Review: Addicted to You by Colina Brennan

Note: This book is New Adult and will contain themes that may not be suitable for younger readers. For more information on New Adult and my policy on reviewing it, please read this post. Thank you!

Addicted to You by Colina Brennan

Author: Colina Brennan Website|Twitter
Published: 25th June 2013
Format: E-book
Pages: 222
Buy the e-book: Kindle|Kobo

Source: Received free copy from New Leaf Literary in exchange for an honest review

Plot Summary (from Goodreads):
When twenty-one-year-old Leah Carter's latest one night stand burglarizes her apartment, her roommate forces her to attend therapy for sex addicts. Leah insists she isn't a sex addict; she just doesn't do relationships. After all, sooner or later, everyone lets you down.

My Review:
Addicted to You follows Leah who is attending therapy for sex addiction, despite being sure she doesn't have a problem. Only things get more complicated when the mysterious "Blue Eyes" starts turning up to therapy sessions and she finds her willpower well and truly tested.

I was sent this book to review as part of the Addicted to New Adult promotion and I was immediately hooked by that synopsis. I was completely intrigued about the idea of a character attending therapy for sex addiction because the subject is something that is brought up in the media a lot. I liked how it was handled and how it didn't ridicule the idea of sex addiction like so many people do. Leah ends up going because her friend and roommate forces her after a one night stand burgles her apartment. Despite the fact Leah isn't a full blown sex addict, it's quite clear she has relationship issues and so it was interesting to see that explored and learn about her past and what's influenced the way she sees herself and her relationships with others.

The book is told in chapters alternating between Leah and Will, a psychology research student who is sent undercover to Leah's therapy group to learn more about the treatment process from the inside. Cue instant attraction and a developing love story! Needless to say the romance doesn't run smoothly, especially considering the fact that Will is hiding the fact he isn't a genuine sex addict. I loved the ups and downs in their relationship and the amazing chemistry and sexual tension between the two of them. This was quite a short book so I could maybe have done with a bit more build up in the beginning, but as soon as the two characters started talking and interacting you could just feel the connection. And there are plenty of intense and steamy scenes to look forward to!

I have to say Will completely made this book for me. I rarely say this about any character, but he was definitely swoon-worthy. I mean, he's Scottish (any guy with an accent is instantly more attractive, right?) he's adopted a stray cat called Bonny (he loves animals = cute) and he really looks out for Leah. New fictional boyfriend material, for sure. I defy you to read this book and not fall for Will!

The characters in Addicted to You are a real strength and, despite the short length of the story, are incredibly well developed. I felt like I really got to know them and the attention to detail when building those characters was wonderful. When I wasn't swooning over Will I was definitely drawn to Leah who is extremely likable. I loved her relationship with her little brother Elijah, who she's pretty much taken sole responsibility for. They just had such a great bond and I always love seeing brother/sister relationships like theirs that really come from the heart. She's a student who dreams of being a writer and I really liked that glimpses into that creative side of herself.

As well as Leah and Will, the smaller characters had their time to shine as well. Leah's best friend Helena and Will's best friend Finn get their own little plotlines which I was just as invested in. They also provided that humour between friends which made it a very enjoyable read. I could really relate to Leah and Helena's friendship as well, as it felt so realistic and recognisable.

Addicted to You delivered incredible characters and a romance I got totally carried away with. I thought the premise was really unique and the writing gripping and well executed. I only wish it was longer so I could spend more time with Will! If you love NA then you won't want to miss this one.

Rating: 4*
Books like this: Losing It by Cora McCormack

Addicted to New Adult

Today kicks off New Leaf Literary's Addicted to New Adult campaign, where bloggers are getting together to share why they fell for New Adult.

As a twenty-two year old, NA is an age category with huge appeal to me. The characters are going through similar things to me to and it's great to be able to relate to those characters. It also gives scope for issues to be delved into a little deeper than they can with YA. So far the NA novels I've read have hugely impressed me and I can't wait to get my teeth stuck into more of them!

You can read my reviews of some fantastic NA novels below, along with the reasons why I loved them:

One Week by Nikki Van De Car
Plot summary (from Goodreads):
Reluctant celebutante Bee had everything that second tier fame could offer—and hated every bit of it. In search of an identity of her own, not some media creation, she takes off from LA with nothing. Bee discovers that one week can change everything. She may even have a chance at love. But is it real or just another illusion?
Why I fell in love with it: This was a real story of self-discovery, with Bee having to really grow up as she enters the big wide world for the first time.

Suddenly Royal by Nichole Chase
Plot summary (from Goodreads):
Samantha Rousseau is used to getting her hands dirty. Working toward a master’s degree in wildlife biology while helping take care of her sick father, she has no time for celebrity gossip, designer clothes, or lazy vacations. So when a duchess from the small country of Lilaria invites her to dinner, Samantha assumes it’s to discuss a donation for the program. The truth will change the course of her life in ways she never dreamed.
Why I fell in love with it: The main character, Sam, was definitely a character I could look up to. I loved seeing the story told from the perspective of a grad student who obviously cares a lot about her work. Yay for smart people!

The Edge of Never by J. A. Redmerski
Plot summary (from Goodreads):
Twenty-year-old Camryn Bennett thought she knew exactly where her life was going. But after a wild night at the hottest club in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, she shocks everyone-including herself-when she decides to leave the only life she's ever known and set out on her own. Grabbing her purse and her cell phone, Camryn boards a Greyhound bus ready to find herself. Instead, she finds Andrew Parrish.
Why I fell in love with it: This book was packed with amazing chemistry and made me crave more NA contemporary romance. It delved into some darker issues as well which was done really well.



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