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Haley Cass
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When You Least Expect It Kindle Edition

by Haley Cass (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 out of 5 stars 5,115 ratings
Caroline Parker knows three things to be true. First, she is going to be Boston's most sought after divorce attorney by thirty-five. Second, given how terrible her romantic track record is, falling in love isn't in the cards for her. And third, Christmas only brings her bad luck - being broken up with not once, not twice, but three times during the holidays is proof enough of that.

When she runs into Hannah Dalton on Christmas Eve, she has no reason to believe her luck will change. After all, though Hannah is probably the most gorgeous woman she’s ever seen, she’s also straight. And married to Caroline’s work rival. While being hired by Hannah throws her for a loop, winning a divorce case and sticking it to her ex-colleague should be enough of a thrill. But as the months slip by, bringing her closer to both Hannah and her adorable daughter Abbie, the lines between attorney and client begin to blur.

And she could have never predicted just how much she wants them to.
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  1. Print length
    244 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Accessibility
    Learn more
  4. Publication date
    November 20, 2020
  5. File size
    2.6 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
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  1. “For the record, I’m wearing the Suffolk law shirt you forgot here once. And my underwear. Goodnight.”
    Highlighted by 525 Kindle readers
  2. “That night. At the lake house. I went to the bathroom and I touched myself.”
    Highlighted by 356 Kindle readers
  3. “Caroline may have been my best, though. Definitely up there in my top three.”
    Highlighted by 312 Kindle readers
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Lori Prince is a classically trained actor with a BFA from Syracuse University. She has performed Off-Broadway as well as at top regional theaters, including The Denver Center, Alliance Theater Company, and PlayMakers Repertory Company, among others. She has also appeared on television in Law & Order, Law & Order: SVU, and Are We There Yet? Her voice work includes various characters in the feature film Epic, as well as additional dialogue recorded for over fifty feature films and TV shows.

Haley Cass lives in Massachusetts, where she has a love/hate relationship with the weather extremities but would also hate to live somewhere without fall foliage. She spends most of her time watching too much television with her friends and thinking about the future. Her mother likes to talk about the time she wrote her first story while sitting under the kitchen table for privacy. Twenty years later, she still likes to write but is slightly too tall to sit under the kitchen table.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08LBRNPYD
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 20, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.6 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 244 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 5,115 ratings

About the author

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Haley Cass

Haley Cass

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Haley lives in Massachusetts, where she has a love/hate relationship with the weather extremities but would also hate to live somewhere without fall foliage. She spends most of her time watching too much television with her friends and thinking about the future.

Her mother likes to talk about the time she wrote her first story while sitting under the kitchen table for privacy. Twenty years later, she still likes to write but is slightly too tall to sit under the kitchen table.

You can follow her on Twitter (@HaleyCass1) for any updates or to pop by for any conversation!

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
5,115 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a compelling love story that unfolds over time, with well-developed characters that are easily likable. The narrative delivers an emotional roller coaster of elation and disappointment while maintaining authenticity, and customers describe it as a fun holiday read with a warm, slow-burn romance. They appreciate the book's sweetness, with one customer noting its perfect balance of tension and comfort.

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147 customers mention "Story quality"139 positive8 negative

Customers love the story of this novel, finding it compelling and well-written, with one customer noting it's perfect for a feel-good read.

"...The chemistry between Hannah and Caroline is absolutely fantastic, and I couldn't wait to see how their relationship progressed...." Read more

"...There’s some interesting plot twists, nice variety of characters, and definitely some fun spicy sections. Easy read...." Read more

"...It's very different from what I normally read, but overall, it's a great story. I would definitely re-read" Read more

"...I felt like this one was believable, relatable. I didn't roll my eyes every other chapter." Read more

121 customers mention "Writing quality"112 positive9 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, describing it as well written and easy to read, with one customer noting it's a gem of a book by Haley Cass.

"...She is a truly incredible writer, and she perfectly balances tension and comfort, angst and bliss...." Read more

"...Recommend for sure! Very few grammatical issues. I recall seeing two (a word missing from a sentence, and two words reversed). Awesome!" Read more

"I enjoyed the pacing. It's very different from what I normally read, but overall, it's a great story. I would definitely re-read" Read more

"I loved every part of this book. From the very beginning, I was hooked. The author built the foundation of their relationship so perfectly...." Read more

67 customers mention "Character development"67 positive0 negative

Customers love the characters in the book, finding them easily likable.

"...The characters are so layered. And Abbie is all kinds of genuinely adorable. I loved this book so much. A 6-star if I could rare it so." Read more

"...There’s some interesting plot twists, nice variety of characters, and definitely some fun spicy sections. Easy read...." Read more

"One of my favourites. Love the characters and storyline. It felt real. Will definitely recommend. I read it a few times and could not put it down...." Read more

"3.5 stars. love the characters, particularly the young daughter Abbie. Written in present tense, and it’s done very well...." Read more

45 customers mention "Emotional content"45 positive0 negative

Customers find the book emotionally engaging, keeping them invested in the story while making them believe in the goodness of love.

"...It is warm and cozy, and it makes you believe in the goodness of love. Haley Cass does something very special in her books...." Read more

"...Easy read. Delightful array of emotions: worry, anxiety, giddiness, and confusion. Lots of build up and anticipation! Recommend for sure!..." Read more

"Very, cute. Kind of refreshing...." Read more

"...story from the hands and mind of Haley Cass, to bring us some belief in love and happiness...." Read more

45 customers mention "Sweetness"45 positive0 negative

Customers find the book adorable and sweet, with one customer particularly appreciating its Christmas theme.

"...The characters are so layered. And Abbie is all kinds of genuinely adorable. I loved this book so much. A 6-star if I could rare it so." Read more

"A sleeper book - but definitely satisfies! Loved the imagery. I enjoy when books like this include children...." Read more

"Very, cute. Kind of refreshing...." Read more

"...But, well, Caroline and Hannah are so damn sweet. I am completely swept by their romance...." Read more

42 customers mention "Burn rate"37 positive5 negative

Customers enjoy the slow-burning romance in this book, describing it as hot and warm, with one customer noting they read it while snuggled under a blanket on a cold day.

"...It is warm and cozy, and it makes you believe in the goodness of love. Haley Cass does something very special in her books...." Read more

"...This is a friends-to-lovers, toaster oven, slowwww burn romance. Haley Cass does them all so well...." Read more

"...(including Abby) are well written and developed, and easily warmed their way into my heart...." Read more

"...It delivered in a big way with a super slow burn toaster oven romance, gorgeous upstanding main characters, a completely lovable precocious and..." Read more

40 customers mention "Enjoyment"40 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable, describing it as a fun romp that fills the hours and a great holiday read. One customer notes it's a lighthearted family-oriented read, while another mentions it has enough enticements to keep readers engaged.

"...Easy read. Delightful array of emotions: worry, anxiety, giddiness, and confusion. Lots of build up and anticipation! Recommend for sure!..." Read more

"...I found so many scenes humorous in different ways as well as sad to where I was tearing up for the main character, Caroline Parker but toward the..." Read more

"...It is a very enjoyable story. This is one of my favorite go-to books. Keep writing Haley and I will always be there to read it...." Read more

"Haley Cass has written a masterpiece so alive it’s like watching an epic movie but so much more...." Read more

14 customers mention "Feel of the book"14 positive0 negative

Customers find the book emotionally engaging, describing it as a feel-good read that makes them soft, with one customer noting how perfectly it balances tension and comfort.

"...She is a truly incredible writer, and she perfectly balances tension and comfort, angst and bliss...." Read more

"...I felt like this one was believable, relatable. I didn't roll my eyes every other chapter." Read more

"One of my favourites. Love the characters and storyline. It felt real. Will definitely recommend. I read it a few times and could not put it down...." Read more

"...a ride and you'll want to read it over and over it gives you a really great feeling...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • merle
    5.0 out of 5 stars Book so sweet I had to see a dentist
    Reviewed in the United States on January 24, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I have been tearing through Haley Cass' oeuvre since I first discovered her works. She is a truly incredible writer, and she perfectly balances tension and comfort, angst and bliss.

    From Caroline's first (real) conversation with Hannah and Abbie, I knew this book was something special. It is warm and cozy, and it makes you believe in the goodness of love.

    Haley Cass does something very special in her books. A lot of the time, when I'm reading romance, I get anxiety because I know that I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop. I can feel the big 3rd act break up coming, and it sets my nerves on fire in a bad way. But Haley Cass doesn't do that here. There is some drama, sure, every story needs some. But Cass writes in such a way that you trust her. By the time I hit page 300, I trust the author with my emotions, and I know that everything is going to be okay, and the characters will have their happily ever after. And that is sort of incredibly rare. Haley Cass is a rare writer.

    When You Least Expect it is an incredible book. The chemistry between Hannah and Caroline is absolutely fantastic, and I couldn't wait to see how their relationship progressed. The characters are so layered. And Abbie is all kinds of genuinely adorable.

    I loved this book so much. A 6-star if I could rare it so.
    12 people found this helpful
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  • M. H.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Feel the slow burn
    Reviewed in the United States on July 13, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    A sleeper book - but definitely satisfies! Loved the imagery. I enjoy when books like this include children. It’s also nice to read about single parents with children. There’s some interesting plot twists, nice variety of characters, and definitely some fun spicy sections.

    Easy read. Delightful array of emotions: worry, anxiety, giddiness, and confusion. Lots of build up and anticipation! Recommend for sure!

    Very few grammatical issues. I recall seeing two (a word missing from a sentence, and two words reversed). Awesome!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Olivia
    4.0 out of 5 stars Fun read
    Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed the pacing. It's very different from what I normally read, but overall, it's a great story. I would definitely re-read
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  • Katie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very cute!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Very, cute. Kind of refreshing. I love romance books, but sometimes there are scenes/story arcs that are SO over-the-top that it distracts me from the whole story. I felt like this one was believable, relatable. I didn't roll my eyes every other chapter.
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  • RC
    5.0 out of 5 stars Haley Cass does it again.
    Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Another wonderful story from the hands and mind of Haley Cass, to bring us some belief in love and happiness. With this growing story- you really FEEL all those feelings.
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  • Katherine
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Book
    Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Stars: 5 Stars
    Format: Audiobook
    Narrator: Lori Prince
    Series: When You Least Expect It Book 1
    Steam Level: Steamy

    I read this as an ebook last year and I jumped at the chance to listen to it when I was able to barrow this title.

    Quick Thoughts:
    - Right from the jump I am annoyed by Caroline’s brother who badmouths her commitment to her clients. Dude, she’s a divorce attorney and her clients are going through the most difficult time of their lives
    - Michael is a world class jerk and I hope he’s miserable for the rest of his life and constantly steps on Legos
    - I like how the whole story from beginning to end takes place over a year. It feels right with Hannah’s situation and gives their developing relationship room to grow
    - I loved how Caroline cares about Abby from even before she got to know Hannah and doesn’t even consider treating her differently because she’s Michael’s daughter
    - Pining. So much pining. I love it
    - There is just something about a single mom who is without family getting adopted into the protagonist’s family that hits harder in a holiday story
    - The fight at the end when Hannah told Caroline she shouldn’t have said anything rubbed me the wrong way the first time and this time too. Hannah was basically telling Caroline to not defend herself and let Michael say anything he wants
    - The sequel to this book is Hannah’s POV of this book but with different scenes and goes beyond the first story
    - Lori Prince is a rockstar

    Overall I enjoyed this so much that even knowing what happens in the book didn’t diminish how fun it is. Last year this was my first Haley Cass book and my only regret is waiting so long to read one of her books. Definitely an author in my “buy first, read the synopsis second” list.
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  • Hailey Watkins
    4.0 out of 5 stars Slow start but…
    Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I debated whether it should 4 or 4.5 stars because man am I a sucker for that ending, but I want to stay true to the feelings I had for a majority of it.

    The connection and careful set-up I usually expect from Cass’s writing is a bit lost in this one. I found the beginning to be a bit slow but also fast? The characters didn’t feel real and separate until about halfway through, when I could finally picture them under their names. I attribute this to being one of the earliest (or first?) releases from Cass. Her writing and storytelling grows in later books.

    But, well, Caroline and Hannah are so damn sweet. I am completely swept by their romance. The last third of the book was the perfect balance of tension and want. I adored Abbie too, especially as I’m currently in a baby fever and wanting kids era of life. Even though the “straight but not” trope is a little tired for me now, as I’ve binged Cass books, I still love it. Gettin to know someone so personally as a friend is an amazing start to a relationship.
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  • Theresa
    5.0 out of 5 stars Could not put it down
    Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    One of my favourites. Love the characters and storyline. It felt real. Will definitely recommend. I read it a few times and could not put it down. I could not wait for the main character to kiss. The one thing I love about this book was that they actually were talking to one another and not running away from the relationship, like most lesbian books.
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • rati bhargava
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful
    Reviewed in India on March 13, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Love this so so much! Caroline and Hannah are so brilliant together. Abbie is just wonderful. And god is Michael a complete twat
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars An absolute Gem.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 14, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I adored this story. Flew through it in a few short hours, as I couldn't put it down but also didn't want it to end.
    Even though I knew exactly how this story was going to end, it doesn't take away any of the joy and anticipation that I felt as the slow burning relationship unfolded.
    The two main characters felt so real, and are both completely adorable, together and as individuals. The development of their mutual feelings seemed natural and in no way rushed ( as you get in other books of this genre). I felt like it was me who wanted to rush things, I was so eager for things to get going with these two!

    It's just a really sweet, wonderfully written story and I'm really glad I found it. I don't believe I have read anything by the author previous to this one, but im about to go and have a look at her other work, for sure!
    Report
  • Thayná Pompeu
    5.0 out of 5 stars AMAZING
    Reviewed in Brazil on May 5, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I don’t know if the book is inspired by SwanQueen but the story reminds me them so much!!!!! OMG!!!!!! Kudos to the writer!!!!!
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  • Hélène Cerise
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent slow burn
    Reviewed in France on February 12, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    J’ai adoré ce slow burn, en anglais, vivement que les traductions françaises pour cette autrice arrivent car elle est extraordinaire
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  • Snowflake
    5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely delightful
    Reviewed in Germany on December 30, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    5 stars. This was absolutely delightful. It also reminds me a bit of Susan X Meagher's All that matters with the friendship and the overall slowburn.

    The whole story of Caroline and Hannah takes place over the span of a year. Top notch divorce attorney Caroline Parker meets the wife of her arch nemesis in the coffee shop Hannah works in, only to learn that Hannah wants a divorce after years of suffering. She asks Caroline to represent her and Caroline takes on the case pro bono because Hannah's husband does keep her on a tight leash.

    That's the beginning of a wonderful friendship, and their chemistry is insane.

    I like this story for a million reasons.

    I love how their friendship starts with a phone number on a coffee cup. Very funny.

    I love how perceptive and smart Hannah is (Michael wouldn't hate you so much if you weren't as good as he is. - I'm actually better.) and how she makes her boundaries very clear.

    I love Caroline with her family and how engaged she is with her nephews and nieces. She practically devotes all her spare time to the children and to her family despite all the hard work. It was such a super nice setting!

    I also love how Hannah's and Caroline's lives gradually merge. Abbie is such a great child (albeit a very well behaved one).

    I think what I like best is that this book feels more like some AU fanfics that I love than a published novella. I mean that in the very best way. I'm so glad there's no forced drama. Plus, there is one reference to Dana Scully and I love the nerdiness of it.

    If there's one little thing that irked me, it's that it wasn't super thouroughly edited and I was actually a little puzzled this is written in present tense. No big deal really. I would love to have this as an audiobook.

    I'm so much looking forward to reading/listening to a full length novel. Thanks Haley Cass!
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