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It’s Complicated
Dee Jensen's life is about to get complicated...
She's just found out that if she wants to start a family she needs to get on with it - fast. But her almost-definitely boyfriend Nat has almost-definitely just broken up with her.
Could platonic co-parenting - where two friends have a child together with no romantic connection - be the easy answer?
Dee finds herself suggesting the idea to a chef she's just met called Andy. And in the cold light of day he doesn't find it as laughable as she does...
But will feelings surface along the way?
And, in her heart of hearts, does Dee even want a baby?
________________
Praise for It's Complicated :
'A beautiful ode to finding your place in the world, I related to Dee all too well. Charming, romantic and fresh, It's Complicated will make so very many women feel seen when it comes to the should-I-shouldn't-I baby conundrum of our thirties. Gorgeous' Laura Jane Williams
'A fantastic storyteller, and a brilliant observer of modern life - she makes me laugh out loud!' Daisy Buchanan
'Sharply observed, witty, and brimming with heart, It's Complicated asks readers an age-old What's love got to do with it (having a family)?, and answers it with panache' Lauren Ho
'I absolutely adored It's Emma has such a sharp sense of what makes us human, what irrational sparks make us fall in love, what friendships are made of. . . I inhaled this book and felt better for it' Bethany Rutter
'Full of warmth, wit and a cast of characters that will stay with me for a long time' Caroline Khoury
'Warm, kind-hearted and delightfully sharp and witty, this is exactly what I expected from Emma's consistently compelling, charming writing' Laura Kay
She's just found out that if she wants to start a family she needs to get on with it - fast. But her almost-definitely boyfriend Nat has almost-definitely just broken up with her.
Could platonic co-parenting - where two friends have a child together with no romantic connection - be the easy answer?
Dee finds herself suggesting the idea to a chef she's just met called Andy. And in the cold light of day he doesn't find it as laughable as she does...
But will feelings surface along the way?
And, in her heart of hearts, does Dee even want a baby?
________________
Praise for It's Complicated :
'A beautiful ode to finding your place in the world, I related to Dee all too well. Charming, romantic and fresh, It's Complicated will make so very many women feel seen when it comes to the should-I-shouldn't-I baby conundrum of our thirties. Gorgeous' Laura Jane Williams
'A fantastic storyteller, and a brilliant observer of modern life - she makes me laugh out loud!' Daisy Buchanan
'Sharply observed, witty, and brimming with heart, It's Complicated asks readers an age-old What's love got to do with it (having a family)?, and answers it with panache' Lauren Ho
'I absolutely adored It's Emma has such a sharp sense of what makes us human, what irrational sparks make us fall in love, what friendships are made of. . . I inhaled this book and felt better for it' Bethany Rutter
'Full of warmth, wit and a cast of characters that will stay with me for a long time' Caroline Khoury
'Warm, kind-hearted and delightfully sharp and witty, this is exactly what I expected from Emma's consistently compelling, charming writing' Laura Kay
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 6, 2023
6 people are currently reading
403 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
July 25, 2023
this was a 3 star read up until the 70% mark, the ending really made the difference for me!
this story follows dee who has been told she has failing ovaries and will need to start a family quickly if she wants one.
the story centres around dee, her friends, her family, her relationships, and her work life. it is definitely more women’s fiction than romance so i think it should be marketed that way.
i loved the development of dee and andy, and their decision towards the end of the book. the friendships were so wonderful to read about and so was the relationship between dee and her mum and stepmum.
the story shows a clear development of character in dee and i really enjoyed reading it!
this story follows dee who has been told she has failing ovaries and will need to start a family quickly if she wants one.
the story centres around dee, her friends, her family, her relationships, and her work life. it is definitely more women’s fiction than romance so i think it should be marketed that way.
i loved the development of dee and andy, and their decision towards the end of the book. the friendships were so wonderful to read about and so was the relationship between dee and her mum and stepmum.
the story shows a clear development of character in dee and i really enjoyed reading it!
March 5, 2025
Dee is a 34 year old woman who has two amazing best friends and is still holding a candle for a boy she had a crush on when she 16. She very much puts everyone else before herself and seems to willingly bend over backwards to make herself into the person she thinks those around her want her to be.
There are some heavy themes throughout the book that encompass different stages of the fertility process and it seems that each of the three best friends has something they need to deal with, fertility wise. And while I think it's a good idea to discuss these issues in books and have these kinds of characters that readers can identify with, I think the book is marketed the wrong way. It's marketed as a romance when I really don't think this is so much, yes there is a little bit of romance in the story but the main story centres around Dee and her journey figuring out who she is and what she wants.
I did enjoy the book and I empathised with the three women and what they were dealing with but it would have been nice to see Dee's relationship with Andy a little more. To actually watch them grow properly as a couple.
Thanks NetGalley for the chance to review this ARC!
There are some heavy themes throughout the book that encompass different stages of the fertility process and it seems that each of the three best friends has something they need to deal with, fertility wise. And while I think it's a good idea to discuss these issues in books and have these kinds of characters that readers can identify with, I think the book is marketed the wrong way. It's marketed as a romance when I really don't think this is so much, yes there is a little bit of romance in the story but the main story centres around Dee and her journey figuring out who she is and what she wants.
I did enjoy the book and I empathised with the three women and what they were dealing with but it would have been nice to see Dee's relationship with Andy a little more. To actually watch them grow properly as a couple.
Thanks NetGalley for the chance to review this ARC!
May 4, 2025
I was really excited about the theme of platonic co-parenting and how to explore this option. But sadly, it was only discussed superficially, in my opinion. Relevant questions like how to manage childcare together or how to handle dating apparently didn‘t seem important to Dee and Andy. It felt like they just wanted a family without really thinking about what it meant for their lives and what was needed for it. Dee‘s life is anything but stable with a job that isn‘t paying well and a flat she got kicked out of, but that doesn‘t seem to be a problem regarding having a child for her (???).
August 23, 2023
* ARC via NetGalley, all opinions are my own (Although the book is published but my reading schedule has been off!!!)
* It's Complicated is a funny, witty tale about a woman and her friends at the heart of it. It is different than the ‘rom coms’ I typically read (although I wouldn’t quite place this book there either) , where we are almost instantly introduced to the 'love interest' and know exactly where the plot is going within the first few chapters. It's Complicated is relatable, it begins with a low, it begins with Dee's ‘delusion’ before ultimately finding what she has to offer and what she wants. We get to peek into the love, the support system, the tragedies, the insecurities and the challenges that rule Dee’s life. While I'm not usually a fan of the baby trope, I surprisingly have an affinity to it when it comes to Dee and Andy. They’re not forced into it, its not for a completely out of the ballpark, stretched out reason, which made the book a great ‘relatable’ read.
* What I loved is Hughes' writing style. It was a breath of fresh air and reminded me of the books I would read in the earlier stage of my reading obsession, it was consistent and something which I crave. It’s witty without feeling too cringey. The book is riddled with British culture cues, which as a fellow Brit I loved because it remained authentic without being overtly obsessed with making the reader know the plot happens in London ( and I for one have found a lot of similarities in Dee as within myself. There's fun messages and emails and Instagram DM, which make you feel you're part of a girls' group chat. It’s a great group of characters which I would honestly love to see more of.
* A recommended read if you want to try something a little different from the usual rom coms you're used to.
* It's Complicated is a funny, witty tale about a woman and her friends at the heart of it. It is different than the ‘rom coms’ I typically read (although I wouldn’t quite place this book there either) , where we are almost instantly introduced to the 'love interest' and know exactly where the plot is going within the first few chapters. It's Complicated is relatable, it begins with a low, it begins with Dee's ‘delusion’ before ultimately finding what she has to offer and what she wants. We get to peek into the love, the support system, the tragedies, the insecurities and the challenges that rule Dee’s life. While I'm not usually a fan of the baby trope, I surprisingly have an affinity to it when it comes to Dee and Andy. They’re not forced into it, its not for a completely out of the ballpark, stretched out reason, which made the book a great ‘relatable’ read.
* What I loved is Hughes' writing style. It was a breath of fresh air and reminded me of the books I would read in the earlier stage of my reading obsession, it was consistent and something which I crave. It’s witty without feeling too cringey. The book is riddled with British culture cues, which as a fellow Brit I loved because it remained authentic without being overtly obsessed with making the reader know the plot happens in London ( and I for one have found a lot of similarities in Dee as within myself. There's fun messages and emails and Instagram DM, which make you feel you're part of a girls' group chat. It’s a great group of characters which I would honestly love to see more of.
* A recommended read if you want to try something a little different from the usual rom coms you're used to.
Read
February 14, 2023What a rollercoaster. There are some really heavy themes in this book, but at its heart this is a really charming story about building a family and all the different forms that families can take. There are some lovely highs and some emotional gut punches, all wrapped up with a satisfyingly hopeful ending.
I don’t want to give any spoilers, but I’m very glad that this story is pro-choice and explores the fact that everyone’s definition of family and their ideal lifestyle is different—and valid—and that having children isn’t the be-all and end-all of a woman’s worth.
Dee and Andy’s story is really lovely. Dee’s relationship struggles struck a chord with me, especially how dating normally feels ‘like an elaborately stressful tango’. I loved that because her relationship with Andy isn’t ‘real’ to start with, she doesn’t have to perform; she can be herself and have someone love her anyway. It’s one of my favourite tropes and why I love ‘fake relationship’ stories so much, and this book is a delightful example of it.
But whilst the romance is a key thread of the book, Dee’s friendship with Minnie and Roo, and her relationship with her mum and stepmum are the real stars of the show. The characters are all so wonderful and although it’s a little difficult to keep track of them all at the start—especially when we’re given such rich insights into every character’s backstory—by the time you get to the end, you’ll love them all, and all of those extra little details will feel so worthwhile.
(Content warnings for lots of talk of fertility issues, abortion; mentions of suicide attempts.)
Thank you to NetGalley and Cornerstone for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I don’t want to give any spoilers, but I’m very glad that this story is pro-choice and explores the fact that everyone’s definition of family and their ideal lifestyle is different—and valid—and that having children isn’t the be-all and end-all of a woman’s worth.
Dee and Andy’s story is really lovely. Dee’s relationship struggles struck a chord with me, especially how dating normally feels ‘like an elaborately stressful tango’. I loved that because her relationship with Andy isn’t ‘real’ to start with, she doesn’t have to perform; she can be herself and have someone love her anyway. It’s one of my favourite tropes and why I love ‘fake relationship’ stories so much, and this book is a delightful example of it.
But whilst the romance is a key thread of the book, Dee’s friendship with Minnie and Roo, and her relationship with her mum and stepmum are the real stars of the show. The characters are all so wonderful and although it’s a little difficult to keep track of them all at the start—especially when we’re given such rich insights into every character’s backstory—by the time you get to the end, you’ll love them all, and all of those extra little details will feel so worthwhile.
(Content warnings for lots of talk of fertility issues, abortion; mentions of suicide attempts.)
Thank you to NetGalley and Cornerstone for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 28, 2023
Definite emotional rollercoaster. It was nice to see the different struggles with fertility and motherhood.
I really enjoyed this book even though it may not have been one I chose in the shops. Would read more by Emma.
* thank you NetGalley for the ARC *
I really enjoyed this book even though it may not have been one I chose in the shops. Would read more by Emma.
* thank you NetGalley for the ARC *
March 15, 2023
Relevant, vivid, and enjoyable. Emma Hughes brings out the good in friendships and paints the picture of a thirty-something’s busy life in London.
Dee Jensen, now thirty-five, feels she’s stuck in life. Her job isn’t exciting, her housing situation isn’t ideal, and her relationship is there, for now… then something time-sensitive she had never needed to think about suddenly becomes the front focus. But is she ready for this big change? Dee’s life seems to unravel around her and only her close friends Roo and Minnie and her stepmother Ines keep her together.
It’s Complicated was easy to get into and enjoyable. It touched on many important themes and had a wide gallery of memorable characters. I made an instant connection with Dee that stayed with me during the entire book.
Dee’s friendships are strong and true without the extra drama. Instead, Hughes focused on the important problems and made these centre of attention, proving that you don’t have to make your characters drama-stirring assholes to make the story interesting.
The book was a bit educating at times (in a good way) as it brings up topics such as infertility, hormone troubles, early menopause, and abortion, to mention some. Being a woman in her mid-thirties, Dee experiences the impact of her failed expectations about herself and the societal struggles that come with it. Both of her friends also deal with different issues related to this, which was very enlightening. We also get to see the impact of Dee’s childhood growing up with a single parent with mental health struggles and the effect it had on their relationship.
The story had depth on several levels and felt complete and left no loose ends. I think these characters will stay with me for a long time as they really came alive on the page and their struggles seemed so realistic it felt like I experienced them with them.
The story focuses more on Dee’s friendships and the romantic drama comes a bit secondhand. In my opinion, this doesn’t matter, as I really enjoyed seeing Dee seek help from her friends and family to deal with her troubles and didn’t run right to the next guy. The relationship evolved in a natural way that didn’t feel rushed, and Dee came to see the bigger picture.
If you like steamy romance, this might not be for you, but if you like a story about being a woman in your thirties, dealing with expectations about motherhood and family, friendships, and success in life, this might be the book for you.
Dee Jensen, now thirty-five, feels she’s stuck in life. Her job isn’t exciting, her housing situation isn’t ideal, and her relationship is there, for now… then something time-sensitive she had never needed to think about suddenly becomes the front focus. But is she ready for this big change? Dee’s life seems to unravel around her and only her close friends Roo and Minnie and her stepmother Ines keep her together.
It’s Complicated was easy to get into and enjoyable. It touched on many important themes and had a wide gallery of memorable characters. I made an instant connection with Dee that stayed with me during the entire book.
Dee’s friendships are strong and true without the extra drama. Instead, Hughes focused on the important problems and made these centre of attention, proving that you don’t have to make your characters drama-stirring assholes to make the story interesting.
The book was a bit educating at times (in a good way) as it brings up topics such as infertility, hormone troubles, early menopause, and abortion, to mention some. Being a woman in her mid-thirties, Dee experiences the impact of her failed expectations about herself and the societal struggles that come with it. Both of her friends also deal with different issues related to this, which was very enlightening. We also get to see the impact of Dee’s childhood growing up with a single parent with mental health struggles and the effect it had on their relationship.
The story had depth on several levels and felt complete and left no loose ends. I think these characters will stay with me for a long time as they really came alive on the page and their struggles seemed so realistic it felt like I experienced them with them.
The story focuses more on Dee’s friendships and the romantic drama comes a bit secondhand. In my opinion, this doesn’t matter, as I really enjoyed seeing Dee seek help from her friends and family to deal with her troubles and didn’t run right to the next guy. The relationship evolved in a natural way that didn’t feel rushed, and Dee came to see the bigger picture.
If you like steamy romance, this might not be for you, but if you like a story about being a woman in your thirties, dealing with expectations about motherhood and family, friendships, and success in life, this might be the book for you.
March 30, 2023
Imagine being in your mid-thirties and told that you'd better get a wiggle on if you want kids because your body is not being very cooperative.
This is the situation our main character, Dee, finds herself in. She's always wanted a family, and now, with a relationship that hinges on a childhood crush crumbling, she is at a loss as to what she can do to boost her chances of making her dream come true.
Dee rides the storm with her two best friends, Roo, inseparable since school, and Minnie, a more recent addition to their friendship circle. Both have strong opinions and battles to fight in the fertility/pregnancy stakes.
The idea of co-parenting with someone else desperate for a child but not in a relationship is planted. Soon, a chance meeting with chef Andy and some drunken disclosures later, Dee finds herself possibly embarking on a co-parenting journey.
This book has many offshoot stories regarding Dee's friends, her mother, Alice and her partner Ines, and snippets of her relationship with her estranged father, who is living in Denmark.
It is a pleasant read with some deeper issues that haven't been explored fully.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Random House, and Cornerstone (Penguin Books) for an ARC.
This is the situation our main character, Dee, finds herself in. She's always wanted a family, and now, with a relationship that hinges on a childhood crush crumbling, she is at a loss as to what she can do to boost her chances of making her dream come true.
Dee rides the storm with her two best friends, Roo, inseparable since school, and Minnie, a more recent addition to their friendship circle. Both have strong opinions and battles to fight in the fertility/pregnancy stakes.
The idea of co-parenting with someone else desperate for a child but not in a relationship is planted. Soon, a chance meeting with chef Andy and some drunken disclosures later, Dee finds herself possibly embarking on a co-parenting journey.
This book has many offshoot stories regarding Dee's friends, her mother, Alice and her partner Ines, and snippets of her relationship with her estranged father, who is living in Denmark.
It is a pleasant read with some deeper issues that haven't been explored fully.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Random House, and Cornerstone (Penguin Books) for an ARC.
July 10, 2023
When approached by Century to take part in this blog tour I had assumed that ‘It’s Complicated’ was a romcom centred around a couple navigating parenthood. It’s not that at all. It’s a funny, relatable, heartwarming but at times very sad novel following Dee, a 34 year old single woman who is juggling some really difficult choices, dealing with past traumas and navigating life as a woman, alongside her two best friends as they race against their biological clocks as well as the opinions society has about their reproductive organs.
Though there is a little romance in this book it is far more about friendship and motherhood than it is about romantic relationships - Dee has the most beautiful and eclectic group of people around her and I loved them all, from her step-mum Ines to grumpy chef Andy and of course her mum’s cat Ronnie, who is a whole vibe of his own; I had a great time reading about them all and I was sad that it had to end. I have Emma’s previous novel already on my TBR and I’m now really excited to get to it, I loved her writing style - warm, witty and addictive. I’d recommend this one for fans of Emma Gannon’s ‘Olive’ and Bethany Rutter’s ‘Welcome To My Life’.
P.S. Philly carbonara is indeed an elite dinner.
Though there is a little romance in this book it is far more about friendship and motherhood than it is about romantic relationships - Dee has the most beautiful and eclectic group of people around her and I loved them all, from her step-mum Ines to grumpy chef Andy and of course her mum’s cat Ronnie, who is a whole vibe of his own; I had a great time reading about them all and I was sad that it had to end. I have Emma’s previous novel already on my TBR and I’m now really excited to get to it, I loved her writing style - warm, witty and addictive. I’d recommend this one for fans of Emma Gannon’s ‘Olive’ and Bethany Rutter’s ‘Welcome To My Life’.
P.S. Philly carbonara is indeed an elite dinner.
March 21, 2024
3.5 (RTC)
This was a fun and easy read that explored the different challenges young women face in society. I loved the friendship between Dee and her friends, the different attitudes towards life and the struggles they faced.
I didn't feel the romance part of the story as much as I'd hoped but I could appreciate the relationship between Dee and Andy.
This was a fun and easy read that explored the different challenges young women face in society. I loved the friendship between Dee and her friends, the different attitudes towards life and the struggles they faced.
I didn't feel the romance part of the story as much as I'd hoped but I could appreciate the relationship between Dee and Andy.
March 8, 2025
dnf p. 130
It just tried too hard to be funny and delightful then ended up being boring and awkward.
It just tried too hard to be funny and delightful then ended up being boring and awkward.
July 6, 2023
A bright novel set in the modern world of dating.
Dee Jensen has no sooner been dumped than she finds out that if she ever wants to have children, she needs to start right now. With little hope of finding herself in a relationship any time soon, she discovers platonic co-parenting where two people create and share parenting responsibilities without having a sexual relationship themselves. The more she thinks about it, the more she considers it may be her only option and when she broaches the idea with Andy, a new acquaintance, he doesn't run for the hills. Might this be her chance at being a mother?
This is a delightfully different read, with much food for thought. Emma Hughes opens up a world which few of us consider. It's only now, in the 21st century, that women are aware of their diminishing fertility and this is a light, entertaining story with serious undertones. My interest was kept from beginning to the very end with this well-written tale, and I'll certainly look out for more from this author. Recommended, 4*.
Dee Jensen has no sooner been dumped than she finds out that if she ever wants to have children, she needs to start right now. With little hope of finding herself in a relationship any time soon, she discovers platonic co-parenting where two people create and share parenting responsibilities without having a sexual relationship themselves. The more she thinks about it, the more she considers it may be her only option and when she broaches the idea with Andy, a new acquaintance, he doesn't run for the hills. Might this be her chance at being a mother?
This is a delightfully different read, with much food for thought. Emma Hughes opens up a world which few of us consider. It's only now, in the 21st century, that women are aware of their diminishing fertility and this is a light, entertaining story with serious undertones. My interest was kept from beginning to the very end with this well-written tale, and I'll certainly look out for more from this author. Recommended, 4*.
August 19, 2023
I’m not a fan of overly cliched romance novels. I don’t particularly have a favourite romance trope or meet-cute but I can appreciate a book that sprinkles in a bit of romance with a well developed plot and fleshed out characters.
It’s Complicated centres itself around Dee, our leading lady, who has just found out that if she wants to have children, she needs to get a move on. Due to her current single status, she decides the best course of action is to co-parent with someone who she is in a platonic relationship with.
This one hit all the spots for me. It was charming, witty and while it definitely did have some romance in it, it felt more like a book about 3 women in their thirties, navigating life and all its curveballs. And as a woman in her thirties, I loved it. The friendships felt very real, their issues felt very real and the dialogue felt…you guessed it…very real.
Read if you:
· Love friendships
· Being cooked for
· Philadelphia cheese and carbonara. Together.
· Don’t mind not eating pancakes
It’s Complicated centres itself around Dee, our leading lady, who has just found out that if she wants to have children, she needs to get a move on. Due to her current single status, she decides the best course of action is to co-parent with someone who she is in a platonic relationship with.
This one hit all the spots for me. It was charming, witty and while it definitely did have some romance in it, it felt more like a book about 3 women in their thirties, navigating life and all its curveballs. And as a woman in her thirties, I loved it. The friendships felt very real, their issues felt very real and the dialogue felt…you guessed it…very real.
Read if you:
· Love friendships
· Being cooked for
· Philadelphia cheese and carbonara. Together.
· Don’t mind not eating pancakes
February 24, 2023
Dee is the 30 something character in this book who is dealt some devastating news about her health at a point in her life when she is already struggling. Stuck in a dead end job, an unfulfilling relationship with her commitment-phobe childhood crush and parent issues, she starts to wonder where her life is going.
There is a lot packed into this book; fertility problems, mental health issues, a woman's right to choose, co-parenting, the importance of friends and choosing your family. For me, a lot of this felt forced, and was definitely at the expense of both story and character development. I would have loved for there to be more about Andy and Dee's attraction to each other and also to explore Dee, Roo and the other friend (see, I can't even remember her name) friendship dynamic. It also felt a little trite that everything was wrapped up so neatly by the end of the book.
Not one for me I'm afraid, but I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy in return for an honest review.
There is a lot packed into this book; fertility problems, mental health issues, a woman's right to choose, co-parenting, the importance of friends and choosing your family. For me, a lot of this felt forced, and was definitely at the expense of both story and character development. I would have loved for there to be more about Andy and Dee's attraction to each other and also to explore Dee, Roo and the other friend (see, I can't even remember her name) friendship dynamic. It also felt a little trite that everything was wrapped up so neatly by the end of the book.
Not one for me I'm afraid, but I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy in return for an honest review.
February 21, 2023
Before I start, I just want to say that Emma as an author is someone who is incredibly talented and she should be so proud of herself for turning her writing into a book, she is incredible when it comes to narration and writing characters, along with focusing on serious topics. Thank you for allowing me to read this as an arc.
When I read the blurb to this story, I was intrigued from the get go and was hoping to be approved, and when the email came, I was over the moon, but when it came to reading the actual story? All I could feel was disappointment and sadness. I feel as if my hopes were upped for something that was barely focused on for the main character but more of a focus for Dee’s friends Roo and Minnie. I expected this book to have a lot of time being focused on Dee and Andy becoming co-parents and navigating their lives around a child platonically while potentially gaining feelings however this wasn’t the case.
To put it simply, I felt as if I was waiting for the other shoe to drop and the story to properly begin. In my opinion, there was little romance and absolutely no spice, it was informative but not as enjoyable as I hoped it would be. The story seemed to focus more on Dee and her friends rather than the co-parenting with Andy, it seemed to focus on the shambles that Dee was in and the things she was trying to heal from in terms of her parents. Unfortunately, this book wasn’t for me but I wish Emma the best of luck with her work.
When I read the blurb to this story, I was intrigued from the get go and was hoping to be approved, and when the email came, I was over the moon, but when it came to reading the actual story? All I could feel was disappointment and sadness. I feel as if my hopes were upped for something that was barely focused on for the main character but more of a focus for Dee’s friends Roo and Minnie. I expected this book to have a lot of time being focused on Dee and Andy becoming co-parents and navigating their lives around a child platonically while potentially gaining feelings however this wasn’t the case.
To put it simply, I felt as if I was waiting for the other shoe to drop and the story to properly begin. In my opinion, there was little romance and absolutely no spice, it was informative but not as enjoyable as I hoped it would be. The story seemed to focus more on Dee and her friends rather than the co-parenting with Andy, it seemed to focus on the shambles that Dee was in and the things she was trying to heal from in terms of her parents. Unfortunately, this book wasn’t for me but I wish Emma the best of luck with her work.
April 13, 2023
What would you do if you were suddenly told that things you had planned out for later in life just weren’t going to work?
Dee thinks that she has everything sorted, well, not really. She’s about to turn 35, she works for a company that sometimes pays her in food and lives as a lodger in a colleague’s one-bedroom flat. Oh, and her sometime boyfriend Nat isn’t quite ready to make any sort of commitment.
Apart from that, everything is going great.
And then she finds out that as far as fertility goes she’s living on borrowed time. She’s about to go into early menopause - like her Mum, and that’ll be it, any chance at having children, done!
So, she does what any sensible woman in her 30s does, she turns to her friends for advice. There’s sensible Roo the anaesthetist who is desperately trying to get pregnant, and then there’s Minnie, slightly flighty and not even contemplating parenthood. Their advice? Roo sends her to a fertility specialist and Minnie recommends something she saw on Reddit…a co-parenting deal where she has a baby with someone who wants to be a father but doesn’t want the complications of a relationship.
Sounds sensible, right? Of course!
Terrified for her future, not only the prospect of having to have a baby now but also the fact that she’s not really ready…she jumps into things with both feet and then she meets chef Andy who is just out of a disastrous relationship and though he wants children he doesn’t want to get involved with anyone. He’s perfect, but for the fact that they don’t actually hit it off right away.
This story wasn’t quite what I expected. I was promised romantic comedy/contemporary romance and though there were moments where this is precisely what I was delivered…there were also times when I took a step back and had to pause because wow…
This book includes some very sensitive topics including: abortion, fertility, cheating, parental abandonment, attempted suicide, mental health issues…
Definitely not your traditional romantic comedy by a long shot. But still one I enjoyed. I have to say that Emma Hughes dealt with these sensitive subjects in a way that doesn’t just gloss over them…and for that I am thankful. I like a romantic comedy with substance.
Dee thinks that she has everything sorted, well, not really. She’s about to turn 35, she works for a company that sometimes pays her in food and lives as a lodger in a colleague’s one-bedroom flat. Oh, and her sometime boyfriend Nat isn’t quite ready to make any sort of commitment.
Apart from that, everything is going great.
And then she finds out that as far as fertility goes she’s living on borrowed time. She’s about to go into early menopause - like her Mum, and that’ll be it, any chance at having children, done!
So, she does what any sensible woman in her 30s does, she turns to her friends for advice. There’s sensible Roo the anaesthetist who is desperately trying to get pregnant, and then there’s Minnie, slightly flighty and not even contemplating parenthood. Their advice? Roo sends her to a fertility specialist and Minnie recommends something she saw on Reddit…a co-parenting deal where she has a baby with someone who wants to be a father but doesn’t want the complications of a relationship.
Sounds sensible, right? Of course!
Terrified for her future, not only the prospect of having to have a baby now but also the fact that she’s not really ready…she jumps into things with both feet and then she meets chef Andy who is just out of a disastrous relationship and though he wants children he doesn’t want to get involved with anyone. He’s perfect, but for the fact that they don’t actually hit it off right away.
This story wasn’t quite what I expected. I was promised romantic comedy/contemporary romance and though there were moments where this is precisely what I was delivered…there were also times when I took a step back and had to pause because wow…
This book includes some very sensitive topics including: abortion, fertility, cheating, parental abandonment, attempted suicide, mental health issues…
Definitely not your traditional romantic comedy by a long shot. But still one I enjoyed. I have to say that Emma Hughes dealt with these sensitive subjects in a way that doesn’t just gloss over them…and for that I am thankful. I like a romantic comedy with substance.
November 1, 2023
Oh wow, I absolutely loved this one.
Dee, 34, is sofa surfing with a colleague, working a dead end job and is pretty sure her boyfriend, a man she’s held a candle to since she was 16, is about to break up with her. The icing on the cake: after a routine blood test she’s told that if children are part of her plan, she needs to get a move on, and fast.
Newly single, and life seemingly at rock bottom, Dee relies on her friends and step mother to get through. Now, I’ve met some amazing people in my life but let me tell you, Minnie, Roo & Ines are some of the finest, most incredible people ever created. Minnie & Roo are two of the best friends a girl could ever wish for, hilarious, strong, supportive and outrageously opinionated; they, along with there own fertility issues, play a HUGE part in the storyline and show up for Dee in her desperate hour of need.
Ines, her stepmom, only adds to this incredible show of women support, and her relationship with Dee is beautifully written into the story with the impact of her childhood and parental struggles with mental health also being explored.
Dee does have a plan to ‘overcome’ this fertility issue…platonic co-parenting! BUT you will have to read the book to find out more about that, because that would be spoiling it for you 🙈
Overall I thought this was such a fantastically written story, with lots of issues covered with such integrity and class I couldn’t help but devour it.
@emmahughes86 has also recently written a piece (on her most recent posts) about her own struggles, which made this story all that more special.
The one thing I will say is that it’s more ‘com’ than ‘rom’ and the relationships that were explored were more platonic than romantic, BUT, it only made the book and the message stronger in my opinion!
Huge thank you to @centurybooksuk & @emmahughes86 for my copy! Its complicated is out now so make sure you pick up a copy!
Dee, 34, is sofa surfing with a colleague, working a dead end job and is pretty sure her boyfriend, a man she’s held a candle to since she was 16, is about to break up with her. The icing on the cake: after a routine blood test she’s told that if children are part of her plan, she needs to get a move on, and fast.
Newly single, and life seemingly at rock bottom, Dee relies on her friends and step mother to get through. Now, I’ve met some amazing people in my life but let me tell you, Minnie, Roo & Ines are some of the finest, most incredible people ever created. Minnie & Roo are two of the best friends a girl could ever wish for, hilarious, strong, supportive and outrageously opinionated; they, along with there own fertility issues, play a HUGE part in the storyline and show up for Dee in her desperate hour of need.
Ines, her stepmom, only adds to this incredible show of women support, and her relationship with Dee is beautifully written into the story with the impact of her childhood and parental struggles with mental health also being explored.
Dee does have a plan to ‘overcome’ this fertility issue…platonic co-parenting! BUT you will have to read the book to find out more about that, because that would be spoiling it for you 🙈
Overall I thought this was such a fantastically written story, with lots of issues covered with such integrity and class I couldn’t help but devour it.
@emmahughes86 has also recently written a piece (on her most recent posts) about her own struggles, which made this story all that more special.
The one thing I will say is that it’s more ‘com’ than ‘rom’ and the relationships that were explored were more platonic than romantic, BUT, it only made the book and the message stronger in my opinion!
Huge thank you to @centurybooksuk & @emmahughes86 for my copy! Its complicated is out now so make sure you pick up a copy!
July 5, 2023
Emma Hughes has written an endearing story with wonderful, diverse characters.
Dee Jenson was a thirty five years old with a dead end job that paid peanuts, living in a rented flat belonging to a friend, with a boyfriend that she had known from school, a boyfriend who was an aspiring actor, a boyfriend who didn't like commitment, a dizzy mother with personality problems and a wonderful step mother who kept both her and her mother grounded.
Dee didn't have much going for her but what she did have were two brilliant, loyal, best friends, Roo and Minnie, who would always be there for her, who would always have her back and it was to these friends that Dee turned when she got the devastating news that her body clock was ticking much faster than it should and life with children, which she had always assume would happen, was quickly slipping away, she had choices to make but she had to make them quickly.
Co parenting with no strings attached seemed like the best option in her circumstances and when chef Andy came into the picture he seemed like a prime candidate....... but was he ?
Emma Hughes has broached a number of very emotive issues in this book with great sensitivity, as well as Dee's problems Roo and Minnie were also facing their own very different but equally distressing issues.
This is a really well written book that I really enjoyed although I would have liked to have seen more into Dee and Andy's relationship,we only seemed to get a glimpse before the end of the story.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
Dee Jenson was a thirty five years old with a dead end job that paid peanuts, living in a rented flat belonging to a friend, with a boyfriend that she had known from school, a boyfriend who was an aspiring actor, a boyfriend who didn't like commitment, a dizzy mother with personality problems and a wonderful step mother who kept both her and her mother grounded.
Dee didn't have much going for her but what she did have were two brilliant, loyal, best friends, Roo and Minnie, who would always be there for her, who would always have her back and it was to these friends that Dee turned when she got the devastating news that her body clock was ticking much faster than it should and life with children, which she had always assume would happen, was quickly slipping away, she had choices to make but she had to make them quickly.
Co parenting with no strings attached seemed like the best option in her circumstances and when chef Andy came into the picture he seemed like a prime candidate....... but was he ?
Emma Hughes has broached a number of very emotive issues in this book with great sensitivity, as well as Dee's problems Roo and Minnie were also facing their own very different but equally distressing issues.
This is a really well written book that I really enjoyed although I would have liked to have seen more into Dee and Andy's relationship,we only seemed to get a glimpse before the end of the story.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
July 29, 2023
This is a gorgeously heartwarming read where life doesn’t always go as expected or planned but we do our best to make the most of it which may surprise you…
While Dee is approaching her mid-30s she thought she had more time to settle down and have a family but her medical results indicate otherwise so she has to act fast. She ends up meeting Andy, a chef, who is in a similar boat to Dee who wants to have a family too. Can two strangers work out a plan to platonically co-parent?
This book has plenty of lovable characters from the main characters of Dee and Andy (we need more Andy’s in this world!) to Dee’s best friends Minnie and Roo, to Dee’s mum Alice and step mum Ines. It’s a story about female friendship, family, being brave when dealing with setbacks and knowing that you are loved and supported in those circumstances.
Hughes deals sensitively with the topic of women who want to start a family but feel the pressure of the ticking biological clock, as well as sharing alternate perspectives that starting a family is not straightforward and has emotional and physical complications along the way.
And the whole co-parenting with a stranger just makes the story very interesting and funny! The text dialogue between Dee and Andy was definitely amusing, as was the text dialogue with her friends.
This is a wonderful lighthearted romcom which I highly recommend!
While Dee is approaching her mid-30s she thought she had more time to settle down and have a family but her medical results indicate otherwise so she has to act fast. She ends up meeting Andy, a chef, who is in a similar boat to Dee who wants to have a family too. Can two strangers work out a plan to platonically co-parent?
This book has plenty of lovable characters from the main characters of Dee and Andy (we need more Andy’s in this world!) to Dee’s best friends Minnie and Roo, to Dee’s mum Alice and step mum Ines. It’s a story about female friendship, family, being brave when dealing with setbacks and knowing that you are loved and supported in those circumstances.
Hughes deals sensitively with the topic of women who want to start a family but feel the pressure of the ticking biological clock, as well as sharing alternate perspectives that starting a family is not straightforward and has emotional and physical complications along the way.
And the whole co-parenting with a stranger just makes the story very interesting and funny! The text dialogue between Dee and Andy was definitely amusing, as was the text dialogue with her friends.
This is a wonderful lighthearted romcom which I highly recommend!
September 8, 2025
‘Desolate and feeling like she's running out of time, Dee hears about platonic co-parenting, where two friends have a child together, but no romantic or sexual relationship. Before long, she finds herself suggesting it to Andy, the owner of a coffee truck who she's met precisely twice and isn't even sure she likes. To her shock, in the cold light of day he doesn't seem to find the idea as laughable as she does...
The two of them start on a very modern journey to becoming platonic co-parents. Dee keeps telling herself that it's all strictly business. But as they start to become more involved in each other's lives, will their arrangement stay that way?’
I expected this book to be a light-hearted romance story, but it turned out to be more than that. The story is quite a sad story about fertility struggles and finding family and a partner. Dee is a 34-year-old with fertility issues and is hung up on a boy from when she was 16. She has put her life on hold waiting for the day he would come back and choose her.
The journey we go on with Dee is beautiful and heartwarming as she not only finds her people but finds herself. Along with Grumpy Chef Andy who is a joy.
There is romance but it is deeper than that and is more about friendship, motherhood and finding yourself and putting yourself first every now and again.
The two of them start on a very modern journey to becoming platonic co-parents. Dee keeps telling herself that it's all strictly business. But as they start to become more involved in each other's lives, will their arrangement stay that way?’
I expected this book to be a light-hearted romance story, but it turned out to be more than that. The story is quite a sad story about fertility struggles and finding family and a partner. Dee is a 34-year-old with fertility issues and is hung up on a boy from when she was 16. She has put her life on hold waiting for the day he would come back and choose her.
The journey we go on with Dee is beautiful and heartwarming as she not only finds her people but finds herself. Along with Grumpy Chef Andy who is a joy.
There is romance but it is deeper than that and is more about friendship, motherhood and finding yourself and putting yourself first every now and again.
July 14, 2023
I have to confess that this is not entirely the book I expected - whilst there is an element of romantic comedy that I really enjoyed, this was to me more a book about three friends trying to navigate life in their thirties, dealing with life’s ups and downs and as a result was a book that was better for it, tackling some serious issues but in a way that never felt heavy handed.
The strength of the book lies in the characters, all very human and who you can’t fail to warm to. I loved Dee and related to her struggles to come to terms with elements of her past and figure out what she really wanted from life. Her relationship with her two best friends Minnie and Roo was heartwarming and with each of them dealing with very different issues around their fertility the book is a reminder that there is no one size fits all approach to life or to parenthood.
It’s the little details that made me smile, from an eclectic supporting cast of characters to a cat with a huge personality of its own - and I may just need to try Philadelphia carbonara! With an ending that feels positive but not too neatly tied up, it’s a book that made me smile but felt very real at the same time - a thoroughly enjoyable read.
The strength of the book lies in the characters, all very human and who you can’t fail to warm to. I loved Dee and related to her struggles to come to terms with elements of her past and figure out what she really wanted from life. Her relationship with her two best friends Minnie and Roo was heartwarming and with each of them dealing with very different issues around their fertility the book is a reminder that there is no one size fits all approach to life or to parenthood.
It’s the little details that made me smile, from an eclectic supporting cast of characters to a cat with a huge personality of its own - and I may just need to try Philadelphia carbonara! With an ending that feels positive but not too neatly tied up, it’s a book that made me smile but felt very real at the same time - a thoroughly enjoyable read.
July 18, 2023
I have to confess that It’s Complicated is not entirely the book I expected - whilst there is an element of romantic comedy that I really enjoyed, this was to me more a book about three friends trying to navigate life in their thirties, dealing with life’s ups and downs and as a result was a book that was better for it, tackling some serious issues but in a way that never felt heavy handed.
The strength of the book lies in the characters, all very human and who you can’t fail to warm to. I loved Dee and related to her struggles to come to terms with elements of her past and figure out what she really wanted from life. Her relationship with her two best friends Minnie and Roo was heartwarming and with each of them dealing with very different issues around their fertility the book is a reminder that there is no one size fits all approach to life or to parenthood.
It’s the little details that made me smile, from an eclectic supporting cast of characters to a cat with a huge personality of its own - and I may just need to try Philadelphia carbonara! With an ending that feels positive but not too neatly tied up, it’s a book that made me smile but felt very real at the same time - a thoroughly enjoyable read.
The strength of the book lies in the characters, all very human and who you can’t fail to warm to. I loved Dee and related to her struggles to come to terms with elements of her past and figure out what she really wanted from life. Her relationship with her two best friends Minnie and Roo was heartwarming and with each of them dealing with very different issues around their fertility the book is a reminder that there is no one size fits all approach to life or to parenthood.
It’s the little details that made me smile, from an eclectic supporting cast of characters to a cat with a huge personality of its own - and I may just need to try Philadelphia carbonara! With an ending that feels positive but not too neatly tied up, it’s a book that made me smile but felt very real at the same time - a thoroughly enjoyable read.
July 16, 2023
It’s complicated…
Dee is getting older, and she is still waiting to become a proper grown up. She stays at her colleague’s flat while he visits his girlfriend, she is a copywriter with very little work to do and even less chance of career progression, she is (possibly) dating a handsome actor - but she isn’t 100% sure that’s what you’d call it and she definitely wouldn’t mention that to him. But Dee is plodding along none the less, until she finds out that her fertility is in question and suddenly Dee wants nothing more than to get her life sorted. So Dee sets about becoming a grown up, whilst looking after her two best friends - Roo - the sensible, organised anaesthetist with a plan for everything, and Minnie - the somewhat haphazard and eclectic friend who just seems to breeze through life.
This is without worrying about her Mum Alice & step Mum Ines.
Then Dee meets Andy, and together they try and make a plan to solve all of their problems.
I’ve been in a book rut lately and this really, really helped. Excellent characters, a great storyline and laughs and tears throughout.
Dee is getting older, and she is still waiting to become a proper grown up. She stays at her colleague’s flat while he visits his girlfriend, she is a copywriter with very little work to do and even less chance of career progression, she is (possibly) dating a handsome actor - but she isn’t 100% sure that’s what you’d call it and she definitely wouldn’t mention that to him. But Dee is plodding along none the less, until she finds out that her fertility is in question and suddenly Dee wants nothing more than to get her life sorted. So Dee sets about becoming a grown up, whilst looking after her two best friends - Roo - the sensible, organised anaesthetist with a plan for everything, and Minnie - the somewhat haphazard and eclectic friend who just seems to breeze through life.
This is without worrying about her Mum Alice & step Mum Ines.
Then Dee meets Andy, and together they try and make a plan to solve all of their problems.
I’ve been in a book rut lately and this really, really helped. Excellent characters, a great storyline and laughs and tears throughout.
July 3, 2023
This was a quick weekend read. I really appreciated that this wasn't a standard fluffy chick lit type of book, there were some extremely serious topics dealt with, fertility issues, abortion and the impact your parents have on you. I liked that it was the side of women over 30 that you don't often see talked about so openly.
I expected to enjoy this a bit more from the blurb, but did expect something a bit more light hearted! What I struggled with was the main plot point of the book, the speed at which they both agreed to do something after two very brief interactions and a text message. I had to reread the pages before in case I'd missed a more detailed conversation that they'd had.
I really enjoyed the writing style, all the characters were fleshed out and I could picture them all really easily. And I love a flash forward/epilogue at the end of a book, rather than trying to cram a few months of chapters when there's no need!
Despite my low rating I'm would definitely read more from the same author, I think I just didn't gel with this particular book.
I expected to enjoy this a bit more from the blurb, but did expect something a bit more light hearted! What I struggled with was the main plot point of the book, the speed at which they both agreed to do something after two very brief interactions and a text message. I had to reread the pages before in case I'd missed a more detailed conversation that they'd had.
I really enjoyed the writing style, all the characters were fleshed out and I could picture them all really easily. And I love a flash forward/epilogue at the end of a book, rather than trying to cram a few months of chapters when there's no need!
Despite my low rating I'm would definitely read more from the same author, I think I just didn't gel with this particular book.
May 3, 2023
Loved the friendships between the three women - Dee, Roo and Minnie and how their lives have grown together and the challenges their relationship faces throughout the story. Women's fertility and struggling to conceive is a huge issue for so many, including myself, and I thought this was dealt with accurately and realistically, with the bundle of emotions that comes with diagnosis such as Dee faces as well as Roo.
I also loved the how Dee grows within this story, from exploring and becoming more aware of how her past and her parent's separation has affected her and her past relationships, and how she becomes more empowered and learns to show her true self with Andy. Some important points about how true love can heal also.
I loved it and the characters in particular!
**Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read an advanced e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own **
I also loved the how Dee grows within this story, from exploring and becoming more aware of how her past and her parent's separation has affected her and her past relationships, and how she becomes more empowered and learns to show her true self with Andy. Some important points about how true love can heal also.
I loved it and the characters in particular!
**Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read an advanced e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own **
June 14, 2023
My pros were that;
- The book is well-written and engaging.
- The characters are relatable and well-developed.
- The plot is funny and heartwarming.
My Cons were that;
- At times the book was a bit slow.
- Some of the plot points were predictable.
However overall, It's Complicated is a heartwarming and funny read that I would recommend to anyone looking for a good romantic comedy. In addition to that, I really liked the way that Emma Hughes handled the topic of platonic co-parenting. It's a topic that is often taboo, however, Hughes handled it with sensitivity and humour.
I also liked the way that Hughes explored the different ways that people define family. For Dee, family is not just about blood relations. It's about the people who love and support you. I think that It's Complicated is a great book for anyone who is looking for a heartwarming and funny read. It's a book that will make you laugh, cry, and think.
- The book is well-written and engaging.
- The characters are relatable and well-developed.
- The plot is funny and heartwarming.
My Cons were that;
- At times the book was a bit slow.
- Some of the plot points were predictable.
However overall, It's Complicated is a heartwarming and funny read that I would recommend to anyone looking for a good romantic comedy. In addition to that, I really liked the way that Emma Hughes handled the topic of platonic co-parenting. It's a topic that is often taboo, however, Hughes handled it with sensitivity and humour.
I also liked the way that Hughes explored the different ways that people define family. For Dee, family is not just about blood relations. It's about the people who love and support you. I think that It's Complicated is a great book for anyone who is looking for a heartwarming and funny read. It's a book that will make you laugh, cry, and think.
August 11, 2023
Dee, Minnie and Roo have all been friends for longer than they care to remember! Now all in their 30s, they have to deal with grown up adult issues like parenting and fertility.
Dee has just learnt that her biological clock is ticking faster than other women of her age and hasbeen advised not to put off having children if that’s what she wants. Having just split up with her boyfriend Nat, she either has to face life without a child or look into the possibility of co-parenting. When she meets and befriends Andy, a chef at her local cafe, they look at life in the same way, or do they?
I loved the characters in this book but there were times when each of them individually drove me insane! This book looks into some hard hitting issues but handles them well and sensitively but all in all it didn’t give me a soft, warm feeling when I finished it. I think I would have probably enjoyed a story about Dee’s mother Alice and her partner Ines more than this one!
Dee has just learnt that her biological clock is ticking faster than other women of her age and hasbeen advised not to put off having children if that’s what she wants. Having just split up with her boyfriend Nat, she either has to face life without a child or look into the possibility of co-parenting. When she meets and befriends Andy, a chef at her local cafe, they look at life in the same way, or do they?
I loved the characters in this book but there were times when each of them individually drove me insane! This book looks into some hard hitting issues but handles them well and sensitively but all in all it didn’t give me a soft, warm feeling when I finished it. I think I would have probably enjoyed a story about Dee’s mother Alice and her partner Ines more than this one!
May 15, 2024
2.25⭐️
I did not like this. I thought that it was boring, confusing, badly written and not at all a romance. There was so little about Andy’s and Dee’s relationship and i just felt misled. This book was portrayed as a romance and about co-parenting, but it really was just about Dee’s life. I felt like i know more about Dee’s best friend’s (Minnie’s) relationship than about Dee’s own relationship with Andy. There wasn’t even any co-parenting really going on. It was just disappointing and i really did want to like this. Also the third person perspective was really confusing in this book and i had to reread certain sentences multiple times to understand. And normally i really like 3rd person and i can follow it very well. I did not like this book at the 20% mark, but i kept reading, hoping that it would get better. It didn’t.
I did not like this. I thought that it was boring, confusing, badly written and not at all a romance. There was so little about Andy’s and Dee’s relationship and i just felt misled. This book was portrayed as a romance and about co-parenting, but it really was just about Dee’s life. I felt like i know more about Dee’s best friend’s (Minnie’s) relationship than about Dee’s own relationship with Andy. There wasn’t even any co-parenting really going on. It was just disappointing and i really did want to like this. Also the third person perspective was really confusing in this book and i had to reread certain sentences multiple times to understand. And normally i really like 3rd person and i can follow it very well. I did not like this book at the 20% mark, but i kept reading, hoping that it would get better. It didn’t.
February 18, 2023
This is such a lovely book. At the heart of it is a really solid friendship between three girls, but there’s a lot of exploration into romantic relationships, parent and children relationships, and working relationships.
I loved following Dee’s journey from being insecure and with her childhood crush, to becoming far more comfortable in herself and making life better for himself. The friendship between Dee, Roo and Minnie is perfectly adorable, it’s lovely.
Each of the girls has a different issue with regards to becoming a parent, and this is handled with great tact. It’s beautifully written.
I really recommend this book and I will be keeping an eye out for others by this author.
I loved following Dee’s journey from being insecure and with her childhood crush, to becoming far more comfortable in herself and making life better for himself. The friendship between Dee, Roo and Minnie is perfectly adorable, it’s lovely.
Each of the girls has a different issue with regards to becoming a parent, and this is handled with great tact. It’s beautifully written.
I really recommend this book and I will be keeping an eye out for others by this author.
March 18, 2023
Sadly this didn't really work for me, the writing was great and I thought the premise and blurb sounded really interesting but I don't think it worked in execution. This book touched on a lot of deep, serious topics regarding Pro-choice, pressures on women and different fertility difficulties which is very unique and not touched on upon enough in media. However I think it was so highly focused on this and the friendship between the women and I felt like the co-parenting and relationship/romantic narrative was lost and I didn't feel absorbed or like it actually was the same book the blurb promised. I did feel slightly disappointed, but many people did enjoy this book so I think this is just not for me and my opinions are no reflection on the author as she is a very good writer.
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