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Undeniable #1

It's Complicated

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Ashton Locke has had a thing for Keiko Jarrett since college. So when she proposes adding friends with benefits to the mix, he's intrigued, but wary. Sure, he’s always wanted her, and is definitely not ready to settle down with anyone, but what happens if one of them crosses the line?

Keiko is ready to take her flirty friendship with Ashton to the next level of hot. But she never bargained for feelings to intrude and cause complications. She laughed at Ashton's hesitation and promised she'd remain heart-whole.

Some promises are meant to be broken and as Keiko and Ashton's "benefits bleed in all aspects of their lives, Keiko needs to convince Ashton that love is worth the risk.

262 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 10, 2018

5 people are currently reading
77 people want to read

About the author

Nikki Prince

59 books231 followers
International Bestselling Author

Nikki Prince is a mother of two, who's always had a dream to be a published author in the romance genre. Her passion lies in raising her children as readers, gaming, cooking, reading, and her writing. Her belief is that "love is love" and that everyone should see themselves mirrored in the pages of a romance book. Nikki Prince genuinely believes that love is colorblind and gender-less.

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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Maria Rose.
2,626 reviews267 followers
September 8, 2018
This is a sexy friends to lovers story with some suspenseful surprises along the way. Ashton and Keiko have been friends since college but Keiko has decided she wants to explore more with him, but only in a no strings attached way. Ashton is a smart man, and he's not going to miss this opportunity! There are some super sexy scenes as they add the 'benefits' to their friendship, though they get more emotionally attached as things move along. I found the timeline a bit confusing at the start - the prologue starts with a bang that shows a future event, then the story slips briefly into the past, then the present. The blurb doesn't say anything about the suspenseful parts but there's a vengeful ex-girlfriend who is in the thick of her own revenge plot. There are some great friend scenes (it's a group of 3 men and 3 women) and they help the two lovers realize their true feelings. Things get intense in the second half, but our couple gets their happy ending.

Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
Profile Image for Natalie.
184 reviews21 followers
April 11, 2018
Would friends with benifiets be enough for you? Keiko has always wondered what could have been with her best friend Ashton, who she is insanely attracted to. Putting on a brave face, she asks the man she has been secretly pining for for a strictly NSA relationship. Will she be able to stay NSA? Or will she fall in love with her best friend?

When Keiko approached Ashton with their proposition, he was shocked to say the least. But also so excited. He has wanted Keiko since the first time he saw her. But as their friendship grew, he didn’t want to jeprodize it. But screw it. He can’t deny her any longer. But as the new aspect of their relationship goes on, he starts to fall for her. This can end in happiness and love, or in burn down in flames.


This book has ruined me. That prolauge!! I was so anxious to find out what happened as I read the book. I loved this book so much. It was funny, light hearted, deep, hot, and beautiful all at the same time. I need more of Keiko and Ashton’s story, like now!!

Keiko was a great heroine. She wasn’t shy or afraid to speak her mind like most are. She was bold and went after what she wanted. The only thing I had a problen with was that she shouldn’t have doubted herself when she was paranoid about Jamie. That probably could have solved a lot of problems.

Ashton was, well, Ashton. He was caring and protective and so dam hot. But I think their relationship would have gone on to the next level way earlier if he hadn’t been so anti love in the beginning. But I was totally in love with him when
Profile Image for Janine.
1,080 reviews28 followers
March 22, 2018
Would you take a friendship to the next level, to one with benefits?

When Keiko Jarrett gets tired of the men she is meeting, she turns to one of her best friends, Ashton Locke, and suggests they become friends with benefits. It didn’t take much convincing on Ashton’s part as he has been attracted to Keiko for a long time. But is it really worth putting a good friendship in jeopardy if it doesn’t work out? Keiko and Ashton find out in this exciting and sensual story. And, what happens when a jealous ex-girlfriend tries to come between them?

I was intrigued by the story line and was anxious to read this book to see how Keiko and Ashton make their new relationship work. Most people that I know who have tried friends with benefits didn’t seem to have much luck with it. So, it was fun to see how it worked in the fictional world. The author did a good job telling the story and keeping it exciting. I look forward to checking out some more of her books in the future.
Profile Image for Donnajo.
2,317 reviews
March 18, 2018
I voluntarily read and reviewed a advanced reader's copy of this book

It's Complicated by Nikki Prince. A spicy new book by a new to me author that I have not read any books by yet. A new series Undeniable. I enjoyed reading this story about friends that turn into so much more. Just the right amount of spiciness for the storyline. I look forward to read more in the series and more books by Nikki Prince.
Profile Image for poppy.
4,589 reviews28 followers
August 28, 2018
A pretty good friends to lovers romance. Keiko and Ashton are both attracted to each other so when she suggests they become friends with benefits he did not need much persuading but he is a little worried he is not after something serious and he is right it does not take long before it is more than just sex.
Profile Image for yorkshirebooknerd.
748 reviews11 followers
April 11, 2018
It’s Complicated is a “friends to lovers” story with some action, suspense and a few sexy scenes to get your blood racing!

Keiko is tired of the games that go with traditional dating and decides to propose a “friends with benefits” relationship with her best friend, Ashton. He’s hot and she’s always fancied him so why not?

Ashton is initially concerned that this will ruin their friendship but he’s soon convinced that they can enjoy the perks of this kind of relationship without putting their friendship on the line.

Add to the mix a jealous ex-girlfriend and a vengeful work colleague and you have a hot, steamy romance with plenty on drama and excitement!

I really enjoyed the story even though it was a little predictable at times. The writing style was engaging and flowed well. I particularly liked the characters and the relationship between Keiko and Ashton. Ashton is a true leading man: caring, funny, romantic and respectful. The way he treats Keiko is the way most women want to be treated and it’s easy to see why Keiko falls head over heels in love with him.
I also liked the other characters in Ashton and Keiko’s friendship group and I’m looking forward to reading their stories which I hope will feature in the rest of the series.

Thank you to the NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy. All opinions are my own and provided willingly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Marsha Keeper Bookshelf.
4,290 reviews88 followers
April 12, 2018
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf

I had a good time with It’s Complicated. Friends with benefits is always an “ify” thing whether it’s real life or in a book. Sometimes it works out well and other times it falls so flat. Keiko and Ashton definitely made it work for me… and their relationship really is quite complicated. What might have been a steamy friends to lovers story turns into a complication of suspense, erotica, love and danger. So, yeah, it’s complicated.

I liked Ashton and Keiko individually and together. She’s bold and goes after what she wants, even when she’s unsure of herself. He’s convinced that love is not a thing for him but discovers with the right person there are always possibilities. I liked the world Ms Prince has created, the little touches and twists that take a story from good to exciting. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more… and you should be, too.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
Profile Image for Bette Hansen.
5,073 reviews40 followers
April 10, 2018
This is a steamy friends to lovers story. What starts out as a friends with benefits arrangement with guarantees from both Ashton and Keiko that things won't get weird soon finds them both dealing with emotions they never expected. Both of these characters are strong but it's Aston's dominate side that really makes the story. The main focus is of course on the changing relationship between Ashton and Keiko but there are also aspects of suspense and danger which keeps things interesting.

I would recommend this one.
15 reviews1 follower
April 12, 2018
Must Read

Friends with benefits .. What started out as just a time filler for Kieko and Ashton turned into the real deal. Romance at the highest level and then the author threw in some action moment's, I was turning the page as quickly as I could just to find out what happens next. Loved how she brought their attraction from one level to the other. You have jealous exes and unstable friends added to the mix and what you have is a must read.
Profile Image for Crystal.
Author 4 books50 followers
April 14, 2018
I got comfy in my reclining chair, kitty in my lap, cup of hot tea, and happily got lost in It's Complicated. I loved Keiko and Ashton’s story. Friends to Lovers is one of my all-time favorite tropes, and this author hit ALL the right buttons. This book had the perfect balance of heat, swoony romance, and humor. Lots of laugh-out-loud moments . . . the phrase “strictly dickly” comes to mind ;) This is the first book in The Undeniable Series, and I will definitely be reading the rest when they come out!
Profile Image for Kate_mrs539.
377 reviews8 followers
April 1, 2018
I love a good friends to lovers romance and this one had everything I wanted out of it!

The tiptoeing around what you really want, trying to not fall in love, and my most favorite inclusion, DANGER!

It's Complicated is truly the perfect title for this read. There were so many things trying to keep Keiko and Ashton apart! Packed with emotions, It's Complicated will have readers hunting down Kleenex, a fan or a safe place to hide!

Ashton is truly all man. I loved his dominant tendencies while maintaining a tender side for Keiko. The way he takes control of every situation is really what makes him so swoon-worthy! He is what made this story for me. Keiko was great as well, with her strong exterior, she held a softer side on the inside that I think many readers will connect with.

And as if the romance weren't enough, packing in some drama laced with a side of danger really pulled this story together for me.

The secondary characters are intriguing and I am assuming they will be getting their own friends to lovers stories as well. Based off this book, they promise to be equally filled with drama!

Great start to the Undeniable Series
Profile Image for Catreena.
393 reviews71 followers
April 5, 2018
#NetGalley #It's Complicated

This is the first book that I've read from this Author.

Starts off when Keiko, Ashton, Emmie, Darian, Aine and Royce loose their friend Perry to Cancer very suddenly
Resulting in Keiko taking Perry's advice, go after what want, cause life is short. And who she wants is her best friend Ashton.
So she suggests to her girlfriends Emmie and Aine that they should form a Friends with benefits pact with their three male friends, Ash, Royce and Darian. All the benefits and none of the fluffy feels and drama of a relationship.
This sets off a chain of events involving Keiko, a jealous ex of Ash's, and a surprise twist.

Thank you to Tule Publishing via NetGalley for letting me review
Profile Image for Shelby.
1,654 reviews37 followers
March 28, 2018
I really enjoyed this book! The friends with benefits story line was fun, although maybe a tad predictable. I read this in one sitting though, so even though I found some of it a little predictable I was still pulled into the story and found myself entertained. It had plenty of spice with sweet mixed in too. It was a fun quick read and I look forward to checking out more by this author!
Thank you to Tule Publishing and Netgalley for the early release!
Profile Image for Madhuri Palaji.
106 reviews5 followers
May 11, 2018
It's Complicated is the first book from the series of Undeniable by Nikki Prince. The book was enjoyable. This is a story about friends who decide to go for a No Strings Attached relationship but end up falling head over heels in love with each other. Ashton, Keiko, Emmie, Royce, Aine, Darian, and Perry are very close friends from college days. Perry dies of cancer suddenly. Perry has always wanted Keiko to take her attraction for Ashton to next level but she never dared to pursue it further for the fear of ruining the friendship. After Perry is gone, Keiko decides that life is too short to live beating around the bush. She talks to her friends Emmie and Aine, and advises them as well to think about their interest in Royce and Darian, respectively. When Keiko talks about her attraction and her plan to seek a friends with benefits relationship, Ashton couldn't say no since he is very much attracted to Keiko from the beginning. The relationship starts smoothly, they share a great chemistry and everything is fine. Just then, a jealous ex of Ashton comes along threatening Keiko to stay away from Ashton. In the meantime, Ashton and Keiko fall in love with each other deeply and decide to take it further. Though they face trouble from Ashton's ex and her partner, they deal with it with the help of their friends and the story ends well when Ashton asks Keiko to marry him.

The story is very straight with no fuss. Its a cute love story of best friends. The friendship, love and jealousy are very well narrated by the author. There are few steamy scenes between Ashton and Keiko, which will leave you all hot and bothered. I had fun reading this book. I totally look forward to reading the next book from the Undeniable series.

Read my reviews at my blog https://theclippednightingale.wordpre....

#goodreads #netgalley #it'scomplicated #itscomplicated #nikkiprince #librarything #epub #earlyreviewer #smashwords #tulepublishing #barnesandnoble #youngadult #romance
Profile Image for Marion Löw.
773 reviews13 followers
November 17, 2025
A Suspenseful Friends To Lovers Romance

I enjoyed this romantic suspense with its friends to friends with benefits to lovers trope that is full of emotion, action, suspense, mystery, danger, twists, a nice cast of supporting characters and steamy love scenes. Keiko and Ashton are very likable characters, both strong and determined, with great chemistry between them and perfectly matched. Their friendship and growing feelings felt relatable.

Keiko Jarrett and Ashton Locke have been part of the same circle of friends since school, who have been through thick and thin together. When the dating scene becomes too much for her, Keiko decides to suggest to Ashton that they become friends with benefits, as she has always found him attractive and knows that he is not interested in a committed relationship. Ashton agrees, and at first everything goes as planned, but soon Keiko develops deeper feelings for him, which she has to hide from him in order not to jeopardize their friendship…

All in all, a successful blend of spicy romance and captivating thriller with obsessed enemies, which I am happy to recommend!

I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
Profile Image for Beverly Diehl.
Author 5 books76 followers
May 19, 2020
Friends with Benefits might sound like a great idea, but what if one of you breaks the rules by catching feelings?

Disclaimer: I'm personally acquainted with the author.

The writing is excellent, and Keiko and Ashton, along with their posse of friends, are all great, distinct characters. I didn't rate this higher because it hit a couple of my pet peeves - YMMV. Some of the conflict/problems arose because they didn't TALK to each other, about things that could have been easily resolved if they had. The other is it didn't feel like the story knew what it wanted to be when it grew up - contemporary romance, or romantic suspense? The stalker thread made me like the story less - which circles back to our main characters not talking to each other, and assuming all the red flags were just no biggie, or worth talking about, even after a very suspicious "accident."

I did love the hotness of the sex scenes - there's a hint of a BDSM dynamic, but nothing overt. And the support of the tribe of friends was great. The girlfriends together scenes felt very authentic to me. Will definitely read more from this author.
Profile Image for Nova.
479 reviews7 followers
February 9, 2019
This is the story of Keiko and Ashton.
This is a "new to me "author so her first book i have read.
Ashton has always had a thing for Keiko. He thinks she is gorgeous. When she comes up with the idea of "friends with benefits", he is ready, but wary, to jump into her proposal. He has always wanted her, isn't ready to settle down, but he wonders what will happen if things get a little too complicated.
Keiko has always had a flirtatious friendship with Ashton. He is so hot, and such a good friend. She is ready to take on this next level of friendship with him, but she wonders what will happen if feelings actually start intruding on their "benefits".
Feelings start happening for Keiko. Ashton is worried about promises being broken. Neither of them are supposed to involve their heart in what is happening. Their arrangement carries over into other aspects of their lives, and they are not sure if love is worth the risk.
I like how their story played out and i love how the book ended. (Maybe other books for their other 2 friend couples!)
Profile Image for Sandi Ramirez.
1,864 reviews16 followers
April 24, 2018
Oh WoW This book starts off like "Four Friends and a Funeral" and then moves into "Friends with Benefits" and we get a side order of "Fatal Attraction". All the while we get a really good storyline that believe me keeps you on your toes and guessing from one moment to the next what is going to happen. Not only that WOW these friends are crazy fun to be around. The first couple we get to meet and know are Kieko and Ashton. Both work hard at their jobs so when they need to unplug and relax ..well why not a best friends with benefits situation..right? No strings and no attachments other than lots of S. E. X. and friendship. Until things go sideways....
155 reviews
July 27, 2018
I received this book through library things for my honest review in return.

This book I have to say was a page Turner. I had to force myself to put it down. The ending isn't what I expected and I feel the author could have put more into it. I would classify this as a romance with a little bit of suspense. The title doesn't go with the book either.

But the book is about 6 friends that have known each other for years and try to deny their feelings that some have for others. One couples up but has a hard road ahead due to jealousy by 2 co workers.
646 reviews4 followers
April 9, 2018
Friends to Lovers romance

While the premise of the book sounded interesting the reality of it just didn't keep me engaged. I'm not sure if it was the language or author's writing style but I just couldn't connect with the characters. I am an older reader so maybe it's a generational thing where someone in their 20s would like the book more. However I've read a number of New Adult books I have enjoyed.
I received an advance reader copy from Netgalley.

3,614 reviews15 followers
November 16, 2025
Keiko decides that she's had enough of dating guys that just want to sleep with her and asks her friend Ashton to enter a friends with benefits relationship. It isn't long before their feelings develop into more. But his crazy ex comes back into the picture and goes after Keiko. She shouldn't have just brushed everything off that was happening to her and he shouldn't have assumed just talking to his ex would make her stop.
797 reviews9 followers
November 21, 2025
This is the first of two books in the Undeniable Hearts book series and it was steamy. This is a slow burn friends to lovers romance that has everything: passion, love, emotions and steamy romance. Keiko has always followed one rule in relationships..no emotions. He's in it for the s&x and nothing else. Until he meets Ashton. She is a take charge type and he;s not use to that and it could be the end of him.
74 reviews1 follower
November 30, 2025
Keiko and Ashton's story. Keiko and Ashton are friends who decided to become friends with benefits. This story navigate them through their feelings for one another while also dealing with a crazy ex and a jealous coworker trying to get rid of them both. Really good story and I can't wait for the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Shelagh.
1,777 reviews25 followers
March 30, 2018
To be honest, It’s Complicated didn’t set my heart on fire. I wasn’t taken with the language, the plot or the dialogue and I just couldn’t relate to the protagonists. It could be me - I’m old and this is a young person’s story, but try as I might I couldn’t get into it and really didn’t enjoy reading it.
Profile Image for Terry Hammoutene.
1,446 reviews11 followers
August 26, 2018
This book was an enjoyable read. Friends with benefits seems to be one of my favorite genres, as you never know how it is going to end. This book, however had everything from suspense to romance and was well worth it.

** I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
Profile Image for Shannon Binegar-Foster.
2,752 reviews19 followers
November 20, 2025
This is my first book by Nikki and oh my gosh it will not be my last. Holy moly was this ever intense. It takes friends with benefits to another level entirely. So full of steam and incredibly intense suspense. I was completely drawn in and blindsided by the suspense. Well done.
2,156 reviews
November 29, 2025
Keiko wants to move from just friends to friends with benefits with Ashton. A steamy friends to lovers read with some drama too.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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