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…
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This is book 5 in the True North series, and yes, can be read as a stand-alone.
Since I read the other books in this series, I already know May Shipley’s story somewhat. Alec has been mentioned briefly in Zara’s book. To say that May and Alec would be a couple, well I didn’t see it coming.
Let me elaborate a bit, May has known Alec for most of her life. They’ve been friendly and Alec is always a good dance partner at gatherings. He’s known as the playboy or party boy. I mean, he does own a bar for that matter. May was the black sheep, recovering alcoholic oh she is bisexual. At the time she thought she met the one in her ex-girlfriend until she busts her with another woman. Enter Alec before goes to throw down.
Alec turns out to be a great listening board and someone to lean on. When the chemistry hits them both, May and Alec decide a FWB situation but we all know how those things turn out.
So here’s the thing, I love Sarina Bowen and all her books. The writing as always is stellar. Did I love this one as much as the others? It was okay. But what kept me is how May deals with her sobriety. Also, how Alec wants to really bring some special to Vermont. Although he usually feels as a loser, May is his biggest fan and believes in him and his dreams.
Overall if you are a fan of the series then I suggest you read Speakeasy.
4.5 Stars
I’ve yet to be disappointed by a title written by Sarina Bowen, and the sixth title in the True North series is at times intense and emotional read, but overall quite fun and heartwarming.
May Shipley is one of those characters who’s in the background but captures your curiosity, as was the case for me early on in the True North series. I was incredibly eager to read her story and it didn’t disappoint. I will say I was kind of hesitant to read this story with her character being bisexual, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. If that’s something that concerns you dive right in to Alec and May’s story. This pair have quite a lot more in common than you would expect rom a bar owner and recovering alcoholic. I loved that they are fallible, realistic and more than that relatable.
I simply adored Alec Rossi, he’s a complex and endearing character. He’s desperate to outrun his past persona as the good time, party guy. A known ladies man, he’s also very determined, hard working, capable, and desperate to achieve his goals and dreams. Alec has a depth to his character recognising in May his own feelings of inadequacy, disappointment and failure. Alec is really kind, caring, compassionate and honest and will do anything for those he holds dear.
Although May has made some questionable choices in the past, her family’s inability to leave the past in the past, and with their need to hover over her constantly it’s easy to see how she feels like a failure, when in fact she’s quite resilient, hardworking and intelligent.
I loved the banter and dialogue shared between Alec and May which is fun, flirtatious and full of humor. It’s captivating and only enhances the incredibly connection they share.
It was wonderful to once again enter the world of the Shipley and Rossi families, with familiar characters making frequent appearances within the story line, and in some cases their stories continued to develop as well.
If you love an emotional, family centred story full of heat, heart and humor look no further than the True North series. Speakeasy is up there as one of my favourite titles in the series, and whilst it can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the whole series, to better understand the different dynamics between the characters and their back stories. I hope that we will see more of the characters of True North in future titles in particular the other Shipley and Rossi siblings.
4.5 stars
Wow!! Not only did the book-cover completely enchant me, the story on its own was absolutely stunning!!!
Speakeasy is honestly next to Bittersweet my most favorite True North story to date.
May and Alec were a stunning couple. And I can only applaud the author for writing a story that embraced May’s sexuality, her believes, and her beautiful soul in such an amazing way. The way May connected with Alec was entirely genuine, and surprisingly sexy. She was a wild one. And I absolutely loved her for that.
Throughout the True North series, May’s journey has been an emotional rollercoaster ride and deeply touching. It was a true pleasure to see her find her own HEA. And for me, her love for Alec, was a beautiful thing to witness.
Her new found interest in the male form, was quite the illuminating discovery for May. Nevertheless she embraced it with laughter, joy and utter contentment. And Alec, couldn’t have been a better partner for her. His goofy, kind and funny side, was the right bandaid for May’s broken heart. Together they found a kindred spirit in each other.
I truly adored Alec. His struggle felt real, and his less than perfect personality made him even more charming and likable. Although his reputation was everything else than stellar, his personality was an adorable mix of goofyiness and hardworking businessman. With his steadfast and supporting demeanor he was exactly what May needed. Someone that didn’t treat her with kid gloves, and took what she offered without dissecting everything she did.
Together they were a wonderful couple, confident enough in each other to overcome minor hurdles in a mature and kind manner.
I honestly feel like this series has only been getting better with each book. Which is on its own quite the feat. There aren’t that many series that keep getting better. So, I’m beyond excited that Speakeasy was more than I could have ever wished for. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that I hope the author keeps on writing this series, there are more Shipley children that need their HEAs.
But love is messy, unpredictable, and occasionally loud.
Sarina Bowen’s True North series makes me want to explore Vermont! With each book, she gives us new information about small town living and beautiful imagery of the North Eastern part of the US. This city girl needs to get go out and explore!
Sarina Bowen is a one-click author for me. I never read a blurb because I couldn’t care less what it’s about, I just know that if she writes it, I want to read it.
The minute I let myself want someone, I always wreck it.
May Shipley has always been a character in the background of the True North series. A little mysterious and a lot misunderstood. A recovering alcoholic, she feels she’s always under the scrutiny of her family. She feels their distrust as if they lay in wait for her to mess up. In reality, I think it is May who awaits her destruction. She doesn’t trust herself nor her decisions. It wasn’t until Alec Rossi showed unadulterated interest in her, despite her flaws, that she begins to trust and even like herself.
May Shipley scratches an itch that I didn’t know I had.
Alec Rossi has always been the fun, happy-go-lucky, party guy. It is this reputation that causes people, including his family, to never take him too seriously. Now grown up, he has grown up plans and dreams and he needs people to believe in them and him. May sees Alec for more than his reputation. He’s smart, sensitive, and caring. Her faith in him gives him strength.
Another reason I love this series is the strong family dynamic present in each book. It’s refreshing. There isn’t a character I don’t want to know more about. But I REALLY want grandpa’s story!! He is hilarious!!! I want to know his past and how he ended up where he is today.
Get a room! Grandpa yells. Oh wait, you did. Right over my head last night …
Grandpa! several people say at once.
Well, nobody refilled my coffee. I’m not responsible for the things I say.
‘Speakeasy’ is a sexy, heart-warming tale of a passionate one-night stand that turns from forbidden love to acceptance, trust and a change of heart!
There’s nothing better than a sexy, emotional Sarina Bowen book and this delivers in spades!
Feels great to be back with the Shipley family in saying that I do believe this can be read as a stand-alone, you just might just end up reading the series back to front.
May is a recovering alcoholic and the last thing she needs is to track her partner to the local bar but that’s not the only problem she also finds her with her tongue down another girls throat. Alex the owner of the Gin Mill becomes her knight in shining armour he not only rescues her that night he also refuses to treat her with kid gloves like the rest of her family do and that makes May feel alive again. May has struggled with her sexuality and her family have not helped and that sent her running into the wrong girls arms so being with Alex is like a breathe of fresh air.
Alex was just perfect he is lighthearted, kind and fun to be with, May on the hand has some demons to fight but together they can fight those demons. The chemistry is hot, the characters loveable and I loved being back with the Shipley’s it felt like I was spending a few hours with friends and don’t get me started on how Alex is with his adorable little 2 year old niece. This is Sarina Bowen at her best so I urge you all to one click Speakeasy.
ARC received for an honest review.
Like Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally… yes, yes ,YES we are back in Vermont and the Shipley family.
I was over the moon when I found out we were getting more of the True North series, and as much as I have adored Griff Shipley in the past, I think his sister May is now my favourite Shipley out there.
Speakeasy is full of fun and sexy times, and full of heartbreak and frustration and gah, just everything
I adore Alec. I love how he goes for what he wants, that he understands May, even when she doesn’t understand herself.
Griff though, ugh. He was such a douche to both May and Alec at times in this story – but I still can’t help but love Gruff Griff!
Speakeasy also tackles some serious issues and they hurt my heart that our characters were dealing with these issues, however I was their biggest cheerleader.
Sweet, sexy, fun romance that I read in one go as I couldn’t put it down.
Ms Bowen has made me want to drink cider – and beer – and I don’t like either of them. It think it is time to plan a trip to Vermont.
I can’t wait to see what she brings us next.
5 Star Review of Speakwasy by Sarina Bowen (True North #5)
Although I have read several books by Sarina Bowen this is the first book I have read in this series.
May Shipley is shattered when she catches her partner kissing someone else, not only that but the humiliation is overwhelming.
May has struggled to find her identity within her family, as well as her sobriety and now that she has been betrayed by her girlfriend, she struggles even more.
Alec Rossi rushes to the rescue and gets her out of his bar before the situation explodes.
What is even more surprising is the intense chemistry that burns between May and Alec.
Alec has no plans to fall in love, all he wants is to have some scorchingly hot fun with May and help her get over her pain.
The writing is strong and the banter hilarious. I really liked both Alec and May, I particularly enjoyed the fact that both the characters were deeper than they appeared to be on the surface and were well developed.
Can two people haunted by their past come together and in turn create a future? Ms. Bowen tackled some heavy issues with integrity and sensitivity.
Speakeasy is a story of hope, of believing in oneself and taking chances.
Alec and May had me grinning throughout most of their story, that is just the core of who they are as a couple! Of course, it didn’t start out that way, and there were some deep topics dealt with by both of them but I was smiling more than not. They seem unlikely but as you get to know them, and they get to know each other, you and they realize they are not. Grumpy Griff is front and centre, as to be expected when his sister is dating someone. May has such growth in this story, and Alec is right behind as he expands his own ways. Together they prove what a powerhouse couple they truly are in any and all aspects!
3.5
I seem to have gone from my favorite in the series, to my least fav, and I’m not really sure why. I have been waiting to get to May’s book so I was excited to start. I didn’t know much about Alec, only that he was one of Zara’s brothers who ran a bar. I feel my disappointment might be because I listened to the audio as I read along, and I wasn’t a fan of the male lead’s voice. He didn’t suit Alec’s character and seemed to make him over dramatic in some parts and too cocky in others. The female lead on the other hand stole the show, so much so I messaged a few authors to suggest her for their own books. Even her male character voices were good, and that doesn’t happen often.
I was intrigued as to how this book would unfold with regards to May’s sexuality, and I’m happy to say I was pleased. It was discussed openly, with respect and compassion for May’s sorrow from her split with Daniela and starting something with Alec. I also interested to see how a recovering alcoholic could be in a relationship with a bar owner, and I don’t think it could work for everyone in this situation, but it did for Alec and May.
Alec was suppose to be May’s rebound fling, and that was ok with both of them, so there are plenty of hookups. For me this took away from the story more than building their bond. I wanted more in-depth conversations, May seeing Alec in his family situation and more time with little Nicole, Alec spending quality time at the Shipley farm and cementing their connection. If you have been following this series and want to know if you should read this book, definitely, because with the time line, you get filled in on what else is happening in Tuxley and Shipley Farm. You won’t want to miss that.
For me this is the first book in The true North series that was good, but not great. Firstly I’ll say that I loved the narrators. I thought both did a great job. Alec is a fun, loveable, goofball. I didn’t think I’d like him, because I wasn’t a fan in previous books. But he was so sweet and he is his own special brand of charming.
May was a difficult one for me. I actually really liked her character in previous books, and was interested in reading more about her exploring her bisexuality. But this story didn’t do her justice. There was a disconnect there for me. And I just want feeling her story arc.
As a couple I felt more like this was an awesome friendship than an epic love story.
Hanging with the Shipleys is airways fun. And the Hamish storyline was so good. And I was fully invested in the storyline about the bar. I enjoyed this book, I just didn’t love it.
Another great book in the True North series. I adored Alec, he was fun, funny, loyal, caring and hardworking. I really loved him and how much he stepped up to help May recover from her break up and also how to be the May that she wanted to be and loved. He tried and worked to hard to understand her addiction and support her recovery. Which is kind of hard when he is the owner of a bar and is working so hard to open a brewery as well. But they are so good together and for each other. While May is dealing her insecurities (cheating girlfriend and being in love with her straight best friend for years) and Alec is helping her overcome those, she is equally helping him overcome his. He feels like everyone thinks he is a screw up and a failure but May never sees him that way. Her struggles are no easy feat and she had me in tears a few times but she is so strong and courageous. Watching her open up and admit all her insecurities and fears to Alec and then growing with him was truly astounding. I really enjoyed their journey.
Read: 9/19/18
Speakeasy was the fifth book in the True North series by Sarina Bowen.
May Shipley was the sister to Griffin (Bittersweet, book one). She was an attorney and had several issues that were played out in previous books. It was good to see her come full circle with her own story – as painful as it was at times.
Alec Rossi was the brother to Zara (Bountiful, book four.) He was the fun, irresponsible sibling that most didn’t take seriously. However, he was so much more underneath and I enjoyed getting to know him to his core. I totally fell in love with him.
Alec and May were an unlikely couple. I liked how they fell into a friendship with benefits. It had the typical push and pull because logically they didn’t mesh but in reality they were more alike than they initially realized. Bowen also included several facets to their individual lives that were primary to the plot which added depth, dimension and complexity to the overall storyline. It was well written, well developed and entertaining.
In the end, I loved the full story and how it came together. It was slow at times, but I loved how the ending played out for several aspects of their journey. Benito, Alec and Zara’s brother, is up next in Fireworks and I expect nothing less than a wonderful explosion!
This is the first book I’ve read by the author. it won’t be the last. Although this book is part of a series, you do not need to have read the previous books to enjoy this one.
I loved the entire story. Alec has a bar and he’s working like crazy to get the best new craft beers while brewing his own. He has expansion plans, but money is tight. He’s also a guy who doesn’t hesitate to have sex with willing partners. What he didn’t expect was to link up with May after she broke up with her cheating girlfriend.
I loved the stories about both of their lives and the struggles they have. I loved their sex life together – it was sexy and exhilarating but not raunchy. The book takes some interesting turns.
I highly recommend this book to readers who love a romance with more complex characters who struggle with real issues. And the author writes an excellent sex scene.
4.5 Stars
Speakeasy is the only standalone of the True North series I’ve read. It may be a common trope…forbidden romance, but it was like a breath of fresh air to have such a unique spin on it. You’ll understand once you’ve picked up a copy for yourself. These flawed characters shared a message through their story, they struggled to believe and trust in themselves. A son who blended in and got lost amongst his brothers and sister and a girl who became a disappointment. It was easier said than done to turn their families opinions around. Such relatable characters, easy to connect with emotionally because of their development. I’ll definitely be picking up the other books in this series.
As always, Sarina Bowen delivers strong characters who grab on to you and won’t let you go even after you’ve turned the last page in this totally sizzling addition to the True North series. Love this series!!!
I loved the characters in this book. And the chemistry between Alec and May was fantastic!
Speakeasy has a different feel to it than the other True North books, but it is still really good. I liked that it was different, it kept it interesting. I really, really like Alec. He’s a great guy! Him and May share a lot of funny moments together, they kept me entertained for sure. They both have a lot going on in their lives that cause a lot of problems for them, but they’re both strong individuals with big hearts. The story had a lot of emotional moments where you really feel for the characters and hope they get their HEA. I enjoyed that the past characters were often included, even if they were causing some problems. Sarina did an excellent job of explaining addiction and getting into the mindset of those who suffer from it. Speakeasy is a very well written book. I can’t wait for more from this series!
May and Alec!
I listened to the majority of this book and the narrators were awesome. They delivered the story perfectly and I loved May and Alec’s story. I love that he fell and admitted his love first and that May had to catch up. Another great book in this series!
Another winner in the True North series. Every time I read a True North novel I fall in love with the hero and this one was no exception. Alec is so dreamy. I love a man with a sense of humor. Poor May has had her share of troubles but Alec is loyal to her no matter what. LOVE this book.