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Tainted Love #2.5
Complicated: A Tainted Love Novella
Seven years ago, a secret had torn them apart, but their love always pulled them back together. Things have taken a turn for the worse, and once again, circumstances have brought them together. Can Rachel continue to hide behind her past, or will she stop running from the one man she would love forever? Can Marshall get his girl back, or will it always be a complicated cycle of make ups and break ups?
- GenresRomanceErotic Romance
146 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2015
1 person is currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Ghiselle St. James
8 books251 followersGhiselle St. James is a Jamaican author who has a never-ending love for written thoughts: poetry, song lyrics and fiction. Ghiselle writes about tough heroines (much like herself) and the men tasked with loving them. She has been widowed since 2018, works full time, and has a part-time job lecturing, but always makes time for music of all genres, bedroom concerts that sometimes involves twerking, writing, reading and chatting on Facebook.
I pray my passion brings you as much joy as it has brought me.
I pray my passion brings you as much joy as it has brought me.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 23, 2020
MARSHALL IS COMING AND THINGS ARE GONNA GET A LITTLE....COMPLICATED, AND A WHOLE LOT SEXY!
AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER AT JUST $0.99!!!! 1 DAY UNTIL IT GOES LIVE!!
http://amzn.to/1DQ6S9d
A little excerpt for you!
I stretch my limbs, sore in all the right places. I stare at the hickies dotting my torso and breasts, the bruises along my hips where Marshall dug his fingers, and the wetness between my thighs. I squeeze my legs together at the building need. Last night was…
“Fuck, you feel good, Rachel,” Marshall moaned.
"Oh, God, Marshall, fuck me hard!” I screamed, going out of my mind with pleasure.
“Jesus Christ, you’re fucking loud,” Marshall commented, driving into me deeper and harder, making my core gush all over his hard cock.
“Then stop fucking me so good!” I half-moaned, half-demanded on a particularly expert thrust.
“Want me to gag you? I’ll fucking gag that dirty fucking mouth, Rae,” he warned, sinking his teeth into my shoulder, causing me to cry out in ecstasy.
“I fucking dare you, asshole,” I goaded him, thrusting my hands into his dark hair and pulling hard.
“I’ll shove my cock deep down your throat to shut you up,” he threatened, making my pussy tighten in delight.
“And I’d love it,” I challenged, hoping he’d take the bait.
I smile. It’s all I can do. I had Marshall again and it was explosive, as it always is between us; but more than that, we connected again. I turn on my side and gaze at his sleeping form, trailing my finger along his bicep. His hair is a mess, there are scratches down his back, and hickies on his collarbone that continue down his chest to his hips.
I was with him and it felt like old times, like we had no care in the world. It was just me and him, bodies melding, hearts binding, souls entwining. For a moment, it was impossible to tell where I ended and he began. We existed in each other and in that moment we were one. Nothing else mattered. It was just us and the love we still had for each other in spite of all that happened between us.
AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER AT JUST $0.99!!!! 1 DAY UNTIL IT GOES LIVE!!
http://amzn.to/1DQ6S9d
A little excerpt for you!
I stretch my limbs, sore in all the right places. I stare at the hickies dotting my torso and breasts, the bruises along my hips where Marshall dug his fingers, and the wetness between my thighs. I squeeze my legs together at the building need. Last night was…
“Fuck, you feel good, Rachel,” Marshall moaned.
"Oh, God, Marshall, fuck me hard!” I screamed, going out of my mind with pleasure.
“Jesus Christ, you’re fucking loud,” Marshall commented, driving into me deeper and harder, making my core gush all over his hard cock.
“Then stop fucking me so good!” I half-moaned, half-demanded on a particularly expert thrust.
“Want me to gag you? I’ll fucking gag that dirty fucking mouth, Rae,” he warned, sinking his teeth into my shoulder, causing me to cry out in ecstasy.
“I fucking dare you, asshole,” I goaded him, thrusting my hands into his dark hair and pulling hard.
“I’ll shove my cock deep down your throat to shut you up,” he threatened, making my pussy tighten in delight.
“And I’d love it,” I challenged, hoping he’d take the bait.
I smile. It’s all I can do. I had Marshall again and it was explosive, as it always is between us; but more than that, we connected again. I turn on my side and gaze at his sleeping form, trailing my finger along his bicep. His hair is a mess, there are scratches down his back, and hickies on his collarbone that continue down his chest to his hips.
I was with him and it felt like old times, like we had no care in the world. It was just me and him, bodies melding, hearts binding, souls entwining. For a moment, it was impossible to tell where I ended and he began. We existed in each other and in that moment we were one. Nothing else mattered. It was just us and the love we still had for each other in spite of all that happened between us.
April 19, 2015
I received a free copy of the book in exchange for a honest review. First and foremost, Ghiselle St. James cannot write a bad book! I absolutely love the Tainted Love Series, and this book Complicated: A Tainted Love Novella, is no exception! Ghiselle's writing style is so intense, you will feel the ups and downs of all the characters. You will be drawn into this story and will not come back out until it is over.
Now you learn of the intense love and bond that Rachel Wells and Marshall Keyes have, and the joint devoted, love, and protectiveness for Marshall's sister Delilah and Rachel's BFF. This story is the one to explain how Rachel and Marshall's precarious relationship came to be, and how they work it out with Delilah during and after the kidnapping for the second book: Broken Love.
The unconditional love shared between them is so intense and quite genuine, but there are so many hold ups and secrets holding them apart. Can Marshall and Rachel work through these indifference? Can their love withstand time and their past discretion. Can compassion burn away the ache of their hurt prides and personal holdups?
Don't miss any of the Tainted Love series! And do be prepared that there is one helluva cliffhanger at the end, and you may even find yourself use some colorful language with the cliffhanger. UGH, the agony of the wait for the continuation for what happens to Marshall and Rachel! I cannot wait!
Now you learn of the intense love and bond that Rachel Wells and Marshall Keyes have, and the joint devoted, love, and protectiveness for Marshall's sister Delilah and Rachel's BFF. This story is the one to explain how Rachel and Marshall's precarious relationship came to be, and how they work it out with Delilah during and after the kidnapping for the second book: Broken Love.
The unconditional love shared between them is so intense and quite genuine, but there are so many hold ups and secrets holding them apart. Can Marshall and Rachel work through these indifference? Can their love withstand time and their past discretion. Can compassion burn away the ache of their hurt prides and personal holdups?
Don't miss any of the Tainted Love series! And do be prepared that there is one helluva cliffhanger at the end, and you may even find yourself use some colorful language with the cliffhanger. UGH, the agony of the wait for the continuation for what happens to Marshall and Rachel! I cannot wait!
April 24, 2015
**I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.**
Complicated takes place the same time as Tainted Love and Broken Love It's from Rachel and Marshall's POV but I highly recommend reading the first two books in the series to gain perspective about their relationship.
Rachel is Delilah's best friend, Marshall is Delilah's older brother. It was a relationship that wasn't supposed to happen, there was the age difference, she's his sister's best friend, she basically lived at their house, his parent's treated her like one of their children But there was this pull between them, something invisible that regardless what they did it just kept pulling them back together. Can the secrets from the past ruin what fate has in store for them?
I was really into this read. I loved seeing Ben and Delilah (Sullivan) from someone else's POV. Why certain things were done. After all the pain and hurt in the past Rachel deserves a HEA, or does she? Sometimes moving on is the only way. Will the guilt she carries bury her if she stays with Marshall? Can he forgive her? Oh I can't wait for the next book. I need to know now what happens!!
Complicated takes place the same time as Tainted Love and Broken Love It's from Rachel and Marshall's POV but I highly recommend reading the first two books in the series to gain perspective about their relationship.
Rachel is Delilah's best friend, Marshall is Delilah's older brother. It was a relationship that wasn't supposed to happen, there was the age difference, she's his sister's best friend, she basically lived at their house, his parent's treated her like one of their children But there was this pull between them, something invisible that regardless what they did it just kept pulling them back together. Can the secrets from the past ruin what fate has in store for them?
I was really into this read. I loved seeing Ben and Delilah (Sullivan) from someone else's POV. Why certain things were done. After all the pain and hurt in the past Rachel deserves a HEA, or does she? Sometimes moving on is the only way. Will the guilt she carries bury her if she stays with Marshall? Can he forgive her? Oh I can't wait for the next book. I need to know now what happens!!
April 25, 2015
*An ARC was provided in exchange of an honest review*
Quick but steamy read that I red in one sitting! So damn good!! Rachael & Marshall suck u into their world and have you aching for more! There is a cliff-hanger but I have a feeling that the next bk will be worth the wait!!
Quick but steamy read that I red in one sitting! So damn good!! Rachael & Marshall suck u into their world and have you aching for more! There is a cliff-hanger but I have a feeling that the next bk will be worth the wait!!
April 25, 2015
Oh my, what an amazing story. I loved Complicated: A Tainted Love Novella. This is my first time reading a Ghiselle St. James novels and it will not be the last. She really knows how to capture the reader. In the beginning I was thinking here we go again, another teenage love story but boy was I wrong. It was far more than your typical love story, fortunately for the reader we get to meet them when they were teenagers and fully understand the complicated side as the grow in age and love for each other.
There are two main characters, Rachel Wells and Marshall Keyes. I loved being able to read about each characters thoughts with each chapter. This was one reason why I fell in love with Rachel and Marshall. I loved being able to understand and feel each characters emotions and thoughts. I really felt like I was in the story following along with each character. I was happy when they were happy, I was sad when they were sad.
Rachel Wells, like Marshall Keyes, comes from high society life. Unlike Marshall, Rachel grew up with emotionally hardened parents. She never felt accepted, she always felt she had to prove her worth. You will understand why at the end of this book. Thankfully, she became best friends with Delilah Keyes who had wonderful loving parents and a really hot brother, Marshall.
Marshall Keyes was 5 years older than Rachel, he was in law school striving for greatness. It was love at first site when he saw Rachel. He fought to stay away from her, he knew it was wrong pursuing a 15 year old. But the night Rachel seduced him, all rules were out the window. He was hooked and was never letting go, he found his one and only love.
As we read on through their story, what great story doesn't have some bumpy roads and in their case, some car collisions. You will have to read for your self to find out the serious twists in their story. I will tell you, it left Rachel absolutely devastated and Marshall confused. Their relationship fell apart, they moved on in physicality but not emotionally. They were connected despite Rachel trying so hard to push away and forget. The reader is constantly rooting for Marshall to break down her walls and hold Rachel in his arms again.
The ending was devastating, major cliff hanger but it was so good I can not wait to read the next book in the series. You need to read Complicated: A tainted love novella. It is full of emotion, suspense, love, sadness, it is a complete roller coaster that you will refuse to stop reading because you are constantly wondering what is going to happen next. 5 Stars!
Complicated: A Tainted Love Novella
April 25, 2015
*ARC REVIEW FROM ABIBLIOPHOBIA ANONYMOUS BOOK REVIEWS BLOG*
Complicated, there is more than complication to Rachel and Marshall's relationship.
" He could unravel me like no other, he could destroy me, but like a moth drawn to a bright flame, I step into my demise."- Rachel
They were deeply in love, hiding their relationship because of a five year age difference. Everything was amazing, but with one major, life altering decision, their relationship will crumble.
Rachel thought she was doing the right thing. But doing that right thing will destroy her and Marshall's relationship. It's a secret she's kept for year's.
"It was never done between us, Rae. True love doesn’t just end, it’s forever."- Marshall
Every now and again, they find their way back to each other, only for it to end as soon as it began.
With one tragedy, it will bring Rea and Marshall together again, but will Rea finally let this secret stop hurting what she wants... a relationship with Marshall?
I've never read the previous book's, so I didn't know anything about any of the characters, and you don't have to. There isn't a better title for this novella, because Rachel and Marshall are definitely complicated. I was wanting her to finally tell him why she pushed him away, but it didn't happen. This book is about 40% sex. We get a cliffhanger, a major one, but I can see what's coming. I need to read the previous book.
Complicated, there is more than complication to Rachel and Marshall's relationship.
" He could unravel me like no other, he could destroy me, but like a moth drawn to a bright flame, I step into my demise."- Rachel
They were deeply in love, hiding their relationship because of a five year age difference. Everything was amazing, but with one major, life altering decision, their relationship will crumble.
Rachel thought she was doing the right thing. But doing that right thing will destroy her and Marshall's relationship. It's a secret she's kept for year's.
"It was never done between us, Rae. True love doesn’t just end, it’s forever."- Marshall
Every now and again, they find their way back to each other, only for it to end as soon as it began.
With one tragedy, it will bring Rea and Marshall together again, but will Rea finally let this secret stop hurting what she wants... a relationship with Marshall?
I've never read the previous book's, so I didn't know anything about any of the characters, and you don't have to. There isn't a better title for this novella, because Rachel and Marshall are definitely complicated. I was wanting her to finally tell him why she pushed him away, but it didn't happen. This book is about 40% sex. We get a cliffhanger, a major one, but I can see what's coming. I need to read the previous book.
April 21, 2015
What an amazing book. Full of emotions and hot sex. This is my first time reading this author and I will be definitely be checking out her other books. There are two other books in this series that follow Sullivan/Delilah and Ben and I can’t wait to read more of their story. But I really can’t wait to read more about Racheal and Marshall in the next book. With all that said you definitely won’t be disappointed with this book.
The story centers around Racheal and Marshall with some Ben and Delilah mixed in. I loved how the story was told from both Marshall and Racheal so you get in each of their heads to feel their emotions. They had great banter and sass between the two of them so at some points I giggled when they would get into one of their tiffs. Boy oh boy was the sex hot and dirty. Lots of sexy dirty talking.
The love that these too share despite all the ups and downs they face is intense, heated and emotional. They had an unconventional start to their relationship and after all Racheal has done to push Marshall away they always make it to each other.
I can’t wait till the next book comes out to see what happens. So glad I got the opportunity to check this book out. Thank you. Great job Ghiselle.
Received an advance readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Marebare's Book Shelf
The story centers around Racheal and Marshall with some Ben and Delilah mixed in. I loved how the story was told from both Marshall and Racheal so you get in each of their heads to feel their emotions. They had great banter and sass between the two of them so at some points I giggled when they would get into one of their tiffs. Boy oh boy was the sex hot and dirty. Lots of sexy dirty talking.
The love that these too share despite all the ups and downs they face is intense, heated and emotional. They had an unconventional start to their relationship and after all Racheal has done to push Marshall away they always make it to each other.
I can’t wait till the next book comes out to see what happens. So glad I got the opportunity to check this book out. Thank you. Great job Ghiselle.
Received an advance readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Marebare's Book Shelf
April 24, 2015
Received this book in exchange for an honest review.
OMG!! what can i say about this book except it is a must read. Ghiselle St. James has done it again with another 5 plus star book. This girl cannot write a book that is not going to pull you in and want to keep reading. There is so much feeling and sex. Of course you cannot forget the sex in a book like this. You connect with the characters and you fell all the emotions they are whether they are happy moments or sad moments.
This story is about Rachel and Marshall. Rachel is best friends with Marshall's sister Delilah. They should have a relationship together because of that friendship as well as the age difference but they have never been able to stay apart. Their connection is explosive and the pull cannot be denied. But because of a secret that Rachel is keeping it tore them apart for many years. Will they be able to work out their differences while Delilah is missing and after her return? Or will they cut ties and go their separate ways like they have been trying to do in the past?
Cannot wait for the rest of Rachel and Marshall's story to see how thing turn out and if she will finally lay all the cards on the table.
OMG!! what can i say about this book except it is a must read. Ghiselle St. James has done it again with another 5 plus star book. This girl cannot write a book that is not going to pull you in and want to keep reading. There is so much feeling and sex. Of course you cannot forget the sex in a book like this. You connect with the characters and you fell all the emotions they are whether they are happy moments or sad moments.
This story is about Rachel and Marshall. Rachel is best friends with Marshall's sister Delilah. They should have a relationship together because of that friendship as well as the age difference but they have never been able to stay apart. Their connection is explosive and the pull cannot be denied. But because of a secret that Rachel is keeping it tore them apart for many years. Will they be able to work out their differences while Delilah is missing and after her return? Or will they cut ties and go their separate ways like they have been trying to do in the past?
Cannot wait for the rest of Rachel and Marshall's story to see how thing turn out and if she will finally lay all the cards on the table.
April 2, 2015
I was given this arc for an honest review and OMG!!!! I loved this book. I started to read this book and just could not stop reading it. I loved what she did with the book and with the characters, but it was left with a hanging at the end. I loved being able to read about Rachel and Marshall. I loved both of those characters. I loved the fact that we are able to hear what is going on with them and what happened with them and what is going to happen with the characters. I want to be able to hear what they are going through and what they are going to go through in the future. Yes, I like that it shows the past that they went through and what they are going through in the future. I hated though that I was left with a cliffhanger about what is going to happen to them and what happened to Rachel. I can not wait till she finishes the next book so that way we can continue to read about Rachel and Marshall an even Ben and Delilah. Great job on another great book and story that you have wrote!!!
March 30, 2015
I really liked this book; yeah as her favourite Charlie boy, I get to read the books first, lol.
This is a really bright, illuminating look into two of the side characters in the 'Tainted love' series. If you've read Ghiselle's books you'll know what to expect, hot sex, tempestuous moments, and more ups and downs than a roller coaster.
It sheds a lot of light on some behind the scenes matters and brings these two people into the story, not as asides but as real feeling people.
Its a worthy addition to the series and well worth a read, especially if you're an admirer of Giselle's writing like me, and I'm not biased by her friendship, she doesn't get an easy ride from me guys.
Oh, and buy and read her books because she needs the cash to buy a lap[top, would you believe she writes on her phone, its damn true!
This is a really bright, illuminating look into two of the side characters in the 'Tainted love' series. If you've read Ghiselle's books you'll know what to expect, hot sex, tempestuous moments, and more ups and downs than a roller coaster.
It sheds a lot of light on some behind the scenes matters and brings these two people into the story, not as asides but as real feeling people.
Its a worthy addition to the series and well worth a read, especially if you're an admirer of Giselle's writing like me, and I'm not biased by her friendship, she doesn't get an easy ride from me guys.
Oh, and buy and read her books because she needs the cash to buy a lap[top, would you believe she writes on her phone, its damn true!
April 25, 2015
4.5 WICKED AWESOME STARS
Complicated is Rachael and Marshall’s story from the Tainted Love Series.
Marshall and Rachel’s relationship is exactly that COMPLICATED.
Marshall is Delilah's brother and her best friend. The chemistry between them couldn’t keep these two apart, having to hide it from everyone due to the five year age difference.
Their relationship is one were they “cannot live with and cannot live without each other” which makes for a fun, hot and exciting read.
The banter between them is fun, hot,exciting and real! I swear we all know a couple just like them! I found myself cheering for them the entire book!
Now seven years later! Is that spark still there? Can they get past the lies and secrets?
We get left with a big ole CLIFFHANGER and I am anxiously waiting to see how it ends. *Tapping foot*
Complicated is Rachael and Marshall’s story from the Tainted Love Series.
Marshall and Rachel’s relationship is exactly that COMPLICATED.
Marshall is Delilah's brother and her best friend. The chemistry between them couldn’t keep these two apart, having to hide it from everyone due to the five year age difference.
Their relationship is one were they “cannot live with and cannot live without each other” which makes for a fun, hot and exciting read.
The banter between them is fun, hot,exciting and real! I swear we all know a couple just like them! I found myself cheering for them the entire book!
Now seven years later! Is that spark still there? Can they get past the lies and secrets?
We get left with a big ole CLIFFHANGER and I am anxiously waiting to see how it ends. *Tapping foot*
April 22, 2015
This is my first time reading this author's work and will be playing catch up now!!!There are two other books in this series that follow Sullivan/Delilah and Ben and I can’t wait to read more of their story. But I really can’t wait to read more about Rachel and Marshall in the next book. What a novella! Packed with real feelings and great sex!!
The story centers around Rachel and Marshall with some Ben and Delilah mixed in. I loved how the story was told from both points of view. The writing between the two is done really well, like they are right there with you...almost movie like.
The love is intense, heated and emotional. They had an unconventional start to their relationship and still make it to each other.
I can’t wait till the next book comes out to see what happens. So glad I got to read this one and now must play catch up with the others!!!!
The story centers around Rachel and Marshall with some Ben and Delilah mixed in. I loved how the story was told from both points of view. The writing between the two is done really well, like they are right there with you...almost movie like.
The love is intense, heated and emotional. They had an unconventional start to their relationship and still make it to each other.
I can’t wait till the next book comes out to see what happens. So glad I got to read this one and now must play catch up with the others!!!!
April 6, 2015
I love Marshall! I absolutely loved his back story with Rachel. I love their banter back and forth with other and how complicated their relationship actually is. There is quite the cliffy at the end of the book and I absolutely can not wait for more from these two!
April 26, 2015
Omg I though Ben has my heart and Chonchons but Fuck Marshall you came out swinging man can I have both men please and thank you boo sploosh wet panties all the way hmmmmmmm!!!!! Sexy hottttt #boom ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ all the way
April 25, 2015
IS IT POSSIBLE TO GIVE A BOOK MORE THAN 5 STARS???
I am still speechless. I read this book about 2 hours ago and I was so blown away. Usually novellas tend to be surfaced, superficial. I love a good novella because I get to read them in quick succession. Just wham, bam, thank you ma'am This book, however, I SAVORED.
Complicated tells us the story of two people we are familiar with from the Tainted Love series Marshall Keyes and Rachel Welles, and their complicated love.
Complication 1 - He met her when she was 15 and he was 20
Complication 2 - He's her best friend's brother
Complication 3 - She hides a DEVASTATING secret from him
Complication 4 - He fucked up
Complication 5 - They part ways for 7yrs
Complication 6 - Delilah, his sister and her best friend, goes missing
Complication 7 - Marshall returns, sparks fly, secrets are still being kept
Complication 8 - Marshall wants his girl back
Complication 9 - Rachel tries to deny what her heart wants
Complication 10 - A motherfucker of a cliffhanger at the end!
I love this story, in all it's complicated, passionate, and swoonworthy glory! The banter between the two characters felt so easy and I could identify with them on so many levels! I love the way Ghiselle writes characters that us readers can see in others around them. Each of her characters are different, but the one thing they all have in common is INTENSITY! From the hero to the heroin. They are strong women and absolute alpha males!
There were some HOT scenes.....and I do mean HOT. Lord have mercy! This scene was particularly steamy and a little funny. Hehehehe!
Lord, their attraction was palpable. Their connection, undeniable. Their chemistry, explosive. I felt everything the characters felt. When Rachel swooned, I swooned right along with her. And with lines like this, I don't fault her for swooning:
"He could unravel me like no other, he could destroy me, but like a moth drawn to a bright flame, I step into my demise."
All in all, I absolutely loved this novella. Can 146 pages be considered a novella?
I look forward to the followup. That cliffhanger had my heart racing in concern; and you know you have a hopeless condition when you're concerned about a fictional character's well-being. SMDH
I am still speechless. I read this book about 2 hours ago and I was so blown away. Usually novellas tend to be surfaced, superficial. I love a good novella because I get to read them in quick succession. Just wham, bam, thank you ma'am This book, however, I SAVORED.
Complicated tells us the story of two people we are familiar with from the Tainted Love series Marshall Keyes and Rachel Welles, and their complicated love.
Complication 1 - He met her when she was 15 and he was 20
Complication 2 - He's her best friend's brother
Complication 3 - She hides a DEVASTATING secret from him
Complication 4 - He fucked up
Complication 5 - They part ways for 7yrs
Complication 6 - Delilah, his sister and her best friend, goes missing
Complication 7 - Marshall returns, sparks fly, secrets are still being kept
Complication 8 - Marshall wants his girl back
Complication 9 - Rachel tries to deny what her heart wants
Complication 10 - A motherfucker of a cliffhanger at the end!
I love this story, in all it's complicated, passionate, and swoonworthy glory! The banter between the two characters felt so easy and I could identify with them on so many levels! I love the way Ghiselle writes characters that us readers can see in others around them. Each of her characters are different, but the one thing they all have in common is INTENSITY! From the hero to the heroin. They are strong women and absolute alpha males!
There were some HOT scenes.....and I do mean HOT. Lord have mercy! This scene was particularly steamy and a little funny. Hehehehe!
Lord, their attraction was palpable. Their connection, undeniable. Their chemistry, explosive. I felt everything the characters felt. When Rachel swooned, I swooned right along with her. And with lines like this, I don't fault her for swooning:
"He could unravel me like no other, he could destroy me, but like a moth drawn to a bright flame, I step into my demise."
All in all, I absolutely loved this novella. Can 146 pages be considered a novella?
I look forward to the followup. That cliffhanger had my heart racing in concern; and you know you have a hopeless condition when you're concerned about a fictional character's well-being. SMDH
April 25, 2015
He was her best friend's brother. For years they kept their relationship hidden. It became complicated, as their chemistry was combustible when they were together, until Rachel hides a painful secret from Marshall, then continues to push him away by picking fights with him, yet when they are together, the sparks always fly. Time goes by and they drift apart, and Rachel starts dating someone else. But what will happen when Delilah is kidnapped and Rachel has to face Marshall again? Will their chemistry still be as strong? Will Rachel tell him the secret she has been hiding, or will she continue to push him away? How will Marshall's parents react to his relationship to someone they think of as a second daughter? Of course we won't find all the answers in this book. Of course Ghiselle St. James will make us wait for the next book to find out what happens next with Rachel and Marshall. I loved this book and can't wait to read more from Ghiselle St. James. <3
April 27, 2015
This was an introduction to Ghiselle St. James for me, but it definitely will not be the last I will be seeing of her!
I adored this book. It’s fast paced and punchy. It’s a true love story. One thing that bugs me about a lot of romance books is how the characters fall in love pretty quick and apart from the odd stupid fall out, they stay that way for life. I loved seeing how real the relationship between these 2 was, the real ups and downs, the real complications but also the real depth of passion and love they have Rachel and Marshall are brilliantly, believable characters and although we don’t see much of Delilah and Ben in this book, I am definitely going to dive into the other books in the series to get to know their story better.
I can’t believe that blooming cliff hanger though! Pfft!
All in all, a really good, quick read that pulls you in and spits you back out in a sodden, gooey heartfelt mess!
April 25, 2015
I had the absolute privilege to read this book before it was released. I. LOVED. IT. What can I say? I am a fan of Ghiselle St. James' writing style all around. What I am normally not a fan of are novella's, because I cannot connect with the characters in that short span of time, they feel rushed. This book right here? Not the case. It was well developed in both character and storyline, had all of the right emotions and sucked me in deep. I absolutely loved how it tied in with two of her other full length novels (Tainted Love and Broken Love-GO GET THEM!). I can't wait for more Marshall and Rachel in the next book!
January 25, 2016
Wow!!! Ms. St. James!!! You did an excellent job. This story was such an emotional roller coaster. I had to stop and breathe a couple of times. I cried and cried! Such a great love story with so much emotion bouncing off the pages. The bound the characters have with each other is so heart warming. I loved them. This is a must read now I know why your fans have been begging for their story. I can't wait to read the next book oh wait! Ok my review will continue with the next installment I'm biting my nails!! What an ending !!! Mwah!
April 27, 2015
The story of Marshall and Rachel is finally here, and it did not disappoint. We first met Rachel and Marshall in “Tainted Love,” and I thought Marshall was a jerk. I was totally Team Rachel. He’d obviously broken her heart, and I assumed he was going out with half of New York City to spite her. I’ve always loved Rachel. She kept Delilah grounded and took care of her like no one else. Marshall seemed like an awesome big brother to Delilah, but he fought a lot with Rachel, and I didn't like the mind games between them. In “Complicated,” we get to see another side of him and I’m not just team Rachel any more.
The book gives us quick flashbacks to when their relationship began. Rachel was 15 and Marshall was 20. Even though their relationship is, ahem, unconventional, neither one of them makes a big deal about it. Other than insisting that Rachel goes to her high school dances, Marshall doesn’t do the whole “Oh my god, I can’t do this, you’re younger than me” thing. I seriously hate that. He truly cares about Rachel and wants to start a life with her as soon as she turns 18. The flashbacks are brief but effective. We get to see why their relationship was so wonderful in the first place, and why it fell apart.
The breakup was heartbreaking and made me want to give Rachel a huge hug. Yes, I judged her a little bit in “Tainted Love” when the reason was first mentioned. But after “experiencing” the breakup, I want to go back and kick myself. It wasn’t what originally thought.
All of this makes the present that much harder, because I wanted them to sit down and have a real conversation about the past so they could move on and be happy, but there never seemed to be time. After all this time, Marshall's world still revolves around Rachel. It turns out he wasn't much of a womanizer after all. Marshall and Rachel would like to think they have a volatile relationship like Delilah and Ben, but in reality it’s romantic, passionate and very sweet. Neither was very good at hiding how in love he/she still was. Now I’m totally Team Get-Over-Yourself-and-Tell-Him-the-Truth-Already!
Ghiselle St. James gets better with every book she writes. The writing was beautiful, clean and so funny. She always manages to make me laugh, cry and curse at a book. After the ending to this one I am counting the days to the conclusion. She gets me every time.
The book gives us quick flashbacks to when their relationship began. Rachel was 15 and Marshall was 20. Even though their relationship is, ahem, unconventional, neither one of them makes a big deal about it. Other than insisting that Rachel goes to her high school dances, Marshall doesn’t do the whole “Oh my god, I can’t do this, you’re younger than me” thing. I seriously hate that. He truly cares about Rachel and wants to start a life with her as soon as she turns 18. The flashbacks are brief but effective. We get to see why their relationship was so wonderful in the first place, and why it fell apart.
The breakup was heartbreaking and made me want to give Rachel a huge hug. Yes, I judged her a little bit in “Tainted Love” when the reason was first mentioned. But after “experiencing” the breakup, I want to go back and kick myself. It wasn’t what originally thought.
All of this makes the present that much harder, because I wanted them to sit down and have a real conversation about the past so they could move on and be happy, but there never seemed to be time. After all this time, Marshall's world still revolves around Rachel. It turns out he wasn't much of a womanizer after all. Marshall and Rachel would like to think they have a volatile relationship like Delilah and Ben, but in reality it’s romantic, passionate and very sweet. Neither was very good at hiding how in love he/she still was. Now I’m totally Team Get-Over-Yourself-and-Tell-Him-the-Truth-Already!
Ghiselle St. James gets better with every book she writes. The writing was beautiful, clean and so funny. She always manages to make me laugh, cry and curse at a book. After the ending to this one I am counting the days to the conclusion. She gets me every time.
June 17, 2016
There are authors that we love anything they write and Ms. St. James is one of those authors for me. Complicated is book 2.5 in her Tainted Love Series and it is told in the dual POV of Marshall and Rachel. This entire series is dark, twisted, and oh so complicated! Complicated, the story, is just that – full of twists and turns and secrets that kept these two apart and secrets that continue to stand between the pair. But, in the end, their love and attraction is too strong to deny even if things stand in their way.
I don’t remember reading that Marshall was Sullivan/Delilah’s brother in the previous book, but wow! What a shocker! And he had a relationship with Rachel when she was still a minor? WOWZA!! Something happened that tore them apart and then she went on the run with Delilah, her best friend. The threat of Delilah/Sullivan being found kept them away and made it easy for Rachel to move on with her life. We also learn the dynamic of Rachel’s relationship with her parents and how she grew to become so close to her best friend and family.
My only complaint is THAT ENDING!! How am I supposed to wait to find out what happened?!?!? This book and the entire series are amazing, wonderful, and so well done that I am forever a fan of this author!
*Copy provided for review.
I don’t remember reading that Marshall was Sullivan/Delilah’s brother in the previous book, but wow! What a shocker! And he had a relationship with Rachel when she was still a minor? WOWZA!! Something happened that tore them apart and then she went on the run with Delilah, her best friend. The threat of Delilah/Sullivan being found kept them away and made it easy for Rachel to move on with her life. We also learn the dynamic of Rachel’s relationship with her parents and how she grew to become so close to her best friend and family.
My only complaint is THAT ENDING!! How am I supposed to wait to find out what happened?!?!? This book and the entire series are amazing, wonderful, and so well done that I am forever a fan of this author!
*Copy provided for review.
April 27, 2015
***Reviewed on behalf of The Literary Swing***
You can fight, but love will not be denied…
Marshall and Rachel’s relationship was not an easy one. In the past their love was hampered by age and family before a heart-breaking decision dealt the final blow. Bought together again, they know their feelings are undeniable. With Marshall’s sister fighting for her life, will the two lovers have a chance to reconcile their past?
This novella is part of the Tainted Love series and focuses on, what were up until now, secondary characters. I’m so glad the author gave Marshall and Rachel an opportunity to give voice to their story which was aching to be told. I love the author’s writing style and ability to pull me into the character’s happiness and sorrow with such ease. These people are real, dealing with their decisions as best as they can. They are not perfect, they don’t pretend to be, which makes them so much more relatable. There are no easy answers and the story does not end here. Drama and heat (did I mention the bone-melting heat?) have me stalking the shelves for the next in the series.
Five, flaming hot stars!
You can fight, but love will not be denied…
Marshall and Rachel’s relationship was not an easy one. In the past their love was hampered by age and family before a heart-breaking decision dealt the final blow. Bought together again, they know their feelings are undeniable. With Marshall’s sister fighting for her life, will the two lovers have a chance to reconcile their past?
This novella is part of the Tainted Love series and focuses on, what were up until now, secondary characters. I’m so glad the author gave Marshall and Rachel an opportunity to give voice to their story which was aching to be told. I love the author’s writing style and ability to pull me into the character’s happiness and sorrow with such ease. These people are real, dealing with their decisions as best as they can. They are not perfect, they don’t pretend to be, which makes them so much more relatable. There are no easy answers and the story does not end here. Drama and heat (did I mention the bone-melting heat?) have me stalking the shelves for the next in the series.
Five, flaming hot stars!
February 6, 2016
This is the beginning of Rae and Marshall's story. They started out with a forbidden love, forbidden mainly due to the age. Something happened at that point that caused Rachel to break Marshall's heart, as well as hers. Forward several years later, they are brought back together due to something happening to a mutual person that they both are close to. Can they get to the root of what happened ten years ago and overcome it or will it tear them apart...
Find out in this story that takes you on quite the journey, that tears your heart apart then slowly pieces it back together. Ghiselle has created a beautiful story. Filled with Pain, Love, Angst, and more, much more. She took two people who obviously love each other and tear them apart then put the puzzle pieces back together, one by one. I don't think there's anything more beautiful than piecing a puzzle back together, complicated, but oh so beautiful.
Find out in this story that takes you on quite the journey, that tears your heart apart then slowly pieces it back together. Ghiselle has created a beautiful story. Filled with Pain, Love, Angst, and more, much more. She took two people who obviously love each other and tear them apart then put the puzzle pieces back together, one by one. I don't think there's anything more beautiful than piecing a puzzle back together, complicated, but oh so beautiful.
March 11, 2016
I just cannot deal with the ongoing cycle between the two and I just don't understand. Well, I guess that is why the book is called Complicated. However, I cannot say that I didn't like the book. It kept me well on my toes and I think the main reason I was confused was because I was thrown right in the middle of their relationship. I didn't get the full feel.
Marshall, an attractive man that is obviously very old compared to an underage girl. But this is the romance that you like to call taboo. Something that you don't want to talk about because it's a hush hush situation. You don't really expect it to happen and boom, it hits you in the face.
The way the book ended made me immediately open up the next one and you just have to continue to read the series. Or the novellas. Whichever you'd like to say this book is. Definitely a short read so if you're looking for a thrilling, short taboo romance, this is the read for you. A simple but demurring 3.9 stars out of 5.
Marshall, an attractive man that is obviously very old compared to an underage girl. But this is the romance that you like to call taboo. Something that you don't want to talk about because it's a hush hush situation. You don't really expect it to happen and boom, it hits you in the face.
The way the book ended made me immediately open up the next one and you just have to continue to read the series. Or the novellas. Whichever you'd like to say this book is. Definitely a short read so if you're looking for a thrilling, short taboo romance, this is the read for you. A simple but demurring 3.9 stars out of 5.
May 1, 2015
Complicated, finally the book I have been waiting for. I absolutely love these two characters. In book three you see how strong the connection is between Rachel and Marshal. You get the back story between these two and a sneak peak at the future.
I'm not sure this women can write a bad book. With each book in this series the story just gets better and better. It's such an emotional ride, a bit intense sometimes but that is what keeps me (you the reader) wanting more. She has the right amount of drama that makes it such a page turner and the romance is so HOT.
Ghiselle I am not sure if I'm mad at you right now for another cliffhanger. WHY!!!
Please READ this series it's definitely worth it. I give this 5 STARS
March 1, 2016
Complicatedis and was an intense, passionate, down right wicked short read. Ghiselle St. Jamesleft nothing un-turned or untouched with Rachel and Marshall.
Rachel has dealt with being unloved by her parents, but what is a gal to to when the one that holds her heart does not return the feeling. Marshall wants what he knows he should not have, but hell he is a red blooded male and the sweet lord put temptation right under his nose. Can he break down her walls and convince her to take a risk?
Read More. . . http://www.romanceswithalittlekick.co...
Rachel has dealt with being unloved by her parents, but what is a gal to to when the one that holds her heart does not return the feeling. Marshall wants what he knows he should not have, but hell he is a red blooded male and the sweet lord put temptation right under his nose. Can he break down her walls and convince her to take a risk?
Read More. . . http://www.romanceswithalittlekick.co...
December 15, 2015
Damnit, I need the other novella and book 3, like right now! I did NOT expect this novella to keep me on the edge of my seat like it did! Damn, once I started reading I was glued to it. Heck, last night I fell asleep reading it and woke up in the middle of the night only to start reading again! Can't wait to read more on Rachel and Marshall's story. I know book 3 won't be coming out until 2016 but I'm hoping that the other novella comes out soon. Great job Ms. St. James. Usually I don't get that excited about novellas but this one definitely sucked me in!
March 29, 2016
I was so excited to read Rachael and Marshall's story. Reading Tainted Love and Broken Love, you would of never known Rachael had such a cold upbringing. She is always the strong one and there for Lilah, you wouldn't think she herself battles so many wars within herself. She is the kind of friend any girl would be lucky to have. She deserves love and happiness, and Marshall is the perfect man to give her that. If only they could get past their broken past. I am excited and can't wait to read the rest of their story.
April 27, 2015
Loved Marshall and Rachel from the first two books and I couldn't wait to read their story . Giselle can write some very hot as heck sexy but she also can get you to love the characters she is writing . Giselle has a way with words from the beginning to end of a story . It takes you on a journey.
January 15, 2016
I freaking loved it! Oh my gosh I think I might like this one more than the others. I love Sullivan and Ben's story but this one really grabbed my attention. Rachel and Marshell are such a cute couple. I can not wait to read more. She left us with a nice little cliff hanger. Got me hungry for more
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