bookcovers – Page 43 – Sincerely Karen Jo

Northwoods Magic

(Northwoods Fairy Tales #1)

Desiree Lafawn

5 ★ – Fantastic Paranormal Romance

PUBLISHED BY CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform JULY 24, 2017

GENRE(S): FANTASY, PARANORMAL, ROMANCE

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Quinn Reynolds is desperate for answers. After a near fatal accident, Quinn’s life changes and she is suddenly plagued by dreams of ravens, magic, and a boy with copper-ringed eyes. Told by her doctors that she is delusional, Quinn travels to the Northwoods of Minnesota to find out the truth. But Quinn has another problem that she hasn’t shared. Not only does she dream of magic, she also possesses her own power as well and it scares the hell out of her.

Corbin Olsen has been battling his own demons for the last ten years. After sacrificing everything to save Quinn’s life, she forgot about him completely. He’s thought of her constantly in the years she’s been gone, but nothing prepared him for the woman she has become. Although angry at her for leaving him, Corbin isn’t able to dismiss his need for her.

But Corbin and Quinn are running out of time for a meaningful reunion, the real evil is back and hunting the prey that escaped them all those years ago.

Northwoods Magic by Desiree Lafawn will leave you spellbound for days and eagerly anticipating the next installment.

Lafawn’s writing is enchanting and easy to read. The world building is well-developed and fascinated me. I’ve always loved the supernatural and the idea of magic so I definitely enjoyed that part of the book. The storyline is so creative and intriguing. Lafawn also does a terrific job creating suspense and slowly unraveling the mysteries that I had a difficult time putting the book down. The characters, magical or not, are interesting, quirky and likable. I also really loved the humor, playful teasing, and heartwarming moments that had me smiling and laughing.

Quinn is withdrawn, socially awkward, and seemingly weak in every way. BUT given her past, I could see why and my heart just broke for her. While she lacks self-confidence, I definitely don’t see her as a damsel in distress. In fact, she’s quite determined, a bit feisty, and stronger that she could ever imagine. I enjoyed watching her grow and transform into the type of heroine I always root for to no end. I’m really excited to learn more about her and the magic she possesses.

Corbin…where do I even begin with him?! He’s definitely the more than meets the eye irresistible brooding love interest. He’s charming, devastatingly handsome, and sexy. On top of that, he has quite a unique past and history. I don’t want to give too much away, but I was immediately drawn to him and could not stop myself from swooning.

So in case you haven’t guessed, there is definitely a strong insta-love in this book. This is probably one of the most intense insta-love I’ve read in a while, but oddly enough, it just worked for me. Was it over the top? YES. Cheesy? A bit…okay a lot. And honestly, I loved every moment of it. I’m a big romance addict and I’ll take it in every which way. Not to mention Quinn and Corbin are totally adorable together. Their chemistry is absolutely insane and gave me all the FEELS.

This story is engaging and full of intrigue. It has the perfect balance of magic, mystery, angst, humor, and romance. But more than anything, Northwoods Magic has heart. I love the themes and important messages weaved throughout the story. So be prepared to be enthralled, to love, to cry, and to laugh. I definitely did, and I’m absolutely looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

I received an copy of this book from Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for a fair review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Follow and Connect with Desiree Lafawn: Website / Facebook / Goodreads

Thanks for reading!

Sincerely Karen Jo

No Ordinary Star #1

M.C. Frank

5 ★ – EXTRA ORDINARY SHINING STARS

PUBLISHED BY CREATESPACE NOVEMBER 15, 2015

GENRE(S): YOUNG ADULT, SCI-FI, FANTASY, DYSTOPIA,

PAGES: PAPERBACK 150

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A SOLDIER IS SUMMONED TO THE NORTH POLE, DAYS BEFORE THE YEAR CHANGES, TOLD TO FIX THE GREAT CLOCK FOR A CELEBRATION. HE HAS NO IDEA WHAT TO DO.

A GIRL, HUNTED FOR THE CRIME OF BEING BORN, ALMOST DIES OUT ON THE ICE. SHE IS RESCUED BY THE LAST POLAR BEAR LEFT ALIVE.

A LIBRARY WAITS FOR THEM BOTH, A LIBRARY BUILT OVER A SPAN OF A HUNDRED YEARS, FORGOTTEN IN THE BASEMENT OF AN ICE SHACK.

THE WORLD HASN’T KNOWN HUNGER OR SICKNESS IN HUNDREDS OF YEARS. IT HAS ALSO FORGOTTEN LOVE AND BEAUTY. THE YEAR IS 2525.

Inspired by the short stories of Ray Bradbury, this futuristic novel is set in a world where Christmas -among other things- is obsolete and a Clock is what keeps the fragile balance of peace.

No Ordinary Star by M.C. Frank is unique and just so lovely! Gorgeous storytelling, wonderful world building, fantastic characters, and a fast paced intriguing plot that had me hooked from the very first page.

I absolutely love the concept of this book and the world building is so fascinating. People live longer. No more hunger. No more sickness. Sounds pretty great so far right? But would you be willing to have all that in exchange of never knowing love, compassion, and beauty? There are no families, no mothers and fathers, and men and women are forbidden to touch. Bit by bit, Frank reveals the horrendous and ugliest parts of this new world. It’s completely messed-up, disturbing, and downright terrifying. But through Felix and Astra and their many discoveries whether it’s from their surrounding or each other, the author shows that there are so much worth fighting for.

I really enjoyed the dual POV from the “tin solider” and “match girl.” Both Felix and Astra experienced different lives and it was interesting getting to know them. I thought I would be more sympathetic towards Astra because she had a very dark and heartbreaking past, but I found myself caring about Felix just as much. I connected with them. I felt for them. And I absolutely adored watching them challenge and learn from each other as their relationship slowly developed to some kind of friendship (and maybe something even more).

This book is probably one of the shortest book I’ve read, but it’s definitely not lacking. It’s beautifully written – elegant, poetic, and affecting. I’m completely enthralled by this story and can’t wait to see what happens in the next two installments. I’m already missing Felix and Astra…Oh and I really hope the hint of “romance” becomes stronger because I’m totally shipping tin soldier and match girl.