Reviews

Complicated Love by Livia Grant

mom2three's review

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5.0

I am someone who hates saying goodbye to beloved characters so I was thrilled that this story reunites us with Emma, Jaxson, and Chase. I really loved that it was set years in the future and showcased how life can get in the way of romance. Anyone who has been in any relationship for 5 years can relate to the way distractions get in the way of passions and how important it is to reconnect. And these three really know how to reconnect. It's not an easy, or comfortable journey, and they each are at fault for letting things slide, but they once again reach their HEA so it's all good.
Like the rest of the books in this series, this one pulls out all the feels. It's not a stand alone, so please read Infamous Love first, and give yourself time to sit and enjoy it. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll want to commit violence, and you'll wish you could be a member of this fabulous trio. I loved it.

lifeinthebooklane's review

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4.0

A 'well I really didn't expect that!' scorching hot read.

Whilst this could very easily be read and enjoyed as a stand alone story, I do think that reading Infamous Love first would further enhance the pleasure. This book is what I would describe as quite gentle BDSM. Whilst there are menage scenes, spanking and other punishment, the kink play is not the main focus of the book and is fairly 'light' in feel. If you have read Infamous Love, or either of the Black Light Valentine books then, like me, you won't want to miss out on Jax, Chase and Emma's continuing story.

The trio have decided to open a Runway and Black Light club on the west coast, whilst trying to get it open before new legislation will add further issues. This puts them all under an immense amount of pressure, not to mention the stress Emma feels seeing people hitting on Jax and Chase whilst also comparing herself unfavourably to the super skinny women that surround her. Plus she is keeping one heck of a secret. Love isn't supposed to involve three people, will Jax, Chase and Emma find that two's company and three's a crowd?

I really wasn't sure what to expect from this book, after all we've seen the trio fall in love and share that truth with the world. I really didn't expect the story I got, but I don't mind as I really did enjoy this book. The word 'Love' is in the title because that is what you feel through out this whole story, the incredible and undeniable love that is shared by these three special people.

You can't help but also fall in love with Jaxson, Chase and Emma. What I adore is how very different Jaxson and Chase are, yet they fit together perfectly and complement each other so well. These are not one dimensional cardboard cutout characters either. They have human foibles and hidden depths. I relished Chase getting all Domly on Jaxson, it made BOTH feel so very much more human and fallible.

I think there is a little (or a lot) of Emma in most of us, that girl is my book BFF. I could even see why she had kept her secret for so long. Whilst it could have been a situation that made me annoyed, Livia's excellent writing of both thoughts and emotions made it very understandable. Talking of secrets, there are several that pop up throughout the book. They're quite easy to guess at as you approach them, but that's because the author drops so many hints and clues. Not only was I in on the secret but the excitement came from wondering not only how it would be revealed but how the other two would react.

Whilst the book is NSFW, and when there is play time it is most definitely steamy, this is very much a plot driven story. The sex scenes enhance the story, emphasising and consolidating the connection and love between the three of them.

Oh yes, there are also appearances by some old favourites of the Black Light world, along with a few new characters. Personally I'm hoping to see more of Elijah, Miguel,Brandi and maybe even Madison. I definitely DON'T want to see more of Lola, though I have to admire an author who can make me dislike a character as much as I did her!

kelly_reads_books's review

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5.0

Jaxson, Chase and Emma's story is so beautiful. I love how this trio always rallies together and makes things work out so that everyone is happy. I was smiling and sometimes laughing while reading this book as I lived through their ups and downs. I loved how these characters dealt with real life issues without losing themselves in someone else.

jigsawgirl's review

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4.0

Love the characters in this story. If you read any of the Black Light series, you get a glimpse of Jax, Emma, and Chase. This is a continuation of THEIR story.

I think they are my favorite threesome. You get to revisit some of the issues with Emma's father, Jax's mother, and the not quite, but almost cliffhanger from Valentine Roulette.

You get a good view into an unconventional loving relationship and the good friendships they developed throughout the series. Secrets are kept and exposed all over the place. New characters are added with the opening of the L.A. Clubs. One of the best scenes I had been waiting for us with Lola. Can't give more info without having to do a spoiler alert.

And to top it all off, there are No worries, because you still get a fair share of kink and steamy scenes.

If you have enjoyed any of the Black Light series you will probably enjoy this book too.

nicki_theoverflowingbookcase's review

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5.0

I am completely in love with these characters and now need to go back and see how they all started. The trio of Jaxson, Chase and Emma was so beautifully written that the reader feels like they are right there with them. Each page dripped with emotion, tension, and overall true love. Communication is key to any relationship, but when you are in a trio it is even more important. But when the lines of communication are failing, can the relationship survive? Loved every single chapter and the storyline is one that not only had strength because of the emotions but also because of depth of characters. Cannot wait to go back and read the beginning of the relationship.

tlea's review

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5.0

Wow, I loved this book! If you've followed this relationship through the books you would have witnessed them go from a new relationship (Infamous Love), through the Black Light books & now this. It is a book that could be read as a standalone but is so much better if you've followed their relationship. For an average size book, this story had so much emotion in it & yet it never felt rushed or out of place. These characters have to be 3 of my all-time favourites & while I don't know what the author has planned for them in the future, if this is the final we hear from them, it really does end on a high.

dani9's review

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adventurous lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I have loved this entire series, even the ones that I wouldn't have maybe picked up if they were a standalone, I just really enjoy the black light universe and all the recurring characters that continuously pop up.  

It was great for jax, chase and Emma to get another of their own story. I do find Emma slightly irritating but that didn't take away from the book.

wineanlatenightreads's review

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5.0

LOVED

Oh my Ms Livia Grant this was another smashing great hit. I don't think I can explain how much I love books.
And to get to see what my favorite trio has been up to. Oh man the things Emma gets herself into when she leaves
Take self doubt rue her instead of listening to her Dom's and the love that they shower her with. I also enjoyed getting a little peek into what has been going on with Ryder and Khloe.
Great story line, steamy scenes her books are always ahmazing. 🍷🌃💁🔰

lynn_webb's review

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Having just finished the prequel (Infamous Love) to this book, I was intrigued to know what happens next. It started off easy enough. The story being told was a fun one to read. However, the constant change of POV was extremely distracting. I still managed to to enjoy the overall story but definitely prefer Infamous Love.

***I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.

bene_lassus's review

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5.0

That story is the sequel of Infamous Love.
Years after their HEA, Emma, Jax and Chase are still very much in love but life happens. And Life can be challenging...
Complicated Love is a wonderful story full of emotion, drama, and love. Livia Grant take us on a roller coaster from the first pages till the end. I re read that book quite often and each time I spent a wonderful time with my favorite trio.