Books Like...
'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.
If you liked When You Least Expect It, here are the top 96 books to read next:
- #1
Those Who Wait by Haley Cass is a slow-burn romance novel that follows the journey of two friends, Sutton and Charlotte, as they navigate their evolving relationship from friendship to something more. Set against the backdrop of their personal life goals and aspirations, the book explores the complexities of their bond, filled with sweetness, sexual tension, and overwhelming emotions. With distinctive and memorable characters, the plot unfolds with raw emotion, depth, and unexpected twists that keep readers engaged from start to finish.
With that, she slid off the stool at the breakfast bar in their shared apartment and went to sit on the couch, balancing the bowl of cereal she was having for dinner on her lap. She could still feel h... - #2
"Just Three Words" by Melissa Brayden is the second book in the Soho Loft series, following the lives and romances of four friends - Brooklyn, Samantha, Hunter, and Mallory. The book delves into the friends-to-lovers relationship between Samantha and Hunter, exploring themes of friendship, love, and personal growth. The writing style is described as emotional, sweet, and well-paced, with witty dialogues that bring the characters to life against the backdrop of New York City.
Friday afternoons in May didn’t get much prettier than this. An even sixty-eight degrees, a soft breeze, and sun shining for days. As a result, New York City seemed to move at a slower pace. People li...
(Also, see 78 recommendations for the series Soho Loft ) - #3
Better Than Expected is a companion to the novel When You Least Expect It by Haley Cass. This book tells the romance story from Hannah's perspective, allowing readers to get a deeper understanding of her relationship with Caroline. While some fans appreciated this new point of view, others felt that the narrative could have contained more details and emotional depth, as it jumps around in time and lacks continuity from the first book.
The writing style is light and engaging, with a focus on romance rather than explicit scenes. Many readers have praised Cass's storytelling ability and her captivating character journeys. Despite some feelings of missed opportunities for more elaboration, the book left fans eagerly rooting for Hannah and Caroline's love story, making it a lovely continuation of their journey.
- #4
'What a Tangled Web' in the 'Tangle Valley' series by Melissa Brayden is a heartwarming story that revolves around the Tangle Valley vineyard and its three main characters, Joey, Gabrielle, and Madison. The book takes readers on a journey filled with a blend of wine, food, love, and kindness. The plot intricately weaves together the lives of these characters, showcasing their individual stories while also exploring the dynamics of their relationships with each other. Melissa Brayden's writing style shines through with her ability to create relatable characters that readers root for, providing a mix of banter, chemistry, and heartwarming moments throughout the story.
- #5
'Eyes Like Those' in the series 'Seven Shores' by Melissa Brayden follows the romantic journey of Isabel and Taylor, set against the backdrop of the fast-paced world of weekly television production in Los Angeles. The book introduces a cast of intriguing and unique characters, with a focus on Isabel's relatable personality, insecurities, and anxiety attacks, juxtaposed with Taylor's powerful Hollywood executive persona. The plot unfolds with unexpected twists, a well-timed breakup and a slow and sweet makeup, all set in the vibrant setting of Venice Beach and LA.
Isabel Chase sang quietly to herself as she climbed the stairs. Angry singing would be the most accurate way to describe it, born from the soul-sucking night she’d just experienced at the hands of the... - #6
Objecting to Her by JJ Arias is an engaging enemies to lovers romance. It follows Ari and Sloane, two strong women who start off as friends in law school but find themselves rivals in a male-dominated field. Their chemistry is electric, filled with sharp banter and intense tension as they are forced to collaborate on a case together. The writing captures their emotional journey, showcasing their struggles with attraction amidst their past rivalry.
The story is well-paced, blending humor, romance, and conflict. Arias skillfully develops both characters, allowing readers to relate to their flaws and vulnerabilities. While the slow burn aspect keeps the tension high, some readers wished for a more elaborate conclusion. Overall, the book combines witty dialogue, steamy scenes, and a heartfelt exploration of love, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.
- #7
The Delicate Things We Make by Milena McKay is a captivating story that intertwines multiple subplots, tackling themes of love, lies, sexual assault, and corporate corruption. The narrative delves deep into revealing corruption while exploring the personal stories of those affected, highlighting themes of sabotage, blackmail, harassment, and human rights violations. The romance between the two main characters, Jamie and Vivian, is portrayed with delightful passion, veering off the beaten path by focusing on redemption and hope amidst a backdrop of intrigue in the publishing, fashion, and art worlds.
Despite being covered in dog fur, slobber and probably other canine bodily fluids, Jamie Walker cheerfully inhaled the chilly spring air and allowed the wind of change to fill her soul with possibilit... - #8
The novella 'The Setup' follows the story of Rory Price, an American who moves to London for a two-year work contract. Upon her arrival, she is set up on a date with Imogen, a native Londoner, by their mutual friend Jane. Despite a rocky start to their meeting, Rory and Imogen's quirky personalities and banter lead to an unexpected connection over the course of a weekend. The story is filled with humor, romance, and adventure as the two characters explore London and discover more about each other, ultimately sparking a steamy and delightful romance.
- #9
Mistakes Were Made by Meryl Wilsner is a lesbian romance novel that explores a forbidden relationship between a college student and her best friend's mom. The story revolves around Cassie, a college senior, who meets a stunning older woman at a bar and has a passionate hookup, only to discover the next day that the woman is her best friend's mother. The plot develops as Cassie and Erin navigate their growing attraction while trying to hide their feelings for each other, leading to a complex and steamy relationship. The writing style in the book is described as engaging, with well-written steamy scenes and likable characters that draw readers in from the start.
- #10
Meeting Millie by Clare Ashton is a heartwarming tale of two best friends, Millie and Charlotte, whose friendship evolves into a deep and complex love story. Set against the backdrop of Oxford University, the book follows their journey of self-discovery, heartbreak, and reconciliation over the span of a decade. The author, Clare Ashton, expertly weaves together themes of friendship, love, transformation, and accountability, creating a beautifully written narrative that explores the nuances of relationships and personal growth.
The story intricately navigates the dynamics between the characters, Millie and Charlotte, as they transition from friends to lovers, facing challenges and obstacles along the way. Ashton's writing style is praised for its ability to bring the characters to life, evoke strong emotions in readers, and create a captivating slow-burn romance that keeps the readers engaged from start to finish.