Holden

by Phoebe Moss

She was destined to be mine—until I found her in bed with my stepbrother and my best friend.

Holden

I’ve spent years hiding behind books and indifference—but she makes me feel everything I’ve tried to escape.

Hendrix

I’ve spent years chasing freedom—but she’s the one thing I never want to let go.

Conrad

I’ve spent years behind the lens—but with her, I can’t stay in the shadows.

Moon

I came to Charleston for a fresh start—now I’m caught between three men and a city that wants to keep its secrets buried.

Welcome to the Southern Moon Trilogy

In Charleston, charm and corruption go hand in hand. This series explores a spicy, unconventional college romance between three guys bound by loyalty and the girl who unravels them all. As their ties to each other deepen, so do the dangers—unraveling a web of corruption Charleston’s elites will kill to protect.

By the end of the series, the relationship will be classified as MMMF. Swords will cross. This one ends on a cliffhanger.

This trilogy features a dark unconventional romance and contains graphic content that some readers might be particularly sensitive to. Please review the author’s note for content warnings before reading.

Genres: Contemporary, Romance

326 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 10, 2025

Reviews

[Kelsey H · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Book Sirens and author Phoebe Moss for the opportunity to read this ARC! 💕

Rating: 🌟 🌟 🌟
FMC: 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
MMCs: 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶

Things I liked: I really liked that Moon was a dom in the relationship dynamic, and the spice was definitely spicing! Each of the guys are great MMCs, and I don't really have a favorite among them. The reverse harem aspect was done well.

Things I didn't like: I'm personally not a fan of insta-love. It was only a few chapters in and the main characters were already pretty attached and declaring how much they mean to each other. It just didn't feel very realistic to me.

The suspenseful portion of the plot was also interesting, but somehow didn't seem to fit either. I also understand that this is only the first book in the trilogy, so there are plenty of questions to be answered, especially after the cliffhanger!

Final thoughts: It's a solid book, but it's one where I'm on the fence whether I want to continue reading the series or not. But with spice like that, I might consider it!

[jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely worth the read!! I thought this was a simple why choose amongst others. It was great right off the bat. Spice factor is 4 to 5 scenes I don’t expect coming from everywhere. Also some secrets to keep the thrill of the book the going. It was unexpectedly great. The book ending the way it does leaves you wanting to on to the next book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tracy Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I have never read this author before but am so glad I stumbled upon them. This is he perfect way to start a trio. I adore the four. Perfect combos in every way. I need more.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow holy cliffhanger and now the waiting begins. Moon and her men were their own individuals who had quirks but fit so well together. Spicy right of the bat and just draws you in to their story and keeps you wanting more. Holden the ever watcher, how is a poet and writer, Hendrix is a sexy free spirt musician and Conrad hides behind his lens. Moon is the one that brings them all together who is fee and living her life. However not everything is what it seems and darkness looms in the shadows begging to be release.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Christina Dallas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read, but it left you with a cliffhanger!! I need to know more, like right now!! lol I can’t wait for the next book. The characters were great each with their own artistic quirks. They all blended well together, yet each stood out on their own. This is a why choose, secret society, mystery romance and its spicy! Wheeewww

Holden is a reader/ writer that has an old deep soul. He’s a watcher. He absorbs everything.
Moon is a dancer/ singer who is loved by everyone. She’s free and lively and quirky free spirit.
Hendrix is a musician who is sêxy and laid back free spirit and always up for an adventure.
Conrad is a photographer. He’s curious and out for a good time

Moon has brought these three friends closer then ever and now they have a mystery to solve that has taken a dangerous turn. It seems someone wants their investigation and questions to stop

I gave Holden 4 Stars and 3.5 Spice

[Stacey T · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book in a reverse-harem trilogy set in historic Charleston delivers a captivating story with a compelling secret society twist. It centers on Moon, a musical theater major who has encountered three intriguing guys. Rather than choosing between them, she embraces the complexity of her relationships, as each guy draws out something unique from her. Holden, an English Literature major, has been brooding and distant since the loss of his brother and his father's departure, despite the addition of his stepdad and stepbrother. Hendrix, a musician who lost his mother, is giving college a shot while enjoying the experience with his stepbrother and best friend. Conrad, a photographer, may not be blood-related to the others, but he has stood by both Holden and Hendrix for years. As they all meet Moon, they fall hard for her and refuse to give her up to one another. Instead, they agree that she will call the shots in their relationship. As they navigate this new dynamic, the lines between their connections begin to blur. A mysterious card leads them to discover the city's seductive underbelly. What starts as an innocent mystery quickly transforms into a dark game of cat and mouse, leaving them uncertain of who is truly in control.
This debut novel by a new author successfully pulls readers in and leaves them eager for the next installment in the trilogy, concluding with a tantalizing tease and a happy-for-now ending. The characters are dynamic and their chemistry is electric, from playful banter to more intimate moments. The unfolding mystery is engaging and keeps readers guessing about the buried secrets lurking beneath the surface. While the writing is strong, I did question the time period in which the story is set. It seems to take place in modern times, considering the presence of cell phones, yet the characters sometimes come across as immature and naïve, likely due to their youth. Nevertheless, this is an enjoyable read that I highly recommend, and I am eagerly anticipating the next book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[ajscenic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book about Moon, Holden, Conrad and Hendrix.
I liked that the dynamic was different than expected. This book is full of steam and I liked how invested everyone was in their relationship.
Some secrets unfold but there is still plenty outstanding at the end of the book. Wow, talk about the ending! Ineed to read the next book NOW!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first encounter with reading anything by Phoebe Moss, and it was incredible. It does have a cliffhanger, but wow I believe that it will be worth the wait for the rest of the trilogy. This book had me stunned, in such a great way. Absolutely wonderful characters, Moon, Holden, Conrad, and Hendrix. A really well put together story and I cannot wait for the next book in the trilogy.

[KayCee · Rating 4 out of 5]

What on earth just happened!? This book drew me in page one. Moon is carefree and takes life as it comes. Holden is the serious brooding book guy she meets over poetry. Conrad & Hendrix, well, you're gonna have to read it and see. Hints that it might MMMF in the next book, secrets from Holdens unalive brother, and finding a speakeasy that has its own secrets. It's adventure, mystery, romance, and plenty of spice. I need to know what comes next!

[Matilda Whiteraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d never read Phoebe Moss before, but I got an ARC of Holden: A Spicy College Romance, read the first chapter, and didn’t move off my sofa for four hours. She drops you straight into the chemistry between Moon and the three MMCs—no slow burn here. 🌶️🌶️ The spice hits fast, but the deeper mystery is a slow, intriguing reveal that keeps you hooked.

Holden gets most of the POV chapters, and he’s everything—sexy, snarky, emotionally walled-off, but so smart and well-read you just want to crack him open. Moon? She’s confident, witty, and sassy enough to handle three guys, but Moss also keeps her vulnerable and real. The whole foursome gives off artsy, cool, young-twenties vibes, and their dynamic is as messy as it is magnetic.

The mystery sneaks up on you—Holden’s brother’s death and secrets that the group discovers in his artwork send them down a crazy rabbit hole (think 1920s speakeasy with a side of sex club) that sparks family drama and leads them on a dangerous quest. If you’re into smart literary references, southern gothic, and hot explicit scenes ranging from MF to MM to MMMF with a side of suspense, you need this on your bookshelf. Highly recommend! 🔥📚✨

[Megsy Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Holden

New author Phoebe Moss has dipped her toe into a reverse harem, with MM, sprinkled with, mystery and secret society. Although the premise is good the execution is pure “English Major. With too much emphasis on, descriptive narrative. Understanding your readers will help her refine her craft.

I found it difficult to differentiate between characters they all had the “same voice”. The constant poetic prose “curls spilling over one shoulder, catching the light like burnished bronze”. …. “Her chestnut bob framed her face, with streaks of silver lending an air of timeless sophistication”.

Simply put I skimmed until I could get to the story. Which has promise but lacked punch.

Hopefully book 2 picks up on content.

[Julie Verriet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast burn, why choose, with a bit of taboo (step siblings). This was a great start to the Southern Moon Trilogy. I enjoyed getting to know Moon, Holden, Hendrix, and Conrad. I love that she is the dominant one for the most part.

[Maria Blackman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot and the smut was top tier in this book. I always love a good RH book where each of the characters serves a separate/different purpose for the FMC to make one whole unit and this book is no exception! The plot and suspense is good and not just a secondary after thought to the smut which i really loved. I can’t wait to read more to find out where this goes and what happens next. There is some really good bi-awakening this is slightly Taboo which is always interesting. I think this author did a really good job overall and look forward to reading more from her.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Janessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holden: A Spicy College Romance—is the first book in a trilogy by new author Phoebe Moss. In this dark romance we meet artsy, free-spirited college student Moon and explore the dynamics of her relationship with Holden and Hendrix, who are stepbrothers, and their friend Conrad. This story is steeped in spice and mystery.

With the discovery of a hidden symbol and a secret high society, our group falls down the rabbit hole. It’s quite the adventure, and I’m along for the ride until the very end!

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

First…the cliffy is wicked! While this is a RH…it is so much more! There is conspiracy and steam and intrigue! I finished it all in one sitting and am wondering…when do we get the next one! Moon is a strong woman and has to be with the men in her life😉. But they are not ALL overbearing and some need a little guiding as well. While this is labeled as a “college” romance it is merely referencing the age. The college thing is not overplayed and the book focuses on the story and the fact that they are all artistic in some way. Looking forward to that next book!!!

[Darkromance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 1 in a trilogy that follows Holden, Hendrix, Conrad, and Moon. This book has a variety of tropes like enemies to lovers, stepsiblings, obsessed MMC, why choose and so many more. There's suspense and with that cliffhanger, I have questions that need answered ASAP. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for book 2.

[The_Book_Brat · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Why Choose
*Contemporary
*Multi-1st-PoV
*Debut Author
*College Romance
*Insta-Love
*Stepbrothers
*Mystery
*Established Harem (3)
*Fast Burn
*1 / 3
Mixed feelings
This certainly starts off with intensity, and is very fast burn! Within the first chapter Moon and Holden interact for the first time ever and have a conversation that essentially devolves into them saying they are it for each other, two chapters later and she has a “scene” with his step brother and best friend and they’re all declaring they’re madly in love and that’s it! It didn’t feel authentic for me.
However the plot line was interesting especially with the mystery over Holden’s brother’s death and the clues that were left behind, the twisty what’s going to happen next along with some strong smeggs scene held this read together. May pick up the next one…

[Sadia Mckay · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started STRONG and i mean we forgot "hello, how are you" and got straight to the good stuff in a classical literature kind of way. Lost of self exploration amongst our harem which was great! It was generally a good book did it keep me screaming OMG? eh about 5 times( secret club scene was wild) i'd rec it if you like the whole build up slow down and build back up vibe. Maybe my brain is twisted and it just wasnt dark enough for me but i know so many of my friends that would marry those 3 men.

[needsrebinding · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m rounding up to a 4. If you like insta-love, kinda D/s dynamics, MM, and a little mystery, then this is a good one. I think I have more questions because there are some story gaps, but I’m interested in seeing where this goes! I received this ARC for free, and I am leaving this voluntarily!

[Susan Klipp · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book. I have to tell you, I wanted to be irritated when I first started reading this story. There is no gentle build up, no getting to know the characters, no background. You just dive right in! It starts with chemistry, adds spice, and then more spice before then ramping up into a darn good mystery! I quickly forgot I wanted to be irritated! Ha!

It's set in Charleston and I love how much the city is a character as much as the main characters are! *Note that this is a MMF story. There are crossing swords in the very best of ways. It doesn't start full blown, but eases into it. The guys, Holden, Hendrix, and Conrad, are long-time friends who are developing a different kind of relationship at the same time as they are developing one with Moon.

The Mystery is so good!! It's so good that I'm willing to wait for the next book. Patiently. Okay, maybe not so patiently, but a little patiently.

Well done Ms. Moss!

[Diana Martins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nirvana

This book is a work of art, which is fitting since history revolves around art in its many forms.
Different people, with different tastes in art, but who come together perfectly.
The plot is so engaging and unpredictable that it makes the suspenseful scenes incredibly captivating. It's also a story that's seductive and full of details, making the steamy scenes truly delightful.
We have a beautiful FMC who is a strong woman that knows what she wants and asks for it, along with three gorgeous MMCs who are eager to give her (and each other) what they desire.
A YA RH/why choose with stepbrothers and a sweet, beautiful MM dynamic.
There may be some potential triggers, so it's important to read the content warnings.
This is the first book in a trilogy, and it ends on a cliffhanger.

[Narelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't usually read half a book straight after claiming an ARC, let alone feel the need to leave my review when I'm only half way through it. But, this one has me captured with it's possibilities. The four MCs (Moon, Holden, Hendrix and Conrad) all are sexy in their own ways, and we've seen glimpses so far of what may come in their story ahead. It promises to be a sizzling read with plenty of other drama and action on the side too. I'm locked in and off to purchase a copy...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[katapolt13 · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Who doesn’t love a good why choose book? I sure do! This book ends up being an MMMF romance and mystery added in. I love how all the MC’s have their own depth and personalities within this book.

My only question is… when is book 2!??!

[Cat the RH Safekeeper]

🔴 This is a poly romance, not a RH 🔴

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

[Saundra Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playful and provocative

Playful, provocative, and beautifully written! There's spicy hot action from the start, with the relationships carrying the plot. Very erotic. That is until more slowly, the undercurrent creeps in. Phoebe Moss has some of the best poetic prose I've encountered. The plot unfold slow and lazy, like a steamy southern afternoon. This is a series I will be recommending often.

[Diana Martins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nirvana

This book is a work of art, which is fitting since history revolves around art in its many forms.
Different people, with different tastes in art, but who come together perfectly.
The plot is so engaging and unpredictable that it makes the suspenseful scenes incredibly captivating. It's also a story that's seductive and full of details, making the steamy scenes truly delightful.
We have a beautiful FMC who is a strong woman that knows what she wants and asks for it, along with three gorgeous MMCs who are eager to give her (and each other) what they desire.
A YA RH/why choose with stepbrothers and a sweet, beautiful MM dynamic.
There may be some potential triggers, so it's important to read the content warnings.
This is the first book in a trilogy, and it ends on a cliffhanger.

[SBee Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

★”her smile was like a dare—dangerous, magnetic, impossible to ignore.”★

The charming allure of Charleston and its creative arts college setting, the forming of the dynamics between Moon, Holden, Hendrix, and Conrad, the unfolding of intriguing secrets hidden in the shadows which become increasingly dark and sinister…these all drew me into the story, and I cannot wait to see what happens next in the next installment of this engaging series!