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In Vein #2
Black Clouds of Cotton
It has been six months since Ander walked out of Hadley’s life without looking back.
Ander ruined her and left Hadley to pick up the pieces of his destruction alone.
His addiction was demanding and their love never stood a chance against it.
Ander craved the poison that he injected into his veins and in the end, that was the only thing that mattered.
One fateful night, one detrimental accident.
That’s all it takes to shatter Hadley’s already fragile world.
Ander has come back to ruin what’s left of her.
Hadley should walk away, but Ander holds the missing pieces of her broken heart.
Contrary to the popular belief: love does not conquer all.
His love for heroin won.
His love for Hadley died.
Or so she thought…
Ander ruined her and left Hadley to pick up the pieces of his destruction alone.
His addiction was demanding and their love never stood a chance against it.
Ander craved the poison that he injected into his veins and in the end, that was the only thing that mattered.
One fateful night, one detrimental accident.
That’s all it takes to shatter Hadley’s already fragile world.
Ander has come back to ruin what’s left of her.
Hadley should walk away, but Ander holds the missing pieces of her broken heart.
Contrary to the popular belief: love does not conquer all.
His love for heroin won.
His love for Hadley died.
Or so she thought…
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 14, 2021
50 people are currently reading
529 people want to read
About the author
C.M. Radcliff
26 books1,015 followersC.M. Radcliff writes dark, toxic romance with a touch of suspense. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two kids. If she isn't reading or writing, she's probably on a little adventure with her family.
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January 18, 2021
MY REVIEW AND OTHERS: can also be found on my blog:
➽ KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
'BLACK CLOUDS OF COTTON' is the second full length romance book in C.M. Radcliff's 'In Vein' series. Spoken in 'Dual perspectives.'
Black Clouds of Cotton purchase link
➡️Amazon: https://mybook.to/bcoc
Guys if you've not #oneclicked or read the previous book in this series you really really need to! We readers ask one thing of authors and that's to give us unique reads, well this author has gone above and beyond to offer us just that.
Get ready to have your hearts ripped out because we're going back to face Ander's demons!! This kicks starts off right where the previous book left off and you are in for one crazy rollercoaster of a ride as we're thrown into Anders world as his addiction has taken full fledge of his being.
❝ With the mass quantities of heroin I've been injecting into my bloodstream multiple times a day, combined with the other drugs I've been throwing into the mix, I've built up a tolerance to the shit, and it takes a lot more for me to reach anything close to the high I'm on a wild goose chase for. I've resorted to using anything I can get my hands on. ❞
It's in your face, it's brutal, it's raw, it's real, it's heartbreaking watching the destruction the drugs are doing to his body, to his life, to his so called friends, to Hadley who in six months hasn't moved on, she's skin and bone barely hanging on by a thread.
❝ I have been searching for a ghost in everyone I meet, but nothing i do will ever bring him back to me. ❞
This is exactly what I was looking for in the first book, more angst, more heartbreak, more heartstring moments, more danger, more drug induced moments.
This series ticks all my boxes!
This was such a rollercoaster of a ride, my heart was pulled in all directions, nails bitten down to the quick, foot tapping haphazardly when he found himself in dangerous situations, but like a train wreck I couldn't stop reading, devoured, inhaled, I need more.
If you see this author on social media please kindly ask her to get back to her writing cave because the wait is going to do my head in!!
* Both teasers used are off the authors facebook page *
August 16, 2021
Genre: N/A Contemporary Romance
Type: Book 2 of 4 from In Vein series
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
3.75 Stars
Hadley Winters’ relationship with Ander Capelli ended months before, but moving on was a lot harder than it seemed. While she worked on finding herself again, his battle with his demons had only just begun.
After the ending of book 1, I expected the characters to spiral down. In a way, that happened, and I liked the things they had to go through. However, I still feel it lacked the intensity needed for me to feel for them.
While I found Hadley to be quite annoying at times, I enjoyed seeing Ander’s struggles and the situation he got himself in. I felt more invested in his life than in their relationship.
Black Clouds of Cotton is a story of finding oneself. It would appeal to readers who enjoy NA Romance revolving around issues of drug addiction.
For more reviews/interviews/promo visit:
Type: Book 2 of 4 from In Vein series
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
3.75 StarsHadley Winters’ relationship with Ander Capelli ended months before, but moving on was a lot harder than it seemed. While she worked on finding herself again, his battle with his demons had only just begun.
After the ending of book 1, I expected the characters to spiral down. In a way, that happened, and I liked the things they had to go through. However, I still feel it lacked the intensity needed for me to feel for them.
We were always destined for destruction and every time we were around each other, we obliterated everything and anything in our path.
While I found Hadley to be quite annoying at times, I enjoyed seeing Ander’s struggles and the situation he got himself in. I felt more invested in his life than in their relationship.
Black Clouds of Cotton is a story of finding oneself. It would appeal to readers who enjoy NA Romance revolving around issues of drug addiction.
For more reviews/interviews/promo visit:
January 22, 2021
I need a minute... RTC
January 16, 2021
***5 "DEVASTATING!!!" stars***
AVAILABLE NOW
"We were never destined to be anything but a pile of wreckage left in my wake."
My husband was making fun of me cause I was crying and hurting over fictional characters, but honestly, Ander and Hadley's journey seemed so real and it was suffocating me from overfeeling it!!!
I wish I knew about C.M. Radcliff before cause this woman knows how to write captivating stories!!!
Honestly, I don't think that I'll ever get over this beautiful and realistic story!!!
It's like you are getting a reality check inside an addict's life with this book!!! And it pains you, along with him and his loved ones!!!
I just wanted to hug these two broken kids and never let them go!!!
"Nothing hurts like our love, but it's the only thing that we know; it's in our nature and we embrace the flames. Pain and pleasure is the language of our love."
The story picked up 6 months later from where the previous book had ended... When Ander decided to embrace his demons and leave Hadley behind for her own good!!!
What he doesn't know is that his actions left only wreckage to Hadley's life... She is not anymore the girl that he used to know and neither is him...
Ander is spiraling down the heroin's ugly rabbit hole and he needs a miracle to pull him out of this nasty road that he has put himself upon him...
The only thing that remains the same is the heartache and the love they are sharing between them...
"When he left me, he took a piece of me with him. A piece that I will never get back. Broken is what I've become and broken is what I will always be."
"I had built a home out of dirty needles, riddled with lies, and laid in my bed made of poison, but that was never really my home.It was only a facade -my temporary escape from reality. The reality is that Hadley is my home. She is exactly where I belong."
It was so hard to wintness Ander's reality... It was painful to watch this boy who was so handsome, intelligent and cocky to become a shell of his former shelf...
Heroin made him another person and that person could do anything in order to find his next fix... There is nothing more in his life than the next hit on his vein... And it was so hard to watching him destroy himself...
"I kept my addiction hidden for a long fucking time, until the heroin sunk its poisonous fangs deep into my skin. There was no hiding heroin. It was one drug that demanded attention, positive or negative. It's fucking controlling and it loves to make sure that you know that."
As for Hadley??? It pained me that she was destroying herself on Ander's memory...
They weren't a couple for long, but they meant too much to each other...
It's just so hard to move on without him and to wondering all the time when he will take his last breath...
These two belonged together and I honestly hope to God and C.M. Radcliff for them to finally find their way to each other without any barriers between them...
"He has the power to do more damage in my life than any other element. Ander is far more dangerous than fire, because he won't leave a speck of ash in his wake; more dangerous than air because he'll steal every last breath; more dangerous than water because he'll pull you so far into its depths that drowning is the only option; and far more dangerous than earth because he'll burn your entire world to the ground.
The damage he entices is irrevocable and as much as it scares me to death, I can't escape it even if I truly wanted to."
And how am I suppose to wait until April for the next book???
I was left in pure agony in here to see how things will be turned out after all...
This damn ending wrecked me for once again and I just want something good for Ander and Hadley!!! They deserve happiness and I hope that at the end , they will be the winners of their lives!!
The only sure thing is that I will never forget these characters and their story. They have been branded inside my heart with a permanent market!!!
Thank you, Mrs. Radcliff!!!
"You're surrounded by darkness, but you aren't your demons. Let me show you who you really are, not who your addiction makes you think you are."
**I received an advanced copy of this book for the exchange of an honest review**
AVAILABLE NOW
"We were never destined to be anything but a pile of wreckage left in my wake."
My husband was making fun of me cause I was crying and hurting over fictional characters, but honestly, Ander and Hadley's journey seemed so real and it was suffocating me from overfeeling it!!!
I wish I knew about C.M. Radcliff before cause this woman knows how to write captivating stories!!!
Honestly, I don't think that I'll ever get over this beautiful and realistic story!!!
It's like you are getting a reality check inside an addict's life with this book!!! And it pains you, along with him and his loved ones!!!
I just wanted to hug these two broken kids and never let them go!!!
"Nothing hurts like our love, but it's the only thing that we know; it's in our nature and we embrace the flames. Pain and pleasure is the language of our love."
The story picked up 6 months later from where the previous book had ended... When Ander decided to embrace his demons and leave Hadley behind for her own good!!!
What he doesn't know is that his actions left only wreckage to Hadley's life... She is not anymore the girl that he used to know and neither is him...
Ander is spiraling down the heroin's ugly rabbit hole and he needs a miracle to pull him out of this nasty road that he has put himself upon him...
The only thing that remains the same is the heartache and the love they are sharing between them...
"When he left me, he took a piece of me with him. A piece that I will never get back. Broken is what I've become and broken is what I will always be."
"I had built a home out of dirty needles, riddled with lies, and laid in my bed made of poison, but that was never really my home.It was only a facade -my temporary escape from reality. The reality is that Hadley is my home. She is exactly where I belong."
It was so hard to wintness Ander's reality... It was painful to watch this boy who was so handsome, intelligent and cocky to become a shell of his former shelf...
Heroin made him another person and that person could do anything in order to find his next fix... There is nothing more in his life than the next hit on his vein... And it was so hard to watching him destroy himself...
"I kept my addiction hidden for a long fucking time, until the heroin sunk its poisonous fangs deep into my skin. There was no hiding heroin. It was one drug that demanded attention, positive or negative. It's fucking controlling and it loves to make sure that you know that."
As for Hadley??? It pained me that she was destroying herself on Ander's memory...
They weren't a couple for long, but they meant too much to each other...
It's just so hard to move on without him and to wondering all the time when he will take his last breath...
These two belonged together and I honestly hope to God and C.M. Radcliff for them to finally find their way to each other without any barriers between them...
"He has the power to do more damage in my life than any other element. Ander is far more dangerous than fire, because he won't leave a speck of ash in his wake; more dangerous than air because he'll steal every last breath; more dangerous than water because he'll pull you so far into its depths that drowning is the only option; and far more dangerous than earth because he'll burn your entire world to the ground.
The damage he entices is irrevocable and as much as it scares me to death, I can't escape it even if I truly wanted to."
And how am I suppose to wait until April for the next book???
I was left in pure agony in here to see how things will be turned out after all...
This damn ending wrecked me for once again and I just want something good for Ander and Hadley!!! They deserve happiness and I hope that at the end , they will be the winners of their lives!!
The only sure thing is that I will never forget these characters and their story. They have been branded inside my heart with a permanent market!!!
Thank you, Mrs. Radcliff!!!
"You're surrounded by darkness, but you aren't your demons. Let me show you who you really are, not who your addiction makes you think you are."
**I received an advanced copy of this book for the exchange of an honest review**
December 21, 2020
THIS.BOOK.HURTS. So beautifully tragic, unflinchingly raw, and deeply heart wrenching, Black Clouds of Cotton depicts the devastating stronghold of addiction, its nexus with love, and what happens when the wants and needs of the mind, body, and heart are at odds. If you thought Opium Skies broke you, prepare for more heartbreak, because BCC is shattering.
Hadley and Ander are so broken, by each other and by their addictions. Ander is lost in a fog to his addiction to heroine, but his love for Hadley just won't die, even though he ruins it. And Hadley is somehow addicted to her need for Ander- even after he devastated her and left her shattered in book one. They somehow can't escape each other, can't suppress their love, nor can they escape the gruesome reality of the impact of addiction.
And it is gruesome. Opium Skies ended painfully, and BCC picks up straight away and digs even deeper to a rock bottom deeper than I thought we could go. Both of these characters are wrecked- totally destroyed, at times hopeless and resigned. Their love story only gets more and more painful, more complicated, more brutal- and Cali rips my heart out for them over and over again. Both of these characters are so lost, so tragic. And despite all common sense, they can never truly let each other go. Their love is truly about their shared pain. These two are totally ravaged by it, but their hearts are also so beautifully and fragilely intertwined
Cali is unapologetic in depicting the destructive and consuming cycle of addiction, and the choices someone is forced to make when you love someone in that cycle. Whether you have known an addict or not, what really moved me about book two is how we as a readers are consumed by it ourselves. The tension of hope and hopelessness- not knowing how to move forward because really NO decision seems right, feeling that you just can't break from from it. We FEEL that with our characters, we live it with their narrative. We absorb their pain as we, too, experience how addiction even obliterates choice.
But there is indeed beauty in their pain, in their suffering- because it highlights the capabilities of the human heart, the potential of love. But like we learned in book 1, love isn't always enough. And Ander and Hadley are still learning that bleak lesson. As much as we find moments of hope and peace in their journey, just around the corner awaits more devastation, more setbacks, and more painful obstacles for these two beautifully broken souls. Their struggle isn't over, and we're left with a lot of questions about how they can move forward and how they'll face the ever evolving impact of their choices.
So yes, this book hurts- and it the next one will, too. Because this love story is about the struggle, about how love exists within heartbreak and pain.... a story relentless in the pursuit of the hardest question of all- just how unbreakable is love? What can it survive, and when can't it? Time will tell, but for now, my heart hurts with the love for these two as I hold on to the glimmers of hope that their love can indeed survive the wreckage that addiction has left in its wake.
Hadley and Ander are so broken, by each other and by their addictions. Ander is lost in a fog to his addiction to heroine, but his love for Hadley just won't die, even though he ruins it. And Hadley is somehow addicted to her need for Ander- even after he devastated her and left her shattered in book one. They somehow can't escape each other, can't suppress their love, nor can they escape the gruesome reality of the impact of addiction.
And it is gruesome. Opium Skies ended painfully, and BCC picks up straight away and digs even deeper to a rock bottom deeper than I thought we could go. Both of these characters are wrecked- totally destroyed, at times hopeless and resigned. Their love story only gets more and more painful, more complicated, more brutal- and Cali rips my heart out for them over and over again. Both of these characters are so lost, so tragic. And despite all common sense, they can never truly let each other go. Their love is truly about their shared pain. These two are totally ravaged by it, but their hearts are also so beautifully and fragilely intertwined
Cali is unapologetic in depicting the destructive and consuming cycle of addiction, and the choices someone is forced to make when you love someone in that cycle. Whether you have known an addict or not, what really moved me about book two is how we as a readers are consumed by it ourselves. The tension of hope and hopelessness- not knowing how to move forward because really NO decision seems right, feeling that you just can't break from from it. We FEEL that with our characters, we live it with their narrative. We absorb their pain as we, too, experience how addiction even obliterates choice.
But there is indeed beauty in their pain, in their suffering- because it highlights the capabilities of the human heart, the potential of love. But like we learned in book 1, love isn't always enough. And Ander and Hadley are still learning that bleak lesson. As much as we find moments of hope and peace in their journey, just around the corner awaits more devastation, more setbacks, and more painful obstacles for these two beautifully broken souls. Their struggle isn't over, and we're left with a lot of questions about how they can move forward and how they'll face the ever evolving impact of their choices.
So yes, this book hurts- and it the next one will, too. Because this love story is about the struggle, about how love exists within heartbreak and pain.... a story relentless in the pursuit of the hardest question of all- just how unbreakable is love? What can it survive, and when can't it? Time will tell, but for now, my heart hurts with the love for these two as I hold on to the glimmers of hope that their love can indeed survive the wreckage that addiction has left in its wake.
January 14, 2021
Ok, I am going to try to prepare my heart for more Ander!!!! Ander and Hadley’s story continues where Opium Skies left us hanging. This takes place a few months after as Hadley tries to begin her life again & Ander is still struggling as anyone would within his disease. This may have triggers for some as it dives into addiction and other serious subjects. It is raw, emotional and a beautifully written story. This will make you want to scream at Ander but at the same time beg him to get the help that he needs all at the same time! “Everyone is struggling with something...we’re too quick to judge without getting all the information.” Truer words have never been spoken. Get ready for an emotional rollercoaster. This is not for the faint of heart and gives you a realistic look at addiction and how it can ruin your life. Told in dual POV and ends in a cliffhanger.
📸 Teaser Collage by Miss Petite Brunette Book Blog
📸 Teaser Collage by Miss Petite Brunette Book Blog
March 3, 2021
"I have been searching for a ghost in everyone I meet, but nothing I do will ever bring him back to me."
I am obviously a glutton for punishment. I've read these first two books back to back in only a couple hours of time, and my soul physically aches like it never has before.
Being raised by an addict --one who was not only addicted to heroin but a plethora of other shit as well -- triggered memories I didn't even realize I had repressed. It's absolute hell on your soul loving and equally hating someone who's vice is the very thing that's killing them slowly. The same thing that also destroys everyone and everything around you. I saw so much of my young life in Ander -- his refusal to even admitting he had a problem, to doing whatever he could for the next high. The problem is, you come down eventually, and the come down is a bitch and a half. I've never dabbled in drugs personally because of what I've seen it do, but I can attest that everything CM wrote in these books is very fucking accurate.
And Hadley? Oh my gosh I don't even know what to say. Her pain was so palpable, that I could physically feel her despair as if I was experiencing it right along beside her. She's beyond broken, void of everything that made her *her*. Ander scooped all of her light and left her with nothing but blinding darkness to the point where she has little care for her own life. Sure, she goes to school and work, tries to keep up appearances as well as she can, but she's so clearly breaking apart day in and day out. Ander's overdose in the first book changed her entire being, and logically she knows she needs to stay away from him, even though she loves him to the point of madness. But as the theme of these books show, can you help someone unless they first help themselves?
I'm just in awe of the writing from this amazingly talented author. I knew where the ending was going to take us, but I was still left shocked and begging for the outcome to be different. I have no idea what Ander and Hadleys future looks like, if they'll ever be able to have a true open, honest relationship after all they've been through already, but i can't wait for the third book! I need it like yesterday!
Obviously this is a very toxic relationship, so make sure you are in the right headspace before reading. Especially if your past is anything like mine.. but i promise you these books are worth any and all pain you might feel.❤
I am obviously a glutton for punishment. I've read these first two books back to back in only a couple hours of time, and my soul physically aches like it never has before.
Being raised by an addict --one who was not only addicted to heroin but a plethora of other shit as well -- triggered memories I didn't even realize I had repressed. It's absolute hell on your soul loving and equally hating someone who's vice is the very thing that's killing them slowly. The same thing that also destroys everyone and everything around you. I saw so much of my young life in Ander -- his refusal to even admitting he had a problem, to doing whatever he could for the next high. The problem is, you come down eventually, and the come down is a bitch and a half. I've never dabbled in drugs personally because of what I've seen it do, but I can attest that everything CM wrote in these books is very fucking accurate.
And Hadley? Oh my gosh I don't even know what to say. Her pain was so palpable, that I could physically feel her despair as if I was experiencing it right along beside her. She's beyond broken, void of everything that made her *her*. Ander scooped all of her light and left her with nothing but blinding darkness to the point where she has little care for her own life. Sure, she goes to school and work, tries to keep up appearances as well as she can, but she's so clearly breaking apart day in and day out. Ander's overdose in the first book changed her entire being, and logically she knows she needs to stay away from him, even though she loves him to the point of madness. But as the theme of these books show, can you help someone unless they first help themselves?
I'm just in awe of the writing from this amazingly talented author. I knew where the ending was going to take us, but I was still left shocked and begging for the outcome to be different. I have no idea what Ander and Hadleys future looks like, if they'll ever be able to have a true open, honest relationship after all they've been through already, but i can't wait for the third book! I need it like yesterday!
Obviously this is a very toxic relationship, so make sure you are in the right headspace before reading. Especially if your past is anything like mine.. but i promise you these books are worth any and all pain you might feel.❤
January 8, 2021
Black Clouds of Cotton by C.M.Radcliff just gutted me. The author didn't let me breathe from the first page of this raw and gritty story till the last page of desperation and angst. This story is a kaleidoscope of emotions. Dark. Heartbreaking. Too real and too intense. And beautifully imperfect.
Hadley and Ander's story was left at an abrupt turn. Hadley thinks she has lost Ander to the demon called addiction. It doesn't hurt any less. She is ruined and broken. But the truth is, Ander hasn't stopped loving her. Though he is on way to complete and utter destruction, Hadley is the only light he still wants. Is there truly any happily ever after possible for them?
This story is the most raw and honest and true depiction of the addiction's horror. This is not easy at all. And if you think you can handle everything, think twice. The author didn't sugecoat it. The black hole of heroin addiction swallowed Ander whole. And still he couldn't stop. What a brilliant portrayal of the vicious cycle. The craving driving the person crazy, the unthinkable things the person does to get the next high, the feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness after the high and so on and on. Hadley's pain crippled me. She knows she shouldn't love Ander. But their connection is so potent and all consuming. If first book was hard, this was a thousand times harder. A toxic and maddening concoction of epic love and true life at worst. I went through all kinds of reactions. I was disgusted and angry with Ander. And then I broken for Ander. I wanted to shake Hadley violently for even thinking about helping Ander and saving any piece of her. And then I wanted to beg her to love him some more. And that's the power of truly brilliant writing.
Black Clouds of Cotton by C.M. Radcliff was an exhilarating and volatile romance. It was an emotional ride and my heart got shredded into pieces. Viciously. And exactly for that reason, this story is going to my top 2021 read.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Hadley and Ander's story was left at an abrupt turn. Hadley thinks she has lost Ander to the demon called addiction. It doesn't hurt any less. She is ruined and broken. But the truth is, Ander hasn't stopped loving her. Though he is on way to complete and utter destruction, Hadley is the only light he still wants. Is there truly any happily ever after possible for them?
This story is the most raw and honest and true depiction of the addiction's horror. This is not easy at all. And if you think you can handle everything, think twice. The author didn't sugecoat it. The black hole of heroin addiction swallowed Ander whole. And still he couldn't stop. What a brilliant portrayal of the vicious cycle. The craving driving the person crazy, the unthinkable things the person does to get the next high, the feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness after the high and so on and on. Hadley's pain crippled me. She knows she shouldn't love Ander. But their connection is so potent and all consuming. If first book was hard, this was a thousand times harder. A toxic and maddening concoction of epic love and true life at worst. I went through all kinds of reactions. I was disgusted and angry with Ander. And then I broken for Ander. I wanted to shake Hadley violently for even thinking about helping Ander and saving any piece of her. And then I wanted to beg her to love him some more. And that's the power of truly brilliant writing.
Black Clouds of Cotton by C.M. Radcliff was an exhilarating and volatile romance. It was an emotional ride and my heart got shredded into pieces. Viciously. And exactly for that reason, this story is going to my top 2021 read.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
December 16, 2020
This book is raw and real! An in-depth look at addiction and how it takes away everything beautiful in life and turns it to s*it. I’ve never read a book that is such a true representation of the struggles addicts and those they love go through. Ander and Hadley have touched a piece of my soul and I am sure they will break me before it is over. An incredible and truly earned 5+ star book. If you’ve ever been an addict, know an addict, or love an addict this book will speak to your soul.
January 12, 2021
Black Clouds Of Cotton picks up right where Opium Skies left off.
This is book 2 of a series and book 1 should be read first to understand this story.
I'm used to walking on the dark side when it comes to this author so imagine my surprise when she manages to play with my emotions. Because that's exactly what she does. Not to say that this series isn't dark. But it's more gritty and raw than dark, I'd say.
Hadley and Ander's story is heart breaking and gut wrenching and will have you at the edge of your seat. I wanted to throw my Kindle and hit something at times and then had my heart drop into my stomach and felt like I'd throw up at others.
Ander is an addict. A heroin addict. And whilst he'd love to give it all up to be with Hadley, he cant. A part of him doesn't even want to. This book is one of the truest depictions of addiction and it's pain, that you will ever read. Pain on the addict, pain on their loved ones and pain on the people around them. Radcliff portrayed it with a realism that might surprise you if you're not well versed on the topic.
Hadley is one of the strongest female leads you might ever come across. She has her weak moments and yes, she sometimes even gives into them but that's what made her stronger. Her ability to pick herself up and keep going through her pain, loss, hurt and betrayal.
The toxic relationship between her and Ander will have you feeling an array of emotions; hurt, happy, devastated, hate and dare I say it? Love. Because I love Ander despite all his many faults and flaws. It's hard not to. And I love Hadley and honestly admired her strength, determination and resilience.
Prepare to be gutted, left painfully hanging and needing more. I'm DYING for Heroin Stained Hearts.
*Reviewed by Ali at Fallen For Books.
This is book 2 of a series and book 1 should be read first to understand this story.
I'm used to walking on the dark side when it comes to this author so imagine my surprise when she manages to play with my emotions. Because that's exactly what she does. Not to say that this series isn't dark. But it's more gritty and raw than dark, I'd say.
Hadley and Ander's story is heart breaking and gut wrenching and will have you at the edge of your seat. I wanted to throw my Kindle and hit something at times and then had my heart drop into my stomach and felt like I'd throw up at others.
Ander is an addict. A heroin addict. And whilst he'd love to give it all up to be with Hadley, he cant. A part of him doesn't even want to. This book is one of the truest depictions of addiction and it's pain, that you will ever read. Pain on the addict, pain on their loved ones and pain on the people around them. Radcliff portrayed it with a realism that might surprise you if you're not well versed on the topic.
Hadley is one of the strongest female leads you might ever come across. She has her weak moments and yes, she sometimes even gives into them but that's what made her stronger. Her ability to pick herself up and keep going through her pain, loss, hurt and betrayal.
The toxic relationship between her and Ander will have you feeling an array of emotions; hurt, happy, devastated, hate and dare I say it? Love. Because I love Ander despite all his many faults and flaws. It's hard not to. And I love Hadley and honestly admired her strength, determination and resilience.
Prepare to be gutted, left painfully hanging and needing more. I'm DYING for Heroin Stained Hearts.
*Reviewed by Ali at Fallen For Books.
January 19, 2021
‘𝙊𝙪𝙧 𝙟𝙖𝙜𝙜𝙚𝙙 𝙚𝙙𝙜𝙚𝙨 𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙡𝙮 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙥𝙨 𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚. 𝙄𝙩’𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙚 𝙗𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙩 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙣.’
I am so tired y’all. I was up all night, devouring this book that I felt like I’d waited 6 lifetimes for.
My full review is coming. After a nap or something.
The “In Vein” saga delivers a stunningly raw portrayal of both the addict and the ones who love them. If you thought book one had you gasping at the volatility of the cycle of addiction, just wait. This book. This one had me clutching my imaginary pearls at some of the things described, choices that were made, and the utter despair that was rolling off these pages.
I think if someone asked me to describe my state of being after reading this, I could do it in just two words.
EMOTIONALLY RAVAGED. Look close. You can see my tears in this review.
My heart is broken for Hadley and Ander. Nothing for them is how they thought it would be. They can’t seem to find their way into the light after stumbling around in the dark so long.
This series just gets more and more gripping, the further we dive into this couple and their demons. I know there’s more to go, more rainstorms for us to travel through, but I have my fingers crossed for these two.
They deserve some good. They deserve their other half. They NEED some sunshine.
I am so tired y’all. I was up all night, devouring this book that I felt like I’d waited 6 lifetimes for.
My full review is coming. After a nap or something.
The “In Vein” saga delivers a stunningly raw portrayal of both the addict and the ones who love them. If you thought book one had you gasping at the volatility of the cycle of addiction, just wait. This book. This one had me clutching my imaginary pearls at some of the things described, choices that were made, and the utter despair that was rolling off these pages.
I think if someone asked me to describe my state of being after reading this, I could do it in just two words.
EMOTIONALLY RAVAGED. Look close. You can see my tears in this review.
My heart is broken for Hadley and Ander. Nothing for them is how they thought it would be. They can’t seem to find their way into the light after stumbling around in the dark so long.
This series just gets more and more gripping, the further we dive into this couple and their demons. I know there’s more to go, more rainstorms for us to travel through, but I have my fingers crossed for these two.
They deserve some good. They deserve their other half. They NEED some sunshine.
January 14, 2021
Ander & Hadley love is HARD STRUGGLE but like he said:
"We’re tethered together by an invisible thread, always pulling us back together. When one strays, the other will always come looking. Our lives weren’t meant to be spent apart."
The cliffhanger hit me and I truly hope that this is him getting clean for her. We see him struggle but we know why he is doing it & that's what i love about this series. We see the hero struggle with addiction & the heroine trying to cope without him and now try to free him again. Their love story is so real & hard there is no bed of roses, it's just life
C.M Radcliff you have done it again 💚💚
I want HEROIN STAINED HEARTS NOW!!😭
☆!!MUST READ SERIES !! & Favourite ☆
"We’re tethered together by an invisible thread, always pulling us back together. When one strays, the other will always come looking. Our lives weren’t meant to be spent apart."
The cliffhanger hit me and I truly hope that this is him getting clean for her. We see him struggle but we know why he is doing it & that's what i love about this series. We see the hero struggle with addiction & the heroine trying to cope without him and now try to free him again. Their love story is so real & hard there is no bed of roses, it's just life
C.M Radcliff you have done it again 💚💚
I want HEROIN STAINED HEARTS NOW!!😭
☆!!MUST READ SERIES !! & Favourite ☆
December 31, 2020
Black Clouds of Cotton is a continuation of Ander and Hadley's gut-wrenching story.
Emotion and grit seep through the pages with this one, and if you thought Opium Skies was a bumpy ride... prepare for these two to own your heart with a tight grip.
Emotion and grit seep through the pages with this one, and if you thought Opium Skies was a bumpy ride... prepare for these two to own your heart with a tight grip.
January 3, 2021
I NEED MORE! Radcliff did it again and I'm hooked, needing my next fix. Ander and Hadley have woven themselves into my heart and I cannot wait for book 3!
January 17, 2021
If you haven't read Opium Skies (In Vein 1) then move along. There's nothing to see here haha.
No matter what I will write in this review it will be a spoiler because we are starting Black Clouds of Cotton 6 months after Opium Skies ended and it is a hit to the stomach. And if you haven't read Opium Skies, go now!!!
Ander and Hadley are on a mission to destroy and sabotage themselves just for the sake of it. They are both hurting so much for being apart it broke my heart.
When the time came and they got to reunite, I thought maybe it should never happen. I could tell it’s going to ruin them both.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲? 𝗜𝘀 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝗼 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝘁?
Ander is an addict, but you could tell there were moments he tried to fight it for the sake of Hadley but failed.
𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝒎𝒆 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒂 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒉 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒈𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒎𝒆 𝒂 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒇𝒖𝒄𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇𝒊𝒔𝒉 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒅.
Hadley is doing everything she can to help and be there for Ander no matter what life throws at here, and it so much I cried for her. Asked her to move along and leave him behind, but then asked her not to give up on him.
𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒘𝒐 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒍, 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚’𝒓𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒄𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒅𝒆𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒆.
There were moments that didn’t make sense to me, things that happened that got me like what? What just happened? But I have faith in C.M so much that it didn't hinder my enjoyment of this book. I haven't picked up another book in a week because of the withdrawals I'm having.
𝑯𝒂𝒅𝒍𝒆𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒐𝒊𝒏— 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚’𝒓𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒕𝒉 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒆.
I can't wait for book 3, their connection is like stars align and you can’t do anything to fight it off. It’s inevitable.
4.5 addictive stars from me.
No matter what I will write in this review it will be a spoiler because we are starting Black Clouds of Cotton 6 months after Opium Skies ended and it is a hit to the stomach. And if you haven't read Opium Skies, go now!!!
Ander and Hadley are on a mission to destroy and sabotage themselves just for the sake of it. They are both hurting so much for being apart it broke my heart.
When the time came and they got to reunite, I thought maybe it should never happen. I could tell it’s going to ruin them both.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲? 𝗜𝘀 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝗼 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝘁?
Ander is an addict, but you could tell there were moments he tried to fight it for the sake of Hadley but failed.
𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝒎𝒆 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒂 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒉 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒈𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒎𝒆 𝒂 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒇𝒖𝒄𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇𝒊𝒔𝒉 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒅.
Hadley is doing everything she can to help and be there for Ander no matter what life throws at here, and it so much I cried for her. Asked her to move along and leave him behind, but then asked her not to give up on him.
𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒘𝒐 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒍, 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚’𝒓𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒄𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒅𝒆𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒆.
There were moments that didn’t make sense to me, things that happened that got me like what? What just happened? But I have faith in C.M so much that it didn't hinder my enjoyment of this book. I haven't picked up another book in a week because of the withdrawals I'm having.
𝑯𝒂𝒅𝒍𝒆𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒐𝒊𝒏— 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚’𝒓𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒕𝒉 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒆.
I can't wait for book 3, their connection is like stars align and you can’t do anything to fight it off. It’s inevitable.
4.5 addictive stars from me.
December 21, 2020
I am broken! Completely and utterly broken! I barely survived this painful gut wrenching book my heart and soul truly hurts!
Black clouds of cotton is an in-depth look about addiction and how it can destroy your life! Black clouds of cotton picks up where “Opium skies” left off
Ander’s addiction has won he has submitted to his demons and bolted but the one thing that refuses to die is the love he has for Hadley the love he has for Hadley is soul deep and beautiful! But it’s also still very toxic! Hadley was left completely destroyed by Ander in book one and now she’s struggling to move on she’s still very much in love with Ander and always will be!
C M Radcliff has created gold with this series! This is a very complex thing to write about and I applaud her for writing this series and giving us as readers an insight of the repercussion’s that can occur when deal with addiction because addiction is a very common problem this day and age
There aren’t enough stars to give for this epic masterpiece if I could give it a million stars I would because this series has earned it! If your looking for something raw, amazing, traumatic, heartbreaking beautiful then this is the book you need it’s an absolute must read so make sure you pre order and add black clouds of cotton to your tbr immediately!
Where as Ander is dealing with his addiction I now have my own addiction I am addicted to C M Radcliff’s writing and “the in vein series” what will happen next for Ander and Hadley? Will Ander pick love over his addiction? I don’t know but I’m dying to find out! I need book 3 like
I need my next breath!
