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Moments in Time #5
Moment of Fate
Bryan Dane’s been living the dream—photography student by day, up-and-coming rocker by night. His summer goals are to earn his last few credits, graduate from NYU, spend as much time in the recording studio as possible, and survive the next few months without sex so he can complete his yearlong goal of self-imposed celibacy. Everything is on track, until he meets Oliver Newcastle.
For years Oliver planned a marriage of convenience with his high school BFF, but now that she’s fallen in love for real, with someone else, it’s no longer convenient. So Oliver came out to his family, quit his job, and left small-town New England for NYC, an intensive summer study program, and a chance to find his own happiness.
From the moment they meet the sexual tension between Bryan and Oliver sizzles. But Bryan wants no part of a relationship, and Oliver wants to sew his wild oats—he just isn’t sure how. Oliver seeks Bryan’s help navigating the NYC gay scene, which throws them together in increasingly more sexual situations until they can no longer deny they're hot for each other. Bryan is desperate to keep things simple, but fate might have other plans.
For years Oliver planned a marriage of convenience with his high school BFF, but now that she’s fallen in love for real, with someone else, it’s no longer convenient. So Oliver came out to his family, quit his job, and left small-town New England for NYC, an intensive summer study program, and a chance to find his own happiness.
From the moment they meet the sexual tension between Bryan and Oliver sizzles. But Bryan wants no part of a relationship, and Oliver wants to sew his wild oats—he just isn’t sure how. Oliver seeks Bryan’s help navigating the NYC gay scene, which throws them together in increasingly more sexual situations until they can no longer deny they're hot for each other. Bryan is desperate to keep things simple, but fate might have other plans.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 24, 2017
23 people are currently reading
318 people want to read
About the author
Karen Stivali
47 books359 followersKaren Stivali is a prolific writer, compulsive baker, and chocoholic with a penchant for books, movies, and fictional British men.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
August 3, 2017
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️! Moment of Fate (stand-alone). Bryan & Oliver meet at the wrong time & settle for friendship while secretly lusting after each other!
I will try to write a better review aft our Shhurrender your TBR challenge.
Moment of Fate (stand-alone) is a steamy hot m/m romance. They work in the same building but their timing is off.
Photography student and musician Bryan Dane is on a hiatus from sex so he can finish school and get his life on track. Recently transferred student Oliver Newcastle is embracing his freedom and sexuality and looking to learn all about the single life in the big city.
They both feel an intense attraction to each other but, settle for friends. That is until Bryan discovers that Oliver is writing a blog about his experiences living the life in a big city and coming out as gay. He can’t stop reading and lusting and soon learns Oliver is thinking about him too…
***
Hero: ★★★★
Heroine: ★★★★
Plot: ★★★★
Storytelling: ★★★★
Sexual tension: ★★★★★
Sex scenes: ★★★★★
Story ending: ★★★★
******************************************
OVERALL RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Angst: | LOW FOCUS |
Darkness: | LOW FOCUS |
Humor: | LOW FOCUS |
Kink: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Romance: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Sex frequency: | HIGH FOCUS |
Suspense: | LOW FOCUS |
Thank you to everyone reading & chatting on Shh… Shhurrender your TBR! https://goo.gl/ccVTB7
February 13, 2017
5 Stars....absolutely loved this.
Don't worry if you haven't read this series....this can be read as a Standalone
I loved everything about this book.The writing,the characters,the sex,the feelings.I really didn't want it to end.I've read a few really good books in the last few weeks and this is way up there with them....it may even be top of the pile!I don't know how she's done it but Karen Stivali has created passion,chemistry and feelings that just felt so real.
Bryan is a photography student in his final year,juggling his school work and also playing in a band.For reasons that are explained he's given up sex for a year but his celibacy is about to be severely tested when he meets Oliver.
Oliver was engaged to his high school best friend.A convenient arrangement for both of them until she finds someone she doesn't just love but has fallen in love with.(Don't worry,no cheating and Oliver is more than happy she's found true love ).
Oliver re evaluates his life,he comes out to his family,leaves his home town and moves to New York,determined to embrace his sexuality.
The intensity between them is evident from the start but it's so much more than insta lust,believe me.They become friends first with Bryan introducing Oliver to the NY gay scene.Bryan has problems of his own,though and it's not just that he's been hurt in love before.The last thing he's really looking for is any kind of relationship.
I can't explain how perfect these men are together and it's not just sexually.Even when they are just hanging out together doing every day things the connection between them feels so strong.
The sex
This is hot,I mean really hot,with some of the best sex scenes I've read.I really can't explain but I think it's down to the writing.Even when they're filthy dirty it's beautiful,you can feel the passion and intensity coming off the pages.
Highly recommended.....read it,I'm sure you'll not be disappointed!!
Arc from Author.
This review has been posted on Dirty Books Obsession
"You called me your guardian angel and told me you thought fate had brought me into your life."
Don't worry if you haven't read this series....this can be read as a Standalone
I loved everything about this book.The writing,the characters,the sex,the feelings.I really didn't want it to end.I've read a few really good books in the last few weeks and this is way up there with them....it may even be top of the pile!I don't know how she's done it but Karen Stivali has created passion,chemistry and feelings that just felt so real.
Bryan is a photography student in his final year,juggling his school work and also playing in a band.For reasons that are explained he's given up sex for a year but his celibacy is about to be severely tested when he meets Oliver.
Oliver was engaged to his high school best friend.A convenient arrangement for both of them until she finds someone she doesn't just love but has fallen in love with.(Don't worry,no cheating and Oliver is more than happy she's found true love ).
Oliver re evaluates his life,he comes out to his family,leaves his home town and moves to New York,determined to embrace his sexuality.
The intensity between them is evident from the start but it's so much more than insta lust,believe me.They become friends first with Bryan introducing Oliver to the NY gay scene.Bryan has problems of his own,though and it's not just that he's been hurt in love before.The last thing he's really looking for is any kind of relationship.
I can't explain how perfect these men are together and it's not just sexually.Even when they are just hanging out together doing every day things the connection between them feels so strong.
The sex
This is hot,I mean really hot,with some of the best sex scenes I've read.I really can't explain but I think it's down to the writing.Even when they're filthy dirty it's beautiful,you can feel the passion and intensity coming off the pages.
Highly recommended.....read it,I'm sure you'll not be disappointed!!
Arc from Author.
This review has been posted on Dirty Books Obsession
February 10, 2017
My first 5+ Star read of 2017 and going on my Best of 2017 shelf!
I’ll be as bold as to say that I know Moment of Fate by Karen Stivali will be on my Top 10 for the year. I know, it’s only February, but I feel this strongly about this book. I’m still giddy from it, and I finished it a few days ago.
At the beginning of MoF, Bryan has received some news that forced him to reevaluate things, and he decides to go on a 12-month long celibacy. He figures this way he can focus on school and his band Wasabi Incident. All was peachy until he runs into a good-looking man on the elevator. Luckily by accident learns mystery man was writing a blog but also runs into him at a show and finds out his name.
Oliver is attending a summer-long program at NYU. He were originally from New Hampshire and decided to go to New York for the summer where he will live life as an out Gay man for the first time in his life. After meeting Bryan, the two strike up a friendship and Bryan takes him under his wing.
Quickly after their friendship began, Bryan realized that keeping his celibacy pact will prove to be a challenge. He’s attracted to Oliver in all ways and finds it harder and harder to fight his attraction.
My highlights:
-Bryan and Oliver. These characters were well thought out and their personalities complimented each other well. They were endearing and so much fun to read.
-Narration. This was one of the biggest high points for me. The story is primarily told from Bryan’s POV, but we also get an insight into Oliver’s thoughts through his blog posts. I found myself enjoying these posts as much as Bryan.
-Relationship development. The progression from friends to more between the main characters felt natural and unforced.
-Chemistry. You know those books where you feel the spark between the main characters oozing off the page? Whether they were just hanging out or in the bedroom- you felt it.
-The pace of the story was smooth and effortless. I found myself trying to slow it down because I was reading too quickly, and I didn’t want the book to end.
-Angst. It was there, but not overwhelmingly so, there was just enough to pull at your heartstrings.
-Milo, Milo, Milo. Bryan’s best friend was awesome. He was witty and a true friend. Pleeeeease, let him get a book, too!
-The end. Loved how the conflict was resolved and gave me a genuine sense that these guys are in it for the long haul. ♥
Can this book be read as a standalone? This book and Moment of Silence (Moments In Time #4) can be. The first three: Moment of Impact, Moment of Truth, and Moment of Clarity- cannot.
Do I recommend this book?
If you’re looking for a heartfelt story that will have you swooning and smiling and just make you feel happy- READ. Moment. Of. Fate.
ARC kindly provided by Dreamspinner Press to Gay Book Reviews.
December 21, 2021
This was near perfect. I was in the mood for a completely relationship-based romance. It definitely delivered for that.
The good, the bad, and the awesome:
My other favorite part of this book was the nature of the meeting between the MCs. It could be said that they met in an elevator. While that's true, no real bond happened there. No, it was entirely related to an online blog. Bryan sees a blog url in a journal that he finds, and he starts reading it. While this book is told entirely through Bryan's POV, we got Oliver's POV through his blogs. This was done brilliantly by Stivali!
Bryan is fucked up about relationships. I've always wondered if people with this mentality exist IRL. One failed relationship and you're done? Don't want to risk the heartache? It was kind of cliché, if I'm being honest, but I rolled with it. Oliver makes him reconsider, though. He's never met anyone like him.
Oliver is pretty perfect. He's been engaged to a woman for 5 years (she knew he was gay), and then she met someone else. So Oliver is taking classes at NYU for the summer and plans to be out and experiencing the "gay life" for the first time. Bryan is more than happy to demonstrate and become his mentor.
Stivali knows how to write smexy times. They were sensual, emotive, and downright jaw-dropping. Bravo!!!
So, why not 5 stars? Sigh. Until 75%, this was a 4.5-5 star read. But then The Big Misunderstanding happened (or maybe it was a small misunderstanding, but still). And then some No Communicating. Yeah, it was disappointing that that's the direction the author chose to take, because until that point, I was sold. Then, when we got our resolution, it just ended very abruptly. This book is in desperate need of an epilogue.
So I'm arriving at 4 stars. Definitely worth the read, and I ate up most of the book. Fans of this author will like this a lot.
The good, the bad, and the awesome:
My other favorite part of this book was the nature of the meeting between the MCs. It could be said that they met in an elevator. While that's true, no real bond happened there. No, it was entirely related to an online blog. Bryan sees a blog url in a journal that he finds, and he starts reading it. While this book is told entirely through Bryan's POV, we got Oliver's POV through his blogs. This was done brilliantly by Stivali!
Bryan is fucked up about relationships. I've always wondered if people with this mentality exist IRL. One failed relationship and you're done? Don't want to risk the heartache? It was kind of cliché, if I'm being honest, but I rolled with it. Oliver makes him reconsider, though. He's never met anyone like him.
Oliver is pretty perfect. He's been engaged to a woman for 5 years (she knew he was gay), and then she met someone else. So Oliver is taking classes at NYU for the summer and plans to be out and experiencing the "gay life" for the first time. Bryan is more than happy to demonstrate and become his mentor.
Stivali knows how to write smexy times. They were sensual, emotive, and downright jaw-dropping. Bravo!!!
So, why not 5 stars? Sigh. Until 75%, this was a 4.5-5 star read. But then The Big Misunderstanding happened (or maybe it was a small misunderstanding, but still). And then some No Communicating. Yeah, it was disappointing that that's the direction the author chose to take, because until that point, I was sold. Then, when we got our resolution, it just ended very abruptly. This book is in desperate need of an epilogue.
So I'm arriving at 4 stars. Definitely worth the read, and I ate up most of the book. Fans of this author will like this a lot.
March 1, 2017
5 stars -- loved Bryan & Oliver! Hot as hell scenes and lots of emotion too!
Moment of Fate by Karen Stivali is book 5 in the Moments in Time series, and it is an amazing romance. To say I loved this book, would not express just how much, I adored the characters and their story. If you have not read the other books in this series, you can read this story as a standalone, but I would highly recommend you reading all the books, they are all amazing. I have to also mention, did you see that cover? Yummy!
The MC in this book are Bryan Dane and Oliver Newcastle. When the book starts Bryan experiences a shock and it causes him to change some of his behaviours, one of which is sleeping with anyone who is willing. Bryan is a bit of a male tramp. Which is why he self-imposes a year long celibacy vow. A year, to focus on himself, his studies, his band, and his friends - no sex. One year. How hard (pun intended) could it be? Enter, Oliver to the scene.
Oliver has come to NYC to spend the summer in an intensive summer program, while he simultaneously explores his sexuality and blogs the experience as, Oliver Unabridged. The two first see each other on campus by chance in the elevator and then Oliver leaves his journal behind where Bryan is working. Bryan, opens the journal trying to find out who is belongs to when he sees the information about Oliver and the website name for the blog. Bryan starts reading, Oliver Unabridged without knowing who is writing it, and he is immediatly hooked on the realness and openness of the author.
The two meet again, after Bryan's band plays one night and Bryan inadvertently eats something he is allergic to, Oliver is there and he helps him through the allergic reaction and then ends up staying with him to make sure Bryan is okay. Its during the allergic reaction that Bryan realizes, the Oliver he is talking to and the Oliver he has been reading about, are one in the same.
The story quickly takes off from here as the two start really getting to know each other, spending almost all their time together, and people think of them as a couple. Bryan, who has sworn off anything to do with relatioships baulks at the comments and Oliver acts as if they don't affect him one way or another. Bryan becomes Oliver's mentor in everything but sex. That is until a movie at a friends house gets them both so ramped up they end up in Bryan's apartment watching porn together and getting off. That moment is the beginning of the end for Bryan and his celibacy.
These two are so hot together. But remember, Oliver is all but a virgin when it comes to being with a man. So, lucky Bryan gets to experience all his firsts with him! From mutual masturbation, to hand jobs, frotting, blow jobs, and more...trust me, Bryan doesn't mind, but he holds back some...
These two carry on like this and all is well, until Oliver has a date. Bryan, can't understand why its bothering him so much, he doesn't want a boyfriend. When he finds out Oliver is taking his date to the Bar where Bryan will be playing, Bryan is forced fo start confronting his feelings.
"I’d be feeling something. That was for sure. I’d be feeling like a possessive fucking idiot standing on stage watching their date play out."
When Oliver shows up on his doorstep after the date, Bryan finally admits his desire for Oliver, he stops holding back.
"Is that what you think? That I don’t want you? Because wanting doesn’t even begin to cover how I feel about you. Crave. Need. I don’t think a word exists that explains how much I want you.”
But even a great friendship and hot as hell passion can't make Bryan forget his past, his hurt, his fear of being hurt again. So when its time to either man up and admit he has feelings for Oliver or let him go...he gets scared, he pushes Oliver away, convinced Oliver is just confusing his first sexual encounters with a man, for love.
"He stared at me with love. And it scared the hell out of me because I was pretty sure I stared back with the same expression on my own face."
It's at this point in the book that I want to reach into it and slap Bryan upside the head. But, I also understand he is scared, he has been hurt, he doesn't want to go through it again. Sometimes though...you have to take a chance, sometimes the chance of pain is worth it when you get that elusive happily ever after.
So, during a chance moment of Fate when these two see each other a month or so after going their separate ways. Bryan takes that chance and leaps hoping Oliver catches him...
"I was already so head over heels in love with you I was too stupid and scared shitless to even realize what was going on. Jesus, Oliver. I miss you. I need you… I love you.”
Will these two get their HEA or are they forever meant to be just a simple moment in time?
5 Stars --
Review Copy of Moment of Fate provided by Dreamspinner Press for an honest Review.
Moment of Fate by Karen Stivali is book 5 in the Moments in Time series, and it is an amazing romance. To say I loved this book, would not express just how much, I adored the characters and their story. If you have not read the other books in this series, you can read this story as a standalone, but I would highly recommend you reading all the books, they are all amazing. I have to also mention, did you see that cover? Yummy!
The MC in this book are Bryan Dane and Oliver Newcastle. When the book starts Bryan experiences a shock and it causes him to change some of his behaviours, one of which is sleeping with anyone who is willing. Bryan is a bit of a male tramp. Which is why he self-imposes a year long celibacy vow. A year, to focus on himself, his studies, his band, and his friends - no sex. One year. How hard (pun intended) could it be? Enter, Oliver to the scene.
Oliver has come to NYC to spend the summer in an intensive summer program, while he simultaneously explores his sexuality and blogs the experience as, Oliver Unabridged. The two first see each other on campus by chance in the elevator and then Oliver leaves his journal behind where Bryan is working. Bryan, opens the journal trying to find out who is belongs to when he sees the information about Oliver and the website name for the blog. Bryan starts reading, Oliver Unabridged without knowing who is writing it, and he is immediatly hooked on the realness and openness of the author.
The two meet again, after Bryan's band plays one night and Bryan inadvertently eats something he is allergic to, Oliver is there and he helps him through the allergic reaction and then ends up staying with him to make sure Bryan is okay. Its during the allergic reaction that Bryan realizes, the Oliver he is talking to and the Oliver he has been reading about, are one in the same.
The story quickly takes off from here as the two start really getting to know each other, spending almost all their time together, and people think of them as a couple. Bryan, who has sworn off anything to do with relatioships baulks at the comments and Oliver acts as if they don't affect him one way or another. Bryan becomes Oliver's mentor in everything but sex. That is until a movie at a friends house gets them both so ramped up they end up in Bryan's apartment watching porn together and getting off. That moment is the beginning of the end for Bryan and his celibacy.
These two are so hot together. But remember, Oliver is all but a virgin when it comes to being with a man. So, lucky Bryan gets to experience all his firsts with him! From mutual masturbation, to hand jobs, frotting, blow jobs, and more...trust me, Bryan doesn't mind, but he holds back some...
These two carry on like this and all is well, until Oliver has a date. Bryan, can't understand why its bothering him so much, he doesn't want a boyfriend. When he finds out Oliver is taking his date to the Bar where Bryan will be playing, Bryan is forced fo start confronting his feelings.
"I’d be feeling something. That was for sure. I’d be feeling like a possessive fucking idiot standing on stage watching their date play out."
When Oliver shows up on his doorstep after the date, Bryan finally admits his desire for Oliver, he stops holding back.
"Is that what you think? That I don’t want you? Because wanting doesn’t even begin to cover how I feel about you. Crave. Need. I don’t think a word exists that explains how much I want you.”
But even a great friendship and hot as hell passion can't make Bryan forget his past, his hurt, his fear of being hurt again. So when its time to either man up and admit he has feelings for Oliver or let him go...he gets scared, he pushes Oliver away, convinced Oliver is just confusing his first sexual encounters with a man, for love.
"He stared at me with love. And it scared the hell out of me because I was pretty sure I stared back with the same expression on my own face."
It's at this point in the book that I want to reach into it and slap Bryan upside the head. But, I also understand he is scared, he has been hurt, he doesn't want to go through it again. Sometimes though...you have to take a chance, sometimes the chance of pain is worth it when you get that elusive happily ever after.
So, during a chance moment of Fate when these two see each other a month or so after going their separate ways. Bryan takes that chance and leaps hoping Oliver catches him...
"I was already so head over heels in love with you I was too stupid and scared shitless to even realize what was going on. Jesus, Oliver. I miss you. I need you… I love you.”
Will these two get their HEA or are they forever meant to be just a simple moment in time?
5 Stars --
Review Copy of Moment of Fate provided by Dreamspinner Press for an honest Review.
February 26, 2017
This was a 5 star read for me until about the last 20%. I didn't care for Bryan's actions. At. All.
I honestly thought his hang-ups were a little ridiculous to begin with but I got over it. But when he really let them get the best of him, he lost me.
Frustrating to say the least...all for the sake of "drama".
The ending made up for it some, but still loses a full star for the eye-roll inducing behavior.
I honestly thought his hang-ups were a little ridiculous to begin with but I got over it. But when he really let them get the best of him, he lost me.
Frustrating to say the least...all for the sake of "drama".
The ending made up for it some, but still loses a full star for the eye-roll inducing behavior.
March 1, 2017
Sorry to be the party pooper, guys. I liked parts of this book, but I also had a lot of issues with it.
Bryan is the exclusive narrator of this story, and I'm so done with him. DONE. His choices and actions didn't resonate with me at all, and I'm not just talking about the shitfest that went down at 80%. I'm spoiler tagging the rest of this review. Read at your own risk.
I debated my rating a lot, but I am settling with 3 stars because A) the writing is pretty solid (although too wordy sometimes), and B) I didn't get bored. In a weird way the story sucked me in and didn't let go until the very end. I would consider reading another book in the series.
Bryan is the exclusive narrator of this story, and I'm so done with him. DONE. His choices and actions didn't resonate with me at all, and I'm not just talking about the shitfest that went down at 80%. I'm spoiler tagging the rest of this review. Read at your own risk.
I debated my rating a lot, but I am settling with 3 stars because A) the writing is pretty solid (although too wordy sometimes), and B) I didn't get bored. In a weird way the story sucked me in and didn't let go until the very end. I would consider reading another book in the series.
February 25, 2017
5++ stars
Stunning absolutely stunning. The waves of sentences were magical. The contemplate in them were breathtaking.
It swallowed me totally...... I was in its ban and enthralled.
Bryan and Oliver......Through Bryan's head and eyes visualised...
Bryan is a songwriter/singer-rocker in the evening and photographer student at daylight....
He has one witty sexy sensual head, I think he thinks in song lines, and sees through a lens...... because all those beautiful observations were like love songs, and breathtaking pictures ....
I loved him from the first page.
And when he lay an eye on a exceptional man in the elevator he sees beauty.
(No facial beauty without inner beauty, that's how I feel about Oliver because I also loved him)
Oliver working in the same building is in his spare time blogger...
Bryan was looking inside an open office room and he sees a leather journal on the floor with "OLIVER UNABRIDGED… www.oliverunabridged…" on it.... he starts reading....who the hell is Oliver...
Well he finds out soon enough....
Jesus what a sensual build up.... you get aroused only by reading how they behave around each other...damn they are hot and sizzling....
And damn the way all the eye-fucking is put down....*fanning*
But there is more in this story much more.... a real convincing story, sometimes heartbreaking it felt all so true and honest.
At first sight Bryan is a hot controlling ass everything has to go his way, only he is much more and there are reasons why he is like he is.... the story will tell....
When he meets Oliver his body reacts immediately but.....he is on celibate for nine months already and he wants to make a year. He was done with his oversexed life....
But Oliver is hotness on a stick and he isn't even aware of it.
Oliver is newly out and want to experience his new life as gay the fullest.
Bryan and Oliver become friends and Bryan offers to help him in the gay scene.
But Bryan is jealous as hell and shoot daggers at anyone who approach Oliver.
Finally Oliver ask Bryan what's up and there they go......hot hot.
Oliver is caring and honest, he knows exactly what Bryan needs...
It's somehow deeply emotional between both and they have the best possible time of their life. The big L is almost rolling....
But old wounds and behavior rears its head and Bryan knows only one thing....back off
It's absolutely not written in a predictable way...it just slipped in ugly.
Both personalities were well exposed and developed, I felt involved with Bryan as well with Oliver.
Amazingly and emotional, almost in a poetic way, written story. I really really enjoyed it very much. All those emotions were put down in a way you could see, smell, hear and feel it deeply,
at least I did!!
Highly recommend to all readers of this review!!! My first 5++ of 2017
~ ARC received from Divine Magazine given by Publisher ~
Stunning absolutely stunning. The waves of sentences were magical. The contemplate in them were breathtaking.
It swallowed me totally...... I was in its ban and enthralled.
Bryan and Oliver......Through Bryan's head and eyes visualised...
Bryan is a songwriter/singer-rocker in the evening and photographer student at daylight....
He has one witty sexy sensual head, I think he thinks in song lines, and sees through a lens...... because all those beautiful observations were like love songs, and breathtaking pictures ....
I loved him from the first page.
And when he lay an eye on a exceptional man in the elevator he sees beauty.
(No facial beauty without inner beauty, that's how I feel about Oliver because I also loved him)
Oliver working in the same building is in his spare time blogger...
Bryan was looking inside an open office room and he sees a leather journal on the floor with "OLIVER UNABRIDGED… www.oliverunabridged…" on it.... he starts reading....who the hell is Oliver...
Well he finds out soon enough....
Jesus what a sensual build up.... you get aroused only by reading how they behave around each other...damn they are hot and sizzling....
And damn the way all the eye-fucking is put down....*fanning*
But there is more in this story much more.... a real convincing story, sometimes heartbreaking it felt all so true and honest.
At first sight Bryan is a hot controlling ass everything has to go his way, only he is much more and there are reasons why he is like he is.... the story will tell....
When he meets Oliver his body reacts immediately but.....he is on celibate for nine months already and he wants to make a year. He was done with his oversexed life....
But Oliver is hotness on a stick and he isn't even aware of it.
Oliver is newly out and want to experience his new life as gay the fullest.
Bryan and Oliver become friends and Bryan offers to help him in the gay scene.
But Bryan is jealous as hell and shoot daggers at anyone who approach Oliver.
Finally Oliver ask Bryan what's up and there they go......hot hot.
Oliver is caring and honest, he knows exactly what Bryan needs...
It's somehow deeply emotional between both and they have the best possible time of their life. The big L is almost rolling....
But old wounds and behavior rears its head and Bryan knows only one thing....back off
It's absolutely not written in a predictable way...it just slipped in ugly.
Both personalities were well exposed and developed, I felt involved with Bryan as well with Oliver.
Amazingly and emotional, almost in a poetic way, written story. I really really enjoyed it very much. All those emotions were put down in a way you could see, smell, hear and feel it deeply,
at least I did!!
Highly recommend to all readers of this review!!! My first 5++ of 2017
~ ARC received from Divine Magazine given by Publisher ~
Read
March 11, 2018Review and rating removed
March 21, 2017
Hot, hot book with two sweeties as MCs. There is a nice story and steamy sex.
Only reason why I dropped a star was because the conflict towards the end felt silly to me. Other than that, loved it.
Qué ganas de buscarle el pelo al huevo y sufrir al pedo...Cómo todo estaba perfecto, alguna boludez tenía que pasar! Salvo por eso, hubiese sido un 5 estrellas para mí.
Recommend
Only reason why I dropped a star was because the conflict towards the end felt silly to me. Other than that, loved it.
Qué ganas de buscarle el pelo al huevo y sufrir al pedo...Cómo todo estaba perfecto, alguna boludez tenía que pasar! Salvo por eso, hubiese sido un 5 estrellas para mí.
Recommend
March 1, 2017
3.5 Stars
Up until about 80% I was digging this book. Hard. 5 star read hard. I mean look at that cover. Is that Bryan or Oliver? Cuz damn, he's gorgeous. It was sexy and sweet and had my favorite unicorn. Booty sex virgins are the best *sigh* . But I have niggles. Bryan has issues. I get it. His ex cheated in a spectacularly doucheknuckle way, he suffers from a disease he has no control over, his Mom passed away, his band is falling apart....so many things are spiraling out of control for him. But he was living in denial. Oliver was pretty much living with him at this point but he pretty much knew nothing about him because even though he loved him, he wouldn't let himself ask the things he should know or dig any deeper than the surface. Out of fear. He was on complete emotional lockdown. So I totally got the meltdown and the consequences of it. Especially after having one more thing tip him over the edge. But what I didn't get was the manufactured way it occurred. Bryan catches his sisters husband cheating on his sister in his house and his bed. Now before this point, though we know the sister is married, Bill was never mentioned or that him and Bryan were close enough for him to have a key to his apartment and know his schedule. Why in the fuck would his brother in law sneak into his apartment to fuck his girlfriend? That whole bullshit would've been more believable if Bryan had shown up at their home and caught him there. Completely took me out of the story. Then after the big blow up between him and Oliver, we have a pretty substantial separation and Bryan just so happens to run into Erik who tried to date Oliver in the beginning and they get down with some heavy kissing and groping before Bryan comes to his senses. M'kay. Then weeks go by and Bryan just so happens to run into Oliver and finally pours his heart and they make up. The end. I just....didn't believe it. Nothing felt resolved. Did I believe that they belonged together? Yeah. But I wanted more to tie it up. It was like I was riding a roller coaster and it crapped out right before the big drop. An epilogue would've probably helped. Maybe. But the ending left me feeling unsatisfied and bothered.
I'd still recommend it because the writing is stellar, the characters are likable, and the sex is hot.
Up until about 80% I was digging this book. Hard. 5 star read hard. I mean look at that cover. Is that Bryan or Oliver? Cuz damn, he's gorgeous. It was sexy and sweet and had my favorite unicorn. Booty sex virgins are the best *sigh* . But I have niggles. Bryan has issues. I get it. His ex cheated in a spectacularly doucheknuckle way, he suffers from a disease he has no control over, his Mom passed away, his band is falling apart....so many things are spiraling out of control for him. But he was living in denial. Oliver was pretty much living with him at this point but he pretty much knew nothing about him because even though he loved him, he wouldn't let himself ask the things he should know or dig any deeper than the surface. Out of fear. He was on complete emotional lockdown. So I totally got the meltdown and the consequences of it. Especially after having one more thing tip him over the edge. But what I didn't get was the manufactured way it occurred. Bryan catches his sisters husband cheating on his sister in his house and his bed. Now before this point, though we know the sister is married, Bill was never mentioned or that him and Bryan were close enough for him to have a key to his apartment and know his schedule. Why in the fuck would his brother in law sneak into his apartment to fuck his girlfriend? That whole bullshit would've been more believable if Bryan had shown up at their home and caught him there. Completely took me out of the story. Then after the big blow up between him and Oliver, we have a pretty substantial separation and Bryan just so happens to run into Erik who tried to date Oliver in the beginning and they get down with some heavy kissing and groping before Bryan comes to his senses. M'kay. Then weeks go by and Bryan just so happens to run into Oliver and finally pours his heart and they make up. The end. I just....didn't believe it. Nothing felt resolved. Did I believe that they belonged together? Yeah. But I wanted more to tie it up. It was like I was riding a roller coaster and it crapped out right before the big drop. An epilogue would've probably helped. Maybe. But the ending left me feeling unsatisfied and bothered.
I'd still recommend it because the writing is stellar, the characters are likable, and the sex is hot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2017
I hope to give Karen Stivali's book the quality review it deserves. To begin I fell in love with this series and was thrilled for more, especially Bryan's book. Being a NYC girl reading her books brings memories for me, every book has brought back a different place in my life. Now for This book also brought to attention health issues along with the romance, it was excellent. There was a great balance between the serious and fun, especially with the chemistry between the two MC's. Loved this one, I am excited she is planning to give us more :)
September 22, 2022
3 Stars
Opinion Breakdown
The Good: The premise. The friends to lovers aspect. The side characters.
The Not-So-Good: The connection. To each of the characters and to each other. I mean !
The Bad: The ending. Another book where the conflict/separation is briefly resolved and then it is over. I needed some actual commitment between them and a jump ahead epilogue with them establishing that family that they talked/thought about and not just some overdue "ILYs" shared.
Overall:This was enjoyable, but I think I expected a little more. More connection. More background on the characters. And more closure. I'm going to rate this middle of the road 3 stars, because while I didn't love it, I didn't hate it either.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Bryan and Oliver's story. Bryan makes a celibacy pact with himself for a year after finding out one of his close friends has AIDS, but when he meets Oliver around month 10 he starts to really struggle. Oliver is new to the city and ready to navigate his new outed persona, but has no clue where to start. An unexpected friendship forms between them and those friendship lines end up being crossed. There is some family drama, some personal baggage they have to work through, and some sexy times...and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This was told in Bryan's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought this flowed well (until the abrupt ending)
Instalove: No. Instalust? Yes.
H1 (Hero #1) rating: 3 stars. Bryan. Even though we were only in his POV, I felt as though I didn't really get to know him either. I liked how he cared for others (even when reluctant) but I didn't like how he pushed people away.
H2 (Hero #2) rating: 3.5 stars. Oliver. I liked him more than Bryan because he was so vulnerable and his resign the H1's niece.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story. Some voyeur and exhibitionist tendencies.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama:Not really
Sex scene with OW or OM: Not sex
Cheating: Not IMO
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends right after their conflict was resolved and they have for me to call this a HFN ending.
Safety: This one is probably Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences
Opinion Breakdown
The Good: The premise. The friends to lovers aspect. The side characters.
The Not-So-Good: The connection. To each of the characters and to each other. I mean !
The Bad: The ending. Another book where the conflict/separation is briefly resolved and then it is over. I needed some actual commitment between them and a jump ahead epilogue with them establishing that family that they talked/thought about and not just some overdue "ILYs" shared.
Overall:This was enjoyable, but I think I expected a little more. More connection. More background on the characters. And more closure. I'm going to rate this middle of the road 3 stars, because while I didn't love it, I didn't hate it either.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Bryan and Oliver's story. Bryan makes a celibacy pact with himself for a year after finding out one of his close friends has AIDS, but when he meets Oliver around month 10 he starts to really struggle. Oliver is new to the city and ready to navigate his new outed persona, but has no clue where to start. An unexpected friendship forms between them and those friendship lines end up being crossed. There is some family drama, some personal baggage they have to work through, and some sexy times...and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This was told in Bryan's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought this flowed well (until the abrupt ending)
Instalove: No. Instalust? Yes.
H1 (Hero #1) rating: 3 stars. Bryan. Even though we were only in his POV, I felt as though I didn't really get to know him either. I liked how he cared for others (even when reluctant) but I didn't like how he pushed people away.
H2 (Hero #2) rating: 3.5 stars. Oliver. I liked him more than Bryan because he was so vulnerable and his resign the H1's niece.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story. Some voyeur and exhibitionist tendencies.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama:Not really
Sex scene with OW or OM: Not sex
Cheating: Not IMO
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends right after their conflict was resolved and they have for me to call this a HFN ending.
Safety: This one is probably Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences
March 12, 2018
*** Original rating and review removed. Ms Stivali was an SH bully too and will no longer feature on my bookshelves or in my book buying future***
December 1, 2018
Noooooooo!! I loved this book but... no epilogue! My heart hurts this ended HFN.
December 14, 2017
12/14: 3.5 stars
I liked this a lot, although there were some mental gymnastics involved with trying to understand Bryan's no-sex thing. Overall a great story. I just wish there'd been a little bit more to grab onto as far as the characters went. They were likable characters but not especially deep.
12/11: I guess we'll see how the book is, but this blurb is sooo up my alley.
I liked this a lot, although there were some mental gymnastics involved with trying to understand Bryan's no-sex thing. Overall a great story. I just wish there'd been a little bit more to grab onto as far as the characters went. They were likable characters but not especially deep.
12/11: I guess we'll see how the book is, but this blurb is sooo up my alley.
May 3, 2022
Almost a 5 stars but 3,7 it is because…well, Bryan..
February 27, 2017
4 stars
Overall, this was a good story. Loved the first half of this especially the slow development of their relationship. The second half didn't quite live up to the promise of the first half. IMO, too much sex once they actually started having it and then the conflict near the end was just kind of frustrating.
Overall, this was a good story. Loved the first half of this especially the slow development of their relationship. The second half didn't quite live up to the promise of the first half. IMO, too much sex once they actually started having it and then the conflict near the end was just kind of frustrating.
June 23, 2017
This is the first book in this series for me. I really haven't read many of Karen's book, but I picked this one up after reading a an excerpt - you know the one, the scene after Oliver takes his date to Bryan's band's show. I was hooked.
So, I snatched it up and read it and I really enjoyed it until...until I didn't (which was about the time Bryan lost his freaking mind and Oliver gave up without a fight).
Bryan is an all around good guy. He is loyal, supportive, and caring. He loves his sister and his niece and is just an all-around good guy. But the past has left him scarred and his heart guarded. One night hook ups are now his norm, or they were until he made a pact with himself to be celibate for a year.
Enter Oliver. Oliver is in NY for the summer, officially to attend classes. Unofficially, to spread his wings and try to discover who he is meant to be. He meets Bryan, who helps him navigate this new experience in a new city as an openly gay man.
This story is told through Bryan's voice with just a few snippets of Oliver's voice through his blog. Seeing Oliver through Bryan's eyes made me fall in love with Oliver.
Then things go to shit for Bryan. He has been so out of touch with his feelings for so long that he doesn't know how to deal and Oliver becomes collateral damage in the whirlwind. Oliver could have held on through the storm, come back after the worst had died down, fought to rebuild...but he didn't. They didn't talk and Bryan could get a gold medal in avoidance if that were a sport.
Don't get me wrong, there is an HEA, but it all seemed a bit easy on both of them. Not the struggle leading to it, but the actual HEA was wrapped up quick. And I have questions, like where did Oliver come from and where had he been? I mean, how did he know to show up at that bar? There is more there and I missed hearing Oliver's side of the story.
This book stands well on its own. I enjoyed it and I would recommend it. 4 stars only because of the lack of communication and the quick wrap up. I hope we get more of these two.
So, I snatched it up and read it and I really enjoyed it until...until I didn't (which was about the time Bryan lost his freaking mind and Oliver gave up without a fight).
Bryan is an all around good guy. He is loyal, supportive, and caring. He loves his sister and his niece and is just an all-around good guy. But the past has left him scarred and his heart guarded. One night hook ups are now his norm, or they were until he made a pact with himself to be celibate for a year.
Enter Oliver. Oliver is in NY for the summer, officially to attend classes. Unofficially, to spread his wings and try to discover who he is meant to be. He meets Bryan, who helps him navigate this new experience in a new city as an openly gay man.
This story is told through Bryan's voice with just a few snippets of Oliver's voice through his blog. Seeing Oliver through Bryan's eyes made me fall in love with Oliver.
If it was a choice of him or a song, I'd choose him to listen to every damned time. To me, he was the most beautiful sound in existence.Oliver has such beauty, eagerness, and patience.
Then things go to shit for Bryan. He has been so out of touch with his feelings for so long that he doesn't know how to deal and Oliver becomes collateral damage in the whirlwind. Oliver could have held on through the storm, come back after the worst had died down, fought to rebuild...but he didn't. They didn't talk and Bryan could get a gold medal in avoidance if that were a sport.
Don't get me wrong, there is an HEA, but it all seemed a bit easy on both of them. Not the struggle leading to it, but the actual HEA was wrapped up quick. And I have questions, like where did Oliver come from and where had he been? I mean, how did he know to show up at that bar? There is more there and I missed hearing Oliver's side of the story.
This book stands well on its own. I enjoyed it and I would recommend it. 4 stars only because of the lack of communication and the quick wrap up. I hope we get more of these two.
September 26, 2017
A complimentary copy was provided by the author via the GR MM DBML group.
Oh yeah, this one is a keeper. I adored Bryan and Oliver together. The writing is so well done, and it perfectly captured each man as an individual. Sometimes characters are written too similar in their way of talking or habits. But Bryan and Oliver were actually quite the opposite of each other. Bryan is kind of a loner (or he is trying to be after getting his heart broken) and he can't stand to lean on anybody or allow people to tend to him if he isn't feeling well. Bryan hates that he suffers from Lyme disease as well as food allergies which make him have to be cautious about what he eats and drinks. And Oliver can't help but want to protect and nurture Bryan. And he does it in a way that Bryan can't reject because it's soft and just little things. Like rubbing his back or something. Small and sweet gestures that Bryan loves to receive.
I laughed so much with this story because Bryan is kind of neurotic, lol. He can't help but stalk Oliver's blog and even as he tells himself not to, he does it anyway. It's like he's hitting himself on the hand just as he is reaching out to touch a valuable art piece with "do not touch" posted on it. :) Just so cute!
This isn't an insta love romance, but they do share an instant connection, which I LOVED! It was so perfect! Neither of them admit or act upon these feelings and instead go the friends route with Bryan even trying to help Oliver get a guy. But things happen (which I won't share because you need see it for yourself) and they finally get together as a couple. Of course Bryan messes things up because he is too much inside his own head and decides to get out of the relationship before Oliver ends it - which of course Oliver will do, someday. So to spare himself the pain, Bryan is a jerk and ends things first. Of course, that doesn't make Bryan feel better and he is in somewhat downward spiral as he figures out what to do now.
Yes there is a wonderful HEA and I thought it was the best way to end their story. I can't wait to read Milo's story!!!
Highly recommend and 4.75 stars!
Oh yeah, this one is a keeper. I adored Bryan and Oliver together. The writing is so well done, and it perfectly captured each man as an individual. Sometimes characters are written too similar in their way of talking or habits. But Bryan and Oliver were actually quite the opposite of each other. Bryan is kind of a loner (or he is trying to be after getting his heart broken) and he can't stand to lean on anybody or allow people to tend to him if he isn't feeling well. Bryan hates that he suffers from Lyme disease as well as food allergies which make him have to be cautious about what he eats and drinks. And Oliver can't help but want to protect and nurture Bryan. And he does it in a way that Bryan can't reject because it's soft and just little things. Like rubbing his back or something. Small and sweet gestures that Bryan loves to receive.
I laughed so much with this story because Bryan is kind of neurotic, lol. He can't help but stalk Oliver's blog and even as he tells himself not to, he does it anyway. It's like he's hitting himself on the hand just as he is reaching out to touch a valuable art piece with "do not touch" posted on it. :) Just so cute!
This isn't an insta love romance, but they do share an instant connection, which I LOVED! It was so perfect! Neither of them admit or act upon these feelings and instead go the friends route with Bryan even trying to help Oliver get a guy. But things happen (which I won't share because you need see it for yourself) and they finally get together as a couple. Of course Bryan messes things up because he is too much inside his own head and decides to get out of the relationship before Oliver ends it - which of course Oliver will do, someday. So to spare himself the pain, Bryan is a jerk and ends things first. Of course, that doesn't make Bryan feel better and he is in somewhat downward spiral as he figures out what to do now.
Yes there is a wonderful HEA and I thought it was the best way to end their story. I can't wait to read Milo's story!!!
Highly recommend and 4.75 stars!
February 22, 2017
4.5 stars- Chemistry that ignites the pages
I read Moment of Fate based on a recommendation and a tease of a fantastically hot and fun scene. I was assured I could read this book (the fifth of the series) out of order, so I dove right in…and pretty much loved everything about it. The characters were fantastic, the dialogue fun and flirty without being silly, and the romance was SEXY.
The book is told entirely from a single first person narrative, using a stream of consciousness style. It is effortless, but polished, and a joy to read. Due to the style, there are disruptions to the flow, predominantly interjections of internalized thoughts during the dialogue. Those aspects I loved. It added humor and kept a smile almost permanently plastered to my face. However, when it switched between narrating/ retelling a moment and those reflections, it was a tad abrupt and through me off. I think this was just a matter of getting accustomed to the style and pacing, because it felt less disruptive as the story progressed. The tone was upbeat, peppered with humor, with a good mix of introspective moments and some angst.
The characters were fantastic. Bryan and Oliver had depth to their personality, but were fun and lively. I especially liked how their interests and education background played a part in their thoughts. Since the book was exclusively from Bryan’s POV, most of those insights were his. For example, he described moments like photos- the framing, light, ambiance, but Oliver’s writing also played a significant aspect in the story. Weaving these details into the narrative and interactions made the characters pop and come to life. Not only were the individual characters personable, but Oliver and Bryan were equally great as a couple. The fluid flow in conversations between serious topics and silly puns or side remarks made for an authentic romance. They complimented each other well, and it was evident early on there was more than lust fueling their budding relationship. Throughout their story, there was an underlying sweetness that made me sigh, and the chemistry was emotional and physically palpable. I do have to comment how crazy amazing the sex scenes were. I know having that intense emotional connection and chemistry ramped up the heat factor, but in general the scenes were smoking. There was a good variety too- different scenarios, environments, and emotions fueled each interaction, preventing any chance of monotony.
The conflicts were also well flushed out and the resolutions thorough. I liked that the author factored in Bryan’s chronic illness throughout the plot, how it weighed on him and influenced everything, yet he railed against it changing his life. That felt honest and was woven into the storyline just as a chronic illness permeates every aspect of one’s life. The outside influences on their relationship worked as well, strengthening them and sometimes stirring up conflict. And up until the last portion, I liked the couple’s unknown futures weighing on Bryan while he kept trying to simply live in the moment. It was believable, and even though they weren’t communicating about it, it didn’t feel like self-sabotage. Until it turned into exactly that. I take issue with the miscommunication plot point. It’s so frequently used that it’s become a sore point for me. Sometimes the scenario works and make sense for the characters. For the most part, the way things occurred fit with Bryan’s personality, but it made me love this story a little less. I liked how it ultimately concluded. I even liked aspects of how the major conflict went down. However, anytime the major miscommunication happens in a book, I cringe.
Overall, Moment of Fate was a fantastic read and certainly had no issue standing alone, so don’t let the #5 stop you from adding this to your shelf immediately. The characters are unique with a vibrant narrative that is sure to leave you with a smile. The chemistry was off the charts, which is always a win in my book. This was one of the hottest books I’ve read in a while. The scenes were descriptive but never monotonous, and there was a steady emotional current that made the scenes that much better. Definitely a book I’ll recommend often to friends, and a series I’ll be going back to read from the beginning.
Reviewed by Annie from Alpha Book Club
I read Moment of Fate based on a recommendation and a tease of a fantastically hot and fun scene. I was assured I could read this book (the fifth of the series) out of order, so I dove right in…and pretty much loved everything about it. The characters were fantastic, the dialogue fun and flirty without being silly, and the romance was SEXY.
The book is told entirely from a single first person narrative, using a stream of consciousness style. It is effortless, but polished, and a joy to read. Due to the style, there are disruptions to the flow, predominantly interjections of internalized thoughts during the dialogue. Those aspects I loved. It added humor and kept a smile almost permanently plastered to my face. However, when it switched between narrating/ retelling a moment and those reflections, it was a tad abrupt and through me off. I think this was just a matter of getting accustomed to the style and pacing, because it felt less disruptive as the story progressed. The tone was upbeat, peppered with humor, with a good mix of introspective moments and some angst.
The characters were fantastic. Bryan and Oliver had depth to their personality, but were fun and lively. I especially liked how their interests and education background played a part in their thoughts. Since the book was exclusively from Bryan’s POV, most of those insights were his. For example, he described moments like photos- the framing, light, ambiance, but Oliver’s writing also played a significant aspect in the story. Weaving these details into the narrative and interactions made the characters pop and come to life. Not only were the individual characters personable, but Oliver and Bryan were equally great as a couple. The fluid flow in conversations between serious topics and silly puns or side remarks made for an authentic romance. They complimented each other well, and it was evident early on there was more than lust fueling their budding relationship. Throughout their story, there was an underlying sweetness that made me sigh, and the chemistry was emotional and physically palpable. I do have to comment how crazy amazing the sex scenes were. I know having that intense emotional connection and chemistry ramped up the heat factor, but in general the scenes were smoking. There was a good variety too- different scenarios, environments, and emotions fueled each interaction, preventing any chance of monotony.
The conflicts were also well flushed out and the resolutions thorough. I liked that the author factored in Bryan’s chronic illness throughout the plot, how it weighed on him and influenced everything, yet he railed against it changing his life. That felt honest and was woven into the storyline just as a chronic illness permeates every aspect of one’s life. The outside influences on their relationship worked as well, strengthening them and sometimes stirring up conflict. And up until the last portion, I liked the couple’s unknown futures weighing on Bryan while he kept trying to simply live in the moment. It was believable, and even though they weren’t communicating about it, it didn’t feel like self-sabotage. Until it turned into exactly that. I take issue with the miscommunication plot point. It’s so frequently used that it’s become a sore point for me. Sometimes the scenario works and make sense for the characters. For the most part, the way things occurred fit with Bryan’s personality, but it made me love this story a little less. I liked how it ultimately concluded. I even liked aspects of how the major conflict went down. However, anytime the major miscommunication happens in a book, I cringe.
Overall, Moment of Fate was a fantastic read and certainly had no issue standing alone, so don’t let the #5 stop you from adding this to your shelf immediately. The characters are unique with a vibrant narrative that is sure to leave you with a smile. The chemistry was off the charts, which is always a win in my book. This was one of the hottest books I’ve read in a while. The scenes were descriptive but never monotonous, and there was a steady emotional current that made the scenes that much better. Definitely a book I’ll recommend often to friends, and a series I’ll be going back to read from the beginning.
Reviewed by Annie from Alpha Book Club
March 2, 2017
4.5 stars.
This review and much more can be found at The Novel Approach
Bryan Dane splits his time between his band, Wasabi Incident, and his college commitments at NYU, finishing up his photography degree. He’s burned the candle at both ends for a while, and after a scare with a friend, he’s decided to focus and give celibacy a try for a year, and get his last requirements finished so he can graduate. He’s taken it easy over the summer with the band—no tours, only local gigs. He’s content and sure he will make it through the summer just fine.
Enter Oliver Newcastle. Oliver is a writer who is doing a summer course at NYU. When Bryan meets him, he can’t believe this stunning guy has just landed in front of him. But, given Bryan’s plan for celibacy, he is determined to be nothing more than a friend to Oliver. He helps him navigate the city and also tries to help him figure out a way to navigate the gay scene as he’s recently called of an engagement to his female BFF, come out to his family, and left his small town in New Hampshire where he has been teaching.
As the summer goes on and Bryan and Oliver spend more and more time together, Bryan is having a hard time keeping things in the “friend zone.” After a particularly adventurous evening, it seems Bryan and Oliver can no longer keep things strictly friendly, and a sexual relationship explodes between them. Oliver isn’t very experienced, but he certainly is enthusiastic and eager.
Bryan knows he’s developing real feelings for Oliver, but he’s scared to death of being left—of having his heart broken again. It seems Bryan has suffered some pretty damaging events over the past few years, and while he tries to keep it together, the pressure of too many things overwhelms him at one point, and he becomes more honest with Oliver. The real problem, however, is that Bryan is not being really honest with either himself or Oliver. When a family crisis and issues with the band come to a head and add additional pressure to Bryan, he doesn’t handle it well. In trying to protect himself, he ends up hurting more people.
Wow! I was really blown away by this story. I wasn’t a huge fan of the first three books in this series, and I’ve yet to read book four even though I bought right when it was released. This story is so well written; although, if you’re not a fan of angst, you might have a tough go of it. Bryan has a lot going on and some of the crap that he has to deal with is pretty intense. He’s proud and a bit damaged.
Oliver is such a lovely guy, truly a good man who is so right for Bryan in pretty much every way. Together they have to overcome Bryan’s fear and tendency to protect himself at all costs.
This is truly a beautifully written love story between two pretty dissimilar guys who overcome the odds. Highly recommended, particularly for lovers of underdogs who grow and triumph.
This review and much more can be found at The Novel Approach
Bryan Dane splits his time between his band, Wasabi Incident, and his college commitments at NYU, finishing up his photography degree. He’s burned the candle at both ends for a while, and after a scare with a friend, he’s decided to focus and give celibacy a try for a year, and get his last requirements finished so he can graduate. He’s taken it easy over the summer with the band—no tours, only local gigs. He’s content and sure he will make it through the summer just fine.
Enter Oliver Newcastle. Oliver is a writer who is doing a summer course at NYU. When Bryan meets him, he can’t believe this stunning guy has just landed in front of him. But, given Bryan’s plan for celibacy, he is determined to be nothing more than a friend to Oliver. He helps him navigate the city and also tries to help him figure out a way to navigate the gay scene as he’s recently called of an engagement to his female BFF, come out to his family, and left his small town in New Hampshire where he has been teaching.
As the summer goes on and Bryan and Oliver spend more and more time together, Bryan is having a hard time keeping things in the “friend zone.” After a particularly adventurous evening, it seems Bryan and Oliver can no longer keep things strictly friendly, and a sexual relationship explodes between them. Oliver isn’t very experienced, but he certainly is enthusiastic and eager.
Bryan knows he’s developing real feelings for Oliver, but he’s scared to death of being left—of having his heart broken again. It seems Bryan has suffered some pretty damaging events over the past few years, and while he tries to keep it together, the pressure of too many things overwhelms him at one point, and he becomes more honest with Oliver. The real problem, however, is that Bryan is not being really honest with either himself or Oliver. When a family crisis and issues with the band come to a head and add additional pressure to Bryan, he doesn’t handle it well. In trying to protect himself, he ends up hurting more people.
Wow! I was really blown away by this story. I wasn’t a huge fan of the first three books in this series, and I’ve yet to read book four even though I bought right when it was released. This story is so well written; although, if you’re not a fan of angst, you might have a tough go of it. Bryan has a lot going on and some of the crap that he has to deal with is pretty intense. He’s proud and a bit damaged.
Oliver is such a lovely guy, truly a good man who is so right for Bryan in pretty much every way. Together they have to overcome Bryan’s fear and tendency to protect himself at all costs.
This is truly a beautifully written love story between two pretty dissimilar guys who overcome the odds. Highly recommended, particularly for lovers of underdogs who grow and triumph.
February 24, 2017
A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
An excerpt for Moment of Fate was added at the end of the previous book in this series and that one excerpt intrigued me so much and I have been waiting for this book. That scene opens with:
Here’s a tip: If you’ve been edging for a few hours and someone knocks on the door, don’t answer it.
The rest of that scene fully delivers in a way that only Bryan can.
During the wait for release day, the author posted several teasers with each one ramping up the intensity. It was amazing to finally have all of those excerpts not only come together, but for the book to be everything that I hoped it would be.
The book is told primarily from Bryan’s POV and it’s to Stivali’s credit that she gets us fully into Bryan’s mind. He’s a good guy. He’s there for his friends and his family and he’s close to finishing his degree. Things had always been easy for Bryan, that’s just how his life was, until medical issues, coupled with family issues, all caught up to him and he’s a little depressed and a lot closed off. His last relationship also devastated him and he’s not looking to go through that again. He’s definitely reeling when he admits to himself that he has a “good old fashioned crush” on Oliver.
Now for a book with a main character that has taken a temporary vow of celibacy, there is a lot of sex in this book and it’s well crafted how Stivali achieves this. Bryan is quite a sensual guy and the author continually ramps up the incredible chemistry and tension between him and Oliver. It’s always clear throughout the entire book what Bryan wants, even when he doesn’t want to admit it, and part of the enjoyment of this book may hinge on how you feel about being in Bryan’s head. But, it’s a rare gift for an author to allow the reader to fully inhabit the same space as the character and Stivali indeed created something special with Bryan. We don’t get as much from Oliver during most of the book. We get to know him through his blog and the posts are mostly about his past. Toward the end, we get a little more from him through conversation and if there was one thing missing here for me it would have been to have had more from his view as well. Oliver does, however, at one point title a post Blogging the Blow, which is an entertaining and somewhat interactive take on…well…you’ll see.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
5 stars
An excerpt for Moment of Fate was added at the end of the previous book in this series and that one excerpt intrigued me so much and I have been waiting for this book. That scene opens with:
Here’s a tip: If you’ve been edging for a few hours and someone knocks on the door, don’t answer it.
The rest of that scene fully delivers in a way that only Bryan can.
During the wait for release day, the author posted several teasers with each one ramping up the intensity. It was amazing to finally have all of those excerpts not only come together, but for the book to be everything that I hoped it would be.
The book is told primarily from Bryan’s POV and it’s to Stivali’s credit that she gets us fully into Bryan’s mind. He’s a good guy. He’s there for his friends and his family and he’s close to finishing his degree. Things had always been easy for Bryan, that’s just how his life was, until medical issues, coupled with family issues, all caught up to him and he’s a little depressed and a lot closed off. His last relationship also devastated him and he’s not looking to go through that again. He’s definitely reeling when he admits to himself that he has a “good old fashioned crush” on Oliver.
Now for a book with a main character that has taken a temporary vow of celibacy, there is a lot of sex in this book and it’s well crafted how Stivali achieves this. Bryan is quite a sensual guy and the author continually ramps up the incredible chemistry and tension between him and Oliver. It’s always clear throughout the entire book what Bryan wants, even when he doesn’t want to admit it, and part of the enjoyment of this book may hinge on how you feel about being in Bryan’s head. But, it’s a rare gift for an author to allow the reader to fully inhabit the same space as the character and Stivali indeed created something special with Bryan. We don’t get as much from Oliver during most of the book. We get to know him through his blog and the posts are mostly about his past. Toward the end, we get a little more from him through conversation and if there was one thing missing here for me it would have been to have had more from his view as well. Oliver does, however, at one point title a post Blogging the Blow, which is an entertaining and somewhat interactive take on…well…you’ll see.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
February 24, 2017
Moment of Fate is the fifth story in Karen Stivali’s sexy new adult/contemporary romance series Moments in Time. I’ve enjoyed every story in the series to date and had been looking forward to more, so this story came with high expectations – and I’m happy to say it delivered!
Bryan Dane’s yearlong sex hiatus since a fellow friend was diagnosed as HIV positive has been going well, and he’s on the home stretch. With summer college classes in photography by day and playing with his rock band at night, he’s been busy enough not to miss the intimacy too much. When fellow student Oliver Newcastle leaves behind a journal that Bryan finds, it’s the first step to a new friendship.
Oliver is spending three months in New York ‘finding himself’. Back home he’d been engaged to a female friend for ages, but she’d found someone else and he’s decided it’s time for him to move in a new direction. Just out of the closet, he’s determined to experience the sights and sounds of NYC and blog about the experience, a far cry from his small town in New England. With Bryan’s help, he’s going to dive into new adventures. But the more time he and Bryan spend together, the more they can’t deny the attraction that exists between them. Bryan’s willing to end his self-imposed celibacy for Oliver, but when the summer is over, will it mean the end of the relationship that has suddenly become much more to both of them?
What a great story! I loved the combination of Bryan, who is experienced and comfortable living as an out gay man, with Oliver who has had some limited same-sex experiences but has only recently come out of the closet. Bryan’s got some interesting friends and they have some equally interesting parties, making for some funny, sexy, and sometimes awkward scenes. I also liked that they don’t just dive into sex right away, as Bryan is serious about not having random hookups and hasn’t entered into another relationship since he found his ex-cheating on him (hello baggage). Things between them proceed from friendship to intimacy at a measured pace, but they don’t hold back once they’ve decided to go all in, resulting in some steamy and emotionally intense scenes.
Bryan’s baggage doesn’t just come from a bad breakup. He’s got chronic lyme disease which manifests itself in different painful ways when he’s under stress. It also causes him to have anxiety attacks. He ends up revealing the disease to Oliver very early in their relationship, something he’s never shared with any other friend and is the first step to the trust that develops between them. But Bryan only holds to that trust so far – he knows Oliver is planning to go home after the summer and doesn’t want to get too emotionally involved. It causes him to make some decisions that create rocky times for this couple.
Through it all Oliver is steadfast. The blog that he writes is very entertaining to read and I liked that the author put those posts in the story. He’s a caring man and a thoughtful friend. There are some sweet scenes with Bryan’s young niece Phoebe and Bryan’s sister Suzi plays an important role in the story as well. In the end, Bryan and Oliver get a well deserved happy ending. Moments of Fate is a sexy and entertaining friends to lovers romance.
This review appears at https://straightshootinbookreviews.co...
A copy of this story was provided by the author for review.
Bryan Dane’s yearlong sex hiatus since a fellow friend was diagnosed as HIV positive has been going well, and he’s on the home stretch. With summer college classes in photography by day and playing with his rock band at night, he’s been busy enough not to miss the intimacy too much. When fellow student Oliver Newcastle leaves behind a journal that Bryan finds, it’s the first step to a new friendship.
Oliver is spending three months in New York ‘finding himself’. Back home he’d been engaged to a female friend for ages, but she’d found someone else and he’s decided it’s time for him to move in a new direction. Just out of the closet, he’s determined to experience the sights and sounds of NYC and blog about the experience, a far cry from his small town in New England. With Bryan’s help, he’s going to dive into new adventures. But the more time he and Bryan spend together, the more they can’t deny the attraction that exists between them. Bryan’s willing to end his self-imposed celibacy for Oliver, but when the summer is over, will it mean the end of the relationship that has suddenly become much more to both of them?
What a great story! I loved the combination of Bryan, who is experienced and comfortable living as an out gay man, with Oliver who has had some limited same-sex experiences but has only recently come out of the closet. Bryan’s got some interesting friends and they have some equally interesting parties, making for some funny, sexy, and sometimes awkward scenes. I also liked that they don’t just dive into sex right away, as Bryan is serious about not having random hookups and hasn’t entered into another relationship since he found his ex-cheating on him (hello baggage). Things between them proceed from friendship to intimacy at a measured pace, but they don’t hold back once they’ve decided to go all in, resulting in some steamy and emotionally intense scenes.
Bryan’s baggage doesn’t just come from a bad breakup. He’s got chronic lyme disease which manifests itself in different painful ways when he’s under stress. It also causes him to have anxiety attacks. He ends up revealing the disease to Oliver very early in their relationship, something he’s never shared with any other friend and is the first step to the trust that develops between them. But Bryan only holds to that trust so far – he knows Oliver is planning to go home after the summer and doesn’t want to get too emotionally involved. It causes him to make some decisions that create rocky times for this couple.
Through it all Oliver is steadfast. The blog that he writes is very entertaining to read and I liked that the author put those posts in the story. He’s a caring man and a thoughtful friend. There are some sweet scenes with Bryan’s young niece Phoebe and Bryan’s sister Suzi plays an important role in the story as well. In the end, Bryan and Oliver get a well deserved happy ending. Moments of Fate is a sexy and entertaining friends to lovers romance.
This review appears at https://straightshootinbookreviews.co...
A copy of this story was provided by the author for review.
February 5, 2017
One thing I can say for absolute certainty is that no two books written by KS are ever the same. They may contain some of the hottest sex scenes to ever grace the pages of a book but the 'feel' of the books and their content are very different. This one has an entirely different pace to the previous ones and although very emotional it has a much slower pace and not the same sense of rush to it. While I'd say that the first four books are better to be read in sequence, this one would work as a standalone.
We met Bryan (and his band Wasabi Incident) in book two, on Fire Island with the rest of the gang but didn't get to know much about his character, so this is his story. He's living in New York, studying photography and making up the remainder of the class credits he missed while touring with the band. Having had his heart broken, he's having a break from relationships and has, so far, made it through nine months of his self-imposed year of celibacy. It's all on track till he finds himself sharing a lift with the most beautiful guy, with the most stunning eyes, that he has ever seen - Oliver. He's here for the summer doing a writing course. He's just out of a completely unsuitable relationship and is for the first time living as an out and proud gay man. Or at least he's trying to.
They're mutually attracted to each other but Bryan, determined to stick to his rules, takes on a mentor type roll, teaching Oliver everything he needs to know about Gay 101. This only works for so long. I mean, Bryan is only human after all but where would the fun be if there weren't personal issues to get in the way and characters with a penchant for self-sabotaging?!
As always, there are the background characters who have their own storylines running parallel to this one and we see a lot of Bryan's sister and niece. The other band members, including Bryan's best friend Milo, pop in and out a lot but It kinda feels like their story was rushed at the end and almost feels incomplete but that is really my only gripe about the book.
The guys are (as always!) gorgeous, the sex verges on flammable, however, the ending is more of an HFN rather than an HEA but that just leaves the door open for another instalment of some sort.
Copy received from publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Cheryl from Alpha Book Club
Alpha Book Club
All Alpha Males Accepted
alphabookclub.org
We met Bryan (and his band Wasabi Incident) in book two, on Fire Island with the rest of the gang but didn't get to know much about his character, so this is his story. He's living in New York, studying photography and making up the remainder of the class credits he missed while touring with the band. Having had his heart broken, he's having a break from relationships and has, so far, made it through nine months of his self-imposed year of celibacy. It's all on track till he finds himself sharing a lift with the most beautiful guy, with the most stunning eyes, that he has ever seen - Oliver. He's here for the summer doing a writing course. He's just out of a completely unsuitable relationship and is for the first time living as an out and proud gay man. Or at least he's trying to.
They're mutually attracted to each other but Bryan, determined to stick to his rules, takes on a mentor type roll, teaching Oliver everything he needs to know about Gay 101. This only works for so long. I mean, Bryan is only human after all but where would the fun be if there weren't personal issues to get in the way and characters with a penchant for self-sabotaging?!
As always, there are the background characters who have their own storylines running parallel to this one and we see a lot of Bryan's sister and niece. The other band members, including Bryan's best friend Milo, pop in and out a lot but It kinda feels like their story was rushed at the end and almost feels incomplete but that is really my only gripe about the book.
The guys are (as always!) gorgeous, the sex verges on flammable, however, the ending is more of an HFN rather than an HEA but that just leaves the door open for another instalment of some sort.
Copy received from publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Cheryl from Alpha Book Club
Alpha Book Club
All Alpha Males Accepted
alphabookclub.org
February 28, 2017
I finished this one in < a day!! Great but the only complaint was the ending wrapped things up too quickly as a HFN...
March 9, 2017
Moment of Fate is one of those stories where I absolutely loved it, but am not quite sure how to detail it. You know those books that you feel so comfortable while you're reading, that make you smile, and you feel so connected with the characters? That's how this book was for me.
I liked that things between Bryan and Oliver weren't rushed, there was no insta-love to be found here. Oliver was so trusting and sweet, ready to experience a whole new world-just not sure how to do so which made him hesitant in his actions. Bryan was a very willing guide-and then realizes he wants Oliver for himself. The two of them come together easily and comfortably, while at the same time being hot and intense.
Bryan did aggravate me during the last quarter of the story, and I hurt right alongside the characters with the things he said and did. But the strong, riveting writing which easily captured the emotions of not just Bryan and Oliver, but of the supporting characters as well, kept me deeply entrenched in the story up until the very end. One thing I would really liked to have seen though would have been an epilogue to see where the two of them would be later on. I'm hoping there might be another story that will have that, but even if there isn't I'm still very happy with the way things turned out.
4.5 stars for Moment of Fate, and I do highly recommend this book to any M/M romance fan. This story is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and some very hot and naughty M/M sexual content. Bryan and Oliver's chemistry is undeniable emotionally and physically, and I would have felt empty if they didn't wind up together. The story is told from Bryan's point of view, and I think the only thing that would have made this story better would have been to have Oliver's point of view as well.
I liked that things between Bryan and Oliver weren't rushed, there was no insta-love to be found here. Oliver was so trusting and sweet, ready to experience a whole new world-just not sure how to do so which made him hesitant in his actions. Bryan was a very willing guide-and then realizes he wants Oliver for himself. The two of them come together easily and comfortably, while at the same time being hot and intense.
Bryan did aggravate me during the last quarter of the story, and I hurt right alongside the characters with the things he said and did. But the strong, riveting writing which easily captured the emotions of not just Bryan and Oliver, but of the supporting characters as well, kept me deeply entrenched in the story up until the very end. One thing I would really liked to have seen though would have been an epilogue to see where the two of them would be later on. I'm hoping there might be another story that will have that, but even if there isn't I'm still very happy with the way things turned out.
4.5 stars for Moment of Fate, and I do highly recommend this book to any M/M romance fan. This story is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and some very hot and naughty M/M sexual content. Bryan and Oliver's chemistry is undeniable emotionally and physically, and I would have felt empty if they didn't wind up together. The story is told from Bryan's point of view, and I think the only thing that would have made this story better would have been to have Oliver's point of view as well.
Read
October 14, 2018This was really, really good. I love this author's writing style, and the voice of the narrator (Bryan) was great. I was immediately smitten with the always sweet Oliver. He's just such a good guy. The tension and longing were lovely. Sometimes when a book has a billion sex scenes, it can feel redundant, but this worked for me. Karen writes HOT sex scenes. This ticked every box for me.
I know a lot of people won't be crazy about the Big Misunderstanding, but it worked for me. I related to Bryan's behavior and tendency to push people away. He didn't necessarily react in a mature, logical way, but in contemporary, I like when people make real mistakes and make them right. I'd rather read about someone with flaws than an unrealistic, ridiculous Perfect Romance Hero any day. I think he proves that he IS worthy of a guy like Oliver. But most importantly, he learns this about himself.
Somehow this is the first of Karen's books that I've read, and I can't wait to read more. Would absolutely recommend to someone wanting a fairly low angst but emotional, very sexy romance.
I know a lot of people won't be crazy about the Big Misunderstanding, but it worked for me. I related to Bryan's behavior and tendency to push people away. He didn't necessarily react in a mature, logical way, but in contemporary, I like when people make real mistakes and make them right. I'd rather read about someone with flaws than an unrealistic, ridiculous Perfect Romance Hero any day. I think he proves that he IS worthy of a guy like Oliver. But most importantly, he learns this about himself.
Somehow this is the first of Karen's books that I've read, and I can't wait to read more. Would absolutely recommend to someone wanting a fairly low angst but emotional, very sexy romance.
September 21, 2017
*A copy of this book was provided for free by the author in exchange for an honest review.*
This one took me a little more time to get into, because it's a slower build. I liked the focus on the friendship before the relationship and sexual relationship started. I did love Bryan and Oliver's romance, it was really believable from the very first meeting. The chemistry was there. I like that they took the time to know each other. I didn't really care about the band drama...it was pretty obvious where it was headed. It wasn't bad, it was just there. The angst at the end....I didn't care for. It just came out of nowhere but I do like that it wasn't resolved right away. It took time for BOTH men to work it out. Over all it was a really sweet read.
This one took me a little more time to get into, because it's a slower build. I liked the focus on the friendship before the relationship and sexual relationship started. I did love Bryan and Oliver's romance, it was really believable from the very first meeting. The chemistry was there. I like that they took the time to know each other. I didn't really care about the band drama...it was pretty obvious where it was headed. It wasn't bad, it was just there. The angst at the end....I didn't care for. It just came out of nowhere but I do like that it wasn't resolved right away. It took time for BOTH men to work it out. Over all it was a really sweet read.
March 29, 2017
4.75 stars!
I've been binge reading M/M for a bit now and I don't remember the last time I was so happy...just reading. With no expectations. It's so freeing.
Bryan and Oliver. They were truly the best part of the story. Their characters were amazing, honest and really just complemented each other. Friends to lover's trope is my weakness. It's no secret so I knew I had to get my hands on this.
Although some stuff that Bryan does, did make me eye-roll so hard. But made up with it with his sense of humor.
I loved the way the story was told. In Bryan's POV but also had a few blog posts that gave us an insight to Oliver and his thoughts. Now, let's talk about their chemistry, shall we? WOW! It was there alright and it was HOT! The sex scenes were probably some of the best I've read. They flowed so effortlessly.
I loved seeing them grow and see their relationship progress from friendship to more. I felt so mushy when I was reading it. Their story is not easy, and at times I felt so bad for Bryan. But that ending was AMAZING!! I was really happy with the way Karen was able to finish it!
PS. I really hope there's a book for Milo!
“He stared at me with love. And it scared the hell out of me because I was pretty sure I stared back with the same expression on my own face.”
I've been binge reading M/M for a bit now and I don't remember the last time I was so happy...just reading. With no expectations. It's so freeing.
Bryan and Oliver. They were truly the best part of the story. Their characters were amazing, honest and really just complemented each other. Friends to lover's trope is my weakness. It's no secret so I knew I had to get my hands on this.
Although some stuff that Bryan does, did make me eye-roll so hard. But made up with it with his sense of humor.
“You’re such a pain in the ass.”
“Only when I’m out of lube.”
I loved the way the story was told. In Bryan's POV but also had a few blog posts that gave us an insight to Oliver and his thoughts. Now, let's talk about their chemistry, shall we? WOW! It was there alright and it was HOT! The sex scenes were probably some of the best I've read. They flowed so effortlessly.
I loved seeing them grow and see their relationship progress from friendship to more. I felt so mushy when I was reading it. Their story is not easy, and at times I felt so bad for Bryan. But that ending was AMAZING!! I was really happy with the way Karen was able to finish it!
PS. I really hope there's a book for Milo!
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