Sometimes you fall for Mr. Right. And sometimes for Mr. Right Now… not all Alec is good at. Our unexpected chemistry makes him the perfect rebound guy.
Alec
I should know better than to hook up with my rival’s little sister, but the fiery look in May’s eyes really turns my crank. She needs cheering up, and I’m just the guy for the job.
It’s not like I’ll fall in love. Not even after a string of scorching hot trysts, and the realization that we’re good at the same things: wild nights and familial disappointment. I don’t do love, never have, never will. So this is the perfect arrangement, for both of us.
Nobody would approve, but nobody has to know…
more
I always get excited when there is a new book releasing in this series. I love these stories of love and friendship and family, good and bad. I’ve been hoping for an HEA for May and this is it.
When Alec Rossi rescues May Shipley from an ugly scene at The Gin Mill, neither one of them think it’s anything but a friend helping a friend. But when May asks Alec to escort her to a law school function where she’s likely to meet up her ex-girlfriend, Alec’s sweetness turns to sparks and May finds she can still have fun without getting drunk. Alec is just so absolutely perfect with her, their chemistry is off the charts, and what seemed to be a one night thing, turns into more.
But May has some issues to deal with regarding her recovery and living at home again. Alec has some business issues he’s dealing with and a playboy reputation that gets in the way. Getting together at night is a great way for them to get their minds off their troubles, and those clandestine meetings change things between them. Alec really likes May and doesn’t want a “just-sex” relationship, but May isn’t quite ready for him.
I have to say that I loved May just as much as I loved Alec in this story. Her recovery is difficult and I love that Sarina Bowen doesn’t sugarcoat her struggles in this tale. This is a significant part of the story and how May is dealing with it is important. There’s an awesome scene between May and Jude where they talk about cravings that was so very well done and it warmed my heart. So many things in this story hit me right in the feels.
There was so much to like in this story, from May and Alec’s romance, to the way Griff reacts to May being back home again. I must admit I loved seeing Alec give Griff a bit of a hard time. It really was true to life and just perfect. And it was awesome how the ladies caught on to who May was seeing before the guys did. So clueless!
If you are a fan of contemporary romance and love family-oriented conflicts, sweet heroines and not the usual alpha-males, you should be reading this series. It’s terrific.
3 huge snaps in the shape of a (5) star(s) for Speakeasy.
This is my second Sarina Bowen True North novel and I loved it!- May is a strong, sensitive and flawed person who deserves much happiness in life. When she runs into Alec the chemistry is undeniable. I laughed and cheered for this couple and when she hit the deer on a snowy night I held my breath and even though the timer was going off for dinner I had to keep reading to find out what happened next.
A must read and I love the Vermont setting… an added bonus.
Always more!
I shouldn’t be surprised by now that there is always so much more than I’m expecting in the True North series! More emotion, more depth, more character development. Speakeasy is no different, and I loved it!
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.
4.5 Stars
It’s been a while since I’ve been back in the Shipley world up in Vermont and I forgot how much I love it. I loved Alec. As a middle child I could totally relate to some of his issues. My heart broke for him more than once. And May didn’t have it easy in her family dynamic either. I loved how they were with each other. The story took a turn I didn’t see coming but I loved how everything eventually worked out. Now time to dive into Benito’s story.
This is by far my favorite of the series because the main characters are the most realistic. There is no secret baby, no major traumatic past events, etc; it’s just two people who have had some bumps in the road, made some past mistakes, and are trying to get their lives together and become something better. Their relationship seems to move quickly, insta-lust becomes love (not insta-love), and it felt really organic. Alec the fun loving party boy turned business owner and May, the recovering alcoholic, turned lawyer whose family is suffocating her because they care. With high levels of chemistry, a cinnamon roll hero, and all the antics of the Shipley family, what’s not to love.
*5 Stars*
I love this series. I have completely read it out of order, but Sarina has written them as standalone’s so that doesn’t matter. This and Alec and May’s book.
I loved these guys together, they just work, even though it takes May some convincing. There are plenty of struggles in this book, and they’re real life struggles. May is dealing with a hell of a lot in her personal life, and Alec is dealing with a lot of business struggles, along with some insecurities in his personal life too.
I liked how easily May and Alec connected, and how much of a great guy Alec was. I really disliked the way Otto treated him, and I respected how he still chased after the things he wanted. He was also a really understanding guy for May, and not pushy at all. He was perfect.
I love the Shipley family too of course, even if they didn’t understand how they were making May feel smothered at times. They care so much about each other, this family is awesome.
Even with all is serious issues, this was just a really enjoyable book to read. And can we take a second to appreciate that cover?! I think its my fave for this series.
Love this series, loved this book, can’t wait to read more!
I loved May and Alec together. This was a sweet, endearing, and heartwarming journey to go on. What starts out as a fling and good time leads to so much more. May has her issues but Alec shows her unconditional respect and love, they are just too cute.
Sarina Bowen is brilliant. I have enjoyed this series immensely.
4.5****
Book five in the True North series. Can be read and enjoyed as stand-alone with secondary characters the same throughout the series. This is the first book I’ve read by Sarina Bowen and I loved it! I loved their big families and their friend group, I need to go back and read their stories. I loved how Alec the party guy who doesn’t do relationships fell hard for quiet boring May. Great book, I highly recommend!
Bi ladies who end up with a man? This definitely appealed to me…for reasons.
Another great addition to this series. I loved the chemistry and banter between Alex and May. Alec Is sexy, sweet and totally swoony. This friends to lovers storyline will make you laugh and root for them as individuals as well as their journey. A must read.
Loved it
I have always attempted to give ‘star’ ratings on my completed reads, just as a tracking method for my titles that I have completed. I have unlimited packages for audio, kindle, and utilize the local/state library.
However, I do not check the ‘I recommend this book’ unless I am willing to reread a book and or a series.
[I read about 5-15 books a month through kindle, and I listen to about 15-30 books monthly]
I have a full life as a nurse, professor, wife, daughter [daughter in law], sister, and mother. I love to read and love a thousand other lives by turning the pages in countless books.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide a review. Happy reading 🙂
How can a bar owner and a recovering alcoholic make a relationship work?? Perfectly, when they are as made for each other as May and Alec. Alex is the hilarious party guy. May is the hot mess that her family can’t stop hovering over. The balance they gave each other was so wonderful, I never wanted to stop listening. I absolutely LOVED this audio. The narrators completely drew me in.
I am in love with this world, the characters… everything. Seriously can they adopt me please!!! Each book gets better and better I can’t wait to read more
I LOVED this book! I didn’t really know what to expect when I started Speakeasy. For me, May was a quite, in the background character through most of the books in the series as was Alec. I fell so hard for both of them though! The easy rapport, the back and forth banter, the quick comebacks, the corny jokes, all kept me laughing throughout the book! I love that these characters are realistic and have normal problems that everyday people have. The author does an amazing job of making their struggles believable and relatable. I love the glimpses of previous characters and the family dynamic in each book. Since starting this series a week ago I have immersed myself in these books and this world. It’s been a while since I found a series that I have fallen in love with each and every book. I hope if you’re reading this review you’ll take the chance too!
J avais hâte de découvrir le tome consacrée à la sœur de Griffin Shipley car May est une jeune femme que nous suivons depuis le début et dans le troisième tome, nous avions appris des choses dont je n’avais pas conscience . J’avais donc envie d’en savoir plus , d’autant plus qu’Alec Rossi est un personnage qui était également intriguant .
Étant donné le titre VO Speakasy, je me doutais que cela tournerait autour des bars et de l’alcool . Si Sarina Bowen avait déjà traité de l’addiction et de ses conséquences avec Jude dans Ancrage , May Shipley va nous offrir une autre facette de ce souci mais pas uniquement que cela. May a connu plusieurs déboires et sa famille a trop tendance à la considérer comme la gamine qu’elle n’est plus . Sa vie amoureuse va prendre un nouveau tournant en vivant un nouveau déboire et notre cœur se serre en apprenant ce rebondissement car May est un personnage d’une gentillesse absolue et elle ne mérite pas ce qui lui arrive . Son cœur est donc en miettes et il est hors de question qu’elle se lance à nouveau dans une histoire qui ne ferait que boucher les fissures de son cœur . Elle essaie de s’en sortir avec la carrière qu’elle a choisie et on espère que ses compétences pourront lui servir .
Son amitié avec Alec est donc une bouffée d’oxygène car entre eux tout est simple et l’humour est très présent . Avec lui, elle n’a pas peur de se livrer et de montrer ses failles. Il n’est jamais dans le jugement et ne peut que comprendre le côté envahissant et étouffant des Shipley. Pour la première fois de la saga , j’ai vu le côté vraiment ronchon de Griffin et il est parfois agaçant envers Alec mais aussi sa sœur . Nous avons l’impression que tous attendent son nouveau faux pas alors qu’Alec est réellement dans l’écoute . Elle devra apprendre à vivre sa vie en la cachant de ses proches et même dans son amitié avec Lark, elle est dans le mensonge et le déni. Elle souffre mais est parfaite quand il s’agit de sortir son sourire de façade. Parviendra t’elle à lutter contre ses anciens démons ? Saura t’elle à nouveau ouvrir son cœur ?
Alec Rossi est un personnage que nous découvrons dans Bountiful car il aide sa sœur Zara à gérer Nicole et son implication dans l’affaire qu’elles ont monté avec Audrey. Il était toujours présent pour sa sœur et on savait à quel point il tenait à sa nièce . On le retrouve donc au Gin Mill , son bar et c est vraiment génial de découvrir qui il est vraiment . Il est le dragueur de service et semble préférer les coups d’un soir aux relations durables . Il entretient avec Griffin des relations tendues car il n’a jamais pardonné le fait qu’il ait blessé sa sœur . Mais d’autres révélations nous donneront de plus amples explications sur cette tension . Pourtant May n’est pas comme son frère et il ne se voit pas la laisser dans la panade .
J’ai donc adoré ce personnage car il apportera la légèreté dont May a tant besoin et il saura l’épauler dans les moments difficiles . Sa vie est loin d’être un long fleuve tranquille et Otto saura une fois de plus nous agacer par ses remarques acerbes. Il est tellement détestable et avare de compliments. Alec gère du mieux qu’il peut son bar et entrevoit un développement de ses affaires mais des rebondissent indépendants de sa volonté le pousseront à subir des pressions supplémentaires. Il n’est pas vraiment apprécié à sa juste valeur et on espère que certains personnages ouvriront les yeux sur sa place dans leur vie.
Bref, j’ai de nouveau passé un très bon moment avec la saga True North que j’affectionne de plus en plus. Sarina Bowen nous offre des personnages toujours aussi attachants qui sont confrontés à des thématiques diverses et pourtant complémentaires. Vous tomberez sous le charme de l’histoire d’Alec et May et nous leur souhaitons de recevoir le bonheur qu’ils méritent tant .
4.5 Stars!! What a great story by Sarina Bowen!! I’ve been wanting to read this True North series for a while and somehow Speakeasy is my first, even though I have most of the rest in my library. Standalone, interconnected series are definitely a favorite of mine for just this reason! Alec and May were fantastic together! Both are seen as a bit of a mess by their families. Both have some insecurities. What’s starts as friendly support turns to hot hookups, but when feelings start happening things get good and complicated. I loved the flow of this story. Ms. Bowen is always so good at developing her characters, and at weaving humor with strong emotions. Once again I’m left feeling happy and wanting to visit the places and the characters.
Some stories can be ugly with a bit of romance and others are filled with steamy scenes and nothing more. Speakeasy blends together two tough worlds with some sexy moments all tied together with some twists and turns. May’s in a situation no woman need find herself; caught her girlfriend cheating and now homeless, she’s suddenly got the help oh Alec Rossi. Their families have had a battle for years but May, even though she’d sworn off men, always had a thing for seemingly party-boy Alec. When the steam starts to boil between them she’s got to handle her feelings along with her dark secret.
Alec didn’t expect to play hero to cute and fiery May Shipley, but that’s where he’s at and he’s giving it his all. Seems May needs a friend now more than ever and Alec’s having a hard time staying chivalrous. With an attitude and a side of fun he didn’t expect, Alec and May give into a secret relationship just as his world comes crashing down and May begins to crawl her way out of her mess.
See…Bowen won me with this story with the fact that May is bisexual and it’s an open and obvious struggle with her and her family. Maybe not toxic, but her family accepts her but NOT her girlfriend turned ex. Her true dark secret? She’s a recovering alcoholic; and Bowen doesn’t shy from showing readers May’s constant struggle. May struggles to accept herself alongside her feelings for Alec. Watching Alec learn how to navigate May’s world while his dreams may no longer. One to fruition was enlightening. These two fought fir their romance and I LOVED it!