What Happens In London/Paris by Jen McConnel

What Happens In London by Jen McConnel
Release Date - June 16, 2015
Publisher Website - Bloomsbury Spark
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 99 pages
My Rating - 3/5
**received for an honest review from publisher**

What Happens In Paris by Jen McConnel
Release Date - June 16, 2015
Publisher Website - Bloomsbury Spark
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 250 pages
My Rating - 2/5
**received for an honest review from publisher**

**Spoilers for What Happens In Paris**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis for What Happens in London

Four countries.
Three girls.
Three loves.
One adventure abroad they'll never forget.

Sarah landed in London, just hoping to leave her home behind and escape her family. But she didn't plan on falling headfirst into Carson's arms.

Get ready for a summer of self-discovery and romance in the first of the New Adult novella series, Adventures Abroad!

Here is the Goodreads synopsis for What Happens in Paris

Four countries.
Three girls.
Three loves.
One adventure abroad they'll never forget.

Camie can't figure out what she wants, from college or life…until she meets Hunter. But will the magic of a romantic night in Paris last till the morning?

Fall in love with the second novella in the New Adult series, Adventures Abroad!

The travel enthusiast in me immediately purchased these books when I heard about them. This novels were pretty much tailor made to be 'me' books with their promise of European adventure and romance. Sadly, the novella format, and a few storyline issues made connecting to them much harder than I anticipated.

My wanderlust wanted to experience the destinations in the book. I wanted to fall just as in love with the settings as I did the stories. I wanted the setting to become a character in the story. There are certainly hints at this, and some of the places mentioned did make me want to travel. I never quite felt immersed into the setting, and I think that is due to the problem that is the overlaying issue with the book - there wasn't enough space within these pages for the story to be told to it's fullest.

The story in What Happens In London starts out promising. It is actually my preferred out of the two I am reviewing today. It's a mix of travel, book stores, meet cutes, and romance that was enjoyable to read. The romance portion feels rushed, but could have worked if given the opportunity to build the connection between the characters. Many of the story issues I had were mainly down to the format chosen. I think the story was done a disservice by using novellas to tell it, as there are some complex issues within these pages that I would have loved to have seen explored. The potential is the thing that haunts these pages the most as it's definitely there.

I wanted to fall in love with what Happens In Paris so badly. Paris is such a beautiful city, and it's such a fantastic place for a YA/NA set romance. Sadly, I didn't end up loving this one any where near much as I had hoped.

**SPOILER ALERT** There is an element of dubious consent going on in the romance part of the story line that left a bad feeling in it's wake. Camie gets drunk while on a romantic date with Hunter, so drunk that she doesn't remember having sex with him when she wakes up the next morning. She obviously doesn't recall agreeing to have sex, and that is where the sinking feeling in my stomach kicked in. Camie was in no shape to give consent, and that element is barely addressed. In fact, Hunter seems unhappy with her that she is unable to remember. There isn't a deeper conversation about how Camie might be feeling, or the implications of this type of hook up. I, personally, felt that there were other ways to get the desired outcome (Camie rushing to leave Paris due to her embarrassment) instead of this disappointing turn of events that happened. It's an importantly, timely topic, and I felt this failed to leave the lasting impression it should have. **SPOILER ALERT**

Other than this the novella was fun with some promising banter between the two characters (and a swoon worthy meet cute). The limited time spent with didn't allow for any character connection, and the story felt scrunched together to fit the pages provided.

Lastly, those looking for the more sexy side of New Adult novels will not find that here. It's relatively tame in the sex side of things, and more heavy in the romance department when compared to most New Adults. It's not unwelcome, just different and those expecting it will leave disappointed if that is what primarily draws them to this type of book.

These novels are light, mostly fun, but not quite as developed as they could be. Jen McConnel does her best with the limited format of novellas, but everything just feels rushed, and undeveloped. There is potential here in both the writing and the story lines themselves that the space a full paged novel could have brought out. The novella format didn't work for me in this case, despite my travel wanderlust.

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews).

I have some fun sounding e-books that I purchased this week to share with you!

