This is my least favorite of the series so far. Maybe if I hadn't just read about Jude addiction problems a couple of days ago in this same series, I would have been more interested in this one. As it was it felt very same old same old. I did enjoy the bi sexual heroine. I felt like she was well written. I liked the hero who was a player until he met her and then he was all in. Again here the people were real. The hero for example wasn't a stud at everything he did. Which is different for a romance hero. ( )

rough start! maybe my least fav from the series ( )

What another wonderful addition to Sarina Bowen’s True North series!

As a recovering alcoholic, May Shipley never expected to set foot in the bar owned by her older brother’s high school rival. She also never expected to see the woman she had professed to love kissing her ex-girlfriend in said bar. But life is funny like that. Enter in one Alec Rossi – self-proclaimed high school rival of Griff Shipley and fledgling owner of The Gin Mill. When May discovers her cheating girlfriend, it’s Alec who steps in. Alec gets her like no one else does, especially her hovering, but well-meaning family.

Alec knows he shouldn’t feel anything for May Shipley, especially after having a ringside seat to May’s latest heartbreak. But the heart wants what the heart wants. He had no way of knowing that stopping May from smacking down the unfaithful couple would end in something great for the both of them.

I loved watching May and Alec’s relationship develop. Alec was sweet and funny and just what May needed. He didn’t treat her with kid gloves or sugarcoat things. It was equally sweet to see May come out of her shell and make peace not only with her alcoholism but also her unrequited love for her best friend, Lark. It was also wonderful to see that passion Alec had for his business and his determination to make it succeed. I enjoyed the glimpse into both Alec and May’s minds. As with every book in the True North series, Speakeasy shed light on the inner workings of the Shipley family but it also allowed readers to delve into the Rossi family dynamics and understand Alec and Griff’s strained relationship.

Although I’m a diehard fan of Jude and Sophie, Alec and May’s relationship is a close second. Out of all the books in the series, I think this one is the most fun. It's surprisingly lighthearted for a book that deals with some heavy topics. I genuinely felt like they made a good couple and had a good time together. Their chemistry was off the charts and I couldn’t put the book down. Highly recommend. ( )

Great read. I was so excited for May's book. I love this series and I hope to see more. I loved everything about this book!! ( )

Bowen brings us back to Vermont in Speakeasy. I never thought I would crave Vermont so much! May, our heroine, finds her live in girlfriend kissing another girl. Alec swoops in an rescues her like a true hero! I appreciated the depth that Bowen takes on with these characters. May's sexuality and alcoholism are topics that play a major role in the story. However, Bowen also knows when to lighten things up too.

May's struggle with addiction has shaped her and her family. Her family has always handled her with kid gloves for fear they might set her off. May is tired of it all, so the story is not just about her relationship with Alec, but about repairing her relationship with her family. The Shipley's are great and they provide some levity with their zaniness! May is also not sure that a real relationship with Alec would ever work. She is sure that friends with benefits is all they could be.

Alec is steady a s rock. He is one of those book boyfriends who just makes you swoon. He is so laid back. It was refreshing to have a character who is just kind of going with the flow as an opposite to the heavy emotions that May experienced.

Speakeasy is another stellar entry in Bowen's True North series and further reminder why Bowen is one of my go to authors!

 

• POV: dual 1st


• Tears: no


• Trope: addiction, friends with benefits


• Triggers: none


• Series/Standalone: stand alone within an interconnected series


• Cliffhanger: no


• HEA: yes

Character driven stories like Good Girl by Jana Aston, Wasted Words by Staci Hart, Fighting for Everything by Laura Kaye...then you will probably like Speakeasy!

 


Speakeasy





See full review on The Book Disciple ( )