Consequences Series: This is a series that blew me away...hands down, one of the most intriguing, mind-boggling, surprising series that I've ever read - and that's saying a great deal! I have decided to review these books as a series instead of one by one as one book is only a piece of the puzzle...you must read the entire series to fully absorb the many shocks, surprises, twists, and turns that this train wreck of a ride will take you on.
The series consists of: Consequences, Truth, Convicted, and just released - Behind His Eyes, Consequences. Behind His Eyes, Truth and Behind His Eyes, Convicted are due out in March and May respectively. Below, you will find the synopsis for each book and then my review of the series.
Consequences Synopsis:
Anthony Rawlings had a plan—to teach Claire Nichols to behave. Claire Nichols had a plan—to survive!
In an unfamiliar bedroom within a luxurious mansion, Claire Nichols wakes to memories of a brutal abduction. All of her recollections have one common denominator, the man she just met—Anthony Rawlings. Unbeknownst to Claire, Anthony has had her in his sights for a long time. Every action has consequences—and his actions resulted in their chance meeting.
Facing incomprehensible circumstances, Claire must learn to survive as she comes to terms with her new reality—every aspect of her livelihood is now dependent upon the tall, dark-haired, dark-eyed tycoon. Anthony may appear to the world as a prosperous, benevolent, kind businessman, but in reality Claire learns he is also a menacing, controlling captor with very strict rules: do as your told, public failure is not an option, and don’t divulge private information. Failure to follow these rules and more, are met with serious consequences. In an effort to earn her freedom, Claire learns her lessons well and before long, she unknowingly captivates her captor. Anthony/ Tony reluctantly becomes enthralled with Claire’s beauty, resilience and determination. Their interaction instigates strong emotions, including—fear, anger, love, and lust—as their journey flows into uncharted waters of intrigue and passion.
From the opening criminal abduction, through the twists and turns, to the unlikely romantic thrills, the suspense climaxes as Aleatha Romig utilizes vivid detail, allowing this novel to unfold like a movie. Can you put the pieces of the puzzle together? Claire Nichols abduction wasn’t a random act—did she learn her lessons well enough? Will these unlikely lovers remain true--or will she learn the truth before it’s too late?
Truth Synopsis:
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. He thought he taught her to behave-but domination became desire and Claire taught Tony to love. Their passion and adoration in a world of opulence appeared perfect, yet the 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 began a well laid plan.
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?
Convicted Synopsis:
There were still lessons to learn and consequences for the truth!
When Claire Nichols met Anthony Rawlings, she didn’t know they had a past, or that he had plans for her future. Over time, the role of teacher changed—games became reality—and domination turned to desire. Despite an insurmountable history, Claire and Tony found their way back to one another. Just when they seemed to have it all—love, respect, and the promise of a family—the game master exposed the truth. Claire’s world once again spun out of control. Unwilling to allow her child to suffer the consequences of an old vendetta, Claire fled...
At one time, Claire was held captive in an opulent mansion—then her incarceration was a cell inside a state penitentiary. Was her new prison—a tropical island—truly less lonely? Perhaps that was the game master’s plan, all along? Who will save Claire from her oldest nightmare and her newest reality? Will it be Tony? Can he forgive her for leaving him—again? Harry? Will he utilize previously unknown connections to save the woman who infiltrates his thoughts? Maybe Phil? Will his devotion in keeping Claire and her child safe be rewarded? As the cards are played—sins of the past, innocent victims, and truths are revealed. With compartmentalization no longer an option, is the reality too much? Could there be an even worse isolation? With the game master dealing from a stacked deck, can this new high-stakes game possibly be won?
When it’s all over and their cards are on the table—SOME will discover their bets were too high—they have nothing left to lose—ALL will learn the crucial lesson—the most important rule—there are CONSEQUENCES for the TRUTH!
My Review:
This series is a puzzle if I've ever seen one...a card game, a roll of the dice, a chess match, a game of chance...it's all about consequences - every action is followed by a consequence, either good or bad. There are people being held accountable for the perceived sins of their parents, grandparents, or ancestors of one type or another...an event from the past that someone believes that the children of the children and so on should pay for. This is an intriguing story that does cover some dark subjects including kidnapping, rape, and physical abuse. I will say, however; that the author did not write these scenes in graphic detail but rather eluded to the horrific events. At first, I was actually a bit put off by the lack of detail in the abuse and sex scenes. Having said that, Consequences is one of the best series I've ever read. It is shocking, surprising, compelling, intense and more dangerous to maneuver than a mountain road at night. Emotions run the gamut in these books from dark despair, fear, frustration, hate and hopelessness to compliance, acceptance, desire, love, and hope - at times, an overwhelming influx of emotions overcame me as I read this story.
In Consequences, we are introduced to Anthony (Tony) and Claire as he captivates, seduces, and kidnaps her, locking her away in his mansion while destroying all evidence of her old life. Why? For how long? What does he want? All questions you wonder about as you read this first book. There's a Game Master at work here - who is it? What are they really after? Consequences sets the stage for this game to play out between these players. I was shocked at Tony's actions in this book but could not stop reading it. I admit to wondering where it was going and why I should continue reading it and then, I got to the last few chapters of the book and was slapped in the face with what occurred! My exact thoughts was WTH?!! I didn't see that coming. Let me tell you that from this point on, through all the rest of the books, I felt exactly like that. It is one shocker, surprise, twist and turn after another...such a puzzle. I burned through these books to get to the truth...dying to get some kind of HEA for Claire and yes, even Tony.
Truth picks up the story and the game changes. Claire rises to the occasion and plays the cards she's been dealt, realizing that it's all a game. In order to survive, she must beat the master at their own game. Is she up for the challenge? Tony is surprised by Claire's tenaciousness, her strength, her will to survive in spite of her dire circumstances and thus, the game changes to one of seduction, desire, and dare I say - learning to trust? Falling in love? Now who is the master? Truth was a complex, complicated puzzle of actions & effects...but we must remember, there are consequences for actions always. And the Game Master sets what they believe to be the final piece in place in the final pages of Truth...setting the stage for the ultimate victory...leading us into Convicted.
Convicted opens in the future, 2016, and will shock you in the first few pages. I read them and again, thought WTH?? I read on and screamed NO a few times as my heart broke over the story I was reading. Again, so many twists and turns as the author uses flashbacks and memories to bring the reader up to date with the story and bring us to the here and now with Claire and Tony. I cannot stress enough how many shocking surprises there are in this book. It seems the Game Master has won - game over. But is it? By this point, I think you will have figured out who the Game Master is but there's still one horrific event to face and come to terms with. I wasn't sure of the ending until the last few pages. Believe me, it's worth the read.
Behind His Eyes, Consequences just came out this week. Yes, I had to read it and get Tony's POV on some of the most important scenes in Consequences. I'm so glad I did. Some of it, I knew or guessed but it was worth the read to see that shocking ending to book 1 through his eyes. It was such a mind f*ck when it happened, and I didn't understand WHY!?! Seeing it through Tony's eyes cleared that picture up for me and yes, even made me sympathize a little bit with him at that point in the story.
All I can say after this emotional train wreck is Read It if you're a lover of mystery, suspense, psychological thrillers and yes, even love stories. This is the story of Tony and Claire - how they came to be, the journey they traveled, the game they played, and all the sordid consequences they suffered through along the way. A Master Piece! A must read!
My Rating: 5 Gorgeous ♥♥♥♥♥'s...And that's the truth!
Cross My Heart...xxx
Sandra
My apologies for having been missing in action lately with posting book reviews. My list of reasons include being busy with friends & family during the holidays, writing more on my own book and also getting swept up by some addictive series that held me hostage and wouldn't let me go until I read the entire series! I have been blindsided by some very intense, compelling reads in the last few weeks and look forward to reviewing them for you soon. A couple of the series were so intriguing that I do not feel I can review just one of the books but will try to review the series as a whole. Hang with me...I'll be back with the first one soon!
Synopsis:
Some things are worth waiting for…
Traveling thousands of miles from home to enter college is the only way nineteen-year-old Avery Morgansten can escape what happened at the Halloween party five years ago—an event that forever changed her life. All she needs to do is make it to her classes on time, make sure the bracelet on her left wrist stays in place, not draw any attention to herself, and maybe—please God—make a few friends, because surely that would be a nice change of pace. The one thing she didn’t need and never planned on was capturing the attention of the one guy who could shatter the precarious future she’s building for herself.
Some things are worth experiencing…
Cameron Hamilton is six feet and three inches of swoon-worthy hotness, complete with a pair of striking blue eyes and a remarkable ability to make her want things she believed were irrevocably stolen from her. She knows she needs to stay away from him, but Cam is freaking everywhere, with his charm, his witty banter, and that damn dimple that’s just so… so lickable. Getting involved with him is dangerous, but when ignoring the simmering tension that sparks whenever they are around each other becomes impossible, he brings out a side of her she never knew existed.
Some things should never be kept quiet…
But when Avery starts receiving threatening emails and phone calls forcing her to face a past she wants silenced, she’s has no other choice but to acknowledge that someone is refusing to allow her to let go of that night when everything changed. When the devastating truth comes out, will she resurface this time with one less scar? And can Cam be there to help her or will he be dragged down with her?
And some things are worth fighting for…
Review:
Wow! I loved this book. My only regret is that I waited so long to read it. Avery Morgansten's decision to attend college far from her home in Texas is not about choosing the best school. She is running from a horrific incident that branded her a whore in her hometown...an incident that took place 5 years ago at a Halloween party when she was only 14 years old. Avery is starting over where no one knows her. She left everything behind in Texas including parents who did
not stand up for her or believe her when everyone branded her a liar and a whore.
Their loyalty and her silence were bought with money and at such a young age, she had no choice but to do what she was told. Now, she finally has the chance to escape the nightmare that has become her life.
Late for class on her first day, she literally runs into Cam in the hallway and the rocky road for this couple begins. Her attraction to Cam is immediate, intense, and surprising to
her. Avery has never had a date - never kissed a boy and she is 19
years old. She doesn't know how to do relationships and furthermore,
she is afraid to try. And now someone is sending her threatening emails
and phone calls...someone from the past. Someone who knows her darkest secret.
Cam is every girl's dream - a gorgeous, sexy man who can stop a girl's heart with just a smile...a beautiful man both inside and out. No one can resist his blue eyes and killer smile, but Avery knows he is not meant for her...no one is. She finds it hard to understand when Cam begins an active campaign to get her to accept a date with him. In the meantime, he becomes her best friend and is determined to show Avery that they can build a future together. However, she cannot and will not let go of the past and trust him with her dark secrets. What Avery doesn't know is that Cam has secrets too.
This book is beautifully written. It is a poignant story that is funny at times. The plot and character development are superb and kept me literally flipping pages into the night. And just when you think you have it all figured out, this author will surprise you! What a beautiful romance story that deals with some dark issues. The only negative thing about the book is a few editing issues but they are not severe enough to hinder your enjoyment of this book. It goes on my Favorites shelf and is a must read!
Rating: 5 Gorgeous ♥♥♥♥♥'s...And that's the truth!
Cross My Heart...xxx
Sandra
Synopsis:
Half-human and half-Wyr, Pia Giovanni spent her life keeping a low profile among the Wyrkind and avoiding the continuing conflict between them and their Dark Fae enemies. But after being blackmailed into stealing a coin from the hoard of a dragon, Pia finds herself targeted by one of the most powerful—and passionate—of the Elder Races.
As the most feared and respected of the Wyrkind, Dragos Cuelebre cannot believe someone had the audacity to steal from him, much less succeed. And when he catches the thief, Dragos spares her life, claiming her as his own to further explore the desire they've ignited in each other.
Pia knows she must repay Dragos for her trespass, but refuses to become his slave—although she cannot deny wanting him, body and soul.
My Review:
This was my first venture into the world of dragon shifters, since I generally prefer the wolf shifters, but it won't be my last! At the very least, I will be reading the rest of The Elder Races series. Thea Harrison has written a magical yet gripping story where heroes come in many shapes, sizes, and forms and stalk and rule many lands - from high rise buildings in modern day cities to mystical lands only dreamed of in fairy tales. The world building in Dragon Bound is so vivid and real that not only can you visualize it, you can scent it. The plot the author weaves is intricate, rich with characters in both human and mythical form that are thrown together by circumstances not always of their own choosing. They are at times determined, stubborn, passionate, and funny.
Pia (1/2 human & 1/2 wyr) is a woman schooled from birth to hide herself and her powers from everyone...and even she doesn't fully understand what she is or how great her powers are. A bad decision with an ex-boyfriend leads her to steal an item from the hoard of the most powerful Elder of all - Dragos. As the saying goes, Pia is caught between a rock and a hard place. I loved this heroine. Pia is determined, intelligent, spunky, and funny...a refreshing character that is willing to go toe-to-toe with the mighty dragon. Poor Dragos never really stood a chance!
Dragos is in a word - Magnificient! What a man/creature! Harrison's description of him in both man and dragon form is so vivid & real that you cannot help but believe that this gorgeous, domineering alpha male can change into a mythical dragon right before your eyes. Both passionate and feared, Dragos is truly King of all the Elders and accustomed to having everyone recognize that fact, but the mighty dragon has met his match in Pia. The chemistry between them is sizzling as they must stand together to fight enemies that want them both dead as well as fight their growing attraction for one another. While Pia helps Dragos open up to new possibilities including love, Dragos helps her discover her own true magical and beautiful self. The cast of secondary characters in Dragon Bound is also outstanding and deserving of a lead spot in future books.
