Review: A Romantic Suspense MUST READ!!!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 08 13, 2013
When I was given the opportunity to read an ARC of this book in lieu of an honest review, I took it because the premise really appealed to me.  Ms. Ramirez is a new author for me and Curse of Passion did not disappoint.From the very first page, I was drawn to her well developed, very likeable characters and edge-of-your-seat storyline.  While there were many clues as to who the killer(s) might be, there was enough doubt thrown in to not make it entirely predictable. I found it difficult to put the book down, even as my eyes were glazing over from exhaustion and the pages suddenly became blurred. My only critique is that I wanted Vic and Delaney, the main characters from Sacrifice of Passion to have a more prominent part, rather than just being peripheral.  I enjoy reading about previous characters in all my genres, and I believe it really adds depth to the storyline when the author does this.  So, my rating is a solid 4.5, and an enthusiastic must read!Johanna Rios is a woman trying to bury a painful and frightening past.  The legend of La Llorona holds the Rios women in its maw, and though she wants to believe its only legend, she can't seem to break away from it.  She and her sister, Carmen, live with this curse hanging over their heads and both would like to see it buried for good.  Her childhood friend, Ray Vargas, has returned to San Julio and is bringing to the surface an array of feelings Johanna long thought had no place in her life. But this strong, sexy man is proving to be very hard for her to ignore and stay away from.Ray Vargas has come back to his hometown of San Julio after 2 tours in Afghanistan to take a position as Principal of San Julio High School.  He is trying to make a good life for himself and his daughter, Eva, but his ghosts keep encroaching upon him.  Johanna is now a teacher in his high school and though she heats his blood and makes his body respond like no other woman has, his sense of honor and position as Principal keep him in check.  The more he sees her, however, the more his control is tested.While staving off their attraction to each other, a serial killer begins his macabre murders, following the legend of La Llorona and bringing into sharp clarity Johanna's fears for her sister Carmen and herself.  As more girls turn up dead, including her best friend, she and Ray begin to work with the police to try and solve these heinous crimes.  When it becomes clear that the killer is after Johanna, the control which Ray has kept a tight leash on snaps and his instincts take over.  He will not let her out of his sights and as they are thrown closer together, the attraction they have toward each other will no longer be denied.Will they be able to stop the killer before he murders another innocent, before he gets to Johanna?  Come along for the ride and find out!