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 … 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 ***
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Annika is a serious character. This love story smolders under the surface until boom, it ignites! There is a scene with a tattoo chair that is hot as hell and I loved it, but I also really loved the emotional journey these two went on. Joel is such a softie but ultimately Annika crushes him with her choices and there is retaliation which leaves their relationship in tatters. After some soul searching they reconnect and there’s even a cute kitty. Nothing says “Yes Please” like a naked tattooed, bearded guy holding a kitten!!!
The audiobook of this is great. I love Jason and CJ so it was an easy purchase for me. Jason talking in Russian, nearly melted my ear buds. Deeee-licious!!! CJ also does a convincing job with the Russian phrases and now I want someone to whisper sweet Russians in my ear all night long!!!
Another great book from Staci. It just showed me that she can write emotional as well as funny.
Loved this book. It got me to follow the author and all her books. Characters are likeable and believable.
Loved this book!
Well-drawn, imperfect characters who are realistic/flawed but still appealing (something I think Staci Hart excels at). I really liked this book and loved the second book in this series (which I think benefited from having read this one first).
I enjoyed reading this book. It was realistic and had just the right level of angst.
I really didn’t care for this book.
Enjoyable book to read.
I do not have a tattoo but have seen some that look like a work of art. This book made me look into the creative process a little bit more. The instant attraction between the two main characters was fairly predictable but it was still a fun summertime read.
Annika ..Smart, Funny, loving, fierce, and a smart woman. Even though she is a Cold hearten you want to root for her. It is almost as she was made for another book and then revised to fit into this book. IT had all the ear marks for a Great read. GREAT original story-line, steamy sexual tension, strong main characters but unfortunate for me it just didn’t work..
Loved this book! Sexy tattooed artist starring in a reality tv show with an ice princess he wants to melt, makes for a great read. Highly recommend this book.
Oh Lordy this book!!! Such a good story….made me laugh, cry, made my chest hurt with angst, and had to fan myself too. What more could you ask for. HIGHLY recommend. This is about my 5th or 6th of hers and I have yet to be disappointed. Will definitely work my way through till I read them all.
This was my first read from Staci Hart, and it’s safe to say it got me as hooked on her work as everyone else. The world of Tonic pulled me in, and I found myself caught up in the intrigue and atmosphere of the detailed little clan Staci Hart has created. I ended up wishing every character I encountered had their own spinoff, and I was very stoked to see that most of them already do.
What I appreciated most about the story was how fleshed out the main characters were. Their feelings for one another were not the only driving forces in their lives, and I appreciated the fact that they both had passions and dreams which were important to them. This not only made them more compelling characters to read about, but also helped to increase tension and force both Annika and Joel to confront what they really wanted out of life when they found their goals couldn’t coexist. This gave the novel a level of depth that went beyond just a simple love story. It showed the difficulties of compromise, and gave a realistic look at what it takes for two people to be happy together.
The level of detail in the novel was very impressive, and there were a lot of unique touches that demonstrated both Staci Hart’s ability to write beautifully and a knack for drawing readers into her character’s worlds. I was totally captivated by the tattoo parlour culture. Even Annika’s Russian heritage added a lot to the book and gave it an original aspect.
Overall, Tonic was a great read that I had a lot of trouble putting down. It’s what turned me into a total Scati Hart convert!
4 Hairy Stars!!!
This is not my first book by Staci. And, its not my last either. Granted out of all her books I’ve read I hate to admit this was my least favorite from her.
Joel Anderson and his brother Shep own their tattoo shop Tonic. They’re the #1 shop in the area. The 2nd shop belonging to Joel’s ex-wife and arch nemesis. When Shep came to Joel about doing a reality show about the shop, he was 110% against it. The only one on his side was Patrick AKA Tricky from Staci’s previous book Last Call. But, Joel gave into his brother and was getting ready to have his very personal life plastered all over the TV. He was hating every minute of it. Until the executive producer walked into his shop. Annika Belousov. She’s gorgeous and as cold as ice. Joel wants her. He hasn’t wanted a woman like this in years. Joel plans on making Annika his and he doesn’t plan on stopping until he does.
Annika has worked hard to get to where she is. And, she’ll do whatever she to to make good TV. No thats a lie. Anything for excellent entertaining TV. No matter the cost. That was until the big, tattoo covered, pain in the ass hairy Joel walked into her life. He’s turned everything upside down. She wants him so bad its unreal. Even if it’s wrong and could cost Annika her job.Annika lies to not only herself but to Joel and it might cost them both in the end.
I love Joel. There’s nothing about him I didn’t like. He’s the perfect boss, brother, friend an all around great guy. Joel wore his heart on his sleeve and wasn’t ashamed of it.
Annika though was by far my least favorite leading lady I’ve read all year. She was just to emotionless for me. I couldn’t stand how she put her job before what was right.
Other than that this book was good. It did take me awhile to get into and for most of the book I would skim most the pages BC it dragged on for me.
Overall, this book was definitely worth the read. I have enjoyed the books I have read by this author in the past. For me, this one wasn’t on point with what I have read in the past, but it’s still an overall decent read.
In the beginning of this book, I was enjoying these characters. They were witty. They were easy to like. They started out strong and hyperaware.
As the story went on, they seemed to lose their luster. Joel resembled a “chick” a little too much for me. Annika lost her backbone. Things slowly fell apart for me. In turn, it made the story itself drag after such a strong start.
The story itself was unique. I mean, a book set in a reality show. Who wouldn’t want to read it. However, again, it fell a little flat for me. Also, there was too much sex for the story. There were times where I didn’t feel like it fit. It felt like the author was trying too hard to create strong “chemistry” with sex instead of intimacy.
Even with its drawbacks, I can’t say that many aren’t going to enjoy this book. I can truly see how many have loved it. I just wasn’t over the moon for it. I will definitely being reading more of this author’s books that I already own in the future.
Cue the giggling squeals
Places people
Pan the camera to the fawning audience/clientele inside the shop
And ACTION!!
[said with a voice of silken, sex over a low growling]
Tonic- a hotbed of tattooed yumminess. With both sexes represented for sampling, anyone and everyone will enjoy the viewing with pleasure. There’s plenty of drama if you search, but this secure family holds its own in their little bubble of New York.
[voice over ends and pan the front of Tonic]
Joel Anderson, oldest brother and owner, along side his brother Shep. Tragedy, love, and loss…parts of life- see where they fit into the Andersons’ lives.
Ok, so maybe I won’t be an executive producer for the show. Perhaps Ms. Hart will let me be a measly PA. I can get coffee. Well now that we’ve crushed my dreams, I should probably explain my random weirdness. Yeah, never mind, I can’t explain and you don’t have that kind of time.
So…
Joel is against this from the get go. He DOES NOT want his life being manipulated, twisted, and aired for all the world. It seems he’s in the minority and allows his brother and friends to sway him.
He never could have prepared himself for her…Annika. The executive producer who seems to spark more than desire in the easy going, tattooed, bearded man. Everything about her has him on edge.
She lives for her job and her family. That’s it. She won’t risk either, especially not on some hairy, f@cking beast. Nope, not her. Not at all. That’s ridiculous!
But we all know what saying NEVER is…it’s a challenge. Will they live up to it or tear it apart? Can they be more with work getting in the way?
I loved this book. True to Staci’s brilliant writing, she had me crying. The feels, the intense longing ( sorry, had to pause to shiver) it gets you in the center of your being. It’s a fun story. The back and forth push and pull is very entertaining. Hot hands moving everywhere, caressing skin, ready to…Mark it! What were you thinking, it’s a book about a tattoo parlor- honestly, your dirty mind is distracting.
Ok, well, not just your mind…some very naughty things happen in a very good way. But you would need to one click before you hear about any of that!
reviewed for The Sweet Spot Sisterhood
I won this book from a giveaway, I’m not even sure how long ago. My apologies to the author for taking so long to read it.
I was immediately intrigued with the premise of this book. I don’t watch much reality tv and it was interesting to see how things work behind the scenes of that kind of a show. Add to that the chemistry of the main couple and I was hooked. The romance was hot and the struggles were volatile. It was opposites attract put into a pressure cooker and turned all the way up!
I also enjoyed Annika’s cousins. I think they added a fun and sweet side to Annika’s life and showed who she really was behind the facade at work. The Kaz thing nearly broke me, so if you’re sentimental or sappy like me, have tissues.
I would be interested in seeing a story about Roxy’s life as well, I feel like there’s more to tell there.
This is my first Staci Hart book and it certainly won’t be my last. I have no idea why I haven’t read any of her work before. I sure have been missing out. When I read the blurb for this, I was instantly intrigued. A reality show about a tattoo parlor where the hot owner falls for the producer? Um, yeah, I wanted to know all about that!
Joel Anderson started his shop with his brother over a decade ago. He’s spent the majority of that time trying to protect his heart. He doesn’t take anything serious and always just goes with the flow. He isn’t about to let anyone get to him. When his brother approaches him about doing a reality show about his tattoo shop, Joel is reluctant. He’s spent a lot of time trying to avoid drama. Somehow, Shep convinces him to do it. Already on edge for letting the world into his life, Joel didn’t expect for one cold and calculated woman, who just happens to be the show’s producer, put him on edge even more. There’s just something about her that draws her to him.
Annika Belousov loves her job as a reality tv show producer. She’s paid to watch people and to manipulate them into creating the type of shows that are successful. In her personal life, she’s always felt like she has something to prove and she’s deemed the smart, responsible and successful one of the group. In order to be success at her job, she comes off as cold, which has always been her amo. As she steps foot into Tonic, Joel’s shop, her cold exterior doesn’t seem to work on Joel. He seems to take it as a challenge to chip away the ice. Will he succeed in breaking through to Annika or will she remain cold in order to get the job done?
“That’s not what I see.” I met his eyes. “What do you see?” “Snow. Cold and soft, the sum of an infinite number of beautiful pieces. And when the light hits just right, you shine.”
What I like the most about this story is how polar opposite Joel and Annika are yet the balance each other out perfectly. I like the fact that there are a few metaphors used to show just how opposite they are from each other but the fire and ice one is my favorite.
“I wondered fleetingly if we would ruin each other. If my fire would melt her ice until it evaporated. If her ice would snuff my fire out of existence.”
I loved the push and pull between the two of them in the beginning and the slow burn of their relationship when they finally did get together.
I adore Joel. He’s this tatted tattoo parlor owner with roguishly handsome looks and a beard to top it off. He’s loyal and ultimately has a heart of gold. He isn’t afraid to fight for what he wants. He’s charming but there’s just something about him when he is vulnerable. He’s raw and honest and he makes you feel for him. Feel his emotions with him.
I also liked Annika. Sure, she comes off as the Ice Queen that she is referred as but you get to understand her and why she is the way she is. She’s the complete opposite of that with her friends and family and you get to see just how strong, loyal and loving she really is.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. If you like push and pull stories on top of opposites attract, then this book is for you!