Thursday, 5 February 2015

NO MORE WAITING #2: ADDICTED SERIES

Are you fed up with cliffhangers? Are you not patient enough to wait months for next instalment when reading series? Or do you just prefer to completely lose yourself in story and marathon all the books together? If you answered "yes" to at least one of these questions, this post is for you. NO MORE WAITING is a feature on my blog that spotlights completed series. You can look forward to spoiler-free reviews, graphic arts to accompany it and interesting discussions. Today's post will be quite a long one so bear with me :)


Addicted by Krista & Becca Ritchie

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Purchase: AmazonB&NBD



SYNOPSIS FOR BOOK #1:

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. 
THIS BOOK IS RECOMMENDED FOR MATURE READERS AUDIENCES ONLY. HOWEVER, THIS REVIEW ITSELF DOES NOT CONTAIN ANY INAPPROPRIATE MATERIAL.

SERIES RATING AND REVIEW:


Book 1 - Addicted To You :
Book 1.5 - Ricochet :
Book 2 - Addicted For Now :
Book 2.5 - Thrive :
Book 3 - Addicted After All :


Two addictions, one big lie. In order to keep in good graces of their wealthy parents (and to keep access to trust funds) Lo and Lily had to hide their addictions and pretend to be together. The truth about his alcoholism and her sexual escapades could not only ruin reputations of their families but also take away their freedom of supporting their addictions. But how long can they keep the charade?


Who wouldn’t be intrigued after such a start? I was utterly fascinated by the premise of this series and I was curious how (and if) Lily and Lo would be able to develop something more than friendship considering their life styles. For years, they were enabling each other’s addictions. But when their feelings get out of hand, how will Lo deals with Lily’s sex drive being out of control? What will Lily think of Lo being drunk all the time? Can she be monogamous and not be ruled by her need for orgasms? Will they ever be able to do a 180° turn-around and do the hard thing and say no to their addictions? Can such two people ever have healthy relationship together? How can they fight their addictions without attracting attention of their families and society? Let me tell you, I was so worked up, needing to find answers to those questions that I literally couldn’t put first three books down. I was prepared for angsty realistic intense ride, but reality of this series was even more all-consuming. I was looking for unforgettable emotional contemporary tale and got exactly that (and much more).


Addicted series is not the easiest read. Some parts were angsty and sad, others truly dangerous and nasty. Addiction, in whatever form, is never pretty. And in this series it shows its very ugly side. It was so heartbreaking to see to what lengths would some people go to support their addictions. And I’m not sure if it is masochist in me talking, but this intense angst was exactly what made these books so special for me and what distinguish them from all others NA novels out there.

But don’t worry, this series is not only full of despair. It is also about power of true love, about strength of family ties and friendships. It is story about learning to accept help and about learning to love yourself even with all your flaws. I fell in love not only with Lily and Lo, but also with all side characters who made me laugh a lot and helped to balance this tale so it wouldn’t turn into completely depressive read.


How to sum up this series? Heartbreaking and soul-crashing but simultaneously beautiful and entertaining modern family drama. Lily & Lo’s story touched my heart. They may be flawed but oh so very real and dear to me. These messed up (but unique) characters became special to me and this series will stay with me forever. I highly recommend Addicted series to those who are looking for intense and memorable NA novels!


TIMELINE AND SUGGESTED READING ORDER:


1. Addicted To You (Addicted #1)
2. Ricochet (Addicted #1.5)
3. Addicted For Now (Addicted  #2)
4. Kiss the Sky (Addicted #2.1, Calloway Sisters #1

5. Hothouse Flower (
Addicted #2.2, Calloway Sisters #2
6. Thrive (Addicted #2.5)
7. Addicted After All (Addicted #3)

8. Fuel the Fire  (Addicted #3.1, Calloway Sisters #3)
9. Long Way Down (Addicted #3.2, Calloway Sisters #4)
10. Some Kind of Perfect (Addicted #3.5, Calloway Sisters #4.5)

 DO YOU LIKE STORIES ABOUT ADDICTS?  HAVE YOU READ THIS SERIES? 
WHO WAS YOUR FAVORITE COUPLE: Lily & Lo, Rose & Connor or Daisy & Ryke?

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Lucia @Reading Is My Breathing

Lucia is 29 years old passionate reader and reviewer who enjoys talking about all bookish things. Currently she lives in Prague, works in business industry and dreams of starting her own publishing company. Her weakness? She can never say no to cake, coffee or good novel.

Comments (27)

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Lovely Post :)
1 reply · active 529 weeks ago
I have heard SOOO many people RAVE about this series, AND the first few books are sitting on my iPad so I have NO idea why I haven't picked them up. You have definitely sold me though. I can tell you are emotionally invested in the series--and it makes me want to read it.
As for your question about addicts in books, I do like to read about characters that struggle emotionally but are able to overcome it. Whether it be the loss of a spouse, or an addiction, I like to see people come out on top of adversity.
GREAT POST & post idea Lucia!
My recent post Beyond Limits by Laura Griffin (Review) HOT #MilitaryManALERT!
1 reply · active 529 weeks ago
There's a definite need for this type of post around the blogopshere, although it also serves as an unfortunate reminder that I have 0 time to binge read. *cries* I can sometimes squeeze in entire trilogies, but anything longer than that is a challenge. Thanks for keeping this post spoiler-free, I have yet to discover Krista & Becca Ritchie's Addicted for myself.
My recent post Audiobook Review: Bound by Flames by Jeaniene Frost
1 reply · active 529 weeks ago
I adored the first two books in this series and I definitely plan to continue on with it. SO. GOOD!! I love that you loved the entire series. Wish I had time I marathon them straight through!
My recent post Review: How (Not) to Fall in Love by Lisa Brown Roberts
1 reply · active 529 weeks ago
I love these authors! Somehow I skipped from Addicted to You to Kiss the Sky, but I fell right back into the story and I LOVED Connor :) I plan to read them all soon!
My recent post Stacking the Shelves (66)
1 reply · active 528 weeks ago
Loving this post, it's really put together well, Lucia! I like how you included the quotes too, it lets me know that I will definitely enjoy the writing style. I really want to give this series a try!
My recent post We Could be Millionaires…if it Weren’t for Books
1 reply · active 528 weeks ago
I have the first of this series on my wishlist, and I'm going to steal that reading timeline for future reference when I finally get to it! Thank you for sharing this, I love diving into series that are finished. Waiting really isn't my strong suit lol
My recent post Book Review: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
1 reply · active 529 weeks ago
Awesome review and the graphics are soooo pretty! I have this series, but always put it off :/ I need to read it after this review ;)
1 reply · active 446 weeks ago
Seriously NEED to start this series!! Where have I been and WHAT am I waiting for LOL :D
1 reply · active 528 weeks ago
Lucia, you don't play nice, my friend. Seriously, I want this series! I'm going to be broke D:
My recent post Review: Boomerang by Noelle August
1 reply · active 446 weeks ago
I loved the first book Addicted To You, I'm a bit hesitant to review it on my blog because I aim for all age ranges :( I have yet to read the rest of the series though .. this actually has a unique concept without all the cliche-ness. Great review<3 Kinda obsessed with your blog and posts now :)
My recent post I'll Meet You There by Heather Demetrios Review ♥
1 reply · active 527 weeks ago
Reading addiction is awesome. Article is lovely.

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