Review of Truth and Author Interview Aleatha Romig

 

Review

Truth (Consequences #2) by Aleatha Romig

Genre: Suspense, Mystery, Dark, Contemporary Romance, Adult Fiction.

Published: October 2012

Length: 468 pages

5 out of 5 Stars (It was a really good sequel…loved!)

I am always so leery of sequels.  Many are just “fillers” until the third book in the trilogy comes out.  I hate that.  However, that was not in the case with Truth the sequel to Consequences.

Synopsis: When Claire finally is released from jail and from Anthony Rawlings, she makes it a mission to rebuild her life.  After being under the control of Tony for so long, she knows it will be a struggle, but one she cannot fail at. How easy will that be when she knows that Tony likes to control everything in his life and even though she is no longer “in” his life, she knows that Tony will not give her up that easily.   However, what Claire begins to learn is not everyone is fooled in the façade that Anthony Rawlings put out for people to see.

The second book in the Consequences series was so well written, so original; I loved the twists and turns.  Just when I thought I had everything figured there was an unexpected twist.

I am emotionally invested in the lives of Claire and Tony.  I don’t know if I will regret saying this, but I started to like Tony. Yes, I know!!!  I saw him as a different man, but not sure if I am blinded by all his “everything.”   Readers, you know what I mean!!!!

And what an amazing job the author did by having me change my opinion about certain characters.  I can’t believe I started hating some and loving others. Maybe I am suffering Stockholm syndrome??!!  Can I get that as a reader????

My favorite… favorite scene in the whole book is the scene when Claire meets Tony at the restaurant for the first time after she has been released from jail. I read Truth twice already and that is still my favorite scene in the entire book.  That scene was just so…Tony.  I don’t want to give away specifics but from the minute Claire walked into the restaurant to the end it was everything I could see Tony do.  I seriously love and hate that man.  I need help!!

Hours after finishing the book, I was thinking about the characters.  I rarely say this about a book, but I am not sure if I want an HEA with this series.  The ending had me asking “what just happened???” And this is why I loved the book.  I love that I am not sure which way I want the story to go.

• Did I skim? No. So much happens in this book, you can not skim.
• Did I feel connected to the characters? Yes!
• Will I reread? Already have and probably will again before Convicted comes out.
• Positives:  Well paced. The sequel did not disappoint.
• Negatives: My only gripe is that we have to wait for the release until the end of 2013/beginning of 2014.
• Do I recommend? Yes. I loved it!!!!

 

Author Interview (Part II)

Aleatha Romig

What was the hardest part about writing Consequences and Truth?

The hardest part was writing a trilogy and not knowing I was writing a trilogy! I wrote Consequences as a standalone book.  I left it “open”.  However, I had no idea where it would go. Then with Truth and now with Convicted, I have to check dates and work diligently to be sure everything fits together.

How long did it take you to write Consequences and Truth?

I wrote Consequences slower, it was all trial and error.  Truth, once it started flowing, which was about 5 – 6 months into it, I wrote the entire manuscript in four months.

Did you learn anything from writing Consequences and Truth? If yes, what was it?

OMG! I’ve learned SO much.  I’ve gone to seminars and workshops. I’ve talked with talented amazing authors. I’ve listened to readers and reviewers.  The entire process has been one big education. I’ve learned to know the rules and know when to break them.  Value others opinions but write for me.  If I don’t love what I write, no one else will.

Did any parts or scenes of Consequences and/or Truth come from personal experiences or of experiences of other people? 

There are a few snippets here and there.  However, most of the material is from fiction, books, TV shows, and movies… all woven together.

Did your husband and children read your books? If yes, what were their reactions to the story?

My husband is my “sounding board”.  I often read scenes to him. My children have not read, but they know the story. We’ve had many dinner discussions regarding Claire and Tony.

Is there a meaning behind the cover of Consequences and Truth?

Yes, at the end of Consequences, the note in the box says, “You’re just a piece of the puzzle”.   The entire book is a puzzle for the reader to put together. Remember, things are not always as they appear.  And Truth, I wanted to stay with the “game” theme.  The entire book is like a chess match.  I also like the inclusion of Claire’s pearl necklace.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Follow your heart and get a good editor!

Do you have anything that you want to say to your readers?

Thank you! I could never have imagined how loving and outgoing readers could be.  I’m enjoying every minute of this fantastic ride.  Please continue to tell others about my books.  Word of mouth is still the best recommendation.

What is your favorite movie? Favorite book?

One of my favorite movies, I’ve watched so many times I know by heart is: Overboard with Goldie Hawn.   Favorite book, I always say: Gone With the Wind.   Truly, there are too many to pick one!

What is the most shocking thing a fan has asked you since Consequences and Truth have been published?

That! lol   Nothing comes to mind.  Maybe I’m not easily shocked.

Will Convicted be the last book in the series?

Yes, it’s time to move on.  However, no matter how many more books or series’ I write, Tony and Claire will always be special – they’re my first.  You always remember your first!

When will Convicted be coming out?

The release date isn’t set.  I’m hoping for late 2013 / early 2014.  We’ll see!

Thank you for this interview. I cannot tell you how excited I am for the release of Convicted.

Thank you so much for having me here! And thank you for telling people about my books! I’m very excited about Convicted too… I promise more twists and turns! I have a reputation to maintain.

Follow Aleatha Romig on:

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/AleathaRomig

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/aleatha.romig.7

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Series Reading Order:

Consequences (Consequences #1)

Truth (Consequences #2)

Convicted (Consequences #3)

 

Review and Interview of Consequences By Aleatha Romig

Review and Interview of Consequences

 

Review

Consequences (Consequences #1) by Aleatha Romig

Genre: Thriller, Suspense, Mystery, Romance, Erotica.

Length:  526 Pages

Synopsis: Claire Nichols wakes up in a strange bed in a house she has never been to and not sure how she got there.  The only things she does know is that the man keeping her captive, Anthony Rawlings,  is the tall, handsome, and wealthy man who she just met at the bar she works at.   Was Claire just at the wrong place at the wrong time?  Was she just the object of lust by a wealthy man who is use to taking whatever he wants?

What Claire does not know is that her captor has been following her for a long time and has been manipulating many of the pivotal moments in her life.  What Anthony does not know is the he will become captivated by the beautiful and kind Claire.  What they both will learn is that actions have consequences.

When I first finished this book, I had a wide range of emotions… terror, sadness, happiness, lust and then sadness again.  My emotions were literally all over the place.  How I felt about Anthony depended on what page I was reading.  How could I hate this man, be attracted to him and love him all in the same book?  I was on an emotional roller-coaster, but one that wanted to go back on once the ride was over!!!

Certain scenes were raw, gritty, dark and disturbing.  It was an emotional read that stuck with me for days.

There is a mystery of sorts that will be pieced together with flashbacks every few chapters.  At first, these flashbacks were frustrating, but I am glad I did not skip through them.

I did not expect this book to capture me as much as it did. I made the mistake of reading Consequences the week of Thanksgiving, which I was hosting.  I was reading and cooking. Thank god that turkey came out good.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars. (I love these stories and this one did not disappoint.)

• Did I skim? No
• Do I recommend? Yes
• Did I feel connected to the characters? Yes. I was emotionally attached to the characters.
• Will I reread? Already have.
• Did I look forward to the sequel when I was done? Yes.  
• Ending/Cliffhanger: “OMG”

Author Interview (Part I)

Let me first start by saying how happy I am that you agreed to do this interview, Aleatha.  Thank you for taking the time out of your busy day.

Christine, thank you for inviting me!

How did you come up with idea for Consequences?

The opening scene of Consequences came to me.  I’m not sure if it was a dream or a thought… but I imagined it. The more I thought about it, I wanted to know what was happening. I sat down and started to write…to find out.

I am always curious about this, how did you come to give your main characters their names?

That is a great question. I don’t know.  I’ve always liked the name Claire.  But Anthony? I think I wanted something that could sound distinguished and also casual… Anthony / Tony.  This sounds silly, but his last name came from a ball in my garage- “Rawlings”.  Kind of like the “Wilson” in Castaway.

The quotes you have before each chapter, did you write them before or after you wrote the chapter?

Mostly after, I looked for quotes that reflected the mood or essence of the chapter.

If the Consequences series were to be made into a movie, who would you like to play Tony? Claire? Catherine?

Tony was always Joe Magellano in my mind.  But lately Jon Hamm and David Gandy have been suggested. I think they would work too.  For Claire, I like Natalie Portman or Olivia Wilde.  I honestly haven’t given Catherine much thought.

When did you know you wanted to become a writer?

Writing was always a dream and a passion.  I don’t think I ever thought I could do it.

When is your favorite time of day to write?

Late at night or very early in the morning, when the house is quiet.

What is your favorite quote and/or scene from Consequences?

That is very hard. I like it all.  I love many quotes. One that comes to mind right now is:  “He spoke again as if he hadn’t just shattered his promise and her security.  Her house of glass now lay in a pile of shards.” … kind of sad.

I am always curious about this, how did you come to give your main characters their names?

That is a great question. I don’t know.  I’ve always liked the name Claire.  But Anthony? I think I wanted something that could sound distinguished and also casual… Anthony / Tony.  This sounds silly, but his last name came from a ball in my garage- “Rawlings”.  Kind of like the “Wilson” in Castaway.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging when you write?

Time, balance, organization! I want about 10 more hours in each day.  Yet, I’m not sure I’d use them properly… I need more discipline.

What type of reactions did you get from readers after Consequences was published?

Mixed, some people loved it, others hated it. I enjoy evoking emotion and I think I do.  Now that Truth is also out, the responses are more positive. It helps that people can see the transformation in the characters.

Is there something in particular you like to eat and/or drink when you write? (I am sorry, I love to eat.)

Everyone knows I like my wine. But, when I’m really into writing I don’t eat or drink much of anything.  I’ve lost one laptop and had another very close miss with stemware.  So when I do drink, anything,  I use stemless glasses!

I have heard repeatedly that many readers felt that what Claire was experiencing with her feelings for Anthony was Stockholm Syndrome.  Do you agree?

In Consequences, most definitely.

I was recently asked on Twitter who my favorite villain is. I love when people ask me unexpected questions.  So I ask you, who is your favorite villain?

I would have to say Dexter.  Or is he an anti-hero?  I’m not sure, but I like him!

Series Reading Order:

Consequences (Consequences #1)

Truth (Consequences #2)

Convicted (Consequences #3)

 

Review of Harbour Falls (A Harbour Falls Mystery #1) By S.R. Grey

3 out of 5 Stars (I had high hopes for this one.)

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Suspense, Mystery

Length: 344 Pages

Published: October 2012

The plot goes like this…Madeleine “Maddy” Fitch is a successful mystery writer.  She comes back to home town of Harbour Falls to “investigate” and write her next book on an unsolved disappearance of a young woman, Chelsea.  Chelsea disappeared the night before her wedding to Adam 4 years earlier.   Adam, a guy who Maddy had a crush on in high school was a prime suspect in the disappearance of Chelsea. Adam is hot, successful and rich and Maddy can’t help but fall for all his charms. However, Maddy is not sure if she can trust Adam especially since the disappearance of Chelsea remains unsolved.

I enjoy suspense/romance novels so I was looking forward to reading this book, but was disappointed.  This book had its moments, but I think that there was too much inner monologue.  A lot of it was repetitive.

I had some problems with Maddy’s character.  I felt like for the life of her, this 26 year old woman could not keep a secret.   I understand Maddy was investigating a possible murder and had to question things that she heard but she was a big mouth.   Every time, Adam told her something personal, she blabbed or had an urge to blab.

I liked Adam’s character, but I did not understand why he wanted to be with Maddy.  He would say she was beautiful, exquisite, but other than that they would fight about her big mouth.

Every time, I thought I had the mystery solved, there was a twist that threw me off, which I love when an author can do that in a mystery.

In the end, the big mystery is solved, but a little “mystery” was left to be solved in the sequel.

-Did I skim? Yes.  Certain parts I skimmed.

-Did I feel connected to the characters?  No.

-Do I recommend? I did not really like the book.  I did not care for the writing style.

-How was the pace of the book? The story moved at a decent pace.

-Will I re-read? No.

-Writing style: One POV – Maddy’s.

-Ending/Cliffhanger?  Even though I doubt I will pick up the sequel, I have to say the cliffhanger was pretty good. Maybe, just maybe, if the book lands in my Kindle, I will read the sequel, but that is a big MAYBE.

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Sequels: Willow Point (A Harbour Falls Mystery #2) – Expected Publication: April/May 20

 

Review of Sweet Dreams (Colorado Mountain #2) By Kristen Ashley

5 out of 5 Stars (Yeah, I loved it.)

Genre:  Erotica, Contemporary Romance, Motorcycle, Suspense, Mystery.

Published: April 2011

Length: 562 Pages

Where do I sign up to be a Motorcycle Biker Babe???  Because if it involves living in a small town like Carnal, Colorado, having awesome friends and a hot, alpha motorcycle man like Tate, I am signing up!!

Lauren Grahame leaves her husband of 10 years after finding out that he had been cheating with her best friend for 5 years.  Lauren packs her bags and leaves her upper middle class life in Phoenix and after 4 months of searching for town to call home, she settles in Carnal, Colorado.  There she applies for a job as a waitress.

“All my life, or as long as I can remember, I thought something special was going to happen to me. I just had this feeling, deep in my bones. I didn’t know what it was but it was going to be beautiful, spectacular, huge.  All…my…life. It didn’t. I waited and it didn’t happen. I waited more and it didn’t happen. I waited more and it still didn’t happen. I tried to make it happen and it still didn’t happen.  Now I know it isn’t going to. It’s never going to happen because there isn’t anything special out there to happen.”

And then Lauren gets the waitress job and meets hot motorcycle biker, Tatum “Tate” Jackson.

And the first time that Lauren meets Tate, he calls her “some sorry-ass, old, fat, suburban b***h.”

I was thinking, yeah, not sure if I am going to like Tate.  However, Kristen Ashley is such a fabulous writer that she does not make her heroes and heroines perfect.  There is realism; they have their faults. It is not love at first sight.  There may be immediate attraction, but there is some tension.  I have been reading so many books lately that the main characters “claim” their love in page 4.  WHAT????  Where does the story go from there??

‘Sweet Dreams’ was told brilliantly.  There was enough tension, heat and drama that I could not stop turning the pages.  Kristen Ashley does not disappoint.

To add to the love story, havoc hits Carnal when a serial killer arrives.  Someone has begun raping and killing women. Usually when murders happen in books, they are to people that are not really part of the story.  Not in this book.  No one is safe from the serial killer.

The steam factor was pretty high.  There was a lot of sex.  Some of it was hot and some it was beautiful.

The book is over 500 pages long, but there is not one page that you will want to skim. Something is always going on.

I loved the last 10% of the book.  The first 90% is in Lauren’s POV. The last 10% is from 3 characters in the book, one of them being Tate.  I loved it. LOVED IT!!!

Did I skim? NO

Did I feel connected to the characters? Yes

Do I look forward to the other book in the series? YES

Did I look forward to returning to the book when I had to stop reading? YES

Ending/Cliffhanger? Loved the ending.

