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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Staci knocked it out of the park with this one. Going in, I didn’t know what to expect. What I found, was an original, tantalizing story of…the ONE. The ONLY. THE BRIGHT YOUNG THINGS. This story-line, was so unique, and special it intrigued me. Immediately, you get sucked into this “secret” world they’ve created. Costumes, and lavish parties in unassuming places, they mean to keep a tight-lip about.
That is until Levi, stumbles upon the scene. Or do I mean intentionally stumbled upon? Cause Levi, though handsome, and very edgy (and did I mention easy on the eye?) is a reporter down to do what it takes to expose the rich at these illusive events. He didn’t bargain, however, STELLA getting into his head and heart. The two create magic, and sparks so hot you’re liable to get burned, in a delicious way.
Overall, this book was extraordinarily good and I’m glad to have had a copy of this amazing book.
Levi and Stella, Betty and Zeke, even Tag and Elsie, and especially Billy were so very special! Star Bright gave me that nice soft, romantic place I needed to land with all the stress in our world right now, with just enough cleverly disguised dark from Commissioner Warren to peak my interest in Levi as a potential investigative journalist.
I wanted to keep digging with him to figure out why the Commissioner has such a hard on for Bright Young Things in general, and Cecilia Beaton in specific! And my heart fell at my feet when Stella and Levi couldn’t figure out their communication word salad before it destroyed them both, but with a poor, little rich girl, and a boy with a crack house for his first home how could I even be surprised that communication wasn’t their strong suit?
Star Bright shows us what we really all want in life, and even how to get to it in pretty simple steps, with wicked sexy times between Levi and Stella, an author who moves effortlessly between Zeke and Zelda and all their gender bending ways, and a sweet little rich girl who really just wants to save all her friends, while showing the world how to have a good time! My first novel by Staci Hart, Star Bright is worth a bright and shiny full, 5 s from me, and I’m left dreaming of the day we’ll see all the Bright Young Things again!
I think “Star Bright” may be my new favorite book by Staci Hart! With this story, Ms. Hart brilliantly captured the Great Gatsby/Roaring Twenties vibe that the original Bright Young Things exemplified, while also creating a modern cast of incredibly likeable, three-dimensional characters and an engaging plot that kept me turning the pages well past my bedtime. I had all the feels by the time I reached the end, and I absolutely loved it.
I expected the female lead character of “Star Bright,” Stella Spencer, to be rather jaded given her wealthy upbringing, but she actually came across as kind and sweet, and there was a vulnerability to her that she wasn’t quite able to hide beneath her party girl veneer. She joked about being a “poor little rich girl” and it was true in a way, but I found her to be very relatable because of her obvious yearning for the love and close family connections she lacked while growing up. As an adult, Stella essentially created her own family with her band of “strays,” and the Bright Young Things grew out of that because of her desire to be part of something larger than herself.
Family connections were important to the male lead, Levi Hunt, too, whose only relative was his foster dad Billy since his biological parents had abandoned him at the age of eight. His determination to learn more about the Bright Young Things and write a story about the movement was largely motivated by his desire for a promotion to war correspondent, which came with a hefty raise that would allow him to care for Billy in his old age. Given their common yearning for the love of family, it was easy to understand why Stella and Levi were drawn to each other despite their vastly different backgrounds, and I loved watching their relationship develop over the course of the story.
The book’s secondary characters were just as wonderful as Levi and Stella, particularly Stella’s best friends Betty, Joss, and Zeke/Zelda (aka “Z”). I look forward to learning more about each of them in future stories.
Overall, I loved “Star Bright” and highly recommend it for all fans of contemporary romance. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book in the series!
*ARC provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
I absolutely adored this book! Staci Hart has leveled up in all facets of her writing and story telling with this book. She sucks you into the pages, into the opulence, into the characters hearts. This story has intrigue, secrets, mystery, romance, misunderstanding, and love. The chemistry between Stella and Levi will have this book melting in your hands. Staci Hart always includes the best supporting characters in her stories and you’ll find them in this book in Billy, Betty, and of course Zeke!
This was a magical sparkly five star read! Wonderful characters, AMAZING flirtation and chemistry between them and sexy scenes that will give you the chills. Star Bright made me think of Gatsby with the decadence of the Bright Young Things, the glamour, the romance. The story is open, honest and rare – same as the characters. Levi and Stella were both so unique, I couldn’t help but be in love with them. Both of them are witty, interesting and charismatic in their own way. Levi grew up in a life totally different than that of Stella. His life wasn’t all about luxury and fancy parties. But despite his background, he became a fair man who is caring and whose heart is big enough to love many people around him. Stella, on the other hand, has it all when it comes to the materialistic. Born to a filthy rich family, she never had to go without. Despite that she wasn’t some snobby park avenue princess.
The story itself contains all sorts of emotions. It’s very well written and plotted out. I enjoyed getting to know the Bright Young Things and I can’t wait for the other characters. I think this was an epic introduction to a new series. Star Bright was a fabulous unforgettable read that will stay on my mind for a long time! Five stars!
Magic. Just pure magic.
I will read anything that Staci Hart writes because she has a way of getting you so entwined with a story that it feels like you’re living in it. That being said, I didn’t think I would like this. Honestly, I feel like Gatsby type novels have been overdone lately.
This was not that. While there are vibes, it’s so much more than a retelling of anything. I’m telling you, 10% in and I was fully invested. I loved this book, this entire world, beyond words.
I will never doubt Staci Hart again. Read this book, it’ll blow you away.
Ohmigosh! This was such a fun book to read! I loved getting to see Levi (**SWOONS**) and Stella figure out how to keep their secrets and deal with their attraction at the same time. Stella was such a great character. I loved how hard she worked to keep her secret hidden. She was such a vivacious person and the fact that she also had a hidden side where she was so vulnerable.
Levi has just been one of my favorite characters. I loved his determination to get his story, and then the realization that it could lose him something more important– the woman he loves.
I loved the way that Staci had me picturing this world! It was so full of life and I was just drawn in and wishing I could be part of it!
This was such an amazing story! I LOVED IT SO MUCH!!
4.5 stars
Hands down, one of my favorite reads in 2020 so far! Original, intriguing and captivating. With Star Bright Staci Hart introduces us into a world that’s full of sparkle, wonder, fun and money. I enjoyed every minute reading it and I miss Stella and Levi already. Can’t wait to read the next book set in the world of the Bright Young Things!
This book was AMAZING!!!! I loved every single thing about it, the hero was OUT OF THIS WORLD PERFECT!!!!! Star Bright had me on the edge of my bed swooning and loving everything about this story. Levi was someone who will be in my heart for a very long time, me favorite hero by Staci so far.
Levi was someone who was so sweet and protective and like I said, PERFECT. Stella was someone I loved too, she was so trusting and so ready to take on the world. I loved dhow these two balanced each other, they made me swoon and made me want more. I loved how this book takes us into a world that is so sweet and so gentle, this is something I needed to read right now.
This has to be Staci’s best book yet. Can I give this book more than 5 starts? Please!!!
This book has been one of my most anticipated reads from the moment that it was announced! As soon as it landed on my kindle I could not contain my excitement! Right from the first chapter I was already wanting more of this book! I loved how this story had my attention from the get go and the way this world pulled me in.
It’s not that I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this book. It was more like I wasn’t sure I would want to read a book about a bunch of rich kids partying. But this book is so much more than that. (You’d think I would know better by now. Staci always knocks it out of the park.)
I loved Levi and Stella! Their relationship may start under false pretenses, but it quickly develops into something neither or them was expecting. They had wonderful chemistry and I found crossing my fingers because I really wanted everything to work out for them. Stella might a rich kid, but she is very down to earth and can get a long with pretty much anyone. And while Levi’s upbringing was the exact opposite of Stella’s and the rest of the Bright Young Things, he managed to fit right in with everyone. The two of them together was perfect and gave me the warm and fuzzies.
I find the concept of Bright Young Things so interesting. Throwing anonymous parties in NYC sounds like a fun time and I was fascinated with how Stella did it. There is also a secondary story line that I am assuming will be present in future books and I am so intrigued by it. The core group of Bright Young Things are more like a family and they have each other’s back. No matter what. We are introduced to some interesting characters in this book and I look forward to reading more about them!
NO SPOILERS!
Staci Hart wove an incredibly unique, sexy, swoony, and hilarious standalone contemporary romantic comedy with Star Bright, and it was unlike any romance I’ve read before.
The storyline and characters were wonderful. The plot kept me captivated and entertained from beginning to end, and I loved Staci Hart’s beautiful prose. The characters were the real stars of the show and completely stole my heart. I loved Levi and Stella. They had fantastic personalities and I immediately felt a connection with them. Levi and Stella had an instant spark with each other, and I really enjoyed how their relationship progressed throughout. Some parts were a little predictable, but it was still very entertaining. Stella’s friends/roommates were absolutely delightful and totally hilarious, and I loved their addition to the story.
Star Bright was a sexy, funny, swoony, and entertaining start to the Bright Young Things series of standalone romances, and I can’t wait to see where Staci Hart takes the rest of the series in the books to come!
Yes! Yes! Yes! A new Staci Hart world is just what the Doctor ordered for this crazy covid time. This book was a beautiful escape into something fun and sexy and completely delightful when the real world has been anything besides that.
I loved the instant attraction between Stella and Levi. Their chemistry was crazy good. The secrecy with their entire relationship was very entertaining. I absolutely adored being inside Stella’s head. Everything about her felt so exciting and lighthearted. Even with her issues, she was an optimist at heart which I truly enjoyed. Her character is definitely a favorite from the author.
Levi was amazing as per the usual with all of Staci’s heroes. I loved his drive and even with his omissions he had a strong moral code and integrity. I loved his desire to address harder topics when it came to his job. He is a protector and a do good’er and I really loved that about him.
They’re both enamored by each other and I felt that while reading.
This merry band of misfits stole my heart and has me eagerly awaiting the next couple in the series. It’s always a plus when the side characters are just as amazing as the main couple.
If you’re looking for a book that will pull you in and make you feel like you’re part of the excitement and shenanigans this is it. It’s not just a story, it’s painted so vividly by Hart that it feels like an experience and you definitely want to be part of this. 5 stars.
Shine like a diamond.
Or a cubic zirconium.
A delicious fast paced read.
What I liked? The Bright Young Things homage.
Stella’s got secrets a plenty in her house of cards.
Levi is out for the scoop to salvage his career. I wasn’t on board with him but obviously the contention between his wants and needs are paramount.
Recommend.
It has been a long time since I have been sucked into a book like I was with Star Bright! Omg I’m seriously speechless over such an amazing book. I couldn’t get enough of it. The characters were perfect, the storyline was perfect, and it was perfect because Staci Freakin Hart is perfect! I felt like I was an actual part of the story. I wanted an invite to a party so bad! I hope we don’t have to wait long for the next book to come out. I will be waiting not very patiently at all! Ha!
5 Levi & Stella Filled Stars!!!
Staci Hart is back with a brand new world and people for me to fall in love with. Bright Young Things are a group of rich friends throwing the most extravagant, over the top parties and in order to get in you must be on the list. Without an invitation you’ll never get in.
Levi Hunt is on a mission to get into the next party. Levi is a photographer and work’s at Vagabond as a staff writer. Levi’s got a new assignment that if he nails he’ll get exactly what he wants. Get into the Bright Young Things parties and document everything. If Levi uncovers who Cecilia Burton is he’ll get what he wants: go to Syria to cover the war. He’ll also make enough money to help take care of Billy, the only dad he’s ever had. Levi was prepared for anything except for Stella Spencer.
Stella Spencer is one of the core members of Bright Young Things. She may or may not know who is behind the Cecelia Burton name.
Stella has her few close friends that know all her deep and dark secrets. Stella’s been known to not have the best luck at picking the right boyfriends. Prime example is Dexter. After 2yrs he broke her heart outta nowhere. Stella isn’t looking to jump into another relationship. She’s just looking for some fun but when Levi walks into the party everything Stella’s been saying falls outta her brain.
Levi knows he’s got a job to do. He knows what’s at stake if he fails but Stella makes him question everything, including walking away from what he’s there to do.
Stella knows she’s got secrets that just doesn’t affect her but those closest to her. If her secrets get into the wrong hands it’s game over for everybody bc the police commissioner is coming after the Bright Young Things and targeting Stella. But, Stella wants to tell Levi even though she’s afraid of what he’ll do when he knows.
Once I started this I didn’t put it down!! I love the way Staci writes. She’s always getting me hooked from the very beginning of the story and Star Bright was no different. I’m so so so excited to see which Bright Young Thing is getting their HEA and I’m DYING to know whose after them.
Bright Young Things indeed. I didn’t know much about the original movement from the 1920s, but this modern-day reimagining was something Fresh, enlightening, and hopeful.
First let’s start with the love story. Levi and Stella were a dream to read. There was some unspoken magic between them that just leaped off the pages for me. I think this author perfectly wrote their relationship build up – the beginning likes, turned into lust, and eventual love. They were young, and sexy, yet they were so sure of themselves. And I think that was the sexiest part of this book, how these young hopeful characters were made only stronger through their mutual likeness of one another. It brought a feel-good feeling that carried on throughout the whole book.
Let’s talk about what it means to be worthy of love. These two characters wholeheartedly thought they were unworthy of the type of love that they were finding themselves in. Levi having been born into a loveless life situation, later found a redemptive love through his adoptive father. And Stella grew up in a similarly loveless situation with her parents. She’s the quintessential poor little rich girl, never knowing what undying love looks like. Together these two fought against a truly beautiful love story. They each thought they weren’t worthy of the type of love that was building between them. And it was such a beautifully written love story, I applaud this author for bringing me gut-churning angst in the first 30% of the book. I love how she eventually made them both feel worthy of each other.
Finally the SEXINESS. There’s a scene where they’re riding his motorcycle and he reaches back and rubs her thigh and the imagery was perfect. Their connection was so damn sexy.
It’s been a few days since I finished this book, and I’m still lost in this world. This is a Top read of 2020 for me.
Stella and Levi came from two different worlds but when they meet there attraction and chemistry is instant but both know they are harboring deep secrets and know what would happen if they got found out. I loved both there characters, especially Levi.
Levi gets his first taste of the decadent luxe life when his friend Ash brings him along to an elite only, by invite only, party hosted by Cecelia Beaton. But he’s not really there to party, nor is he there to ooh and aah over the rich and elite, nope, he’s there for info so he can write the story he’s been assigned by his magazine. They want the scoop on the Bright Young Things, and who the mysterious party planner is. He doesn’t find out who the secretive planner is, but he meets a stunning woman whom he cannot get off his mind.
Stella has a secret like Levi does, so starting off a relationship with him is not a good idea. Neither can help their attraction, though, and soon they’re falling fast and hard, and I was cringing, just waiting for the inevitable blowup to happen when one or both their secrets was revealed. And when it happened, sigh… I hurt for them both. Still, they managed, not without a lot of pain and hurt feelings, to make it through, and I was fascinated by this new world Staci has created. It’s very different than the rest of her writing that I have read, and I gotta say I like it. It’s sexy, it’s fun, and Levi and Stella, especially Levi, are amazing characters with depth and style. Can’t wait for Bright Young Things #2 now.
*4.5 Stars*
This is book one in a brad new series by this author and I am ALL in! This world full of glitz and glam sucked me in and is different than anything I’ve read. The plot is new and exciting and once I started this story I couldn’t put it down.
Stella Spencer and Levi Hunt meet at the first Bright Young Things party that he attends. These exclusive parties are lavish, and have an air of mystery that only the elite, and some famous, are invited. They are quickly enamored with each other but both of them are keeping a HUGE secret. Levi is attending the party to get the scoop for the magazine he is a writer for. Stella happens to be Cecelia Burton, the leader of Bright Young Things and no one can find out.
I was so nervous for this two as their whirlwind romance continued. I was waiting for the moment that ruined what they had started. Watching their relationship grow, I was quickly rooting for them to be together and I didn’t want anything to mess it up.
This book was so much fun and was the perfect escape from reality! I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book in this series.
Grateful to have received a complimentary ARC copy to honestly review.