Tonic is a cute and unusual romance story. It is listed as a romantic comedy but, I must have missed the comedy part.
The reason it’s unusual is because Staci Hart wisely based her story on two main characters that you would be least likely to find in a love story. Actually, two main characters that you probably will not like; at least in the beginning.
The female main character is Annika, whose parents emigrated from Russia and settled in Brooklyn, New York. But, it’s Annika’s occupation and cold heart that will have you disliking her. As a producer of reality TV shows, she has no problem embarrassing anyone in front of the cameras. In fact, she considers that to be her job.
The male character is Joel, owner of a tattoo parlor in Manhattan. Looking like a biker, covered with tattoos and a beard, most women would find him unappealing; at least at first glance. Throw in a lot of anger issues from a bitter divorce and numerous one night stands and Joel is not exactly any woman’s dream catch.
When the company Annika works for decides to do a reality series based on Joel’s tattoo parlor, the two immediately dislike but are fascinated by each other. A fascination that quickly turns to challenge as Joel sets out to get Annika into his bed, while she refuses to have anything to do with him.
Challenge turns to love, love turns to lies and lies turn to hate, as the reality show eats any chance of them having any kind of relationship. Or, so it would seem.
Tonic is well written, with a unique story line and characters that you’ll come to not only like but find yourself cheering for. I did have two minor problems with the story. As other have said it is a bit too long, with some parts adding little to the story and the sex scenes droning on. The second issue is editing, or lack thereof, resulting in a lot of annoying errors.
Overall, though, a unique romance story well worth reading.