Tag: Contemporary Romance (Page 67 of 96)

BOOK REVIEW: Frisk Me (New York’s Finest #1) by Lauren Layne

July 24, 2015 / Chelsea / 0 Comments

Frisk Me (New York's Finest #1)
by Lauren Layne
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Officer Luc Moretti had no idea that his dive into the East River would have him drowning in a media frenzy. No matter how many times he tells reporters he was just doing his job, they're determined to make him into NYC's newest hero. Coming from a long line of NYPD's finest, Luc knows that being a cop has nothing to do with headlines and viral videos, and he's more than ready to get back to life away from the cameras—until he meets the gorgeous but jaded journalist assigned to film a TV special on him.

Ava Sims may be the only woman in NYC who isn't in love with Officer Moretti. That's why she's going after the real story—to find out about the man behind the badge. Ava's determined to keep things strictly professional, but the more time she spends around Luc, even she has to admit there's something about a man in uniform . . . and she can't wait to get him out of his.

*ARC provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review*

“I love being a cop, but I love you more. I’d give up being everybody else’s hero, if you’ll just let me be yours.”

It doesn’t take much for a book to make me happy these days-I’m much pickier and have fifty times the rules I used to. But, in doing so, I’ve found what works. It’s not enough to have a cute boy and a lonely girl and some raunchy love scenes-I need essence. I need a beating heart between each and every page and I want that pulse to continue all the way through the end….Okay, maybe it does take a lot for me to be happy.

But the point in all of this is simple: I am much pickier-therefore, I find more books I enjoy because I sift past the bullshit that used to please me. My tastes have evolved and I have learned what makes a true author. Again, it’s not about making lovable characters, though that is tantamount to the essence of a great plot, but making them come alive-making you live and breathe with them, become them, feel each heart break and quarrel as if you are right there living it with them. Just as I mentioned above-the author has to be able to give the characters a pulse-and Lauren Layne is the QUEEN of all these things.

Luc’s eyebrows lifted. “Old? You’re what, twenty-five?”
“Twenty-eight. And don’t start in on me about how I’m a spring chicken with my whole life ahead of me, because time and age work differently in TV.”
“If I look like the type of guy that would use the phrase ‘spring chicken,’ I need to do some serious reevaluating of my manliness.”

I had mentioned earlier that I skip over tons of books these days, but not once have I thought to evade a Layne novel. It’s not often you find a favorite author who, despite the odds, never disappoints you. Many times you wait and wait and wait for that third book in a trilogy, only to be disappointed when your high expectations are crushed after such a long journey. I’m not going to lie-I have a ‘phobia’ (I say this loosely) of third books in my fantasy/dystopian/sci-fi series-I am so picky and they almost never hold up to my standards and I walk away with a heavy heart. But my favorite author here, she never lets me down. I don’t sit and stew about whether it will work, won’t work, will disappoint me…I just wait.

I sit and wait for netgalley, or whomever, to release the request for a LL novel and I immediately click that beautiful green ‘request’ button. Haven’t read the blurb yet? Who cares. I know, without a doubt, she could write about towelie and the return of Mr. Hankey, the Christmas Poo, and I wouldn’t bat an eyelash before I requested/read it (though, that would certainly create a lot of trademark problems, I would imagine).

“Not really,” Sawyer said, giving her an apologetic pat on the hand. “So. Who wants to tell me? Are we talking accidental boob brush?”
Ava gave him a glare.
Sawyer’s eyebrow lifted. “Full on cop-a-feel? Duuude.” He reached over to fist-bump Luc, who batted his hand out of the way.
Luc’s partner grinned and drained his beer. “This is nice. Me, Superman, Lois Lane, and unfilled lust.”

I always fangirl over Ms. Layne, but until she gives me a reason not to, I won’t stop. I was skeptical, I’ll admit, about this story. It might be the cover (sorry sorrryyyy!!!! (hides face)), seeing as I am a cover whore, but I dunno, I just always wonder how she will tackle a new story line. In this new series we have Luc Moretti, officer in NYC, and Ava Sims, reporter (AKA his worst nightmare).

But hey, bright side…at least now she knew what an ID was in cop-speak: Indecent exposure.
It also explained why Luc Moretti had changed his mind about letting her tag along. He thought she’d be scared off.
Please. It would take a hell of a lot more than a flaccid penis on a disorderly drunk to scare her off the story.

As the blurb touts, Luc isn’t a cop for the fame, the viral videos, the glory…he just wants to help others-to save and protect them at any cost. But one day his need to be anonymous is obliterated when a video of him risking his life to save a little girl goes viral and CBC sends a reporter to do an ‘American Hero’ story on him.

“Nope.” He moved closer, shifting so that his upper body leaned into hers. “We start with interrogations.”
“And then?” Her voice was flirty and light, but her eyes were pure heat.
His gaze dropped to his hand, which had found its way to her knee somehow.
“Depends. If the cop’s skilled at interrogation, things generally progress to handcuffs…and other things. If the cop’s unsuccessful…”
Luc broke off and shrugged.
Ava looked at him over the top of her wineglass. “Which one are you? The skilled interrogator or the other?”
“Depends.”
“On.”
He leaned in and pressed his lips to her ear. “Whether or not you like handcuffs.”

The animosity that ensues when sexy reporter Ava Sims steps on the scene is palpable, even as officer Luc Moretti pleads to his boss not to let this happen. But, more than that, not only does Luc and Ava’s hateful banter ring somewhat false, there are sparks, there is heat, there is chemistry, there is….recognition?

He would do his duty. He always did his duty. With pride.

Luc was absolute perfection (see my profile, section 3, BBF list, seventh down), but aren’t her male leads ALWAYS? His inner turmoil and broken torment are hid beneath a thin veil of sarcastic remarks and well-placed smirks that keep people content and distracted from what’s really there. His mind and soul aren’t at peace and his heart is heavy-there are darker sides to being a cop, but he is still the sweetest and kindest of his brothers-always the peace maker, always the one people want to talk to….Enter Ava.

“Sims, we’ve spent every day of the past week together. You’re practically my second partner on the job, even if you’re in the way more often than not.”
“Hey!”
He held up a hand to stop the protest. “No. You are, and you know it.”
She huffed. “I just wanted to turn on the siren once. Just to try it.”
“Uh huh. You’re telling me it had nothing to do with the fact that it was rush hour and you had to pee?”

Ava Sims gets on every last one of Luc’s nerves-history has them bickering constantly and snarky towards one another every chance they get. But then we get to see little bits and pieces of Ava that the world doesn’t get to see-her slightly skewed, too large glasses, her yoga pants, her damp ponytail and general lack of productiveness on the weekends-and that’s when I started to warm up to her. There was never anything wrong with her per se, but I also didn’t connect with her much at first. Then we began to see this sloppy Ava who, for all of the above reasons, reminds me of my little sister-slop extraordinaire. I swear to god, that is my sister down to a tee, and I LOVED THAT about Ava. I felt this tiny little connection that made me smile as I imagined my sister like this every Friday night after a long work week of dressing up and playing a part.

“Did I mention Miss Sims and I have a history?” he said, knowing it would be exactly the kind of topic change that she would latch on to.
Nonna’s gray eyebrows lifted. “Did you fornicate?”
Luc choked on his beer. “Jesus, no. And there should be a ban against that word.”
“Don’t be prudish, Luca.”

So, yeah, this isn’t my favorite LL novel (I think Blurred Lines might be (maybe?) There are too many-maybe After the Kiss or Broken or The Trouble with Love), but that doesn’t mean I didn’t reach my happy place-because I did. And with a Grandma like Nonna-Oh my GAHD did I laugh out loud with this woman when she and Luc had their hilarious conversations-how could you not laugh and smile constantly? I swear, even if you aren’t prone to laughing out loud like myself, you will-It’s an inevitability because….yoga. Anyway, I can only hope that everyone finds as much happiness out of this book as I did. The tears were falling and my heart was soaring-I was in heaven.

Reading Order & Links: Amazon (click on covers), iBooks (click on titles) & Book Depository (click on book #) *Each book can be read as a standalone, but best enjoyed in order.*
Frisk Me #1 Reviews: Chelsea Jen	Steal Me #2 Reviews: Chelsea	Cuff Me #3 Reviews: Chelsea

*****************************

“I love being a cop, but I love you more. I’d give up being everybody else’s hero, if you’ll just let me be yours.”

I mean…how could I not give it 5 stars? Come on.

Review to come

ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review 😀 😀

BOOK REVIEW – Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella

July 23, 2015 / Anna

Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Shopaholic series comes a terrific blend of comedy, romance, and psychological recovery in a contemporary YA novel sure to inspire and entertain.

An anxiety disorder disrupts fourteen-year-old Audrey’s daily life. She has been making slow but steady progress with Dr. Sarah, but when Audrey meets Linus, her brother’s gaming teammate, she is energized. She connects with him. Audrey can talk through her fears with Linus in a way she’s never been able to do with anyone before. As their friendship deepens and her recovery gains momentum, a sweet romantic connection develops, one that helps not just Audrey but also her entire family.

Okay, first : I love Kinsella’s works (thought it was important to ~~say~~ write). Now, her books are the first ones I read in English, so, you know, I might need to reread them some day (I mean duh. I’m not a language snowflake). Anyway : Kinsella? She gets my humor. I mean not me me, but you get it right? Her books make me laugh. They’re refreshing. Like candies. Okay, maybe not like candies – Well, let’s say that they put me in the Kinsella bubble.

What is it? Just look, it’s just like life, but it’s fun :

Because what I love even more in them is the undercurrent of reality they hide behind the laughs. This is something that works for me, because I’m not (well, rarely) a full-angst girl. I just can’t. I read a book filled with angst and I just want to bang my head on the wall you know? So, Kinsella? Perfect. I know that some readers found shocking that she could deal with such a heavy issue – Audrey’s anxiety disorder – in a funny way. I’m not, not one bit, because it stays respectful. Full of empathy. Honest. True. And it shows something that I find necessary : people aren’t their disorder. They’re not entirely defined by it. Yes, it’s important.

Audrey suffers from an anxiety disorder : she can neither leave the house nor stare into people’s eyes. Actually I’m with her on this : eyes scare me too. I mean, she does have a point : when you look carefully at people you give them the power and the means to stare back. I hate when strangers stare right into my eyes. I’m not shy or anxious. My eyes are just my personal space. Leave it. I also hate when people I don’t know touch me. Like for real. Did you need to touch my arm to ask me what time is it? Hell no you didn’t. It’s not that I don’t like people – I’m comfortable enough – but I like my personal space more. Anyway. Audrey. I loved her. She was witty, realistic and relatable. She made me laugh and yeah, tear out a bit at some point. Even if it’s not always easy, she fights, she never gives up and I loved that about her. For me, she’s brave.

► It’s not a secret that I love family dynamics when they’re done well. SPOILER ALERT : They are. Every member of the family is flawed but so endearing and supportive, I spent such a great time following them.

● Felix made me miss my Kindergarten teaching years : 4 years old is such a great age. Really. They’re happy all the time (except when they’re not, but then, it’s short).

● Frank the gamer : I feel you. Go explain to people that no, gaming doesn’t make you crazy. Sigh. He completely won me with his witty comments.

● By the way, I’m so going to throw this book at my mum. Yes, kindly (is that what you think of me? Come on). Indeed Audrey’s mum Daily Mail obsession cracked me up, and yes, I can relate. Here’s how our mother-daughter phone calls go :

Mum : Have you bought curcuma/vitamines/royal jelly/magical product as I told you?
Anna : [awkward silence when I try to remember why the fuck I’m supposed to buy that] Hmm not yet (I mean, come on)
Mum : But you need it! There’s plenty of [add some information about how it’s gonna boost my health] in it. I saw this [show/paper/documentary] the other day and [add some descriptions about how freaking amazing this stuff is]
Anna : Okay. I’ll do it. (not really)

Two days later

Mum : Have you bought [add magical product sub-mentioned] as I told you?
Anna : Yes (not really)
Mum : I’m sure you’re already feeling better right?
Anna : I guess. So, [add some topic changer – You name it. Any word, really]

I love my mum. But yeah, that’s kind of exhausting. And the magnesium. OMG, the magnesium. But reading about this kind of character? Hilarious. Mum, I’m writing a book about you (not really).

Love interest? Adorable. Smile-inducing. I have no idea why I’m writing one-word sentences. I might be lazy. Major information : he write notes. End of story.

Just a thing : Linus? What’s this name? I kept thinking “Linux” and that was just so weird *shakes head*

● I already stated that I loved when authors used different writing formats and lucky me! Kinsella does it all the time : messages, notes, movie script : I eat that stuff, and Finding Audrey was right up my alley.

● Oh, and – the dialogues are fantastic and feel real. Hilarious. I know, I have to stop using that word. Someday (not when I talk about Kinsella)

► Let’s have a little brainstorming okay? (God. I hate that word. My fellow French use it all the freaking time for no reason. Hello, remue-méninges, you people)

That’s it. Is that really a brainstorming? Fuck if I know (in fact I do. It’s not. Not really. I mean. Who cares?)

“I think what I’ve realized is, life is all about climbing up, slipping down, and picking yourself up again. And it doesn’t matter if you slip down. As long as you’re kind of heading more or less upwards. That’s all you can hope for. More or less upwards.”

Such a great journey to follow. ~~And sorry for the messy review but I did warn you didn’t I?~~

BOOK REVIEW: Turning Point (Kathleen Turner #3) by Tiffany Snow

July 22, 2015 / Chelsea / 0 Comments

Turning Point (Kathleen Turner #3)
by Tiffany Snow
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
After her promotion from law firm Runner to Investigator, Kathleen Turner is learning the ropes of her new job from none other than assassin-for-hire Kade Dennon, a situation her boyfriend Blane Kirk is none too happy about. But the lessons with Kathleen take a back seat when Kade becomes a target. Previously untouchable, his enemies now know of the chink in his armor – his brother’s girlfriend.

And Kade’s not the only thing coming between Kathleen and Blane. From Blane's inexplicable defense of a man guilty of a horrible crime, to a mysterious stranger from Kathleen's past, to Kathleen' risky investigation into human traffickers, the obstacles mount against a relationship that's just begun to find trust again.

While Blane considers a job offer that would take him back to the front lines in the war on terror, Kathleen is determined to pursue her new career, with or without his approval. Unfortunately, her current case is far more dangerous than anyone knows. Someone close to Blane will go to extreme lengths to split them up, lengths that may prove worse than death for Kathleen.

Kathleen, Blane and Kade must atone for the sins of the past and the present. The fallout will force Kathleen to a turning point...in her career, and her life.

His body blocked mine where I stood. Tipping my head back, I looked up at him. His eyes burned a path down my body.
“Fuck bullets,” he rasped. “You’re going to be the death of me.”

Well, well, well….here we are at that beautiful four solid star rating….but it’s still not enough to be above a true 3.5. I’m not sure it will ever be above that, seeing as I hear it only becomes worse (The love traingle, the unbelievable action, the solution to aforementioned triangle..). But, as I’ve said many times before, this series is a release. I’m not rushing to the next books to immediately move on and I’m only reading it during the week when I’m a little busier-This series is an escape-a moronic, albeit addicting, escape.

“Tell me you don’t want me,” he demanded. “Look at me in the eye and say you don’t feel the heat between us. Do that, and I’ll stop.”

Maybe since I’m not reading them in a row I won’t become as disillusioned as many readers did, and not rushing through them makes them a getaway, of sorts, when I do come back into this wonderful world of 9 lives for Kat and crazy, out of this world situations.

“Neither Blane nor I are your happily-ever-after, princess. Blane will break your heart, and I’m the guy your mom warned you about. Don’t kid yourself about that.”

I won’t say much, seeing as this is a long series and I’m sure I will just be repeating myself, but I will say that with each passing book, I feel worse and worse for the boys. For one? They are in love with a total fruitcake. I don’t hate Kathleen, per se, but I also don’t admire her. She is strong in her convictions to not hurt Blane, and she does love him, but she sure is all up on Kade a lot….which then makes me feel bad for Kade…who does it to himself

“You make me want things,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “Impossible things.”

I mean, holy fuck, boys, she’s not a siren. She’s just a ditz that fell into the lap of someone who has forever changed her world.

I understand it’s a romance…but there is no reason this chick is worth ruining a brother relationship over. I just…Okay, I’ll stop. Secondly, they obviously both want a future with a girl who can’t think past dinner. Thirdly, I feel a tad like she’s a bit self-righteous when she has no right to be (And then a lot of times she does have the right-I’m not kidding-there are a ton of scenarios zipping through here). And lastly, they continually risk their lives for her. That shit ain’t easy.

I snorted in derision. I was so not worth coming between them. Not that I thought I wasn’t a decent catch-I was pretty enough, and intelligent.

But most troublesome, for me, is the look of torment on Kade’s face when he sees her and Blane schmoozing it up. Just…wow. It hurts, but I love it. Sick, I know, blah blah. I hate rooting against a relationship, and I hate even more knowing whom she ends up with (yes yes, bad Chelsea, BAD!), but I can’t help it-I love both boys and I am not ashamed of it. If I had to choose right now, though, just had to, it would be Kade. Ugh. I feel bad.

He glanced at me. I was already shaking my head. “But I know you won’t go. So someone needs to keep an eye on you tonight.”
“I volunteer,” Kade piped in. “Especially if she’s going to wear that.”
I shot him a glare. The last thing I needed, or wanted, was him antagonizing Blane.
Kade feigned innocence. “What? Hey, it’s better than what you wore in Denver.”
In my peripheral vision, I saw Blane’s hands tighten on the steering wheel. If I could have climbed over the seat and strangled Kade, I gladly would have.

I’m still waiting, though. I’m waiting for this dark knight that breaks even more out of his shell, because, at the moment, Kade isn’t being what I need him to be….but I’m hoping book four will rectify this. I hope hope hope we get to see a different side of Kade we’re only seeing in bits and pieces-because now? Blane is the only fully developed male lead, in my opinion.

“Don’t get your panties in a twist,” Kade said. “Oh wait, I forgot.” He leaned across the table. “You’re not wearing any.”
He took another swallow of his beer, his eyes glittering with mischief as he watched me.
“Thought I wasn’t supposed to remind you about that,” I said archly.
Kade shrugged. “Doesn’t matter. It’s all I can think about anyway.”

So eh. I dunno. Definitely an improvement on the boys in this one, but Kathleen continues to not shock me lol. I swear, with all this fighting over her, you’d think she had…hmm…no…I won’t say it lest you all become disgusted. I am still waiting for something to really wow me with this series…and I’m hoping it’s book four because I have NOT heard great things about five. Sigh. Guess we’ll see.

BOOK REVIEW – The Seers (Holders #2) by Julianna Scott

July 21, 2015 / Anna

The Seers (Holders #2)
by Julianna Scott
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
After nearly being drained of her ability and betrayed by a man her father trusted, Becca Ingle was left with one clue — Ciaran Shea. He holds the key to the downfall of the power-mad Holder, Darragh, and can ensure the safety of both Holder and Human kind alike... but is he willing to help?

Becca, Alex, Jocelyn, and Cormac set out for Adare Manor to meet with the Bhunaidh, an aristocratic group of pure blooded Holders of whom Ciaran is a rumored member. However, when Becca discovers that they might not be the only ones after the information Ciaran has, everyone begins to wonder if Bhunaidh might not be as uninvolved with Darragh as they claim.

A race to uncover Ciaran’s secrets begins, where the line between friend and foe is blurred, and everyone seems to have their own agenda. Becca will have to call on every ability at her disposal to uncover the truth, all the while knowing that sometimes the answer is more dangerous than the question.

► I’m not a stalker. No, no, really, I’m not. Yet I’ll stalk Julianna Scott’s blog for sure to know when the next book will come out. Yes, it’s that good. Why, I think I can safely say that I’m pretty obsessed with this (underread!) series right now.

➊ I’m shamelessly in love with Alex, because he is a wonderful male lead. Period.

Okay, want to know more? What can I say, the guy blushes, is loyal and trusting but oh so humanly insecure sometimes, he cares deeply about his friends and his love for Becca is maybe one of the most adorable thing I’ve had the opportunity to see. I must admit that at this point I wasn’t far from the obsession : the tiniest gesture or conversation made me smile so big, I probably looked like a moron, but oh well : he made my heart beat faster and to be frank, it’s quite rare. In a word, here’s a male lead like I would want to find more often in my YA books as he represents a refreshing change from the asshole/controlling guys we often find in PNR. I mean, I do like a snarky evil from now and then, but I’m not immune to this kind of charming love interest, even more because he does manage to make me laugh, in his quiet and non show-off kind of way.

➋ Becca isn’t flawless, yet it made her very relatable and believable : she’s meaning to do whatever it takes to help and protect those she loves, but sometimes it’s just too hard, you know? She’s no hero, but a regular girl who happens to have powers and for that I’m grateful. I loved to see her discovering her abilities little by little, overwhelmed but eager to do the best she can. Moreover, she can’t stand bullies and doesn’t hesitate to stand for people who don’t get a say in the matter and I must confess that I was grinning hard each time she would have told someone to get lost. My only complaint would be that sometimes Becca comes as a little TSTL – not too bad, otherwise I would not have enjoyed the book, but she did trust a little too easily for my taste at some point, and perhaps she should keep her temper in check sometimes…

I mean, YOU STUPID!

But then, she is believably flawed, that’s why I could overtake it, because I have no idea how I would have reacted in her place… Easier said than done, huh?

➌ Moreover, the development of Becca and Alex’s relationship was great and really well-handled in my opinion. Indeed after book 1 we could have feared that unnecessary drama or overcheesery (I know, it’s not a word) was coming but fortunately, it never happened. I love them together.

➍ Trust issues and complots. Remember how I found The Holders predictable? Nothing like that in The Seers, where the story kept me captivated and managed to surprise me along the way : the characters have no idea who they can trust, and as the witnesses of this masquerade, we don’t either. Truth be told, it’s maybe one of my favorite kind of plot, so I was really pleased by all the developments this sequel offers us. Not to mention that I found the atmosphere a little darker and even creepy at some occasions : it is very promising for the future of the series, isn’t it?

➎ Concerning the secondary characters, we get to meet several interesting new ones, but shhhh – I can’t say more otherwise I would spoil all the fun for you and we wouldn’t want that now would we?

However, and on this I second what Emily said in her review, I would have wanted to see other female characters grow in importance. While Chloe stays nice but dismissed still too often (though it might change in the future), I didn’t like the addition of Shannon, since she was one dimensional and well, our stereotypical bitch : this kind of character never fail to annoy me because they don’t ring true, especially when the “hate” is instantaneous. However, I did appreciate that the drama didn’t involve Alex – Yeah, I *might* be a little overprotective of the guy. Meet him and you will understand, trust me.

➏ As in the first book, the writing is addictive and I find myself wanting to know more and more… Now I have a millions questions and FOR PETE SAKE WHEN WILL I KNOOOW?? TELL MEEEEEEE!!!

► In a word, if you love YA PNR, I don’t see why you couldn’t love these books. That’s true, there is romance and the plot is predictable at some points, especially in the first book, but isn’t always more or less the case in that genre? What I can say is what you won’t find : you won’t find an asshole as a hero, you won’t find an annoying heroine who spends her time melting on the floor because of the asshole mentioned above, and you won’t find boredom for sure. What are you waiting for?

BOOK REVIEW – Addicted to You (Addicted #1) by Krista Ritchie & Becca Ritchie

July 21, 2015 / Jen / 0 Comments

Addicted to You (Addicted #1)
by Becca Ritchie, Krista Ritchie
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
She's addicted to sex. He's addicted to booze...the only way out is rock bottom.

No one would suspect shy Lily Calloway's biggest secret. While everyone is dancing at college bars, Lily stays in the bathroom. To get laid. Her compulsion leads her to one-night stands, steamy hookups and events she shamefully regrets. The only person who knows her secret happens to have one of his own.

Loren Hale's best friend is his bottle of bourbon. Lily comes at a close second. For three years, they've pretended to be in a real relationship, hiding their addictions from their families. They've mastered the art of concealing flasks and random guys that filter in and out of their apartment.

But as they sink beneath the weight of their addictions, they cling harder to their destructive relationship and wonder if a life together, for real, is better than a lie. Strangers and family begin to infiltrate their guarded lives, and with new challenges, they realize they may not just be addicted to alcohol and sex.

Their real vice may be each other.

Review:

Our selfishness wedges between us. Neither of us is willing to give up what we love for each other. Not yet. And I’m not sure what it’s going to take to let go of our addictions. – Lily

The premise of this book sounded utterly fascinating. A sex addict (Lily Calloway) and alcoholic (Loren Hale) who have been best friends since childhood and pretend to be in a relationship to keep their addictions a secret from their families? Intrigued! Add in fact that the characters opulence is floated throughout the pages and I was sold! In the beginning, I was enamored with their lifestyle, decisions and struggles. It honestly felt as though I was devouring a book that would be a perfect fit as a reality show on TV. Wealth, addiction, lies, sex, alcohol, family. Flawless, right? But while all of these features initially drew me in, they started to drain me. I felt as though I was drowning in their ill choices and hardships. And in the end, it took too large of a toll on me.

Why can’t I have an addiction that people understand? It’s a vile thought—to wish for an addiction many die with. I’d rather have none at all, but for some reason, I never allow myself that option. – Lily

This stories portrayal of their addictions felt real. And while I’ve read stories with addictions before, none have ever felt as though the addiction is as huge as the main character. Where it is a constant state that never stops breathing. Watching Lo (Loren) be a functioning alcoholic and start drinking from the moment he woke up from passing out hurt. It pained me to watch someone struggle with such a strong addiction. Maybe I’m more sensitive since I watched one of my good friends father’s be a functioning alcoholic. Happy and present, until it killed him. With pages upon pages of Lo constantly having a drink in his hand, of saying and doing hurtful things because of his drunkenness, my god it devastated me. Every second of his day pained me except for the moments where he would say something beautiful and sweet to Lily. They did truly love each other, but it never felt as though it was enough to outweigh their addictions. Now Lily’s sex addiction? It was depressing also. Instead of being hot (not sure why I thought it would be that way because hellllllllo, it’s an addiction!), I wanted to cry for this girl who couldn’t control her sex addiction. Who ended up in potentially hazardous situations all to get her next fix. Can I go in the corner and sob now please?

I can’t do this again. “I’ll stop, not the sex, but the motels, the unknown texts, Craigslist—”
“Craigslist?!” he yells. “What the fuck, Lily? You know who solicits for sex on those things? Child molesters and perverts, not to mention it’s fucking illegal.”
“I didn’t use it!” I shout back, my cheeks flaming. “I was just looking.” – Lily

Even though I could feel their pain radiating off of the pages, I couldn’t make myself connect to either Lo or Lily. Ironically, the one I did connect with showed up a little later in the story and his name was Connor. He was rude, presumptuous, and hilarious. I loved the moments that he was around Lily and Lo because it helped add humor and scenes that didn’t have me wanting to curl into the fetal position and just cry. So unfortunately, Addicted to You was too depressing for me. I knew going into the book that it dealt with addictions, but I didn’t expect to be drowning in their sorrows and hearth-aches on what felt like every page. I wasn’t ale to find many slivers of hope, besides Connor. So no, I won’t be continuing on with this series.