Review: An intense follow up to Ruined
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 15, 2014
A journey of forgiveness and trust, love and lust, secrets and lies. Addicted had me hooked from the first chapter and began right where Ruined left off. Secrets are exposed, hearts are torn apart, wounds re-opened, love is tested. What transpires is a story of two broken souls addicted to each other. It is a story of one person trying to save the other, keeping secrets that could destroy them both and, in the end, realising that real love is about trust, trust in the love you have for each other, trust in yourself and your own strength.Chloe comes face to face with her past, the demon standing at her door, reminding her of all that she tries to push down and forget, but the past has a way of rearing its ugly head. When the true extent of why Brandon is standing at her door is revealed, Chloe is in a tailspin, spiraling down, wondering if she will ever be able to move on. At the end of Ruined I felt something like this was coming but reading it still gutted me, shocking in its reality, gasping for breath as the ramifications of this secret really hit home. But this is not the only secret Ethan has been keeping, and as they come to the surface, I felt every emotion, every pain-filled thought of Chloe and Ethan's as she realises the depth of Ethan's connection to her past, and as he realises that being open and honest with Chloe was what was going to save her, not trying to protect her from the reality. Ethan was just trying to keep her safe from her memories and I felt a deep sadness for both of them as their story progressed.Throughout Addicted, I felt Chloe's conflicted emotions, I understood her pain and devastation when dealing with everything that she was uncovering in her relationship with Ethan. Chloe's journey to love with Ethan was compelling, finding the strength within to confront Ethan's choices, to face the answers he would give, instead of running away, and the strength to move forward and stand up for what she needed.Ethan never gave up on Chloe and I felt the desperation, the hurt, the anger, the utter despair when he realises the depth of the pain he inadvertently causes Chloe. Ethan is also carrying his own pain, and when this is brought to light, I cried for him, understanding more and more what drove him to do what he did. He needed fixing as much as Chloe did and the way they both comforted each other and fought for each other cemented their love and made them stronger.Ethan is so good at heart, trying to right the wrongs of the past, trying to make things right for Chloe, wanting only to love her and for her to feel safe in that love. It was beautiful to watch this man come to his knees and prove his loyalty to and express his love of Chloe. And my oh my how Ethan expresses his love is just so hot and so all consuming. That man really knows how to please a woman - against a wall, at the beach, in the rain, anywhere the fancy takes him. Their chemistry is palpable, from slow, sweet love-making to scorching hot urgent need.I could not write this review without mentioning the secondary characters, particularly Chloe's room mate Tori. Who wouldn't want a best friend like that, always in your corner, supporting you no matter what. There is more to Tori than the brash girl who meets the eye and I really want to read her story. And Chloe's brother, well there is more to be told on that front too. I didn't feel he was as squeaky clean as Chloe did.The epilogue was sweet and suited Chloe and Ethan perfectly. I still have a few unanswered questions about what happened to the secondary characters and I hope we find out in time.Addicted was an intense read, one that stays with me, one that I could easily re-read again.