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Love of My Life #4

Unwanted Stars

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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.

First published February 1, 2014

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About the author

Melissa Brown

29 books1,043 followers
I have always been fascinated with books----ever since I was a little girl sitting in front of my record player, following along with my huge 12x12 storybooks.

I'm a pop culture maniac, Potterhead and Disney fanatic. I write new adult romance, contemporary romance and romantic suspense.

Instagram @melbrownie77

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/MelissaBrown...

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5 stars
251 (39%)
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241 (37%)
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118 (18%)
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26 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
Profile Image for Christy.
4,086 reviews34.6k followers
February 28, 2016
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Unwanted Stars is the fourth book in Melissa Brown’s Love of My Life series, but it can be read as a stand-alone. That being said, you really don’t want to miss out on the third book. It’s directly related to this one and my favorite of the series (Jason Kelly… swoon).

Auden Kelly (Jason’s little sister) is ready for the adventure of a lifetime. At 23 years old, she’s not sure what she wants to do with her life. She decides a change is in order. She takes a job with Jordan travel as a European tour guide. Auden is one of those characters that is outspoken, brash and vibrant. She is also fun-loving, sassy and completely loyal to those she loves.
People don’t always get me right away…. and some never do. When I find people who understand me, I stick with them. I’m fiercely loyal.

While on this journey, something happens she never expects. She meets someone. Campbell is sweet, sexy and fun. He is different from Auden in a lot of ways, but they compliment each other. He gives Jason a run for his money when it comes to lovable and swoony heroes. Those matchbooks... I LOVED!

Campbell and Auden’s relationship is strong and beautiful. I absolutely loved them together.
“I’m falling for you.”

“I fell a long time ago.”

While in Europe, Auden finds out something that shakes her to her core. I loved how Campbell was there for her through this. Not to push or to pry, but to just be there. To help her be strong. This story is more than just a romance. It’s a story of self-discovery and a story of a woman finding her place in the world.

I love Melissa Brown’s writings. I am so happy I picked up this final book in this series. If you’re looking for a story that is sweet, funny, romantic and will leave you with a happy heart and a smile on your face, pick this one up! 4.5 stars.

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Profile Image for Fred.
289 reviews300 followers
February 9, 2014
So, they say when life hands you lemons, make lemonade. But there's not really a formula for when life hands you a big bowl of wtf, right? Especially when you're a pretty darn prickly 23 year old named Auden Kelly, who's restlessly launched herself on the adventure of a lifetime, guiding tours through Europe. And on top of that she's met this guy. Not just any old guy, either, but a handsome and accomplished one who, best of all, is absolutely smitten with her (smitten, I tell you!). But fate's got cards it doesn't want to show, until one day it does, and suddenly Auden's life feels like it's a house made out of those cards, tumbling around her in a dizzy snowstorm of aforesaid wtf.

I love this thoughtful and tender story of a (to be perfectly honest) kind of difficult girl, who struggles to come to terms with some tough revelations, good and bad, about who she is, and who she's going to choose to be. I love that the romance wasn't "the solution" to her problems, but rather another facet to her journey of self-awareness, maturity and understanding. I was so not expecting the big twist that hits around 60%, or for this to be a deep and sensitive treatment of issues of family and identity. And I really love how artful author Melissa Brown has become in this 4th book in the Love of My Life series of interconnected standalones. Without disclosing too much, it's so clever that key events happen at a make-up counter, a place where illusions meet with reality to either reveal or conceal a deeper truth about the layers that lie beneath our cosmetic enhancements and embellishments.

I don't mean to make this sound too heavy - it's banterific and sometimes breezy, filled with delightful snapshots of Auden's Europe, and with warm and winsome snapshots of real feeling family affection and irritation. I urge you to indulge in the rather complicated pleasure of getting to know Miss Auden Kelly, the most complex of her clan, without further ado!
Profile Image for Maida.
1,068 reviews
May 23, 2014
Fortunately or unfortunately (based on how I look at it), I read the 3rd novel in this series— Picturing Perfect— prior to reading the series' 4th novel— Unwanted Stars. Therefore, I was already familiar with the character, Auden, & I knew her reasons for leaving her home in Chicago to take a job as European tour guide.

Those of you who read my review for Picturing Perfect may recall that I only gave the novel 1-star due to the author's very amateurish writing style, a highly predictable plot & the use of clichés. The writing was VERY simplistic. So although the heroine & narrator— Hadley— was a 22-year old college graduate, her "voice" & (oftentimes her actions) resembled that of a 15-year old. In my review, I stated that Picturing Perfect is written somewhere between a 3rd-5th grade reading level, & I stand by that assessment.

Thankfully, the writing DOES improve in the author's follow-up novel— Unwanted Stars. As I mentioned before, the author's writing is overly simplistic & is mostly made up of short sentences which state the obvious. In my humble opinion, there's nothing earth-shattering or incredibly profound in her novels— nothing that will make a critical reader take pause or start to view the world in a different way. This writing style failed to work in the series' 3rd novel b/c the heroine— Hadley— was described as being incredibly smart & driven. She was "supposed" to be a true intellectual. Sadly, however, the unsophisticated writing made Hadley sound more like a teenager than an intellectual college graduate.... In Unwanted Stars, the author's overly simplistic writing style works better since the heroine, Auden, is more of a free-spirit. She can be a bit scatterbrained & flighty, and her flight of ideas & constantly shifting thoughts are well portrayed via the author’s short sentences & choppy prose.

