Take the Heat Review Tour

Take the Heat

by Skye Warren

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

The ultimate bad boys, criminals capture our attention and awaken our darkest desires. Celebrate the illicit in this romantic suspense anthology, where handcuffs are used for more than play. These stories are shocking, sexy, and thought-provoking.

In New York Times Bestselling Author Skye Warren’s Magnolia Hotel, meet the heroine who pays her brother’s debt to a loan shark—who happens to be her childhood crush. Find out if the jury made the right decision in Acquitted by award-winning author Giselle Renarde. Explore a dark and sensual psychology with New York Times Bestselling Author Pam Godwin in Unlawful Seduction.

Ride the edge of desire and see if you can TAKE THE HEAT…

Skye Warren – Magnolia Hotel

Cynthia Richards – Captivated

Pam Godwin – Unlawful Seduction

Sheri Savill – Slipknot

Shoshanna Evers – This Might Hurt A Bit

Candy Quinn – The Bombshell

Tamsin Flowers – Playing with Fire

Elizabeth Coldwell – Disposing of Donnie

Audrey Lusk – Surprise Witness

Trent Evans – Last Day

Giselle Renarde – Acquitted

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

FROM “SLIPKNOT” BY SHERI SAVILL

Leather. Sexy and tight. Perfect. Yep, this is the one. This is the one I’m taking.

Mia took a deep breath and, in one smooth move, rolled and tucked the metal hanger—and the soft black leather miniskirt still clipped to it—into her black shoulder bag. Right over the open zipper and down into the gaping hole at the top of the purse, all without a hitch.

Thank God the fucking price tag didn’t catch on the zipper track.

Once it was all pushed down inside the darkness of her purse, she rested the crook of her elbow over the opening again, for extra camouflage, in case prying eyes should happen to look too closely as she left the shop. Four hundreds dollars’ worth? really? The tiny skirt was easy enough to conceal. It was an obscene price for a leather mini, anyway, she rationalized. Even for a skirt as sexy and well-made as this one, that was too much money. She could smell the richness of fine leather wafting from the other skirts still on the rack in front of her as she glanced sideways again. All quiet. Not a soul in the shop but her and the guy behind the counter. And he was still gone.

God, that was really just too easy.

She felt her lips pursing together a little in spite of herself, barely suppressing her self-satisfaction. Still, no reason to be cocky. She’d planned this carefully enough in advance. Stupid thieves were always being caught because they didn’t think things through, or they became too brazen, too greedy. The news was full of dumb criminal stories. She’d resolved not to be one of them.

Mia shifted her weight a little in her black heels and then took a few small steps down the aisle toward the ball gags, crops, hoods…glancing sideways again toward the cash register, now bathed in a soft greenish glow of a banker’s lamp on the counter. The dimmer-than-usual lighting meant that Flesh Factory—the largest kinky sex emporium and BDSM equipment supplier in the city—was empty, about to close for the night—which was exactly what she had counted on. But even as the last customer of the day, she’d taken no chances and sent the lone employee—friendly, handsome, ever-so-helpful “Michael”—on an errand to the stockroom to check for fence-net thigh-highs she knew he wouldn’t find. They didn’t even carry them anymore. She knew the stripper-wear section well and pretty much owned one of everything they sold by now.

She continued to pretend to browse, exhaling another slow breath. It was exciting, breaking the law. She’d done it. And now the leather skirt was hers. All that was left to do was make a hasty yet friendly exit shortly after Michael returned, apologetic and empty-handed, from the goose chase she’d sent him on.

The short, low-cut white dress she’d worn tonight—no bra, of course—had been extra insurance that she’d have his cooperation. The idea was to disengage his brain while engaging his cock and she noted earlier, with pleasure, that her chosen outfit had indeed done just that. The bulge in Michael’s jeans confirmed it more than once, even before she’d made a point of bending to examine sale items set on a low shelf. Oh, but men were so easily entranced, so easily guided. And she knew now that her bare pussy and the twin curves of her ass just peeking from under the tight white fabric of her dress had done the trick with Michael. Plus it just made her feel sexy and like a bad girl; the playful exhibitionist side of her submissive tendencies, she supposed, now helping her steal a skirt.

Her thoughts snapped back to the present. A voice. Michael’s.

“Sorry…Mia, was it? Looks like we don’t even carry those anymore. I can call the supplier tomorrow, if you want, and see if we can special order them. That could take a few weeks, though. You probably don’t want to wait ...” He shrugged and turned a key in the register, locking it for the night.

She smiled at him.

“Oh no…Michael. Sorry for the trouble. I just thought—”

He was still aroused, his erection huge and straining in his jeans, and he was making no effort to hide it now. He’d come around the counter and was looking her up and down, his dark eyes taking in her nipples, the corners of his mouth turning up, approving. His eyes then moved down to her long tanned legs in the black heels.

“Love the white dress.”

“Thanks. Look, it’s late and I’ve already kept you from closing up on time. I gotta get going. But thanks, again, for checking on the fence-net stockings.” Her elbow squeezed the shoulder bag in closer to her body as she turned toward the exit. Another rush of satisfaction flooded her. She’d just scored a premium leather miniskirt and was about to walk right out the door with it and leave a hunky guy with a huge hard-on.

“You have a good night, then” she heard his husky voice calling behind her. The red neon of the “open” sign in the front window flickered a little, buzzing, and then went black. Maybe he couldn’t wait to get her out of the store. Probably wants to jerk off.

Her hand closed around the doorknob when she sensed someone moving up quickly behind her. Before she could turn, a large hand encircled her throat as an arm clamped around her belly, pulling her backward. It happened so fast.

A deep male voice—not Michael’s—breathed into her ear.

“Where the fuck do you think you’re going?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Review:

Crack. That would be the one word to describe this awesome anthology. I could not put it down. Not for deadlines of my own, bedtimes if I had better sense or any other reason. I crawled back to my e-reader on breaks and hugged it during morning coffee. Each story is different but holds the same sweet edge of sex and danger that always keeps me coming back for more. Hot!!!

5/5 for sheer panty soaking heat. I loved it!!

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

EDITOR BIO

Skye Warren is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of dark romantic fiction. Her books are raw, sexual and perversely romantic.

Visit Skye’s website for her current booklist:

http://www.skyewarren.com/www.skyewarren.com

Follow Skye Warren on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/skye_warren

Like Skye Warren on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/skyewarren

The author will be awarding a $15 Amazon gift card to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter between this tour and the Review Tour, here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Chance of Rain Review Tour

Chance of Rain

by Amber Lin

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

The only things Natalie Bouchard wants to change are the weekly specials in her Gram’s diner. So when her high school sweetheart strolls back into Dearling, Texas, she allows herself to indulge in a little flirtation, but that’s as far as it goes.

Navy SEAL Sawyer Nolan has returned to sell his father’s land and get the hell out, no matter how enticing he still finds Natalie. Until a storm rolls over the Texas hills, stranding them together at the farm…and the memories of their steamy past  lead to a reunion filled with hot days and long nights.  

Soon Natalie’s so far under Sawyer’s skin he can’t imagine being without her. But he has a lot of history in Dearling he’d like to leave behind, and Natalie is practically married to this town.  If Sawyer wants to be more than just another person who leaves Natalie, he’ll have to give his hometown—and himself—one more chance.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Excerpt Three:

She flipped the switch, and lights blinked off unsteadily down the long tiled ceiling. Only at the end of each day did it dawn on her how large the place was. Large in both its physical size and the space it took up in her life. Though unassuming and maybe unconventional, it was a legacy. Hers to keep. Hers to maintain.

She headed into the back office and gathered the papers. She returned through the swinging doors leading to the dining area with a stuffed manila folder. And ran smack into the broad chest of Sawyer Nolan with an oof.

“What are you doing here?”

He raised his eyebrows. “Having dinner.”

“We’re closed.”

“Door was unlocked.”

He wore the shadows well. The darkness seemed to enhance his handsomeness, lengthening his planes and sharpening his angles. He seemed more at ease here in the quiet dark than the bustling brightness of morning.

“I hadn’t gotten to that yet. No one usually comes around this late.”

“Guess that means no dinner.”

His voice was neutral, but it had to be a disappointment. He was hungry, and everywhere else would be closed. Unless he wanted a cold sandwich from the gas station on the outskirts of town. She wasn’t heartless enough to send him there, not when carefully packaged leftovers sat in her fridge.

Anyone else she would have invited back to the kitchen table, but not him. Oh, no. He could eat in the dim, impersonal void and count himself lucky if she even chatted with him.

She gestured to the bar stools. “Have a seat. I’ll heat you up something.”

His face cracked into a smile. “Thanks, Natalie.”

Man, he looked so genuinely happy just for that. Just for her to feed him. Her heart squeezed. Maybe she’d give him double helpings. He was broad and tall enough to need them anyway.

Review:

Second chance stories are ones that warm my heart. Sawyer returns to his home town and Natalie and has to decide if home is where the heart is and if he can accept the town and Natalie being in his. Light flirtation or a place to finally rest his weary soul. You'll have to read this one to find out.

Great read and a heart warming story. Not the usual grit from Ms. Lin, but sometimes you have to have the sweet to appreciate the bitter.

4/5

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Amber Lin writes edgy romance with damaged hearts, redemptive love, and a steamy ever after. RT Book Reviews called her debut novel, Giving It Up, “truly extraordinary.” Amber married her high school sweetheart, gave birth to a kid who’s smarter than she is, and spends her nights writing down her dirty thoughts. In other words, life is good.

Website: http://www.authoramberlin.com/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/#!/authoramberlin

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/authoramberlin

Amazon    http://www.amazon.com/Chance-of-Rain-ebook/dp/B00EFPNV5C/   

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/chance-of-rain-amber-lin/1116394180?ean=9781426897320

Amber will be awarding a $15 Amazon Gift Card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.
Follow the tour and leave a comment for a chance to win!

http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/12/virtual-nbtm-review-tour-chance-of-rain.html

A Very Scandalous Holiday Review Tour

A VERY SCANDALOUS HOLIDAY

by Nancy Fraser, Sophia Garrett, Amber Lin and Christa McHugh

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BLURB:

Entangled Publishing presents…A Very Scandalous Holiday Anthology. Four very spirited vignettes of holidays past.

Erin’s Gift by Nancy Fraser

Chicago 1920

Widower, Seth Harrison, has no intention of falling in love again but will he be able to resist the sweetness of his son’s nanny, Erin O’Mara—his sister’s best friend?

An Eternity of You by Sophia Garrett

England 1833

The Duke of Sharrington left Rebecca with more than a broken heart six years ago—he left her with a son. His return rekindles their passion, but only a Christmas miracle will convince the town surgeon to believe in his promises of eternity again.

Letters at Christmas by Amber Lin

England, late Regency

After three years at sea, Captain Hale Prescott has the means to marry the love of his life and his best friend’s sister, Sidony Harbeck. However, she might never speak to him again. Despite their whispered adolescent promises, he never wrote her a single letter…at least, none he ever sent.

Eight Tiny Flames by Crista McHugh

1944 Ardennes, WWII

Lt. Ruth Mencher has always secretly admired Capt. Joseph Klein, but it takes the lighting of a Hanukkah candle to uncover the spark of mutual attraction. Each night awakens a new facet of their relationship, but as the Battle of the Bulge begins, the approaching Nazi forces threaten to tear them apart.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Excerpt from Letters at Christmas by Amber Lin

Hale’s presence stirred the air behind her. She stared straight ahead at the frost-covered panes. His breath ruffled her hair.

“Were you looking for me?” he whispered. “You knew I’d arrive today. Is that why the window was open?”

An embarrassed flush heated her skin. She felt too exposed, like a raw nerve. Still, there was one advantage to being found out. She didn’t have to hide any longer. Turning, she faced him.

He bent his head to her. He was going to kiss her. She should turn away. She should tell him no. His lips met hers directly, and she moaned. She truly moaned, aloud. He could hear her, and instead of dying of mortification, she wrapped her arms around his neck. He made a sound of surprise before holding her more closely. His hand slipped to the small of her back and pulled her against him. His other hand fanned along her jaw, holding her steady as he kissed her. She needed his guidance because her body had lost all sense and reason. Her limbs trembled, her heart raced.

“Hale?”

“Jesus, I missed you.”

It was the wrong thing to say. She pulled back. “You didn’t write. You promised to write to me. Every single day, you said.” She let sarcasm color her voice. “You could have skipped a few days. That would have been fine.”

“I wrote.”

“No letters. Not even one.” She laughed hollowly. “You said you loved me, Hale, and you couldn’t even bring yourself to write one letter.”

“I did… Damn it.” He ran a hand through his hair.

She waited for him to explain what he meant. A lump lodged in her throat when he said nothing. He’d forgotten about her, and now he was lying to her. For what purpose? So he could win a bet? Because he’d gotten tired of traveling the world and could now settle for poor little Sidony?

“Get out,” she said evenly.

“Sidony.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Review:

This collection of stories was a wonderful and heartwarming. Amber Lin always plucks at my heart strings and she can tell a tale, no matter what time she writes about. Kitty cats and missing letters abound in this lovely story of coming home. I loved it. Reading the second story, Eight Tiny Flames by Crista McHugh, you feel like you are there in the wartime fray Excellent piece. I want to read more from this author. :) An Eternity of You by Sophia Garrett was amazing.  Erin's Gift by Nancy Fraser was a heart wrenching story of love, loss and happiness. I have enjoyed every story I have ever read by Nancy Fraser and was excited to read this one. Great compilation and I hope there is another grouping like this next year. 

4.5/5

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

About Sophia Garrett:

Sophia Garrett always knew she wanted to be a writer, and more specifically, a historical romance writer. Her teenage years were spent rabidly gobbling up the newest books from romance icons such as Johanna Lindsey, Sabrina Jefferies, Julie Garwood, and Kathleen E. Woodiweiss. She composed her first romance novel about the American Revolution, in high school.

When Sophia is not researching...well, she's always researching! But in her non-working hours she enjoys studying historical events (yes, she's one of those girls), watching documentaries, taking in action-packed dramas at the theatre, and spending as much time as possible with her two young sons collecting bugs, racing Hot Wheels, and smashing things in video games.

Her second passion is animals, so much so that at one time she considered a career in veterinary medicine. Chemistry, however, waged war on her sanity, and she decided training horses was far less harmful than trying to manipulate miniscule objects that can't be seen. Setting her sweatshirt on fire in lab might have had something to do with that. She still has her horses but has added a chicken...or two. And a duck. And a (house) pig. And several dogs. And cats. And... who knows what might turn up next!

Sophia frequently attends conferences and signing events that take her throughout the United States. In addition, she often presents for her local Romance Writers of America chapters and is available to present to additional authors' groups. She loves to connect with readers and writers alike, so be sure to say hello!

Website: http://www.authorsophiagarrett.com

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7267526.Sophia_Garrett

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ClaireAshgrove

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSophiaGarrett

http://www.amazon.com/Very-Scandalous-Holiday-Entangled-ebook/dp/B00FCROWRI

CRISTA McHUGH

Crista McHugh is a multiple award-winning author of fantasy romance and paranormal romance with heroines who are smart, sexy, and anything but ordinary.

Growing up in small town Alabama, Crista relied on story-telling as a natural way for her to pass the time and keep her two younger sisters entertained.

She currently lives in the Audi-filled suburbs of Seattle with her husband and two children, maintaining her alter ego of mild-mannered physician by day while she continues to pursue writing on nights and weekends.

Just for laughs, here are some of the jobs she's had in the past to pay the bills: barista, bartender, sommelier, stagehand, actress, morgue attendant, and autopsy assistant.

And she's also a recovering LARPer. (She blames it on her crazy college days)

To be the first to know about her latest releases or to be entered into exclusive contests, please sign up for her newsletter using the contact form on her webpage, www.cristamchugh.com.


Crista Author Links:

Website: www.cristamchugh.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/crista_mchugh


Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CristaMcHugh

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3035791.Crista_McHugh

AMBER LIN:

Amber Lin writes erotic romance with damaged souls and deep emotion.

Her debut novel Giving It Up (Loose Id, 9781611188431) received The Romance Review’s Top Pick, Night Owl Top Pick, and 5 Blue Ribbons from Romance Junkies. RT Book Reviews gave it 4.5 stars, calling it “truly extraordinary.” The sequel is slated for release in early 2013. Her small town romance will be published by Carina Press in Fall 2013.

Amber married her high school sweetheart, birthed a kid who’s smarter than she is, and spends her nights writing down her dirty thoughts. In other words, life is good



Amber's Author Links:

Website: http://www.authoramberlin.com

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5827158.Amber_Lin

Twitter: https://twitter.com/authoramberlin

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoramberlin

NANCY FRASER:

Like most authors, Nancy began writing at an early age, usually on the walls and with crayons or, heaven forbid, permanent markers. Her love of writing often made her the English teacher's pet which, of course, resulted in a whole lot of teasing. Still, it was worth it.

In her time away from writing, Nancy dotes on her five grandchildren. She's currently happily single (let's face it, it's difficult to find a man who can live up to her sexy, fictitious heroes) and enjoying life as is for the time being.

Nancy's Author Links

Website: http://www.nancyfraser.ca

Facebook: www.facebook.com/nancyfraserauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nfraserauthor

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7206382.Nancy_Fraser

Rebel Heartsong Review Tour

REBEL HEARTSONG

by Morgan K. Wyatt

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

Townsend Sewell, as heir to the biggest planation in Beaufort County, is also the biggest marital prize. Life is good, at least it was before the war. After the Civil War devalued Confederate money, and stripped their plantation, Townsend became a not so great catch. The only person who stands by him is Yvette, a mulatto companion to his sisters. She jokes that she stayed only to watch over him, which she does, quite well. He can't remember a time the beautiful servant hasn't taken care of him, almost like a wife. He's lucky to have Yvette, but someday some man will steal her away. The thought enrages him. He's unwilling to live without her by his side. Does she feel the same way? If she does, how will they survive when the law declares their love taboo?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Excerpt One:

The kitchen was silent without clatter of dishes, no gossiping, and no scratching from the potboy trying to rid the pot of the last bit of burned grits.  Almost afraid to look, Yvette put her fork down and looked to the swinging door that Townsend filled up so well. Imogene began to wave the staff out of the kitchen.

Townsend ducked his head. “Sorry to bother you, I just wanted a word with Yvette if you don’t mind.” He nodded to Imogene, and then added, “Ma’am.”

“Go ahead. She’s all yars.” Imogene hooted as she left the kitchen as if she found something amusing.

Yvette shook her head. “She’s always finding something funny.”

Townsend pulled out a chair and sat across from her at the worktable. It was so narrow that their knees touched. Did he feel a small tingle zip up his leg too or was it just her? His lips pulled down in a grimace, which probably meant he did, and also that he didn’t like it. It could be that he slammed his knee up against hers, and it just hurt, too. He opened his mouth as if he was ready to say something, then, closed it, pulling his lips into a firm line.

“Townsend, please don’t worry about hurting my feelings. Go ahead and say whatever you have to say. It will make it easier on both of us. That way you can head back home.” Yvette offered the words as a way to help him out. The last thing she wanted was for him to leave. On the other hand, did she want to keep twisting in the breeze? Sometimes she felt like one of those characters in the forbidden novels Emily devoured. The woman was always in love with an inappropriate man, and it never ended well. That, in itself, should be a lesson for her. Taking her fork, she mushed up the rest of the biscuit since her appetite had fled.

Review:

Rebel Heartsong is a period piece that illustrates well the perilous climate of being a woman of color in the time of the Civil War. The opening scene really struck me as very true to form. It was a harsh time when women had very little say on their fate. This story moved me. Any woman who has been a victim of sexual violence knows the fear and hyper awareness that you get in situations like the one Yvette was forced to endure at the onset of the book. While no assault took place, the very real threat of it was present, and in the plantation home where she lived, even a freed black woman could be subjected to abuse and not be able to say a thing. As Yvette found out, to be anything more than ordinary was to call unwanted attention, and that could cost her everything.

The love story between Yvette and Townsend was scorching and made me think of North and South. I have always loved period pieces in the Civil War era and I enjoyed this book for the lush scenery and the array of characters that showed the spirit of the times. The family turmoil was also something that grabbed my attention right away. Life at home can sometimes be full of drama, but can you imagine a plantation full of people and all of the inner workings? It makes the mind boggle when you look at it from a modern perspective. 

Rebel Heartsong is perfect for those fans who love a good story that brings them back to the roots that our country was founded on, and some that have taken centuries to get to.

4/5

 AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Morgan K Wyatt, raised on a steady diet of superheroes, believed she could fly at a very young age. After using trees, barn lofts, sliding boards, and even a second story window as launch pads, she found her flying skills were limited to fast and downward. By the age of nine, her dreams to be a superhero needed some modifications, which caused her to turn to writing and horseback riding as alternatives to flying.

 At the age of twenty, she had another chance at superhero greatness as being one of the few female soldiers trained for combat. The fact that women will be able to serve in combat soon indicates that all the witnesses to the grenade incident have retired. The grenade incident didn’t prevent her two sons or daughter-in-law from enlisting in the service. Having different last names probably helped.

Morgan recently retired from teaching special needs students to write fulltime, instead of in the wee hours of the night. With the help of her helpful husband and loyal hound, she creates characters who often grab plot lines and run with them. As for flying, she prefers the airlines now.

www.morgankwyatt.com

www.twitter.com/morgankwyatt

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Morgan-K-Wyatt/160636730670958?ref=hl

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5826299.Morgan_K_Wyatt

Buy Links

http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=10&products_id=511

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rebel-heartsong-morgan-k-wyatt/1114255840?ean=2940015972269

http://www.amazon.com/Rebel-Heartsong-ebook/dp/B00B76XIN2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1362241950&sr=8-1&keywords=rebel+heartsong

Morgan will be awarding a $5 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn commenter at every stop, and grand prize of the winner's choice of ivory, peach, or white, cultured freshwater pearl necklace to one randomly drawn commenter. Make sure you leave your name and email and follow the blog by GFC and email. Don't miss a post.

Secret Cravings Publishing is offering a sale during the Rebel Heartsong and Escaping West tours.

 

All Morgan K Wyatt books bought May 15-31st are available for another 20% off publisher's site.

 

www.secretcravingspublishing.com

 

The code is Morgan20

Halo of the Damned Review Tour

Halo of the Damned

By

Dina Rae

BLURB:  

A chain of advertising agencies, a new breed of humans, and a fallen angel to worship... Andel Talistokov is known for his slick advertising agencies across the globe. He is a fallen angel that uses advertising as a weapon for Satan's work. His growing power emboldens him to break several of Hell's Commandments. Furious with his arrogance, Satan commands him to return to Hell after finding his own replacement. Yezidism, an ancient angel worshiping religion, quietly expands throughout the West. Armaros appears as a guest of honor during their ceremonies. He mates with young women to produce nephilim, a mixed race of humans and angels. They are alone and unprepared for their supernatural power. Joanna Easterhouse, a recovering drug addict, steps out of prison shortly after her mother's fatal accident. She and her sister, Kim, unravel their mother's secretive past. Intrigued, they learn their bloodline is part of a celestial legacy. Both worlds collide. Halo of the Damned is a horrifying tale that weaves research together with suspenseful twists and turns.

EXCERPT:

The next day, Kim packed up her own drawing of her mother’s carved wall, the scroll, and the piece of metal. Her excitement put her in a giddy mood. Once she was parked and in front of Loyola’s entrance, Sandra met her in the foyer and escorted her back to the Arts and Science College. Sandra took Kim to their lounge and introduced her to six other professors who were equally interested in seeing her finds. All of them specialized in fields that had to do with the ancient world.

Kim began with unveiling her own copy of the symbols she drew from her mother’s basement. “I appreciate all of your attention. Can anyone tell me what this is, and even possibly what it means? Each symbol was copied down in the order it was etched into the wall,” Kim said.

One professor immediately took the paper and made a copy. This made Kim uncomfortable. He asked, “Where did you find this?”

“Again, none of that matters,” Kim defensively repeated. Her daughter’s omen chimed throughout her brain. The man intuitively put up her defenses.

“Doctor Nrogbi’s English is somewhat limited. He’s not trying to be pushy or rude,” Sandra explained.

“This is Angelic script, also known as Adonite language, alphabet of the Ark, or even Enochian. It’s the first written language of this world. Angels used it to communicate with God. The first humans also used it before the Fall,” Doctor Nrogbi lectured.

“Before what fall?” Kim asked, very confused. How could Maria have known all of this?

“Before Adam and Eve sinned. Before they were kicked out of Eden. It pre-dates Hebrew, Sanskrit, Aramaic, and other ancient languages. It’s very sophisticated and difficult to translate. These symbols look like a key, invocation, or lyric. Let me get something off my bookshelf.”

While the doctor frantically flipped through several of his books, other professors rattled off bits and pieces of their own views concerning the script. Kim learned that Enoch didn’t name the language, but his name was chosen for it thousands of years later because of his communications inside of Heaven.

The professors spoke of John Dee, a famous mathematician, cartographer, and seer of Queen Elizabeth I. He had a revelation about angelic script and later recorded it. Sir Edward Kelley, his colleague, also witnessed the revelation and recorded additional symbols called Keys or Calls. Their legitimacy had been debated for centuries.

“Ah, I found it. What you have here is a Key. Angel script is read left to right. These symbols together are sort of like a prayer. A rough translation in English means, ‘Forever fallen is forever damned, until one can unlock from within.’ I wish I knew where you found this. The context would help cypher the meaning,” Doctor Nrogbi stated.

“Anyone have an inkling to what the passage could mean?” Kim asked.

“I can only guess that fallen is either man, as in Adam…or possibly angels, as in the Fallen that waged war with Satan against God. He and all his angels were cast down and forever damned. However, there is a loophole suggested-‘unlock from within.’ Don’t know, just a guess,” answered Doctor Barry Lowenstein, an ancient comparative literature professor.

“Kim, you said you had a few more items to show us. Can we see? The anticipation is gnawing away at all of us!” Sandra exclaimed.

“Okay, I have a scroll that might be of some interest,” Kim answered as she gingerly took it out of her purse and laid it down on a long table. All the professors’ jaws dropped in astonishment. They all hovered over the scroll, whispering theories of what it might be. Doctor Nrogbi quickly grabbed his cell phone and began taking photos. The rest of the professors followed suit.

“Tanned animal hide, probably lamb or ram, of the highest quality for ancient times. This must be dated as far back as 500 B.C., maybe even a 1000 B.C. We need to carbon-date this. It’s in perfect condition. What was this stored in?” Doctor Lowenstein questioned.

“It came in a box. I didn’t bring it with me,” Kim replied, feeling suffocated and wanting to leave.

“We could use a combination of steam and chemicals to remove the seal so that it doesn’t break. That way we could read the scroll. Can you leave this with Sandra for the next couple of days?” asked Doctor Litner, an art history professor and expert in document preservation.

Can you bring in the box? Can you take us to where this was found? Can you leave this for display? Can we take this to the Smithsonian? Can you, Can you, Can you...Kim’s head was about to explode. She wasn’t about to disclose the ornate metal she still had in her purse.

“I’ll call Sandra and we can do this another time. Thank you all for your help,” Kim abruptly announced. She packed up her things and rushed out of the university. Not paying attention, she almost got hit by a car. Once in her Lincoln Navigator, she calmed down. Rush hour traffic on the Eisenhower Expressway gave her time to process.

Review:

Halo of the Damned is a book that will intrigue fans of dark angels and demon stories. Filled with enough raw horror to please any slasher fan as well, Halo introduces us to a fallen angel and his media empire. Enter our heroine, Joanna Easterhouse, who is just getting out of prison for a drug conviction. Faced with the difficulty of getting a job with a record, she takes the job at Evil Empire and thus begins the adventure.

This book had a lot of gory scenery that wouldn't normally fall into my erotica review list. It does have a well developed and intricate plot that will entertain readers of multiple genres such as myself. There are a few points in the dialog that were a little stilted, and I had a hard time connecting with Joanna at first, but as I got to know the characters, the intricate nature of the relationships fleshed out and made the book a pulse pounding late night (with a flashlight) read.

There is romance, through the rituals, dismemberment and mysteries surrounding the Easterhouse family and what a fallen angel has to do with whatever secrets Joanna and Kim's mother may have been hiding. 

This is a good read for anyone in the mood for a little angelic carnage.

3/5 

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Dina Rae is a new author here to stay.  As a teacher, she brings an academic element to her work.  Her three novels, Halo of the Damned, The Last Degree, and Bad Juju weave research and suspense throughout the plots.  Her short story, Be Paranoid Be Prepared, is a prequel of sorts to The Last Degree, focusing on the James Martin character.  In the spring of 2013, her latest novel, Halo of the Nephilim, will be released.  Dina also freelances for various entertainment blogs.

Dina lives with her husband, two daughters, and two dogs outside of Chicago.  She is a Christian, an avid tennis player, movie buff, and self-proclaimed expert on several conspiracy theories.  She has been interviewed numerous times in e-zines, websites, blogs, newspapers, and radio programs.  When she is not writing she is reading novels from her favorite authors Dan Brown, Anne Rice, Stephen King, Brad Thor, George R.R. Martin, and Preston & Childs. 

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