-reader that you didn't read immediately once you downloaded it, then when you finally read it, you are like OH MY GOD.... Why did I wait to read this??  Well, LOVE REALIZED is one of those books.  I absolutely LOVED it.  I could not put this book down and I fell in love with the characters.
Gillian Baxter married her high school sweetheart, Logan Baxter and had three children, Jonathan, Madison and Dylan. For many years, Gillian and Logan had the perfect marriage until Gillian realized that Logan was unfaithful in their marriage.  Gillian locked those skeletons away in the closet and did not tell anyone about them because of shame and embarrassment.  At her son, Dylan's 8th birthday party, Gillian's life was about to change and change very drastically.  Gillian turned to her best friends, Allie Baxter and Jake Michaels for support and comfort. 
Allie Baxter is Gillian's best friend and sister-in-law.  I absolutely LOVED Allie.  She had be cracking up every time she opened her mouth.  She pulled no punches and said exactly what was on her mind.  Every girl needs a best friend like Allie and Gillian knew she was lucky to have her in her life.
Then there is Jake Michaels...  Oh Jake Michaels, where do I begin.  Jake was 6'2, broad shoulders, and handsome with his chocolate brown hair and his light brown eyes.  Jake has been in love with Gillian since he was 17 years old.  While in high school,  the opportunity of being with Gillian slipped through his fingertips as he watched Gillian get into Logan's car and drive away, taking a piece of Jake's heart with her.  Through the years, Jake buried his feelings for Gillian and continued to stay in the "best friend" status.  All of that changed in one night and Jake vowed that he lost Gillian once, he was not going to allow it to happen again.  The only questions were:  Will Gillian see Jake as more than just a "friend"?  Will Jake tell Gillian his true feelings? Will Jake make Gillian realize that she has always had is heart, that is has always been her? 
Gillian was ashamed at what her relationship with Logan had become.  While dealing with the emotions of her failed marriage, she was still trying to be strong for her children and shield them from what their father's actions.   Gillian had a strong support system.  She was surrounded by loving friends and family that were there to help her pick up the pieces and move forward.

 
     "Well, the Gillian you know is a pathetic chump!"  "And the same Gillian is so tired of trying to be strong and protecting everyone else, when apparently she was the one that needed the protecting!"  "The Gillian you know is spineless and weak.  She is just a useless housewife, completely devoid of anything remotely attractive or sexy." ~ Gillian Baxter

 
     "There is only one Gillian in my world.  there is no person who fits the description you just gave me.  There is only one Gillian and she is one of the strongest women I know, and I admire everything about her.  She is vibrant determined, and full of love.  She is n no way pathetic, and she is definitely not a chump." ~  Jake Michaels
 
Jake was always there to reassure Gillian that she did nothing wrong and she should never feel ashamed of what had happened.  Jake was Gillian's rock, her shoulder to lean on.  Gillian always knew that Jake would never hurt her, never disappoint her.  Gillian begins to realize that she is seeing Jake a little differently then she did before.  She is attracted to Jake.  Could it be possible that Gillian was beginning to develop feelings for Jake?  Gillian wondered if it was possible if Jake could feel the same way about her. 
Love Realized was very refreshing.  It was great to actually read a book where the female lead character had a backbone and was not spineless and let everyone walk all over her.  Gillian spoke her mind and stood her ground and I loved it.  The chemistry between Gillian and Jake is evident and you feel the emotions that they two of them are feeling.  I fell in love with Jake immediately.  Jake should be cloned, he was that perfect.  Jake is a total panty melter and loved Gilliam unconditionally.  I recommend this book to everyone. It was a GREAT read and I look forward to reading more from this series.  I tip my hat to Melanie, you definitely knocked the ball out of the park with this book.  I will end my review with this quote from Jake...
"You would be much more than "just enough for me Gillian." ~ Jake Michaels

I received an ARC for an honest review.
This review was prepared by Heather.
 


TEASER:
(This is the scene where we meet Jake for the first time)

There she was standing amongst her party guests, blushing and smiling like a fool when she had things to be doing. Attempting to focus on her role of hostess, she turned toward the house when a voice rumbled in her ear.

“What’s that smile for, sexy?” Her smile got even bigger. Now the day was perfect; Jake was here. Always falling into the playful banter with one of her oldest and dearest friends was second nature for Gillian. Jake Michaels was always a flirt with her; it stretched all the way back to high school, and it was just part of their relationship. Of course, it was also easy to do since he was as sweet and sexy as they come.

Tall, dark, and handsome was certainly a phrase that could easily be used to describe Jake, with his chocolate brown hair and light brown eyes that resembled topaz. And let’s not forget the broad shoulders and chest that sported the perfect proportions for his six-foot two-inch frame. Seriously, she had no idea how she ended up with all these good-looking men in her life? Hell, when they all were indulging in pool time, it looked like freaking spring break, with real adult males instead of those still trying to grow chest hair.

Jake leaned in to kiss her on the cheek, which she offered up gladly because he was easily one of her favorite people. “Just relishing in the joy of all these handsome men in my life,” she said with a wink.

“Well then it’s a good thing I got here, so you really have something to smile about.” Both of them laughed as Jake winked back. Gillian loved that she still had Jake in her life, even after all these years; they always had a good time together.

“Hey, I found some party guests at the front door, and I brought them in for you since they said they rang the doorbell. Hope that’s okay; he says he works with you.”

“Oh, thanks, I didn’t even think about people who aren’t used to just walking into my house like the rest of you guys do,” she said as she nudged him with her hip.

“Well if I announced myself, then you may not let me come over, and then how will I get to have dinner with one of the hottest moms I know.”

Gillian couldn’t contain her giggle. “Damn Jake, you sure know how to make a girl’s day. Now go check in with the birthday boy, he was looking for his “favorite uncle” earlier. Of course, that always gets under my brother’s skin when he hears Dylan say that.”

Jake laughed out loud at that. “Which is exactly why I have trained Dylan to call me that, just to get under Sean’s skin … it’s so much fun. How about Ryan, has he been good?”

“He is always good for his favorite aunt. Both boys have been in the pool for hours … the two of them should be sprouting gills any minute now.”

Ryan was Jake’s son, from a brief marriage to a woman who couldn’t be bothered with settling down with just one man. They divorced when Ryan was only one, after Jake walked in on her with another man. She then followed this man to Florida and didn’t have any problems with granting Jake full custody of Ryan. Jake loved his son and didn’t want him to be subjected to a woman who couldn’t seem to focus on anyone but herself.

“Hey, we have matching titles: you, the favorite aunt, and me, the favorite uncle. It’s a wonder the rest of these yahoos ever get paid any attention at all.” Jake smacked her on the ass and walked away to search for Dylan and Ryan while yelling toward the pool, “Has anyone seen the birthday boy? His favorite uncle is here!” Gillian just laughed as she turned around to look where her brother, Sean, was sitting with his wife, knowing that Jake only did that to rile him up. Boys will be boys, regardless of their age
 
AUTHOR BIO:

Melanie is an amazing mother of four, an awesome and tolerant wife to one, and nurse to many. If you don’t believe her, just ask anyone in her family, they know what to say. She is also a devoted chauffeur, the keeper of missing socks, a genius according to a six year old, the coolest soccer uniform coordinator according to a twelve year old, and the best damn ‘mac-n-cheese-with-cut-up-hot-dog maker in the whole world. Well that last title isn’t really official, but it’s still pretty cool to be called it.

When not being ordered around by any of the kids, you can find her with her nose in a book or on the sideline of a soccer game cheering on one team or another. But that’s mostly because she has a thing for the coach. When she is not doing all of the above, you can find her obsessed with a group of fictional characters all vying for a spot on the page of whatever she’s working on. It’s a fun and crazy life to lead, but wouldn’t have it any other way.

Author Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelanieCodinaAuthor?ref=ts&fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MelanieCodina @MelanieCodina
Goodreads:http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7043981.Melanie_Codina


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BLOG TOUR - CONSEQUENCES by ALEATHA ROMIG




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.


Review:

Where do I begin?  My head is still spinning and all I can manage to say is, WHAT THE F*CK !!!!!! Consequences is a book that totally f*cks with your head.  I have to say that Claire is VERY strong because if I were in her shoes, I would have slit my wrist with the butter knife or hung myself from the bed post.  Aleatha did a FANTASTIC job with her debut book.  The emotions that you get from reading this book are hard to put into words.  Consequences definitely makes you stop and think...   

Claire Nichols graduated from college with her degree in Meteorology and was a weather forecaster but with the recent buy out of her station, she was laid off.  Claire was minding her own business while bar-tending at a local bar, "Red Wing" when a good looking guy approaches the bar and orders a drink.  The handsome guy could not take his eyes off of Claire the entire night.  This handsome guy's name is Anthony Rawlings.  Anthony asks Claire to have a drink with him and against her better judgment, she agrees to have a drink with him when her shift ends.  

Anthony Rawlings (a/k/a Tony) appeared to be different from any other man that Claire had met. Yes, indeed he is different. Anthony is a sadistic crazy ass lunatic that gets pleasure from causing pain to others.  To say that he was cruel to Claire is an understatement.  He was controlling, demeaning, abusive, demanding, dominant, just plain TWISTED and DEMENTED!!!!
Now let’s discuss the storyline. Anthony Rawlings kidnaps Claire and convinces her that she signed a contract to become his “personal assistant” and I mean she was to personally assist him in ANY which way he demanded.  Whether it was on her back or on her knees. I think Claire was just shy from having a collar around her neck attached to a leash.  Anthony advised Claire that she was “HIS” until she worked off her $215,000 debt that Anthony had paid. Claire became a prisoner in Anthony’s home. The only interaction she had with people were with his house staff and Anthony. 

Thank the lord that Claire would think back to memories that her grandmother had instilled in her. I think that is the only thing that kept her sane. “It is not the circumstances that makes a person a success.  It is how that person responds to those circumstances.”  Her grandmother believed that every situation could be handled better by the right attitude.

Claire was told the rules in which she had to obey time and time again.  Anthony drilled them into her head.
Rule #1: Do as you are told
Rule #2: Do not divulge personal information
Rule #3: Actions have consequences
Rule #4: Appearances were of vital importance
Rule #5: Public failure was not an option.

“Disobeying these rules is NOT an option; the consequences will not be pleasant.” ~ Anthony Rawlings
“Behaviors have consequences, consequences can be unpleasant” ~ Anthony Rawlings

Claire walked on egg shells all the time with Anthony.  She never knew if she would do something to irritate him and she feared if she made him angry, she would be punished.  After being with Anthony for several months, she began to develop feeling for him. At times, Claire questioned her sanity.  How could she be having feelings for a man that causes her this much pain?  I myself was baffled by her feeling for Tony. Granted, there were times throughout the book where Anthony would be affectionate, gentle, loving and caring with Claire.  Under his dark exterior and blackened heart, Anthony was developing feelings for Claire as well.  Feelings that he wasn't sure were possible.

Claire, the other night you asked if I cared about you.  Honestly, with our initial arrangement I never intended to.  But, without a doubt, I do.  Do you care about me?  Do you enjoy being with me?” ~ Anthony Rawlings
The relationship between Claire and Anthony is bizarre to say the least. Anthony decides if and when Claire may leave the house, speak on the phone, attend engagements, etc.  Claire’s life is dictated and controlled by Anthony.
Throughout this book, my head was spinning. I gave myself a headache from shaking my head back and forth and saying Oh My God, he did not just do that, or what the hell is she thinking.  Consequences is a book that is in a league of its own. When I got to the end, I was like OH MY GOD... WHAT THE FUCK!!! I could not wrap my head around it, I still can't believe what happened to Claire at the end of the book. Obviously, I am NOT going to say what happened, you will have to go through this torment just like I did. All I will say is, I hope the REVENGE that Claire gets will be sweet.  I am going to read TRUTH (BOOK #2) and pray that is what Claire will get.  I will leave you with this...
Claire is consumed with the memories of what Anthony did to her. 

“Two and a half years ago, she had one goal – survival.  Now she had a new one – revenge. Mr. Anthony Rawlings would learn that his actions have consequences.”
This review was prepared by Heather.


Author Bio: 
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:  




 
Today we would like to welcome the fantastic Aleatha Romig to the blog!  Thanks so much for being here today!
Author Interview:
 
What inspired you to write Consequences?

I’d always wanted to write a book.  It was a bucket list type thing.  In 2008 my husband lost his job, it was in construction materials and the economy tanked! He began working a third shift job.  Our two oldest children were off in college.  Our youngest was going to bed about 8:30.  That left a lot of alone time. 

I had this idea of a woman in a room... I decided to sit down and see where the story would take me.  I didn’t write Consequences to publish.  I wrote Consequences as therapy or escape from my life.  I could totally manipulate and control the lives of these characters.  It was more than I could do for myself.

How did you come up with the storyline for Consequences?

I had the “vision” or “thought” of the opening scene.  I didn’t know any more, but wanted to learn more.  That’s how it started..

What was the hardest part of writing Consequences?

The hardest part was deciding how much detail to put in my manuscript. My original draft had more detail.  It was so disturbing to my mother and sister-in-law that they couldn’t read the story.  So, I decided to employ more of the “fade to black” technique.  Honestly, I still have people who think my reading is too disturbing and others who want more detail.  I’ve come to the conclusion; you can’t please everyone – so please yourself. 

What books have most influenced your life most?

There are many books I’ve loved.  Gone with the Wind is my all-time favorite.  I also enjoy thrillers; John Grisham brought me back to reading when my children were young.  I like the older Patterson’s and enjoy Greg Isles.  I also have started to find more erotic romances, and admit to liking those too.  These have all been entertainment, a means of escape!  Your question is “influence” the only book I can say has “influenced” me is the Bible – best seller of all time!

What author has influenced you the most?

I belong to the Indiana Romance Writers Association.  In our local chapter there are many talented writers, and I’ve learned and been influenced by these woman in many ways.  Most of them have much more experience than I.  Their willingness to share and encourage has been invaluable. 
In a long distance, no direct influence kind of way, I will say E.L. James.  Not because I found Fifty Shades amazing... it was good.  But, she opened the door to “different books” hitting the mainstream.  Consequences Series isn’t erotic; however, it is dark.  I breach subjects that previously were taboo.  I’m not sure that my series would have received the acceptance it has, pre Fifty Shades.


What were the challenges in bringing Consequences to life?

I was and am so inexperienced.  Consequences was published in August of 2011 by a self-publishing publisher.  In October 2012 I rereleased Consequences completely Indie.  Just last week I entered an agreement with a copy editor.  I’d had Consequences and Truth line-edited... and as many have pointed out, there are still mistakes.  Being self-published I’m not accustomed to having someone tell me “consider deleting” or “consider re-wording” or anything else...  I’m excited and scared.
The truth is, I believe I have wonderful stories and want to do anything and everything to bring the best version to the world.  To date Consequences has sold almost 50,000 copies! That amazes me!

How would you classify Consequences? I mean its not exactly romance
when people ask me how to best describe it I say it's kinds sorta like the TV show Revenge (which is my current addiction)

I think I’ve invented my own genre: Contemporary Dark Romance / Psychological Thriller.  Obviously, Consequences by its self isn’t a romance. However, since it is the relationship of Claire and Tony that propels the series, I’ve been told that makes the series a romance. Now, that said, I definitely believe it qualifies as DARK and PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER.

Did you have any specific people inspire your characters physical attributes?

My husband! (lol)  No, I honestly made my characters up, their physical characteristics and their personalities. Then, one night after I’d completed Consequences, I was watching True Blood with a friend. Alcide, Joe Magellano, came on.  Another character asked him how tall he was, Alcide replied, “Six four – six six.” I was like , OMG, he’s Tony!


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