The Star Princess

Star #3

by Susan Grant

NOTE: Previously published as Star Rogue.

An alien crown prince with a deadline to marry . . .
A working-class woman from Earth who wants to stay single. . .

Ché Vedla is less than thrilled about his family choosing the perfect princess bride for him, but as the crown prince it is his duty to comply. With an arranged marriage looming, he escapes to Earth to sow some wild oats. Falling head over royal heels with his friend Ilana Hamilton may not have been in his plans, but he is determined to convince her of their happily ever after.

Science fiction romance with characters you’ll care about. Read the Star Series today!

◆ Star Raider (prequel)
◆ Star King
◆ Star Prince
◆ Star Princess
◆ Star Champion
◆ Star Heroes (books 5 & 6 in a 2-book set)
◆ Star Series: the complete 7-book box set

Genres: Romance, Science Fiction, Science Fiction Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy, Futuristic, Paranormal Romance

371 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published August 1, 2003

About the author

Susan’s childhood dreams of becoming a space explorer fizzled when she found out calculus was involved. Luckily, she didn’t need math skills to fly jets--or to create sky-high stories in her head, first for herself, then for friends, and now for readers everywhere.  

A New York Times/USA Today bestselling author and a military veteran, Susan won the prestigious RITA® Award for her book Contact, a sci-fi aviation-thriller romance.

Reviews

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was, for intents and purposes, a contemporary romance involving a hero from another galaxy. Instead of sci-fi romance, this would more accurately be called romantic with science fiction elements, the romance being the main story and the sci-fi incidental to the that. However, that doesn't mean this isn't a very good book. I thoroughly enjoyed the hero and heroine, and felt the relationship, while containing the requisite passion to make it a hot romance, was believable and well-developed. The motivations of both primary characters were clear and both were honest, honorable people. No big misunderstandings, and the tension is provided by the natural situation in which the characters find themselves.

There was very little real action in this book, and the "villain" was weak, as was the secondary romance. But the developing relationship between Illana and Che was sweet and compelling, and well worth the time.

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

After stepping aside when he learned that Princess Tee'ah, his fiancee, and Prince Ian, the heir to the Vash Nadah throne were in love, Prince Che Vedla is being advised to quickly take a new bride to save face for his family and the Vedla bloodline. Always the consummate Vash and royal, he agrees, but then shocks his advisers when he decides to take an unofficial vacation as the hunt for a bride and wedding preparations commence. His destination is the wild frontier of earth and he will have Ian's sister, Ilana as his guide. On arrival, there are a few hiccoughs, but Ilana is more than he imagined and she helps him find the rogue inside. As his time draws to a close, he realizes that leaving earth and Ilana will come at a high price.

Ilana Hamilton watched her dad's infidelity and her mom's sorry and determines that if she never lets anyone get close or stick around then that won't be her lot. She will be in control; she will be the one to do the leaving. She is independent and strong. And, she's terrified of getting on a ship to go to her brother's wedding on the far away B'kah homeworld. But that is nothing to the fear she experiences when she realizes that being in Che's presence is enough to knock her off balance and make her cool as a cucumber routine out to be the shallow cover that it is. She thought she had him pinned as an arrogant, stuffy traditionalist who she had pegged and could control. Oh, how she got that wrong. Che is dangerous to her and she has to put up or shut up about being strong and going for what she wants- like when she went for her dream of film making.

Two seeming opposites figuring out themselves and each other even while someone is plotting intrigue to make sure the sparks between them never ignite.
It took me a bit to get into Ilana because her denial that she has issues and her big, bad sassy front had me impatient at first. But, then I I warmed to her and really wanted her to see her be honest with herself and break through her real fears- and I'm not talking about the flying. Che was so good for her and it took a man like him to call her bluff and deal with her crap until he got through to her just as she was just the woman to show him who he really wanted at his side.
It was fun the way Ian was playing matchmaker and strong, loyal Muffin finally got his own side romance.

This series remains strong for me and I loved that surprised twist at the end though, it didn't exactly surprise me since I had a hunch about all that was going on. This series works so great getting it in order.

[Pamela(AllHoney) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The third book in Susan Grant's Star series. Prince Ché Vedla is advised to marry before the big royal wedding of the crown prince. While his advisor is looking for an appropriate bride, Ché decides to vacation on Earth for a bit. There he contacts, Ilana Hamilton, the sister of the crown prince.

I'm sorry but I was really expecting more from the book. It was really slow for me but somewhere after the halfway mark it picked up and started getting good. Most of the story takes place on Earth in California. The pace was a little slow for me but the style of writing was nice. The characters were also likable and there is a little secondary romance included. Overall, I liked it but I didn't love it.

[Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was more like a contemporary romance involving a hero from another galaxy.it is a solid good romantic story between Che and Illana. The romance was well-developed and believable.
There was very little real action in this book, and the secondary romance was week as well. But the developing relationship between Illana and Che was sweet and compelling, and well worth a few hours

[Coco.V]

🎁 The Star Series: The Complete 7 Book Sci-Fi Romance Boxed Set is FREE on Amazon today (1/12/2021)! 🎁

[Sugar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review:

Eons or slightly less time ago I read the first two books in the series and since I remember really enjoying them (this series has been around for a while already), I thought why not read the next installment even though I don’t recall much from the previous ones. Plus, a good Cinderella/fairy tale story is always worth to lose some hours for.

It was in a sense a classical romance with a predictable plot and two stubborn as mules hero and heroine from completely different worlds, who should have accepted that they are ideal for each other already on first meeting and gotten on with it already. The various characters and other little details were, however, what made it an extra charming and sweet reading experience.

Like:
I liked the final villain and the twist there, I totally didn’t see that coming.

The tension that was building between Che and Ilana till it exploded. I also liked that they were so different, but there wasn’t any major conflicts or there wasn’t too much contrasting to showcase how incredibly different they were both in the lives they led and them as individuals. Thus, it wasn’t too hard to believe how they could be attracted to one another and eventually fall in love.

It’s always entertaining to watch someone totally out of their element, especially someone aristocratic and privileged. To observe how they fare in an ordinary person’s world usually leads to hilarious situations, which in this book weren’t as in your face and embarrassing as in other books, but the subtle glimpses to Che adapting to earth life were very endearing.

Ilana’s “devious” brother.

The whole background and world building of this image of the future where the story takes place is elaborate and detailed (especially having read the previous books), yet it doesn’t take over the story and I don’t feel overwhelmed by all the information. This book is focused on the main couple and everything revolves around them and nothing else hogs their quality time.

Me not like:
The secondary romance came across too detached and out of the blue to me to actually enjoy. Although, I’m happy that the über manly guy with the über adorable name, Muffin, finally found his lady-love.

As already mentioned, it had a somewhat simplistic and cliché plotline and was a quick read. But, since the main theme of the book I’m quite fond of, then I didn’t mind the predictability as much.

Characters:

Ilana – She is independent, self-confident, a career woman, a seemingly strong and self-sufficient woman who has her own soft sports and fears. There wasn’t really any special reason not to like or root for her. I especially liked how she decided to ignore all buts and doubts and just go with what she felt, that was unexpected yet pleasant. Some may see it as too rash and convenient, but I found it incredibly sympathetic and brave.

Che – An honorable and responsible prince, who want to enjoy the final free days of his life before having to sacrifice himself at the altar for his people and duty. But, he was all in all a really nice and likable guy despite being born with a silver, or in his case, a diamond spoon in his mouth.

Overall:

This was a sweet conclusion to the whole series and I recommend it to all. The three books were simple and romantic sci-fi love stories. I don’t usually find myself enjoying sci-fi romance, but I really came to like this series.

[Lover of Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Illana, is known as the 'Star Princess' a title she abhors. Still living on Earth, her mother still happily married to King Romlijan, and her brother engaged, doesn't know where her life is headed, but she knows it can never be the kind of life her family has picked out. Illana wishes for a life of normality. But when Prince Che Valda comes spiraling into her life, even if its for a distraction and to sow wild oats...Illana is determined not to fall for his charms. Che Valda must marry a bride, whom he has no idea of her identity, but comes to Earth for distractions until then, and the perfect canidate is Illana who memerizes him to the point where he wishes he could forget duty and obligation for once in his life and choose a life with a woman that he aches to keep forever...The Star Princess is the fourth in the Star Series. I have just fallen in love with this author and this series that I have been able to read so far...and at this point one of my favorite sci fi/futuristic romantic series. I definitely loved the story and plot line.....two people who are as different as night and day but are more than perfect for each other. I loved how Susan Grant blended it perfectly the romance, with a bit of mystery and danger and to top it off with passion...just made for a tremendously entertaining read...one that I would never regret. There was a satisfaction upon finishing the story...yet wishing it was longer. Definitely a keeper here!!!

[Tara van Beurden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved this one. Ilana is my kind of character, more bold and strong than her mother (who was in The Star King), ambitious enough to be realistic. I really liked Che too, though I didn't expect to initially (much like Ilana). I think I have a thing for kings and princes - there always my favourite characters. I really liked their relationship because it wasn't pure lovey dovey; they were sarcastic and funny and argumentative and passionate. Ilana refrained from becoming too clingy or ridiculous after they hooked up, and there was no instant 'Oh my god, i love you' but an acknowledgment that despite the circumstances of their marriage they weren't necessarily in love yet. I liked the little side story with Muffin and Cooper too though I do wish Grant had made mention of the relationship between Gann and Lara referred to in the previous book. There were things I didn't like about this story, issues I took with some of Grant's world and society creation, but overall I could overlook these in my enjoyment of the story.

[Paraphrodite · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I think making this pretty much a contemporary romance with some sci-fi elements worked for this instalment. We have Tee's previous promised husband-to-be Ché wanting to marry before Ian and Tee in order to save face for his family. So he decided to take a "Last Hurrah" vacation on Earth by asking Ian's wild and unconventional twin Ilana as his tour guide. From then on, it's more or less just a romantic comedy until the very end.

Interesting to see Klark, Ché's younger brother and the villain in the previous book redeemed himself in this one and thus setting him up as the hero for the next book. Would have loved to see more of Muffin and Copper's relationship though. They were cute together.

[Pet · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the book for the most part, the beginning put me off though. If Che had such a reaction on meeting Ilana then his making use of certain perks to his position just left me distrusting him and his so called feelings for the rest of the story. I also don’t like books that are resold under a new title, since I already had the original book called The Star Princess, I’ve now bought the same book twice.

[Jamoz23 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favourite in this series.
Never like books that start with the hero having sex with another woman, no matter the setting or cultural acceptance.
Found this slow for the first half but then it picked up well.
Betrayal by one close to you is hard to understand.
I liked that Klark was not what I thought he was.
Loved that Muffin, (cracks me up every time) finds his own HEA too.
Read in the box set through Kindle Unlimited.

[Laz the Sailor · Rating 3 out of 5]

While a fine story, this is definitely he weakest in the series. Other than the humorous "alien lost on earth" aspects, it was too predictable and lacked tension, sexual or otherwise. The small twist at the end was nice, but doesn't redeem the book.

Book #4 is better, so I still rate the series highly.

[Kathrynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 4 in the Star series and though I read this series several years I remember liking the entire series. Good stories. This one, the hero was a prince and looking for a bride when he encounters the heroine who doesn't want to be married. Nice book.

[Kiara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!! I just love CHE1! He just might be the bestest alien in the world!

[Shane · Rating 1 out of 5]

God this one’s unbearable or maybe my expectations were sky high that the mediocrity of this piece shoot it down to smithereens? Whatever the real cause, this just left me feeling pissed off. First and foremost is the heroine, gawd, she’s the type of heroine I extremely dislike with her tendency to be judgmental bordering on hypocrisy, self-absorption and impulsiveness that’s so like her mother’s. I like my heroines’ smart, street smart, and with an abundance of common sense, not some woman with false bravado which would only lose my interest in reading further.

Sad to say, I gave up and skipped to the ending and thank God I did because I didn’t feel like I’ve missed anything at all!

But poor characterization is the least of what made this unbearable to read. The other factor is the plot. I expected a space opera-ish event but no, it’s a boring romance involving an alien spending his last days as a bachelor and a woman bent on changing his cultural views. Bah! That last one’s the last straw to be honest. Why can’t our heroine keep an open mind and respect a freaking culture?! It’s not as if her effing culture is the holiest of the holiest?!

Ugh and I hate the epilogue too, grr.

[Jenny Delandro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ilana is partner in a film company and loves her job.
Che is on his home planet and has been recently told he must marry.. hastily..
To save the face of the family clan.. as Ian is marrying his promised fiancé.
Che’s first thought is to go to Earth.. and to see Ilana again..
He clears it with Ian who said he will let Ilana know..
But he didn’t..
She assaulted him with pepper spray.. and then let him stay in her apartment..
They did not start on a good footing but things develop..
Back on the Vedla’s home world, Klack is getting increasing agitated when shown photos of them …
Che is summoned back but he has already asked Ilana to marry him, and she agreed… she is going back with him and Linda is coming too because Che has decided Ilana film company can make and distribute films on his home world. But there is a problem with Linda’s passport and they have to split up ..
Then Klack escapes his home arrest and steals a star cruiser..
What happens next is full of twists and Che and Ilana do get married but in completely different circumstances then they thought.

[Betty Lambert · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was good. I had a hard time really getting into it as it was just so much, almost too much, stuff about the star princess and her life on earth. Very boring, to me anyway, to wade through her days doing normal "human" things. She is afraid of flying and that is why she is putting up such a snit about going to another planet to see her mom and her brother. To me, she was a spoiled princess. There was a good plot in the story and it finally gets interesting about halfway through it. She meets up with Che'Vedla, who is the crown prince of another race on another planet. He has come to earth to rest and have one last fling before having to go back home to make a political match for his country. They have a great time together and then things start to go wrong. Would recommend if you are following this series.

[Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Star Princess was an interesting take on contemporary romance and science fiction. The main characters Illana and Che's relationship has a steady development that doesn't feel rushed or impractical. Prince Che comes to Earth to avoid the marriage preparations for his wedding and stays with Illana, learning about Earth and falling in love almost without realizing it. Once he understands his feelings he quickly plans to tell his family and cancel his previous wedding plans, making him one of my favorite hero-types, not one to mess around and not admit his feelings. Overall this book was very interesting and well written. It's only received three stars because, although it was a great read, it seemed unnecessarily long in some spots and, for me personally, was just an average story without some mysterious spark that flies out of some books and makes me fall in love.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third in this series, this one takes place mostly on Earth seven years after the events in the first in the series. Just like Ian, his twin sister has been adopted by Rom and is now a princess, although she considers herself a filmmaker. She is cast as a female version of a male as far as sexual activity is concerned, always a role I dislike, since I don't think promiscuity is acceptable in either of the sexes. As Che, Tee'ah's former betrothed, looks to vacation before becoming betrothed again, he and Ilana explore Earth's pleasures as Ilana teaches Che about Earth customs. It is somewhat amusing to see Ilana's attempts to seduce Che, whose rigid moral compass insists that marriage must precede any sexual relations with her, a role reversal that does have its moments. By the end I had figured out who the villain of the piece was, so I was happy to be found right.

[~*~Princess Nya Vasiliev~*~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay.. This one may have taken a minute for me to get into. It didn't start to really interest me until about the 30-40% mark. From there on it was a pretty awesome read. Although it has a simpleton, light quality to it, it was great watching how things unfold here. I loved the ending as well.

I may just have to tackle the other reads in the series. This is the 1st book I've read in this series. I was not lost or confused about previous characters and plots that are present here. Everything flowed really well without being overwhelming in the reveals.

I would say based on book 3, you don't need to read these in order, to enjoy the story.

[Adena Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do you get when you throw 2 hard-headed independent-spirited type A personalities together? Either you get war or you get romance. Here, we have romance between 2 people who did not even realize they were attracted to each other. I really liked how each of them did NOT fit the list of perfect-spouse character traits held by the other, but.... Those common grounds! Those debates! Those sparks! Ian, shame on you for torturing them so. Good on you, for engineering their match! I agree - it is so satisfying to see 2 driven people come together in such a complementary way!

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

After starting this book I realized I had read an earlier book in the series. The book is interesting I its take on life from other planets and the cultural commentary. Che and Ilana are main characters the reader can invest in, particularly Che. The secondary characters enhance the storyline and the reader is left guessing the plot surprise until the end, though an astute reader will most likely figure it out. Rey enjoyable book and I recommend it and the series.

[M Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so good!

The story is totally addictive, fun, engaging and just so dam romantic.

Two great characters with a great storyline and wonderful world building.

Absolutely fabulous book, almost as good as book one!!

Love love love!

Oh n muffins side story was fun too!:)

So is such a pro writer!!!

[Ann McNally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different and Exciting

This is the first book I have read by Susan Grant. It has action, suspense and it's exciting. My kind of book. Just wish I read books one and two first. I am a read in book order person.

[linda house · Rating 5 out of 5]

Star Princess

Excellent book. I enjoyed every minute of it. I didn't wasn't it to end. I could totally relate to the alien world and mixing into earth. The book had me believing he possibility of it all.

[Shana Pare · Rating 5 out of 5]

A romance for the stars.

This third book in the Star Series continues the fine work that Susan Grant started in the first two books. Great characters, dialog and plot. I highly recommend this series and this book.

[Joyceann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing, I loved it! Che and Ilana are perfect for one another. Highly recommend reading.

[Dona · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Elizabeth Earleywine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable read. This was a good story. Did not realize until I started that it is the 3rd, I think, in a series. I don't think it mattered to read out of order.

[Connie Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Once again spectacular!

Che and Ilana attracted to each other the first time time they saw each other. They couldn't be more perfect together. Great story!