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Addison Walker is every fantasy I never dared to believe in.
Moving to this town was already monumental.
Finding her removes any lingering doubt.
She’s bold and vibrant.
Beautiful and confident.
Far too good for the likes of me.
Luckily, I’m not good at avoiding temptation.

My desire is growing beyond control.
I’m done watching on the sidelines.
When opportunity strikes, I eagerly take advantage.
Signing on the dotted line before thinking twice.
The repercussions cross my mind far too late.
When she swiftly sticks me in the friend-zone, there’s not a damn thing I can do about it.

Addison is just down the hall—might as well be miles away.
Temptation drives me to the edge of sanity.
She speaks to my deepest cravings like a siren.
Our chemistry blurs every line.
This battle seems impossible to win.
Yet my determination doesn’t wane.
It only takes one night to change everything.

After all, I didn’t wait all this time to settle for less.

First published January 29, 2019

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About the author

Harloe Rae

35 books5,995 followers
Harloe Rae is a USA Today & Amazon Top 10 bestselling author. Her passion for writing and reading has taken on a whole new meaning. Each day is an unforgettable adventure.

She's a Minnesota gal with a serious addiction to romance. She’s always chasing an epic happily ever after. When she’s not buried in the writing cave, Harloe can be found hanging with her hubby and son. If the weather permits, she loves being lakeside or out in the country with her horses.

She writes emotional, heartfelt romance with swoony heroes and sassy leading ladies. Her titles are available on Amazon.

Find all the latest on her site www.harloe-rae.blog
Subscribe to her newsletter at http://bit.ly/HarloesList
Join her reader group, Harloe’s Hotties, at http://www.facebook.com/harloehotties

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5 stars
714 (42%)
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513 (30%)
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302 (17%)
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118 (6%)
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50 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 269 reviews
Profile Image for Mitsy.
412 reviews19 followers
January 24, 2019
Adorable! Shane and Addison are so cute! Shane’s new to town and out when he looks up to Addison waiting on him. Unfortunately? He’s clueless as to how to approach her so they start as...roommates!! 😀 Lass is a refreshing, sweet, and funny story!

My advice? Buy it and read it ASAP! ❤️
Profile Image for Jacquelyn McLaughlin.
63 reviews7 followers
June 15, 2019
Oh. My. Gawd!!! This book was everything! From the depths of my soul, it was the best book I've ever read! Harloe Rae does it again! But better. LASS is hilarious & steamy. Harloe had me laughing so hard at Shane and Addison's misunderstandings, swooning at their undeniable chemistry, and loving the both of them completely! LASS is a friends to lovers romance standalone and the third book in the Bitter Sweet Heat series. I recommend picking this book up as soon as possible!!!
Profile Image for Alex ♈.
1,568 reviews1,307 followers
February 13, 2019
2.75 stars

Virgin hero and non-virgin heroine 🤩
I'm not a big fan of misunderstandings and unplanned pregnancy, but the way he was pining for her was good 😉
I wish the heroine were more self-confident, but it's a lot to ask for in a contemporary romance, I guess 😕
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Tia Louise.
Author 59 books6,775 followers
January 28, 2019
Adorable, funny, panty melting... I couldn't click fast enough. I totally lost sleep. This book is SO GOOD! It hits all my LOVE buttons--a sexy, sweet hero and a feisty, loving lady he must possess. Roommates to lovers = SWOON!!!!

This might be Harloe's BEST book to date... Oh, who am I kidding? I've loved ALL her books! Don't miss out on this little gem. It's the perfect pick me up to leave you smiling and wanting MORE!
Profile Image for L.J. Shen.
Author 63 books49k followers
January 21, 2019
Adored. Simply adored.
Harloe Rae is the queen of swoon-worthy heroes. I love her unique voice and style.
Profile Image for TJ *Book Twins Reviews*.
1,096 reviews2,551 followers
February 6, 2019
Eeeeep! A super sweet roommates to lovers romance from Harloe Rae.

In this return to Garden Grove, we get Addison and Shane's slow burn romance. I loved both these characters. She's fun and flirty. He's inexperienced and sheltered. The reverse in dynamic was very entertaining.

Catching up with the previous character from previous standalones in this series was a real treat. I particularly enjoyed seeing the progression of the characters. Their chemistry was off the charts and they were obviously meant for one another.

I enjoyed this entertaining read from a favorite author!
Profile Image for A.M. Hargrove.
Author 69 books2,449 followers
January 28, 2019
Harloe Rae knows how to pack a punch in the heart with her words. I adored this book. Adds and Rooks had me swooning one minute and bent over laughing the next. Poor Rooks--what that man went through. He's the kind of guy any girl would dream of having by her side any day. The characters were well developed, as usual, and I loved the story arc. I also loved how the secondary characters were woven into the story. I don't believe in giving anything away, but I promise if you read this, you'll totally understand. Don't miss Lass. It's unforgettable.
Profile Image for Becky .
234 reviews283 followers
September 24, 2020
H is a virgin and so freaking cute
h is not a virgin but apparently the last time was a few years ago

She takes forever to give the guy a chance
Profile Image for Somia.
2,064 reviews154 followers
May 7, 2019
The way in which the hero in this Shane pines for Adison was depicted well, and had me rooting for him, but I did want more evolution when it came to the development of their bond and relationship. The , a different issue/incident may have been more reverting. Also, part of me did want Shane to punch his friend Troy, don’t know if it’s due to a bad night’s sleep or simply the character, but he really annoyed me!

The virginity trope is used here, but

I don’t think this book can legitimately be called a friends to lovers romance, these two are not really friends, but more like acquittances that are becoming friends and roommates and then lovers, that being said this book was better than expected. I did find myself enjoying the read, were there some moments that had me rolling my eyes a tiny, tiny bit, yes, but overall a nice light, slow burn romance.

Acquired via KU.
Profile Image for Mandie.
692 reviews34 followers
January 31, 2019
Amazing book, with amazing characters. I immediately fell in love with Addison and Shane! This book is a swoon-worthy slow burning romance that left me with all the feels!
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,755 reviews1,324 followers
February 3, 2019
4 SWEET CROWNS

Harloe Rae continues her series of sweet romantic standalones with Lass. Shane are Addy are literally the cutest in all of existence.

If you are looking for sweet, low-angst friends to lovers romance, then this is for you. Shane and Addy are the epitome of all of the above.

The aspect that I think I loved most about them, though, is the friendship that they had. They were just natural together, and the chemistry between them flowed almost organicially.

I will say that the story didn't necessarily hold my interest, and not because of pacing or lack of chemistry but because I pretty much figured out the plot from chapter 2.

Although, this wasn't my favorite from the series, as I am partial to the gruff and a**hole characters, like Trey from Gent, it is still a super sweet, light romance. If that is what you love, then you should definitely check this one out.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for ✴ Cindy ✴  .
401 reviews
February 3, 2019
🌟🌟

This was a boring story. Nothing interesting happened. No angst. I would call it a sweet pallet cleanser for those angsty reads that leave you hungover.

description

Addison works at a bar and meets Shane. He's a virgin who recently left a religious commune type upbringing. He instantly falls in love with Addy and makes moony eyes at her for a couple years. Finally, she's looking for a room mate and he offers. She makes sure to tell him he's in the friend zone. He does everything but wipe her but to get her to notice him. It was sweet, but not my cuppa.

Safety: He's a virgin and over eager. I like that the author didn't give him porn like skills his first time out of the gate. Addy was experienced, but we don't know anything about her past.
Profile Image for Neha.
73 reviews87 followers
February 14, 2019
When I see "friend to lovers" what I expect is as per the definition:
A friendship which eventually evolves into something more.

Dictionary result for friend
/frɛnd/Submit
noun
plural noun: friends; plural noun: Friends
1. a person with whom one has a bond of mutual affection, typically one exclusive of sexual or family relations.

IMO our leads were never friends as they were lusting for each other since start. And to me friendship is very important so I always take personal offence in these kind of misleading tags.
Profile Image for Lisa (Two Bookish Brits).
802 reviews166 followers
January 20, 2019
Oh my gosh. I’m so in love with this little beauty that I could cry happy tears. I’m so so emotional right now. Just wow!

ARC received in exchange for an honest review

Shane, oh boy. This man made me fall so damn fast that I didn’t even see it coming. He’s adorable and so out of the loop with most things after the upbringing he had. He’s a man in touch with his emotions and filled with so much passion. When he sets his mind on something he chases it and follows it through.

Addison, this girl. Sometimes annoying with her boundaries and shit at the beginning but damn it, she stole a piece of my heart too. She’s so adorable and lovely and just wants to protect herself and Shane. I absolutely love how lovely and patient she is.

Addison and Shane are absolute perfection. Watching their relationship grow has been absolutely beautiful. My heart ached for them at a certain part in the story and I felt the tears stinging my eyes. I love when a book pulls that kind of emotion from me. I’m not going to say anymore as I don’t want to spoil their story.

Lass is a swoon inducing, heart bursting with emotions, panty melting kind of read. It’s perfect and steamy and leaves you wanting more.

Harloe Rae did an incredible job bringing these characters to life. This is my first book from this author and most certainly won’t be my last. 5 mega underpants melting stars
Profile Image for Keri Loves Books.
1,243 reviews194 followers
November 24, 2019
5 Swoon worthy Stars!!!

A super swoony love story that will make your heart overflow. Get ready to be swept off your feet by this sweet and sexy romance.

Shane was new in town when he first saw Addison. It was like being struck by lightning! He was smitten at first sight. But now it’s been years and he has yet to make a move. However, when an opportunity arises to get closer to her, he grabs it!

Addison has been living in her small town all her life. When Shane shows up, she just waited for him to make his move. Years later and she’s still waiting. With a big change coming, she’s going to have to put him in the friend zone.

These two had incredible sexual tension and it was super HOT. Shane’s naivety was endearing. He had a heart of gold and you couldn’t help but fall for him. He may have led a sheltered life, but his love for Addison always shined through. Who wouldn’t fall in love with a guy that loves a girl as much as he loved Addison and when he decided not to hold back, it was perfection!!! He was a total romantic with a sexy side of alpha male, making for a perfect combination. Addison was everything he always wanted and she gave him everything he would ever need.
Profile Image for BookAddict.
1,757 reviews148 followers
January 25, 2019
Shane and Addison's story is such a treat! This is a new author to me and I couldn’t have had a better introduction to her writing. She has easily made a spot for herself on my must-read list of authors with this sweet, steamy, endearing story. Rae clearly delights in torturing her characters -- and in turn, her readers – in the most deliciously wicked way. All the push and pull and false starts between Shane and Addy only serve to stoke the smoldering, slow-burning fire between them so that their chemistry is insanely, explosively intense. Between Shane and Addy being “just friends" (yeah, right) and their very different personalities, backgrounds and experience, their story is one wild, evocative, sexy and compelling ride!

Shane breaks from his rigidly religious family and preordained future, ending up in the small town of Garden Grove. It’s everything you would expect from a small town -- quaint and inviting, complete with quirky characters, awesome BFF's and busy bodies. The first time Shane lays eyes on Addison, he sees a new, very different future ahead of him. But his inexperience and naivety are his greatest enemies in going after what his heart really wants.

Shane is amazingly swoon worthy, in an understated, surprising way. He's is the alpha that almost wasn’t, and his inexperience and lack of social acuity are his most loveable traits, after his big gooey heart. But let’s just say Shane is a really quick learner, finds his inner alpha, and Addy reaps the benefits. With that simple statement, I’ve skipped to the end of their road to an HEA, but the journey is anything but simple, and it’s the very best part of the story. There are turns and bumps and a stall or two, but it all made these characters more loveable. Their journey sweeps you up and carries you along, and you’ll love every minute of this steamy, delicious, emotional read!

I’ll admit, I have a soft spot for a beta hero, so I loved Shane almost instantly. Watching him try and falter, then learn and grow, makes him one of the most memorable heroes I’ve ever read. Between his awkwardness and fumbling, and the contrast between his thoughts and the words that actually came out of his mouth, Shane was just so freakin' adorable, my swoony heart was all twitterpated just for him.

This book has so much to offer – a new take on the friends to lovers romance, small-town charm, twists, turns and surprises, comic relief and laugh-out-loud moments, a strong, feisty heroine, a loveable hero who will steal your heart, and enough chemistry to light up your Kindle. Completely worthy of a 1-Click, you’ll love this freshly unique, sexy, humorous and heartfelt story!

*I reviewed an advance copy of this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.
Profile Image for life.on.READpeat.
1,273 reviews104 followers
January 31, 2019
* Read more of my reviews at Whoo Gives A Hoot *
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Harloe Rae is amazing when it comes to swoon worthy reads and LASS is definitely one of my favorite reads of 2019! This is the PERFECT friends-to-lovers romance and probably one of the best I have read in a long time! Shane and Addison's story left me breathless and completely satisfied when I reached the end. Sure I didn't want the story to end because I was loving every second of it, but she did an incredible job with the storyline and her character development was on point...like it always is!

I think this might be my new favorite story from this author (even though all of her books have been amazing) because of our hero and heroine. These two totally stole my heart and I cannot stop thinking about them, even days after finishing their story! Their chemistry is just so freaking addictive and you won't be able to let them go!

I totally recommend one-clicking this as soon as possible because you are missing out on a spectacular story! So go do it...RIGHT NOW!
Profile Image for Britt Chaotic Creatives.
1,414 reviews94 followers
January 22, 2019
I cannot shout this enough, this is a book you do not want to miss! Stop what you’re doing, get snacks, sit down and prepare to not move for hours while Harloe Rae’s beautiful writing wraps you up in a story filled with so much love your heart will overflow. I love love love how each hero in this series has been distinctly unique and each one of them stole my heart, but Shane, *sigh* Shane is my absolute favorite.
He’s this charming mix of all male sexiness and sometimes adorable innocence that makes him completely irresistible. I think I fell in love with Shane nearly as fast as he fell in love with he fell in love with Addison. While Shane definitely has his alpha male moments and is unbelievably hot it was his sweetness that really stole my heart while reading Lass. These two have something so sweet and so perfect with their love it leaves you longing to stay in their story forever.
Going along with all that amazing swoon you get some serious giggle inducing hilarity, heartwarming friendship and just all around feel good warm and fuzzies making Lass one the the best books this year!
February 1, 2019
✨ DREAMY’S REVIEW ✨

Wow! This book.. Harloe Rae, talk about a roommates to lovers romance! A swoon worthy story that you NEED in your life!

I’m totally head over heals over Shane!

I couldn’t help but fall in love with the way he was so out of the loop with things, it was cute in his own way! He was the perfect mix of a man who is so in touch with his emotions and a man who knows how to make panties drop!

A sexy alpha male in touch with his emotions? God, yes!

Addison with her boundaries and setting rules, my goodness! This woman was putting up her walls, but she had no idea how Shane would worm his way through and into her heart!

And when Shane was set on Addison, he followed through and I mean, all the way through!

Watching as Shane and Addison’s relationship grow throughout the course of the story was a beautiful thing unfolding! They had undeniable chemistry, the hot sexual tension, and the heart felt moments between them... I love it!

And my god, the emotions that Rae was about to pull out of me! Tears, I was in tears!

This is my first book by Harloe Rae and definitely NOT my last! I cannot wait to read more of her work!

Five dreamy stars: 💫💫💫💫💫

Profile Image for Natasha.
538 reviews26 followers
January 20, 2019
Addison is bold, confident, and Shane's biggest temptation. Shane hasn't figured out how to move from being just friends with Addison to something more. So when Addison is looking for a new roommate- opportunity lands right in Shane's lap. The perfect way for Shane to get close to her. Until she decides it will be strickly platonic- Roommates only relationship. Shane's desire for Addison grows, now he just needs to seal the deal. Will opposites finally attract?
I loved the dynamic between Shane and Addison, and the small town of Garden Grove. Addison and Shane are complete opposites. Where Addison is confident Shane is shy. Shane lacks experience, in just about anything before moving to Garden Grove. Their chemistry fights to blur the lines between friends and roommates to something more. 4⭐ out of 5⭐
Profile Image for Andi Isack.
402 reviews16 followers
February 1, 2019
A very nice story, but a little hard that Shane is so " innocent" with a sinful body.but still this particular detail of his is what makes this story original.
*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Up All Night With Books.
1,157 reviews40 followers
January 27, 2019
5 charming stars!
Review by Nancy
Late Night reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog


Witty and entertaining, Lass by Harloe Rae is the perfect friends to lovers romance. It was a laugh out loud, feel-good romance with an interesting backstory.

Shane is a very likable character, trying to find his way in the real world after leaving his family. Growing up in a very religious, closed off community didn’t teach him what to expect if he ever went off on his own. He was definitely not prepared for the temptation that was Addison Walker. From the moment he laid his eyes on her, she called to him like a beacon and he knew she would bring him to his knees. After years of trying to be the friend he thinks she needs, the opportunity to show her he wants more arrives and he is nothing if not persistent.

Addison is born and raised in her small town, living her life one day at a time. She is quirky, smart, and loveable. The moment she meets Shane, she is attracted to him. The more she gets to know him, the more she likes him but no matter how many feelers she puts out, he just doesn’t seem interested. When the opportunity to live together comes knocking on the door, she decides it is best to friend zone him. But Shane is irresistible and Addison can only fight her attraction for so long.

Addison and Shane are perfect for each other. They balance each other out. He learns a lot from her and strives to be the very best partner. Addison is thoughtful about Shane's past and his upbringing. She tries to understand and love him all the same.

Rae did an absolutely astonishing job with this book! It brought something different to the table and it worked flawlessly. A great heart-pumping book that had me laughing and swooning all at once.

**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
Profile Image for Angelica.
205 reviews14 followers
February 26, 2020
No one can write innocent characters like Harloe Rae. She truly has a knack for creating such pure characters who are as innocent and inexperienced as they come. These characters, no matter how inexperienced, win you over and make you want to get to know them and their backstory just as much as any alpha male book boyfriend.

Shane is no exception to this. He comes from a very conservative and religious family and because of this, he has never been intimate with a woman. This along with other things holds him back from pursuing anything with Addison but he likes her and it's obvious she likes him back just as much but neither of them push for more until fate intervenes and they end up as roommates.

When Shane moves in with Addison things start off purely platonic but as time passes, they begin to grow closer and closer until neither can resist the other and when they finally give into their utmost desires, fireworks ignite!

Their chemistry was off the charts and made me wish I had a Shane of my own. ;) He wasn't perfect by any means and said some things that kind of made me want to smack him across the head but I know he did everything out of the goodness of his heart and even though it wasn't always right, I knew it was coming from a good place and that just made him more endearing to me.

Their relationship was not perfect and did not come without its hitches. But what relationship is perfect? Together they proved that love can conquer all and seeing their love flourish made the wait more than worth it. *sighs* I love Addison and Shane. They were so perfect together.

If you want a sweet, feel-good love story, Lass is just what you need, so do yourself a favor and read it ASAP! I give Lass 4 stars and cannot wait to go back to Garden Grove for the next couple in this series!


*** ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review ***
Profile Image for Gladys.
12.1k reviews140 followers
January 22, 2019
This was an amazing romance. The storyline was engaging and fun but offers a rich deepness and powerful emotions. The characters are complex, complicated and incredibly likable. This book is a complete standalone romance but it does contain characters that appear in the Gent and Miss books. So if upon reading you are intrigued by Raven/Trey and Delilah/Zeke, I suggest you read their books because you will not be sorry! Now, This is Addison and Shane's story and it is a sure bet to melt your heart. Addison is sassy, sure of herself and has a soft center that still harbors the dream of "The One" sweeping her off her feet and getting a HEA like her parents did. Despite this, she has major walls and lets fear of never finding that kind of love or worse being heartbroken heavily influence her actions. Shane is a unique, totally swoon worthy hero. His past is painful and his struggle to find his place and deal with his feelings for Addison come across as charming, while inspiring the readers sympathy. I won't give away spoilers, but trust me he starts very firmly behind the eight ball and must work very hard to make any progress with his relationship with Addison. Together they are quite cute, sweet, funny and yes, sometimes frustrating. They are a perfect pair though and I found myself rooting for them through the whole book. The plot offers some drama, angst, humor, some heartache, a few surprises, sweet love and steamy passion. I am by my own choice posting a sincere review.
Profile Image for Marta Bo.
878 reviews15 followers
January 31, 2019
THIS BOOK IS DEFINETLY WORTH TO READ!!!

Oh my !!!! I'm so in love in this book !!!

I read Lass as first  book from this author and since the begining I fall deeply in love with this characters !!!!


Harloe Rae has taken me by suprise ... Of course I saw here and there books with her name, but I always thought: okay maybe not this time... and my TBR from this author became big and bigger since a long time. But ! One beautiful day, by accident (what a shame !) I've done some one click acctiion and Tadam !!!! My rollecoster ride with Mrs  Harloe has began. Shane and Addy gave me so much fun !


Shane is my man ! I love read books about a**hole, so my meeting with Shane gave a little shock. However... with all his kindness and sweets Shane was so refreshing for me. He is PERFECT boyfriend, everybody's type. He's handsome hottie, calm.... but he knows exactly how to steal women hearts.


Addy is tottaly opposite for him because she is just CRAAAZY....but so adorable and loving and pasionate and perfectly match for Shane in the same time.


This couple just shine ! And I s*it You not !!! They are sweet together, they are even more sexier ....gahhh I loved them sooo much. Of course they have some hard and good moments.... just like normal love couples, however there's not too much drama in the background.


I'm sure that after Lass I want to catch up with other folks is whole series now !!!

Readers all kinds grab Your copy, right now !
Profile Image for Cee Cee Houston.
1,341 reviews27 followers
January 31, 2019
Each book that I read by Harloe Rae just somehow manages to be better than the last. Lass is no different, in fact, it’s easy to say it took it up a notch or two. This was a fabulous slow-burning romance with well written characters that were likeable, fresh and just that little bit on an exception. Their chemistry was off the charts, and even though Shane was not your usual alpha hero, he was most definitely a swoon-worthy one. He was sweet and adorable. A clean-cut gentleman that will knock your socks off and melt your heart...and your panties.
Addison is fierce, strong-willed and full of confidence. She should have been too much for Shane to handle, but he knew what he wanted and just had to get her on the same page.
This was a dual POV story and boy did it need it, to get the characters mental ruminations across, I know I needed it. Watching these two as they slowly become a couple was an enjoyable experience. It was quite simply beautiful to see, and I had to wipe my eyes a few times. Winter colds!! LOL Seriously though, catching up with the Garden Grove couples Trey and Raven from Gent, and Delilah and Zeke from Miss was a real treat. It made this story even better.
Wonder who will be next in line to join the crew.
Profile Image for Melissa.
1,653 reviews96 followers
February 5, 2019
Not too bad

3.5 Stars
This story wasn’t too bad, it was pretty decent for the most part. I did feel like it was a little too long and that it did drag in places. I felt Addison kept Shane in the friend zone way too long. I wanted to shake some sense into her. I liked at the end how she apologized for her part in their disagreement but I wish she would have cut him a little slack. The man is from a sheltered religious community, his social interactions are way off and I think he would have responded differently if she explained things to him better instead of biting his head off. But I get it, pregnancy hormones are crazy sometimes, lol. I wish he used the endearment Lass more, it was only mentioned a few times in the book.
Safety
The H is a virgin and the h is not! You don’t see this everyday! I liked how the moment Shane met Addison he was 100% committed to her! There is no op drama at all! No abuse!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 269 reviews

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