Review of Addicted To Him (The Callahans Book 3) by Monica Murphy
Sometimes, a book finds you at just the right moment, capturing your heart and emotions like a well-aimed throw from a quarterback. Addicted To Him, the third installment in Monica Murphy’s Callahans series, did just that for me. As a longtime fan of sports romances and the melodrama they beautifully weave, I was immediately drawn to this tale of forbidden love between Ava Callahan and Eli Bennett—two characters whose paths collide in the most unexpected, and sometimes tumultuous, ways.
From the moment the story unfolded, I was swept into the angsty world of high school rivalries and hidden romances. Ava, the clever and outspoken younger sister of a star quarterback, stands at the crossroads of family loyalty and burgeoning desire. Meanwhile, Eli, the charming yet troubled quarterback of their rival team, breaks all the rules with his confrontational swagger and undeniable charm. Murphy expertly captures the thrill of young love, tension, and the kind of angst that sends your heart racing.
What I loved most about the characters was their depth. Ava feels overshadowed by her family’s legacy; Eli is equally haunted by his own familial struggles. Their connection is palpable, and the gradual unraveling of their relationship—marked by secret meetings and stolen moments—is portrayed with such authenticity that I found myself rooting for them from the very first page. Their chemistry crackled with tension, and it was exciting to see Ava emerge from the shadows of her family’s expectations to stake her own claim—especially through her interactions with Eli.
Murphy’s writing style is both engaging and poised, effortlessly blending humor with raw emotion. The pacing flows smoothly, keeping me captivated as the stakes rose and the tension intensified. I was particularly struck by memorable lines, such as Eli declaring, “I’ll gladly go to war over you, Ava. And I’ll win every battle. Watch me." Those words resonated deeply, encapsulating the passion and determination that define their tumultuous relationship.
However, it’s worth noting that the tumultuous nature of their love story has evoked mixed reactions among readers. While many, like Reviewer Lena from Lena Loves Books, were spellbound by the angst, others pointed out the less-than-ideal dynamics at play. It’s a testament to Murphy’s skill that she elicits such strong feelings, both good and bad, in her readers.
As for the cliffhanger ending—oh boy, did it leave me on the edge of my seat! I found myself eagerly longing for the sequel, Meant to Be, to see how Ava and Eli navigate the consequences of their choices.
Anyone who enjoys a young adult romance laced with tension, fierce characters, and the thrill of secrecy will find Addicted To Him to be an addictive read. This book not only entertained me; it reminded me of the complexities of young love and the courage it takes to embrace one’s own path. So, grab a copy and prepare to dive into a world of intensity and passion—it just might resonate with your own experiences of love and longing.