When I think about the Addicted Series, what it means to me and what I love about it, I’m filled with a lot of emotions that I truly have no idea how to describe properly. You can go your whole life, read a thousand books and though you are wiser for it that might be it. However, if you are lucky you will one day read a book that will change you on a fundamental level, make you question yourself, what you believe in and who you are. A book might just be a bunch of words put together but books also have a great deal of power in them. I was lucky, I read the Addicted series by Krista & Becca Ritchie and it has really changed my life.

“Freedom doesn’t come with age. It doesn’t magically appear when you’re a legal adult. It comes when you stand up for what you believe in.”

– Hothouse Flower

When I think about the characters in the Addicted series I am overwhelmed with love for them, with pride, with hope that even though we all face hardships we can come out on the other side okay. Not just okay but happy and in love, with a life filled with friends and family that loves you.

The Addicted series started with three sisters and their men, six very different people with their own hard struggles and battles to be fought. Lily Calloway, a girl addicted to sex who never felt important, and Loren Hale, an alcoholic who always found his answers in a bottle. Rose Calloway, who always wanted to be in control of everything even when it was impossible, and Connor Cobalt, a guy who had never loved anyone in his entire life. Daisy Calloway, a girl who was suffocated and never listened to, and Ryke Meadows, the selfless and forgotten son who grew up doing everything to please those who barely acknowledged him.

These six people and their lives soon came to be intertwined and changed forever. The girl, now a woman, who once was addicted to sex is now a strong woman who is role model due to her quiet strength. The man who always went to the bottle when things were hard is now a successful business owner and father, and he is there for the people in his life as never before. The woman who wanted to control everything now stands tall knowing she has always fought and done her best for her family while at the same time overcoming her own fears. The man who had never loved anyone before now loves more deeply than anyone ever thought possible while also no longer hiding who he truly is. The woman who was once silenced is now standing up for herself, doing what she loves, fighting for what she believes in with no turning back. The man who did everything for everyone else is now proudly doing things for himself, fighting for the woman he loves and never thought he could have while at the same time living life to the fullest.

“I want to say in the end, but maybe this is still the middle. In the middle.

I’ve watched Lo become sober.

I’ve watched Lily curb a relentless addiction. (I’m proud of you, sis.)

I’ve watched Rose blaze her own trail and put fire to stereotypes.

I’ve watched Connor fall in love. With more than just himself.

I’ve watched Ryke Meadows unclip his shackles and rise again.

And me. I’ve discovered who I am. I’m not letting her go or hiding her to please other people. I am Daisy Petunia Meadows. And I’m here to stay.”

– Long Way Down

The Addicted series might be ending but my love for these characters, for these books and Krista and Becca won’t. I came here for the books, for the characters, but I’m staying for Krista and Becca and the Fizzle Force. If you don’t already know this Krista and Becca, you guys are incredible and amazing people. You are such talented writers, you work harder than anyone I have ever seen. You publish book after book, push yourselves to the limit to get these books out to us while you at the same time give us bonus materials and extras. It doesn’t go unnoticed, all that hard work, all your dedication and all you do for your fans, we see it, I see it. It’s incredible, remarkable and you deserve all the praise, fame and chocolate cake (or any other flavor if chocolate is not your preference *cough* it totally should be *cough*) in the world.

No but really, Krista and Becca, I am honestly so in awe of everything you do but especially the way you interact with your fans. You don’t just see us as someone far away, someone who merely pays for your books and then reads them. The Fizzle Force really is a family and I have found some of best friends in it. I have found a friend in you both too. You are so kind to everyone you talk to, so be it an old fan or new, and you make everyone feel at home in this fandom. Including me.

I hope now that Some Kind of Perfect is almost here you’ll finally get some rest, read some anticipated books, watch your favorite shows and just spend time with whoever makes you happy. I cannot wait to read Some Kind of Perfect and say goodbye to this era, however, I know great things will come from you both in the future and I cannot wait to see it all. I am so proud to call myself a Fizzle Force member, an Addicted series fan and a friend of yours. All the love to you Krista and Becca, to the Fizzle Force that has enriched my life and everything that is to come.

“For the first time, I yearn for tomorrow and cherish yesterday and live for today. It’s peace that no one will take from me.”

– Addicted After All