Complicated

by Claire Kent, Zannie Adams

The only wild thing Victoria has ever done is have a hot fling with a wealthy, sexy, much-older man. They want to keep it simple—just a hot secret they keep from the world—and it works fine for a couple of months. They get together and have sex. Great sex. A lot of sex. The hottest sex she’s ever had.

But suddenly their simple fling becomes tangled and messy when their personal lives—and feelings—start to get in the way, and Victoria has to decide if the sex is worth the complications.

This book was originally published under the same title and a different penname by Ellora's Cave. It has since been revised and reedited.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Novella, Contemporary, Erotica, Erotic Romance, Short Stories

First published September 7, 2007

About the author

Claire has been writing romance novels since she was twelve years old. After teaching English at the university level for several years, she started writing full-time under two different pen names. She lives in Virginia.

Her early books are sexy contemporary romances filled with heat and real emotion, but with the Hold series she transitioned to science fiction romance. Her current books are steamy post-apocalyptic romance set in the near future after a global catastrophe. They feature smart, resilient women trying to survive in a new chaotic world and falling in love with strong, gruff, taciturn men.

Claire also writes softer contemporary romances as Noelle Adams,

Reviews

[Carla · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a little glimpse into theirs relationship. It could be more developed and interesting.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the hottest and sweetest short stories with one of the grossest covers I've read in recent times. That cover is an abomination and should be replaced immediately!

Had to wait at the optometrist with daughter today for way too long, read 3/4 of this during wait. Story of a college librarian Victoria and her wealthy widower hookup Greg, where it turns into something more.

The story starts with them practically in the act on a balcony at a major political event and, throughout most of the 66 page (?) short story, they are engaged in some hot and steamy anything goes sex. It gets complicated when his 19 year old daughter finds out and verbally attacks Victoria at the library, catching her off-guard and making her re-think the whole thing.

The story is good, and well thought out, especially for a novella. I appreciate a short story every now and then, for when I get stuck a the eye doc, or in a long line so this book hit all the right notes.

The beauty of an e-reader is I can read my erotica with impunity while my 12 year old plays Angry Bird on my phone, oblivious to my debauched reading activity.

[Jac K · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Smut only ⭐’s

I didn’t realize this book was so old until I came out here to write the review. This is a quick read that is mostly smut. (like 85%) There’s very little plot or relationship building. I had just reread Slave to Love and had enjoyed his bratty daughter causing problems for that h and was hoping for some of the same, but it didn’t really shake out.

The book opens with Victoria (29) and Greg (43) already months into their super-hot sex only affair. We’re not given a lot before the small blip of the daughter conflict enters the storyline, and that is quickly dispatched with no real substance.

Bottom Line- The most interesting parts and action all revolve around the smut which the author does well, but if you strip that away, there’s nothing left. Victoria is very skittish and Greg is calm that’s about the extent of their personalities.

[Mindy Lou's Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this! I would call this a more sophisticated older man/younger woman trope. We don't have the taboo of an older man with a teenager. Greg is 43 and Victoria is 28. Victoria is a shy librarian at a university college. Greg is a wealthy CEO. This is a short and sweet story about two unlikely individuals starting a no strings arrangement. Things start to get messy for Victoria when Greg's college age daughter finds out about the two of them, causing a turning point in their relationship.

I loved almost everything about this. If I had to list my dislikes, it would be the daughters reaction. I wish Greg had handled her better but it wasn't enough to ruin the story for me. I also wish the epilogue was a bit further out. The daughter was better but not 100% supportive. I would have like to have seen the closure on this. Again, it didn't ruin the story for me. I loved this couple and I love that we have the bit of taboo with the age difference, yet they were both mature adults. I would have loved for this to be a full length novel.

[Carvanz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast read with an older man - younger woman trope. I’m not a huge fan of this trope but this younger woman was actually in her late 20s, making me love this like I never expected to!





Victoria knew exactly what she wanted. She was a mature heroine who entered into a relationship with Greg with her eyes wide open, as was his. Even when things start to go sideways for this couple she handled it with maturity. I loved that she was holding fast to their arrangement and she didn’t press for more, even when she realized she wanted more.





Greg was a bit harder to understand. I wasn’t sure exactly what his thought process was or how his relationship with Victoria was affecting his life, if at all. I did appreciate his response to the problem they were faced with, but I would have much rather he had dealt with it, if not prior to the “show down” that took place, then at least in a more concise and determined manner.





This is one hot and steamy read that I completed within an hour’s time. While it isn’t the very best this author has to offer, it still had me engaged and intrigued.

Heroine POV
Safe no ow/om drama; h not a virgin; H not a manwhore
Triggers no apparent triggers

[Jenn (The Book Refuge) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick little read of fuck buddies going to true love. Tasty treat.

3.5 stars
3 on the spice scale

[Catheryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread 4/2025

I don't know that I would keep the 5 star rating on the reread, but I still really loved it. So maybe 4.5 stars? Though this is a short novella, it's packed with some emotion.

***

Loved it!

Such a fun, quick, sweet and spicy story. The novella d0es a great job at laying the ground work and setting the scenes without losing you. I thought it was really great.

[Christi (christireadsalot) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars! Complicated is a contemporary romance novella from Claire Kent. This is a short (90 pages), age gap (she’s 31, he’s 43), no-strings attached romance that of course leads to more!

The story kicks right off with Victoria and Greg getting busy on a hotel balcony while others are celebrating a political campaign win just beyond the french doors in the hotel ballroom. Greg is the brother of the newly elected governor, while Victoria is a seemingly-quiet, university librarian. They meet a few months prior while working on his brother’s campaign together and both decided to enjoy one another for the time since a relationship wasn’t what either wanted.

This read is super quick but I was pulled into Victoria and Greg’s time together. He’s a widower with a daughter in college and Victoria actually has a run-in with this daughter when she approaches Victoria at the university library, which leads to a bit of a complication for her and Greg’s dynamic. Both realize they want more but aren’t sure how the other feels at first, we only get Victoria’s POV but I liked how sweet and caring Greg is towards her. Their connection was believable and it’s a pretty straight-forward, no-frills story.

[namericanwordcat · Rating 3 out of 5]

For what it is which is a basically a sex fest with a little bit of issues of dating and older man with a college age child, this is alright. The sexy times are hot and the characters are likable so if you want a quick steamy read and have a thing for older men (44 lol) and librarians, then here you go.

[SamJ ★Needs a HEA★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was a good short read for me.

The story starts with our two main characters already involved.

They both thought they just wanted a simple "sex only" relationship, but ofc things will get complicated.

In a short story it packed quite a punch (as my nana used to say, good stuff comes in little bundles).

You cared about our two main characters, and other than the daughter, there were no other secondary characters really to distract from the 2 main characters which in short stories, I never really like.

There is just something about the few Zannie Adams books I have read that I just love.

Have to agree about the cover, it almost put me off! Uk ppl might get this, but the woman looks like Sara Millican, I do not need to imagine Sarah Millican as my female romantic lead! As funny as Sarah Millican is.

[Lit Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good solid alternative to the standard age-difference romance. The story begins smack in the middle of a very hot, sex-only affaire, and spins from there on the problem of whether it can grow into something else. The hero is a mature man with some light baggage, and the heroine is a sound adult (only some years younger) that has a choice on deciding if she wants to get more involved or keep her life hassle-free. Very hot storytelling, good quality short read.

[Leigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute but really short. It could have been better if it was longer, and the characters were developed. Overall, not really memorable.

[MBR · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first book by the author got me completely hooked. I loved this book. And I keep wondering where she disappeared off to!
My review: http://bit.ly/cluqfb

Re-read in 2024

- Found where Zannie Adams disappeared off to - it is to write under the name of Claire Kent and also Noelle Adams (the tamer romances).
- Reading this second time around was just as good - I just wish that this were a full length novel.
- No one does romance heroes as Claire Kent/Zannie Adams - she has her own flair which works (99% of the time).

Rating = 5/5

For more reviews and quotes, please visit A Maldivian's Passion for Romance

[Leigh Kramer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Age gap romance about a librarian and businessman who start a fling while working on his brother’s gubernatorial campaign. This easily could have been expanded and I wish it had—his daughter was a spoiled brat and I did not care for her going straight to slut-shaming Victoria just because she was mad her dad was dating again. I’m not saying it would be easy for your parent to date someone only 12 years older than you but she needed to take that up with him. Her anger didn’t feel earned: her mom died several years ago and she’s in college herself. Is her dad never supposed to find someone again??


Characters: Victoria is a 31 year old white university librarian who wears glasses. Greg is a 43 year old white grocery chain CEO. He has a 19 year old daughter.

Content notes: slut-shaming (countered), past death of MMC’s wife, on page sex, library sex, anal play, ageist jokes, gendered pejoratives, gender essentialism, ableist language

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Characters: Victoria and Greg

Age gap: heroine is 31, hero is 43

Content Warning: hero has a 19 year old daughter

This was a quick and steamy novella between a librarian and a businessman. I loved this novella, because Claire Kent always knows how to add heart to her stories. When you get into these steamy novella’s, they don’t always have a lot of emotional depth to them, but this one packed a punch to my gut. I only wish this was available in a physical copy.

[Brooke · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh, I was a bit bored.

[Sherri Babb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warning once you start reading this book be prepared to not move until you are finished it! This book was hot, sweet, romantic with even a little bit of drama. My only complaint was it was way too short! I absolutely loved Greg and Victoria. I thought that they were perfect for each other. Honestly from the way they were with each other you could tell that they were both lying to themselves about the no strings. Greg is my new and only book boyfriend at the moment.... he has magic fingers!

[Maria Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This erotic novella tells the story of Victoria, a quiet demure librarian and her passionate affair with Greg, a widowed businessman twelve years older than her. They've both agreed that only sex is on the table, but when Greg's teenage daughter finds out about their affair, Victoria must decide if she's willing to put her heart into play as well as her body.

I loved this story! For a shorter novella there is enough of a background given to the characters to give you a sense of their characters and I found them both to be interesting and engaging. The story doesn't pull any punches, starting out with a steamy sex scene between them as a way of introducing their already ongoing affair. Though Victoria may feel as though the sex is isolated between them, having Greg's daughter find out about their affair brings reality into the limelight - that the status quo can't continue forever and that she is starting to develop real feelings for Greg, a fact that makes her realize that she isn't going to be able to end things easily. Though the majority of the story focuses on the sexual nature of their relationship, there is an emotional connection between them that neither can deny, leading to the eventual conflict and resolution to the story. The epilogue was a nice touch. 5 stars!

[Kinga · Rating 5 out of 5]

I admire so much the author's ability that whatever unromantic situation described in her novels, even so her characters are likeable, the unromantic it's just the face. This story is full of emotion.

Victoria is 31 years old, she works in a university library. Everyone thinks her as a typical librarian… except the 43 years old Greg with whom she has met during a political campaign.

Sometimes the most passionate people are those who don’t show all their feelings on the surface.

I think this quote is so appropriate in the real life too.

According to their unwritten contact their relationship is informal, but nothing is accident. Victoria doesn't want any complications in her life, because she had only bad experiences.
It just comes out the tangle first when Greg's teenage daughter appears, then when Victoria realizes after all she wants more from Greg.

This story is not too complicated, the finish is a quick solution. 86 pages is not much for a story unfolding, so we couldn't know everything about the characters, but the emotions have came through so well. Like so much.

[Djg · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sexy quick read, 3 1/2 stars but I'm rounding up because it was good.

I won't recap the plot because the blurb pretty much tells it like it is. First of all, the cover (hot damn!). The story is good and the characters likable.

I wish the epilogue was a littler farther down the timeline and the one detail hanging was resolved, but overall a very sexy read.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute, quick read!! Victoria & Greg have established a very specific type of relationship, which has worked well for them the last few months. But then of course, life gets in the way and Complications are thrown into the mix; challenging what they have, is it worth the effort, will they make? Well, its Complicated.

This was a great read, very enjoyable and I loved it!!

[Carolyn F. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short story. 86 pages.

Romance with baggage and trying to make it work. I loved both of the main characters.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got my own copy from Amazon Kindle only for 0.99$

[KathyB · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent plot, but too much sex for a short book. I would have liked more story, background, etc...

3+ Stars

[Jessica CW · Rating 4 out of 5]

Older man younger women sex only affair....or was it? Sure he’s got 12 years on her. He’s successful, got a college daughter, widowed, and is in the public eye due to his brother.

She’s a university librarian, looking to spice up her life by working on a political campaign and lusting after Greg who was in his forties while she’s in her early thirties.

It was suppose to be sex only, and steamy too, but then it got complicated.

This is a quick steamy novella about unexpectedly falling in love and changing up the rules.

Normally I like a story with more of a plot, a showcase of falling in love and an epilogue that spotlights the couples future better. I love seeing characters develop. This story doesn’t have the timeline to do that. So I’m mostly rating on their situation and the erotica of this story. It gets 4 stars for that, being hot and passionate.

It even inspired me to go find photos of hot celebrities in their forties and fifties. Yum.

I enjoy Noelle Adams so I love seeing this side of her writing.

[Catherine · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to like this because the sex scenes were hot. However, Claire Kent's earlier works have all fallen flat for me and this was no different. The writing was repetitive and the characters felt one-dimensional. There was basically no romance other than two people enjoying each other's company. The heroine and hero didn't have any full conversation about anything important until 60% of the way through the novella, and even then, the conversation lasted only a few minutes. The story is told from the heroine's POV and besides the "romance", there was no other plot or anything going on. I suppose that's to be expected for a novella, but I've read some really good novellas and this felt like a fun romp in the sheets, but nothing meaningful - I felt like I didn't really know who the characters were as people. I'll stick to the mindset of going to the author's older works for the smut - the newer works are enjoyable top notch reading for me.

[Ela (Mouse333) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the idea of this book and I liked how Greg and Victoria’s relationship was shown.

Usually, when the main characters in a book have this kind of arrangement, you can see from the beginning that they both want something more from the other person, so I liked how this showed how their relationship changed.

This book should have been longer as it doesn’t really show Greg and Victoria getting to know each other. Also, I wanted to see them get to know the other people in their lives.

I liked this book as even though it was short, it wasn’t rushed. I did want it to be a bit longer as I wanted to see Greg and Victoria getting to know each other as they didn’t know anything about each other before.

[Jody Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short novella about two people in a "no strings, just banging" relationship plays out exactly how you might imagine given it's a romance. Kents FMCs are almost always more withholding, protective, and reserved with their affections then the MMCs, and that plays out here (not that Victoria realizes). Victoria worries she might be getting attached to Greg too much, meanwhile he's out here asking her to spend the night (not their usual) and spend the weekend, and the reader knows exactly how it will end. Big spoon please because I will eat up most of what Kent is ever serving.

[Rain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Victoria (31) is a shy librarian at a university. Greg (43) is a wealthy CEO. I enjoyed their steamy relationship, but really disliked the subplot with his bratty college-aged daughter.

She and Greg Stone had met several months ago through his brother’s political campaign.

This line made me laugh.

As he’d been pounding into her, holding her legs up against his shoulders, making her frantically babble his name, Victoria had realized that maybe Greg was attracted to her too.

Ya think?

[Nicole Normand · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book discounted via Bookbub
It's a nice friends-with-benefits story. I didn't like Jeannie, who doesn't mind her own business, and she was downright rude when Victoria wouldn't kiss-and-tell. Victoria's attitude could have been much better when she realized she was in love with Greg, instead of talking things over. Greg's daughter was certainly out of line about everything she did (think the spoilest brat in town). Greg and Victoria have respect for each other and it showed.