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Outlaws #2
Addicted
From the New York Times bestselling author of Claimed comes the second enticingly erotic novel set in a world on the brink of chaos.
Lennox used to live in a paradise on earth with his best friend Jamie, in a place where visitors came and went, allowing their desires to run free. But everything changes when a deadly attack forces them to take up with Connor Mackenzie’s band of Outlaws. Lennox knows Jamie is hung up on someone else, but he’s always believed he’s the man for her—and won’t let her go without a fight.
Even though Jamie is well aware that Lennox is one hot specimen of a man, she refuses to let sex ruin the most important relationship in her life. But when the object of her interest spurns her, she indulges in a little pleasure-filled revenge with her very magnetic, very willing best friend. One thrilling night with Lennox is enough to awaken Jamie’s unexpected desires for him. And now that she’s had a taste, she’s not sure she can ever give him up...
Lennox used to live in a paradise on earth with his best friend Jamie, in a place where visitors came and went, allowing their desires to run free. But everything changes when a deadly attack forces them to take up with Connor Mackenzie’s band of Outlaws. Lennox knows Jamie is hung up on someone else, but he’s always believed he’s the man for her—and won’t let her go without a fight.
Even though Jamie is well aware that Lennox is one hot specimen of a man, she refuses to let sex ruin the most important relationship in her life. But when the object of her interest spurns her, she indulges in a little pleasure-filled revenge with her very magnetic, very willing best friend. One thrilling night with Lennox is enough to awaken Jamie’s unexpected desires for him. And now that she’s had a taste, she’s not sure she can ever give him up...
354 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 28, 2016
123 people are currently reading
4506 people want to read
About the author
Elle Kennedy
186 books89k followersA New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Elle Kennedy grew up in the suburbs of Toronto, Ontario, and holds a B.A. in English from York University. From an early age, she knew she wanted to be a writer, and actively began pursuing that dream when she was a teenager.
Elle currently writes for various publishers. She loves strong heroines and sexy alpha heroes, and just enough heat and danger to keep things interesting!
Elle currently writes for various publishers. She loves strong heroines and sexy alpha heroes, and just enough heat and danger to keep things interesting!
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July 1, 2016
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Elle Kennedy's Outlaws Series is hands down one of the most addictive, sensual, and thrilling reading experiences I've had to date. It took less than 20% into reading Claimed (Bk #1) to know that I had found a series I would be heavily invested in. Elle's writing style is fierce. And her stories are painted with such vivid clarity, her characters so alive, it's down right intoxicating. To say I loved Addicted would be putting it mildly. It was suberp.
In Claimed we are introduced to a post apocalyptic world where bandits, Outlaws and Enforcers now roam the streets. The Earth has been destroyed, ravaged by war and bombs, and a Global Council now runs the colonies. In the first book we met Connor and Hudson, along with Kade, Xander, Pike, and Rylan. These are our Outlaws who are being hunted by the Council's ruthless Enforcers, setting up a story line that's both dramatic and utterly addicting. It's also there that we meet Lennox and Jamie, our hero and heroine in Addicted.
Now I'll admit, I loved Claimed, but the second book in this series took it to another level. Lennox and Jamie had the sweetest, most compelling romance, leaving me with full body shivers. I couldn't stop myself from falling in love.
Having known each other all their lives, Jamie and Len are as close as two people can be. Best friends who have survived the absolute worst. It's heart pounding. These two know each other intrinsically. Their bond is firm. Unshakable. They're loyal, fierce, and loving.
Addicted is a true 'friends to lovers' romance, brimming with unadulterated FEELSSSSSS. My heart raced. I struggled to breathe when these characters were in the same room.
Explosive. Cataclysmic. Undeniably Sexy. Their connection burned as bright as a summers day. And even when they were just friends, when they had never crossed that line, you could still FEEL their bond in your bones.
I loved it. I relished the way they respected and ADORED each another. It was transparent. I felt drawn to it. And although there was an attraction there, they both cared too much. Protecting each other, and their friendship, came first.
Until one night something shifts--the chemistry between them is too intense to deny and OMG, I can't even EXPLAIN it. I ate it up. Ate up their dynamic, their chemistry, like it was the yummiest thing I had ever tasted. Watching these two BURN was euphoric, heady, erotic. I couldn't get enough. I wanted to LIVE their story.
The sex was OUT OF CONTROL (and that's saying something because Claimed was scorching). Addicted was more, though. More intimate. More intense. More emotional. More compelling. It hit deeper. Harder. Made you cry, smile, swoon.
Overall, I can't say enough good things! This is a fantastic dystopian series that hits the perfect notes. With twists and turns, drama and sex, emotions and suspense, there's so much to scream, "YES" about! And with things heating up plot wise, with Rylan and Reese on the cusp of something more, I'm dying to get my hands on Ruled (bk#3).
I must say that I highly recommend this series. Each book is about a new couple but these novels have to be read in order. So go do it, you'll love it. It's so good.
Elle Kennedy's Outlaws Series is hands down one of the most addictive, sensual, and thrilling reading experiences I've had to date. It took less than 20% into reading Claimed (Bk #1) to know that I had found a series I would be heavily invested in. Elle's writing style is fierce. And her stories are painted with such vivid clarity, her characters so alive, it's down right intoxicating. To say I loved Addicted would be putting it mildly. It was suberp.
In Claimed we are introduced to a post apocalyptic world where bandits, Outlaws and Enforcers now roam the streets. The Earth has been destroyed, ravaged by war and bombs, and a Global Council now runs the colonies. In the first book we met Connor and Hudson, along with Kade, Xander, Pike, and Rylan. These are our Outlaws who are being hunted by the Council's ruthless Enforcers, setting up a story line that's both dramatic and utterly addicting. It's also there that we meet Lennox and Jamie, our hero and heroine in Addicted.
Now I'll admit, I loved Claimed, but the second book in this series took it to another level. Lennox and Jamie had the sweetest, most compelling romance, leaving me with full body shivers. I couldn't stop myself from falling in love.
Having known each other all their lives, Jamie and Len are as close as two people can be. Best friends who have survived the absolute worst. It's heart pounding. These two know each other intrinsically. Their bond is firm. Unshakable. They're loyal, fierce, and loving.
Addicted is a true 'friends to lovers' romance, brimming with unadulterated FEELSSSSSS. My heart raced. I struggled to breathe when these characters were in the same room.
Explosive. Cataclysmic. Undeniably Sexy. Their connection burned as bright as a summers day. And even when they were just friends, when they had never crossed that line, you could still FEEL their bond in your bones.
I loved it. I relished the way they respected and ADORED each another. It was transparent. I felt drawn to it. And although there was an attraction there, they both cared too much. Protecting each other, and their friendship, came first.
Until one night something shifts--the chemistry between them is too intense to deny and OMG, I can't even EXPLAIN it. I ate it up. Ate up their dynamic, their chemistry, like it was the yummiest thing I had ever tasted. Watching these two BURN was euphoric, heady, erotic. I couldn't get enough. I wanted to LIVE their story.
The sex was OUT OF CONTROL (and that's saying something because Claimed was scorching). Addicted was more, though. More intimate. More intense. More emotional. More compelling. It hit deeper. Harder. Made you cry, smile, swoon.
Overall, I can't say enough good things! This is a fantastic dystopian series that hits the perfect notes. With twists and turns, drama and sex, emotions and suspense, there's so much to scream, "YES" about! And with things heating up plot wise, with Rylan and Reese on the cusp of something more, I'm dying to get my hands on Ruled (bk#3).
I must say that I highly recommend this series. Each book is about a new couple but these novels have to be read in order. So go do it, you'll love it. It's so good.
September 1, 2016
Reviewed by: Rabid Reads
ADDICTED, the second installment of Elle Kennedy's OUTLAWS series, picked up where the last book left off.
The survivors of the Enforcer attack on Lennox's den of iniquity have relocated to Conner's compound, with Lennox and co. struggling to adapt to a more rigid lifestyle.
Oh, they still have ALL the free and shared love, but their movements are restricted (secret compound location is secret), and Conner makes unilateral decisions b/c Conner.
Fortunately for Lennox, Reese calls in the favor she's owed in the form of Pike and Rylan going to her settlement for a month and teaching her people how to defend themselves, which prompts Conner to send Kade as well--the newest member of his badass squad needs to work on his hand-to-hand fighting skills--roping Lennox in as well to keep an eye on him.
And while he resents being ordered to go, Lennox doesn't argue b/c cabin feverish.
Unfortunately, the whole thing was pretty MEH for me.
The compelling plot line that keep ALL the sex from becoming tedious in CLAIMED was sadly absent in ADDICTED.
In fact, there wasn't much of a plot at all.
It was mostly, "Lennox does really stupid shit after ten drinks," Lennox having nine drinks, and oh, hey, now's a good time to act on the blistering attraction I've stifled for, oh, twenty years, b/c drunk.
Like he's never been ten-drinks-drunk before.
Oh, wait! The reasons Jamie knows about Lennox's ten-drinks-drunk is b/c she's observed it at regular intervals during a great many of those twenty years.
But whatever. This time's different.
And now that they've finally acted on their long ignored lust, they get to start freaking out. B/c miscommunication and false assumptions and MEH.
I still have hope for the series--CLAIMED was fantastic--but ADDICTED is a clear case of Second Book Syndrome. I felt like I was rereading every other friends-to-lovers romance I've ever read, and not even the dystopian nature of the OUTLAWS world could make it more interesting, b/c the setting was barely part of the story. BUT. Next on the dock is my shiny ARC of RULED, so wish me luck . . .
ADDICTED, the second installment of Elle Kennedy's OUTLAWS series, picked up where the last book left off.
The survivors of the Enforcer attack on Lennox's den of iniquity have relocated to Conner's compound, with Lennox and co. struggling to adapt to a more rigid lifestyle.
Oh, they still have ALL the free and shared love, but their movements are restricted (secret compound location is secret), and Conner makes unilateral decisions b/c Conner.
Fortunately for Lennox, Reese calls in the favor she's owed in the form of Pike and Rylan going to her settlement for a month and teaching her people how to defend themselves, which prompts Conner to send Kade as well--the newest member of his badass squad needs to work on his hand-to-hand fighting skills--roping Lennox in as well to keep an eye on him.
And while he resents being ordered to go, Lennox doesn't argue b/c cabin feverish.
Unfortunately, the whole thing was pretty MEH for me.
The compelling plot line that keep ALL the sex from becoming tedious in CLAIMED was sadly absent in ADDICTED.
In fact, there wasn't much of a plot at all.
It was mostly, "Lennox does really stupid shit after ten drinks," Lennox having nine drinks, and oh, hey, now's a good time to act on the blistering attraction I've stifled for, oh, twenty years, b/c drunk.
Like he's never been ten-drinks-drunk before.
Oh, wait! The reasons Jamie knows about Lennox's ten-drinks-drunk is b/c she's observed it at regular intervals during a great many of those twenty years.
But whatever. This time's different.
And now that they've finally acted on their long ignored lust, they get to start freaking out. B/c miscommunication and false assumptions and MEH.
I still have hope for the series--CLAIMED was fantastic--but ADDICTED is a clear case of Second Book Syndrome. I felt like I was rereading every other friends-to-lovers romance I've ever read, and not even the dystopian nature of the OUTLAWS world could make it more interesting, b/c the setting was barely part of the story. BUT. Next on the dock is my shiny ARC of RULED, so wish me luck . . .
June 29, 2016
Smutopia - a dystopian novel that is so steamy that your e-reader may spontaneously combust. Read at your own risk.
might as well make it work for you..
So, apparently in the future there will be a lot of public sex. People will decide that sex without an audience is boring. And, that's fine. Whatever floats your boat. But, my main problem with this Smutopian Paradise is that because of this "enlightenment", there is virtually no surface that hasn't been tainted by the boat floaters, and I didn't read anything about Clorox wipes or Lysol being around. I mean, sheesh, it's bad enough walking through a movie theater aisle and wondering why the floor is sticky. At least you have the comfort of knowing that the reason involves food spillage. In SmutopiaLand I would be tempted to dress in one of those biohazard suits to go out for a drink.
"You ready to go play some pool?" "Yeah, let's go."
And yet, strangely, even though the collapse of society was at least 50 years prior to our setting, these people seem to have a very ample supply of condoms. What happened exactly? Did they knock over a condom factory as the world fell apart around them? "Oh crap, there's an atomic bomb. Quick - to the condom factory!" Or, are we supposed to believe that there were plenty of condoms just sitting around to last for the past 50 years? Cuz, the way these people are going at it, I can't believe the world's condom supply would last a week. Seriously, was the collapse of society brought to you by Viagra or something?
So anyway, to our story! We have Jaime (girl) and Lennox(guy) who have been besties since childhood. They are now in their 20's and living the good life out in the dirty, dangerous, and sexy post-apocalyptic world. They used to have a lovely old house where people would gather in the evenings for conversation and public debauchery, but it was raided by the enforcers - the police force of Smutopia who try and bring all of the outlaws living outside their new cities back in. Or, they might just rape and kill them. Same thing. The point is that they don't want anyone trying to live outside their cities...even though there seems to be acres and acres of unpopulated lands because there aren't many people left. How dare they think that they have the right to live in the suburbs and take absolutely no government money or resources! Get in this city and take our food, clothing, and housing. Now!
Jaime and Lennox find themselves seeking shelter from the outlaw gang from the last book. This is a small camp in the Colorado mountains. When they hear that another camp needs help to train their people to fight because of increased raids on them, they send Jaime, Lennox, and others to help out for a month. This new place is like a small town and the people are pretty soft, so there is a lot of work to do. But more importantly, new people equals more sex partners. They're sick of screwing the same 20 people! Finally, some variety!
Yes, I am. Why are you looking at me like that?
Jaime and Lennox have never had sex with each other though. They are best friends and even though they secretly want each other, they've never crossed that line. They've crossed every other line, of course, but not that one because it would be wrong. Sure, they have threesomes in crowded rooms with every imaginable combination of genders possible. Sure, they've watched other people screw their best friend's brains out 3 feet away. But, having sex together? That would be awkward..... Well, until alcohol (what, they've never been drunk together before?). Okay, awkwardness solved. Line crossed.
might as well make it work for you..
So, apparently in the future there will be a lot of public sex. People will decide that sex without an audience is boring. And, that's fine. Whatever floats your boat. But, my main problem with this Smutopian Paradise is that because of this "enlightenment", there is virtually no surface that hasn't been tainted by the boat floaters, and I didn't read anything about Clorox wipes or Lysol being around. I mean, sheesh, it's bad enough walking through a movie theater aisle and wondering why the floor is sticky. At least you have the comfort of knowing that the reason involves food spillage. In SmutopiaLand I would be tempted to dress in one of those biohazard suits to go out for a drink.
"You ready to go play some pool?" "Yeah, let's go."
And yet, strangely, even though the collapse of society was at least 50 years prior to our setting, these people seem to have a very ample supply of condoms. What happened exactly? Did they knock over a condom factory as the world fell apart around them? "Oh crap, there's an atomic bomb. Quick - to the condom factory!" Or, are we supposed to believe that there were plenty of condoms just sitting around to last for the past 50 years? Cuz, the way these people are going at it, I can't believe the world's condom supply would last a week. Seriously, was the collapse of society brought to you by Viagra or something?
So anyway, to our story! We have Jaime (girl) and Lennox(guy) who have been besties since childhood. They are now in their 20's and living the good life out in the dirty, dangerous, and sexy post-apocalyptic world. They used to have a lovely old house where people would gather in the evenings for conversation and public debauchery, but it was raided by the enforcers - the police force of Smutopia who try and bring all of the outlaws living outside their new cities back in. Or, they might just rape and kill them. Same thing. The point is that they don't want anyone trying to live outside their cities...even though there seems to be acres and acres of unpopulated lands because there aren't many people left. How dare they think that they have the right to live in the suburbs and take absolutely no government money or resources! Get in this city and take our food, clothing, and housing. Now!
Jaime and Lennox find themselves seeking shelter from the outlaw gang from the last book. This is a small camp in the Colorado mountains. When they hear that another camp needs help to train their people to fight because of increased raids on them, they send Jaime, Lennox, and others to help out for a month. This new place is like a small town and the people are pretty soft, so there is a lot of work to do. But more importantly, new people equals more sex partners. They're sick of screwing the same 20 people! Finally, some variety!
Yes, I am. Why are you looking at me like that?
Jaime and Lennox have never had sex with each other though. They are best friends and even though they secretly want each other, they've never crossed that line. They've crossed every other line, of course, but not that one because it would be wrong. Sure, they have threesomes in crowded rooms with every imaginable combination of genders possible. Sure, they've watched other people screw their best friend's brains out 3 feet away. But, having sex together? That would be awkward..... Well, until alcohol (what, they've never been drunk together before?). Okay, awkwardness solved. Line crossed.
July 3, 2016
I don't smoke but hot damn, reading this book made me want to pick up a cig 'coz yanno post-coital smoke thing is...or was a thing. I suppose.
But...
I'm totally getting derailed here but anyhoo, Addicted was HOT. As in capitalize and bold that part right there. And if you've been a fan of Elle Kennedy's Out of Uniform series, then you'd know that this girl can write HOT. Multiply the hotness level of that series by 10 and you'll get this book.
Addicted is the second installment from Kennedy's new dystopian erotic romance series called Outlaws. Now, a bit of a disclaimer here: I didn't read book one. But I was still able to get the subplots in the series and get to know a few of the side characters, so no worries there.
That said, I would definitely recommend reading book because it adds a bit more depth in understanding the world that EK has created.
The story is set in a harsh, post apocalyptic world. America is no more, there is only the Colony. The Outlaws are a group of people who live outside the main civilization where personal freedom is severely limited.
Lennox and Jamie are best of friends. They grew up together and both lost their families to Enforcer attacks and diseases. They joined Connor's group as a unit and promised to stay together no matter what happens.
At first I really wasn't sure how they're going to transition from being friends to lovers especially since they're both a little giving of their, ahem, affections. Physically at least, that is. So I was a bit apprehensive. But my apprehension were laid to rest once Lennox and Jamie crossed the line from being friends to lovers. It wasn't a seamless transition but it was a messy, emotional one.
I don't know about you guys but I love messy, emotional relationship transitions. They're more fascinating and my inner angst whore just loved it. They had to work hard at being together as lovers. As friends, they were a pro at it but as lovers, they made a few blunders here and there which made their eventual HEA even more satisfying.
But it wasn't just the romance that hooked me but the overarching plot of the series as well. It's been established that living as an Outlaw is dangerous and can get you killed. Elle Kennedy was able to translate that danger and loss so beautifully in this book.
Gah, there was a moment in the book where I had to stop reading and just stare into space because I could not quite believe it happened. It wasn't a dream. It did happen and it broke my heart.
This was overall, a very solid book for me. I am invested in the characters and in this world that Ms. Kennedy created. Bring on Ruled!
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
But...
I'm totally getting derailed here but anyhoo, Addicted was HOT. As in capitalize and bold that part right there. And if you've been a fan of Elle Kennedy's Out of Uniform series, then you'd know that this girl can write HOT. Multiply the hotness level of that series by 10 and you'll get this book.
Addicted is the second installment from Kennedy's new dystopian erotic romance series called Outlaws. Now, a bit of a disclaimer here: I didn't read book one. But I was still able to get the subplots in the series and get to know a few of the side characters, so no worries there.
That said, I would definitely recommend reading book because it adds a bit more depth in understanding the world that EK has created.
The story is set in a harsh, post apocalyptic world. America is no more, there is only the Colony. The Outlaws are a group of people who live outside the main civilization where personal freedom is severely limited.
Lennox and Jamie are best of friends. They grew up together and both lost their families to Enforcer attacks and diseases. They joined Connor's group as a unit and promised to stay together no matter what happens.
At first I really wasn't sure how they're going to transition from being friends to lovers especially since they're both a little giving of their, ahem, affections. Physically at least, that is. So I was a bit apprehensive. But my apprehension were laid to rest once Lennox and Jamie crossed the line from being friends to lovers. It wasn't a seamless transition but it was a messy, emotional one.
I don't know about you guys but I love messy, emotional relationship transitions. They're more fascinating and my inner angst whore just loved it. They had to work hard at being together as lovers. As friends, they were a pro at it but as lovers, they made a few blunders here and there which made their eventual HEA even more satisfying.
But it wasn't just the romance that hooked me but the overarching plot of the series as well. It's been established that living as an Outlaw is dangerous and can get you killed. Elle Kennedy was able to translate that danger and loss so beautifully in this book.
Gah, there was a moment in the book where I had to stop reading and just stare into space because I could not quite believe it happened. It wasn't a dream. It did happen and it broke my heart.
This was overall, a very solid book for me. I am invested in the characters and in this world that Ms. Kennedy created. Bring on Ruled!
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
June 30, 2016
Copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review
Elle Kennedy has truly cemented herself as a must read author. Kennedy has flawlessly and sophisticatedly written a story that captures the very essence of why I continue to be addicted to her writing and storytelling. And in her latest installment to the Outlaws Series, Ms. Kennedy will once again get her readers Addicted.
The friends to lovers trope is by far one of my favorite tropes. I am a complete sucker when it comes to this theme. While there are so many books out there in the market that deals with this trope, Ms. Kennedy does something differently as shakes up this trope by incorporating a different dilemma and setting for the story line.
“You’re my home, Jamie. It doesn’t matter where we go or what happens. As long as you’re with me, I’m home.”
In this second installment, readers are introduced to Lennox and his childhood best friend, Jamie. There is no Lennox without Jamie and the same can be said for Jamie as well. But as far best friends go, deep feelings begins to emerge. Feelings of something more. When the lines of friendship begins to get blurred by want, desire, lust, and jealousy, Lennox and Jamie soon finds themselves crossing that line as the sexual tension begins to ignite and stir feelings. Set in a dystopian world, Lennox and Jamie are fighting for survival but will they also be fighting matters of the heart?
Elle Kennedy has masterfully painted a literary world where raw emotions, characters, and the idea of survival is in the forefront. Readers will be consumed as you are swept away in a dystopian world, where the strong survives and survival is key. Although Lennox and Jamie must be strong, tough, and resilient in order to survive, Elle Kennedy does something differently as she slowly peels layers of their rough edges and slowly we see these soft emotions begin to peek through. As far as chemistry, Elle Kennedy does scorching hot scenes like no other. With her vivid and descriptive prose, readers will simply be addicted. So if you are looking for a book where grit, raw emotions, angst, passion, and action are seductively weaved into a story line then I would highly recommend you to get addicted to ADDICTED.
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Elle Kennedy
Elle Kennedy has truly cemented herself as a must read author. Kennedy has flawlessly and sophisticatedly written a story that captures the very essence of why I continue to be addicted to her writing and storytelling. And in her latest installment to the Outlaws Series, Ms. Kennedy will once again get her readers Addicted.
The friends to lovers trope is by far one of my favorite tropes. I am a complete sucker when it comes to this theme. While there are so many books out there in the market that deals with this trope, Ms. Kennedy does something differently as shakes up this trope by incorporating a different dilemma and setting for the story line.
“You’re my home, Jamie. It doesn’t matter where we go or what happens. As long as you’re with me, I’m home.”In this second installment, readers are introduced to Lennox and his childhood best friend, Jamie. There is no Lennox without Jamie and the same can be said for Jamie as well. But as far best friends go, deep feelings begins to emerge. Feelings of something more. When the lines of friendship begins to get blurred by want, desire, lust, and jealousy, Lennox and Jamie soon finds themselves crossing that line as the sexual tension begins to ignite and stir feelings. Set in a dystopian world, Lennox and Jamie are fighting for survival but will they also be fighting matters of the heart?
Elle Kennedy has masterfully painted a literary world where raw emotions, characters, and the idea of survival is in the forefront. Readers will be consumed as you are swept away in a dystopian world, where the strong survives and survival is key. Although Lennox and Jamie must be strong, tough, and resilient in order to survive, Elle Kennedy does something differently as she slowly peels layers of their rough edges and slowly we see these soft emotions begin to peek through. As far as chemistry, Elle Kennedy does scorching hot scenes like no other. With her vivid and descriptive prose, readers will simply be addicted. So if you are looking for a book where grit, raw emotions, angst, passion, and action are seductively weaved into a story line then I would highly recommend you to get addicted to ADDICTED.
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Elle Kennedy
July 20, 2017
Originally posted at Booklovers For Life
Friends-to-lovers is one of my FAVORITE tropes, though I don’t read it as often as I’d like. I’m picky because there just aren’t very many well-written ones, but Addicted is definitely on the better end of the spectrum. This is book two in the Outlaws series and features Lennox and Jamie, who we met in Claimed. These are two best friends who wholeheartedly believe their relationship is platonic, so I was eager to see how Elle Kennedy would turn that around, and she didn’t disappoint. It takes them a little while to get there, but these two are so meant to be together – their romance is emotional, intense, and surprisingly sweet! Addicted is a fantastic follow-up to this world of Outlaws – if you enjoyed Claimed, you’re more than likely to like Addicted as well.
Jamie and Lennox have been best friends since they were children – there’s no Jamie without Lennox, and vice versa. They’re now shackled up with their friend Connor at his camp, and this change of scenery leads to a change in their relationship. The repressed feelings they’ve had on both sides for years are slowly, finally coming out, especially since Lennox isn’t liking the fact that Rylan, Jamie’s crush, is in close proximity in the camp. Will Lennox finally make his move on the one person he loves in this dangerous, desolate world? Or will he stay cautious to protect their friendship, and miss out on something more?
I loved the fact that I got to read a friends-to-lovers romance in a different setting than the usual contemporary world. Not only do Jamie and Lennox have to navigate their way through their newfound and fragile relationship, they also have to keep looking over their shoulders to make sure that Enforcers aren’t out to get them and the people they’re with. The ups and downs of their romance mixed in with the suspense had me on the edge of my seat – the author did a wonderful job balancing those two aspects of the story!
And of course, I can’t write this review without mentioning how damn HOT it is! Tensions have been brewing between Lennox and Jamie for YEARS, so one can only imagine how explosive the chemistry is once they finally get together. And guys, it’s seriously smokin’ in this book. Elle Kennedy know how to write erotica!
One thing that bothered me about Addicted though (even though it’s so dumb), is how all the heroines have masculine names – I honestly couldn’t keep track of who was who. I got Lennox and Jamie mixed up ALL THE TIME, thinking Lennox was the heroine and Jamie the hero. It wouldn’t take me long to realize I’d be reading it wrong, but it was slightly annoying that I had to make the effort to realize who was who.
Overall, Addicted was an addictive read. The dystopian world sucked me in much more than it did in the previous book, and I can only hope it’ll get better throughout the rest of the series. Right now, I’m dying for the next book, Ruled – we’re finally getting Rylan’s story, and it just so happens to be a menage… and I can’t WAIT!
Thanks to the author for generously providing me an ARC to review.
Amazon Ebook: http://amzn.to/1O6zi46
Amazon Paperback: http://amzn.to/1WgZ1ex
Audible: http://amzn.to/296P2qx
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Friends-to-lovers is one of my FAVORITE tropes, though I don’t read it as often as I’d like. I’m picky because there just aren’t very many well-written ones, but Addicted is definitely on the better end of the spectrum. This is book two in the Outlaws series and features Lennox and Jamie, who we met in Claimed. These are two best friends who wholeheartedly believe their relationship is platonic, so I was eager to see how Elle Kennedy would turn that around, and she didn’t disappoint. It takes them a little while to get there, but these two are so meant to be together – their romance is emotional, intense, and surprisingly sweet! Addicted is a fantastic follow-up to this world of Outlaws – if you enjoyed Claimed, you’re more than likely to like Addicted as well.
Jamie and Lennox have been best friends since they were children – there’s no Jamie without Lennox, and vice versa. They’re now shackled up with their friend Connor at his camp, and this change of scenery leads to a change in their relationship. The repressed feelings they’ve had on both sides for years are slowly, finally coming out, especially since Lennox isn’t liking the fact that Rylan, Jamie’s crush, is in close proximity in the camp. Will Lennox finally make his move on the one person he loves in this dangerous, desolate world? Or will he stay cautious to protect their friendship, and miss out on something more?
“You’re my home, Jamie. It doesn’t matter where we go or what happens. As long as you’re with me, I’m home.”
I loved the fact that I got to read a friends-to-lovers romance in a different setting than the usual contemporary world. Not only do Jamie and Lennox have to navigate their way through their newfound and fragile relationship, they also have to keep looking over their shoulders to make sure that Enforcers aren’t out to get them and the people they’re with. The ups and downs of their romance mixed in with the suspense had me on the edge of my seat – the author did a wonderful job balancing those two aspects of the story!
And of course, I can’t write this review without mentioning how damn HOT it is! Tensions have been brewing between Lennox and Jamie for YEARS, so one can only imagine how explosive the chemistry is once they finally get together. And guys, it’s seriously smokin’ in this book. Elle Kennedy know how to write erotica!
One thing that bothered me about Addicted though (even though it’s so dumb), is how all the heroines have masculine names – I honestly couldn’t keep track of who was who. I got Lennox and Jamie mixed up ALL THE TIME, thinking Lennox was the heroine and Jamie the hero. It wouldn’t take me long to realize I’d be reading it wrong, but it was slightly annoying that I had to make the effort to realize who was who.
Overall, Addicted was an addictive read. The dystopian world sucked me in much more than it did in the previous book, and I can only hope it’ll get better throughout the rest of the series. Right now, I’m dying for the next book, Ruled – we’re finally getting Rylan’s story, and it just so happens to be a menage… and I can’t WAIT!
Thanks to the author for generously providing me an ARC to review.
Amazon Ebook: http://amzn.to/1O6zi46
Amazon Paperback: http://amzn.to/1WgZ1ex
Audible: http://amzn.to/296P2qx
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June 28, 2016
Thank you to SIGNET and Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Claimed was on my top ten reads of the year for 2015, so I think it’s safe to say that Addicted had a pretty high bar to reach. I loved Claimed because it was raw and gritty. And while I didn’t know it at the time, it’s clear now that that book was just easing us in. The author took the things I loved about the first book and stepped them up in Addicted.
Jamie was a strong female lead. She was funny as hell and held her place right alongside the men in her world. Lennox could be quite gruff at times, but his affection for Jamie was clear. They had two major things in common – their past and a white hot attraction to each other. Neither one of them is willing to act on that attraction because they don’t want to risk their years long friendship for sex. They’ve spent years protecting each other, and their friendship is the one solid in this world. Just like the last one, this book had plenty of plot, and part of that plot is using sex to blow off steam. Being on your guard is a must in this world, and when some of Connor’s men are recruited to help another camp sharpen their combat skills, Jamie and Lennox are put in close quarters. This, of course, made it impossible to resist each other, and lots of sexy scenes ensue. There were parts of this book that made me mad. And I mean throw my Kindle against the wall, jump up and down screaming mad. But just to be clear, the things that happened in this book are things I would expect to happen in this dystopian world, but there were also surprises galore. The author isn’t keeping a cushion around these characters to soften things for the reader, and it’s clear at this point in the game, anything goes. We were introduced to a whole slew of new characters in this book, and I’m thrilled to think we have a lot more books in store for the Outlaws series!
Addicted is full of steam and plot and gives us a lot of new insight into the world the outlaws are inhabiting. I cannot wait for the next book in this series!
This review was originally posted at Badass Book Reviews.
Claimed was on my top ten reads of the year for 2015, so I think it’s safe to say that Addicted had a pretty high bar to reach. I loved Claimed because it was raw and gritty. And while I didn’t know it at the time, it’s clear now that that book was just easing us in. The author took the things I loved about the first book and stepped them up in Addicted.
Jamie was a strong female lead. She was funny as hell and held her place right alongside the men in her world. Lennox could be quite gruff at times, but his affection for Jamie was clear. They had two major things in common – their past and a white hot attraction to each other. Neither one of them is willing to act on that attraction because they don’t want to risk their years long friendship for sex. They’ve spent years protecting each other, and their friendship is the one solid in this world. Just like the last one, this book had plenty of plot, and part of that plot is using sex to blow off steam. Being on your guard is a must in this world, and when some of Connor’s men are recruited to help another camp sharpen their combat skills, Jamie and Lennox are put in close quarters. This, of course, made it impossible to resist each other, and lots of sexy scenes ensue. There were parts of this book that made me mad. And I mean throw my Kindle against the wall, jump up and down screaming mad. But just to be clear, the things that happened in this book are things I would expect to happen in this dystopian world, but there were also surprises galore. The author isn’t keeping a cushion around these characters to soften things for the reader, and it’s clear at this point in the game, anything goes. We were introduced to a whole slew of new characters in this book, and I’m thrilled to think we have a lot more books in store for the Outlaws series!
Addicted is full of steam and plot and gives us a lot of new insight into the world the outlaws are inhabiting. I cannot wait for the next book in this series!
This review was originally posted at Badass Book Reviews.
October 8, 2016
This second installment was even more disappointing than the first. There is a very interesting premise/plot hidden among copious amounts of sex. This dystopian series has the crazy desperation everyone feels when their worlds have turned upside down.
Lennox and Jamie have been best friends for a long time and they have also been fighting an attraction. They both felt that the friendship was too important to risk losing it if a relationship goes south. There was the angst of the push and pull but Lennox and Jamie couldn’t fight it in the end.
There were a number of things that I didn't enjoy but the narration ranks up there. C.S.E Cooney just didn't do justice to the Lennox. I found myself stopping and then returning to the story. I even considered just reading this story to help me get through it. The narrator definitely interrupted the flow of the story for me.
Also,
I would have loved it if the explored how to survive physically and emotionally or even rebuilding society while exploring love too. In the show The Walking Dead, there are sexual relationships but there is huge emphasis on learning to navigate in the new reality. In this book there are mentions of teaching people how to fight, but open sexual gratification takes front and center here. Most of the sex seemed gratuitous and not essential to the development of the characters or plot. I like Lennox and Jamie but this book fell way below my expectations. I love this author’s work so I will continue with her other series, but the Outlaw series isn’t for me.
*Special Thanks to Tantor Audio for the audiobook given in exchange for an honest review.
Lennox and Jamie have been best friends for a long time and they have also been fighting an attraction. They both felt that the friendship was too important to risk losing it if a relationship goes south. There was the angst of the push and pull but Lennox and Jamie couldn’t fight it in the end.
There were a number of things that I didn't enjoy but the narration ranks up there. C.S.E Cooney just didn't do justice to the Lennox. I found myself stopping and then returning to the story. I even considered just reading this story to help me get through it. The narrator definitely interrupted the flow of the story for me.
Also,
I would have loved it if the explored how to survive physically and emotionally or even rebuilding society while exploring love too. In the show The Walking Dead, there are sexual relationships but there is huge emphasis on learning to navigate in the new reality. In this book there are mentions of teaching people how to fight, but open sexual gratification takes front and center here. Most of the sex seemed gratuitous and not essential to the development of the characters or plot. I like Lennox and Jamie but this book fell way below my expectations. I love this author’s work so I will continue with her other series, but the Outlaw series isn’t for me.
*Special Thanks to Tantor Audio for the audiobook given in exchange for an honest review.
September 30, 2016
4 Anything Goes Stars
Elle Kennedy knows how to write wicked hot books. I’m talking burn your finger-tips hot. I feel like I need to fan myself after reading Addicted. If you thought Claimed was steamy, wait until you read Addicted. Addicted is a standalone and is part of the Outlaw series. This is a dystopian book with alpha males and tough women.
Lennox and Jamie are best friends. They knew each other since they were kids and they won’t let anything get in the way of the friendship. I love best friends to lovers’ book, but this story isn’t an easy read to read, but still addictive to read.
Len and Jamie don’t have the most conventional relationship. Jamie has a mega crush on hottie Rylan and why not? He was in on the fun in the first book. Rylan is the guy that everyone loves to be with. I didn’t mind Jamie’s crush, but that’s all there is, because Rylan has eyes for someone else and I can’t wait for his book which is next.
Jamie isn’t the type of girl to cry in the corner, if Rylan isn’t available, she is more than willing to go someone where to tickle her fancy. And remember this is anything-goes society, so there really isn’t privacy nor closed doors. Also, it’s common for more than one partner to participate.
I liked that Jamie is strong and can take care of herself. Even though Len is always there for her, she can pull her own weight.
Len loves Jamie, but he’s not in love with her. He doesn’t want to ruin the friendship and tries his hardest to never cross the boundaries. He gets plenty of action from women on camp and then some.
Both Len and Jamie visit another camp to help train in defense, mostly with the younger kids. I would say there’s plenty of tension and conflict between Len and Jamie, but Addicted kind of focuses more of the politics of the society than Claimed did, which I was completely fine with.
You still get some of the previous characters, which I love and it helps build the story.
The Outlaw series is my guilty pleasure and I was really satisfied and happy with Addicted. You will not be disappointed!
An ARC was provided
Claimed #1 REVIEW | AMAZON
Addicted #2 AMAZON
Ruled #3 AMAZON
Elle Kennedy knows how to write wicked hot books. I’m talking burn your finger-tips hot. I feel like I need to fan myself after reading Addicted. If you thought Claimed was steamy, wait until you read Addicted. Addicted is a standalone and is part of the Outlaw series. This is a dystopian book with alpha males and tough women.
Lennox and Jamie are best friends. They knew each other since they were kids and they won’t let anything get in the way of the friendship. I love best friends to lovers’ book, but this story isn’t an easy read to read, but still addictive to read.
Len and Jamie don’t have the most conventional relationship. Jamie has a mega crush on hottie Rylan and why not? He was in on the fun in the first book. Rylan is the guy that everyone loves to be with. I didn’t mind Jamie’s crush, but that’s all there is, because Rylan has eyes for someone else and I can’t wait for his book which is next.
Jamie isn’t the type of girl to cry in the corner, if Rylan isn’t available, she is more than willing to go someone where to tickle her fancy. And remember this is anything-goes society, so there really isn’t privacy nor closed doors. Also, it’s common for more than one partner to participate.
I liked that Jamie is strong and can take care of herself. Even though Len is always there for her, she can pull her own weight.
Len loves Jamie, but he’s not in love with her. He doesn’t want to ruin the friendship and tries his hardest to never cross the boundaries. He gets plenty of action from women on camp and then some.
Both Len and Jamie visit another camp to help train in defense, mostly with the younger kids. I would say there’s plenty of tension and conflict between Len and Jamie, but Addicted kind of focuses more of the politics of the society than Claimed did, which I was completely fine with.
You still get some of the previous characters, which I love and it helps build the story.
The Outlaw series is my guilty pleasure and I was really satisfied and happy with Addicted. You will not be disappointed!
An ARC was provided
Claimed #1 REVIEW | AMAZON
Addicted #2 AMAZON
Ruled #3 AMAZON
July 3, 2016
What you must first understand about this book is that the heat it generates may very well burn out your reading device :) Seriously one of the hottest reads out there. That being said, it's also not very "safe". Lennox and Jaime are best friends who love each other but have never gone "there" in an effort to protect their friendship. There is a lot of back and forth among themselves as to why it couldn't work and in the meantime, they have a good old time sexually with many partners sometimes multiples at a time. There's even a little M/M action here. This is not for the faint at heart. Lennox has always made his decisions keeping Jamie's safety and protection on the forefront. Events at a new camp, though, are forcing them to look at things a different way and Jamie and Lennox are being made to face what they feel. After a particularly hot encounter that pushes them to cross the sexual line, things change. They try to preserve the friendship and what happens sexually between them separate, but we all know how well that works out lol The story is action packed, emotionally and sensually charged and a whole lot of fun to follow. The characters are flawed and interesting. I will definitely be following the series. I'm hoping Ryland and Reese are next ;-p Safety: There are OW/OM/Sharing, though this changes a bit as they get more solidified in their relationship. Neither are Vs. Condoms some of the time. There is attempted rape. There is abuse.
August 17, 2016
WHAT DO YOU MEAN I HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL NOVEMBER FOR Ruled!?!?!?!??!?!?!?!?!!!!!!! Elle Kennedy you've got me fucked up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Profanity aside, Addicted was just as good as its predecessor, Claimed. I find that I am usually disappointed with series' that follow a different couple in each book. I think what makes Addicted the exception, is that it is a continuation of the general story-line developed in the first book of this series.
I liked how sex-positive this was, and the way it approached sexuality. I do wish gender norms were approached in a more open manner, but it looks like we're still stuck with gender roles in this post-apocalyptic future. I probably sound a little bitter about this, but in all honesty, this was just something that irked me a little bit while reading, it didn't develop into a full-blown irritation, nor did it dull my enjoyment of the story. I think that Elle Kennedy is really good at pushing boundaries while writing stories that are socially aware/just, so perhaps that made me more willing to let this slide.
Another thing I love about Elle Kennedy's books (from the few I've read, anyway): I'm probably in the minority of people who like when authors do this (). But I feel like it keeps things exciting?! I sound like a whackjob ...
If you're a fan of things like the tv show The 100, or even books like The 5th Wave, and are down for some exhibitionism and threesomes then I think (/hope) you give this series a try and enjoy it as much as I have!
Profanity aside, Addicted was just as good as its predecessor, Claimed. I find that I am usually disappointed with series' that follow a different couple in each book. I think what makes Addicted the exception, is that it is a continuation of the general story-line developed in the first book of this series.
I liked how sex-positive this was, and the way it approached sexuality. I do wish gender norms were approached in a more open manner, but it looks like we're still stuck with gender roles in this post-apocalyptic future. I probably sound a little bitter about this, but in all honesty, this was just something that irked me a little bit while reading, it didn't develop into a full-blown irritation, nor did it dull my enjoyment of the story. I think that Elle Kennedy is really good at pushing boundaries while writing stories that are socially aware/just, so perhaps that made me more willing to let this slide.
Another thing I love about Elle Kennedy's books (from the few I've read, anyway): I'm probably in the minority of people who like when authors do this (). But I feel like it keeps things exciting?! I sound like a whackjob ...
If you're a fan of things like the tv show The 100, or even books like The 5th Wave, and are down for some exhibitionism and threesomes then I think (/hope) you give this series a try and enjoy it as much as I have!
September 21, 2016
Addicted is the second installment in Elle Kennedy's erotic dystopia series titled Outlaws. Although the storyline picks up right where it left off in the first book, there didn't seem to be a focus on the dystopia element in this one. The erotica/romance element took precedence in my opinion which was both enjoyable and disappointing. Although, I love a good friends-to-lovers story, the thing that hooked me on this series was the strong dystopia component. The balance of a well-rounded storyline combined with the erotica component made the first book a winner for me. In Addicted, there were small pieces of storyline here and there, but overall I found the balance heavily lacking. I will still be following this series, no doubt about it. I don't give up that easy!
My favorite quote:
“I go where you go.”
Elle Kennedy's Outlaws series includes the following installments as of September 2016:
#1-Claimed
#2-Addicted
#3-Ruled (November 2016)
My favorite quote:
“I go where you go.”
Elle Kennedy's Outlaws series includes the following installments as of September 2016:
#1-Claimed
#2-Addicted
#3-Ruled (November 2016)
July 1, 2016
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
Holy hot dayum. Kennedy knows how to write a scorcher that'll leave you completely satisfied but panting for more. Whew! Addicted was one sexy hot read as Jamie and Lennox's decades long friendship is put to the test and all kinds of yummy sexual tension sinks it's claws into them and refuses to be denied for one second longer. Danger be damned.
So the quick of it is that a near by Outlaw community has asked for help training it's young people to protect themselves and Len, Jamie and a couple of their friends agree to spend a month teaching the group all sorts of skills they'll need to keep safe. Something's not quite right, though, and they're sure something else is brewing at this Outlaw community. They'll just have to bide their time training and fucking until the truth comes out. Mm!
I loved Lennox. Dayum but the man is sexy and has a nice little bit of alpha in him. He's pretty easy going but damn when he lets lose the grip on his control he's intense as all hell. Often with sinfully good results. I liked Jamie, too. She's a tough chick and not afraid to get her hands dirty. She did have some moments where I thought she was a bit irrational and would fly off the handles a little too much which got old. But for the most part I was good with her.
Lennox and Jamie have one heck of a ton of history since they've been best friends since childhood and it shows. They know each other inside and out, can bring out the best in each other, and oh get under each other's skin too. It was fun seeing them finally deal with their attraction to one another and the awkward that could happen from stepping over the line from friendship to lovers. They really cross that line in a glorious way.
Which brings us to the heat. There is a lot of sex in this book. A LOT of sex. This society is all about getting a little (or lot) of pleasure when they can. It's a pretty bleak world but an orgasm or eight...totally helps keep a soul deal with the day to day. And they're totally open with experiences, too. Sex in public, bringing in thirds, a little rough play. Nothing's really off the table and, yall, it'll make you squirm! Dirty, raunchy, and oh so delicious.
Plot-wise. This one very much felt like a transition novel that's setting up the next one for a big showdown. Other than the romance and their evolving friendship the main thing happening was just training a group of young people how to handle weapons and fight. There's a little action and danger but overall there's no huge plot that was dealt with.
Now, one quibble I had was that the heroine hit the hero. She was angry and frustrated with him for something (one of her kind of irrational moments) and lashed out. It only happened once but yall know that's not something I think is okay especially when it's not addressed as being inappropriate behavior and is just brushed aside.
All in all, though, I had a great time with Addicted. When it comes to gritty, erotic, make-you-bite-your-lip romance...Kennedy knows how to deliver. Whew boy, does she!
June 25, 2016
Another SMOLDERING smash hit from the amazing Elle Kennedy! This series is one of the SEXIEST around! I am completely ADDICTED! So HOT! So INTENSE! So FREAKING GOOD! I will never get enough! Lennox will make you fall to your knees and Jamie is just the spitfire to bring Lennox to HIS knees. This enticing and erotic friends to lovers romance is intense and passionate to the max! Sex, suspense, and lust pours out of every single page until you're left with weak knees and a huge grin on your face. This is one summer read that will set your body on FIRE!
"This pussy? It was mine that night."
His big body began to shake uncontrollably. Jamie didn't know if it was from anger or lust, but it was goddamn beautiful. His eyes glittered like storm clouds releasing flashes of lightning. His pulse hammered in his throat. His hot breath incinerated her cheek.
"It's been mine for years," he hissed out, cupping her so hard she squeaked in pain. "I could've take it whenever I damn well pleased."
I mean HOT DAMN...this woman can WRITE! Once these two best friends cross the line...completely obliterate the line, there's NO turning back! Once Lennox has claimed his woman, nothing or NO ONE will take her away.
OMG! I loved every single second of this book. Lennox was SO INTENSE and POWERFUL and SWEET, and yet so DEMANDING. My heart fluttered every time this man spoke. And Jamie...she is a badass chick. She is no wilting flower and Lennox knows that, but he still wants to hold her tight and never let ANYTHING or ANYONE hurt her...even if she disagrees with his methods. Lennox and Jamie always had this beautiful bond, but once walls are shattered and boundaries are crossed, that bond turns into something deeper...something they've always wanted deep down, but never thought they could have.
Elle Kennedy will ALWAYS be my GO TO author for all things romance. She writes to satisfy all of the senses. The passion she puts on every page speaks to the romance junkie in me. If you haven't read anything by this woman, you are missing out on SO DAMN MUCH...so correct that right now and BUY THIS BOOK!
*Gifted copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
"This pussy? It was mine that night."
His big body began to shake uncontrollably. Jamie didn't know if it was from anger or lust, but it was goddamn beautiful. His eyes glittered like storm clouds releasing flashes of lightning. His pulse hammered in his throat. His hot breath incinerated her cheek.
"It's been mine for years," he hissed out, cupping her so hard she squeaked in pain. "I could've take it whenever I damn well pleased."
I mean HOT DAMN...this woman can WRITE! Once these two best friends cross the line...completely obliterate the line, there's NO turning back! Once Lennox has claimed his woman, nothing or NO ONE will take her away.
OMG! I loved every single second of this book. Lennox was SO INTENSE and POWERFUL and SWEET, and yet so DEMANDING. My heart fluttered every time this man spoke. And Jamie...she is a badass chick. She is no wilting flower and Lennox knows that, but he still wants to hold her tight and never let ANYTHING or ANYONE hurt her...even if she disagrees with his methods. Lennox and Jamie always had this beautiful bond, but once walls are shattered and boundaries are crossed, that bond turns into something deeper...something they've always wanted deep down, but never thought they could have.
Elle Kennedy will ALWAYS be my GO TO author for all things romance. She writes to satisfy all of the senses. The passion she puts on every page speaks to the romance junkie in me. If you haven't read anything by this woman, you are missing out on SO DAMN MUCH...so correct that right now and BUY THIS BOOK!
*Gifted copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
June 27, 2016
**** Well HOT DAMN! That was a mind-fuck experience. So, I did not read Claimed (book one of the series), which is a disadvantage because I was initially confused about the “world” all these people are living in… why people are always afraid, training and prepared for fights. I also wondered why Lennox, Jamie and a few friends run seeking home with Connor’s band of Outlaws in the first place. This book feeds the same characters from the first book but after a couple of chapters, I was able to catch on and enjoy the story. It’s a standalone, friend-to-lover romance between Lennox and Jamie. They have been friends since childhood, hence they are the only ones that understand each other. They vow to protect and always be at each others sides. At one point or another they were attracted to each other but neither wanted to cross the line for fear of losing their friendship.
After the attack, Lennox was forced to take up residence with Connor’s band of Outlaws. Lennox has always been protective of Jamie but in this new place Lennox can no longer treat her like a sister. Jamie belongs to him – he can no longer stand watching other men taking claims. Everything starts to change when Jamie insists on attending camp with Lennox. The two pretend hard to be best friends but they continuously taunt each other; jealousy gets in the way. Eventually, the attraction and chemistry ignites - there is no going back. Their relationship is quite turbulent at times. Lennox is sexy and all alpha, although he can be quite a softie with Jamie. Jamie can be sweet yet stubborn and tough as nails – she wants to be independent and strong - she is not afraid of getting out there and training. Be forewarned, there is quite a bit of sex in this book – different partners, open in front of people, sometimes very ménage a trois style. It’s quite a different way of living as Outlaws but hot and sexy just the same. Besides the love story between the main characters there is a very entertaining plot with drama and suspense that keeps you on your toes. This book reminds me a little bit of the Divergent series ;) Overall, it was quite a compelling read. If you are looking for an erotic, steamy, gritty romance with a bit of suspense this is the book for you. Looking forward to Ruled (Outlaws, # 3).
After the attack, Lennox was forced to take up residence with Connor’s band of Outlaws. Lennox has always been protective of Jamie but in this new place Lennox can no longer treat her like a sister. Jamie belongs to him – he can no longer stand watching other men taking claims. Everything starts to change when Jamie insists on attending camp with Lennox. The two pretend hard to be best friends but they continuously taunt each other; jealousy gets in the way. Eventually, the attraction and chemistry ignites - there is no going back. Their relationship is quite turbulent at times. Lennox is sexy and all alpha, although he can be quite a softie with Jamie. Jamie can be sweet yet stubborn and tough as nails – she wants to be independent and strong - she is not afraid of getting out there and training. Be forewarned, there is quite a bit of sex in this book – different partners, open in front of people, sometimes very ménage a trois style. It’s quite a different way of living as Outlaws but hot and sexy just the same. Besides the love story between the main characters there is a very entertaining plot with drama and suspense that keeps you on your toes. This book reminds me a little bit of the Divergent series ;) Overall, it was quite a compelling read. If you are looking for an erotic, steamy, gritty romance with a bit of suspense this is the book for you. Looking forward to Ruled (Outlaws, # 3).
June 24, 2016
A friends-to-lovers story that is anything but hearts and flowers…
This raw, new world is nothing like I know—I almost cried when I read people don’t read books anymore! Thank goodness there are other things that are worth living for, with love being one of them!
This works as a standalone, but if you read book one then the characters will be happily familiar. Lennox and Jamie are struggling for survival and navigating their relationship at the same time. They are friends—the best of friends for years—but feelings on both sides have been suppressed for a long time and refuse to be ignored any longer. How does one do romance in a world where attachments are seen as weaknesses and exploited like all others? Surprisingly, the same way it’s always been done—with emotion, angst and, in this case, scorching heat…. And these two corner almost corner the market.
Lennox and Jaime are tough. They have to be in a post-apocalyptic existence where resources are scarce and non-conforming means a life on the edge of civilization. There are alliances and deals where trust is everything and simple mistakes could be paid with your life. If that doesn’t add enough tension then the back-and-forth between them, and the people they care about, fills in all the drama gaps.
Their courtship is anything but conventional. Lennox is a leader, but a business suit or the need for the gym to keep him fit is laughable. Men are strong or they die, and Lennox is a survivor. Women have to keep up with these alpha males—be equal in strength, brains and brawn—and Jaime is just that.
Lennox is a leader and he rules with a strong hand that guides and supports. Just don’t question or overrule his authority and you will be okay. Jaime gets some leeway, but he’s even stricter with her when it comes to safety. Is he caveman at times? Absolutely. And I will admit, in a very quiet voice, that that’s not always a bad thing…
“When I make a decision, you think it’s my safety I take into consideration? It’s fucking yours. I don’t take a goddamn breath without considering how it would affect you.”
The soft spot he has for Jaime peeks out at just the right times, and she matches that sweet roughness with her own mix of compassion, strength and deep down buried ‘girl’ that rocks Lennox’s world without trying. Oh yah, chemistry to the nth degree.
“He could be living in a volcano, inhaling ash and bathing in hot lava, and he’d be perfectly content with it as long as Jamie was by his side.”
With a Walking Dead feel (without the zombies), this outing was once again full of tension and action, love and emotion in spades. I can’t wait for more! ~ Diane, 4.5 stars
This raw, new world is nothing like I know—I almost cried when I read people don’t read books anymore! Thank goodness there are other things that are worth living for, with love being one of them!
This works as a standalone, but if you read book one then the characters will be happily familiar. Lennox and Jamie are struggling for survival and navigating their relationship at the same time. They are friends—the best of friends for years—but feelings on both sides have been suppressed for a long time and refuse to be ignored any longer. How does one do romance in a world where attachments are seen as weaknesses and exploited like all others? Surprisingly, the same way it’s always been done—with emotion, angst and, in this case, scorching heat…. And these two corner almost corner the market.
Lennox and Jaime are tough. They have to be in a post-apocalyptic existence where resources are scarce and non-conforming means a life on the edge of civilization. There are alliances and deals where trust is everything and simple mistakes could be paid with your life. If that doesn’t add enough tension then the back-and-forth between them, and the people they care about, fills in all the drama gaps.
Their courtship is anything but conventional. Lennox is a leader, but a business suit or the need for the gym to keep him fit is laughable. Men are strong or they die, and Lennox is a survivor. Women have to keep up with these alpha males—be equal in strength, brains and brawn—and Jaime is just that.
Lennox is a leader and he rules with a strong hand that guides and supports. Just don’t question or overrule his authority and you will be okay. Jaime gets some leeway, but he’s even stricter with her when it comes to safety. Is he caveman at times? Absolutely. And I will admit, in a very quiet voice, that that’s not always a bad thing…
“When I make a decision, you think it’s my safety I take into consideration? It’s fucking yours. I don’t take a goddamn breath without considering how it would affect you.”
The soft spot he has for Jaime peeks out at just the right times, and she matches that sweet roughness with her own mix of compassion, strength and deep down buried ‘girl’ that rocks Lennox’s world without trying. Oh yah, chemistry to the nth degree.
“He could be living in a volcano, inhaling ash and bathing in hot lava, and he’d be perfectly content with it as long as Jamie was by his side.”
With a Walking Dead feel (without the zombies), this outing was once again full of tension and action, love and emotion in spades. I can’t wait for more! ~ Diane, 4.5 stars
July 12, 2016
This was my reaction before I got my hands on this book:
OMG!
And now, for the review:
4 stars.
This review is also posted on Pretty Sassy Cool.
I hadn't read an adult dystopian before Claimed and to say I loved it is a gross understatement, so Addicted was one of my most anticipated reads of the year. Seriously, this book will make you wonder what you were doing with your life before you met Elle Kennedy. This story focuses on Lennox and Jamie, who have been best friends since childhood. They've never crossed the line because their friendship means so much to them and they don't want to jeopardize that.
When they get sent out on assignment to a neighboring area, they can't keep denying what's been in front of them their whole lives. Will they risk everything to be together?
This story is utterly enthralling. From the first word until the last, I couldn't put it down and I just wanted more, more, more. There were some truly shocking moments. The world-building is fantastic and the storyline is captivating. The sex between Jamie and Lennox is scorching hot.
I loved them together, as a couple and just as friends. Lennox was just crazy hot. He's a dirty talker for sure and totally backs up everything he promises.
So what didn't I like? There's some ridiculousness regarding Jamie that I felt was completely inappropriate here. But all in all, I thought she was likable and Lennox was hella yummy. If you're looking for an incendiary post-apocalyptic story that will melt your kindles and set you ablaze, all while having an amazing storyline in a crazy world, look no further than Addicted. Trust, you'll be addicted to this series in no time at all!
OMG!
And now, for the review:
4 stars.
This review is also posted on Pretty Sassy Cool.
I hadn't read an adult dystopian before Claimed and to say I loved it is a gross understatement, so Addicted was one of my most anticipated reads of the year. Seriously, this book will make you wonder what you were doing with your life before you met Elle Kennedy. This story focuses on Lennox and Jamie, who have been best friends since childhood. They've never crossed the line because their friendship means so much to them and they don't want to jeopardize that.
Lennox had never been too good at following rules. Except one: keeping his hands off his best friend.
When they get sent out on assignment to a neighboring area, they can't keep denying what's been in front of them their whole lives. Will they risk everything to be together?
This story is utterly enthralling. From the first word until the last, I couldn't put it down and I just wanted more, more, more. There were some truly shocking moments. The world-building is fantastic and the storyline is captivating. The sex between Jamie and Lennox is scorching hot.
That's it, love, take it all.
I loved them together, as a couple and just as friends. Lennox was just crazy hot. He's a dirty talker for sure and totally backs up everything he promises.
So what didn't I like? There's some ridiculousness regarding Jamie that I felt was completely inappropriate here. But all in all, I thought she was likable and Lennox was hella yummy. If you're looking for an incendiary post-apocalyptic story that will melt your kindles and set you ablaze, all while having an amazing storyline in a crazy world, look no further than Addicted. Trust, you'll be addicted to this series in no time at all!
July 1, 2016
“I go where you go”
Holy hotness!
Elle Kennedy takes us on another ride with her smut-tastic (mildly) dystopian series full of sexy alpha males and sexy, strong women. This is the second book in the Outlaws series, and I enjoyed it even more than the first! Full of danger, romance and sizzling hot sexy time, there’s a dark edge to these books, and with great characters, intense stories and Elle’s wonderful writing, it’s a really entertaining read and I loved it.
You could read this as a standalone, but to fully appreciate the story I’d recommending reading Claimed first so you understand the world. It’s a scary existence where war has crippled the earth, and for those living in the United States, if you don’t want to conform to strict rule, then you live life as an outlaw - constantly scavenging for food, clothes and other supplies, and fighting against the ever-present enforcers from the city in order to live a free life. It’s a stressful existence and our outlaws live their lives as if any day could be their last, so they indulge in good things at every opportunity – and that includes sex, which is shared with whoever, whenever and wherever. And wow, it’s hot!
Lennox and Jamie grew up together and have been best friends for as long as they can remember. They were introduced in the first book, living in a house that was a hedonistic paradise, a place where people would come to drink, hang out, and have sex. And if not to have sex, then to watch others have sex. But it was all taken away in a tragic attack, and the permanent inhabitants of the house moved to Connor’s (hero from book 1) compound. Now, the two of them find themselves travelling to a nearby ‘town’ of Foxworth with some of Connor’s other people to train the inhabitants in combat. It’s a dangerous and desperate world, but their new situation sets them on a course that has been a long time coming.
Lennox and Jamie have always had deep feelings for each other, but they’ve never talked about it and never considered it as an option – both of them knowing that their friendship is vital and not wanting to do anything to jeopardise it. Instead, they get into the swing of true outlaw life, hooking up with whoever is around whenever the mood hits. But while Lennox is content to keep his hook ups strictly as that, Jamie longs for more - she wants love, a real relationship, and a family. And when she finally realises that the object of her affection doesn’t return her feelings, she and Lennox have a totally unexpected and wickedly hot encounter that changes everything.
Oh. My. God. This book is SO freaking hot! The sex is imaginative and descriptive, often involving an audience or another participant (including some m/m), and damn! A little bit of kink, a WHOLE lot of dirty talk, passionate and intense, their physical relationship is a natural progression to their close connection and their worlds are well and truly rocked.
They both agree that they are too important to each other to risk what they have together, but neither of them can hold back the avalanche that is their feelings for each other, and I loved watching them navigate the shift from best friends to best friends-with-benefits to lovers in every sense of the word. They have hurdles they need to overcome, and the very nature of their life means that nothing is going to be easy for them, but they never forget what they mean to each other, and I loved seeing them realize the intensity of their feelings, figure out what they want, and go after it.
But it’s not all about the sex and romance. Trouble is ever-present in their world, and Lennox, Jamie and the crew find themselves dealing with big secrets, mysterious plans, dangerous situations and heartbreaking tragedy (OMG, Elle… why?). It’s a great blend of storylines that are engaging and exciting, and that set up future books really nicely. I loved the introduction of a new bunch of characters, are well as catching up with those that met in the last book. I particularly loved the fantastically flirty and sexually-charged dynamic between Rylan and Reese (and what is up with Sloan?), and I can’t wait for their book up next!
I loved this book. It’s a really entertaining read that is a great mix of dark/gritty with lots of heart, funny moments, and a gorgeous, super sexy romance. I couldn’t put down.
4 stars.
Holy hotness!
Elle Kennedy takes us on another ride with her smut-tastic (mildly) dystopian series full of sexy alpha males and sexy, strong women. This is the second book in the Outlaws series, and I enjoyed it even more than the first! Full of danger, romance and sizzling hot sexy time, there’s a dark edge to these books, and with great characters, intense stories and Elle’s wonderful writing, it’s a really entertaining read and I loved it.
You could read this as a standalone, but to fully appreciate the story I’d recommending reading Claimed first so you understand the world. It’s a scary existence where war has crippled the earth, and for those living in the United States, if you don’t want to conform to strict rule, then you live life as an outlaw - constantly scavenging for food, clothes and other supplies, and fighting against the ever-present enforcers from the city in order to live a free life. It’s a stressful existence and our outlaws live their lives as if any day could be their last, so they indulge in good things at every opportunity – and that includes sex, which is shared with whoever, whenever and wherever. And wow, it’s hot!
Lennox and Jamie grew up together and have been best friends for as long as they can remember. They were introduced in the first book, living in a house that was a hedonistic paradise, a place where people would come to drink, hang out, and have sex. And if not to have sex, then to watch others have sex. But it was all taken away in a tragic attack, and the permanent inhabitants of the house moved to Connor’s (hero from book 1) compound. Now, the two of them find themselves travelling to a nearby ‘town’ of Foxworth with some of Connor’s other people to train the inhabitants in combat. It’s a dangerous and desperate world, but their new situation sets them on a course that has been a long time coming.
Lennox and Jamie have always had deep feelings for each other, but they’ve never talked about it and never considered it as an option – both of them knowing that their friendship is vital and not wanting to do anything to jeopardise it. Instead, they get into the swing of true outlaw life, hooking up with whoever is around whenever the mood hits. But while Lennox is content to keep his hook ups strictly as that, Jamie longs for more - she wants love, a real relationship, and a family. And when she finally realises that the object of her affection doesn’t return her feelings, she and Lennox have a totally unexpected and wickedly hot encounter that changes everything.
Oh. My. God. This book is SO freaking hot! The sex is imaginative and descriptive, often involving an audience or another participant (including some m/m), and damn! A little bit of kink, a WHOLE lot of dirty talk, passionate and intense, their physical relationship is a natural progression to their close connection and their worlds are well and truly rocked.
“When I make a decision, you think it’s my safety I take into consideration? It’s fucking yours. I don’t take a goddamn breath without considering how it would affect you.”
They both agree that they are too important to each other to risk what they have together, but neither of them can hold back the avalanche that is their feelings for each other, and I loved watching them navigate the shift from best friends to best friends-with-benefits to lovers in every sense of the word. They have hurdles they need to overcome, and the very nature of their life means that nothing is going to be easy for them, but they never forget what they mean to each other, and I loved seeing them realize the intensity of their feelings, figure out what they want, and go after it.
“You’re my home, Jamie. It doesn’t matter where we go or what happens. As long as you’re with me, I’m home.”
But it’s not all about the sex and romance. Trouble is ever-present in their world, and Lennox, Jamie and the crew find themselves dealing with big secrets, mysterious plans, dangerous situations and heartbreaking tragedy (OMG, Elle… why?). It’s a great blend of storylines that are engaging and exciting, and that set up future books really nicely. I loved the introduction of a new bunch of characters, are well as catching up with those that met in the last book. I particularly loved the fantastically flirty and sexually-charged dynamic between Rylan and Reese (and what is up with Sloan?), and I can’t wait for their book up next!
I loved this book. It’s a really entertaining read that is a great mix of dark/gritty with lots of heart, funny moments, and a gorgeous, super sexy romance. I couldn’t put down.
4 stars.
July 20, 2016
There are hardly words to describe my love of this world Elle Kennedy has created with the Outlaws series, and with ADDICTED (book 2), it just gets better and more layered.
Friends-turned-lovers is my absolutely favorite of favorite tropes. I love when there’s a backstory and foundation for a relationship, and that’s exactly what Kennedy gives us with Jamie and Lennox. The sparks between these two are enough to set the entire town ablaze. The evolution of their relationship isn’t without its problems and flaws, which they work hard to overcome.
While this is a romance, there is an overall plot binding all the books together. This is very much a dystopian series with a twisted government at the helm that the outlaws are trying to stop. Or at least survive.
Full of seriously sexy times and a cast a characters that will amuse, wow, and leave you gasping for more, the Outlaws series is one of my absolute favorites.
Friends-turned-lovers is my absolutely favorite of favorite tropes. I love when there’s a backstory and foundation for a relationship, and that’s exactly what Kennedy gives us with Jamie and Lennox. The sparks between these two are enough to set the entire town ablaze. The evolution of their relationship isn’t without its problems and flaws, which they work hard to overcome.
While this is a romance, there is an overall plot binding all the books together. This is very much a dystopian series with a twisted government at the helm that the outlaws are trying to stop. Or at least survive.
Full of seriously sexy times and a cast a characters that will amuse, wow, and leave you gasping for more, the Outlaws series is one of my absolute favorites.
June 28, 2016
You guys...... I'm so obsessed with this series! ADDICTED was fantastic! Y'all have to pick up the first book CLAIMED and read it before this one releases!
FULL REVIEW:
I’m now completely addicted to the Outlaw series by Elle Kennedy. The second novel in the series ADDICTED proves that Elle Kennedy is an imaginative storyteller and can create heart stopping, chemistry ridden stories that leave you turning the pages as quickly as you can.
After a deadly attack forces Lennox and his best friend Jamie to leave their home and relocate with Connor Mackenzie and his band of outlaws (which is described in greater detail in the first book, CLAIMED, so go read it :) ), everything between Lennox and Jamie has been unpredictable.
The two have been friends since childhood but have never made any indication that their relationship was anything but platonic. When they are sent to another compound to help with a situation there, their true feelings start becoming clear. They are both afraid to ruin their friendship, and loving someone in their world can only lead to heartache.
**
I read a lot… Several books a week, and I find myself in a deja vu sort of state. The stories I read are all fully entertaining but I feel they lack originality. That is not the case with Elle Kennedy’s Outlaw series. When I read ClAIMED last year I was fully enchanted by this wonderful new world that Elle Kennedy created. The erotic dystopian concept had me devouring every single written word.
I met Jamie and Lennox in CLAIMED and while they were only secondary characters Elle Kennedy’s writing had me hoping that they would soon get their own story. And let me tell you, their story does not disappoint. ADDICTED had the kicka**, complex characters that I grew to love. Jamie is a fierce, independent woman with a vulnerable side that makes her the perfect match for Lennox. And who wouldn’t love Lennox, a hot alpha with a temper that makes Jamie show her claws? I loved this book and I’m dying for the next installment. I hope all the characters get their own story, because there is a lot I need to know about everyone!
ADDICTED had me glued to its pages. If you’re looking for something that’s completely different from anything out there but still has super hot and steamy scenes, because come on, it’s still an erotic novel, pick up this series! I promise you won’t be disappointed.
FULL REVIEW:
I’m now completely addicted to the Outlaw series by Elle Kennedy. The second novel in the series ADDICTED proves that Elle Kennedy is an imaginative storyteller and can create heart stopping, chemistry ridden stories that leave you turning the pages as quickly as you can.
After a deadly attack forces Lennox and his best friend Jamie to leave their home and relocate with Connor Mackenzie and his band of outlaws (which is described in greater detail in the first book, CLAIMED, so go read it :) ), everything between Lennox and Jamie has been unpredictable.
The two have been friends since childhood but have never made any indication that their relationship was anything but platonic. When they are sent to another compound to help with a situation there, their true feelings start becoming clear. They are both afraid to ruin their friendship, and loving someone in their world can only lead to heartache.
**
“Pretend to give a s*** about you?” he spat out. “Guess what, honey? You’re all I care about.”
Her heartbeat accelerated.
“Every move I make is directly driven by my feelings for you.” His fingers tightening in her hair, his chest pressed right up against hers, a solid, immovable object. “When I make a decision, you think it’s my safety I take into consideration? It’s fu***** yours. I don’t take a g****** breath without considering how it would affect you.”
I read a lot… Several books a week, and I find myself in a deja vu sort of state. The stories I read are all fully entertaining but I feel they lack originality. That is not the case with Elle Kennedy’s Outlaw series. When I read ClAIMED last year I was fully enchanted by this wonderful new world that Elle Kennedy created. The erotic dystopian concept had me devouring every single written word.
I met Jamie and Lennox in CLAIMED and while they were only secondary characters Elle Kennedy’s writing had me hoping that they would soon get their own story. And let me tell you, their story does not disappoint. ADDICTED had the kicka**, complex characters that I grew to love. Jamie is a fierce, independent woman with a vulnerable side that makes her the perfect match for Lennox. And who wouldn’t love Lennox, a hot alpha with a temper that makes Jamie show her claws? I loved this book and I’m dying for the next installment. I hope all the characters get their own story, because there is a lot I need to know about everyone!
ADDICTED had me glued to its pages. If you’re looking for something that’s completely different from anything out there but still has super hot and steamy scenes, because come on, it’s still an erotic novel, pick up this series! I promise you won’t be disappointed.
May 23, 2016
If you know anything about me, then you know that Elle Kennedy is by far one of my favorite authors. I loved Claimed when I read it earlier this year and I was blown away by Elle's ability to write pretty much any genre. In this post-apocalyptic series, Elle seriously turns up the heat and I knew that I had to get my hands on book two as soon as I could!
After a deadly attack forces best friends Jamie and Lennox to move into a compound with the strong and dark Conner Mackenzie and his band of bandits, things have changed. As best friends for over twenty years, Lennox is extremely protective over Jamie, but he starts to find himself feeling protective of her not only from danger, but also from any man who dares touch her. Jamie has always felt a little something more for Lennox, but he's never invited her into his personal play time. When Jamie and Lennox go to a camp to strengthen the outlaws to stand up against the enforcers, they find themselves pushing their limits not only in terms of war, but in their personal, undeniable attraction for one another.
Since Jamie and Lennox are best friends, the beginning of this book took a little while for me to get into. They weren't that aware of each other physically yet and it was more of a plot building beginning than anything else. Once we got through what was going on in society and why Conner had to send some of his people to Reese's camp to train them to become stronger, things got juicy between Jamie and Lennox. I loved how they started to become jealous of other people who would get with them and how hard they tried to shove those feelings aside to save their friendship. Their denial became so funny when they would taunt each other and see how much they could push the other one.
Along with the incredibly hot chemistry between our main characters, there was a lot of action and suspense that I love from my Elle Kennedy books. It was fun how they made the training a competition and Jamie and Lennox were on separate teams trying to beat one another in each skills/strength competition. I loved seeing more characters in this book grow close to our main characters and how attached I felt to them. Things turned crazy at the end of this book and, as I suspected, I am already dying for book number three to see what will happen in this crazy society of outlaws trying to stick it to the man.
Elle Kennedy delivers yet another addicting, sexy addition to her Outlaws series. I found everything I love in a romance along with some awesome action and heart pumping moments. If you haven't started this series yet, you must! It's too good to miss out on.
After a deadly attack forces best friends Jamie and Lennox to move into a compound with the strong and dark Conner Mackenzie and his band of bandits, things have changed. As best friends for over twenty years, Lennox is extremely protective over Jamie, but he starts to find himself feeling protective of her not only from danger, but also from any man who dares touch her. Jamie has always felt a little something more for Lennox, but he's never invited her into his personal play time. When Jamie and Lennox go to a camp to strengthen the outlaws to stand up against the enforcers, they find themselves pushing their limits not only in terms of war, but in their personal, undeniable attraction for one another.
Since Jamie and Lennox are best friends, the beginning of this book took a little while for me to get into. They weren't that aware of each other physically yet and it was more of a plot building beginning than anything else. Once we got through what was going on in society and why Conner had to send some of his people to Reese's camp to train them to become stronger, things got juicy between Jamie and Lennox. I loved how they started to become jealous of other people who would get with them and how hard they tried to shove those feelings aside to save their friendship. Their denial became so funny when they would taunt each other and see how much they could push the other one.
Along with the incredibly hot chemistry between our main characters, there was a lot of action and suspense that I love from my Elle Kennedy books. It was fun how they made the training a competition and Jamie and Lennox were on separate teams trying to beat one another in each skills/strength competition. I loved seeing more characters in this book grow close to our main characters and how attached I felt to them. Things turned crazy at the end of this book and, as I suspected, I am already dying for book number three to see what will happen in this crazy society of outlaws trying to stick it to the man.
Elle Kennedy delivers yet another addicting, sexy addition to her Outlaws series. I found everything I love in a romance along with some awesome action and heart pumping moments. If you haven't started this series yet, you must! It's too good to miss out on.
July 1, 2016
3.5 - 4 "Smutopia" Stars!!
I LOVE Elle Kennedy's writing.
Addicted is a standalone novel but the second in the Outlaw's series.
Let me tell you. This book is erotica. I saw the term "smutopia" in and I love this term. A dystopian society book where public sex is the new norm, thus everyone has sex with everyone and it's usually on display. It's also a friends to lovers story.
This book has so much sex. And every possible combination (woot!)
So.
Much.
Sex.
It's really hot and I must warn you that you may need a change of panties. Or easy access to your partner.
Lennox and Jaime have been friends forever, but they have never had sex with each other - this is surprising to me with all of the partnering and sex that happens in this post apocalyptic society. Never the less, their friendship is solid and they are protective of each other, but competitive with each other, too. I loved watching these characters confront their feelings and find their way to each other.
I get a bit lost with all of the details about the new society. There are enforcers and they are running from the enforcers - constantly looking over their shoulders which I think gives daily life a different perspective. The alliances with other people living on the fringe of society. The fact that they still have condoms (how is this??). But I tended to not think too much about these details and skim the parts that my brain got caught up in.
Bottom line: entertaining, sexy, addictive, dystopian story from Elle Kennedy. I'm dying for the next book - Ruled!!
I LOVE Elle Kennedy's writing.
Addicted is a standalone novel but the second in the Outlaw's series.
Let me tell you. This book is erotica. I saw the term "smutopia" in and I love this term. A dystopian society book where public sex is the new norm, thus everyone has sex with everyone and it's usually on display. It's also a friends to lovers story.
This book has so much sex. And every possible combination (woot!)
So.
Much.
Sex.
It's really hot and I must warn you that you may need a change of panties. Or easy access to your partner.
Lennox and Jaime have been friends forever, but they have never had sex with each other - this is surprising to me with all of the partnering and sex that happens in this post apocalyptic society. Never the less, their friendship is solid and they are protective of each other, but competitive with each other, too. I loved watching these characters confront their feelings and find their way to each other.
I get a bit lost with all of the details about the new society. There are enforcers and they are running from the enforcers - constantly looking over their shoulders which I think gives daily life a different perspective. The alliances with other people living on the fringe of society. The fact that they still have condoms (how is this??). But I tended to not think too much about these details and skim the parts that my brain got caught up in.
Bottom line: entertaining, sexy, addictive, dystopian story from Elle Kennedy. I'm dying for the next book - Ruled!!
June 29, 2016
Afrodyt's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Jaime and Lennox were fortunate enough to grow up in a time and place where they knew who they were and where they came from. They've been best friends for over 20 years and preserved that friendship by not crossing the line into becoming lovers, until now. Jaime is stubborn, temperamental and idealistic. She has a strong presence in the community and is an all-around fierce female. Lennox is obstinate, protective and commanding. He's a true Alpha male and he earns his respect. As friends they were strong partners and allies, but as lovers I found their chemistry sorely lacking.
In this second installment of the Outlaws series, we learn more about the "town" of Foxworth and their leader, Reese. More characters in this dystopian world are introduced while we learn more about the political landscape. The environment is harsh and cut-throat and it's hard to know who to trust. The story is rife with tension.
I haven't read Elle Kennedy's entire back catalog, but I'm close, and this is the only book of hers I've read that I did not enjoy. There was something missing that I can't put my finger on. It's like all the ingredients were there for a great story but there was no flavor, nothing to savor. It's a good enough read to stay engaged with this series because it does further the overall story line. It pains me to give this such a low rating, but this story was just average.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
Jaime and Lennox were fortunate enough to grow up in a time and place where they knew who they were and where they came from. They've been best friends for over 20 years and preserved that friendship by not crossing the line into becoming lovers, until now. Jaime is stubborn, temperamental and idealistic. She has a strong presence in the community and is an all-around fierce female. Lennox is obstinate, protective and commanding. He's a true Alpha male and he earns his respect. As friends they were strong partners and allies, but as lovers I found their chemistry sorely lacking.
In this second installment of the Outlaws series, we learn more about the "town" of Foxworth and their leader, Reese. More characters in this dystopian world are introduced while we learn more about the political landscape. The environment is harsh and cut-throat and it's hard to know who to trust. The story is rife with tension.
I haven't read Elle Kennedy's entire back catalog, but I'm close, and this is the only book of hers I've read that I did not enjoy. There was something missing that I can't put my finger on. It's like all the ingredients were there for a great story but there was no flavor, nothing to savor. It's a good enough read to stay engaged with this series because it does further the overall story line. It pains me to give this such a low rating, but this story was just average.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
July 16, 2016
Elle Kennedy's books is amazingly written, just the right amount of action, mystery and romance... Her killer Instincts novels are great as well as her Outlaws novels... Anyone that reads Elle Kennedy will enjoy this series.... Her books are very addictive
September 9, 2019
I really enjoyed Lennox and Jamie’s story. I also really loved Rylan and getting to see his thoughts and feelings first hand.
There didn’t seem to be much of a plot point in this book. It was definitely leading to something and all the foundations were laid but, that something is obviously happening in book 3 so I was left feeling a little flat after wards.
There were some great sub plots and the action was great, sex included. Always incredibly hot, Elle Kennedy is amazing at that!
But I wish we knew more about Reese’s plans before the end of the book. I’m still left feeling a little left out I guess? from the point of this story.
In saying that though, I will most certainly be reading book 3 because I love this series and these characters and I still love Hudson and Conner even though they didn’t really make much of an appearance in this story!!
There didn’t seem to be much of a plot point in this book. It was definitely leading to something and all the foundations were laid but, that something is obviously happening in book 3 so I was left feeling a little flat after wards.
There were some great sub plots and the action was great, sex included. Always incredibly hot, Elle Kennedy is amazing at that!
But I wish we knew more about Reese’s plans before the end of the book. I’m still left feeling a little left out I guess? from the point of this story.
In saying that though, I will most certainly be reading book 3 because I love this series and these characters and I still love Hudson and Conner even though they didn’t really make much of an appearance in this story!!
June 29, 2016
First thoughts upon finishing this in April:
So yeah, on the one hand, I loved this.
On the other hand, I hate-loved this.
But overall: It was a great follow-up novel to the first book in the series.
Just waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more feels.
Like...waaaaaaay more.
WAAAAYYYY MORE.
Way.
More.
*sobs*
((WAY MORE.))
--
Thoughts in June:
Clean up on aisle [6]9!
My, but this book delivers the sexy times in spades. So much so, that there is literally a little something for everyone. (And then some.)
I love love love love loved the romance in this one. I loved that at it's heart, Addicted is a friends-to-lovers story. (I am a sucker for that trope!) I truly enjoyed reading the progression of Lennox and Jamie's story, even though at times, I wanted to reach through the page and slap both of them a time or two.
The only issue I had with the book was that there were some parts that dragged on a little bit - or maybe I was eager for things to happen? *shrugs* (I have been known to be impatient, haha)
Even though the ending hit me hard in the feels (with both happy and sad), I absolutely adored it! (Though I may have been sad for a few months over the sad part ... or maybe I'm not over it yet. HAHA)
I am SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO excited for Rylan's book (Ruled).
So much so, I'm planning to stock up on ice to cool off from what promises to be another steamy installment in the Outlaws series!
So yeah, on the one hand, I loved this.
On the other hand, I hate-loved this.
But overall: It was a great follow-up novel to the first book in the series.
Just waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more feels.
Like...waaaaaaay more.
WAAAAYYYY MORE.
Way.
More.
*sobs*
((WAY MORE.))
--
Thoughts in June:
Clean up on aisle [6]9!
My, but this book delivers the sexy times in spades. So much so, that there is literally a little something for everyone. (And then some.)
I love love love love loved the romance in this one. I loved that at it's heart, Addicted is a friends-to-lovers story. (I am a sucker for that trope!) I truly enjoyed reading the progression of Lennox and Jamie's story, even though at times, I wanted to reach through the page and slap both of them a time or two.
The only issue I had with the book was that there were some parts that dragged on a little bit - or maybe I was eager for things to happen? *shrugs* (I have been known to be impatient, haha)
Even though the ending hit me hard in the feels (with both happy and sad), I absolutely adored it! (Though I may have been sad for a few months over the sad part ... or maybe I'm not over it yet. HAHA)
I am SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO excited for Rylan's book (Ruled).
So much so, I'm planning to stock up on ice to cool off from what promises to be another steamy installment in the Outlaws series!
July 2, 2016
More Reviews Here: Readers Live A Thousand Lives
Nobody mixes action and steam the way Elle Kennedy does. Addicted was a great book. It was such a great blend of good plot, sexy times, and a cool dystopian world. Elle Kennedy is quickly becoming one of those authors I know will never disappoint and I have a lot of books to catch up on.
Jamie and Lennox were great characters. I’ve always been a huge fan of the friends to lovers trope, but throw that trope into a dystopian world with some of the HOTTEST scenes I’ve ever read and I am a happy gal. I adored how strong Jamie was and that she always stood her ground. And I loved how tough Lennox was but also how sweet he could be. I also loved how close they were and that they always put one another first. Their relationship was a long time coming and when it finally happened it was explosive.
I also loved so many of the side characters. Rylan is probably my favorite. I absolutely adore him! I really love Connor’s whole group and that little community they have formed. And I love our newer characters. I’m most intrigued by Sloan. Reese though…. I haven’t decided how I feel about her. Sometimes I’m a fan and sometimes not so much. So it’ll be interesting with her book being next.
Addicted was a great read that…well… kept me addicted (I’m sorry I couldn’t help myself). It was one of the hottest books I’ve ever read BUT it still delivered a plot and I really liked that balance. I can’t wait to see where this series goes.
Nobody mixes action and steam the way Elle Kennedy does. Addicted was a great book. It was such a great blend of good plot, sexy times, and a cool dystopian world. Elle Kennedy is quickly becoming one of those authors I know will never disappoint and I have a lot of books to catch up on.
Jamie and Lennox were great characters. I’ve always been a huge fan of the friends to lovers trope, but throw that trope into a dystopian world with some of the HOTTEST scenes I’ve ever read and I am a happy gal. I adored how strong Jamie was and that she always stood her ground. And I loved how tough Lennox was but also how sweet he could be. I also loved how close they were and that they always put one another first. Their relationship was a long time coming and when it finally happened it was explosive.
I also loved so many of the side characters. Rylan is probably my favorite. I absolutely adore him! I really love Connor’s whole group and that little community they have formed. And I love our newer characters. I’m most intrigued by Sloan. Reese though…. I haven’t decided how I feel about her. Sometimes I’m a fan and sometimes not so much. So it’ll be interesting with her book being next.
Addicted was a great read that…well… kept me addicted (I’m sorry I couldn’t help myself). It was one of the hottest books I’ve ever read BUT it still delivered a plot and I really liked that balance. I can’t wait to see where this series goes.
February 5, 2017
nyeh I've been reading this since 2016 but never managed to finish until last night
I think my problem with this one is I got annoyed with Jamie too often I just eh. the only saving grace of this book is the other side characters.
I think my problem with this one is I got annoyed with Jamie too often I just eh. the only saving grace of this book is the other side characters.
October 5, 2017
Si vous n'avez pas encore découvert la saga Les Insurgés, sachez qu'elle est complètement différente de sa saga Off Campus. Il s'agit d'une romance érotique dans un contexte dystopique. Pour ceux qui seraient en attente de dystopie pure et dure , sachez qu'elle est en toile de fond mais qu'elle reste un peu présente
ne passez pas à côté de cette saga étonnante et détonante car vous ne le regretterez pas. Elle Kennedy a su nous offrir un monde dystopique avec des héros qui sortent des sentiers battus . La tension, l'exaltation des sens sont à leur comble et on en redemande. Je suis sûre que Rylan et Reese vont nous surprendre et j'ai hâte de découvrir le sort qui sera réservé aux Insurgés, au capitaine Ferris ou encore à Dominik.
Chronique complète à venir...
ne passez pas à côté de cette saga étonnante et détonante car vous ne le regretterez pas. Elle Kennedy a su nous offrir un monde dystopique avec des héros qui sortent des sentiers battus . La tension, l'exaltation des sens sont à leur comble et on en redemande. Je suis sûre que Rylan et Reese vont nous surprendre et j'ai hâte de découvrir le sort qui sera réservé aux Insurgés, au capitaine Ferris ou encore à Dominik.
Chronique complète à venir...
July 5, 2016
Elle Kennedy's post-apocalyptic series continues to steam up our e-readers with this second installment featuring a friends-to-lovers trope with hero, Lennox and his best friend and gal pal, Jamie.
While it's not absolutely necessary for you to read the first book of the series, Claimed, before this one... I encourage you to do so. In fact... I'm doing a giveaway for two copies of the first book on the blog (6/28/16-07/12/16), so don't forget to enter the rafflecopter! Reading the first book gives you a brief introduction to the various characters and futuristic, communistic society and post-apocalyptic landscape. In my last review, I introduced the wordly thusly:
Lennox has secretly been in love with Jamie since they were teenagers, but he has striven hard to hold those feelings at bay for fear of losing their friendship. Through his inner monologue, we are seeing a lot of Lennox' jealousy and conflict with his feelings/desires for his best friend. Lennox is a good hero, and I liked getting inside his head. The turmoil that happened on the page helped to create an emotional connection to Lennox, and his personality drew me in even more. Lennox was flirty and caring, and just seemed like an all around good guy.
Jamie doesn't seem to have the same conflict as Lennox... she falls in love fast and often. At the moment, Jamie is love with playboy Rylan, who is down with getting naked and sweaty, but draws the line at any kind of commitment. While Jamie's pining for Rylan is obvious for everyone else to see, Rylan seems pretty oblivious... or at least ignores it. When a drunken night sees Jamie and Lennox in a semi-sexual encounter (with Bennett thrown in the mix), Jamie starts to look at her best bud differently and things jump off from there fairly quickly. As much as I liked Lennox, I didn't care for Jamie quite as much. She seemed a bit flighty with her love life... and I found her to be unreasonable at times.
The relationship between these two was hot and cold for a time. They made some assinine assumptions that drove me batty, but I can't deny that this book was just as steamy as Claimed. Elle Kennedy certainly does not shy away from the smut in her stories, to the point that they are a bit sex over substance. While the sexytimes were hot and plentiful, I would have liked a bit more action, character development and discussion of the post-apocalyptic society and landscape. They seem to drink a lot and go through a lot of condoms... but how do they keep getting access? There has been no production/manufacturing mentioned so I think the only access they have to these items is through raids. It seems like their supply should be at risk if this has been the status quo for decades. So my brain started ruminating on these things and taking my attention away from the smutty story.
One other thing that stood out to me in this story is that our heroine strikes the hero because he won't tell her something that she wants to know. I found this to be a major turnoff for me with Jamie's character. I am not a fan of the "hitting heroines" (outside of a sparring or legit fight scenario), and this has been a hot topic of conversation lately so my attention is drawn more to this situation when it happens. I believe the heroine in the first book did something similar... and it diminishes my respect for their characters. It's not okay for men to slap/hit/abuse women, and the same should be true in reverse.
The bulk of this story takes place at Foxworth, the compound run by femme fatale, Reese. She is intriguingly hardass, and it seems like she has an interesting backstory, particularly with regard to her deceased lover and how he got that way. It looks like the next book will focus on her and I am excited to see if she is paired with Rylan, Sloan or someone totally unexpected.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Berkley Publishing in exchange for an honest review. 3.5 stars / 4 flames. Full review posted at Bambi Unbridled.
While it's not absolutely necessary for you to read the first book of the series, Claimed, before this one... I encourage you to do so. In fact... I'm doing a giveaway for two copies of the first book on the blog (6/28/16-07/12/16), so don't forget to enter the rafflecopter! Reading the first book gives you a brief introduction to the various characters and futuristic, communistic society and post-apocalyptic landscape. In my last review, I introduced the wordly thusly:
After the last American war or uprising, a ruling council emerged from the survivors and instituted an extreme form of communism. Citizens were required to live in highly regulated cities where only council members and enforcers were allowed medical care. The philosophy of natural selection ruled when it came to injury and illness. Those that refused to live under that rule roamed outside the cities as outlaws and bandits. Bandits were baddies, robbing and killing people. Enforcers were also baddies, killing outlaws or forcing them back into the city. So our characters, the outlaws, are kinda the freedom fighters of this bleak future.As I said above, the paired couple for this installment is Lennox and Jamie. In the first book, Lennox and Jamie ran a sort of brothel or party house where Outlaws congregated for gratuitous sex, alcohol and camaraderie. However, at the outset of this story, Jamie and Lennox have moved to Connor's compound following a raid on their former house by Enforcers.
Lennox has secretly been in love with Jamie since they were teenagers, but he has striven hard to hold those feelings at bay for fear of losing their friendship. Through his inner monologue, we are seeing a lot of Lennox' jealousy and conflict with his feelings/desires for his best friend. Lennox is a good hero, and I liked getting inside his head. The turmoil that happened on the page helped to create an emotional connection to Lennox, and his personality drew me in even more. Lennox was flirty and caring, and just seemed like an all around good guy.
Jamie doesn't seem to have the same conflict as Lennox... she falls in love fast and often. At the moment, Jamie is love with playboy Rylan, who is down with getting naked and sweaty, but draws the line at any kind of commitment. While Jamie's pining for Rylan is obvious for everyone else to see, Rylan seems pretty oblivious... or at least ignores it. When a drunken night sees Jamie and Lennox in a semi-sexual encounter (with Bennett thrown in the mix), Jamie starts to look at her best bud differently and things jump off from there fairly quickly. As much as I liked Lennox, I didn't care for Jamie quite as much. She seemed a bit flighty with her love life... and I found her to be unreasonable at times.
The relationship between these two was hot and cold for a time. They made some assinine assumptions that drove me batty, but I can't deny that this book was just as steamy as Claimed. Elle Kennedy certainly does not shy away from the smut in her stories, to the point that they are a bit sex over substance. While the sexytimes were hot and plentiful, I would have liked a bit more action, character development and discussion of the post-apocalyptic society and landscape. They seem to drink a lot and go through a lot of condoms... but how do they keep getting access? There has been no production/manufacturing mentioned so I think the only access they have to these items is through raids. It seems like their supply should be at risk if this has been the status quo for decades. So my brain started ruminating on these things and taking my attention away from the smutty story.
One other thing that stood out to me in this story is that our heroine strikes the hero because he won't tell her something that she wants to know. I found this to be a major turnoff for me with Jamie's character. I am not a fan of the "hitting heroines" (outside of a sparring or legit fight scenario), and this has been a hot topic of conversation lately so my attention is drawn more to this situation when it happens. I believe the heroine in the first book did something similar... and it diminishes my respect for their characters. It's not okay for men to slap/hit/abuse women, and the same should be true in reverse.
The bulk of this story takes place at Foxworth, the compound run by femme fatale, Reese. She is intriguingly hardass, and it seems like she has an interesting backstory, particularly with regard to her deceased lover and how he got that way. It looks like the next book will focus on her and I am excited to see if she is paired with Rylan, Sloan or someone totally unexpected.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Berkley Publishing in exchange for an honest review. 3.5 stars / 4 flames. Full review posted at Bambi Unbridled.
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