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 Hart has done it again with this book! She has managed to pull you in and not let go until the end! Stella and Levi have a loyalty and deep connection to each other that you can’t help but swoon at. I love the Gatsby-esque feel of this book. While the extravagant parties and the no strings attached arrangement is fun, this story delves deeper than the surface and Levi and Stella find themselves in love. I can’t wait to continue to read because I know the underlying mystery plot is sure to blow all of our minds! I am here for all of it!
FIVE BRIGHT YOUNG STARS
I could literally feel my heart bursting open and getting flooded with overwhelming feels as I turned pages of Star Bright by Staci Hart. Through a family of so called reckless rich young people, the author explored the basic and very important questions about society and humanity. This is a love story at so many levels. This was different. This was inspiring, moving and motivating to the core. It was beautifully passionate and die hard romantic.
Levi Hunt is on a mission on behalf of his magazine Vagabond. To find the truth about Bright Young Things and their leader Cecilia Beaton. The exclusive, highly exclusive and super secret group of young people who live for over the top and high end parties with innovative themes. Sometimes they break rules but not some major law. The country is obsessed with them. Levi has an in. But all his plans go to hell as soon as he meets Stella Spencer. The brightest star. Can he really betray her and hurt her after finding about her big heart? Is Stella making a mistake?
So Bright Young Things is nothing, and I repeat, NOTHING like you are thinking. Yes they are richer than gods. Yes they waste money for ridiculous parties. But they are family. They are a group of people who have found a place to belong in age of social media and superficial interactions. I teared up a lot through this story. I cannot believe how much I love this misunderstood and amazing group. Stella is like their cohesive friend. Who loves endlessly and unconditionally. Who makes everyone smile and be happy with her magic touch. Even after getting hurt repeatedly for trusting the wrong person. Levi is so far away from her world. He had a tough upbringing. And he is this honest, straightforward and tough guy. Stella turned his ideas upside down and it was a chaotic emotional mess. They have ups and downs. They have mistakes, guilt, secrets, anger, pain, love, happiness and everything wrapped together. I could feel my heart beating so fast and inside becoming warm with the angsty torturing and swoonworthy emotions. What a ride it was! The storyline was complex and captivating yet simply romance to the core. The chemistry was sensational and magnetic and magical!
Staci Hart’s words bring out the best and worst emotions in me. Star Bright was a revelation. It was a journey of self realization, acceptance and redemption. It was everything glorious, heartaching and heartbreakingly brilliant about romance. And we still have a long way to go. I cannot wait to see where she takes us next.
Received ARC for honest review
The parties, the secrecies , the glam, the chemistry in the air between Stella Spencer and Levi Hunt is drool worthy this book is such a good read I can’t wait for the second book. I’m officially hooked to Staci Hart and how she writes. Can’t wait to read more of her books!
Jazzy and dreamy. I never imagined how this story would pan out, but it is dazzling.
Beautifully crafted over double POV, this romance is laced with luxurious hedonism and roaring 20’s nostalgia. Secret parties, young elite, zest for life, and a couple riding an adventure of desire, trust, and twisted truths. Really enchanting.
The rich girl turns out to be a sweet and creative lady who throws themed parties that I loved with all my heart. What themes! And they were surprising and fun and tantalizing and kept getting better.
The handsome man is actually a double agent torn between desperate dreams and overwhelming guilt over his deception.
The relationship is so bright and invigorating, happy and passionate. I really enjoyed these characters. And Stella’s friends are an absolute blast. I am foreseeing amazing stories in the future for this series!
The dialogues engage in a way you lose track of time. I found myself lost in the film in my head as Stella and Levi followed the clues to every party. So exciting. And I was relishing every spark of joy and delight, but also anticipating the dreadful moment when drama would explode. Indeed, when it does, it’s a journey through soulful fears and feelings.
As to the plot, it actually feels like those nested Russian dolls. The layers keep adding mystery and depth. It’s open-hearted romance. It is a celebration of life and the joy of it. Unbidden, tears of recognition stung my eyes at the final words that paid an homage to that very idea. It is also a hard look at our beliefs and moral compass and true identity.
Even a deeper arc to the series is planted with a darker, ulterior motive in the scandal surrounding these notorious party-goers called the Bright Young Things.
I think this author has reinvented herself with this tale, and the fruit of her labour cannot be more sparkling.
5 stars!
Star Bright sucks us into the world of the rich and famous and makes us want to stay there forever. It’s a fresh, fun, sexy story filled with amazing friendships, unforgettable parties, and a wonderful romance you can’t help but root for. It’s the first book in the new Bright Young Things series, and I loved it!
“Everyone wanted to know what it was like to be a Bright Young Thing.”
When Levi finds an in to the one of the exclusive Bright Young Things parties in hopes of discovering the identity of Cecelia Beaten, the head of the group, it’s more extravagant than he could have imagined but what’s more surprising is the connection he has with Stella. The more time he spends with her, the more lines are crossed and what was supposed to lead to his dream job might end up breaking his heart.
This book is fantastic. With every party scene, I was transported into a new experience. From the attire to the decorations to the music, it was all glitter and glamour. The atmosphere drew me in and I wanted to experience the parties in person. I loved them!
The characters were fantastic. Stella has more money than you can imagine. She has a mysterious air about her and I was just as intrigued as Levi was. She reminds me of sunshine and I love her personality. She is nothing like I thought and the way she wanted to bring everyone together made me like her more.
Levi is a journalist for Vagabond and had a job to do that I knew was risky. But he is a fantastic hero. He is genuine and though he had preconceived notions, he knew when to accept he was wrong. He has a good heart and is just a really good, selfless guy. I loved him!
There is a spark between Stella and Levi from the very first look. I felt the invisible pull between them and loved their chemistry. Though they are from different backgrounds and didn’t let that stop them. I believed in their relationship, and though the attraction was instant, I didn’t see it as instalove. Yes, they fell fast but they started going into it as casual which made it work well.
“A tug somewhere in the expanse of my chest urged me to meet her as she drifted toward me.
Not Ash.
Me.
Because if she was a north magnet, I was a south. And it seemed both of us knew it.”
However, there are secrets and lies that build until they threaten to ruin everything. There is no way out of the deception and both sides have to decide what to do and whether they can overcome the challenges they face.
“I pulled her closer, wanting to kiss her again. Wanting to stop the clock so we could just be here, right now, when things were simple. When we were the people we’d have been if I wasn’t lying.”
Star Bright is captivating and exciting. There is mystery and surprises, tears and heartbreak, and love and laughs, and I enjoyed it all. It’s a whole new world from this author and I am so glad the series is just beginning because I want more!
Star Bright by Staci Hart is the first book in her new series Bright Young Things, and let me tell you this book was AMAZING!!!
The story start with these group of people who do incredible parties that not everyone can get an invitation. In this place is where Levi and Stella meet for the first time, 2 persons who are born in NYC but they have had a different lfe style. When Levi and Stella meet you can feel the great chemistry between them but at the same time they are trying to keep a big secret from each other, so of course things wont be easy for them.
Stella and Levi are great characters with differents characteristics She has a lot of friends and is a happy person. Then we have Levi who is from a different world than Stella and he has to keep his secret no matter what. At the moments I was like please just stay together but at the same time I know that Levi’s secret is something that will cause problems.
This book was AMAZING!! i enjoyed the story so much!! that’s why Staci is one of my favorite authors she can write great stories. This story has romance, passion and of course drama. I am sure once you start reading it you wont stop until you finish it.
I’m so excited to see who is next in this amazing series!!
I don’t know how she does it but every single book Staci Hart writes is more brilliant than the last. And she freaking nailed it with Star Bright. This book was lavish and over the top, dangerous and romantic and had me up til 3am just to see what would happen next.
I loved both Scarlett and Levi. He came from nothing and was still working to prove himself to himself. He was witty and edgy and had this desire to do the right thing that got him into trouble a few times. But it was the way he cared for Stella that melted me. He was just what she needed. Someone who saw her for who she was and not what she had. Yes, they came from vastly different worlds but the first time they saw each other, something just clicked. It was as if their hearts recognized what their minds didn’t yet. Even though they were honest about their intentions up front, that didn’t stop them from falling hard and fast. There was a clock on their time together from the start. And the secrets they were keeping could destroy everything before it even got started.
I loved the glamour and glitz of it all. The parties became their own character. Each more extravagant than the last. But at the same time, seeing the friendships at play made the Bright Young Things not so elite, more human, approachable. But not everyone was thrilled with what they were doing. Warren and his vendetta against the group kept amping up in its intensity until something had to blow.
I did not see the turn Start Bright took coming at all. But oh my goodness was it downright marvelous! Staci Hart has struck gold with this book and the fact that it is a series…I am here for it!! I absolutely can’t wait to see what is in store for this crew next.
5 Brightly Shining Stars
Oh my WORD! Staci Hart is a brilliant storyteller – the more of her work I read, the more I want! I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I started reading Star Bright – high society glamour and drama with a dash of lush romance, perhaps? The teasers had me on the hook refreshing my Kindle waiting for this one to be delivered as I just knew it would be a unique and exciting telling – fresh, and flawless. By page 2, I was swept away to NYC on the wings of Ms. Hart’s powerfully evocative writing.
As we enter our first party, you can FEEL the emotion and the atmosphere of the party come right off the page. I adore our heroine Stella – she’s got a lovely, fierce, and caring heart; I would love to know her! Levi is the yin to her yang, with charm to spare and a secret that could endanger the both the tribe she’s collected and the world that she’s built for them all. Cue the larger-than-life BYTs, costumes for days, glitz, gossip, conflict, and lust, combine it all with minstrel-like magic, and you’ve got an unputdownable winner. I always love a good romance, but the best thing about this book was the STORY; the energy of the characters, the slow burn of true chemistry, and how the reality of our times (secrets, social media, society) shapes it all.
Star Bright is a gorgeous story that will speak to your soul. If you’re looking for frivolity and superficiality – look elsewhere! Staci Hart has SUCH a way with words, and an amazing attention to detail that brings her stories instantly to life. The combination of heat and charm, dazzle and depth brings Stella, Levi, and all the rest of the BYT to truly glorious living color. [side note – I NEED Z’s book]. The struggles of each character, with their believable self-awareness and complex mindset brings us the richness of content that I’ve come to expect when being swept up in a Staci Hart novel. Nothing in this book feels contrived – even the angst and conflict come about just as they should. What a perfect read to lose yourself in.
Until that next glimpse of foiled letters sprinkled across rich, heavyweight cardstock comes your way…remember that life is for living. I think we could all benefit from having a little Cecelia Beaton in our lives!
**4.5 stars**
Staci Hart really hit this one out of the ballpark! From wonderful characters, interesting storyline to the perfect ending, this was terrific! This felt so different than anything else she’s written. The way she spun the Bright Young Things was creative and special. The modern day Bright Young Things has an exclusive group in NYC throwing amazing parties with fun themes, all in secret, extending invites to a very select group of people. Stella Spencer is a part of this group and she is a bright star to everyone she meets. Levi Hunt is a journalist, working on a story to try and expose the group’s leader. He manages to snag a plus one on an invite and gets to see the party first hand. He and Stella meet at the first party and have an instant connection. But, they both are holding on to some secrets, secrets that have to come out eventually.
I did have two very minor issues with this story: the instant love and pace. I’m not a fan of instant love, and this felt a little like that. But, at the same time, you can also see the strong almost soul like connection between these two, so I was a little torn on this. The pace did get slow in places but still kept my interest throughout.
The writing blew me away. It was absolutely impeccable, almost poetic like. The words she spun together were incredible. I also thought she added some great messages in there. All the characters, including secondary, were so easy to love. I’d be interested to see who the next book is about. Overall, this was so unique, fun and just an absolute joy to read. I would highly recommend this one!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was my first Staci Hart novel, but I promise you it won’t be the last! She has a way with words, and with those words she can draw you into the story like you’re living the real thing.
Stella is that girl that everyone aspires to be- rich, popular, and seemingly someone who has it all together. Only she doesn’t, but who cares when you have enough money to live like Gatsby every night, right?! Well, at least that’s the picture she can paint in the midst of her illustrious lifestyle among the much-admired Star Brights.
That is until she meets Levi, the man who does seems to fit in just well, just still have the persona that questions the very essence of the Stella’s livelihood. But, why?! He can’t even fathom having the wherewithal to blow 20k in a single evening. Stella, though, she is that lightning bug that shines even in the most discerning moments. Can he withstand the burn of the flame or will be fizzle in the glitz and glamor?
Only time and enough champagne could jazz that answer into the spotlight. Order this one NOW!
Wow… I love the worlds Staci Hart creates- Bright Young Things does not disappoint and Star Bright is amazing!!! How this story is laid out is beautiful!
I loved everything about Stella and Levi. I loved their friends and relationships, how their pasts affected their present and how they got to be together! I loved Levi- how his secrets really affect him. How he grows. Stella- watching her develop within herself- so incredible!
This book is poetic- Staci Hart writes so beautifully with details and heart felt writing. What I love most is the lessons of love and honesty and trust and friendship and how it affects all of us everyday. This is a must 5 star read!!
5 Brighter than Bright stars.
Staci Hart has outdone herself within her newest work. Star Bright is the first in her new series, ‘Bright young things’. It’s a modern-day twist of the original ‘Roaring Twenties’ and it’s shaping up to be her best book yet.
This is a unique look at the past through our own eyes, mixed in with a love story, and finding out who you truly are and what you believe in, and what you will do in the name of that love.
Levi is a journalist and is kind of undercover as he finds out just what it is that makes this new rendition of The Bright Young Things so attractive and interesting to everyone who hears about the exclusive club.
Stella captures his attention from their first meeting and he’s equally enrapt with her. They have a bit of a push and pull relationship before they come together but then things really heat up. Of course, where there are secrets there is the danger of them getting out and someone getting hurt, and how they overcame the hurt and damage caused by it.
Stella and Levi are a mesmerizing couple, in a captivating and lush story, one you won’t want to leave. I know I didn’t.
This is one for my top books of the year list.
Get ready to embark in a completely new world where you can’t help but want to be part of it.
I don’t think I’ve read such a different book and I quietly can’t explain it all without giving a lot spoilers, you just need to read! This story is my favorite from author and I absolutely can’t wait to read the next ones. It’s full of friendship, family, romance, exposed secrets, intrigue, mystery and a lot more.
As I start to read and get to know their Bright Young Things (BYT) world, I was mesmerized. At first, you think, oh it’s a bunch o trust fund kids doing a lot of parties. But they are so much more, leading by the mysterious Cecelia Beaton, aka Stella Spencer, they are a family, the one you choose. Although they are rich kids, they are alone in this world, and with the BYT they have each other’s back and love. It can’t hurt that their parties is espetacular.
Stella needs to protect her secret that only her close group of friends know. Btw, I love all of her friends, specially Zeke/Zelda/Z, there’s not a thing I don’t love about her/him, also Betty: she is the friend you would always want! Stella in pure light and even though she is super rich, she has a heart of gold and would protect fiercely the ones she love. But she has a problem, she trust too easily.
Levi Hunt has an opposite life from all of them and to reach his dream job as reporter and support his foster dad, he needs to infiltrate inside BYT and discover all his secrets, including who is Cecelia Beaton. What he didn’t expect was to feel so much for Stella.
Levi’s and Stella’s connection is instant, they are drawn to each other as a moth is to a flame. But as the secrets and lies start to be unrevealed and their fling turns to love and friendship, will their world will still be the same? Will Levi have the story and the girl?
I love everything about this book. I adored the ending, but although it doesn’t end with a cliffhanger and we have a huge HEA, I still have so many questions! I can only dream that the next book brings the answers I need, specially about the commissioner intentions! This is a MUST READ!
*4,5 stars*
I always love a good story written by this author and this one was definitely something different than what I’ve read from her before. I’ve really enjoyed reading Stella and Levi’s story and it had me intrigued until the end! You just never knew what was going to happen next and it left me guessing to the end. Can’t wait until the next one in this series!
Levi is trying to land his big dream and will need to find a way to wurm his way into the hot society everyone is talking about and dreams of only getting an invitation to, the Bright Young Things! When he finally gets his “in” it will be so much more than he ever could have imagined. But when he sets his eyes on Stella, there’s a chemistry between them that ignites a fire that won’t be put out easily. The closer they get, the harder it is for Levi to tell Stella the truth about who he is and what he does for a living. But Stella has a secret of her own that might end up being the one thing that’ll stand between them…
I don’t know how Staci Hart keeps doing it. With every new series she creates stories I can’t read fast enough and characters that I love.
In Star Bright we are introduced to the Bright Young things and their secret, mysterious benefactor Cecelia. Nobody knows Cecelia is actually Stella, but Levi, a journalist, is determined to infiltrate the group and uncover the truth. The chemistry between them is palpable and I had a hard time putting the book down as everything played out between them. They are one of my favorite Staci Hart couples, and I loved the two of them together!
I loved the modernized take on the real Bright Young Things. As always the writing and characters are engaging and entertaining, the cover is gorgeous, and I am already looking forward to the next book.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
5 It’s the Party of the Century Stars!!!
OH MY STARS!!! This newest book by Ms. Hart takes us on a journey of love, discovery, deceit and power. There’s an elite group of men and women in NYC that are exclusively invited and attend lavish parties that take us back in time down to the littlest detail. And this is one of the things I love so much about Ms. Hart’s books is she does her research and nothing is left off the table when it comes to these minute details. There’s a core group that we focus on in this group which really centers around Stella and Levi.
There’s a magnetism that draws them together even as they try to fight it….because there’s secrets being kept by both of them and when they’re revealed man oh man watch out!!! Levi is a man that is everything a Hero in a book should be…sexy, swoony, a little dangerous and a man that’s been hurt in so many ways…but he’s determined to get his story…at any cost!!
And oh Stella. This woman is complicated and presents a persona to the world that I think many of us do…happy and not letting what’s going on in our life circumvent how the world sees us. Her ability to trust people has resulted in hurts that you would think would make her more guarded, but not our Stella. She’s an optimist through and through and is determined to the see the best in those around her. I loved her devotion to her friends and how she would do anything for them if it’s in her power to do so.
Stella and Levi are a couple to be reckoned with. Together they are stronger than they are apart and their love is one for the ages. This book is a journey into yesteryears with the exclusive parties and how the Bright Young Things cloak themselves in the alter-egos they become for each gathering. I felt like I was attending the parties with my own exclusive invitation all due to the stunning story telling by Ms. Hart. I’ve loved all her books, but this book has now become my favorite.
“Have you ever felt alone in the world? Like you don’t belong anywhere? To anyone?”
Something flashed behind his eyes, a certain sadness or regret. “I have.”
“So have we. So has everyone. These parties are proof positive that we have a place to belong and people to belong to. It’s not… it’s not purpose— that’s too productive a word. More like family.”
“And we’re just like any family. There are squabbles and scandals, but in the end, we always have each other’s backs.
Belonging and longing come together in this kickoff to a new Staci Hart series called, Bright Young Things. This story has all of Staci’s signature storytelling; great characters and dialogue, the fabulous and easy to imagine setting of NYC, and sexy times. At the center is the brightest star and consummate socialite, Stella Spencer. She’s well matched with new to the scene “photographer” Levi Hunt.
Staci Hart expands her storytelling by setting the story in the 1990’s and includes a suspense driven plot. The police commissioner’s intense grievance against the exclusive gatherings of these uber-posh millennials is perplexing. Clearly there is something he’s hiding, someone he’s working for, and it’s not the tax payers.
The story is a fast and fun read, with equal attraction and conflict blooming between the key characters. Stella seemingly holds the secret that could make or break Levi’s true career as a journalist. Their attraction is immediate and their connection is palpable. But neither are really in a great place to allow a relationship to develop. But some things can’t be helped and I am thankful for that. They experience some moments of reckoning but not too much drama and the balance between romance and mystery is perfect. I’m very much looking forward to the next book in the series. 4 Stars and recommendation.
Star Bright was a great book! We are starting this series entering into the world of the Bright Young Things and their secret party lifestyle (I loved the secretive part of these parties and what went into keeping them that way). Enter Levi, a reporter set to tell all everything that goes on at these magnificent costume parties. They were so fantastic together as a couple! Star Bright was not what I expected but came out so much better! This was a fun read and I look forward to what happens next!
5.5 stars
I have loved Staci Hart’s writing ever since I discovered her, and her books have been in my top reads the last few years. With that said, this is my new favorite book of hers, and I’m so excited to see how incredible the rest of this series will be!
Star Bright is nothing short of an experience. You’re not just reading about extravagant parties, you’re LIVING THEM. Somehow she has described each and every detail in a way that made me feel like I was right there with the characters, sipping whiskey in a speakeasy and eating cotton candy at the circus. This book is fun & magical and something I can only hope to experience in real life.
” , . .”
Stella & Levi have such incredible chemistry, and from the very first moment that they saw each other, I just knew they were two halves of a whole. Their banter is fun & flirty and I couldn’t get enough of it. Stella was such an amazing character, and someone I would love to know. Levi was written so perfectly that I had my doubts about him at first, but he definitely sucked me in with his charm. And then there were the rest of the Bright Young Things. They were fun, and real and oh so amazing. I can’t wait for their stories, especially Z who is officially my new favorite character.
” , ‘ . ‘ . .”
What I loved most about this book is not the romance, but the energy and inspiration throughout. It is relative to society today, maybe not directly through these privileged & elite characters, but in the feeling of wanting to belong. The impact of social media and need to fit in, the line between the rich & poor, and the fact that the world is not black & white, but many shades of gray.
Get ready for an experience of a lifetime, a story that will take you on an elaborate ride, and an introduction to the Bright Young Things, who you will undoubtedly want to join.
Star Bright shines so much deeper than you might think at first glance. Sure, there is extravagance and privilege galore, but the root of the story is about lasting connection—something that we all crave. Whether it’s a physical or emotional connection, or connection to a cause, or even connection to a meaningful story that will stay in your mind for years to come…Star Bright is the kind of story that will allow you to bask in life, even if just for a few hours while reading. And for me, that’s something that I needed to remember in these stressful times.
I am in love with Stella and the Bright Young Things. They are fiercely loyal and their joy in the moment is something to learn from. They do understand that their wealth affords them huge advantages all around, but they don’t see themselves as better in any way. Slightly grumpy Levi is the perfect newbie to the group. He brings his own perspective and experiences, and Stella never wavers in her empathy and acceptance of that. I love that he is open enough to see that there is more than meets the eye when it comes to the Bright Young Things.
Stella and Levi are really quite exceptional characters and their bond is so lovely. The secondary characters are equally intriguing and I can’t wait to see how their own stories evolve! I just might think Star Bright is my favorite Staci story to date. It’s a vibrant, perceptively written story that reminds us that it’s okay to stop and smell the roses every once in a while. 5++ BRIGHT stars for Star Bright!