I enjoyed it...

I liked the story concept and the characters. I felt like there could be a little bit more story and a little less "I didn't know love could be like this I just love him so much". I felt like they way over reacted at the conflict but still enjoyed it. but I felt like the story was just dropped and it became about describing how much they loved eachother. I am all for romance, I love it.. but it gets boring to listen to their undying love and feeling like they didn't complete the story. I am torn between trying out more from the author because I really loved most of the book... or leaving it here because I don't want to invest in another story that is wrapped up too fast and not satisfying enough.

12 people found this helpful

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.

14 people found this helpful

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!!!

16 people found this helpful

Terrible Storyline

The drama is this book is incredibly superficial. It's painful to see a 38 yr old man behave like a teenager.
Also, the female narration is horrid - squeaky and ridiculously dramatic.

2 people found this helpful

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.

10 people found this helpful

Great narration...

But the storyline was just lacking any depth. I did like the two main characters however the source of conflict they faced seemed trivial to me.
The narration was great and while I normally love the authors other books, this was just a boring read.

1 person found this helpful

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.*

18 people found this helpful

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.

11 people found this helpful

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!

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.