Sassy Love

LOVE #1

by Alexandra Banks

Lawson Rawlins was supposed to be the good guy.
The golden boy who always did the right thing. He walked away from the Montana ranch he loved—and the closeknit family who raised him—for a corporate career in HR. Because fighting for the underdog felt like purpose. Until a shiny new job at a high-profile New York firm makes him question everything… including who he’s really fighting for.

Carlie Lamont is in crisis mode.
Her million-dollar client—an overgrown man-child with no self-control—just faceplanted his reputation in front of half the city. It's a PR disaster, and her career might not survive the fallout. Worse? If she goes down, so does the nice life she's built for her adopt-a-grandma, Millie.
The last thing she needs is some smug HR guy telling her how to do her job.
Especially not that HR guy.

Now they both find themselves in new territory— a women's shelter HQ—sharing an office and far too much animosity. She blames him for her professional crash-and-burn. He seems annoyingly unbothered. And worse? He’s infuriatingly charming.

They trade barbs like weapons.
She pushes. He pushes back.
Until she crosses a line—and suddenly, it’s full-on war.

But in a battlefield this close, sparks don’t just fly… they ignite.

393 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 30, 2025

Reviews

[Shana · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ | 3🌶
this was cute. thank you to the author for the arc.

[Alexandra Banks]

ARCs just dropped for Lawson's story!! 💗💗

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been waiting for Lawson's book and it did not disappoint. I absolutely love him, he's supportive and just possessive enough. He never wanted to change Carlie, only help her gain everything and more. Carlie was strong and independent. Always on her own and never wanted love or a man. Lawson showed her what love was. As always, the other Rawlins men were full of banter and swoon.

[Suds Maclennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sassy Love by Alexandra Banks
ARC Review

Back to the Rawlins family and I've been waiting for Lawsons book and it did not disappoint.

Carlie and Lawson meet working for the same company and when Carlie is basically strong armed into leaving, Lawson let it happen or did he!

Their paths cross again and Carlie is not happy with Lawson ,but the sparks really fly she loves to hate him , but hes Harrys son so really she hasn't got a chance !

They are sent on a wellness retreat to see if they can work it out and well its good ha, its attitude, arguing but also fantastic chemistry and insight into who both characters are.

Theres so much more to this book, I love how the author sets the scene and you are transported into this book. I loved the characters and not just the main ones.

Anything Alex writes is a must read for me and I can't wait for the next book.

5 🌟 🤩

[Vicki Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I’ve just finished this book!

This was my first ARC read so I kinda went in blind, because I didn’t know what this book was about, and being first in a new series. However, Alexandra being the amazing author and romantic at heart. Who couldn’t resist a cowboy at heart Lawson and the Sassy Independent Business woman Carlie?.

I personally could not put this book down! It’s a slow burn, but so with it. Please note the trigger warnings for those whom are sensitive to women violence. Whist no violence is displayed within the book between the MMC or MFC, they both work at women’s shelter and thus there is reference to how a number of women came into care.

Sassy Love has forced proximity, enemies to lovers where he falls first, and of course some cowboy vibes.

Book is due for release on 30Oct

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, I would like to thank Alexandra Banks for the opportunity to read this ARC.

I have been waiting patiently for Lawson’s book, and it didn’t disappoint.
I absolutely loved Rosewood Ranch and the Rawlins, so I was excited with the ARC became available. I have loved every book Alexandra has released and Sassy Love was another amazing story.

Sassy Love, the first book in the Love in the City series, follows Lawson Rawlins and Carlie Lamont who after an incident at their high-profile New York firm leads to a disaster, the two find themselves forced to work together at a struggling woman’s shelter, where their constant clashing turns into a passion, neither were expecting.

Lawson is a Rawlin through and through. He moved to the city rather than stay on the Ranch to work as a HR Professional, seeking to fight for the “underdog”. He is kind, respectful, patient, supportive, protective and still has his Montana charm. And OMG when he would say “darlin”!

