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 … 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.
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This was a big read and I enjoyed every minute of it. There was enough going non throughout the whole book to get your attention and keep it. The characters are great. I would love to see more from this world. I really really enjoyed this book.
Nice to have a steamy romance where the characters are more realistic. No billionaires and virgins, just older (35-40) attractive people doing real jobs and with real problems. The characters were wonderful.
Love the storyline. Had action, romance, humor, and a great read. Bought it first on audible. Had to have the book. Have reread it a hundred times.
Love all her books
While the alpha males may frustrate me sometimes, I’ve yet to read an Ashley book I haven’t loved.
Seriously, seriously in love with this book. I don’t even know what to say about it. I stayed up too late trying to read it all in one sitting (and failed), but I seriously didn’t want to put it down. I mean no one REALLY needs sleep, right? I lover Hix and Greta. I adore this author, yes, even her newer books. I’m going to have to do another massive KA reread again.
I liked Hix the man wasn’t afraid to let his woman use his things, with conditions of course, “he chuckled. “No, it’s I own this beast so I drive it if I’m in it so she knows she always has my love, but I’m totally cool you wanna take her for a spin if I’m not around.” Hix sometimes only hears certain parts of a conversation, “Hix wasn’t feeling amused anymore. “Let’s go back to my Boxing Day surprise,” he suggested in a growl. He had no clue what Boxing Day even was.” I loved this book, I fell in love with Hix and his alpha, bossy ways.
4.5 stars
One of the things I liked most in this book was the age of the characters. Hixon and Greta are 41 and 38, with previous marriages and baggage that come with the territory. I also appreciated the maturity…as in, I literally loved the way situations were dealt with. Once Hixon unstuck his foot from his mouth and pulled his head out of his caboose, the adulting is what sealed the deal for me. There were straight up messy conversations that had to happen, and call me surprised when they actually occurred in a straightforward manner.
Complicated was a pure joy to read! And knowing how picky I am when I attempt a KA book, that’s saying something. I loved Hixon’s respectfully, protective self and Greta’s loving and nurturing personality. Hixon’s kids were whip smart and a hoot-especially Shaw, a definite chip off the block, although Corinne and Mamie held their own. Greta’s brother Andy was also a sweet guy. Small towns also mean lots of well intentioned if nosy peeps and the secondary characters were a riot! The dash of suspense, steamy sex, and a colorful cast made this book come to life in ways I wasn’t really expecting, but am glad I took the chance to read.
So very Kristen Ashley.
KA didn’t take her time having the hero act like a big fat jerk. The minute he has sex he says, “Thanks,” pulls up his drawers and beats feet. Pretty unusual.. except there was Tank in Motorcycle Man, Brock in Wild Man, Three Wishes, and then there was Hector tooling poor Sophie in Rock Chick Regret, and …well never mind.
Hixon is by no means the worst KA hero, and he is does try and make it up to Greta although he blows it not once, but twice. In time honored KA heroine, she takes him back with minimal effort. She has her hands full with a brother with brain damage, the WORST mother – THE WORST EVER, a stalker, a broken nose, and an ex that is still besotted with her.
The H has a studly alpha job (Sheriff), three great kids who don’t hate the h, and an ex-wife that is not the most evil ex in KA-ville, but definitely the most stupid.
SPOILER:
She and the H were high school sweethearts and happily married when she asks for a divorce. Why? He inherited about $25,000, and she wanted him to spend it by buying her a $20,ooo ring. He, stupid, shallow man, laughs and plans on spending it on something trivial like his kids’ college educations. She doesn’t even tell him why they are divorcing just mutters, You know!. She regrets the divorce the minute he signs, and is annoyingly and entertainingly in the way of true romance. (END spoiler)]
This is a little more disjointed than usual and with the questionable conversational skills that KA’s heroes have. Had to read some sentences more than once. Minimal chin lifting.
If you like Kristen Ashley, you will like this, if you don’t…then move along. Diana Palmer is waiting with one of her hairy Texas charmers.
Loved this book!
As with any of Kristen Ashley’s books we have a Hot Alpha Male and a very strong woman.
I loved the chemistry between Hix and Greta and I have to say that I really liked that KA didn’t have Hix’s kids instantly love her. Its hard on children when their parents start to date someone other than their mom/dad and I loved the realistic portrayal of the kids coming to terms with everything and accepting Greta into their lives. A couple of the kids were easily won over but one held onto the lies that she was being fed by her mother. This hit a personal cord with me and it pulled memories of the early days of when my husband and I began dating so yeah I really liked the way things were played out.
I listened to the audio book and occasionally switched to the kindle e-book, I enjoyed both the female and male narratives it definitely added another dimension to the book.
Favorite author. No one writes an Alpha male like KA!
Could not put it down.
Hixon and Greta are about the most realistic characters you could find. Their backgrounds, their lives, their struggles and hopes and finally, their shared dream. All so real.
Their journey was far from perfect, but whose journey is without hurdles and pain and loss. It’s all mixed with the love of a good partner. And it’s a beautiful story.
Kristen Hannah never disappoints with her clever storytelling.
Love this authors books. They are well developed, from the main characters to great secondary characters. Her books are steamy while still holding a good story line. There is no sophomoric development or phrasing. Her books read and sound like an adult woman wrote them. This is in contrast to other romance books that are out there that I have to believe are written by high school giggling freshman.
Kristen Ashley knows how to write adult romance and does it well.
I love anything By Kristen. I have every book she has written and have reread then numerous times.
I am a Big fan of anything KA! As long as she keeps them coming, I will be reading!
I love all of KA’s Books!
she’s the best writer EVER