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Him
I wanted to take them all down.
I had everything under control.
Then she walked into my life.
And turned my world completely upside down.
She changed me.
She was my light in the darkness.
I was her avenging angel.
Until I ruined everything.

Her
I wanted to be his everything.
The one who took me.
He showed me their darkest secrets.
He taught me their twisted ways.
I fell for him and fell hard.
I was ready to destroy them all.
Until he destroyed me.

The stakes have been raised. Nothing is what it seems. What will happen everything starts to unravel and long forgotten secrets are exposed?

If you're a fan of dark romance, dive into Sacrifice, the second book in the explosive Corrupt Empire Series.

Author Note: There are cliffhangers for the first two books in the trilogy with an HEA in the last book.

360 pages, Paperback

Published June 11, 2019

147 people are currently reading
593 people want to read

About the author

Sarah Bailey

47 books2,203 followers
Sarah writes dark, contemporary, erotic and paranormal romances. They adore all forms of steamy romance and can always be found with a book or ten on their Kindle. They love anti-heroes, alpha males and flawed characters with a little bit of darkness lurking within. Their writing buddies nicknamed Sarah: 'The Queen of Steam' for their pulse racing sex scenes which will leave you a little hot under the collar.

Born and raised in Sussex, UK near the Ashdown Forest, they grew up climbing trees and building Lego towns with their younger brother. Sarah fell in love with novels as a teenager reading their aunt's historical regency romances. They have always loved the supernatural and exploring the darker side of romance and fantasy novels.

Sarah currently resides in the Scottish Highlands with their husband. Music is one of their biggest inspirations and they always have something on in the background whilst writing. They are an avid gamer and are often found hogging their husband's Xbox.

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5 stars
226 (47%)
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162 (33%)
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75 (15%)
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12 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Darlene I read WAY to many books.
3,681 reviews2,444 followers
May 16, 2019
Now this is the 2nd book in the series gave us more lightish Aiden he still had his dark side with others but he was different with Avery, and we saw him work to get his girl back after she walked out on him when he told her his plan to take revenge on the people who hurt him.. her family.. and I'm glad she did take a minute and some space from Aiden to collect her thoughts even if it didn't last long lol 6 hours 🤣🤣🤣 she addicted i say.

We learn new things about Avery's family more secrets are discovered, and more players are in the game.. i felt bad for Avery she had to see more videos of what her family has done to woman and to Aiden's mom.. as for my two MCs i love the growth from book 1 and their partnership and relationships plus they still have mini fights and the hawt sex.. man tie me up ;)

We are left with another cliffhanger.. and that is some bomb dropped by Aiden and Avery they Deliever which does confuse me since she hated the plan in the first place..


Low angst, no ow/om drama, no cheating, drama, slight secondary chara, sexy times

Recomend- yes
Cover-⭐⭐⭐⭐

Prologue
Seperation few hours
Almost sexually assaulted
Mentions of sex trafficking, rape, sexual assult (videos Avery saw from her family)
No condom
Safeish
BDSMish
Anal play/sex
Cliffhanger
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
777 reviews
April 11, 2019
Terrific book 2 and there are still many twists and turns


This book is another dark and steamy roller coaster. Avery and Aiden are such deep characters. This is their book 2 and there are still many twists and turns. This does end on a cliff hanger but boy is it worth the read! I cannot wait for the next book!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Suze Prescot.
Author 12 books31 followers
May 1, 2024
Amazing

Avery and Aiden are committed, to one another and to toppling the Corrupt Empire she now apparently heads.
An HFN with a definite need to read book three.
The story continues as our protagonists learn more about themselves and each other. Wonderful characters and a thrilling story. Darkness goes hand in hand with light. I can hardly wait for the conclusion.
Profile Image for Denise H.
1,053 reviews54 followers
April 5, 2023
Holy WOW…this series is nerve-wracking, exciting and explosive!

This dark romance continues from the jaw-dropping cliff hanger in book one with the aftermath of the consequences and the next step of Aiden’s revenge; however, everything does not go according to plan. From the devastation wrought in book one, Betrayal, between Aiden and Avery emotions escalate and the intensity of their situation compounds the dangers that await them both, together and separately, in this continuation of the three book series.

The urgency, gut-wrenching emotional toil, lies, betrayal, secrets, and romance are still ever-present in this second installment and the plot thickens as events occur neither Aiden nor Avery anticipated and the danger level is ramped up even more. Additional players start showing their hands as new threats come forward and situations get out of control. Sacrifice continues with the back and forth POV’s from Avery and Aiden, providing more depth and intrigue to the plot and giving us a better feel for each character and the emotions wrought from the events transpiring in this titillating addition.

