Beautiful Sacrifice audiobook

Was not sure if I would really care for this book or not. But as I began to read it - I really got into the book- the history-the setting- and the characters. The setting takes you Mexico- at the time of December 21st, 2012 yes that's right the end of the Maya calendar folks. So, now we know the history should be about the Mayan's. And well as for the character there are many. Mainly a complete family- Lina's family it seems has two different dig sites . They are into archaeology and she has devotes her life to studying the Maya artifacts. this is where a former ICE ( Immigration Customs Enforcement) officer comes in by the name of Hunter burst into her world as some artifacts have been stolen and he needs her help to find them. But by asking for her help and getting close to her - he puts her in danger- and his friend also that is helping. Now it is a race against time before they are killed and the artifacts are lost for good. Will the artifacts be found in time- will Lina & Hunter fight the heat between them or fall in love? And just who is trying to kill them?? For all these answer you will have to read the book.. And I must say if you don't read it you will never know what happens in forest in Mexico.. Five stars for Elizabeth Lowell - and please will you do a follow up on this story line -- I would really love to see Hunter and Lina continue to work together on other cases!!!!

Talk about a book that keeps you hanging on to the edge of your seat. This one is it in all areas. I was lucky enough to win this book from a Goodreads contest and I hit the jackpot. The writing style is perfect, Ms. Lowell takes you on a ride of your life. This book was such a pleasure to read I couldn’t put it down. I found myself cheating at work and reading in when I was suppose to be doing my job I was so hooked on it wanting to know what happens next. Luckily, I get to keep my job. The story surrounds around December 21, 2012. Artifacts are missing and Lina and Hunter are looking for them. What they find isn’t what they were expecting. A friendship blossoms and fear follows as the relationship grows. Is there an end before there is a beginning for them? You won’t be able to put this down. It’s going to follow you in your dreams at night until you finish. Great story Ms. Lowell. Thank you for writing it for us.

I LOVE the thought, detail, and hard core imagination that Elizabeth Lowell puts into her books! This was a wild ride through some Mayan 'end of the world' myths and extreme awesome details of artifacts lost and then found. I haven't read her in awhile and it just reminded me why I need to go reread her backlist! Loved this book!

Very good book, kept you on the edge of your seat.

