Complicated by Kristen Ashley on May 2, 2017
Genres: Contemporary Romance, Small Town
Pages: 576
Format: eBook
Source: Self Purchased
When small town Nebraska sheriff Hixon Drake meets Greta Dare, the connection couldn’t be stronger, but the timing couldn’t be worse.
Dealing with the fallout of a divorce he never wanted and setting up a new home for his kids, Hix becomes that guy, that one he never wanted to be, and puts a stop to things before they can even start. Protecting his kids, and himself, is his only priority.
Greta, on the other hand, has found the place for her and the brother she adores that’s perfect for them—a sleepy little town in Nebraska. She’s learned from life that there are no hopes and dreams. The only thing to look forward to is peace. And that’s what she works hard to build for herself and her brother. Right up until Hix walks into her life.
Hix can’t fight the pull and stay away from Greta for long. And Greta’s finding it hard not to hope for something more with all the promise that is Hix.
But when the first murder that’s happened in over five decades rocks his small, sleepy county, Hix has got to learn to trust again, convince Greta to take a shot with him, and at the same time catch a killer.
In other words, things are definitely…Complicated.
Complicated is a stand alone novel of Kristen Ashley and I was nervous about this book. I have seen some mixed reviews on this one, so I didn’t know where I would end on the spectrum. I will admit that this book started out very slowly here. But I warmed up very quickly once the story started going for me here. I really fell for both of these characters. The hero is recovering from a bitter divorce, an ex who is acting crazy, children cross in the crosshairs of the drama and a woman he is falling hard for but doesn’t know what to do with his feelings with. There are some complex entanglements involved in play here but once Hix starts fighting back is where this story becomes gold. It takes him a little while to realize what he really wants, but once he does, he doesn’t back down and he won my heart eventually.
I actually got quite a kick out of this book in so many ways. There is SO much drama though so I can see why that aspect won’t appeal to some because his ex wife acts CRAZY. Seriously its women like this that drive me bananas. But I did love seeing how Kristen Ashley wrote this set up because it shows the beauty in opposites and finding love when you least expect it. It was such a solid read in many respects and I found it purely delightful in how this couple fights for what they have. And I also had a blast with Hix’s children and most especially Greta’s brother. Loved the kinship and sense of family shown in this story.
I know that for some readers of Kristen Ashley, this is probably not your favorite novel from her, but I had such a blast with this book. It definitely met my expectations in only KA can do and if you are a KA fan, than this book will win your heart just like it did mine here.
Rock Chick Reborn by Kristen Ashley Also in this series: Rock Chick, Rock Chick Rescue, Rock Chick Reawakening, Rock Chick Redemption, Rock Chick Renegade, Rock Chick Revenge, Rock Chick Reckoning
Series: Rock Chick #9
on April 2 2018
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 182
Format: eBook
Source: Self Purchased
As a Rock Chick, Shirleen Jackson lived through all the kidnappings and explosions. Along the way, she also watched the dramatic love stories that came with those rides unfold.
But long ago, Shirleen made her choice. It affected who she was and would always be. She decided to settle for what she had and not want more. She had good friends. She was raising two fine young men who weren’t hers, but she loved them anyway.
She was good.
And then Moses Richardson crashed into her life, literally… and deliberately.
Moses has different ideas about Shirleen. He’s more interested in the Shirleen of now, mostly because she’s interesting. And funny. And loyal. Smart. Beautiful.
But Moses has a big challenge on his hands.
He has to convince Shirleen of all that.
And then convince her she deserves to have more.
Rock Chick Reborn was simply fabulous and I just ADORE Shirleen Jackson. She is such a lovely maternal character. She definitely has a past where she has suffered greatly but also made mistakes of her own. But she is working on being better and raising two fine boys. Shirleen never imagined that she would find her he man like the rest of the rock chicks but a man “Moses Richardson” comes barreling into her life and of course the Rock Chicks get involved in the whole scenario, knowing this is what she needs and deserves. Shirleen has many reservations but most of these come from her own perspective of her own value and this is where it is showcased how strong she is but still has her own vulnerabilities that I found so relatable in some ways. And it was quite fun to see two single parents find love in a grocery store of all places. But Moses will have a fight on his hands and loved how determined he is to fight for Shirleen and what they have together. Such an impactful story to end the Rock Chicks and eager to see what KA will do with her spin off series.
About Kristen Ashley
Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn't taken her first breath!).
Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.
Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).
Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.
And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.
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