Speak Easy

Speak Easy #1

by Melanie Harlow

The 1920s are roaring, and twenty-year-old Tiny O'Mara wants to be a part of it.

By day she works for her father’s small-time bootlegging operation, by night she craves the sexy roll-your-stockings-down lifestyle of a flapper—until her father is kidnapped by a mobster in Detroit's exploding organized crime scene, and it’s Tiny who has to come up with the ten-thousand-dollar ransom... in one week.

Suddenly she’s thrust into an intoxicating underworld of greed, lust, lies, and betrayal.

Enzo DiFiore is the son of the mobster holding her father hostage, but his sexy screen idol looks and dangerous charm leave her breathless. When the forbidden spark between them refuses to burn out, she tries to use their powerful chemistry to buy more time. And irritatingly handsome childhood pal Joey Lupo has the street smarts Tiny needs to make a quick ten grand, but he’s got his own agenda where gang rivalries are concerned.

Deciding whom to trust isn't easy in a world where everyone wants something—be it booze, money, power, or sex—and no one cares what it takes to get it.

Temptation is everywhere. And anything goes.

**Due to mature material, this New Adult historical is recommended for ages 17+.**

Genres: New Adult, Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical, Historical Romance, Fiction, Ebooks

305 pages, Paperback

First published July 22, 2013

About the author

USA Today bestselling author of sweet and sexy romance. Lover of cocktails, high heels, and history with the naughty bits left in. Michigan girl. INTJ. Always seeking ginspiration...

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Reviews

[Duchess Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been looking for unique and new, and Harlow wrote something that hit me at just the perfect time! Set in the 1920's, during the time of the prohibition, Tiny's gangster love triangle is sexy, intense, and just angsty enough to fit into the New Adult mold.

Enzo is the mob boss's son and the clear cut bad boy of the two men vying for Tiny's attention. He doesn't even pretend to be a nice guy, which is honestly the most sexy thing about him. He lusts after Tiny, and has no qualms about letting her know...both physically and verbally. His words are sexy, his actions sexier. Even if his Dad IS the guy who kidnaps Tiny's father, I can't help but swoon along with her every time Enzo walks into a room.

Joey is the annoying lifelong friend of Tiny's who has recently come back into her life. He's changed from the annoying boy who pestered her to death when they were children. Now he's annoying mainly because he calls her "Little Tomato" and because her pulse tends to go haywire when he touches her. Joey is the good guy, and Tiny's a good girl. But they both can't stay good in this world of bootlegged liquor, powerful Italian mobsters, and underground speakeasies where sex and alcohol flow freely.

I'm already halfway through book two and am anxious to see who the victor is between the two men. Thanks to Jeanne for the recommendation!

[CS · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bullet Review:

About the best thing this book has going for it is that it's "not bad". And when talking about 90% of the schlock being published under the "New Adult" genre, this is practically a glowing recommendation.

If you like your historical fiction light on fiction and heavy on wangsting, second-guessing, and idiotic characters, then this is great for you. If you like your New Adult light on the psychopathic alpha-males, light on the sex, and heavy on the Grrrl Power, then you will also like this.

Otherwise, skippity-do-da.

Full Review:

Tiny O'Mara is purportedly a smart, independent woman, living with her widowed father and stuck caring for her two younger sisters while trying to raise enough money to go to nursing school. Oh, and she's also a bootlegger with a huge crush on "the sheik", Enzo, a sexy @$$ dude with sexy @$$ abs who makes her lady bits go wild (and her brain fly out the window).

Dear Old Dad does the wildly intelligent thing of getting into a bad business arrangement and a huge amount of gambling debt without letting his daughter know anything and then gets himself kidnapped. Now, Tiny must scrounge up 10,000 for Angel, Enzo's father. Meanwhile, she seeks help from childhood friend, Joey, who, shock of all shocks, is quite a sexy @$$ himself. Can she get her father back alive - and manage to score some hot bedroom action?

I think the Roaring Twenties are a deliciously decadent age. A lot of conventionally "naughty" things happened in this sequestered era of American history, and that's why I seek out books set in this time period (and run screaming into the hills if books are set 10 years earlier or later). This, coupled with the fact I got this FREEEEEEE is why I ended up reading it.

And, to be fair, this isn't bad. I've read reviews of other NA "novels" (read: sexfests and wankfests), and this book is not to be on the same level as these atrocities to the English language. I mean, the author is a decent enough writer. And I liked how Tiny wasn't ashamed of her sexuality, wasn't entirely a virgin, and didn't let herself get pushed around all the time. (Though she did enough that I wanted to smack my head into a wall.)

But I'm sorry, my compliments end there. Because I really can't make up any more kind things to say about this book. As a historical fiction book, it failed to capture the atmosphere of the era and make me think it wasn't just set in modern day with some 20's fashion. As a New Adult fiction, it barely touched on items that would appeal to that demographic - oh, and the sex didn't happen until the 90% mark (faaaaaaail!). As a novel in general, I found it rather boring and easy to set aside for other, more intriguing novels.

The characters are pretty flat and uninspiring. Tiny O'Mara made me want to start throwing things. I was appalled at how, in the middle of her father's kidnapping and needing to raise thousands of dollars, she could worry about looking like a Catholic girl to Enzo (because that would mean he had bested her?!?!???), could spend senseless pages (and money!) shopping with her girlfriends (who only appear to help her dress up and tell her how awesome she is or how sexy one of her boys are), could go back and forth whether she trusted so-and-so (and she does that all the time), and could angst, WHILE BEING HELD AT GUNPOINT, about Enzo being engaged. REALLY!?!? These are your priorities?! Not to mention, her brain seemed to fly out the window any time a set of sexy abs was nearby.

Enzo was a d-bag, though certainly not as bad as I've read. He does push Tiny around, but he doesn't force himself on her against her will. Still, he's definitely not trustworthy, and I can't believe how often Tiny has no trouble tossing her lot in with him.

I'm not sure why we must be subjected to third wheel, Joey. It's so obvious that Tiny won't end up with him - he's nice, makes dinner, is good with her younger sisters, and never once manipulates her. It's like reading about Jacob in Twilight; you knew damned well as soon as you met him that there was no way he stood a chance in hell of getting Bella, and that every scene with the two of them was stretching out the inevitable.

The other characters are lame with a capital L. Brighid was pointless, as the two other younger sisters (not to mention, the younger sisters whined too much like modern kids). Tiny's girlfriends, What's Her Name and Plot Point, were worthless. Plot Point could take her break from her department store job at any time?! Yeah right - sounds totally legit for a job in 1920's America! Dad was a horrible guy (and apparently doesn't learn his lesson - what a way to guarantee a series out of this book!).

But what takes the cake is the villains. Oh...my...gawd. They are...so bad. I've read middle grade and young adult fiction with better written villains. These villains A) sexually assault Tiny (because they can), B) bargain to get Tiny, C) are evil because they can't say words like "appreciate" and "fiancee", and D) devise stupid plots to take over businesses because everyone calls them stupid. I am not joking when I say that as I was reading this, I was thinking about all the middle grade and young adult books I read back in the day - those old Nancy Drews, Babysitters' Club, etc. - and how this plot would have fit in PERFECTLY (minus some random swear words and some sexy times, of course).

Speaking of sexy times, if you are reading to get some smut, look elsewhere. There are way more teasing scenes (where Tiny gets THIS CLOSE to having her cherry popped) than there are sex scenes, and when Tiny FINALLY has sex, it certainly wasn't waiting 90% of the book to get there.

I've said some harsh things, but really, this book just bored me. I wanted a spicy, sexy Twenties fiction. Hell, I would have taken a very campy Twenties fiction. Instead, I got a children's book dressed up with some swear words and some sex scenes and a wallpaper Twenties setting. Not the worst out there, but unless your expectations are low, I wouldn't recommend.

[Jln · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very fun and original read!



I loved Melanie Harlow's book Frenched which is what inspired me to give this series a try, and I have to say I'm impressed! Historical romances don't usually appeal to me,but I'm glad I read this one. It's 1923, and the heroine is a runner for her Dad's bootlegging business. I have to say, between the bootlegging, gangster wars, and steamy sex, it was very action packed and entertaining! I read this in one day, so that must say something. This is only the first half of the story, I bought the boxed set and still need to read the second half which is Speak Low. Very pretty cover art also!

[mich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Could I trust him? I wanted to trust him.

But I also wanted a gun.

Holy crap, this was sooooo good! And woah, it was hot!! (totally wasn't expecting that).

Bootlegging, gangsters, sex, danger, sexy men, good pacing, fun writing style, sexy men -- I liked this book a lot. 4.5 stars!

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Speak Easy is an original spin on a new adult romance, set in the twenties during the Prohibition Era. Tiny O’Mara, who is twenty years old, still living with her father after her mother has passed, and she takes care of her younger sisters. She craves a different life beyond raising her sisters and bootlegging for her father. She has plans to attend nursing school and make a different life for herself. But her plans are put on hold when her father is kidnapped by mobsters for not paying to have the privilege to run his bootlegging business in their territory.

Enzo DiFiore is an incredibly charming and sexy man, yet also a very dangerous gangster. He is Angel DiFiore’s son, the head of the mafia gang who kidnapped Tiny’s father. The moment Tiny and Enzo meet, there is an attraction that sparks instant passion and desire between them. Tiny had no idea who he was when he pursued her but she eventually finds out he wanted to get the down-low on her father’s business. Pissed off that he betrayed her, she refuses to have to anything to do with Enzo besides pay him back for the money her father owes. She also refuses the ‘protection’ his father offers her and her family. She is determined to pay back the money on her own, without getting in deeper with the DiFiore family. This complicated situation forces Tiny to seduce, manipulate, and lie to get her father back.

Tiny is one tough and brave cookie. I absolutely love her bold and sassy personality. She wanted a little excitement in her life, but getting in between a turf war is not what she expected. She’s in a very dangerous situation that involves possibly getting caught by the police, illegal nightclubs, and dealing with ruthless gangsters. Not to mention the combustible chemistry she has with Enzo that is risky and wrong, but she can’t seem to resist the magnetic attraction she has towards the bad boy gangster that makes her feel too much…

“No one had ever made me feel so free and yet so restrained, so powerful and yet vulnerable, so delirious with pleasure and ache all at once. It was too much—his magnetism clouded my judgment worse than any alcohol I’d ever tasted. I had to stay away from him. I had to pay him back, and forget his existence. “ - Tiny

It doesn’t help that Enzo makes it hard for her to say no to him and wants her just as bad. But this relationship is forbidden. Enzo has been promised to another woman. He is trying to prove himself worthy to take his father’s business and, because of that, he will stop at nothing to gain the power he needs. This includes marrying the girl he doesn’t want and, at the same time, keep Tiny, who is his weakness and his enemy in his bed.

“I knew it would be this good. I told myself not to fuck you, because I’ve never been this hungry for anyone. But when I look at you, I am fucking insatiable. It’s dangerous.” - Enzo

And then there is Joey Lupo, the boy from Tiny's childhood she’s known all her life. He works for Tiny’s father and offers to help Tiny out of her bad situation. Tiny needs him to help smuggle enough booze so she can make back the money quickly. Spending time with Joey makes Tiny suddenly realize just how attractive and protective and kind he is. She starts to no longer think of him of the boy who used to irritate her when they were younger. And begins to see Joey for the sexy man he’s grown to be. Joey makes a promise to protect Tiny but, in the process, he has his own agenda. His agenda is getting involved with a rival gang that will go up against Enzo’s gang and this puts Tiny in a situation where she is forced to pick sides. Who does she choose: Joey or Enzo?

Tiny just wants her father and her life back. What is a girl to do when she is being pulled in two different directions? Who can she trust? The name of the game is power and control. The one who owns everything and everyone will be the one who survives the bootlegging gang war.

I really enjoyed this exciting and original story set during the roaring twenties, where the women wore flappers, jazz music blossomed, booze was illegally sold, and gangsters owned the cities. The plot twists, bootlegging, sexual tension, and sexy gangsters make for an engaging and captivating story. Think The Great Gatsby meets Boardwalk Empire. The dialogue and descriptions make for a very picturesque and nicely written story. I could see the twenties lifestyle bleeding through Harlow’s words. Oh, what a mighty web of sex, danger, lies, and crime Tiny has become entangled in. It will be interesting to see what happens next, especially with the way things ended between Enzo, Tiny, and Joey. I’m hooked on this story and definitely looking forward to the next book

Rating: B+
Heat: Hot

-- A Romantic Book Affairs Review


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[Laurelin Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot gangsters, illegal nightclubs, a foul-mouthed daughter of a bootlegger, and scorching sex scenes make up this Historical New Adult novel. This book captured me from page one with sharply drawn characters and a plot that simmers with intrigue and sexual tension. It's Boardwalk Empire with a slightly younger cast of characters. A must read for fans of Historical Romance and New Adult Novels and anyone who can't resist a sexy Italian with a big gun.

[Danielle. · Rating 1 out of 5]

Mon petit avis en français :

Franchement, je suis tellement déçue. Les années 20 m’intéressent beaucoup à cause de la musique, de la mode, du langage, et de l’époque en général. Par contre, je n’en ai pas du tout reçu. Enzo (un homme principal) était très abusif, impoli et désagréable vers Tiny (la femme principale). Je me fâche parce que Tiny ne s’est souciée pas ! Pourqoui ? Elle était vachement occupée avec la beauté d’Enzo, elle l'a pardonné de nombreuses fois. Elle ne semble pas avoir vingt ans à mon avis mais plutôt avoir 13 ans. Tiny a fait un fromage de toutes les choses !

L’histoire entière a manqué originalité. Je souhaite que Tiny ait choisi Joey au lieu d’Enzo. Je lui préfère. Cette histoire-ci n'était guère romantique et les descriptions de la mode, speakeasies, et tout ça étaient limités.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My review in English:

I've got 99 problems and this book is all of them.

***Before I begin, I'd like to say this review is going to have light spoilers. Also, I will write about some of the "sex" scenes that took place in here and, unfortunately, there is swearing. If this bothers you, do not continue to read this review.***

I know I said I was going to start writing my reviews in French along with my English translation to improve it, but my brain is far too preoccupied with words I need to say in my mother tongue. But one thing I can say in French about this book: j’ai détesté ce putain de livre de merde ! and pardon my French... pun intended.

It's hard for me to write this, because I have so many things I want to write about. Therefore, this review is going to get chaotic.

I'm sorry, was this supposed to be about the Jazz Age or Tiny's hormones? Was I supposed to get lost inside the descriptions of the speakeasies, music, language, occasional one-night-stands, mafias, and everything that's supposed to be about the Jazz Age or was I supposed to feel "hot"/"swooned" from these pathetic (and hilarious) sex scenes and Tiny's incessant fangirling about how handsome the abusing and sexually manipulative asshole Enzo was?

No, not this Enzo:



Because this Enzo made me swoon.

I'm talking about this douchebag:

"Then he spun me around, twisting my right arm behind my back and crushing my chest to the wall."

And this:

"His grip tightened on my forearm. Threading his other hand into my hair, he made a fist at the base of my skull and tip my head back. 'I don't think you'll want your sister to hear the conversation we're going to have.' He spoke softly, venom oozing between his words. My scalp stung as he tightened his fingers."

He did a lot more abusive shit than this, yet Tiny doesn't give two complete fucks because he's handsome. No really, she makes excuses for him because he's just so gotdamn handsome despite the fact he's holding her father hostage.

"I tossed everything onto the bed. 'But the situation is a little strange.'
'Why?' [said Evelyn]
'Well, he's got a girl, for one. And he's sort of got my father too--he's Angel DiFore's son.'
Evelyn's jaw dropped open. 'Tiny, are you crazy? Don't you think it's a little dangerous to be fooling around with him?'
'More than a little,' I said, unbuttoning my blouse. 'But you'll understand when you see him.'"

No, Tiny, I don't understand. Frankly, I don't care that he's oh-so-handsome either because a) he's got a girl (as you've clearly stated and seen). b) he's holding your father hostage. c) he's abusive. and d) he's bloody awful at trying to swoon me: "I won't stop until you let me have my way. First with my fingers. Then with my tongue. Then with my big, hard cock" (186). Honest to god I laughed out loud in public and a woman looked at me like I was crazy. I was not amused throughout this entire read. Right off the back there's "insta-love." Tiny sounded like a 13-year-old. Every little thing turned her on: from smoking a cigarette to a single look. She even got jealous of her own little sister when Joey was teaching her how to cook.

I hated Tiny. She's not a heroine, she's not a bad-ass flapper. Actually, Tiny reminds me of me when I was 12-years-old. I was a poser. I walked around holding a skateboard thinking I was one those skaters and wearing my brothers' tee-shirts (i.e. Metallica, Slipknot, Rage Against the Machine, etc.) In reality, I never knew how to ride a board, and I could only name one song from each of those bands previously mentioned. This is how Tiny was. She could wear the beads, the headbands, the red lipstick, and short dresses. She could attend to the speakeasies and try to speak like a flapper, but in the end, she's not. Rosie, on the other hand, was a flapper; it sucks that she appeared in this book 2 times. However, those two appearances were gold.

This book is nothing like the Jazz Age. I'm disappointed by this, too. I adore the era, the women, the fashion, the language, the music... everything. I only received a taste from this with the occasional mafias, a description of a speakeasy, and Rosie (seriously, I loved this character).

Why? Why do authors have to write about abusive relationships with a weak heroine? Why do they market this shit?

Tiny was a genuinely stupid protagonist, she was.

Exhibit A:

"We cleaned up and walked over to Bridget's where she served us meatloaf, green beans, and mash potatoes . . . watching Mary Grace gobble it all up, a wave of guilt washed over me. I never served meals like this--how the hell did you turn meat into loaf anyway?"



Exhibit B:

"'You know, eventually you're going to have to tell me about him." She winked at me over her shoulder. 'Maybe it's not Joey, but there certainly is someone. I can smell it.'
My heart stopped. Could she really smell Enzo on me? I sniffed my arm."



I could go on for a very long time about this fictional character, but I'm not even going to waste my time.

I knew what I was getting into regarding the love-triangle between Joey, Enzo, and Tiny. The synopsis clearly states this, but I didn't mind because it's the 1920s--a flapper never went out with just one guy. They wanted to live their lives and hold on to their youth. Life was just too short for them so they did as they pleased. But I wasn't expecting the love-triangle to be this fucking pathetic. How was Tiny having such a difficult choosing who she wanted? Joey--the guy who had her back through all the bullshit that started going down regarding her father, the guy who's actually a gentleman and said things that did make me smirk... or Enzo--(read aforementioned passages of this asshole)?



-sighs- This book sucked. If you want to read something that's really about the Jazz Age, read The Diviners, Bright Young Things, and Vixen instead.

I cannot believe I wasted $9 on this. SMH.

[Sofie Amalie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jeg er på ingen måde ekspert i USA i 1920´erne, men selve den historiske del af romanen virkede ikke særlig veludført - og så var romance(rne) bare alle sammen toxic og ikke ligefrem nogle, jeg havde lyst til at heppe på.

Den får point for Marens oplæsning dog. 🤌✨

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

DEAR MELANIE HARLOW:

PLEASE WRITE MORE. AND QUICKLY.

SINCERELY,
YOUR NEWEST FAN.

When I was child, I went through a phase where I wanted to be a mobsters wife when I grew up. This book totally spoke to that inner child!

Michigan 1920's..... Prohibition is in full effect. Tiny is 20 years old. Due to her mothers death, Tiny still lives at home to raise her two younger sisters, and help their father run his garage and bootlegging business.

Unfortunately, Tiny's father is taken hostage by the Difiores. A crime family who wants a piece of his business and profits...but Tiny's father ignored the letters and now Tiny must come up with a $10,000 ransom or else her father will lie on the bottom of the river. But Tiny has some help. Enzo Difiore is the son of Angel Difiore, head of the crime family. There is immediate and undeniable chemistry between them...it's impossible to ignore. And Joey Lupo. A relative of Tiny's sister Bridget's deceased husband who has recently allied with the River Gang...the Difiores rivals. Tiny also has a connection with him.

This begins a series of events that keep us on edge through every turn of the page. Speakeasies, bootlegging, well dressed italian men packing the heat....heaven!!

I couldn't put the book down. I encourage everyone to get a piece of the pie and pick it up!

[Tammy Bland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received this book for an honest review.

Whew !!! Not sure where to even start. Lust, passion, bootlegging, mystery, intrigue, gangs. It's all in here and much more.

