It Started with a Dare Book Review

It Started with a Dare
Author: Lindsay Faith Rech
Pages: 312
Reading Level: YA
Release Date: September 13, 2010

My Stars: 4 stars

This book took me back to High School, that's what I enjoyed the most out of it. The story has so much humor in it, keeps you laughing. I will say this one warning the book is PG-13, you get tons of profanity and certain subjects matters that deal with sex, drinking and drug use. I also think this will appeal to girls not so much the boys. Well in the Story you have CG who is changing school where she was not one of the popular girls and her plans are to start the new school doing whatever it takes to become one of the popular girls. It gets to the point where she has fed so many lies, she starts forgetting some until it all falls apart. The author writing is great and makes this book a easy read, go out and get it when it hits the bookstores.

Synopsis: Self-proclaimed nobody CG Silverman sees her move to an upscale new school as her chance to be somebody different. Her devil-may-care attitude attracts the in-clique, and before CG realizes it, a routine game of truth or dare launches her to iconic status.

While this rebel image helps secure CG’s newfound popularity, it also propels her through a maze of unprecedented chaos, with each new lie and every dare opening doors that, in most cases, were better off left shut.

CG is on a collision course with disaster. Will she be able to keep up the façade? Or will the whole world find out she’s a fraud?

Thank you again to Net Galley and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

My Sparkling Misfortune Book Review

My Sparkling Misfortune
Author: Laura Bond
Pages: 70 eBook
Reading Level: Children's
Released July 20, 2010

My Stars: 3 stars

I thought this book was very interesting! It was based on a Villain Lord named Arkus. Arkus was determined to catch a Garmack, which is an evil lizard. If caught, this creature would become his servant. The only way you can catch a Garmack is if it swims in the lake and turns human. Instead of catching the lizard Arkus catches a Sparkling, which is a good lizard that helps Kings. The Sparkling becomes his servant! He names his Sparkling Jarvi. Jarvi has specials abilities, which Arkus uses only for necessity.

My favorite character in this book is Arkus. Even though he is a villain he is very funny! My overall thought on the book was that it was very different from most other books I've read. This book was more of an action packed fairytale, rather than a princess fairytale. That is why it was so very interesting to me!

Synopsis: Lord Arkus of Blackriver Castle readily admits that he is a villain and sees no reason why it should stop him from being the protagonist of this book. After all, Prince Kellemar, an aspiring hero, has defeated him in a rather questionable way. Bent on revenge, Arkus attempts to capture a powerful evil spirit who would make him nearly invincible, but a last-minute mistake leaves him with a sparkling instead a goody-goody spirit that helps heroes, watches over little children, and messes up villains plans. Bound to Lord Arkus for five years of service and sworn to act in his best interests, the sparkling is not easy to get rid of, and of course his understanding of best interests is quite different from what Lord Arkus has in mind.

Thank you to Dream Books LLC for the eBook.

Reviewed by Lily (10 Years old)

Book Blogger Hop 7/30/10

Its Friday again meaning its time for another Book Blogger Hop hosted by Crazy-for-books. In the spirit of the Twitter Friday Follow, the Book Blogger Hop is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and share our love of the written word!  This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books!  It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs to read!  So, grab the logo, post about the Hop on your blog, and start HOPPING through the list of blogs that are posted in the Linky list below!!

This week's question is :


Who is your favorite new-to-you author so far this year?


WOW Hard to answer since Ive read quite a few new to me this year. 
so I will name a few.

• Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus
• Shadow of the Sun by Laura Kreitzer
• The Emerald Talisman by Brenda Pandos
• Shadow of the Vampire by Meagan Hatfield

Happy Hopping! 

The Secret of Ka Book Review

The Secret of Ka
Author: Christopher Pike
Pages: eBook
Reading Level: YA/Children's
Release Date: September 13, 2010

My Stars: 3.5 Stars

What a great book for young and old. its verges more on the children side than YA side for me. Its about Sara who goes off to be with her dad and eventually locates the magic carpet. I wont give any spoilers away but you follow Sara's journey with the carpet and Amesh, The cute boy.

Synopsis: One minute Sara's bored on vacation in Istanbul. The next, she's unearthed a flying carpet that cleverly drags her to the mysterious Island of the Djinn—or genies. By her side is Amesh, a hot boy she's starting to love but doesn't yet trust. When Amesh learns the secret of invoking djinn, he loses control. He swears he'll call upon only one djinn and make one wish. The plan sounds safe enough. But neither Sara nor Amesh are any match for the formidable monster that that swells before them. It hypnotizes Amesh, compelling him to steal Sara’s flying carpet—the ancient Carpet of Ka—and leave her stranded.

Discovering the Carpet of Ka has sparked a new path for Sara, one that will lead her to battle creatures even deadlier than djinn. In this fight, Sara can save mankind, herself, or the boy she loves. Who will she be forced to sacrifice?

Thank you once again to Net Galley and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Catching Fire Book Review

Catching Fire
Hunger Games # 2
Author: Suzanne Collins
Pages: 391 pgs
Reading Level: YA

My Stars: 5 stars

I didn't think a 2nd book in a series could be better than the 1st one. Catching fire should read On Fire! it was non-stop from page one to the end. Katniss has grown so much, Peeta just melts your heart and Cinna rocks! I couldn't believe it when the Quarter Quell made the victors go back and fight. I wanted to jump in the book myself and hurt President Snow. I Love all the usage of the Mockingjay especially when Cinna converted Katniss wedding dress into a Mockingjay. Is it August yet?

Synopsis: Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.

Special Made Twilight Wall Clock Giveaway

Its been almost a whole month since I hosted a Twilight theme giveaway. Thanks to my good friend Lisa, she donated one of her pieces. Special Wall Clock that any Twilight lover would love. So basically if you like anything here that I have shown just send her a EMAIL.

Here is the giveaway item:

Here is your chance to own a one of a kind item.

Rules for giveaway are simple:

• Please leave a comment below with your name and email where I can contact you 
• Extra entry if you Tweet/Facebook/Blog the giveaway (Please leave link below)

Good Luck to you all
Giveaway Ends August 8, 2010 at midnight (CST)

Here are some of her other pieces if you are interested

Mockingjay Book Trailer is Here!

Its finally here 

Got Books Event Winners

I would just like to say a big Thank you to everyone who participated, I still can't believe how many entered. I hope all the new followers like what they see and sit around and to my old followers Ya know I heart you all. I had 116 followers enter and that total 299 entries. I also would like to say Thank you to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers and Theres a Book  for being Great Host. I cant wait to do this again next year Got Books Event .

Now the Winners are..............................

• Cindy Chok won White Cat by Holly Black
• Cass won Wicked Becomes You by Meredith Duran
• Chantel won Prospect Park West by Amy Sohn
• Valorie won When a Woman takes an Axe to a wall by Allegra Bennett
• Alejandra Salcedo won The Host by Stephenie Meyer

I will be contacting all winners via email, you will have 48 hours to respond. Thank you!

Winners were chosen by Random.org 

The Devlin Diary and The Cradle book Giveaway Winners

The Devlin Diary and The Cradle book Giveaway Winners
Thank you to all those who entered.

And now the Winners are............

Carole Spring & Dianetowin

Ive email and Tweeted both winners. You have 48 hours to respond with your address.
Thank you

Linger Book Review

Linger
The Wolves of Mercy Falls # 2
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Pages: 368 pgs
Reading Level: YA

My Stars: 5 stars


This will be a spoiler free review. Mrs. Stiefvater does it again and even better. Shiver was amazing but here comes Linger and tops it. The whole time reading I'm trying to figure out whats going to happen. The writing style is perfect, beautiful and follows. The different POV I love to read them. If you think you can't fall more in love with Sam and the wolves well guess again. We get to read Sam's song ideas. We gets more involved with Isabel and Cole. If you have not pick up Maggie's Books please do so, you will not be disappointed.

I'm so happy I will get my chance to meet Maggie this coming Wednesday at a book signing.

Synopsis: In Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver, Grace and Sam found each other. Now, in Linger, they must fight to be together. For Grace, this means defying her parents and keeping a very dangerous secret about her own well-being. For Sam, this means grappling with his werewolf past . . . and figuring out a way to survive into the future. Add into the mix a new wolf named Cole, whose own past has the potential to destroy the whole pack. And Isabelle, who already lost her brother to the wolves . . . and is nonetheless drawn to Cole.

At turns harrowing and euphoric, Linger is a spellbinding love story that explores both sides of love -- the light and the dark, the warm and the cold -- in a way you will never forget.

Got Books Event 2-Day Giveaway!!

Its time for The Got Books Event! 

My blog is one of 100+ blogs participating in the blog event. Make sure you check out the link because that means you will have 100+ chances to enter different giveaways.

The giveaway run from 12:01am Friday till 12:01am Sunday. I will be giving away 5 books to 5 winners. 

1. White Cat signed hardcover by Holly Black
2. Wicked Becomes You paperback by Meredith Duran
3. Prospect Park West paperback by Amy Sohn
4. When a woman takes an Axe to a wall paperback by Allegra Bennett
5. The Host paperback by Stephenie Meyer 

I will pick the winners on Sunday. 

Enter the Form below

Majix: Notes from a Serious Teen Witch Book Review

Majix: Notes from a Serious Teen Witch
Author: Douglas Rees
Pages: 192 pgs
Reading Level: YA

My Stars: 3 Stars

This is a fun summer read for the YA lovers. This is a very simple funny, entertaining read. You get to meet Kestrel the main character. This is the first Diary type book Ive read and it didn't disappoint. I think you will find the story line very Sweet! As far as the majix, you will be guessing if she really has it or if this just happen to work out and it seems like she has majix.

Synopsis: Kestrel (don't call her Susan) Murphy is angry. Forced to leave her posh San Francisco Bay Area home by her father's illness, she's living in Jurupa (sounds like vomiting), Southern California. It's too hot. The people are stupid. And you have to chew the air to get the oxygen out of it. On the plus side, Kestrel is a witch. Well, a witch-in-training. And she's going acquire the magic she needs to get her life back to normal. At first, she barely notices the people around her-Aunt Ariel, who's taken her in and is herself a well-known white witch; Jose Iturrigaray, the quiet, talented young artist; Blake Cump, troublemaker extraordinaire; Laura Greenwood, who wants to be Kestrel's friend. But life has its own magic, and gradually Kestrel finds that much of one's success as a witch lies in being open to it

A big Thanks to Net Galley and Harlequin for lending me the Ebook.

Once Wicked Always Dead ARC Book Tour

I will be hosting a ARC Tour with my copy of Once Wicked, Always Dead. Here is my review.
I will be only sign up 8 and only in the US. To sign up make sure you can commit to reading the book with in one week and mailing out to the next person in a timely manner.

Comment below and leave your Name and City/State. Then email me your address to OnceuponTwilight(at)live.com.

Only for 18 years and older.

Once Wicked Always Dead ARC Book Review

Once Wicked Always Dead (ARC)
Author: T. Marie Benchley
Pages: 323 pgs
Reading level: Adult
Release Date: September 1, 2010

My Stars: 4 Stars

Its a story that could have been very well divided into two books. It includes mystery, intrigue social consciousness and the heartbreak that ends up in a love story. There are surprises and lots of twist and turns, with a well written back story and well define contrast between locations that keeps you guessing what is going to happen next. Will make a definite MUST-READ.

Synopsis: What happens when a family's darkest secrets put lives in jeopardy? How far would you go for love?

Molly Madison is unaware of the Sociopath who is on the loose, creating havoc with a sense of their own justice. Her life is shattered by the sudden death of her beloved parents and the revelation of her husband Phillip's affair - with another man - Molly leaves the life of Country Clubs and the luxury of city life in Florida and heads west to Montana, resolved to run the family ranch, and to move on with her life. Her attraction to Clayton Leatherbe, the ranch foreman, is instant, but before a romance can blossom, the ranch falls prey to sabotage by wealthy land developers determined to drive Molly out, and Clayton learns of a family secret and collides with the Sociopath that could put the ranch - and Molly's life - in jeopardy.

A sharp mystery that swirls with family secrets, betrayal, love and loss, Once Wicked Always Dead is a strong debut from an author with literary blood in her veins.

Thank you to PR/PR Public Relations for my Advance copy.

Prospect Park West Book Review

Prospect Park West
Author: Amy Sohn
Pages: 379 pgs
Reading Level: Adult

My Stars: 2 Stars

Depicts characters as neurotic, selfish, unfeeling and unable to love and commit. I know everyone has problems but the fact that we can work them out and live full fulling lives, apparently escapes this neighborhood. The storyline made me feel depressed and was hard to follow. I think I might have read this at a wrong point in my schedule.

Synopsis: BROOKLYN'S FAMED PARK SLOPE neighborhood has it all: sprawling, majestic Prospect Park; acclaimed public schools; historic brownstones; and progressive values. Among bohemian bourgeois breeders, claiming a stake in Park Slope has become a competitive sport.

In the park, at the coffee shops, and on the playgrounds of the neighborhood, four women's lives come together during one long, hot Brooklyn summer. Melora Leigh, a two-time Oscar-winning actress, frustrated with her career and the pressures of raising her adopted toddler, feels the seductive pull of kleptomania; Rebecca Rose, missing the robust sex life of her pre-motherhood days, begins a dangerous flirtation with a handsome neighborhood celebrity; Lizzie O'Donnell, a former lesbian (or "hasbian"), wonders why she is still drawn to women in spite of her sexy husband and adorable baby; and Karen Bryan Shapiro finds herself consumed by two powerful obsessions: her four-year-old son's well-being and snagging the ultimate three-bedroom apartment in a wellmaintained, P.S. 321-zoned co-op building. As the women's paths intertwine (and sometimes collide), each must struggle to keep her man, her sanity...and her playdates.

From the perennially hot author and columnist Amy Sohn comes a smart, sexy, satirical peek into the bedrooms and hearts of Prospect Park West.

When a Women Takes an Axe to a Wall Book Review

When a Woman takes an Axe to a Wall
Author: Allegra Bennett
Pages: 144 pgs
Reading Level: Adult

My Stars: 3 stars

Its an easy to read book, divided into anecdotes of women battling changes in their life by focusing into projects in their homes. They are learning and growing up with the experience and take control of their home as well as their soul and life. The book makes you think and inspire you to find your true self.

Synopsis: Warning!!!! Women in this book are not afraid. They’ll snatch off their sling-backs, shimmy out of their couture, slip into overalls and strap on tool belts in the making of their perfect space and, in that, the renovation of their state of mind. When A Woman Takes An Axe To A Wall explores the synergy between a woman and the four walls she calls her own. Through anecdotes and incidents, it shows us that a woman, or indeed all women who take on their own home repairs embark on more than just superficial fix-it-jobs, they dip into the renovation of their own spirits.

Thank you to The Writer's Lair books for my copy.

Wicked Becomes You Book Review

Wicked Becomes You
Author: Meredith Duran
Pages: 402 pgs
Reading Level: Adult

My Stars: 3.5 stars


As a typical historical novel you get all thats expected love,drama and fun. Written in a authentic way that makes it easy to transport yourself to the era. We get the innocent rich girl that wants to be free and be able to be wicked if she wants to. While deep down searching to belong to a family. On the other side we have the handsome bad boy, surrounded by speculation that are not really true, also searching deep down to belong somewhere. They both have rebel against what society and family dictates for them as they embark in an adventure while they discover themselves they end up falling in love.

Synopsis: She’s been burned not once but twice by London’s so-call ed gentlemen . . .Gwen Maudsley is pretty enough to be popular, and plenty wealthy, too. But what she’s best known and loved for is being so very, very nice. When a cad jilts her at the altar—again—the scandal has her outraged friends calling for blood. Only Gwen has a different plan. If nice no longer works for her, then it’s time to learn to be naughty.Happily, she knows the perfect tutor—Alexander Ramsey, her late brother’s best friend and a notorious rogue.So why won’t a confirmed scoundrel let her be as bad as she wants to be?Unbeknownst to Gwen, Alex’s aloof demeanor veils his deepest unspoken desire. He has no wish to see her change, nor to tempt himself with her presence when his own secrets make any future between them impossible. But on a wild romp from Paris to the Riviera, their friendship gives way to something hotter, darker, and altogether more dangerous. With Alex’s past and Gwen’s newly unleashed wildness on a collision course, Gwen must convince Alex that his wickedest intentions are exactly what she needs.

Do you miss me?

Just a little note to my followers. I'm still here, just re cooperating. I'm am now home from the hospital and doing good. I hope to be able to sit at my pc come Monday. I will rest up all weekend. Miss you all. Thank you very much for all my well wishes on twitter and Facebook.
P.S. Don't forget to join in the 2 books I'm giving away.

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Shadow Hills Book Review

Shadow Hills
Author: Anastasia Hopcus
Pages: 400 pgs
Reading Level: YA
Release Date: July 13, 2010
Review Source: Fire and Ice ARC Tour
Available: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Borders

Synopsis: His love captivated her... his secrets might kill her.

Since her sister’s mysterious death, Persephone “Phe” Archer has been plagued by a series of disturbing dreams. Determined to find out what happened to her sister, Phe enrolls at Devenish Prep in Shadow Hills, Massachusetts—the subject of her sister’s final diary entry.

After stepping on campus, Phe immediately realizes that there’s something different about this place—an unexplained epidemic that decimated the town in the 1700s, an ancient and creepy cemetery, and gorgeous boy Zach—and somehow she’s connected to it all.

But the more questions she asks and the deeper she digs, the more entangled Phe becomes in the haunting past of Shadow Hills. Finding what links her to this town…might cost her her life.

(4.5 Trees)

This book from the moment I started reading it, I was captivated by it. Every time I thought I would reach a point in the book where I could close it and take a break, it just got better. I ended up reading it in 2 nights only. What a gripping tale Hopcus wrote. 


I seriously hope that it becomes a series. there is so much more to learn about Shadow Hills. The way Ms. Hopcus writes does not let you put the book down. You will Enjoy meeting Phe and Zach and the rest of Phe's friends that attend Devenish Preparatory School. Thats all that I'm giving away. Go out and buy this book I truly recommended it.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Book Review

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Author: J.K. Rowling
Pages: 309 pgs
Reading Level: Children 9-12

My Stars: 3.5 stars

Yes I finally read Harry Potter for the first time. Thank you to my girls that decided to reread them and ask me to join in. This is my first children's book I read that does not involve helping my 8 year old for school. I'm excited to continue reading the whole series, this first one was very cute and funny. I hear it only gets better and darker as the series progresses. I like the fact that u do get more detail reading the book and it very easy to understand. I'm currently waiting now for book 2 and 3 to arrive.

Synopsis: Orphaned as a baby, Harry Potter has spent 11 awful years living with his mean aunt, uncle, and cousin Dudley. But everything changes for Harry when an owl delivers a mysterious letter inviting him to attend a school for wizards. At this special school, Harry finds friends, aerial sports, and magic in everything from classes to meals, as well as a great destiny that's been waiting for him...if Harry can survive the encounter.

The Devlin Diary and The Cradle book giveaways!

This giveaway will be for 2 different books

Here is my review for The Devlin Diary

and 

Here is my review for The Cradle

Here are my Rules:

Must be a follower

Tweet giveaway (link of course)

I will pick 2 winners on July 23, 2010 at Midnight 

Eclipse Altered Book Round Robin Project

Here is my spread in my own book. 

Its in the Fire and Ice chapter. 

On the left side are different quotes that Edward and Jacob say to one another while in the Tent. On the Right is just the Tent setup with wolf tracks. My book is ready for the 1st mail out date this Friday. Cant wait to start getting the other books in the group. 

Raised by Wolves Book Review

Raised by Wolves
Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Pages: 432 pgs
Reading Level: YA

My Stars: 1 star

(Gasp) I know 1 star, well let me explain. I just could not get through this book. I tried many times and forced myself to read it, but thats not fun for me when I have to do that a few times and it still doesn't catch my fancy. I gave it until 90+ pages and it just did not pick up for me. It could have been me or the book, who is to say. Does not mean you shouldn't try reading it for yourself. What I like might not be someone else's cup of tea.

Synopsis: Adopted by the Alpha of a werewolf pack after a rogue wolf brutally killed her parents right before her eyes, fifteen-year-old Bryn knows only pack life, and the rigid social hierarchy that controls it. That doesn't mean that she's averse to breaking a rule or two.

But when her curiosity gets the better of her and she discovers Chase, a new teen locked in a cage in her guardian's basement, and witnesses him turn into a wolf before her eyes, the horrific memories of her parents' murders return. Bryn becomes obsessed with getting her questions answered, and Chase is the only one who can provide the information she needs.

But in her drive to find the truth, will Bryn push too far beyond the constraints of the pack, forcing her to leave behind her friends, her family, and the identity that she's shaped?

The Emerald Talisman book and bookmark Winners

Thank you to all who entered in The Emerald Talisman giveaway. The author Brenda Pandos and myself give you many thanks for signing up and following our blogs. 

And now here are the Winners.......

1. Jessica T won a signed book and bookmark
2. Jessica (roses7184) won a signed bookmark
3. Jessica E. won a signed bookmark
4. Jaz P. won a signed bookmark

It was a lucky day for Jessica's. 

Ive emailed each one of the winners, please contact me within 48 hours. Thank you. 

Winners were picked thru random.org