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Spectrum by MJ Duncan
Sparks fly the moment Bryn Nakamura lays eyes on Anna Fitzpatrick, and not in a good way. Driven, reserved, and recovering from another encounter with a life she would rather leave behind, all Bryn wants is to forget about Anna and focus on her beloved vineyard—but Fate has other plans. No matter where Bryn goes, Anna seems to be there, and despite how annoyed she is by this development, she can’t help but be charmed by Anna’s warm smile and easygoing charisma. But as carefully constructed walls come down, new obstacles take their place, leaving Bryn to question who she is and what she truly wants out of life.
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First published March 19, 2015
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About the author
M.J. Duncan
17 books425 followersMJ Duncan is a Southern California girl who traded in her surfboard for hockey skates when she moved to Minnesota. When not writing, MJ enjoys reading, climbing, swimming, and spending time with her family. You can also follow her on twitter (@mj_duncan) and tumblr (mjduncan).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
June 24, 2017
Great read! love their chemistry,nice storyline and a very interesting subject..could not get enough of this couple...recommended to all
February 20, 2017
This story is not perfect but well worth reading.
What do you get? A really wonderful love story. MJ Duncan delivers a romance between two very relatable and likable people that get to know each other slowly, finally connect, and then she rides out the last half of the book exploring the couple together. Nothing hugely dramatic happens; no comas, accidents, affairs, some horrible childhood abuse, a partner being an overt asshole for no good reason…you know, the typical fair we often find in this genre. It is a romance the author wants us to experience, enjoy, and languish in and god love her for it.
What makes the book extra special is that MJ Duncan stands out as a master of not only dialogue but of *witty* dialogue so, when she shows us the slow burn of the leads getting to know each other, we’re happy to be with them on every page. The intimacy abounds and Duncan is excellent with *showing* us how someone is feeling or thinking. The erotica is well done and be prepared for a whole lot of it once the story hits that point.
I appreciated Duncan’s inclusion of a supporting bisexual character who she treated with respect. I don’t see this often. Also, one of the leads is mixed race which I always find more interesting. You also have a character coming out later in life. The author explores the character’s comfort level with being perceived as lesbian but we get a break from a drawn out back and forth see-saw of ‘I-can-be, no-I-can’t-be, I-can-be’ and we have what just is. Refreshing.
My main complaint with the story lies in the word “as”. Holy moly. *So* many sentences running together with “as”, “as”, “as”. My mind started replacing some of it with “when”, “and”, period start new sentence. Despite this, the strength of the writing propelled me forward and I mark it as a minor annoyance rather than a derailment.
Overall, ‘Spectrum’ is heartfelt and lovely. Definitely read this one.
What do you get? A really wonderful love story. MJ Duncan delivers a romance between two very relatable and likable people that get to know each other slowly, finally connect, and then she rides out the last half of the book exploring the couple together. Nothing hugely dramatic happens; no comas, accidents, affairs, some horrible childhood abuse, a partner being an overt asshole for no good reason…you know, the typical fair we often find in this genre. It is a romance the author wants us to experience, enjoy, and languish in and god love her for it.
What makes the book extra special is that MJ Duncan stands out as a master of not only dialogue but of *witty* dialogue so, when she shows us the slow burn of the leads getting to know each other, we’re happy to be with them on every page. The intimacy abounds and Duncan is excellent with *showing* us how someone is feeling or thinking. The erotica is well done and be prepared for a whole lot of it once the story hits that point.
I appreciated Duncan’s inclusion of a supporting bisexual character who she treated with respect. I don’t see this often. Also, one of the leads is mixed race which I always find more interesting. You also have a character coming out later in life. The author explores the character’s comfort level with being perceived as lesbian but we get a break from a drawn out back and forth see-saw of ‘I-can-be, no-I-can’t-be, I-can-be’ and we have what just is. Refreshing.
My main complaint with the story lies in the word “as”. Holy moly. *So* many sentences running together with “as”, “as”, “as”. My mind started replacing some of it with “when”, “and”, period start new sentence. Despite this, the strength of the writing propelled me forward and I mark it as a minor annoyance rather than a derailment.
Overall, ‘Spectrum’ is heartfelt and lovely. Definitely read this one.
May 30, 2024
What to say about this? Perhaps my favorite MJ Duncan romance to date. Huge emphasis on ROMANCE. It's pure, delicious, unending romance and I'm fangirling just thinking about it. It was a delight to read Bryn and Anna's progress. In the beginning, there's some beef, yet you can't help but wink (yes, at the book) and say, "Let the sexual tension begin!"
MJ also has a habit of writing characters that pull me into a crush. Bryn, you have my heart. She's vulnerable and her ice queen persona is highly attractive to me because we all know she's a warm layer of gay cake beneath. Anna was just as charming. I never had that moment thinking, "Why do they even like each other?" There are horses, too! Plus, the sex scenes are A+++.
MJ also has a habit of writing characters that pull me into a crush. Bryn, you have my heart. She's vulnerable and her ice queen persona is highly attractive to me because we all know she's a warm layer of gay cake beneath. Anna was just as charming. I never had that moment thinking, "Why do they even like each other?" There are horses, too! Plus, the sex scenes are A+++.
July 10, 2018
I've had this for a long time and kept putting off reading it because I didn't like the title. I realised I didn't like the titles of the last two I read either but then it clicked: they're the names of the boat/shop/farm where the story is located. Spectrum is the name of the wine farm Bryn Nakamura owns and runs. A weird accident has Anna Fitzpatrick plowing her Audi into Bryn's vines.
Bryn is cold, controlled and distant. She's also straight. Anna is irrepressibly cheerful and friendly. I like both character types and I liked how Duncan made them work.
This is an enjoyable read.
Bryn is cold, controlled and distant. She's also straight. Anna is irrepressibly cheerful and friendly. I like both character types and I liked how Duncan made them work.
This is an enjoyable read.
March 26, 2021
Bryn Nakamura (40) met Anna Fitzpatrick (31) when the latter accidentally plowed through and destroyed a part of her cherished vineyard. Although Bryn was set on hating Anna, she couldn't help but lower her guard down as they have more and more chance encounters.
I really liked this book. I was craving for a good friends-to-lovers book, and this did it for me! It was really sweet, and I appreciate how MJ Duncan showed us how they went from strangers to friends to something more. I just love it when attraction and love grows organically. The pacing was also great, especially at the start.
There was also depth to the characters. I appreciated Bryn’s inner turmoil about making her parents acknowledge her. Her whole life, she has tried to live up to their expectations, but they keep minimizing her efforts.
If I had any complaints, it’s that one of the conflicts happened at around the 90% mark. I’m really not a fan of those. Although the conflict was neither petty nor unreasonable, I think it could have happened earlier in the book, and not near the end. There were chapters with nothing much going on, so the conflict could have been placed there instead.
Nevertheless, it was still an enjoyable book! It was sweet and it made me feel giddy. The main characters were great, especially Anna. The supporting characters were also likable and funny. Perfect for a chill read. 4.2 stars! :)
I really liked this book. I was craving for a good friends-to-lovers book, and this did it for me! It was really sweet, and I appreciate how MJ Duncan showed us how they went from strangers to friends to something more. I just love it when attraction and love grows organically. The pacing was also great, especially at the start.
There was also depth to the characters. I appreciated Bryn’s inner turmoil about making her parents acknowledge her. Her whole life, she has tried to live up to their expectations, but they keep minimizing her efforts.
If I had any complaints, it’s that one of the conflicts happened at around the 90% mark. I’m really not a fan of those. Although the conflict was neither petty nor unreasonable, I think it could have happened earlier in the book, and not near the end. There were chapters with nothing much going on, so the conflict could have been placed there instead.
Nevertheless, it was still an enjoyable book! It was sweet and it made me feel giddy. The main characters were great, especially Anna. The supporting characters were also likable and funny. Perfect for a chill read. 4.2 stars! :)
January 13, 2016
The third and so far the best of MJ Duncan's novels. Sweet romance, great characters and a nice satisfying ending. I really liked it.
November 12, 2017
Starts out promising but doesn't amount to anything much. The writing is so repetitive that I ended up skipping a lot of paragraphs and did lots of speed reading and lost nothing because of it. The book should be at least 30% shorter than it is right now, the endless sex/love scenes in the middle of the book do nothing for the plot. Literally nothing happens for most of the book.
Furthermore, it's all quite superficial, the book does not go into detail about what being a vineyard owner actually means nor it goes into detail about what it means to be a surgeon. And the relationship is handled the same way, they don't ever talk about deeper topics, they just worship each other physically, flirt and cuddle a lot.
The same also applies to Anna who is quite a flat character, we don't get her viewpoint at all and she's portrayed as the perfect lover - beautiful, outgoing, young, has abs, sexy, smart, etc. She has it all, she's an idealized version of the perfect lover for the socially inept introvert. Sure, Bryn is quite well developed as the emotionally stunted introvert but that is basically the only positive this book has. The rest is standard or sub par.
It's not like the book is badly written but it has some serious editing issues or maybe it lacked beta readers. It could've been great but sadly it is anything but that, I can't even call it good. Wasn't worth my time but I got caught by the misleadingly high rating here on goodreads.
Furthermore, it's all quite superficial, the book does not go into detail about what being a vineyard owner actually means nor it goes into detail about what it means to be a surgeon. And the relationship is handled the same way, they don't ever talk about deeper topics, they just worship each other physically, flirt and cuddle a lot.
The same also applies to Anna who is quite a flat character, we don't get her viewpoint at all and she's portrayed as the perfect lover - beautiful, outgoing, young, has abs, sexy, smart, etc. She has it all, she's an idealized version of the perfect lover for the socially inept introvert. Sure, Bryn is quite well developed as the emotionally stunted introvert but that is basically the only positive this book has. The rest is standard or sub par.
It's not like the book is badly written but it has some serious editing issues or maybe it lacked beta readers. It could've been great but sadly it is anything but that, I can't even call it good. Wasn't worth my time but I got caught by the misleadingly high rating here on goodreads.
May 22, 2017
I bloody loved it!
September 14, 2023
5 stars
I had fun with this one.
Granted I mostly dislike drama created by miscommunication etc, but considering the personalities of the MCs, the depicted freakouts and misunderstanding made sense and didn't look forced or artificial.
It was also surprisingly funny. Dry sarcasm is my favourite and it was sprinkled throughout just enough to liven things up.
I had fun with this one.
Granted I mostly dislike drama created by miscommunication etc, but considering the personalities of the MCs, the depicted freakouts and misunderstanding made sense and didn't look forced or artificial.
It was also surprisingly funny. Dry sarcasm is my favourite and it was sprinkled throughout just enough to liven things up.
May 8, 2019
Really good.
Both MC's are really adorable, it took me a while to like Bryn, but she gets you, and their love is so pure and cute and I don't know, you can really feel it while reading.
Hot scenes, really hot, but there aren't too many and they're really vanilla, but they are so cute that I'm okay with that.
I supper recommend it. I can't stop reading M.J. Duncan.
Both MC's are really adorable, it took me a while to like Bryn, but she gets you, and their love is so pure and cute and I don't know, you can really feel it while reading.
Hot scenes, really hot, but there aren't too many and they're really vanilla, but they are so cute that I'm okay with that.
I supper recommend it. I can't stop reading M.J. Duncan.
December 16, 2015
I always tell my friends that it’s my dream to buy a vineyard in Tuscany and spend my twilight years enjoying the beautiful earth and drinking wine. FYI, if you suddenly have the image of Diane Lane in your head, then virtual high five to you! I’ve had the biggest crush on her since I was 5 years old. Hey, Diane… We can drink wine together under the Tuscan sun! Si or no?
One of my favorite quotes is from that movie:
“They say they built the train tracks over the Alps, between Vienna and Venice, before there was a train that could make the trip. They built it anyway. They knew one day the train would come. Any arbitrary turning along the way and I would be elsewhere, I would be different. What are four walls anyway? They are what they contain. The house protects the dreamer. Unthinkably good things can happen, even late in the game… it’s such a surprise.”
In a way, the story in Spectrum seems to mirror that. Anna lays down those tracks for their locomotion of luuuuurve. It’s nice that this story features characters that aren’t 20-something year old spring chickens, and though it isn’t really “late in the game”, love blooms for Bryn in her middle-age. Bryn could be categorized as the stereotypical cat-lady, except she doesn’t have cats. She’s a bit of a spinster, a bit of a loner, and a whole lot of a curmudgeon before Anna comes into the picture.
Thank the universe of lesbian fiction for Anna Fitzpatrick. Homegirl’s smart, funny, charming, and persistent. She’s determined to get under Bryn’s skin (and under Bryn) regardless of Bryn’s sarcastic remarks and “sunny” disposition.
Anna’s easy-going nature is a nice counterpoint to Bryn’s tough-as-nails exterior. Readers have the pleasure of seeing the richness in Bryn’s character, as Anna slowly brings her out of her shell. Their chemistry is sizzling: Anna and Bryn are like two distinct flavors that combine to make a unique and delicious taste profile. (Sweet & Sour, anyone?) The story is excellent from start to finish. Highly recommended!
http://lesreadoutloud.com/2015/12/16/...
One of my favorite quotes is from that movie:
“They say they built the train tracks over the Alps, between Vienna and Venice, before there was a train that could make the trip. They built it anyway. They knew one day the train would come. Any arbitrary turning along the way and I would be elsewhere, I would be different. What are four walls anyway? They are what they contain. The house protects the dreamer. Unthinkably good things can happen, even late in the game… it’s such a surprise.”
In a way, the story in Spectrum seems to mirror that. Anna lays down those tracks for their locomotion of luuuuurve. It’s nice that this story features characters that aren’t 20-something year old spring chickens, and though it isn’t really “late in the game”, love blooms for Bryn in her middle-age. Bryn could be categorized as the stereotypical cat-lady, except she doesn’t have cats. She’s a bit of a spinster, a bit of a loner, and a whole lot of a curmudgeon before Anna comes into the picture.
Thank the universe of lesbian fiction for Anna Fitzpatrick. Homegirl’s smart, funny, charming, and persistent. She’s determined to get under Bryn’s skin (and under Bryn) regardless of Bryn’s sarcastic remarks and “sunny” disposition.
Anna’s easy-going nature is a nice counterpoint to Bryn’s tough-as-nails exterior. Readers have the pleasure of seeing the richness in Bryn’s character, as Anna slowly brings her out of her shell. Their chemistry is sizzling: Anna and Bryn are like two distinct flavors that combine to make a unique and delicious taste profile. (Sweet & Sour, anyone?) The story is excellent from start to finish. Highly recommended!
http://lesreadoutloud.com/2015/12/16/...
September 22, 2024
Gorgeous
I've just completed my second read and it felt even better than the first. This is a beautiful romance that is perfectly paced with rich characters and a lovely evolution that makes this story so good. Going onto my favourite list.
So after multiple re reads this is a solid favourite.
I've just completed my second read and it felt even better than the first. This is a beautiful romance that is perfectly paced with rich characters and a lovely evolution that makes this story so good. Going onto my favourite list.
So after multiple re reads this is a solid favourite.
August 9, 2015
This is one of those books, where for me, I'm reading the story as it is, while my mind thinks up other possibilities and I'm left wondering why the author didn't think of it.
The first half is entertaining enough. Brynn, the emotional stunted vineyard owner meets the bubbly doctor Anna at the site of an accident. The extent of Brynn's emotional detachment is evident when she pissed off about all the vines that have been destroyed without any concern to the well-being of the car's occupants. To make matters worse, Anna pops up all over the place after that, thoroughly annoying Brynn.
Of course, Brynn's carefully maintained walls crumble down on the barrage of Anna's charms and they end up being friends. There's more going on, but Brynn just can't recognize it for what it is: mutual attraction. That's OK, because Anna has all the patience in the world, and besides, Brynn's not a lesbian. Or is she?
The seasoned reader just watches it unfold with the knowledge that the other shoe will drop, and there are two events where it happens.
Ultimately, the dropping of the other shoe amounts to nothing more than a flip-flop landing on the floor of an inflatable bouncy castle. Yes, that much. In other words: nothing happens.
And I think those were missed oppurtunities, which could have elevated the story and the characters by an order of magnitude. Because, after Brynn finally figures herself out, the story bogs down in countless love/sex scenes, while we are constantly reminded of the looming threat of Brynn's parents. While the build-up of the first was done very well, it gets old when it's repeated chapter after chapter. Or maybe I'm too old and jaded to remember puppy love. I don't know.
All I was waiting for was some drama, and it was sorely lacking in that department.
The first half is entertaining enough. Brynn, the emotional stunted vineyard owner meets the bubbly doctor Anna at the site of an accident. The extent of Brynn's emotional detachment is evident when she pissed off about all the vines that have been destroyed without any concern to the well-being of the car's occupants. To make matters worse, Anna pops up all over the place after that, thoroughly annoying Brynn.
Of course, Brynn's carefully maintained walls crumble down on the barrage of Anna's charms and they end up being friends. There's more going on, but Brynn just can't recognize it for what it is: mutual attraction. That's OK, because Anna has all the patience in the world, and besides, Brynn's not a lesbian. Or is she?
The seasoned reader just watches it unfold with the knowledge that the other shoe will drop, and there are two events where it happens.
Ultimately, the dropping of the other shoe amounts to nothing more than a flip-flop landing on the floor of an inflatable bouncy castle. Yes, that much. In other words: nothing happens.
And I think those were missed oppurtunities, which could have elevated the story and the characters by an order of magnitude. Because, after Brynn finally figures herself out, the story bogs down in countless love/sex scenes, while we are constantly reminded of the looming threat of Brynn's parents. While the build-up of the first was done very well, it gets old when it's repeated chapter after chapter. Or maybe I'm too old and jaded to remember puppy love. I don't know.
All I was waiting for was some drama, and it was sorely lacking in that department.
February 2, 2016
This book was somewhere between a 4 and a 5 for me. Definitely closer to a 5 star which is why I have rated it as one.
It's one of those books that focuses pretty much solely on the romance between the main characters. Bryn and Anna meet when Anna crashes her car into Bryns pride and joy, her vineyard. Sparks fly and they don't stop flying until the end of the book. It's a sweet story one that slowly shows a budding friendship turn into more. I love reading stories like this, it's a refreshing change from some of the lesfic stories where the women meet and are in love within a few days.
I won't say there isn't some angst and drama, mainly in relation to Bryns family and the way her upbringing and relationship with them has shaped her. It was also refreshing to read about a woman having a relationship with another woman for the first time and not really questioning where her heart was leading her.
The only negative and it's a small one is that I got to a stage in the book when I felt there was a bit of a lull, I was turning the page and thinking "not another sex scene/sweet moment between the two". That changed for the better during the last quarter of the book.
I enjoyed this one and if you're looking for a book that focuses on the romance this is by no means a bad choice.
It's one of those books that focuses pretty much solely on the romance between the main characters. Bryn and Anna meet when Anna crashes her car into Bryns pride and joy, her vineyard. Sparks fly and they don't stop flying until the end of the book. It's a sweet story one that slowly shows a budding friendship turn into more. I love reading stories like this, it's a refreshing change from some of the lesfic stories where the women meet and are in love within a few days.
I won't say there isn't some angst and drama, mainly in relation to Bryns family and the way her upbringing and relationship with them has shaped her. It was also refreshing to read about a woman having a relationship with another woman for the first time and not really questioning where her heart was leading her.
The only negative and it's a small one is that I got to a stage in the book when I felt there was a bit of a lull, I was turning the page and thinking "not another sex scene/sweet moment between the two". That changed for the better during the last quarter of the book.
I enjoyed this one and if you're looking for a book that focuses on the romance this is by no means a bad choice.
August 23, 2018
The first quarter of the book was really good. After crashing into Bryn's vineyard, Anna and Bryn kept on bumping into each other. Their banters were entertaining, their accidental meetings were warm fuzzy. Sadly, the whole book written through Bryn's POV, I would have bumped the ratings higher if Anna's POV was involved. Anyways, after the first quarter, Ann and Bryn became really lovey dovey, they didn't exchange the ILYs until almost to the end and I was bored. Nothing wrong with Bryn and Anna,they were both great characters but the romance aspect was a bit ott.
Hope that you'll have a better connection with this book, it cost about USD6.. Quite affordable.
Hope that you'll have a better connection with this book, it cost about USD6.. Quite affordable.
September 9, 2015
This was a cute romance, with well developed characters, and some lovely scenes. Possibly the middle part of the book lingered a bit long, and became a tad repetitive, but the story was wrapped up well.
The setting was interesting, and informative without being overwhelming. The book descriptive without becoming too intense. Nothing spectacular here, but it was an enjoyable read, and Anna was an adorable character.
The setting was interesting, and informative without being overwhelming. The book descriptive without becoming too intense. Nothing spectacular here, but it was an enjoyable read, and Anna was an adorable character.
July 26, 2015
From the cover and the title I expected something totally different. But this is a wonderful story with awesome characters and I loved watching the character development from buddies to something more. Thumbs up! MJ Duncan never disappoints ;)
Read
December 30, 2019Didn't like it
Too long for a book where nothing happens, so they meet and the story begins to build up or so you think and then when you reach to 97% of the story and you think "finally some drama or something is gonna happen" but sadly the "drama” only last for like three pages and then everything goes back to normal where nothing exciting happens. Not for me.
Too long for a book where nothing happens, so they meet and the story begins to build up or so you think and then when you reach to 97% of the story and you think "finally some drama or something is gonna happen" but sadly the "drama” only last for like three pages and then everything goes back to normal where nothing exciting happens. Not for me.
May 7, 2017
This is a hard one to rate. The story itself was ok but the abundant and unnecessary errors were so annoying that it would loose a couple of points just for that. So I guess 3 stars is generous. I would not read this again.
August 2, 2015
Well written, good storyline, likeable characters, funny and highly romantic.
August 8, 2015
Oh. *contented sigh*. This is a pure romance novel done completely, utterly *right* .
It is sweet but not sickeningly so. The story moves along at just the right pace. Our main characters are attractive both in looks and personality but also flawed enough to remain relateable and likeable. The pwoar scenes are appropriately plentiful and vanilla
There are a few editing issues but not so much that it ever bought be out of the story.
It's a romance through and through and i am left feeling swoonigly loved up.
Not for those who like their lesroms to err more on the 'comedic' and/or 'angsty' side. But if you appreciate a 'straight' (so to speak) romance then do yourself a favour.
*happy sigh*
It is sweet but not sickeningly so. The story moves along at just the right pace. Our main characters are attractive both in looks and personality but also flawed enough to remain relateable and likeable. The pwoar scenes are appropriately plentiful and vanilla
There are a few editing issues but not so much that it ever bought be out of the story.
It's a romance through and through and i am left feeling swoonigly loved up.
Not for those who like their lesroms to err more on the 'comedic' and/or 'angsty' side. But if you appreciate a 'straight' (so to speak) romance then do yourself a favour.
*happy sigh*
May 6, 2017
Wish I had read this sooner.
I've had this book on my to read list for a while but just kept putting off reading it. Now I wish I hadn't done that because what an amazing read this turned out to be. This book had me hooked from page 1. It has everything I look for in a great book, fantastic chemistry, great plot, engaging dialogue, good pacing and some pretty smoking hot sex scenes.
This was the first book I've read by this author and it certainly will not be the last!
I've had this book on my to read list for a while but just kept putting off reading it. Now I wish I hadn't done that because what an amazing read this turned out to be. This book had me hooked from page 1. It has everything I look for in a great book, fantastic chemistry, great plot, engaging dialogue, good pacing and some pretty smoking hot sex scenes.
This was the first book I've read by this author and it certainly will not be the last!
August 16, 2015
Ditto to what Milkiways said in her review:
Well written, good storyline, likable characters, funny and highly romantic.
Well written, good storyline, likable characters, funny and highly romantic.
March 19, 2022
Bryn has one thing that she's proud of, one thing that's hers: Spectrum, a small winery in Washington that is more than 2,000 miles away from Boston and even further away from her parents' expectations for their only child. So when she witnesses an out-of-control car careening into a section of the vineyard, destroying vines she planted years before, she takes it personally and takes all her anger out on the driver, Anna, who insists it was an accident.
But now that Bryn has met Anna, she keeps bumping into her in town. And despite her coldness towards her, Anna manages to charm their encounters in these somewhat flirtatious exchanges, which are a lot of fun to read. The problem is that Bryn isn’t queer. And yet there’s something about Anna she can’t quite resist (and I can’t blame her because I couldn’t resist Anna either).
I liked this for the most part. Anna is wonderful and it would have been impossible for Bryn to fall in love with her. But Bryn is damaged—emotionally abused and neglected by her parents, who once a quarter force Bryn to return home. These trips take a lot practiced compartmentalization for Bryn to survive, and when those two worlds collide, Bryn doesn’t know how to handle it.
This is as much a novel about Bryn finding herself and what makes her happy and how defend that as much as it is a romance. Bryn isn’t often super likable, but you also understand how she’s become this hard woman. Watching her growth, which flourishes the more time she spends with Anna, is as rewarding as watching her fall in love.
But now that Bryn has met Anna, she keeps bumping into her in town. And despite her coldness towards her, Anna manages to charm their encounters in these somewhat flirtatious exchanges, which are a lot of fun to read. The problem is that Bryn isn’t queer. And yet there’s something about Anna she can’t quite resist (and I can’t blame her because I couldn’t resist Anna either).
I liked this for the most part. Anna is wonderful and it would have been impossible for Bryn to fall in love with her. But Bryn is damaged—emotionally abused and neglected by her parents, who once a quarter force Bryn to return home. These trips take a lot practiced compartmentalization for Bryn to survive, and when those two worlds collide, Bryn doesn’t know how to handle it.
This is as much a novel about Bryn finding herself and what makes her happy and how defend that as much as it is a romance. Bryn isn’t often super likable, but you also understand how she’s become this hard woman. Watching her growth, which flourishes the more time she spends with Anna, is as rewarding as watching her fall in love.
December 16, 2018
This was pretty good, but didn't blow me away. I found the pace quite slow and the amount of detail given towards rather mundane things excruciating at times. Not a lot happens......some tepid drama with Bryn's parents, but no real depth. I actually quite liked Bryn as a character, with her sensitivity about her poor social skills and wondering how to appropriately handle emotional situations due to how isolated and unloved she was a child. I would have liked to have more of her backstory that I got, maybe flashbacks or details about exact moments would have added more edge to the story. I also liked the winery setting, because i love wine, especially pinot noirs. :)
Anna was lovely, but we did not get any kind of sense of her background except a brief mention of nieces and nephews. Her medical career was hardly mentioned except in passing. I craved more about her. Anyway, overall, a light read that had some pretty awesome sex, as Bryn discovers real passion and appeared to be pretty darned good at it herself! Though even these scenes became redundant after awhile.
Anna was lovely, but we did not get any kind of sense of her background except a brief mention of nieces and nephews. Her medical career was hardly mentioned except in passing. I craved more about her. Anyway, overall, a light read that had some pretty awesome sex, as Bryn discovers real passion and appeared to be pretty darned good at it herself! Though even these scenes became redundant after awhile.
November 11, 2019
This is a pure romance.
All about that. There is not angst , there no fighting, there is no war... this book is for the passionate, for the dreamers, just to fullfill the heart and as you finish, you can sigh and be in love with April & Bryn.
Reccomend to all.
All about that. There is not angst , there no fighting, there is no war... this book is for the passionate, for the dreamers, just to fullfill the heart and as you finish, you can sigh and be in love with April & Bryn.
Reccomend to all.
June 21, 2018
Loved it!!
I cannot put her books down!! This is the 4th book in just a week. On to the next one!! I am a fan, MJ Duncan!!
I cannot put her books down!! This is the 4th book in just a week. On to the next one!! I am a fan, MJ Duncan!!
October 31, 2020
An Exceptional Story!
I loved this book. There was so much heartbreaking things that had been going on in Bryn’s life that hardened her but she was a naive sweet person underneath. Meeting Anna, the younger wild and free personality who is trying to get under her skin. The gay and straight girl romance has been done but not told like this. This writer has captured the want and need when you fall for someone who is gay and when you kiss for the first time. It is something you remember and even though you pulled away, you are left with the feeling on your lips like you were scorched. Then the tale of their romance as it’s beginning up until the awaited conclusion. So much of this story resonated with me and the words that MJ Duncan uses was so true in its feelings. Great Job!
I loved this book. There was so much heartbreaking things that had been going on in Bryn’s life that hardened her but she was a naive sweet person underneath. Meeting Anna, the younger wild and free personality who is trying to get under her skin. The gay and straight girl romance has been done but not told like this. This writer has captured the want and need when you fall for someone who is gay and when you kiss for the first time. It is something you remember and even though you pulled away, you are left with the feeling on your lips like you were scorched. Then the tale of their romance as it’s beginning up until the awaited conclusion. So much of this story resonated with me and the words that MJ Duncan uses was so true in its feelings. Great Job!
April 25, 2015
Solid 4 stars
I enjoy this author's work. Although this story isn't as good as Veritas, it is wonderful. The characters are set up nicely. There's stimulating love scenes that make you feel these two women are very respectful of one another along with a twist of carnal passion. It is a little predictable at times but I think you'll enjoy this cute love story.
I enjoy this author's work. Although this story isn't as good as Veritas, it is wonderful. The characters are set up nicely. There's stimulating love scenes that make you feel these two women are very respectful of one another along with a twist of carnal passion. It is a little predictable at times but I think you'll enjoy this cute love story.
April 18, 2015
Loved it
I have read all the books this author has put and can say without a doubt I was not disappointed. I love the main characters has well as the supporting characters. I could definitely see more of Bryn and Anna story to continue.
I have read all the books this author has put and can say without a doubt I was not disappointed. I love the main characters has well as the supporting characters. I could definitely see more of Bryn and Anna story to continue.
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