🐉 2024/096 | VERONICA CROSS - “THE EXECUTIVE'S BABY” | 4★

DETAILS

Synopsis

When the gorgeous, talented and troubled Annika Van Houten slips into a whirlwind life of glamor and intoxication, she falls into the arms of three very different men, Dickie, Rhys and Luke. All three affect her fiery character in completely different ways while she is searching for a way out of a self-destructive path. She finds herself lost, alone and eventually in the tender embrace of people who love her for the sweet, soulful woman that she will become.

 

Chapters In Total

Prologue	:	-
Chapters	:	11
Epilogue	:	-
Pages	:	-

 

Note(s)

·       Standalone

 

Destination

1.    Europe

 

Song(s)/Band(s)

1.    Michael Bolton - When a Man Loves a Woman

 

Main Character(s)

Male	:	Luke Ward
Female	:	Annika Van Houten

 

Other Character(s)

Luke Ward	:	Veterinary
Annika Van Houten	:	Singer
Richard Luther	:	Annika’s kid
Jack Robinson	:	Richard’s father
Richard Robinson	:	Dickie
Andrew	:	Luke’s cousin
Lou Bradley James	:	Owner of a grocery store
Evangeline James	:	Lou’s wife
Joe Ward	:	Lucy’s husband
Lucy Ward nee James	:	Lou’s daughter
JJ	:	Lucy’s kid
Evan	:	Lucy’s son
Louisa	:	Lucy’s daughter
Sammy	:	Sundowner’s owner
Brandon	:	Annika’s ex-boyfriend
Vern	:	Dickie’s brother The Pocket Watch’s owner
Kevin	:	Dickie’s ex-boyfriend
Rhys Anders	:	Predator
Trevor	:	Delivery boy
Katrine	:	Rhys’s friend
Larry	:	Annika’s stepfather Porn producer

 

Quote(s)

1.    She needed some pot. Pot would put her out. She texted her dealer… 2.    For some reason she could not comprehend, the round faced blonde had taken an instinctive liking to her, despite the fact she was incessantly rude to him. 3.    He had an awful feeling in the pit of his stomach. 4.    He knows everyone here! And they know him! 5.    And I hope you put something on him but gauging by the looks of things last night, I have a feeling there was lots of love without a glove. 6.    Annika pushed her fears out of her head and downed the pill. It’s a one-time thing – a celebration. It won’t lead to anything … 7.    Yet even in her highest moment, she couldn’t help but feel an umbra of doubt. Since their first date, Rhys had not mentioned her contract again. 8.    Just look at you. I stare at you. You’re a beautiful piece of ass. But that’s all you are to him, Annika. You’re not using your brain. 9.    In fact, Annika barely honored any of her gigs anymore and when she wasn’t being lavished upon by Rhys, she was digging through the sofa for change to buy a dime bag of marijuana and pepperoni sticks. 10. A good friend wouldn’t let you move into a hotel room with a decrepit deprave! … one who has turned you into a drug addict no less! 11. “Don’t you ever talk to me like that again! I am moving in with the love of my life. You are just a jealous queen. A pathetic loner. I don’t need your shitty house and your shitty friendship,” she snarled. Tears filled Dickie’s eyes but did not fall. His hand found his stinging cheek and he rubbed it slowly. He did not look angry any more only crushed to his core, like he had just lost a loved one to an early death. 12. Rhys had initially been a fun companion but work had picked up and suddenly, during the day, he disappeared for hours. This was to be expected of a working man but one night he didn’t come home. And that one night became every other night. Annika was starting to get concerned. Her knight’s shining armor was beginning to kink. 13. Someone find Anders! One of his ‘projects’ needs her bottle and blanket. 14. “Here you go, baby,” Rhys said. Annika opened her eyes. There were four lines laid out on the nightstand. She leaned over and snorted one, handing Rhys the twenty he had rolled for her. 15. He pulled her face toward him and she eagerly took him in her mouth. For a moment she was confused. Someone was still pounding her hard and relentlessly. 16. Annika suddenly realized that Rhys never kissed her on the mouth outside of sex. A warning rang out in her mind but before she allowed it to escalate, she reached across and put another line of powder in her nose. 17. The burn of the substance was different and instantly, Annika was rendered almost paralyzed by the drug. Rhys’ grin widened as she sat back against the pillows. 18. “What… is… it?” Annika heard her voice ask. Rhys turned for the door but flashed her one of his incredible smiles before exiting. “Heroin. But don’t worry – only the highest grade for my baby.” 19. How the hell did this happen? How could you let this happen? No man is every good enough to reduce you to this. But here you are, you stupid, stupid girl. 20. Rhys had checked out of the room so she would vacate and he would never have to deal with her again. 21. She picked up the piece of plastic on the edge of the sink. It wasn’t clear anymore, the liquid had bled through, skewing the initial reading but she knew what the outcome had been; two lines on the test meant she was pregnant. Pregnant with the child of a man she never knew in the most basic way. 22. You fell for it because you wanted to believe you could actually amount to something. Larry was right about you. You are just a pretty face. No substance. 23. I am so happy for you, Annie. I really am. I … I just hope my time comes soon too. 24. “I’m pregnant. We’re going to have another baby.”

 

BOOK JOURNEY

Thoughts

(1) I thought you’re almost out of money? How come you’re still wanting to smoke pot? —————— ฅ՞• •՞ฅ ——————— (2) You knew! So why the attitude? —————— ฅ՞• •՞ฅ ——————— (3) Oh goodness, this is not good. —————— ฅ՞• •՞ฅ ——————— (4) You sure he knows everyone there? Or they know him? Is he the one who initiated the gesture or they are the one who started to say hi? Why are you throwing yourself to the first guy that approach you? You’re better than that! —————— ฅ՞• •՞ฅ ——————— (5) Oh my! Are you not afraid of STD!? Or pregnancy?! Why doing that to yourself?! —————— ฅ՞• •՞ฅ ——————— (6) You’re so wrong! For drugs, it’s always the first time and every time! —————— ฅ՞• •՞ฅ ——————— (7) RED FLAGS, LADY!!!! WAKE UP!!!! —————— ฅ՞• •՞ฅ ——————— (8) What he says, Annika! Wake up! —————— ฅ՞• •՞ฅ ——————— (9) Goodness! Is Rhys trying to get you hooked on drugs?! Is he a pimp? Or a drug dealer?! Oh man, look what you’ve gotten yourself into! —————— ฅ՞• •՞ฅ ——————— (10) Listen to him, Annika! —————— ฅ՞• •՞ฅ ——————— (11) Annika, deep down, you knew what he was saying is right, right? —————— ฅ՞• •՞ฅ ——————— (12) The red flags have been up for some time now. Why only now that you feel concerned? Anyhow, it’s still not too late! Go! Leave him! —————— ฅ՞• •՞ฅ ——————— (13) Projects! He’s been with others! And what is he doing?! Why get Annika to sign with him in the first place? —————— ฅ՞• •՞ฅ ——————— (14) That means he doesn’t do drugs. Gosh! Is he trying to get Annika hooked to sell her drugs?! —————— ฅ՞• •՞ฅ ——————— (15) Noooooo! Beware of STDs!!!! —————— ฅ՞• •՞ฅ ——————— (16) Noooooooo! What are you doing!?!!!! —————— ฅ՞• •՞ฅ ——————— (17) HE’S EVIL!!!! —————— ฅ՞• •՞ฅ ——————— (18) NOOOOOOOO!!!! Why is he doing that?!?!?!?!!?? He hooked her on drugs on purpose!!! —————— ฅ՞• •՞ฅ ——————— (19) Like I said, why throw yourself to the first man that show his interests in you? You have sensed all the red flags! —————— ฅ՞• •՞ฅ ——————— (20) This is so confusing! Why he spent so much on her and then dump her like that? —————— ฅ՞• •՞ฅ ——————— (21) You got pregnant when you were on drugs?! Seriously!? You know how the baby will be like when he or she was born? Oh man!!! —————— ฅ՞• •՞ฅ ——————— (22) Yes to the first statement but NO to others. You are someone of value! You shouldn’t look down on yourself like that! —————— ฅ՞• •՞ฅ ——————— (23) It will. —————— ฅ՞• •՞ฅ ——————— (24) Wow! That was fast! It makes sense since Annika has just given birth not long ago.

