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Stardust
Duncan is an ocean from home over the holidays and expects to spend them alone. To his pleasant surprise, one of his European co-workers, Georg, befriends him and includes Duncan in the holiday traditions of his homeland: cutting a Christmas tree under starry skies at Georg’s country estate, decorating it at the family’s city home, and shopping at the Christmas market in Munich. Both men are lonely and realize they have much in common. But Georg’s life is in Germany and Duncan’s is in Boston. With the project they’re working on nearing completion, any chance for more than a holiday fling seems as elusive as stardust.
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2014 Advent Calendar package "Celebrate!".
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2014 Advent Calendar package "Celebrate!".
66 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
December 14, 2014
This is the short story of Duncan and Georg.
Duncan is an astronautical Engineer at MIT visiting Germany on business and Georg is a senior project manager who works for a company where Duncan is doing said business. And also just so happens to be a real-life German Count.
Yes, a Count, like 'Chocula', 'Dracula' and that other dude from Sesame Street, but without the pointy teeth.
So Georg fancies Duncan and begins to casually flirt with him as they work together. A lunch leads to a Saturday showing Duncan around, which leads to them dating for the 6 weeks that Duncan has left in Germany for work.
So over the hills and through the woods to Grandfather's house they go, with day to day life happening around them and feelings growing along the way.
As time always does, it runs short and they have to decide if they can find a way to stay in one another's lives, which was about the most stressful/dramatic part of the story.
Our two MC's get a last minute reprieve, which allows them 'some' more time together, but the story doesn't set a definite HEA in stone by the end.
I was a bit surprised that Georg didn't flex his Count-ly muscles (is that a word?) to the German government and work out a way for Duncan to stay in the country, but oh well. I don't see much point in the title if it's as useful as tits on a bull, but that's just me.
Anyway, the story mostly felt like meandering along a snowy path(while snacking on a nice, thick, juicy, succulent, fat, tasty German sausage, oops, strike that) and seeing the world float by. It was a nice path. Maybe not the most exciting, but nice. So if you feel like taking a stroll, this one might be for you.
3.25 stars.
Duncan is an astronautical Engineer at MIT visiting Germany on business and Georg is a senior project manager who works for a company where Duncan is doing said business. And also just so happens to be a real-life German Count.
Yes, a Count, like 'Chocula', 'Dracula' and that other dude from Sesame Street, but without the pointy teeth.
So Georg fancies Duncan and begins to casually flirt with him as they work together. A lunch leads to a Saturday showing Duncan around, which leads to them dating for the 6 weeks that Duncan has left in Germany for work.
So over the hills and through the woods to Grandfather's house they go, with day to day life happening around them and feelings growing along the way.
As time always does, it runs short and they have to decide if they can find a way to stay in one another's lives, which was about the most stressful/dramatic part of the story.
Our two MC's get a last minute reprieve, which allows them 'some' more time together, but the story doesn't set a definite HEA in stone by the end.
I was a bit surprised that Georg didn't flex his Count-ly muscles (is that a word?) to the German government and work out a way for Duncan to stay in the country, but oh well. I don't see much point in the title if it's as useful as tits on a bull, but that's just me.
Anyway, the story mostly felt like meandering along a snowy path
3.25 stars.
December 4, 2014
‘Stardust’ is the first story in this year’s Dreamspinner thirty-one story Advent Calendar I read, and it was a brilliant start as far as I am concerned. It has everything I look for in a holiday tale: two great guys who more than deserve love, soft and gentle romance, passion, a bit of suspense, and a happy ending with justified hope for so much more.
Duncan has been sent to Germany by his company o he can oversee the production of a mirror to be used for building a huge telescope. The work isn’t stressful, and he has lots of free time on his hands, more than he knows what to do with alone in a foreign country where he doesn’t understand more than a little of the language. Georg’s offer to show him around is very welcome, and even though Duncan is hesitant because his cheating ex has always told him he is boring, he accepts the offered opportunity with open arms and a hopeful heart. The shared details about the role of stardust in our lives and how these men incorporate it into their romance really spoke to me. Duncan and Georg soon get closer, and Duncan’s feelings quickly deepen. The anticipated pain of their upcoming separation once the project is finished almost makes Duncan withdraw in an attempt to lessen the eventual heartache, but in the end, he decides to live each day with as much joy as possible—while he can.
Georg is a wonderful man, and the reluctance with which he reveals some of his family background was charming! I can’t blame him for wanting to be careful, as he has his own bad experiences to deal with. But once he figures out that Duncan really is different, he is determined to make the most of what they have. I loved how he shares his family traditions with Duncan, and how he includes him in the somewhat standoffish German office team. Georg also comes up with a very creative Christmas gift, one that makes everything even better.
I loved this story from beginning to end. With all the wonderful details a German Christmas can bring, including the ambiance, the food, and all the Christmas traditions around the preparation and the celebration itself, it managed to completely pull me into what was happening. The final gift-giving scene was perfect, and laid all my fears about Duncan and Georg’s future to rest. If you’re looking for a tender, gentle love story with a festive flair, if you enjoy reading about Christmas traditions in other countries, and if you want a read that is as romantic as it is Christmassy, then you will probably like this sort novella as much as I did. What a great start to the Christmas season!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Duncan has been sent to Germany by his company o he can oversee the production of a mirror to be used for building a huge telescope. The work isn’t stressful, and he has lots of free time on his hands, more than he knows what to do with alone in a foreign country where he doesn’t understand more than a little of the language. Georg’s offer to show him around is very welcome, and even though Duncan is hesitant because his cheating ex has always told him he is boring, he accepts the offered opportunity with open arms and a hopeful heart. The shared details about the role of stardust in our lives and how these men incorporate it into their romance really spoke to me. Duncan and Georg soon get closer, and Duncan’s feelings quickly deepen. The anticipated pain of their upcoming separation once the project is finished almost makes Duncan withdraw in an attempt to lessen the eventual heartache, but in the end, he decides to live each day with as much joy as possible—while he can.
Georg is a wonderful man, and the reluctance with which he reveals some of his family background was charming! I can’t blame him for wanting to be careful, as he has his own bad experiences to deal with. But once he figures out that Duncan really is different, he is determined to make the most of what they have. I loved how he shares his family traditions with Duncan, and how he includes him in the somewhat standoffish German office team. Georg also comes up with a very creative Christmas gift, one that makes everything even better.
I loved this story from beginning to end. With all the wonderful details a German Christmas can bring, including the ambiance, the food, and all the Christmas traditions around the preparation and the celebration itself, it managed to completely pull me into what was happening. The final gift-giving scene was perfect, and laid all my fears about Duncan and Georg’s future to rest. If you’re looking for a tender, gentle love story with a festive flair, if you enjoy reading about Christmas traditions in other countries, and if you want a read that is as romantic as it is Christmassy, then you will probably like this sort novella as much as I did. What a great start to the Christmas season!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
December 4, 2014
A totally sweet and positive holiday read, immersed in Christmas spirit and yet neither saccharine nor preachy because of the thoughtful philosophical tidbits about the eponymous Stardust. Really beautiful.
June 22, 2019
PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!
To my ratings:
5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-
Away-book like
‘Jesse's Smile' or ‚Joey’ from Angelique Jurd,
‘Save the at he kids' series from EM Leya,
‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or
'Liberty' from Seth King),
it's like an A+
4* - very good and will be often reread and is a
WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises
(like most of Andrew Grey’s books)
it's like an A
3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few
times a year (most romances where you can
enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+
3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader,
maybe 2-3 times a year. It’s like a B
2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-
reader (i wouldn't recommend it heartily, but
it was ok). It's like a C-, D
1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too
many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an
absolut NO-GO). It's like failure in the whole
line, dismissed, repeat the class
To my ratings:
5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-
Away-book like
‘Jesse's Smile' or ‚Joey’ from Angelique Jurd,
‘Save the at he kids' series from EM Leya,
‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or
'Liberty' from Seth King),
it's like an A+
4* - very good and will be often reread and is a
WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises
(like most of Andrew Grey’s books)
it's like an A
3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few
times a year (most romances where you can
enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+
3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader,
maybe 2-3 times a year. It’s like a B
2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-
reader (i wouldn't recommend it heartily, but
it was ok). It's like a C-, D
1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too
many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an
absolut NO-GO). It's like failure in the whole
line, dismissed, repeat the class
September 27, 2017
3.5* this was so cute!! And so Xmassy
The story is short and simple, a guy who is working in Munich only for a few months, falls in love BUT oh! the future distance between them is the problem!
Is narrated in a very sweet way. I really want to go to Munich this december and visit all those places!! And eat a lot currywurst xD
The story is short and simple, a guy who is working in Munich only for a few months, falls in love BUT oh! the future distance between them is the problem!
Is narrated in a very sweet way. I really want to go to Munich this december and visit all those places!! And eat a lot currywurst xD
June 28, 2020
If this were a bit longer, I'd give it 5 stars. A perfect Christmas story in an enchanting place, told by an author who is good at these things. At the end we at least know that Duncan and Georg have more time together.
December 17, 2019
3.75 stars
Lovely story of a lonely man in a foreign country at Christmas. Beautiful images here, and so true to my memories of
Germany.
Lovely story of a lonely man in a foreign country at Christmas. Beautiful images here, and so true to my memories of
Germany.
January 2, 2015
4.5 star review by Paul
This holiday-story takes place in Germany, with one of the MC being an American expat, working on a satellite-project, named Duncan. He’s there to oversee the production of a mirror, so waiting is a big part of his job. This waiting and the fact that he’s all alone in a foreign country sets the backdrop for this story.
Luckily for Duncan Georg (pronounced Gay-org ;) ) is his new co-worker at this company. Georg, we learn, is a real German count and as he identifies with Duncan loneliness in the strange country. Georg connects with Duncan and they share some personal information. From the outset both know they are gay. In my opinion they were way more forward than is to be expected. But after those introductions Georg shows Duncan around town, tells him about German traditions and all of that feels really natural.
Slowly Duncan gets attracted to Georg, but doubts (stemming from a previous relationship, including a bad break-up) build in Duncan’s mind. He knows he’ll be leaving after Christmas as their project will be done soon. Will this just be another fling for Georg, or is there more.
Come Christmas Georg and Duncan are close and Georg invites Duncan to his house to spend the holidays. Of course Duncan accepts as it’s better to spend those special days with a friend. Lovely intimate scene’s follow and they become an item. But the tension of knowing that Duncan will soon leave is always sensible. Will a long distance relationship be a possibility, or is it over before the New Year?
Andrew Grey presents us with a brilliant story, set in a Christmassy Germany. He creates a warm atmosphere and pays attention to detail describing the main characters and their surroundings. The magical way in which he takes the reader with Duncan (it’s written as a first person story) on his journey to self-rediscovery adds special depth to this Advent short story. This novel is above average by far, engaging the reader into Duncan’s mindset. For this reviewer this is what a Holiday story should be all about. Yes there was sex, but the connection the characters found was dominant. And that is the reason this book earns a solid 4.5 star rating.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
This holiday-story takes place in Germany, with one of the MC being an American expat, working on a satellite-project, named Duncan. He’s there to oversee the production of a mirror, so waiting is a big part of his job. This waiting and the fact that he’s all alone in a foreign country sets the backdrop for this story.
Luckily for Duncan Georg (pronounced Gay-org ;) ) is his new co-worker at this company. Georg, we learn, is a real German count and as he identifies with Duncan loneliness in the strange country. Georg connects with Duncan and they share some personal information. From the outset both know they are gay. In my opinion they were way more forward than is to be expected. But after those introductions Georg shows Duncan around town, tells him about German traditions and all of that feels really natural.
Slowly Duncan gets attracted to Georg, but doubts (stemming from a previous relationship, including a bad break-up) build in Duncan’s mind. He knows he’ll be leaving after Christmas as their project will be done soon. Will this just be another fling for Georg, or is there more.
Come Christmas Georg and Duncan are close and Georg invites Duncan to his house to spend the holidays. Of course Duncan accepts as it’s better to spend those special days with a friend. Lovely intimate scene’s follow and they become an item. But the tension of knowing that Duncan will soon leave is always sensible. Will a long distance relationship be a possibility, or is it over before the New Year?
Andrew Grey presents us with a brilliant story, set in a Christmassy Germany. He creates a warm atmosphere and pays attention to detail describing the main characters and their surroundings. The magical way in which he takes the reader with Duncan (it’s written as a first person story) on his journey to self-rediscovery adds special depth to this Advent short story. This novel is above average by far, engaging the reader into Duncan’s mindset. For this reviewer this is what a Holiday story should be all about. Yes there was sex, but the connection the characters found was dominant. And that is the reason this book earns a solid 4.5 star rating.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
December 30, 2014
3.5 stars
Finally a nice Christmas story in the Advent calendar, it was high time. I liked the setting in Munich and the area around it and Duncan and Georg were a nice couple. It's definately a HFN not a HEA and the flowery writing style of the sex scenes made me chuckle, but it was okay.
Finally a nice Christmas story in the Advent calendar, it was high time. I liked the setting in Munich and the area around it and Duncan and Georg were a nice couple. It's definately a HFN not a HEA and the flowery writing style of the sex scenes made me chuckle, but it was okay.
December 31, 2014
Well it was nice to wrap up this year's advent calendar on a high note. A very nice story and I'm glad they go their happy-ish ending.
November 22, 2017
This is a sweet contemporary romance story about an American scientist who falls in love with a German engineer. It's very short, but it feels complete, with a lot of details about Christmas in Germany. The main characters aren't unique, but the characterizations are good and consistent. Some of the language is a little bit overdone, with a lot of metaphors in the sex scenes. I listened to the audiobook, and it was a great way to spend a few hours and get into the holiday spirit.
Read
October 29, 2024Good Addition to a Christmas Romance Collection
A well written storyline with holiday themes. Cross cultural, USA and Germany, and a developing romance. Good character development and enough background to be believed. The book ends but the story does not and the reader is left with promise of a future for our couple.
A well written storyline with holiday themes. Cross cultural, USA and Germany, and a developing romance. Good character development and enough background to be believed. The book ends but the story does not and the reader is left with promise of a future for our couple.
September 3, 2021
For the audiobook edition that's not listed on Goodreads.
December 23, 2015
e-book review from 12-01-2014
Duncan volunteered to work in Munich over the Christmas Holidays so a co-worker could stay home with his expecting wife. As a single, gay man without a boyfriend or family to speak of, it seemed like a no brainer. A few weeks into the project his liaison is replaced by one tall, dark and handsome German named Georg. From the start Duncan feels very comfortable with Georg and the two share details about their lives over lunch and a sightseeing trip where Georg shares the love of his country and his home with his new American friend.
The attraction is mutual but Duncan needs a little reassuring that he won’t be just another notch in the proverbial bed post. He is leaving in a few weeks back to America, so how could a torrid affair possibly end well for either of them. The stars seem to shine down on them though, making their connection impossible to ignore. Chemistry, passion and common interests can only take you so far when you live oceans apart. Duncan wonders how he will be able to leave this man that he is falling for, but what other choice is there?
I love that Grey put time and effort into researching the area this story takes place in. The descriptions of scenery, traditions and the family dynamics of someone of Georg’s stature added a little weight to the story, making it more than just fluff and romance. Ah, but the fluff and romance were quite fun to read as well. The perfect story for the season, I think my face hurts from smiling so much. A sweat and endearing love story for all us hopeless romantics, a very light hearted read.
Update with audio review 12-22-2015
I already adored this story, but adding the narration, especially with McFerrin nailing the German for Georg so well, it just took the story to another level for me. The storyline is very simple as is the narration, just Georg and Duncan throughout, but McFerrin added so much color to the words with his voice. This isn’t one of Grey’s sexier stories, it is meant to be a lighthearted romance between these two men and that was conveyed very well with the narration. This is just the perfect little story for the season… short, sweet and very romantic, especially the little blue box.
My first audio with McFerrin, but I will look for more.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Duncan volunteered to work in Munich over the Christmas Holidays so a co-worker could stay home with his expecting wife. As a single, gay man without a boyfriend or family to speak of, it seemed like a no brainer. A few weeks into the project his liaison is replaced by one tall, dark and handsome German named Georg. From the start Duncan feels very comfortable with Georg and the two share details about their lives over lunch and a sightseeing trip where Georg shares the love of his country and his home with his new American friend.
The attraction is mutual but Duncan needs a little reassuring that he won’t be just another notch in the proverbial bed post. He is leaving in a few weeks back to America, so how could a torrid affair possibly end well for either of them. The stars seem to shine down on them though, making their connection impossible to ignore. Chemistry, passion and common interests can only take you so far when you live oceans apart. Duncan wonders how he will be able to leave this man that he is falling for, but what other choice is there?
I love that Grey put time and effort into researching the area this story takes place in. The descriptions of scenery, traditions and the family dynamics of someone of Georg’s stature added a little weight to the story, making it more than just fluff and romance. Ah, but the fluff and romance were quite fun to read as well. The perfect story for the season, I think my face hurts from smiling so much. A sweat and endearing love story for all us hopeless romantics, a very light hearted read.
Update with audio review 12-22-2015
I already adored this story, but adding the narration, especially with McFerrin nailing the German for Georg so well, it just took the story to another level for me. The storyline is very simple as is the narration, just Georg and Duncan throughout, but McFerrin added so much color to the words with his voice. This isn’t one of Grey’s sexier stories, it is meant to be a lighthearted romance between these two men and that was conveyed very well with the narration. This is just the perfect little story for the season… short, sweet and very romantic, especially the little blue box.
My first audio with McFerrin, but I will look for more.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
April 24, 2016
Independent reviewer for Divine Magazine, I was gifted the audio file of this book.
Duncan is halfway around the world, in Munich, on a job, at Christmas time. But it was his choice, so he shouldn't grumble, too much. A colleague drops in to see how he is doing, how the mirror is coming along and something sparks between Duncan and Georg. Something magical. But something with a rapidly approaching deadline.
My first and foremost thought after finishing this was, short and sweet and cute. I'm not normally one to read or listen to Christmas themed romances (especially in February!) and I must have missed the bit on the blurb that says the book was part of the Dreamspinner Press Advent Calendar 2014 but I really liked it!
Its single person POV, in the first, which while I don't much like to READ books written that way, I do much prefer to LISTEN to them. So although only Duncan gets a say, I was happy. No idea why its different for reading and listening, but it is.
Its also only short, 1 hour 50 minutes listening time or 66 pages reading. But sometimes you just need a short listen/read.
Andrew McFerrin narrates.
Its the first of his work I have listened to, and I have added him to my ever growing favourite narrator list. His reading voice is clear and even, and his voices are easily defined. I liked the voices he gave the characters, they fit, just right. Duncan's emotions came over in all the right places and all the right ways. I shall certainly listen to other work by this narrator.
Especially if its a collaboration with Andrew Grey. Again, my first book by him. Won't be my last. Indeed, I'm currently half way through Love Comes Unheard, in audio but its a different narrator. I would like to READ something longer by Grey, these two books are on the short side.
Summing up, short and sweet, not overly sexy, but it wasn't needed here, just what you need to wile away a couple of hours driving.
4 stars for the book
4 for the narration
4 overall.
**same worded review will appear on Goodreads, Audible.com, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, and Barnes and Noble**
Duncan is halfway around the world, in Munich, on a job, at Christmas time. But it was his choice, so he shouldn't grumble, too much. A colleague drops in to see how he is doing, how the mirror is coming along and something sparks between Duncan and Georg. Something magical. But something with a rapidly approaching deadline.
My first and foremost thought after finishing this was, short and sweet and cute. I'm not normally one to read or listen to Christmas themed romances (especially in February!) and I must have missed the bit on the blurb that says the book was part of the Dreamspinner Press Advent Calendar 2014 but I really liked it!
Its single person POV, in the first, which while I don't much like to READ books written that way, I do much prefer to LISTEN to them. So although only Duncan gets a say, I was happy. No idea why its different for reading and listening, but it is.
Its also only short, 1 hour 50 minutes listening time or 66 pages reading. But sometimes you just need a short listen/read.
Andrew McFerrin narrates.
Its the first of his work I have listened to, and I have added him to my ever growing favourite narrator list. His reading voice is clear and even, and his voices are easily defined. I liked the voices he gave the characters, they fit, just right. Duncan's emotions came over in all the right places and all the right ways. I shall certainly listen to other work by this narrator.
Especially if its a collaboration with Andrew Grey. Again, my first book by him. Won't be my last. Indeed, I'm currently half way through Love Comes Unheard, in audio but its a different narrator. I would like to READ something longer by Grey, these two books are on the short side.
Summing up, short and sweet, not overly sexy, but it wasn't needed here, just what you need to wile away a couple of hours driving.
4 stars for the book
4 for the narration
4 overall.
**same worded review will appear on Goodreads, Audible.com, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, and Barnes and Noble**
October 25, 2015
Reviewed at The Blogger Girls.
3.5 stars
In Germany for work, Duncan expects to be spending Christmas alone but when he meets his co-worker Georg, that all changes. Georg is more than willing to show Duncan Germany and spending the holiday with him but Georg has a secret and he’s not sure how Duncan will react to it. Will their few weeks together be enough to not only work through Georg’s secret but also Duncan returning to the States?
This was a very sweet story. I really liked that Duncan was so into his work and what he was creating. At the same time, I found Georg to be adorable in his ways of getting to spend more time with Duncan. Together, they’re very cute and I loved that Georg and Duncan were willing to explore a relationship when they both knew Duncan would be leaving soon.
This was a great story but I felt like the ending was way too abrupt. One moment things were going great and the next BAM! Story is OVER! With that said, I wished this had been longer because I would have liked to explore more of Germany with Duncan and Georg but I also want to know what happens next for these two. Will the next few months be a blessing for them or will it break them up?
In the end, this was a super sweet story. I liked the way Georg wanted to include Duncan in his traditions and the way the two bonded so quickly. I wished it had been much longer and the ending hadn’t been so sudden but, as it was, it’s a cute story that’s sure to leave you with a smile.
3.5 stars
In Germany for work, Duncan expects to be spending Christmas alone but when he meets his co-worker Georg, that all changes. Georg is more than willing to show Duncan Germany and spending the holiday with him but Georg has a secret and he’s not sure how Duncan will react to it. Will their few weeks together be enough to not only work through Georg’s secret but also Duncan returning to the States?
This was a very sweet story. I really liked that Duncan was so into his work and what he was creating. At the same time, I found Georg to be adorable in his ways of getting to spend more time with Duncan. Together, they’re very cute and I loved that Georg and Duncan were willing to explore a relationship when they both knew Duncan would be leaving soon.
This was a great story but I felt like the ending was way too abrupt. One moment things were going great and the next BAM! Story is OVER! With that said, I wished this had been longer because I would have liked to explore more of Germany with Duncan and Georg but I also want to know what happens next for these two. Will the next few months be a blessing for them or will it break them up?
In the end, this was a super sweet story. I liked the way Georg wanted to include Duncan in his traditions and the way the two bonded so quickly. I wished it had been much longer and the ending hadn’t been so sudden but, as it was, it’s a cute story that’s sure to leave you with a smile.
April 14, 2016
Note: This audiobook was provided to me by the publisher through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
Duncan is in Germany, overseeing a project for his company. They design glass mirrors that are used in NASA projects, and though Duncan is an engineer who isn’t usually sent to oversee his designs, he’s volunteered because the coworker who usually does this job has a pregnant wife due to deliver during the same time frame, one that encompasses the Christmas season.
Georg, the project manager from the company creating the mirror, makes his visit more memorable when he befriends Duncan and shows him around. The two enjoy each other’s company and, after a while, start to become romantically involved. They’ve each agreed to enjoy the time they have before Duncan has to go back to the US, and they know their romance may go nowhere, but as the holiday approaches, they’ve moved beyond platonic friends and have fallen in love.
This is a short audiobook nicely narrated by Andrew McFerrin and done in the inimitable style of Andrew Grey. Andrew plus Andrew equals a winning combination! As the blurb states, the chances of Duncan and Georg having anything beyond a brief fling are as elusive as stardust, but the author has a pleasant surprise for us at the end of the story that gives readers and listeners hope for more for this engaging couple.
If you need a quick pick-me-up on a cloudy day, by all means, reach for this one.
Duncan is in Germany, overseeing a project for his company. They design glass mirrors that are used in NASA projects, and though Duncan is an engineer who isn’t usually sent to oversee his designs, he’s volunteered because the coworker who usually does this job has a pregnant wife due to deliver during the same time frame, one that encompasses the Christmas season.
Georg, the project manager from the company creating the mirror, makes his visit more memorable when he befriends Duncan and shows him around. The two enjoy each other’s company and, after a while, start to become romantically involved. They’ve each agreed to enjoy the time they have before Duncan has to go back to the US, and they know their romance may go nowhere, but as the holiday approaches, they’ve moved beyond platonic friends and have fallen in love.
This is a short audiobook nicely narrated by Andrew McFerrin and done in the inimitable style of Andrew Grey. Andrew plus Andrew equals a winning combination! As the blurb states, the chances of Duncan and Georg having anything beyond a brief fling are as elusive as stardust, but the author has a pleasant surprise for us at the end of the story that gives readers and listeners hope for more for this engaging couple.
If you need a quick pick-me-up on a cloudy day, by all means, reach for this one.
December 4, 2015
Duncan recently dropped his cheating ex, and since he’s single and has no close family, he elects to take a job overseas for the holidays. He’s an engineer working for NASA and loves his job, but is terribly lonely.
Georg is a count! But is also terribly lonely. He doesn’t want someone who wants him for his mostly in-name-only status and hasn’t yet found someone to fit the bill. He works with Duncan on the NASA project and is immediately intrigued by the American’s lack of desire for titles and pretensions.
Though they both wonder at the intelligence of starting what will have to be a short-term affair, neither man can resist the lure of the other, an in the meantime they fall in love.
Luckily, by the end, it looks like they may just have found a more permanent solution.
**
This was one of the longer books in the advent series and it is excellent. The descriptions of Munich and Fussen are spot on and the love and caring between Georg and Duncan feel very authentic, plausible and very sweet.
I really enjoyed this novella and highly recommend it.
Andrew McFerrin does a great job with this! His lovely German accent is just strong enough for authenticity but not overwhelming. He has a nice reading pace and does a fantastic job with the emotions and the “acting” needed to bring a story to life.
4.5 stars
Georg is a count! But is also terribly lonely. He doesn’t want someone who wants him for his mostly in-name-only status and hasn’t yet found someone to fit the bill. He works with Duncan on the NASA project and is immediately intrigued by the American’s lack of desire for titles and pretensions.
Though they both wonder at the intelligence of starting what will have to be a short-term affair, neither man can resist the lure of the other, an in the meantime they fall in love.
Luckily, by the end, it looks like they may just have found a more permanent solution.
**
This was one of the longer books in the advent series and it is excellent. The descriptions of Munich and Fussen are spot on and the love and caring between Georg and Duncan feel very authentic, plausible and very sweet.
I really enjoyed this novella and highly recommend it.
Andrew McFerrin does a great job with this! His lovely German accent is just strong enough for authenticity but not overwhelming. He has a nice reading pace and does a fantastic job with the emotions and the “acting” needed to bring a story to life.
4.5 stars
December 19, 2014
Duncan finds himself in Germany while overseeing an important project for work. As loneliness sets in, he befriends a kind co-worker, Georg, who not only becomes a tour guide to Duncan, but also captures his heart. As Duncan's time in Germany comes to a close, he tries to soak in as much of this wonderful man as possible before they go their separate ways.
Overall, I thought this was a pleasant and enjoyable read. The blossoming romance between Duncan and Georg was sweet and both MCs were very likable.
I wish a little more focus could have been given to Duncan's past relationship. Every once in a while bad thoughts and memories would pop up, but he never really addressed them. It would have been nice to see him discuss his feelings of inadequacy with Georg.
My only real complaint was the abrupt ending of the book. I was shocked to see that I was only 85% of the way through the book (according to my Kindle), when I turned the page and saw an ad for the publisher. Hopefully Andrew Grey is planning a sequel so that readers can see what happens with Duncan and Georg's relationship in the future.
For more m/m romance reviews, visit Slashsessed.
Overall, I thought this was a pleasant and enjoyable read. The blossoming romance between Duncan and Georg was sweet and both MCs were very likable.
I wish a little more focus could have been given to Duncan's past relationship. Every once in a while bad thoughts and memories would pop up, but he never really addressed them. It would have been nice to see him discuss his feelings of inadequacy with Georg.
My only real complaint was the abrupt ending of the book. I was shocked to see that I was only 85% of the way through the book (according to my Kindle), when I turned the page and saw an ad for the publisher. Hopefully Andrew Grey is planning a sequel so that readers can see what happens with Duncan and Georg's relationship in the future.
For more m/m romance reviews, visit Slashsessed.
December 29, 2014
Duncan was a PhD working on a special project for NASA in Germany. He came from Boston alone and lonely until one day at work he meets the project manager, Georg, who worked for the contracted company there in Germany. Both were very open to each other about being gay and it starts a beautiful journey of romance, Hot Sex, and Love. As time went on their feelings for each other became stronger, but they both knew that the project they were working on would eventually end after Christmas. They knew there was not a lot they could do about the fact that Duncan would be shipped home with the mirror he was working on and their relationship would end. Like the saying goes 'It is what it is'. So they decided to make the most of every day they had together. Duncan even moved from the hotel he was staying at and moved to Georg's house. Love was growing between them and Georg gave Duncan the best Christmas present he could ever wish for. If you love MM Romance, Hot Sex, and Love, you definitely will love this one. This is a must read. Best Christmas story ever.
December 6, 2015
3.5 - 4 stars for audio edition
Andrew Grey seems to be one of those authors whose writing you either really like or you really don't care for at all. I fall more in the like category. When I first starting reading M/M romances I read and enjoyed many of his books. As time went by I discovered lots of other authors so I don't read Grey's books as often as I used to. What I discovered though is I love Grey's audiobooks, especially the holiday ones, when driving down the lonely highway. I'm invested but not but not distracted. I'm getting some minor conflict but not raging over unnecessary drama. I'm entertained but not overly aroused ;). This book was the perfect listen for driving 85 MPH down a boring interstate highway. The romance was solid and the narration was excellent. The relationship between Duncan and Georg happened quickly but it wasn't insta-love.
If you're looking for a short, entertaining story and you're mot anti-Grey, this one is worth considering.
Andrew Grey seems to be one of those authors whose writing you either really like or you really don't care for at all. I fall more in the like category. When I first starting reading M/M romances I read and enjoyed many of his books. As time went by I discovered lots of other authors so I don't read Grey's books as often as I used to. What I discovered though is I love Grey's audiobooks, especially the holiday ones, when driving down the lonely highway. I'm invested but not but not distracted. I'm getting some minor conflict but not raging over unnecessary drama. I'm entertained but not overly aroused ;). This book was the perfect listen for driving 85 MPH down a boring interstate highway. The romance was solid and the narration was excellent. The relationship between Duncan and Georg happened quickly but it wasn't insta-love.
If you're looking for a short, entertaining story and you're mot anti-Grey, this one is worth considering.
December 28, 2014
This is how you do a short story. This story is truly a wonderful Advent gift. Grey is new to me and after this introduction, I will definitely be seeking more works by him.
Amazing detail and plot without being overly dramatic, Stardust is a sweet tale of romance and finding your place. I don't even care that the happily ever after never occurs because Duncan and Georg' were fully realised and there was the hope of them making it in spite of their long distance apart.
This was the first of the Advent stories I read that didn't leave me feeling as if the setting was just another plot device. The holiday, Germanic traditions and the characters were amazing in their completion. I wanted more of the story at the ending of the book, but was just so satisfied with how Grey ended the story, once again, it didn't matter the bow wasn't on this fantastic gift of a story.
Amazing detail and plot without being overly dramatic, Stardust is a sweet tale of romance and finding your place. I don't even care that the happily ever after never occurs because Duncan and Georg' were fully realised and there was the hope of them making it in spite of their long distance apart.
This was the first of the Advent stories I read that didn't leave me feeling as if the setting was just another plot device. The holiday, Germanic traditions and the characters were amazing in their completion. I wanted more of the story at the ending of the book, but was just so satisfied with how Grey ended the story, once again, it didn't matter the bow wasn't on this fantastic gift of a story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2015
Stardust (Celebrate! - 2014 Advent Calendar) by Andrew Grey
4 stars
M/M Erotica
I was given this book for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
Duncan and Georg have so much sexual chemistry and heat between them that the sex scenes sizzle. I love that this story has almost an air of desperation in it - they both want this relationship, but with an impending "end" date, they both want to make the most of being with each other.
Even though I totally could have handled more of a developing relationship, I love that Georg showed Duncan around, helped him with the language and essentially made Duncan feel immersed in the culture.
The stardust connection is somewhat tenuous, but in the end, it does come together. And, while this book didn't have the normal "parts" - no angst, no drama, no miscommunications, I was left wanting so much more.
4 stars
M/M Erotica
I was given this book for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
Duncan and Georg have so much sexual chemistry and heat between them that the sex scenes sizzle. I love that this story has almost an air of desperation in it - they both want this relationship, but with an impending "end" date, they both want to make the most of being with each other.
Even though I totally could have handled more of a developing relationship, I love that Georg showed Duncan around, helped him with the language and essentially made Duncan feel immersed in the culture.
The stardust connection is somewhat tenuous, but in the end, it does come together. And, while this book didn't have the normal "parts" - no angst, no drama, no miscommunications, I was left wanting so much more.
December 19, 2014
Better Than a Hot Toddy
Leave it to Andrew Grey to come up with a perfectly logical and sweet holiday story. Duncan has had his romantic confidence shattered and is on assignment in Germany where at least he can use his doctorate and experience in aeronautical matters to supervise the construction of a huge telescope.
Georg is a co-worker who wanders into his space one day and before you know it, they are entwining their fingers while walking through the streets of German towns during Christmastime. That Georg comes from an aristocratic and tolerant background and Duncan is a middle-class guy whose Dallas-based family has shunned him since he came out, lends a little more romance to the story which also contains a great deal of heat. Sweet, swift read, perfect any time of year.
Leave it to Andrew Grey to come up with a perfectly logical and sweet holiday story. Duncan has had his romantic confidence shattered and is on assignment in Germany where at least he can use his doctorate and experience in aeronautical matters to supervise the construction of a huge telescope.
Georg is a co-worker who wanders into his space one day and before you know it, they are entwining their fingers while walking through the streets of German towns during Christmastime. That Georg comes from an aristocratic and tolerant background and Duncan is a middle-class guy whose Dallas-based family has shunned him since he came out, lends a little more romance to the story which also contains a great deal of heat. Sweet, swift read, perfect any time of year.
December 30, 2014
Very sweet story with a lot of nice descriptions of Bavaria since that's where the story takes place. Duncan and Georg are colleagues who have a lot in common as it seems. They have a whirlwind romance that seems destined to be short-lived. But they do have a great Christmas - and then some ;)
December 31, 2014
Loved the story of these two guys. They each know their days are numbered but nether can deny how they feel and are willing to put their hearts on the line. Boy was a routing for these guys to find a way.
December 15, 2016
4-1/2 Stars
Stardust is a well written pleasant Christmas novella that leaves you with all kinds of heartwarming feels. I have yet to be disappointed in the tales Andrew Grey brings to life and Stardust is no exception. A great addition to my holiday library.
Stardust is a well written pleasant Christmas novella that leaves you with all kinds of heartwarming feels. I have yet to be disappointed in the tales Andrew Grey brings to life and Stardust is no exception. A great addition to my holiday library.
December 20, 2016
For someone who doesn't want people to know his heritage, Georg sure spends a lot of time talking about it...
Favorite Quote:
"This is the height of what makes us human. In your terms, if we're all stardust, then this is the stars' greatest gift."
Favorite Quote:
"This is the height of what makes us human. In your terms, if we're all stardust, then this is the stars' greatest gift."
June 5, 2022
2.5 stars
A very quick romance set in Germany. The romance was probably a little convenient but its a Christmas story so its brevity fit the bill. I would have liked more resolution re Duncan's parents.
Narrated by Andrew McFerrin
A very quick romance set in Germany. The romance was probably a little convenient but its a Christmas story so its brevity fit the bill. I would have liked more resolution re Duncan's parents.
Narrated by Andrew McFerrin
July 16, 2015
2.5 stars
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