Million Miles Away was a great debut with a wonderful mix of sci-fi and romance. I'm not generally a fan of the cliffhanger endings but it was an enjoyable read.

I received a digital advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

If you love a good cliffhanger.. This book is for you. I finished this book a week ago and I am still just like dang. I really want to know when the next book will be out because I have to know what happens. I have my own thoughts in my head about what might happen, but I am desperate for the next story.

This was such a quick and easy read. I loved the main character. She was lonely and relatable. I really felt that I could connect with her easily. Her crazy sleep patterns (not unlike my own) have me nervous to sleep as well! I definitely do not want to wake up on a gurney with aliens probing at me!

I absolutely loved Korin. In my mind he is a sexy alien KJ Apa hell bent on saving Natalia. I don’t even care if he is a monster. He is gorgeous and amazing. The romance aspect in this story didn't feel natural to me. It felt very rushed and too “insta” love. I wish I would have gotten more time to see their relationship build up.

The ending was great. It was so unexpected and I cannot wait for the next one. Thank you so much to the author, publisher, and netgalley for allowing me to review this title.

Wow just wow what a book! it blew me away! Alice was a new author to me, but I will be on the lookout for her books for sure!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you NetGalley.

Sorry for the delay in my review, life has gotten in the way.

I initially missed the part about this being about an "alien" apparently. With that said, I obviously picked up on that fairly quickly. The book was interesting... not my favorite topic / genre.. but still an easy read with interesting characters.

Received an Advanced Reader’s Copy from publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Million Miles Away was definitely not what I had expected it to be. I don’t particularly mean that in a bad way. The story is set in a futuristic world that follows the protagonist, Natalia, a woman passionate about her work but struggling personally. Her life is cornered by being physically incapable of consuming anything that is considered unhealthy. She’s single but is surrounded by friends who are already at the point of their lives where they’re ready for the next step of commitment with their respective partners. She loves them and is happy for them, but she is miserable. The only thing perhaps that keeps her going is her work that she is proud of and has strived for.

Her life takes a drastic turn when she wakes up to remember a man with blue-tinted skin, telling her he was trying to help her while she was strapped down. What follows is the story between her and Dr. Korin.

Million Miles Away is Alice Bane’s debut novel and that…newness to her voice is evident. Natalia has many many things going on in her life and the whirlwind isn’t always completely handled or very well explained. She’s rather impulsive (letting her quite terrible ex-boyfriend back into her life) despite being portrayed as slightly more careful and cautious. The romance between her and Korin is almost an instant-connection. I struggled to come to terms with it, simply because I couldn’t actually understand the basis for it. She was in an alien place and she trusted him so easily after she woke up strapped and having tubes connected to her and this man standing over her and saying he was helping her. I would have been very very suspicious and I wouldn’t follow him into his home. The emotions the protagonist feels are sudden and not built up very well and the quickness with which she readily gives up the things she loves aren’t always well explained. But perhaps because of the shorter length of the book, everything had to be concise? I’m not sure.

The parts of the book I did like, however, was how the connection between Korin and Natalia started to feel. There was a certain rhythm and lull in Alice’s writing that was easy to fall into. It was easy to understand or like the comfort that the protagonists felt with one another and how strangely reliable Korin felt; so while the connection was strange and immediate, it definitely grew on me. Natalia also had her moments, especially when she stood up for her friend, took some important decisions while considering how much she had judged those before her who’d been in a situation like hers and definitely the truth that she faced when she admitted that while she loved her friends and was happy for them her loneliness made her bitter.

The ending definitely elevated my rating. Just when I started to relax thinking, alright everything’s in the clear, the biggest surprise gets thrown right over our heads. I really liked what goes through Natalia as this happens and that last part was especially emotional.

Four stars! I’m definitely looking forward for the next book. This is a debut you should try if you’re interested in sci-fi and romance! ❤ Happy reading!

Interesting Sci-Fi romance...very different from your typical “human female, nonhuman male” story.

Without giving the storyline away, Natalia begins to question all aspects of her life when faced with an extra-terrestrial. Reflects on her own life, reflections on a life she would choose.

Wish I’d known this would end with a cliffhanger...



Thank you NetGalley and VisualBee Publishing for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Well I found this to be an incredibly quick read about a lonely young woman discovering that there's a lot more out there than she had really expected. Set in a futuristic Earth apart from people using AI to control their home and buildings needs it actually didn't feel that futuristic. Still it was easy to read although if you are not a fan of first person narrative it might somewhat irritate you.
Natalia is an accomplished artist working for a large corporation but her health is steadily declining. She can't tolerate alcohol, fried foods , meat nor anything really that isn't wholly natural plus her sleep patterns are just insane. So when she does drift off to sleep the last thing she expects is to wake up on an alien space ship strapped to a gurney and connected to myriad tubes ! Step forward Korin the alien physician who just might be the only one who can save her .
Ok I was reading this and couldn't help but remember Mulder and Skully and their grey aliens ! Korin isn't grey but he is part of something pretty horrific. Somehow they connect although I couldn't help but think his natural curiosity probably had a lot to do with that. Sadly I didn't particularly like Natalia and her thoughts just didn't endear her to me . The romance felt too instant and I just didn't believe there was any passion exhibited which meant as much as I wanted to believe in the relationship it actually just fell flat. However I will say the ending was entirely unexpected which does leave me curious to find out what happens next.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

A love story involving aliens and humans. Hmmm tell me more! A love that makes you question everything you thought possible. More of that please.

This is my fist book by this author. I liked it. I was major depressed reading the first part. I was just baffled at Natalie’s naiveté. She didn’t ask that many questions. She just accepted everything. She didn’t even care too much about her fellow human women, family, or friends. The hero was wonderful. I enjoyed his growth. The world building reminded me of the Krinar world. I hate the cliff hanger ending. Ughhhhh! It was different and I plan to see what happens despite my frustration.

A good idea but not executed well at all, not realistic (and I mean character reactions not the subject matter) and couldn’t keep myself involved or interested.

Natalia Winters is going through the rough year when she finds out about her illness. It takes all the fun part of her life and separates her from her friends. Regardless, she tries to focus on the love of her life which is art. She is working as an artist at a very high position. She was working to get to this point her whole life. Her social life isn’t as perfect. She’s an introvert but she still feels a lack of love and social life. She has a big issue with sleeping. The day when she paralyzes during the night is the same night when she got teleported to the weird place that looked like a space ship. She thought it is a dream. The man she met there wasn’t a normal human being. He looked unearthly, his skin was blue and the way he spoke was completely different. He told her he is a doctor and he can help her to cure and come back to her normal life. She thought it’s all just a dream and she didn’t take any of it seriously. The next morning, she woke up in her bed. Everything was the same as yesterday, the only thing that wasn’t right was a metallic object that she holt in her hand. The object that could transport her back to the space ship.

The book shows a transformation of Natalia from broken to a strong woman that fights for a better life for her and a person she loves. She finally discovers the purpose of her life more important than work. She’s eager to starts a new life until someone comes on her way a destroy everything. This time she doesn’t hide and cries until she feels empty inside. She is ready to fight.

My thoughts:

Let me start with the first most important thing that happens in this book. I just wrote about it but I’m in love with the whole way Natalia is going through in this book. She could be a little bit annoying at the beginning but later I feel like everything that happened gave her a reason to stay alive. She’s learning how to be this new person she became, and I think that even she prefers this side of her. She is not a broken shell anymore. She is a fighter.

The story is new to me because I think I read a science fiction book only a few times. I’m more fantasy kind of person but I LOVED THIS STORY! I honestly cannot wait to read the second part of this book series. I hope it will come faster than in a year. The story finished in a way that the only thing you can think about is reading another part of this story. I have no idea what will happen next and believe me I really want to know what it will be. You will know when you will read this book.

In the book, the author shows two words of two completely different creatures. Even with all this difference, they both find a way to their hearts and fall for each other. As the book says, they are a million miles away but doesn’t important for them as long as they have each other.

The ending made me mad. I was waiting for a happy ending. Even if I knew something will happen because it’s going to be a book series, I still hoped there will be a happy end. Unfortunately, there is not BUT this ending may make the second book more interesting and what is most important, let Natalia show her new self. I’m very excited to read it!

I would like to thank NetGalley, VisualBee Publishing and Alice Bane for providing me a digital copy of this book. I was more than happy to read it and review it.

**Spoilers Ahead**

Great idea but unfortunately the execution was just not good. The characters were bland, the storyline was all over the place. After Natalia discovers the truth about Korin, I knew the story would go downhill fast. It made no sense that she would still love him and want to be with him after all the horrific things his people did to her and are doing to others. Not only that but then going to his planet with him? Becoming an alien like him? Are you nuts? This story had so much potential and fell flat. Needed to be longer, with less insta-lust and more relationship development. Maybe then Natalia’s horrible decision making would make sense to me. Maybe.

What appears to be an attempt at a slightly less crazed 'insta-love' alien abduction style story... Fails miserably.
I am afraid I have little good to say about this book.
The good points: the idea itself. Yes it's a well worn trope that has flooded the romance genre at the moment, but I could go for it - a girl that suddenly and violently has extreme diet and psychological changes in her life, and cannot find the answers, only to discover its alien interference. Good idea - terrible execution.
It felt like she has no desire to find out exactly why she is there, and easily accepts the aliens weak excuse that they are 'curing" her. It's just too flimsy.

Secondly, the writing just needs another go over or three. It's poor first person narrative, and the characters are incredibly flat and 2d. I would suggest this reads like a draft. It needs tuning.

All in all, I do not recommend. Maybe check out the author in a few years when things may be a bit more polished?

I received a free copy of MILLION MILES AWAY (Book 1 of the Million Miles Romance Series) by Alice Bane in exchange for an honest review. Natalia has been sick for the last year. During that time, Natalia began to develop food and medicine intolerances and began to frequently experience sleep paralysis. No doctor has been able to diagnose her problem. Though she’s a talented artist with good friends, Natalia is lonely. As she watches her friends pair off and get married, Natalia’s longing for a mate and companion continues to grow. During one of her sleep paralysis experiences, Natalia dreams of an alien working to cure her illness. When she awakens, Natalia dismisses the experience as further evidence that she’s going crazy. Before long, Natalia discovers her experience and the mysterious alien are real. Drawn to the doctor, Natalia finds herself seeking him out.

This was a short novel and a pretty good start to an episodic-type serial. I can’t provide much more discussion without dropping spoilers. Be prepared to purchase the next in the series if you read this book; it ends with a cliffhanger.

#MillionMilesAway #NetGalley

Set in a futuristic Earth, Natalia is an artist working for a big corporation. She creates paintings of the cosmos which is something that has captured her imagination and soul. Over the last year Natalia has developed odd food allergies and medication causing her to become even more of a recluse, workaholic than she was previously. One day she wakes realizing that she is not on Earth anymore but an alien spaceship being attended by an otherworldly man. Korin’s appearance frightens and startles Natalia, her mind being unable to comprehend what is real and what is an illusion. After Natalia accepts this is all genuine and some adjustments happen, she willingly begins to spend time with Korin though her presence on his ship for other than a certain experiment is illicit.

Natalia and Korin’s relationship continues to evolve while she evades the questions and concerns of her family and co-workers and, annoyingly, a scumbag extra boyfriend who is too interested in Natalia. Her frequent unexplained absences put Natalia’s job which she devoted her life to in jeopardy; however, priorities begin to change. This alien lover who has literal constellations in his eyes becomes more important to Natalia then all the things she thought important in life. Their relationship would be frowned on by both sides so this couples faces many challenges to be together.

First in the Million Miles series, this sci-fi love story has a lot going for it. Ms. Bane’s very interesting world building and take on alien abductions is well thought out and will capture fans of this genre’s interest and imagination. Though I enjoyed this story, two issues keep it from being a five star. I would have preferred more time spent between the couple, and the fact book one ends in a cliffhanger of which I am not a fan. These are subjective issues and do not necessarily take away from the quality of the writing.

92 points, 4 ¾ stars
Warning: Cliffhanger (I am currently constantly stalking the author for news - and this hasn't even released yet!)

Review:
I wanted exactly one thing from this book: an initially creepy, yet ultimately endearing romance. I got that, and it also made all the other dreams I didn't know I could even dream to wish for come true. I loved this. I want more of it. I need more of it. No seriously, do me a favour and preorder this so I can get book two. The only way I get book two is if you guys buy it. I need book two.

I need it now.

The first thing you should know that this is utterly ridiculous and you should not take it seriously. Just enjoy the ride. If you take it in the vein it is meant to be taken in, and allow yourself to have fun, you're going to have a lot of fun.

The second thing you need to know is that I need book two.

The characters are interesting. There is the lonely artist,  Natalia, who is experiencing massive health problems and feels even more alone for them. She cannot eat anything except fruits and vegetables, pretty much. She is also experiencing some wicked problems with her sleep. Then there is the "emotionless" alien doctor, Korin, that wakes her up during one of her "nightmares" (read: abductions) and comforts her. And then they grow closer and fall in love because this is a romance, and I just love the dynamic they have together.

I also was utterly not prepared for the twist at about the exact middle of the book. I can't say anything, because it is spoilers. I would love to be able to talk about it. But I can't. Because it is spoilers. I need to be able to talk about it. But I can't. Because it is spoilers. The first half of the book and the second half of the book are so completely different from each other, and it all hinges on that event in the book where I slammed down my tablet, went "No fucking way, you got to be kidding me, what?!" followed by a lot of laughing - both from humor at the ridiculous and elation at every dream I ever had coming true.

Then there is that cliffhanger ending. Jesus. Please buy this book. I need to know. I need to know so many things about what in the world I just read. I have to know. This ending made me spin about in my bed groaning at how ridiculous it was and crying because it was over already.

Million Miles Away was perfect for me, but it wasn't the perfect book for everyone. There are definitely some... problem moments. Some less than perfect things that just don't make sense. Yet it was just... the perfect read for me. I should probably also note that this is only about 48 thousand words, so it is a very short book, closer to a novella than a full sized novel. Perfect for someone looking for something short.

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Candace Robinson, The Parliament House, and Netgalley for providing the opportunity to review this copy!

Whenever an author seeks to split genres, one gets more attention than the other. The same is true of this author. While there are some very interesting sci-fi elements here, the romance seems to take center stage (perhaps that is because there are a couple rather steamy scenes contained therewithin). All that having been said, the end of the story is well told and leaves plenty of tension for the next book.

This one was okay for me. I didn’t realize it was a sci-fi until I started reading it. It was pretty well written but not something I’d read again. Just not my personal taste

I enjoyed reading Million Miles Away by Alice Bane and is her debut Sci-Fi Romance novel. 
The author developed both the science fiction and romance aspects of the story well and the book was interesting to read.

The only issue I had was when Natalia encounters Korin for the first time, I found part of the dialogue a bit unbelievable and simplistic. 

I liked the story and the characters. The mixture of real-world and science fiction kept my interest, and the characters were solid and believable. The book had a good mix of mystery/suspense and intrigue which kept me turning the pages to find out what would happen; and the ending, while a cliffhanger, was done well. I will be interested in reading book 2 and see how Natalia navigates her new identity and newfound strength.

#MillionMilesAway #NetGalley