The Stars are on Our Side
Tabitha Brighton's name made national headlines when she was kidnapped by the infamous serial killer known as the Matchmaker. She was also known for something else: being the only victim he ever willingly released.
Now, two years later, she's ready to tell her story.
Through a series of interviews with a local writer, single mother Tabitha relives every harrowing detail of her trauma, haunted by the memory of the man she was held captive with and ultimately lost. As she confronts her demons, she finds solace in Gabe—the new man in her life who will do whatever it takes to prevent her from slipping back into the shadows.
But Gabe has his own troubled past that threatens to unravel their fragile connection. And just when Tabitha begins to believe in the possibility of new love and a fresh start, her world is turned upside down once again.
Gabe always tells her not to look down, to keep flying. But even stars fall…
And no one ever talks about the crash.
​
The Stars Are on Our Side is a FOLLOW-UP novel to Still Beating and Lotus, featuring fan-favorite characters Tabitha and Gabe. It is HIGHLY recommended that you read both Still Beating and Lotus prior to reading this book for the most effective reading experience.
-
Angst Level
-
Content WarningSexual Assault, kidnapping, death of a character, violence
-
Spice Level
-
TropesForbidden, forced proximity, trauma bond, enemies to lovers, sister’s fiancé
-
Connections with other Jennifer Hartmann NovelsMentions a news article featuring Oliver Lynch, a man discovered on the side of the road 22 years after he went missing. Introduction to Tabitha.
-
TropesChildhood friends to lovers, virgin hero, cinnamon roll hero
-
Angst Level
-
Content WarningKidnapping, references of Sexual Assault—message me for further details if necessary due to spoilers)
-
Connections with other Jennifer Hartmann NovelsOliver Lynch's story, the man referenced in Still Beating, with cameos from Cora and Tabitha. Features two side characters with stories: Brant and Evan.
-
Spice Level
-
TropesUnrequited love, boy falls first, single mom, friends to lovers
-
Connections with other Jennifer Hartmann NovelsIt is HIGHLY recommended that you read SB and Lotus first! The story of Tabitha (from SB) and Gabe (from Lotus). Features many characters from both books, as well as Evan and Summer from The Thorns Remain.
-
Spice Level
-
Angst Level
-
Content WarningSexual Assault, kidnapping, death of a character, violence
-
TropesRockstar, single dad, slight love triangle, enemies to friends to lovers
-
Angst Level
-
Content WarningDomestic violence and abuse
-
Spice Level
-
Connections with other Jennifer Hartmann NovelsNone
-
Spice Level
-
Content WarningLoss of a loved one, violence
-
TropesSecond chance
-
Angst Level
-
Connections with other Jennifer Hartmann NovelsYou MUST read Aria first! Bonus epilogue, featuring Summer from The Thorns Remain.
-
Connections with other Jennifer Hartmann NovelsNone
-
Spice Level
-
Content WarningNone
-
TropesGrumpy/sunshine, best friend’s brother, virgin heroine, office romance, slight second chance, 90s setting
-
Angst Level
-
TropesGrumpy/sunshine, best friend’s brother, virgin heroine, tortured hero
-
Angst Level
-
Spice Level
-
Connections with other Jennifer Hartmann NovelsYou MUST read AOGTH first! None
-
Content WarningAddiction
-
Angst Level
-
TropesKidnapping, forced proximity, touch her and die, opposites attract, tortured MMC
-
Connections with other Jennifer Hartmann NovelsNone
-
Spice Level
-
Content WarningMurder, blood/violence, black market activities, death of a loved one off-page
-
TropesRevenge romance with a twist, single dad
-
Angst Level
-
Spice Level
-
Content WarningMorally gray hero, cheating—protagonists do NOT cheat on each other
-
Connections with other Jennifer Hartmann NovelsEvan's story, the writer neighbor featured in Lotus and the man who interviewed Tabitha in Stars. Cameos from Oliver and Sydney in Lotus. Will eventually connect with a future story involving Evan's daughter, Summer, and Sam, the son from Aria/Coda. Features Delilah, who was briefly mentioned in Claws and Feathers and includes a small reference to that story.
-
Spice Level
-
Connections with other Jennifer Hartmann NovelsNone
-
Angst Level
-
TropesStrangers to lovers, forced proximity, single mom
-
Content WarningViolence
-
Angst Level
-
TropesAge gap, forbidden, taboo, single dad, secret romance, 90s setting
-
Spice Level
-
Content WarningChildhood abuse and neglect, significant age gap
-
Connections with other Jennifer Hartmann NovelsNone
-
Angst Level
-
Content WarningMurder, blood/violence, bullying, alcoholism, depictions of chronic illness, attempted assault
-
Spice Level
-
TropesYA themes, childhood friends to lovers, coming of age, neighbors
-
Connections with other Jennifer Hartmann NovelsNone
-
TropesWidow, grumpy/sunshine, tortured hero
-
Connections with other Jennifer Hartmann NovelsMention of The Matchmaker from Still Beating, otherwise none.
-
Spice Level
-
Content WarningLoss of a loved one, suicide and self-harm, references of child abuse
-
Angst Level
-
Spice Level
-
Connections with other Jennifer Hartmann NovelsBrant's story, the bartender featured in Lotus. Cameos from Sydney and Clementine in Lotus.
-
TropesForbidden/taboo, best friend’s sister, soulmates
-
Content WarningTaboo theme, loss of a loved one
-
Angst Level
-
Angst Level
-
TropesCop/victim, slight forbidden
-
Spice Level (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy)
-
Content WarningViolence
-
Connections with other Jennifer Hartmann NovelsBrief mention of Noah and Freeze Frame from Aria. Vague mention of Delilah, a side character in The Thorns Remain (I don't think anyone has caught it though!