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Unadulterated Something
Emma Beauchamp and Campbell Jordan’s rivalry on the ice was legendary. Retirement should have closed that chapter of their lives, but when Campbell joins the faculty at Stonebridge—the prestigious Berkshires boarding school where Emma now teaches—it takes on a brand new life. There’s plenty of distrust and lingering animosity, but as circumstances force them to find a way to not only coexist, but work together, Emma and Campbell find that being on the same team isn’t as awful as they’d feared. Will their years spent battling it out for team and country be too much to overcome? Or will they finally acknowledge the truth behind the electric connection they share?
365 pages, Paperback
Published March 23, 2020
301 people are currently reading
1132 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Duncan
20 books448 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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March 6, 2022
this wasn't bad whatsoever but, when i noticed it was rivals to lovers (from the blurb), i expected more... tension and angst, but they got together too quick for my liking and it had little to no drama so, if you like a cute romance with barely any drama, i would recommend this but i usually need to be in a certain mood to fully enjoy those and i didn't realize going in this would be like that lol
January 22, 2021
A sweet and tender book that is really well-written! This was my first M.J. Duncan book and I was really impressed with her writing. Aside from that, this book just makes you feel good! I couldn't help but smile while reading. It made me so giddy!
Emma Beauchamp and Campbell Jordan were fierce rivals back when they were both competing in hockey. As fate would have it, they ended up being co-coaches in Emma's old alma mater. Although they were both awkward and unsure of each other, they were able to start a sense of camaraderie and of course, friendship.
I really loved the pace of this book. The author took her time to develop the friendship between the two, and you could really see how the attraction blossomed. It was more realistic because they have been through a lot together. I also liked that the book was free from the unnecessary drama we usually see in books; both characters were mature about their feelings and their relationship. Read this on KU, but will be buying a copy I can keep forever!
Definitely a book to read when you just want to feel good and be happy!
Emma Beauchamp and Campbell Jordan were fierce rivals back when they were both competing in hockey. As fate would have it, they ended up being co-coaches in Emma's old alma mater. Although they were both awkward and unsure of each other, they were able to start a sense of camaraderie and of course, friendship.
I really loved the pace of this book. The author took her time to develop the friendship between the two, and you could really see how the attraction blossomed. It was more realistic because they have been through a lot together. I also liked that the book was free from the unnecessary drama we usually see in books; both characters were mature about their feelings and their relationship. Read this on KU, but will be buying a copy I can keep forever!
Definitely a book to read when you just want to feel good and be happy!
April 2, 2020
I really enjoyed this
I like MJ Duncan books and I was pleasantly surprised to find this one on kU that I had not read yet. It's a pretty simple story, two athletes who are really good a hockey and "enemies" on the ice find themselves working together when they retire from the game. It has a little angst or drama which I thought was nice. Although there were several times when drama could have happened and made the story more, maybe. Regardless, there is a little drama but honestly it's just a feel good, nice, cute romance with fun secondary characters and two very likable leads.
I like MJ Duncan books and I was pleasantly surprised to find this one on kU that I had not read yet. It's a pretty simple story, two athletes who are really good a hockey and "enemies" on the ice find themselves working together when they retire from the game. It has a little angst or drama which I thought was nice. Although there were several times when drama could have happened and made the story more, maybe. Regardless, there is a little drama but honestly it's just a feel good, nice, cute romance with fun secondary characters and two very likable leads.
August 29, 2020
Emma Beauchamp finishes her illustrious career as the face of the US Women’s Hockey team and heads to her old prep school to teach and coach the hockey team. Never in her wildest dreams would she had imagined the new school counselor and assistant hockey coach would be none other than her Canadian archival, Campbell Jordan. The animosity between must be pushed aside to coexist and coach the group of young woman. But would it allow love to flourish?
I’m an MJ Duncan fan but unfortunately this book was a bit of a let down. I have been on a terrible slump regarding reading, so I had this one waiting for me on my KU list. The story is well written and kept me engaged purely on the sweetness of the story. However, there was no real conflict to be found. I loved the premise of the book, the former professional hockey players with a rivalry at the highest level of their sport, Worlds and Olympics. Canada and the United States always taking first and second places. One can only imagine the intensity. However, once we were past the acknowledgement of the attraction, everything was pretty much easy peasy. This makes me wonder why I have at times just said, ‘why can’t something go right and have mains that are not entangled with other issues and just click and make it work?’. Ah, because it turns out, it can be mildly boring* I will add an asterisk here and admit that it kept me reading. And again, that is more than I can say about other authors lately.
The mains were great characters with fantastic chemistry. The secondary characters were sassy and funny for the most part. Even the dog was adorable and well written. One does not need to be a hockey enthusiast to read. And yet, the book was coming to an end and I kept looking for some angst. But oh yeah! I love angst, right babelicious? So perhaps my issue.
So if you are looking for a smooth sailing, feel good story, by all means jump in. 3.5 stars
I’m an MJ Duncan fan but unfortunately this book was a bit of a let down. I have been on a terrible slump regarding reading, so I had this one waiting for me on my KU list. The story is well written and kept me engaged purely on the sweetness of the story. However, there was no real conflict to be found. I loved the premise of the book, the former professional hockey players with a rivalry at the highest level of their sport, Worlds and Olympics. Canada and the United States always taking first and second places. One can only imagine the intensity. However, once we were past the acknowledgement of the attraction, everything was pretty much easy peasy. This makes me wonder why I have at times just said, ‘why can’t something go right and have mains that are not entangled with other issues and just click and make it work?’. Ah, because it turns out, it can be mildly boring* I will add an asterisk here and admit that it kept me reading. And again, that is more than I can say about other authors lately.
The mains were great characters with fantastic chemistry. The secondary characters were sassy and funny for the most part. Even the dog was adorable and well written. One does not need to be a hockey enthusiast to read. And yet, the book was coming to an end and I kept looking for some angst. But oh yeah! I love angst, right babelicious? So perhaps my issue.
So if you are looking for a smooth sailing, feel good story, by all means jump in. 3.5 stars
September 25, 2022
Another single-PoV romance by MJ Duncan, and just as good (maybe better). Emma and Campbell have been rivals in Women's Hockey for years, often bitter rivals. So Emma fears that hostilities will resume when Campbell gets a job at the same private school she works at. Only it turns out that they're both adults and professionals and do their best to get along.
Which leads to getting to know one another. And friendship and trust and, eventually, love. It's a great story and I thoroughly enjoyed being along for the ride. And I can’t think of what more to say. There’s some good rivalry and they’re competitive so they challenge one another all the time. But in good and healthy ways.
And the side characters all fit well, too. It’s a low-drama story that progresses more-or-less how you’d expect. Only, that sounds boring and I wasn’t bored at all.
Anyway, I’m giving this 4½ stars that I’m rounding up for how much I liked them both and wanted them to be together. Also because there were no stupid shenanigans that a lesser author might have been tempted to dump in to liven things up. Duncan isn’t terribly prolific and I’ll admit that most of her offerings don’t entice me. But the two I’ve read have turned out well-enough that I may take a chance.
A note about Steamy: There are two or three explicit sex scenes that go on very, very long putting this in the upper reaches of my steam tolerance. The first was pretty good and fit the emotional arc of the story. The rest were pretty much gratuitous and I skimmed them ruthlessly.
Which leads to getting to know one another. And friendship and trust and, eventually, love. It's a great story and I thoroughly enjoyed being along for the ride. And I can’t think of what more to say. There’s some good rivalry and they’re competitive so they challenge one another all the time. But in good and healthy ways.
And the side characters all fit well, too. It’s a low-drama story that progresses more-or-less how you’d expect. Only, that sounds boring and I wasn’t bored at all.
Anyway, I’m giving this 4½ stars that I’m rounding up for how much I liked them both and wanted them to be together. Also because there were no stupid shenanigans that a lesser author might have been tempted to dump in to liven things up. Duncan isn’t terribly prolific and I’ll admit that most of her offerings don’t entice me. But the two I’ve read have turned out well-enough that I may take a chance.
A note about Steamy: There are two or three explicit sex scenes that go on very, very long putting this in the upper reaches of my steam tolerance. The first was pretty good and fit the emotional arc of the story. The rest were pretty much gratuitous and I skimmed them ruthlessly.
May 9, 2020
Ex-hockey players..
Long time rivals..
A history of pretty much beating the shit out of each other on the ice..
Now thrown in to work together..
Is that a rom-com waiting to happen or what?
Having read Pas de Deux by Ms Duncun I knew that even with this amazing setting, I would be in for a long stretchy read. Once I got over that, I enjoyed the book. Their earlier animosity was not over the top. It was quite believable, why them working together seemed like a disaster in the making. Those notions however were quickly dismissed, one hilarious encounter after another. Their amazing bunch of friends circle certainly made it all the more convenient. The fluff ahead is real. But even with all that progress, the edge of competitiveness which served as the basis of their relationship is not glossed over. That was fun. Also the MCs being totally sorted, uncomplicated individuals made this a very drama free book to read.
Anyone looking for even an iota of angst, I'd suggest to look elsewhere.. Otherwise you're all set!
Long time rivals..
A history of pretty much beating the shit out of each other on the ice..
Now thrown in to work together..
Is that a rom-com waiting to happen or what?
Having read Pas de Deux by Ms Duncun I knew that even with this amazing setting, I would be in for a long stretchy read. Once I got over that, I enjoyed the book. Their earlier animosity was not over the top. It was quite believable, why them working together seemed like a disaster in the making. Those notions however were quickly dismissed, one hilarious encounter after another. Their amazing bunch of friends circle certainly made it all the more convenient. The fluff ahead is real. But even with all that progress, the edge of competitiveness which served as the basis of their relationship is not glossed over. That was fun. Also the MCs being totally sorted, uncomplicated individuals made this a very drama free book to read.
Anyone looking for even an iota of angst, I'd suggest to look elsewhere.. Otherwise you're all set!
April 17, 2020
Emma's immature attitude toward Campbell in the beginning just really annoyed me. As did her friends constant juvenile razzing of her and their entirely too drawn out conversations which made the plot and story a slog to get through.
Once things stared happening between the lovebirds it got better and I did enjoy their connection and the ending.
However, they did seem to jump into insta lovers overnight, and willing to share that with their entirely too bossy and involved friends, without much thought or talk, which perplexed me a bit.
The author spends so much time on idle conversation that goes nowhere, but when a big conversation should be forthcoming, about a couple deciding to get together and share that news; it simply wasn't! So I was a bit let down overall. It felt unsatisfactory for me.
I also don't think I like or get ice hockey and it's rivalries. So I admit this is probably my own issue tainting things.
Once things stared happening between the lovebirds it got better and I did enjoy their connection and the ending.
However, they did seem to jump into insta lovers overnight, and willing to share that with their entirely too bossy and involved friends, without much thought or talk, which perplexed me a bit.
The author spends so much time on idle conversation that goes nowhere, but when a big conversation should be forthcoming, about a couple deciding to get together and share that news; it simply wasn't! So I was a bit let down overall. It felt unsatisfactory for me.
I also don't think I like or get ice hockey and it's rivalries. So I admit this is probably my own issue tainting things.
April 30, 2020
It's always an occasion when I find a new M J Duncan - she is soooooo good - the story holds together so well, the back characters, the atmosphere that surrounds everyone - and the little hints of stories passed - vineyards and Symphony in Blue - superb. I must revisit her back catalogue.
May 15, 2020
4 stars
US women's hockey star Emma Beauchamp has always clashed on ice with her Canadian counterpart, Campbell Jordan. A few years after both women have left the game, they find themselves teaching at the same boarding school, where they need to coach the girl's hockey team together. Will they be able to smooth out their fierce rivalry? And what if the animosity between them turns into something more?
I was drawn in by the enemies-to-lovers trope, and this turned out to be a cute story, but something about the plot progression left me feeling disappointed.
The Characters: Emma and Campbell are both really nice people, so despite their initial rivalry, nothing downright mean happens. The MCs are likable, but I feel like we don't get very deep into who they are as people. I wish they had been fleshed out more. The side characters were entertaining, since they were often plotting behind the scenes to get the MCs together, but I almost feel as if there were too many of them. I get that there are going to be characters from the school and from the MCs' respective teams, but some of them didn't seem to serve much of a purpose, and I found myself getting really confused with names. That one may have been my fault for not paying closer attention, but it still distracted from the story for me.
The Romance: I wish there had been more build up here. We start off with the MCs being wary of each other, but slowly warming up to each other. I feel like they barely have any time to be friends before they're suddenly a couple. More time as friends and maybe sneaking sly glances at each other would have sold their love story to me more. It seems like one page the MCs are in a platonic relationship and the next page, they realize that the other is attractive. I couldn't quite buy when Emma admits to her BFF that she's always had a thing for Campbell since their days on the ice—we saw none of that in the beginning of the book!
The Plot: So the plot for this was pretty much the romance, which is normally fine. But the MCs got together a little past halfway through the book, and I was left furiously skimming the pages to try and get to the action. I had forgotten that MJ Duncan's previous book, Pas de Deux, left me feeling similarly. It might be Duncan's writing style, but I don't mesh well with it. This was not an angsty book, so what we're left with is a super stretched out HEA. There was a little bit of conflict thrown in at the end, but not until after about 30% smooth sailing. I was going to give this a below-4-star rating, but the book got slightly more interesting at the very end.
The Writing: Besides a few repetitive phrases here and there, the writing flowed fine. The dialogue was realistic and easy to follow, as was the narration.
I realize that most of my above comments are negative, but this was a solid read. I find it easier to list things that I don't like about a book rather than try and list everything the author does well. All in all, this was a decent story. If you want a lazy, relaxing read that will last you a week or two, this would be a good choice.
US women's hockey star Emma Beauchamp has always clashed on ice with her Canadian counterpart, Campbell Jordan. A few years after both women have left the game, they find themselves teaching at the same boarding school, where they need to coach the girl's hockey team together. Will they be able to smooth out their fierce rivalry? And what if the animosity between them turns into something more?
I was drawn in by the enemies-to-lovers trope, and this turned out to be a cute story, but something about the plot progression left me feeling disappointed.
The Characters: Emma and Campbell are both really nice people, so despite their initial rivalry, nothing downright mean happens. The MCs are likable, but I feel like we don't get very deep into who they are as people. I wish they had been fleshed out more. The side characters were entertaining, since they were often plotting behind the scenes to get the MCs together, but I almost feel as if there were too many of them. I get that there are going to be characters from the school and from the MCs' respective teams, but some of them didn't seem to serve much of a purpose, and I found myself getting really confused with names. That one may have been my fault for not paying closer attention, but it still distracted from the story for me.
The Romance: I wish there had been more build up here. We start off with the MCs being wary of each other, but slowly warming up to each other. I feel like they barely have any time to be friends before they're suddenly a couple. More time as friends and maybe sneaking sly glances at each other would have sold their love story to me more. It seems like one page the MCs are in a platonic relationship and the next page, they realize that the other is attractive. I couldn't quite buy when Emma admits to her BFF that she's always had a thing for Campbell since their days on the ice—we saw none of that in the beginning of the book!
The Plot: So the plot for this was pretty much the romance, which is normally fine. But the MCs got together a little past halfway through the book, and I was left furiously skimming the pages to try and get to the action. I had forgotten that MJ Duncan's previous book, Pas de Deux, left me feeling similarly. It might be Duncan's writing style, but I don't mesh well with it. This was not an angsty book, so what we're left with is a super stretched out HEA. There was a little bit of conflict thrown in at the end, but not until after about 30% smooth sailing. I was going to give this a below-4-star rating, but the book got slightly more interesting at the very end.
The Writing: Besides a few repetitive phrases here and there, the writing flowed fine. The dialogue was realistic and easy to follow, as was the narration.
I realize that most of my above comments are negative, but this was a solid read. I find it easier to list things that I don't like about a book rather than try and list everything the author does well. All in all, this was a decent story. If you want a lazy, relaxing read that will last you a week or two, this would be a good choice.
February 1, 2021
Emma Beauchamp, the face of American Women’s Hockey (Ice Hockey), finally wins the Olympic Gold as her last hurrah and retires from competitive sports to teach maths and coach the hockey team in her old alma mater, Stonebridge, a boarding school. With close friends and a dream job, Emma is in a happy place till her old nemesis, Campbell Jordan, arrives on campus as a counsellor and assistant coach. Campbell, ex-captain of the Canadian team, retired from professional competitive hockey before Emma because of a shattered knee (gifted by Team America). During the days of their competitive playing, Emma and Campbell were bitter rivals and their teams were sworn enemies. Emma is not particularly thrilled by Campbell’s arrival but has to adult it up.
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
February 23, 2026
Campbell the ex Canada Ice Hockey captain turns up to teach at the same School as Emma. The ex America captain and recent Olympic winner.
Their past rivalry quickly disperses in favour of some teasing and flirting. There are a few friends, family and colleagues to add into the banter.
There is not much hockey action so I'm still bit clueless on the actual sport. The writing was good n pacey tho noticed a few missing words on occassion.
Overall despite two strong lead characters the plot was a bit lacking for me personally.
Their past rivalry quickly disperses in favour of some teasing and flirting. There are a few friends, family and colleagues to add into the banter.
There is not much hockey action so I'm still bit clueless on the actual sport. The writing was good n pacey tho noticed a few missing words on occassion.
Overall despite two strong lead characters the plot was a bit lacking for me personally.
January 21, 2022
Two formerly opposing hockey players find themselves in the present working in the same establishment and having to also team up together. And as romance stories go, theIr erstwhile reservations for one another thaws and love blossoms.
Pretty conventional story, regardless I enjoyed my time with it.
Pretty conventional story, regardless I enjoyed my time with it.
October 17, 2023
Considering the intended audience, I’m surprised with how few quality FF sports romances there are. I’m still scratching the surface of this particular barrel, but so far it’s been a little bit lacking. Unadulterated Something was definitely not lacking. It’s my first MJ Duncan novel, so I had no idea what to expect, but I was so pleasantly surprised by this novel—about ice hockey of all all things. I hate hockey!
This is a rivals-to-lovers romance. Emma Beauchamp captained the US Women’s Hockey team with success, except for when it came to the Olympics, when her team inevitably lost to the Canadians, captained my Emma’s longtime foe, Campbell Jordan.
In retirement, Emma, who is teaching and coaching at a New England boarding school, learns that Campbell is the school’s new counselor and her assistant coach. Emma’s not happy to have to play nice with Campbell but she’s certainly not expecting to actually like her as a person.
Unadulterated Something is relatively angst free and I loved it for that. The tension comes from the build up of Emma and Campbell’s relationship, which kept me thoroughly engrossed in the story.
They’re surrounded by a really great group of friends, who are giant sh!t disturbers. They provide a ton of humor to the story and I loved them all.
I don’t have too many complaints about the novel. The detail in describing random student Tim Marquis didn’t make any sense. I wish Duncan would have spent that time with the girls Emma and Campbell coached instead. I wondered if he (or rather his moms) was a reference to another Duncan novel. And I would have like more reactions about their relationship from their hockey peers, but these are minor complaints.
I’m somewhere between 4-5 stars on this. I’ve given it a 4, but don’t be surprised if I bump it up in a few days. And don’t be surprised if I don’t. LOL
This is a rivals-to-lovers romance. Emma Beauchamp captained the US Women’s Hockey team with success, except for when it came to the Olympics, when her team inevitably lost to the Canadians, captained my Emma’s longtime foe, Campbell Jordan.
In retirement, Emma, who is teaching and coaching at a New England boarding school, learns that Campbell is the school’s new counselor and her assistant coach. Emma’s not happy to have to play nice with Campbell but she’s certainly not expecting to actually like her as a person.
Unadulterated Something is relatively angst free and I loved it for that. The tension comes from the build up of Emma and Campbell’s relationship, which kept me thoroughly engrossed in the story.
They’re surrounded by a really great group of friends, who are giant sh!t disturbers. They provide a ton of humor to the story and I loved them all.
I don’t have too many complaints about the novel. The detail in describing random student Tim Marquis didn’t make any sense. I wish Duncan would have spent that time with the girls Emma and Campbell coached instead. I wondered if he (or rather his moms) was a reference to another Duncan novel. And I would have like more reactions about their relationship from their hockey peers, but these are minor complaints.
I’m somewhere between 4-5 stars on this. I’ve given it a 4, but don’t be surprised if I bump it up in a few days. And don’t be surprised if I don’t. LOL
October 29, 2024
Updating the rating to 4. I still really like reading it, but it's fallen in my opinion from how good I thought it was.
