Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Tempting #4

Addicted

Rate this book
Addiction: the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming.


Ruby was sin and sex.

The ultimate indulgence and worth every penny she cost me. I paid for her body, but didn't know she'd end up embedded in my soul.

Elias was dark and tempting.

Unmatched in intensity and passion compared to my other clients. He handed me cash in exchange for my touch, and he dug himself into my heart instead.

Money changes things, firms up the lines of a relationship. But when it becomes an addiction—an all-consuming, life-changing addiction—the lines are completely obliterated.

Unknown Binding

First published October 21, 2016

29 people are currently reading
453 people want to read

About the author

Alex Lucian

5 books501 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
148 (43%)
4 stars
125 (36%)
3 stars
51 (14%)
2 stars
11 (3%)
1 star
8 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
Profile Image for Wil Loves Books!.
1,565 reviews489 followers
October 21, 2016
If there’s something you should know about Alex Lucian is that her books are hot! Ridiculously hot! And addictive, very addictive! Well, Addicted is very hot and very addictive, lol. I definitely enjoyed this one.

addicted-graphic-2

So, Addicted is Elias book. If you read Tempting and Provocative, he is Nate’s former brother in law, Diana’s brother. In those books, he’s not a very likeable character, however I was always intrigued by him. So, this one was a must read for me. If you haven’t read Tempting, what are you waiting for? But regardless, this can be read as a standalone.

addicted-graphic-3

Elias is a photographer that has travelled the entire world. He is also super alpha and brooding and has a few issues. He doesn’t do relationships and he loves escorts. Escorts give him a way to get what he needs without attachments. Right from the blurb you can tell this will be an intriguing and wild ride. You also know Ruby is an escort. Elias hires Ruby for a longer amount of time, and in the process he realizes there’s something different about her.

addicted-graphic-5

Ruby was also great, smart, with a great head on her shoulders. I was definitely able to relate to her back story and understand why she chose to become an escort. I’m not sure this is a character everyone will like from the get go, she’s a modern woman, with no regrets and no apologies. I on the other hand loved her, plus I love my books a little taboo sometimes!

addicted-graphic-4

I could definitely feel the connection between them from the get go. And the hotness level of this book is beyond belief, absolutely panty melting! I love that the relationship seemed to flow organically and in an uncomplicated manner. I loved that there were no huge conflicts or misunderstandings. And I definitely love the person Elias became with Ruby’s help. That for me was essential. Like I said, he was not a very likeable character in the previous books, so Alex did a great job redeeming him.

addicted-graphic
I love Alex Lucian’s books, they’re easy to read but complex while not being over the top or cliché. This is a somewhat controversial trope and I think she pulled this off amazingly. I definitely recommend this one and can’t wait to see what’s next for this author!



Wil


**An ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review**



JOIN THE SISTERHOOD! FIND US ON: FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM / TWITTER / BLOG
Profile Image for Alexis.
756 reviews84 followers
October 16, 2016
You may remember Elias from Alex’s other two books, Tempting and Provocative. Though he was a minor character he’d always piqued my interested. He was this brooding, dark man who you just knew had a dark side. So imagine my excitement when I found out he was getting his own book.

Right off the bat, we find out that Elias has a penchant for escorts. He doesn’t want the messy entanglement of having relationships. It’s much easier to pay a woman, have his way, and then go on with his life. He’s a photographer who has traveled the world and doesn’t stay in one place for very long, thus again another reason to not do relationships.

When he meets Ruby, he soon realizes that there is something different about her. She’s different than the other women he’s paid in the past. She seems to challenge him in a way and makes him keep coming back for more.

Ruby was a fantastic heroine. She’s working her way through her second Master’s, and educated beyond her years. But the overwhelming amount of student loans made her realize that being a barista won’t pay the bills.

I absolutely love this trope. BUT…in order to pull this off effectively there has to be more than just sex. Thankfully, Alex put a lot of meat into the story and makes the connection between Ruby and Elias so believable. And may I add that their connection was smoking? Like I literally felt I needed to light a smoke after some of their hot as hell scenes!

I’ve always been a fan of Alex’s writings, but Addicted is definitely my favorite. I think each and every book keeps getting better and I can’t wait to see what’s next in store for us!
Profile Image for Malene.
1,341 reviews759 followers
October 30, 2016
Alex Lucian's writing is just as addictive as this book. I've read the three previous books in the Tempting series, which I enjoyed tremendously, and the same can be said about Addictive. His writing is so effortless and pulls me in instantly.
Ever since reading Tempting and Provocative I've been very interested and intrigued by Nathan's brother in-law Elias. Grieving so much for his sister Diana and he was always so moody and angry, that I just couldn't wait to read his story.