I was shocked and holding my breath at the end of Betrayal and with this one, it is twice as bad. I may turn every shade of the rainbow before the conclusion gets here next month in the final book of the series. Bailey absolutely knows how to write an epic cliff-hanger that will have you pulling out your hair waiting to find out what happens next!

*Many thanks to Sarah Bailey for the advanced copy of Sacrifice. Under no obligation to read/review this book, I do so freely and am providing my honest review.
Profile Image for Rebecca Hefner.
Author 32 books1,237 followers
April 18, 2019
Holy hotness, Batman! I was SO excited to reunite with Avery and Aiden in Book 2 of this fantastic series. Sacrifice opens with our two star-crossed lovers admitting their feelings to themselves but not sure how to evolve into any kind of meaningful relationship. Seeing them navigate their way toward being able to express their love to each other was awesome. Once they give in to their feelings, they unite to try and take down the rest of the awful empire Avery's family built. Seeing them work together, and sometimes at odds, was great and led to some very steamy, angsty sexual tension. I was hoping that my Kindle wouldn't spontaneously combust at certain points! Wow! Can't wait for the final book in the series to see the conclusion of the story with these characters that I've come to love and root for!
Profile Image for Petra Dattner.
39 reviews1 follower
May 25, 2019
Exciting & a must read!

OMG!! So many twists and turns that you are almost afraid to find out what happens next yet at the same time you find it almost impossible not to continue so you CAN find out what does happen. Hot and steamy too.
Profile Image for Chrissy Brown.
Author 7 books143 followers
May 21, 2019
So it took me longer to read this book than I thought, by no fault of the author. Life kept happening. BUT once I was able to devote a course let night’s to it I was hooked. I hated having to go to sleep because I just wanted to keep reading it!
Profile Image for Matthew Burroughs.
117 reviews7 followers
April 18, 2019
Sacrifice by Sarah Bailey is the second selection in the Corrupt Empire Series, a chilling dark romance set around the unspeakable evil of an international corporation, and those that strive to bring it to its knees. In the first book, Betrayal, the dark elements came strongest from the relationship between the main characters. I'll keep it brief: Aiden was an enforcer for the Mitchell Holdings company who, with good reason, is looking for any chance to destroy the corporation. After murdering the head of the company and their wife, he was compelled to kidnap their daughter Avery and attempt to reprogram her into a weapon to destroy the company from within. This enforcer, Aiden, is so chock full of emotional baggage that's it's not surprising he's fallen head over heels for the heiress Avery. These two somehow manage to hammer out a bit of a "normal" relationship under these harrowing conditions and even celebrate Christmas together. Betrayal's conclusion left us hanging off a cliff's edge as Aiden whispered his grand plan to Avery, with the reader being left in the dark, and Avery left in a fit of tears, possibly breaking apart the two lovers even further. To the author's credit, we don't have to delve long into Sacrifice to learn the secrets of Aiden’s plan. It's fairly complex, but let's just say the plan would end up sending Avery a little more inside the company's evil than she could handle. Naturally, the two poor souls of Avery and Aiden can't stand to be away from each other, as for better or worse the one true emotion they share is deep unrequited love. Aiden says "to fuck with the plans" as he needs Avery more than he needs his plan to succeed. If these two are going to work out in the long term, they're badly in need of some old-fashioned "normal" romance. As if it's the strangest concept in the world, the two then decide to go on a real date and try to get a taste of the real world once again.

I mentioned above that in book one the dark elements were mostly through the horrible circumstances of Aiden and Avery's relationship. For Sacrifice it's more about the corporation and its evil trafficking hitting close to home for both our main characters. Maybe I'm hardened after reading the first one, but I'm happy to report I'm not nearly as disturbed for this go 'round. In book two, it's much more clear where the "bad guys" are in relation to the "good guys." Aiden is still a bad boy, but I can comprehend his "anti-hero with a rough edge status" now that he's not chaining Avery in a cell against her will, forcing her to defecate inside a bucket. Avery's development however is the shining mark of this novel. She's had more than her fair share of trauma over the last several months, but her drive to right the wrongs of her family combined with her love of Aiden make for some great moments. Avery still believes in the concepts of Aiden's plan, and she has her sights set on the long term as she somehow finds the drive to join her family's company, having inherited it from her late father. There's a spine tingling level of corporate espionage layered in with the previously introduced dark action, offering a wide range of excitement that complements the romance.

The romance in Sacrifice, much like its predecessor, takes a back seat to the story due only to the unique quality of the action and not as a mark against the passion of the characters. Aiden is still grappling with the concept of love, but the hybrid of dom/sub romance mixed with the sexual needs of the two characters equals a white hot formula of sexual content. Once again, however, I feel the urge to address a particular element of their sexual relationship. It's based around our good ol' pal anal sex, rebranded anew to symbolize a new level of connection between Aiden and Avery. I struggle with the idea that anal sex is a piece of the puzzle when it comes to a sexual relationship, particularly in the dom/sub variety. We've been shown numerous times that while not wildly experienced, Avery is not an innocent prude in the bedroom. The moments are written with just the right amount of sizzle, and the exchange of power works well to the story...but maybe there's a new taboo we can use going forward to better symbolize completely giving yourself to your partner. This is probably a lecture I should be giving to Aiden, as given the writing style of the author, the actual character might be the only party that fails to grasp this idea.

Verdict: Sacrifice by Sarah Bailey keeps the needle moving in all facets of the dark romance expectations of the series. With hot romance and goosebump raising suspense the novel serves as a true bridge to the forthcoming climax. Shifting the emotions of the characters with the inevitable reactions of the readers is a move well made, as we can approach the meat of the story with a more calm disposition...ready to be blown further away by its conclusion. I'm far less appalled this time, but no less moved and still percolating with impatience as I wait for the final closing shot of the Corrupt Empire Series. I'm still all-in.

Special thanks to Sarah Bailey for providing an advance review copy to TehBen.com. All thoughts and opinions contained within this review are my own.
Profile Image for Debleena.
317 reviews140 followers
May 4, 2022
Avery are you freaking kidding me. I tolerated your ass in book 1, hoping that by the end you would grow a REAL backbone, I started this book with high hopes that you would give a tough tough time to Aiden but offcourse you are toooo love sick and horny to do that.

I excused and understood ,why Avery was soft towards Aiden in book 1 , that guy literally broke her mentally and honestly sometimes the psychological abuse does more damage than physical abuse. She was an honest to god Stockholm syndrome lover but her constant forgiving and allowing herself to get hurt by Aiden got on my nerves. I was ecstatic when she finally left his ass and got out from that toxicity only to be hugely dissapointed to find her desperately in need of Aiden's love.

Dude the guy legitly had a plan of pimping you to get on with his revenge, yeah not in exact literal terms ,but how can a guy who cares for you even suggest engagement with a creep and psychopath is beyond me.
I can overlook a lot of Aiden's transgressions, knowing that this was a dark book and the hero was a damaged broken soul but this didn't sit right with me and I expected Avery to atleast show real dislike and displeasure towards him. What is the point of escaping from his world of hurts if you are going to talk with him on phone, decide to meet him and give him another chance without even making him work for it.
Yup that too didn't sit well with me, her ease with which she decided she wanted to give him another chance angered me. From that early point I started skimming Av's pov because it was all about how the hero hurts her yet she still loves him and how horny it made her whenever she was near him she really couldn't have been any more pathetic even if she tried. Girlll loving is not everything especially at the price of you coming out as a woman with low/negligible self worth.
Aiden was genuinely remorseful and I liked him in this book. From a manipulative but empathetic captor to a doting loving boyfriend his character developed a lot.
I liked James and how amazing best friend he was. He was supportive and cared for Avery.
Profile Image for S.R. Severn.
Author 2 books14 followers
September 9, 2019
Sacrifice continues Avery and Aiden's story, throws them straight back into the events from Betrayal and proceeds to see their relationship reach the next level - an actual relationship.
It was glorious to see them together, acting as a team, seeing them bloom and find common ground. Not only do we see the real life fears that I'm sure most of us can relate to when falling in love, but we also see what those fears do to both Aiden and Avery, how it impacts their decisions and the consequences born from them.
As always their relationship can only be described as explosive and intense. There was a lot of steamy scenes between them - I expected no less from the Queen of Steam.
There were so many secrets, revelations, mysteries in this story. I loved seeing relationships build, watching Avery bounce back from all the car crashes she's been in. The whiplash was real. I adore Aiden's devotion to her. I truly felt a lot of his pain in this book. Aiden and Avery are two broken birds learning how to fly again, but fly together.
Towards the end, the story starting taking a turn and had me guessing what was next. I had no idea what was coming. The cliffhanger well and truly got me and now all I can think about is diving into the final book. I'm so nervous to see their story end, and even though I know there will be a HEA, it's the journey getting there which is always the most emotional!
Overall, I'm so impressed with this sequel, loved the suspense and the pure passion. I can't wait for their HEA!
Profile Image for Allison.
173 reviews15 followers
January 4, 2022
Aiden and Avery are one of the most infuriating couples! There’s so much passion between them that it’s constantly creating issues for this new pair. But there’s one place where their problems fade away and Aiden regains his control and Avery willingly submits….

We pick up after Avery leaves Aiden after he lets her in on his plan to take down her family. Let’s just say that Avery is less than thrilled at his idea, and after a slap to the head Aiden realizes why. But they can’t be without each other, so Avery makes some requests that Aiden is eager to fill. Aiden now has to woo Avery outside of the flat, and the bedroom.

The two become so much stronger throughout this book and Avery seriously steps up when she takes the reigns of her family’s company. They are trying to gather enough evidence to take them all down one by one. Avery is forced to learn more about her family’s awful past, and even more about Aiden’s.

At several points in this book it feels like there is so much working against them, where it almost feels impossible to come out on the other end unscathed. But Avery faces her demons in order to find anything to help their cause and they use it to their advantage. We get another cliffhanger but I wasn’t mad at this one!!! Can’t wait to see how these two destroy them all.
2,200 reviews
April 17, 2019
I have to admit that the book blurb caught my attention and i did not realize that this is book two in the series. This is not a standalone, book one needs to be read first as I have now learned that book one leaves off on a cliffhanger ending and this one picks up the story right where it left off. That being said I was patiently reading and trying to figure out what in the world I have taken on and got myself into. I may not have gotten a complete grasp of what book one may have thoroughly explained but I was completely captivated by book two in no time. I loved reading about Aiden and Avery and the challenges that both characters face throughout the book both individually and together. I will go back and read book one and I highly recommend this three book series to anyone who is interested in a love story that is no where near a smooth HEA but has a fascinating ride in an attempt to get there.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Misty Schott.
4,225 reviews35 followers
April 8, 2019
Sacrifices, there will be many!!!

First, this is book two in this series. Please be sure to read Betrayal before reading this book or you will be lost. Second, be ready for one h*ll of a wtf cliffhanger that will lead in to book three, Revenge.

This book is dark, twisted and oh so deliciously wicked and I loved it. This series is awesome so far and I am so looking forward to reading Revenge next. This book picks up right where book one left off and after all the lies, deceit and betrayals between Avery and Aiden there will be many sacrifices that must be made. Will they be able to make them and be together like they promised each other or will it all be too much? Definitely a series worth reading and I highly recommend it!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,377 reviews28 followers
April 18, 2019
WOOOHOOOOO lOVED IT. MY HEART SCREAMED ON THE LAST PAGE WITH JOY!!!!
When will this nightmare end.
When would they put a stop to the nightmares of Avery's mother and fathers past???
Would Avery and Aiden become one against the past or would it break them apart?? Could they be each other rock??
This is a outstanding second book in the series and it left me wanting more so much more but the ending of this book made my heart sing with joy.
And left me hoping the plan would go as planned
I CAN NOT wait for the third book. Brilliant outstanding fantastic addictive just a few words I would use to describe this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,263 reviews11 followers
April 4, 2019
4 1/2 Stars!!

I’ll start off with saying that I hate cliffys and this one ended in one that was filled with anticipation! I wanted to read book2 knowing that it wasn’t going to end nice and tidy, and boy I was right.
Awful but wonderful cliffy aside, this was a well written contemporary romance filled with twists, turns, and betrayal to the degree that only immense wealth can create! I loved the cat and mouse feel to it and the way the author finally has them working as a team and the suspense of their ministrations were titilating.
Can’t wait for more of Avery and Aiden!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Michelle.
144 reviews6 followers
April 14, 2019
{Deep breath}

What a wild, emotional ride! I love Ms. Bailey's first book in the Corrupt Empire series, Betrayal. Well, let me tell you, Sarah did not disappoint in Sacrifice. Once again, I had every emotion and at the end, I may have even yelled, "YES!" Such an incredibly enjoyable and intense read with a couple of sweet moments. I love Aiden and Avery a ton and I CANNOT wait to read Revenge!!!

A warning for my friends: this is a dark romance with descriptive sex scenes that may make you uneasy.
Profile Image for Sharon.
4,152 reviews31 followers
April 20, 2019
I love how this story is told from the 2 POVs of the main characters which allows for a more rounded story. This book continues from book 1 and I advise everyone to read Betrayal prior to reading this otherwise you might not understand exactly what is going on and the history of the main characters. There is a lot of drama, emotion and romance in this second installment and I am eagerly awaiting the third installment.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,305 reviews122 followers
September 2, 2019
Great way to ratchet up the tension....and heat!

Sarah,I absolutely am loving this series and can not believe it is your first venture into the dark side and I hope will not be your last! The animal attraction between Aiden and Avery persists and the heat is palpable. The storyline by nature is intense and you are quite adept at building and maintaining the tension and suspense.We are left reeling again with the WTF cliff and I am so thankfull that book 3 is at the ready! I'm off to see about that now!
Profile Image for Véronique Laplante Grenier.
1,216 reviews8 followers
April 13, 2019
Sacrifice is the second book in the Corrupt Empire and pick up right were betrayal left us. This book is as dark with a lot of twist as the first one. Aiden and Avery try to be together despited all the betrayal and lies that had occured between them. Cant wait to read the last book in this serie, Revenge. Totally recommand this great serie.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
620 reviews5 followers
April 14, 2019
This is the 2nd book of a serie of 3 and you have to read book one to understand what is happening.
I just love all the twists in the story, trying to figure out who is thr bad guy in the story and if A. and A. will end together.
It has plenty of drama, suspense, surprises and the chemestry between Avery and Ainden is just behond the charts.
Can not wait to read the last book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for K..
208 reviews1 follower
April 17, 2019
This is the second book in the Corrupt Empire series. You should definitely read book 1, Betrayal, because that one ends in a cliffhanger that leads into this one. This is the continuation of Aiden, and Avery's story that has been a very bumpy ride. This book is Dark, and Emotional, full of twist, turns, secrets, and lies. Great book, great characters, great story. This is a must read! 4.5 stars

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tammy.
9,119 reviews49 followers
April 17, 2019
This is the second book in the series and I do recommend reading them in order and note, this read does end on a cliffhanger. This is a dark read with loads of drama and suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The characters are amazing with lots of depth and steamy chemistry. I am looking forward to finding out what is in store Aiden and Avery next. I loved it!
7,813 reviews65 followers
April 20, 2019
This is the second installment and I can say WOW the lies, betrayal, drama and suspense continues in the book. Aiden and Avery continue to evolve in this installment but will they survive this before they are completely devoured in all the drama.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Deb.
7,554 reviews36 followers
April 21, 2019
Drama and suspense follows our favorite characters from the first book into this second book in the series which further explores the fight for revenge. He's not ready to let her go and she's not giving up without a fight. Secrets are further revealed and I found myself unable to put this book down. I'm so ready for book 3. I can't wait to see just what is going to happen.
32 reviews
April 17, 2019
Omg!!! These endings kill me. I've never been hooked on a book so bad in my life. I definitely cant wait until the next one

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sammie.
40 reviews
April 19, 2019
This series just keeps getting better and better. So cannot wait to see how the story progresses next.
2,365 reviews4 followers
September 30, 2019
I know I should probably start at the beginning but OH WOW what an ending !!!! 😳😳😳 this series just keeps getting better and better, talk about edge of your seat!
Straight onto book 3 😁
Profile Image for Cindi Russell.
462 reviews8 followers
October 3, 2019
Really enjoyed this second book in the series. The first one was slower to grab me, but this one jumps right in. I'm already starting the third book.
Profile Image for Kasey.
75 reviews5 followers
January 8, 2021
Stopped reading 20% through. Too unrealistic to continue reading.
Profile Image for readingromancehea.
577 reviews98 followers
January 4, 2022
Avery is slowly getting over the death of her parents. It still hurts but after everything she's found out, you can't really blame her. Being in a new relationship with Aiden and running a company is a lot to deal with but she's determined to change things. Aiden doesn't realize how relationships work. He keeps everything to himself and never let's her in. With Chuck making him do dirty jobs and keeping their relationship a secret, it's a lot for anyone to handle. Not counting what else has happened to Avery. Will Aiden find a way to open up or will she leave again?

Avery leaving gutted me. Not only did Aiden not handle it well but neither did I. The phone calls were a turning point. Chuck, Frasier and Tristan will always rub me the wrong way no matter if they apologize for anything or not.
Tina is a sweetheart. James and Gert are such good friends to Avery. Ed is a little odd and no one knows if they can trust him. Rick is a little too crazy. Poor Avery had to go through so much in such a short amount of time. The whole situation with Sophie and Cora is devastating. The last line was shocking! The same thing happened with this book that happened with the last one, I was too focused on the story that I forgot to take enough notes. This series is proving to be too good for words.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews

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