Complications

by Danielle Steel

Scandal and tragedy erupt against the backdrop of an exclusive Paris hotel in Danielle Steel’s riveting novel.

Known for its luxurious accommodations and bespoke service, the Hotel Louis XVI has been the most lauded boutique hotel in all of Paris for decades, attracting an international clientele of the rich and famous. Now, after four years of renovations and the death of its legendary and beloved manager, it is set to reopen its doors at last. An esteemed group of loyal returning guests is set to descend upon the hotel, joined by a number of new faces who have managed to secure coveted bookings in the wake of last-minute cancellations.

Awaiting them all is the Louis XVI’s new manager, Olivier Bateau, an anxious man whose lack of experience leaves him unprepared. He and his level-headed assistant manager, Yvonne Philippe, both strive to continue the hotel’s tradition of excellence. But they quickly realize that anything can happen at any moment, and on one cool September evening, everything does.

A successful art consultant arrives at the hotel for the first time since her brutal divorce, and is surprised to find new love—if she is willing to risk her heart again. A new guest contemplates ending his life, and saves a life instead. A couple finds their once-in-a-lifetime trip interrupted by a tragic medical emergency, leaving the idyllic future they’ve long waited for hanging in the balance. And one of the hotel’s most high-profile guests, a French politician and assumed presidential candidate, holds a mysterious meeting in his suite that will threaten his life and legacy. Rocked by the events of this one fateful night, guests and staff alike brace themselves for the aftershock, as it quickly becomes apparent that more dramas and misfortunes are still in store.

Danielle Steel tells an unforgettable story about a famed hotel, where a few complications quickly escalate into a matter of life and death, changing the lives of everyone who passes through its doors.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Audiobook, Contemporary, Adult, Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit

235 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 17, 2021

About the author

Danielle Steel has been hailed as one of the world's bestselling authors, with almost a billion copies of her novels sold. Her many international bestsellers include All That Glitters, Royal, Daddy's Girls, The Wedding Dress, The Numbers Game, Moral Compass, Spy, and other highly acclaimed novels. She is also the author of His Bright Light, the story of her son Nick Traina's life and death; A Gift of Hope, a memoir of her work with the homeless; Expect a Miracle, a book of her favorite quotations for inspiration and comfort; Pure Joy, about the dogs she and her family have loved; and the children's books Pretty Minnie in Paris and Pretty Minnie in Hollywood.

Facebook.com/DanielleSteelOfficial
Instagram: @officialdaniellesteel

Reviews

[Tim · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay yarn with a few plot complications and there you have your title and story. Would have been better if the main character exercised more than glimpses of strength. 5 of 10 stars

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a Women's Fiction. This is the three Danielle Steel's book I have read, and I really enjoy her writing style. This is follows characters that stay at the famous boutique hotel, Hotel Louis XVI reopening. Lets just say the reopening keeps everyone on the toes and there is a lot of drama. I love the characters of this book, but I do think there is way to many side storylines in this book. The ending was ok, but not great. This book is very entertaining, and there is a lot out into a short book. I love the first 50% way more then I liked the last 50%. I wish we only follow two characters. I am just a reader that does not love when there is to many characters we follow, and I really do not like the having a ton of side storylines. This book was beautifully written. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Delacorte Press) or author (Danielle Steel) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

[Suz · Rating 1 out of 5]

Obviously DS has an editor, but I assume she runs to the beat of her own drum. I think she writes what she wants to, without worrying about PC issues, and that all her reads are what they are. She tells, there is no showing. She is so successful and well off that nothing matters I suppose.

In this quick audio, lives intersect at a fancy hotel in France (doesn’t she love this setting), many things go wrong for all the visitors on opening night, and the new manager cannot cope (but the assistant can). The new manager not being great is mentioned many times, and I really did not see the point in this character, but the assistant was great and bit part suddenly grew wings out of nowhere.

A doctor saved a life and met another guest, she was nice, and he nearly died. This woman also was treated badly by her husband, and strangely the kids didn’t see the bad part of their father (I notice this a lot with DS).

A guest was in the closet and this LGTBQ aspect was managed badly (editor???), and he was awful to his wife who deserved better.

It was just bland and uninspired, and unfortunately the publishers never choose anyone new for the audio, which is also bland.

I love listening to DS on my annual beach holiday, but this was a flop.

I listened to this on the Libby platform via my public library. I decided on 1 star, not 2.

[Carrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Complications is yet another contemporary “romance” by Danielle Steel. I have reviewed quite a few of her newer books out of nostalgia lately since I had read her in my younger years but this one is my least favorite of those.

Complications was a complicated story in it’s own way. The main character in this one almost felt as if it were the Hotel Louis XVI in Paris. In Danielle Steel’s normal fashion this one starts off in a fast forward style introducing tons of characters staying and working at the hotel and bringing into play all of their situations.

One of the guests of the hotel suffers a heart attack and while that is going on a doctor offers his help. A female nearby to the patient does her best to help with the situation too and this is how the couple meet. Meanwhile, a politician is meeting up with his male lover who is also blackmailing him and that lover ends up dead in his hotel room sending him fleeing while the heart attack victim provides a distraction.

I’m not a huge fan of the fast forward style that Danielle Steel likes to use making the beginning of the books feel like a huge info dump but that is normally only for a chapter or two and then the books settle into a deeper story with who was introduced. Complications on the other hand felt like she was trying to include the entire hotel, it’s guests, it’s staff and flew through more than half the book popping from this to that to the other. The “romantic” couple in here did eventually get featured but it was too little and too late in my opinion as I don’t normally pick up contemporary reads to wade through so much other extra stuff that didn’t have anything to do with the main characters.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/

[Wendy W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy the escapism that a Danielle Steel book provides. Especially during these COVID times, it’s great to escape into the world of jet setters and the rich and famous.

This story follows a successful art dealer, a London doctor, a French politician, and an American couple celebrating divorces from their former partners. These 5 guests and the Hotels new manager Olivier Bateau and his new assistant Yvonne Philippe after an eventful first night after the grand reopening of the Hotel Louis XVI.

I haven’t read a Danielle Steele novel in many years, but I need to read more of them. I love the peek into the rich and famous and their lives that her novels provide. She is a gifted storyteller and can transport the reader into the lives of these amazing characters. I don’t usually like books about the elite or wealthy characters, but Danielle does such a good job of making them relatable and human, that I don’t mind her books.

This book took some time to get into, the author takes her time setting up the scenes and the characters before the action gets started. But, once it starts this is a fast read. The writing is very good, and the book flows nicely.

I recommend this book to anyone wanting an escape into a world most of us know nothing about.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Alex (Alex's Version) · Rating 1 out of 5]

Honestly this books was pretty homophobic..


SPOILER ALERT







****************************************************
One of the characters is a French politician who cheats on his wife with a member of the opposite sex. Okay, I get that this person holds office in the French government, but the way this affair was written and how the character was written, it puts homosexuality in such a horrible light. It was vulgar and disgusting the way these characters were described. As a proud member of the LGBT+ member I can't allow this type of book to pass.
This books comes right out after the Affair, which wasn't homophobic it was incredibly sexist and just outdated... I think I have Outgrown Danielle Steel and her bullshit.

[Barbara Schultz · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐.5 Stars
This is my 43nd Danielle Steel novel. My first was The Promise back in 1977; I was a big Danielle Steel fan and could not wait until her next novel was release. However, I now am more selective not the annual reads as “back in the day”. It seems the stories were soo similar, or perhaps my reading taste has changed. Psychological thrillers are now my typical “Go to” novels. .
I still have a soft spot for Ms. Steel's stories as there have been some recent gems! Not overly excited that this will be a ‘gem’ but thought I would give it a try!

Story starts with the Grand Reopening (after 4 years of renovations) of the famous hotel Louis XVI in Paris.
There are several characters and story lines going on ~ all have a bit of drama.

The story has a lot of focus on Gabrielle an art consultant who is putting her life together after her husband finds “new” romance with Sasha someone closer to his their daughter age than his!
Gabrielle is attracted to Alastair and him to her. Only he has a serious health issue and not willing to go through treatment.

I did like this story.

Want to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine for this early release granted to me for an honest professional review. Publishing Release Date scheduled for August 17, 2021.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Thoughts

Taking place for the most part in the most lauded boutique hotel in all of Paris for decades the Hotel Louis XVI, as well as partly in London, this book follows events bringing together a group of strangers.

Reopened after four years of renovations the hotel itself seems little changed to returning guests from years past, although the modern touches are there they do not take away from the ambience of old world charm and history that gives Louis XVI it’s feeling of welcoming warmth.

The new manager, Olivier Bateau, joined by his assistant manager, Yvonne Philippe, do their best to continue the decades old traditions this revered hotels former manager instituted.

However as things often do fate intervenes and as certain guests arrive events unfold that change the course of a triumphant reopening into one of almost disastrous proportions.

For me the journey taken by both the guests and the staff is an interesting look into what goes on behind the scenes of peoples lives that are brought together in extraordinary circumstances.

Complications in real life forever change us, the ones these characters face certainly changed them.

[EArc from Netgalley]

[Amanda]

Dear self: yes there was a reason you stopped reading DS 25 years ago.

[Eli · Rating 2 out of 5]

Primer libro que leo de Danielle Steel, me pareció súper entretenido aunque la historia principal del hotel queda en el olvido cuando dos historias toman protagonismo. Libro bien playero, se lee de una sentada.

Lo califico debajo de tres estrellas porque en 2021 escribir un personaje gay con tantos tintes homofóbicos no es parte de la trama, es una decisión consiente, que en este caso no funciona porque no sirve un propósito mayor a la historia.

[Suzzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the variety of characters and the different plots.

[Sherri Thacker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Complications is my 37th book by Danielle Steel and once again, she did not disappoint. I enjoyed the story line set in Paris and this has romance in it and a “few” complications happen throughout. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review. Book to be published August 2021.

[Pamela Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect airplane read. Read this one and Debbie Macomber's Dear Santa on a recent flight to Seattle. This was exactly what I expect from Danielle's books, a big cast of characters and interesting situations in an intriguing setting with the glamorous hotel. A fast read, I finished it before we landed!

[Laura Wonderchick · Rating 4 out of 5]

With a setting in a spectacular hotel, these 3 intertwined life stories make for a compelling read! The descriptions of the luxurious accommodations and different lifestyles of its patrons kept me turning the pages quickly! Although a few points seemed a bit outrageous I still enjoyed it as I usually do with a Danielle Steel book. Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this early copy for review

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Complications by Danielle Steel was not quite what I expected from the blurb. I thought the story would be focused on the Hotel Louis XVI and its new caretakers. The story begins at the hotel where we are introduced to its new manager and assistant manager as the Hotel Louis XVI reopens are being closed four years for renovations. We are then introduced to a variety of guests that include a physician, a prime minster, an art consultant, and a couple celebrating their respective divorces. The nervous new manager is hoping for a smooth opening, unfortunately, two incidents happen that will change many lives. We are introduced to a number of people in the beginning (info dump). It did feel that we were introduced to a few too many people in the beginning (can be hard to keep them all straight). After a while the story focuses on the main characters and their storylines. I did find one storyline to be particularly disturbing and wish it had not been included in the book. Complications is a short book so no one storyline was looked at in depth. Gabrielle and Alaistair ultimately become the focus, but it is late in the tale. There is repetition of information especially regarding Gabrielle’s ex-husband and his new Russian bride. Complications was a quick, easy read with a satisfactory conclusion. The lesson in Complications is to live life to the fullest. You never know what will happen in your life, so we should not waste a day. My favorite line from Complications is, “Life is precious, and every day is a gift.” Complications is a contemporary romance with a high-end hotel, an attractive art consultant, an ill internist, a surreptitious prime minister, a jumpy manager, an unflappable assistant, and scandalous actions.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for a arc copy for a honest review.

I was excited to get an arc book by Danielle Steel Complications.. She always a hot or miss with me she writes women’s fiction well 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


Happy Reading

Lisa

[M João (Livros?gosto) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Um livro diferente
Vejam o vídeo


https://youtu.be/NzaNjg_LqF8

[Craig and Phil · Rating 1 out of 5]

One of the world’s most popular authors returns with her bi monthly release.
Complications is another contemporary romance that’s very fast paced, a quick read and doesn’t give enough time to explore characters or storyline.
One of Paris’s most luxury hotels has been pampering the rich and famous for many years.
Now after a opulent and ritzy renovation it’s ready for new guests to indulge in.
New manager Olivier and his AM Yvonne are awaiting all.
Returning patrons and new ones get to experience excellence, glamour and first rate service.
But for a select few, on a chilly night in September, it will change their lives forever.
I had a very unfortunate concern about this one, while there’s one major romance thread throughout, there’s also two very undeveloped side stories.
One of those I felt was homophobic.
Without going into to much detail, the plot was not at all accomodating to the LGBT+ community and gave a poor description of a man’s struggle to deal with this.
Danielle should have researched, consulted and worked with the gay community and given a better representation.
The writing style is very disjointed and clumsy but again the idea and premise is a good one just not executed on paper that’s invited or engaging.
This is not her best work, I recommend Danielle hire an editor, a researcher and write less books in a year and give fans quality over quantity.

[Amanda - Mrs B's Book Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com

Contemporary fiction powerhouse Danielle Steel brings her readers Complications, a romance and modern fiction novel that looks at the difficult times we face in life. With loss, health issues, affairs, blackmail, divorce, love and second chances leading the way, Complications is a drama filled story from cover to cover.

When a renowned Paris based hotel receives the royal treatment via a four-year renovation, the pressure is on to deliver a grand re-opening. The staff of the Louis XVI hotel get much more than they bargained for at the re-opening when a series of dramatic events occur at the hotel. From a political scandal to a dead body, plus a severe health crisis, the Louis XVI seems to be the site for plenty of personal turmoil. Despite the tragedy, setbacks and pain, a heartwarming romance sparks between two characters based at the hotel. However, this budding romance will be tested almost immediately due to a shocking turn of events. Complications is a tale that reminds us of the difficulties we face at various points in our lives, the situations we need to overcome and the chance events that change our future plans.

International bestselling author Danielle Steel now divides her time between her northern California home and Paris. Steel has used one of her location bases as the central stage for her latest novel to play out. This aspect of Complications immediately pulled me into Steel’s new release and I was keen to escape to the Louis XVI hotel for a page-based stint at this luxurious abode.

Danielle Steel employs her traditional mode of storytelling to Complications. With plenty of early page time devoted to describing the location, the core characters and their underlying issues, this story seemed to hold promise in the initial chapters. I appreciated the set-up of this novel and I was eager to see how all the staff of the Louis XVI would handle the incoming issues thrown at them from the grand re-opening. I also engaged with the guests staying at the hotel and their respective personal issues. There is no doubt that the Louis XVI is the site of plenty of drama, which helps to keep the reader on their toes as they become embroiled in the lives of this complicated set.

Loyal Danielle Steel fans who come to her books for the romance as much as the contemporary issues will find the central love story between Alaistair and Gabrielle to be of high interest. These two very likeable characters are the type of people you want to ultimately find happiness. The problems this couple confront forms a significant part of the second half of the novel, which sees the other issues at the hotel take a bit of a backseat. Romance lovers will enjoy this, but other readers may encounter issues with the latter half of the novel if romance is not your mainstay.

As I have come to realise with many recent Danielle Steel novels of late, Complications is another story by the popular author that falls into the imparting information style framework rather than delving into any plot issues at depth. This is a shame, as the featured protagonists in Complications deserved better treatment! I think the cast was too wide in this case and Steel worked in a lot of sub plots for such a short novel. Despite this, I found Complications offered a welcome break from a heavy working week.

*Thanks extended to Pan Macmillan for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.

[Leith Devine · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual, Danielle Steele has delivered a romance with a strong female protagonist, my favorite kind of female character. It follows the people who stay at the venerable Hotel Louis XVI in Paris. The hotel is as much a character as any of the people who come to stay.
I loved the descriptions of the hotel’s luxury accommodations and services. This is a perfect beach read, I read it on a plane and the time flew by.
4 stars. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Kookie9200 · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to review this book.

This novel is a hot mess. Just a mess. This book is what happens when an author tries to put too many unfinished stories into one because there just isn't enough material for one of the characters. Honestly, this is the worst book I've read over the last year or so. It's really THAT bad.

The main storyline is typical Steel fare, a divorced middle-aged woman wronged by her husband, who cheated on her with a much younger woman She goes to Paris for work, meets a new man. There are two other storylines as well, but they only show up here and there and do nothing to add value to the narrative at all. This book is simply frustratingly bad.

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoy Danielle Steel books for what they are—escapism and romance. Sadly this book is schizophrenic—the story of Allaister and Gabrielle is classic Steel and an enjoyable story with pleasant privileged people. I’d give it 4 stars.

Sadly, the other storyline of Patrick who is a French politician is overtly homophobic and adds nothing to the book. Ironically, Steel doesn’t fully commit to this storyline either. So it’s offensive to no good end. It feels like someone told her to become more topical and then didn’t edit her. As a long time reader this storyline is even more offensive as i don't think she’s ever had a gay character and her first 2 are deplorable humans. There is an admirable gay character introduced later but it is too little too late. Skip this one.

[Dianne · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is going to be a very short review.

I have always heard wonderful things about Danielle Steels writing, but this is the second book I have read by her, and I must say I was not impressed. Perhaps her early work was wonderful; I don't know as I don't remember reading anything by her when I was young. With 179 books under her belt, including more than 146 novels, there must be something out there I would love!

This was a short book, and it had a lot of potentials. It was interesting up until about the halfway mark, and then it just became repetitive and, to tell the truth, predictable and boring.

*ARC supplied by the publisher, the author, and NetGalley.

[Leilani Hardee Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've said it before and I'll say it again, Danielle Steel is comforting to me. Her stories are wonderful. I've been reading her books since I was in high school, but it's obvious that there is a major decline in the writing. I believe this has to do with ghost writers. Her newer books are so repetitive, it's sometimes hard to read. I am loyal though, and I like a good story. I'm willing to overlook certain things because the books are comforting. I enjoy that the endings are always tied up in a nice bow. This was no exception.

[Jeanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one started off with an interesting twist, but with the usual lifestyles of the rich that is typical Danielle Steel. The story started out with four sub-plots, but one, the most interesting IMHO, took the forefront and saved the story. If you're not a huge Danielle Steel fan, skip this one. Just an OK read and probably my lowest rating for this author -- 4 out of 10.

[Barbara · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was everything I hate about D.S.'s writing.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another delightful book by Danielle steel. This book is much like her others where everyone has money and there is a happy ending for all. It starts with a hotel that has been renovated for two years the only caters to the elite. The first night after it’s opened, four people meet and their lives are changed forever. I thought this book had more sex in it and then any of her previous books. It was almost like someone told her times were changing and she needed to include some racy parts.

[Author Annabelle Leigha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the book. Hated the narrator. He sounded like the guy that does the trailers for action movies. I kept waiting for things to blow up. He also didn't differentiate voices for the different characters, or even use believable accents!

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

“There was no question that life was complicated. But in the complications were both the questions and the answers, the hidden solutions and unexpected blessings. All one needed was the courage to pursue them. In the end, the complications they had run into had served them well. And whatever the answers and the solutions, and no matter how hard the road, every day was a gift.”

Set in three of my favorite cities, London, Paris and New York provide a scenic backdrop to the characters' complicated stories. Throughout the novel, the protagonists encounter criminal affairs, devastating diagnoses, and life-changing decisions while mustering the courage to confront the past to bravely face the future.

Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the early edition in exchange for an honest review. While I enjoyed Gabrielle and Alaistair's stories, the novel didn't hold my attention like Steel's previous books. The plot kept adding #Complications rather than furthering the storyline. Sometimes less is more and allowing a tragedy to cement a relationship rather than continually untangling obstacles.

That being said, the underlining message of living life to its fullest resonated with me. During a time where our world has shrunk to our neighborhoods, remaining positive and refusing to give in, helps sustain our dreams. Life can be complicated but through adversity we find ourselves.

[Ellen Tregaskes · Rating 2 out of 5]

Literally nothing happens in the 2nd half of the book 😐 2.5⭐️