Consequences (Consequences #1) - Alethea Romig

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.

OMG this book is such a mind fuck! Trish, this is all your fault!!

So, I didn’t know anything about this book when I started to read it.  My friend Trish suggested it, (as she has many fabulous books before) and said she was looking for something different when she started it.  I had no idea what to expect other than that she said the end will make the book.  I was left thinking, that’s a lot of pages to get through  before I get to ‘what really makes the book.’  But I trust her judgment and figured, what have I got to lose.   

Nothing! I had nothing to lose.  This book drew me in.  It caught my attention from the moment she was taken and drew my further in throughout the whole book.  I was sometimes annoyed by her over explanations and descriptions of some aspects of Claire’s life, while during the dramatic situations felt skated over.  I could picture in great detail the rooms in the house, but had difficulty picturing them ‘together,’ or when she was facing consequences because those moments weren’t really described at all.  In that way, it took me a little bit longer to give myself over to this book, but when I finally did, I was hooked.  When I couldn’t be reading, I was thinking about it.  When I was reading, I was trying to put it all together.   

Here are my updates during my reading:

02/06			99.0%	"Son of a bitch!"
02/06			76.0%	"This book is giving me a Claire headache"
02/05			50.0%	"I can't decide if I love or hate him... Is it possible I am suffering from Stockholm Syndrome?"
02/03			0.0%	"Because I trust you, Trish"

I had to separate Anthony Rawlings into two different men.  Anthony – who I really didn’t care for.  He was powerful and sexy (like Mr. Grey) but far too much of an ass for me to develop feelings for.  But Tony, Tony was the guy I fell for and I could understand how Claire could sometimes be romanced by him.  Even when he was being dominating, he did it in a caring way and I fell for him while angry with myself for doing it.   

Claire Nichols was frustrating at times.  My inner bitch (which doesn’t always remain so inner) wanted to slap her upside the head and tell her to get a grip.  But the longer I read the story, and the more we got inside her head, the more I wanted to understand her side.  I can’t say I totally understood, it’s just not in my personality to submit, but I found myself really trying to see her side.   

This book literally gave me a headache.   

Between trying to figure out Anthony/Tony and what was going to happen, and trying to talk myself out of caring for him, I actually did get some of what was going to happen right, but it was fleeting as there was always something going on in the book to keep my attention better than I could keep my own.   

In the end, although I had touched upon part of it, I had NO IDEA what was coming.  I couldn’t have imagined it.   

Of course, I started to read the sequel, Truth, immediately.  I’m only half way through but good lord the drama does not stop with this book.   

If you are looking for something different than an instant love connection…this might be your book.  It has twists and turns and a definite dark side but so far, it’s worth it.