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Checkmate #6

Sacrifice the Knight

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Sacrifices are never ideal, but to win the game, sometimes the knight must fall.

Katrina Blair is a single mom to a daredevil teen, which means she has no time for fruitless endeavours such as dating.

Why? Because men are all the same: liars, thieves, and unreliable a**holes.

Pregnant at fifteen and deserted by the father long before their son was born, Katrina learned her lessons early in life and has built an impenetrable wall that keeps the weak away.

But Eric DeWhit isn’t weak, and he’s been lingering on Katrina’s side of the diner an awful lot lately.

Eric’s former life as an undercover agent is not open for discussion, so he chooses lame jokes instead, and lets them flow as regularly as Katrina’s coffee pot. Her sneaking glances under lowered lashes assures him that she’s attracted too, but every time he asks for anything more than a burger and fries, he’s shot down with a stern “No.”

Katrina is set in her ways and insists on maintaining the strict rules that have gotten her through fifteen hard years, but she’s about to find out there’s an exception to every rule, and Eric might be hers.

348 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 3, 2019

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About the author

Emilia Finn

114 books1,616 followers
Emilia Finn is an Amazon Top 20 bestselling, Australia-based author with more than 55 books written and published to date.

She's a mom, a coffee addict, a collector of quirky coffee mugs, and before she had kids, she was a real-life full-contact fighter.

Her experience on the fight circuits helped her pen her first ever book—Finding Home—featuring a world champion MMA fighter Bobby Kincaid, and his leading lady and equal in every way, Kit Reilly. What was only supposed to be a once off experience instead turned into a career for Emilia, a thriving empire, and a daily grind she never wants to be rescued from.

Join Emilia's mailing list for exclusive material and new release alerts.

Website➜ https://www.emiliafinn.com

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5 stars
1,537 (69%)
4 stars
506 (22%)
3 stars
137 (6%)
2 stars
22 (<1%)
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8 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews
Profile Image for Britt Chaotic Creatives.
1,414 reviews94 followers
November 4, 2019
You ever read a book and you get to a point and you’re so 😱🤯😭 that you actually say “f@! you!” out loud like the author is standing there cackling at your tears? No? Just me? Whateves. Emilia Finn gutted me REPEATEDLY while reading this. Was it worth it? Heck yes! Because every ounce of the pain was minuscule in comparison to the beauty and love. Like all her books there is no shortage of romance, heat, family and sarcastic hilarity to pull you through the blows of some hard hitting emotion.
Eric is very different from the usual hero we’ve seen in this series. Definitely not the bulldozer crazy protective Alpha, he’s much more gentle and patient....definitely still 100% alpha though. Truthfully though that’s exactly what Katrina needs. The walls around her heart are bigger than a skyscraper and her world centers around her son. These two bounce between sweet to full on explosive as their attraction battles against Katrina’s stubbornness.
Then you mix in the sarcastic, foul mouthed, occasionally wise beyond his years (well, wise in the sense of that weird old dude who you have to be polite to but most of the time he makes no sense so you do a whole lot of nodding but he occasionally spouts some really good pearls of wisdom) wonder that is Mac. Occasionally stealing the show from Eric and Katrina, Mac really took this book from something that was already extraordinary into being something phenomenal.
Profile Image for kat.
202 reviews4 followers
March 14, 2026
3.75/5 stars

I honestly enjoyed the plot of this book in general but I do feel like it got a little slow in some areas - i found myself feeling like it was dragging a bit and made me a bit reluctant to sit down and listen.
I can't even begin to put myself in either of our MCs shoes at all, both of them have had a really hard time in various ways through life and I'm so glad that I was able to see them find solace and love in each other against so many odds. I also saw that theres a future book about Katrina's son so i mayyy have to lock in on that

I did have slight issues with the way some of the guys in this book speak about women... made me feel icky

I really loved the narrators! they conveyed emotions throughout this book perfectly, it really felt like they were the MCs and really were experiencing the plot of this book first hand.
There were a couple of times where lines repeated that didnt make sense (and also didnt match the book) but it wasnt too impactful so i can look past it
Profile Image for Tammy Cody.
271 reviews19 followers
November 6, 2019
Disclaimer—if you haven’t read Checkmates 1-5 there will be massive spoilers in this book based on the storyline. I highly recommend you start at the beginning. This IS a stand-alone and can be read by itself, but it’s so much better if you read the others first.