Dragon Bound is a riveting read with mesmerizing characters, an intricate plot, and yes, some passionate love scenes! What more can you ask for? This is a must read!
Rating: 4 Beautiful ♥♥♥♥'s...And that's the truth!
Cross My Heart...xxx
Sandra
It's a holiday give-a-way! You can enter to win this beautiful bracelet in our Nancy Gideon By Moonlight Goodreads group.
Many thanks to Nancy for providing this beautiful, one-of-a-kind ReMaryD
Original 'By Moonlight' holiday bracelet for a group holiday
give-a-way! This bracelet features wolves, trees, moons, and fleur du
lis...it is stretchy but will be sized for the winner. A beautiful
holiday gift for yourself or others!! This give-a-way will begin Dec. 9 at 12am
and close Dec. 23 at 12am EST. How can you win this gorgeous bracelet?
Let me count the ways...
1 - You can enter the give-a-way by
posting a comment in any thread in our Nancy Gideon by Moonlight group
anytime between 12/9 and 12/22. You will receive one point (contest
entry) for each thread you post in during the contest time period.
(Exp. If you post in 12 different threads during this time period, you
receive 12 entries.)
2 - You can earn 10 extra points (contest
entries) by inviting a friend to join our group if they join and mention
your name as the friend who invited them in our 'Welcome &
Introduce Yourself' thread. You will earn 10 points for each friend who
joins. All new members who join during this time period will have
their name entered into a drawing for an ebook copy of Prince of Shadow
(all formats except Kindle). We have 5 copies to give away. New
members can also earn a chance to win the bracelet by posting in any
group thread during the contest time period.
3 - Members can earn
12 extra points (contest entries) by writing a review on any of Nancy's
books and posting the review on Barnes & Noble and/or Amazon.
After writing and posting your book review, just post the name of the
book you reviewed and where you posted it in our 'Book Reviews - Holiday
Contest' thread to receive 12 more contest entries. You can receive 12
extra entries for each review you write & post on either of the
above sites.
Winners will be drawn by random drawing from all
qualifying names on Dec. 23 and announced on this group's Administration
thread. Winners must respond within 5 days of contest winners
announcement providing a valid mailing and/or email address. All
decisions final.
Follow link below to join our group and enter the contest!
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/109994-nancy-gideon-by-moonlight
Synopsis:
Hidden at the crossroads of the world, an ancient race battles to protect humanity, even as it dies from within.
Ava Matheson came to Istanbul looking for answers, but others came looking for her. A reckless warrior guards her steps, but will Malachi’s own past blind him to the truth of who Ava might be? While ancient forces gather around them, both Ava and Malachi search for answers.
Whispering voices. Deadly touch. Their passion should be impossible... or it could be the only thing that will keep them alive.
THE SCRIBE is the first book in the Irin Chronicles, the new paranormal romance series from Elizabeth Hunter, author of the Elemental Mysteries.
My Review:
After finishing The Scribe, my heart was racing. I felt like I was on a runaway train with no way to get off. I would have done anything to have book 2 in my hands at that moment, as I read the last page and frantically looked for more. Elizabeth Hunter has woven a beautiful fantasy of good vs. evil with a compelling storyline filled with action, mystery, and romance that will leave you begging for more.
Ava is a strong willed woman with a delightful wit about her and a desperate desire to escape the voices she hears in her head, in a language she doesn't understand. She often travels alone, working as a professional photographer and living life in self-imposed isolation, battling her fears that she just may be insane. The only way Ava can quiet the voices in her head is to leave crowds of people behind. In an attempt to find help for her affliction, she travels to Turkey, seeking the services of a mysterious specialist who claims to have helped others with her condition. The peace Ava hopes to find in Istanbul is shattered as she realizes she is being followed, and her life is in danger. As a result of these events, she meets Malachi who pretends to be a bodyguard hired by her family to protect her. Ava has no idea that he is much, much more than just a bodyguard.
Malachi has a very secretive, mysterious, powerful and dangerous air about him from the first moment he appears in this story. You know right away that there is much more to this man than you can see on the outside and are mesmerized by the waves of passion rolling off him and the sense of vulnerability that even his powerful exterior cannot hide. Malachi is one of those special characters that you just can't help but be drawn to - those special heroes who will earn his spot on your favorites shelf.
When Ava and Malachi meet in Istanbul, the chemistry is sizzling, and the story kicks into high gear as he seeks to protect her from unknown forces and help her discover who and what she is. As the story unfolds, we also learn who and what Malachi is. Thus, a world of powerful "other beings" is revealed as Elizabeth Hunter weaves her story of tragedies, both past and present, loss, hope, love, life and death. You will become entralled with the story of Malachi and Ava and the journey for truths that they set out upon.
What works about this story? Everything! The characters, the fantasy, the romance, the suspense, the plot...even the setting adds to the awesomeness of this book!
What doesn't work? I can't think of a thing that doesn't work about The Scribe. It does deliver a heartbreaking shock near the end but leaves you with hope for the future as you anxiously await book 2, The Singer, due out sometime in the spring of 2014.
I could not put this book down. I do not give 5 star/heart ratings easily, however; this book was a Page Turner book for me and receives a spot on my favorites list and shelf. A Must Read!
Rating: 5 Gorgeous ♥♥♥♥♥'s...And that's the truth!
Cross My Heart...xxx
Sandra
Quotes:
"I understand. It's part of the reason I came back. This city...It feeds the soul."
A strange fluttering started in her chest. "I didn't know my soul was hungry."
"Didn't you?" He smiled. "Hmmm."
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
"I thought I was crazy for a long time. My whole life, really. It's hard to leave that behind, even with all of you telling me that I'm not."
"Why?"
"Don't get me wrong." She shook her head. "I know it should be a relief. But there's a part of me that still doesn't believe it. A part that thinks I'm locked in a room somewhere because my delusions have finally taken over. The voices have finally won, and this is all a kind of dream that my mind is using to cope."
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
"Is that what you think?" His voice fell, and he put his hand on the side of her neck. Immediately, her pulse roared. Her mind went silent. There was only him. His scent and touch. The rest of the world went quiet when his thumb stroked the base of her throat.
"You really think I have no claim on you?"
She swallowed with effort; her eyes locked on the stormy grey in his. "None."
"Really, Ava?" He leaned down, his breath whispering across her cheek. "How do you feel when I touch you, canim?"
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
"When you find your power," he murmured in her ear as he stretched out beside her on the narrow bed, "you will sing to me. And I will feel your magic as you feel mine."
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Synopsis:
Roarke is in love with Mr. Wrong.
His name is Richard Tiernan. He is deadly handsome, darkly brilliant, and devastatingly attractive to women. He has been convicted of killing his wife, and his children have disappeared. Now he wants to make Cassidy the latest victim of his powers of seduction and secret agenda.
Cassidy knows all this. But still she chooses to surrender her heart and soul to a lover whose reasons for wanting her are as mysterious as the violent act that branded his a murderer. Cassidy is his now, to do with what he wishes...as he leads her through a labyrinth of desire that is her only path to the terrifying truth.
My Review:
Nightfall was my introduction to the book world of Anne Stuart, and I'm now a fan. From the very first page through the last page, I lived in this world of dark, psychotic madness, sucked in so deep that I was unable to let go. I had to keep turning pages, desperately trying to find out the truth about Richard Tiernan, convicted (he confessed) of taking a butcher knife and brutally murdering his pregnant wife, and suspected in the deaths of his two young children who have disappeared as well as his former lover. Then we meet insecure, innocent, boring Cassidy Roarke, sacrificed by her own father as he will do anything to write his next bestseller - even make a deal with the devil. His deal is to deliver his daughter to Richard in exchange for the exclusive rights to write his story, but why does the dark, moody, manipulative, dangerous Richard want Cassidy? What is he looking for? Richard is out of jail on appeal and living with Cassidy's father when her father suddenly calls her home. Cassidy returns home, walking into an empty house...empty except for a convicted murderer who is lurking and waiting for her in the shadows. And thus the mind games begin.
Richard has a master plan...Cassidy needs to figure out what it is in order to survive. Along the road to discovering all the horrific truths, she falls in love with a man who will be put to death in three months...a man who refuses to fight his death sentence...a man who both terrifies her and yet draws her to him like a moth to a flame. She knows she will lose everything - her heart, her soul, her sanity and possibly her life if she doesn't run and so she tries...time and time again. But her heart and soul will not allow her to resist the magnetic pull he has on her. Richard has nothing and yet everything to lose. He wants Cassidy like he's never wanted or needed another woman...but for what? What is his mysterious plan for her? This is a book of mind games...and nothing is as it seems. Anne Stuart has crafted a story of murder, lies, deceit and guilt and intertwined it with a story of love, desire, truth, and strong characters who are pushed to their absolute limit. A must read for lovers of romance/suspense. This book goes on my Favorites List!
Rating: 5 Gorgeous ♥♥♥♥♥'s...And that's the truth!
Cross My Heart...xxx
Sandra
