I liked this a lot but I felt like it leaned a little too heavily on drama, tragic backstories, etc. Even though it’s the author’s first fiction book, you can tell he’s written before and the writing made this super readable. What I appreciated most was how accurate most the music industry side of things felt. I used to work in live music and my partner tours with artists at Alexander’s level so I usually get pulled out of musician romances because the details are so off. Even having something as simple as having Christopher pick up his passes at will call made me sigh in relief.

The romance was very insta-lovey, which I don’t always mind, but it felt extra rushed knowing this is a trilogy. I would’ve loved a slower build but I still enjoyed getting to know the characters and watching their relationship develop, and I’m sure the backstory drama will play a bigger role later on. I just hope they’re not broken up for most of book two, but either way, I’ll definitely keep reading the series.

Stolen Moments wasn’t quite the read I expected. The story leans heavily on insta-love and an early intimate scene that made it difficult for me to stay invested. The book is also much longer than I anticipated, especially for the first in a trilogy, and I struggled with the pacing.

In terms of tone, I often felt the dialogue and character voices skewed more toward a YA style than an adult romance, which pulled me out of the emotional weight of the story.

That said, I did enjoy the inclusion of the Spotify companion playlist—it’s a creative addition that fits well with the novel’s pop-star theme. While this one didn’t fully click for me, readers who enjoy dramatic, high-heat celebrity romances may find it more engaging.

"By all means, take as long as you need. I just love watching things age in real time." 💚

I received an ARC copy of Stolen Moments from NetGalley and I am so glad I picked it up. Let me start by saying that I am not a big fan of cliffhangers, so I was a little bit mad that I didn’t know it would end like that. Add in the fact that the website link for part of the cliffhanger didn’t work for me and yes, I was even more frustrated 🤦🏼‍♀️. But honestly, setting that aside, this was such an enjoyable and emotional read.

This book has the added intrigue of being based on a true story, and I found myself reading between the lines trying to figure out who might be who. That layer made the whole experience feel even more real and raw. You know I love an MM romance, and this one absolutely delivered. Alexander and Christopher pulled me straight into their world, and by the end they had claimed a little piece of my heart. The tenderness of their connection, the stolen moments between them, and the constant push and pull of their circumstances gave the story so much emotional weight.

I really appreciated how the book explored not just their romance but also the complexity of secrecy, longing and societal expectations. It’s not just a love story, it’s about the risks we take for love and the heartbreak that sometimes comes with it. The pacing was well done, the chemistry between the leads was undeniable, and the writing had a quiet intensity that kept me engaged throughout.

Yes, I’m impatient now and desperate for book two because I need to know what happens next. My heart is still breaking for both Alexander and Christopher and I hope their story gets the resolution they deserve. This is one of those romances that lingers in your thoughts long after you’ve finished, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys heartfelt MM stories.

✨ Tropes & Themes ✨
❤️ MM Romance
⏳ Forbidden Love
🌙 Stolen Moments
💔 Star Crossed Lovers
🤐 Secrets And Lies
😭 Heartache And Longing
💞 Intense Chemistry
✍️ Based On A True Story

Unfortunately, I did not really care for this book. I thought the insta-lust wasn't compelling, the writing in the sex scenes actively made me cringe, and there are quite a few dated references that stuck out like a sore thumb (a character referenced someone 'TiVo-ing' a show, which... hello 2004). I found neither lead compelling, and thought the handling of the addiction therapist to be poorly done. Overall, would not recommend, unfortunately.

My thanks to Netgalley for the e-arc.

The only characters that didn't annoy me 90% of the time were Imani, the hotel receptionist, and Rob, the bodyguard. That should tell you enough.
But in all seriousness, I did not enjoy this book at all. If you set out to talk about addiction and trauma the least you can do is treat it well, and I can't overlook how none of it was explored at all here. You can argue that's because this is a trilogy(yes, I didn't have a clue about that, quite fun realizing the last line was a cliffhanger) but I say that this is no excuse because in more than 300 pages we could have had SOME development. Also, so much shit that bothered me like the way Alexander dismissed his sober mentor because she has blue hair and that doesn't show credibility?!? And that bachelorette party, I thought we had left that shit behind as a society? And his best friend is the worst possible gay caricature character I've seen in a while.
So yeah. I don't like this book. The only saving grace is the music industry thing because I like to read about it but not enough to put on with whatever this was.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Disclaimer: this is not a contained story and does end on a cliffhanger. Part of a trilogy according to the blurb at the end of the book. That being said I really did enjoy this story, I just wish that was a little more evident from the cover and description. I can see a lot of people being blindsided by that (me included)

This was actually a really cute romance story. Very easy to read and the romance was really sweet. Pop star Alex meets visiting Christopher who is staying at the same hotel for his sisters wedding, but Alex must maintain that he is available, and consequently straight, for his largely young female fan base.

I think character depictions are really well done. Both characters seem really mature about the limitations they face when dating someone famous. The struggles Alex faces being famous are not sugar coated, alcohol and alcoholism are featured heavily in this story.

There is instalust in this if that isn’t for you, just a heads up. Being a strangers to lovers type story I guess that is inevitable though. The banter between the characters is great I just wish there was more of it. There is actually a lot of side characters and side plots but some are more pronounced and fleshed out than others.

I’m invested enough in their story and will be checking out the next book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author/publisher for an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.