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My best friend's sister is my home run, but she's not playing by the rules.

From model student to college athlete, I’ve always chased perfection. Now, I’m in the majors—the starting third baseman for the Bridge Point Bears.

I don’t have time for distractions.

So what keeps me from fully focusing on the game? My best friend’s sister, who feels like secret summer nights and everything I’ve been missing since I was a teenager. Eight years have passed and she’s still under my skin, consuming my thoughts.

Indy Archer is trouble wrapped in fishnets and combat boots, with a sharp tongue and sexy curves. She hasn’t changed a bit, and it only makes me want her more.

We shouldn’t have chemistry, but the pull between us has always been stronger than we can control. We shouldn’t flirt, but it comes so naturally.

And we definitely shouldn’t kiss… but I’m seconds away from crossing that line—again.

Loving Indy doesn’t just risk my heart. It risks the one friendship that’s been my rock since I was a child.

If I choose her, I lose him. And if I walk away, I lose us.

I’ve spent my entire life playing by the rules.

But Indy… she’s a rule I can’t seem to follow.

Now I’m afraid I might learn what happens when you break them.

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 12, 2026

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A.R. Rose

21 books283 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
Profile Image for Leona T.
36 reviews3 followers
April 19, 2026
Indy and Gareth? Absolute chaos in the best way.
This was the kind of story that feels like summer nights, stolen glances, and kisses that definitely weren’t supposed to happen… but thank goodness they did 😌✨

The brother’s best friend tension? IMMACULATE. The push and pull? Delicious. And Gareth being all “I follow the rules” while completely folding for Indy… yeah, I ate that up.

Indy is bold, unapologetic, and just the right amount of trouble, while Gareth is that golden-boy-softie combo who never stood a chance. Together? Fireworks in a baseball stadium 🎆

If you love:
⚾ sports romance
💋 forbidden vibes
🖤 opposites attract
🔥 tension that hurts so good

…this one is a total home run.
Profile Image for Lauren Sammut.
66 reviews1 follower
March 2, 2026
Took me one day to read this ARC book & I loved it!! 😍

The wonderful flashback scenes/chapters show the back & forth of Gareth & Indy’s feelings for each other & the one roadblock in their way…Dylan, Indy’s brother & Gareth’s best friend.

From start to finish Gareth & Indy tackle life’s obstacles both together & apart & would absolutely recommend this book to you if you appreciate a sweet & spicy sports romance….usually I’m a hockey or football romance girl, but thank you A.R Rose for adding baseball romances to my collection…cannot wait for the other books in this series 🫶🏼

💚 Brother’s Best Friend
🩷 Opposites Attract
💚 He Calls Her ‘Trouble’
🩷 She Calls Him ‘Golden Boy’
💚 MMC Golden Retriever/FMC Black Cat
🩷 It’s Always Been You
💚 Sports Romance: Baseball
🩷 Dual POV

Profile Image for Marissa.
186 reviews
March 12, 2026
Stealing Kisses is a baseball romance with a touch of spice, but it offers far more emotional depth than I expected going in.

Indy and Gareth have known each other since childhood, with Gareth being Indy’s brother Dylan’s best friend. Because of that dynamic, they spend years quietly navigating the feelings between them while trying not to hurt someone they both care about. That tension runs through the whole story, and it genuinely pulled me in.

The emotional weight between these characters feels very real. Their connection leaps off the page, and I found myself deeply invested in how they were both trying to honour the relationships around them while also figuring out what their hearts wanted. There were moments where I genuinely did not know how things would unfold, which kept me fully engaged in the story.

One thing I particularly loved was the way Gareth shows up for Indy when it matters most. Watching their relationship evolve felt meaningful rather than rushed, and it made their connection feel earned.

What really stood out to me is that this story offers more than just the central romance. There is a strong thread of found family woven throughout the book. Gareth’s teammates bring a sense of camaraderie and belonging, while Indy finds support and safety in her workplace and the people around her. Those layers gave the story a warmth and depth that made it feel richer than a typical sports romance.

I genuinely enjoyed my time with this book and found myself fully immersed in Indy and Gareth’s world.

I received this book as an ARC, however this review reflects my honest thoughts and feelings shared voluntarily.
Profile Image for Bookcorner_talk.
286 reviews11 followers
March 2, 2026
Gareth and Indy have the absolute best chemistry. Their story started when they were kids and even years later they kept on pining for each other unable to be with anyone else. They couldn’t make their love come to life because of Indy’s brother, Dylan. When they were teenagers Dylan told Indy that he would never be able to forgive his best friend if he were to date his sister. So they had moments of stolen kisses and stolen glances but never pursued a relationship until now that is. Gareth had enough of putting his friend’s feelings ahead of his own happiness and so did Indy. So they decided to give their love a real chance. This book had me hooked from the first page. I couldn’t put it down and finished it in one day. I rate this book 5 stars and it was the absolute best way to begin the month of March.

***I received this book in exchange for an honest review***
Profile Image for Missi.
541 reviews15 followers
March 27, 2026
This was a sweet and spicy sports romance and I loved it. Brother's Best Friend trope is one of my favorites. That dynamic adds tension to the story. The flashback scenes were done so well and really help to show the way Gareth and Indy's feelings go back and forth. Their connection runs deep and that makes it all the more emotional for them to try to stay away from each other. The evolution of their relationship felt natural and unhurried. I loved how Gareth was there for Indy no matter what. I have always loved sports romance for the found family that accompanies the romance of the main characters. I really loved this book and can't wait to read more by this author.
March 16, 2026
Stealing Kisses by A.R. Rose
My Rating: ★★★

This was a sweet brother’s best friend baseball romance. Gareth and Indy have been pining after each other for years but never really gave it a shot because of Indy’s brother and not wanting to ruin their relationships with him.

I enjoyed the past and present storylines and getting to understand where it all started from. I loved the undeniable chemistry and connection between the two of them and how things were at the second half of the book when they finally gave each other a chance. Indy’s brother was incredibly mean to them and the fact it he two of them so long to finally do what they wanted was a bit frustrating. Thankfully when things finally started to fall into place for them it was on point!
Profile Image for Amanda Schumacher.
324 reviews12 followers
March 9, 2026
I really love Indy. She's familiar thanks to Rosie's story in Marked by Cain. She really cares about Indy. Gareth and Indy have been in love with each other since they were little more than kids. They have stayed quiet thanks to Indy's brother Dylan swearing he'd never forgive them if anything happened and they got together. Something that hit hard. We see memories of events from when they were younger. I love this couple.
Profile Image for Michellelovesreading.
1,634 reviews187 followers
March 12, 2026
This was such a good book. I love baseball romance.

Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Profile Image for Ishika.
148 reviews4 followers
April 8, 2026
Does a reading slump happen because of good books or bad ones?
Profile Image for Faiza BEGUM.
720 reviews17 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 1, 2026
Few tropes hit me harder than childhood friends who never stopped loving each other—and this story delivered every ounce of that longing.

Gareth and Indy first met as teenagers, barely more than kids, and what started as instant connection quietly turned into something much deeper. The complication? Gareth also became inseparable from Indy’s older brother, who made it very clear that a romance between them was off-limits. So instead of exploring what was so obviously there, they spent more than a decade pretending friendship was enough.

Thirteen years later, Gareth is finished pretending.

What begins as a secret, time-limited chance—just a few weeks to finally see what they could be—quickly turns into something impossible to contain. The plan was simple: figure out if they should go public or continue keeping things hidden. Of course, life has other ideas. When they’re discovered together, the fallout threatens not only their relationship but the lifelong bond between best friends.

The slow-burn tension in this book is exquisite. You can feel the weight of every lingering glance, every almost-touch, every moment over the years where they chose loyalty over desire. It’s romantic and a little heartbreaking knowing how long they denied themselves. At the same time, there’s something beautiful about the timing. Maybe they needed those years to grow into the people who could truly make it work. It does make you wonder—if they’d taken the leap when they were younger, would they have lasted, or would immaturity have cost them everything?

Gareth is an absolute gem of a hero. Steady, devoted, and completely gone for Indy in the most endearing way. He gives off that golden-retriever energy—soft where it counts, fiercely protective when it matters—while Indy balances him perfectly with her sharper edges and quiet strength. Their dynamic just works. The chemistry is constant, simmering beneath every interaction until it finally ignites in a way that feels both satisfying and inevitable.

Sports romance fans will be especially happy here. The baseball backdrop adds energy and momentum to the story without overshadowing the emotional core. Add in the brother’s-best-friend tension, years of pining, second-chance-at-the-right-time vibes, and just the right amount of heat, and it’s a combination that’s hard to resist.

Most of all, this is about choosing love even when it’s inconvenient. It’s about deciding that other people’s expectations don’t get to dictate your future. Watching Indy and Gareth finally put themselves first is deeply rewarding, and their happily ever after feels fully earned.

A heartfelt, tension-filled romance that proves some loves are worth the wait—and absolutely worth the risk.
Profile Image for Jane litherland.
4,349 reviews77 followers
March 19, 2026
Love ,love ,love this book! It’s A.R.Rose so there is no surprise there after all she has the flair to go there. Gareth and his Indy aww. Ever so cute! But he’s gotta focus on the game ,his aim is high . He’s played third base for the Bridge Point Bears ,this has all he cares about…

Until a certain best friend’s sister comes a calling as Indy has always gotten under his skin. Not like min oh no ,so much more. She’s the one bis pulse raises and his heart beats for.Indy Archer is her name and she lays claim to his thoughts and dreams ,he’s coming apart at the seams because of this distraction…

Dylan made his feelings clear ,Gareth should stay clear of his little sister… but eight years is a long time ,and she really is sublime… is it worth losing a friendship over an infatuation that could be over before it gets a head start? He can ill afford the distraction her fishnet clad legs paired with combat boots looking every bit as cute as he remembers.

Trouble with a capital T is this lady fair ,but he didn’t ought to go there… She hasn’t changed a bit and he wants all of it. Suffer the consequence ,though it makes no sense. But aren’t rules meant to be broken. There’s many words left unspoken in this chemistry arc. It might not be a cake walk ,or a walk in the park. It’s a full innings and they both feel a spark. Golden Boy show them your bark…

Would it really be remiss if they were to kiss? Two consenting adults at this. Who is Dylan to stand in their way. Doesn’t that make him the selfish one anyway? Well it’s the kinda dilemma that didn’t ought to be . Not when it’s written in the stars and their destiny…

Well what do you think? Does he sink or swim . Take one for the team. Live his dream and get the cream? Does he score ? Does he roar with delight and does his career take flight too. More to the point what does her brother do? The answer to these questions and more can be found in these pages and it won’t take ages to read . But it’s very satisfying indeed. Well of course it is . Written by A. R Rose whose prose are delightful as well as delightful and the humour first class . And that Dylan he’s like that Bumble fella once said about the law and him being able to control his wife when he’s in a bit of strife. What’s more. Yep that’s correct an ass with no circumspect I expect…
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
31 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 4, 2026
✨ARC Review✨

Stealing Kisses by A.R. Rose was such a CUTE sports romance! I flew through this book and couldn't help but root for Indy & Gareth. Stealing Kisses is the second book in the Bridge Point Bears Baseball series, but can also be read as a stand alone.

Tropes:
🩵Sports Romance
🩷Brother's Best Friend
🩵Opposites Attract
🩷 Golden Retriever x Black Cat Energy
🩵Childhood Friends to Lovers
🩷"It's Always Been You"
🩵Secret Dating
🩷Dual POV

“…the thing about our story is that I’ve been writing it in pen. Every single memory with Indy is engraved in my soul.” - Gareth Fox

For Indy, Gareth Fox is the one that got away. For Gareth, Indy Archer has been the one he's been holding out for over the last thirteen years. Why have they stayed away from each other? Gareth's best friend is Indy's older brother and he once said he would "never forgive a friend for dating his sister".
For thirteen years the two have tried to stay away from each other, but during all that time neither of them have ever committed to another relationship because of the feelings they hold for each other.
That is, until Indy's brother leaves the country for three weeks and they decide to finally choose their own happiness for a change. But how will Indy's brother take the news when he returns? Will they still choose to be with each other and put their happiness together over their relationship with Indy's brother?

Gareth Fox is a swoon worthy golden retriever MMC with a protective side and Indy Archer has that feisty black cat energy which made for a perfect opposites attract romance. I absolutely loved Gareth and Indy's story from start to finish. From their childhood flashbacks to their present day relationship their instant chemistry was everything.💕

This was my first book from A.R. Rose, but I look forward to reading more! Can't wait for the third book in the series Stealing Hearts!

Profile Image for Keri.
118 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 8, 2026
I generally don't love romances where two absolute strangers fall madly in love at first sight or after barely knowing each other. I do, however, absolutely love romances where two characters start as (childhood) friends and yearn for each other while falling (even more) in love throughout the book until they get their long-awaited HEA at the end. In Stealing Kisses, miserably in love (and over it) baseball star Gareth and his best friend's aloof but also miserably in love little sister, Indy, are the latter, and I love their cute little love story with forbidden romance vibes, cameos from Stealing Forever characters (IYKYK), and the perfect amount of heart, heat, and humor.

I think A. R. Rose was smart to tell the beginning of their story through flashbacks so that we readers can see how and why they started falling for each other when they were younger. As adults, they're both understandably hesitant to betray and hurt Indy's big brother, Dylan, but ultimately can't deny themselves the love they both know they want and deserve. My biggest issue with this book is Dylan, whose reaction to his best friend and sister being in love after staying away from each other for years and making themselves miserable for his sake is way beyond what I consider understandable and forgivable. That said, I've never been in or encountered this situation IRL, so maybe Dylan's reaction is realistic (if childish and selfish).

Overall, Stealing Kisses is a fun and easy read about two likable, relatable characters who definitely belong together and finally, after realizing that living without each other is too miserable to bear, choose their own happiness over someone else's insecurities. Now I'm excited to read the next book in the Bridge Point Bears Baseball series and find out which characters and relationship I'll be rooting for.
Profile Image for Janelle Sequin.
333 reviews59 followers
March 13, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review: Stealing Kisses ⚾️💋

If you love a brother’s best friend sports romance packed with tension, banter, and years of unresolved chemistry, this one absolutely delivers.

From the very beginning, the connection between these two is impossible to ignore. He’s the golden boy—disciplined, focused, and living his dream as a professional baseball player. She’s bold, unapologetic, and completely uninterested in playing by anyone’s rules. Together? They are pure chaos in the best way.

What really made this story shine for me was the history between them. Eight years of lingering feelings, stolen glances, and “what ifs” creates this delicious slow-burn tension that had me hooked from the start. Every flirtation, every almost moment, and every stolen kiss felt meaningful because their connection runs so deep.

The Golden Retriever / Black Cat dynamic was perfection. He’s loyal, protective, and struggling to keep control, while Indy pushes every boundary with her sharp wit and fearless attitude. Their banter had me laughing, but their emotional moments really pulled at my heart.

I also loved the baseball backdrop. It added just the right amount of pressure and stakes, especially when falling for Indy could cost him the friendship that means everything to him. Watching him struggle between loyalty, love, and finally choosing what he truly wants made the story even more compelling.

This book had great tension, fun humor, emotional moments, and plenty of swoony romance. If you enjoy:
⚾ Brother’s Best Friend
⚾ Opposites Attract
⚾ Sports Romance
⚾ Protective Heroes
⚾ Long-standing secret crushes

then this is definitely one to add to your TBR.

Stealing Kisses is full of chemistry, heart, and those unforgettable moments where breaking the rules might just be worth it. 💕⚾️
102 reviews2 followers
March 21, 2026
This was a super cute read! Gareth is Dylans best friend, and Indy is Dylans younger sister. Since they're only about a year apart, Indy and Dylan have always been pretty close. But when Dylan brings Gareth over one day and is introduced to Indy, he's pretty taken with her, and she is too. Unbeknownst to her brother, they fall in love... But they can't be together because Dylan is childish and they would both lose him. This goes on for YEARS, with Gareth and Indy trying so hard to stay apart, but desperately needing each other. The yearning and heartbreak is intense between these two.

Finally, after almost a decade, Gareth has had enough. He's tired. They're all adults at 26/27 and he just wants to be with his damn girl. Surely, this won't be such a big deal to Dylan. He doesn't let Indy just push him away this time, and she crumbles, admitting how deep both of their feelings are. They make a deal... Dylan is going to another country for a few weeks, and Gareth pleads to let him love her like she deserves, and at the end of 3 weeks she can decide if she's ready to tell her brother.

I enjoyed this one a lot. There's a real lesson here about choosing yourself and your own happiness, something I think a lot of us could use reminding of. Dylan was such a childish jerk, but I guess that was the foundation for the whole story anyway 😅 Thank you to Luna Literary Management, the Author, and the publisher for allowing me to read and review!!
Profile Image for Ashley  Jenkins.
108 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
March 6, 2026
This book starts off with a bang, and it doesn’t let up! Talk about a book that makes you feel for the two characters and want them to be together more than anyone. You truly become absorbed in their story and become their biggest fan!

This opposites attract, best friend’s sister, baseball romance was such a good, quick read. Indy is your black cat, punk rock, with a soft heart, FMC. And she’s had heart eyes for Gareth from the moment she saw him back in high school. Gareth is your “golden boy” star baseball athlete who has been entranced with Indy since then too. It was pretty much love at first sight. Neither acted on their feelings because of Indy’s brother — it truly makes you so mad at him for keeping these two soul mates away from each other. The tension you feel when they’re around each other is palpable. Your heart just feels for them. But when Gareth has the “screw it” moment, it’s game over from there! And when they both give in to the constant pull, it’s so easy and warm and exactly how it should be.

Overall this was a cute story! It was a fast read, but the story had no dull moments. I liked how opposite the characters were, but how strong their love for each other was despite it. It was just enough sports, just enough spice, and just enough “we can’t” to make this a good book!

This was an ARC read for me, and these are my honest opinions.
Profile Image for Erica.
38 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 7, 2026
Eeek! I want to start off by saying how freaking adorable is this cover?!?!

I loved the first book in this series and I was so looking forward to this one because I love when my FMC’s are a little bit snarky but with a heart of gold and trust me that is Indy to a T.

Gareth was adorably obsessed with Indy and I loved that he didn’t want to change anything about her. I normally am not a big fan of flashbacks but in this case I thought it was necessary to see the love they had and how it grew.

The love between Indy and Gareth is so pure but so is the caution and sadness. One comment from her brother in high school changed the whole trajectory of their story. From love and life to caution and heartbreak.

I got to be honest, Indy’s brother Dylan pissed me off throughout most of this story I was hoping for a little bit more character growth from him but 🤷🏻‍♀️ maybe we will see little bit more throughout the series, maybe we won’t.

There are so many character’s stories that I am looking forward to reading I can’t even tell you who I am looking forward to the most.

Thank you A.R. Rose and Luna Literary for an arc copy to review!

Ratings:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Tropes:brother’s best friend, opposites attract, sports (baseball), golden retriever X black cat energy, it’s always been you
Profile Image for  •Cici• Theory of A Dreamer Book Blog♥.
3,571 reviews157 followers
March 12, 2026
I've been wanting to get into this series. I picked up this second installment and jumped right into the Bridge Point Bears Baseball world. I so enjoyed this story!

Indy and Gareth's journey quickly captured my attention! These two have been in each other's lives for years as Gareth is best friends with Indy's brother, Dylan. The thing is though, there's so much more between Gareth and Indy. Can they be together despite everything?

Both Gareth and Indy got me into their story. I really liked getting to dig deeper with them, especially their history. Their mutual feelings for one another was so great to see. I wasn't sure how Indy and Gareth would deal with Dylan and everything in their hearts for each other.

It wasn't easy for Indy and Gareth. These two had me going through many emotions throughout! The chemistry between Gareth and Indy couldn't be ignored.

It was fun being with the Bridge Point Bears Baseball crew for the first time! Baseball is my favorite sport and I really enjoyed what all that it brought to the story.

With Stealing Kisses, Ms.Rose has created such a good Brother's Best Friend romance that had me feeling so many things! ⚾️💚

I'm looking forward to getting back into this series.

Check out the author's note about the content warnings.



*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from the author*
Profile Image for Rebecca Hill.
818 reviews10 followers
March 14, 2026
Stealing Kisses is the second book in Rose's Bridge Point Bears Baseball series. This brother's best friend romance features Indy Archer and Gareth Fox.

When Indy's brother Dylan brought his new friend Gareth home, he never could have anticipated what he would set in motion. It was essentially love at first sight however, out of respect for Dylan, they never pursued a relationship. There were occasional covert kisses, but nothing more.

Eight years later, Dylan and Gareth are still best friends. Gareth, the Golden Boy of Ridgewood, is now a professional baseball player for the Bridge Point Bears while Indy works at Andromeda, a local biker bar. They try to only see each other when Dylan can be the third wheel. One night, when the three of them are supposed to have dinner, Dylan gets food poisoning and has to cancel. Indy and Gareth end up having a private dinner for two which ends up being the catalyst to something more.

Indy and Gareth were so good together. I loved that she called him Golden Boy while he called her Trouble. It was perfect Golden Retriever/Black Cat energy. While they weren't the obvious couple, they had amazing chemistry. The years of yearning built up to an almost explosive relationship. The spark was clearly present between them and once that match was lit, it was fire!

I enjoyed the characters and the writing. Their story was entertaining and enjoyable. I look forward to discovering more of this series.
Profile Image for Nicole Marie.
206 reviews3 followers
March 14, 2026
4.5 STAR READ

If you love brother’s best friend romance with tension, banter, and a protective baseball hero, Stealing Kisses absolutely delivers.
This story brings a slow burn romance full of chemistry, forced proximity, and emotional moments that make the characters feel real. The dynamic between the main characters kept me hooked from the start. The push and pull between friendship, loyalty, and undeniable attraction creates the perfect amount of angst. The hero is exactly the kind of MMC romance readers love. He is protective, a little possessive, and completely devoted once he realizes his feelings.
I also loved the baseball setting and the found family vibe within the team. It added depth to the story and made the world feel alive. The banter was fun, the tension was delicious, and the spicy scenes were memorable without taking away from the emotional connection.
What stood out most was how the story captured that feeling of friendship turning into something deeper. The emotional payoff at the end made the slow build completely worth it.
Overall, this was a fun and emotional sports romance with great chemistry and a satisfying happily ever after. If you enjoy brother’s best friend, sports romance, forced proximity, and a protective hero, Stealing Kisses is definitely worth adding to your TBR.
Profile Image for Kylee.
65 reviews5 followers
March 14, 2026
i never thought i’d be so in love with a forbidden love x brother’s best friend x sports romance dynamic but i was SWOONING over this one🤏🏼🤏🏼💞

Gareth (first of all LOVE the name) is such a sweetie, literally definition of touch her and 💀!! Star hitter of the Bears baseball team and heartthrob of the team especially✨ Indy (also LOVE the name choice here) is your not so typical alt girly who is practically a workaholic bartender but lovesss her job andddd has an overprotective older brother/twin who’s besties with Gareth.

The two meet as kids so this friendship/love affair grows into a steamy🔥 forbidden relationship that they both struggle to keep secret from Dylan, Indy’s brother, who swore he’d disown them both if he found out they were together🫠🫠😳 Chapter 14 had me in happy tears like SHAME on Dylan for keeping them apart😭 Also Dylan in general was just not my fav until his redemption chapter towards the end🤏🏼🤏🏼

Double LOVED the fact that this book perfectly intertwined with the first book in the series, seeing tiny bits of Declan’s perspective again was a fun refresh!🫶🏻 I love seeing different tropes used in this series and can’t wait to see what’s next!! Love love love this read!!
Profile Image for jenswhitenoise.
385 reviews1 follower
March 27, 2026
"It's the same argument we've been having for years. At sixteen. At eighteen. Twenty-two. Twnety-four. Twenty-six. Seven months ago."

Indy & Gareth. Aw...sigh...swoon...kick feet...nooooo...not again...yes...yes...yes...
I love these two. I love their story. There's nothing about this book I didn't like! Childhood friends who always knew it was them or nothing. A brother who forbade the relationship as teenagers. I can't believe they were running scared and staying away from each other all this time.

This is a short read - 267 on my Kindle which meant I didn't even have to stop once I started reading which is a huge bonus because I couldn't. Their story grabbed me and took me on a rollercoaster of emotions and (listen, it's a romance so you know the HEA is coming so it's not a spoiler) the HEA was so satisfying and so perfect. It was a clean HEA - there were no doubts and nothing was hanging on the choices they made. It was theirs to have.

what to expect:
*sports romance - baseball!
*brother's best friend
*opposites attract
*black cat x golden retriever
*it's always been you - SWOOOOOOON

"I can't do this anymore...not without you."


I received a complimentary eARC and my review is voluntary. Thank you to the author and Luna Literary Management.
Profile Image for Sheridan Mullen.
135 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 27, 2026
3.5 Stars

This book is spicy from the very first chapter and I was honestly not expecting that. No complaints here though! It pulls you in fast and doesn’t waste time getting things moving.

The story itself moves quickly, but it never feels rushed. The tension between Indy and Gareth is undeniable, and it’s almost wild how long they manage to hide their true feelings just to protect her brother and Gareth’s best friend.

This really highlights the complexity of falling for your brother’s friend (or your friend’s sister). It’s messy, emotional, and full of restraint depending on the situation, and that conflict worked really well for me.

I loved how Gareth never gave up on her even while staying true to his loyalty to Dylan. Even after all that time, Indy is still his endgame, no question. Meanwhile, Indy is so caught up in loyalty to her brother that she struggles to let herself want what she truly wants, which adds to the tension and emotional push-pull between them.

Overall, this was a fast, spicy, and engaging read with great chemistry and just the right amount of angst mixed in. A fun romance that kept me turning the pages!
Profile Image for Lyn Brownlie.
821 reviews19 followers
Review of advance copy
March 9, 2026
Worth the wait
I really enjoyed this story of two people meant to be together but keeping distance for the sake of a loved one.
From the day they met Indy and Gareth were drawn to each and as the years went past their feelings only became more intense.
Staying apart is not what they really wanted but neither want to hurt Dylan (Gareth’s best friend and Indy’s brother) so stolen moments are all they have ever had.
Until they finally decide to take a chance on themselves and start a relationship, only to be discovered.
Will Dylan accept both of them being together or will there be contention between all of them?
Can they ever get their happy ending or was it all for nothing?
This was a great sports romance with spicy scenes featuring a man that never lost sight of finally being with the woman he had fallen in love with.
The flashbacks throughout the book added insight to their earlier years which enhanced the storyline and made me Iove the characters.
I’m definitely looking forward to more books in this series.
Thank you A R Rose and Luna Literary for the opportunity to read this story.
Profile Image for Preshina Pillay.
35 reviews1 follower
March 12, 2026
Sweet, Swoony, and Completely Addictive

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Stealing Kisses by A. R. Rose, and I genuinely loved every moment of it. From the very beginning, the story pulled me in and kept me hooked until the very last page.
The chemistry between the characters felt so real and natural. Their interactions were full of tension, emotion, and those little stolen moments that make romance stories so addictive.
One of my absolute favourite parts of the book was Gareth. He completely stole every scene. His personality and the way he interacts with the other characters made him such a standout, and I honestly looked forward to every moment he appeared.
Compared to the first book, Stealing Kisses feels a little deeper emotionally. Book one built the foundation of the story and characters, but this one really lets the relationships develop and the feelings hit harder.
Overall, this was a sweet, emotional, and swoony read that I couldn’t put down. If you enjoyed the first book, this sequel definitely delivers. I’m already excited to see what comes next. 💕📚
498 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 2, 2026
Gareth and Indy have known each other for years through their connection with Dylan, Gareth’s best friend and Indy’s brother. You learn of the young love that Gareth and Indy have for each other in their teenage years interspersed throughout the book with the look backs. That is when Dylan stated that both would be dead to him if they ever pursued a relationship. Now as adults, Indy and Gareth still have a connection again with the fear of Dylan. Gareth is a professional baseball player who focused hard in life to get where he is with goal of providing Indy with all that she needed. He never gave up hope for a relationship with her. Indy works at a biker bar and has always watched Gareth from the TV. As they both fight for the relationship that they want to have, what happens when Dylan finds out?

This story had so much yearning throughout it and you find yourself cheering for them to finally get to be together. I absolutely loved when Gareth came immediately when Indy needed him and how he was there for her. This book had it all.
Profile Image for rosesreadsromance .
79 reviews9 followers
March 12, 2026
🩷 Indy isn't just the love of my life.
She's my home run. ⚾


Is there such a thing as love at first sight? 💘 Indy and Gareth prove that there absolutely is! 💖
Although they’ve loved each other since their teenage years, they couldn’t be together for a long time because of their loyalty to Indy’s brother, Dylan.💔
Their story is beautifully told through flashbacks that show how their feelings grew from a teenage crush into a deep, mature love. 🥹
I adored what a wonderful partner Gareth is and how strong his friendships with his teammates are. Also the friendship between Indy and Rosie was another highlight for me, how they support each other so well. 🫶🏻
And the visit to the farm? So sweet and touching. 🐎🐕🌾🏡
This book was such a joy to read. The story flows smoothly from chapter to chapter and never drags. I was completely hooked! ✨😍
Now I’m already looking forward to the next books about the other baseball players - Jensen and Austin definitely deserve their stories next! ⚾📚


📖 Stealing Kisses by A. R. Rose (ARC) 💚🩷
Profile Image for Lauren Kelly.
72 reviews4 followers
March 22, 2026
Indy Archer is a neon-sparked wreck of chaos in fishnets and combat boots, the kind of woman who sneers at rules and tattoos her truth across every room she walks into. She’s spent years pretending she wasn’t in love with her brother’s best friend, burying the hunger under snark and movement, but time is a liar—those old sparks never die, they just smolder until someone breathes on them. Gareth is an all-star who’s built a life by the book: practice, precision, protect the people who matter. He’s stubbornly decent and disastrously loyal. Watching them circle each other—her fierce, principled no, his relentless, earnest insistence—is both heartbreaking and electric. It’s real and painful, so the betrayals sting; yet the tension is earned, not lazy, and the payoff lands with teeth. This one is messy, heated, and jagged and I couldn’t put it down. If you crave a MMC who refuses to accept no until the girl chooses him, and a heroine who stays herself even as she breaks, this will wreck you in the best way.
Profile Image for Jacqui Petronella.
35 reviews
March 9, 2026
Stealing Kisses by A.R. Rose
⭐️⭐️⭐️
💚Sports (Baseball)
💚Brother's Best Friend
💚Opposites Attract
💚Golden Retriever x Black Cat Energy
💚Dual POV

Stealing Kisses was a cute, easy read! The story follows Indy and Gareth, childhood friends who are unable to be together despite their strong desires. They struggle to act on their feelings because neither of them wants to risk hurting Dylan, Indy’s brother and Gareth's best friend. I loved the openness about the characters' feelings towards each other, as with most best friends, brother, and friends to lovers tropes, their romantic feelings are typically kept hidden until later in the story. I felt this helped to show how deep their connection truly was, and how they have been longing for each other for all these years. I also really enjoyed the flashback chapters and wish we got more of them. Overall, I enjoyed this book. A huge thank you to A.R. Rose and Luna Literary for giving me this advanced reader copy!!!
Profile Image for Emily Johnston (Booked.Up.With.Emily).
1,735 reviews125 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 9, 2026
I absolutely LOVED this book! A.R. Rose is truly killing it with this series. I am so invested. Gareth and Indy are true GOALS!

Brother's best friend
Baseball romance
Black cat x golden retriever
It's always been you

Gareth has been in love with Indy for as long as he can remember. And Indy has always felt the same way. Over the years, there have been moments between them, but they never truly crossed the line in being together because of Indy's brother and his reaction (rightfully so in their case).

Now it has gotten to a point where Gareth is all in and he will do whatever he needs to do in order to get his girl!

There is so much pining, yearning, and everything in between. These two are an unlikely couple on the outside, but truly, on the inside, their chemistry is so top tier! I loved Gareth's genuine love and caring for Indy. And I loved Indy's need to protect her heart, while also being vulnerable.

I cannot for the next book in this series!
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