It’s funny how the tiniest of things can change your life… an invitation, a simple kiss goodnight, a matchbook…
Auden Kelly is in need of a change.
She’s trading in her nine-to-five sales job for the adventure of a lifetime: a one year contract with a European tour company.
For one full year, Auden will get paid to see the world. What could be better? Her brother gives her a journal, instructing her to document all of her adventures as she travels from country to country. And that’s exactly what she does.
When a mysterious stranger enters her life, however, everything changes: her expectations, her priorities and her view of the world. And nothing for Auden will ever be the same.
Note: Although these books are part of a series, they do not need to be read in order
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5 star review by Alison East
This has to be my favorite Melissa Brown book by far. She does an excellent job of weaving an intricate story of love, and deceit- well, not between the main characters anyway. There are some twists and turns, that were totally unexpected. And the fact that it was set in Europe, only fueled my fire that I HAVE to go there at some point in my
life.
Melissa is, yet again, another author that I know- when her book comes out, I must purchase it. That's how much I love her books. Bouquet Toss was free- so on a whim I downloaded it. Then when Champagne Toast came out, I scooped it up. And of course the same with Picturing Perfect. Well wouldn't you know it, I got the pleasure of an ARC of Unwanted Stars- and I could not wait. I was like Charlie Bucket, getting his golden ticket. I jumped at the chance to read it and I was not disappointed.
Unwanted Stars is Auden Kelly's story, Jason Kelly from Picturing Perfect's sister. And Hadley's best friend. Auden is drama with a capital D.
"Hello, my name is Auden Kelly, and I'm dramatic. Isn't that nice? Dramatic. I seriously despise that word; it's always been a thorn in my side. Always."
I felt extremely close to her- like we could have been sisters. Her smart assy-ness was a breath of fresh air compared to cookie cutter heroines I see so often. (And yes, I checked- assy-ness is a word.) She sets off to Europe for a year and wants to book a gig with Jordan tours. She has to prove herself and it put with a tour guide to learn the ropes. Auden gets a little ahead of herself- and then is switched to a new tour- where she meets Campbell.
"Across a small sea of cigarette smoking, beer drinking patrons, I saw that dimple. That simple pinch in the skin of his cheek that called to me as if it had its own personality. God, I loved that thing."
Ah Campbell- or Mr. Hot Pants as I call him. Campbell and his sweet gestures. Campbell and matchbooks. Picture Henry Cavill- and you have Campbell.
And then Auden has to be so professional- when suddenly, she doesn't want to be. Campbell is the hottie mc hot doctor Auden meets on tour. He is charismatic and as much as Auden wants to deny that there is nothing between them, she can't.
"I mean it. The expression on your face...it's timeless. It's beautiful." He inched closer to me, lowering his voice, placing his fingers in my curls. "I want to make you light up like this."
She wants to fall back into the old habit of nothing good in her life- actually works out. And she can't believe that this is finally going her way. She finally signs the contract with Jordan Tours, and gets her own tour. That means having to leave Campbell and having a long distance relationship. And you would think this would cause so much angst and friction- but the truth of the matter is, it really doesn't.
"You're like technology, Auden. Once you have it, you can't live without it. You forget what life was even like before it entered your life."
"His words made me melty. As nerdy as they were, they resonated with me. He was just as attached to me as I was to him. It was time to let him off the hook. Placing my phone in my hands, I studied the small machine before looking him in the eye." "Okay, so I'm like technology. I guess I can handle that."
Something so refreshing about this book is the drama/angsty stuff had nothing to do with the relationship between Campbell and Auden. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop the entire book- and it never did with them. That is one strong relationship there, because most all novels the angsty things happen within the couple. Melissa Brown's story telling abilities are amazing and I can't wait to read more from her. We are basically the same person too, in case you didn't know.
Buy this book please, and support a fantastic author. And in the end, you get to read a really great novel- that is worthy of praise. Well done Brownie, well done.
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