October Wrap-Up 2019

Hey all! This year has gone by so quick. I cannot believe we’re in November. And I also can’t believe its daylight savings. Bleh. Time to fight seasonal depression even harder now lol. Anyways! I had a pretty good reading month. I read 7 books!!! I don’t remember the last time I read that many books lol. I am so surprised with how much I’ve been reading this year because I was in a huge slump all of 2018. Now let’s get to the month!

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Books I Read

1. If Only I Could Tell You by Hannah Beckerman – ★★.5
   Genre: Contemporary Fiction
2. American Predator: The Hunt for the Most Meticulous Serial Killer of the 21st Century by Maureen Callahan – ★★★★★ 
   Genre: True Crime
3. Submerge by K.Y. Robinson – ★★★★★ 
   Genre: Poetry
4. The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager – ★★★★
   Genre: Thriller
5. Hermosa by Yesika Salgado – ★★★★
   Genre: Poetry
6. Birthday Girl by Penelope Douglas – ★★★★★
   Genre: New Adult Romance
7. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne – ★★★★★
   Genre: Romance

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Books Acquired

For October, I had skipped BOTM (book of the month) box because none of the picks interested me. However, I did pick up these two poetry collections (Submerge and Hermosa) that I happened to read on the same month which makes me really happy. I don’t like leaving books I buy unread for too long because then I forget them, lose interest, and never read them. This happens 9.5 out of 10 times lol. And you know, just trying to break habits here.

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A Fave of the Month

If you don’t know, I am a huge fan of the singer Alina Baraz. I love her voice and lyrics. It’s been some time since she came out with a song and the song that she happened to release literally made me cry. The lyrics are pretty much how 2019 has been to me personally. The song is titled To Me.

“I’m not asking for too much. I’m asking the wrong motherfucker. Just ’cause we’re in love doesn’t mean that we’re right for each other. Can’t keep makin’ a home out of you just ’cause you’re asking me to. I’m not asking for too much (can we do it over?). Here’s to good people, good nights, good highs, good health, some tears, some stress but I count my blessings. Here’s to good music, great sex little time to feel alive, little time to get it right.”

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That is all for today! Have you read any of these books or plan on too? I do plan on posting some mini reviews for the books mentioned above. Till next time!

Instagram: @chicnerdreads
Twitter: @chicnerdreads

April Wrap-Up 2019

I am rusty, dusty, and cruuuuusty with these wrap-ups lol. I haven’t done one since Fall of 2017. You know what? This is a free judgment zone so please don’t lmao!

Alright so I want to do something different with these wrap-ups. I not only want to share what I read but also other things so let’s get started!!! All book titles will link you to Goodreads.

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What I Read

1. Ink and Bone by Lisa Unger ★★★★
   A mystery thriller novel with paranormal elements. My first Lisa Unger book and I really enjoyed it. Definitely has that atmospheric dark tone read but not scary at all. I have a non-spoiler review here.
2. Baptized in Moonlight by Morgan Scott ★★★★★
   A poetry collection on self, growth, journey, and many other topics. I am so glad that I got to this! I have a full review with some of my favorite poems here.
3. Sanctuary (Beards & Bondage #2) by Rebekah Weatherspoon ★★★★
   An adult erotica romance, this is my second time reading the author’s work. I definitely enjoyed the first one a lot more. What I love most about the author’s books is that it includes people of color as her characters which make it that much more fun. No review but I would definitely recommend, starting with the first one, Haven.
4. Miracle Creek by Angie Kim ★★★
   A courtroom drama mystery thriller novel about a Korean Immigrant family and an explosion that happened. I have my full thoughts in a non-spoiler review here.
5. Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens ★★★★★
   A historical fiction coming of age novel with a little mystery in it. Wow, my favorite read of the month!!!! This book will stay with me for a long time. I have a full non-spoiler review here.
6. The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker ★★★★.5
   An adult contemporary romance about a young woman who’s absent father is sick and she goes to visit him to possibly reconnect somehow. However, during the trip to Alaska, she was not expecting to bond with the guy who’s been an asshole to her since she landed. This book has the hate to love trope and is definitely a slow burn romance. I highly enjoyed this book because it was more than the romance, it was about self as well.

After typing out all the books I’ve read, I’m really surprised with how much I read. I think I found the genres that are for me (Mystery, Thriller, Adult Romance).

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Books Acquired

ICYMI, I did my first ever monthly subscription box to Book of the Month! Check this post if you want to read all about it. I received Miracle Creek by Angie Kim.

 

One Saturday after my therapy session, I wanted to go book shopping and spend some money on myself. I missed roaming Barnes and Noble in peace and looking at the books, deciding which books to get. I bought these three books that were on my TBR shelf (two already read *high fives myself*).

Books in photo:
Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker
Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren

 

 

I feel like I’m doing so good with acquiring books and reading them right away! I’ll be starting Love and Other Words this week so I’m on track!

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What I Watched

The Order is about a secret society in a university. Except this secret society is filled with witches and warlocks. However, other monstrous things start taking place. I loved this and I hope there’s a second season.Quicksand is a 6 episode mini series about a school shooting. The episodes are a timeline of what led to the school shooting and what we see in the courtroom. I didn’t love this mini series but it definitely kept me interested, wanting to know who really did it and who was going to be prosecuted. Trigger warnings for school shootings, blood, suicide, and drug use.
Okay so this was a total rewatch for me. I’ve watched this movie like 4 times already lol. It’s the true story of two former Texas Rangers who killed Bonnie and Clyde. I love it because they don’t romanticize Bonnie and Clyde. I also really do love a good ole drama thriller set in the 1930s. Old crime stories really fascinate me.

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And last but definitely not least lol. Are we surprised? C’mon are we actually surprised? Of course I watched Endgame the first weekend it showed and I enjoyed it!! Game of Thrones also started in April and FINALLY!!! The wait is over, we will get to know what happens. Yes I have watched every episode since it has aired. What a time to be alive!

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Other Mentions

In April, I went to go see Bad Bunny in concert!!! If you don’t know who Bad Bunny is, he is a Puerto Rican Latin Trap Artist. This is my second time seeing him live and wow what a great time I had. I definitely love his new album X100PRE and he never disappoints! Arcangel and El Alfa also joined the stage with him to sing some of their songs together. I got to meet up with some of my friends who I haven’t seen in a long time and I also got to look super cute lol. After the concert was over, I was starved. So my friend took me to this spot called The Meatball shop which was my first time ever trying. The food was great and I want to go back!

But let’s talk about one of the most exciting things that happened this month!! BANKS came out with a new single titled Gimme and I have not stopped playing it at all. I have been waiting forever for Banks to drop something. She’s been hinting working in the studio for quite some time now and when this bop came out, I was not disappointed at all. I am so ready for an album. And I really hope she goes on tour to NYC so I can see her!

 

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And that is all I have for today! What was the highlight of your April? Let’s chat in the comments!

Instagram: @chicnerdreads
Twitter: @chicnerdreads

May Wrap-Up 2017

My overdue wrap-up is here lol! Finally!! I will keep this short and to the point! I read 5 books in the month of May, slowly but surely I am getting into the hang of things when it comes to reading. Working a full-time job, writing, having a poetry book, being a dog mom, and just adulting. AHH!!!!…I’m happy to get back into the swing of things!

What I Read:

Strange the Dreamer (Strange the Dreamer #1) by Laini Taylor ★★★★★ 
Genre: YA Fantasy
I wrote a mini spoiler free book review because although this is a very long book, everything is a spoiler lol.

 

 

 

 

 

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The Seafarer’s Kiss by Julia Ember ★★★★★
Genre: YA Fantasy, LGBTQ+, Retelling
I thought this Little Mermaid retelling was amazing!!! It was the perfect balance of a retelling with originality. Add some Norse Mythology into the mix and you have The Seafarer’s Kiss! I have a review here.

 

 

 

 

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Table for One by Laura Ashley Laraque ★★★★★
Genre: Poetry
A collection of poetry that tells a story about a toxic relationship and overcoming it. If you like poetry and want to check some pieces, I have a review here where you can read my thoughts as well!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Afterlife by Melissa Jennings ★★★★★
Genre: Poetry
I cannot stop gushing about this collection. It’s amazing and dark!! I love love loved it and I cannot wait to read more about this author. I have a review with some poems here.

 

 

 

 

 

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I Am More Than a Daydream by Jennae Cecelia ★★★★
Genre: Poetry
I didn’t write a review for this book but this is what I wrote on Goodreads:
If you are looking for poetry that is positive and inspiring, then this is the book you will want to pick up. Jennae writes about strength and adds themes of self-acceptance and self-love. I really enjoyed the body positive poems! And the artwork was great too!

 

 

 

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Some poems I posted in May:
it was 8:43am
it’s 11:somethingP.M. and i wrote a thing

again, I’m trying to get in the hang of things but I do also post poetry on my instagram! my instagram username is chicnerdreads

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Things That Happened in May:

My blog turned 1 on May 20th!!!!! eeeeeeeek! time does really fly and it’s been an amazing year with blogging! I met some of the greatest people and it’s been such an ease with my anxiety as well. I also got to find out about books that I NEVER heard of! I did a Q&A and fellow bloggers asked me the coolest questions. If you’d like to check it out, click the banners and it will take you to the post ❤

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and that’s about it! how was your may? have you read any of these books or plan on too? let’s chat in the comments!! =)

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Instagram: @chicnerdreads
Twitter: @ChicNerdReads
Goodreads: Gretchen (ChicNerdReads)

September Wrap-Up 2016

I say this in every monthly wrap up BUT THIS MONTH FLEW BY!!! I cannot believe it! Wow wow wow!!

I read 3 books plus 1 graphic novel so in total 4. Let’s jump right into this. The photo of each cover will lead you to the Goodreads page.

1. Nevernight (The Nevernight Chronicles #1) by Jay Kristoff ★★★★★
   Fantasy
   I have a review for this book here
   
2. Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass #5) by Sarah J. Maas ★★★
   Fantasy, YA
   I have a review for this book here
   
3. Blue is the Warmest Color by Julie Maroh
   Graphic Novel, LGBTQ
   I have a review for this graphic novel here
   
4. Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur
   Poetry
   I have a review for this book here
   

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So many cool things happened this month, it was me and my brother’s birthday. And in honor of my birthday I posted a Random Favorites that you can check here. I also did a birthday book haul if you want to take a look at what my awesome friends gifted me, then click here.

In the month of September, I met Lilly from Lair of Books and Leigh Bardugo (author of The Grisha Trilogy and Six of Crows Duology) which was super fun and super cool. Lilly and I went to the Crooked Kingdom signing event at strand. I have a whole post with photos and the book here.

Writing wise, I posted 6 poetry pieces that you can check out in the writing category here. 4 of them belonging to my People I Once Knew segment and 2 random pieces.

I’m hoping that October is a better reading month for me but let’s see what happens. How was your September? Have you read any of these books?

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Follow me on Twitter: @ChicNerdReads
Friend me on Goodreads: Gretchen (ChicNerdReads)

August Wrap-Up 2016

Is it really the end of August already? Am I really turning 27 in September? OMG I can’t believe it! And here we all are =)

This month there are a total of 6 books! And let’s jump right into it.
(Each photo will take you to the Goodreads page)

1. Jessica Jones: Alias Vol. 1 by Brian Michael Bendis ★★★★★
   Marvel, Crime
   I have a review for this graphic novel here
   
2. November Snow (Bad Bloods #2) by Shannon A. Thompson ★★★★
   Urban Fantasy, YA, Post Apocalyptic
   I have a review for this book here
   
3. This Savage Song (Monsters of Verity #1) by Victoria Schwab ★★★★★
   YA, Paranormal
   I have a review for this book here
   
4. How To Hang A Witch (How to Hang A Witch #1) By Adriana Mather ★★★
   YA, Paranormal
   I have a review for this book here
   
5. Unknown (Unknown #1) by Wendy Higgins
   I didn’t rate this book because I DNFed it (discussion of this will come in a later time)
   New Adult, Post Apocalyptic
   
6. A Beautiful Funeral (The Maddox Brothers #5) by Jamie McGuire ★
   New Adult
   So apparently the author decided to change what series this book belongs too. I will not be writing a review for this book but you can find my short rant on Goodreads here.
   

My favorite of the month was definitely This Savage Song. I hope September goes really well for me because for the past two years, almost all my favorite authors have been disappointing me with their latest books. I am so happy that I get to read Empire of Storms and Crooked Kingdom this upcoming month. I need it in my life! Plus Autumn is arriving and so is my birthday in September. I’m pretty happy.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments. How was your August? Are you anticipating any books for September?

July Wrap-Up 2016

I AM BACK FROM MY HIATUS AND I AM SO FREAKING HAPPY!!!! Life is back to normal and the stress is over from my mother’s birthday party (which she had a great time btw)! I MISSED EVERYONE ALL SO MUCH!! How are you? What’s new? Anything I should know about? Lol.

Well July is over and that means another monthly wrap-up *starts dancing*
I read a total of 4 books and let’s get right into them! (side note: if you click on each photo, it will take you to the goodreads page)

1. Clockwork Princess (The Infernal Devices #3) by Cassandra Clare ★★★★★
   Paranormal, YA, Steampunk
   I have a review full of .gifs here
   
2. November Rain (Bad Bloods #1) by Shannon A. Thompson ★★★★.5
   Urban Fantasy, YA, Post Apocalyptic
   I have a review here
   
3. The Princess Saves Herself in This One by Amanda Lovelace ★★★★★
   Poetry
   I have a review here
   
4. Addicted to you (Addicted #1) by Krista Ritchie ★★★
   New Adult, Romance
   This is the only book I don’t have a review for, I will try to get one up this week but no promises.
   

June Wrap-Up 2016

Another month over! AHH! This month aka Shadowhunter month, I read a total of 3 books.

1. City of Glass (The Mortal Instruments #3) by Cassandra Clare ★★★★
   Paranormal, YA, Urban Fantasy
   
2. Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1) by Cassandra Clare ★★★★.5
   Paranormal, YA, Steampunk
   I have a review for this book here
   
3. Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices #2) by Cassandra Clare ★★★★★
   Paranormal, YA, Steampunk
   I have a review for this book here
   
   Overall, I feel like I had a good reading month despite all the madness that’s been going on in my personal life lol. I’m happy I enjoyed the books I read. Happy reading everyone!

May Wrap-Up 2016

First off, I just have to say that it’s really cool/weird at the same time to do a blog post of a monthly wrap up. I’m use to recording it and posting it on YouTube but I secretly like this way more lol.

This month I read a total of 7 books and I’m just going to jump right into it.

1.The Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins ★★★★★
For people who like unreliable characters, suspense, and mental health.
I absolutely loved this book and I cannot wait for the movie. I loved the narration and how unreliable the characters were, I think that added so much to the story.

2. He Will Be My Ruin by K.A. Tucker ★★★
If you like suspense, psychological thrillers with a bit a mystery.
For people who don’t read much of this genre, maybe you’ll like it. I found the ending very predictable and it just felt flat to me.

3. A Court of Mist and Fury (ACOTAR #2) by  Sarah J. Maas ★★★★★
ALL THE FREAKING STARS!!!!!! MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE OF THE MONTH!!! I need to re-read this book already. I absolutely loved this. This is the second book to A Court of Thorns and Roses. If you like Sarah J. Maas, Fantasy, New Adult, Angst, Hades and Persephone then try this.

4. Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles #1) by Marissa Meyer ★★★★★
Fairy Retelling (Cinderella), Sci-Fi, Young Adult
I thought this book was really CUTE! I had it on my shelf for ages but I’m happy that I finally picked it up and really enjoyed it.

5. Scarlet (The Lunar Chronicles #2) by Marissa Meyer ★★★
Fairy Retelling (Little Red Riding Hood), Sci-Fi, Young Adult
This is the second installment to The Lunar Chronicles. This book also felt very flat to me. I eventually will continue with this series but once Scarlet leaves the bad taste left in my mouth.

6. City of Bones (TMI #1) by Cassandra Clare ★★★★
Paranormal, Young Adult, Urban Fantasy
I have finally started this series, I have a more in depth review here

7. City of Ashes (TMI #2) by Cassandra Clare ★★★★
Paranormal, Young Adult, Urban Fantasy
I’ll be doing a review for this some time this week. I’m still enjoying this book.

Have you read any of these books? What are some of your thoughts? I would love to discuss. Have a lovely day!