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Black Light #8

Complicated Love

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  ★Keeping two lovers in sync is hard enough. Three is incredibly complicated.★

Jaxson, Chase, and Emma may have officially bit off more than they can chew. Already running two wildly successful clubs in Washington D.C., they decide to expand, opening Runway West and Black Light West in luxurious Beverly Hills, California. But there is no relaxing for the infamous threesome. With construction deadlines looming, staffing decisions to make, and multiple outsiders hitting on her men, Emma feels pressured into keeping a dangerous secret from them–breaking the number one rule of their unique relationship.

Can Jaxson, Chase, and Emma’s complicated love survive all that life is throwing at them, or will the pull of outside influences cause it to fall apart forever?

Author’s Note: Complicated Love takes place in the Black Light world and while the characters have appeared in previous books, it can be read as a standalone and complete story.

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 11, 2018

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About the author

Livia Grant

52 books1,165 followers
USA Today bestselling author Livia Grant lives in Chicago with her husband and furry rescue dog named Max. She is fortunate to have been able to travel extensively and as much as she loves to visit places around the globe, the Midwest and its changing seasons will always be home. Livia's readers appreciate her riveting stories filled with deep, character driven plots, often spiced with elements of BDSM.

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5 stars
363 (64%)
4 stars
134 (23%)
3 stars
49 (8%)
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16 (2%)
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5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
July 7, 2018
A 'well I really didn't expect that!' scorching hot read.

Whilst this could very easily be read and enjoyed as a stand alone story, I do think that reading Infamous Love first would further enhance the pleasure. This book is what I would describe as quite gentle BDSM. Whilst there are menage scenes, spanking and other punishment, the kink play is not the main focus of the book and is fairly 'light' in feel. If you have read Infamous Love, or either of the Black Light Valentine books then, like me, you won't want to miss out on Jax, Chase and Emma's continuing story.

The trio have decided to open a Runway and Black Light club on the west coast, whilst trying to get it open before new legislation will add further issues. This puts them all under an immense amount of pressure, not to mention the stress Emma feels seeing people hitting on Jax and Chase whilst also comparing herself unfavourably to the super skinny women that surround her. Plus she is keeping one heck of a secret. Love isn't supposed to involve three people, will Jax, Chase and Emma find that two's company and three's a crowd?

I really wasn't sure what to expect from this book, after all we've seen the trio fall in love and share that truth with the world. I really didn't expect the story I got, but I don't mind as I really did enjoy this book. The word 'Love' is in the title because that is what you feel through out this whole story, the incredible and undeniable love that is shared by these three special people.

You can't help but also fall in love with Jaxson, Chase and Emma. What I adore is how very different Jaxson and Chase are, yet they fit together perfectly and complement each other so well. These are not one dimensional cardboard cutout characters either. They have human foibles and hidden depths. I relished Chase getting all Domly on Jaxson, it made BOTH feel so very much more human and fallible.

I think there is a little (or a lot) of Emma in most of us, that girl is my book BFF. I could even see why she had kept her secret for so long. Whilst it could have been a situation that made me annoyed, Livia's excellent writing of both thoughts and emotions made it very understandable. Talking of secrets, there are several that pop up throughout the book. They're quite easy to guess at as you approach them, but that's because the author drops so many hints and clues. Not only was I in on the secret but the excitement came from wondering not only how it would be revealed but how the other two would react.

Whilst the book is NSFW, and when there is play time it is most definitely steamy, this is very much a plot driven story. The sex scenes enhance the story, emphasising and consolidating the connection and love between the three of them.

Oh yes, there are also appearances by some old favourites of the Black Light world, along with a few new characters. Personally I'm hoping to see more of Elijah, Miguel,Brandi and maybe even Madison. I definitely DON'T want to see more of Lola, though I have to admire an author who can make me dislike a character as much as I did her!
Profile Image for Rhonda.
3,320 reviews65 followers
July 8, 2018
I don't think this is going to be a very long review because I honestly can't say much without giving away the story. I have loved these three people from their very first book and to be able to peek into their lives a few years down the road has been an honor. Jaxon, Chase and Emma are so busy in their lives with the club and the new club they are opening that they have been putting Emma second and it's taking a toll on the relationship. When Emma keeps a very important secret from the guys and they can't find her, all hell breaks loose. Add this to deadlines and other issues going on and it leaves them all wondering if their relationship is going to survive. I was totally caught up in this wonderful world that Livia has created. It was so good and I'm so looking forward to more from this trio!!! This will probably become one of my favorites books of this year!!!!
Profile Image for Dennis.
820 reviews20 followers
April 13, 2022
Second time reading a great BDSM book

This the second time I have read this book and loved it just as much as I did the first time, some books are worth reading over and over and this is one of them. This book is a sequel to Infamous Love and it continues with the two Hs that are celebs and Models and their shared love the h who is a not model material and even a bit plump, the story is about the opening of of Black Light West, a BDSM club that the main characters run. They started in DC and now they are going to have one in LA. The main part of the plot is how a MMF relationship works in the long term as life happens and how the characters work on their relationship and keep it strong. I think you will love how the story develops, I know I did.
July 12, 2018
AAAAAHHHHHH!!!!! AAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!!
Excuse me while I run around in circles...
OH THIS BOOK!!! Livia Grant had me screaming "NO! NO?!?!" and shaking my Kindle after only reading the blurb at the beginning of this book. Again I repeat, Oh This Book! If you are not already a fan of the Black Light Series, I HIGHLY recommend you meet us at the roulette wheel - you will not be disappointed. ☆ Complicated Love is an amazing addition to a great series! This book is filled with the perfect amount of passion & desire, twists & turns, and deceit & betray. Jaxson, Emma, and Chase remind us that no relationship is perfect - Love is Complicated.
Profile Image for Pam.
401 reviews2 followers
July 12, 2018
Black Light, Book 8. When Emma's blindsided, can the complicated love she shares with Jax and Chase survive?

SPOILER ALERT: WHILE MOST OF THE BLACK LIGHT BOOKS ARE STANDALONES, COMPLICATED LOVE IS THE SEQUEL TO INFAMOUS LOVE, THE FIRST BOOK IN THIS SERIES. IF YOU HAVEN'T READ INFAMOUS LOVE, THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS.

What were they thinking? Jaxson, Chase, and Emma have it all. Former runway models, Jax and Chase are devastatingly handsome. Jax is the dominant, Chase the switch. Both dominate the beautiful, brilliant, and submissive Emma. It's a match seemingly made in BDSM heaven. Owning Runway and Black Light has never made their lives easy. So why are they opening Runway and Black Light West on an insane timetable that has all three stressed to the breaking point? D.C. has its own challenges but L.A.? Emma's never felt more out of place. The triad has always held each other's complete love and trust. Emma's no green-eyed, jealous lover. But with gorgeous women and men throwing themselves at both Jax and Chase's feet, she no longer feels secure. And she's hiding something...a very BIG something. Not telling her Doms breaks every rule holding their extraordinary relationship together. What could possibly frighten Emma so much she can't tell the two men who love her more than life itself? After months of stress over the new clubs, conspiracies swirling around them, paparazzi and the press hounding them, and the constant fear of losing Chase and Jax, Emma's secret finally explodes...and it's enough to shake the triad's world to its foundations! Can there be any way to fix this? Or is this truly the end of their precious, beautiful, complicated love?

OMG! I have waited for this book since I finished Infamous Love, and Livia Grant DOES NOT DISAPPOINT! This is one of the most beautiful, intricately crafted, emotional stories I've ever read. This is no exaggeration. All Ms. Grant's books are incredibly detailed, character-driven, and well-written. But I'm not sure I have the words to describe how perfect this story is. I've adored Jax, Chase, and Emma from the moment I met them in Infamous Love. After reading Complicated Love? I'm more in love with them than ever. But this book is so much more than a mere continuation of their story. Livia Grant is an artiste extraordinaire. Every book she's written proves that fact. Jax, Chase, and Emma obviously take center stage. But it's the wealth of lovingly created supporting characters and her breathtaking words that transform this book into an enchanting, no-holds-barred, laugh-until-you-cry, cry-until-you-laugh roller coaster of emotion. I had the highest of expectations for this book. Ms. Grant blew those expectations out of the water! Congratulations, Ms. Grant! Your writing has never been better! Complicated Love deserves every star in the heavens!

A final note. This is an ADULT book. It contains explicit language and BDSM sexual scenes. If you don't enjoy this genre, this may not be the book for you. There are book synopses and reviews available on Goodreads and Amazon. Use these resources. DON'T LEAVE A NEGATIVE REVIEW WHEN YOU KNOW YOU WON'T ENJOY THE BOOK. It's not fair to the author. She works hard to provide a quality work product. If you know you'll object to a book's subject matter before you buy it, you're doing yourself and the author an extreme disservice.

Thanks for reading my review and happy reading!
397 reviews1 follower
July 14, 2018
This is not your standard BDSM novel. This is a unconventional love story with real life themes that make it one of the most realistic and honest books I've read in a long time. This book catches up with Jaxson, Chase and Emma as they navigate a menage relationship. It's been a few years, so they are beyond the "honeymoon" phase. They are building another club in California, and things are rocky.

Emma may be the submissive in the family, but her character is strong and very real. This book explores her body image issues more, and exposed themes within that hit close to home. You never doubt the love between the three of them, but their issues that come up make you relate. How do you give all three equal time? How do you avoid jealousy? What about the future? How do you plan when there's so much seemingly in the way? Threesome or no threesome, we have all been through this. How refreshing to have a BDSM book concentrate on dynamics and real life issues, and not just the hot sex.

Don't get me wrong. The sex scenes are hot. But they go beyond hot. It's evident from the quality writing that these three know each other, so emotion and true love shine. I loved the way the author approached Emma's father and his disapproval with no marriage planned. No normal father would just be ok with all of this without heavy reassurance, and it gives more credence to the honesty of the story.

It's a coup that this author has created characters that are so likable and make mistakes, while making a dramatic and compelling story. The ending made me cry! Yes a BDSM book made me cry. You might be surprised at how much emotion that this author creates. It makes one hell of memorable tale.
693 reviews5 followers
July 12, 2018
This book was a gut wrenching emotional maelstrom of fear, secrets, anger, jealousy, and love – especially love.

Without giving away any spoilers, I need to say that this story threw me into an emotional upheaval. I could empathize with each character and all they were feeling (even Emma’s father). And then, after some particularly soul rending tension, this talented writer inserted a tiny dash of humor, followed by some embarrassingly naughty sexual play. And then more play, until I was skillfully transported into another kind of upheaval that felt way more delicious.

It was fascinating for me to learn that a Dom can feel vulnerable and scared and out of control. It made Jaxson and his relationship with Chase and Emma even more real. I love the way Jax was able to relinquish control in some areas while definitely retaining it in others. I was captivated by the way Chase was able to utilize his “switch” personality to keep everyone on an even keel. And, I admire the way Emma was able to make her father truly appreciate how happy and content she was as a submissive, without actually using that term.

Livia Grant just has me in awe of her ability to pull my emotions totally into this unique story of three individuals who support, complete and love each other with a commitment that is astounding.
Profile Image for Rose Howse.
915 reviews13 followers
July 12, 2018
Complicated Menage for Emma, Jaxson and Chase

I was thrilled to read the story of Jaxson, Chase and Emma from Infamous Love. This starts right off showing us that the trio is now super busy trying to complete the West Coast versions of Runway and Black Light club. Emma isn't very happy but Jaxson and Chase are so busy, they haven't taken the time to try and figure out why, other than they have all been doing multiple tasks for opening the new facility on a very tight schedule. To add to the stress Jaxon's PA is a total control freak without a submissive bone in her body and no respect for the unique relationship that Jaxon has with his subs and partners. Then there is Brandy, the tv interviewer who seems to think she has a unique relationship with Chase. The West Coast team needs some serious tweaking to make it work like they have the DC Club set up. To make matters even more complicated, Emma is keeping a big secret that no one has been able to find out about, and Chase and Jaxson have been too busy to even notice. I must admit, I understood Emma's thinking, but still feel she was wrong to keep things from her doms and partners. I absolutely adore the way things turn out though! You will cry, laugh, sigh and even quietly scream as you read one situation or another happen during the telling of their story. I personally would have liked to be there during one particular crisis so I could get a few good swats in myself! I thank Livia Grant for finally giving us a more in depth story of the continuing tale of this beloved menage, excellent story of this very Complicated Love.
Profile Image for Jan.
1,745 reviews9 followers
July 13, 2018
If you read Valentines Roulette Redeux, then you know that ended in a sort of “cliffhanger.” We knew something was going on with Emma but couldn’t quite put our finger on it. Jaxson is expanding his empire with having a Runway West in California, also adding Black Light in Cali as well. Then you have them building a new home there for not only themselves but of entertaining. A lot to take on in such a tight window. It seems to be pulling Emma, Chase, and Jaxson apart. What once was a close nit love that was unbreakable is now showing signs of pulling apart. But it’s Emma that is the real story here. She seems to be drifting farther away from our boys.

First, let me say, “I KNEW IT.” I figured it out at the end of “Redeux” but besides that, more is going on. That is a lot of stress that Emma is carrying. It was breaking my heart to read how things were snowballing and she just didn’t know how to get out of it. Jaxson is so worried about Emma that he keeps second guessing himself. Chase is always happy go lucky. Have to love it. I do enjoy when they all go see a doctor. That part was the funniest.

I was glad to read about Ryder, Khloe, Jonah, and Sam again. Plus we got to finally have some closure with Emma’s father and dig deeper into Jaxson’s mom’s life. I look forward to the new stories that will come with now our west coast club. Plus you know there has to be a story for Madison and our new security guy.
Author 2 books12 followers
July 8, 2018
One of the hardest reviews ever to write!! How is it possible to express how much I love this trio? So so hard, we have spoilers that I don't wanna share!!

So on that note, spoiler free review it is, cause I'd really hate for my reading to be spoiled!!
Jaxson, Chase and Emma, they have been through a lot, most of it in front of the public eye, so who could blame them for having a club or two where they could just be? What happens when life, love and work are pulling you in all different directions? How will they keep their relationship from imploding?

All I'm gonna say is, read it, be shocked. Cry, laugh and sigh...….then do like me and share it with all your friends!
Profile Image for Kerry Pruett.
584 reviews10 followers
July 14, 2018
I couldn't wait for more of my favorite trio Jaxson,Chase, and Emma. They had me worried for them at first, but then my heart grew with more love for them. Jaxson with his romantic Dom heart had me smiling and crying at the same time. Chase and his compassion that showed when his Dom came out to play to help settle his Dom had my heart beating fast. Emma last but not least the strong, sweet, loving submissive that had me aggravated , but then proud when she stood up for herself and her Doms. I laughed , cried, loved, and told a few off in my head while reading this one. I loved seeing more of these three and their friends. I can't wait to get to meet more of their new friends from Cali. This was a great start off for a whole new set of Black Light adventures.
Profile Image for Hanan (Bookstagramer).
1,676 reviews16 followers
July 11, 2018
For three years now the trio have travelled extensively,opened successfully clubs and have liked minded friends.
But now real life is catching up with them.
They are now opening two more clubs,they are under tremendous stress with timelines and a budget.
Plus the additional tensions of people who are not into their type of relationship.
It’s especially hard for Emma,living in California has her body issues returning.
Having to see and hear others flirting with Jax and Chase has her edgy and emotional.
Jax and Chase know Emma is unhappy but chalk it up to the opening of the clubs.
But something much deeper is at play.
Is their bond able to sustain what’s about to be revealed or is their love strong enough to withstand the unexpected?
That’s what this trio will have to decide and come to terms with the outcome.
Great book in dealing with unconventional relationships,the things they face and the people they have to deal with.
And on top of all that no privacy because Jax and Chase are well known models.
I love all three characters. Each brings and plays a vital part and piece to their unique relationship.
I loved how all three were dedicated to one another and how they loyal they all are.
Looking for to reading more of Jax,Chase and Emma!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
805 reviews1 follower
July 16, 2018
Follow up to Infamous Love the Black Light series prequel. Can be read and enjoyed as stand-alone, but so much better reconnecting to the characters I have loved in this series. Told in multiple POV with HEA. I loved this book, and I have loved all of the Black Light series books. This is about a MMF couple and does contain MF, MM, MFM, MMF as well as some BDSM D/s. They are in a committed relationship with no cheating. Jaxson, Chase, and Emma are opening a few new clubs in California and are under strict deadlines which makes their lives quite full and that leaves little time for communication. Secrets are kept and stress is high before they realize they need to focus more on what is most important, their family. I can not wait to read more in this series!!
Profile Image for Rhonda Hicks.
4,160 reviews74 followers
January 16, 2020
If you've been captivated with not only the Black Light series, but the triad of Jaxson, Chase and Emma, then you should know this book has brought to light all the questions of jealousy, inadequacies, insecurities, and taking one another for granted that come in a couple relationship. All of these emotions brought not only the storyline but the characters closer to life-like and relatable. Livia Grant had generously interspersed their love, emotions, and scenes throughout the book. I wondered did she realize she had brought an additional voyeur into her work because, yes, I was there every second. What an incredible storyline that I don't seem to get enough of.
1,822 reviews2 followers
July 16, 2018
Wow, I loved this book! If you've followed this relationship through the books you would have witnessed them go from a new relationship (Infamous Love), through the Black Light books & now this. It is a book that could be read as a standalone but is so much better if you've followed their relationship. For an average size book, this story had so much emotion in it & yet it never felt rushed or out of place. These characters have to be 3 of my all-time favourites & while I don't know what the author has planned for them in the future, if this is the final we hear from them, it really does end on a high.
Profile Image for Erika.
382 reviews2 followers
February 3, 2020
This is the first book I’ve read in the Black Light series & I now want to read them all! I instantly fell in love with Jaxson, Emma & Chase. You can feel the love they have for each other coming through the pages & it makes the book so much better because of it. Once I started this book I couldn’t put it down and kept wanting to know more. This book shows you the emotions you go through when keeping a major secret from your loved ones and how important it is to pay attention to those you love!

I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Reckless Readers.
1,707 reviews88 followers
July 11, 2018
Livia has done a brilliant job with continuing the story of Jaxson, Chase and Emma. This book is complex, it had me wanting to reach through my kindle and grab the characters and ask what the hell they were doing. It made me feel, had me on the edge of my seat to see what would happen next in the twist and turns this trio experience. All of these, with being well written, balanced with the perfect amount of romance created a very enjoyable read.

***Reviewed by Codie***
Profile Image for Tammy.
9,013 reviews44 followers
February 3, 2020
This is the second book in this duet and I do recommend reading them in order. Jaxon, Chase and Emma’s lives are crazy right now with opening more clubs and deadlines to meet. Emma is keeping a secret and is unhappy about the craziness in their life. What will happen when Jaxon and Chase can’t seem to track her down? Fast-paced read with plenty of drama and steam. I loved these characters and the story really draws you in. A good read.
963 reviews1 follower
July 9, 2018
Livia has done it again with continuing the story of Jaxson, Chase and Emma. The trio have a lot on their plate. Actually more than Jaxson and Chase know. Jaxson, ever the Dom is having issues. Self doubt is eating at him. They power through. I love this continuation of their story and it is not done. Cannot wait to see where life leads them next.
1,017 reviews4 followers
July 9, 2018
Jaxson, Chase and Emma have successful businesses in New York and Washington DC and now are opening a new dance club called Runway West along with a BDSM club in a renovated mansion. All are feeling the weight of the temporary move to California, with the tight schedule, hiring all the staff and mansion renovations. Emma is especially feeling that her men are being pursued by other people, including an attractive older TV personality and the designer for the new club and a PA that treats her like dirt. Chase and Jaxson know she isn't happy and are trying to figure out why. Emma doesn't like California, feeling particularly inadequate with the body-conscience citizens of this state....she's also a little more hormonal than normal as she is trying to find a way to tell her men that she is pregnant and knows her dad will push for marriage with one of her men...but you will have to read the story to see what happens with this trio. I voluntarily read this book through an Advanced Reader Copy.
Profile Image for Sarajane Garten.
268 reviews1 follower
July 14, 2018
Another fun journey to the Black Light universe

I have read all the Black Light books. I appreciate the discussion of non traditional marriage. Reminds me of the discussions about gay marriage back before it was legal. So many series fun out of steam, but not this one. Like a family reunion, where you can catch up with cousins you don't see every week. Thanks, Livia, for a nice time and a fun read.
50 reviews1 follower
July 16, 2018
Love it

Jaxson, Emma, and Chase never will there be a dull moment. Jaxson the dominant determined to take care and protect his family is someone you have to love. Chase and Emma will keep him on his toes. Now there are babies hopefully more mischief to come.
Profile Image for Sherry Wood.
538 reviews5 followers
July 16, 2018
Fantastic book

This is such a great story!! I have read the previous books in this series and loved all of them. The characters are so loving and in sync with each other that you (sigh) are wrapped up in their lives. Add some hot steamy sex scenes and this book is just awesome.
3,874 reviews29 followers
July 11, 2018
Life gets very complicated for Chase, Emma and Jaxson as they move on to their new ventures! Secrets and insecurities hit them from all sides as they struggle to keep up with new projects and plans, as well as new surprises. The opposition and challenges they faced were written so well, they made me want to hug all three of them and give them more reassurance. I loved the emotions and fears that ran like a thread through this amazing trio, and seeing how Chase and Jaxson step up their game to bring Emma back into their arms was sexy hot and fantastic! Loved this new Black Light book!
1,691 reviews3 followers
July 12, 2018
I love this story. It's our favorite owners of black light opening black light west. Stress is high and on top of that there is a big secret someone is keeping. There's lots of love drama and of course domestic discipline. I love the world Livia Grant have created. This is a standalone but intermingled with the other black light books makes it all the better and of course there is a HEA.
2,263 reviews
July 12, 2018
I fell in love with these three in their first book and have fell deeped and deeper for them everytime they have come up in the black light books but this one just blew me away!!! I now need to go back and read all of their books all over again I love them so much.
The Black light novels are written superby by all the repective authors and I have to say the valentine roulette books had been my favourites up until now!!!! I LOVE THIS BOOK!
I hope there are lots more books in the black light series!!
MUST READ!!

Merged review:

I fell in love with these three in their first book and have fell deeped and deeper for them everytime they have come up in the black light books but this one just blew me away!!! I now need to go back and read all of their books all over again I love them so much.
The Black light novels are written superby by all the repective authors and I have to say the valentine roulette books had been my favourites up until now!!!! I LOVE THIS BOOK!
I hope there are lots more books in the black light series!!
MUST READ!!
Profile Image for M. Shane.
31 reviews4 followers
August 8, 2018
This novel is just so sweet.

It is obvious that for a fair number of romance novels that statement comes as little surprise, as that is what we expect when reading romance. A couple meets, they find themselves attracted to each other, there is some intervening plot tension, they overcome it, and then there is our cherished Happily Ever After. We expect those things, and we more often than not get just that (when appropriate – dark romance and other genres of that nature notwithstanding), and we’re all happy. Infamous Love does not disappoint in this regard. For this reader this novel was just a nice balance between all of the elements one would expect from this type of romance, and if you are looking for something that will just leave you with “aww” moments galore, then you will love this novel.

Emma, the main protagonist of Infamous Love, is a college graduate who must find a way to return from a trip when her travel companion abandons her. In getting herself squared away to get back to her home (so she can meet a deadline to begin studies and teaching), she crosses paths with Jaxson. And Chase. Two men whom she recognizes from their media presence, and whom she initially assumes would have no interest in her at all. She quickly discovers that is not the case. Both Jaxson and Chase help Emma out, and along the way they all three find themselves becoming entangled with each other (both literally and figuratively). What starts out as your typical ménage tryst quickly becomes much more than that, as all three discover that what started as simply a random encounter was actually the start of something for deeper, and more profound.
Emma is really the focus of this story. She is a young woman who is suddenly placed into a situation that she is ill-prepared for, especially in an emotional context. She struggles with identity issues, and has a propensity to shame herself, which is only reinforced, as is often the case in our society, by the insensitive and rude comments of others around her. Jaxson and Chase are her ‘chorus’; as they all begin having feelings for each other that go far deeper than a typical ‘one night stand’, Jaxson and Chase are the voices who start to break Emma out of the cycle of putting herself down. Shaming herself for being less than perfect when held to arbitrary standards that she need not give agency to. As the relationship between all three grows stronger, it is Jaxson as the de facto ‘leader’ (read Dom) of the group who really applies this non-shaming doctrine to Emma. Chase reinforces this, but it is Jaxson who literally punishes Emma for her infractions, pushing her to come to the realization that these two men in her life love her not in spite of how she looks, but because of how she looks, and the incredible person she is. Much of the story that does not revolve around the heated physical relationship that all three share is focused on the evolving of Emma. From self-deprecating, insecure, and unwilling to accept that someone (or someone’s, in this case) would find her worthy of their attention and love (especially given the physical attributes of both men), to learning to accept this situation in her life. She comes, through Jaxson and Chase, to understand that it is not for one person to decide where others find beauty and worth, but to understand that this can and should always be found and accepted in another, no matter the circumstances. Emma’s growth is joyous to watch, as it is an empowering story that is something that all too often is missing in romance. There is a tendency for women in romance novels to be portrayed as beautiful, sensual, and ‘perfect’. While there is nothing inherently wrong with that, it is refreshing to read the story of a woman who sees ‘flaws’ about herself that are simply not there for those who love her. It was heartwarming to watch as Emma learned to accept that by giving authority to those who would shame you by accepting what they say as truth, you are often, in fact, denying the real truth around you. At a time when we have much ballyhoo about ‘fake news’, it was good to watch as this theme was addressed at a much closer, personal level. People who would tell you that “….there’s no way those guys could be into you” are creating a false narrative that only becomes reality if you accept it as a truism. Jaxson and Chase’s love of Emma isn’t the ‘fake news’; the fake news is Emma’s willingness to believe those who tell her the two men can’t really love her, and watching her overcome that is empowering and delightful.

This novel is so sweet and joyful to read it’s hard to think of anything that I did not like about it, but there were two issues that I did have with the story as I read it. One is this: the ancillary women that pop up in Emma’s life throughout this novel seem to be consistently and unrelentingly awful human beings. Disconcertingly so. Starting with the very young woman who strands Emma at the very beginning of the novel, all the way to the end, it seems as if nearly every other woman who Emma comes in contact with is just so blatantly nasty, or destructive, that it is sometimes hard to accept as realistic. Even a tangential female character introduced towards the end of the story, one who is somewhat sympathetic, still has flaws which make her less so as her portion in the story unfolds. It is an odd conceit within the overall structure of the novel, and at one point seemed so invasive to this reader as to appear borderline misogynistic. The other women that Emma meets throughout the story simply seem to act as foils for Jaxson and Chase to rescue Emma from, whether emotionally or physically. That was by far the most awkward and disconcerting aspect of the novel, and was one which left me scratching my head. Surely, Emma must have at least ONE woman in her life that is a positive influence. Emma’s mother was the only character that approached this, and she came and went so quickly that she in no way could offset the terrible female figures that came before her, and those that followed. As a reader I can accept the need to have a certain number of women crossing Emma’s path that try to reinforce the self-image issues, etc. that Emma is confronting, but surely not every woman she encounters must serve in that capacity. It seem that was the case, however, in the scope of this novel, and it was a sticking point as I read it, albeit a minor one.

The only other issues I had is simply one of greed; the novel ended far too quickly for me, and at a point that I was not left feeling satisfied. There is a final direct confrontation that finishes a story arc that was introduced late in the novel, but that arc was tied up so quickly, and then the story abruptly cut off that there were more questions left unanswered than resolve, in my opinion. While in the strictest sense of the word we get our HEA, the denouement comes so quickly, and the final ending scene transition is closes so abruptly it was jarring. As a reader I would have liked a tiny bit more easing out of this story, with the teasing hint of more to follow. I did not get that; I honestly read the last line of the last page and thought I was going to be turning to another chapter, but that was it. Over and done. If the author’s intent is to leave you hanging so you’ll continue on to the next novel, then all I can say is that, while successful, it did leave me with a bit of disappointment and feeling that I was gypped out of some information that would have left me saying yet another “Awwww!” rather than “Oh. That’s it?”

Those two minor issues aside, this is still a wonderful novel. It is a beautiful story of three people who come together to find love with each other, unconventional though it may be. The true wonder in this story is Emma, and how she evolves as a person. From insecure to self-confident, and that journey is what will keep you entranced, all the way to the end.
Abrupt though it may be.
826 reviews8 followers
February 4, 2020
My intro into this series was the wonderful Valentine's Roulette (book 3). So much variety in both the scenes and characters. I was left keen to learn more about the club owning trio and couldn't pass up the offer of Infamous Love followed by this book, Complicated Love. I enjoyed Infamous Love but starting this book saw time jump forward a few years to where the trio already run successful clubs. I felt cheated not having the insight into how it all came to be. Also, this was written in a way that suggested we should already know all of the supporting couples. I'm confused about where this book is supposed to fall in terms of the Black Light series given that Infamous Love is a Black Light Prequel and this is supposedly the follow-up book to that.
I did find myself bored on numerous occasions reading this one. The 'scenes' were repetitive, spank and then a 3-way. Outside of the bedroom, I didn't find their interaction all that exciting either. They talked about Emma being the glue for the trio but that wasn't true. Chase was the glue and a sweetheart, Emma was okay but Jaxson's character just left me cold.
I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving an advance copy from Hidden Gems.
Profile Image for Candice Barrier.
252 reviews2 followers
July 11, 2018
Livia has done it again

Livia has taken my heart and made it go on a roller coaster ride again with her latest book. It is amazing the twists and turns she takes her readers on with these black light books. They are all so amazing. This one keeps you guess and jumping up and down doing a happy dance by the end of the book. I could not put it down. It was simply amazing. Well done.
Profile Image for Kessily Lewel.
Author 38 books165 followers
November 6, 2018
This is part of a series that included multiple couples and many of the books in it are stand-alone but this one is a direct sequel to Infamous Love. I haven't read that one yet, because I didn't realize that when I started this one. I have read another in the series so I knew who the three main characters were, and the plot was simple enough that the explanations given were enough to understand what was going on without having read the first.

So I want to start by saying I love this relationship. Having lived in a threesome myself I found it very realistic and I really loved the dynamic. I loved how she had two doms, but that Chase also submits to Jaxson too, but I also loved seeing Chase do the switch thing with Jaxson when needed.

I also thought her motivations for keeping secrets made sense and I could see why she was worried. Threesomes tend to work really well for the people in them, but when the outside world intrudes that's where you get the complications. Well meaning family members, and a society that doesn't understand anything but monogamy can put a lot of strain on these kinds of things but, as with most things, having a lot of money tends to smooth things over.

So those are the pros. As for the cons:
It seemed utterly out of character for Jaxson to let Lola act like that to the lovers he is normally very protective of, as well as let someone so abrasive cause that much trouble, so that felt like it was contrived for the plot.

There is very little of the spanking action throughout the book, except for one disastrous failed scene, until we are almost at the end. There are reasons for it that make sense in the plot, but for people expecting a lot of that kind of play you might be disappointed. And after most of the book being more focused on plot and relationship than D/s the end wrap-up is a bit of a shock. Like a buffet after fasting for two days.

Spoilers below:

Right before the end there is a big group BDSM and sex scene at the club, where they and lots of other characters all get it on (staying with their own partners, but all together in the same room)

And then we have the big plot reveal... We already know that she's pregnant since that was her big secret. I'm really really torn about how I feel about this ending because I love it and it's completely perfect but... it was completely obvious and I knew from the moment we found out she was pregnant that this is what the ending would be. It's a very common trope with group romances. Girl has more than one lover, girl gets pregnant.. oh woe someone will feel left out because they aren't the father--ta-da she has multiple babies with one being the father of each so no one is left out.

So yes it's tropey but ughhhh I loved it so much. Anyway I'm giving this 4 starts but really I wish I could give it 4.5
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