Tonic

By Staci Hart

Synopsis

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.

*** A standalone Romantic Comedy ***

Review

Tonic invigorated and strengthen my love for romance, it balmed my heart with humour, passion and tenderness. Joel and Annika were a breath of fresh air and I devoured this story.

If you love watching the TV Show UnReal then this story is for you, it has all the drama, double crossing and emotional consequences. I have not read a romance story with this outline of a TV show filming in a Tattoo parlour so it was pretty cool and I enjoyed this base from where we then had fantastic characters. You follow the behind the scenes on the TV Show and the feeling of dread builds up and when it explodes it does not disappoint.

Joel “Hairy” was a perfect, his age difference with Annika was just spot on, their banter with each other was humorous, passionate and so emotional. I loved how his more mature outlook evolved within the romance story with has past hurts.

The story flowed really well for me, at no time did I feel rushed or wanted to story to speed up and I also love the cover.

Annika’s and her Russian family was one of my favourite components of this story and really explained so much of her personality and outlook on life.

Joel and Annika are Fire and Ice and the way they fed off each other was just so brilliant and created so many favourite chapters.

I highly recommend this wonderful story.

My Rating: