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Stolen Moments #2
Illicit Promises
We both claim we're over each other, so why do we keep finding ourselves back in each other's arms?
Carter
I thought I was over her, right until she walked back into my life. My head knows she and I will end in disaster, yet my heart can't deny her. Maybe I can convince Emilia to make me her dirty little secret...
Emilia
Carter is still the only one I want and the only one I desire. He's also still the only one I can't have. How am I going to survive college when he's everywhere, tempting me to break the promises I've made.
Author's Note: Stolen Moments is book 2 in a trilogy that follows Emilia Parker and Carter Clarke through high school, college and finally adulthood.
This book was previously titled Chaos. The title has changed, but the story has not.
Carter
I thought I was over her, right until she walked back into my life. My head knows she and I will end in disaster, yet my heart can't deny her. Maybe I can convince Emilia to make me her dirty little secret...
Emilia
Carter is still the only one I want and the only one I desire. He's also still the only one I can't have. How am I going to survive college when he's everywhere, tempting me to break the promises I've made.
Author's Note: Stolen Moments is book 2 in a trilogy that follows Emilia Parker and Carter Clarke through high school, college and finally adulthood.
This book was previously titled Chaos. The title has changed, but the story has not.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2020
1069 people are currently reading
2450 people want to read
About the author
Catharina Maura
35 books16.6k followersCatharina Maura is a USA Today and Amazon #1 bestselling author. She writes angsty, fast-paced contemporary romance novels that break your heart before they lead you to a hard-won happily ever after.
Cat lives in Hong Kong with her husband and a dozen houseplants that all have names. When she isn't daydreaming about future characters, she's exploring the world and seeking out new adventures.
You can find Cat's socials and latest updates here: https://hi.catharinamaura.com/bio
Cat lives in Hong Kong with her husband and a dozen houseplants that all have names. When she isn't daydreaming about future characters, she's exploring the world and seeking out new adventures.
You can find Cat's socials and latest updates here: https://hi.catharinamaura.com/bio
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews
March 1, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
All I wanna say is Carters sister, Kate, is giving Nesta Archeron vibes and I wanna punch her in the throat.
All I wanna say is Carters sister, Kate, is giving Nesta Archeron vibes and I wanna punch her in the throat.
March 9, 2025
Not only is Kate a miserable friend she’s also a horrible person. & Carter needs to grow a back bone.
December 18, 2020
Emilia & Carters story continues, this time at college.
Emilia & Kate finally join Carter & Asher.
Ok, so I thought book one was amazing.. Book two beats it hands down!
This book has so many raw emotions, such indepth storylines.
Chaos focuses on Emilia a lot, and who she will choose, Carter or Kate.
It's so clear Carter is still in love with Emilia, and we all know from Mayhem Emilias feelings for him are going nowhere, she'll always love him.
Kate however is spiraling out of control, she's all grown up, with a typical teenage attitude. You can't help but feel sorry for her, and want to protect her.
Towards the end of this book I cried, a lot, Helen turns her back on Emilia, which proves blood is thicker than water.
All I will say about the end is.... Roll on book 3!!
I went to download it as soon as I'd finished and my heart sank when I realised it's not out yet.
I can't get into another book right now, as I need to know how Emilia & Carters story ends.
Emilia & Kate finally join Carter & Asher.
Ok, so I thought book one was amazing.. Book two beats it hands down!
This book has so many raw emotions, such indepth storylines.
Chaos focuses on Emilia a lot, and who she will choose, Carter or Kate.
It's so clear Carter is still in love with Emilia, and we all know from Mayhem Emilias feelings for him are going nowhere, she'll always love him.
Kate however is spiraling out of control, she's all grown up, with a typical teenage attitude. You can't help but feel sorry for her, and want to protect her.
Towards the end of this book I cried, a lot, Helen turns her back on Emilia, which proves blood is thicker than water.
All I will say about the end is.... Roll on book 3!!
I went to download it as soon as I'd finished and my heart sank when I realised it's not out yet.
I can't get into another book right now, as I need to know how Emilia & Carters story ends.
May 20, 2025
Carter and Emilia continue... now in College. This family is freaken UNBELIEVABLE. I hate Kate... 😒
The ending 😭😭😭😭😭
Hoopla listen 🎶
The ending 😭😭😭😭😭
Hoopla listen 🎶
April 7, 2025
i hate the sister with a passion
November 9, 2022
Ugghhh it’s been at least a handful of books since I’ve stayed up til 3am reading. I couldn’t stop until my heart was completely shattered. By the end I felt every emotion towards every character. I was angry at them all while also seeing their perspective in an impossible situation that COULD have been avoided but…not by many people because every decision made felt true to human nature. I don’t know what else to say that wont spoil this book. All I have to say is Catharina better unbreak my heart in book 3.
My only complaint is I wish the sex scenes were longer cuz the chemistry is 🔥🔥
My only complaint is I wish the sex scenes were longer cuz the chemistry is 🔥🔥
December 4, 2022
A lovely drama-filled continuation of Carter & Emilia’s story❣️ however.. Kate is still insufferable, and I doubt she’s gonna be able to make a comeback at this point. Jeez, what a terrible friend and person. The words she said to Emilia were unforgettable and inexcusable beyond belief. I’m definitely curious of how the 3rd book will play out considering how things ended for Emilia and the Clarke family. Overall, I loved this second book just as much as the first one and I’m excited to start the final book!
September 17, 2023
this book was so good but I started the third book already and I already can’t remember what happened in this one and what’s happening currently in the other one so… but I remember this one being super happy on the beginning and then everything tuned dark and sad so yeah. Also I hated Kate and her family in this one and I love Carter so
April 29, 2023
Mrs Maura, I‘m gonna send you my therapy bills for the last chapters of this book! 🥲😑💔
February 13, 2023
4 frustrating Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (review is for Stolen Moments and Illicit Promises books)
When I started this series I thought to myself I read this book before…
And then I read that this series was indeed under another name called Mayhem, but the more I kept reading the more I came to conclusion that I’m just getting it mixed up with another book that had some similarities, because I would’ve remember a bitch like Kate in any book!
Carter and Emilia love story is definitely a roller coaster ride and the angst in this book is high. Stolen Moments and Illicit Promises had me so frustrated that there were several times I just wanted to stop reading.
I don’t know how anyone could let another person talk to them the way Kate talks to Emilia and not lose their shit! If anyone was a selfish bitch, it was Kate!
I was also disappointed in Carter’s and Kate’s mom, Helen, on how she treated Emilia in book 2. What she said and ask Emilia to do was horrible.
“ If nothing else, please consider moving out temporarily. I don’t think seeing you every day is good for Kate. I know Carter would never dare say this to you, but I’m certain he agrees. It’s obvious you’re holding Kate’s recovery back.”
“Where would I even go, Helen? This is my home
now.”
Helen nods in understanding and grabs her bag. She takes out a credit card and holds it out to me. “Just find some other apartment. I understand a lot of students do house-sharing. I’m sure it won’t take you too long to find something. I’ll pay for it until you can get back on your feet. I’m sorry, Emilia. I don’t want to have to ask you this, but I need to put my family first. Besides, this apartment is Carter’s. It’s his
home, not yours.”
Like Mother Like Daughter… Now I know where Kate gets it from.
I hope Emilia NEVER forgives Helen and Kate.
Moving on…..
I felt Carter gave in way too easy on letting Emilia walk away in book 2. I seen why he did in book 1 because Emilia couldn’t commit, but in book 2 I don’t agree with, so I kinda lost a bit of respect for him. He’s basically letting his family win.
Catharina Maura did an amazing job writing the chemistry between Carter and Emilia because it was off the charts hot! The slow burn was was definitely worth the wait.
“. I’m frantic and impatient as I undo my jeans. I grab Emilia’s hands and hold them above her head as I align my dick with her. I look straight into her eyes as I push into her, and her lips fall open in delight. She’s so fucking beautiful. I grab her by her hips and thrust into her rough and hard. The need to claim her is unreal. I want to be the only thing she can think about.
Emilia moans and yanks on my hair to get me closer, and I lower my lips to hers. “So tight, Emilia. This pussy is mine, you hear me?”
So far I’ve enjoyed both books 1&2 but not enough to give them a 5 star just because of how Emilia allows people to walk all over her especially Kate. I’m hoping that The Ruins of Us will give me the satisfaction I’ve been waiting for that I can give it a 5 star.
Audiobook review: Need I say how Teddy Hamilton did? He’s always a 10 in my opinion…that man’s voice can drive anyone crazy! Lucy Rivers is fabulous too! She really brings life to the story..
When I started this series I thought to myself I read this book before…
And then I read that this series was indeed under another name called Mayhem, but the more I kept reading the more I came to conclusion that I’m just getting it mixed up with another book that had some similarities, because I would’ve remember a bitch like Kate in any book!
Carter and Emilia love story is definitely a roller coaster ride and the angst in this book is high. Stolen Moments and Illicit Promises had me so frustrated that there were several times I just wanted to stop reading.
I don’t know how anyone could let another person talk to them the way Kate talks to Emilia and not lose their shit! If anyone was a selfish bitch, it was Kate!
I was also disappointed in Carter’s and Kate’s mom, Helen, on how she treated Emilia in book 2. What she said and ask Emilia to do was horrible.
“ If nothing else, please consider moving out temporarily. I don’t think seeing you every day is good for Kate. I know Carter would never dare say this to you, but I’m certain he agrees. It’s obvious you’re holding Kate’s recovery back.”
“Where would I even go, Helen? This is my home
now.”
Helen nods in understanding and grabs her bag. She takes out a credit card and holds it out to me. “Just find some other apartment. I understand a lot of students do house-sharing. I’m sure it won’t take you too long to find something. I’ll pay for it until you can get back on your feet. I’m sorry, Emilia. I don’t want to have to ask you this, but I need to put my family first. Besides, this apartment is Carter’s. It’s his
home, not yours.”
Like Mother Like Daughter… Now I know where Kate gets it from.
I hope Emilia NEVER forgives Helen and Kate.
Moving on…..
I felt Carter gave in way too easy on letting Emilia walk away in book 2. I seen why he did in book 1 because Emilia couldn’t commit, but in book 2 I don’t agree with, so I kinda lost a bit of respect for him. He’s basically letting his family win.
Catharina Maura did an amazing job writing the chemistry between Carter and Emilia because it was off the charts hot! The slow burn was was definitely worth the wait.
“. I’m frantic and impatient as I undo my jeans. I grab Emilia’s hands and hold them above her head as I align my dick with her. I look straight into her eyes as I push into her, and her lips fall open in delight. She’s so fucking beautiful. I grab her by her hips and thrust into her rough and hard. The need to claim her is unreal. I want to be the only thing she can think about.
Emilia moans and yanks on my hair to get me closer, and I lower my lips to hers. “So tight, Emilia. This pussy is mine, you hear me?”
So far I’ve enjoyed both books 1&2 but not enough to give them a 5 star just because of how Emilia allows people to walk all over her especially Kate. I’m hoping that The Ruins of Us will give me the satisfaction I’ve been waiting for that I can give it a 5 star.
Audiobook review: Need I say how Teddy Hamilton did? He’s always a 10 in my opinion…that man’s voice can drive anyone crazy! Lucy Rivers is fabulous too! She really brings life to the story..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2021
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
Two years have passed since Carter and Asher left for USC. When she and Kate arrive at college and meet at the guy's apartment Carter's abs are covered in kiss marks. She knows their relationship has been no more than strangers the last year and half, but Emilia is devastated. Maybe college is what she needs to get Carter out of her system.
I think I cried through most of this book. Kate and Carter's relationship has been either up or down and I'm sorry but Kate is just a selfish b$tch! This book ends with Emilia making the hardest decision of her life. Catharina Maura has written an emotional roller-coaster with this book! Even through the tears I loved the book.
Two years have passed since Carter and Asher left for USC. When she and Kate arrive at college and meet at the guy's apartment Carter's abs are covered in kiss marks. She knows their relationship has been no more than strangers the last year and half, but Emilia is devastated. Maybe college is what she needs to get Carter out of her system.
I think I cried through most of this book. Kate and Carter's relationship has been either up or down and I'm sorry but Kate is just a selfish b$tch! This book ends with Emilia making the hardest decision of her life. Catharina Maura has written an emotional roller-coaster with this book! Even through the tears I loved the book.
June 9, 2023
⚡ May contain spoilers.
OH MY GOD!
I'm just in love with Carter! In this book he manages to surpass himself in cuteness and in love for Emilia. Oh man, I can't describe the emotions I felt reading this second part of the couple.
This book shows the evolution and maturation of the characters, as over time they get older and more experienced. Their anguish over how other people would react to learning about their relationship is sad, as they love themselves so much, but they also love those around them who are afraid of hurting others and forget about their relationship.
I STILL HATE THE BITCH CATHERINE! She is simply unbearable! How can a character take so many hateful and hateful feelings towards him?! She is the MOST selfish person possible for Emilia! Ugh, I can't sympathize or empathize with Kate, for me if she exploded and disappeared in the third book, it would be a favor to everyone who lives around her.
The scene of Carter begging for Emilia, and it's all the sister's fault, my God, I can't forgive!
I'm immediately going to the next one! Carter has my whole heart with him!
OH MY GOD!
I'm just in love with Carter! In this book he manages to surpass himself in cuteness and in love for Emilia. Oh man, I can't describe the emotions I felt reading this second part of the couple.
This book shows the evolution and maturation of the characters, as over time they get older and more experienced. Their anguish over how other people would react to learning about their relationship is sad, as they love themselves so much, but they also love those around them who are afraid of hurting others and forget about their relationship.
I STILL HATE THE BITCH CATHERINE! She is simply unbearable! How can a character take so many hateful and hateful feelings towards him?! She is the MOST selfish person possible for Emilia! Ugh, I can't sympathize or empathize with Kate, for me if she exploded and disappeared in the third book, it would be a favor to everyone who lives around her.
The scene of Carter begging for Emilia, and it's all the sister's fault, my God, I can't forgive!
I'm immediately going to the next one! Carter has my whole heart with him!
August 14, 2024
Setting: College
Now about the second book, I truly hated Carter in the beginning, like I know you’re heartbroken but come one.
But it was beautiful once they found each other again, I loved all of their cute moments together and I honestly started hating Kate during the first book.
She was always so jealous and rude, and trust me it did not get better in the second book.
The way she just broke Asher’s heart so carelessly
And I really hope that there is a book about Lisa and Mason because wdym she’s his dead brothers girlfriend?!
I’m so intrigued
Now about the second book, I truly hated Carter in the beginning, like I know you’re heartbroken but come one.
But it was beautiful once they found each other again, I loved all of their cute moments together and I honestly started hating Kate during the first book.
She was always so jealous and rude, and trust me it did not get better in the second book.
The way she just broke Asher’s heart so carelessly
And I really hope that there is a book about Lisa and Mason because wdym she’s his dead brothers girlfriend?!
I’m so intrigued
June 20, 2022
This novel follows the previous. Emilia and Carter fell hard for each other, but as Carter is Emilia’s best friend Kate’s older sister she shoved him away choosing her best friends happiness over her own. Two miserable years have passed and Emilia and Kate are joining Carter in college where his and Emilia’s feelings spark again. Will Kate succeed in tearing them apart once more?
When I say the first book made me ugly cry, this one had me bawling like a baby. I was so angry with Kate’s character. She’s a perfect villain.
I couldn’t stop crying and I couldn’t stop reading.
When I say the first book made me ugly cry, this one had me bawling like a baby. I was so angry with Kate’s character. She’s a perfect villain.
I couldn’t stop crying and I couldn’t stop reading.
April 15, 2024
when sacrifices is all you can hold onto but sometimes promises are never enough.
How did I manage to finish this book without breaking down and cry over it.
Carter and Emilia. Seriously, this has heartbreak from beginning to end.
It’s a book that’ll leave you hating how twisted things got with Kate.
How did I manage to finish this book without breaking down and cry over it.
Carter and Emilia. Seriously, this has heartbreak from beginning to end.
It’s a book that’ll leave you hating how twisted things got with Kate.
November 29, 2022
I hate Kate more than ever! I have always thought that love conquers everything, but sometimes it doesn’t 😭😭😭😭😭
“I love her more than anything and everything in the world, but sometimes love just isn’t enough.” ~ Carter
“I love her more than anything and everything in the world, but sometimes love just isn’t enough.” ~ Carter
August 17, 2023
WHAT
THE
ACTUAL
FUCK
THE
ACTUAL
FUCK
June 15, 2025
I absolutely hate Kate and feeling the same way about her mother. I can now see where Kate gets her selfishness from, her mother. I cried at the end of both Kate and Carter. My heart broke for them and what ended up happening to them.
August 25, 2025
I hate Kate.
October 21, 2024
Carter mi nuevo novio literario 🤗
August 11, 2024
The second in the series
So many ups & downs my emotions were all over the place
I love Emilia & Carter & all I want to do now I read book 3 to find out what happens …
So many ups & downs my emotions were all over the place
I love Emilia & Carter & all I want to do now I read book 3 to find out what happens …
December 16, 2020
WOW, I mean, wow, are you ready for some tears??? This second part of the trilogy has me on edge! The final chapters are so angsty, I can't stop thinking about Carter and Emilia, will they make it in book 3? I knew something dramatic was gonna happen at the end of this book but I was in shock after Emilia makes that final tough choice... are you kidding me, how can she? I don't think I'd be able to do that... , and Carter, Oh my Good, my dear Carter, my heart was utterly destroyed.
...but let's have faith, Carter does have it, he seems to believe in fate...
Gosh, I couldn't put this book down for even a second. You gotta read the first book to understand the story, it will probably have you in tears.
Can't wait for their HEA, fingers crossed!
...but let's have faith, Carter does have it, he seems to believe in fate...
Gosh, I couldn't put this book down for even a second. You gotta read the first book to understand the story, it will probably have you in tears.
Can't wait for their HEA, fingers crossed!
January 16, 2025
This was my second time reading this! It was just as good as remembered. So many tears!!!
December 3, 2022
Roller coaster of feelings
Spoilers ahead...
I want to be completely honest, I loved to hate this series. Every character reacts in the most unhealthy way to almost every instance of conflict. Especially Carter. A lot of the scenes were repetitive. Almost every dalliance was missionary on a bed until the last book, as well as the use of a few key phrases and certain words were used over and over and over. Plus this series is VERY VANILLA if that's not your cup of tea. If you read a lot of romance, you'll see what I mean. I also want to point out that the author doesn't transition some scenes clearly. The characters were doing something, but in the next paragraph they are magically doing something else. Almost like the author cut stuff out or forgot their train of thought. I'd have to fill in the missing pieces myself. There are several grammatical errors and typos throughout the book.
DESPITE ALL OF THAT: I couldn't put it down. Every single character aggravated me to no end, but I couldn't stop. I cried a couple of times throughout the series and just wanted them to finally have the happiness that the world seemed hellbent on keeping them from. Even if Carter and Emilia were the ones usually keeping themselves from it. The drama part of the book kept me on my toes.
Idk, I have VERY mixed feelings about this series. I almost put the books down too after certain stuff happened. Especially deeply immature and problematic things that Carter would do which he suffered ZERO consequences. I also hate that Carter could sleep around all he wanted, in his words "fuck his way" around his feelings for Emilia, but got angry and vindictive at her just thinking she was with other people. She was expected to be a nun for some reason, while he could stick it into however many he wanted. In the end, I would have loved to see better character growth, rather than the same old reaction and still unhealthy interactions between Emilia and Carter. The side characters had more emotional growth than the main ones. Some of the problematic behavior was understandable in the first book because they were in high school. Beyond that, it just got toxic.
3/5 because I clearly couldn't stop turning the pages despite the problematic relationship dynamics and grammatical problems. If the main chars had more emotional growth I would give this series a 4 for sure. I definitely read a series that wasn't made for me considering this book is rated so highly. I expected more growth from Emilia and Carter. I hoped for it.
Spoilers ahead...
I want to be completely honest, I loved to hate this series. Every character reacts in the most unhealthy way to almost every instance of conflict. Especially Carter. A lot of the scenes were repetitive. Almost every dalliance was missionary on a bed until the last book, as well as the use of a few key phrases and certain words were used over and over and over. Plus this series is VERY VANILLA if that's not your cup of tea. If you read a lot of romance, you'll see what I mean. I also want to point out that the author doesn't transition some scenes clearly. The characters were doing something, but in the next paragraph they are magically doing something else. Almost like the author cut stuff out or forgot their train of thought. I'd have to fill in the missing pieces myself. There are several grammatical errors and typos throughout the book.
DESPITE ALL OF THAT: I couldn't put it down. Every single character aggravated me to no end, but I couldn't stop. I cried a couple of times throughout the series and just wanted them to finally have the happiness that the world seemed hellbent on keeping them from. Even if Carter and Emilia were the ones usually keeping themselves from it. The drama part of the book kept me on my toes.
Idk, I have VERY mixed feelings about this series. I almost put the books down too after certain stuff happened. Especially deeply immature and problematic things that Carter would do which he suffered ZERO consequences. I also hate that Carter could sleep around all he wanted, in his words "fuck his way" around his feelings for Emilia, but got angry and vindictive at her just thinking she was with other people. She was expected to be a nun for some reason, while he could stick it into however many he wanted. In the end, I would have loved to see better character growth, rather than the same old reaction and still unhealthy interactions between Emilia and Carter. The side characters had more emotional growth than the main ones. Some of the problematic behavior was understandable in the first book because they were in high school. Beyond that, it just got toxic.
3/5 because I clearly couldn't stop turning the pages despite the problematic relationship dynamics and grammatical problems. If the main chars had more emotional growth I would give this series a 4 for sure. I definitely read a series that wasn't made for me considering this book is rated so highly. I expected more growth from Emilia and Carter. I hoped for it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2021
Wow I loved this book
This is book 2 of this trilogy so please you must read in order and I gave book 1 a 4 * rating as I just wanted a little more from the author on maybe why Kate was one of the most horrible characters I have read about lately, just something was off with how she betrayed Emilia with Gabby and some of the things she said to her.
I mean seriously this girl is the definition of selfish, disgusting, despicable, jealous, arrogant and just downright nasty and if that’s how she is to her best friend well if she starts to be cruel to animals it wouldn’t surprise me…. She is a narcissist & psycho to the core.
I really don’t want Helen, Carter or Emilia to ever forgive her for this as there was no reason for her to treat Emilia the way she did and am I an awful person for wanting her to always be unhappy and not have Emilia to blame, she deserves to be miserable and unhappy so her family can see it was never Emilia to blame and to be fair right now if Kate was killed off I wouldn’t she’d a tear.
Now don’t let Kate stop you from enjoying this book as Carter & Emilia are so perfect for each other I know they have to come back together permanently in book three.
I won’t cope if they don’t get their HEA with each other, everyone can see the chemistry is off the charts and their love so real I almost forget they were characters in this book I was so drawn in to them.
I’m not going to lie though I cried real ugly tears near the end of this book it broke me a little and I really hope Carter doesn’t lose it like he did in book one and just become reckless with his love life, Emilia doesn’t deserve it again as she is doing this for his happiness with his family. Yet again she is putting everyone else’s happiness before her own and doesn’t want him to lose his family.
I have liked a few of this authors books but if she doesn’t give me Carter & Minx married with loads of babies and happy beyond their expectations I will not be happy.
On to book 3 now so hope I’m not ugly crying again as it’s not a good look.
This is book 2 of this trilogy so please you must read in order and I gave book 1 a 4 * rating as I just wanted a little more from the author on maybe why Kate was one of the most horrible characters I have read about lately, just something was off with how she betrayed Emilia with Gabby and some of the things she said to her.
I mean seriously this girl is the definition of selfish, disgusting, despicable, jealous, arrogant and just downright nasty and if that’s how she is to her best friend well if she starts to be cruel to animals it wouldn’t surprise me…. She is a narcissist & psycho to the core.
I really don’t want Helen, Carter or Emilia to ever forgive her for this as there was no reason for her to treat Emilia the way she did and am I an awful person for wanting her to always be unhappy and not have Emilia to blame, she deserves to be miserable and unhappy so her family can see it was never Emilia to blame and to be fair right now if Kate was killed off I wouldn’t she’d a tear.
Now don’t let Kate stop you from enjoying this book as Carter & Emilia are so perfect for each other I know they have to come back together permanently in book three.
I won’t cope if they don’t get their HEA with each other, everyone can see the chemistry is off the charts and their love so real I almost forget they were characters in this book I was so drawn in to them.
I’m not going to lie though I cried real ugly tears near the end of this book it broke me a little and I really hope Carter doesn’t lose it like he did in book one and just become reckless with his love life, Emilia doesn’t deserve it again as she is doing this for his happiness with his family. Yet again she is putting everyone else’s happiness before her own and doesn’t want him to lose his family.
I have liked a few of this authors books but if she doesn’t give me Carter & Minx married with loads of babies and happy beyond their expectations I will not be happy.
On to book 3 now so hope I’m not ugly crying again as it’s not a good look.
June 12, 2021
So the first book we get to meet the couple in high school and now we meet them in college! I mean something has to change right?!
Well if by change you mean going through some serious heart breaking ride... you're right! I cried my eyes out at every turn and the ending just shattered me!
I love the side characters in this book and some I really enjoy and I have to say this book brought a lot of frustration with it as well! I just wanted to slap some sense into some of the characters....
Emilia and Carter are heartbreakingly beautiful together and I just want them to be together forever!
This book has family, loyally, love all of it are at stakes and it's been unpredictable and one hell of a rollercoaster, but it's been one I don't want to end.
Well if by change you mean going through some serious heart breaking ride... you're right! I cried my eyes out at every turn and the ending just shattered me!
I love the side characters in this book and some I really enjoy and I have to say this book brought a lot of frustration with it as well! I just wanted to slap some sense into some of the characters....
Emilia and Carter are heartbreakingly beautiful together and I just want them to be together forever!
This book has family, loyally, love all of it are at stakes and it's been unpredictable and one hell of a rollercoaster, but it's been one I don't want to end.
April 3, 2022
This is the first book I have ever read where the time jump makes sense with them not being together.
February 4, 2023
Emilia and Carter are practically strangers when they reunite 2 years after the events of Stolen Moments. There is no sign of the close friendship or teasing they always took part in, instead everything is awkward. It’s clear that the feelings that had for one another haven’t gone away and are unlikely to. They begin to rebuild their friendship but easily fall into hold habits and these little touches or ways of being were reminiscent of them in the first book and how the little things came to mean a lot and the rest of the world would fade away when they were together. The tension is addicting and keeps you reading especially when possessiveness and jealously come into play.
After being unable to resist their feelings but not wanting to get their hearts broken again, they enter a friend with benefits arrangement. However, the boundary between friendship and more is blurred and whilst they may be friends it’s looking like a lot more. Emilia and Carter then enter a secret relationship once again and it was everything. It was again reminiscent of the first book but so much more as they were now older. I liked seeing them navigate and develop their relationship without the pressure of everyone knowing and they have some very sweet moments.
The book then a took a turn into a highly emotional story which was an absolute tear-jerker. Emilia are Carter were amazing together After an indescribable amount of heartache and pain Emilia makes the decision that Carter cannot and leaves. This decision leaves both Carter and Emilia with broken hearts, drives Carter’s attention back to him family and sets Emilia on a new life path.
This book was very gripping and depicts the kind of love that romance books are about but in the end love wasn’t enough.
Favourite quote:
After being unable to resist their feelings but not wanting to get their hearts broken again, they enter a friend with benefits arrangement. However, the boundary between friendship and more is blurred and whilst they may be friends it’s looking like a lot more. Emilia and Carter then enter a secret relationship once again and it was everything. It was again reminiscent of the first book but so much more as they were now older. I liked seeing them navigate and develop their relationship without the pressure of everyone knowing and they have some very sweet moments.
The book then a took a turn into a highly emotional story which was an absolute tear-jerker. Emilia are Carter were amazing together After an indescribable amount of heartache and pain Emilia makes the decision that Carter cannot and leaves. This decision leaves both Carter and Emilia with broken hearts, drives Carter’s attention back to him family and sets Emilia on a new life path.
This book was very gripping and depicts the kind of love that romance books are about but in the end love wasn’t enough.
Favourite quote:
“Someday we’ll find our way back to each other, and when we do, I won’t let anyone stand in our way again. I know this is the right choice now, but I can’t imagine a future without you. I never believed in fate, but if it exists, I know it’ll lead me straight back to you.”
February 27, 2025
I genuinely disliked this book and most of the characters.
This trilogy didn’t have enough substance or plot to be anything more than one book of average length. It’s dragging, everything is drawn out and it’s so repetitive - it’s the same “problem” regurgitated, the same thoughts and conversations had and situations just repeating itself. Over and over and over.
The author had the opportunity to create a lot of conflict and tension with Carter having had his heart broken (since Emilia chose his sister…), to create resistance and angst. Instead they immediately got over the hurt and jealousy and went back to their old ways.
This is basically it: he’s hard, they shouldn’t do it, lips are being looked at, childish pranks and Kate being a brat, dictating people’s lives whilst treating them like shit and people letting her.
There’s truly nothing to anything, the conversations and thoughts are repetitive and completely pointless.
The only thing keeping them apart are Kate’s opinions - that’s it! Nothing else. That’s not enough conflict/“plot” for three books!
I genuinely can’t stand Emilia. She’s pathetic, stupid and spineless.
Kate is an entitled, hypocritical brat and I hate her but I almost hate the enablers of her behavior more.
Helen is
It was a struggle to finish this book (and not let my phone make an imprint on the wall..) so I fast forwarded a lot. Still basically torture.
💭 Random thoughts:
- Again with the ”feud”… I had hoped they’d left the childish pranks in high school were it didn’t bother me
- Sigh. Kate stands her up to hang with other people and Emilia is happy she’s okay? That girl is a doormat.
- Funnily enough, the bad reviews I read when I wanted to DNF actually made me curious to how much worse it could get.
- The reactions to things that happen are so ridiculous and OTT. Everyone is stupid and everything is unbelievable.
- was childish.
🎧 Audiobook narration: Good, but unfortunately I couldn’t stop hearing the female narrators intake of breath before almost every other sentence.
This trilogy didn’t have enough substance or plot to be anything more than one book of average length. It’s dragging, everything is drawn out and it’s so repetitive - it’s the same “problem” regurgitated, the same thoughts and conversations had and situations just repeating itself. Over and over and over.
The author had the opportunity to create a lot of conflict and tension with Carter having had his heart broken (since Emilia chose his sister…), to create resistance and angst. Instead they immediately got over the hurt and jealousy and went back to their old ways.
This is basically it: he’s hard, they shouldn’t do it, lips are being looked at, childish pranks and Kate being a brat, dictating people’s lives whilst treating them like shit and people letting her.
There’s truly nothing to anything, the conversations and thoughts are repetitive and completely pointless.
The only thing keeping them apart are Kate’s opinions - that’s it! Nothing else. That’s not enough conflict/“plot” for three books!
I genuinely can’t stand Emilia. She’s pathetic, stupid and spineless.
Kate is an entitled, hypocritical brat and I hate her but I almost hate the enablers of her behavior more.
Helen is
It was a struggle to finish this book (and not let my phone make an imprint on the wall..) so I fast forwarded a lot. Still basically torture.
💭 Random thoughts:
- Again with the ”feud”… I had hoped they’d left the childish pranks in high school were it didn’t bother me
- Sigh. Kate stands her up to hang with other people and Emilia is happy she’s okay? That girl is a doormat.
- Funnily enough, the bad reviews I read when I wanted to DNF actually made me curious to how much worse it could get.
- The reactions to things that happen are so ridiculous and OTT. Everyone is stupid and everything is unbelievable.
- was childish.
🎧 Audiobook narration: Good, but unfortunately I couldn’t stop hearing the female narrators intake of breath before almost every other sentence.
March 11, 2024
3.8 i-love-Carter ⭐'s
Again, I'm writing this after finishing the whole trilogy so I have influences therefore I won't be saying much.
Here we have the Carter, Milly, Kate and Asher in college. I had to mention Asher because I love him and I had to mention Kate because I HATE HER. Truly, this book even seems too focused on her a lot of times. I swear, if it wasn't for the whole focus on her and the things mom Helen does in the end, this would be at least 4.75 stars.
This is my 3rd book by Catharina Maura and I can totally say she's a good character builder. I'll briefly say that I love Carter and Milly, I love how their relashionship works. They are always very mature with things and very honest, you can see and feel the difference from the beginning (Stolen Moments). Considering everything that was happening, they were brave enough to do "the right thing" with what they had. Honestly, I hated the ending but it was the best ending for them here.
For those who read it, come to discuss with me if you want, I'd love to talk about it.
NOW, let's go to what made me not love this book: KATE, the real devil after all.
Since the first book we've been having a lot of signs that this girl should go to the therapist from the moment Milly appeared. She doesn't know how to deal with her feelings and she takes all the wrong choices. That was shown clearly in the first book and EVERYONE noticed it. But now she's in college, why would people assume everyhting would suddently be ok with her? This time her bad decisions are worse.
From the perspective of the character, it all made sense but it ruined my moments and I'm not going further to avoid spoilers but I could go hours talking bout her.
Again, I'm writing this after finishing the whole trilogy so I have influences therefore I won't be saying much.
Here we have the Carter, Milly, Kate and Asher in college. I had to mention Asher because I love him and I had to mention Kate because I HATE HER. Truly, this book even seems too focused on her a lot of times. I swear, if it wasn't for the whole focus on her and the things mom Helen does in the end, this would be at least 4.75 stars.
This is my 3rd book by Catharina Maura and I can totally say she's a good character builder. I'll briefly say that I love Carter and Milly, I love how their relashionship works. They are always very mature with things and very honest, you can see and feel the difference from the beginning (Stolen Moments). Considering everything that was happening, they were brave enough to do "the right thing" with what they had. Honestly, I hated the ending but it was the best ending for them here.
For those who read it, come to discuss with me if you want, I'd love to talk about it.
NOW, let's go to what made me not love this book: KATE, the real devil after all.
Since the first book we've been having a lot of signs that this girl should go to the therapist from the moment Milly appeared. She doesn't know how to deal with her feelings and she takes all the wrong choices. That was shown clearly in the first book and EVERYONE noticed it. But now she's in college, why would people assume everyhting would suddently be ok with her? This time her bad decisions are worse.
From the perspective of the character, it all made sense but it ruined my moments and I'm not going further to avoid spoilers but I could go hours talking bout her.
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