When You Least Expect It

While Those Who Wait, Haley Cass's debut novel, will always hold a special place in my heart, When You Least Expect It is just as good. I loved the book when I read it (this is how I concluded my review at the time: “When a debut novel is as good as Those Who Wait is, there’s always this pressure on the author and this worry in me that it could be a one-hit-wonder. With When You Least Expect It, Haley Cass puts this fear to bed with panache.”), I loved the audiobook even more. Each narrator has their own strengths. I’m not sure exactly how to explain what makes Lori Prince the perfect choice for Haley Cass’s books, but there’s no doubt in my mind that she is. Her voices are not the most distinctive (especially men’s voices or, as in this book, children’s) but her tone, her intonations, her acting couldn’t fit better. It’s especially true when it comes to highlighting the chemistry between the two main characters, you can hear all that longing in both Caroline’s and Hannah’s voices. And if you thought that scene during the weekend away with Caroline’s friends was hot when you read it, wait until you hear Lori Prince’s take on it! I loved this audiobook so much that it left me in a (mercifully short) funk, I was sad it was over. I have infinite respect for authors who can make me feel so much.

Haley Cass is an extraordinary writer. There is plenty of spice in this romance that is “earned” through angst, but in those intimate moments, she writes sex like poetry and love-making like a gondola ride at night amidst the warm lights of Venice! Her characters have purpose, depth, layers, mystery, wisdom, charm and a great sense of humor. Seeing the world through their eyes is an immersive experience. And it is clear that the writer brings deep abiding, ever growing and changing in the rhythm with life, but constant and certain as the stars, LOVE, to her stories. That comes from her. You can’t fake that, so thanks to the writer for letting us see that through her eyes and sharing this with us in this book and others that she has written. Lori Prince did a wonderful job of narrating this book and others by Miss Cass. Her sense of comedic timing is flawless and it is easy to distinguish the voices of different characters. The “kid” in this story was my favorite! Far more than a minor character, she is the glue that holds everything together and she is funny, smart and engaging. She could make a great lead in a sequel… Not everyone has a great time over the holidays and I like how the story pokes fun at this reality. This audiobook is one of those stories that doesn’t make your head hurt. It’s an engaging and enjoyable listen that opens your heart to life’s possibilities. Highly recommend!

I finished Those Who Wait and immediately purchased the audiobook for When You Least Expect It figuring I’d at least enjoy it to some degree. I was not prepared for how easily I would fall in love with this story as well. Haley Cass apparently has a knack for creating something effortless and breezy while still being full of depth and excitement. I’m quickly catapulting her to the top end of my favorite authors list. The path for Hannah and Caroline is equally slow and simmering but never feeling like you’re too on edge that you’re frustrated. Their personalities shine through each interaction and you truly feel as though you’re watching everything unfold right in front of your eyes. The narrator was absolutely wonderful! I previously didn’t fully enjoy her male voices on TWW but she knocked it out of the park for me this time. Highest recommendations for anyone looking for romance, female empowerment, a dash of spice, and sprinkles of comedy. Love, love, love this!

This is such a beautiful story, listened to it in one go... couldn't stop till it was finished! amazing work!!

This book is one of my all time favourite. And Lori's narration is absolute perfection.