What do you think?
Rate this book
The Plus One
The only thing worse than Eve Morrison’s parents’ annual holiday gala is attending the event solo, so when her plus-one for the event backs out at the last minute and offers up his cousin as a replacement, she doesn’t say no. She has every confidence the long weekend will be a disaster, but at least this way she’ll have someone who might support her through it all.
Aspen Collier-West is in the middle of her busy season as a charter pilot and doesn’t appreciate it when cousin calls in an old favor, but they both know she owes him and that she can’t tell him no. Even though standing in as the plus-one for his best friend for four and a half days will throw a colossal monkey wrench into her schedule.
Neither of them head into the long weekend thinking it’ll be anything special. Eve just wants to emerge in one piece, and Aspen is simply repaying a debt she owes. Their low expectations are yanked from under their feet the moment they meet, and suddenly the long weekend feels far too short for either of their liking. Will they find a way to make things work long-term, or is their whirlwind, storybook weekend destined to become nothing more than a fond memory?
Aspen Collier-West is in the middle of her busy season as a charter pilot and doesn’t appreciate it when cousin calls in an old favor, but they both know she owes him and that she can’t tell him no. Even though standing in as the plus-one for his best friend for four and a half days will throw a colossal monkey wrench into her schedule.
Neither of them head into the long weekend thinking it’ll be anything special. Eve just wants to emerge in one piece, and Aspen is simply repaying a debt she owes. Their low expectations are yanked from under their feet the moment they meet, and suddenly the long weekend feels far too short for either of their liking. Will they find a way to make things work long-term, or is their whirlwind, storybook weekend destined to become nothing more than a fond memory?
223 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 27, 2024
214 people are currently reading
337 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Duncan
20 books416 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).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
December 21, 2025
Five day whirlwind of fake dating and very real sex marathons the week before Christmas. Eve Morrison, a well known photographer, reluctantly attends her parents’ snooty holiday events in Aspen every year. Despite her success, her parents belittle her and she only survives the weekend by taking her best friend, Michael. This time around, his cousin, Aspen, a hot, buff helicopter pilot, subs in as Eve’s plus one. This book is the most insta-love, head over heels connection I think I’ve ever read but that’s okay. Why not? The book is entertaining and the narrator, Savannah Rivers, is perfect with the main characters as well as adding the right amount of arrogance for those awful parents and Eve’s ex.
January 14, 2025
This was disappointing for me. I was expecting so much more from the premise, but it wasn't meant to be. I'm not sure that this book really counts as romance for me. They're basically in a relationship from the moment they see each other and there is no pining, angst, or even a second of 'will she, won't she.' Without a buildup of the relationship, there is nowhere to go from there. They're just there, already...the entire time. Despite there being an obscene amount of spicy scenes, like almost literally every other chapter, I don't think this qualifies as erotica either. It doesn't have the right decadent, self-indulgent tones to it. The biggest flaw that I saw in the book though is that there is basically no conflict. There is very little drama. Everywhere there should be conflict that pushes and pulls the characters and forces them to make hard choices or think about who they are as people...it just sort of blows over and everything is instantly ok. It made the story and characters feel flat. It's not the first time I've run into this problem with this author. From what I can tell, Duncan writes fluff. Spicy fluff, but nothing of real substance. Sometimes that's exactly what you want or need. But most of the time I need more than empty calories when I'm reading.
January 15, 2025
Don’t Sleep on the Epilogue
Although this was a book with instant chemistry between the two main characters, Aspen Collier-West and Eve Morrison, the author made excellent use of the four days that formed the basis for the majority of the story. There was really no angst to speak of between Aspen and Eve, only between Eve and her rich, entitled parents. But Aspen did her best to try and protect Eve from that onslaught.
I rarely note this in reviews, but don’t sleep on the epilogue. It is an intense and erotically charged collection of pages that make it difficult to forget.
Although this was a book with instant chemistry between the two main characters, Aspen Collier-West and Eve Morrison, the author made excellent use of the four days that formed the basis for the majority of the story. There was really no angst to speak of between Aspen and Eve, only between Eve and her rich, entitled parents. But Aspen did her best to try and protect Eve from that onslaught.
I rarely note this in reviews, but don’t sleep on the epilogue. It is an intense and erotically charged collection of pages that make it difficult to forget.
December 29, 2024
The Plus One
MJ Duncan is a favorite author of mine. I love all the books she has published. Her newest release is warm, insta-chemistry, quick to love, and a heartfelt story. Although it mentions being during the holiday, it is not really a holiday romance.
Still full of well developed characters, I enjoyed the secondary characters. I wish we had heard more from the cousin/best friend.
Even with those minor wishes, I truly enjoyed this book and definitely will be looking towards more from the talented Ms Duncan.
MJ Duncan is a favorite author of mine. I love all the books she has published. Her newest release is warm, insta-chemistry, quick to love, and a heartfelt story. Although it mentions being during the holiday, it is not really a holiday romance.
Still full of well developed characters, I enjoyed the secondary characters. I wish we had heard more from the cousin/best friend.
Even with those minor wishes, I truly enjoyed this book and definitely will be looking towards more from the talented Ms Duncan.
February 5, 2025
Really enjoy M J Duncan who is an excellent writer and she doesn’t disappoint here. Started reading her in 2017. Excellent tropes: read in a day! Recommended.
January 6, 2025
wonderful read
Quite an enjoyable read. Loved the character, the writing style. Easy to follow and read. Props to the author, it’s a winner!
Quite an enjoyable read. Loved the character, the writing style. Easy to follow and read. Props to the author, it’s a winner!
March 30, 2025
Gosh this one had potential to be great. It pains me to give it a moderate 3 stars.
Aspen and Eve are such wonderful characters and I loved them so much. The quiet, self assured strength of Aspen combined with her incredible tenderness was absolutely panty-melting. Eve was such a beautiful person and to see her being protected and cherished was just lovely. They definitely deserve their own full length novel.
I got the distinct impression though, that this book was originally intended to be a holiday short story or maybe a novella but the word count ended up running long so it was adjusted. After reading the acknowledgments at the end, this was confirmed to be accurate and there’s nothing wrong with that of course but I got the feeling that the process was rushed and the story suffered as a result through various issues that just aren’t present in other books I’ve read from this author.
I don’t regret reading it and I loved Aspen and Eve but this isn’t one that will make my permanent collection.
Aspen and Eve are such wonderful characters and I loved them so much. The quiet, self assured strength of Aspen combined with her incredible tenderness was absolutely panty-melting. Eve was such a beautiful person and to see her being protected and cherished was just lovely. They definitely deserve their own full length novel.
I got the distinct impression though, that this book was originally intended to be a holiday short story or maybe a novella but the word count ended up running long so it was adjusted. After reading the acknowledgments at the end, this was confirmed to be accurate and there’s nothing wrong with that of course but I got the feeling that the process was rushed and the story suffered as a result through various issues that just aren’t present in other books I’ve read from this author.
I don’t regret reading it and I loved Aspen and Eve but this isn’t one that will make my permanent collection.
December 4, 2025
I really enjoyed this one. I loved both main characters. The only reason I didn't give this five stars is because they didn't know each other before the long weekend that they came together to essentially fake date. They immediately acted like they knew each other forever, which made me miss those cute little awkward moments that can come up from being around someone new. They just immediately were settled in together.
I will say though, there were some incredible moments between them, a few that made my heart flutter and had me smiling like a fool.
Had this been a little longer and the author gave them a little more time to get to know each other in the beginning to make it feel more organic between them, it would've been perfect for me.
I will say though, there were some incredible moments between them, a few that made my heart flutter and had me smiling like a fool.
Had this been a little longer and the author gave them a little more time to get to know each other in the beginning to make it feel more organic between them, it would've been perfect for me.
February 5, 2025
A Very Hot Romance
This is a steamy love story that begins as a fake relationship. The main characters are well described and the love scenes are many and wonderful.
This is a steamy love story that begins as a fake relationship. The main characters are well described and the love scenes are many and wonderful.
January 25, 2025
Just wow
Oh wow, I absolutely loved this book. It's a brilliantly funny & sexy butch/femme story with added heat. I will definitely be reading this one again.
Oh wow, I absolutely loved this book. It's a brilliantly funny & sexy butch/femme story with added heat. I will definitely be reading this one again.
June 12, 2025
♥️
♥️ Fake dating
♥️ Instant attraction
♥️ Christmas vibes
♥️ Sexy butch/femme
This book was recommended to me by a friend after a major book slump, and I’m so glad I read it. The chemistry and instant attraction between Eve and Aspen was written so well. Their time together is only about four days, but it felt so much longer thanks to how well the story’s told.
Aspen definitely gave BDE, and I’m here for it. She’s confident, secure, and totally herself. It’s that hold-your-head-up-high kind of energy—graceful, self-assured, and unafraid to speak her mind. The most important thing? It’s all effortless. The way she handled Eve’s annoying parents and douchey ex had me giggling and kicking my feet.
Eve was more timid—shy, a bit of a pushover, and someone who struggled to voice her feelings or stand up to her parents. I’m not that type of person, so I couldn’t exactly relate—but I really felt for her. Her parents gave her such BAD anxiety, I was yelling at my Kindle, begging her to just tell them off already.
Eve and Aspen had me so wrapped up in their bubble of happiness that when they finally hooked up, I didn’t even realize it had only been about 24 hours since they met. Falling in love in five days? Normally, I’d be calling BS, rolling my eyes, and rushing to finish. But Duncan had me eating my words and deep in my feels like 🥺😖😩😭 when it was time for them to part.
It’s a shorter book (about 253 pages), but so lovely written. So many feels, plenty of funny moments, and swoon factor? Absolutely. There’s no angst between the two MCs and just the right amount of heat. I genuinely wish it had been 100 pages longer—I would’ve kept reading happily.
Also? I need more Kit, Jack, and Lydia, because why the hell not? That troublemaking trio were the perfect side characters.
♥️ Fake dating
♥️ Instant attraction
♥️ Christmas vibes
♥️ Sexy butch/femme
This book was recommended to me by a friend after a major book slump, and I’m so glad I read it. The chemistry and instant attraction between Eve and Aspen was written so well. Their time together is only about four days, but it felt so much longer thanks to how well the story’s told.
Aspen definitely gave BDE, and I’m here for it. She’s confident, secure, and totally herself. It’s that hold-your-head-up-high kind of energy—graceful, self-assured, and unafraid to speak her mind. The most important thing? It’s all effortless. The way she handled Eve’s annoying parents and douchey ex had me giggling and kicking my feet.
Eve was more timid—shy, a bit of a pushover, and someone who struggled to voice her feelings or stand up to her parents. I’m not that type of person, so I couldn’t exactly relate—but I really felt for her. Her parents gave her such BAD anxiety, I was yelling at my Kindle, begging her to just tell them off already.
Eve and Aspen had me so wrapped up in their bubble of happiness that when they finally hooked up, I didn’t even realize it had only been about 24 hours since they met. Falling in love in five days? Normally, I’d be calling BS, rolling my eyes, and rushing to finish. But Duncan had me eating my words and deep in my feels like 🥺😖😩😭 when it was time for them to part.
It’s a shorter book (about 253 pages), but so lovely written. So many feels, plenty of funny moments, and swoon factor? Absolutely. There’s no angst between the two MCs and just the right amount of heat. I genuinely wish it had been 100 pages longer—I would’ve kept reading happily.
Also? I need more Kit, Jack, and Lydia, because why the hell not? That troublemaking trio were the perfect side characters.
April 26, 2025
(rounded up from 3.5)
This was a bit dull to start with (simply no conflict), but sweet and honestly a lot of spice. The MCs are sweet and cute together, there is instant chemistry, and there is a smattering of fun side characters. There simply isn't much conflict and the characters are a bit too perfect to satisfy me but if you want a sweet and romantic read, this is it!
This was a bit dull to start with (simply no conflict), but sweet and honestly a lot of spice. The MCs are sweet and cute together, there is instant chemistry, and there is a smattering of fun side characters. There simply isn't much conflict and the characters are a bit too perfect to satisfy me but if you want a sweet and romantic read, this is it!
January 11, 2025
Weekend Stand-In
Aspen’s best friend Michael calls to cash in a favour. He couldn’t get away from work and she had to step in to accompany Eve for the weekend with Eve’s family and their business contacts. When Aspen sees Eve in the airport she stumbles over nothing stunned by her beauty. How will Eve and Aspen be able to get through a weekend of carnal attraction? Wonderfully written.
Aspen’s best friend Michael calls to cash in a favour. He couldn’t get away from work and she had to step in to accompany Eve for the weekend with Eve’s family and their business contacts. When Aspen sees Eve in the airport she stumbles over nothing stunned by her beauty. How will Eve and Aspen be able to get through a weekend of carnal attraction? Wonderfully written.
January 3, 2025
So Good
I’ve yet to read a book by MJ that I haven’t instantly loved the characters. This book is absolutely amazing, you can actually taste the instant attraction this couple have. It’s that time of year again, her parents Gala, and while Eve isn’t exactly looking forward to the weekend ahead, the unexpected arrival of Aspen completely flips it on its head.
I’m not going to say anymore, just read it and fall in love with every word.
P.S you may need a fan or glass of water, it gets pretty spicy.
I’ve yet to read a book by MJ that I haven’t instantly loved the characters. This book is absolutely amazing, you can actually taste the instant attraction this couple have. It’s that time of year again, her parents Gala, and while Eve isn’t exactly looking forward to the weekend ahead, the unexpected arrival of Aspen completely flips it on its head.
I’m not going to say anymore, just read it and fall in love with every word.
P.S you may need a fan or glass of water, it gets pretty spicy.
February 2, 2025
Low angst, high steam, steady dose of romance.
There are a lot of spicy scenes in this book. Like. It's mostly spicy scenes. Which works because they are excellent, and while the story unfolds over a single long weekend, the connection between the characters is very believable, so the spicy scenes hit more like romance than erotica.
Smutty, smutty romance.
It takes place during the holidays but it's not really a Christmas themed book. If you're looking for sleigh bells jingling, chestnuts roasting, and the true meaning of Christmas vibes, save this until January (like I did) but read it anyway. It's got a cozy winter vibe.
There is no conflict between the main characters, but they come up against obstacles and hardships and support each other through them so it felt like a story with a plot that moved forward steadily.
For a short sweet and sexy read, it was perfect.
I think it could have been transformed easily into something longer with much more exploration of themes around family, expectations, and obligations and with stronger character arcs -- but that just means the characters and story were interesting enough to keep me engaged, and I'm not mad it played out exactly like it did.
There are a lot of spicy scenes in this book. Like. It's mostly spicy scenes. Which works because they are excellent, and while the story unfolds over a single long weekend, the connection between the characters is very believable, so the spicy scenes hit more like romance than erotica.
Smutty, smutty romance.
It takes place during the holidays but it's not really a Christmas themed book. If you're looking for sleigh bells jingling, chestnuts roasting, and the true meaning of Christmas vibes, save this until January (like I did) but read it anyway. It's got a cozy winter vibe.
There is no conflict between the main characters, but they come up against obstacles and hardships and support each other through them so it felt like a story with a plot that moved forward steadily.
For a short sweet and sexy read, it was perfect.
I think it could have been transformed easily into something longer with much more exploration of themes around family, expectations, and obligations and with stronger character arcs -- but that just means the characters and story were interesting enough to keep me engaged, and I'm not mad it played out exactly like it did.
February 13, 2025
I LOVE this book! I love how Aspen immediately is there to help Eve when she has a panic attack! Without really knowing her. She exactly what Eve needs! But it's not a one way relationship as Eve is there for Aspen too. The chemistry is off the charts, it's so HOT, steamy and erotic! 5 stars!!!
February 4, 2025
Beautiful story
This is a beautifully written and executed book as the story is so well described with intense scenes, plenty of feelings and romantic theme. The dialogues, the characters and the scenery is so well described and the reader feels part of the book. I couldn’t put it down, thank u.
This is a beautifully written and executed book as the story is so well described with intense scenes, plenty of feelings and romantic theme. The dialogues, the characters and the scenery is so well described and the reader feels part of the book. I couldn’t put it down, thank u.
January 24, 2025
A Holiday Read That Is The Best Written This Season!
MJ Duncan is no stranger to writing great storylines with interesting couples. However, Eve and Aspen has to be the most gripping couple I have ever read about. Firstly, Aspen (need a breath) is the woman I would love to meet. I know it is on paper but I can imagine it. Aspen should be the poster of what we should aim for in a partner. So to say that this book and its story pulled me in is an understatement. Everything was clicking. To think that MJ was only going to present this as a novella would have been a travesty. As it is the novel ended too soon. This is the relationship with which should be in the faces of Eve’s parents. Eve’s happiness and her comfort with Aspen which helps her confidence finally gives her parents especially her mother something to think about in defense of her sexuality not only for herself but for Aspen and her character. The story not only guides us through the unhappy relationship Eve has had with her parents but also what a relationship that is unplanned, pure, honest and beautiful can be. Aspen does that for her. I wish this was a little longer. There were some other things that needed to be tied up.
MJ Duncan is no stranger to writing great storylines with interesting couples. However, Eve and Aspen has to be the most gripping couple I have ever read about. Firstly, Aspen (need a breath) is the woman I would love to meet. I know it is on paper but I can imagine it. Aspen should be the poster of what we should aim for in a partner. So to say that this book and its story pulled me in is an understatement. Everything was clicking. To think that MJ was only going to present this as a novella would have been a travesty. As it is the novel ended too soon. This is the relationship with which should be in the faces of Eve’s parents. Eve’s happiness and her comfort with Aspen which helps her confidence finally gives her parents especially her mother something to think about in defense of her sexuality not only for herself but for Aspen and her character. The story not only guides us through the unhappy relationship Eve has had with her parents but also what a relationship that is unplanned, pure, honest and beautiful can be. Aspen does that for her. I wish this was a little longer. There were some other things that needed to be tied up.
January 26, 2025
I loved Eve and Aspen story!
poor Eve has grown up with the rich type of parents that their connections to the richer people is more important than her and has taken a toll on their relationship. The parents only want her to represent their wealth in certain events. This is where Aspen comes in and its love at first sight.
I really enjoyed this love story but I have to say I didn't think the epilogue wasn't necessary here and just made me breeze through it. Overall I enjoyed the whole thing. ENJOY
poor Eve has grown up with the rich type of parents that their connections to the richer people is more important than her and has taken a toll on their relationship. The parents only want her to represent their wealth in certain events. This is where Aspen comes in and its love at first sight.
I really enjoyed this love story but I have to say I didn't think the epilogue wasn't necessary here and just made me breeze through it. Overall I enjoyed the whole thing. ENJOY
January 21, 2025
Is it hot in here or is it this book?
Answer: It's the book! MJ is definitely the master at writing incredibly hot spice alongside a wonderful love story. I loved both MCs and was immediately wrapped up in their instant connection both in and out of bed. Definitely recommend reading this one asap!!
Answer: It's the book! MJ is definitely the master at writing incredibly hot spice alongside a wonderful love story. I loved both MCs and was immediately wrapped up in their instant connection both in and out of bed. Definitely recommend reading this one asap!!
January 14, 2025
Another hit from Duncan
I usually hate the instant love tropes. And usually the stories written around them feel rushed. Again, Duncan writes w a great pace. 2 women in same socioeconomic class but each w their own unique life story and come together through a mutual person. It's a nice flow great contexts and not unrealistic. Greatly enjoyed as usual.
I usually hate the instant love tropes. And usually the stories written around them feel rushed. Again, Duncan writes w a great pace. 2 women in same socioeconomic class but each w their own unique life story and come together through a mutual person. It's a nice flow great contexts and not unrealistic. Greatly enjoyed as usual.
January 3, 2025
loved
When you have a clear connection with someone that instantly gives you a safe space to be. To help you find your strength without losing yourself.
When you have a clear connection with someone that instantly gives you a safe space to be. To help you find your strength without losing yourself.
December 31, 2024
Amazing as always
Having read almost every book this author has put out I can say this one is another hit! I highly recommend giving this a shot and cant wait to add a physical copy to my collection!
Having read almost every book this author has put out I can say this one is another hit! I highly recommend giving this a shot and cant wait to add a physical copy to my collection!
December 11, 2025
Stars: 4 Stars
Format: Audiobook
Narrator: Savannah Rivers
Series: Stand Alone
Steam Level: Steamy
I have read exactly three books by M. J. Duncan and I’ve enjoyed the heck out of myself with each one. I now own all of her books on Kindle. Bring on the new year!
Quick Thoughts:
- This is an insta-live story so if that’s not your jam you should skip this book
- Lots of on the page sex in this and I’m here for it. That last scene was particularly fantastic
- I despise the parents and the Ex. Hope they step on Legos barefoot every day
- The friends Aspen and Eve hang out with were awesome and the perfect people for Eve to spend time with
- Loved that Aspen was in Eve’s corner unconditionally, actively supported her, and paid attention to her
- I tired to remember how old Aspen is because she mentioned retiring from the Air Force. To retire you need twenty years in the service so the youngest she could do that is 38 but I thought she was younger. Maybe not though
- No third act break up!
- That ending was cute. Yes, it was predictable. No, I didn’t care. Yes, I still squealed in delight
- The ONLY reason I didn’t give this five stars is that I felt like Aspen going from “I don’t want to do this” to “protect Eve at all costs, she’s my top priority” just a tad too quick for my taste
- Savannah Rivers did a wonderful job. This is the first time I’ve listened to her and I really enjoyed it! She’s not yet someone I would actively look for (I need probably just one more book to tip that scale) but seeing her name would absolutely make me get a book I wasn’t sure about
Overall I enjoyed this low angst, sexy, holiday book. It was perfect for this time of year and I’m very glad I picked it up as an audiobook.
Format: Audiobook
Narrator: Savannah Rivers
Series: Stand Alone
Steam Level: Steamy
I have read exactly three books by M. J. Duncan and I’ve enjoyed the heck out of myself with each one. I now own all of her books on Kindle. Bring on the new year!
Quick Thoughts:
- This is an insta-live story so if that’s not your jam you should skip this book
- Lots of on the page sex in this and I’m here for it. That last scene was particularly fantastic
- I despise the parents and the Ex. Hope they step on Legos barefoot every day
- The friends Aspen and Eve hang out with were awesome and the perfect people for Eve to spend time with
- Loved that Aspen was in Eve’s corner unconditionally, actively supported her, and paid attention to her
- I tired to remember how old Aspen is because she mentioned retiring from the Air Force. To retire you need twenty years in the service so the youngest she could do that is 38 but I thought she was younger. Maybe not though
- No third act break up!
- That ending was cute. Yes, it was predictable. No, I didn’t care. Yes, I still squealed in delight
- The ONLY reason I didn’t give this five stars is that I felt like Aspen going from “I don’t want to do this” to “protect Eve at all costs, she’s my top priority” just a tad too quick for my taste
- Savannah Rivers did a wonderful job. This is the first time I’ve listened to her and I really enjoyed it! She’s not yet someone I would actively look for (I need probably just one more book to tip that scale) but seeing her name would absolutely make me get a book I wasn’t sure about
Overall I enjoyed this low angst, sexy, holiday book. It was perfect for this time of year and I’m very glad I picked it up as an audiobook.
November 21, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — A wonderfully satisfying listen
The Plus One by MJ Duncan is exactly the kind of audiobook you put on “just for a chapter” and suddenly realize you’ve listened to half of it. The story delivers that perfect blend of warmth, chemistry, and emotional depth without ever feeling predictable. Duncan’s writing shines in the small moments — the quiet tension, the subtle humor, the believable progression of connection — and it makes the characters feel genuinely lived-in.
Savannah Rivers’ narration elevates the entire experience. She brings a calm, steady confidence to the performance while still giving each character their own distinct presence. Her delivery hits all the emotional beats cleanly: the awkwardness, the longing, the vulnerability. It’s immersive without being showy, and exactly the tone this story needs.
Together, Duncan’s writing and Rivers’ narration create a feel-good, organically unfolding romance that’s simply a pleasure to spend time with. Highly recommended for anyone who loves character-driven storytelling and a narrator who truly understands the material.
The Plus One by MJ Duncan is exactly the kind of audiobook you put on “just for a chapter” and suddenly realize you’ve listened to half of it. The story delivers that perfect blend of warmth, chemistry, and emotional depth without ever feeling predictable. Duncan’s writing shines in the small moments — the quiet tension, the subtle humor, the believable progression of connection — and it makes the characters feel genuinely lived-in.
Savannah Rivers’ narration elevates the entire experience. She brings a calm, steady confidence to the performance while still giving each character their own distinct presence. Her delivery hits all the emotional beats cleanly: the awkwardness, the longing, the vulnerability. It’s immersive without being showy, and exactly the tone this story needs.
Together, Duncan’s writing and Rivers’ narration create a feel-good, organically unfolding romance that’s simply a pleasure to spend time with. Highly recommended for anyone who loves character-driven storytelling and a narrator who truly understands the material.
February 27, 2025
A Great Plus One
Eve and Aspen story. This story is about Eve's plus one to her family's big event for marketing near the holidays. Since her break up from her ex that would be at the party and is her dads right hand man. She was set to bring her best friend as her plus one, but he couldn't make it and as a replacement send his cousin Aspen. A wonderful story that show us how Aspen is there for Eve when thing are not going well with her family and how to help with her anxiety. You feel the love that is starting to form around them. With the help from some friends that are at the parties they learn their love is strong and going back home Eve is have a hard time because she fell fast and hard. Another great story by MJ Duncan. Would like a follow up book with some of the friends that were in the book
Eve and Aspen story. This story is about Eve's plus one to her family's big event for marketing near the holidays. Since her break up from her ex that would be at the party and is her dads right hand man. She was set to bring her best friend as her plus one, but he couldn't make it and as a replacement send his cousin Aspen. A wonderful story that show us how Aspen is there for Eve when thing are not going well with her family and how to help with her anxiety. You feel the love that is starting to form around them. With the help from some friends that are at the parties they learn their love is strong and going back home Eve is have a hard time because she fell fast and hard. Another great story by MJ Duncan. Would like a follow up book with some of the friends that were in the book
December 29, 2025
What is with all the "beautiful girl" endearments?
I enjoyed the story and the characters, and felt like there could have been a lot more development to those characters. It also would have been great to have some more "where are they now" follow up to the main characters, cluster of friends, and the parents.
But really, what is with all the "beautiful girl" endearments? That made me cringe and want to throw the book down every time it was said, along with every time one of them did something "pretty." They blushed prettily, or smiled prettily, or laughed prettily. Maybe that works for some people, but it's a no from me.
Other than that, I really appreciated that the characters were able to have honest, adult conversations with each other, instead of inadvertent misunderstandings.
I enjoyed the story and the characters, and felt like there could have been a lot more development to those characters. It also would have been great to have some more "where are they now" follow up to the main characters, cluster of friends, and the parents.
But really, what is with all the "beautiful girl" endearments? That made me cringe and want to throw the book down every time it was said, along with every time one of them did something "pretty." They blushed prettily, or smiled prettily, or laughed prettily. Maybe that works for some people, but it's a no from me.
Other than that, I really appreciated that the characters were able to have honest, adult conversations with each other, instead of inadvertent misunderstandings.
February 28, 2025
The Plus One is a fake date story but unlike any other fake dating story I’ve ever read, and thanks to Aspen, one of the MCs, being a bold confident masc lesbian, that initial attraction gets put out there for Eve, the femme other MC, to reckon with immediately. I mean, these two see each other at the airport and they both know. And what started as a fake dating scheme put together by Eve’s best friend, quickly turns into a real romance.
And the fun comes throughout the book with plenty of spice, and all the classic situations, including Aspen manhandling Eve’s angry ex, dealing with Eve’s homophobic social climbing parents, and more.
This was a fun, funny, spicy, and different fake dating story and I recommend it, but then again, I’ve always enjoyed MJ Duncan’s books.
And the fun comes throughout the book with plenty of spice, and all the classic situations, including Aspen manhandling Eve’s angry ex, dealing with Eve’s homophobic social climbing parents, and more.
This was a fun, funny, spicy, and different fake dating story and I recommend it, but then again, I’ve always enjoyed MJ Duncan’s books.
January 24, 2025
Solid but cheesy lowkey
•the author explains it was supposed to be a novella in the acknowledgments so the length is understandable but it’s HEAVY bro so while the characters do have crazy chemistry the quickness was like damn
• -1 whole star just bc of the airport scene LMFAO that was the most lesbian thing to ever be a lesbian thing and it made me cringe in a bad way lol. Why were they acting like “ill see you later” was a break up forever like be so fr rn you guys just bought her returning flight for later lmfao dramatic ass love freaks (I like but I hate it)
• HOWEVER, THE ENDING??? ASPEN’S PHOTOSHOOT??? 10/10. So perfectly written, it played like a fucking movie in my head
•the author explains it was supposed to be a novella in the acknowledgments so the length is understandable but it’s HEAVY bro so while the characters do have crazy chemistry the quickness was like damn
• -1 whole star just bc of the airport scene LMFAO that was the most lesbian thing to ever be a lesbian thing and it made me cringe in a bad way lol. Why were they acting like “ill see you later” was a break up forever like be so fr rn you guys just bought her returning flight for later lmfao dramatic ass love freaks (I like but I hate it)
• HOWEVER, THE ENDING??? ASPEN’S PHOTOSHOOT??? 10/10. So perfectly written, it played like a fucking movie in my head
February 24, 2025
The Plus One is a plus-one for the weekend tale. When Eves’ usual plus-one Michael cancels he strong arms his cousin Aspen into service. From their first meet-cute in the airport it’s clear the women are overwhelmingly attracted to each other. There is basically no angst on the relationship front and only a few dramatic moments involving the secondary cast. The story is an amusing romp through the beginnings of a relationship where the women connect both emotionally and sexually. This is fun, low stress, read with a happily ever after and an extremely spicy epilogue.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews