OCTOBER WRAP-UP + BOOK OF THE MONTH.

Bad news and good news. Bad news is I only read two books this month, Illuminae re-read and Gemina. After that, nada. I tried picking up other fluffy reads but you know how reading slumps go - it's ridiculous. So I didn't force myself anymore. Good news is, I've been busy again with my Bullet Journal and I'm happy how I've been consistent this time!

Here are my IG Stories snippets during my reads. Gaaaaah, I love this series so damn much I want acquire all editions!

BOOKS READS:

Illuminae (Re-read)

Gemina

Blog activities recap list:

October 01 - New Release Pick - GEMINA.

October 07 - Blog Tour Event of the Year - Nevernight by Jay Kristoff

October 16 - Stacking the Shelves: The Book Outlet Haul Edition v3

October 19 - GEMINA review

Octover 25 - Morgan Matson in PH Book Signing Event Recap!

October 27 - Nevernight PH Blog Tour Wrap-up!

October 29 - Stacking the Shelves: The ILOSTTRACK Edition

October 31 - October Wrap-up!

Aside from there is nothing else to choose from, I don't think anything can contend to this title. My love for this series is endless I swear ~~~

October Book of the Month is Gemina by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman, Illustration by Marie Lu

"Gemina is highly thrilling and full of abhorrent creatures that would keep you awake at night. Brilliant as ever and full of plot twists you wouldn't see coming (AKA MIND SHATTERING), Gemina proves equal to the magnificence of its predecessor. Legit hands down one of the best sci-fi series to ever hit shelves." - Gemina

Holidays are here!

SEPTEMBER 2016 WRAP UP + BOOK OF THE MONTH.

It was just September 1 5 minutes ago, right? Why is 2016 in a hurry? Anyway, I've only read 3 books this month (ugh I suck) and was able to review all 3 (yay). Nothing much happened this month aside from meeting Morgan Matson - which by the way I haven't recapped yet (ugh I suck suck) - and unboxing my 5th-ish BookOutlet haul - which I still haven't posted yet (ughhhhhh triple suckage).

September 01 - My picks for this month's releases.
September 06 - Review of A Sense of the Infinite by Hilary T. Smith.
September 09 - Recap of Blogger Tea Party hosted by Penguin Random House.
September 14 - Review of An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir. (ELIAS MY LOVE)
September 17 - August Book Haul!
September 27 - EMPIRE OF FREAKING STORMS BY SARAH THE HEARTBREAKER MAAS REVIEW.

SEPTEMBER BOOK OF THE MONTH

"Empire of Storms rattled the universe." - Kate @ TBB

There is only going to be one Book of the Month because ugh, Empire of Storms guys! No other reason but CELAENA SARDOTHIEN.

Let's get it on, October!

JULY AND AUGUST 2016 WRAP UP + BOOK OF THE MONTH.

I know I dropped this post a few months back because I felt like it was just a buffer and that no one really reads it. But then I realized I need all these monthly recaps for me. I need these to keep track of everything blog/books related and that by the end of the year, its significance will just blow my mind away I know it (it also helps in my Bullet Journal). So welcome back to my Monthly Recap blog post!

July was such a disaster for me because I think most of my posts were haul! I only reviewed one book and it's A Court of Mist and Fury!

August has such been a good reading month for me because I was able to finish 5 books. Would have been 7 in total if the last 2 books didn't drag my ass to hell. I mean, I enjoyed them both but they're sitting on my shelf waiting to be read again. I just don't have the patience to read slow paced books.

BOOKS READS:

A Court of Mist and Fury (not pictured)

Everything, Everything

Anatomy of a Misfit

My Heart and Other Black Holes

A Sense of the Infinite which I haven't reviewed yet

It Ends With Us

I was able to also be a part of the pretigious annual event here in the Philippines and I was a panelist! Legit bookish dream come true! The Philippine Readers and Writers Festival 2016!

And I also was able to attend Penguin Random House International's Blogger Tea Party! (Will recap soon!)

July Book of the Month

"A Court of Mist and Fury is TAUNTING, HAUNTING, AND IS SO FUCKING PAINFUL YOU WOULD WANT TO THROW IT OUT THE WINDOW. SJM MASTERED TOYING WITH MY FEELINGS AND ACOMAF LEGIT DESTROYED ME. I CANNOT ANYMORE WITH THIS LIFE" - ACOMAF by Sarah J. Maas

August Book of the Month

"Anatomy of a Misfit is a bold and hilarious novel I would surely reread. Highly recommended for those readers who are into another level of contemporary. This book is so good you won't be able to do anything else but read it." - Anatomy of a Misfit by Andrea Portes

Cannot wait to devour all books this September!

BOOK OF THE MONTH FOR JUNE 2016.

Where I put the best book/s I read in spotlight! You know, the books I swooned over for and I loved to death so much!

I only read TWO out of six from my TBR this month (I know) because life happened again but I loved both of what I read. This month I was able to read my first 8-star book and I couldn't be any happier. Guys, this book is EVERYTHING. I mean, if you love Rainbow Rowell's romance and Robyn Schneider's heartache, this is the perfect book for you. I loved it to Andromeda Galaxy and back!

This month's Book of the Month is

WHAT HAPPENS NOW

by Jennifer Castle

"Rainbow Rowell meets Robyn Schneider, What Happens Now is a story full of wonderfuls. A truly unforgettable story of two broken souls molded to piece their parts together. Its heart-warming romance is crunched by depression, toughened by distance but blossomed with time. What Happens Now is truly an outstanding novel I highly recommend!" - The Bookaholic Blurbs

I cannot wait to get back to devouring books next month! What is your fave read for June?

BOOKS OF THE MONTH FOR APRIL AND MAY 2016.

Where I put the best book/s I read in spotlight! You know, the books I swooned over for!

I ran a poll on Twitter the other day about monthly recap posts being essential for the blog or not and obviously, we have a winner:

Do you guys think monthly blog recaps are essential? PLS RT to get more votes. Thank you.

— Kate au Barca ▲ (@BookishBlurber) May 31, 2016

I also talked about this on my Jan-Feb recap that I feel like they should go, so here we are, omitting the monthly recap posts on the blog. I will be focusing instead on Book/s of the Month feature every end of each month to highlight the ultimately best book I read.

BOOK OF THE MONTH FOR APRIL 2016
is
THIS IS WHERE IT ENDS BY MARIEKE NIJKAMP

"This is Where it Ends is a novel that is irrevocably haunting. This novel, if anything, is composed of hope and bravery that in our darkest moments, only the truest kind of love can shine the brightest." - Kate @ The Bookaholic Blurbs

BOOK OF THE MONTH FOR MAY 2016
is
QUEEN OF HEARTS BY COLLEEN OAKES

"Overall, this retelling of Alice in Wonderland lived up to my expectations. Splintered set the bar quite high but sure enough, Queen of Hearts filled me with so much anticipation for the sequel. THAT ending was freaking brutal. Queen of Hearts might have molded more questions than answers, but I believe a good story allows you to fonder and wonder." - Kate @ The Bookaholic Blurbs

What are the books you loved last month?

MARCH 2016 RECAP + BOOK OF THE MONTH.

I am absolutely happy that my March is kind of loaded by the looks of it. My target at the moment is to review/read 4-6 books a month but I feel disappointed that I've only reviewed 4. Weird that I'm beating myself hard. Anyway, I've gotten a lot of books this month (and it is my first time to order from BookDepo and BookOutlet!!) but then I unhauled like, 70 books! Been selling them locally on a cheaper price (IG handle: @tbbstorePH) and yes, it hurts to let them go but also so liberating to see that my room looks spacey and I have now a reason to buy hard bounds. Hopefully, this would continue as a source of extra moolah. Also, I hate summer.

March 01 - March 2016 Release Picks.
March 02 - Waiting on Wednesday (49): Gemina by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman.
March 05 - Stacking the Shelves (70): The Homecoming Edition.
March 07 - Review: 3 stars for The Shadow Queen by CJ Redwine.
March 08 - Meeting the Author: Victoria Aveyard in PH 2016.
March 09 - Waiting on Wednesday (50): Nevernight by Jay Kristoff.
March 11 - Review: 2 stars for The Lies About Truth by Courtney C. Stevens.
March 12 - Stacking the Shelves (71): The Pre-loved Edition.
March 14 - Meeting the Author: Sarah J. Maas in PH 2016 + Giveaway.
March 15 - Top Ten Tuesday (05): Spring TBR.
March 17 - Waiting on Wednesday (51): The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi.
March 18 - Review: 4 stars for Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton.
March 19 - Stacking the Shelves (72): The Star Wars Edition.
March 22 - Top Ten Tuesday (06): Underrated Books.
March 23 - Waiting on Wednesday (52): Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake.
March 24 - Review: 4 stars for Me Before You by Jojo Moyes.
March 26 - Stacking the Shelves (73): The Last Time We Say Goodbye Edition.
March 30 - New Bloggery: Bookish Haven featuring Fullybooked Fort.
March 31 - March 2016 Recap + Book of the Month.

This month I've only read four books which two are so-so and the other two I really enjoyed. I am torn between the two I enjoyed since they have the same rating but they are on different genres. Ok, let's just go with it!

The Bookaholic Blurbs' Book of the Month is

REBEL OF THE SANDS BY ALWYN HAMILTON

My Blurb: "Rebel of the Sands is such a thrilling debut novel you would trade sleep for! Amazingly plotted, exponentially breath-taking and one of a kind ride! Cannot wait for book 2!"

Cannot wait to rock this April! Cheers guys!

JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2016 RECAP + BOOKS OF THE MONTH.

HAPPY MONUMENTAL LEAP DAY!

It has been a while since I've posted a recap and honestly, I am not quite sure if this is necessary here on the blog. I don't want to keep posting buffers just to keep it going. I deleted all my Follow Friday posts which had the most pageviews but I felt like they had to go. (Disclaimer: I did enjoy this meme a lot and I met a lot of awesome bloggers because of it!). So right now, Monthly Recap posts are in the brink of distinction on TBB.

Anyway, here's what happened on the blog for the past 2 months:

JANUARY

January 01 - Welcome 2016!
January 06 - 5-star review of Joy N. Hensley's RITES OF PASSAGE.
January 09 - Stacking the Shelves (68): The Year Ender Haul Edition.
January 27 - Waiting on Wednesday: The Crown's Game by Evelyn Skye.

Wow, What happened between January 10-26? LIFE. ADULTING. It sucks. But someone has to be the adult so I am really sorry my blog for I have been neglecting you.

FEBRUARY

February 03 - Waiting on Wednesday: The Mirror King by Jodi Meadows.
February 09 - 5-star review of Kathy MacMillan's SWORD AND VERSE.
February 10 - Bookish Delights: 5 Reasons Why I Love The Last Time We Say Goodbye.
February 11 - Tweaked the Blog Theme/Graphics Again!
February 12 - Meeting the Author: Epic Day for All PH Firehearts! #SarahJMaasinPH
February 13 - Stacking the Shelves (69): The Shiny Edition.
February 22 - 2-star review of Colleen Hoover's NOVEMBER 9.
February 28 - 8-star review of Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff's ILLUMINAE.
February 29 - JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2016 RECAP + BOOKS OF THE MONTH.

Okay, February was pretty decent and I love all the contents I posted. Here's to making this one a good pick up point for a posting trend.

There isn't really much of a choice for January because I only reviewed one book that month. But even if it had contenders, this book is really good and there is no dwindling emotion or anything because it deserves it. For February, I have 3 reviews: 1 bad and 2 good ones. Since Illuminae is actually 2015 read, it won't be counted. So both BoTM for both month deserve this spot.

Book of the Month for January 2016 - Rites of Passage

Book of the Month for February 2016 - Sword and Verse

Rites of Passage blurb:

"Rites of Passage is a stunning debut novel. Nothing beats a hellish set of exercise to beat a hellish secret society with hellish hot drill sergeant. It is one novel fully loaded with girl power!"

Sword and Verse blurb:

"Sword and Verse is honest to goodness a refreshing addition to the high-fantasy genre. I cannot stop flying through the pages because I don't want to calm my nerves anymore. I want more of that rushing adrenaline, that gripping feeling and that teeth-gritting sensation. This novel is a balance of a young romance that rooted deep with the hunger to uncover ancients secrets and surpass the call of a crown."

I am really hoping that March would top what I did this February! I am just so happy to be back to my first love - reading! Have a good one, blurbies!

THE BEST BOOKS OF 2015.

Every year, I think my intro for this post has always been "where did this year go?'. Well, it is the same question I have today! WHAT HAPPENED THIS YEAR? Despite that fact that a ton of bad things happened this year to me (blogging/reading slump is one of the worsts), a lot of good things happened, too. I landed my dream job (Software Admin), got to enjoy a new hobby which is Gundam building and I realized my dream to be a panelist. This year is definitely NOT my best year but I couldn't ask for anything better. I am content with how much I matured and how differently I see things now. I am truly blessed to have been given such struggles that eventually molded me to the person I am today.

What I can promise though is.. 2016 is going to be MY year.

Anyway, since I read only a handful of books this year *cringes on the word handful*, here are the Best Books of 2015 here on The Bookaholic Blurbs.

ACOTAR IS AN EARC

~ January ~

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

"Driven with passion, All the Bright Places reaches the deepest parts of the heart. Riveting and gripping, All the Bright Places is a magnificent and moving story -- that can melt the toughest hearts and maybe a thousand more."

Willowgrove (Hemlock #3) by Kathleen Peacock

"Filled with action compensated with amazing display of eternal love and friendship,Willowgrove is startlingly impressive. Delightfully engaging, Willowgrove is one of the best series enders I read! Totally commendable!"

~ February ~

The Last Time We Say Goodbye by Cynthia Hand

"The Last Time We Say Goodbye is packed with heightened sense of grief. Not only immensely emotional, but it is thoroughly sensitizing and absolutely moving."

~ March ~

The Orphan Queen (The Orphan Queen #1) by Jodi Meadows

"The Orphan Queen gilded dark past to a deceitful present. Stirring and engaging, this world of hidden identities and full blast badassery irresistibly grabs one's best in an utterly extrafreakingordinary way!"

~ May ~

A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses #1) by Sarah J. Maas

"A Court of Thorns and Roses is a story where magic is expounded in its different forms. Stunningly written and downright ravishing, ACOTAR is the go-to novel for all!"

~ July ~

Extraordinary Means by Robyn Schneider

"Extraordinary Means is Eleanor and Park meets The Fault in Our Stars. Buzzing with compassion, it pulls the strings of miracle and ties it to every fiber of hope it could find."

~ September ~

Confess by Colleen Hoover

"Confess can simply come out of your life and leave a trail of disaster feels on its trail. Gripping and delightful, Confess can definitely be that light at the end of the tunnel!"

~ October ~

Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass #4) by Sarah J. Maas

"Queen of Shadows is another Throne of Glass installment that left me in awe. Jaw dropping, hair gripping and heart wrenching novel packed with unlimited awesomeness!"

These books are all books of each month. As you all know, I was on a ridiculous blogging slump this year because usually, I post recaps every end of the month with the featured book/s. Well, I'll make it up to my blog and readers this coming year and be more active and I will make sure to post quality reviews. These books are not only the best ones but some of these still haunt me up to this day. So for 2015, I will have TWO Books of 2015. You ready?

The Bookaholic Blurbs' Books of 2015 are:

The Orphan Queen and The Last Time We Say Goodbye

Thank you so much , HarperCollins for theses awesome books and well? congrats to Jodi and Cynthia for writing such fantastic stories! Till next year, guys!

HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!