Review: I loved everything about this book!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 16, 2014
Oooooh I LOVE this series so much!! I'm always in for a special treat when I read a book by Krista and Becca Ritchie. Hothouse Flower was everything I wanted it to be and everything I knew it would be. Daisy was strong, vulnerable, determined, wild and free. She came into her own in this book and I'm so glad it was her turn in the spotlight. Ryke was the perfect match for her, he was strong enough to protect Daisy whilst simultaneously allowing her to spread her wings and fly.Her older sisters have always overshadowed Daisy, both Rose and Lily have had scandals in the media causing everyone and their actions to be scrutinised. Daisy suffered due to this but having a large age gap between her sisters she reverted to being seen and not heard. But those secrets were eating away at Daisy and causing her emotional, psychological and physiological distress.  Luckily, Daisy was never truly alone, she found companionship in the most unlikely of places; Lily's soon to be brother-in-law. That connection alone meant Ryke should be off limits but the fact Ryke is seven years older than Daisy means he shouldn't even entertain the thought. Of course, that's asking for the impossible.Ryke and Daisy's friendship was introduced in Kiss the Sky. Daisy was only 16 at the time and Ryke took on a protector role, always saving Daisy from whatever rebellious streak she was carrying out. Now in Hothouse Flower, Daisy is all grown up and over the last two years her friendship with Ryke has grown stronger and a whole lot deeper than either are willing to admit. It takes a panicked phone call from Daisy for Ryke to drop everything and finally realise it's time to claim the girl that has his heart. That makes for a sweet romance but add in an alcoholic half-brother, a sex addicted sister, an estranged father and an overbearing mother and that's when you get the real story!When starting this book I will admit the length of 441 pages intimidated me, it was a long one and I worried there would be so much excess that wasn't needed. I may have had a slip of amnesia because did I forget who it was written by? Every word was essential in this story. Every part needed to be told. What I love about the Addicted and Calloway Sisters series’ is that it's not just one couple at a time you learn about, sure it's from Ryke and Daisy's POV and they are very much front and centre but it's also about their family. The book wouldn't be the same without them and all six characters are essential for the dynamic to work.It was great to witness the growth in Daisy during this book. She had always been older than her years because she began modelling when she was only 15 but now she really grew into her own and she was experiencing real love and a very healthy (and totally hot) sexual relationship for the first time. Daisy stood up for herself, it wasn't easy and a horrific event was the catalyst but nonetheless she began to say no to her mother's demands and felt all the more freer for it. She also bared herself to her sisters and let them in for the first time. It was a poignant moment and by the end, I was so pleased Daisy was no longer seen as the invisible, younger sister.Ryke, oh dear God, where do I begin with this man? He made me weak at the knees that’s for sure. It can’t be denied he has a filthy mouth on him but oh the things he does with it,  Bow-chicka-wow-wow . I don’t think a book character has ever made me this giddy! Ryke didn’t pussyfoot about. He told the truth and demanded the same in return. He felt like Daisy did amongst their circle, he was on the outside looking in and not quite accepted yet for whom he was. His relationship with Lo was strained to say the least and the way he was treated as a child contaminated his relationship with his family still. I didn’t think I would get as emotional as I did when reading Ryke’s story yet I did. He was so confused and consumed by anger but at the end of the day, he just wanted acceptance and the opportunity to love the girl that meant everything to him.Ryke never planned to take it further with Daisy, he knew the age gap was an issue and he never wanted to betray his brother’s warning to stay away from her. But Ryke saw Daisy for who she really was and she was the only one that could do the same in return for him. I never once felt the age gap was too great and I never once felt Ryke acted inappropriately. He was Daisy’s friend first and foremost but taking it further was always inevitable. Their relationship was hot. Daisy wasn’t inexperienced sexually but she was timid and still had a lot to learn. Ryke was passionate, demanding and wanted to give Daisy what no other man could give her. Luckily, for us this made for some very scorching scenes!As always it was great to see Lily, Lo, Rose and Connor as part of this journey. Lily and Lo are still struggling with their addictions but they are fighting everyday to reach a better place, and even though they were initially my least favourite couple. I am beginning to see what I have been missing all along, they are fragile but their unconditional love makes them stronger than anything that will come between them.Rose and Connor make me laugh, they should stick out like sore thumbs amongst Lily, Lo, Daisy and Ryke as they are so polished and refined yet they don’t. They bring a calming presence to the group and they are so protective of their family. They have such an unusual relationship dynamic and I love it. It’s always a battle of wills between the intelligent pair and it’s great to read about.I couldn’t put this book down. Unfortunately, I had to, so I crammed in four hours of sleep then went straight back in again! I got so excited when reading it; I literally squeezed my kindle and had a big goofy smile on my face as some of the scenes were so fantastic. Repeatedly I paused to think, this is actually amazing. I’m so glad I have my book girls who get me. I think I paused a million times to leave comments like “omg he’s so hot!” “this book is fantastic” “agh I love it”. I just didn’t want this reading experience to end.Krista and Becca Ritchie are a writing duo who excels in what they do. Their writing is flawless, I loved the alternating point of view. I got to see the hidden depths of each character and I just fell harder for them. I loved that Daisy’s modelling experience wasn’t sugar coated. It was exactly as I expect it to be. Ryke’s passion of free-solo climbing perfectly suited him and I loved that element of the story.  There is so much detail in each book, the characters and writing are so consistent and I truly hope more people discover their work. This series is not one to be missed.Hothouse Flower has the perfect title, the perfect cover and the most perfectly imperfect relationship captured between the pages. I will literally be counting down the days until I get to spend time with these characters again. ~Ava*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*