Chapter Break: Hold on Tight by Nicola Haken

A figure from Dexter’s past has uprooted all the memories he has tried so desperately to bury… to forget. The terrible events of his past have been blown wide open once again, immersing him a pool of guilt deeper than he’s even experienced before. Dexter feels powerless. The future he foolishly allowed himself to conceive is falling apart around him and there’s nothing he can do about it. But there’s one thing he can control – one thing he’s an expert at… blocking everything out. Losing all control, Dexter copes the only way he knows how – he dives so far into the well of addiction, the only thing that matters anymore is where his next fix is coming from. Mission accomplished – there’s no one left. He’s successfully pushed everyone away. Nobody left to care about means no more guilt, right? You can’t hurt people who aren’t there… But has he really pushed Emily as far away as he thinks he has? She’s given up everything for him – her home, her friends… her whole life. And she doesn’t regret a single thing. But can she save him from drowning, or has he finally sunk too far? (Not suitable for under 18’s due to language, sexual content and explicit drug use)

The synopsis really sums the book up, so I won't discuss logistics of the book. However, what I will discuss is what I took away from the book.
Dex is deep in his addiction. If you have never been affected by addiction, this book will help you understand. From personal experience, it really is like what happens in the book. The thinking process for the addict and also the thinking process for those trying to cope with the addict.
Sarah tells us that there really is nothing we can do unless they want to help themselves, and this is very much true. Have you ever wanted something so bad, but the only was you got it was by finally doing something.....yourself? That is how addiction is.
I believe I had a much different experience reading this book that others would. I found myself thrust back just a year ago when addiction hit my family. It brought out feelings that are healing and moving forward. The way Nicola has written this book makes me think she has either dealt with addiction first hand, or has had some serious research skills.

Nicola lives in Rochdale, England with her husband and four children (six if you include the dogs!) She is the author of New Adult/Contemporary romance novels Inevitable, Saving Amy and the Take My Hand series. When she is not busy playing with her imaginary book friends (or talking about them with real life friends!) she can usually be found carrying out her ordinary mum/housewife/all round slave duties. Oh, and if the kids ever ask, she moonlights as the Pink Power Ranger while they’re sleeping…