Starlet: A Dark Retelling - Cora Kenborn Page 0,138
the meaning behind the phrase. When I loved a person, I saw them through rose-colored glasses. Everything was perfect…until it wasn’t. I walked the line until I got knocked off and opened my eyes to the person I’d been blind to. My heart became torn…desperate to recapture the first untainted moments where the line was straight and steady. Before I knew it, hate filled the space where the love vacated, and my heart battled with my head.
Like an addict who promised one more hit would be the last, I knew it was a lie but told it anyway. I knew I couldn’t stop. The cycle always repeated and I hurt myself until there was nothing left but hate for both of us.
Unless the cycle ends.
I thought the past eighteen days had hardened me to violence, so it surprised me when my chin quivered. Vengeance took my salvation, but apparently, a conscience still resided somewhere in the deep recesses of my mind. Maybe that was one thing he hadn’t killed. Maybe that was the last shred of humanity I could hold onto as I burned in hell for the path I'd walked.
I would’ve done anything for him. He’d held me in his arms and promised to protect me.
I didn’t bother to stop the lone tear as it rolled across my nose and fell onto my bottom lip, pausing briefly before tumbling down my chin. “I love you too,” I whispered as I unloaded the gun, my mask slipping as he stumbled.
It’s funny how sometimes the people you’d give your life for are the ones who take it.
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The Sinister Fairy Tales Collection
Venom - Dee Garcia
Cold Queen - K. Webster
Sacrifice - N. Isabelle Blanco
Insolent - Cynthia Rodriguez
Madness - Kailee Reese Samuels
Siren - Hazel Grace
Legend - M.R. Leahy
Mirage - C.M. Radcliff
Imprisoned - K.L. Donn
Lock - Kimberly Knight
Stealing Cinderella - A. Zavarelli
Abducted - K.I. Lynn
Winter’s Arrow - Lexi C. Foss
Zhanshi - Anna Edwards
Heart Thief - Ker Dukey
Starlet - Cora Kenborn
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Acknowledgments
Writing this book almost did me in, so get a snack and buckle up because I’m about to thank everybody and their grandma.
Thanks to Sour Patch Kids, Monster Energy, Starbuck’s Caramel Macchiato (but with coconut milk instead of cream, because ew…) and Cheetos. You single-handedly made this book possible. Without you, I’d still be on chapter one, looking up synonyms for shrug and smile.
To my dear, sweet family. That person you’ve lived with the last three months—you know, the rabid one who grew fangs and barked like a dog when you violated the sanctity of the cave? Let’s be honest, you were warned not to let her have a Keurig in her office. So, in a way, it’s kind of your fault what happened. It’s okay, I forgive you.
There are always those special few in the author world who never let you quit no matter how far you fall. Thank you so much to Sienna and my Tater Tot, Kailee for your love and support.
Crystal, my long-suffering PA, not sure how we made it, but we made it—crawling toward the finish line in week-old pajamas with crusty-ass, dry-shampoo caked hair, and a case of wicked eye strain that would make the best ophthalmologist cringe. Say it with me now, deadlines are Satan’s playground.
Dee Garcia, my Llama Mama, thank you for allowing me to be a part of this amazing project, for believing in this crazy story I had, and most of all for your support when life happened. They say when it rains it pours, but we weathered that storm together with love, patience, and a lot of tequila.
A huge shout out to N. Isabelle Blanco for tackling this beast of a book and editing it in four days. You are the queen, and I bow to you. Also thank you to Sheri with Light Hand Proofreading for making it shine.
Catherine, there are no words. Thank you for being my wealth of insider knowledge for all things Hollywood. I hope I did you proud. Mostly, thanks for the vent sessions, the life talks, and the brainstorms. I’m in awe of your talent and grateful for your friendship. Oh, and Rick is still mine.
Dominic’s Beta Bitches, I freaking love you. Not only did you put up with my perpetual lateness, you didn’t yell at me when I gave you half-finished chapters because I’m evil like that. Thanks for the daily laughs and encouragement. I raise a glass of Jack (Dominic’s fav) to you: Crystal, Tami, Melissa, Sheri, KC, Tiffany, Sarah, Amy, Sienna, and Cynthia.
Jane Anthony, thank you for letting me turn your book into a movie. Netflix might ignore our constant emails, but in my Hollywood, “Optimax” bought the movie rights to Last First Kiss. Too bad Dominic went and “TMZ’ed” it all up for you. Bummer.
Thank you to Dianne Manns and Vanessa Hunder for graciously allowing me to use your names, likenesses, personalities and pretty much everything else to turn you into characters into this story. Bet you’re wondering, “tell me again, why I entered that contest?”
Tori Price, thanks for coming up with the name for my fictional dive bar. I’d say thanks for “The G-Spot”, but that just sounds weird and honestly a little creepy.
To my reader group, Cora’s Twisted Alpha Addicts, thank you for always being there for a shoulder, a laugh, or a boost. I don’t know what I’d do without all of you!
To all the bloggers and readers who read this book and shared it, thank you! As always, everything I do is for you. Without your support, I’m just a chick with a laptop.
And Cheetos.
Lots and lots of Cheetos.
About the Author
Cora Kenborn is a USA Today Bestselling author who writes in multiple genres from dark and gritty romantic suspense to laugh-out-loud romantic comedy. Known for her sharp banter and shocking blindsides, Cora pushes her characters and readers out of their comfort zones and onto an emotional roller coaster before delivering a twisted happily ever after.
Cora believes there’s nothing better than a feisty heroine who keeps her alpha on his toes, and she draws inspiration from the strong country women who raised her. However, since the domestic Southern Belle gene seems to have skipped a generation, she spends any free time convincing her family that microwaving Hot Pockets counts as cooking dinner.
Oh, and autocorrect thinks she's obsessed with ducks.