DIRTY is Book 1 in Kylie Scott's "Dive Bar" series. Kylie Scott does a superb job of detailing the humor and horror that makes up the singular situation Lydia Green finds herself in at the opening of DIRTY. Some women, after finding out on their wedding day how they've been cheated on and totally betrayed by their groom-to-be, might drown in a well of despair. Lydia, however, is a little different. I love that Lydia's first meeting with the mellow hottie Vaughan Hewson is when she is a fugitive from her aborted wedding. Kylie Scott's deft sprinkling of charm and chaos defines Vaughan and Lydia's entire relationship in DIRTY and makes it such a delectable story.

Normally a man and woman get to know each other and begin a romantic relationship before moving in together. Once again, Kylie Scott flouts conventional romance tropes in the best possible way. As Vaughan harbors Lydia while she gets her head straight and her life together, the friendship and attraction between them grows. Vaughan and Lydia are both complex characters, and the more you learn about them, the more you like and root for them. There are lots of twists and turns in Vaughan and Lydia's relationship but I love the chemistry between them and the friendship that gives way to fireworks.

The Dive Bar serves as a nexus for Vaughan's family and friends, drawing people together who otherwise would have no other reason to stay connected. Just about every character in DIRTY is at a crossroads in their life and I enjoy trying to guess which direction they will turn. The main characters and supporting ones are flawed yet entertaining. Vaughan's sister Nell is one of the many characters who leaps off the page and I enjoy the friendship she develops with Lydia. This friendship between two women comes at a time when both of them could really use a friend the most.

DIRTY is a maelstrom of sexiness with a lot of laughs and a few tears mixed in. Kylie Scott transforms the mundane into magnificent with idiosyncratic characters and great storytelling. I can't wait to find out what happens with Vaughan's sister and a few other characters in future books!