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Sequels: The Gamble (Colorado Mountain #1) Published: April 2011

Lady Luck (Colorado Mountain #3) Published: October 2011

Breathe (Colorado Mountain #4) Published: July 2012

Colorado Mountains (Colorado Mountain #5) Expected Publication: 2013

 

 

Review of The Gamble By Kristen Ashley

The Gamble (Colorado Mountain #1) by Kristen Ashley

4 out of 5 Stars

Published:  April 2011

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Suspense, Mystery, Erotica

Length: 555 pages

Nina Sheridan’s takes a timeout from her clueless, cold fiancé and heads to Gnaw Bone, Colorado.  When she arrives to the A-Frame that she rents for 2 weeks, she meets Max, the owner. Max tells her there was a mistake and kicks her out of the house.  With nowhere to go, she goes back out in the snowstorm, gets stuck in the ditch only to  wake up in the morning in Max’s bed sick with the flu.  Max ends up taking care of Nina something her “safe, but uncaring fiancé would never do.  Nina ends up staying in Max’s house and meeting all the interesting people of Gnaw Bone. The first week, Nina is in Gnaw Bone, a murder occurs to the most hated man in town.

I have to say, Kristen Ashley is one of my top 5 favorite authors. I really liked this book and recommend it.  Whenever I read a few bland books, I know I can pick up a Kristen Ashley book and enjoy a good read.  The Gamble was a GREAT read!

I do like a little drama when it is in an erotica romance and this drama was just enough for me. It had me in tears and I loved it.  I love when there is enough angst to cause my heart to ache a little.

The Gamble was steamy and sexy.  Also, I liked that the sex did not happen on day #1.  Sometimes, the anticipation is worth it.  It makes it hotter.

Did I skim?  No.  After I finished the book, I went back and reread my favorite parts.

Did I feel connected to the characters? YES.

Will I reread? Yes

Did I think about the book after I was finished? Yes

Do I recommend? YES

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Sequels: Sweet Dreams (Colorado Mountain #2) Published: April 2011

Lady Luck (Colorado Mountain #3) Published: October 2011

Breathe (Colorado Mountain #4) Published: July 2012

Colorado Mountain (Colorado Mountain #5) Expected Publication: 2013

 

Crush (Crush #1) By Lacey Weatherford

5 out of 5 Stars

Genre: Fiction, Young Adult, Contemporary Romance, Mystery, New Adult

I loved this book and was not disappointed. I enjoyed it from beginning to end.

First of all the cover’s post-it note had me laughing. “Do you like me? Check one.” The story behind the post-it note is in the book. Love it!

This is a great YA book.  I loved the mystery, the twist and the chemistry between Cami and Hunter.

Some of you will figure out the twist half-way through the book and that is fine.  I did too.  However, it did not turn me off from reading the story.  Actually, it made me want to read it without stopping since I had to know how it was all going to “go down.”

Plot: Cami Wimberley has a plan, and that plan includes no room for boys—especially the big time party animal, Hunter Wilder, no matter how handsome and charismatic he is. She’s beautiful, a senior, extremely talented, gets good grades, and is working her way toward her dream college to be a musical theater major. Everything is perfect.

Hunter Wilder does not want a girlfriend—that would complicate his life way too much right now. He especially doesn’t want this girl, Miss-Goody-Two-Shoes, so how come he can’t keep his eyes off her? He tries to keep her at a distance, but fate seems to keep pushing them together. Before long, it’s obvious to everyone they’re crushing on each other.

As sparks begin to fly, Hunter finds himself sinking deeper and deeper into hot water. Soon he’s scrambling to keep Cami from discovering his dark secret—one that can destroy their entire relationship.

–         Did I skim? No.

–         Did I feel connected to the characters? Yes

–         Did I want to go back to reading when I had to stop? Yes, I did not get anything done that day. This is one book I did not want to stop reading.

–         Do I recommend?  YES! I loved this book!

–         Am I looking forward to the sequel? YES!!

–         Ending/Cliffhanger: Great ending.  I am BIG on endings and cliffhangers and this one was not a disappointment.  It is the last chapter that can make or break a book.

Crush (Crush #1)

Author: Lacey Weatherford

Published: October 2012

Length: 332 Pages

Sequels: Smitten (Crush #2) – Expected Publication: 2013