Member Reviews
So, I had heard of this series before years ago. I had not read anything by this duo, but this always interested me a bit. Finding out the reprints came with bonus materials seemed like the best time and, honestly, I was right. This was a bit outside my regular wheelhouse, but I am curious as to how the characters will grow in this series.
From the first paragraph, I knew this book would be a good one. I immersed myself into the book from the first chapter and I cannot say enough good things about this book! Honestly amazing! The writing is incredible and the plot is just one to die for. I am absolutely obsessed with this book. My favorite part would have to be the character development throughout the book. Character development is something I look forward to and this book did not disappoint.
So I first read this in March 2021 and here’s my original review; I started book one of the Addicted/Calloway sister series. This story has a fake dating/childhood friends to lovers trope. This did take me a while to get into though. I wasn’t really drawn into the story about halfway through the book because this was more of a slow burn romance. Most of the time I was just anticipating for the couple to get together! But once I was drawn in, the story became much more interesting as you see how two people face their addictions and want to find out more to their story and how they got to where they were. I enjoyed meeting the other characters in the book as well and am excited to dig deeper into the them. While everything happened at the end, I felt like most of the book was just information driven rather than plot. I don’t mind a good slow burn, but it was all just information even after the couple got together. However, I can’t wait to find out what happens next!
Things to add today (July 2022): loved the bonus content! You come to appreciate this book as you get further into the series and grow a strong attachment to this universe.
I have never read another book by these authors but I enjoyed this one. Although this one has faults, I had a good time reading it overall.
I feel like I’m watching a car crash but I liked this way more than I thought I would and no one is more surprised than ME. It’s like I’m addicted, weird. I literally finished this in one sitting lol.
I have taken forever to start this series because I just could not for the life of me get over the addictions that Lily and Loren go through but I’m just damn near rooting for them 🥺🥺🥺
Super dramatic romance to be honest and go in prepared (look up trigger warnings) but I just know it’s going to pay off in the long run. I’m already a simp for Lily & Lo and itching for the Calloway sisters, Connor + Ryke.
I LOVED this new addition with the bonus chapters in Lo’s POV and their text exchanges! Thank you Berkley Romance!
”Wait for me.” The words come out chocked and pained. “I need you to wait for me.” 😭
If there is anything I learn from reading young adult (YA) series it is that they seriously do make you anxious and a wee bit crazy.
This train wreck of a story definitely tugs on your heartstrings and these two roomies and best friends weave through their addictions like pros, caring for each other, hiding, and somewhat managing their descent into hell.
But I have to give it to the authors. They can certainly weave a story that allows you to become addicted to the characters and the story too.
I felt the truly deep love between Lo and Lily and the issues growing that they could not and did not know how to address. They love each other but the destruction of the addictions takes precedent.
This can be an exhausting story. You are reading a book about the worst version of people. You feel the self-loathing. You are watching their destruction and it is a lot, to be honest.
You are in the front row as desperation sets in. But you experience the love between them! You are all in at the ending which makes you sad but hopeful.
Am I going to read more of this series? Honestly, I am not sure. It is exhausting and addicting to read these types of books. But with that said, the authors sure know how to suck you into it! Expect the cliffhangers.
I found the premise of this book to be unique and after hearing about the entire series often on Bookstagram, I was excited to give it a try. I thought the writing was not well done and, for what seems like a pretty juicy and crazy premise, the book is actually very boring. The addition of the extra chapter did not add anything to the book experience for me and I do not plan to continue with this series.
I took the plunge.
I decided it was time to see what the hype was all about when it comes to this series… not sure why i waited so long.
This was a complex story about addiction.
two addicts who love each other more than anything. Always by one anothers side, who have no clue how to do life without the other.
Eventually Lily’s addiction to sex gets her into situations no one wants to be in.
Loren’s alcohol addiction is at an all time high, which finally makes him realize he needs help.
These two pulled on my heart strings. The love they have for each other is obvious, but it’s so painful. They want nothing more than to help one another, yet cannot help themselves.
I loved Connor & Ryke, I hear so much talk about them when it comes to this series. I’m happy I met them in the first book!
I gave this a 4 star rating!
Thank you netgalley for the bonus material copy
although it would have been nice if the text message thread was all there.
“I love you. I’ll wait for you! You’re my best friend and my soul mate and my lover. I’m so proud of you. Please . . . come back to me.“
This book holds such a special place in my heart. It’s the beginning of Lo and Lily’s heartbreakingly beautiful love story… It’s so painful to see them at rock bottom in this book but it also brings me such joy to know how far they’re able to go and the many obstacles that they are able to overcome.
I absolutely loved the new bonus chapters from Lo’s point of view… he has gone through so much and I absolutely love him and his love for Lily. He is forever my number one book boyfriend.
I received a copy of this book from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I went into Addicted To You only knowing the general premise that it was about a girl who is addicted to sex and a guy who is an alcoholic and that it has a fake dating trope somehow in it. I really didn’t know what I was getting myself into and WOW. The first book in this series hooks you in and holds on tight. I am, dare I say, addicted to it. It took me a minute to adjust when I first started reading as it immediately jumps into the story and we don’t really get an introduction, but once I leveled out I didn’t want to put it down. The Ritchies weave a story that is very compelling and keep you engaged the entire time.
I’m not going to pretend that these are amazing characters who I love so much. They’re both addicts who are behaving like addicts. Its hard to read sometimes and frankly, they both behave in pretty terrible ways. They are complex and raw, but oh so intriguing. Lily and Lo are both at about their worst in this first book, choosing their addictions over friends, family, and other things in their lives. They enable each other, and essentially perpetuate each others addictions in order to seek relief in their own. I was in a constant state of anxiety while reading and, especially if you’re someone who knows an addict, it was hard to be in the mind of one and see their reasoning, or lack thereof, for their decisions. Even still, I loved this book and I did root for them the entire time.
It is part of a series, so I will warn you now, the growth and change in these characters doesn’t happen overnight. They are messy and stay messy throughout 99 percent of this book, but I’m very interested to see where the Ritchie’s take this story and what we will see for Lily and Lo in the future. I’m also VERY excited to see the rest of the Addicted world as we were introduced to characters in those books (Ryke and Connor are AMAZING).
Borrow/Buy: Buy
Would I recommend: Absolutely
*Review will be posted to attached Instagram link one week prior to release*
Krista and Becca Ritchie's Addicted To You gives readers a literal 'fly on the wall' experience of addiction. As experienced by Loren and Lily. Darlings of Pennsylvania society and scions of Forbes list worthy fortune. These two are believed to lead the ultimate of charmed lives. And for the most part, they do.
At least when she can curb her insatiable need for sex long enough to live her life.
And he can stay sober enough to get one.
A cross between Less Than Zero and Intervention Lite. Addicted To You is all about excess. And how that excess of money, time, and opportunity ultimately work against our leading characters. As they struggle to find not only themselves. But some sense of normalcy in a world that is anything but.
Lies... Lies... And More Lies!
The thing that makes this story so compelling and so tragic, all in the same breath.
The ability of both Loren and Lily to lie with such aplomb and conviction to everyone around them and themselves.
The most glaring example of this deception being the true nature of their relationship.
With their parents under and families under the impression that they are a loving couple, living together in monogamous bliss and destined for marriage and children.
When in truth.
They live together as friends who can't quite figure out the benefits.
The one thing they do know however.
There is no lengths to which they will not go to protect each others' secrets.
The secrets stay well kept for the majority of the book. Due to the fact that L&L allow no one to breach their circle.
But the introduction of Lily's math tutor, Connor and square peg in round hole character, Ryke both change things in a big way. But the question remains...
Is it for the best.
Truthfully. This book is quite the emotional shit show.
The two main characters have money and time to burn. And access to every avenue of help under the sun. They are both adults and under no obligation to answer to anyone.
But they love to live the drama and secrets of addiction to a detrimental extent.
As with most New Adult books the drama and sex elements are completely over blown. And seem to be an excuse for, the root of, or a solution to every problem.
Though the conflict and the characters are written very well. This book and the circular lather, rinse, repeat spiral that L&L engage in, goes on for waaaaay too long.
So long in fact, that the inevitable implosion of their dysfunction is a welcome relief.
This is not a read for those looking for the lighthearted HEA. Or any real HEA for that matter.
But if you are drawn to train wrecks and bad reality tv.
This is definitely the read for you.
Reviewer's Note
Addicted To You is the first book in a related series. Though it may be read as.a!standalone. We suggest that it is read as part of its intended series.
Thanks to Netgalley and Berkeley Publishing for the review copy on which my honest critique is based.
This one was not 100% hype worthy, but definitely a fun New Adult title for those with a circulatable base of social media driven title
Much like it's title, this book was addicting. Lily and Lo both are suffering from addiction and have been enabling each other for years. Lo abuses alcohol and Lily is addicted to sex. Both of them are deeply flawed and despite this you can't help but root for them to be together. I look forward to continuing with the series.
Wow…I’m not sure where to start. It’s interesting to see addiction from a different perspective and from the perspective of the one who is suffering from it. Lilly and Lo are heartbreaking, brave and beautiful. Their relationship, although tragic, is amazing. I love how they love each other but I love how they finally start to love themselves more. Im glad I read this book and it made me think of addiction than more than just a substance. It made me think of the different perspective and compulsions that surround it. Although this book is a work of fiction, the message is important. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars
i already read this but it's great to be back in this world! i really enjoyed the bonus scenes. the text messages between lily and lo were so cute! loved this!
This book is not for the faint of heart. This book deals with addiction of alcohol and sex. Lily and Lo both enabling each other's addiction and can't have friends and keep family at an arms length.
The story is dark and really explores addition for young adults. I really enjoyed the supporting characters, especially Connor who added humor to the book.
This book ends in a cliff hanger which I will devour.
This was just OK. This is definitely a darker romance novel and really not even a romance novel in the traditional sense. Yes, the two MCs love each other very much. But part of their love also felt like codependence as opposed to all-consuming love. They both have a lot of issues (which again, is the whole point of the book) but I was really trying to find the sweet moments that stand out and there weren't many. I'm on the fence if I will continue this series or not, but overall I did enjoy the characters and felt for them, but I don't know if it will be enough to come back to.
I enjoyed this crazy ride of a book the first time I read it as an indie and I just want to celebrate Krista and Becca's mass-market success.
This was so much more than a typical love story. Lo and Lily were deeply flawed but characters you pulled for and wanted them to overcome their demons. This book had great writing, great story telling. I will immediately download the second book in this series.
I will ALWAYS love these books. I especially love addicted to you. The start of lily and lo’s relationship is everything. They go through so much together and I adore watching them grow together and separate. They’re my all time favorite couple in the addicted universe and they deserve the world. Lo’s bonus chapter at the end was EVERYTHING. And the text conversations?!?! I died. So so so good!!! Thank you Berkley romance for gifting me an E-ARC of this! 💗