Victory Lane, #1

by Shelly Davis

Toni Rizzo has done everything she can to escape a past full of cruelty and pain. With the help of her father, her closest friends and family, she becomes stronger but she can never truly move on. The strength she does find allows her to pursue her dreams – to be a mechanical engineer on a race team. But the team she is assigned to, could be trouble. Her childhood crush on the famous driver and her inability to get beyond her past could destroy her dreams.
Julius Fuller is used to having whatever he wants. Whether it’s in the driver’s seat or with women, he’s never denied. Since the one woman who was supposed to love him destroyed his world, Julius doesn’t let anyone in. The only people Julius cares about are his family and his team. He knew there was a woman interning with his crew chief, but when he sees her for the first time he’s dumbstruck. She’s beautiful and when pushed, she’s fierce. His instant attraction to her unnerves him.
Two people traumatized by past events, each has the ability to help or ruin the other. Toni wants things she never thought she deserved. Julius sees a future beyond racing for the first time in years. But Julius knows Toni’s hiding a big secret.
When Julius reaches the finish line, will Toni be there?
How long will Julius be able to wait before reaching his personal Victory Lane?

Genres: Contemporary Romance

388 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 22, 2015

Reviews

[Marianne Bates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Antonia Grace Rizzo, escapee from an abusive relationship, is off men for life and keeps them at a distance but, determined to realise her ambition, she studies to be a car mechanic in the male-dominated world of motor racing. Her first placement is as an intern in Julius Fuller’s team, a NASCAR crew member. Julius is a rising star, with a reputation for being a bad-tempered, impatient, perfectionist, and Toni has always had a crush on him. The real man is even more sexy than his TV image, and attracted Toni: sparks are set to fly, and Shelly Davis uses every one to light the flame under a grippingly atmospheric, emotional, and thrilling story.

[H.M. Shander · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book by Shelly Davis. I couldn't put it down, and wanted to know more about Toni (and her story) and Julius as he struggled with his. I loved reading them develop and yearned for these two, wanting to see them overcome their obstacles.
It was a fast paced, and yet engaging story with strong characters to root for (and an evil one to root against).
Oh, by the way, Julius is the perfect book boyfriend! Swoon!

[Lynn Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fear, anger, hate, love, & happiness. Yes this book is loaded to the hilt with all these emotions and more! I hated it when I could no longer keep my eyes focused and had to put the book down for the day. I can't wait to start book 2.

I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Michael Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, just couldn't put this book down. Very good read!

[Veronique Poirier · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow, just wow.
What a touching story with a beautiful HEA. <3
Thanks for writing! :)

[Sunni · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story. It kept me going from beginning to end. Toni is a strong female character. She's seen some crazy sh!t in her life, but she worked hard to get through it. She leaned on her family and she saw a therapist. I really liked that part. It isn't often that you read a character that visits a therapist in order to get through their issues. And Toni has lots of issues, so seeking help is not only good, its very realistic. Good job Shelly Davis!

Julius is awesome. He is totally swoonworthy. The man is sexy, he's strong, he's talented, and he's sweet. He wasn't the jerk that most male characters have been in most of the books I read lately. I don't mind those male characters, but it was nice to read a man who figured out what he wanted and went after it. He didn't need to be an asshole, even if he could be sometimes. He understood Toni had issues and was willing to wait for her and help her. Of course that only can go so far before he gets frustrated and backs off.

I loved this story. Shelly Davis did a great job with some very difficult subject matter. I definitely recommend this story!

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. When I got this book on KU, I wasn't sure what to expect. I'd never heard of this author and with some research, I found that she's pretty new and this is a debut in romance for her. This book did not disappoint. I was pleasantly surprised. I'd definitely recommend this book.

[Krista Abrao · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book from a goodreads giveaway. I wasn't sure what to expect because the description did not fit my usual reading style. I was pleasantly surprised and couldn't put this book down. I loved the adorable story and how everything played out. my only criticism would be that the story was a bit predictable and some of the internal dialogue was repetative. overall, I would definitely recommend this book for anyone who likes a good love story! cheers!

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Toni being a kick ass mechanic is s major bonus. And I loved that about her. Julius is perfect. Their chemistry is off the charts. And watching Toni evolve through out the book was quite the journey. Definitly a good read.

[Coco.V]

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[Carol Seymour · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was introduced to the works of Shelly Davis through the recommendation of a friend. I was not sure if I would enjoy a story about race cars and mechanics as I am usually drawn to boardrooms and business adventures. I was pleasantly surprised to find that despite the inclusion of race track terminology, the amount of emotion Shelly Davis included in this novel was extraordinary. After years of rape, abuse and mental torture, Antonia (Toni) was finally getting her life on track but would that life ever include love, Doubtful?! Julius (Jules) was an up and coming race car driver who suffered a tragic love affair and so has sworn off any relationship entanglements and has placed all his efforts into his pursuit of racing. Toni has been chosen to be a part of Jules' pit crew, not a very common position for a women. The sparks that fly when these two meet are incredible but at what cost. Jules and Toni are both unwilling to let their guards down and are consistently holding back on their emotions. It is a race to see who will win this battle of emotional illusion. I loved this fresh approach to a romance novel that Shelly Davis has provided for us. I am ready to start the next book in this series, Under My Skin, which I purchased when I was only 20% into the first, Victory Lane.

[FunUndertheCovers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was introduced to the works of Shelly Davis through the recommendation of a friend. I was not sure if I would enjoy a story about race cars and mechanics as I am usually drawn to boardrooms and business adventures. I was pleasantly surprised to find that despite the inclusion of race track terminology, the amount of emotion Shelly Davis included in this novel was extraordinary. After years of rape, abuse and mental torture, Antonia (Toni) was finally getting her life on track but would that life ever include love, Doubtful?! Julius (Jules) was an up and coming race car driver who suffered a tragic love affair and so has sworn off any relationship entanglements and has placed all his efforts into his pursuit of racing. Toni has been chosen to be a part of Jules' pit crew, not a very common position for a women. The sparks that fly when these two meet are incredible but at what cost. Jules and Toni are both unwilling to let their guards down and are consistently holding back on their emotions. It is a race to see who will win this battle of emotional illusion. I loved this fresh approach to a romance novel that Shelly Davis has provided for us. I am ready to start the next book in this series, Under My Skin, which I purchased when I was only 20% into the first, Victory Lane.

[Mspraise50 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have found another new author who is just up my street.

This is Toni and Julius's story. This story was very well told, fast paced, lots of dialogue between the couple which is absolutely a MUST for me to feel that the story was a great read. More romance than erotica is what I prefer and this story gives it in speeds. Toni did exasperate me towards the end because she seemed incapable of letting go of her past and grabbing onto to Julius who represented her future. A great read which I would highly recommend.

This is not an interracial couple but book 2 is. I will be reading book 2 right away because book 1 was soooooo good. You can read this book on Kindle Unlimited and book 2, if you are not sure about this recommendation.

[Chrystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the book. Such a great story of how she finally finds love after such a horrible relationship that she had been in. Can't wait to read book 2.

[Shelly Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of course, I could be bias! ;)