One night, One mirror, One bid to change her life.
Alejandra Carrillo, is out of options. Her father’s cancer treatments and her younger brother’s Ivy League tuition are more than she can handle alone. Signing with El Santuario—an exclusive, secretive auction where the rich and dangerous purchase pleasure—is the only way to keep her family afloat.
The rules are clear: one performance, one night only. She will stand under the spotlight while Los Amos watch from behind a single pane of mirrored glass. She cannot see them, but she can feel their eyes—measuring her, judging her, deciding if she’s worth the price.
Before the night ends, one man will place the highest bid.
This was a spicy little nugget that really enticed me to read the full length novel when it comes out. I really liked our FMC and the circumstances around the plot line concerning her. She seems very relatable and easy to root for. I thought this was the perfect introduction, giving us just enough to keep us interested and wanting the full length novel, but not giving so much away that it feels like I don't want to continue. Looking forward to the full length novel coming out following the novella.
What a great way to set up for a series! This short novella will keep you on your toes and you won't be able to put it down. I love how relatable our FMC is with her family and the responsibility that falls on her as the eldest daughter. I cannot wait to read this series and I definitely am buying a physical copy for my trophy shelf!
Thank you Ximena De La Noche for sending me an eARC 🫶🏽
Ofrenda by Ximena De La Noche is a short, fiery novella that perfectly sets the stage for her upcoming Los Amos series. In just a few pages, Ximena hooks you with Alejandra’s story of the eldest daughter doing everything she can to hold her family together during a rough patch. When she chooses to enter the Ofrenda, becoming the offering to the highest bidding Amos (lord), the tension and intrigue are immediate. This prequel is the perfect teaser, and it left me absolutely salivating for book one in the series. Mark your calendars for September 15th and add this to your TBR because you’re going to need the Los Amos series in your life. Huge thanks to Ximena for the opportunity to ARC read this one!
She loves her family. She’s a curvy Latina. She’s stepping into her sexy, and in turn her power. It’s incredibly hottt. Please, I beg of you, give me more of this series.
(4.5) She was bought for ONE MILLION DOLLARS! That’s how well she performed and that ending has me wanting more! I need to know how things turn out with Alejandra and El Rey del Sol who is a ruthless patron of the cartel and in the business world he’s the CEO and heir to the tequila empire his father built!
First! Let me start off by saying this! I am absolutely excited about reading a book by a Latin author!! I’ve been searching for more Hispanic/Latin authors and I think I’ve found what I was looking for in Ximena De La Noche.
NOW! I simply cannot explain the feeling and emotion I felt to read this ARC and see a correct and authentic representation of the Hispanic/Latina!! The use of the Spanish language was chefs kiss! It did not feel forced or cringy like it has in another book I am reading with a Latino side character. I’ve never felt so SEEN with that dedication! As an older daughter, I can totally connect with Alejandra and her need to provide for her family! I FELT THAT DEDICATION IN MY SOUL!!!
The story is intriguing and I’m so hooked! I wish I had the rest of the series in my hands because I wouldn’t be able to put it down!! Everything about this book HITS. THE. MARK!
Y’all!!! The way I ate this book up! I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC and I couldn’t put it down! And that ending has me craving Book 1 of the Amos series! This novella was the perfect introduction to her series and her as an author! Definitely going on my auto-read author list!
I absolutely loved this quick novella. As a Latina, there’s something incredibly powerful about reading stories where women are described as looking like me. Representation matters and this one hit close to home.
At its core, this story asks a simple but heavy question: How far would you go to support the people you love?
That’s the question Alejandra is forced to answer when a man approaches her with an opportunity she can’t afford to turn down. In a desperate attempt to provide for those she cares about, she makes a life-altering choice, putting herself up for auction at El Santuario, an exclusive club where wealthy men bid on submissive women.
Before the bidding begins, Alejandra must put on a performance that leaves a lasting impression. By the end of the night, she’s sold to the highest bidder, setting into motion a future filled with emotional consequences, power imbalances, and impossible choices.
Despite being a short read, this novella packs a punch. The emotional stakes are high, the decisions are heavy, and it does an excellent job setting the stage for Book 1 of the series, which I absolutely plan on continuing, because I need to know what happens next.
Alejandra is out of options. Her father needs expensive cancer treatments, and her younger brother just got accepted to an ivy-league school and the tuition is costly. She can’t choose one or the other. So she does something she never thought she would do. She signs over to El Santuario, an exclusive auction where the rich and dangerous come to play. One night only.. where she has to perform… to attract the highest bidder.. and you won’t believe who wins her.
YESSSSSS!!!! I devoured this novella in ONE SITTING and I can’t wait for the next book!!! This novella was HOT & intense! I love how the author set the stage with Alejandra being the eldest sibling and feeling the weight of the family but feeling stuck between 2 choices. And let me tell you…. When she hit that stage.. and saw herself in that mirror??? She OWNED it!!!! This was a great novella.. definitely put this author on the map for me and can’t wait for more!
Thank you so muxh to @authorximenadin for giving me the honor to have an arc of her book! This was just the Novella and omg! | loved it so much and it left me eager to whats coming in this series! Girl, you did that on this book you had me speed reading through loving every page. Loved the FMC and how lots of Mexican American readers can connect to her struggles and how family always comes first. It be tough out here for immigrants more than now and I loved how you help escape from that reality right now. We need more Latino readers, characters, and writers. Also you had me hooked and wanting more. You deserve all the 5/5 as it was like i was watching an actual soap opera. Damos has me excited on what type of guy he is like we know nothing basically! Hope many others love this Novella as much as I did ! Can't wait to buy the physical copy and support your amazing work!
This Novella told me just enough to enjoy but not enough that i want more ! Alejandra is struggling with family financial issues but instead of choosing her dad over her brother or vice versa she decides to do whatever it takes to take care of her family. That’s when El Rey comes in… can’t wait to find out what comes next! Can i just add believe when i say i felt that dedication to the core!
I had the honor of being an ARC reader for Ofrenda: A Los Amos Prequel Novella by Ximena de la noche, and wow—this story had me hooked from the very first page. If this novella is any indication of how the series is going to be, I already know I need to preorder!
Alejandra has worked hard to get where she is, but life continues to test her and her family. Faced with heartbreaking hardships, she makes the selfless choice to sacrifice herself for the ones she loves. The suspense and tension in every chapter kept me so invested that I read the entire novella in one sitting.
Ofrenda: A Los Amos Prequel Novella releases on September 15, but you can already get a sneak peek of chapter one on the author’s website.
This was such a great read very descriptive writing style and almost felt like I was in the room myself. I could really visualize it. For being a short novella it really got me hooked i want to know more about what happens to Alejandra. Such an interesting concept too Overall I enjoyed it for a quick read
🔥Novella 🔥Prequel Story 🔥Latina FMC 🔥Enemies to Lovers 🔥Voyeurism
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I honestly forgot when I applied for this ARC read 😅and I also happened to forget that it was a novella, so I was pretty surprised when I found out that it was a prequel to the novels that were to come. Despite this, I'm excited! Damos and Alejandra already have so much electric chemistry and I want to see what kind of person Damos will be to Alejandra, because so far (in the best way possible), he's a prick 😂Definitely, he has some type of arrogant complex, but it makes sense because of his status. I'm curious to see how he'll respond to Alejandra, particularly because Alejandra doesn't take crap from anyone even though she's doing this for her family.
Alejandra herself is a very admirable character! She's confident in her body, protective of her family, and will do anything to make sure that her little brother Miguel gets the life and education that he deserves. It's an empowering message that De La Noche sends because even though she essentially submits herself in the dynamic of Los Amos, there isn't a lot of submission from Alejandra herself. She knows what she has to do, even if she doesn't like it, but she's not a meek character. She stands her ground against Damos, but it's not in an immature way. She does what he says but only because she knows her family needs it. Compared to other protagonists, Alejandra handles her dislike and attraction for Damos maturely!
Wow!!! Although this is a short novela prequel, it completely sets the stage for this new series that I'm already excited for and waiting with bated breath for book 1. It packed so much punch to give a thorough introduction and backstory of the FMC and the challenging situation she finds herself in. Alejandra, as the eldest daughter for all intents and purposes, finds herself as the head of household with an ailing father and college bound brother. This is very relatable to many first-generation Latine/immigrant children taking on the burden and responsibilities of taking care of the family. Once she realizes she has to confront this financial hardship with the only opportunity that has come her way, we get introduced to this new world of El Santuario (auction). And boy, does she take the bull by the horns!! The author does an amazing job with some intro kink exploration/exhibitionism that is so tantalizing. I know the next book is going to have me panting!!! Can't reccomend enough!! Bring on book 1 ASAP!!
Wow. This may be a novella, but it's so well-written, rich in detail, and gives a compelling glimpse of what’s to come.
The FMC, Alejandra, is desperate to find a solution to her financial struggles so she can take care of her family. Enter El Santuario—a secretive, exclusive place where the powerful and wealthy come to buy their "toys."
What I especially loved is that Alejandra is a strong, well-developed Latina heroine, offering a powerful and authentic representation of a Hispanic woman navigating impossible choices with resilience and grace. After making peace with what she has to do, Alejandra sets aside her inner turmoil and begins to evolve—embracing her strength and sensuality. That is, until she meets her Amo.
This small taste has left me craving more, and I can already tell this author is going straight to my auto-read list.
I had the privilege of receiving this novella as an ARC for an honest review. Here are my thoughts:
This was a spicy, hot novella that had me hooked from the beginning.
I am loving seeing Latina representation, with curves, our sassy attitudes and smart ass mouths, mixed with our culture and language. This is everything we NEED, this empowerment, especially in the political climate of today.
Damos 🥵…Damos sounds delicious and I am FERAL for their full book. I know Ale is going to give him a run for his money and it’s going to be a great time watching these two interact and (hopefully) fall hard.
I can’t wait to read more from this author. I loved the representation and can’t wait to see what’s in store!!
Alejandra is stuck between a rock and a hard place. She’s presented with an opportunity that could turn things around, and I felt that struggle for her.
This story has some spice, but it’s more about what leads to her choices and her introduction to becoming an Ofrenda.
The sayings and thoughts expressed by Alejandra were so accurate to our Hispanic culture! Some even gave me a giggle because they’re so true—like “Nomás falta que venga un perro y me orine.” 💀
This novella has me intrigued to see what else is waiting for this Ofrenda and Los Amos! Ximena, ¡muy bien hecho! You wrote a great little teaser for us to sample!
Let me tell you right now, Ximena De La Noche did not come to play with Ofrenda. For a novella, this story hits like a full-course meal with extra spice on the side. New-to-me author? Yes. But after this? She’s officially on my “drop everything and read” list.
Alejandra is the eldest daughter, the backbone of her family, and the picture of sacrifice wrapped in resilience. With her father’s cancer treatments bleeding her dry and her brother’s Ivy League dreams hanging by a thread, she does what so many eldest daughters quietly do, she shoulders it all. But when the world gives her no choices, she makes one. And that choice leads her straight to El Santuario. A secret, sinful auction where the rich and dangerous bid for pleasure.
One night. One mirror. One chance to take back control.
When I say this novella sizzles, I mean it. The heat, the tension, the slow unraveling of Alejandra’s fear into power... it’s intoxicating. Watching her step into that spotlight and claim herself was nothing short of electric. She may have walked in as an offering, but by the end, she’s the one holding the power.
And let’s be honest this concept is genius. The way Ximena crafts this world feels lush, dark, and deliciously forbidden. You can feel the pulse of the auction room, smell the danger in the air, taste the tension through that mirror. Every word is perfectly placed, dripping with sensuality and power, and I’m not kidding when I say it left me breathless.
What sealed it for me though? The cultural nuance. Alejandra’s story hits deep for any latine daughter who’s ever been the responsible one, the caretaker, the eldest holding the world together with frayed hands. The quiet ache of duty meets the loud, defiant roar of desire and Ximena captures both beautifully.
I devoured Ofrenda in one sitting, less than two hours! She took a short novella and made it feel like an experience with a little pain, a lot of heat, and the perfect setup for what promises to be a jaw-dropping series.
I’m hooked. Completely. Utterly. Desperately waiting for book one in the Los Amos series.
🔥 Tropes & Themes: Eldest Daughter Burden | Forbidden Auction | Latine Heroine | Power Dynamics | Exhibitionism | One Night Only | Found Power | Touch of Kink | Emotional Resilience | Dark Romance Vibes
This was small, but mighty, like a match that burns down the whole room. Bravo, Ximena. You’ve made a fan out of me.
I was so excited to have the opportunity to read the Arc for this novella, that left me wanting more. I can’t wait for the next book to be out. I loved the hints Spanish that were in the book, how the dedication was in both English and Spanish . The way she was willing to do anything for her family. For her dad and for her brother to follow his dreams. The epilogue, when she finally meets him, and what he says. I didn’t want it to end. Lo valiente que ella es por hacer lo necesario para ayudar a los que ama.
In this novella you meet Alejandra, a curvy Latina who is struggling financially to pay for her dad’s medical bills and her brother’s tuition. She does what she thinks is best and that’s when we meet El Rey.
Really good story teasing you enough that you want to pick up the next book in the series but not that it’s leaving you in a severe cliffhanger. I like how it sets up for the series and it gives you some background to the story.
“Beautiful women have long known how to turn moments like this to their advantage.”
Just finished Ofrenda and wow…what a way to kick off a series! I need to know what’s going to happen between Alejandra and Ernesto now. The Latin representation is so strong, and the Spanish dialogue? It hits , adds so much realism without over-explaining. I really respect how it shows what it’s like being an eldest child, having to take on responsibilities and deal with tough situations. And okay… can someone tell me I’m not the only one with a little crush on El Heraldo? Because that man has me sweating. 🔥
This is a short novella with a Latina FMC which I love being Hispanic so I relate to the main character while reading the book. We have our main character Alejandra she is the oldest daughter who has to make a lot of choices for the family, Then we have Damos he is something else he the typical arrogant hard head but you warm up to him later in the book. The tropes in the book were my favorite ones from being a prequel story to Enemies to Lovers overall it was a quick read and a good way to start the series cant wait to see what else the series has install.
The Novella has done nothing short of wanting more! The descriptions of the scenes made you feel like you were there! I could imagine exactly how Alejandra was feeling and looking through intense parts. Being a Latina woman born and raised in the US, I appreciate the touches of Spanish in the dialogue. References to family and traditions help you feel connected. And if you’re not Latina, you’re still able to understand and connect. I cannot wait to see what’s next for the author!
I love, love this prequel. You get hooked just as you start to read. The author was soooo good on giving us the context of what it looks the first book would go, introducing Alejandra and all what she’s willing to do for her family when they’re only hope to survive and succeed on their dream is the decision she’s making and accepting, and I cannot wait to read it. This is a dark romance, so check the trigger warnings and after that just relax and enjoy the short ride, at least for now 😉
Holly I devoured this book In basically one day one sitting. The thrill of sin and not feeling guilt for it was intense. Alejandra gave up her self to save those she loved. She would do anything for them even if it was sinful. With no shame this book had me feeling flushed . It kept getting better with each chapter makes you wonder if you were in her position what would you be willing to do to help your love ones. So much seduction and submission just hot..