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Sun, Moon & Stars #2
The Moon Also Rises
Jake Forester is a bitch and he'd be the first person to tell you that. Life's too short, and far too stressful, to be nice... unless you're a customer at one of the luxury hotels he manages. But he's currently a bitch in desperate need because his ex-boyfriend, no, ex-hook-up, also no, ex-lover - not great, but fine - is about to get married and there's no way he's showing up to that wedding without looking like he's madly in love and completely over what happened. Yet none of his friends are stepping up, so that leaves him with the last person he wants to ask.
Rami Kazimi is so desperate for friends he'll apparently offer to be a stranger's date for a wedding. And not just a date, but a fake boyfriend, and not just for a stranger, but for his new colleague whose office he has to share, something that's proving quite a challenge. But despite emerging from the toughest few years of his life, Rami is trying to be optimistic. He hopes being Jake's fake boyfriend will help ease tension in the office and maybe make a friend out of Jake Forester who may pout far too much and has a near constant slagging match with his assistant, but he is also undeniably hilarious and sometimes kind of cute when he comes undone.
Who can say if it's the full moon on the night of the wedding, or whether love is simply in the air, but something happens that night in the moonlit gardens of an English stately home that changes both Rami and Jake. And after that night, there's a very different kind of tension in their office, one that neither of them can ignore, one that keeps pulling them closer and closer together... their hearts, their bodies, and their deepest, darkest secrets.
Rami Kazimi is so desperate for friends he'll apparently offer to be a stranger's date for a wedding. And not just a date, but a fake boyfriend, and not just for a stranger, but for his new colleague whose office he has to share, something that's proving quite a challenge. But despite emerging from the toughest few years of his life, Rami is trying to be optimistic. He hopes being Jake's fake boyfriend will help ease tension in the office and maybe make a friend out of Jake Forester who may pout far too much and has a near constant slagging match with his assistant, but he is also undeniably hilarious and sometimes kind of cute when he comes undone.
Who can say if it's the full moon on the night of the wedding, or whether love is simply in the air, but something happens that night in the moonlit gardens of an English stately home that changes both Rami and Jake. And after that night, there's a very different kind of tension in their office, one that neither of them can ignore, one that keeps pulling them closer and closer together... their hearts, their bodies, and their deepest, darkest secrets.
421 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2022
64 people are currently reading
483 people want to read
About the author
Frances M. Thompson
31 books209 followersFrances M. Thompson writes stories about bisexual disaster heroes usually getting the HEAs they deserve in her spicy contemporary romance... but sometimes getting into a lot of trouble in her suspense thrillers.
Frances loves chatting with her readers and the best places to do so is in her Facebook Readers' Group or on Instagram.
Originally from London, UK, but now based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Frances is the author of the contemporary (and steamy!) romances, Five Sunsets, The Moon Also Rises, and Let Love Rule, sapphic romances Hummingbird and Butterflies, three short story collections (Shy Feet Short Stories Inspired by Travel, London Eyes Short Stories, and Nine Women: Short Stories), a collection of poetry called Lover Mother Other, and the London Killing series of fast-paced urban thrillers, including The Wait and The Weaker Sex.
To find out about Frances' upcoming books first, sign up to her newsletter.
You can find copies of her books (and more!) in her shop.
Frances also works as a freelance writer and blogger. You can read her (oft-neglected) blog, As the Bird flies. She is also the creator of WriteNOW Cards, positive affirmations cards designed to help writers build and enjoy a writing practice they love.
Follow Frances on href="https://www.instagram.com/FrancesMTho... or on TikTok @francesmthompson.
Frances loves chatting with her readers and the best places to do so is in her Facebook Readers' Group or on Instagram.
Originally from London, UK, but now based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Frances is the author of the contemporary (and steamy!) romances, Five Sunsets, The Moon Also Rises, and Let Love Rule, sapphic romances Hummingbird and Butterflies, three short story collections (Shy Feet Short Stories Inspired by Travel, London Eyes Short Stories, and Nine Women: Short Stories), a collection of poetry called Lover Mother Other, and the London Killing series of fast-paced urban thrillers, including The Wait and The Weaker Sex.
To find out about Frances' upcoming books first, sign up to her newsletter.
You can find copies of her books (and more!) in her shop.
Frances also works as a freelance writer and blogger. You can read her (oft-neglected) blog, As the Bird flies. She is also the creator of WriteNOW Cards, positive affirmations cards designed to help writers build and enjoy a writing practice they love.
Follow Frances on href="https://www.instagram.com/FrancesMTho... or on TikTok @francesmthompson.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
dnf
June 27, 2023DNF @ 49%. No rating.
I didn’t read the blurb beyond the first sentence, and that’s on me, because I probably wouldn’t have picked it up if I had read as far as the “fake dating” part of it.
Though the fake dating isn’t so much the issue as that this is really long, with not a whole lot happening and not a lot of plot progression.
Once I got to Part III, 200 pages in, I thought I’d take a break… things had finally started to move, but I still had 200 pages to go.
11 days later, I read the first few pages of Part III… but I just don’t really care. I don’t think I have another 200 pages in me of these guys fake dating and not just being like “oh shit, maybe we should real date, since we like each other and all”.
There was some praise once we finally made it to some sex (~45% in), which I love. But I see another review mentioning Daddy kink popping up later. It’s not in the blurb, it’s not in the CWs, and while a lot of people love Daddy kink and search it out (a good reason to mention your book contains it), I am not one of those people.
So, I’m moving on to green pastures. Cover is gorgeous though.
I didn’t read the blurb beyond the first sentence, and that’s on me, because I probably wouldn’t have picked it up if I had read as far as the “fake dating” part of it.
Though the fake dating isn’t so much the issue as that this is really long, with not a whole lot happening and not a lot of plot progression.
Once I got to Part III, 200 pages in, I thought I’d take a break… things had finally started to move, but I still had 200 pages to go.
11 days later, I read the first few pages of Part III… but I just don’t really care. I don’t think I have another 200 pages in me of these guys fake dating and not just being like “oh shit, maybe we should real date, since we like each other and all”.
There was some praise once we finally made it to some sex (~45% in), which I love. But I see another review mentioning Daddy kink popping up later. It’s not in the blurb, it’s not in the CWs, and while a lot of people love Daddy kink and search it out (a good reason to mention your book contains it), I am not one of those people.
So, I’m moving on to green pastures. Cover is gorgeous though.
November 13, 2022
Holy freaking heck! I can feel the book hangover already, actually, I felt it coming in the first few chapters. Hilariously funny, true laugh out loud stuff, and parts where copious boxes of tissues are required!
This book was a masterpiece. The emotions and behaviours captured through a sensitive, compassionate and caring lens were outstanding. It made sense to have a Daddy/little boy dynamic in the bedroom, knowing the pasts these two had experienced. Both Jake and Rami had complex histories that were navigated with such beauty. The theme of the moon and gravitational pull was amazing and woven throughout in unexpected, but wonderful ways.
I would have no hesitation in recommending this book to any reader. Love is love and Frances M Thompson knows how to show this in a truly remarkable story.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. It was exactly the type of ARC that I love to read where I can gush about how amazing it is and urge everyone to put it on their TBR list.
This book was a masterpiece. The emotions and behaviours captured through a sensitive, compassionate and caring lens were outstanding. It made sense to have a Daddy/little boy dynamic in the bedroom, knowing the pasts these two had experienced. Both Jake and Rami had complex histories that were navigated with such beauty. The theme of the moon and gravitational pull was amazing and woven throughout in unexpected, but wonderful ways.
I would have no hesitation in recommending this book to any reader. Love is love and Frances M Thompson knows how to show this in a truly remarkable story.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. It was exactly the type of ARC that I love to read where I can gush about how amazing it is and urge everyone to put it on their TBR list.
December 16, 2025
2.75 ⭐️
First half was hard for me.. the writing style was hard to follow and the first MMC annoyed me at first. The second half was better and I appreciated the story development and focus on mental health. Honestly I only finished it because I’m one book away from my annual reading goal.
First half was hard for me.. the writing style was hard to follow and the first MMC annoyed me at first. The second half was better and I appreciated the story development and focus on mental health. Honestly I only finished it because I’m one book away from my annual reading goal.
November 17, 2022
I think this is my favourite book by Thompson so far. As soon as I saw fake dating trope I was all in! So good!
Jake is such a bitch, yet somehow totally loveable, and he’s hilarious. He’s also a chaotic mess but we love him anyway. Rami is sooooo swoon worthy! His eyes, gah! He comes across very put together, but has his own hidden mess to sort out.
Following these two as they find their way towards each other and as individuals is so very heartwarming. I adore all the side characters as well!
Yet again, I’m blown away at how Thompson handles challenging and sensitive topics that her characters have to face to get to their happy ending.
I received and ARC in exchange for an honest review and I can wholeheartedly say I highly recommend The Moon Also Rises, and it’s definitely a reread for me.
Jake is such a bitch, yet somehow totally loveable, and he’s hilarious. He’s also a chaotic mess but we love him anyway. Rami is sooooo swoon worthy! His eyes, gah! He comes across very put together, but has his own hidden mess to sort out.
Following these two as they find their way towards each other and as individuals is so very heartwarming. I adore all the side characters as well!
Yet again, I’m blown away at how Thompson handles challenging and sensitive topics that her characters have to face to get to their happy ending.
I received and ARC in exchange for an honest review and I can wholeheartedly say I highly recommend The Moon Also Rises, and it’s definitely a reread for me.
Read
March 11, 2023Dnf at 24%
I don't know if there's character progression later in the book, but Jake's mannerisms made me think he was a tween/young adult. It's hard to picture him as a forty something man.
I don't know if there's character progression later in the book, but Jake's mannerisms made me think he was a tween/young adult. It's hard to picture him as a forty something man.
November 28, 2022
*** ARC received in exchange for an honest review***
CW mention of suicide, parental death, debt/finance troubles, panphobia, cult fanaticism
🌟 Interracial romance
🌟 Fake dating
🌟 40+ MCs
🌈 Gay MMCs
🌈 Lebanese/Iranian MMC
🌶 Daddy kink
I'm going to preface this review by saying I NEVER read MM romances written by women, as a rule. HOWEVER, with Frances' first book in the series (Fuve Sunsets), we got a glimpse into the bisexual heroes past relationship, and I knew I could trust her 🙏
The Moon Also Rises is a gorgeous queer romance, with two troubled heroes who overcome their own separate issues and come together in the perfect soft and squishy romance.
Jake and Rami as characters were fully fleshed out and had solid back stories. I love that the inner conflicts with the heroes were fairly unique in comparison to the standard traumas that usually are lurking over the MCs in a romance. I'm not going to elaborate too much cuz spoilers.
The romantic relationship with the MCs begins in a fake dating scenario with an annoyance to lovers vibe. The development of the relationship was really sweet, and we ended up with a little bit of daddy kink thrown in there which caught me off guard. Which brings me back to the initial statement regarding women authored MM romances. This is the perfect example of how to do it right. Even with the spicy scenes and daddy kink, it never felt that the same sex aspect was fetishised in any way. The passion, combined with tender moments and the characters inner monologues created a powerful love story with sex scenes that weren't just created for titillation. There was trust building and the breaking down of emotional and mental defenses throughout. We also managed to avoid stereotypes, and the whole host of queer side characters also added to the genuineness of the queer relationship. It wasn't there for show or to fetishise, it was a real story, with real people, with a real cast.
Frances has this unique way of dealing with time jumps in her novels. Normally, I can't really vibe with a time jump, but in this book (as it was in Five Sunsets), the time jumps are constructive. We get to see characters working on themselves and developing further in the midst of their healing and recovery from whatever their previous trauma or current struggles are. It means we're not left with the stereotypical standpoint of love being the fix all, it takes work from both parties to straighten themselves out and heal themselves before they can truly move forward with a healthy relationship.
Chef's kiss. I loved it. Jake and Rami gave my heart forever!
CW mention of suicide, parental death, debt/finance troubles, panphobia, cult fanaticism
🌟 Interracial romance
🌟 Fake dating
🌟 40+ MCs
🌈 Gay MMCs
🌈 Lebanese/Iranian MMC
🌶 Daddy kink
I'm going to preface this review by saying I NEVER read MM romances written by women, as a rule. HOWEVER, with Frances' first book in the series (Fuve Sunsets), we got a glimpse into the bisexual heroes past relationship, and I knew I could trust her 🙏
The Moon Also Rises is a gorgeous queer romance, with two troubled heroes who overcome their own separate issues and come together in the perfect soft and squishy romance.
Jake and Rami as characters were fully fleshed out and had solid back stories. I love that the inner conflicts with the heroes were fairly unique in comparison to the standard traumas that usually are lurking over the MCs in a romance. I'm not going to elaborate too much cuz spoilers.
The romantic relationship with the MCs begins in a fake dating scenario with an annoyance to lovers vibe. The development of the relationship was really sweet, and we ended up with a little bit of daddy kink thrown in there which caught me off guard. Which brings me back to the initial statement regarding women authored MM romances. This is the perfect example of how to do it right. Even with the spicy scenes and daddy kink, it never felt that the same sex aspect was fetishised in any way. The passion, combined with tender moments and the characters inner monologues created a powerful love story with sex scenes that weren't just created for titillation. There was trust building and the breaking down of emotional and mental defenses throughout. We also managed to avoid stereotypes, and the whole host of queer side characters also added to the genuineness of the queer relationship. It wasn't there for show or to fetishise, it was a real story, with real people, with a real cast.
Frances has this unique way of dealing with time jumps in her novels. Normally, I can't really vibe with a time jump, but in this book (as it was in Five Sunsets), the time jumps are constructive. We get to see characters working on themselves and developing further in the midst of their healing and recovery from whatever their previous trauma or current struggles are. It means we're not left with the stereotypical standpoint of love being the fix all, it takes work from both parties to straighten themselves out and heal themselves before they can truly move forward with a healthy relationship.
Chef's kiss. I loved it. Jake and Rami gave my heart forever!
Read
December 23, 2025DNF 45%
this story isn't for me, it's apparent now. if you want to hear my thoughts, they're below, but short version - I am a different type of reader than the target audience of this book, I think.
the MC is 40. his love interest is 43. they do not feel this old. and okay, some people I know that are 40 are goofy, but the way Jake is characterised here, it's not something I enjoy. he'd feel authentic if he were 25-30.
and the fact they can't get a proper office for a manager, or whatever Rami is hired as, it's a bit funny. like, the company would probably tell him to work from home, or secure a proper desk for him at least. where is hr? why are post people all gym rats? the more I think about that, the more questions I have.
personally, I didn't like dialogue here - it's a bit forced, it's not how real people talk. it's a pet peeve of mine, so if you don't mind characters talking like they're in an infomercial - go ahead. I personally don't enjoy being told how the characters are vs shown.
usually, I like fake dating, but I didn't enjoy it here. I can't tell you why, exactly
the prologue doesn't connect with the story so far, so I don't know what it's for. maybe it's revealed further in the story but I don't know why it couldn't be a flashback, or something else. a prologue is for catching the reader's attention and it didn't capture mine.
I liked the representation, and banter is fun in some places. Jake's and Rami's family dynamics are fun.
this story isn't for me, it's apparent now. if you want to hear my thoughts, they're below, but short version - I am a different type of reader than the target audience of this book, I think.
the MC is 40. his love interest is 43. they do not feel this old. and okay, some people I know that are 40 are goofy, but the way Jake is characterised here, it's not something I enjoy. he'd feel authentic if he were 25-30.
and the fact they can't get a proper office for a manager, or whatever Rami is hired as, it's a bit funny. like, the company would probably tell him to work from home, or secure a proper desk for him at least. where is hr? why are post people all gym rats? the more I think about that, the more questions I have.
personally, I didn't like dialogue here - it's a bit forced, it's not how real people talk. it's a pet peeve of mine, so if you don't mind characters talking like they're in an infomercial - go ahead. I personally don't enjoy being told how the characters are vs shown.
usually, I like fake dating, but I didn't enjoy it here. I can't tell you why, exactly
the prologue doesn't connect with the story so far, so I don't know what it's for. maybe it's revealed further in the story but I don't know why it couldn't be a flashback, or something else. a prologue is for catching the reader's attention and it didn't capture mine.
I liked the representation, and banter is fun in some places. Jake's and Rami's family dynamics are fun.
January 29, 2024
4.5/5 stars
This book is a spicy rom-com (super steamy, super funny) while also tackling very serious issues in a way that explores the shame and guilt people feel towards themselves that prevents them from being open and honest with those who love them unconditionally.
The beginning of the book had me cringing a lot, with how rude and self centered the character Jake seemed to be and I seriously could not see a way I would come to like him but I did!
I also got super mad at Rami a bunch of times for opportunities he had to open up about his life that stalled progress but I still was very much in love with his character.
Also, shout out to Rami’s beautiful and adorable family! I loved his sisters and mom so much. This is also a good time to express my appreciation for the autism rep.
This book is a spicy rom-com (super steamy, super funny) while also tackling very serious issues in a way that explores the shame and guilt people feel towards themselves that prevents them from being open and honest with those who love them unconditionally.
The beginning of the book had me cringing a lot, with how rude and self centered the character Jake seemed to be and I seriously could not see a way I would come to like him but I did!
I also got super mad at Rami a bunch of times for opportunities he had to open up about his life that stalled progress but I still was very much in love with his character.
Also, shout out to Rami’s beautiful and adorable family! I loved his sisters and mom so much. This is also a good time to express my appreciation for the autism rep.
March 2, 2025
I was loving this book soo much up until the 75/80% mark but being that far into the book and still having the same issues still be the main focus of the book just didn’t hit. I also wouldn’t loving more spice
But that being said there is still so much I love about it like daddy rami?! Yes plz Jakes humour and his banter is literally one of the reasons I love being queer that sharp snappy comebacks I loveeee for!!
But the main thing I loved is all the representation . Obvs as it’s an MM romance there’s going to representation but it’s the characters culture I loved rami being pansexual!!
Ramis family & Sharon I think just might be my favourite part of this story.
The dark topics in this book I also really appreciated being talked about!!
But that being said there is still so much I love about it like daddy rami?! Yes plz Jakes humour and his banter is literally one of the reasons I love being queer that sharp snappy comebacks I loveeee for!!
But the main thing I loved is all the representation . Obvs as it’s an MM romance there’s going to representation but it’s the characters culture I loved rami being pansexual!!
Ramis family & Sharon I think just might be my favourite part of this story.
The dark topics in this book I also really appreciated being talked about!!
August 8, 2023
Ignore the fantasy style title - this is a fun mm contemporary romance with plenty of feelings.
TW - there's quite a few and they are listed in the foreword by the author.
I enjoyed this book and found it to have a nice balance of romcom and emotion, although both characters are really bad at talking about their feelings to the point where it's a little frustrating. One decides to gallop off to therapy without telling the other why they are disappearing and I wasn't enamoured with that, but it resolved well eventually.
TW - there's quite a few and they are listed in the foreword by the author.
I enjoyed this book and found it to have a nice balance of romcom and emotion, although both characters are really bad at talking about their feelings to the point where it's a little frustrating. One decides to gallop off to therapy without telling the other why they are disappearing and I wasn't enamoured with that, but it resolved well eventually.
March 2, 2023
4.5 stars. Excellent character building with lots of depth and details for both characters. Both are an enjoyable age (one 43, the other turning 40) with interesting issues and diverse difficulties. This makes the building of their relationship more complicated and believable. The story focused mostly on characters and less on plot, still really good to keep reading.
November 23, 2022
Read this book for hilarity and loveliness and sexiness and heartfeltness and to meet 2 beautifully written characters who you'll be sad to say goodbye to at the end. I hope (and fully expect!) to meet them again - even if briefly - in another of Frances' books.
March 23, 2023
The Moon Also Rises
This was a great game dating story. They both had very different personal struggles but ended up getting support from each other. I really enjoyed their story. (But I will say for me personally, I’m not a fan of “Daddy” i the bedroom- but there are plenty of readers who love it)
This was a great game dating story. They both had very different personal struggles but ended up getting support from each other. I really enjoyed their story. (But I will say for me personally, I’m not a fan of “Daddy” i the bedroom- but there are plenty of readers who love it)
June 18, 2024
V Good Story
Confession time. It took me a lot of story to actually like Jake. He's almost a caricature, a US sitcom diva-esque über-gay. Thank goodness Remi came along and between them gave us a really entertaining, enjoyable story. Shallow and deep all at once.
Confession time. It took me a lot of story to actually like Jake. He's almost a caricature, a US sitcom diva-esque über-gay. Thank goodness Remi came along and between them gave us a really entertaining, enjoyable story. Shallow and deep all at once.
November 23, 2022
If you like fake relationship love stories then this is for you. What starts as a fake date to a wedding to impress his ex turns into more and you will enjoy reading their journey to love
November 24, 2022
ALL I’M GOING TO SAY IS THIS BOOK NEEDS TO BE A MOVIE! Frances, get on the horn with Hallmark OR Tosca Musk over at PassionFlix. I’ll even do PR for you! THIS BOOK IS EVERYTHING!!!
February 21, 2023
My Favourite book of 2022
5 full stars for hold your breath moments and a desire to never have this book end. One bed, fake boy friend, forced proximity; this book has some lovely tropes and even some drool worthy daddy action.
Falling in love, ugly crying, and loud laughing in public, were all real life side effects of these books. Fully invested in the lives of all of the characters, The Moon Also Rises has been my favourite of the 3 by far.
Jake and Rami’s whole relationship jumped off the page and nestled in my brain, months later I still find my thoughts will drift to this book.
5 full stars for hold your breath moments and a desire to never have this book end. One bed, fake boy friend, forced proximity; this book has some lovely tropes and even some drool worthy daddy action.
Falling in love, ugly crying, and loud laughing in public, were all real life side effects of these books. Fully invested in the lives of all of the characters, The Moon Also Rises has been my favourite of the 3 by far.
Jake and Rami’s whole relationship jumped off the page and nestled in my brain, months later I still find my thoughts will drift to this book.
August 31, 2023
4.5 solid stars. 💙
Read
October 8, 2023DNF
December 24, 2025
“I want you to start today, little moon. I want you to start your orbit, today.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
December 26, 2025DNF
January 8, 2026
2.75/5
June 3, 2023
A fake dating, big gay wedding book and it is *chefs kiss*
I am in a facebook group with this author and she popped onto a post of mine asking for books featuring a wedding to read the weekend my little brother was getting married. And she sold me on "big gay wedding".
This book was fantastic. Boy's ex is getting married. In a fabulous wedding. Asks new coworker to be his fake date. Of course there was just one bed at the wedding retreat. Tension. Struggles. Spice. Hurt. Redemption.
This was a book about friendship. About accepting flaws and supporting each other. About being proud of who you are and the things you accomplish. Overcoming. And of course, romance.
This book definitely does not get enough hype. Totally recommend checking it out!
I am in a facebook group with this author and she popped onto a post of mine asking for books featuring a wedding to read the weekend my little brother was getting married. And she sold me on "big gay wedding".
This book was fantastic. Boy's ex is getting married. In a fabulous wedding. Asks new coworker to be his fake date. Of course there was just one bed at the wedding retreat. Tension. Struggles. Spice. Hurt. Redemption.
This was a book about friendship. About accepting flaws and supporting each other. About being proud of who you are and the things you accomplish. Overcoming. And of course, romance.
This book definitely does not get enough hype. Totally recommend checking it out!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews