REVIEW: Dark Wild Night by Christina Lauren

Dark Wild Night is pretty much the book Christina Lauren fans have been waiting for in the Wild Seasons series.  After that wild night in Vegas, Lola and Oliver were the only newlyweds to not act on their initial attraction. Instead, they've spent the past eight months developing a uniquely deep friendship and fighting equally intense feelings of attraction.

Once they do admit their feelings, things take a super spicy turn. Oliver openly admits he's full on in love with Lola but her emotional hangups and growing career pressures strain the relationship from the beginning. Lola has some soul searching to do lest she loose Oliver entirely.

My fondness for the series grows with each book.  I still don't love book 1's (Sweet Filthy Boy) couple (Ansel and Mia). For me, that one was just okay. I really liked book 2 (Dirty Rowdy Thing) featuring Harlow and Finn but the real anticipation was for Oliver and Lola's story.

As a reader, I wasn't disappointed.  However, I had more than a few moments of wanting to strangle Lola over all her issues given how seemingly perfect Oliver is for her. It worked out in the end as these stories mostly do; but, the frustration level was there.

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars




#darkwildnight #christinalauren #wildseasons #romance #erotic #contemporary #bookreview

REVIEW: Working for Bigfoot by Jim Butcher

Working for Bigfoot is a fun Harry Dresden short story collection. Comprised of three separate yet interconnected stories, Dresden is first hired by the infamous 'Bigfoot' in "B is for Bigfoot" originally available in the anthology Under My Hat: Tales from the Cauldron. However, I believe I read it from Jim Butcher's website eons ago.  When Papa Bigfoot's young son, Irwin, attracts the attention of a bully, its up to Dresden to discover the threat and save the day.

In the second story, "I was a Teenage Bigfoot" (originally published in Blood Lite 3), Dresden is once again called to aid Irwin.  Away at an elite boarding school, Irwin has fallen ill for the first time.  It turns out that supernatural forces are at work and Dresden nabs the culprit in the nick of time before Irwin's life force is siphoned to the brink of death.

Lastly, "Bigfoot on Campus", finds Irwin all grown up and a freshman in college.  He's facing some of the same challenges as any college student--classes, sports, and romance.  Irwin is certainly hot and heavy with his first serious girlfriend; too bad neither he nor she knows she's a White Court vampire.  Its a good thing Dresden arrives one more time to run damage control.

Readers can never go wrong with Dresden.  This collection has all the characteristic charm associated with Butcher's Dresden Files--humor, magic, mystery and adventure--while also presenting larger themes concerning the responsibility of fatherhood (i.e. Bigfoot's lack of physical presence in Irwin's life, Dresden's fathers death) and the difficulties of growing up for any kid much less one with supernatural DNA.

As expected, the audio of this collection, masterfully narrated by James Marsters, is utter perfection. I highly recommend this to any fan of the series or for readers and listeners looking for a great story.

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars




#dresdenfiles #jimbutcher #workingforbigfoot #bigfoot #supernatural #bookreview #humor #magic

REVIEW: The Martian by Andy Weir

Astronaut Mark Watney is part of the first successful expedition to Mars when disaster occurs. Presumed dead, he's abandoned by his team and mourned by his friends, family and country. However, Watney is nothing if not resourceful as he colorfully beats the odds in this funny, thrilling adventure that has readers on the edge of their seats to discover our protagonist's fate.

I can't say much more than hasn't already been said by so many others regarding this book by Andy Weir. I loved the pacing blended with sarcastic humor and science.  While I haven't seen the film starring Matt Damon yet, I've heard its good and that he does the character justice.

For audiobook listeners, I wholeheartedly recommend the production with R. C. Bray as narrative.  His portrayal of Watney is fantastic as are the other characters. I marathoned the audio in just a few days, staying up late at night since I couldn't wait to see what next challenge Watney would face head on with such charm and humor.

The Martian is definitely worthy of all the praise!

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars




#themartian #andyweir #mars #survival #humor #audiobook

REVIEW: What You Need by Lorelei James

Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for a review!

Expected publication: January 5, 2016

What You Need is the first in a steamy new romance series by bestselling author Lorelei James. The Lund's are the next new family readers will fall in love with following James' immensely popular Rough Riders series and the exploits of the McKay cowboys.

Brady Lund is the CFO of Lund Industries. He's smart, devastatingly handsome and a woeful workaholic.  Brady notices co-worker Lennox Greene but can't bring himself to make a move until a staged 'get a life' intervention by his brothers brings them face to face at local bar.  Gone is the conservative blonde from the office. In her place is the rebellious, sexy and flirty Lennox that she tries hard to keep under wraps in an effort to be professional and hide from her troubled youth.

Unable to fight their attraction, Brady and Lennox delve into a relationship built not only on the lure of passion but also a deeper understanding of what is lacking in each of their lives.  Despite insecurities and a few ups and downs, they learn that what they really need is each other.

I'm a huge Lorelei James fan and she can pretty much do no wrong in my book.  I enjoyed this book quite a bit.  It is a departure from the raunchy Rough Rider cowboys and the even darker and erotic Mastered series.  While still super sexy, there is more emphasis on the relationship outside of the bedroom. I look forward to more books featuring the other Lund family members.

Recommended for Lorelei James fans and readers who've enjoyed books by Christina Lauren, the Bourbon Kings by J.R. Ward and other steamy, contemporary romances in the workplace setting.

Follow the author on Twitter: @loreleijames

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars



#loreleijames #whatyouneed #romance #netgalley #bookreview

PROGRAM: Fall Line-up--Zombie Prom

Halloween is my biggest library program of the fall.  As part of an October 'Zombiefest' including our Skype session with Jonathan Maberry, watching Warm Bodies and reading Rot & Ruin, our teen Halloween party this year was Zombie Prom.

Audience: Teens ages 12-18

Duration: An hour and a half (pre planning is a must! give yourself at least 2 hours for set up if you have help such as other staff members and teen volunteers)

Food: Pinterest was a huge help! Here's what we made:

• Witch hats & brooms (fudge stripe cookies, orange icing, Hershey kisses, pretzel sticks, mini Reese’s cups)
• Ghoul Punch
• Puking pumpkin & chips (ranch dip, ruffles, lil pumpkin carved)
• Graveyard pudding cups (pudding cups various flavors, oreo crumbs, ghost Peeps, candy pumpkin)
• Halloween Party Mix
• Apple nachos (apple slices drizzled with caramel sauce, mini chocolate chips and mini marshmallows)
• Oreo eyeballs (oreos, gel icing, gummy lifesavers, M&Ms)
• Spider pops (tootsie pop, pipe cleaner, googley eyes)
• Misc. candy + tiny treat bags

Activities: Teens were content to hang out, nibble on treats and socialize. We did have a number of other fun games:

• Halloween Scavenger Hunt
• Halloween Trivia
• Boo bean bag toss
• How to draw a zombie station w/ supplies
• Bingo

Music & Photo Booth: A co-worker's father is a DJ so we had a fun Halloween mix playing for atmosphere.  'Thriller' is always a favorite but I was surprised by the group's love of the 'Addams Family' theme.  We also had a photo op graveyard scene. Check out the pictures!

It was a super fun eveing.  In total we had 25 teens who dressed as zombies, anime heroes, Marie, Luigi and even Boba Fett!

#Halloween #teen #program #zombie #zombieprom #party #library

REVIEW: Starflight by Melissa Landers

*Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for a review*

Expected publication: February 2, 2016

Starflight is the first in a new series by Melissa Landers. Teen orphan, Solara Brooks is determined to flee Earth to embark on a fresh start.  Literally branded as a criminal, she hopes that she'll find a new life and employment as a mechanic in the outer realm. Solara is so desparate to escape that she's willing to indenture herself to former classmate, Doran Spaulding, the rich and popular heir to a fuel legacy.

Unforeseen events lead to quite a twist in fate when Solara and Doran end up on the Banshee, a space vessel of dubious reputation.  Soon Doran learns that he's been fraudulently been charged with conpiracy on Earth and that his father has been imprisoned. Dead set on completing his mission and clearing his name, Doran and Solara have to set their differences aside and agree to work together with hopes to avoid the forces gunning for their arrest.

Living in such close quarters on the ship is a challenge to all.  Both learn that they need to reevaluate how they look at the world and each other in order to survive.  Respect, trust and eventually attraction and love bloom. Readers are in store for a emotionally charged space adventure. The cast of secondary characters are compelling as are the villains and some rather startling discoveries. I loved the pacing, creativity and humor. I cannot wait to read book two and determine how certain events will impact other characters, namely Cassie and Kane.

Overall, I was reluctant when I began this book since space adventures aren't always of high interest to me as a reader. However, Landers weaves an artful web that will entice romance and adventure fans as well as those with a love of Firefly, Star Trek, and Star Wars.

Final rating: 4.5/5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @Melissa_Landers


#starflight #melissalanders #YAlit #space #romance #bookreview #teen #netgalley

REVIEW: Black Blade #1 & #2 by Jennifer Estep

In Cold Burn of Magic, book 1 of Estep's Black Blade series, readers meet Lilah Merriweather. Her life isn't exactly what you'd call boring. Sure high school is basically the same for everyone, unless you live in the "most magical place in America."  Run-ins with monsters just happen to be a common occurrence.  Orphaned, Lilah supports herself by using her Talents for Sight and Transference as a thief but her life takes an unexpected turn when she finds herself embroiled within a deadly family feud--the same feud that cost her mother her life.

Suddenly tasked with being the bodyguard to the Sinclair family bruiser, Devon, Lilah struggles with her growing feelings for her sweet, charming, irresistibly good looking and sometimes infuriating 'assignment.' Someone is dead set on targeting Devon and Lilah must use all her fighting skills to protect him.

Dark Heart of Magic picks up a few week after book 1.  Lilah is still adjusting to her place within the Sinclair family.  Having learned that her mother was a Sinclair, Lilah is more determined than ever to discover Victor Draconi's secrets and expose him for the murderer he is.  More strange occurrences are happening in Cloudburst Falls, coincidentally just in time for the annual Tournament of the Blades.  Lilah unexpectedly finds herself a contender in the games; however, the real challenge is surviving the deadly mishaps befalling participants.

Lilah learns some startling facts about her family's past in connection to the Draconi family. These discoveries has a greater impact on the outcome of the tournament and will prove to be important for book 3, Bright Blaze of Magic, due for release in April 2016.


What I liked...

I'm a fan of Estep's work, especially the adult urban fantasy Elemental Assassin series.  The author has the knack for writing smart, sassy female protagonists.  These characters usually have experienced trauma, leading to the development of a hard, anti-emotional exterior; however, they are more than capable of compassion and helping others when necessary. In a lot of ways Lilah reminds me of Gin but she isn't quite as jaded and deadly...yet. I do like that Estep has included some subtle connections to people and places in her adult series.

The secondary characters, pacing and plot are all well developed. These proved to be quick, fun reads with just enough mystery, humor, romance and just enough supernatural elements to entice teen and adult readers alike.

What I didn't like...

Aspects of repetition in the second book seemed to bog down the narrative.  Just how many times does the reader need to be told that Lilah's go-to outfit is a specific t-shirt, cargo pants and sneakers? Additionally, I noticed an over repetition of certain phrases and ideas that were distracting, if not irritating while reading.

In general, I wholeheartedly recommend this series.  It will appeal to Estep fans as well as urban fantasy fans young and old alike. I look forward to the next book and can't wait to see the next twist in the story

Final rating 4 out 5 stars


#jenniferestep #blackblade #coldburnofmagic #darkheartofmagic #urbanfantasy #bookreview #netgalley #YAlit #teen