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Something in the Water
Professor Kate Walker is a tenured, world-renowned engineer. She has a job she loves, a daughter she adores, and friends who've been with her through thick and thin. It's a fulfilling life that doesn't really need anything—or anyone—else. Especially not a charming, downright amazing woman who happens to be twenty years her junior.
Carter Burke has lived a storied life and has the Olympic medals to prove it. She's got her dream job coaching a collegiate women's lightweight rowing team in her beloved Boston, and is happily married to the sport she's dedicated her life to. She's happy with her life and not really looking for more, but all that changes when a blonde professor with hypnotizing sea glass green eyes waltzes into her boathouse.
The Charles River has played host to countless scenes of overwhelming joy and crushing heartbreak over the years—but never quite on a scale like this. Because when hearts are involved, the stakes are infinitely higher. Carter is hooked from the moment she first lays eyes on Kate, and their chemistry is undeniable, but is that chemistry enough to help Kate push past her reservations and into Carter's arms?
Carter Burke has lived a storied life and has the Olympic medals to prove it. She's got her dream job coaching a collegiate women's lightweight rowing team in her beloved Boston, and is happily married to the sport she's dedicated her life to. She's happy with her life and not really looking for more, but all that changes when a blonde professor with hypnotizing sea glass green eyes waltzes into her boathouse.
The Charles River has played host to countless scenes of overwhelming joy and crushing heartbreak over the years—but never quite on a scale like this. Because when hearts are involved, the stakes are infinitely higher. Carter is hooked from the moment she first lays eyes on Kate, and their chemistry is undeniable, but is that chemistry enough to help Kate push past her reservations and into Carter's arms?
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Published July 15, 2025
387 people are currently reading
678 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Duncan
20 books445 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 129 reviews
June 24, 2025
**'Seasoned writers should always revise their work. Never ignore the many mistakes that you might have made but let them slide and please, don't be clever because the content of your storytelling should be what attracts many readers..'
Okay read!
This would have been such a fascinating and charming story -- but just the tedious, annoying, unnecessary and overuse of certain catchphrases --- whether all sounded good, still should have omitted. Plus i think the story was way too long....
Okay read!
This would have been such a fascinating and charming story -- but just the tedious, annoying, unnecessary and overuse of certain catchphrases --- whether all sounded good, still should have omitted. Plus i think the story was way too long....
November 8, 2024
4,5 - 5 ⭐️
Feel good, family friendly, age-gap story with a lot of hot sex scenes. Enjoyed it a lot.
Feel good, family friendly, age-gap story with a lot of hot sex scenes. Enjoyed it a lot.
March 17, 2025
Wonderfully written. Lovely characters. Witty. Charming. Swoon worthy. Spicy 😉
September 28, 2024
I enjoyed the premises of the book, age-gap, sport, but as I kept reading I felt I missed some kind of tension.
Something that would make me turn the pages faster knowing what would happen next.
This novel is perfect for those who like no angst at all and want a pleasurable read. It didn't work for me, unfortunately.
I also felt that sometimes the parts about rowing dragged a bit too much into details, which I found myself skipping, because I didn't really feel the emotions reflected into Carter. Too much technical info without more details into the drive of an olympic sporter.
Everything went too well from the beginning. Glad others enjoyed this book more than me.
Something that would make me turn the pages faster knowing what would happen next.
This novel is perfect for those who like no angst at all and want a pleasurable read. It didn't work for me, unfortunately.
I also felt that sometimes the parts about rowing dragged a bit too much into details, which I found myself skipping, because I didn't really feel the emotions reflected into Carter. Too much technical info without more details into the drive of an olympic sporter.
Everything went too well from the beginning. Glad others enjoyed this book more than me.
February 19, 2025
The characters in this book are really nice people. I was unsure about the age gap in the beginning but as in ‘real life’ our MCs simply meshed and age became just a number. As someone who’s susceptible to seasickness, the water has never held my interest but the rowing background was interesting and I never doubted its authenticity. An enjoyable, satisfying read.
January 25, 2026
4.5 stars
Really enjoyed this low angst age gap romance! Very sexy on audio - especially voiced by Abby Craden. I missed the characters when it was over, so that speaks volumes.
