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Sandy and Bright
When Quinn Haavik arrives in Newport Beach for the city’s annual holiday market, all she’s expecting is a week of sun and sand and a few good days of business. Christmas magic was nowhere on her radar until she crosses paths with Nora Kile and finds herself knocked off her feet. One look into Nora’s eyes is all it takes for Quinn to be hooked, but time is not on her side. Will the magic she found on the sunny shores of Newport slip through her fingers, or will she be able to find a way to carry it into the future?
107 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 23, 2022
About the author
M.J. Duncan
20 books488 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 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 4, 2023
Sweet and short Christmas story. Not as good as “Champagne kisses” but enjoyable. Especially for dog lover’s because of the antics of “Fort” a puppy Golden Retriever in the story.
December 28, 2022
Mmm, I love MJ’s full books - always brilliant and feel a little let down by her novellas which could give so much more. But worth it.
January 19, 2023
Cute holiday short story with one of the characters from Halycon Nights (It took me a moment to realize that the main in the one was from Halycon). Easy read. 4 stars
December 25, 2022
Sandy and Bright
I loved this holiday romance by MJ Duncan. The instant chemistry and passion was awesome. No angst. I look forward to reading it time and again.
I loved this holiday romance by MJ Duncan. The instant chemistry and passion was awesome. No angst. I look forward to reading it time and again.
December 12, 2024
This was super cute. There’s a generous amount of quality spice and an equally lovely amount of beautiful romance. There’s even a cute dog.
It’s instant attraction but not instant love which I appreciate. It’s romantic and they get together over just a week or so but it feels natural and honestly that’s an impressive achievement in a novella.
The characters have great depth which makes sense when I learned later they’re side characters from a different book but I didn’t feel lost at all not knowing that context at the time.
I loved the little bits of Norwegian sprinkled in there, it made it feel like they had an extra layer in common on top of everything else.
A new favourite holiday novella.
It’s instant attraction but not instant love which I appreciate. It’s romantic and they get together over just a week or so but it feels natural and honestly that’s an impressive achievement in a novella.
The characters have great depth which makes sense when I learned later they’re side characters from a different book but I didn’t feel lost at all not knowing that context at the time.
I loved the little bits of Norwegian sprinkled in there, it made it feel like they had an extra layer in common on top of everything else.
A new favourite holiday novella.
December 27, 2022
noooooooo
That ended way to soon for my liking!
I’m embarrassed to say it took a bit of time for me to realise it ties into last years book. I’m happily reading away wondering why I knew the names Sasha and Mari, and boom! Idiot.
Sweet Christmasy story with a 5star line up..and Fort!
That ended way to soon for my liking!
I’m embarrassed to say it took a bit of time for me to realise it ties into last years book. I’m happily reading away wondering why I knew the names Sasha and Mari, and boom! Idiot.
Sweet Christmasy story with a 5star line up..and Fort!
February 7, 2023
A warm festive short romance.
Quinn and Nora meet when Quinn is in town for a craft festival. They hit it off straight away, and things move from there.
This is a very happy and sexy medium length story about sculptor Quinn and composer Nora, and Nora’s puppy Fort. Very well written, most certainly worth reading. Such a shame we don’t see more of them together in this story, hopefully in a later book we will see more.
Quinn and Nora meet when Quinn is in town for a craft festival. They hit it off straight away, and things move from there.
This is a very happy and sexy medium length story about sculptor Quinn and composer Nora, and Nora’s puppy Fort. Very well written, most certainly worth reading. Such a shame we don’t see more of them together in this story, hopefully in a later book we will see more.
December 29, 2022
Holiday Cheer
MJ Duncan has done it again with a cheery, steamy holiday read. The novella was set at a holiday craft market in Newport Beach, California. Wood carver and metal sculptor, Quinn (Emerson’s best friend in Halycon Nights), meets Nora along the beach boardwalk when Nora’s cute seventy pound golden retriever, Fortissimo, steals Quinn’s skateboard. Quinn is in town for a few days to sell her crafts and conduct chainsaw wood carving demonstrations at the market. However, it’s lust at first sight when Quinn and Nora meet. Although short, the author packed a lot of different activities into the few days the two women were together. 4.5 stars
MJ Duncan has done it again with a cheery, steamy holiday read. The novella was set at a holiday craft market in Newport Beach, California. Wood carver and metal sculptor, Quinn (Emerson’s best friend in Halycon Nights), meets Nora along the beach boardwalk when Nora’s cute seventy pound golden retriever, Fortissimo, steals Quinn’s skateboard. Quinn is in town for a few days to sell her crafts and conduct chainsaw wood carving demonstrations at the market. However, it’s lust at first sight when Quinn and Nora meet. Although short, the author packed a lot of different activities into the few days the two women were together. 4.5 stars
January 26, 2023
Holiday romance novella. Wood carver and sculptor Quinn Haavik is in Newport Beach, CA for the holiday Christmas Market. She sells her art and demonstrates chainsaw sculpting skills. She meets Nora and her playful golden retriever Fortissimo. This is instant attractions with lots of caring, passion and much heat. I love the setting, as I’ve been to Newport recently and could envision the location. Evidently Quinn is a friend/side character in the authors Halcyon Nights (full length novel). I haven’t read it but have already downloaded it from KU.
December 27, 2022
So good
When I read Halcyon Nights I hoped Quinn would get her own story so I was extra excited to read this. I loved it! It was great getting to know more about Quinn and of course the steamy scenes were incredible! My only complaint is that it was too short, I wanted to read so much more about these two and their love story. You don't have to have read Halcyon Nights to read this one but you should definitely read both if you can.
When I read Halcyon Nights I hoped Quinn would get her own story so I was extra excited to read this. I loved it! It was great getting to know more about Quinn and of course the steamy scenes were incredible! My only complaint is that it was too short, I wanted to read so much more about these two and their love story. You don't have to have read Halcyon Nights to read this one but you should definitely read both if you can.
January 16, 2023
Loved It!
I know it is the second week in January but I still love the holiday stories. This one was so good. It had the actual bump into each other first meet. The look into the eyes connection. The flirty banter and the connection. It was sweet, sexy and romantic. I love Quinn and Nora. And of course Fortissimo! I love MJ Duncan’s storytelling and I appreciate this very cozy light holiday read.
I know it is the second week in January but I still love the holiday stories. This one was so good. It had the actual bump into each other first meet. The look into the eyes connection. The flirty banter and the connection. It was sweet, sexy and romantic. I love Quinn and Nora. And of course Fortissimo! I love MJ Duncan’s storytelling and I appreciate this very cozy light holiday read.
February 6, 2023
Good book
Quick short story about Christmas in the sunny So. Cal. Quinn was happy she took the advice from her friends and went because Minnesota is freezing at this time of year. Quinn was ask to come and sale her woodwork that she makes by hand. Nora has a big puppy that take Quinn skateboard from her while riding it Quinn instantly feels something for Nora and Nora feeling the same way. Read this wonderful story and see if the get together or if they just say goodbye.
Quick short story about Christmas in the sunny So. Cal. Quinn was happy she took the advice from her friends and went because Minnesota is freezing at this time of year. Quinn was ask to come and sale her woodwork that she makes by hand. Nora has a big puppy that take Quinn skateboard from her while riding it Quinn instantly feels something for Nora and Nora feeling the same way. Read this wonderful story and see if the get together or if they just say goodbye.
January 7, 2023
Sandy, bright and spicy
I love MJ Duncan’s writing and reread her books often. The plot is always interesting and solid and you can’t help but fall in love with the characters. And as always, this book is spicy. I highly recommend this book and all of her backlog.
I love MJ Duncan’s writing and reread her books often. The plot is always interesting and solid and you can’t help but fall in love with the characters. And as always, this book is spicy. I highly recommend this book and all of her backlog.
June 3, 2024
Sunny Christmas Romance
MJ Duncan never fails to write a good story with plenty of spice. This novella did not disappoint in fact I would happily read more about Quinn and Nora to see if their relationship blossomed as they wished. A good read and definitely recommend.
MJ Duncan never fails to write a good story with plenty of spice. This novella did not disappoint in fact I would happily read more about Quinn and Nora to see if their relationship blossomed as they wished. A good read and definitely recommend.
November 21, 2025
4 stars. This was so cute and sexy and a lot of fun. The writing was good and Quinn and Nora were great characters and I loved the chemistry between them. Fort, the golden retriever was the real star. Such a cutie. I really enjoyed this.
January 1, 2023
Love all of MJ Duncan's books and this is no exception, just a great writer, would love it to be longer as now I want to know how they do sort out their long distance relationship! Much wants more 😬
January 1, 2023
fun short story
Loved this short story and the characters. Great read over the holiday. Give it a try and laugh along with these characters.
Loved this short story and the characters. Great read over the holiday. Give it a try and laugh along with these characters.
March 10, 2023
Awesome story
A heart felt winner. It's a uplifting story of unexpected love. It is a soothing read to the soul. I really loved this book.
A heart felt winner. It's a uplifting story of unexpected love. It is a soothing read to the soul. I really loved this book.
March 25, 2025
Great Story
Brought me back to my first GF. What a magical and ultimately amazing time! Thanks for helping me remember the good stuff and not the shit when it fell apart.
Brought me back to my first GF. What a magical and ultimately amazing time! Thanks for helping me remember the good stuff and not the shit when it fell apart.
December 13, 2025
i need a sequel please! also kinda insane that neither of them questioned why the other was able to speak norwegian
January 10, 2023
love it
I’m so glad Quinn got her own love story. Fort was the star of the show lol. Nora and Quinn were perfect for each other
I’m so glad Quinn got her own love story. Fort was the star of the show lol. Nora and Quinn were perfect for each other
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews