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Aztec Gold

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Six months ago, Cynthia Guerrera's lover and fellow archaeologist Rafael Santiago trekked into the Mexican jungle in search of one of the fabled Cities of Gold—and never emerged. Guilty over their parting, Cynthia won't rest until she knows what happened. When the discovery of a conquistador's journal corroborates Rafe's intended path, Cynthia is determined to finally leave the safety of the museum to rescue him, despite the conquistador's dire warnings, and her own traumatic past. Arriving at a remote village deep in the jungle, Cynthia is both elated and angered to find Rafe alive. But he is far from well, having watched his team be decimated by a bloodthirsty demon-goddess. When Rafe reveals he has been gifted with supernatural powers—powers he plans to use to kill the beast and save his brother, still held captive in the temple—Cynthia must face her own inner demons to fight alongside the man she loves. 35,500 words

110 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2011

2 people are currently reading
101 people want to read

About the author

Caridad Piñeiro

193 books1,135 followers
Caridad Pineiro is a transplanted Long Island girl who has fallen in love with the Jersey Shore. When Caridad isn’t taking long strolls along the boardwalk, she’s also a NY Times and USA Today bestselling author with over a million romance novels sold worldwide. Caridad is passionate about writing and helping others explore and develop their skills as writers. She is a founding member of the Liberty States Fiction Writers and has presented workshops at the RT Book Club Convention, Romance Writers of America National Conference as well as various writing organizations throughout the country. You can connect with Caridad at www.caridad.com. You can also find Caridad on:

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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Madison Warner Fairbanks.
3,580 reviews506 followers
January 4, 2026
Aztec Gold by Caridad Pineiro
Paranormal Romantic suspense erotica novella.
When Rafael Santiago went into the Mexican jungle in search of the fabled Cities of Gold, Cynthia Guerrera wasn't able to go. Feeling guilty that he’s now missing, she goes searching despite dire warnings. She’s able to find Rafael, but his group is disappearing one by one by a bloodthirsty demon goddess. They come up with a plan to try to destroy the beast but it’s dangerous and odds are not good it will not succeed.

Who knows what hides in the jungles. Gripping story of sacrifice, honor, danger, and love. Plenty of streamy passion and surprises in remote jungle.
Profile Image for Laurie Garrison .
728 reviews174 followers
January 3, 2011
Aztec gold is a thrilling archaeologist adventure. I loved the vivid detail the author brings to this story, it felt like I could be there. I would love to see this in the movies. I found this book to be a page turner with archaeologist adventure, danger, lots of blood, romance and supernatural powers.

I loved the romance between Rafe and Cynthia. They are already lovers and after the disappearance of Rafe, Cynthia goes to the Mexican jungle to see if he is still alive. There she finds not only a psycho demon-goddess, but a few more surprises along the way. The sex is hot, but be prepared there is more storyline than sex. I recommend this to all paranormal romance readers, especially if you like a hot archaeologist.

There is a place at the end where you’ll find a take off for another book. I hope to be able to read it one day.
492 reviews8 followers
Read
October 1, 2023
this was pretty standard love story, but enjoyable. I was hoping for more Indiana Jones, the setup was so focused on the archeology and i knew there was a supernatural element to it, so i was ready. but there were no puzzles, no running, no dubios artifacts. They did have a couple of epic battles but by the time they appeared my intrest was waning. But if you are looking for a decent love story, then here you go. I guess i feel a little diappointed by my preconcieved notions.
Profile Image for Caridad Piñeiro.
Author 193 books1,135 followers
May 12, 2011
From the Author - Sharing some reviews:

Bitten by Paranormal Romance: “Aztec Gold is a thrilling archaeologist adventure. I loved the vivid detail the author brings to this story, it felt like I could be there. I would love to see this in the movies. I found this book to be a page turner with archaeologist adventure, danger, lots of blood, romance and supernatural powers.”

Book Goggles: “Sometimes you get those stories that really work well in novella format, despite the large amount of detail & plot that’s held within it. This book is one of those tales….”

