Blog Tour & Giveaway for Consequences By Aleatha Romig

Book Synopsis:

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.

Teaser :

“For the sake of clarity, since that seemed to be a problem in the past, you are aware that your indebtedness to me can only be determined paid by me?”

Claire swallowed. This is what she anticipated, smiling she nodded, yes.

His voice, strong and authoritative, “I prefer verbal confirmation.”

“I am aware that you are the only one who can decide when my debt is paid in full.” The calmness of her voice surprised even Claire. She said a silent prayer that he wouldn’t notice her hands balled into fists with her nails biting into her own palms. If she concentrated, she could remember to relax her hands. But at this moment, her concentration was needed elsewhere.

“You are also aware that your duties require you to be available to me whenever, wherever, and however I demand?” His dark eyes never faltered, staring directly at her, yet his body language looked relaxed, arrogant. He was definitely a man willing to push Claire to the brink. It was like watching a poker game, pushing the odds. Would there be a payoff? Or would someone blink?

“I am aware.”

“You’re aware that you must at all times obey my rules?” Anthony’s eyes penetrated.

“I’m aware that I must do as I’m told.” The words hurt her throat but sounded easily spoken. She was not going to let him fluster her. And damn, she didn’t need that skin on her palms anyway. Her smile remained steady and undaunted.

Anthony remained silent for an extended period of time, watching Claire. Finally, he spoke, “Very well.” He stood. Claire expected some kind of directive. Instead, he walked toward the door.

“Wait.” She proclaimed. He turned to look at her, displaying astonishment at her command. She immediately realized her words overstepped her bounds, but she couldn’t go on locked alone in the suite. Her tone softened. “I’m sorry, but may I leave this suite?”

“As long as we are certain on the terms of our agreement and you follow the rules and orders given, I see no problem with you roaming the house.” He reached for the door handle. “It is rather large. I’ll be working from home tomorrow. Your services will be utilized then, so be prepared for my call. When I have a chance, I’ll give you a tour of the house and define your limitations. I think it is best that you do not roam tonight. I don’t want you getting lost.” She heard the beep as he grabbed the lever.

“Anthony? I don’t have any...duties tonight?” Her voice began to fail her. She sounded less like the strong, lighthearted woman she desperately tried to project and more like a child.

“I have recently arrived from a series of meetings in Europe and am quite tired. I’m glad to know we have a mutual understanding. Good night, Claire.”

“Good night, Anthony.”

Today we would like to welcome the fantastic Aleatha Romig to the blog! Thanks so much for being here today!

What inspired you to write Consequences?

I’d always wanted to write a book. It was a bucket list type thing. In 2008 my husband lost his job, it was in construction materials and the economy tanked! He began working a third shift job. Our two oldest children were off in college. Our youngest was going to bed about 8:30. That left a lot of alone time.

I had this idea of a woman in a room... I decided to sit down and see where the story would take me. I didn’t write Consequences to publish. I wrote Consequences as therapy or escape from my life. I could totally manipulate and control the lives of these characters. It was more than I could do for myself.

Do you have a specific writing style?

I think I do. I think I have a certain flow and sentence structure. Beyond that, I need to know where I’m going. For all of my books, I’ve written the beginning and the end. Then I let the middle fill itself in. I’ve tried to write without knowing the end, it doesn’t work. The fun part is letting the characters and story dictate the middle!

What books have most influenced your life most?

There are many books I’ve loved. Gone with the Wind is my all-time favorite. I also enjoy thrillers; John Grisham brought me back to reading when my children were young. I like the older Patterson’s and enjoy Greg Isles. I also have started to find more erotic romances, and admit to liking those too. These have all been entertainment, a means of escape! Your question is “influence” the only book I can say has “influenced” me is the Bible – best seller of all time!

What author has influenced you the most?

I belong to the Indiana Romance Writers Association. In our local chapter there are many talented writers, and I’ve learned and been influenced by these woman in many ways. Most of them have much more experience than I. Their willingness to share and encourage has been invaluable.

In a long distance, no direct influence kind of way, I will say E.L. James. Not because I found Fifty Shades amazing... it was good. But, she opened the door to “different books” hitting the mainstream. Consequences Series isn’t erotic; however, it is dark. I breach subjects that previously were taboo. I’m not sure that my series would have received the acceptance it has, pre Fifty Shades.

What book are you reading now?

When I’m really into my writing, I don’t read. However, I asked to read an ARC of Safe Word by Teresa Mummert. So far... fun and HOT!

What current project are you working on?

I’m writing Convicted, the third and final of my Consequences Series. I’m over 2/3’s through. Although it isn’t done I do know how it ends.

What was the hardest part of writing Consequences?

The hardest part was deciding how much detail to put in my manuscript. My original draft had more detail. It was so disturbing to my mother and sister-in-law that they couldn’t read the story. So, I decided to employ more of the “fade to black” technique. Honestly, I still have people who think my reading is too disturbing and others who want more detail. I’ve come to the conclusion; you can’t please everyone – so please yourself.

How did you come up with the storyline for Consequences?

I had the “vision” or “thought” of the opening scene. I didn’t know any more, but wanted to learn more. That’s how it started...

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Two bits of advice: #1 Write for your own enjoyment. If you don’t like what you write, neither will anyone else. If your words make you smile or cry, it will do the same for others. And in the same vein, don’t let your style be dictated by the rules and limitations of others. I was told on multiple occasions, “You can’t do that.” What I hear excessively from readers is, “I love that your books are different.” Had I listened to what I was told, on how I had to fit into a mold, they wouldn’t be different.

#2 IF you plan to write a series, know that when you start. Building from a single book is much more difficult! (I plan to follow that advice in the future)

What message or advice do you want to give your readers?

Step outside the box. My series is not defined by genre. I thought I was writing a psychological thriller/ romantic element. My agent said I wrote: Contemporary Dark Romance/ thriller. My point is: branch out... keep an open mind... enjoy... and remember, it is still fiction! As much as many of us would like to believe there is a real Anthony Rawlings, there isn’t. In fiction, we can explore situations we’d never attempt in reality... just enjoy!

What were the challenges in bringing Consequences to life?

I was and am so inexperienced. Consequences was published in August of 2011 by a self-publishing publisher. In October 2012 I rereleased Consequences completely Indie. Just last week I entered an agreement with a copy editor. I’d had Consequences and Truth line-edited... and as many have pointed out, there are still mistakes. Being self-published I’m not accustomed to having someone tell me “consider deleting” or “consider re-wording” or anything else... I’m excited and scared.

The truth is, I believe I have wonderful stories and want to do anything and everything to bring the best version to the world. To date Consequences has sold almost 50,000 copies! That amazes me!

What can readers look forward to in the future?

After Convicted, I plan to do a “novella” called, Behind His Eyes. It will be The Consequences Series Reading Companion. It will have various Tony POV’s. I’m not rewriting the entire series, only specific scenes. I had one blogger ask for Tony’s POV before Consequences begins... while he’s watching Claire. Do you think anyone would be interested in that?

Once the Consequences Series is complete, I have ideas for other stories. I guess we’ll need to see what the future brings! All I can say is, I’ve already experienced more through my writing than I EVER imagined. Not only have I received more recognition than I ever dreamed, I’ve met wonderful people! It’s true, sometimes Life is stranger than fiction!

Ok the first thing I have to ask (because I know it's all I've thought about How did Consequences come to you?

I believe I watch too many strange television shows, like Criminal Minds or have read too many strange books, but one day the opening scene: Claire locked in the room came to me. I decided to write it down and find out how she got there... and if she’d get out.

14.Now I have read Consequences and Truth and am totally Team Tony!

But are you Team Tony ?

I love Tony. I love Claire and all my characters. If I have to be Team someone, I’d say I’m team Claire.

If I admitted to being Team Tony or Team Harry or Team Phil it could give something away... and I’m not doing that!

15. How would you classify Consequences? I mean its not exactly romance when people ask me how to best describe it I say it's kinds sorta like the TV show Revenge (which is my current addiction)

I think I’ve invented my own genre: Contemporary Dark Romance / Psychological Thriller. Obviously, Consequences by its self isn’t a romance. However, since it is the relationship of Claire and Tony that propels the series, I’ve been told that makes the series a romance. Now, that said, I definitely believe it qualifies as DARK and PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER.

16. Did you have any specific people inspire your characters physical attributes?

My husband! (lol) No, I honestly made my characters up, their physical characteristics and their personalities. Then, one night after I’d completed Consequences, I was watching True Blood with a friend. Alcide, Joe Magellano, came on. Another character asked him how tall he was, Alcide replied, “Six four – six six.” I was like , OMG, he’s Tony!!

17. I have to say and I know I've told you many many many times that your books are my favorite of the year. So I ask have you had any spare time to read anything? If so what's your favorite this year, if not what’s your favorite of all time?

First, THANK YOU!

I don’t have much time to read while I write. I’ve started Lover Mine by J.R. Ward. I read on the beach and after I left the beach, I haven’t read any more... When I do read, I often read short quick reads – and some of them may be erotic. Lately I’ve read two Kitty Thomas books... she and I were compared by a blogger so I thought, I need to find out what her writing is all about. That’s why I read CJ.Roberts, we’ve been compared. Interesting how I keep being compared to erotic writers – guess, I’ll keep reading. It is fun to experience the mind-fuck from the other side!

18. Do you expect your readers to view Tony as a villain or a hero?

I have NO expectations. I love receiving messages or reading reviews where people say he is both! When a reader says they HATED him, usually threatening some sort of bodily harm, and then turns around and says, they LOVE him, despite their better judgment, I believe I’ve done something special.

19. Are you getting many invoices for your readers’ therapy for completely messing with their mind? Ha ha ok that was only a joke! But what's the craziest thing one of your readers has said about Consequences?

lol! No invoices because I don’t give out my address! I’ve been threatened! I think I could get some great “group” rates! There is a wonderful “Consequences Series Group Therapy and Hugs” group on Goodreads! Once you’ve completed both Consequences and Truth (because there are many spoilers) I suggest you go visit! There are 3 Tony POV’s on there, too.

I’ve received so many messages and had so many reviews, I can’t possibly zero in on one crazy thing! But, I will say, I’ve started laughing out loud while reading some of my readers’ comments! I’m so thankful my readers share their thoughts with me. It seems as though I evoke a little emotion!

Thank you for having me on your blog! I’ve enjoyed it! ~Aleatha

Author Bio:

Romig voted #1 "New Author to Read" on Goodreads, July 2012 through now! She is a "Published Author's Network" member of the Romance Writer's of America.
She 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 husband of twenty six years, they've raised three children. She works days as a dental hygienist and enjoys spending her nights writing. She also likes to spend time with her family, friends and patients. Her pastimes include exercising, reading and writing.
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 in August 2011 and has sold over 20,000 copies. TRUTH, the sequel was released October 2012 and has surpassed 10,000 copies in less than 3 months!
Aleatha originally published through self publisher Xlibris a subsidiarity of Author's Solution/ Penguin Publishing. In October of 2012 she re-published on her own, a true Indie Author. Later that month she published Truth through Romig Works. Aleatha is happy to be represented by Danielle Egan-Miller of Browne & Miller Literary Associates.

Author Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AleathaRomig

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5131072.Aleatha_Romig

Website/Blog: http://aleatharomig.blogspot.com/

Kindle Link: http://www.amazon.com/Consequences-ebook/dp/B009VPQW7K/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1368193342&sr=1-1&keywords=consequences+romig

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