This was such a hard hitting, yet beautiful story. I loved the characters, their friendships and lives. And the great way such hard subjects were approached, to make it into a really lovely story. Excellent. Thank you to netgalley, the author and publisher for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Female friendship, fertility issues and finding your way -all dealt with in a sweet and funny way with good characters. Light but enjoyable.

In "It's Complicated," Emma Hughes takes readers on a heart-warming and joyful journey through the complexities of modern relationships and the desire for motherhood. Dee Jensen finds herself facing a ticking biological clock while navigating the uncertain territory of her love life. When the idea of platonic co-parenting arises, Dee suggests it to Andy, a chef she recently met, and the unexpected twist begins.

Hughes infuses the story with humour and authenticity, capturing the doubts, fears, and hopes that Dee grapples with along the way. The exploration of platonic co-parenting adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, raising questions about the nature of love, family, and unconventional paths to parenthood.

As Dee embarks on this unconventional journey, readers are taken on an emotional rollercoaster as she contemplates her desires, confronts her fears, and ultimately discovers what truly matters to her. With vividly drawn characters and relatable situations, Hughes invites readers to reflect on their own dreams, aspirations, and the complexity of love and relationships.

"It's Complicated" is a delightful and thought-provoking tale that blends humour, warmth, and genuine emotion. Emma Hughes' storytelling shines as she tackles the complexities of modern life and the choices we face in pursuit of happiness. This heart-warming story reminds us that life's most fulfilling journeys are often the ones that take us by surprise and lead us to unexpected destinations.

I like that this book deals with fertility and motherhood but unfortunately I did not really enjoy this one that much. I've read so many amazing books in this genre in the last few months that I just cannot say that this was great. It was just okay to me.

Thanks to Netgalley for giving me this book in exchange for a fair and frank review.

I enjoyed this book on any levels. I loved the characters and that we stay with them on this journey together with all its pitfalls. Hormones and infertility are sensitive issues but the author described them in such a way that there was no taboo with them. I would definitely read more books by this author and would highly recommend this book.

This was a simple, fun, easy and quick read. The perfect type of book for your holiday, beach, pool kind of read. This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and I would read more of their work. The E-Book could be improved and more user-friendly, such as links to the chapters, no significant gaps between words and a cover for the book would be better. It is very document-like instead of a book. A star has been deducted because of this. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

3.5/5.

Dee is 34 when she finds out about her fertility problems after a routine blood test. She hears about platonic co-parenting and explores this as an option with her new friend Andy who is also interested in the idea.

It took a while for me to get into this book. The first 1/3 of it was still sort of setting the story up and I wish it hadn’t taken as long to do this because I enjoyed the second half of the book a lot more! This book tackled a lot of issues mainly cantering around fertility and parenthood and it explored them all pretty well. It sometimes felt a bit too much was going on though? There was also a lot of characters (most of them very minor) which was hard to keep up with as well. Overall I did enjoy this one, was definitely a big fan of the epilogue ending, but parts of it did feel a little flat to me!

Thank you my eARC of this book. I liked the premise of this but I felt like something was missing and I can’t put my finger on what! I didn’t love the female friendship in this and didn’t really gel with the characters so I didn’t finish it unfortunately

A great story that explores an issue that women over 30 sometimes find themselves in but doesn't really get talked about. But the story is also more than that issue, it explores how Dee thinks about herself, the things that have made her that way and follows her journey to realising things about herself and discovering what she truly wants from her life, and learning that it's okay to live for herself and not to always put other people first. The exploration of relationships both between friends, family and romantic partners really let you see inside, and connect with, the character. A very easy to read book, which I enjoyed thoroughly. Thank you netgalley and RandomHouse UK for giving me the chance to read this. A definite 3.5 stars

I went into this expecting more romance. But this was more about building a family, friendships and coming to terms with difficult news regarding fertility with just a sprinkle of romance.
While I did enjoy this. Especially following the multiple side stories of the side characters. I do wish we got more of Andy and Dee building their relationship. I also felt like because there was multiple side stories some of the deeper topics didn't get fully explored. Maybe it got a chapter or two but not enough.
Maybe if each side story had its own story it would have worked better for that.

Loved the friendships between the three women - Dee, Roo and Minnie and how their lives have grown together and the challenges their relationship faces throughout the story. Women's fertility and struggling to conceive is a huge issue for so many, including myself, and I thought this was dealt with accurately and realistically, with the bundle of emotions that comes with diagnosis such as Dee faces as well as Roo.
I also loved the how Dee grows within this story, from exploring and becoming more aware of how her past and her parent's separation has affected her and her past relationships, and how she becomes more empowered and learns to show her true self with Andy. Some important points about how true love can heal also.
I loved it and the characters in particular!

**Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read an advanced e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own **

I found myself searching for something more in It's Complicated by Emma Hughes. I was expecting more of a focus on Dee & Andy and their decision and journey to co-parent however, the plot is very much focused on Dee & the complicated lives of her two friends, Minnie & Roo. I found the characters at times to be a bit childish & immature. There are sensitive topics discussed but I felt like the plot only really got moving towards the end which is a shame!
I would like to thank Netgalley for the ARC.

I really enjoyed this book from start to finish. Part rom com and part empowering women, maybe a new genre. The story centres around Dee who is mid thirties and is suddenly forced to think about her own fertility. On her journey, she encounters Andy and they decide to explore the notion of platonic co-parenting. Dee has her two best friends, Roo and Minnie and their exploits and life stories just add to the rich tapestry. Dee also delves into her past, her absent father and her mother who is now remarried to Ines, Dee’s stepmother.

The book, whilst delivering on the rom com front also delivers on subjects such as friendship, secrets, infertility and empowering women.

Definitely more than just chick lit

Definite emotional rollercoaster. It was nice to see the different struggles with fertility and motherhood.

I really enjoyed this book even though it may not have been one I chose in the shops. Would read more by Emma.

* thank you NetGalley for the ARC *

I loved the characters in this book. I liked to see how they grew as the story went on. I also enjoyed that the topic is touchy topic but was written about so well and that it covered 3 outcomes. I loved the points raised in the book that communication is key

I hope there is a book 2 as I'd love to see what happens next.

I enjoyed this book. Dee is in her thirties and seeing Nat who she knew at school and who is trying to make it as an actor. Dee doesn't really know where she stands with him. When she finds out that she has a medical condition which means she doesn't have long if she wants a baby, she is in a quandary. When she meets Andy they talk about having a child together and co parenting as friends. Can that really work? This is a good story with some great characters. Thanks to NetGalley for a preview copy.
Copied to Goodreads.

The title It’s Complicated definitely describes the engaging storyline of this new book.
While romance isn’t the main focus in this story true friendships & early menopause with infertility problems are.
Dee Jensen is only 35 & it comes as a shock when told she is facing early menopause.
She has always wanted children & suddenly time is running out for her to achieve this.
On another downside is the fact that her boyfriend Nat is breaking up with her.
One of her friends comes up with the idea of platonic co- parenting.
But could she really go through with this ?
She doesn’t even have a proper home or decent job.
Her mum has been fighting depression for years now although more settled with a partner.
Add all this into the mix how could she have a child at this time.
She knows she has good friends to turn to but it all seems a bit rushed.
Lots of sensitive deep issues are covered throughout.
Well written with good characters I really enjoyed this interesting story.

Growing up with her Mum and her mood swings, life was full of uncertainty. Now as an adult supported by two good friends, roo her bestie from childhood and Minnie who makes up the trio. Totally different in jobs, relationships and work life but they mesh wonderfully.
Mum, Alice is now settled down with Ines. Spotlight falls on love life. Can a blast from the past be the right one or will he show like first time around he is an idiot? Is there anyone else to care for?
Follow Dee as she navigates, work, friendship,love and family Life

This book had so much potential. Dee, a copywriter, decides to co-parent with a man she has just met, given that she's been told she needs to get a move on with having children soon. However, the execution of the novel meant that I did not finish this book and stopped reading it at 12%. I found I didn't connect well with the main character, Dee, or her best friends, Roo and Minnie. I also felt the narrative didn't hold my attention as scenes seemed to happen for no reason or didn't really go anywhere. Other readers might enjoy this book, but I couldn't get into the writing style.

Absolutely loved this book. Emotional, funny with some will they won’t they thrown into the mix. A very fun and enjoyable read look forward to reading more by this author.