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Deadly Medicine #2
Hooked
After being kidnapped, Dr. Jessica Benson suffers from a case of post traumatic stress disorder that can’t be good for her drug habit. But how can she get the help she needs without risking her medical license? And why does she keep thinking about the sexy detective assigned to her case? Confirmed bachelorette Detective Mac Calabrese can’t help the attraction she feels for her star witness, but she’s professional enough to fight the attraction. Teaching Jess self-defense draws them closer, but can the clean-cut Mac handle Jess’s past history of drug abuse? And will the homicidal drug dealer Derek Knight put an end to their love before it even begins?
240 pages, Paperback
First published September 13, 2016
8 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Jaime Maddox
12 books24 followersJaime Maddox grew up on the banks of the Susquehanna River in Northeastern Pennsylvania. As the baby in a family of many children, she was part adored and part ignored, forcing her to find creative ways to fill her time. Her childhood was idyllic, spent hiking, rafting, biking, climbing, and otherwise skinning knees and knuckles. Reading and writing became passions. Although she left home for a brief stint in the big cities of Philadelphia, PA, and Newark, NJ, as soon as she acquired the required paperwork—a medical degree and residency certificate—she came running back.
She fills her hours with a bustling medical practice, two precocious sons, a disobedient dog, and an extraordinary woman who helps her to keep it all together. In her abundant spare time, she reads, writes, twists her body into punishing yoga poses, and whacks golf balls deep into forests. She detests airplanes, snakes, and people who aren’t nice. Her loves are the foods of the world, Broadway musicals, traveling, sandy beaches, massages and pedicures, and the Philadelphia Phillies. (from the publisher's website)
She fills her hours with a bustling medical practice, two precocious sons, a disobedient dog, and an extraordinary woman who helps her to keep it all together. In her abundant spare time, she reads, writes, twists her body into punishing yoga poses, and whacks golf balls deep into forests. She detests airplanes, snakes, and people who aren’t nice. Her loves are the foods of the world, Broadway musicals, traveling, sandy beaches, massages and pedicures, and the Philadelphia Phillies. (from the publisher's website)
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 3, 2019
'NetGalley ARC provided by The Publisher in exchange for an unbiased review'
**'The job of the writer is not to supply the idea,it is to find the ideas...If a writer is true to their characters they will give them their plot.Observations,must play second fiddle to integrity..'
Welp!
Too challenging and a painful book/story to read; it had so much potential only because of certain aspects during its storytelling-- but i got caught struggling with everything and just skipped through as many pages & chapters to get whatever all my answers to this story. Even the plotline appear to be bland,dense and had no depth plus what can i add about the writing style but it was just okay -- way too much back & forth with the mystery then the somewhat drug addiction storyline (confusing).
**'The job of the writer is not to supply the idea,it is to find the ideas...If a writer is true to their characters they will give them their plot.Observations,must play second fiddle to integrity..'
Welp!
Too challenging and a painful book/story to read; it had so much potential only because of certain aspects during its storytelling-- but i got caught struggling with everything and just skipped through as many pages & chapters to get whatever all my answers to this story. Even the plotline appear to be bland,dense and had no depth plus what can i add about the writing style but it was just okay -- way too much back & forth with the mystery then the somewhat drug addiction storyline (confusing).
August 31, 2016
Not as good as Deadly Medicine, but still a decent read. The story picks up right after Jessica was kidnapped. She is experiencing PTSD and an addiction to painkillers. While Jessica attempts to get her life together, she can't help but take notice of Mac, the Detective, assigned to her case. Will they stand a chance at happiness, or will Jess' addiction prevent it.
Maddox had a tough job with this book, which was to make Jess likeable. Or at least to have the readers feel for her, after she was pretty awful in Deadly medicine. I do think Maddox did a pretty good job at that. I didn't really like Jessica, but I wanted her to succeed. Most of the book was about Jess attempting to defeat her addiction. I think Maddox did well with that issue, but not as much with the PTSD. We did see Jess take self defense classes, so maybe that was enough to cure her? It just seemed that the PTSD was a bit forgotten.
