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.

The journey to the climax of the story was somewhat arduous, but not enough to make me put it down, and thank God! Because once it got going it was glorious. I’d liken it to a train that starts moving from a dead stop, slow and perhaps a bit laborious at first, but once it hits that sweet spot of forward inertia it becomes thrilling and so satisfying. And what’s more, the thrill endured all the way to the end of the epilogue. It didn’t leave me wanting more, which sounds like a criticism but it’s not. The author left enough time and space for the reader to revel in the pre AND post consummation aspects of the romance making it feel 100% complete. This is a rarity as so few romances are able to scratch that itch. My only qualm is with the apparent lack of proofreading. There are so many errors that it got annoying. You’ll see what I mean if you read it (and you should read it!) but geez! It’s like no one read through it even once before it was published. A crying shame because the story itself is wonderful and extremely enjoyable. Don’t miss this one.

Those Who Wait is my absolute favorite sapphic romance novel so this was a fun spin-off read to get to know Regan and Emma. It's a sloooow burn, grumpy/sunshine book and I loved seeing this friendship grow. There's something special about Haley Cass' characters. They always seem to resonate deep and attach at my heart strings. I just want to jump into her world of fiction and be friends with these people. The details of the setting, the characters' backgrounds, their internal thoughts, feelings, actions, and the entire storyline is told with such vivid detail and depth. And, Haley's humor always hits and I always catch myself smiling as I read. I love it. Her books just feel special and heart-warming. I knew I was going to develop a big fat gay crush on Regan as I learned more about her character and Haley did not disappoint. I loved Regan's sweet, thoughtful, ROMANTIC personality (and bonus points for ADHD representation)! *I recommend reading Haley's debut novel, "Those Who Wait" first as this spinoff is about characters introduced in that epic book and it gives background for the main characters and some side characters in this story. The Snowball Effect can be read standalone, but why do that when you can make it even better by reading Those Who Wait first?

Wow did Regan and Emma’s journey take me on a ride!! It’s still mind-boggling to me how Cass can craft these characters from begrudgingly living together and struggling to even interact to being all over each other and disgustingly in love. Both of the characters’ growth and the small yet deliberate changes they make to slowly find their way to each other was beautiful to see, every step of the way. It may have been a slow-burn, but it was so worth it and oh so spicy, in true haley cass fashion. I appreciated both of the MCs POVs regarding their hobbies, goals and aspirations, and complicated relationships with their families and how those factors affected their relationship to each other, it was so well written and every detail was necessary, interesting, and told the reader so much about who these characters are as people. They are so flushed out and realistic they could be right in front of me. Just a wonderfully crafted story all around, and I’m so glad I finally finished Regan & Emma’s story.