Don't be fooled by the cover or the title. It's a slow-burn friends-to-lovers romance and both become clear why they fit the story as its read.

I was blown away by Bait and Switch a couple of years ago and hadn't realized that Blythe Warren had been taking a break from writing until she was back. Her writing style is very dense and includes a lot of parenthetical phrases, which I've learned are a personal taste thing.

There's a mild "cheating" element that could be off-putting to some but again, it all makes sense and becomes okay. The love scenes are fade to black, and selfishly, I found myself wanted to experience the chemistry between Eliot and Harper, but it still worked for me in this book.

Welcome back, Ms Warren ... you've been missed!

One of my favorite characters from Hero(ine) Addict is Audrey and I predict she will be one of yours too. She is a different kind of superhero, but one who makes an impact all the same on one of the main characters. The other is a young man by the name of Brandon who we do not meet in this story, but whose story is told by the other main character, Harper. It is the influence of these two very powerful people who impact this story the most and I am thankful that Blythe H. Warren told their story.

Warren writes about some heavy topics in this slow-burn romance story, but like all comic story heroes, they always come from a dark past - or in this case present. There is plenty of humor mixed in here too. Warren keeps the reader balanced on that fine edge of just about to cry and then pulls you back with some humor. Harper provides plenty of humorous moments too.

There is romance too (laugh) - messed up romantic moments. Sometimes this reads like a really awkward romance because you see what is going on like a really bad train wreck that you just can’t stop watching. Yup, that just happened. Thank goodness you picked up this book and were here for it!

This is a book with popcorn and tea moments! Em throws so much shade, she should join the ladies in Atlanta. (not that it isn’t worth it mind you) Then add in the romance and you have become an Addict too! It’s worth it.

I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.

Hero(ine) Addict is the first novel I’ve read by Blythe H. Warren though it definitely won’t be the last. I almost didn’t get this book to read. When I first saw the cover, I nearly passed on it. Then I read the blurb and realized it was not what I first thought it was. Don’t get me wrong. The cover is great, and it does fit the story since one of the main characters (Eliot) is a comic book artist, and her work does play a part in the story. But the cover gave me the wrong impression of the book.

This is actually a very pleasant romantic tale with serious undertones , specifically families living through issues of mental illness and childhood cancer. The author did an excellent job of weaving these very significant issues into an adorable romance between Eliot and Harper. The romance between these two is not an easy one, however, since there are many obstacles keeping the two apart.

The writing in this story is excellent. The illnesses are handled in a very compassionate manner, and the characters are realistic. I will mention that I did have some problems connecting with Harper for at least half of the novel. She acted rather immature, naïve, and ditzy. It was almost like she had blinders on and refused to see anything she did not want to see. I actually got quite irritated with her until later in the book when it became clear why she was acting this way. She did finally lose those blinders with the help of Eliot, friends and family, and I eventually connected with her as well.

I am glad that I read this book. It is a beautiful story, and I enjoyed reading it. I will also be looking for more from this author.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bella Books for allowing me to read this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Rainbow Reflections: http://rainbowreflections.home.blog/

This story is starring two adult women but the feeling I have had is that it is a young-adult story, it may have been for the cover or because Harper, despite her age, has seemed a bit childish in her behavior Even Eliot has seemed a bit immature at times. But the story deals with very serious issues and this feeling of childishness and immaturity may have been a misinterpretation on my part. Both Eliot and Harper have a lot on their plate for me to despise their actions in this story.

After all, amidst all the stress and tension, the story is about two women who can't find the relationship they want. Harper is settled in a relationship in which her girlfriend sets the pace and Harper seems content with this. Eliot doesn't have the time or the desire to get involved right now, but she has friends who are not going to let her stop trying.

When Harper and Eliot meet, it is not for the two of them to get involved with each other. In fact, Harper believes that Eliot would be the perfect match for her best friend Emilia. But in that first intention she does not realize that Eliot is awakening something in Harper. And the fact that Eliot and Emilia don't seem like they are going to have anything together, will start to haunt Harper, despite the fact that she and her girlfriend continue their usual relationship. A little tension and final self-analysis manage to put things in their place.

In the end the story with its ups and downs has been interesting.