Okay look. I'm still going to rank Atramentum or Spectrum over this book (books that I've reread *way* too many times at this point). And maybe this isn't a five-star. Maybe it's a four-and-a-half or a four. But here's the thing. It's U.S. hockey player and Canadian hockey player realize they like each other after being bitter rivals. That's a trope that I happen to love, because it's literally happened at least three times in the last ten years. Ripped directly from the WoHo headlines! And I loved that, because I needed something insanely easy to read right now, and what's better than that combined with an underlying Loving Annabelle vibe, but without the horrible age and authority/position inequality issues.
I really wish I'd started this book and been able to finish it in a single read. Unfortunately my Kindle mislead me into thinking I could read the book in 4.5 hours, and I didn't make it. About four hours in I was 70% through and had to call it for the 3am it was. Wrapped it up another 90 minutes later the next day.
Oh, editor trigger warning, there were errors in the book that did not get caught, one of which really cracked me up (and I'll share it as a highlight/comment).
Okay look. I'm still going to rank Atramentum or Spectrum over this book (books that I've reread *way* too many times at this point). And maybe this isn't a five-star. Maybe it's a four-and-a-half or a four. But here's the thing. It's U.S. hockey player and Canadian hockey player realize they like each other after being bitter rivals. That's a trope that I happen to love, because it's literally happened at least three times in the last ten years. Ripped directly from the WoHo headlines! And I loved that, because I needed something insanely easy to read right now, and what's better than that combined with an underlying Loving Annabelle vibe, but without the horrible age and authority/position inequality issues.
I really wish I'd started this book and been able to finish it in a single read. Unfortunately my Kindle mislead me into thinking I could read the book in 4.5 hours, and I didn't make it. About four hours in I was 70% through and had to call it for the 3am it was. Wrapped it up another 90 minutes later the next day.
Oh, editor trigger warning, there were errors in the book that did not get caught, one of which really cracked me up (and I'll share it as a highlight/comment).
August 23, 2022
I wasn’t a great friend of the enemies to lovers trope so far, but this novel really makes wonderful use of it.
There are a lot of good things to say about it:
1) The two main characters are well worked out in their similarities as well as their differences, and while given the background, women’s hockey (ice), you would expect both, who are or were captains of rival national teams, to be competing butch ladies, one of them turns out to be a strong but rather feminine and soft woman. She also is the one that that is the first to mellow.
2) The secondary characters are a hoot! The witty remarks or oh so cleverer teasing they produce had me laughing out loud more than just a couple of times.
3) The cuteness of the slowly developing romance left me with a more than goofy smile on my face more often than not.
My only complaint really is, that I would have loved some more story about their teaching new girls hockey and how the budding team fared in the years following the two protagonists, who are their coaches and teachers, falling in love. That didn’t take anything away from the solid 5 stars, though.
Thre isn't much I'd like to add to this after my second read just now, other than that I have grown into liking several other books of MJ Duncan since the first read and enjoyed the second time even more than the first.
There are a lot of good things to say about it:
1) The two main characters are well worked out in their similarities as well as their differences, and while given the background, women’s hockey (ice), you would expect both, who are or were captains of rival national teams, to be competing butch ladies, one of them turns out to be a strong but rather feminine and soft woman. She also is the one that that is the first to mellow.
2) The secondary characters are a hoot! The witty remarks or oh so cleverer teasing they produce had me laughing out loud more than just a couple of times.
3) The cuteness of the slowly developing romance left me with a more than goofy smile on my face more often than not.
My only complaint really is, that I would have loved some more story about their teaching new girls hockey and how the budding team fared in the years following the two protagonists, who are their coaches and teachers, falling in love. That didn’t take anything away from the solid 5 stars, though.
Thre isn't much I'd like to add to this after my second read just now, other than that I have grown into liking several other books of MJ Duncan since the first read and enjoyed the second time even more than the first.
June 4, 2020
Very likeable characters in a lovely somewhat slow-burn enemies to friends story. This could become a comfort read.
February 23, 2026
Cosy rom-com vibes in this tale of retired rival hockey captains who find themselves coaching a school team together. Not much on-ice action, but lots of reliving of years of face-offs, and steamy action of another kind once their slow-burn attraction truly catches fire.
September 8, 2025
I found this glorious book on my TBR shelves! A FAVORITE!! I LOVE THIS BOOK! I enjoyed this low angst,slow burn, enemies to lovers love story! Emma Beauchamp retired at the top of her game after the USA women's hockey team won gold at the Olympics. She took a job as a math teacher and the girls hockey coach at her alma mater prep school.
When a new teacher and her new assistant coach arrives. It's Campbell Jordan, her rival from the Canadian women's hockey team. How will they work together? But both women are nice off the ice. 5 stars!!
When a new teacher and her new assistant coach arrives. It's Campbell Jordan, her rival from the Canadian women's hockey team. How will they work together? But both women are nice off the ice. 5 stars!!
October 20, 2025
Sports romance with rivals to forever. Emma and Campbell were rivals in international women’s hockey and both have retired from the game and find themselves working together at a boarding school in Massachusetts. It was perfectly fine, but light on the rivalry and very light on the sports part. There wasn’t much tension at all, as Campbell was a sweetheart. There was mention of Emma overthinking, but I was told that, rather than shown it. There was also mention of the pressure that Emma had faced during her career as the face of USA women’s hockey, but that never comes up in how she copes with that in her after hockey life. There were also so many characters that got page time but added absolutely nothing to the story. It’s kinda weird to read this one after Something in the Water, which was super heavy on the less well known sport of rowing and fewer characters.
May 27, 2020
2.5 stars. Emma Beauchamp and Campbell Jordan have been rivals in women's hockey for years. Emma has retired and now works at Stonebridge as teacher and the girls hockey coach. She is excited when her boss says they hired someone with experience as the assistant hockey coach. That is until she realizes it is Campbell Jordan. Emma does not want to play nice with Campbell at first. That is until she starts to get to know Campbell and her feelings towards her change.
This book felt a little long and I did not like there was almost no drama. This book was very lovey dovey and they it felt a little too perfect. I did not like that at all. It made the relationship a little too perfect and I did not like that. The fact that they were rivals was only a thing in the beginning for the most part and I kept expecting more drama to happen but it never did. This book is a little forgettable and I do not recommend it really unless you like the author.
This book felt a little long and I did not like there was almost no drama. This book was very lovey dovey and they it felt a little too perfect. I did not like that at all. It made the relationship a little too perfect and I did not like that. The fact that they were rivals was only a thing in the beginning for the most part and I kept expecting more drama to happen but it never did. This book is a little forgettable and I do not recommend it really unless you like the author.
July 14, 2025
5 stars and directly to my top 3 of sports romances. Sweet, tender, heartfelt, low drama/angst, slow burn, rivals to lovers... It ticks all the boxes for a light romance. There's some hockey playing on page but mostly things happen off ice.
Quirky friend group and very likeable main character and love interest. I liked that although the couple had been rivals on ice since college and didn't really know each other beforehand, the rivalry didn't bring major drama or trauma to the book. It was there in the background in the beginning and caused a bit of humour on the way. Women's hockey community is so small that there's no room for true enemies. Rivarly is (in the book) light hearted although it was (had been) serious.
Unadulterated Something was my first MJ Duncan book and I will definitely read more in the future.
Quirky friend group and very likeable main character and love interest. I liked that although the couple had been rivals on ice since college and didn't really know each other beforehand, the rivalry didn't bring major drama or trauma to the book. It was there in the background in the beginning and caused a bit of humour on the way. Women's hockey community is so small that there's no room for true enemies. Rivarly is (in the book) light hearted although it was (had been) serious.
Unadulterated Something was my first MJ Duncan book and I will definitely read more in the future.
May 15, 2020
This is a love story between the former captains of national women's hockey teams of the US and Canada. I can understand the rivalry between these two but the enmity coming from Emma, the captain of the US team, at the first part of the book was unrealistic. Canada isn't Russia.
Characters lacked depth. Especially Emma, the storyteller was childish. Campbell former captain of the Canadian team was too patient. Other characters were needless. They were around that's all.
Emma has a habit of licking her lips. How many times she licked her lips I couldn't count. Sentences (and there were many) starting with "she licked her lips and..." were annoying.
Extreme use of some words such as "fluttered", "yeah", "affection", "chaste" and "of course" slowed down my reading pace.
Characters lacked depth. Especially Emma, the storyteller was childish. Campbell former captain of the Canadian team was too patient. Other characters were needless. They were around that's all.
Emma has a habit of licking her lips. How many times she licked her lips I couldn't count. Sentences (and there were many) starting with "she licked her lips and..." were annoying.
Extreme use of some words such as "fluttered", "yeah", "affection", "chaste" and "of course" slowed down my reading pace.
January 3, 2021
My first read by M.J. Duncan and it was so bloody good!
For me, this had the best secondary characters I've read in quite a while. They added so much more to this story and I laughed so many times with the banter between everyone. Absolutely brilliant characterisation throughout.
In regard to our MCs, both Campbell and Emma were so intriguing and I loved getting to know them throughout the novel. I was about half way through when I realised that I would 100% read a version of this but from Campbell's POV.
My first read for 2021 and it was brilliant. Thank you, M.J. Duncan!
For me, this had the best secondary characters I've read in quite a while. They added so much more to this story and I laughed so many times with the banter between everyone. Absolutely brilliant characterisation throughout.
In regard to our MCs, both Campbell and Emma were so intriguing and I loved getting to know them throughout the novel. I was about half way through when I realised that I would 100% read a version of this but from Campbell's POV.
My first read for 2021 and it was brilliant. Thank you, M.J. Duncan!
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August 8, 2022Unadulterated Something
MJ Duncan is an amazingly talented author. I truly enjoy her books and constantly reread them. Low angst, warm and sexy. I look forward to everything she writes and will continue to follow her.
MJ Duncan is an amazingly talented author. I truly enjoy her books and constantly reread them. Low angst, warm and sexy. I look forward to everything she writes and will continue to follow her.
March 23, 2024
Not a single normal conversation was had in this book.
April 5, 2020
Exquisite
Romantic, sassy, erotic and beautiful story. The characters are captivating, joyful, loyal, friendly and gorgeous. Campbell Jordan and Emma Beauchamp well known hockey stars, rivals and enemies reunited after both retired from the games. Both worked together, as hockey coaches, their long rivalry evolved into a friendship and the sweetest sport/love story. This new book of MJ Duncan is passionate and heartwarming, an exquisite masterpiece I definitely recommend . I love it.
Romantic, sassy, erotic and beautiful story. The characters are captivating, joyful, loyal, friendly and gorgeous. Campbell Jordan and Emma Beauchamp well known hockey stars, rivals and enemies reunited after both retired from the games. Both worked together, as hockey coaches, their long rivalry evolved into a friendship and the sweetest sport/love story. This new book of MJ Duncan is passionate and heartwarming, an exquisite masterpiece I definitely recommend . I love it.
September 19, 2020
SO SO GOOD. Banter may be just my favorite thing and I love the banter between Emma and Campbell but also between their friends and the other side couples like Val and Jon. So much chemistry and so much fun.
Of course I loved the women’s sports element which was a big part of the story, but not overpowering. I mean it was the basis of everyone’s relationships but it was so clear that Emma and Campbell’s connection and love went way past hockey. Not as steamy of a romance as I expected but the dialogue and banter was so enticing I didn’t care. Very fun read, 5 stars!!!
Of course I loved the women’s sports element which was a big part of the story, but not overpowering. I mean it was the basis of everyone’s relationships but it was so clear that Emma and Campbell’s connection and love went way past hockey. Not as steamy of a romance as I expected but the dialogue and banter was so enticing I didn’t care. Very fun read, 5 stars!!!
April 15, 2020
I like that the sports angle was in there, but wasn't the main focal point to the rivalry and romance because I don't understand the rules of hockey, I only know that when the puck goes into the opponents net it is a goal. So, for the hockey to be a backdrop for the romantic side of the story to really push the whole story forward it helped keep things simple. I really liked this with the bickering back-and-forth of Emma and Campbell Jordan.
May 3, 2020
I really loved this story. Is was fun to watch the back and forth between Emma and Campbell evolve from a bitter rivalry to friends then more. This is a well written story and it has Women’s hockey!!! What could be better than that! I highly recommend this as a must read.
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