Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Addiction

AUTHOR: Roberta Blablanski

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 145 pages

RELEASE DATE: August 16, 2019

BLURB:

Addiction can destroy your life. But if you destroy addiction, can you get your life back?

At twenty-eight, Owen Fredrikson is homeless, unemployed, and grappling with drug addiction. Before he let drugs take over his life, he had a pretty sweet job working the front desk of a fancy hotel, his boss was his best friend, and he had a loving fiancé.

After three years together, thirty-three-year-old middle school math teacher Dex Atterbury could no longer ignore Owen’s demons. Dex made the tough decision to part ways, leaving Owen destitute and Dex heartbroken.

When tragedy befalls Owen and Dex is called to his side, Owen has some tough decisions to make. Both men must determine how far they are willing to go to rebuild the life they once shared.

Can Owen conquer his addiction while facing his demons? And can Dex open his heart and trust Owen again?

Content Warnings:

Depictions of drug addiction, drug use and abuse, and drug withdrawal

Scenes of violence 

REVIEW:

First and foremost, please be aware of the content warnings in the blurb. They are no joke. This is another one of those hard stories that pulls no punches, and I have to commend the author on it. Unless you have been an addict or dealt with someone who is an addict, it’s hard to know what someone is going through or putting others through. Granted, this has a happy ending, but remember in life, there aren’t always happy endings. And it could have turned a lot different in this book as well. Be aware of those around you and if you are or have deal with addiction, know there are people who are there for you. And sometimes you have to let things go.

Owen and Dex both, were conned into doing this speed dating thing. Owen, by his friend and coworker/boss. Dex, by his brother who wants him to get out more. Neither wanted to do it, but when it came to them meeting up, sparks were there and they ended up leaving with each other. A few years later, though, and things came crashing to a halt. Owen was using, after getting hooked from breaking his ankle. He’s been lying and the last straw was stealing from his own wedding fund. Dex couldn’t take anymore and left. And his friend had to fire him from his job. He’s hit rock bottom, trying to get a fix. But what he didn’t count on was a cop that was trying to save him. And ended up being the one to save him, literally. Now Owen, while in the hospital, has a decision to make. Finally get the help he needs or continue on the crappy road he’s on, getting beaten, stealing for drugs, and losing everyone and all he has.

Addiction of any kind often leads to very bad things, if not caught in time. And even if caught in time, it can still have some damage. Lying, stealing, pushing others away, anger, shakes, all kinds of stuff. It not only hurts the addict, but the people who love them. And that was the case here. Dex was his fiance for Pete’s sake. He didn’t want to give Owen up, didn’t want to lose him. But he did all he could do to try to help. Even going to NA meetings himself. But if the addict doesn’t want help, then there’s nothing that can be done. And to get better, an addict has to get better for themselves. Not someone else, or it usually doesn’t work. So while it was a tear jerking story and rough, it was a damn good story. The author showed exactly how life can be. And if the addict, in this case, Owen, does what he needs to do for himself, then things can gradually get better. There’s no miracle cure for addicts. Owen was scared when faced with being in any relationship again that he may fail and those who love him had to accept that too. But in order to move forward, you have to let go and trust in the people around you and yourself, that you will get the help you need and stick with the help you have. It’s vital.

RATING:

BUY LINK: 

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