[Starstruck 01.0] Starstruck

by Brenda Hiatt

  I nodded, then finally asked the question I'd been dying to ask all evening. "So, your folks, Shim, they're . . . okay with, you know, us?"

  He raised one shoulder in a half-shrug. "They'll have to be." Then he looked down at me, his expression serious, intense. "We're bonded, M. I don't think anything can change that. At least, I hope not."

  I hoped not, too. I couldn't even imagine life without Rigel now, and I didn't want to. "I love you." The words were out of my mouth before I had time to worry about them.

  A slow smile curved his perfect lips. "I love you, too, M. More than life itself. And that's saying a lot, since life is pretty special now that you're a part of it."

  And then he kissed me and I knew that no matter what the future might bring, we were going to face it together. Me, the most unlikely princess ever, and Rigel—my very own star and the most wonderful guy on Earth.

  Keep reading for a sneak peek at Starcrossed, book 2 in the Starstruck adventure!

  Starcrossed (preview)

  1

  Rigel (RY-jel): a star in the constellation Orion

  “Here, boy, hang this up.” Allister Adair tosses his cashmere coat at me and continues talking on his cell while my parents just stand politely by.

  My expression has to show what I think of the jerk, but since he’s not looking, it doesn’t much matter. Still, my mom gives me a tiny frown and shake of her head. I turn away and take the stupid coat to the hall closet.

  This is Allister’s third visit since September, when he found out about M—Princess Emileia to Allister and his cronies, Marsha Truitt to all the regular humans in town.

  Of course, I’m the one who found her in the first place, but Allister never gives me any credit for that. No, it’s clear he’d rather anyone but me had met her first. Like that would have kept M and me from forming our soul-deep bond. The bond Allister claims he doesn’t believe in . . . but still blames me for.

  “—better not to, just yet. We don’t want to bias anything,” he’s saying into his phone when I come back. “Yes. Later, then.” He hangs up and finally turns to greet my parents, who are just, you know, letting him stay in our house. For free. Whenever he wants.

  “Council business,” he tells them without apologizing. “I hope I haven’t kept dinner waiting?”

  “Not at all.” My mom sounds perfectly pleasant, though I can tell by the way she holds her mouth that she’s a little pissed. “Why don’t you and Van go into the dining room and I’ll have it on the table in a couple of minutes.” Then, to me, “Rigel, suppose you help me in the kitchen?”

  I follow her, just as glad not to spend any extra time around Allister.

  “Why do you let him—?” I whisper as soon as he seems out of earshot, but she immediately shushes me.

  “Not now, Rigel. Here. Take these into the dining room.” She hands me a basket of dinner rolls and the butter dish.

  I manage not to grumble as I do what she asks. Allister glances up when I come in, the first time today he’s looked directly at me.

  “I presume the Princess is well, or you would have told me immediately. Have you seen her recently?”

  “M—er, the Princess is fine. I saw her in school yesterday.” And this afternoon, after her Saturday Taekwondo class, but Allister doesn’t need to know that. He’s already glowering because of my slip.

  “I’ve told you before, boy, not to use that vulgar nickname. It’s disrespectful.”

  My dad opens his mouth and for a second I think he’s going to defend me, but then he closes it again.

  “Sorry,” I say. “It’s what everyone calls her at school. Since, y’know, nobody there knows she’s a Princess.”

  Allister keeps frowning at me for a second, like he doesn’t believe me or something—which is just nuts, since he has to know what I said is true. Then Dad finally speaks up.

  “It’s true, Allister, that all of her friends call her that. It’s not a pet name of Rigel’s, as you seem to think.”

  “Hm. Well.” Allister pulls his gaze away from me and looks a little more cheerful. “Soon it won’t matter anyway.”

  “What do you mean?” I demand. “What won’t matter?”

  “This little infatuation of yours,” he says, “which I’ve warned you all along is ill-fated.”

  “Why? If you’re going to try sending her away again—“

  He looks almost genuinely startled. “No, no, of course not. She made her wishes on that point quite clear. Never mind, boy. Forget I said anything.”

  “Go see if your mother needs more help in the kitchen,” Dad tells me before I can ask more questions. “She won’t want these rolls to get cold before everything else is ready.”

  I leave them, but not before catching the smug expression on Allister’s face. An expression I suspect doesn’t bode well for me—or for M.

  Order Starcrossed to keep reading!

  Curious to know what Rigel really thought when he first met M and realized who she was? Sign up for Brenda’s newsletter and get Rigel’s Jewel, a short story written just for her newsletter subscribers, FREE!

  A Note from Brenda Hiatt

  I know there are many, many books out there to choose from, so I want to take this opportunity to personally thank you choosing and reading Starstruck! The idea for Starstruck grew in my mind over a period of years until I simply had to write it down to share with others. Since then, I’ve heard from many, many readers who seem to love these characters and their world every bit as much as I do, which makes me very happy. If you also enjoyed this book, please consider leaving a review wherever you buy or talk about books to let other like-minded readers know they might enjoy it, too.

  I love to hear from my readers! Stay in touch by signing up for my newsletter (click here). You’ll receive a FREE Starstruck short story that I wrote just for my subscribers, along with all the latest news about my books. You can also connect with me on Facebook or Twitter

  For even more information about me and my books, visit brendahiatt.com or starstruckseries.com (with exclusive content!)

  Happy reading!

  ~Brenda :)

  Also by Brenda Hiatt

  The Starstruck Series

  Starstruck - An orphaned astronomy geek dreams of escaping her tiny town and becoming somebody and then the hot new quarterback befriends her. But strange things happen: her acne clears up, her eyesight improves, and when they touch, sparks fly—literally! Soon she discovers secrets that change her humdrum life forever and expose her to deadly perils. The middle of nowhere just got a lot more interesting!

  Starcrossed - The Starstruck adventure continues! Formerly a nerdy nobody, Marsha is the newly discovered princess of a secret civilization. Even better, she’s dating her literal soulmate. But when a new boy arrives at Jewel High, everything M thought she knew about herself and her future turns upside down. Will the destiny that lifted her from obscurity now tear her away from Rigel and their happy ever after?

  Starbound - Being a Princess isn’t all it’s cracked up to be! As newly discovered Princess of a secret Martian colony, M knew she’d have to return someday—but over spring break? An emergency on Mars requires her presence, but not everyone is overjoyed to have their long-lost Princess back. Can she win her people over in time to save the colony from destruction? And what will she have to give up in return?

  Starfall - The electrifying conclusion to the Starstruck series! M is finally acclaimed Sovereign Emileia, ruler of the Martian colony Nuath. But at what cost? Without Rigel, life seems pointless but M reluctantly does what she must until an unexpected discovery brings a glimmer of hope. Now she’s determined to do whatever she can to salvage her longed-for happy ending—if it’s not already too late.

  Fractured Jewel: A Starstruck Novella - Change is never easy. Sometimes it’s downright dangerous! The future looks bright for M and Rigel, but it turns out not everyone is open to change. This novella picks up where Starfall leaves off, answering a few questions, presenting new c
hallenges and setting up a new Starstruck spin-off series.

  The Girl From Mars - Kira’s life on Mars is great these days. She’s a rising sports star and the guy she’s been crushing on is starting to notice her. When her parents decide to move to technologically backward Earth for the good of their underground colony, Kira is aghast—and furious. Will life on Earth be the nightmare she anticipates or a chance for happiness beyond her wildest dreams?

  The Handmaid’s Secret Molly has never really fit in anywhere. Even as Handmaid to Martian Sovereign Emileia, her one claim to importance, she feels useless now she’s back on Earth. But all of that changes when an obnoxious, annoyingly handsome Royal boy arrives in Jewel and she makes an unexpected discovery about herself.

  Traditional Regency Romance (teen-appropriate)

  Gabriella - A lost wager obliges a Duke to bring a pretty nobody into fashion for the London Season. Irksome duty turns into something quite different as he falls under the spell of his protege's innocent charm. Gabriella would rather help run her father's veterinary practice than fit into fashionable society but the more time she spends with the dashing Duke, the more conflicted she is. Could this be love?

  The Cygnet - A young lady would rather write poetry than make her London debut until she meets a handsome marquis and Cupid's arrow strikes. She transforms herself to attract him, only to learn he apparently has an aversion to her first love, poetry! Is all lost? (Originally published as The Ugly Duckling.)

  Lord Dearborn's Destiny - After a fortuneteller prophesies a statuesque blonde as his perfect match, a skeptical Lord Dearborn meets just such a woman. Blinded by her beauty, he barely notices her cousin, a lively, witty brunette. Though he has more in common with the petite and impoverished Ellie than the divine Miss Rosalind, she is not in his style at all. Will his eyes be opened in time to his true Destiny?

  Daring Deception - The new Earl of Seabrooke needs a fortune—fast! When a young buck cannot pay his losses at the table and offers his sister instead, Seabrooke agrees to wed her sight unseen. Appalled by her brother's bargain, Miss Chesterton infiltrates Lord Seabrooke's household as a servant to prove him a fortune hunter. But even as she gathers evidence, she finds herself losing her heart to the handsome Earl.

  Christmas Bride - Holly was so looking forward to Christmas! Not only is it her birthday, it's her first wedding anniversary. But now her husband Hunt, the Marquess of Vandover, is in jail, and it's all Holly's fault. Her attempt to help him advance his diplomatic career went terribly wrong and now her husband stands accused of treason. Somehow, she must save Hunt—and their marriage—and Christmas!

  Azalea - After an arranged marriage, Azalea's new husband immediately sails back to England, but she is already in love. When he's lost at sea, she's devastated. Six years later, Azalea sails to England herself and learns that her husband is alive but has no memory of her or their marriage. Worse, he is betrothed! Can Azalea force Christian to remember the truth before he breaks her heart again?

  Also (less teen-appropriate)

  Time Travel Romance

  Bridge Over Time - A switch in time! An independent modern woman mysteriously trades places with a near identical ancestress in 1825. Each is desperate to get back to her own time until she falls in love with the very man her counterpart most wanted to avoid. Is this destiny, or simply a cruel trick of fate?

  Regency-set Historical Romance

  Scandalous Virtue - An overprotected widow ready to kick up her heels meets a notorious rake trying to reform. Each sees the other as a shortcut to change . . . until the sparks fly!

  Rogue’s Honor - First book in “The Saint of Seven Dials” series. A duke’s daughter in disguise is thrown into the company of a legendary Regency Robin Hood. Love is the last thing either of them needs just now, but when was love ever wise?

  Noble Deceptions - An American shipping heiress and the new Saint of Seven Dials find themselves trapped into a marriage neither wants. Even as passion turns to love, both hide secret identities that could lead to arrest. If they trust each other with the truth, will it lead to a lifetime of happiness—or to disaster? (Originally published as A Rebellious Bride.)

  Innocent Passions - A former spy takes on the role of the Saint of Seven Dials to hunt down a deadly traitor but finds himself distracted by a studious and opinionated young lady, newly arrived in London. Is she the innocent bluestocking she appears, or the very traitor he’s been seeking? And which is in more danger–his heart or his life?

  Saintly Sins - A penniless beauty assumes the identity of the Saint of Seven Dials to rescue her young brother from the streets. A nobleman with his own demons is both smitten and intrigued by the lovely enigma, but when he digs beneath the surface, he finds a secret that could ruin them both. But perhaps love is worth the risk… (Originally published as Wickedly Yours.)

  (The above four books are also available in a value-priced boxed set, The Saint of Seven Dials Collector's Edition.)

  Gallant Scoundrel - What happened in Harry Thatcher’s past to change him from a celebrated war hero into a dissipated wastrel? Is it already too late, or can becoming the next Saint of Seven Dials–and the right woman–transform him back into the man he has the potential to be? The long-anticipated 5th installment in the Saint of Seven Dials series!

  Tessa’s Touch - Tessa has a special gift; with word and touch she can tame the most unbroken horse. But when handsome Lord Anthony gallops into her life, she is faced with a far greater challenge. Anthony thinks Tessa is helping her uncle to sell half-broken horses but soon realizes he must free her from her grasping uncle's trap so he can claim her for himself. (Originally published as Taming Tessa.)

  The Runaway Heiress - Dina’s only chance to keep her inheritance from her gamester brother is to marry before her twenty-fifth birthday. When her carefully planned elopement goes awry she travels to Gretna Green alone, trusting to chance. There she rescues a naïve young lady from a fortune hunter, earning the gratitude of the young lady’s handsome brother. When he asks her to name her reward, she has her answer ready.

  Romantic Historical Fiction

  Ship of Dreams - Accused of a crime she didn't commit, Della flees San Francisco aboard an outbound ship. Kent Bradford is shocked when a beautiful redhead introduces herself as his wife to an important investor. Fearing a scene, he plays along...for now. Set amid the real events of the final, ill-fated voyage of the SS Central America, SHIP OF DREAMS takes the reader on an adventure filled with danger and love.

  Mystery

  Out of Her Depth - After her husband leaves her for a younger woman, a newly divorced woman goes to Aruba alone for what should have been her 25th anniversary trip. To force herself out of her comfort zone, she signs up for scuba diving lessons. But when she finds a ring during her first dive that turns out to be a clue in a high-profile murder case, she finds more adventure than she bargained for.

  With other authors

  Spark: Seven Fantastic First-in-Series Novels - Dive into these adventurous, fantastical, romantic novels with strong heroines and plenty of action. Seven Sparks books are all compelling reads without explicit descriptions or swearing, making these books perfect for YA readers or anyone in the mood for a marvelous adventure! More than 2,200 pages of great reading!

  Fabulous Firsts - Eleven full-length novels from eleven New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling authors! Each book is the first in a beloved series. From the majesty of medieval castles to the glittering ballrooms of the Regency, read an enchanting novel from each of the Jewels of Historical Romance.

  Scandalous Brides - This New York Times (#4 all fiction) and USA Today (#1 all romance) Bestseller brings together the best of the best from Annette Blair, Cheryl Bolen, Lucinda Brant, and Brenda Hiatt. Fall in love with bewitchingly scandalous brides and their dashing grooms in this box set of 4 full-length Regency romances.

  Jewels of Historical Romance- Twelve internationally bestselling, award-winning authors, all Jewels, have selected
their favorite scenes to share with you in this special FREE volume.

  Once Upon a Christmas-Curl up by the fire with seven heartwarming tales from the Jewels of Historical Romance…a counterfeit bride in Medieval Scotland, a whirlwind courtship in a Regency ballroom, a holiday miracle in the wilds of Ireland, love and laughter in 19th century New York City, an unlikely attraction in Victorian England, and more. When the magic of Christmas meets the romance of ages past, who can resist falling in love?

  About the Author

  Brenda Hiatt is the New York Times bestselling author of twenty-two novels (so far), including traditional Regency romance, time travel romance, historical romance, and humorous mystery. She is as excited about her STARSTRUCK series as she's ever been about any of her books. 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 currently pursuing her 4th degree black belt), hiking, traveling, and pursuing new experiences and skills.

  For a free Starstruck short story and the earliest news about Brenda Hiatt’s books, subscribe to her newsletter at: brendahiatt.com/subscribe

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