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Finding Love #2
Simply Complicated
Who could have known the best way to meet a woman is to be assaulted by her then hire her as your assistant?
Hudson Finnegan's a veteran, who started his security company after being honorably discharged. Each scar on his body tells a story, and his walls are thicker than the bars at Alcatraz.
The last person Hudson expected to see as an interviewee for his assistant was the woman that assaulted him. But his mother made it impossible to say no.
Laurel's mission, if she chooses to accept it, is to get under Hudson's skin. It's time for his impenetrable walls to come crashing down.
Could she execute the mission flawlessly or wind up getting too close?
Hudson Finnegan's a veteran, who started his security company after being honorably discharged. Each scar on his body tells a story, and his walls are thicker than the bars at Alcatraz.
The last person Hudson expected to see as an interviewee for his assistant was the woman that assaulted him. But his mother made it impossible to say no.
Laurel's mission, if she chooses to accept it, is to get under Hudson's skin. It's time for his impenetrable walls to come crashing down.
Could she execute the mission flawlessly or wind up getting too close?
206 pages, Paperback
Published September 16, 2019
5 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Zakrzewski
169 books132 followersAshley Zakrzewski is a Romance Author known for her captivating storytelling, sultry plots, and dynamic protagonists. Hailing from Arkansas, her affinity for the written word began early on, and she has been relentlessly chasing after her dreams ever since.
When she isn't crafting stories, Ashley is either pursuing her business degree, blogging, or being a bookworm. Above all else, she loves spending quality time with her amazing husband and beautiful daughter.
You can find more at www.ashleyzakrzewski.com
When she isn't crafting stories, Ashley is either pursuing her business degree, blogging, or being a bookworm. Above all else, she loves spending quality time with her amazing husband and beautiful daughter.
You can find more at www.ashleyzakrzewski.com
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 2, 2019
Simply Complicated (Finding Love Book 2) By: Ashley ZakrzewskiIn Her "Simply Complicated" Life... He'll Be The ONE Com'n To The Rescue!
HER LIFE... It's "Simply Complicated!"
Every Since Her Sister was Attacked & LEFT For DEAD...
Cuz, She Dropped EveryThing... Like a GOOD Sister Should,
Which earned Her the loss of HER job...
And a MOVE across the Country!
Now She just Attacked Her New Neighbor...
WHO seemed to be Creep'n UP ON HER!
Li'l did She know... It was Her Sister's BOSS,
The Guy She'll be Interview'n with IN the Morning!
Yeah... Her life's "Simply Complicated" AlRIGHT!
Cuz that's NOT Even the Craziest thing that's gonna happen to Her...
But if you wanna know MORE... Like What's gonna happen before the END Comes Around,
Then, You'll have One-Click "Simply Complicated" to Read for YourSelf!! As you'll NEVER believe IT... NOT without experiencing IT First HAND!
I was granted an ARC of Ashley Zakrzewski's "Simply Complicated (Finding Love Book 2)" via B00|{$P®0UT. I recommend this book to others based upon its own merits. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given!
Until next time... Happy Reading!
October 19, 2021
This is a book that may not be, for everyone, in the sense it has things that can, trigger bad memories. It deals with boyfriend and ex-boyfriend abuse, and the after-effects not just on the person beaten, but the family members.
This story begins with, Laural getting a phone call from the hospital. Explaining to her that her sister, Lacey has been brought in and is unconscious. Laural needs to arrive, as soon as, possible. She makes a plane reservation, packs, calls an Uber, and she decides to call work once she knows what she is dealing with. Frankly, she hates work so, ‘they can wait,’ she thinks.
The thing is when she arrives, it turns out her sister has been brutalized and dumped at the ER. The trauma she is dealing with is life-threatening, but she can’t Call her parents not yet. Where’s her boyfriend? Why isn’t he there? Questions. Only questions. No answers, not even the cops have answers. But, when she asked for her sister's belongings and finding her phone. She calls her boss.
When he shows at the hospital, Laural wonders if, Lacey was naive enough to have an office affair, with her boss that he said, he would be right down. When he arrives, she's asleep, and startles, Laurel.
Hudson right away introduces himself. He can tell, Laurel is leery, of him by her questions, and non-questions. He assures her he didn't do it, and knows nothing about any boyfriend. She finds that hard to believe.
Hudson explains he has very set rules. His employees are just that, not his friends. He keeps his two lives, very separate. Although he cares about all his employees, he just doesn't pry into their private lives. But, he would ask around. Both Laurel and Hudson, can’t get each other, off the other’s mind. Hudson is in no way going to allow any kind of emotion to surface whatsoever. Nope, not happen.
You see, he has been out of, the Navy over five years and shown pretty much no emotions since getting in his head he needed to make something of himself after a traumatic discharge and recovery. So, now that he needs a personal assistant Laurel applies for the job. This is when the funny fireworks start. In the name of finding peace for Hudson.
The is an emotional book. It is a funny book. It is a heart-wrenching book and a loving book of recovery of the mind, body, and spirit. It surprised me in a very good way.
This story begins with, Laural getting a phone call from the hospital. Explaining to her that her sister, Lacey has been brought in and is unconscious. Laural needs to arrive, as soon as, possible. She makes a plane reservation, packs, calls an Uber, and she decides to call work once she knows what she is dealing with. Frankly, she hates work so, ‘they can wait,’ she thinks.
The thing is when she arrives, it turns out her sister has been brutalized and dumped at the ER. The trauma she is dealing with is life-threatening, but she can’t Call her parents not yet. Where’s her boyfriend? Why isn’t he there? Questions. Only questions. No answers, not even the cops have answers. But, when she asked for her sister's belongings and finding her phone. She calls her boss.
When he shows at the hospital, Laural wonders if, Lacey was naive enough to have an office affair, with her boss that he said, he would be right down. When he arrives, she's asleep, and startles, Laurel.
Hudson right away introduces himself. He can tell, Laurel is leery, of him by her questions, and non-questions. He assures her he didn't do it, and knows nothing about any boyfriend. She finds that hard to believe.
Hudson explains he has very set rules. His employees are just that, not his friends. He keeps his two lives, very separate. Although he cares about all his employees, he just doesn't pry into their private lives. But, he would ask around. Both Laurel and Hudson, can’t get each other, off the other’s mind. Hudson is in no way going to allow any kind of emotion to surface whatsoever. Nope, not happen.
You see, he has been out of, the Navy over five years and shown pretty much no emotions since getting in his head he needed to make something of himself after a traumatic discharge and recovery. So, now that he needs a personal assistant Laurel applies for the job. This is when the funny fireworks start. In the name of finding peace for Hudson.
The is an emotional book. It is a funny book. It is a heart-wrenching book and a loving book of recovery of the mind, body, and spirit. It surprised me in a very good way.
May 29, 2021
This is book two in The Finding Love Series and it is Hudson and Laurel's story and it is a must read. When Laurel's sister Lacey is attacked and left in a coma Laurel drops everything to get to her and be there for her but what she wasn't expecting is Lacey's boss Hudson when he comes to the hospital to see if he can help and then Laurel ends up working for him but things don't always go as planned and not in a good way. Laurel and Hudson's attraction to each other is instant but Hudson's walls are so high that nobody has been able to break through them but will there be a exception to the rule with Laurel. Hudson can't believe his reaction to Laurel when they meet but he will not do anything about it as he doesn't do commitment of relationships ever but when everyone conspired to get them together now will it all end. There are twists and turns along with danger, abuse, suspense, hope, love and some surprises that you don't see coming but that is what makes this book a real page turner that I couldn't put down as I had to see what would happen next. I definitely recommend you read this book and others by Ashley Zakrzewski who is a brilliant author and writer and her books are definitely worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 8, 2020
Psychological immersive but a good read
If physical abuse from a spouse is difficult to read about, this isn't the book for you.
The story is realistic and relatable. It highlights some reasons that can cause people to abuse their partners or ex, reasons why the abused my fall victim to it and what the outcome can be depending on how the situation is dealt with and what kind of support is available to the people involved.
The two sisters in this story was unfortunately abuse, one by their spouse and the other by her ex. Even though there is nothing that justifies abusive behaviour, I could also see the psychological trauma that the abuser was going through. I find the story emotional, engaging and informative. I love the supporting characters the way the other parts of the unfolds and how it concludes. The ending was beautiful.
This is a voluntary review in appreciation for receiving a free copy
If physical abuse from a spouse is difficult to read about, this isn't the book for you.
The story is realistic and relatable. It highlights some reasons that can cause people to abuse their partners or ex, reasons why the abused my fall victim to it and what the outcome can be depending on how the situation is dealt with and what kind of support is available to the people involved.
The two sisters in this story was unfortunately abuse, one by their spouse and the other by her ex. Even though there is nothing that justifies abusive behaviour, I could also see the psychological trauma that the abuser was going through. I find the story emotional, engaging and informative. I love the supporting characters the way the other parts of the unfolds and how it concludes. The ending was beautiful.
This is a voluntary review in appreciation for receiving a free copy
August 25, 2021
I enjoyed this romance story with the two main characters that were Laurel and Hudson. And also the rest of the characters to.
Laurel finds out that her sister is in a hospital in Texas. So she catch a flight there. When she get to the hospital she is very surprised by what has happened to her sister. She is also surprised when he sister's boss show up.
Hudson is a retired ex military and now run a business. When he finds out that one of his employees have been hurt and is now in the hospital. He decides to go see them and finds out what has happened. When he gets there he is surprised to see what happened and also by the lady that's there. He is also surprised when the lady show up at his business after a few days.
This story was quite interesting with all the drama , suspense, and twist also turns within the story. Sometime the author had me laughing and other times there was a little sadness.
I received a complimentary copy via Booksprout. This is my honest unbiased opinion.
Laurel finds out that her sister is in a hospital in Texas. So she catch a flight there. When she get to the hospital she is very surprised by what has happened to her sister. She is also surprised when he sister's boss show up.
Hudson is a retired ex military and now run a business. When he finds out that one of his employees have been hurt and is now in the hospital. He decides to go see them and finds out what has happened. When he gets there he is surprised to see what happened and also by the lady that's there. He is also surprised when the lady show up at his business after a few days.
This story was quite interesting with all the drama , suspense, and twist also turns within the story. Sometime the author had me laughing and other times there was a little sadness.
I received a complimentary copy via Booksprout. This is my honest unbiased opinion.
December 6, 2020
I'm still undecided how I feel about this book. I felt Hudson was inconsistent in his treatment of Laurel and that made him a frustrating and not very likeable hero. My heart broke for Laurel and her sister Lacey, who both suffered at the hands of abuse ex- boyfriends. I did enjoy the story line but felt it did not flow smoothly at times. The book was fast paced with some fun and witty bantering as Laurel is a feisty, independent and very protective woman.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 5, 2020
I loved this story even if the story isn't as light and funny has I lately choose, this year has been heavy and emotional enough already. However I loved Laurel and Hudson and all the characters, the story is very emotional and touches the sensitive subject of domestic violence, some people might find it difficult and if that's the case this story is not for you, even if the characters find their HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 20, 2020
This the story of Laurel and Hudson, their relationship is complicated and different from what I normally read. The lead and her sister both have a "relationship" with Hudson. This story has a range of emotions that you feel as you read, so be prepared to be on an emotional roller coaster.
November 28, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel from the first page until the very last. It has been a very rare occurrence that I could just pick up a book and read it in one day; but, I was captivated by these characters and their amazing love story instantaneously.
July 24, 2021
I enjoyed the well developed storyline throughout the pages it kept me entertained. The characters are engaging and well developed with plenty of chemistry throughout the pages.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 29, 2020
This book is amazing. I got all in my feelings. A damaged man and a outspoken woman. Their chemistry is off the charts.
March 24, 2024
This story plot will trigger many incidents that effect victims of domestic violence. The story plot hit a little too close to home for myself. Being a victim of abusive men. I had the threatening EX, stalking, threatening my loved ones. To be in total control. Then blame everyone else for their problems.
This novel starts off where Laurel gets a call from a hospital & having to up & leave her home & move to Texas to protect her abused sister Lacey. Who has been the victim of domestic violence & left to die. Who almost dies in a domestic violence attack?
The physical, mental abuse, in the story is horrific. An EX that is determined to destroy, & kill their partner & anyone that gets in his way to complete his goal. That could lead to serious triggers for anyone that has been in domestic abuse. I know it affected me.
When Laurel arrives at the ER, she witness the brutalization of the attack. Lacey was brutalized & dumped at the ER. The trauma Lacey has is life-threatening. However, Laurel cannot call her parents & explain what happened to Lacey. Not until they can find the EX boyfriend who did this to her sister? Why isn’t he there? Questions. Only questions. No answers, not even the cops have answers. When she asked for her sister's belongings & cell. Laurel decides to call her boss.
Hudson is Lacey's boss & shows up at the hospital. Laurel wonders if, Lacey was having an office affair with her boss. Upon arrival he startles Laurel since she was asleep.
When Hudson introduces himself he can tell, Laurel is leery, of him by her questions? He assures her he didn't do this horrific act to his employee. Nor did he know she was in an abusive relationship. Though, Laurel cannot be she if she believes him. How can she, she doesn't know the man. Not yet...
Hudson explains to Laurel he has set rules within his company. His employees are not his friends. He keeps his personal & business lives very separate. He cares about the well being of his employees, he just doesn't pry into their private lives. Though, he promises Laurel he will ask around about Lacey. What Hudson didn't expect was for the mutual attraction they each have for one another. Hudson is determined to not allow any kind of emotion to surface whatsoever; Nope, not going to happen!
Hudson has been out of the Navy for over five years. He made sure during missions & know in business never to show emotions. He has kept his head into making something of himself after his traumatic discharge & continued recovery. But he needs a personal assistant, Laurel needs a job. Little does she know she has just applied for the job where Hudson will be her boss. . This is where the fireworks begin. In the name of finding peace for Hudson.
This book deals with many issues & emotions. It's funny at times, as well as heart-wrenching with a loving recovery of the mind, body, and spirit. With all the trauma involved in the story plot. It has a surprising ending.
This novel starts off where Laurel gets a call from a hospital & having to up & leave her home & move to Texas to protect her abused sister Lacey. Who has been the victim of domestic violence & left to die. Who almost dies in a domestic violence attack?
The physical, mental abuse, in the story is horrific. An EX that is determined to destroy, & kill their partner & anyone that gets in his way to complete his goal. That could lead to serious triggers for anyone that has been in domestic abuse. I know it affected me.
When Laurel arrives at the ER, she witness the brutalization of the attack. Lacey was brutalized & dumped at the ER. The trauma Lacey has is life-threatening. However, Laurel cannot call her parents & explain what happened to Lacey. Not until they can find the EX boyfriend who did this to her sister? Why isn’t he there? Questions. Only questions. No answers, not even the cops have answers. When she asked for her sister's belongings & cell. Laurel decides to call her boss.
Hudson is Lacey's boss & shows up at the hospital. Laurel wonders if, Lacey was having an office affair with her boss. Upon arrival he startles Laurel since she was asleep.
When Hudson introduces himself he can tell, Laurel is leery, of him by her questions? He assures her he didn't do this horrific act to his employee. Nor did he know she was in an abusive relationship. Though, Laurel cannot be she if she believes him. How can she, she doesn't know the man. Not yet...
Hudson explains to Laurel he has set rules within his company. His employees are not his friends. He keeps his personal & business lives very separate. He cares about the well being of his employees, he just doesn't pry into their private lives. Though, he promises Laurel he will ask around about Lacey. What Hudson didn't expect was for the mutual attraction they each have for one another. Hudson is determined to not allow any kind of emotion to surface whatsoever; Nope, not going to happen!
Hudson has been out of the Navy for over five years. He made sure during missions & know in business never to show emotions. He has kept his head into making something of himself after his traumatic discharge & continued recovery. But he needs a personal assistant, Laurel needs a job. Little does she know she has just applied for the job where Hudson will be her boss. . This is where the fireworks begin. In the name of finding peace for Hudson.
This book deals with many issues & emotions. It's funny at times, as well as heart-wrenching with a loving recovery of the mind, body, and spirit. With all the trauma involved in the story plot. It has a surprising ending.
September 16, 2019
This book is about a couple who have an instant attraction to one another but he has a rule not to have a relationship with employees or a family member of an employee.
Lacey works for Hudson and he meets Laurel when she calls him to tell him that Lacey is in the hospital in a coma. He goes to the hospital to see how Lacey is doing and seeing Laurel, he has an intense attraction to her, but he will not do anything about it. Laurel becomes Hudson's assistant and the feeling they have for one another is getting stronger by the day. Someone from Laurel's past comes to see her and things do not go well and she is hurt.
Will Hudson and Laurel realize that they are the better half of the other?
This book has a dark side to it but it brings some of the characters together in the end. I would recommend this book to anyone.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lacey works for Hudson and he meets Laurel when she calls him to tell him that Lacey is in the hospital in a coma. He goes to the hospital to see how Lacey is doing and seeing Laurel, he has an intense attraction to her, but he will not do anything about it. Laurel becomes Hudson's assistant and the feeling they have for one another is getting stronger by the day. Someone from Laurel's past comes to see her and things do not go well and she is hurt.
Will Hudson and Laurel realize that they are the better half of the other?
This book has a dark side to it but it brings some of the characters together in the end. I would recommend this book to anyone.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 16, 2019
This was my first time reading a book by Ashley Zakrzewski and I loved Hudson! Hudson and Laurel were good together and hot and steamy. Hudson is a ex military alpha male wanting to be strong and take care of those around him. Laurel is a caring woman wanting to help Hudson and her sister. They are very hot and steamy together. Hudson needs to learn to smile again after his last tour and Hudson's mom devises a plan for Laurel to help. Along the way there's drama, suspense, twists, turns, trust, and love. There's also ex boyfriends of Laurel and her sister which they must deal with. The story line and characters kept my interest from beginning to end. I highly recommend you grab a copy to see if they get their HEA!!! I will definitely be reading more from this author!!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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December 16, 2019His mother has a plan that will drive him crazy
Simply Complicated is quite simply a fun and enjoyable reading experience. Hudson's mother is a woman with a plan after seeing the way he reacts to Laurel. He has been devoid of almost all emotion the last few years but with Laurel it is all out in the open. So mom enlists Laurel into a plan which will quite literally see Hudson running for the hills as he tries to avoid her and his emotions.
The story is fast paced, funny and interesting. The one complaint I had was that sometimes the characters of Hudson and Laurel went too far and were going into the dislike territory for me.
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
Simply Complicated is quite simply a fun and enjoyable reading experience. Hudson's mother is a woman with a plan after seeing the way he reacts to Laurel. He has been devoid of almost all emotion the last few years but with Laurel it is all out in the open. So mom enlists Laurel into a plan which will quite literally see Hudson running for the hills as he tries to avoid her and his emotions.
The story is fast paced, funny and interesting. The one complaint I had was that sometimes the characters of Hudson and Laurel went too far and were going into the dislike territory for me.
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
October 10, 2019
Very enjoyable book. there is so much going on. Danger, excitement, suspense, intrigue, surprises, embarrassment and so much more. Add in a crazy ex, sister and his buddy and his mother and what a ride these people go on. He is closed off for both personal and ex military reasons. She assaults him and then wants a job. He is yelling at her when mom comes in. she decides that she has found a way to tear down his walls and gets together with her and goes for it. Add in the crazy ex going after her and emotions for him and his buddy for her and her sister and wow. What a read. I received a review copy and voluntarily review it.
September 16, 2019
This situation unfortunately happens on too many instances to woman around the world. Even though this storyline was tragic it had such depth in its characters, loved that both of the sisters found their soulmates. Beyond all the tragedy it had wit and charm in how both Laurel andHudson played off of each other.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 29, 2019
An entertaining read. I really enjoyed this book.
Hudson isnt the same since coming back from serving his country.....he is a recluse and broody and now Laurel walks into his life and turns it around....she is outspoken and doesnt mince her words but he cant keep him self away from her even though she drives him crazy and is set on breaking all his boundaries.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Hudson isnt the same since coming back from serving his country.....he is a recluse and broody and now Laurel walks into his life and turns it around....she is outspoken and doesnt mince her words but he cant keep him self away from her even though she drives him crazy and is set on breaking all his boundaries.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 23, 2019
Hudson didn’t stand a chance with all those women conspiring against him!! And his own mother as the ringleader?! Over with...lol. In this case, mama knows best and she only wants Laurel to get him to open up...but he didn’t go down without fight...literally. Nothing like a protective alpha male!! They earned their happy ending...battle scars and all.
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 20, 2019
This is an interesting and entertaining story with strong well developed characters with an insta love and hot chemistry. The author does a great job bringing tons of drama and suspense as well as the love. She throws in twists and turns and keeps you reading to the end. It's well written,moves fluidly and I enjoyed reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
September 16, 2019
This is a wellwritten and fastpaced book. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters. The last couple of chapters felt a bit rushed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 23, 2019
This was an ok read. I didn’t like how hot and cold Hudson was towards Laurel. It frustrated me to no end.
October 4, 2019
I enjoyed Hudson & Laurel's story. Good characters. This was a fun book. I received a free copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
December 25, 2019
Ashley kept me on my toes with Simply Complicated. The emotions are intense as well as unsure.
July 23, 2021
A well written book with an interesting story line. The characters are strong and the story flows quickly and smoothly. I enjoyed reading this story.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews