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Provoke

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The first time I met Charles Cavendish, I accidentally locked myself in a closet with him.

The second time, he became my new boss.

My very grumpy new boss.

No matter how I much I try, I can’t forget what his lips feel like.

The way his arms wrap around me.

I need to keep my distance.

But when the company lands a new account, I’m forced to work side by side with this man.

The handsome devil who makes me forget all rational thought.

But the thing about the devil is . . . he can lure even the greatest of saints.

410 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 3, 2022

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About the author

Ava Harrison

51 books3,209 followers
Ava Harrison is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author.
When she’s not journaling her life, you can find her window shopping, cooking dinner for her family, or curled up on her couch reading a book.

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5 stars
1,640 (36%)
4 stars
1,445 (32%)
3 stars
984 (21%)
2 stars
321 (7%)
1 star
93 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 303 reviews
Profile Image for SimplyƝì₭.
600 reviews290 followers
October 13, 2022
This was strong 3.8 for me. I read it practically in one sitting. Charles was swoon material. That cover had me one clicking. My gosh the cover model was dreamy.

This was a nice distraction from real life. I laughed, ached and oohed so much. Just what I needed. I appreciated the fact he did date her. I hate when these billionaires don't even take them to dinner. But in the end, I wanted something more, just not sure what that could of been. I loved his accent and it was evident throughout the book. I love an accent.
Profile Image for Samantha (bookgramsaga reviews).
638 reviews716 followers
January 30, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (ARC Review)

Safety gang:
- Mention of cheating
- No cheating (between MCs)
- OW drama
- OM drama
- HEA

I enjoyed the premise and the MCs chemistry. It was a fun good with a good mix of plot and romance.

I wish he didn’t push away so much and then pull her in only to then basically destroy the progress they had made. I know his past haunts him and made him into the man he is today (and NOBODY could blame him) but he shouldn’t of looked at everything to find one wrong thing to justify his hesitation.

Also idk how I could ever forgive the man who betrayed me in the worst way? Charles is a better person than me cause that was diabolical and gross.

At first I thought it was Asher who was doing the sabotage but it quickly became apparent it couldn’t be him so my second choice was spot on. I’m glad we got justice for the shady business.

That epilogue was cute but I wish it was further along into the future? Months seemed too soon. Also the couple reveal? I couldn’t believe it as it seemed so soon after everything that went down.
Profile Image for PP's Bookshelf.
2,337 reviews358 followers
October 5, 2022
Where can I get someone so bossy, c0cky, arrogant, mouthwatering sexy and ridiculously charming like Charles Cavendish as boss? I will sign up ASAP. And did I tell you he is British? GASP! But our girl Raven held her own against the sexy brooding tornado aka her boss with her own sassy and fierce and smart personality. The chemistry here is nuclear hot to say the least and the author teased me with the slow burn until everything exploded. One of the best workplace romance I have ever read and definitely an Ava Harrison masterpiece.

Charles Cavendish has moved away from his successful family business in UK after getting stabbed in back and he is building his own advertising company in USA. The biggest account landed in his hand and he needs to concentrate. But his new hire Raven is distracting him. She doesn't take any of his bull####. She is young but mature and talented and he is obsessed with her. But he has so many emotional burden and that may not be easy to handle. When the competititor starts stealing their trade secrets...it is getting dicey.

Oh my heart Charles is just the perfect billionaire alpha hero. He has issues and scars and he can be a complete grumpy brooding condescending ahole but the man inside everything is pure gold. He has vulnerabilities and damn if life didn't deal some shifty hands for him. I cannot imagine the level of emotional pain he went through. No wonder he has a hard time to trust people! Raven invaded his cold heart though. She is hardworking and sincere and just so fierce in every level. She pushed till he showed his real personality. I love this woman! Of course the most enigmatic and charismatic alpha heroes do the most stupid things to push away the woman they love but he more than made up for it.They have this hilarious witty banter bordering on real animosity that I enjoyed so much. And the undercurrent of sexual tension..oh wow I was begging the author to let them do the deed. It had all the components of a great office romance. The forbidden thrill. The office politics and games. The push and pull. The yes and no. The emotional tension was exquisite. One of my all time favorite from Ava Harrison.

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Profile Image for LianaReads blog.
2,446 reviews218 followers
October 6, 2022
4.5 stars

Ava is a master at writing angsty and steamy stories. When I’ve seen the blurb for Provoke I knew I’ll be in for a treat with this book.

And she didn’t disappointed at all. All the way throughout this story, Charles and Raven are fire and ice.

One doesn’t want to admit his attraction and the other won’t stand down just because he is at the top of his game.

It’s hard to work together when they are forced into close proximity at times but that also brings the best or worst of both. It all made for a great dialogue and sparks that catches fire on the page.

If you’re looking for a great romance story with chemistry and characters that make you wanting to high five or slap them at times, this is definitely a book for you!


🆓📖Arc team review
Profile Image for Grey's Books.
604 reviews5 followers
Read
October 8, 2022
Did Not Finish - Read 29%

A grumpy sunshine contemporary romance set in an advertising agency in New York City. The heroine, 26-year-old Raven Bennett, has just finished her MBA and started work at the Cavendish Group. The hero, Charles Cavendish Jr., is the grumpy CEO of the Cavendish Group.

I stopped reading this for a few reasons, partly because it wasn't what I was in the mood for. Partly because as far as I read in the story I wasn't sure I liked the heroine. Also, I could see the train wreck of betrayal coming already and I didn't feel like watching (reading) that happening.
Profile Image for Bibliophile  Chloe .
1,178 reviews103 followers
September 28, 2022
Hello Charles...

Whew...this new story from Ms. Harrison is all kinds of steamy, and the smexiness....oooooo la la!

I absolutely enjoyed this grumpy hero, sunshiny heroine. This story of Charles and Raven is everything I love about this trope.

Raven is a ray of sunshine, even when she doesn't want to be. How she takes charge and runs her world is girl power to the extreme, and I admire that!

Charles is the alpha with the accent and the stiff upper lip that personifies an English prat but in a good way. 

Their chemistry is off the charts hot, and I was entranced by the way they fought their feelings. I swooned over the way that fate kept bringing them together, and Raven was able to smooth Charles's rough edges and break down the walls around his heart.

It was them against the world for a bit, and that made their feelings for each other and their determination to make things right shine even brighter on the pages.

If you are looking for a can't put down read, get your hands on this newest story from Ava Harrison!
Profile Image for Romance Recs.
854 reviews165 followers
October 15, 2022

I’m DNF’Ing at 14% chapter 7. The writing is my main reason. The writing it making me uncomfortable because it’s so… I want to say “typical” or very old in style but the correct word might be “harlequin esqe”. It’s written like a Harlequin novel and I don’t understand WHY. There’s no explanation but this does not sound like a book written in 2022. It’s like you transplanted a book from 1975 and called it a grumpy boss romance.

But overall I could see why someone would like it.


Profile Image for Bookish.Midnight. and. black.
1,182 reviews55 followers
November 5, 2022
meh.. the writing was good, and the plot was predictable. I never skip read it but I felt like something was missing.
the plot: the heroine gets stuck in a dark room with a marvelous guy. they kiss. two days later she finds out that this guy s her boss. some sex scenes and some fight later, they have their hea.
Profile Image for oritty: books and i (tilayov).
719 reviews55 followers
October 15, 2022
review "keep your face always toward the sunshine and the shadows will fall behind you" (Walt Whitman)

I love Ava Harrison's book. Once I started reading her- I just wait for the next book impatiently!
This book is an office romance between a grumpy hot sexy CEO of a marketing company with a British accent and an attitude – but you'll forgive him once you know what he went through… he came to N.Y to open an independent branch of the London marketing family company

It's just his luck that while getting the wonderful news about his new exciting client, he also gets stuck in a night club's cloakroom. Lucky for him an attractive woman is stuck there with him – so when in Rome…..
But Whoa – what is she doing among his new workers? And she is so good at her job he is promoting her and all those long hours in the office…..
Raven (Rae) is celebrating her new job with her best friends – but seriously, they need to remember that there many woman coming there…. So getting stuck in a dark cloakroom is bad but at least that hot man eyeing her all evening is also there….

