Really F*cking Complicated

by Rachel Schneider

What does a Hollywood Actress - with a leaked sex tape - have in common with a pizza delivery boy? Absolutely nothing.She is one hot mess...A walking, talking, Hollywood cliche, Falcon James is hiding out in the middle-of-nowhere Louisiana, on a mission to clean up her image, clean up her personal life, and avoid any kind of scandal. At all costs. He is one hot single dad...The last thing Jeremy needs is someone interfering with the life he's built in the quaint country town he grew up in. Between working odd jobs to pay the bills, the town's loose-lipped gossips, and raising his impressionable young daughter, something is bound to give. But when one routine pizza delivery turns into an unlikely friendship, Jeremy knows he's in over his head. With the bright lights of Hollywood beckoning Falcon back, how can they keep their feelings in check? Feelings that just make everything...really effing complicated.

Genres: Romance, New Adult

294 pages, Paperback

About the author

Rachel Schneider lives in South Louisiana with her husband and daughter. She loves curse words, crawfish, and all things romance.

Reviews

[Hanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is my third read by Rachel Schneider and I’ve loved all three of them! They are hidden gems that I can’t recommend enough. The books put a big smile on my face. The writing is great. I went in blind and I loved every single second I spent reading it.

Falcon always wanted to be actress. She’s over the moon when the movie she has the main role in becomes a big success and she’s instantly famous. After a few movies, Falcon gets into a media storm and goes into hiding at a hotel in a small town. She meets Jeremy after getting a pizza delivered to the room. Jeremy decides to help Falcon so she doesn’t need to leave her room. They spent more time together and get closer. They slowly fall in love.

I love a romance story with a famous character and a ‘normal’ character. It makes me wonder how they will meet and if the fame will affect their relationship. I loved the way they met. It made me laugh and I loved their banter. The story was believable. You read about filming a movie, the downside of being famous, the dreams and the devastation of the possibility of the dream being over.

I adored Falcon and Jeremy. Falcon is sweet, sassy, fun, passionate and talented. She loves acting and never wants to stop. She’s an amazing actress and she has many fans. She just met some bad people, but she’s determined to stop with all the bad stuff. She’s embarrassed about what happened and wants to be alone for a while. Falcon trusts Jeremy and she didn’t expect that.

Jeremy is loving, friendly, caring and fun. He has his own business and also does some other small jobs. He works a lot, but he still finds time to be with his daughter or to help Falcon. He’s an amazing dad and supports his daughter no matter what. Jeremy doesn’t care that Falcon is famous and rich, and he doesn’t treat her differently. He loves to spoil her.

I love Falcon and Jeremy together. They have an amazing chemistry and connected easily. They always have a great, fun time together. They are a beautiful and perfect couple. That last chapter was beautiful and amazing, but I wanted maybe a scene of Falcon and Jeremy a little further in their future. I wouldn’t mind reading more about those two.

-- My honest review is based on an advanced reader copy of this book. --

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book!

We meet Falcon & West - just after an awards show. Co-stars in an extremely popular movie series. They are riding a high (in more ways than one) and life is good. Until they learn a sex video between the two of them has been leaked.

Falcon takes the brunt of it, while West seems to be getting high fives (right?!). She goes into hiding in a hotel somewhere in Louisiana hoping things will blow over.

In walks Jeremy - delivering her a pizza. You're going to fall in love with Jeremy. He's not perfect, but you're gonna love him. Small town single dad delivering pizzas as a side job. You can just hear his accent when he talks. And his daughter, Charlee, will make you laugh and warm your heart.

She's all Hollywood, he's all small town Louisiana. But .... you know what's coming. Can they meet in the middle? The road is bumpy, but watch them navigate. Jeremy's ex, Jillian, and the infamous West throw up some roadblocks along the way as well. But you'll be cheering for Falcon & Jeremy.

Oh - and did I mention that the cover is GORGEOUS!?

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*
Falcon is an up and coming movie star; and is caught up in all the peer pressure that life has to offer as well. A video is released of her in compromising, albeit consensual, act with her co-star. She understandably hurt and horrified that the video was leaked and essentially goes into hiding. She meets Jeremy when he delivers a pizza to her hotel room. Jeremy is only working the pizza delivery job for some extra money, presumably to help raise his daughter. I enjoyed that Jeremy and Falcon developed things fairly slowly and that they continued with their friendship after her return to LA.

Jeremy's ex is a bit of handful, essentially dictating to him on how their daughter should be raised and effectively threatening his role in Charlee's life if he doesn't abide by her rules. I liked that Jeremy finally stood up for himself with Jillian and asserting what his rights were. Falcon had a bit of growing up to do as well, but I think she and Jeremy grew together in a great way. I wish we had gotten a bit more of their ending, as it seemed a bit rushed at the end.

Overall, this was a likable story. This was the first book I've read by this author, but I'd pick up another.

Copy provided to The Dirty Book girls for an honest & voluntary review.

[Rach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel's writing is raw and real and funny and sarcastic and every bit of her main character, Falcon. I started reading this book not knowing what to expect, and by the 3rd chapter, my jaw was on the floor. After the 3rd chapter, I was laughing and waking my husband up from his slumber. "Really F*cking Complicated" is a sweet, quirky coming-of-age/single father book that draws you in immediately, and allows its readers to enjoy the complexities of love, hate, life and everything in-between.

[Books Laid Bare · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well there is absolutely nothing complicated about how I feel about this story, it is superb.
I thought the authors writing style was refreshing, the characteristics that she ploughed into Falcon were totally realistic with a humour that when it wasn’t flexing its sarcastic arm, was totally chuckle-worthy.
It didn’t take long for the story to kick in and that meant that it didn’t take long for my kindle to become glued to my hand, this is a story that leaves you scrabbling for a convenient place to put it down and get on with the day job but doesn’t play fair because finding one is nigh on impossible, I read way later than I should have!!
I adored the fact that Jeremy was such an amazing father, his daughter was just joyous and their relationship was everything a little girl could want from her daddy, mind you I am sure he would have loved a little less of her sass every now and again, double digits meant this pre-teen had plenty of attitude and wasn’t afraid to use it.
Falcon took me a little longer to fall for but that didn’t mean that I didn’t like her I did, she was a mess, suffering from the humiliation of her very personal life having been plastered all over the media. She takes off, looking for some much-needed space and time to take stock and get her head around what was happening and trying to find a way to rebuild her career, what she didn’t need was a relationship but then again, neither did Jeremy.
They were the absolute picture of perfection from the minute they met but that wasn’t easy enough for them, they managed to throw all the emotions they had at hand into the mix and in doing so gave me the reader and proper look at who they were and what they wanted from life. The story wasn’t all plane sailing, there were ups and downs and that served well to highlight that life is all about the journey and that not everything will turn out just as you plan.
Totally addictive…I loved it!

[Brandy Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this effing book it would be my first read by Rachel Schneider and it wont by my last , for half the story I had a silly grin on my face with the hilarious banter and inner thoughts total die laughing and the other part had me sadmad . You can't help but fall for the hero and heroine they are both dealing with things but once Falcon and Jeremy cross paths there is a instant attraction when they keep running into one another it reaches a point of no return . Falcon is one of those heroines that I love to read about she's funny , confident , determined , thoughtful , and kind , so felt bad for the things she has to go through while also trying to fix her image . Jeremy is very swoon worthy he can be adorable while also being sexy he did frustrate me about his ex I really didn't understand her . When these two do the naughty lets just there was fanning of ones self . The story line flow was just right not rushed or slow but perfect the one thing I didn't like was the ending I mean it was funny and sweet but felt like the end of a chapter not book it might be because I'm so used to epilogues but over all adored this book the title just draws me in and with a cover like this total bookcoverasm . Can't wait to read more by this author and will be reading her past stories .
copy provided for honest review 
****************************************
hero=10 heroine=10 secondary characters=10 Chemistry=10 steam=9
romance=9 humor=9 darkness level=4 action=3 mystery=3
enjoyment=10 angst=3 story line=10 Story ending=8
character development=10 pacing=10
cover=10 stars=5 author=9
would I recommend this book=yes
would I re read this book= yes
would I read future books by this author= yes

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, if nothing else, this title called to me in a big way. I know that seems silly, but it is what it is, as I love a good f-bomb. Falcon has never wanted to be anything other than an actress for as long as she could remember. She finally gets her big break with a movie that makes her famous overnight, which now gives her some options for the next few movies. But after the next few movies under her belt, all of a sudden the media is obsessed with her, and a sex tape is leaked, which has her running for the hills to hide in a small town until the media storm is over. Falcon meets Jeremy when he delivers a pizza to her room, and the single dad decides to help her hide out, since he's only delivering pizzas for a bit of extra money. As they get to know each other slowly, they start to do the growing up that they need to do, but what happens when Falcon has to go back to Hollywood to her life? I want to start out with my least favorite part of issue that I had with the story. For whatever reason, and this in only MY opinion, it took me a bit to become fully immersed in this story. Now that I got that part out of the way, I can talk about all the awesome. Falcon & Jeremy were very likeable heroine/hero who evolved well together. Yeah, they both had flaws, but that made them realistic, and that's something that I cannot get enough of. Of course in a small town, the gossip, and exes, really add to the frustrating push & pull of anything new, but also kept me on the edge of my seat. And that is another gem when it comes to stories, as I love being transported into that world, because then my feelings are all kinds of involved. And Rachel Schneider pulled them out in spades once I got rolling. I really enjoy her original stories, and cannot wait to read more asap! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Lustful Literature · Rating 4 out of 5]

