Lori L. Clark

Scent of Magic by Lori L. Clark is set in Prosperity, Arkansas. The Duchesne sisters are starting over again. Starley, 16, is getting tired of having to move all the time. The three sisters (Starley-16, Francesca-36, and Juliette-26) have special abilities (which they get when they turn 16) and are known for their magical perfumes. The three sisters were born ten years apart. They are going to open The Perfumery in Prosperity (as they do in every town they have lived in). The town is less than welcoming at first, but slowly start to accept the sisters as they try out their special perfumes. But then Starley (she can see things about people that others cannot) decides to use a little magic (spell) to attract a boy. Unfortunately, Beau Byrd (the pastor’s son) has a bad reaction and ends up hospitalized. Now Pastor Byrd (who is a wolf in sheep’s clothing) wants the sisters out of town. Pastor Byrd has considerable influence in the town and did not like what the Duchesne sisters perfume did to his wife (she grew a backbone and stood up to him). Will the sisters have to pack up and move again? Especially after they have just met the Bouvier brothers (who seem to be special like the Duchesne sisters). What will the townspeople do (agree with the pastor or support the sisters)?

Scent of Magic is a cute but simple story. Scent of Magic lacks depth. The book had a lot of potential, but it was not realized in this book. I was disappointed with the ending (it was okay). I give Scent of Magic 3 out of 5 stars (means it was an okay/satisfactory book). The way the book ends sets up the story for a next novel (with the Bouvier brothers). Scent of Magic had a lot of teenage stuff (for lack of a better word). The story is mainly told from Starley’s point of view which leads to comments on cute boys, crushes on boys, and many bad decisions (and let us not forget the angst).

I received a complimentary copy of Scent of Magic from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.… (meer)

This book started out with so much potential. Star is running from a twisted sick f*ck of a boyfriend. I mean he really made my skin crawl...what a creep!



So far, so good right? Well...then Star ends up in a small town in Missouri where she happens upon some super nice people. One of whom owns the general store and gives Star a job and a place to stay. The store owner's nephew, Shane, is immediately attracted to Star. The problem is that Star is 30 and Shane is 21 but the age difference only seems to bother Star. Shane is sexy and adorable, he doesn't stop pursuing Star. Soon she can't resist.

My issue is that the premise and set up were all fine but somehow there wasn't much depth to the story and it was a bit anti-climatic.

Womp Wooomp...

Or perhaps, I've read one too many sick and twisted books that it takes a lot to phase me.



Either way, it wasn't my jam but it could work some. This doesn't happen often but I will always give my honest opinion.… (meer)

I was highly disappointed in this book. I received a copy in exchange for an honest review, and honestly I really didn't like it. This is my first one star review. I'm sorry, I don't like writing this, but have to put it out there.

There's a brutal honesty in this book that is a bit too hard for me to swallow. There is one thing when you write a dark novel, there's usually some ups and downs, or some kind of balance involved. This was darker, then dark, a little light, then dark and then darker even. It was utterly depressing. Jaq was raped at 15, then was a drug addict, then much later got in an abusive relationship. The ending is one in which you wouldn't expect, and I give it to Clark, it definitely would teach the reader a lesson. But it I think the lesson could've been accomplished in a better way.

Other than that, the MC was just wishy-washy to the point of annoying. Not inspiring, never learned her lessons, and had an insane idea of life and how to go about it. I could not connect with her at all. The time frame wasn't consistent, and the writing lacked the details that would normally draw you into the novel. Overall the premise of the book could end up being a great novel, but the delivery just wasn't there for me.

I wouldn't say to NOT read this book, but I would definitely recommend other books beofre this. If you want a dark, short, realistic read than you could give this one a try.… (meer)