Monday, July 8, 2013

Review: Addicted to You by Krista and Becca Ritchie

Title: Addicted to You (Addicted #1)
Author: Krista and Becca Ritchie
Published: June 13th 2013
Add It: Goodreads
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review*

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 when they go on a family boat trip, surrounded by open seas and limited male bodies in sight, Lily’s confronted with a big fear. Only one guy onboard can fill her addiction, and she’s sworn off going there with Loren Hale ever again.
Now the only person who can truly help her can barely help himself.
**This is a New Adult book recommended for readers 18 and up**

Before I’m going to start talking about my emotions regarding one of the most intriguing New Adult books I have ever read, I’ll tell you that the authors of this book are two of the sweetest girls and even though I adore them, I’ll be very professional and not let my personal feelings get in the way of reviewing this pretty.

As I pick up my ripped gray tee, tattered and practically in shreds, the foggy image of last night clears. I stepped through the treshold of his room and literally tore my clothes off like the raging Hulk. Was that even sexy? I cringe. Must have been sexy enough to sleep with me. (pg 2 of the e-arc)

The story. Lily is a sex addict who craves for kinky more than an avarage male. Seriously! She’s got problems. Have you ever met a girl who watches porn in class? No? Well, now you have. She lives in an apartment with her childhood friend Loren who is her pretend-boyfriend when they’re with their families. Why, you ask? Because Lo has got an addiction as well and this, ladies and gents, is a pact they’ve made in order to hide their addictions. The thing is though that they’re not only dishonest with their families, but with themselves as well.

My emotions. I would have never guessed that one day I’d read a book about a sex addict, especially about one who is the same age as me. I felt for Lily because addictions are cruel. There’s no running when you have one, there’s only fighting back. I guess that’s what bothered me the most about her relationship with Lo. I loved Lo when we first met him and boy was he smexy and cute. However, it’s no secret that Lily has feelings for him and vice versa. The more the story progressed, the better their relationship got in the romantic sense, but their friendship, for me, collapsed.

Lily’s addiction is almost harmless if she’s safe, but Lo’s affects his mental health, nerves, liver – his organism and that can’t be reduced. That’s the reason I felt like Lily should have put her craving in the background and helped Lo sooner. I hate how mean he became and how he didn’t give a rat’s butt about anything other than the liquor in the cabins. It’s tough to fight your urges though so at the same time I understand why it took so long for Lily to realize he really did need help. I can only hope it's not too late.

On other topics, I loved the chemistry between these two. I liked that it was only from Lily’s POV since the dual point of view would have grown tiresome. I also adored Connor Cobalt – hahahaha! Seriously, he and his cat, he and his ego – everything was brilliant about him, LOL. I am glad Lily and Lo found themselves not alone in this mess and managed to gain friends. I cannot wait to read what’s next to come. 

All in all, it was a very strong debut and I am sure we will hear lots of great things from Krista and Becca. The fact that they decided to publish this book as their debut and write about such important topics in addition to sex addiction and put their own twist to it requires courage and these two have it plenty. Plus it doesn't hurt that it was spiced with my kind of humour. Totally not your typical New Adult book! Also, great thing is that the novella and sequel -- both following the ending of this one -- aren't that far away:) Read on, lovelies!

Btw, listen to Christina Aguilera’s Your Body which I believe is the perfect soundtrack to this book if you listen to the words ;-)


Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Meet the authors

Website | Review Blog | Twitter (Krista) 

Goodreads (Krista) | Twitter (Becca) | Goodreads (Becca)

15 comments:

  1. Oh wow a sex addict? Sounds pretty intense. I've never heard of this book before, but you have no idea how happy I am that New Adult is finally branching out to more serious issues. I recently read one on eating disorders.
    I understand your frustration towards Lily. I think I would be quite mad at her too, but I guess an addiction is hard to let go of. I'll definitely be on the look-out for this one.
    Fabulous review, Siiri!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was intense! I'm glad as well that we're getting to the point where new ideas are about to surface since I'm tired of the same old, same old. I hope you'll love it! It's definitely worth exploring :-)

      Delete
  2. I've had my eye on this book for sometime now and I'm so glad that you really enjoyed this Siiri. I don't think I've seen a book which has dealt with sex addictions before, so I really do admire both authors for taking a chance with this issue. I think after your review I will definitely be picking up this book up a lot more sooner! Lovely review! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This was a new experience for me as well. I think the twins are brave for writing about such a thing and it made me realize it isn't just a craving, it's a real illness that needs to be dealt with. I'm glad I got the chance to review it:)

      Delete
  3. Wow, this one sounds really good. I was interested before, but now after reading your review, this is most definitely a book I want to read at some point.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I haven't read a book about a sex addict before, and I think a lot of times people might think that using the term "addict" with sex is just an excuse for someone to sleep around and not be labeled something unflattering, but there's no doubt in my mind that in cases like Lily's it's a very real addiction and something she absolutely struggles with. Definitely curious to see how everything is handled in this book Siiri!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know! It kindad opened my eyes, too and it was a real struggle for Lily, indeed. I hope you'll have great luck with this book as did I :)

      Delete
  5. This sounds great! I love love that the authors did not take the easy way out with these characters and their addictions. To portray them as less than brutal and messy would be a disservice, I think.
    Fabulous review, Siiri! As always!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They definitely didn't take the easy way out. It was tough to read the way to self-destruction and I think that it can only get better from this all time low they hit on their journey. Thanks hon!

      Delete
  6. The chemistry between them sounds great, and I haven't read anything about a sex addcit

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hadn't either and the chemistry was sizzling, might I add ;-)

      Delete
  7. WHOA those are big issues to tackle! I'm not sure this one would be for for me, but I'm glad that you liked it so much and that it's gaining an audience. It's also really great to see something different in the New Adult genre. Is the next book about the same couple? Great review!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Lauren! I will say that it definitely won't be for everyone, but it was still new and exciting and I'd recommend to check it out nevertheless. Yes, the next book (and the novella) are indeed about Lo and Lily, but Krista told me on twitter that my favorite character Connor will get his own book as well. He is hilarious!!! :)

      Delete
  8. I want to read this so badly and I hate you for making me want to read it more. Haha, kidding! I hope I can get to it ASAP!

    ReplyDelete