One of the problems I did have with the book was the relationship between Jess and Mac. Unfortunately, it just felt a little flat. I couldn't see or feel the connection. I was hoping to feel the relationship between them, like I did with Ward and Abbey in book 1.
Besides following the storyline of Jess, we were in the head-space of a murdering, robbing, drug dealer, Derek. I didn't really care for this part of the story. Jess had just been through a serial killer, she could have done with out a "bad guy" adding to everything else going on.
I did like that this book dealt with some of the aftermath of the serial killer. Including the kidnapping trial and looking for clues to his murders. This book really tied up all the loose ends from Deadly Medicine, and for that I am thankful.
I can easily recommend Deadly Medicine, and if you enjoyed that book, you should read this one to.
An ARC was given to me from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books, for a honest review.
Maddox had a tough job with this book, which was to make Jess likeable. Or at least to have the readers feel for her, after she was pretty awful in Deadly medicine. I do think Maddox did a pretty good job at that. I didn't really like Jessica, but I wanted her to succeed. Most of the book was about Jess attempting to defeat her addiction. I think Maddox did well with that issue, but not as much with the PTSD. We did see Jess take self defense classes, so maybe that was enough to cure her? It just seemed that the PTSD was a bit forgotten.
One of the problems I did have with the book was the relationship between Jess and Mac. Unfortunately, it just felt a little flat. I couldn't see or feel the connection. I was hoping to feel the relationship between them, like I did with Ward and Abbey in book 1.
Besides following the storyline of Jess, we were in the head-space of a murdering, robbing, drug dealer, Derek. I didn't really care for this part of the story. Jess had just been through a serial killer, she could have done with out a "bad guy" adding to everything else going on.
I did like that this book dealt with some of the aftermath of the serial killer. Including the kidnapping trial and looking for clues to his murders. This book really tied up all the loose ends from Deadly Medicine, and for that I am thankful.
I can easily recommend Deadly Medicine, and if you enjoyed that book, you should read this one to.
An ARC was given to me from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books, for a honest review.
August 29, 2016
I was super intrigued when I read that Jaime Maddox was going to write a story about Dr. Jessica Benson. She was an important character in Deadly, and quite frankly came across as a giant jackass. I wanted to see how the author would bring this character some redemption.
First, you really want to read Deadly Medicine before you take a go at this one. Do you have to? Well no, who am I to tell you to follow the rules, but I would recommend it.
If you remember Jessica is Ward’s ex, who basically trampled her heart, cast her out like a stone, all the while popping OxyContin and Xanax like tic-tac’s. She was a hot mess before being held hostage by the psycho serial killer doctor from Lucifer’s lair, and now it has gotten even worse. So Jessica decides to take treatment for her PTSD and drug addiction, before life spins even further out of control.
Enter Mac Calabrese as Jessica’s love interest in this novel. Mac is your all around dashing, do-gooder detective for the Pennsylvania State Police. One-hundred percent committed to her job, never meeting anyone who interested her more than catching bad-guys. Mac meets Jessica as she tries to put the pieces together of the Edward Hawk case.
Do sparks fly? Well kind of. Jessica is going through such a huge transition in her life after completing her stay at a rehabilitation center and getting sober, but she doesn’t really know what to do with her attraction to Mac. Mac being the good gal knows that Jessica is totally off-limits while the Hawk investigation is open. Really, you would have hoped for more tension during these trying times, and it’s there, it’s just not tense enough, in my opinion. Plus there are these other sub-plots going, which to be honest were super unnecessary and trivial.
I will say I enjoyed this book. I absolutely did not like this character coming out of Deadly Medicine and surprise she is redeemed. This is a solid book that will entertain you for its duration. 3.75 stars
First, you really want to read Deadly Medicine before you take a go at this one. Do you have to? Well no, who am I to tell you to follow the rules, but I would recommend it.
If you remember Jessica is Ward’s ex, who basically trampled her heart, cast her out like a stone, all the while popping OxyContin and Xanax like tic-tac’s. She was a hot mess before being held hostage by the psycho serial killer doctor from Lucifer’s lair, and now it has gotten even worse. So Jessica decides to take treatment for her PTSD and drug addiction, before life spins even further out of control.
