Sacrifice of Passion

Book Description: A tall, dark, single-dad Texas rancher finds himself facing more than his stubbornly silent son when the chupacabra, a supposedly mythical blood-sucking beast, starts killing his livestock—and stalking the town’s newly returned veterinary assistant, the sensual woman who ran from the altar and broke his heart twelve years earlier. Determined to purge his sizzling memories of her from his all-too-vivid imagination, he seeks her help to get to the bottom of the disturbing animal mutilations, only to have her break through to his sullen son...and rekindle the love he’d thought was lost forever. But her refusal to share a terrible secret sends her running straight into the lair of the chupacabra, plunging her back into her worst nightmare, and forcing them both to confront the wrongs of the past—in order to stay alive for the future they desperately want.

My Review: I’ve heard nothing but good things about Entangled Publishing’s category imprints, so when I was offered a chance to review a book from their new Dead Sexy romantic suspense line, I immediately chose Melissa Bourbon’s title since I’m such a fan of her Magical Dressmaking mystery series. Romantic suspense isn’t a genre I read very often, but this story really sucked me in. The romance between Vic and Delaney sizzles, and it’s even more intense because of their tragic past. One night 12 years ago, what should have been the most special night of their lives, turned so tragic it changed them forever and molded them into who they are today…strong, yet fragile with guarded hearts. The terrifying events happening in San Julio, linked to the mythical chupacabra, bring them back into each others lives, forcing them to face all of their painful secrets.

I enjoyed all of the secondary characters in the book as well, from the townsfolk to Zack and little Sheila. I was sure I had correctly identified the attacker, but I was completely wrong and was shocked by the revelation, but it made perfect sense. Truly suspenseful.

This is the first book in Ramirez’s Deadly Legends trilogy. I had heard about the chupacabra before, and am intrigued enough now to learn even more about it. The legend of La Llorona is briefly alluded to as well, and I hope this is the subject of one of the subsequent books in the series.

Make yourself a pot of coffee…you won’t want to put this one down.

FTC Full Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher with the request for a review.