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Stolen Moments #1
Stolen Moments
A single kiss changes everything for two lifelong rivals in this best friend’s brother romance.
It was hate at first sight for Emilia and Carter. Neither remembers how their feud started — yet every day, their war intensifies. Until one night. One unexpected kiss blurs the lines between love and hate, and their lives are forever changed. The stakes have never been higher. Carter is Emilia’s best friend’s brother, after all.
Author's The Stolen Moments Trilogy follows Emilia and Carter's epic love story through high school, college, and adulthood. This trilogy was previously named Mayhem, and the contents remain unchanged.
It was hate at first sight for Emilia and Carter. Neither remembers how their feud started — yet every day, their war intensifies. Until one night. One unexpected kiss blurs the lines between love and hate, and their lives are forever changed. The stakes have never been higher. Carter is Emilia’s best friend’s brother, after all.
Author's The Stolen Moments Trilogy follows Emilia and Carter's epic love story through high school, college, and adulthood. This trilogy was previously named Mayhem, and the contents remain unchanged.
232 pages, Paperback
First published July 31, 2020
2013 people are currently reading
5351 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 257 reviews
avoid
May 12, 2023Self note not for me.
Trilogy about a couple in an on and off relationship for 8 years. They’re with each other then op.
Lots of drama, ow om drama, no one’s celibate. He is of course a huge manwhore throughout the trilogy.
Trilogy about a couple in an on and off relationship for 8 years. They’re with each other then op.
Lots of drama, ow om drama, no one’s celibate. He is of course a huge manwhore throughout the trilogy.
May 3, 2021
This was a very cute childhood rivals to lovers story. The heroine is lovey, the hero reminded me of Gilbert from Anne of Green Gables, the small town high school setting was charming, and there was some emotional depth in the form of dysfunctional family dynamics.
HOWEVER I wasn't aware that this was part of trilogy. My fault for not checking. But this book ends in no HEA and the upcoming books seem to drag one minuscule problem out to death.
The heroine's best friend is also the hero's younger sister. In this book I loved the portrayal or a secretly jealous friend like her. Very true to life and it made sense for this story. But for this petty friend to literally destroy the romance?? And the heroine's complete inability to stand up for herself? The story turned into a bad drama with black and white characters. Would've been much better as a standalone.
HOWEVER I wasn't aware that this was part of trilogy. My fault for not checking. But this book ends in no HEA and the upcoming books seem to drag one minuscule problem out to death.
The heroine's best friend is also the hero's younger sister. In this book I loved the portrayal or a secretly jealous friend like her. Very true to life and it made sense for this story. But for this petty friend to literally destroy the romance?? And the heroine's complete inability to stand up for herself? The story turned into a bad drama with black and white characters. Would've been much better as a standalone.
March 8, 2025
Kate is a miserable friend.
October 1, 2022
Drama!
May 19, 2025
I loved their story. Their pranks are hilarious, and all the characters are well developed. The storyline keeps your attention and is well written.
Kate, the sister was super annoying... Carter and Emilia are attracted and want each other, but his sister forbids and makes her promise not to date him.
**High school kids
**Best Friend's Brother
**Neighbors
**Forbidden romance
Hoopla listen 🎶
Kate, the sister was super annoying... Carter and Emilia are attracted and want each other, but his sister forbids and makes her promise not to date him.
**High school kids
**Best Friend's Brother
**Neighbors
**Forbidden romance
Hoopla listen 🎶
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 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 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.
January 22, 2021
I loved this book so much! It was recommendation from a fellow bookworm and I couldn’t be happier! I can’t wait to read book 2 and find out what happens between Emilia and Carter.
I love Emilia. She is such a nice girl but at the same time not perfect. I love how loyal she is even though she can be sometimes a little annoying when she doesn’t stand up for herself.
Carter is such a nice guy. I like how nice he is with Emilia and his sister. He doesn’t even sound real.
The sex scenes between them were so awkward and real, something that could actually happen between two teens discovering their love for each other.
Kate is such a bad friend. She was just terrible. Such a petty little thing! Ugh.
I hope they find their way to each other in the next book I can imagine that’s not going to happen otherwise why book 3. But still a girl can hope.
I love Emilia. She is such a nice girl but at the same time not perfect. I love how loyal she is even though she can be sometimes a little annoying when she doesn’t stand up for herself.
Carter is such a nice guy. I like how nice he is with Emilia and his sister. He doesn’t even sound real.
The sex scenes between them were so awkward and real, something that could actually happen between two teens discovering their love for each other.
Kate is such a bad friend. She was just terrible. Such a petty little thing! Ugh.
I hope they find their way to each other in the next book I can imagine that’s not going to happen otherwise why book 3. But still a girl can hope.
January 3, 2023
One thing I discovered while reading this book Catharina can make you hate a character with a passion lol. I HATE KATE. I know even if I read her book I'll not be able to complete it because she's just a plain-out hypocrite and Milly Idk what to say about her. Poor Carter 😭
📖: 3.5 Star Read
💥: 0.5-1 spicy
📖: 3.5 Star Read
💥: 0.5-1 spicy
May 15, 2022
It started out great for the first couple of chapters, but there’s so many over explanations and repetitive things. And the best friend is awful. Emilia just allows the friend to treat her like crap constantly and forgives her over and over again. Then in turn, she is back and forth in her relationship(s) to avoid losing the horrible best friend. When anyone has a conversation, they repeat themselves over and over again. I think Kate said the exact same thing to her brother 7 times within a few paragraphs. I got to where I started skimming at the end, and had to remind myself that they’re still kids basically because it’s so over the top dramatic.
Then we have these plot holes. Random information that makes no sense why it was thrown in there. Book 1 starts off explaining how Emilia is one of the smartest kids in her grade, how she aces her exams all the time etc. Carter even calls her a nerd over it. Emilia thinks Carter isn’t very smart. Then bam, Carter is super smart and Emilia is struggling with understanding her classes. Then she does soooo well in high school that when book 2 starts, she has an academic scholarship. But again, she can’t understand any of the information and needs tutoring from Carter.
They meet up in the treehouse and get it on, but later on they can’t figure out where they can get together? He also sneaks in her house and into her room and her dad is never really around. Again, can’t go there? But they can fool around in his bedroom while she’s visiting Kate, but Kate never finds them even though she randomly suspects they like eachother? What? This is crazy.
In book 2, Why did Emilia immediately jump to thinking something was wrong with Kates brain over ONE bloody nose? 🤦🏻♀️
I really tried to love the book. I started book two and now that they’re older, I thought it would be better. But it’s the exact same. No one has changed and the underlining story is the exact same with the back and forth and the best friend being a horrible person. And also… I swear poor Emilia never gets the chance to have an orgasm. Maybe that’s why she can’t make up her mind? 🤣
Then we have these plot holes. Random information that makes no sense why it was thrown in there. Book 1 starts off explaining how Emilia is one of the smartest kids in her grade, how she aces her exams all the time etc. Carter even calls her a nerd over it. Emilia thinks Carter isn’t very smart. Then bam, Carter is super smart and Emilia is struggling with understanding her classes. Then she does soooo well in high school that when book 2 starts, she has an academic scholarship. But again, she can’t understand any of the information and needs tutoring from Carter.
They meet up in the treehouse and get it on, but later on they can’t figure out where they can get together? He also sneaks in her house and into her room and her dad is never really around. Again, can’t go there? But they can fool around in his bedroom while she’s visiting Kate, but Kate never finds them even though she randomly suspects they like eachother? What? This is crazy.
In book 2, Why did Emilia immediately jump to thinking something was wrong with Kates brain over ONE bloody nose? 🤦🏻♀️
I really tried to love the book. I started book two and now that they’re older, I thought it would be better. But it’s the exact same. No one has changed and the underlining story is the exact same with the back and forth and the best friend being a horrible person. And also… I swear poor Emilia never gets the chance to have an orgasm. Maybe that’s why she can’t make up her mind? 🤣
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2022
Emilia and Kate have always been best friends, Emilia has become one of the family, adored by Kate’s parents and constantly feuding with Kate’s older brother. When Emilia and Carter fall in love it should be expected. Yet Kate had asked Emilia to never go there.
Emilia struggles to reconcile her growing feelings for Carter with her fear of betraying Kate.
This book kept me so hooked. I couldn’t put it down. Emilia and Carters rivalry is so endearing and Kate’s behavior is positively unbelievable.
Fair warning it made me ugly cry….and then immediately download the other two in the series because I couldn’t stop reading.
Emilia struggles to reconcile her growing feelings for Carter with her fear of betraying Kate.
This book kept me so hooked. I couldn’t put it down. Emilia and Carters rivalry is so endearing and Kate’s behavior is positively unbelievable.
Fair warning it made me ugly cry….and then immediately download the other two in the series because I couldn’t stop reading.
June 16, 2021
Emilia and Carter
This is my 1st time reading this author this book was good. For 7 years Carter and his sisters best friend Emilia teased one another and pulled pranks on each other. Kate didn't want them dating so of course its like a forbidden romance type feel.
The storyline is great I really enjoyed this book.
This is my 1st time reading this author this book was good. For 7 years Carter and his sisters best friend Emilia teased one another and pulled pranks on each other. Kate didn't want them dating so of course its like a forbidden romance type feel.
The storyline is great I really enjoyed this book.
April 6, 2021
Well this was a tricky one.
Mayhem is the first book I’ve read from this author. I enjoyed the story albeit frustrating and the constant ire I felt towards Kate. Seriously, ughhh she’s so manipulative I wouldn’t want to know what she’d be like as an enemy!
Don’t get me wrong, and I loved the chemistry between the main protagonists, but sex when one of the characters is 16 and one is nearly 18 it felt like crossing an invisible line. I got why it happened when it did, but it made want to stop reading but the pull of wanting to know what happens next won me over. I must say, I enjoyed Emilia and Carter’s pranks and banter. They developed an easy friendship under the fake hate. There was some sweet moments where my heart melted and yes I really had the urge to cry a few times... Carter is swoon-y sweet and I loved his over protective “big brother” role.
I’m curious to see where this story goes next as I know they’re older in the next book.
3.5 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Mayhem is the first book I’ve read from this author. I enjoyed the story albeit frustrating and the constant ire I felt towards Kate. Seriously, ughhh she’s so manipulative I wouldn’t want to know what she’d be like as an enemy!
Don’t get me wrong, and I loved the chemistry between the main protagonists, but sex when one of the characters is 16 and one is nearly 18 it felt like crossing an invisible line. I got why it happened when it did, but it made want to stop reading but the pull of wanting to know what happens next won me over. I must say, I enjoyed Emilia and Carter’s pranks and banter. They developed an easy friendship under the fake hate. There was some sweet moments where my heart melted and yes I really had the urge to cry a few times... Carter is swoon-y sweet and I loved his over protective “big brother” role.
I’m curious to see where this story goes next as I know they’re older in the next book.
3.5 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
August 14, 2024
Setting: High school
I’m obsessed, I’ll never get over this book!!
Carter and Emilia were truly made for each other.
I love how he’s so sweet to her, he really is amazing!!!
Anddd I was swooning the whole time, Carter can’t do anything wrong in my eyes, he’s THE book boyfriend.
There were so many sentences that were amazing, but I’m really fixated on the fact that he always calls her my … (ex. My little minx)
Carter has the cutest date ideas and if I don’t get the same treatment then I don’t want it
And I get him, I understand why he’s mad in the end, I mean, he really did practically beg her to be his girlfriend
He’s so considerate and just so wonderful.
I can’t really put my thoughts into words at the moment but Cat, thank you for writing this, I really needed to read this book at this point and I’m grateful, it’s giving me hope that romance isn’t dead quiet yet
Now I’m going to jump right into the second book because my babies deserve being happy together
I’m obsessed, I’ll never get over this book!!
Carter and Emilia were truly made for each other.
I love how he’s so sweet to her, he really is amazing!!!
Anddd I was swooning the whole time, Carter can’t do anything wrong in my eyes, he’s THE book boyfriend.
There were so many sentences that were amazing, but I’m really fixated on the fact that he always calls her my … (ex. My little minx)
Carter has the cutest date ideas and if I don’t get the same treatment then I don’t want it
And I get him, I understand why he’s mad in the end, I mean, he really did practically beg her to be his girlfriend
He’s so considerate and just so wonderful.
I can’t really put my thoughts into words at the moment but Cat, thank you for writing this, I really needed to read this book at this point and I’m grateful, it’s giving me hope that romance isn’t dead quiet yet
Now I’m going to jump right into the second book because my babies deserve being happy together
June 9, 2023
⚡ May contain spoilers.
The book is very good, the author's writing holds you and makes you want to read more. This first part of the story takes place in the adolescence of the characters, where everyone is immature and unprepared.
Even so, Carter and Emilia's romance develops smoothly and it's cute how inexperienced they are.I just don't give 5 stars because of Carter's sister, I can't like this person she is mean, selfish and spoiled. She can't defend and understand the reasons for making Emilia promise not to get involved with Carter, since she herself is obviously in love with Carter's best friend. his brother. This is pure selfishness.
Anyway, the book is a delight and I'm already devouring the second one!!
The book is very good, the author's writing holds you and makes you want to read more. This first part of the story takes place in the adolescence of the characters, where everyone is immature and unprepared.
Even so, Carter and Emilia's romance develops smoothly and it's cute how inexperienced they are.I just don't give 5 stars because of Carter's sister, I can't like this person she is mean, selfish and spoiled. She can't defend and understand the reasons for making Emilia promise not to get involved with Carter, since she herself is obviously in love with Carter's best friend. his brother. This is pure selfishness.
Anyway, the book is a delight and I'm already devouring the second one!!
November 28, 2022
“I think I might very well always have been in love with Emilia Parker.” ❤️🔥
🌟5 stars immediately🌟 Think “The Kissing Booth”, but more mature subject matter 😬 I chose this on a whim bc I was in the mood for an angsty teen romance, and this definitely delivered. It’s rare when I feel like I absolutely want to start the next book in a series directly after the first one, but here I am starting the next one now lol. Catharina is definitely now one of my fav authors - I can just already tell 🥲
Side note: Kate is insufferable and I hope she grows up because Emilia 100% deserves a better friend than her.
🌟5 stars immediately🌟 Think “The Kissing Booth”, but more mature subject matter 😬 I chose this on a whim bc I was in the mood for an angsty teen romance, and this definitely delivered. It’s rare when I feel like I absolutely want to start the next book in a series directly after the first one, but here I am starting the next one now lol. Catharina is definitely now one of my fav authors - I can just already tell 🥲
Side note: Kate is insufferable and I hope she grows up because Emilia 100% deserves a better friend than her.
November 19, 2023
This was cute. It is a starter book in a trilogy.
I just think that sex with one character being 16 and one 18 just does not sit well with me.
Lots of awkward flashbacks to high school that I don’t really want to think about when picking up a romance. I love this author and thought it would be more flashback and forward into the future when they are much older but it was all set in high school. Which makes it kinda yucky.
I did like their story and them as characters. I’m going to finish the trilogy as the next book picks up in college when everyone is legal. ✌🏻
I just think that sex with one character being 16 and one 18 just does not sit well with me.
Lots of awkward flashbacks to high school that I don’t really want to think about when picking up a romance. I love this author and thought it would be more flashback and forward into the future when they are much older but it was all set in high school. Which makes it kinda yucky.
I did like their story and them as characters. I’m going to finish the trilogy as the next book picks up in college when everyone is legal. ✌🏻
Want to read
December 28, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/28/2020)! 🎁
November 29, 2022
This is the beginning of the story of Carter and Emilia and it has been such a rollercoaster of emotions! I’m really enjoying it! I’m just hating Kate so much and the miscommunication trope that I really don’t like, but oh, well… they are only teenagers 🤷🏻♀️
“Not every story has a happy ending, and I guess ours is just one of those.” ~ Carter
“Not every story has a happy ending, and I guess ours is just one of those.” ~ Carter
March 1, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
July 19, 2024
This book and series is one of my favorites!! I have stayed up all night to read it multiple times. It has everything I’ve laughed, cried, strongly hated a character…. Definitely a must read
August 19, 2024
Que tremendo cacho es Emilia. Entiendo totalmente a la hermana que a pesar de que la tildan de egoísta tiene mucha razón al preocuparse de cómo su familia sale lastimada una y otra vez por una VECINAAAAA.
January 19, 2025
Brother’s best friend?! I am hooked. Need to read book 2 and 3 ASAP. The possessiveness Carter shows towards Emilia got me all worked up.
June 14, 2025
My heart broke for Carter and Emilie as they truly love each other but circumstances keep them apart.
I have to say I hate Kate, she is a very selfish person and thinks of how she would feel not her best friend’s feelings towards her brother and family.
I have to say I hate Kate, she is a very selfish person and thinks of how she would feel not her best friend’s feelings towards her brother and family.
August 20, 2025
I was looking for a series that was light and would help me get out of my reading slump. Did I enjoy it? Yes, it was very cute. It reads like a young adult high school romance but with a bit of spice. Was there substantial plot? Absolutely not. Did I still finish it in one sitting? Yes, I did!
June 27, 2022
This is book 1 in the trilogy and it left me in love with the hero and the heroine. I just can't wait to keep reading about their journey now.
This is a funny, sweet, and sometimes painful story and that's what you want from a book, to make you feel emotions. This book did it for me. I love this author because her writing captures me.
The main characters meet when Emilia, age 8, moves in next door to Carter, 10, and it follows them through High School, right before Carter is going to college. They have this feud where they play pranks on each other and seem to hate in other when in reality there is an undeniable hidden attraction. You can clearly see how their young love feelings start blooming and it melts your heart. However, complications ensue and their love is forbidden.
I love sweet, protective Carter, he is just so swoony, I feel for him. You desperately wish for Carter and Emilia to endure their obstacles and find their HEA but it doesn't happen in this book, so be prepared. I rooted for them right away and as a reader and I found it hard to watch them go through pain. That's some good writing right there, so kudos to Catharina!!
I already got book 2, Chaos, which I'm literally gonna pick up for reading as I finish writing this review. I'm soooo itching for more!!!! Go, Emilia and Carter!!!
This is a funny, sweet, and sometimes painful story and that's what you want from a book, to make you feel emotions. This book did it for me. I love this author because her writing captures me.
The main characters meet when Emilia, age 8, moves in next door to Carter, 10, and it follows them through High School, right before Carter is going to college. They have this feud where they play pranks on each other and seem to hate in other when in reality there is an undeniable hidden attraction. You can clearly see how their young love feelings start blooming and it melts your heart. However, complications ensue and their love is forbidden.
I love sweet, protective Carter, he is just so swoony, I feel for him. You desperately wish for Carter and Emilia to endure their obstacles and find their HEA but it doesn't happen in this book, so be prepared. I rooted for them right away and as a reader and I found it hard to watch them go through pain. That's some good writing right there, so kudos to Catharina!!
I already got book 2, Chaos, which I'm literally gonna pick up for reading as I finish writing this review. I'm soooo itching for more!!!! Go, Emilia and Carter!!!
December 24, 2021
1.5 stars Best friend’s brother enemies to lovers romance. Book one in series. Told from both MMC and FMC POV.
First off Carter is book boyfriend and Emilia never deserved him. Now Emilia is young and clueless she has no idea that Carter her best friends brother has always been in love with her. She realizes she has also been in love with him but she is so afraid of losing her friendship with her best friend and best friend’s mom who is like a unofficial adoptive mother to her. The sex is a 2.5/4 the drama is dumb her best friend has the nerve to ask her to give up her chance at love while she is doing what Emilia should be doing. She wants to be grown but she is way too young and then she has moments of being mature to then do something that makes you slam your face into your palm. This series is three books which means she must not change until possibly the last book if she changes at all. Carter broke my heart and I wish men like him existed in the real world yea he isn’t perfect but he was way too damn good for Emilia and her crap.
My rating system
5 stars- OMG it impacted my life. I must tell everyone I know.
4 stars- Damn….that was really good
3 stars- Kept me interested but needed a bit more.
2 stars- Disappointed wish it had been better
1 star- Wasn’t very good but finished for closure.
No Stars- DNF gave it my best try.
First off Carter is book boyfriend and Emilia never deserved him. Now Emilia is young and clueless she has no idea that Carter her best friends brother has always been in love with her. She realizes she has also been in love with him but she is so afraid of losing her friendship with her best friend and best friend’s mom who is like a unofficial adoptive mother to her. The sex is a 2.5/4 the drama is dumb her best friend has the nerve to ask her to give up her chance at love while she is doing what Emilia should be doing. She wants to be grown but she is way too young and then she has moments of being mature to then do something that makes you slam your face into your palm. This series is three books which means she must not change until possibly the last book if she changes at all. Carter broke my heart and I wish men like him existed in the real world yea he isn’t perfect but he was way too damn good for Emilia and her crap.
My rating system
5 stars- OMG it impacted my life. I must tell everyone I know.
4 stars- Damn….that was really good
3 stars- Kept me interested but needed a bit more.
2 stars- Disappointed wish it had been better
1 star- Wasn’t very good but finished for closure.
No Stars- DNF gave it my best try.
December 9, 2023
Oh Catharina, how I love your garbage
February 27, 2025
3-3.5⭐️
I liked it, it was sweet and forbidden but something was missing for me. I didn’t feel the angst.
It’s lukewarm at best - pleasant but could’ve been so much better if the author sharpened it, turned up the heat on situations and feelings. Made me believe it. It could’ve been great - an angsty, first love, second chance romance series that spans over years. Unfortunately it wasn’t executed well and didn’t live up to its potential.
The back and forth and “I’ll never forgive you if you date him/her” gets old real quick and is basically the whole “plot”. It’s repetitive: words, inner monologues, conversations and situations.
I genuinely hate people who say’s that their siblings are off limits, as if they have the power to decide that.
The FMC was being a complete doormat. Her friend - who treats her like crap as soon as someone better comes along - can’t decide what she can and can’t do. I get that she’s scared of losing Helen but she’s got to see that she won’t? They even talked about it ffs! Live your life and let the rest get the fuck over it.
Kate is an entitled, spoiled brat.
Sweet that Carter isn’t a manwhore.
💭 Random thoughts:
- The constant mentioning of their “feud” is stupid, who even uses that word?
- The nickname ”Minx” is used excessively
- If helen is such a great mom/person, why the fuck doesn’t she say something when Gabby turns on Emilia at the dinner table, questioning why she’s there? Or Kate, the shady ass bitch “bff”.
- Why is Helen raising her, grounding her and setting rules for when she’s allowed to date?
I liked it, it was sweet and forbidden but something was missing for me. I didn’t feel the angst.
It’s lukewarm at best - pleasant but could’ve been so much better if the author sharpened it, turned up the heat on situations and feelings. Made me believe it. It could’ve been great - an angsty, first love, second chance romance series that spans over years. Unfortunately it wasn’t executed well and didn’t live up to its potential.
The back and forth and “I’ll never forgive you if you date him/her” gets old real quick and is basically the whole “plot”. It’s repetitive: words, inner monologues, conversations and situations.
I genuinely hate people who say’s that their siblings are off limits, as if they have the power to decide that.
The FMC was being a complete doormat. Her friend - who treats her like crap as soon as someone better comes along - can’t decide what she can and can’t do. I get that she’s scared of losing Helen but she’s got to see that she won’t? They even talked about it ffs! Live your life and let the rest get the fuck over it.
Kate is an entitled, spoiled brat.
Sweet that Carter isn’t a manwhore.
💭 Random thoughts:
- The constant mentioning of their “feud” is stupid, who even uses that word?
- The nickname ”Minx” is used excessively
- If helen is such a great mom/person, why the fuck doesn’t she say something when Gabby turns on Emilia at the dinner table, questioning why she’s there? Or Kate, the shady ass bitch “bff”.
- Why is Helen raising her, grounding her and setting rules for when she’s allowed to date?
March 7, 2023
Unputdownable! I literally read the trilogy over the weekend because it's SO good I couldn't stop. It has the elements of a cute chick lit, but it's definitely more than that.
There is depth, and though they started as frenemies, best friend's brother, small-town neighbors cute love story, the intensity of the love and passion between Emilia and Carter is so strong you'll be rooting for them from the start.
It will make you believe that the pull between two people who are really meant to be is powerful enough that no matter the odds, the time, and the distance between them, fate will always find a way to bring them back together.
It will make you smile, laugh, and cry. You'll feel empathy, giddiness, pain, longing, devastation, delight, and hope.
There is redemption for characters you'll learn to love and hate (like REALLY hate).
You'll wish you have a friend like Emilia, a partner like Carter, a friend like Asher, and a love story that will defy all odds like these two lovers.
I love how Catharina Maura doesn't just like steamy romance but also tells a relatable and raw story. A fiction that doesn't gloss over real-life's issues. So you don't read it feeling incredulous, saying because the characters are as flawed as they are as adorable.
It has an honest take on forgiveness, which I like and can completely understand and relate to.
We need a movie or story about Carter and Emilia, please!
There is depth, and though they started as frenemies, best friend's brother, small-town neighbors cute love story, the intensity of the love and passion between Emilia and Carter is so strong you'll be rooting for them from the start.
It will make you believe that the pull between two people who are really meant to be is powerful enough that no matter the odds, the time, and the distance between them, fate will always find a way to bring them back together.
It will make you smile, laugh, and cry. You'll feel empathy, giddiness, pain, longing, devastation, delight, and hope.
There is redemption for characters you'll learn to love and hate (like REALLY hate).
You'll wish you have a friend like Emilia, a partner like Carter, a friend like Asher, and a love story that will defy all odds like these two lovers.
I love how Catharina Maura doesn't just like steamy romance but also tells a relatable and raw story. A fiction that doesn't gloss over real-life's issues. So you don't read it feeling incredulous, saying because the characters are as flawed as they are as adorable.
It has an honest take on forgiveness, which I like and can completely understand and relate to.
We need a movie or story about Carter and Emilia, please!
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