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Love Explained #1
Love... It's Complicated
Anyone who says love isn’t complicated is a dirty liar. Ask me how I know…
I used to be a normal wife and mother with a perfectly happy life. Now I’m a divorced single mom who spent a night in jail after breaking into the hair salon my ex’s mistress owns.
What can I say? Not my proudest moment.
The only bright spot in that fiasco was the police officer who offered me a sexy, broad shoulder to cry on. William Bronson was a knight in shining armor. A romance novel hero in the flesh.
Then I showed up for work the next day and realized I’d be in charge of planning his fairy tale wedding…to someone else.
And that was just the start of my troubles—romantically and legally (don’t ask).
Now, I need to learn how to navigate my new reality and start building my own happily ever after. I have no idea if it will all end in love…or heartache. All I know for sure is that it’ll be complicated.
I used to be a normal wife and mother with a perfectly happy life. Now I’m a divorced single mom who spent a night in jail after breaking into the hair salon my ex’s mistress owns.
What can I say? Not my proudest moment.
The only bright spot in that fiasco was the police officer who offered me a sexy, broad shoulder to cry on. William Bronson was a knight in shining armor. A romance novel hero in the flesh.
Then I showed up for work the next day and realized I’d be in charge of planning his fairy tale wedding…to someone else.
And that was just the start of my troubles—romantically and legally (don’t ask).
Now, I need to learn how to navigate my new reality and start building my own happily ever after. I have no idea if it will all end in love…or heartache. All I know for sure is that it’ll be complicated.
300 pages, Paperback
Published January 4, 2024
446 people are currently reading
1319 people want to read
About the author
Jeannine Colette
47 books1,550 followersWhen I was little, my mom was part of the Double Day book club. She had piles and piles of books lying around the house; most of them with Fabio-esque men and a scantily clad woman set in a different century. I made up stories in my head just from looking at the covers.
When I as 9, I wrote stories using my best friend as a muse. They were romances...but for the 9-year-old. She was the only one who read them.
When I was 14, another friend gave me a Marian Keyes novel. I fell in-love with her wit, and humor with a dark side. This was my first experience with realistic fiction.
When I was 19, Nicholas Sparks forever changed my views on relationships. I learned what true love could be beautiful and difficult at the same time. I wanted it.
When I was 22, Jeannette Wells made me feel more emotion from an autobiographical novel than I thought possible. I wanted to be her.
When I was 30, Jamie McGuire and Colleen Hoover introduced me to the world of self-publishing. For the first time I thought: I could give this a try someday.
When I was 32, my someday came.
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Jeannine Colette is the author of the Abandon Collection – a series of stand-alone novels featuring dynamic heroines who have to abandon their reality in order to discover themselves . . . and love along the way. Each book features a new couple, exciting new city and a rose of a different color.
A graduate of Wagner College and the New York Film Academy, Jeannine went on to become a Segment Producer for television shows on CBS and NBC. She left the television industry to focus on her children and pursue a full-time writing career. She lives in New York with her husband, the three tiny people she adores more than life itself, and a rescue pup named Wrigley.
Want to hear about new releases and get exciting emails from me??? Sign up for my monthly newsletter!
www.jeanninecolette.com/newsletter
Jeannine and her family are active supporters of The March of Dimes and Strivright The Auditory-Oral School of New York.
When I as 9, I wrote stories using my best friend as a muse. They were romances...but for the 9-year-old. She was the only one who read them.
When I was 14, another friend gave me a Marian Keyes novel. I fell in-love with her wit, and humor with a dark side. This was my first experience with realistic fiction.
When I was 19, Nicholas Sparks forever changed my views on relationships. I learned what true love could be beautiful and difficult at the same time. I wanted it.
When I was 22, Jeannette Wells made me feel more emotion from an autobiographical novel than I thought possible. I wanted to be her.
When I was 30, Jamie McGuire and Colleen Hoover introduced me to the world of self-publishing. For the first time I thought: I could give this a try someday.
When I was 32, my someday came.
----------------------------------------
Jeannine Colette is the author of the Abandon Collection – a series of stand-alone novels featuring dynamic heroines who have to abandon their reality in order to discover themselves . . . and love along the way. Each book features a new couple, exciting new city and a rose of a different color.
A graduate of Wagner College and the New York Film Academy, Jeannine went on to become a Segment Producer for television shows on CBS and NBC. She left the television industry to focus on her children and pursue a full-time writing career. She lives in New York with her husband, the three tiny people she adores more than life itself, and a rescue pup named Wrigley.
Want to hear about new releases and get exciting emails from me??? Sign up for my monthly newsletter!
www.jeanninecolette.com/newsletter
Jeannine and her family are active supporters of The March of Dimes and Strivright The Auditory-Oral School of New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 249 reviews
March 15, 2023
3,5 ⭐️
This book was a bit complicated, like the title already says. I enjoyed most part of it, but that said it also had one of my pet peeves.
The pro’s:
✅ A sassy heroine, not a doormat and a momma bear when it came to her kids
✅ The meet cute was very original done
✅ The family dynamic with the mom, kids and grandpa
✅ Build up to the romance
✅ Writing style is engaging
✅ Hero with heroine’s son ❤️
The con’s:
⛔️ There was too much focus on the ex-husband and his new girlfriend. They were a major part of the book and it overshadowed the main romance between the hero and heroine. I’m one of those romance readers that loves the ex husband being miserable with the OW he cheated with. (sorrynotsorry😬)
⛔️ I expected more drama and this would’ve suited the storyline to be honest.
Overall it was a nice introduction to this author. I liked the way she writes and it’s not all about sex. It has enough depth to keep you into the story.
This book was a bit complicated, like the title already says. I enjoyed most part of it, but that said it also had one of my pet peeves.
The pro’s:
✅ A sassy heroine, not a doormat and a momma bear when it came to her kids
✅ The meet cute was very original done
✅ The family dynamic with the mom, kids and grandpa
✅ Build up to the romance
✅ Writing style is engaging
✅ Hero with heroine’s son ❤️
The con’s:
⛔️ There was too much focus on the ex-husband and his new girlfriend. They were a major part of the book and it overshadowed the main romance between the hero and heroine. I’m one of those romance readers that loves the ex husband being miserable with the OW he cheated with. (sorrynotsorry😬)
⛔️ I expected more drama and this would’ve suited the storyline to be honest.
Overall it was a nice introduction to this author. I liked the way she writes and it’s not all about sex. It has enough depth to keep you into the story.
March 1, 2023
Love….it’s Complicated
Yes, it truly is and it’s full of fun,sadness, joy and love too.
This is a extremely enjoyable reading experience and not only will you laugh out loud from the life and times of the completely entertaining Melissa Jones , but you will be in love with the cast of characters as well.
For those lovers of second chance romance, this is your story!
There’s a lot of truth in the complications that come from love, especially when the relationship is one that was unexpected and new.
Get yourself comfortable and be prepared to read this in one sitting and completely fall in love with Jeannine Colette’s latest masterpiece!
5 fun filled stars
Yes, it truly is and it’s full of fun,sadness, joy and love too.
This is a extremely enjoyable reading experience and not only will you laugh out loud from the life and times of the completely entertaining Melissa Jones , but you will be in love with the cast of characters as well.
For those lovers of second chance romance, this is your story!
There’s a lot of truth in the complications that come from love, especially when the relationship is one that was unexpected and new.
Get yourself comfortable and be prepared to read this in one sitting and completely fall in love with Jeannine Colette’s latest masterpiece!
5 fun filled stars
May 17, 2023
This was my first book by this author, and overall I enjoyed it. The hero & heroine had great chemistry and I liked the slow pace of their romance. My biggest complaint would be how often the ex-husband and girlfriend were in the story, it was too much. I'd prefer the ex was miserable, and the OW more unlikable. They really did a number on the heroine, it was hard not to hold a grudge.
That said, this was a good book featuring a divorced heroine. It's a nice story about finding love after divorce and how co-parenting can work, even when your ex is an ass.
4.25 Stars
That said, this was a good book featuring a divorced heroine. It's a nice story about finding love after divorce and how co-parenting can work, even when your ex is an ass.
4.25 Stars
May 29, 2025
This was kind of messy as in real life messy where people don't know what they want.
High school sweethearts are apart because he cheated. He's moved on, she hasn't really until she meets Office Hunky.
Heroine was put into an OW position without knowing it for about a minute. Ex turns into a dog in the manger when she moves on. Kind of sad to see two people acknowledge decades of memories as they grew up but have to put them aside to move on.
High school sweethearts are apart because he cheated. He's moved on, she hasn't really until she meets Office Hunky.
Heroine was put into an OW position without knowing it for about a minute. Ex turns into a dog in the manger when she moves on. Kind of sad to see two people acknowledge decades of memories as they grew up but have to put them aside to move on.
March 2, 2023
Four Big Love Stars!! This had everything I need in a contemporary romance: quirky female lead, big brawny male lead, swoony romance, a bit of levity, some push/pull, the inevitable moment of angst, and an HEA. While they are all alike and follow a certain formula, I think it's the author and their ability to write that makes them stand out from one another, and I truly do like this author's style.
March 14, 2023
I really loved this! What a truly great second chance story...well, not so much a 'second chance' per se, but a I loved Melissa and Will together ❤
August 27, 2023
This was ok. It's complicated just like the title suggests. Though I felt neither one of these characters were really ready to be involved considering their circumstances, I enjoyed Will & Melissa together.
June 3, 2025
Book one of the Love Explained series threw me for an emotional loop tugging at the heartstrings of my past. I equally love and hate when a book has the ability to do that. Main character and sole narrator, Mellisa, is fresh off a divorce and is adapting to co-parenting her two kids with her ex who left her for her hairdresser. There is an f’ing hilarious bit throughout about stealing her color card due to looking too brassy since, which opens us up to the best “meet-cute” I’ve read before. Melissa’s best friend Tara (her book is number three) gets her into some crazy scenarios, which reminded me of my friend and I buying eggs so we could egg a guys house at 3am back in the 1990’s. Everyone needs a ride or die like Tara!
Melissa meets police officer William Bronson on one of these crazy scenarios and the sparks fly right away. There’s some OM/OW things (not graphic) that starts out the story, but it wasn’t anything to turn me off from loving their journey from start to end. There is a lot of blended family drama to keep the angst level high, but the HEA was worth it. I’m planning on finishing out the series soon.
Melissa meets police officer William Bronson on one of these crazy scenarios and the sparks fly right away. There’s some OM/OW things (not graphic) that starts out the story, but it wasn’t anything to turn me off from loving their journey from start to end. There is a lot of blended family drama to keep the angst level high, but the HEA was worth it. I’m planning on finishing out the series soon.
February 25, 2023
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5*Complicated Love Stars🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I loved every word read in Jeannine Colette’s latest book, Love it’s Complicated. It was packed with humour that had me laughing out loud one minute and then blushing the next from the steamy scenes with a very sexy cop named Will!
When Melissa meets Will for the first time it is not in your conventional way, it is in a jail cell where Melissa is being held for “breaking and entering” into a hair salon to obtain her hair colour card! Whilst her actions were hilarious there was sadness as to why she did what she did. Her ex-husband cheated on her with the hairdresser and owner of the salon.
Melissa is hesitant to open her heart up again after it was broken and when she finds out that Will is engaged, she vows to never be “the other woman”. However, fate keeps stepping in and bringing these two together and decisions must be made when Will realises what falling in love means with the right person. The chemistry between Melissa and Will was strong and addictive.
This slow burn romance of second chances and new beginnings had all the feels with the addition of the family dynamics of the divorced parents and their other halves. The story was unique and well written. Another wonderful and well deserved 5 stars read to my 2023 year.
July 14, 2023
Wow oh wow!!! Hands down 1 of my top reads thus far👌🏽💞 perfection wrapped in a guy by the name of William!!
March 16, 2023
Jeannine knows if I don't like a book, I will be totally honest with her (she knows how mad I was about Reckless Abandon, a series I totally loved). So, this book.... I LOVED IT!! A huge thank you to Jeannine and Autumn for sending me an ARC. I was hoping to finish sooner, but real life got in the way!
Melissa, a single Mom of two, and recently divorced from her cheating husband, finds herself behind bars for a crazy stupid thing she did (honestly, I would have acted the same way)! Little does she know that her "arrest" is about to bring her the best thing in her life in the form of a sexy police officer, William Bronson. I loved their first meeting! I loved Melissa's non-stop rambling.....she cracked me up! After that night, their paths continued to cross....yes, I believe in fate!
Of course, there are always difficulties for a divorced couple with kids and working out logistics. Melissa was pregnant at a young age and married her high school sweetheart, Tyler. I get this because I have been with my husband since I was 16.....we know everything about each other and our families/friends. A separation causes a whole riff with not only family, but friends and acquaintances who pick sides....ugh! Anyway, Melissa and her ex, Tyler, were doing everything to make things work co-parenting. Being so young, it is absolutely true that we change as a person as we get older. Sometimes, the person we think we should be with is holding us back from becoming the person we would have or should have become.
One thing that I really loved about Melissa and Will was their honesty with each other.....there was absolutely no "game playing", no "big secret", and no "shenanigans". And, I always love kids in books.....they usually add some comic relief and just some normalness to any situation.
There was a point where I thought Tyler was going to try to worm his way back in.....I was getting really mad! That little skunk! LOL!
I highly recommend this book especially for those of you who like the "sexy cop" and/or "single mom" troupe. It was such a great storyline and came full circle in the end. Like literally full circle.......their reunion in the jail cell.....epic and perfect!!
Towards the end of the book, I kept thinking "I need Will's POV, I need Will's POV, I need Will's POV". Well thank you Jeannine for giving it to me!! What an amazing man he was....did you have someone in mind when you created his character?
And surprise, surprise, a 2nd Epilogue!! I was grinning like an idiot after reading it and my heart just felt so full....and yes, I cried!
I have to add this Highlight which isn't showing up here for some reason:
“I’m pissed he gets to have dinner with you, but I’m not jealous because I think he’s going to win you over in any way.”“How can you be so sure?” I challenge playfully. He runs a hand over my hair and plays with the ends. “Because one of us left you brassy and the other made you blonde.”
Thanks again Jeannine, and best to you in your future endeavors.
P.S. So, a second book about Jillian or Tara on a singles cruise??? Sounds like a good idea to me!
Melissa, a single Mom of two, and recently divorced from her cheating husband, finds herself behind bars for a crazy stupid thing she did (honestly, I would have acted the same way)! Little does she know that her "arrest" is about to bring her the best thing in her life in the form of a sexy police officer, William Bronson. I loved their first meeting! I loved Melissa's non-stop rambling.....she cracked me up! After that night, their paths continued to cross....yes, I believe in fate!
Of course, there are always difficulties for a divorced couple with kids and working out logistics. Melissa was pregnant at a young age and married her high school sweetheart, Tyler. I get this because I have been with my husband since I was 16.....we know everything about each other and our families/friends. A separation causes a whole riff with not only family, but friends and acquaintances who pick sides....ugh! Anyway, Melissa and her ex, Tyler, were doing everything to make things work co-parenting. Being so young, it is absolutely true that we change as a person as we get older. Sometimes, the person we think we should be with is holding us back from becoming the person we would have or should have become.
One thing that I really loved about Melissa and Will was their honesty with each other.....there was absolutely no "game playing", no "big secret", and no "shenanigans". And, I always love kids in books.....they usually add some comic relief and just some normalness to any situation.
There was a point where I thought Tyler was going to try to worm his way back in.....I was getting really mad! That little skunk! LOL!
I highly recommend this book especially for those of you who like the "sexy cop" and/or "single mom" troupe. It was such a great storyline and came full circle in the end. Like literally full circle.......their reunion in the jail cell.....epic and perfect!!
Towards the end of the book, I kept thinking "I need Will's POV, I need Will's POV, I need Will's POV". Well thank you Jeannine for giving it to me!! What an amazing man he was....did you have someone in mind when you created his character?
And surprise, surprise, a 2nd Epilogue!! I was grinning like an idiot after reading it and my heart just felt so full....and yes, I cried!
I have to add this Highlight which isn't showing up here for some reason:
“I’m pissed he gets to have dinner with you, but I’m not jealous because I think he’s going to win you over in any way.”“How can you be so sure?” I challenge playfully. He runs a hand over my hair and plays with the ends. “Because one of us left you brassy and the other made you blonde.”
Thanks again Jeannine, and best to you in your future endeavors.
P.S. So, a second book about Jillian or Tara on a singles cruise??? Sounds like a good idea to me!
May 28, 2025
Melissa's life is pure chaos..I begin to think her whole personality revolves around being caught up in drama even if it's accidently.
Will's life is set. He's engaged, he works as a policeman and he's seen as the town hero after being shot during a robbery. He's not used to drama.
Then he meets Melissa when she's locked up for the night trying to break into her ex husbands new girlfriend salon to steak her color card back. She's a mother of two and feels like the woman came in amd stole the love of her life and her ability to get a good color and she can at least get one of those things back.
Will meets melissa again at a bar where they dance snd she kisses him. He pulls away but she isn't sure why.
He does get her color card back to her though by going to the homewreckers salon and asking.
Until she sets up a client meeting with a bride to be ( she's a wedding designer) and finds out Wills the groom to be. She's upset but does acknowledge she kissed him.
Will does start spending more time with Melissa, he gets a hairdresser to fix her hair per her card. He gets to know her children and helps her son with a magic performance. She also discovers he left his fiancee.
Melissa still keeps Will at arms length as she deals with her ex who after letting her 5 year old ride an atv alone and him getting hit by a car, starts to confuse both her and the kids by spending more " family time' at her house while still being with his partner.
Will sees Melissa still is dealing with the heartache of being cheated on ( she's upset Will made her the other eoman) and still isn't completely over hee ex but he takes it slow up to a point where he needs her to choose.
Will Melissa choose Will?
I really thought this book combined both seeious indies with lighthearted humor. Melissa really was a ball of nervous energy but xlcalm, levelheaded Will seemed to be just what she needed.
There was a slight age gap, he was in his late 20s and she was in her mid to late 30s. I'd say he was much more mature then she or her ex husband was though.
Will's life is set. He's engaged, he works as a policeman and he's seen as the town hero after being shot during a robbery. He's not used to drama.
Then he meets Melissa when she's locked up for the night trying to break into her ex husbands new girlfriend salon to steak her color card back. She's a mother of two and feels like the woman came in amd stole the love of her life and her ability to get a good color and she can at least get one of those things back.
Will meets melissa again at a bar where they dance snd she kisses him. He pulls away but she isn't sure why.
He does get her color card back to her though by going to the homewreckers salon and asking.
Until she sets up a client meeting with a bride to be ( she's a wedding designer) and finds out Wills the groom to be. She's upset but does acknowledge she kissed him.
Will does start spending more time with Melissa, he gets a hairdresser to fix her hair per her card. He gets to know her children and helps her son with a magic performance. She also discovers he left his fiancee.
Melissa still keeps Will at arms length as she deals with her ex who after letting her 5 year old ride an atv alone and him getting hit by a car, starts to confuse both her and the kids by spending more " family time' at her house while still being with his partner.
Will sees Melissa still is dealing with the heartache of being cheated on ( she's upset Will made her the other eoman) and still isn't completely over hee ex but he takes it slow up to a point where he needs her to choose.
Will Melissa choose Will?
I really thought this book combined both seeious indies with lighthearted humor. Melissa really was a ball of nervous energy but xlcalm, levelheaded Will seemed to be just what she needed.
There was a slight age gap, he was in his late 20s and she was in her mid to late 30s. I'd say he was much more mature then she or her ex husband was though.
May 12, 2023
Love is indeed complicated but so is this review...
There were so many aspects about this book that I just loved and others that just didn't fit right with the story. It started off so unique and I was even questioning how it was going to go which I love but somewhere around the middle it started getting a bit flat.
I get it, not all stories are going to surprise you and leave you grasping for breath, but I really felt like this book had so much potential with Will and Melissa and then the predictability of the ex-husband just came in and kind of wiped that out some.
Love triangles if this can even be called that can be tricky for some but I do want to say that didn't bother me at all. Sometimes when you know, you know and making a character seem "bad" for the sake of the character being bad just bothers me. I was happy to see Jeannine didn't do that with Will's ex. Hearts do get broken and that sucks but at the same time it is life. It isn't often pretty, and it isn't often easy, but it does happen.
Will really did win my heart from the very beginning. He wasn't perfect and he could have handled a situation or two better but, in the end, he just wanted Melissa and he was so understanding about her kids and that warmed my heart so much.
CJ Bloom carried this entire narration except a brief appearance by Joe Arden and let's be honest he was entirely swoon worthy!! And CJ did great too, I don't think I have listened to any of her narrations before, but she had a bit of a rasp that I found entirely intriguing for Melissa.
Love... It's Complicated didn't disappoint but I do think it was so close to being a five star that some things really disappointed me when they shouldn't have. I do recommend this book if you want something that gives you the vibe of newfound family, new love and even some giggly moments I didn't expect.
There were so many aspects about this book that I just loved and others that just didn't fit right with the story. It started off so unique and I was even questioning how it was going to go which I love but somewhere around the middle it started getting a bit flat.
I get it, not all stories are going to surprise you and leave you grasping for breath, but I really felt like this book had so much potential with Will and Melissa and then the predictability of the ex-husband just came in and kind of wiped that out some.
Love triangles if this can even be called that can be tricky for some but I do want to say that didn't bother me at all. Sometimes when you know, you know and making a character seem "bad" for the sake of the character being bad just bothers me. I was happy to see Jeannine didn't do that with Will's ex. Hearts do get broken and that sucks but at the same time it is life. It isn't often pretty, and it isn't often easy, but it does happen.
Will really did win my heart from the very beginning. He wasn't perfect and he could have handled a situation or two better but, in the end, he just wanted Melissa and he was so understanding about her kids and that warmed my heart so much.
CJ Bloom carried this entire narration except a brief appearance by Joe Arden and let's be honest he was entirely swoon worthy!! And CJ did great too, I don't think I have listened to any of her narrations before, but she had a bit of a rasp that I found entirely intriguing for Melissa.
Love... It's Complicated didn't disappoint but I do think it was so close to being a five star that some things really disappointed me when they shouldn't have. I do recommend this book if you want something that gives you the vibe of newfound family, new love and even some giggly moments I didn't expect.
July 19, 2023
I really liked this one. Will is a LEO who is there when Divorced Mom Melissa gets arrested for breaking into the hair salon of her ex husbands mistress. The Mcs have an immediate attraction.Melissa is A wedding planner and finds out soon she is to plan Wiils wedding. This is funny and a bit angsty at times. Too much story involving the ex husband and the woman he cheated with but I want to read more of this author.
January 20, 2025
William Bronson met Melissa LandishJones when she is seemingly at her lowest: newly divorced, pissed off, trying to claim her power back...but ...in a holding cell after being arrested for breaking into her hairdresser's salon, the same hairdresser who betrayed her and cheated with her husband...now ex-husband (thank goodness).
At first, I thought Will and Melissa's story would be rom-com'ish and full of Melissa pushing an interested Will away because he is younger, and she is too fresh from divorce, worrying about her kids, and trying to make her new wedding planning business, which she started with her best friend, profitable.
However, I was pleasantly surprised by the chemistry Will and Melissa cooked up and the complexity of conflicts that were woven together: Melissa's kids are adjusting, especially her preteen daughter; Will is immediately gone for Melissa but he is involved with someone else, somewhat...a matter which Will is quick about stopping but it;s residue does get unexpectedly tangled with Melissa's work; and Melissa has to navigate grief, betrayal, acceptance, and different levels of growth (a new normal) very quickly.
Luckily, the rom-com'ish feel isn't pervasive, and Will and Melissa get-it-together.
My only hangups are these:
(a) too much story space and tolerance given to Melissa's ex.
Happy Reading.
At first, I thought Will and Melissa's story would be rom-com'ish and full of Melissa pushing an interested Will away because he is younger, and she is too fresh from divorce, worrying about her kids, and trying to make her new wedding planning business, which she started with her best friend, profitable.
However, I was pleasantly surprised by the chemistry Will and Melissa cooked up and the complexity of conflicts that were woven together: Melissa's kids are adjusting, especially her preteen daughter; Will is immediately gone for Melissa but he is involved with someone else, somewhat...a matter which Will is quick about stopping but it;s residue does get unexpectedly tangled with Melissa's work; and Melissa has to navigate grief, betrayal, acceptance, and different levels of growth (a new normal) very quickly.
Luckily, the rom-com'ish feel isn't pervasive, and Will and Melissa get-it-together.
My only hangups are these:
(a) too much story space and tolerance given to Melissa's ex.
(b) I would have liked to see Melissa be more confident in Will; she needed to "get hers" and take his side sooner, ... as her man. Will gave in and let her control the flow for most of the plot, and she just wasn't decisive or making good decisions. I was yellin' like, "Melissa!"
All-in-all, yeah this one was a good read.
Happy Reading.
March 7, 2023
Jeannine Colette shows us the different dimensions of love here in a beautiful and soulful way. Love...It's Complicated is indeed complex with layers of emotions. It will make you stop, think, feel and then some more. Will and Melissa went through an emotional trial and I loved every second of her heartfelt writing.
Melissa meets officer Will when she was detained for breaking into the hair salon of her ex husband's girlfriend who was also her hairdresser. She is struggling with the divorce from the man she loved from high school, two kids who are somehow handling the broken home, her wedding planning business and a lot more. Will may be her escape or another complication. Sometimes love comes unexpectedly...
This story amazed me at many levels. Melissa's struggle are very relatable. I love how she can still be witty and sassy in her messy life. She is a character everyone will find something to relate to. She is the best mom. The best wedding designer. But she has so many moments of vulnerability and insecurity. The divorce hit her hard. Her son is still too young to understand it all but her daughter is acting out. And then comes Will. The handsome swoony sweet sexy protecting cop. Who has a complicated relationship status too. They became friends first and lovers later. They have this flirty back and forth that is punctuated by episodes of heartbreak. This story is not only about love of a couple. It's about love of a mother. Love of friends. And above all, loving oneself. Melissa learnt some valuable lessons in hard way. It was messy but it was necessary. Life doesn't always present love tied in a bow. One has to grab it and just ride the wave. This one was an emotional rollercoaster till the last page. If you are looking for an unputdownable and unforgettable contemporary romance with loads of feel..this one is a must read for you.
Melissa meets officer Will when she was detained for breaking into the hair salon of her ex husband's girlfriend who was also her hairdresser. She is struggling with the divorce from the man she loved from high school, two kids who are somehow handling the broken home, her wedding planning business and a lot more. Will may be her escape or another complication. Sometimes love comes unexpectedly...
This story amazed me at many levels. Melissa's struggle are very relatable. I love how she can still be witty and sassy in her messy life. She is a character everyone will find something to relate to. She is the best mom. The best wedding designer. But she has so many moments of vulnerability and insecurity. The divorce hit her hard. Her son is still too young to understand it all but her daughter is acting out. And then comes Will. The handsome swoony sweet sexy protecting cop. Who has a complicated relationship status too. They became friends first and lovers later. They have this flirty back and forth that is punctuated by episodes of heartbreak. This story is not only about love of a couple. It's about love of a mother. Love of friends. And above all, loving oneself. Melissa learnt some valuable lessons in hard way. It was messy but it was necessary. Life doesn't always present love tied in a bow. One has to grab it and just ride the wave. This one was an emotional rollercoaster till the last page. If you are looking for an unputdownable and unforgettable contemporary romance with loads of feel..this one is a must read for you.
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July 11, 2023I did not see this book coming. A second chance, insta love, single mom story that ends up being such a deep emotional journey, so much more than a romance. If you’re a fan of fated mates then you will love this. Ainsley is so stinking cute and I love her role in the story. This review is kind of short and vague because I don’t want to give away anything, but I absolutely loved the ending of this book and I wish we could have more of their story!
February 14, 2024
I'm convinced all the reviewers are s what is this? This woman is an annoying pushover, the cheating ex having the house etc? The hairstylist mistress being the only one to not turn her hair orange! Also, I now you shouldn't hate children characters, but I hate disloyal brats, I just never conceive liking the ow/om, if either of my parents cheated, and treated the ither like crap, they would be dead to me, and I would hate the accomplice as well! Also these parents are selfish, the girl cannot see her old friends? Her mom or dad can not let he visit them or have them over then its their scheduled time with the kids? What!
Also, how is Will so sweet he cheated so easily, led his ex in and treated her like crap, after she lost a baby and nursed him after a dangerous injury. He is a loser! Also Melissa is delusional, she had a guard up? She was gagging for Will and forward from the get go? She eas not to blame for him cheating, as she did not know he was taken. That is all on him and he was awful for putting her in thay position. But after being cheated on and knowing what that is like and it does, I do not understand how she ended up with him? Iam sorry Melissa is awful, that tirade she wnt on at the wedding planning with Will and his fiancee? She is insufferable. Tyler is awful! Wtf, he feels bad about Melissa having to move back woth her dad and all he memories of her dead mother? You took the house in the divorce, and she obviously did not get enough money from him, now he si acting concerned. That's OK thought because Pushover Melissa says she cannot hate him as he is decent? Jay? Self respect nowhere to be found. The mistress called the police in the forst oalce, but gave a statement later getting her relased? Inconsistent much? Her saying she wish Melissa would talk to her is alugable, you are living with her ex in her old house! Also, absolutely lost as to how poor old Melissa fot such a shit deal in the divorce?
Also, I may be harsh cow but the dad mowd.on fast for me, sure two years (thought if seems less than thay as seems he was with annular for a while before being caught) is not soon to most. But ti met it is, when you have been with someone over 30 years, had a child with them and planned on spending the rest of your life with them, I cannot comprehend being able to give and heal in that time.
Even Dex did not move on as quickly in One day and he was a dick.
This just gets worse and worse, thei woman was arrested again for the most stupid reason! She is a mess!
Is the author serusoly trying to sell Will as a good guy regarding his relationship with Allison? He stayed with her knowing he wasn't fussed about her, broke up with her, then got back together with her and proposed? It is 2024 we all know to reiase a child you do not have to be together, Will is not a victim, he has no backbone. The way to was stated like he is a Saint by standing by Allison as she healed after a miscarriage with their child. It is the bare minimum! He is not the good, misunderstood guy here! The only person I actually have any empathy for here with these selfish characters is Allison, she deserved so much better.
Was the Soulamte speech for the Dad meant to be deep and inspiring? It was out if left field and just seemed like a defence for him own behaviour, like blah blah soulamres aren't really, blah blah big loves and small loves etc. His wife was apparently hsi big love, and Anna is probably his small love. All o got form that is the dad didn't want to be alone and Anna will do, who wants to be Someone's small love? Insulting.
Is this writing for real? Allison who is seen as a good person kind etc is throwing 3rd grade insults at Melissa bout being ugly and having a fat ass? Come on this is just blatant writing for us to hate Allison, because she wa upset for being betrayed, I'm sure she would have much deeper points and issues than saying Allison is old? This scene was cringe and from what we know as readers completely out of character. I am not a fan of authors writing scens to purposefully besmerch the wronged person, and make the MC look better, which this blatantly was.
Tyler was blatantly jealous, I was buying his whole he did not want to get back together and only loved Maisie, without a doubt later on he will cheat on her. Trying to make Maisie so nice and sweet was also insane. Melissa was her client, she knew all her secrets, there is no way Maisie did nit olot and manipulate to get with Tyler. But she is a Saint who the kids love, she has no kids, a busy business etc, but she is als the perfect cook, the perfect parent and does not have to work at the weekends really? Ha ha OK.
Will got better, in truth his aorents were partly to blame for his situation, so was glad when th le mother apologised. I actually preferred will to Melissa. Sorry, but she was obnoxious, all over the place, never really stood up to Tyler etc.
Also, how is Will so sweet he cheated so easily, led his ex in and treated her like crap, after she lost a baby and nursed him after a dangerous injury. He is a loser! Also Melissa is delusional, she had a guard up? She was gagging for Will and forward from the get go? She eas not to blame for him cheating, as she did not know he was taken. That is all on him and he was awful for putting her in thay position. But after being cheated on and knowing what that is like and it does, I do not understand how she ended up with him? Iam sorry Melissa is awful, that tirade she wnt on at the wedding planning with Will and his fiancee? She is insufferable. Tyler is awful! Wtf, he feels bad about Melissa having to move back woth her dad and all he memories of her dead mother? You took the house in the divorce, and she obviously did not get enough money from him, now he si acting concerned. That's OK thought because Pushover Melissa says she cannot hate him as he is decent? Jay? Self respect nowhere to be found. The mistress called the police in the forst oalce, but gave a statement later getting her relased? Inconsistent much? Her saying she wish Melissa would talk to her is alugable, you are living with her ex in her old house! Also, absolutely lost as to how poor old Melissa fot such a shit deal in the divorce?
Also, I may be harsh cow but the dad mowd.on fast for me, sure two years (thought if seems less than thay as seems he was with annular for a while before being caught) is not soon to most. But ti met it is, when you have been with someone over 30 years, had a child with them and planned on spending the rest of your life with them, I cannot comprehend being able to give and heal in that time.
Even Dex did not move on as quickly in One day and he was a dick.
This just gets worse and worse, thei woman was arrested again for the most stupid reason! She is a mess!
Is the author serusoly trying to sell Will as a good guy regarding his relationship with Allison? He stayed with her knowing he wasn't fussed about her, broke up with her, then got back together with her and proposed? It is 2024 we all know to reiase a child you do not have to be together, Will is not a victim, he has no backbone. The way to was stated like he is a Saint by standing by Allison as she healed after a miscarriage with their child. It is the bare minimum! He is not the good, misunderstood guy here! The only person I actually have any empathy for here with these selfish characters is Allison, she deserved so much better.
Was the Soulamte speech for the Dad meant to be deep and inspiring? It was out if left field and just seemed like a defence for him own behaviour, like blah blah soulamres aren't really, blah blah big loves and small loves etc. His wife was apparently hsi big love, and Anna is probably his small love. All o got form that is the dad didn't want to be alone and Anna will do, who wants to be Someone's small love? Insulting.
Is this writing for real? Allison who is seen as a good person kind etc is throwing 3rd grade insults at Melissa bout being ugly and having a fat ass? Come on this is just blatant writing for us to hate Allison, because she wa upset for being betrayed, I'm sure she would have much deeper points and issues than saying Allison is old? This scene was cringe and from what we know as readers completely out of character. I am not a fan of authors writing scens to purposefully besmerch the wronged person, and make the MC look better, which this blatantly was.
Tyler was blatantly jealous, I was buying his whole he did not want to get back together and only loved Maisie, without a doubt later on he will cheat on her. Trying to make Maisie so nice and sweet was also insane. Melissa was her client, she knew all her secrets, there is no way Maisie did nit olot and manipulate to get with Tyler. But she is a Saint who the kids love, she has no kids, a busy business etc, but she is als the perfect cook, the perfect parent and does not have to work at the weekends really? Ha ha OK.
Will got better, in truth his aorents were partly to blame for his situation, so was glad when th le mother apologised. I actually preferred will to Melissa. Sorry, but she was obnoxious, all over the place, never really stood up to Tyler etc.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2023
What respectable divorced and single mom finds herself behind bars when she tries to break into her ex's girlfriend's beauty salon? Melissa, that's who. It's not as bad as it sounds when Melissa tries to plead her case to the cop on duty, and the takeaway is that she meets the very attractive and sexy Officer Will Bronson. Melissa's broken marriage crumbled her self confidence and her focus is on her job and kids.
I liked watching Melissa pick up the pieces in terms of moving on and finding a new normal, which includes regular interactions with her ex-husband. Maybe they still need to be civil to some degree, but Melissa handled him with far more grace and kindness than most others and I loved her dad for still holding a grudge against Tyler. She knows that her lifestyle affords very little to offer in terms of a relationship, but Will is not easily deterred. I loved seeing Melissa being wooed and seduced in a way that all women should be. Will is the perfect guy in every way, maybe a bit too cinnamon roll for me, but he didn't give up and he knew who he wanted.
Amidst all the complications that come with sharing a life with someone in the past and then finding a new life partner, it's not easy and there are going to be trust issues along with old baggage. This book gives insight to that and shows that love is worth the battle, especially a big love that has yet to be discovered.
I liked watching Melissa pick up the pieces in terms of moving on and finding a new normal, which includes regular interactions with her ex-husband. Maybe they still need to be civil to some degree, but Melissa handled him with far more grace and kindness than most others and I loved her dad for still holding a grudge against Tyler. She knows that her lifestyle affords very little to offer in terms of a relationship, but Will is not easily deterred. I loved seeing Melissa being wooed and seduced in a way that all women should be. Will is the perfect guy in every way, maybe a bit too cinnamon roll for me, but he didn't give up and he knew who he wanted.
Amidst all the complications that come with sharing a life with someone in the past and then finding a new life partner, it's not easy and there are going to be trust issues along with old baggage. This book gives insight to that and shows that love is worth the battle, especially a big love that has yet to be discovered.
March 31, 2023
a little bit of divorced single-parent, cheating (not really), and good angst! this was sweet
October 13, 2023
This is a wonderful read for me. Love is very complicated for Melissa Jones. She's newly divorced (but not newly separated) and is living with her father and her two children. Her ex-husband, Tyler, cheated on her with her hair stylist, which leads to a very meet cute for Melissa with Officer William Bronson.
Melissa later sees Will at a local tavern, is attracted to him, and kisses him - only to find out later that he is engaged. Did I mention Melissa is a wedding designer?
I loved following Melissa on her journey to love again. She doesn't trust men after Tyler. She doesn't really seem to trust herself to make the right choices in her new life, either. Will is such a good guy (once you get past the engagement LOL). He is crazy for Melissa and would do anything for her and her children.
This is such a realistic five-star romance. I loved every minute of it.
Melissa later sees Will at a local tavern, is attracted to him, and kisses him - only to find out later that he is engaged. Did I mention Melissa is a wedding designer?
I loved following Melissa on her journey to love again. She doesn't trust men after Tyler. She doesn't really seem to trust herself to make the right choices in her new life, either. Will is such a good guy (once you get past the engagement LOL). He is crazy for Melissa and would do anything for her and her children.
This is such a realistic five-star romance. I loved every minute of it.
March 16, 2023
I… I love Will. I love his insights. His thought process and his determination and understanding in dating a single mother. That’s the very main reason this is a 4-star read for me. Will made this bearable to read.
Melissa… I’m kinda on the fence about her. She has her moments but she’s mostly wishy washy specially in the 3rd act. 3rd act breakups sucks just because the development just starts to happen here instead of a gradual progression in the story making the book rushed even though it’s a slow burn romance.
Her husband and her husband’s former mistress (I forgot the name) did a number on her. I don’t like them both up until the end.
Melissa… I’m kinda on the fence about her. She has her moments but she’s mostly wishy washy specially in the 3rd act. 3rd act breakups sucks just because the development just starts to happen here instead of a gradual progression in the story making the book rushed even though it’s a slow burn romance.
Her husband and her husband’s former mistress (I forgot the name) did a number on her. I don’t like them both up until the end.
May 31, 2023
•Heroine’s a sassy, artsy, mom-preneur single-mom
•Hero’s is a police officer with a dirty mouth
•Surprisingly emotional
•Small town vibes
Jeannine Colette’s books are unsuspecting winners. I never think to just pick up her books, but when I do, I’m always impressed! Although I’m not a single-mom myself, I related to the heroine in this story in regards to finding herself amongst motherhood. This had me shedding more tears than I was expecting! If you want some tears mixed with some laughs, this one’s for you.
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
•Hero’s is a police officer with a dirty mouth
•Surprisingly emotional
•Small town vibes
Jeannine Colette’s books are unsuspecting winners. I never think to just pick up her books, but when I do, I’m always impressed! Although I’m not a single-mom myself, I related to the heroine in this story in regards to finding herself amongst motherhood. This had me shedding more tears than I was expecting! If you want some tears mixed with some laughs, this one’s for you.
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 10, 2023
I’ll tell you what’s not complicated. My love for this book! This was one of the most unputdownable books that I have read in a long time.
Where the heck is William Bronson in my life? I’ve never wanted a fictional character to be real so badly. He was perfect. His comments, his demeanor, his profession, and his dirty mouth. His description sounded pretty yummy as well. Will was completely swoon worthy!
I loved the way Will and Melissa met. It was so unconventional and fun. Melissa rambles and it was so endearing and felt life like and not forced. Their whole friendship / relationship was filled with witty banter, sexual tension, heartfelt connection, and nothing felt forced to me. Nothing I hate more than a forced connection during a romance.
Love…It’s Complicated was beautifully written. It was filled with real life scenarios that had me sighing in exasperation at Tyler, physically feeling my chest ache during the sexual tension moments between Will and Melissa and laughing at their witty banter. I LOVE witty banter in my romances, but I felt like Jeannine would surprise you with a humorous reaction. It was quite enjoyable!
I feel like I can’t adequately explain how much I loved this book. I have more ARCs to read but talk about a book hangover. I’m not sure how I’m going to get myself out of this world that she created. I’m going to miss these characters!
#avidreaderbookblog #readingislife #bookblogger #bookbloggers #bookbloggersofinstagram #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #romance #romancebooks #romancebookstagram #romancebookstagrammer #singlemom #divorce #sexualtension #sexy #steamy #swoonworthy #angst #bookaddict #bookaddiction #avidreader #bookworm #booklover #bookaddict #jeanninecolette #jeanninecolettebooks #jeanninecoletteauthor
Where the heck is William Bronson in my life? I’ve never wanted a fictional character to be real so badly. He was perfect. His comments, his demeanor, his profession, and his dirty mouth. His description sounded pretty yummy as well. Will was completely swoon worthy!
I loved the way Will and Melissa met. It was so unconventional and fun. Melissa rambles and it was so endearing and felt life like and not forced. Their whole friendship / relationship was filled with witty banter, sexual tension, heartfelt connection, and nothing felt forced to me. Nothing I hate more than a forced connection during a romance.
Love…It’s Complicated was beautifully written. It was filled with real life scenarios that had me sighing in exasperation at Tyler, physically feeling my chest ache during the sexual tension moments between Will and Melissa and laughing at their witty banter. I LOVE witty banter in my romances, but I felt like Jeannine would surprise you with a humorous reaction. It was quite enjoyable!
I feel like I can’t adequately explain how much I loved this book. I have more ARCs to read but talk about a book hangover. I’m not sure how I’m going to get myself out of this world that she created. I’m going to miss these characters!
#avidreaderbookblog #readingislife #bookblogger #bookbloggers #bookbloggersofinstagram #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #romance #romancebooks #romancebookstagram #romancebookstagrammer #singlemom #divorce #sexualtension #sexy #steamy #swoonworthy #angst #bookaddict #bookaddiction #avidreader #bookworm #booklover #bookaddict #jeanninecolette #jeanninecolettebooks #jeanninecoletteauthor
March 9, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 STARS
Love…It’s Complicated by Jeannine Colette is an EPIC read that will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ARISTOCRACY!!!
Love…It’s Complicated by Jeannine Colette is an EPIC read that will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ARISTOCRACY!!!
April 16, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
December 10, 2023
this book is exactly what i needed!!!!!!!
March 23, 2023
(3.5★)
"𝐘𝐨𝐮'𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝."
"𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐲, 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐈 𝐚𝐦."
Love. . .It's Complicated by Jeannine Colette is a small town romance that follows police officer William Bronson and single mom Melissa Jones.
This novel sent me on an emotional rollercoaster as one minute I was shocked and the next I was angry with the characters.
When Melissa initially withdrew after learning about Will, I adored that for her since it showed that she knew her place and that she wasn't wrecking anything. But since everything nice inevitably comes to an end, I just hated it when she gave in to Will's advances because I knew she could hold out longer.
Also, Will was truly willing to go to any lengths for the single mother because he knew that he had to win her back somehow. As Will and Melissa were able to find peace within each other despite their baggage and past, they truly were a wonderful match.
But, I detested Tyler (the ex) and his girlfriend Maisie to the point where I couldn’t fathom why Melissa bothered to talk to him after learning that he was a jerk all the time. Also, the fact that Maisie was allowed in the hospital room and was treated as the "mom" really irritated me because Melissa was the one who was being questioned by the doctors rather than the other way around.
Overall, despite how much we would like to believe otherwise, love is very complicated, as this story's central theme illustrates.
*Thank you to the author, Jeannine Colette, for providing me with this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.*
"𝐘𝐨𝐮'𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝."
"𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐲, 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐈 𝐚𝐦."
Love. . .It's Complicated by Jeannine Colette is a small town romance that follows police officer William Bronson and single mom Melissa Jones.
This novel sent me on an emotional rollercoaster as one minute I was shocked and the next I was angry with the characters.
When Melissa initially withdrew after learning about Will, I adored that for her since it showed that she knew her place and that she wasn't wrecking anything. But since everything nice inevitably comes to an end, I just hated it when she gave in to Will's advances because I knew she could hold out longer.
Also, Will was truly willing to go to any lengths for the single mother because he knew that he had to win her back somehow. As Will and Melissa were able to find peace within each other despite their baggage and past, they truly were a wonderful match.
But, I detested Tyler (the ex) and his girlfriend Maisie to the point where I couldn’t fathom why Melissa bothered to talk to him after learning that he was a jerk all the time. Also, the fact that Maisie was allowed in the hospital room and was treated as the "mom" really irritated me because Melissa was the one who was being questioned by the doctors rather than the other way around.
Overall, despite how much we would like to believe otherwise, love is very complicated, as this story's central theme illustrates.
*Thank you to the author, Jeannine Colette, for providing me with this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.*
November 20, 2023
4.5 stars
I haven't read one of Jeannine's books in a while and I'm more than happy that I could return to her stories with "Love...It's Complicated". It's such a cute and adorable story. It's funny, with easy to love characters. It totally brought me out of my book funk. I had a fantastic time following Melissa and William.
This book is beautifully written and if you are looking to laugh and swoon, "Love...It's Complicated" is your book!
I haven't read one of Jeannine's books in a while and I'm more than happy that I could return to her stories with "Love...It's Complicated". It's such a cute and adorable story. It's funny, with easy to love characters. It totally brought me out of my book funk. I had a fantastic time following Melissa and William.
This book is beautifully written and if you are looking to laugh and swoon, "Love...It's Complicated" is your book!
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