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The marriage is fake, but the passion is real.

Famous for his last name, devilish Anthony Star-Hunter is the black sheep of the Star clan. He’s an expert at using his tall, dark, and handsome charm to get women into bed—and to dodge the consequences of his lavish, hard-party escapades.

But the bucks are about to stop here. His grandfather’s will demands he marry to inherit his fortune. Anthony panics. Even with his bad boy allure, how the hell is he going to find a tolerable bride, like, yesterday?

The minute Sarah Pennington spots the tattooed muscles her stepsister’s on-again, off-again bed buddy hides under his Italian suits, she rolls her eyes. Anthony is not for her.

With her father maybe headed to prison for a financial fiasco, she has enough bad male behavior to fix. She’s responsible. She’s hard-working. She…can’t stop having naughty dreams about the sexy “celebutant” her stepsister is determined to trap into marriage.

At a beachy island house party, a drunken mishap throws Sarah into Anthony’s bed, and he's intrigued. Can he convince her to give fake marriage a chance? Can she convince herself to keep her heart—and body—out of the deal?

Their slow-burn, un-love affair isn’t what either expect, but it might be what both of them need forever.

418 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 15, 2023

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About the author

Kris Jayne

30 books799 followers
Kris Jayne is a devoted writer, reader, and traveler who crafts steamy contemporary romances with heat and heart. She spends her days blissfully sweating out the writing process in the Dallas area with her dogs, Otis the Shih Tzu, Rocco the Terrier, and Red the Foxy Mutt.

Her passion for writing is matched only by her passion for the adventures of travel. In 2008, she let a friend talk her into sleeping outside for the first time in her life when she climbed Mount Kilimanjaro.

P.S. If you're buying her a gift, she has a penchant for single-malt Scotch and scarves.

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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Jody.
2,091 reviews61 followers
June 20, 2023
Not having read the previous books in the Lone Star Crossed Saga, I didn't know what to expect and was worried I'd feel lost. Luckily that wasn't the case though as this second chance romance stood strongly on its own to give readers a likable main couple who have more to themselves than they show the world. This is a slow burn romance that sees the two of them letting down their emotional walls in a fake relationship that becomes more and more real with each turn of the page.

Anthony comes from a family of money which has allowed him to enjoy his life to the fullest...with no thought for the future. Learning of the stipulations in his grandfather's will though forces him to take a good hard look at himself and the man he's become as he's going to have to find a wife if he wants to keep his money. So begins a sweet and sentimental journey of introspection that has readers seeing him in a whole new light. Sarah is just the woman Anthony needs, so her coming back into his life is fortuitous when it comes to his inheritance. Despite her better judgment she's always been attracted to Anthony. With her life revolving around work and keeping her father out of jail though, she's tried to steer clear of him and the temptation he represents. When he makes her a business offer she can't refuse, life takes an unexpected turn for the both of them in this slow-burn journey to HEA.

This is a true fairytale romance, one with not a lot of angst or true heartbreak. This is a story of second chances and becoming the person you were meant to be by grabbing on to what's most important. This is a heartwarming tale with a couple I was rooting for from start to finish. Though their story has been told many times I still found it a satisfying tale with secondary characters who have me wanting to read the previous installments in this series!
Profile Image for K.J. Sweeney.
Author 2 books49 followers
June 7, 2023
I gather that this romance is part of a series. Like all the best series though, it's a standalone book with links to characters from the other instalments. It didn't matter then that I hadn't read the first two books and I still enjoyed this one just as much.
Our story follows playboy and millionaire Anthony Star-Hunter, someone who has had no intention of settling down. If he wants to inherit his share of the money that his grandfather left him then he has to marry and soon. Sarah Pennington has never had a good opinion of Anthony, but that hasn't stopped her hot dreams about the man. They may not seem like ideal marriage partners, but as this is purely a business arrangement, then that of course won't matter...
I really enjoyed this story, Anthony and Sarah make a great couple and it's clear to everyone else that they are in love and belong together. I really liked their journey from acquaintances, to friends, to lovers. I don't know that Anthony and his family need to be quite so rich, but I suppose this is all escapism and fantasy, so why not.
All in all a good read and a series I wouldn't be sorry to read more from.
Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,980 reviews214 followers
June 23, 2023


Amazon / B&N / Apple / Kobo / Google

Anthony's a stereotypical rich playboy with no plans on settling down with one woman...until the contents of his grandfather's will force him into an arrangement with someone from his past. Soon what was a convenience is turning into something very real, and feelings are developing.



Sarah has her own reasons for agreeing to this marriage of convenience with a man she doesn't want to like and can't help but be attracted to. Spending so much time with Anthony, though, has lead her to see there's more to him than she had ever realized, and she likes it.



Marriage of convenience stories are my jam. I love reading as fake turns real, and Kris Jayne did well by the trope. Sarah is especially awesome - an absolute sweetheart with a huge heart, and the perfect opposite and perfect for, Anthony. He's equally likable when revealing his true depths. The tension between them is delicious and I rooted them on the whole way through.



ARC provided by Xpresso Book Tours for an honest review.

Review / Blog Tour: Live Through Books Blog.

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Profile Image for Misty (Reds Romance & Mystery Reviews).
3,470 reviews6 followers
June 19, 2023
Playboy millionaire Anthony Star-Hunter has found himself in a little trouble- he needs a wife to claim his inheritance that his grandfather left him, but has no prospects on the horizon and he needs to find one soon. He doesn't do relationships or love and the idea of having to fake it gives him hives, but it's the only way he can get what he wants... which means desperate times call for desperate measures.

Hitting up the stranger he found in his bed after a late night of partying to play the part isn't ideal, but he thinks he can convince her to go along with his little plan. Not too mention spending more time with her might be a lot of fun... even if she acts like she detests him!

The pages of Morning Star hold a story that is bound to have you smiling throughout, these two total opposites find out that love lurks where you least expect it, and sometimes it finds you when you're not looking for it. When they join forces for a farce marriage they have plans to keep feelings out of the mix, but they soon learn that their plans are about to be put to the test. The more time they spend together, the more they start to like one another, and not soon after their hearts start to get involved. But a real relationship would never work... or would it?

I really enjoyed this first time read, the moment I met these two I just knew they had an interesting story to tell and boy was I right!! They brought it all to the pages and gave me a story that made me smile, touched my heart, and left me thoroughly satisfied! Highly recommend you meet these two, they'll steal your heart at first glance!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
Profile Image for Joy Avery Lovesbooks.
1,316 reviews112 followers
June 23, 2023
Rating: ☆☆☆☆ Spice: 🌶🌶🌶

Angst: 💔

Cliffhanger? ❌️

Do I recommend it? ✅️

Tropes: Contemporary Romance, fake marriage, second chance

Famous for his last name, devilish Anthony Star-Hunter is the black sheep of the Star clan. He’s an expert at using his tall, dark, and handsome charm to get women into bed. Unfortunately for him, his grandfather’s will demands he marry to inherit his fortune. Anthony panics. The minute Sarah Pennington spots the tattooed muscles her new stepsister’s ex hides under his Italian suits, she rolls her eyes. Anthony is not for her. And with her father maybe headed to prison for a financial fiasco, she’s had enough bad male behavior. She’s responsible and hard-working. She also can’t stop having naughty dreams about the sexy “celebutant.” At a beach-side wedding, a drunken mishap throws Sarah into Anthony’s bed, and he’s intrigued. Can he convince her to give fake marriage a chance? Can she convince herself to keep her heart out of the deal? Their slow-burn, un-love affair isn’t what either expect, but it might be what both of them need forever.

This was a pleasant surprise. I hadn’t heard of the author before, and needless to say, I'm intrigued. This couple's relationship may have started out fake, but as time passed, they were utterly true in their feelings. This didn't have the angst I'm used to, and although some pages had me a bit bored, for the most part, I didn't think about the changes. Although there are other books in this series, this story was easy to read as a standalone. I highly recommend this read. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
3,776 reviews42 followers
July 7, 2023
This is book three in The Lone Star Crossed Saga Series and it is Anthony and Sarah’s story. Anthony had lived a life of wealth doing anything and everything that he wanted but now he needs to take a hard look at himself and his life’s choices and also he needs to find himself a wife if he wants to keep his wealth because of the stipulations in his grandfather’s will but where will he be able to find a woman that will fit into his life and what he needs and now he thinks that he knows the perfect woman if he can get her to agree to help him. Sarah hasn’t had a easy life and it had been made even more difficult by her father’s involvement in a financial situation that could put him in prison so even though she is attracted to Anthony she couldn’t afford to go there because she has enough problems without completing her life anymore especially as Anthony is also involved in a on and off sleeping together situation with someone so Sarah just decided to work hard and keep away from anymore problems that could mess her life up. When Anthony and Sarah end up in bed together after having too much to drink Anthony decided to ask Sarah to help him by having a marriage of convenience and she said yes but what happens when fake starts to become very real and feelings start to get involved but where will that leave Anthony and Sarah in the long run. This series just gets better and better with each book written and I can’t wait to read the next one. I really enjoyed reading this book and it was a real page turner that kept your attention throughout and I definitely recommend you read this book and series and you will not be disappointed.
Profile Image for Patty .
1,410 reviews7 followers
June 1, 2023
Wow what a beautiful and meaningful read. I truly enjoyed this story so much. It was sweet, endearing and heartfelt. Anthony and Sarah are so perfect for each other. It was amazing reading about Anthony and watching his character develop slowly throughout the book. His journey was not easy and I could not help feeling sorry for him and his woes.

Anthony's inheritance has an expiration date on it. He has to marry in ninety days or he will lose everything. He had longer but he just can't seem to settle on a suitable woman to become his bride, that is until Sarah walks back into his life 5 years later.

Sarah is so career focused it tends to get into the way of her life. She needs to land a big client to keep her father from going to jail for a crime he did not commit. But the answer to her problems is a person she rather forget.

Can Anthony and Sarah seal the deal? Or will life implode?

These two main characters were amazing people deep down. They are loyal and caring. They are loving and adorable. Their story was a fairytale from the very beginning. It was beautiful and soul touching. I hurt when Anthony hurt. You can't help but become emotionally attached to them. They are so sweet.

This is the first book by Kris Jayne I have read. Even though this is a third installment in the series, it was easily read as a standalone. I am curious to the other stories though. I may have to go back and read them. I highly recommend this romance. It isn't a cliché fake wedding romance. No, this book has real emotions and gusto.
Profile Image for Cathy Brockman.
Author 5 books95 followers
June 22, 2023
Hi Y’all! Come in and grab an appetizer and a mocktail while I tell you about this book I just read.
The title is Morning Story by Kris Jayne it is book… 3 in Lone Star Cross series. You do don’t have to read in order to enjoy it this was my first but I think I may go look up the other two.
The cover is appealing and gives me a hood image of Anthony. Then I read the blurb and it really got my interest because fake marriage.

Who’s my favorite main character ? Sarah she is sweet, strong and Noble. Though she marries Anthony for money her reasons don’t make her look selfish or greedy. Was there another character I liked and why. Oddly, Cathie, Sarah’s stepsister and how she met Anthony and Anthony’s ex ( curious now?)

The story has several settings. Texas, New York , Mexico, Italy. I Loved the honeymoon in Italy and would have loved to went along. But it was so well written snd fun it felt like I was there.
There are some twists and turns and lots of drama
I likedthe ending. It was a good HEA and if you join the author’s newsletter you get an epilogue of after the 5 years.
How hot was the book? It is a slow burn with good sexual tension one or two on page sex scenes I give it two purrs. Just right!
If you like fake marriage, friends to lovers, billionaires, sister’s ex Boyfriend, you will like this!
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.7k reviews95 followers
June 20, 2023
Anthony enjoys the privileged lifestyle he leads where he answers to no one and does what he wants but that is about to end. In order to receive his inheritance he needs to be married but he never expected a night of too much fun would bring Sarah into his life or that he wouldn’t want her to leave.

Sarah has enough responsibility in her life trying to rescue her father, so she doesn’t need to try and save Anthony as well. She was prepared to walk away until he offers a solution to both their problems, but she never expected the biggest challenge would be protecting her heart.

Although Anthony and Sarah appear to be complete opposites they find the perfect balance in each other and I enjoyed seeing them realize it as well.
Profile Image for Christine Woinich.
2,901 reviews26 followers
June 22, 2023
A marriage of convenient on both sides, one more hesitant than the other. Anthony was being pushed to marry in order to inherit. His heart had a say in who he chose. He turned out to be a very caring man who was trying to improve himself. He wanted to protect Sarah and make her life easier. Sarah was drowning in family issues and could barely afford the bills for her father. She was strong and loyal to family, but not happy. With some introspection and coaxing by friends, she decided to marry Anthony. Love surprised them both along with some family secrets. The story was a bit too long, but overall, it was a good read.

I received a copy of this story through Xpresso Tours, and this is my unsolicited review.
655 reviews6 followers
July 7, 2023
This is Book 3 of the Lone Star Crossed Saga
This book is definitely full of family drama and secrets that unfold in this book. According to his grandfather's will Anthony needs to marry to get his Inheritance. Anthony and Sarah agree to a marriage arrangement for him to get his Inheritance and her to help her dad and get a new important client.
All the supporting characters and the drama did get confusing at times.
But I loved the realness of Anthony's character it makes you root for him and cry for him @ times. And the humor between him and Sarah was so fun to read. It added a lot to the book.
This was a great read with fantastic lead characters and of course that perfect HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barbara Abatzis.
301 reviews19 followers
July 21, 2023
Sweet story with nice characters

My rating: 4.5

Tropes: Faking - Billionaire

Heat: 6/10
Emotion 7/10
Story: 7/10
Characters: 7/10
Interest: 7/10
POV: Dual
No Cheating
No Cliffhanger

"Morning Star" is a very sweet story with great characters and very pleasant to read.
I generally like the "Faking" trope, this was a good one. The feelings are actually there from the beginning and as the story moves on, they develop.
It is not so steamy, mostly a slow burn, but still emotional.
I will read more from the author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Rosie.
1,720 reviews32 followers
July 2, 2023
I really, really, really liked this pairing (of Anthony & Sarah) after I (barely) got past him being with her flighty (down for it) stepsister Catie five years prior—and briefly.

A reformed Playboy named Anthony Star-Hunter needs a real wife to fulfill the tenets of his grandfather's will—otherwise he loses $100 million dollars. Better late than never, an encounter from his past and the force of external influences propel two unlikely non-romantics on the bumpy road toward matrimony. Highly Recommended: Read It!

Pairing: WM/LW
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
9,381 reviews176 followers
June 15, 2023
Opposites attract and chaos ensues. Morning Star turns unpredictable attraction into irresistible romance. Sarah and Anthony break every rule of romance to create a forever unlike any other. Jayne thrives on taking the unconventional approach when it comes to matters of the heart. Between all the drama of life, love and family, she delivers unforgettable, heartwarming, tempting, ironically charged fun.
769 reviews9 followers
November 7, 2023
This book had me completely immersed from start to finish and didn't put it down until I finished! Anthony and Sarah are opposites, he's a rich/arrogant bad boy and she's a good girl. But soon she's agreeing to a marriage of convenience. With the tension, sizzling chemistry and more throughout, how long will it stay fake?...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
12 reviews
June 29, 2023
Wow just wow
The author did such an amazing job with this book, and the characters romance was so cute. I just love everything about this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
728 reviews3 followers
July 3, 2023
The story is good and the characters are interesting. It’s interesting to see how to opposite balance each other in a middle of family chaos.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,760 reviews43 followers
July 6, 2023
I really enjoyed this book it caught me from the very first page and kept me engaged to the very last page. Anthony and Sarah are very likeable characters that deserve your attention and their HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
7,160 reviews34 followers
July 11, 2023
This is book three in this series and my first. This is a new author for me and I am looking forward to reading the other books. The story flows well, easy to follow. The characters are likeable and fit well together. A good read.

I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews