Double Review: Evolution: ANGEL by S.A. Huchton

This book was recommended to me by my soul twin, Christy Lynn Foster. I love anything about superheros and adding romance to the mix makes me one happy camper. This wasn't your usual cookie cutter romance either. I would say is was more 70% story and 30% romance. Candace has been wanting to be an ANGEL for her whole high school career. Her cousin Gabe was accepted the year prior and she was anxiously awaiting her acceptance. ANGELS, or AdvaNced Genetic EvoLution, are people that have been genetically altered with a serum to heighten certain parts of their DNA, essentially giving them super powers. I love how everything is explained in such detail that I felt like I was there watching it unfold. Candace surely is one of a kind. I was so tired of female characters being weak and whiny. She is stubborn, strong, and hilarious.

Here is my favorite quote from the book:

Candace scowled at him. "Why are you still here? Don't you have books to torture or puppies to kick or souls to eat somewhere?"

I was like a highlighting fiend! There were so many lines that were gut busters. Now, onto my favorite character, the person of Candace's frustration in the quote above, Jackass Jackson! I feel like there was so much that we don't know about him, yet you get little snippets. He's not that bad of a guy even though I'd like to gut him for dog-earing a book. I feel like something big is coming in book two.

My bestie here hates cliffys, but I love them. I was saddened by the outcome but it had to be done. I'm at war with myself trying to decide if it was for the greater good or if the author just likes killing peoples puppies. In the end you're left with a truly awe inspiring tale that will leave your heart in shambles.

In S. A. Huchton's "Evolution: ANGEL" you are taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions as you engulf your brain with the thoughts and feelings of, the main character, Candace. Candace has spent her whole life reading comic books and dreaming of becoming a super hero, and after high school her dream becomes reality after she is accepted into the ANGEL program. In the ANGEL program, Candace discovers her super powers, and falls in love with another ANGEL trainee. This was truly a page turner, and in a way I wished the ANGEL program was real. I mean, how awesome would it be if you can go through a program that would make you into a super human? Granted there would probably be some horrible side effects, like what Bruce Banner goes through being the Hulk, but you could use your powers to do good. The author brings every moment to life with her very detailed descriptions of Candace's daily interactions. Page after page I was on the edge of my seat because I couldn't wait to read what was going to happen next. I, personally, enjoyed this book and hope to read the continuation. The only issue I have with the book is the end, which I will not give away, because it made me cry a little. I was so caught up in the moment that I allowed myself to feel the emotions of the characters. I would recommend "Evolution: ANGEL" to those of you that enjoy reading science fiction with some sexual content. I give this book 4.5 stars because I loved it, but I despise cliff hangers.

A geek of all trades, Starla Huchton has been crafting stories in various genres since 2007. Her first novel, The Dreamer’s Thread was released as a full cast audiobook podcast, becoming a double-nominee and finalist for the 2010 Parsec Awards. After releasing short fiction of steampunk, noir fantasy, and other varieties, she released the first three books of the Sci-Fi Romance Endure series in 2013. All three books of the Evolution series will be released in 2014, as well as a Steampunk Fantasy novel, Master of Myth (the Antigone’s Wrath series, book 1), which was the first place winner of the Crested Butte Writers’ contest, The Sandy, in 2012.

When not writing, Starla trains three Minions, a black lab, and a military husband whilst designing book covers for independent authors and publishers at Designed By Starla.

http://www.starlahuchton.com

https://twitter.com/riznphnx

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Dreamers-Thread/293564928741

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4348137.Starla_Huchton

Planning Your Trip to utopYA 2014!

By now a lot of you have already set your accommodations and travel plans, but now is the time to put yourself in gear to make the most out of your trip to utopYA. Lists are always helpful to keep on track (that is if you remember to bring your list LOL) Make sure you email that list to yourself. Don't be that guy haha.

Everyone's lists will be different but here is my list with suggestions from other attendees:

Start saving moeny now if you haven't already!

Photo i.d., credit cards, and cash!

I can't stress to you how important it is not to forget theses...especially if  you're flying. (derp)

Dress for the occasion

As Janet has said, it is hotter than Hades in Nashville. I kid you not, it's like outer realm of hell. You are the judge of your own temperature so dress is layers. Better to be safe than sorry. I lived in sundresses last year. If you're going to wear a dress, bring a sweater. It's in a hotel this year and they'll probably have the air on full blast.

Bring comfortable shoes! This is not the time to bring those hot new sandals that you haven't broken in.

The Awards ceremony! There is no dress code and you can wear what you want. I've seen everything from jeans to prom dresses. Wear what's comfortable for you or go all out and deal with the pain on Sunday :)

AND if you aren't staying at the hotel, bring an extra set of clothes in a backpack or in a friends room.

Luggage

If you plan to buy books, you're going to need extra luggage. Depending on your airline they may charge extra for checked baggage fees. Always check beforehand. I decided to ship my books home via FedEx. Cost me about $30 but it was worth it. Who really wants to carry and extra 25 lbs? Of course I couldn't locate a USPS office when I was there. Damn that GPS! It may be more beneficial to ship FedEx because it's insured. USPS can get expensive if you aren't shipping via media mail(use at your own risk!)

Also, bring a tote/backpack to the con. You'll want something to carry all those books/swag you get. You get a tote bag with your Con entry but it never hurts to have an extra.

Advil/Tylenol/Meds

Don't forget these. Expect some soreness from walking around all day. Parajunkee also suggested 5 hour energy. GET THAT! P.S. don't forget your daily meds if you're on any.

Electronics

I'd hope that you don't leave your phone at home. You may also want to bring a camera, laptop, tablet, headphones, etc. Bring them! But don't forget the charger/batteries/memory cards. Also be sure to have extra batteries for cameras. I ran out last year LOL.

Autograph Books

Notebooks, photo books, scrapbooks, Kindle/Nook cases, whatever. Bring something that you want signed for authors that you aren't purchasing a book from. Pens don't hurt either and you'll probably get one on a table or two. Business Cards...bring a handful with you. It's okay to network just don't be a spammer.

Food/Beverages

There will be limited beverages available. Coffee in the AM and water/tea in the afternoons, but its limited supply, or better said -- limited time. It's out in the AM for a couple hours and out in the afternoon for about an hour. Basically don't expect there to be some at all times. The hotel has a restaurant and bar from which you can purchase food an beverages. Outside food/drinks are highly discouraged. If you are staying at the hotel be sure to have your room stocked. Same goes for wherever you are staying. I'd suggest Walmart before arriving so you can stock up on the cheap.

Hair/makeup products

If you have something in particular that you don't want to buy, say a hair straightener or your fav. shampoo, bring that with you. I like to travel light when it comes to toiletries because it's just easier for me to buy them when I get there. Take that, TSA! Don't forget your makeup if you wear it. Also, make sure you don't have a pocket knife in your makeup bag. Oops. Ren-1, TSA-1.

Bring a book!

Go figure! You're going to a con, that's a given right? I made the mistake of shipping them ALL home last year and guess who got stuck in the airport with dead electronics and nothing to read? This chick right here. Also, don't forget your books from home that you want signed. An inventory would have been nice. Now I have to dig through 4 boxes of books to find them. YIKES.

Bring something special for your Favorite Author!

I heard from a little bird that they like that stuff.... and this is totally optional. If you're from an area that has certain candies, bring it! Or you can personalize something for them. They eat it up!

Contact lenses/Glasses

Don't forget these! Also bring an extra set if you have them. I WOULD be the one to break my glasses.

 

As always, I'm probably forgetting something. Never fails when writing a going away list.

What are your suggestions?

 I hope to see you all at UtopYA 2014!

There will be plenty of panels that are helpful for everyone and you wont want to miss it!

To see what UtopYA is all about, visit http://utopyacon.com/

and for tickets visit

http://www.eventbrite.com/e/utopya-2014-registration-7219041347

Be sure to follow the rest of the Official UtopYA Bloggers for exclusive content, news and giveaways!

Delphina of Delphina Reads Too Much

Toni of My Book Addiction

Heather of SupaGurl Books

Kathryn of TSK, TSK, What to Read?

Tootles!

Book Tour Review and Giveaway (Ebook Copy): Hedge Witch by Simon Kewin

Hedge Witch by Simon Kewin
Publication date: April 2014
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

Synopsis:
Fifteen year-old Cait Weerd has no idea she’s being sought by the undain: sorcerous creatures of necromancy that feed off the spirit of the living. She doesn’t know the undain need her blood to survive. She doesn’t even know she’s a witch, descended from a long line of witches. Cait Weerd doesn’t know a lot, really, but all that’s about to change.

At Manchester Central Library she’s caught up in sudden, horrific violence. In the chaos she’s handed an old book that’s been hidden there and told to run, hide the book or destroy it. It contains all the secrets of the undains’ existence. They and their human servants want to find that as much as they want Cait.

What’s more, she learns that the fate of two worlds is at stake here. Just what she needs. Along with definitely-not-a-boyfriend Danny, she has to decide what the hell to do. Run, fight or just hope it all goes away.

It’s only then she learns who she really is, along with the terrible truth of what the undain have been doing in our world all this time …

*** 4 Stars ***
Heard of teenagers being witchy, but to actually be one? Cait is in for a wild ride as she finds out the crafty and magical heritage that is going to put in immediate danger and adventure. The undain are nasty creatures that practice, live, and breathe necromancy and feed off the life of the unsuspecting living. Parallel to our world, another lives in breath taking magic alongside the land of the dead that is about to bring war to both worlds. Cait has the choice to embrace her bloodline or to run for cover… all though the bad guys are going to pursue her either way.
A super young adult fantasy novel, “Hedge Witch” travels between different worlds offering heavy, flowing detail and different character perspectives. I had no problem squirreling away a few hours to finish this fun romp of a novel. The characters are an interesting mix and the author does an excellent job of keeping readers engaged without an overwhelming outpouring of details or a dragging plot line. A fun read for a summer evening!

The author is giving away a sampler of Hedge Witch and a collection of short stories if anyone is interested you can download them with the links below:

Hedge Witch Sampler
ePub: http://bit.ly/1oAJGEw
KIndle: http://bit.ly/1hfzDRv
 
Witching Hour short stories
ePub: http://bit.ly/1iaEleh
KIndle: http://bit.ly/1ilPaLS

Simon was born on the misty Isle of Man but now lives deep in the English countryside with his wife and two daughters.

He writes science fiction and fantasy as well as some stories that can’t make their minds up.

Find out more on his website at simonkewin.co.uk.

Author Links:

http://www.simonkewin.co.uk/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4013862.Simon_Kewin

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Simon-Kewin-Author/139665209438997

https://twitter.com/SimonKewin

Giveaway: A giveaway for one (1) ebook copy of Hedge Witch. Open internationally. Post a comment by June 1st, 2014. A winner will be randomly picked June 2, 2014.

Book Tour Review: Stone Cold by Jocelyn Adams

Stone Cold by Jocelyn Adams
Lou Hudson makes a deal with the Isaac to save the Ironhill jinn from execution…and lands on the front line of a war between the vampire and his sire.

Daddy Dearest intends to have Lou for himself to spite Isaac and begins meddling in every corner of her life. Her reputation shatters when people die, her monster-whispering skills shelved by public outcry and vampire politics.

When forced to confront their enemy, she isn’t prepared for the depth of Isaac’s plotting—or her increasing attraction to him—and to end their latest crisis will only cost Lou a piece of her soul.

 

 

 

*** 4 Stars ***
In the second book of the Ironhill Jinn, “Stone Cold”, Lou is physically linked to the hot, mysteriously, and annoying vampire lord Isaac. On top of having to deal with the city dropping their contract and putting the supernatural sanctuary she runs call “The Reservation”, Lou has to deal with: coming to terms with her heritage, being linked with Isaac, finding Amun (a past potential lover/partner) who has disappeared off the face of the earth, Fae back in town, and controlling her powers under all the stress. In hiring a new team member, Lou has to fight off natural attraction to him and try to figure out who the heck he is and isn’t. Going around and around in circles, Lou is swept into a battle that may be more than she can handle. Trying to fight her natural instincts might just be the end of her if the supernatural world and its people imploding don’t. The fight for Lou’s heart and body between all the deliciously strange, mysteriously, and fun men in her light is a fun little tangle to follow throughout the novel.

Following in the footsteps of the first book, the author does an excellent job of world building and describing the creatures in her world, their purposes, power, and background. Lou is an extremely likeable character just trying to survive, be independent, and caring for others always above herself. The struggle to survive and all the political insanity of the different supernatural cultures will keep the reader interested and intrigued, while the steamy romance and lusty attractions will spice up the novel for the paranormal romance lover.

The books don’t necessarily need to be read in order as the author provides background, but book two takes place right after the events of book one and builds on previous characters and plot lines.

Jocelyn Adams grew up on a farm in Lakefield and now lives in Muskoka. She's a former computer geek among other things. Mostly, she's a dreamer with a vivid imagination and a love for fantasy (and a closet romantic -- shhh!). When she isn't shooting her compound bow or writing, she hangs out with her husband and young daughter at their little house in the woods.

Author Links

http://www.joceadams.com

Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter

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Bestie Review: Frostbite by Lynn Rush

Lynn Rush's "Frostbite", takes you through the life of a young woman with superhuman abilities. The main character, Amanda, is a high school senior that is just trying to get through her last few weeks of high school without any problems, but that seems to be easier said than done. Along for the ride with Amanda is her brother/ guardian Scott, and best friend Georgia. Georgia doesn't know about Amanda's secret, but both girls discover a secret that will link them forever. I really love how easily the book caught my attention. Normally for me to read a book my mind has to be completely enticed to want to read more. I loved how the author created a love interest for Amanda, all while she fights to keep her brother, best friend and secret safe from the people that are trying to hurt her. I only wished the book wasn't so much like a typical X-Men story line, it's been done so many times before. Don't get me wrong I enjoyed the book because I am personally into the superhuman ability possibility, but some people can often say it's been done before. The author's use of imagery keeps the reader enticed and enthralled. If you enjoy reading young adult, supernatural, or superhuman books; I highly recommend reading "Frostbite".



 

Driven to write, Lynn Rush often sees her characters by closing her eyes watching their story unfold in her mind. Lynn Rush is a pen name that is a combination of two sources – Lynn, the first name of her mother-in-law, who passed away and Rush – since the author is a former inline speed skater and mountain biker. All of Rush’s books are dedicated to Lynn, her namesake, and a portion of the proceeds benefits cancer research and awareness.

Rush holds a degree in psychology from Southwest Minnesota State University and a master’s degree from the University of Iowa. Originally from Minneapolis, Rush currently enjoys living in the Arizona sunshine by road biking nearly 100 miles per week with her husband of 16 years and jogging with her two loveable Shetland Sheep dogs.

Connect with Lynn online

Catch the Rush, Facebook,  Twitter,  Pinterest, Newsletter

Book Review and Giveaway ($20 Amazon Gift Card!): Dead Ringers: Illusion (Dead Ringers #1) by Darlene Gardner

Dead Ringers 1: Illusion is a free download!

Note from the author: Seven of the nine Dead Ringers volumes are on sale with the eighth coming soon. Volumes 1-3 and 4-6 are in boxed sets.

Jade a slightly sarcastic, slightly snarky, and a whole like of a likeable character. Jade had gone missing and had no recollection of where she went, who took her, or what happened. Jade only has freaky flash backs and déjà-vu memories of a clown and a pointy syringe plunging into her. Most think she’s crazy or just full up it, especially the other teens around her, except for the local hottie, Max Harper. Max seems to believe her and even interested in more than her mysterious past, but he becomes slightly obsessed with the murder of a local wealthy woman. Suddenly, Jade is battling fierce flash back and warning signs that she’s in danger and it’s coming quickly. Bodies start showing up and the creepy carnival she works at might harvest more memories than Jade is ready to face.

This book is an easy read to get sucked into and I’m dying to read the next of this serial series. Jade is a totally likeable character. The mystery swirling around her is haunting and addictive. Pick up this short novel and be ready to wonder if your secret (or not so secret) fear or clowns has real meaning…

Darlene Gardner no longer spends her days waiting for an athlete to say something interesting. Nope. Now she makes up her own quotes and torments her characters. Fictional characters. Promise.

Although leaving her life as a newspaper sportswriter behind for love and romance worked out pretty well, she's veered off in a haunting new direction with the nine-volume Dead Ringers eBook serial, landing at an oceanside carnival where evil lurks and nothing is as it seems. Seven of the nine volumes have been published as stand alones and in boxed sets with the other two volumes coming soon.

Darlene has more than thirty-five books in print, from single-title romantic comedies to emotionally charged family dramas. Updated editions of her romcoms, as well as a couple romantic mysteries, are available for the eBook market.

 

Links:

Website: www.darlenegardner.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DarleneGardnerBooks

Twitter: twitter.com/DarleneGardner

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/darlenegardner

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Book Tour Review & Giveaway (Gift cards, swag, lots of goodies): The Bloodline War by Tracy Tappan

The Bloodline War by Tracy Tappan
Genres: Paranormal Romance
THE BLOODLINE WAR, Book One in The Community Series

Beneath the streets of San Diego, California, a unique race of human beings called Vârcolac lives on the brink of extinction. Desperate to save their dying people, a brotherhood of warriors deploys to the surface to steal genetically superior women for a repopulation program.

A car accident changes everything…

A computer hacked hospital blood test confirms that Dr. Toni Parthen carries a gene that’s the key to salvation for a unique race of human beings. Abducted to a secret, underground community, Toni is asked to do the unthinkable: procreate with a man from a race called Vârcolac—a species that must consume the blood of other humans to survive. Then bizarre turns dangerous, because a new, mysterious enemy also wants her special DNA, and Toni finds herself in the middle of an all-out war to possess her.

Destined to be alone…

It’s the job of Jaċken Brun, leader of the Warrior Class, to keep the captured women safe from a demonic race of humans who rule a neighboring part of their underground world. His challenges multiply when Toni inflames the women into mutiny, and then there’s his biggest problem…his growing desire for the infuriating woman herself. Afflicted with a dark genetic makeup, Jaċken can never be with a woman. Until Toni uses her scientific ingenuity to find a way for her and Jaċken to be together. But then the new enemy faction unearths Toni and drags her to their hidden lair, where they’ll inflict an unspeakable cruelty on her to gain access to her valuable genes.

It will take every warrior skill Jaċken owns to save the woman he loves, but only if he can find her in time….

Tour Promo Price: The Bloodline War will be $.99 for the duration of the tour!

***4.5 Stars***
This book was a total hoot and a half with dashes of sexy, adventure, and humor mixed in. Toni, the main character, and her heart throb of a crazy half-breed, Jacken, was an awesome pair. The author does an excellent job of realistic world building and provides cultural and historical backgrounds of all the races involved. She also does a nice job of tying in the reason for the desperation of kidnapping the women to spare the Vârcola’s extinction, and the political/social/cultural struggles of the women adjusting to their new home. I appreciated the strength of the author’s female characters and also their devotion to their mates, families, and new found heritage.
After being in a car wreck and in the hospital, Toni triggers an alert that she is part of a rare bloodline that can produce offspring with the nearly extinct Vârcolac race. When the Vârcolac’s A Team arrives to squirrel her away, they are challenged by another group of flame tattooed dudes who bleed acid. Successfully “rescued” and forced politely to accept the Vârcolac’s claims, Toni and Jacken successfully flirt, avoid, and snarky at each other until finally being forced by their own desperate need for each other to admit their true feelings.
This book is definitely mature rated, but is not saturated with unnecessary sex scenes or romantic diatribe that makes it simpering and boring. The sex was hot, hot, hot, and totally fit within the racial characteristics/customs/relationships the author built into her story.
The freaky twist of Toni’s parentage, the tattooed nasty dudes, and the war raging topside between the different races builds up to a nice cliffhanger. If you’re a fan of steamy paranormal romance with a great plot, whatcha waiting for to buy this book!?

Big, Dark and Murderous was standing over by a black entertainment center, his hands planted on his hips and a scowl knitting his eyebrows into a fierce vee. The proverbial tower of manhood and menace. He was dressed in that super sexy all-black workout gear the warriors wore for training, and although he was still his usual scary self, he also looked surprisingly…well…super sexy.
Toni’s stomach gave a start and then a funny flutter at the sight of him. Powerful muscles stood out in rigid relief against the tight fabric of his gear, his body so clearly articulated with grooves and crevices he could’ve been held up in anatomy class as an example of the perfect male specimen. These are the quadriceps, class, this, the tibialis anterior, and this part right here between his legs is the…oh, my. Let’s just all make a ‘yum’ noise, shall we.
Toni briefly closed her eyes. She really needed to get some help.
“Well?” he pressed in a peeved tone. “I asked you a question.”
“Yes, I’m…uh…” I’m here to steal a key card so that I can instigate an escape plan. She covertly scanned the room for inspiration on another excuse, figuring the truth wouldn’t go over well with a man of Jaċken’s temperament. It was then she noticed just how black his bedroom was: black wooden dresser and entertainment center, sleek black lacquered wet bar, black bedspread with a dark gray geometric design on it. Sheesh. If her bedroom was Louis XVI, Dev’s like a cozy room out of a château, then this bedroom—in keeping with the whole French theme—was Marquis de Sade all the way. Well, at least the bedroom fit the man this time.
“I just came to see if, um…” Her gaze zeroed in on a stack of DVD’s in his entertainment center. “If you wouldn’t mind if I borrowed a movie.”
“You ever hear of knocking first? I was about to get into the shower. I could’ve been standing here naked, lady.”
That gave her pause. Despite all logic, the thought of Jaċken naked wasn’t a wholly unpleasant prospect. Not at all, in fact. Clearing her throat, she started forward. “I’m a doctor, Mr. Brun,” she said in the kind of overly patient tone she knew would annoy him. “You surely don’t have anything I haven’t seen before.” Mmm, that was about as big a joke as it had been with Dev.
She drew up right in front of him, and startled as a tingle of sensual awareness lit off a short burst of heat in her belly. She was close enough to smell him now, clean male sweat and a hint of Old Spice deodorant and Irish Springs soap; everything that was completely masculine and just about curled all the fine hairs on her body. An immense power radiated off of him, like the force of a tornado barely held in check, along with determination and confidence and ruthless intelligence, and something…strangely raw.
Her lips parted on a small breath, all that was feminine in her helplessly reacting to him. What was it about this man? How was it that she was even more aware of all the glorious differences between men and women while standing here with Jaċken than she had been with Dev, when he’d been naked as a jaybird?
“Would you mind backing the fuck up?” Jaċken ground out, his nostrils flaring white at the rims. “Being this close to your smell is about as much fun as a fork in the eye.”
Cured, instantly, of all wayward thoughts. Bristling, she plunked her hands on her hips. “Up yours, Jaċken. You’re such a misogynist, I swear to God.”

After earning a master’s degree in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling, Tracy Tappan enjoyed several years of doing clinical work before devoting herself full time to writing. She was born with a fertile imagination that has compelled her to write gritty romance novels, spanning paranormal, historical, and military suspense genres. During nearly a quarter of a century spent as a military wife, she lived all over the United States and in Europe, enjoying seven years overseas in the diplomatic community, first in Rome then in Madrid. She is also the founder and creator of a fan-based website called The Character Couch, where romance’s favorite couples are brought into a session with therapist, Regan Malloy.

She’s now settled back in sunny San Diego with her husband, a menagerie of pets, and two children who seem to think they can come and go as they please.

Author Links:

Website http://www.tracytappan.com/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TracyTappanRomanceAuthor?ref=hl

Twitter https://twitter.com/TracyTappan

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20361650-the-bloodline-war?from_search=true

The Character Couch http://www.charactercouch.com/

 

The author is running a giveaway on her site during the tour. USA residents only, please.

Prizes (4 total): (1) $50 gift card to Chili’s Restaurant, (1) One pound box See’s Candy assorted chocolates, (1) $15 Amazon gift card, (1) swag pack, including Character Couch T-shirt, scented sachet, bookmark.

Link for giveaway: http://www.tracytappan.com/