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The Montgomery Family #2
Absolution
Now a Top Twenty Amazon Bestseller.
From USA Today Bestseller Ava Harrison, comes a sexy new STANDALONE romance.
I was done with love.
When I opened my heart, it was for the men I couldn't have.
The unattainable ones.
The ones who would hurt me.
A vicious cycle I couldn’t seem to stop.
But I had a new resolve.
Focus on my career.
Stay single.
And then I met him.
Jace Montgomery.
A wounded widower with two young kids.
He was exactly everything I was avoiding.
So I did my best to stay away.
But then he kissed me.
And I fell.
Hard.
Hard for a man who would never be mine…
A man who was broken beyond repair.
A man who would break me.
From USA Today Bestseller Ava Harrison, comes a sexy new STANDALONE romance.
I was done with love.
When I opened my heart, it was for the men I couldn't have.
The unattainable ones.
The ones who would hurt me.
A vicious cycle I couldn’t seem to stop.
But I had a new resolve.
Focus on my career.
Stay single.
And then I met him.
Jace Montgomery.
A wounded widower with two young kids.
He was exactly everything I was avoiding.
So I did my best to stay away.
But then he kissed me.
And I fell.
Hard.
Hard for a man who would never be mine…
A man who was broken beyond repair.
A man who would break me.
341 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 6, 2018
2,244 people are currently reading
2,387 people want to read
About the author
Ava Harrison
54 books3,589 followersAva 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.
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 342 reviews
October 19, 2018
★ 1 STAR ★
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*sigh*
I'm sorry, but I cannot forgive this hero's actions. How much he neglected the people who depended on him... The way he treated the heroine and the complete lack of support when she needed the most. I get that he was suffering and completely lost in his own pain, however, it doesn’t justify the way he behaved. I didn’t see him grovel enough for forgiveness.
And not least, I didn't like the heroine either. Her personality isn’t one of my faves.
PS: I'm not sure if I'm going to write a full review about this book because I'm still very upset about everything I've felt while reading it.
“Sometimes people come into your life to teach you something or show you something...”
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*sigh*
I'm sorry, but I cannot forgive this hero's actions. How much he neglected the people who depended on him... The way he treated the heroine and the complete lack of support when she needed the most. I get that he was suffering and completely lost in his own pain, however, it doesn’t justify the way he behaved. I didn’t see him grovel enough for forgiveness.
And not least, I didn't like the heroine either. Her personality isn’t one of my faves.
PS: I'm not sure if I'm going to write a full review about this book because I'm still very upset about everything I've felt while reading it.
February 25, 2019
4 stars
Absolution is my first book by Ava Harrison. It was an angsty and emotional ride. This book hit me hard and brought me to tears more than once.
Jace and Sydney meet at a wedding. Her best friend is marrying his brother. Jace is quite, mercurial, and hasn’t been himself since his wife died. No one can bring him out of this. He’s felt nothing with anyone, but with Sydney, something is there. As much as he doesn’t want there to be, it’s there.
Sydney saw something in Jace. He was difficult to deal with at the best of times, but she didn’t give up on him. I adored Sydney. I loved her relationship with Jace’s kids, and her tenacity. I liked Jace’s character as well. There may have been a moment where I was completely done with him, but I mostly got over that. Once I found out more about his past, I at least understood it.
I listened to Absolution in audio format, and it was narrated by Sebastian York and Grace Grant. I love both of these narrators, and Grace Grant especially does a great job not only voicing the female character, but the male as well. The audio was great, I have no complaints about the narration.
The book was very well written and there was a lot I loved about it, but I was also frustrated a lot with some of the decisions the main characters made. By the end, I was a happy reader, so 4 stars it is! I’m looking forward to reading more by this author!
Absolution is my first book by Ava Harrison. It was an angsty and emotional ride. This book hit me hard and brought me to tears more than once.
Jace and Sydney meet at a wedding. Her best friend is marrying his brother. Jace is quite, mercurial, and hasn’t been himself since his wife died. No one can bring him out of this. He’s felt nothing with anyone, but with Sydney, something is there. As much as he doesn’t want there to be, it’s there.
There's a connection I felt with Jace. It's like the broken part of his soul attached to mine.
Sydney saw something in Jace. He was difficult to deal with at the best of times, but she didn’t give up on him. I adored Sydney. I loved her relationship with Jace’s kids, and her tenacity. I liked Jace’s character as well. There may have been a moment where I was completely done with him, but I mostly got over that. Once I found out more about his past, I at least understood it.
I listened to Absolution in audio format, and it was narrated by Sebastian York and Grace Grant. I love both of these narrators, and Grace Grant especially does a great job not only voicing the female character, but the male as well. The audio was great, I have no complaints about the narration.
The book was very well written and there was a lot I loved about it, but I was also frustrated a lot with some of the decisions the main characters made. By the end, I was a happy reader, so 4 stars it is! I’m looking forward to reading more by this author!
October 11, 2018
Truth be told, I went into this book with pretty low expectations. I honestly wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did. I still had some major issues with Jace's character, but apart from that, it was a pretty decent read for me. Frankly, this author is just a brilliant writer. She can write emotional scenes and heartache with the best of them. This book gutted me. I cried. I was angry. I wanted to throat punch Jace. I wanted to shake Sydney and tell her to "MOVE THE FUCK ON." I was completely enthralled with this story and couldn't put the book down. Even the fact that he is still very much grieving for his dead wife for most of the book didn't bother me. It had only been a year since she and their unborn baby died, and grief (and especially guilt) isn't a switch you can turn off and on. I understood his pain and anger. I also never once felt that Sydney was second best either. Quite frankly I hate the term second best because it implies that love is some sort of competition. People love different people in different ways. It doesn't mean that the love he felt for Sydney was less than the love he felt for his wife because he was still grieving over her loss. The love he feels (and will always feel) for his wife didn't in any way diminish the love he felt for Sydney. 
That said, grief isn't an excuse to be an utterly despicable human being either. It doesn't give you a pass to treat people like crap. It doesn't give you a pass for being an alcoholic (something that is never addressed in the book at all and really should have been). It doesn't give you a pass to neglect your children, who, just an FYI, also lost someone they loved (their mother). Jace was a completely unlikable douche (for most of this book). I felt for him, I really did, but I can't think of a single good quality this guy had. The way he treated his own children and family was deplorable and inexcusable. A lot of the book from the beginning until right near the end was him treating everyone (especially Sydney) like dirt on the bottom of his shoes. I hated him for that. I also hated how he abandoned Sydney when she needed him the most. However, he did work himself back into my good graces by the end...ever so slightly.
On to Sydney...was she a doormat? Yes, sort of, I can see why some people may feel that way about her character. I am not sure "I" would call her a doormat as much as she was just a decent human being with a big heart. Considering how badly this guy treated his kids, I was happy that she kept coming back for their sakes. She also did give as good as she got at times, so not a complete doormat in my opinion. Did she deserve better than Jace? For most of the book, yes. Should she have made Jace grovel more? Undoubtedly. That said. I ended the book feeling like this couple was on solid ground. It was a heartbreaking, and rage-inducing journey to get there, but get there they did.
So there you go. A bit of a mixed bag. Which leaves me struggling to decide on a rating. The book was amazingly written, and it clearly invoked a lot of different feelings from me. Which usually means 5-Stars. Alas, I disliked (but also strangely understood) the hero with the passion of a thousand white-hot suns. Resulting in me (at times) really wanting the heroine to move on and find a decent hero (lol). What to do...what to do?? I think I am going to go with a 4-Star rating at this point with the option to change my mind after I marinate on it a bit more.
September 24, 2018
*Beta read.
All the freaking stars. Just shove 'em into a bucket and toss them on this book. Seriously. So good. Read it.
All the freaking stars. Just shove 'em into a bucket and toss them on this book. Seriously. So good. Read it.
October 8, 2018
4.5 Stars!
(ARC provided by Enticing Journey Book Promotions)
Sydney White is a gorgeous, single 28 yr. old woman living in New York. She loves her job at an advertising firm, and is focused on her career. She’s given up on finding the right man since she always seems to go after the one’s that are unattainable. Her new plan is no commitments, relationships, or complications. Then she meets a guy named Jace Montgomery who turns her world upside down. While planning her best friend Eve’s wedding she is determined nothing will go wrong. Jace is the older brother of the groom, and it’s come to her attention he’s unhinged, and a bit of a loose cannon lately. Sydney decides it’s her job to handle him for the weekend to make sure everything runs smoothly. What she doesn’t count on is him looking like a Greek god, and the way he will affect her with just one look of those beautiful, tortured eyes. One kiss and she can’t resist the pull she feels toward him. She wants him so bad, and soon realizes she’ll take whatever he has to offer.
Jace Montgomery lost his wife and hasn’t let himself grieve. The last year he’s just been trying to survive and navigate being a single parent. He runs one of the largest hedge funds in NY, and immersing himself in work has become his salvation. Guilt is his constant companion, and when he’s not distracted the pain is too much to take. He’s desperate to forget, and will do anything not to be alone with his thoughts. His anger is out of control, and he feels like he’ll break at any moment, so the last thing he needs is to be in his brothers wedding.
Everywhere Jace turns there’s the maid of honor, Sydney. He’s suffering, tired, and emotionally drained. He doesn’t know how to act around his family anymore. Sydney doesn’t treat him like he’s broken or fragile, and seems to accept him as he is. They form a friendship, and she makes him feel lighter. As they begin spending time together, she’s tearing down his walls. She’s exactly what he’s needed, and he can’t stop thinking about her. Soon he’s completely infatuated with her, and she makes him feel alive again every time they touch. She has a calming presence in his life, and makes him happy, but he’s confused by his feelings. Sydney craves something she thinks she can’t have, and has fallen for a man she believes will never be hers. Will Jace move on and have a future with Sydney, or let her go?
-He's intoxicating.
-There is a hunger in his eyes. As if he's been starved and I'm a feast before him.
-There's a connection I felt with Jace. It's like the broken part of his soul attached to mine.
-He's a mess. A hot mess. A sinfully hot mess. But he also kisses like a starved man who wants to devour the lifeline from my body.
-He looks at me in a way that no one has ever looked at me, like I'm his salvation.
-He's everything I have ever wanted.
This was my first book by Ava Harrison, and it was fantastic! This story grips your heart from the beginning and holds on. It’s devastating, tragic, beautiful, emotional, and wickedly sexy! I can’t wait to read more by this fabulous author!
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/2QC4ko2
(ARC provided by Enticing Journey Book Promotions)
Sydney White is a gorgeous, single 28 yr. old woman living in New York. She loves her job at an advertising firm, and is focused on her career. She’s given up on finding the right man since she always seems to go after the one’s that are unattainable. Her new plan is no commitments, relationships, or complications. Then she meets a guy named Jace Montgomery who turns her world upside down. While planning her best friend Eve’s wedding she is determined nothing will go wrong. Jace is the older brother of the groom, and it’s come to her attention he’s unhinged, and a bit of a loose cannon lately. Sydney decides it’s her job to handle him for the weekend to make sure everything runs smoothly. What she doesn’t count on is him looking like a Greek god, and the way he will affect her with just one look of those beautiful, tortured eyes. One kiss and she can’t resist the pull she feels toward him. She wants him so bad, and soon realizes she’ll take whatever he has to offer.
Jace Montgomery lost his wife and hasn’t let himself grieve. The last year he’s just been trying to survive and navigate being a single parent. He runs one of the largest hedge funds in NY, and immersing himself in work has become his salvation. Guilt is his constant companion, and when he’s not distracted the pain is too much to take. He’s desperate to forget, and will do anything not to be alone with his thoughts. His anger is out of control, and he feels like he’ll break at any moment, so the last thing he needs is to be in his brothers wedding.
Everywhere Jace turns there’s the maid of honor, Sydney. He’s suffering, tired, and emotionally drained. He doesn’t know how to act around his family anymore. Sydney doesn’t treat him like he’s broken or fragile, and seems to accept him as he is. They form a friendship, and she makes him feel lighter. As they begin spending time together, she’s tearing down his walls. She’s exactly what he’s needed, and he can’t stop thinking about her. Soon he’s completely infatuated with her, and she makes him feel alive again every time they touch. She has a calming presence in his life, and makes him happy, but he’s confused by his feelings. Sydney craves something she thinks she can’t have, and has fallen for a man she believes will never be hers. Will Jace move on and have a future with Sydney, or let her go?
-He's intoxicating.
-There is a hunger in his eyes. As if he's been starved and I'm a feast before him.
-There's a connection I felt with Jace. It's like the broken part of his soul attached to mine.
-He's a mess. A hot mess. A sinfully hot mess. But he also kisses like a starved man who wants to devour the lifeline from my body.
-He looks at me in a way that no one has ever looked at me, like I'm his salvation.
-He's everything I have ever wanted.
This was my first book by Ava Harrison, and it was fantastic! This story grips your heart from the beginning and holds on. It’s devastating, tragic, beautiful, emotional, and wickedly sexy! I can’t wait to read more by this fabulous author!
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/2QC4ko2
October 19, 2018
It's finally happened. I have legit lost my mind after reading a book.
I joke about this all the time, but in this case, I feel it's true. Absolution took me on a wild ride. There were ups and downs and twists and turns that I wasn't expecting, but enjoyed quite a lot.
The storyline is the true winner here. The reason I pick up a book is to feel, to escape into a world of HEAs. This author delivers on that in spades. All the feels were literally felt. I laughed, I cried, I got pissed, but ultimately I enjoyed myself. The plot is well is thought out and flowed very well.
The writing is fine, the pace was great. Everything I look for was there. Even a couple bonus treats that I absolutely loved. However, I had an issue.
Let me preface this by saying, this is highly subjective. I love what I love and unfortunately, these character types were not it. Again, this is personal preference, but Jace is just a bit too far gone on the asshole meter. He's not an alpha-hole in the sense that he acts like a jerk because he loves his woman and wants what's best for her. That type of alpha, I love. Jace was a straight up dick at times. I couldn't fathom falling for him so I questioned why Sydney would. My issue with Sydney wasn't quite as poignant. She took too much shit from this dude. She said yes when she should have adamantly said no, but I get. That trait was well documented upfront. We knew from the beginning that she fell for the wrong guys.
So here's why I think I'm crazy...On the surface, I didn't fall in love with the characters, but they were consistent and they seemed to fulfill each other. So it all worked out in the end.
If you like emotional reads that will take you along for the journey, I see give this a go!
For more of my reviews:
My Blog: Book Twins Reviews
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Twitter
Subscribe to Blog
I joke about this all the time, but in this case, I feel it's true. Absolution took me on a wild ride. There were ups and downs and twists and turns that I wasn't expecting, but enjoyed quite a lot.
The storyline is the true winner here. The reason I pick up a book is to feel, to escape into a world of HEAs. This author delivers on that in spades. All the feels were literally felt. I laughed, I cried, I got pissed, but ultimately I enjoyed myself. The plot is well is thought out and flowed very well.
The writing is fine, the pace was great. Everything I look for was there. Even a couple bonus treats that I absolutely loved. However, I had an issue.
Let me preface this by saying, this is highly subjective. I love what I love and unfortunately, these character types were not it. Again, this is personal preference, but Jace is just a bit too far gone on the asshole meter. He's not an alpha-hole in the sense that he acts like a jerk because he loves his woman and wants what's best for her. That type of alpha, I love. Jace was a straight up dick at times. I couldn't fathom falling for him so I questioned why Sydney would. My issue with Sydney wasn't quite as poignant. She took too much shit from this dude. She said yes when she should have adamantly said no, but I get. That trait was well documented upfront. We knew from the beginning that she fell for the wrong guys.
So here's why I think I'm crazy...On the surface, I didn't fall in love with the characters, but they were consistent and they seemed to fulfill each other. So it all worked out in the end.
If you like emotional reads that will take you along for the journey, I see give this a go!
For more of my reviews:
My Blog: Book Twins Reviews
Facebook Blog Page
Subscribe to Blog
August 19, 2023
3.75 stars**
October 7, 2018
So I'm gonna sell this book to you right now....
You ready?
Here we go....
THIS IS AVA HARRISON'S BEST BOOK YET!!
Not enough?
Okay.. how about this?
THIS IS THE BEST BOOK OF 2018!!
Still not enough?
Okay... Well... This then...
THIS IS IN THE TOP THREE BEST BOOKS I'VE EVER READ!
*Boom* *Mic drop*
Okay, in all honesty, if those three statements up there don't sell this book to you then I'm unsure what more I can say apart from this book is SENSATIONAL.
