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It's Complicated
A collection containing two YA romantic comedies, one sweet and one spicy.
THE SWEET: Kissed Off
A lost heirloom brought them together. But will generations of bad blood tear them apart?
Sixteen-year-old Reiko Mori is one step away from solving a multi-generational treasure hunt. So when she uncovers a clue about the priceless jewel, she’ll do anything to track down the stolen ruby and avenge her ancestor. But that’s before she discovers her first-and-only crush descends from the thieving rivals.
Levi Green longs to escape his sheltered life. So when he learns Reiko could unlock the secrets of the deadly lovers’ quarrel that started the gem feud, he’s determined to help. But unraveling the mystery would be simpler if he wasn't so worried about her stealing his heart.
And just after Reiko’s meticulously planned museum heist yields another vital clue, a shadowy foe attacks. Now the pair are thrown together in a race across the globe to find the relic before history tragically repeats…
Can Reiko and Levi locate the stone and change their poisonous legacy with the power of love?
Kissed Off is an action-packed YA romantic adventure. If you like jet-setting heroes, heartwarming chemistry, and thrilling twists and turns, then you’ll love Tellulah Darling’s tale of pride and passion.
THE SPICY: Sam Cruz's Infallible Guide to Getting Girls
Why the hell can’t chicks be more like guys?
That question plagues high school senior Sam Cruz.
Sam is perfectly happy being a player. He just wishes girls wouldn’t change the game from sex to relationships. It makes him look like an asshole.
But when Sam’s best friend, Ally Klinger, gets dumped, she begs him to transform her into someone who can screw around then screw off.
No risk of heartbreak that way.
It’s Sam’s chance to create the perfect female AND cheer up his best friend.
Armed with Sam’s Three Step Guide to Backseat Success, Ally gets the game better than Sam thought she wouldand before long, Sam has his wish: the female version of himself.
Too bad it’s driving him nuts.
This contemporary teen romance contains strong language, drinking, euphemisms, and lots of “bow chicka wow wow.”
**Contains 2 previously released titles.
THE SWEET: Kissed Off
A lost heirloom brought them together. But will generations of bad blood tear them apart?
Sixteen-year-old Reiko Mori is one step away from solving a multi-generational treasure hunt. So when she uncovers a clue about the priceless jewel, she’ll do anything to track down the stolen ruby and avenge her ancestor. But that’s before she discovers her first-and-only crush descends from the thieving rivals.
Levi Green longs to escape his sheltered life. So when he learns Reiko could unlock the secrets of the deadly lovers’ quarrel that started the gem feud, he’s determined to help. But unraveling the mystery would be simpler if he wasn't so worried about her stealing his heart.
And just after Reiko’s meticulously planned museum heist yields another vital clue, a shadowy foe attacks. Now the pair are thrown together in a race across the globe to find the relic before history tragically repeats…
Can Reiko and Levi locate the stone and change their poisonous legacy with the power of love?
Kissed Off is an action-packed YA romantic adventure. If you like jet-setting heroes, heartwarming chemistry, and thrilling twists and turns, then you’ll love Tellulah Darling’s tale of pride and passion.
THE SPICY: Sam Cruz's Infallible Guide to Getting Girls
Why the hell can’t chicks be more like guys?
That question plagues high school senior Sam Cruz.
Sam is perfectly happy being a player. He just wishes girls wouldn’t change the game from sex to relationships. It makes him look like an asshole.
But when Sam’s best friend, Ally Klinger, gets dumped, she begs him to transform her into someone who can screw around then screw off.
No risk of heartbreak that way.
It’s Sam’s chance to create the perfect female AND cheer up his best friend.
Armed with Sam’s Three Step Guide to Backseat Success, Ally gets the game better than Sam thought she wouldand before long, Sam has his wish: the female version of himself.
Too bad it’s driving him nuts.
This contemporary teen romance contains strong language, drinking, euphemisms, and lots of “bow chicka wow wow.”
**Contains 2 previously released titles.
514 pages, ebook
Published September 18, 2019
About the author
Tellulah Darling
10 books369 followersTellulah Darling
noun
1) YA & New Adult romantic comedy author because her first kiss sucked and she's compensating.
2) Firm believer that some of the best stories happen when love meets comedy and awkwardness ensues.
3) Sassy minx.
Both a hopeless romantic and total cynic, Tellulah Darling is all about the happily-ever-after, with a huge dose of hilarity along the way. Her romcoms come in a variety of heat levels and flavors; straight up romantic comedy, shaken with Greek mythology or stirred with urban fantasy.
Sassy girls. Swoony boys. What could go wrong?
noun
1) YA & New Adult romantic comedy author because her first kiss sucked and she's compensating.
2) Firm believer that some of the best stories happen when love meets comedy and awkwardness ensues.
3) Sassy minx.
Both a hopeless romantic and total cynic, Tellulah Darling is all about the happily-ever-after, with a huge dose of hilarity along the way. Her romcoms come in a variety of heat levels and flavors; straight up romantic comedy, shaken with Greek mythology or stirred with urban fantasy.
Sassy girls. Swoony boys. What could go wrong?
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 28, 2019
*free copy from netgalley*
This is a collection of 2 stories so I’ve broken the reviews up:
Sam Cruz’s infallible guide to getting girls:
I don’t think I’ve ever rated a romance book this highly before.
One of the things I value most in entertainment is humour - if something doesn’t have jokes, what’s the point?
Now, this book is pretty vulgar in its jokes & it took me a little bit to decide if I loved the style or hated it but I adjusted & decided - it was hilarious!
The humour really carried the story through a lot, the beginning is quite a culture shock as the characters really are EXTRA but you get used to it 😝
The actual story was great too - I think it was quite a different approach to some typical tropes (omg I’m such a poet) & I loved both Sam & Ally. Both were idiots at times (but that’s just realistic) and I loved how this worked for them.
It was also interesting (& very important) to see sex talked about in such a causally & positive way. Ally wants to do one night stands? She does. Then she wants to stop? She does. And both are ok 💕
Kissed off:
I really liked the first book in the collection & was worried I wouldn’t like this but Tellulah’s books don’t disappoint! A ninja-inspired romance with Japanese characters & history, 2 lesbian side characters & hilarious family dynamics? Yep, this book was great 😆
This is a collection of 2 stories so I’ve broken the reviews up:
Sam Cruz’s infallible guide to getting girls:
I don’t think I’ve ever rated a romance book this highly before.
One of the things I value most in entertainment is humour - if something doesn’t have jokes, what’s the point?
Now, this book is pretty vulgar in its jokes & it took me a little bit to decide if I loved the style or hated it but I adjusted & decided - it was hilarious!
The humour really carried the story through a lot, the beginning is quite a culture shock as the characters really are EXTRA but you get used to it 😝
The actual story was great too - I think it was quite a different approach to some typical tropes (omg I’m such a poet) & I loved both Sam & Ally. Both were idiots at times (but that’s just realistic) and I loved how this worked for them.
It was also interesting (& very important) to see sex talked about in such a causally & positive way. Ally wants to do one night stands? She does. Then she wants to stop? She does. And both are ok 💕
Kissed off:
I really liked the first book in the collection & was worried I wouldn’t like this but Tellulah’s books don’t disappoint! A ninja-inspired romance with Japanese characters & history, 2 lesbian side characters & hilarious family dynamics? Yep, this book was great 😆
October 8, 2019
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
I do occasionally enjoy reading the light and entertaining YA romance novels, so I thought that the stories from the "It's Complicated" box set would be similarly fun. Unfortunately, the books ended up being a huge disappointment.
The first story was "Sam Cruz's Infallible Guide to Getting Girls", and starting from chapter 1, I felt like the book was cliched and cringy. I wanted to just give up and dnf the whole thing so many times, but I don't like leaving books unfinished, so I tried to power through. It got a bit easier to read, once I got used to the style, but the language was often crass, there was no subtlety to the plot, the characters were one-dimensional, and there was nothing really to hook me into reading. I predicted the whole plot from the very beginning, and even though such love stories are extremely common, I feel like other books have done it better ("The DUFF", for example).
The second story - "Kissed Off" - was slightly better, it had a mystery that kept the plot moving, and the characters that were more likable. There were some facepalm moments, but not as many as in "Sam Cruz's Guide", however the language was still a bit weird. The teenage slang used here sounded really fake and it distracted from the story, rather than making it more fun. Maybe if read on its own, "Kissed Off" would get a higher rating, but the first story ruined the whole box set for me.
I am sorry to be giving such a harsh review, I usually try to find some positive aspects in any book, but this was just not worth my time, and I would not recommend these books.
I do occasionally enjoy reading the light and entertaining YA romance novels, so I thought that the stories from the "It's Complicated" box set would be similarly fun. Unfortunately, the books ended up being a huge disappointment.
The first story was "Sam Cruz's Infallible Guide to Getting Girls", and starting from chapter 1, I felt like the book was cliched and cringy. I wanted to just give up and dnf the whole thing so many times, but I don't like leaving books unfinished, so I tried to power through. It got a bit easier to read, once I got used to the style, but the language was often crass, there was no subtlety to the plot, the characters were one-dimensional, and there was nothing really to hook me into reading. I predicted the whole plot from the very beginning, and even though such love stories are extremely common, I feel like other books have done it better ("The DUFF", for example).
The second story - "Kissed Off" - was slightly better, it had a mystery that kept the plot moving, and the characters that were more likable. There were some facepalm moments, but not as many as in "Sam Cruz's Guide", however the language was still a bit weird. The teenage slang used here sounded really fake and it distracted from the story, rather than making it more fun. Maybe if read on its own, "Kissed Off" would get a higher rating, but the first story ruined the whole box set for me.
I am sorry to be giving such a harsh review, I usually try to find some positive aspects in any book, but this was just not worth my time, and I would not recommend these books.
October 10, 2019
This book was received as an ARC from Tellulah Darling in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
An unspoken rivalry turned love affair when Levi and Reiko are paired together to find the long lost jewel that can save the test of time. In the first story, Kissed Off Levi and Reiko are destined to find the jewel and escape the poison of rivalry with the power of love. This story reminded me of the family rivalry of Costas and Lena from Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants but with a fantasy twist. I also got vibes of Indiana Jones Raiders of the Lost Ark with the protective jewel and how it is stolen because of the power it possesses and you don't have to pay the price of giving up your life. This story was filled with action packed adventure that wanted me to read on and on and never stop.
Then we get to Sam Cruz's Infallible Guide to Getting Girls, this one I was laughing hysterically with joy because our teen book club has been yearning for a book like this. We hear boys all the time say that they wish girls had the same mindset as boys and not be so sensitive and committed and just be one night stands until his best friend gets dumped by her boyfriend and she begs Sam to help her have more of a male mindset when it comes to relationships. So Sam accepts the challenge and turns her into the female version of himself and all chaos breaks. I absolutely loved this book from beginning to end and I know our teen book club will absolutely go crazy for this book.
We will consider adding this title to our YFiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
An unspoken rivalry turned love affair when Levi and Reiko are paired together to find the long lost jewel that can save the test of time. In the first story, Kissed Off Levi and Reiko are destined to find the jewel and escape the poison of rivalry with the power of love. This story reminded me of the family rivalry of Costas and Lena from Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants but with a fantasy twist. I also got vibes of Indiana Jones Raiders of the Lost Ark with the protective jewel and how it is stolen because of the power it possesses and you don't have to pay the price of giving up your life. This story was filled with action packed adventure that wanted me to read on and on and never stop.
Then we get to Sam Cruz's Infallible Guide to Getting Girls, this one I was laughing hysterically with joy because our teen book club has been yearning for a book like this. We hear boys all the time say that they wish girls had the same mindset as boys and not be so sensitive and committed and just be one night stands until his best friend gets dumped by her boyfriend and she begs Sam to help her have more of a male mindset when it comes to relationships. So Sam accepts the challenge and turns her into the female version of himself and all chaos breaks. I absolutely loved this book from beginning to end and I know our teen book club will absolutely go crazy for this book.
We will consider adding this title to our YFiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
July 16, 2020
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book received through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I usually enjoy short stories about romance, so this seemed an enjoyable read. However, it turned out to be a disappointment.
"It's Complicated" is a collection of two stories: Sam Cruz’s infallible guide to getting girls and Kissed off. I liked the second much more than the first story. While quite vulgar, 'Sam Cruz's' can be funny, it was difficult for me to get used to its narrating style and that made it hard to read. The plot wasn't very original, it had a lot of clichés, but the jokes made up for it at some points. The characters, though, were flat, they weren't very developed. "Kissed off" was a bit better. It was more original, had a mystery to engage readers and the characters were more fleshed out. Also, the clichéd moments weren't so cringey nor usual. However, the narrating style was its weak point once more. The dialogues were filled with teenage slang that seemed really fake it just made it hard to read because it kept distracting from the story.
I usually enjoy short stories about romance, so this seemed an enjoyable read. However, it turned out to be a disappointment.
"It's Complicated" is a collection of two stories: Sam Cruz’s infallible guide to getting girls and Kissed off. I liked the second much more than the first story. While quite vulgar, 'Sam Cruz's' can be funny, it was difficult for me to get used to its narrating style and that made it hard to read. The plot wasn't very original, it had a lot of clichés, but the jokes made up for it at some points. The characters, though, were flat, they weren't very developed. "Kissed off" was a bit better. It was more original, had a mystery to engage readers and the characters were more fleshed out. Also, the clichéd moments weren't so cringey nor usual. However, the narrating style was its weak point once more. The dialogues were filled with teenage slang that seemed really fake it just made it hard to read because it kept distracting from the story.
December 28, 2019
Shy girl crushes on an artist, then finds out he is the enemy, oh my!
Totally loved both these stories.
In the first one Ally decides that she wants her best friend Sam to teach her how to hook up without getting into a relationship. Sam wants Ally to prove she can do the whole no relationship casual hookup. The story gets funny the more Sam sees Ally act like him and he starts acting possessive. Read it to find out if Ally can be like Sam.
The second story, Reiko has a crush and a secret life, but what happens when her crush becomes involved in her secret life? Levi loves the idea of love and adventure, he also is the sworn enemy of Reiko's family. How did she not know? Both families go by an alias. This is a must read to find why they are sworn enemies and what happens when Reiko and Levi have an adventure.
Totally loved both these stories.
In the first one Ally decides that she wants her best friend Sam to teach her how to hook up without getting into a relationship. Sam wants Ally to prove she can do the whole no relationship casual hookup. The story gets funny the more Sam sees Ally act like him and he starts acting possessive. Read it to find out if Ally can be like Sam.
The second story, Reiko has a crush and a secret life, but what happens when her crush becomes involved in her secret life? Levi loves the idea of love and adventure, he also is the sworn enemy of Reiko's family. How did she not know? Both families go by an alias. This is a must read to find why they are sworn enemies and what happens when Reiko and Levi have an adventure.
September 20, 2019
There are two books in this set. They are not connected that you have to read one to read the other. I am going to review them separately here for that reason.
My copy started out with Sam Cruz's Infallible Guide to Getting Girls which follows two best friends still in the last year of high school. It does have alternating point of views between Sam and Ally. I enjoyed this book as it had humor mixed in throughout the story. I am not going into the description as if you are looking at reviews then you know already. I did like the byplay between Sam and Ally, but there were more characters mixed in too that brought it up a notch. There were ups and downs they had to face and it wasn’t all smooth sailing which made it seem more believable. This also allowed you to get more of a feel for the characters. I wasn’t sure if I would like Sam if he was so much of a player but then the author showed that he had more than one side so that made him a person you like, just not maybe all the things he does. I did enjoy the book, the characters and the flow of the story. I would recommend this book to others.
Kissed Off was the second book in my copy. The main characters are from two different families that have been in a fued for years. Yes this is on the back of the book and it makes for some interesting action in the book. There is a lot of back and forth between the two main characters. Will they like each other? Will they trust each other? Will they betray each other? That is some of the questions that the story has to answer. This one is harder to review without giving out spoilers of what happens and what they do. I did like the humor that was involved in the things they do. The flow was good and pulled you into the story and kept you there. I would recommend this book also. I liked how it was different than some of the other books I have been reading. I did receive an ARC from Hidden Gems for an honest review. I would check out more books by this author as I did enjoy both of these books.
My copy started out with Sam Cruz's Infallible Guide to Getting Girls which follows two best friends still in the last year of high school. It does have alternating point of views between Sam and Ally. I enjoyed this book as it had humor mixed in throughout the story. I am not going into the description as if you are looking at reviews then you know already. I did like the byplay between Sam and Ally, but there were more characters mixed in too that brought it up a notch. There were ups and downs they had to face and it wasn’t all smooth sailing which made it seem more believable. This also allowed you to get more of a feel for the characters. I wasn’t sure if I would like Sam if he was so much of a player but then the author showed that he had more than one side so that made him a person you like, just not maybe all the things he does. I did enjoy the book, the characters and the flow of the story. I would recommend this book to others.
Kissed Off was the second book in my copy. The main characters are from two different families that have been in a fued for years. Yes this is on the back of the book and it makes for some interesting action in the book. There is a lot of back and forth between the two main characters. Will they like each other? Will they trust each other? Will they betray each other? That is some of the questions that the story has to answer. This one is harder to review without giving out spoilers of what happens and what they do. I did like the humor that was involved in the things they do. The flow was good and pulled you into the story and kept you there. I would recommend this book also. I liked how it was different than some of the other books I have been reading. I did receive an ARC from Hidden Gems for an honest review. I would check out more books by this author as I did enjoy both of these books.
October 19, 2019
'It's Complicated' by Tellulah Darling is a collection of two books: 'Sam Cruz's Infallible Guide to Getting Girls' and "Kissed Off'.
'Sam Cruz's Infallible Guide to Getting Girls' tells a story of two best friends: Sam who never wants to commit and Ally who is a whizzkid. Ally had been a perfect girlfriend til her boyfriend dumped her on her birthday, since then Ally has asked Sam for relationship advice. Now she only wants to conquer and have fun. While Sam gives Ally some tips it turns out that the student outgrows the master and Ally is a true heartbreaker. Slowly Sam falls for Ally but can really be in love? Does he even know what love feels like?
I must admit that it's one of not too many books which both build great tension and consist of unbelievably funny exchanges between the characters. I loved every line of this book. The sex scenes are incredibly swoony!!!
'Kissed Off' tells a story of two strangers Reiko and Levi connected by old legend and treasure the legend leads to Through most of the book both characters consider each other enemies but when they encouter their real archenemy they decide to unite their forces and cooperate. Reiko has lived all her life being prepared for the mission of solving decates old mystery and her ninja skills turn out to be very helpful while they are being followed thru London and Paris. On the other hand Levi is an artistic soul hoping for the best. They couldn't be more different from each other but these differences make them fit perfectly and so they fall in love against all odds and against the old legend. Will they make their own choices or will they prolong the fate of their ancestors is for you to find out!
I loved the sense of humour, the ongoing adventures and the sweet sweet ending when they meet at the prom.
'Sam Cruz's Infallible Guide to Getting Girls' tells a story of two best friends: Sam who never wants to commit and Ally who is a whizzkid. Ally had been a perfect girlfriend til her boyfriend dumped her on her birthday, since then Ally has asked Sam for relationship advice. Now she only wants to conquer and have fun. While Sam gives Ally some tips it turns out that the student outgrows the master and Ally is a true heartbreaker. Slowly Sam falls for Ally but can really be in love? Does he even know what love feels like?
I must admit that it's one of not too many books which both build great tension and consist of unbelievably funny exchanges between the characters. I loved every line of this book. The sex scenes are incredibly swoony!!!
'Kissed Off' tells a story of two strangers Reiko and Levi connected by old legend and treasure the legend leads to Through most of the book both characters consider each other enemies but when they encouter their real archenemy they decide to unite their forces and cooperate. Reiko has lived all her life being prepared for the mission of solving decates old mystery and her ninja skills turn out to be very helpful while they are being followed thru London and Paris. On the other hand Levi is an artistic soul hoping for the best. They couldn't be more different from each other but these differences make them fit perfectly and so they fall in love against all odds and against the old legend. Will they make their own choices or will they prolong the fate of their ancestors is for you to find out!
I loved the sense of humour, the ongoing adventures and the sweet sweet ending when they meet at the prom.
October 11, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to review this book!
There are two different books in this, so it's more bang for your buck. I did like one story better than the other.Sam Cruz's Guide to Getting Girls was my favorite of the two. I found the characters to be snarkier, and I loved the friendship turns to more trope, and how it was used. There was just the right balance of humor and vulnerability. I liked the characters better too, and felt there was a lot of growth.
Kissed off was a little too pat for me. The characters were a little more stilted, and I found the resolution to be far too easy, especially since it was a complicated mess of stuff going on. I thought the ending was a little to easy.
Overall, both were fun, quick reads that I enjoyed!
There are two different books in this, so it's more bang for your buck. I did like one story better than the other.Sam Cruz's Guide to Getting Girls was my favorite of the two. I found the characters to be snarkier, and I loved the friendship turns to more trope, and how it was used. There was just the right balance of humor and vulnerability. I liked the characters better too, and felt there was a lot of growth.
Kissed off was a little too pat for me. The characters were a little more stilted, and I found the resolution to be far too easy, especially since it was a complicated mess of stuff going on. I thought the ending was a little to easy.
Overall, both were fun, quick reads that I enjoyed!
September 20, 2019
It's Complicated is a total spicy and sweet young collection that was great! I really fell for the characters and would love to see this as a movie. The pacing was wonderful and the worlds and situations worked well for these characters. I loved the writing style and couldn't out these down. This is totally a great little collection for those who want something fun and easy to enjoy. I could see this one as a beach read or something to just keep you busy for the day. It was so cute!
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September 29, 2019It's Complicated is an intriguing young adult collection that is sure to sweep you off your feet. The characters are well-written and the storyline develops at a lovely pace that is sure to hold your attention until the end. It's Complicated was a fun fast-paced read that I could not put down. It was so cute!
September 20, 2019
So I loved one of the stories more than the other, ones about a family long saga whilst the other is about true friendship and the next unexpected step.
I'm voluntarily reviewing this after receiving from Hidden Arcs.
I'm voluntarily reviewing this after receiving from Hidden Arcs.
September 30, 2019
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. There are two YA romances in this book with stories that are not related. These books will resonate with teen that are looking for a love book that has happy endings.
September 11, 2019
Loved it!! Such full and rich characters set in a story line you can really follow. You find yourself asking what is next and hoping for a happy ending.
September 22, 2019
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Another great book by an awesome author. Highly recommend to everyone.
October 12, 2019
These two stories are nothing alike, but both have adorable aspects.
Personally, this reader prefers Sam's rules but both stories are adorable, and will leave you wanting more.
Personally, this reader prefers Sam's rules but both stories are adorable, and will leave you wanting more.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews