Sarina Bowen

Sometimes you fall for Mr. Right. And sometimes for Mr. Right Now… May Did you hear the one about the girl who walks into a bar and catches her live-in lover kissing someone else? No? You’re the only one in town who missed it. Luckily Alec is there to wrap me up in strong arms and carry me out the door before things get too ugly. And that’s 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… For fans of: Melanie Harlow, Corinne Michaels, Meghan March, Lauren Blakely, Julia Kent, Elle Kennedy, Tijan, CD Reiss, Kendall Ryan, Vi Keeland, Penelope Ward, Jana Aston, K Bromberg, Katy Evans, Jessica Hawkins, Kristen Proby, Penny Reid, Helena Hunting, Sally Thorne, Kristen Ashley, Helen Hoang, Kylie Scott, Christina Lauren, Jana Aston, Sawyer Bennett, Lexi Ryan, Karina Halle, Skye Warren, Kennedy Ryan, Jodi Ellen Mapas, Kristan Higgins, Jill Shalvis, Max Monroe, Susan Stoker, KA Linde, Kate Canterbary, Kristen Callihan, Samantha Young Keywords: Vermont romance, friends to lovers, forbidden romance, craft beer, entrepreneurs, bartender, best friend's little sister, big brother's best friend, small town romance.

A Forbidden Romance

Speakeasy

Megan Lowe

I really enjoyed this book! I love May and Alec, they’re great!
I was worried about May’s bisexuality, especially given her feelings for Lark but it turned out to be a non issue, even if I would like to see more development of her feelings.
I also like how Sarina tackled her alcoholism. It was written really well and explained really well but wasn’t intrusive.
Alec was awesome! I loved him. He was sweet, and sassy, and his jokes are incredible. Incredibly bad, but a great break in this book.
Solid book you won’t be disappointed with.

Candyce Kirk

I haven't read much by Sarina Bowen yet, but she doesn't disappoint. This is actually my first True North book. It is a standalone, so I could start reading without worrying about being confused. It's clear there is a lot of history between Alec's and May's families. Because of this I honestly just want to know more! I will be getting the other books in this series very soon!

Now back to Speakeasy. Alec is a part of a big family and is trying his best to make his bar a success. I don't know much about the bar business, but it was interesting. May is a new lawyer and still finding her way (being a recovering alcoholic isn't making things any easier). Alec isn't up for serious relationships and May just caught her girlfriend cheating. A few incidents make their lives intertwine again and it leads to some steamy moments. Why not have fun if they're both not looking for something serious? But their family can't find out...

Sarina filled a book with lots of humor, romance, sexy times, hard moments and family. I loved the text messages Alec sent May. His jokes were bad, but he meant well. I loved that even though it's clear May is still recovering, she's doing her best to stay sober. Both of their families are a mess, but there is love. This book proves that even though families may not get along, hearts know what they want! For a romance book, Speakeasy is pretty long, but it's worth every word. It didn't slow down the story at all. This town in Vermont sounds like a place I would want to visit.

Sarah Campbell

So good - definitely a new favorite. Alec is so adorable, and I couldn't get enough of this book. I felt the experience went too fast, it was that good. I'm hoping either Daphne or Dylan, maybe both, get a book in the future. I want to see what makes Daphne so angry, and want to know more about Dylan.

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I was so excited when I learned Sarina was giving us May's story in Speakeasy. I'll admit I was also a little unsure about pairing her with Alec because there was so much in the past books about her being into women. But, I had absolutely nothing to worry about. Not only did Sarina do a great job with May's bisexuality, I also loved how everything came together with Alec. Totally loved this book.

May and Alec were both complicated characters. Their families didn't get along. Neither of them was looking for a relationship. And, of course, May's previous relationship was with a woman. She was also in love with her best friend, Lark. Sarina did a great job with May's apprehension about Alec and about being in another relationship in general. I felt like I really understood May in this book. The same was true for Alec. He was such a goofy playboy previously, it was almost hard to take him seriously at first. I enjoyed getting to spend time in both of their heads as the story moved forward and their friends with benefits situation became more serious. 

I enjoyed every little thing about Speakeasy. It was funny and sexy and sweet. Alec was super swoony. May was a great, real heroine. I loved the way their relationship progressed and how everything unfolded with not only the romance, but Alec's business. It's another hit from Sarina as far as I'm concerned! I can't wait to see what's next.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

FAVORITE QUOTES

"Fucking kiss me already," he whispers. "If you're going to."

"I'm your rebound lay. Relationships aren't my style, and I'm allergic to commitment. So we'll have exactly the same expectations—some very athletic sex."

There are some people who think bisexuality is a myth, but I'm here to prove them wrong. I love the feel of a woman's curves under my hands. But it turns out I still enjoy bumping against Alec's rock-hard body.

I've never had a person before. Maybe this is what all the songs on the radio are about.

But love is messy, unpredictable, and occasionally loud. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

Lacey

I adored May and Alec!! I didn't remember much about them from previous books, but they absolutely shined in theirs. I think they're my second favorite couple behind Griff and Audrey. May is a tough, incredible heroine, and Alec was too sweet and charming for his own good. I loved their jokes and how sweet they got along with each other.

Review to come!

Thanks to the author for generously providing me an ARC to review.

Speakeasy A Forbidden Romance

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