The writing is flawless. Reading is effortless. The story carries you away and just infiltrates every single cell inside your body! It breaks your heart, wrecks it even, but it also heals your heart in the best way possible. Ava has written two characters that are so incredible. They mesh beautifully even though they are so broken. I am just FULL. Full of love, for everything inside this book from the front cover to the back.
Ava Harrison you are incredible. Ab•so•lu•tion is EVERY SINGLE THING. I loved it!
You ready?
Here we go....
THIS IS AVA HARRISON'S BEST BOOK YET!!
Not enough?
Okay.. how about this?
THIS IS THE BEST BOOK OF 2018!!
Still not enough?
Okay... Well... This then...
THIS IS IN THE TOP THREE BEST BOOKS I'VE EVER READ!
*Boom* *Mic drop*
Okay, in all honesty, if those three statements up there don't sell this book to you then I'm unsure what more I can say apart from this book is SENSATIONAL.
The writing is flawless. Reading is effortless. The story carries you away and just infiltrates every single cell inside your body! It breaks your heart, wrecks it even, but it also heals your heart in the best way possible. Ava has written two characters that are so incredible. They mesh beautifully even though they are so broken. I am just FULL. Full of love, for everything inside this book from the front cover to the back.
Ava Harrison you are incredible. Ab•so•lu•tion is EVERY SINGLE THING. I loved it!
December 27, 2024
4 Stars
"This time, I’ll take care of my girl."
I'm on the 'dead-ex' trope train. I've been in the mood for it, CRAVING IT. This is my third book in about a week that deals with a widowed hero finding a second chance at love. I read it for the angst factor, obviously, or because I'm a masochist, one or the other. My thoughts? I had little patience for the first part of the book. I found it slow and frustrating, but that's probably a 'me' issue. Jace is a dick and Sydney was too nice and accommodating. It also felt like a slow-burn (which I'm not a fan of) but that's subjective too. They don't have sex until the 46% mark, so there was a lot of push and pull that happened before they finally gave in to their attraction. I preferred the second part of the book. I'm glad I didn't give up before that. I loved, LOVED the conclusion. It's amazing how Jace turned it around because at one point, I thought he'd NEVER pull his head out of his ass, at least not enough to fully convince me. But he did and it was wonderful 🥰 It was worth the wait. It's hard to dislike Sydney for being too nice at times (some would call her a doormat) but idk, I think she was conditioned to be this way, and somehow I understood...even if I hated it sometimes. But it doesn't matter, because Jace won me over and the HEA completely sold it for me. It's everything I want to see in a HEA, and the epilogue was the cherry on top. Gorgeous! I'd come back to read this baby.
"I think of all I lost, but I realize that Sydney was brought into my life for a reason. The protective love I have for her is different from any other love I have. Her happiness, watching her smile, it’s everything to me."
Notes:
Age Gap: She's 28, he's 39.
Widower: his wife has been gone for a year before they meet
Kids: he has 8yo twins (boy/girl) and they love Sydney
"This time, I’ll take care of my girl."
I'm on the 'dead-ex' trope train. I've been in the mood for it, CRAVING IT. This is my third book in about a week that deals with a widowed hero finding a second chance at love. I read it for the angst factor, obviously, or because I'm a masochist, one or the other. My thoughts? I had little patience for the first part of the book. I found it slow and frustrating, but that's probably a 'me' issue. Jace is a dick and Sydney was too nice and accommodating. It also felt like a slow-burn (which I'm not a fan of) but that's subjective too. They don't have sex until the 46% mark, so there was a lot of push and pull that happened before they finally gave in to their attraction. I preferred the second part of the book. I'm glad I didn't give up before that. I loved, LOVED the conclusion. It's amazing how Jace turned it around because at one point, I thought he'd NEVER pull his head out of his ass, at least not enough to fully convince me. But he did and it was wonderful 🥰 It was worth the wait. It's hard to dislike Sydney for being too nice at times (some would call her a doormat) but idk, I think she was conditioned to be this way, and somehow I understood...even if I hated it sometimes. But it doesn't matter, because Jace won me over and the HEA completely sold it for me. It's everything I want to see in a HEA, and the epilogue was the cherry on top. Gorgeous! I'd come back to read this baby.
"I think of all I lost, but I realize that Sydney was brought into my life for a reason. The protective love I have for her is different from any other love I have. Her happiness, watching her smile, it’s everything to me."
Notes:
Age Gap: She's 28, he's 39.
Widower: his wife has been gone for a year before they meet
Kids: he has 8yo twins (boy/girl) and they love Sydney
October 11, 2018
3 conflicted stars
Wasn't sure how to rate this. Went with 3 stars. As it was a gripping read and had my emotions in tatters near the end. This will be a longgg... review. Just FYI.
I was full of trepidation going into this book. It came very highly recommended but still. I was skeptical. Since I am so weary and leery of grieving widowers storylines nowadays. Not much of my thing anymore. Used to be as I loved the angst it bring. It always fascinate me how different authors tackle this difficult subject. But unfortunately, as of late, it's always the same. And predictable. Broken, tormented H in pain and pining for his dead ex. In every freaking chapter. Lashing out at the poor desperate h who only wants to heal them. And open their heart to love again. While constantly getting chewed out and compared to his saintly late wife. Yada, yada. But this book. I had mixed emotions. Didn't quite hate it, didn't really love it. Strange, especially since I'm not a really forgiving person and a tough critic. I do think it's well written and felt complete in the end. Just didn't bowled me over and had me screaming at the top of my lungs "Best. Book. Ever." A large part of that was probably due to Jace's character. And his cold, harsh treatment of Sydney. The constant back and forth. His actions and heartless, cruel words to her. Granted, Sydney gave as good as he dished out but still. I wanted to PUNCH him at times. Some of his asshole moments below
"Maybe I just need to fuck her already. I could have at the wedding, but I freaked the fuck out. I should have just fucked her. Sinking inside her would be an amazing way to de-stress my life."
"You don't understand shit", he hissed onto my neck. "She was my everything."
"I can't be that man you need, he admits on a sigh. "That man died. He's buried next to my wife and baby."
"It's not your place. They're not your kids", I shout before I can stop myself. The words pour from my mouth like vomit before I can stop them, purging their poison all over the floor. Her face goes ghostly white, and when I see her chin tremble, I know what I done. Remorse fills my blood, calming my raging anger to a simmer. But I can't take back the words.
Sydney is a much better woman than me, I tell you. I would have been out that door and no amount of pleading would have brought me back. But the girl was torn. Between her pride and her heart. That foolish beating organ that just had to attach itself to this broken, lost man. Many times I wanted to shout and say "screw the asshat". Which she did, plenty of times. Because she did have a spine and was tough. I liked that about her character. That she wasn't a doormat and let Jace walk all over her. No. She stood her ground, spoke her mind. And definitely called him out on his shit when he wanted to bail on her.
"It's time to say goodbye. Stop living with a ghost."
"I have waited. I have tried. But I won't do this anymore. You are alive. I am alive. And I won't stay here and wait for you to realize that. I know you lost her, but you have so many people who love and care for you. I refuse to watch this anymore. You are living in a grave."
"I'm sorry then, but I deserve better. My baby deserves better. Fuck, your kids deserves better. I can't watch you self-destruct."
"You know what? Fuck you! You might not want a kid, but I'm having this child!"
I refuse to do that again, to be that girl again. So, I will not call him. Not now. Not ever. I'm sure he knows where to find me. If he wants to be part of his baby's life, the ball is in his court. That's his right, but I will not be pathetic anymore.
She did nearly caved in the end, which I kinda get. She was feeling so vulnerable and afraid, and so alone. And didn't want to completely lose the last remaining connection to Jace. Despite the ASSHOLE abandoning her. That Son. Of. A. Bitch. Ugh, that part still made me so damn FURIOUS.
The last 35% of the book, was kind of a whirlwind. It escalated so fast, from the tragic event and to Jace getting his head out of his ass. Manning up and finally confronting his past. The guilt and blame he placed on himself for his wife's death. When he finally accepted that and forgave himself, he went after Sydney and stood by her side. It was a complete 180 from earlier. I wasn't sure if I wanted to clap or scratch my head. As I was still reeling from what just transpired in the hospital. It was devastating. Even Jace's heartfelt speech in the end didn't completely lift my sad spirit. I felt drained by then.
"I was almost too late, but I'll make it up to you. I promise you. I love you, Sydney White. Your touch, Your love. All the things you gave me, they healed me. Day by day, they healed me. I was just too damn stubborn to see. I won't leave you, Sydney. I'll never leave you again. I love the baby and I love the family we are about to create. I'm all in, now and forever. And I know this is how it was meant to be. Every bad thing that happens is meant to teach you something. Make you stronger. Make you learn. I know that now, and I know although I loved my wife, you're my destiny."
The epilogue was probably the best part of the book. They both got the HEA after so much suffering and loss. So, all in all...a decent read. I would recommend only if you can get past Jace's assholery and stubbornness in the beginning. And middle of the book. I'm not excusing his douche behavior. He was an absolute DICK. But, I've seen and read worse. Unredeemable H who treats h like absolute shit with barely little or to no grovel in the end. Jace owned his actions, albeit late in the book. But he did. And he was so gutted. Very regretful and ashamed for how he acted. He was repentant and sincere, and I believe in his change. And his promise to be a better person and father to their future children. As for those who have pet-peeves with dead spouses overshadowing the book. She was mentioned. Thought about and honored as I thought it was fair. She only just passed away a year ago. And yes, it did cause a rift later on between Jace and Sydney. But it didn't completely dominate the whole book or romance. As in Jace's recalling their moments in every goddamn chapter. I HATE that shit. Thank goodness it wasn't excessive in this book. Otherwise, it would have garnered a much, lower star.
Wasn't sure how to rate this. Went with 3 stars. As it was a gripping read and had my emotions in tatters near the end. This will be a longgg... review. Just FYI.
I was full of trepidation going into this book. It came very highly recommended but still. I was skeptical. Since I am so weary and leery of grieving widowers storylines nowadays. Not much of my thing anymore. Used to be as I loved the angst it bring. It always fascinate me how different authors tackle this difficult subject. But unfortunately, as of late, it's always the same. And predictable. Broken, tormented H in pain and pining for his dead ex. In every freaking chapter. Lashing out at the poor desperate h who only wants to heal them. And open their heart to love again. While constantly getting chewed out and compared to his saintly late wife. Yada, yada. But this book. I had mixed emotions. Didn't quite hate it, didn't really love it. Strange, especially since I'm not a really forgiving person and a tough critic. I do think it's well written and felt complete in the end. Just didn't bowled me over and had me screaming at the top of my lungs "Best. Book. Ever." A large part of that was probably due to Jace's character. And his cold, harsh treatment of Sydney. The constant back and forth. His actions and heartless, cruel words to her. Granted, Sydney gave as good as he dished out but still. I wanted to PUNCH him at times. Some of his asshole moments below
"Maybe I just need to fuck her already. I could have at the wedding, but I freaked the fuck out. I should have just fucked her. Sinking inside her would be an amazing way to de-stress my life."
"You don't understand shit", he hissed onto my neck. "She was my everything."
"I can't be that man you need, he admits on a sigh. "That man died. He's buried next to my wife and baby."
"It's not your place. They're not your kids", I shout before I can stop myself. The words pour from my mouth like vomit before I can stop them, purging their poison all over the floor. Her face goes ghostly white, and when I see her chin tremble, I know what I done. Remorse fills my blood, calming my raging anger to a simmer. But I can't take back the words.
Sydney is a much better woman than me, I tell you. I would have been out that door and no amount of pleading would have brought me back. But the girl was torn. Between her pride and her heart. That foolish beating organ that just had to attach itself to this broken, lost man. Many times I wanted to shout and say "screw the asshat". Which she did, plenty of times. Because she did have a spine and was tough. I liked that about her character. That she wasn't a doormat and let Jace walk all over her. No. She stood her ground, spoke her mind. And definitely called him out on his shit when he wanted to bail on her.
"It's time to say goodbye. Stop living with a ghost."
"I have waited. I have tried. But I won't do this anymore. You are alive. I am alive. And I won't stay here and wait for you to realize that. I know you lost her, but you have so many people who love and care for you. I refuse to watch this anymore. You are living in a grave."
"I'm sorry then, but I deserve better. My baby deserves better. Fuck, your kids deserves better. I can't watch you self-destruct."
"You know what? Fuck you! You might not want a kid, but I'm having this child!"
I refuse to do that again, to be that girl again. So, I will not call him. Not now. Not ever. I'm sure he knows where to find me. If he wants to be part of his baby's life, the ball is in his court. That's his right, but I will not be pathetic anymore.
She did nearly caved in the end, which I kinda get. She was feeling so vulnerable and afraid, and so alone. And didn't want to completely lose the last remaining connection to Jace. Despite the ASSHOLE abandoning her. That Son. Of. A. Bitch. Ugh, that part still made me so damn FURIOUS.
The last 35% of the book, was kind of a whirlwind. It escalated so fast, from the tragic event and to Jace getting his head out of his ass. Manning up and finally confronting his past. The guilt and blame he placed on himself for his wife's death. When he finally accepted that and forgave himself, he went after Sydney and stood by her side. It was a complete 180 from earlier. I wasn't sure if I wanted to clap or scratch my head. As I was still reeling from what just transpired in the hospital. It was devastating. Even Jace's heartfelt speech in the end didn't completely lift my sad spirit. I felt drained by then.
"I was almost too late, but I'll make it up to you. I promise you. I love you, Sydney White. Your touch, Your love. All the things you gave me, they healed me. Day by day, they healed me. I was just too damn stubborn to see. I won't leave you, Sydney. I'll never leave you again. I love the baby and I love the family we are about to create. I'm all in, now and forever. And I know this is how it was meant to be. Every bad thing that happens is meant to teach you something. Make you stronger. Make you learn. I know that now, and I know although I loved my wife, you're my destiny."
The epilogue was probably the best part of the book. They both got the HEA after so much suffering and loss. So, all in all...a decent read. I would recommend only if you can get past Jace's assholery and stubbornness in the beginning. And middle of the book. I'm not excusing his douche behavior. He was an absolute DICK. But, I've seen and read worse. Unredeemable H who treats h like absolute shit with barely little or to no grovel in the end. Jace owned his actions, albeit late in the book. But he did. And he was so gutted. Very regretful and ashamed for how he acted. He was repentant and sincere, and I believe in his change. And his promise to be a better person and father to their future children. As for those who have pet-peeves with dead spouses overshadowing the book. She was mentioned. Thought about and honored as I thought it was fair. She only just passed away a year ago. And yes, it did cause a rift later on between Jace and Sydney. But it didn't completely dominate the whole book or romance. As in Jace's recalling their moments in every goddamn chapter. I HATE that shit. Thank goodness it wasn't excessive in this book. Otherwise, it would have garnered a much, lower star.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2019
I love this book. This is my first book by miss Harrison. Certainly will look more of her works. Jace is a classic A hole guy. He lost his wife and his baby and he feels guilty about it. Oh and he is also a single father. Everyday he struggle to go bypass his day. He throws himself at his work. Then at a wedding reception of his brother he met sydney.
Sydney is a character that i struggle to connect. She is too good to be true. Always giving and selfless. But slowly she grows on me. There is not much character development for sydney. But since she touches Jace dead heart, Jace is a changed man.
This book does not only about love and romance. But also touches issue about death, guilt and letting go. Forgiveness. Absolution. I like how miss harrison brings all of this alive in her book.
A tad critic from me is i wish Jace can be more A hole in this book. Reading his character at the beginning, he is mild A hole.
4 stars
Sydney is a character that i struggle to connect. She is too good to be true. Always giving and selfless. But slowly she grows on me. There is not much character development for sydney. But since she touches Jace dead heart, Jace is a changed man.
This book does not only about love and romance. But also touches issue about death, guilt and letting go. Forgiveness. Absolution. I like how miss harrison brings all of this alive in her book.
A tad critic from me is i wish Jace can be more A hole in this book. Reading his character at the beginning, he is mild A hole.
4 stars
October 14, 2022
3-3.5 ⭐’s
Reread… I’m not sure I feel exactly the same as my original review. I’ll admit most of the of the book I was second guessing my “Sydney was brave” school of thought… and leaning more towards a “having to be satisfied that she’s happy” attitude. I don’t think Jace was a bad guy, but I don’t think he was emotionally ready for a new relationship. I suppose everyone deserves love and it takes very patient partners to love the broken ones.
I know this trope can be tricky so without being too spoilery…
Bottom Line- Some angst with push-pull feelings. He’s jerky sometimes, but I never found him overly cruel which kept the drama on a slow simmer rather than boil. There’s no drama from his family or kids. I thought the ending was a little rushed, but I did find his feelings authentic and believed in the HEA.
*****Original Review****
There are reviews out there that say Sydney was a doormat and that Jace treated her horribly; I don't agree. Jace was a borderline alcoholic that was dealing very poorly with the death of his wife. The dude was definitely in a bad place. Enter Sydney who has a penchant for toxic relationships, so of course she's naturally drawn to him. Their story is not pretty, and he does push her away at times, but for the most part...he's honest with her, and honest where he is emotionally. Sydney is not a doormat, she's strong in my opinion; I can't say I would have been drawn to that type of relationship, but she owned it and stuck it out.
Reread… I’m not sure I feel exactly the same as my original review. I’ll admit most of the of the book I was second guessing my “Sydney was brave” school of thought… and leaning more towards a “having to be satisfied that she’s happy” attitude. I don’t think Jace was a bad guy, but I don’t think he was emotionally ready for a new relationship. I suppose everyone deserves love and it takes very patient partners to love the broken ones.
I know this trope can be tricky so without being too spoilery…
Bottom Line- Some angst with push-pull feelings. He’s jerky sometimes, but I never found him overly cruel which kept the drama on a slow simmer rather than boil. There’s no drama from his family or kids. I thought the ending was a little rushed, but I did find his feelings authentic and believed in the HEA.
*****Original Review****
There are reviews out there that say Sydney was a doormat and that Jace treated her horribly; I don't agree. Jace was a borderline alcoholic that was dealing very poorly with the death of his wife. The dude was definitely in a bad place. Enter Sydney who has a penchant for toxic relationships, so of course she's naturally drawn to him. Their story is not pretty, and he does push her away at times, but for the most part...he's honest with her, and honest where he is emotionally. Sydney is not a doormat, she's strong in my opinion; I can't say I would have been drawn to that type of relationship, but she owned it and stuck it out.
October 16, 2018
Audible Review- 4 “I Got You” Stars
My first book by this author and boy did it pack a punch. It was emotional and angsty with an angry tortured hero and a sassy compassionate heroine. Not a traditional romance but one filled with a sense of loss, of coping, of self destruction and of absolution.
Jace Montgomery is man you love to hate and hate to love. He’s on a path of self destruction. He’s had a rough year and he hasn’t really grieved for the loss of his wife. His sweet twins need him but work is the only thing that keeps him from remembering and dealing with his loss. He’s become a mean and angry man.
Sydney White is beautiful and has a huge heart. Always doing for others, she overlooks herself. She gravitates towards the unattainable man thus putting herself in love situations that won’t work.
So when Sydney meets Jase at her best friends wedding, she sees the broken man before her. Her unapologetic attitude for speaking her mind starts to break down the Jase’s walls. But while breaking down the walls, Jase and his anger continually go at Sydney.
I will say that I got Jase and his attitude. It’s not right or pretty but I believed that a man or a woman can be angry and hateful for what they lost. Yes he has kids and his attitude towards them and his family was atrocious but I felt his pain and his spiraling towards self destruction. Sydney and her need and want to help did not turn me off. There were times when I wanted to shake her for allowing his ugliness towards her but she was falling for Jase and his kids. And what we do and what we tolerate are sometimes not what others would do.
This story ends in a HEA but getting there is torturous and painful to the heart. I felt for all the characters and I enjoyed that the story was different. I will say that there were some transitions parts that felt off and sometimes the dialogue had me questioning. But in all I really loved the story and the writing. I look forward to reading more from the author in the future.
I will also add that I loved the dual narration. Sebastian York and Grace Grant were the perfect Jace and Sydney. A very enjoyable audible with these two💗
❤️- thanks to TeriLyn Reviews for the recommendation!!
My first book by this author and boy did it pack a punch. It was emotional and angsty with an angry tortured hero and a sassy compassionate heroine. Not a traditional romance but one filled with a sense of loss, of coping, of self destruction and of absolution.
Jace Montgomery is man you love to hate and hate to love. He’s on a path of self destruction. He’s had a rough year and he hasn’t really grieved for the loss of his wife. His sweet twins need him but work is the only thing that keeps him from remembering and dealing with his loss. He’s become a mean and angry man.
Sydney White is beautiful and has a huge heart. Always doing for others, she overlooks herself. She gravitates towards the unattainable man thus putting herself in love situations that won’t work.
So when Sydney meets Jase at her best friends wedding, she sees the broken man before her. Her unapologetic attitude for speaking her mind starts to break down the Jase’s walls. But while breaking down the walls, Jase and his anger continually go at Sydney.
I will say that I got Jase and his attitude. It’s not right or pretty but I believed that a man or a woman can be angry and hateful for what they lost. Yes he has kids and his attitude towards them and his family was atrocious but I felt his pain and his spiraling towards self destruction. Sydney and her need and want to help did not turn me off. There were times when I wanted to shake her for allowing his ugliness towards her but she was falling for Jase and his kids. And what we do and what we tolerate are sometimes not what others would do.
This story ends in a HEA but getting there is torturous and painful to the heart. I felt for all the characters and I enjoyed that the story was different. I will say that there were some transitions parts that felt off and sometimes the dialogue had me questioning. But in all I really loved the story and the writing. I look forward to reading more from the author in the future.
I will also add that I loved the dual narration. Sebastian York and Grace Grant were the perfect Jace and Sydney. A very enjoyable audible with these two💗
❤️- thanks to TeriLyn Reviews for the recommendation!!
Read
June 8, 2019#DNF 32%
-----------------
Heroine has an attraction for troubled men. Poor little thing.
She should spend some time on therapy so she does not get involved with douches and assholes.
Our hero is an alcoholic who neglects his children and prefers to work and drown in alcohol than to face life.
I really do not have sympathy for him. I know what it is to lose the husband and have to continue living and taking care of the family. The world does not revolve around us.
He has lost his wife but has children to care for and his family, but he is so selfish and egocentric that he only sees his own pain not supporting his children.
I bravely managed to read up to 32% and quit.
-----------------
Heroine has an attraction for troubled men. Poor little thing.
She should spend some time on therapy so she does not get involved with douches and assholes.
Our hero is an alcoholic who neglects his children and prefers to work and drown in alcohol than to face life.
I really do not have sympathy for him. I know what it is to lose the husband and have to continue living and taking care of the family. The world does not revolve around us.
He has lost his wife but has children to care for and his family, but he is so selfish and egocentric that he only sees his own pain not supporting his children.
I bravely managed to read up to 32% and quit.
I just need to lose myself in my work, because the truth is when I’m not distracted, the pain is too much. It’s even worse when I’m around them.
Losing your wife is not a choice. Becoming a single father? Not a fucking choice, either.
Her mom. I haven’t been to a wedding without her.
After my wife died, she’s been the rock we all needed. A surrogate mother to my children. She watches them, cares for them, loves them in a way I just can’t.
Will it hurt to see a couple get married? How will it make me feel when I’ve lost my wife.
Normally, she might be my type, but ever since my wife died, no woman has piqued my interest.
I know. I felt that once. I had that. I know the feeling of everything revolving around one person and I also know the feeling—the stabbing feeling—of having it all ripped away.
He’s happy, and my life sucks. I have nothing.
This is my first wedding since I’ve lost my wife. Being here is a bitter pill to swallow.
Because as beautiful as he is, he’s not perfect. He’s not happy. He’s a shell. An imperfect shell.
Sydney isn’t looking back at me, Claire is. All desire fades from my body as I shake my head and stare down at the woman actually lying before me. What am I doing? What the fuck am I doing? As beautiful as she is, this isn’t right. I can’t have sex with another woman. I feel myself softening in my hand.
“She’s gone. My wife is fucking gone! It’s not going to be okay. Nothing will ever be okay.”
“I’m so sorry,” I whisper. Croak, really. “I thought . . . I thought I could do it.”
I know most would say daddy issues. And who the hell am I kidding? I have them. In spades.
“It wouldn’t matter. He’s either working or in bed.”
“What are you doing here?” “You invited me,” I whisper back, not knowing what else to say but the truth. He must have been drunk last night. How did I not see it? Jace Montgomery would never want to spend time with me.
Dad forgot to sign us up for camp this year.
“You want to go to the park with us, Dad?” Logan asks. Something in his voice makes me feel uncomfortable.
He needs an intervention. This is not okay for the kids.
October 11, 2018
**Absolution generously provided in exchange for an honest review.**
5 "You're asking for trouble." Stars
This story, a first for me by Ava Harrison, CONSUMED me. I couldn't stop reading so I read the whole thing in one sitting, staying up way too late to do it. It's painful, poignant, and full of broken moments. Absolution is also healing, full of love, and portrays all sides of humanity. How do we recover after tragic loss? Do we ever truly heal? Is guilt ever really erased? All questions Ava Harrison presents and answers with her story in the only way these larger than life characters can answer them. It's a hard book. A sad tale. It's also triumphant. For in the broken pieces of this man, this woman finds herself and discovers a new him.
Jace Montgomery comes as a class A jerk because he's hurting and hates the hurt so he hides behind his liquor and his demanding job. Escapism is alive when we meet Jace. As a recently widowed, single father he takes hiding to the next level in ways that are at time uncomfortable. But he's HUMAN and he's in PAIN. His suffering is palpable. Sydney White shines right from the start. Full of her own issues, that she recognizes, Sydney takes readers through her thoughts so precisely that I understood her on a fundamental level. She understands the pain in Jace and she can't bear for him to live this way. She sacrifices herself for Jace in ways that I totally get. I empathized with them both as each of them allowed me to relate to them in unique ways. Both so evocative in her presence I felt everything in my heart and needed to continue to see where the story went. I was no disappointed and am wholly satisfied.
This is real romance to me. It's not all rainbows and unicorns. It's strength and perseverance coupled with heartbreak and unimaginable pain. It's a brilliant story of rising above, of understanding and compassion, of making yourself vulnerable no matter how much the idea scares you. The writing, in spots, I thought was confusing with dialogue and a few others I wish were looked at more closely for repetitiveness and consistency but even those can't detract from how deeply I care about this story. Overall, I'm seriously impressed with Ava Harrison's storytelling. She so exquisitely wrote about pain she broke me. The way she crafted these characters and to tell this amazing story left me captivated from beginning to end. After being broken by her words, she healed me - all in one sitting. Two of my favorite jerky, torture, broken-beyond-belief heroes hail from L.J. Shen and Nicole Jacquelyn and the women in which they meet their match are quirky and oh-so-strong very reminiscent of the characters and story in Absolution.
I loved this. It's hard. But pain is beauty. I'll be thinking about this for a long time. I was up until 1:30am reading it and I woke up and re-read the last few chapters this morning because I missed Jace & Sydney and their family already. Excited to dive into more Ava Harrison romance.
5 "You're asking for trouble." Stars
This story, a first for me by Ava Harrison, CONSUMED me. I couldn't stop reading so I read the whole thing in one sitting, staying up way too late to do it. It's painful, poignant, and full of broken moments. Absolution is also healing, full of love, and portrays all sides of humanity. How do we recover after tragic loss? Do we ever truly heal? Is guilt ever really erased? All questions Ava Harrison presents and answers with her story in the only way these larger than life characters can answer them. It's a hard book. A sad tale. It's also triumphant. For in the broken pieces of this man, this woman finds herself and discovers a new him.
Jace Montgomery comes as a class A jerk because he's hurting and hates the hurt so he hides behind his liquor and his demanding job. Escapism is alive when we meet Jace. As a recently widowed, single father he takes hiding to the next level in ways that are at time uncomfortable. But he's HUMAN and he's in PAIN. His suffering is palpable. Sydney White shines right from the start. Full of her own issues, that she recognizes, Sydney takes readers through her thoughts so precisely that I understood her on a fundamental level. She understands the pain in Jace and she can't bear for him to live this way. She sacrifices herself for Jace in ways that I totally get. I empathized with them both as each of them allowed me to relate to them in unique ways. Both so evocative in her presence I felt everything in my heart and needed to continue to see where the story went. I was no disappointed and am wholly satisfied.
This is real romance to me. It's not all rainbows and unicorns. It's strength and perseverance coupled with heartbreak and unimaginable pain. It's a brilliant story of rising above, of understanding and compassion, of making yourself vulnerable no matter how much the idea scares you. The writing, in spots, I thought was confusing with dialogue and a few others I wish were looked at more closely for repetitiveness and consistency but even those can't detract from how deeply I care about this story. Overall, I'm seriously impressed with Ava Harrison's storytelling. She so exquisitely wrote about pain she broke me. The way she crafted these characters and to tell this amazing story left me captivated from beginning to end. After being broken by her words, she healed me - all in one sitting. Two of my favorite jerky, torture, broken-beyond-belief heroes hail from L.J. Shen and Nicole Jacquelyn and the women in which they meet their match are quirky and oh-so-strong very reminiscent of the characters and story in Absolution.
I loved this. It's hard. But pain is beauty. I'll be thinking about this for a long time. I was up until 1:30am reading it and I woke up and re-read the last few chapters this morning because I missed Jace & Sydney and their family already. Excited to dive into more Ava Harrison romance.
December 31, 2024
Anybody that follows me on Goodreads knows how much I ADORE stories with the dead wife trope. If the husband cannot move on from his dead wife, and he's especially cruel to his new love interest and makes her feel second best, well, that angsty gut punch felt by the new heroine is exactly what I crave in my stories.
I found out about this angsty, dead wife story from my awesome friend Lydia, and she did NOT steer me wrong with this gem. This story was perfection for me!
I'm kind of late finding this story, so I'm not going to rehash everything in it, but Lydia's review of this baby is right here and well worth checking out:
Lydia's Review
I totally agree that this story was a bit of a drag in the beginning to get to the good stuff, and Jace came off a bit of a whackadoodle, selfish asshole in the beginning, but once Jace and Sydney started their relationship, whoa baby! This story became so emotional and heartbreaking. Jace was devastatingly cruel to her. I got my angst fix and then some with the emotional turbulence in this story. It was perfection! I'm kind of amazed at how beautifully this author turned Jace around and made him worthy of Sydney's love in the end. But she made it happen and made it believable, and now I want to go back and read the other stories in this series.
I found out about this angsty, dead wife story from my awesome friend Lydia, and she did NOT steer me wrong with this gem. This story was perfection for me!
I'm kind of late finding this story, so I'm not going to rehash everything in it, but Lydia's review of this baby is right here and well worth checking out:
Lydia's Review
I totally agree that this story was a bit of a drag in the beginning to get to the good stuff, and Jace came off a bit of a whackadoodle, selfish asshole in the beginning, but once Jace and Sydney started their relationship, whoa baby! This story became so emotional and heartbreaking. Jace was devastatingly cruel to her. I got my angst fix and then some with the emotional turbulence in this story. It was perfection! I'm kind of amazed at how beautifully this author turned Jace around and made him worthy of Sydney's love in the end. But she made it happen and made it believable, and now I want to go back and read the other stories in this series.
October 11, 2018
3.5 Stars
So I am going with 3.5 stars on this one. I have to say firstly that I really enjoyed the story, it was heartbreaking, so much emotions and anxiety, anger and so much more.
Secondly, I don't know how I feel about Jace. He was for no better word a douche no two ways about it. I hated the way he treated his family, and most especially his kids. I mean they also lost someone.
I don't know about Sydney either. I felt like I wanted to slap her and say OMG move the hell on. The way he spoke to her, and even though she didn't hold back (sometimes) I still would have walked away and never looked back. But then the heart is a fickle thing.
So ultimately, I didn't hate the book, I didn't not hate it. Maybe Jace's actions could have been a little less cruel, but then again everyone deals with grief in different ways.
So I am going with 3.5 stars on this one. I have to say firstly that I really enjoyed the story, it was heartbreaking, so much emotions and anxiety, anger and so much more.
Secondly, I don't know how I feel about Jace. He was for no better word a douche no two ways about it. I hated the way he treated his family, and most especially his kids. I mean they also lost someone.
I don't know about Sydney either. I felt like I wanted to slap her and say OMG move the hell on. The way he spoke to her, and even though she didn't hold back (sometimes) I still would have walked away and never looked back. But then the heart is a fickle thing.
So ultimately, I didn't hate the book, I didn't not hate it. Maybe Jace's actions could have been a little less cruel, but then again everyone deals with grief in different ways.
February 21, 2021
Bulshit
Asshole
Prick
Son of a ...
This is all HERO
Weak, doormant heroine
She got pregnant and hero told her "i m not sure its mine, its not possible, you will rise this child alone..."
No comments
Absolution?
Where is absolution?
Not enough grovelling
Crap crap crap
Asshole
Prick
Son of a ...
This is all HERO
Weak, doormant heroine
She got pregnant and hero told her "i m not sure its mine, its not possible, you will rise this child alone..."
No comments
Absolution?
Where is absolution?
Not enough grovelling
Crap crap crap
July 3, 2022
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- Excellent - Highly Recommended
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - A good, solid read
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ - An okay read
2 ⭐️⭐️ - Meh
1 ⭐️ - Not my cup of tea
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - A good, solid read
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ - An okay read
2 ⭐️⭐️ - Meh
1 ⭐️ - Not my cup of tea
October 10, 2018
⭐5 absolving stars⭐
All the stars!
All of them...
All. Of. Them!!!
I've read about damaged and fucked up heroes.
I know what an angsty story is.
I so feel what a heartbreaking story does, but nothing NOTHING prepared me for Jace and Sydney.
Some would hate this book, some would find Jace insanely unbearable and some would even dnf but when you know loss and what it does, you understand that no amount of rage is enough.
“You must be ready to burn yourself in your own flame. How could you rise anew if you have not first become ashes?”—Friedrich Nietzsche
All the stars!
All of them...
All. Of. Them!!!
“What are you looking for?”
“Absolution.”
“No one can absolve you. Only you can do that.”
I've read about damaged and fucked up heroes.
I know what an angsty story is.
I so feel what a heartbreaking story does, but nothing NOTHING prepared me for Jace and Sydney.
“He’s a mess. A hot mess. A sinfully hot mess. But he also kisses like a starved man who wants to devour the lifeline from my body.”
Some would hate this book, some would find Jace insanely unbearable and some would even dnf but when you know loss and what it does, you understand that no amount of rage is enough.
“He’s a shell. An imperfect shell. One broken and marred, and all I want to do is reach out, grab the broken pieces, and glue him back together.”
October 8, 2018
***AVAILABLE NOW - FULL REVIEW ***
5 She Healed Me CROWNS
Ava Harrison has a way of writing that makes readers live the journey with her couples. We feel the heartbreak, the hopelessness, the pain, but on the flip side we get to enjoy the healing, the redemption, and the joy that inevitably comes.
Jace is one of the surliest heroes I have encountered in quite some time, and he has a good reason. He is broken, shattered a bit beyond repair. Although he is belligerent at times, most of his anger is self directed, and so there is sympathy for him. The way Ava Harrison writes his character, the development of what has caused him to shatter, makes him relatable and his love for the heroine clear, even when it isn’t to him. His journey to his HEA is hard fought and a times tragic (of his own making), but that makes the ending so rewarding.
Sydney is the real hero of this story, and I love when the leading lady saves the man. Her understanding and compassion brings Jace out of the light. She is the reason he grows and evolves. Sydney also has immense strength. The way she endures loss and how she walks always when needed to preserve herself and those she loves exemplifies her resilience. Like, Jace her HEA is hard fought and well deserved
This story will gut you. It isn’t easy. What these two endure separately and together is trying, and readers LIVE IT with them. It is, though, enthralling and captivating. The emotion of their tale, the steamy chemistry between the characters , the growth of the two over the course of the story is beautiful, ultimately showcasing that their is light beyond the darkness.
It seems fitting that I started reading Ava Harrison’s books with trans•ference, and that ab•so•lution (not part of a series - each is about a different brother) would be my favorite book of hers to date. It is tragic and raw, beautifully written, and exhibits how love can heal. Romance GOLD!
ARC received in exchange for an honest review
5 She Healed Me CROWNS
Ava Harrison has a way of writing that makes readers live the journey with her couples. We feel the heartbreak, the hopelessness, the pain, but on the flip side we get to enjoy the healing, the redemption, and the joy that inevitably comes.
Jace is one of the surliest heroes I have encountered in quite some time, and he has a good reason. He is broken, shattered a bit beyond repair. Although he is belligerent at times, most of his anger is self directed, and so there is sympathy for him. The way Ava Harrison writes his character, the development of what has caused him to shatter, makes him relatable and his love for the heroine clear, even when it isn’t to him. His journey to his HEA is hard fought and a times tragic (of his own making), but that makes the ending so rewarding.
Sydney is the real hero of this story, and I love when the leading lady saves the man. Her understanding and compassion brings Jace out of the light. She is the reason he grows and evolves. Sydney also has immense strength. The way she endures loss and how she walks always when needed to preserve herself and those she loves exemplifies her resilience. Like, Jace her HEA is hard fought and well deserved
This story will gut you. It isn’t easy. What these two endure separately and together is trying, and readers LIVE IT with them. It is, though, enthralling and captivating. The emotion of their tale, the steamy chemistry between the characters , the growth of the two over the course of the story is beautiful, ultimately showcasing that their is light beyond the darkness.
It seems fitting that I started reading Ava Harrison’s books with trans•ference, and that ab•so•lution (not part of a series - each is about a different brother) would be my favorite book of hers to date. It is tragic and raw, beautifully written, and exhibits how love can heal. Romance GOLD!
ARC received in exchange for an honest review
October 7, 2018
FREE on Kindle Unlimited!
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AVAILABLE IN AUDIO: https://adbl.co/2BWThl8
GRAB IT NOW ON RELEASE WEEK SPECIAL PRICE!
US: http://amzn.com/B07J4458JC
CA : https://amzn.to/2NsVxmm
AU: https://amzn.to/2E0miyS
UK: https://amzn.to/2E5UkBO
AVAILABLE IN AUDIO: https://adbl.co/2BWThl8
January 4, 2019
I really enjoyed this book.
October 7, 2018
4.5 Gummy Bear Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I am familiar with Ava’s work. She writes swoony, frustratingly stubborn, yet lovable men with wonderful women that bring out the best in them. The story of Jace and Sydney is on another level, this is some of Ava’s best work. Her writing is very emotional, heartfelt and impactful in a way I didn’t see coming. I skipped reading the blurb, so I think the impact of Jace’s situation was even more powerful to me.
Jace is not an easy man to get along with. He pours himself into his work every day to avoid the pain he feels from his devastating family loss. The guilt he carries with him daily is wearing him down, he’s about to snap and if he keeps heading in this direction he will lose everything he’s worked so hard for. But what does it matter when you’ve lost the one thing in life that keeps you grounded?!? I felt Jace’s pain. I cried and mourned with him as he struggled to pull himself together. HE BROKE MY HEART!
I think Sydney is one of the most selfless characters I’ve ever read, I absolutely adored her. She gives herself freely to the ones she loves, even when it causes her heartache. She has demons of her own, that much is clear. She recognizes that about herself, but still gives and gives and gives. Sydney is the light to Jace’s darkness, but he has a tough time accepting that. How can he be happy when he blames himself for the tragic events in his life?
This is a beautiful story of forgiveness and letting go of the past, for both Jace and Sydney. You don’t need to forget, but once you realize the wonderful reasons you have to live, it makes the acceptance of moving on that much better. There is passion, love and acceptance in this emotional journey. Ava takes you on a roller coaster of emotions you won’t forget!
I am familiar with Ava’s work. She writes swoony, frustratingly stubborn, yet lovable men with wonderful women that bring out the best in them. The story of Jace and Sydney is on another level, this is some of Ava’s best work. Her writing is very emotional, heartfelt and impactful in a way I didn’t see coming. I skipped reading the blurb, so I think the impact of Jace’s situation was even more powerful to me.
Jace is not an easy man to get along with. He pours himself into his work every day to avoid the pain he feels from his devastating family loss. The guilt he carries with him daily is wearing him down, he’s about to snap and if he keeps heading in this direction he will lose everything he’s worked so hard for. But what does it matter when you’ve lost the one thing in life that keeps you grounded?!? I felt Jace’s pain. I cried and mourned with him as he struggled to pull himself together. HE BROKE MY HEART!
I think Sydney is one of the most selfless characters I’ve ever read, I absolutely adored her. She gives herself freely to the ones she loves, even when it causes her heartache. She has demons of her own, that much is clear. She recognizes that about herself, but still gives and gives and gives. Sydney is the light to Jace’s darkness, but he has a tough time accepting that. How can he be happy when he blames himself for the tragic events in his life?
This is a beautiful story of forgiveness and letting go of the past, for both Jace and Sydney. You don’t need to forget, but once you realize the wonderful reasons you have to live, it makes the acceptance of moving on that much better. There is passion, love and acceptance in this emotional journey. Ava takes you on a roller coaster of emotions you won’t forget!
October 5, 2018
What a toe-curling, sexy, delicious book--I could not put it down!
Gorgeous writing, believable characters, a heartbreaking story that turns out so satisfying. Jace is a wounded, sexy hero you can't help but love, and Sydney is just perfect for him, caring, loving, patient...
I highly recommend this FIVE STAR read!
Gorgeous writing, believable characters, a heartbreaking story that turns out so satisfying. Jace is a wounded, sexy hero you can't help but love, and Sydney is just perfect for him, caring, loving, patient...
I highly recommend this FIVE STAR read!
October 11, 2018
So... this is the tale of a grieving really really huge asshole who I hated throughout the book. And who gets the girl after being a horrible person during the whole book without even grovelling one bit.
I had no respect for the h either by the way,since she spent the whole book letting him walk all over her...
All in all they may actually be a perfect match 😂😂
I had no respect for the h either by the way,since she spent the whole book letting him walk all over her...
All in all they may actually be a perfect match 😂😂
April 6, 2019
3.5 stars
I have to admit I have some really mixed feelings about this book. It was a great book in some accounts, but it had so many plot holes and weak spots that I just can’t rate it higher. It started so promisingly and I felt the hero’s pain. I’ve read a few books with such subject matter and I never felt they portrayed this issue well. There was always something that felt off for me. Here I really thought it was more realistic. I tried to understand the hero and his struggles, but at some point, I just got pissed at him for the way he treated everyone around him and there was no one to blame but himself for his crappy mood. I can sympathize with someone to a certain point but after a while, you just need to pull your head out of your ass and start living.
I loved the heroine in the most part. She was very patient, surprisingly so. She was also compassionate and kind and because she seemed like such a nice woman I felt bad for the way he treated her.
The beginning was very strong, got me intrigued, then the pacing kind of slowed and there was some concentration of sex scenes and nothing major happening, then there was a serious plot twist that turned the story in a new direction. It touched me deeply in some parts and Sebastian York’s performance (reading Jace’s character) in the ending part of the book completely gutted me. It brought me to tears. It was that good. The topic was also heartbreaking, hit close to home for me. This was definitely a strong part in the book. It was well written with all the right emotions also.
I’m happy they got their happily ever after at the end and the hero came to his senses finally, but I still was pissed at him for all his actions before that. Plus there was a serious topic raised in the beginning but this issue miraculously disappeared and was never addressed at the end. Didn’t sit well with me.
Other than that. This was an emotional story that may bring some tears in your eyes. It had depth and serious topics raised. It was a poignant story with a damaged hero and a heroine dealing with her own issues. Not a bad story per se just had some weak spots that I mentioned above. Perfect narration, so if you are an audio lover, you would get amazing performance with this story.
I have to admit I have some really mixed feelings about this book. It was a great book in some accounts, but it had so many plot holes and weak spots that I just can’t rate it higher. It started so promisingly and I felt the hero’s pain. I’ve read a few books with such subject matter and I never felt they portrayed this issue well. There was always something that felt off for me. Here I really thought it was more realistic. I tried to understand the hero and his struggles, but at some point, I just got pissed at him for the way he treated everyone around him and there was no one to blame but himself for his crappy mood. I can sympathize with someone to a certain point but after a while, you just need to pull your head out of your ass and start living.
I loved the heroine in the most part. She was very patient, surprisingly so. She was also compassionate and kind and because she seemed like such a nice woman I felt bad for the way he treated her.
The beginning was very strong, got me intrigued, then the pacing kind of slowed and there was some concentration of sex scenes and nothing major happening, then there was a serious plot twist that turned the story in a new direction. It touched me deeply in some parts and Sebastian York’s performance (reading Jace’s character) in the ending part of the book completely gutted me. It brought me to tears. It was that good. The topic was also heartbreaking, hit close to home for me. This was definitely a strong part in the book. It was well written with all the right emotions also.
I’m happy they got their happily ever after at the end and the hero came to his senses finally, but I still was pissed at him for all his actions before that. Plus there was a serious topic raised in the beginning but this issue miraculously disappeared and was never addressed at the end. Didn’t sit well with me.
Other than that. This was an emotional story that may bring some tears in your eyes. It had depth and serious topics raised. It was a poignant story with a damaged hero and a heroine dealing with her own issues. Not a bad story per se just had some weak spots that I mentioned above. Perfect narration, so if you are an audio lover, you would get amazing performance with this story.
October 11, 2018
I do not normally write reviews, but after wanting to throw my Kindle against the wall during this book, I felt it my duty to forewarn others. Where do I start? Sydney...I wanted to like her, but she is a doormat with a capital D when it comes to men, and Jace in particular! I just can't abide a heroine in a book that will not stand up for herself. There were so many times that Jace treated her horribly and disrespectfully and she just kept going back for more. Quite simply, Jace was nothing but a jerk to everyone in the book, even his kids. Sure, the guy lost his wife and is tortured by what he could have/should have done to help her. But the torture and inner dialogue of self-loathing just went on and on ad nauseum. He did not realize how much he cared for Sydney until about the 85% point and even then it just fell short of sincere for me. IMO, it was too little too late to save this book.
October 20, 2018
Absolution is an emotional story of learning to love again, of hope, and of healing.
Jace is an angry man. He lost his wife and hasn’t grieved or dealt with his loss. He needs to learn to cope and be a better person and father to his children. He meets Sydney and although he is resistant at first, she brings out a new side to him. A happy side, a side that sees hope and the ability to let someone in, a side that wants to be a better man and father.
Absolution is beautifully written, has a great plot, has well developed characters, and hits you in all the emotions. I really enjoyed seeing the changes in Jace. At times I wanted to smack him, but I also wanted to give him a hug at times. And Sydney may have been a glutton for punishment, but she was there for him and the kids, and I admire that.
If you want a great read, I totally recommend Absolution!
An arc was provided for an honest review.
Jace is an angry man. He lost his wife and hasn’t grieved or dealt with his loss. He needs to learn to cope and be a better person and father to his children. He meets Sydney and although he is resistant at first, she brings out a new side to him. A happy side, a side that sees hope and the ability to let someone in, a side that wants to be a better man and father.
Absolution is beautifully written, has a great plot, has well developed characters, and hits you in all the emotions. I really enjoyed seeing the changes in Jace. At times I wanted to smack him, but I also wanted to give him a hug at times. And Sydney may have been a glutton for punishment, but she was there for him and the kids, and I admire that.
If you want a great read, I totally recommend Absolution!
An arc was provided for an honest review.
October 18, 2018
Another heartbreakingly wonderful book by the amazing Ava! Oh, it hurt so good!
This book was simply beautiful in its ugliness. Meaning, in all of Jace’s outbursts of anger, conflict, and grief, Sydney could see through it and recognize his pain... she was exactly what he needed even though he didn’t know it. They shared some touching intimate moments early in their “relationship” that had my eyes welling up. She was a balm to his raw soul.
Jace is convinced he does not deserve to have a second chance at long term happiness and keeps Sydney at a certain distance, but when things get real and she needs him, will he be there for her? Or will he run...?
#angst #sexy #grief #softplacetofall #absolution #forgiveness #loss #healing
reviewed by Sweet Spot Sisterhood
This book was simply beautiful in its ugliness. Meaning, in all of Jace’s outbursts of anger, conflict, and grief, Sydney could see through it and recognize his pain... she was exactly what he needed even though he didn’t know it. They shared some touching intimate moments early in their “relationship” that had my eyes welling up. She was a balm to his raw soul.
Jace is convinced he does not deserve to have a second chance at long term happiness and keeps Sydney at a certain distance, but when things get real and she needs him, will he be there for her? Or will he run...?
#angst #sexy #grief #softplacetofall #absolution #forgiveness #loss #healing
reviewed by Sweet Spot Sisterhood
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