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The Moments
Bailey Sayers has a decision to make. That decision will impact her entire life. If she says something, she risks embarrassment and her heart. If she doesn’t say something, she may never know if Jenna Cabot feels the same way about her.
In Path I, Bailey risks it all and asks Jenna out on a date on their high school graduation day.
In Path II, Bailey does not ask Jenna out on a date on their high school graduation day.
What follows in both paths is Bailey and Jenna’s story. It’s the most important moments that make up their lives together and apart. It’s the story of how they were always drawn together and always would be. It’s the ups and the downs, the perfect moments and the difficult ones. It’s the tears and the laughter. And it’s the drive to make forever possible with the love of your life no matter the circumstances.
Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2018
108 people are currently reading
190 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Pyland
80 books825 followersNicole Pyland is a bestselling author of lesbian romance stand-alone novels and series like Chicago Series, Holiday Series, Royalty Series, Sports Series, and more. Since 2017, she’s published over 60 novels (not including her What Happened After shorts), and more books are on their way.
Nicole grew up in Indiana, studying English & Film and then getting a MS in Behavior Analysis and moving to California, working by day as a Head of Training at a startup. She lives with her wife and their opinionated cat, who spends his evenings helping her write stories by occupying half the chair.
Newsletter: nicolepyland.com/newsletter
Nicole grew up in Indiana, studying English & Film and then getting a MS in Behavior Analysis and moving to California, working by day as a Head of Training at a startup. She lives with her wife and their opinionated cat, who spends his evenings helping her write stories by occupying half the chair.
Newsletter: nicolepyland.com/newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
November 15, 2018
An unbelievably frustrating book.. in a good way :) I wanted to strangle both characters throughout the book but yet I loved their chemistry.. this author is a nice surprise as well ..
July 14, 2020
This book was an emotional rollercoaster with the most frustrating storyline. I LOVED IT!
November 18, 2018
Two paths
This was a creative concept for a story. You always wonder how life would be different if you made that one different decision. That is what this book is all about.
There are two paths. And you definitely read both. One after the other. No confusing back and forth like I had wondered before I started reading.
I has recently read 'The Fire' which I absolutely loved and immediately put in my favorites shelf. But this just didn't hit that same note for me.
I enjoyed it enough. But I felt like everything in both paths felt rushed. And I never felt the characters' connection as much as the author probably wanted me to.
This one was just OK for me. But it was EPIC feeling enough that I'm sure a lot of of people will think differently.
This was a creative concept for a story. You always wonder how life would be different if you made that one different decision. That is what this book is all about.
There are two paths. And you definitely read both. One after the other. No confusing back and forth like I had wondered before I started reading.
I has recently read 'The Fire' which I absolutely loved and immediately put in my favorites shelf. But this just didn't hit that same note for me.
I enjoyed it enough. But I felt like everything in both paths felt rushed. And I never felt the characters' connection as much as the author probably wanted me to.
This one was just OK for me. But it was EPIC feeling enough that I'm sure a lot of of people will think differently.
May 3, 2021
I really love NP's writing, but this story left me missing the point - Oh! I understand how moments in life dictate the future, but hey, actions didn't tally with thoughts. Admit I jumped around a bit in reading this, never a good sign.
February 25, 2023
One couple, two different paths to get to the same conclusion. Bailey and Jenna have been friends since their freshman year of high school. We follow them through 2 paths, the first where Bailey asks Jenna out after graduation, the 2nd where Bailey chickens out and doesn't ask. But they keep meeting up after falling apart. I love this concept! I give this 5 stars!!
April 14, 2023
I adored this!
Oh, I know there are moments when you want to scream at the girls' choices, but that's what makes for the twisty turns their relationship takes in both strands.
It might take the girls plenty of time to finally both be in the right place at the right time and ready to be together, but this is not a slowburn. The chemistry is immediate and undeniable, and the girls don't hang around before they do something about it! That doesn't mean they're always together in the traditional sense. This is an on-again, off-again story that will have you shouting at either, or both, MCs "Nooooo! Just get together already!!"
But at its center, this is a story of timing. Of emotionally being available and open and ready. And that mirrors real life. Life experiences change you and sometimes bring you back to what you know, want, and love.
The movie Sliding Doors is the story I wish I'd written--curses! (Along with A Christmas Carol 😉.) Which is what motivated me choose this book right after Ms. Pyland's Future Wife. What I really enjoyed was how the double strand is done differently here. We get the "left turn" story from Baily's POV and the "right turn" story mainly from Jenna's. The author deftly repeats key events from the other strand and other POV, and that adds depth to the events and characters' internal struggles.
I was routing for the girls the whole way (see what I did there? 😉) I love their conection and cried a little at the end. For, comfortingly for me, life might be about fate, the HEA we all hope for.
Oh, I know there are moments when you want to scream at the girls' choices, but that's what makes for the twisty turns their relationship takes in both strands.
It might take the girls plenty of time to finally both be in the right place at the right time and ready to be together, but this is not a slowburn. The chemistry is immediate and undeniable, and the girls don't hang around before they do something about it! That doesn't mean they're always together in the traditional sense. This is an on-again, off-again story that will have you shouting at either, or both, MCs "Nooooo! Just get together already!!"
But at its center, this is a story of timing. Of emotionally being available and open and ready. And that mirrors real life. Life experiences change you and sometimes bring you back to what you know, want, and love.
The movie Sliding Doors is the story I wish I'd written--curses! (Along with A Christmas Carol 😉.) Which is what motivated me choose this book right after Ms. Pyland's Future Wife. What I really enjoyed was how the double strand is done differently here. We get the "left turn" story from Baily's POV and the "right turn" story mainly from Jenna's. The author deftly repeats key events from the other strand and other POV, and that adds depth to the events and characters' internal struggles.
I was routing for the girls the whole way (see what I did there? 😉) I love their conection and cried a little at the end. For, comfortingly for me, life might be about fate, the HEA we all hope for.
November 12, 2018
Just had one
“You annoy the shit out of me,” Sam said. That’s what Bailey’s best friend told her and I couldn’t have said it better myself. They Both frustrated the hell out of me. But can I just say wow, what an incredible love these two have. Great story that pretty much had me crying the whole time, but like I said that’s proof of how powerful an author can be. To be able to bring out emotions of the reader is a gift and I’ll keep reading more of her books.
“You annoy the shit out of me,” Sam said. That’s what Bailey’s best friend told her and I couldn’t have said it better myself. They Both frustrated the hell out of me. But can I just say wow, what an incredible love these two have. Great story that pretty much had me crying the whole time, but like I said that’s proof of how powerful an author can be. To be able to bring out emotions of the reader is a gift and I’ll keep reading more of her books.
January 12, 2019
Frustratingly good! But damn in, both Bailey and Jenna are somewhat pain in the ass. Just get over it already! xD
August 22, 2021
This was an interesting read and definitely a creative romance story.
My main complaint was that I felt like the two paths weren't drastically different from each other. It seemed like I was essentially reading the same story again with just a few details being different; hence I felt it didn't do enough to really highlight the butterfly effect the author was aiming for. Both paths were filled with the same kind of will-they-or-won't-they trope/stolen moments between the two against the same backdrop of events.
I think what would've made a more interesting story is if in path two, Bailey and Jenna didn't have any kind of interaction with each other until years later (perhaps at the high school reunion or maybe at the conference?). That after-all is a more realistic outcome seeing as how there really wouldn't have been a reason for them to have contact with each other post-graduation if Bailey had never asked her out. It would've been interesting in that scenario to see how they eventually find their way back to each other.
My main complaint was that I felt like the two paths weren't drastically different from each other. It seemed like I was essentially reading the same story again with just a few details being different; hence I felt it didn't do enough to really highlight the butterfly effect the author was aiming for. Both paths were filled with the same kind of will-they-or-won't-they trope/stolen moments between the two against the same backdrop of events.
I think what would've made a more interesting story is if in path two, Bailey and Jenna didn't have any kind of interaction with each other until years later (perhaps at the high school reunion or maybe at the conference?). That after-all is a more realistic outcome seeing as how there really wouldn't have been a reason for them to have contact with each other post-graduation if Bailey had never asked her out. It would've been interesting in that scenario to see how they eventually find their way back to each other.
May 11, 2025
This story follows Bailey and Jenna. It starts when they are graduating high school and ends about ten years later. We visit with them on the important moments on the bumpy road to forever.
There are two paths following the same MCs in the same period of time. The first path is Baileys pov and starts with Bailey asking Jenna on a date after graduating high school. The second path is Jenna's pov and tells a simular yet different story.
Though this creative set up seemed very promising, I was a bit dissapointed. While it's an interesting concept, the story was a lot about missing out on each other, meeting in the wrong time or place. That means there's not a lot of happy feelings.
Especially on the second path it frustrated me sometimes how much they circle around each other, acting hot and cold. Always one of them chickening out or pushing the other one away with lots of drama and hiccups.
I thought the 2 paths would be completely different. But they're really not that different at all. I liked the storyline in the first path better, so it was not as fun to read the second path after.
This book was nice enough, but I liked other books by Nicole Pyland way better. 3,5⭐️
There are two paths following the same MCs in the same period of time. The first path is Baileys pov and starts with Bailey asking Jenna on a date after graduating high school. The second path is Jenna's pov and tells a simular yet different story.
Though this creative set up seemed very promising, I was a bit dissapointed. While it's an interesting concept, the story was a lot about missing out on each other, meeting in the wrong time or place. That means there's not a lot of happy feelings.
Especially on the second path it frustrated me sometimes how much they circle around each other, acting hot and cold. Always one of them chickening out or pushing the other one away with lots of drama and hiccups.
I thought the 2 paths would be completely different. But they're really not that different at all. I liked the storyline in the first path better, so it was not as fun to read the second path after.
This book was nice enough, but I liked other books by Nicole Pyland way better. 3,5⭐️
November 2, 2018
It really is two stories...
I like Pyland's books and her Chicago series is a favorite. This one sounded interesting amd tricky but it came out fairly well. The story is basically two scenerios: to ask or not to ask. Outcome is the same bit how they get there is different and how events play out in their lives, though different are kind of the same. Almost makes you wonder are we in charge of our lives or is it pre-determined...whoa just got a bit philosophical there. Anyway, the first part is mainly told through Bailey where the second part is maily told through Jenna but neither part is one or the other and i think thay may have hurt the story a bit. I almost feel as if this should really have been about Bailey since she was doing the asking and how her life was effected nore than Jenna.
Regardless, I enjoued the story. It was angsty and sad at times...actually a lot of times but it well written. I read it like two different stories instead and that worked for me. Currently available on kU. Give it a read.
I like Pyland's books and her Chicago series is a favorite. This one sounded interesting amd tricky but it came out fairly well. The story is basically two scenerios: to ask or not to ask. Outcome is the same bit how they get there is different and how events play out in their lives, though different are kind of the same. Almost makes you wonder are we in charge of our lives or is it pre-determined...whoa just got a bit philosophical there. Anyway, the first part is mainly told through Bailey where the second part is maily told through Jenna but neither part is one or the other and i think thay may have hurt the story a bit. I almost feel as if this should really have been about Bailey since she was doing the asking and how her life was effected nore than Jenna.
Regardless, I enjoued the story. It was angsty and sad at times...actually a lot of times but it well written. I read it like two different stories instead and that worked for me. Currently available on kU. Give it a read.
December 11, 2018
Really good but not going on my reread shelf. 4.5 stars
November 1, 2018
Fantastic
When I finished reading "The Moments", my initial reaction was simple: "WOW! Just... WOW!" I then spent a little time reflecting on this wonderful piece of writing so I could manage to say something slightly more articulate in a review.
First things first: both halves of the story are fine little romance stories on their own, though I can't say for sure how the second half would hold up on its own, having read it with the first half constantly in my mind, pointing out the subtle differences, and similarities, in the lives of the two protagonists as well as their friends and families. However, I believe that as a singular story, either half would be merely as nice little story and not anything truly special. It is that interplay between them that makes them special, the subtle, and not so subtle, changes in the lives of the leading ladies caused by a simple moment in time when one of them did, or did not, summon the courage to tell the other how she felt at a point in her life when she believed she might never have another chance to tell her. I found it fascinating that, for the most part, the major events and people in the lives of the two women were largely the same across the two different timelines, with some early differences that can be specifically attributed to "that moment" on graduation day, but the order of events wasn't necessarily the same. The fact that there are reasons for the different order of events that are specifically related to "that moment" made the whole thing even better.
In short, I found the concept fascinating and couldn't help analyzing the fine details of the second half of the book in relation to how it pertained to "that moment" as I read it. Aside from the major plot device, I also found the character development to be excellent, including several of the secondary characters, which is standard in Nicole Pyland's stories. The plot lines in each half of the story are engaging with excellent pacing, in addition to my slight obsession with trying to trace how the events shifted based on "that moment", which made the whole reading experience that much more special... (Or maybe that's just me...)
In my opinion, this could be Ms. Pyland's best work to date, and I have been a very big fan of her work! (So much so that I volunteered to serve as a beta reader.)
I received an ARC of this book.
When I finished reading "The Moments", my initial reaction was simple: "WOW! Just... WOW!" I then spent a little time reflecting on this wonderful piece of writing so I could manage to say something slightly more articulate in a review.
First things first: both halves of the story are fine little romance stories on their own, though I can't say for sure how the second half would hold up on its own, having read it with the first half constantly in my mind, pointing out the subtle differences, and similarities, in the lives of the two protagonists as well as their friends and families. However, I believe that as a singular story, either half would be merely as nice little story and not anything truly special. It is that interplay between them that makes them special, the subtle, and not so subtle, changes in the lives of the leading ladies caused by a simple moment in time when one of them did, or did not, summon the courage to tell the other how she felt at a point in her life when she believed she might never have another chance to tell her. I found it fascinating that, for the most part, the major events and people in the lives of the two women were largely the same across the two different timelines, with some early differences that can be specifically attributed to "that moment" on graduation day, but the order of events wasn't necessarily the same. The fact that there are reasons for the different order of events that are specifically related to "that moment" made the whole thing even better.
In short, I found the concept fascinating and couldn't help analyzing the fine details of the second half of the book in relation to how it pertained to "that moment" as I read it. Aside from the major plot device, I also found the character development to be excellent, including several of the secondary characters, which is standard in Nicole Pyland's stories. The plot lines in each half of the story are engaging with excellent pacing, in addition to my slight obsession with trying to trace how the events shifted based on "that moment", which made the whole reading experience that much more special... (Or maybe that's just me...)
In my opinion, this could be Ms. Pyland's best work to date, and I have been a very big fan of her work! (So much so that I volunteered to serve as a beta reader.)
I received an ARC of this book.
November 6, 2018
Decent, but a lot different from her other books
I'm a big fan of NP's books. I will buy anything she puts out without hesitation. This particular book was probably my least favorite, though it's not bad. The Chicago series was awesome. The Fire blew me away. All the Love Songs was really good and initially got me interested in this author.
The concept of telling two versions of this story to illustrate how one moment, one choice can change life paths was really interesting. I have to give credit for stepping outside of the box and creating something that hasn't been done to death. However, I got a little hung up on comparing the two stories and how some things were different versus the same because of the initial "she asked" versus "she didn't ask." For example, in the beginning of the second story Baileys family was away visiting family when Jenna got home after building a school the summer before college started so they didn't get to see each other. That first major change from the first story seemed to have nothing to do with Bailey asking her out or not at graduation. I eventually had to let go of those lines of thought and enjoy the story for what it was. The overall message was that they were clearly meant to be together in the end, whichever path brought them there.
Although the storytelling was well done, it didn't move me emotionally as strongly as the author's other books. It also bothered me that there were minor editing mistakes (to, too and two...her versus here, etc). That kind of stuff should be caught before publishing.
Overall, I appreciate the unique approach to a new storyline and although this wasn't the author's best work it is still worth the read.
I'm a big fan of NP's books. I will buy anything she puts out without hesitation. This particular book was probably my least favorite, though it's not bad. The Chicago series was awesome. The Fire blew me away. All the Love Songs was really good and initially got me interested in this author.
The concept of telling two versions of this story to illustrate how one moment, one choice can change life paths was really interesting. I have to give credit for stepping outside of the box and creating something that hasn't been done to death. However, I got a little hung up on comparing the two stories and how some things were different versus the same because of the initial "she asked" versus "she didn't ask." For example, in the beginning of the second story Baileys family was away visiting family when Jenna got home after building a school the summer before college started so they didn't get to see each other. That first major change from the first story seemed to have nothing to do with Bailey asking her out or not at graduation. I eventually had to let go of those lines of thought and enjoy the story for what it was. The overall message was that they were clearly meant to be together in the end, whichever path brought them there.
Although the storytelling was well done, it didn't move me emotionally as strongly as the author's other books. It also bothered me that there were minor editing mistakes (to, too and two...her versus here, etc). That kind of stuff should be caught before publishing.
Overall, I appreciate the unique approach to a new storyline and although this wasn't the author's best work it is still worth the read.
January 26, 2020
All about the "What ifs"
“For four years, her heart had belonged to Jenna Cabot. Now, she’d have to find a way to move on. Maybe one day, she’d be able to give it to someone else.”
“Moments add up. Sometimes, we live in them. We stop to make a mental note that this is something we’ll want to remember forever.”
+ • + • + • +
Absolutely beautiful!!! OMG, this story TOTALLY rocked & then some!!
There's nothing like finally finding the love you've wanted, waited & weeped for after so many years enduring, sustained only by patience, pain & the pleasure &/or punitive promises of possibilities!
It made me smile, made me cry, made my heart ache & made me optimistic riding the emotional rollercoaster from the first word to the last about finding & forging the redemption & resilience, security, strength, promise & power of real love.
“For four years, her heart had belonged to Jenna Cabot. Now, she’d have to find a way to move on. Maybe one day, she’d be able to give it to someone else.”
“Moments add up. Sometimes, we live in them. We stop to make a mental note that this is something we’ll want to remember forever.”
+ • + • + • +
Absolutely beautiful!!! OMG, this story TOTALLY rocked & then some!!
There's nothing like finally finding the love you've wanted, waited & weeped for after so many years enduring, sustained only by patience, pain & the pleasure &/or punitive promises of possibilities!
It made me smile, made me cry, made my heart ache & made me optimistic riding the emotional rollercoaster from the first word to the last about finding & forging the redemption & resilience, security, strength, promise & power of real love.
November 5, 2018
I'm not particularly into what if scenarios, but the book was written by Nicole Pyland, so I had to read it. Glad I did. The book is excellent. It highlights the 'moments' in our lives, the moments when we make decisions, when we choose a path that will alter everything. The story of Jenna and Bailey is long, perhaps my only criticism is that it is too long, not book wise but their story in the book. It is a bit extreme as it encompasses 10 plus years of back and forth. But when you read the story, it makes sense. It makes you cry, it grabs you, it relates to our own experiences in every level. Ms. Pyland keeps getting better and better and she started very good to begin with. I recommend this book and cannot wait for the next one.
October 14, 2018
This book was unlike all of her other books. I really enjoyed the format of this book and the way it took the same story but showed different perspectives and how every action in life can affect your life in ways we could never imagine. But, what I really liked the most about this book was that it showed the power of forgiveness and love. Sometimes I think forgiveness is a hard thing to give, but this book showed that through that simple act, things can right themselves and good things can happen. I think this book is a quick and fun read.
February 28, 2023
Anxiety, heat, family issues, true love, poor choices, whoa nothing is missing!
Nicole Pyland has given us another fully charged read with fully detailed characters and an intricate story line. Did I love it? You bet I did. The main characters struggled to find each other which was delicious. When they did get together, they were on fire, or freezing each other out. Writing essentially the same book twice with different angles is a unique twist. I was not sure I would enjoy, happily I did.
Nicole Pyland has given us another fully charged read with fully detailed characters and an intricate story line. Did I love it? You bet I did. The main characters struggled to find each other which was delicious. When they did get together, they were on fire, or freezing each other out. Writing essentially the same book twice with different angles is a unique twist. I was not sure I would enjoy, happily I did.
April 29, 2020
Another great story of seeing how a story could go one of two ways. I did have some anxiety of seeing how two people can mess something up along they way either out of fear or worry. And I saw how two people make it work no matter how they started it was how they got to the end.
Bailey and Jenna were destined to be together they both just had to figure it out and both be honest. Anything in life worth anything is worth fighting for. Especially when there’s always respect.
Bailey and Jenna were destined to be together they both just had to figure it out and both be honest. Anything in life worth anything is worth fighting for. Especially when there’s always respect.
March 22, 2022
I've just gotten into reading Nicole's books and I have been enjoying them. This was book very unexpected. I love the way she gave you the same story but answered the "what if." It was such an interesting twist. I couldn't put the book down. I highly recommend reading this book if you are a hopeless romantic and believe that when two people are meant to be together, nothing will get in the way.
June 19, 2019
Great storyline
Talk about a topsy turvy mixed up romance ! It's a wonder the author was able to keep up with it. But the story was well written and kept this reader on her toes and wishing the two characters could get together and stay together. Bailey and Jennas story really made this reader happy.
Talk about a topsy turvy mixed up romance ! It's a wonder the author was able to keep up with it. But the story was well written and kept this reader on her toes and wishing the two characters could get together and stay together. Bailey and Jennas story really made this reader happy.
May 8, 2021
Different
I really enjoyed this story. The book was split into 2 versions of the same story, which lent an interesting spin on things. I really loved both Jenna and Bailey. Life can throw all kinds of twists at us...but what matters the most is how you react to them. Well done!
I really enjoyed this story. The book was split into 2 versions of the same story, which lent an interesting spin on things. I really loved both Jenna and Bailey. Life can throw all kinds of twists at us...but what matters the most is how you react to them. Well done!
October 18, 2022
Hard to put down
When I read the synopsis of this book I was curious as to how the two paths would be handled. It was like having two different romance books in one. Some similarities between the two but enough different that it made you keep reading to find out what was going to happen next. This book has plenty of hot sex, lots of angst and of course that all important HEA.
When I read the synopsis of this book I was curious as to how the two paths would be handled. It was like having two different romance books in one. Some similarities between the two but enough different that it made you keep reading to find out what was going to happen next. This book has plenty of hot sex, lots of angst and of course that all important HEA.
November 2, 2018
Awesome Book!
I’ve been a fan of Ms. Pyland’s since reading her first book and I’m an even bigger fan after reading The Moments. Great storyline and really well written. I can’t wait to read her next book!
I’ve been a fan of Ms. Pyland’s since reading her first book and I’m an even bigger fan after reading The Moments. Great storyline and really well written. I can’t wait to read her next book!
November 23, 2018
Nice
I thought the story started slow. Soon I found that I was really into it. Bailey and Jenna were so much in love. They frustrated me to no end. The story is well written with a nice ending. The love scenes were great.
I thought the story started slow. Soon I found that I was really into it. Bailey and Jenna were so much in love. They frustrated me to no end. The story is well written with a nice ending. The love scenes were great.
November 12, 2019
One of Nicole’s best.
One of Nicole’s best and it’s also my top 3 books of all time. Please do not let this not being a kindle unlimited book deter you from getting hold of it. I’m a fan of her books and she never fails to deliver. Please keep the stories coming!
One of Nicole’s best and it’s also my top 3 books of all time. Please do not let this not being a kindle unlimited book deter you from getting hold of it. I’m a fan of her books and she never fails to deliver. Please keep the stories coming!
March 9, 2022
Jesus this book played with my emotions from beginning to end. Just when I thought things couldn't get any worst or more complicated for the couple- boom, Nicole proved me wrong. I mostly just cried while reading it. Great book.
October 8, 2023
Makes you think
I really liked the concept of what would happen in a moment when you took the chance and when you didn’t. I enjoyed the story and the opposites between the two paths.
I really liked the concept of what would happen in a moment when you took the chance and when you didn’t. I enjoyed the story and the opposites between the two paths.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews