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Addiction Duet #1
Addiction
From Wall Street Journal and USA Today Best Selling Author Vivian Wood
It started innocently enough. Beautiful Harper gave Sean those eyes… those eyes that meant, yes, take me. But Harper didn’t know Sean’s secrets… She didn’t know that he liked it rough.
More than rough. He liked to dominate. To punish. To degrade. It was the only way that the black hole in his soul wouldn’t swallow him up.
He would push her a little too far, and she would run. They all ran, eventually.
But that’s not what happened... when he put his hands around her throat and squeezed, Harper moaned. When he told her to stay away, she didn’t listen, misbehaving until she got spanked. When he took out the handcuffs, there was excitement in her eyes, mixed with a little fear.
The doe-eyed redhead liked it. More than that, she wanted it. She said so, time and again.
That’s the thing about sexy strangers, though… you never know what they’re hiding. And Harper is carrying a burden so heavy that even Sean’s secrets pale in comparison.
This book is Book 1 out of 2 in the Addicted To You duet. At approximately 50,000 words, it ends in a cliffhanger. As a dark romance, it touches several sensitive topics, but contains no cheating. Book 2 will end in a happily ever after.
It started innocently enough. Beautiful Harper gave Sean those eyes… those eyes that meant, yes, take me. But Harper didn’t know Sean’s secrets… She didn’t know that he liked it rough.
More than rough. He liked to dominate. To punish. To degrade. It was the only way that the black hole in his soul wouldn’t swallow him up.
He would push her a little too far, and she would run. They all ran, eventually.
But that’s not what happened... when he put his hands around her throat and squeezed, Harper moaned. When he told her to stay away, she didn’t listen, misbehaving until she got spanked. When he took out the handcuffs, there was excitement in her eyes, mixed with a little fear.
The doe-eyed redhead liked it. More than that, she wanted it. She said so, time and again.
That’s the thing about sexy strangers, though… you never know what they’re hiding. And Harper is carrying a burden so heavy that even Sean’s secrets pale in comparison.
This book is Book 1 out of 2 in the Addicted To You duet. At approximately 50,000 words, it ends in a cliffhanger. As a dark romance, it touches several sensitive topics, but contains no cheating. Book 2 will end in a happily ever after.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 14, 2017
1056 people are currently reading
2176 people want to read
About the author
Vivian Wood
156 books2,798 followersVivian likes to write about troubled, deeply flawed alpha males and the fiery, kick-ass women who bring them to their knees.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 275 reviews
September 14, 2017
Hot cover on this one. Good representation of the hero. Excellent composition and title work as well.
This one was a bit hit and miss for me. While I found myself pulled into the plot and curious about the characters the writing was off for me. It felt clunky and just didn't have a good flow to it. My other issue was, from the blurb it sounded like I was going to get a good dark D/s book, but really what I got was a book weighed down (too bogged down at times) with major issues. Alcoholism. Eating disorders. Abuse. 
To be honest, after awhile I just started to skim over the pages and pages of calorie counts, exercise, and fat talk. I wanted less focus on those things and more on the romantic relationship. The above issue stopped me from feeling a connection between these two characters.
So yeah, this started off strong, but by the end, I was struggling to finish it. I will admit I am slightly curious to see what happens with these two characters in the next book. Whether or not I am interested enough to read it remains to be seen.
January 6, 2018
So, at 32%, which is the beginning of chapter 22 (could the chapters be any shorter?) I'm tapping out.
I feel no connection to or between these characters, and sadly, I'm bored.
Life's too short to read books that don't reach me.
I feel no connection to or between these characters, and sadly, I'm bored.
Life's too short to read books that don't reach me.
September 18, 2017
This is an angsty, roller coaster emotional ride that Vivian Wood has written for her newest book called “Addictions”. Addictions is an adapt title-- Sean is a recovering alcoholic – having only been sober 6 months after court mandated rehab due to a horrific car accident involving his best freind Ashton and himself. Sean is a trust fund “baby” but that doesn’t limit him, he lives a simple life and loves simple things and he actually has a real job as a tattoo artist. This is where he meets the heroine, Harper, as she and some of her roommates came into his shop to get a tattoo. Sean and Harper immediately connected but he didn’t react to that connection because he is trying to stay sober and keep at his job. Thing is, he cant keep away from this pretty woman so they end up meeting again and the connection is even stronger. Sean finds his Dom side rearing its head and he finds Harper would make a perfect sub. Things are going along great but what neither of them realize is that Harper is a natural submissive and craves what Sean wants, what Sean is. Will Sean let her see that side of him? Also, there is also this secret that Harper has that could 86 everything that they have built to date.. One that could tear them apart forever... Will Sean still want Harper after he finds out?
This is a erotic, seductive, mysterious and action packed romance story full of sizzling heat. This does end in a HUGE cliffhanger. I cannot wait to see what happens in book 2 to see if Sean and Harper will get their HEA.
My Rating: 4.6 stars *****
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
This is a erotic, seductive, mysterious and action packed romance story full of sizzling heat. This does end in a HUGE cliffhanger. I cannot wait to see what happens in book 2 to see if Sean and Harper will get their HEA.
My Rating: 4.6 stars *****
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
September 16, 2017
A perfect title , for this addictive book "Addiction"'.
As you read this story you will come to discover that not only does our male lead Sean have an addiction, but so does our female lead Harper , though vastly different .
Sean is a recovering alcoholic only six months sober after court mandated rehab due to a horrific car accident involving his best freind Ashton and him. Sean in spite of being at rust fund baby loves a simple life in LA in a small apartment above a pizzeria and near his job, Sean works as a tattoo aprentice. The tattoo shop being where he first meets Harper when she and some of her housemates come in for a tattoo. Their connection is almost instantaneous , but for Sean who is trying to stay sober dating and relationships are really on the AA No no list; but when the girls start talking about a house party Sean just can't seem to resist the urge to obtain an invite so he can send some more time with this beautiful intriguing women.
Sean struggles with trying to talk himself out of getting involved with Harper, not only does he have his sobriety that is a challenge but Sean also has what he considers a darker side , he is a dominant and heirs already fantasizing about tying Harper up and having his way with her, but fears what he desires may scare her off as he soon finds out , she may not be scared off that easily, he'll she may just be the best submissive he ever had.
Harper finds her time with Sean as a submissive a relief, she can relinquish control to him, not worry about what she is eating. Allow him to choose, what she needs to wear,allow him to choose, but once they are apart, her fears take over. She is too fat, she is my exercising enough, she needs to loose more weight, the other girls are younger , more beautiful and no amount of purging or not eating is not helping her get a job.
These two together are each other's support, each other's salvation, the sex is hot, sexy and demanding, the relationship is coming to mean more, until it all crumbles down.
And then yes reading public you are left with a wicked cliffy !!!! I knew it going into it, but I just did not see it coming I was so engrossed I the plot line..... Ms Wood, I need Addiction part two ..... NOW!
Arc Graciuosly supplied by author in exchange for an honest review.
As you read this story you will come to discover that not only does our male lead Sean have an addiction, but so does our female lead Harper , though vastly different .
Sean is a recovering alcoholic only six months sober after court mandated rehab due to a horrific car accident involving his best freind Ashton and him. Sean in spite of being at rust fund baby loves a simple life in LA in a small apartment above a pizzeria and near his job, Sean works as a tattoo aprentice. The tattoo shop being where he first meets Harper when she and some of her housemates come in for a tattoo. Their connection is almost instantaneous , but for Sean who is trying to stay sober dating and relationships are really on the AA No no list; but when the girls start talking about a house party Sean just can't seem to resist the urge to obtain an invite so he can send some more time with this beautiful intriguing women.
Sean struggles with trying to talk himself out of getting involved with Harper, not only does he have his sobriety that is a challenge but Sean also has what he considers a darker side , he is a dominant and heirs already fantasizing about tying Harper up and having his way with her, but fears what he desires may scare her off as he soon finds out , she may not be scared off that easily, he'll she may just be the best submissive he ever had.
Harper finds her time with Sean as a submissive a relief, she can relinquish control to him, not worry about what she is eating. Allow him to choose, what she needs to wear,allow him to choose, but once they are apart, her fears take over. She is too fat, she is my exercising enough, she needs to loose more weight, the other girls are younger , more beautiful and no amount of purging or not eating is not helping her get a job.
These two together are each other's support, each other's salvation, the sex is hot, sexy and demanding, the relationship is coming to mean more, until it all crumbles down.
And then yes reading public you are left with a wicked cliffy !!!! I knew it going into it, but I just did not see it coming I was so engrossed I the plot line..... Ms Wood, I need Addiction part two ..... NOW!
Arc Graciuosly supplied by author in exchange for an honest review.
September 21, 2017
I barely finished this. I started off interested but somehow ended up skimming for majority of the second half. It wasn't bad, it just didn't live up to the hype. Hopefully next read!
July 18, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up. This book got bogged down In alcoholism and eating disorders. Romances need more of the MCs relationship and less of their relationships with food and alcohol.
September 20, 2017
This is one of those stories I need to read the whole series in order to properly review, so I'll leave the real one for that and just give my thoughts so far in this one.
Honestly this was a bit too depressing for me and while the scenes they did were hot I found it odd how quickly they jumped into this sort of sexual relationship.
Also, I feel that when authors decide to talk about sensitive issues like the one's she gave these two characters, you can't have them make other people their salvation. You need to establish that the only person who can help you is yourself and I felt that the author was making both characters essentially act like they can't live with ought the other, as proven by the overtly dramatic cliffhanger at the end of this book...instead of the heroine wondering how she could help her "love" her immediate response is "what will I do without him?"
...I don't know, maybe this is what I should've expected from vapid characters because although the author tries to establish they aren't they so clearly are.
Either way I'll read the next book because cliffs really grind my gears and force my hand and also I've been known to change my perspective of the story based on how it ends so we'll see...
Honestly this was a bit too depressing for me and while the scenes they did were hot I found it odd how quickly they jumped into this sort of sexual relationship.
Also, I feel that when authors decide to talk about sensitive issues like the one's she gave these two characters, you can't have them make other people their salvation. You need to establish that the only person who can help you is yourself and I felt that the author was making both characters essentially act like they can't live with ought the other, as proven by the overtly dramatic cliffhanger at the end of this book...instead of the heroine wondering how she could help her "love" her immediate response is "what will I do without him?"
...I don't know, maybe this is what I should've expected from vapid characters because although the author tries to establish they aren't they so clearly are.
Either way I'll read the next book because cliffs really grind my gears and force my hand and also I've been known to change my perspective of the story based on how it ends so we'll see...
September 18, 2017
Quite disappointed
I'm afraid this story did not do it for me. Yes it deals with abuse, addictions, alcoholism, drugs, bulimia, anorexia, BDSM, dominance, darkness and list goes on, which are very important issues and can possibly create interesting characters and storyline.... but not in this case. Almost from the beginning of the story both heroes and their relationship were off for me, they did not click to convince me that there is something special, something exciting about them, even in their most vulnerable state, to follow them and root for them. If anything it was all too much of everything. Too complex but still superficial characters that eventually lead me to abandon the story half way through. It just did not work for me.
I'm disappointed because what convinced me to get this book were the positive reviews. But then either you like the story or not and I didn't I'm afraid. As such would not recommend this book really.
I'm afraid this story did not do it for me. Yes it deals with abuse, addictions, alcoholism, drugs, bulimia, anorexia, BDSM, dominance, darkness and list goes on, which are very important issues and can possibly create interesting characters and storyline.... but not in this case. Almost from the beginning of the story both heroes and their relationship were off for me, they did not click to convince me that there is something special, something exciting about them, even in their most vulnerable state, to follow them and root for them. If anything it was all too much of everything. Too complex but still superficial characters that eventually lead me to abandon the story half way through. It just did not work for me.
I'm disappointed because what convinced me to get this book were the positive reviews. But then either you like the story or not and I didn't I'm afraid. As such would not recommend this book really.
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October 30, 2017
This is the first book in the Addiction Duet, and boy was it a doozy and certainly not in a bad way. I’ve been trying to step out of my comfort zone, and well, this was so far past, the zone was lost. I found myself in a world that was completely new to me, and at first I was a little leery to continue once I realized what I got myself into. I pushed through though, and it turned out to be really good. Okay, so onto the story itself now.
Sean works at a local tattoo parlor when this beautiful girl walks in and he is instantly drawn to her. But he his one that lives in the shadow behind his past and the secret that he holds. Harper is the model who is slowly being pushed out by younger ones and is trying to find her way. She too, has a secret that keeps close. The chemistry that sparks between them just might be what they both need to overcome their pasts, and move on. But Sean is afraid when Harper finds out his, will she want him or run from a man who wants total sexual domination.
Sean is the black sheep of the family. He’s tattooed up, a recovering alcoholic and that doesn’t really mix with CEO types in his family. He has been attending court ordered AA after an accident trying to repair his disaster of a life. He is kinda stoic, but gorgeous, and he is covered in tattoos, and I love me some tattoos. Anyway… Even though he works at a place where there is a fairly steady flow of women, he never pays attention to them, but something about Harper changes that. Now Sean is into BDSM, and when he finds a woman, at first they are shocked by what he likes and wants, and then they leave him. So, he stay guarded and I wouldn’t blame him for that.
Harper has been a model since she was a teenager, and now that she in her mid twenties, she has reached that age where she is basically “old” for the profession. But she isn’t going to give, she has one overbearing mother who won’t let her anyway. Man, I didn’t like that woman. Harper has taken things in her own hands to make herself what the industry wants. It was awful to see what she does to herself and how she just justifies it. It just made my heart hurt.
These characters are ones that are written so well, their issues are realistic were handled with care. Sean and Harper’s spend time with each other, they don’t just have sex all the time, they talk as well and Sean talks about his past with her. Now this is an erotic book and their times together was electric and hot, and Harper didn’t run from the dominance that Sean needed. I wondered where their relationship would lead, and it was such a build up, and then this little twist happened, and when it ended it about killed me. It was one hell of a cliffhanger. I already have the second book, so I’m all good now. I can’t wait to see how everything works out.
Addictions was a tragically dark yet beautiful story of two people learning to overcome their personal demons, and finding a different way to handle them. With some hot and steamy scenes, and characters that I just couldn’t help but to root to be together, it all made for a terrific read. I am ready for book 2, Obsession. I would definitely recommend this one for those who don’t mind the erotic romances. It’s a good one.
![”Jenea’s]()
Sean works at a local tattoo parlor when this beautiful girl walks in and he is instantly drawn to her. But he his one that lives in the shadow behind his past and the secret that he holds. Harper is the model who is slowly being pushed out by younger ones and is trying to find her way. She too, has a secret that keeps close. The chemistry that sparks between them just might be what they both need to overcome their pasts, and move on. But Sean is afraid when Harper finds out his, will she want him or run from a man who wants total sexual domination.
Sean is the black sheep of the family. He’s tattooed up, a recovering alcoholic and that doesn’t really mix with CEO types in his family. He has been attending court ordered AA after an accident trying to repair his disaster of a life. He is kinda stoic, but gorgeous, and he is covered in tattoos, and I love me some tattoos. Anyway… Even though he works at a place where there is a fairly steady flow of women, he never pays attention to them, but something about Harper changes that. Now Sean is into BDSM, and when he finds a woman, at first they are shocked by what he likes and wants, and then they leave him. So, he stay guarded and I wouldn’t blame him for that.
Harper has been a model since she was a teenager, and now that she in her mid twenties, she has reached that age where she is basically “old” for the profession. But she isn’t going to give, she has one overbearing mother who won’t let her anyway. Man, I didn’t like that woman. Harper has taken things in her own hands to make herself what the industry wants. It was awful to see what she does to herself and how she just justifies it. It just made my heart hurt.
These characters are ones that are written so well, their issues are realistic were handled with care. Sean and Harper’s spend time with each other, they don’t just have sex all the time, they talk as well and Sean talks about his past with her. Now this is an erotic book and their times together was electric and hot, and Harper didn’t run from the dominance that Sean needed. I wondered where their relationship would lead, and it was such a build up, and then this little twist happened, and when it ended it about killed me. It was one hell of a cliffhanger. I already have the second book, so I’m all good now. I can’t wait to see how everything works out.
Addictions was a tragically dark yet beautiful story of two people learning to overcome their personal demons, and finding a different way to handle them. With some hot and steamy scenes, and characters that I just couldn’t help but to root to be together, it all made for a terrific read. I am ready for book 2, Obsession. I would definitely recommend this one for those who don’t mind the erotic romances. It’s a good one.
September 30, 2017
Addiction is the first book that I have read by Vivian Wood and it most certainly will not be my last. Talk about an angsty, roller coaster ride of emotions. Not to mention the erotic aspect to it. I thought the storyline was well written and engaging. The characters kept me engaged no matter how flawed they were. The subject matter may be a little much for some. The title says it all.
Addiction: the fact or condition of being addicted to a particular substance, thing, or activity.
Sean is a recovering alcoholic, six months sober. An accident involving himself and his best friend finds him in court-mandated rehab and then he is moved to a half-way house. Now he takes it one day at a time, trying to get through without a drink. He spends his time working as a tattoo artist. Sean grew up with money, something that he cares little about. He lives a simple life and that is how he likes it. It helps him keep the demons at bay. Being alone is the one thing that works best for him right now. When a group of friends comes into the shop for tattoos, Sean meets Harper. He feels such a strong connection to her and wants to learn more about her. But will she be able to handle the darkness that surrounds him? One addiction is traded for another and Sean finds himself immersed in Harper. The Dom side of him sees a sub, Harper is so responsive to his command and needs, more so than others he has shown this side of himself too. What Sean doesn't know is that Harper has secrets, secrets that may just put an end to what they are trying to build together.
If you are looking for an angsty, sexy hot read, then this is the book for you. If you are one who does not like cliffy's then don't say I didn't warn you. I for one do not mind them and cannot wait for the next book in this series!
4 iScream Stars
Addiction: the fact or condition of being addicted to a particular substance, thing, or activity.
Sean is a recovering alcoholic, six months sober. An accident involving himself and his best friend finds him in court-mandated rehab and then he is moved to a half-way house. Now he takes it one day at a time, trying to get through without a drink. He spends his time working as a tattoo artist. Sean grew up with money, something that he cares little about. He lives a simple life and that is how he likes it. It helps him keep the demons at bay. Being alone is the one thing that works best for him right now. When a group of friends comes into the shop for tattoos, Sean meets Harper. He feels such a strong connection to her and wants to learn more about her. But will she be able to handle the darkness that surrounds him? One addiction is traded for another and Sean finds himself immersed in Harper. The Dom side of him sees a sub, Harper is so responsive to his command and needs, more so than others he has shown this side of himself too. What Sean doesn't know is that Harper has secrets, secrets that may just put an end to what they are trying to build together.
If you are looking for an angsty, sexy hot read, then this is the book for you. If you are one who does not like cliffy's then don't say I didn't warn you. I for one do not mind them and cannot wait for the next book in this series!
4 iScream Stars
September 14, 2017
Addiction is the first book in a duet and is about Sean and Harper. ***FAIR WARNING*** For those of you who don't like cliffhangers - this book ends in one. I don't like cliffhangers myself, but I knew it going in, and I love this author's work, so I jumped in...and cannot wait for book 2! Ok, back to the review.
Sean is a 29 year old alcoholic, almost 6 months sober. It was court ordered in-patient rehab, then a halfway house, and now he's getting by, living on his own, with his AA sponsor at the ready to help him. He's a tattoo artist. Well, an apprentice, but still a good artist. One morning, a trio of hot girls come into the shop, looking to get tattoos. Sean is immediately taken with the redhead. The redhead is Harper. She's a 25 year old model, living in a home owned by her management company, with six other models. Harper is drawn to Sean as well. While the other two girls are going on about the party being thrown at their house that weekend, Harper is having a nice conversation with Sean.
Sean is surprised to find himself in such easy conversation with Harper and winds up offering to go to the party with her to keep her company. He realizes he wants to know her, not just flirt with or seduce her. But he has a secret. He's really into BDSM, a dominant, and not what the mainstream movies show. What neither of them realizes is that Harper is a natural submissive and wants his domination. But how far can he go before she runs away, like all the others have? And Harper has her own secret. One that could tear them apart forever...
I can't say anything else without giving anything away. But damn, the sex scenes were scorching hot! And I love the way the author built up to their initial "session". Though I'm not a fan of using the "s" word, it wasn't used too much and it made sense in the scenes where it was said. I figured it would be used, since the blurb talks of degrading, so I just prepared myself, and I was okay with the way the author used it. I cannot wait for book 2 and find out what happens!
Sean is a 29 year old alcoholic, almost 6 months sober. It was court ordered in-patient rehab, then a halfway house, and now he's getting by, living on his own, with his AA sponsor at the ready to help him. He's a tattoo artist. Well, an apprentice, but still a good artist. One morning, a trio of hot girls come into the shop, looking to get tattoos. Sean is immediately taken with the redhead. The redhead is Harper. She's a 25 year old model, living in a home owned by her management company, with six other models. Harper is drawn to Sean as well. While the other two girls are going on about the party being thrown at their house that weekend, Harper is having a nice conversation with Sean.
Sean is surprised to find himself in such easy conversation with Harper and winds up offering to go to the party with her to keep her company. He realizes he wants to know her, not just flirt with or seduce her. But he has a secret. He's really into BDSM, a dominant, and not what the mainstream movies show. What neither of them realizes is that Harper is a natural submissive and wants his domination. But how far can he go before she runs away, like all the others have? And Harper has her own secret. One that could tear them apart forever...
I can't say anything else without giving anything away. But damn, the sex scenes were scorching hot! And I love the way the author built up to their initial "session". Though I'm not a fan of using the "s" word, it wasn't used too much and it made sense in the scenes where it was said. I figured it would be used, since the blurb talks of degrading, so I just prepared myself, and I was okay with the way the author used it. I cannot wait for book 2 and find out what happens!
September 15, 2017
This was a very interesting book. Good, but interesting. Harper and Sean meet when she walks into the tattoo parlor that he works at. She isn't like the other girls she comes in with and Sean is instantly drawn to her. They start out getting to know one another and things start to move faster than they expected. However, Sean has a dark side, and a past that he's not proud of. He doesn't think he deserves Harper. But he doesn't realize that Harper has struggles of her own, and that hers could be far worse than he even are. What I liked about this book is that it dealt with addictions. Alcohol seems to be an addiction that you hear a lot about in books. But eating disorders aren't something that you normally read a lot about. It's been awhile since I thought about the struggles of an eating addiction. This isn't something that you want to just ignore. It makes you think and it really depresses you to think that they are people out there that think these things on a regular basis. As hard as it was to read about I think it really helped keep me reading more. Even more so with that ending. I want to know what is gonna happen, did I mention I dislike cliffhangers? I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next book in this series. Oh and I have to say, I'd really like to punch Harper's mom... just throwing that out there. *I voluntarily read an advanced copy for an honest review.*
September 16, 2017
What a truly wonderful read! The story of Sean and Harper is so well written. It captures you from the beginning and doesn't let go. Two people with some very dark and seated issues meet by chance when Harper goes in along with some of the girls she works with into a tattoo shop where Sean works. Both are drawn to one another from the beginning. At first neither knows what demons the other is fighting. Though it is Sean from the start who admits he is dealing with alcohol addiction along with the guilt of what happened with his friend. Because of the secret Harper is dealing with Sean does not know what it is for some time. The two realize one of the things they have in common is a dark side to them. Where Sean is a dominant, Harper is in need of giving control over as a submissive. The two are becoming closer as their relationship continues, yet both at times feel they are not worthy of the other. Can they overcome all the obstacles in their way? Will they be able to fight their demons? What will happen? Will they be able to get the HEA they so truly deserve? This may end in a cliffhanger with unanswered question but something tells me the second book in this duet will be just as great a story as the first and we will be able to see how these questions are answered and how everything works out for Sean and Harper. I can not wait for the second part of their story!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
September 16, 2017
A highly addicting book for sure! Vivian Wood has outdone herself and if I could give more than 5 stars I would. Sean and Harper each have their own addictions before becoming addicted to one another. He is an alcoholic at 29 years old, 6 months sober, working as a tattoo artist. She suffers from eating disorders - addicted to keeping her weight off for her modeling career at the age of 25. From their first meeting, these two have an easy time with conversation and hit it off. Neither was looking for a relationship, too busy battling their own demons. This book is dark and touches on many sensitive topics as those listed above as well as BDSM, Super hot sex scenes and wonderful characters included in the story. There is a cliff hanger, but it is worth it because the book is fantastic and I am excited for book 2 in this duet! Will these two survive their addictions? Will they find their happily ever after? I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
September 13, 2017
**Don't mind me I just finished reading this intense goosebump inducing, a cyclone of darkness, and frenzied passion book... I need to jump off the high dive and finish swimming through all the emotions I just went through! **
Holy Crap Batman!
I was SO. STOKED. To dig into this beast of a tale, I did not realize what an interconnected heart-wrenching- true to life story I was getting!
I am still in sitting here a bit in awe-
I am a fan and have been for some time of Vivian Woods work; this book has given me an even bigger respect for the creative and uniqueness she brings to her storylines and the places she is willing to go to for them.
Addiction is just as the title states- this book may not be for everyone; it does contain things that may not be suitable who are sensitive to triggers.
For anyone who is able, and wants a dark true to life book that can hit you right in the feels. I highly suggest this one!
I will now sit impatiently waiting for the second book DEFINITE #mustread I wish I could give this ten stars!
Holy Crap Batman!
I was SO. STOKED. To dig into this beast of a tale, I did not realize what an interconnected heart-wrenching- true to life story I was getting!
I am still in sitting here a bit in awe-
I am a fan and have been for some time of Vivian Woods work; this book has given me an even bigger respect for the creative and uniqueness she brings to her storylines and the places she is willing to go to for them.
Addiction is just as the title states- this book may not be for everyone; it does contain things that may not be suitable who are sensitive to triggers.
For anyone who is able, and wants a dark true to life book that can hit you right in the feels. I highly suggest this one!
I will now sit impatiently waiting for the second book DEFINITE #mustread I wish I could give this ten stars!
September 15, 2017
If you read His to Keep, you’ll see that its H, Connor, has a younger brother named Sean, who stars Addiction. This is part one of a dark duet and ends on a cliffhanger. Sean works part time at a tattoo shop, where he meets Harper. Sean is six months sober, out of rehab, and his life is moving forward. Harper is a 25 year old model who is at the end of her career. It’s a heart-breaking story for both of them, as they struggle to manage the challenges in their lives. They slowly begin a D/s relationship, which appeals to Harper. When Sean has things just enough under control that he is going to help Harper with her issues, something really good (which leads to something really bad) happens, and Sean falls hard. I can’t wait for book two, to find out if Harper is able to help herself, what will happen with Sean, and how the two get together.
I received an arc of this book and have voluntarily reviewed it.
I received an arc of this book and have voluntarily reviewed it.
September 22, 2017
I got an ARC of this from the author..But, to be frank, I didn't like this book much..It didn't keep me hooked to the story..I really felt, it was all dragged & I skimmed many parts..I didn't like this book like the previous vivian books which are really nice..Well! Hope that the next book is intresting or worth the read..
February 14, 2018
DNF at 70+%. This one is not for me. The characters have too many issues that saturate the story. A tattoo artist hero that is an alcoholic with self-worth issues. A model heroine with bulemia trying to graduate to anorexia. It was just too much for what I thought was an erotic romance. It was depressing.
March 6, 2019
3.5 stars!!! This is the story of two young people who meet and are strongly attracted to each other. The problem is they both have serious addictions, one to alcohol and the other suffers from a serious eating disorder.
September 14, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader's copy of this book.
I'm conflicted on how to rank/review this book. I had to think on this a while today just to write this review. The book started off a bit slow, but picked up speed, but ended with a cliff-hanger. I personally didn't like Sean & Harper, I can't say why either, I just didn't. The whole dark feel of the story, the addiction issues & the BDSM type scene really aren't my cup of tea, I'm sure that hurt my enjoyment factor, as I usually like this author's books. I hope others will enjoy this more than I did.
I'm conflicted on how to rank/review this book. I had to think on this a while today just to write this review. The book started off a bit slow, but picked up speed, but ended with a cliff-hanger. I personally didn't like Sean & Harper, I can't say why either, I just didn't. The whole dark feel of the story, the addiction issues & the BDSM type scene really aren't my cup of tea, I'm sure that hurt my enjoyment factor, as I usually like this author's books. I hope others will enjoy this more than I did.
October 17, 2017
arc review For honest review. Sean is a tattoo artist recovering achlolic. Harper is a model has anorexia both have additions there fighting but together their stronger.awsome
October 17, 2017
Wow
Smoking hot!!! This is seriously a great read. There's drama, addiction and a smoking hot dom! What more could a girl ask for?
Smoking hot!!! This is seriously a great read. There's drama, addiction and a smoking hot dom! What more could a girl ask for?
August 19, 2018
Ok, not great
Pretty good character development, plot, and complexity. I really liked that the author went for it in regards to eating disorders. Sex scenes were hot, and I liked both Harper and Sean. But this book desperately needed a proofreader, or at least an experienced beta reader. LOTS of typos and some wonky story problems. No deal breakers as far as me reading to the end. I'm ticked, though, that of the 350 pages promised in the description, about half of those are the beginning of another book, while part 2 of the Addicted story costs another 3.99. So, all together $8 for the whole story - complete with typos. Probably won't read anything else by this author. I just don't agree with this whole splitting books in half to get more money nonsense. Especially when the author can't be bothered to make sure the writing is clean and as free of mistakes as possible.
Pretty good character development, plot, and complexity. I really liked that the author went for it in regards to eating disorders. Sex scenes were hot, and I liked both Harper and Sean. But this book desperately needed a proofreader, or at least an experienced beta reader. LOTS of typos and some wonky story problems. No deal breakers as far as me reading to the end. I'm ticked, though, that of the 350 pages promised in the description, about half of those are the beginning of another book, while part 2 of the Addicted story costs another 3.99. So, all together $8 for the whole story - complete with typos. Probably won't read anything else by this author. I just don't agree with this whole splitting books in half to get more money nonsense. Especially when the author can't be bothered to make sure the writing is clean and as free of mistakes as possible.
March 24, 2024
First in a duet and ends in the middle of the story. Enjoyable, but I’m not invested enough in the characters or plot to pay for the next one.
September 24, 2017
I was not aware this wasn't a stand alone. I'm now aware that is says so on the cover but I read the blirb when I got the ARC and didn't pay attention to that! Besides, The tattoos distracted me a little...
The ending shocked me and I'm having some serious withdrawls from it.
When I started this, I thought this would be another Fifty Shades type of story, and I'm so glad to say I was so wrong!
Sean is the black sheep of his family. An Alcoholic covered in tattoos doesn't really fit in with the trustfund / CEO men in his family.
We meet Sean briefly in His to Keep, and personally I didn't even pay attention to him, he was a real pain. But reading Addiction you see this whole other side of him. The guilt he carries and his longing to have a relationship with his brother Connor. And also how much he struggles with himself, not just the fact that he's an alcoholic but the fact that he's sure no one can love him because of what he likes, and what he likes is BDSM.
Harper is a model in L.A. She's struggled her whole life with the demands of being perfect, skinny and young in a vicious industry. Harper is such an interesting character to read, she's full of life, you know she's living this perfect life but when the lights go out and you see her, the reality of what she goes through, it's scary. To see her hurt herself with such a rationality.
Vivian Wood treats both problems with realism and makes it so the reader can feel it. The good, the bad and the ugly of each addiction this characters have. I was enthralled with their lives from the beginning. The writer makes you care for them.
When Harper and Sean meet sparks fly and their personalities click. One needs to have absolute control and the other needs order, someone who makes the decisions so she can rationalized that is ok.
At some point I thought this relationship was toxic, not because they were hurting each other, but because they were looking for ways to scape their realities and replace one habit for another. But you can also see their feelings growing and how much they care for the other. Sean totally stole the show for me, and he's so much more than those little glimpses we saw before.
I can't wait to see what happens to them now. And while I hate the cliffhanger, the author did an amazing job at taking the reader in this addictive journey only to leave them hanging like that, craving for the next fix.
The ending shocked me and I'm having some serious withdrawls from it.
When I started this, I thought this would be another Fifty Shades type of story, and I'm so glad to say I was so wrong!
Sean is the black sheep of his family. An Alcoholic covered in tattoos doesn't really fit in with the trustfund / CEO men in his family.
We meet Sean briefly in His to Keep, and personally I didn't even pay attention to him, he was a real pain. But reading Addiction you see this whole other side of him. The guilt he carries and his longing to have a relationship with his brother Connor. And also how much he struggles with himself, not just the fact that he's an alcoholic but the fact that he's sure no one can love him because of what he likes, and what he likes is BDSM.
Harper is a model in L.A. She's struggled her whole life with the demands of being perfect, skinny and young in a vicious industry. Harper is such an interesting character to read, she's full of life, you know she's living this perfect life but when the lights go out and you see her, the reality of what she goes through, it's scary. To see her hurt herself with such a rationality.
Vivian Wood treats both problems with realism and makes it so the reader can feel it. The good, the bad and the ugly of each addiction this characters have. I was enthralled with their lives from the beginning. The writer makes you care for them.
When Harper and Sean meet sparks fly and their personalities click. One needs to have absolute control and the other needs order, someone who makes the decisions so she can rationalized that is ok.
At some point I thought this relationship was toxic, not because they were hurting each other, but because they were looking for ways to scape their realities and replace one habit for another. But you can also see their feelings growing and how much they care for the other. Sean totally stole the show for me, and he's so much more than those little glimpses we saw before.
I can't wait to see what happens to them now. And while I hate the cliffhanger, the author did an amazing job at taking the reader in this addictive journey only to leave them hanging like that, craving for the next fix.
September 13, 2017
I received an ARC of Addiction by Vivian Wood in exchange for an honest review.
Addiction by Vivian Wood started out slow before catching my attention as the story progressed. Sean is a tattoo artist who is battling demons of his own. Harper is a struggling model trying to make it, also battling her own set of demons. When Sean and Harper first encounter one another they share a natural chemistry. They are drawn to one another. Harper enters Sean's place of employment with a group of friends to get tattoos.
Sean is initially attracted to Harper, her beauty, her sexy body that was made for sin, and her witty personality. For some inexplicable reason, Sean feels a kinship with Harper. He tells her a secret about himself, a secret that still haunts him and one that produced terrible consequences. He's not proud of his past mistakes, but he is in the mist of trying to rectify those mistakes. However, he harbors a darkness, and he doesn't know how Harper will handle that part of him.
I can't wait for the next book in Harper and Sean's story. This was my first time reading a book by Vivian Wood and it won't be my last. I gave this one a three star rating⭐⭐⭐! I liked the issues that the author addressed and how she made me love the characters of Sean and Harper.
Addiction by Vivian Wood started out slow before catching my attention as the story progressed. Sean is a tattoo artist who is battling demons of his own. Harper is a struggling model trying to make it, also battling her own set of demons. When Sean and Harper first encounter one another they share a natural chemistry. They are drawn to one another. Harper enters Sean's place of employment with a group of friends to get tattoos.
Sean is initially attracted to Harper, her beauty, her sexy body that was made for sin, and her witty personality. For some inexplicable reason, Sean feels a kinship with Harper. He tells her a secret about himself, a secret that still haunts him and one that produced terrible consequences. He's not proud of his past mistakes, but he is in the mist of trying to rectify those mistakes. However, he harbors a darkness, and he doesn't know how Harper will handle that part of him.
I can't wait for the next book in Harper and Sean's story. This was my first time reading a book by Vivian Wood and it won't be my last. I gave this one a three star rating⭐⭐⭐! I liked the issues that the author addressed and how she made me love the characters of Sean and Harper.
September 25, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. I loved this book. It pulled me right in to Sean & Harper's world & I didn't want it to end. It was a bit emotional for me...& the cliffy ending...argh! Lol.
September 26, 2017
This was intense. When I first read the title and synopsis I thought this book would be about the attraction and intensity of it that became like an addiction. It was actually much deeper than that; the depths of addiction itself and some of its forms brought to light are disturbing and very real. There's so much wrong with this story, but not the writing of it, the wrongness of what addiction can do. Within the pages are types of darkness that aren't so uncommon and are absolutely believable. It's both disturbing and intriguing. The cliffhanger...serious drop off there.
We have Harper who is more troubled than she appears. As a model we can probably guess what her weaknesses are, but how they manifest is something I know I've never experienced. I refuse to feel guilt and I love food more than I probably should, but I still never feel bad about enjoying and indulging in what tastes good. I also like to be at least a bit active, going on walks, going to the gym fairly regularly, those things appeal to me because I feel strongly about balance and health and happiness. To read about someone who knows a very different reality and sees herself only as being valuable if she's virtually skeletal, it's shocking to say the least. I hope so hard for her. Especially with the job that she hesitates to give up when it's literally killing her. She's finding some purpose and value in what she experiences with Sean and she needs the kind of control he uses over her. To what extent, however, isn't known because she hardly knows herself. Once she knows herself and can find what will truly give her freedom and expression. Until then, however, it's just trading one addiction for another.
The exact same situation is what Sean is suffering from. He's an alcoholic and also a Dom. He's not fully healthy in his mind yet, so while he can be honest with what he needs, how he goes about it isn't right. There's an entire element of education, transparency, and consent that's pretty much missing. He knows that Harper could fulfill all his needs as his submissive but he hasn't actually educated her about what it means for him, for her, and for them together. His knowledge of that world is vague and hasn't really been put into practice beyond expressing his own brand of kink at kink parties. Everything that he's doing to and with Harper feels awkward and speaks more to another addiction than of passion and growing a relationship. And all of it is a house of cards, though, with Ashton in a coma and everything revolving around that situation.
How these two will find their individual needs, an equilibrium together, and a way to love themselves and one another is yet to be seen. I'm anticipating the follow-up and am sure it will be just as much of an intensely difficult roller coaster as this one.
Read and reviewed this ARC willingly for the author.
We have Harper who is more troubled than she appears. As a model we can probably guess what her weaknesses are, but how they manifest is something I know I've never experienced. I refuse to feel guilt and I love food more than I probably should, but I still never feel bad about enjoying and indulging in what tastes good. I also like to be at least a bit active, going on walks, going to the gym fairly regularly, those things appeal to me because I feel strongly about balance and health and happiness. To read about someone who knows a very different reality and sees herself only as being valuable if she's virtually skeletal, it's shocking to say the least. I hope so hard for her. Especially with the job that she hesitates to give up when it's literally killing her. She's finding some purpose and value in what she experiences with Sean and she needs the kind of control he uses over her. To what extent, however, isn't known because she hardly knows herself. Once she knows herself and can find what will truly give her freedom and expression. Until then, however, it's just trading one addiction for another.
The exact same situation is what Sean is suffering from. He's an alcoholic and also a Dom. He's not fully healthy in his mind yet, so while he can be honest with what he needs, how he goes about it isn't right. There's an entire element of education, transparency, and consent that's pretty much missing. He knows that Harper could fulfill all his needs as his submissive but he hasn't actually educated her about what it means for him, for her, and for them together. His knowledge of that world is vague and hasn't really been put into practice beyond expressing his own brand of kink at kink parties. Everything that he's doing to and with Harper feels awkward and speaks more to another addiction than of passion and growing a relationship. And all of it is a house of cards, though, with Ashton in a coma and everything revolving around that situation.
How these two will find their individual needs, an equilibrium together, and a way to love themselves and one another is yet to be seen. I'm anticipating the follow-up and am sure it will be just as much of an intensely difficult roller coaster as this one.
Read and reviewed this ARC willingly for the author.
September 18, 2017
Review Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars.
Addictive characters and story, of 2 people who need each other to pull themselves out of their own heads.
I received an Advance Reader Copy for Addiction, Book 1 of the Addiction Duet, written by Vivian Wood and voluntarily reviewed this book. This is a well-written story of two people who are driven daily by emotional demons which lead them trying to control them via methods which become unhealthy addictions.
Sean’s affluent family background made it easy for him to become wholly self-indulgent and reckless with his own life as well as his friend’s, ending in a car crash which finally shook him from his farce of a “life’s escape.” It was his best friend, however, who ended up in a coma. Now, nearing his sixth month with AA, his life is status quo, while he works as a tattoo artist and other creative outlets. Until Harper comes into his parlor with a gaggle of her model friends to get tattoos, and he is struck by her and her individuality, beginning to feel something again.
Harper has been pushed into modeling by her vicariously purposed mother. It is governed by numbers - the caloric kind. It is the only world and lifestyle she has known. Now that she is twenty-five, though, she is getting turned away more and more frequently from potential jobs, and she turns all this added anxiety, self-doubt, and depression inwards, the added stress continuing her binging and purging episodes, to the point that she is reaching levels of self-harm and requires serious intervention. She hides this from Sean, however, because she fears losing what they have, as well.
Sean has been slowly exploring elements of BDSM with Harper and is becoming more and more engaged in sharing more of this world with her as well as more of himself. It seems it is only through each other and the roles they play that they can feel some semblance of control of their lives. Their play becomes enriching, satisfying, and rewarding, but will the strength of their relationship be enough to hold them through the promise of these highs, along with unexpected positive-direction changes in each their lives, when Harper’s body is falling apart and Sean’s friend wakes up from his coma?
I am looking forward to reading Book 2 to see how they will balance the predicted lows and retribution from both Sean's past and present acts with the highs of being with and needing each other.
Addictive characters and story, of 2 people who need each other to pull themselves out of their own heads.
I received an Advance Reader Copy for Addiction, Book 1 of the Addiction Duet, written by Vivian Wood and voluntarily reviewed this book. This is a well-written story of two people who are driven daily by emotional demons which lead them trying to control them via methods which become unhealthy addictions.
Sean’s affluent family background made it easy for him to become wholly self-indulgent and reckless with his own life as well as his friend’s, ending in a car crash which finally shook him from his farce of a “life’s escape.” It was his best friend, however, who ended up in a coma. Now, nearing his sixth month with AA, his life is status quo, while he works as a tattoo artist and other creative outlets. Until Harper comes into his parlor with a gaggle of her model friends to get tattoos, and he is struck by her and her individuality, beginning to feel something again.
Harper has been pushed into modeling by her vicariously purposed mother. It is governed by numbers - the caloric kind. It is the only world and lifestyle she has known. Now that she is twenty-five, though, she is getting turned away more and more frequently from potential jobs, and she turns all this added anxiety, self-doubt, and depression inwards, the added stress continuing her binging and purging episodes, to the point that she is reaching levels of self-harm and requires serious intervention. She hides this from Sean, however, because she fears losing what they have, as well.
Sean has been slowly exploring elements of BDSM with Harper and is becoming more and more engaged in sharing more of this world with her as well as more of himself. It seems it is only through each other and the roles they play that they can feel some semblance of control of their lives. Their play becomes enriching, satisfying, and rewarding, but will the strength of their relationship be enough to hold them through the promise of these highs, along with unexpected positive-direction changes in each their lives, when Harper’s body is falling apart and Sean’s friend wakes up from his coma?
I am looking forward to reading Book 2 to see how they will balance the predicted lows and retribution from both Sean's past and present acts with the highs of being with and needing each other.
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