Enter Mac Calabrese as Jessica’s love interest in this novel. Mac is your all around dashing, do-gooder detective for the Pennsylvania State Police. One-hundred percent committed to her job, never meeting anyone who interested her more than catching bad-guys. Mac meets Jessica as she tries to put the pieces together of the Edward Hawk case.
Do sparks fly? Well kind of. Jessica is going through such a huge transition in her life after completing her stay at a rehabilitation center and getting sober, but she doesn’t really know what to do with her attraction to Mac. Mac being the good gal knows that Jessica is totally off-limits while the Hawk investigation is open. Really, you would have hoped for more tension during these trying times, and it’s there, it’s just not tense enough, in my opinion. Plus there are these other sub-plots going, which to be honest were super unnecessary and trivial.
I will say I enjoyed this book. I absolutely did not like this character coming out of Deadly Medicine and surprise she is redeemed. This is a solid book that will entertain you for its duration. 3.75 stars
October 29, 2016
When I first read the Synopsis of this book I was quite excited and then first chapter in I realised it was the second book in the serious. I then downloaded the first book Deadly Medicine which I wasn't a big fan of but sometimes the second book can lift the first one from the ashes. Unfortunately for me this didn't happen. I felt the book was a little disjointed and a few times I was unsure what was happening.
I didn't really like the characters. If anything I was hoping the characters from the first book would have made more of a appearance just to get more depth from their story.
Unfortunately I don't think I'll be continuing with the series at this point.
2 stars
*i received this eBook from Netgallery in exchange for honest review
I didn't really like the characters. If anything I was hoping the characters from the first book would have made more of a appearance just to get more depth from their story.
Unfortunately I don't think I'll be continuing with the series at this point.
2 stars
*i received this eBook from Netgallery in exchange for honest review
August 9, 2016
Not sure why it's not stated anywhere but this book is a direct sequel to the excellent medical thriller Deadly Medicine. It picks up the story literally the day after the harrowing events of that book.
A note of warning about spoilers: Anyone who intends to read Deadly Medicine should ideally stop reading the rest of this review, as well as the blurb of Hooked, because they contain major spoilers to the first book. Also, avoid the 2nd paragraph of the blurb of Deadly Medicine as well, as it reveals too many plot points that ruin the book's thriller aspect.
Do readers need to read Deadly Medicine before this book? Story-wise, no, because they'll get a gist of the events that transpired in the first book. BUT, because the main premise of 'Hooked' is Dr. Jess Benson's PTSD and addiction to painkillers as a result of past trauma, they'll get a much better understanding of her condition if they read about it first hand which all happened in the previous book. Plus, Deadly Medicine was an excellent combination of a spine-chilling thriller and a sweet romance (yes, that's entirely possible!) so I highly recommend that readers start with that.
Dr. Jess Benson is head of the ER department at Garden Memorial. Outwardly and at work, she is the epitome of control and efficiency. But inside, she is a mess. She is addicted to painkillers. Oxycodone. Xanax. Percocet. Vicodin. You name it, she's tried it. And she can't make her body stop wanting it.
Jess moved back home from Philly to escape the stresses of big city life and the attention of friends. The isolation up in the mountains of Pennsylvania is just what she needs to avoid the risk of discovery. She just didn't count on the run-in with that nasty serial killer. Now she even has to contend with PTSD. She knows she's nearing her breaking point and thus needs professional help. But can she take the risk of losing her medical license in the process?
This book has such tremendous potential going for it. An engrossing and topical premise. A highly conflicted lead character. A solid pairing. Illegal drug and medicare fraud schemes. In other words, all the ingredients for another very entertaining read. But, it never approaches the level of the first book in terms of thrills, feels or plotting. The best thing about the book is that it's a really realistic portrayal of a high-functioning addict. But realism doesn't always translate to reading pleasure. The other plot elements achieve varying degrees of success, but the biggest failure, imho, is the crime/thriller part. For fans of the first book, this will be the biggest disappointment.
Fair warning: Possible plot spoilers not hidden by tags
Let's start with the lead character Jess. She's one of those rare antagonist-turned-protagonist leads that could have provided much angst and drama for the story. Flawed but earnest. Guilty but trying to get better and make amends. All of that is there. The beautiful and poignant cover even implies that she's an out-of-control junkie, Some of that is due to the author's tendency to 'tell' rather than show. Her clinical rather than emotional prose, which worked wonders for the first book, felt inadequate in telling Jess' inward struggle. Other readers' mileage may vary, but I didn't experience any emotional highs or lows while I went through Jess' journey. This is best illustrated in one particular scene, where Jess spent an hour trying to revive a patient That's Jess, basically. And the rest of the book as well.
The other lead character Mac is your standard lesfic butch, married to the job with no time for love or relationships. That pretty much sums up her characterization. She's really just there to complete the pairing and to give Jess some external inspiration to get clean. I would have preferred that . In the first book, the interactions between the two romantic leads (and other supporting characters) were lively, witty and lent a nice, cheerful balance to the dark undertones of the murder plot. Here, the author was severely hamstrung by two naturally stiff and unemotional main characters. And their interactions suffered. On issues of plot, Mac's job and competency are pretty much wasted in the book. Even though the book opens with a seemingly sensational case, Wouldn't it be more fun to tie in that accident with the fraud schemes, to have Jess be mixed up in all of that and have Mac be breathing down her neck with an investigation instead of just breathing down her neck...physically? ;)
Neither was there any significant or mildly interesting side characters around to help perk up the proceedings. All we got was an average, nondescript, small-time crook who inexplicably graduates to big time bad-assery, without any rhyme or reason. . I wouldn't have minded if the book hadn't spent so much time on this character. He simply didn't deserve all that attention. Just another lazy, sleazy wheeler-dealer, who preys on vulnerable though not quite innocent users. I found myself skimming his chapters and his POV because they don't seem to contribute much to the plot. I mean, why spend so much time building up and fleshing out your villain and then This was so unlike the first book, where, in return for being made to sit thru the villians' POV, the reader was amply rewarded with one of the most scary and chillingly sinister characters in lesfic. Throughout the book, I couldn't help but secretly wish he'd find a way to break out of jail and wreak more havoc on our ladies here in the second book. Or maybe the new vanilla villain would hook up with him, learn a few tricks from the master, and wreak some proxy mayhem on the unsuspecting public. :)
Basically, pick this up if you've read Deadly Medicine, and want to know what happens to Dr. Jess Benson, but lower your expectations for the crime/thriller. There was lots of crime, all right. But there wasn't much of a thriller. Unless, you consider a few pages of action such. But, if you haven't read the first book Deadly Medicine, I highly recommend it for some real chills and thrills, and a bit of romance.
3.65 stars
ARC from Netgalley and BSB
A note of warning about spoilers: Anyone who intends to read Deadly Medicine should ideally stop reading the rest of this review, as well as the blurb of Hooked, because they contain major spoilers to the first book. Also, avoid the 2nd paragraph of the blurb of Deadly Medicine as well, as it reveals too many plot points that ruin the book's thriller aspect.
Do readers need to read Deadly Medicine before this book? Story-wise, no, because they'll get a gist of the events that transpired in the first book. BUT, because the main premise of 'Hooked' is Dr. Jess Benson's PTSD and addiction to painkillers as a result of past trauma, they'll get a much better understanding of her condition if they read about it first hand which all happened in the previous book. Plus, Deadly Medicine was an excellent combination of a spine-chilling thriller and a sweet romance (yes, that's entirely possible!) so I highly recommend that readers start with that.
Dr. Jess Benson is head of the ER department at Garden Memorial. Outwardly and at work, she is the epitome of control and efficiency. But inside, she is a mess. She is addicted to painkillers. Oxycodone. Xanax. Percocet. Vicodin. You name it, she's tried it. And she can't make her body stop wanting it.
Jess moved back home from Philly to escape the stresses of big city life and the attention of friends. The isolation up in the mountains of Pennsylvania is just what she needs to avoid the risk of discovery. She just didn't count on the run-in with that nasty serial killer. Now she even has to contend with PTSD. She knows she's nearing her breaking point and thus needs professional help. But can she take the risk of losing her medical license in the process?
This book has such tremendous potential going for it. An engrossing and topical premise. A highly conflicted lead character. A solid pairing. Illegal drug and medicare fraud schemes. In other words, all the ingredients for another very entertaining read. But, it never approaches the level of the first book in terms of thrills, feels or plotting. The best thing about the book is that it's a really realistic portrayal of a high-functioning addict. But realism doesn't always translate to reading pleasure. The other plot elements achieve varying degrees of success, but the biggest failure, imho, is the crime/thriller part. For fans of the first book, this will be the biggest disappointment.
Fair warning: Possible plot spoilers not hidden by tags
Let's start with the lead character Jess. She's one of those rare antagonist-turned-protagonist leads that could have provided much angst and drama for the story. Flawed but earnest. Guilty but trying to get better and make amends. All of that is there. The beautiful and poignant cover even implies that she's an out-of-control junkie, Some of that is due to the author's tendency to 'tell' rather than show. Her clinical rather than emotional prose, which worked wonders for the first book, felt inadequate in telling Jess' inward struggle. Other readers' mileage may vary, but I didn't experience any emotional highs or lows while I went through Jess' journey. This is best illustrated in one particular scene, where Jess spent an hour trying to revive a patient That's Jess, basically. And the rest of the book as well.
The other lead character Mac is your standard lesfic butch, married to the job with no time for love or relationships. That pretty much sums up her characterization. She's really just there to complete the pairing and to give Jess some external inspiration to get clean. I would have preferred that . In the first book, the interactions between the two romantic leads (and other supporting characters) were lively, witty and lent a nice, cheerful balance to the dark undertones of the murder plot. Here, the author was severely hamstrung by two naturally stiff and unemotional main characters. And their interactions suffered. On issues of plot, Mac's job and competency are pretty much wasted in the book. Even though the book opens with a seemingly sensational case, Wouldn't it be more fun to tie in that accident with the fraud schemes, to have Jess be mixed up in all of that and have Mac be breathing down her neck with an investigation instead of just breathing down her neck...physically? ;)
Neither was there any significant or mildly interesting side characters around to help perk up the proceedings. All we got was an average, nondescript, small-time crook who inexplicably graduates to big time bad-assery, without any rhyme or reason. . I wouldn't have minded if the book hadn't spent so much time on this character. He simply didn't deserve all that attention. Just another lazy, sleazy wheeler-dealer, who preys on vulnerable though not quite innocent users. I found myself skimming his chapters and his POV because they don't seem to contribute much to the plot. I mean, why spend so much time building up and fleshing out your villain and then This was so unlike the first book, where, in return for being made to sit thru the villians' POV, the reader was amply rewarded with one of the most scary and chillingly sinister characters in lesfic. Throughout the book, I couldn't help but secretly wish he'd find a way to break out of jail and wreak more havoc on our ladies here in the second book. Or maybe the new vanilla villain would hook up with him, learn a few tricks from the master, and wreak some proxy mayhem on the unsuspecting public. :)
Basically, pick this up if you've read Deadly Medicine, and want to know what happens to Dr. Jess Benson, but lower your expectations for the crime/thriller. There was lots of crime, all right. But there wasn't much of a thriller. Unless, you consider a few pages of action such. But, if you haven't read the first book Deadly Medicine, I highly recommend it for some real chills and thrills, and a bit of romance.
3.65 stars
ARC from Netgalley and BSB
September 1, 2016
I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
After reading this book I realised that it was a sequel of Deadly medicine so I think the publisher should clarify that in their description. However, this book stands alone without any major issues.
Maybe because I read this as a stand alone I didn't have to battle against a dislike towards Jess (as other reviewers had) and the author describes her well in her contradictions and struggle to overcome her PTSD and addiction while also trying to find proofs against the serial killer who attacked her. So even though this book is categorised as a thriller and a romance, the balance leads more into the thriller and the romance part is left behind a bit. As a result, there is a whole lot of medical description regarding Jess's fight against her addiction that could be excessive for some. That also applies for the extensive focus on Derek, the drug dealer character. I believe that the author could have developed more the chemistry between the main characters that was lost in the rest of the plot. But maybe the author is planning to develop this story in another sequel.
Overall, a good read, specially if you are interested in drug addiction issues. I'll definitely read the first book in the series and any sequels if they come.
3.5 stars.
After reading this book I realised that it was a sequel of Deadly medicine so I think the publisher should clarify that in their description. However, this book stands alone without any major issues.
Maybe because I read this as a stand alone I didn't have to battle against a dislike towards Jess (as other reviewers had) and the author describes her well in her contradictions and struggle to overcome her PTSD and addiction while also trying to find proofs against the serial killer who attacked her. So even though this book is categorised as a thriller and a romance, the balance leads more into the thriller and the romance part is left behind a bit. As a result, there is a whole lot of medical description regarding Jess's fight against her addiction that could be excessive for some. That also applies for the extensive focus on Derek, the drug dealer character. I believe that the author could have developed more the chemistry between the main characters that was lost in the rest of the plot. But maybe the author is planning to develop this story in another sequel.
Overall, a good read, specially if you are interested in drug addiction issues. I'll definitely read the first book in the series and any sequels if they come.
3.5 stars.
July 22, 2019
This book was closer to real-life than the first one, and gave me much food for thought. I'm putting it on my must-read list.
November 5, 2016
A Great follow up to Deadly Medicine. I think you can read this one as a stand-alone, but if you get the chance, do read Deadly Medicine first. Both books are very good. There some heavy concepts tackled here. Namely, PTSD and addiction. It's clear the author has done her research. Jessica is a bit of a love her or hate her type character. She's bitchy and can be annoying at times, but she's going through so much it seems understandable. Underneath it all she's got a lot of heart. Mac, clearly sees that, which is why the attraction she's trying so hard to fight against, more or less overwhelms her. There are layers to this story. A few plotlines to bounce around in and keep you interested.. Overall a very enjoyable read.
October 1, 2016
Impressive!
Jess finally makes the right decision and is looking for professional counseling. She is ready to take control of her life and while she tries to pick up the pieces of her shattered ife, something shocking happens. To overcome her addiction is easier said than done especially if her life is in danger. Also a mix of intense feelings create confusion. Feelings she doesn't know how to deal with. It's a compelling, insightful and passionate romantic thriller. So easy to get caught up in this book. I can't think of anything to criticize about this sequel. Highly recommended!
Jess finally makes the right decision and is looking for professional counseling. She is ready to take control of her life and while she tries to pick up the pieces of her shattered ife, something shocking happens. To overcome her addiction is easier said than done especially if her life is in danger. Also a mix of intense feelings create confusion. Feelings she doesn't know how to deal with. It's a compelling, insightful and passionate romantic thriller. So easy to get caught up in this book. I can't think of anything to criticize about this sequel. Highly recommended!
September 1, 2016
Had the wrong book up but let's just say Jess redeems herself in this one she became a likable character since I just wanted to slap her in Deadly Medicine.
September 3, 2016
*The copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
This is not an "easy", cute romance read. This is the book that centers mainly around Dr Jessica Benson's drug addiction and her PTSD. It is very well writen, her thoughts and drug cravings are very detailed and very believable. I only wish the romance part of the book wasn't so secondary; I felt like it could fit on 10 pages in total.
This is not an "easy", cute romance read. This is the book that centers mainly around Dr Jessica Benson's drug addiction and her PTSD. It is very well writen, her thoughts and drug cravings are very detailed and very believable. I only wish the romance part of the book wasn't so secondary; I felt like it could fit on 10 pages in total.
March 17, 2018
It’s possible I shouldn’t have even tried to read this book. I wasn’t a huge fan of Deadly Medicine, and I really didn’t like the character of Jess. Reading a book where she’s the main character was risky, and it didn’t pay off. She’s still very unlikeable, she’s dishonest, and she’s selfish. In addition to that, the plot of this is poorly constructed, in my opinion. By 75% of the way through the book, the two main characters had only had 2 or 3 conversations that the reader was witness to. There was a parallel plot that only coincided with the main plot for what felt like a few paragraphs, but so there was much time and energy dedicated to it. It was hard to tell what kind of book I was reading. Because of all that it too me days to get through this when it should have only taken a few hours.
September 11, 2016
A compelling story detailing the struggles that come with battling drug addiction, and how important it is to rely on others to be successful.. "Hooked" follows the aftermath of Dr. Jessica Benson's kidnapping by a colleague. Already struggling with a pill addiction, Dr. Benson attempts to quit her addiction once and for all, but she does so in secret--fearing that if she were honest with those around her she would be judged and perhaps punished by the Medical Board. Detective Mac Calabrese is the lead investigator in Dr. Benson's kidnapping, and needs Jessica's testimony to help put away her kidnapper for good, but Jessica's personal demons threaten not only the case, but her own future.
As someone whose younger brother has been struggling with drug addiction for years, I was very interested in the plot of this story. I was rooting for Jessica from the start, even though I didn't agree with her secrecy--probably because of how accurate it is. I appreciated the in depth look into the mind of someone who is struggling with addiction. Jessica is a sympathetic yet strong character, and I felt like I could understand my brother's struggles at least a little more.
My problem with the book was that I felt like there was a lot of build up--I liked the pacing of the buildup--but when it came to the climax in Dr. Benson's personal life--her burgeoning relationship with Mac--and the climax with Derek Knight--an up and coming drug dealer--I was disappointed. There was so much build up and tension leading up to both climaxes, but the end results felt rushed and the consequences disproportionate to the buildup. Although, I was happy that Derek Knight's character portrayal was realistic and consistent throughout the book: a man who takes advantage of opportunities, instead of a criminal mastermind.
I appreciated the book for the in-depth look into the struggles and consequences of drug addiction, but I felt like the book tried too hard to be a thriller when it would have been strong enough focusing on Jessica Benson's recovery and her new relationship with Mac.
Even so, I did enjoy the book overall. Thank you to NetGalley for the free advance copy.
As someone whose younger brother has been struggling with drug addiction for years, I was very interested in the plot of this story. I was rooting for Jessica from the start, even though I didn't agree with her secrecy--probably because of how accurate it is. I appreciated the in depth look into the mind of someone who is struggling with addiction. Jessica is a sympathetic yet strong character, and I felt like I could understand my brother's struggles at least a little more.
My problem with the book was that I felt like there was a lot of build up--I liked the pacing of the buildup--but when it came to the climax in Dr. Benson's personal life--her burgeoning relationship with Mac--and the climax with Derek Knight--an up and coming drug dealer--I was disappointed. There was so much build up and tension leading up to both climaxes, but the end results felt rushed and the consequences disproportionate to the buildup. Although, I was happy that Derek Knight's character portrayal was realistic and consistent throughout the book: a man who takes advantage of opportunities, instead of a criminal mastermind.
I appreciated the book for the in-depth look into the struggles and consequences of drug addiction, but I felt like the book tried too hard to be a thriller when it would have been strong enough focusing on Jessica Benson's recovery and her new relationship with Mac.
Even so, I did enjoy the book overall. Thank you to NetGalley for the free advance copy.
November 7, 2016
This is an insightful story told from the perspective of someone working on healing PTSD and recovery from addiction. Jessica, a physician, must cope with a father who has the beginnings of dementia, a partner she pushed away to hide the addiction, the shame and risk of drug use, and a traumatic event resulting in PTSD. Recovery from the dual diagnosis of PTSD and addiction is difficult, but going to treatment gave Jessica a feeling that she hadn’t felt in a long time – hope. Then Mac, the detective in her case becomes her self-defense instructor and possibly more. Jessica learns that some good people are not helpful for healing but also that love can be a key part of the recovery journey. Although a few story threads were a bit thin, the book is a very good read.
October 2, 2017
Not as good as the first book, but all the same interesting and nice end to the story from book #1.
May 29, 2019
Not a bad sequel- I did find it a little too convenient how everything seemed to fall into place...
January 24, 2025
the story was incredibly rushed, there’s no relationship building between the main two characters, and the big bad villain is pathetic.
October 23, 2016
Great book.
Hooked is very well written. A lot of the subjects touched on are difficult to read about. The private struggles of physicians especially. Enjoy reading about mature women loving other mature women.
Hooked is very well written. A lot of the subjects touched on are difficult to read about. The private struggles of physicians especially. Enjoy reading about mature women loving other mature women.
August 6, 2016
via netgalley
an ok read
an ok read
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews