The Next Chapters: An On the Same Page Novella

On the Same Page #3

by Haley Cass

Gianna Mäkinen has been in love with her best friend Riley Beckett for her entire adult life. She’d long accepted that her place in life was Riley’s best friend, and that was okay. It was more than okay.

She never imagined that she would have the opportunity to confess her love to Riley, to marry her, to have a herd of children with her.

Riley always knew she’d be building her life with Gianna, but she never knew it would be this kind of life. This all-consuming, passionate, together life.

They learn through the years that the only thing better than finally being on the same page, is being able to go through the next chapters of life with one another.

Genres: Romance, Lesbian, LGBT, Audiobook, Queer, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary

150 pages, Paperback

Published September 9, 2024

Reviews

[Diane (IF U'RE PRIVATE, PLEASE SKIP ME!!!) Wallace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Average read!
An okay follow-up to their (Gianna & Riley) past and present family/relationship lives including those secondary supporting characters meaningful to them.

[gloria .☆ﾟ. · Rating 3 out of 5]

➥ 3.5 Stars *:･ﾟ✧

“Come on. Let’s go inside,” Riley murmured, her lips still whispering over Gianna’s in a touch that sent shivers rocketing all over her fucking body.

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Happy release day to this cutie! The Next Chapters is a sort of epilogue novella of Gianna (h) and Riley (h), that goes into the future of marriage and babies while also having a couple flashbacks to their time as "best friends" 😉 in college. I personally am not the biggest fan of alternating flashback chapters because I find them a bit disorienting, but it did make sense to include considering the history and build-up of Gianna and Riley's relationship.

If you love Gianna and Riley, I'm sure you'll enjoy this. I don't think they're my favourite of Cass's couples, but it was sweet to revisit these characters that we first met in On the Same Page .

It's difficult to navigate what counts as spoilers for this one, because in Cass's epilogue novellas you will get marriage and babies. I was on board honestly! I knew Gianna would make a great mother.

Personally, the main sort of "events" of this novella, were not exactly something that resonates with me. But, that's probably a me-thing, considering I'm a 19yo girl.

I can't say I was expecting FOUR whole babies! Gianna really did want a herd 🤣. I wish we had spent a little more time with the kids, because I wasn't really able to discern between them in the end, so it felt like it was a fact that they had children, rather than something I could actively see throughout? To be fair, most of the plotline was leading up to the having of these kids.

I'm able to get on board with a good proposal/wedding, but I don't think this was quite for me here 😭. You're telling me these absolute babes got spontaneously married in Vegas, and after only around 8 months? I do understand that they've known each other longer than just the time they've been an official couple, but later on it's revealed that they hadn't discussed if they wanted children, ever? Honestly, it's something my friends and I discuss pretty early in our friendship. Because of this, it felt a bit like a messy decision to me.

A lot of things did logically make sense, like revisiting old characters that did Riley wrong in the past and getting the last laugh, but I sort of wanted them to move on. Going to a college reunion does not sound fun 😭. But hey, if you're a sucker for jealousy the circumstance does allow for that 👀

I would have preferred to see their life from the end of On the Same Page and onwards. I was desperate for more tender domesticity , I fear. It's my weakness (and also why I think my favourite Cass couple might be Hannah and Caroline When You Least Expect It 💘).

It did get to around 75% and I was like "damn, they haven't gotten it on once" (unlike Miss Charlotte and Sutton in their novella lol). But whew. There was a really intense sex scene. I kind felt like I was intruding 😰.

It was strongly tied to both Gianna and Riley's desires back in college, and I think it will appeal to many. I'm a little more partial to "the babies are sleeping and I miss you" type of scenes in epilogues. More loving and soft, but hey, it's again a personal preference.

And they bought a house together!! I think that's super cute, and you really see Gianna and Riley working and thinking as a unit 🥺.

Frankly, you can't NOT read this after reading On the Same Page . It's only 150ish pages wrapping up Gianna and Riley's bffs-to-lovers love story. Those fond of yearning and intense angst will enjoy this one, despite me expecting something more lighthearted. They're adulting frfr.

Haley Cass is spoiling us terribly this autumn, with this novella releasing today (September 10), and The Snowball Effect hitting kindles on October 25!

Thank you Haley Cass for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

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[Sylvie {Semi-Hiatus} · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!

I'm going to read this preciousness again as soon as I re-read the previous book. 🥹
_________________
Reuniting with my babies. 😭😭
I really really need to read 'On the Same Page' again! 😩
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An 'On The Same Page' novella that's coming out in two days??? *faints*

[emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want Lori Prince to read me every story Haley Cass ever writes, pls and thank.


~~~~~~


Cuuuuuuuute

[Sterling Sapphic Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Next Chapters: An On the Same Page Novella by Haley Cass is an absolute delight and a perfect continuation of Riley and Gianna’s love story. Having adored On the Same Page, I was beyond excited to dive into this novella, and Cass certainly did not disappoint. This novella gave me everything I hoped for and more—a beautiful glimpse into the lives of Riley and Gianna as they navigate the next stages of their relationship, from marriage to parenthood.

I absolutely loved the way this novella was written with another dual timeline, continuing the style of On the Same Page. Haley Cass masterfully blends glimpses of Riley and Gianna’s past experiences with their current life, maintaining the same emotional depth and chemistry that made the first book so memorable. It was fun and heartwarming to see how those formative moments from their past shaped the life they’ve built together, giving the story a beautiful sense of continuity and growth. Cass is exceptional at crafting characters who feel so real, and it was such a joy to reconnect with the same cast of characters in this novella.

I love the way Cass switches perspectives. Unlike the previous book, where the memories and current actions were divided between the two main characters, this novella offered a more balanced view of both Riley and Gianna’s thoughts and emotions. It was wonderful to see the world through both of their eyes as they grew individually and together, deepening their connection with each passing chapter.

Watching their family grow and the evolution of their love was simply heartwarming. While I did wish for more scenes with Mia and Ellie, I completely understand that this novella was dedicated to Riley and Gianna’s story. The focus on their relationship was beautifully done, and it was clear that Cass put a lot of thought into showing the growth of their love and their journey together.

Haley Cass is truly an incredible storyteller, and I will continue to devour her work with gusto. This novella is a must-read for anyone who loved On the Same Page—it’s fun, emotional, and packed with the kind of love that will leave you smiling for days. I can’t wait for her next release, and I highly recommend The Next Chapters to anyone looking for a heartfelt and satisfying follow-up to a beloved romance!

[Emily Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haley Cass eternally knocking the sapphic romances out of the park.

Bonus novellas bring me so much joy, and this was a story I was more than happy to return to.

There is a dash of spicy spice in this: oral & strap.

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5. Nice novella to add to my collection of Haley Cass books.

[Swaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE most perfect HEA ever written 💘

[Clara Addicted to sapphic books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haley Cass has a unique talent, not only to write good books, but also to be able to build stories around already excellent ones. Her ability to add layers from the past and future for already beloved characters is limitless. She shows it on her Patreon with additional stories or scenes that are chef's kiss, and she shows it now. Seeing Gianna and Riley building a life together on already solid foundations is the sweetest thing. With different themes, Cass takes us to the time before they are a couple and after. If you didn't already know Gianna and Riley were perfect for each other and that their love is one of the deepest and most complete, you will certainly know it now.

[OceaneZw · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say after reading this once again is… wow.

I’ve loved Gianna and Riley’s story since the very first page of On the Same Page. They are so obsessed with each other, but in the best possible way. I lost count of how many times I caught myself smiling while reading about them.

Seeing them grow from teenagers to a married couple and then to parents was so heartwarming. If only this book had been longer ! I need more of their domestic life with the children.

“Don’t you dare apologize for crying against me, okay? That’s why I have shoulders – for you to lean on. If this one gets too water-logged, you can switch to the other one,”

“The truth is that you and I were always going to end up here. Together. In one way or another. Because I wouldn’t have been able to do this with anyone else. It was always you, even if I didn’t realize how emotionally invested I was with you. But the way I love you, this didn’t start when we started sleeping together. That just allowed me to open my eyes,”.

Just like the first time, I’ll probably think about them for a long while. There’s no debate for me. This is a masterpiece, just like many of Haley Cass’s other books.

[Amy Marsden · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was sickeningly sweet, lol. Too sweet for me, I think, and it reinforced the fact that On The Same Page is my least favourite Cass book.

It also needed editing as even though I ended up skimming a lot of it, I still noticed quite a few mistakes.

[Lucy Bexley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these two

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

Got my wish list…. I wanted a ‘Forever and a Day’ for Gianna & Riley and I got it… And I loved it!

[Mika Auguste · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars bc this was very short and cute!!! i love getting to see what the characters lives look like after they get together 🥹

[moonlight ☾ [semi-hiatus] · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE WAY I RAN TO KU REAL QUICK WHEN I SAW THERE'S A NOVELLA. 😭😭 i missed Gianna and Riley and loved reading a glimpse into their future together. <3

[Aunt Missa · Rating 5 out of 5]

No notes. Just fucking glorious.

[Gabriella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh, sickeningly sweet 🥰

[Rey Hawke · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75

[zara · Rating 5 out of 5]

domestic and completely enamored and in love rileygianna might be my new favorite thing in the entire world

[Guerunche · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully satisfying continuation

Haley Cass sure knows how to tell a story. And the way she does it here is not only effective, but swoon-worthingly entertaining!

While set in the present over a number of years, she also flashes back to the moments that shaped Gianna and Riley’s relationship. And the glimpses into their current lives are all that readers could possibly hope for.

Fans of On the Same Page will absolutely love this.

[Francesca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let's start by saying that I had no idea this was coming out and as soon as I saw it on my feed I dived into it 🤣

I feel after reading this I got closure and a real happy ending, everything came full circle. There was a really explicit sex scene which was the highlight for me to be honest 🤣

Although I'm not really a fan of the happy ending that ALWAYS finishes with marriage and kids (the kids part especially lol), I know it's a Haley Cass thing so I'm okay with that. And I suppose it's interesting to see how Gianna and Riley navigate that part of life.

Looking forward to the Snowball Effect!

[Georgie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ As always, it’s nice to get a peek into the “next chapters” of a classic H Cass couple. This was exceptionally HEA (perhaps verging on a bit much so). It would have been nice to see G & R actually interacting with their kids and experience them as a family. But it was still sweet to see the enduring intensity of their love.

[jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure how to rate this. I think I would have loved to read it as an extended epilogue right after finishing On the Same Page, since this is exactly what I felt was missing back then to feel completely satisfied with the story.

And given how much I loved Riley and Gianna back then (I was obsessed if I'm being honest), this would have had a bigger impact on me. But I'm obviously not complaining about having the chance to get a continuation of their story. Maybe this is a sign that I need to reread.

[James McRay · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know how when you finish a good romance, and you’re happy to see the couple reach their happily every after, but, you wish you could see what that HEA looks like? Haley Cass gives us that here, as The Next Chapters is essentially a novella length extended epilogue of On the Same Page. She did something similar with Better Than Expected which is an extended continuation of When You Least Expect It. It is hard to explain, but this just makes me happy.

[Jordana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Their love makes me weak 🥰

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really do love Haley Cass for giving us all these bonus scenes, so I’m not going to complain.

This is essentially an extended epilogue, so there’s not a story/plot. You shouldn’t read this if haven’t read On the Same Page and definitely don’t read it if you didn’t like On the Same Page. I love this couple, despite the fact that I’d never be friends with them, mostly because Gianna would never want to be seen with me. 😂

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

More Gianna and Riley was just what I needed. I absolutely loved on the same page. I think I’ve read that book like 4 times. This book gives us a glimpse of the past and future with Riley and Gianna. It was swoon worthy, hot and so perfect 🔥🔥❤️❤️ I do wish it was a tad bit longer only because I love them so much!

[Gaja · Rating 5 out of 5]

My forever love story, Riley & Gianna ❤️

[May · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored On the Same Page, so it's not surprise that I loved seeing more of Riley and Gianna. I absolutely loved the way this was structured; getting glimpses into their past experiences before seeing how those experiences shaped their futures really helped to maintain the feeling of the first book. Absolutely recommend to anyone who read the original!

[яᴏx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, thank God there was a 150-page novella about Riley and Gianna's future after the 450-page book about their love, because I wasn't ready to leave this story. In fact, I was dragged out, kicking and screaming... desperately trying to claw my way back to any piece of it I could. Wave upon wave of grief as a distance so impossibly large accumulates between me and this book. And behold, a path forward shrouded in darkness; loveless, and without life.

But the important thing is that we had fun. And that's the magic of books!

5 stars for closure