Ricochet (Addicted #2) by Krista Ritchie, Becca Ritchie – realistic new adult contemporary romance

Ricochet is an emotive, raw, and realistic new adult contemporary romance with a compelling plot and richly developed characters.

Previous Book in Series –

Addicted to You (Book 1)

Synopsis

As a sex addict, Lily Calloway must do the impossible. Stay celibate for 90 days.

Cravings and fantasies become her new routine, but while Loren Hale recovers from his alcohol addiction, Lily wonders if he’ll realize what a monster she really is. After all, her sexual compulsions begin to rule her life the longer she stays faithful to him.

Progress. That’s what Lily’s striving for. But by trying to become closer to her family—people who aren’t aware of her addiction—she creates larger obstacles. When she spends time with her youngest sister, she learns more about her than she ever imagined and senses an unsettling connection between Daisy and Ryke Meadows.

With Lily and Lo’s dysfunctional relationship teetering and unbalanced, they will need to find a way to reconnect from miles apart. But the inability to “touch” proves to be one of the hardest tests on their road to recovery. Some love brushes the surface. Some love is deeper than skin.

Lily and Lo have three months to discover just how deep their love really goes.

Review

Ricochet is emotional and introspective journey, focusing on Lily’s struggles with addiction and self-worth as she navigates life without Lo that starts right after the end of the Addicted To You and should be read in order.

When I really think about Addicted to You, I could see how both characters were battered by their addictions, evolving from codependent friends to lovers. While Lo’s addiction was explored in more depth, making it easier to understand, Lily’s struggles initially felt less clear. However, this book provides the answers, shedding light on the roots of her addiction and offering a deeper understanding of her journey.

I appreciated the format of this story, structured by months—December, January, and February—marking the three months Lo spends in rehab. During this time, Lo must earn his freedom to reconnect with others, leaving Lily to navigate life without him.

Throughout the book, we witness Lily grappling with her sex addiction while struggling to live without Lo. She faces temptations and challenges, especially being around the opposite sex. Without Lo’s presence, Lily’s vulnerabilities and insecurities hit her hard.

Her family’s involvement adds complexity to the narrative. I didn’t like their attempts to distract her from Lo. Comments suggesting Lo might not want Lily after rehab exacerbate her insecurities. I disliked her mother intensely—her belittling remarks and toxic mindset, particularly the idea that her daughters have no value without a man, were infuriating. The heated argument between Rose and their mother was a highlight, showcasing their dysfunctional family dynamic. I found myself rooting for Rose during that confrontation.

Rose, Connor, and Ryke are the only ones who truly understand Lily’s struggles. I enjoyed learning more about Rose and Daisy, and the subtle chemistry between Daisy and Ryke hints at something that might be explored in the next book. The small group of close-knit support Lily receives, particularly Rose’s dedication, was heartwarming.

With Lo absent, most of the intimate scenes are drawn from Lily’s fantasies or past memories, adding an introspective layer to her journey. Lily’s determination is commendable; she not only restrains herself but also focuses on wanting a future with Lo. The therapy sessions stood out as a compelling part of the story. They offered deeper insight into Lily’s addiction and the experiences that shaped her.

Through these sessions, we learn more about her past and the events that led her to seek solace in sex. This understanding made me empathize with her struggles and root for her recovery. It was heartbreaking to see how her mother’s insecurities and controlling tendencies affected Lily and her sisters.

I admired how Lily met all the conditions and goals set by her friends, therapist, and Lo. Her inability to recognize her own achievements until her therapist pointed them out highlights how undervalued she’s felt throughout her life and the lack of self-belief she struggles with.

Despite her challenges, Lily’s resilience and growth make her story both heartbreaking and inspiring. Her journey is far from over, with more obstacles ahead as she works to overcome her addiction, and I’m eagerly looking forward to seeing her progress in the next book.

Overall, Ricochet is an emotive, raw, and realistic new adult contemporary romance with a compelling plot and richly developed characters.

What to expect-

Deep Dive into Addiction
Raw Emotional Intensity
Therapy Sessions
Family Drama
Strong Support System
Romantic Tension
Themes of Resilience, Determination, Self-Worth

My Favorite Lines

“We started a fake relationship. We ended it. We dated. We loved. And then we separated. Pain, happiness, joy and hurt ricochet from each path taken and from each memory uncovered.“

“I don’t need you,” she repeats, her voice breaking.
“You’re right,” he says softly. “You don’t need a man, Rose.”
He pauses and I barely hear him whisper, “But you do need me.”

“You want to know how many times a day I question why I’m with you?”
“Five times.”
“A hundred.”
“If you told me you were going to exaggerate, I would have picked that, but I thought we were being realistic here, hun.”

“I think we’re all old enough to feel the scars of our upbringing. Now we just have to find a way to heal.”

“Rose, the longer you control a man, the more likely they’ll leave you. Is that what you want? To be alone and miserable for the rest of your life?”
“I don’t know. You’re pretty miserable, Mother, and you’re married.”

Book Links

Goodreads | Amazon.in | Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk

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