The highlight of this novel (for me) wasn’t Auden’s character growth or her new love interest. For me, the star of the novel was the continent of Europe!!! I’ve always been rather obsessed with Europe, so I devoured the chapters on Germany, Venice, Paris & Madrid. And although I am of German & Spanish descent, I’ve never traveled through Germany… I’ve only spent an hour in the Frankfurt airport on a layover. My dream is to visit all of the exquisite places that the reader is able to witness secondhand while reading about Auden’s travels as a tour guide. I am especially interested in visiting the Channel Islands, located between the northern coast of France & the Southern coast of England. The islands sound absolutely divine! In fact, living anywhere that has easy access to BOTH London AND Paris sounds pretty perfect to me. :)

Although I DID enjoy reading about Auden’s adventures in Europe, I can’t give this novel a very high rating b/c the writing is just SO mediocre. Yes, it’s a great improvement over the 3rd novel in this series. While Picturing Perfect, was written between a 3rd- 5th grade reading level, Unwanted Stars is probably written between a 7th-8th grade reading level…. Author Melissa Brown has “cute” storylines, but her novels present common themes & plot devices that have been used at least a million times in Young Adult, New Adult, Chick-Lit & Romance novels. Melissa Brown’s writing reminds me somewhat of Judy Blume. The DIFFERENCE, however, is that Judy Blume’s target audience INCLUDES readers in the 3rd-8th grades; whereas Melissa Brown’s DOES NOT. Herein lies “one” of the problems. If Melissa Brown intends to write for a more mature audience, then she should develop a more mature writing style. Her prose is very choppy, so she should improve upon the “flow” of her writing. Making better use of transitions would be a start. Furthermore, she needs to create better DIALOGUE between the characters (and particularly between the love interests). Auden knew virtually nothing about Campbell. How is the reader supposed to get behind this coupling when they have relatively few interactions & ZERO “meaningful” conversations before Furthermore, sending love notes that read “I Ache For You” is only realistic when Dialogue is key. In this particular genre, meaningful dialogue is a major factor in determining whether a novel becomes an All-Time Favorite or just merely forgettable. There’s a reason why the vast majority of readers love Tammara Webber’s Easy or Colleen Hoover’s Slammed. We recall the conversations between the main characters— conversations which made it abundantly clear that these two characters were meant for one another. Sadly, I can’t recall any well-written dialogue between the two main characters in Unwanted Stars. Sure, there were some sweet moments— sweet but rather ineffectual. Unwanted Stars was a nice, light read (which was what I was searching for at the time)…. But three months from now, I won’t recall these characters' names; I won’t recall how the couple fell in love; & I certainly won’t recall key quotes from the book (because there were NONE).

*3.5/5 stars*

*** A very special THANK YOU to Amber for recommending this novel & for loaning it to me. I asked for a nice, light read, & it’s exactly what I got. Thanks for being one of the best Goodreads friends ever!!! :)
Profile Image for Beth.
Author 8 books2,447 followers
December 5, 2013
Full review coming closer to release date, but WOW... this is Melissa Brown's best work yet. Holy crap can she write a swoony guy!! Put this on your TBR's people, you're gonna want to get to know Campbell!! <3
Profile Image for Autumn Review.
1,023 reviews525 followers
February 10, 2014
First Impression:
New adventure, new love, self discovery...sign me up!

The story:
Auden was in need of an adventure. So, she got a job as a tour guide in Europe. The job proves to have it's own set of challenges, but she likes it. On one of her trips, she meets a smart, sexy Brit. Just as her love life and her job are becoming more interesting, her world is rocked by a mysterious stranger. This changes everything she thought she knew about her life.

The characters:
Auden was a lot of fun. She's a bit dramatic, but not in an annoying way. I loved that she craved adventure and that she wasn't afraid to take chances.

Campbell just might be the perfect guy. I adored him! He actually courted her. He valued her. And he really supported her when she needed him the most. He seriously is the best! And he was quite sexy at times too.

I loved seeing Hadley and Jason again too. They are such a great couple and it made me miss them a bit. I just might have to go back and read Picturing Perfect.

What didn't work for me:
I'm not so sure I could pin point anything that stands out to me. I suppose if I want to be nit picky, I would say that Auden may be slightly irritating to some, but she didn't bother me.

Overall:
I would have to say that Unwanted Stars just might be my favorite Brown novel to date. During college, I always wanted to travel like Auden did. While I'm not as dramatic as she is, I felt a kinship in her need for adventure and she is also a romantic. I got her. And I really loved the relationship she developed with Campbell. Unwanted Stars was fun, romantic and had just the right amount of drama to keep things interesting. Although this is part of a series, it can definitely be read as a stand alone. I highly recommend it!

Quotes:
~"Listen to me, okay? I want you, this, us...for as long as I'm lucky enough to have it. Losing you would destroy me."-Loc 2925

~"You're the most beautiful creature I've ever laid eyes on. When I see you, when I feel you, I'm content. The happiest I've ever been."-Loc 3684
Profile Image for Calia.
Author 17 books2,895 followers
December 27, 2013
Witty, sexy and heartfelt...Melissa Brown doesn't dip her toe into New Adult, she cannonballs right into this genre! My favorite novel of her's to date!
Profile Image for Sharon.
167 reviews
February 5, 2014
I was lucky enough to get an ARC copy of Unwanted Stars by Melissa Brown and I have to tell you this book is awesome!

The book is a journal of Auden's journey as paid tour guide. Auden is on the journey that is going to change her life.

Melissa Brown did it again! This was another book I could not put down. I could not wait to see what each need day brought for Auden.

This book had many feeling so many emotions and feelings. I felt fear of the unknown journey, love, sadness, and happiness.

As part of the descriptions says "It's funny how the tiniest of things can change your life ... an invitation, a simple kiss goodnight, a matchbook.. " This book shows how true this is.

I highly recommend taking the 5 Star journey with Auden.
Profile Image for Lisa.
366 reviews31 followers
February 7, 2014
Fave of 2014

If you are a fan of Author Melissa Brown, you know that the Love of My Life Series is linked and continually gets better than the previous. This one takes the cake. She really pulled out the big guns for Unwanted Stars. She finally shows us who Auden Kelly is, and what happens when you fly by the seat of your pants.

Not only is this story taking us on an adventure, but we get to dive headfirst into the life of Auden Kelly. We know her as Hadley's BFF and Jason's little sister, but really that is all we know about her. But not for long.....

Auden Kelly. Remember that name. She will stick with you forever. She is a lady after my own heart. I just love her dearly and want to keep her as my own. She is young, carefree, and ready for any adventure life can throw at her. Auden leads us through her day to day activities in a way that I loved, it is priceless and in a sense freeing for her and us. With her moving to a new country, one that she is familiar with, she is able to finally soar and do it the way she wants without being held back or judged by her family.

Ok so this isn't your typical girl goes away, meets boy, falls madly in love. No, this book from the minute you start reading is an experience of life and new beginnings. Auden takes the meaning of journey literally. She is on a mission to pave her own path and show everyone that she can and will succeed!

Charming, I mean Campbell Hutchins killed me. He swept in and took over the Jason Kelly top spot. Sorry JK, I am smitten with him. Hutch as he prefers to be named, is a bit of the mysterious type. He is gorgeous, willing to please, and freaking wonderful. He is like a bright sun on a dreary day. There is always something that he can do to brighten your day. And brighten he did. So get ready to be swept away with this charming gentleman!

Chemistry can be a silly thing. Forbidden romance isn't. These two share some wicked chemistry, the kind of stuff you see in movies. These two gave me butterflies and made me all sorts of school girl giddy. But with work and the non-fraternization, they have to share hidden glances and stolen kisses, and all the while hoping they aren't caught. Those few precious moments sizzle. You can feel the longing and want from Auden and Hutch. But you know their time is going to get cut short, and wish and pray that they can carry on with this relationship when Auden is done with this leg of her job. Will Auden take the leap of faith, and jump into Hutches arms? Can Hutch wait this job out? Or will these two fall flat after their forbidden love story is over?

I have mad love for Melissa Brown. Her books always make me swoon, but this book swooned and wooed me like no other. She brings to life the true feelings of lust, longing, and need. She shows us that her characters are perfectly flawed, in their own right. Auden and Campbell will undo you with their feelings and words. They will bring you to your knees, and make you weepy. Yes, they will. I cannot wait to read more of this series. But I do have to say Unwanted Stars, was my absolute favorite!
Profile Image for Sarah Griffin.
380 reviews310 followers
June 10, 2019
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

The following is a completely off the cuff, unfiltered review. Full review coming on my stop of the blog tour.

As if it were ever ANY question, Melissa Brown has proven once again why she is the queen of romance! I've read all of her books multiple times, and like a fine wine, she just gets better and better with age. Just when I think the next book cannot possibly be better than its predecessor, there she goes proving me wrong. This book will make you feel. Ooh how it will make you feel. MB writes women who while at a crossroads in their life, are so incredible headstrong and independent. She writes women that you can relate to, women you want to be friends with, and women who don't take crap from anyone! Women who are dealing with real life issues. While some of the issues may seem trivial compared to others, there can be no comparison when it comes to pain. Pain isn't a contest, and you have every right to feel the way you do. Despite all of this, Auden isn't afraid to go after what she wants.

Through Auden, we are able to go on an adventure of a lifetime. Some authors will write about a locale yet you feel like a spectator. Not MB! She doesn't just simply write about it, she grabs your passport and literally shoves you on the plane. You can taste the pizza in Italy, feel the breeze on your skin as you ride in the gondola, smell the pot as you walk through Amsterdam ;-) But most importantly, throughout this trip, she allows you to not only find yourself but fall in love.

On the outside, this may seem like a cliched romance. Girl goes to foreign country, falls in love, lives happily ever after. If you've ever read a MB book before, you know this simply just isn't the case. Once you scratch through the surface, the depth that lies beneath will have even the blackest of hearts melting. While I thought no character could EVER top Jason Kelly, Campbell has officially thrust himself upon the throne. And he plans to back down for NO ONE! I loved this character not simply because of who and what he was, but more-so of what he wasn't! What he wasn't: full of drama, full of insecurity, full of IT and himself, ashamed to say what was on his mind and how he was feeling, and afraid to call Auden on her bull crap. I loved how he saw through all her walls and said so. I loved how he seemed to know what she was thinking and feeling, sometimes even before she did. I loved the relationship he had with his family, always loyal. But mostly I loved the way he loved her.

It wouldn't be a MB book without a few twists and turns, but those just made the book even more delicious. There is one scene involving a trench coat that STILL has me rolling! I could go on and on about this book til the cows come home. I love the love. MB teaches us that it is never to late to chase your dreams and that sometimes you can't wait for your fairy tale, you have to go make it yourself!
Profile Image for Francine Petro.
59 reviews
February 9, 2014
Melissa Brown does it again with her latest novel, Unwanted Stars! This is the story of Auden Kelly and Campbell Hutchins. Auden is a beautiful, shoot from the hip, take no prisoners kind of gal who is looking for a change. She accepts a position with Jordan Tours based in London and is ready for travel and excitement, not necessarily a total life defining experience!

"It's funny how the tiniest of things can change your life: an invitation, a simple kiss goodnight, a matchbook..."

Meet Campbell Hutchins (aka Starsky!!) - romantic, tall, dark and handsome doctor who is on one of her tours. He is immediately taken with Auden and the feeling is mutual! All I can say is...Matchbooks, you'll never look at one the same way again!

To Auden he's a complete nerd but that is what is so endearing about him, from his surprise moves on the dance floor to his chess ribbons and how he explains to Auden his feelings towards her "This little gadget has changed all of us. No more pay phones on every corner. We have this 24-7, a world of information at our fingertips. Can you imagine giving yours up?"..."No."..."Exactly. That's how I feel about you. I can't imagine ever giving you up. Can't remember what life was like before you."..."You're my gorgeous little cell phone." Maybe I am a nerd, but this had me swooning!

One day, Auden goes shopping at Harrods and this is where the life she has always known for the past 23 years will take a dramatic turn. Who would have thought buying Clinique makeup would would make her question everything she knew, about her self and her family. "I was too scared to think there was a reason why I never quite fit into the puzzle..." I will cut the quote of here, don't want to give too much away!!

With these new revelations, as much as Auden tries to push Campbell away, he's not leaving!

I truly love the way Melissa writes! She makes me laugh and yes, in this book I cried some pretty ugly tears. I adore her pop culture references and relatable moments when I was growing up...no personalized water bottles at the supermarket for this girl!
I love all of her books and, as another reviewer had mentioned, you do not necessarily have to read all of the books before you dive into this one...but why wouldn't you!?!

Again, loved Unwanted Stars and that's why I gave it 5 stars, a must read and definitely in my top 10 for 2014!!
Profile Image for Brandee - Brandee's Book Endings.
280 reviews34 followers
February 14, 2014
Amazon:http://amzn.to/1cNTiVv
B&N: http://bit.ly/1akqDrO

No secret here, I am a BIG Melissa Brown fan! I can always count on Melissa to give me what I call that perfect “chick flick” that I love. With Unwanted Stars there was a bit more steam than in Melissa’s previous books, but if you have read any of these other books in which we previously were introduced to Auden, you know that she is a more “sexual” person, so… it would be fitting and Melissa captured that character in my mind quite well.

I am really envious that Auden is able to pick up, move to Europe and take on a job as a tour guide and travel from county to country. What a care-free adventure right? I have NEVER been to Europe and Melissa had the ability in her writing to make me imagine what it would be like to be on one of these tours. HAVE TO MOVE THIS HIGHER UP ON MY BUCKET LIST.

So, Auden is on this amazing adventure……..Then she meets the swoon-worthy Campbell….and WE have another book boyfriend!!! I don’t like to spoil things, but I will tell you that I loved Campbell and his matchbooks and everything we learn about Campbell during the story. LOVE him!

Here we are back to poor Auden…. I say poor Auden (without spoiler)……. you will learn what exactly the blurb meant “everything changes: her expectations, her priorities and her view of the world. And nothing for Auden will ever be the same”. I could not imagine having to deal with what she is faced with, and while being half way across the world from her family.

If you have read a Melissa Brown book before, you are like me and probably expect that by the end of every book you get your happily ever after. Will Auden get her happily ever after? Does she want one? And is Campbell the one to give it to her? I highly recommend you pick up this book and/or series. While this can be read as a stand-alone, you will want to learn about all the characters and their stories in the previous books.

Once again, Melissa Brown has given me exactly the type of book I needed when I needed it. She never lets me down and I never hesitate to pick up the next book she releases. Next up for Melissa – A new series called “Sorority of Three” is also coming in spring of 2014 – and I can’t wait!
Profile Image for Laura.
403 reviews15 followers
February 8, 2014
By now you know I'm not a fan of the barfalicious romance novels. EXCEPT for where Melissa Brown is concerned. She could write me an encyclopedia and I think I'd read AND enjoy it. Her attention to detail and the way she can tell a love story, keep it absolutely romantical and yet not make me wanna barf is just spectacular. I may have a slight girl crush on her.

We first were introduced to Auden as Jason Kelly's little sister and Hadley's best friend...but the fabulous thing about this series is, even if you haven't read the previous books, this isn't one of those bits of information that you NEED to know. What you do need to know is that Auden is out to conquer the world. She's independant, she's ready for an adventure and she's gonna have fun, damnit. She couldn't have landed a more perfect job than she did when she got the job with a touring company in Europe. The thing that I loved about Auden's adventures is that Ms. Brown made you feel like you were right there with her. You could smell the foods, you could taste the coffee...you could see the stars...it was just so well told.

As you know, this is a romance, so you know there's a boy. Campbell Hutchins isn't just any boy though. He's a mystery. He's fun. He doesn't let Auden get away with her BS. He's just...well, freaking fabulous.

As with any Melissa Brown book, there is some drama, there are a LOT of swoonworthy moments, and well, there is just flat out fabulous storytelling.

Do yourself a favor and read this book. I promise, you won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for Mari.
2,126 reviews5 followers
September 11, 2016
4.5 matchbook stars

Stars

Sigh Campbell Hutchins swoon. One thing I loved about this book was the travel aspect and add one hot British accented sweetheart I'm sold. I mean Henry Cavill maybe the perfect muse for Cam and but all through out I didnt think of him as, maybe looks wise but I got the good doctor in all scenes. I really liked Auden I can relate to her personality wise too, similar reactions and way of thinking. I did get her.

Cam is swoon, his manner and Britishisms are just so loving with a touch of playful, polite but not stiff his gestures melt, little things. Ok I'm in a mood but gah. I cant stop gushing, such a sucker for accents and his Bristishisms. I know this was Auden's journey but he added to it and I do think he made her find her peace. Melissa Brown has found my weakness British accents and Henry like heroes.

Jason and Hadley was so sweety and Marty too, they had me awww. I see how they connected and made the story work and more meaningful.

This series is just heartwarming and feel good, each had their own swoon factor. Although I don't know if this is the last installment I'd love more and these characters are so endearing and people you'd like around. Melissa Brown has such a writing style that'll make you feel, smile and teary gets you into the story and in the lives of the characters, makes it relatable and still retain that romantic feeling.
Profile Image for Heather Gunter.
Author 9 books394 followers
February 9, 2014
I'm a reader first before anything else and when I love something, I feel it important to voice it. I love stories that make you feel and believe in the power of love. Love that is real. Where you make mistakes, learn from them and make new ones. I love stories that can sweep you away and give you the possibility of hope. That is what I think of this series. It's a series of hope.

I'm a serious Melissa Brown fan. Unwanted Stars follows Auden on her quest at being independent as well as the best darn tour guide in Europe. I love Auden; I always have. She's quirky and complicated. I also love the man that is completely made for her in every possible way. Cam is simply swoony! The author has this uncanny knack at making me love every one of her male characters just a little bit more than the last. The banter is brilliant, sexy as hell and story heart warming. Don't even give it a second thought.
Profile Image for Shannon.
260 reviews21 followers
February 7, 2014
Good book! Campbell is very swoon worthy and Auden is just awesome! I liked this book a lot but I think Picturing Perfect was better. The story was good in this one but the beginning half of the book features so much of Auden and Campbell's relationship that I wasn't quite sure where it was headed especially since there was never any conflict in the relationship. To me Campbell was just a little too perfect that I kept wondering when something from his past or a flaw was going to show up. But it never did. So when the big conflict did show up I was pleased. I do wish it showed up sooner in the book because by the time I got there I was expecting it. But other than that I thought this was a great book. Much steamer than her other ones ;) haha. Can't wait for her next book!
Profile Image for Amal Danun.
199 reviews6 followers
February 6, 2014
Love,love,loved it! This the the best book that I've read from Melissa Brown,she's always writes characters that captures you from page one, I could't put my kindle down! And that twist in this story I didn't see that coming.......my heart breaks for Auden. Auden..... Love she's dramatic,witty just love her! Campbell....swoonalert..... Now I picture him as Henry Cavill like Melissa Brown says ;) Love seeing Jason,Hadley and Marty again love them.
Note to Melissa; give Charlie(also swooooon duhhhh he is a brother from Campbell) his own story. I can't wait to read more from Melissa Brown!
Profile Image for Anima.
2,543 reviews48 followers
February 3, 2014
Another emotional journey that I couldn't put down, unless the kids needed to eat or get to school. My new favorite character is Auden. She is witty, sassy, dramatic to a point and romantic. Campbell is wonderfully nerdy, normal, swoon-y, and sexy. Beautiful story line that pulls you in and won't let go. This is the fourth in the series but can be read as a stand alone. Keep the stories coming Melissa!
Profile Image for Jessica.
96 reviews
February 4, 2014
I forgot how much I loved the books wrote by this author. I 100% loved this book!! I loved Campbell & Auden relationship, it was so strong and maintained that way through the whole book. No meaningless fighting just for a story like most books. That doesn't mean there wasn't drama in the book, there def was. It just never made them doubt each other. I will def be reading more books by this author!
Profile Image for Stefany.
117 reviews
March 30, 2014
I loved this book and days after reading it I am still thinking about it. I live that there is angst and turmoil in this story but one thing is constant, love. It was a nice, refreshing change for the relationship between the lead characters to not be in stress throughout the story, but instead be the steady points. All in all this is a great story and I would totally recommend it.
Profile Image for Jamie Lovgren.
134 reviews2 followers
February 9, 2014
Another great love story from Melissa Brown! Can we please work on cloning Campbell?? My only issue is I didn't want the story to end! I wanted to read about their wedding and Auden having babies. So, Melissa get working on that, okay?! :)
6 reviews
January 13, 2014
OMG what an incredibly romantic story. I totally connected with Auden instantly. This is a story of love and adventure. You will want to run to the Clinique counter in Harrods. You will want to book a tour with Jordan Tours and Campbell will forever change your relationships.
Profile Image for Tela Hereau.
25 reviews1 follower
March 19, 2014
I enjoyed the book but it was slow getting into. It had fun and romance and some drama. A good quick fun read.
March 8, 2015



After reading Picturing Perfect and Unwanted Stars, I can say with confidence that Melissa Brown knows how to write sweet, feel-good romances.  She has a gift with writing these lighthearted romances with just enough angst and drama to keep me turning the pages, but not enough to upset me.  What attracted me to Unwanted Stars was the fact that it is set primarily in Europe.

Auden Kelly has always felt like she didn't belong in her family. No one gets her.  After being labeled the "dramatic" child, she has always felt like she has had to live up to role.  Auden has never really had a niche to fit into.  Her brother was the writer.  She decides to leave her hometown of Chicago and take a job with a tour company, Jordan Tours, based in London to take tourists all over Europe. That sounds like a dream job for a twenty-something year old girl on a journey of self-discovery.  She hoped to find out who she was and how she fit in.  But what she ends up finding is love and so much more.

Not long into her stint as tour guide, Auden meets an alluring and sexy Brit Campbell Hutchins while working.  Company policy strictly prohibits fraternizing with the tour members.  Campbell's persistence and adorable way of communicating through messages in matchboxes, convince Auden to take a leap and have a drink with Campbell.  This drink leads to several secret meet-ups between them that ignite a flame between them.
"You scare me," I whispered.
"You fucking terrify me." He laughed, his voice cracking with the words. He closed the distance between us, gripping my hair with his hand and pulling me close. "Don't push me away. I want to know you, Auden. All of you."

What I really liked about Auden and Campbell's relationship was the forbidden aspect of it in the beginning.  Auden was very nervous about being found out after starting out on the job with one big strike against her.  Though, she couldn't deny the attraction and budding feelings she had for Campbell.  Conveniently enough, Campbell lives not far from Auden in London and the two begin to see each other after the tour ends.  With the nature of her job, she is gone often and they don't see each other as much as either of them would like.  Leave it up to Campbell, to surprise Auden in freaking Paris with a special dinner for two in the freaking Eiffel Tower.  He really is a very sweet, romantic and thoughtful guy.  Did I mention he's a doctor?  He's pretty much perfect.

As their relationship progresses, Auden finds out a secret about her family that changes her life forever.  And Campbell is there to help her through the pain.  But he's not the only person to step in — her older brother, Jason, steps in.  I really enjoyed seeing Jason and Hadley from Picturing Perfect show up.  And their roles in this book were rather prominent for just having their own book.

I am a fan of sweet romances, however, this story was not one that really stood out for me.  I had an idea for where the book was going.  Nonetheless, I would recommend Melissa Brown's books to anyone searching for a heart-warming story with sweet, intelligent and tender guys.  Jason and Campbell are two of the sweetest most thoughtful guys.

3 stars

*I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Review — Unwanted Stars by Melissa Brown

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Profile Image for All Romance.
420 reviews97 followers
February 13, 2014
MICHELLE'S REVIEW

So I am going to be totally honest here. I love Melissa Brown. She's adorable and loves HenCav and is so super sweet. But when you tell me that a character in the novel is based on a certain someone- I am barely going to be able to focus.


I almost feel like the only thing that really matters about this book is Campbell. And you know why?? Because this is the muse for Campbell.



That's right ladies. The entire time you read this book, you get to picture this fine piece of man meat. Seriously. The whole time.


But there is some other stuff that happens in this book. And actually this book isn't really about Campbell. It's actually Auden's story.


Now again, being perfectly honest, I was not always Auden's biggest fan. In the very beginning, I thought that she and I were kindred spirits. But as we went on, I found that Auden acted like an immature 23 year old so often that it was hard for me to always sympathize with her. But then, I realized that when I was 23, I acted like a 23 year old and I started to soften towards Auden. I put myself in her shoes and really started to try and understand her. And when I did I started to like her a lot.


On one hand, her youthful exuberance made her a fun character. Packing up and moving to Europe to be a tour guide was so awesome and I actually envied her in real life. And at times I loved her carefree attitude. And for the most part- she was really good with Campbell. I honestly kept expecting her to do something stupid when it came to him. But I mean when your boyfriend looks like this:


you do everything you can to keep that man. EVERYTHING AND ANYTHING. And Auden did. She had her fears but she worked through them every time and didn't run from her feelings for Campbell. But then again, who could run from him??


So in that respect, I really like Auden. But there has to be a twist of course and the one that eventually happens was a big one. My heart broke for Auden when she had to work through this secret. I felt her anger and pain and I was totally with her. But I sometimes felt like Auden was being unkind and unfair to the wrong people. Now, I have never had this experience so I cannot say how I would act.


But what was truly great about Auden was watching her grow up. I think Auden in the beginning of this book and Auden at the end were almost two different people. And I loved that. Because it's real. In my own life, there came a time where I had to grow up and I saw that in Auden and I appreciated it.


But again, I have to say to back to Campbell. I love that Brownie didn't make us suffer through some huge drama between Campbell and Auden. Not that I don't love the angst, but I just liked being able to enjoy a couple and have them deal with the other parts of life that are stressful. Sometimes relationships are the best thing you have when everything else goes to shit and I am so glad she let us experience that in this book. Was the relationship always smooth sailing? No- but it wasn't a pit of drama and I appreciated that!


I definitely think you should pick this one up. It's a good one. For those of you that have lon said goodbye to your life as a 23 year old, it will remind you of what that was like. It wasn't always easy, though it was often fun. But, for me at least, it will also remind you of how sometimes, life forces you to grow up and it's not always a bad thing. Those tough things in life make us who we are. And there is always some good with the bad. And don't forget-at the end of the day- you get to picture this for a few hours with a good reason.




Enjoy!
Profile Image for Monique Machuca-Austin.
310 reviews26 followers
February 5, 2014
**JUST BOOKED received an ARC for an Honest Review**

AN INVITATION, TOE-CURLING KISSES, MATCHBOOKS, AND ROMANTIC ALPHA MALE WILL SURELY HAVE YOU BOOKING YOUR NEXT TRIP TO EUROPE!

Unwanted Stars is about Auden Kelly a twenty-three year young woman and youngest of three siblings leaving to be a tour guide in Europe for a year for Jordan tours. Everyone in the Kelly family is artistic: Dad – paints, Mom – writes poetry, Maya (sister) – sews, and Jason (brother) – writes novels. I love how Auden describes herself in the beginning of the chapter as not being artistic.

“Hello, my name is Auden Kelly and I’m dramatic.”

Jason bought Auden a journal to document all the countries, special places, and people that will meet while in Europe when she leaves her home in Chicago.

When Auden arrives in London, she is pair with Thomas Mashburn for her first training session for the “European Decadence” tour for fifteen days traveling through Germany. During one of the stops, Tom was giving a speech about how the wait staff at Hofbräuhaus was required to “fist” five beer steins at a time when Auden slightly overreacted.

“Hearing the word “fist” used as a verb made my mind go to a really dirty place, and I spit my water on the seat in front of me. Tom stared at me, his mouth agape. One of the Americans started to snicker and Tom turned bright red like a tomato.”

Unfortunately, Auden not only embarrasses her supervisor, Tom, but also makes a terrible mistake that almost threatens her employment at Jordan tours. Michelle, Auden’s boss, gives her a second chance with a three and half weeks tour along the side of tour guide - Anabelle. It is during her tour guide with Anabelle, when she meets Campbell Hutchins, an alpha male who look like Henry Cavill, brightest blue eyes although one of them had a patch of brown with the blue, and a dimple on his right cheek when he smiles made Auden feel weird.

“Tonight I literally choked when he touched me. I must’ve looked like the biggest idiot, but I couldn’t help it. He touched me and I freaked!”

Auden knows she cannot have any relations with any of the guests, because Jordan tours strictly prohibits it and will send her back to the states. However, what happens when matchbooks start appearing making your heart rate speed out of control, can a simple message make Auden bend the rules?

“I studied the small piece of cardboard, flipping it over as I looked for clues. Why did he want me to have this? Opening the top flap, I peered inside the small trinket and smiled. A simple note scrawled in horrible chicken-scratch like handwriting, but it affected me in a way that no other written words had in my twenty-three years.
I ache for you.”

Auden knows she will need to wait after the tour, if she is going to try to have a relationship with Campbell but also wonders if her traveling will affect her chances of possible happiness.
Unfortunately for Auden, karma sometimes comes full circle when we least expect it turning our lives upside down. The funny thing about karma is it always shakes the truth and hidden secrets that have been stored away with the skeletons in our closets.

With the truth to be told, there is sometimes heartache and sometimes a new stronger bond of love is formed from lessons learned and stories shared, but will Auden and Campbell be strong enough to endure it all? Unwanted Stars is an EMOTIONAL LOVE STORY that will capture your attention immediately and will be unable to put the book down. Melissa Brown’s novel, Unwanted Stars, and has done a magnificent job writing a captivating story that will have you feel as if you are on an emotional roller coaster of emotions of LOVE, COMPASSION, SADNESS, ANGER, DISTRUST, FORGIVENESS, and FRIENDSHIP. Unwanted Stars is part of a series, but also can be read as a stand-alone novel.

“It’s funny how the tiniest of things can change your life: an invitation, a simple kiss goodnight, a matchbook…For me, though, it was a box. A wooden box that changed my life entirely. One I’d forgotten all about.”

Melissa Brown’s novel in the Love of My Life series, Unwanted Stars, receives - 5 AMAZING STARS!
Profile Image for Alexis.
748 reviews89 followers
February 5, 2014
Unwanted Stars not only lived up to my expectations but exceeded them. The book had me at the first sentence. I swear, I am somehow Auden’s long lost twin because I feel like she is the total embodiment of me but 8 years younger. She is has to be my favorite heroine of all-time. I loved her wit, her dramatic flair, and well, just everything about her.

“Hello, my name is Auden Kelly and I’m dramatic.”

You might remember Auden from Picturing Perfect as Jason’s younger sister and Hadley’s best friend. Auden has been hired for the coolest job ever, a tour guide in Europe for a year. If I had the chance to do it over, I so would be doing this. Before she leaves the Chicago, Jason gives her a journal to document everything she encounters during her travels. I really liked that part of this book was written as little excerpts from her journal.

Anywho, during her first tour she makes the mistake of sleeping with her supervisor after a night of too many beers. Of course just to be a jerk after feeling rejected, he doesn’t give the most positive feedback to their boss. That leads Auden to accompany another tour guide who is difficult to say the least for her second tour. There is where she meets the charming Campbell while he is vacationing with friends. Fraternizing with the guests is strictly prohibited so of course she tries to keep her distance. But of course, Campbell had to be all sorts of swoony leaving her hidden notes in her pants pockets or written on match books. How can you resist that? Well of course she couldn’t. Once the tour is over, they keep their relationship going even if it is a long distance one at times.

“I thought traveling the world on a bus would be the adventure of a lifetime. But it’s you. You’re my adventure.”

While Auden is on break in between tours, she stumbles upon the Clinque counter at Harrods and in a twist of fate it totally changes her life. This discovery changes everything she knows about herself and the life she has lived. It starts to make her question her life and who she really is. I have to say that this part of the book was heart-breaking. Her decisions that she subsequently made might not have been the best but I guess it’s hard to say when you aren’t in the person’s shoes, right?!

“Where we live, where we go, none of it matters. If we’re together, that’s all I need. I’m good.”

I think that Auden showed tremendous growth through this book and I think a lot of it had to do with Campbell. I think she was finally able to come into her own and become the person she wanted to be. I absolutely loved her wit in her journal entries-like I said, we were separated by birth. I mean, her analogies for MAC and Clinique makeup was totally something I would say. I. Loved. It. I also lusted hardcore over Campbell and his love for Auden. Every girl should be lucky enough to find their very own Campbell.

This by far was my favorite of all of Melissa’s books. Both Auden and Campbell have made a few of my favorites lists: book boyfriend, heroine, couple. This is part of a series but can definitely be read as a stand-alone.
Profile Image for Louise Ramsey.
688 reviews26 followers
February 7, 2014
This was my first Melissa Brown book and although this is actually a series you don't have to read the other books to get into the story- so me being impatient I jumped straight into this one without reading the books before.

Now sometimes when an author claims that you don't have to read the previous book you get lost in the story as it refers to books before it and you sit there all confused....now that certainly wasn't the case for this one, it was like a fresh brand new story.

This book is set out in the style of Auden writing in her diary, a diary given to her by her older brother as she is about to leave the USA and head off to live in the UK for a year. She has a job as a tour guide, on a bus driving throughout Europe.

It works out well for Auden as she has never felt like she belongs with her family and now her best friend has settled down with a baby and is engaged to her older brother now feels like as good a time as any to head off and see some of the world by herself.

Now the great thing about this book was when Auden went on tour you felt like you were really there!! She describes the settings perfectly!

Now while out on this tour she comes across the very handsome Campbell.....a single Doctor from London and falls for him pretty quickly- and who wouldn't he was freaking adorable!! So sweet, romantic, said all the right things.....pretty much perfect.

Once the tour is over these 2 waste absolutely no time in getting together.

Now even though Auden and Campbells relationship is a strong story in this book its mainly based around family issues, betrayal and secrets and how they can tear you apart.

Audens family have held back an enormous secret from her which gets out while she is in London. And this book deals with her feelings, her hatred and her forgiveness.

It really was amazing.

And it was also nice to read a book where the wasn't relationship drama around every corner. I think it might have annoyed me had Auden been going through all her troubles and then the author throw a relationship curve ball in there.....but she didn't and it was nice reading about how Campbell was there for her throughout everything.

Like I said this may have been my first Melissa Brown book but it wont be my last!!

5 fantastic stars!!
Profile Image for Pamela Carrion.
421 reviews51 followers
February 15, 2014
Attractive settings, a handsome stranger, and a journey of self-discovery help create a picture perfect postcard. In this charming 5 star travel experience, Unwanted Stars proves that even though the landscape has changed Melissa Brown still retains her “Queen of Love” crown.

Travel the world. Find yourself! Sometimes easier said than done…Right?!?!
Desperately seeking her own place in this ordinary world, Auden has set her course for adventure.
Armed with her journal, a cast of thrill seeking tour guests, and the idea that there is more to life than 9 to 5, Auden learns the most important lesson of all. Love is a universal language and no matter where you go love will you.

“Everything you feel…absolutely everything. I feel it too. Please. Don’t. Doubt. That.”

To say that this journey was one of ease would be an untruth. Let’s face it, self-discovery never is. Auden’s European Adventure was not tour brochure perfect. Family truths boil to the surface and the limited stable ground that Auden is standing on crumbles to pieces. What do you when your known becomes the unknown?

“You make me feel so loved,” I said. “Even with all the craziness of my life. You’ve made everything better somehow.”

Melissa Brown has proven that love is more than four letter word. Crafting real life relationships with relatable characters her stories weave the perfect balance of angst, laughs, character growth, and just plain fun. Unwanted Stars will have you looking at the little things in life, like matchbooks and journals, in a whole new light. Part of the Love of Your Life Series, Unwanted Stars maybe read as a standalone or as the forth book of the series. If you don’t presently have Melissa marked as one of your go to authors stop what you are doing and add her to the list. You won’t want to miss a single word.
Profile Image for Mia Michelle.
Author 15 books986 followers
February 9, 2014
**I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion and review for FEISTY GIRLS BLOG**

4 stars

Auden Kelly was always perceived to be the dramatic brat of the Kelly Family. Growing up, she felt she lacked the artistic flair that her siblings had been blessed in abundance with. Resented by her older sister and teased by her older brother, Auden felt she needed to get away from her family and explore the world to find herself. After graduating college, she takes an opportunity to work as a European Tour Guide for Jordan Tours, located in London, England. Immediately overwhelmed on her first tour, Auden isn’t sure that she will be able to take on the challenge of this new job and life away from home.

The minute Auden Kelly laid eyes on tourist Campbell Hutchins, her whole world changes. Their undeniable chemistry is immediate, spiraling them into an intoxicating romance.

Auden never expected that a visit to a cosmetic department counter would reveal a dark secret that would destroy her world. Hurt and betrayed by their revelations, Auden turns her back on her parents and depends on Campbell’s love to see her through the pain.

Would she ever be able to forgive her family for keeping such a secret from her? Will Campbell’s love be enough to help her confront her past and see a future with him?

I give Unwanted Stars 4 stars (and 4 rainbow skittles). Even though I adore reading my smut stories, I’m also a HUGE sucker for a sweet innocent romance. I do believe that Campbell (Hutch) and Auden’s love is a little too easy throughout the book. The story does lack a little angst that I love in a book, but I did enjoy the simplicity of their deep love. Watching the two soul mates find one another was beautiful.
Overall it was a wonderful read by Melissa Brown! Bravo!!
Profile Image for Sally.
73 reviews15 followers
February 9, 2014
Melissa Brown has done it again. She has given us the ultimate romance, wrapped up in a story of drama, confusion, secrets, and more romance.

We met Auden Kelly in Picturing Perfect. She's Jason's little sister and Hadley's bestie. And even in our brief time with her, I knew...KNEW there was so much more to her than met the eye and BOY was I right.

In Unwanted Stars we get to dig deeper into Auden. Find out what makes her tick, what drives her, and what she's so very afraid of in life. And we meet Campbell. And let me just tell you, if you don't fall in love with Campbell, you don't know what you're missing.

Auden and Campbell don't have it easy. When they first meet their relationship is forbidden, but they make it work. And just as things are settling down for them, Auden's life is thrown into chaos and confusion, and they have to navigate their way through secrets, lies, and more fear.

What Melissa Brown has always done so well, perhaps better than anyone, is give us real, true to life characters. They get into my head and into my heart. They suck me in and I feel with them. She writes the kind of people I want to KNOW and even be friends with. And along with those characters, she gives us stories that are so fabulous and real. Stories that I can absolutely imagine might actually happen to someone, somewhere out in the world. And Unwanted Stars is no different. Auden and Campbell are my kind of people.

But this...THIS is what I loved the most about this book: With all the drama. All the stuff going on in their world, Campbell never gives up on Auden. She never really manages to shut him out. There's not an angsty break up where they're both miserable without each other and both refuse to admit it. Their relationship stays steady and strong throughout all her emotional upheaval and that was SO refreshing.
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