A thriller combining the end of the Maya Long Count and archeology with a crazy family.My TakeI enjoyed this. Of course, it does combine archeology with suspense, so I am a bit prejudiced.I did enjoy the explanation of the Maya religion and the slightly more in-depth information about the importance of blood sacrifice. An interesting mix of historical significance and the perversions modern man will twist it. As an artist, I appreciated the description of certain of the artifacts and how they were made and displayed.Most of the story is the romance between Lina and Hunter as well as their "escape" into Mexico, additional interest via Jase and Hunter's tracking down clues about the stolen artifacts, and a short, dramatic visit with Lina's family. This was a new one: The "nine-millimeter warrant".Lina really only has her grandmother for support in the family. Her parents are cold and self-absorbed and her cousin is a bit, well, ick. Too much of a playboy although he seems to have settled down. Well, heck, how sad is it that "the man who blackmailed her had shown her more respect than her parents ever had."Wait a minute...Lina had a crush on Mercurio which Lowell is at pains to remind us of throughout the story and then she states that "Lina never had been sexually drawn to the handsome young Mexican"??I am just so confused by this sentence: "...LDX works with the Q Roo drug cartel, but it's only to get paid for what LDX would do for free." When Lowell has Lina and Hunter talking to Mercurio at the museo, she suddenly uses Carlos' name as one of the speakers.Creating the information about Hunter's daughter seems rather pointless. Just a tidbit to make Hunter interesting, which would have worked better if Lowell had made it part of his reason for leaving ICE. Jase is a fun guy and the interaction between him and Hunter was enjoyable. Crutchfeldt seemed to be one of the token bad guys along the way.Lowell makes an excellent point that humans are corrupt. It doesn't matter which side of the border you're on. But she also points out that "Mexico is circling the toilet" with "the narcos...in open warfare with the federales and corrupt cops and politicians. Which is just so damned sad. If we truly wanted to fight a war on drugs, then use the money to help the people to grow legal crops. And NOT fund the money through their governments! Too many Swiss and other off-shore bank accounts siphon that money off.How is it that Hunter and Lina miss the connection between Carlos' company and the truck hauling the "stolen" artifacts?I do like Hunter's confidence and I can appreciate how they both feel about the joy of being out in the country and the attractions of the city. Very practical.Oh, yes! I love what Hunter does to Lina's dad! What a jerk. But, I still want to know how the cave was kept dry…The StoryIf it weren't for the machinations of her parents, this cloud wouldn't be hanging over Dr. Taylor. The only reason Lina still has her job at the museum is because her family owns a chunk of it. Still, she's desperately careful that no hint of impropriety can be pinned to her.A care that is tossed out the window when one of her absentee students shows up with a handful of photos of stolen artifacts. He knows about her past and isn't above blackmailing her into helping him.It's human sacrifice and a kidnapping attempt that send Lina and Hunter on the run to the one place where Lina knows she'll be safe.The CharactersDr. Lina Taylor, an archeologist specializing in Yucatan/Maya culture, is between a rock and a hard place. Her parents are scandalous, her family's estate is rich in artifacts, and she is struggling to retain her reputation at the Museum of the Maya in Houston. Cecilia Reyes Balam is both nagging mother and sharp-eyed businesswoman; Dr. Philip Taylor is more than an absentee father in his obsession for Maya artifacts; Carlos, her mother's cousin, is the family's savior; and, Abuelita is a petty tyrant although she has a soft spot for Lina.Hunter Johnston was once an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent but gave it up to go to work for his uncles in their security business. Suzanne is the girl he considered his daughter. The one for whom her mother had so little concern.Jason Beaumont is suspended from his job at ICE so his boss, Stu Brubaker, can cover his own butt. Ali is his beloved and pregnant wife and they have two children.Mercurio ak Chan de la Poole used to work for her father, but eventually realized he'd never have his own career. He's currently in charge of the Museo de Antropología de Tulum (the building sounds gorgeous). Simon Crutchfeldt is a major client of Celia's who collects and resells artifacts. He's not at all scrupulous. El Maya appears to be a narco-terrorist who is willing to send thugs with submachine guns to take down Lina. Rodrigo is a bad-ass informer for Hunter in Tulum and he's terrified of El Maya.The CoverThe cover is a fuzzy blend of deep purple and fuchsia with the purple creating Lina's hair and the fuchsia representing her face. It's just a hint really with only her right eye and a sweep of bangs.It is a Beautiful Sacrifice. Not a willing one, but beautiful.

Good reason to enjoy historyThis book is a good telling of the world of the lost Maya culture. It's informative and at certain times a little boring. The romantic background makes it a "must read".

Read this book numerous timrsI have been a big fan of the books written by Elizabeth Lowell. She is a wonderful writer and has a gift with her details and knowledge of the subject matter. I believe I have read every book she has written. A fan for life..

Was a page turner

IntriguingNot only entertaining but informative. Great love story 💘. Hunter grabbed my attention right away as a tough guy. Luna as smart and beautiful!

Another book with the theme of a man who is mistrusting of women, but I love watching now the woman always earns the man’s trust with honesty and good hearted romance.

Great bookLoved it. Primal and enthralling. Lina and Hunter make a great pair, constantly at odds then reconciling! Thrilling read and leaves you wanting more!

Elizabeth Lowell writes with a gritty edge, it doesn’t matter if she is writing about the American West or stories steeped in Medieval lore, she wraps her sensual delight with gritty undertones of what is going on around the characters. But when she stepped into romantic suspense, Ms Lowell hit her stride.. Whether it be the Donovans and yes I too want to see the twins get their own stories or her Rarities books and most especially her St Kilda series.. each book has a gritty real world intensity that can only be found in Ms Lowell’s writing. Beautiful Sacrifice is a blend of her romantic suspense books intertwined with her trademark gritty realism. Romance at its best.When Hunter Johnston’s best friend is marked to take a fall for some missing artifacts Hunter knows just who to turn to. Dr. Lina Taylor. Hunter has been monitoring classes on the Mayan culture from her for a few years and they have been doing a dance of desire. Although, it never seems to get past a cup of coffee and general discussion. He knows she has the brains, the knowledge and the family connections to get some answers. He just needs to try to keep his memories of a family lost and a desire to spend some hot sweaty Houston nights with Lina under control. I like Hunter, mostly because he is pretty well adjusted, sure he had some tragedy in his past but he comes from a loving family, he is a loyal friend and he doesn’t need to beat his chest declaring himself the man in order to capture our attentions.Dr Lina Taylor, A woman with a goal, a plan and a hidden desire to make mom and dad proud. Yep, she’s the one with the baggage and yet she isn’t consumed by it and most definitely doesn’t wallow in it. She accepts that her family will never be what she needs or wants it to be and deals with it. She doesn’t expect Hunter or any man to swoop in and fix things for her. Even in her deepest darkest secret place.. Nope, she has it all together.I think that is why I like so many of Elizabeth Lowell’s characters, they aren’t weak.. even if they have a sordid past or tragedy hiding in the wings they are slaves to their pasts, rather they rise above it and become fascinating characters. Lina and Hunter are prime examples.Ms Lowell takes us from Houston academia to border patrol to the jungles of the Yucatan, explaining Mayan culture while twisting it to enrich a deep and dark plot. Lina and Hunter need to find missing artifacts and why there is death surrounding them. Reasons other than the fact that they are priceless and a missing link in the Mayan heritage. A fascinating blend of true culture and pure fiction. Wrapped in urban decay and gritty suspense.. all that and we call it a romance *grins*.Although, gripped by the evolvement of the relationship between Hunter and Lina there are times when the back story becomes a bit predictable. Maybe because I know and enjoy Ms Lowell’s work so much I wasn’t surprised by who the villain was. BUT she managed to thrill me with HOW the villain saw himself/herself in the world. Their self importance really got me.I read this book in an afternoon, which means while I found a few things to nitpick at, the story as a whole had me captivated, ensnared and utterly exhausted. On the edge of my seat as to how this would be resolved and if I was right in who I thought done it.. Of course hindsight is a great attribute and I can say it was predictable, but the entire while I was reading I was thinking.. could it be? Is it? Yeah it’s gotta be them, nah, maybe someone else..I think Ms Lowell is one of the premiere Romantic Suspense writers out there and that she has pulled off another fascinating story. Sharing with us a rich history of a forgotten culture. Wrapping it up in the 2012 legend only makes it better. The best part.. you can read this as the stand alone it is! A great book!ShauniFor more reviews by Shauni check out Tea and Book andBodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy

WOW!!!Beautiful Sacrifice is as precious and well researched as Maya artifacts and the provenance that accompanies them. There are no two dimensional characters here. Each is complex and depicted in stunning relief to the setting. Dr. Taylor is a yellow rose. She is a professor of archeology at a Houston museum. Raised in Mexico, the only child of well-healed aristocratic lineage through her mother, and an American Professor for her father, She has enjoyed the best of both worlds. She is refined, but very human. Hunter is a perfect foil for Dr. Taylor. Not perhaps as refined, Hunter became an ICE agent. However, he has recently left the job to work for his family’s security company. His position with ICE prepared him for cross-border contraband. His position with the family business has prepared him for getting down and dirty (without leaving evidence of his presence) when the circumstances require.These two are the main characters, but there are numerous secondary characters. Jase is Hunter’s friend from ICE who has lost Mayan Artifacts, stolen on his watch. Abuelita is an important person in Dr. Taylor’s life. Often a refuge from the constant battling of her parents, she spent a great deal of time with her grandmother, learning the mythic history of the Maya. Celia, Dr. Taylor’s mother, is dignified and refined also. Her father Phillip is a self-absorbed archeologist determined to find that one artifact that will lift him to the top of the status heap. Murcurio, her first crush, and Carlos, her only other relative, were both part of her childhood in Mexico. When rare and disturbing artifacts are stolen from an ICE warehouse, Jase’s job is in jeopardy. He calls in his friend, Hunter, to follow the path of the stolen artifacts. Hunter seeks out Dr. Taylor as a specialist in Maya artifacts. With only pictures to look at, Dr. Taylor is amazed at the workmanship of the artifacts. If real, they could be the proof of one additional Maya God-King during the final destruction by the Spaniards. This is big news with the end of the Maya calendar looming in December.Following the path of the artifacts means finding lots of bodies in its wake. That combined with an attempted kidnapping of Dr. Taylor has Hunter taking her into protective custody…his protective custody. Dr. Taylor agrees but points out that the family compound in Mexico is the appropriate hiding spot because there are additional guards and she must be there for her Abuelita’s birthday, anyway.While in Mexico, Dr. Taylor shows Hunter her home and land with pride. Then she takes him to a burial mound that she found. But someone has been digging on the family land, and Dr. Taylor and Hunter are walking into danger.Of course, behind the primary story, Dr. Taylor and Hunter are finding it hard to not notice each other. From the first moment, the sexual tension is obvious. While all of the events happen within a few days, the author skillfully leads the two into a relationship without it feeling as if it is happening too quickly. This is a difficult thing to do, but Lowell does it with apparent ease. While this is a stand alone story, I hope we will be treated to future books with Dr. Taylor and Hunter as characters, either main or secondary. They are a team to equal Sherlock Holmes and Watson, without all of the vices of Holmes.A winner!!!

A new take on the upcoming Maya 2012 prophecy, Beautiful Sacrifice features archeologist, and Mayan descendent Dr. Lina Taylor. Lina's family is, in a word, complicated. Her father is a noted archeologist who made his career studying the Maya. Her mother is a member of the Reyes Balam family, which is descended from the alliance between the Mayan royalty and the Spanish conquistadors. She also happens to deal in antiquities--a serious no-no for archeologists. So built into the family dynamic is a conflict between the archeologists (Lina and her father) and the dealer (Lina's mother). A few years ago, Lina's father was involved in a scandal that cost him his credibility in the archeological world, and unfortunately, as her father's daughter, Lina has been tarred with the same brush. Now she works for her family's Museum of the Maya in Houston and teaches some classes on the side.It's in one of her classes that she first meets former ICE agent Hunter Johnston, who caught her eye from the first. When he comes to her to learn more about some Mayan artifacts that have been stolen from an ICE warehouse, she knows immediately that if these artifacts aren't fakes they could set the archeological world on fire. Unfortunately, some bad guys have also concluded that and are doing whatever it takes to keep Lina and Hunter from finding the artifacts. There's also the added complication (I said it was complicated, didn't I?) of some men who seem intent on bringing Lina back to their leader: El Maya. I really enjoyed the relationship between Lina and Hunter. He's smart enough to know that she's smarter than he is on a lot of things. And they form what can be termed a partnership in the best possible sense. I loved their interactions, and seeing Lina and her crazy family through his eyes. The mystery and it's ties to the Mayan prophecy was fascinating. It was a take on the Maya 2012 thing that I haven't seen before: ie, from an insider's perspective. The climax of the story on the Reyes Balam estate is pretty over the top, but in context, believable.Am I now afraid that the world will end on December 21? No. But it was fun to think it might while I read this book:)

Dr. Lina Taylor is an archaeologist at Houston's Museum of the Maya. She is a descendant of the Maya and of their Spanish conquerors. Her father is an eccentric archaeologist. Her mother sells antiquities. They hate each other and Lina is pulled between them but has come to accept each of them for themselves and build her life away from them both. When some very rare Maya artifacts go missing, Hunter Johnston goes on the hunt for them to help out a friend who might lose his career because of the loss. His hunt leads him to Lina because of her expertise, contacts, and because the artifacts probably came from lands her family has owned for generations in the Yucatan. He wasn't expecting to fall in love with her. He thought he buried his heart with his ex-wife and young daughter when they were killed in a head-on collision with a truck. He wasn't looking to put his heart on the line again. Lina wasn't looking for love either. She never thought she would find a man as comfortable in the city or the jungle as she was. But someone else wants the artifacts Hunter and Lina are searching for too and is willing to kill anyone in the way. Added to this is the fact that Dec. 21, 2012 is an auspicious day in the Maya calendar. According to that calendar, the world will end and be remade then. Religious fanatics who believe this and want to help the prophecy along are also on Hunter and Lina's trail as they try to track the missing artifacts.Hunter and Lina have to deal with her obsessed father, her aging grandmother, her mother's expectations and a cult that believes in blood sacrifice as they travel from Houston to the depths of the Yucatan searching for ancient Maya artifacts.The romance grows naturally between Hunter and Lina as they face danger together and learn that they hold fundamental values in common. The story was filled with danger, intrigue, adventure and wonderful scenery. I recommend it to fans of romantic suspense.