Violet Archer has an amazing new job and an amazing man.
She’d be dancing on the ceiling, if she didn’t have a pathological hatred of dancing. And if she wasn’t terrified of screwing up her first campaign as the creative director of a hot new ad agency. And if she didn’t have to keep her relationship with her totally hot best friend, Ethan Fraser, a secret. And if Ethan’s list of past conquests didn’t read like a Who’s Who of the bloody advertising industry.
Violet thought she and Ethan were a rock-solid team. But under the weight of all the secrecy, she feels their relationship – and herself – begin to crumble like a stale croissant. There’s no going back to when life was simpler and they had nothing to hide. But can Ethan and Violet find a way forward before it’s too late?
I like this author, but I couldn't get past how immature both of the MCs are. The h is jealous and insecure -- for good reason, since she knows the H has slept with dozens of women, including at least four at their workplace, and he has a tendency to take everyone else's side whenever something goes wrong. He also flirts with other women -- including a catty coworker who is one of the ex-lovers -- in front of her. He watches as she is ruined professionally and does nothing.
She is absolutely devoid of confidence and sanity while she is with him. I don't care that he is her former best friend and she thought he was endgame. In reality, this is a relationship where I would be having an intervention and suggesting therapy for my friend.
A public love declaration isn't actually a sign that things will be OK with them; it's just the latest twist in their drama. Things will bounce back to toxic again soon enough. One and a half stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
its a cute book and i enjoyed reading it i just think its very Average idk… not a bad book by any means but certainly not amazing… probably wouldn’t recommend it but only because i just don’t think it’s anything special but i still had fun reading it sooo OH but freja is such a wonderful character i love her and i want to marry her
Violet Archer thought she had everything she wanted with a new job in which to flex her creativity and a relationship with Ethan Fraser. But when the CEO announced the no-dating policy, things get complicated and insecurities pile onto Violet. Can they get back to a comfortable level? Or is there no going back once you have moved forward?
The story is emotional, with both drama and humor to keep the reader engaged in the outcome. The story moves at a good pace but wasn’t one of my favorite reads.
I felt sorry for Violet that just as she opens herself up to the possibility of a happily ever after with Ethan she’s forced to work side-by-side with him day in day out and pretend that they’re not in love and secretly dating. Likewise, knowing the journey Ethan has been on up until this point in terms of being in a relationship makes me empathise with how hard he is trying to keep Violet happy but also elevate his career. However my loyalty has to lie with my girl Violet.
Whilst I definitely don’t think Ethan does it deliberately, his unwillingness to be parted from Violet, refusing to accept his new role as Managing Partner (Creative) at Stella’s brand new advertising agency Tribe unless Violet accompanied him, forces her to spend her days bumping into various clients and colleagues who are the ghost’s of Ethan’s seedy past. Outside of her new stress of moving from her comfort-zone of a copywriter and taking on a Creative Director role that she neither feels ready for or is particularly willing to do; Violet is constantly reminded of Ethan’s string of flings and one-night-stands and forced to work alongside a long line of women he’s bedded. Of course Violet knew he wasn’t a saint when she fell for him and she doesn’t mean to punish him for having a past and being a different person back then, however it rains havoc on her insecurities and the already fragile relationship she has with herself and also adds unnecessary stress to their new relationship.
Despite Ethan’s continued reassurances, Violet is left feeling like a spiteful and jealous wreck and she hates herself for it. What she hates herself for even more is the fact that she doesn’t pull away instantly when she receives an impromptu visit from her ex-flame Ryan (who now works for their sister firm headed in New York where Violet used to work) when he turns up at her office whilst he’s in London. Although things have been tense between her and Ethan, Violet insists she’s not interested in Ryan’s advances, but this doesn’t stop him from kissing her. Violet is momentarily frozen to the spot but hurriedly pushes Ryan away and denies his request to see her again before he heads back.
One of the enjoyable parts of this book was finally seeing Violet able to forge a close female bond with Freja a Film Production Manager from a merger with another agency. The pair hit it off from the begging and we see a rare occasion where Violet is compelled to start opening up and trusting someone for the first time since her sister Laurel passed away. It’s not long before she confides in Freja about her relationship with Ethan and the difficulty she faces, particularly at the hands of one of Ethan ex’s named Jadine who also happens to the daughter of a senior partner and gets a job as a Film Producer at Tribe.
Jadine has her sights set on ‘winning Ethan back’ (despite never having had him in the first place) and having noticed the close relationship between Ethan and Violet, Jadine is hell-bent on seizing any opportunity to take a dig at Violet or make her seem incompetent in her new role and like Violet is the one doing the bullying, as opposed to the other way around. Even Ethan seems to think Violet is being unreasonably jealous which along with his new responsibilities at work and their continued need to hide their relationship, creates a wedge between he and Violet.
