Review: Addicted by Elle Kennedy

Addicted (Outlaws #2)
   by: Elle Kennedy

Publication Date: June 28, 2016
Publisher: Signet Eclipse
Genre: Dystopian Erotic Romance
Age Group: Adult
Source: ARC provided via the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 368 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 5/5 stars

From the New York Times bestselling author of Claimed comes the second enticingly erotic novel set in a world on the brink of chaos.

Lennox used to live in a paradise on earth with his best friend Jamie, in a place where visitors came and went, allowing their desires to run free. But everything changes when a deadly attack forces them to take up with Connor Mackenzie’s band of Outlaws. Lennox knows Jamie is hung up on someone else, but he’s always believed he’s the man for her—and won’t let her go without a fight.

Even though Jamie is well aware that Lennox is one hot specimen of a man, she refuses to let sex ruin the most important relationship in her life. But when the object of her interest spurns her, she indulges in a little pleasure-filled revenge with her very magnetic, very willing best friend. One thrilling night with Lennox is enough to awaken Jamie’s unexpected desires for him. And now that she’s had a taste, she’s not sure she can ever give him up...

 

 

I can't even begin to tell you guys how much I love this series. I love the fact that it's also dystopian. A very, very SEXY dystopian at that. At first, I was a little unsure of how I would handle the non-traditional sex scenes, but Kennedy handles it so well. They completely work and feel natural in this type of environment. We have a group of Outlaws living on the fringe of 'society' and they make their own rules. They aren't ashamed of how they live their lives and they aren't afraid to be themselves. I quite admire that mindset.

 

This book picks up where Claimed left off, with Connor sending assistance to Reese's camp. Lennox, Pike, Rylan, Jamie, and Kade all head to Foxworth to help get Reese's people more battle ready. At the start, Jamie is lusting over Rylan (and who wouldn't?!) but you can tell the tension is simmering under the surface between her and Lennox. I absolutely love that they have been together and best friends for so long. There is already so much history there, so seeing them make that transition from friends to lovers was quite sexy and fun. However, they do have to learn how to navigate this new relationship. As much as they both want to maintain their friendship and keep things the same, it's an impossible feat, especially now that intimacy is involved.

 

Jamie was such an awesome character. She is tough as nails, but she hasn't lost all hope at a future. I loved that balance. A heroine who longs for things like love and a family, but isn't afraid to call out her best friend on his crap. In a very alpha male dominated setting, she is a fiery one that demands they be partners and equals. I loved every second of that. Kennedy has written some seriously strong females in this series amidst these alpha males and it's awesome to see them bring those males to their knees.

 

Lennox was a great character too. He is a tough guy, but he has a soft spot for his best friend. They have been together for so long and he feels it's his responsibility to take care of her and protect her. (Which gets him in trouble several times) He is tired of pretending he doesn't want his best friend like he does, but he is also terrified of losing her. I love that Kennedy has him feel this way, but doesn't create a story filled with that frustrating push and pull effect.

 

Reese and her people at Foxworth are living in a precarious situation with their unstable alliance with the Enforcers. We really see this firsthand and are reminded of how gritty and dangerous this world really is. You'll experience a myriad of emotions with the one folks- humor, love, heartache, happiness, and sadness.... but the fierceness and loyalty of these characters will penetrate your soul and leave you desperate for more! I am SO excited for the next book in the series, Ruled. It's going to be a game changer, I can already tell.