Love, Cass

Brother's Keeper #3.5

by Stephanie St. Klaire

Love, Cass is a heart wrenching story about life, love, and loss. Loosely based on true life events of Author Stephanie St. Klaire, Cass is a relatable story guaranteed to make you look at life through a different lens. In this emotionally charged roller coaster of events, Cass represents life in fiction as she achieves triumph over tragedy, even in death. Stephanie shares her inspirational tale of victory with symbolic representation as she says goodbye to the girl she once was...through Cass.

As requested by Brother’s Keeper fans, here is the companion novel for Liam...

There’s something they don’t tell you about fairy tales. Happily ever after isn’t promised. Happy forever? Now, that’s a thing…

I met my Prince Charming right out of pigtails and just before that point where boys stop being icky, and they just smell bad. Before I knew it, we went from best friends growing up to a whirlwind romance full of dream come trues. We were planning a forever that every love-soaked romance novel tries to recreate. I was living the ultimate romantic love story – skipped the frog phase and went straight to full blown prince. My life was perfect - until it wasn’t...

I’m dying. The fairy tale just changed a bit, didn’t it?

I can’t leave until those left behind know how to live their happy forever…without me. I won’t get the forever with them, but they’ll get a forever with me.

I’m Cassidy O’Reilly…and this is my story.

Genres: Contemporary, Amazon

Kindle Edition

First published September 5, 2019

About the author

About Stephanie St. Klaire

USA Today Best-Selling Author Stephanie St. Klaire is multifaceted romance writer that has found her calling making readers bite their nails in suspense and hang on the edge of their seats with baited breath, as they wait for the next startling mystery to be unveiled.

Whether she’s off the grid hunting her diabolical killer’s next victim or plotting gritty crime thrillers that will leave you questioning her sanity, she always brings the chaos and the heat. (Watch yourself or you just might end up a character in one of her stories!)

Equal parts Hallmark and Criminal Minds, SSK balances her dark side by writing rom-com as her alter ego Stephie Klaire.

The Pacific Northwest native currently resides in Portland, Oregon with her husband, five children, and two ferocious lap dogs— where every day is Taco Tuesday and Christmas isn’t just a season... it’s a state of mind.


Follow Stephanie St. Klaire on Social media to learn more about her, and to keep up with her work.

Website: www.stephaniestklaire.com
Newsletter: www.stephaniestklaire.com/newsletter
Facebook page: http://bit.ly/2l27QeK
Facebook profile: http://bit.ly/2kdNBa1
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StephStKlaire
Instagram: http://bit.ly/2lxwtgn
BookBub Author Page: http://bit.ly/2kuPnV5
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1UccbW6

Reviews

[Catlou · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve read “Liam” from the Brother’s Keeper series, you know who Cassidy O’Reilly is. But whether you have read “Liam” or not, you need to read this story! “Love, Cass” is a powerful and very emotional memoir that will tug at your heartstrings and, at times, tear your heart out while also helping you put your heart back together and your head in the right place. It’s an amazingly insightful tale about not only learning how to let go but also how to hold onto a dying loved one. While it is breaking your heart, it is mending your soul, and you just may find some peace of mind you didn’t even realize you were missing. Of all the books I’ve read (and it’s a considerable amount), this is the one that will stay with me for a long time to come. Read it!!

[Janet Taggart Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, Cass is a book that complements Liam, which I have not yet read. This book could be read before, after, or completely as a standalone. I am going to read Liam's book now that I have read this, as it takes place in the time after Cassy.

Cassidy O'Reilly is an amazing woman who lives a joyful life. She marries Liam O'Reilly, the love of her life and is blessed with wonderful family. Then when she becomes pregnant, she is given the worst news you can get. Together they make a decision to have a beautiful, healthy little girl, and then they fight and get a miracle. Remission!

But you can't bet against the house twice and win. Three years later the cancer returns. More aggressive. How do you prepare to leave your baby girl and your adoring husband? How can you prepare them for your absence? There is no easy way. I cried ugly tears. This will hurt your chest and bring up every unresolved feeling you may have tucked deep away. Dealing with feelings not easy but it is cleansing. Liam has a very hard time.

Stephanie pulled from her own experiences to write this so it is a deeply personal book. She is Cass. You can feel it in every written word and every emotion expressed by the characters. The honesty expressed is what makes it so tangible and believable. And that is what breaks out hearts and heals them with the tears we shed. This is as true a book as you will get about life and loss, but mostly the joy of living every day to its fullest and making memories. No one is promised tomorrow. Have joy in your heart!

[Donna Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephanie St Klaire has me weeping before I ever read word one in chapter one. This is a companion story for a book I had already read and knew what the out come would be before reading but yet I read it voraciously. Cassidy is the wife of Liam. She has beat cancer once and has a new outlook on life.
I don’t want to spoil anything but this is how a strong, brave and totally how I want to handle this situation woman handles the worst situation any person should have to deal with. Cass is determined to look at the future no matter what it might hold. I loved this story and will read it again and again. Thank you Ms St Klaire for this wonderful view of the toughest situation.

[Nicole ReadingBetweenTheSheets · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prepare to have your heart ripped out…Author Stephanie St. Klaire has written the most emotionally challenging story you may ever have the pleasure of reading…Love Cass.

Liam O’Reilly’s book in the Brother’s Keeper series, left us wanting to know more about his wife, Cass. This addition to the series will have you questioning what is really important in your life, and wondering what you would do if in her shoes…would you dance in the rain, or would you roll over and give in. As the author mentions in the beginning of the book, this one is personal to her. She was in Cassidy’s shoes, and chose to dance in the rain.

What I don’t know is how I’m supposed to leave…

Cassidy O’Reilly is a mom, wife, and friend, and her biggest fear comes to reality…her cancer has returned and she is dying. This is her story. This will hit you hard. If you have ever faced a medical situation, if you are a mother, if you are a sibling, friend, lover…you will feel this book in your soul. I cried several times during this book…the letters (oh my God…the letters!!!), the emotions, the way this story was written is one of the most incredibly written and heartwarming love stories you may ever set your eyes on.

My dearest Liam,
This is the first letter I am writing and, by far, the hardest.

This story is EVERYTHING. I do not think there has ever been another book that gave me so many “feels” as Love Cass did. I cannot explain with words how deeply touched I was by this one. I have loved this series so hard from the beginning, and this final “memoir” by Cassidy will completely stay with me forever. Grab your boxes of tissue, and be prepared to read the most phenomenally emotional love story ever! I wish I could give this more than 5 stars. You absolutely should not pass this one up!

[Trudy Dowling · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are some stories that give the reader a reality check. There are some stories that make the reader reach deep inside themselves and feel everything. There are some stories that stay with a reader long after the story ends. Love Cass in one of those stories.

I was sucked into the pages of the book from page one and didn't resurface until the box of tissues was empty and the story, well at least Cass' story, had ended. I felt everything. My heart hurt.

GUTTED!!! I am crushed on the floor bawling. I started out so good, keeping my emotions in check. Then the tears came. The shakes followed. Heart wrenching, bawling continued all the way until the end of the book. The journey left my heart breaking but full of love for the family she left behind.

Thank you Stephanie St. Klaire for listening to your readers. Thank you for knowing that we needed her story. I will hold Love Cass close to my heart for years to come.

09/05/2019 even more beautiful, more touching the second time around.

[Jillian_J · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Stephanie St. Klaire is undoubtedly an extremely talented writer.”

“Life is a journey, she’d told me, and it’s our choice to live it or just go through it.“

This is a companion novel to Liam, but it is not necessary to read prior.
This is an absolutely beautiful story of love and loss. Cass has been free from cancer but learns that is has returned with a vengeance. This is her story about learning how to cope with knowing she is terminally ill.
Cass has to learn how to deal with knowing she going to die, as well as preparing her family. Through support from her family she writes letter for each special moment so they can remember even if she is gone, she is in their hearts.
This story will completely wreck you, but in a way that it changes a person. I will never take life for granted. Simple things to someone may be the most remarkable to reflect upon.

“So, the fairytale wasn’t exactly as we were taught…it was better.”

“Don’t confuse time and joy.” Love, Cass.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether or not it was her intent, Ms. St. Klaire has just written the most heart wrenching, perfect love story. This is more than a romance. It calls to our hearts, our sympathy & our dreams. Cass & Liam had known each for most of their lives. Marriage just made their lives perfect. Finding out Cass was expecting made it more perfect. Then the bomb dropped.

This story has it all. A true love that withstands everything life throws at it. A wonderful heroine that laughs & loves as fiercely as possible, that thinks more of those she’ll leave behind than herself. A brooding, sexy hero devastated by the fact he can’t protect Cass from this. A family that had accepted her & loved her totally. This story deserves more than any words I am struggling to write.

[Rochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read from Ms. St. Claire and I loved it. It is a companion novel to Liam and is told before the events of that book. I now need to go and read his book because I want to see how he survives after the loss of Cass. This book will rip your heart out and have your crying by the time it is over but you will not want to put it down. You need to see how she says goodbye to the ones she loves. All I can say is make sure you have a box of tissues by your side because by the time you finish this book, you will need them. I typically don’t read books that I know will make me cry but I am really glad that I took the chance on this book. I can’t wait to read more of her work.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pamela Lunder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so amazing, sad but amazing! Cassidy was such a strong woman. She was fighting for her life but also fighting for her family. I loved reading this whole thing from her point of view. Stephanie has always been one of my favorite authors. This sort about Cassidy is her story. I felt her pain, her JOY and her love! This is a tearful book for sure. All the tears were worth it! I wished I could give a higher rating then five stars. This book deserves ten or more stars! Thank you Stepanie for sharing this story, your story with the world!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brother’s Keeper series, this is about Cass, who was Liam's wife. This is the story of Cass and her letters she left.

In The Brother's Keeper series - Liam we learn about Cass and their love story. In this story, we see from Cass's point of view.

This story will tug at your heart strings and pull out your emotions, make sure you have a box of tissues handy!

Cass has to learn how to deal with knowing she going to die, as well as preparing her family. Through support from her family she writes letter for each special moment so they can remember even if she is gone, she is in their hearts.

I did receive a Free ARC Copy of this book. I am freely leaving an honest review.

[Sarah DeLong · Rating 5 out of 5]

The journey of Cassidy O'Reilly (and that of Stephanie St. Klaire) will resonate within my soul for years to come. The depth of the emotion that was pulled from me while reading Love, Cass rendered me speechless. The tears never stopped flowing down my face throughout the entire book. Tears of hope, love, heartbreak, loss and more. This story was an exceptionally written piece of art. The beauty that is love eternal shines bright on every single page, far outshining the sadness that one feels while reading. This was truly a remarkable and moving reading experience.

[Lynn Fearon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, Cass is a beautiful memoir from Stephanie St. Klaire. It’s a heart wrenching yet a heart healing journey of Cass(Stephanie) , who was Liam’s (Brothers Keeper series) late wife. I can’t do it justice with my words. I’ve read everything Stephanie has written and loved them all , but this is by far the best story she has shared with us ! You’ll cry , a lot ! But you’ll be left with such a feeling of peace and comfort and even strength , and such love ! This one will stay with me for a long, long time. A must read !!!

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK Massive tissue alert!! Keep a box of kleenex close by while you read.

I can almost guarantee if you follow this family and have read the other books in the series you will not put this down til you are done.

This book is about Liam's deceased wife and how she wants to make it easier on her family. Now I am going to burrow in my hole and read the series again to have a wonderful new perspective on this wonderful family.

[Angel Padillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Cass was heartbreakingly beautiful. And guaranteed to make you ugly cry. I put off reading it until I absolutely had to because I had no interest in reading this story. But from page one I was hooked and couldn't put it down. I can admit when an wrong. I'm glad I took a chance.

[Linda Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This One Will Get To You!

It’s not very often that a book can bring me to tears, but this one, oh, my! This story had me reaching way down deep to go beyond the superficial feelings of sadness and anger to find the true meaning of the real message here.

Cancer is an ugly enemy in our world, but one doesn’t really get up close and personal with it until all of a sudden, it becomes personal and a part of your life whether it’s you, a friend, or a loved one.

I love how this huge, alpha, O’Reilly family, despite all of their brawn, muscles and toughness, reveal their love, sensitivity, and dedication to all come together in unity and support for one of their own fighting for their life.

Despite the pain and fear Cassidy must be feeling every moment of every day, she is able to look beyond herself and think about her husband and daughter and do all she can to help them deal with the inevitable day when she will be gone. She thinks of the little things in life that matter and tries to have a future presence for her loved ones going through this process with her and ultimately without her. It takes a very special person to be able to react to their own fatality in the way that Cass has, without feeling sorry for themselves, and thinking of their loved ones first.

This story touches on thoughts, feelings and emotions I didn’t know I had. It puts you right there in Cass and Liam’s life, witness to their very traumatic struggle. I love how attentive Liam is to Cass. He feels her emotions and knows her body language so much that he is in tune with her at all times.

I can’t imagine the emotional toll this is. I don’t ever want to have to face this side of life, but the funny thing about life is, we don’t have much of a choice when things like this develop. This story is so well written, it grabs your heart from the first sentence and takes you on an unbelievable ride. I have great respect for the author that can take this type of journey and put her thoughts and feelings on paper for all the world to see so that she can share and project comfort and relief to perfect strangers.

I was innocently reading this story on my lunch break at work and found that I was so caught up in the emotions that I could not stop myself from crying like a fool. This is a story that I will not soon forget. It has a way of sticking in your mind and replaying those parts that affect us the most and makes us really think. I wanted to dislike this story because of the “C”ancer aspect, but I couldn’t help but love this journey.

[Carey S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author is in the midst of writing a series of novels about the O’Reilly brothers, who live and work in Portland, Oregon. An earlier book features Liam O’Reilly, who was married to Cass. They have a daughter named Reagan. Cass dies of cancer when Reagan is 4, and Liam has a really tough time dealing with her death. This book is written from the perspective of Cass saying goodbye to everyone that she loves and cares about during her final months of life. It rings especially true because the author actually had her own potentially life-threatening health scare, and experienced these same emotions that Cass shares in her letters, and in her expressions of love for her husband, daughter, extended family, and dear friend, Felicity. From the start of this book, the reader is aware that Cass is going to die. This leads to many poignant and heartfelt scenes within this story. The reader watches Cass make the little and big moments count, and the observations hit the reader with a truth and an urgency that is difficult to ignore.

It is common to cry while reading a book about someone dying, and this book is no exception. Fortunately, there is so much heartfelt communication, joy, acceptance, and love within the story that the reader is left with an overall feeling of gratitude for this gift of life in spite of the sad situation. Stephanie St. Klaire creates characters that the reader cares about in a way that will stay with the reader long after the story is finished. Even if you haven’t read Liam’s story, this book will make you want to read it to find out what happens to Liam and Reagan in the future and how they eventually cope and accept Cass’s death. This is a vulnerable book of the heart, and I hope that every reader will experience it with the reverence it deserves. There are beautiful life lessons here for those who have hearts and eyes open enough to see and to receive. Well done, Stephanie St. Klaire! This is your most heartfelt book yet!

[Jazmyne [Ramblings of a Bookworm] · Rating 5 out of 5]

When reading the Brother's Keeper series, I learned about Cass through the characters in those novels. Unfortunately, you don't get much insight into her, as a character, or really the tragedy that she faced in her life. The thing was, even in the mentions of her, I could feel her presence and her impact.

Cass is one of the most beautiful, strong, and caring women I've ever read about. Even before she's truly faced with watching her end come near, the soul of this woman was stunning. The love she has for her family just flows off of the pages and their love in return shows just how she truly impacted their lives.

In this story, we see the story of a woman, a mother, coming face to face with her end. I know this sounds a little dramatic because everyone dies in the end, but to know your end is near and watch your family worrying and suffering is unimaginable. Cass must face this. She must face this knowing her husband, daughter, and brothers(in-law) must live with her through this struggle and then live without her. This hits hardest as Cass begins to digest the fact that her daughter will be hitting her monumental life moments without her mother, and her husband will be facing these moments without his wife's love and support. When she realizes what this means, she knows that she cannot simply leave them without her for all that time. It's in this time she makes the decision that will change their lives.

This story hurt. From the moment I discovered what was happening in her life, my heart was broken. Learning, also, that this story is based on the author's life ... oh. my.lanta. This story was not only beautifully written, but it was felt into the deepest part of my heart. I don't have all the words to discuss how poignant this story truly was for me. A definite must read, even if you haven't read Brother's Keeper. You'll want to know what happens with the brothers, for sure, and you'll be forever attached to this family.

[Nicole ReadingBetweenTheSheets · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prepare to have your heart ripped out…Author Stephanie St. Klaire has written the most emotionally challenging story you may ever have the pleasure of reading…Love Cass.

Liam O’Reilly’s book in the Brother’s Keeper series, left us wanting to know more about his wife, Cass. This addition to the series will have you questioning what is really important in your life, and wondering what you would do if in her shoes…would you dance in the rain, or would you roll over and give in. As the author mentions in the beginning of the book, this one is personal to her. She was in Cassidy’s shoes, and chose to dance in the rain.

What I don’t know is how I’m supposed to leave…

Cassidy O’Reilly is a mom, wife, and friend, and her biggest fear comes to reality…her cancer has returned and she is dying. This is her story. This will hit you hard. If you have ever faced a medical situation, if you are a mother, if you are a sibling, friend, lover…you will feel this book in your soul. I cried several times during this book…the letters (oh my God…the letters!!!), the emotions, the way this story was written is one of the most incredibly written and heartwarming love stories you may ever set your eyes on.

My dearest Liam,
This is the first letter I am writing and, by far, the hardest.

This story is EVERYTHING. I do not think there has ever been another book that gave me so many “feels” as Love Cass did. I cannot explain with words how deeply touched I was by this one. I have loved this series so hard from the beginning, and this final “memoir” by Cassidy will completely stay with me forever. Grab your boxes of tissue, and be prepared to read the most phenomenally emotional love story ever! I wish I could give this more than 5 stars. You absolutely should not pass this one up!

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read Love, Cass by Stephanie St. Klaire and you might think you've opened the pages to the best Happily Ever After you could possibly witness, until you hit the half way mark & realize this could be life's most powerful self-help book.

Broken relationships? Write a letter.
Broken heart? Write a letter.
Broken promises? Write a letter.
Seeking forever? Write a letter.
Sealing fate? Write a letter.

This is more than a companion novel conjured up by the creative genius that is Stephanie's mind, it's a beautifully woven tale blending pieces of her own reality with her beloved characters. Choosing to share glimpses of her life through Cassy's story goes way deeper than flipping pages in a book. Many times I felt like I could've been curled up in the corner of a sofa, cup of hot cocoa or a glass of wine in hand, as I listened to this beautiful woman tell me a little bit about who she is. This story is deeply personal, you can feel that through every letter shared, and you can't help but shed a few tears for the beautiful soul behind the author title.

Stephanie St. Klaire is a master storyteller, and this book will rock you to your core. And about that Happily Ever After you thought you were going to get, it's like nothing you could imagine. Get the tissue & prepare yourself to fall in love with every O'Reilly once again, beginning with Sassy Cassy!

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a St. Klaire reader since her very first book. I'm used to funny, sassy, sexy and romantic from her. I was not prepared for this book--AT ALL. Her writing has improved with every book, but I didn't realize that she was capable of ripping the heart right out of my chest. It is based loosely on St. Klaire's own health struggles. I have no idea how she ever wrote this. To put "Sassy Redhead" in the book was the nail in the coffin for me.
Was it comfortable reading about Cass' final journey and what she and her loved ones went through? No. It was not comfortable, easy or any other word you can come up with. The love Ms. Klaire showed us between Cass and Liam and between Cass and her daughter was incredible, but to take us through the process of them all losing that was sheer agony. What Cass did to prepare herself and her family for her loss was very brave and very loving. The story was remarkable and the marks it left on me will stay forever. There should be some kind of award coming for this book, because it has touched me as no other ever has.

[Michele McMullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, Cass has given me quite an emotional ride. Stephanie has brought to life Cassidy , her world and the way she copes . She is a wife, mother, sister. She and her husband Liam are finally blessed with starting a family when the unthinkable happens. She discovers that she is diagnosed with Cancer and must make the ultimate sacrifice . She will delay her treaments until the birth of her child. She has finally been given the gift of a second chance and realizes that she will take this opportunity to leave each one that is near and dear to her heart a special gift. This was such a beautifl story written through the eyes of Stephanie and given to us in the form of Cassidy!
~~Michele McMullen ~~

[Ciara Shanahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is wrote from Cass side of Liams story. We get to know how they became a couple, how they functioned as a family and then along came Reagen. Along with their little girl came devastating news, the big C. Cass over came the horrible treatments pulled through and finally got the prayers answered remission. Happiness was short lived as Cass relapsed. While undergoingnyet more aggressive treatments we are introduced to Felicity aka City. This friendship grows and we see how city helps cass leave the manual and letter behind. This is a truly heartfelt story, it makes me as a reader think about how we should live in the moment. Amazing story thank you Stephanie St Klaire.

[Cali Jewel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly heart twisting journey of a truly strong and timeless love that had me crying from beginning to end hitting every high and low along the way... was beautifully written, engaging, emotional and heartwarming story of hope in the darkness. Loved this chapter of this highly entertaining series, do not pass up this amazing read!

[Mona williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow this was a heart breaking story that had me in tears. she tells her story of what its like to love and find out that you are going to die. you must read this book but you will need tissues. so very sad!

[Katryna · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! Stephanie was sooo courageous to basically write her own story on the pages of this book. Have tissues handy!

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shew! Make sure you have the kleenex for this one. This is an emotionally powerful read. Cass & Liam’s love story is beautiful. Cass fights cancer twice and even while fighting she managed to think about the future for her daughter and husband. She writes many letters to help her husband and daughter get through life together without her. If you haven’t read Liam’s story, I recommend reading this novella first.

[Mari Pickrel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brother's Keeper

Read this after reading the series. It was great to get to know Liam's story before Felicity. The letter idea was spectacular. Can't wait for the release of Dace and Wylie.

[Dee Sk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved loved loved this! It's so full of everything, it's so real, so tender, so devastating. There's so much love, the characters are so relatable and under and also above all this there's a positivity that overpowers everything.

[Sue MacKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be prepared

Be preprepared for tears when you read this story.
It is so worth it, though.
Such a tight, supportive family.
The note in the beginning from the author was surprising but insightful.

[Jbgreendawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

grab the kleenex for this one