In the Meantime...Complicated, Book 1 by Love Belvin
A Review By: SS
Hayden is enjoying a much-needed girls’ trip in Vegas. While basking in the comforts of the plush suites at HAYDAR Resort & Casino, they eat exceptionally well, tour the town safely, and role-play—for fun only.
On the last night, the group of ladies dress as sex workers. Separated from the group, Hayden is mistaken for a real prostitute by a brooding, remarkably handsome man. Playing along, Hayden sets her price to attend a dinner function with him. Her conduct at the event earns her a "john" for the night.
Thrilled and simultaneously frightened, Hayden enjoys a night of sensual wonderment and discovery.
Ishaan is hosting a BSU Panthers' event he could care less about attending.
Despite his busy schedule as head of operations at three resorts, he still found time to honor his commitment to old college affiliates. Upon entering the casino lobby, Ishaan is blinded by a daring prostitute sitting all too comfortably. He’d just addressed this very issue with his security team.
The woman’s audacity is striking, and so is her curvy, lengthy body in a fitted cut-out dress, exposing her abs and a bare hip. Assessing the sex worker, Ishaan invites her to the Panthers' event … for a fee, of course. Within a few hours, he gets more than what he’d bargained for.
One night of an unexpected sensual excursion is a fun luck of the draw. Two nights of the same is kismet. But the consequences of these two passion-filled nights puts Ishaan and Hayden on a course-collision, proving how throwing caution to the wind can bring about life-long consequences.
Review Notes:
Audio Book Publication Year: 2025
An installment in a Series? Yes
Narrator (s): Myles Washington, Alyx Monroe
The first installment of the Complicated Series had me engaged from the very beginning with its intriguing storyline. Especially when two strangers with undeniable chemistry learn that what happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas.
Both Ishaan and Hayden prove to be very complex characters with many layers to their personalities. While both are successful in life, that’s not the case in love due to the trauma they’ve suffered that has led to their brokenness and mistrust of others.
Ishaan and Hayden are an unlikely pair, but their chemistry is undeniable and an unexpected connection proves to be inescapable, despite their stubborn ways. Ishaan is all about his business. As a respected COO, he’s made work his priority, with no time for romantic involvements. I love everything about him. Hayden is also successful with multiple degrees and a career of her own. Although Hayden’s aloofness is bothersome at times, learning more about her mother gives readers a better understanding of how she grew to be the woman she is. Hayden’s relationship with her cousins Sundriya and Rayna is just what she needs as her life gets a bit more complicated than she expected.
Readers will find themselves feeling everything from frustration to empathy to compassion and back again as this story unfolds. One thing they won’t feel is disappointment, because Love Belvin definitely brought the heat with this one.
Both narrators gave a flawless performance. The raspy tenor of Myles’ voice was perfect for Ish, and the soothing tone in which Alyx portrayed Hayden couldn’t have been better suited for her personality.
Reading Recommendation? Yes!
Rating: 5 (I need another one!)
Content Warnings? Physical abuse/violence, Human or animal loss
