Book Review: Finally Home by Ann Vaughn 5 STARS!

OMG. OK. I just finished Finally Home. I need an alcoholic beverage and its only 3pm right now. Firstly, anything Ann Vaughn writes is guaranteed to be freakin awesome. Or your money back. GUARANTEED. Out of all the guys, I thought Riley was my favorite. Really, I can have no favorites now. I love all the boys-ahem, I mean men. You can't help but love them all. Before I get ahead of myself let me tell you what the book is about. Mike Casiano-Italian, strong silent type, been through hell and back, selfless, has the self control of Jesus, determination like a bull chasing a red flag and a heart of gold. His nickname is the Commander and boy does it fit him perfectly. There is no way you can not love him. He was a Navy SEAL, was a POW and tortured beyond belief. Any Sherrilyn Kenyon fans in the house? He reminds me a bit of Acheron-except Acheron's suffering was for many years and Mike for 12 hours. Acheron is a freakin God and poor Mike is just a man.  Still, your heart will bleed for him. I haven't even started on Lainey! What a great match for "Mike. Freaking. Casiano."   

This review might not be coherent as I'm still a blubbering mess over this book. Talk about book hangover at it's finest!


Here are some of my favorite quotes:

• You're the one who sent a card to Riley addressed to Malibu Ken." Colt laughed and even Mike had to chuckle at that one.
• Call Colt up here. He was our medic." Her eyes narrowed. "Why didn't you say that in the first place?" "You were so insistent on playing Florence Nightingale, who was I to stop you?" he said, deadpan.
• Everything about the huge space was masculine and sleek, tasteful yet Spartan...she decided it suited Mike to a T.     

• "It's fine. I've faced down Al Qaeda, right? I think I can handle one pissed off little blonde."
• "Consequences for disobedience will be immediate and severe." (A line from Mr. Anthony Rawlings if I do say so myself!)
• "If I tell you I'm going to do something, then I'm going to do it. Don't question me when I've already given you the answer, capisce?" (Capisce! made me giggle!)
• "You didn't notice Nick's hair?" "Um, was a little  preoccupied by the fact that he had your face," she grumbled. (No kidding! My thoughts exactly!)
• "You caroused?" Jenna asked Riley with a raised brow. "I was in my mid-twenties and a badass SEAL. Hell, yeah, I caroused," he replied...
• Riley walked up then, Colt and Coop just behind him. Lainey took just a moment to admire how they had recognized that their Commander was in a confrontation and they all came to stand behind him. (I love them all damn it! Sticking up for Mike. AHHH My poor heart!)
• Devil's Lair?" AM MADDEN ( I LOVE when authors do that! When they give a shout out to another awesome book!)
• Fine...but this would be a lot easier if you were with me and not hovering behind me like Kevin Costner."
• "Dio," he swore, then because he couldn't help it, wrapped his arm around her head and rested his chin on the top of her head. "I don't know if you're an angel or the devil."

• Not a quote but: OMG Mike teasing the stalker #priceless! #avengingangel #iceman
• "He's just Mike." (MAGIC MIKE LOL)

I did go a little hashtag crazy with this one. Here are some of my favorites:

#avengingangel

#iceman

#MagicMike

#thecommander

#MikeFreakingCasiano

#popeye

#bleedingheart

5 stars! All of the guys are book boyfriends, book husbands and favorites of all time! 

Favorite quotes Behind His Eyes Consequences

Well, I could not just write a review and forget about my favorite quotes could I? I just did not want to overwhelm you with an essay on Mr. Rawlings. Aleatha has great quotes in all her books. One thing I love about Mr. Rawlings is his eloquent speech. When I hear his voice in my head it is very distinct and debonair, like V from the movie V for Vendetta.

Here are a few of my favorite quotes!

• "As an esteemed businessman, he forgot one very important rule-he forgot to read the fine print. It wasn't an acquisition to own another person as he'd previously assumed. It was an agreement to acquire a a soul."- Aleatha Romig, Convicted  (Pretty badass!)
• Clair Nichols was something of a fantasy, his distraction, like an exhibit at the zoo.
• The fact that the vengeance gods looked down and blessed his plans reinforced his determination.
• Before embarking on any deal, Anthony Rawlings thoroughly assessed the situation, eliminated the risks, and accentuated the assets.
• Never in forty-five years had Anthony Rawlings considered himself someone's boyfriend. The concept was laughable. (I agree, he is way too manly for the work "boyfriend.")
• She needed to recognize his authority! (Insert Cartman from South Park video above)
• "Excuse me?" Anthony slowed his words. "Did I stutter?" (Oh, crap. She pissed him off!)
• ...he owned her-all of her, including her thoughts. (This also reminds me of Gatsby wanting to own/change things that is impossible for another to control.)
• ...his omnipresent power... (Tony has a tiny
  
  
  little God complex)
• "If I say you will do something, you will do it. There are no gray areas? Do you understand?" (Yes, Tony, no 50 shades over here.)
• Breaking her spirit had been his goal, and in true Anthony Rawlings fashion, he succeeded.
• "A single moment of misunderstanding can be so poisonous that it can make us forget the many loveable moments spent together." Melchor Lim (So true!)
• It wasn't like he demanded that much from her. (UNDERSTATEMENT OF THE CENTURY!!)
• "Claire loves you and you love her. Let that be enough. There are other Nichols who can pay." ..."Nothing else is necessary; her name is off the list." (WTF, does Catherine get a brownie point?)
• "Did you take this toxin knowingly?" (*&^%#$#@$^!!! insert any vulgarity here)

Behind His Eyes Consequences by Aleatha Romig

Click here for amazon

***WARNING-This is a long review & GIVEAWAY at the end.*** 

5 stars!

Well I'll be damned! What a total mindf*ck! Yes, I'm sorry, that was necessary! It is becoming increasingly popular to read the same book from the male perspective. I have read most of these if I love the original book. It is good. I'm happy I do but they do not evoke the same emotions the second time around. The WOW factor is dimmed a bit. I don't mean that in a bad way of course. We already know what happens but we are getting a different perspective. I think that is what I expected when I started this book. BOY WAS I WRONG! (yes, shouty capitals were necessary)

I read this book slowly. I wanted to devour each word. Or maybe I did not want to relive some of the "glitches." We really get to know Tony. He is so frustrating at times! Normally when I write reviews I do it after I finish the book. I might make a few notes here and there. For this one I had a notebook by my side and scribbled my thoughts-4 pages worth! Normally I have nice handwriting. These notes look like chicken scratch! At one point I got so stressed I had to stop and organize my desk at work! 

Above: sloppy notes
Below: Clean desk 

Even though you know what is going to happen it does not change your reaction. A part of me did not want to keep reading- I didn't want to relive any other glitches! Even through the good times you are constantly on edge. Waiting...worrying... The rules really hit home. It doesn't matter if you didn't do anything wrong, if it looks wrong he will be mad-and there will be Consequences. What you never see coming is how deep Tony's vendetta runs! Or the depths of his inability to trust. LITERALLY, you will be SHOCKED! 

What you can expect from Behind His Eyes Consequences:

• not a retelling of Consequences
• renewed anger for Tony
• increased hatred for Catherine
• Saying, "OMG, Tony is effin crazy!" many times

Other thoughts:

I love The Great Gatsby. One thing that stuck out with me from that book was the concept of wanting too much. Gatsby wanted Daisy to deny that she ever loved Tom. He wanted to control her heart and her past. He wanted too much. Tony wanted too much. He never felt completely satisfied. He felt the need to test Claire to the breaking point-WELL beyond the breaking point. 

Another thing that stuck out with me was the idea of temptation. How much temptation can one person resist? Is it really fair to continuously tempt someone and be shocked with they finally give in to that temptation? 

***GIVEAWAY TIME***

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Author Spotlight: Aleatha Romig

In preparation for Behind His Eyes Consequences out on January 14, 2014 lets get to know Aleatha Romig. Since we already know, love and/or hate Tony Rawlings (hopefully) I figured we should spotlight the mastermind that created him. I had the extreme privilege to meet her a few months ago. You can read about that here. I even made her a Tony's Rules t shirt-just as a reminder of what was expected. I can assure you despite her dark, twisted creations she is a very nice woman! Here is a link to all my posts Aleatha and Tony. 

ASK ALEATHA:

1. Was it difficult to write Tony’s POV? 

It was! I tried to start this book multiple times. Each time I’d get so mad at him that I’d have to stop writing. (Don’t let that scare you) My anger was directed at his indifference more than his behavior. Then, one day I realized my problem. It was Claire. She’d lived in my head for almost three years. I knew what she experienced and how she felt. I couldn’t be Tony with Claire there. Once I realized that and evicted Claire (no exorcism was necessary—lol) I let Tony take over. From what I’ve heard...it was effective. You’ll have to let me know.

2. What is something that we don’t know about your books?  

I have made an effort to include all of my children’s and my niece and nephew’s names in my books. In most cases they aren’t the main characters. (I have no relatives named Claire or Anthony) However, beginning in Truth I slipped their names in as tertiary characters. In some cases I used a first name as a last name. BEHIND HIS EYES CONSEQUENCES contains a glossary of characters. That glossary will grow with each reading companion. 

BIO

Aleatha Romig is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, who has been voted #1 "New Author to Read" on Goodreads July 2012 - Present!  

Aleatha has lived most of her life in Indiana growing-up in Mishawaka, graduating from Indiana University, and currently living south of Indianapolis. Together with her high-school sweetheart and husband of twenty seven years, they've raised three children. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she’s not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns, she likes to spend her time with her family and friends. Her pastimes include exercising, reading and creating heros/ anti-heros who haunt your dreams!  

Aleatha enjoys traveling, especially when there is a beach involved. In 2011 she had the opportunity to visit Sydney, Australia to visit her daughter studying at the University of Wollongong. Her dream is to travel to places in her novels and around the world.    

CONSEQUENCES, her first novel, was released August 2011 by Xlibris Publishing. Then in October of 2012 Ms. Romig re-released CONSEQUENCES as an Indie author. TRUTH, the sequel, was released October 30, 2012 and CONVICTED, the final installment of the Consequences Series, was released October 8, 2013! She is now releasing the CONSEQUENCES READING COMPANIONS: BEHIND HIS EYES – A trilogy of companions, from Anthony Rawlings’ POV.  

Aleatha is a “Published Author’s Network” member of the Romance Writers of America and represented by Danielle Egan-Miller of Brown and Miller Literary Associates.

Behind His Eyes-Coming January 14, 2014-Are you ready?

Are you ready to get inside Tony's mind? Don't forget to follow the rules! If you'd like to order a Tony's Rules TShirt click here for more info. 

Excerpt- Behind His Eyes-Consequences

Behind His Eyes- Consequences

The Symphony - Late May 2010

(Consequences—Chapter 8)

“Thank you, Tony,” she replied. “This has been an amazing night. How can I ever thank you?”

He pulled her close, feeling the pressure of her breasts against his chest. Turning off the riding lights, he smiled a devilish grin. “I have a few ideas.”  

Claire’s glance darted toward the dark glass partition separating the back from the front of the car.

Tony laughed. “I promise we’re alone; Eric can’t see or hear us.” He leaned toward her. She instinctively reached for his neck and settled onto the long leather seat. As he hovered mere inches above, he watched her cheeks flush, and his erection came to life. Over the past few months, Claire had learned to respond to Tony’s commands—both verbal and none. There‘d been times when she’d hesitated. It was on those occasions that she earned the punishment she deserved. Turning his tone more serious, he raised a brow and demanded, “Now, show me that you’ve followed my rules. I want to see.” 

Claire’s immediate response fortified the pride of his accomplishment. She maintained their gaze as her small hand fumbled for the hem of her dress. “I can’t reach—”

Tony wouldn’t let her finish—he couldn’t. He needed to taste her. Entwining his fingers in her loose ringlets of hair, he tilted her lips upward and heard a small moan before his mouth seized hers. Unable to soften his approach, he took what was his. It wasn’t enough—he wanted more. When his tongue probed, her lips parted allowing him to enter her warmth. Tony savored her sweetness as her arms once again encircled his neck. With his other hand, he reached for the hem of her dress and the cabin filled with her whimpers of anticipation. 

He slowly lifted the beaded material and teasingly brushed her inner thigh. “Open your legs for me,” he commanded.

She obeyed and he continued to caress her soft skin. When her breathing labored and he neared his destination, Tony stopped. Releasing her hair, he sat up and gazed down at her blushed cheeks, smudged lipstick, and nearly exposed body. Grinning, he murmured, “You were amazing tonight.”

Softly, she replied, “Thank you.”

Leaning back, he reminded her. “But the night isn’t over.” His playful tone vanished. “Now, lift your dress and let me see if you have truly behaved.”

Slowly reaching for the length of material, Claire kept her eyes fixed on his. As the material rose, she replied, “I promise, Tony, I’ve followed your rules.”

He couldn’t help but think how beautiful she looked—offering herself to him. That, combined with the sound of her calling him by his personal name, was enough to release the painful tightness in his slacks. It seemed unreal that he could be on the verge of exploding, and she’d yet to touch him. Surprisingly, at that moment, that wasn’t what he wanted. He yearned for something else, and they both knew his desires came first.

Behind His Eyes-Consequences!!!!!!!!

Remember when we first met Tony Rawlings? I remember extreme emotions-from love to hate. Well, VERY SOON we will have the chance to see what was going on in the crazy, beautiful head of his! 

BEHIND HIS EYES – CONSEQUENCES is a reading companion, by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Aleatha Romig, recommended to be read after completing all of the CONSEQUENCES SERIES: Consequences, Truth, and Convicted. It is not a standalone book and should not be read as such. If you haven't read the first 3 books yet, click here to buy the trilogy for $9.99. This companion was written to explore the thoughts and motivations of Anthony Rawlings, the man behind the consequences. It was not intended as a total rewrite of Consequences, but meant to enhance the reader’s understanding. BHE-Consequences contains significant scenes from the novel Consequences, as experienced from Anthony’s point of view. It also contains never before read, behind the scenes information, as well as, a glossary of the characters and a timeline devoted to the events within Consequences.

BEHIND HIS EYES CONSEQUENCES is a dark journey into the mind of the man who believes that he controls everything and controls nothing. Because there is more to learn about a man who:

Once upon a time, signed a napkin that he knew was a contract. As an esteemed businessman, he forgot one very important rule—he forgot to read the fine print. It wasn’t an acquisition to own another person as he’d previously assumed. It was an agreement to acquire a soul.

—Aleatha Romig CONVICTED

It was a long and painful acquisition—especially from Behind His Eyes! 

Stay tuned- tomorrow and excerpt from Behind His Eyes-Consequences!!!

I met Aleatha Romig!

What a fun and exciting weekend! On Saturday I went to the Omni Hotel in New Haven to see Aleatha Romig! This was particularly special because she is the first author who shared my blog and actually wrote back to me on Facebook. Not only that, if you haven't read the Consequences series, please do so. It makes you question your sanity! It was the first time I read a book where I really hated the main character at first and then ended up loving him. It made me question my psychological health! The best part is when we got to the signing we had some quality time with Aleatha! I met her, shook her hand, and was able to talk to her about Tony, my blog and thank her for sharing my blog! She was so cool and down to earth! She took a picture of the shirt I made and put it on fb! How awesome! (Separate post about the shirt here) She gave me some swag to share on my blog! When I get to 100 likes I'll give away one of the signed Red Wing napkins that sealed Claire's fate. I could not be more excited. I feel like I met a celebrity LOL! I asked her how did she get an idea for this story in her head. Her response was she watches a lot of Criminal Minds. Also, this series was not intended to be a "romance" series. It just kind of happened that all of us romance readers took Tony and ran with it! We were lucky to have about 15 minutes of her undivided attention. I wish I would have asked more questions like, "Do you have any plans for another series once you are done with Behind His Eyes." (Tony's POV which she said might make us not like him again) This was definitely one of the top ten experiences in my life...not that I really have a list of them but maybe I should make one!  :) 

Tony's Rules T-Shirt

In honor of Aleatha Romig's author event this weekend I thought we should all become familiar with the rules. What rules? TONY'S rules that is! We wouldn't want to have any glitches, do we? Let's have a look at the rules fresh from the Rawling's Dictionary.

1. Do as you are told.

2. Do not divulge personal information.

3. Actions have Consequences!

4. Appearances are of vital importance.

5. Public failure is not an option.

6. Do not disappoint. 

Click here to buy the series on Amazon. 

This was supposed to be posted BEFORE the author event but time got ahead of me! However, I did make a shirt for the book signing. Aleatha loved it and took a picture of it and shared it on Facebook! I didn't realize it would be such a big hit! 

So, if you are finding yourself wanting a "Tony's Rules" T shirt you have 2 options:

 1. You can make your own with some fabric paint and a plain T shirt. 

2. If you do not have good handwriting or are not creatively inclined you can order one from me for $7. 

If you are interested in purchasing a shirt or if you have any questions please feel free to email me at: jcardi123@gmail.com. 

Phrases that stay with you...

Have you ever read a book or watched a movie that touched you in a way that you took something away from it? Maybe a saying, a thought, a phrase, old sport? Well, it seems the more I read and the more I really enjoy something a little piece of the character stays with me. Some of my favorites are:

1. Twitchy palms- Mr. Christian Grey
2. We aim to please- again, Mr. Grey 
3. Old Sport- Mr. Gatsby (or DiCaprio LOL)
4. Do not disappoint- Mr. Rawlings
5. Appearances are everything- Mr. Rawlings
6. "Butteflying." Will & Lake
7. I love you to the moon and back- OMG, I can't remember which book that is from ! HELP!
8. Soookie- Mr. Bill Compton- you have to say it with the proper accent and exaggerate the O  :)
9. May the odds be ever in your favor- Hunger Games
10. 

What are some of your favorites? Maybe we can compile a pretty good list! 

Anyone remember any sayings from Mr. Cross?

SO EXCITED!!!

Well, I just want to share how excited I am that an author, Aleatha Romig, read and shared my review of her books! And confirmed that yes we are on a first name basis! :) Seriously, it feels really cool to have someone acknowledge your writing about them or their characters or just in general. I write for myself and hopefully my friends and family might read it sometime. Maybe someone else out there with similar interests will read it. BUT when I write and share my thoughts it is with the expectation that it is for me alone. I am beyond excited when my friends read my blog let alone a stranger that doesn't know me or an AUTHOR! 

CONVICTED BY ALEATHA ROMIG

WOAH BABY! I did not realize how long I waited for this book until I read -no DEVOURED this book. Somehow, I forgot all the INTENSE emotions brought on by reading about Tony and Claire. This will be a spoiler free review! or Rant- I'm not sure if my thoughts will gather quick enough to form coherent sentences! One of my best friends always says "There are plots everywhere." That statement could not be more true in this series! There were so many plots that I almost lost track! This series reminds me of a lifetime movie-on crack! or V! (True Blood peeps you know what I mean!) 

If you have read my thoughts on the first two books in this series, Consequences and Truth, then you know this is a dark read and takes you to psychological places you never thought you would go. You learn a little about yourself in the process as you start to doubt your feelings.It is almost as if your heart and mind are at war with each other. As with the other books, Aleatha uses very powerful quotes at the beginning of each chapter! (Yeah, we're on a first name basis lol!) Not really BUT she was the first author to see and share my blog! And I do have a signed copy of the first 2 books. (Sorry, I'm too greedy to give those away.) Also, one of the chapter quotes was from NEW MOON! Talk about earning big brownie points Aleatha! Honestly, if you are emotionally strong enough to venture into something unknown and a little scary you need to read this series! One thing I will share is the theme of love. The heart is so resilient even when it seems it can break no more-it does, then mends itself back together. Love can be a very powerful thing. It is clearly proven in this series. Aleatha does not disappoint and Tony would be proud!


P.S. Tony is SOOOO on the book boyfriend list. Dang it! He is on the book husband list LOL. Phil can come in on the book boyfriend list since his loyalty is so superb. 

Truth by Aleatha Romig

I just finished reading Truth by Aleatha Romig. Wow! What a psychological roller coaster! This book makes you question your sanity. After hating Tony, falling in love with him then hating him again in book 1- I kinda am liking him (OK loving him but think its crazy to admit it) and I'm hurting for him. Ugh! Now to find out the conclusion to their love story I have to wait to the end of the year! :(It's ironic how Tony is all about appearances and he was fooled by someone so close to him. I'm so mad at Catherine. I totally recommend this book. Beware: it's long, some parts are extra detailed, and you might fall in like/ love with a damaged man. I wouldn't go as far as to call him a book boyfriend ...yet. Depends on the next book...

Consequences by Aleatha Romig

Tonight I'm reading Consequences by Aleatha Romig. Not my usual type of book. Also a recommendation form www.maryse.net.  I'm only 40% done with it. I feel disturbed. This man, Tony, is an ASSHOLE! Poor Claire! I just feel horrible. He is so awful to hear and then he can be so nice. I am getting upset at myself for being happy during the "good" times because just in a few pages BAM horribleness. I would recommend this book to someone who wants to read something other than a love story, vampire romance, I don't know-it's just-AH. I cant describe it. I don't want to keep reading but at the same time I can't put the book down. I'll keep you posted. 

***UPDATE**** Just finished this book. I'm kinda pissed about it! What a major A#$^%&*(! Tony is just too much. You never really enjoy the "good" parts of the book because you know something bad is going to happen. One really good thing about the book is the many great quotes at the beginning of each chapter. Maybe I'll write more about this one later. I'm off to read Truth, which is part 2 to this series. It sucks when you finish a book and it makes you stressed LOL.