Book four in The Speakeasy series
Love, served straight up.
Malcolm Elliott has been keeping secrets. Helping his mom through a financial crisis has nearly emptied his bank account and his kitchen cupboards, despite his thriving career with Corporate Equality Campaign. Malcolm is also bothered by his inability to tell the most important people in his life that he identifies as gray ace.
Stuart … identifies as gray ace.
Stuart Morgan has a secret of his own. Though years have passed since the tattooed chef fled the Mormon church in Utah for New York, he’s never truly come to terms with the fetish that ruined that rigid but outwardly perfect life. Experience has also taught Stuart that keeping his love of lacy things under wraps is safer than telling the truth.
After Malcom’s boss, Carter, hires Stuart’s restaurant to cater a gala fundraising event, the strait-laced Malcolm is thrown together with badass biker Stuart. Despite their differences and a couple of false starts, the men discover they work well together and a friendship quickly forms.
As Malcolm’s feelings for Stuart deepen, his sexuality awakens, but he remains tight-lipped about his problems. And though Stuart grows more and more attached to Malcolm, he remains fearful of confessing his fetish.
When both of their secrets are finally exposed, they find themselves at a crossroads in which they must choose between playing it safe or finally coming clean to the person they love.
more
I always wait with anticipation for these Speakeasy books , I can’t get enough ..
The characters are passionate for everything they do for themselves or others .
To have such a group of friends like these guys would be amazing …
To have a trust and commitment these friend have is wonderful.
These guys , Stuart Morgan and Malcolm Elliot find they are attracted to each other but getting to know who you are sexually and then understanding isn’t an easy ride.
This book tell of two beautiful men who find themselves not knowing who they are alone but together they can work it out in such a beautiful way , they make mistakes but they learn together, then they conquer the world.
I adore these authors … thank you both for writing these wonderful book ..
What I love most about this story is that the authors choose challenging and untypical characters. Straight Up is not an exception and I loved the pairing chosen here! Interesting backgroung and introduction of the ace spectrum makes it a fascinating story!
Par for the course in this series, this is a must read!
This was a great way to tie up the series. Low angst. Stuart and Malcom were a good fit. It was great seeing all the side characters from the previous stories. I got invested with all of them. This was my first time running into a character that was gray ace. Both were keeping secrets of their own. I’ve really enjoyed this series and am sad it’s done. Really great story!!
I am voluntarily leaving a review form an ARC that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions
Malcolm is the Social Coordinator for Corporate Equality Campaign, working for his best friends. There will be an event and Stuart Morgan will be their chef.
Stuart had been an upright Mormon citizen, unable to live that life any longer he left everything behind, everything! He started a whole new life.
They work great together and friendship between them is a fact.
Malcolm is aware he has feelings for Stuart, for Malcolm this isn’t naturally. Attraction and certainly physical attraction is rare for Malcolm. He understands finally to describe himself as gray ace.
Stuart wouldn’t mind taking of Malcolm’s clothes but when Malcolm explains how he operates, think, and feels, Stuart is determined to make this work between them.
Life isn’t simple, both have secrets, Malcolm has family issues and Stuart has a drawer full of secrets.
First, they didn’t share their preference or non-preference, when all was in the open ahhhh.
An excellently written story, the whole picture was right. Engaging personalities with their characteristics. The lgbtq+ spectrum was wonderfully woven into this narrative.
The emotions felt all plausible, the determined and tentatively relationship building was real.
There was a lot of sweetness and kindness. The Speakeasy circle of friends was present here and all still as lovable as in their own previous stories. Drank, food and support are full present here!
I love this well-written story immensely.
Straight Up is the fourth book in The Speakeasy series and while it certainly contains crossover characters and couples, I was able to read the story as a standalone. That said, after meeting the myriad of friends from the Lock and Key Speakeasy crowd, I definitely plan to check out the rest of the books.
The more I read romance, the more I find myself craving variety in characters and backgrounds and exceptional stories over those that center on the sexy moments. I loved that Straight Up featured a grey ace main character and paired him with someone who typically sought out one night stands. The dynamic between Malcolm and Stuart was different and I really liked the gradual build of their relationship. It felt natural and unhurried, allowing the characters room to grow and develop on page. I also really loved the secondary characters in Straight Up. The comradery within the group was great and left me eager to spend more time among the men.
Overall, I found Straight Up to be an enjoyable slow burn with good characters, a steady pace, and polished writing and flow. I’d definitely recommend it to readers looking for a story that’s a bit different and focuses on the build rather than the destination.
*eARC distributed by author via Booksprout*
Straight Up (Speakeasy) by K. Evan Coles and Brigham Vaughn is Malcolm Elliott and Stuart Morgan’s story.
Malcolm and Stuart meet through a work event. These two are totally opposites but they seemed to be drawn to each other. Is it friendship or something more? Will their secrets prevent them from having more? I love how the Speakeasy group are there for each other.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
These two authors are incredible on their own, but when they put their heads together and write, the results are stories that never seize to tug on my heartstrings.
Straight Up was refreshing in an amazing way, thanks to the lack of initial sexual attraction between Stuart and Malcolm. The fact that later on sparks ignited every time they touched was just a steamy bonus to their strengthening emotional and mental connection.
Malcolm- gosh, I just wanted to take him home, feed him and keep him safe from any kind of hurt. He was the sweetest man, selfless and giving, mindful of others and never putting himself first. A lot of this story was his journey of self discovery…in which, of course, Stuart played a huge role. Not that I didn’t love Stuart, too, because I absolutely did. He was so incredibly complex, that each new page and chapter was like peeling away a layer and discovering some surprising trait hidden under his cockiness and poise.
What I got reading Straight Up was getting to know two men who were wonderful by themselves but became stunning together. They had some adjustments to do and there’s bee a bit of drama during the story, but thanks to Malcolm, Stuart and the other men I’ve come to love reading the other books in the series, what reached me the most was a heart-warming sense of family, friendship and support.
Loved it!
Another great addition to the Speakeasy Series. Ever since his first appearence, I was intrigued by Malcolm; there was just *something* about him…. And what a story it is! This was my first book with an ace/demisexual guy, so I had no idea about what to expect. Is not something I usually read, but I decided to try this one because the authors have a very unique way to tell a story, so… let’s go!
All the guys from the previous books are there, and even if you haven’t read them ( You definitely should, just saying.. ) their parts and way of live are always clear and explained, so it can be a stand alone – but much fun if you read in order 😉
I’m always amazed by how careful they are with making the reader very confortable, explaining what needs to be explained and detailing what needs to be detailed (even when sometimes it feels like too much information). It’s no different here: they were careful enough to explain, from Malcolm’s point of view how he was dealing with the discoveries about himself and his feelings towards Stuart. I really laughed, cried, cheered for them in the best way possible. And we follow Stuart, learning things from a new perspective (about himself too), putting himself on his lover’s position and making new discoveries as well.
They have an “unconventional” way to make things work, and it fits perfectly for them. It’s about building trust, making yourself vulnerable and opening up to a new journey.
For the old fans – and new ones – definitely a must read! 5 stars for me 😉
Love, Love, Love! From the first few pages, I knew I would love and adore Malcolm and Stuart.
I adored Malcolm so much. He has such a beautiful heart and soul. He was comfortable exploring who he is with Stuart and who Stuart can be with him. Stuart not only gave him confidence but the love and adoration he deserves.
I loved Stuart! He is sweet, kind, loving, caring, and on fire! He was patient and understanding as Malcolm was exploring the aspects of his gray-asexuality. His tenderness make my heart soar.
I fucking LOVE this Speakeasy Crew! All of them together are this amazing family that will pull at your heartstrings (Carter), make you laugh (Jesse), and fill you with cheer (Kyle). Carter and Riley’s wedding made me cry with happiness and love! Ironically, I read their wedding on the same day Wake was first published. Seriously, so wild!
This book is a stand alone book and you can easily read it that way. I am definitely going to suggest reading the other books in the series as well. Starting with the Tidal series where it all began with Carter and Riley.
I loved going down this journey with this gorgeous family. Learning who they were, what made each of them tick, and seeing all of these beautiful souls happy and in love. The ending is perfect and so Speakeasy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
DEEP! This is one of those stories that forced me to take off and put away a pair of my judgment specs. What amazing authors! I am now compelled to read the other stories. The characters, the friendships the choices are absolutely amazing. The friendships, the conflicts all draw the reader in. The themes, the deep dive into self analysis and self awareness is absolutely enjoyable. This is a cereberal romance with a bit of kink to keep things interesting. The life choices Malcolm and Stuart made, all led to the men they became in the book. They handled each choice in a way that enhanced both of them. The concept of the Lock & Key, Under and the Over Under is delightful. Kim, Malcolm’s mom was my bump in the story. How did she not know what she was doing to Malcolm and Jack? Kudos to Stuart for his patience and Malcolm for his self aware courage. I absolutely loved this story. I received an ARC from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved this book and the series!! I really loved Malcolm and his journey is not an easy one! Defining who he is, the struggles with his mom(oh boy) and his relationship with Stuart.
I loved Stuart too!! With his bad boy looks and omgosh food related tattoos! Not to mention he knows how to run a kitchen! Some of the food**sighs** I wanted to be a taste tester or be at the event they were for! Omgosh Kyle stole it for me with his special drinks! I mean tequila with blueberries, honey, and some kind of syrup? Yes please!!
I loved how these guys interacted and the secrets they both had, and the trust they had to share to get their HEA.
I love love love this series and im so happy I got to read them!!
All of you
I adore this family, every single one. I love the connections, the openness, the trust, and how no matter what they always, always look out for each other. “You give me everything, just by being you.” Malcolm and Stuart won my heart just by being them. They may be stubborn and they may have made some mistakes along the way but they never gave up and they learned how to work through their issues together. “You’ve…showed me what love can be.” Together I think they’re beautiful and their connection is incredible. I’ve said it before but I really want to visit Under to have a drink and to hug each one of these guys. I will miss them and this amazing series.
This was a great addition to the speakeasy series. It was a bit different, but fit in with how different the groups sexualities are. Malcolm and Stuart were so cute. And Stuart’s kink was very hot. They learned a lot about themselves and each other. It was also great to revisit the other guys.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I started this series for this book but I’m curious to read the stories of this group of friends
I’ve enjoyed the slow development of the relationship between Stuart and Malcolm, instead of insta love
The main characters are amazing especially Stuart
The secondary characters who have had their stories in previous books reappear in this book
I can’t wait to go back to the first book and follow all these men so different and with different life stories
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was such a sweet, grab-you-by-the-feels, fantastic, quirky, slow burning, unconventional, poignant, emotionally charged, engaging, off-the-wall, delightfully different, charming, a little bit angsty, beautiful, heartfelt, tug-at-your-heartstrings, and totally awesome story. It had me hooked from beginning to end, and I would definitely recommend getting this marvelous gem immediately.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another great Book #4 in this Speakeasy Series and I love the way all the friends of the guys are mentioned in each book and all play an important part with each of the stories. This is Malcolm’s and Stuarts story and I enjoyed it as much as the others and will continue to recommend this series.
One of the things I love about The Speakeasy series is the information I learn while reading it. It makes me aware of the different spectrum that a person’s sexuality can be base on. It makes me look into myself and understand “me”better.
The other thing I love is how the authors have written such beautiful stories about characters who can literally be me and you. Malcolm and Stuart are such characters. They are relatable. Also, as we can all read throughout the series, and personally, I believe that friendship is a strong foundation for a relationship, whatever kind of relationship would that turn out to be, just friends or more. Whatever that may turn out to be, you have a friend by your side who knows and understand you.
Accepting one’s sexuality on our own is something that is sometimes hard to do, add to that the pressure you think others exact or impose on you. It’s akin to the fact that one needs to be honest with oneself in order to be accepting. Talking it out with someone can sometimes ease the burden. Asking for help or knowing when to ask for help is also something friends do for each other. This amazing story encompasses all that and so much more. It shows us understanding, friendship, compassion, relationships, and acceptance.
I loved Straight Up. Both Malcolm and Stuart were complex, interesting and engaging MCs. I totally enjoyed reading the whole story and I love that all the other characters from the Speakeasy series were a prominent part of this story too. I liked that they weren’t perfect, made mistakes but found their way through it.
I liked it set in New York City, I’ve never been but it’s one of my bucket list cities and I loved that neither Malcolm and Stuart didn’t live in crazy big lavish homes, but in much smaller places. I love books that have chefs so that was another great bonus. I just loved all the parts of the book and I most definitely recommend it.
This series is fantastic! K.Evan Coles and Brigham Vaughn created a world and a group of men of different sexualities and different walks of life. Stuart is one of my favorite characters so far and Malcolm is just precious. Can’t wait for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.