Sacrifice of Passion

Jun 20, 2012 Kayleigh {K-Books} rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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...more 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!(less)

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Oct 11, 2012 The Fictionators rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I was pretty excited when Entangled Publishing asked us to participate in the blog tour for this book. It isn't one that I would necessarily pick up on my own, but after reading the summary, I knew that it was something that most of the Fictionees would like. Paranormal and hot sex? Sign us up!

First, let's talk about the cover. It's kinda cheesy, right? I mean, the dude's abs are hot, but it looks like your typical run-of-the-mill standard paperback romance at first glance. Don't let the cover...more

I was pretty excited when Entangled Publishing asked us to participate in the blog tour for this book. It isn't one that I would necessarily pick up on my own, but after reading the summary, I knew that it was something that most of the Fictionees would like. Paranormal and hot sex? Sign us up!

First, let's talk about the cover. It's kinda cheesy, right? I mean, the dude's abs are hot, but it looks like your typical run-of-the-mill standard paperback romance at first glance. Don't let the cover fool you--this book is so much more than that. There's mystery and suspense and twists and turns that you never see coming. Of course, it's hot, too.

Vic Vargas recently found out that he has a twelve-year-old son. He's also dealing with some mysterious animal deaths on his ranch and the surrounding lands. Add to that, the love of his life and old high school flame, Delaney West, is back in town for the first time since she left him with no word many years ago. He's confused and hurt about why she left him back then, and he never really got over her.

Delaney has been dealing with demons of her own--literally. She went through a traumatic event the night before she left town, and after years of therapy without much success, she's home to try to put an end to her nightmares once and for all. Seeing Vic again brings back all the feelings that she never put to rest, but a misunderstanding on both of their parts keeps her from pursuing a relationship with him. I should say right now that Delaney went through a rather graphic event that could be a trigger for some readers. I'm not sure if it's common for books to come with these warnings, but I feel like I should mention it since it's a central theme.

In order to let go of the past, Vic comes up with a solution: if they finally have sex, they can move on.

"Sometimes you get a second chance. Why resist?"

Because she'd rip his heart right out again if he wasn't careful. And he was just as likely to rip her heart out. Payback. He'd glimpsed that side of himself earlier and he hadn't liked it. He had to get her out of his system.

As the story progresses, Vic and Delaney can't stay away from each other.

"There won't be a next time--"

"Oh, there will definitely be a next time."

The sound of his voice sent a charge through her body. "But--"

He placed his hands on the wall on either side of her head and worked his thigh in between her legs, a mere fraction of an inch away from pressing against the heat pooling there. "There will be. One time with you definitely will not be enough."

Throughout the story, there are more mysterious deaths, and we're not sure who could be responsible. The thing I didn't like is that I didn't feel like there was enough resolution for them, though. Maybe not enough explanation for their resolution. Also, I understood Vic's thoughts about sex being the way to finally get over each other, as well as Delaney's resulting vulnerability, but I wasn't sure why he came right out and told her the way he did. It seemed kind of callous. Overall, I liked this story, and I liked the characters. I think you'll like it too.(less)

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Aug 17, 2012 Ni_kii rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: previous-relationship, chupacabra, strong-female-charcter, suspense-plot

Really 3.75 Stars

http://scorchingbookreviews.blogspot....

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 tha...more Really 3.75 Stars

http://scorchingbookreviews.blogspot....

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.(less)

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Aug 15, 2012 Virginia rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Name: Sacrifice of Passion
Author: Melissa Bourbon Ramirez
ISBN: 9781622669400
Genre: Romance
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Publication/Expected Publication: June 15, 2012

[TRIGGER WARNING: Rape, Ritualistic animal cruelty]

There is a lot of drama contained in this relatively short, action-packed book. Twelve years prior, Delaney and Vic had abruptly split after an unfortunate misunderstanding. They had agreed to meet and elope - Delaney showed up, but Vic did not. Believing Vic had found comfort in...more

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Apr 03, 2013 Melody May rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary, romance, suspense

Originally posted on What I'm Reading

Yesterday I spent most of the day reading Sacrifice of Passion by Melissa Bourbon Ramirez. I must say that it was suspenseful with twist and turns. Let's get started with what the story is about and my thoughts.

Twelve years earlier Delaney West was traumatize by something horrible that happen to her and decided the best way to deal with it was to run away. How does running away ever solved any problems? It never does just compacts the problem. However, she fi...more

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Mar 06, 2013 Arlena rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: murder, 5-stars, action-packed, adult-read, ebooks, excellent-book, fantasy, fast-paced, mystery, rape, romance, thriller

Author: Melissa Bourbon Ramirez
Published By: Entangled Publishing
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Book Blog For: GMTA
Rating: 5

Review:

"Sacrifice of Passion" by Melissa Bourbon Ramirez was of mystery, paranormal and romantic read. This novel had so many twist and turn that it keep me steadily reading till the end to find out just who this bad guy was. I really like the hero and the heroine...both were simply off the chart good! I don't want to leave out the rest of this novels charac...more

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Jul 22, 2012 Nikki (The Bibliomaniac) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Romance Fans

Recommended to Nikki (The Bibliomaniac) by: Misa Ramirez

Delaney is, of course, the Texas beauty and Vic has a mixed heritage. Anglo and Hispanic combining to make one tasty specimen, yum! Delaney returns to her parent's house to put a stop to her torment. Twelve years earlier, an 18 year old Delaney and Vic were supposed to meet at 3:45 AM and elope. However, something horrible happened that night to Delaney and when she makes it to the meeting place he isn't there. He decides to ask her parents for her hand in marriage the next morning and figures a...more

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May 17, 2013 Julie G rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Twelve years ago, Delaney West and Vic Vargas planned to meet at the Chain Tree, at 3:45am, and elope. But he decided she deserved better than a runaway wedding and, without telling her why, didn't show up. By the time Vic got to the West's ranch, to formally ask for Delaney's hand, she was gone. For good.

After waiting for 2 hours, Delaney gave up and went home. Somewhere in the early hours, a monster crept in through her window and changed her life forever. When she ran to Vic, needing the love...more Twelve years ago, Delaney West and Vic Vargas planned to meet at the Chain Tree, at 3:45am, and elope. But he decided she deserved better than a runaway wedding and, without telling her why, didn't show up. By the time Vic got to the West's ranch, to formally ask for Delaney's hand, she was gone. For good.

After waiting for 2 hours, Delaney gave up and went home. Somewhere in the early hours, a monster crept in through her window and changed her life forever. When she ran to Vic, needing the love and security he'd always provided, she found him in the arms of another woman. More than she could bear, after the trauma of the previous night, she fled San Julio. For good.

Now, traumatized by nightmares of that night and plagued by episodes of sleepwalking, Delaney has come back, hoping that returning to the root of her demons will vanquish them. But if anything, things are worse: The man she loved now has a son, her nightmares and sleepwalking have escalated, and someone or something is killing local livestock. And draining all their blood.

~*~*~

Frankly, this book takes on a lot: unrequited love, imagined betrayal, post-traumatic stress, animal mutilations, a soothsaying old woman, and El Chupacabra. All great elements for a romantic suspense. Especially when you add in the lies and half-truths that continue to keep Vic and Delaney from understanding and forgiving each other.

Some of tropes are more effective than others. Though Delaney's trauma and her terror over the sleepwalking was really believable, I just never felt the fear or threat of a chupacabra. And Vic was almost whiny, to me. He constantly complained about how hard parenting was, but every time he had time with his son, he wasted it by daydreaming about Delaney.

Though I didn't get much from some of the secondary characters, I did enjoy watching Vic and Delaney drop their walls and learn how to trust each other again. The ending was great, despite the fact that I was so totally wrong about whodunit. All in all, a nice way to spend a few hours.

~*~*~

Disclosure of Material Connection: I won a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
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Aug 01, 2012 Tala rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary, ebook, adult, romance

Received from publisher for an honest review.

Mystery, Myth, and Romance! Oh My! Sacrifice of Passion has all of that and more. This is the first book from this author that I have read and I was pleased to find a well written book with a complex mystery to solve and long suffering characters fighting their attraction and love for each other. Vic and Delaney were teenagers in love, preparing to spend forever together when tragedy and misinterpretations throw everything off the rails. Delaney runs...more Received from publisher for an honest review.

Mystery, Myth, and Romance! Oh My! Sacrifice of Passion has all of that and more. This is the first book from this author that I have read and I was pleased to find a well written book with a complex mystery to solve and long suffering characters fighting their attraction and love for each other. Vic and Delaney were teenagers in love, preparing to spend forever together when tragedy and misinterpretations throw everything off the rails. Delaney runs from the only home and people she’s known in the misguided thought that no one, especially Vic, would understand and forgive what happened to her. Vic is left reeling and alone. Not understanding why she left.

Delaney comes home to face her past and hopefully exercise the demons that have tormented her for 12 yrs. She is a strong woman, as evidenced by what she went through and that she is willing to face it on the hope that she can gain some semblance of a normal life. Delaney has to face the one man she’s ever loved, because in a small town you can’t avoid it. She has to struggle through nightmares and sleepwalking that takes her to some interesting places ;)

Vic is a man who feels a bit beaten down by life. His son won’t talk to him, the love of his life (who left him with no explanation) is back in town and something is killing livestock. Vic is struggling to be a dad to the son he found out about only a short while ago. He first sees Delaney again when he takes his son’s new pet to the vet clinic where she works. He is angry, of course, but also cold and cruel to her. The second time is at the bar he owns. Vic comes up with the “Deal” and asks Delaney about it. She’s tempted but too scared and angry to agree. Vic is devastated by the way he has treated her when he discovers the real reason Delaney left that night.

While Vic and Delaney are dealing with their feelings for each other and coming to terms with finding out what really happened to each other 12 yrs. ago they also have something out there killing livestock. They town is rife with the myth of the chupacabra to explain how the animals were killed. Myth? This is only one of the things to read this book, a compelling mystery to solve.
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Jun 27, 2012 Anjana rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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 happe...more

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Jun 29, 2012 J.A. Belfield rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Vic. Right from the off, I knew he was a bit of a one. The kind of dude that women would swoon over, and the kind of bloke to break women’s hearts. So, to see his character unwind before the readers eyes, as his ‘true’ characteristics became exposed was all the more pleasurable.
Then we have Delaney. A woman with whom Vic has a history. One who makes for a strong leading role due to the tragic happenings in her life she’s had no choice but to overcome.
I really enjoyed the read. I enjoyed that the...more Vic. Right from the off, I knew he was a bit of a one. The kind of dude that women would swoon over, and the kind of bloke to break women’s hearts. So, to see his character unwind before the readers eyes, as his ‘true’ characteristics became exposed was all the more pleasurable.
Then we have Delaney. A woman with whom Vic has a history. One who makes for a strong leading role due to the tragic happenings in her life she’s had no choice but to overcome.
I really enjoyed the read. I enjoyed that the circumstances under which they parted years before weren’t straightforward, and that those were something needing to be discovered by both parties as the story went on. I loved how the spanner of a child had been thrown into the works—even more so, because the lone parent was a father instead of a mother. For someone who lives in a single parent capital, this made for a refreshing change. The setting, too, was awesome to read about, and described well enough I could imagine each scene. But then, I do have a thing about cowboys and their drawl.
And then there was Esperanza. I seriously loved this old biddy of a character. Love how I hadn’t a clue what she was saying sometimes due to her lisp; because I loved how that was portrayed through her dialogue. And, whilst I maybe wasn’t supposed to, I found the idea of this crotchety old woman sitting next to Vic in his truck when he was tearing all over the place looking for Laney and his son highly amusing. I just had visions of her bouncing around in her seat and swerving side to side. Probably not what I should have been concentrating on when there was a serious situation at hand, but there you have it.
I must admit, the red herring the author tossed in did have me looking in seriously the wrong direction for the most part of the book. Though even as I was scrutinising ‘him’ I kept thinking to myself, nah, she wouldn’t make it this easy, that’d be absurd—so I was mighty glad when it did turn out to be bait to throw us off the scent. However, once Vic ‘convinced’ me I’d been looking in the wrong place, I must admit it didn’t take me long to turn my suspicions on the right person—way sooner, in fact, than Delaney of Vic did. But hey, ho—that’s the power of sending a mind into thinking frenzy, I guess.
Oh, and I guess I couldn’t possibly lead toward the end of the review without at least mentioning the ‘HAWTness’. ‘These scenes’ were decent. I have no complaints O_O. Very tastefully done. Well written. ‘Visual’. Quiet (coz there’s nothing worse than characters who natter all through the good stuff, right?). Yep, enjoyed those aspects of the book plenty. O_o
One thing that did bug me slightly, and possibly why this is not higher than a 4, was there was a point where the pace seemed to dip quite dramatically, and there was a lull in how easily I got dragged along. This is possibly because it reached a point where it began to feel a bit repetitive—by which I mean Delaney and (more so) Vic’s inner thoughts. Because we were constant reminded that they’d been together before, constantly reminded of their circumstances, constantly reminded of how each had once felt for the other and realised they still felt as such. And it got a little too much at one point that I just wanted to tell the characters ‘I know! Now get on with the story.’
But that gripe aside, there’s no doubt that Misa Ramirez has once more entertained me and that Sacrifice of Passion is a decent read. :)
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Jul 29, 2012 Steph at Starry Night Book Reviews rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

What a wonderful story filled with passion, Vic is the type of man every women wants, he’s hardworking, tall dark and sexy, Smart and will do anything to protect his family.

Vic & Delaney have a past, they were childhood sweethearts who were planning on eloping but when Vic never showed up something happened that made Delaney run and not look back.
12 years later fate brings Delaney back at home, they both hold a lot of resentment awards one another and refuse to let the other back into their...more

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Jul 09, 2012 Heidi McLaughlin rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Know what caught me, the tall, dark single dad Texas rancher! As soon as I saw that I wanted to read the newest novel by Misa Ramirez. The only adjective she forgot to add was sexy. Doesn’t matter though because I’m telling you!

SoP is an edge of your seat mystery mixed with a love story. As soon as Delaney West returns to her hometown, animals are found exsanguinished, in better terms, sucked or bleed dry.

When Vic and his friend find an animal at the corner of their property, they are baffled....more Know what caught me, the tall, dark single dad Texas rancher! As soon as I saw that I wanted to read the newest novel by Misa Ramirez. The only adjective she forgot to add was sexy. Doesn’t matter though because I’m telling you!

SoP is an edge of your seat mystery mixed with a love story. As soon as Delaney West returns to her hometown, animals are found exsanguinished, in better terms, sucked or bleed dry.

When Vic and his friend find an animal at the corner of their property, they are baffled. The killings don’t make sense. But when a curandera (think medicine women or healer) named Esperanza appears on the property muttering nonsense all Vic hears is Delaney West – the women who broke is heart years ago. Esperanza says the killings are those of a chupacabra.

Vic’s world is turned upside down. Three months prior an 11-year old was dropped on his doorstep and he met his son for the first time and now hearing the love of his life was back in town, added with the loss of his farm stock, Vic is having the time of his life – not.
It doesn’t take long for Vic and Delaney’s paths to cross – really only a day. I really enjoyed this aspect. I’m glad Misa didn’t drag out the reunion and loved the tension between the characters. Their banter was perfect, both throwing years of anger at each other with smart remarks.

When Delaney shows up at Vic’s bar, he co-owns with his brother, Vic can’t stand it anymore. He’s been itching for Delaney for years and tells her. Only to be shot down.
As the killings keep up and become more dangerous, Vic becomes more determined to win Delaney back, especially after she shows up in his bed in the middle of the night. He finds out quickly that Delaney has a sleeping walking problem and starts putting two and two together.

Vic starts to think Delaney is the chupacabra and sets out to prove himself wrong. The problem is he’s hell bent on getting her back into his arms and protecting her if she is.
SoP is a sweet, pleasant and very mysterious read. Misa does a great job keeping the suspense until the end. You’ll be guessing and hoping that Delaney isn’t the chupacabra, but can’t help to wonder if she is!(less)

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Dec 19, 2012 B.E.Love rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This was a great read from beginning to end, This is the first time I have ever read anything from Melissa Bourbon Ramirez but it won't be the last. I was suched into this story from the first page and couldn't put it down till I was finished. Vic and Delaney story was fantastic and I loved not only their characters but the side characters as well. Sacrifice of Passion is the first book in the Deadly Legends which is a Romantic Suspense Trilogy which is about the legend of the chupacabra. This i...more

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Jul 06, 2012 Talk Supe Blogspot rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Full review at Talk Supe

I loved that MBRamirez added familial relationships to SACRIFICE OF PASSION to highlight Vic and Delaney's past and present relationship. I loved that the bigger picture involves this fragile relationship between father and son and how Vic struggled to bridge this gap between him and Zack while trying to reclaim his relationship with Delaney by mending this huge misunderstanding they had in the past. I loved how protective Ray is of his brother without being overbearing....more

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Mar 15, 2013 Rosemary K rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I had not read any of Melissa Bourbon Ramirez stories so when I received a ARC of this book I was excited. The romance of Delaney West and Vic Vargas has been filled with pain and misunderstanding but their love and desire still burn hot. When Delaney returns to her childhood home to reclaim her life, the killing of livestock begins. Now the chupacabra, a mythical beast, prowls the land. Esperanza, a healer, has told Delaney that she will die if she is not careful. As she fights to overcome her...more

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Jul 15, 2012 Sapphyria rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: 18+ crowd

Shelves: reading-romances-challenge

Review Copy Courtesy Of: Entangled Publishing, at no cost, in exchange for an honest review.

When a blast from the past walks back into Vic Vargas' life, feelings that he thought he'd gotten past work their way back to the surface. The girl who walked out on him 12 years earlier comes back to town and it appears she's going to stay. Add her reappearance to his shocking discovery of the 11-year-old son he didn't know he had and the chupacabra that is killing animals on his ranch and the ranches of...more Review Copy Courtesy Of: Entangled Publishing, at no cost, in exchange for an honest review.

When a blast from the past walks back into Vic Vargas' life, feelings that he thought he'd gotten past work their way back to the surface. The girl who walked out on him 12 years earlier comes back to town and it appears she's going to stay. Add her reappearance to his shocking discovery of the 11-year-old son he didn't know he had and the chupacabra that is killing animals on his ranch and the ranches of the neighboring properties and Vic's plate should be officially considered full.

When Delaney West decides, after 12 years, to return to the town she grew up in, she hoped the nightmares and sleepwalking she suffers with would cease. Unfortunately for her they do anything but that; in fact, they increase. With the chupacabra (or whatever is responsible for the deaths and mutilations of ranch animals) on the loose, it isn't safe for anyone to venture out after dark, let alone in a state of sleepwalking.

The reunion of Vic and Delaney is less than amicable with each person understanding the events from 12 years ago in different lights. This is a very well written aspect of the book...In fact, I enjoyed the entire novel. There are several plot lines threaded within each other that give the novel depth and breadth. They are clearly written and the author did a wonderful job tying everything together.

"Sacrifice Of Passion" deals with a pretty heavy topic and Mrs. Ramirez does a great job incorporating it into her novel. She does it with finesse and tact, and without making a mockery of anyone who had dealt with this. The element of mystery within the pages keeps you on the edge of your seat and guessing at who is responsible. I was unable to put this book down once I started and completed reading it in one evening after I got home from work.

Vic's character is written with depth and compassion. It's not as self-evident at the beginning but the author does a great job evolving him. He is very much the protector that every family should be lucky to have. He's strong with a side of naughty.

Delaney is a very likeable character and she, too, was written with depth. Her many layers, layers that have built upon themselves for 12 years, are slowly peeled away throughout the story and not all that is revealed is pleasant. She also evolves within the pages and is able to finally deal with and overcome a few obstacles that have oppressed her.

While solving the mystery of the legend of the chupacabra, Vic and Delaney go on a trip of self discovery and are forced to talk about what happened 12 years ago. What each character reveals to the other isn't at all what both of them had been prepared to acknowledge. This is a novel that is gripping and keeps you on the edge of your seat. The plot is solid and the characters are well developed.

Please Note: This book contains adult scenes.(less)

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Jul 12, 2012 Meaghan rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

When the publisher first approached me about reviewing this book I was not quite sure what to expect, but the summary sounded so interesting I just could not resist tying it. Now that I have completely consumed this book all I can say is wow! I am not quite sure how to express how much I adored this book. It is at its core a truly tender love story mixed with an exciting mystery and a few paranormal elements.

We come into the story focusing on Vic and Delaney. They were childhood sweethearts tha...more

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Feb 23, 2013 Bandmama rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: own-on-nook, romance

How do I love this book? Let me count the ways. Well actually there are too many to really list here but 1)the romance is smokin' hot; 2)Vic is one of the good guys - the kind everyone can relate to and fall in love with; 3)there is a nice mystery here that you won't figure out until it's over and 4)it contains a wonderful sense of family and small town life. The banter between the leading characters is witty and enjoyable. I don't normally read too many romance books but I fell in love with Mel...more

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Jun 18, 2013 Kristina Thorsten rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review is also posted at The Bawdy Book Blog

I liked the base of the book. The myth of the Chupacabra centered around a love story I found wonderful. Everything that involved the Chupacabra was great, every killing and suspense built around it was awesome and very detailed. If you do not pay attention in the book, who the Chupacabra is, will surprise you, it didn’t surprise me because I figured out who it was, when the first human died (but hey, “who did it” books are my specialty, I always...more This review is also posted at The Bawdy Book Blog

I liked the base of the book. The myth of the Chupacabra centered around a love story I found wonderful. Everything that involved the Chupacabra was great, every killing and suspense built around it was awesome and very detailed. If you do not pay attention in the book, who the Chupacabra is, will surprise you, it didn’t surprise me because I figured out who it was, when the first human died (but hey, “who did it” books are my specialty, I always catch the man before he is revealed). The character of Esperanza, the crotchety old Spanish/Curandera (healer), was a very good character. A lot of special care and thought went in to creating her to make sure she was as authentic as possible. The other character Zach, Vic’s 11 year old son, was my other favorite character. The author nailed his personality perfect for the situation he was created in. He tore my heart in two in certain aspects of the book.

While I was reading this book, I was having a hard time keeping with it. I mean the book is only 324 pages for crying out loud, that is a few hours read for me. So why did it take me a week to read this book?! It wasn’t for lack of time but the writing irritated/frustrated me to the point I would put the book down and go watch TV. Yes, you heard me, TV for crying out loud (so gross). I struggled through the book with the poor character development / broken story dibble/ and choppy writing. For example the story had no time line. You have no clue how old the main characters are or the timeframe of the story. The author dives in so quick into the story you hardly get a chance to bond with the characters at all, so it leaves you feeling “either you like them on sight or you’re SOL” Talk about story dribble: one minute they are trying to do something kinky, next sentence the whole scene changes and it leaves you feeling like you blinked and missed the town you were looking for! And don’t get me started on choppy writing. The main reason the couple spent 12 years apart was brought up so many times but the author never really goes into detail about it and actually lets the characters tell each other for any kind of closer on the past.

Goodreads states the book is partial romance, phhfft, more like borderline erotica. The love scenes in the book were more porn images described on paper; rather than heart pounding, page turning, wishful thinking, HUGE sigh, description of intimate passion shared between lovers. Instead of using artfully skilled descriptive scenes to describe the love actions that causes the reader to imagine what is going on; the author was very direct and to the point, kind of “tell you like it is” in words so you don’t need your imagination at all. It was kind of vulgar and not very romantic at all. I did not feel that the couple actually loved each other, just lusted after one another.

At the end of the book I read the Acknowledgments (which is something I never really do but I just had to for some strange reason) and my eyes immediately zeroed in on this statement here : “Also a big shout outs to Nina Bruhns for her wicked eleventh hour editing, again to Rochelle for her eleventh and three quarters hour reading ….” I’m sorry did my see that right?!?! Eleventh hour editing are you kidding me??? You would actually admit to this to your readers??!! At that moment I felt like Gru on Despicable Me: LIGHT BULB!!! Is this why I didn’t like the writing? Were my feelings on the book directed to the authors writing style or the editors editing style?? Is this why in some parts of the book it grabbed me and I couldn’t stop reading and other parts I had to choke through because the writing was so bad?! Aggh!! I can’t answer the question. I would really love a copy of the book before it was edited. I read a lot of people’s reviews on the book and the majority absolutely loved this book and just raved about it. I wish I could have done the same. I would not recommend this book, but if you have read the book or want to read the book, please let me know your thoughts on it.

1.5 stars I received this ARC from the publisher in exchange of an honest review. I was not compensated with money.
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Apr 08, 2013 Karla(Book Addict) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

deleting reviews if you want to take a look at them you can do so on my blog, link on my profile

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Aug 30, 2012 Cristina (Bibliophile Mystery) rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I loved it! Can't wait to see what's next by Misa Ramirez!

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Feb 25, 2013 Steph LJ rated it 1 of 5 stars Recommends it for: As an act of revenge.

Shelves: abandoned

Lack of character development killed this book for me. The vague story line was frustrating. Unexplained tensions did me in.

Delaney, our heroine, left home without a word to anyone. Somehow one night she was raped, abandoned by her fiance who was supposed to elope with her, then discover him cheating. Wow, what a night.

I never pinned down the timeline of this life-changing night, and never understood any of it. Delaney and Vic decide to elope, he leaves her at her house that night with plans to...more Lack of character development killed this book for me. The vague story line was frustrating. Unexplained tensions did me in.

Delaney, our heroine, left home without a word to anyone. Somehow one night she was raped, abandoned by her fiance who was supposed to elope with her, then discover him cheating. Wow, what a night.

I never pinned down the timeline of this life-changing night, and never understood any of it. Delaney and Vic decide to elope, he leaves her at her house that night with plans to meet at 3:45 in the morning. Then, for reasons not really explained, Vic decides that he wants a proper wedding, and abandons plans to meet Delaney. Why he wouldn't talk to her about this is a mystery. Delaney waits and waits for him, then goes to his house and finds him in bed with another woman. Delaney never confronts him with this... she just runs away... in fact, even when she returns to town she just assumes Vic knows why she is angry and left, but they NEVER ACTUALLY DISCUSS WHAT HAPPENED. And, she was raped at some point, she doesn't tell her parents or anyone. Again, I'm sketchy on the timeline, it is not really explained for the reader.

It was frustrating to read about these "beautiful people" who have absolutely no common sense. Seriously, they are all ridiculously good-looking, and cannot think. Or have a conversation.

The people in this book never sleep... like ever. Most scenes happen when Delaney is sleepwalking, and Vic, our hero is finding her. This whole town patrols and wanders about all night almost every night! And, Delaney's sleepwalking. Apparently she sleepwalks every night, and has for over a decade. A DECADE! No therapist or doctor has ever been able to help her. I found myself wondering why she hadn't been committed to a hospital, why wasn't she on heavy duty drugs, why wasn't she tied to her room at night. At one point I thought her parents knew about the sleepwalking, but then I don't think she told them. The author is wishy-washy one this point. Our Delaney has some major communication problems. And, since I don't know what her parents know, I'd say that our author has some communication problems too. I just feel that as a reader, there is a lot of information that I'm missing.

Also in town is a chupacabra, which seems to be the central mystery. Oh, and an old mystery, witch woman, who we can never understand, but issues warnings to everyone. (less)

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Oct 14, 2012 Christa rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ebook-arc

I thoroughly enjoyed this romantic suspense novel. Vic and Delaney were both great characters, and I enjoyed the chemistry between them. The story was fast paced, interesting, and full of suspense.

Delaney returns to her hometown as a veterinary assistant, and son encounters Vic, her former love who stood her up twelve years ago when they were planning to elope together. What followed that night for Delaney was horrible, and she has never forgiven Vic for not being there. When Delaney returns hom...more

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Feb 26, 2013 Rayni rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

So in love w/ how Melissa B Ramirez tells a mystery w/ some Latin urban legends twisted in. I'm wondering where she was going in many points of the book and thinking I knew, but really didn't as she went on w/ this story. I fell asleep thinking about these characters and woke up thinking about them. There's a little more then meets the eye w/ every character you're introduced to. Really enjoyed this book and highly recommend if you're a mystery lover who likes a slight bit of romance and steam.

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Oct 14, 2012 Wendy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: oct-12

On the night they were to elope Vic doesn't show and Delaney disappears for 12 years. Upon her return to town, the woman Vic has been obsessing over for 12 years, livestock are being mutilated and killed and an old woman believes it is the legend of Chupacabra.
Does this have something to do with Delaney's return and her untold secrets?
Will Vic and Delaney be able to rekindle their romance?

Ms. Ramirez pieces the plot together nicely and as a result the story was very enjoyable. It is well-writte...more

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Sep 23, 2012 Kassiah rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: adult, fictionators-rec, pub-2012

Yep. This is another one of those reviews that I say check out the review I posted on Fictionators. There's an interview and quotes and I talk about the abs on the cover a little bit.

For a very brief review, I can say that I liked this book. It's a quick read and though I felt like Vic was a little insensitive when he tells Delaney he thinks they should have sex, it was hot (the sex, not what he said to her about it). This book has paranormal elements and a mystery to be solved. I like the chara...more

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Mar 24, 2013 Cyndi rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Interesting paranormal concept but I wished for more about it and better character development. I disliked the heroine and could not get past something she did in the past. That said the writing was decent and I would try another book by this author

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May 13, 2013 Carole rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This story has a little of everything. Folklore. A good mystery. And a little romance.

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Mar 26, 2013 Tarina rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013, ebook, favorite, mystery-suspense, romance

This was a great read. It had many twist and turns that I could not put it down.

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