Really enjoyed this low angst age gap romance! Very sexy on audio - especially voiced by Abby Craden. I missed the characters when it was over, so that speaks volumes.
November 4, 2025
Way too long.
You have to be really invested in the characters and love them to enjoy this, which I sadly wasn't.
They got together at page 120 or something and then it's just over 300 pages of them just being cute and horny, with no real plot or anything happening.
You have to be really invested in the characters and love them to enjoy this, which I sadly wasn't.
They got together at page 120 or something and then it's just over 300 pages of them just being cute and horny, with no real plot or anything happening.
September 12, 2024
Something in the Water
MJ Duncan outdid herself. This sweet romance was a beautiful story.
I loved the premise, amazing chemistry, and low angst.
There was an abundance of tenderness in the interactions between the MCs. This was spicier than previous books.
All characters were well developed. The secondary characters were a whoot, and I enjoyed their interactions and support.
I loved learning about a sport I was unfamiliar with. The glossary in front of the book was helpful. I appreciated that it left the book to flow smoothly without defining each new term during the dialog.
The age gap aspect was well done. Although it was initially addressed, it was left alone and only brought into light by secondary characters, not harped on by the MCs.
I truly enjoyed this book, and as an avid follower of MJ Duncan, I will continue to follow her and look forward to each new release she brings us.
MJ Duncan outdid herself. This sweet romance was a beautiful story.
I loved the premise, amazing chemistry, and low angst.
There was an abundance of tenderness in the interactions between the MCs. This was spicier than previous books.
All characters were well developed. The secondary characters were a whoot, and I enjoyed their interactions and support.
I loved learning about a sport I was unfamiliar with. The glossary in front of the book was helpful. I appreciated that it left the book to flow smoothly without defining each new term during the dialog.
The age gap aspect was well done. Although it was initially addressed, it was left alone and only brought into light by secondary characters, not harped on by the MCs.
I truly enjoyed this book, and as an avid follower of MJ Duncan, I will continue to follow her and look forward to each new release she brings us.
December 8, 2024
Closer to 3.5 stars. This took me forever to read since there was really no “story.” It’s basically the 2 MC just being happy. No angst, no tension, no conflict, and kinda nowhere to go. Once they got together, they were together. I skipped through all the rowing stuff and there was A LOT of rowing stuff.
Lots and lots of spice and the very last spice scene was, um, something pretty special.
Lots and lots of spice and the very last spice scene was, um, something pretty special.
September 6, 2025
Not bad necessarily, but very boring.
October 1, 2024
Wonderful characters, and I loved all the time on the water.
September 12, 2024
Wonderful as always.
I've loved every one of Duncan's books and I am absolutely astounded at her level of research for them. I don't feel like this one lives up to the Symphony trilogy but still gets five stars.
I've loved every one of Duncan's books and I am absolutely astounded at her level of research for them. I don't feel like this one lives up to the Symphony trilogy but still gets five stars.
September 22, 2024
so so good
I am a huge fan of this authors work, seriously, you can’t go wrong with whatever book you choose.
This book is absolutely gorgeous, the characters are brilliantly written, the storyline is relatable and it will have you laughing, swooning and getting rather hot under the collar.
What I also love about MJ’s books are the little nods to previous books that always manages to puts a smile on my face, as well as a deep longing to go and reread them.
So, what can you expect from this book you ask, well, expect to be hooked from the very start. You might also feel the need to have a little fun on the river. You’ll definitely be unable to put it down, the words flow so naturally that before you know it hours have past. By the end you will smile and hope the author brings another book out soon.
I am a huge fan of this authors work, seriously, you can’t go wrong with whatever book you choose.
This book is absolutely gorgeous, the characters are brilliantly written, the storyline is relatable and it will have you laughing, swooning and getting rather hot under the collar.
What I also love about MJ’s books are the little nods to previous books that always manages to puts a smile on my face, as well as a deep longing to go and reread them.
So, what can you expect from this book you ask, well, expect to be hooked from the very start. You might also feel the need to have a little fun on the river. You’ll definitely be unable to put it down, the words flow so naturally that before you know it hours have past. By the end you will smile and hope the author brings another book out soon.
October 3, 2024
An excellent story.
Carter is an Olympic rower, having won a gold medal at past olympics, but is now a college rowing coach. Kate is a professor, and scientist specialising in green energy, specifically water turbines.
They meet when Carter is coaching Maddie, Kate’s teen daughter.
This is a long book, full novel length, but it never seems to lose momentum. After Carter and Kate realise their mutual attraction, the story gets steamy, but it is also very erotic, not just sex for its own sake. There are some very emotional and lovely scenes, especially towards the end, in which we see the depth of the love between the women - some very cozy scenes too. I really loved this book, one that I found difficult to put down.
Carter is an Olympic rower, having won a gold medal at past olympics, but is now a college rowing coach. Kate is a professor, and scientist specialising in green energy, specifically water turbines.
They meet when Carter is coaching Maddie, Kate’s teen daughter.
This is a long book, full novel length, but it never seems to lose momentum. After Carter and Kate realise their mutual attraction, the story gets steamy, but it is also very erotic, not just sex for its own sake. There are some very emotional and lovely scenes, especially towards the end, in which we see the depth of the love between the women - some very cozy scenes too. I really loved this book, one that I found difficult to put down.
October 27, 2024
Lovely writer, 14th book of MJ’s I’ve read, majority 5*, with one or two 4*s. (OK, 3!) Love the way she makes it an all round tale, friends, family etc which makes it real. Recommended.
August 2, 2025
If anyone knows of similar books, please recommend them. Lesbian mom/ Age gap(not necessarily) romance and preferably an audiobook. Similar to: Truth and Measure, Popcorn Love, Temptation or Contract for Love
September 16, 2024
Wonderful Age Gap Romance
I loved Carter and Kate and the supporting characters. Kate is a college professor with a 13 year old daughter and Carter is a rowing coach at the same university. This is their love story and I highly recommend it.
I loved Carter and Kate and the supporting characters. Kate is a college professor with a 13 year old daughter and Carter is a rowing coach at the same university. This is their love story and I highly recommend it.
January 22, 2026
The story itself was fine, no problems there, it was the eyes rolling back in their heads that did mine in. The phrase was used so often I think these two look like slot machines whenever they kiss. Then there's the taste of their sighs. The flavour of a sigh being so potent that it can be savoured from as far as the belly button area. Honestly speaking, the story was a solid three stars, if not four, but the repetitiveness of the eye-rolling and sigh-tasting was just too much for me.
October 17, 2025
Funny they had to add some drama... the main characters fell in line and in deep like/lust so quickly...all was great.
I enjoyed the aspect of the rowing that brought the daughter and the main character and the rowing coach together. Many of the rowing scenes were so enjoyable to me. I felt like I was at practices and races with the characters.
I felt slightly challenged and not fully understanding what the parents issue was regarding age difference for their adult child???
It was more the long reaction that stymied me...
BUT I loved their love... friends... family. The epilogue was awesome.
Abby C was fabulous as narrator!!
I enjoyed the aspect of the rowing that brought the daughter and the main character and the rowing coach together. Many of the rowing scenes were so enjoyable to me. I felt like I was at practices and races with the characters.
I felt slightly challenged and not fully understanding what the parents issue was regarding age difference for their adult child???
It was more the long reaction that stymied me...
BUT I loved their love... friends... family. The epilogue was awesome.
Abby C was fabulous as narrator!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2025
So sweet
Well that was just adorable. Flirty and sweet and sexy with hardly any angst but lots of fluff. I loved every bit of this book.
Well that was just adorable. Flirty and sweet and sexy with hardly any angst but lots of fluff. I loved every bit of this book.
June 24, 2025
I don't have words to describe how much I loved this book
January 7, 2025
I finished reading this book on January 5, 2025; however, I count it as read in 2024 since approximately 88% of it was read that year.
October 20, 2024
Wow. I loved this book so much more than I expected to. It’s an age-gap romance with so much chemistry, I was hooked all the way through. I was waiting for that inevitable 70% break up/ miscommunication but it never came!!! The side characters are all so well written and add so much to the story. I was also so interested in the world of rowing- to the point it made me want to get out on the water. This book is such a good example of a healthy love story- with plenty of great spice.
August 4, 2025
5 Stars! Loved Kate & Maddie, and Carter was an adorably perfect fit. Not much angst, not much in the way of obstacles but it was perfect. Romantic, endearing, HOT, and so incredibly funny. I also learned a whole lot about rowing and it made it super interesting. Definitely looking fwd to reading more from Duncan.
November 7, 2024
I nerded out reading this book. I knew little of rowing and found myself googling what all the words meant and finding pics of all the things so I could have a mental image of what I was reading. That was fun and enjoyed it immensely. The steamy scenes are hot and heavy… even a saucy office romp made its way onto the page. I liked the blended family, age gap deliciousness and the only reason it’s getting three stars is the sugary sweetness. The floral hallmarkishness is tough to read and found myself skipping paragraphs and pages to avoid it. This is a low stakes book and that is lovely, was just too many convos and not enough plot.
November 15, 2024
So, I began reading this book last week, but initially, I wasn’t particularly engaged. The frequent discussions about rowing made me hesitant because I’m completely unfamiliar with the sport. As a result, I found it challenging to fully comprehend their actions. However, I took a break and returned to it yesterday, and I must say, it turned out to be a rather enjoyable read.
September 26, 2024
An Age Gap HEA Rowing Love Story!
A fan of MJ Duncan, I always count on her love stories to reach deep. Whether through music, books, dancing and sports there is always a love story that touches the soul of the main characters. It is deep and heartfelt and honest. This story centers on rowing. Kate Walker is a professor, a world renowned engineer whose daughter Maddie is going to rowing camp. Running late to pick her up she meets Carter Burke who she assumes is a group counselor being so young. There is a spark between the two but Maddie puts an end to it. As they run into each other a few times more at the MU Bathhouse things are developing but Kate feels Carter is too young for her. The story takes you through the delicate age issues as a younger Carter who has no issues with her age is on a daily pursuit of her. Add in Kate’s daughter and her ex-husband and his partner plus her support group of friends and you have an exciting love story. The story is humorous as well as heartwarming. You can’t help falling in love with this family.
A fan of MJ Duncan, I always count on her love stories to reach deep. Whether through music, books, dancing and sports there is always a love story that touches the soul of the main characters. It is deep and heartfelt and honest. This story centers on rowing. Kate Walker is a professor, a world renowned engineer whose daughter Maddie is going to rowing camp. Running late to pick her up she meets Carter Burke who she assumes is a group counselor being so young. There is a spark between the two but Maddie puts an end to it. As they run into each other a few times more at the MU Bathhouse things are developing but Kate feels Carter is too young for her. The story takes you through the delicate age issues as a younger Carter who has no issues with her age is on a daily pursuit of her. Add in Kate’s daughter and her ex-husband and his partner plus her support group of friends and you have an exciting love story. The story is humorous as well as heartwarming. You can’t help falling in love with this family.
August 2, 2025
2.75 ⭐
Something in the Water is the first book I’ve read by MJ Duncan. At first, I was really enjoying the story — the characters were charming, and I could definitely feel their chemistry. But about halfway through, things started to lose momentum. There just wasn’t any significant development, and the story began to feel a bit too monotone.
While I don’t typically go for overly angsty stories, I do think a bit of drama is necessary to deepen the characters' arcs and strengthen their connection. Without it, the dynamic felt repetitive — especially in a book that’s over 400 pages long. By the end, I found myself skipping a few chapters, and even then, I had no trouble following the plot.
That said, I haven’t written off the author entirely — I might give MJ Duncan another shot in the future!
Something in the Water is the first book I’ve read by MJ Duncan. At first, I was really enjoying the story — the characters were charming, and I could definitely feel their chemistry. But about halfway through, things started to lose momentum. There just wasn’t any significant development, and the story began to feel a bit too monotone.
While I don’t typically go for overly angsty stories, I do think a bit of drama is necessary to deepen the characters' arcs and strengthen their connection. Without it, the dynamic felt repetitive — especially in a book that’s over 400 pages long. By the end, I found myself skipping a few chapters, and even then, I had no trouble following the plot.
That said, I haven’t written off the author entirely — I might give MJ Duncan another shot in the future!
October 3, 2024
really sweet reliable romance- would reread
Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews