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Violet Addiction
RELEASE DATE NOVEMBER 1ST 2014 - EST
There was no bright light in my death, but perhaps that is because I wasn’t destined for the angelic beauty of heaven. No, my short lived life had been played out with so much sin and excess that there would no doubt be a special cage in hell with my name on it. In my death, I felt and saw nothing. No warmth, no cold, no light, no darkness, just nothing. When I woke, he was gone, the only piece of perfection in my ugly world. Part of me was grateful that he had finally found the good sense to leave. Another part of me was broken, irrevocably and agonizingly broken.
THE BOOK TRAILER - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ts1X...
You will also find a purchase link at YouTube to 'A Shade of Violet', the song written especially for Violet Addiction.
There was no bright light in my death, but perhaps that is because I wasn’t destined for the angelic beauty of heaven. No, my short lived life had been played out with so much sin and excess that there would no doubt be a special cage in hell with my name on it. In my death, I felt and saw nothing. No warmth, no cold, no light, no darkness, just nothing. When I woke, he was gone, the only piece of perfection in my ugly world. Part of me was grateful that he had finally found the good sense to leave. Another part of me was broken, irrevocably and agonizingly broken.
THE BOOK TRAILER - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ts1X...
You will also find a purchase link at YouTube to 'A Shade of Violet', the song written especially for Violet Addiction.
- GenresContemporary
Unknown Binding
First published October 11, 2014
10 people are currently reading
328 people want to read
About the author
Kirsty Dallas
21 books764 followersJust a girl who likes to write and stuff
Kirsty Dallas is an internationally acclaimed, bestselling author residing in the picturesque Northern Rivers of NSW, Australia.
Known for her unflinching honesty and masterful character development, Kirsty Dallas weaves stories that delve deep into unsettling themes, skillfully infusing heart-stopping action and a whirlwind of emotions into the pages of her books.
Kirsty's talent extends beyond the written word. She collaborated with renowned Australian director and screenwriter, Chris Sun, serving as a script editor and advisor on the horror feature film, "Boar," a chilling cinematic experience that was signed to Universal Pictures Australia and released to critical acclaim in 2018. Her commitment to the art of storytelling led her to further script editing roles, including Brendan Byrne's haunting thriller, "Our Social Playground," and co-writing "The Possessed," a globally-released sensation in 2022. Kirsty's latest cinematic endeavor, "Dark Moon," sees her once again contributing as a script editor and advisor, as it gears up for pre-production.
Kirsty Dallas continues to captivate readers and filmmakers alike with her passion for storytelling, promising more thrilling tales and cinematic adventures on the horizon.
www.kirstydallasauthor.com
Kirsty Dallas is an internationally acclaimed, bestselling author residing in the picturesque Northern Rivers of NSW, Australia.
Known for her unflinching honesty and masterful character development, Kirsty Dallas weaves stories that delve deep into unsettling themes, skillfully infusing heart-stopping action and a whirlwind of emotions into the pages of her books.
Kirsty's talent extends beyond the written word. She collaborated with renowned Australian director and screenwriter, Chris Sun, serving as a script editor and advisor on the horror feature film, "Boar," a chilling cinematic experience that was signed to Universal Pictures Australia and released to critical acclaim in 2018. Her commitment to the art of storytelling led her to further script editing roles, including Brendan Byrne's haunting thriller, "Our Social Playground," and co-writing "The Possessed," a globally-released sensation in 2022. Kirsty's latest cinematic endeavor, "Dark Moon," sees her once again contributing as a script editor and advisor, as it gears up for pre-production.
Kirsty Dallas continues to captivate readers and filmmakers alike with her passion for storytelling, promising more thrilling tales and cinematic adventures on the horizon.
www.kirstydallasauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
October 9, 2014
Violet Addiction was, without a doubt, the hardest book I've written so far. I interviewed a number of people in preparation to write V.A, all with varying degrees of substance abuse. Many of the people I interviewed had made remarkable and courageous recoveries, a couple of people though were still fighting the battle. Many of the stories I heard were heart breaking and emotional. I have tried to create the same heart felt emotion in the story.
There will be scenes in this book that some readers may find difficult to read, but I assure you I have tried to tackle the subject matter with as much decorum I could manage without taking the intense emotion away from the reader.
In a story about hopelessness, addiction, love, death and birth, I hope you all find something special that allows Violet Addiction to settle in your heart for a long time to come.
KD
There will be scenes in this book that some readers may find difficult to read, but I assure you I have tried to tackle the subject matter with as much decorum I could manage without taking the intense emotion away from the reader.
In a story about hopelessness, addiction, love, death and birth, I hope you all find something special that allows Violet Addiction to settle in your heart for a long time to come.
KD
Read
November 21, 2014DNF
First off we have to stress that we adore this author’s work. We've loved everything we've read from her whether it be suspense, heartbreak or humorous, she has always delivered and she's pretty much a 1-click for us.
So, it breaks our hearts to say Violet Addiction just didn't work for us. The main problem was the heroine. We couldn't connect to her. We know she was suffering addiction and her story should’ve had us clutching our hearts but we couldn't empathise her. When her story unfolded it didn't devastate us as we expected and her treatment of Cain only served to have us disconnect even more.
First off we have to stress that we adore this author’s work. We've loved everything we've read from her whether it be suspense, heartbreak or humorous, she has always delivered and she's pretty much a 1-click for us.
So, it breaks our hearts to say Violet Addiction just didn't work for us. The main problem was the heroine. We couldn't connect to her. We know she was suffering addiction and her story should’ve had us clutching our hearts but we couldn't empathise her. When her story unfolded it didn't devastate us as we expected and her treatment of Cain only served to have us disconnect even more.
January 20, 2015
I had the absolute pleasure of beta reading ️Violet Addiction for Kirsty Dallas, I've been a fan of her work since stumbling across Breeze of Life. Dallas has a way with words, drawing you in, transporting you to a different time and place. Her ability to transcend genres, to make story telling seem effortless, reading her words leaves me breathless, wanting and desperate for more.
️Violet Addiction is the story of one broken woman's journey from the depths of despair and addiction, of darkness and agony, but more than that it's a story of hope, of forgiveness, of healing and finding the light.
️Violet and Cain have always been each other's person, a bond so strong it seems almost un breakable. Forming a successful musical duo, they have the world at their feet, but the road has so many twists and turns, the one constant in Violets life has always been the love and support given by Cain, until her struggle with addiction forces his hand.
️Violet Addiction is at times so dark and gritty that I had to hold back tears, the plight of one woman, ravage by addiction, heartbreaking isn't a strong enough word. Some books shatter you, absolutely decimate your pre conceived beliefs. I felt every emotion, every high, every low, I lived this story right along side of Cain and ️Violet, I desperately wanted them to find happiness both individually and together but more than that I wanted Violet to find herself, find strength, find contentment and FINALLY realise what everyone around her already knew, that she was enough, that she deserved love.
️Violet Addiction is one of those books that come along once in a lifetime, it ripped my heart from my chest, at times had me feeling bent and broken, but more than that even at moments of pure heartbreak the sense of hope so eloquently delivered by Dallas had me so enraptured that I couldn't put it down, couldn't pull away and had me simultaneously speeding through the pages and desperately not wanting this story to end. Kirsty Dallas continues to deliver books that stand out, stories of hope, cementing herself as an author to watch and one that I will always 1click upon release.
️Violet Addiction is the story of one broken woman's journey from the depths of despair and addiction, of darkness and agony, but more than that it's a story of hope, of forgiveness, of healing and finding the light.
️Violet and Cain have always been each other's person, a bond so strong it seems almost un breakable. Forming a successful musical duo, they have the world at their feet, but the road has so many twists and turns, the one constant in Violets life has always been the love and support given by Cain, until her struggle with addiction forces his hand.
️Violet Addiction is at times so dark and gritty that I had to hold back tears, the plight of one woman, ravage by addiction, heartbreaking isn't a strong enough word. Some books shatter you, absolutely decimate your pre conceived beliefs. I felt every emotion, every high, every low, I lived this story right along side of Cain and ️Violet, I desperately wanted them to find happiness both individually and together but more than that I wanted Violet to find herself, find strength, find contentment and FINALLY realise what everyone around her already knew, that she was enough, that she deserved love.
️Violet Addiction is one of those books that come along once in a lifetime, it ripped my heart from my chest, at times had me feeling bent and broken, but more than that even at moments of pure heartbreak the sense of hope so eloquently delivered by Dallas had me so enraptured that I couldn't put it down, couldn't pull away and had me simultaneously speeding through the pages and desperately not wanting this story to end. Kirsty Dallas continues to deliver books that stand out, stories of hope, cementing herself as an author to watch and one that I will always 1click upon release.
October 22, 2014
Violet's constant fight with her own addiction proves that every day is a fight to try and be a better person to try and overcome the overwhelming struggles of any addiction.
You see Violet go through so many emotions with her daily struggle even with Cain by her side, their friendship is one of the strongest I have ever read in a book before, even though he pulls away for her own good. My heart hurt for him just as much as it did for Violet.
You see Violet on the dark path of destruction which is what drives poor Cain away, she tries to move on but even though her addiction causes so much struggle and emotional effects her heart belongs to Cain. You literally want to hug him and tell him to stay but you can't but feel it's right for him to go. You feel every dark emotion that Violet feels and it's heartbreaking. Fur such a young woman to have so much self hatred towards herself it hurt, my stomach has never knotted so much in one book before, I cried a few times during this book but it was well worth every tear.
It's true what people say that you don't fully know what you have got until you lose it, but in Violets case she knew what she had lost but she also knew that she had to lose it to try and find herself.
Life throws you struggles and with the right help, you can pull yourself out if the dark and that's what Violet did!
And just saying... Violet's dad rocks
5 stars
Amy
Eye Candy Bookstore (Manager)
You see Violet go through so many emotions with her daily struggle even with Cain by her side, their friendship is one of the strongest I have ever read in a book before, even though he pulls away for her own good. My heart hurt for him just as much as it did for Violet.
You see Violet on the dark path of destruction which is what drives poor Cain away, she tries to move on but even though her addiction causes so much struggle and emotional effects her heart belongs to Cain. You literally want to hug him and tell him to stay but you can't but feel it's right for him to go. You feel every dark emotion that Violet feels and it's heartbreaking. Fur such a young woman to have so much self hatred towards herself it hurt, my stomach has never knotted so much in one book before, I cried a few times during this book but it was well worth every tear.
It's true what people say that you don't fully know what you have got until you lose it, but in Violets case she knew what she had lost but she also knew that she had to lose it to try and find herself.
Life throws you struggles and with the right help, you can pull yourself out if the dark and that's what Violet did!
And just saying... Violet's dad rocks
5 stars
Amy
Eye Candy Bookstore (Manager)
November 21, 2014
5 Brady Bunch Stars
Violet a jazz singer with Cain her best friend playing the piano. Violet has had a horrible upbringing with her mother a drug addict and father recovering alcoholic. The Whiskey and Cocaine too easily available. With Violets self loathing and not feeling worthy of someone's love especially Cains she falls down this road of despair. She will do anything to get her next fix.
I was happy for Violet when she met Peiro and hoped it would work out for her. I felt she needed a clean break but I guess when you love someone so deeply you just cant let go.
When Violets mum dies and she sees Caine with Annabelle and finds them engaged, this finally tips her over the edge.
A truly dysfunctional outcome but just what it needed.
Violet a jazz singer with Cain her best friend playing the piano. Violet has had a horrible upbringing with her mother a drug addict and father recovering alcoholic. The Whiskey and Cocaine too easily available. With Violets self loathing and not feeling worthy of someone's love especially Cains she falls down this road of despair. She will do anything to get her next fix.
I was happy for Violet when she met Peiro and hoped it would work out for her. I felt she needed a clean break but I guess when you love someone so deeply you just cant let go.
When Violets mum dies and she sees Caine with Annabelle and finds them engaged, this finally tips her over the edge.
A truly dysfunctional outcome but just what it needed.
November 12, 2014
Kirsty has gone above and beyond with this book.
Violet and Cain's love is a roller coaster, one that will hurt your heart and then slowly be put back together.
I fell in love with Violets Father in the story as well, his words of love where breathtaking.
"Sometimes you just gotta be a little daring and a whole lot brave, pumpkin. That's what love is about. You gotta feel it all to make it real, the good times, the bad times, and everything in between"
Insert swoon here***
I can't thank Kirsty enough for gifting me a copy this wonderful story.
Violet and Cain's love is a roller coaster, one that will hurt your heart and then slowly be put back together.
I fell in love with Violets Father in the story as well, his words of love where breathtaking.
"Sometimes you just gotta be a little daring and a whole lot brave, pumpkin. That's what love is about. You gotta feel it all to make it real, the good times, the bad times, and everything in between"
Insert swoon here***
I can't thank Kirsty enough for gifting me a copy this wonderful story.
January 24, 2015
Violet Addiction is a heart-wrenching story of Violet and her struggles with addiction and the battles within her own mind.
The story will stay with you, long after you read it. Ensure you have a box of tissues on hand.
Well done Kirsty Dallas on telling such a difficult and thought-provoking story. Your words were eloquent, brimmed with emotion and I fell in love with Cain. A must read.
The story will stay with you, long after you read it. Ensure you have a box of tissues on hand.
Well done Kirsty Dallas on telling such a difficult and thought-provoking story. Your words were eloquent, brimmed with emotion and I fell in love with Cain. A must read.
January 10, 2016
4.5 surprising stars
Wow what a read I've had this on my kindle forever and am glad I've started the year off well. I loved this pair with their quirks and wit and that everything wasn't perfect but had me rooting for them from start to finish.
Wow what a read I've had this on my kindle forever and am glad I've started the year off well. I loved this pair with their quirks and wit and that everything wasn't perfect but had me rooting for them from start to finish.
October 25, 2014
“Someone once told me crying was not a sign of weakness, but simply someone who had been strong for far to long.”
Per usual Kirsty rips my heart out, and breaks it to a million pieces only to glue back every broken shard to resemble a different beautifully mended heart. I effing love you for this reason Kirsty. I mean it. In every book you’ve wrote, and I’ve undoubtedly read… you take me for the roller coaster emotional ride of my life. Violet Addiction was just the next work of art in Kirsty’s story telling mind. You’re a genius, woman. Hand’s down one of my favorite Aussie’s every. Seriously, I think there may be one person ahead of you… but it is Jesse Spencer and let’s face it – he’s just perfection. Excuse me while I wipe away a spot of drool!
“When you meet someone who leaves a mark on your heart and soul, that, my dear Violet, is truly a treasure. You are no doubt treasure by many; it’s time for you to recognize that worth.”
To be honest, I thought I’d have a harder time reading this than I did. I’m not entirely sure about addiction. I mean I’ve been told I have an addictive personality, but I’m happy to say I’ve never had to deal with the enormity of a painful addiction like drugs. I do have empathy for those who have been stricken with the unfortunate problem of addiction, though. After reading this, I can’t even imagine how hard it must be to recuperate and stay sober. I know I always imagined it was excruciatingly painful, but the imagery and honesty that Kirsty poured into this novel just makes me feel that much deeper for people with addiction.
“I wanted him to lose that control, I wanted to ignite a flame within him that would consume me with passion”
Throughout the entirety of this novel, my heart bled for these characters. My face was constantly salty from tears, and I just can’t tell you how many feels I had from the ultimate painful throbbing of the pure heartache that Kirsty exploited through the characters of Violet and Cain. My heart is aching just thinking about it, and writing this review.
"Sometimes, time can feel like a slow moving tide, splashing and ebbing over minutes, days, and weeks, tediously slow and unremitting. In other instances, time can be a tsunami, crashing down on you, thundering by in fragmented moments.”
Violet, grew up with addicts for parents, so she didn’t expect much from life. After watching her mother deal with addiction, she set herself up for total destruction. Even though she is beautiful, witty, extremely talented, and loved by so many… Violet hurt. The only way she knew how to take care of her internal pain was to get drunk and high. The one constant Violet had in life was Cain. God, she loved him like no other, but in her own vision of self-perseverance, she decided on never acting upon their feelings for one another. Cain was incredibly talented as well. With his shoulder length hair, his beautiful voice, and musical talents, he was just amazing. He was sweet, loved Violet to the end of the world, loyal, and completely supportive. Cain was Violet’s rock, always there to pick up the pieces.
“We made love, and it was as wild and impatient as it was profound and passionate.”
After so many times of picking up the pieces of Violets violent and destructive behavior, one has to give up… right? My goodness I still can’t believe how Cain handled her. This story is so unique and beautiful, but terrifying. Violet Addiction gives you the right feels when you need them. There are times of laughter, sadness, happiness, panic, and angst.
“You’re my home Cain, I’m not happy unless I’m home, and I trust you more than I’ve ever trusted anybody.”
I can’t even tell you about what happens. You need to read this to find out. A few times during this novel I thought there was no way to have a happy ending. However, this book leaves you completely satisfied, yet devastated at the same time. Didn’t think it was possible?! IT IS! Kirsty Dallas did it!!! I’ve had a serious book hangover from this, and writing the review is equally as hard as reading this novel. My heart HURTS. There’s so many things that I want to reveal, but can’t because you need to read this for yourself. You need to feel everything to understand why I can’t tell you, and you’ll agree with me.
“I want you with me baby, I want you in Seattle, I want you in my home, I want you in my bed, always. I need you to trust me to take care of you.”
Per usual Kirsty rips my heart out, and breaks it to a million pieces only to glue back every broken shard to resemble a different beautifully mended heart. I effing love you for this reason Kirsty. I mean it. In every book you’ve wrote, and I’ve undoubtedly read… you take me for the roller coaster emotional ride of my life. Violet Addiction was just the next work of art in Kirsty’s story telling mind. You’re a genius, woman. Hand’s down one of my favorite Aussie’s every. Seriously, I think there may be one person ahead of you… but it is Jesse Spencer and let’s face it – he’s just perfection. Excuse me while I wipe away a spot of drool!
“When you meet someone who leaves a mark on your heart and soul, that, my dear Violet, is truly a treasure. You are no doubt treasure by many; it’s time for you to recognize that worth.”
To be honest, I thought I’d have a harder time reading this than I did. I’m not entirely sure about addiction. I mean I’ve been told I have an addictive personality, but I’m happy to say I’ve never had to deal with the enormity of a painful addiction like drugs. I do have empathy for those who have been stricken with the unfortunate problem of addiction, though. After reading this, I can’t even imagine how hard it must be to recuperate and stay sober. I know I always imagined it was excruciatingly painful, but the imagery and honesty that Kirsty poured into this novel just makes me feel that much deeper for people with addiction.
“I wanted him to lose that control, I wanted to ignite a flame within him that would consume me with passion”
Throughout the entirety of this novel, my heart bled for these characters. My face was constantly salty from tears, and I just can’t tell you how many feels I had from the ultimate painful throbbing of the pure heartache that Kirsty exploited through the characters of Violet and Cain. My heart is aching just thinking about it, and writing this review.
"Sometimes, time can feel like a slow moving tide, splashing and ebbing over minutes, days, and weeks, tediously slow and unremitting. In other instances, time can be a tsunami, crashing down on you, thundering by in fragmented moments.”
Violet, grew up with addicts for parents, so she didn’t expect much from life. After watching her mother deal with addiction, she set herself up for total destruction. Even though she is beautiful, witty, extremely talented, and loved by so many… Violet hurt. The only way she knew how to take care of her internal pain was to get drunk and high. The one constant Violet had in life was Cain. God, she loved him like no other, but in her own vision of self-perseverance, she decided on never acting upon their feelings for one another. Cain was incredibly talented as well. With his shoulder length hair, his beautiful voice, and musical talents, he was just amazing. He was sweet, loved Violet to the end of the world, loyal, and completely supportive. Cain was Violet’s rock, always there to pick up the pieces.
“We made love, and it was as wild and impatient as it was profound and passionate.”
After so many times of picking up the pieces of Violets violent and destructive behavior, one has to give up… right? My goodness I still can’t believe how Cain handled her. This story is so unique and beautiful, but terrifying. Violet Addiction gives you the right feels when you need them. There are times of laughter, sadness, happiness, panic, and angst.
“You’re my home Cain, I’m not happy unless I’m home, and I trust you more than I’ve ever trusted anybody.”
I can’t even tell you about what happens. You need to read this to find out. A few times during this novel I thought there was no way to have a happy ending. However, this book leaves you completely satisfied, yet devastated at the same time. Didn’t think it was possible?! IT IS! Kirsty Dallas did it!!! I’ve had a serious book hangover from this, and writing the review is equally as hard as reading this novel. My heart HURTS. There’s so many things that I want to reveal, but can’t because you need to read this for yourself. You need to feel everything to understand why I can’t tell you, and you’ll agree with me.
“I want you with me baby, I want you in Seattle, I want you in my home, I want you in my bed, always. I need you to trust me to take care of you.”
November 1, 2014
Read my review, watch the trailer, and enter the giveaway at
Sinfully Sexy
.
“I’m just a girl who likes to sing."
“And I’m just a guy who likes to play the piano.”
Cain and Violet have been best friends since the day Cain noticed Violet watching him play piano in that high school theater. Cain somehow convinced her to sing for him, and that was it. He grabbed her by the hand, walked her to class, and hasn’t let go since.
“They say the sky is the limit, but you and me together, baby, maybe we’ll reach the fucking heavens.”
Ten years later, Cain is still holding on to Violet’s hand just as tight as ever. They travel and perform together – Cain on piano and Violet behind the microphone singing like an angel. They have supported one another through everything and would truly be lost without the other. Violet sees firsthand just how true that is. Cain knows Violet uses. He’s been there to pick her up when she falls too hard, no questions asked... until the one day when he’s not there. That day changes EVERYTHING.
“Life is too short to be lived in the grey area of passable and average. Life is meant to be lived with bright and vibrant colors, with words like extraordinary and passionate.”
Not seeing Cain when she opens her eyes from her latest fall sends shockwaves through Violet. She can’t believe it. Cain has never NOT been there. It’s Violet’s wake-up call. She’s determined to get the help she needs, and pick herself back up. She’s tired of living life only half fulfilled. Violet knows brushing herself off and moving on isn’t going to be easy, but she has a few strong and supportive people in her corner. With a little help, and a lot of effort Violet starts down a rocky path toward a new life. But will Cain be a part of it? He walked away, but will he come back?
Wow! This book is so emotional I had to read it in doses. Usually I will want to read a book straight through to find out what happens, but with this one I just couldn't. I was one big giant ball of tears! I needed a break from time to time to get myself together. I love books that make me cry - happy or sad - but this one is simply emotionally crushing!!! I love that a book can turn me inside out the way this one did.
It was easy to connect with both Violet and Cain. My heart broke for both of them. Watching Violet get hammered by her addiction was hard. But, seeing Cain and his inability to really help Violet was just as difficult. Watching an addict not wanting to be helped can be devastating. You walk a fine line between being supportive and enabling. And, if you push too far you run the risk of losing that person totally. Cain was afraid of pushing Violet too far, but in the end she’s the one that pushed Cain too far.
I love raw and intense which is how Violet Addiction started. We intimately experience Violet’s struggle with self-worth, her self-destructive actions, and her inability to recognize her problem. After Violet’s fall, I was expecting her to struggle much more with her “after” than we saw. I wanted to see her clawing her way back and struggling to stay sober. I thought she would be more tempted and really walk the tightrope of sobriety. I know Violet’s road back wasn’t an easy one, but I expected it to be more intense and wrought with more powerful emotions. I didn’t cry as much in the second half. I wanted it to be more heartbreaking. I know that probably sounds awful, but I really love books that are difficult to read and tear you apart.
I really did love this story. Kudos to you, Kirsty Dallas, for drawing out such big emotions in this one. Violet Addiction is a story about falling down and learning to stand back up. It’s a story about losing yourself in addiction and fighting your way out. Violet Addiction is a beautifully written heart wrenching story that will stay with me for a very long time to come.
****An advance reading copy was generously provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
“I’m just a girl who likes to sing."
“And I’m just a guy who likes to play the piano.”
Cain and Violet have been best friends since the day Cain noticed Violet watching him play piano in that high school theater. Cain somehow convinced her to sing for him, and that was it. He grabbed her by the hand, walked her to class, and hasn’t let go since.
“They say the sky is the limit, but you and me together, baby, maybe we’ll reach the fucking heavens.”
Ten years later, Cain is still holding on to Violet’s hand just as tight as ever. They travel and perform together – Cain on piano and Violet behind the microphone singing like an angel. They have supported one another through everything and would truly be lost without the other. Violet sees firsthand just how true that is. Cain knows Violet uses. He’s been there to pick her up when she falls too hard, no questions asked... until the one day when he’s not there. That day changes EVERYTHING.
“Life is too short to be lived in the grey area of passable and average. Life is meant to be lived with bright and vibrant colors, with words like extraordinary and passionate.”
Not seeing Cain when she opens her eyes from her latest fall sends shockwaves through Violet. She can’t believe it. Cain has never NOT been there. It’s Violet’s wake-up call. She’s determined to get the help she needs, and pick herself back up. She’s tired of living life only half fulfilled. Violet knows brushing herself off and moving on isn’t going to be easy, but she has a few strong and supportive people in her corner. With a little help, and a lot of effort Violet starts down a rocky path toward a new life. But will Cain be a part of it? He walked away, but will he come back?
Wow! This book is so emotional I had to read it in doses. Usually I will want to read a book straight through to find out what happens, but with this one I just couldn't. I was one big giant ball of tears! I needed a break from time to time to get myself together. I love books that make me cry - happy or sad - but this one is simply emotionally crushing!!! I love that a book can turn me inside out the way this one did.
It was easy to connect with both Violet and Cain. My heart broke for both of them. Watching Violet get hammered by her addiction was hard. But, seeing Cain and his inability to really help Violet was just as difficult. Watching an addict not wanting to be helped can be devastating. You walk a fine line between being supportive and enabling. And, if you push too far you run the risk of losing that person totally. Cain was afraid of pushing Violet too far, but in the end she’s the one that pushed Cain too far.
I love raw and intense which is how Violet Addiction started. We intimately experience Violet’s struggle with self-worth, her self-destructive actions, and her inability to recognize her problem. After Violet’s fall, I was expecting her to struggle much more with her “after” than we saw. I wanted to see her clawing her way back and struggling to stay sober. I thought she would be more tempted and really walk the tightrope of sobriety. I know Violet’s road back wasn’t an easy one, but I expected it to be more intense and wrought with more powerful emotions. I didn’t cry as much in the second half. I wanted it to be more heartbreaking. I know that probably sounds awful, but I really love books that are difficult to read and tear you apart.
I really did love this story. Kudos to you, Kirsty Dallas, for drawing out such big emotions in this one. Violet Addiction is a story about falling down and learning to stand back up. It’s a story about losing yourself in addiction and fighting your way out. Violet Addiction is a beautifully written heart wrenching story that will stay with me for a very long time to come.
****An advance reading copy was generously provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
November 1, 2014
★✩★✩★ 5- Death and Re-Birth -Stars
~this review may contain minor spoilers~
I've always craved things that destroy me; things that make me forget the worthlessness that fills my veins. In the end, the poisons I consumed in an effort to feel numb killed me.
Violet Trivoli 's life has never been typical or easy; growing up in an emotionally abusive home with two drug addict parents doesn't exactly teach you how to love yourself and inevitably Violet became an addict herself. Drugs seem to be the only thing that numbs the pain and constant feeling of never being good enough, never being loved enough, just never being enough. The only constant in her life is best friend Cain Everett , the man she has always loved but never allowed herself to have; he is far to good to be tainted by the blackness of her soul but she is just to selfish to walk away completely, she needs him as he needs her, he is the one always picking her up after her benders but she knows deep down that eventually he will reach his limit and she is terrified of losing him... but she does, right when she needs him most. When she finally takes her addiction too far, resulting in an overdose that literally kills her, she wakes up alone and soon realizes that as hard as she fell, getting back up is going to be sooo much harder. Does she have the strength she needs to do what it takes to survive without the other half of her soul at her side?
I cried for the loss of so many years hating myself and my family. So many mistakes I couldn't take back; I could only learn from them and move forward.
Fair Warning ~ if you're looking for a hearts and flowers, sparkles and candy, sweet romance; turn around, this is NOT it. If like me, you like your stories with a bit more grit, a lot of tears and heartache, and you don't mind the author making their characters earn their HEA the hard way; then I happily encourage you to proceed, just do so with caution. Yes, this is a romance ~ but at it's core, it's a story about addiction and all the ugliness that entails. Kirsty Dallas did NOT shy away from all the gory details and the result was gutwrenching, but totally worth it. She forces us to really feel what these characters are going through; you will not always like them, you may not understand them, but you will at the very least see why they do what they do~even if it doesn't make any sense to you personally. It truly was an amazing story chock full of people you will completely fall in love with, hope with all that you have that they find their true paths in life and are able to pull themselves out of the abyss of blackness they fall into. It also shows you how the downward spiral of addiction is the easy part, getting back up and going on with your life once you hit bottom is the hard part and Kirsty show us just how worth the fight it is. I first fell in love with this author thanx to 'Decker's Wood' and she proved to me once again why.
“My crazy is no place for you.”
“Violet, you are my home, so if following you through your crazy leads me home, I'm gonna follow. Your crazy can live within the walls of my crazy, and we will be one big happy, crazy family.”
Check out my FULL post @ Bookworm Betties
Happy Reading xo Jenn
~this review may contain minor spoilers~
I've always craved things that destroy me; things that make me forget the worthlessness that fills my veins. In the end, the poisons I consumed in an effort to feel numb killed me.
Violet Trivoli 's life has never been typical or easy; growing up in an emotionally abusive home with two drug addict parents doesn't exactly teach you how to love yourself and inevitably Violet became an addict herself. Drugs seem to be the only thing that numbs the pain and constant feeling of never being good enough, never being loved enough, just never being enough. The only constant in her life is best friend Cain Everett , the man she has always loved but never allowed herself to have; he is far to good to be tainted by the blackness of her soul but she is just to selfish to walk away completely, she needs him as he needs her, he is the one always picking her up after her benders but she knows deep down that eventually he will reach his limit and she is terrified of losing him... but she does, right when she needs him most. When she finally takes her addiction too far, resulting in an overdose that literally kills her, she wakes up alone and soon realizes that as hard as she fell, getting back up is going to be sooo much harder. Does she have the strength she needs to do what it takes to survive without the other half of her soul at her side?
I cried for the loss of so many years hating myself and my family. So many mistakes I couldn't take back; I could only learn from them and move forward.
Fair Warning ~ if you're looking for a hearts and flowers, sparkles and candy, sweet romance; turn around, this is NOT it. If like me, you like your stories with a bit more grit, a lot of tears and heartache, and you don't mind the author making their characters earn their HEA the hard way; then I happily encourage you to proceed, just do so with caution. Yes, this is a romance ~ but at it's core, it's a story about addiction and all the ugliness that entails. Kirsty Dallas did NOT shy away from all the gory details and the result was gutwrenching, but totally worth it. She forces us to really feel what these characters are going through; you will not always like them, you may not understand them, but you will at the very least see why they do what they do~even if it doesn't make any sense to you personally. It truly was an amazing story chock full of people you will completely fall in love with, hope with all that you have that they find their true paths in life and are able to pull themselves out of the abyss of blackness they fall into. It also shows you how the downward spiral of addiction is the easy part, getting back up and going on with your life once you hit bottom is the hard part and Kirsty show us just how worth the fight it is. I first fell in love with this author thanx to 'Decker's Wood' and she proved to me once again why.
“My crazy is no place for you.”
“Violet, you are my home, so if following you through your crazy leads me home, I'm gonna follow. Your crazy can live within the walls of my crazy, and we will be one big happy, crazy family.”
Check out my FULL post @ Bookworm Betties
Happy Reading xo Jenn
November 24, 2014
BOOK REVIEW by Michelle 30th October 2014:
RATING: 5 STRONG STARS!
“The strongest of us are not those who wear their strength on the outside for all to see, but those who carry their strength inside and fight battles others know nothing about.”
I am gonna say, I think this is the best book Kirsty Dallas has written to date. Not to take anything away from her other works as I am a HUGE fan of Breeze of Life and Mercy’s Angels and that naughty lad Decker and his helicopter move, but there was something extra special about Cain and Violet’s story.
They are two talented, intelligent people, but one of them loses herself in the more seedier side of life.
Violet is a very damaged woman. I felt her addiction to my core. At one stage I was literally squeezing my hand into a fist and willing her not to do something. I felt through Kirsty’s words how hard it was for Violet to keep her hand closed.
I was there.
I was Violet.
At one stage I was literally shouting at my book, “NOooOOoooo! Doooon’t!” But at the same time I could feel myself wanting to open my hand...
Cain is a character who you will love as much as you will feel his grief for the soul of his best friend.
After a long moment, the boy finally spoke. "If I had known playing this piano would make a beauty like you appear, I would have done so long before now."
I could see why he did what he did. Sometimes as a friend you can only take so much. Others may view it differently, but I can see where he was coming from. It is very painful watching those you love and care deeply for go through an addiction when you feel there is nothing more you can do. He was there to witness what Violet became. He has those memories that were crushing him.
He is a character who eventually became flawed by a decision that altered the lives of more than one.
Peiro! Man, I love him. He has a story...HINT!!
Harry! Bless your heart. You are a good sort.
This is a story about forgiveness and living with an addiction. Kirsty told it so well. She made me understand so much more deeply what it is like to be friends with an addict and have to stand by feeling so helpless, and what it felt like through Violet’s eyes to be that person.
Through Violet’s inner monologuing I could see how low an addict is willing to go to get that hit they crave and how it slowly takes another little piece of their soul away, yet they will not hesitate to go to that degrading depth to get that hit. The hit will soothe that low moment ...until...
To survive an addiction takes strength. The will power to live with an addiction for the rest of your life is something only a recovering addict would truly understand.
A moving story about a love that would be tested in more ways than one and new beginnings...oh and let’s not forget a good man-bun.
Well done Miss KD J
Well. Done!
Michelle
RATING: 5 STRONG STARS!
“The strongest of us are not those who wear their strength on the outside for all to see, but those who carry their strength inside and fight battles others know nothing about.”
I am gonna say, I think this is the best book Kirsty Dallas has written to date. Not to take anything away from her other works as I am a HUGE fan of Breeze of Life and Mercy’s Angels and that naughty lad Decker and his helicopter move, but there was something extra special about Cain and Violet’s story.
They are two talented, intelligent people, but one of them loses herself in the more seedier side of life.
Violet is a very damaged woman. I felt her addiction to my core. At one stage I was literally squeezing my hand into a fist and willing her not to do something. I felt through Kirsty’s words how hard it was for Violet to keep her hand closed.
I was there.
I was Violet.
At one stage I was literally shouting at my book, “NOooOOoooo! Doooon’t!” But at the same time I could feel myself wanting to open my hand...
Cain is a character who you will love as much as you will feel his grief for the soul of his best friend.
After a long moment, the boy finally spoke. "If I had known playing this piano would make a beauty like you appear, I would have done so long before now."
I could see why he did what he did. Sometimes as a friend you can only take so much. Others may view it differently, but I can see where he was coming from. It is very painful watching those you love and care deeply for go through an addiction when you feel there is nothing more you can do. He was there to witness what Violet became. He has those memories that were crushing him.
He is a character who eventually became flawed by a decision that altered the lives of more than one.
Peiro! Man, I love him. He has a story...HINT!!
Harry! Bless your heart. You are a good sort.
This is a story about forgiveness and living with an addiction. Kirsty told it so well. She made me understand so much more deeply what it is like to be friends with an addict and have to stand by feeling so helpless, and what it felt like through Violet’s eyes to be that person.
Through Violet’s inner monologuing I could see how low an addict is willing to go to get that hit they crave and how it slowly takes another little piece of their soul away, yet they will not hesitate to go to that degrading depth to get that hit. The hit will soothe that low moment ...until...
To survive an addiction takes strength. The will power to live with an addiction for the rest of your life is something only a recovering addict would truly understand.
A moving story about a love that would be tested in more ways than one and new beginnings...oh and let’s not forget a good man-bun.
Well done Miss KD J
Well. Done!
Michelle
October 30, 2014
BOOK REVIEW 29th October 2014:
RATING: 5 STRONG STARS!
“The strongest of us are not those who wear their strength on the outside for all to see, but those who carry their strength inside and fight battles others know nothing about.”
I am gonna say, I think this is the best book Kirsty Dallas has written to date. Not to take anything away from her other works as I am a HUGE fan of Breeze of Life and Mercy’s Angels and that naughty lad Decker and his helicopter move, but there was something extra special about Cain and Violet’s story.
They are two talented, intelligent people, but one of them loses herself in the more seedier side of life.
Violet is a very damaged woman. I felt her addiction to my core. At one stage I was literally squeezing my hand into a fist and willing her not to do something. I felt through Kirsty’s words how hard it was for Violet to keep her hand closed.
I was there.
I was Violet.
At one stage I was literally shouting at my book, “NOooOOoooo! Doooon’t!” But at the same time I could feel myself wanting to open my hand...
Cain is a character who you will love as much as you will feel his grief for the soul of his best friend.
After a long moment, the boy finally spoke. "If I had known playing this piano would make a beauty like you appear, I would have done so long before now."
I could see why he did what he did. Sometimes as a friend you can only take so much. Others may view it differently, but I can see where he was coming from. It is very painful watching those you love and care deeply for go through an addiction when you feel there is nothing more you can do. He was there to witness what Violet became. He has those memories that were crushing him.
He is a character who eventually became flawed by a decision that altered the lives of more than one.
Peiro! Man, I love him. He has a story...HINT!!
Harry! Bless your heart. You are a good sort.
This is a story about forgiveness and living with an addiction. Kirsty told it so well. She made me understand so much more deeply what it is like to be friends with an addict and have to stand by feeling so helpless, and what it felt like through Violet’s eyes to be that person.
Through Violet’s inner monologuing I could see how low an addict is willing to go to get that hit they crave and how it slowly takes another little piece of their soul away, yet they will not hesitate to go to that degrading depth to get that hit. The hit will soothe that low moment ...until...
To survive an addiction takes strength. The will power to live with an addiction for the rest of your life is something only a recovering addict would truly understand.
A moving story about a love that would be tested in more ways than one and new beginnings...oh and let’s not forget a good man-bun.
Well done Miss KD !
Well. Done!
RATING: 5 STRONG STARS!
“The strongest of us are not those who wear their strength on the outside for all to see, but those who carry their strength inside and fight battles others know nothing about.”
I am gonna say, I think this is the best book Kirsty Dallas has written to date. Not to take anything away from her other works as I am a HUGE fan of Breeze of Life and Mercy’s Angels and that naughty lad Decker and his helicopter move, but there was something extra special about Cain and Violet’s story.
They are two talented, intelligent people, but one of them loses herself in the more seedier side of life.
Violet is a very damaged woman. I felt her addiction to my core. At one stage I was literally squeezing my hand into a fist and willing her not to do something. I felt through Kirsty’s words how hard it was for Violet to keep her hand closed.
I was there.
I was Violet.
At one stage I was literally shouting at my book, “NOooOOoooo! Doooon’t!” But at the same time I could feel myself wanting to open my hand...
Cain is a character who you will love as much as you will feel his grief for the soul of his best friend.
After a long moment, the boy finally spoke. "If I had known playing this piano would make a beauty like you appear, I would have done so long before now."
I could see why he did what he did. Sometimes as a friend you can only take so much. Others may view it differently, but I can see where he was coming from. It is very painful watching those you love and care deeply for go through an addiction when you feel there is nothing more you can do. He was there to witness what Violet became. He has those memories that were crushing him.
He is a character who eventually became flawed by a decision that altered the lives of more than one.
Peiro! Man, I love him. He has a story...HINT!!
Harry! Bless your heart. You are a good sort.
This is a story about forgiveness and living with an addiction. Kirsty told it so well. She made me understand so much more deeply what it is like to be friends with an addict and have to stand by feeling so helpless, and what it felt like through Violet’s eyes to be that person.
Through Violet’s inner monologuing I could see how low an addict is willing to go to get that hit they crave and how it slowly takes another little piece of their soul away, yet they will not hesitate to go to that degrading depth to get that hit. The hit will soothe that low moment ...until...
To survive an addiction takes strength. The will power to live with an addiction for the rest of your life is something only a recovering addict would truly understand.
A moving story about a love that would be tested in more ways than one and new beginnings...oh and let’s not forget a good man-bun.
Well done Miss KD !
Well. Done!
October 15, 2014
I cried that's all I wanted to say. No really I did. This book was emotional and was truly touching. There's no doubt in my mind that if this didn't have the ending that it did that put a smile on face or left me hanging there I think I would of thrown my phone across the room. Not many books have that effect on me, but this one did.
Violet, Violet, Violet.....her name should of been Violent. She was on a destructive path and it almost took people she loved down with her. It almost did. The way she was raised and treated by her mother how degraded her mother made her feel while growing up and her father not doing a damn thing about it well I was pissed off from the get go. Violet is a drug user and alcoholic she does things that made me cringe and I wanted to jump in the book and shake her, but Cain was there to pick her back up even after 10 years of this. Until one night he see's what she's doing and it changes everything.
Cain holy sweet Moses, MY CAIN!!!!! I loved him from the start even doing what he did leaving Violet like he did because he couldn't watch her self destruction well that there I have no words for. I was hurt just as much as Violet was I cried, I got pissed, and I was so hoping things would work out some how some way. It had to right? They were soul-mates! But things don't go as well I thought and I continued reading she's off in Paris hasn't heard a word from Cain in months and then comes a long Peiro ewwwwww weeeeee sexy Italian waiting to pick up the broken pieces of glass that was left behind by Cain but Violet just can't seem to let go. She knows she can't give herself completely to Peiro unless she rids herself of the feelings she has for Cain. Its just not that simple anymore. Something terrible happens while she's 'recuperating' in Italy and has to leave immediately.
She's back and she finds things have changed so much that Cain has in fact moved on. She always wanted better for him, because she truly believes she's just not good enough from the way she was raised by her family and how she was treated by her mother, her drug and alcohol dependency that he's better off with Annabelle, but that doesn't make it right. And it sure as hell won't be.
This book was so good and I am glad I won an ARC. It even has a couple steamy scenes but nothing graphic but it was well written and thought out. The book wasn't rushed and I stayed hooked to it until I finished it well till the early morning light and finally writing my review tonight! I have to say I am so curious about Peiro and what's happened to him, along with Annabelle and Toby. *hint hint*
Violet, Violet, Violet.....her name should of been Violent. She was on a destructive path and it almost took people she loved down with her. It almost did. The way she was raised and treated by her mother how degraded her mother made her feel while growing up and her father not doing a damn thing about it well I was pissed off from the get go. Violet is a drug user and alcoholic she does things that made me cringe and I wanted to jump in the book and shake her, but Cain was there to pick her back up even after 10 years of this. Until one night he see's what she's doing and it changes everything.
Cain holy sweet Moses, MY CAIN!!!!! I loved him from the start even doing what he did leaving Violet like he did because he couldn't watch her self destruction well that there I have no words for. I was hurt just as much as Violet was I cried, I got pissed, and I was so hoping things would work out some how some way. It had to right? They were soul-mates! But things don't go as well I thought and I continued reading she's off in Paris hasn't heard a word from Cain in months and then comes a long Peiro ewwwwww weeeeee sexy Italian waiting to pick up the broken pieces of glass that was left behind by Cain but Violet just can't seem to let go. She knows she can't give herself completely to Peiro unless she rids herself of the feelings she has for Cain. Its just not that simple anymore. Something terrible happens while she's 'recuperating' in Italy and has to leave immediately.
She's back and she finds things have changed so much that Cain has in fact moved on. She always wanted better for him, because she truly believes she's just not good enough from the way she was raised by her family and how she was treated by her mother, her drug and alcohol dependency that he's better off with Annabelle, but that doesn't make it right. And it sure as hell won't be.
This book was so good and I am glad I won an ARC. It even has a couple steamy scenes but nothing graphic but it was well written and thought out. The book wasn't rushed and I stayed hooked to it until I finished it well till the early morning light and finally writing my review tonight! I have to say I am so curious about Peiro and what's happened to him, along with Annabelle and Toby. *hint hint*
November 17, 2014
My heart hurt.
My head pounded.
I was a blubbering mess.
This is a story of addiction, the power drugs have over you and the desperate struggle to not let them win.
Best friends since high school, Violet and Cain have been together through thick and thin. He plays piano and she sings, and they make beautiful music together. Through it all, he as stuck by her side and many years later, they still perform together.
Violet was born into a life that knew addiction. It surrounded her. Owned her. She watched as both her parents lived a life full of drugs and poor decisions. Feeling no self worth and lots of self loathing, Violet follows their lead and gets caught up in her own addiction to desperately escape the pain of living. Cain is her rock and sadly knows that she is an addict. He remains by her side, trying desperately to keep her from drowning. He truly loves her.
“This is meant to be, baby, you and me. You gotta stop fighting it. Please just let me love you the way you were meant to be loved.”
But Cain’s love wasn’t enough. One very sad day, Violet sinks. She is at the bottom of the barrel. She expects him to be at her side to help her out of her dark hole. He’s always there. Only this time he’s not. Violet is a mess. She doesn’t know if she’ll be able to move forward without him, but she makes a choice. She will fight. She will change. She will, for once in her life, be a new, better version of her former self. Her only hope is that Cain will return to her.
“Sometimes you have to fall so you can learn to stand back up. Falling is hard though; it’s scary and it’s painful. Standing back up is somehow worse.”
I was so emotional while reading this book. Watching Violet self-destruct was so difficult and painful. I wanted to shake her and take the drugs away from her myself. Whether you know someone who has been addicted, or have been through it yourself, you know that it is a battle that is not easy to win. There is a constant struggle, a war within yourself and you have to fight with everything you have to get to the other side. Some of the very fortunate win the battle. Others don’t and it’s absolutely heartbreaking to witness.
This story is painful. It will break your heart into so many pieces. But you cheer and you route for Violet to come out a winner. Kirsty Dallas wrote a story that will rip your heart open. It is not a sappy love story. It is a story of pain, hope and courage. One that I won’t forget.
My head pounded.
I was a blubbering mess.
This is a story of addiction, the power drugs have over you and the desperate struggle to not let them win.
Best friends since high school, Violet and Cain have been together through thick and thin. He plays piano and she sings, and they make beautiful music together. Through it all, he as stuck by her side and many years later, they still perform together.
Violet was born into a life that knew addiction. It surrounded her. Owned her. She watched as both her parents lived a life full of drugs and poor decisions. Feeling no self worth and lots of self loathing, Violet follows their lead and gets caught up in her own addiction to desperately escape the pain of living. Cain is her rock and sadly knows that she is an addict. He remains by her side, trying desperately to keep her from drowning. He truly loves her.
“This is meant to be, baby, you and me. You gotta stop fighting it. Please just let me love you the way you were meant to be loved.”
But Cain’s love wasn’t enough. One very sad day, Violet sinks. She is at the bottom of the barrel. She expects him to be at her side to help her out of her dark hole. He’s always there. Only this time he’s not. Violet is a mess. She doesn’t know if she’ll be able to move forward without him, but she makes a choice. She will fight. She will change. She will, for once in her life, be a new, better version of her former self. Her only hope is that Cain will return to her.
“Sometimes you have to fall so you can learn to stand back up. Falling is hard though; it’s scary and it’s painful. Standing back up is somehow worse.”
I was so emotional while reading this book. Watching Violet self-destruct was so difficult and painful. I wanted to shake her and take the drugs away from her myself. Whether you know someone who has been addicted, or have been through it yourself, you know that it is a battle that is not easy to win. There is a constant struggle, a war within yourself and you have to fight with everything you have to get to the other side. Some of the very fortunate win the battle. Others don’t and it’s absolutely heartbreaking to witness.
This story is painful. It will break your heart into so many pieces. But you cheer and you route for Violet to come out a winner. Kirsty Dallas wrote a story that will rip your heart open. It is not a sappy love story. It is a story of pain, hope and courage. One that I won’t forget.
October 27, 2014
I would first like to state that although I was gifted this book by the author - I have already pre-ordered a paperback.
This is so worthy of more than 5 stars, I really loved reading this book, my kindle was highlighted with so many 'quotes' that touched me and made me reflect on things in my own life.
I think that Kirsty has created a story that any reader will just love, despite the subject, as Kirsty has quoted on Goodreads
This is very true, this book will be treasured and re-read the characters made such an impression on me, and although Violet struggles to see the worth in herself its good to see that she does eventually get on the right path with the help of her friends and Cain.
I don't want to say too much about the story as its much better for the reader to experience it first hand.
Thank you Kirsty for choosing me as one of the first to read this book, it will stay with me as you said.
I would also like to link the book trailer, this song is in the book, the words brought tears to my eyes when reading it, but in song its so much more
This is so worthy of more than 5 stars, I really loved reading this book, my kindle was highlighted with so many 'quotes' that touched me and made me reflect on things in my own life.
I think that Kirsty has created a story that any reader will just love, despite the subject, as Kirsty has quoted on Goodreads
the story is about hopelessness, addiction, love, death and birth, I hope you all find something special that allows Violet Addiction to settle in your heart for a long time to come.
This is very true, this book will be treasured and re-read the characters made such an impression on me, and although Violet struggles to see the worth in herself its good to see that she does eventually get on the right path with the help of her friends and Cain.
I don't want to say too much about the story as its much better for the reader to experience it first hand.
Thank you Kirsty for choosing me as one of the first to read this book, it will stay with me as you said.
I would also like to link the book trailer, this song is in the book, the words brought tears to my eyes when reading it, but in song its so much more
October 13, 2014
Violet Addiction is a breathtaking story of addiction and the constant fight to overcome it.
There are so many types of addiction, from drugs to alcohol – and then there is the daily addiction of tearing yourself apart and the only form of relief is to substitute it with another addiction.
VA shows us the ugly path of destruction and it’s not for the faint hearted, but if you hang in there you will be blessed with an amazing story.
I laughed hard and then I cried even harder.
This story has it all.
Desolation – tick.
Heartbreak – tick.
Loneliness – double tick.
And then the good stuff,
Friendship – I loved all the characters who played such a big part in this story – the character development was fantastic.
Strength – triple tick – VA shows us that if you fight it daily, you can overcome and achieve anything.
Love – so many different kinds, but without love where would we be – It’s the one addiction you shouldn’t have to overcome.
VA taught me most about kindness. You don’t back off when the going gets tough, that’s when you show your true friendship and carry the other person.
I can’t tell you how much I love Kirsty Dallas writing. She inspires me with every one of her words.
There are so many types of addiction, from drugs to alcohol – and then there is the daily addiction of tearing yourself apart and the only form of relief is to substitute it with another addiction.
VA shows us the ugly path of destruction and it’s not for the faint hearted, but if you hang in there you will be blessed with an amazing story.
I laughed hard and then I cried even harder.
This story has it all.
Desolation – tick.
Heartbreak – tick.
Loneliness – double tick.
And then the good stuff,
Friendship – I loved all the characters who played such a big part in this story – the character development was fantastic.
Strength – triple tick – VA shows us that if you fight it daily, you can overcome and achieve anything.
Love – so many different kinds, but without love where would we be – It’s the one addiction you shouldn’t have to overcome.
VA taught me most about kindness. You don’t back off when the going gets tough, that’s when you show your true friendship and carry the other person.
I can’t tell you how much I love Kirsty Dallas writing. She inspires me with every one of her words.
November 1, 2014
Wow! Kirsty Dallas....I am in awe of your talent and the ability to take such hard topics and weave them into the most beautiful but crushing story. The writing is breathtaking and the story of Violet and Cain, a journey full of all those little moments that make a relationship ~ pain, love, heartache, romance, laughter, tears and more.
I've made no secret of how much I love Kirsty and her writing. I hate comparing her stories because each one is an amazing life lesson on the most delicate of life's evil situations. In "Violet Addiction," Kirsty delicately tackles the subject of addiction, drugs and alcohol, and the pain and destruction it can leave in its wake.
To read the rest of my review, please visit the blog at A Love Affair With Books.
I've made no secret of how much I love Kirsty and her writing. I hate comparing her stories because each one is an amazing life lesson on the most delicate of life's evil situations. In "Violet Addiction," Kirsty delicately tackles the subject of addiction, drugs and alcohol, and the pain and destruction it can leave in its wake.
To read the rest of my review, please visit the blog at A Love Affair With Books.
October 5, 2015
I went through so many emotions in this book at first I found it so hard to like Violet with the addiction and her treatment of Cain but as the book moved along at a steady place my feelings changed as did Violet and I started to really feel for Violet and what she had to go through and the situations she had to deal with she was growing so much stronger and then at like 50% I hated Cain ok I didn't hate but I was very very upset with him but I couldn't really blame him he was just trying to deal with his hurt but then a situation happened and I just bawled I really couldn't understand why the author went in this direction but.... As I read to the end I understood what the message was and I heard it loud and clear I loved Violet and Cain only thing missing was an epilogue otherwise 5 star read for me!!!
Read
November 28, 2015DNF
First off we have to stress that we adore this author’s work. We've loved everything we've read from her whether it be suspense, heartbreak or humorous, she has always delivered and she's pretty much a 1-click for us.
So, it breaks our hearts to say Violet Addiction just didn't work for us. The main problem was the heroine. We couldn't connect to her. We know she was suffering addiction and her story should’ve had us clutching our hearts but we couldn't empathise her. When her story unfolded it didn't devastate us as we expected and her treatment of Cain only served to have us disconnect even more.
First off we have to stress that we adore this author’s work. We've loved everything we've read from her whether it be suspense, heartbreak or humorous, she has always delivered and she's pretty much a 1-click for us.
So, it breaks our hearts to say Violet Addiction just didn't work for us. The main problem was the heroine. We couldn't connect to her. We know she was suffering addiction and her story should’ve had us clutching our hearts but we couldn't empathise her. When her story unfolded it didn't devastate us as we expected and her treatment of Cain only served to have us disconnect even more.
October 15, 2014
This book was truly an amazing read. I felt like I was brought into the book and felt everything that was happening! Violet and Cain's relationship is inspiring! The love they have for each other has no boundaries! Even after all the things they have been through you come to want a love just as strong as their's. I understand Violet on some of the self hatred so I was able to get into the character's story. Everyone feels like they are not good enough at something or for someone! It's how you over come it and move forward that makes you you! Her courage and love for everything around her had inspired me! I am truly grateful that I got to read this beautiful story!
October 28, 2014
This is the first book i've read by Kirsty Dallas, and it won't be my last.
Violet Addiction had me hooked at the start with Cain & Violet as they find they both have a passion for jazz music.
This story is a journey of self worth, dark places and finding love is a strenght that pulls you through; if you let it.
I found that all the characters had me hooked, they pulled me into their world. But i found my strongest connection was with Violet, i was with her every step; i could feel what she felt, understand what & why she did what she did.
Violet Addiction had me hooked at the start with Cain & Violet as they find they both have a passion for jazz music.
This story is a journey of self worth, dark places and finding love is a strenght that pulls you through; if you let it.
I found that all the characters had me hooked, they pulled me into their world. But i found my strongest connection was with Violet, i was with her every step; i could feel what she felt, understand what & why she did what she did.
October 12, 2014
Standalone
Favorite
HEA
What an amazing journey of addiction, love, death and birth. This would have to be my favorite book I've read to date.
I absolutely enjoyed every second of this read, never wanting to put it down.
When I read a book I want to enjoy it, live in it and for it to evoke emotions.
Violet Addiction didn't disappoint and definitely ticked all three.
This is an amazing book that you need to read, if you haven't already and LOVE IT!!!
Favorite
HEA
What an amazing journey of addiction, love, death and birth. This would have to be my favorite book I've read to date.
I absolutely enjoyed every second of this read, never wanting to put it down.
When I read a book I want to enjoy it, live in it and for it to evoke emotions.
Violet Addiction didn't disappoint and definitely ticked all three.
This is an amazing book that you need to read, if you haven't already and LOVE IT!!!
October 13, 2014
"The line that separates those who fall and those who fly is being able to learn from your mistakes."
Violet had definitely made her fair share of mistakes in life. Cain was always there to pick her back up.
Violet and Cain's story made my heart break so many times but the ending is so worth it.
I had the privilege of receiving a complimentary copy provided by author.
Violet had definitely made her fair share of mistakes in life. Cain was always there to pick her back up.
Violet and Cain's story made my heart break so many times but the ending is so worth it.
I had the privilege of receiving a complimentary copy provided by author.
November 1, 2014
I was given and arc to read by the lovely Kirsty Dallas. I loved the story. I had a problem. I could not put it down, until I had finished it. Violet hates herself. Cain is her constant companion and best friend.
I found myself getting lost in these characters. I wish it was more than a 5 star rating you could give it.
LOVE IT KIRSTY. A BIG ROUND OF APPLAUSE.
I found myself getting lost in these characters. I wish it was more than a 5 star rating you could give it.
LOVE IT KIRSTY. A BIG ROUND OF APPLAUSE.
December 6, 2018
This was such an emotional story, one that really tugged at the heartstrings. Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book and would have no hesitation in recommending it. Violet and Cain have a love that is unquestionably fated if only they have sufficient belief in one another. For years Violet has had a destructive streak and Cain has always been there for her, but there comes a time when Violet has to garner her inner strength to battle not only her own demons but unforeseen ones too that impact their lives. An exceptional storyline that portrayed lots of highs and lows in a relationship that went from friends to lovers, forever testing their sanity but never their love for one another.
January 9, 2018
A story of a young couple who's love so strong for each other, managed to overcome some of the hardest times in their lives. Watching Cain play piano had started something beautiful when he asked Violet to sing for him. Ever since then, he took her by the hand and never let go. Of all the hard times they endured, the addiction that became the biggest and constant battle to fight every since, the heartache, the beautiful memories, they came out the other side stronger than ever. I certainly enjoyed the book
December 10, 2018
Real story of addiction. and love
This is real, the demons that suffocate addicts is real!! The feeling of not being enough is real! Hitting rock bottom with nobody to pull you up! Violet worked hard on her sobriety, while Cain worked hard to be there for so many years,to pick Voliet up! Stronger and stronger she got up!!! Cain, Violet, Annabelle, and Oliver made a family! Not normal but, there's! Addict or not; the love that dogs you out, of yourself loathing is there! Loved the book! Recommend it!
This is real, the demons that suffocate addicts is real!! The feeling of not being enough is real! Hitting rock bottom with nobody to pull you up! Violet worked hard on her sobriety, while Cain worked hard to be there for so many years,to pick Voliet up! Stronger and stronger she got up!!! Cain, Violet, Annabelle, and Oliver made a family! Not normal but, there's! Addict or not; the love that dogs you out, of yourself loathing is there! Loved the book! Recommend it!
November 1, 2014
Violet Addiction was not your typical love story.It was a messy, gritty tale of addiction, self destruction, and redemption. This was a love story ten years in the making. From the very first chapter this story captivated me and held my attention. This story takes us through Violet’s end to her brand new beginning.
“They say the sky is the limit, but you and me together, baby, maybe we’ll reach the fucking heavens.”
Violet and Cain first meet when they are 16. Violet always loved music and always loved to sing. The moment she saw him playing the piano, she was completely drawn to him. Violet grew up with a drug addicted mother and an alcoholic father. Her father loved her, but he loved his wife more. There were times when her mom was sober and her life was happy but when she wasn’t Violet’s life was miserable. I felt Violet’s pain. Her mother’s addiction affected her immensely. She felt poor, ordinary, and unwanted but in the brief moment they met, Cain made her feel special, her made her feel important.
“I was nothing, where as Cain as everything….”
Ten years later, Cain and Violet are best friends and music partners. They have a jazz act and are they are successful. They are happy together but only as friends.They flirt, give chaste kisses, but Cain wants more from their relationship and so does Violet but she doesn’t feel she’s worthy of him. Cain grew up with a stable, successful family and she doesn’t want to drag him down into her own darkness. Violet is in the cusps of her own addiction to cocaine and alcohol. She needs it, lives for it, and Cain hates what it does to her. He’s always there for her, always loving her, but she pushes him away constantly.
“I missed the blissful, invincible feeling that came with my first line of cocaine.”
One night Violet’s addiction takes her to her very darkest moment. I admit while reading the scene, I had a bad feeling, but it didn’t think author would take it to that point. It made cringe because it pushed me a little past my comfort level and my heart broke for Violet. It as hard seeing her at her lowest and even worse is Cain had to witness it. That day changed her forever. It was the day she died, the day she was reborn, and the day that she finally pushed Cain away.
“Sometimes you have to fall so you can learn to stand back up. Falling is hard though; it scary and it’s painful. Standing back up is somehow worse.”
After that day, Violet tried to get her life back on track. She had to live with what happened but losing Cain was the part the hurt the most. As much as it hurt she wanted to try and stand on her own again. She went through rehab and was doing better. Six months after her time in rehab, she went on a vacation to Italy to give herself time to recuperate. She was learning to love herself and she was healthier and happier than she had ever been. She even met someone that she felt she could move on with, but her heart still yearned for Cain. When a tragedy strikes her family, she heads back home for the first time in months. She’s hurt and heart broken but she also gets to see Cain. There is so much pain and heartbreak between them but also so much love there. Violet felt abandoned by him, even though she wanted him to go and Cain still didn’t know the true secrets of what happened that night.
“Violet, you are so apart of me of my life; there is no Cain Everett without Violet Trivoli.”
I wanted to be angry that Cain left her at her lowest point but I understood his reasoning. I don’t want to say too much more but their relationship was hard fought. They both were trying to move on but they had always been drawn to each other. I really felt they were soul mates. I was rooting for them from the very beginning. I loved seeing Violet grow as a character. She had so much self loathing and pain and to see her work to get past that was amazing. I felt so much with this story. It was not a simple story and Kirtsy Dallas wrote it with heart and grit. At times I really didn’t know how the story would end but I enjoyed throughout. Towards the end I did want their to be a tad bit more angst but I was truly happy with how it turned out. If you want a raw, emotional story, I definitely recommend this book.
“They say the sky is the limit, but you and me together, baby, maybe we’ll reach the fucking heavens.”
Violet and Cain first meet when they are 16. Violet always loved music and always loved to sing. The moment she saw him playing the piano, she was completely drawn to him. Violet grew up with a drug addicted mother and an alcoholic father. Her father loved her, but he loved his wife more. There were times when her mom was sober and her life was happy but when she wasn’t Violet’s life was miserable. I felt Violet’s pain. Her mother’s addiction affected her immensely. She felt poor, ordinary, and unwanted but in the brief moment they met, Cain made her feel special, her made her feel important.
“I was nothing, where as Cain as everything….”
Ten years later, Cain and Violet are best friends and music partners. They have a jazz act and are they are successful. They are happy together but only as friends.They flirt, give chaste kisses, but Cain wants more from their relationship and so does Violet but she doesn’t feel she’s worthy of him. Cain grew up with a stable, successful family and she doesn’t want to drag him down into her own darkness. Violet is in the cusps of her own addiction to cocaine and alcohol. She needs it, lives for it, and Cain hates what it does to her. He’s always there for her, always loving her, but she pushes him away constantly.
“I missed the blissful, invincible feeling that came with my first line of cocaine.”
One night Violet’s addiction takes her to her very darkest moment. I admit while reading the scene, I had a bad feeling, but it didn’t think author would take it to that point. It made cringe because it pushed me a little past my comfort level and my heart broke for Violet. It as hard seeing her at her lowest and even worse is Cain had to witness it. That day changed her forever. It was the day she died, the day she was reborn, and the day that she finally pushed Cain away.
“Sometimes you have to fall so you can learn to stand back up. Falling is hard though; it scary and it’s painful. Standing back up is somehow worse.”
After that day, Violet tried to get her life back on track. She had to live with what happened but losing Cain was the part the hurt the most. As much as it hurt she wanted to try and stand on her own again. She went through rehab and was doing better. Six months after her time in rehab, she went on a vacation to Italy to give herself time to recuperate. She was learning to love herself and she was healthier and happier than she had ever been. She even met someone that she felt she could move on with, but her heart still yearned for Cain. When a tragedy strikes her family, she heads back home for the first time in months. She’s hurt and heart broken but she also gets to see Cain. There is so much pain and heartbreak between them but also so much love there. Violet felt abandoned by him, even though she wanted him to go and Cain still didn’t know the true secrets of what happened that night.
“Violet, you are so apart of me of my life; there is no Cain Everett without Violet Trivoli.”
I wanted to be angry that Cain left her at her lowest point but I understood his reasoning. I don’t want to say too much more but their relationship was hard fought. They both were trying to move on but they had always been drawn to each other. I really felt they were soul mates. I was rooting for them from the very beginning. I loved seeing Violet grow as a character. She had so much self loathing and pain and to see her work to get past that was amazing. I felt so much with this story. It was not a simple story and Kirtsy Dallas wrote it with heart and grit. At times I really didn’t know how the story would end but I enjoyed throughout. Towards the end I did want their to be a tad bit more angst but I was truly happy with how it turned out. If you want a raw, emotional story, I definitely recommend this book.
November 4, 2014
★✩★✩★ 5- Death and Re-Birth -Stars
~this review may contain minor spoilers~
I've always craved things that destroy me; things that make me forget the worthlessness that fills my veins. In the end, the poisons I consumed in an effort to feel numb killed me.
Violet Trivoli 's life has never been typical or easy; growing up in an emotionally abusive home with two drug addict parents doesn't exactly teach you how to love yourself and inevitably Violet became an addict herself. Drugs seem to be the only thing that numbs the pain and constant feeling of never being good enough, never being loved enough, just never being enough. The only constant in her life is best friend Cain Everett , the man she has always loved but never allowed herself to have; he is far to good to be tainted by the blackness of her soul but she is just to selfish to walk away completely, she needs him as he needs her, he is the one always picking her up after her benders but she knows deep down that eventually he will reach his limit and she is terrified of losing him... but she does, right when she needs him most. When she finally takes her addiction too far, resulting in an overdose that literally kills her, she wakes up alone and soon realizes that as hard as she fell, getting back up is going to be sooo much harder. Does she have the strength she needs to do what it takes to survive without the other half of her soul at her side?
I cried for the loss of so many years hating myself and my family. So many mistakes I couldn't take back; I could only learn from them and move forward.
Fair Warning ~ if you're looking for a hearts and flowers, sparkles and candy, sweet romance; turn around, this is NOT it. If like me, you like your stories with a bit more grit, a lot of tears and heartache, and you don't mind the author making their characters earn their HEA the hard way; then I happily encourage you to proceed, just do so with caution. Yes, this is a romance ~ but at it's core, it's a story about addiction and all the ugliness that entails. Kirsty Dallas did NOT shy away from all the gory details and the result was gutwrenching, but totally worth it. She forces us to really feel what these characters are going through; you will not always like them, you may not understand them, but you will at the very least see why they do what they do~even if it doesn't make any sense to you personally. It truly was an amazing story chock full of people you will completely fall in love with, hope with all that you have that they find their true paths in life and are able to pull themselves out of the abyss of blackness they fall into. It also shows you how the downward spiral of addiction is the easy part, getting back up and going on with your life once you hit bottom is the hard part and Kirsty show us just how worth the fight it is. I first fell in love with this author thanx to 'Decker's Wood' and she proved to me once again why.
“My crazy is no place for you.”
“Violet, you are my home, so if following you through your crazy leads me home, I'm gonna follow. Your crazy can live within the walls of my crazy, and we will be one big happy, crazy family.”
Check out my FULL post @ Bookworm Betties
Happy Reading xo Jenn
~this review may contain minor spoilers~
I've always craved things that destroy me; things that make me forget the worthlessness that fills my veins. In the end, the poisons I consumed in an effort to feel numb killed me.
Violet Trivoli 's life has never been typical or easy; growing up in an emotionally abusive home with two drug addict parents doesn't exactly teach you how to love yourself and inevitably Violet became an addict herself. Drugs seem to be the only thing that numbs the pain and constant feeling of never being good enough, never being loved enough, just never being enough. The only constant in her life is best friend Cain Everett , the man she has always loved but never allowed herself to have; he is far to good to be tainted by the blackness of her soul but she is just to selfish to walk away completely, she needs him as he needs her, he is the one always picking her up after her benders but she knows deep down that eventually he will reach his limit and she is terrified of losing him... but she does, right when she needs him most. When she finally takes her addiction too far, resulting in an overdose that literally kills her, she wakes up alone and soon realizes that as hard as she fell, getting back up is going to be sooo much harder. Does she have the strength she needs to do what it takes to survive without the other half of her soul at her side?
I cried for the loss of so many years hating myself and my family. So many mistakes I couldn't take back; I could only learn from them and move forward.
Fair Warning ~ if you're looking for a hearts and flowers, sparkles and candy, sweet romance; turn around, this is NOT it. If like me, you like your stories with a bit more grit, a lot of tears and heartache, and you don't mind the author making their characters earn their HEA the hard way; then I happily encourage you to proceed, just do so with caution. Yes, this is a romance ~ but at it's core, it's a story about addiction and all the ugliness that entails. Kirsty Dallas did NOT shy away from all the gory details and the result was gutwrenching, but totally worth it. She forces us to really feel what these characters are going through; you will not always like them, you may not understand them, but you will at the very least see why they do what they do~even if it doesn't make any sense to you personally. It truly was an amazing story chock full of people you will completely fall in love with, hope with all that you have that they find their true paths in life and are able to pull themselves out of the abyss of blackness they fall into. It also shows you how the downward spiral of addiction is the easy part, getting back up and going on with your life once you hit bottom is the hard part and Kirsty show us just how worth the fight it is. I first fell in love with this author thanx to 'Decker's Wood' and she proved to me once again why.
“My crazy is no place for you.”
“Violet, you are my home, so if following you through your crazy leads me home, I'm gonna follow. Your crazy can live within the walls of my crazy, and we will be one big happy, crazy family.”
Check out my FULL post @ Bookworm Betties
Happy Reading xo Jenn
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