New Release & Review: Sordid - Ava Harrison

Sordid

Author: Ava Harrison

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: February 16, 2018

It was his lips.

The way his stare sent shivers down my spine.

The way his rough voice whispered my name.

So I caved.

I did what I knew I shouldn’t.

But as quickly as he’s there, he’s gone.

Leaving me confused.

Devastated.

I hope I’ll never see him again…

Then I do.

He’s my new boss.

And he has secrets.

*Sordid is a COMPLETE standalone novel.

Review

5 Stars

Bridget is determined to make a name for herself without the help of her parents or her sisters. She's always been the shadow, but it turns out her first big job isn't working out how she planned and when she lands on the steps of The L she doesn't have a choice but to work for the one family she doesn't want to work for. Except, her boss is the man she met one lonely, drunken night and found herself enjoying his lips, and fingers, in some alley by a dumpster. He's the kind of guy you're supposed to forget, the kind that leaves you hanging and even angrier, but working with him reveals another side to him. She finds herself desperate to help him and soon she's under his spell.

Grant Lancaster is the outcast of his family, his success dependent on his own hard work, if only someone else wasn't trying to ruin everything along the way. He may be estranged from his family, but he doesn't wish any harm on them and he's trying to save them and his new hotel as best he can. When the beautiful, sassy girl from the alley becomes his right hand woman he becomes even more insufferable, but she proves there's more to her than some rushed kisses. He finds himself being better because of her, his hope for his hotel returning, and his hope for a future with her by his side encouraging him along. Things aren't that easy though and there's one woman desperate to ruin it all, for everyone.

"If she get's too close, I'll cave. The flowery smell of her hair, the mint on her breath, I'll come undone."

My first Ava Harrison book, y'all, and I'm giving it 5 stars! I've been wanting to branch out and after seeing a lot of love for Ava Harrison I decided to give Sordid a try and I am so glad I did. I was completely caught up in this book, I loved every single part of it. It's classic boy meets girl, their connection instant, but they're unable to be anything more thanks to a number of things. The chemistry between these two is palpable, the sizzling looks they share and non-PG thoughts giving away just how much they want each other. I love boss employee relationships, especially when there's more to the story than just the relationship between the two. Grant is handsome, unbearable, and the keeper of a pile of secrets that weigh him down day in and day out. I love that our first glimpse of him is the honest Grant, because overtime it was really easy to hate him and I had to remind myself he was being held back from who he truly was. Bridget, on the other hand, is likeable in every single way. She's smart and determined, with the usual little sister syndrome. She's also the thing that brings out the best in Grant, but she does that by not giving in and by giving him her best attitude. Though their connection is instant, it's how they work together at both work and at some semblance of a relationship that makes the book so good.

"I don't mean them to be anything other than an offer of help, but they sound like so much more."

Things definitely get messed up in this novel, there's some moments of shock, some ultra sexy moments, and some really huge moments that will make you angry. Grant's past isn't pretty, but Ava Harrison sells you on him and even with all the ugly you find yourself loving him and cheering his change along. There are a handful of secondary characters, they each move the story along in their own way, but obviously Chelsea, who you will meet, is the worst. I struggled through every scene that involved her, angry at Grant and also angry for him. I felt like I was Bridget the entire time I read, my reactions mirroring hers in the books. Her decisions were similar to the ones I would've made in a similar situation and I had a lot of compassion for her as she dealt with Grant and Chelsea. The struggle she goes through is hard, but worth it in the end and definitely makes for the perfect HEA.

"As if I'll save him. As if I could."

I loved Sordid and I am so glad it was my first Ava Harrison book. The characters were complex and Ava's writing is so descriptive and emotive. I loved this entire book, front to back, and I definitely think it's a must read for romance readers. Also, there's sexy times in the office, it is impossible not to enjoy that!