Review: The Breakdown

The Breakdown by B.A. Paris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After reading "Behind Closed Doors" I couldn't wait to be able to read " The Breakdown"! B.A. Paris didn't let me down either!
Cass takes the shortcut through the forest instead of driving home by the safe crowded route during a storm, and see's a car stopped by the roadside. She slows to see if they need help, but doesn't stop, and the next day she finds out it was someone she knew. She feels an overwhelming guilt at not stopping and begins to forget things. Well a lot of things, over and over, so much that she thinks that early onset dementia has set in like it did with her mom.
She gets steadily worse and quits her job, thankfully she has a loving and understanding husband that is taking good care of her and support her throughout her ordeal. Phone calls that started after the murder lead her to believe that she was seen by the killer that night and make her paranoia even worse. Is the killer after how now?
A fast-paced thriller that will keep you glued to the pages until the end. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to those looking for a suspenseful read.
Here's the link on Amazon for those interested in reading it: https://www.amazon.com/Breakdown-Grip...

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Review: Dragon's Nest

Dragon's Nest by Emily Rodda
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"Dragon's Nest" is book 1 in the spinoff from Deltora Quest, the Dragon's of Deltora. In this book we follow Leif, Barda, and Jasmine on another quest, this one to find the four dragons of Deltora, meant to be the protectors of Deltora. They meet the first of the dragon's , the Ruby Dragon in this book. And in true Rodda style, the have an awesome adventure along the way.

My kids love me to read the Deltora books to them every night, and we will continue to do this until there are none left unread. It's also exciting for me as well as a lover of fantasy and dragon quests.

This took us a long time to finish, but then again we had our on IRL summer/school starting adventures in between. I highly recommend this series for the adventure/action story lover.
Here's the link where you can find it on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Dragons-Nest-D...

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Review: Indelible

Indelible by Samantha Jacobey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When a tragic accident happens to Brian's band Indelible, Tory and Michael quick rush to their bedside. This creates issues as Tory gets closer to her brother, and Michael feels threatened. Will this tear them apart, or prove how special their marriage really is? FBI still hovers in the background cleaning up the destruction that was Tory and her "mission". Will they finally leave her alone to live her life, or are they about to pull her back in?

I've read all the books up to this one in this series so far, and this one shows the most normal side of Tory to date. And maybe because of this, it may be my least favorite so far. I also am not a big fan of Brian's personality and find him to be a spoiled rich kid in so many ways. However, despite that, this is still a great series that's worth a read.

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Review: Exposed

Exposed by Samantha Jacobey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"Exposed" brings us up to speed with Tori trying to put herself back in to the life she left behind, in order to hopefully build a future. She faced some of her past, but now will face the parts of herself that she spent the last year denying existed. Will she lose herself in her past, and in turn also lose Michael as well? Samantha Jacobey takes us deeper into the mind of Tori as she tries to infiltrate the Scorpions. Getting close to the guys the only way she knows how poses dilemmas and makes her question what she thought she wanted. Is she just as cold as everyone thinks, or was she just raised that way?

18+for all the language, sex, and violence that is to be expected in all the New Life series.
Here's Amazons link for this book:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...

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Review: Entwined

Entwined by Samantha Jacobey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"Entwined" is book three in the twisted tale of Tori and her life. She left to try and find a life for herself away from bikers and everyone and everything she knew, but then pops in Henry's brother Micheal. Michael promised he'd take care of Tori no matter what, and he doesn't even like her. Is it possible to build a "normal" life after the way she was brought up? Just when you think she might get a little peace, her past shows up on her doorstep.

True to the New Life series, this one holds a lot of sex/sexual abuse, so if you have those as triggers, then I wouldn't recommend this for you. Tori finds out a lot about who she is in this book, and is definitely more humanized in this installment.
Here's Amazon's link for Entwined:
https://www.amazon.com/Entwined-New-L...

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Review: Fighting to Forget

Fighting to Forget by J.B. Salsbury
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"Fighting to Forget" is the best ugly cry book I've read to date. It tore me apart and put me back together in such a complete way, that I spent days thinking about Rex and the horrors he went through. No child should ever be made to feel like he was, no person should have been used and abused to such extent. Gia was too young to stop them from hurting Rex, but carried his pain with her until she could try to make amends for it.
This book has so many triggers that I would caution you reading it if you've been abused as a child or have a drug /alcohol addiction.
18+ for strong language, drugs, alcohol, child abuse, sex, etc.

Here's the link on Amazon if you're interested in reading this awesome book!
https://www.amazon.com/Fighting-Forge...

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Review: Kill Me with Chocolate

Kill Me with Chocolate by Frank Scozzari
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I got this as a freebie on Amazon and the story line intrigued me. Just how far was a man willing to go to give his woman what she wants? Or at least what she says she wants.

I enjoyed this story and loved the majority of the build up, but the ending fell a touch flat for me. I understand the meaning behind it and the simplicity of it, but more than likely a lot of people won't understand the point. Just a touch more to it and I would call it perfect.
If you're looking for a very short, 17 pages, story to read, then this would probably be a good choice for you. Frank Scozzari also has quite a few other good short stories as well.
The link for Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Kill-Me-Chocol...

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Review: Hawkes Harbor

Hawkes Harbor by S.E. Hinton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This takes place mostly in the 1960's and tells the tale of Jamie, a guy who grows up on the sea with a con artist named Kellan. After multiple cons and adventures, he meets up with a vampire while trying to steal his treasure. Jamie spends the rest of his life with him.

I know this was originally meant to be a "Dark Shadows" background story, but I decided to forego that in order to judge the book as is. Overall this is a good book, but very different from the "Outsiders" and not appropriate as a continuation of the "Dark Shadows" series. This is written in the classic gritty style that S.E. Hinton is famous for, but not a good fit for most of the fans. I am also a fan of vampire stories and felt like this was more of a human type story, from Jamie's life and viewpoint. Would I recommend it, maybe for some people, but not to all. There are sex scenes and language that are not appropriate for those under 18, so I would not consider this a teen book.

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Review: The Color of Rain

The Color of Rain by Cori McCarthy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I've had this book in my pile for a few years now and just picked it up this month, so I had no idea what I was starting because I chose not to read the back cover so it would have the element of surprise. It didn't fail me. I really enjoyed this book, but I would not say it was a young adult book, maybe a mature young adult or new adult due to adult situations and language.
Rain White and her brother, Walker, are the last of their family to live in Earth City, and to say that life is hard would be an understatement. You make a living as best as you can, and try to keep "Touched" hidden. Unfortunately that job is getting harder to do, Walker is showing more and more symptoms everyday, which leads Rain into making a dangerous and desperate deal with a "runner". Life is about to get very different for Rain, but thankfully her red hair gives her an edge in her "new life", but is it enough to save her and Walker? Appearances can be deceiving and she soon finds out that the Void is way more than she bargained for!
You can get you a copy of this book at this link:
https://www.amazon.com/Color-Rain-Cor...


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Review: One to Love

One to Love by Tia Louise
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

One to Love by Tia Louise is wonderful romance about two people trying to pull their lives together after circumstances left them broken. Kenny is a single mom working as a physical trainer and Slayde is an ex con working as a janitor at the same gym. What brings them together is only a hint of what could tear them apart. Can love prevail?
I really enjoyed the dynamics and romance in this story. Kenny's son is from a drunken one nightstand, but he's the shining light in her life. Slayde wants Kenny, but thinks he has no right to happiness after his past. For me an amazing book!

Here's the link to the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/One-Love-Slayd...

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Review: He's No Saint

He's No Saint by A.J. Harmon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"He's No Saint" is a very different kind of love story, one that I found to be refreshing and exciting all in one. Father Hugh is pious, caring, devoted to his congregation; but he is also a human man. When the death of his fiancee' drives him to take his vows to run from the pain, he believes it was his calling. When two new nuns are transferred to his nunnery, he is driven to questioning his motives and beliefs after he finds himself craving the company of one particular. He's not alone in his feelings and Sister Meredith is also questioning her reasons for joining the communion. Is their love doomed to forever remain taboo, or will they be allowed to share it with one another?

I really enjoyed this book and the storyline was such a contrast to what I had been reading. The characters were intelligent and respectful, but very emotionally real.

https://www.amazon.com/Hes-No-Saint-f...

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Review: Blyss

Blyss by J.C. Cliff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"Blyss" is book one of a sex trafficking series about Jules and what happens to her when she's kidnapped and forced into submission.
This was an interesting sex trafficking story with a "forbidden" romance intertwined with it. The writing was good, as was the story line. I wouldn't suggest reading this if you have triggers dealing with forced to take drugs or human trafficking. The leaves you on a cliffhanger and is a twisted kind of romance, that I'm intrigued enough to want to find out how it plays out.


https://www.amazon.com/Blyss-Book-1-T...

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Review: Nicki Sosebee Foursome

Nicki Sosebee Foursome by Jade C. Jamison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nicki is an up and coming newspaper reporter/waitress. Her best guy friend is a hottie she practically slept with one time, but they avoid dealing with it. She has a penchant for finding the story but also trouble along the way, and always needs saving. Nicki loves sex and will grab it whenever she can, without thinking of the consequences, and sometimes there are some.

Overall I like this series, it's well written although the characters are a little shallow but interesting. The fact that Nicki grabs her a man whenever it appeals to her into no strings attached fun, leads to some interesting reading but I wouldn't want to do that in reality. I'd say this is a light read, with some interesting storylines and characters I wish would be developed a bit more, but likeable nonetheless.

Here's the link on Amazon for this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Nicki-Sosebee-...

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Review: Go Girl Friday

Go Girl Friday by D.C. Paull
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"Go Girl Friday" is a contemporary mystery book about Sara an out of work compliance banker . Her friend posts a billboard for her that brings in some interesting job offers, none of which is a good idea to take! When she does start working it all seems to be the perfect set-up, but is it? She soon finds herself in danger at every step.

I enjoyed the mystery and action parts of this book a lot, but I felt that the characters were just a little stiff. I know this was the authors' first book and it's good. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series "Bad Hair Days" to find out what kind of mischief Sara gets herself into.

If you like clean mystery books with little to no romance in them, then this book would probably be a great read. For me, I love romance in my mysteries so it was 3.5 stars for me.

Here's the link on Amazon for this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Go-Girl-Friday...

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Review: Moonlight Serenade: A Rock and Roll Fantasy

Moonlight Serenade: A Rock and Roll Fantasy by Diane Rinella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bailey is a make-up artist with a love of 40's glamor and style. Unfortunately, she has a loser boyfriend taking her for all he can. Dale is a salesman looking for his next big promotion, it's so close he can almost taste it. With a twist of fate and a touch of the magical, these two quirky out of time characters connect in ways they could only dream about.

This is another awesome book in the Rock and Roll Fantasy Collection! I love every single book in this series! I highly recommend this series if you like quirky characters, a touch of the paranormal and a touch of music. This series can be read out of sequence but it's much better if you do follow the sequence.

As always here's the link on Amazon for this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Moonlight-Sere...

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Review: 3 Below

3 Below by Patrick Carman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

3 Below is book two in this awesome kids series about the Wacky Whippet Hotel. Leo and Remi start a new adventure that takes them 3 floors below the Whippet Hotel to strange and wonderful floors. Mr. W is of course up to providing Leo with a task he must handle that is never just straight to the point, and they end up learning something about themselves and others along the way.

It was a fun adventure, that was funny at times but always interesting, especially to my 2 and 4th graders. Perfect read-aloud book that will leave them begging you to read another chapter before bed.

Here's the Amazon link for the book if you're interested:
https://www.amazon.com/Floors-2-Below...

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About My Blog

I used to have Tia's Kindle Shelf, but Blogger has seen to delete it for me. So I guess this is the beginning of Tia's Whatever Blog where I will share a book review sometimes, sewing pattern reviews, and fabric reviews as well. I started sewing a few months ago and learned so much about fabric, and the indie fabric and indie pattern world. I may even share my new Ketogenic way of eating and an occasional recipe.

2016 was the hardest year of my life to date. I started out the year depressed and hating myself and my life in general. Then in April of last year, I lost my best friend to a severe brain injury, we had been friends since 7th grade. Then the following month my sister in law lost her battle with cancer. Those two losses had me so down I almost didn't want to get back up either.

I looked to retail therapy to fill that void, and got sucked in by Lularoe leggings after an author friend had a giveaway on her Facebook page. Then I was hooked! I bought about 20 pair of leggings, 4 dresses, 8 skirts, 2 kimonos, and 3 raglans. I was out of control. Then one day I saw a webpage that had links to patterns to make your own leggings or Lularoe equivalent clothing, and I was hooked on the indie pattern world.

My first Indie pattern was Peg Legs from Patterns for Pirates (this pattern is free if you join their Facebook group). Then I also downloaded the free Pirate Pencil Skirt pattern too! I admit I've only printed and not sewn these yet, but I also have a ton more of their patterns as well as patterns from George and Ginger, Rad Patterns, Elliedactyl, Love Notions, 5 out of 4, and Duckbutt as well. There are lots of awesome independent designers out there, and I find more all the time.

My first indie fabric order was placed with Riki Prints, who is now RP Custom Fabrics. I love their custom designs, the quirky but loveable owner, and her wonderful fun and helpful admins. They supply some of the highest quality custom fabric prints around. I have also since that time ordered from Mk Designs, Smoogie, Starfluffle, BaadMaash, as well as a few I'm completely forgetting at the moment. I will rectify this in the future as I get my new fabric orders in and review them, as well as create some article of clothing with them at some point.

I'm not sure how well this version of my blog will work out, but I think honestly it's mostly for me and journaling my adventures in sewing, reading, crafting, and whatever else!