Virtuous

by E.M. Shue

She is Virtuous and he’ll have her. She is everything sweet and innocent, and I am going to possess her, even if it is against the university’s rules. I’d risk my career just for a taste of her forbidden lips. Her father has demanded that she swear herself to the church. But she has her own goals and plans. It’s how we met. How she came to be in my anthropology class. She wants to experience life, and I want to be her guide. But is she willing to stand against her family and the church for a future with me? Is she willing to follow me wherever my career takes me? The start to a brand-new series of strong women, not willing to give up for nothing.

Genres: Contemporary

216 pages, Paperback

Published February 20, 2023

About the author

E.M. Shue is an Alaskan award-winning romance author. She writes in many different sub-genres but always features badass heroines in gritty situations. As the mother to three grown daughters and two granddaughters she wants readers to be able to see that tough girls can have happy endings too. She is married to the love of her life of over twenty years who she married within months of starting to date, instalove is real.

She published her first book in 2017 after having a dream that later became the Beverley Award winning, Sniper’s Kiss. Since her debut, she has gone on to win this award three more times with different books and has published over forty titles.

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Reviews

[Jen ♥]

DNF @ 53%
 

The writing style didn't work for me, and the pace was too fast for my liking. I couldn't feel the chemistry between the MCs or any emotion in their scenes. I tried, but I guess this isn't just for me. 🤷‍♀️

[Ash J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. When Laya met Chase on the ferris wheel, and the way he treated her as they got closer, the story was so sweet. Then, he turned out to be her professor, which added a little forbidden romance to the mix. It was when her secrets and past came to wreck havoc on their lives that this story turned twisted and shocking. I was completely enthralled with this book and the characters, even the side characters and I can't wait to read more stories in the Ramsey University series to find out more! I received a review copy of this story and am leaving a voluntary honest review.

[Reah Foxx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from E.M. Shue! Laya and chase are incredible! Age gap. Student/teacher (consenting adults). Love. But the rise is filled with bumps along the journey!

[Karen Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect romance that I just wanted to keep reading. It all starts with a Ferris Wheel ride. Laya and Chase both have lost their mothers. When they meet it’s instant attraction and chemistry. Who would have thought a Ferris Wheel ride would start these two on a whirlwind of a romance. They were just perfect together regardless of certain circumstances. Laya and Chase both have their own secrets that will surprise you right to the end. You will want to keep reading to find out. Can they possibly have a happy ending despite all that’s going on? What happens not once but twice to Laya will definitely pull at your heart strings. I will say this, Laya is an incredible, strong woman. Chase does everything in his power to not only keep her, but to keep her protected once he finds everything out about her life. I can’t wait for book two because this book was just WOW!

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laya and Chase’s whirlwind romance was one hell of an intense emotional rollercoaster ride that I never wanted to end.

Their beginning was beautiful, super sweet and heartwarming. Chase and Laya have an undeniable instant connection that keeps pulling them together. Their romance is slow burn but boy could you feel that pull between them. It was really intense. But there were secrets being kept from each other that had the potential to destroy both of them. I did not want that to happen. Chase and Laya were perfect together and I wanted to see them get their happy ever after.

Really well written story that was filled with suspense, action, violence, emotional turmoil and some very steamy moments that kept me on the edge of my seat, gripping my kindle tightly and holding my breath till the end.

Loved it.

[Lynne Garlick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, what an intense read! Not just the two main characters but the relationship with some of the others, like Blair and Thor! But that's another story!
Laya first meets Chase whilst fulfilling his dream of hers to ride the wheel in Seattle. Both have their reason to be there but when they end up seated next to each other, the chemistry is instant.
Laya is hiding so much anf when Chase bumps into her again, he is determined to find out more.
I really enjoyed this book and didn't expect the twists and turns! Great read!

[Jaime Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this story the minute it landed on my kindle. A story that will have you on the edge of your seat while trying to keep cool with all the heat from these characters. You don’t know what is going to happen so you keep hitting the next page, losing all track of time. Words cannot describe how terrific this story is so make sure you click this right away. It is a perfect way to spend the morning with a cup of coffee.

[Denise Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chase takes a temporary job as a professor as a favor for his friend Thor. Laya is a student who has run from her past . How they meet and progression of their relationship bus spelled out so well that it drew me right into the story ! This is a great story and emotional read that I loved . There is attraction , and action which pulled at my heartstrings . I see there is another book and I just can’t wait to read it !!

[Carolyn Spence · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know what it is, but I always want more from E.M. Shue! I absolutely love her books. The over the top alpha, Chase, trying to do the right thing, can only hold out for so long. Laya, an innocent, but not innocent, knows what she wants and takes a chance even though it will put her in danger. So many intricate plots and sub plots, I absolutely loved all these characters. I'm so in love with this story. "Hook, line and sinker."

I voluntarily reviewed this book

[Cindi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book and had a hard time putting it down. The backstory is unusual but still well known enough that people know that it happens. The characters are amazing and credible based upon their backstories. I absolutely love the way E.M. Shue tells her stories, she brings credible characters and important but not often spoken of National/global issues into light so more people will know it happens and possibly look into how they can help.

[Audrey Krofchick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so fantastic! I couldn’t put it down! It grabs your attention and keeps ahold of it. I absolutely loved Laya and Chase together! I absolutely wanted more…. Lol. I can’t recommend this book enough! I don’t want to go into too much detail and give the book away. Trust me, read it! I am hoping there will be more books with some of the secondary characters.

[Lynn Stifle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this! Laya and Chase meet at a Ferris wheel and ride together on the great wheel; this is the start of their journey. Their attraction is instantaneous and their chemistry is electric. I devoured this book. It’s the kind of story that you can lose yourself in. Another 5 star must read by this talented author.

[Amanda Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG I absolutely fell in love with Laya and Chase. Once I started reading this beautifully written story I didn’t want to put it down. The characters are so well written and you will feel the raw emotions from Laya as she deals with her family and then falling madly in love with Chase. Such a wonderful job by the magnificent E.M. Shue!!!!!

[Brandy Devier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Virtuous has a bit of an age gap with lots of sexiness and Steamy Steamy parts. Laya is a sheltered college student hiding from a crazy past when she meets an older sexy Chase who winds up being her professor that quickly becomes enamored with her. Now they have to fight through obstacles to be together in the end.

[Tiffany Mahaxay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow wow wow!!! ❤️ Just love it! This is a teacher/ student romance. This is a insta love, where the hero/teacher see his girl and knows that she is it for him. He’ll do anything and everything just to make her his. The hero is one possessive, protective OTT that I LOVE in a book! 10 stars if I could for this book. But then Ms Shue writes just wonderful books. * chefs kisses* ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Jennifer Soppe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laid it all on the line for love

Laya, a college student, is startled when Chase, an archeologist, asks to sit next to her after she finds out that her cousin will not be available. As the story progresses her nerves are fried, his patience is tried, and when the past shows up they may be denied. E.M. Shue laid it all on the line for love in Virtuous. I can see that there will be at least two more books from this group of characters and I can’t wait to read Thor and Briar’s story next.

I received a free copy of the book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.

[Rosa Dunahue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Virtuous is incredible age gap romance. Laya and Chase have an instant connection when they meet at the ferris wheel. But they go their separate way, only to meet up again in Laya’s class where Chase is her teacher. Their journey is one filled with drama, tragic, and love. To see them get their happy ending after everything they been through is fantastic. I can’t wait to see more of this series.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lordy, lordy, did I ever love Virtuous!

Ms. Shue knocked this out of the freaking ball park and into the next state!

The story was so exciting!

The characters amazing!

I am head over heals in love with Chase!

Thank goodness he met Laya!

I couldn't put this book down!

This is definitely a TBRx2, or 3 or 4!

[Amanda M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The storyline is amazing and it draws you in from the first page. I liked the pacing of the story, with words that flow nicely. Chase and Leigh's story is a captivating read. I would recommend reading it doesn't disappoint.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. This book will melt your heart and have you falling in love. Chase finds the perfect woman on the ferris wheel but she's shy. Laya is in hiding from her past but the minute she meets chase she knows she's found her forever. Can they make it work?

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book! I was drawn into the story right from the beginning with the instant connection between Laya and Chase. Once I started, I had to keep reading to see what would happen next. Great book!

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laya and Chase have a chance meeting when both are feeling low. Then Laya finds the Chase is her professor while Case realizes the woman he’s been thinking about is a student. Will he risk it all for love? Or will Laya’s past get to her first and destroy her?

[Jacqueline Ellison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping storyline with betrayal, romance, and danger just to name a few things. The storyline had suspense and kept me intrigued the entire time. I read this in one sitting and absolutely loved it. Chase and Laya were well written and the things Laya went through was heart wrenching.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the story. Randomly meeting the love of your life on a Ferris Wheel, priceless. I enjoyed the book. The subject focus was new for me, but I liked it. It felt informative, but it was also crazy.

[Fabiola Cadet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good read, lots of chemistry. Laya is running from her past, she thought hiding in plain sight would work but who's heart does she manage to capture? Yup, her professor, let's just say he was a goner himself. Nothing can stop him from pursuing her and make Laya his.

[Tianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the pull to someone is strong enough, nothing will stand in the way! I loved the taboo nature of professor and student. I also loved how quickly I fell into the storyline. Chase and Laya had me giddy from start to finish!!

[Latifa Morrisette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Virtuous is the perfect mix of romance and suspense. Laya and Chase's study has me hooked from the first page. I don't read many books involving cults but this one is one I absolutely loved.

[Kerry Boulanger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story and great characters. The story was new and original filled with sadness, joy, trauma and love. I read it in one day because I didn’t want to leave the story.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book so much. I highly recommend.