Stolen Moments of Joy

“Baika (On the Enemy’s Side) crafts an affecting image of trauma and domestic abuse… [R]eaders will appreciate Baika’s depictions of his protagonist’s inner wounds and fractured relationships.”

Publishers Weekly

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 Afghan immigrant in America. A city torn apart by racism. A dreamer whose future depends on breaking a cycle of oppression.

Baltimore, 2014. Abdul feels torn. 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.

Feeling guilty for having stepped out of his relationship, Abdul is determined to make it up to his boyfriend, even as a racially motivated shooting dominates the local news in his adopted city. In the public arena, he wants justice and peace. In his personal life, however, he believes the troubles with his partner are a fair payment for the sins of his past — a cycle that keeps him going back to his beau’s volatile temperament.

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.

Buy Stolen Moments of Joy to find courage among chaos today!