Updated Ramblings of a Book Nerd..

Hey beautiful readers! I have been extremely busy this year, and haven't had a whole lot of time for reading or blogging. Spring classes are coming to a close; this has been one hell of a semester, for sure! Finals are almost over, papers have been written, hundreds of text book pages highlighted and more notes taken than I thought my hand was capable of writing. A breath of fresh air as the spring weather is getting warmer and the busyness of my life is slowing. Sigh. I have every intention of spending as much time as possible curled up under my favorite tree with a good book and a cup of coffee! I'm so close, I can feel it in my bones.. (:

I recently found out that my favorite series EVER.. The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater is apparently never going to end. The release date was originally set for September of this year, but it has been pushed back until February of 2016. Are you freaking kidding me Maggie?! It feels as if I have been waiting for the final book in this amazing series for forever and a half, dammit! I am beyond disappointed in this news because, honestly, I just don't think I'm going to find a series out there that I like better than this one. Seriously. It was that fantastic and wonderfully written. If you have been living under a rock and have yet to read this series, I fully suggest that you do! Now. Yesterday, actually. (:

As for what to read right now.. I have been away from the blogging world for so long, I would love any suggestions. What books have you folks read recently that you absolutely loved? I look forward to hearing from all of you.. I have missed you book nerds! I am so happy to be back with all of you!

Anticipated New Releases - October 2014

Hey there readers! I have been overwhelmed with my classes recently; research papers, exams, and text book chapter readings (ugh) have taken over all of my free time and I am not a happy camper about these developments..(: I should have a little time freeing up towards the middle of the month of October, and I plan to take full advantage of it! There are so many new releases that I am anticipating for the month of October, and even more that have been stuck on my TBR shelf forever. I found that making a post about it helps keep me focused on what I really want to read; it worked well last month and I do believe I ended up reading every book that I wanted to. With no further ado.. here are the books that I fully intend to read and review this month, in no particular order...(dun dun dun!)

1. In the After Light
By: Alexandra Bracken
The Darkest Minds #3
Release Date: October 28, 2014
Goodreads Link
Related reviews: The Darkest Minds book #1

This is the third and final installment in The Darkest Minds Series- an amazingly written dystopian fantasy. The first in the series was fantastic, and I plan to read book two- Never Fade, and the final in the series- In the After Light this month!

Short Synopsis

Ruby can't look back. Fractured by an unbearable loss, she and the kids who survived the government's attack on Los Angeles travel north to regroup. With them is a prisoner: Clancy Gray, son of the president, and one of the few people Ruby has encountered with abilities like hers. Only Ruby has any power over him, and just one slip could lead to Clancy wreaking havoc on their minds.

2. Redeemed
By: P.C. & Kristin Cast
House of Night #12
Release Date: October 14, 2014
Goodreads Link

Although I have neglected to post any reviews of this series, I did read all of them and for the most part, enjoyed the series. It was a little dull and repetitive at times, but after reading 11 books, it's hard to not want to read the final one in a series this long. I am looking forward to Neferet's demise by the hands of the teenage Zoey. I also hope and pray that Zoey will cease being a slut and finally pick a guy she wants to be with. The whole love triangle was quite irritating most of the time, and if the Cast team cannot figure it out in this book, I refuse to read another novel by them!

Short Synopsis

In the final electrifying novel in the HoN series, Neferet has finally made herself known to mortals. A Dark Goddess is loose on Tulsa and the world. No single vampyre is strong enough to vanquish her - unless that creature has the power to summon the elements as well as the ability to wield Old Magick. Only Zoey Redbird is heir to such power…but because of the consequences of using Old Magick, she is unable to help. Find out who will win and who will lose in this epic battle of Light versus Darkness.

3. Talon
By: Julie Kagawa
Talon Series #1
Release Date: October 28, 2014
Goodreads Link

I have thus far loved everything that this woman has written. Dragons? Meh. I'm not so sure about the content, but if anyone can pull it off, it is Julie Kagawa. I must admit, I have never been a big fan of that sort of fantasy genre, but I am more than willing to give it a try. The Goodreads ratings make me nervous, as it has a rating of under 4 stars. It is still high up on my TBR list for the month, and I look forward to sharing my thoughts with all of you lovely readers, as well as hearing the thoughts of my blogger cohorts!

Short Synopsis

Long ago, dragons were hunted to near extinction by the Order of St. George, a legendary society of dragon slayers. Hiding in human form and growing their numbers in secret, the dragons of Talon have become strong and cunning, and they're positioned to take over the world with humans none the wiser.

4. Stone Cold Touch
By: Jennifer Armentrout
The Dark Elements #2
Release Date: October 28, 2014
Related Reviews: White Hot Kiss
Goodreads Link

I have no idea how Jennifer writes these deliciously wonderful books so fast, but she has another release coming out at the end of this month. I loved the first book in this series, White Hot Kiss, and cannot wait to find out what happens. The first book left off with an awful, pull-your-hair-out, wanna scream cliff hanger. Did I mention that I am team Roth all the way, absolutely cannot stand love triangles, and think Zayne is a total asshole? Please Miss Armentrout, don't make this harder than it is- the choice is blatantly apparent...(:

Short Synopsis

Layla Shaw is trying to pick up the pieces of her shattered life—no easy task for a seventeen-year-old who’s pretty sure things can’t get worse. Her impossibly gorgeous best friend, Zayne, is forever off-limits thanks to the mysterious powers of her soul-stealing kiss. The Warden clan that has always protected her is suddenly keeping dangerous secrets. And she can barely think about Roth, the wickedly hot demon prince who understood her in ways no one else could.

5. Broken Promise
By: Jen Wylie
The Broken Ones Series #3
Release Date: October 7, 2014
Related Reviews:
Broken Aro - The Broken Ones book #1
Broken Prince - The Broken Ones book #2
Goodreads Link

The first two books in this dystopian series were amazing and I cannot wait for the next installment. I remember reading each book in hours, being unable to put it down for nothing short of bathroom breaks. Sigh. I swear Miss Wylie, if that stubborn elf doesn't wake up and make a move before the end of this book, I refuse to be responsible for my actions in my review. I quite possibly could rant endlessly about him being an arrogant asshole! This is one of my most anticipated TBRs of the entire year, and if my readers haven't taken a look at this series, they totally should..(:

Short Synopsis

A year of turmoil takes its toll on Arowyn Mason and her companions. After delivering the Elven prince to his homeland, they decide to ride out the winter in the city of Westport before starting their quest to heal the Fey. Like most things in Aro’s life, nothing goes according to plan.

6. Blue Lily, Lily Blue
By: Maggie Stiefvater
The Raven Cycle #3
Release Date: October 21, 2014
Goodreads Link

Blue Sargent has found things. For the first time in her life, she has friends she can trust, a group to which she can belong. The Raven Boys have taken her in as one of their own. Their problems have become hers, and her problems have become theirs.

7. Black Ice
By: Becca Fitzpatrick
Release Date: October 7, 2014
Goodreads Link

Sometimes danger is hard to see... until it’s too late.

Britt Pfeiffer has trained to backpack the Teton Range, but she isn't prepared when her ex-boyfriend, who still haunts her every thought, wants to join her. Before Britt can explore her feelings for Calvin, an unexpected blizzard forces her to seek shelter in a remote cabin, accepting the hospitality of its two very handsome occupants—but these men are fugitives, and they take her hostage.

8. Mortal Gods
By: Kendare Blake
The Goddess Wars #2
Release Date: October 14, 2014
Goodreads Link

Ares, God of War, is leading the other dying gods into battle. Which is just fine with Athena. She's ready to wage a war of her own, and she's never liked him anyway. If Athena is lucky, the winning gods will have their immortality restored. If not, at least she'll have killed the bloody lot of them, and she and Hermes can die in peace.

**I'm sure I'm still missing a few wonderful novels that are set to be released this month!

Tags: New releases, October, Jennifer Armentrout, Julie Kagawa, HON 12, Kendare Blake, Becca Fitzpatrick, Maggie Stiefvater.

Stacking the Shelves - Book Haul 9/21

For my birthday, I got a gift card that was specifically for buying books, as if I would buy anything else! (: I ended up scoring 12 brand new books.. yay! There is nothing better in this world than a book shopping spree! From top to bottom, here we go..

1. A Temptation of Angels
By Michelle Zink
Michelle Zink masterfully weaves historical fantasy with paranormal romance to create a gripping tale of love and betrayal.

2. Born Wicked
By Jessica Spotswood
The Cahill Witch Chronicles book 1
Everybody knows Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. But the truth is even worse: they’re witches.

3. Chime
By Franny Billingsley
Briony is a witch that lives in fear. In her village, witches are sentenced to death. Can she hide her secret, or will she end up like her mother?

4. Black City
By Elizabeth Richards
A Black City Series book 1
I've already reviewed this book, but only owned the ebook version. This is an amazing book Miss Richards, so I bought a copy! A dystopian vampire novel with crazy twists and turns, this is a three book series.

5. Dragonswood
By Janet Lee Carey
On Wilde Island, there is no peace between dragons, fairies, and humans. I saw the word, fairies and I stuck it in the basket. Yes, my fairie obsession is still going strong!

6. The Treachery of Beautiful Things
By Ruth Frances Long
A darkly compelling mix of romance, fairy tale, and suspense from a new voice in teen fiction.

7. Spirit Walk
By Richie Tankersley Cusick
Book 1 & 2 in the Walk Series
Unsettling. There's no better word to describe Miranda Barnes's ability to hear the cries of the dead, feel the wind move her hair when they run by, and - dare she look into a mirror - see the reflection of a ghostly woman behind her.

8. Extraordinary
By Nancy Werlin
Werlin delivers a captivating novel of friendship and trust, where the past determines the future and a generations-old curse requires the ultimate sacrifice.

9. Wake Unto Me
By Lisa Cach
A haunted castle, a handsome young man dead for four hundred years, one heck of a scary portrait of a witch, and a treasure hunt -- not to mention a princess for a roommate!

10. Strange Angels & Betrayals
By Lili St. Crow
Strange Angels Series books 1 & 2
I still have yet to read this series, but I heard amazing things and cannot wait to get into it!

11. Lucid
By Adrienne Stoltz & Ron Bass
What if you could dream your way into a different life? What if you could choose to live that life forever?

12. The Betrayal of Natalie Hargrove
By Lauren Kate
From blackmail to buried desire, dark secrets to darker deeds, Natalie unravels. She never should've messed with fate. Fate is the one thing more twisted than Natalie Hargrove. Cruel Intentions meets Macbeth in this seductive, riveting tale of conscience and consequence.

Watch for these reviews and more in the upcoming weeks! That's all for today folks.. (:

Tag: 20 Things You Might Not Know About Me...

Thank you Tanya at Keep Turning Pages for tagging me in this post.
The idea is fairly simple- answer the questions, tag people, etc. I have been so busy with school that I promised her I would get this done this weekend. Let's get started with the questions..

1. How tall are you?

I tower over all of my friends at an astonishing 5' even. If I was two inches shorter, I would be qualified as a midget. But hey, some of the best things come in small packages. (:

2. Do you have a hidden talent?

I do have a fairly awesome hidden talent. I can dance with a hula hoop. Throw it up in the air, do crazy awesome tricks with it, light it on fire and poi hoop. I am rather addicted to hooping, and own eight different ones, even one that has LEDs and lights up at night.

3. What's your biggest blog related peeve?

Spelling and grammar errors make me want to stab myself in the eyes. It physically hurts me. So please proofread. It is imperative to my health. (:

4. What's your biggest non blog related pet peeve?

Oh, this is easy. Ten page research papers assigned a week before they are due, about Aristotle and his philosophical thoughts. Are you kidding me Professor? I know he was an amazing dude in his day, I really do. But he was alive in 300 BC Greece, where his ideas probably really did have merit, not 2014 America. Not to mention that it needs to be sited in Thebian, instead of what EVERYONE else on the planet uses.. MLA. Ugh. So yea, there goes my weekend! LOL (:

5. What's your favorite song?

I really love Nahko & Medicine for the People's Manifesto or Make a Change or Wash it Away. Actually, all their songs are really wonderful. Nahko is my future husband, for real.

6. What's your favorite Etsy shop that isn't yours?

Hoop Mamas or Katwise

7. What's your favorite way to spend your free time when you're alone?

No question, reading, reading, did I mention reading? When classes are in session, it's usually a text book or notes that I read, but reading for pleasure is one of my favorite activities on earth. (:

8. What's your favorite junk food?

Fried zucchini. OMG.. there is nothing on the planet that is as delicious as fried zucchini. It has to be homemade by me though, that frozen crap in restaurants is disgusting!

9. Do you have pets? If so, what kind and what are their names?

I grew up with pigs, chickens, dogs, cats.. now that I'm in college, I do not have any pets of my own. My dog still lives with my mom though. He is a Saint Bernard named Ruckus.

10. What are your favorite fiction and non-fiction books?

This is a loaded question. There is no way I can pick just one. How about top five favorite fiction books? Dan Brown - Angels and Demons, Anne Rice - Memnoch the Devil, Jennifer Armentrout - Lux 5 - Opposition, all 7 of the Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne, aaaaand any of the three Fae Chronicles books out so far by Amelia Hutchins. That was really harder than it should be!

As for non-fiction, I really don't have a favorite. I read so many text books for school, I can't enjoy them anymore lol

11. What's your favorite beauty product?

I like smelly good stuff. There is this essential oil that I've bought online since I was 13. It's called Egyptian Goddess and I really could not live without it. If I don't wear it, my friends all tell me that I seem different.

12. When were you last embarrassed?

Yesterday in Western Civ class when my professor asked me what the moral behind Oedipus the King was and I obviously was texting someone. I managed to answer with, 'don't listen to the gods, they were all psychos...' while the entire class laughed. Totally embarrassing, but very true. (:

13. If you could drink one beverage for the rest of your life, besides water, what would it be?

Coffee. Or Red Bull. Really, anything with caffeine that keeps my mind awake while reading philosophy is good for me.

14. What's your favorite movie?

I am really horrible at watching movies. I fall asleep almost instantly. Same with TV shows. I guess the last movie that didn't put me to sleep was The Longest Yard with Adam Sandler. As long as it has a male character that can make me laugh, I'll probably enjoy it.

15. What were you in high school: prom queen, nerd, cheerleader, jock, valedictorian, band geek, loner, artist, prep?

I pretty much got along with everyone. I'm pretty laid back and friendly, and can talk to anyone with a brain comfortably (:

16. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?

Ireland. I hate the sun and the heat, and I love the rain. I am mostly Irish, and even though I have never been there, my body still knows that the sun is evil.

17. PC or Mac?

Although I would love to have a Macbook, my PC works just fine and I'm poor! (:

18. Last romantic gesture from a crush, date, BF/GF?

Guys flirt with me all the time, but I'm way too busy for a commitment right now. A cute guy got me a beer at a party last weekend? lol

19. Favorite celebrity?

Well, like I said.. I'm awful at watching TV and movies so I really don't know many celebrities. I like Adam Sandler, and Josh Harrison from the Pittsburgh Pirates. I live under a rock.. don't mind me.. (:

20. What blogger do you secretly want to be best friends with?

LOL Well, there are a handful of blogs that I read consistently. I definitely enjoy Tanya's Keep Turning Pages, Maria at A Night's Dream of Books, and Melissa at Melissa Reads Books. Any other blogger who wants to tag themselves in this, feel free! Leave me a comment so that I can read your answers. (:

Stacking the Shelves - September 2014 - New & ARCs!

Welcome to September, my favorite month of the year! Autumn is upon us, the perfect time to take a trek through the forest with nothing but a good book. Maybe some coffee, of course! These are the reviews that I have committed myself to reading this month. Some are grouped with book tours, some just caught my attention and I couldn't resist! This post is really for me, so that I can keep track of what I'm supposed to be doing here (:

I recently purchased the first two Stay With Me books by J. Lynn (Jennifer Armentrout), and am looking forward to the third coming out later this month! This woman creates the most amazing male characters EVER! Sigh.

I loved Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey Series, so I recently got all three books in the Blood of Eden Series. If it is anywhere near as good as Iron Fey, I will be falling in love with this series soon!

I've been looking forward to reading The Broken Series by Jen Wylie for a while now. It has crazy high ratings on Goodreads, so I purchased both books in the series, and plan to read them soon!

Josephine Angelini's new book, Trial by Fire releases September 2, 2014, and I fully intend to buy it the day that it comes out! I loved her Starcrossed Series, and hope this book lives up to the reviews it's already gotten!

Look for my reviews for these upcoming books and more this month!