Consequences by Aleatha Romig
"Bravo to Ms. Romig for shocking the heck out of me. I never saw the ending coming. If someone saw me reading the last 25% of this book, they saw someone with their mouth hanging open." -The Fiction Vixon“Nobody ever did or ever will escape the consequences of his choices.” — Alfred A. Montapert
One choice. One encounter. One life destroyed.
Claire Nichols wakes in a lavish bedroom she’s never seen before—inside a mansion she cannot escape. The last thing she remembers is a chance meeting with a man who seemed powerful, intriguing… dangerous.
Now she knows the truth.
Anthony Rawlings didn’t stumble into her life.
He took it.
Cold, brilliant, and impossibly controlled, the wealthy tycoon rules his world with absolute precision. To everyone else he’s charming, generous, untouchable. But behind closed doors, Claire sees the monster beneath the mask.
And in Anthony’s world, every action has consequences.
Claire is no longer a guest.
She’s an acquisition.
Her survival depends on obeying three simple rules:
Do as you’re told.
Never fail in public.
And always protect the illusion.
Anthony demands perfection—especially from the woman he now owns.
But Claire refuses to break.
Determined to survive, she begins to play the only game she can: follow the rules, study the man who captured her, and slowly piece together the truth behind his dark obsession.
Yet the deeper she looks, the more dangerous the game becomes.
Because fascination can be just as powerful as control.
And if the captor becomes captivated…
the consequences could destroy them both.
Welcome to Anthony Rawlings’ world.
The rules are simple.
Failure isn't an option.
Have you been Aleatha’d?
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?