Carlie, a Public Relations agent, is a strong, independent, sassy and stubborn woman. She can hold her own, and she doesn’t take any nonsense from anyone. She showed early that she has a big heart under that massive wall she has around it. I did get a little annoyed with Carlie’s rudeness sometimes but when I sat back and looked at the bigger picture, I realise it was a defence mechanism, so she didn’t get hurt again.

I loved the banter between Lawson and Carlie. It’s one of my favourite things about the Enemies to Lovers trope. And there was plenty to be had. It was sassy and funny!

Millie is a funny, sweet lady and I love that she gave Carlie a nudge. I think in a way she was the mirror for Carlie. She’s the perfect “grandmother”.

It was great to see the Rawlins family make appearances in this book. Carlie fits in perfectly to the Rawlin family and they accepted her with open arms of course.

Overall, Sassy Love is a sweet, enemies to lovers, slow burn romance that is full of sass, warmth, funny banter and a lot of heart and of course a HEA.

Please don’t forget to go and check out the Rosewood Ranch and Fire Island series by Alexandra. Her books are amazing.

[Katarina Vaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Lawson! I have loved every book I have read by Alexandra Banks, and Sassy Love did NOT disappoint! I absolutely fell in love with the Rosewood Ranch series and the Rawlins family, and was sooo excited when I found out Lawson would be getting a book as well!

I love Lawson’s heart and that even though he moved away to the city, he is still close as ever to his family. I absolutely love the brother/sister relationship he has with Addy, Ruby, and Grace, and seeing the brotherly love between Lawson, Hudson, Mackinley, and Reed made me happy.

Carlie, Carlie, Carlie! That girl is a firecracker and I absolutely love her sassy, no f’s given personality. Yes, that girl has been through a lot, but she still has a kind heart who wants to make a difference in so many lives, and that makes me love her even more!

I found myself giggling reading Lawson and Carlie’s banters, especially at the lodging. I bet Manual looked forward to every encounter with them 🤭

I loved how Carlie fit in seamlessly with the Rawlins family, with Ruby, Addy, and Grace welcoming her in with sisterly vibes, to the Rawlins men welcoming her in with hugs and tasseling her hair like brothers would do to their sisters. And we can’t forget Louisa telling Harry that they found their last daughter 🥹

I just love the Rawlins family so much! 🫶🏻

[Noom Sutaputra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sassy Love by Alexandra Banks
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
________________
📖 Review: I miss the Rawlins family so much and this book finally give us Lawson. He is worth the wait for!

What can you expect going into this book?
💖 Banter between Carlie and Lawson
💖 Found family
💖 The Philanthropy in this one. I have never read a book about nonprofit before and I love it
💖 The spice hits hard in this book
💖 Cameos
💖 The city vibes
💖 I laugh and giggle at times

Overall, I had a great time reading this book

[Kendra’s Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

LAWSON RAWLINS!!!!

I have been waiting for this man since Tough Love, and I’m so happy his story is finally here. This was a fun office romance with so much angst. I loved seeing Carlie slowly open up to Lawson but man did she take her time.

I loved watching Lawson and Carlie slowly (then very quickly) admit their feelings for one another and oh my GOD was I happy to see all the other Rawlins’ in this book!

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was fantastic!

I’ve been waiting for Lawsons book and missed the Rawlings family.

Carlie and Millie’s relationship was so heartwarming and Millie really was a star of this book.

The themes of helping women and children with a shelter and community was such a beautiful add.

Lawson and Carlie have great banter and such a push-pull relationship that kept me turning pages quickly.

Highly recommend 4.5⭐️ 4🌶️

[Keri Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

These Rawlins men should be illegal!! I have been team Mack, but Laws took that spot. I devoured this book in 5 hours. It was SO good. Not going to lie, I was not a fan of Carlie in the beginning. About halfway through, I realized this girl just needed love. Mills was the best. Such a sweet old lady. I'm so excited to see who's next! I hope its Miles🤷‍♀️

[Rebecca Sherman · Rating 4 out of 5]

We finally get Lawson’s story!! And it is a hit!
We are back with the Rawlins family but this time in the big city!
Lawson and Carlie meet in less than happy circumstances and Carlie definitely knows how to hold a grudge.
But that Rawlins Montana charm comes out to play.
Plus we get visit from our other favourite members of the Rawlins family.

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh Lawson Rawlins is absolutely perfect!! I have waited so long to get the last book about the Rawlins brothers and Alexandra Banks did not disappoint!!!

[Michellelovesreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun book for me to read. I loved this book so much. I 10/10 recommend this book.

Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Aleen Simms · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 22%

Alexandra Banks's books are an instant preorder for me, no questions asked, and I've been looking forward to reading Lawson's story.

However, the FMC in this book is so deeply unlikeable that I don't care about how this particular story goes.

"'And who could forget the whiteboard covered in your formidable scrawl? My vibrator legit ran out of batteries last night when I replayed those words over and over in my mind'" is a thing she says to a coworker (the MMC) she dislikes, and that's not even the first instance of inappropriate sexual language in the workplace. She's a harassment lawsuit waiting to happen, but nobody calls her on it.

I think the readers are supposed to feel sympathy for her. She's helping a formerly unhoused woman! She was recently fired from her job! She's just a sassy (but ultimately caring) lady making her way in the world!

Also, the author is Australian and the characters often use language atypical for people born and raised in the US. I'd love for her to have some American beta readers willing to help her out with this. This doesn't impact my final review of any of Banks's books, but it does niggle when I come across it.

I will, of course, preorder the next book in the series and hope that it resonates more.

[Yondette · Rating 5 out of 5]

The banter, the fire, the spice. Everything I loved from Alexandra Banks’ Rosewood Ranch series was back with force in Sassy Love.
Not only did I love the characters, Millie especially, but the underlying theme of supporting and saving women and kids in need absolutely made this book for me.

[Carli.Reads.A.Latte · Rating 4 out of 5]

​A Firestorm of Fun: When the Line Between Love and Hate Disappears
​Alexandra Banks’s first installment in the Love in the City Series, Sassy Love, is a deliciously spicy and deeply heartfelt contemporary romance that proves the author is a master of the perfect enemies-to-lovers trope. This book is a fast-paced, high-stakes ride, pitting a sharp, unstoppable heroine against a charming hero with a secret heart of gold.
​The novel centers on Carlie, a woman described as “pure fire” and #girlbossgoals, who serves as the PR executive at the helm of Serenity House. Carlie is fiercely independent and professional, making her a protagonist easy to admire and root for. Her success isn't just for herself; she's fighting fiercely to protect the "nice life she's built for her adopt-a-grandma, Millie," a devotion born from finding Millie while she was homeless. Into her meticulously managed world steps Lawson (Laws), the love interest whose charm is only rivaled by his ability to challenge Carlie at every turn.

​Plot and Pacing
​The central conflict, as promised by the book’s tagline, is the near-invisible line between love and hate. The narrative thrives on the electric tension between Carlie and Lawson, providing an abundance of sharp, witty banter that keeps the pages turning. Their professional clashes quickly give way to undeniable, explosive chemistry.
​Banks expertly navigates the transition from animosity to affection, injecting a satisfying amount of angst and tension to raise the stakes before finally delivering the promised Happily Ever After (HEA). The book doesn’t shy away from the heat, living up to its billing as a spicy and passionate read, while grounding the relationship in emotional depth.

​Character Chemistry
​The true strength of Sassy Love lies in the dynamics between the lead couple.
​Carlie: She’s not just a heroine; she’s a force. Carlie's confidence and ambition act as a professional and emotional shield, as she is convinced she "doesn't believe in love" and is determined to avoid getting hurt. Her dedication to her career and her profound loyalty to Millie are the only deep commitments she allows herself, making her fierce resistance to Lawson the central emotional conflict.
​Lawson: While initially presenting a cocky, challenging exterior, Lawson is revealed to possess the "biggest... heart." The joy in reading this book is watching Lawson persistently and gently break down Carlie's formidable walls, revealing the soft, vulnerable woman beneath the PR executive façade. Their push-and-pull dynamic ensures the reader is invested from the very first spark of conflict.

​Final Verdict
​If you are looking for a romance that combines an engaging, independent heroine with real, high-stakes motivations (like protecting her life with Millie) and a deep-seated fear of love, a swoon-worthy hero, and a plot fueled by white-hot chemistry and compelling dialogue, look no further. Sassy Love is a quintessential contemporary romance—it is fun, spicy, and ultimately a heartwarming testament to the idea that the greatest love stories often start with the biggest fights.

​Recommendation: Highly recommended for fans of the enemies-to-lovers trope, workplace romance, and emotionally resonant stories that still manage to bring the heat.

While Sassy Love delivers a delicious, spicy enemies-to-lovers romance, the setting adds a layer of profound social relevance that goes beyond the main plot.
​Carlie, the fierce PR executive, is at the helm of Serenity House, which serves as a women's shelter headquarters. Though the story focuses on Carlie's battle against Lawson and her own fear of vulnerability, the stakes are deeply rooted in her commitment to women like her "adopt-a-grandma," Millie, whom Carlie selflessly rescued from homelessness.
​This backdrop perfectly aligns with the mission of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children . This global campaign, running annually from November 25th to December 10th, calls for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.
​By setting the action at Serenity House, Alexandra Banks doesn't just entertain—she implicitly shines a light on organizations dedicated to providing safety and opportunities for vulnerable women. The book reminds us that finding personal happiness often happens in the very places dedicated to helping others find their safety and independence.
​Every page turned in this spicy romance contributes to a positive message, proving that even a great escape can carry great meaning.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This rivals to lovers, workplace romance was just what I needed to break up all the fantasy books I've been reading lately.

After losing her job, Carlie is hoping for a fresh start at her new job at the women's shelter called Serenity. It seems her past is following her as she discovers she's sharing an office with the man that was involved in her dismissal... 👀

Lawson may be Carlie's enemy, but it's all down to miscommunication. He is actually the biggest sweetheart you will ever meet. Lawson wants a job that will make him happy and give him purpose. He wants to help those that need it and fight for the little guy. The banter between them at the beginning is so funny. Lawson gives as hard as he gets, and Carlie is a fireball, but he is always respectful and never takes it too far. He is a gentlemen after all.

Carlie has major trust issue, which is understandable since her dad was a giant a-hole 😒 Carlie doesn't believe in love and never lets anyone get too close, except for Millie. Millie is the sweetest woman ever and their relationship just melts your heart. As Carlie spends more time with Lawson, her walls start to crack and she struggles with these emotions that she's spent her whole life hidden away.

Their dynamic was amazing from start to finish and I loved watching their relationship change over time as Lawson slowly broke down Carlie's walls. He earned that place in her heart and the way he supports her and makes her feel loved it just so sweet! The work they do for the women's shelter is also incredible. When working together, they are a force to be reckoned with. Women's Shelters are vital for providing a safe space for women and I love how Alexandra had highlighted it's importance in this book. The found family trope was done incredibly well. Not only did we have the wonderful Millie who basically became a mother figure to Carlie, but the way the Rawlins family accepted Carlie with open arms and a big heart was lovely.

I will admit, I felt a little lost when it came to the Rawlins family. I had never read the Rosewood Ranch series, so I was definitely missing out on the history and the easter eggs. That being said, It didn't impact my experience. I would however recommend reading that first to better understand the relationships and the family dynamic. After meeting Lawson, I will 100% be reading the Rosewood Ranch series!

Thank you so much to Alexandra Banks for the e-arc. All opinions are my own

[Kate Laycoax · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, I have been waiting for Lawson’s story since the Rosewood Ranch series and let me tell you... IT. DID. NOT. DISAPPOINT. 🥹🤠

I was so curious how Alexandra Banks was going to take this cowboy and turn him into an HR recruiter, but it totally fit him. Lawson’s heart has always been in the right place, and I loved how dedicated he was to helping those less fortunate. The same goes for Carlie! She’s fierce, hardworking, and equally passionate about making a difference. The only problem? They cannot stand each other at first. 😂

Cue the “couples retreat” (that’s… not actually for couples; well, at least not for them) their boss sends them on to work out their professional differences. I was so excited for this setup. I mean, forced proximity at a retreat was perfect. I will say, I wish that part had been explored a little more because there was so much potential there, but it still did a great job kicking off the shift in their relationship from enemies to something more.

Once they got back home, that’s where the real magic started. Their banter was snarky, funny, and filled with so much tension. And Lawson was such a softie underneath all that HR professional exterior. The way he took care of Carlie when she was sick had me MELTING. 😭

I also adored the cameos from the Rosewood Ranch crew: Hudson, Addy, Mack, Gracie, Ruby, Reed, Harry, Louisa… it felt like catching up with old friends. The way they embraced Carlie and pulled her into their family made my heart so happy. ❤️

Oh, and Millie! I cannot forget her. What a gem of a character. She was the sweetest addition! Carlie’s relationship with her added so much warmth and heart to the story. Every scene with Millie was pure gold. I love that sweet old woman so much.

Sassy Love was everything I hoped Lawson’s story would be. It was sweet, funny, a little spicy, and full of heart. Alexandra Banks continues to deliver small town charm with just the right dose of sass and steam. I’m officially obsessed (again).

Thank you to Alexandra Banks for the eARC of this book.

[Britnee Weir · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was provided an ARC from the author herself and jumped at the chance to ARC read for her again.

This was such a good read! I didn’t realize at first it was connected to her other series, the Rosewood Ranch series, until we started hearing about Gracie and Ruby. For some reason it took me that long to put it together? I absolutely loved the first book in that series so once I realized I got to read about those characters again, it made the book so much sweeter.

The book starts with Carlie pretty much being fired for no reason. Her boss is an absolute shithead and is 100% listed on a predator list somewhere. While being let go, Carlie notices people in the room, one specifically being from HR. Cue Lawson. Fast forward to Carlie and Laws applying for the same company and being forced to work together. Carlie hates his guts, naturally, but has no clue Laws sent her an email that could have destroyed her boss because she was removed from the work server. (I did notice this wasn’t brought up again and I kind of wish it was!) He always tries to be cordial but this girl is a spitfire and the things she says to this man had me laughing out loud. Laws starts to develop feelings for Carlie and slowly breaks down her walls.

This was a super cute read! Alexandra touches on a few important topics, like Carlie’s panic attacks and fear of loving someone. There were a few loose ends for me, one I mentioned above, and I think that’s why I’m giving this 4 stars instead of 5. I found a few times I had to go back and re-read portions because I didn’t understand how it jumped that quick. Specifically when Carlie is sick and Laws takes care of her and the whole bit about going away to a retreat? I also wish we had a bit more of Gracie and the brothers but you can get everything you wish for!

I will continue to ARC read for Alexandra (if she’ll have me) and recommend her to anyone who asks🥰

4/5 ⭐️
🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️

Tropes:
* enemies to lovers
* found family
* golden retriever x black cat
* forced proximity

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️

There is no subgenre of romance that Alexandra Banks can’t write. I have enjoyed all of her stories and have loved seeing her grow as an author. She writes because she loves to cultivate stories that bring people together. Her stories deliver complex characters that you can’t help but love, dynamic relationships that are full of tension and heat, and storylines that pull you in and keep you hooked. Her newest series, Love in the City, starts off strong with Sassy Love.

Following Lawson Rawlins, connecting this series to Rosewood Ranch was a great start. Lawson brings the family values we came to love from the Rawlins to his HR job in New York and fights for the underdog. He is a country boy through and through, while living in the big city. He was a joy to read about. He is kind, smart, and truly believes what he preaches. When he is reunited with a former colleague, the sparks begin to fly.

Carlie is a PR agent who has had to prove herself time and time again in her line of work. She can come across as rude, but you soon realize this is how she protects herself from being hurt again. When she is forced to work with Lawson again on a project, she is livid as she does not trust Lawson. But the chemistry is immediate and the banter is full blown fire. As these two work together, their close proximity causes for some delicious tension.

Alexandra is able to write human relationships so well that it is easy to forget you are reading. I loved seeing the Rawlins again. Watching walls that had been built high, begin to crumble as Lawson and Carlie became close, was an absolute joy. Hurt from long ago is healed and a new belief in love is forged. I couldn’t get enough of Lawson and Carlie and hope to see them in future books in this series. Wonderful book, Alexandra!

As always, review any author notes before reading.

What to Expect:
🩷Hate to Love
🫂Found Family
🩷Big City x Small Town
🫂Therapy
🩷Charity
🫂Familiar Characters

[Hayley Peckham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lawson and Carlie thought quitting their jobs meant leaving the past behind. Cute, right? Except fate has a wicked sense of humour and now these two are back in each other’s orbit and forced to share an office at a women’s shelter.

Carlie? She hasn’t forgotten a damn thing. Especially not how Lawson, Mr. HR, totally failed her when she needed support the most. Now they’re stuck in tight quarters with unresolved tension thick enough to cut with a knife…and baby, it’s simmering hotter than a Texas heatwave.

Their new boss? Zero tolerance for drama. So she does what any fed up manager would do…ships them off on a mandatory work retreat to either squash the grudge or combust in a full on enemies to lovers blaze. Love or hate? Semantics, really. 🤭

And if you’ve read the Rosewood Ranch series, you already know the Rawlins men are dangerously irresistible. Lawson is no different. He’s sweet, thoughtful, maddeningly charming… and don’t get me started on the way he eats like he’s been fasting for days. I’d volunteer as dessert, no questions asked. He’s that brand of sexy that makes you want to save a horse and... you know the rest. 😏🤠

I lived for all the cameos from the Rosewood Ranch crew. Talk about a treat for longtime fans! But now we’re diving into a whole new cast of lovable, and downright irresistible characters, and I am so here for it. Millie? An absolute sweetheart!! I wanted to scoop her up and protect her forever. And don’t even get me started on Miles… counting the days until his story sets my Kindle on fire. 🔥

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Thank you @author_alexandrabanks for the advanced copy to read 🫶

[Stacy1312 · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sassy Love is just that... Sassy, with a side of sexy spice, and fun 🩷 Lawson and Carlie are goals, even with the drama and angst build-up!

Carlie is always on defence, fighting her way through a 'man's world' in the workplace. When she's ousted from her corporate job due to someone else's error, she lands a new job working in a women's shelter, finding ways to keep it afloat. Upon starting she discovers the HR guy from the old job is now working with her at the shelter... cue hilarious banter, wonky desks, and enough tension to break the desks 😂

I loved these characters! Carlie is pure spice and all things nice. Lawson is the reliable Cowboy with the biggest heart. The retreat part of the story had my crying and laughing at the same time. I loved the side characters Millie, and Lawsons family so much, that I went back and started reading the Rosewood Ranch Series 🤠

🌶🌶🌶
Spice is 3 out 5 but it is definitely spicy when it finally happens on the pages 😉 The Cowboy is bossy in all the best ways... and soft in all the right ones!

❤️"I feel like im unraveling."
💙"With me, you're supposed to."


What really got me with this book is the fact all royalties go to womens shelter charities around the world. The work these charities do is endless and it honestly deserves to be highlighted more! This book is worth more than gold in my honest opinion 🏆

#fyp #sassylove #alexandrabanks #homelessness #girlbossgoals #womenshelters #domesticviolence #cowboy #corporatelife #bookstagram #charitysupport #bookloversofinstagram #momswhoread #recomended #worthitsweightingold #buyabook #helpwomenrise

[Brittni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carlie FMC
Vinny VMC
Lawson MMC

Not even a chapter in and I absolutely fell in love with the authors writing. “The brown eyes staring back at me may be mine, but I can’t bear the penetrating stare of my own stupidity” was chefs kiss. I read that line and stopped dead in my tracks, the author was able to capture feelings and senses that I’ve felt but never put words to. The author is blunt and realistic in portraying the FMCs thoughts. I found myself putting myself in Carlie’s place, having similar fatherly experiences a lot of the doubts and fears expressed hit HARD. I found myself crying several times.

Lawson was the beautifully written male character we all wish existed, the way he handled everything and never let anyone believe they were too much and never left.

There was a lot packed into the novel. It was at times hard to keep track of time and there were abrupt changes in setting, going from barely through a week long experience to after the experience in less than a chapter. I do also wish more of Carlie’s growth was at her own discretion versus based on Lawson but there is a lot to be said about being loved correctly changing someone.

Overall, I loved this book. I adore the authors writing style and the love she poured into her characters. Everyone was realistic and raw, even Vinny although his character growth was stunted by Lawson taking over. I can’t even let myself take 0.25 of a star, Sassy Love is a 5/5 and I cannot wait to delve into more of Alexandra’s writings.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Carly Hatton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sassy Love, Book 1 - Love in the City Series ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
After reading The Rosewood Ranch Series, where we got glimpses of Lawson, I just knew his character would be full of heart and I wasn’t disappointed. He also has quite the mouth on him 🤤
We’re far from the ranch now, and this book delivers the perfect enemies-to-lovers workplace dynamic, with so much love simmering beneath the surface. Both main characters appear strong-willed and confident on the outside, but underneath that hard exterior are two people full of vulnerabilities.
I related to Carlie on so many levels. She’s feisty, full of sass and determination, yet she’s tucked her trauma away so tightly that it’s built walls around her heart. It took a Rawlins to chip away at those layers. It takes a lot for her to finally be soft—and that softness only comes with trust. I believed their love story completely. 💗
Alexandra Banks has woven a story that reminds us never to be afraid of taking a risk on our hearts. Once you find your captain in life, you can build the life you choose. I could read about these characters all day, it’s one of those books you don’t want to end.
Mills iykyk because I think we all find a Millie at some point in our lives.
What makes this book even more inspiring is that all proceeds from e-book sales go to charity. Women helping women.
I was lucky enough to read this as an ARC, and I’ve already ordered the physical copy for my shelf. I can’t wait to continue this series!

[Amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this new story by Alexandra Banks! We finally get Lawson Rawlins story, and even though this is the first book in a new series, it felt like a lovely conclusion to the Rosewood Ranch series to me. I'm still working my way through that series but so far it has been a 5 star series!
At the beginning, there is a lot of verbal hate thrown around, so if true enemies/rivals to lovers isn't your thing, you might not enjoy it. But it's so worth it when they get past that phase!
Lawson is just the sweetest and so very patient. A lot of times, you see strong FMC's get submissive in the bedroom, so it was an different twist to see Carlie just as strong and sassy in the bedroom as she was outside! The spice was worth the slooow burn!
I will say, the writing in this book feels much different to Alexandra Banks' other stories, and the strong language felt a bit out of place in the city office as compared to the country ranch, so I think that Alexandra is still trying to find her footing in a new genre. You definitely get some British English coming through. I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next book in the series (Miles' story)!
Ty to Alex for the ARC, I love being on her street/ARC team!

“I made you a promise, Princess. And fuck, I intend on keeping it.”

"She’s a ten but she’s got attitude."

[Jessie Coughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sassy Love was absolute perfection
I could not put it down! I’ve been waiting for Lawson’s story since the Rosewood Ranch series, and Alexandra Banks delivered pure magic. Lawson’s journey from small-town cowboy to big-city HR recruiter was written so beautifully it completely fit his big heart and quiet strength. And Carlie? Fierce, passionate, and delightfully sassy, she’s the perfect match for him. Their enemies-to-lovers dynamic had me grinning, swooning, and fanning myself all at once. The forced proximity, the banter, the tension every moment between them was electric, especially watching Lawson fall first (and hard). 😍
Alexandra Banks’ writing continues to amaze me her words feel alive, full of warmth, humour, and heart. The way she wove in deeper themes through the women’s shelter setting added so much emotional depth, handled with care and compassion. I adored the cameos from the Rosewood Ranch crew it felt like reuniting with old friends and Millie completely stole my heart. The perfect mix of sass, sweetness, slow-burn romance, and small-town charm (even in the big city), Sassy Love is everything I hoped for and more. Alexandra Banks just knows how to write stories that feel like home heartfelt, hopeful, and utterly enchanting. 💕

