What do you do when the person you love most gambles away your future?It’s a question Brighton Starling has been asking herself for two long years. She never wagered on him asking for another chance before she found the answer.The biggest gamble Sebastian Figures took wasn’t leaving—it was coming home. He was willing to risk it all for another chance with the girl he left behind, but showering … another chance with the girl he left behind, but showering her with gifts is easy.
Winning her trust back is not.
All bets are off when love is on the line…
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A sweet debut, I look forward to seeing how the writers style develops!
This is a second chance romance, where Seb has made a massive mistake, and then compounded it by disappearing and leaving Brighton to pick up the pieces on her own. I liked how apologetic he was, and how he realised that his chances of winning her back where slim, although I wasn’t sure about his later mistake, not sure if he would have come back from that!
I loved the opening scene, I felt an affinity with the clumsy, disaster that was Brighton on a bad day. I admired her strength in pulling herself up after being left alone to pick herself up.
I particularly liked Jade, the spunky receptionist/PA – I look forward to hearing more from her.
In all a sweet, easy read debut.
What happens when the man who took a gamble with your heart shows up at your Panera? The imprint he left on your heart still bears the very sharp grooves caused by his abrupt departure. Do you forgive him? Or shove that Italian down his throat?
That my reading buddies is what you get when you enter the world of Sebastian and Brighton in The Brightest Star. Second chance romance is my favorite trope, and from reading the synopsis I was ‘all in’. Ms. Cranford keeps the reader engaged with all the necessary ingredients for a fabulous novel. It’s clever combination of a little bit sad, sprinkled with outrage, just enough spice, a hefty serving of humor, and a ginormous portion of love. Often times with debut authors, I give them the widest berth to find their voice in storytelling. Never have I been so enchanted from the start and willing to devour a tale in an afternoon.
The characters had me rooting for each one separately for different reasons. At times I hoped that Brighton would yell and scream at him for what he deserved after two years. Then Sebastian would seem genuinely sorry – I mean I KNEW he was so sorry and just wanted hug him. And tell Bright to give him a break. Until no – you encouraged her to stand firm – make him prove he is the right choice. And that my friends – all those emotions – B. Cranford can evoke from you as you read is why you want to consume this story, and ask for more.
Which is where I ask B. Cranford for Declan and Jade’s story. Because come ON there is a story there dying to be told.
I am often shrewd with my reviews on debut books. There is place for improvement. This story I just can’t find flaw.
It’s beautiful.
It’s brilliant.
If you love contemporary romance as much as I do, you’ll fly your fingers to click on this fabulous story. 5 out of 5 stars
Okay, I was seriously blown away by this book. B. Cranford’s writing is amazing. I cannot believe this is her debut book. I am in love and waiting on the edge of my seat for her next book (which I hear is not only in the works, but should be coming soon…eeek!)! This story has all the feels. I found myself heartbroken, in love, laughing so hard, and furious as I was reading. The characters are so believable and I cared SO MUCH!
This is a second chance love story between Sebastian and Brighton. For three years, they were madly in love and working toward their happily-ever-after life, until Sebastian blew it up right before their eyes. Two years later, Sebastian returns and wants more than anything to win Brighton back. After the way things ended and two years of radio silence, this seems like tackling the impossible. Can all be forgiven? Can trust ever be earned back? These questions plague them both for much of the book, but Sebastian will do everything in his power to get their lives back on track.
I absolutely adore both of these characters. Sebastian not only ruined their relationship, but he really let himself down. He knew he failed those around him and he refused to cause any more damage if he could prevent it. He knew he had devastated Brighton, but he had also devastated himself. When he returned, he was completely honest about the damage he had caused, but he had no idea the extent of the hurt that had occurred in his absence. He really stepped up and offered more than lip service with his apologies. Was he perfect? No. Did he try with everything he had? Yes. My heart broke for Sebastian. He was hurting so much, and I could feel his pain over his failure and the hurt he caused those around him. He was actively seeking redemption, and I longed for him to find it.
And Brighton. Oh, how I love Brighton! “She was a silver lining kind of girl, and that was something she was immensely proud of. In a world that focused on the bad, she wanted to find the good…even when sometimes it was hidden so deep, finding it seemed impossible.” While she was completely heartbroken and confused by Sebastian’s actions two years ago, she didn’t let it defeat her. She was so strong and she continued to make the most of her life even after losing everything…and then losing more. I love that Brighton didn’t roll over and blame Sebastian for her life falling apart. She didn’t let him off the hook for the decisions he made, but she also didn’t let it defeat her. She became more independent and pushed through. That said, her love and longing for Sebastian were palpable.
I wanted them to make it work so bad! I wanted them to find their trust in one another and themselves once again. I wanted them to find their happily-ever-after. I felt like after all they had been through, they deserved it. B. Cranford’s writing was so beautiful I couldn’t put it down, nor could I give up on them. They were real and raw. They were beautiful and sexy. They were so broken while trying so hard to fix themselves and one another. This book is perfection.
I could talk about Sebastian and Brighton all day, but I would be completely remiss if I didn’t talk about Declan and Jade as well. These friends are amazing. I love the way Declan was there for both Sebastian and Brighton, rooting for them and supporting them the whole way. I love Jade and her sassy attitude. I love that she and Brighton hit it off so well and really offered each other a balance that they needed. I love that while she worked for Sebastian, she was completely loyal to Brighton. I also love Declan and Jade together. Did I mention their book is in the works? I seriously can’t wait! I can’t wait to see what was causing their tension. I can’t wait to see their dynamic up close. I know she is going to make him work for it, but if his loyalty to Sebastian and Brighton says anything about him, it tells me he will work for it when it really matters.
Overall, this is a must buy book. It is currently free for Kindle Unlimited subscribers, but even if it isn’t at some point, it is worth the money to buy. I know I have already gone back to it, so even if you are a Kindle Unlimited subscriber you may want to go ahead and purchase it. I am beyond excited for Declan and Jade’s book. I can’t wait to see what their story holds and I’m hoping we will get to check back in with Sebastian and Brighton.
This book does deal with addiction and recovery. If gambling or addiction is a trigger for you, you will want to pass on this. However, I must say the topic is dealt with in an honest way. While being sympathetic to the illness, the characters must deal with the consequences.
How can you ever make amends for ruining a life and love? Sebastian isn’t sure, but he knows he has to try.
How do you ever forgive the man you loved for losing everything you hold dear? Brighton isn’t sure she should even try.
This is the story of their journey toward forgiveness, a story told through remembrances of a life and love shared. Can they forgive each other, and more importantly can they forgive themselves? In less capable hands, you might have started out hating Sebastian, but his remorse is palpable and I found myself rooting for him immediately. And Bright is his perfectly written heroine. Strong, yet vulnerable, and well aware of her dilly dallying. Her trust isn’t given lightly. Sebastian and Bright are wonderful together, realizing their love has been tested and the cracks only made them stronger.
Although the subject matter is weighty, B. Cranford’s writing style is soft, smooth and sweet; glowing with humor and light. I’m really hoping to see more from this author!
Wow! This story of Brighton and Sebastian was phenomenal! The dialogue, the secondary characters and the emotional roller coaster of the two main characters was amazing! Cannot wait to see this author gives us next!