In spite of her noble and ancient lineage, the beautiful Dr. Lina Taylor wanted to be recognized as an American, the excellent work she does as an archaeologist in the dirt on ancient Mayan digs; as well as for her academic work at the Museum of the Maya in Houston, Texas.

Despite her efforts, the interplay between her parents always seems to intervene in this goal. Her father, Phillip Taylor, is a brilliant archaeologist, but driven to overcoming a scandal in the past that left him discredited as an academic. He was so intent on his work that when he married Lina's mother, he had given up all rights to her family fortune for the rights to conduct any digs done on the extensive Reyes Balam property in the Yucatan. Lina's mother, Celilia, now runs a successful high end import- export company. When she calls and asks Lina about rumours concerning some exquisite and unique Mayan artifacts, Lina's radar instantly goes up. Are they legal or from grave robbers?

While teaching an adult interest class at the museum, Lina becomes intrigued and interested in a handsome and rugged student, Hunter Johnson. Despite his sporadic attendance, Lina enjoys having coffee with him and is glad to see him back in class. But, when he pulled out some photos of some Mayan artifacts, she is shocked. Even without knowing their provenance, Lina can see the work that was involved in their design and suspects they relate to the Mayan deity Kawa'il. If true, potentially they could be connected to her grandmother's estate. Does she dare tell Hunter and potentially open up scandal all over again? What family secrets can she share and what needs to be silenced?

For his part, Hunter is a security expert and a former Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer (ICE). He is determined to track down the artifacts and get his good buddy, Jase, off the hook at ICE for the loss of some artifacts stolen after they were confiscated at the border. Needing Lina's specialized knowledge, Hunter pressures her to help him. While alert to danger, even he is unprepared for what transpires and the perils that ensue. As they work together to unlock the mystery, will their heated attraction for each other only bring further menace to their mission and to themselves?

Linking into the current interest for what will happen on December 21, 2012 when the Mayan calendar will end its cycle, bestselling author Elizabeth Lowell has penned BEAUTIFUL SACRIFICE, an exciting and action filled romantic thriller.

The storyline is captivating and filled with steamy and sensual scenes between Lina and Hunter. The dialogue is witty and credible and I loved how Lowell skillfully used the occupations of the characters especially Lina as an academic to add in authentic background on the Mayans and their culture. While the title, BEAUTIFUL SACRIFICE does give away a bit of the ending, suspense continues as the resurgence of the ancient beliefs is twisted for unscrupulous ends.

BEAUTIFUL SACRIFICE is a story worth reading before the calendar runs out! Enjoy!