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In Vein #4

Poison Laced Truths

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Ander has run out of options. He has starved every relationship in his life while he continued to feed his addiction. Hadley is gone. His mom kicked him out. He’s officially hit rock bottom and he knows that there’s only one way out. Going back into treatment is his Hail Mary and he has no choice but to get clean and stay clean. After ending things with Ander, Hadley needs to find herself again. When she looks in the mirror, she doesn’t recognize herself anymore. She has turned into the one thing she feared and it’s all because of him. She’s a liar, with a secret. And when Ander finds out, their lives will be changed forever. Love doesn’t conquer all, but it’s more forgiving than we think. When the poison runs dry, will Hadley’s truth be enough to save them?

340 pages, Paperback

Published June 21, 2021

28 people are currently reading
385 people want to read

About the author

C.M. Radcliff

27 books1,016 followers
C.M. Radcliff writes dark, toxic romance with a touch of suspense. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two kids. If she isn't reading or writing, she's probably on a little adventure with her family.

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Profile Image for ❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books.
2,622 reviews10.9k followers
June 17, 2021
2e0pm6g 90ca45e7e7c6ddfa7f3d6d91a5f154bd-1-3-5
'POISON LACED TRUTHS' is the fourth book in C.M. Radcliff's 'IN THE VEIN' series. It picks up where the previous book left off. Spoken in 'Dual Perspectives.'

I've followed Hadley & Ander when they hit rock bottom, under the influence and when anxiety got its hooks into Hadley' very soul. This was such an emotional rollercoaster of a journey and I had everything crossed hoping that these two would get their HEA as they deserved it more than any other characters I've encountered in the written word. This was one book I was eagerly anticipating and I couldn't wait to dive in..

Such a unique, unforgettable, unputdownable series which got its hooks into me as soon as I read the very first book and didn't release me until I closed off the last page of this book.

“𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐈 𝐦𝐞𝐭 𝐀𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫, 𝐦𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐭
𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐚 𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐦𝐞.
𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬”

This series as a whole is one which will stay with me for a very long time, the ups and downs, the highs and lows will forever be imprinted on my heart, these two were so strong in their love for each other even though life threw a lot of obstacles in their way, they came out stronger than ever. Their story was such a compelling rocky road they had to travel. Raw, riveting and real.

                  
Profile Image for The Romantic Rush Blog.
2,640 reviews965 followers
June 24, 2021
Well, my friends, we made it-this is the end of this heart wrenching, complicated, and riveting journey- a tale of addiction, love, and toxic dependence. We finally get to discover just how Hadley and Ander will claw their way to their HEA, but more importantly we discover just how they can ever recover from the events that brought them to this rock bottom redemption.

After watching Ander and Hadley church through a vicious addiction cycle for so many books, I was feeling broken and hopeless. Their heartbreak, Ander’s missteps, their grueling and toxic cycle of hope and dismay, the seemingly indomitable hold of Ander’s addiction, it was just becoming too much- not just for these two, but for me. Heroine was a wrecking ball, and no aspect of their life or identity seemed to be able to escape its stronghold. I myself wondered if love could- OR SHOULD- survive the havoc.

But, in perhaps the most profound and real act of courage anyone who has ever loved an addict can take, Hadley boldly walked away from the man she loved- no longer willing to enable his addiction, nor further develop her own to him. Ironic, isn’t it- that perhaps the greatest act of love she ever did for Ander, and the boldest act of self-love she ever did for herself, was in shattering both of their hearts? In walking away from a love that despite rock bottom after rock bottom, somehow survived- mangled and bruised, but survived. But finally, FINALLY these two find a way to break a pattern- and then the real work begins.

This last book is markedly different- not just in that it’s the end, but in tone, in plot, in emotional expression. Quiter, more solemn and stoic, this story is the fragile calm after the hurricane we’ve experienced. That quiet moment when the sun starts to break free from the clouds and the true damage can be assessed, when you start to pick up the pieces. And pick up the pieces they do- and we finally see these characters mature, make decisions that aren’t just about loving each other, aren’t just about their desperate need to cope, rather they start to confront the very easons they needed to cope to begin with. And, they do it alone. Yes, there is a resounding solitude to the narrative of this story- recovery isn’t sexy, it’s not flashy, and it’s usually not fun- and CM let’s the story be real about it. Sure, glossed over in places (this is fiction and romance after all), but there is no romanticizing that healing is WORK. And this story is about the work- addressing their addictions (Ander for drugs, Hadley for him, their toxic codependency)-it’s less dramatic, some might consider less entertaining, but it’s real.

But, this is romance- so you know Ander and Hadley make it to the other side of their own unique HEA- even if that is unfortunately not the reality for most addicts, though I believe that Ander can be one of the precious few that recovers. Because addiction never goes away- and as much as it is part of the story that led Ander and Hadley to these final moments, it will forever be looming in their HEA- even the parts we don’t get to see.

And that is the point of this whole emotionally tumultuous journey- every raw and painful moment we have felt is a truth- a truth about how love can be as poisonous as it is redemptive. Addiction and romance don’t often go hand-in-hand- but that is really the point of this whole series. Just how destructive addiction can be and whether or not love CAN be enough to conquer anything. CM made us question that- grapple with our romanticized conception of the real work that loving the entirety of someone takes. After shattering our hearts and hope over and over again, the finale is a much needed balm- one that is full of hope and optimism that no matter how hard it may be, sometimes love can win against the most unconquerable of foes….and how sometimes the choice doesn’t rest so much in how we love each other, but more so in how we love ourselves.

So yes, we made it, and Ander and Hadley did too, and finally after much heartbreak and pain, my heart is full and healed.
Profile Image for M.
726 reviews310 followers
June 15, 2021
𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗦!!! 𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗦!!! 𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗦!!! 𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗦!!!

During this series, my heart has felt pretty much everything imaginable. I've felt hurt, shock, love, hate, afraid, heartbroken, livid, hopeful, joyous. So many thoughts and feelings. Hard to put into words. An emotional rollercoaster that you refuse to get off of. It will hurt so bad, but feel oh so good.

The journey that C.M. Radcliff took her readers on with Ander and Hadley was powerful and raw. Many times hellish. Intense and not sugar coated in the least. She will break you, over and over and over. At times I hated Ander. At times I wanted to slap Hadley. Addiction doesn't always allow the user to come back from the darkness. Sometimes the siren's call is just too strong. True love may not even be enough.
These two will always be a top book couple for me though. Through out everything, I couldn't turn my back on them. Overall, this story mended all things broken, including my heart.

It is a very difficult series to read. It will gut you. It will make you question the bad and good in life. It will give you false hope and whisper beautiful lies in your ear.
What she did with this series was phenomenal. Outstanding. Especially with this last book. Beautiful. Wow!
This series will stay with me for a very long time. So glad I opened up my heart and mind to get to know Ander and Hadley. I am not sorry and 𝐘𝐎𝐔 won't be either if you give this series a go!!

🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌

*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for MissPetiteBrunetteBookBlog.
1,403 reviews261 followers
June 7, 2021
Oh boy, our troubled Ander is back in the final installment of this heartbreakingly real depiction of addiction. After the crushing cliffhanger in book 3 will Ander finally be able to get the help he needs? Is there still a chance with Hadley or has too much destruction happened in their tumultuous relationship to ever recover? “Loving an addict is like living with a broken heart.” Ander is that antihero you root for. He had my heart from the very beginning of his journey and never let go! Get ready for all the emotions possible and a few surprises too in the conclusion to the In Vein Series. Oh and don’t forget to have a tissue handy too. My heart…Told in dual POV
Profile Image for NiCoLeTa E. {Addicted To Books}.
1,554 reviews82 followers
July 10, 2021
***ALL THE STARS TO THIS SERIES!!!!***

NOW AVAILABLE



"Loving an addict is like living with a broken heart."

What a journey was that!!! From the first book till the fourth and final, Ander and Hadley have sunk their claws into my heart and I believe that they will never let go!!!
This was an unforgettable story in every way...
It broke me, it hurt me, it destroyed me, but I can finally say that it redeemed me when I thought that all hope was lost!!!
"In Vein" series is definitely one of my top favorite series for this year!!! And I'm not giving this title lightheartedly!!! It deserves it!!!!

"Sometimes there is beauty in the pain and sometimes that beauty is fucking heartbreaking. It's earth-shattering. It's everything and it's absolutely terrifying."

Ander and Hadley's story was a very difficult journey!!!!
They met, they fell in love, but the monster of addiction was standing always between them...
These two had their ups and downs, their lows and their lowest, but their love for each other never fade away!!!
But is love enough when you are watching your loved one destroying himself in front of you while destroying you as well???

"Our love was poisonous and now his venom runs through my veins just like the heroin he shoots into his."

I won't lie to you that there was sunshine and rainbows in here!!!!
This was a very real and raw story that was hurting you over and over again!!!
There were times that I was losing my hope on both of them...
Ander was making me furious and I wanted to slap some sense to Hadley, but if they weren't like that, this story wouldn't be so outstanding!!!
This was like a wake up call on an addict's life for us, the clueless ones!!!

"Feelings are not my friend. They are my downfall. They are what fuel my demons into craving the poison. I am my own worst enemy, but my feelings are the driving force behind my addiction."

I won't tell you much about the final book. You just have to dive on these books and experience them firsthand...
The only sure thing is that Ander and Hadley's love story will hurt you, but it's so worth it!!!
The final chapter in this raw story made us realize that in order to love the other, you have to love and take care of yourself first... And that love, acceptance and forgiveness can mend your shattered pieces of your heart!!!

"I want to give her the world, I want to be what she deserves. And this version of me is the polar opposite of what she deserves."

Please, read this story!!!!
It is a story that will be written inside your heart with a permanent marker!!!
This is a story of fighting your own demons and if you are strong enough and you have something worth fighting, who knows??? You can beat the beast and be the winner of your life!!!!

"There's always a light at the end of the tunnel and there's always a rainbow after every storm."

**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
Profile Image for c a r í.
917 reviews175 followers
May 25, 2022
I am so proud of myself because I was able to finish an entire series! It's not easy to do it's a freaking commitment. This series is hands down the best narrative and representation for those who suffered addiction. It is not easy if there's always a voice echoing bad stuff left and right. The people around you deal with the fallout and consequence of your action, yes it's depressing and tragic it takes courage and determination to stay and not let go... Ander and Hadley's cataclysmic relationship can attest to that.

In Vein, series is undoubtedly one of the best series that I have read in such a long time. The series is raw and unfiltered.

The character development is very evident mostly in Ander's part.

Oh, how I wish that I could read the series again 💙.
Profile Image for Kandace Denys (bookish_kayy).
1,256 reviews
September 22, 2021
‘𝙉𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙚𝙣𝙩, 𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙧𝙮. 𝙀𝙢𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙨 𝙛𝙡𝙚𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜. 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝, 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙤𝙧 𝙡𝙚𝙛𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙. ‘

It wasn’t a train. That light I saw at the end of the tunnel after book 3? It wasn’t an oncoming train, and I am so thankful for that.

This series is not going to be for everyone. It’s hit me in places I didn’t know would hurt, captivated me from the beginning and held me tight for the duration of this wild ride. It’s been a rollercoaster, turned me into a ball of emotions, faced me with demons I didn’t know about, and ultimately been a lesson.

I’d love to write this review and make it all butterflies and rainbows, but if you made it to this point in the series, you know it’s mostly been a fight for their lives, and in some places quite literally.

Ander & Hadley are still in the throes of young love, only it’s a mess (although it’s kind of been that since the beginning.) Every time I revisit this world, they’re dealing with heavy things. Together and independently going through it. It’s been an uphill journey for these two, one that I’m very sad to see come to a conclusion.
Profile Image for My Little Booktopia.
204 reviews17 followers
July 1, 2021
‘Loving an addict is like living with a broken heart. You spend your days waiting for the final shoe to drop; to have your heart ripped completely from your body.’

4.5 stars

Poison Laced Truths by C.M. Radcliff is a dark new adult college romance, is told from duel POVs and is the forth (and final of Ander and Hadley’s story) in the series. Books one to three must be read in order first to understand the storyline.

This series as a whole has been such an raw and emotional experience. It’s been angsty as hell, had me swooning so hard and yet had my heart breaking in a million different ways, but it has all been worth it too see this ending for these characters. And whilst this book had a completely different feel than the other in the series is was none the less enjoyable.

I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves a toxic relationship with emotional highs and lows that ends with a HEA.

Please note: This book does contain scenes/topics that some readers may find triggering and/or disturbing.

Thank you to C.M. Radcliff and Give Me Books PR for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for TheBookPlatypus.
1,242 reviews264 followers
June 30, 2021
I’m going to be honest. I’m a little disappointed in the direction that the author took this book. It’s extremely short. Extremely rushed. And before reading this, I was really hoping the author wouldn’t do the whole accidental pregnancy that suddenly changes the drug addict’s world and suddenly becomes clean and sober. But. That’s exactly what happened actually.

I’ve absolutely loved book 1-3. I felt like the author genuinely had a realistic grasp on addiction from the perspective of the drug addict, the lover and also the drug addict’s family and friends.

So many issues were glossed over from the previous book. When I write a proper review, I’ll have to go over them.

This couple finally got there HEA. Each chapter seem to skip over a few months. So there really is no detail on how everything went throughout that time but they both do have a happily ever after.

Profile Image for torie.
26 reviews2 followers
January 8, 2022
Definitely the best book out of these 4.

I could see that Radcliff’s writing improved throughout this series. I cannot wait till part 2 of Ainsley and Killian’s novel comes out. I loved watching ander and Hadley improved separately.
367 reviews11 followers
June 30, 2021
3.5 stars

First, there were a few errors, but nothing too horrible.
Second, this book could have been added to the last one since it's less than 200 pages. I understand that each book had their own part in Ander and Hadley's story and so it made sense for this to be a separate one, but if it wasn't on KU I probably would have been a little upset.
The rest of this may contain spoilers
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Ander turned a corner in his addiction really fast in this book. That part could have been more realistic (in my experience) if he hadn't gotten off the bus from his mom's house and walked all the way to Troy's immediately. If he went through more of the same with his addiction I could understand where it may have become repetitive and drawn out though.
Over all this is a great story. I loved the emotions it pulled from me. The few errors and other things I didn't enjoy were, by far, outweighed by the beauty of the story.
I am looking forward to reading more by this author, especially Killian's book!
Profile Image for Ashley.
210 reviews16 followers
March 8, 2022
Rating: 💙 💙 💙 💙 💙

“Recovery is not for people who need it; it’s for people who want it.”

Poison Laced Truths gave me all the feels – I’m still not okay with this series being over. The In Vein series absolutely wrecked me, but in the best way possible. This book felt drastically different from the other books in the series; however, that’s okay, because it definitely needed to be different in order to wrap up everything. Poison Laced Truths starts out not too long after Heroin Stained Hearts ends.

“I pretend like I don’t care how he is or how he’s doing, but when their voices go quiet, I listen harder. I do care, because I still love him and that’s the poison laced truth.”

Hadley still loves Ander, despite what he put her through. By the end of Heroin Stained Hearts, she gets a backbone and kicks him to the curb, quite literally. It needed to happen and Ander is FINALLY going to get the actual help that he needs not because other’s want him to but because HE wants to.

“I should have just let her in… I should have been honest.”

Ander realizes that if he had talked to Hadley about his problems, his addiction, things may not have gone in the direction that they did. If he’d been honest with anyone about what he was dealing with, his life may not have ended up how it had.

“Ander finally decided to save himself.”
“I let him go and he was slowly making his way back to me, one small step at a time.”

Ander finally gets cleaned. He has his life back. He has his Hadley back. He has a future. There’s a little something extra he has, too, but you’ll have to read this book to find out what that is. He has everything we’ve been waiting for him to have. My once broken heart has been put back together, again. There’s a few pieces missing, but it’s okay. I know some of my favorite characters are currently OK and that makes me absolutely thrilled.

Being a child of an addict, I know how real life is and that most addicts don’t get clean. If they do, it doesn’t last long. It’s a vicious circle, which continuously destroys everyone around that person. So, while I love In Vein series, just know that it’s not the norm, it’s just a fictional read. One that’s absolutely amazing and I think everyone should read it.

Poison Laced Truths is a must-read, but please read the other three books prior. I loved this story so, so much.
Profile Image for M Will.
963 reviews14 followers
May 28, 2021
Hadley and Ander have been through hell in this series. Plagued by their own inner demons, they each seek out ways to avoid their pain. Drawn together like magnets, their love for one another was undeniable. This series finale brings us up close with how both function after separating. Can they learn to live life apart? Will they allow their demons to rise up and consume them, or will they master them once and for all?
CM Radcliff has yet again written a book that I could not put down. Note - if you have not read the other books in this series, stop and do that first. This story will not be appreciated outside the context of having read the previous books. Also a warning - if you want a pretty, happy book, this series is not for you. There are triggers related to drug use that could possibly hurt if you aren't ready to face that reality. If you take the chance I believe you, as I will appreciate the author's profound storytelling.

The author masterfully and unapologetically covers the painful reality of addiction in this book. How it impacts a person mentally, physically and the devastation it causes to friends and family. The author doesn't bring in some silly, pithy ending with a bow. The story is full of some real ugly truths surrounding addicts and the carnage they create.

Her characters are brutally real. They are flawed. There is suffering and anger. As a reader I too endured the pain these characters experience in this series. The story is full of emotional highs and lows that frankly, wear you out - as does living with a family member in the throes of addiction. The ending of this series was fitting and well written.

Every moment of frustration, anger, joy and pain I experienced during this series was just amazing. I felt. I was emotionally invested in these characters. Bravo. I myself became addicted to this story - ignoring family, friends, food until I managed to finish the story.

I cannot wait to see what the author shares with us next.

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jenifer Briggs.
1,517 reviews191 followers
June 26, 2021
This painful, toxic, hopeful, beautiful, heartbreaking series has finally come to an end, and I'm still not ready to let these babies go.😭😭 the last book had me wondering how Ander would come back from literal rock bottom, but gosh damn this man made such a transformation. And it was on HIS terms, which if you've ever been around/loved an addict, you know that's the only way they'll ever change. They have to actually want it for themselves and not anyone else.. And reading about Ander going through withdrawls, his mood swings, self depreciation, him finally realizing that this is what he has to do if he ever wants to truly live, if was all just so *real.* and I give major kudos to this author for that.

This book has a quieter, more somber feel to it than the first three books, but we see these two mature in such a profound way that it was just the perfect tone for this final installment. Both Hadley and Ander heal on their own before they come together and heal as a couple, and that's a truly magical thing to witness. Hadley was so strong here, and she refused to let another heart be broken by Ander's addiction and lack of love for himself, and I just adored how she stood her ground. She made the decisions here that benefited her and how her world was changing, instead of always bending to Ander's every whim.

My only complaint (and it very well could have been my shitty mood when I was reading it) but I felt like some scenes were just too rushed. I would have liked to see how Ander really acclimated in this new world without all of addictions, even though his soul would never totally be free of them. But at the same time I understand that this is a romance that desperately needed their hea, so while I wish the book was a bit longer to fit in all those details, it was still just beautifully done. CM is definitely an author you all need your eyes on!

**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions!**
Profile Image for Renee.
5,200 reviews73 followers
June 9, 2021
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review.

This is the fourth book in the In Vein Series from C.M. Radcliff. You have to read the first three books Opium Skies, Black Clouds of Cotton, and Heroin Stained Hearts. This is the conclusion of the story of Hadley and Ander. They have one heck of a story to tell too and this series is about addiction. Now we are back with them again in Poison Laced Truths and it picks up after the huge cliffhanger in Heroin Stained Hearts. Both of them are plagued with demons of their own and have sought out ways to avoid the pain that causes. But when they met they were so drawn to each other and had the most undeniable connection. Now is this final book we get to see how they function separately. They have three choices really. Live with their demons or let them overtake them. Learn to live apart and have happy productive lives. Or, can they let their demons go forever. This book will have you reading from cover to cover and not putting it down. This entire series had been heart wrenching at times and this book is no different. But behind your heart shattering you will see strength, love and just what turns out to be a beautiful ending. This story and entire series has been so real to life that you feel like you are actually living the life of an addict or close to one that is in our life. I at times had to lay these books down. Take the warning in the beginning of the books seriously as I am sure that they hold triggers for some people. This is a series so worth reading and while hard I am so glad that I got to read it.
Profile Image for PP's Bookshelf.
2,791 reviews400 followers
June 14, 2021
C.M. Radcliff finally decided to mend my broken and bruised heart in Poison Laced Truth. The journey of an addict and a girl addicted to their toxic love finished with a heart stopping happily ever after.

I almost lost hope about Ander in last book. Just like Hadley. Anders has gone beyond rock bottom and embraced his demons rather than fighting for his love. But Hadley leaving him may be the rude awakening he needed. He can only be better if he wants it for himself. And Hadley needs him more than ever.

The addicts don't always have a happy ending. More often than not, they lose themselves in the dark hole of addiction. But I needed to see the light after getting my heart broken over and over again with raw angst. And the author delivered it perfectly. This is an epic comeback story. Anders is finally fighting back the monsters in his head to become the man Hadley deserves. The man he should be. He has honestly and loyalty and the ability to love so deeply. He just has to find his ways. And Hadley has always been there for him even when it took away the last molecule of her hope. She continued to do what was necessary for their love. And they had a miracle, indeed. The angst in this story is so beautiful. Their love has defied all logic and obstacles and negativity. My heart is full and overflowing.

Poison Laced Truth by C.M. Radcliff is a heartaching and awe inspiring ending of what I think is the most real love story I have read in a long time.

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Profile Image for Elizabeth Clinton.
863 reviews37 followers
June 5, 2021
A Journey is what you can say Hadley & Ander have been on together. They have felt and lived through so many feelings together, There was times you can feel the emotions coming off the pages,there was hate, angst, heartbreak and heartwarming moments but together they can get through anything as long as they have each other. What Hadley & Ander did come to realize that if you have faith in the other that just maybe you can find the HEA that everyone deserves.
Profile Image for Bre-Book Bre- Landers.
408 reviews9 followers
June 24, 2021
I can not believe we are here, book four!!
Ander and Hadley have gone through some of the most unimaginable events throughout their relationship. Sooo many ups and downs.
So many trials and heartbreaks.

I can say that I am so excited for the ending they finally received. Such a great way to end their love story that survived it all. They are one of those destined love stories where their souls were meant for no one else.
I loved their Rollercoaster!!!!!!
Profile Image for Brenda.
725 reviews23 followers
June 24, 2021
MY HEART!

Ander and Hadley's conclusion was incredible. C.M Radcliff just destroyed me with this series, but Poison Laced Truths made it all worth it.
C.M Radcliff handled a tough topic, with a realness I've never encountered before.
Absolutely loved every minute of this. I'm not even going to hint how this ends, just read it. You won't regret it.
Profile Image for Rhi.
466 reviews27 followers
June 24, 2021
This is book 4 in the In Vein series and FINALLY my heart has been healed. This series is one hell of an emotional rollercoaster from beginning to end. You need to read this series right the way through so you can be destroyed and put back together like the rest of us.
Profile Image for Kim Whitehead.
2,824 reviews
June 27, 2021
What an incredible ending!! Such a powerful story! The emotions and demons were felt through C.M. Radcliffs words! A story of hope and new life! Poison Laced Truths was a phenomenal book filled with a variety of types of love!! Such a epic read!!
Profile Image for Danielle stories_and_coffee_.
244 reviews5 followers
July 22, 2025
All the emotions

This series puts you through it and this book is no different. You feel all the emotions, but we still get our happily ever after. Hadley and Ander come through SO much, and then getting their HEA is perfect.
Profile Image for The Dragon Den Book Blog.
2,951 reviews65 followers
December 29, 2021
Decided to dive back into this series of twists and turns and hurdles. Not disappointed one bit and completely hooked and in need of a total series re-read.
36 reviews
January 10, 2022
I'm in love with this series idc if people think it's toxic
C. M. Radcliff you have my heart <3
Profile Image for BooksForDays.
110 reviews4 followers
May 7, 2022
You guys!! We made it!!! This is the last installment in the In Vein series and picked up right where the last book left off. Ander and Hadley's journey was a dark, heart wrecking, raw, emotional, addiction-filled, and full of love despite all the bad. We get to finally see how Ander and Hadley will recover from the horrors of the past that led them to where they're at now, and we will also see how they will achieve their much deserved HEA. These two had their ups and downs, and have been at their very lowest too, but despite everything, their love for each never EVER faded away. That being said, this book shows us that in order to love the other, you need to love yourself first and realize your self-worth and take good care of yourself. If you do that, you can truly be what the other needs and be deserving of them because you'll be stronger and better. Sometimes the choice doesn't lie in how we love each other, but more so in how we love ourselves.

This is a very difficult series to read, will tear you apart, and make you run out of tissues from sobbing the whole time... but despite all the ugly.. it was so very beautiful as well and worth all the pain and suffering you will go through will reading this.

Hadley still loves Ander, despite all the damage he's caused her. By the end of the last book, Hadley made the most difficult choice ever and had to let Ander go. It HAD to happen for Ander to finally realize he needs to get help, not just for her, but also because he WANTS to get get better himself. He realizes that if he had just spoken to Hadley about his addiction and his problems, and not lie to her the times when he did, that things might have ended up better for them. After Ander finally gets clean this time, he gets his life and girl back and has a bright future awaiting them both. He also has a little something super special too, but I won't spoil it for you.. let's just say its a miracle and blessing and something they both deserved very much despite the timing and all. Knowing that my babies are finally okay and getting everything they deserve makes me so VERY happy! I love these two so so much and they have a special place in my heart and I will always love them ALWAYS!! I know this is last book in the series, but I truly hope we can see them again since I feel like it was a bit short and I wanted to know more about what their future entails and how they are doing. So I am hoping maybe we can get another book if possible?

I'd love to say that their journey was a bright and shiny one filled with tons of smiles and laughter... but if you've read this far, then you know that it was quite the opposite. These two struggled a lot and fought a lot.... their undeniable bond and un-destroyable connection was there yes, but addiction kept wrecking havoc all over them and their relationship. They hit rock bottom, but it's only an uphill journey from here on out for these two. Together they are stronger than ever together and nothing, absolutely NOTHING will hold them back. They survived through the hurricane, they survived so much, nothing can destroy them now. We see them grow here, mature. We see them start to look into not just their coping mechanisms, but the very reasons they need to cope in the first place. We see them start to make decisions that aren't just about loving each other, but loving and taking care of themselves TOO. And they have to do this alone at first, in order to heal properly together. And while there might not be a lot of addicts who get the same destiny as Ander and Hadley did, I still truly believe there are a few out there who get the same result that Ander and Hadley did. Ander is one of the few who made it, but he freaking did it. And I am so so beyond proud of him and knew he could do it if he just believed in himself and knew his worth. These two deserved their happily ever after more than anything. After all the darkness in the tunnel, they've finally reached the light and I am so happy for them. Love my two babies so much and loved seeing my other two babies Ainsley and Killian in here too!! Thank you for taking us along the ride of the story of these two C.M. Radcliff and thank you for another well-done, outstanding, one-of-a-kind, real masterpiece!!
Profile Image for Book_princess.
667 reviews22 followers
May 17, 2022
סדרת בתוך הורידים| סי. אם. רדקליף

הוצאת לבבות

1-שמי אופיום
2-ענני כותנה שחורים
3-לבבות מוכתמים בהרואין
4-אמיתות שזורות ברעל


מי שמכירה אותי יודעת שאני כל הזמן מתבדחת ברשת על ההתמכרות שלי לקריאה ולספרים.
שלא נדבר על הזמן וההקרבה שאני משקיעה ב״התמכרות״ הזו שלי.

תמיד אני אומרת שספרים זו ״המחלה״ שלי, אני לא שולטת בזה. אני חייבת לקנות למרות שיש לי מאה ספרים שמחכים לי ברשימת הקריאה.

הסדרה הזו גרמה לי לעצור ולהבין שזו לא באמת התמכרות, זה תחביב שעושה לי טוב והכי חשוב הוא לא מזיק לאף אחד.

הסופרת הזו הצליחה בספר הזה לתאר מהי התמכרות אמיתית.
ולמרות שהיה לי קשה לקרוא על גבר שההתמכרות שלטה בחיים שלו ביד אכזרית, הסיפור של אנדר והאדלי סחף אותי פנימה.
ונפלתי איתם עמוק אל התחתית.

להאדלי עבר כואב וכל מה שהיא רוצה זה חיים נורמליים.
אבל החיים לא מתנהלים כמתוכנן, וכשהיא פוגשת את אנדר הכול משתנה.
אנדר חי את החיים מריגוש אחד לאחר.
הוא ילד רע עם היסטוריה של החלטות גרועות.

המפגש בינהם נפיץ, אבל הניצוץ שהחל בוער ביניהם לאט לאט משתנה והופך לאש הרסנית שמשנה את מערכת היחסים בינהם למשהו אפל ורעיל.

אנדר הוא מכור לסמים שיוצא משליטה ובסחרור הוא גורר את האדלי איתו.

הסיפור שלהם מתואר לאורך ארבעת הספרים ומתאר את תחילת מערכת היחסים בינהם, הדרך שבה ההתמכרות של אנדר הרסה אותם והדרך לגאולה.

למרות שחלק מהעלילה צפויה זה לא הוריד לי מההנאה של הסדרה.

הסיפור הכואב שלהם שבר לי את הלב והסופרת גרמה לי לנסות להבין מה זה מכור.
זה ספר שנותן הצצה נפלאה ורגישה לעולם המכורים לסמים ואיך שההתמכרות משפיעה על האלה שהם אוהבים.

אבל החלק הכי שובר בספר היה שהסם הופך להיות הדבר הכי חשוב בחיים שלך, וזה לא משנה מי שם בשבילך. הסם שם בשבילך יותר.
וצריך כוחות נפשיים חזקים לעצור ולהגיד ״אני זקוק לעזרה״.

סדרה קשוחה על התמכרות לסמים עם סוף אופטימי ומסר לעתיד שבעיניי למרות שהספר האחרון קצת נמרח בפואנטה של השיקום וההחלמה, אהבתי את המסר הסופי שצריך לבחור בעצמנו, להאמין שמגיע לנו טוב כדי לנצח את ההתמכרות לסם.

לא יודעת אם המנטליות של ״אהבה זה כאב״ שהסופרת הדגישה בספר הזה זה משהו שאני מסכימה איתו.
אבל הספר מייצג בצורה מרגשת כמה קשה לאהוב מישהו שזקוק לסם יותר מאוויר.

סדרה כבדה מאוד, במיוחד הספר השני, מתוארים שם מצבים שגרמו לי לרצות להתכווץ ולפקפק בדמויות.
אבל הסופרת ברגישות יוצאת דופן גרמה לי עם כל פרק, לנסות לראות את העולם בעיניו של המכור.

והאמת…
היא הצליחה.

אנדר והאדלי הם לא דמויות מושלמות
אבל הם נאבקו בשביל הסוף הטוב שלהם
והמסע המטלטל שלהם בצל ההתמכרות של אנדר גרם לי להעריך קצת יותר את מה שיש לי.
Profile Image for Becca Best.
367 reviews
March 12, 2022
"Our love is as toxic as the poison that he shoots in his veins and just as deadly." -Quote from book 3

So this is the conclusion of Hadley and Ander's story. And this was probably one of the most difficult stories I've read in a long time. Not because of the writing but because of what the actual story entails, and the struggle these characters go through. And I thought this book did a really good job of showcasing not only the struggle and aftermath for the addict, but also the effect it has on everyone around them. I truly think at some point this is a type of book everyone should read! Because this is a really important topic that more people need to be aware about! I'm not sure if I would recommend this particular series to younger people, just because this series does have quite a bit of smut. But a series I would recommend to younger people is Crank by Ellen Hopkins, same kind of situation but more aimed towards a younger audience. So in conclusion the writing and accuracy is really well done, this story is heartbreakingly beautiful. And I will be thinking about this book for a long time and talking about it for a long time!

"Addiction is a very serious illness. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please seek help. YOU ARE WORTH IT!"
SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
Profile Image for Marcie.
1,123 reviews55 followers
June 7, 2024
An epic finale to the In Vein series

My heart couldn’t be fuller with this epic conclusion to this series. This finale made all the pain and heartbreak worth it.
CM has written a series with two unforgettable characters that fought hard to get their much deserved happy ever after and I was teary eyed and cheering them on in this book.
Ander may have hit rock bottom, more than once, but he found the help that he needed to get his life (and his girl) back. I love how he matured emotionally and healed the way he needed to along with learning how to handle his anger and emotions.
Hadley grew just as much, being honest with herself, her best friend, Ander and her Dad. I adored seeing her taking the steps needed to heal, take care of herself and her anxiety.
After the roller coaster of emotions in the first three books of this series that CM put me through, she wrote a beautiful closure that was full of healing, renew and hope with a happy ever after that if worthy of happy tears. This talented queen created a series with characters that I won’t soon forget and absolutely loved. It’s truly beyond words how emotionally beautiful and real the In Vein series is, if you don’t read any other series this year - this is the one that is a must
Profile Image for Cb.
76 reviews
April 2, 2022
Maybe this book of the series...

Had a too tied-up and quick ending, but I had to take the whole series into account, so my ❤ wouldn't let me take even one star away, which is all I would have taken anyway. First series I've read about true addiction, and it was as close to the real thing as I can remember! Definitely won't be the last C.M. Radcliff book I'll be reading, that's for sure. The only advice I can give is a better proofing for typos, etc. Luckily, I was always able to figure things out, which is more than I can say for some other authors. Thank you for your hard work!
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