All it took was one decision for Clay Nolan to lose the one person he loved more than Ophelia Fuller. Now, years later, he's lost more than the love of his life. Jobless, practically homeless, and out of options, he ends up sleeping on his best friend’s couch. He’s all but given up, until Ophelia suddenly returns. In the time since she last saw Clay, Ophelia has flourished. After letting the ‘mistake’ of Clay shape her into the woman she is, all of her biggest dreams have come true. But when she returns home, she’s reunited with a mixture of emotions. The most confusing part…is Clay. As best man and maid of honor at their friends’ wedding, they are thrust back into each other’s lives. Trying to stay on their own paths, they find themselves weaving through emotions they've both tried to forget. With each reminder of what she meant to him, he finds himself falling deeper for her. Ophelia, on the other hand, needs to decide if she's ready to take the jump with Clay - or if she is content right where she is.
Stefanie K. Steck is a self-published author of swoony contemporary romance novels. In her books, you can find all the emotions you need always with a happily ever after.
Stefanie lives in Salt Lake City, Utah with her husband Spencer, three kids, two dogs (whom she loves almost more than writing), and a newly adopted cat. She works as a full-time dental assistant, which she rather enjoys. When she’s not assisting with a root canal or cleaning her house; you can find her writing her new novels or cuddling with her dogs and kids. She enjoys reading, is an avid Pokémon GO player, and loves all the Marvel movies (Iron Man and Spiderman are her favorites, and she will never leave out Loki).
Stefanie did it again! I read this book so quickly because I just fell in love with the characters. I love how well the author captures all the sweet and swoon-worthy moments of romance. Both characters were so well developed and I was rooting for them the whole time 😍 and the seeds that are planted for the next story.... Ahh! I can't wait to read the third book in the series!
After loving book one, That Right Moment, my expectations were high for this second book in The Moments of Us series. I’m so pleased to say, not only did That Next Moment meet my expectations, but I loved it more than book one.
We met Ophelia and Clay, best friends of Maddy and Milo, in That Right Moment and learned they were together in college, but abruptly ended their engagement 10 years ago when their careers took them to opposite sides of the country. That Next Moment starts with a quick flashback to that break-up, then jumps forward to present day where Maddy and Milo’s upcoming wedding has brought Ophelia and Clay back to Portland, and back together, for the first time.
I loved the friendship between all four of these characters in book one, so I was excited Clay and Ophelia would get their own “moment.” What I loved about this book was relatable the circumstances were. There was no major fight that broke up Clay and Ophelia, they were two career-driven people that deeply loved each other, but felt their lives were going in different directions. It was no mystery to themselves, or us, that 10 years later, they still deeply loved each other. The story focused on whether or not they could put aside what has happened in the past and move forward, together.
I was deeply invested in Clay and Ophelia’s story and couldn’t put this book down. I really enjoyed how following their journey also allowed us to keep up with Maddy and Milo in a way that was seamless, and didn’t steel the focus from Ophelia and Clay.
I adored Clay from the beginning, though a bit of a grump, he’s a number-loving nerd that still loves the girl he let get away. Ophelia, is a fierce friend and stylish lady that I has never gotten over Clay not moving to New York with her.
I can’t say enough good things about this series. I can’t wait for That First Moment, which comes out soon. I definitely recommend getting caught up. 😊
I had the honor of beta reading this one! I didn't think Stefanie could outdo That Right Moment, but man... she DID! These two are such compelling characters and I just know everyone is going to love them and their story.
“It was her smile that made me fall in love with her..”
All it took was one decision for Clay to lose Ophelia. Trying to stay on their own path, they leave the past in the past…or so they think. Will their hearts find a way back together?
This book is the second in the series and after book one I couldn’t wait for book two. Clay and Ophelia’s story is a perfect look at young love halted due to job aspirations. Clay and Phe’s story has all the great moments of a second chance romance. Stolen moments together. Old memories relived. Each character is a strong MC and it makes for some interesting scenarios. You truly can’t get enough of their time together and how they find a way to be together in the end. I couldn’t get enough of it and read it in one day! The story was PERFECT and I can’t wait to see what book three has in store!!!
💜second chance 💚different paths 💜forced proximity 💚soul searching 💜strong MC 💚slow burn 💜he falls first 💚interconnected stand alone
Ahh this book!!! It was amazing! Just as good as if not better than That Right Moment. Stefanie is amazing. I love how she connects her characters. We still got so much Milo and Madeline in this one and I was here for it.
Ophelia and Clay were college sweethearts who both chose careers over each other. After some bad luck Clay finds himself on his best friend’s couch. Clay is the best man and Ophelia is the maid of honor. They are asked to plan their best friends bach party. 10 years later and they will see if they still have feelings for each other.
Tropes in this book: Second chance romance He falls first again She falls harder Slow burn Different paths/same journey Strong female lead
5 stars! I can’t recommend this enough! Go read it now!
This was ok. It didn’t keep my interest. She was quick to forgive and seemed kind of desperate at times. My first read by this author. I would read something else by this author.
I would like to thank Stefanie for the opportunity to Beta read this book!
I loved the first book in the series “That Right Moment” so when I was given the opportunity to read this I was super excited! And this book did not disappoint! Total time reading this book was about 5 hours! That’s how captivating this book was for me! There was a moment very earlier on in the book where I was sucked in and could not get sucked out! There were so many times where I forgot I was reading because I was so engrossed in the story! (I looked and I was at chapter ten then I kept reading and after a while I thought “wow chapter ten is really long!” Then the next chapter was chapter 16!!)
Clay and Ophelia (Phe) are amazing characters and I am so glad that I got to read more about them and that they got their own book! There is so much I could say about this book but I will wait until I comes out!
Oh Clay and Phe...... ya’ll have such a soft spot in my heart. You guys, this was my first Stefaine Steck Novel and I instantly fell in love with her writing style. This book hands down deserves this 5 star rating. Let’s dive into this review shall we.
I adore second chance romances. They just give my heart all of the happy feels & Stefaine did just that with this novel. Now That Next Moment is a 2nd book in a series and I own the first book but signed up for the ARC for TNM. I’m honored to have the opportunity to read and give an honest review. Thanks Stefaine!
Clay was a mess when he runs into his biggest regret, Ophelia. 10 years had passed between them and even though so much had changed for them both, the zing between them was still there. However Clay’s actions left Ophelia on edge when around him, not putting herself in the position to get hurt again. However seeing Ophelia again gives Clay a spark back into his life right at the perfect time.
Ophelia was my favorite character to read because I not only love a strong female lead character but I love someone who follows their dreams and does anything they have to to get there. And when we meet Ophelia, her dreams are coming true. All but one of course..... a certain old fling whom she apparently left her heart with.
This book is fantastic! I love the close knit friendships, the slow burn between Clay & Ophelia, and everything in between. This book was well written & packed full of feelings. It was one of my top favorites for this year. And I will absolutely be picking up every other book written by this fabulous author.
Read this book if you love: 🪡 Second Chances 👞 Golden Retriever Lead Male Characters 🪡 Strong Female Lead Character 👞 Found Family 🪡 Chasing Dreams 👞 Wedding Planning 🪡 Slow Burn 👞 A fun bungee jumping scene And so much more!
"I didn't want to give you another reason to hate me because after all these years, you're my biggest regret" 😍
I can honestly say that Stefanie K Steck has climbed to the top of my favorite Indie Authors list! That Next Moment was absolutely fabulous! It is the second book of The Moments of Us Series but can be read as a stand-alone.
Ok, I am just going to say it…I really didn’t like Clay at the beginning of this book. What a freeloader, crap friend who took his friends for granted! The attitude and the lies! UGH! But then as I read and got to know him, he really redeemed himself. I almost love him as much as Milo (he will forever be my favorite). Ophelia, is fabulous! I love her sass and strong-will to make such a name for herself in the fashion industry. It was refreshing to see that she didn't immediately let Clay off the hook for how their relationship ended all those years ago. They are perfect for each other but they truly needed that 10 year break to become a better version of themselves today.
Does anyone else hear Whitley from A Different World's voice when Ophelia talks? 🤭
I loved everything about this book - the writing, the character, the character development. BUT mostly the love and banter that is throughout this book! The only thing is that I wish Clay would have gone after his ex-employer to get that money back. It could have help not only his career but Ophelia’s…even though I know in the end, it really didn't matter.
While I know that this is Clay & Ophelia’s story, it really made me love Milo even more than I did after reading That Right Moment. What an amazing friend he was to Clay! I also loved that Milo & Madeline went to Marble for their honeymoon!
𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞… Second Chance Romance Enemies to Lovers Slow Burn Forced Proximity Different Paths
Thank you to @authorstefanieksteck for the Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my honest review!
I love Clay and Ophelia's love story... like I'm obsessed with them. This book is all about the right person wrong timing. I didn't know that the trope could get to me as much as it did. Clay and Ophelia were college sweethearts that allowed their hearts to shatter by following their individual dream careers on opposite sides of the country. Leaving nothing but hard feelings behind Ophelia pursued her dream of designing clothes and dresses in New York, and Clay pursued his dream of being a lead accountant at a firm in Seattle. Years later, Ophelia has been given the opportunity to open up a boutique filled with her designs. Clay, though... he finds himself in a bit of a mess... he was accused of embezzlement at his high-end firm in Seattle. He now resides on a couch in his best friends apartment back home. There is no income and nothing left to show of his previous successes other than an unregistered tesla named Tessa.
With their best friends' wedding coming up (read That Right Moment), it is inevitable that Ophelia and Clay will have to tolerate each other for just a few short weeks. Can time and growth bring these two together? Is it possible that regrets and feelings will surface leading these two to move past the hurt from so long ago?
This is the second book in the Moments Of Us series, and both books so far have been so good. Highly suggest starting at book one because you will want to know more about all of these characters. The writing is excellent, stories are excellent, and character development is excellent. Just overall amazing series!! Five stars all the way. I'll read any book she writes.
I really enjoyed Ophelia and Clay’s second chance romance. Work opportunities on opposite coasts drove them apart a decade ago, but the wedding of their respective best friends forced them together again, and they discovered that the feelings for each other were still there. Clay had suffered through significant setbacks in his accounting career, while Ophelia’s star was rising in the fashion world. It was really interesting to see the things happening in Ophelia’s life and her work, and I also found Clay’s journey of recovery compelling. We’ve all be beaten down by life at times. I also liked following how Ophelia and Clark’s interactions changed as they let go of past hurts, became more honest, and started to trust each other again. It was impossible not to be invested in them finding happiness together. I did find a decision Clay made late in the story kind of perplexing. I think it’s meant as symbolic of how he had changed from “Seattle Clay”, but it didn’t quite make sense to me. This book is the second in the series so it would be the best reader experience to read Milo and Maddy’s story first, but this story can standalone too. This is what I would call a detailed fade-to-black story with innuendo. There is a moderate amount of mild and strong harsh language throughout.
I received a complementary copy of this book, and am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
OKAY, so book 1 of this was friends to lovers, so you know I absolutely LOVED it. I was nervous reading this for Stefanie, because I was worried Clay wouldn’t have my love the way Milo did because enemies to lovers doesn’t always make me swoon like friends to lovers. ALAS, that wasn’t the case and I think it even took Stef by surprise!
Clay and Phe were the absolute cutest. Phe is such a strong woman, it’s honestly so refreshing to read strong FMCs where they stand up for themselves and don’t let others put down them putting their career first.
In this one, we get second chance lovers and enemies to lovers. And low-key forced proximity kinda, since they’re forced to help put together their best friends’ wedding - which they’re the maid of honor and best man. What a pair!
If you read book one, you know that Phe and Clay dated in college and were together for a good chunk of time, but Clay chose career over love. Phe took her heartbreak and made a name for herself. Now that Clay is in a bleh position career wise, he realizes he made a mistake. So he brings Phe Starbucks coffee almost daily and swooooon (Starbucks is definitely a way to my heart).
For being closed door, Stefanie still captures attention and just has a way with words. A huge thank you to my friend, Stefanie Stack for allowing me to beta read and for an ARC copy of this masterpiece.
When I was approved for this ARC I was so excited I squealed a little. After reading "That Right Moment" I simply could not wait to dive into Clay and Ophelia's story. I love a good second chance romance, so I went into this book with high hopes and Stefanie absolutely crushed it... again.
I fell in love with Milo and Maddy's story and hoped for a Phe and Clay follow up. I was rooting for them the whole time in "That Right Moment."
With every flip of the page I hoped I'd see Ophelia and Clay rekindle their love. That Next Moment gave me exactly what I needed. If you read Milo and Maddy's story, you simply cannot miss this one.
That Next Moment is an interconnected standalone but it would be best to start with That Right Moment so you can really fall in love with everyone. I think my favorite thing about the Moments of Us series so far is that the characters are so incredibly easy to love. Stefanie has a way of writing characters that you cant help but cherish.
Read this book if you like: -Second Chance Romance -strong FMCs -Interconnected Standalones -He falls first -slow burn -forced proximity -closed door romance
Thank you so much Stefanie Steck for the ARC of "That Next Moment." All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is the second book in Stefanie's series Moments of Us. It can be read as a stand-alone but you will miss a big journey that occurs between Madeline and Milo who are sub characters in this story and I highly recommend that you start with their journey first, That Right Moment. This story follows Ophelia and Clay who are best friends of Madeline and Milo. Ophelia (Phe) and Clay are thrown back into each other's lives after years apart. When their lives separated years ago it wasn't on the best of terms. They had been together in a relationship on a path they both though was forever, but a decision made changed everything. Now, years later, lessons learned can things even be on friendly terms. This novel is filled with such great emotions, heartbreak, joy, redemption, love, second chances you will truly enjoy the journey your heart goes on. If you love second chance romances, strong leading ladies, men who fall first, sweet romantic gestures, small towns, and life lessons learned this is the perfect novel for you to enjoy.
Thank you, Stefanie, for my free ebook. It was not expected that I leave any positive feedback. These opinions are 100% my own.
I was soooo excited for Clay and Ophelia’s story! Stefanie’s characters are quickly becoming some of my favorites. Her stories are so real, her characters relatable and authentic. Exactly the kind of romance I love to read!
We got to know Clay and Phe a bit in the first book, but only just enough to NEED more. It was so fun getting to know them even better. Their second chance rekindling of love is so special. I love seeing a couple who comes back together when the time is right.
I also love that we get to see Maddy and Milo again! Perhaps the best part about companion series books is that you get what feel like bonus scenes with characters you already love. These scenes made for an even more immersive story!
Stefanie eluded to the fact that Elliot would be a fast favorite side character and boy was she right! Getting to know him and Jamie only made me even more excited for their story! Which is saying a lot because I got a little taste of their book and I’m for sure already invested!
I can’t recommend this series enough! Run don’t walk and add to cart!
Clay and Ophelia dated 10 years ago, when they ended their relationship and their careers took them on separate paths. Now they are forced to work together to plan Maddy and Milo’s bachelor/bachelorette party. Ophelia is a strong FMC who knows what she wants and what it takes to get there. She is driven and confident. I loved watching her success throughout the book. Clay was living through his worst nightmare. Not only losing his job but dealing with criminal charges on top of that. I think that Clay’s struggles early on in the book were super realistic and made me feel for him. I loved that he got his spark back by supporting Ophelia in her ambitions.
I think that what I loved so much about this story was that it wasn’t a matter of whether they still loved each other, but whether they could put aside the hurt from the past and move on into the future. Stefanie once again created a beautiful and captivating romance that I could not put down. I cannot wait to read the final book in this series.
Stefanie K. Steck has sucked me into a story once again with That Next Moment. Being the sequel in a series, it was fun to see previous characters from That Right Moment. It made you love them even more. Steck is a fabulous storyteller, interweaving comedy, romance, and normal life all together. There were several moments that made me laugh, even just singular lines that I loved. Clay and Ophelia were such a fun couple to read about. Their experiences were relatable and made you love them more. Ophelia's spunk reminded me of some good friends, and she is the type of friend we all need. Clay goes through some tough stuff and shows how to allow others in to help us get back up again. Their romance growing from past experiences- and a daily coffee- are full of sweet moments. If you're looking for a fun romance novel, check it out!
Note: minor swearing (does include F word), sex references (+fade to black), & alcohol use
Thank you so much to @authorstefanieksteck for the joy of reading this book! After reading Madeline and Milo's story earlier this year, I was excited to see that Clay and Ophelia's story was next. A classic second chance romance about the one who got away. I enjoyed that the reason for the two of them breaking up in the past wasn't necessarily bad or hurtful, just that the two of them wanted different things at the time. I also loved the strong friends that Milo and Madeline provided for Clay and Ophelia. This was such a heartwarming read and we love a great happily ever after!
Read if you like: 🩷second chance romance 🩷no third act breakup 🩷strong friendships 🩷independent, fierce women
"Happy. A smile spread across my lips as the single word floated through my brain. I wasn't one hundred percent, that's for damn sure...but I was getting there. I was finding my way back to...her."
ARC Book Review That Next Moment A Novel Written By Stefanie K. Steck Fiction - Romance Published August 2, 2023 336 Pages
This is Book 2 in the author’s Moments of Us Series. After reading this book, I want to read the first book in the series, That Right Moment.
This book is a slow burn, second chance, closed door romance. What I liked best about this book is that it was very realistic. What happened between the two main characters could really happen.
A week after Clay Nolan proposed to his girlfriend, Ophelia Fuller, he dumped her for a job in Seattle. He went to Seattle for his job as an accountant in a law firm. She went to New York City to pursue a career in fashion. Ten years later he is jobless, homeless, and depressed. Their friends’ wedding brings them together in Portland. Noah now must come face to face with his biggest regret. Will he tell Ophelia about his downfall? Does Ophelia even want anything to do with Nolan? This book was hard to put down.
“What if I don’t want to lose what I had gained from losing it all?”
This is the second book in the Moments of Us series. I’ve been so looking forward to That Next Moment and people, let me tell ya, it was even better than I had imagined!
I am sometimes iffy on second chance romances, but this one played out perfectly. Ophelia and Clay were brought together for the first time since they broke up 10 years before, spending the summer helping their best friends plan their wedding. Clay also needed time to try to figure out his life after his professional career took a massive hit, while Ophelia’s future was the brightest it had ever been.
It was great to catch up with characters from the previous book and get a sneak peek at characters for the next book as well.
Thank you so much Stefanie K. Steck for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Watch for That Next Moment to come out August 2, 2023.
✨New Review✨ 📚 That Next Moment ✍🏼 Stefanie K Steck @authorstefanieksteck Pub date: August 2, 2023 My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🖤 Read this if you like: - second chances - slow burns - closed door romances - strong female leads
🖤 Brief synopsis: Ten years ago, Clay broke Ophelia’s heart when he ended their relationship to pursue a job. Now, homeless and broke after losing that job, Clay is back home and he and Ophelia, who is now a rising fashion designer, are forced to work together as Best Man and Maid of Honor at their best friends’ wedding. The more time they spend together, the more they feel that familiar spark. Will that spark fuel them to try again, or will it burn their relationship to the ground again?
🖤 My thoughts: If you’ve read my previous reviews, then you know I loved Madeline and Milo’s story in Stefanie’s previous book That Right Moment. This is a follow up story focused on Maddy and Milo’s best friends, and it’s just as good as the first! I felt the heartbreak, the interest, and the passion. I understand how adults sometimes face difficult choices between careers and relationships, which this book addresses. There is a lot of emotion (and a lot of fun!) surrounding Clay and Ophelia in this book. Definitely grab yourself a copy when it comes out on 8/2/23!
⚠️ CW (list may not be exhaustive): career pressure, job loss, homelessness (indirect), alcohol use
Such a cute story! I really enjoyed BOTH Clay and Ophelia which is so nice because I don't always like both MC's in a book. Ophelia is a little too stubborn, but I feel Clay balances that out so well. I'm so glad Author Stack gave Clay a book to grow in, because his growth was amazing. I didn't think much of him in the last book. He was just Milo's friend. In this book he shines! He finds his strength. He finds maturity. He discovers he's always known what love was, he just tried camouflaging his hurt with money and women. Allowing himself to let those tough exterior walls down made Clay so attractive! I also loved the friendship between Ophelia and Maddy because I didn't feel strongly about it in the last book. In this one we got to be a part of the friendship and that was so cool! Great job Steck! I will patiently wait for the arrival of book 3!
I am loving this series! I love how Stefanie is intertwining the other characters in the books and we get to see so much of Milo and Madeline's wedding planning. I got totally engrossed in this book as well. I wasn't a fan of Clay continuing to hold a face for Phe and continuing the lie. I did love that Clay was trying to prove himself to Phe. Clay and Phe supporting each other and pushing each other to ask for what they want and make the life that they want and have dreamed of.
Highlights: Bringing her coffee Fabric store & Tessa Bungee Jumping First date Milo & Madeline's wedding
*Genre: Romance (fade to black) *Tropes: Second chance, forced proximity , he falls first again *Duel point of view
Oh boy. I had to sit on this review and fully process my feelings for this book (and I still haven't fully processed 😅). I loved every second of TNM. It was everything I had hoped for and so much more. Watching Clay and Ophelia get their second chance had me awwwing, melting, laughing, crying, wanting to bang my head against a wall, then laughing and crying again (happy tears). Clay is the ultimate burnt cinnamon roll and will forever be my favorite of them. What I liked most about this book was getting to see the group interactions and the friendships: Maddy and Phe are ultimate friendship goals, Milo being the definition of a brother and friend to Clay in his lowest moments, and the new friendship that developed between Elliot (my beloved) and Clay. The spice, while closed door, was somehow still just as hot as full on spice. It was the tension and the buildup that did it for me. If you want a perfect second chance romance with exceptional character growth that will stay with you forever, Stefanie has you covered with That Next Moment.
This book follows two new main characters but also includes the original characters from the first book. I really enjoyed being able to follow along Milo and Madeline story while Ophelia and Clay were front in center.
This story was super sweet and focuses on a second chance romance. After reading this, I can guess who the third installment of the series will be about but you'll have to see that for yourself.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a very easy read with a sweet story.
First I would like to say thank you to Stefanie for letting me arc read That Next Moment. I had the honor of arc reading the first book in the series, That Right Moment and loved that one also!
That Next Moment is a second chance, slow burn, he falls first (again), fade to black romance and I loved it so much! I love Clay and Ophelia so much!
It’s about Clay and Ophelia. College sweethearts who went on different paths ten years ago. Now after all those years they will be seeing each other again. Will seeing each other bring back all of those old, wonderful and amazing feelings?
Well, first of all thank u, thank u, thank u for sending me this eARC Stefanie. I loved the first book and i loved this one too. Clay and Ophelia were so cuties and I enjoyed their journey so much. Although, i dare say, Milo and Madeline are always in my heart. All in all, i hadn't read a book with second chance before and i liked they way the story unfolded. It was well written and the thoughts of the characters were awesomely described. Can't wait to read the 3rd book of the series which I'm sure I'll love too. 💕
No era necesario mencionar tantas veces que Clay tenía un tesla, lo entendí desde la primera vez.
No entendí como Ophelia lo perdonó tan rápido. No hay desarrollo, pasan de romper y no tener contacto por una década a seguir queriéndose y coqueteando. No hubo conversación en donde dejaran en claro sus expectativas, limites, ni siquiera hablaron de lo que salió mal la primera vez, todo fue borrón y cuenta nueva.
Si Clay no hubiera sido despedido, jamás se habría cercado a Ophelia y no habría temiendo su relación con Rebecca.
Lo único que hizo Clayton en todo el libro fue conseguir trabajo.