Now, on to the “good stuff”!

Another amazing book by Emilia Finn! I’ve loved Eric since Pawns in the Bishops Game and I knew there was more to his story. Katrina was every bit the bad ass single mom I knew she would be, and she keeps Eric on his toes (which I love). We get to see why Mac is going to be one of my favorite next Gens, he’s loyal, smart, and has a confidence that rivals the Rollers. He’ll be a force to be reckoned with in the future for some lucky girl’s heart.

I laughed, I cried, I wanted to scream at times...and it wouldn’t be an Emilia book without some hot, steamy, filthy scenes. These Checkmate men (and the Rollers!) know how to treat their women...in bed AND out of it. They all set the bar pretty high for real-life expectations and I wish they were real!

“I don’t need a knight in shining armor. I don’t need a hero to come in and make me wonder about more.”
169 reviews2 followers
January 19, 2020
I'm really not sure..

I'm really not sure how I feel about this one.There is parts of this books I liked but definitely parts I didn't. In the beginning i was so annoyed with Katrina she got knocked up when she was 15 and the guy skipped out on her but despite the fact her dad is amazing and her friends are married / dating good guys she thinks all men are pigs and cheaters because of that one guy. Because if this she is a bitch to Eric for like 50% if the book and then when things finally go good he freaks out and ghost on her. Now when I found out everything that happened to him and his family I understood and I really felt for him but I was still pissed at him for how he handled things. When he finally goes to apologies and get Katrina back I'm thinking she's going to be her typical stubborn self and make home work for it. Unfortunately that didn't happen and she took him back like nothing. Ughhh. I ended up making my own ending in my head and it makes me feel better about it.
Profile Image for Ashley.
287 reviews12 followers
Read
May 6, 2022
I downloaded a sample of this and was excited thinking found something I'd liked.

Then I borrowed in on KU and got to about the 15-20ish % mark and decided that I kind of hate this.

I don't like reading a heroine that I don't like.

I reallllllly didn't like Katrina. I mean, I get it. You got knocked up at 15? 16? and your baby daddy was like..


I'd be pissed too. However, I wouldn't take it out on every other man. She was straight up hostile to anyone with a penis between the ages of 25 and 45. She was so insistent that all men are like her ex that she would turn into the ice queen at any sign of kindness from them.

Then there is Eric. Who shows up at the diner every day, three meals a day, and always orders the same exact thing. First of all, its creepy. He only goes to see/watch her. He only sits in her section. And despite her radiating 'fuckoff' vibes at max levels, he still shows up. I kept wanting to ask him why didn't he take a hint? Also, how is this dude eating cheeseburgers every single day and not sick of them and also still in shape? Like, you'd think two years or cheeseburgers and fries every day you'd be a walking heart attack. Shit ain't healthy.

Also, why is he showing up day in and day out when she's an absolute bitch to him? It didn't make sense. He claims its because she's got a great 🍑 and smells like "roses and sex," but I mean, really. Superficial much. She can look fantastic in a pair of jeans and smell like whatever the fork roses and sex smells like, but if she's a raging bitch, aren't you better off keeping your distance?

Anyways, by the the 40% mark, I gave up.

I will say that although this is the first time I've read anything from Emilia Finn, and I wasn't really impressed with this story, I will more than likely try reading something else from her. I just didn't like the characters. The writing was great. Well, what I read of it was.
Profile Image for Mistress Cyanide.
125 reviews
March 22, 2026
Rating: ♡5🎧♡5⭐♡3🌶️♡
Tropes:
🩶Morally Grey MMC
💙Dangerous Protector
🩶Mafia
💙Organized Crime
Romance

🎧💜 Audrey Obeyn: I always LOVE hearing voicing a strong FMC. Katrina…she is one strong, relatable woman! I identity almost immediately to her! The hesitation in allowing someone in her life, her son’s life… I felt that to my mom core

🎧💙 Dane Anderson: This was a first for me with you. OMG! Eric broke my already fragile heart. I also identified with him as time went on. His story was so heart breaking and deep! Ugh 😩 I will definitely be looking for more from you!

📚🩶 Emilia Finn: I will have to go back and read the ones before! I stumbled upon the Checkmate series by accident! Also, first that have had from you and was definitely not disappointed! I was okay until the background story was told and then 💥 💔!
Profile Image for M..
510 reviews740 followers
February 11, 2020
"[...]but here I am, wondering if maybe she can make a little room for me. I swear I won’t take up too much space. I just need my side of her bed, a kiss in the mornings, a kiss in the evenings."


3.5 | I'm a little sad because this was one of my most anticipated stories in the series but it didn't meet all my expectations. since Meg and Marc's book i was waiting to meet Katrina and i liked what i had seen from Eric in this series so far, but there were things that really annoyed me and also the not so small detail that someone else stole the show, Mac.
Profile Image for Sandra R.
3,410 reviews48 followers
June 6, 2021
A really excellent romance with so much drama and lots of beautifully written steamy scenes after a slow burn relationship with good character development. I advise you to read the Checkmate series from book one to understand the background of all the side characters, but you could read this as a stand alone re the story if you wanted to; but I guarantee, it would spoil books one to five if you do. It has a fabulous ending. Also if you have never read anything this author has written, then I would say start from the very beginning of her back list, then build up to this series.
Profile Image for Debbie.
303 reviews8 followers
February 3, 2020
This was just an ok read for me...it really didn't connect to the others in the series and at times was just boring for me. There were heartbreaks and tense moments that allowed me to give it a 3 star, but overall I was not impressed enough for a higher rating. Still would reccomend though...it wasn't terrible by all means.
Profile Image for Janice Dudley.
521 reviews66 followers
June 17, 2025
loved this story. quite heart wrenching. onto book 7
11 reviews
November 12, 2019
Good book

Thank you Emilia Finn for another good book in your checkmate stories. I love The fight Katrina has in her and her love for Mac. Waiting for the #7 to come out!!!
67 reviews
February 5, 2023
2.5 🌟
Unfortunately (and this kills me to say) this was my least favourite so far in Checkmate but of Emilia's to date. I must be in the minority though, because other ratings do NOT reflect mine.

It was such a slow start, at 50% it was finally moving at the pace I was expecting. I couldn't wait for Eric and Katrina's story but Eric didn't really live up to the hype I had built for him, and I felt Katrina was unnecessarily harsh and angsty towards him.
Eric's enemies coming back to threaten him turned out to be no direct contact Katrina and Mac. I just expected there would be a real fighting hero moment for Eric that didn't deliver. I guess I expected Eric to "save" the family he couldn't in his past - so then I thought it was building for Zeke to be linked in with Eric's enemies or become more threatening in where Eric would be a hero but that didn't happen.
There was talk of marriage and growing their family in the future throughout the book but we don't hear more about that.
I wanted to know what happened to Eric's old house - was it sold? They move in to a house but I thought Eric would have brought Katrina back there to share more of his life with her or support him go back to go through things if he hadn't been back in years.
The book could've ended before Mac's fight and it could've still had it's HEA without the last 2 chapters - Zeke sacrificing his body to save Mac ,although was honourable, was uncharacteristic of him and seemed too unbelievable as he never had redeeming qualities. The act left his other children, including his unborn child, without their father who would've also been affected by his absence and a sad story for them (maybe readers were better off not knowing he had other kids if this was the ending).

If nothing else, I was actually so happy to read more of Mac's life and I'm excited to get to his story next series - he is one of my favourite characters now we know him more!
I love that we got a lot of Jess and Kane love in the book too (it was these two who made me fall in love with Emilia after all!) and hoping I get more Eric and Katrina's HEA continuing to unfold before this series ends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Christina.
191 reviews15 followers
March 31, 2026
Dual Narration - Dane and Audrey are a great duo throughout this entire series!

Eric is working with the Bishops at Checkmate and spends his free time taking up a booth at the local diner to look at Katrina, his favorite waitress. Katrina is a single mother to a teenage son, Mac; and has no time for men, dating, relationships, etc keeping a strong rule that her son is none the wiser to any men in her life.

Eric was a great MMC - strong alpha character but golden retriever at the same time. He's fearlessly loyal to his family and will do anything to protect them. Having gone into the diner for the last two years, Katrina and her son Mac are officially part of that family. His backstory was so much more heartbreaking than I was expecting - Dane did an outstanding job showing Eric's emotions later in the book when we get the full picture. My biggest question here - someone please tell me how this man didn't get tired of burgers and fries?? 3 meals a day for 2 years and it doesn't make you sick at this point?

While Katrina was a pretty strong FMC when it came to her family, she drove me a bit nuts when it came to Eric. Like I get that your baby daddy found out about Mac and dipped faster than Usain Bolt but that doesn't mean every single man in your accepted age range is the same. I mean come on, Zeke was accosting you at your workplace and Eric immediately came to your rescue but that just makes you more mad? You're constantly complaining how hard life is, that you never have a moment to yourself, are barely making it, etc and now there's a man who is CLEARLY interested that could help you with ALL of that but NOOOOO. One night stands in the dark only. No negotiations. I'm sorry.... what? Although I hated the situation behind it that was the ONE thing I did kinda like at the same time - it's always the MMC demanding the one night stands or the "no emotions" so it was nice to see it coming from the FMC instead.

I also really loved Mac in this story - I normally avoid single mother tropes at all costs but just had to know how the series continued. He was a great character and I found myself looking forward to the scenes with him because you really had no idea what he would do or say. I loved seeing that he was a lot like Eric - fiercely loyal to his mom and didn't fall for Zeke's crap at any point.

And THAT ENDING? Another audio that had me stopping in my tracks to listen to what happened because there's NO WAY Emilia would do us dirty like that?? Those last few chapters hit me right in the gut but I was so glad we get an HEA with more to follow.
Profile Image for Jaelene.
77 reviews
March 20, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (honestly… more) & 🌶🌶🌶/5

The 6th book in the Checkmate series and… yeah. I’m emotionally wrecked. This one hit close to home in a way I really wasn’t expecting. (Yes I know that I need to check triggers, but I live life on the side of no regrets, and I could never regret reading Emilia.) As someone who’s lived the single-parent life with a violent ex, this story didn’t just hurt, it lingered. It felt real, raw, and at times almost too familiar. And yet, somehow, Emilia Finn still makes every single tear worth it.

Katrina? Absolutely incredible. Her strength, her resilience, the way she holds everything together for her son… I am in awe of her. And her son? Just as strong as his mom, true proof of the kind of parent she is, even in the middle of chaos. I also loved getting her son, Mac’s, POV.. it really added such a great extra layer to the story. Seeing things from his side made everything hit deeper, and I loved having that balance alongside all the emotional weight. This series continues to absolutely wreck me.. in the way only the best stories can.

Spice is a solid 🌶🌶🌶 (would I take more? always.) but if you know any of Emilia’s other Checkmate series books, you already know the emotional devastation is the main event.

As always, Dane Anderson and Audrey Obeyn have captured my love with their immediate and perfect ability to make each of the several characters have their own voice, their own attitudes, and their own perfection to allow the reader to know when people are switching who is speaking without causing confusion or ruining the story. Their audio production is flawless, and I really would listen to almost any book where they are voicing.

If you’re a parent of any kind, please check the triggers before diving in.

Thank you so much to Emilia Finn and NetGalley for giving me the honor of this ALC!
Profile Image for J M L.
400 reviews4 followers
April 26, 2022
3.5 🌟

I didnt hate this book but it was a little slower than I personally like and it wasn't at all what I expected after reading the other books in this series. It didn't have the exciting storyline that the other books in this series have and the main characters lacked that all consuming chemistry and heat. It was more of a sweet love story of a family coming together than it was the exciting tale of vigilante justice the other books have been.
In fairness though, the book before this one was one of my favorite books by Emilia Finn thus far so it was a pretty hard act to follow.
Eric was sweet, and his back story was sad and touching, but he just lacked that strong, protective alpha quality that the other heros of this series possess. Katrina was a strong single Mom but unlike Tina or Lindsi there was nothing about Katrina's personality that really made her standout.
Mac was definitely my favorite character of this book and his role in this story is what kept me reading. I hope we get lots more of Macallister Blair in future books. Again, I didnt hate this one. I just didn't devour it like I did all the other books in the series.
Note: This book can be read as a standalone BUT Emilia Finn does an amazing job of developing her characters throughout her stories and then they continue to be included in each book. I highly suggest getting to know them by starting with the Rollin On series and reading the books in order or at the very least start with book 1 of this series.
Profile Image for Kate G.
49 reviews2 followers
August 29, 2020
Eric's story was a great continuation of this series. While creating (an albeit rough) start for Eric to get Katrina to open up and let him in, we are also rewarded with scenes of our favorites before.
Sophia and Jess in a standoff over a snickers with a nerf gun is everything I never knew I needed. I was so giddy reading the entire scene! I think we all can agree that we need a book for Dolly- can you imagine her getting a man and all of the guys stepping up to test that he's good enough!?! Sign me up!
Now back to Eric and Kat, Kat's son Mac jumps right on board for them to get together which is a complete 180 of what we've seen in previous books with a single mother. Eric and Kat have both had tragic and unfair lives that have led them to where they are. Watching them struggle to get on the same page was actually humbling a little. Mac is a highlight of this book for me; he's selfless, witty and outright hilarious. He's an old soul while dealing with his dad and "pimping out his mom" and exactly what I would hope my son would be like.
Its such a great book and then when everyone is finally happy, we're struck with a huge blow. You couldn't have ever predicted this ending.
Emilia is keeping us on our toes right until the very end and making me cry ugly tears in my work bathroom.


Can I please conclude this review on a happier note... with the knowledge that the power Sophia has with a computer truly scares me.... truly. (Whispers: I told you she was a badass!)
Profile Image for InkedSirenXO.
197 reviews17 followers
March 11, 2026
This audiobook completely pulled me into its world from the very first chapter. Sacrifice the Knight delivers intense emotion, high stakes, and characters that feel layered and real. Listening to this story unfold made every moment hit harder. The tension, the loyalty, the sacrifice. It all felt amplified through the narration.

The narrators brought so much life to the characters that I felt like I was right there with them through every difficult choice and emotional moment. The MMC carries that protective, complex energy that makes you root for him even when things get messy. The FMC is strong, determined, and refuses to be sidelined. Their dynamic builds with so much tension and heart that it keeps you hooked.

The pacing works really well in audio form too. The story flows smoothly and the emotional scenes land with real impact when performed out loud. I found myself making excuses to keep listening because I just needed to know what would happen next.

If you love romance with emotional depth, complicated choices, and characters willing to risk everything for the people they love, this audiobook is absolutely worth the listen.

🎧 Perfect for readers who love:
• Emotional romance
• Protective MMC energy
• High stakes and sacrifice
• Narration that pulls you into the story

This was one of those audiobooks where the hours disappear before you even realize it. Definitely a binge-worthy listen. 📚✨
581 reviews
July 24, 2020
This is book six of the Checkmate Series, which is a spinoff of the Survivor Series that is a spinoff of the Rollin On series all by the same author Emilia Finn. Sacrifice The Knight is a great book that makes you laugh out loud, makes you cry, and makes you cheer for the couple to make it through all the tough times, then when you think it the perfect ending something comes out of left field, hits you right in the feels and makes you change your mind about someone. You have to read them in order. Please just start with the Checkmate Series if you cannot go all the way back to the beginning of the Survivor Series. No need to go all the way back to the Rollin On series, but PLEASE make sure that you start with the Checkmate beginning.

The Katrina Blair and Eric DeWhit story, the single mom and the workaholic story, the man-hater and fun guy story are all wonderful stories, all will make you scream, cry, laugh, and love them so very much. This book is straight-up about two people who have had to overcome a lot to get where they are in life and they are just not ready for this story but it happens anyway.

The character development was really good and well thought out, it built on the knowledge that the reader had from previous books.

This book has a HEA and it does not have a cliffhanger.

Profile Image for T. Leigh.
Author 8 books38 followers
June 13, 2023
I already really liked Eric in the first few Checkmate books with how he interacted with the Bishops and their women, but the Eric we learn about and come to know in this book - I love him! Eric has survived the unthinkable and struggles to move on, but something about the waitress has grabbed his attention.

Katrina Blair is a fighter. She is a single mom to a teenager struggling to make ends meet and juggle it all with an absent and toxic ex. Every day without fail that man in plaid sits in her section. He slowly wears her down and she agrees to a date. Their chemistry is explosive and finally they start lowering their walls for each other. Not only is Eric great with Katrina, he really steps up with Mac.

Everything seems to be going well but then Eric’s past comes to haunt him. Will they make it through this next set of obstacles and come out stronger or will Eric’s enemies destroy his life a second time. While different than the other books in the Checkmate series, this book is just as powerful and fantastically written. Buckle up for a beautifully tragic second chance romance for these characters as they fight hard for each other and their happily ever afters.
Profile Image for Christie Wilcox.
846 reviews29 followers
March 17, 2026
Sacrifice the Knight by Emilia Finn
MMC: Eric DeWhit-38 narrated by Dane Anderson
FMC: Katrina Blair -30 narrated by

Audiobook review:
Disclaimer—if you haven’t read Checkmates 1-5 there will be massive spoilers in this book based on the storyline. I highly recommend you start at the beginning. This IS a stand-alone and can be read by itself, but it’s so much better if you read the others first. (I have NOT read any of the other books nor have I listened to them) (I’ll have to go back and re-listen to them)

Katrina is a single mom to a rebel teenage boy. Eric also has his own demons. You get more of his back story and understand him a little more. Mac is the character of this story!! He seriously made this story… if it wasn’t for him — i dont think I woulda liked it as much. I honestly could NOT stand Katrina. She was such a b***h! Like it was terrible. She was against ALL men and took it out on Eric. (That was terrible). I couldn’t take it. It was awful 😢
The narration is phenomenal and I absolutely love Dane Anderson and what he narrates.
Narration is 5 ⭐️.
The overall story is 2-2.5 ⭐️
Profile Image for Catarina Águas.
2,444 reviews210 followers
August 13, 2021
I wanted to like this book more but I just can't. I didn't like Katrina at all. Her character was so stubborn, proud, self righteous, full of herself, etc. She was always playing the victim card, I was so full of it. Like I understand that her baby daddy was never around so she protect herself which is understandable but she had ONE bad experience and for the rest of her life all man are liars and cheats and etc. How is thaf fair? She never made any effort to be with Eric, like none. The inly that is his fault and I was mad at him too was ghosting her without saying anything but the rest? She could had made a much better effort but she didn't care. He loved so much that he was trying to protect and even after he told her about Gemma and Callie she didn't stay and tried to understand his side. She was so annoying. God, Eric deserved more especially after what he went through.
I was so disappointed with this book, I had high hopes just like in the rest of the series and they were met but in this one, no, so mad at Katrina. I hope Spence's is a much better one
Profile Image for Ann-Maree.
1,176 reviews10 followers
April 3, 2026
Sacrifice the Knight
by Emilia Finn
Narrators Dane Anderson and Audrey Obeyn

Rules were made to be broken, right? ☕️ Katrina Blair has spent fifteen years living by a strict set of rules to protect her son. Then Eric DeWhit walks into her diner. 🍔

He’s persistent, he’s charmingly annoying, and he’s about to prove that he’s the only exception she ever needed. Currently obsessed with this 'Knight' falling for his queen. ♟️👑"

There is nothing like a dual-narrated audiobook to bring a story to life. 🎧 Dane Anderson and Audrey Obeyn are absolutely killing it as Eric and Katrina.

If you love a hero who uses 'lame jokes' to hide a dark past and a heroine with walls high enough to challenge an ex-undercover agent, this one is for you. ♟️💔

If you love a hero who is as protective as he is persistent, you NEED to meet Eric DeWhit. ♟️💔
Seeing him navigate Katrina’s world—especially with her son, Matt—is everything I wanted and more.
Profile Image for Nicole.
119 reviews1 follower
April 18, 2026
This was my first Emilia Finn book. I’ll definitely be reading more!

Sacrifice the Knight was emotional, had spice, trauma/healing, yearning, humor, etc. It checked all the boxes you could want in a story. The ending had my jaw on the floor! While I did find this to be a bit long, I still enjoyed the journey.

The story is about Katrina Blair and Eric DeWhit. Katrina is a waitress and a single mother of a teenager (Mac). She had him young and works tirelessly to support them. Eric sits in her section of the diner every day without fail. His backstory is traumatic. Mac is protective of his mom and his humor was really good.

I enjoyed the audiobook. Dane Anderson and Audrey Obeyn performed the narration well.

My favorite lines from the story were,
“Despite the heartbeat in my pants.” 😂
“Did they fall into a barrel of acid eyes first?” 😂

Thank you Brilliance Publishing & NetGalley for this Audio ARC!
Profile Image for christyheartsbooks.
1,147 reviews32 followers
November 6, 2019
There are not too many authors that are one-clicks for me, but Emilia Finn is definitely one of the select few. I have devoured and loved every single book she has written. Even the sad ones that made me cry the whole time. Sacrifice the Knight was no exception. Sacrifice the Knight had it all. I was laughing hysterically, crying my eyes out, wanting to throat punch the H, wanting to desperately give the h and her son a giant hug and sitting on the edge of my seat with the suspense. Before the release of this book I was indifferent to Eric, but I wasn’t going to pass up an Emilia book. After reading this book I have a whole new respect and love for Eric. Kane is still my #1, but Eric has a heart of gold and I am so thankful that we got his story. Keep the words coming Emilia. Please and Thank You.
Profile Image for Gina Marie.
1,783 reviews9 followers
January 24, 2021
Great book

I know this was Eric and Katrina’s book, but for me Mac stole the show. I had a bit of a hard time believing that Katrina with all the people around her that love and care about her and Mac, never did anything but work for 14 years. Seriously, her dad or the people at the diner never helped get her a night off? Meg? Lindsi? Oz? Even when Mac broke his leg a few books back it seemed like Katrina was on friendly terms with the other adults. So why wasn’t she as a single mom pulled into the group? Plus her hatred towards all men being bad just didn’t sit good with me , especially when she had so many men stepping in a being a great influence for Mac. So, yeah Katrina annoyed me a bit, but I loved Eric’s character, and completely fell in love with her 14 year old son Mac.
Profile Image for Tiffany.
183 reviews1 follower
April 1, 2026
Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

I genuinely really liked this book. It dives into the reality of being a single parent and a patten navigating loss, and it doesn’t pretend that moving forward or letting someone new in is simple.

What stood out most is how it shows you can truly care about someone and still be haunted by your past. Healing isn’t linear, and this story doesn’t try to fake it. Both characters have to face their own baggage, and watching them work through that especially as parts of the past resurface through her son almost losing his life added a deeper emotional weight.

This wasn’t always an easy read. The subject matter is heavy, and there were moments that hit hard. But that’s also what made it feel real and meaningful.

By the end, I genuinely enjoyed the story. It’s a tough one but a good one. The series an author continually seemed to impress me more with every single book.
725 reviews
December 9, 2019
Amazing!!!

Didn’t want it to end! It is rare to find an author who can weave so many books that connect together but are standalone and continue to be fabulous with each new book. I truly feel like the characters are old friends, and when each new book comes out and you get a glimpse of past characters and can keep their lives alive and going in your mind, that is true talent. Grab this book and ALL the ones before it and prepare to be sleep deprived. They will knock your socks off. I love that she writes this male character so human and vulnerable. He’s awkward and charming and scared to face his fierce heroine because she is so strong outside, but needing him on the inside. They are a great match!
Profile Image for Krista.
38 reviews3 followers
March 14, 2026
Overall it was an okay read for me.

The premise had potential, but the plot felt a bit middle-of-the-road and didn’t fully pull me in the way I hoped it would. There were moments that worked well, but as a whole the story just didn’t quite click for me.

One thing I struggled with was the title - I kept waiting for the meaning behind Sacrifice the Knight to really come through in the story, but it never fully made sense to me.

While the narration was solid overall, the male narrator’s voice didn’t quite work for me, especially during the more emotional scenes. Those moments felt a little distracting rather than immersive.

That said, the writing itself was easy to follow and I can see this working better for readers who connect more with the characters or storyline than I did.
31 reviews
November 5, 2019
Tissue Warning!

I'll start out by saying that I know there was a lot of hype for book #5 with good reason being we didn't know the hero etc

And while I enjoyed #5, I'm going to stick my claim on Eric. Like, holy emotions alert. I needed tissues. I always felt that Eric had a story that needed to be told. That his quiet, yet quick smile for the girls always hid something ... And holy sh!t was I right.

I'm not going to spoil the book, but I will say that I'm happy that Katrina is this book's heroine. She has the sassiness, the spunk and the no bullsh!tting attitude that Eric needed.

I loved this book, I love them together, just bring tissues for an emotional ride.
Profile Image for Bev Dross.
50 reviews
November 7, 2019
She did it again!

I love love love this book! I have read every one of Emilia Finns books and have loved them all but this one is amazing. I am an avid reader and have read so many series books that with each one they just loose a little until they just are stale and lifeless. That is not true of these books or any of Emilias books, they get better with each one and anything but stale!
This book is an emotional rollercoaster of love, laughter, anguish and tears. Once again she leaves me breathless and in love with every character. Definitely recommend this and all of Emilia Finn books
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