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When You Least Expect It

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Who Would Like This Book:

If you’re a fan of friends-to-lovers romances, slow burns, and complex, well-developed characters, this book is going to tug at your heartstrings. The chemistry between the two leading women, their journey from colleagues to so much more, and the adorable role of a charming child make this read especially heartwarming and tender. This is a comfort read for anyone craving a beautifully paced queer romance with real emotional payoff, minimal angst, and a cozy, hopeful vibe. If you love authors like G. Benson and Nina LaCour, or you prefer your stories to develop with patience and care, this one’s for you!

Who May Not Like This Book:

If you want your romances quick and steamy or full of dramatic plot twists, this might not be the perfect match - the slow burn is real, and some found the pacing to be a tad too leisurely. The writing style, especially at the beginning, can be a little rocky or confusing for some readers, with a few mentioning awkward sentence construction. And if you crave high-stakes conflict or major explosive twists, you might find it a bit too low-key. It’s more of a gentle journey than a thrill ride.

A cozy, emotionally rich, friends-to-lovers romance with an adorable kid and just enough drama to keep things interesting - a true feel-good read, especially for fans of slow-burn queer love stories.

About:

'When You Least Expect It' by Haley Cass is a heartwarming romance novel that follows the story of Caroline, a divorce lawyer who falls for her client, Hannah, as she navigates leaving her husband. The book explores their slow-burn romance, filled with anticipation and moments of intense connection. The author, Haley Cass, expertly crafts a story that balances comfort and tension, creating a narrative that is both rewarding and relatable for readers.

The plot of the book revolves around the evolving relationship between Caroline and Hannah, as well as the dynamics with Hannah's daughter, Abbie. The writing style is described as warm, cozy, and relatable, with a perfect balance of heart and build-up between the characters. The story is praised for its ability to evoke a range of emotions, from giggling moments to intense feelings, all while maintaining a sense of trust in the author to deliver a satisfying conclusion.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed and relatable, showcasing complex emotions and personal growth throughout the story.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style balances heartfelt emotion and relatable character experiences, although some moments may initially confuse readers.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative centers around emotional growth and unexpected relationships, particularly focusing on the slow-burn romance between the main characters.

Setting:

The setting emphasizes both professional and familial contexts, creating a warm backdrop for the unfolding romance.

Pacing:

The pacing is intentional, focusing on development and emotional depth, although opinions on its execution vary.
Growing up, her brother Todd had blown the whole Santa secret wide open so early she couldn’t even remember believing in it. They usually had relatives come to stay with them, meaning that Caroline en...

Notes:

The book is titled 'When You Least Expect It' by Haley Cass.
It features a slow-burn romance between Caroline, a divorce lawyer, and her client, Hannah.
The story is told in the first person, which adds depth to the characters' feelings.
Hannah has a daughter named Abby who plays an important role in the story.
The romance develops from friends to lovers, creating emotional tension.
Many readers felt a strong connection to the characters and their emotional struggles.
Haley Cass is praised for her writing style that evokes trust and emotional investment from readers.
Some readers noted the pacing was slower than expected, but still enjoyed the build-up.
The book has been described as heartwarming and cozy, making it a comforting read.
There are moments in the book that surprise readers, especially towards the end.
Several readers mentioned they would read this book multiple times because of its impact.
Haley Cass's writing has been recognized for its ability to handle tension and comfort effectively.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Medium content warnings include themes related to emotional abuse and the complexities of divorce.

Has Romance?

The romance in When You Least Expect It is significant, characterized by deep connection and emotional progression between the main characters.

From The Publisher:

Caroline Parker knows three things to be true. First, she is going to be Boston's most sought after divorce attorney by thirty-five. Second, given how terrible her romantic track record is, falling in love isn't in the cards for her. And third, Christmas only brings her bad luck - being broken up with not once, not twice, but three times during the holidays is proof enough of that. When she runs into Hannah Dalton on Christmas Eve, she has no reason to believe her luck will change. After all, though Hannah is probably the most gorgeous woman she's ever seen, she's also straight. And married to Caroline's work rival. While being hired by Hannah throws her for a loop, winning a divorce case and sticking it to her ex-colleague should be enough of a thrill. But as the months slip by, bringing her closer to both Hannah and her adorable daughter Abbie, the lines between attorney and client begin to blur. And she could have never predicted just how much she wants them to.

November 2020
258 pages

Ratings (10)

Incredible (2)
Loved It (5)
Liked It (3)

Reader Stats (37):

Read It (13)
Want To Read (18)
Did Not Finish (2)
Not Interested (4)
 
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