Reviews

Complicated by Kristen Ashley

summermusings's review against another edition

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4.0

This was my first romance audio in a long time. Not sure I will listen to more romance audios because there were several times where I thought to myself, let's speed this up. There was also a flashback scene midway through that was a bit startling in audio because I immediately wondered if I'd hit rewind when it occurred - in a book, it probably would be italicized for clarity. I'll definitely keep using audio for non-fiction or jargon filled fiction like Tom Clancy. That said, this story was classic Kristen Ashley with banter and humor. I loved the family dynamic with Andy and the kids. I'm always a sucker for a good epilogue and this one did not disappoint. I don't know if this is going to be a new series, but I would like Shaw's story later.

oktoberopal's review against another edition

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4.0

We find what we need when we aren't looking or wanting it

Decent book. I enjoyed reading it. Loved how Hix was not taking his ex-wife's crap. Definitely an alpha male with a soft side.The dialogue was a bit repetitive here and there but overall worth reading.

gayle78's review against another edition

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3.0

Saddens me to actually give a KA book 3 stars but I struggled with this book. For me I just couldn’t connect with Greta or Hix.

djacknurse's review against another edition

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4.0

Enjoyable read...it's been hit or miss lately with KA books. I'm reminded of her past writing style with this one. I was interested in the different directions the plot took me. It had some "slow" times with too much description but nothing I couldn't get past. I really enjoy when it's not all about romance.

shms's review against another edition

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3.0

I initially tried this in the audio format and it didn't work for me so I waited for the book and read that. I've been a little generous with the rating. It's about 2* in terms of content and enjoyment, but I'm getting soft in my old age and the fact that this had a lot of KA's hallmark traits gave me a warm fuzzy feeling. Sticking to the tried and testing formula, the long convoluted sentences are a given but the alpha H, the cutesy h, the lovely decor in their homes. Its all comforting.

I say this because just reading the synopsis of her Honey series books made me not want to read them. So the reassurance that all is right in the world earns the extra star.

shmsy's review against another edition

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3.0

I initially tried this in the audio format and it didn't work for me so I waited for the book and read that. I've been a little generous with the rating. It's about 2* in terms of content and enjoyment, but I'm getting soft in my old age and the fact that this had a lot of KA's hallmark traits gave me a warm fuzzy feeling. Sticking to the tried and testing formula, the long convoluted sentences are a given but the alpha H, the cutesy h, the lovely decor in their homes. Its all comforting.

I say this because just reading the synopsis of her Honey series books made me not want to read them. So the reassurance that all is right in the world earns the extra star.

rory_oconnor's review against another edition

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emotional mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

niclmac's review against another edition

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4.0

I initially bought this an an audiobook, but started to find Kristen's writing style didn't translate well to an audio format, so I bought the e-book (what the hell, it's only $4). I enjoyed the emotional complexity of the characters (Kristen is genius at creating sassy, vulnerable, hilarious female characters and strong alpha-type men). Hair stylist/singer Greta is amazingly giving and vulnerable, particularly given the rough life she's led. And recent divorcee/small-town Sherrif Hix isn't perfect by any stretch; he treats her horribly in the beginning and can't seem to see past the end of his nose, which actually makes for a more satisfying story.

It's not particularly plot-heavy - there's a murder that's really hard to care about, and Hix's ex-wife has a Big Secret that turns out to not be very Big at all. What's good about this book is the way the central relationship evolves, the push and pull of two people who are coming together during very tumultuous times in their lives. I'm a little disappointed that Kristen chose to use an incredibly violent act against her female protagonist as a plot device (she uses it *a lot*) - surely there are other catalysts to get the main characters to see what they mean to each other.

In all, an enjoyable read (judging by the fact that I stayed up way past my bedtime to read it) with engaging characters, a strong emotional core, plenty of delicious sex and a satisfying ending.

sierra_erwin's review against another edition

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funny mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

katriviannaherm's review against another edition

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I thought I could give this author another chance, I like the leads but the dialogues and writing style makes the story very blunt. I know the characters are anguished, but with the barely there and laconic dialogue delivery I can barely feel the emotions.