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Halcyon Nights
Emerson Riis has a job she loves, friends she considers family, and her goofy malamute Sasha for company. As far as she’s concerned, life in the small town of Mystic is pretty much perfect. Enter Mari Davenport, a Hollywood screenwriter with a dozen blockbusters to her name, who arrives in a car that is completely unfit for the north woods of Minnesota. Their paths cross in a way that could have been plucked straight from one of Mari’s romcoms, and though their attraction is instant and their chemistry off-the-charts, the fact that Mari must return to LA at the end of her six-month writing sabbatical looms ominously on the horizon. As Emerson and Mari’s feelings grow, will they find a way to rewrite the ending to their story, or are they meant only for this sweet but short-lived season of halcyon nights?
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2022
232 people are currently reading
754 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Duncan
17 books433 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 123 reviews
November 3, 2022
Normally I love Duncans stories and they‘re solid 5 stars ratings. This book was very well written with lovely MCs and hot sex scenes but I got a little bit bored with the development of the romance and the ending. It was too predictable. I enjoyed the story but it was a 4 star and not a 5 star book for me.
June 13, 2022
If you're looking for a book that is both sweet and smutty, this is the one for you. I put this under the "we agreed to have a summer fling and oops we fell in love" trope.
There is a tiny amount of angst here so it's not all sweet, but it's mostly sweet and fun. And Smutty. lol
There is a tiny amount of angst here so it's not all sweet, but it's mostly sweet and fun. And Smutty. lol
June 15, 2022
Oh yeah... definitely sweet, fun and smutty! I'm diggin' it.
September 26, 2022
I liked this a lot, though it has some quirks. The biggest is that it's single PoV but without actually needing to be. In other words, Mari isn't really a mystery and the plot never leans on Emerson not knowing what she is thinking. And there's no big upset or dark moment so not knowing Mari's thoughts isn't ever needed to ramp up the emotion.
I liked both protagonists right from the start. Emerson is a tough firefighter with a beloved dog and good friends. She's a little lonely and wouldn't mind having a girlfriend but she isn't exactly pining away, either. And the thing I like best about her is that she knows that she's all about the long-term and owns, completely, when she starts up with Mari knowing that Mari will go back to her life after her lease is up. There are a couple of pivot points where she has to acknowledge that she is falling for Mari and that heartbreak is pretty much inevitable. But she chooses to continue because it's worth having what she can get and embracing their happiness together.
And I liked Mari, too. I liked how charmed she is by the community and friends surrounding Emerson. And I liked that she's open and honest even when she knows it might be to her detriment. And I liked how into Emerson she was and how much delight she had in exploring the places and people Emerson loves.
The plot held my interest and was paced well-enough and I'd give this five stars if it weren't for all the sex in the world. Seriously, the sex scenes were long and involved and did nothing for the story at all. Okay, I assume they were involved. I skimmed every last one of them, literally looking for dialogue tags so I wouldn't miss anything. I never missed anything. So when I say they had nothing to do with the story at all, I say that with some authority.
Anyway, four stars and a couple and setting I enjoyed very much. I'll definitely be looking for others by the author.
A note about Steamy: It's around half a dozen sex scenes that were chapters-long putting this way outside of my steam tolerance. I skipped them. I didn't miss anything by skipping them. You could be tempted to call this erotica, and I couldn't prove you wrong. I don't consider it erotica because the story is solid and the relationship develops very well and without any artificial acceleration to get to the sex. So just very steamy in my opinion.
I liked both protagonists right from the start. Emerson is a tough firefighter with a beloved dog and good friends. She's a little lonely and wouldn't mind having a girlfriend but she isn't exactly pining away, either. And the thing I like best about her is that she knows that she's all about the long-term and owns, completely, when she starts up with Mari knowing that Mari will go back to her life after her lease is up. There are a couple of pivot points where she has to acknowledge that she is falling for Mari and that heartbreak is pretty much inevitable. But she chooses to continue because it's worth having what she can get and embracing their happiness together.
And I liked Mari, too. I liked how charmed she is by the community and friends surrounding Emerson. And I liked that she's open and honest even when she knows it might be to her detriment. And I liked how into Emerson she was and how much delight she had in exploring the places and people Emerson loves.
The plot held my interest and was paced well-enough and I'd give this five stars if it weren't for all the sex in the world. Seriously, the sex scenes were long and involved and did nothing for the story at all. Okay, I assume they were involved. I skimmed every last one of them, literally looking for dialogue tags so I wouldn't miss anything. I never missed anything. So when I say they had nothing to do with the story at all, I say that with some authority.
Anyway, four stars and a couple and setting I enjoyed very much. I'll definitely be looking for others by the author.
A note about Steamy: It's around half a dozen sex scenes that were chapters-long putting this way outside of my steam tolerance. I skipped them. I didn't miss anything by skipping them. You could be tempted to call this erotica, and I couldn't prove you wrong. I don't consider it erotica because the story is solid and the relationship develops very well and without any artificial acceleration to get to the sex. So just very steamy in my opinion.
July 4, 2022
3.5 stars. I liked the background in Minnesota and camaraderie of the firefighters. I liked Emerson a bunch. But Mari was not a believable character for me. And too much dog and too much smut.
I know others liked this more than I did, I’m the outlier on this one. I’ve liked other Duncan books in the past so I’ll keep reading her and hope for better results next time.
I know others liked this more than I did, I’m the outlier on this one. I’ve liked other Duncan books in the past so I’ll keep reading her and hope for better results next time.
June 19, 2022
Fun and a a little smutty read. It’s perfect really.
It’s low angst, good communication and everything is perfectly fine.
As far as tropes go, I’d say this one is just a fling turned to forever. I like these oops we fell in love stories.
What didn’t work for me as well was the dog in this book. I love dogs and cats and like it when they have a personality, however when it’s this big I feel like it takes over the book and I am not here to read about the dog. Sasha is a cute pup but I could do with a little less of it.
It’s low angst, good communication and everything is perfectly fine.
As far as tropes go, I’d say this one is just a fling turned to forever. I like these oops we fell in love stories.
What didn’t work for me as well was the dog in this book. I love dogs and cats and like it when they have a personality, however when it’s this big I feel like it takes over the book and I am not here to read about the dog. Sasha is a cute pup but I could do with a little less of it.
October 15, 2025
3.75⭐️
Emerson and Mari's chemistry was palpable from the start. I really felt the bubble they were living in; it felt so real and like a dream at the same time. A relationship with an expiration date brings tension to the book. I was expecting something cute and sweet when I read the blurb; I wasn't expecting the spice, but it was a good surprise. I really liked that Emerson and Mari always ended up communicating in a healthy way, even if they dragged their feet sometimes. Duncan really settled Mari and Emerson in a daily life, in an intimate and cozy way. The downside is my attention faltered at times, and I even found myself fast forwarding sex scenes. I was expecting some plot twist with Emerson's life in danger that didn't come. Overall, it's a sweet, cozy read that felt like a warm blanket.
Emerson and Mari's chemistry was palpable from the start. I really felt the bubble they were living in; it felt so real and like a dream at the same time. A relationship with an expiration date brings tension to the book. I was expecting something cute and sweet when I read the blurb; I wasn't expecting the spice, but it was a good surprise. I really liked that Emerson and Mari always ended up communicating in a healthy way, even if they dragged their feet sometimes. Duncan really settled Mari and Emerson in a daily life, in an intimate and cozy way. The downside is my attention faltered at times, and I even found myself fast forwarding sex scenes. I was expecting some plot twist with Emerson's life in danger that didn't come. Overall, it's a sweet, cozy read that felt like a warm blanket.
October 19, 2022
This is a light, smutty, fun read. I liked Mari and Emerson. Heck I want to go out and have a drink with them. I recommend this book.
July 22, 2023
4 stars
A cookie-cutter rom-com. Which is exactly what I wanted when I opened it.
So I won't ever reread it, but I had fun.
Bonus:
Sasha encapsulated all the reasons why I love dogs and all the reasons why I don't want to own a husky simultaneously. It was seriously impressive.
A cookie-cutter rom-com. Which is exactly what I wanted when I opened it.
So I won't ever reread it, but I had fun.
Bonus:
Sasha encapsulated all the reasons why I love dogs and all the reasons why I don't want to own a husky simultaneously. It was seriously impressive.
August 17, 2022
A good book, very unlike MJ’s usual offerings, as she tells me in the end acknowledgements! Less convoluted, simpler and a good holiday read. Recommended.
June 19, 2022
A glimpse of heaven was better than never knowing it at all.
3.5 stars. A super delightful, cosy, small-town, low angst, really sexy romance. One of those books that I couldn't help but read with a near permanent smile on my face. Our two main characters are Mari, a Hollywood screenwriter taking a short sabbatical in Minnesota to write her latest movie script, and Emerson, a paramedic/firefighter in a small town with a lovable, hyperactive dog. The story is told solely from Emerson's POV, and I do love a good, well-written single POV romance. This was just so swoony, from the really adorable meet cute, to the found family at the station, to all the cute dog antics. I really love Emerson; she's so down to earth, but yet fun and chivalrous and so so sweet. Mari was her perfect sassy match. A lot of this is super slice of life, just showing them getting closer, seeing Mari fall in love with the town and Emerson's friends and co-workers, and them with her. Not a lot of angst in this one, which was what I was in the mood for. When the conflict did come in, it was natural and well-written and understandable, and even though the reader sees it coming, and the author doesn't resort to overblown drama, it was still so emotionally effective. I also really liked the scenes we got of Emerson and her job; those hit harder than I was expecting. And the cosy, mellow feel of the book is balanced perfectly with some A+ smut.
A couple nit-picks: some of the earlier scenes where Emerson and Mari were getting to know each other were cut a little short, and we got short little time-skips to their next meeting, and I was a little disappointed about that. I really wanted to see the entirety of, or most of, their first little dinner together, for example. Those setup scenes are so important, and I definitely wanted more of that on page. Another nit-pick that's pretty subjective: I wasn't in love with how Sasha (the dog) was written? Lol I feel like the personification was a bit overdone. I wasn't sure at first how I felt about all her doggy sounds being written out phonetically and put into quotation marks, but by the end, I really didn't like it? I loved her completely, but I would have loved her without all that. It just felt really silly to me, I guess.
But that's pretty much a non-issue, compared to how much this book made me swoon and smile. I really enjoyed this one.
Content warnings:
September 17, 2025
Halcyon Nights is one of those books that’s both sweet and smutty in the best way. It’s got two likeable leads, great chemistry, and plenty of heat to go along with the softer moments.
Emerson, the firefighter with a good dog and a big heart, was easy to root for, and I liked how grounded she was in knowing what she wanted. Mari was equally charming, and I loved watching her get drawn into Emerson’s community and friendships while slowly realising her feelings. Their connection felt natural, built on good communication and genuine affection.
This isn’t a book full of angst or big drama — it’s more about two women falling for each other against the odds, with a few small bumps along the way. I really enjoyed it. A fun, low-angst read with some serious steam, perfect if you’re in the mood for something that’s both heartfelt and hot.
I listened to the audiobook and thought Lori Prince’s narration was excellent — warm, engaging, and perfectly matched to the story. It really added to the experience and there were multiple moments where I was giggling along to the story.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Tandor Audio for a copy of this audiobook. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Emerson, the firefighter with a good dog and a big heart, was easy to root for, and I liked how grounded she was in knowing what she wanted. Mari was equally charming, and I loved watching her get drawn into Emerson’s community and friendships while slowly realising her feelings. Their connection felt natural, built on good communication and genuine affection.
This isn’t a book full of angst or big drama — it’s more about two women falling for each other against the odds, with a few small bumps along the way. I really enjoyed it. A fun, low-angst read with some serious steam, perfect if you’re in the mood for something that’s both heartfelt and hot.
I listened to the audiobook and thought Lori Prince’s narration was excellent — warm, engaging, and perfectly matched to the story. It really added to the experience and there were multiple moments where I was giggling along to the story.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Tandor Audio for a copy of this audiobook. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
November 2, 2024
Maybe if I read this in 2022, I would have rated it higher. I loved the first half of this book. The physical chemistry between the characters was fantastic, the atmosphere very homelike and warm.
However, the main conflict was too dramatised to my liking. I get being heartbroken, but the description felt more like something out of a young adult novel.
Also, the phrase "a kiss that was + adjective" was used so often, my eye started twitching.
However, the main conflict was too dramatised to my liking. I get being heartbroken, but the description felt more like something out of a young adult novel.
Also, the phrase "a kiss that was + adjective" was used so often, my eye started twitching.
November 25, 2024
I’d like to have had both Emerson and Mari’s pov but that’s just my need to know what everyone is thinking.
