Fuel The Fire: 3 (Calloway Sisters)

Book was damaged not happy with it.It’s disappointing

When this book came out I wasn’t sure I wanted to read it. I thought Kiss the Sky was an amazing enough book that said all that needed to be said about Connor and Rose but I couldn’t be further from the truth. This book is everything. There is maturity. There is exponential character growth. And oh my god, the family bonds and the friendships are stronger and deeper than they’ve ever been before, to the point where I was tearing up in the final quarter of the book as the story knocked me off my feet with heartfelt emotion. And the funny thing is, Fuel the Fire happens to be one of the longest books I’ve read this year yet it felt like it wasn’t long enough. As the book was ending, my only thought was why the story had to end. To me that’s a sure sign this book is a special one, where the story and characters stay with me long after I finish, making me yearn for more.Since the plot of this story is mostly based off of what happened in previous books, I won’t go into detail to avoid spoilers. What I can say is that this is the second book in Rose and Connor’s POV and concludes their part of the story in this entire Addicted series. This is Rose, Connor, and the rest of the gang in their mid-twenties, so their level of character maturity is well beyond what I’ve read about them in the first few books in this series. Rose and Connor have always been my favorite couple out of the Addicted gang and this book just reinforces that sentiment. They are quite literally the smartest characters I’ve ever read about, and when you put two brainiacs like them together you get a nerd powerhouse. Their banter – while witty and funny – also possesses a level of intelligence that showcases their bright minds and makes me wonder if I should laugh or stare at their words in awe. Probably both :D“The more you grin like I’m giving you a quickie in a disgusting public bathroom, the more my ovaries wither and die. So just think about all of our future children you’re annihilating, Richard.”“I’m so extraordinary that my mere grin can make you infertile?”And this:“When I was seventeen you said you wanted to perform an autopsy on me, to crack open my ribcage and squeeze my heart until it burst between your fingers. What is that – if not flirting?”“That was me hating you, Richard. I dreamed of your death.”“You dreamed of clutching my heart.”I just love the way their minds work! ;)Even with a stable, loving marriage, a beautiful daughter, and the best friends they could have, all is not well in Connor and Rose’s lives. They’re extremely influential icons in the Addicted world, thus being constantly monitored and exposed by the media takes a toll on them and their loved ones, so much it finally cracks the couple. Yes, there is drama but not the kind that’s normally done that involves social media. What I love is that no matter what goes on, Rose and Connor tackle their problems together. There is no pushing away or second guessing or character stupidity, and because they are so close to Lily & Loren, Ryke & Daisy, those four are also a big part of the story and seeing them all collaborate and support each other warms my heart. The friendship and family dynamic among all of them is intricate and can’t be explained in just a few words, but just by reading their interactions the love and respect they have for each other feels tangible. In a way it’s almost enviable. From the group, Rose and Connor – especially Connor – have always been the foundation the others could lean on. Nothing and nobody could shake them, except this time, the media has hit a sore spot so invasive that they falter.I think it’s because of how hard they’re hit that I felt so many emotions while I read, particularly in the last quarter of the book. It made me realize that even though Connor and Rose are fictional role models in their world, their ideals, morals, and beliefs are sentiments that carry over to the real world and are truths I draw my inspiration from.“I’m attracted to people.To the words they speak, to the actions they take, to their full-bodied mannerisms and soulful gaits. I am attracted to people. To impassioned hearts that beat out of sync, the ones that skip a measure, heard in hushed places and violent spaces – I am attracted to people.”Somehow the Ritchie twins not only delivered a story that enraptured me and entertained me, but also a story that spoke volumes about the society we live in today that’s colored with harsh judgment and biased stances. Rose and Connor’s struggles mirror what many of us go through ourselves and that adds a layer of depth to the book, something that makes them even more relatable and easy to connect with.It’s truly amazing that with this book marking the 8th installment in the entire Addicted series that the plot and characters still keep me engaged after all this time. I have to admit that not every single book in this series was a complete winner for me, but overall, it’s a NA series I won’t hesitate to recommend to other readers. Oh and one more thing! I don’t hide the fact that I’m not a fan of Ryke ever since he f-bombed his way through the series, but what I’ve read about his character (and Daisy’s too) in this story really changed the way I think about both of them. I’m looking forward to reading their story in Long Way Down. :)**SERIES READING ORDER**Because this series is a long one and can seem pretty intimidating to those that haven’t read any of the books I decided to do a reading order breakdown. There are a ton of ways to read this series but I’m only going to outline the full series order along with how I read these books. The first and best way is to just read all the books in the order they were published:#1 Addicted to You (Lily & Loren)#1.5 Ricochet (Lily & Loren) – note: this is a full length novel#2 Addicted for Now (Lily & Loren)Spinoff #1 Kiss the Sky (Rose & Connor)Spinoff #2 Hothouse Flower (Ryke & Daisy)#2.5 Thrive (Lily & Loren) – note: this is a full length novel#3 Addicted After All (final Lily & Loren book)Spinoff #3 Fuel the Fire (final Rose & Connor book)Spinoff #4 Long Way Down (final Ryke & Daisy book) – note: upcoming releaseThe way I read this series is a little different. I read #1, #1.5, #2, Kiss the Sky, and Hothouse Flower. I skipped Thrive and Addicted After All and went straight to Fuel the Fire. That is technically okay to do and I didn’t feel like I missed anything. You can choose to do that too but it is imperative to read Hothouse Flower if you decide to skip Thrive and AAA. Also keep in mind that there’ll be a time gap between the events of HF and FTF.

It's gonna be tough to review an amazing book without giving away the best parts of it; it's like trying to figure Connor out without seeing the deepest parts of him. The best reads are the ones I'd tell you to go in blind and experience them for yourselves but regardless, I'll try my best to give this book the justice it deserves although I know there will never be enough words to express the beauty that is this read.So you know you've read a great book when it leaves a huge smile on your face or when it consumes you once you put it down. But you know you've read an epic one when you've walked out of the read feeling like you've been shot through the chest multiple times by a platoon of emotions and part of you will never feel the same again thereafter. This is it.When the Ritchie twins said this was one of the toughest books they've written especially when it involves two of the (literally) smartest characters in the book universe, they probably didn't realize that they have undoubtedly written their absolute BEST work to date. If you think Kiss the Sky was your most favorite one in the series, then you won't know what's about to hit you with Fuel the Fire.Fuel the Fire, although similarly to Kiss The Sky where it centers around Connor & Rose, will be elevated onto a whole new level as the stakes will be higher now with their loved ones on the line. It's going to be an intense ride as buried pasts will resurface and with enemies lurking in the shadows just waiting to tear everyone apart. Rose & Connor has always been the more mature pair, the responsible duo and the ones that believe that they can fix anything. But when a secret threatens everything they've fight so hard for, will their brilliance and love be enough to withstand it all?--------------------Without giving too much away, I'll just say that FtF will shed a lot of light on Connor and he will in fact, be pushed to limits like never before. What we've gotten from the entire series so far is merely the tip of the iceberg; you know Connor as the narcissistic, conceited smartass who's at equal with Rose, the only woman he's ever capable of loving. The notion of emotions is what Connor deemed as a weakness in the human nature, he is a man of control and above all, he will always win. But times have changed and with more at stake, for the first time ever...Connor actually cracks under the pressure.What makes this read stands out from the entire series is how fantastic the dynamics of Rose & Connor have evolved since KtS; their fierce loyalty to each other is ever present but there's just so much more depth to their relationship that us readers have yet to see. Both of them are complex characters on their own, they're manic in their own ways but in this and every alternate universe, they're perfect for each other. They'd go through Hell and back if it means protecting the ones they loved most.Their love is unique in ways people cannot even begin to comprehend because it cannot be seen; it can only be felt through the power of the words that they utter to each other in private. Every word counts, every exchange between them have weight and every scene between them gives the story more depth. It was just the most beautiful kind of love to witness.-------------------Double the banters, double the intensity, double the sexiness and most of all, quadruple the emotions. This one has completely blew all the other books out of the water and left a mighty wake of destruction behind. And by that, I meant my heart was completely wrecked and destroyed single-handedly by a read so powerful that had me sobbing into my pillow at night and crying silently in the back of my parents' car. The twins had the ability to channel such strong emotions through their writing that tore me apart and later rebuild me up again.I say this with so much certainty: Krista & Becca are forces to be reckoned with and even after putting out 8 books in this series, they keep setting the bar higher with each one. Their writing is just one-of-a-kind that makes you believe that these fictional characters are your real-life friends. You feel the pain, the love, the joy; their highest of highs and their lowest of lows. In each book, it's never just one couple that you read about but it's the entire gang and each individual relationship is so unique that when it's all pieced together, it gives birth to a magnificent universe.There is just no other NA series that can come close to the Addicted series and with each read, I fall in love with the characters harder than before. It encompasses more than just a love story between a couple but there's family, friends, siblings and much more. Throughout the series, the twins constantly tackled some heavy and sensitive issues brilliantly instead of just sweeping them under the rug and that's really something to be commended for.If you had to ask me to choose one NA series that I would recommend to you in this lifetime, I'd choose the Addicted series in a heartbeat. From amazing character dynamics to undoubtedly talented writing, the Ritchie twins continue to outdo themselves with each instalment. I find myself completely immersed in this world they've built and wishing that I could spend an eternity with these characters. Just absolute perfection & easily a top read of 2015 for me, I simply cannot recommend this series enough!

As if this book could be anything less than perfect. My favorite author duo has done it again (not surprisingly) and have reminded me why I love reading so much. This entire series is why I love to read. And why I'll never stop.Krista and Becca Ritchie are two authors I found last year and have read and loved every single book they've written.Every book is uniquely beautiful, filled with heart-stopping moments, laughs, and amazing character development. Each character feels so real; at this point, these characters are my friends and I desperately despise that I can jump into this book and be a part of their group. Add in some of the best writing I've read in a while, and you've got a hit for me. I don't know what it is about their writing but I just love it so much. I connect instantly with each book, I'mnever bored and I never want the books to end. And for me this is a big thing because I have so many other things going on in my life so when I can find a book (let alone a series) that makes me forget everything else going on and has my attention from start to finish, I know I have a keeper.Rose Cobalt is one of my favorite heroines EVER. I love her and connect with her character so much. She's so independent, strong and doesn't let anyone tell her who she is or what she can do. She is everything I strive to be like. And this book was no different. She is just as flawless as before except now we get to see her continue to grow and be more confident in who she is. I know that some people don't understand how Rose can be so cold and see her actions as being mean to Connor but it's exactly why I love her. I don't see her as being mean to him but rather reminded Connor that the world doesn't revolve around him. Plus their little heated convos are like foreplay for them and it's always fun to see Rose get riled up over Connor's comments.Connor Cobalt is unlike any character I've ever read before. He is a narcissist who appears to be better and more knowing than everyone else. But even god-like people have a weakness and in this book we get to learn more about who Connor is and how he became who he is today. He goes through the most character development in this book and I think it's for the better. Connor will always be seen as an untouchable character in my eyes and through every hurdle he's had to jump to protect his friends and family, no matter the outcome, I've grown to love and respect him even more. His love for Rose and Jane have no bounds and even though love feels like a foreign concept to Connor, Rose has made him open his heart and accept these human feelings for what they are.Oh and in case if you're wondering about the sex: it is HOT. And very much Rose and Connor's "Missionary with a few altercations". I love, love, love how sexy their sex lives are and that they own up to their preferences. I love how the sex scenes never felt unnecessary or just there to add some spice. Each scene was important and showed us another part of these characters.Getting to be with the group again and seeing that dynamic they have is one of my favorite parts of these books. Even though it's not Raisy or Lilo's book, we still get to check in with them and they are very much a important part of this book. Lily and Lo scenes made me a little misty-eyed because of how much they've grown and how strong they are now. And Raisy scenes just made me more anxious for their book. They are the most private out of the group and there's so much going on behind the scenes that we don't get that I know we'll find out more about in Long Way Down.Throughout this book we get to see Rose and Connor work together as a team and while things are not easy for them, I love how they never once lose faith in each other and never doubt that it's all worth it. Even though it kills me that this will be the last book in their POV, I'm thoroughly satisfied with how things end. I will always want more of them but I will satisfy myself with rereading their books over and over. Fan of the series will love this book and if you haven't read this series yet I honestly don't know what you're waiting for. Start from the beginning with Addicted to You and enjoy the ride!

I had high expectations for this book, especially since it was the latest addition to an already amazing series. If you haven't already heard on the grapevine, this series is one of the best New Adult books out there. Heartfelt emotion, phenomenonal character development, a series that is as much about family as it is about love and life, and of course, the kind of palpable chemistry that makes your head spin.Fuel the Fire is the third book in the Calloway Sisters Series, which is a spin-off of the Addicted Series, although you can choose to only read the Calloway books. As such, it is vital that you read the first two books in this series, Kiss the Sky and Hothouse Flower before embarking on this one.This book focuses on Rose and Connor Cobalt, or as I like to think of them, the king and queen of the Addicted gang (the central characters in the Addicted universe). They're both incredibly intelligent, loyal, and supportive. They are the backbone that holds the Addicted characters together with their combined intellect and protectiveness. The ones to turn to in a crisis, until they themselves are faced with one. This book deals with the king and queen, the leaders, as they tackle a challenge that will test even their limits.Now as for my thoughts toward this book, it is impossible to articulate exactly how wonderfully and irrevocably I love this book, but I will endeavor to do so.What did I love about this book? It was more a question of what I didn't like about this book. Which is an impossible question because I loved everything about it. The romance that makes your heart swell and toes curl, the banter of two people who orbit around each other, both the highs and lows of family, and the type of emotional moments that bring out the tears in any soul.One thing that I admire the most about the Addicted/Calloway Sisters Series is how the impact of media is shown, especially social media. The truly hurtful and negative shadow that it can bring on people, its power to destroy and attack, and also the illuminating part of it. It is like real life, when things can never be erased once they spread on the Internet.What is also marvelous about this book is family. The complexity of emotions that surround broken relationships, when lines can be crossed for the sake of family. This book never flinches away from the hard truths, no matter how heart-wrenching they can be.Fuel the Fire deals with certain issues that have been lurking under the surface in the other books in the Addicted universe, which are sexuality and depression. While I have to admit that there are few books out there that handle the slippery idea of sexuality, the Ritchie sisters managed to capture it realistically, bringing to light the complexity of it and how labels never fit everyone. Part of what made this book a heart wringer was this issue and how the world perceives this. In addition, the issue of depression is handled in a thoughtful and realistic manner. It was hard-hitting for this girl. I don't want to quite spoil it for you, but I will say that I cried in a rather embarrassing manner while reading the scenes that revolved around these two issues.As is always the case with the Addicted books, at the heart of this is the truly loving and supportive family and friends that are bonded with the shared ordeals and struggles that they have faced and of course, the beautiful and romantic love between the two main characters."Because we all have the capacity to love, no matter what form or shape it may come in."Rose and Connor are two souls who are a match made in heaven, and this book leaves you with the impact of their love in your heart for days, weeks, months... an eternity."How do you measure love?Is it by the things we're willing to do? By the sacrifices we're willing to make?"One last side note about this book which is a personal charm for me. There are two characters, who are side characters in this series but hold a rather special part of my heart. It gave me visceral pleasure, the kind that makes me smile like a cheesy idiot, to see them mentioned and read about their interactions. In case you haven't read the other books, I won't spoil the names of these two, but they are maddeningly adorable, if you must know.Now I am off to curl up in a corner and pretend the world doesn't exist because this book brings back every emotion I have towards these lovely characters who have consumed a large area of my heart.

4.5 #RCC This is love #NerdStars!⋮ “How do you measure love? Is it by the things we’re willing to do? By the sacrifices we’re willing to make?”The writing in this book was, as always, phenomenal. The twins insight into life once again, astounds. Their characters, dynamic, the plot, well-developed thereby giving us another compelling read!Protect your family. At all costs. The theme of this book. Rose and Connor face seemingly impossible odds as they do any and everything necessary to Protect their family. At all costs. As life-changing secrets are revealed and with Scott Van Wright back in the picture, this dynamic duo come together like the powerhouse they are and champion the fight… to Protect your family. At all costs. The unending support and love these characters show one another and for their family was beautifully written. The last quarter of the book had me in constant tears. This is another gift these two authors have, they make you FEEL what their characters feel. They also make you THINK.⋮ “We can’t protect our children from every evil in the world, but what we can do is protect them from a specific group of people.”There were four specific scenes that stood out to me while reading and three “relationships” that made my heart swell with such emotion that I was unable to fight the tears. The scenes; Rose and Frederick’s talk, Lo, Ryke and Rose making pizza, Rose and Connor by the fire and the epic Epilogue. These scenes captured such depth of emotion and vulnerability from these characters that I genuinely forgot I was reading. I was so caught up in those scenes I lost track of everything around me, time slipped away and I became entranced.Rose and Connor’s relationship with Jane was beyond words. The way the Ritchie sisters wrote about parenthood was incredibly insightful! This is my Goodreads update:48.0% “What an absolutely perfect representation of having a child, the fears, the love, the doubt… beautifully written and spot on.”I am in awe how they captured the feelings of first time parents, of the fears, trepidation and over-whelming love.⋮ “I was afraid to raise a boy. Some days I was afraid to raise a daughter. Mostly, I was afraid to raise anything at all. When I held her for the very first time, when my fingers touched hers and hers closed around mine, as though recognizing who I was-every anxiety I harbored began to fade.”The relationship between the sisters. They have grown so close and are maturing individually. The transformation from the first book, Addicted to You to this one, is genius! Bravo to the authors!⋮ “We’re the Calloway sisters,” We can do anything, right?”But, of course, saving the best for last is the OTP, the epic love of a life time, my favorite couple of the series, Connor and Rose. Krista and Becca brilliantly explore each Rose and Connor in-depth. We learn so much more about what makes them tick, what makes them vulnerable, who and why they love. Why they hide behind the masks they wear and who they choose to show their true selves and why! These authors tackle some societal issues and I think they did so tactfully, all the while allowing each character to remain solid, never wavering from who they were.But it was Rose’s strength that pulls Connor through and Connor’s love that reinforces Rose’s strength that brought me to my knees. Keeping her chin up and shoulder’s back Rose was the unwavering supporter for her husband. There is and will never be anything or anyone who will stand in their way. And she will never let anyone hurt Connor, not even Connor himself.“You should never hate the better version of you, the one that loves, the one that hurts-because this man in front of me is extraordinary.”Connor’s character is written with such a fierce love that there is never any doubt that he will have your back if you are on the receiving end of it. And Rose is the lucky woman who has his ultimate love. Connor has studied her most of his life and lives for her.⋮ “So long as I may be living, I live with you.” “Forever is not nearly long enough.”As I sit and write this review, I cannot think of another fictional couple with a love like theirs. One built on trust, respect and friendship. There is no drama between the two that tears them a part for a time. The drama is from the outside and they always stand as a united front and face the world together. I love these characters and their story.My song for Connor and Rose: "Close Your Eyes" by Michael Buble'