The Book Whore-der's Delights: Consequences by Aleatha Romig

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.

Steph's Review:

My first thought after reading this: What the FUCK did I just read?! I am having a hard time wrapping my mind around it. Consequences isone of the most intensely addictive, skull rattling, emotional mind fucks that I have ever encountered. This book is not for readers that are looking for rainbows & butterflies and unicorns that shit glitter. This is not a love story. It is a story of choices and consequences. There are certain scenes in the book that are gut wrenchingly disturbing.

Claire Nichols meets the sexy, smooth talking ultra-successful businessman Anthony Rawlings at the bar where she works, only not by accident. This is a well-planned encounter by Anthony. Soon after, she is abducted by him. She is brutally raped, beaten, and held prisoner by him. This is all a part of his sinister, meticulously planned revenge that started years ago.

Tony is a seriously damaged and broken man due to his upbringing. He demands complete domination and control. This is where Claire factors in. Unbeknownst to her, her family played a part in his “fucked-up-ness”and she ultimately faces the consequences. What he doesn’t expect is to be captivated by her beauty and resilience. I will have to admit, I am intrigued with Tony. I have a love-hate relationship with him. Sure he is a controlling, manipulative bastard that needs a fist shoved up his ass elbow deep…. but a part of me kinda likes him and wants to know more about him. Why he is the way he is.

Claire. What can I say about Claire, besides she is a survivor! She does whatever she needs to do to survive. She might come off as weak at some points in the book but it is all about self-preservation. She does sowell with compartmentalizing the repeated rapes and beatings from the man she comes to love. I don’t know how she stays silent for as long as she did. I really like Claire. But…I can see why Claire falls in love with him. Tony can be charming and very alluring. I know, I know, I think I might be slightly “touched” in the head.

I felt emotionally drained after reading Consequences. I know I had that WHAT THE FUCK dazed look on my face. I felt out of sorts. When a book can elicit that much emotion in me, it’s without a doubt, a book I would recommend!

I am giving myself a bottle of wine and a few days to recoup before I start on Truth, the second book in the series. Trust me, I need it.

Anthony

Claire