• Reviews
    • 5+++++++ Stars
    • 5 stars
    • 4-5 stars
      • 4 stars
      • 4.25 Stars
      • 4.5 stars
      • 4.75 Stars
    • 3-4 stars
    • audiobook
      • Audiobooks Under 3 stars
      • Audiobook 3 stars
      • Audiobook 3.5 stars
      • Audiobook 3.75 Stars
      • Audiobook 4 stars
      • Audiobook 4.25 Stars
      • Audiobook 4.5 Stars
      • Audiobook 4.75 Stars
      • Audiobook 5 stars
      • Audiobook 5+++ Stars
  • Series Orders
    • The Complete Guide To Kristen Ashley
  • What to Read after Fifty
  • About~Privacy
    • Advertising
    • Contact ~ Review Requests
    • Terms and Conditions. Privacy Policy.
    • Archive
  • Wicked Book Weekend

Ana's Attic Book Blog

Romance Book and Audiobook Reviews and Deals

  • Ana's Attic Book Blog
  • Home
  • Reviews
    • 5+++++++ Stars
    • 5 stars
    • 4-5 stars
      • 4 stars
      • 4.25 Stars
      • 4.5 stars
      • 4.75 Stars
    • 3-4 stars
    • Audiobooks
      • Audiobook 5+++ Stars
      • Audiobook 5 stars
      • Audiobook 4.75 Stars
      • Audiobook 4.5 Stars
      • Audiobook 4.25 Stars
      • Audiobook 4 stars
      • Audiobook 3.75 Stars
      • Audiobook 3.5 stars
      • Audiobook 3 stars
      • Audiobooks Under 3 stars
  • New-Sale-Free-Preorder
  • Favorite Lists
    • 2021 Top Picks
    • 2020 Top Picks
    • 2019 Top Picks
    • 2018 Top Picks
    • 2017 Top Picks
    • 2016 Top Picks
    • 2015 Top Picks
    • 2014 Top Picks
    • 2013 Top Picks
    • 2012 Top Picks
    • Top Picks and Favorite Lists
    • Recaps and Best Sellers
  • Book Extras – Exclusives
  • Upcoming Book Releases

Audiobook Review – Complicated by Kristen Ashley

05/02/2017

Complicated by Kristen Ashley

Narrated by Lance Greenfield and Erin Mallon

Standalone. Exclusive to Audible until November 2017.

Complicated by Kristen Ashley is everything I fell in love with about Kristen Ashley’s writing in one book. We have her traditional long, descriptive narrative—over 18 hours when most books are about 8. (Not once did it feel too long). We have a slightly older couple, both divorced, and him with 3 kids (two of them teenage), and he is an AWESOME father with an ex that makes things difficult; we have a strong, independent woman who is sweet and cool and has had a rough past, and we have a Sheriff working on an important case, adding the suspense to the story. We also have a small town where everyone knows everyone’s business, but it brings in a lot of great side characters. Rolled together, Complicated is everything I love about Kristen Ashley’s writing, and this story is one of my favorites of hers.

The audiobook took a bit to warm up to for me however. One of the things I have always loved about Kristen Ashley’s style is when she writes in first person for the heroine and third person for hero. However, in audio I am really not a fan of third person. Since this was written for audio and had dual narrators, I would have liked to have listened in dual first person. In audio you feel the detachment of the narrator more than in print I think, and it really stands out when the male narrator is vocalizing a conversation and there has to be double the amount of “she saids”, and “I replied” and other conversational cues in the narrator’s real voice. Luckily the parts from the heroine’s point of view sucked me in completely, as they were first person. But Complicated was, to me, Sheriff Hixon’s story more than Greta’s so we heard the 3rd person more. Plus, these aren’t my favorite narrators. I like them both, but I sometimes find him a bit mechanical  (and sometimes super sexy) and she often sounds like she is about to cry, though this worked really well during emotional moments. I don’t dislike either, but I don’t love when each of them do the other’s lines. The narration wasn’t bad in any way, but I don’t feel like it enhanced the story for me the way some narrators do. I also think it would have been cool, in an audible exclusive, to maybe have something (like sounds?) that brings it to life more than usual.

Despite me not totally swooning over the narration, I am swooning over the story. I loved every second of it. And once I really got into it, and got over the 3rd person male pov, Complicated jumped up to one of my favorite KA books ever. Had I read the print version first, I think this may have taken a top spot without any negatives at all. Who am I kidding? It’s still one of my favorites.

Complicated is a great title for this book, because they both have a whole hell of a lot of baggage. Sheriff Hix is recently divorced with three kids. His older son, Shaw, a senior in high school, is an alpha in the making and I absolutely LOVED him. His two younger girls, while having some issues with the divorce, were just written so well that I couldn’t help but love them. The problem is, Hix didn’t want the divorce. His wife was acting rash and went through with a divorce she didn’t really want either.

But when Hix hooks up with Greta, the local hairdresser/lounge singer with the angelic voice, his ex realizes what she lost (nah nah), and Hix realizes what he lost (not much), and how much better it could be. Greta has her own baggage as well. She is divorced as well, with a drunk mom and a disabled brother (who I loved so freaking much!). But when circumstances throw Greta right into Hix’s family, the magic really begins.

“Sounds perfect, I told her. And it did. But suddenly, everything was. A cramped apartment, a broken nose, three kids who barely knew me, one not knowing what to make of me, a future that was complicated. With my hand in Hixon’s, it was all suddenly just that, perfect.”

Hix was a typical Kristen Ashley alphahole at first, and I loved how he turned out to be pretty freaking awesome.

“It’s you. It was you from the first time you sat your ass across from me at that table at the Dew and you know it. I knew it. It freaked me and I bailed, that’s how strong your pull was. All the shit I jacked up between us was because I couldn’t deal. I couldn’t adjust that fast to being given a shot at something so fucking beautiful when my life had turned to such shit.”

Despite my minor issues with the narration, Complicated was pretty much perfect. It was very sexy, and I ran through the full range of emotions while listening to it. As I went back to listen to the clips I saved for this review, I got right back into it and started listening again.

Likes:

  • Complicated was everything I love about Kristen Ashley’s writing.
  • Older main characters.
  • I loved the kids, especially Shaw, an alpha in the making.
  • The Sheriff part of the story was interesting, heartbreaking and exciting but never took away from the romance.
  • Greta was a completely perfect KA heroine who I totally want to hang with.
  • Hix was an amazing dad. His kids always came first.
  • I love the way KA writes kids, especially older boys.
  • Junk Sundays.
  • Andy.
  • Felt familiar in style, yet fresh and new at the same time.
  • Nothing ever felt rushed or slow. The pacing was perfect.
  • Long enough to tell a full, descriptive story without ever boring me.
  • Very sexy love scenes, but they weren’t the main focus.

Dislikes:

  • Third person male POV is usually great in her print books, but I don’t love 3rd person in audio.

Narration:

As I said above, these are great narrators. Hix has a deep growly voice, but it sometimes sounds a little mechanical, especially when sped up to 1.25. Greta is soft spoken, and perfect for emotional scenes, but she sounds like she is on the verge of tears a lot. And when they read the other person’s lines, it really didn’t work for me. While the narration didn’t enhance the story for me the way it sometimes can, it also didn’t take away from the story. One thing that I didn’t like regarding the narration was the third person male POV. I feel like the dialogue cues in 3rd person really stood out and made it a little harder to connect at first. This is what will bring my full rating from 5++++ stars to just plain 5 stars.

On another note, Complicated will be a lot of people’s first audiobooks ever because they don’t want to wait until November. I’m not sure it’s the best first audio. I’d suggest listening to a book you have already read and loved first (like a Rock Chick book for a $1.99 addition) while you get the hang of audible, then pick this one up after you have your brain primed for audio. It’s easy for your mind to drift while listening and I think it takes some practice to fully immerse in an audiobook (try it while driving or jogging or doing another mundane task). I’m an audiobook junkie, but I am also a detail reader, so I find that I hit that ‘go back 30 seconds’ button at least a few hundred times per book. I want you all to have the best audio experience ever, so make sure you are prepared, because you really don’t want to miss this one.

The Down & Dirty:

Complicated is everything I love about Kristen Ashley. If someone asked me why I am so crazy about her writing, I would tell them to go listen to Complicated to understand. It’s 18+ delicious hours of romance, family, mystery, drama, fun, emotions, friendship, and an amazingly perfect single dad. It weaves a spell and takes you on a ride that you never want to end. The story never stopped or slowed down at any time. It just pulled me in and kept me riveted the whole time. I fell in love with the characters in Complicated, and couldn’t wait for them to have their happily ever after, even while I never wanted the story to end. While the narration wasn’t my favorite, it didn’t detract from the story, because Complicated is still a new all-time favorite.

Rating: 5 stars, 4.5 Heat (the last sex scene brought it from 4 to 4.5), 4 Narration

Purchase Complicated by Kristen Ashley

Get 2 free audiobooks when you sign up for a free trial of audible

Listen to a sample:

 

Related posts:

  • The Rom-Com Agenda by Jayne DenkerThe Rom-Com Agenda by Jayne Denker
  • The Back Nine by Rachel BlaufeldThe Back Nine by Rachel Blaufeld
  • The RSVP by Lauren Blakely | Audiobook ReviewThe RSVP by Lauren Blakely | Audiobook Review
  • A Long Time Coming by Meghan Quinn | Audiobook ReviewA Long Time Coming by Meghan Quinn | Audiobook Review
  • Beauty and the baller by Ilsa Madden-MillsBeauty and the Baller by Ilsa Madden-Mills | Audiobook Review
«
»

4-5 Heat H's, 5 stars, audiobook, Audiobook 5 stars, Kristen Ashley, Reviews 3

Follow Me Here!

Join our Facebook Group

Comments

  1. Rayanna says

    05/06/2017 at 11:04 pm

    I love reading your reviews. They give so much insight to a story without spoiling it. I started listening to audio books only because of your reviews and suggestions. I’ve also read a bunch of books based off your reviews. So thank you!!!

    Reply
    • Ana's Attic says

      05/09/2017 at 8:25 pm

      Wow! Best compliment ever! Thank you so much!

      Reply
  2. Loraine Oliver says

    05/08/2017 at 5:28 pm

    Thanks for review Ana, I love Kristen Ashley and I love your reviews!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Stalk Me – I Like It

Stay in touch!

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter to stay up to date on my blog!

Welcome! Over 18 please

Ana's Attic

Ana’s Attic Book and Audiobook Blog was established in 2012.

Search this site:

search by category

.
Disclosure: Ana's Attic is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Many of the books reviewed on Ana's Attic were provided by the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review. We never accept payment in any form for reviews or recommendations. Also an affiliate of Target.com For our full, in-depth Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies, CLICK HERE. By using this website you are consenting to our Policies as set forth here.
DMCA.com Protection Status

reading:

next review:

reading next:

Listening:

Visit These pages:

Visit These pages:
Holiday Romances
hanukkah-Romance-Novels

Founding Member

Passionflix

#officialfifty

#officialfifty

New single out now!

Affiliate:

Ana's Attic is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

Privacy Policy

For our full, in-depth Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies, CLICK HERE. By using this website you are consenting to our Policies as set forth here.

The only time I collect e-mails is when you sign up for the newsletter or if you register This information is NEVER shared, and is only used to deliver your email to you.

Ana’s Attic does not share personal information with third parties nor do we store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies.

You can turn off the use of cookies at anytime by changing your specific browser settings.

We are not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without our permission.

This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on May 24, 2018. If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly here: ana@anasattic.com

Please note:

This blog is meant for adults 18+ only. All opinions are my own and custom images are copyright protected. I never accept payment for reviews. All books reviewed are either purchased by me or provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Prices reflected are valid at the time of post only. You are responsible for checking the correct price before completing the purchase.

For our full, in-depth Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies, CLICK HERE. By using this website you are consenting to our Policies as set forth here.

Contest Winners: Contest Winners have 48 hours from my e-mail to get back to me or another winner is chosen. Flash Giveaway winners on Facebook are responsible for checking back to see if they are a winner. Mailed prizes are US only unless otherwise stated. I only pick rafflecopter winners once per month, all at once.

Instagram

anasatticblog

📖Romance Book |🎧Audiobook Reviews since 2012
📚New Releases
💰Sale|Freebie Lists
📆Starting On Monday Blog
🏖Wicked Book Weekend
#bookstagram #bookblog

Ana's Attic Book Blog
I liked the Rom-Com Agenda enough to read the whol I liked the Rom-Com Agenda enough to read the whole thing. I liked the characters, but the hero spent the entire book trying to get his ex back instead of seeing what was right in front of him way sooner. She deserved better. 
💻See my review: https://anasattic.com/the-rom-com-agenda/
📚Read it: https://amzn.to/3D9wDEI
🎧Listen: https://amzn.to/3WsiGss
—
#Bookreview #audiobookreview  #bookblog #bookblogger #netgalley #arcreview 
#audiobookstagram #bookstagram #netgalley #arcreview
- @catherinecowlesauthor has been a favorite of mi - @catherinecowlesauthor has been a favorite of mine for the last few years. In 2022, the entire Tattered and Torn series released, and I loved every single one of them. I listened to them all on audio, and they each deserve a place on my Best of 2022 list, especially Fractured Sky, which I gave a rare 5+++ stars to.

They also have the most beautiful covers!

—>See the whole Tattered and Torn Series here: https://anasattic.com/catherine-cowles-tattered-and-torn-series-order/
—> See my Best of 2022 List: https://anasattic.com/top-books-audiobooks-of-2022/
—
—
#Bookseries #favoritebooks #Catherinecowles #Favoriteauthor #bookcoverlove #romanticsuspense #audiblebooks #audiobooklover #spicybooks #bookstagram #spicybookstagram #bookish #bestof2022 #bestbooksof2022
My 11th annual Best of the year list includes some My 11th annual Best of the year list includes some old favorites and some new authors. Do you agree with any of these choices? What were some of your favorites? See the whole list at anasattic.com (link in bio) 
—
—
#bestof2022 #bestbooksof2022 #favoritebooksof2022 #audiobooks #bookstagram #audiobookstagram #booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #favoritebooks @authortarasivec @catherinecowlesauthor @jessicaanyablau @colleenhoover @alihazelwood @carabastone @jtgeissingerauthor @kennedyryan1 @jfrostauthor @kristenashleybooks
The first two audiobooks in this unrelated series The first two audiobooks in this unrelated series were on my Best of 2021 List, and Seatmate by @carabastone has continued the streak for my Best of 2022 list. The full cast narration and the production of this “audioplay” is what made Seatmate a 5-star read for me. I really felt like I was eavesdropping on a real conversation. This was a quick and fun listening experience, and though it’s nothing epic, it stood out to me in 22.

🎧Listen: https://amzn.to/3PzGOXY (included in #audibleplus )
💻My review: https://anasattic.com/seatmate-by-cara-bastone/

#Bestof2022 #favoriteaudiobook #audiobookreview #carabastone #audiblebooks #audibleoriginal #madeforaudio #5stars #audibleromance #audible #zacharywebber #audiobooks
I enjoyed The Back Nine by Rachel Blaufeld. It’s I enjoyed The Back Nine by Rachel Blaufeld. It’s rare to find books about older couples and I so appreciate when an author writes a sexy one. I had a couple of issues with it, and I really struggled with the heroine’s name, James. Every time I read her name (and the female MC for the next book is Billy) my brain had to catch up for a second that it was a girl. 

To see the rest of my review, Its right on the homepage of my site, or go to https://anasattic.com/the-back-nine/
Grab it from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3QK35mU

#bookreview #bookstagram #matureromance #bookreviewer #romancenovel #romancereader #bookblog #booklover
Top Pick of 2022: @kristenashleybooks has been on Top Pick of 2022: @kristenashleybooks has been on all 11 lists (since 2012), and for good reason!
Taking the Leap by Kristen Ashley is my favorite book she has written in a while. It very much focuses on Alex and Rix and it didn’t feel like I had to remember a ton of other characters. I felt their chemistry and how perfect they are for each other. 
I love how Kristen handled a disabled hero. This is one you don’t want to miss! Have you read it yet?

💻My review: https://anasattic.com/taking-the-leap/
📚Read it: https://amzn.to/3H4sL7r
🎧Listen: https://amzn.to/3uSHX54
See my Complete Guide to Kristen Ashley: https://anasattic.com/the-complete-guide-to-kristen-ashley/
See all the best of 22 Books: (See the top banner on my site or bio)
—
—
#bestof22 #bestbooksof2022 #Favoritebooks #bookreview #kristenashley #bookstagram #bookrecommendations #romancereads #bookreviewer #favoriteauthor #riverrain #disabled #amputee #amreadingromance #bookblogger #romancebooks  #booklover #reading
Did you know I have an upcoming releases page with Did you know I have an upcoming releases page with preorders that I update several times per week?
Just hit upcoming releases in the menu at anasattic .com (link in bio). I also have the current releases, sales, freebies and next week’s releases on the top post of my blog. 
—
#romancebooks #2023books #bookreleases #romancenovels #upcomingbooks
Pen Pal by JT Geissinger was one of my most fun su Pen Pal by JT Geissinger was one of my most fun surprises of the year. It was completely not what I expected and I loved every word. That’s why it’s on my Best of 2022 list. 

📚Read it: https://amzn.to/3R8DsLe
🎧Listen: https://amzn.to/3XAXt0f
I had to do a totally different type of review for this so I wouldn’t give anything away.
💻My review: https://anasattic.com/pen-pal-jt-geissinger/

See all my Best of 2022 choices: https://anasattic.com/top-books-audiobooks-of-2022/ (link in bio) 
—
—
#bestof2022 #bestbooksof2022 #favoritebooksof2022 #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #booklover @jtgeissingerauthor #jtgeissinger #bookrecommendations #spicyreads #spicybooks #sexybooks
After loving over fifty books by Lauren Blakely, I After loving over fifty books by Lauren Blakely, I realized something after reviewing The RSVP: I don’t like when a heroine actively pursues and seduces a man—I like the men to do the chasing. 
See my review on my blog (link in bio) or below. 
https://anasattic.com/the-rsvp-lauren-blakely/

📚Read it: https://amzn.to/3Xzskua
🎧Listen: https://amzn.to/3XdQWsO

#audiobookreview #kindleunlimited #bookreview #bookstagrammer
#audiobookstagram #audible #favoriteauthor #audibleromance #agegapromance #bookstagram #audible #spicybook
Another Top Pick of 2022! The Love Hypothesis by @ Another Top Pick of 2022! The Love Hypothesis by @alihazelwood lived up to all the hype. I absolutely loved the smart, slow-burn romance that subtly addressed a lot of issues without ever banging you over the head with them. This is one of those books you might be able to recommend to even the non-romance reader even though it’s very much a romance. It just has that “something special”. 

📚Read it: https://amzn.to/3u6cpq8
🎧Listen: https://amzn.to/3Ih6iEF
💻My review: https://anasattic.com/the-love-hypothesis/

See all of my Top Picks for 2022: https://anasattic.com/top-books-audiobooks-of-2022/
—
—
#bestbooksof2022 #bestof2022 #topbooksof2022 #bestaudiobooks #bookreview #audiobookreview #romcom #romancereads #alihazelwood #bookrecommendations #audible #audiobook #womeninstem
I am usually very stingy with my five star reads, I am usually very stingy with my five star reads, but A Long Time Coming by @meghanquinnbooks had everything I ever want in a book. Lia and Breaker’s nerdy friendship morphed into such a great romance, but it took its time, and I loved that; I thought the pace was just perfect. I listened to A Long Time Coming with a HUGE smile on my face the whole time. If I could hug this audiobook I would!

The duet narration from @mallonerin and @j.f.harding made it even better.
📚Read it: https://amzn.to/3iJ6iX7
🎧Listen: https://amzn.to/3X9yZvz
💻My review: https://anasattic.com/a-long-time-coming-meghan-quinn/
—
#5starreview #audiobookreview #bookreview #kindleunlimited #audible #audiobook #romancereads #meghanquinn #favoriteauthor #favoritebook #erinmallon #romcomreads #romanticcomedy #feelgoodbooks
#bookstagram #newbook #audiobookstagram
The Other Half of the Grave by @jfrostauthor is an The Other Half of the Grave by @jfrostauthor is another of my top reads for 2022. 

I read the first book of the Night Huntress Series, Halfway to the Grave in 2009, and I can honestly say it’s still in my top 3 series ever, so when I saw she was writing the first book again from the male POV this time, I was a little nervous but also excited. Thankfully I had nothing to be nervous about! I absolutely LOVED it and I am so glad to hear she is continuing to do Bone’s POV for the 2nd book as well!

The Other Half of the Grave:
📚Read it: https://amzn.to/3IOtIFd
🎧Listen: https://amzn.to/3Zyrpfj
💻My review: https://anasattic.com/the-other-half-of-the-grave/

The Night Huntress Series order:  https://anasattic.com/nighthuntress/
—
—
#Bestof2022 #topbooksof2022 #jeanienefrost #paranormalromance #urbanfantasy #vampires #favoritebookseries #favoriteauthor #recommendedreading #bestbooksof2022 #favoritebooks #nighthuntress #catandbones
If you’re looking for a fun, feel-good sports ro If you’re looking for a fun, feel-good sports romance where the audiobook is in KU (or $1.99 upgrade) you’re in luck! Beauty and the Baller by @ilsamaddenmills fits that description perfectly.
📚Read it: https://amzn.to/3iEZoSH
🎧Listen: https://amzn.to/3H2MqI7
💻My review: https://anasattic.com/beauty-and-the-baller/
—
#audiobookreview #bookreview #kindleunlimited #audible #audiobook #romancereads #sportsromance #footballromance  #amreadingromance #kindleunlimitedaudiobooks #ilsamaddenmills #bookstagram
Another 2022 Top Favorite is Carrie Soto is Back b Another 2022 Top Favorite is Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid.  I am still blown away by the fact that this non-tennis fan loved this all-tennis book so much. I loved that Carrie Soto is Back tackled so many issues women in sports face, especially women of color. This powerful story really illustrated the costs of greatness, and the sacrifices one needs to make in order to make it to the top. The narration made it even better, and the tennis had me on the edge of my seat! (I don’t even like tennis!)

Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid
📚Read it: https://amzn.to/3LjdlzX
🎧Listen: https://amzn.to/3L60gJP
See how all the TJR books cross over: https://anasattic.com/taylor-jenkins-reid-book-crossovers/
See all my ’22 Favorites: https://anasattic.com/top-books-audiobooks-of-2022/
—
#Bestof2022 #bestbooksof2022 #favoritebooks #audible #bookstagram #audiobookstagram #taylorjenkinsreid tjenkinsreid #audiobooklover #carriesotoisback #tennis #topbooksof2022
Instagram post 17979948931759141 Instagram post 17979948931759141
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Copyright

All images and text on this blog are credited to Ana’s Attic, unless otherwise stated. Book covers are from Amazon.com. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material (including translations) without express and written permission from Ana’s Attic’s author is strictly prohibited.

Excerpts (no longer than a short paragraph) and links to this blog are permitted, providing that full credit is given to Ana’s Attic with clear and specific direction to the original content.

For our full, in-depth Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies, CLICK HERE. By using this website you are consenting to our Policies as set forth here.

Facebook Page

Wicked Book Weekend

Ana's Attic Book Blog © 2023

Web Design and Development by emr design studio