 

Reading Experience

I honestly do not know what to say. Does this story write by ghost writer or something? I’ve just finished another book of hers and the vibe is totally not the same. This story is way more realistic, touched and engaging. Just that I have so many questions about Rhys. Why he did what he did? I don’t understand that part at all. Other than that, this was a story I really like! Congratulations to both of you, Luke and Annika! May your love burn brightly forever!

 

Question(s)

1.    Who is Rhys Anders? 2.    What’s Rhys’ occupation? 3.    What contract has Rhys signed with Annika? 4.    Why Rhys get Annika to hooked on drugs? 5.    Why Annika said Rhys is a predator? 6.    What Rhys wants from Annika? 7.    Why Rhys spent so much on Annika and dump her like rubbish in the hotel?

 

Three Most Important Concepts in This Book

1.    Love takes time. 2.    It is very important to know who your partner is in a relationship. 3.    DO NOT EVER throw yourself at someone who is interested in you just because you feel lonely.

 

Suitable For People Who

1.    Please refer to “Tags”

 

Reading Start and End Dates

Start	:	05.11.2024
End	:	05.11.2024

 

Reading Timeline [In Chapter(s)]

05.11.2024

:

01

à

11

 

Tags

Fiction; Contemporary; Romance

 

Pace

·       Fast

 

Spiciness

·       🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️

 

Rating



 

Social Media

Goodreads

Instagram

 

Notes

Reading Experience

·       Plot and Content: The appeal of the storyline, the depth and interest of the content, and the relevance and accuracy of the information presented. ·       Language and Style: The fluidity and beauty of the writing, and whether the author’s style aligns with the reader's preferences and expectations. ·       Characterization and Development: The dimensionality and vividness of the characters, and whether their development feels deep and credible. ·       Pacing and Structure: The appropriateness of the pacing, the coherence of the structure, and whether the plot progresses smoothly. ·       Emotional Resonance: Whether the reader can connect with the emotions, themes, or viewpoints presented in the book. ·       Visual Presentation: The book’s design, including layout, font, illustrations, and cover design, and how these elements enhance the reading experience. ·       Personal Impact: The influence of the book on the reader’s thoughts, emotions, or life experiences. ·       Reading Comfort: The comfort of reading, considering factors like paper quality, book weight, and the reading environment.

 

Pace

·       Fast Pace: The plot progresses rapidly, with frequent events occurring, creating a sense of tension and urgency for the reader. Typically, these books have short paragraphs and chapters, with concise and brisk language, and frequent conflict and suspense. Examples include thrillers or action-adventure novels. ·       Medium Pace: The plot develops at a moderate speed, neither too rushed nor too slow. These books usually feature a balanced progression of story and character development, with a relatively even writing style. Many literary or commercial novels may have this pace. ·       Slow Pace: The plot advances slowly, often focusing on the characters' inner worlds, environmental descriptions, or nuanced emotional portrayals. These books typically have longer paragraphs and chapters, with a more complex writing style and a lot of information. Literary classics or works with intricate psychological depictions often exhibit a slow pace.

 

Spiciness

·       0★ No Spiciness Completely non-romantic and non-suggestive; suitable for all ages. ·       1★ Very Mild Occasional flirtation or light hints; very tame and appropriate for most readers. ·       2★ Mild Some romantic tension or innuendo; suitable for young adult readers but no explicit content. ·       3★ Moderate Noticeable romantic or sexual themes; suitable for mature readers with some emotional depth. ·       4★ Spicy Frequent and more explicit romantic or sexual content; intended for adult readers with significant emotional stakes. ·       5★ Extremely Spicy Highly explicit content with detailed sexual scenes or intense emotional drama; strictly for mature audiences.

 

Ratings

·       0.0: Unreadable or offensive. ·       0.5: Extremely poor; frustrating and unenjoyable. ·       1.0: Poorly written with little redeeming quality. ·       1.5: Very weak; minimal positives, mostly disappointing. ·       2.0: Some merits but overall disappointing. ·       2.5: Slightly above disappointing; some redeeming qualities. ·       3.0: Solid but flawed; enjoyable but forgettable. ·       3.5: Good; has engaging moments but still some flaws. ·       4.0: Very good; well worth reading with a few minor issues. ·       4.5: Excellent; impactful and nearly perfect, with just a few minor flaws. ·       5.0: Exceptional; a must-read that stays with you.