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Taken, I’m bound inside the home of a dangerous man. He may have saved me from his sadistic cousin, but it seems I’ve only traded one monster for another. Fans of The Five Families series by Jill Ramsower will love Violent Ascension by Giorgia Blake, a steamy, enemies-to-lovers, forced marriage, mafia romance.

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I’m a Rising Star. A boss. A Real One.

Yet I’m here. Taken and bound inside the home of Alessandro Parisi.

A dangerous man who holds my life and my secrets close to the chest.

He has all the answers but refuses to answer any of my questions.

All he’s told me is that I’m his and the key to his ascension.

He saved me from his sadistic cousin; but it seems I just traded one monster for another.

The first one stalked and taunted me until I was convinced death was around every corner.

This one orders me to cooperate, bend to his touch, and obey.

Too bad obedience isn’t in my nature and sacrifice is my birthright.

We probably won’t make it out of this blood war alive…The likelihood of my heart surviving Alessandro is even less.

Violent Ascension is the first book in the Made Men of Chicago Collection, and can be read as a standalone.It is a forced marriage mafia romance with themes of organized crime, violence, and BDSM. If this is your type of romance, the happily ever after will knock your socks off!

Please read responsibly!

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Excerpt

“Why would your sick cousin, if he does indeed exist, want anything to do with me? He doesn’t even know me but I’m supposed to believe he had some plot to kidnap and torture me? Why would he do that? WHY THE FUCK AM I HERE?!”

I scream the latter with as much effort as my weakened voice can carry and tears stream uncontrollably down my face.

I’m making a spectacle of myself. Something my proud Creole mother taught me never to do. I can imagine her strong posture and head held high while reading the letter my father left for her. She was pregnant and alone. Then she found out she was tied to the mafia and its dangerous liaisons. I know she never cowered. Chrisette Augustin never cowered. But my response to Parisi can’t be helped. I’m not as strong as my mother. I never was.

I’m scared shitless.

Parisi leans back on his haunches to examine me. Yet again, I’m the specimen under his microscope. I feel naked inside and out when he fixes his eyes on me and I hate it. He’s digging out all the parts of myself that I hide away from the world. He ogles them to feed a sick fetish. Refusing to be his meal. I turn away and look at the wall, but he simply reaches out and draws my face back to him.

“Look at me Isabella.” His voice is quiet and surprisingly tender; like he’s coaxing a wild and wounded animal out of a trap. Chained to his floor, that’s exactly how I feel. He strokes an errant strand of my curly hair behind my ear and levels me with his attention.

“You will marry me, because that’s the only way to save your life and the lives of many others. You will sacrifice your freedom, to ensure blood doesn’t run down Chicago’s streets. I know you don’t understand any of that now, but you will as you begin to understand Cosa Nostra and your father’s place inside it. You are the key to everything, because he who has you, has your father in the palm of his hand. I can’t let Leonardo have that kind of power. You are just going to have to trust me from this moment on because life as you knew it is over. As a matter of fact, the life you were living was always temporary. At some point, your debt as Matteo’s daughter had to come due. The sooner you accept that; the happier you will be.”

Something inside of me registers what he’s saying as fact. It doesn’t make any logical sense, but I know whether it’s his fault or not, my life as I knew it really is over and I need a release.

So, I slap him.

I slap him like my Creole mother used to slap me whenever my mouth wrote a check my butt couldn’t cash. Parisi’s head jerks to the side and I immediately regret my action. I contract my body to make myself smaller, but I don’t take my eyes off of him.

He’s eerily calm and that scares me more than the rage I thought was sure to come. He reaches into his pocket and takes out a key to unshackle my ankles. I dart my eyes to the cell door, trying to estimate how far I can go before he catches me and his eyes arrest me.

I’m not going anywhere.

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About Giorgia Blake

I’m a contemporary romance author dedicated to the dangerously delicious world of Mafia Romance. Every story will dare you to believe in the power of love, even when there doesn’t seem to be one sane reason to do so!

My stories feature sexy alphas and smart heroines finding love in the most breath stealing of circumstances. If someone can’t die at any moment–it’s not a Giorgia Blake Romance!

Every plot is full of heat, suspense, and steamy passion that would make the Karma Sutra blush.

So come join me on this wild ride…you won’t regret it!

This promotional event is brought to you by Indie Pen PR

Mist Dragon (Dragon Prophecy, book 1), by Minerva Howe

March 21, 2023March 21, 2023 Book Review Virginia Lee Blog

𝗔𝗻𝗱𝘆 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗳𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗯 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗼𝗻 𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲. 𝗗𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽. 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲?

MIST DRAGON (Dragon Prophecy Book 1) by Minerva Howe is live and in KU!

getbook.at/DragonProphecy1

Come meet Dustin and Andy in a new series that’s part of the larger Dragon Veil Universe!

#GayRomanceReviews #GRR #MinervaHowe #mpreg #DragonShifter #FatedMates #OutNow

Connect: FB & IG: @minervahowewrites

Release Tour

Release Tour for Drive To To Feel Alive by CD Rachels

March 21, 2023March 20, 2023 Book Review Virginia Lee Blog

Release Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Drive to Feel Alive By CD Rachels

Formula Q Series, Book 2

Formula Q is the fastest motorsport in the world. Only the highest-performing athletes can make it to the grid. They drive fast, work hard, and play hard, but off-camera, anything goes.

The public knows me as Berto ‘Honeybear’ Navarro, number two driver in the fastest team in FQ. I’m a simple guy, and I’m perfectly content with my life as a motorsports celebrity. The world doesn’t need to know that I don’t like sex or dating.

I’m not gay like my buddy Damon, but I’m not really straight either. It’s time to face the scary truth: I’m probably asexual.

The only sliver of hope I have is my new friend Hunter. He helps me work through my orientation issues and doesn’t judge me for feeling uneducated and naïve. He’s sweet, smart, and generous with his time.

As the weeks go by, Hunter and I get closer, and suddenly intimacy is something I want to explore, but only with him. Hunter makes everything feel right. I thought I’d never find anyone who lights a fire in me, but my new best friend makes the fireworks go off in my heart.

I thought winning races was the ultimate high and all I needed in life. That was before I touched Hunter—now, I crave so much more. For sex and love, I finally found my green light, and I’m not slowing down.

(“Drive to Feel Alive” is a male/male motorsports romance novel. It involves waffle dates, asexuality, video game conventions, exploring true intimacy for the first time, and yes, lots of racing action worldwide. It is book two of a series, has a HEA, and can be read as a standalone)

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Excerpt:
RIPPP! THE SOUND of half my shirt being torn from my body is so loud I bet all of Nevada can hear it. I’m in a tented booth in the small town of Coyote where I’ve been signing autographs for charity all afternoon. Now, with only a few patrons left, it seems I’ll need to be shirtless, as part of my orange, short-sleeved button-down hangs off the right side of my body. “I got it! I got Heriberto Navarro’s shirt!” The young girl in front of me squeals in delight while my friend Robesy Robespierre laughs next to me. See, this is why I don’t like being a celebrity. I’m a driver in Formula Q, the fastest motorsport in the world, categorized by the single-seater machines we race in. Am I happy to compete in professional karting internationally? Yes, it’s all I know. Does it come with plenty of perks and a sweet paycheck? Of course! Does being a celebrity come with downsides? Also yes. Apparently, in addition to dodging sports paparazzi, I have to worry about literally losing the shirt on my back. “Honey, that was impolite,” an older woman, presumably her mom, says. “You can’t go around grabbing people’s shirts!” She looks at me with remorse. “I am so sorry, Mr. Navarro.” “Uh, no worries?” I mean for it to be true, but I uncomfortably laugh while it comes out as a question. When the woman looks me up and down, I cross my arms. I’m not shy about my body—I’ve done underwear advertisements for dios sake—but I wasn’t prepared to be shirtless today. “Eh, it’s no problem for mon ami ici.” Robesy pats me on the back. He’s a fellow FQ driver, a party animal, and I’ve picked up on his Quebecoise over the years. Though right now, I kind of want to punch him in his smug symmetrical face. “He’s used to these kinds of fan interactions, eh?” He grins at me, and I glare at him. Robesy has a point; I should be accustomed to this celebrity lifestyle, but sometimes it can get overwhelming. Racing is my element. Being on the track, feeling the roar of the kart underneath me, and tuning myself to anticipate the turns as well as my competition is what I live for. But I never wanted to be a celebrity. Millions of people talk about me worldwide. I’m on billboards, websites, and even trading cards. When everyone talks about you, it can feel like you don’t own the right to be yourself. To the public eye, I have to be Heriberto ‘Honeybear’ Navarro, a nickname the fans drummed up for me. I never got the average teenager experience as a kid since I kept winning at the Vypari Racing Academy in Texas. Some days, the fast-paced lifestyle gets to be too much. I don’t even use the internet often because sports channels are too much drama. I’m a simple guy, and I don’t need much more in life than all the gifts I’ve been given. “Alright, step aside, these guys are done with autographs for today.” One of the bodyguards announces that the last two people stepping up will be the end of the event. The girl who now has half my shirt giggles and walks away. Her mom turns back to me and gives me a heated stare. “I am so sorry, Mr. Navarro. If there’s any way I can help you…” Her voice trails off dripping in innuendo. Let’s add that to the list of things I’m still not comfortable with. I’m in my third season in FQ, and yes, I get plenty of female attention. This older woman is staring at me like I’m a three-course meal and she’s starving. “I’m good. No worries. Your daughter can keep the shirt. Take care. I’m going to find some clothes.” I chuckle and my cheeks feel warm. Her flirtation is flattering, but not welcome. I should love the female attention and the groupies, but even if the girls are hot, they don’t do it for me. The way this woman is staring has me squirming in discomfort. I’m feeling exposed on multiple levels, and the ripped fabric on my body hides nothing. The woman seems like she wants to argue, but Robesy cuts her off. “Hey, Berto, I’m sure this guy can take care of you and get you dressed. Sir?” He hollers to the man behind me, and I turn around. Hunter, whom we both met only hours ago, is standing there closing up a lockbox. He directs the True Self Center, an LGBTQ support center. He has blond hair, blue eyes, a wider frame, and his whole demeanor screams “kind and cuddly,” like he couldn’t hurt a fly. “Do you have a shirt Berto can borrow?”

Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate CD Rachels’ new release, he is giving you the chance to win 1 of 2 e-copies of Drive To Feel Alive!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

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Catch up on the Formula Q Series, Book 1 with Drive to Thrive

Formula Q is the fastest motorsport in the world. Only the highest-performing athletes can make it to the grid. They drive fast, work hard, play hard, but off-camera, anything goes.

The public knows me as Damon ‘The Speed Demon’ Davidoff, eligible bachelor and winner of FQ titles around the world. Fans adore me and my team supports me. They don’t need to know I’m so deeply in the closet I intend to bury myself there.

Then my poor health caught up to me and my world came crashing down. I could bounce back easily if it weren’t for one little complication: my male nurse is attractive as hell.

I can suppress these feelings during the season break—I have to. I’m not going to expose my secret just because when Rocky puts his hands on me I feel a fire coursing through my veins.

As the weeks go by, I somehow let Rocky under my skin and into my heart. He’s smart, sweet, and everything I never knew I needed.

I thought I wanted a clean bill of health and to keep winning my races. Now, for the first time in my life, I want so much more. I want him, and damn if that isn’t the scariest thing I’ve ever felt.

Drive to Thrive is a male/male motorsports romance novel. It involves Christmas karaoke, New Year’s Eve parties, Las Vegas swimming pool dates, and yes, lots of racing action worldwide. It is book 1 of a series but can be read as a standalone

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About the Author:

CD Rachels has been coming up with stories since he was little. First, it was fanfiction, then YA queer novels, and now he’s moved up to the big leagues of adult MM romance. In 2020 during quarantine, he burned through more male/male romance books than he ever had in the previous 29 years combined.

He believes there aren’t enough BIPOC MC’s in MM romance, and he’s on a mission to change that. He lives in New York City with the love of his life and works in health insurance. If you’re reading this, he’s honored that you took the time to help support him as a self-published author.

 Catch up with CD Rachels: Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/n7s4f7 IG: https://www.instagram.com/cdrachels/ Amazon Author’s Page: CD Rachels Author Page Facebook Author Group: CD Rachels’ Chill Discourse Room

Blog Tour

Blog Tour for Meet Me in the Blue by A.M. Johnson

March 21, 2023March 19, 2023 Book Review Virginia Lee Blog

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Meet Me in the Blue By A.M. Johnson

Hemlock Harbor, Book 1

Meet me… in the place where the sun kisses the horizon and sinks into blue shades of you and me.

Meet me there… where everything was always perfect. You and me and the damp grass at dawn and the gray dirt in the late evening rain.

Meet me where we were ourselves and not these two people who can’t even say I love you.

Meet me there and maybe we’ll remember…

We’ll remember the us we were before them, before miles, before lost hours, and you’ll ask what color the sky is, and I’ll say blue like your eyes.

And you’ll smile, and I’ll forget I ever missed you.

****

Luka and Rook have been best friends since they were nine years old.

Five years ago, Luka threw it all away.

When his dad’s health takes a turn for the worst, Luka must come home to say his goodbyes and mend the bridges he burned all those years ago. But coming home is harder than he imagined, and after reuniting with his family, there’s only one person he needs.

Rook…

His best friend.

The one man he pushed away, the one man, no matter how hard he tried to forget, he can’t stop himself from loving.

Even if loving him means breaking his heart all over again.

Meet Me in the Blue is a stand alone, best friends to lovers, second chance, demi-awakening, MM romance, with a whole lot of small town heart, meddling moms, gossiping townies, self-discovery, a friendship forged of forts, Dungeons and Dragons, and a love that will stand the test of time.

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Excerpt:
“Hey, Stace.” Avoiding her expectant smile, I kept my head down as I grabbed a pint of Rocky Road from the freezer. I preferred Moose Tracks, but Rett refused to carry it. If he didn’t love my father so much, I’d think it was personal. “I tried to get him to order it, but you know him…” Stacey cringed and narrowed her brown eyes. “He’s a stubborn asshole. Rett said…” She lowered her voice to something akin to the man himself and my lips twitched at her attempt to mimic the old bastard. “Rocky Road is a staple.” “I suppose he’s right. Can’t argue with traditions.” “Isn’t the customer always right?” she asked, and I set the pint on the counter. Chuckling, I shook my head. “I don’t think Rett gives a shit.” Stacey bit the corner of her pink-stained lip and looked over my shoulder, grinning like she had some sort of secret. Picking up the ice cream, she shoved it into a brown paper bag. “Well, I give a shit.” Her flirty smile and bold eye contact made me wish I’d skipped coming to the pharmacy in the first place. I stared at the bag on the counter instead, feeling my pulse in my fingertips as the seconds ticked by uncomfortable and loud between us. “It’s on the house,” she said, her confidence fading. “My treat.” “Stace, I—” “Stop being so nice all the time, Rook. Let a girl buy you a pint of ice cream.” I could hear the smile in her voice but kept my eyes down. “I insist.” “Thanks,” I said, conceding even though I knew better. I glanced up and found her big eyes, hopeful, staring back at me. My face heated as her triumphant grin stretched across her face. “Anytime…” She fiddled with the small stack of flyers next to the register. My chest ached a little, wishing I could summon some sort of attraction for her. She was sweet and conventionally attractive with a lean, athletic build. She used to be a cheerleader way back when in high school, and I remembered all the guys on my hockey team would talk about her, mostly crude locker room shit. But Stacey was just Stacey to me. Rett’s niece. Rett, who’d owned this damn pharmacy longer than I’d been alive. She could hit on me every time I walked through those front doors, which she did without regard for her own feelings, and it wouldn’t change the fact I wasn’t into her. Or anyone, really. This town was too small and too nosy, at least that’s what I’d tell myself when I got home and made dinner for one and ate this ice cream like a sad cat lady. I wasn’t sad though, and it was hard for people to understand. Especially my family. “You’re thirty-two, son. The older you get the slimmer the pickings.” And “I worry about you, worry you’re lonely in that big house of yours?” And “Stacey… she’s a sweet one.” And my personal favorite. “Son, your mother and I… we want you to know you can tell us anything. We want you to know we love you unconditionally, straight… or gay, we love you and want you to do whatever makes you happy.” I wished it was as easy as gay or straight. What if being alone was my happily ever after? Would that be so bad? “I heard Luka’s coming back to town,” she said, and my heart skipped at the mention of his name, pulling me from my thoughts. “Yeah?” I swallowed past the twinge in my throat. “I saw Nora at the clinic last week, said he was coming home soon.” “Too bad about their dad. He was a good man.” “Is…” I corrected. “He is a good man.” He was still alive, still breathing. She bit the side of her cheek, her face pale. “I didn’t mean… I shouldn’t have said—” “It’s okay, Stace.” I tried to conjure a smile on her behalf but failed. “Dr. Abrams’s prognosis isn’t a secret.” I’d known Isaac Abrams for most of my life. He’d joined my dad’s practice when I was nine years old and was like a second father to me. I’d grown up with his family, his daughter Nora like a sister, and his son Luka used to be my best friend. Used to be. Luka’s smile beamed bright behind my eyes, his laugh a distant echo in my ears. It had been five years since I’d seen Luka Abrams. Five years of feeling lost without a compass. “Is it true?” she asked. “I’m sorry, what were you saying?” “Dr. Abrams… he’s on hospice now?” “Yes.” I didn’t elaborate. A man’s life, or end of life, should be his own. Not a juicy piece of small-town gossip. “Fuck cancer,” she said, the frown on her face genuine. Fuck cancer. “I should get going.” I held up my bag with the ice cream inside before turning to leave. “Thanks, Stace.” “When you see Luka, tell him to stop by. It’s been ages since he’s graced us with his presence, and I’ll never forgive him if he doesn’t at least come say hello.”

Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate this exciting new release, Amanda is giving away the winner’s choice of the Illustrated or Amazon Paperback copy of Meet Me In The Blue!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

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Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cc0f2a57655/?

About the Author:

Amanda is an award winning and best selling author of LGBTQIA and contemporary romance and fiction. She lives in Utah with her family where she moonlights as a nurse on the weekends and hikes in the mountains as much as possible.

If she’s not busy with her three munchkins, you’ll find her buried in a book or behind the keyboard where she explores the human experience through the written word, exploring all spectrums and genres.

She’s obsessed with all things Hockey, Austen, and Oreos, and loves to connect with readers!

Stay up to date by signing up for her newsletter here: http://bit.ly/NewsLetterAMJBooks Connect with her Online https://www.facebook.com/AMJOHNSONBOOKS/ Instagram @am_johnson_author

Connect with Amanda: www.amjohnsonauthor.com https://linktr.ee/am_johnson_author_ IG @am_johnson_author

Release Blitz

Worth the Fight by Denver Shaw

March 21, 2023March 15, 2023 Book Review Virginia Lee Blog

RELEASE BLITZ

Book Title: Worth the Fight

Author and Publisher: Denver Shaw

Cover Artist: Steamy Designs

Release Date: March 21, 2023

Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance

Tropes: Opposites attract, sports romance/MMA romance, grumpy/sunshine, multicultural characters, found family

Themes: Protect who you love

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length: 56 600 words

It is a standalone story and does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads

Buy Links – Available in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US | Amazon UK

A bad boy who lives outside the law. A compassionate soul focused on helping others. Sometimes rules are meant to be broken… for love.

Blurb

Caden
Helping my brother was my focus. He got into trouble and I’ve been using my skills in the ring to prevent loan sharks from breaking his kneecaps… or worse.
Until I met Noah.
He’s a good man who makes me want to be better. A man who doesn’t lace up his gloves and step into underground rings. But I have one last fight coming. This time the stakes are higher than ever. What I have to do to save my brother could cost me the man I’m falling for.

Noah
I should have walked away and never looked back when I first met the MMA fighter with honey-gold eyes. Yet Caden’s charms are too appealing to ignore. As a social worker it’s important for me to keep my nose clean.
And Caden is a red flag in every way.
Still, he’s hot as sin and I can’t seem to stay away. I’m taking a risk by opening myself up to him, but I’m convinced beneath that bad boy exterior beats the heart of a good man who is worth the fight.

Excerpt

I texted Austin that I was here and that he needed to get his skinny butt to the entrance.

I got back what looked like a seat assignment from him, but this place was a maze. There was a man nearby who looked like he knew his way around, or was someone that worked here. Even if he didn’t, he might know where the seats were. But my breath caught in my throat as I surveyed him: black pants, white shirt; tall, muscled; short, blackberry-colored hair and honey-gold eyes. On their own, his features were possessed by dozens, perhaps hundreds of other men, but there was a certain something about this particular man. He exuded an easy confidence, a sex appeal that drew me in. It had been years since I’d been in a serious relationship, months since I’d had sex, and looking at this guy made me seriously think, albeit fleetingly, that maybe I should put myself back out there and at least consider dating again.

I shook myself from the temporary brain paralysis the man had reduced me to.

“Pardon me, sir,” I said, “I haven’t been here in a long time; I’m trying to figure out where seat F3J is. Do you have any idea?”

He smiled down at me. I felt the caress of his gaze roaming over me, but not lingering too long in one spot, which took him out of the ‘creep’ category and put him into the ‘typical male’ category that he probably couldn’t help being in anyway. Not to put too fine a point on it, but I did have on my burgundy suit, which perfectly molded to my body.

Was he gay, or at least bisexual?

“F3J,” he repeated, smirking about something. “F3J…well, I might be able to help you hunt it down. Are you…here with someone?”

“I am,” I said. “Young guy, skinny, mixed.”

“Anything serious?” the man asked, casually—too casually.

I laughed. “Um…no, he’s my nephew.”

“Oh!” He wiped imaginary sweat off his forehead. “I see. That’s good.”

“Is it, now?”

“Well, see,” he said, “I figured there was no way I was lucky enough to meet a single guy in a place like this. I mean, what are the chances a man like you is unattached?”

Well, he answered my question. He was definitely gay or bisexual.

I pursed my lips and gave him the look I gave the kids that tried to bullshit me at work. “Oh, you’re a little slick. What, just because I’m here without a guy, I must be unattached?”

He shrugged. “Are you?”

“Here without a guy?”

“No, unattached.”

I made him wait a second. “Maybe I am.”

“Here’s the thing,” he said, leaning in a little bit. He smelled like a minty aftershave and sweat, the clean sweat of a man straight after a workout. “I figured any man who was with you wouldn’t stay behind if you left the house looking like that. I know I wouldn’t.”

“What, so he’d own me?” I wanted to be righteously angry, but it was hard. Those eyes…

“No,” the man said. “But he’d never miss a chance to be with you. I think you’d probably own him.”

“Oh, okay. Okay.” I nodded slowly, smiling now. “You’re slick and smooth at the same time. Listen, can you help me find my seat or not?”

“Is that an interview question?”

“I’m not taking applications.”

“Give me your phone number, and I’ll take you straight there.” He winked at me.

I almost did. It was fun, and it had been a long, long time since I’d been flirted with by anybody that wasn’t an inappropriately forward client. That happened plenty. This, though, was a bona fide stranger who didn’t know me from Adam, and seemed like he thought I was looking cute.

But, let’s be honest here; the little fantasy I had a few moments ago about putting myself out there was just that, a fantasy. I ate takeout every night for dinner. I ate most of my lunches at the office. I had heard about days off, and I vaguely remembered having them…or maybe I only dreamed about that once. That stack of case files on my desk? It hung around the back of my head like it had astral projected itself to follow me around the world outside my office.

It was a nice thought, but no, sir; the next date I had time to go on would be the one day off I would get between the day my office burned down and the day they relocated me to another one and printed out all my files again—thank God for the cloud.

“It’s not that easy,” I said with my own wink. “But good try. You’ve got real skills. I applaud your smoothness.” I stepped away from him. “I’ve got no time for guys who hit on guys for sport.”

He feigned a wound to the chest, but he was still smiling. “Fair enough,” he said. “I’ll keep that in mind, then. I’ll at least give you a hint, though.” He pointed toward the ring. “F stands for ‘floor’—your seat’s near the ring. Enjoy the fight!”

Yeah, I felt a little bad about being so hard on him, but you’ve got to shut all that down hard if you’re gonna shut it down at all. A man like that, yeah, okay, probably he’d be good for a short-term thing. I could admit that. All that muscle and sweat…

About the Author

Denver Shaw is a girl who enjoys the simple things in life: the first sip of coffee in the morning, the changing colors of sunset, and clothes fresh out of the dryer- although she doesn’t enjoy folding them. When she isn’t reading romance stories, she spends her time plotting and writing them.

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Book Tour

CANDY CIGARETTES AND MURDER GREAT ESCAPES TOUR

March 21, 2023March 8, 2023 Book Review Virginia Lee Blog

Candy, Cigarettes, and Murder (Chocolate Martini Sisters Mystery) by Brenda Whiteside and Joyce Proell

About Candy, Cigarettes, and Murder

Candy, Cigarettes, and Murder (Chocolate Martini Sisters Mystery) Cozy Mystery 1st in Series Setting – Wyatt, Arizona Independently Published (March 7, 2023) Print length : 266 pages Digital ASIN : B0BN96RS4G

It’s a birthday weekend with the gift of murder.

Recently widowed, Emma Banefield looks forward to a getaway birthday weekend with her free-wheeling sister, Nicole Earp, sipping chocolate martinis at the peaceful, historic Dulce Inn. When a rude stranger, a nasty food critic, and a madhouse of temperamental artists greet them, all hope for a tranquil weekend evaporates faster than dew on a hot desert morning.

Overlooking the riotous atmosphere is doubly hard after Em discovers the body of a hotel guest, and a second murder affects Nic personally. Now, entrenched in a caper that pits them against a surly detective, they cozy up to a hotel staff hiding dangerous secrets to uncover clues to the killer.

Using their smarts and love of all-things mystery, will the Chocolate Martini Sisters solve the crime ahead of the obstinate Chief Detective or find themselves trapped in the middle of a third murder?

About the Authors

Joyce Proell is the award-winning author of Amaryllis, Eliza and the Cady Delafield mysteries: A Deadly Truth, A Burning Truth and A Wicked Truth. Along with her husband and little dog, Nellie, she lives in Minnesota in her very own little house on the prairie. She loves to hear from readers. Visit her website at: www.joyceproell.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoyceProellAuthor Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Joyce-Proell/author/B009K432O8 Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6545483.Joyce_Proell

Brenda Whiteside is the award-winning author of romantic suspense, romance, and cozy mystery. After living in six states and two countries—so far—she and her husband have settled in Central Arizona. They admit to being gypsies at heart and won’t discount the possibility of another move. They share their home with a rescue dog named Amigo. While FDW fishes, Brenda writes.

Visit Brenda’s Website: https://www.brendawhiteside.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrendaWhitesideAuthor Twitter: https://twitter.com/brendawhitesid2 She blogs and has guests: https://brendawhiteside.blogspot.com/ Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B003V15WF8 Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3972045.Brenda_Whiteside BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/brenda-whiteside Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brendawhitesideauthor/ Join her Newsletter Group here: https://us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=4804e039587723cfe02e83f2c&id=5e4b22a4ac Purchase Link – Amazon TOUR PARTICIPANTS March 15 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW March 16 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – REVIEW March 16 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT March 17 – I’m Into Books – AUTHOR GUEST POST March 18 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR INTERVIEW March 18 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT March 19 – Elizabeth McKenna – Author – SPOTLIGHT March 20 – Novels Alive – REVIEW – SPOTLIGHT March 20 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW March 21 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee – SPOTLIGHT March 21 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT March 22 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – CHARACTER GUEST POST March 22 – Literary Gold – REVIEW March 23 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT March 23 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT March 24 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT March 25 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT March 26 – The Mystery Section – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT March 27 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT March 28 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW, AUTHOR GUEST POST a Rafflecopter giveaway https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js Have you signed up to be a Tour Host? Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today!

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Book Tour

Tour : Fated Series, Volume 3 by HL Packer

March 20, 2023March 21, 2023 Book Review Virginia Lee Blog

Title: The Fated Series, Volume 3

Series: The Fated Series

Author: H.L Packer

Genre: Mafia Romance/Age Gap Romance

Release Date: March 15, 2023

Cover Design: Moore Funky Graphics

“This series blew me away. Such an exceptional read. Outstanding characters, with outstanding stories, each & every one of them.” ★★★★★ Angela, Goodreads Review

“The Fated Series is definitely one of my favourite mafia stories. H L Packer has a talent that is out of this world. I love these characters, I love this world. I will read this series again and again and never grow bored.” ★★★★★ Shonna, Goodreads Review

The Fated Series, volume three – The Love on the Line Collection

As the final compilation for the Fated Series this binge worthy book contains all three of Tino’s stories, plus Christmas at Home; a standalone Christmas catch-up.

Shattered & Torn – When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade, or at least, that’s what they say. Tino and Bria were destined for an epic romance, but Fate had other things in mind for them.

Broken Lies – When Tino pulled Niamh from the depraved place she’d been kept, he never thought she’d put herself back together again. But when that starts, and other people begin to notice, suddenly he’s feeling like more than just her protector. But when age is an issue, and the life you lead is dangerous, where do you draw the line?

Fractured Truth – The truth is out, and it’s a mess. Loyalty is being questioned and family is on the line but will Fate throw them a bone, or are Tino and Niamh on their own against the world?

H.L Packer is, quite frankly, a busy bee.

An avid reader as a child, her love for all things written waned into adulthood, the excitement of real life things taking over. But when her life slowed down as she finished her office job for maternity leave, her husband purchased her an e-reader, and that obsession was rekindled.

Quickly she went from reader to reviewer, and then from reviewer to blogger; street teams and promo tours galore. When she began collating her own book boxes over at Romance Readers Book Box UK and had the opportunity to include her own words and worlds, the characters began talking.

Those cheeky characters quickly found themselves written down on the page, and her first series was in progress.

When she is not coordinating her worlds, you can find her running around after her free-spirited three children, and husband, or tending to the dogs, bearded dragons, and snakes that also reside with them.

A break can be found soaking in a bubble bath or enjoying a glass of wine, often still with a book in her hand.

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Release Tour

Release Tour : Flirting with the Stranger by Gia Stevens

March 20, 2023March 21, 2023 Book Review Virginia Lee Blog

Title: Flirting with the Stranger

Series: Harbor Highlands Series

Author: Gia Stevens

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Tropes: Strangers to Lovers, One Night Stand, Reverse Age Gap, Dirty Talking Hero, Boss/Employee

Release Date: March 20, 2023

A spicy boss/employee, reverse age gap novel by romantic comedy author Gia Stevens…

Have you ever mistaken a guy for a stripper and had a scorching hot one-night stand with him only to find out he’s your new boss? No? Just me?

The first time I met Van, I was instantly drawn to his charismatic smile and stunning good looks as I shoved dollar bills into his waistband.

The second time I saw Van, he walked into my bakery as the new owner and boss. That time, I kept my dollars to myself.

But there’s a problem, owning a bakery wasn’t his choice and all he wants is to sell. Somehow, I need to persuade him to keep the business, so I can keep my dream job. When he admits he doesn’t know the difference between “frosting” and “icing,” I realize I have my work cut out for me.

With each passing day, our chemistry ignites like a chocolate flambé. But it’s a distraction I don’t need. I know from experience that when I wish for everything, I end up with nothing.

Van’s young and irresponsible, he can’t possibly know anything about running a bakery or falling in love. But he’s determined to prove me wrong.

It turns out he has a few cupcakes up his sleeve that just might satisfy my sweet tooth.

Flirting with the Stranger is a reverse age gap, strangers to lovers, boss/employee romantic comedy with a hero who has a real sweet tooth for something besides cupcakes. Be prepared to laugh-out-loud one minute and swoon the next in this steamy standalone romantic comedy. Each book in the Harbor Highlands Series is set in the same world and a guaranteed happily ever after.

“Finally, you’re here.”

“Oh. Um.” Play it cool, Van. Don’t let the hot girl get you tongue tied. “Of course, where else would I be?” I flash her a dimpled smile.

“No, seriously. You’re an hour late. The least you could’ve done was call. We have a group of girls who are ready to see you take your clothes off. Let’s go.” Her dainty fingers wrap around my wrist. The warm contact sends a current of electricity coursing through my body as she tugs me up the stairs.

“Wait.” I plant my feet. “What are you talking about? Take my clothes off? I think I deserve dinner before I get naked.” I flash her a seductive smile.

“Dinner? Are you kidding? We weren’t told we had to feed you.” She drops my hand and rests it on her hip. “Look, we have a thousand dollars for you plus tips, if you’re good, to take your clothes off and shake your ass while we all ooh and ahh over your ripped abs. You have ripped abs, right?” She lifts the hem of my shirt, exposing my hard six pack. “Oh yes, that’ll do.” Her gaze lingers on my exposed stomach for a few extra seconds before she reluctantly drops the fabric. “So, are you coming or am I calling your boss to tell him you won’t do your job?”

Fuck. She thinks I’m a stripper for her party. But it pays a thousand dollars plus tips. Since I’m jobless, I could use the cash. I wager the battle in my head for a split second and, fuck it. First time for everything. “Lead the way.”

She spins around and climbs the stairs, the shimmering sequins on the ass of her dress hypnotizing as her hips sway back and forth. As the giggles and laughter grow louder, I second guess myself. I’ve never done this before. I mean, I’ve gotten naked before, just never with more than one girl watching.

“Our entertainment has arrived!” the bombshell announces to her friends.

Gia Stevens resides in the up north of Minnesota. She lives for the warm, sunny days of summer and dreads the bitter cold of winter. A romantic comedy junkie at heart, she knew she wanted her own stories to encompass those same feelings.

When she’s not busy writing your next book boyfriend, Gia can be found playing in her vegetable garden, watching reruns of The OC and Gossip Girl, or curled up with a good book.

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Book Tour

Tour : Tempt by CA Harms

March 20, 2023March 21, 2023 Book Review Virginia Lee Blog

Title: Tempt

Series: Brooklet Dreams Series

Author: CA Harms

Genre: Childhood Crush, Second Chance Romance (standalone)

Release Date: March 14, 2023

Cover Design: Melissa Gill Designs

A sullen girl with an untold story…

Eyes so blue I swear it’s like looking at the turquoise waters of the Greek Isles.

Those are the first memories I have of Kyra.

For years I stood on the sidelines, watching and waiting for my perfect chance.

Wanting her so badly, consumes my every thought.

There are so many things I thought I knew. But the truth is… I don’t know the real Kyra.

But what I do know is that I will stop at nothing to know her. I am mesmerized by her beauty, captured by her smile, and warmed by the love she has for her Gran.

Her laughter is addictive and her touch, soothes every single doubt I’ve ever had. Kyra is the one I want, the one I’ve always wanted.

She tempted me with just one glimpse of her mesmerizing eyes and now, I crave more.

I have every intention of showing her how amazing we can be together.

Because she became mine a long time ago, I felt it the first time I saw her captivating eyes.

It’s time I go after the one I’ve wanted. The one that I’ve dreamed of…

The one temptation I’ve never been able to shake.

CLICK HERE to enter on CA Harm’s Facebook Page

CLICK HERE to enter in The Charmed Girls – FB Group

C.A. Harms is an avid romance and mystery reader. She’s always had a love for books, getting lost in writing and storytelling even as a young girl. She enjoys happy endings and HEA love stories.

She lives in Illinois and enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. She holds an addiction for Starbucks White Chocolate Mocha’s and KitKat when she should really be focusing on water and maybe a fruit or two to make herself feel less guilty, but that feeling quickly passes…thankfully.

She is easy going, fun, and although she may seem like one of the quiet ones at first, you just wait until she gets to know you better…that quietness changes, fast.

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