Yes, the premise wasn't something new but the characters was what made this book. Ruby was an intelligent and down to earth woman. An orphan but still determined to make it on her own. Already had one bachelor degree and was studying to get her masters. She was a wonderful and strong character that I connected with instantly. She had a sensible look at her work as an escort.
Elias was still a grieving brother who was only focused on his job. When he met Ruby he slowly started to change. I liked how intrigued he was by Ruby's intelligence and wasn't just with her because of her body and appearance. She truly impressed him with her knowledge.
I really enjoyed how they both tried to viewed their agreement professionally and how they both slowly let their guards down. The build up on their friendship and then how it evolved to lovers was written at a perfect pace. I enjoyed them together. At first how detached and clinical their connection was, to how sensual and passionate it became between them. Cause damn they were sizzling hot together.
Ruby's friend and colleague Stella was great too and added some humor to the story with her clients and their strange fetishes.

This was a fabulous story, flawlessly written with a lot of chemistry between Elias and Ruby. If this is the last book in the Tempting series, then I can honestly say that Alex Lucian is going out with a bang.

4 BadAssDirtySexyChemistryStars
Profile Image for Jos.
1,833 reviews141 followers
March 20, 2017
4.5 Stars Great

Loved this story, it was another added bonus to this already fantastic series:)

Love this author and can't wait for more books in the future!!!!!!!!!!
Profile Image for Mg ♥ The Bookishmedialite.
1,252 reviews317 followers
October 22, 2016

“He was a client. And I was his escort, paid to give him a thorough fuck.”

And she certainly did. Elias & Ruby were fire together. What should have been a sterile transaction turned into something more.

I’m not ashamed to say that I’m a horny little thing, and Alex Lucian gave me a sexy hell of a ride with this one. I may or may not have gotten burnt with all the hotness around those two.

Being an escort wasn't something Ruby enjoyed, it was just a means to an end.

I loved Ruby, she was more than just a pretty face and a hot body. Behind all the make up and the sexy dresses hide an educated woman, one that will do whatever it takes to survive and fulfill her dreams.

Elias, Elias, Elias. He avoided relationships like they carried the plague. Escorts provided him sex without feelings. Feelings lead to plans for life. Make a future. Future implied hope, and for him, hope was a bitch.

“With Elias, I was just Ruby. Not the escort, paid to spread her legs.”

Money wasn't enough to overshadow the attraction between them. Yes, their relationship started as insta-lust and in a very untraditional way, but with every touch, every shared moment, every look, the lust evolved into something more. A love capable of bringing hope to the one who didn’t believe in it and hope to the one who thought love wasn't on the table for her.

In my opinion, Addicted was a story with a plot a little overused but that didn't stop me to read it. The cover, the title, even the blurb intrigued me so I went in. What I got was a pair of well developed characters that kept me reading till the last page. I needed to know what was going to happen to their relationship, if something big was going to happen to them, because that right there was my issue with the book…. I felt like nothing happened. Not a heart-pounding or a fuck off moment, nothing. That pissed me off because I think Elias & Ruby deserved more. They were so perfect!!!! But well, don't forget that this is me not you so…. if you are up for a escort female book give Addicted a chance. Maybe you will love it.

Profile Image for Jos.
1,833 reviews141 followers
March 20, 2017
4.5 Stars Great

Loved this story, it was another added bonus to this already fantastic series:)

Love this author and can't wait for more books in the future!!!!!!!!!!
Profile Image for Shayna.
1,812 reviews615 followers
October 23, 2016
Alex Lucian takes us on an erotic and seductive exploration of the professional escort world in ADDICTED. Just like every book in the Tempting Series, I devoured this in one night. Even though we met Elias in previous books in the series, I had NO IDEA what I was in for with this man. His demons run deeper than I ever would have imagined. I ended up falling for him pretty damn HARD.

Lucian absolutely DELIVERS in this installment of the Tempting Series. This author's books are always HOT! Smokin' hot! The characters are brought to life in such a way that you can easily see the plot play out in movie form in your head. Ruby and Elias were absolutely EXPLOSIVE! What was supposed to be a sterile transaction, turned into more than they ever would've imagined. Client falling for the hooker? Yes, it's been done, but not like this and NOT in the words created by Alex Lucian. This is so much deeper than that. Ruby is the light to Elias' dark world. He will do anything to keep her, even if he has to make up excuses along the way. Ruby has a plan. She doesn't plan on being an escort her whole life, but she has student loans that aren't going to pay themselves. She can tell herself that the brooding and sexy Elias is just another client, but in her heart, she knows he's turning into something more.

"I wanted to be as deep in her as she was in me."

A steamy as sin romance with a dash of the forbidden, makes ADDICTED a very sensual and seductive read. And can I just mention Elias' friend, Jack? That gorgeous, rich, and witty single dad needs a story pronto! Get excited people! ADDICTED is your next unputdownable erotic read!

addicted teaser

Unknown
Profile Image for Melissa Jones.
337 reviews13 followers
October 24, 2016
Addicted is the perfect title for this book because I was hooked from the blurb to the final word and couldn't get enough of Elias and Ruby's sexy erotic story that has so much more hidden within the sizzling electric chemistry that is so strong that it had me feeling the currents through my kindle!!!

"There was heat and more than a little danger in that grin. I was little red riding hood and he was out for me."

Elias has a lot of built up anger over losing his sister/best friend that he hasn't let go of, he's never considered a long time relationship instead always hooking up with escorts to release his sexual tension and to avoid intimacy. Ruby is strong, very smart woman who became an escort to regain power over herself that she had stripped away by an ex-boyfriend. Elias seeks Ruby out as his next escort but these two immediately feel more than any professional relationship should allow and even though they shouldn't cross certain lines of business the heart refuses to be kept out of the equation.

"Ruby implanted herself in my heart, next to my pulse, into my veins, and I'd never be rid of her."

This story could possibly combust from the hotness level that is reached between Elias and Ruby....it's off the charts but don't be fooled and think that is all there is because the story goes much deeper to the matters of the heart that won't be denied no matter the escort/client rules!! I love this book, love this series, and will be reading more from this great author!!!
Profile Image for Jo - •.★Reading Is My Bliss★.•.
2,429 reviews240 followers
October 16, 2016
We got glimpses of Elias in two of the other books in this series. He is a larger than life sort of man who is used to getting what he wants. He is very alluring and tempting in his pursuit of women he takes a liking to. However, there is more to this man than that. He is mourning the loss of his best friend, his sister Diana, who died several years ago. She had always been there for them and he lost a piece of himself when he lost her. Nothing has ever felt the same.

Elias is a successful photo journalist, is very well travelled and good at what he does. This sort of career does not lend itself to committing to any sort of meaningful relationship so he prefers to enjoy the company of classy paid escorts. Beautiful women who give him what he needs, when he needs it and no strings. This works for him, until the night he meets Ruby.

Ruby is a theology student, coming to the end of her second masters degree. Like most students, she struggles to make ends meet with the cost of living in New York so for the past two years she has been an escort. The night she is sent to meet Elias everything just feels different. He is gorgeous, sexy and brimming with testosterone. The time they spend together in private is like nothing she has ever experienced.

'When you smile like that, like you did at the bar,' she said, her impossibly dark eyes trained on my lips, 'you remind me of the big bad wolf' - Ruby

'That's an excellent way to view me, because before this night is over, I will have devoured you fucking whole' - Elias


Elias is completely taken with Ruby, not only is she beautiful and incredibly sexy in bed but it is her mind that captivates him the most. She in extremely intelligent and very passionate about her studies. It is obvious that this job is just a temporary means to an end for her.
Elias had no idea that one bite of Ruby was never going to be enough for him.... so what the fuck is he going to do about that?
Profile Image for Sophie.
590 reviews479 followers
October 27, 2016
Welp, I wasn't expecting that! I mean, who knew that when we met Elias in Nathan & Adele's story he'd be my new favourite! Who knew his story would be so passionate, so raw, so utterly captivating? Well I didn't, but after reading Addicted, I feel addicted, hung up, on everything this book was and is and the glorious feels it produces.

Addicted, follows suit and fits into the Tempting series impeccably. Alex Lucian once again has penned a insanely hot story that left me breathless a few too many times. With each book Alex has injected MORE. More humour, more feeling, more passion, more sex, more energy. Just MORE and it's so effing good.

Elias and Ruby are sinful. Their whole bond is a combination of lusty, dirty, wicked sex and intense, passionate love. While reading Addicted, I got chills. Good chills. Chills that creep ever so slowly up the spine and then EXPLODE and BURN, coursing through like a raging inferno. Alex definitely knows how to write ridiculously A-MAZING alphas, men that are so freaking hot but so damn sweet. Elias is the epitome of sexy, sweet and HOT. He's the epitome of ALPHA MALE for me. And he has a beard! I mean COME ON!! As if he couldn't get any better... *flails*.
Alex also knows how to write insanely sexy women, that are strong and super kick ass! Ruby is just YES! That's how I felt about her, I wanted to high 5 her. Even in the time when she was vulnerable, all I wanted to do was celebrate her.

I LOVED this story, loved the burn, loved falling in love with the characters that had one of the best connections I've read. I loved everything, from beginning to end. Addicted has implanted itself in my heart, next to my pulse and into my veins. My name is Sophie and I'm Addicted.
Profile Image for Natalie Miernicki.
768 reviews3 followers
October 22, 2016
I received this ARC for an honest review.

Elias the dark, brooding photojournalist meets Ruby the career student with massive student loans working as an escort just to survive. Sparks fly and the two can't seem to get enough of each other... but Ruby needs her job to live and can Elias even do relationships while still struggling to cope after the death of his sister. This was my first book by Alex and it certainly won't be my last I highly recommend this story!
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,908 reviews1,368 followers
October 22, 2016
***NOW AVAILABLE - FULL REVIEW***

4 HIGHLY ADDICTIVE CROWNS

Addicted, the fourth standalone in the Tempting series, chronicles the forbidden romance of an escort and her client, and Alex Lucian delivers with the steam and the romance to make this read so much fun.

If you have read the previous books, then you have encountered Elias and his anger with his interactions with Nathan and Adele. However, this story presents a more peaceful version to him. He is still angry and still reeling from the death of his sister, which he accomplishes by severing most relationships. He finds value in physical contact with no emotion, that is until he meets Ruby. I love the side of him that she brings out. She wakes him up, shows him life and the need for love. By the end of the novel Elias has become my favorite hero of the whole series. His protectiveness, his acceptance, his willingness to explore and try new things, and his skills in the bedroom makes him a top notch hero. Elias's counterpart in the book, Ruby, is an escort that is trying to make it in NYC as a Grad Student, using the money to help her pay the bills and tuition. This aspect makes the reader sympathize with her, among other character traits the author reveals. What the reader will ultimately love about her, though, is her insatiable desire knowledge and experiences. This is the level that readers will connect with her and see themselves in her as well

The two of them together will set your book on fire. Their chemistry is off the charts, as there is an equal pull for dominance between the two, and they challenge each other in every way. What makes some of their scenes so hot is that they have complete sexual freedom with each other and independently. Their is trust and respect and an adventurous nature to their bedroom activities, and this translates into some intense and amazing intimate moments.

The plot is used to develop the relationship of the characters, and Alex Lucian paces it perfectly, allowing the reader to see them getting to know each other and fall for each other, making their relationship believable. Although together physically, their emotional journey throughout the story allows the reader to invest in them, which only leads the the soul-destroying conflict and climax. Alex Lucian delivers, though, with the excerpt, leaving the reader satisfied with the ending of the story.

Alex Lucian is an author I have come to one-click. He stories always center around characters, who are not always easy to like, but are authentic and have real-world problems. She isn't easy on her characters and pushes them to uncomfortable places at times. But her unique voice and plot lines make her stand out as an author. I know that I will certainly continue to read her fantastic stories.
=================
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

For more reviews and other book news, check out Musings of the Modern Belle at www.modernbellebooks.com.
Profile Image for Lucie Lu's Book Reviews.
333 reviews28 followers
October 20, 2016
Shift over Nathan, make room for Elias!!

This book is seriously HOT!! I mean melt your Kindle whilst reading HOT!! I was how can I say it? ADDICTED!! (Sorry I couldn’t help myself.) I am a huge fan of Alex Lucian’s work, I have loved this entire series, but this just went above and beyond. Absolutely amazing!!

I’m not going to give too much away because if you have read the blurb, then you already know that the story is about an escort. We got to meet Elias in the previous books in the series, but I had no idea I was going to fall head over heels in lust with him when I started reading. I mean..phew!! He is like no other hero I have read before and the way he is with Ruby, even from the very first meeting, I knew there was no way I could walk away from this book until the very end.

Elias is strong, he’s domineering, he owns the room just by entering it, he is what women want and what men crave to be. But he’s broken. Struggling with the death of his sister, Elias depends on Escorts to give him what he needs, an escape.

Ruby is a stunning, charming, altogether, intelligent young woman. Working as an escort is also her escape, but in a different way. Trying to move and on and forget her previous relationship with a guy who treated her as nothing. Ruby has student loans to pay and when she is called upon from a man who wants HER and will pay extra for her, she can’t refuse.

The chemistry between these characters is instant. You can feel it from the pages and the longer they spend together the hotter they become for each other. The sex scenes are damn right erotic, some of the best written passages I have had the pleasure of reading. It wasn’t over-kill, which sometimes you find with stories such as these, it was hot and steaming and intense and fresh and fun. So much so I am still very much thinking about them now..lol

I have found that I am never disappointed when it comes to this author’s work and by the end of them, I feel like I am coming up for air. I get so involved and engrossed in them, that I forget what is going on around me. And THAT is exactly what makes an epic read. There is no one out there in my eyes that can top Alex’s book, instant one-click for me.

I highly recommend Addicted and the previous books in the series, trust me you won’t find better.

6+++ Stars!!

Profile Image for The Smutbrarians.
2,239 reviews1,746 followers
October 21, 2016
Panty Scorching-5
Storyline-5
Angst-3
Tissues-0
Value- 5
Overall Rating- 5
Kindle eARC
Reviewed by Jen

I am a huge fan of Alex Lucian’s tempting series and Addicted just became my all time favorite book in the series. Don’t worry though if you haven’t read the other three books this book can be read as a standalone. This book had it all hot sex, great characters, and amazing storyline that makes you want to reread the book the moment you finish it. I couldn’t put this down and as soon as I was finished I was mad at myself for reading it as fast as I did. You seriously do not want to pass up this book—-go buy it now. You will kick yourself so hard if you don't read this book!!

Addicted is the story of Ruby and Elias. Elias pays for Ruby for what is suppose to be one night however after that one night he just can’t get enough of her. Not only does her body set his on fire but her brains, personality, and just everything about her has him wanting more of her. For as much as Elias wants Ruby, she finds herself breaking one rule she never thought she would- falling for a client. Will Ruby and Elias be able to make their all consuming addiction to one another into a real relationship or will their jobs and desires in life keep them apart?

As I stated earlier this book is soooooo good!!! I just loved Ruby- she quickly became one of my favorite lead females in a book. She never made excuses for herself and always took responsibility for her actions. Although she was an escort she never let that title define her. Elias is all alpha who knows how to treat a woman like they should. Guys should totally take notes from him. I can only hope that there will be more installments and more characters in this Tempting series.
Profile Image for Laura .
370 reviews27 followers
October 25, 2016
4.5 addicting STARS

Just as every other Alex's book, I definitely fell in love.

Addicted is part of the Tempting series but is an standalone featuring a character that was briefly mentioned in the professor's story. Elias, is the brother of Nathan's late wife, Diana.

Alex's books are particular. He creates stories where you can truly connect with the characters and there are always elements that have a dangerous and seductive undertone.

This time the story between the photojournalist Elias and the scort Ruby was one of a kind. Elias is moody, and is still grieving his sister's death. He's humor is dark and he has an intense presence. Ruby is witty, funny and clever. What start as an insta-lust relationship develops in something bigger.

But what lies in the love that grows between them is deeper than that. Ruby is intelligent and she is well educated, there is a hint of sapiosexualism (It is a neologism, but I fond endearing that Alex creates such a strong and intelligent heroines) to be honest, once Elias started to reveal the layers that held Ruby in its pure form, well he discovered something incredible.

I really enjoyed how their love story evolved, from a client-scort relationship to two people that were meant to be together. The rough edges of Elias connected perfectly with the soft ones of Ruby. His dark sense of humor with the witty and lightness of Ruby. Their deep and funny conversations, the soft spot of Elias with his friend and his friend's daughter. To be honest it was a book where I find new layers of Ruby and Elias and what made them more real and flawed, but in an beautiful way.
Profile Image for Melissa Jones.
337 reviews13 followers
October 24, 2016
Addicted is the perfect title for this book because I was hooked from the blurb to the final word and couldn't get enough of Elias and Ruby's sexy erotic story that has so much more hidden within the sizzling electric chemistry that is so strong that it had me feeling the currents through my kindle!!!

"There was heat and more than a little danger in that grin. I was little red riding hood and he was out for me."

Elias has a lot of built up anger over losing his sister/best friend that he hasn't let go of, he's never considered a long time relationship instead always hooking up with escorts to release his sexual tension and to avoid intimacy. Ruby is strong, very smart woman who became an escort to regain power over herself that she had stripped away by an ex-boyfriend. Elias seeks Ruby out as his next escort but these two immediately feel more than any professional relationship should allow and even though they shouldn't cross certain lines of business the heart refuses to be kept out of the equation.

"Ruby implanted herself in my heart, next to my pulse, into my veins, and I'd never be rid of her."

This story could possibly combust from the hotness level that is reached between Elias and Ruby....it's off the charts but don't be fooled and think that is all there is because the story goes much deeper to the matters of the heart that won't be denied no matter the escort/client rules!! I love this book, love this series, and will be reading more from this great author!!!
Profile Image for Amanda at WickedGoodReads.
810 reviews17 followers
October 23, 2016
I will admit that I have not read the entire tempting series, just book 2, then this one. And this is a complete stand alone so there is no need to read the other's to fully enjoy this book. And enjoy it I did.
This book is about Elias and Ruby. They begin their "relationship" in an unconventional way-since Ruby is a paid escort. But Ruby is a smart girl. She's working on yet another degree-being a perpetual student, and this job is something she can do that helps pay the bills. Elias is a man who does not date, he hire's escorts because they do not get attached. And he does not want attachment.
But as these two get to know each other, they begin to develop feelings for each other that they simply cannot deny-even though Ruby tried. And that was the only part of the book that I did not like, when she tried to push him away.
I did feel that the ending could have been more.....I don't know, conclusive? But over all I enjoyed these character's. This was an ARC copy so there were a few grammatical errors but they were not overwhelming to the telling of the story. All in all, I give this 4 WickedGoodStars and would definitely recommend this book:)
Profile Image for Sam Lewis.
194 reviews68 followers
October 23, 2016
This review of Addicted by Alex Lucian is for The Sweet Spot Sisterhood Blog. Addicted is Book Four in the Tempting Series. Although it is the fourth book in the series, the first three need not be read to enjoy this book. I give it 4 Stars. It is a well written modern day Pretty Woman of sorts. Alex Lucian definitely knows a thing or two about writing sex scenes because the ones in Addicted are smoking hot. Addicted is the story of Ruby, an escort and Elias, the man who ordered more than he bargained for. One night of sex turned into a whole lot more.

"Addicted is a standalone in the erotic Tempting series. You do not need to read Tempting, Beguiling, or Provocative in order to understand this story. Elias, the main character in this novel, was introduced in Tempting and continued in Provocative, however neither book is required reading for you to follow the events that take place in this book."

Book Four: Addicted (Ruby & Elias, standalone) Elias, a man haunted by his beloved sister’s death, hires an escort named Ruby who is much more than she seems.
Profile Image for Fiona Cole.
Author 34 books4,461 followers
October 11, 2016
This book was HOT!!!

I thought I loved Nathan, but Elias is my new favorite from Alex Lucian. He really knocks it out of the park with this book!

Ruby is an escort and frankly that right there locked in my need to devour this book. With a new spin on an escort, eloquent writing, and perfectly place F-bombs and I'm sold.

And did you see that cover .... *fans face*

Elias is hot and dominating. Ruby is bold and refined all at once. They were a perfect match and I loved the effortless way their love story unfolded!

By far one of Alex's best books and I can't wait for the next!
Profile Image for Leah.
420 reviews1 follower
November 4, 2016
If you love Pretty Woman then this book is for you. Pretty woman is one of my favorite movies and I love Richard Gere but Elias will put him to shame. He can rock a tux one minute then turn right around and be a rough neck the next which makes him even sexier.
Elias is grieving his sister’s sudden death at the hands of a drunk driver years after it has happened. He has lost his faith in everything and refuses to get close to someone because he can’t stand another loss like that. He is a freelance photo journalist and his job takes him all over the world so he is never in one place very long. He collaborated on a book so he finds himself in his home city of New York for a month doing promotions for the book. Being in on place for a month is making him restless so he does the only thing that makes him feel better when he is restless. He hires an escort for the night. He has always thought this is the best option for companionship since the women he meets are “professionals” and won’t expect anything from him in the morning other than a paycheck.
Ruby is a highly sought after escort. She has found that this is the only job that can provide her with the kind of money that a girl with no family in New York can use to pay down her massive student loan debt that is still piling up as she is working on her second master’s degree. She also needed something to make her feel like she is still in control of her life after spending eighteen months being verbally abused by her exboyfriend Nicolas. She has vowed she will never let a man have that much control over her again.
When Elias and Ruby meet the chemistry is instant both in and out of the bedroom and Elias quickly realizes that one night with Ruby will not be enough. He asks Ruby to be at his “beck and call” for the month he will be in New York. Ruby agrees and Ellias is more than willing to pay the fifteen grand to have her.
What seems like a simple business arrangement quickly turns into more than that as the two get closer and closer to each other. Suddenly what seems like a “job” to Ruby in the bedroom with Elias is feeling more and more like two people in love instead of a client and an escort.
Will Elias and Ruby be able to keep this a business relationship or will they let it turn into something more? Will Elias finally come to grips with his past and be able to create a future for himself and Ruby? Will Ruby be able to trust a man again after her horrible past? Find out in this steamy, unconventional romance.
I couldn’t put this book down! The sex scenes are so steamy but they are made better by the undeniable chemistry between the two characters. I highly recommend this book and will definitely be reading the other installments in this series.
I give this book 5 stars.
Profile Image for LeAnn.
188 reviews2 followers
April 15, 2021
Addicted Review 💕

Start: 4/11/21
Finish: 4/15/21

1 million, gazillion stars for Elias and Ruby ⭐️✨🌟⭐️✨🌟⭐️✨🌟⭐️✨🌟

Addicted is everything 😭. I have had this book saved for THREE YEARS! And boy, am I glad I saved this book for so long. The anticipation honestly just made the book even better for me.

Elias and Ruby are perfect. I loved reading their banter and conversations. I appreciated the fact that these two had real conversations. I mean the sex was hot but I appreciated everything about this book. These two were so hot but also so real.

When we first met Elias in Nathan and Adele’s books, he’s introduced as Nathan’s former, asshole brother-in-law. Elias is rude and just hates on Nathan. I remember feeling some type of way when we first met him. Especially with that little thing that happened between him and Adele (in the end it was really nothing though). However, even though he was an ass, I felt for this man. He was so broken. This poor man just needed to be loved. And this is where Ruby comes in.

Ruby is an escort and a self proclaimed “perpetual student”. She’s witty and sexy but also intelligent and just cute. This woman is filled with so much knowledge that it’s so sexy. I appreciated that she was an intellect and loved how excited she got when discussing theology. I loved how Elias was fascinated by Ruby. She wasn’t an escort to him, she was just a woman. I loved how he was intrigued by her knowledge. He actually listened to her. I loved how these two got to really know each other. It took some time for both of them to let their walls down but they did and it only helped them to understand each other. Ruby and Elias were both imperfect people, but together they are truly perfect.

Alex Lucian is an amazing author and I honestly just wish that they had written more. I would’ve loved to read more books about these characters and anyone else (especially Jack and adorable Grace and even Liza from Leo and Scarlet’s book)! I wish that I had discovered these books sooner so that I would’ve been able to buy paperback copies of all. I’m so happy and grateful that I was able to read all of them in the end though. Each book in the Tempting Series is amazing. My favorites have to be Beguiling (ugh Leo 😍) and now Addicted. I can only wish and dream that Alex Lucian will come back or even just put these books back up for sale so I can purchase them in paperback haha. These books are everything and I love them. I’m sad it’s over but that’s what re-reads are for! I highly recommend this book to all. You won’t regret reading Elias and Ruby’s story!
Profile Image for Bambing.
75 reviews3 followers
October 23, 2016
This is my first time reading an Alex Lucian book. I have to say, for an author with only four books published so far, Alex writes well. And, though the copy I read is an ARC, I didn't see any errors. That's irregular for an ARC and bodes well for the finished copy.

The female lead, Ruby, works as an escort while finishing her second master's degree. To me, that makes her somewhat of a nerd. A product of the foster care system, she does not let that define her. Nor does she carry a chip on her shoulder. She makes no apologies for what she does and why she does it. The only issue she seems to have, which she has already been working on, is with her ex boyfriend.

The male lead, Elias, is a former Army turned photojournalist. He is dealing with the effects of his sister's death. He is also commitment adverse. He may not look like a troll but he doesn't even want to go through the trouble of having any type of relationship with any woman, hence, the escorts.

I liked the two of them individually, and as a couple. I liked that Elias made Ruby go through an "audition" before his proposition. He was not afraid to admit that Ruby was smarter than him but he still put it to the test. Their chemistry is smokin' hot but their conversations are also interesting. They spent as much time outside the bedroom as they did outside.

I am glad that the author did not try to put drama or angst in this book. Yes, there was a conflict but it was readily resolved and not drawn out needlessly. The resolution also displayed the characteristics of the two leads flawlessly.

*Review is based on an Advance Reader Copy*
Profile Image for Elizabeth Smith.
11 reviews10 followers
June 22, 2017
Not a Cheesy Line In Sight.

I love live love the feeling of not being able to wait to get home to read a good book! And "ADDICTED" is that story. 1, 2, 3 in this Series were just as addicting..........BUT, this last was my favorite.
1 review1 follower
June 18, 2017
Great Read

This was my favorite of the series. Although I felt like I knew how it would end it was a pleasure getting there.
Profile Image for Lindsay.
2,448 reviews
October 9, 2017
Elias intrigued me from the previous books so I was happy to see that he had his own book. While he didn't meet Ruby a traditional way, their relationship is everything normal. I enjoyed this book!
Profile Image for Laura Roberts .
90 reviews1 follower
October 21, 2016
I seriously LOVE this Tempting Series by Alex Lucian! Like seriously!
Elias is a successful photo journalist. He is very well travelled and great at his job. Six years later, Elias is still mourning the death of his best friend, his sister. Even after blaming Nathan (his ex brother in law) for her death, Elias is certain he doesn’t want to experience that level of heartache, ever, so he chooses to satisfy his needs paying escorts, therefore not establishing any sort of connection with anyone and risking getting hurt. Until Ruby
Ruby is a a serial student, coming to the end of her second masters degree. Not knowing what to do as a career, Ruby just keeps on starting a new degree. But, like most students, the cost of studying and living is overwhelming, so for the past two years, she has been working as a paid escort. The night she meets Elias, she feels different to how she normally does around her clients. He is gorgeous and so sexy and she wants him so bad! The feeling is mutual.
The few hours they are together blows both of their minds. They are so sexually compatible and attracted to each other, that after the night is over, they each can’t stop thinking of each other. With Elias having many work events approaching and needing someone to take with him, he has the great idea of hiring Ruby for thirty days straight. To do what he wants with, whenever he wants, for fifteen grand. Ruby agrees to his offer, that amount of money hugely helping her finances. So with a sexy lady on his arm for work events, then that same sexy lady in his bed to do with as he pleases, no strings attached, this seems like the perfect plan. WRONG. Nothing is ever that simple. Throw in a bit of confusion, some blurred lines, an ex and some jealousy, then we have the makings of yet another super sexy novel from Alex Lucian.
Both Elias and Ruby are self sufficient characters. Both confidant in everything they do. They are both hugely independent, relying on no one but themselves. They are both super intelligent and gorgeous. Two characters with characteristics so similar that they shouldn’t be compatible or work on any level. But Elias and Ruby defy the odds. Connecting on so many levels.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from Elias going into this book. After encountering him in previous books in the Tempting series, I thought he was a bit of a tool. Turns out he’s actually not. He was just hugely devastated by the loss of his sister and struggling to move on. Ruby helped him start moving along. To stop being so guarded.
Reading from the male and female point of view, helps you engage in the story lines and panty melting sexy times, which there are a lot of. Oh and plenty of colourful language. I will advise if you don’t like books with lots of sex and f bombs, don’t read Addicted. Or actually the whole Tempting series! But you will be missing out on some great writing and creative, captivating books.
I did find that in the beginning, not much was happening, but you could feel the anticipation of the upcoming storylines building and it was well worth the wait.
So overall another immense story from Alex Lucian. I however only have eyes for Nathan, but Elias came in a very VERY close second.
155 reviews1 follower
October 21, 2016
5 Stars!!!

Elias! I have never been happier to read the anti-hero of a favored series! O.M.G. Elias! He is so much more than I thought he would be. He had a level of depth that the first books in the series didn’t even truly allude to.

Addicted by Alex Lucian is yet another fantastic story. Written about the kind of characters that you’re generally supposed to dislike, you can’t help but falling in love with them. It is a stand alone book, but with a character that had previously been introduced the first books of the Tempting series. Elias is damaged. He’s distant, cold, not wanting any real human contact… feelings of any kind. A talented freelance photographer, he can pick up and travel for extended periods of time. There’s nothing to really hold him down. He’s a loner and he’s fine with that. His human contact is made by paid escorts. Enter Ruby.

Ruby is an enigma. Yes, she is an escort, and from all sides is considered a good escort (if she was bad she probably would no longer be an escort so…). She is a perpetual college student working on her second master’s degree and not really knowing what she wants to do with it all. She’s smart as hell, and usually isn’t able to share any of her knowledge of religions and social studies. Elias was just supposed to be a one time client, but even the one time she recognized that he was different. When he offers to pay for a month of her time, she’s bound to fall… but in the best of ways.

This story is HOT. It’s sexy, deep, and profoundly enlightening. There was a great amount of knowledge of European religious history and I was astounded that while I was devouring this awesomely sexy story, I was learning a great deal and I have a degree in history! It was like the best of both worlds for me- sexy reading and history! It was a perfect mix of the nitty gritty sex and a deep conversation and banter. I loved every single aspect of it.

Elias and Ruby were the last things that one another ever wanted. Both damaged and still healing from loss, they can’t do anything but grow closer to one another. It’s inevitable. Something written in the stars. They inadvertently bring out the best in one another while learning how to do them, without acknowledging that there is a them in the first place. They’re both skittish and weary, neither knowing if it’s all an act or something deeper. Elias has fallen for the fantasy… but did the fantasy fall for him?

Gah. This story was flippin phenomenal. Another hit by a wonderfully talented author. I can’t wait for what’s to come from Alex Lucian and I am firmly cemented as a reader of hers for life!

ARC received for an honest review
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.