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j_the_bookworm's review
5.0
Loved Hollis and Chase, felt like I was part of the family
Without Warning is the debut novel by Dee Lagasse. In this first book we meet Hollis and Chase, along with their families and friends. This book was wonderful, I loved the background and character build for each character. The setting of the book was very well written, I felt like I was there in the same town and at Cap & Co.
The main characters meet in high and have an instant connection. Their friends and family call them soul mates. They have always just been best friends. They got like puzzle pieces that just fit together. We are 13 years later and both have grown and experienced things. Without warning, things change in Hollis' life and her best friend Chase is there for her as always. They have spent a long time denying and pushing aside feelings, now that things have changed, can they keep on denying those feelings and their pull to each other?
I loved this friends to lovers book, this felt like these two were always, just meant to be. Give this book a try. You won't be disappointed.
Without Warning is the debut novel by Dee Lagasse. In this first book we meet Hollis and Chase, along with their families and friends. This book was wonderful, I loved the background and character build for each character. The setting of the book was very well written, I felt like I was there in the same town and at Cap & Co.
The main characters meet in high and have an instant connection. Their friends and family call them soul mates. They have always just been best friends. They got like puzzle pieces that just fit together. We are 13 years later and both have grown and experienced things. Without warning, things change in Hollis' life and her best friend Chase is there for her as always. They have spent a long time denying and pushing aside feelings, now that things have changed, can they keep on denying those feelings and their pull to each other?
I loved this friends to lovers book, this felt like these two were always, just meant to be. Give this book a try. You won't be disappointed.
amandabooks17's review
5.0
This series<3<3<3
Without Warning is an easy, heart warming, slow burn read. It perfectly captures the idea of two best friends their entire life who are truly in love with each other. Their story is exactly what you think it would be. The way Dee writes it is the amazing part. You are drawn in to every word. Not for one second will you think this is a cheesy love story. You will feel like you are apart of the story.
The characters are all heart capturing. Not only do you fall in love with the main characters but the supporting ones as well. Hollis, the heroine, is such a strong and loving woman that its no question why everyone loves her. Chase, the hero, is so down to earth when you think he wouldn't be after reading he is a retired NFL player. The two together are beautiful. The friendship between them is one you wish you have. Reading about them I was so drawn to them both. I really enjoyed the supporting characters and I can't wait to see what Dee has to come with their stories, if they are gonna be written. The family aspect of these characters are what you crave in real life. To even be apart of a family like the Capperelli's is a dream.
Without Warning is such a sweet, family oriented book that I would absolutely recommend it to everyone! Such a beautiful read that I am happy I had the experience to have. My heart is so full after reading this book. I will always have the entire Capperelli family in my heart forever.
Without Warning is an easy, heart warming, slow burn read. It perfectly captures the idea of two best friends their entire life who are truly in love with each other. Their story is exactly what you think it would be. The way Dee writes it is the amazing part. You are drawn in to every word. Not for one second will you think this is a cheesy love story. You will feel like you are apart of the story.
The characters are all heart capturing. Not only do you fall in love with the main characters but the supporting ones as well. Hollis, the heroine, is such a strong and loving woman that its no question why everyone loves her. Chase, the hero, is so down to earth when you think he wouldn't be after reading he is a retired NFL player. The two together are beautiful. The friendship between them is one you wish you have. Reading about them I was so drawn to them both. I really enjoyed the supporting characters and I can't wait to see what Dee has to come with their stories, if they are gonna be written. The family aspect of these characters are what you crave in real life. To even be apart of a family like the Capperelli's is a dream.
Without Warning is such a sweet, family oriented book that I would absolutely recommend it to everyone! Such a beautiful read that I am happy I had the experience to have. My heart is so full after reading this book. I will always have the entire Capperelli family in my heart forever.
shannon_cocktailsandbooks's review
4.0
3.5 Cocktails
I picked this one up based on some FB group recommendations. It's a good debut, but I would have liked a little more development on the romance between Chase and Hollis. There were too many years of friendship to flip things the way they did.
I picked this one up based on some FB group recommendations. It's a good debut, but I would have liked a little more development on the romance between Chase and Hollis. There were too many years of friendship to flip things the way they did.
amor_fati's review
5.0
This was my first book of Dee’s and I was so in love with it. I am firm believer of instincts and that is what this book to me is about. Acting on them, not acting on them and trusting them, Hollis and Chase took too long at being careful but it lead to a great friendship that takes us to a wonderful story. A story where you will fall in love with great characters. A story where you when you just need to feel good you will come back and read it again and be happy.
kspear22's review
5.0
It’s not every day someone you love writes a book...that you also love.
So, let’s get down to business.
I envy anyone who can tell a story. To be able to create fictional people and give life to them is an exceptional talent. And it’s not one every person has. I’ve become very jaded in this age of self-publishing. I’ve been let down more often than I’ve been impressed. Most times, it’s bad writing, but it can also be a regurgitated story with bland characters. There is more than putting words on paper or a screen. The writer also has to be able to evoke emotions while also trying to get readers to forge a connection with fictitious people. Easier said than done.
