Caffeinated Reviewer | Complicated by Kristen Ashley
25th Mar
Sophia Rose is here with a review of Complicated by Kristen Ashley. Come see why this contemporary romance narrated by Erin Mallon and Lance Greenfield hit all the marks with her.
Complicated
by Kristen Ashley
Narrator: Lance Greenfield, Erin Mallon
Length: 18 hours and 22 minutes
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Rating: 
Heat Level: 
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.2x
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.
Sophia Rose’s Review
A couple with some mileage, a small town in Nebraska, a murder, exes… complicated and oh so worth it in Kristen Ashley’s small-town romance.Â
Complicated was a luscious standalone gem demonstrating that life dreams come true even if later than expected. The book is full of all sorts of interesting plot threads that radiate out from the two main characters. They were likeable and lovable and they both had lives that marked them.
On the surface, it could be reduced down to two divorcees- one recent and one a few years old finding a connection, but not expecting the connection or what follows. What took this one deeper for me was that the author teased out what killed the old relationships and what built this new one that was stronger and richer for the pair of them. There are exes, conflicted children, interfering parents, and all sorts of small-town stuff including their separate friends and places of employment. The mystery is interesting and, as sheriff, Hixon must deal with that, but it was interesting in the sense, too, of how it hit the community and the family of the victim.
Kristen Ashley knows how to make ordinary people with flaws and their simple, but flawed lives fascinating and story-worthy. I thought she was at her best at that with this one. Hixon and Greta were a surprising pair in some ways. After a few false starts, they really make sense- the devilishly handsome family-man county sheriff with the hair-stylist lounge singer who had it hard growing up ‘trailer trash’ with an adult brother with a traumatic brain injury and a crazy ‘good for a drama scene’ mother.
Many times, I have struggled with Kristen Ashley’s writing style, but I did not with this one. Characters didn’t get lost in their heads or unnecessarily drama this up. There are sections of character development and reflection as well as action which was a great balance. These characters were mature (well, the ones who were meant to be portrayed as mature) and acted like it. And while this was long, it did not drag. There is a lot going on and it all was natural to the story and equally engaging.
I was thrilled to encounter a new pair of engaging narrators in Lance Greenfield and Erin Mallon. Sections were told by Hixon with Lance taking the lead and then sections by Erin. Both were a stellar match for their particular character counter-parts and did a great job with the large cast of characters ranging from kids to older folk. There are many emotions to portray and changes in mood that were transitioned well. Humor, sadness, and firework-worthy passion was superb.
All in all, this latest outing with this author, her story, and the narrators was a trifecta of fabulous. It’s standalone, and I think those looking to try KA for the first time would find this a great place to start, particularly if small-town romance is your gig.
*kindleunlimited
About Kristen Ashley
Kristen Ashley is the New York Times bestselling author of over eighty romance novels. She’s a hybrid author, publishing titles both independently and traditionally, her books have been translated in fourteen languages and she’s sold millions of books. In December 2022, Kristen published the second in her Wild West MC series, SMOKE AND STEEL, the love story of Hellen and Core. In March, she’ll release the THE GIRL IN THE WOODS, the second in her romantic thriller series, Misted Pines. She’ll also publish her first-ever murder mystery romance in an episodic format on Kindle Vella. Kristen, born in Gary and raised in Brownsburg, Indiana and was a fourth generation graduate of Purdue University. Since, she has lived in Denver, the West Country of England, and she now resides in Phoenix. She worked as a charity executive for eighteen years prior to beginning her independent publishing career. She now writes full-time. Although romance is her genre, the prevailing themes running through all of Kristen’s novels are friendship, family and a strong sisterhood. To this end, and as a way to thank her readers for their support, Kristen has created the Rock Chick Nation, a series of programs that are designed to give back to her readers and promote a strong female community.
About Erin Mallon
ERIN MALLON is a USA Today Bestselling Author, playwright, producer of audio plays, narrator of nearly 800 audiobooks and podcast host of My Job is to Play: Conversations on Creativity with Erin Mallon. She is a seven-time Earphones Award Winner and a five-time Audie Award Nominee. Her audio play These Walls Can Talk is a 2021 Independent Audiobook Award Winner for Humor. The Natural History Series is Erin’s debut trio of romantic comedy novels including Flirtasaurus, Lovebug and Sharkbait. Her plays have been presented all over the United States and many are available as audio dramas.
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About Sophia Rose
Sophia is a quiet though curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, and gardening. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes Region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, Baseball, Cats, Scooby Doo, and Chocolate.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat.
