Addicted to You by Krista and Becca Ritchie Series: Addicted #1
on May 22, 2014
Source: Purchased
Genres: New Adult, Romance
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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.
New Adult Romance recommended for readers 18+ for mature content
After all the raving and book pushing that Siiri from Little Pieces of Imagination has been doing, I finally listened and picked up Addicted To You. Now I know why it’s called that because I am seriously addicted.
I wouldn’t have picked it up from the blurb, with Lily being a sex addict and Loren being an alcoholic, it sounded a bit too much on the erotica side of new adult for me. But guys, it was so much more than just being about the sex. It really explores the emotional and physical affects of addiction and how scary, uncontrollable and intoxicating it can be.
I didn’t just have sex for fun or because it made me feel empowered. I liked the high, the rush, and how it seemed to fill an emptiness that kept growing inside of me.
Addicted To You contained immense character development for both main characters. Lily and Loren both have a problem, and they use each other to cover it up. Being best friends for their whole lives, and the only people that know each others’ secrets, their bond was strong, uncontrollable, unbreakable, just like their addictions. These two are absolutely intoxicating, with the intensity which they relate to each other, care for each other, and try not to interfere with each others’ addictions. Being together is both destructive and preventing them from seeking help or getting better, because having someone else to relate to with addictive behaviour kind of makes it a part of life. The more Lily spirals into a self-harming spiral of sex, the more Loren drinks to hide his pain.
“Lo,” I choked his name. “What’s wrong with me?”
He came closer and bent down to my height on the bed. Carefully, he cupped the back of my head, his fingers intertwining with my brown locks. His deep amber eyes filled mine. “Nothing is wrong with you,” he said.
That is, until they meet the preppy wanna be entrepreneur college boy Connor Cobalt who somehow weasels his way into their lives, as well as the intense, no-nonsense Ryke who doesn’t take no for an answer. These secondary characters both have their own stories and something to offer the couple itself, and it was great seeing them interfere with the unhealthy bond that the Lily and Lo had and making friends with them, and caring for them. Something which they’ve never had before outside of each other. Connor and Ryke are super sexy in their own ways, and are also excellently developed characters.
Addictive to You is a fantastic, well developed story about the sex and alcohol addiction and the unhealthy relationship between Lily and Lo. The way the story is told is hazy from the start, as Lily skips from faceless men each night as she pursues her natural high. The way she is completely dependent on sex to go through life is both disturbing and tragic, and she cannot function like a normal person without it.
I’ve never read a book that explored sex addiction so readily and honestly, and it was both a frightening and enlightening experience. It’s an emotional, sexy, disturbing, addictive and wild ride, with a host of characters that will charm their way into your heart.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
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Siiri was raving to me on twitter about this series at the weekend and I really need to get it started especially since you love it too and I have the first three books waiting!! Awesome review love!
Danielle recently posted…The Monthly Round Up | The July Edition
Weeeee! SO happy that this one worked out for you, Jeann! I get what you mean about not picking the book when the blurb was all about sex addiction and stuff like that. I mean, let's face it. A lot of NA nowadays are quite disappointing so subconsciously, I expected for this book to flop. But OMG, after reading this, it wasn't erotica after all. Yes, there were a lot of sex but they're not FOSG you know.
And yes, this was more than a sex book. It was really thought provoking and an eye-opener because I never thought that sex could turn into an addiction. I even googled the disorder to see if there's even a reality to it.
Lovely review, Jeann. 😀
Charlotte @ Thoughts recently posted…Stacking the Shelves {29} + litRate
Thanks Charlotte, I wouldn't have read it if it didn't come recommended to me. If you are interested to see how sex addiction is explored you should read it!
Dear Jeann,
Have I ever told you that you can be extremely convincing? I haven't added anything new to my definite TBR in a long time and guess what's going on there? This book sounds absolutely amazing! I'm always up for something that's really deep. 😀
x,
Laura
Laura Plus Books recently posted…Getting Over It: Being An Easy Reviewer
Same with me Kat, the hype got to me!
No problems Kaitlin, there isn't really an erotica focus here which is good.
Must resist the urge not to one-click.
OMG JEANN! I thought I had sworn of New Adult forever but now I see your review and… ugh it sounds amazing. I don't know what to do because I really really want to read this one like right now. I want to drop everything and just read it. AWESOME review! <3
Marianne @ Boricuan recently posted…Review: The Young World by Chris Weitz
Oh I totally dropped everything to read this one too and I want more!
Thank you for this review, Jeann! I'm really wary of NA lately because I don't like the erotica side of it, but this one actually looks like the type of NA book I would absolutely love. I tend to really like books that aren't pretty and that includes books about addiction. I just like stories where characters battle something like that.
This book is officially on my Goodreads to-read list!
Kaitlin @ Reading is recently posted…Review ~ Accession by Terah Edun
This has been on my TBR for so long, but every review I see is a good one. Definitely will have to start the series soonish!! 😀
Kat Stark @ NotYetRe recently posted…Review: Night Terrors by Tim Waggoner
Thanks Nick, it sounds like everyone has loved this series so far. I'm so glad Siiri got me over the line to reading it. Thanks Nick!
I'm not too sure yet, because I haven't read the 2nd book yet. But oh my gosh, it is amazing! Lily's characterisation and the way she couldn't function without sex was portrayed really well. I hope you'll enjoy it!
HAHA that is so hilarious! That's happened to me quite a few times before.
Yesss I'm glad you're really keen on reading it Kristin, it is amazing!
YESS my work here is done.
Haha I know the feeling Holly, I got so addicted to it as well! and I loved how it wasn't just about the sex. It was really good, I can't wait to read the rest of the series!
I totally agree, but most of the time I find them stereotypical. I'm so glad Addicted To You was not. It's an interesting portrayal, I hope you read it Carmel!
This sounds like a roller-coaster ride, Siiri! I can pretty much feel the emotion of this book seeping from the words. I don't think I've read something like this either, and I just know how much Siiri loves this one. I think Aimee recently started it too and found herself loving it a lot as well! Guess it's time for me to hop aboard the train myself! XD
Faye @ The Social Po recently posted…Review: Boomerang by Noelle August
OH Faye, I know you mean Jeann but I forgive you, because I did mention Siiri in my post 😉 I think you'd love it as much as the rest of us!
Oh Yes so many people have said oh yes that Siiri is up to it again lol! The characters in this book were amazing and I really enjoyed their dynamic. I hope you'll pick it up soon!
LOL Siiri can be persuasive! I'm really glad you gave this one a try and honestly I'm not surprised you liked it. It's been a while since I've read it, but yeah I totally agree that this one is more than just their addictions and NA kind of story. It's really emotional and even psychological. Great review, Jeann 🙂
Tanja recently posted…Mini reviews: City of Ashes and City of Glass by Cassandra Clare
Lol posting it now I can see how many people she's convinced! I'm really interested in seeing what happens with the rest of the characters.
I actually have this in my kindle but have not read it yet! I think I 1-clicked this because of Christy's review but after reading yours, I really have to bump this up my reading list! I don't really mind reading smutty books, but I'm not a big fan of overly angsty books. This one feels different though, I think because both characters have their own addictions and the heroine is the sex addict. How many NA books have we read about a man-whorish hero? Way too much! I would love to see how the characters develop and how their relationship become more than each other's enabler. Awesome review Jeann! <3
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It is definitely different, I loved how deep and emotional it was when it addressed their addictions. I think it would definitely be up your alley Amir!
GAH. You too?? LOL. Fine, fine . . . it's not like I don't already have nearly ALL of these books (b/c I do), I just haven't gotten around to reading them yet. Consider it done. Great review, Jeann! Glad the kool-aid didn't kill you 😉
Haha yes I just succumbed to the the hype and totally loved it! Can't wait to see what you think of it Jessica.
You know how I feel about New Adult books Jeann! *gulps* But this sounds so darn good, and I'm intrigued! The premise is definitely a bit disturbing, but it sounds like the author really takes an emotional and intriguing route with the plot. Definitely going to put this in the back of my head for whenever I'm in the mood for a good New Adult book. Thanks for sharing and, as always, BRILLIANT review! <3
Zoe @ The Infinite T recently posted…Heir of Fire Review + Giveaway!
Oh I do know Zoe, but this one was definitely different to the norm! The depth of emotion and the way it explored the addictions was amazing.
I am REALLY glad to see you enjoyed this one, Jeann and you pretty much nailed everything I felt about this book. I still need to continue with the series but I ADORED Addicted to You and cannot wait to read the next couple of books in the series! 🙂
Lovely review, Jeann!! 🙂
Rashika recently posted…ARC Review: Magnolia by Kristi Cook
Thanks Rashika, I'm glad I finally got to read it too! I'm looking forward to the rest of the series as well.
Hmmm I'm curious about this one. Sex addiction eh? I'd like to know how she wrote it, I've read books of the same theme and it wasn't all that great. It's all in the execution and it seems like this was done right.
Braine Talk Supe recently posted…Steampunk Sundays: Tempered by Karina Cooper
Absolutely Braine, I wasn't sure what to think when I picked it up but it was amazing.
Seems like this was a fantastic read, even if a bit of an unconventional one too! Also, interesting that them together wasn't shown as more than enough to resolve their issues, so it seems like it was more realistically protrayed than some other new adult books!
Great review, Jeann!!
Pili recently posted…Mark This Book Monday: Anna And The French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins!!!
I know right? In so glad it wasn't a broken couple who came together and they both remained broken, which seems to be a theme in a lot of NA these days.
I can't wait for you to read the rest. There is so much growth from all the characters and their different dynamics. I'm reading Thrive now, but trying to read it slow because I don't want it to end. lol
Christy recently posted…If I Stay by Gayle Forman
Oh I'm so excited Christy, I've already bought Ricochet and cant wait to read it.
WOW! I did not see that coming from the synopsis, but you have totally put this book on my radar now and I really want to read it! Great review!
Thanks Becca, glad to see youre keen on reading it now!
I wouldn't have picked this up based on the blurb either. I can't say I've ever been too interested in reading about a sex addict or alcoholic. But Siiri managed to convince me with her love for this series, and I keep hearing about these great characters and the depth and emotion in the story. I hope to be able to give it a try soon! I'm glad it worked for you, Jeann. 🙂
Thanks Sam, it seems like Siiri's reach is far and wide lol! I hope you'll enjoy the book as well.
The moment I saw you post this review, I already have a feeling Siiri put you up to this. Turns out everyone was not surprised. Haha!
I am glad you loved this one too, Jeann. I cannot wait to know Lily, who I know I wouldn't really empathize with at any way in the real world (at least at first), and Lo who seemed to be as lost as her. I simply can't wait to see their relationship firsthand. I really think it's high time for me to try this. I just need to be in a right state of mind and then I'd surely read the hell out of this series for sure. Lovely review, Jeann.
Sarah @ Smitten over recently posted…Review: Half A King by Joe Abercrombie
I always enjoy books that feature broken characters, and the sex addiction story line intrigues me, especially seeing how it's Lily who struggles with this problem. I can't help but roll my eyes at male sex addicted characters, but a female junkie? My curiosity is piqued!
Carmel @ Rabid Reads recently posted…Interview and Giveaway with Jennifer Estep #StompvsRomp
Dammit Jeann! Now that you've taken the plunge and become addicted, I think I might be the only person left in the world who hasn't picked this series up yet! *hangs head in shame* Everyone raves about this series, but to be perfectly honest, the sex addiction makes me nervous. I don't know how well I'll handle Lily going from one faceless man to the next, even if it's handled really well. Maybe I can start with the second book in the series? I'm so glad to see you loved this book though, and this was a beautiful review!
Jeann! I'm so happy you loved this one as much as I did. Wasn't this such a wonderful surprise? I honestly can't get enough of this series and wait until you read the second book in the series. It's even better and even more emotionally compelling. The characters are really what make this series so wonderful. The dynamics is just so wonderful and the issues are handled in a realistic way.
I'm excited to see what you think of the rest of the series.
Gorgeous review, Jeann!
Don't laugh..but when I went to one-click it appears I purchased this in December! ~confession of a book addict.
kimbacaffeinate recently posted…Guarded by Mary Behre
The synopsis really made me think typical NA but I love that this has more depth. Ok, I am in.
kimbacaffeinate recently posted…Guarded by Mary Behre
dang, dang, DANG!!!! Christy raved about this series so I knew I should read this but now I'm freaking about making time for it!! Shoot! This is a fantastic review, girlie!!! Thank goodness I already own this…
just dang…. 🙂
Kristin @ My ParaHan recently posted…Review: Dissonance by Erica O’Rourke
I read this back in January, and I became addicted! I loved how this book focused on the characters! It was very character-driven, and I absolutely adored the relationship between Lily and Lo. It was destructive, intoxicating, passionate, and the bond between them was so strong. This was one of the best addiction books I've read, and I really must keep going with this series. Loved the additions of Connor and Ryke and can't wait to read about the Calloway sisters as well.
So glad you loved this one! 🙂
Holly U recently posted…Magic and Knights: Review of Legendary
Well, I wouldn't read this one by only looking at that blurb, too! I rarely see a NA book that is done well. (Colleen Hoover does amazing NAs by the way) But now… and Aimee liked this one, too, so.. I'll give this book a try then. Great review, Jeann! I am definitely intrigued now. 😀
Marga @ Deadly Darli recently posted…Review: Rebel by Amy Tintera
Thanks Marga, I JUST LOVE COLLEEN HOOVER. One of my favourite authors of all time. I hope you get to read this one, it's awesome!
Ohhh, this is that series thing Siiri is, like, completely obsessed with (scarily so. SHE IS A PSYCHO :P).
God, now you're crazy for it too I'm feeling the pressure to buy it. Dammit, Jeann, I was trying to resist on this one! WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO ME? *sighs* . . . *goes to Amazon* . . .
Hahaha she is doing really well as a book pusher though cos we're all convinced. I'm SO EXCITED that you are going to be picking it up!
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAS *SOBS A THOUSAND HAPPY SOBS* Right? It does sound like it could be erotica or something, but it's actually such a gorgeous tale of character growth, family, romance and overcoming addictions that most can't even begin to understand. I felt so deeply for Lily and Lo both and it was painful to watch them self-destruct. I'm so happy I could cry! You liked Connor and Ryke :') And yes! All the secondaries are well-developed in my eyes too. Especially as the series progresses! Aw. Your final paragraph almost made me tear up! I'm so happy you enjoyed and I hope you will fall in love with LiLo and the rest of the gang even more in the future books. Gorgeous review, Jeann!
Siiri recently posted…Review: All Lined Up by Cora Carmack
Oh Siiri I am just so glad you recommended it and have been consistently book pushing it, otherwise I wouldn't have discovered such a great series! Connor and Ryke were amazing as well, I can't wait to read the rest of it, which you've said is even more awesome!