Addicted after all indeed.

Where to start? I could honestly say one or million words in this post and it still would never be enough to describe how big of an impact Krista & Becca and their books had on me. It has been almost 2 years since i became part of this life changing journey and i don't even want to think what my life would be like if i hadn't come across this series. 

Many of you probably started with Addicted to You, but the first book i read was Hothouse Flower. When i read the summary, i knew that it was exactly my kind of book and i hoped that the writing wouldn't disappoint. And oh man was the writing good. It wasn't anyhting like i had ever read before, those sisterhood bonds, friendships and relationships between Calloways and their significant others astonished me. I never could have imagined that a book could be written in that way. I fell in love with characters and their stories with every page i read. And there was just no way i could not continue the series, i wanted more of this magic. With every book i became more and more addicted.

I read Hothouse Flower sometime in the beginiing of September 2014 but didn't find Krista and Becca on twitter before January 2015, when i was reading Amour Amour. That book pretty much cemented my love for twins and all their work. I remember interacting with Becca while i was reading, i was in the middle of finals but all i wanted to do was read AA non stop (no surprise there). By that time i knew what spectacular authors they were but i never expecting them to be so sweet and kind. After that every interaction, every tweet, every conversation with them became  highlight of my day. I not only found authors who gave me everyhting i wanted in books but also two of the kindest, sweetest, most intelligent friends. They hold a very special place in my heart and life. All the memories i have of them (and i hope many more are to come) will always bring a smile and warmth to me throughout the years. These two soperwomen are two of the biggest inspirations to me. I admire them so much for not giving up on their dreams and to be able to do what they love everyday. Seriously, there is no one like them. No author comes close to them in my opinion, they just have this very special, magical way of writing where they make you feel every single emotion you are supposed to feel while reading and i could never say how thankful i'm for all their hard work.

Krista & Becca not only gave the books i'll treasure for the rest of my life but also the most precious friendships. If not them, i would probably never have found Devon, who i share this blog with and who has become my soulmate and one of my closest friends. My dear dear friends Diep, Liv, Amy, Rheeza, Ally, Sue, Manu, Iris, Jen, Anisha, Mel, Nash. These girls have become a family to me and i don't know where i would be without their constant unconditional love and warmth. Thank you for being always there, i will always hold each and every one of you in my heart. I'll steal Khalid's words and tell you that i love you from the stars, to the stars.

It's Some Kind of Perfect release day and for the past week or more specifically for the last months i have seen how everyone is sad that this is the end. But i'm not sad, you know why? Because this isn't the end, far from it. This is only beginning for Krista and Becca, they have so so many great thing ahead of them. Addicted was the greatest beginiing to their very special adventure. These two girls are beyond talented and I have absolutely no doubt that they still have their biggest success in the future. Besides, knowing Krista & Becca, i'm sure our beloved six characters will play the biggest part in Like Us series so we aren't seeing them for the last time, that's for sure. If you think about it this way you'll realize that you aren't sad, we all are just very very very emotional because after all these nine books we are getting some kind of closure but this isn't definitely the end. Whenever we miss them all we have to do is open our books or kindles and we can go through the life altering journey that is Addicted series.

All that being said, i still don't think it's enough to make you realize my dear soperwomen how much you have changed my life. How your sweetest messages have numerously brightened my days. How your books have been the biggest solace and support in the hardest moments of my life. How you and your characters inspire me every single day to be better, to be stronger, to be more confident. That if i want it and work for it hard enough i can achieve anything. Know that i love and appreciate you more than i could ever tell you with words. Thank you for giving me these unforgettable stories, which i'll always hold close to my heart.

Thank you for Lily Calloway, who is just the sweetest, kindest, one of the strongest and the most courageous characters i have ever read about. Lily taught me that even when the whole world is judging and pointing fingers at you, you can stay strong and brave. That no matter how much you suffer throughout your life, that childish innocence we carry deep in our hearts will still always stay with you. 

Thank you for Loren Hale, who is the example of what a husband and father should be like. Who was strong enough to overcome his demons for people he loves. Lo taught me that it is possible for us to forgive and still love people who have done nothing but bring us down our entire lives. That's one of the hardest things to do and it just proves that he has a golden heart. I admire so much about him but this the most.

Thank you for Rose Calloway, who in my opinion is a hero. She's the definition of strong, independent, intelligent woman who is beautiful inside and out. She's the most fierce character i have ever read about but also at the same time she's the most loving person who will stop at nothing to protect her family. Rose taught me that i don't have to be just smart or just beautiful or just strong. I can be all of those things if i put my mind to it. That i don't need other people's approval to be or do something i love.

Thank you for Connor Cobalt, who is the smartest, wittiest and the most passionate person. He's the kind of character who will never let you figure all of him out, who often hides behind the mask of  indifference but in fact has infinite amount of love for his family. Connor taught me that it's not always necessary to wear my heart on my sleeve. That it doesn't make you weak to not always show people who you truly are even if they judge you. That other people's opinion doesn't matter and they never define us. 

Thank you for Daisy Calloway, who always always will be my most favorite character and who i have come to care about as much as a real person. She's the true definition of sunshine, which lights up your life in the darkest of times. She is the strongest, kindest and the most selfless person. She would give up everything for her loved ones. Daisy taught me that no matter the struggles you go through, no matter all the pain and betrayal it's possible to still keep that light and kindness inside of you that doesn't ever let you to give up. She taught me what selflessness really means.

Thank you for Ryke Meadows, who for me is what a man, husband, father, brother and friend should be like. He's a man with the biggest, kindest and the most selfless heart. Ryke doesn't let many people see the real him, who is so very intelligent, kind, humble, sweet and selfless. Ryke taught me showing your vulnerable side to your loved ones makes you only stronger. That you should never give up on the people you love no matter how much they push you away. That it's only important to open ourselves to people you love because in the end they are the only ones who matter.

Thank you for Willow Hale, who is the most relatable character for me. I can find myself in so many of her actions that it's surreal. She taught me that it's okay to stand out. It's okay not to feel like you don't belong because one day you'll definitely find your place. She taught me that it's important to fight for what is important to you and never let other people's opinions bring you down.

Thank you for Garrison Abbey, who is a vital part of the story just like Willow. He had to grow up in such a cruel environment but still has so much kindness inside of him even though he doesn't believe that. He has such a big yearning to be different from all those poeple around him, to be a kind person who will inspire others and i just admire him so much for that. He taught me that you can change and become better even when no one believes in you.

This is only a small part of all the gratitude i have for you Krista and Becca. You changed my life in so many ways and i just wish i could give you more than just these words. I have infinite amout of love for you both and wish you only the very best. I'm sure so much success is still to come your way and you deserve every little bit of it. 

Elements Double Review

In the midst of revision and essays I've somehow managed to find the time to read two books which once came as easy as writing my name, now it proves somewhat difficult to find the energy to even contemplate reading. 

The Elements series are two books by Brittainy C. Cherry the first being The Air He Breathes and the second The Fire Between High & Lo, after reading the first recommended by Nini, I decided to give the second book a chance too. 

The Air He Breathes was an I guess not entertaining more like an interesting read which makes it sound bland yet I did enjoy the book, The Air He Breathes takes you on the journey of Tristan and Elizabeth who have both lost their spouses and find comfort in each other. Despite the obvious road this book was taking, there still were elements of surprises and twists within its pages. 

The problem that I had with this book is some of the lines were beyond cringiness, "kiss me with your darkness" made me want to chew glass and vomit, I cannot ever imagine anyone saying something so ridiculous. 

The book ended with a heart squeezing epilogue that wrapped the book up wonderfully. Overall, I did enjoy the book, despite the cringe-worthy aspects, I really liked the characters and their development, I initially gave four stars yet if quarter and half stars were possible it would be 3.5 or perhaps 3.75.

The Fire Between High & Lo started off really great I really enjoyed seeing Logan and Alyssa as teenagers and seeing their friendship develop into a relationship, even before 50% we had hit so many bumps and twists and I was quite shocked at how early all this happened, but then I remembered it's a second chance love story and split into two parts hence its fast paced. 

I then hit the half way mark and my interest started to lack, I am hundred percent up for any second chance love story as they're my favourite trope, yet this one was spared of the magic I usually feel whilst reading. Usually, when reading a second chance love story character A doesn't welcome back character B with open arms after leaving with no word for five years. For me personally, I just wanted more angst, something more than what there was in this book.

I rated The Fire Between High & Lo on Goodreads with 3 stars, however, if half stars were allowed I would have rated 3.5 stars purely because the second half of the book just dragged and lacked what elements that I need in a romance novel. Though I really did like the characters and the side characters in the book, I really admired our leads growth and strength throughout the book and I'm glad they got their happy ending. 

I think out of the two I do prefer The Air He Breathes it was more surprising and I feel I preferred the characters and their story, I do admire and enjoy Brittainy C. Cherry's writing and will hopefully read more of her in the future.

Love Me Never by Sara Wolf

Thanks to netgalley and Entangled Publishing for my e-arc of Love Me Never. 

 So, i honestly don't know where to start. I have really confused feelings about this book. When i read summary i expected a light read, an enemies to lovers kind of story but oh boy that was only the tiny part of what i got. Love Me Never tells the story of Isis Blake, a girl who was hurt a couple of years ago by the boy she thought she loved. Now she has lost weight and is determined not to ever fall in love. She moved to Ohio and is going to the same school as infamous Jack Hunter. 

 Since the very beginning i found something unsettling about the writing but didn't give it much thought. I wanted to see how the story would unfold but to be honest i think it would have been better if i didn't finish it because this book fucked with my head. I want to talk about some of the characters separately and i won't be holding some of the details of the story back, they also might be spoilery, though those topics might be trigger points for you like they were for me so yeah you might you want to know about them before you read the book. 

 Let's start with Isis. I'm not sure if i like her even a little bit or i'm indifferent. I didn't feel the slightest connection and was definitely the weirdest heroine i had ever read about. She tried to fill the darkest situations with humor and that was quite creepy. I didn't understand her at all, like when she wouldn't leave Jake alone and the excuse she used was that he had to apologize to Kayla when in fact that girl yelled at Isis for hitting Jake on her behalf. And then she paid Jake to go on a date with Kayla. That was fucked up so many levels that i still get pissed when i remember about it. I have so many issues with this character that i could go on and on but i'm too lazy for that. 

 Now Kayla. Oh man i wanted to slap some sense into this girl. I'm not sorry to say that she's the stupidest character i have ever come across. A guy called her stupid, a snob and pathetic and when Isis stood up to her what did she do? She got mad at her and still continued crushing on that jerk. That girl has no self-respect and i hate people like that. How can you continue liking a guy who humiliated you? No self-respecting woman would do that. No woman who has even an ounce of love for herself would ever go out with a guy like that. 

 I don't even want to talk about Jake. He wasn't just an asshole. He was a cruel person who liked to pity himself for the hard past he had (even though he wasn't the one to whom happened that horrible thing) and thought that this could excuse his cruel behavior. again no respect for people like that. 

 And the last one will be Avery. I wouldn't have been so mad if author didn't try to make us empathize with this monster. Why the monster? Because she set up FIVE and i repeat FIVE MEN to rape her best friend because she was jealous that Sophie and Jake became much closer with each other than with her. People like Avery don't deserve to be alive in my opinion. I hated her with all my heart and if i didn't love my kindle so much i would have thrown it across the room every time i read "how sorry and guilty" she felt about what she did. And let's not forget Wren who was just as much to blame. How could he not done anything to stop this when she told him to record it on camera? I don't care that author pointed it out how they were 13-14 years old at the time, kids at that age aren't so clueless not to know what is going on. So all that talk in the book about how shy and sweet Wren is? BULLSHIT. 

 I'm sorry but i have nothing good to say. Those few cute scenes that i did like a bit could never cover up so much horribleness.

The Marriage Bargain by Jennifer Probst

First of all, i would like to say a very big thank you to Jennifer Probst, who managed to pull me out of a month long reading slump with this spectacular book. Seriously, i was losing hope of being cured from this terrible disease known as reading slump anytime soon. But The Marriage Bargain managed to do not only that, but also put me in a great mood. This story will stay with me for a very long time, that's for sure.

Originally i decided to read it, because it has one of my favorite tropes aka fake marriage. But it turned out to be so much more than that, it had everything i love in a book: a broody hero, a spitfire, kickass heroine who made me fall in love with her, so much banter and humor that i couldn't stop grinning throughout the whole book. The Marriage Bargain was a very light read that filled me with so much positivity and that's what i appreciate the most in books. It's definitely joining the list of my favorite books and i'm sure i'll be re-reading it many, many times.

“Did you feed the fish?”
Nick closed his eyes. “Alexa, I’m working.”
She made a rude snort. “So am I. But at least I worry about poor Otto. Did you feed him?”
“Otto?”
“You kept calling him Fish. That hurt his feelings.”
“Fish don’t have feelings. And yes, I fed him.”
“Fish certainly do have feelings. And while we’re discussing Otto, I wanted to tell you I’m worried about him. He’s placed in the study and no one ever goes in there. Why don’t we move him into the living room where he can see us more often?”

Let's start with Alexa. I loved her from the very first pages and when she came into Nick's office to discuss the agreement and put him in his place after he made some pathetic excuse about how it was different for women to be celibate than it was for men, i just adored her. She's so smart and witty, always has answer for everything and is always ready to stand up for herself. She's also one of the kindest and most caring people. Alexa is devoted to people she loves, always giving them all she has. And this marriage to Nick kind of proves it. I loved seeing interactions between her and her family members, also with Maggie.

Now let's see about our Mr. Ryan. Nick was honestly an asshole pretty often, but you all know how i can never help with characters who are broody, grumpy and tad but cocky so it's no surprise that i enjoyed his character as much as Alexa's. Most of his asshole-like behavior was caused by jealousy and confusion about his feelings for Alexa so i think we can forgive him for that ;) It's honestly not surprising that he was trying to be distant with Alexa, for a person who never knew what is affection and love i think Nick turned out to be pretty great. Except for that moment almost at the end when he acted like one giant unreasonable asshole, he was really amazing. I liked his characer a lot, because he was like a grumpy teddy bear that you just want to hug haha Also that once scene when his ex kissed him and he was so nervous to tell Alexa about it? That was so adorable! It was really admirable of him not to hesitate about telling the truth because not many men would have done the same. But he still deserved it when Alexa dumped ice-cream on his head lol

Ice blue eyes stared back at him with sheer stubbornness and steely determination. "If you get to have your orgies, I get mine. If  you want to be celibate, so will I. I don’t care about your crap  regarding men and women and their differences. If I have to go to bed alone for three hundred sixty-four nights, then so will you. And if you want action, you'll have to turn to your own wife.”
She tossed her head like a stallion just out of the gate. “And since  we know we’re not attracted to each other, you’ll just have to find some other ways to ease the pressure. Use a little creativity. Celibacy should open other outlets.” She smiled. “’Cause that's all you’re gonna get.”

I can say that these two became one of my favorite couples. They couldn't go a minute without fighting with each other and honestly all these fights were like a foreplay for them because one second they are fighting and then making out. It was so very entertaining to read, how they drove each other nuts, i lost count how many times these two idiots made me laugh out loud. They acted like a couple who have been married for years. And all that bickering about the fish and dogs? Oh man, i almost peed myself during those scenes. Alexa and Nick deserve A+ for their bantering skills and knowing exactly how to drive one another crazy. And there were just as many swoon worthy moments. Their chemistry was out of this world. 

“Your mother’s coming,” he said.
“I  know—she probably heard us arguing. Do something!”
“What?”
“Anything!”
“Fine!” He grabbed her around the waist, dragged her body flush  against his, and ducked his head. His lips crushed hers as his hands wrapped around her tightly so they were plastered against each other, hip to hip, thigh to thigh, breasts to chest.

I don't know what else to say besides that i immensely loved this story. I finished it last night and i'm still in a great mood after it, still overwhelmed with how amazing it was. I will definitely read all the other books in the series and hopefully love them, though i don't think i can love any of them as much as i love Alexa & Nick's story. I a-d-o-r-e everything about this book.

Book Pushing Day

A weekly segment that we will carry throughout our 'Some Love is Infinite' are book recommendations where together we will recommend a joint book that we love, and recommend alternate young adult and new adult books. It's a perfect way for us to express our love for books, authors, and series', it's also a polite way for us to pressure you into reading some of our favourite choices. 

Recommendation from Devon and Nini: Addicted to You by Krista & Becca Ritchie

This comes as no surprise since these authors and series were the reason we met and now have each other in our lives. There are actually no words to describe how much Krista and Becca and their books mean to us, but we'll still try to make you see fraction of how special they are. With these series we found not only the most spectacular books but also the most precious friendships with Krista and Becca, who are the sweetest and most attentive authors and also other members of Fizzle Force. Addicted to You is the beginning of the most diverse, beautiful, soul wrenching journey for six characters, that have forever made places in our hearts. We can say without hesitation that there are no other books that will touch your soul and make you feel more than Addicted series. With every book you become more and more immersed with the story of each character and can't help but crave for more. We aren't going to say a word about the plot because the best way to start this series is to go in blind, trust us you won't regret it for a single second. 

Recommendation from Nini: On Dublin Street by Samantha Young

There's no secret that i enjoy New Adult/Contemporary/Romance the most, therefore i come across many books are really cringe worthy. Also many of the books in these genres are so very similar that's it's very rare to find a book that's diverse, fresh and written well. On Dublin Street is one of those rare kind. I read it in 2013 and to this day this book still hold a special place in my heart. Not only did Ms.Young paint a captivating story but she also gave us amazing group of characters who you can't help but fall in love with. Jocelyn, who's running from her past and tries to not get close to anyone in order to avoid getting hurt again. And then there's Braden, persistent, arrogant, bloody smart and also so very sweet. There's so much banter, sarcasm and humor. The secondary characters who are just as awesome as main ones. If you love books that have strong friendships, family, humor and tons of swoon worthy moment, then this book is for you. I was very brief because i don't want to spoil anything for you, you just have to read it for yourselves to see how truly great the whole series is!

Recommendation from Devon: The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski

I would say I share my love for books between young adult and new adult; however with New Adult I tend to stick to only romance, yet with young adult I will absolutely branch out into any genre of book. And so for my first recommendation I have gone with a young adult fantasy book 'The Winner's Curse'. There are many reasons for me choosing the first book of The Winner's Trilogy series as my first recommendation for mine and Nini's blog. It's an incredible read with such an intense and thrilling story line, accompanied by strong headed female protagonist Kestrel Trajan who I admire so much, she's so intelligent, talented, and determined. But don't let these beautiful covers deceive you these books are filled with pain, heartbreak, and a slow burn relationship -- everything I enjoy in a young adult novel. With the third and final book just around the corner what an ideal time to recommend the series as my first recommendation. 

In Too Deep by Tracey Alvarez

I don't usually have much luck with free books, 97% of the time i can't even finish them because the writing style and plot are just not my cup of tea. So i started In too Deep with low expectations. Color me surprised, when from the very first pages i became so engrossed in the story that i just couldn't put it down.

In too Deep is the first book in Due South series and Ms Alvarez definitely managed to captivate me to continue reading all the other books. After having her heart broken and witnessing her fathers death almost at same time nine years ago, our heroine Piper Harland, became a cop who’s part of the elite New Zealand Police National Dive Squad. She's a tough woman, who believes this is what she is meant to do. I came to admire and love Piper a lot throughout the whole book. She's one of the strongest characters i have ever read about, very few people would be able to do what she does on daily basis and not break down. Especially considering the tragedy she had to go through almost a decade ago.

Piper never planned to come back to Stewart Island, a place where she grew up but which now also holds two of the most painful memories, her father's death which she still feels so much guilt for and Ryan “West” Westlake breaking her heart. But she has no other option, because her brother, Ben, is having financial problems and might lose the business he took over after their father's death. Coming back means facing West and her family. Throughout the book we see Ben, Piper and Shaye slowly working their issues out and finally letting old wounds to start healing. I'm sucker for sibling relationships so you can imagine how much it hurt to see them so fallen apart from each other. Also i loved their mother Glenna who was quite a force of nature. That women is definitely one of many highlights of the book.

I loved West too. It's easy to see how much it hurt him to let Piper go all those years ago, which was both because of his fear of abandonment and also not wanting to hold Piper back from achieving her dreams. He is an amazing character, a very loyal friend, a very sweet guy through and through and he also has sense of humor, what is not to love? It was also very funny how they thought they could resist each other once she came back. Since love-hate relationships and second chance love stories are some of my favorite, it made me enjoy this book even more. The banter between these two dorks was priceless. But there also were quite a few scenes that made my heart melt, i live for those little, sweet scenes that make you want smile and cry at the same time. This book definitely had them.

All in all it was a very enjoyable read for me. It was my kind of book and i'm glad that i finally did read it. It's also still free so y'all should definitely give it a chance!

The Avery Shaw Experiment by Kelly Oram

This was exactly what i needed after such a painful experience that was Saving Francesca. The Avery Shaw Experiment definitely made the list of the cutest, fluffiest and funniest books i have read.

We have Avery Shaw, shy, awkward geek that suffers from social anxiety. And then there's Aiden Kennedy, who has been her best friend her whole life. They were basically inseparable their whole lives, doing everything together so no surprise there that they didn't really know who they truly were outside their friendship. After seventeen years of being attached at the hip Aiden suddenly announces that he wants some space from Avery, to have some independence to do things by himself. This obviously causes a big heartache to our heroine, who thought that she was in love with him and was just waiting for him to realize that he was in love with her too. This is where The Avery Shaw Experiment comes into.

When Aiden said he wanted some space, he meant every word. Because not only he left Avery to do everything for the state science fair but he also got a girlfriend and basically started acting like Avery didn't exist and their friendship meant nothing. This aspect was really close to me because i had a best friend who i shared everything with and when suddenly she got a boyfriend, she forgot my existence. That's why i understood throughout the whole book how Avery felt and never got frustrated with her, because if you haven't experienced anything like this, i can see how it would be annoying when everything came back to Aiden again and again. 

I really really liked the plot. I liked the idea of the science experiment because it made this book unique and not cliche like many other books about popular athletes falling for an awkward girl. Speaking about athletes, Grayson Kennedy was definitely highlight of the book for me. From the very beginning he was so very great to Avery, he was exactly the kind of person she needed in her life. I loved him for making so much effort to help her, to make her break out of her shell. He made a big difference in her life in just couple of months not only by helping her heal but also by helping her make new friends, become more confident and less anxious. I truly loved this guy for being so understanding, caring and never once hesitating in doing what was best Avery.

“I’ve got news for you, Aves. When a guy says he wants to take you out in the name of science, he’s totally full of it. He really just wants to take you out.”
“But you’ve taken me out like a million times for the experiment. You kissed me once in the name of science.”
“Exactly.”

I also loved Avery. She was great and no matter what she thinks, she was really strong to overcome all that heartache. Also it was quite obvious by the end of the book that neither her nor Aiden were really in love with each other. In my opinion they both just confused being in love with the big love they had for each other as friends, because when you have a best friend, who is that close to you it's rare that you would want to share them with anyone else.

This book also dealt briefly with depression and since i'm really sensitive with this subject i can't not point out that it made me very happy that author didn't just sweep it under the rag and act like Avery got healthy miraculously by herself. It's very important to show that when dealing with depression it's crucial to seek help. There's nothing shameful about it.

In the end, i would like to say that this was a really great read. I don't know if everyone would enjoy it this much but for me it was definitely it. The book was hilarious, which is important for me. I love books that have humor in them but no every author can pull it off, sometimes the jokes and situations that are supposed to be funny are just lame. But this definitely wasn't the case in this one, Kelly Oram did an amazing job in making me laugh out loud bunch of times through the whole book. She also created not only kick ass main characters but also awesome secondary ones. I loved Owen, Chloe and Pam and also Avery's nerd herd as Grayson calls them, especially Libby! I can't wait to read her book. All in all, if you are searching for a fluffy read that is equally as funny as it is cute, this is a perfect pick for you :)