[Kirsty · Rating 4 out of 5]

was such a delightful surprise! I went in expecting a typical office enemies-to-lovers story, but oh my gosh—it was so much more layered and fun than that. Lawson and Carlie are pure chaos and chemistry. Their banter? Absolutely top tier. I swear I was grinning through half the book and clutching my chest through the other half.

Carlie is the kind of FMC who’s a total mess in the best way—sharp, loyal, determined, and just trying to hold her life (and her grandma Millie’s!) together. Lawson? Ugh, the golden boy with a conscience and a heart of gold who somehow manages to be both infuriating and irresistible. Their back-and-forth is chef’s kiss—equal parts tension, sass, and slow-burn sweetness.

And can we talk about the setting? The women’s shelter office dynamic was so well done. It gave real emotional weight to their rivalry-turned-romance. It wasn’t just flirty banter—it was growth, forgiveness, and two people trying to figure out who they really are when life doesn’t go to plan.

It lost a star only because there were a few spots where the pacing dragged a little (and maybe one too many internal monologues), but honestly? I adored it. If you love a spicy slow burn, grumpy x sassy energy, and a hero who actually listens—this one’s for you.

[Anna Christodoulou-Vega · Rating 5 out of 5]

💋✨ ARC Review: Sassy Love by Alexandra Banks ✨💋

Lawson Rawlins was supposed to be the good guy the golden boy who traded ranch life in Montana for a shiny HR career in New York. But one corporate shakeup later, the man who used to fight for the underdog is wondering if he’s become just another suit in the system. 🤠💼

Carlie Lamont? She’s one PR disaster away from losing everything including the cozy life she’s built for her beloved adopt-a-grandma, Millie. When her headline-grabbing client implodes in front of half the city, Carlie’s career is in free fall. And the last thing she needs is some smug HR guy lecturing her about professionalism. 😤🔥

But fate and a women’s shelter partnership throws these two opposites together. One office. One mission. Endless banter. The tension? Off the charts. The chemistry? Electric. The sass? Weaponized. ⚡💬

From boardrooms to backroads, Alexandra Banks delivers a whip-smart, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers that’s equal parts heart, heat, and humor. You’ll swoon, you’ll laugh, and you’ll be begging for more Rawlins brothers by the final page.

🌟 Tropes: Enemies to lovers · Forced proximity · Found family · Small-town meets big city · Strong heroine energy

[Read by Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexandra Banks has done it again with Sassy Love! I’ve loved every single book she’s written and this one didn't disappoint. After falling head over heels for the Rosewood Ranch series and the Rawlins family, I was so excited to finally get Lawson’s story - and it was everything I hoped for and more. Lawson is just the sweetest mix of kind, patient and protective, and even though he left Montana for the city, he still has that small-town charm (and seriously, when he says “darlin',” I melt a little). I loved seeing how close he still is with his family - the sibling bond with Addy, Ruby, and Grace was beautiful, and the brotherly moments with Hudson, Mackinley, and Reed made my heart happy.

And Carlie! That girl is an absolute firecracker. She’s strong, sassy, independent and has such a big heart under all those walls she’s built. Her banter with Lawson had me giggling so many times and the way their relationship slowly shifted from enemies to something real and heartfelt was just perfect. I loved seeing her fit in so easily with the Rawlins family - it honestly felt like she belonged there from the start. Sassy Love is full of warmth, sass, heart and humor, and it’s another fantastic reminder of why I adore Alexandra Banks’ books so much.