Josie's Review 4.5 Stars

Gosh I’m not sure how best to describe how I feel about this book. I’m going to be honest this was my first time reading a book by this author. The blurb, Hollywood actress, sex tape a few pizza delivery boy caught my attention, I’m glad I took a chance. This book was amazeballs, like seriously we have baby momma drama, tabloid drama, paparazzi, laugh out loud moments, crawfish, a little girl who isn’t afraid to outshine the boys on the softball field and some steamy sex. The title Really Fu*cking Complicated perfectly describes this story.

The relationship between Jeremy and Falcon was not made of glitz and glamor, nope this had a realistic feel to it. Being in the public’s eye is hard and the author shows the audience how hard Falcons life is albeit fictional we see the struggles and the need to be normal. Jeremy’s life is hard some of it I blame on him but I easily related. You want to do what’s best for your child and for him his daughter Charlene needs to go first. In order to give a child the best you work numerous jobs. Give your child the moon. Agree to live your life the only way your manipulative ex won’t make trouble for you. Never once thinking about yourself and what will happen when you realize you want more. Jeremy was like every parent I know in life, the struggles are real.

Jeremy and Falcon’s relationship wasn’t a quick one. It developed gradually which also added to my love of this book. They both have crazy lives and need to find a balance in their complicated lives. This book was refreshing just as it was entertaining. I enjoyed the easy flow of writing and the touch of reality the author continued to show through out the book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a realistic feel of a book, it will make you cry, scream and laugh.

[2OCC Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t read the blurb of this book. The title is what made me want to read the book, but once I found out it was a Hollywood type romance I was really excited and add in a single dad, I was hooked. There is something about these things that draws me in and keeps me hooked from start to finish and that is what this book did.

The characters were fresh. I really liked Falcon. Her internal dialogue had me cracking up right from the start. Jeremy, Sigh, he was pretty awesome. Single dad and sweet southern charm, all wrapped up into this hot hunk of man! Even when they made choices I didn’t agree with, I found that by the end they were able to redeem their selves in my eyes.

I was a little shocked at the aspects of this book. There was some drug use but I truly felt the author handled those parts well. The plot was fast paced and I was absorbed til the end. I liked the drama and the happy go lucky humorous moment when you could really see the characters come out of their shell. This may have been my first book by this author but it won’t be my last. My biggest issue and I guess it’s a personal one? Was the lack of ending. The plot comes to a head, they make up, then it was just over. I felt like I have way too many questions to be completely satisfied. 4 Stars #2OCCJD

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read Rachel Schneider's debut novel, I was wowed. The sequel was even better. And now, this book. Completely new, different, original. And her writing has grown even more. Her ability to tell a story is spot on. This is one talented author and definitely one to watch.
RFC is the quintessential boy meets girl tale but instead of it being the girl next door, it's the boy next door. A southern charmer from a small town, trying to make a failed relationship work to successfully co-parent his child. He's working multiple jobs to make ends meet and stumbles across a Hollywood starlet. Except, movie stars are people too, just normal people that happened upon success in the public eye. I loved these two and their story was relatable and genuine. Hearts and flowers and rainbows are a nice fairy tale sometimes but don't we all love a story that's real? We all want to feel like true love is actually attainable despite the odds against it all working.
Schneider is truly gifted with character development and her pacing is flawless. I highly recommend this book, as well as her others. She's the bee's knees and I hope she continues to write forever and ever and ever, Amen. XOXO

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really loved this storyline. I love Rachel's writing. She has a really great flow and natural talent to her words. The characters dialogue is really enjoyable. I thought that Falcon and Jeremy had really great chemistry. So many things that I loved. Now, the beta reader in me is going to come out. While there were so many things that I enjoyed...a lot!! And I felt had so much potential to be a 5 star for me. The back story of the hero, regarding him and his ex, was kind of sloppy. There were several things I felt weren't fully flushed out and contradicted each other. I was really confused about how their relationship played out and the timeline. I wish the H/h would have had a straight up conversation about how Jeremy and the ex's relationship went down to where it was today. Typically I can let go of such things, especially when I am enjoying so may things about the story and the main characters, but the ex and the back story make up a pretty big part of the story...so I couldn't just let it go.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not proud of this fact but I completely judged Falcon and found it difficult to empathise with the situation she found herself in. I had to really consider why this was and it wasn't because of her fame, her fortune, or the released private sex tape. It was more to do with drug use and the lack of appreciation for how lucky she is to be doing something she loves in a fickle industry. I then got furious about the double standards and the fact that her co-star was being celebrated whilst she was pushed into hiding.

In fairness this did lead her to the gorgeous, single dad, pizza delivery guy, Jeremy and his heart of gold. This heart of gold has been taken advantage of time and time again by his ex. But it is just what Falcon needs along with his down to earth nature to show Falcon that there are nice, genuine people in the world.

A catalogue of errors and mistakes in the celebrity domain, led to a very, ahem, interesting and quirky read.

***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***

[Crystal Gann · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 amazing stars

Omg omg omg. This book, this book is my new favorite read of 2017. I couldn’t put this book down. I loved every single bit of it. There is absolutely nothing I’d change. I loved the characters easy charm, I loved the smart assness that took place and the humor. I laughed out loud a few times and found myself smiling. This book was a bit of fresh air I was needing. Rachel really hit it outta the park with this book. I’ll for sure be picking up what she’s puttin down!

[Maria (Ri) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 exceeded my expectation stars

I read the blurb and thought to myself this should be a cute fun read. It was. Yet, it was so much more than that. I thought it would be good but it was so much more than that. It gives a glimpse behind the scenes as to what it would be like living under constant scrutiny. About wanting normalcy and a career. Why can't the two coincide in Hollywood. The characters were great and there were many smiles.

[Bookish_Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

I completely enjoyed reading this book beginning to end. The characters the storyline .... AMAZING. I felt so many emotions throughout reading this story. In the beginning of this book I wasn’t sure if I’d I was going to like it especially with the character of West. But I completely fell for Jeremy. As for Falcon the title represent her perfectly. They make a complicated couple but, a perfectly f*cking complicated couple.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written and all consuming storyline, about Falcon and Jeremy, and the choices they make in their lives. I loved the humorous banter between them, and there are certainly a lot of laughs out loud moments. These two are total opposites, yet together they work. No spoilers though; this is a definite must read, you will not be disappointed! I highly recommend this talented authors’ work for all romance readers!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

there are so many things i feel when i read words Rachel writes. my favorite is the connections to these down to earth characters. they become real people to me. RFC is no different. i love the whole story line of Pizza Boy and Famous Actress. i was instantly hooked and you will be too. SO READ IT! you'll thank me later.

[Nicole Loufas · Rating 5 out of 5]

City girl - country boy.
Hollywood fast lane - slow talkin' small town life
Opposites attract.
Pizza is consummed.
All the makings of a PERFECT romance.
By far the best book I've read all year and it will be yours too.
Rachel Schneider just keeps getting better.
These characters, this story, will leave you breathless.....and hungry for pizza.

[ravishing_reads_ Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wwwwwoooowwwww

I just loved this book. I loved the characters and how relatable they were. It seemed like a familiar story but yet something new. Plus I loved the location this book primarily takes place in. I felt this book was Schneider's best work yet!!! Really nice read with a little but good predictability!!!!

[Phyl · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title intrigued me so I read the blurb. Any story involving a sex tape is bound to be interesting. It’s a lovely story with two people from different world trying to make their relationship work, not easy considering how social media is nowadays. It did take me awhile to get into this but it ended up being an enjoyable read.

[Cerys · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really F*cking Good

Not the sort of plot I would normally go for but the title caught my attention and it definitely fits the relationship between Falcon and Jeremy.
It was an easy fun read but I did feel that the ending was a bit abrupt.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I f*cking LOVED everything about this book!!!

[Indie Wish List · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review featured on: indiewishlist.wixsite.com/blog/

I loved this book and want more! I wish there was more to the story. I didn’t want it to end. I want to see what else is in store for the couple.

I loved the parallels between both characters. Jeremy, the male protagonist, for letting his daughter’s mother walk all over him, while Falcon, the female protagonist, let just about the entire world walk all over her.

Jeremy’s situation ticked me off to no end. I wanted to beat the crap out of his ex. The amount of BS he put up with and everything he gave her made me see red. The revelations of what she gets away with grow with every page, and so did my anger. Meanwhile, I don’t think Falcon could actually do anything about people walking all over her. She was in the spotlight and had a role to play, both on and off screen. This led to Jeremy often wondering if she was playing a role with him.

There was a lot of sexism and misogyny in the book, focusing on how Hollywood is a man’s world. Though I’m not a feminist, I did think it was unfair that, when the sex film is released, only Falcon got the fall for it. Meanwhile, her partner got claps on the back and no negative press. It isn’t fair whatsoever how a woman is considered a whore while men get chin nods of approval. Not to mention that the tape was a private moment that millions of people all over the world do without criticism.

I usually shun Hollywood based books because the drama is too much for me—angst literally hurts my poor heart—but I was drawn into this. It wasn’t two Hollywood couples trying to make a relationship against impossible odds. It was a Hollywood starlet and a simple man. Seems more reasonable to me. And that’s the only reason I picked up this book. I was not disappointed. Though there is tension, angst, and some complications arose, it wasn’t overwhelming. It was enjoyable. I laughed a bunch and had a smile on my face for most of it. Such a sweet, cute story. And I want more! Lol!

[Ideally.Portia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure how to even start my review. I feel a bunch of things, but am lacking the words to really get my thoughts out. This might just become me gushing over the book like an weirdo.



Let me start by saying I F*CKING LOVED THIS BOOK. This immediately took a place in my top favorite books this year. (Strangely, two of my favorite books of the year - this and Ghosted -
are now rom-com types that involve an actor or actress and children...) It was basically everything I had hoped it would be, plus much more. The title is so fitting, so accurate! I'm not going to sit here and give you the whole synopsis for the book, because hopefully you read that before reading this review. So on to my review/rambling.....

First of all, let me mention how REALISTIC I found this story. I know that when actors get involved things in books tend to be a little unrealistic. I get that. So we accept that and move on. But what I liked was how Falcons experiences were portrayed. The way social media plays a huge role in spreading news, whether it be lies or truth, and the way the media really takes something about complete strangers and drags them through the mud... all of that seemed pretty legit. It is the way of the world. And I'm sure they struggle with how to get past all of that insanity. That seems well represented here.

I also feel like, no matter how crazy things are - and they are CRAZY- everything happening in Jeremy's life was also so fucking real! Like, IDK what it's like in ya'lls lives, but the stuff going on with him actually reminds me of people I know and things either myself or someone I know has been through! I think that made it so much easier to associate with him, and also, made it so much easier to love and adore and want him. I love him. Family is crazy. Sometimes parents dont stay together. Sometimes you have to work two jobs and still feel like its not enough. Sometimes you have shitty exes. You have buried secrets and heavy burdens. You have to fit in time for yourself and your kids and your job and life gets crazy. I felt that in this book.

Best of all, sometimes life gets SEXY, and isn't that just the best?????

But I also laughed. While this book has all kinds of drama and heartache, it also stays light. Rachel's real life sense of humor carried over into her writing, and I love it so much. Because sometimes when things get crazy, all that is left to do is laugh!! It gave such a great balance to this story. I read Rachel's previous books, and I love them, of course, but this was so vastly different from those. I could really see the difference, and see how she has grown as a writer. RFC showed a different, more uninhibited side to her writing. I easily absorbed every crazy, weird, emotional, and funny thing this book had to offer.

Well as you can see, I rambled and gushed and this review is a jumble of things that may or may not be in any logical order or make any sense. So lets just leave with me telling you to read the fucking book, okay?!

[M.E. Carter]

I. Love. This. Book.

[D.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved!

[Paula Gentry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love. Love. Love!!! Funny. Sexy. Southern. The writing and story line is perfect. Jermey and falcon are perfect together. I hope there will be more from them!

[~lil maso~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title intrigued me so I read the blurb. Any story involving a sex tape is bound to be interesting.

It’s a lovely story with two people from different world trying to make their relationship work, not easy considering how social media is nowadays.

It did take me awhile to get into this but it ended up being an enjoyable read. 

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*

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[Amy Crull · Rating 4 out of 5]

So from the blurb alone I knew I wanted to read this book and I was so right. Falcon is a up and coming actress who gets caught up with her heartthrob co star and he leads her down a horrible path. She finds herself in Louisiana and with the help of a pizza delivery guy, she finds herself freedom and her willingness to change. Jeremy is a really great guy. He does right by his daughter, has a good job. He's what you imagine a Louisiana guy to be. He's great even when he has to cater to his baby mama. She has it made, let me tell ya. When Falcon and Jeremy realize this is more then just friendship, it's a great moment but Jeremy knows he doesn't belong in her Hollywood lifestyle. Some tough choices have to be mad and I think the characters handles it pretty good. This book was so sweet at times and I love how relatable she made Falcon. She was able to hang in Louisiana along with Hollywood. This was seriously a great book!

[M.E. Carter]

Rachel is so, so talented. Wow.