Perhaps the biggest nail in the coffin is when Violet (despite Freja’s advice) decides she can’t live with a secret between she and Ethan and decides to tell him about Ryan kissing her, which sends Ethan into a jealous rage and causes him to blame Violet. This isn’t helped by the fact that Violet has been continually picking arguments with Ethan due to her inability to keep a handle on her jealousy (however justified it may be).
I can’t help but feel sorry for Ethan in some ways as he really is trying his best, but it seems that he can’t get anything right or nothing he does seems to soothe Violet and they keep coming back to the same argument of her feeling insecure and like she’s not good enough. However, at the same time I really appreciate the fact that Violet stays true to herself and doesn’t pretend to be okay when she’s not or placate him by magically being ‘fixed’ just because he says he thinks she’s great.
It’s also frustrating that despite Violet’s concerns that she was too messy and too hard to love, when she really needs Ethan he isn’t there for her. But it’s worth remembering that they are both only human and love is a powerful emotion and as ego also plays a massive part, Ethan isn’t used to feeling insecure so Violet is bringing out many emotions he’s never been made to feel before and we are only seeing things from her perspective.
It’s so lovely to see more of the friendship between Max and Violet and despite the rollercoaster ride she and Ethan may be on, Max doesn’t play second fiddle and is still just as valuable to her as ever. When she is going through hardships and she can’t turn to Ethan she goes to Max without hesitation and we see just how special their friendship is too. Max even states at one point that if it were ever a choice between Violet and Ethan he would pick Violet and urges Violet not to change who she is for Ethan.
It’s horrible to witness just how much their new work dynamic, the pressure of keeping the relationship a secret along with all of the other obstacles they face come between Ethan and Violet, but what’s harder is that this is what Violet feared would happen and is devastated that they can’t go back to the comfort of being best friends. She’s so worried that now Ethan has seen just how messy she can be he may realise that he doesn’t truly love the real her. It doesn’t help that Ethan is seemingly punishing Violet by not backing her in work disputes when the finger is pointed in her direction and also using Jadine of all people to make Violet jealous — although Violet calls him out on it.
As frustrating as it is that they spend half of the book apart, it’s so beautiful the way in which it ends with Ethan realising the error of his ways in thinking keeping their relationship a secret was ever a good idea and declaring his love for Violet in front of the entire Tribe team and unexpectedly asking her to marry him — of course she says yes! And a humongous weight is suddenly lifted as they can go now go back to being the amazing power couple they were always meant to be!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
It's Complicated by Elizabeth Grey Book 2 in The Agency Series💞
I will start by saying that I liked this one more than the Book 1 of the story Ethan and Violet. The plot of this book was beautifully written and well paced. It kept me hooked, eager to know what will happen next. With the new characters coming up, I loved Freja. She is easy to go person and a friend who you should have in your life. How she stands up and puts a person in their place gives you a spirit of go girl. No one can be a better guy friend than Max who can be stupid when he wants to be but was always there for Violet. The author has given each character justice. At some places I really felt for Ethan but the love for Violet took over me, how she tries to handles stuff alone and makes believe how strong she is even when she was crumbling inside. You have to fight for yourself, for what you love through all obstacles thrown your way. Read this book to know whether Ethan and Violet fought for what they want and you won't know what did hit you at the end. 💜
This book was a little harder for me to rate. I liked the first book so much because the main character, Violet, was such a strong female and funny and likable. However, in this book she was completely different. She was so insecure, self-deprecating, and jealous. I couldn't get past the complete 180 in her persona from the first book. I mean, I knew she had insecurities from her past but the way she acted in this book was irrational and I think it played into the stereotypes of women being "crazy" when they are in relationships. It just didn't sit well with me.
Also, I felt Ethan was an even bigger jerk in this book and Max was even more unpredictable. It was like the worst characteristics in all the characters were amplified.
That being said, there was some good in this book. Freja was an awesome character and she really redeemed the story, in my eyes. She was strong, smart, loyal, and funny. Also, it does have some humor and a little romance.
This follows on from the first book, develops the characters even more and you're hoping and praying for the HEA by the end. Hilarious, well-developed characters, a fabulous read. These are the kind of books I would love to write if I had this kind of talent. Accessible, clever. This series is for women who enjoy a good relaxing read but you may not want to read them on the bus or The Tube. Laugh out loud funny, I got some strange looks!
I don’t know if I wanted to scream or shake Violet through this read but I definitely found myself VERY frustrated with her many times. This is wonderful because when reading a book what is better than having a character so real that you have those types of feelings while reading. I really did enjoy this read and Violet even though I am pretty sure I want to slap her, at least she got one thing right.
Both Ethan and Violet were insufferable in this one. I think it would have been fine if they didn’t constantly let their personal lives interfere with work; that was frustrating.
Freja was a welcome addition and I’m excited to read the next book from her perspective.
I found this book frustrating at times but that’s what made it so realistic and in touch with the real world. Felt like I went through a rollercoaster of emotions reading this!
I couldn’t put this down!!! It follows on perfectly from the first book, and I loved the turns the story took. Really well written chick lit, I can’t wait to read the others by Elizabeth!
Violet Archer is on the verge of having it all: she is dating her super hot Scottish best friend Ethan and joining a new company to head the creative department. But when the CEO gives Ethan a strict no-dating clause, their relationship gets complicated finding a new balance in what was an incredible friendship.
Review I was super excited to read the second book in this series since I haven't read a series that doesn't include Becky Bloomwood in years but I felt this book had a different vibe. In Elizabeth's summaries they say her books feature characters who say and do things like real people do and I admire that aspect of her writing. However, I felt Violet's insecurities to often be unjustified and that she was quite whiny for the most of the book. I still ship Ethan and Violet but not as fiercely as I did in Just Friends.
It’s Complicated is the second book in the ‘The Agency’ series and follows on Violet and Ethan’s story from the first book. Violet and Ethan are finally together but a work policy about staff relationships means they have to hide that they are a couple. Throw in lots of Ethan’s past lovers who also work at Tribe, and Violet is struggling to cope with bit all.
I did love the book but I didn’t like how Violet was made out to be weak and whiny in this book. She suddenly became a love struck puppy and couldn’t function. Just because you are in love doesn’t mean you automatically become unfocused in all aspects of your life. Ethan also seemed to expect a lot from her in this book and I think it was unfair of him to ask her to keep their relationship a secret.
Freja was a great addition to the story and was a really great friend to Violet! I loved Georgie too, I hope we get a book about her story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
It's Complicated is the second book in The Agency series and follows the adventures of Violet as she navigates the complicated and hilarious world of workplace relationships. Violet is a complicated woman and very, very human. The more I read about her the more I warm to her.
There is a broad range of characters in this well plotted story. Some are fun, others pretty wicked really but when you put them all together it makes for a gripping read.
Elizabeth Grey has a great way with smart dialogue and that makes this book zip along. All in all a very enjoyable read.
I read other books by Elizabeth Grey and I did expect this one to be funnier. However, it does make interesting reading, although, in my opinion, a bit on the long side. It´s common to have relationship problems when a colleague becomes the boss or when a merger happens and not everyone´s expectations are met. Sometimes the outcome is funny, workable, sometimes it´s not a pretty thing to be seen. The main couple in the story has to deal with all that plus their own insecurities which do not help either to follow guidelines, reach objectives or make them happy. Easy to read and entertaining.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
this second novel of the series took me a little longer to read than the first book because i got bored near the start and was just reading 1 chapter a day but by the middle i was hooked so it deserves the 5 stars. a really great development in violet and ethan’s relationship and a lot of ups and downs and emotion. a really great ending in my opinion and i’m happy with how ethan and violets story ended. the next books are from freya’s perspective so i don’t think i’m going to read them right away but i may get back to them in the future. i enjoyed this series and the way it turned out but i do feel like i’ve heard enough about it now i want to move onto something different.
Thoroughly enjoyed getting lost in the story. The second installment in the series. Believable interesting characters, some you love and some you loathe. I love it when you are reading a book and you start having conversations with the characters in you head (or is that just me?) But I found myself wanting to give some of them a good talking to 😁 Great light relief but with well structured characters and story line - you don't always get that with this genre of book which can feel a bit formulaic. Will be reading more of Elizabeth's books. Highly recommend x
This is the second book in the series and I really didn't like it, having enjoyed the first one. Violet is a very annoying character and so immature while supposedly being a company director. I only finished the book but I have a self imposed rule about completing books, even if I don't like them (do the same with films). I had another of these books on my kindle to read but I have deleted it, not for me.
Really enjoyed this book it’s as good as the first one well done Elizabeth love your books when u read them u feel like u can’t put it down and keep reading it
This book was gripping but at the same time it got too muddled. There was a lot of backwards and forwards, misunderstandings and the like. Nevertheless, in all I could not put it dow because I wanted the characters to be at peace and happy so much that I kept turning the pages...
Although i enjoyed this book its pretty much a copy of the first novel. Sure characters are different but the idea of scheming senior execs and love triangles is the same
O primeiro é bom, mas no segundo a lerdeza da personagem e a vontade de resolver tudo sozinha e o drama faz a leitura ser muito cansativa. Só me animei nos 98%.