What Happens In London by Jen McConnel (goodreads)
What Happens In Paris by Jen McConnel (goodreads)
What Happens In Berlin by Jen McConnel (goodreads)
What Happens Abroad by Jen McConnel (goodreads)

These sound super cute, and I am having some major wanderlust right now so I am hoping the settings in these novels are vivid so I can live vicariously through them. Hoping to start this series soon! If you have a Kobo they are all currently $1.99 if they've caught your eye and you want to add them to your collection.

What books made their way into your mailbox this week?

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

Heartbreakers Tour - Day Six

Today is the final day of the Heartbreakers tour for 2015! It's a week filled with Valentine's Day goodness from some amazing authors! Visit each stop as each of the bloggers will be highlighting different authors and asking different questions! Also be sure to enter the giveaway that will be located at the bottom of each tour stop.

Last day of the tour and it's a big one! FOUR authors are stopping by today to close out the tour. I have Dawn Ius, Eileen Cook, Brenda Hiatt, and Jen McConnel dishing on their books, and romance.

Dawn is spotlighting her novel Anne and Henry!

A novel that may have been mentioned her before (okay, so a couple of times or whatever) Check out the Goodreads synopsis

ANNE

Wild, brazen, mischievous, bewitching

HENRY

Driven, haunted, charming, magnetic

ANNE & HENRY

Apart they are bound to destroy themselves. Together, they are bound to destroy
each other.

HENRY TUDOR’S LIFE HAS BEEN mapped out since the day he was born: student president, valedictorian, Harvard Law School, and a stunning political career just like his father’s.

But ever since the death of Henry’s brother—perfect, high-achieving Arthur—his family has been twice as demanding. And now Henry’s trapped: forbidden from pursuing a life as an artist or dating any girl who’s not Tudor-approved.

Then Anne Boleyn crashes into his life.

Anne is wild, brash, and outspoken. She is everything Henry is not allowed to be—or to want. But soon Anne is all he can think about. His mother, his friends, and even his girlfriend warn him away, yet his desire for Anne consumes him. Henry is willing to do anything to be with her. But once he has her, their romance could destroy them both.

Inspired by the true story of Anne Boleyn and King Henry VIII, ANNE & HENRY reimagines the intensity, love, and betrayal between one of the most infamous couples of all time. 

A modern take on the story of Anne Boleyn and King Henry?! All over it.

Dawn took the time to answer my Valentine themed questions. Her heartbreak cure is the best ever.

1. What do you think is the best way to get over a heartbreak?

Chocolate, hot bath, and wine — preferably all at once.

2. What literary couple is your favourite?

Diana Gabaldon’s JAMIE & CLAIRE (from Outlander) own that place in my heart. Jamie was my first book BF. #swoon

DAWN IUS is a short-story author, novelist, screenwriter, professional editor, and communications specialist. She is the Assistant Managing Editor of the International Thriller Writers Association’s monthly magazine, THE BIG THRILL, co-founder and senior editor of Vine Leaves Literary Journal, and the author of ten educational graphic novels published by the Alberta Canola Producers Commission. When she’s not slaying fictional monsters, she’s geeking out over fairy tales, Jack Bauer,Halloween, sports cars, and all things that go bump in the night. Dawn lives in Alberta, Canada, with her husband, Jeff, and their giant English Mastiff, Roarke. 

Facebook // Twitter // Blog // Email 

Next up, Sarah Hantz sharing details about her novel!

Her  novel is the conclusion to her Starstruck series. Be sure to check out the other novels.

You can check out this Goodreads synopsis

The electrifying conclusion to the Starstruck series!

M, no longer a nerdy nobody, has finally been acclaimed Sovereign Emileia, ruler of the Martian colony Nuath. But at what cost? Without her soulmate Rigel, life seems pointless but she’s expected to shake off her heartbreak and assume her responsibilities. Reluctantly, M does what she must until an unexpected discovery restores a glimmer of hope for the future. Now she is determined to do whatever she can to salvage her longed-for happy ending—if it’s not already too late. 

She also answers my questions and Elizabeth and Darcy are winning this thing (I approve, obviously).

1. What do you think is the best way to get over a heartbreak?

Eat a quart of Rocky Road ice cream and read lots of romance novels.

2. What literary couple is your favourite?

Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, of course!

Brenda Hiatt is the New York Times bestselling author of twenty novels (so far), including traditional Regency romance, time travel romance, historical romance, and humorous mystery. She is as excited about her STARSTRUCK series as she's ever been about any of her books. In addition to writing, Brenda is passionate about embracing life to the fullest, to include scuba diving (she has over 60 dives to her credit), Taekwondo (where she is currently pursuing her 3rd degree black belt),hiking, traveling, and pursuing new experiences and skills.

Next up is Eileen Cook sharing detail about her newest novel.

Ashley is spotlighting Remember. One I've seen floating around blogs already.

Check out the Goodreads synopsis

A thrilling tale about what a girl will do to get back a memory she lost…or remove what she wants to forget.

Harper is used to her family being hounded by protestors. Her father runs the company that trademarked the “Memtex” procedure to wipe away sad memories, and plenty of people think it shouldn’t be legal. Then a new demonstrator crosses her path, Neil, who’s as persistent as he is hot. Not that Harper’s noticing, since she already has a boyfriend.

When Harper suffers a loss, she’s shocked her father won’t allow her to get the treatment, so she finds a way to get it without his approval. Soon afterward, she’s plagued with strange symptoms, including hallucinations of a woman who is somehow both a stranger, yet incredibly familiar. Harper begins to wonder if she is delusional, or if these are somehow memories.

Together with Neil, who insists he has his own reasons for needing answers about the real dangers of Memtex, Harper begins her search for the truth. What she finds could uproot all she’s ever believed about her life… 

This sounds mysterious, and like an excellent, fast paced thriller.

Eileen took the time to answer my Valentine themed questions. Score another one for Elizabeth and Darcy!

1. What do you think is the best way to get over a heartbreak?

A great music playlist, chocolate, and good friends

2. What literary couple is your favourite?

Pride and Prejudice junkie so Elizabeth and Darcy

Eileen Cook is a multi-published author with her novels appearing in eight different languages. Her books have been optioned for film and TV. She spent most of her teen years wishing she were someone else or somewhere else, which is great training for a writer. Eileen lives in Vancouver Canada with her husband and one naughty dog and no longer wishes to be anyone or anywhere else.

Website // Twitter // Facebook 

To close out the tour, we have Jen McConnel dishing on her latest novel

A sequel to the previous book in the Isobel Key series, be sure to check out the first novel The Secret of Isobel Key.

You can check out this Goodreads synopsis

Five years after the trip to Scotland that changed her life, Lou is back in the misty,magical country. But this time, she’s not on vacation.

When Brian, her old Highland fling, turns up at the scene of some depressing familybusiness, tension mounts between the former lovers. But dealing with Brian is onlypart of the problem; something wicked is stirring in Scotland. Lou must use all her strength to handle the increasingly desperate situation, but will she be strong enough to battle both a vengeful ghost and her heart?

Lou may have thought that she was finished with the witch Isobel Key, but some secrets can’t stay buried forever. This story is the sequel to THE SECRET OF ISOBEL KEY. 

She also answers my questions and she chose another iconic couple.

1. What do you think is the best way to get over a heartbreak?

Chocolate, loud music, and time.

2. What literary couple is your favourite?

Twisted and dysfunctional as they are, I still swoon for Scarlet O’Hara and Rhett Butler.

Jen McConnel first began writing poetry as a child. A Michigander by birth, she now lives and writes in the beautiful state of North Carolina. A graduate of Western Michigan University, she also holds a MS in Library Science from Clarion University of Pennsylvania. When she isn't crafting worlds of fiction, she teaches college writing composition and yoga. Once upon a time, she was a middle school teacher, a librarian, and a bookseller, but those are stories for another time. Her debut NA novel, THE SECRET OF ISOBEL KEY, is out now from Bloomsbury Spark. She also writes YA and nonfiction. Visit http://www.jenmcconnel.com to learn more.
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Thank you to all of them for stopping by. Be sure to enter the contest before leaving (and add all of the books to your Goodreads.

Here is a list of other bloggers taking part in the tour if you want to visit their stops:

Reading is My Treasure
YA Yeah! Yeah!
A Glass of Wine
Little Library Muse
Jennzah.dot.net
Tales of Yesterday
The Reader Bee
Words of Mystery

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