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S**M
Audiobook review- this series is addicting.
Overall 4 out of 5 starsPerformance 4 out of 5 starsStory 4 out of 5 starsShannonVM09-13-20This series is an addiction!It feels very voyeuristic listening to Lily and Lo's sex scenes- it actually makes me kind of uncomfortable, to be honest. And I know it's because of Lily's addiction, because I don't feel that way about any of the others.I liked seeing things through Lily and Lo's eyes, getting a different look at what happened in Rose and Daisy's books. Lo is quick to judge though, especially when it comes to Ryke and Daisy, considering how he and Lily have been treated. I thought he'd be a little more understanding/supportive.It's funny, I love Lily and Lo in the Like Us series, I think they're wonderful parents, but I'm still liking Connor and Rose the best in this series. But I did tear up when Lily found out she was pregnant- baby Moffy!!!I'm enjoying the audiobooks, I'm getting used to Erin Mallon's breathiness when it comes to Lily and I look forward to when she says "no, no, no". It's funny how a word or phrase sticks with you. Charles Carr is a good Loren, I'm glad we get both povs now.On to Addicted After All...
K**.
In Review: Thrive (Addicted #2.5) by Krista & Becca Ritchie
I've been mulling over what to say about this book without spoiling it, but still doing it justice, since I finished it well over a week ago. I also haven't stopped thinking about these characters and this story since I finished. I think I've got it, but just realize that no matter what I say, I can't possibly make you understand how amazing and powerful this story is.It's been quite awhile since we got a new story focused mainly on Lily and Lo. Sure, they were always in the background (and sometimes foreground) of the spinoff Calloway sisters novels, but I couldn't help but wonder what was happening to them while the other characters took center stage. Well, the answer is A LOT. And that's all I'm going to tell you. Don't fool yourself into thinking that there's not much story untold, even if you've read Kiss the Sky and Hothouse Flower. Because I can't stress just how wrong you are if you think that. The good, the bad, the ugly. The sweet, the sexy, the heartbreaking. Thrive tells it all.Thrive delves deeper into addiction and all the effects it has on a person and those in their life, but it does it in a way that, while heavy, wasn't unbearable. Yes there were moments that had me in tears, but there were also the little moments that made me laugh and swoon. The Harry Potter references were plentiful and I grinned every time, particularly over "alohomora." I loved each and every single one of the geeky references. Because, let's face it, Lily and Lo are geeks and I effing love them because of it. I love Lily's awkwardness and Lo's raw sexual power. When Lo calls her "love," I melt every single time. Seriously, these two are so OTP it almost hurts me.As was true with every other book in this series, the secondary characters play a huge role. As I've read (and LOVED) both Kiss the Sky and Hothouse Flower, I was fascinated by reading all the events from Lily and Lo's POVs this time. Those two definitely knew a lot more, a lot longer, than anyone thought. I had truthfully forgotten just how much I loved Lily and Lo, as the last books focused on Rose and Connor and Daisy and Ryke. But, they really are the perfect couple. Yes, they're co-dependent almost to a fault, but they make my heart sing when they're together. But, each and every one of these characters, these couples, holds a special place in my heart and I could never, ever pick a favorite. They each bring something so special, so uniquely them, to the table. I can't imagine this series without every single one of them just as they are. Each new installment in their stories gives me more reasons to love them even more than I did after finishing the previous book.I had very, very high expectations for Thrive and they were exceeded. What's a stronger word for exceeded? Because that's what they were. I highlighted about half the book. I couldn't even narrow down my favorite parts to include them in my review. Just know they were plentiful.Earlier today I was writing up a fun survey post and one of the topics was "most recommended books." Clearly the Addicted and Calloway Sisters series hit the list. Like I said on that post, if you're a fan of new adult books with grit and unforgettable characters and you're NOT reading this series yet, you really need to reevaluate your life choices.When I think this series can't possibly get any better, Krista and Becca find a way to blow me away and make me feel things I didn't know I could feel. Then they leave me wanting more. And boy, do I ever want more after finishing Thrive. How long until Addicted to After All...?There are only three books left in this series and I'm already dreading it ending. Regardless of how it all shakes out, it's going to really suck to give these characters up. This is a series I'll be rereading for a very long time to come.
J**J
One Book Series Can Change You: An Unforgettable Journey
"It is bigger than an I love you. It is a declaration that solidifies what I’ve known for so long. We aren’t connected by our addictions. But by our childhood. Souls fused together from the very, very start."Originally posted to Goodreads and Booked J, this review may or may not be spoiler free. Proceed with caution.Do you ever read a book and wonder--for a moment, after you put it down and absorb everything--how did I go so long without knowing these characters? Page after page, the further I dive into the lives of the characters, I can't help but to love each one of them. Krista and Becca Ritchie captivate me with their words and their character development in a way that is so hard to describe because it just touches something inside me. For as long as I live, these stories will mean the world to me and Thrive is a reminder.How can I describe Thrive? It's a whirlwind of every damn thing you'd expect from this dynamic duo. Thrive, like the entire world its set within, is like nothing I've ever read before in NA. Everything about this novel is beautiful and emotionally gripping, it is something that takes you by your collar and says listen. What I can't stress enough is how intelligent and truthful the path is. One of the most important things to know about this series is that it's beautifully written and filled with so much heart and soul, you'll be left feeling like you've discovered a new friend. I couldn't stop highlighting Thrive and found myself scoffing again at the fact that I didn't purchase a physical copy.But that's not important. Let's talk story. No spoilers.God, I love these two.(And everyone.)As always, there's the tone of complete honesty that grips us readers and takes us on a journey; side by side with Lo and Lily. We've known their addictions and the struggles that come with it. We've watched not only their relationship grow, but both Lily Calloway and Loren Hale grow as individuals and yet Krista and Becca take us even deeper (sh) than before in this full-length companion novel. I'm never going to get over the personal feeling that comes with every chapter of this series but I genuinely feel like I've got a connection to these characters in a way I'm not sure I've ever (or will ever again) feel.While I truly love all the characters--and their journey and friendships and romance--Lily and Lo will always have a special place in my heart. We've known them the longest. By far, Thrive is the most emotionally charged and inspiring addition to the series line-up yet (I don't doubt this will change as the stories progress, that's the thing about K & B: they keep outdoing themselves) and I have to admit I found myself breathless by many things. It's just such an honor to witness the growth of these two. Lily and Lo grow in real time, intimately and very realistically.I will leave you with one thing and one thing only: this series will have your heart. And it won't ever let go.
A**E
3.7⭐️
I knew it was going to be a retelling of the first two books in the Calloway sister series, but most of the conversations that overlapped were word for word. Didn’t need to to read all of that again. I feel like they could have been summarized or just glossed over. Though I do know that those who don’t read in the recommended order could see their importance. I was happy to be back with Lily and Lo. And I love Lo and Connor’s relationship. Can’t wait to see more core 6 content.
A**I
A Different Perspective
4.5/5⭐️2/5🌶I really loved being back inside the heads of Lily and Lo. Seeing their relationship from the eyes of other characters was great but seeing their love from the first point of view will always hit different. Thrive takes place over two years and recounts the events of Kiss the Sky and Hothouse Flower while filling in some gaps. I know this has been said million times before but you NEED to read these books in order for the full effect.We get the same atmosphere you expect with the core six but this definitely felt more emotional than the previous books. This was an emotional book of highs and lows, the only aspect that made it a 4.5 and not a 5 star was the mystery of what’s coming next not being there.
A**S
Amazing Series!!!!
This series is just so good. I've loved the pain, heartbreak, sadness, loyalty, determination and most of all the passion expressed by these amazing six characters.I'm another Team Ryke fan but even I can't get enough of Lil and Lo and their special bond. Most of this book covers old ground but from a different POV and with extra background to the scenes. This means that you have to re-live some of the group's must painful memories though but the scenes are so special that you feel humbled to experience them once again.My heart was twisting so much at what Lil and Lo go through on a daily basis. I find the scenes with Lo and Ryke's father the hardest to stomach though and I hope the three-some have a change in fortune eventually.Connor and Rose are still amazing and I love the way Connor protects Lo. Rose and Lo's relationship is hysterically fractious and continues to get better and better.I can't wait to see where this story goes to next, POVs are all good and well but I really need new stories and anecdotes from this amazing cast!I still want more from Ryke and Daisy though!!!!Reviewed on behalf of Jezabell Girl & Friends....
K**N
the series as a whole
Love this series so much, they're steamy but then the characters have depth. The relationship and connection between Loren and Lilly is insane, they love each other so much and its just such a different plot line. At one point i literally read this series once a month for a year. I think their struggles and how they lean on one another is amazing, and how their family and friends are incorporated makes it really unpredictable, my only criticism would be that there always seems to be an obstacle in the way of them being truly happy, whether it be family, their addictions or media. In any case, love the books, definitely recommend, made me cry at some points but then its also the kind of book that when you read it you're smiling at the pages without realising how invested you are in the characters
J**U
I fell in love with them like a bullet would fall from the sky.
Man, I've said this, but I will say it again: Krista and Becca Ritchie will never ever disappoint me with anything that they write. I love them so freaking damn much!!Now to Thrive.I love this book. I mean, I say it to every single Addicted and the spin-off books, but it's true. There's no way I can show any more of my love since I literally can't think of another word to replace 'love'. Maybe 'adore'? Okay, I ADORED this book, I ADORE this whole series. Sounds a bit cheesy don't you think? But hey, I'm just saying this to show how much my heart aches for this series, the characters and even Krista and Becca.I'm not going to talk much about this book in general, but I just want to say that this one was a bit different from the rest (good different). It was told in a long span of time, sometimes overlapping with things that happened in Kiss The Sky (Rose & Connor) and Hothouse Flower (Daisy & Ryke), and I loved every single moment of it. I always like it when I get to see things from different points of view of the same thing just to get into someone else's head.So in Thrive, it basically just goes into Lily & Lo's side of what happens in KTS and HF, but with a few more moments that we don't get to see in both of those books. This book really drives me back to the first time I'd ever fell in love with Lily and Loren. I fell in love with them like a bullet would fall from the sky.Fast and deep.I can't think of anything else to say about this book, this WHOLE SERIES, in fact. I will say it again and again, and I won't stop until everyone on this earth knows that I am completely and deeply in love with Lily, Loren, Ryke, Daisy, Rose and Connor.So yeah, here we are. I'm going to shut up about my love for this series now, and I'm just going to wait for the next epic story in this series.
J**R
JUST SUCH A BRILLIANT SERIES !!!
Well I was expecting this one to follow on from Daisy's story but it actually runs along side Rose and Daisy's story once more focusing on Lily and Lo . I just adore these two so much, you can really feel all the emotions they go through....and Connor, I just love himAnd at last a proper full length book, none of these you can read in a few hours. I HAVE a serious book hangover after this one and simply cannot wait for the next oneBuy this series, you will not be disappointed, just BRILLIANT !!!
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