Review: Speakeasy by Sarina Bowen

Series: True North Book #5

Format: Trade Paperback

Pages: 272

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Tuxbury Publishing

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

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…

Review

Speakeasy was a great read, but probably my least favorite in the True North series. It's still 4 stars so of course I liked it.

I definitely cared about May and Alec. Alec a little more. But I wasn't as emotionally invested as I was to the characters in the previous books. Alec is a likable goofball on the surface, but he has a strong desire to be respected. It did break my heart a little when people would dismiss him or speak down to him. And I like seeing how May had to deal with her family and how they treated her. It's also always interesting to get in the head of an alcoholic/addict.

The romance was really fun. It starts out as a rebound hook-up which is a common thing in romance. I liked the chemistry and conversations between them. You could especially tell how much Alec cared about Meg.

Before I even read this book-with just the synopsis-I was thrown. I thought May was a lesbian the whole time. Maybe she was described as bisexual and I don't remember it. I guess it doesn't actually matter, but it was just odd for her to end up with a guy when that wasn't what I previously thought would happen. This probably wouldn't be a "thing" upon a re-read and my rating may go up. I was just through off by it and couldn't stop thinking about it.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Book Review: Bountiful by Sarina Bowen

Series: True North Book #4/Brooklyn Bruisers #3.5

Format: Trade Paperback

Pages: 312

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Christmas Gift

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Self-Published

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Once upon a time a cocky, copper-haired tourist sauntered into Zara’s bar. And even though she knew better, Zara indulged in a cure for the small-town blues. It was supposed to be an uncomplicated fling—a few sizzling weeks before he went back to his life, and she moved on. 

Until an accidental pregnancy changed her life. 

Two years later, she’s made peace with the notion that Dave No-Last-Name will never be found. Until one summer day when he walks into her coffee shop, leveling her with the same hot smile that always renders her defenseless.

Dave Beringer has never forgotten the intense month he spent with prickly Zara. Their nights together were the first true intimacy he’d ever experienced. But the discovery of his child is the shock of a lifetime, and his ugly past puts relationships and family out of reach.

Or does it? Vermont’s countryside has a way of nurturing even tortured souls. The fields and the orchards—and hard won love—are Bountiful.

Review

This isn't my favorite in the True North series, but its a nice addition. Seeing Zara from this perspective made me want to reread the first book. And it's always nice to see the Shippleys again.

Now, I'm not a huge fan of babies in stories-especially secret babies, but Ms. Bowen did a good job with it. And this was probably the most plausible secret baby book I've read. It helps that Nicole contributes to Dave's development. I especially liked when he would get frustrated about people stepping in whenever he would try to take care of her. 

Zara is a great character. So many author would've made her a one-dimensional "slut" in book 1 and been done with it. But not Sarina Bowen. She made her a real character with depth. Her unabashed sexuality is just a part of that.

Oh, and a special shout-out to the Brooklyn Bruisers-especially Castro. They were great friends to Dave and supported him during this tough time. and you know I love a good friendship.

I saw on Sarina Bowen's Instagram there's going to be a book about May and I am all about that.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Review: Steadfast by Sarina Bowen

Series: True North Book #2
Format: Ebook
Rating: 5 Stars
How I Got It: Purchased
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Rennie Road Books

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

 

She’s the only one who ever loved him—and the only one he can never have.

Jude lost everything one spring day when he crashed his car into an apple tree on the side of the road. A man is dead, and there's no way he can ever right that wrong. He’d steer clear of Colebury, Vermont forever if he could. But an ex-con in recovery for his drug addiction can’t find a job just anywhere.

For Sophie Haines, coming face to face with the man who broke her heart is gut-wrenching. Suddenly, he’s everywhere she turns. It’s hard not to stare at how much he’s changed. The bad boy who used to love her didn’t have big biceps and sun-kissed hair. And he’d never turn up volunteer in the church kitchen.

She knows it’s foolish to yearn for the man who returned all the heartsick letters she wrote him in prison. But the looks he sends her now speak volumes.

No one wants to see Sophie and Jude back together, least of all Sophie's police chief father. But it's a small town. And forbidden love is a law unto itself.

Review

Sometimes when I blow through a book I have no idea how to review it. That's what happened here. I've actually been thinking about this for five days and have gotten nowhere.

I really liked the characters-especially Jude. Ms. Bowen did such a good job of dealing with addiction. I've never had a drug or alcohol addiction, but it did remind me a lot of the compulsions when my OCD was at it's peak. And the Shippley family returned they are the true stars.

This was definitely an emotional read and personally I need that. But, based on the synopsis, I feel like the next/last book will be a real roller-coaster. I can't wait for it!!!

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Review: Bittersweet by Sarina Bowen

Series: True North Book #1
Format: Ebook
Rating: 4.5 Stars
How I Got It: Purchased
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Rennie Road Books

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

The last person Griffin Shipley expects to find stuck in a ditch on his Vermont country road is his ex-hookup. Five years ago they’d shared a couple of steamy nights together. But that was a lifetime ago.

At twenty-seven, Griff is now the accidental patriarch of his family farm. Even his enormous shoulders feel the strain of supporting his mother, three siblings and a dotty grandfather. He doesn’t have time for the sorority girl who’s shown up expecting to buy his harvest at half price.

Vermont was never in Audrey Kidder’s travel plans. Neither was Griff Shipley. But she needs a second chance with the restaurant conglomerate employing her. Okay—a fifth chance. And no self-righteous lumbersexual farmer will stand in her way.

They’re adversaries. They want entirely different things from life. Too bad their sexual chemistry is as hot as Audrey’s top secret enchilada sauce, and then some.

 
Review

Now, I want to visit Vermont. It sounds so amazing. Although I do live in Apple Country already. Sarina Bowen just knows how to grip me.

This was a cute story with a whole cast of characters. I really enjoyed Griff's family. And I'm so happy the other two books are about Zach and Jude because I'm pretty intrigued. There's some serious elements, but overall it's a cute and sexy romance.

Griff is kind of broody, but is actually very caring and passionate. He's never afraid of his feelings for Audry. And he obviously cares for his family, the farm, and his workers. That's very attractive in a man.

And Audry's pretty likeable, too. She's a little repetitive when it comes to her mommy issues, but I didn't find that particularly annoying. She was actually pretty relatable because she doesn't have everything easy.

I already bought and downloaded the next book because I NEED to know more about Jude.

Thanks for reading!
Holly