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Sass
Sometimes you gotta give it a little Sass...
I, Cassandra Straight, have loved Reed Shamrock to distraction since I was a teenager. I even watched him fall in love with someone else and almost get married.
A year ago, when he walked into his house and found his fiancée’s face in his best friend’s crotch, his life changed forever and it hasn’t been the same since.
On his first night out since the horrible incident, we run into the ex-skank. Seeing the devastation in his eyes, I made a promise that I would help him get over her. I told him that a pretend relationship between us would work. It would help him move on.
I didn’t count on my heart or his getting in the way. And I sure as hell didn’t count on not being able to tell when pretend turned to reality. When it all implodes, the only thing left is the truth. Sometimes though, the truth? It hides and we have to dig deep to find it.
To make it come to the surface, we have to give it a little talking to.
We have to give it a little Sass.
I, Cassandra Straight, have loved Reed Shamrock to distraction since I was a teenager. I even watched him fall in love with someone else and almost get married.
A year ago, when he walked into his house and found his fiancée’s face in his best friend’s crotch, his life changed forever and it hasn’t been the same since.
On his first night out since the horrible incident, we run into the ex-skank. Seeing the devastation in his eyes, I made a promise that I would help him get over her. I told him that a pretend relationship between us would work. It would help him move on.
I didn’t count on my heart or his getting in the way. And I sure as hell didn’t count on not being able to tell when pretend turned to reality. When it all implodes, the only thing left is the truth. Sometimes though, the truth? It hides and we have to dig deep to find it.
To make it come to the surface, we have to give it a little talking to.
We have to give it a little Sass.
182 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 24, 2016
About the author
Laramie Briscoe
161 books2,173 followersLaramie Briscoe is the USA Today & Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author of over 30 books.
When she's not writing alpha males who seriously love their women, she loves spending time with friends, reading, and marathoning shows on Netflix.
Laramie lives in Bowling Green, KY with her husband and an adorable dog named Gus.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
February 10, 2016
༺**Complimentary Copy**༺ Provided by the author
"Laramie Briscoe" in exchange for an honest review..Thank you!!
TITLE: Sass
AUTHOR: Laramie Briscoe
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
RELEASE DATE: March 24th 2016
MY RATING
A friends to lovers super fast sexy read
REED Firstly were introduced to Reed, due to being rained out at works he's finished up for the day earlier than usual, upon arriving home he notices his best friends Taylor's truck parked on their property, entering the house he's shocked at seeing his fiancée on her knees in a compromising position with Taylor..
In that moment the life I thought I had is over, and I know it will never be the same again.
"How can two people who professed to love me so much, do this to me?" Especially Taylor, who I've known since we were kids."
One year later
I've been laying low, licking my wounds, and doing my best to get on with life.
Sitting at a bar exactly one year later, Reed hasn't dated but Taylor and Lacey are still together.
Sass comes up with the idea of making Reed's ex jealous who is sitting a few tables away by pretending they are a couple.
SASS Cassandra has been in love with Reed since her teenage years, he's forbidden fruit in the sense that she's her brothers best friend..Sass has always had a thing for him despite their six year age difference.
"Do you want to act like we're together?" Sass asks.
"Ya know, make 'em jealous? Lacey won't be able to shut her mouth if she thinks you've moed on to your best friend's little sister.
And so it begins, a fake relationship
Reed's known since Sass was fourteen that she's harbored some kind of crush on him, but still he's willing to go along with this lie.
"Go with it."
Her lips smash into mine, her fingers tangle in my hair and tug, and regardless of how this started, my body reacts. I'm shaky and not sure what just happened between the two of us, but right now, all I know is it hurt the woman who would have been my wife.
Lines become blurred between acting and not acting, feelings become confused..
I’ve always been the little girl chasing him, but now I’m the woman who’s had him.
MY THOUGHTS
These books are my weakness, the best friends to lovers scenario gets me every-time.
I really enjoyed this one by Laramie Briscoe, she'd been crushing on her brothers best friend since the age of 14, to now playing a part of a girlfriend to get his ex jealous, kind of back fired on the both of them though with the feelings they developed.
What I kind of missed in this book was the chase, the build up was missing for me, they jumped so fast from acting, to sex, to whatever they were, to more, I wanted those feels to hit me right in the heart, but I still devoured each page and can't wait to see what this author brings us next..
*Teasers used in my review are off the authors Facebook page*
"Laramie Briscoe" in exchange for an honest review..Thank you!!
TITLE: Sass
AUTHOR: Laramie Briscoe
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
RELEASE DATE: March 24th 2016
MY RATING
A friends to lovers super fast sexy read
REED Firstly were introduced to Reed, due to being rained out at works he's finished up for the day earlier than usual, upon arriving home he notices his best friends Taylor's truck parked on their property, entering the house he's shocked at seeing his fiancée on her knees in a compromising position with Taylor..
In that moment the life I thought I had is over, and I know it will never be the same again.
"How can two people who professed to love me so much, do this to me?" Especially Taylor, who I've known since we were kids." One year later
I've been laying low, licking my wounds, and doing my best to get on with life.
Sitting at a bar exactly one year later, Reed hasn't dated but Taylor and Lacey are still together.
Sass comes up with the idea of making Reed's ex jealous who is sitting a few tables away by pretending they are a couple.
SASS Cassandra has been in love with Reed since her teenage years, he's forbidden fruit in the sense that she's her brothers best friend..Sass has always had a thing for him despite their six year age difference.
"Do you want to act like we're together?" Sass asks."Ya know, make 'em jealous? Lacey won't be able to shut her mouth if she thinks you've moed on to your best friend's little sister.
And so it begins, a fake relationship
Reed's known since Sass was fourteen that she's harbored some kind of crush on him, but still he's willing to go along with this lie.
"Go with it."
Her lips smash into mine, her fingers tangle in my hair and tug, and regardless of how this started, my body reacts. I'm shaky and not sure what just happened between the two of us, but right now, all I know is it hurt the woman who would have been my wife.
Lines become blurred between acting and not acting, feelings become confused..
I’ve always been the little girl chasing him, but now I’m the woman who’s had him.
MY THOUGHTS
These books are my weakness, the best friends to lovers scenario gets me every-time.
I really enjoyed this one by Laramie Briscoe, she'd been crushing on her brothers best friend since the age of 14, to now playing a part of a girlfriend to get his ex jealous, kind of back fired on the both of them though with the feelings they developed.
What I kind of missed in this book was the chase, the build up was missing for me, they jumped so fast from acting, to sex, to whatever they were, to more, I wanted those feels to hit me right in the heart, but I still devoured each page and can't wait to see what this author brings us next..
*Teasers used in my review are off the authors Facebook page*
March 3, 2016
Loved it! Little sister crushin' on big brothers best friend for years? Oh yes.
It's no surprise to say I hated what was done to Reed from the get go, but heck why not start out with a bang no matter what hole it's in?
Broken hearted Reed becomes a recluse, only going to work and home for an entire year. One night out is all it takes to get this story rolling. And I loved it. Reed+Sass, hmmm?
If anyone has ever had a crush on their brothers best friend... this story could be their reality or a fantastic wet dream ;D
I loved the aspect of helping out a long time crush with a fake relationship but what kind of an idiot would take that chance? Meeee!
No matter the consequences.
Of course we have the hot action going on that becomes confusing at one point, neither knows who's playing and who isn't. Hell I didn't care... once sex was involved I was like... hell yes! GIVE. IT. TO. ME!
**Thank you Laramie for kindly providing me with this ARC**
wont-read
March 27, 2016Just reading the blurb it makes me feel like the h is second best. Why would the h help the H try to makes his ex fiancé jealous?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2016
Review by Lisa Kane
Reed Shamrock is dog tired and just glad to be getting home to his fiancee Lacey. When he pulls up to the house he's not too surprised to see his best friend Taylor's truck. He and Justin have been as close as can be and the two stop by and borrow his equipment all the time. But something feels different about this. He walks into the house and hears noises coming from his rarely used guest bedroom. When he opens the door, he's just about knocked on his ass by the sight of Lacey going down on Taylor. He throws them out of his house in utter disgust.
Our trio just turned into a duo. I'll never be able to forgive Taylor or Lacey for what I'm seeing right now.
He is so upset he drives over to Justin's place but he's not home. His younger sister, Cassandra "Sass" Straight is there and sees how upset he is. She gets the story out of him and she can't believe it.
How can two people who professed to love me so much, do this to me?
She has always had a thing for him despite their six year age difference. But she would never have wanted this to happen. She's been more than aware that he is crazy about Lacey.
As much as I've always wanted to be the one to elicit this reaction, it's always been her. She's always been his kryptonite-ever since they got together, he's always done what she asked of him.
Fast forward a year and Reed has buried himself in his construction business. He hasn't dated but Taylor and Lacey are still together. He's out with Sass and Justin one night and he sees that Lacey is less than thrilled to see him with Sass. He hams it up a bit with her and sees the fire in Lacey's eyes. He and Sass come up with the idea to act as a couple and twist the knife a little deeper. But when does the act stop and the real feelings begin?
"Do you want me to act like we're together?" Sass asks, her mouth tilting up in a grin as she takes a pull off her bottle of beer. "Ya know, make 'em jealous? Lacey won't be able to shut her mouth if she thinks you've moved on to your best friend's little sister."
The more time they spend together, the more the attraction between them is obvious. Once that friend zone comes tumbling down things change and they change quickly. But is this all for show or is Sass going to get her heart broken?
I'm not stupid: Sass has had a crush on me for years, but she's never acted on it, and neither have I.
Both the main characters are likeable and believable. Reed is a little dense about Sass' true feelings for him, but he is not stupid when it comes to how he feels. Lacey and Taylor are both evil to the bone and I have to admit I wanted them to suffer a lot more. They aren't content to just have shattered Reed, but they are so spiteful and jealous. Sass is full of insecurities, and her brother Justin doesn't help.
"Do you really think Reed is gonna give anyone else a ring after what happened with Lacey? Do you think you're special, Sass? Do you think you're the one?"
Jeez Justin, tell us how you really feel!
But he has her best interest at heart and he's a good guy. But maybe he doesn't know Reed as well as he thinks he does, maybe Reed is just starting to learn that what he's been looking for, is right under his nose.
The secondary characters were really interesting. I wouldn't mind reading Justin and his girlfriend Morgan's story.
"Get used to us, Sass, because we're going to be together for the long haul."
Reed Shamrock is dog tired and just glad to be getting home to his fiancee Lacey. When he pulls up to the house he's not too surprised to see his best friend Taylor's truck. He and Justin have been as close as can be and the two stop by and borrow his equipment all the time. But something feels different about this. He walks into the house and hears noises coming from his rarely used guest bedroom. When he opens the door, he's just about knocked on his ass by the sight of Lacey going down on Taylor. He throws them out of his house in utter disgust.
Our trio just turned into a duo. I'll never be able to forgive Taylor or Lacey for what I'm seeing right now.
He is so upset he drives over to Justin's place but he's not home. His younger sister, Cassandra "Sass" Straight is there and sees how upset he is. She gets the story out of him and she can't believe it.
How can two people who professed to love me so much, do this to me?
She has always had a thing for him despite their six year age difference. But she would never have wanted this to happen. She's been more than aware that he is crazy about Lacey.
As much as I've always wanted to be the one to elicit this reaction, it's always been her. She's always been his kryptonite-ever since they got together, he's always done what she asked of him.
Fast forward a year and Reed has buried himself in his construction business. He hasn't dated but Taylor and Lacey are still together. He's out with Sass and Justin one night and he sees that Lacey is less than thrilled to see him with Sass. He hams it up a bit with her and sees the fire in Lacey's eyes. He and Sass come up with the idea to act as a couple and twist the knife a little deeper. But when does the act stop and the real feelings begin?
"Do you want me to act like we're together?" Sass asks, her mouth tilting up in a grin as she takes a pull off her bottle of beer. "Ya know, make 'em jealous? Lacey won't be able to shut her mouth if she thinks you've moved on to your best friend's little sister."
The more time they spend together, the more the attraction between them is obvious. Once that friend zone comes tumbling down things change and they change quickly. But is this all for show or is Sass going to get her heart broken?
I'm not stupid: Sass has had a crush on me for years, but she's never acted on it, and neither have I.
Both the main characters are likeable and believable. Reed is a little dense about Sass' true feelings for him, but he is not stupid when it comes to how he feels. Lacey and Taylor are both evil to the bone and I have to admit I wanted them to suffer a lot more. They aren't content to just have shattered Reed, but they are so spiteful and jealous. Sass is full of insecurities, and her brother Justin doesn't help.
"Do you really think Reed is gonna give anyone else a ring after what happened with Lacey? Do you think you're special, Sass? Do you think you're the one?"
Jeez Justin, tell us how you really feel!
But he has her best interest at heart and he's a good guy. But maybe he doesn't know Reed as well as he thinks he does, maybe Reed is just starting to learn that what he's been looking for, is right under his nose.
The secondary characters were really interesting. I wouldn't mind reading Justin and his girlfriend Morgan's story.
"Get used to us, Sass, because we're going to be together for the long haul."
September 14, 2019
This was… not a good read for me. I had tried to read this one previously but couldn’t get into it. The short length, as well as friends to lovers storyline, did appeal to me at first. Sass just fell into the trap of extremely unlikeable characters and a jealously/rage kind of events and threats made. I know lots of readers love this (and that’s awesome!) but this didn’t work for me personally! Sass is also known as Cassandra. She has been in love with a friend of her brother for years called Reed, who nearly married but caught his wife to be cheating on him. There is some steam throughout.
March 28, 2016
Normally, I'm a sucker for brother's best friend/friends-to-lovers romance. I gobble those things up like popcorn. So when I came across this on a list for 2016 releases, I thought it would be right up the old feel-good alley.
I expected this:
I got this:
This is not to say that I wasn't interested or that I didn't like the book. This book had great potential and had the key ingredients to make it a great book. A betrayed hero, a vulnerable heroine, a supportive brother, a b*tch of an ex, a psycho woman stealer, etc... However, everything was rushed and needed to be fleshed out. Therefore I had no connection to the characters and couldn't get emotionally invested in their HFN. I couldn't even tell how much time was going by in the story. It could have taken place in days, weeks, months... I'm just not sure. I think the ideas were there, the plot and characters were there, it just needed something more.
I expected this:
I got this:
This is not to say that I wasn't interested or that I didn't like the book. This book had great potential and had the key ingredients to make it a great book. A betrayed hero, a vulnerable heroine, a supportive brother, a b*tch of an ex, a psycho woman stealer, etc... However, everything was rushed and needed to be fleshed out. Therefore I had no connection to the characters and couldn't get emotionally invested in their HFN. I couldn't even tell how much time was going by in the story. It could have taken place in days, weeks, months... I'm just not sure. I think the ideas were there, the plot and characters were there, it just needed something more.
February 13, 2016
Reed Shamrock thinks he has it all—the girl he loves, long time trusting friends, a growing business, and a new home. Some of those things are not true.
When Reed’s world comes crashing down, it’s Cassandra “Sass” Straight that’s there for him. In more ways than one. The younger sister of one of his best friend, Sass has always harbored hidden feelings for Reed and until now they’ve gone unrequited.
“‘I do know your feelings—the real ones, not the bullshit line you’re feeding me. The way your pussy gripped my cock when I was all up inside you?...You can’t fake that, baby doll.’”
In the beginning I really liked both characters and saw potential for their romance. With a year having passed from his break-up, things between Reed and Sass heated up quick (and hot) but they seemed mature about it, and I was looking forward to seeing them solidify the relationship, Reed having learned from past misperceptions and Sass embracing the chance she was given.
But I have to admit as the story progressed my impression of how good for each other they were began to change. Sass was spunky, but then she became insecure and seemed to get dragged down by Reed. She was definitely good for him, but I wasn’t sure he always handled things in ways that were good for her.
This is just as much Sass and Reed’s love story as it is a journey of Reed getting over his ex (or getting away from). That’s a little too much OW drama for me. It didn’t help that the betraying parties felt a little flat and clichéd, nor did they ever sufficiently get what was coming to them, in my opinion. I definitely needed Reed to man-up a little bit more, and I needed more development from Reed and Sass as a couple towards the end, an end that felt a bit abrupt or rushed.
I’m very glad it was told by Sass and Reed’s alternating first person point of view because you really do need to know what’s going on inside both of their heads or you’d be annoyed with some of their actions.
Sass is the second book I’ve read from author Laramie Briscoe and while it was an engaging story, I prefer her previous book Sketch, also a stand alone, and recommend that one if you are looking for a little more intensity with the couple as well as no OW/OM drama. None the less, Sass is a good read too and certainly worth checking out.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review
When Reed’s world comes crashing down, it’s Cassandra “Sass” Straight that’s there for him. In more ways than one. The younger sister of one of his best friend, Sass has always harbored hidden feelings for Reed and until now they’ve gone unrequited.
“‘I do know your feelings—the real ones, not the bullshit line you’re feeding me. The way your pussy gripped my cock when I was all up inside you?...You can’t fake that, baby doll.’”
In the beginning I really liked both characters and saw potential for their romance. With a year having passed from his break-up, things between Reed and Sass heated up quick (and hot) but they seemed mature about it, and I was looking forward to seeing them solidify the relationship, Reed having learned from past misperceptions and Sass embracing the chance she was given.
But I have to admit as the story progressed my impression of how good for each other they were began to change. Sass was spunky, but then she became insecure and seemed to get dragged down by Reed. She was definitely good for him, but I wasn’t sure he always handled things in ways that were good for her.
This is just as much Sass and Reed’s love story as it is a journey of Reed getting over his ex (or getting away from). That’s a little too much OW drama for me. It didn’t help that the betraying parties felt a little flat and clichéd, nor did they ever sufficiently get what was coming to them, in my opinion. I definitely needed Reed to man-up a little bit more, and I needed more development from Reed and Sass as a couple towards the end, an end that felt a bit abrupt or rushed.
I’m very glad it was told by Sass and Reed’s alternating first person point of view because you really do need to know what’s going on inside both of their heads or you’d be annoyed with some of their actions.
Sass is the second book I’ve read from author Laramie Briscoe and while it was an engaging story, I prefer her previous book Sketch, also a stand alone, and recommend that one if you are looking for a little more intensity with the couple as well as no OW/OM drama. None the less, Sass is a good read too and certainly worth checking out.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review
March 14, 2016
Sass is not a sassy girl...not at first anyway...but she is that (almost) annoying younger sister who is always around, always underfoot and of course, has a crush on her big brother's best friend.
When Sass and Reed strike up a "deal" of sorts, to make his cheating ex-fiancée jealous and perhaps prove he has moved on, by faking a relationship with each other...things take an unexpected turn for both of them. Threats are made, games are played but the biggest gamble of all is whether Sass and Reed can emerge from this unscathed...without broken hearts or ruined friendships.
I loved this book as much as Laramie Briscoe's other sweet romances...it has just enough naughty to keep me engrossed, just enough nasty to make me want to slap a few characters but plenty of heart and emotional "feels" to make me smile and root for them to make it to the end.
Grab it when it goes live for a sweet and definitely "sassy" story of second chances and living out your childhood fantasies.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
***** 5 ***** "she was standing right in front of him forever" stars
When Sass and Reed strike up a "deal" of sorts, to make his cheating ex-fiancée jealous and perhaps prove he has moved on, by faking a relationship with each other...things take an unexpected turn for both of them. Threats are made, games are played but the biggest gamble of all is whether Sass and Reed can emerge from this unscathed...without broken hearts or ruined friendships.
I loved this book as much as Laramie Briscoe's other sweet romances...it has just enough naughty to keep me engrossed, just enough nasty to make me want to slap a few characters but plenty of heart and emotional "feels" to make me smile and root for them to make it to the end.
Grab it when it goes live for a sweet and definitely "sassy" story of second chances and living out your childhood fantasies.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
***** 5 ***** "she was standing right in front of him forever" stars
March 16, 2016
4-4.5 stars.
I really liked this book. It's story about Sass and Reed. Reed is her big brothers best friend and have been there for her too. Especially when their dad dies. Book start with a boom and then pick up one year later. Sass have been in love with Reed for a long time and she got a plan to help Reed to move on with his life.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked this book. It's story about Sass and Reed. Reed is her big brothers best friend and have been there for her too. Especially when their dad dies. Book start with a boom and then pick up one year later. Sass have been in love with Reed for a long time and she got a plan to help Reed to move on with his life.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 5, 2016
I was very stoked to receive an ARC of Sass from Ms Briscoe.
Already a huge fan of her awesome series, Heaven Hill, I await for new releases from Ms Briscoe with patient anticipation. :P (Sometimes, impatiently too lol)
First person writing is apparently new to Ms Briscoe, but from the flawless writing, one would never have guessed that. A smooth, easy to read book that I couldn't put down the moment I started it. What a nice way to spend a gloomy Saturday morning. (Did I mention the book is wonderfully free of grammatical errors???)
Reed Shamrock had the perfect life - a thriving construction business, an equally successful fiancé, 2 best friends he could count on. So what if he had to put in the long hours to get where he's at? It was all worth it... until he came home early one day to catch said fiancé on her knees in front of one of aforementioned best friend. And no, she wasn't helping that guy tie his shoelaces... And so, the perfect life of Reed Shamrock came crumbling down.
Cassandra Straight knew unrequited affection for Reed was what is in store for her. After all, Reed is her brother's best friend. He knew her from her awkward teenage years, braces and all. Being with Reed romantically was never in the cards for her.
That was until the two came up with the "Let's make stupid fiancé jealous" plan. And so the two embark on a pretend relationship. But could pretend play evolve into the real deal? Would big brother be on a rampage when he finds out best friend and younger sister were playing footsie? Would the ex-gf leave the new "couple" alone?
I hope you will enjoy the book as much as I have.
Again, Kudos, Ms Briscoe, can't wait for your other books!
Already a huge fan of her awesome series, Heaven Hill, I await for new releases from Ms Briscoe with patient anticipation. :P (Sometimes, impatiently too lol)
First person writing is apparently new to Ms Briscoe, but from the flawless writing, one would never have guessed that. A smooth, easy to read book that I couldn't put down the moment I started it. What a nice way to spend a gloomy Saturday morning. (Did I mention the book is wonderfully free of grammatical errors???)
Reed Shamrock had the perfect life - a thriving construction business, an equally successful fiancé, 2 best friends he could count on. So what if he had to put in the long hours to get where he's at? It was all worth it... until he came home early one day to catch said fiancé on her knees in front of one of aforementioned best friend. And no, she wasn't helping that guy tie his shoelaces... And so, the perfect life of Reed Shamrock came crumbling down.
Cassandra Straight knew unrequited affection for Reed was what is in store for her. After all, Reed is her brother's best friend. He knew her from her awkward teenage years, braces and all. Being with Reed romantically was never in the cards for her.
That was until the two came up with the "Let's make stupid fiancé jealous" plan. And so the two embark on a pretend relationship. But could pretend play evolve into the real deal? Would big brother be on a rampage when he finds out best friend and younger sister were playing footsie? Would the ex-gf leave the new "couple" alone?
I hope you will enjoy the book as much as I have.
Again, Kudos, Ms Briscoe, can't wait for your other books!
March 5, 2016
A standalone read and one that once started you cannot put down. I read it in one sitting as I was so captivated from the start.
Reed is a year on from ending his relationship with his fiancé after catching her giving a BJ to one of his best friends. Finally able to feel he can go out once more he sees them both in a bar but luckily Sass, the sister of his now only best friend, is with him and she makes a suggestion to get back at his ex. A pretend relationship. Nothing could be simpler could it? A bit of revenge to show his ex what she was missing. But then new feelings for Sass began to emerge and he saw her in a whole new light. Could they really turn this pretend relationship into the real thing?
Sass has always adored and yearned for Reed in secret, although she guessed he knew she had a crush on him, he would never know the depth of her feelings for him. So the chance opportunity to see what a relationship with Reed would be like is too good to pass up. But the reality of the close proximity sparked something that couldn’t be ignored.
I really loved this quick and sexy read. It had lots of passion, angst and depth that drew you in. Both Reed and Sass were easy to love and the feelings they had for each other believable. The chemistry was off the charts hot too. Definitely one I would recommend you one click. 4.5 stars.
*ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
Reed is a year on from ending his relationship with his fiancé after catching her giving a BJ to one of his best friends. Finally able to feel he can go out once more he sees them both in a bar but luckily Sass, the sister of his now only best friend, is with him and she makes a suggestion to get back at his ex. A pretend relationship. Nothing could be simpler could it? A bit of revenge to show his ex what she was missing. But then new feelings for Sass began to emerge and he saw her in a whole new light. Could they really turn this pretend relationship into the real thing?
Sass has always adored and yearned for Reed in secret, although she guessed he knew she had a crush on him, he would never know the depth of her feelings for him. So the chance opportunity to see what a relationship with Reed would be like is too good to pass up. But the reality of the close proximity sparked something that couldn’t be ignored.
I really loved this quick and sexy read. It had lots of passion, angst and depth that drew you in. Both Reed and Sass were easy to love and the feelings they had for each other believable. The chemistry was off the charts hot too. Definitely one I would recommend you one click. 4.5 stars.
*ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
March 6, 2016
Sass is EVERYTHING that you expect from Laramie Briscoe!
In Sass we have the friends to lovers story of Sass and Reed. They have been in each others lives forever thanks to Reed and Justin - Sass' older brother - being best friends.
When Reed is eviscerated by is fiancee in the worst way possible he is devastated. Sass has been the constant in his life since. Its taken a year for Reed to stop licking his wounds and face the world as a single man trying to pick-up the pieces. When he steps out for the first time with friends, he comes face to face with his past.
Coming to the rescue is Sass. She has a plan to help him save face. A 'fake' relationship that she hopes will make Reed see how much she has always loved him and maybe, just maybe they can make the fantasy real.
Sass and Reed navigate a very rocky trail to transitioning from friends to lovers. If this blows up in their faces, will their lifetime friendship survive?
This is my confession: Sass has a good balance of angst and insecurities. There is just enough to make you not want to strangle both characters, although at some points Sass does push that balance on a bit of a tilt with her level of insecurities and ability to not trust completely.
In Sass we have the friends to lovers story of Sass and Reed. They have been in each others lives forever thanks to Reed and Justin - Sass' older brother - being best friends.
When Reed is eviscerated by is fiancee in the worst way possible he is devastated. Sass has been the constant in his life since. Its taken a year for Reed to stop licking his wounds and face the world as a single man trying to pick-up the pieces. When he steps out for the first time with friends, he comes face to face with his past.
Coming to the rescue is Sass. She has a plan to help him save face. A 'fake' relationship that she hopes will make Reed see how much she has always loved him and maybe, just maybe they can make the fantasy real.
Sass and Reed navigate a very rocky trail to transitioning from friends to lovers. If this blows up in their faces, will their lifetime friendship survive?
This is my confession: Sass has a good balance of angst and insecurities. There is just enough to make you not want to strangle both characters, although at some points Sass does push that balance on a bit of a tilt with her level of insecurities and ability to not trust completely.
March 5, 2016
That moment.......
'In that moment the life I thought I had was over, and I know it will never be the same again.'
No one wants that moment, EVER.
So a year later, when Reed still hasn't got over Lacey, Sass gives him the idea of a pretend relationship. Rub your ex AND your ex best friends face in it? What could possibly go wrong?!!!
Reed is a sweet guy, a hot construction worker sweet guy...and I WANT him!
Lacey made me laugh in how she thought she had control of her feelings for Reed. In her own words 'I've got control of nothing'!!
This was a fantastic read and a hot little number to boot.... swimming pool, shower and truck fumbles aplenty!
Btw....read past the end...Renegade is MINE!
'In that moment the life I thought I had was over, and I know it will never be the same again.'
No one wants that moment, EVER.
So a year later, when Reed still hasn't got over Lacey, Sass gives him the idea of a pretend relationship. Rub your ex AND your ex best friends face in it? What could possibly go wrong?!!!
Reed is a sweet guy, a hot construction worker sweet guy...and I WANT him!
Lacey made me laugh in how she thought she had control of her feelings for Reed. In her own words 'I've got control of nothing'!!
This was a fantastic read and a hot little number to boot.... swimming pool, shower and truck fumbles aplenty!
Btw....read past the end...Renegade is MINE!
March 8, 2016
Wow, I'm not sure how Laramie Briscoe does it, but she does. I did not know I needed a little bit of "Sass" until I read it.. Another brilliant read... Here we meet Reed Shamrock, who has just walked in on his fiancé going down on one of his best friends which totally devastates him. We then meet, Cassandra "Sass" Straight, his other best friends baby sister, who comes to his rescue. Sass has always had a crush on Reed and sees this as her chance to finally get what she always dreamed of.. What started out as a way to get back at his ex fiancé and ex best friend turns into the best thing for both of them... Highly recommend reading and then rereading this book. After all, everyone needs a little bit of "Sass" in their lives...
"I received this ARC in exchange for a honest review"
"I received this ARC in exchange for a honest review"
May 5, 2016
3 Friends to Lovers Stars!
Source: eARC for Honest Review Courtesy of Author
Genre: Adult Romance
Standalone
My Sass Review . . .
This is my second Laramie Briscoe book and so far I have liked both that I have read. In Sass, we have a couple themes happening: friends to lovers & best friend's little sister.
Sass is short for Cassandra Straight and since she's been 14yr old she's been in love with Reed Shamrock. Unfortunately for Sass, Reed never looked at her that way especially since he was engaged to another woman.
Reed has always been a one woman type of man and believes in forever. So when he walks into his house where is wife is getting busy with one of his best friends he's devastated. Quickly ending that toxicity he leans on his other best friend and his younger sister Sass to help him get over his ex.
A year later Reed hasn't completely moved forward so when Sass volunteers to help Reed by being his pretend girlfriend, he jumps at this chance to stick it to his ex-fiance and ex-friend. What he didn't anticipate was falling for his friend.
We all know that for Sass this is a bad idea especially when she's in love with Reed, so pretending to be his girlfriend has bad idea written all over it. Of course, these two heat up the sheets quickly because they were so close as friends but Sass shouldn't be Cassandra's only nickname. Stubborn should be her other name. Once she gets a bee in her bonnet she sticks her head into the sand and it takes a lot to convince her otherwise. Even when everything she wants is laid out on a platter for her.
For me this book was decently written and the story was good but it didn't hit me bone deep. It didn't leave me with a lasting impression yet I didn't not like it. I'm always a sucker for friends to lover and this fit the bill even though it was quite predictable. I liked Sass and Reed together but they are one of those couples that could be sadly forgotten once you read a few more books after. :( Would I read more from this author? Yes. Was it one of my favorite books? No, but I still enjoyed it.
March 7, 2016
A intense connection hidden away for years, is found with one crazy proposition
Let me start off with Reed
Reed is unlike any other Laramie Briscoe character for me, he is alpha male but not too much alpha.
At the beginning it starts off with his heart being stomped on and his ex cheating on him with one of his best friends.It such a heartache and I wanted to pouch the ex Lacey and actually throw my kindle at her head for most of the book.
There is some what a time jump and than enters Sass
Sass is amazing I honestly can say she is my favorite character Laramie has ever wrote she is badass and reminds me of my self a bit.
She has had a crush on Reed since she was a kid since her brother Justin has been best friends with him forever. She has bee there fore read thru is horrendous breakup and sometime later after it had happened they are in a bar and Sass offers to pretend to be is GF so that way he can make his ex jealous.
At this point in the book I didn't know what to think I was like she is so stupid because she is in love with him you can freaking tell. I was kinda yelling at her in my head.
Than as the story goes on it is a little fast for my liking I felt it was a little rushed. They have hot steamy sex and holy crap the sex scene made up for me not liking that I thought they were going fast. I was like hot dam so sexy.Reed is such a hottie!
After the hot steamy sex lines are far from crossed and Sass is oh so confused. Her brother finds out and he is pissed and Eventually things get mixed up and I don't know who to slap him or her it is so fucked up how the ex Lacey seems to always be lurking around the corner it pissed me off most of the book.Finally she gets her bitch slap and I am happy.
Eventually everything does get cleared and they get there HEA. I can say it isn't my favorite Laramie
book but I am still giving 4 stars because Sass is the bomb for com!
Let me start off with Reed
Reed is unlike any other Laramie Briscoe character for me, he is alpha male but not too much alpha.
At the beginning it starts off with his heart being stomped on and his ex cheating on him with one of his best friends.It such a heartache and I wanted to pouch the ex Lacey and actually throw my kindle at her head for most of the book.
There is some what a time jump and than enters Sass
Sass is amazing I honestly can say she is my favorite character Laramie has ever wrote she is badass and reminds me of my self a bit.
She has had a crush on Reed since she was a kid since her brother Justin has been best friends with him forever. She has bee there fore read thru is horrendous breakup and sometime later after it had happened they are in a bar and Sass offers to pretend to be is GF so that way he can make his ex jealous.
At this point in the book I didn't know what to think I was like she is so stupid because she is in love with him you can freaking tell. I was kinda yelling at her in my head.
Than as the story goes on it is a little fast for my liking I felt it was a little rushed. They have hot steamy sex and holy crap the sex scene made up for me not liking that I thought they were going fast. I was like hot dam so sexy.Reed is such a hottie!
After the hot steamy sex lines are far from crossed and Sass is oh so confused. Her brother finds out and he is pissed and Eventually things get mixed up and I don't know who to slap him or her it is so fucked up how the ex Lacey seems to always be lurking around the corner it pissed me off most of the book.Finally she gets her bitch slap and I am happy.
Eventually everything does get cleared and they get there HEA. I can say it isn't my favorite Laramie
book but I am still giving 4 stars because Sass is the bomb for com!
March 24, 2016
Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
When you've read an author for her entire career it's always fun when she can surprise you and Laramie Briscoe has done that again with Sass. Sass was really unlike anything Ms. Briscoe has written before and that's not a bad thing, I love watching authors stretch their writing muscle. There was much I loved about this story including a heroine who lives up to her nickname, a hero that had more good guy tendencies that alpha ones and a love story that has been years in the making.
Since she was barely a teenager Cassandra "Sass" Straight has loved her big brother's best friend. It would be easy to say she loved him for his looks but reading this story it is easy to see she loves him for everything he's done for her and her family over the years and for the way he has always made her feel special. Yes, there's a bit of hero worship to it and yes, she never acted on it or voiced it even when he fell in love with someone else; someone he intended to marry until she betrayed him. Now a year after that betrayal, Sass has the opportunity to help Reed Shamrock get back at that woman and his ex-friend and while she'd like to think she's doing it for him she knows that this might be her one and only opportunity to make Reed see her as the woman she's become.
I loved that these two had a long and complicated relationship and a friendship that had its ups and downs. They'd helped each other through good time and bad and while Sass' brother Justin is Reed's best friend she's always been a part of his life and a friend in her own right. I enjoyed watching Reed discover he had very confusing feelings towards Sass and not quite sure what to do with them, but he wasn't the only one Sass was left trying to figure out how to protect her heart when she realized that their little game of "fake relationship" was starting to feel all too real.
I give Justin a whole lot of credit for not only being there for both his friend and his sister which at times had him riding a very thin line, but for also giving them both some pretty sage advice. I liked that he was mostly level-headed and that he was concerned for both of their well being. He didn't bring in a whole lot of added drama and he could have and for that I thank this author greatly.
I loved this story, I loved the build up from friends to lovers and I even loved the parts when they were questioning what they were doing, but in all honesty I needed more time with them after they figured things out and before the epilogue. Other than that though, I am so pleased with yet another incredible story from this author who has grown so much in her journey.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
When you've read an author for her entire career it's always fun when she can surprise you and Laramie Briscoe has done that again with Sass. Sass was really unlike anything Ms. Briscoe has written before and that's not a bad thing, I love watching authors stretch their writing muscle. There was much I loved about this story including a heroine who lives up to her nickname, a hero that had more good guy tendencies that alpha ones and a love story that has been years in the making.
Since she was barely a teenager Cassandra "Sass" Straight has loved her big brother's best friend. It would be easy to say she loved him for his looks but reading this story it is easy to see she loves him for everything he's done for her and her family over the years and for the way he has always made her feel special. Yes, there's a bit of hero worship to it and yes, she never acted on it or voiced it even when he fell in love with someone else; someone he intended to marry until she betrayed him. Now a year after that betrayal, Sass has the opportunity to help Reed Shamrock get back at that woman and his ex-friend and while she'd like to think she's doing it for him she knows that this might be her one and only opportunity to make Reed see her as the woman she's become.
I loved that these two had a long and complicated relationship and a friendship that had its ups and downs. They'd helped each other through good time and bad and while Sass' brother Justin is Reed's best friend she's always been a part of his life and a friend in her own right. I enjoyed watching Reed discover he had very confusing feelings towards Sass and not quite sure what to do with them, but he wasn't the only one Sass was left trying to figure out how to protect her heart when she realized that their little game of "fake relationship" was starting to feel all too real.
I give Justin a whole lot of credit for not only being there for both his friend and his sister which at times had him riding a very thin line, but for also giving them both some pretty sage advice. I liked that he was mostly level-headed and that he was concerned for both of their well being. He didn't bring in a whole lot of added drama and he could have and for that I thank this author greatly.
I loved this story, I loved the build up from friends to lovers and I even loved the parts when they were questioning what they were doing, but in all honesty I needed more time with them after they figured things out and before the epilogue. Other than that though, I am so pleased with yet another incredible story from this author who has grown so much in her journey.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
February 5, 2016
As an avid Laramie Briscoe fan I one click everything she writes, but I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Sass this time which only gives my husband's wallet a temporary reprieve because as soon as it's released I'll purchase it. And I rarely do that if I get an ARC.
Sass is a sweet, fun, slightly angsty book about friends to lovers. Yes, there is cheating but its not from the main characters. This is not my usual go to for a read just because I've never seen nor experienced this and generally there is more drama involved than I care to read and it's always unnecessary and drags out til the very end. And that characters tend to be just getting their lives together. I'm 34,married (for what seems like forever) and have kids, I can't relate to that and steer clear of those books. But Sass is 24 and Reed is 30, both have a stable hold on their lives, it was an unexpected bonus for me that let me enjoy them that much more.
However Briscoe did a fantastic job of making this book enjoyable. I rooted for Reed and Sass the entire time. I yelled at both Reed and Sass when they were dumb, and got disgusted with the "villains" when they both tried to throw a wrench in the new relationship that Reed and Sass were pretending wasn't happening. I cringed when feelings that were never there before became realized and sighed when things got complicated, because it's inevitable and it's life. I hated the drama caused by outsiders and loved the way Reed handled Sass with care, gave her space but still kept her close. And of course I got annoyed when Sass didn't communicate with Reed.
I think that every time a person opens a book we each come away with something different. For me, I saw taking a chance and opening yourself up to someone, realizing that you're worth it and learning to see what's right in front of you.
All of the characters were developed, I enjoyed the secondary characters. Sass is strong, not a door mat like we tend to see anymore, she's smart, someone anyone would want in their corner, funny and sassy. And Reed is something every women dreams of having not only as a lover bit a friend, constant, committed, strong and just all around has his act together.
My only complaint is that it ended to fast. But I say that about every book I enjoy. I basically ignored my spouse and children for a couple of hours because I was drawn into a book so much that the outside world became obsolete, oops. I wanted their story, and needed to see the end, but was sad when I finished.
Thank you to Laramie for the chance to read Sass and fall in love with another of her books!
Sass is a sweet, fun, slightly angsty book about friends to lovers. Yes, there is cheating but its not from the main characters. This is not my usual go to for a read just because I've never seen nor experienced this and generally there is more drama involved than I care to read and it's always unnecessary and drags out til the very end. And that characters tend to be just getting their lives together. I'm 34,married (for what seems like forever) and have kids, I can't relate to that and steer clear of those books. But Sass is 24 and Reed is 30, both have a stable hold on their lives, it was an unexpected bonus for me that let me enjoy them that much more.
However Briscoe did a fantastic job of making this book enjoyable. I rooted for Reed and Sass the entire time. I yelled at both Reed and Sass when they were dumb, and got disgusted with the "villains" when they both tried to throw a wrench in the new relationship that Reed and Sass were pretending wasn't happening. I cringed when feelings that were never there before became realized and sighed when things got complicated, because it's inevitable and it's life. I hated the drama caused by outsiders and loved the way Reed handled Sass with care, gave her space but still kept her close. And of course I got annoyed when Sass didn't communicate with Reed.
I think that every time a person opens a book we each come away with something different. For me, I saw taking a chance and opening yourself up to someone, realizing that you're worth it and learning to see what's right in front of you.
All of the characters were developed, I enjoyed the secondary characters. Sass is strong, not a door mat like we tend to see anymore, she's smart, someone anyone would want in their corner, funny and sassy. And Reed is something every women dreams of having not only as a lover bit a friend, constant, committed, strong and just all around has his act together.
My only complaint is that it ended to fast. But I say that about every book I enjoy. I basically ignored my spouse and children for a couple of hours because I was drawn into a book so much that the outside world became obsolete, oops. I wanted their story, and needed to see the end, but was sad when I finished.
Thank you to Laramie for the chance to read Sass and fall in love with another of her books!
March 6, 2016
**Warning: this text may contain spoilers** This is my introduction to Laramie Briscoe. I was super excited tho get the opportunity to receive an ARC of Sass. It is written in first person and seems in the beginning to be almost too first person but then it flows and reveals itself as a romance for all romance lovers. Here you have the quintessential girl and her brothers best friend love story. It touches all the elements it should have and more. It is definitely a steamy read!
Cassandra " Sass" Straight has loved her older brother's best friend since she hit puberty which was about the same time her father was gravely ill and passed away. With the loss of her father during her emotional formative Sass feels like if she doesn't let herself get too close she can protect herself from the hurt when she is left behind.
Reed Shamrock (love the name btw) thought he was perfectly happy. He built his home and business with his own two hands. He has a beautiful fiance. The perfect life for him. Or so he thought before he walked in on his fiance with her head in one of his best friends lap. How could these two people who profess to love him betray him like this. His perfect life ha crashed all around him.
After a year of licking his wounds he finds himself out the first time since that night with his remaining best friends and they run into none other than the back stabbing duo.
And this it's where things get interesting with a plan to pretend to be an item to intact revenge Sass and Reed put on a show. And it works until it backfires and emotions become all too real.
Can these two get past their pasts to find the love and happiness in each other? That they belong together as every one else sees so plainly?
"...if it hadn’t been for his dick in her mouth, I would have never gotten a little Sass in mine."
This ending line of Sass is the perfect one sentence summary of this story and probably my favorite in the whole book.
Cassandra " Sass" Straight has loved her older brother's best friend since she hit puberty which was about the same time her father was gravely ill and passed away. With the loss of her father during her emotional formative Sass feels like if she doesn't let herself get too close she can protect herself from the hurt when she is left behind.
Reed Shamrock (love the name btw) thought he was perfectly happy. He built his home and business with his own two hands. He has a beautiful fiance. The perfect life for him. Or so he thought before he walked in on his fiance with her head in one of his best friends lap. How could these two people who profess to love him betray him like this. His perfect life ha crashed all around him.
After a year of licking his wounds he finds himself out the first time since that night with his remaining best friends and they run into none other than the back stabbing duo.
And this it's where things get interesting with a plan to pretend to be an item to intact revenge Sass and Reed put on a show. And it works until it backfires and emotions become all too real.
Can these two get past their pasts to find the love and happiness in each other? That they belong together as every one else sees so plainly?
"...if it hadn’t been for his dick in her mouth, I would have never gotten a little Sass in mine."
This ending line of Sass is the perfect one sentence summary of this story and probably my favorite in the whole book.
March 23, 2016
Sass by Laramie Briscoe is a charming , contemporary stand alone romance. It's a friends to lovers and falling for best friend's little sister theme.
Reed Shamrock has been in Sass Straight's life as long as she can remember. He is her older brother's best friend. He has always been there for her family and more importantly, for her. When he catches his finance with her lips wrapped around his other best friend's "little friend"... He's devastated.
Fast forward to one year later. Reed is finally ready to move on and start a new life. He's worked hard to build his construction business. He's ready for something real. Something better. This time around he wants a partner, not a woman that he has to work hard to please. He wants a woman to accept the man he is and cherish what he has to offer. But taking the first step is the hardest. When Sass proposes that not only does he start stepping out but do it while serving a dish of revenge. The plan is to show he's moved on, he's happy, and he's in love.
Sass and Reed start the pretend relationship that starts with an innocent kiss. The kiss ends up being much more than innocent, it is an eye opener. As their pretend relationship progresses, their real feelings and emotions start to surface. They are falling in love.
Any relationship takes work. What seems easy is anything but easy. Reed and Sass will have to deal with a nasty ex, a pissed off brother, and the misconceptions about their fake relationship.
Reed and Sass were meant for one another. They have the passion, the respect, and real love for one another.
Laramie Briscoe wrote a charming romance that kept me glued to the pages. I would highly recommend Sass.
March 6, 2016
I was given an ARC for an honest review.
If you have read any books by Laramie Briscoe then you know that you are in for a treat. If you are a first time reader of her books then you will be hooked and want to read more of her work.
I must say that I loved Sass. It was very well written and kept me entertained all throughout the story. I couldn't put this book down and finished it in 3 hours, it was that good.
Reed is your everyday hard working man. He loves his fiance' and wants to give her everything she ask for. The one thing he hasn't been able to give her is time. By leaving her alone she does the ultimate betrayal and hooks up with his best friend, Taylor.
Sass is his other best friends younger sister who has had a crush on him since she was 14 yrs. old. Now at 24 he is starting to see her as more than a young girl. Sass sees her chance to have something with Reed and suggest that they hook up to make his ex jealous. It's just what Reed needs to move on and to see what kind of manipulative bitch Lacey really was. What they didn't expect was feelings to start to develop. Of course Lacey and Taylor try to throw a monkey wrench in their happiness.
I think the only negative thing I have to say about this book is if there would have been more background on the three friends it might have explained more of Taylor's jealousy. How can you be friends with someone from such a young age and it not be apparent until they are in their 30's.
Also I wish Sass would have confronted Reed as to why he didn't tell Sass about his run in with Lacey, considering it came back to bite him in the ass later but still not mentioned between them.
Awesome book, would highly recommend. Can't wait for what this author has coming next. I always once click a Laramie Briscoe book, they are that good!
If you have read any books by Laramie Briscoe then you know that you are in for a treat. If you are a first time reader of her books then you will be hooked and want to read more of her work.
I must say that I loved Sass. It was very well written and kept me entertained all throughout the story. I couldn't put this book down and finished it in 3 hours, it was that good.
Reed is your everyday hard working man. He loves his fiance' and wants to give her everything she ask for. The one thing he hasn't been able to give her is time. By leaving her alone she does the ultimate betrayal and hooks up with his best friend, Taylor.
Sass is his other best friends younger sister who has had a crush on him since she was 14 yrs. old. Now at 24 he is starting to see her as more than a young girl. Sass sees her chance to have something with Reed and suggest that they hook up to make his ex jealous. It's just what Reed needs to move on and to see what kind of manipulative bitch Lacey really was. What they didn't expect was feelings to start to develop. Of course Lacey and Taylor try to throw a monkey wrench in their happiness.
I think the only negative thing I have to say about this book is if there would have been more background on the three friends it might have explained more of Taylor's jealousy. How can you be friends with someone from such a young age and it not be apparent until they are in their 30's.
Also I wish Sass would have confronted Reed as to why he didn't tell Sass about his run in with Lacey, considering it came back to bite him in the ass later but still not mentioned between them.
Awesome book, would highly recommend. Can't wait for what this author has coming next. I always once click a Laramie Briscoe book, they are that good!
March 8, 2016
I was given an ARC of Sass for an honest review, and I have to be 100% honest. This is one of my favorite Laramie Briscoe books! I haven't been up to date on her books recently because I wanted to re-read the series books to get refreshed before reading the newer ones. Well since Sass is a standalone, I dived right in and I LOVED it.
Sass falls into one of my favorite romance novel genres, falling in love with the brother's best friend. I just love when that happens. I think because it requires a long history between the characters and a familiarity that you don't get when the characters are newly meeting.
As characters, Sass and Reed, were so normal, mature and well-rounded. Even the secondary character of Sass' brother Justin made me smile. I was so caught up in the book I read it in one sitting only getting up to yell at people for daring to call my house. Ha! I'm reading folks! Sass wants to finally get her wish of Reed seeing her as a woman instead of a little girl. Then like all of us who dive in to things, she starts to be unsure of the consequences for everyone around her if what she wants isn't actually good for everyone. There are business and personal relationships all tangled together and it's a bit of a mess emotionally for awhile.
One of my favorite parts of Laramie's books are her characters. I just love them. I really love this first-person writing style for her too. It feels like it's more natural for her and the story flowed so well. The only down side for me, was there were some flashbacks that threw off the flow for me a little bit at first. I thought maybe some of that could have been handled in the beginning some way. By the end though, I thought it was helping me understand the characters actions and emotions at the time, so it was better for them to be exactly where they were.
Sass falls into one of my favorite romance novel genres, falling in love with the brother's best friend. I just love when that happens. I think because it requires a long history between the characters and a familiarity that you don't get when the characters are newly meeting.
As characters, Sass and Reed, were so normal, mature and well-rounded. Even the secondary character of Sass' brother Justin made me smile. I was so caught up in the book I read it in one sitting only getting up to yell at people for daring to call my house. Ha! I'm reading folks! Sass wants to finally get her wish of Reed seeing her as a woman instead of a little girl. Then like all of us who dive in to things, she starts to be unsure of the consequences for everyone around her if what she wants isn't actually good for everyone. There are business and personal relationships all tangled together and it's a bit of a mess emotionally for awhile.
One of my favorite parts of Laramie's books are her characters. I just love them. I really love this first-person writing style for her too. It feels like it's more natural for her and the story flowed so well. The only down side for me, was there were some flashbacks that threw off the flow for me a little bit at first. I thought maybe some of that could have been handled in the beginning some way. By the end though, I thought it was helping me understand the characters actions and emotions at the time, so it was better for them to be exactly where they were.
March 10, 2016
I was given this book as an ARC for my honest opinion, here it is.....
Holy cow, throw in a few different plot twists, and character professions, and I’d think this book was written by taking a chapter out of my past!!
Cassandra “Sass” Straight is just what her name says, a sassy, take no prisoners, hold nothing back kind of girl. She knows what she wants when she sees it, and she’s wanted her brother’s best friend for a whole lotta years! So when the opportunity arises to assist in some innocent revenge against his lying, cheating, selfish ex-fiance what’s a girl to do? Grab that opportunity and ride it like a champion bull, that’s what ya do!!!! I loved Sass. I loved her attitude. I loved that she protected the people in her life who meant the most while not letting herself be walked upon. I loved that she overcame a terrible loss when she was young and didn’t let it wreck her. And I loved her fierce desire to go after what she wanted even when it may have not seemed the wisest choice to everyone else.
Reed Shamrock. What an all encompassing sexy man. Shall we go down the list?
Successful business owner. √
Good looking. √
Great body. √
Great personality. √
Demanding alpha sex God in bed. √
WHEW! He’s hot! But he comes with some baggage. Namely the above mentioned ex-fiance that deserves a shovel to the head (my opinion only).
As much as I liked Sass and Reed separately I loved them together. They worked. They were the ying to each other’s yang (that always sounds so dirty when I hear it). Feeding off of each other to create a comfortable place for them both to grow which is what a successful relationship should be.
I’ve enjoyed the writings of Laramie Briscoe for a long time and she continues to be one of my favorite go to authors with this book. I give it 5 stars.
Holy cow, throw in a few different plot twists, and character professions, and I’d think this book was written by taking a chapter out of my past!!
Cassandra “Sass” Straight is just what her name says, a sassy, take no prisoners, hold nothing back kind of girl. She knows what she wants when she sees it, and she’s wanted her brother’s best friend for a whole lotta years! So when the opportunity arises to assist in some innocent revenge against his lying, cheating, selfish ex-fiance what’s a girl to do? Grab that opportunity and ride it like a champion bull, that’s what ya do!!!! I loved Sass. I loved her attitude. I loved that she protected the people in her life who meant the most while not letting herself be walked upon. I loved that she overcame a terrible loss when she was young and didn’t let it wreck her. And I loved her fierce desire to go after what she wanted even when it may have not seemed the wisest choice to everyone else.
Reed Shamrock. What an all encompassing sexy man. Shall we go down the list?
Successful business owner. √
Good looking. √
Great body. √
Great personality. √
Demanding alpha sex God in bed. √
WHEW! He’s hot! But he comes with some baggage. Namely the above mentioned ex-fiance that deserves a shovel to the head (my opinion only).
As much as I liked Sass and Reed separately I loved them together. They worked. They were the ying to each other’s yang (that always sounds so dirty when I hear it). Feeding off of each other to create a comfortable place for them both to grow which is what a successful relationship should be.
I’ve enjoyed the writings of Laramie Briscoe for a long time and she continues to be one of my favorite go to authors with this book. I give it 5 stars.
March 4, 2016
I do enjoy a good friends-to-lovers story, and Laramie Briscoe’s latest, Sass, is no exception.Sass and Reed were genuine, down to earth, likeable characters, and I loved the two of them together. Sass had a great sense of fun, which was something Reed was definitely missing in his life. I loved being inside Reed’s head while he looked back at his previous relationship and came to some hard truths. For me, this was my favorite part of this story. Realizing past mistakes, learning and growing from them is a personal favorite theme for me--in books and real life. Sass was fun and sweet, and a little dirty. She had a tendency to jump to conclusions, especially where her relationship with Reed was concerned, but I chalked it up to her age and relative inexperience. One of the advantages to friends-to-lovers is that the characters already know each other. Sass and Reed had a long history as friends, and I really enjoyed watching their relationship evolve.
Reed’s ex-fiancée, Lacey, and his former friend, Taylor, were pretty standard horrible people/villains, and of course, I despised them both, but I wasn't crazy about Sass’ brother, Justin, either. I found his treatment of and behavior towards his sister pretty appalling at times. He had a temper and could be pretty nasty to Sass. While he definitely did have some redeeming qualities, I just didn't like this character.
I thought the end was just a bit rushed. There's an epilogue, but I would have liked to see a little more within the story, itself.
Sass is a standalone, contemporary romance, which I greatly appreciate! Don't get me wrong, I love a good series, but a standalone book is perfect for those busy times when I just have time for one book.
Reed’s ex-fiancée, Lacey, and his former friend, Taylor, were pretty standard horrible people/villains, and of course, I despised them both, but I wasn't crazy about Sass’ brother, Justin, either. I found his treatment of and behavior towards his sister pretty appalling at times. He had a temper and could be pretty nasty to Sass. While he definitely did have some redeeming qualities, I just didn't like this character.
I thought the end was just a bit rushed. There's an epilogue, but I would have liked to see a little more within the story, itself.
Sass is a standalone, contemporary romance, which I greatly appreciate! Don't get me wrong, I love a good series, but a standalone book is perfect for those busy times when I just have time for one book.
March 22, 2016
I was hooked from the very first page. I’m a huge Laramie Briscoe fan and Sass definitely doesn’t disappoint.
Reed has worked his as* off since his teens to make his construction business a success. He believes he has it all, a great job that he loves, a wonderful house that he built for him and his fiancé, and of course, a gorgeous fiancé. When he comes home from work early one day he finds his fiancé, Lacey, in bed with one of his best friends and his life comes to a screeching halt. He immediately runs to his other bestfriends house but instead of finding Justin he finds Justin’s sister Sass.
Sass has been in love with her brothers best friend since she was a kid and when he shows up broken-hearted from what Lacey has done she’s happy to be the shoulder that he cries on. Now, months later, Lacey and Taylor are showing off their lovey relationship when Sass and Reed decide to start a “fake” relationship just to get to Lacey. Only things starts to really heat up between Sass and Reed and real feeling begin to get involved.
I loved every page of this book, it’s very fast paced and will keep you flipping the pages. Sass is hilarious, the only character I didn’t like in the book was Justin, he was an as* and I wish Sass had punched him in the face on more than one occasion. He was the complete opposite of supportive brother and it almost took away from the storyline a bit. Luckily it wasn’t a huge role and the other portions of the book made up for it, still making this a solid 5 star read that I recommend you check out!
*I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for United Indie Book Blog!*
Reed has worked his as* off since his teens to make his construction business a success. He believes he has it all, a great job that he loves, a wonderful house that he built for him and his fiancé, and of course, a gorgeous fiancé. When he comes home from work early one day he finds his fiancé, Lacey, in bed with one of his best friends and his life comes to a screeching halt. He immediately runs to his other bestfriends house but instead of finding Justin he finds Justin’s sister Sass.
Sass has been in love with her brothers best friend since she was a kid and when he shows up broken-hearted from what Lacey has done she’s happy to be the shoulder that he cries on. Now, months later, Lacey and Taylor are showing off their lovey relationship when Sass and Reed decide to start a “fake” relationship just to get to Lacey. Only things starts to really heat up between Sass and Reed and real feeling begin to get involved.
I loved every page of this book, it’s very fast paced and will keep you flipping the pages. Sass is hilarious, the only character I didn’t like in the book was Justin, he was an as* and I wish Sass had punched him in the face on more than one occasion. He was the complete opposite of supportive brother and it almost took away from the storyline a bit. Luckily it wasn’t a huge role and the other portions of the book made up for it, still making this a solid 5 star read that I recommend you check out!
*I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for United Indie Book Blog!*
February 5, 2016
I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
Going into this book I was kind of worried that I may be disappointed because I have read Laramie's Heaven Hills MC Series and absolutely loved it. I was worried that because this wasn't part of the series that it wouldn't live up to my expectations but I am thrilled to say that it more than exceeded my expectations. The story line was great and it flowed really well. Sometimes when you read a story that starts out so good, by the time it gets to about chapter 13 or so it kind of peters out or lags. Sometimes they will pick back up and sometimes they don't but Laramie did an amazing job keeping the story going and keeping it interesting! Not once did I feel like it stalled out! There was just the right amount of drama, suspense, angst and lots of dirty talk and steamy hot sex in it to suck you in and definitely hold your attention! I also feel that the characters were all very well developed and I really connected with them. I also loved the fact that the h was not a push over or a door mat. I loved that she spoke her mind and didn't take no shit from anyone. I wouldn't mind reading another book about maybe Sass's brother Justin and his girlfriend Morgan and more about Reed and Sass. Hell, it would even be fun to read more about Taylor and Lacey's miserable lives! I will read anything that Ms. Briscoe cares to put on paper because she is an amazing author and I thank her for sharing her God-given gift with us avid readers and book lovers!
Going into this book I was kind of worried that I may be disappointed because I have read Laramie's Heaven Hills MC Series and absolutely loved it. I was worried that because this wasn't part of the series that it wouldn't live up to my expectations but I am thrilled to say that it more than exceeded my expectations. The story line was great and it flowed really well. Sometimes when you read a story that starts out so good, by the time it gets to about chapter 13 or so it kind of peters out or lags. Sometimes they will pick back up and sometimes they don't but Laramie did an amazing job keeping the story going and keeping it interesting! Not once did I feel like it stalled out! There was just the right amount of drama, suspense, angst and lots of dirty talk and steamy hot sex in it to suck you in and definitely hold your attention! I also feel that the characters were all very well developed and I really connected with them. I also loved the fact that the h was not a push over or a door mat. I loved that she spoke her mind and didn't take no shit from anyone. I wouldn't mind reading another book about maybe Sass's brother Justin and his girlfriend Morgan and more about Reed and Sass. Hell, it would even be fun to read more about Taylor and Lacey's miserable lives! I will read anything that Ms. Briscoe cares to put on paper because she is an amazing author and I thank her for sharing her God-given gift with us avid readers and book lovers!
March 20, 2016
*Slight Spoilers*
I wish I could have loved this book like everyone else.
This book started off so strong for me. But as I approached the 50% mark. It started to slip...
Lack of communication kills me in books. Assumptions and internal thinking are other things that kill me in books.
And we had a lot of that going on in this book.
What I thought would be a funny and sexy kind of book. Turned into a big wth just happened here.
Sass and Reed started off so strong. I though everything about their "relationship" was already talked about and agreed upon. Right from the beginning. (A somewhat revenge to the Ex-fiancé)
But... After one night together. Sass goes running for the hills and acts like she made the biggest mistake of her life.
I hated how Reed was constantly comparing or thinking about his ex fiancé. What she did to him really did a number on him. He had a hard time getting past it.
Sass.... I felt had a bit of "I got what I wanted now what do I do?"
She went back and forth with Reed. She had a hard time accepting that Reed really wanted her.
She was constantly running.
The lack of communication between Reed and Sass was just out of control. Why they never just sat down and talked everything out... I have no clue! But it got old fast with me.
I didn't hate this book but I didn't love it either. But this book kept my attention and it overall was an ok read for me. I will continue to read this authors books.
ARC provided for an honest review*
(This same review is on my blog Goodreads account.)
I wish I could have loved this book like everyone else.
This book started off so strong for me. But as I approached the 50% mark. It started to slip...
Lack of communication kills me in books. Assumptions and internal thinking are other things that kill me in books.
And we had a lot of that going on in this book.
What I thought would be a funny and sexy kind of book. Turned into a big wth just happened here.
Sass and Reed started off so strong. I though everything about their "relationship" was already talked about and agreed upon. Right from the beginning. (A somewhat revenge to the Ex-fiancé)
But... After one night together. Sass goes running for the hills and acts like she made the biggest mistake of her life.
I hated how Reed was constantly comparing or thinking about his ex fiancé. What she did to him really did a number on him. He had a hard time getting past it.
Sass.... I felt had a bit of "I got what I wanted now what do I do?"
She went back and forth with Reed. She had a hard time accepting that Reed really wanted her.
She was constantly running.
The lack of communication between Reed and Sass was just out of control. Why they never just sat down and talked everything out... I have no clue! But it got old fast with me.
I didn't hate this book but I didn't love it either. But this book kept my attention and it overall was an ok read for me. I will continue to read this authors books.
ARC provided for an honest review*
(This same review is on my blog Goodreads account.)
March 24, 2016
I was so excited when ARC’s for Sass, the latest book by Laramie Briscoe, arrived on my Kindle. I’m a huge fan of hers. From her Heaven Hill Series, Rockin’ Country Series to her Red Bird Trail Trilogy, I’ve yet to be disappointed by anything to come from her beautiful brain. Let me assure you Sass is fantastic.
From the beginning of Sass, the story felt different from her others. She has recently ventured into writing in first person with dual POV’s, which works very well for her. This, however, isn’t what gave Sass a different feel. She’s always had a way of making you feel what the character is feeling, but there is a raw emotion that breaks through with this story unlike the rest.
In the prologue, Reed finds one of his best friends and fiancé entangled in no act that should take place with another man’s girl, especially their best friend’s girl. After having his say, he leaves and head to the one place he know he can seek solace, his other best friend and his sister, Sass. Jump to a year later, Reed, Justin and Sass head to the local bar for Reed’s first night out in a year. They walk in to find Reed’s ex-fiancé and ex-best friend happily together. Sass, seeing the distress in a man she’s always looked up to and cared about, decided she has the perfect solution: she’ll be Reed’s ‘fake’ girlfriend. What happens next is an incredible journey of two souls finding their home within the other.
I definitely recommend Sass! Their story is beautiful and relatable. Hurry and jump on this one today!
http://tinyurl.com/z5zodp6
From the beginning of Sass, the story felt different from her others. She has recently ventured into writing in first person with dual POV’s, which works very well for her. This, however, isn’t what gave Sass a different feel. She’s always had a way of making you feel what the character is feeling, but there is a raw emotion that breaks through with this story unlike the rest.
In the prologue, Reed finds one of his best friends and fiancé entangled in no act that should take place with another man’s girl, especially their best friend’s girl. After having his say, he leaves and head to the one place he know he can seek solace, his other best friend and his sister, Sass. Jump to a year later, Reed, Justin and Sass head to the local bar for Reed’s first night out in a year. They walk in to find Reed’s ex-fiancé and ex-best friend happily together. Sass, seeing the distress in a man she’s always looked up to and cared about, decided she has the perfect solution: she’ll be Reed’s ‘fake’ girlfriend. What happens next is an incredible journey of two souls finding their home within the other.
I definitely recommend Sass! Their story is beautiful and relatable. Hurry and jump on this one today!
http://tinyurl.com/z5zodp6
March 5, 2016
I give this 4.5 stars!
I know this writing style, in first person is new to Laramie , but it sure doesn't feel like it. it reads like she's a seasoned vet with this type of storyline and POV.
Laramie has given us a story full of lust, heartbreak, anger, revenge and love. of course most of those feelings are directed at one person because of what they did to Reed, and who can blame him. even I wanted to break someone's nose a time or two when reading this.
we get to see a couple things happen for our characters in this book. we get to see heartbreak and fear, growth and acceptance, realization and happiness , and love. we get to see both our characters realize what real love is. they get to realize that it's really real , and it was so great it finally happened for them. you find yourself falling in love with these two, almost in a behind the scenes sort of way. behind the scenes, between the sheets, you'll fall in love with SASS and Reed every which way you get them.
Laramie had me nervous for a while. I was scared she was going to be too stubborn, he was going to be too slow, or Justin would just stick his foot in his mouth and push too far. or maybe outside forces would play and interfere too much .. I should've known Laramie wouldn't let me down.
once I started this book, I couldn't put it down. I really liked it. I have to admit, I would love to see karma come around. I'm going to just leave it at that.
*arc received from the author for an honest review*
I know this writing style, in first person is new to Laramie , but it sure doesn't feel like it. it reads like she's a seasoned vet with this type of storyline and POV.
Laramie has given us a story full of lust, heartbreak, anger, revenge and love. of course most of those feelings are directed at one person because of what they did to Reed, and who can blame him. even I wanted to break someone's nose a time or two when reading this.
we get to see a couple things happen for our characters in this book. we get to see heartbreak and fear, growth and acceptance, realization and happiness , and love. we get to see both our characters realize what real love is. they get to realize that it's really real , and it was so great it finally happened for them. you find yourself falling in love with these two, almost in a behind the scenes sort of way. behind the scenes, between the sheets, you'll fall in love with SASS and Reed every which way you get them.
Laramie had me nervous for a while. I was scared she was going to be too stubborn, he was going to be too slow, or Justin would just stick his foot in his mouth and push too far. or maybe outside forces would play and interfere too much .. I should've known Laramie wouldn't let me down.
once I started this book, I couldn't put it down. I really liked it. I have to admit, I would love to see karma come around. I'm going to just leave it at that.
*arc received from the author for an honest review*
May 21, 2016
4 STARS!
I love a good friends-to-lovers or a best friend's sister story, and Sass was a great story blending both of my favorite tropes. A lot was going on here! There was betrayal, revenge, unrequited love. But Laramie Briscoe did a great job taking us through it all. While this book was a quick read, it never felt rushed, and I thought it was pretty well developed.
My heart broke a little for Sass. She's been in love with Reed - from afar - for the last decade. Her heart is in the right place when she wants to help the man she loves heal from his heartbreak, but can she do it without further breaking her own heart in the process?
Reed never saw Sass coming, while she has never been able to look away from him. The line between what's real and what's part of the act gets blurry pretty quickly. What happens when everything you've ever hoped for - but with the last person you ever imagined - is right there within your grasp?
Laramie Briscoe did a great job conveying the heartache of Sass' unrequited love, the hope she couldn't help but feel and the fear that it would all end in a broken heart for her. Reed's confusion over and surprise at his strong feelings for Sass were expressed through his thoughts, and I loved that peek into what was going on in his head.
This was a very sexy, very sweet story about finding true, soul deep love with the last person you'd expect, but the person who is undoubtedly meant for you. I enjoyed it!
I love a good friends-to-lovers or a best friend's sister story, and Sass was a great story blending both of my favorite tropes. A lot was going on here! There was betrayal, revenge, unrequited love. But Laramie Briscoe did a great job taking us through it all. While this book was a quick read, it never felt rushed, and I thought it was pretty well developed.
My heart broke a little for Sass. She's been in love with Reed - from afar - for the last decade. Her heart is in the right place when she wants to help the man she loves heal from his heartbreak, but can she do it without further breaking her own heart in the process?
Reed never saw Sass coming, while she has never been able to look away from him. The line between what's real and what's part of the act gets blurry pretty quickly. What happens when everything you've ever hoped for - but with the last person you ever imagined - is right there within your grasp?
Laramie Briscoe did a great job conveying the heartache of Sass' unrequited love, the hope she couldn't help but feel and the fear that it would all end in a broken heart for her. Reed's confusion over and surprise at his strong feelings for Sass were expressed through his thoughts, and I loved that peek into what was going on in his head.
This was a very sexy, very sweet story about finding true, soul deep love with the last person you'd expect, but the person who is undoubtedly meant for you. I enjoyed it!
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