Lovely story with lots of 🌶🌶
Lovely story with lots of 🌶🌶
September 25, 2024
4.25 Good
This is my first book by this author.
This is my first book by this author.
February 27, 2024
I’m 30% in and going to have to stop. It’s very boring to me. I think there’s more talk about the dog than the two main characters. I skipped page after page because some scenes went on and on, and I still didn’t miss anything of substance.
June 6, 2022
This was a sweet romance with a great supporting cast of friends. Great chemistry and sexy times.
May 30, 2022
Excellent.
I loved Halcyon Nights. A great story. Beautifully written. The descriptions of the surroundings and events seem to leap off the page.
I loved Halcyon Nights. A great story. Beautifully written. The descriptions of the surroundings and events seem to leap off the page.
May 31, 2023
Okay
The story was okay. Both Mc’s were interesting enough and I enjoyed reading about the relationship between Emerson and the rest of the team. I was underwhelmed by the romance though and the dog. While I am typically more of a cat person, I do have a dog, so I don’t mind reading about them. But I found myself not enjoying how much page time—I think her name was Sasha—was given.
The story was okay. Both Mc’s were interesting enough and I enjoyed reading about the relationship between Emerson and the rest of the team. I was underwhelmed by the romance though and the dog. While I am typically more of a cat person, I do have a dog, so I don’t mind reading about them. But I found myself not enjoying how much page time—I think her name was Sasha—was given.
April 5, 2023
i don’t wanna see a dogs barks written as if they’re talking ever again in a book
July 2, 2022
wonderful book
While this book has a lightness and fun to it, it does have some deep issues also with emotions and who gives up what to be together. I always love MJ Duncan and cannot wait for another book of hers!
While this book has a lightness and fun to it, it does have some deep issues also with emotions and who gives up what to be together. I always love MJ Duncan and cannot wait for another book of hers!
June 24, 2022
I know when I am looking for something low angst, a fun cast of characters, and amazing chemistry, MJ Duncan will deliver. This was no exception.
Bonus points to the story taking place in Minnesota. While I’m originally from Southern California, I have lived in the twin cities for the past 7 years. I really enjoyed reading all the little tributes to the state I now call home. While I will always hold a place in my heart for the beaches of LA, I absolutely love living here.
Loved Emerson and Mari. Their chemistry was off the charts. All the additional characters were so fun to read and I loved seeing the camaraderie.
Both mains were well developed and had great communication skills which when you are looking for something on the lighter side is fantastic. All in all, this was a really fun read.
Bonus points to the story taking place in Minnesota. While I’m originally from Southern California, I have lived in the twin cities for the past 7 years. I really enjoyed reading all the little tributes to the state I now call home. While I will always hold a place in my heart for the beaches of LA, I absolutely love living here.
Loved Emerson and Mari. Their chemistry was off the charts. All the additional characters were so fun to read and I loved seeing the camaraderie.
Both mains were well developed and had great communication skills which when you are looking for something on the lighter side is fantastic. All in all, this was a really fun read.
June 9, 2022
This was good but not my fav. Predictable ending but this wasn't seemed to have more sex scenes. I'm not complaining lol but this book wasn't as good as previous ones. Still enjoyable.
August 20, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the production company for this ALC in exchange for an honest review.
This is my second MJ Duncan story, but it didn't disappoint. When you mix MJ's beautifully romantic story with Lori Prince's narration, you simply can't be disappointed. While the ending was pretty predictable, I was super satisfied with the story. The chemistry between the characters was off the charts. Lori Prince is just a master of narration, there's no other way to describe her. When you can be a single narrator and so clearly capture a distinct voice for each character, AND the dog! there's just no comparison. Her voice with MJ's words instantly pulls you in, makes you swoon and can lull you to sleep all at the same time and in all the best ways. Loved the story, loved the narration.
This is my second MJ Duncan story, but it didn't disappoint. When you mix MJ's beautifully romantic story with Lori Prince's narration, you simply can't be disappointed. While the ending was pretty predictable, I was super satisfied with the story. The chemistry between the characters was off the charts. Lori Prince is just a master of narration, there's no other way to describe her. When you can be a single narrator and so clearly capture a distinct voice for each character, AND the dog! there's just no comparison. Her voice with MJ's words instantly pulls you in, makes you swoon and can lull you to sleep all at the same time and in all the best ways. Loved the story, loved the narration.
August 27, 2025
ALC review for Net Galley and Tantor Media
I was drawn to this book because it was based out of Northern Minnesota, my place of peace and rejuvenation. It was incredibly fun reading about Emerson taking Mari to many of my favorite places - Gooseberry Falls, Canal Park, and the Devils Kettle at George CR Magney State Park.
In addition, the third main character of this book is Sasha, the Malamute with one floppy ear. The depictions of this dog are so spot on with the breed. She brings so much fun to the book.
Now, on to the main characters. In all truth, I did not realize this book had to female leads. Emerson is sweet, funny and the epitome of sunshine. Mari is a little more quiet and reserved.
Mari is only in Mystic for 6 months to write and will return to LA. The friendship that develops between the Emerson and Mari is so sweet. They can’t get enough of each other but are so afraid to pursue more because of the distance. When they do… it’s fireworks.
Halcyon Nights is a sweet and spicy romance with little angst. So many fun characters and that sweet fluffy friend.
I was drawn to this book because it was based out of Northern Minnesota, my place of peace and rejuvenation. It was incredibly fun reading about Emerson taking Mari to many of my favorite places - Gooseberry Falls, Canal Park, and the Devils Kettle at George CR Magney State Park.
In addition, the third main character of this book is Sasha, the Malamute with one floppy ear. The depictions of this dog are so spot on with the breed. She brings so much fun to the book.
Now, on to the main characters. In all truth, I did not realize this book had to female leads. Emerson is sweet, funny and the epitome of sunshine. Mari is a little more quiet and reserved.
Mari is only in Mystic for 6 months to write and will return to LA. The friendship that develops between the Emerson and Mari is so sweet. They can’t get enough of each other but are so afraid to pursue more because of the distance. When they do… it’s fireworks.
Halcyon Nights is a sweet and spicy romance with little angst. So many fun characters and that sweet fluffy friend.
August 20, 2025
This is a really good sapphic love story. I loved the setting. Minnesota was a great spot to have this, and I enjoyed the little pieces of the area the author added into the book. I felt it was quite believable and it was somewhere I wanted to go.
I loved the characters in this book but because it was only one POV, I did have a hard time connecting with Mari. She was built up to be so perfect as a non main character that I think she loses a little genuine personality.
If there would have been two POVs, this would've easily been a five star read.
Also, the spice is heavy with this one. *fans self*
Overall, it's still a good one that I would definitely recommend.
I loved the characters in this book but because it was only one POV, I did have a hard time connecting with Mari. She was built up to be so perfect as a non main character that I think she loses a little genuine personality.
If there would have been two POVs, this would've easily been a five star read.
Also, the spice is heavy with this one. *fans self*
Overall, it's still a good one that I would definitely recommend.
May 23, 2023
Emerson Riis, a paramedic, stops to help a stranded motorist which is how she meets Mari Davenport. The pair get to know each other and have instant, undeniable chemistry. The women agree to be each other's summer fling knowing it will end in heartbreak since Mari lives in California. As their time together winds down, the women must deal with their upcoming separation. They must decide if what they are feeling is worth fighting for.
I am not a romance reader normally but decided I needed a palate cleanser and that a smutty sapphic love story would be perfect. Emerson and Mari are a ridiculously cute couple and it was enjoyable to watch them fall in love. The love scenes were fantastic. I loved how they featured the different ways lesbians make love. There were several times during this story that I smiled and laughed and I couldn't wait to read more. I will definitely be reading more from MJ Duncan and other romance writers.
I am not a romance reader normally but decided I needed a palate cleanser and that a smutty sapphic love story would be perfect. Emerson and Mari are a ridiculously cute couple and it was enjoyable to watch them fall in love. The love scenes were fantastic. I loved how they featured the different ways lesbians make love. There were several times during this story that I smiled and laughed and I couldn't wait to read more. I will definitely be reading more from MJ Duncan and other romance writers.
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April 7, 2023From ch 4
May 7, 2024
All around a feel good book ! A little predictable but a great love story with some added spice! A great read all together. Emerson and Mari are now on my favorite book couples list ❤️
June 1, 2023
Great escape
I was completely in love with the characters. I wouldn't change a thing. Perfect. I felt every emotion I was supposed to feel.
I was completely in love with the characters. I wouldn't change a thing. Perfect. I felt every emotion I was supposed to feel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews