Consequences

Consequences, Book 1

By: Aleatha Romig

Narrated by: Romy Nordlinger

Length: 20 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

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 you're told, public failure is not an option, and don't divulge private information. Failure to follow these rules, and more, is 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?

Listen to a FREE 3-Chapter Sampler of Consequences.

©2011 Aleatha Romig (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Good book - Narrator's voice is annoying

Would you listen to Consequences again? Why?

No, I found the narrator's voice very annoying.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Consequences?

When Claire was set up for attempting to kill Tony.

What didn’t you like about Romy Nordlinger’s performance?

Everything. She would be much better if just reading the book, not trying to change "characters". I found it very distracting and annoying.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There were many but the beginning when Claire was first abducted and in the end when she was framed stand out.

Entertaining story, terrible narration

Another "smart, strong female is kidnapped and all control is taken away" story from Aleatha Romig. This is not her best work but is still an interesting story. However, as an audio book, the screechy singsong voice of the narrator nearly ruins the story. It was beyond painfully annoying to hear for ten hours and didn't fit at all with this story. This narrator is better suited for a light hearted comedy or children's story.

Behaviors have consequences

It started with a contract written and signed by both on a napkin. For months Claire had no idea what was expected of her. A man like Tony paying off her debt using manipulation and a firm hand to stronghold Claire into behaving.

During her time in Anthony’s home Claire survived the consequences through strength and compartmentalizing. Let me reinforce how difficult those scenes were to read. Everything Anthony did to Claire was not acceptable. A trigger warning is warranted to note his abusive nature.
Anthony focused on teaching Claire to behave using threats and consequences. His ability to bend her to his will proved he was a man powerful man. Don’t get me started on his rules: follow my rules, do as you’re told, do not divulge personal information, actions have consequences, appearances are of vital importance, and public failure is not an option. Aleatha is working towards a hidden game so all is not for nothing.

My viewpoint on what is considered a brilliant read or a well written book varies from other readers. I don’t think this is a brilliant story. I don’t enjoy the writing style either. In fact, I read every prologue for the rest of the books in this series and can’t for the life of me find anything interesting or appealing about what these books have to offer.
Here’s where my patience waned in the dialogue using too many details with an over abundance of descriptive adjectives. I didn’t need the full day itinerary nor the day to day activities.

I really don’t care what reasons Anthony Rawlings had for the way he treated Claire Nichols. Nothing Aleatha could say would excuse his abusive degrading behavior.

The entire premise is one example after another regarding behavior leading to both positive and negative consequences. It was too much. Love isn’t an equation in this story. It’s about survival. This is manipulation. Molding the ideal companion.

I kept thinking the entire time I was reading that there had to be an ulterior motive. The way Claire transformed herself caused concern.

I read Consequence back in 2014 when dark romance was popular. At that point I was heavy into the captivity genre. I hoped the audiobook performance would enhance my experience instead it reinforced what I already knew which is the writing voice didn’t win me over. It fell flat in many areas one of which being the wordiness of the story and the overuse of descriptive words. Going into great lengths to describe scenes that had no importance on the matter at hand.


Narrator:
Read in the third person. I listened at 2.1x speed. This is an unabridged audiobook. I followed along with my ebook. I listened using the audible app.
Audible provides the best listening experience.

Performance given by Romy Nordlinger. She read the scenes in its entirety. Romy is an award winning bestselling audiobook narrator. I’m thankful for Romy’s performance it saved from from the chore of reading myself. Although I did read this book in 2014 I don’t remember anything about it. I’m certain I skim read the book. With headphones on an the volume turned up I sat back and let Romy bring this story to life in a way I couldn’t.

Good story..but lacking...

I just couldn't get into this. It was an awesome story, great concept...but I think the lack of smex kinda hurt this book. Clare.. the h, keeps talking about the abuse and horrible acts Tony/Anthony, the H, does to her, but the story just glaze over it... You don't really connect to how horrible Tony is in the beginning, because the scenes are just mentioned, not really a part of the story... The only bad thing Tony (still Anthony at this point) does is slap Clare...

This is such a long long story, and the several author's quotes at the beginning of each chapter gets a bit annoying around chapter 7.

This kinda read like the Dark Duet series, but without the actually details of the abuse and smex...which made the story.... boring and just really really long...

I would recommend this for a sale... not even a credit... because romance lovers, will not like the lack of romance in this. Even without the smex scenes.. there just is no romance to create chemistry between the characters...

Narration was ok...

It's not Gray by any stretch of imagination

I so wanted this to be a fun listen. I kept hoping, through all three sections. It wasn't a good story, I didn't enjoy the characters, and I so wanted to call a counselor for the woman. From the signature on the napkin to the hospitalization, I knew it would never be good. I kept listening, though, and wondered if I would want to download the next two in the series. By the end of the book I didn't even have the desire to listen to the samples for the next two. The main character was gullible, tricked, drugged, kidnapped, beaten, restrained, secluded, starved, intimidated, enslaved, and broken. The story did not make me feel sorry for her, it did not make me want to save her, it did not make me feel anything other than anger. I have known women that have been abused and this story seems to describe that situation as something that is acceptable because she wants to love him and she wants him.
Don't read this to enjoy the story, you can't because it is not even enjoyable if you leave out the absurd.

Deceit

At the epilogue: Can't think right now
... I need revenge...

Currently...

This was an audible version and for the first time, I had some trouble liking the narrator's voice... and knowing I'm going to listen to her forever in the next books... well I did try hard to put that behind and enjoy the audio book I'd just bought.

I heard so many things about this book it was hard to begin! But let's jump to it:

Never, listen to me! NEVER sign your name in anything like a blank paper or napkins, as innocent as it can be, this signature can change your life forever. You know better... Never leave sight of your drink either, never accept drinks from beautiful and sweet strangers, what are you thinking, that will never happen to you?

And then several days later you wake up, you're lost, no memory at all and locked up in a room all bruised and abused by that fine stranger.

Anthony Rawlings is no hero, not a good man! Creeps me out! I'm not used to this kind of male character, couldn't find his heart! Domineering, controlling freak!

Claire has an agreement with Anthony signed in an napkin. Duh! She believes it? Oh Claire... He says he will pay all her debts and in return she will work for him in any and many ways he wants.

This situation takes place at Tony's mansion and all of this is part of a very meticulous premeditated plan, that we get familiarized near the end of this BIG book!

There's a kidnap, a rape and a prison, she's verbal, physical, sexual and emotionally abused. How can this woman think she can see this man soul and change it?

Claire is admired for her strength and resilience. She plays his game frightened about the "Consequences". But there's no room for failure and some "glitches" cause this consequences... or he just will do whatever the f* he wants, wakes up to punish her or break her...

Is there enough room to compartmentalize... does Claire have it in her head and heart? She needs to, she's needs to survive... How do you do that? So many things you could do Claire?! You had the opportunity...

Sometimes he would be sweet and gentle, you think he begins to like her and you believe things are getting better, some requests are accepted and some rules forgotten, next time, no! Next second, without even blinking, could be something in the air, you dread it as this roller coaster plays out.

So many chapters with details that I didn't want to listen or care to know especially those from Nathaniel, needed to forget... That bored me... I tried to compartmentalize like Claire :) but as the story progressed I was more attentive to the details. I was scared for Claire's sake! What was she doing? Did he saw her? He knows everything!

At about 40% or 50% of the book something happens, an " accident" so tragic, horrible... It did upset me, just thinking about it, makes my stomach... Could I continue? Never had to put down a book, I'm not going to do that now either, but did thought about a little time out... Needed a happy place!

Loyalty, Appearances, Rules, wearing so many Masks, so much going on! Aghhh! No romance or sexiness happened in the book...

Hated all his actions, his shadow, his staff, how could he? How could they? Hated those black eyes so much! So vindictive! But why did I hoped for redemption? Seriously!

I'm glad I'm strong and resilient, so much better than Claire! I continued listening so I wouldn't miss out THAT ending! Never saw this coming!

Nice played Aleatha Romig! I was caught! I'm very curious about Truth! Can he do this to another woman? Is this all about power , money, looks and revenge?

This could be a movie, It felt like it, revealing only some details as you go along trying to figure it out or not!

Definitely not a love story! But it's a good story, give it a try!

The Jury is Still Out!

What did you love best about Consequences?

The narrator!

Would you recommend Consequences to your friends? Why or why not?

Probably not because it's just not believable to me. There's too many holes.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

She really did a great job with each character. She did a great job going between characters.

Any additional comments?

I have mixed emotions about this book. I'll probably read the other books in this series to see to learn how things play out BUT I'm not in a rush.

Love the book...the narration?

Would you consider the audio edition of Consequences to be better than the print version?

No absolutelty not. This narrator was so horrible i couldnt get past the second chapter. I'm mad about that because i loved this book in print. This narrator has a terrible way of starting every single sentrnce in a high pitch nasal tone. I felt every sentence was a question based on her tone. I couldnt get past it. Her voice completely ruined it. I wish i could have gotten my money back.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Every charactor was so incredibly flawed with cringe worthy imperfections. Claires brother in law was the only true charactor that stood steadfast and had no problem challenging Anthony. Of course, this became his biggest mistake.

How could the performance have been better?

Another narrator completely. I will not buy another audio book with this narrator.

I couldn't stop listening!

I could not stop listening to this book!! Tony and Claire's relationship is as dysfunctional as they come; however, I fell completely in love with them. Can one person have so many sides? I can not wait to finish this series!

Interesting Story some what detailed but good

A lot of details but this type of story has a lot of layer's to it.