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katmorrisey's review
4.0
I'm waffling somewhere between 3.5 stars and 4. I can't decide so I'm rounding up...
This couples' backstory ripped my heart to shreds. Totally, completely left it in tatters. Poor Laney. And god, what Vic went through too, the not knowing and then the knowing and the guilt that followed...It crushed.
But it was also awesome.
I really like this author's voice and the story itself was solid. I never, not once, considered the bad guy to be who it turned out to be. Talk about throwing me for a total loop! The only thing that seemed to be missing for me was a conversation between Laney, Vic and her parents, about what happened all those years ago. Laney had gone through a trauma, lied about Vic (which got spread around town) and that issue was never addressed. (I'm assuming it happened off screen since the cops were all there and it being a small town, the facts of what Zach and Laney went through would come out, but we never actually see it.) One thing about this book (and the second) is the story tends to focus mostely on the couple so there aren't a lot of scenes with secondary characters. (Or they don't seem to be.
NOTE: The second book in this series is "Curse of Passion". I read "Curse" first and that was where I saw the mention of Vic and Laney's troubles. So when I finished Curse I purchased this book. I think I may have liked this one better, but I think what may have tipped the scales was the myth the book explored and Esperanza. I love her!
*This book was a self purchase and all opinions are my own.*
This couples' backstory ripped my heart to shreds. Totally, completely left it in tatters. Poor Laney. And god, what Vic went through too, the not knowing and then the knowing and the guilt that followed...It crushed.
But it was also awesome.
I really like this author's voice and the story itself was solid. I never, not once, considered the bad guy to be who it turned out to be. Talk about throwing me for a total loop! The only thing that seemed to be missing for me was a conversation between Laney, Vic and her parents, about what happened all those years ago. Laney had gone through a trauma, lied about Vic (which got spread around town) and that issue was never addressed. (I'm assuming it happened off screen since the cops were all there and it being a small town, the facts of what Zach and Laney went through would come out, but we never actually see it.) One thing about this book (and the second) is the story tends to focus mostely on the couple so there aren't a lot of scenes with secondary characters. (Or they don't seem to be.
NOTE: The second book in this series is "Curse of Passion". I read "Curse" first and that was where I saw the mention of Vic and Laney's troubles. So when I finished Curse I purchased this book. I think I may have liked this one better, but I think what may have tipped the scales was the myth the book explored and Esperanza. I love her!
*This book was a self purchase and all opinions are my own.*
moniqueeditrix's review
5.0
Wow!!! I finally know what the plane in Disneys Planes trailer means when he says El Chupacabra!
Full revie to come
Full revie to come
kayleigh_kbooks's review
5.0
Sacrifice of Passion Review on K-Books
Wow, that is the first word that comes to mind when thinking of this book. Since I first heard of this book I instantly wanted to read it. I have worked with Misa before when reviewing books for other authors through Entangled Publishing but had never read any of her books before. This has completely had me thinking why haven't I read any of Misa's books before now? I was completely blown away with this book.
Vic is struggling with his day to day life. Trying to learn how to be a good Dad to his 11-year-old son he never knew existed. But when strange things start happening on his ranch and the only girl he ever loved, Delaney comes back to town things go from bad to worse. Can he figure out what is happening to the animals on the rance and be there for his son? And why do all these bad things seem to be pointing to Delaney. Can they work out their past and figure out the mystery surrounding the ranches, or are the destined to be apart forever?
I am still completely shocked by this book. When I started I was completely expecting just another normal contemporary romance book. This was all I was expecting and so much more. I couldn't put this book down! I couldn't believe the things that were happening and I was sat reading with bated breath wondering what could possibly happen next. Sacrifice of Passion has romance, mystery and danger. It is action packed and fast paced and sucks you in from the very first page and has you breathlessly waiting to see what's going to happen with these characters.
If I had to describe this book in one word it would be 'hot' I totally fell in lust... er... I mean love with Vic. Vic is HOT! I was swooning so much in every scene he is in, which is a LOT! He is the perfect man than everyone wants to be real. I could not get enough of Vic and I am really sad that I have finished this book because I am already missing Vic. I love him so much.
Delaney is another fantastic character that everyone will love. She's such a fantastic main character and although she is going through hell and suffering because of her past she is still strong and is determined to turn her life around and make it better. It's true that at times she really irritated me because of all of the secrets she was keeping from Vic. The one thing you want more than ever is to see them work things out and be together so you want to shake her a little and tell her to stop being stupid and talk to him. But as you read more and find out more about her secrets you really see why Delaney acts the way she does. Yea I loved her again by the end.
This book just totally blew me away and I already want to re-read it. I was completely blown away and Misa is now one of my favourite authors. I must read all of her other books. If you love books with action, romance and a hot heart-stopping hero this is definitely the book for you. It was completely phenomenal and I would recommend it to everyone!
Wow, that is the first word that comes to mind when thinking of this book. Since I first heard of this book I instantly wanted to read it. I have worked with Misa before when reviewing books for other authors through Entangled Publishing but had never read any of her books before. This has completely had me thinking why haven't I read any of Misa's books before now? I was completely blown away with this book.
Vic is struggling with his day to day life. Trying to learn how to be a good Dad to his 11-year-old son he never knew existed. But when strange things start happening on his ranch and the only girl he ever loved, Delaney comes back to town things go from bad to worse. Can he figure out what is happening to the animals on the rance and be there for his son? And why do all these bad things seem to be pointing to Delaney. Can they work out their past and figure out the mystery surrounding the ranches, or are the destined to be apart forever?
I am still completely shocked by this book. When I started I was completely expecting just another normal contemporary romance book. This was all I was expecting and so much more. I couldn't put this book down! I couldn't believe the things that were happening and I was sat reading with bated breath wondering what could possibly happen next. Sacrifice of Passion has romance, mystery and danger. It is action packed and fast paced and sucks you in from the very first page and has you breathlessly waiting to see what's going to happen with these characters.
If I had to describe this book in one word it would be 'hot' I totally fell in lust... er... I mean love with Vic. Vic is HOT! I was swooning so much in every scene he is in, which is a LOT! He is the perfect man than everyone wants to be real. I could not get enough of Vic and I am really sad that I have finished this book because I am already missing Vic. I love him so much.
Delaney is another fantastic character that everyone will love. She's such a fantastic main character and although she is going through hell and suffering because of her past she is still strong and is determined to turn her life around and make it better. It's true that at times she really irritated me because of all of the secrets she was keeping from Vic. The one thing you want more than ever is to see them work things out and be together so you want to shake her a little and tell her to stop being stupid and talk to him. But as you read more and find out more about her secrets you really see why Delaney acts the way she does. Yea I loved her again by the end.
This book just totally blew me away and I already want to re-read it. I was completely blown away and Misa is now one of my favourite authors. I must read all of her other books. If you love books with action, romance and a hot heart-stopping hero this is definitely the book for you. It was completely phenomenal and I would recommend it to everyone!
anjanavasan's review
5.0
Wow. This is one of those times when I don't even know where to begin.
I've known Misa for a while now as the awesome, super nice publicist from Entangled Publishing and ever since I found out that she's a writer as well, I've literally been dying to get my hands on one of her books. Sacrifice of Passion definitely didn't let me down.
The story begins in a ranch where one of Vic's goats is killed and drained of its blood. Understandably, he calls the cops but no one has any clue about what happened and they have nothing to go on except the ramblings of an old woman named Esmeralda, who's known as a witch among the locals, claiming that it was the work of a chupacabra. She also mentions one more thing; Delaney was back in town.
Sacrifice of Passion entirely different from what I expected, in a seriously good way. I thought it'd be a predictable romance with some sort of fight/history stopping the hero and heroine from getting together but this book went way beyond my expectations. Vic and Delaney have a past; they were in love when they were 18 and planned to elope but things didn't work out. That night went really wrong for both of them, each unaware of what really happened to the other. Now it's 10 years later - Vic is a single father and Delaney has intimacy issues.
So many things drew me in about this book! I loved the romance between Vic and Delaney; it's the kind that's flawed, bruised, faced betrayal and shows that there's still hope. The chemistry/passion and history between them was intense and powerful. Delaney and Vic are quite honestly, two of the most real characters I've ever come across, they're both imperfect and yet you can see what makes them special. I couldn't help but admire Delaney's strength through the entire novel, sure she has her weak and scared moments but she shows that you can make your way back from anything.
Misa couldn't have written this in a better way; I felt the emotions right alongside the characters in the book and the mystery/storyline kept my intrigued the entire time. I've said this before and I'll say it again, I like my stories with a touch of darkness, they're the ones that really give you a happy ending and what's better than overcoming a scary beast and emotionally damaged protagonists? I wasn't aware of chupacabra(s) until this book and the legend completely fascinated me while also spooking me out a bit.
Misa's writing is witty and so engaging. Maybe it was just me but I highlighted so many conversations between Vic and Del, the ones at the beginning were especially amusing, she threw in some humor in between a serious story and made it work.
'He still hadn't gotten over the fact that Zach had named the potbelly after his mother. Sheila had to be cringing, even six feet under.'
Oh and in case I didn't say it earlier - Vic is HOT. I love his attitude/cockiness. He oozes sexiness, believe me.
'She narrowed her eyes. "You work here?"
"I own here. With Ray." '
It's probably just me but I loved that line.
I don't know what else to say about Sacrifice of Passion except that it's definitely one of the best adult romance-mystery novels that I've read so far. If you're a fan of romance with a hint of paranormal, you'd enjoy this for sure.
I've known Misa for a while now as the awesome, super nice publicist from Entangled Publishing and ever since I found out that she's a writer as well, I've literally been dying to get my hands on one of her books. Sacrifice of Passion definitely didn't let me down.
The story begins in a ranch where one of Vic's goats is killed and drained of its blood. Understandably, he calls the cops but no one has any clue about what happened and they have nothing to go on except the ramblings of an old woman named Esmeralda, who's known as a witch among the locals, claiming that it was the work of a chupacabra. She also mentions one more thing; Delaney was back in town.
Sacrifice of Passion entirely different from what I expected, in a seriously good way. I thought it'd be a predictable romance with some sort of fight/history stopping the hero and heroine from getting together but this book went way beyond my expectations. Vic and Delaney have a past; they were in love when they were 18 and planned to elope but things didn't work out. That night went really wrong for both of them, each unaware of what really happened to the other. Now it's 10 years later - Vic is a single father and Delaney has intimacy issues.
So many things drew me in about this book! I loved the romance between Vic and Delaney; it's the kind that's flawed, bruised, faced betrayal and shows that there's still hope. The chemistry/passion and history between them was intense and powerful. Delaney and Vic are quite honestly, two of the most real characters I've ever come across, they're both imperfect and yet you can see what makes them special. I couldn't help but admire Delaney's strength through the entire novel, sure she has her weak and scared moments but she shows that you can make your way back from anything.
Misa couldn't have written this in a better way; I felt the emotions right alongside the characters in the book and the mystery/storyline kept my intrigued the entire time. I've said this before and I'll say it again, I like my stories with a touch of darkness, they're the ones that really give you a happy ending and what's better than overcoming a scary beast and emotionally damaged protagonists? I wasn't aware of chupacabra(s) until this book and the legend completely fascinated me while also spooking me out a bit.
Misa's writing is witty and so engaging. Maybe it was just me but I highlighted so many conversations between Vic and Del, the ones at the beginning were especially amusing, she threw in some humor in between a serious story and made it work.
'He still hadn't gotten over the fact that Zach had named the potbelly after his mother. Sheila had to be cringing, even six feet under.'
Oh and in case I didn't say it earlier - Vic is HOT. I love his attitude/cockiness. He oozes sexiness, believe me.
'She narrowed her eyes. "You work here?"
"I own here. With Ray." '
It's probably just me but I loved that line.
I don't know what else to say about Sacrifice of Passion except that it's definitely one of the best adult romance-mystery novels that I've read so far. If you're a fan of romance with a hint of paranormal, you'd enjoy this for sure.
scorchingnix's review
4.0
Really 3.75 Stars
http://scorchingbookreviews.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/a-nix-pn-suspense-review-sacrifice-of.html
Things haven’t been going according to plan recently for Vic. First, an ex dies and saddles with him with a teenage son he didn’t know he had. Then Delaney comes back to town, the woman he has been obsessing over for nearly 12 years after she abandoned him before they were due to elope. To cap it all off, a mysterious animal has been killing off livestock in a fashion reminiscent of the old legend of the Chupacabra. All are situations that he needs to address, only how exactly to do that seems to evade him.
Delaney left San Julio under a cloud. 12 years earlier, she was supposed to meet Vic at 3:45 am to elope and be happy. Vic didn’t show and instead Delaney was subjected to a horrific attack that left with her emotional scars and a tendency to sleep walk. When she went to find him, he was in the arms of another and, without stopping to think, she ran off to find a life elsewhere. After numerous psychologists, the sleepwalking has gotten worse and so she returns to San Julio to where it all began, in an attempt to stop it once and for all.
Vic isn’t stupid, he knows that he still wants Delaney. After numerous run ins, he proposes that they use sex to exorcise each other from their hearts once and for all. He doesn’t quite grasp that feelings as deep as the ones they once held for each other don’t disappear completely. When Delaney becomes the bridge to a relationship with the surly son that he desperately wants to love him, the old feelings start to raise their heads with a vengeance. When it seems that the Chupacabra’s main aim is to get Delaney, he realises that he never wants to let this woman go again. But is he man enough to stop a legend? And is Delaney capable of forgiving the man that is at the heart of all her pain?
Well, I didn’t expect this! From the cover, what I was expecting was a hot and heavy romance, but that isn’t what I got at all. I got a nice suspense novel with a romance plot; I say that the plots were about 50:50 weighted. I say nice because I did have a few issues with it overall, but for the most part I enjoyed it!
Vic is a man with a lot of problems, one seems to be communication! He didn’t show up at 3:45 AM to meet Delaney because he decided that running off wasn’t the honourable way of marrying her. Instead of COMMUNICATING this, he just stood her up....at 3:45 AM.....in the woods. I don’t care where you live, 3:45AM is not the place to be stood alone. Nice plan Vic! When Delaney left without an explanation (yes, Vic is not the only one in this book with a communication issue!) he tried to forget her, but no-one elicited the same strength of feelings within him. When she returns, he has to exorcise her from his system. Instead of choosing the sensible option of discussing his feelings, he tries a much less effective and stupider option by trying to eradicate his feelings with sex. Silly man!
Vic as a Father struggling to interact with his teenage son was a storyline that I enjoyed immensely. He had a life he enjoyed and then this surly, heart-broken teenager was dropped in his lap with no warning or instructions. He had no idea what to do and any idea that he came up with was rebuffed by a child who couldn’t even bring himself to call him Dad. My heart broke for the both of them, both thrust into a situation they were unprepared for. The scenes were lovely, heart-warming and, in the case of some of the scenes, quite heart-breaking.
Delaney is another one with communication issues, but hers I accept. She had been horrifically attacked and then apparently betrayed; I’d have done a midnight flit too. The sleepwalking had began not long after she left and was getting more and more dangerous; she could leave buildings and wander around for heaven’s sake! When Vic proposes his idea to relieve the tension she balks at the idea. I applauded her. Then the tension begins to grow to the point that she does something plain weird. She then realises it might be a good idea to do something about the tension before she becomes Chupacabra food. I liked her; she made sense and she was fun to read about.
The plot with the Chupacabra I’m not going to go into in too much detail about; let’s be honest, this is the bit that is the mystery. It was a nice, tension building plot which I enjoyed trying to play detective with. The only complaint is that the ending completely blindsided me; it came out of nowhere. I’m not sure if I read it again, looking for more clues with the knowledge of the ending, I would have come to the right conclusion. This doesn’t take away from the excellent writing that created a good amount of tension that gripped me immediately!
Overall, this was a book which was an easy read that I enjoyed and wasn’t all that long. It had a nice amount of tension in both the suspense and romance plots and this kept me turning the pages. I particularly enjoyed seeing Vic try to interact with his teenage son. This is an author I will definitely try again.
http://scorchingbookreviews.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/a-nix-pn-suspense-review-sacrifice-of.html
Things haven’t been going according to plan recently for Vic. First, an ex dies and saddles with him with a teenage son he didn’t know he had. Then Delaney comes back to town, the woman he has been obsessing over for nearly 12 years after she abandoned him before they were due to elope. To cap it all off, a mysterious animal has been killing off livestock in a fashion reminiscent of the old legend of the Chupacabra. All are situations that he needs to address, only how exactly to do that seems to evade him.
Delaney left San Julio under a cloud. 12 years earlier, she was supposed to meet Vic at 3:45 am to elope and be happy. Vic didn’t show and instead Delaney was subjected to a horrific attack that left with her emotional scars and a tendency to sleep walk. When she went to find him, he was in the arms of another and, without stopping to think, she ran off to find a life elsewhere. After numerous psychologists, the sleepwalking has gotten worse and so she returns to San Julio to where it all began, in an attempt to stop it once and for all.
Vic isn’t stupid, he knows that he still wants Delaney. After numerous run ins, he proposes that they use sex to exorcise each other from their hearts once and for all. He doesn’t quite grasp that feelings as deep as the ones they once held for each other don’t disappear completely. When Delaney becomes the bridge to a relationship with the surly son that he desperately wants to love him, the old feelings start to raise their heads with a vengeance. When it seems that the Chupacabra’s main aim is to get Delaney, he realises that he never wants to let this woman go again. But is he man enough to stop a legend? And is Delaney capable of forgiving the man that is at the heart of all her pain?
Well, I didn’t expect this! From the cover, what I was expecting was a hot and heavy romance, but that isn’t what I got at all. I got a nice suspense novel with a romance plot; I say that the plots were about 50:50 weighted. I say nice because I did have a few issues with it overall, but for the most part I enjoyed it!
Vic is a man with a lot of problems, one seems to be communication! He didn’t show up at 3:45 AM to meet Delaney because he decided that running off wasn’t the honourable way of marrying her. Instead of COMMUNICATING this, he just stood her up....at 3:45 AM.....in the woods. I don’t care where you live, 3:45AM is not the place to be stood alone. Nice plan Vic! When Delaney left without an explanation (yes, Vic is not the only one in this book with a communication issue!) he tried to forget her, but no-one elicited the same strength of feelings within him. When she returns, he has to exorcise her from his system. Instead of choosing the sensible option of discussing his feelings, he tries a much less effective and stupider option by trying to eradicate his feelings with sex. Silly man!
Vic as a Father struggling to interact with his teenage son was a storyline that I enjoyed immensely. He had a life he enjoyed and then this surly, heart-broken teenager was dropped in his lap with no warning or instructions. He had no idea what to do and any idea that he came up with was rebuffed by a child who couldn’t even bring himself to call him Dad. My heart broke for the both of them, both thrust into a situation they were unprepared for. The scenes were lovely, heart-warming and, in the case of some of the scenes, quite heart-breaking.
Delaney is another one with communication issues, but hers I accept. She had been horrifically attacked and then apparently betrayed; I’d have done a midnight flit too. The sleepwalking had began not long after she left and was getting more and more dangerous; she could leave buildings and wander around for heaven’s sake! When Vic proposes his idea to relieve the tension she balks at the idea. I applauded her. Then the tension begins to grow to the point that she does something plain weird. She then realises it might be a good idea to do something about the tension before she becomes Chupacabra food. I liked her; she made sense and she was fun to read about.
The plot with the Chupacabra I’m not going to go into in too much detail about; let’s be honest, this is the bit that is the mystery. It was a nice, tension building plot which I enjoyed trying to play detective with. The only complaint is that the ending completely blindsided me; it came out of nowhere. I’m not sure if I read it again, looking for more clues with the knowledge of the ending, I would have come to the right conclusion. This doesn’t take away from the excellent writing that created a good amount of tension that gripped me immediately!
Overall, this was a book which was an easy read that I enjoyed and wasn’t all that long. It had a nice amount of tension in both the suspense and romance plots and this kept me turning the pages. I particularly enjoyed seeing Vic try to interact with his teenage son. This is an author I will definitely try again.
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