Monday, April 7, 2014

Review: Hothouse Flower by Krista and Becca Ritchie

Title: Hothouse Flower (Calloway Sisters #2)
Author: Krista and Becca Ritchie
Published: March 28th 2014
Add It: Goodreads
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review*

Ryke Meadows, meet Daisy Calloway ... she’s all grown up.
Twenty-five-year-old Ryke Meadows knows he’s hard to love. With a billion-dollar inheritance, a track-star resume, and an alpha-male personality—he redefines the term likable asshole. But he’s not living to make friends. Or enemies. He just wants to free climb three of the toughest mountains in Yosemite without drama or interruption.
And then he receives a distressed call from a girl in Paris—a girl that he has never been allowed to have.
Daisy Calloway is eighteen. Finally. With her newfound independence, she can say goodbye to her overbearing mother and continue her modeling career. Next stop, Paris. Fashion Week begins with a bang, and Daisy uncovers the ugly reality of the industry. She wants to prove to her family that she can live on her own, but when everything spirals out of control, she turns to Ryke to keep her secrets.
As Daisy struggles to make sense of this new world and her freedom, she pushes the limits and fearlessly rides the edge. Ryke knows there’s deep hurt beneath every impulsive action. He must keep up with Daisy, and if he lets her go, her favorite motto—“live as if you’ll die today”—may just come true.

I wish I was as strong as Georgina Kincaid who reads 5 pages per night to draw the high of her favorite books out longer. Nope, that’s not me *shakes head* I devoured this baby in two days and why so? Um, it’s an enormous beast full of so many amazing things that if I had had to take it any slower I’d probably have drowned in anticipation of what comes next since this pretty had a LOT in it. Oh, did I already mention this one includes a ROAD TRIP AND CAMPING? That's already made of win ;)

“Freedom doesn’t come with age. It doesn’t magically appear when you’re a legal adult. It comes when you stand up for what you believe in.”

Daisy has always been a wild child in my eyes. I haven’t really felt connected to her, because she’s always so silly and playful that often you just can’t take her seriously. I’m more like Rose—OCD about things, very strict and neat all around so I was extremely scared that connecting with Daisy would be difficult to say the least. It wasn’t. The twins paint her colorful personality with effortless ease and watching her open up, start standing up for herself and start reaching for her dreams? It was beautiful and very inspiring. Also, we got to see how all the previous drama with her sister’s sex addiction and the reality show affected her—it ain’t pretty and it was hard watching her go through all of it. I was pretty much bathing in excitement and admiration Stiles-style (ha, look at that tongue twister) when she finally stood up for herself and started living her own dreams not her mother's. Needless to say, I was ecstatic.



Ryke’s issues are the serious kind as well. His family is so effed up and watching him being pulled in every direction was tough. I’m glad that he got some major character growth as well. What’s more, I love how these stories aren’t just romance novels. Nope. They’re full of character growth for every single character—even the minor ones; they’re thrilling, character-driven, action-packed, emotional (um, hello there sad tears, frustration tears and happy tears!), well-developed and if you think about the whole addicted series, then pretty darn complicated as well. OH, OH, OH!!!! AND THE RYKE-CONNOR-LO BROMANCE? EPICNESS EVERYWHERE. This calls for a dance party *duh*


There was one thing that bothered me but at the same time didn't since it has been the character's personality from day one. It’s hard to explain if you haven't read any of these books. If you know about the first novel then you know it’s about a sex addict and an alcoholic. Lo, Ryke’s brother, is that alcoholic and watching him be his mighty self and try to get everyone hate him by going off on them and digging up hurt was so freakin’ painful. He was a douche throughout most of this book. Then again, I somewhat understand him what with his upbringing, addiction and now this. It just hurt my heart to see him that way and see everyone else hurt as a consequence. I know he doesn’t mean hurt (in the long run), but more often than not it slices the hearts of the people around him and his own as well. It just sucks to watch that kind of self-destruction. Btw, how emotional was that desert fight scene? I wasn't crying, I promise. There was just something in my eyes; something liquid. That's all.


It’s great that we didn’t get any sexy teasers or extremely adorable scenes before the book was out because it did feel like I got to explore it on my own and nothing felt repetitive. The small teasers we got built up anticipation but at the end of the day they didn’t spoil the book and for that I’m extremely glad—made the reading experience better for sure. Plus, the twists people! THE TWISTS. I realized pretty early on what Connor and Rose we're fighting about (and you’ll probably all realize it yourselves as well since it’s so very obvious), but oh gawwwd. There were things in this book that knocked my chin to the floor and I could not pick it up again to save my life. The staircase? Paris? The boarding and coming off the private jet? The cold shower? Yep, these are just to name a few.

My reviews aren’t published in the order that I’ve read them so it’s hard for you to tell when was the last time I enjoyed a book so much to give it 5 stars. Um, it was actually at the beginning of February and it’s been two months since then. The missing 5 stars finally came and it was all sorts of emotional. So ready for the paperback to come out and decorate my collection. I can tell you that I will read this book back to back many, many times to come and it couldn’t have been more perfect in my eyes. I can't tell this enough: READ THIS SERIES!!! #bookpushing123

Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5.0
Stars: ★★★★★

PS. These books (Kiss the Sky and Hothouse Flower) are so strong on their own that even if they do get sequels (which is an idea that I would never thoroughly dislike) since so many fans want them, I feel like these books are over and done with. They both end on a perfect note and we get to see the characters in the conclusion of the Addicted series so that should be enough without additional drama for future. If anything, I’d just be happy with a bind epilogue novella of each couple in the future with each MC having their own POV in it or something. Also, just to put it out there, please don't start giving me hate, it's only my opinion and I'm entitled to it just as you are to yours. If you’re worried about the sequel stuff and don’t want to start the series until all the books are out, then you can keep an eye on the twins’ tumblr and blog to see how it all goes. Though you don't have to read the sequels since both stories have very definite endings and can be read as stand-alones.

PPS. If you're thinking about reading Hothouse Flower, but don't want to read Lily and Lo's story in the Addicted series (I know that Lauren is uncomfortable with the sex addiction theme), then do still read Kiss the Sky first since it helps you understand everything in this book so much better and gives Daisy and Ryke much more build-up than you'd get while reading just Hothouse Flower.

Thank you to Krista and Becca for providing me an arc. In no way did this affect my thoughts on the book.

Meet the authors

23 comments:

  1. Wow! It's been two months since your last 5-star read? How sad it that? Glad that this one was finally able to give you that wow moment that you've been looking for. Great review!

    Carmel @ Rabid Reads

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    1. It was definitely a relief to know that there are still some 5 star reads out there :D Thanks, Carmel :)

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  2. I just one-clicked the first book in this series, Siiri ;) It's not even 9am, and you've already got me click-happy!

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  3. I really enjoyed Addicted to You by these ladies and I know how much you are a fan of these novels/series. I can quite clearly see it in your love for TEEN WOLF!!! Hehe! Maybe I need to read more of this series. Great review, my lovely! :)

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    1. You most def need to pick up the rest of the books, Emma! And thank you so much :) x

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  4. 5 pages per night? Of a GOOD book? Talk about impossible. :D Rose sounds more like me too, and I'm definitely not much of a Daisy, but I'm glad to hear you were able to connect with her well. Also, I love a good bromance in books, so you've pretty much won me over with that Ryke-Connor-Lo comment. In regards to the Addicted series, I am a little uncomfortable with the sex addiction theme, but you and Nick are so convincing with your reviews, so I look forward to getting around to it eventually. However, I will take your advice and give Kiss the Sky a try first. :)

    Great review as always, Siiri! You can't go wrong with Stiles gifs. ;)

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    1. Haha, that's why I don't even try to adapt these reading habits from Georgina :D The bromance is insane in this book and in the best possible way. These guys look out for each other like no other + all the banter, it's just yeah :D Ha! Nick and I don't make it easy for everyone to ignore this epicness. I hope that if you do give these a try one day, you'll at least enjoy them half as much as we do. Thanks, love! And yes, STIIIIIILES :')

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  5. OK this is so freaky but I wrote my review for this yesterday and wrote something very very similar to this :

    "Daisy has always been a wild child in my eyes. I haven’t really felt connected to her, because she’s always so silly and playful that often you just can’t take her seriously."

    Here's what I wrote:

    "Daisy has always been a little wild, so I can't say I connected with her on any level because I'm the complete opposite of wild, but she's a character I love because of how genuine and loveable she is."

    :O :O

    We are so mind-twins now too! Ha! In all seriousness, do you want me to delete the line in my review? I won't mind at all!

    My heart broke for poor Ryke too and in a way, for Lo too. I wanted to know what was going on inside that head of his, but he also behaving like a total jerk considering how devoted Ryke has been to him since he came back into his life. :(
    Hopefully, we'll get more insight into what's going on with him in the next book.

    You know, I'm also glad we didn't get any sexy teasers. It made reading the book so much more exciting because I was pretty much dying of anticipation. :D

    Oh and you know how I felt about the idea of sequels! I'm definitely with you on that. There is no need for more drama.

    Lovely review, Siiri! Mine posts tomorrow. :)

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    1. *laughs* we just spend too much time together (wish it was in real life though not on twitter lols) and great minds think alike ;) do not delete that line, please. It's so you and it suits the book perfectly :) Omg yes! I'm glad that Thrive will have some insight to all this since Lo just broke my heart. Ha, the anticipation, yeeesshhh *fans self* I CANNOT WAIT FOR YOUR REVIEW, SWEETS! x

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  6. So glad this series is such a winner for you Siiri! I love finding series like this that continue to impress with each installment and that have characters (main and secondary) that just wrap themselves around my heart and refuse to let go. Normally I'm a fan of books having sequels, particularly books with characters I adore, but I agree that sometimes it's nice just to have their stories be complete without creating more drama for them to deal with. I just want them to be happy at the end and leave it at that!

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  7. Siiri don't feel bad I am the same way..the first time though I cannot help but devour a book, no matter how much I want to savor it. This sounds wonderful. I love how you described the characters.

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  8. Damn Siiri, I can always count on an epic review from you! I so wish I could get my thoughts down as well as you do!!! That bro dance gif LOL! Perfect! And you know, now that you put it that way, I won't be heartbroken if the twins decide not to write another R+C and D+R book, because they do end on a good note. And sometimes, it's better to leave it that way than to force another conflict just to have another book to appease the fans. I can't say I won't be overjoyed if they do decide to write more R+C and D+R books, but I won't hate them either if they decide not to. In the long run, the fans might be more happy if the story wasn't forced.

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  9. Oh I didn't know this book but it sounds so good! The story seems really intense and beautiful. I agree with you with books we love, it's totally impossible to read them slowly but well at the end we want more like always and it's difficult.

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  10. Georgina Kincaid reference =WIN!
    I've been staying away from these since you know I was burned out on NA. I know so many people love them though. I'm barely starting to read NA again and I think this series might appeal to me more than the Addicted one. But I have them all on my TBR!

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  11. It is such a great feeling when you end books on a perfect note and hope they remain that way for you

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  12. I would have been shocked if Hothouse Flower didn't get five stars. It's pretty freaking awesome when a book and series satisfies you in every way possible.
    Thanks for the excellent review, Siiri!

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  13. I gave this 5 stars as well :) This was my first five star read in quite a while! Ahhhhhh, I loved this book so much and I haven't heard anything about sequels to the books. I don't know how I feel about that. Like you I think both Kiss the Sky and this one ended on amazing notes so I don't understand a need for a sequel, but we'll see I guess. OMG and the scene with Ryke and Daisy and then Connor magically appears...I died a slow death lol Great review!

    Janina @ Synchronized Reading

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  14. This series sounds awesome and I really want to read them right away. And I totally loved your Georgina Kincaid reference. Awesome review Siiri!

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  15. Woo! I'm so glad you read something you absolutely loved and found something 5-star worthy :D

    Lovely review! <33

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  16. I can't believe you haven't had a five star read in so long! I feel the same way but i don't think it's been like THAT long since i've given a book five stars. Maybe just a couple of weeks! LOL, I guess that's nothing for you but still! I have to admit this book sounds seoruisly awesome now and i want to read it *adds to TBR*
    Great review!
    p.s love the GIF of Styles crying...my baby
    Lily @ Lilysbookblog

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  17. Omg Siiri, you have got me SO SO SO damn excited to start this series. Well-rounded characters, great story-telling, TWISTS (:O :O :O) that are executed well?! SIGN ME RIGHT UP PLEASE! I totally understand what you mean by having something bother you but understanding that's it's just part of the character. I love how authors can do that to the reader, truly make you understand their characters like that. Wonderful, wonderful review, I need to add these to my TBR asap!

    P.S. I take it you're a Teen Wolf fan :P

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  18. love your review. it's so honest!

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