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kfriend's review against another edition
5.0
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 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.
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.
ssrosepetal's review against another edition
4.0
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.*
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.*
theoverflowingbookshelf's review against another edition
4.0
Bestselling author Staci Hart is back with a new romance series that will take you deep into a world of luxury, secrets, and thrill. Kicking off her new Bright Young Things Series is Star Bright, which follows a New York socialite and an up-and-coming journalist who cross paths and try to form a relationship amidst the secrets they try to hold tight to.
Fans of Anna K and other opulent romances will be sucked into Hart’s world and fall in love with Stella, Levi, and the rest of the Bright Young Things. Diving deep into the world of the lavish parties and socialite drama was so much fun and made this romance that much more engaging. Like her other series, this novel works as a standalone romance, but also threads in other drama and subplots that make this more than just a steamy rom-com.
On top of that, the challenges that Levi and Stella must overcome and they way they must learn to trust each other is relatable, real, and shows that relationships aren’t all glitz and glamour. The themes of trust and communication, coupled with the sultry romance and mystery behind who is out to get the Bright Young Things, take this book to the next level and creates such a delicious story!
Hart concludes the story nicely, but whets your appetite just enough that you’ll be longing for the next book in the series. Overall, it’s a fun, flirty, and dramatic read that’ll make you wish you knew Cecilia Beaton herself! I look forward to reading more about what the BYT will do next and the trouble that will follow.
*I received an ARC from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
Fans of Anna K and other opulent romances will be sucked into Hart’s world and fall in love with Stella, Levi, and the rest of the Bright Young Things. Diving deep into the world of the lavish parties and socialite drama was so much fun and made this romance that much more engaging. Like her other series, this novel works as a standalone romance, but also threads in other drama and subplots that make this more than just a steamy rom-com.
On top of that, the challenges that Levi and Stella must overcome and they way they must learn to trust each other is relatable, real, and shows that relationships aren’t all glitz and glamour. The themes of trust and communication, coupled with the sultry romance and mystery behind who is out to get the Bright Young Things, take this book to the next level and creates such a delicious story!
Hart concludes the story nicely, but whets your appetite just enough that you’ll be longing for the next book in the series. Overall, it’s a fun, flirty, and dramatic read that’ll make you wish you knew Cecilia Beaton herself! I look forward to reading more about what the BYT will do next and the trouble that will follow.
*I received an ARC from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
catherynereads's review
4.0
“You’re magic,” she whispered into my hair. “Blood magic maybe,” I joked. “No. Real live fairy godmother glitter magic. And I’m thankful to get a little stardust on me.”
This is so different from all the other books Staci has written, and yet it carried the same magic that she always seems to portray in her books. Star Bright is a fantastical, magical story based on the exhibition by Cecil Beaton titled Bright Young Things. It photographs the young, wealthy and glamorous socialites from the 20s & 30s and shows off their extravagant lifestyles. Staci took that concept and turned it into a modern day telling that still showed wisps of the original backdrop. The books follows the lavish parties Cecelia Beaton throws, a woman of mystery that very few know the identity of. Society wants to know who she is, the Police Sargent will do whatever it takes to find out, and Cecelia will do whatever she can to remain anonymous.
Stella Spencer is one of New York’s most elite and surrounds herself with the most glamorous of people. At one of Cecelia’s parties she meets Levi Hunt, a smoulderingly handsome man who seems to come out of nowhere. The chemistry between the two is undeniable, and yet the secrets they hold could easily extinguish any flame that may have ignited.
And we stepped through the doorway to be thrust into fantasy.
This backdrop of this story was truly something else. While reading, I felt like I was one of the Bright Young Things experiencing these lavish parties myself. I so desperately wish I could get a golden invitation inviting me to one of these events, as they seem like nothing I would ever experience in my lifetime. Staci always does such a great job making you feel like you are part of her stories. Whenever I read one of her books, I feel like I could really be in the world she is describing, and there is no greater gift that finding an author who’s writing is so good you can truly imagine being in their book.
Although these characters are wealthy beyond compare, they are humble and down to earth. It shows the tug and pull between the rich and elite vs the middle class, as our two main character come from entirely different worlds. Staci did a fantastic job fleshing them out, making you connect with both the main characters and the side characters equally.
I’m lucky enough to be part of Staci’s ARC team, and we’ve been privileged with getting to hear possible ideas for the second book, and let me just say, I cannot wait for this story to continue! There is such a magic to this story, one that proved to be the perfect escape from the realities of our 2020. I really loved every second of this book, and I hope that should you choose to pick this one up, that you connect to it in some way and that you feel like you’re a part of something bigger, if only for a second.
So party on, Cecelia Beaton. The world needs you now more than ever.
Thank you to Staci and her team for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
bookaddictreviews's review
5.0
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!
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!
linzreadz13's review
4.0
*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.
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.
823sisi's review against another edition
4.0
This is an ARC review. All opinions are solely my own.
Just as Stella savored every word of Levi's article, I savored every word of this decadent book. Star Bright by Staci hart is book 1 of the Bright Young Things series. From the cover to the words this book is delicious.
Stella and Levi have lived very different lives and this book explores their relationship in spite of their differences. Levi is the reporter who came from the wrong side of the tracks. He is immediately enamored of Stella, the trust fund kid with a party crowd.
The language used in this book is reminiscent of the Gatsby era. The descriptions of the fashion and parties really makes the reader wonder if they're reading a book set in the 1920's. This book made me feel like I was peeking behind the curtains of fabulously wealthy people. People who are famous because they are rich.
This book explores their differences and how they are actually jealous of each other's standing. Staci Hart touches on several social issues that were issues in the 1920's just as they are in the 2020's.
There is romance and intrigue. There's sex and parties. But to me that wasn't the point of the book. This book is about family and the people we choose to be in that circle. This book is about paying it forward and helping someone out when you can. This book is about living.
Cecelia Beaton isn't a person. Cecelia Beaton is a mindset. Cecelia Beaton is about being joyful and spreading that joy.
Just as Stella savored every word of Levi's article, I savored every word of this decadent book. Star Bright by Staci hart is book 1 of the Bright Young Things series. From the cover to the words this book is delicious.
Stella and Levi have lived very different lives and this book explores their relationship in spite of their differences. Levi is the reporter who came from the wrong side of the tracks. He is immediately enamored of Stella, the trust fund kid with a party crowd.
The language used in this book is reminiscent of the Gatsby era. The descriptions of the fashion and parties really makes the reader wonder if they're reading a book set in the 1920's. This book made me feel like I was peeking behind the curtains of fabulously wealthy people. People who are famous because they are rich.
This book explores their differences and how they are actually jealous of each other's standing. Staci Hart touches on several social issues that were issues in the 1920's just as they are in the 2020's.
There is romance and intrigue. There's sex and parties. But to me that wasn't the point of the book. This book is about family and the people we choose to be in that circle. This book is about paying it forward and helping someone out when you can. This book is about living.
Cecelia Beaton isn't a person. Cecelia Beaton is a mindset. Cecelia Beaton is about being joyful and spreading that joy.
giulia_acobac's review
2.0
2.5 stars
Things that i loved about this book: the friendship , the attention to detail ( seriously i felt like i was at one of those parties) , the setting . The “new world” she crated was awsome and very interesting and the writing was impeccable at usual.
What i didn’t like and that led to this rating:
The romance or better the lack of it. It was this instalust that developed in something else but honestly it just didn’t work for me. I felt like they were not right for each others and the chemestry was lacking.
I didn’t like Levi and his attitude at all ( ps jokes about roofies are NEVER funny )
I will keep reading the series because i’m curious to know how it ends
Things that i loved about this book: the friendship , the attention to detail ( seriously i felt like i was at one of those parties) , the setting . The “new world” she crated was awsome and very interesting and the writing was impeccable at usual.
What i didn’t like and that led to this rating:
The romance or better the lack of it. It was this instalust that developed in something else but honestly it just didn’t work for me. I felt like they were not right for each others and the chemestry was lacking.
I didn’t like Levi and his attitude at all ( ps jokes about roofies are NEVER funny )
I will keep reading the series because i’m curious to know how it ends
carleneinspired's review against another edition
5.0
5 glittering stars
Stella, Z, New York City, and glittering parties. Staci thrusts readers into a creative new series with a clever combining of the Bright Young Things of the past and today’s modernization. Levi Hunt is looking for the scoop on the rich, boisterous affairs, he’s set on uncovering THE Cecelia Burton, it’s his key to success. He’s up to the task, willing to take any risk, until Stella Spencer’s eyes meet his. She’ll reveal to him the beauty and power in the secretive affairs, but not before falling for his lies, not before they’re too entangled to make it out unscathed. Sparkling, descriptive, and oh so fun, Star Bright is just the start of the Bright Young Things.
"You can't have the story and the girl."
Holy writing, Staci Hart! The prose in this novel is just beyond! It’s elegant, descriptive, flowery when necessary, and equally as blunt when the dialogue calls for it. I’m a Staci fan girl, I’ll read whatever she gives us, but this truly is her best work. I could picture every character, every scene, every party playing out before me.
I loved Star Bright so darn much. With jazz playing in the background I dove headfirst into the sequins alongside Levi. He’s a good guy with a chip on his shoulder and a goal in mind, his ill-conceived idea just luckily landed him among the right people, the right girl. I love that Staci gives us a hero to love, but shares his flaws right away too. Stella, in all her wealth and beauty, has a heart of gold. She collects friends, cares generously, and loves hard, albeit naively. You read this with a pit feeling in your stomach, waiting for the other shoe to drop, as readers we know the truth, but it's impossible to not want these two together. Alongside the fated couple are some standout secondary characters, Staci did some incredible world building with them, and I can't wait to see the others in their own novels.
"'...And what a thing to belong to, isn't it?'
'A very bright thing.'
'A very bright thing indeed.'"
Star Bright is a great new series introductory novel and stands out for just how fun and magical it is to read. The first time Levi enters a BYT party he goes down a rabbit hole of feathers and charm and beauty and we go right along with him. I could live in this novel and I highly recommend you accept an invitation to the hottest party of the year, too.
ARC provided.
Stella, Z, New York City, and glittering parties. Staci thrusts readers into a creative new series with a clever combining of the Bright Young Things of the past and today’s modernization. Levi Hunt is looking for the scoop on the rich, boisterous affairs, he’s set on uncovering THE Cecelia Burton, it’s his key to success. He’s up to the task, willing to take any risk, until Stella Spencer’s eyes meet his. She’ll reveal to him the beauty and power in the secretive affairs, but not before falling for his lies, not before they’re too entangled to make it out unscathed. Sparkling, descriptive, and oh so fun, Star Bright is just the start of the Bright Young Things.
"You can't have the story and the girl."
Holy writing, Staci Hart! The prose in this novel is just beyond! It’s elegant, descriptive, flowery when necessary, and equally as blunt when the dialogue calls for it. I’m a Staci fan girl, I’ll read whatever she gives us, but this truly is her best work. I could picture every character, every scene, every party playing out before me.
I loved Star Bright so darn much. With jazz playing in the background I dove headfirst into the sequins alongside Levi. He’s a good guy with a chip on his shoulder and a goal in mind, his ill-conceived idea just luckily landed him among the right people, the right girl. I love that Staci gives us a hero to love, but shares his flaws right away too. Stella, in all her wealth and beauty, has a heart of gold. She collects friends, cares generously, and loves hard, albeit naively. You read this with a pit feeling in your stomach, waiting for the other shoe to drop, as readers we know the truth, but it's impossible to not want these two together. Alongside the fated couple are some standout secondary characters, Staci did some incredible world building with them, and I can't wait to see the others in their own novels.
"'...And what a thing to belong to, isn't it?'
'A very bright thing.'
'A very bright thing indeed.'"
Star Bright is a great new series introductory novel and stands out for just how fun and magical it is to read. The first time Levi enters a BYT party he goes down a rabbit hole of feathers and charm and beauty and we go right along with him. I could live in this novel and I highly recommend you accept an invitation to the hottest party of the year, too.
ARC provided.
rohina_sharma's review against another edition
3.0
When I read the blurb about Star Bright, I was immediately excited to dive into the world Ms Hart had created. There aren’t a lot of Contemporary Romance books that venture into Old Hollywood and the style of parties and traditions that have been passed down to generations. The lavishness and exclusivity of the Bright Young Things pulled me in and of course the biggest question of all - who is Cecilia Beaton?
I want to start by saying that I loved the idea of the story. The whole Gatsby meets Hollywood ‘party like the 20s’ vibe is strong and I loved that. I also loved the friendship between the core group of Bright Young Things. They were their own brand of misfits, leaning and relying on each other. They were a family and it showed whenever they were together.
However, the story didn’t do it for me on multiple fronts. There was a tad too many parties; so much so that they started to feel like fillers. I couldn’t see the point of the parties or how they helped any significant movement of the story, apart from an instance or two. All they did was reinforcing the idea of kinship among the elite kids, again and again, who felt alone but still celebrating the fact that they were alive.
The involvement of the police? This might just be a “me” thing but I really didn’t quite get the full picture or the idea behind Warren and his insane obsession with the Bright Young Things and their parties.
The romance between Levi and Stella just wasn’t convincing enough. I didn’t feel the chemistry nor was I sold on the attraction those two felt for each other. There were too many things happening in this relationship and honestly, I expected better handling from both of them, especially Levi.
Stella and Levi in general just didn’t appeal as a couple.
Stella, to me, came across not only as entitled but super selective to her secret most of the time. Yes, she is fun, sweet and an overall cheerful character, but some of her reactions seemed hypocritical, if not over the top. She would always jump to conclusions based on the half-baked facts and without listening to the full story which would then lead to her making rash decisions and then regretting them.
Levi, if I were to compare him to Stella, was a tad bit better in characterization and definitely the mature one out of the two of them. I didn’t care much for his shadiness and the way he kept putting off telling the truth. (Which when revealed led to Stella’s jumping to conclusions, rash decisions and fickle behaviour… Men, I tell you.)
Overall, while Start Bright does have all the elements and I know for a fact that this story is a top favourite for a lot of readers, it just didn’t work for me.
3 Stars!
↠ Buy Star Bright (Kindle)
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*ARC gifted by the author in exchange for an honest review.*
I want to start by saying that I loved the idea of the story. The whole Gatsby meets Hollywood ‘party like the 20s’ vibe is strong and I loved that. I also loved the friendship between the core group of Bright Young Things. They were their own brand of misfits, leaning and relying on each other. They were a family and it showed whenever they were together.
However, the story didn’t do it for me on multiple fronts. There was a tad too many parties; so much so that they started to feel like fillers. I couldn’t see the point of the parties or how they helped any significant movement of the story, apart from an instance or two. All they did was reinforcing the idea of kinship among the elite kids, again and again, who felt alone but still celebrating the fact that they were alive.
The involvement of the police? This might just be a “me” thing but I really didn’t quite get the full picture or the idea behind Warren and his insane obsession with the Bright Young Things and their parties.
The romance between Levi and Stella just wasn’t convincing enough. I didn’t feel the chemistry nor was I sold on the attraction those two felt for each other. There were too many things happening in this relationship and honestly, I expected better handling from both of them, especially Levi.
Stella and Levi in general just didn’t appeal as a couple.
Stella, to me, came across not only as entitled but super selective to her secret most of the time. Yes, she is fun, sweet and an overall cheerful character, but some of her reactions seemed hypocritical, if not over the top. She would always jump to conclusions based on the half-baked facts and without listening to the full story which would then lead to her making rash decisions and then regretting them.
Levi, if I were to compare him to Stella, was a tad bit better in characterization and definitely the mature one out of the two of them. I didn’t care much for his shadiness and the way he kept putting off telling the truth. (Which when revealed led to Stella’s jumping to conclusions, rash decisions and fickle behaviour… Men, I tell you.)
Overall, while Start Bright does have all the elements and I know for a fact that this story is a top favourite for a lot of readers, it just didn’t work for me.
3 Stars!
↠ Buy Star Bright (Kindle)
_________________________
For more reviews and recommendations:
☛ Facebook Page
☛ Main Blog
*ARC gifted by the author in exchange for an honest review.*