Hollis Capparelli had always been different than most girls. A pint-sized spitfire with a take-no-crap attitude, her focus had always been soccer, music, family, and friends.
Chase Merrimack loved football more than anything. With dreams of playing professionally, there was only enough room in his heart for his momma and his little brother. That is, until Hollis quite literally stumbled into his life, changing both of them forever.
From the very beginning, Hollis and Chase, along with their friends and family, knew their connection was the kind that only came around once in a lifetime. “Soul mates,” they said. But no matter how strong the pull was, Hollis and Chase avoided their feelings. And they for sure never spoke of them...until the day they did.
Without Warning is the story of Hollis Capparelli and Chase Merrimack, their friendship and the universal pull that kept bringing them back together.
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.
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.
I FLOVED THIS BOOK SOOOO MUCH! It really packs a punch to your feels. It is the perfect amount of feels, swoons, laughs, ANGER and light heartedness in one. It raw and real and just plain AWESOMENESS I can’t even! THIS QUOTE JUST TOOK MY BREATHE AWAY! You know when you are fully immersed in a book and you read that line just AHHH GETS YOU! You know like that well yeah! I was soooo in the ZONE when I read
“It might not be tonight. Or tomorrow. Or the day after that. But, I’ve never felt so certain that there would come a day Hollis Capparelli would be mine.”
I had to TAKE A BREAK! I was so blown away! I just hope y’all get the most feels on feels on feels after this beautiful debut novel from Dee! You won’t be disappointed :) it will get ya “Without Warning” and won’t let you go until you see THE END! #chessy but ya catch my drift! Lol #FACT
Okay so full disclosure, I know next to nothing about Dee Lagasse. What I do know is this: 1. Without Warning is her debut publishing. 2. She is a caring soul because she offered me a blogger arc having next to no interaction with me. 3. She blew me away with Hollis and Chase's story!!
Without Warning gripped me from the time I saw the cover slide past as I was scrolling through Facebook. I remember thinking WHOA who is this author and I need these words! The blurb alone had me salivating with the promise of desire and angst, and who doesn't love those two emotions bottled together?? In any case, the moment the arc landed on my kindle I was in for! I read, and read, and didn't want to stop! I NEEDED TO KNOW WHAT WAS GOING TO BE SAID ON THE NEXT PAGE!
YUP, no skimming for this girl🤗😍🤗
Without Warning takes you on a sweet and sultry ride between the past and present as Hollis and Chace live side by side as BFF but knowing deep down inside there are feelings brewing and stewing that aren't in the BFF category. I loved how I was thrown back and forth through time to get the full glimpse of who Hollis and Chase were as well as learning and loving who their families were. I finished Without Warning with the sense of belonging to a new family. I am excited to think there is the possibility of more books with how precise each secondary character was described. Or it could just totally be me wishing for more of Hollis, Chase, and their families!
Without Warning held true to its title because as much as the words being read were sweet and juicy, Dee Lagasse threw a ringer into the plot that had me nearly throwing my kindle screaming NOOOO this is NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!! But it did happen and I am still a little emotional with Chase. I mean, Chase and I will be having a little chat later about it, after all it didn't sway me from finishing all the words. Nope, I was in deep and I couldn't wait to get to the ending. When it finally came, of course my immediate reaction was okay. Okay. I want some more!
So I'm begging publically, Dee Lagasse, with cherries on top, can we get another book? Or 5??
This is one of my favorite tropes, but it's also one I'm very careful about because it can be very frustrating. Indeed, there were moments of frustration for me (mostly with Chase) but for the most part I just absolutely adored the sort of effortless transition to lovers. I totally bought into the chemistry between Hollis and Chase, and I found their relationship fun, flirty, and emotionally satisfying.
This is a book I dug up from the depths of my TBR and I'm so glad I finally gave it a chance! I'm circling back to the second book now. The writing is relatable and smart and the storytelling was so easy to fall into. I loved this story and can't wait for more! ~ Shelly, 4 Stars
I am not good at putting my thoughts into words so I will try my best. Dee Lagasse has a way with words that makes you feel so connected to her characters and makes you feel what they are feeling. You feel like this could be your group of friends or you want to be a part of their lives. The relationship between Hollis and Chase is so beautiful. Without Warning is one of the best books that I have read and I was drawn into the world of Abbott Hills and the Capparelli family that I didn't want to leave. For a debut novel, I don't think it could have been done better. Looking forward to diving into this world again with (hopefully) more stories.
Ok. Be patient with me as I usually don’t do reviews. It’s very difficult for me to explain how a book made me feel, or what my thoughts are. I usually just rate it and move on.
So I actually read this book twice in a month. I finished it the first time and had to put it down, then I decided to start a reread. I know I’m going to sound biased because I consider Danielle a very good friend of mine. There are certain people you don’t have to meet physically (though that day better come soon when I get to hug her), yet you know you have a bond that will last for years to come. Not the point? Ok. Sorry. Moving on. You guys. This book doesn’t even read like a debut. She just started writing? What?!? It seems as if Danielle has been writing books for a while now. This girl is a natural with words and I’m already anxiously awaiting the next story! When you’re reading about the bond and friendship between Hollis and Chase, it feels natural. As if you’ve witnessed that friendship grow since the first day they met. Swoon worthy moments. And the best part? You are going to meet this huge Capparelli family and want to be a part of the fam INSTANTLY. I know I want to have Sunday dinner with them! This is definitely a five star for me. I will have Danielle Lagasse on my one-click list for good. Buy the book. Read it and be ready to become a fan!
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.
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.*
Blurb: Hollis Capparelli had always been different than most girls. A pint-sized spitfire with a take-no-crap attitude, her focus had always been soccer, music, family, and friends.
Chase Merrimack loved football more than anything. With dreams of playing professionally, there was only enough room in his heart for his momma and his little brother. That is, until Hollis quite literally stumbled into his life, changing both of them forever.
From the very beginning, Hollis and Chase, along with their friends and family, knew their connection was the kind that only came around once in a lifetime. “Soul mates,” they said. But no matter how strong the pull was, Hollis and Chase avoided their feelings. And they for sure never spoke of them...until the day they did.
Without Warning is the story of Hollis Capparelli and Chase Merrimack, their friendship and the universal pull that kept bringing them back together.
I received an ARC of this book. I have a tendency to be rather leary of first time, self published authors, and typically go into the books anticipating the let down. That being said...this book was an AMAZING debut! The characters are well detailed and easily relatable. The setting is so well described that you can picture everything with ease. The writing style flows wonderfully, and I was easily drawn in. I'm not one to leave spoilers of any kind, so won't go into detail, but these are some of my favorite characters to date. I can only sit back and hope that this author continues to bring this new group to life in continuing novels. I know that portions of the book may change between this ARC and the hard release in October, as many do when sent to the editors, and can't wait to purchase the final product! Not every debut novel can be as magically perfect as this one!
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of the debut novel Without Warning by Dee Lagasse and I’m in complete awe that this is her first book. It’s SO well written. It’s a beautiful story of Hollis and Chase, best friends who become so much more. I laughed, cried, swooned! I couldn’t ask for a better story, the characters were well written and completely relatable. The secondary characters all felt so real, i hope they get stories of their own! Everyone keep an eye out, Dee’s got a bright future and I can’t wait for hopefully more in this world.
I went into this book blindly and, to quote Chase, “abso-fucking-lutely” loved it! I typically hate friends to lovers romance but this was written so well that, not only did it not bother me, I enjoyed it! I can’t wait to dive into As Fate Would Have it, Book 2.
This book was so what I needed, I loved it! It was such a pleasure to read. Dee gives us such a remarkable story, intertwining family and friends. I loved the strong sense of family portrayed in this book, not only in blood but in heart and soul.
There are so many strong characters in this story and what I loved is that they aren’t your typical alpha hero (Chase) and meek heroine (Hollis). Hollis was a great heroine because she was so layered and diverse, she was intelligent, talented, athletic and kind, same goes for Chase. I love getting a heroine that is strong, but you still see her little insecurities. I also love getting a hero that has insecurities of his own. It. Is. Real.
The side characters are written perfectly too; we get to know them just enough. I love a story that can develop characters besides the MC’s. To me, this shows me what good writing is. In life it’s not only about two people there is a big world of family, co-workers, and friends. Dee wrote it so fluidly that you thought you were one of them.
I’m not going to give the story away, but this is such a sweet friends to lovers romance. There isn’t a whole lot of angst, (you do get a punch to the gut though) but just a great story about a unique friendship, two best friends that have had a long time friendship, their inner thoughts on one another and their fears of taking it further. It is somewhat of a slow burn but worth every minute.
I would highly recommend this book! I still can’t believe this is a debut novel; it knocked my socks off!!
I can not wait to read more of this wonderful family.
What an amazing debut novel by Dee Lagasse! This book hooked me in right from the very beginning. You instantly connect with the characters that she has created and she is able to make you feel all the emotions that they do. She has created this wonderful Capparelli family who is always there for one another. You can’t help wanting to jump into the book to be a part of. Without giving too much away, I love her relationship with Chase and the connection they have with one another. Don’t get me wrong, at a certain point of the book I wanted to reach in and shake him and ask him what the hell was wrong with him, but most of the time, I was most definitely swooning over him LOL! I could go on, and on, and tell everyone everything I loved in the book, but I don’t want to spoil it for anyone. I can’t wait for everyone else to read this. Danielle, I so happy for you and I know this book is going to be a huge success.
I reallllly, really loved this book. It was amazing for a debut novel. Hollis was easy to relate to and Chase was soooooo swoon-worthy! I instantly fell in love with them both - as well as many other characters (I can't wait to read the second book)! Their chemistry was out of this world! The story was very detailed and easy to follow and it mostly flowed well. This novel is truly a beautiful love story, the only reason I gave it 4 stars was because I felt that the ending was little rushed, and not quite as slow moving as the rest of the story. Overall, 4.5 stars because I loooooved Without Warning and can't wait for more from Dee Lagasse!
I fell in love with this book from the beginning. I wish I read it straight through but life gets in the way and I couldn't but I'm so happy I finished ! This is an amazing debut novel by Dee Lagasse! I can't wait to read more. I'm hoping other characters will get their own books as well!!
I fell in love with Chase & Hollis and their stories and what got them where they are now.
When reading this book I laughed, I cried, i got so angry and frustrated at one point because of what happened in the book but it all worked out.
This author just took me to the mood of reading again and let me say an Amen to her!
Hollis and Chase were my favorite, friends to lovers. This book was fresh and not the same romance you’ll read over and over again, this has everything.
The writing was marvelous? I really enjoyed to read and feel the connection between the characters, I loved how she makes the family play a role in the story, I love my family so I loved to read some of it.
I can’t wait to read more from this new author, definitely she’ll spoil us with more amazing stories.
Oh man! This book was such a breath of fresh air. The characters and story line were incredibly captivating and just suck you in. Hollis and Chase had an incredible best friend relationship that eventually turned into so much more: It was honest and beautiful. This story shows so much love and the true meaning of family. You can’t help but love the Capparellis along with anyone attached to them!
Dee Lagasse I’m so proud of you! You killed it with this story and I highly recommend it!
I fell in love with these characters instantly! Hollis and Chase take us on a journey from teenage friendship to a love story through the years. I had butterflies reading about the love that these two characters feel and Dee Lagasse had me hooked from the beginning. I can’t wait to read more about the Capp & Co family.
I can't even explain how much I LOVED this book!!! I was immediately drawn in and fell in love with the world Dee created. The Capparelli's are one of my favorite families ❤❤ I laughed so much and cried and stayed up till midnight because I HAD to know how Hollis and Chase's love story ended. I loved all the secondary characters and I can't wait to read more about them !!!
Sweet and easy read about childhood friends to lovers romance. Hollis Capperelli and Chase Merrimack are entrenched in each other’s lives avoiding the simmering connection that’s been there from the beginning. Do they take a chance to take it further? Smooth writing, great characters, the importance of family and a nice storyline make Without Warning a charming diversion from everyday life.
"Per usual, there’s Chase to pick up the pieces when I become a mess."
Without Warning is the debut novel from Dee Lagasse. Let me just say if this is her debut, then I absolutely can NOT wait to read more by her. I flew through the pages of this book! I seriously could not read them fast enough. I loved the easy banter between all the characters. Hollis and Chase were so adorable together. Their history and strong friendship had you quickly falling in love with them. They had chemistry for days. Their witty banter constantly kept you laughing. While their memories constantly kept you reminiscing. Their journey from childhood friends to adults with a undeniable attraction was definitely a roller coaster ride with plenty of feels. One page I was happy and laughing, then the next I was angry and sad. You just never knew what emotions each page would bring you. I loved how the author had a way of making you love every character introdued, not just Hollis and Chase. I loved how close and tight knit the Capparellis family was. It made you feel as if you were a part of the family while reading this story. There is already so many characters I'm dying to get their own story next. It will definitely be interesting to see who the author will choose to write next.
"When Hollis shows up, she gets everyone to notice her. Never with the intent to draw attention to herself, but the world can’t help but notice her shine."
Hollis is one of those heroines that are just easy to love. She is completely relatable and extremely down to earth. You could easily see being friends with her in real life. She is a total spit fire, and stubborn to the core. I loved her character wasn't affraid to be vulnerable. Despite her tough front, she wears her emotions on her sleeve and has the biggest heart.
"It’s Chase… Chase Merrimack. Even his stupid name is perfect."
Chase is one of those alpha's that steals your heart... QUICK! He is one of the most charming book boyfriends I have read. I loved that Chase is very family oriented, and so precious with his niece. He is so attentive and caring. His protective ways will definitely have you melting with swoons. And don't even get me started on a vulnerable Chase. I was a goner!
“We have all the time in the world to come back and do everything else, right now, I want you, I need you.”
*4&1/2 STARS* Well earned for a fantastic, and heart warming read. I can't stress enough how much I recommend giving this novel a try. It's worth it and so much more.
Danielle’s debut novel is magic, all of it! The ups, downs, and in-betweens. There is something so special about bonds that form in high school, but especially the friendship between Chase Merrimack and Hollis Capparelli. I love the way they move around each other throughout the book, staying true to who they are, and who they have been throughout their friendship. They both down-to-earth people and have strong personalities that complement each other beautifully.
They also have great family members and friends that support them the whole way. Danielle does such an amazing job developing each of these characters that you feel you are part of their circle. Hollis, Chase, and their family and friends are very relatable, which make falling in love with them even easier and so enjoyable. The way she describes everyone makes me feel she’s stepped into my life and is talking about my friends and family.
You have quite the debut here, Danielle! It is a beautiful story of friendship and love! I am definitely Team Hollis and Chase all the way!
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.
If I could, I would give this book 1,000 stars. Dee has been writing for a while but had never really published anything. Well, when I first heard she was creating a book I was ecstatic because with being the person she is I knew her book would become a hit. Without Warning is a book you will not want to put down, hence me reading it in a day. It is about two friends who have been friends since high school and after a while finally come to terms with their attraction. This book is not like any other book you've read before, this book had me on a roller coaster of emotions, from being happy to sad to annoyed, but I just could not put this book down. See you absolutely killed this book and I cannot wait for everyone to read it. Thank you for allowing me to be an ARC reader. I cannot wait for more books!!!!!! ❤
4.5 stars!!! A really great friends to lovers romance! I felt a lot of feels: happy, sad, anger, and I was swooning over Chase Merrimack. Chase and Hollis' friendship was one that many people can only dream of having someone you can always count on. Both thought they had missed their chance but when Hollis is newly single they start considering maybe they could be but they don't want to jeopardize their friendship. You have to read this book to find out what happens. The prologue was awesome just as much as the rest of the book. I loved the whole Capparelli family and really hope to see more in the future. What a great debut for a writer!! So grateful to have been able to win an ARC in a giveaway by the generous author.