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Shooting Star

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Gatsby meets Gossip Girl in this contemporary romance prequel where secret society parties and the thrill of the unknown tempt fate.

Lush parties. Love lost. Broken hearts and hope for the future.

Meet the Bright Young things and the woman behind the mask in this origin story. Stella Spencer wants what we all want—love. But sometimes we have to have our hearts broken to get us ready for the one we were meant for.

And Stella learns that the hard way.

47 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 20, 2020

55 people are currently reading
405 people want to read

About the author

Staci Hart

60 books6,217 followers
I was the kid who stayed inside to read.

As a four-eyed nerd with a bad perm, I was no one’s dodgeball pick, but I had a lot of friends. Frodo and Bilbo, for instance. Kristy, Stacey, Claudia and the gang (iykyk). Once, in the third grade, I wrote a teen murder mystery inspired by Christopher Pike. On solving my mystery in twelve pages, I decided I was a terrible writer and should never, ever do that again.

Fortunately, I didn’t take my own advice.

I write romance for that feeling you get at the end, like you’re standing on top of a mountain with a backpack full of hundred dollar bills. I write romcoms because is there anything better than banter and grand gestures? I write because I love to create and I love words. I love books, and I love stretching my imagination. I love love, and if you do too, bring your coffee and have a seat. I think we’re gonna be friends.

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5 stars
82 (37%)
4 stars
69 (31%)
3 stars
43 (19%)
2 stars
19 (8%)
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6 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
Profile Image for Christy.
4,542 reviews35.9k followers
August 4, 2020
4 stars
I’d give anything to feel this way always. Because inside of that feeling, it's impossible to be sad. The real world doesn’t exist, only that moment and the beauty of it.

Shooting Star is the prequel novella to Star Bright, the first book in Staci Hart's Bright Young Things series. It goes behind the scenes to how the Bright Young Things started and into Stella's past. I enjoyed getting back into this world and look forward to when the next book comes out!
Profile Image for Wendy'sThoughts.
2,670 reviews3,284 followers
July 23, 2020
5 Carpe Diem Stars
* * * * * Spoiler Free-Seize It, It's FREE!!!
Do you ever wonder how something could get started... How an innocent idea becomes something so big, social media has a feeding frenzy, hordes of people want to be the visions they see in glossy photos and have a political police commissioner decide your are a thorn his sights.

This is what Stella Spencer birthed when she wanted to throw a gathering, a period piece party for her well to do friends.
It was 1940's Victory themed with everyone dressing the part and the music was a mix of electronic/classic swing music pumping through the speakers. Waves of this causing Joy everywhere.

All her friends were happy, free, and being exactly who they wanted to be. They had no financial restraints due to whatever reasons; family, business, or trust funds. Stella looked at all of them and felt something, she felt happy and wanted this feeling to continue.

It was with this in mind when she thought, we could, no we Should, do this again. That is how the latest resurrection of The Bright Young Things was born with an appropriate homage to Cecil Beaton. She would hide behind the name of Cecelia Beaton. No one would know who was responsible for these events.

But what Stella couldn't hide was the complicated relationship she had with a man who refused to commit. This strong amazing woman had convinced herself she was Fine...but really deep down, she was Not Fine, Hashtag #finenotfine.

This is the perfect appetizer for this series. Take your sip of fine champagne, taste the crabcakes, and prepare for the ride of your life.

Shooting Star A Bright Young Things Prequel Novella by Staci Hart Shooting Star (Bright Young Things, #0.5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Star Bright (Bright Young Things, #1) by Staci Hart Star Bright (Bright Young Things #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Hidden Gem by Staci Hart Hidden Gem (Bright Young Things #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


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Profile Image for SELINA.
269 reviews38 followers
October 2, 2020


Shooting Star (Fool For Love) (Bright Young Things, #0.5) by Staci Hart (2020/10/01)
Rating 3/5 Stars
Disclaimer: All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is a prequel to Star Bright (Fool Me Once) book one in the Bright Young Things Series.
I can't really say much without spoiling this or the next book however, I will say that if you are thinking of reading Star Bright (Fool Me Once) definitely read this before because I think it will make the experience of reading that book a lot more enjoyable.

This prequel is about how the Bright Young Things started and it also delves into Stella's life and why she wanted to create the Bright Young Things. I really enjoyed this, and I cannot wait to continue on in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Louise.
1,386 reviews42 followers
July 8, 2022
It was nice getting to see the origin of the BYT, but reading this after Champagne Problems - which was fucking amazing! - was a huge mistake.
For one simple, and I mean simple, reason:

Dex the douchebag



But otherwise:



I love my belle of the ball babies!
Profile Image for Ashley (Kindled Souls Book Blog).
1,019 reviews
July 23, 2020
It's hard to review a novella. Especially one that is a prequel for a book you've already read. However, in just a few short chapters, I experienced a multitude of feelings. This book shows readers the birth of Cecelia Beaton and the Bright Young Things. Readers learn how it all began and get to experience a few more fabulous parties. This novella made me want to immediately re-read Star Bright even though I read it less than two weeks ago.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
1,220 reviews153 followers
July 24, 2020
okay who knew a little 47 page novella could hit me right in the feels??

also it was pretty confusing about zeke/z/zelda. I get that he was in drag for some of the parties but for a whole chapter I thought they were two different people.
Profile Image for Brina.
408 reviews87 followers
August 18, 2021
DNF @6%

Really? Throwing a World War II themed party? Is this for real? Throw all the parties you want but this one is totally inappropiate. This is making a complete mockery of one of the darkest times in history. It's nothing to dance or to party to.
Profile Image for Jeeves Reads Romance.
1,683 reviews797 followers
July 23, 2020
Solid series starter

What a great introduction to this group of friends! Whether you’ve read the first full length novel in this series, Star Bright, or not, this short and playful novella will allow you to get to know these characters better. Stella is the heroine of the first book, and this provides some insight into her relationship with the wrong guy, all of the reasons why she stayed as long as she did… and all of the reasons why she’ll never put up with a guy like that again.

There’s also a look at how the Bright Young Things parties begin, all that entails, and hints at the story to follow. It’s got the same light, bantery feel as the full-length book, with just enough to it that you’ll be left wanting more. If you’ve read Star Bright already, you’ll appreciate the insight into Stella and her friends. If you haven’t, then this will provide a great way to sample the series before you dive in.
Profile Image for ReadingTilTheBreakOfDawn.
1,943 reviews104 followers
July 23, 2020
Shooting Star is the Prequel to Star Bright and the Bright Young Things series by Staci Hart.
You can read it first so you can get a taste of what is to come or, like me, you can do it the other way around and start with book one and since you miss the characters so much, you go back and read the prequel and find out how the Bright Young Things started.
It's a super quick novella and I absolutely loved finding out how the group started. I love these characters so much already and I cannot wait for more. This appetizer of a book will just wet that appetite and will leaving you wanting so much more.
Jump in and enjoy the beauty, love, extravagance and friendships. It will pull you out of any sort of funk.

"I'd give anything to feel this way always. Because inside of that feeling, it's impossible to be sad. The real world doesn't exist, only that moment and the beauty of it."
Profile Image for Ann .
1,709 reviews17 followers
September 4, 2021
*4 stars*
It's hard to review a novella story as it is really short but I definitely enjoyed reading the beginning of how Bright Young Things started. It also better explains how Stella envisioned everything and how everything evolved from an idea to how Cecelia Beaton is created.
This prequel definitely will leave you wanting more and indulge into Star Bright. You don't want to miss this party!
Profile Image for Stital.
1,012 reviews28 followers
July 22, 2020
Everything I didn’t know I needed

A glorious surprise, this novella is everything I didn’t know was missing from my life.

After reading Star Bright, this short little glimpse into the origin of Cecilia Beaton and the beautiful sentiment behind the BYT parties is pure perfection.

5 stars and a glimmer
Profile Image for Laura R.
217 reviews2 followers
July 22, 2020
I didn’t know how bad I needed this Novella until I read it! I read Star Bright and absolutely loved it! And Shooting Star just brings it all together! You get the start of Bright Young Things and all the characters you will love!
Profile Image for Amanda (Romance Reviewed).
1,038 reviews67 followers
July 27, 2020
A quick fun entry to the world of the Bright Young Things. You'll learn about the origins of Cecelia Barton and how the BYT came to be!
Profile Image for Myria.
292 reviews24 followers
August 2, 2020
Great intro to the Bright Young Things series. Jumping into Star Bright with a great back story for Stella.
Profile Image for The Romantic Rush Blog.
2,640 reviews965 followers
July 27, 2020
What a delightful little appetizer to set you up for one of my favorite books of the year!!

This prequel to Star Bright not only gives the back story on just how Stella became Cecelia and the birth of the modern Pretty Young Things, but it also really gives us a deeper window on Stella’s emotional journey prior to meeting Eli. We get to see the complicated and frustrating nature of her situation with Dex- the pain, the lessons learned, and the emotional baggage that Stella carries throughout Star Bright. While I hated to see Stella hung up on the wrong guy- the juxtaposition of both the relationship and just WHO Stella was in these relationships just made her and Eli’s romance even more endearing to me.

Like the full length novel to follow, this little novella has an ESSENCE about it- it creates an energy, a feeling that is the driving force behind both the PYT parties but the novel in and of itself. This novella establishes the tone of euphoria, the joyful experience of connectivity and the freedom of living in the moment that these parties create….as well as the key thematic journey of our characters. This creates such a vibrant, effervescent tonal experience- the perfect preparation for the amazing story to come in Star Bright.

What I loved most, though, was the love story we see between Stella and her friends. I loved them in Star Bright, but that was Eli and Stella’s story. Here, the focus of this story is this group of friends- we get to see their relationships up close, the magical familial dynamic between them, the ways they challenge and support and uplift each other. I enjoyed them in Star Bright, but this novella has me OBSESSED with this group, and even more excited about the series with books focusing on these characters. They are all so dynamic, so interesting, and so beautifully connected. I adore this bunch.

Read this before Star Bright to ramp you up for the beautiful story to follow OR read it after as a fun way to get deeper in the heads of characters you already know. Either way, this novella was a treat!
Profile Image for Amanda.
242 reviews74 followers
September 4, 2020
3.5 Stars

#0.5 ↣ Shooting Star: ★★★½
#1 ↣ Star Bright: ★★★½

It’s official. I’m hooked.

This novella lays the foundation for Stella Spencer’s story. A beneficiary to her father’s fortune, Stella decides to use the money to recapture the joy and enthrallment brought by the Bright Young Things—a group of young London socialites who represented carpe diem after World War I. They threw the most extravagant parties, comparable to the ones in Great Gatsby.

We also get an inside look of Stella’s relationship with Dex, a man who inevitably breaks her heart. And I am absolutely raging for her. I wish she saw his lying ways sooner, but she was blinded by her love for him. And honestly, everyone makes mistakes, and I can’t fault her for it. I actually hope Dex comes back in the next book and gets his ass handed to him by Levi, the hero. Or better yet, by Stella.

Anyways, I thought Stella was genuinely kind and encompassed the kind of happiness everyone gravitates towards. We only get a glimpse of Levi’s perspective in the epilogue, and I don’t have much of an opinion of him as of now. But he’s certainly dedicated to his job at a magazine, giving exposés and helping the voiceless be heard.

On to the next!

I am not providing notes on safety because the heroine and hero do not meet in this novella. However, there is a scene where Levi sees a picture of Stella at her first party, and he’s struck by not just her beauty and the setting—but also, and mostly, her joy. Aw.
Profile Image for B-Books Review.
621 reviews27 followers
July 24, 2020
It’s so good to be back to the Bright Young Things world, I missed a lot. But don’t be like me! Start the series reading the Shooting Star and then move to Star Bright, because if you do the opposite you are going to end up like me, waiting to read Star Bright all over again. Well, that’s not a problem, is it?

This prequel is super good.... it tells the story of how Cecelia Beaton was created and the beginning of the hype of the amazing group Bright Young Things.

Also, we’ve got read the story between Stella and worst human being Dex. I got so emotional and it only made me miss Levi even more. And troll a stone who have never wanted something or someone that we can’t have. She just wanted respect, good communication and honesty.

But more than that, the friendship between Betty, Zeke and Stella is amazing and it made me love them all even more. I sure hope we’ve got to read their stories too.

For a novella I’ve got so many things to say and that’s because Staci created an amazing world that I would love to be part off and that why Bright Young Things series is one of the best presents I had this year!
Profile Image for Kelly.
599 reviews1 follower
July 27, 2020
Fun Prequel Novella!

“I’d give anything to feel this way always. Because inside of that feeling, it's impossible to be sad. The real world doesn’t exist, only that moment and the beauty of it.”

This story is the perfect prequel novella to jump into the intricately crafted world of the Bright Young Things! It is fun to see the backstory of how the ornate parties and the elusive Cecelia Beaton came about in the modern New York party scene. Stella and her group of friends are fabulous and always up for a party, so when the time comes to plan and execute extravagance like no other, they are definitely up for the task. Starting with a plan to simply bring everyone together and create joy when we all need a little of that in our lives, these friends create the buzz of the century! Even a little heartbreak can’t stop the happiness created, for those who smile always have a good time!

“You, Stella Spencer, were made for love. And someday, you will find a man who is honest.”
Profile Image for Carly Wilson.
613 reviews39 followers
July 23, 2020
'Shooting Star' is the perfect Prequel Novella to Staci Hart's amazing 'Star Bright'. If you love glitz, glamour and Gatsby style parties, then The Bright Young Things are going to be for you.

When fantastical parties start cropping up all around New York, rumours spread that they are hosted by the one and only 'Cecelia Beaton', but the question on everyone's lips is, who is she?

Shooting Star is the book that delves into not only how The Bright Young Things were formed, but it also allows you to delve deeper into the backstory of the Stella Spencer, to learn what attracted her to the idea of the glitzy glamorous parties, and how above all she wears her heart on her sleeve.

This short novella is beautiful, and really expanded on characters I had already become completely obsessed with. Z is by far my fave, and I am so excited to read more. These books are a perfect blend of Gossip Girl meet Gatsby with a splash of modern love and lust.
Profile Image for Nightbird Novels.
1,138 reviews25 followers
August 4, 2020
Meet Stella Spencer. Socialite, loyal friend and the visionary behind the resurrection of the modern day Bright Young Things. Their parties are the envy of the entire world, but the Bright Young Things are so much more than just their trust funds...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Shooting Star opens with an epic throw-back victory party circa the 1940's, and the birth of the Bright Young Things elusive patron, Cecilia Beaton. This prequel novella provides the smallest of tastes of the extravagance and the celebration of life that this decadent group of friends becomes known for, and just how justified the hype surrounding the parties truly is.

I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this novella! The visually stunning details of the very first Bright Young Things parties prepare you for all that is more to come from this glamorous new world in it's first novel, Star Bright. We witness Stella's heartbreak firsthand, but also the beginning of the joy she finds in her friends and the sense of home  that she builds with those she loves. I couldn't get over the reason for the celebration at the victory party... it is so relevant to life right now, and I am absolutely for us all to throw a victory party of our own some day soon!

If I wasn't already in love with everything Bright Young Things, this novella would have hooked me immediately!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.

Check out the Blog!

http://nightbirdnovels.com/2020/07/27...

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Profile Image for Kelly.
5,663 reviews227 followers
August 25, 2020
Ahh, Stella. With her big heart and big dreams and big emotions that she tries to tamp down for someone who doesn't deserve her in the slightest. (Don't worry, she'll find someone who very much does deserve her very soon.) She surrounds herself with good friends (and one douchecanoe of a boyfriend) and tries to spread joy every way she knows how.

Unfortunately her big heart can be easily bruised. Mostly because she's too trusting and willing to forgive when it comes to certain people. (Which, surprisingly, doesn't make her prickly after the fact. I like that about her.) On the other hand, her big heart and big ideas brought to life the modern Bright Young Things and that's just a fun, FUN place to be.

Parties, heartache, and friends who have your back when you need them most. GOOD STUFF.

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Profile Image for Frances.
185 reviews
August 17, 2020
Every romance fan needs to read these books!!!

This is such a brilliant prequel to what is planning out to be an amazing book series. I honestly count Star Bright as one of my favorite books this year, so being able to see the true beginning of the story is practically decadent. This story pits you through some major feels, even if you haven't read Star Bright yet. I kind of wish that this one had come out first so that I could have read them in order. Well done Staci Hart on another AMAZING book!!
Profile Image for Dali.
166 reviews11 followers
September 21, 2020
Amé a Stella y a todo el grupo! Me gustaría tener amigos que fueran como ellos, son tan diferentes y tan hermosos al mismo tiempo, me encantan! 🦋
Amé como la cuidaban e independientemente de la decisión que tomara Stel con respecto a Dex (a quien no puedo evitar odiar) siempre estaban ahi presentes como una piedra contra la marea
Y Levi... solo tenemos un vistazo de sus pensamientos al final pero me encanto la conexión que sintió con Stel sin conocerla!
Definitivamente voy a leer el proximo libro! 🌻
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jill.
526 reviews12 followers
July 25, 2020
Ahh this was such a great novella! I loved the insight into the BYT and I loved reading about the spark that got the idea for the parties going.

Stella, Z, Betty and Joss' friendship is goals. This prequel brought their personalities and relationship woes and worries to light in a completely endearing way. And the brief epilogue introducing Levi and his intentions was exciting! I swear this world feels like a big warm hug and I can't wait for more!
Profile Image for Laritza Oliveira.
Author 14 books10 followers
February 28, 2022
Gostei muito como a autora fez a short story para introduzir o plot do livro principal. Já comecei a leitura de Champagne Problems e posso dizer que lendo Shooting Star primeiro consegui ter uma visão bem melhor do que acontece para os personagens chegarem até o início do livro, mas ao mesmo tempo, se você não leu este antes, também consegue entender pelo contexto que a história começa. Recomendo que leiam Shooting Star antes de Champagne Problems com certeza!
Profile Image for Cat Nunez.
1,050 reviews83 followers
September 10, 2020
I love Stella and I’m glad we got the chance to read how she came up with the Bright Young Things idea. I hated Dex from the previous book and finally I could read how they ended up things, Stella deserved someone way better than him, so everything worked out perfectly, now I can’t wait to read what happens next.
Profile Image for stani ♡ (in the biggest slump oml).
185 reviews66 followers
June 22, 2022
concept was nice but the writing..the execution was all over the place my mind was like whatt??? the first chapters
if Hart wanted an alluring mysterious vibe she could’ve done better than just made us guess who was who and who was dating who and who these people were. she basically just gave out names and we were supposed to take em like ok
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews

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