That One Moment by C.S. Autumn: A Heart-Wrenching Story of Love, Loss, and Healing

There are books that make you laugh, books that make you swoon, and then there are books that completely wreck you. That One Moment by C.S. Autumn is one of those books. I knew what I was getting into, but nothing could have prepared me for the emotional rollercoaster this story took me on.

I tried so many times to write this review, but every time I sat down to do it, the stupid tears wouldn’t let me. Even though I knew what I was getting into, but shoot—I wasn’t expecting to break down like this. I choked up through most of the book, but the last few chapters absolutely destroyed me. It was painfully beautiful, and even though I can’t stop crying, I loved Jamie, Cooper, and Caiden so much.

Even now, less than 24 hours later, I’m still reeling from the impact. My heart aches, my tears haven’t dried, and yet—I wouldn’t change a thing. This book is painfully beautiful, the kind that shatters you and slowly puts you back together again. But before I go any further, let me give you a little context.

A Love That Was Meant to Last Forever

Jamie Durand has always believed in soulmates. Raised by a mother who is in love with love, he has spent his life convinced that there is only one person out there for him—the one he’ll love forever.

When his mother announces her latest engagement, Jamie is introduced to his soon-to-be stepbrothers, Caiden and Cooper Carrington. The moment Jamie met Cooper, it was like the world shifted. There was an instant connection, a spark that neither of them could deny. It was love at first sight.

Cooper was sweet, energetic, and full of life—the kind of person who could find light even in the darkest moments. He saw the good in everything and everyone, and his presence alone was enough to make the world feel a little brighter.

Then there was Caiden. Withdrawn, brooding, and drowning in his own personal darkness. He and Cooper were twins, but their personalities couldn’t have been more different. The only person Caiden ever let in was his brother—his anchor, his one constant in a world that often felt unbearable.

When Jamie and Cooper fell in love, their relationship became the center of Caiden’s resentment. Cooper had always been his, the one person who never left his side, and now Jamie was stepping in, threatening to take him away.

But love is supposed to conquer all, right?

A Tragedy That Changes Everything

Jamie lost the love of his life, the person he had planned his future with. His world crumbled, and with it, the version of himself that once existed. He wasn’t just grieving—he was angry.

And that anger was directed at Caiden.

Jamie blamed him for everything. If Caiden had just been different, if he hadn’t been so difficult, so broken, maybe Cooper would still be alive. Maybe Jamie wouldn’t be left with this gaping hole in his heart, drowning in grief that felt impossible to survive.

Caiden, on the other hand, was drowning in guilt. Not only had he lost his twin, the one person who had always understood him, but he was convinced that it was all his fault. The weight of that loss pushed him to the edge, leading him to make a decision that unexpectedly brought Jamie back into his life.

Neither of them were prepared for what came next.Just when Jamie and Cooper’s future seems certain, tragedy strikes. An accident takes Cooper’s life, shattering both Jamie and Caiden in ways they never imagined.

From Enemies to Something More

At first, their interactions were filled with resentment and pain. Jamie still held onto his anger, while Caiden remained trapped in his guilt. They were both broken, haunted by the same ghost, unable to let go of the past.

But grief has a way of connecting people, even when they don’t want it to.

Their shared pain forced them to see each other in a different light. Slowly, hatred gave way to understanding. Resentment turned into acceptance.And, against all odds, love finds its way into the cracks of their broken hearts.

Neither Jamie nor Caiden wants to acknowledge their growing connection. It feels wrong. It feels impossible. How can Jamie feel anything for the person he’s blamed for so long? And how can Caiden let himself love when he’s convinced he doesn’t deserve happiness?

But the heart doesn’t follow rules.

Jamie begins to realize that love isn’t limited to just one person. He will always love Cooper, but his love for Caiden is different—deeper, rawer, more consuming.

Meanwhile, Caiden discovered that for the first time in his life, someone truly chose him. Not as Cooper’s shadow. Not as the broken, damaged version of himself. Just him. Someone sees past his anger and guilt and wants him—, but as himself.

Together, they find healing in each other, proving that love isn’t about replacing someone—it’s about choosing them, again and again, despite the pain, the past, and the fear of what’s to come. —it’s about finding the missing piece that makes you whole.

This Book Will Break You—in the Best Way

I’ve read a lot of emotionally devastating books, but That One Moment left a mark on me in a way few stories ever have.

I thought I had already endured the worst heartbreak with books like Without You by Marley Valentine(which by the way has a sequel that I cannot wait for!), La Orilla by Paz Irbarne, and Damaged by Sloan Kennedy. But C.S. Autumn came along and said, “Hold my beer.”

This book is raw, painful, and absolutely unforgettable. It doesn’t shy away from the messy, complicated emotions of grief, guilt, and second chances. It rips your heart apart—but then, piece by piece, it stitches it back together in the most beautiful, cathartic way.

Final Thoughts: Read This Book!

If you love angsty MM romances that tackle heavy emotional themes while delivering an achingly beautiful love story, That One Moment needs to be at the top of your TBR.

📌 Make sure to add it to your Goodreads TBR and grab your copy when it releases next week.
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This is one of those books that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Prepare yourself—you’re going to need tissues. 😭

That One Moment releases March 14th and you can pre-order it here.

You have the options to choose diffirent covers. I’m definitely getting the illustrated one. I got the ARC(advanced reader copy ebook) but I need the physical book in my life😂

BLURB

𝗝𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗲
In one moment, I found the man of my dreams. In another moment, I lost him.

Without Cooper, my world was fractured, and I made sure his twin brother knew it. I unleashed all my pain onto Caiden, ignoring the fact that he wasn’t to blame. Afterwards, I spent three years pretending I’d moved on, pretending that I’d left the past behind me. I became so good at it. No one saw the heartbroken man behind the mask.

Until one phone call brings Caiden back into my life. Seeing him again opens old wounds, forcing us both to be painfully honest and making me question everything I believe about love.

𝗖𝗮𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻
Cooper isn’t just my twin, he’s my best friend and a better person than I could ever be.

I regret all the choices I made that hurt him, but none so much as the ones that led to the worst night of our lives. For three years, I punished myself until it all became too much, and I made a decision that I hoped would bring me closer to him. Instead, it only brought Jamie Durand back into my life.

I’ve tried to hate him – ever since he and Cooper fell hopelessly in love – but I never could. Because secretly, even though it made me a terrible brother, I wanted Jamie to look at me the way he did Cooper. Now he’s back in my life, and there’s something between us that neither of us can deny.

Only, it’s very possible we’ll both end up hurt again, and I’m not sure either of our hearts can take that.

Besides the dual covers, check out these beautiful illustrations of Jamie and Caiden. Aren’t they gorgeous?!

Here’s my review. I hope you get this book and read it so we can cry together. For more book recs check out my post here.

I’m still crying

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I don’t think I’ve ever read a book that was so painfully beautiful. Jamie, Cooper and Caiden’s story literally made me break down after finishing the book.

I have read stories that have really broken me but none of them compare to That One Moment. I don’t think I’ll be able to forget about this book ever.

Afte reading this book, I need a hug. There are just so many raw emotions swirling in me right now, that I don’t think I can fully put into words what I’m feeling.

Caiden and Cooper were so opposite despite being twins.

Cooper was the light and Caiden the dark. Caiden’s struggles with mental illness really hit me hard. His mother deserves to burn in hell for everything she put him through. My poor baby deserved so much better than what life threw at him.

Though Cooper was his liefejacket, Caiden needed to stand on his own but he barely held on. Losing half of his soul only made him retrieve to the darkness even more.

Jamie and Cooper were so perfect together. Their puppy love, the way they made each other happy and look into a beautiful future only it to be taken away from them.

God, I just can’t stop crying!

There’s so much hurt in this book but also so much healing and love. Caiden deserved all the love Jamie gave him. He deserved the freaking universe and Jamie gave it to him.

It’ll gonna be a while before I can think of these characters and not break down.

It’s gonna tear you apart but you MUST read it. It’s just one of the most beautiful love stories you’ll ever read.