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Scandalous Whispers

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I knew sleeping with my boss was career suicide.
I did it anyway.

Parker Danvers is Chicago's most ruthless media mogul—
Twenty years older, devastatingly powerful,
And completely off-limits.

But when he cornered me in that elevator
After everyone had gone home,
I forgot every rule I'd ever learned.

Now someone has photos of us.
Intimate. Damning. Undeniable.

My father won't speak to me.
My colleagues think I'm a whore.
Anonymous death threats fill my inbox.
And the scandal is about to break
On every front page in the city.

The job offer in LA could save me—
If I betray the man I'm falling for.
If I testify against him in court.
If I destroy him before he destroys me.

Because someone wants us both to burn.
And I'm starting to think Parker lit the match.


Author’s Scandalous Whispers
is a steamy contemporary romance featuring an Alpha billionaire boss, forbidden workplace affair, twenty-year age gap, and a scandal that could destroy them both. Steamy standalone with guaranteed HEA.

242 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 24, 2025

230 people are currently reading
53 people want to read

About the author

Ava Gray

102 books230 followers

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5 stars
102 (57%)
4 stars
46 (26%)
3 stars
19 (10%)
2 stars
7 (3%)
1 star
2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Christine.
10.8k reviews33 followers
July 22, 2025
Arc review I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. What a adorable and beautiful story I loved Haley and Parker's relationship.
1,508 reviews13 followers
July 26, 2025
I knew sleeping with my boss was career suicide.

I did it anyway.


Parker Danvers is Chicago's most ruthless media mogul—

Twenty years older, devastatingly powerful,

And completely off-limits.


But when he cornered me in that elevator.

After everyone had gone home,

I forgot every rule I'd ever learned.


Now someone has photos of us.

Intimate. Damning. Undeniable.


My father won't speak to me.

My colleagues think I'm a whore.

Anonymous death threats fill my inbox.

And the scandal is about to break.

On every front page in the city.


The job offer in LA could save me—

If I betray the man I'm falling for.

If I testify against him in court.

If I destroy him before he destroys me.


Because someone wants us both to burn.

And I'm starting to think Parker lit the match.

This steamy contemporary alpha billionaire boss forbidden workplace affair, twenty-year age-gap romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building and characters that are alpha, billionaire, exuding power, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with scandalous whispers, an explicit romance that is consumed by steamy, sizzling passion, lust, desire, and spice with all the feelings to leave readers breathless and begging for more, a taboo office romance, a scandal that could destroy them both, guaranteed HEA, drama, heartfelt emotions, death threats/danger, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with scandalous whispers and an explicit romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is wildly dangerous, lustful, and unforgettable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Misty.
1,303 reviews30 followers
July 30, 2025
Haley is a great writer for her age, she is determined to win a Pulitzer and knows that as long as she works hard, works for a well known newspaper, and writes stories based on truth she may one day reach her goal. She is working for Parker at The Vine, he is twenty years older than her and she knows that having a relationship with him may ruin her dreams. There is so much chemistry between them, that they are unable to deny its pull. There was some miscommunication between them at times, but I think the one thing that was frustrating was her doubting him and him not communicating with her about things that arose. For example, her job interview and his monetary wealth. The characters are great together, but at times their trust in one another wasn’t match with that they had been through. The scandal of the lawsuit that was troubling Parker, was a little annoying as was the character that was behind it, but I am glad that in the end he got brought back down to earth. Overall, this was a good office romance that may just be worth checking out.

Received ARC from Booksprout for honest review.
455 reviews5 followers
July 14, 2025
This novel delivers on the heat and high drama. The forbidden office romance between Parker and the much younger, Haley, is filled with chemistry, scandal, and emotional stakes. The age gap and power dynamic added some interesting tension, and the story definitely had its addictive moments.

That said, the middle of the book dragged a bit with the classic miscommunication (or noncommunication) trope. It was frustrating watching them spend a full week doubting each other over something that could’ve been cleared up with one honest conversation. The characters clearly care for one another, but their lack of trust felt out of place after everything they'd been through.

Still, if you enjoy a steamy office romance with a side of scandal and a guaranteed happy ending, this might be worth checking out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
123 reviews2 followers
July 25, 2025
Haley is an upcoming journalist for a newspaper in Chicago. The owner of the paper is known for his temper and is not afraid to unleash it when he is provoked. She sees through his blustering and recognizes his dedication to well researched stories.
While discussing a new assignment they begin to flirt. She knows it is a not a good idea as does Parker, but they can't resist the pull. They are seen at a dinner near the office by a disgruntled employee who starts to spread rumors about their affair.
This leads to all sort of problems and misunderstandings between the two which leads to both of them being wary of each other.
The story has a sweet HEA ending.
This was a very complex story with several secondary characters who make things difficult for Haley and Parker. The attraction between Haley and Parker is off the charts.
I really enjoyed this story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Book Addict.
799 reviews6 followers
July 22, 2025
This age-gap romance plunges into the turbulent world of forbidden office politics and high-stakes journalistic scandal. Set against the ruthless backdrop of Chicago’s media elite, Parker—an older, commanding CEO—and Haley—a gifted young reporter in her twenties—find themselves caught in a seductive clash of power and passion.

As their secret affair intensifies, a company-wide policy brings them under fire. When the same rule that ousted two other employees is suddenly weaponised against them, the workplace transforms into a potential legal battlefield. The threat of the lawsuit throws their reputations, dynamic and relationship into chaos, forcing them to navigate the perilous lines between love and ambition.....

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
11.7k reviews49 followers
July 30, 2025
Going down in an elevator

Scandalous Whispers is a great addition to the author's Alpha Billionaire series. The book is a swirling mix of age-gap, work place, off-limits, scandal ridden, and very passionate romance. The story finds Haley, a young journalist trying to establish herself at a newspaper in Chicago, and Parker, the owner and CEO of the media company that owns the paper, having an attraction they find it hard to fight. Haley knows it would be her that would pay the real price if they crossed that line, but sometimes you just have to live in the danger zone, and with Parker it is really worth it. However, there is a disgruntled employee who is about to make a typhoon size amount of trouble for these two that could see them both swept away or riding the storm with each other.
Profile Image for Phaze.
275 reviews1 follower
July 27, 2025
Haley is a journalist at a media company owned by Parker. Parker is known for his prickly attitude, but this doesn't seem to faze Haley. They both flirt each other while working on an assignment together.

They try their best to fight their attraction because they know it wouldn't be viewed in a positive light. Now, due to his prickly behaviors there are employees that are waiting to bring him down a peg or two. The opportunity to do this happens when the employees see them having dinner and that spreading it around the office.

Now, the story ends well, but it takes a lot for them get there due to the whispers and upset employees.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
219 reviews2 followers
July 19, 2025
This age gap romance is one that shouldn't happen as he's the boss and she his colleague but there is no accounting for love.
Problem one, a none fraternization clause within the company, problem two a woman sacked for that reason wants revenge when she finds out.
A great start to this story that you know when everyone eventually finds out could break them apart.
There is a lot to lose both financially and emotionally when family and other workers turn against them is inky a start.
I have read many books by Ava Gray and I have never been disappointed with any of her stories so i know you will love reading this one, problems and all.
2,360 reviews10 followers
July 24, 2025
Scandalous Whispers by Ava Gray is the story of Parker and Hayley. Unexpected office romance that is totally taboo. He’s the boss…but, it would be her job on the line. There are lots of people who are trying to put a wrench into their situation…and there’s anger and bitterness involved. The rumor mill could destroy them and could substantially hurt the company.

Loved these characters! They fight their own inner demons so much throughout the story, you just can’t help but empathize!! But, can they stay away from each other? Can they head off the relentless people after them!! Great read!!
Profile Image for Maria.
1,750 reviews8 followers
August 20, 2025
Older man/Younger woman - overall, the best employee wins! This is about Parker, the boss, and Haley, his best employee. Although he is one to hold everyone accountable for their actions or wrongdoings, when he ended up having Haley close to him, it was everything that he didn't know he truly wanted. Haley gets the story every time, and now someone from LA is offering her a position that can win her an award, something that she won't get from working with Parker. Unfortunately, there is someone in the company who is after both of them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Danee.
4,921 reviews
July 26, 2025
What a wonderful story this was! I felt Parker and Hailey were made for each other. He's a media magnate who, upon first meeting Hailey, the already-successful young reporter, is fascinated and even slightly obsessed with her. There's a strong chemistry and attraction between them, and they just hope no one finds out about their affair, as it could be detrimental to her, and her career is also at stake. A wonderful story that I thoroughly enjoyed reading.





I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
449 reviews
August 19, 2025
Parker is a media model and knows good talent when he sees it, and Haley was his star reporter and he would do anything to keep her. Even when they crossed a line and became involved more intimately outside of the work place. There is a huge age gap and Haley’s closet people feel he is manipulating her with gifts and career advancements to keep her near. On top of that someone has it out for them and put their sites on Haley to destroy Parker.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sheila.
1,169 reviews11 followers
July 23, 2025
4 Stars for Scandalous Whispers by Ava Gray

This is a work place age gap romance. I liked both main characters Parker & Haley they both are drawn to each other based on their chemistry. It’s a risk for Haley to get involved with her boss especially for her career should anyone find out but she feels he could be the one.

If you enjoy workplace romance this is a good read !.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for L KQ.
5,645 reviews22 followers
August 4, 2025
Promotion Woes

Parker and Haley initially start off with having a working relationship. However, one day, things shift and become intimate, but circumstances end up complicating every moment they try to have together. The chemistry between them was electrifying despite their age gap. While the story itself was enjoyable, the decisions made by the characters were often full of conflict.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Thea Kubicki.
575 reviews3 followers
July 16, 2025
Scandalous Whispers

Parker and Haley

An emotional read dealing with age-gap, office romance, hostile work environment, and immaturity. The MCs brought out the best in one another and of course there was an HEA ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for judy.
578 reviews6 followers
July 19, 2025
Parker and Haley have a very strong connection to each other. He is her boss but he has a strong pull towards her. He is 20 years older than her. They have some communication issues to work out . This is their love story and it is very compelling. I enjoyed reading their story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
88 reviews1 follower
July 21, 2025
She is at the beginning of her career - excited to drive towards truth with her pen creating the fire that makes a great journalist. He loves growing a paper that was failing until he sees her light and a future. wrapped around office politics and future fears, can they find a path for themselves?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Merry Jelks-Emmanuel.
13.4k reviews155 followers
July 22, 2025
Parker is a media mogul who is captivated by Haley the young, accomplished reporter who could lose it all if their relationship is publicized. Will there be a happy ending for these two down the road. This electrifying age gap romance portrays a couple on the very of ruin from scandal.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jody.
218 reviews
July 22, 2025
This book started out slowly. There was alot of info given about both of the main characters. But once the romance started, this story moved along at a nice pace.

There is passion, love, a misunderstanding and meddling characters before arriving at the HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Shannon Binegar-Foster.
2,831 reviews19 followers
July 23, 2025
She is his employee oh…and 20 years his junior. They are in the middle of an uproar at work involving two coworkers that could lead to a law suit. Can they keep their relationship under wraps or will it become a public relations nightmare? I enjoyed this book very much. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
452 reviews
September 29, 2025
DNF’d. I’m confused by the high rating. Though he t really any reviewed by many so that’s why.

The premise was good. However, the book is very much a tell not show kind of book.

I don’t need the characters to constantly tell me they’re attracted. If the writing was better I could figure it all out for myself.

I was tempted to finish it, it just didn’t interest me enough to push through.
1,683 reviews8 followers
July 22, 2025
I enjoyed Hailey and Parker's story. They had good chemistry and were a good match. The story itself was well written and easy to follow. A great read.
I received a copy via Booksprout and this is a voluntary review.
Profile Image for laura.lovesreading.
1,286 reviews6 followers
July 24, 2025
A scandal turned to happy ever after.

A forbidden office romance, attraction, chemistry, tension, miscommunication, spice and love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Cynthia.
2,383 reviews8 followers
July 24, 2025
This was a really good book. The storyline was fun and easily drew me in. I loved the chemistry passion between the two main characters, and i also love the way they acted towards each other and the situations they deal with.
2,321 reviews
August 5, 2025
Hayley is a writer at Parker's newspaper, a man 20 years her senior. Their chemistry can't be denied in this steamy workplace, off-limits romance, with scandal and secrets in their way.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
423 reviews4 followers
August 22, 2025
It was a great story
I really enjoyed reading it
I really loved it
I really enjoyed the characters and their story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,347 reviews5 followers
July 14, 2025
One of the better age gap love stories I’ve recently read. Well developed characters, office drama true to life. A definite recommendation.
276 reviews2 followers
July 22, 2025
A well written taboo office romance. If you enjoy age gap, grumpy sunshine, HEA then this one is for you.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,701 reviews1 follower
July 29, 2025
This is such a great read. I liked the characters and storyline very much. I couldn't put it down. So good. Enjoy.

Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

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