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Capparelli & Co. #2

As Fate Would Have It

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Six Months.
That's all that stands between Paxton "Pax" Callaghan and his new life. A life out of New Hampshire, far away from a past that continues to haunt him. After promising his family he would give it six months in his mother's hometown of Abbott Hills before leaving, Pax settles in with a plan. A plan that is all but forgotten about when a certain beautiful blonde keeps appearing when he least expects it.

A Favor.
When her mother's childhood best friend's heartbroken son moves to town, Nicole "Cole" Christian begrudgingly agrees to head the welcome wagon. As soon as she comes face-to-face with Pax and his perfect smile, Cole knows she made the right choice.It doesn't take long for Pax to win over Cole and the rest of Abbott Hills, but small-town drama and a past they can't escape make Pax and Cole realize they're in for a fight... between their heads and their hearts.

205 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 27, 2019

18 people are currently reading
262 people want to read

About the author

Dee Lagasse

27 books318 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for Meegz Reads.
1,532 reviews128 followers
July 28, 2019
*5 Stars*

ARC kindly received in exchange for an honest review.

I totally fell in love with Abbott Hills and its residents when we met Chase and Hollis in Dee's debut novel, Without Warning. I have been eagerly awaiting the release of more books in this series, and I was thrilled when As Fate Would Have It popped up on my kindle.

I ADORE this series. We've already met Cole in the first book, as she's part of the main inner circle of characters, but Pax is a new one. What a way to introduce a new character though. Please can I have a Pax of my own? Surely Dee will tell me where I can find one. *thoughtful face*

This story is full of so much fun banter between not only the main characters, but our fave secondary characters as well. Cole is a straight up chick, she is how she is, and that's all there is to it. I love a female lead that doesn't want to change who she is and lets her personality run strong.

Pax is just plain adorable. Get ready to swoon ladies, because Paxton Callaghan? He's got it all. Gentlemanly, sexy, hardworking, a straight up honest and awesome male lead. And with what he's been through with his ex, his reactions to certain things are totally understandable. As are Cole's around the same time when things are happening. I also really did not like Travis in this one, but he's definitely supposed to be made out as that kind of character this time around.

I truly loved how everything played out, there were certain awesome scenes with Hollis and Chase which was fabulous, and once everything really came to a head at the end, Pax and Cole were damn perfection.

I CANNOT wait for more from this series. As a relatively new author, Dee has hit it out of the park once again. This is fast becoming one of my favourite and most anticipated series and I urge you all to meet the Cap & Co gang from Abbott Hills. You won't regret it.


Review also on my blog - As Fate Would Have It by Dee Lagasse

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Profile Image for Kayla.
437 reviews8 followers
July 8, 2019
"If we happen to run into each other again, it’ll be fate.” Raising his bottle of beer, he nods once in understanding. “Well, here’s to fate.”

As Fate Would Have It took me back to Capparelli & Co. and I could not be more excited. Ever since Dee's debut novel Without Warning I have been itching for more of this crew. And well I absolutely was not disappointed. I love the authors ability to draw you to all her characters main and secondary. It's always nice to catch up with characters from previous books. Everything about As Fate Would Have It brought that feel good romance my heart desperately needed. It was the perfect breath of fresh air. While also being the perfect mix of butterflies, love at first sight, and fate. This is one of those beautiful romances that just overall makes your heart sing. Cole and Pax are my new favorite Cap and Co. couple. They knew how to bring easy banter, off the charts chemistry, and swoon worthy romance. They also did not lack in the feels department. Like any relationship things could easily go from smooth sails, to messy and complicated. But no matter what emotion these two brought they definitely left me craving MORE.

"Without a single doubt in my mind, Cole Christian could get any man to fight a war for her."

Cole is one of those heroines you cant help but instantly like. I could easily see myself being her friend in real life. I loved her straight laced attitude. What you see is what you get when it comes to Cole. She was sassy, independent, and driven. She was a women after my own heart with her love of football, patriots, and marvel. Cole was the perfect contadiction of tom boy and girly girl. Shes not your usual heroine and I could not help but admire her for being unique.

"He smells like a summertime adventure. And, even though it’s mid-October, I’m ready for playing in all the waves that Paxton Callaghan could create."

Pax was seriously the most adorable hero I have ever read. He is one of those guys you wish all others would take notes from. Everything about him screamed book boyfriend. I'm pretty sure if you looked up Gentlemen in the dictionary Paxton Callaghan would be listed below it. His chatacter was the perfect mix of chivalry, hard working, and honest. I just could not get enough of his hopeless romantic heart. Almost every word out of Pax's mouth left me melting in swoons.

"The moment we connect, the combination of the vanilla from her lip gloss, the softness of her lips between mine and the connection between the two of us, I find myself staying in place longer than planned."

*4&1/2 STARS*
Well earned for another great installment in the Capparelli and Co. universe. I can NOT wait to see what this crew has in store for me next. If you are looking for a light, easy, and fast paced romance, this book is definitely for you.
Profile Image for Ashlyn Powell.
100 reviews17 followers
July 27, 2019
“Chivalry isn’t dead. It’s alive and well, and Paxton Callaghan is the king of it”

Another epic love story by Dee Lagasse. I love the Capparelli and Co. crew and can’t wait to read more about them!

Cole & Pax’s love story is absolutely beautiful! It makes you believe in love at first sight, fate, and all the other beautiful things.

I want more. I want more. I really like it. I want more.
Profile Image for Gladys Avilés.
357 reviews5 followers
May 19, 2019
“If you’re waiting for permission babe, you’ve got it. It’s all yours.”

What an enjoyable book! As Fate Would Have It is a super sweet, hot and funny love story! I couldn’t put this book down, I knew it would be amazing from the first page! It made me laugh and cry and of course I fell in love with Pax, because he is Mr. Perfection. One of the things I liked the most was Cole’s strength and empowerment.
I enjoyed this story so much and every single character. Dee’s writing is sooo good, she makes you love everyone, even the villain.
Can’t wait for the next story with this Capparelli & Co. Gang! ♥️♥️
52 reviews2 followers
May 31, 2019
I was given an ARC for an honest review of As Fate Would Have It.

The second installment of Capparelli & Co takes you right back to Abbott Hills and that same group of tight knit friends we all met in Without Warning. While Hollis and Chase make appearances in here you get to know Cole and meet Paxton. Pax is everything you would want in a guy good looking, sweet, swoon worthy, charming, and a little dirty. Cole is just a little ball of everything that makes her the type of girl that everyone wants to be friends with and can relate to on some level.

I loved their fateful meeting and fun, easy going banter they had. Nothing felt forced or "only happens in books" with Dee Lagasse authoring this book. Each book just keeps better and better.

After this book filled with humor, great friendship, romance, and some twists I can't wait to see who we get more of next when we go back to Abbott Hills in Cap & Co. 3.
Profile Image for Ashley Munoz.
Author 32 books2,667 followers
June 4, 2019
Oh my goodness this book. I loved Without Warning but this book is something so different. It's sharp, funny and angsty. In fact so much more angsty than WW was, which put this way over the top for me. Pax and Cole have gone into book-couple hall of fame with this one.
I loved the fact that the entire Abbot Hills crew was back together and we get to see them all progress in their relationships and lives, it makes me want all the stories. I have compared Dee's work to Hallmark glory before but this book has the feels of One Tree Hill, something I've binge watched over and over and this series is defintley one I need more of.
Profile Image for Tiffany.
471 reviews
July 17, 2019
Loved, loved, loved this book! I feel like I am a part of the Capparelli family! I want friends like these guys have, such an amazing experience to be so close to people and do life together.

Now on to Pax and Cole... could Pax be anymore perfect, like seriously?! I fell in love with Pax and Cole's relationship they are perfect for each other. I love how Dee made me feel so many emotions while reading this book, ultimately that is what I love about reading- the feelings.

"Cole Christian is my drug of choice and I am addicted."

Can't wait to read Travis' story...love to hate him!
Profile Image for Rochelle Kolar.
23 reviews
July 9, 2019
I can’t wait for more of the Capparelli’s! I fell in love with Pax right away (I’m pretty sure he became one of my top book boyfriends immediately)!! I loved the relationship between Pax and Cole and I couldn’t put the book down. They are definitely my favorite Caparelli couple so far! Dee’s writing continues to get better and better with each book and I can’t wait to see where she goes from here! If you’re looking for a fun easy to read romance this series is where it’s at! She writes romance that seems like it could happen in real life and I can’t get enough.
303 reviews10 followers
July 26, 2019
I absolutely loved As Fate Would Have It by Dee Lagasse. This is the 2nd book in her Capparelli and Co. series. This book tells the swoony story of Cole and Paxton. This book proves that people from all different walks of life can find love even when the least expect it.

I loved the connection between Cole and Pax. The secondary characters added lots of depth to the storyline. I loved all the twists and turns this story took. It was so fun catching up with all the others characters from the series. I can't wait to see what Dee is working on next!
392 reviews
May 16, 2019
Pax and Cole are complete couple goals. They are proof that leaving it up to fate really does pay off. Pax is perfect combination of sweet and sexy. He is everything a women looks for in a man or book boyfriend. Cole is his perfect match. She is sassy and fun but knows how to work for what she wants. I want to live in Abbott Hills so I can be friends with all of these characters, main and secondary! Another amazing book from Dee Lagasse!
Profile Image for Amy Patten.
9 reviews
May 20, 2019
Dee never ceases to amaze me. As Fate Would Have It is this heartfelt love story about how sometimes you have to leave things to fate. Pax and Cole are just about the cutest couple ever and compliment each other in every way.
Dee has a way of painting the entire picture for you, personally I want to move right into Abbot Hills and become a part of the Capparelli clan.
I can't wait for my next visit to Abbot Hills.
Profile Image for K.
Author 8 books34 followers
May 23, 2019
Reading a Dee Lagasse book is a one of a kind experience. She may be a newer author in the Indie world, but she gives some of my longtime favorites a genuine run for their money.

She perfectly captures romance. Meet-cutes, first kisses, steamy connections, and three-dimensional characters. Not to mention her supporting characters are always FANTASTIC and make me want books about all of them too.

Cole & Pax will melt your heart. Don't miss out, pre-order ASAP!
Profile Image for Amanda Lobato.
141 reviews9 followers
May 21, 2019
I absolutely loved Pax! He is just an all around great guy. The chemistry between him and Cole was felt instantly and throughout the entire story. Dee did an amazing job in portraying their love for each other. There were laughs, sexy times, and tears. Amazing job!! Can’t wait to see what Dee comes up with next in the Caparelli & Co. series!
Profile Image for Reading with LT.
341 reviews3 followers
May 14, 2019
I absolutely loved Pax and Cole’s story! I swooned and fell in love I cried and hurt and then I was healed all up again!
Profile Image for Haley Dauel.
158 reviews
July 13, 2019
Okay, so here’s the tea. After reading Without Warning, @deelagasse’s first book in the Abbott Hills series, I was honestly nervous that a second wouldn’t live up the the love I felt for the first one! Well I’m here to tell you that I was wrong! If I’m telling you the truth, I think I liked it more!
I think reading this made me feel every emotion possible. 😍🤬😭😍 <—in that order 😂 but seriously.
Pax: Dear lord. Talk about swooning. 😂 I mean seriously, he was tall, blonde, drives a manual Suburu. 😍 I absolutely loved the fact that he was genuinely such a good guy. I mean from the moment he’s introduced he was helping Cole.
Cole: Just like Hollis from Without Warning, Cole has spunk. And I love it! She dropped out of Med school to follow her dream of owing her own business. She built a hell of a name for herself along side her sister Kinsley. Also, I loved the fact that she’s a Marvel fanatic.
Now if you’re looking for steam, this isn’t filled with it. As in Without Warning, there is one sex scene, but it was written so well! And honestly, if you ask me, the book was so amazing that I felt it was perfectly fine without more steam.
Do yourself a favor and add it to your TBR. You won’t regret it!

Merged review:

Okay, so here’s the tea. After reading Without Warning, @deelagasse’s first book in the Abbott Hills series, I was honestly nervous that a second wouldn’t live up the the love I felt for the first one! Well I’m here to tell you that I was wrong! If I’m telling you the truth, I think I liked it more!
I think reading this made me feel every emotion possible. 😍🤬😭😍 <—in that order 😂 but seriously.
Pax: Dear lord. Talk about swooning. 😂 I mean seriously, he was tall, blonde, drives a manual Suburu. 😍 I absolutely loved the fact that he was genuinely such a good guy. I mean from the moment he’s introduced he was helping Cole.
Cole: Just like Hollis from Without Warning, Cole has spunk. And I love it! She dropped out of Med school to follow her dream of owing her own business. She built a hell of a name for herself along side her sister Kinsley. Also, I loved the fact that she’s a Marvel fanatic.
Now if you’re looking for steam, this isn’t filled with it. As in Without Warning, there is one sex scene, but it was written so well! And honestly, if you ask me, the book was so amazing that I felt it was perfectly fine without more steam.
Do yourself a favor and add it to your TBR. You won’t regret it!
Profile Image for Bookgasms Book Blog.
2,863 reviews1,570 followers
August 17, 2020
This is my second Dee Lagasse book, and my second foray into the Capparelli & Co. world. I'm loving this loyal group of family and friends, I'm having so much fun spending time in their world. There isn't a ton of angst or heaps of drama - but that doesn't stop it from plucking at my heartstrings and filling my belly with delicious flutters - and honestly, I might be a little addicted to these simply sweet, simply romantic, simply satisfying stories.

There's a bit of insta-flavor to Cole and Pax's story. Their connection is immediate and it the feelings fire up very quickly. the pacing of the story is very quick, and there are some time jumps, but something about the way it is written had me so invested in the story and the characters, that none of this bothered me at all. I'm just here for the romance. And there was plenty of that. It was easy to get lost in it, impossible not to crave more of it, and I loved every moment I spent with it.

If you're looking for something short, sweet, and guaranteed to leave your heart happy - this series will absolutely do the trick! ~ Shelly, 4 stars
Profile Image for Tara Lee.
Author 31 books293 followers
July 10, 2019
This story was an epic romance full of surprises and swoon.
I know this is only the second book in the series but it's by far my favourite. Pax and Cole were just a fairytale with sunshine and rainbows.

Paxton was EVERYTHING! I think I swooned a thousand times over him and couldn't stop smiling at his and Cole's banter.
This guy is a new fave book boyfriend for sure. He's sweet and charming and all round good guy. I fell hard for him and I think it only took a chapter or two.

Cole was hilarious in her own way and I loved that she was fierce and held her ground. She was straight up and kept herself true to who she was. Nothing could stand in between the fate between these two.


This is by far my fave book from Dee and I know with this swoony romance it will only get better!
Profile Image for Kelli Spear.
524 reviews65 followers
June 24, 2019
Danielle has done it again! She definitely has a gift for writing, especially about the crew from Abbott Hills.

I didn’t think I could love Pax and Cole more than I loved Hollis and Chase. I was wrong.

Every damn thing about their story was adorable. From pinky swears and piggyback rides to adorable planned dates, I loved their story. I mean, comic books and sports, what more do you need?

Plus, we still got appearances from the entire crew.

This book is perfectly plotted. Perfect dialogue. A perfect couple. Just...perfect. I never wanted it to end.

This is easily a world I could read about for years to come.
Profile Image for Jerilyn.
Author 1 book18 followers
April 19, 2019
My HEART is bursting right now!!! Well at first it was swooning then it was breaking and NOW IT IS SO FULL!!!

I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH! SHOUTY CAPS BC IT IS THAT SERIOUS!

Everything tied in so well and you got the perfect amount of mic dropping, jaw dropping and book dropping moments! I can’t wait for more of this whole crew! Yayyyyyyy

I have to add my fav quotes later I’m still swooning lol
Profile Image for Kim Doe.
404 reviews8 followers
May 16, 2019
My heart started out happy. Then it got mad. Then sad. And then happy again. But I want, no NEED more.

Pax is all kinds of swoony and all kinds of perfect. Seriously...Mr Perfection.

Pax and Cole are so perfect together.
Profile Image for Lehua.
34 reviews
July 27, 2019
Dee has done it again. I don't know how she comes up with these AMAZING characters and story lines but she does. Cole and Pax did me in with their sweetness as a couple and how their relationship progressed throughout the book. We all meet people in our lives that we just KNOW are important and meant to be. This is exactly how Cole and Pax are, meant to be, fated. They meet so unexpectedly and in such a funny way that you can't help but immediately fall a little in love with them. Their story just gets better and better and getting to see more of the friendships that make up Abbott Hills was just icing on the cake. I really loved seeing more of the Cap & Co. family and I honestly can't wait for even more. The twist at the end was perfect too but I refuse to even hint at what happens because even I didn't see it coming until it happens. Kudos Dee for keeping me on my toes.
This book gave me all the feels, but then Dee usually does. I'll read any and everything she writes and happily tell everyone else to as well. If you're on the fence about reading AFWHI, jump the fence. I promise you won't regret it.
Profile Image for Johnaka- Amity Book Blog.
1,158 reviews16 followers
July 11, 2019
As Fate Would Have It by Dee Lagasse
“Fate is a beautiful thing, 5 stars”

Paxton only came to town to please his mother, but in six months he’s gone. Or so he thought. What he never expected was meeting Nicole right off the bat. To him she’s just Cole and to her he’s just Pax. They fall hopelessly and desperately in love. The only question is will it last.
Cole is a believer in fate. And she feels like fate keeps pushing Pax and her together. Pax makes her feel things she’s never felt before and it soon becomes apparent he’s her person. Then enters the misunderstanding and things get a little crazy. Will Pax and Cole be able to pick up the pieces and stay together or will they walk away from each other? Only one way to find out.
I adored Pax and Cole’s story. They just clicked. As Fate Would Have It played out in my mind like a movie. I saw it all clearly happening and I wanted to know what was to come. I loved the secondary characters as much as the main two. Lagasse killed it with Nicole and Paxton and I cannot wait to see what she does next with this series. In other words, As Fate Would Have It is definitely one-click worthy.
Plot-5/5
Characters-5/5
Heat-5/5
Writing style-5/5
Overall-5/5
Profile Image for Melenareads .
3,316 reviews79 followers
July 29, 2019
3.5 stars

Dee Lagasse continues her Capparelli & Co. series with Cole and Paxton's story!

Some of my favorite series feature families and tight-knit groups of friends. I like to see characters pop up in other books and it makes it fun when someone finally gets their happily ever after. The Capparelli and Merrimack clans couldn't be any closer, and Pax was a nice addition to their group.

There are some sweet moments between Cole and Pax that were really cute, especially as they are first starting to get to know each other better.

I liked that the characters and story felt unique, but still fit in well with everything established in the first book. I am looking forward to seeing what happens next in Abbot Hills.

Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for Ebonie.
267 reviews7 followers
July 1, 2019
I loved this book because it was real. From their meet-cute to their relationship issues to their swoonworthy love, it felt like I was looking into a real relationship and not one that was created for a book. I really enjoyed that aspect of this book, and it was a big reason why I couldn’t put it down.

Pax and Cole are total #RelationshipGoals. Pax is my new book boyfriend; he’s hot, and he’s incredibly sweet, and he’s such a romantic. Cole is fierce, determined, and fun. Together, they are a serious book power couple, one that had me swooning from beginning to end. Even though they had their share of road bumps, it was still a sweet, fun story. I couldn’t put it down.

*Thank you to Dee for the ARC! It was an awesome read!*
Profile Image for Sydney Cordeiro .
95 reviews
July 6, 2019
Amazing book I couldn’t put it down. This book is on my top 10 books I read and re read again and again I loved it so much I can’t wait for the rest of the books in this series. Watching these characters grow is amazing. Will recommend this series to everyone and especially this book

Oh Pax, he is a dream boat, so swoon worthy. And Cole Is so independent and confident. She would be my best friend in real life if she existed! The chemistry between these two is so easy going. It’s the chemistry everyone looks to have in a relationship. They let fate decide their future and it turned out perfect
Profile Image for Candy76.
702 reviews25 followers
July 31, 2019
Captivating! Small Town romance. Absolutely loved it! The title fits it perfectly! Sad to say I was sad it was over so soon that the end came when I wasn't ready. This truly was a story at the hands of fate. Dee you did a fantastic job bringing Cole and Pax's story to life. This story is a must read! 5+ Stars! It flows perfectly and you'll be reading and then it'll be the end before you know it and that's where Dee, you rock! Pulled me in and kept me there. You'll laugh and cry but love every minute. The characters are passionate and strong, you'll fall in love with them.
***ARC provided in return for honest review, read for Sweet and Spicy Reads***
25 reviews1 follower
July 26, 2019
Welcome back to Abbott Hills and the Capparelli & Co. family. This is the second book of this series, the first, Without Warning introduced us to this amazing crew. As Fate Would Have It brings them back with a new addition...Paxton “Pax” Callaghan!

Prepare to swoon, fan your face, have a continuous smile, have your heart broken and repaired. All my favorite parts of a love story. This is a true love story! Nicole “Cole” Christian and Pax meet by chance and leave it up to fate. This story is so fun! Their chemistry and friendship jump off the pages. I cannot get enough. I’m looking forward to much more from Dee Lagasse. This is a MUST READ!
6 reviews
January 2, 2024
First let me say that I could not be more in love with Cap & Co. now, I must say that the ultimate love story between Pax and Cole was like something that could have happened to any of us in real life. And in some cases, it has. As you read throughout this beautifully written book, you feel the happiness, sadness and anger but in a way that makes you want to keep reading. I am looking forward to the next in this awesome series!
Profile Image for KRT.
31 reviews1 follower
June 28, 2019
This is such a well written book, the author pulls you in and makes you feel like you are part of the story! If you haven’t read the first one I highly recommend it also!! You will fall in love with each character!
Profile Image for JoAnna.
11 reviews2 followers
June 29, 2019
I’m so glad to have had the opportunity to head back to Abbott Hills! The chemistry between Pac and Cole was perfect! If you love small town romance and friendships that stand the test of time, you should take a trip to Abbott Hills... you won’t regret it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews

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