review :: the Addicted series

Attention readers, please make room... no, let me rephrase that. Readers, please build a house and a throne and a palace in your Kindle slash Life, slash Heart, slash World, for these three books immediately! Drop everything you're doing and just read this. I promise you won't regret a single breath! These books fulfilled a craving I didn't even knew I had... Isn't that just awesome?

So here's what I can tell you: Lily Calloway and Loren Hale are richer than virtually anyone, ever. Their fathers own Fizzle (read: soda) and Hale, Co. (read: baby products). On the surface, they're two rich kids who seem to be happily dating and attending college. On the inside, he's an alcoholic and she's addicted to sex. And what's more, they're best friends. Not a couple. Yep. She has sex with any man she can get her hands on, and his favorite company is that of a bottle of bourbon. Explosive, dangerous, passionate... and the list goes on. Going in, I knew this wasn't going to be my regular go-to story, I knew I'd be way out of my comfort zone and that this would probably be emotionally draining but I got so much more than I ever bargained for. Truly. I never knew what journey I was embarking on. I thought he was going to be drunk 24/7 and she'd be having sex with every guy on call. And they were. They did. But what I didn't see coming was their love story. You guys, it's magical. It's beautiful. It's stunning. And it is everything I ever want to experience in my life, minus the alcohol and the sex addiction.  

This series will punch you in the gut one minute and make you swoon the next. It's so different from every other book out there right now that my mind is still deeply confused about how I should review these books. I can't help but feel giddy and sad at the same time because while we are absolutely certain Lily and Lo are head over heels in love with each other, we all got to see just how evil and ruthless addictions can be. These books aren't the normal order of romance with a side of teeny weeny angst, some family drama and some sex. NO. These books are a breathtaking dose of real life with a side of truth, a big helping of sex, alcohol, deep love and absolutely no sugarcoating whatsoever. Are you ready to jump ship? Then I'm afraid I'm gonna have to restrain you, because you cannot miss out on these books, ya heard me? Stay put and buy these books right freaking now. 

I really don't want to spoil you guys, but the blurb doesn't even start to explain how complex, intricate, descriptive, captivating, emotionally draining but spiritually fulfilling this series is. There are no words. It's so much more than a story of someone dealing with alcoholism and someone dealing with a sex addiction mashed together: it's like Lo and Lily are two different universes with unique characteristics, desires and demons that are weaved together by some sort of magical connection that just... works, thrills, pulls the reader in. You know what soulmates are? It's Lily and Loren, no doubt in my mind. You know that she's the yin to his yang, she's the milk to his cookies, the stars to his sky. Just his everything, her everything. There's no Lo without Lily, and no Lily without Lo. How beautiful is that?

♥♥♥

"He’s filling my every single need. He’s taking care of me. Only Lo can satisfy every part of my all-consuming soul. He is truly my everything." - Lily Calloway

♥♥♥

Personally, I thought I knew what alcoholism was, what an addiction was, but my definition didn't even scratch the surface. Krista and Becca Ritchie, you guys are spectacular because you did your homework and you portrayed the harsh truth and the bitter reality of Lily and Lo in a captivating way, in a way that didn't even allow any kind of bullcrap. Thank you for that because that was one of the pieces that made this series so breathtaking. If you're looking for that 100% fairytale story, then this isn't for you. The harsh reality is that their addictions control them, even if they love each other more than life itself.

♥♥♥

"I hold onto the words, even if we both know they’re not completely true. She wants to fuck. She wants the high of a climax the same way I want to drown in a bottle of bourbon. I want the rush, the flush and the ride to purgatory and back. We are not each other’s first wants and needs. I am second to her. And she is second to me. I want that to change." - Loren Hale

♥♥♥

Krista and Becca don't simply mention their addiction and quickly brush it under the rug. Nope. They bring it out, they dance with it, they expose the naked truth, the rawness and bitterness of everything that comes with having an addiction: relapses, the withdrawls, the cold sweats, the sadness, the incessant fighting to stay afloat, to not drown in their own misery. It's the realest thing you'll ever read. Masturbation, pornography, gigolos, HIV, liver failure, lashing out, passing out cold, attempted rape. Trust me, it's real. It goes deep. And you'll keep on wanting more and more. You'll root for Lily and Loren as if they were your best friends. You'll want them to beat their demons but, most of all, you'll want them to beat them TOGETHER. And what's more, you'll find yourself falling in love with Rose's steel eyes but warm heart, with Connor's inability to be flustered and his smart but annoying ways, with Ryke's harsh but sincere attitude and love for Lo... you'll fall in love with this story. I promise you. 

I have to tell you guys, some parts of the book slayed me. This ain't no sickly sweet fairytale, far from it actually. A certain scene in book 2 involving Jonathan, Lily, Loren and a sparkly object teared me apart. I shall say no more. I don't know why that struck me so deeply and so harshly, but it did. Like Lily says often, "it was like a punch to the gut." It's like these guys can't friggin' catch a break. I feared their relationship would crumble. I could practically smell the trouble in the air and this sort of feeling of sadness had rarely happened to me before. This is when I realized how deeply invested I was in Lily and Lo's story, even if I found myself feeling so much anger towards Lily's actions sometimes. It's tricky, because the writing is so exceptionally good that it makes you feel like you're truly living the story, like you're Ryke or Connor or Rose looking at Lily and Loren and you are actually experiencing the whole thing. It's magical just as much as it's painful, there's kind of no middle ground, it's sensory overload and a roller coaster ride which makes you say "STOP! LET ME GET OFF THIS THING!" a time or two or a million. I seriously lost count of how many times my heart squeezed inside my chest.  

To me, these books were the ultimate experience of connecting with the characters, what I imagine every author wants the reader to go through by reading their books. I imagine every author wants the reader to be so invested in the story that they need the next page like their next breath... and dear Krista and Becca, y'all succeeded with me beyond any expectation. Bravo! For reals. There are so many twists and turns in this book, but I wanted to give an honorable mention to Mr. Ryke Meadows, for being the most unexpected but awesome brother Lo can ever have and wish for, who fought for him as if he was fighting for his own life.

♥♥♥

“Listen to me,” Lo breathes in his ear. “Meeting you was the best thing that’s ever happened to us. I’m sober and Lily’s in recovery. None of that would have been possible if it wasn’t for you.” He shakes Ryke, and a tear slips out of Lo’s eye. “You are the fucking reason I’m with the girl I love; you’re my brother, so don’t you ever feel guilty for what’s happened now. That’s not on you.” He holds up Ryke’s face to look him in the eyes. “Hey, you hear me?” - Loren Hale

♥♥♥

You guys, please, please, please click and buy this series. PUH-LEASE. I can't recommend them enough. It's dark but light, it's ugly but beautiful. It's everything! Wanna know what's awesome? There's so much more coming! In addiction to Addicted to You (book #1), Ricochet (book #1.5) and Addicted for Now (book #2), we have Connor and Rose's story - "Kiss the Sky" -, coming up in January 2014! After that there's Ryke and Daisy's story - "Hothouse Flower" -, in February 2014 and finally, FINALLY, we have the continuation to my loves Lily and Loren's story, "Thrive" (book #2.5) and "Addicted After All" (book #3) coming in the Spring (I think I have teared up a little writing Spring. I mean, why so far away!? Boohoo!) I CAN'T WAIT! I think I've peed my pants a little. Oops. READ. THIS. RIGHT. NOW. Yes. That. Is. An. Order. Ta-ta!

♥♥♥

{ RATING: 5 stars

SEX SCENES: Very steamy

GENRE: Contemporary Romance

AUDIENCES: 18+

HAPPY ENDING: Yes

SEQUEL: Yes }

review :: Beautiful Player by Christina Lauren

BLURB...

A bombshell bookworm. A chronic Casanova. And a lesson in chemistry too scandalous for school.

When Hanna Bergstrom receives a lecture from her overprotective brother about neglecting her social life and burying herself in grad school, she’s determined to tackle his implied assignment: get out, make friends, start dating. And who better to turn her into the sultry siren every man wants than her brother’s gorgeous best friend, Will Sumner, venture capitalist and unapologetic playboy?

Will takes risks for a living, but he’s skeptical about this challenge of Hanna’s…until the wild night his innocently seductive pupil tempts him into bed- and teaches him a thing or two about being with a woman he can’t forget. Now that Hanna’s discovered the power of her own sex appeal, it’s up to Will to prove he’s the only man she’ll ever need.

GOODREADS :: AMAZON

♥♥♥

Oh. My. God. Christina and Lauren... You guys blew me away. Holy mother of pearl. I want to personally thank you guys for this book. Like, genuinely get on my knees (oh, hmm...), grovel, kiss, worship the ground you two walk on. Because this book is just that awesome. I cannot even find the appropriate words to describe its awesomeness. 

Let's break it down. The basic premise of the story is not exceptionally original. I've read some books that dealt with an awkward heroine and a drool-worthy hero, in which the hero is asked to break the heroine into the throes of dating and whatnot. You guys, if you think like this, then don't. Do. Not. Because this book will 100% blow the others right out of the water. 

I don't exactly know what sets this book apart from the rest. Hmm, wait. That's a lie. I do know. It's YOU GUYS! Christina and Lauren just have this amazing natural, spontaneous, no BS attitude towards writing. Beautiful Player vs the other books... Well, I'd say this one delves so much deeper. I'm so used to mediocre stories, so I thought the story would reach its climax after the first sex scene (pun intended?), but it didn't. It kept going. And I LOVED IT! One of my favorite scenes of Beautiful Player is the bar scene, where Hanna and Will discuss sex more... thoroughly. It had me giggling hysterically. It had been so, so, so long (I cannot even remember how long!) since a book made me giggle. It was so unexpected and so refreshing.

This book was so funny, so sweet, so hilarious, so full of love and companionship and happiness! It's a real feel good book, you can't help but let it take you over and just have a huge smile on your face at all times. It was simply so good. Here's a little excerpt:

♥♥♥

"Fuck off," I said through a laugh. His expression was as if Leeds United had just won the fucking World Cup. "She's been joining me on my morning run, and she wears these... whatever. They're not sports bras. And her bras do that..." I gestured to my chest. "That weird four boobs thing up front? I just figured if they were out shopping already..."

Max leaned his chin on his fist and smiled at me. "Christ, you're precious, William."

"You know how I feel about breasts. It's no joking matter." And I didn't add, Ziggy was stacked like a pinup girl.

"Indeed not," he agreed, lifting his paper again. "I just like how you're pretending you wouldn't cream your panties for a girl with four tits."

♥♥♥

I mean... Are they hilarious or are they HILARIOUS? Priceless! I love British humor and their terminology, so Max's joking side was right up my alley. I just loved how absolutely hysterical this whole book is, without losing the edge of romance we love so much. Max, Will and Bennett are an explosive trio. Max, the cheeky sod; Will, the boob guy and Bennett, the hardass of the group. How perfect are they?

Hanna was so refreshing. Literally a joy to read about. Personally speaking, girls these days are so tainted by insecurities and self loathing and all kinds of bitchiness and whatnot. Hanna breaks free from all that. I can ramble all night, but Will said it best...

♥♥♥

"She wasn’t sexy in any of the ordinary ways. She was sexy because she didn’t care if I was watching her chow down on a carrot, or that her hair was in this half-assed ponytail she hadn’t bothered to fix since we were lounging on the couch earlier. She was so comfortable in her skin, so comfortable being watched—I’d never known a woman like her. She would never assume I was staring and judging. She assumed I was staring because I was listening. And I was. I would listen to her ramble about familiar sex and anal sex and porn films forever." - Will Sumner

♥♥♥

Will is just... sigh. What can I even say? So sweet, so hot, so amazing. So attentive. So... everything! It's adorable to see him fall in love with Hanna. His constant inner struggle over his feelings is so impossibly cute. And, dude... Is he skilled or is he skilled? Phew! I honestly thought Beautiful Bastard would always be my favorite book from you guys, but then Beautiful Player came along and snagged that top spot right from BB. However, the cameos from Bennett, Chloe, Max and Sara were delicious in this book (especially Max, so hilarious!) and really added on to the reading experience. I love this bunch so much and I'm so sad to be done with them! *cries*

OK... Would I recommend this book to everyone who loves tastefully sinful erotica, a super sweet love story and some hilariously fabulous content? N... Ha! YES. YES. YES. One million times and counting. This book made me FEEL and LAUGH and LOVE and REJOICE when it had been so long since I felt that way. Thank you, Christina and Lauren! You guys are absolutely, entirely, totally, 200% AMAZING! Also, boohoo because you guys have ruined every other book that has to measure up to this one. Shame on y'all. ♥

---

{ RATING: 5 stars

SEX SCENES: Very steamy

GENRE: Contemporary Romance

LENGTH: 432 pages

AUDIENCES: 17+

HAPPY ENDING: Yes

SEQUEL: No }

review :: VIP by M. Robinson

GOODREADS :: AMAZON

This book... Lord, this book. I honestly don't know where to even begin. So this review will be real, unfiltered, my honest to God's opinion, more than I probably ever have before. It even inspired me to create this blog rather than vent on Goodreads! Ooooooh... Here comes trouble. 

I'll just admit to something upfront: while debating whether or not to read this book, I discovered I am a total hypocrite. Why? Because I discovered that had the roles been reversed, had Julia been the one to find herself on the verge of cheating instead of Sebastian, I would've jumped on this bandwagon faster than a lightning bolt... *ducking my head in utter shame* oh, shush, you! I'm a drama, angst, thrills ho ho ho. The more the merrier, I say! Heh. The thing that had me second guessing my choices was the fact Sebastian would be the one to do the cheating. Psychologically speaking, I think it's because as women (personally speaking now), one of our (my?) greatest fears is being cheated on and I'm a hypocrite because it's easier when we're playing the cheating role. It's sick, it's horrible, I know... but it's my truth. I really enjoy cheating books nonetheless because they are the epitome of FEELING with all our senses and emotions. These books mess with our heads in such manner that it's impossible to shake them off. They are gritty, raw, visceral. They gut me from the inside because it's undoubtedly such a moral mistake, such a cruel thing to do... but such a thrilling ride at the same time. But let's get on with my review of VIP (which, by the way, stands for "Very Important Pussy". Yep, you are so welcome for that tidbit of info!) 

I really don't feel comfortable rating this book simply because I feel that the reason I disliked it was because of my own inner struggle. But if I must, my say is only a (very generous, mind you) rating of 3 stars. I don't know if it was because of the preconceived notion I had going in, my prior reluctance to embrace the book fully... I just really didn't feel anything other than anger at Sebastian, Julia and especially (!!!) Olivia and Ysabelle. I was angry at everyone! And funny thing is, the person I was least angry with was Sebastian. Funny, huh? My brain was such a jumbled mess afterward.

Firstly I would like to say I am truly a woman. Haha! This sounds so wrong, but hear me out. I'm truly a woman because I was extremely ticked off by other women. It's just a trait of ours, girls. Most of us, anyway. I am a very jealous person, which I reckon is not the most charming trait to have. But what can ya do, eh? So I was super ticked off by Olivia. It's not the poor girl's fault, either, but I could feel from the get-go that Julia was head over heels in love with Sebastian and BAM! In comes Olivia. The moment the poor chap laid eyes on Olivia, he was done for. But *I* wasn't done for. No, ma'am, I was not amused. Don't get me wrong, I didn't really fancy Jules and Sebby, either. I just didn't really fancy anyone in this book, come to think of it... but anyway. I really felt for Julia. But my female instincts were on point during this book: in the beginning I was 99% sure Olivia was gonna die. And I was also 99% sure Julia was going to kill her. I got one of those right, hey! Hope y'all are clapping for me, heh. 

I really, really disliked Ysabelle. I don't know why. I don't think it's because she was "the other woman" or even because of her job. It was just her. I couldn't connect with her nor did I want to. I found myself skimming her introductory chapters because I just didn't give a damn, even though I read Sebastian, Julia and Olivia's intently. The moment I failed to connect with her was probably the moment the book lost me. Therefore, while the sex scenes were on point and the sexual chemistry was there, I just didn't feel any of it. At all. I found myself cringing at them even, praying for them to end. I guess one other factor I took into account was that this was not only adultery, but there was a CHILD involved. I'm pretty open minded, liberal, go with the flow kinda girl... The farthest thing from a prude you can have, but even that had me stomp my foot and say, "No! Enough is enough." Despite this, I managed to finish.

Listen, I do sympathize with Sebastian and Ysabelle. I, too, experienced an all-consuming love and a love triangle. I believe Olivia (now Ysabelle) was it for Sebastian and he grabbed onto Julia, albeit unconsciously, as a consolation prize. THAT is not okay. As women, that is not a pretty sight to behold. As for the end of the book, I think this is the ending I'm most unhappy about in all the (huge!) amount of books I've ever read. I don't want to spoil you guys, but it's just... ugh. If you love Ysa and Sebby you do get a mild happy ending, but for me, none of the possible outcomes would've made me happy because I just wasn't invested in anyone whatsoever. Pity.

Don't be discouraged, though! People call this one "not a love story, but a story about love." I do agree with that, despite all my reservations. If you are okay with cheating, love an angst-filled book, thrive on steamy and forbidden sex scenes, then do buy this book. If not, I'd steer clear from it. These are my two cents, as usual. Ta-ta!

---

{ RATING: 3 stars

SEX SCENES: Steamy

GENRE: Contemporary Romance/Erotica

LENGTH: 594 pages

AUDIENCES: 18+

HAPPY ENDING: Depends on your preferences

SEQUEL: Maybe }  

well, hello there!

Come on in, don't be shy! Okay, that was kinda creepy. But hi, guys! This is my little corner on the web where I vent about one of my passions: reading. I love books so much, I love how they make you feel even without being a literal visual experience. My favorite genres are Contemporary Romance, Young Adult, Erotica, even a little Taboo every once in a while, heh. You'll never see Paranormal books around here, so beware. Sorry! But do join me if you're interested in the same genres as me. Fair warning: I ramble. A lot. You've been warned. Also, I almost wrote snore back there. What!? Ha! Hope to see you around here! xo