Book Review: Addicted by Zane

Zane's Addicted: A Novel
Author: Zane
Reading Level: Adult Fiction
Genre: Romance | Erotica | Cultural
Released: August 26th 2014 (Movie-tie edition)
Original Publication Date: January 1st 1998

Before there was E.L. James’s 50 Shades of Grey, there was Zane’s Addicted. Once described as “the hottest paperback in the country” by the New York Times and now a major motion picture distributed by Lionsgate, this wildly popular novel by the Queen of Erotica follows one woman’s life as it spirals out of control when her three extramarital affairs lead her down a dark and twisted path.

For successful African-American businesswoman Zoe Reynard, finding the pleasure she wants, the way she wants it, is not worth the risk of losing everything she has: marriage to the man she has loved since childhood, a thriving company, and three wonderful children. But Zoe feels helpless in the grip of an overpowering addiction…to sex.

Finding a compassionate woman therapist to help her, Zoe finally summons the courage to tell her torrid story, a tale of guilt and desire as shocking as it is compelling. From the sensitive artist with whom she spends stolen hours on rumpled sheets to the rough and violent man who draws her toward destruction, Zoe is a woman desperately searching for fulfillment—and something darker, deeper, and perhaps deadly. As her life spins out of control and her sexual escapades carry her toward a dangerous choice, Zoe is racing against time to uncover the source of her “fatal attraction”—as chilling secrets tumble forth from the recesses of a woman's mind, and perilous temptations lead toward a climax that can threaten her sanity, her marriage…and her life.

My! My! My! Seems like age makes a difference some times when you read a book the second time around. I remembering reading Addicted years ago before I started blogging and thought it was good but somewhat outdated. So reading it again years later and of course older in my years made me appreciate it better. Plus having faces to place with the book characters from the upcoming movie release also made an impact. It was still outdated in some parts because it was written by Zane in the late 90's but I was able to look past certain phrases and really get deep into the storyline. I even found the beginning humorous when the characters are young kids before not so much since I was younger and didn't relate as easily. So moral of my story is sometimes it's good to go back and reread an old book that didn't quite move you before. You'd be surprised if the second time is the charm.

With all that I can't wait to see this story and characters come to life in the movie. There is so much that can transfer over and make this book pop as a movie. I know that it won't be exactly the same just like any other adaptation but I really hope they stay as true to the book as possible. One book character I'm super excited to see on the big screen is Quinton. They change him a bit from being African American to Latino and the actor that will reprise that role is a Cuban Spanish soap opera star I have been a fan of for a long while. But really who I hope executes her role is Zoe played by Sharon Leal, she is the leading role and who the story is based after. Zoe in the book is funny as heck even while she is suffering through all her ordeals. She just cracked me up.

"What can I say? Never say never!
Whoever said you can't get pregnant by having sex just one time lied like all hell, 'cause my ass sure got knocked the hell up. Ain't that a bitch?" - Zoe

Addicted is a very mature story with some tough issues that is not made for everyone. This will not be your sweet Cinderella story, you will feel pain, heartache and happiness and might even cuss out loud at times. The main character Zoe has to deal not just with a sex addition but also infidelity, death and rape, so make sure you are strong of heart to take it all in. With all that being said their is also a beautiful love story that will win above everything else.

The awesome people at Atria books will be releasing the updated movie-tie to match the movie poster. I have the old early 2000's cover and will be updating my collection with the sexy new cover. Addicted hits theaters October 10th 2014 nationwide. Its being released by Lionsgate. You can check out previews and pictures on the Addicted Facebook page.