Fresh Fiction: “Author Caridad Pineiro has created a jungle fantasy and a story that I could not turn away from. Leaving all traces of civilization behind and foraging the jungles of Mexico, I found myself trudging through the trenches right beside the team. Wonderfully written, AZTEC GOLD Gold is sure to bring the adventure to life!”

Night Owl Romance: “Aztec Gold is a fantastic adventure into the unknown…Caridad Pineiro has written a page turner that is well worth picking up. Enjoy!”

Over a Cuppa Tea: “Love Indiana Jones? Couldn’t get enough of Indie and wish that there’s more stories like Indiana Jones? Then you will absolutely adore Aztec Gold by Caridad Pineiro. Initially, I thought that the story wouldn’t be good. (This is the case of judging a book by it’s cover again) But if found myself enjoying this fast paced fiction very much that I could barely put it down. I love the way the author plots the adventure and the mystery for the characters inside the book and I felt like screaming in sheer excitement as the story began to throw me into the world of Aztec Gold. I love this book, and would recommend this to everyone who loves fantasy and fast paced stories. I rate this book 4 stars.”

Books for Life Blogspot: “Just think Indiana Jones with powers, and all the weird things that happened in those movies, plus smexing. A fun short read.”
Profile Image for Grammy 1.
805 reviews18 followers
June 29, 2011
I must admit, with my right hand raised… I am a huge fan of Caridad Pineiro’s writing, Aztec Gold being no exception! This is a thrilling adventure, not only for the history, but her detail to description was exceptional. You feel the jungle heat, the oppressive rain all around you, while you are turning the pages furiously to find out what happens next.



Cynthia, our heroine, works as a historian/archeologist for a famous museum. Since she was a child she has been on many expeditions. On the last one, her parents were killed, as she was hidden by them. She has grown up very happy, not wanting to ever go through that danger again. Enter Rafe, the tall bronze historian who has the chance, with monies donated from the museum, to go to the jungles of Mexico and hunt for a lost city of gold.



Their last night together, Cyn sends him out, angry that his first thought is fortune and not her. He is angry that she is wrapped up in a cocoon never to live. Frustrated, they part, and Rafe is lost with his men in the jungle. The authorities have not come up with any answers to what has happened to him and the men in his group. After months of the agony of missing Rafe, Cyn asks the head of the museum to send a group with the new information they have, to search for the lost team. Cyn now has to fight her fears and asks to be part of the team.



This novella is jam packed with such great world building, much Spanish history, a great amount of the supernatural, and a chemistry of two lovers, which the author successfully accomplished in such a short time. Ms. Pineiro has also left us with the thought, that just maybe there might be a sequel. We can only hope!





Review by Gloria Lakritz

Senior Reviewer and Review Chair for the Paranormal Romance Guild


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Profile Image for Kayanna Kirby.
Author 3 books11 followers
January 29, 2011
Ms. Piniero, is a good writer.
I enjoyed the mythology in Aztec Gold. Goddesses and native cultures, mixing with romance and adventure is a staple in this story. I love to read treks to find a love one. It's putting someone in an unknown situation and watching what they encounter and what happens to them . It can be exciting and can change the life of all those experiencing it. This is the basis of Aztec Gold. The descriptions and interactions with their guide and people they meet along the way added to the story really well.

However, this story did not connect with me on an emotional level. The characters felt distant to me. I understood their plight and their reasoning, but it did not move me to root for them. The story was slow for me until they reached the temple. I loved the mythology of the greedy goddess.

The main issue was the book was so well written I didn't feel emotionally attached. It feels like Ms. Piniero knows how to technically write well. Grammar is on point, sentences are to the point without wasting words, and the language was intelligent. What was lost in all the technically good writing was the fire, or flavor (I don't know what other word to use) of the story.

The ending made it seem like we could see Rafe and Cynthia again on another adventure that seems promising. I would read Ms. Piniero again because the base of the story is really good.

However, if you want to read a story with great mythology give this a try
Profile Image for Mickey Flagg.
29 reviews6 followers
July 24, 2023
This is a fast-paced action romance full of intrigue and adventure. Cyn and Rafe are clearly defined characters who face the obstacles placed between them with courage and determination. The touch of mystical in Aztec Gold had me wondering just how much Rafe had changed and whether or not that change would keep them apart. At the heart of the story is their love for each other when facing a terrifying demon. They are truly stronger together in the final showdown. And the HEA is very satisfying.
Profile Image for ButtonsMom2003.
3,910 reviews32 followers
July 7, 2024
Audiobook Review:
Overall – 5
Performance – 4
Story – 5

Very good!

I thoroughly enjoyed this Indiana Jones type story. Lots of intrigue and danger. The ending was great and makes me wonder if these two will be having any more adventures together. The narrator was okay but some of the pacing was a bit off but I still enjoyed listening to this audiobook.
4,417 reviews42 followers
June 3, 2023
Where is Rafe and what happened??? Transformation is really exhausting, isn't it??? Thank you Caridad for taking us on such a great adventure. Off to the Fountain of Youth??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
Profile Image for Habrewer.
439 reviews6 followers
July 9, 2011
Aztec Gold by Caridad Pineiro
* I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Cynthia has been through a lot in her life. As a young child, she witnessed her parents being murdered and couldn’t do anything about it. She has grown up into a cautious woman that works in a museum and lives vicariously through the others.

Rafe has a map that is supposed to lead him to the Aztec City of Gold but he and his team disappear without a trace. He depends on Cynthia to keep him grounded, he just doesn’t realize how much until he can’t see or touch her anymore.

I loved this story, it was action packed and combined Aztec history and legends with modern day times. Eztli Etalpalli was a scary demon that liked to play with her victims before she killed them. The description of her body was excellent; you could actually see her standing there before you. The addition of the hieroglyphics was a nice touch; they added credibility to the temple.

Cynthia has to look deep inside her to decide what’s really holding her back and keeping her off the exploration teams. She has to forgive herself for her parent’s death. She feels guilty because she survived and they didn’t. She needs to find Rafe and make things right with him too, if she’s not too late.

I liked Rafe’s character but felt like he could’ve participated more in the death of Eztli Etalpalli since he is supposed to have the power of nahual inside of him. Don’t get me wrong, he is very hot and is making the best out of a bad situation. He could’ve just given up or ran away after his team was attacked but he has remained there to learn more about his powers.

Rafe and Cyn are very hot together and their love scenes are smoking. They have a connection are better together than alone but they have a lot to work through before they can be together.

The secondary characters are limited but each one plays an important part in the outcome of the story. The author does a fantastic job with supplying the reader enough information that you can see the think dense foliage in the jungle that they are trekking through or the temple with the hieroglyphics.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it for anyone that loves Aztec history mixed in with a hot sexy love story. I give Aztec Gold 4 Flaming Hearts.
Profile Image for #ReadAllTheBooks.
1,219 reviews93 followers
January 1, 2011
Sometimes you get those stories that really work well in novella format, despite the large amount of detail & plot that's held within it. This book is one of those tales.

One of the best things about this story was the detail that Piñeiro put into it. She really put in her fair share of research when it came to both the location as well as the mythology in this tale. It's lovingly poured over & the history of the demon-goddess is incredibly well done. Also something to crow about are the love scenes between Cynthia & Rafe. With the story being so short & the two of them being apart for a good chunk of the first half, it's very important to try to show their chemistry, which I believe that the author did.

Some readers, however, might feel that the story is a bit slow to start off. My advice is to keep going- the story really begins to shine once Cynthia leaves to find Rafe. I will admit that I wish there had been a little more detail as far as Rafe's powers go (maybe a bit more about him gaining them), but the length of this story really does work well. Any more & it would lose the edge that it has.

The book has a definite conclusion, but there's enough here for a sequel & I'll admit, I'm curious about it. (Especially since it could include Machu Picchu in some way, a place that has more than its own fair share of mystery surrounding it.)

(ARC provided by Netgalley)
Profile Image for Blodeuedd Finland.
3,723 reviews310 followers
February 15, 2011
My thoughts:

This one is a mix of genres, I can't put it in just one. There is adventure and suspense, then there is the romance and the paranormal aspects, so all in all a nice little mix.


It a short story, but plenty of action still. Cynthia, the heroine, is an archaeologist, but she stays at the museum cos of something that happened in the past. But she is still strong, and of course smart. Rafe, her lover, has been missing for six months, and he is more the Indiana Jones guy that looks for treasures in the jungle.


The journey there is enough time to make me wonder what is going on, and when they get to where they are headed, that is when the action comes in. Oh yes this temple has a real Goddess who likes to eat people, yummy. Suspense and action.


And don't forget the romance, there are some hot moments earlier on where she remembers Rafe, and more passion are promised when they meet again.


Recommendation and final thoughts:

Like I said, there is something for everyone. Just think Indiana Jones with powers, and all the weird things that happened in those movies, plus smexing. A fun short read.
Profile Image for Cleffairy Cleffairy.
Author 1 book16 followers
April 5, 2011
Published at: Over A Cuppa Tea

Date published: 27th Jan 2011

Review link: http://cleffairy.wordpress.com/2011/01/26/aztec-gold/

Love Indiana Jones? Couldn’t get enough of Indie and wish that there’s more stories like Indiana Jones? Then you will absolutely adore Aztec Gold by Caridad Pineiro. Initially, I thought that the story wouldn’t be good. (This is the case of judging a book by it’s cover again) But if found myself enjoying this fast paced fiction very much that I could barely put it down. I love the way the author plots the adventure and the mystery for the characters inside the book and I felt like screaming in sheer excitement as the story began to throw me into the world of Aztec Gold.

I love this book, and would recommend this to everyone who loves fantasy and fast paced stories. I rate this book 4 stars.
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.7k reviews545 followers
October 12, 2014
This was a quick little story that had a lot of potential, but it didn't come through for me.

The first part of the story was Cyn whining and being mad about Rafe, how he didn't appreciate her. But with him missing, all she can do is think about finding him. After butting her way in on a trip to find him, she finds herself in Mexico with dual purpose, find Rafe and discover some new artifacts.

Of course it doesn't take long to find Rafe, but he isn't the same man that left her. While their reunion is filled with lots of sex, she discovers something new about Rafe and why he has been gone for so many months.

The 2 of them fight the mythical beast where things happen just the way you expect them to. Even the ending it just what you think will happen, sometimes you can look past that if the story grabs you, this time it was hard for me to buy into.
Profile Image for Gabriella Hewitt.
Author 7 books17 followers
July 2, 2011
Aztec Gold is a wonderful read filled with suspense, action and steamy love scenes.

It is not your conventional paranormal romance and that was what made this book entertaining. It is more of a woman's journey to find herself, her lost love and to discover an ancient past that threatens her future.

Caridad Pineiro did an excellent job of keeping the reader engaged and emotionally tied up in knots. I loved the setting and the ancient Aztec lore and mythology.

Aztec Gold is a highly recommended read. Can't wait for the next in the series.
Profile Image for Lisa Richards.
298 reviews105 followers
February 20, 2011
While I don’t normally buy or read novellas, since Aztec Gold was written by Caridad Piniero, I knew I had to give it a read. I loved the mythology and was amazed at the amount of storyline that was crammed in this short story. I can’t say that I connected with the romance, it seemed a bit on the surface, but the action and the pace of the story had me reading it in one seating. My hope is that this will be a prequel to a new series by Caridad. If so, I’ll be the first in line to buy it.
16 reviews1 follower
March 7, 2011
I really enjoyed Aztec Gold, my only problem is that it wasn't long enough! The guy was hot, girl wasn't a pushover and the baddie was really quite freaky! I would love for the author to write another romance/adventure and go into a lot more detail, would of loved to hear more about the characters. Loved it, hope there's a sequel.
Profile Image for Jenn.
Author 32 books212 followers
May 27, 2011
Caridad has struck gold again with an action packed romance! Aztec Gold takes you into the unknown world of the Aztec civilization and grips you with its folklore and stunning secrets. A great read!
Profile Image for Rosalie Lario.
Author 24 books242 followers
February 12, 2013
This story was very well done with a to-die-for theme. If you're into archaeology or the paranormal, do yourself a favor and pick it up.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews