Starcrossed

Starstruck #2

by Brenda Hiatt

Marsha Truitt’s life has changed dramatically over the past few months. Instead of a nerdy nobody, she’s the newly discovered princess of a secret civilization. Even better, she’s dating the hottest guy in school, who just happens to be her literal soulmate. But when a new boy arrives at Jewel High, everything M thought she knew about herself and her future is turned on its head. Will the very destiny that lifted her from obscurity now tear her away from Rigel and their happy ever after?

Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Science Fiction, Aliens, Paranormal, Fiction

330 pages, Paperback

First published January 20, 2014

About the author

Brenda Hiatt is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of sparkling romantic adventure. She's written twenty-five novels (so far), including sweet and spicy historical romance, time travel romance, humorous mystery, and her young adult science fiction STARSTRUCK series. Brenda began in traditional publishing with Harlequin, HarperCollins and Avon Books and later made a transition to indie publishing as she began getting rights back to her older books. So far, she hasn't been sorry! She is an active member of Romance Writers of America and Novelists, Inc, where she has served as president. In addition to writing, Brenda is passionate about embracing life to the fullest, to include scuba diving (she has over 60 dives to her credit), Taekwondo (where she is working toward her 4th degree black belt), hiking, traveling…and reading, of course!
Learn more at http://brendahiatt.com

Reviews

[Siobhan Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was a vast improvement on the first book and I'm definitely hooked on this series now.

Starcrossed was fast-paced from the first page and the author packed more suspense and intrigue into this book. I really liked the introduction of the O'Gara family and love-love-love the Irish connection. The fact that the Martian language is essentially Irish/Gaelic made me laugh out loud, I really got a kick out of that. It enabled me to forgive the stereotypical description of Sean (copper-colored hair and freckles)

Ah, poor Sean. He's very likeable and not in an enviable position at all. Even though I'm Team Rigel, I still really felt for Sean.

M has to face the realities of her new situation and she is forced to grow up fast. However, I was so frustrated with her in parts because of her failure to recognise the strong bargaining position she held and how she could have protected Rigel, and their relationship, from the get-go. I had to remind myself she was only 15, but when she was portrayed as having grasped the intricacies of Martian politics, I felt she could have realised the strength she possessed far earlier than she actually did.

The threat to Rigel's life never felt like much of a threat to me and I would have liked those scenes to have been further developed.

The romance continues to be very sweet and Rigel and M are so adorable as a couple.

All in all, though, I really enjoyed the second installment and I've already started into the third book.

[Jami Brumfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. It is book two in a series and I have not read book one but definitely will add it to my TBR file. One thing that I enjoyed about this book was being part of series the story was easy to pick up. There were enough references to the previous story that I was able to jump into the middle of the series and follow along, this is not always the case in series.

I also really enjoyed the characters. I love the romance between M and Rigel and even found myself liking Sean and his sister Molly. The bad guy in the story did his job of making me dislike him as well.

The story also ended on a good note. Of course there were some teasers for the next installment but most loose ends were tied up nicely before the ending. It didn't feel rushed or missing important detail. I look forward to reading the next book.

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Marci · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book in the series was so amazing and it truly showed a different side to Marsha. I would love to praise the vocabulary again and the new words for the language they speak on mars. The new characters are really a new add to the book and I loved it. I didn't like Molly at first cause I thought she really liked Rigel, which its kinda hinted at. And sean having some type of connection to Marsha, is a really great new add but I always ship rigel and Marsha. I found the second book to be very interesting and I didn't want it to end. The plot for the new book was so huge and it was already stated at the beginning and the hugest secret revealed. I just loved it. Marsha's aunt really gets involved with the new family-sean and molly's and its funny to see her be friendly to them and happy. Titles parents kinda bug me because they try to do what best for marsha as a princess and not a friend. That was a really good part in the story because I wouldn't have expected that from rigel's parents. I greall bond takes a huge step and Rigel and Marsha make some very big decisions that can risk a lot of things. I felt the second book combined Marsha and Rigel's love with the idea of marsha running out of time and needs to be a princess for mars. It was incredible and the ending was a huge blow so I know what the next book will be expecting, and I can't wait.

[Divya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Brenda!

Starcrossed is MUCH better than its prequel, Starstruck. Even though I wanted to read it, I was a bit wary as I started it since I didn’t like Starstruck much. But I’m really glad that I read this! But that cover, ugh. Starstruck’s cover is way better than this.

Marsha goes through more character development in this book. Rigel was sweet, just like he was in Starstruck. The new characters, Sean, Molly, and the others didn’t impress me as much. We get to read through Rigel’s POV also in this book. And I was like, YES! Rigel!

This book was also predictable, but it is carried out better. Even though I knew all the twists, I was eager to read them. The writing also flows a bit more smoothly in this book. All in all, I really liked this book, and am waiting for book three!

[Jonel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. What a trip. Hiatt picks up right where she left off in the first novel in the series and takes her readers on an even more unbelievable journey. That said, she continues with the same vividly brilliant writing style that we’ve come to know and love her for. The story is ground in reality, making it easy for the audience to immerse themselves in. at the same time suspense and intrigue are abundant, drawing you forward into this brilliant world.

I quite enjoyed getting to know the new characters in this instalment. They were very well developed and added quite a bit of intrigue and mystery to the novel. Not only that, but we got more of the characters that made us fall in love with this series. The main characters become even more loveable as they grow into their roles and fight for what they believe in. At the same time, the reality of being a teen in high school shines through clearly and realistically. Overall, everyone, old and new, melded together to create a brilliantly unique cast that will take you out of this world.

As a whole, this was an extremely enjoyable novel. I really appreciated the realism behind it and how Hiatt shows her readers the possibilities in our world today without losing the forward pace of the story. I, for one, can’t wait for the next instalment in this series.

Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.

[Doreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the edge of my seat

I can measure how involved I get in a story by how indignant I get over the protagonists' treatment. I got very indignant over this book.

[Sue Gosland]

This is the second book in a series about a young girl who finds out she is more than she ever imagined. She always thought she was a twice orphaned girl living with her aunt and uncle, but everything changes when she meets the new boy. He opens up a whole world she was unaware of, and yet smack dab in the middle of it all.. She's the Princess of Mars, and her showing up begins all kind of trouble back on Mars.

In this second book, complications move into tiny Jewel in the form of the O'Gara family. Turns out, the son, Sean is supposed to be her Consort back on their home planet of Mars. She's still trying to adjust to the fact that she is Royalty while still getting through high school. M and Rigel are in love, and have a Very strong bond most Martians think is just a fairy tale, which throws a monkey wrench into all the political plans of Sean's Uncle Allister, who wants M to rule and Sean to be her Consort. so where does that leave Rigel? How will this affect their relationship?

I really enjoyed this one and now have to go get the next book in the series.

[Ishi Bhanot · Rating 3 out of 5]

~~I was given a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review~~

3½ starry stars!:★★★½

Minor Spoilers.

It took me a few turns with this one. I couldn't finish it in just one go and had to pause it a few time in between but that was more due the lack of my busy schedule and less due the lack of plot.
The new characters introduced were all good enough, each having their own set of flaws and perfections. Though there wasn't much character detail in some parts, we saw great changes in Marsha.
The ending was amazing! I don't think I can wait to get my hands on the next book in series!

Recommended to Sci-fi lovers!

[Book-Lover-49 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 in the Starstruck series. Really enjoying this series. The target audience seems to be the youngers side of teens. The main characters are 15/16 years old. In this book M comes to terms with her position and what she has to do. People are finally starting to believe in the bond but a new boy in town, Sean, is challenging M and Rigel's connection.

Much adventure happens in this story and lots of tension builds up. The book is very well written and fans of SciFi/romance/YA will enjoy it.

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

After I finished reading Starstruck I could not wait to read the next book I had to learn what was to happen to the princess and her boyfriend... what drama would unfold? who is this new guy? Can things finally calm down? Well I know the answer to the last question, of course nothing can calm down she is royalty after all... nothing is truly ever calm when it comes to royalty.

[Andrea Heltsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The series keeps getting better the more I read. This was another stellar installment in a new creative series by a really talented author. The plot continues to thicken and the characters became more complex. I was left with the whole 'wow' factor by the end. And on to book 3! Five glittery stars.

[Yara · Rating 5 out of 5]

M and Rigel's bond keeps on growing despite all obstacles faced, which Brenda Hiatt does a great job of throwing at them :) Can't wait to read Starbound!

[btwthesepages · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Sarah Wind · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars -- this book is even better than the 1st! I'm definitely in for the long haul

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-written, interesting and geared towards teenage girls “Starcrossed”the second in the "Starstruck" series opens after Marsha (“M”) Truitt (aka Princess Emileia) and boyfriend/soulmate Rigel Stuart have successfully foiled Faxon’s plan to annihilate the Princess. But all too soon M is shaken by the arrival of Sean O’Gara, her intended Consort and his family. With none of the Council except Rigel’s grandfather Shim believing in M and Rigel’s “graell” (bond), with her Aunt Theresa prohibiting their relationship and everyone spying on them hoping to tear them apart, their physical health quickly deteriorates and only with an agreement that sways the Council’s intervention will either survive.

Slow at first with the O’Gara family’s arrival in Jewel,Indiana; the introduction of Sean as the Princess’s Consort;and Aunt Theresa's influence in separating M and Rigel, the plot heats up with the political turmoil on Mars; the need to ensure the people’s acceptance of Emileia as their Princess; and Sean's attempt to win M's favour. Intensity and suspense build quickly when M and Rigel get sick, and a plot is hatched to get rid of her soulmate as a problem. Although the crises the characters face enhanced a story that progressed smoothly to an intriguing cliffhanger, they would have made more of an impression if they had been further developed.

Yet the romance was compelling whether between Rigel and M, or with Sean’s attempt to lure her away from his rival. I had to keep reminding myself that M was fifteen and Rigel sixteen as the intensity of their feelings often mirrored an older couple.

Adding a new dimension to the personalities already infusing the plot with complexity and excitement is Sean O’Gara, Alastair Adair’s nephew. Good-looking, popular, friendly and utterly likable, Sean fell in love with his dream of Mar’s Princess even as a youth, so you feel sorry for him as “M” was already bonded to the sincere, handsome and athletic Rigel Stuart before his arrival. Molly O’Gara is Sean’s down-to-earth and well-liked sister, and Mrs. O’Gara his persuasive, kind but politically astute mother.

I enjoyed the combination of science-fiction and romance in “Starcrossed” and will continue to follow this delightful series.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

While in reality only two months happens between now and the first book in the series I really liked how M is slowly developing confidence in herself without becoming pompous. Also with more of the book being told from Rigel's point of view it's getting easier to understand that he isn't so much uncertain as he is starting to realize that more is involved in being together then just them.
I'm also a die hard for the love triangle so I enjoyed bringing Sean into the mix and hope he gets a happy ending eventually too (he shouldn't be made to feel that he is only special because of his lineage)
I'm a little uncertain about Mrs O... I can't decide if she is a good guy yet or not...
Also obviously their is some serious problems with the mars society if someone so evil was able to gain a foothold of power. I think this book gives a good beginning to that fact by showing that not all the 'good' guys have the right motives like they assumed and some of the genetic enhancements might not be as fool proof as they thought.

All in all I think this book begins to add depth to the authors original concept although it still has its moments of teen drama aka running away that makes your eyes roll from time to time

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Usually I get annoyed at the teen characters for being stubborn and unwilling to listen, or I get annoyed at authoritative figures for refusing to tell the protagonist everything amd being vague for dumb reasons. But MAN were the adults in this book annoying. The Stuarts were wimps, the Council and all the Royalists absolute shitheads, and the O'Gara's manipulative. Does no one think that have a line of ruling class with the ability of persuasion isn't fishy??? No one questions whether or not things were better with them? And just the constant refrain of "it's tradition" and "appearances" and "what the people will accept". What people? The entirety of the population? Or just the Royal fine? Cause we all know what that bullshit is really about - selective breeding, and tbe fear of "intermingling". For an "advanced race" the Martians sure are ass-backwards.

Actually, you know what, I was annoyed at M in this book. She needed a backbone earlier on. She gave in far too easily to things, and was not suspicious enough about what were clearly ulterior motives.

Also, please for the love of everythinf, no love triangles. I didn't want one and I still don't and Sean really needs to get over himself and his fantasy. It's kinda creepy.
3.5 stars

[Karen Voitik · Rating 4 out of 5]

>Book Review – Starcrossed

>I am an independent reviewer. This book is the 2nd in the Starstruck series and ends in a cliffhanger. There are new Martians at school. There are new Martians in town. Everyone wants to see their lost Princess, M. Tons of lying and pretending as the new student, Sean, is meant to be M’s fiancé. I loved how Rigel and M are physically kept one from the other and they both get sick. I was confused as to why Sean still didn’t believe M and Rigel were fated mates.

>This book is appropriate for a young adult (16+) audience. I am giving this book 4 stars. The theme for this book is angst.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book felt a bit slow in the middle, but I was glad I read on as it became increasingly captivating and exciting towards the end. Like in the first book of the series, people seemed to shrug a lot, often at odd times to me. The descriptions of intimacy could use some expanded vocabulary, although they were better near the end of the book as well. An interesting storyline nonetheless. Can't wait to find out what's going to happen next!

[Carol L. Caldwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was great to follow Marsha Truitt's journey as Rigel's girlfriend and Princess Emileia of Mars. What fifteen-yr-old wouldn't want to be royalty? But since she can't tell anyone, especially her adopted aunt and uncle, her position doesn't bring her any benefits, just trouble.

This is a tense story, full of action, suspense, deceit, secrets, and subterfuge. Exciting pacing. I didn't want to put it down and now I have to get book #3.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I really like this series...still hate love triangles and people who think if they have a little bit of power they can take over. But, luckily we have a great heroine who is humble...and young and is trying her very best. Great inventive ideas and storylines keep us interested in the series.

[Frances · Rating 3 out of 5]

Storylines is really good. However, I had to constantly remind myself that she was only 15yrs-old and that is why she was such a pushover, letting total strangers dictate to her. It was so freaking frustrating. I'm glad she not only found her backbone, and just in the nick of time too, but did it in a way that got Allistair dealt with!!! Now, if she'd only had something else to bargain with....

[Michael Mcfarren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Adventure

Starcrossed is an exciting adventure in the corn fields of Indiana. Four teens try to traverse the vast intricacies of Martian governance while keeping it hidden from earthlings. Can’t wait to see their next adventure and how M manages to keep up appearances with Sean while being in love with Rigel.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

My curiosity was peaked after book one. It was a breath of fresh air after a slew of garbage I submitted myself to. I loved the alien side of the story but am dubious as to how that will pan out. On to book 3...

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was full of suspense and character development. I had a hard time putting it down or getting it out of my head. I had to remember that they are actually 15-16 year old's and then their behavior made more sense.

[Jacqueline Kimmel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A satisfying read.

The story was broad, yet multifaceted. Well written, well developed characters and storyline. I truly enjoyed their adventure and the further along I got the more engaging it was.

[Sandy Conley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great series for the younger reader but also many older readers may enjoy the books. I found my self looking forward to each book in the series and was glad I had access to all the books.

[Phylis Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starcrossed by Brenda Hiatt is a good, story. It will have you glued to your book until the end. My free opinion. Thanks

[Gina Stamm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn't enjoy it as much add the first one, but still an enjoyable read.

[Rosibel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I decide to give this book three stars because I liked the ending in the story , it's good the writer leaves you looking for more... But the book needed more help.