Stolen Moments

by Ariel Tachna

After a year apart, teacher Jacob Peters and county judge Beau Braedon decide they can’t live without each other. There are just a few small obstacles to their Alabama love story. Jacob resents Beau’s paranoia about being outed, but Beau is convinced he’ll lose his seat on the bench if he admits to their relationship, and as a teacher at a Christian school, Jacob’s job is even more at risk. They could relocate, but Beau’s mother has Alzheimer’s and can’t be moved. And then there’s the tiny issue of Jacob’s infant son, Finn, and his mother, whom Jacob wed out of duty. In short, they are stuck. But Beau has a long-term plan, and he’s prepared to swallow his fears and compromise with Jacob, because sharing stolen moments is no longer enough.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Queer, Romance

202 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 26, 2011

About the author

Ariel Tachna lives outside of Houston with her husband, her daughter and son, and their cat. Before moving there, she traveled all over the world, having fallen in love with both France, where she found her husband, and India, where she dreams of retiring some day. She’s bilingual with snippets of four other languages to her credit, and is as in love with languages as she is with writing.



Visit Ariel at her website http://www.arieltachna.com or on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/ArielTachna, or e-mail her at arieltachna@gmail.com.

Reviews

[MsMiz (Tina) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I still am going back and forth on a rating for this book. The beginning of the book will make most of you hard core HEAs want to vomit, yet there is something that is done right in this story in the end and that is where I get tripped up.

We are first introduced to Jacob, who is an elementary school teacher in a small shit homophobic town in deep south. His lover is Beau, a judge in the next over small shit homophobic town. I do not want to give away the storyline here, but lets just say we get a back story of Jacob being a complete and utter shit since Beau was being an uncommunicative-afraid-of-being-gay ass. Jacob does something that is so out of character for a gay man and then the story picks up a year later.

Those who cannot stand cheaters, stay away. Those who can see past this and understand the message of tolerance, catalysts and love - I recommend this story.

[D · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmm. This is a tough one to rate, so I'm going right down the middle. I liked how Beau and Jacob eventually worked through their shit and that not all of the people in their small Southern town were complete assholes, but a couple of things bugged me. All of the paranoia of being discovered together drove me crazy. I don't know how these guys would be able to stay sane. And then after all of the extreme measures to stay closeted, they were mysteriously found out. How? What happened to the ex-wife? She was just in the picture to have the baby, hand him over, get divorced, and never be seen or heard from again? We saw reactions from everyone else in town, but not her. It doesn't seem logical to me that she would find out her ex-husband and the custodial father of her baby is gay (pretty much immediately after the divorce), and never say a word about it.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teacher Jacob Peters and county judge Beau Braeden have been apart for a year but it is not working for either man, but neither is being together. They argue over secrecy and being in the closet. Their breakup resulted in Jacob drinking too much and impregnating a young woman. He is married to her now and is not comfortable breaking his vows. Beau, though, is in it for the long term and is making plans for them to be together. He wants to swallow his fears of losing his position in favor of long term relationship with Jacob. Jacob works in a Christian school and is not sure the administration will be understanding. He also has to consider his young son.

Your heart goes out to both of these men. They have to work hard to go to a resolution. It is not with out pain and tears. I loved the ending. It was worth the whole book. It is fantastic! The story clearly illustrates and the good and the bad gay men face. I hope more good in the future.

[Serena Yates · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stuck in a trap that is, in a way, of their own making, Jacob and Beau face quite a battle before they can celebrate their happy ending. They may have a lot of passion between them, even love, but until they get their lives in order, they don’t stand a chance. The realism of the obstacles they face, the developments they go through (both mental and emotional), and the difficulties of their own making made this an interesting read.

Jacob is an honorable man, who is drawn to do the right thing, even if that means creating problems for himself. The care he takes to keep up appearances is justified, since he’s a teacher at a Christian school. His only problem is that doing the right thing makes him unhappy on a personal level, since it means he cannot be together with the man he loves. I think it is interesting that he is more ready to come out, should Beau decide to stand by him, than Beau is. And even when it becomes clear exactly what consequences this might have, Jacob remains faithful to his principles.

Beau faces two major problems if he comes out: the threat to his career as a judge, and his inability to move because of his mother. It takes him a while to sort out his priorities, but when he does, and once he has a plan, he is unstoppable. Since his barriers are mainly mental, it is possible for him to overcome them without facing a professionally impossible situation.

The cast of secondary characters also deserves a mention here. They brought the story to life in ways that made me smile, yell at them in anger ,and roll my eyes in turn. Just like in real life.

If you like realism in your stories, if reading about an inner battle to become the person you want to be interests you, and if “normal” people and their struggles interest you, you will pobably like this novel.


NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

[Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg. This book. Ariel Tachna's Stolen Moments is an amazing read. It's an extremely touching and emotional read.

Beau and Jacob are two closeted men in a conservative, Southern town. After having a long time affair, they haven't seen each other in a year. Reunited now, all the old feelings and chemistry are still there, as well as all the problems.

Their story is full of regrets and pain. Jacob's stuck in a marriage with someone he doesn't love, and Beau is regretting everything that he did to get Jacob into that situation.

Their story is sad; just so damn sad. These are two men who are in love, and who work so well together, but can't be out and proud in their small town. Both are stuck in a complicated situation, leaving my heart breaking for them. As far as when they get to spend their stolen moments together, they are super hot.


My favorite line is "Change requires a catalyst." And even better yet, is the importance of this line in their story.

Of course this story's heavy on the cheating, so avoid it if that's a hard limit for you, as this is a story of an ongoing affair.

In the end, it's a happy ever after as these two struggle to work out their issues. Eventually, they work to figure out what's right for them and the life they want. They have to deal with some homophobia first though. But the ending is magnificent and completely heart-warming.

Stolen Moments definitely isn't for everyone, with all the hiding, sneaking around, and lying. But I love it. It's a worthwhile emotional read about personal growth and taking chances.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I'm never happy with cheating, this isn't a bad story. One of regrets, promises and love.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad story, but also not one that kept me all that interested. I started skimming the love scenes after the first two or three because they seemed repetitive. It's definitely erotica, but I found myself rather bored with them.

I was more interested in their actual relationship. And that's where this story lost points for me. I questioned a lot of the circumstances as well as their eventual resolution.

Gay man (Jacob) has lover's spat because lover (Beau) fears bringing the relationship into the open in the conservative Alabama towns they live in. Upon their break-up, gay man has one-night stand with female in retaliation. And oops, she gets pregnant (uhm, condom????) and he marries her out of obligation.

Instant disbelief. That seemed completely out of character. Yes, it's explained with alcohol and the need for revenge, I guess, but still - that plot point seemed contrived. And the wife is a college student? Who lied about her age? And after the divorce, she's never seen or heard from again. Yeah...that didn't work for me.

I believed Beau's reasons more. A sick mother in a nursing home who shouldn't be moved and his job as a county judge seemed more believable as reasons to stay in the proverbial closet.

Though of course, Jacob's job at a Christian school would also be in jeopardy if they were to come out - again, that part seemed reasonable.

So, the two having decided that they will give their relationship another try, are now using the planning of a summer program as an excuse to spend time together, thinking that this will hide the true purpose of their meetings from prying and disapproving eyes. Not only does Jacob cheat on his wife, but then he also cheats on Beau with his wife. Oh, the guilt. It drives Jacob to divorce his wife. Which then begs the question - if Beau hadn't come back into Jacob's life, how long would Jacob have lived the lie?

I wasn't too happy with Beau's characterization. He seemed to make all kinds of promises to Jacob that to me felt more like placating his lover. I wondered if push came to shove, would Beau renounce him again? It seemed Jacob felt that way too, still mistrusting what Beau was telling him, but reminding himself that they had agreed to give it another shot.

It wasn't until they're found out and Jacob is fired, that Beau truly stands up for their relationship and outs himself to the town, his friends and his mother.

Of course, they are initially ostracized by some people the town, but then a providential meeting at the local eatery proves to be the turning point. And they live happily ever after.

I liked how Beau and Jacob worked through their differences, and how the story depicts a real relationship between two people who love each other, want to be together, but face adversary because of who they are. It also paint a realistic picture of prejudice and small-minded people who pick and choose parts of the bible to explain and justify their bigotry.

The sheriff said it best when he reminds them that he's stared hatred in the face, and that the only reason he was hated on was because of the color of his skin. In today's society, no matter where you live, whether it be Nowhere, Alabama or New York City, neither skin color nor choice of partner should be a reason for hate. Hopefully, we'll get to that point eventually.

The narrative is rather emotionless, and the constant discussions around their dilemma, especially the whining from Beau's end, became a bit grating towards the middle.

What also bothered me is that even though the principal accused Jacob of being in a sexual relationship with a man, there was never any proof divulged from his end. How did they find out? We're not told. I would have liked to know. Also, the reaction of Jacob's ex-wife is completely absent. I would have expected her to at least have a confrontation with Jacob - he tells her he wants a divorce because they don't love each other and got married for the baby's sake, but she never questions him coming out as a gay man when he loses his job and moves in with Beau? It seemed as if her only function in this novel was to provide a warm body for Jacob's revenge f*ck and to be the mother of his child. Strangely enough, we do hear about her parents' reaction but nothing from her.

The book's message is pretty straight-forward: Love and acceptance. It's one we all should heed.

I received a free ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.

[T.A. Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jacob Peters tried. He really did. He thought he had met the man of his dreams, and he would have his happily ever after. But living in East Nowhere Alabama, neither man could come out without consequences. Jacob is a schoolteacher at a conservative Christian private school. And his man, Beau Braedon, is a judge. So they have to manage their time together very carefully. Very discreetly.

When Beau cancels their infrequent meetings one too many times, Jacob has had enough. He calls, leaves Beau a message that he will be going out and will pick someone up and have some fun. He doesn't hear from Beau, and as a result, he is now married, to a woman, and has a beautiful son he adores.

But it's not enough. He misses Beau still. And is still furious with him.

Beau is a country judge, deathly afraid that someone will find out about him being gay. He has lived in the closet all life, and sees that continuing. He pushed Jacob away out of fear. His mother is ill with Alzheimer's, in a nursing home, and he has to be nearby for her. He doesn't want to face what might happen if he comes out.

But living without Jacob is hell. And he wants him back. So he calls Jacob, wanting a second chance. Asks for a meeting, so they can talk.

It might be the worst idea ever, but Jacob can't forget Beau any more than he can forgive him. But when Beau proposes a deal - give him six months. Six months to prove that he can work out a way for them to be together. Worst. Idea. Ever.

So of course Jacob agrees.

As they embark on an affair, will Jacob be able to forgive Beau? Will Beau be able to convince Jacob it can work? And when it all threatens to blow up in their faces, will their love be strong enough to keep them together in their conservative Alabama town?

This is a thoughtful, loving look at two men who learn to be enough for each other. Ariel Tachna has created a beautiful story of two men who prove the idea of synergy - that the sum of two coming together is so much more than the individual strengths.

Jacob is the strong one at the beginning of the tale, and Beau, seemingly, is the lesser of the two. In fact, Beau is rather unlikable. And as they move through the story, Jacob stumbles, and it is up to Beau to be the strength in the relationship. And to my surprise, Beau stepped up and proved proved his meddle. Be the pillar Jacob needed.

That is what love is all about. Being there for each other, sharing strength and weakness and joys and sorrows. And Ms. Tachna has gently shown us that.

And without beating us over the head, she shows us that one should never underestimate people in a small town. As a black police officer tells the two:

"I know what hatred look like. I've stared it in the face since I was old enough to know what I was looking at. It wasn't right when they hated me because I was black. It ain't right that they're hating you because you're gay."

Well done.

Tom

[Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overall
While there are moments of this novel that I enjoyed, such as how the resolutions were handled, how the characters reacted (sometimes), and the general concept, I had difficulty connecting with Beau, struggled to feel the connection between the two men initially, and had to force myself to keep reading what is a slow-paced story. The things that are done well weren't done quite well enough to overcome the problems I had with the story, but for readers looking for a slow, "second chance"-type story, this may be right up their alley.

Strengths
The struggles the two men go through at the end are touching and sweet as they stick together and persevere. Although some moments seemed a little ridiculous, I was willing to let it go as part of "small Southern town" stuff.

When the men are human together--not worrying about their jobs, their secrecy, or their dicks--the story is a warm tender tale. However, these moments are rare and were barely enough to keep me reading.

Despite my largely negative review, this story will read better for some readers than others. The story wasn't bad so much as bland, leaving me unimpressed and feeling it was largely forgettable. This isn't a story I'd recommend, but it's not one I'd wave red flags all around either.

Weaknesses
The uninspired prose felt sex heavy and plot light. Although the story wasn't unbearable, too much time was spent on them being apart from one another and only getting together for sex, leaving me to see very little development of their relationship at first. Their moments together not talking about what they are going to do or having sex are nice and develop the characters, but these instances seem too few.

Too happy of an ending. Things fell into place too easily, making all the worries and fretting from the beginning seem unimportant--and left me even more frustrated with Beau. While I wanted the men to have a happy ending, this fell into the almost-unrealistic end of the spectrum.

Requested this book for review.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.

[Olla Honeycutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life is not simple for gay couples, and yes, there are a lot of prejudices in America. Alabama has a lotto live down with past prejudices, I know since I live in a small town here; but it is changing!!! I understand Beau's fear of coming out of the closet since he is a judge in a small town, respected and a leader that others to look up to as a fair minded official of the court. I also understand Jacob's frustration with Beau, his job, and mistakes that has been made. These "details" are comprised in a awesome story with well developed characters that you can empatize with. Excellent story!!

[Becky Condit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the beautifully developed characters, both the good ones and the, if not bad, then at least disappointing ones. The secondary characters were as strongly drawn as Jacob and Beau. The morale of the tale is clearly shown by who stands up for what is right in the end, when the catalyst for change turns out to be a combination of one big sacrifice and one small invitation of acceptance.

See my complete review 3/15/12 - http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stolen Moments by Ariel Tachna is a very sex-centrict story. For those who want a lot of sex in their gay romance books, then this would be a good choice. Most of the action/drama happens in the last 20 pages where Ms. Tachna's writing skills shine. The editing is almost error free, and the book is easy to read.
I give Stolen Moments three stars.

[Kerry sullivan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't get very far in this book, maybe page 20, before I gave up. I just could not connect with either of these two men. I just felt I wanted to scream at both of them, right from the start, to grow a pair step up or step off and for me I stepped off. Sorry this just didn't do anything for me and I just cant read a book I don't like, maybe that say more about me then the book!!

[Southernangel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, I enjoyed this story. It got a bit slow in some parts, but it was a decent read. I was expecting a bit more from Finn's mother and family after the coming out, and was waiting for the big bang, yet that didn't materialize. In my opinion, there could have been more development from Harrison's mother as well.

[Kiki · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Snowtulip · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[jules0623 · Rating 1 out of 5]

45% finished. I couldn't stand listening to Jacob's self-righteous, self-pitying whining any longer.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting paths weren't followed, also at times, the sex scenes got in the way of the story.

[Midia · Rating 3 out of 5]

2,5