Nightclub manager Julian Cullen runs Reservations with impeccable precision and a deep sense of pride. But repressed memories from his abduction two years ago surface, leaving him struggling emotionally. Julian vows to reclaim his previous life but doesn’t factor in the biggest distraction of all: the handsome cowboy hanging around the club intent on gaining his attention.
Entrepreneur Beckett St. Clair built an industry-leading survivalist training company through hard work and dedication. The tough-as-nails outdoorsman can navigate any situation or so he thinks…A chance encounter with a guarded nightclub manager leaves him tumbling head over heels into uncharted territory.
One man is lost to his past, the other dreams of a future. Both men will soon find out love is never easy…it’s complicated.
It’s Complicated is book two in the series, A Reservations Story, by Kindle Alexander. This is Julian’s book. This is a story of strength, of hope, of new beginnings and of love.
We met Julian Cullen briefly in Kindle’s book, Secret, then got to know him much better in Reservations. Now it’s his turn. Julian was living the high life. He was an escort, highly sought after, making money that made his head spin and spending it just as fast. Until his life came to a screeching halt when he was brutally attacked. Now two years later, he manages Reservations, a gay gentlemen’s club in Coronado, California. He can’t remember the attack, the case was never closed. He barely survived that night and now lives in a sort of limbo. But he is proud of what he has accomplished. Julian has kept himself apart from others except for work. Other than his closest friend and boss, Thane. A man has been coming in to the club for months, always watching him, following him with his eyes. He doesn’t try to hide his interest. He’s perhaps the most beautiful man Julian has ever seen. But Julian keeps his distance, until the night he finally lets down his guard just a tiny bit and dances with him. That’s the night his life once again changed.
Beckett St. Claire is about as opposite from Julian as he could be. He and his father have built a survivalist training camp at their ranch. He’s a tough, alpha man who lives for the outdoors and whose wardrobe is jeans, boots and a hat. Not fancy suits and ties which are the required attire in Reservations. But the first time he laid eyes on Julian, he knew he would do whatever was necessary to be a part of his world. He sat at that table, night after night, paying no attention to the interested advances from many other patrons. He only had eyes for Julian. The first night they finally spoke and danced, Beckett saw it as their first step. He would take things as slow as he needed to but he knew what he wanted.
“How could he push the man away when all he wanted in the world was to bring Beckett closer?”
Beckett was just about the swooniest hero I’ve ever read about. He was all in. I’ve never seen such patience. As he learned the reasons for Beckett’s lack of trust, it made him more determined to do whatever was necessary to prove himself. And he was exactly what Julian needed. Little by little, Julian regained his self confidence. Little by little he felt like the man he used to be. But does he still want to be that man from his past? Does he want that life back? Or can he be happy with one man forever, with Beckett?
“I know what I want. I’m just waiting for you to catch up.”
This was such a both heart breaking story and a heart warming one. Julian had been through so much. Even with all he had been through, even though I knew he had to go through his journey to figure out who he was now, it still broke my heart to see him keep Beckett at a distance because Beckett was trying so hard and falling so fast. They were truly what each other needed, they were each other’s “one!” But sometimes you have to travel that rocky path in order to get to the smooth one. I guess it doesn’t matter how rocky that path is, as long as you come out together at the end. I loved this book. I loved Beckett and Julian. Kindle Alexander did it again with this one. So many swoons!
Let's start with what I liked: 1. Julian: His strength and how he was able to get back up on the "saddle" wink wink 2. Becket's steadfastness and his devotion to Julian. 3. The fact that this didn't feel like an insta-love because of how Becket and Julian have been circling each other for a while. 4. The romance: Becket was just a complete sweetheart who kept Julian in his sights and in his heart. Even when Julian was pushing him away, he was always there. 5. The Steam: It's no surprise that KA can write steam, and write it well. Here, it was also empowering due to Julian's past and I loved it! 6. The fact that they weren't with other people. 7. The HEA: Swoony and sweet!
I did have some niggles though. 1. The story dragged a bit towards the middle. I felt like shaving off some filler situations and some time jumps would have benefited the pacing of the book alot. 2. That "thing" where Julian basically self-sabotages himself, despite Becket being always there and ready and honest with him. Even though it worked out in the end, it did make me feel like Julian did it inspite of himself and his love for Becket and in return decreased the intensity of his feelings towards Beckett.
I requested this book because it was a Kindle Alexander book , hadn't read anything from them in a while and it had a very interesting blurb. When I was a couple of pages in however, I realised some of the names sounded familiar so I checked on the book on GR and found out I was right. I'd recognised the names because I HAD seen them somewhere before...specifically when I'd read the previous book in the series back in 2017.
True to form, I got to re-reading because 4 years is quite some time between books in a series. This did me some good because it got me even more excited for this book than I'd originally been.
From the previous book, we got to know Julian who had been through a truly horrific ordeal and had seemingly come out stronger from the other side. But in this, we find out that all that was a facade and unfortunately, cracks began to appear in this armour when he was made to confront all the emotions he had been repressing. Trigger warning for sexual abuse and assault so be advised accordingly.
Beckett was "Marlboro Man" also from book #1 , a sweetheart and perfect for Julian. He was bada$$, had a level head and genuinely cared about Julian. It didn't hurt that he had the patience of a saint and wasn't a bulldozer with his wants/needs(looking at you Thane lol).
I loved how the relationship between these two evolved. Julian was a tough man to pin down emotionally but like I've already said, Beck was the calmest, kindest person who saw Julian only as he truly was. The growth of their bond was a joy to witness and I didn't even mind that it was slow burn. It was just the pace they needed and it worked really well for them.
However, Julian seemed to be always testing Beck in one way or the other, be it consciously or unconsciously. I felt bad for Beck who had been perfectly upfront about everything. At a point I just needed him to take a step back so Julian could get himself together which instead of him doing, stayed and got stuck with the aftermath of Julian's self-sabotage (which Julian did despite he KNOWING how good Beck was for him). *facepalm* Beck is a better person than me because if I'd been the one to have been hurt like that? Whew...
Nonetheless, despite all of that, the book was actually going pretty well before then so that little blip, although annoying, didn't really overly mess up my experience. I enjoyed the story thoroughly and will definitely be reading the next book of the series (whenever it is released).
We first meet Julian Cullen as Tristan Wilder's regular booty call and again as the man Thane Walker regularly spent time with, and had covered all of Julian’s medical bills after Julian had been found badly beaten and abused.
As a highly sought after escort, Julian wants nothing more than to get his old life back ”I’m an escort at heart. It’s It’s what comes naturally to me, and I’m damn good at it. I owe it to myself to test the waters.” As the manager of gay nightclub Reservation, Julian does an outstanding job and Thane wants to promote him
In his quest to be who he is, owner of a Survival company Beckett St. Clair, has decided to become a member at Reservations. He meets the beautiful and flamboyant Julian and Beckett is instantly smitten. Learning bits and pieces of Julian's past, Beckett decides that if nothing more he will be Julian's friend.
Julian has flashbacks of his accident and with those little bits and pieces his memories of his horrid ordeal come back to him. And Julian realises that all he wants is the comfort of Beckett's arms. Told in dual POV in the third person, alternating between Julian and Beckett, this is a story of dealing with lost, overcoming fear and accepting that they both are worthy of true love.
It’s Complicated is complicated because Julian Cullen was still trying to deal with the trauma of his kidnapping and assault by only dealing with running the nightclub. But now the buried memories are returning and one of the members of the club is showing his interest in Julien.
Survival company owner Beckett St. Clair (AKA Marlboro Man) had finally found a place at Reservations where he could be comfortable in his own skin but meeting the flamboyant Julian made him realize that maybe he had fallen in love with someone that would keep him on his toes.
It’s Complicated is a stand-alone book but reading Reservations (A Reservations Story #1) will help you understand Julian a little bit more. Beckett had a lot more patience than I would have had with Julian but that make an interesting romance to read.
P.S. I loved Woofer!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book was just....WOW! Julian wants nothing more than to get his old life back but there is a lot stopping that from happening for him. Beckett has set his sights on Julian and will do whatever it takes to get noticed by him. As these two circle around each other, it becomes apparent that they have something special...but is it enough for a future?? I loved how Beckett's presence put Julian at ease even though he acted like he didn't matter. Julian's traumatic past could have destroyed him but he refuses to give in to his fear. The chemistry between these two is fierce and powerful enough to change both of their lives. This is book 2 in the series but I followed it even though I haven't read book 1 yet.
It's Complicated is a unique story of overcoming fear and trusting in love. Beckett is a head strong character that goes after what he wants. Julian is a cocky, mouthy brat that's lost his way. With the help of Woffers, the dog, the two men find their way into their happily ever after.
I wanted to get a reread of Reservations in before I jumped in to It's Complicated, but life got in the way and I never got the chance.
I have terrible bookzheimer's so, I didn't remember who Julian was, but as soon as I started reading it came back to me, and I remembered how much I wanted his story back when I read book one.
And Kindle Alexander has not disappointed.
Julian is trying to get his life back on track after what happened to him two years back, and it takes the attention of a beautiful cowby to really make it happen.
I mean, everyone needs a Beckett St. Clair. He could sit across the bar and dedicate his nights to staring at me, I wouldn't say no.
I loved how tender and understanding and persistent Beckett is. I loved how he didn't back down when Julian's friends questioned him. I loved how even as a gayby he was taking it all in his stride.
But most of all I loved how he loved Julian, and brought Julian back to the man he wanted to be.
And when things head up, well, giddy up I say!
Julian and Beckett's story is raw and true and you can't help but fall for them as they fall for each other.
5 Star Review of It's Complicated (A Reservations Story #2) by Kindle Alexander Whenever I pick up a book written by Kindle Alexander I know I am going to be reading a book that will draw many varied emotions from me; It’s Complicated was no exception. The characters have a great deal of depth and I fell hard for both Julian Cullen and Beckett St Clair. From the moment that Beckett met Julian he was all in. Convincing Julian is the biggest hurdle Beckett will face. No one writes MM like the duo that is Kindle Alexander, not only do their stories contain heat but the love story that is within ticked all the boxes for me. Julian has been through a lot and no longer trusts anything or anyone. However, Becket is such a loving man and as he slowly but surely convinces Julian of his worth and that his love is real and can be trusted, I was touched on a number of levels.
There is nothing complicated about my feelings for this book, I absolutely love it! I love Beckett’s unwavering attachment to Julian, his single minded devotion to making Julian see that the sparks between them could be more than just infatuation.
“Ah…” Beckett started, grinning like a Cheshire cat—a sweet, smiling kitty cat. “We’re in a relationship?” The doe-eyed expression had Julian giving a dramatic eye roll. “I’m standing in the middle of the parking lot, letting the sun’s violent rays touch my skin without sunscreen… This has to be bad for my complexion. I’m risking a wrinkle and dark spots to talk to you privately. So yeah, we’re in some sort of an it’s complicated relationship.”
Julian is rebuilding his life after his violent abduction. His dream is to go back to his life as an elite escort. He is suddenly having memory flashbacks that could help find his abductor, but at what cost to his mental health? Beckett just wants to swoop in and protect Julian from any and all threats.
“Beckett looked around, making sure he earmarked this exact moment as the ripple in time when his heart went from infatuation to the possibility of finding his one.”
I adore this story. Julian is just so easy to love, so charismatic, and Beckett is the Swooniest! I did not want this book to end. What a book hangover!! -5 Stars- Are you #TeamBeckett or #TeamJulian ??
I'm over the moon for this love story 💖 The writing team that is Kindle Alexander has given us one of their very best books thus far and I can't stop thinking about it. The slow burn and I do mean slow burn, romance between Julian and Beckett is about as perfectly imperfect a kind of pairing as you can get. These two are complete opposites with Julian's outgoing flair as manager of Reservations a true contrast to Beckett's quiet nature as he teaches survival skills for a living. His patience in getting and keeping Julian's attention is to be admired and I'll tell ya: I was beyond happy to wait right along with Beckett for the man of his dreams.
I can't even with this book. I mean, I literally fell in love with both characters and their extremely complicated journey with each new turn of the page. Beckett is incredible. The way he simply wants to know Julian. How he wants to take everything good bad or otherwise that is a part of Julian's world and simply make it better. How he watches the nightclub manager and treads lightly as he figures out there is a haunted past that he'll do anything to erase. He is a keeper a thousand times over and I adore him.
Then there is our Julian. The man who faced true horror and with the help of devoted friends, climbed his way out of despair to become one heck of a boss. He runs Reservations like a well-oiled machine and is clearly beloved by his staff and higher-ups alike. But it is his snark and crazy-good wit that is just so darn endearing. No one has better comebacks than he does and his scenes with Thane had me cracking up as Julian would often leave him completely exasperated. But he has such a big heart, it's truly impossible to stay angry with him for long.
Despite all he tries to do to thwart Beckett's intentions, the white-hot chemistry between Julian and his Marlboro man is undeniable. And the way Beckett takes his time, not wanting Julian to ever feel uncomfortable as they continue to get closer and things start to ramp up physically, I couldn't help but get teary-eyed at the touching way he cares for his man. The triumph Julian feels as finally wants to be with Beckett after two long years of feeling afraid had me cheering right along with him. I could really sense the relief he felt that he not only could again be attracted to a man but would want to claim him both in and out of the bedroom.
Kindle Alexander lets the brutal event that happened to Julian trickle out at the absolutely right pace. I was grateful for the reminder of what transpired since it had been a while since I read Reservations and the caring and delicate nature in which all was revealed. I was literally right by Julian's side along with Beckett as he knew he could truly take charge of his life once again.
Julian's past life as a male escort is never far from his thoughts and the way the last 20% or so was crafted broke my heart. The reaction from Beckett as his world is yet again turned upside down by Julian was spot-on and I could feel every bit of sadness he did. But it's Julian's remorse and desperation to grab onto Beckett for good after all they endure together and apart that was beyond heartfelt and had me tearing up once more.
I could go on and on with how much I LOVED this book. But I will end my rambling review with these words: when looking for that love story that has all the feels and more, grab It's Complicated. Every word is brilliantly-written and the myriad of emotions you'll encounter will fill your soul like nothing else.
No one gives us MM love stories like the very talented writing duo of Kindle Alexander and It’s Complicated lived up to all my expectations and so much more. Julian Cullen works as a nightclub manager at Reservations, he knew what he wanted and where he was going until it was taken away from him and now he is just going through the motions. Beckett St Clair falls for Julian the first time they meet but it’s going to take a lot to convince him that he is worthy and capable of love so how far is Beckett willing to go to win Julian’s love…… This a beautifully written love story about two men who are meant to be together but who find each other in difficult times. Beckett is the man who turns everyone’s heads but he has no idea how beautiful he is but it’s not just his looks because this is a very special man who is kind and caring and willing to take his time and win the trust of the man he loves. Julian’s life has recently been turn upside down and he needs to learn to trust all over again and I’m sure like me you will fall hard and fast for the man struggling with life and love. A very special read that I highly recommend.
The chemistry between Julian and Beckett is smoldering. I can feel their intimacy and affection for each other. Wonderful character development and pacing. Kindle Alexander is a brilliant storyteller who always paints a vivid canvas with her words. She hooked me with this story and left me excited for more.
It’s Complicated by Kindle Alexander is the second book in the Reservations series. Beckett St. Claire is a rugged outdoorsman who owns a survivalist training company. He meets Julian Cullen, the manager of an exclusive gay men’s club called Reservations. Julian is haunted with horrific flashbacks of being drugged, kidnapped, and sexually assaulted while working as an escort. Beckett can survive any situation, but can he survive Julian’s issues and help feel worthy of love?
This slow-burning romance was heartfelt and complicated. I loved watching Beckett and Julian’s relationship evolve. Like a true survivalist, Beckett was there to help Julian learn to navigate the rocky terrain of their new relationship and trust again.
It’s Complicated is a standalone with characters from Secrets, released in 2015. I wish I had reread Secrets before starting this one to refresh my memory with everyone’s backstory. It’s not necessary to read it first, but it’s a great book as well!
Julian has spent most his life working at the top of his chosen career as an escort. He loved the lavish lifestyle with his rich clients, and feeling the center of attention was kinda addictive. So why would he not want all that back? But Julian is a broken man, having endured an abduction and torture his life has stalled big time. He is so fed up, all the guilt and shame is sucking his soul, he takes refuge in his club Reservations, it's the only place he feels in control, his job and his friends keep him sane.
So why would he look at the glorious new member that's been coming to the club ? Why would this strong and masculine cowboy grab his attention when nothing and no-one else could? He refused to acknowledge those shy glances that followed him around the club, night after night. His life was too complicated...
Beckett was new to the whole scene, having just come out to himself he felt vulnerable, but Reservations gave him a place to mingle with other men in a safe environment. He had no idea that with his strong physic and cowboy hat he caused quite the stir. However, Beckett was totally mesmerised by one man alone, sadly night after night he was doomed to be ignored.
Julian and Beckett have nothing in common, Beckett runs a survivalist camp while Julian lives for the lights and adoration. How will these two men find their way to each other ? Will the kind cowboy accept the drama and trouble that seems to follow Julian around? Well, a big hairy dog, interfering friends and a few scary flash backs suddenly change this whole story. Hold on to your hats ...
Another well rounded, well written story by these amazing authors. It felt a tad too long, but boy was the ride worth it by the end.
I love Kindle Alexander's books and this one was right there. The cover reminded me of another book I read ages ago and when I started reading it came all back to me. Yes, Reservations from 2017. So everything was a bit vague and blurry. But once Thane and Levi started taking over Julien's life, it came back to me. Julien, night club manager of Reservations who used to work as an escort, keeps a high standard when it comes to work. But he draws a line when his boss and owner of the club starts getting invested in his love life. A member of the Club, Beckett St. Clair had been dancing with Julien at Levi's party and now Thane wants to know all about Beckett. He gets all protective because he still struggles with what happened to Julien. And Julien is more than grateful that Thane saved his life and gave him the job. That's why Julien wants only the best for the Club and puts all his energy and time in it. Beckett owns a business that involves him teaching people to survive in the wilderness. His camp is successful and sought after and he just signed a contract to teach soldiers in a weeklong course at the hotel connected to Reservations. The night club where he sees Julien and is smitten at the first sight. So much so that he has a reservation for a table in the club from where he watches Julien work. Once I got all the players set in my mind I could settle in to read the story and let the mental pictures develop in front of my eyes. While I wasn't happy that Julien kept harping on about getting back to escorting, it was repetitive and annoying, I quite understood the why. It was so disappointing though that a smart man like Julien seemed so shallow wanting the money and the high life of being an escort, not seeing that something more important might be right in front of him. Beckett is good looking, rich, made his love of the outdoors into a job and a business. He is gay and interested in Julien. The way he woos Julien is so freaking swoon worthy. Got a bit jealous of Julien there. He is willing to do a long distance relationship and even plans to uproot his life and moving closer to Julien. Adorable. Watching the two getting closer and getting to know each other puts the plot line almost into the background. All in all it is a great read and I enjoyed the book very much. You will need tissues though, and some content on and off the page may trigger some readers.
We first meet Julian in Secret. He's a high-dollar escort who knows his business, can charge mega bucks for his company and loves his life just the way it is. No strings attached! One fateful night that all changes when he was abducted, beaten within an inch of his life, and left for dead. Months of recovery have brought him back but he is nothing like what he used to be. He doesn't think he will ever be the man he was before the attack. Managing Reservations has given him a sense of purpose until Beckett St Clair walks in and tried to unravel his I don't date rule. Beckett is perfect, perfect for anyone except Julian who is jaded. Beckett has set his sights on Julian and he will not settle for anything less. As they get to know each other Julian also starts to get his groove back. When a former client offers him what he thinks he needs, Julian agrees, leaving Beckett heartbroken. When skeletons ftom his past retutn Julian turns to Beckett and finally realizes his old life is nowhere near as appealing as a future with Beckett. Julian's story is a story of courage and trust. Courage to overcome an almost deadly assault and putting trust in someone who csn love and care for him considering he never felt anyone ever wanted him for anything other than his looks
Wow!!! This story is definitely a must read!! It’s complicated is Julian and Beckett love story. I remember Julian from previous book and in this one every is different for him because of past events now Julian Cullen is the manager of Reservations. He is still struggling because of his abduction, he is not the same and is still having a hard time but he wants to get better and wants his previous life back.
Enter Beckett St. Clair an ex-military and owner of a survivalist training company, he is recently admitted that he is gay and decided to join Reservations, the first day he meets Julian and knows that he is the one for him. and it's thriving. I love Beckett he is a great guy and I like who patient he is with Julian, he would do everything to gain his trust and showing him that he can trust in him. Very slowly this two become comfortable of each other and Julian can resist him, he offers Julian something he was missing.
Watching Julian struggle with his flash back was hard, he was lucky to have so many people to help him specially Beckett. Julian, Julian, Julian you have to make this hard you stubborn man…. You just make yourself suffer! Watching this two fall for each other was amazing I love their journey, their chemistry was amazing and their time together was super hot. This book is definitely worth it! Enjoy!
This was a stunningly emotional book that also had a lot of underlying warmth and humor! These two and all of their friends and family are just wonderful people but with real personalities. No one is perfect and some of them have very strong personalities like Thane! Thane is Julian's boss and he truly saves and cares for Julian in such a protective and bossy way! I loved him! But I loved Beckett even more!! Beckett the shy, gentle giant of a cowboy who falls so hard for beautiful broken Julian! I could not put this book down wanted these two to become one! Their journey is realistic and difficult. Love does not just immediately heal Julian, it takes time, trust and true feelings! Their lovemaking is steamy and sensual, but you will be worried for them until the end! And Woofer the dog is another star of the story! I received an ARC of this book and I highly recommend to anyone who loves a beautiful hurt comfort story of overcoming past traumas and healing with the love and support or friends, a dog and a sweet hot cowboy!!
This slow burn had me biting my nails to a point where I drew blood. This story made me both mad and happy. What happened to Julian I wouldn't wish even to my worst enemies. It was due to his attack that I loved Beckett so much. He saw past the hurt, scars and his cocky attitude and just wanted to hold him and make his troubles go away. To tell you the truth Julian did step on a nerve when he kept pushing away from Beckett’s feeling thinking he can't commit to (only) him due to his past. But with everything that has happened to him he needs time to grow and see for himself that all he needs in his life is his Marlboro Man.
I laughed..I cried and in the end was just happy to see them getting what they both deserved in each other’s arms
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
I received a free copy to read and review for Wicked Reads
Man......this book was a bumpy ride, but worth every minute. Julian and Beckett were just perfect for each other. Julian has been through so much and had to deal with just as much to get where he is today. Beckett knows the moment he saw Julian he was worth the wait. From the first page I was all in and I couldn't wait to see how things played out. Beckett was simply perfect and everything Julian needed. These two gave me all the feels. I laughed, cried, cheered them on and of course fell in love with them. Highly recommend.
It’s Complicated is a heartfelt story between two amazing men both navigating their way through a complicated relationship. They definitely have chemistry and a connection yet their idea of what a relationship means differs, at least at the beginning.
Julian Cullen is a complicated man who has suffered through more than anyone could imagine. He lost everything he worked for and is working his way back to his new normal. He never thought he would ever be in a monogamous relationship until a hot ‘Marlboro Man’ graces his club and even then, he needs some convincing.
Beckett St. Clair is strong and a protector yet he has a gentle way about him especially when it came to Julian. He just has to show Julian that he is worth taking a risk on and that they really could have an wonderful life together.
I'm in the strange place where I want to read fast because I LOVE Kindle Alexander stories and read slow because I don't want it to end!
I re-read Reservations before starting It's Complicated and fell in love with Julian again. He's feisty, funny and secretly very caring but will he meet his match because he doesn't think he deserves to. Luckily the Marlborough Man wants to get to know him.
Not only is this their story but is also about Julian's relationship with those around him and letting them into his chosen family. He's so brave and fully rounded character, he's been through so much but has come through stronger and more self aware giving him the opportunity to start loving Beckett.
Beckett, 'the Marlborough Man' is such a caring, supportive human being. He's ready for Julian and is determined to have him no matter how long it takes. Luckily once Julian is on board they find they are a perfect match, it's gut wrenching when Julian sabotages that.
As always I wasn't the least bit disappointed in this story and Kindle Alexander remains an auto buy and I would recommend everyone do the same.
The duo of Kindle Alexander are wonderful authors……. This outstanding book It’s Complicated is full of wondrous things. I fell into the pages from the beginning, their writing feels like a warm blanket making me feel connected and content. Julian Cullen , a man who knew his worth among other men but now , not so much. He works at Reservations as Nightclub manager..
Beckett St. Clair arrives at the club , he sees Julian ..say no more. Such a beautiful story that had me devouring every word . Beckett is a survival company owner who turns everyone’s head, good looking extremely fit, looking like a model or like a cowboy when dressed in casual clothes mostly always wearing his cowboy hat, nicknamed The Marlboro man .."
This is such a wonderfully written book about two men that find each other in difficult circumstances , Julian has to learn to trust which for him is understandable extremely hard. Beckett, he has patience personified..
No wonder they titled it “It’s Complicated.” Julian was ALL OVER THE PLACE! I’ll be honest, I don’t really remember him from Reservations. I kinda went into this with little background.
I did love Beckett, he was a big ole teddy bear. The things he did to get Julian’s attention were swoon-worthy!
Julian’s flashbacks were a bit unnerving and I was dying to find out what happened to him. When I did, it made me both sad and angry.
I have to admit, I HATED that Julian kept stating that he wanted his old life back. He had made such strives after his accident. His life was heading in a positive and healthy direction that I just couldn’t understand why he’d want to go back to ‘escorting.’
For a large part of the book I was not a huge fan of Julian’s because I just knew he would hurt not only Beckett but himself as well if he kept striving for his old life.
Suffice it to say, it took a while but, things worked out for everyone. Including a big ole HEA.
I WANT A WOOFERS!
Are you #TeamJulian or #TeamBeckett ? ***** POV… third person
Standalone or series… companion to Reservations but CAN be read as standalone
Hangover… slight
Recommend… yes
Reread… yes
Julian Cullen Beckett St. Clair
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the second book in the series - and whilst I would definitely recommend that you read them in order, to get the full goodness of the side relationships, you can read this first and enjoy going back and getting Thane and Levi's story afterwards too!
Julian is a fascinating character - he was badly attacked and had Thane not been a true gentleman, who knows what would have befallen him. Luckily Thane not only supported him through the trauma, but he also gave him a new purpose, managing his club, Reservations. But as he heals, he wonders whether he should not go back to his life as an escort again, enjoying the wealth and perks of the lifestyle.
One guy at the club, Beckett, has his eye on Julian, and thinks there is a spark back. Not really secure in his recent acceptance of his sexual orientation, he does not imagine he makes much of an impression, but he is trying. For such a secure, vital man, his nerves are strangely appealing and very honest. It took me only seconds to only want good things for both of them - and I was sure it was to be with each other - but the gaps in their dreams and expectations are significant...
A lovely, sexy, romantic and cheering read - thank you Kindle Alexander!
Julian has an experience that he would genuinely rather completely forget and his aim in trying to suppress everything means it all comes bubbling to the surface ready to boil over. There is never a perfect solution for trauma and so I cannot help but feel for Julian. This story felt overwhelming for me when it came to Julian. I cannot fault his reactions, his feelings nor his attitude in this story because trauma affects people differently.
Beckett – safe to say for me it took me time to warm up to him. His demeanour was different and yet in the end that is what endeared me to him even more. His determination and his character kept him being more patient than I could be with Julian – that’s for sure.
This book is more intense than I assumed it would be and in some ways I feel like it’s more intense than it needed to be but I do recognise the value of it because it allowed me to connect so much more with the characters as well. This story definitely lives up to its name.
Once again, the Kindles bring readers a story with two characters you can't help but fall in love with, and an endearing love story that had me glued to the pages.
Beckett was just so amazing!! A guy that hasn't been out of the closet for long, he was a quiet and steadfast guy who had the patience of a saint when it came to Julian. And Julian, what can I say about this guy? When first meeting him in Secrets, then again in Reservations, I just knew he was going to be over the top and not someone easily forgotten. It's no surprise he's getting his own book!
Typically Kindle's guys fall hard and fast for each other, but Julian had plans of his own, drawing out this relationship with Beckett over the entire book. Beckett truly was going for sainthood with the restraint and patience he practiced when it came to Julian. He knew something had happened in Julian's past, and he was not going to push him in any way, only hoping and praying that Julian would want to be his guy, just as much as he wanted to be Julian's.
This was an intriguing slow burn romance, with the mystery and suspense from Julian's attack looming large throughout. He is understandably skittish and guarded, but Beckett manages to wear down his defenses. And when he does, oh boy!! Sexy, sexy, sexy is all I can say!!
I really liked the way Julian's memories started coming little bit by little bit, in flashbacks. He experienced such a traumatic, life threatening attack, it's no wonder his brain didn't want to revisit that awfulness. But now that he's starting to open himself up to someone special, those memories start coming back fast and furious, and I couldn't wait to find out who had done those horrific things to Julian. The Kindles played it out perfectly.
Julian and Beckett could not possibly be more opposite, but they fit together perfectly and it was highly entertaining being along for the ride as these two both traveled roads of discovery, all while forging a serious relationship which was a first for both. With that being said, it certainly was not a smooth ride for these two very passionate men, as Julian needed to figure out who he truly was after suffering such a traumatic experience. Poor Beckett, he was helpless to do much but stand aside and hope and pray that Julian found himself, and ultimately found a way back into his arms.
It is always fun to see the other Kindle Alexander characters pop up in these stories, and get caught up on what they are doing now with their lives. I'm anxious to see whose story is going to be next!
I have wanted Julian's story since reading Reservations where he was introduced. He had such a fabulous personality in that story I knew his own book would be fantastic. I was not wrong.
Thane Walker, the owner and boss of Juliana at Reservations. Thane open this high end members only club, he opened the club after Juliana was attacked. He wanted members to have a safe place to go.
Then there is Becket. What can I say about him but swoon. Becket is an outdoor man, complete opposite of Julian. However, he is perfect for Julian. Becket was sweet, patient and understanding.
There was a time where I wanted to smack Julian for not seeing the perfection right in front of him. He was so hurt from his past that he was not a very trusting man. Once Julian realized Becket had actually broke through those walls it was increasable.
I highly recommend this book. You will not be disappointed.