Release Blitz

Release Blitz : Violent Ascension

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!

Add to Goodreads Here!

Excerpt 

Copyright 2023 Giorgia Blake

“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!

Follow: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | BookBub | Newsletter | Amazon

This promotional event is brought to you by Indie Pen PR

Book Tour

Tour : Fated Series, Volume 3 by HL Packer

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

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

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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Blog Tour

In Pursuit of the Past Tour


 Author: Carolyn LaRoche
Title: In Pursuit of the Past
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: March 2, 2023
Cover Designer: BookSmith Design

NOW LIVE!

A lost love. A second chance. A detective determined to protect the woman he loves.

After adoption worker Ava Taft stumbles upon an abandoned baby that may have ties to her past, she finds herself with a target on her back—and only one person she can trust, despite his long-time anger at her. 

For ten years, Detective Hudson Pierce let guilt push away the only woman he’d ever loved after the loss of his sister. When Ava shows up with a baby, a cryptic note hinting his sister may be alive, and two men trying to kill her, he has no choice but to put aside all the blame. 

Can Hudson take them into his protection and put their past aside long enough to find out the truth about his sister, the baby, and the killers after Ava.. .before those killers silence them all for good?

Available Now!

“You are a very angry man. Maybe Quinn would have come home by now if you’d had a little faith.”
“Quinn’s dead. All the faith in the world isn’t going to bring her back.”
The coldness to his words struck her like a knife. A cloud passed in front of the early morning sun, casting a shadow over them. They stood there, eyeing each other, each one daring the other to say what they really wanted to. 
“It’s obvious that’s really what you choose to believe. I’m not going to try and change your mind anymore. That ship has sailed, and I am done chasing after it.” She turned and walked away, feeling the heat of his glare all the way out of the cemetery.
“You need to let her go, Ava. It’s been ten years. Don’t you think we would have heard something by now, if she were alive?”
She stopped walking, turning to look back at Hudson. His broken expression stabbed her hard in the chest. “I will never let her go. Just like I could never let you go, if you were the one who had disappeared. Quinn was the sister I never had. Her memory, at the very least, will always live on with me.”
Hudson shrugged. “Suit yourself.” 



Science teacher by day, writer and baseball mom by night, Carolyn LaRoche lives near the ocean with her husband, two boys, rescue puppy and four cats. She loves crocheting, books, food videos and trying new recipes.

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Cover Reveal

(Cover Reveal ) Hunter by KL Myers

Happy Cover Reveal Day to KL Myers!
Hunter is set to release on Kindle Unlimited on May 31st but you can pre-order today on Amazon.

Pre-order: https://amzn.to/40hAn0g

Cover Designer: CT Cover Creations
http://www.ctcovercreations.com

Every decision you make affects not only you, but someone else.
And I’ve made many bad choices in my life. Ones that ended up with another getting hurt or dying.
But I lived with it, and felt no remorse for my actions…
Until now.

I kept secrets from those I shouldn’t have. I thought I had all the answers.
I thought I knew how to navigate the waters and protect my club and my father.
I was wrong.

Don’t show your weakness.

It had been drilled into my head as a child. Reiterated over the years by my club. I’d hardened my soul and lived as if nothing mattered.

But it wasn’t until I looked into my father’s eyes as he stared down the barrel of my gun that I knew I’d be changed forever.

Once the devil takes your soul, you become empty.

It doesn’t matter what you do. Redemption is something you pray for, only I stopped praying.
Then one day, you stumble upon a lost soul who needs you to survive, and you give all of yourself without hesitation.
The club became her protector, and I was her savior.

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3JojERX
BookBub: https://bit.ly/3JNkV6t

PREORDER:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3FUPSDJ

SERIES:
Hells Guardians MC
MENACE, Book 1 – https://amzn.to/3ZUVSnS
Available now on KU! Menace is Hunter’s younger brother.
Interconnected Standalone Novels

MEET THE AUTHOR: KL MYERS

K.L. Myers was born in West Berlin, Germany, the daughter of a military father. She then spent her childhood moving from continent to continent, finally landing permanently in Colorado when her father retired.

Eventually, she moved to “hell,” aka Arizona, where she resides with her husband & their fur babies. She has two daughters & four grandchildren, and she believes in living every day to the fullest.

K.L. has a passion for reading and writing hot romance when she is not juggling family & a full-time job. Her novels show a pension for a bad boy with a heart of gold and strong, independent women who don’t need rescuing, and just a taste of naughty redemption! Her characters will pull you in & leave you satiated, yet panting for more, More, MORE!

Her motto will always be – “If my books can give readers a brief reprieve for even a moment, I’ve achieved my dreams.”

AUTHOR LINKS:
Website – https://www.authorklmyers.com/
Newsletter – https://www.authorklmyers.com/newsletter.html
Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKLMyers
Reader Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/225196611267240
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/authorklmyers

Cover Reveal

Cover Reveal – SpaceWolf Reclaim by Ekho Wildess


 COVER REVEAL

He is the wind in my fur, the earth below my claws, and the moonlight in my eyes.
And I know nothing and no one can stop us.
Four wolves are all it takes. Four wolves to ruin, dictate, and remove any potential claim, rank, or love interest in Wren’s life. She has them all, uncontrollable wolves with minds of their own buried in her subconscious. No one knows about her curse. No one wants it to be known, and no one wants her to shift. Alpha Hayden, her father and war leader of Planet Pallamir, ensures it stays that way.

Despite such details, Wren refuses to let them get the better of her. She found a different calling, the one of Spacejet piloting.

Part of the elite squadron called the Chimeras, she has to fly under the banner of the Star Alliance Confederation presided (ruled!) by King Daryl, a Lycan governing all planets that have pleaded allegiance under the S.A.C. banner.

When Wren is sent on a simple reconnaissance mission over war-torn planet 078, she encounters a hostile wolf that’s nowhere near dropping the bone. And Wren is not one to abandon the fight either…Nor are her four wolves within her…

From there on begins a relentless chase across space. And if she ever gets caught by this stubborn wolf, revelations beyond her could determine the future of planet 078. But more than that, her search for identity could be the missing element for turning another war’s tide, the one raging inside her…

𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟳

SpaceWolf is the first of many to come from Inkitt Award Winning author @ekho_wildess

#coverreveal #romantasy #shifter #enemiestolovers #forcedproximity #foundfamily #fatedmates #spicyromance #spicybookrecs #flyingpigpr

Book Blitz

Pretend by R.L. Mathewson blitz

Pretend
R.L. Mathewson
(Neighbor from Hell, #14)
Publication date: March 3rd 2023
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

From New York Time’s bestselling author R.L. Mathewson comes the prequel to the disturbingly funny romantic comedy series, Neighbor from Hell.

She couldn’t do this anymore.

After watching her best friend and the man that she’d been in love with her entire life propose to another woman, Morgan decided that it was time to finally move on. She made plans, plans that Eric didn’t know about and she planned to keep it that way, but unfortunately for her, one bet destroyed everything, leaving her with no choice but to be there for her best friend one last time.

He was done.

After catching his fiancée cheating on him, Eric Bradford was done wasting his time on women that he had absolutely no hope of falling in love with. He just needed time, a chance to get away, and he just needed…

Her.

Determined to figure out how he kept screwing up his life, Eric takes his best friend on the honeymoon that he’d spent a fortune on and asked her for one more favor, one that would change everything, and leave him with no choice but to do whatever it takes to stop the one woman that meant everything to him from finally walking away.

Goodreads / Amazon

EXCERPT:

“I need another favor,” Eric said, finishing off the last bite of danish before grabbing the muffin off her plate and devoured it with a groan.

“And you felt the best way to go about that was to glare at me while stealing my food?” Morgan asked, blinking at the man narrowing his eyes on her.

“Yes,” Eric bit out, his glare never leaving her as he reached over and forced her to snatch the mini chocolate chip muffin off the plate and shove it into her mouth before he could steal it.

“And my bags?” Morgan asked, following that up by snatching the small piece of coffee cake off the plate and took a large bite of it, making sure to savor every last morsel simply to piss him off.

“Gave me great joy to leave them behind,” Eric bit out as he reached over and snatched the last bite of coffee cake out of her hand and shoved it in his mouth, his glare never leaving her as he finished it off.

Nodding slowly, Morgan said, “Whatever it is, the answer’s no.”

For a moment, Eric simply glared at her before he said, “You owe me.”

“I really don’t, though,” Morgan said, swiping the last apple danish off the plate before he could grab it and took a bite before she added, “and if I did owe you anything, which I don’t, I would say that me being dragged along on this trip more than makes up for whatever imaginary debt you think I owe you.”

“You really think so?” Eric asked, reaching over and swiped the danish out of her hand and shoved it in his mouth.

“I really do,” Morgan said, knowing that she’d more than paid back any favor that she owed him by going on this trip. In fact, some might say that he owed her after this. Not that she was going to be around to collect on that debt, but still. She-

“Summer camp,” Eric said, taking his time enunciating every syllable as she sat there, trying to remember how to breathe.

“You promised we’d never speak of it again,” Morgan mumbled hollowly, swallowing hard as she thought about that summer they-

She wasn’t ready to think about what happened. Not now, and definitely not without the help of a trained professional.

“You. Owe. Me,” Eric bit out as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, black box.

“But…” Morgan mumbled helplessly, shifting as she licked her suddenly dry lips while she watched as Eric opened the box and-

She was going to be sick.

“I need you to pretend to be my wife.”

Author Bio:

New York Times Bestselling author, R.L. Mathewson was born in Massachusetts. She’s known for her humor, quick wit and ability to write relatable characters. She currently has several paranormal and contemporary romance series published including the Neighbor from Hell series.

Growing up, R.L. Mathewson was a painfully shy bookworm. After high school she attended college, worked as a bellhop, fast food cook, and a museum worker until she decided to take an EMT course. Working as an EMT helped her get over her shyness as well as left her with some fond memories and some rather disturbing ones that from time to time show up in one of her books.

Today, R.L. Mathewson is the single mother of two children that keep her on her toes. She has a bit of a romance novel addiction as well as a major hot chocolate addiction and on a perfect day, she combines the two.

If you’d like more information about this series or any other series by R.L. Mathewson, please visit http://www.Rlmathewson.com

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram


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Book Blitz

The Romanov Heiress by Jennifer Laam blitz

The Romanov Heiress
Jennifer Laam
Publication date: March 20th 2023
Genres: Adult, Historical

Four sisters in hiding. A grand duchess in disguise. Dark family secrets revealed…an alternate future for the Romanov sisters from Jennifer Laam, author of The Secret Daughter of the Tsar and The Lost Season of Love and Snow.

With her parents and brother missing and presumed dead, Grand Duchess Olga Romanova must keep her younger sisters safe. The Bolsheviks are determined to eliminate any remaining holdovers from the tsarist regime, hunting down the last Romanovs and putting them to death. Now living in England, the Romanov sisters remain hidden to protect their identities, even as isolation strains their relationships.

But they can’t distance themselves from the world forever.

Olga learns that a peer of the realm has accused the late Empress Alexandra of betraying Russia and her allies during the Great War. Under the spell of the scheming Grigori Rasputin, Alexandra disclosed military secrets to the enemy and pursued a separate peace with Germany. If this rumor becomes history, it will destroy her mother’s legacy and her sisters ’futures.

Disguised as “Olivia,” a wartime nurse turned maid, Olga accepts a position in Lord Hammond’s household. There, she works to discover the truth about her mother. When Olga meets his lordship’s heir—an alluring, enigmatic war veteran—her situation grows even more precarious. Could she fall for the son of her new enemy? As she learns more about the tragedies of his past, Olga realizes the connection between their families is more complicated than it appears.

Goodreads / Amazon

EXCERPT:

August 1918

The fugitive lay on her back, bruised limbs pressed flat, hidden alongside her sisters underneath a mound of coarse blankets. As the ambulance rumbled to a halt, gasoline fumes flooded the rear compartment, masking the heavy odor of their unwashed bodies. Her breathing grew labored. She didn’t know where they were or who had stopped them. She only knew they must not make a sound.

Over the past weeks, they moved slowly through land held by the Bolsheviks. Every evening at dusk, they ate carefully rationed portions of tinned meat and dry wafers while their two saviors—agents from England with forged papers identifying them as officers of the Red Guard—checked the radio transmitter for word of Allied progress toward the northern ports along the White Sea. Then, during the scant hours of darkness afforded by the short summer nights, they traveled a tortuous course to avoid military checkpoints.

Bundled in tattered sweaters, Olga and her three sisters were gaunt. Their neglected hair hung limp about their shoulders. But their faces once adorned postcards, calendars, and boxes of fancy chocolates. If detained, they would be recognized at once.

The missing daughters of the tsar.

Anastasia’s warm body pressed closer, trembling as she tensed her jaw and tried to stifle a cough.

A terrifying scenario unfolded in Olga’s mind. Thick boots pounded on the roadway before soldiers with red stars tacked to their lapels tossed the blankets aside and dragged Olga and her sisters back into the hellish world they’d been so desperate to escape. What if this journey had been for nothing? Worse than nothing because they had left their parents and sick little brother, Alexei, behind.

Olga was twenty-two years old and the eldest. It fell on her to get them through this nightmare, no matter the outcome.

She felt around until she located her youngest sister’s hand. She held it tight, flinching at the hard calluses and pus leaking from an erupted blister on the pad of Anastasia’s thumb.

Deep masculine voices, muddled and indistinct, rumbled outside. The fingers of Olga’s free hand balled into fists, rage displacing fear. The Bolsheviks may have stolen everything she held dear, but Olga would confront them as a true Romanov. Unbroken. When they raised their revolvers, she would hold her head high and ensure her face haunted these traitors for the rest of their lives.

The back door of the old field ambulance creaked open. Tentatively, Olga drew the blanket down. After hours of near-darkness, sunlight momentarily blurred her vision. When Olga released Anastasia’s hand and sat upright, a cool breeze caressed her forehead.

Before her stood a broad-shouldered gentleman of about fifty, with black brows, a full beard flecked with gray, and brown eyes behind wire-framed spectacles. The man wore a khaki tunic, as Papa had during the war. The coat’s golden buttons and belt buckle gleamed in the morning sun.

“Your imperial highness.” The gentleman removed his hat and bowed his head. He had spoken in English. She assumed he was the commanding officer. A half-dozen other men stood behind him, each dressed in the same khaki uniform. Some rose on tip-toe to get a closer look at Olga.

None bore a red star on his lapel.

Her sisters emerged from under the blankets. They pressed her shoulders, exhalations warm on the back of her neck.

“I think he’s in charge.” Tatiana, the second eldest, whispered in Olga’s ear. “And waiting for you to speak first.”

A spark of hope ignited in her heart, yet Olga didn’t trust these strangers. It had been far too long since anyone outside her family had shown her kindness or respect. For months, they had been kept under constant watch: shoved about, subjected to barking orders and humiliating whims, and made to feel they clung to life by the thinnest of threads. Olga remembered the defeated expression on her little brother’s face when she’d said goodbye for the last time. Even her once proud father bent under the weight of captivity.

Their saviors, the two men who had rescued them from that nightmare, rounded the vehicle and walked toward the soldiers, broad smiles brightening their ruddy faces.

And then the words fell from Olga’s tongue easily, as Mama had always preferred to speak English with her family. “We are here then? We’ve made it to British soil?”

“We have delivered you to Arkhangelsk. From here, you will be transported to your new home.”

“We are in your debt, sir.”

Olga waited because she knew he would say more. There had to be more. While they had been rescued, their parents and brother remained imprisoned in Ekaterinburg, along with a handful of loyal servants.

“You will return for the others, won’t you?” she said, heart thumping. “My family. Our doctor. My mother’s maid. You must promise.”

The officer held her gaze. “The Bolsheviks fortified their defenses around the city’s perimeter. We can’t send our agents back to the house.”

Faced with those terrible words, Olga couldn’t bring herself to ask anything else. Couldn’t bear to hear it was too late. Her stomach churned, but she must not break. Not here. Not yet. As the eldest, she needed to stay strong. For her sisters.

When Olga said nothing more, the officer turned back to his men. Three soldiers joined him, lining up before her sisters to help them out of the ambulance.

“I know you are in pain,” the officer told her. “Remember that you and your sisters are safe. You survived. And we have done everything in our power to find a secure place for you. I promise.”

Author Bio:

An avid history nerd, Jennifer currently lives in California with a spoiled tabby cat named Jonesy. When not reading or writing, she enjoys planning cosplay for the next San Diego Comic-Con, experimenting with vegetarian recipes (to mixed results), and obsessing over House Targaryen or Baby Yoda.

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