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Twinkle Star
Meet The Cast
Julian - Desert Dreams stagehand. Sexy, tall, manly, and deeply closeted. Age, 35.
Twinkle Star - Over-the-top, vibrant, and flamboyant actor. Age, 25.
It's the last show of the season before Julian gets a much needed Christmas break... What could go wrong?
When diva actor Twinkle Star makes his appearance... life for Julian may never be the same.
Julian's life demands subtlety, but when your secret is Twinkle Star, things get complicated.
Full-length novel. 65k
Julian - Desert Dreams stagehand. Sexy, tall, manly, and deeply closeted. Age, 35.
Twinkle Star - Over-the-top, vibrant, and flamboyant actor. Age, 25.
It's the last show of the season before Julian gets a much needed Christmas break... What could go wrong?
When diva actor Twinkle Star makes his appearance... life for Julian may never be the same.
Julian's life demands subtlety, but when your secret is Twinkle Star, things get complicated.
Full-length novel. 65k
179 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2017
33 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
About the author
Nicky James
75 books2,239 followersI live in the small town of Petrolia, Ontario, Canada and I am a mother to a wonderful teenage boy (didn't think those words could be typed together...surprise) and wife to a truly supportive and understanding husband, who thankfully doesn't think I'm crazy.
I have always had two profound dreams in life. To fall back hundreds of years in time and live in a simpler world, not bogged down by technology and to write novels. Since only one of these was a possibility I decided to make the other come alive on paper.
I write mm romance novels that take place in fantastical medieval type settings and love to use the challenges of the times to give my stories and characters life.
I have always had two profound dreams in life. To fall back hundreds of years in time and live in a simpler world, not bogged down by technology and to write novels. Since only one of these was a possibility I decided to make the other come alive on paper.
I write mm romance novels that take place in fantastical medieval type settings and love to use the challenges of the times to give my stories and characters life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
February 23, 2018
~3.5~
This is a cute and funny story, quite enjoyable despite Julian being completely ridiculous about refusing to come out. I mean, he worked in the THEATER. No one who works theater has one fuck left to give.
I loved Star, though! He really did twinkle in the best way possible.
This story is set at Christmas time, but it can be read whenever. It isn't entirely focused on the holidays.
One thing I have to mention is the numerous editing issues, which detracted from my reading enjoyment. One secondary character's name was spelled three different way throughout the story: Isaac, Isaak, and Isaack. And several times there was a plural formed using an apostrophe, which UGH.
This is a cute and funny story, quite enjoyable despite Julian being completely ridiculous about refusing to come out. I mean, he worked in the THEATER. No one who works theater has one fuck left to give.
I loved Star, though! He really did twinkle in the best way possible.
This story is set at Christmas time, but it can be read whenever. It isn't entirely focused on the holidays.
One thing I have to mention is the numerous editing issues, which detracted from my reading enjoyment. One secondary character's name was spelled three different way throughout the story: Isaac, Isaak, and Isaack. And several times there was a plural formed using an apostrophe, which UGH.
December 6, 2017
OK, for starters any author who can make me cry and laugh at the same time gets high marks from me... Nicky James did that in spades! This story was a bit hard for me at first due to one of the MCs being deeply closeted. It meant that the relationship side of the story moved at a slow crawl. However, the coming out side of it more than made up for it. The scene in the restaurant on closing night is the one that made me cry and laugh simultaneously. And every word thereafter was just dessert. This story was so well paced and written that it seeped deep inside me, making me really care about both the MCs. All in all, this is one of the best Christmas gay romances I have read yet. Highly recommend this to all who love this genre!
December 15, 2022
Z przykrością to muszę napisać, ale zupełnie nie podobała mi się ta historia 😕
Trudno o to, kiedy nie lubi się obydwu głównych bohaterów i to uczucie trwa do ostatniego wersu...
Star w założeniu miał być słodki i uroczy. I być może tak był - w końcu cała masa osób takim go właśnie znalazła. Niestety, dla mnie był nachalny i natrętny. Rozpuszczona diva i królowa dramatu - nie w dobrym tego słowa znaczeniu. Jest wspomniane, że "ten chłopak tyle przeszedł w swoim życiu" - a jednak najgorsze wydaje się być to, że ojciec odszedł od niego i jego matki, gdy miał 10 lat, bo nie mógł się pogodzić, że ma takiego ekstrawaganckiego, krzykliwego i bardzo gejowskiego syna.
Kiedy Star 10 minut przed rozpoczęciem przedstawienia dostaje ataku histerii, wpada w złość, bo on chce, żeby Julian do niego przyszedł do garderoby, bo wydaje się, że wydarzyła się jakaś katastrofa, którą tylko on może naprawić - katastrofą okazuje się to, że Julian go unika i że on chce namówić Juliana na przyjście do hotelu na seks, wykorzystując napięty i krótki czas do rozpoczęcia przedstawienia i w pewien sposób szantażując go tym, jeżeli się nie zgodzi... no nie siadło mi to dobrze 😕 A to tylko jeden z wielu, wielu przykładów...
Julian to kawał mrukliwego, tchórzliwego palanta/idioty, który zachowywał się po poznaniu Stara, jak te wszystkie durne panienki w FM - ślinił się na jego widok, nie mógł od niego oderwać wzroku, zapominał, jak się mówi, miękły mu kolana - generalnie bałagan na 102. Chyba tylko ślepy by nie dostrzegł, że jest gejem. Zagadką dla mnie pozostaje, dlaczego tak usilnie próbował pozostać w szafie - w końcu pracował w środowisku teatralnym, w Kalifornii (!!!). Jest jakieś tam pokrętne i krótkie wytłumaczenie, że niby rodzice i tak mu zostało, ale ja tego nie kupuję...
Generalnie - NIE podobało mi się, nie mogłam się doczekać, kiedy się skończy.
Jestem rozczarowana 😕
Trudno o to, kiedy nie lubi się obydwu głównych bohaterów i to uczucie trwa do ostatniego wersu...
Star w założeniu miał być słodki i uroczy. I być może tak był - w końcu cała masa osób takim go właśnie znalazła. Niestety, dla mnie był nachalny i natrętny. Rozpuszczona diva i królowa dramatu - nie w dobrym tego słowa znaczeniu. Jest wspomniane, że "ten chłopak tyle przeszedł w swoim życiu" - a jednak najgorsze wydaje się być to, że ojciec odszedł od niego i jego matki, gdy miał 10 lat, bo nie mógł się pogodzić, że ma takiego ekstrawaganckiego, krzykliwego i bardzo gejowskiego syna.
Kiedy Star 10 minut przed rozpoczęciem przedstawienia dostaje ataku histerii, wpada w złość, bo on chce, żeby Julian do niego przyszedł do garderoby, bo wydaje się, że wydarzyła się jakaś katastrofa, którą tylko on może naprawić - katastrofą okazuje się to, że Julian go unika i że on chce namówić Juliana na przyjście do hotelu na seks, wykorzystując napięty i krótki czas do rozpoczęcia przedstawienia i w pewien sposób szantażując go tym, jeżeli się nie zgodzi... no nie siadło mi to dobrze 😕 A to tylko jeden z wielu, wielu przykładów...
Julian to kawał mrukliwego, tchórzliwego palanta/idioty, który zachowywał się po poznaniu Stara, jak te wszystkie durne panienki w FM - ślinił się na jego widok, nie mógł od niego oderwać wzroku, zapominał, jak się mówi, miękły mu kolana - generalnie bałagan na 102. Chyba tylko ślepy by nie dostrzegł, że jest gejem. Zagadką dla mnie pozostaje, dlaczego tak usilnie próbował pozostać w szafie - w końcu pracował w środowisku teatralnym, w Kalifornii (!!!). Jest jakieś tam pokrętne i krótkie wytłumaczenie, że niby rodzice i tak mu zostało, ale ja tego nie kupuję...
Generalnie - NIE podobało mi się, nie mogłam się doczekać, kiedy się skończy.
Jestem rozczarowana 😕
November 24, 2017
I have a lot of mixed feelings about the Christmas Novella.
I like the setting, Palm Springs and the theater world, a great deal. I like Star's character and I am interested in Julian's internalized homophobia.
However, Star pushes really hard. I am not sure why he would and what is so great about Julian that he would want to especially when he is clear about wanting an out partner.
We don't get enough exploration of Julian's issues to make them not be unsympathetic based on where he lives, works and who already knows.
So.... mixed.
I like the setting, Palm Springs and the theater world, a great deal. I like Star's character and I am interested in Julian's internalized homophobia.
However, Star pushes really hard. I am not sure why he would and what is so great about Julian that he would want to especially when he is clear about wanting an out partner.
We don't get enough exploration of Julian's issues to make them not be unsympathetic based on where he lives, works and who already knows.
So.... mixed.
December 26, 2018
Ok, this book.
This book drove me crazy like the entire read. I mean, CRAZY.
I still ended up really, really enjoying it.
It must be a Christmas Miracle because nothing else makes any sense.
I was so irritated with Julian the entire read. He needed to grow up and grow a pair. With Star and especially with his son.
But, I ended up rating it high and thinking about it even after I'd finished.
Miracles indeed.
This book drove me crazy like the entire read. I mean, CRAZY.
I still ended up really, really enjoying it.
It must be a Christmas Miracle because nothing else makes any sense.
I was so irritated with Julian the entire read. He needed to grow up and grow a pair. With Star and especially with his son.
But, I ended up rating it high and thinking about it even after I'd finished.
Miracles indeed.
December 20, 2020
I'm about to express an unpopular opinion right now. I love Julian. My heart hurts for him and the half-living he's doing in his closet. He's scared to freaking death to come out, even though his disapproving parents are gone. He's worried about how everyone he works with will see him if he comes out. And although Star is a wonderful and free character, I was pissed as hell at him for pushing Julian. It's not up to Star to dictate how Julian comes out. I know it's difficult to stand by and watch, but only Julian can take that step. I nearly DNFed around 30% from how angry I was with Star. I'm glad that I didn't, but it was a close thing, and I started crying a little while reading at work> for Julian's struggle. So. I fully respect and support Star for being unashamedly himself. But I love Julian. Please don't flame war me.
November 3, 2017
Nicky James, the author who bask in her readers’ tears, wrote Twinkle Star, a funny, sexy, sassy Christmas story? I know, I know!!! I couldn’t believe it either… but she did and it’s fantastic!
Julian is a closeted stage-hand who meets Twinkle Star, lead actor in a Christmas play presented at his theatre.
Julian is Mr Grinch.
Star is Mr Sassy.
Julian wants Star and Star knows this. Let the flirting and teasing begin!!
I loved this book from the very first page. Mrs James did an amazing job in bringing us a light, fluffy story with all the feels.
If you’re looking for an easy, fun read, this is the book for you!
I received an advance reader copy from the author for my honest opinion.
Julian is a closeted stage-hand who meets Twinkle Star, lead actor in a Christmas play presented at his theatre.
Julian is Mr Grinch.
Star is Mr Sassy.
Julian wants Star and Star knows this. Let the flirting and teasing begin!!
I loved this book from the very first page. Mrs James did an amazing job in bringing us a light, fluffy story with all the feels.
If you’re looking for an easy, fun read, this is the book for you!
I received an advance reader copy from the author for my honest opinion.
December 29, 2018
I dislike both guys & it’s just been ridiculous/unbelievable interactions so far. (And I’ve never heard of a nose curling??) DNF @26%
November 9, 2017
Funny, sweet, holiday read from Nicky. Perfect for Christmas time!! I was laughing at loud!! If you want to feel Christmas spirit this book is definitely for you!!
December 25, 2017
Nicky James est une de mes plus jolies découvertes de l’année 2017 et j’étais terriblement curieuse de lire cet auteur dans un tout registre bien plus léger et fun que ses autres livres !
Ici pas de mouchoirs mais une romance de Noël parfaite pour se mettre dans l’ambiance, le format est en plus idéal est idéal s’agit d’un court roman. Je ne vais pas m’attarder sur l’intrigue…Nous plongeons dans l’univers d’un théâtre de Palm Springs qui accueille son dernier spectacle de la saison avec comme interprète principal, Twinkle Star et ce nom de scène lui sied à merveille ! Pour Julian, le chef machiniste du théâtre, ce spectacle ne s’annonce pas de tout repos surtout avec une vedette aussi exubérante qu’exigeante. Mais le plus problème de Julian est qu’il est irrésistiblement attiré par Star…comment résister à cette attraction quand on est enfoui profondément dans un placard ?
Je suis tombée amoureuse de Star qui a une présence incroyable sur scène mais pas seulement. C’est un personnage flamboyant qui rayonne littéralement. J’ai aimé son énergie, sa façon de croquer la vie, un vrai rayon de soleil qui n’a d’yeux que pour un beau machiniste grognon. En parlant du loup, Julian est craquant mais dans un genre totalement différent… J'ai adoré le voir perdre ses moyens au contact de notre acteur si sexy et de batailler pour ne pas céder à la tentation, ses instants passés dans la loge de Star, *soupirs*. Mais j’ai eu aussi envie de secouer Julian bien des fois tant j’avais l’impression qu’il allait finir étouffer dans son placard à force de nier ce qu’il est vraiment. Star le poussera dans ses retranchements mais saura aussi faire preuve de patience fera d’ailleurs et mon cœur s’est serré de le voir traité comme un secret à ne pas ébruiter. Mais les derniers chapitres valaient bien de souffrir un tout petit peu !
Le cadre dans lequel évoluent les héros est aussi très sympathique et original, c’était chouette d’être projetée dans les coulisses d’un spectacle et observer tous ceux qui, dans l’ombre ou sous les projecteurs, lui donnent vie. Cette ambiance particulière renforce l’ambiance festive du roman.
Nicky James a donc parfaitement réussi son escapade dans l’univers de la comédie romantique pleine de paillettes et de magie de Noël. J’espère que ce ne sera pas la dernière !
Ici pas de mouchoirs mais une romance de Noël parfaite pour se mettre dans l’ambiance, le format est en plus idéal est idéal s’agit d’un court roman. Je ne vais pas m’attarder sur l’intrigue…Nous plongeons dans l’univers d’un théâtre de Palm Springs qui accueille son dernier spectacle de la saison avec comme interprète principal, Twinkle Star et ce nom de scène lui sied à merveille ! Pour Julian, le chef machiniste du théâtre, ce spectacle ne s’annonce pas de tout repos surtout avec une vedette aussi exubérante qu’exigeante. Mais le plus problème de Julian est qu’il est irrésistiblement attiré par Star…comment résister à cette attraction quand on est enfoui profondément dans un placard ?
Je suis tombée amoureuse de Star qui a une présence incroyable sur scène mais pas seulement. C’est un personnage flamboyant qui rayonne littéralement. J’ai aimé son énergie, sa façon de croquer la vie, un vrai rayon de soleil qui n’a d’yeux que pour un beau machiniste grognon. En parlant du loup, Julian est craquant mais dans un genre totalement différent… J'ai adoré le voir perdre ses moyens au contact de notre acteur si sexy et de batailler pour ne pas céder à la tentation, ses instants passés dans la loge de Star, *soupirs*. Mais j’ai eu aussi envie de secouer Julian bien des fois tant j’avais l’impression qu’il allait finir étouffer dans son placard à force de nier ce qu’il est vraiment. Star le poussera dans ses retranchements mais saura aussi faire preuve de patience fera d’ailleurs et mon cœur s’est serré de le voir traité comme un secret à ne pas ébruiter. Mais les derniers chapitres valaient bien de souffrir un tout petit peu !
Le cadre dans lequel évoluent les héros est aussi très sympathique et original, c’était chouette d’être projetée dans les coulisses d’un spectacle et observer tous ceux qui, dans l’ombre ou sous les projecteurs, lui donnent vie. Cette ambiance particulière renforce l’ambiance festive du roman.
Nicky James a donc parfaitement réussi son escapade dans l’univers de la comédie romantique pleine de paillettes et de magie de Noël. J’espère que ce ne sera pas la dernière !
November 3, 2017
TWINKLE STAR WIL MELT YOUR HEART ❤
Nicky James made me laugh out loud while reading this book!!! This story will grab you from the start...
Julian is on denial... He's hiding who he is, he's hiding what ended his marriage, he's hiding from himself... All he wants is to be left alone to do his job and to go home by himself. He and his bad moods are doing okay by themselves, thank you very much!
So, parading into his life comes Twinkle Star! He can't believe in his eyes when he sees one of the actors from the new play on his theater... He's used to eccentric actors, but this DIVA is too much! And why the hell he can't keep his eyes from him???
TWINKLE STAR is just like his last stage name implies, he's a star, he's sassy, he's gorgeous - and he knows it!
When he sets his eyes on hot Julian, he decides that he must be his... grumpiness, snarls and all... This sweet, funny, adorable guy will MELT YOUR HEART!
I had a BLAST reading this book - it made me laugh (sometimes out loud), it made me snort and of course shad a few tears.
Nicky simply rocked this amazing Christmas story.
Dont miss it ❤❤❤❤❤
Nicky James made me laugh out loud while reading this book!!! This story will grab you from the start...
Julian is on denial... He's hiding who he is, he's hiding what ended his marriage, he's hiding from himself... All he wants is to be left alone to do his job and to go home by himself. He and his bad moods are doing okay by themselves, thank you very much!
So, parading into his life comes Twinkle Star! He can't believe in his eyes when he sees one of the actors from the new play on his theater... He's used to eccentric actors, but this DIVA is too much! And why the hell he can't keep his eyes from him???
TWINKLE STAR is just like his last stage name implies, he's a star, he's sassy, he's gorgeous - and he knows it!
When he sets his eyes on hot Julian, he decides that he must be his... grumpiness, snarls and all... This sweet, funny, adorable guy will MELT YOUR HEART!
I had a BLAST reading this book - it made me laugh (sometimes out loud), it made me snort and of course shad a few tears.
Nicky simply rocked this amazing Christmas story.
Dont miss it ❤❤❤❤❤
December 14, 2023
Twinkle star was such a beautiful story I loved it so much
When Julian and star meet you can feel this amazing connection between them I was hooked from beginning to end
Julian and star's story will make you laugh and give you heartwarming and heart pounding moments on every page
The story is fun,sassy,sexy and gives you so much laughter
By the time you have finished Julian and star's Christmas journey your heart will feel full of love and laughter and I guarantee you will be in a Christmas holiday mood and a story that will steal you heart and remain there
When Julian and star meet you can feel this amazing connection between them I was hooked from beginning to end
Julian and star's story will make you laugh and give you heartwarming and heart pounding moments on every page
The story is fun,sassy,sexy and gives you so much laughter
By the time you have finished Julian and star's Christmas journey your heart will feel full of love and laughter and I guarantee you will be in a Christmas holiday mood and a story that will steal you heart and remain there
December 28, 2017
Loved it! I thoroughly enjoy a good opposites attract storyline and this one rocked my socks. I also love when the big guy falls hard after protesting just a little too much. This one melted my heart and warmed me up during some cold December days. Julian and Star definitely made my holidays twinkle!
December 30, 2017
Sweet Christmas story. I liked Sawyer's flair and personality. Julian's reluctance to admit he was gay got a little old, but he did come around and they are very happy together.
December 22, 2020
Ridiculous- DNF
One button-pushing glam actor, one get-the-job-done closeted techie...sounds like a recipe for perfect. Ehhh...Not so much. Over the top, but not in a good way. “Twinkle Star” is the actor’s stage name, but ⅓ of the way through and the glitter was wearing off. He was Drama, and not the good kind. Selfish, childish, and completely disrespectful. For being the theater’s Lead Stagehand, Julian gets no respect from the theater management or Twinkle. Maybe management is being a jerk, but any half-decent actor knows you do NOT antagonize your crew. No matter how good you are, you might last the production, but it will be your last production.
I gave up about 1/4 of the way in. It’s clear the author either didn’t bother to do any research and made up everything about a theater productions, or if she does know, she ignored it in the name of melodrama. I was trying to overlook it and hoping the story would pick up and become more than “diva repeatedly poking the bear”. However, three new strikes in the same chapter, and I was out. 1) You don’t give the house a 10 minute warning - especially AFTER you’ve done an extensive set swap - for intermission. Intermission is only 10-15 min to start with, and the house lights get flickered at 2 minutes. If the actors get time warnings, it’s the Production Stage Manager’s job to give them, not a person from the set crew. 2) You also don’t ask the theater’s tech to help with costume quick changes. Either the production needs a second dresser, or a PSM is recruited. Again, not a stage running crew job (no matter how much of a diva the actor is), and if the dresser needed help, it should have been sorted before the very end of (an overlong) intermission opening night. 3) Twinkle is stark naked under his costume. No remotely professional actor is stripping to the skin - he at least has a dance belt (for modesty on stage and respect to his dresser). If he’s such a great actor and going places, he’d know how to behave. A dance belt with his butt on display for a stagehand to catch a flash of, I’d believe, but literal in-Julian’s-face full frontal when Twinkle insists Julian needs to be pulled from his job to bail out the dresser on opening night? This was the last straw. I don’t even care anymore if there’s a change-of-attitude twist. Twinkle is a jerk and Julian is a pushover.
Sure, a novel is fiction, but it needs to be **believable**. This one defied any suspension of disbelief, and was insulting to real-life theater productions to boot. One star because the trope/concept had promise, but that’s about all this book had going for it.
One button-pushing glam actor, one get-the-job-done closeted techie...sounds like a recipe for perfect. Ehhh...Not so much. Over the top, but not in a good way. “Twinkle Star” is the actor’s stage name, but ⅓ of the way through and the glitter was wearing off. He was Drama, and not the good kind. Selfish, childish, and completely disrespectful. For being the theater’s Lead Stagehand, Julian gets no respect from the theater management or Twinkle. Maybe management is being a jerk, but any half-decent actor knows you do NOT antagonize your crew. No matter how good you are, you might last the production, but it will be your last production.
I gave up about 1/4 of the way in. It’s clear the author either didn’t bother to do any research and made up everything about a theater productions, or if she does know, she ignored it in the name of melodrama. I was trying to overlook it and hoping the story would pick up and become more than “diva repeatedly poking the bear”. However, three new strikes in the same chapter, and I was out. 1) You don’t give the house a 10 minute warning - especially AFTER you’ve done an extensive set swap - for intermission. Intermission is only 10-15 min to start with, and the house lights get flickered at 2 minutes. If the actors get time warnings, it’s the Production Stage Manager’s job to give them, not a person from the set crew. 2) You also don’t ask the theater’s tech to help with costume quick changes. Either the production needs a second dresser, or a PSM is recruited. Again, not a stage running crew job (no matter how much of a diva the actor is), and if the dresser needed help, it should have been sorted before the very end of (an overlong) intermission opening night. 3) Twinkle is stark naked under his costume. No remotely professional actor is stripping to the skin - he at least has a dance belt (for modesty on stage and respect to his dresser). If he’s such a great actor and going places, he’d know how to behave. A dance belt with his butt on display for a stagehand to catch a flash of, I’d believe, but literal in-Julian’s-face full frontal when Twinkle insists Julian needs to be pulled from his job to bail out the dresser on opening night? This was the last straw. I don’t even care anymore if there’s a change-of-attitude twist. Twinkle is a jerk and Julian is a pushover.
Sure, a novel is fiction, but it needs to be **believable**. This one defied any suspension of disbelief, and was insulting to real-life theater productions to boot. One star because the trope/concept had promise, but that’s about all this book had going for it.
December 13, 2020
Twinkle Star is one of Nicky James' low-angst feel-good books that takes place over the Christmas season. Julian has an ex-wife, a son he never sees, and is so far in the closet that he can't even see the door. He works structuring stages for local performances and dealing with divas.
His life changes for the better when he meets Star aka Twinkle Star the lead actor of the play. He is a beautiful, sparkly out and proud man that smells like candy all the time and Julian is instantly attracted to him. But he's scared to live his life as an out gay man and doesn't want to come out. Both men quickly fall into a sexual relationship but Julian is still in the closet and Star can't hide in there. Star's time on stage is quickly coming to an end and Julian has to figure out what he has to do to keep him in his life. The build-up and secrecy quickly came to a boiling point but I was really happy that Julian decided to come out in his own way. Star was just the sparkling man that he needed in his life. One of Nicky James' warmer and less angsty books that is great for the holidays :) This book won't make you cry unlike her others ;)
His life changes for the better when he meets Star aka Twinkle Star the lead actor of the play. He is a beautiful, sparkly out and proud man that smells like candy all the time and Julian is instantly attracted to him. But he's scared to live his life as an out gay man and doesn't want to come out. Both men quickly fall into a sexual relationship but Julian is still in the closet and Star can't hide in there. Star's time on stage is quickly coming to an end and Julian has to figure out what he has to do to keep him in his life. The build-up and secrecy quickly came to a boiling point but I was really happy that Julian decided to come out in his own way. Star was just the sparkling man that he needed in his life. One of Nicky James' warmer and less angsty books that is great for the holidays :) This book won't make you cry unlike her others ;)
January 5, 2018
Je trouve le résumé du livre parfait, juste ce qu'il faut pour donner envie de lire cette jolie histoire de Noël et découvrir ces deux hommes !
Nous suivons donc Julian, trentenaire, divorcé, qui n'affiche pas vraiment son homosexualité, pour ne pas dire pas du tout. Machiniste d'un théâtre, il fait la connaissance de Star, la nouvelle vedette de la dernière pièce de théâtre. Star est l'exact opposé de Julian et pourtant il l'intrigue je pense beaucoup plus qu'il ne l'agace...
L'arrivée de Star dans ce théâtre est magique, il m'a ébloui autant que les autres membres de l'équipe je pense. Dans un premier temps, Julian est assez abasourdi par ce personnage... Seulement Star perçoit un petit quelque chose chez Julian et ne cesse de le provoquer... jusqu'à ce que Julian craque...
J'ai adoré ces deux personnages, j'ai adoré Star et Julian, je crois que j'en suis tombée amoureuse... Star est fidèle à son nom de scène, c'est une vraie étoile qui brille, autant sur le devant de la scène que derrière. C'est une très belle personne... Julian est aussi très attachant, ce n'est pas facile pour lui... J'ai aimé le voir craquer et perdre complètement ses moyens devant Star... Ce passage où il est subjugué par sa prestance sur scène est vraiment très beau et je pense qu'il a eu un déclic à ce moment-là.
Nos deux héros n'ont pas eu une vie facile... Et tout n'est pas tout rose... Je pense que ces deux-là se sont trouvés pile au bon moment, au bon endroit et c'était si beau à voir.
Ce fut vraiment une très belle lecture et surtout ce livre m'a fait tellement du bien ! J'avais les yeux qui pétillaient à de nombreuses reprises ; j'étais parfois peinée du comportement de Julian envers Star... et j'ai été émue aussi... Ce passage où Julian apprend le vrai prénom de Star... Je l'ai relu deux fois... Et puis cette fin...
J'étais si triste de devoir les quitter... Ce livre était trop court... Je croise les doigts pour espérer les retrouver dans une autre nouvelle, pourquoi pas ? Moi je verrais bien une petite suite, ça c'est certain !
En attendant, je suis heureuse de l'avoir sur mes étagères et je le relirai, Noël ou pas ^^
Merci Isa pour cette jolie découverte <3
Nous suivons donc Julian, trentenaire, divorcé, qui n'affiche pas vraiment son homosexualité, pour ne pas dire pas du tout. Machiniste d'un théâtre, il fait la connaissance de Star, la nouvelle vedette de la dernière pièce de théâtre. Star est l'exact opposé de Julian et pourtant il l'intrigue je pense beaucoup plus qu'il ne l'agace...
L'arrivée de Star dans ce théâtre est magique, il m'a ébloui autant que les autres membres de l'équipe je pense. Dans un premier temps, Julian est assez abasourdi par ce personnage... Seulement Star perçoit un petit quelque chose chez Julian et ne cesse de le provoquer... jusqu'à ce que Julian craque...
J'ai adoré ces deux personnages, j'ai adoré Star et Julian, je crois que j'en suis tombée amoureuse... Star est fidèle à son nom de scène, c'est une vraie étoile qui brille, autant sur le devant de la scène que derrière. C'est une très belle personne... Julian est aussi très attachant, ce n'est pas facile pour lui... J'ai aimé le voir craquer et perdre complètement ses moyens devant Star... Ce passage où il est subjugué par sa prestance sur scène est vraiment très beau et je pense qu'il a eu un déclic à ce moment-là.
Nos deux héros n'ont pas eu une vie facile... Et tout n'est pas tout rose... Je pense que ces deux-là se sont trouvés pile au bon moment, au bon endroit et c'était si beau à voir.
Ce fut vraiment une très belle lecture et surtout ce livre m'a fait tellement du bien ! J'avais les yeux qui pétillaient à de nombreuses reprises ; j'étais parfois peinée du comportement de Julian envers Star... et j'ai été émue aussi... Ce passage où Julian apprend le vrai prénom de Star... Je l'ai relu deux fois... Et puis cette fin...
J'étais si triste de devoir les quitter... Ce livre était trop court... Je croise les doigts pour espérer les retrouver dans une autre nouvelle, pourquoi pas ? Moi je verrais bien une petite suite, ça c'est certain !
En attendant, je suis heureuse de l'avoir sur mes étagères et je le relirai, Noël ou pas ^^
Merci Isa pour cette jolie découverte <3
November 30, 2018
3.5 Stars
Very cute story! There was so much that I really enjoyed, but there were some things that just kind of bothered me, so I'm finding it difficult to rate this one, which sucks.
I loved Sawyer. He was out and proud and loud and flashy, but in the very best way. He wasn't obnoxious and he excelled at everything he did.
I took issue with Julian. He was older, boring, smoked, drank too much, lived like a slob, was a deadbeat dad and was cemented in the closet. I have no idea what drew Sawyer to him or what kept his interest. I thought Julian was outright mean to him, yet Sawyer stayed, even without apology.
I just felt bad for Sawyer from the first party to the end. Julian only went out of his way one single time to be nice to him. It just wasn't enough for me to get over what a jerk he was :(
Overall, Sawyer carried the story. Even Zeb made it worth the read. Again, I enjoyed the story line and most of the cast, just took issue with Julian.
Very cute story! There was so much that I really enjoyed, but there were some things that just kind of bothered me, so I'm finding it difficult to rate this one, which sucks.
I loved Sawyer. He was out and proud and loud and flashy, but in the very best way. He wasn't obnoxious and he excelled at everything he did.
I took issue with Julian. He was older, boring, smoked, drank too much, lived like a slob, was a deadbeat dad and was cemented in the closet. I have no idea what drew Sawyer to him or what kept his interest. I thought Julian was outright mean to him, yet Sawyer stayed, even without apology.
I just felt bad for Sawyer from the first party to the end. Julian only went out of his way one single time to be nice to him. It just wasn't enough for me to get over what a jerk he was :(
Overall, Sawyer carried the story. Even Zeb made it worth the read. Again, I enjoyed the story line and most of the cast, just took issue with Julian.
November 5, 2017
Oh this was just perfect......An amazing christmas story...surprising for Ms James but still....we deserve a break from her heart-breaking books don't we?......Star and Julian....Julian annoyed me a fair few times...I wanted to smack him upside the head...a lot...But....I couldn't stay truly mad at him after all he had to come out in his own time.....Star was just so beautiful....Bright and bubbly and still all man.....This one will have you smiling all the way through and put a spring in your step x
October 24, 2021
3.5 stars
This was almost a DNF for me. The only reason I persevered was because I really like this author and I hoped she could make me love the book. The problem was the MCs...I didn't like them. Star was a whiny, demanding diva who got on my every last nerve, and Julian was a grumpy, grouchy deeply closeted man who was rude to everyone. But I'm glad I pushed through because as I got to know the MCs better, I understood and accepted their behavior. Although why Julian was so afraid to admit he was gay was difficult to understand.
This was almost a DNF for me. The only reason I persevered was because I really like this author and I hoped she could make me love the book. The problem was the MCs...I didn't like them. Star was a whiny, demanding diva who got on my every last nerve, and Julian was a grumpy, grouchy deeply closeted man who was rude to everyone. But I'm glad I pushed through because as I got to know the MCs better, I understood and accepted their behavior. Although why Julian was so afraid to admit he was gay was difficult to understand.
November 19, 2017
Julian and Twinkle Star. I'll admit that I picked this book based solely on my need to see if an author could pull off a decent story with such an outrageous title. What I got was a wonderful, warm and fuzzy, slightly dirty, age gap Christmas romance. This is a fun and entertaining tale about how loud, sparkly, and proud Star drags a kicking and screaming Julian out of his poorly hidden closet. Recommend.
A-, probably reread
A-, probably reread
November 7, 2017
An Amazingly Beautiful Love Story. I loved it! I freaking loved Star & loved Julian when he wasn't a grump, lol. I actually wasn't a crying sobbing mess this time around (yay). I shed a few tears throughout though. But it worked out so all was good! Thanks for all the feels & sharing Star & Julian's story!
November 20, 2017
I quite often get annoyed at the characters who despite years and numerous opportunities, are still reluctant to step out of the closet but the author really made this work without me getting irate. A great ensemble of characters both main and supporting, a refreshingly novel plotline and beautifully written.
February 3, 2018
Star light, Star bright
You will never see a star brighter. Star/Sawyer is such a wonderful vibrant character. He leaves you spellbound... Julian is so deep in the closet I'm surprised he hadn't wound in Narnia. He reactions over Star is comical and watching come to terms with who he is..well you want to strangle him ..lol..I loved every minute of reading this great story
You will never see a star brighter. Star/Sawyer is such a wonderful vibrant character. He leaves you spellbound... Julian is so deep in the closet I'm surprised he hadn't wound in Narnia. He reactions over Star is comical and watching come to terms with who he is..well you want to strangle him ..lol..I loved every minute of reading this great story
February 4, 2018
I enjoyed this book even though I was a lot upset at Julian but can’t stand on a high horse and judge something I’ll never experience. His fear was real to him.
NJ is a new author for me but definitely going on my automatic read list unless it’s a sad book cos she writes to realistically for me to not believe that I need to pause and evaluate reading her sad books.
Cos I’ll be in tears
NJ is a new author for me but definitely going on my automatic read list unless it’s a sad book cos she writes to realistically for me to not believe that I need to pause and evaluate reading her sad books.
Cos I’ll be in tears
November 25, 2018
I enjoyed this story. I found Star/Sawyer funny, snarky, loving and oh so sure he wanted Julian, deeply, deeply closeted Julian. I wasn't sure about Julian, he made so many missteps with his friends, with Star and with his son that nearly broke my heart. His 'coming out' was fabulous, and perfect and the epilogue was a nice way to end the story.
December 1, 2018
A Christmas show romance
This is a lovely story as we'll as a realistic interpretation of backstage in a theatre company.
I could just imagine the various jobs and problems that happened, and loved the story for it's setting.
Star was perfect and as the two men found one another, my heart was happily warned.
This is a lovely story as we'll as a realistic interpretation of backstage in a theatre company.
I could just imagine the various jobs and problems that happened, and loved the story for it's setting.
Star was perfect and as the two men found one another, my heart was happily warned.
November 8, 2024
**3.5 Stars**
Sweet story, loved the MCS and a very satisfying HEA.
• Contemporary
• Holiday/Christmas
• Opposites attract
• One MC in the closet and I mean DEEP
• Coming out
• One MC full of Sunshine (Star was so damn sweet)
• An ex-wife and a son (loved the twist with the son)
• Slow burn
• Little or no sex
• First times
• Satisfying HEA
October 14, 2025
Julian was in some serious denial, and at first I was annoyed by Star's incessant pushing. Julian was really uncomfortable, and I didn't like how he was being forced into feelings and actions. That said, I really liked Julian's awakening and transformation. He deserved to be happy, and he was finally getting the chance to see that he could be. I liked the story, but loved the ending.
December 11, 2017
Really interesting Christmas read. I loved the main characters especially Twinkle Star. Lots of angst from Julian did get a little tiresome but the HEA was satisfying. Worth a look if you like MM books.
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