Do I like a slow burn? I don’t know if I can say that I do, but I picked up this book mainly because I was drawn by the cover and I have no regrets.

DNF Review: Complicated by Ola Tundun (DNF at 41%)

I picked up Complicated without realizing it was the second book in a series, which led to quite a bit of confusion from the start. There were references to humor and innuendos from the first book that clearly had significance, but without that context, they fell flat for me.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t entertained or invested enough in the characters to go back and read the first book. The active character voices, which should have drawn me in, instead felt dull and uninspired. I kept waiting for something to click, but it never did, and I ultimately put the book down at 41%.

Overall, Complicated didn’t work for me as a standalone, and I wasn’t motivated to explore more of the series.

Ola Tundun's "Complicated" is a compelling and emotionally charged novel that explores the intricacies of love, family, and personal identity. The story delves into the lives of characters who are navigating complex relationships and facing difficult choices that challenge their sense of self and their connections with others.

Tundun's writing is rich with emotional depth and realism, capturing the nuances of human interactions and the often messy nature of life. The characters are well-developed, each with their own struggles and desires, making their journeys relatable and engaging. The novel tackles themes such as cultural expectations, the pressures of societal norms, and the search for authenticity in a world that often demands conformity.

"Complicated" is an insightful and thought-provoking read that resonates with readers who enjoy character-driven stories that explore the complexities of modern life and relationships. Tundun's ability to weave a narrative that is both heartfelt and intellectually stimulating makes this novel a must-read for fans of contemporary fiction that doesn't shy away from life's gray areas.

"Complicated" by Ola Tundun seamlessly continues the story of Ariella and Caleb, picking up from where "Roommates" ended. As they take the bold step of announcing their relationship to their loved ones, their happiness is soon tested by the reappearance of someone from Caleb’s past at Ivory & Bow.

A pivotal moment occurs when Ariella is offered a position to manage the Singapore division of Ivory & Bow. Enthusiastic about the new adventure and career challenge, she accepts the offer. However, Caleb is deeply suspicious and tries to dissuade her from taking the job, worried about hidden motives. This tension triggers a series of emotional highs and lows as they strive to overcome their relationship hurdles.

"Complicated" truly lives up to its name, delivering a dynamic and engaging narrative filled with romantic and personal conflicts. Ola Tundun's storytelling shines as she vividly portrays the struggles and growth of Ariella and Caleb, making their journey both relatable and compelling.

Having loved "Roommates," I found "Complicated" equally captivating. The blend of romance, tension, and character development keeps the reader hooked. I'm excited to see where Ariella and Caleb's story goes next and can’t wait for the continuation in the next book!

Thank you to Storm Publishing for letting me review this ARC visit. This was a great read. The writing was well executed and the setting in the airport was soooo fun. I enjoyed this book a lot and ready to dive into the series!

I didn't realise that the first book by this author was going to be the first in a series, I kind of liked it ended with a will they won't they - having said that I have read the second book - now I am desperate for the third book so I can see how the story ends!

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the ARC of this book.

This was a fun read and I seemed to get through it quite quickly. I had not read anything by this author before but am definitely going to read more in the future. I have recently heard there is a 3rd book coming out so would love to read that!

Love the premise of this books. And thought it was well executed. Love that they found love while doing something some mundane as going to the airport.

Although I didn't realize it when I started reading, Ola Tundun's "Complicated" is the second book in the "Roommates" series. You must read the first book if you want to read it, as I was perplexed and annoyed. It's essentially a tale about the romance between Ariella and Caleb. A complicated relationship, rife with drama, betrayal, miscommunication, manipulation, fears, and insecurities. As you might expect, the arrival of the ex-partners of both protagonists does not help the situation and actually makes it worse.
Was the story enjoyable to me? I can't honestly say that, to be honest with you. Perhaps I would have been thrilled if I had read the first book and known the characters' beginning right away. However, I have to admit that it was a frustrating experience in this particular case. Both characters struck me as demanding, selfish, toxic, extremely immature, and full of drama. The story itself was also tedious and disorganized. Apologies.

Ariella annoyed the crap out of me with her back and forth between the guys. Liked the overall story though. Caleb seems like a good guy who made some stupid decisions.

I would like to extend my gratitude to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read Complicated by Ola Tundun. However, upon starting the book, I realized it was the second installment in a series, which left me feeling a bit disoriented. Although I had hoped to immerse myself in the story, I must candidly admit that it didn't resonate with me as I had anticipated. While I recognize that many readers enjoyed this book, I regret to say that it didn't hold my attention as I had hoped. I acknowledge that this is simply a matter of personal preference, and I appreciate the opportunity to explore new literary works.

Fun to see what happened next with the characters in this story. For a longer story was hoping for the characters to have more finality to some of their situations but I just learned a third book is coming!

Another really fun read by Ola Tundun!

I loved picking up the next installment in Aari and Caleb’s story and riding the tug of war rollercoaster that is their relationship (… friendship? Business colleague-ship?)

I said it with book one and I’ll reiterate it here, but Ola writes the most perfectly flawed, human characters and she keeps that going in this book. We see the good, the bad, and the ugly with Caleb and Aari (especially Caleb 🫣), but it makes them feel so deeply real.

I can see how your typical romance reader might find them “too flawed” or feel like there is too much jerking back and forth in their relationship arc - it’s definitely a strong contrast to many of the stories out there in that aspect, but tbh I’m absolutely here for it. I do think this makes it a little harder to breeze through the pages, but personally I really enjoy how raw and honest the book and its characters feel and it’s not something I would want to fly through anyways. Ola’s writing is incredibly descriptive and I love sitting down and immersing myself in her world.

Just like book one, we’re left on a massive cliffhanger, but also just like book one it has me craving the next piece of the story. (Seriously.. I need a release date… send me a beta read.. anything! 😅)

A wild, but wonderful ride that I can’t wait to get back on when the 3rd book releases!

I cannot believe it took me this long to write this. I absolutely love the romance with a cliffhanger. No spoilers here, but you’ll be SCREAMING at your book when you’re reading some of Caleb’s portions and cheering for Aari in other sections. Either way you cut it, you have a wonderful story with all the twists and drama you could dream of. I can’t wait for book 3 to come out and FINALLY give us all some closure.

I loved this book!! I haven't read anything by this author, but i will be looking for more of her books to read! I will definitely recommend this book! It was such a sweet, rom-com!

Absolutely loved the entire book!!! Enemies to lovers that is also a slow burn? That is the main reason i requested the book and o boy, the book did not disappoint at all. I was screaming and smiling the entire time and i absolutely thoroughly enjoyed the book!!

Complicated by ola tundun. Rom-com, light easy read. Easy read, something to break up smutty reads, easy to follow the story

This is actually book 2 in the ‘Roomates’ series and contains a few of my favourite tropes including, slow burn, pining hero, love triangle and opposites attract and I loved reading them all.

Even though this is quite a large book i found myself turning the pages quite quickly and whizzed through the chapters and devoured it in a couple of wonderful sittings.

Caleb and Ariella go through a lot in their relationship and there is a lot going on in this story that kept me engrossed right up until the very end…..

I recently had the pleasure of delving into this book, and I am beyond impressed with the mesmerizing world that the author has crafted. From start to finish, the intricate plot weaves a tapestry of suspense, emotion, and unexpected twists that kept me eagerly turning the pages.

One of the standout features of this book is undoubtedly its characters. Each one is meticulously developed, breathing life into the narrative with their unique personalities, motivations, and flaws. The protagonists are not just names on paper; they are relatable, complex individuals with whom readers can form a genuine connection. The antagonist, too, is not a mere foil but a multi-dimensional force that adds depth to the story. The author's ability to create such well-rounded characters is a testament to their storytelling prowess.

The plot unfolds seamlessly, drawing the reader into a richly layered narrative that expertly balances tension, drama, and moments of poignant reflection. The pacing is impeccable, maintaining a perfect rhythm that keeps the reader engaged without sacrificing the depth of the story. The author skillfully navigates through various plot arcs, interweaving them with finesse to create a cohesive and satisfying whole.

What sets this book apart is its ability to tackle profound themes while maintaining an accessible and engaging narrative. The book seamlessly combines suspense and emotional depth, making it a truly immersive experience. The author's prose is both elegant and evocative, painting vivid imagery that lingers in the reader's mind long after the final page is turned.

As I reached the conclusion, I found myself yearning for more from this talented author. Their ability to craft a gripping plot and bring characters to life is truly commendable. I eagerly anticipate future works and would wholeheartedly recommend this book to any reader who appreciates a masterfully told tale. If you're searching for a book that seamlessly blends captivating characters with a compelling plot, this is a shining example. I can't wait to explore more literary worlds crafted by this exceptional storyteller.

ty netgalley for the free ARC!!

i didn't like this much, the story telling and writing came off as overwhelming and convoluted for most of it, while simultaneously not much happening in the story. probably the reason why the reading experience for me dragged on for so long, the characters weren't particularly likeable, though i have to admit i managed to finish just for the drama.