The Snowball Effect

Haley Cass does it again. Reading this, I lacked the utter self-control to put it down. Not only are Regan and Emma fascinating and interesting characters fully in their own right, but their romance together is adorable and soft and also very, very hot. Cass has this incredible ability and skill to write the most endearing characters and the most swoon-worthy romances, and this book is another phenomenal example of her phenomenal writing. We were first introduced to Emma and Regan in "Those Who Wait", and although everyone should read that one anyway, it is not necessary to read it to enjoy "The Snowball Effect". Emma and Regan are really explored here, the funny and supportive side characters we saw before now get to have the spotlight shone on them. When her roommate and bff takes an internship across the world, Regan is stuck being roommates with her best friend's other best friend, Emma. Emma is fully willing to move in and split their rent, which Regan is happy about. The only downside is that Emma has hated Regan for as long as they've known each other, only kept in each other's orbit for this long by their mutual love for their shared friend. But, maybe finally being forced in proximity with one another, and finally being forced to have actual conversations, will make them realize that this person they've always thought of "my friend's other friend" may actually mean so, so much more. Over dinners and movie nights, bathroom schedules and birthday parties, they…

I usually am not a fan of epilogues. I find them cheesy and annoying and tend to skim them. But there was not a single moment in the book that called for skimming, and I would say this was the best epilogue I've ever read in a romance novel. This book wasn't a heavy read, no super triggering content, yet it was deep enough I teared up several times, and the characters were very well fleshed out, their arcs well done, and the pacing and plot was ideal. It doesn't really follow the dramatic third act break up format, which I appreciated deeply. I really enjoy this author. Oh, and the sex scenes were fantastic, particularly the first which had me laughing but also emotionally impacted. The plot was fun and cute, the characters mature enough to avoid petty drama plot tools, and the characters were relatable and likable, even when I wanted to throttle one in particular repeatedly. This book is fantastically written, and one I'd love to have in print on my shelf.