HIGHLY RECOMMEMDED
FIVE STARS ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Black clouds of cotton is an in-depth look about addiction and how it can destroy your life! Black clouds of cotton picks up where “Opium skies” left off
Ander’s addiction has won he has submitted to his demons and bolted but the one thing that refuses to die is the love he has for Hadley the love he has for Hadley is soul deep and beautiful! But it’s also still very toxic! Hadley was left completely destroyed by Ander in book one and now she’s struggling to move on she’s still very much in love with Ander and always will be!
C M Radcliff has created gold with this series! This is a very complex thing to write about and I applaud her for writing this series and giving us as readers an insight of the repercussion’s that can occur when deal with addiction because addiction is a very common problem this day and age
There aren’t enough stars to give for this epic masterpiece if I could give it a million stars I would because this series has earned it! If your looking for something raw, amazing, traumatic, heartbreaking beautiful then this is the book you need it’s an absolute must read so make sure you pre order and add black clouds of cotton to your tbr immediately!
Where as Ander is dealing with his addiction I now have my own addiction I am addicted to C M Radcliff’s writing and “the in vein series” what will happen next for Ander and Hadley? Will Ander pick love over his addiction? I don’t know but I’m dying to find out! I need book 3 like
I need my next breath!
HIGHLY RECOMMEMDED
FIVE STARS ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 4, 2021
‘His addiction is killing him, and he’s slowly killing me in the process too.’
Let me start by saying that nothing will prepare you for how beautifully tragic this read is. It is raw, complex, deep and emotional. It had my heart breaking yet smiling all at the same time. Told from the POV of both the loved one and the addict themselves, it gave an insight that was so realistic it was almost to much to read at times.
This is not an easy topic to write let alone write well and to be honest I think C.M. Radcliff has executed it beautifully. The characters and their story have completely consumed me and I cannot wait too see what book three has in store for us.
I highly recommend reading this series - especially to those of you who love tragic love stories - and believe you’d be doing yourself an injustice if you didn’t !!
Please note:
- This book does contain contents that some readers may find triggering and/disturbing.
- It is also the second book in the series - book one must be read first in order to understand the story line.
- It also ends on a cliffhanger.
Thank you to C.M. Radcliff and Give Me Books PR for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Let me start by saying that nothing will prepare you for how beautifully tragic this read is. It is raw, complex, deep and emotional. It had my heart breaking yet smiling all at the same time. Told from the POV of both the loved one and the addict themselves, it gave an insight that was so realistic it was almost to much to read at times.
This is not an easy topic to write let alone write well and to be honest I think C.M. Radcliff has executed it beautifully. The characters and their story have completely consumed me and I cannot wait too see what book three has in store for us.
I highly recommend reading this series - especially to those of you who love tragic love stories - and believe you’d be doing yourself an injustice if you didn’t !!
Please note:
- This book does contain contents that some readers may find triggering and/disturbing.
- It is also the second book in the series - book one must be read first in order to understand the story line.
- It also ends on a cliffhanger.
Thank you to C.M. Radcliff and Give Me Books PR for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 14, 2021
4.5 stars
This second book in the Vein series is hard to read and beautifully tragic at the same time. The writing is great, honest, raw and brutal. Even more so than book one, which hit me way harder than expected.
Sometimes the story was so gruel and dark, punching you in the stomach. It is all-consuming. But so worth it! Can't wait to read book three!
This second book in the Vein series is hard to read and beautifully tragic at the same time. The writing is great, honest, raw and brutal. Even more so than book one, which hit me way harder than expected.
Sometimes the story was so gruel and dark, punching you in the stomach. It is all-consuming. But so worth it! Can't wait to read book three!
January 14, 2021
My heart is in pieces. I'm a mess. This story will grip your heart and destroy it.
Ander and Hadley have crawled into my soul and left a searing mark.
I highly recommend this series.
Ander and Hadley have crawled into my soul and left a searing mark.
I highly recommend this series.
Read
October 26, 2021the subject matter of these books are so heavy, i don’t even feel right rating it. i think im going to have to read something lighter before i move onto books 3 & 4
November 12, 2023
Gritty and truer to life than I expected going in.
November 12, 2023
FUCK.
This is definitely my top January 2021 read.
Jesus fuck.
💉
CM Radcliff knows how to write. This author. Dammit.
Rang out every emotion throughout this book
Addiction is fucking terrifying.
Addiction is so unknown.
Addiction is a dark abyss.
🚬
Just know this book was incredible.
💊
“We hurt each other over and over as we carefully carve our names into each other’s souls with the sharp tips of our fangs. Nothing hurts quite like our love, but it’s the only thing that we know; it’s in our nature and we embrace the flames. Pain and pleasure is the language of our love.”
💉
This is one of those stories were reality just completely hits your full force in the face. Addiction is an issue where I think has affected most people (at least in America) in someway or the other. Whether it was directly or indirectly in your life.
This author has a way of diving into an addicts mind. Words can’t describe how personal and deep this story felt because of how realistic she got into the brain of an addict. It was truly haunting and remarkable on how an addict can think and feel (or lack of).
🚬
We see the consequences of addiction throughout the story when it comes to Ander.
“I had built a home out of dirty needles, riddled with lies, and laid in my bed made of poison, but that was never really my home. It was only a façade—my temporary escape from reality. The reality is that Hadley is my home. She is exactly where I belong.”
🩸
See the consequences that comes from loving someone who is an addict when it comes to Hadley.
“I wish I could reach inside him and slay his demons, freeing him from the pain that he harbors deep inside. Things would be so much easier if we didn’t live in a constant state of uncertainty when it comes to the future.”
💔
***Triggers***
Of course this book is going to have triggers. Anything that has to do with addiction. Specifically heroin. We have someone who has a miscarriage due to addiction. And we also have an eating disorder that is partially due to anxiety and depression in my opinion. But she also intentionally doesn’t eat to feel the pain physically. Prostitution and murder.
🩸💔💉🚬
This series I feel like everyone needs to read. It’s just so damn good. CM Radcliff’s writing absolutely calls to me. I could not set this book down. I am someone that comes from a long line of addicts and could never quite understand what goes on inside their heads. This book is definitely an eye-opener for someone like me who looked on as an outsider.
🖤
***Possible Spoiler***
This book doesn’t have HEA Necessarily but you do take a nice deep breath when you realize that there’s a promise of rehab. However one of the main characters does get a medical diagnosis that is quite scary. And as we all know with people struggling with addiction, they may promise rehab, but you never know if they’re going to go through with it.
So does this book have a cliffhanger? I would say no. We leave off with both main characters alive and safe for the time being but I have a feeling that it’s going to be a huge uphill battle in the rest of the series I get these characters a true HEA. If that even happens.
This is definitely my top January 2021 read.
Jesus fuck.
💉
CM Radcliff knows how to write. This author. Dammit.
Rang out every emotion throughout this book
Addiction is fucking terrifying.
Addiction is so unknown.
Addiction is a dark abyss.
🚬
Just know this book was incredible.
💊
“We hurt each other over and over as we carefully carve our names into each other’s souls with the sharp tips of our fangs. Nothing hurts quite like our love, but it’s the only thing that we know; it’s in our nature and we embrace the flames. Pain and pleasure is the language of our love.”
💉
This is one of those stories were reality just completely hits your full force in the face. Addiction is an issue where I think has affected most people (at least in America) in someway or the other. Whether it was directly or indirectly in your life.
This author has a way of diving into an addicts mind. Words can’t describe how personal and deep this story felt because of how realistic she got into the brain of an addict. It was truly haunting and remarkable on how an addict can think and feel (or lack of).
🚬
We see the consequences of addiction throughout the story when it comes to Ander.
“I had built a home out of dirty needles, riddled with lies, and laid in my bed made of poison, but that was never really my home. It was only a façade—my temporary escape from reality. The reality is that Hadley is my home. She is exactly where I belong.”
🩸
See the consequences that comes from loving someone who is an addict when it comes to Hadley.
“I wish I could reach inside him and slay his demons, freeing him from the pain that he harbors deep inside. Things would be so much easier if we didn’t live in a constant state of uncertainty when it comes to the future.”
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***Triggers***
Of course this book is going to have triggers. Anything that has to do with addiction. Specifically heroin. We have someone who has a miscarriage due to addiction. And we also have an eating disorder that is partially due to anxiety and depression in my opinion. But she also intentionally doesn’t eat to feel the pain physically. Prostitution and murder.
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This series I feel like everyone needs to read. It’s just so damn good. CM Radcliff’s writing absolutely calls to me. I could not set this book down. I am someone that comes from a long line of addicts and could never quite understand what goes on inside their heads. This book is definitely an eye-opener for someone like me who looked on as an outsider.
🖤
***Possible Spoiler***
This book doesn’t have HEA Necessarily but you do take a nice deep breath when you realize that there’s a promise of rehab. However one of the main characters does get a medical diagnosis that is quite scary. And as we all know with people struggling with addiction, they may promise rehab, but you never know if they’re going to go through with it.
So does this book have a cliffhanger? I would say no. We leave off with both main characters alive and safe for the time being but I have a feeling that it’s going to be a huge uphill battle in the rest of the series I get these characters a true HEA. If that even happens.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2021
We were never destined to be anything but a pile of wreckage left in my wake.
Black Clouds of Cotton (In Vein Series Book 2) delves more into the catalyst of it all, the true definition of rock-bottom. The devastation and downfall had been a cathartic ordeal.
I had built a home out of dirty needles, riddled with lies, and laid in my bed made of poison, but that was never really my home.
This book will play with your emotions, a roller coaster of thoughts and suffering. I have devoured this in one sitting, I just can't seem to put it down.
His addiction is killing him, and he’s slowly killing me in the process too.
Great follow up to Book 1!
Black Clouds of Cotton (In Vein Series Book 2) delves more into the catalyst of it all, the true definition of rock-bottom. The devastation and downfall had been a cathartic ordeal.
I had built a home out of dirty needles, riddled with lies, and laid in my bed made of poison, but that was never really my home.
This book will play with your emotions, a roller coaster of thoughts and suffering. I have devoured this in one sitting, I just can't seem to put it down.
His addiction is killing him, and he’s slowly killing me in the process too.
Great follow up to Book 1!
February 1, 2021
"You're surrounded by darkness, but you aren't your demons."
(this review is for book 1 and 2)
Ho voluto leggere Opium Skies e Black Clouds of Cotton back to back, senza pensare al fatto che la storia era un po' pesante da leggere tutta insieme, in quanto tratta temi molto delicati: la tossicodipendenza e le relazioni tossiche.
Ora, se con le relazioni tossiche non ho nessun problema se non che ci sguazzo dentro fin troppo, la tossicodipendenza non mi è mai andata a genio, in quanto completamente contro le droghe. Si, sapevo di che cosa avrebbe parlato il libro e sapevo a cosa andavo incontro, ma non mi aspettavo che la Radcliff fosse così brava a raccontare di una dipendenza, perchè questo è quello che si vede principalmente, viene raccontato nei minimi dettagli di come l'eroina ti fa sentire, e come poi ti butta giù, e di come rovina tutto ciò che hai intorno.
"Pain and pleasure is the language of our love."
Opium Skies mi è piaciuto molto, Ander e Hadley mi piacevano molto come coppia, ma quando arriva l'eroina inizia tutto a disfarsi per poi ritrovarsi in Black Clouds of Cotton con loro che purtroppo fino a metà libro non si rivedono, e quindi scorre tutto molto lento, capitoli interi di Hadley depressa perchè pensa a lui mentre lui è sempre fatto di eroina e non sa neanche da che parte è girato. Mi ha annoiata parecchio ed è per questo che ho tolto una stella. La cosa positiva è che sono entrambi libri molto corti che si possono leggere, per chi riesce, anche in due giorni.
Ora aspettiamo ad aprile il terzo libro, anche se onestamente non so cos'altro si potrebbe raccontare in altri due libri (è una quadrilogia per ora), e non vorrei che cadesse nell'ovvio, io già qualche sospetto ce l'ho ma aspetto di leggerlo prima di giudicare.
December 31, 2020
Five Star Rewiew for “𝙱𝚕𝚊𝚌𝚔 𝙲𝚕𝚘𝚞𝚍𝚜 𝙾𝚏 𝙲𝚘𝚝𝚝𝚘𝚗“ book two of the “𝙸𝚗 𝚅𝚎𝚒𝚗“ series by C.M. Radcliff set for release on 01-14-21. This book follows Hadley & Ander after the fallout from book one. This series deals primarily with heavy drug use and the effects of addiction in relationships.
How far would you go for the one you love? Far enough to sacrifice your own wellbeing? Or would you learn that you could put both of you first? Any guesses on what Hadley chose?
“𝙸𝚝’𝚜 𝚋𝚛𝚞𝚝𝚊𝚕, 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚋𝚎𝚊𝚞𝚝𝚢 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚊𝚒𝚗. 𝙽𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚜 𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚢 𝚒𝚗 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚑 𝚒𝚝. 𝙸𝚝’𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚜𝚎𝚝 𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚜𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚜 𝚘𝚗 𝚏𝚒𝚛𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝’𝚜 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚑 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚞𝚐𝚐𝚕𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚋𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚔.”
Cali has again forced me to feel deeply, weep uncontrollably and get bloody angry over these broken souls that I have grown so attached to. Cali’s writing is all grit and it takes you on a journey that will have your heart palpitating, because seriously girl? How much worse could it get? Way worse! It gets way f**king worse!
My heart aches for Hadley & Ander, but more so their struggles with their own realities in this story. This series deals with uncomfortable topics and a highly toxic relationship that may hit close to home with a lot of people struggling with similar issues. Addiction affects more people today than it should, and this story sheds light on that. But the reality is, villains, screw ups, addicts and bad people deserve love just like everyone else! This is in no way something to romanticize in the real world, but that is why I love dark romance so much! I am 𝙷𝚘𝚘𝚔𝚎𝚍 on Hadley & Ander’s story, so I will keep rooting for them to succeed however end up🖤
How far would you go for the one you love? Far enough to sacrifice your own wellbeing? Or would you learn that you could put both of you first? Any guesses on what Hadley chose?
“𝙸𝚝’𝚜 𝚋𝚛𝚞𝚝𝚊𝚕, 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚋𝚎𝚊𝚞𝚝𝚢 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚊𝚒𝚗. 𝙽𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚜 𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚢 𝚒𝚗 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚑 𝚒𝚝. 𝙸𝚝’𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚜𝚎𝚝 𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚜𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚜 𝚘𝚗 𝚏𝚒𝚛𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝’𝚜 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚑 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚞𝚐𝚐𝚕𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚋𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚔.”
Cali has again forced me to feel deeply, weep uncontrollably and get bloody angry over these broken souls that I have grown so attached to. Cali’s writing is all grit and it takes you on a journey that will have your heart palpitating, because seriously girl? How much worse could it get? Way worse! It gets way f**king worse!
My heart aches for Hadley & Ander, but more so their struggles with their own realities in this story. This series deals with uncomfortable topics and a highly toxic relationship that may hit close to home with a lot of people struggling with similar issues. Addiction affects more people today than it should, and this story sheds light on that. But the reality is, villains, screw ups, addicts and bad people deserve love just like everyone else! This is in no way something to romanticize in the real world, but that is why I love dark romance so much! I am 𝙷𝚘𝚘𝚔𝚎𝚍 on Hadley & Ander’s story, so I will keep rooting for them to succeed however end up🖤
December 29, 2020
I grew up in a community where addiction was a norm, where every friend I had, had a family member who was an addict. So this story hurt, it's a hard pill to swallow. But, it gives so much clarity to the struggles addicts face. To the torment they live through everyday. Radcliff does an amazing job at depicting the severity of it all.
“When two people share the same soul, they’re bonded together with a force stronger than friendship could ever define.”
Hadley and Ander both fight their own demons in this book. Although, their love might be their biggest addiction. Black Clouds Of Cotton picks up right where Opium Skies left off and this part of Hadley and Ander' s story just delivers more blows. It goes deeper into Ander's addiction and Hadley' s willingness to sacrifice her life to save him.
This story shows that addiction is not clean cut. That you can be surrounded by love and still sink deep into the depths of addiction. If Opium Skies ripped your heart out, be prepared Black Clouds Of Cottton will be worse!
“When two people share the same soul, they’re bonded together with a force stronger than friendship could ever define.”
Hadley and Ander both fight their own demons in this book. Although, their love might be their biggest addiction. Black Clouds Of Cotton picks up right where Opium Skies left off and this part of Hadley and Ander' s story just delivers more blows. It goes deeper into Ander's addiction and Hadley' s willingness to sacrifice her life to save him.
This story shows that addiction is not clean cut. That you can be surrounded by love and still sink deep into the depths of addiction. If Opium Skies ripped your heart out, be prepared Black Clouds Of Cottton will be worse!
January 14, 2021
Where do I start with this review..... My heart is so broken for Ander and Hadley. In book one we get to see them start off as a couple struggling with their addictions. They are struggling to be together but the drugs just take over and Ander just like he said he effed up and Hadley was left to pick up the pieces.
Broken Hadley tries to pick up the pieces of what's left of her life but she can't forget about Ander. She loves him and wants him back but she wants him drug free. She will have to fight like hell to get her Ander back the one she fell in love with. But Ander's addiction is all consuming and he can't seem to let it go. He struggles everyday to keep his demons at bay but is unsuccessful.
What is going to happen to these two? Will they make it together or will the drugs take them down? Get ready to need some tissues because this is a heartbreaking story about love and addiction.
Broken Hadley tries to pick up the pieces of what's left of her life but she can't forget about Ander. She loves him and wants him back but she wants him drug free. She will have to fight like hell to get her Ander back the one she fell in love with. But Ander's addiction is all consuming and he can't seem to let it go. He struggles everyday to keep his demons at bay but is unsuccessful.
What is going to happen to these two? Will they make it together or will the drugs take them down? Get ready to need some tissues because this is a heartbreaking story about love and addiction.
December 17, 2020
There truly is not enough stars you can give a book like this. It will grab at your heartstrings from the very first page. Watching the pain and heartbreak that comes to these characters will have you grabbing the tissue box and not letting go.
We will watch Ander deal with addiction in the most devastating way, he will feel there is no turning back from this horrible pain that he has inflicted on himself , but what he doesn’t realize that there are people who love him and want to help.
Hadley knows the heartbreak of seeing someone she cares so deeply about go down a hole that he might not be able to climb out from but she can’t turn her back on him and will do whatever it takes to help him see that he is worth it even if he can’t see himself.
What I know is that by the time you get to the end of this book you just want to wrap these characters up in your arms and give them a hug.
We will watch Ander deal with addiction in the most devastating way, he will feel there is no turning back from this horrible pain that he has inflicted on himself , but what he doesn’t realize that there are people who love him and want to help.
Hadley knows the heartbreak of seeing someone she cares so deeply about go down a hole that he might not be able to climb out from but she can’t turn her back on him and will do whatever it takes to help him see that he is worth it even if he can’t see himself.
What I know is that by the time you get to the end of this book you just want to wrap these characters up in your arms and give them a hug.
December 22, 2020
Sigh...sob...wow. Black Clouds of Cotton is just as emotional and riveting as book one, and yet the intensity of it was sometimes physically painful. Driven apart by Ander's choices, Hadley and Ander both find themselves in a world full of pain.
CM manages to describe the life of an addict and those who love them in an eerily perfect way. She holds nothing back.
The storyline has some dark twists that expose the gritty consequences to falling under the seductive pull of heroin.
I wanted to hug and hit both Hadley and Ander many times. I wept for them both.
This series is not for everyone. CM is a skilled author unafraid to tackle the ugly and make it beautiful.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
CM manages to describe the life of an addict and those who love them in an eerily perfect way. She holds nothing back.
The storyline has some dark twists that expose the gritty consequences to falling under the seductive pull of heroin.
I wanted to hug and hit both Hadley and Ander many times. I wept for them both.
This series is not for everyone. CM is a skilled author unafraid to tackle the ugly and make it beautiful.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 19, 2021
This book devasted me!!!!!
Just when I thought it would get brighter, the clouds came back in. My heart is seriously aching right now. I dont know what to think. I just want Ander and Hadley to have their happy ending! I was on the edge of my seat the entire book! My heart was beating out of my chest! The best thing about this story is, its a fictional love story but the actual triggers are real life traumas. This stuff actually happens in day to day lives. That ending. My POOR heart. I cannot wait for book 3. I neeeeed Ander to pull through this. He has to. I wont be able to ever smile again if Ander and Hadley dont get their happy! 5 stars and MORE
Just when I thought it would get brighter, the clouds came back in. My heart is seriously aching right now. I dont know what to think. I just want Ander and Hadley to have their happy ending! I was on the edge of my seat the entire book! My heart was beating out of my chest! The best thing about this story is, its a fictional love story but the actual triggers are real life traumas. This stuff actually happens in day to day lives. That ending. My POOR heart. I cannot wait for book 3. I neeeeed Ander to pull through this. He has to. I wont be able to ever smile again if Ander and Hadley dont get their happy! 5 stars and MORE
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