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The Southern Devotion Series #3

Complicated Relationships: The Southern Devotion Series

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**WARNING: Adult Language, Adult situations** Tristan Jacobs followed his best friend Mary Jane from Florida to Nashville only to have his heart broken when she married someone else. He's been a father to his younger sister Macy for the past five years now and has been putting his romantic life on hold. Now he's ready to find the girl of his dreams. An auburn-haired beauty walks into the bar one night and captures his attention. What he doesn't realize is that she has a connection to the woman who broke his heart. Tristan's life is full of complicated relationships that could affect the one that means the most to him. Will he get his happily-ever-after? Or will the complications prove to be too difficult to overcome?

272 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2015

2 people are currently reading
58 people want to read

About the author

Amy K. McClung

20 books406 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for DJ Sakata.
3,297 reviews1,778 followers
December 5, 2017
Favorite Quotes:

I realized it didn’t hurt to say I loved her anymore. On this day the sky seemed bluer, the lake clearer, the trees a deeper shade of green.

We’re still new. Even if she forgives me, there won’t be any aisle walking for a while except at the grocery store.

I know I told you to give me time, but I’m a woman, and we rarely mean what we say.

My Review:

Most people have had friends and relationships that were more challenging than others, more demanding, complicated, more difficult to maintain, tolerate, accommodate, etc.; and like me, maybe you had wondered if they were worth the extra effort. In my case, some were and some weren’t. I’ve bailed on more than a few and I am not ashamed to acknowledge that fact as some people are worse than vampires and not worth the donation of my blood or time. But luckily for the people in this story, their connections were worth the extra complications and persistence. I’ve now read all three books in this series and Complicated Relationships was the more angsty and melancholy of the three as the characters were saddled with considerable drama and trauma, the type no one wants to happen to anyone, friend or foe. As a teen, Tristan had shouldered crushing family responsibilities that most would have walked away from, although he wasn’t perfect. I have enjoyed Ms. McClung’s comfortable and easy writing style. Her storylines were emotive, entertaining, amusing, steamy, effortless to follow, and featured relevant issues in an insightful and observant manner. Each book involved all the characters from the previous installments while also possessing strong legs and capable of standing alone. I appreciated that as I despise cliffhangers and reveled in the continuation of events and involvement of the endearing and delightfully sweet characters from previous books.
Profile Image for Socially Book Nerd .
511 reviews48 followers
December 7, 2017
wow, life is messy, yes we all know this. but reading about it and how this amazing man (Tristan) deals with all that is tossed at him makes you swoon, he has more then his hands full. But true to romantic bliss he handles each hurdle with love, grace and patience. I want a Tristan.... love love love this book!
Profile Image for Kathy Rouchelle .
969 reviews15 followers
December 2, 2017
Oh the complications! Poor Tristan, sometimes I thought that the poor guy would never catch a break. I loved this book even if I would have wanted the ending to be a bit different, maybe a bit more, but then maybe there is another book coming that will tie up his loose ends and also give someone else their story. One can only hope. This story was wonderful and the love amongst these friends so beautifully written. My heart fell at Angel's revelation but I know she will be fine as long as she has her "family"around her. Tristan and Melanie are wonderful together, they are truly a perfect fit. They both have big loving hearts, and are just as sweet as can be. What I love about this book, this series and these characters is that although they are fictional, you feel like you are reading someone's real life story.

The characters are so very well written that you feel like they are real people, going through real life problems and you are sitting there watching their lives play out in front of your eyes. You feel as though you could just step up and tell them that you want to help, you want to join them, you are happy for them, sorry for them, hate to see them going through bad times, shake them and tell them to open their eyes to what's in front of them. Just like you would do with friends or family in your own life. This is what makes an author really good at what they do. The ability to make their characters human....real. And that is just what Amy K. McClung has done with these books. Her characters have come to life, and have come into your life.

As for Tristan, Melanie, Macy and Angel; well their story was a rollercoaster of emotions. Tristan continuing to be the best big brother and guardian to his sister Macy as he can be, continuing to be a good friend to Angel, who needs every friend she can get at this stage in her life as she deals with two deseases as well as emotional issues. And his new relationship with Melaine and their growing feelings. Complications...yea, there are several in their relationship but it is how they handle them that will test their love beyond anything. If they can come through these, they can come through anything.

I adored this book, this series and I highly recommend it to everyone!
2,390 reviews59 followers
December 4, 2017
Complicated Relationships was so much more than the complicated relationship between Tristan and Melanie! I loved the relationships amongst the circle of friends, Tristan's bond with his sister, and estrangement with his dad. Hell, even Melanie had some complicated relationships of her own!

Melanie was totally right in calling Tristan out on his issues, and by that time, I was so rooting for them as a couple that I desperately wanted to see him get his act together! Tristan and Macy's relationship was so heartwarming; it really tugged at my heart the way he not only had to step up for his sister, but wanted to step up for his sister.

This book is a standalone within a series, and I wish I'd read the others first to have a better understanding of previous events that are mentioned. But overall, Complicated Relationships was quite an enjoyable read!

I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
Profile Image for A Book Lover's Emporium Book Blog.
2,816 reviews171 followers
November 30, 2017
What an amazing journey, this book was beautiful. It was full of feelings; laughter, aggravation and tears…don’t forget the tears. I also almost threw my kindle a few times. It was so well written and Amy K. McClung did a perfect job.

I have enjoyed getting to know all of the characters in this series. I fell in love with Tristan in Curves of The Road; his character is so cute and adorable. I was shocked when I realized that Melanie was one of the girls in The Curves of The Road, but I won’t go into detail on that.

Tristan moved himself and his sister away from Florida and was sharing an apartment with Angel. He was out to help everyone; he has that heart of gold. He has loved only once, until he meets Lanie; she is so sweet and would do anything for anyone. They had so many obstacles in their past and in the present.

This is my third read by Amy K. McClung and I cannot wait to get my hands on more of her work. Complicated Relationships is the third book in The Southern Devotion Series but can be read as a standalone. I have loved this whole series and I hope you do too!


Profile Image for Amanda.
274 reviews26 followers
November 28, 2017
I received the ARC in exchange for a honest review.

OMG I loved this story! I read this in literally one afternoon. I’m in love with this series and Tristan is an incredible hero. The way he takes care of his sister Macy is incredible as well. I love their dynamic and the way Tristan is with Melanie. I also enjoyed seeing all the other characters too. I hope that Angel gets her story next! She deserves to find love too.
Profile Image for Cassie Caskey.
390 reviews24 followers
December 2, 2017
Wow, Tristan blew me away in this book! His character excelled higher than I expected. He’s a very down to earth and relatable guy. His love for his sister Macy is amazing. Surprisingly the heroine in this book is Melanie, who was first introduced in Curves In The Road. I did not see these two coming together as the H & h but they are a beautiful match up!
252 reviews
April 25, 2015
I absolutely love this series by Amy McClung. Tristan is another amazing male lead, joining Ash and Derrick as men any woman would want. He's sweet, tender, and devoted to the people in his life. He's the friend everyone needs and wants, and an amazing big brother. Lanie is a strong, supportive female lead and the relationship between her and Tristan is special. I laughed and cried through their journey and was glad to see a HEA. I loved seeing characters from the previous books and was interested in Angel's story as we get a better understanding of her in this book. I look forward to the next book in the series! You can't go wrong with this series, any romance lover will fall in love with the characters.
Profile Image for Lisa.
2,329 reviews13 followers
December 4, 2017
Tristan certainly knows how to over complicate his relationships but his heart is in the right place.

Trying to balance a fledgling new relationship with Melanie alongside his existing ones has Tristan running himself in circles. Melanie's past choices in men has not gone well and Tristan is the first man she wants more from. Tristan's kind and caring nature means that everyone else comes before himself, which means that his relationship with Melanie is not his first priority. The patience that Melanie has with this is incredible but there has to be a limit even for her. It would be very easy to throw in the towel and act jealous.

With past characters ever present throughout, this felt like coming home. It made it easy to sink into this story and become immersed in these characters' journey together. My heart went out to Angel and I did wonder if the author was going to take us down a different path. I really hope that she gets a HEA of her own.

I loved how selfless Tristan was and how he found his balance with Melanie. Second chances, open minds, forgiveness and putting yourself first sometimes were important throughout in helping navigate your way through these complicated relationships.

***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
Profile Image for A.BookNerd.Bookseller&Bibliophile.Blog.
2,787 reviews107 followers
August 3, 2018
We first met Tristan in the second book in this series, Curves in the Road. He worked with Mary Jane. MJ convinced him to move to Nashville with her and him and his sister became part of this very close family of friends. Tristan has a lot of responsibilities for a young guy since his mom is dealing with early on-set Alzheimers and as such has taken over custody of his baby sister. He's also roommate to Angel, another one of the friends we met in the earlier two books. Hence the title, Complicated Relationships. This is the third book in the series and honestly it was not my favorite, I felt like my heart was breaking for both characters. I could see where each were coming from in dealing with the roller coaster of emotions. My heart really broke for Melanie, she has been on a series of bad dates and just needs a good guy. I won't argue that Tristan isn't a good guy he just has a lot on his plate and Melanie seemed to keep getting the brunt end of the stick.

Reviewed by: Paige R.
Profile Image for Jenny  Zimmerman.
1,661 reviews71 followers
May 19, 2019
Such a perfect title for this story. Life can be complicated at times and sometimes it puts a strain on relationships and everybody within our lives.....but with hard work, love and caring support system, we can make it through anything together.

The characters were phenomenal. When I read the blurb, I actually got extremely excited because I wanted to know more about Tristan and his sister, Macy and adding Melanie to the story made it that much more enjoyable. I felt a royal and strong connection with these characters and their feelings became my own.

The story-line was unforgettable. So much heartache, love and other emotions flowed off the pages of this story. McClung pulled out all the stops when she wrote this story. The trials and tribulations these characters went through broke my heart, but the best part.....they continued through it all the hardships to a happily ever after. And it had an awesome reminder about life. I highly recommend it!!
Profile Image for Stacy Aube.
834 reviews2 followers
December 4, 2017
I received and voluntary reviewed an ARC of this book.

Tristan's story is heavy with doubt and worry. Even though his life is complicated he makes due with the best of them. When he meets the woman of his dreams will be have the time and energy to give it his all? Will the right woman wait for him?
Profile Image for Laura.
3,205 reviews348 followers
December 1, 2017
I enjoyed this book as much as the others in the series. It can be read as a stand alone.
Who is featured and the love connection made surprised me. I was glad to see all my favorite characters were well represented.

I knew Tristan had a thing for MJ but is an honorable guy and a great friend. His character shines through, which was partly why I was so surprised at who he was paired with. To be honest, previously she was a little bit scary. At times here she even comes across as lonely and desperate, but aren't we all at times.

Another enjoyale romance in a fun series. Read them all!
Profile Image for Le Ann Foster.
739 reviews5 followers
December 12, 2017
♡♡Reviewed for CherryOBlossoms Promotions ♡ ♡

I gave this book 4.5 stars!

What a Complicated Mess this book was but so worth the read!!!! From the start we get tangled up in the relationship of Angel, Tristian, and Melanie. Tristian and Angel are just room mates, and Angel has Tristian holding secrets from the gang. Tristian is trying to impress Melanie that he isn't like the other guys she has dated. Melanie has a back story that Tristian finds out about on their weekend get away!!! I'm telling you its Complicated but so worth it!!!! Will Tristian be able to hold all the secrets and be able to have relationship with Melanie?

Amy has once again gave us a truly Amazing storyline and emotional roller coaster book and I just keep falling in love with these characters over and over. I highly recommend this series to anyone and I have to say I will be checking out her other series too.

579 reviews17 followers
April 20, 2015
I fell in love with Tristan in Curves in the Road and was excited Complicated Relationships was going to be his story. I love how this series doesn’t end in cliffhangers and also incorporates the people from the previous books. I look forward to the fun antics from Cameron in each book - everyone should have a Cameron in their lives!
This book touched on so many emotional levels and dealt with many everyday normal true-life situations that were very relatable and not unrealistic, so it was easy to connect with the characters and feel like they were part of your family. I love Tristan’s devotion to his sister Macy and his friend/roommate Angel. To have someone like him in your corner would be simply amazing. I cried so many times, laughed just as many - if not more, and in the end, my heart was happy and felt so much love for everyone in this book. I think Amy did an excellent job with all the subjects she incorporated into Complicated Relationships.
I absolutely love this series and can’t wait for book 4!
Profile Image for Melissa.
939 reviews
May 6, 2015
This is a great book. First one I have read in this series and by this author. The characters are great. I could see Tristan taking care of his little sister. I think if I met a man like this I would not want to let go. He is putting his needs before his own by taking care of his sister, Macy.

This book is very well written. I fell in love with Tristan and Lanie and are so cute together. They both want the one, who would do anything for the other. Lanie has had several bad dates.

This is a sweet romance that reminds me that I am very lucky to be married to my husband, Shawn, of almost 19 years.

☆☆☆☆☆
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Would I recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Would I read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!
Melissa
741 reviews10 followers
April 27, 2015
I loved this sweet story by Amy McClung. Tristan is a hot hero, but he seems to think he needs to take on everyone else's burdens before himself. Lanie is a sweetheart, and a lot more understanding than I would be in some of the situations that happen in this book. I love that she's overall supportive of Tristan and what he does for his friends. There is one friend in particular I don't care much for, but maybe she will redeem herself in future books. Complicated Relationships is very well written, and a tear jerker in some parts (make sure to have tissues :) ) I definitely recommend this to anyone who is looking for a sweet and sexy contemporary romance.
Profile Image for Mary.
354 reviews16 followers
April 16, 2015
A definite must read! I love this series and Amy McClung is amazing!
1,056 reviews19 followers
December 5, 2017
This is the third book in the Southern Devotion series and while each can be read as a standalone as they are about a different character you are introduced to in the prior books, you will definitely be falling in love with them all and reading them all even if you have to read them out of order. You do not have to read them in order and I love that we see the continued characters here and there.
OMG, the title Complicated Relationships could not have been more perfect for Tristan’s story. Most women would have said he has to much drama and move on, but the moment that Lanie drops into the bar changes Tristan’s view on so many levels. Oh, my it was like he could not catch a break with the turn of events that transpired. His love for his sister Macy and the things he gave up raising her is amazing. These friends are one big family and you will want to be joining them somehow cause you will love them all. I love how close MJ and Tristan still are after everything. Each set of characters deal with real life problems and it makes the stories that much better. Angel your roomie is just as complicated as you and hopefully your story is coming soon. You are taken on another amazing journey by this author and you will laugh, cry and want to scream all in one chapter. I love this series and cannot wait for more on them.
Profile Image for Naomi Connor.
359 reviews4 followers
December 11, 2017
***ARC provided in exchange for an honest review - Naomi / Scandalous Book Blog***
OMG...I loved this story. Perfectly written and a story full of feelings and emotions.

I was hooked from beginning to end!

Tristan is a man who had to deal with a heap load of pressure and he done so with dignity and passion.
With everything going on a relationship is the last thing he needs but when Melanie enters his life he wants one more than ever.
Always thinking of everyone else and putting their needs before his, a relationship of any kind is bound to be complicated.

Melanie has had her fair share of bad dates and she has a connection with Tristan's friends already. Not the best of starts, however she sees something she wants and is willing to be patient and ride the bumps to get to her HEA.

If you take away everything that goes on around this couple their relationship is pretty strong from the get go. But when everything else puts barriers in the way things get complicated.

With time they try to weather the storms... but in the end do they get their HEA???

Grab your copy and find out!
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
August 5, 2018
Complicated Relationships was the most angst driven story of the three so far in this series, so I was emotional throughout. I knew from Curves in the Road (Book 2) that Tristan was going to have a hell of a story, and the talented Amy K. McClung definitely didn't disappoint. I would go into the plot more, but I believe that it's just better to go into this one blindly, so you can come to your own judgement. I will say this, this story came the closest to my eyes leaking, which is saying something, as all of the stories have a push & pull to them that made me crazy. But there seems to be more drama along with my higher levels of angst this time around. What I do really love is the whole friendship thing that all of them have going, as the loyalty is amazing, not to mention, with each new story, I get to see what the others are up to at that point. Plus the best part was all of them can be read as standalone stories as well, and no cliffys to bring me to my knees. I'm really enjoying this emotional series, and HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for Sassy Southern Book Blog.
5,374 reviews272 followers
December 5, 2017
Complicated Relationships is the 3rd book in the Southern Devotion Series. When I began reading though I didn't realize that there were 2 other books and so I read this one out of order. Even though nothing said that this could be read as a standalone I still really enjoyed the story and didn't feel like I absolutely had to read these in order. Now, don't get me wrong, I am definitely going to grab books 1 and 2 and dive in because I loved these characters and I know that had I read the books in order I would have had an even better understanding for everything that was going on.

This book focuses on Tristan, his sister Macy and Melanie. Tristan definitely has a complicated life, and because of that he and Melanie have a very complicated relationship. I was hooked while reading this book and it had me wondering what was going to happen next and on the edge of my seat because of the drama.

This book is a must read book for sure! - By Alisa
Profile Image for CHERRY0BLOSSOMS.
430 reviews6 followers
January 8, 2018
I gave this book 4.5 stars!

What a Complicated Mess this book was but so worth the read!!!! From the start we get tangled up in the relationship of Angel, Tristian, and Melanie. Tristian and Angel are just room mates, and Angel has Tristian holding secrets from the gang. Tristian is trying to impress Melanie that he isn't like the other guys she has dated. Melanie has a back story that Tristian finds out about on their weekend get away!!! I'm telling you its Complicated but so worth it!!!! Will Tristian be able to hold all the secrets and be able to have relationship with Melanie?

Amy has once again gave us a truly Amazing storyline and emotional roller coaster book and I just keep falling in love with these characters over and over. I highly recommend this series to anyone and I have to say I will be checking out her other series too.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.2k reviews91 followers
August 6, 2018
Tristan is the one who is there to support everyone else with no thoughts to how it is not in his best interests. Due to his mom’s health he is raising his sister and now Angel, one of his best friends, is living with him in her time of need. From the moment he meets Melanie (Lanie) he is drawn to her but fitting everything in is a challenge.

Lanie has a history of dating the wrong men but Tristan seems different. She understands he has responsibilities and is always willing to help others which only makes her love him more but is it wrong to want to become a priority in his life?

It is great to catch up with this wacky and wonderful circle of friends and I was happy to see that Lanie was willing to give Tristan the time to realize for them to have a life together changes needed to be made. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Sara Nelson.
Author 1 book13 followers
January 27, 2018
I am so glad that Tristin finally gets his happy ever after!!! I felt so bad for him when he followed Mary Jane all the way home just to watch her be with the man she loved when he loved her so much. But to me that makes him even more than a man in my book! I was a little shocked when I found out he was falling for Melanie...yes THE Melanie that was so rude to Mary Jane, but once I got to know her a little better, I think she is a really good person for our boy T. She shows her true character when she lets T go for a while to help Angle in her time of need! If you have read The Southern Devotion series and loved them, then this installment is a must too!!!! Happy reading!!
Profile Image for Leah.
286 reviews
March 7, 2018
What a great read....I absolutely adore these characters.....Even though these are stand alone stories, which I don't know why you would want to read just 1, I love the way the stories intertwine. Amy does a great job of giving the reader background knowledge as to what happened previously. I was a bit nervous as this story was going on that I wasn't going to get the ending that I wanted, but it was a great end to a perfect story. Of course this story made me cry a few times. Amy's stories always tug on the heart strings. I would totally recommend this book and the entire Southern Devotion Series!!
Profile Image for Codie .
548 reviews2 followers
December 5, 2017
I adored Tristian, he had such determination to keep going no matter what obstacles got in his way, his goal of raising and protecting his sister Macy was the sweetest thing I have read. Him realising his actions were impacting her and wanting to change his ways was even sweeter. But life is complicated, so when he meets Melanie at bar, will she wait for him while he continues to give everything his all? Complicated Relationships is very well written, it is emotion packed with both happy and some teary emotions. Amy has given a fantastic addition to this series with this book. I adored it.
Profile Image for Reanna Hanley.
254 reviews14 followers
December 3, 2017
Complicated Relationships

I love this series, Tristan's life has always been a little complicated, why should his love life be any different? I really felt for him, he's such a great character and I just wanted to see him happy! Melanie definitely was not a favorite but I grew to like her as her story unraveled.
This book has romance, drama, comedy and some amazing characters. I loved learning more about all of them! Hopefully there will be another book out soon!
Profile Image for Laurie Beemer.
679 reviews28 followers
December 5, 2017
Tristan and Lanie meet each other and are instantly attracted to each other. What happens when their past and present collide. will they find happiness or will they find heartbreak? After years dedicated to the love of his life his little sister, he is ready to move on and find happiness for himself will he be able to do that or will he remain alone? Thank you for allowing me to read this book and write honestly about it.
Profile Image for Crystal Gray.
1,088 reviews33 followers
March 30, 2019
Tristan has had so much thrown at him in life, you would never believe he was a 24 year old man. He deserves the best life possible for himself and Macy. Melanie was a surprise, a very welcomed one! The roller coaster of emotions in this was so real and raw. As I said with the first book, Amy did a wonderful job making you feel like you were part of the family. This group of friends is so close it's amazing. I can't wait to read the last book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

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