Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Simply Complicated

Rate this book
My plan is simple. Proposition a man and extend a help me accomplish something I’ve never been able to do before with past boyfriends.
But there are rules.
He needs to be a stranger and someone who won't judge me if I can't cross the finish line.
Luke Sorenson, one of the most famous soccer players in the world, isn't meant to be that man. He's the guy I grew up next door to. The man who broke my heart ten years ago, then moved across the country and never looked back.
He also happens to be the one person in the world I can't stand.
But as my best friend points out, he's the best option.
Besides, it's only for one night. What can possibly go wrong?

***

The last person I expect to see when I walk into a random corner bar is Olivia Brighton, the one woman I let slip through my fingers when I chased my dream a decade ago.
Not only do I run into her again, but I offer to help her out with her dilemma, and she accepts.
It's supposed to be a one-time occurrence. One shot to prove my skills in bed.
But that one shot turns into a deal, which morphs into something neither of us predicts.
One thing's for certain—everything is about to get simply complicated.

262 pages, Paperback

Published September 25, 2021

64 people are currently reading
1607 people want to read

About the author

S. Nelson

37 books1,584 followers
I'm an indie author who grew up with a love of reading and a very active imagination, never putting pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard until 2013.

I typically write romantic suspense, as I love stories with some twists and turns. I also love my HEA, although the road to get there is quite the journey.

VISIT MY AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE!
http://amazon.com/author/s.nelson

VISIT ME ON FACEBOOK!
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSNelson/

FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM!
https://www.instagram.com/snelsonauthor/

FOLLOW ME ON TIK TOK!
www.tiktok.com/@authorsnelson



Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
158 (57%)
4 stars
64 (23%)
3 stars
39 (14%)
2 stars
10 (3%)
1 star
4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Tanya.
615 reviews8 followers
September 30, 2021
Loved

I loved the plot of this book!
Luke is swoon worthy!!!
I loved how Olivia wanted to keep things on the up and up and not get attached!!!
I love the story and how the author told it so well!
Im usually drawn into her MC books, but indont think theres a trope by her i wont read!!! Need more!!!
Profile Image for Julie.
2,003 reviews34 followers
September 23, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. I loved how Luke wasn’t afraid to put his felling and needs on the back burner so to speak until the heroine felt the same.
It was the most amazing read I’ve had for along time. The writing was very well developed as were the characters, their bantering was terrific and their chemistry was smouldering and of the charts And I loved how the heroine put all her trust in Luke’s hands.
Great writing,I really loved it!
Profile Image for jps_steamyreads.
806 reviews12 followers
September 19, 2021
Luke and Olivia's story.
I just loved everything about this story! Luke is the perfect BFF IMO. He sees a chance to finally be with the girl he let slip away and goes for it. He's a hot pro soccer player, incredibly handsome, possessive and just an all round great guy. Olivia has a different outlook on his proposition. Still carrying resentment from a broken heart 10 years ago, she finally decides to give it a guarded chance. Olivia is a strong, outspoken heroine who thinks she knows what she wants. She puts Luke in his place often but he keeps trying to breakdown her walls. Scorching scenes, perfectly written by S. Nelson definitely kept me begging for more!! This is a wonderful love story that I highly recommend!! Loved it!!
Profile Image for Jemmsbookshelf.
365 reviews1 follower
September 22, 2021
Main characters Luke and Olivia. Luke is a pro soccer player. Olivia is a mechanic at the family shop.
Luke is Olivia’s brother high school best friend. He is back in town and not so accidentally bumps into Olivia at a bar.
They both have feelings for each other but don’t let the other know, having a strictly sexual relationship. The lines of there agreement start blurring to dinners and movie sleepovers. After a series of ‘deals’ they start dating and the story turns HEA.
5 reviews
September 21, 2021
I was one of the lucky ones that got to read this early and again S.Nelson is such a good writer, can tell a story so well. This is nothing like she has written before for sure. It is a very happy story. i will always read everything she writes. Thanks for another good one.
Profile Image for Desi.
2,667 reviews85 followers
August 22, 2022
Qué malo este libro.
Perdí mi tiempo.

La trama resulto una estupidez y con unos protagonistas insoportables, que tuvieron naaaada de química entre ellos ni me creí su amor.... además, Luke no me pareció ni un poquito atractivo con ese ego y arrogancia que llevaba ¬¬

Me cayeron super mal los dos y ni que hablar de la amiga de Olivia. Y ya así es difícil de que te guste u libro si los protagonistas son idiotas y no soportas seguir leyendo sobre ellos.

Esperaba otra cosa, pero veo que esta autora no es para mí. Finalmente, lo terminé leyendo en diagonal, porque fue plano y no vi realmente un desarrollo en la historia.
Profile Image for Jane Elizabeth .
4,342 reviews5 followers
September 30, 2021
😍😍😍😍😍❤

Oh what tangled webs we weave when first...we DON’T COMMUNICATE! I loved this story. It is interspersed with moments of sadness, laughter  and love. So worth reading! 

Profile Image for Erica.
342 reviews5 followers
September 30, 2021
This was the cutest book that o read in a while. It wasn’t full of action pact drama but still kept the reader’s attention, page after page. This book is about revisiting a childhood love that never got a chance in the past. I love how the hero wasn’t afraid to put himself and his feelings out in front before he knew that the heroine felt the same. This book was good and definitely a sit by the fire read!! Enjoy it.
231 reviews
October 4, 2021
This is an interesting second chance romance. Olivia and Luke knew each other growing up but Luke broke Olivia's heart when he went to college and pursued his dream without looking back. A chance meeting in a bar rekindles all the old emotions and creates some unexpected situations. This story sizzles with intriguing characters and one you don't want to miss.
Profile Image for Renee.
5,314 reviews76 followers
September 29, 2021
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

My plan was simple. Proposition a man and extend a challenge, help me accomplish something I've never been able to do before with past boyfriends. But there are rules. He needs to be a stranger and someone who won't judge me if I can't cross the finish line. Luke Sorenson, one of the most famous soccer players in the world, isn't meant to be that man. He's the guy I grew up next door to. The man who broke my heart ten years ago, then moved across the country and never looked back. He also happens to be the one person in the world I can't stand. But, as my best friend points out, he's the best option. Besides it's only for one night. What can possibly go wrong.
***
The last person I expect to see when I walk into a random corner bar is Olivia Brighton, the one woman I let slip through my fingers when I chased my dream a decade ago. Not only do I run into her again, but I offer to help her out with her dilemma, and she accepts. It's supposed to be a one-time occurrence. One shot to prove my skills in bed. But that one shot turns into a deal, which morphs into something neither of us predicts. One thing's for certain-everything is about to get simply complicated.

This is the story of Luke and Olivia. They grew up together and he eventually left to chase his soccer career and broke her heart. So to him she is the one that got away. But to her he is the guy that she doesn't like very much. But now she needs someone's help to help her complete her mission and after all it is just one thing she needs and then it's over and everyone can be on their merry way. Luke is perfect for this and her friends make her see that Luke is perfect. One night while back in town they accidently bump into each other and the proposition is made and accepted. But will it ever just be what Olivia needed from him or will Luke want so much more. You have to read to find out the answer to all these questions. I really loved these characters, their attraction and their banter. It was a the not so serious but oh so good read that I needed at the exact moment I needed it.

Profile Image for Christy Davisson.
801 reviews17 followers
September 29, 2021
Complicated issues with a chance to fix the past.

This book may have had a few complications between the two main characters Olivia and Luke, but they definitely had some serious chemistry between them also. You kinda get a sense of what happened in their past as teens but of course there is always two sides to a story. Each character has their own take on what went down as teens and their meet up ten years later gives new meaning to the word Complicated. This is a insta connection between the characters but also a push/pull chemistry throughout the story.

Olivia, is a witty and sarcastic character at times but also has a vulnerability that she tries to hide. She has a hate to love vibe going on with Luke when they agree on how to help Olivia finally get her big "O" in the sack. You get glimpses of what her and Luke were like as teens but never the full story until she finally confronts him about it when she finally admits to not only liking him but maybe even falling in love with him. She definitely has a feisty side to her and probably more so because she is a female mechanic in a predominantly male driven job. She holds her own and her family dynamics are fun to watch as the story progresses.

Luke is a character that seems to be an eager and willing participant in helping Olivia achieve her first big "O". He is a big time soccer player worth millions but to Olivia he is a jerk from her past that broke her heart. He is cocky at times but the more the story develops his character comes off as a sweet and caring guy who is in love with his best friend's younger sister. Luke has had feelings for Olivia for a long time but has never truly acted on them and now he has his one shot and ends up making a deal with her that will either give him more time with her in hopes for more or back fire on them both.

So if your looking for a story that has a little bit of an enemies to lovers vibe with some serious chemistry and some melt your kindle moments thrown in there, look no further this will be your book. This author gives you a love story full of complications and issues to overcome to give you one epic HEA. I voluntarily signed up for an ARC for this book with nothing to gain other than giving my honest opinion/review of this story.
393 reviews7 followers
September 30, 2021
It's been a while since I've cruised through a book that I actually enjoyed and processed every word of.

I have always enjoyed all of the books written by S. Nelson. She weaves fun and enticing stories full of men who know what they want but can't admit it until they give in and the it's game on, and women that are headstrong and vibrant and passionate and hold no apology for it.

I adore how Luke made right his missteps with Olly, he wasn't overly cocky and had some vulnerability as well. Olly... She made me a bit nuts with her whiplashing between what she "wanted" and what she "WANTED". I feel for her though. Past hurts can stick with us and rear their heads just when we think we've got it under control.

I enjoy that S. Nelson wrote about something that so many women go through and aren't always as lucky as Olly was/is to have a partner as patient and devoted to listening to her needs and wants and putting in the work. Sex can be fun and enjoyable even if you don't get the Big Finish.

Thanks for keeping it real!
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews186 followers
September 29, 2021
Luke is a pro soccer player while Olivia is a mechanic and you already know that her career can be trying quite a bit since she's chosen something that is a boy's club (respect). Oh, and they also have a past together as he broke her heart when she was younger, and she really never got over that. Olivia needs to find a man to help her with a little problem, and she wants it to be a stranger who won't judge her if she can't cross the finish line. Things definitely took a turn when she ran into Luke again after all these years, and he steps up to help her out, and maybe just maybe it will turn into more despite the fact it's only supposed to be one time. Normally I would take issue with a hero like Luke because I don't forgive easily that's for sure (I'm still working hard at that) but there was something about our hero that really hit differently & I was cheering him on. Simply Complicated was a fantastic story that I didn't want to end, so I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
Profile Image for A Book Lover's Emporium Book Blog.
2,816 reviews171 followers
September 20, 2021
I couldn’t put this book down, I just loved the banter and snarky comments. The scenario is fabulous and just begged to be devoured. I read into the early hours to make sure the ending was perfect and I wasn’t let down.

Luke, the growly soccer player and is such a wonderful character, he had me smiling a lot. He was perfectly jealous and had me wrapped around his finger.

Olivia is a bit damaged by Luke from a decade ago… not that he’s aware.. and she needs help to accomplish a goal- in the bedroom- and Luke, ever the helpful man, offers his expertise.

This story is simply wonderful. I got the love and complicated situations that gave me joy and great characters that grew with the story. I highly recommend you buy this book.
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
September 28, 2021
Simply Complicated by S. Nelson is the story of Olivia Brighton and Luke Sorenson.
Olivia had a crush on Luke who was her brother's best friend back when they where younger. Then Luke up and left to pursue his dream of being a famous Soccer player. Now about 10 years later, Olivia is still holding on to him leaving but when she has a problem sexually he offers to help. Luke has made it to where he wanted this career but when seeing Olivia again he has the strong feeling she was the one that got away. When he hears her issue he knows its a way in to reconnect. I highly recommend this book and this author's writing. Loved it.

Profile Image for Karrie.
387 reviews
September 24, 2021
Her brother's best friend as well as their neighbor. Olivia knew when she was a teenager that she was in love with Luke even though he was older then her as well as her older brother's best friend. As the saying goes the heart wants what the heart wants. Unbeknownst to her, Luke felt the same for her. However he also knew he wasn't good for her and he that he was off to college. Years later he's back in their hometown where Olivia still lived. It comes to light that they both did and still love each other after some events take place. They get their happy ending together.
Profile Image for Shelley C.
3,039 reviews70 followers
September 29, 2021
4.5 Complicated Stars🌟

Simply Complicated is the story of how Olivia and Luke fall in love……a second time😍 Olivia and her bestie go out for drinks and Olivia decides she’s going to try something outside her comfort zone in an attempt to solve her ongoing “dilemma”😳 Suffice to say, Luke overhears everything and offers up his services👍

Gosh, poor Luke and Olivia wear their hearts on their sleeves but Olivia is stubborn as a mule…luckily Luke is determined and persistent in his pursuits❣️A really good story with some entertaining moments that had me smiling and laughing…I received an advanced copy and willingly leave my honest review❤️
Profile Image for Karin.
8 reviews
September 29, 2021
S. Nelson once again wrote a great book.
Luke and Olivia are both great characters which you will fall in love with.
Lukes cocky side made me laugh quite a few times throughout the book, whereas Olivia is quite reluctant at the beginning.
Even though, I love her "Kings of Corruption" series this book is an entertaining read.
Profile Image for Pamela.
4,224 reviews35 followers
September 29, 2021
Luke is a pro soccer player. Olivia is his best friend's sister and a mechanic. The two meet up at a bar after not seeing each other for years. Olivia had her heart broken by Luke when he left town. Luke has always regretted leaving Olivia behind. The two are supposed to have just one night but things take a serious turn and they end up wanting more. Will Olivia be able to come around? Can Luke convince her he will hang around this time?
Profile Image for Kurtins R.
1,218 reviews11 followers
September 30, 2021
This was a really good book. A lot less complicated than it sounds. It wasn’t full of action packed drama but still kept the reader’s attention, page after page.
Luke is a pro soccer player. Olivia is a mechanic at the family shop. Luke is Olivia’s brother high school best friend. He sees a chance to finally be with the girl he let slip away and goes for it.
Profile Image for Leanne ~ Tales From The Heart.
2,517 reviews33 followers
September 26, 2021
This was my first read by this author as I love a sports romance.
Luke and Olivia have known each other since they were teens. Both got on with their lives and 10 years later he's back in town.
Bumping into her at a bar and eavesdropping, he's determined to be the one to solve her problem. They're not dating, it's just physical. Feelings are sure to emerge as the lines of their agreement are crossed.
The story was pure entertainment, I curled up for the evening and read it in one go. A fun read, I'll be looking to see what else this author has.
Profile Image for evieo17 .
5,101 reviews51 followers
September 29, 2021
I love it when I find a new author I can add to my tbr list. I really really loved this book. Luke and Olivia had so much chemistry that you can feel it come off the pages. I will definitely be checking out more books from this author.
Profile Image for Louise.
320 reviews1 follower
September 29, 2021
It was only supposed to be one night, but the deal made was like signing away her heart. The one thing Olivia is bound and determined not to lose. Being close enough to hear a conversation Luke is not suppoed to hear was something that seemed too good to be true. The back and forth between Luke and Olivia too funny. The banter keeps you locked in your seat and glued to this book.
Profile Image for Amy.
11 reviews
October 3, 2021
This is another great book! This story is completely different from the other books from her I’ve read. Totally recommend!
6 reviews
September 30, 2021
Gosh this was a cute book. The chemistry between Luke and Olivia was out of this world. Loved it from start to end.
Profile Image for Paula Genereau.
3,080 reviews39 followers
September 30, 2021
Oh my!!! Luke and Olivia. Their story will have you begging for more. I fell in love with their story. I couldn't put it down.
22 reviews
November 5, 2021
loved it

I love books that don’t go on and on! This one was light hearted and fun with all the feels!
2 reviews2 followers
September 30, 2021
Loved this book, my first soccer player romance but not my first by this author. It did not disappoint, they had amazing chemistry, loved the back story from the past and their 2nd chance. Steamy scenes and he rose to the challenge 😉 would definitely recommend
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews