Review: Tonic by Staci Hart

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Standalone
Release: October 13, 2016
Length: 317 pages

Joel Anderson doesn’t take anything seriously.

Not his relationships, which have been few and far between since his brutal divorce. Not the drama of working in a tattoo parlor, which seems to be around every corner. When things get him down, he smiles and cracks a joke. But he’s not the kind of man you cross, or you’ll find yourself at the wrong end of his fists.

Annika Belousov takes everything seriously.

Like her job as a reality television producer, given that she typically has something to prove. Or her love life, which is defined by a series of requirements — affluent, ambitious, accomplished, to name a few. Definitely her family, who worked their whole lives to afford her every opportunity, a sacrifice she doesn’t take lightly. When she’s tapped to produce a reality show at Joel’s shop, she doesn’t think twice, just goes in for the kill, as if there were any other way.

The second Annika walks into Joel’s shop, he makes it his mission to crack her open, but she’s not having it. He’s all wrong — too crass, too hairy, too un-serious. But it doesn’t take her long to find out there’s more to him than smirks and tattoos. And what she finds could put her career and his heart on the line.

Not that Joel cares. Because for the first time in a long time, he’s found his tonic.

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My Review

When it's a first read for me of a particular author, I like to share the news with everyone. THIS IS MY FIRST READ FROM THIS AUTHOR! And I liked it LOL! I think it was the author's wonderful use of metaphors that ultimately won me over. Or not. I just loved the idea of Joel's fire melting Annika's ice.

I love the push and pull of new and irresistible chemistry and this book had that in spades. Joel had no problem admitting to what he wanted. It was a matter of getting Annika on board and for her to stop denying and resisting her own wants and desires. Once she did, these two were explosive.

The story centers around reality TV so you can bet that there's plenty of drama and manipulation to go around. In the midst of it all, Annika and Joel's budding romance must withstand the show, their fears and their doubts. Love blossoms while trust is tested. These characters had their work cut out for them, that's for sure.

Overall, this was a different yet interesting and entertaining contemporary read. I recommend this to those who don't mind hardheaded main characters!

ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review!