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Those Who Wait #2
The Snowball Effect
For the first time, Regan Gallagher is facing the world without her best friend by her side—no, Sutton isn't dead but she is in Rome, following her dreams. And Regan really is thrilled for her. Left to her own devices, she's doing . . . fine.
Oh, except for the fact that her new roommate, Emma Bordeaux, has hated Regan since the literal day they'd met two years ago. Sure, most of their interactions end in disaster and Regan is the root cause, but they are all accidents! She'll win Emma over though; she's determined to make this living arrangement work come hell or high water.
Emma never planned on finding herself living with the most frustrating person she'd ever met, but for rent this low, she's positive that she can put up with anything Regan throws her way.
What she isn't sure she can handle is her mom returning to her life, wanting to bond with Emma. She definitely doesn't know how to manage her mom believing that she and Regan are a couple. And she doesn't want to deal with the fact that Regan seems far too into acting the part.
Perhaps the most daunting aspect of all is realizing that she might have been wrong about Regan all along . . .
Oh, except for the fact that her new roommate, Emma Bordeaux, has hated Regan since the literal day they'd met two years ago. Sure, most of their interactions end in disaster and Regan is the root cause, but they are all accidents! She'll win Emma over though; she's determined to make this living arrangement work come hell or high water.
Emma never planned on finding herself living with the most frustrating person she'd ever met, but for rent this low, she's positive that she can put up with anything Regan throws her way.
What she isn't sure she can handle is her mom returning to her life, wanting to bond with Emma. She definitely doesn't know how to manage her mom believing that she and Regan are a couple. And she doesn't want to deal with the fact that Regan seems far too into acting the part.
Perhaps the most daunting aspect of all is realizing that she might have been wrong about Regan all along . . .
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First published October 1, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,056 reviews
December 14, 2024
➥ 4.5 Stars *:･ﾟ✧
The academic torture never ends but I digress. An "amen" slipped out my mouth when this arc hit my inbox. If I'm honest, my notes on this book consist of two flippant critiques and that's about it, so prepare for this review to be more gush than intellect.
In my defense, that just goes to show how compelling The Snowball Effect proved to be. No time for dissection! The only way to consume this is to inhale it, and that I did.
The beginning is a bit rocky, in a way that reminded me of Cass's In the Long Run. It requires you to practice some patience and hold your judgement because damn, both characters were on my fuckin nerves. Regan (h) has a very loud and large personality, and everything she does somehow manages to go wrong. Which isn't quite her fault, but the sort of cartoonish ridiculousness of the circumstances caused a couple of eye twitches on my part. She reminds me a lot of Phoebe from Cleat Cute . She's just a lot (#real) and a bit of a mess (#real).
Then there's Emma (h). More the bitchy quiet type but unfortunately for everyone in my life, I'm partial to those. She's stern and serious and unforgiving and...😋
The dynamic they have is an interesting one. It wasn't originally what I was expecting. I was expecting two sort of intense women having some seriously hostile problems with each other but then in an unexpected turn of events (gasp!) they gotta fuck it out!!
Now, that is not quite what this is, ladies and gentleman and otherwise. However!! Stay focused. Haley Cass takes an admittedly more mature direction with the plotline. Instead, there's a carefully crafted development in their dynamic, where they go from bitter, judgmental roommates to hesitant friends. And then from friends to more, only after becoming extremely important to each other in their lives and not being able to deny how well and intimately they know each other. So darn cute!
Now, that's not to say that there's no tension because phew, let me tell ya. It's no secret that Cass is one of my favourite authors and it's partly because of how she writes genuine character connection so incredibly well. My eyes were glued to my phone after the first 20% of the book. The tension is better than the payoff, I'm not even joking.
Somehow, Haley Cass made these two characters work in a way I didn't think she could. There is some sideline exploration of family dynamics which I did find endearing. Especially how Regan supported Emma through the more difficult familial situations.
I wasn't expecting for this to have a toaster oven plotline because well...there's nothing gayer than a person like Regan lol. It was interesting to see a character be so chill about it though. She was like "Huh, I did like her boobs. Good to know!" and then got with the love of her life. Could never be me but happy for ya.
It was also sooo lovely to revisit Cass's other couples as side characters in the story. Both characters have a connection to Sutton, and in a way that isn't and is what their relationship revolves around. A little, but not too much. And Charlotte omg, never getting over her, what a woman. Apparently her political ambitions are going well! And her friendship with Regan was one I unexpectedly adored. They just bounce off each other so well. Charlotte, ever the helpful lesbian guru.
Like lmfao. And can I just say how perfect it is when the character who is seemingly stoic is revealed to have admired and appreciated multiple things about their partner for the whole time they've known them 🥺❤. And the domesticity once they finally got along 😣❤. Haley Cass had me well FED.
And dare I say that the Haley Cass has stepped away from the painful 3rd act conflicts?? Praise the loward!
Haley Cass is well known among sapphic readers as one of the patron saints of lesfic, and The Snowball Effect is no exception to her exceptional backlist. If you're new to her work though, I'd maybe suggest starting with Those Who Wait instead.
I can't think of anything else useful for me to say besides #readitandweepbecauseyouwill.
Thank you again Haley Cass for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
"Maybe you are an acquired taste," she acknowledged, her voice rasping out of her throat as she stepped closer.
Regan tilted her head up on a trembling sigh, her hot breath washing over Emma's neck and jaw, making her shiver.
"But you are — surprisingly but unquestionably — my taste," she finished, ducking her head to capture Regan's lips with hers.
━━━━━━━━━━━ ✧ ━━━━━━━━━━━
The academic torture never ends but I digress. An "amen" slipped out my mouth when this arc hit my inbox. If I'm honest, my notes on this book consist of two flippant critiques and that's about it, so prepare for this review to be more gush than intellect.
In my defense, that just goes to show how compelling The Snowball Effect proved to be. No time for dissection! The only way to consume this is to inhale it, and that I did.
The beginning is a bit rocky, in a way that reminded me of Cass's In the Long Run. It requires you to practice some patience and hold your judgement because damn, both characters were on my fuckin nerves. Regan (h) has a very loud and large personality, and everything she does somehow manages to go wrong. Which isn't quite her fault, but the sort of cartoonish ridiculousness of the circumstances caused a couple of eye twitches on my part. She reminds me a lot of Phoebe from Cleat Cute . She's just a lot (#real) and a bit of a mess (#real).
Then there's Emma (h). More the bitchy quiet type but unfortunately for everyone in my life, I'm partial to those. She's stern and serious and unforgiving and...😋
"I was hanging out with Charlotte," she pushed herself to answer.
"Sutton's Charlotte?" Emma clarified, sounding surprised.
"The one and only. Why? Did you miss me?" She couldn't help but ask, meaning to tease, not feel like she was invested in the answer.
"Desperately," Emma dryly responded.
The dynamic they have is an interesting one. It wasn't originally what I was expecting. I was expecting two sort of intense women having some seriously hostile problems with each other but then in an unexpected turn of events (gasp!) they gotta fuck it out!!
Now, that is not quite what this is, ladies and gentleman and otherwise. However!! Stay focused. Haley Cass takes an admittedly more mature direction with the plotline. Instead, there's a carefully crafted development in their dynamic, where they go from bitter, judgmental roommates to hesitant friends. And then from friends to more, only after becoming extremely important to each other in their lives and not being able to deny how well and intimately they know each other. So darn cute!
Now, that's not to say that there's no tension because phew, let me tell ya. It's no secret that Cass is one of my favourite authors and it's partly because of how she writes genuine character connection so incredibly well. My eyes were glued to my phone after the first 20% of the book. The tension is better than the payoff, I'm not even joking.
Somehow, Haley Cass made these two characters work in a way I didn't think she could. There is some sideline exploration of family dynamics which I did find endearing. Especially how Regan supported Emma through the more difficult familial situations.
I wasn't expecting for this to have a toaster oven plotline because well...there's nothing gayer than a person like Regan lol. It was interesting to see a character be so chill about it though. She was like "Huh, I did like her boobs. Good to know!" and then got with the love of her life. Could never be me but happy for ya.
It was also sooo lovely to revisit Cass's other couples as side characters in the story. Both characters have a connection to Sutton, and in a way that isn't and is what their relationship revolves around. A little, but not too much. And Charlotte omg, never getting over her, what a woman. Apparently her political ambitions are going well! And her friendship with Regan was one I unexpectedly adored. They just bounce off each other so well. Charlotte, ever the helpful lesbian guru.
“That’s all you have to say?!”
This time, Charlotte let out a quietly amused chuckle. “There is no real answer, Regan. I can’t tell you if you’re attracted to women or not. Or even if you’re attracted to this woman or not.”
Regan stared at her dismally. “Charlotte, please. You want to be a leader of our country. I need more leadership right now. Win my vote.”
Like lmfao. And can I just say how perfect it is when the character who is seemingly stoic is revealed to have admired and appreciated multiple things about their partner for the whole time they've known them 🥺❤. And the domesticity once they finally got along 😣❤. Haley Cass had me well FED.
And dare I say that the Haley Cass has stepped away from the painful 3rd act conflicts?? Praise the loward!
Haley Cass is well known among sapphic readers as one of the patron saints of lesfic, and The Snowball Effect is no exception to her exceptional backlist. If you're new to her work though, I'd maybe suggest starting with Those Who Wait instead.
I can't think of anything else useful for me to say besides #readitandweepbecauseyouwill.
Thank you again Haley Cass for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
━━━━━━━━━━━ ✧ ━━━━━━━━━━━
Want to read
August 9, 2024"I'm seated, the bookstore employees are scared and asking me to leave because it's not October yet but I'm simply too seated"
November 1, 2024
y’all are gonna have to pry this book out of my cold dead hands when it comes out especially bc i have been waiting SO long to read another haley cass book
•
finally finished this and just as i suspected…it ate
•
finally finished this and just as i suspected…it ate
January 10, 2025
Only Haley Cass could make me pick up an almost 500 page romance during a reading slump, let alone finish it in one day.
This book chewed my soul up and spat it back out and I enjoyed every second.
Haley is one of my few auto buy authors and genuinely never fails to drop another bible length romance I’ll devour on repeat.
Hate to love? Roommates? Coming out? Perfection. RAH.
Rep// Sapphic MC with ADHD, Sapphic MC. Central romance is WLW.
Set in// USA.
TW’s below, please skip if you don’t want spoilers.
TW// Parental issues/family angst, anaphylaxis, hospital setting for one scene.
This book chewed my soul up and spat it back out and I enjoyed every second.
Haley is one of my few auto buy authors and genuinely never fails to drop another bible length romance I’ll devour on repeat.
Hate to love? Roommates? Coming out? Perfection. RAH.
Rep// Sapphic MC with ADHD, Sapphic MC. Central romance is WLW.
Set in// USA.
TW’s below, please skip if you don’t want spoilers.
TW// Parental issues/family angst, anaphylaxis, hospital setting for one scene.
June 26, 2025
“I need you to know that I noticed you first.”
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Haley Cass is truly one of the best Sapphic authors out there. I've yet to pick up one of her books and not enjoy it, and The Snowball Effect was no exception. This is a brilliant example of an enemies-to-lovers story (well, at least from Emma's perspective; from Regan's side, it's more friends-to-lovers). You can practically feel Emma and Regan's chemistry leap off the page as their relationship evolves. The gradual shift from reluctant acquaintances to something deeper is beautifully conveyed through the protectiveness and care they show one another, even while pretending it's all just friendly concern.
The side characters—especially Katherine, Sherry, and Brynn—are wonderfully developed and add so much depth to the story. Honestly, I can hardly believe this book was over 500 pages because I devoured it, and it felt like half that length! Cass's writing just pulls you in, making time fly by as you get lost in her world.
It’s been ages since I first read Those Who Wait, and it was such a treat to reunite with Regan, Katherine, Sutton, and Charlotte. While this book focuses primarily on Regan and Emma’s romance, Sutton and Charlotte play an undeniably significant role in their journey. It's like coming back to old friends while getting swept up in a fresh love story. I'm already looking forward to re-reading it at some point soon.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Haley Cass is truly one of the best Sapphic authors out there. I've yet to pick up one of her books and not enjoy it, and The Snowball Effect was no exception. This is a brilliant example of an enemies-to-lovers story (well, at least from Emma's perspective; from Regan's side, it's more friends-to-lovers). You can practically feel Emma and Regan's chemistry leap off the page as their relationship evolves. The gradual shift from reluctant acquaintances to something deeper is beautifully conveyed through the protectiveness and care they show one another, even while pretending it's all just friendly concern.
The side characters—especially Katherine, Sherry, and Brynn—are wonderfully developed and add so much depth to the story. Honestly, I can hardly believe this book was over 500 pages because I devoured it, and it felt like half that length! Cass's writing just pulls you in, making time fly by as you get lost in her world.
It’s been ages since I first read Those Who Wait, and it was such a treat to reunite with Regan, Katherine, Sutton, and Charlotte. While this book focuses primarily on Regan and Emma’s romance, Sutton and Charlotte play an undeniably significant role in their journey. It's like coming back to old friends while getting swept up in a fresh love story. I'm already looking forward to re-reading it at some point soon.
October 28, 2024
This might be my favorite Haley Cass book. It ended and I just want more.
November 6, 2024
4.5 STARS.
"Those Who Wait" is my favorite romance novel. I have been waiting for Regan and Emma's story since I read the sequel, "Forever and a Day". Only Haley Cass can make 602 pages feel like 300.
With 602 pages, Cass took her time to develop the characters we already knew a little, making them feel so real that you get the feeling you know them. I admit I had a bit of trouble warming up to Emma at first. She was so aloof and a bit rude toward Regan. But her upbringing and backstory were well-written, and of course, I forgave her. I loved the moment Emma stopped "disliking" Regan and watching her open up was so satisfying.
I knew Regan was a ray of sunshine from "TWW," and that she could be a lot. But in this book, I realized she is basically the sun itself. It's impossible not to love her. She is warm, very thoughtful, and has the biggest heart. What I liked most is that she is so honest with herself and the others when it comes to her feelings. So to me, this book is about falling in love with Regan at the same time Emma does. I was expecting Charlotte and Sutton to play a bigger role, but I am glad they didn't steal the show.
This book was all about sweetness, and I think it lacks a bit of drama and angst to make it perfect. But you know what? I am kind of in a dark place in my life right now, and the fact that all the sweetness put a huge smile on my face and made my heart all warm makes it the perfect thing I needed right now.THE COMFORT READ Now I would love a book on Audrey and this audiobook narrated by Quinn Riley
"Those Who Wait" is my favorite romance novel. I have been waiting for Regan and Emma's story since I read the sequel, "Forever and a Day". Only Haley Cass can make 602 pages feel like 300.
With 602 pages, Cass took her time to develop the characters we already knew a little, making them feel so real that you get the feeling you know them. I admit I had a bit of trouble warming up to Emma at first. She was so aloof and a bit rude toward Regan. But her upbringing and backstory were well-written, and of course, I forgave her. I loved the moment Emma stopped "disliking" Regan and watching her open up was so satisfying.
I knew Regan was a ray of sunshine from "TWW," and that she could be a lot. But in this book, I realized she is basically the sun itself. It's impossible not to love her. She is warm, very thoughtful, and has the biggest heart. What I liked most is that she is so honest with herself and the others when it comes to her feelings. So to me, this book is about falling in love with Regan at the same time Emma does. I was expecting Charlotte and Sutton to play a bigger role, but I am glad they didn't steal the show.
This book was all about sweetness, and I think it lacks a bit of drama and angst to make it perfect. But you know what? I am kind of in a dark place in my life right now, and the fact that all the sweetness put a huge smile on my face and made my heart all warm makes it the perfect thing I needed right now.THE COMFORT READ Now I would love a book on Audrey and this audiobook narrated by Quinn Riley
March 7, 2025
ETA, audiobook re-read:
I loved this when I first read it, and Lori Prince’s narration only made me love it even more. Haley Cass has long become a must read author for me, and Lori Prince equally has become my favorite narrator. The combination of the two of them collaborating has given me some of my absolute favorite books. I hope they work together on everything forever.
~~~~~~~~
WELL!!! I blasted through nearly 500 pages in a day, as I am wont to do with a Haley Cass book. It’s one of favorite things.
I LOVED getting back into this universe and these characters that I fell in love with years ago. I remember the first time I read those who wait (even way back when Regan was Jeyne) I initially found her to be…. A lot. Not a person I thought I would get along with well in real life. I love her now. I take that back. Like Emma, I def agree she grows on you.
My only ONLY qualm/wish would have been that we got a little more of Emma and her mom’s relationship, and Regan and her sister’s, but that’s bc I’m greedy and after sapphic romance, those are my two fav things in fiction.
God that was just utterly lovely though. Haley Cass has written another banger that I will absolutely be rereading many times in the future.
I loved this when I first read it, and Lori Prince’s narration only made me love it even more. Haley Cass has long become a must read author for me, and Lori Prince equally has become my favorite narrator. The combination of the two of them collaborating has given me some of my absolute favorite books. I hope they work together on everything forever.
~~~~~~~~
WELL!!! I blasted through nearly 500 pages in a day, as I am wont to do with a Haley Cass book. It’s one of favorite things.
I LOVED getting back into this universe and these characters that I fell in love with years ago. I remember the first time I read those who wait (even way back when Regan was Jeyne) I initially found her to be…. A lot. Not a person I thought I would get along with well in real life. I love her now. I take that back. Like Emma, I def agree she grows on you.
My only ONLY qualm/wish would have been that we got a little more of Emma and her mom’s relationship, and Regan and her sister’s, but that’s bc I’m greedy and after sapphic romance, those are my two fav things in fiction.
God that was just utterly lovely though. Haley Cass has written another banger that I will absolutely be rereading many times in the future.
November 13, 2025
First things first, you can’t call a novel “The Snowball Effect” and put twinkle lights on the cover, then have the whole thing set in July! That’s illegal! I thought this was wintry, which is why I picked it for a trip to Montreal! Hard to stay mad though when a book is this good. Turns out, Montreal was fully capable of supplying the winter all on its own, which meant all I needed from The Snowball Effect was the cozy, and it delivered. I laughed, cried, more or less fell in love myself. What a beautiful novel. 4.42 across over 8,000 ratings is kind of insane in terms of goodreads, and well, now I know why!
Edit: this review is not effusive enough. Haley Cass has something so special (and spoiler alert, it’s not a copy editor... so many typos!) Seriously though, there is just something so magical about this book, about these characters. I literally actually cried when she proposed. Look, I like romance, I read romance—I do not cry during the proposal. That is actually insane!
Edit: this review is not effusive enough. Haley Cass has something so special (and spoiler alert, it’s not a copy editor... so many typos!) Seriously though, there is just something so magical about this book, about these characters. I literally actually cried when she proposed. Look, I like romance, I read romance—I do not cry during the proposal. That is actually insane!
December 2, 2024
Regan and Emma are precious beyond words!!! 😭😭😭😭😭😭
May 20, 2025
✨My new favorite sapphic romance book ✨
this book saved me from a reading slump and made me fall in love with romance again
Regan misses sharing her apartment and daily routine with her best friend. Her new flatmate, Emma, seems to hate her and refuses to do anything with Regan. It doesn’t help that every time Regan tries to do something to bring them closer, it backfires. But she’s also tired of being the only one trying to improve the cohabitation.
The Snowball Effect was such a beautiful sapphic romance. I was so tired of reading books that weren’t making me fangirl and feel like part of my heart was stolen forever. I wanted something dazzling, and decided to put all my trust in Haley Cass. And, oh, did she deliver. Book one in this series, Those Who Wait, used to be my favorite sapphic romance book-until I read this one 🤩✨
Emma and Regan started with the wrong foot because their personalities were so different they collided every time. But also because Emma didn’t want to be emotionally available, while Regan is all feelings and heart. At the beginning I thought I was going to be at Emma’s side, because she’s very similar to me, but I quickly realized that Regan might be a bit messy sometimes, but her heart is always in the right place. Quickly, the reason why I was so into the book was all Regan’s doing. I was obsessed with her, and that’s the only reason why I didn’t find Emma annoying. Regan adored Emma, and I adored Regan, so I treated Emma with the same love Regan did.
As it always happens with Haley Cass, it’s not going to be a romance for everyone. It’s very slow, but the pacing it’s actually good and there is always progression (it’s just that the speed is low). I’ve lost count of the amount of times I complained about a romance book being too long because it was over 450-500 pages. This was 500 pages and I ate every single one. In fact, the closer I got to the end, the less I wanted to read because I didn’t want it to end.
As I said before, Emma and Regan didn’t have the best start. But, at some point, Emma realizes that Regan deserves to have a chance, and they try to bond as flatmates and end up being great friends. They are both obsessed with each other (even if Emma doesn’t want to admit it and Regan thinks she’s straight), so they aren’t going to stay that way. It was funny because I thought Regan knew she was queer from the beginning. The way she saw and described Emma’s body was so queer!! The biggest plot twist of the book for me was when Regan finally had a bi awakening. I was like: ‘WAIT, you didn’t know???’ 🤣🤣
I could talk forever about this book, but I’ll try to be quick: I loved their relationship, the pacing, the smut (OMG the way only women can make themselves wait that long for it!), the character development, the glimpses of Charlotte and Sutton, the dates, the fact that Regan made desserts, Emma being obsessed with books, Regan being always girlfriend material…
The best thing about this book? It’s a 500-page romance with no miscommunication. Yes, you heard that correctly! Regan is absolute best at communicating her feelings, she explodes if she doesn’t tell Emma exactly what she’s feeling the second she feels it. It was so refreshing, having a long romance that didn’t rely on misunderstandings to add unnecessary pages of going back and forward.
Overall, this is my new favorite sapphic romance book (maybe tied with Those Who Wait, I read it too long ago to be sure). In any case, both are by the same author and part of the same series, so I really really recommend giving them a try if you are interested in slow burn romances that have slow pace but no miscommunication, where the pages are used to create a realistic progression, great character arcs, the most beautiful relationship between two opposite women and amazing spice (aftersuffering enjoying every single second of waiting).
This was the only book I actually loved in April and I feel so grateful I made myself slow down and choose quality over quantity, reading slowly over trying to finish books that weren’t for me.
↬Those Who Wait series:
💛Sutton and Charlotte:
1. Those Who Wait: 4.25 stars
1.5. Forever and a Day: 4 stars
3. Midnight Rain:: dnf @65%
💛Regan and Emma:
2. The Snowball Effect: 4.5 stars
this book saved me from a reading slump and made me fall in love with romance again
Regan misses sharing her apartment and daily routine with her best friend. Her new flatmate, Emma, seems to hate her and refuses to do anything with Regan. It doesn’t help that every time Regan tries to do something to bring them closer, it backfires. But she’s also tired of being the only one trying to improve the cohabitation.
The Snowball Effect was such a beautiful sapphic romance. I was so tired of reading books that weren’t making me fangirl and feel like part of my heart was stolen forever. I wanted something dazzling, and decided to put all my trust in Haley Cass. And, oh, did she deliver. Book one in this series, Those Who Wait, used to be my favorite sapphic romance book-until I read this one 🤩✨
Emma and Regan started with the wrong foot because their personalities were so different they collided every time. But also because Emma didn’t want to be emotionally available, while Regan is all feelings and heart. At the beginning I thought I was going to be at Emma’s side, because she’s very similar to me, but I quickly realized that Regan might be a bit messy sometimes, but her heart is always in the right place. Quickly, the reason why I was so into the book was all Regan’s doing. I was obsessed with her, and that’s the only reason why I didn’t find Emma annoying. Regan adored Emma, and I adored Regan, so I treated Emma with the same love Regan did.
As it always happens with Haley Cass, it’s not going to be a romance for everyone. It’s very slow, but the pacing it’s actually good and there is always progression (it’s just that the speed is low). I’ve lost count of the amount of times I complained about a romance book being too long because it was over 450-500 pages. This was 500 pages and I ate every single one. In fact, the closer I got to the end, the less I wanted to read because I didn’t want it to end.
As I said before, Emma and Regan didn’t have the best start. But, at some point, Emma realizes that Regan deserves to have a chance, and they try to bond as flatmates and end up being great friends. They are both obsessed with each other (even if Emma doesn’t want to admit it and Regan thinks she’s straight), so they aren’t going to stay that way. It was funny because I thought Regan knew she was queer from the beginning. The way she saw and described Emma’s body was so queer!! The biggest plot twist of the book for me was when Regan finally had a bi awakening. I was like: ‘WAIT, you didn’t know???’ 🤣🤣
I could talk forever about this book, but I’ll try to be quick: I loved their relationship, the pacing, the smut (OMG the way only women can make themselves wait that long for it!), the character development, the glimpses of Charlotte and Sutton, the dates, the fact that Regan made desserts, Emma being obsessed with books, Regan being always girlfriend material…
The best thing about this book? It’s a 500-page romance with no miscommunication. Yes, you heard that correctly! Regan is absolute best at communicating her feelings, she explodes if she doesn’t tell Emma exactly what she’s feeling the second she feels it. It was so refreshing, having a long romance that didn’t rely on misunderstandings to add unnecessary pages of going back and forward.
Overall, this is my new favorite sapphic romance book (maybe tied with Those Who Wait, I read it too long ago to be sure). In any case, both are by the same author and part of the same series, so I really really recommend giving them a try if you are interested in slow burn romances that have slow pace but no miscommunication, where the pages are used to create a realistic progression, great character arcs, the most beautiful relationship between two opposite women and amazing spice (after
This was the only book I actually loved in April and I feel so grateful I made myself slow down and choose quality over quantity, reading slowly over trying to finish books that weren’t for me.
↬Those Who Wait series:
💛Sutton and Charlotte:
1. Those Who Wait: 4.25 stars
1.5. Forever and a Day: 4 stars
3. Midnight Rain:: dnf @65%
💛Regan and Emma:
2. The Snowball Effect: 4.5 stars
July 23, 2025
[July 2025] #HaleyCassisGoodatRomance
[January 2025]
Cass got skillz. That's my reread note. Plus, on reread, I was better able to skim over the many typos.
[October 2024]
It’s official. Haley Cass is one of my favorite romance authors. Maybe, #1. What made it official for me? I find myself smiling the whole time I’m reading a Haley Cass novel. Same thing happens when reading Emily Henry or Katherine Center. Plus, I usually cry at the “I love yous.” Even on reread.
The Snowball Effect is simply more wonderful, sapphic romance goodness. And I want to take a moment to call out Cass’s dedication to craft. The author mentions that one of the FMCs, Regan, has adult-diagnosed ADHD in the prologue, and every chapter that is in Regan’s POV, it feels as if the character does have adult ADHD. I’ve read most of Cass’s books now, and I can confidently say that all her characters have their own unique voice that carry through the entire story.
However, I have to deduct a half star as Snowball tripped past my Four Typos Rule. Normally when I read any book, I can breeze past four typos but the fifth and later typos start to kick me out of the story. (Haley, if you read this, please let me be on your proofreading team.) Even still, The Snowball Effect is a solid 4.5/5 stars and I highly recommend. Cheers.
Note: There is more than a little bit of screen time with crossover characters from Those Who Wait, which I have not read, but didn't have any problem enjoying this book as a stand-alone or a read-first. However, if you are a "must read in order" person, there you are...
[January 2025]
Cass got skillz. That's my reread note. Plus, on reread, I was better able to skim over the many typos.
[October 2024]
It’s official. Haley Cass is one of my favorite romance authors. Maybe, #1. What made it official for me? I find myself smiling the whole time I’m reading a Haley Cass novel. Same thing happens when reading Emily Henry or Katherine Center. Plus, I usually cry at the “I love yous.” Even on reread.
The Snowball Effect is simply more wonderful, sapphic romance goodness. And I want to take a moment to call out Cass’s dedication to craft. The author mentions that one of the FMCs, Regan, has adult-diagnosed ADHD in the prologue, and every chapter that is in Regan’s POV, it feels as if the character does have adult ADHD. I’ve read most of Cass’s books now, and I can confidently say that all her characters have their own unique voice that carry through the entire story.
However, I have to deduct a half star as Snowball tripped past my Four Typos Rule. Normally when I read any book, I can breeze past four typos but the fifth and later typos start to kick me out of the story. (Haley, if you read this, please let me be on your proofreading team.) Even still, The Snowball Effect is a solid 4.5/5 stars and I highly recommend. Cheers.
Note: There is more than a little bit of screen time with crossover characters from Those Who Wait, which I have not read, but didn't have any problem enjoying this book as a stand-alone or a read-first. However, if you are a "must read in order" person, there you are...
March 16, 2025
I feel very conflicted, I did enjoy it. It's not like I was struggling through it or wasn't connecting with the characters.
I felt deeply connected to Emma. She's essentially me as a person, I'm not kidding. And Regan, despite seeming like a lot and not the type of character I'd usually enjoy, absolutely won me over, exactly the same way she won Emma over. I liked the family drama on both sides.
However, classic slow burns really have to be something very special for me to enjoy every aspect of them and feel impressed. It really isn't my genre generally because I really struggle with being patient.
And Haley Cass' stories usually are exactly this, special. But this one dragged, I didn't feel that rush. In my opinion, it lacked that particular Haley Cass type of yearning and dramatism. I just think that when I pick up Cass' book I have certain expectations, and in this particular case, they weren't met.
Maybe I'll re-read it later on or give it a listen when and if the audiobook is out.
I felt deeply connected to Emma. She's essentially me as a person, I'm not kidding. And Regan, despite seeming like a lot and not the type of character I'd usually enjoy, absolutely won me over, exactly the same way she won Emma over. I liked the family drama on both sides.
However, classic slow burns really have to be something very special for me to enjoy every aspect of them and feel impressed. It really isn't my genre generally because I really struggle with being patient.
And Haley Cass' stories usually are exactly this, special. But this one dragged, I didn't feel that rush. In my opinion, it lacked that particular Haley Cass type of yearning and dramatism. I just think that when I pick up Cass' book I have certain expectations, and in this particular case, they weren't met.
Maybe I'll re-read it later on or give it a listen when and if the audiobook is out.
February 26, 2025
The Cass/Prince combo is a match made in sapphic romance heaven! Haley Cass' writing is pure brilliance—tender, authentic, and utterly immersive. And I swear Lori Prince just keeps getting better with every book. Her performance, bringing this story to life, deserves all the awards.
There is no way I can adequately put into words what this book means to me because it is truly beyond perfect. I found the parallels between The Snowball Effect and my own life so profoundly beautiful.
The way Regan loves Emma resonated with me deeply. She loves without question, without conditions, without hesitation or reservation. There are no mind games, no walls—just pure, unwavering devotion. The longing, the respect, the willingness to wait—that’s what love is to me. Seeing it so perfectly captured on the page made me feel seen, validated, and understood in a way I didn’t even realize I needed.
At the same time, Emma—guarded, private, more reserved—is portrayed with such depth and care. I love how fiercely protective she is of Regan, how much she appreciates her and grounds her. I love that they don’t have to change for each other to be loved. They love and respect each other for exactly who they are. And yet, through that love, they grow. Their relationship gives them the safety to be fully themselves, to become even more. That kind of love—the kind that makes you feel safe in the world—is everything.
And god, FINALLY—a sapphic book where, once they acknowledge their feelings, there are no forced separations. They just know. And my heart needed that.
To anyone who has ever truly loved someone with their whole soul—this book will make you feel so seen.
There is no way I can adequately put into words what this book means to me because it is truly beyond perfect. I found the parallels between The Snowball Effect and my own life so profoundly beautiful.
The way Regan loves Emma resonated with me deeply. She loves without question, without conditions, without hesitation or reservation. There are no mind games, no walls—just pure, unwavering devotion. The longing, the respect, the willingness to wait—that’s what love is to me. Seeing it so perfectly captured on the page made me feel seen, validated, and understood in a way I didn’t even realize I needed.
At the same time, Emma—guarded, private, more reserved—is portrayed with such depth and care. I love how fiercely protective she is of Regan, how much she appreciates her and grounds her. I love that they don’t have to change for each other to be loved. They love and respect each other for exactly who they are. And yet, through that love, they grow. Their relationship gives them the safety to be fully themselves, to become even more. That kind of love—the kind that makes you feel safe in the world—is everything.
And god, FINALLY—a sapphic book where, once they acknowledge their feelings, there are no forced separations. They just know. And my heart needed that.
To anyone who has ever truly loved someone with their whole soul—this book will make you feel so seen.
November 13, 2024
I struggled liking Emma for the first like 1/3 of this book and then after felt myself questioning her. Regan is such a likable character I wanted to protect her. Later in the book things become more clear from Emma’s pov but I won’t give anything away. Loved the Charlotte incorporation (and Sutton) and subtle nods to Those Who Wait. Super glad I reread it before this one.
December 11, 2024
I have mixed views on this book. I liked Regan best. I liked her personality, she was an upbeat and happy person who had her life together despite having terrible parents. I liked her honesty and openness. Emma was a very messed up person emotionally. And with Regan’s help she overcame a lot of her insecurities.
The book was long and a very slow romance. They were completely opposite personalities and I had trouble understanding their relationship based on my own feelings on relationships. I couldn’t see me falling for someone the complete opposite as myself.
I also don’t feel that Emma and Sutton’s friendship was explained well. It seemed they were more like acquaintances and yet Emma seemed fine texting her for advice And Regan’s sexuality was so fluid, it seemed way too easy for her to have sex with Emma the first time. She didn’t seem to have any concerns about it at all. But she was a free spirit so maybe it was very natural for her.
I did love having bits of Charlotte and Sutton back to enjoy.
The book was long and a very slow romance. They were completely opposite personalities and I had trouble understanding their relationship based on my own feelings on relationships. I couldn’t see me falling for someone the complete opposite as myself.
I also don’t feel that Emma and Sutton’s friendship was explained well. It seemed they were more like acquaintances and yet Emma seemed fine texting her for advice And Regan’s sexuality was so fluid, it seemed way too easy for her to have sex with Emma the first time. She didn’t seem to have any concerns about it at all. But she was a free spirit so maybe it was very natural for her.
I did love having bits of Charlotte and Sutton back to enjoy.
December 4, 2024
This would have easily been a 5-star romance for me except for the atrocious grammar, overuse of words and phrases, typos, and wrong word choices. All of which would have been taken care of by using an editor and proofreader.
I know that this has been said about Cass's books over and over again. And some have said, "meh, it's on Kindle Unlimited, so big deal. It's free!" But it's not. KU isn't free. It's not even very cheap. It's also available for sale to those who don't have KU or who, like me, purchase books from KU authors for rereads and to give some extra support. I also don't keep KU forever and I want my re-reads available when I need them. So editing and proofreading matter.
I think this might have been the Haley Cass book that broke me. I cannot deny that she is a wonderful storyteller. And if she was posting her work for free on AO3 or on her website for consumption, I'd deal with it. But she's supposedly putting out a professional product in exchange for payment. That means it should be professionally produced. A pretty cover is great but the words inside matter much more.
I know that this has been said about Cass's books over and over again. And some have said, "meh, it's on Kindle Unlimited, so big deal. It's free!" But it's not. KU isn't free. It's not even very cheap. It's also available for sale to those who don't have KU or who, like me, purchase books from KU authors for rereads and to give some extra support. I also don't keep KU forever and I want my re-reads available when I need them. So editing and proofreading matter.
I think this might have been the Haley Cass book that broke me. I cannot deny that she is a wonderful storyteller. And if she was posting her work for free on AO3 or on her website for consumption, I'd deal with it. But she's supposedly putting out a professional product in exchange for payment. That means it should be professionally produced. A pretty cover is great but the words inside matter much more.
November 3, 2024
I’m riding too much of a high right now, so I need time to think about this one.
And I'm back... So the short review is that I really, really liked this. It’s easily one of Haley Cass’s strongest novels—even the grammar stuff is improving (though there’s definitely more work to do). But sometimes I have to wait for the euphoria of a reading experience to wear off for me to more clearly review it.
The Snowball Effect is an offshoot of Cass’s debut novel, Those Who Wait, featuring Sutton’s two BFFs, Regan and Emma in a sort of enemies-to-friends (frenemies?)-to-lovers romance. I can’t say I’ve loved Regan as a character in the first novel and didn’t really feel like I needed a novel about her. Or even Emma, for that matter, who I definitely liked in Those Who Wait. But I’ll read just about anything if it means I get more Sutton Spencer in the mix. And kudos to Cass because I was quickly invested in this romance from the first page and didn’t experience any let down throughout the rest of the book.
I’m glad I gave myself a few days to think about this novel because I had an epiphany about it--The Snowball Effect is basically Monica McCallan’s When I’m With You. And I mean that in the most complimentary way since I love and revisit that novel regularly. But here’s where I may get controversial (and I’m definitely not trying to start a war between wives): I think McCallan does it a bit better. Because McCallan develops the friendship aspect of the relationship better than Cass does, so the romance (for me) is just stronger as a result.
But I don’t have any major complaints about this. I know I will be reading it again. And between this novel and On the Same Page, Cass is really writing some of her best work right now. And, despite the fact that Sutton is only a side character here, I liked it a lot more than I liked Those Who Wait.
And I'm back... So the short review is that I really, really liked this. It’s easily one of Haley Cass’s strongest novels—even the grammar stuff is improving (though there’s definitely more work to do). But sometimes I have to wait for the euphoria of a reading experience to wear off for me to more clearly review it.
The Snowball Effect is an offshoot of Cass’s debut novel, Those Who Wait, featuring Sutton’s two BFFs, Regan and Emma in a sort of enemies-to-friends (frenemies?)-to-lovers romance. I can’t say I’ve loved Regan as a character in the first novel and didn’t really feel like I needed a novel about her. Or even Emma, for that matter, who I definitely liked in Those Who Wait. But I’ll read just about anything if it means I get more Sutton Spencer in the mix. And kudos to Cass because I was quickly invested in this romance from the first page and didn’t experience any let down throughout the rest of the book.
I’m glad I gave myself a few days to think about this novel because I had an epiphany about it--The Snowball Effect is basically Monica McCallan’s When I’m With You. And I mean that in the most complimentary way since I love and revisit that novel regularly. But here’s where I may get controversial (and I’m definitely not trying to start a war between wives): I think McCallan does it a bit better. Because McCallan develops the friendship aspect of the relationship better than Cass does, so the romance (for me) is just stronger as a result.
But I don’t have any major complaints about this. I know I will be reading it again. And between this novel and On the Same Page, Cass is really writing some of her best work right now. And, despite the fact that Sutton is only a side character here, I liked it a lot more than I liked Those Who Wait.
December 31, 2024
i'm in love with regan and emma 😭🥹 that epilogue had me CRYINGGGG. what a way to finish 2024 with what was easily one of my favorite books this year.
haley cass just never disappoints.
haley cass just never disappoints.
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June 12, 2025
“It’s a great apartment,” Regan’s tone was so obviously glum, even as she tried to interject some levity into it.
Emma turned to look at Regan, who was worrying her teeth into that full bottom lip. “It’s a great person in the apartment,” she corrected. “A person I love.”
Regan’s smile was immediate, as she reached out and traced her fingers over Emma’s cheekbone, all the way back to tuck hair behind her ear.
i loved Regan. i loved Emma. i loved the development and tension between them. i also loved just how straightforward Regan was and wasn’t afraid to tell Emma how she felt with, well, anything (whether it’s her feelings or whatever’s going on in her life). the way Emma’s development and seeing her take that step bc she knew her feelings for Regan were real and an intensity she’s never felt, despite being burned before? chefs kiss. they had so many domestic moments that had me giggling and the epilogue was such a perfect way to end the story too!!
Regan had me giggling in this scene bc ma’am??
“I’m telling you that you have the right to say it,” Regan’s voice dipped so low, it skittered down Emma’s spine and landed squarely between her legs. Reminding her that the wetness she’d felt from hearing Regan hadn’t gone away. “If you tell me that you have feelings for me, too, then you have the right.”
Emma turned to look at Regan, who was worrying her teeth into that full bottom lip. “It’s a great person in the apartment,” she corrected. “A person I love.”
Regan’s smile was immediate, as she reached out and traced her fingers over Emma’s cheekbone, all the way back to tuck hair behind her ear.
i loved Regan. i loved Emma. i loved the development and tension between them. i also loved just how straightforward Regan was and wasn’t afraid to tell Emma how she felt with, well, anything (whether it’s her feelings or whatever’s going on in her life). the way Emma’s development and seeing her take that step bc she knew her feelings for Regan were real and an intensity she’s never felt, despite being burned before? chefs kiss. they had so many domestic moments that had me giggling and the epilogue was such a perfect way to end the story too!!
Regan had me giggling in this scene bc ma’am??
“I’m telling you that you have the right to say it,” Regan’s voice dipped so low, it skittered down Emma’s spine and landed squarely between her legs. Reminding her that the wetness she’d felt from hearing Regan hadn’t gone away. “If you tell me that you have feelings for me, too, then you have the right.”
October 27, 2024
and THEY WERE ROOMATES 🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️
October 25, 2024
I don't think I could have been more excited for The Snowball Effect. I've loved literally every single Haley Cass book, and an enemies to lovers fake relationship starring two of my favorite characters from Those Who Wait? That's basically everything I could have ever wanted. And even with those extremely high expectations, The Snowball Effect still managed to surpass them.
This book just builds and builds and builds. The pacing is absolutely exquisite, and the tension is palpable. Watching Emma and Regan's relationship finally come together was just so, so satisfying. Finally reaching the tipping point where everything starts to fall into place was absolutely enthralling, and I seriously couldn't get enough of these two.
Emma and Regan were both extremely likable in Those Who Wait, but they're both given so much more depth here as leads. They both have relatively similar arcs, but their personalities are so different that the similarities only serve to complement each other. Combined with a dynamic supporting cast (both new and old), and every single scene is just so engaging.
My only major complaint is that I just want more of these two. I absolutely love the slow burn, and everything comes together in an extremely satisfying way, but by the time Emma and Regan actually get together, things are already wrapping up. Ultimately, it works, and in my mind wanting more of a great book is never a bad thing.
Absolutely recommended. I could not put this down from the second I picked it up, and I'm already desperate to reread it when my physical copy arrives. Easily one of the best books I've read this year, and worth every second of your time.
This book just builds and builds and builds. The pacing is absolutely exquisite, and the tension is palpable. Watching Emma and Regan's relationship finally come together was just so, so satisfying. Finally reaching the tipping point where everything starts to fall into place was absolutely enthralling, and I seriously couldn't get enough of these two.
Emma and Regan were both extremely likable in Those Who Wait, but they're both given so much more depth here as leads. They both have relatively similar arcs, but their personalities are so different that the similarities only serve to complement each other. Combined with a dynamic supporting cast (both new and old), and every single scene is just so engaging.
My only major complaint is that I just want more of these two. I absolutely love the slow burn, and everything comes together in an extremely satisfying way, but by the time Emma and Regan actually get together, things are already wrapping up. Ultimately, it works, and in my mind wanting more of a great book is never a bad thing.
Absolutely recommended. I could not put this down from the second I picked it up, and I'm already desperate to reread it when my physical copy arrives. Easily one of the best books I've read this year, and worth every second of your time.
January 5, 2025
LOVED IT! I loved the ending 😭🥺 I thought that maybe the beginning was a bit slow but I enjoyed the build up of both realising they had feelings for each other.
Anyway, when are they inventing something that will allow us to experience the characters storylines of books in first person? Like, a VR but for books? Please 🤣😭
Anyway, when are they inventing something that will allow us to experience the characters storylines of books in first person? Like, a VR but for books? Please 🤣😭
November 8, 2024
Lovely book: longer than the usual offering but worth it. Loved the characters and background build up. Recommended.
October 26, 2024
Holy smoly I’m absolutely dying to talk about this one.
First off thank you Haley Cass for an ARC of The Snowball Effect out 10/25/2024!
My initial thought when reading Those Who Wait is that if Reagan and Emma didn’t get together, Haley Cass will do something wrong and Haley Cass never does wrong because this is probably top three of hers.
I just… how can Haley Cass hit the jackpot every time??? THEIR RELATIONSHIP!!! I cant think of another opposite attract / grumpy x sunshine I love more. Regan being the absolute chaos in Emma’s life BUT ALSO being such a huge grounding aspect with her family. Like holy guacamole the pages were exploding with feelings.
Also as far as Haley Cass smut goes… that first scene. Holy.
Plus the family stuff. I love family dynamics and I loved seeing emmas.
I think as far as relationships this one is so unique. So many factors at play like their personalities, their situation and it created something I felt like ive never read before and ive read a lot of romance. when they FINALLY get together it was so refreshing to everything ice read recently. A breath of fresh air and i think it rebooted something in my brain.
Oh and Regan is one of my favorite characters ever. She gives me the biggest smile. She MAKES ME HAPPY. I’m in love with Regan. The way she throws Emma off with almost every word by just being herself is so charasmatic. On the other end I love that Emma (later on) is so willing to roll with Regan. Like it took some time but all those dynamics were just heart clenching.
First off thank you Haley Cass for an ARC of The Snowball Effect out 10/25/2024!
My initial thought when reading Those Who Wait is that if Reagan and Emma didn’t get together, Haley Cass will do something wrong and Haley Cass never does wrong because this is probably top three of hers.
I just… how can Haley Cass hit the jackpot every time??? THEIR RELATIONSHIP!!! I cant think of another opposite attract / grumpy x sunshine I love more. Regan being the absolute chaos in Emma’s life BUT ALSO being such a huge grounding aspect with her family. Like holy guacamole the pages were exploding with feelings.
Also as far as Haley Cass smut goes… that first scene. Holy.
Plus the family stuff. I love family dynamics and I loved seeing emmas.
I think as far as relationships this one is so unique. So many factors at play like their personalities, their situation and it created something I felt like ive never read before and ive read a lot of romance. when they FINALLY get together it was so refreshing to everything ice read recently. A breath of fresh air and i think it rebooted something in my brain.
Oh and Regan is one of my favorite characters ever. She gives me the biggest smile. She MAKES ME HAPPY. I’m in love with Regan. The way she throws Emma off with almost every word by just being herself is so charasmatic. On the other end I love that Emma (later on) is so willing to roll with Regan. Like it took some time but all those dynamics were just heart clenching.
March 20, 2025
Firstly, I had no doubt I’d enjoy this book. I trust Haley Cass and feel safe in her hands because all of her books are amazing!
This book was no different. I instantly fell in love with Regan, the ADHD was written so well and was so relatable (I too have ADHD). We love Regan already for being Suttons best friend and I was so happy that we got her story!
I know we should dislike Emma (especially at the start) but I loved her 🤣 I liked her grumpy sensible attitude to life and Regan. It was so nice to watch her soften and warm to Regan over time (and many more mishaps).
I waited to read this as I wanted to tandem read with audio because it’s Lori Prince! And as always, she did such a phenomenal job of telling this story. It’s always such an amazing performance, that sucks you in right away, bringing the characters to life and perfectly helping you feel all the emotions of this book. I definitely laughed out loud many times (especially at drunk Regan 😂).
I 100% advise you to read all of Haley’s Books. Not just this one. And if you love audiobooks, I definitely suggest giving that a go also 😍
This book is written in third person with 2x POV’s. Enemies to Lovers. Grumpy x Sunshine. Forced Proximity (flatmates). Fake Dating. Slow Burn. Amazing ADHD rep. And 3x spicy scenes. Don’t be fooled by the amount of spice/to page numbers. Because they’re long and very very good! 🫠
This book was no different. I instantly fell in love with Regan, the ADHD was written so well and was so relatable (I too have ADHD). We love Regan already for being Suttons best friend and I was so happy that we got her story!
I know we should dislike Emma (especially at the start) but I loved her 🤣 I liked her grumpy sensible attitude to life and Regan. It was so nice to watch her soften and warm to Regan over time (and many more mishaps).
I waited to read this as I wanted to tandem read with audio because it’s Lori Prince! And as always, she did such a phenomenal job of telling this story. It’s always such an amazing performance, that sucks you in right away, bringing the characters to life and perfectly helping you feel all the emotions of this book. I definitely laughed out loud many times (especially at drunk Regan 😂).
I 100% advise you to read all of Haley’s Books. Not just this one. And if you love audiobooks, I definitely suggest giving that a go also 😍
This book is written in third person with 2x POV’s. Enemies to Lovers. Grumpy x Sunshine. Forced Proximity (flatmates). Fake Dating. Slow Burn. Amazing ADHD rep. And 3x spicy scenes. Don’t be fooled by the amount of spice/to page numbers. Because they’re long and very very good! 🫠
February 28, 2025
2/28/25
I think this is probably Haley Cass' BEST book, though it's only my second favorite. I can't get these two out of my head!! They're charming in a way characters haven't been in a long time. I loved Emma's hang ups about her family (and Regan.) I loved Regan's burgeoning relationship with her sister, (and Charlotte) and how much we learn about how alone and lonely she really is, (at least when it comes to her blood relations) despite how giving she is with everyone. But mostly I loved how open these two were (eventually) with each other; how they were willing to admit how wrong they were. How they were eager to learn and grow and *try.* It felt like they showed up every single day for the other, and it didn't feel like it was *easy* to do that. Sometimes novels and love stories make it seem like it's the easiest thing in the world to love someone else, but it's not. Sometimes it's hard, and it requires constant thought and effort. And those things exhaust you. But with these two, though it never felt *easy* it felt determined. Like they would rather try and fail every single day than to not try at all. And I loved that.
I cried at the end. It's so beautiful. 10/10
2/23/25
Is this better than the original? Maybe. I have a soft spot for friends-to-lovers (it's my absolute FAVORITE trope, though hard to get right) and this was ABSOLUTELY that. Emma could stomp around all grumpy all she likes, but she and Regan WERE friends.
I thought the two MCs bounced off of each other nicely, complementing one another. Where Emma was stoic and reserved, Regan was bubbly and alive. They brought out the best in each other and I think that's hard to pull off in a novel without it coming off as adapting to fit your partner. Here it came off the way it should--as genuine growth. Nothing was contingent on the romantic affection of the other. Just a respect for being; both for themselves and the other.
I loved that Emma had more of a difficult/less affluent upbringing than everyone else in this series (and honestly in the whole Haley Cass world, as all of her characters are very upper echelon of the middle class and sometimes it gets hard for me to relate to it, but Emma was a little closer to being right down there with me, and I loved her for it.) I understood and related to her resentment of the (alleged/perceived) frivolity of Regan. I also loved that Regan almost never let anything get to her, because she was sure of who she was and knew she had Sutton in her corner. (Side note: LOVE LOVE LOVED the friendship between Charlotte and Regan in this!!!)
I thought Emma and Regan fit together nicely, without having to work at it so much, and without me having to do mental gymnastics to see it. I thought Emma's reservations about their relationship were warranted and fair, and I also thought Regan's excitement for it was also warranted and fair. Once you see how good you can be with someone it's okay to BE excited for it. Not everyone gets you or sees you, and when you find that it's okay to want it with everything you have.
I absolutely ATE this. I cried at the end the two are just so sweet together. I CANNOT WAIT for the short follow up we are bound to get and I hope it's soon.
10/10 Haley Cass you goddam beautiful beast you've done it again!!!!
I think this is probably Haley Cass' BEST book, though it's only my second favorite. I can't get these two out of my head!! They're charming in a way characters haven't been in a long time. I loved Emma's hang ups about her family (and Regan.) I loved Regan's burgeoning relationship with her sister, (and Charlotte) and how much we learn about how alone and lonely she really is, (at least when it comes to her blood relations) despite how giving she is with everyone. But mostly I loved how open these two were (eventually) with each other; how they were willing to admit how wrong they were. How they were eager to learn and grow and *try.* It felt like they showed up every single day for the other, and it didn't feel like it was *easy* to do that. Sometimes novels and love stories make it seem like it's the easiest thing in the world to love someone else, but it's not. Sometimes it's hard, and it requires constant thought and effort. And those things exhaust you. But with these two, though it never felt *easy* it felt determined. Like they would rather try and fail every single day than to not try at all. And I loved that.
I cried at the end. It's so beautiful. 10/10
2/23/25
Is this better than the original? Maybe. I have a soft spot for friends-to-lovers (it's my absolute FAVORITE trope, though hard to get right) and this was ABSOLUTELY that. Emma could stomp around all grumpy all she likes, but she and Regan WERE friends.
I thought the two MCs bounced off of each other nicely, complementing one another. Where Emma was stoic and reserved, Regan was bubbly and alive. They brought out the best in each other and I think that's hard to pull off in a novel without it coming off as adapting to fit your partner. Here it came off the way it should--as genuine growth. Nothing was contingent on the romantic affection of the other. Just a respect for being; both for themselves and the other.
I loved that Emma had more of a difficult/less affluent upbringing than everyone else in this series (and honestly in the whole Haley Cass world, as all of her characters are very upper echelon of the middle class and sometimes it gets hard for me to relate to it, but Emma was a little closer to being right down there with me, and I loved her for it.) I understood and related to her resentment of the (alleged/perceived) frivolity of Regan. I also loved that Regan almost never let anything get to her, because she was sure of who she was and knew she had Sutton in her corner. (Side note: LOVE LOVE LOVED the friendship between Charlotte and Regan in this!!!)
I thought Emma and Regan fit together nicely, without having to work at it so much, and without me having to do mental gymnastics to see it. I thought Emma's reservations about their relationship were warranted and fair, and I also thought Regan's excitement for it was also warranted and fair. Once you see how good you can be with someone it's okay to BE excited for it. Not everyone gets you or sees you, and when you find that it's okay to want it with everything you have.
I absolutely ATE this. I cried at the end the two are just so sweet together. I CANNOT WAIT for the short follow up we are bound to get and I hope it's soon.
10/10 Haley Cass you goddam beautiful beast you've done it again!!!!
November 24, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ rounding it up since I like the author.
A slow-burn romance simmers between two polar opposites: Regan, the vivacious and outgoing spirit, bursting with energy, and Emma, who is more reserved and guarded and who prefers the quiet of her own thoughts. They aren’t friends, but their lives intertwine through a shared connection—Sutton, their common friend. As their paths cross in unexpected ways, the tension ignites, revealing hidden depths and surprising chemistry that neither of them anticipated.
I enjoyed the storyline and plot overall, although there were moments when I thought it could have been trimmed by a few pages.
A slow-burn romance simmers between two polar opposites: Regan, the vivacious and outgoing spirit, bursting with energy, and Emma, who is more reserved and guarded and who prefers the quiet of her own thoughts. They aren’t friends, but their lives intertwine through a shared connection—Sutton, their common friend. As their paths cross in unexpected ways, the tension ignites, revealing hidden depths and surprising chemistry that neither of them anticipated.
I enjoyed the storyline and plot overall, although there were moments when I thought it could have been trimmed by a few pages.
April 13, 2025
This was utter perfection, a wonderful follow up from the legendary tale of ‘those who wait’. The story is set in the space left where Sutton leaves for Rome and we are in the thick of interesting frosty roommates of Reagan and Emma.
As much as it was great to still have snippets of Sutton and Charlotte this is very much Reagan and Emma story. There are so many things to unpick fake dating, slow burn, grumpy vs sunshine, later in life coming out and she fell first. This really opens both characters up from the snippets of side characters to fully fledged members of the ‘those who wait’ universe and I dare you not to fall in love with both of these characters.
This is such a great read I could not put it down the growing awareness of Regans realisation she likes women but she really likes Emma, then enter Charlotte the lesbian guru (such a great nod to book 1) to help Regan. Emma who is guarded and complicated, see her slowly melt for Reagan who becomes more and more somebody she can’t get out of her head or heart.
The romance between the two was cute and a great bridge between this book and the original tale, would advise you should read book 1 to get the full picture but book 2 does recap through the story. Another fantastic addition to the Haley Cass collection, very highly recommended this fantastic follow up.
As much as it was great to still have snippets of Sutton and Charlotte this is very much Reagan and Emma story. There are so many things to unpick fake dating, slow burn, grumpy vs sunshine, later in life coming out and she fell first. This really opens both characters up from the snippets of side characters to fully fledged members of the ‘those who wait’ universe and I dare you not to fall in love with both of these characters.
This is such a great read I could not put it down the growing awareness of Regans realisation she likes women but she really likes Emma, then enter Charlotte the lesbian guru (such a great nod to book 1) to help Regan. Emma who is guarded and complicated, see her slowly melt for Reagan who becomes more and more somebody she can’t get out of her head or heart.
The romance between the two was cute and a great bridge between this book and the original tale, would advise you should read book 1 to get the full picture but book 2 does recap through the story. Another fantastic addition to the Haley Cass collection, very highly recommended this fantastic follow up.
July 20, 2025
idk when i actually started this but have the 10th because that feels right.
i adored this one.
regan is such a chaotically good character, and i loved her. i'm glad i didn't need to reread those who wait, because i don't have the brain capacity for that.
it was nice to see charlotte popping in for a few scenes, too.
emma i was iffy on at the start, but she grew on me. her family dynamics were so sad and touching to read.
rep: emma is bi, regan is likely bi but no label used on page.
content warnings: alcohol, past parental neglect references, references to toxic parents.
i adored this one.
regan is such a chaotically good character, and i loved her. i'm glad i didn't need to reread those who wait, because i don't have the brain capacity for that.
it was nice to see charlotte popping in for a few scenes, too.
emma i was iffy on at the start, but she grew on me. her family dynamics were so sad and touching to read.
rep: emma is bi, regan is likely bi but no label used on page.
content warnings: alcohol, past parental neglect references, references to toxic parents.
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