Stolen Moments of Joy

An "...engaging and readable tale about escaping the bonds of the past."

Kirkus Reviews

"Stolen Moments of Joy... offers far more social and political depth than many LGBTQ stories that focus on romance and sexual maturity alone... Readers gain solid insights into this culture and realistic portrayals of relationships tested by it in a story that documents not just moments of joy, but transformation and revelation. Plenty of political insights evolve during the course of Abdul's journey as the modern, familiar milieus of police shootings, evolving race relations, immigrant experience, and Abdul's increasing involvement in racial struggles come to light."

D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

An ancestry that draws hateful glances. A heart that still dreams of happiness. When his protector becomes his tyrant, can he break free?

Baltimore, 2014. Abdul aches with shame. Used to bearing the brunt of people's judgment, the Afghan immigrant can't reconcile his love for his charming boyfriend with the bruises the man leaves on his face. So when a handsome activist's flirtatious exchange offers solace, he goes against his beliefs and enters into a secret tryst.

Drowning in guilt over the brief affair, Abdul struggles to reset his personal compass even as a racially motivated shooting twists his adopted city into a minefield. But his firm conviction that the troubles he's facing are fair payment for the sins of his past keeps drawing him back to his beau's punishing fists.

Can Abdul conquer his demons and unlock his true inner strength?

Stolen Moments of Joy is a gripping contemporary LGBT novel. If you like heroes who fight to be brave, complex relationships, and thoughtful explorations of heavy topics, then you'll adore Hamour Baika's story of hope.