It’s a bit nerve-racking to read a friend’s book. What if you don’t like it? What if they can’t write? What if the story plain sucks? I think if I’d felt any of this about Lagasse’s debut, it would’ve crushed me. I honestly had no idea what to expect. I’d read earlier drafts that were far different from this nearly finished version. I am proud to say that she absolutely fucking killed it.
Hollis and Chase represent one of my favorite tropes in literature: best friends to lovers. I’m always leery of these types of books because it is so damn hard to capture their connection. A relationship has to be established early on—in their younger years—but it has to feel organic. Not necessarily a meet cute, but a moment that solidified what they’d be to each other from then on. From there, it’s just a matter of awkward and intense near misses. The hiding of feelings. All that good, angsty stuff. Lagasse did that with an almost seasoned expertise.
I also loved the familial aspects included. It’s kind of rare for a romance to also focus on the close knit family ideal. Is that not just as important as securing a lover or soul mate? In this gem of a debut, we get to see just how amazing it can be to have a loving, supportive, involved family.
The plot itself is what you’d expect from a romance. There are ups and downs. The tropes you expect are here. But it’s not annoying or cliche. Lagasse writes with a fresh voice. Hollis is a no-nonsense, take no shit kind of girl that I could totally be besties with. She’s also funny and goofy, and I really enjoyed her. As for Chase, he’s a good guy. None of this asshole-y playboy turned monogamist after meeting a virgin. No. He’s always been sweet and protective. Finally! Someone else in this industry recognizes that a man doesn’t have to be a former douche to have appeal. The chemistry between Chase and Hollis sizzles. I don’t know how Lagasse did it, but she was able to write the sparks without the two getting physical. WHAT EVEN IS THIS LIFE?!?! As much as I love the anticipation of a couple getting together, there’s nothing better than that payoff. And that too was done tastefully.
Without Warning is an outstanding debut. It has Harry Potter references. It has an adorable romance. It contains a witty female heroine. It holds a hot, swoon-worthy male lead. It shows the importance of family. It’s funny. I cannot wait until everyone else gets to experience this. The Little Book That Could.
Congratulations, Danielle. Yer a wizard. A word wizard.
So, let’s get down to business.
I envy anyone who can tell a story. To be able to create fictional people and give life to them is an exceptional talent. And it’s not one every person has. I’ve become very jaded in this age of self-publishing. I’ve been let down more often than I’ve been impressed. Most times, it’s bad writing, but it can also be a regurgitated story with bland characters. There is more than putting words on paper or a screen. The writer also has to be able to evoke emotions while also trying to get readers to forge a connection with fictitious people. Easier said than done.
It’s a bit nerve-racking to read a friend’s book. What if you don’t like it? What if they can’t write? What if the story plain sucks? I think if I’d felt any of this about Lagasse’s debut, it would’ve crushed me. I honestly had no idea what to expect. I’d read earlier drafts that were far different from this nearly finished version. I am proud to say that she absolutely fucking killed it.
Hollis and Chase represent one of my favorite tropes in literature: best friends to lovers. I’m always leery of these types of books because it is so damn hard to capture their connection. A relationship has to be established early on—in their younger years—but it has to feel organic. Not necessarily a meet cute, but a moment that solidified what they’d be to each other from then on. From there, it’s just a matter of awkward and intense near misses. The hiding of feelings. All that good, angsty stuff. Lagasse did that with an almost seasoned expertise.
I also loved the familial aspects included. It’s kind of rare for a romance to also focus on the close knit family ideal. Is that not just as important as securing a lover or soul mate? In this gem of a debut, we get to see just how amazing it can be to have a loving, supportive, involved family.
The plot itself is what you’d expect from a romance. There are ups and downs. The tropes you expect are here. But it’s not annoying or cliche. Lagasse writes with a fresh voice. Hollis is a no-nonsense, take no shit kind of girl that I could totally be besties with. She’s also funny and goofy, and I really enjoyed her. As for Chase, he’s a good guy. None of this asshole-y playboy turned monogamist after meeting a virgin. No. He’s always been sweet and protective. Finally! Someone else in this industry recognizes that a man doesn’t have to be a former douche to have appeal. The chemistry between Chase and Hollis sizzles. I don’t know how Lagasse did it, but she was able to write the sparks without the two getting physical. WHAT EVEN IS THIS LIFE?!?! As much as I love the anticipation of a couple getting together, there’s nothing better than that payoff. And that too was done tastefully.
Without Warning is an outstanding debut. It has Harry Potter references. It has an adorable romance. It contains a witty female heroine. It holds a hot, swoon-worthy male lead. It shows the importance of family. It’s funny. I cannot wait until everyone else gets to experience this. The Little Book That Could.
Congratulations, Danielle. Yer a wizard. A word wizard.
persephoneautumn's review
5.0
Without Warning gave me all the feels.
Hollis and Chase have been best friends for most of their lives, yet they both pushed aside how they truly felt. Neither of them wanting to ruin the friendship and connection they share. Throughout the course of the story, Dee unravels the deeper connection with Hollis and Chase, and it is beautiful.
I absolutely loved their story.
Hollis and Chase have been best friends for most of their lives, yet they both pushed aside how they truly felt. Neither of them wanting to ruin the friendship and connection they share. Throughout the course of the story, Dee unravels the deeper connection with Hollis and Chase, and it is beautiful.
I absolutely loved their story.
amberbehnke2013's review
5.0
You would never know this was Dee Lagasse's first novel, it is that great! Definitely a five star read! Hollis and Chase may be best friends but they are so much more! Such a great story of soul mates and true love! Please please read!
meegzreads's review
5.0
*5 Stars*
ARC kindly received in exchange for an honest review.
I have been anticipating this book for months now. This is a stunning debut novel from Dee, and I honestly could not put it down.
I would have read it in one sitting, had it not been for the fact that I started it late and night and then had to get up early the next morning. After completing my Sunday morning plans, I promptly plonked myself in bed, determined to finish this story and get to know Hollis and Chase.
This is a friends to lovers romance, which is always a trope that I love and enjoy. Hollis and Chase have been part of each others lives since they were in high school, and their families are close knit as well. There is a very strong family theme in this book which is great. I loved the family dynamics and seeing all these characters interact.
Hollis and Chase are just really sweet and fun characters that had me turning every page and just wanting them to get together and see how good it would be. Chase is damned adorable and Hollis is a great strong female lead.
There are plenty of fun secondary characters and I cannot wait for more from this world.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which made me laugh, swoon and nearly cry at its sweetness at other times. All of the feels in this one.
I highly recommend. It may only be Dee’s first novel, but I guarantee it won’t be her last and that you will enjoy this if you pick it up.
Review also on my blog - Without Warning - Dee Lagasse
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ARC kindly received in exchange for an honest review.
I have been anticipating this book for months now. This is a stunning debut novel from Dee, and I honestly could not put it down.
I would have read it in one sitting, had it not been for the fact that I started it late and night and then had to get up early the next morning. After completing my Sunday morning plans, I promptly plonked myself in bed, determined to finish this story and get to know Hollis and Chase.
This is a friends to lovers romance, which is always a trope that I love and enjoy. Hollis and Chase have been part of each others lives since they were in high school, and their families are close knit as well. There is a very strong family theme in this book which is great. I loved the family dynamics and seeing all these characters interact.
Hollis and Chase are just really sweet and fun characters that had me turning every page and just wanting them to get together and see how good it would be. Chase is damned adorable and Hollis is a great strong female lead.
There are plenty of fun secondary characters and I cannot wait for more from this world.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which made me laugh, swoon and nearly cry at its sweetness at other times. All of the feels in this one.
I highly recommend. It may only be Dee’s first novel, but I guarantee it won’t be her last and that you will enjoy this if you pick it up.
Review also on my blog - Without Warning - Dee Lagasse
Follow me on:
readingwithlt's review
5.0
I loved Hollis and Chase! I loved the family I loved it all! Can’t wait for more of this clan!!
audiobooks_sweettea's review
5.0
Epic Love Story!
You know when you get that fuzzy feeling in the pit of your stomach and get all giddy feeling because you know something good is gonna happen? Yea. That’s what I had from the beginning of this story. That fuzzy feeling. And then it turned to more. Anticipation. Hunger. Thirst. Emotions. All of the feels!
Chase Merrimack. Oh my gosh. He was absolutely a beautiful specimen of a man in this story. I was super jealous of Hollis through out! Like seriously. Their slow burn passion really captivated me and I found myself turning these pages long into the night.
Their story is an epic love story of best friends destined to be soul mates. Without warning, they consume you, become you, and leave you ready for more! I can’t wait to dive into the next Cap & Co. novel! Don’t wait. Grab your copy of Lagasse’s 5 star start to an incredible series!
*I read this book through Kindle Unlimited. All opinions, negative or positive, are my own.*
You know when you get that fuzzy feeling in the pit of your stomach and get all giddy feeling because you know something good is gonna happen? Yea. That’s what I had from the beginning of this story. That fuzzy feeling. And then it turned to more. Anticipation. Hunger. Thirst. Emotions. All of the feels!
Chase Merrimack. Oh my gosh. He was absolutely a beautiful specimen of a man in this story. I was super jealous of Hollis through out! Like seriously. Their slow burn passion really captivated me and I found myself turning these pages long into the night.
Their story is an epic love story of best friends destined to be soul mates. Without warning, they consume you, become you, and leave you ready for more! I can’t wait to dive into the next Cap & Co. novel! Don’t wait. Grab your copy of Lagasse’s 5 star start to an incredible series!
*I read this book through Kindle Unlimited. All opinions, negative or positive, are my own.*