Bestselling author Staci Hart brings you a new series where secret society parties and the thrill of the unknown tempt fate.Stella Spencer has one enemy—her secrets. The world’s obsession with the Bright Young Things is real. Every lavish party thrown by the most exclusive group in New York is a spectacle, stalked not only by the media, but by the police commissioner, who’s declared war. He’s out … commissioner, who’s declared war. He’s out to ruin everyone’s good time, starting with uncovering the mysterious benefactor leading the group, thus answering the question on everyone’s lips.
Who is Cecelia Beaton?
And no one knows it’s Stella.
If society finds out the truth, her plans will unravel. And with one smoldering look from a stranger, her carefully ordered world catches fire.
Levi Hunt has one plan—get the story.
His future at Vagabond magazine depends on his ability to do the one thing no one can: infiltrate the Bright Young Things. If he can find out who Cecelia Beaton is, he’ll earn enough notoriety to permanently secure his career.
His dreams are at his fingertips, so long as he doesn’t blow his cover. But one night with the brightest, most brilliant young thing of all, and he knows he’ll have to make a choice.
The job he loves or the woman of his dreams.
Secrets and lies. Love and laughter. And two people with something to hide and everything to gain.
Welcome to the party.
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I have been in love with Staci Hart and her words. With her raw and unique concepts, Star Bright takes you on a journey of finding love, standing your ground and doing things for yourself. The raw heartache that ensues through this story really resonates with you deep into your bones as we are thrown into the Bright Young Things and the world that they have created. It is lush, lavish and positively brilliant as Hart weaves this tale and leaves you wanting to be there in person. The attention to detail and the concept alone had me fully enthralled with every word. The connection between Stella and Levi is just brilliant to start with. They have a little bit of a cat and mouse game but all bets are off when these two fully collide. They have stunning chemistry even when things implode for them. When things come to a head, I love how much they struggle to fight those feelings and the deep angst that they have.
Overall, I think I have a new favorite by Hart. She wrote something so spellbinding that is one of a kind and it keeps you fully entertained from start to finish. Between the storyline, the parties, the character build and the passion that Stella and Levi have, you never want to leave the world that she has created. The one thing I found was that I felt like I could see the parties play out like a movie because of the detail that is given. To me, that is the sign of a true artist. And Hart is one through and through!
Star Bright is a fast-paced story about the Bright Young Things and the extravagant parties thrown for these exclusive young individuals. It centers around a young reporter Levi Hunt gaining access to these parties and uncovering the identity of the mastermind to these over-the-top events. Who is Cecelia Beaton and how does she pull off these parties without anyone finding out what her true identity is? How can Stella Spencer keep Cecelia Beaton a secret when a reporter and a police commissioner are determined to find out who she really is?
I was intrigued by the synopsis of this book and found the first few chapters engaging and entertaining. However, as the book progressed I found myself losing my desire to finish the story. I disliked Stella’s character and her absolute need to keep Cecelia Beaton’s identity a secret. The over-the-top parties to be a little much and unrealistic. I liked the idea that the Bright Young Things felt like family to one another and enjoyed spending time together. I didn’t like that they had to throw very expensive, very exclusive parties to do that. For me, the parties and people attending the parties didn’t feel genuine and realistic.
I enjoyed Levi’s character quite a bit more than Stella’s. I relate more to his character. He has always worked hard for everything that he has in life and has never had anything handed to him. He makes questionable ethical decisions at times, but he has never done anything to intentionally hurt or sabotage anyone as a reporter. Levi has a great sense of humor and is deliciously sexy. I think the need to know what happens to his character helped push me to finish this story. Did he get his dream job? Did he get the girl? Are Stella and him really going to work as a couple? I wanted to know if Levi got his happy ending.
Stella’s character was a lot harder for me to stomach. I do think she’s a good person and truly cares about the other people around her, but it’s hard for her to understand what it’s like to have to truly work for/towards something in life. She has a trust fund that pays for her needs and wants. Most people do not have that luxury. I don’t fault her for that, but it’s very hard for me to relate to her. She did have some truly awful and selfish parents though. My hearts hurts that she was never made to feel loved or wanted. For me though, I just couldn’t move past her and the Bright Young Things need for these insane parties. I felt like they truly enjoyed the attention and causing a spectacle. Levi did a wonderful job writing articles saying that’s not what these parties are about, but to me that’s exactly what it seemed like. I wish I could have enjoyed reading about these parties more, but I just couldn’t get into that aspect of the story. The romance between Stella and Levi was better, but at times, that even seemed a little force and unrealistic. It was a sweet romance, but I was hoping for something a little deeper between these two. In general, the storyline and plot didn’t work for me.
Overall, I give this story a 3/5 starts. I don’t want to discourage anyone from trying this story, but it just didn’t work for me. If the blurb sounds interesting and enjoyable to you, then definitely go for it! Don’t let my personal feelings stop you from trying out a book. We all have different tastes and interests and you may connect better with the story than I did. I truly wish I enjoyed the story and characters more, but it just wasn’t in the cards for me.
Levi is driven to dig for the hidden stories. He sets his sights on the Bright Young Things parties, wanting to uncover who Cecelia Beaton is that plans these exclusive events. When he finally gets to his first party, he is blown away by Stella. He knows he has a job to do but Stella has captivated him in a way he never expected. Stella loves BYT parties, dressing up in the theme and enjoying time with her friends. Meeting Levi is unexpected and a breath of fresh air after having gone through a bad breakup. These two are a great combination but Levi has a huge secret, he is the reporter writing about the BYT events, what will happen when she finds out the truth? The BYT events are being targeted by Warren, the police commissioner, which seems out of place by the group. Finding out his purpose enhanced the drama of the story. The real beauty is the unique family Stella has around with her amazing friends, Zeke, Betty & Joss. I enjoyed how this story built with the trust issues that both Stella and Levi have to overcome as they found a passion neither expected. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
OMG, Staci.
“You’re magic… Real live fairy godmother glitter magic. And I’m thankful to get a little stardust on me.”
This book gave me life.
In a time of social distancing, where society feels like it’s crumbling into ashes and the human connection is even harder to achieve Staci gave us a book that basically celebrates the basic of human urges, the need to belong, to be a part of something, and just like her, this book is pure magic.
5 stars and a sprinkle of stardust
Staci Hart always manages to write books that completely and utterly captivate me, and I absolutely cannot put them down. Star Bright was no exception.
This book was like the Great Gatsby but with the most gorgeously stunning New York Elite in attendance of parties that only we could dream of. Behind the glitz and glamour, is the mysterious host known only as ‘Cecelia Beaton’, but no one has any idea who she is, or how she can afford such lavish and fantastical events.
Attendance is by invitation only, majority of guests born or made into/of money. But amongst the attendees is Levi Hunt. A journalist that manages to gain entry into a world of pure fantasy. He is like Charlie in Wonka’a chocolate factory trying hard to absorb as much as he possibly can, all in the hope of capturing the true essence of the group that has become notoriously know as The Bright Young Things. But with an expose in sight, will he remain undercover?
Stella Spencer is young and beautiful, she loves nothing more than attending parties, and needs to share her wealth and her love with others. But with a mole infiltrating the parties that her and her best friends survive on, will they manage to shut the stories down before their secrets all unravel.
A beautiful stories of lies, love and extravagant wealth, and I absolutely adored all of the characters. My fave being Zeke as he is sassy, classy and altogether slays in all of the costumes he dons.
The book has so many twists and turns, and I absolutely adore the parties and the themes, and really wish I could be part of this crazy fantastical literary world. It was a stunning read that I was unable to put down.
Perfect for all romance readers, and is guaranteed to provide a spark in the troubling climate of COVID and isolation.
This new series by Staci Hart is everything wonderful, beautiful, and special in a book that you, as a reader, would hope to find. Star Bright is the first book in this new series and brings us the story of Stella and Levi. I loved every moment of reading their journey from the time they met to their parties and time together to learning what’s important in life. These two characters are refreshing and fun and just a little hesitant to trust fully, and then add in their friends that make their group of Bright Young Things and you have something that you want to be apart of from the moment you first meet them. This world that has been created is one you become fully invested in and want the invites to arrive at your own address. Well done Staci Hart and I can’t wait for the next story in this series.
When I first read the premise of Star Bright, I was intrigued- a story with a Gatsby-meets-Gossip-Girl aesthetic that has the potential to both dazzle and charm, something that sounded so fresh and unique, twinkling in a galaxy of romance stories? Sounds fun! But given the current world reality, I also wasn’t sure I’d have the patience for a story that hinged on privileged frivolity and blatant excess…. but that is not this story. This story is anything but frivolous, in fact, it is profoundly self-aware, complex and layered with meaning, with characters that are deep and fascinating and so well-created, with a world that is so vivid and vibrant, the texture of it I can almost feel in my hand. A story with writing so rich and expressive that you are swept away. A story with a poignant and meaningful point of view, with themes so acutely resonant that at its closure I had tears streaming down my face because I felt so touched, so awakened.
Our story’s premise is a clever modernization of the notorious Bright Young Things from the 1920’s, a group of Bohemian socialites who threw fancy costume parties and scavenger hunts, high on life and, well, other stuff. They gathered a near mythic fascination both then a now-journalists zealously covered their antics, famous photographer Cecil Beaton captured their story, and movies and books galore have been inspired by them (don’t know of them? Look them up- they are cool). In this contemporary take, the mysterious Cecelia Beaton (cheeky update!) is throwing exclusive, lavish themed parties for a group of NY elites (the new Bright Young Things)- everyone wants to be an insider to the spectacle, the media wants to scoop the secrets, and the police are overly obsessed with shutting them down. Our story opens with journalist Levi being tasked to write a series of pieces on the parties, with the promise of a big promotion if he exposes the true identity of the legendary Cecelia Beaton. He meets BYT member Stella at the first party- SPARKS fly- but he doesn’t want to let her know his real job and ruin his chance at the story. Stella has a secret of her own- she’s Cecelia.
Their connection is easy- natural and unspoken- and despite the mountain of secrets between them and the vast differences in their lifestyles, you can’t help but marvel at how RIGHT they are for each other- the perfect symmetry of their connection. The way Staci builds their chemistry is so fresh and inventive- we have these sweet, authentic moments between them where we piece by piece figure out who they are all in the backdrop of loud, ostentatious, and spectacular parties. Yet, she keeps their relationship so organically developed, so real, and so focused. And, despite my early doubts, these characters are insanely likable-both so humble, compassionate, stoic, and loving. Levi is charismatic and driven by integrity, and Stella is joy personified, so very clever, an endearing optimist that dotes on those she loves. Despite their secrets, their connection is so profoundly beautiful, their love healthy and mature. Sure, we have some conflict, but we don’t have prolonged angst or unnecessary challenges- these are two adults making meaning of their life-changing connection while grappling with the parts of themselves that feel in tension with their romance.
Staci’s writing is some of the most technically magnificent writing I’ve read in a while- this book isn’t just prose, it is a FEELING, and these are not just words, they are poetry, this is art. I’ve always been struck by her incredible ability to create rich, vivid characters within lush, buoyant worlds- this is no exception, the writing is so descriptive you are swept away, the characters voices so distinctly pronounced, their journeys so complex. And the point of view- the thematic expression of this story- is so fresh, so poignant, so deeply moving, and most importantly, so sincere. A theme that is so ironically straight forward, so simple..but it is not easy. This is a story about the power of meaningful connection and the liberating power of committing to live with joy and love. Regardless of who we are, our backgrounds or our means, we all have the basic human need to belong- to something greater than ourselves, with someone that we share something genuine with, authentic with. And sometimes, our greatest barrier is our own selves- our own intentions, our own practices, our own mindsets. Somehow, through the lens of the trivial, decadent parties and through the eyes of characters whose lives most of us will never live, Staci bares the universal longing we all share, parts of our own lives that we should confront- and she does it with such gentleness, with such compassion, with such optimism and hope.
The threads of this story are so beautifully and lovingly woven. When they all thread together in the end, I couldn’t help but be in awe, feel mesmerized by its shining light. I felt rattled and inspired, curious but clear, discontent yet peaceful- like Staci had reached into my heart to give me a gentle jolt, followed by a warm and tender hug. I read this book when my heart was in a dark place-at an emotional low. I, like so many of us, am thirsty to belong. I too sometimes spend more time sloshing around in all the bad, seeking fulfillment in the wrong places, than I do remembering the most basic of truths- that life is a glorious, temporal gift. But I also have agency. Like Stella/Cecelia, I can choose to revel in life’s splendid potential- to intentionally foster real connections with those that matter and to find and spread joy and love, to be aware of life’s bleakness and not let it squash my life. I am not yet Cecelia Beaton- but I want to be.
This book started out as a slow read for me. I had a hard time really getting into the first 50% of this book. I think that was because I couldn’t relate to the female protagonist. To me she just sounded like a spoiled trust fund kid who did nothing but party all night, sleep until lunch, and then do it all over again. She sounded like she had a bit of sustenance to her, but other than being a “collector of friends” she never really seemed like much. I just had a hard time liking her. However I will admit that by the end of the book I took a bit more of a liking to her. She seemed to have grown and matured.
Levi was also an interesting character. He is a journalist looking for his big break. He might have found it in a secret group of friends who loved to party 20’s prohibition style. However one look at Stella and he becomes enthralled enough to start a journey based on a lie that will continue to bite him.
What I liked about these two is that they are night and day. Dark and light. They come from two different backgrounds, each with their own set of hardships. However they find a love that neither expected. Lies and lack of trust, however, get in their way. They do get their HEA, but not without a little growth and understanding. The second half of this story really flowed for me and made me glad I didn’t give up. I enjoyed getting to know Stella and Levi, Zeke, Betty, and even Joss. Hopefully we get more of them all in future stories and that we get to figure out the mystery of who has it out for our Bright Young Things. *I was read an advanced copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.*
Staci Hart does so much with this book that I can’t figure out which to address first.
Let’s start with Stella and Levi. I love them! They’re both a little mysterious, both a little reluctant to put their hearts on the line, and both yearning to do just that. They are reluctant to trust each other, even as they are desperate to do so. When they do let their guards down, they expect disappointment. They expect some sort of failure.
Hart’s story makes you wish you had a merry band of friends rich (and connected) enough to have pop-up parties that thumb their nose at the police commissioner. These people know how to have FUN. Hart puts you straight in the center and lets you experience the boozy heat of the themed shindigs, whether a Gatsby-esque party or a treasure hunt.
I also enjoyed the mystery. There is a bad guy at the center of this story, and while Hart makes it easy to hate this person, she also makes you burn with curiosity. What is his motivation? It’s a flame she stokes with precision.
And then there is the romance, which has push and pull and a whole lot of spice. When you want someone and when you feel emotionally drawn to that person, it can either be the answer to a prayer or it can terrify you. I love how Staci Hart wrote those scenes.
This is the first in a series, and I so look forward to getting to know Stella’s fellow Bright Things, and I can’t wait to see where she takes them and us.
Star Bright transports you to a world of glamour, glitz and secret societies. It’s a world you’ll want to be a part of and never want to leave.
Levi Hunt is a journalist. He is working on a new piece and trying to discover the true identity of Cecelia Beaton, the individual behind the exclusive parties that everyone is talking about. Levi has an in thanks to an old college friend, but what he doesn’t expect is Stella Spencer. Stella is a trust fund kid and she knows it, however, she is passionate and has a big heart. She won’t hesitate to help her friends when they need it.
I loved the chemistry between Levi and Stella. It was instant and these two were drawn to each other like a moth to a flame. Not to mention they could melt a kindle or 100 with all the sparks coming off them. However, they were both keeping secrets from each, especially Levi.
Star Bright was NOTHING like I expected, but it was EVERYTHING! I couldn’t get enough of this book from the over the top parties (giving off some Gatsby vibes), secret societies, the whole Bright Young Things group that was a family I wanted to be a part of it. Seriously, this one a book you’ll want to pick up! It is a MUST READ!! I can’t wait to see where this series goes!
„What we felt for each other was bigger that we would admit, more than we could afford.”
Staci Hart pulled me into the middle of glamour and blitz, where fantasies come true and the splendor takes the breath away. Star Bright sucked me into Bright Young Things, a group of rich, famous and often misunderstood young people who celebrate life in a rather extravagant way. A society about which is loud but at the same time it’s shrouded in mystery. And I need a permanent in! Why? Because it’s pure joy. This book is a tribute to every little and big thing that brings happiness to life. It’s fireworks and confetti that’s falling from the sky. And the mysterious Cecelia Beaton is the fairy godmother who gives these all people a place where they belong.
The romance in this book is just wonderful. Despite the fact that both Stella and Levi were not 100% honest with each other from the beginning, both of them had their reasons. I loved their instant connection, even though they were complete opposites. I adored their road to trust and love. They both are incredibly caring and protective and they will do anything for the people they care about. They’re also very passionate about what they do. They complement each other beautifully and they long for the same thing- to belong. And Levi and Stella belong together.
Star Bright is a delightful introduction to Staci Hart’s new series and I’m here for it all! After reading this book I have a constant smile on my face and I swear that I can see the new spark in my eyes. The romance between Stella and Levi is heartwarming and totally swoon-worthy. The message this book contains makes you determined to make the needed changes in your life to make it brighter. This story is joyous and covered in glitter. And Staci Hart’s words are the stardust.
Ms. Hart never fails to amaze me with her writing talent!
This is the start of a decadent, glamorous new series! Bright Young Things introduce the readers to a fabulous cast of characters. Each and everyone are amazing in their own ways!
This first story centers around Stella and Levi. Their stars aligned and the sparks flew when they met.
Stella is wrapped up in her friends and the Bright Young Things. It is her whole world and she sparkles amongst them.
Levi is a down to earth with a heart of gold. His job requires him to be a storyteller and a bit mysterious with his background.
From speakeasies to circus tents to disco chickens, Ms Hart takes the readers on a magical ride that is so vivid and lush you can’t help but want to be a part of the world she has created! The realism in this story is just epic.
Trust and truths are pushed and tested throughout this story and I could empathize hard with both Levi and Stella. What they both went through and the lines that had become blurred broke my heart and put it back whole again.
I cannot wait for the next book in this series! Well done Ms. Hart!
Honestly, when I saw the first teaser for Star Bright I knew this book had to be mine. The image + the blurb had me making grabby hands.
Fortunately, I was selected to be an early reader and after my family binged Hamilton, I settled in to start Star Bright. The protagonists, Levi and Stella, immediately had my attention and it was only when my eyes refused to stay open that I put their story down. …only to pick it up first thing this morning and finish it by noon today. To say I was completely enthralled doesn’t even begin to describe how engaged I was in what was happening. Levi and Stella were interesting characters, for sure, but the thing that really stole the show for me was the entire premise of the secret society, the Bright Young Things, and the parties they participated in. The imaginative, lux environment and the sense of warmth and community had me longing for something I never even knew I’d want. Staci Hart created a setting that I could not ever even dream of and she did it so vividly that I would occasionally just stop my reading and close my eyes and let myself imagine the most fantastical over the top parties with the most beautiful people.
Getting back to Levi and Stella, their instant chemistry and their complete like-ability had me rooting for them. And, I adored all of Stella’s roommates and am already imagining which ones will get their own stories (all of them, please?!). Oh and Levi and Billy and Ash? All such good stuff going on with all of these characters that I truly hope we’ll see them all again when we get future installments of this series.
Kudos to Staci Hart for creating such a unique premise and then following through with interesting characters, a sweet love story, and a plot point that promises to show up in the future…one where I can’t wait to see where she goes with it!
OH MY STARS. Staci Hart completely swept me off my feet with this one! I was lucky enough to read an early copy and I AM JUST FLOATING ON A CLOUD RIGHT NOW. This entire concept is one I can easily get behind, and one I have quickly found myself obsessed with. THE BRIGHT YOUNG THINGS. Ahhhh they will steal your heart! The parties, the immersive atmosphere, the friendships… sight!
LEVI WILL MESS YOU UP IN THE BEST WAY. Let me just warn you. He’s so sexy it’s unreal. He’s got this edgy sort of roughness, and he rides a bike, he’s a journalist, photographer, grew up in harsh circumstances… he was just everything I love in a Hero. And the way he cared for Stella… SWOON.
Speaking of which… I AM STELLA. STELLA IS ME. I have never related more to a character in my life. The hiding from the bad things in life, being a happy sunshine all the time, trusting too easily, collecting friends and just wanting to always be surrounded by the good. GAH. I loved her so much!
Overall, I have fallen head over heels into this incredible new world crafted by our rom com queen. Star Bright is a magical experience that will leave you breathless and aching for more. Lucky for us, it’s the start of a series! CLIMB ABOARD, FRIENDS because we are ALL the Bright Young Things — and this is our time. 5 stars!