Too bad that did not end there…. Too bad it turns out he is her new boss… too bad she is brilliant so the is an asset to the marketing account or that she makes his blood boil and his hear believe in love again
I love Charles – he is grumpy, yes but who can blame him, and he is also fair, and loving and sexy and he is British – I mean….

And Rae – she is smart and resourceful and she truly spreads light

"I'm falling for you, Raven Bennett. Against all my rules, you've broken down the walls I thought were fortified"


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Profile Image for Jodi - JodiReadsnListens.
844 reviews42 followers
May 6, 2023
Provoke by Ava Harrison was a grumpy sunshine secret workplace romance that was sprinkled with just the right amount of angst and all the delicious good feels. Ava had me lusting and longing for Raven and Charles' journey to HEA from start to finish. I loved that Raven was a strong empowered heroine because she was career driven, insightful, and passionate. Charles was armed with hunky arrogance on the outside. However, as Rae tore down his exterior, he became raw, vulnerable, and worthy of love! Plus, the chemistry between these two set the pages on fire! From their first encounter in the cloakroom to steamy times behind locked office doors, Raven and Charles had a fated relationship that obviously meant to be!

Overall, I loved this book! If you are a fan of an office romance with a hot British CEO, an insightful talented analyst, New York City, boss-employee relationships, stolen kisses in a cloakroom, advertising campaigns, flower arrangements, desk steam, trips to Italy and the Hamptons, relaxing by the pool, best friends, a loyal assistant, jealous exes, jaw-dropping plot twist, and a HEA that will provoke your heart in all the best ways, then you will love Raven and Charles' romance. I always look forward to more from Ava Harrison.
Profile Image for Keza Campbell.
535 reviews5 followers
October 6, 2022
Charles Cavendish swore to never love or get close to a woman again after the....
"She who shall not be named" F**ked him over.
But he never counted on finding his "Rae" while out with friends.

Ravens was celebrating a new job with her two best friends when she caught the eyes of the most handsome man across the room.
She didn't expect to find herself stuck in a room with him before the end of the night and only to later find out he is also her new boss.

Charles and Ravens story gave me all the feels. Both having had a common loss and the push and pull with the angst was off the chain.

The intense steamy connection between them could be felt.
I truly loved their story.

Ava nailed this book.

ARC Review.
Profile Image for Laura.
2,419 reviews115 followers
October 5, 2022
*** ARC Provided by the Author ***

A new book by Ava Harrison? Sign me right up.

A workplace romance with one of her yummy heroes? Sign me up twice.

Charles and Raven were a great story. A little twisty, as expected from this author, but also not nearly as dark as some of her other titles. He's grumpy. She's positive and happy and excited about where she's going in life.

Weekday could possibly go wrong between the 2 of them? Well...a lot if you ask Charles. And going along for the ride until he finally admits he likes her... it's great.

It's nice to take a break sometimes and try something different and this one was lighter but still as steamy and downright fun to read.

I enjoyed and recommend this title.
27 reviews
October 18, 2022
An okay read until the last chapters

I think both H and h are idiots. The author tried her best to make the heroine seemed bright but jeez, she is so stupid and the Hero is nothing better he is childish and conceited. Everything is all about him and the heroine is stupid enough to allow it all. If you want a good groveling story don’t waste your time reading this rubbish. I seriously can’t force myself to finish reading the last chapters. It’s that bad. Sorry
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
7,542 reviews153 followers
October 1, 2022
The mystery of the heart and the hope of romance prove to be an enticing combination. Charles and Raven turn turbulent hearts into an unforgettable love song. The melody starts out of tune, but in the end hits the right note with the heart.
Profile Image for Melanie Cesa.
912 reviews33 followers
October 1, 2022
I could not put this story down. Charles and Raven have such great chemistry! I love how they meet, I love their interactions, and I love how they connect on more than just a physical level, but also share a common loss and understand each other.

Charles has been hurt badly in the past and trust does not come easy with him. Raven is just the ray of light and fire that he needs. These two will have you twisted up in knots. The push and pull, deceit, emotions laid bare, vulnerability of them both; this story is packed full of feels.

I have to give a shout out to Paxton. He’s so fun and made me laugh. I love he and Charles’ friendship. I hope we see more of him in the future!

This story is packed full of feels with a mix of fun and wit. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Profile Image for Sassy Southern Book Blog.
4,524 reviews243 followers
September 29, 2022
This is a sensational read!
Ava Harrison has written another addictive story that is emotional,angsty and steamy hot.
Charles and Ravens Love story had me entranced from the start.I loved the chemistry and banter between them.
I adored their denial that they had feelings for one another and enjoyed reading how they come together.Because it was inevitable that they were good for one another,their attraction is explosive and fighting their feelings was pointless.
I Love the chemistry and banter between Charles and Raven,the grumpy sunshine trope is one of my favourites and Ava Harrison has written a perfect one.
Another winner for Ava,and a compelling read.
I Loved it.
5 Stars.- Cat's Review
Profile Image for Alicia Meyer.
829 reviews
October 5, 2022
Charles and Raven

I haven’t found a good grumpy city boss book in awhile and was pleased to see that this fit the bill. I enjoyed the storyline and was relieved that the female lead wasn’t a ranting maniac that romance novelists can create at times. A strong woman doesn’t need to be a raving maniac in these books and most often I am turned way off by them if they are like that. I found myself thinking I knew where the story was heading but didn’t go the way I thought it would which was surprising. The drama was there but in nice doses not too much crazy. I plan to read more by Ava Harrison.
Profile Image for Gladys.
12k reviews137 followers
September 27, 2022
Charles and Raven's romance quickly had me pulled in, invested. I love these two. They had such great chemistry. The storyline was fun, and there's plenty of steam. Emotions are rich and this book delivers some major feels. Definitely had me swooning. I'm posting an independent, impartial review.
Profile Image for tiana.
501 reviews4 followers
July 15, 2023
4✨

my first time reading this author and i didn't think i would enjoy this the way i did. ava harrison has been on my tbr for years but i'd always seen bad reviews for her books so i just postponed.
yesterday i thought "why not?" and i'm happy that i gave her a chance! i will definitely keep reading her books (i already have 4 on my tbr lol)

this book had a boss-employee trope with grumpy-sunshine characters. in the beginning, i thought they didn't have the sparks the author was describing, but through the pages i fell in love with their story and how charles turned into a obsessed man for raven.

if you haven't read ava yet, give her a chance and ignore all the bad reviews that doesn't really make sense.
Profile Image for Joanna.
838 reviews11 followers
January 1, 2023
1,5 ✨

I've been curious with this author for some time so I decided to finally pick up this book.

The blurb got me curious and I was excited to see were the story was going to go but it ended up just being blend and nothing too memorable. . .

I'll try some of her other books soon and hopefully I'll love some of them.

▬ 𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬: office romance (boss x employee), grumpy x sunshine
▬ 𝐭𝐰: death, cheating
Profile Image for Angie H.
895 reviews1 follower
February 8, 2023
Drama, no drama

This was an okay read. Raven Bennett meets Charles Cavendish unexpectedly, however fleeting, it seems fate brought them together. Raven is a good likeable character. Charles Cavendish is the typical, handsome CEO and he ‘s British. Some ups and downs for this couple, some laughs along the way too. It was a good storyline, however the drama fizzled out to nothing in the blink of an eye and seemed a bit pointless.
Profile Image for Debby.
1,456 reviews5 followers
October 12, 2022
??

So, am very torn. Yes, I gave up sleep to finish. But, the first part was easier to put down and walk away from. It took until more then halfway into this to really get ‘hooked’. Something just bugged me while reading. But, after I got hooked, didn’t want to put it down until I finished it. Not 5 stars, but very good after all.
Profile Image for Literati Literature Lovers.
1,967 reviews149 followers
October 22, 2022
Continuity Whiplash

Lord I normally love Ava Harrison’s books and despite the killer narrators I can’t give this higher than three stars. The plot is a continuity mess, with unbelievable angst, and it gave me whiplash. My advice is skip this one.
The audiobook narration is FIVE STARS!
Profile Image for Ashley.
3 reviews
April 21, 2023
Unfortunately, very cliché and predictable. Really only slightly got interesting in the last third of the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 303 reviews

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