Tonic

By: Staci Hart

Narrated by: Jason Clarke, Kirsten Leigh

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.

©2016 Staci L Brillhart (P)2016 Staci Hart

Love so pure * love you wish for

I loved this book! I loved Joel and Ani from the very beginning. The love and affection is palpable and gives you all the feels of the love we all wish for.

Good Book!

This was my first book by the author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The story was good. Not original, which I knew but it was still good. I will listen to other books by this author.

THE PERFECT TONIC FOR ROMANCE LOVERS

You can feel the chemistry sizzle and the sexual chemistry ooze as soon as jaded Joel and the ice princess Annika lock eyes with each other - and from that moment it was game on for these two characters. But that was nothing to their first tentative touches as lovers, their deep and sensual lovemaking as they silently claimed each other's hearts - or the hurt, anger, pain and heartache when it suddenly all came crashing down around them. They thought they were the players in the reality show - but it turns out they were just the innocent pawns to be moved and sacrificed for the sake of the game.

Wow.. I can't begin to tell you how much I enjoyed this listen, how riveting I thought the storyline was, how emotionally intoxicating their romance was, how much I liked the main and secondary characters and how well written I thought this dual POV story was. So I won't try - except to say that I loved loved loved it all.. from the butterflies of their firsts.. through the tingles as their feeling for each other grew.. to the gut wrenching torment as betrayal led to a heartache that I didn't think would mend.. and then on to the sighs and smiles as a talented Author leaves you with the perfect ending.

Worth a credit? With all the above qualities coupled with good narration that made the story and its characters come alive.. there's only one answer: YES, YES & DOUBLE YES.

Omg! Found a new fav Author.

Tears and not the wet eyes dab dab kind. TEARS like three separate times red eyes and face an lump in the back of my throat. Geeez when O’s dad described her to Harry his nickname and the reason behind it. Woooo! I had to stop the audio and get myself back to rights. Then the cat !!! I don’t want to ruin anything for future readers but damn. Had to stop the audio again and laugh at myself while whipping my face. Then the ex-wife it didn’t get me as strongly but was still poignant. I will be listening to this book again and searching out more by this author. It was fun and immersive right from the start I laughed way more than I cried and just loved this story and the characters. Also the work of Jason and Kirsten was phenomenal they really sunk themselves in and made me feel the words. I’ve listened to JC before and knew he was good but this was my first KL and she was amazing!

3.5 Tonic Stars

Hmm this is hard to rate, I love some parts, I liked some parts and I didn't like some part.

I was a fan of Joel’s right from the beginning. And his brother worms his way in to my heart.
I see why Joel is how he is and trust is HUGE to him because of his past.

Annika wasn't my favorite character like at all. Even though I know it’s just a book I don’t like what she did, how she did it and why she did it.
Is it mean of me that she kind of got what she deserves? Yes it is and I know this but I can’t help but think good take that.

But forgiveness is divine an all that right? So I had to think of them together, and how she makes Joel feel and how her being in his life was for the better. So I have to forgive her for hurting him.

There is a scene with Liz, his ex that is probably my favorite, and that is why I had to forgive Annika for her actions.

And the ending was pretty freaking awesome too.

Jason Clarke can read me the phone book and I would listen.. :D Just saying he did a heck of a job bringing Joel to life for me.
Kristen Leigh also does a great job. Even if I didn't like her character she still did a fabulous job.

*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*

Sexy and gritty and good!

What does Jason Clarke and Kirsten Leigh bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Jason Clarke's voice is AMAZING... I could not wait to hear his chapters!

Any additional comments?

This was a great story and had other storylines going on that made it interesting. There was only one part that was totally cheesy, but overall, it was good.

Totally Worth It

I followed my instinct and bout this book, and I'm glad I did. It was worth the credit I used to purchase it. only sorry I didn't but it before now, but everything happens in its time.

Thank you for writing this book Staci, it was a refresher from the usual narrative. And thank you Jason Clarke and Kirsten Leigh for bringing the story to life with your narration. Your voice made the world of a difference. Again, great job with this one.

Must read!!!!

This one blows the rest out of the water and they were perfect! Such a talented writer!!

Love the story, love the writing, loved all of it!

Would you consider the audio edition of Tonic to be better than the print version?

It's a different experience for me but I always experience scenes a little differently - like reading them it might not be as powerful as hearing it...or vice versa - it just depends. I love both experiences but I LOVED experiencing Tonic for a second time, it's definitely an audio book I'll be listening to again.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Ugh...so many. Loved Hairy :-) Kira stole my heart and don't even get me started on Kazimir!

What about Jason Clarke and Kirsten Leigh ’s performance did you like?

I loved Jason's voice for Joel, it was deep but not overly deep, and he seemed to fit into Joel's personality well. I didn't know I was going to like Kirsten as much as I did, but she has a great tone for Annika - she's an ice princess, so she needs a certain edge and I think Kirsten pulled it off very well.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

The Ice Princess gets tamed by the Hairy Beast :-)

Any additional comments?

I adore Staci's writing and I love getting to experience her books again. Tonic was amazing the first time I read it but experiencing the audio just made me love it that much more.

REALITY SHOW MAKES A LOVE MATCH!!!

Where does Tonic rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It was ok...kinda slow and too angsty in parts...but a solid 3.5....I did expect more though!

Would you recommend Tonic to your friends? Why or why not?

If they liked Staci Hart...absolutely yes!

What does Jason Clarke and Kirsten Leigh bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I loved the narration..it actually made the book for me...and I found more Jason Clarke and bough it!!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

OMG...the conflict at the shop Broke my heart for Joel...reality tv is awful..I swear they are heartless!!!

Any additional comments?

I wanted to love this book...I wanted it so bad..and was waiting for whispersync...but it was taking too long, so I just bought it...sadly I shoulda waited for whispersync..lol But thats ok..I love supporting the audiobook community and Staci is a good author...

This is a story about a Tattoo shop gone reality tv...and Annika and Joel...Joel wants her from minute one...and Annika is having none of it...he does break her down though and she discovers under his rough exterior,,he is a sweetheart...her nickname for him is Hairy...because of his beard..and she just imagines him to be a hairy man all over...I thought that was silly...and it made me giggle!! Well Reality tv is evil incarnate and Annika has to deceive Joel and he flips out...he had a really bad an abusive marriage(towards him) and he does not trust easily...the situation was handled very badly and both of them end up broken hearted...fate has a way of intervening and they find their way back to one another..and yes..we get a beautiful HEA!!

Some great sexy time in this book and the narration was flawless.well worth your time and a credit!!!