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Deadly Legends #2
Silent Obsession
Curse of Passion (A Deadly Legends Novel) by Melissa Bourbon RamirezThe ghost of la Llorona is said to haunt the riverbanks, always searching for her drowned child. She also haunts high school teacher Johanna Rios, whose own mother believed so deeply in the legend she tried to drown her daughters. And now the ghost has become real, a young woman murdered, and the safe world Jo created is falling apart.Since returning home from his last tour of duty to become a school principal, Ray Vargas has fought his attraction for his employee, the sensual woman who’d once been the girl next door. But the Llorona Killer will not stop until he claims his final victim—Johanna—and Ray will do anything to protect the woman he’s come to love. With a serial killer out to prove the curse is real, will Ray and Johanna’s future be drowned in the ghostly waters of the past? Or will the power of their love give them the strength to stop a killer...and heal their wounded hearts...?
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2010
11 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Bourbon
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***
Melissa Bourbon is the national bestselling author of more than forty novels and nonfiction writing resource books. All of her books feature strong female and family relationships, bits of history, and lots of fun.
Melissa used to teach middle school English/Language Arts, but now she teaches creative writing to adults. She founded WriterSpark Academy, an online school for aspiring and new writers seeking to hone their craft.
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***
Melissa Bourbon is the national bestselling author of more than forty novels and nonfiction writing resource books. All of her books feature strong female and family relationships, bits of history, and lots of fun.
Melissa used to teach middle school English/Language Arts, but now she teaches creative writing to adults. She founded WriterSpark Academy, an online school for aspiring and new writers seeking to hone their craft.
Find me online!
Website:
http://melissabourbon.com
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/MelissaBourb... ArcherBooks
Goodreads:
https://bit.ly/MelissaOnGoodreads
Instagram:
http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy
Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/melissabour...
Are you an aspiring writer? Learn about about WriterSpark Academy at www.writersparkacademy.com
For updates about my books and writing life, sign up for my newsletter on my website: http://melissabourbon.com
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 9, 2020
In this story, Ray Vargas (who is Vic’s brother from Silent Echos) is the local high school principal. Two of his former students are murdered in what appears to follow an old town legend and both were students of teacher Johanna Rios. Ray discovers that Johanna is being haunted by the serial killer. According to legend there are 4 victims and it’s soon discovered that Johanna is the intended 4th victim. Can Ray and Johanna figure out who is the intended 3rd victim and save both her and Johanna?
If you like romantic suspense, be sure to pick up the box set. I read this one in a day and loved it.
If you like romantic suspense, be sure to pick up the box set. I read this one in a day and loved it.
October 27, 2020
Entertaining
First time reading this author but will not be my last. The story hooked me from the beginning. I enjoyed the book and would recommend to anyone who likes romantic suspense.
First time reading this author but will not be my last. The story hooked me from the beginning. I enjoyed the book and would recommend to anyone who likes romantic suspense.
May 2, 2021
Lots of twist and keeps you engaged until the very end.
August 12, 2013
One of my favorite genres, or sub genres, of romance is suspense. There is nothing like a good romantic suspense novel to get my blood pumping in a variety of ways. I like the guessing game, the who done it aspect of it, and of course, the romance.
In this book I found a good balance of this. The story begins with the reader being introduced to Johanna Rios and over the next few chapters we learn a lot about her background, as well as her sister's. We learn about the tragic childhood events that shaped who Johanna and her sister became, as well as her unrequited crush on her boss, the school's principal, Ray Vargas. Throughout this, we also learn of the nefarious threat that is stalking our heroine. Someone is out to get her and is using former students to do it.
In addition to the main story, and in a way wrapped up right along side it, we get to see what Carmen, Johanna's sister is going through as well. She has a new boyfriend and a huge secret which she doesn't spill to anyone. I wanted to smack her a few times and tell her what an idiot she was being but I resisted the urge. :) Also, her reactions and emotions made sense given her situation so I cut her a bit of slack.
I will note that some of the clues scattered throughout the story were obvious. However this did not detract from the story. Instead it left me with a sense of trepidation about when the baddie was going to strike and just who was the next target. I do wish the story had a bit more when it came to the resolution. We found out who the killer was and everything wrong had been righted, and there was even a very short epilogue, but we didn't get any questions answered about the main couple moving forward. What was going to happen when Ray and Johanna had to go back to work? And what was the deal with their work anyways? It seemed that, after the first victim of the killer, neither went back to work. Maybe I missed it where it said the school was on break or something? And I would have loved to see Ray's mom meet Johanna. And what about Johanna finding out Carmen's secret? Perhaps there is going to be another book after this, to focus on Carmen, but the way things ended in this book, there was a lot left as unknown.
As for the technical pieces of the writing, it was very well written and I liked the author's voice. Her main character had a great balance of strength and vulnerability and I always love it when an author is not afraid to have the heroine show that. So many times writers make women these kick ass women, which is great, but we can be strong and still want the protection and strength of a man in our lives too. It doesn't diminish the woman when we have this. If anything I think it amplifies it.
All in all a solid read and I hope this author writes more romantic suspense in the future. If she does, I'll definitely look forward to reading it. It should be noted, for those who like to read books in order (I tend to be OCD about this), A Curse of Passion mentions Ray's brother, Vic, and how Vic and his girl, Delaney, just survived a bit of intensity. I looked at the author's page on Goodreads and see that Vic and Delaney's story is Sacrifice of Passion. I had no issues with not having read Sacrifice of Passion. Curse of Passion worked fine as a standalone. However, if you, like me, need to read things in order, check that one first. I haven't read it but I am absolutely going back to purchase it so I can find out more about Vic.
*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
In this book I found a good balance of this. The story begins with the reader being introduced to Johanna Rios and over the next few chapters we learn a lot about her background, as well as her sister's. We learn about the tragic childhood events that shaped who Johanna and her sister became, as well as her unrequited crush on her boss, the school's principal, Ray Vargas. Throughout this, we also learn of the nefarious threat that is stalking our heroine. Someone is out to get her and is using former students to do it.
In addition to the main story, and in a way wrapped up right along side it, we get to see what Carmen, Johanna's sister is going through as well. She has a new boyfriend and a huge secret which she doesn't spill to anyone. I wanted to smack her a few times and tell her what an idiot she was being but I resisted the urge. :) Also, her reactions and emotions made sense given her situation so I cut her a bit of slack.
I will note that some of the clues scattered throughout the story were obvious. However this did not detract from the story. Instead it left me with a sense of trepidation about when the baddie was going to strike and just who was the next target. I do wish the story had a bit more when it came to the resolution. We found out who the killer was and everything wrong had been righted, and there was even a very short epilogue, but we didn't get any questions answered about the main couple moving forward. What was going to happen when Ray and Johanna had to go back to work? And what was the deal with their work anyways? It seemed that, after the first victim of the killer, neither went back to work. Maybe I missed it where it said the school was on break or something? And I would have loved to see Ray's mom meet Johanna. And what about Johanna finding out Carmen's secret? Perhaps there is going to be another book after this, to focus on Carmen, but the way things ended in this book, there was a lot left as unknown.
As for the technical pieces of the writing, it was very well written and I liked the author's voice. Her main character had a great balance of strength and vulnerability and I always love it when an author is not afraid to have the heroine show that. So many times writers make women these kick ass women, which is great, but we can be strong and still want the protection and strength of a man in our lives too. It doesn't diminish the woman when we have this. If anything I think it amplifies it.
All in all a solid read and I hope this author writes more romantic suspense in the future. If she does, I'll definitely look forward to reading it. It should be noted, for those who like to read books in order (I tend to be OCD about this), A Curse of Passion mentions Ray's brother, Vic, and how Vic and his girl, Delaney, just survived a bit of intensity. I looked at the author's page on Goodreads and see that Vic and Delaney's story is Sacrifice of Passion. I had no issues with not having read Sacrifice of Passion. Curse of Passion worked fine as a standalone. However, if you, like me, need to read things in order, check that one first. I haven't read it but I am absolutely going back to purchase it so I can find out more about Vic.
*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
August 13, 2013
Welcome to small town San Julio, a place of secrets and dark legends.
Johanna has lived her life believing in the legend of La Llorona...that she is destined to be alone, no man will ever stay with her. Her own mother, crazed in her belief of the legend, even tried to drown a young Johanna and her sister Carmen in the river before taking her own life in it. "They all leave, Joey. Every last one of them. no man will stay with you. You're cursed." Since then, Johanna has made sure to keep herself and her sister safe. She is so sure neither of them will have a relationship that lasts, that even when she's attracted to her old friend and now her boss, principal Ray, she doesn't pursue him when he tells her he can't be involved with her. "...Ray was a man. And men left the Rios women. Always."
That is about to change though. When killings start in the name of La Llorona and Johanna is being stalked...the evidence is mounting that she will be the killer's final target. As much as Ray has fought his attraction to Johanna, he is determined to do everything he can to protect this beautiful, intelligent yet vulnerable woman. Johanna is thankful that she finally has someone to lean on, even if just for a little while. But as the killer gets closer and danger threatens, Johanna and Ray also find themselves getting closer, and Johanna finally thinks that maybe she can have a forever. Neither Johanna or Ray were looking to get involved with anyone, let alone fall in love. But when Ray looked at Johanna "He felt like he'd just found a light at the end of the tunnel he'd been slogging through for the last God knows how many years." Will they get the chance to be together, or will the killer get to Johanna first? Is La Llorona purely legendary...or is Johanna doomed?
Melissa really wowed me with Curse of Passion! I love how she's woven the legend of La Llorona so realistically into the romance and suspense of Curse of Passion. La Llorona is indeed a real legend, which makes the story even more realistic, and a little bit scary at times! Melissa gives us great background on the legend as it's told in Curse of Passion, and she weaves it well into the plot. Ray and Johanna were two people who you really hope make it and have a chance together...I really liked them both. Melissa gives us perspective from both Ray and Johanna, so we are able to get into their minds and see things how they do, which make them all the more relate-able. Even though Curse of Passion takes place over a short period of time, I really felt like the characters were able to grow and become stronger in that time.
Curse of Passion is a dark, thrilling story of legends, love, and fear. I highly recommend this!
Many thanks to Entangled Publishing for the ARC in return for an honest review.
Johanna has lived her life believing in the legend of La Llorona...that she is destined to be alone, no man will ever stay with her. Her own mother, crazed in her belief of the legend, even tried to drown a young Johanna and her sister Carmen in the river before taking her own life in it. "They all leave, Joey. Every last one of them. no man will stay with you. You're cursed." Since then, Johanna has made sure to keep herself and her sister safe. She is so sure neither of them will have a relationship that lasts, that even when she's attracted to her old friend and now her boss, principal Ray, she doesn't pursue him when he tells her he can't be involved with her. "...Ray was a man. And men left the Rios women. Always."
That is about to change though. When killings start in the name of La Llorona and Johanna is being stalked...the evidence is mounting that she will be the killer's final target. As much as Ray has fought his attraction to Johanna, he is determined to do everything he can to protect this beautiful, intelligent yet vulnerable woman. Johanna is thankful that she finally has someone to lean on, even if just for a little while. But as the killer gets closer and danger threatens, Johanna and Ray also find themselves getting closer, and Johanna finally thinks that maybe she can have a forever. Neither Johanna or Ray were looking to get involved with anyone, let alone fall in love. But when Ray looked at Johanna "He felt like he'd just found a light at the end of the tunnel he'd been slogging through for the last God knows how many years." Will they get the chance to be together, or will the killer get to Johanna first? Is La Llorona purely legendary...or is Johanna doomed?
Melissa really wowed me with Curse of Passion! I love how she's woven the legend of La Llorona so realistically into the romance and suspense of Curse of Passion. La Llorona is indeed a real legend, which makes the story even more realistic, and a little bit scary at times! Melissa gives us great background on the legend as it's told in Curse of Passion, and she weaves it well into the plot. Ray and Johanna were two people who you really hope make it and have a chance together...I really liked them both. Melissa gives us perspective from both Ray and Johanna, so we are able to get into their minds and see things how they do, which make them all the more relate-able. Even though Curse of Passion takes place over a short period of time, I really felt like the characters were able to grow and become stronger in that time.
Curse of Passion is a dark, thrilling story of legends, love, and fear. I highly recommend this!
Many thanks to Entangled Publishing for the ARC in return for an honest review.
August 19, 2013
Posted on What I'm Reading
Rating 4.5 Stars
I happen to really enjoy Melissa Bourbon Ramirez's Deadly Legend series. In the first book, Sacrifice of Passion, she took the legend of La Chupacabra and made her on little twist. Well, she has taken another hispanic legend and made her own little twist in Curse of Passion. This time we will be looking at the legend of La Llorona (The Weeping Woman).
For those who don't know the legend La Llorona, there is a young woman who believes that the only thing holding her back from a certain man is her children. So, she decides the only way to get her man would be to get rid of her children. She ends up drowning her children and man still doesn't want her. After losing her children and the man, she decides to drown herself. Plus, there are different version of the story that contain: a harlot, a virgin, a witch, and a siren.
With that said let me share my thoughts on the story:
Johanna Rios has always been haunted by the story of La Llorona, because her mother had such a strong belief in the story that she tried to drown her two daughters one night. Fortunately, Johanna and her sister, Carmen, were able to escape before their mother ended killing them both. Years later still scarred from the past strange things start to happen San Julio that make her start to truly believe in La Llorona legend. One by one there is a young woman marked as one of types of La Llorona legend and need to figure out before more girls are taken. Things start to get a bit more hairy and Johanna turns to her friend Ray Vargas.
I love how Melissa Bourbon Ramirez has taken this legend and made a fantastic thrilling read. You get a strong sense of danger as one by one girls are picked out dress like in the La Llorona story. Johanna can't seem to let go of the fear that she might end up like her mother, so by not finding love she figure she could keep no existing children safe. However, the murder takes former students and use them as bait. Definitely a sicko there.
Ray is the principal of the school Johanna works out. He has a hard keeping the fine line between Johanna and him when Johanna's life is endanger. He has had feelings for her, but always afraid to cross those boundaries between boss and co-worker. However, he realizes life is unpredictable, especially when it comes to love ones. Sometimes it all boils down to a choice.
Overall, a thrilling read. I find myself enthrall with Deadly Legends books. I can't wait to see wait legend comes up next. I think Curse of Passion is a fantastic book filled with mystery, intrigue and definitely suspense. So, if you are looking for a story with a legend and suspense, I would suggest to grab a copy of Curse of Passion.
Copy provided by publisher
Rating 4.5 Stars
I happen to really enjoy Melissa Bourbon Ramirez's Deadly Legend series. In the first book, Sacrifice of Passion, she took the legend of La Chupacabra and made her on little twist. Well, she has taken another hispanic legend and made her own little twist in Curse of Passion. This time we will be looking at the legend of La Llorona (The Weeping Woman).
For those who don't know the legend La Llorona, there is a young woman who believes that the only thing holding her back from a certain man is her children. So, she decides the only way to get her man would be to get rid of her children. She ends up drowning her children and man still doesn't want her. After losing her children and the man, she decides to drown herself. Plus, there are different version of the story that contain: a harlot, a virgin, a witch, and a siren.
With that said let me share my thoughts on the story:
Johanna Rios has always been haunted by the story of La Llorona, because her mother had such a strong belief in the story that she tried to drown her two daughters one night. Fortunately, Johanna and her sister, Carmen, were able to escape before their mother ended killing them both. Years later still scarred from the past strange things start to happen San Julio that make her start to truly believe in La Llorona legend. One by one there is a young woman marked as one of types of La Llorona legend and need to figure out before more girls are taken. Things start to get a bit more hairy and Johanna turns to her friend Ray Vargas.
I love how Melissa Bourbon Ramirez has taken this legend and made a fantastic thrilling read. You get a strong sense of danger as one by one girls are picked out dress like in the La Llorona story. Johanna can't seem to let go of the fear that she might end up like her mother, so by not finding love she figure she could keep no existing children safe. However, the murder takes former students and use them as bait. Definitely a sicko there.
Ray is the principal of the school Johanna works out. He has a hard keeping the fine line between Johanna and him when Johanna's life is endanger. He has had feelings for her, but always afraid to cross those boundaries between boss and co-worker. However, he realizes life is unpredictable, especially when it comes to love ones. Sometimes it all boils down to a choice.
Overall, a thrilling read. I find myself enthrall with Deadly Legends books. I can't wait to see wait legend comes up next. I think Curse of Passion is a fantastic book filled with mystery, intrigue and definitely suspense. So, if you are looking for a story with a legend and suspense, I would suggest to grab a copy of Curse of Passion.
Copy provided by publisher
August 13, 2013
Full review on my blog, Becky on Books.
Can I just start by saying that no high school principal I've ever seen looks like the guy on the cover of this book? Granted, given the excessive hormones flying around any place that teenagers congregate, this is probably a very good thing, but still….
Curse of Passion had a really strong start and a decent ending. Unfortunately, the middle meandered a bit from the taut narrative thread that the book began with.
From nearly the first page, I was drawn right into the story. Past family drama—check. Mystery of a murdered girl—check. Two adults who believe they must fight their attraction due to the nature of their jobs but who are finding it increasingly difficult to do so as they spend more time together—check, and check.
Somewhere just past the fifty percent mark, though, things got…murky. Too many things were going on all at the same time, and they didn't all feel completely necessary to the overall plot. A few potentially important scenes were mentioned in passing after the fact (often by a character thinking about them) instead of being shown to the reader as they happened. Other fairly complicated elements seemed to be added just to give the character an excuse to be in a certain place and time when a simpler reason could have been given instead. Jo, Ray, and Carmen spent a lot of time inside their heads, and by the end of the book much of the conflict they had going on in there still hadn't been resolved.
The whodunit wasn't obvious—I did have a guess about who might be implicated early on but wasn't entirely sure. The motivation, though, remained a mystery—and as it was further explained through the narrative, it still wasn't entirely clear...it's pretty involved and somewhat convoluted. It ended up feeling contrived, like the characters were trying too hard to justify what they had done.
Ramirez pulled everything together at the end, though, for a fairly satisfying conclusion. There are some issues left unresolved and strong hints of a future relationship, which together make the next book in the series look promising.
In a nutshell: really strong beginning, but it lost steam toward the middle when the plot became a bit messy. Still, the series has definite potential. C rating.
I was given an ARC by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Can I just start by saying that no high school principal I've ever seen looks like the guy on the cover of this book? Granted, given the excessive hormones flying around any place that teenagers congregate, this is probably a very good thing, but still….
Curse of Passion had a really strong start and a decent ending. Unfortunately, the middle meandered a bit from the taut narrative thread that the book began with.
From nearly the first page, I was drawn right into the story. Past family drama—check. Mystery of a murdered girl—check. Two adults who believe they must fight their attraction due to the nature of their jobs but who are finding it increasingly difficult to do so as they spend more time together—check, and check.
Somewhere just past the fifty percent mark, though, things got…murky. Too many things were going on all at the same time, and they didn't all feel completely necessary to the overall plot. A few potentially important scenes were mentioned in passing after the fact (often by a character thinking about them) instead of being shown to the reader as they happened. Other fairly complicated elements seemed to be added just to give the character an excuse to be in a certain place and time when a simpler reason could have been given instead. Jo, Ray, and Carmen spent a lot of time inside their heads, and by the end of the book much of the conflict they had going on in there still hadn't been resolved.
The whodunit wasn't obvious—I did have a guess about who might be implicated early on but wasn't entirely sure. The motivation, though, remained a mystery—and as it was further explained through the narrative, it still wasn't entirely clear...it's pretty involved and somewhat convoluted. It ended up feeling contrived, like the characters were trying too hard to justify what they had done.
Ramirez pulled everything together at the end, though, for a fairly satisfying conclusion. There are some issues left unresolved and strong hints of a future relationship, which together make the next book in the series look promising.
In a nutshell: really strong beginning, but it lost steam toward the middle when the plot became a bit messy. Still, the series has definite potential. C rating.
I was given an ARC by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 21, 2011
e-book, Smashwords edition
The prologue takes us deep into the primitive belief of a mother, convinced she has been cursed and must kill her two young daughters, Johanna and Carmen, to free herself from the curse of la Llorona.* The girls manage to escape when the mother "sees'' la Llorona, the crying woman, and with a look of pure fright, flounders her way into the river. She screams that the curse of la Llorona hangs over the girls, then is taken away by the river to drown. This book is a story of ancient belief, terror, and more. Curses have a life of their own. Believe or don't believe and you will probably see all is not as it seems.
Jump forward several years, and Johanna, Joey as her mother had called her, has become a teacher at the high school where young Carmen is a student.. Joey is determined not to give in to a curse, but Carmen seems to be too much like her mother. This story is suspense and terror on steroids. Someone is killing the girls of San Julio High School, students past or present, and recreating the legend of the curse of la Llorona, all four versions of it. Each victim is found floating in the river in a white dress and barefoot, raped and then drowned by an unknown assailant.
A rich suspense from Misa Ramirez , this book will keep you reading well into the night, if you dare. Every clue brings with it more terror. A full out race against time, a killer with an agenda based on a legend and Johanna knows she will be number 4. For some cryptic reason though, the killer has veered away from the legend with the third victim. What does this mean to Joey and the school principal Ray who has taken on the part of Joey's protector? If the rules have changed, how will they know how to figure out the killer's next move and next victim? The police think they have a good case to bring in a suspect, but do they really?
A well-written story, hammering away at breakneck speed to a surprising ending. Quite a bit of sexual content, not surprising considering the crimes, but most is fantasizing. A strong story, an author worth watching.
*The legend of la Llorona is very old and there are several versions throughout the Southwest of the US, as well as Mexico.
The prologue takes us deep into the primitive belief of a mother, convinced she has been cursed and must kill her two young daughters, Johanna and Carmen, to free herself from the curse of la Llorona.* The girls manage to escape when the mother "sees'' la Llorona, the crying woman, and with a look of pure fright, flounders her way into the river. She screams that the curse of la Llorona hangs over the girls, then is taken away by the river to drown. This book is a story of ancient belief, terror, and more. Curses have a life of their own. Believe or don't believe and you will probably see all is not as it seems.
Jump forward several years, and Johanna, Joey as her mother had called her, has become a teacher at the high school where young Carmen is a student.. Joey is determined not to give in to a curse, but Carmen seems to be too much like her mother. This story is suspense and terror on steroids. Someone is killing the girls of San Julio High School, students past or present, and recreating the legend of the curse of la Llorona, all four versions of it. Each victim is found floating in the river in a white dress and barefoot, raped and then drowned by an unknown assailant.
A rich suspense from Misa Ramirez , this book will keep you reading well into the night, if you dare. Every clue brings with it more terror. A full out race against time, a killer with an agenda based on a legend and Johanna knows she will be number 4. For some cryptic reason though, the killer has veered away from the legend with the third victim. What does this mean to Joey and the school principal Ray who has taken on the part of Joey's protector? If the rules have changed, how will they know how to figure out the killer's next move and next victim? The police think they have a good case to bring in a suspect, but do they really?
A well-written story, hammering away at breakneck speed to a surprising ending. Quite a bit of sexual content, not surprising considering the crimes, but most is fantasizing. A strong story, an author worth watching.
*The legend of la Llorona is very old and there are several versions throughout the Southwest of the US, as well as Mexico.
August 13, 2013
Curse of Passion by Melissa Bourbon Ramirez
Print Length: 199 pages
Publisher: Entangled: Ignite (August 12, 2013)
Sold by: Macmillan
I received this book from Entangled Publishing in exchange for a honest unbiased review!
Cover~
OMG! How I love love the colors on the cover. I am swooning over the hot man on it to! Just seeing this cover makes me want to delve in and devour the pages!
My Review~
OMG what a book!!!!! This is the first book that I have ever read by this author. I loved it! It was a thrilling ride from the start to the last page of this awesome read. This is one of my most favorite types of genre! It was dark enthralling captivating read!Once I started this book I couldn't put it down! Wonderful romance with the twist of paranormal. This book kept me guessing until the end. I love the writing style and the believable characters. I love the banter between the characters. Did I say that I adore the hot hot male? This is an awesome read that will have you believing in curses and ghost stories. I just loved the legend of La Lorona. I give this thrilling romance a 5 star review!
Amazon Book Description~
The ghost of la Llorona is said to haunt the riverbanks, always searching for her drowned child. She also haunts high school teacher Johanna Rios, whose own mother believed so deeply in the legend she tried to drown her daughters. And now the ghost has become real, a young woman murdered, and the safe world Jo created is falling apart.
Since returning home from his last tour of duty to become a school principal, Ray Vargas has fought his attraction for his employee, the sensual woman who’d once been the girl next door. But the Llorona Killer will not stop until he claims his final victim—Johanna—and Ray will do anything to protect the woman he’s come to love.
With a serial killer out to prove the curse is real, will Ray and Johanna’s future be drowned in the ghostly waters of the past? Or will the power of their love give them the strength to stop a killer...and heal their wounded hearts...?
Print Length: 199 pages
Publisher: Entangled: Ignite (August 12, 2013)
Sold by: Macmillan
I received this book from Entangled Publishing in exchange for a honest unbiased review!
Cover~
OMG! How I love love the colors on the cover. I am swooning over the hot man on it to! Just seeing this cover makes me want to delve in and devour the pages!
My Review~
OMG what a book!!!!! This is the first book that I have ever read by this author. I loved it! It was a thrilling ride from the start to the last page of this awesome read. This is one of my most favorite types of genre! It was dark enthralling captivating read!Once I started this book I couldn't put it down! Wonderful romance with the twist of paranormal. This book kept me guessing until the end. I love the writing style and the believable characters. I love the banter between the characters. Did I say that I adore the hot hot male? This is an awesome read that will have you believing in curses and ghost stories. I just loved the legend of La Lorona. I give this thrilling romance a 5 star review!
Amazon Book Description~
The ghost of la Llorona is said to haunt the riverbanks, always searching for her drowned child. She also haunts high school teacher Johanna Rios, whose own mother believed so deeply in the legend she tried to drown her daughters. And now the ghost has become real, a young woman murdered, and the safe world Jo created is falling apart.
Since returning home from his last tour of duty to become a school principal, Ray Vargas has fought his attraction for his employee, the sensual woman who’d once been the girl next door. But the Llorona Killer will not stop until he claims his final victim—Johanna—and Ray will do anything to protect the woman he’s come to love.
With a serial killer out to prove the curse is real, will Ray and Johanna’s future be drowned in the ghostly waters of the past? Or will the power of their love give them the strength to stop a killer...and heal their wounded hearts...?
August 12, 2013
Curse of Passion is a well written romantic suspense novel that centers on a string of murders that have been based on the legend of La Llorona - a 500 year old ghost story/legend about a women who has been the cause of drownings based on her heartbreak over losing her man.
Johanna Rios, a high school teacher, has experienced the effects of the La Llorona legend - her own mother was so obsessed with it that she herself became a victim of the river when she attempted to drown Johanna and her little sister Carmen in her misguided attempt to break the curse. Johanna's life has been molded by the curse, she has chosen to live her life without love rather than risk the curse's impact.
Ray Vargas, Principal at the high school, has known Johanna her whole life and has been fighting his attraction to her since his return from his tour of duty in Afghanistan and taking the job as her boss five years ago. Once the events of the murder begin to unfold, and Johanna becomes involved in the motives behind the killings, Ray begins to acknowledge his feelings for Johanna and vows to protect her.
The characters in the book are well written, with enough background and internal dialogue to understand the emotional turmoil they are facing as a result of their pasts and accept the decisions they make throughout the story as realistic. The legend adds a wonderful amount of depth to the story, creating an atmosphere of suspense and intrigue, and Melissa Bourbon Ramirez does a great job weaving the legend into the plot.
Curse of Passion has you rooting for Johanna and Ray to find their happily ever after within each other's arms and also has a great cast of supporting characters that tug the emotional strings as well.
I do wish that some of the of the loose ends would have been tied up (what happens to Johanna's sister Carmen?), but perhaps another novel is in the works.
I was given a copy of this book by Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Johanna Rios, a high school teacher, has experienced the effects of the La Llorona legend - her own mother was so obsessed with it that she herself became a victim of the river when she attempted to drown Johanna and her little sister Carmen in her misguided attempt to break the curse. Johanna's life has been molded by the curse, she has chosen to live her life without love rather than risk the curse's impact.
Ray Vargas, Principal at the high school, has known Johanna her whole life and has been fighting his attraction to her since his return from his tour of duty in Afghanistan and taking the job as her boss five years ago. Once the events of the murder begin to unfold, and Johanna becomes involved in the motives behind the killings, Ray begins to acknowledge his feelings for Johanna and vows to protect her.
The characters in the book are well written, with enough background and internal dialogue to understand the emotional turmoil they are facing as a result of their pasts and accept the decisions they make throughout the story as realistic. The legend adds a wonderful amount of depth to the story, creating an atmosphere of suspense and intrigue, and Melissa Bourbon Ramirez does a great job weaving the legend into the plot.
Curse of Passion has you rooting for Johanna and Ray to find their happily ever after within each other's arms and also has a great cast of supporting characters that tug the emotional strings as well.
I do wish that some of the of the loose ends would have been tied up (what happens to Johanna's sister Carmen?), but perhaps another novel is in the works.
I was given a copy of this book by Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
August 14, 2013
This book tells the story about Johanna’s family especially her mother who believed that their family had been cursed from their ancestors to descendants. They are bound to the legend of La Llorona, a legend based on a real woman who live 500 years ago. And because her mother believed in La Llorona ghost, when Johanna and her sister – Carmen were young their mother drowned them in the San Julio River but Johanna and Carmen survived from the tragic and her mother deciced to drown herself because she failed.
And after one years, Johanna has to face her past when Marianne Sandoval, her student has found dead, raped and drowned in the river where her death was indicated of the characteristics of a La Llorona curse. Moreover Johanna has got the box which may be from the killer and the person who know about la llorana because inside the box there is note said
“Marianne is a Una Ramera? What your mother, una bruja, una vigen or una ramera?
And Ray Vargas, the principal of school where Johanna’s teaching and at the same time is Johanna’s childhood knew that Johanna is keeping something secret as like him who own his secret. But after one by one person, die, This is the time for johanna rays to face and stop this at once, especially when the people is closest and they love have to experience this tragedy.
So who is the murder? Whether johanna guesses is correctly that the curse la llorana back in life or is there something else that they do not know?
It’s been so long I have not read romsus and now I got the ebook from Entangled Publishing to review this book and I’m so happy because I do enjoy reading this book. Especially I love reading story about legend, any legend and I also love reading about how to guess who is behind the murder and feel surprise at the end. The story is interesting too, you will not stop reading this book before you finish it and find the murder.
Happy Reading
And after one years, Johanna has to face her past when Marianne Sandoval, her student has found dead, raped and drowned in the river where her death was indicated of the characteristics of a La Llorona curse. Moreover Johanna has got the box which may be from the killer and the person who know about la llorana because inside the box there is note said
“Marianne is a Una Ramera? What your mother, una bruja, una vigen or una ramera?
And Ray Vargas, the principal of school where Johanna’s teaching and at the same time is Johanna’s childhood knew that Johanna is keeping something secret as like him who own his secret. But after one by one person, die, This is the time for johanna rays to face and stop this at once, especially when the people is closest and they love have to experience this tragedy.
So who is the murder? Whether johanna guesses is correctly that the curse la llorana back in life or is there something else that they do not know?
It’s been so long I have not read romsus and now I got the ebook from Entangled Publishing to review this book and I’m so happy because I do enjoy reading this book. Especially I love reading story about legend, any legend and I also love reading about how to guess who is behind the murder and feel surprise at the end. The story is interesting too, you will not stop reading this book before you finish it and find the murder.
Happy Reading
May 7, 2015
Reviewed by Andrea
Review originally posted on Romancing the Book
Book provided by the publisher for review
I loved this book! I could not put it down. I have never read anything by Melissa Bourbon Ramirez before and I was pleasantly surprised.
We’re introduced to some great characters. Johanna is a a teacher who has been tortured all of her life by the legend of the La Llorona and her mother’s belief in her. Believing that she is cursed and that no man will stick around, Johanna does what she can to protect herself and her sister. The problem is, she is attracted to her boss and childhood friend, Ray.
Ray is the Principle of the school Johanna teaches at. He is a vet, a single father and he is interested in Johanna. Unfortunately, he refuses to act on his attraction because he is her boss. That is, until someone in their small town starts to kill women and Johanna realizes that she has become a target. The more time then spend together, the more their attraction grows and eventually, it is too much to ignore anymore.
If I had anything “bad” to say about this book, it would be that I guessed who the Llorona killer was from the beginning. Is that bad though?? While I knew who the killer was but I had no idea what his motivation could be. So until the very end, I was still left guessing.
This book is great for people who like romance and suspense lovers. I am looking forward to reading more by Melissa Bourbon Ramirez.
Review originally posted on Romancing the Book
Book provided by the publisher for review
I loved this book! I could not put it down. I have never read anything by Melissa Bourbon Ramirez before and I was pleasantly surprised.
We’re introduced to some great characters. Johanna is a a teacher who has been tortured all of her life by the legend of the La Llorona and her mother’s belief in her. Believing that she is cursed and that no man will stick around, Johanna does what she can to protect herself and her sister. The problem is, she is attracted to her boss and childhood friend, Ray.
Ray is the Principle of the school Johanna teaches at. He is a vet, a single father and he is interested in Johanna. Unfortunately, he refuses to act on his attraction because he is her boss. That is, until someone in their small town starts to kill women and Johanna realizes that she has become a target. The more time then spend together, the more their attraction grows and eventually, it is too much to ignore anymore.
If I had anything “bad” to say about this book, it would be that I guessed who the Llorona killer was from the beginning. Is that bad though?? While I knew who the killer was but I had no idea what his motivation could be. So until the very end, I was still left guessing.
This book is great for people who like romance and suspense lovers. I am looking forward to reading more by Melissa Bourbon Ramirez.
August 19, 2013
Curse of Passion takes place in a small town in Texas. There is a legend called La Llorona, The Crying Woman. High school teacher Johanna is very curious about the legend of La Llorona, believing her family is cursed by this legend. Her mother was obsessed with the legend, believing she is real. She doesn't have much luck with men and feels she may be destined to be single.
Ray is a man she has known since childhood. He was away serving in the military and now back as the school's principal. Johanna and Ray do have a interest in one another, but with him being the principal, they aren't pursuing one another for that reason.
There's a killer in their town, killing young women. The killer also is obsessed with La Llorona and targeting women who resemble the different versions of La Llorona.
This is the first novel I've read from Melissa Bourbon Ramirez. I don't read a lot of romantic suspense novels. This novel has a lot of content to keep me interested. With Curse of Passion, I was very curious to see if I was guessing correctly. Did I guess correctly who did what or what may happen to who? Not exactly. That's how good the story is!
(ARC provided by the publisher.)
Ray is a man she has known since childhood. He was away serving in the military and now back as the school's principal. Johanna and Ray do have a interest in one another, but with him being the principal, they aren't pursuing one another for that reason.
There's a killer in their town, killing young women. The killer also is obsessed with La Llorona and targeting women who resemble the different versions of La Llorona.
This is the first novel I've read from Melissa Bourbon Ramirez. I don't read a lot of romantic suspense novels. This novel has a lot of content to keep me interested. With Curse of Passion, I was very curious to see if I was guessing correctly. Did I guess correctly who did what or what may happen to who? Not exactly. That's how good the story is!
(ARC provided by the publisher.)
August 12, 2013
Johanna Rios was just a little girl when she saved her sister from being drowned by their own mother. Johanna and her sister Carmen were the only family they had. No man ever stayed with the Rios woman. Their mother believed they were cursed by La Llorona, the crying woman. La Llorona was an old Mexican legend of a woman who drowns her children. Still haunted by this legend, Johanna finds herself stuck in the middle of a murder case and she could be the next victim.
I enjoyed this book. I loved hearing the Mexican legend of La Llorona. It was an interesting, but scary legend. The characters were true to life, co workers afraid to show feelings, father daughter relationships and friendship. Once I picked the book up it was hard to put down, the story keeps you interested and wanting to get to the truth. I like this book, especially for a fall read. A bit of a scary legend is always a fun fall read. I would highly recommend.
Rating: 4.5
Heat Rating: Mild/Hot
Reviewed By: Rae
Courtesy Of My Book Addiction And More
I enjoyed this book. I loved hearing the Mexican legend of La Llorona. It was an interesting, but scary legend. The characters were true to life, co workers afraid to show feelings, father daughter relationships and friendship. Once I picked the book up it was hard to put down, the story keeps you interested and wanting to get to the truth. I like this book, especially for a fall read. A bit of a scary legend is always a fun fall read. I would highly recommend.
Rating: 4.5
Heat Rating: Mild/Hot
Reviewed By: Rae
Courtesy Of My Book Addiction And More
August 14, 2013
Johanna Rios is trapped by traumatic childhood memories. Her mother's belief in the legend of La Llorona made her try to kill her daughters but only resulted in her own death. Johanna survived her past and is now a teacher. However, the past is not done with her. Someone in San Julio is killing woman by using the curse of the Crying Lady and wants her as their last victim. Ray Vargas, the school principal, who cares deeply for her, becomes her protector. Will they be able to stop this monster? Melissa Bourbon Ramirez has written a powerful book that is filled with heart pounding suspense. The action is non-stop and the danger grabs you and won't let go. The legend of La Llorona is true and increases the tension. The characters are passionate, resilient and very human. I couldn't stop reading. I had to know what happened. This is a perfect sequel to Sacrifice of Passion. This book is a keeper.
In exchange for an honest review I received a copy of this book.
In exchange for an honest review I received a copy of this book.
August 15, 2013
It's a nice, quick read.
I liked a lot of things about the story....
Johanna as a main character is the typical older sister, always in control and taking responsibility of everything while Carmen is the typical younger sister, which is only interested in herself and enjoying life. This sounds so cliche but it is so truth...
I liked that there is a mix with mexican culture, supersticions, even nicknames and words that are being used on daily basis (eg m'ija.... that is such a mexican endearnment! I loved to read it.. it put a smile in my face...).
I was intrigued about how would the conflict be solved, and could only imagine how horrible would it be to have someone stacking you like that.... A normal girl will totally freaked out..
Ray was ok... I did not feel he was really alpha male as in other stories...which is not a bad thing.
Overall, easy, uncomplicated read
I liked a lot of things about the story....
Johanna as a main character is the typical older sister, always in control and taking responsibility of everything while Carmen is the typical younger sister, which is only interested in herself and enjoying life. This sounds so cliche but it is so truth...
I liked that there is a mix with mexican culture, supersticions, even nicknames and words that are being used on daily basis (eg m'ija.... that is such a mexican endearnment! I loved to read it.. it put a smile in my face...).
I was intrigued about how would the conflict be solved, and could only imagine how horrible would it be to have someone stacking you like that.... A normal girl will totally freaked out..
Ray was ok... I did not feel he was really alpha male as in other stories...which is not a bad thing.
Overall, easy, uncomplicated read
August 28, 2013
so I didn't realize this was the 2nd in a series...but the great thing about this type of series is that it is definitely more of a stand alone and you don't feel like you are missing anything by not reading the first book. Anyway, I'm used to her dressmaker series so this was a nice diversion. I have to admit it took me a bit to get into it because of the type of book I'm usually used to reading by here...but not too long! I loved the book was centered around a "curse" and one woman's belief that she was not worth of a man's love. I did sort of figure out part of the ending, but not all of it so that was nice.
Good read and fits nicely in the romantic suspense category!
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Good read and fits nicely in the romantic suspense category!
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
August 12, 2013
I thought that "CURSE OF PASSION" is a very well written story .It kept me glued to the book, from beginning to end. The whole idea of the story was interesting and believable. I would look foward to reading more of her books.
August 13, 2013
The suspense in this book is fantastic. The story line kept me guessing thtough out. The love interests were strong independent characters. The supportin cast were just as interesting. If you are looking for a thriller read, this book is for you.
August 14, 2013
Full review to come! But can I just say that this was A-freaking-MAZING!
June 29, 2014
If you can get around the obvious grammar and spelling errors throughout the book. Worth a good weekend read.
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