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Effect #2

Domino Effect

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***All 2 Books in The Effect Series are Now Available***

One small movement can impact the rest of your life, like a set of dominoes lined up one after another. It’s not until you step back and see the big picture that you realize the damage you’ve done…

Brandt Mattox had it all—love, success, and friends. One impulsive wrong decision led him down a path that ended in a prison of regrets. He now only dreams of the happiness he once had before the consequences of his actions cost him everything.

He lost his love—not just any love, but his soul mate.

Nikola Kingston has worked hard to keep the past in the past while she focuses on her career and spending time with her grandmother. On a random night, she runs into the one man who will forever hold her heart captive. Her heart knows she still loves Brandt, but her mind cannot forget the dreadful night that cost her the love of her life.

Will the domino effect of Brandt’s and Nikola’s decisions be too much to overcome? Or will the love they never thought they would get back have an everlasting effect?

The Effect Series Reading Order
Book 1 - Ripple Effect
Book 2 - Domino Effect

Other Books by Kristin Mayer
Trust Series (All Available)
Book 1 - Trust Me
Book 2 - Love Me
Book 3 - Promise Me

366 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2015

26 people are currently reading
246 people want to read

About the author

Kristin Mayer

32 books764 followers

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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Preet.
3,381 reviews233 followers
February 12, 2015
So the cover is what first caught my attention. I thought it was stark and probably hid a fabulous story inside its covers, and I was right. Domino Effect started off slow for me. I wasn't aware this was the second book in a series, but that became clear in the initial pages and very shortly thereafter my fear of being perpetually lost while reading this book ended as well. Kristin Mayer brilliantly slid in a small recap that didn't spoil anything from book one that featured different characters, but still caught me up with everything I might have missed.

Part of what I really liked about this book was how the story line was fluid and shifted. Initially the book was focused on Nikola and Brandt reconnecting and trying to renew their relationship, but soon shifted to other issues they'd face, and then other things going on in their lives. I loved how supportive Brandt was of Nikola. He made sure to put her first. I guess having lost her once, he knew what he could lose again and was willing to do whatever it took to make sure that didn't happen.

While the story may have started out slowly, around 10% is picked up and took off. I read the remainder of the book in almost 2 hours. I love how carefully and diligently Kristin treated the issues the characters in this book faced. Wesley's situation broke my heart. As did what happened with Anne. I will admit to breaking down and sobbing at certain points. I couldn't help myself. There were also certain parts of the book when I anxious and my heart was beating fast. I'm surprised and impressed at how seamlessly Kristin Mayer weaved romance, life, and suspense all together.

The journey Brandt had to redeem himself with Nikola and the journey Nikola took to trust Brandt again wasn't easy. They had many hurdles to face. However with the love and support of one another and friends they managed to overcome it all. I do hope Kristin continues this series. I would love to see Wesley find happiness and see how Brandt and Nikola are doing in the future.
Profile Image for Stacy.
414 reviews7 followers
February 9, 2015
I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. Have you ever made a mistake, big or small that changed the course of your life? If you have then you can understand the Domino Effect. One mistake, one moment of indecision, a deliberate path chosen by you that changes everything in your world. Brandt and Nikola were happy, they were in love, and they were forever…until they weren’t. Where did it go so wrong? How did soulmates get torn apart? This is a story of forgiveness, loss and love. Nikola and Brandt have to work to find their way back to one another, but is their love enough to overcome insurmountable obstacles? The supporting characters added depth to the story and several deserve stories of their own. I recommend this story to anyone who loves romance, believes in forgiveness, or wonders if true love is real. There were a few grammatical issues, but it is an advanced reader copy. I am sure they will be corrected before release. They do not distract from the story at all. Great read!
Profile Image for Brandy Rivers.
Author 59 books661 followers
February 3, 2015
There was something about Brandt in Ripple Effect that drew me in. He was my favorite.
His story definitely kept me interested.
Brandt is a hard worker who through an unfortunate mistake that spirals out of control, lost the woman he loves
Nikola is an independent woman who loved Bradnt deeply, until addiction tore her trust apart.
This story takes place after their end, when fate brings them back together.
See what steps Brandt takes to win his love back, and learn if Nikola can trust him with her heart.
Profile Image for Steffy Rogers.
Author 14 books41 followers
February 11, 2015
Another beautiful story from our beloved Kristin Mayer.

Cocaine drives this couple apart. Brandt regrets everything that he has put Nikola through.

Can he prove to her that he has changed and that their love can conquer anything?

I laughed, I cried happy and sad tears and I fanned myself. Kristin has a way of stirring emotions.

If you haven't read it you should definitely pick it up. Do it. Do it now.
Profile Image for Maria.
930 reviews2 followers
October 29, 2017
Brandt deserved his story. The reason I gave only 3 stars is I felt as though it dragged. Yes there was a lot of sex and what not, but I felt as though the story could have been a tad shorter. Nicole’s grandmama though was emotional. Quite heartbreaking. Adored the dedication in the acknowledgement to those who have felt such sadness. Good, but book 1 was better.
304 reviews1 follower
June 4, 2017
Amazing

What a beautiful book! Romance, forgiveness, sadness and happiness are well described as part of the effects that happens in life!
Love the bond and endurance that love shows!! Great book!!! Very emotional!!
Great series!!!!
Profile Image for Debbie Messenger.
432 reviews
January 26, 2019
Lovely love story

I did like this book.
A nice romantic love story. Where two people find each other again.
I think there could of been a little more adventure with Lance than what there was.
Overall a good read.
Profile Image for Suzanne.
2,646 reviews44 followers
February 11, 2015
One small movement can impact the rest of your life, like a set of dominoes lined up one after another.
It’s not until you step back and see the big picture that you realize the damage you’ve done…
Brandt Mattox had it all—love, success, and friends. One impulsive wrong decision led him down a path that ended in a prison of regrets. He now only dreams of the happiness he once had before the consequences of his actions cost him everything.
He lost his love—not just any love, but his soul mate.
Nikola Kingston has worked hard to keep the past in the past while she focuses on her career and spending time with her grandmother. On a random night, she runs into the one man who will forever hold her heart captive. Her heart knows she still loves Brandt, but her mind cannot forget the dreadful night that cost her the love of her life.
Will the domino effect of Brandt’s and Nikola’s decisions be too much to overcome? Or will the love they never thought they would get back have an everlasting effect?

Review:

Where do I begin!!! As you all know I do not give spoilers in my reviews, so all I can say is WOW. This book blew me away. The emotions in this book floored me. You can actually feel the pain that Brandt is going through, the sense of unknown that Nikola feels when Brant walks back into her life. The physical chemistry between the two of them is beyond undeniable but also the emotional. The whole book, you can tell that these two were meant to be soulmates. Made for each other on every level. My heart broke in some places. I mean UGLY cry!!! I laughed in some places. My heart was racing in others!

This one is a definate MUST READ!!! While I was reading this ARC, I had to message Kristin because I was dying laughing so hard when I came across one part. Then tell her she made me cry during others. Ainsley and Adam from Ripple Effect do make an appearance as Domino Effect is the second in the series. OMG the banter between Brandt and Adam was priceless!

Kristin Mayer writes so beautifully that words flow across the page. This book hit me close to home due to some events that occur as well. She is an amazing writer and I am so looking forward to more from her… including meeting her in Nashville this August as the Darkside Divas decent on Naughty Nashville!!!
Profile Image for T, G & T's Indie Café.
45 reviews
October 30, 2015
The only thing missing for me throughout this book was that I wanted more of their past to be told about. I think if that was written about there would be more 5STARS then what there is now.
Brandt & Nikola are showing us what it truly means to go through thick & thin, come hell or high water, for richer for poorer, in sickness & health, for the good times & the bad times.
Nikola had everything that she every wanted right there in her hands. The man of her dreams. The love of her Grandmama. Her job was moving in the right direction. But you see as time moves forward things start to change and not for the best. She can no longer stand by Brandt and watch him destroy his life. Not after what he just did to her. So with a heavy heart she moves on. She starts her life over again. Spending more time with her Grandmama and tending to her new desires in life. While out with the girls it finally happens after all these yrs they come face to face and it is one that she will never forget. She will never be able to look at that face and not forget the pain that he put her through.
But you see Brandt knows what he did and he also knows that there is no coming back from that. Yet he is a fighter and he will do just that to win back the heart of the woman that still holds his. Separating himself from the world that he knew was what needed to be done in order for him to get self-control back in his life. In order for him to see that what he was doing was destroying the ones that he loves. As he is standing at the bar and turns around to leave that is when he sees her. She still is the most beautiful woman in his eyes. And in his eyes she still belong to him no matter what. Yet the problem is and will always be TRUST. If there is no trust how can one build a relationship? How can one move forward to start a new if there is none?
These two are about to head down a different road in life right now. And right now TRUST is the key factor in order to keep their love alive. Will she be able to after everything in their past is on the table once again? Or is it too much for both of them to handle?
AWESOME STORY TO READ!!!!!!!!
Profile Image for Andrea.
728 reviews22 followers
March 24, 2017
Nikola is a very forgiving person. When I read the details of what Brandt did to her, I admit that I had a very hard time imagining taking him back. I know that he was all coked out and didn't realize what he was doing. I know that he has been sober for a year. I just don't know that I could have taken him back. I definitely would have forgiven him. Maybe I could have taken him back, but it would have taken me much longer than it took Nikola to even consider it.

Brandt really is a good person deep down. He did make some stupid decisions that cost him a lot. He has been very fortunate to be able to reclaim his life. I do like him.

This book was heavier on the sex than I thought it was going to be. Some readers are going to like that a lot. What got to me was that the characters kept insisting that they were more than just a sexual relationship, but I felt like that overpowered a lot of their relationship, particularly in the beginning.

It took until the second half of the book for more of a story to emerge. A lot of it I could see coming. It felt like it all happened quite quickly. There is a touch of suspense, which I do always enjoy on occasion in my romances.

This book is the second one in the series. I found that it does read well as a standalone, because it focuses on the relationship between Nikola and Brandt. I discovered that the first book is about Adam and Ainsley, their two best friends. I would consider reading that one, as well. This one wasn't my favorite romance that I have read as of late. Many are going to enjoy it more than I did. But it wasn't horrible or anything like that. I will still check out Mayer's other books.

I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Nikki Reeves.
Author 0 books22 followers
September 9, 2015
I loved book 1 so much I went straight into book 2. This book is very emotional from start to finish. It’s a story of love, loss, regret, sacrifice, lies and second chances. Brandt has regretted his choices for a long time and he hates that he has lost the love of his life Nikola but when fate steps in he takes his second chance.

Nikola is living her life one day at a time trying to move forward from the pain and loss of Brandt. She thinks she is doing well until she sees Brandt again and all of her old feelings come up. But it’s also the bad feelings mixed in with the love they shared. Nikola is having a very hard time trying to forgive Brandt for the mistakes he has made but he isn’t giving up and wants to prove to her that he has changed.

There are times throughout this book Brandt pissed me off… well the old Brandt. But after reading some of the things he had done, it was easy to see why Nikola felt the way she did. But the new Brandt now I fell hard for him. I could see how much he was trying to change and how much he loved Nikola. Be ready because I cried in this book… UGH yes I had tears running down my face. But it was worth it to see these to change so much. I can’t wait for the next book from Kristin. Don’t miss out this series is amazing!


Profile Image for Shannon.
309 reviews1 follower
February 19, 2015
I really enjoyed this story...a lot. Kristin Mayer has a writing style that I love as it flowed very well and kept me interested. This is the second book in a series, however it can be read as a standalone.

I felt like the relationship between Brandt and Nikolai was very believable. Not to mention the sex was AMAZING!!! There's a line in the book that says, "There truly was a domino effect to life, one event altering others in ways we couldn’t understand until all the dominos had fallen." No truer words could be spoken. One decision...good or bad...can lead to a fork in the road, and that road could be one that you never would have thought you would be traveling on. Now the road can be rough and full of speed bumps along the way, but if you are able to make it through, you can be in for one hell of a ride. That's the story of Nikola and Brandt. "It’s through regret that we find our true north to guide us through storms." Their love is undeniable and are truly each other's north.

This story has had a domino effect on me since I will now be reading the other book in this series, and I will be looking forward to more by this author. I would give Domino Effect 4 stars.

*I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for Donna Mcaleer.
643 reviews3 followers
February 11, 2015
Domino Effect

What a wonderful story of true love. Brandt and Nikola had such a strong connection but drugs tore their world apart, could they find their way back to each other. This book shows how outside forces can effect you and your relationships. There are strong messages in this story which come across quite clearly. Ms. Mayer does such a great job dealing with drug addiction as well as cancer and the strong effects it has on not only the drug addicts and Cancer patients but the loved ones as well. Love that Adam and Ainsley are such a big part of the book. I enjoyed this story so much and can say I truly am in love with all the characters. My only Me too! Hehehehehe!complaint is the poor way this book is edited. Misuse of words and sentences that don't make sense because there are extra words thrown in did make it hard to follow at times which is a shame because this was a powerful story. May want to get a new editor! Even with the poor editing this is a MUST read and the only reasons for the four stars is because of the poor editing (this is one of my pet peeves!).
Profile Image for Lita Thomas.
1,566 reviews27 followers
February 15, 2015
I was given an ARC of this book for a honest review. Domino Effect is the story of Brandt Mattox and Nikola Kingston. Even though this is book 2 in the Effect series, it is a standalone book. Brandt and Nikola were a couple that was the perfect couple who loved each other to the utmost, had great jobs, great friends and were headed to the ultimate life together. Than one bad decision can change everything and cause a domino effect. This their story of how one decision Brandt made had such an effect that Nikola was no longer a part of his life and his life was a total mess. But just like life, a chance meeting can change everything. Brandt realized the error of his way and wanted his love back. Their journey was one of many ups and downs twist and turns. Their love and sex life was sure nuff fire. The author was able to tell a true story of real life and real life experiences couple must go through in order to find their way back to each other. A very enjoyable tale of Brandt and Nikola’s story of giving love one more try.
Profile Image for She Hearts Books.
2,113 reviews74 followers
February 10, 2015
Brandt broke Nikola's heart when he chose drugs over her many times until the last moment when he shattered it. She had to leave him to save herself. Brandt has lived with the regret of losing her and longs to be with her again as he still loves her. They run into each other one night and it reminds them how much they still love each other. Nikola is fearful of letting him into her life again as she is afraid that she would never recover him turning back to drugs. He will do anything to gain back both her trust and her heart.

I so loved Brandt and Nikola together. I understood her fear and really liked that the author didn't skim over that part of them coming back into each other's lives. They are off the charts hot and have sizzling chemistry. Animals on the car. Yeah, that and so much more. I am a total sucker when it comes to second chance love stories and this one is fantastic. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

I give Domino Effect 5 hearts!
162 reviews2 followers
January 27, 2016
Domino Effect is Book 2 in the Effect Series by Kristin Mayer. While it can be read as a standalone I think it is better to read Ripple Effect first just to allow your Dominos to stand more sturdy sort of speak. From reading Ripple Effect I knew whatever Brandt did changed the whole course of his life. Nikola regardless of the mistake Brandt made never stopped loving him. While I was reading it the dominos were steady setting up, I wasn't sure at what point they would begin to fall. When I finished I realized that not all dominos fall. Decisions are made and put into action and for Brandt and Nikola their road was bumpy but that the effect. You'll need some tissues perhaps but you'll gain a happy heart in the end. Now what are you waiting for, #ReadOn
Profile Image for Franci N (Franci's Fabulous Reads).
2,357 reviews102 followers
February 16, 2015
O to the M to the G.... LOVED this book on so many levels. I love Brandt and Nikola together. Brandt was my favorite from Ripple Effect so getting to read his story made me so happy.

Even with all their struggles, you can feel their chemistry and love oozing off the pages of this book. There were points when I was laughing out loud, had a VERY Ugly Cry and was filled with joy as Brandt and Nikki worked their way back to each other, realizing that not only have they changed individually, but as a couple too. They truly are Soul Mates.

And let's not forget about the hotter than hot sex which warmed up my cold nights!! Kristin continues to write such amazing stories and as I finish one of her books I'm always looking for her next great story.

254 reviews5 followers
February 14, 2015
The ending packs so much PUNCH. This story is so realistic. It has all of the twists that actually happen in a relationship. In Ripple Effect you are introduced to Brandt who is a recovering drug addict and has lost his girlfriend.
Brandt has done so much to turn his life around but never imagined that he could get back the relationship that he had with Nikola. On New Years Eve a woman bumps into Brandt at a bar and the voice is one from his past. This one incident changes everything in his life. Brandt decided to go after the one thing he doesn't want to live without. Nikola has a lot to overcome in this story and Brandt stands beside her through it all.

If you loved Adam just wait to see the kind of man that Brandt is.

I absolutely loved this book!
Profile Image for Nancy Metsch.
1,368 reviews3 followers
February 6, 2015
This was with out a doubt the best book by Kristin!!!
I ugly cried ALOT! Brandt Mattox lost the love of his life because of a stupid drug addiction. It cost him everything.
Nikola Kingston loved Brandt. He was her everything until he broke her heart
This book had a lot of very powerful message's in it. Both subjects have personally effect me. The way Kristin wrote about Brant and his addiction was down in such an amazing way. I loved how she kept the ugly part in. She showed how badly drugs not only effect the addict but those they love.
As far as the lung cancer, I lost my father 8 yrs ago to it. So I felt Nikola's pain....
Profile Image for Colleen Everly.
379 reviews10 followers
February 6, 2015
If you haven't checked out this series and you love contemporary romance you don't know what you're missing. Both series from this author are amazing and they just keep getting better and better.This book puts you through so many emotions. I had moments where I literally laughed out loud, so funny. Then their were tears and ugly crying for their loss. I can not leave out the hot passion these two were so hot i thought they were going to spontaneously com bust before they consummated, then even after they did they still remained in lust along with falling deeper in love. He came through so much to be with her again and she had to get past how he'd broke her heart before. AWESOME READ!
Profile Image for Cynthia Haflich-raber.
316 reviews3 followers
February 6, 2015
Soul Mates!

Blue Balls, Magic 8 Ball, Tantra Chair oh my......this book had everything in it! I loved Brandt and Nikola as a couple. They were strong and in love. They fought for their love! I especially liked that we got to see Adam and Ainsley again. If there is any doubts about soul mates this book cleared it up. When you find true love you continue to fight for it and make it work...these two did just that. They learned from their mistakes and fixed them.....they leaned on each other and supported each other. I would love to see a book about Nora. She was a character that I really enjoyed seeing and would love to have her get her HEA!! Just saying!!
Profile Image for Denise Anderson.
319 reviews4 followers
February 6, 2015
This book was amazing. It touched so many different subjects. The way Kristin touched on cancer and death from it brought so many tears to my eyes. But then she reminded us that our loved ones wouldn't want us to dwell on the heartache they would want us to remember the good times we had. Then she touched on drugs and what it could & would do to you & your family. This story was about the positive of coming clean and finding your way back to your true love and holding that bond and keeping it strong. Love can withstand so many things if we are willing to try. This is a MUST READ!!! Kristin you did a FANTASTIC JOB!!!!
Profile Image for Kelly Brock.
1,214 reviews9 followers
March 23, 2017
Magic 8 Ball says this is a good book

Loved Domino Effect. This was a good powerful story of Brandt and Nikola. Brandt and Nicola are reconnecting after over a year apart when Brandt's cocaine addiction drove them apart and sent him to rehab.

This was a beautiful story about forgiveness, trust, inner strength, and of course true love.

I still favor Adam and Ainsley's journey more but this was another strong one from Ms Mayer!
Profile Image for Michelle Ballard.
365 reviews3 followers
February 13, 2015
Can Nikola forgive Brandt for all the hurt that he caused her??? Nicola was just started living life again and then Brandt walks back in and wants another chance to be with her again but Nina wants to fight their love because she doesn't want to get hurt again and she doesn't know if Brandt will turn back to drugs when things get tough again.... Can Nikola and Brandt get their happy ever after back?????
164 reviews3 followers
March 23, 2017
Another awesome book by Kristin Mayer!

Once again I was laughing and crying while reading Kristin's newest book! This is a must read book that was hard to put down. The story put me through so many emotions my family thought I was crazy! I think that Brandt and Nikola's book was the best one so far!
1,441 reviews2 followers
July 25, 2016
BRANDT AND NIKOLA

Brandt's story was just as good as Adam's. After losing everything except Club Envy and Adam's friendship, he tries to move forward without the love of his life. After a year of clean living he runs into Nikola and their story begins again. Loved this series.
243 reviews1 follower
February 9, 2015
Great book!! Loved reading about these two and how they got their second chance at Love!!
Profile Image for Kara Hull.
87 reviews3 followers
February 6, 2015
Loved this book! It made me laugh & cry which is what makes is so good! Can't wait for more from Kristin!
Profile Image for Amber.
301 reviews
April 19, 2015
love it!

Up, down, all around.... Those were my emotions throughout the whole book, and I LOVED every minute of it! Wonderful read as always!
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