Tiny, a 20 year old still living with her father and attending nursing school while taking care of her two younger sisters and helping her father in his bootlegging operations. While her father has a legitimate business as an automobile mechanic, his main business is customizing cars with hidden compartments for his bootlegging.

Enzo, what can you say but HOT HOT AND EVEN HOTTER !!! His father is wanting to offer "protection" for Tiny and her family but Tiny's father refuses his "help". When Enzo begins to pursue Tiny to get to their business for his father lust and passion were not what he signed up for.

Enter Joey, a childhood friend who has always been a pain in the ass to Tiny. After her father is kidnapped by Angel, Enzo's father, the street smarts the Joey possesses is exactly what Tiny needs to come up with the ransom money to free her father. However, an attraction that neither one of them want to acknowledge has surfaced over the years. Major problem with Joey, he is on the other side of the gang war.

"Everybody is for sale"

Who will Tiny trust enough to help her father ? Will Tiny be able to play both sides against each other for his freedom ?

I hope this story continues because I still don't know which one i would choose: Joey or Enzo ?

[Alessandra Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

SPEAK EASY is a lush prohibition-era story with so much thrilling extortion, backstabbing, and white-hot sexy romance that I couldn't stop turning the pages.

Tiny O'Mara is exactly the sort of heroine I love -- strong-willed and brave, but smart enough to know how to keep her mouth shut when she needs to get the job done. She's fiercely loyal and determined - when her dad is kidnapped for not paying off a gang for the privilege of running his bootlegging business in their territory, she begs, lies, manipulates, and seduces in order to pay off his several ransoms.

And the seduction - wow. Enzo and Tinys relationship is tumultuous and explosive in a way that is sometimes scary but often not. Even when it looked like Enzo was about to get the upper hand, Tiny never let him. She never forgot that she had just as much power over him as he did over her, and used that to her full advantage.

Melanie Harlow's writing is flawless - there's a lot of backstory and detail to what is essentially the story of a burgeoning gang war, and her explanations were clear and simple enough for me to understand while still getting swept away in the action and romance.

Speak Easy is a wild, sexy ride of a book that utterly took my breath away. Lushly written and flawlessly executed, I'm already dying for the next installment. Highly recommended.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a treat! This book was so much fun to read.

Set in the 1920s, Tiny O'Mara helps her father run a bootleg operation selling whisky. Everything is going fine until Tiny's father is kidnapped and held for ransom. Other gangs and families want a piece of O'Mara's pie. With the help of Joey Lupo, Tiny's "friend" since childhood, she scrambles to come up with the money in time. But Enzo DiFiore, the man that's blackmailing her, is easy on the eyes and confusing to her lady bits. She should hate him, right?

Tiny is such a great character. She's feisty and hilarious and loyal and passionate. Her inner thoughts are a riot. What a wild ride! I'll be diving right into Speak Low. Well done!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of a preview read on this book, and wow, it's incredible! I'm so excited for Melanie to share this story with the world. The author does an amazing job of making you feel like you're in the time period (all dressed up in flapper clothes? YES, PLEASE!) The characters are rich and very dimensional. And the romance? You'll have to decide: Team Enzo or Team Joey. Amazing book.

[H. E. Gryphus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning. My heart literally pounded throughout this book. The main character is real and adorable. The clothes are gorgeous. What more could you want? Flappers, rum running, and a speak easy. Oh yeah...and two incredibly delicious guys. This is what NA should be.

[Malissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the Cat's meow!! I'm so, so glad this is a series!!

*gimme gimme hands* I need Speak Low NOW!!!!

[Gio Listmaker · Rating 1 out of 5]

Started Slow
Heroine Bootlegger
Hero Gangster
Love Rectangle
Didn't Read Like a Historical
Cliffhanger

[Sorcha O'Dowd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of ‘Speak Easy’ in a goodreads first-reads giveaway.

This was such an incredible book! I was a little wary after reading the blurb knowing that there would be some kind of love triangle, as I tend to get so emotionally attached to one couple that I am devastated if they don’t end up together, but this was such a fantastic and thrilling story with the such a brilliant writing style that I fell in love with all the characters and really wanted the best for them.

I loved both Enzo and Joey and really enjoyed reading the scenes they both had with Tiny. I loved the protective and friendly bond that Tiny had with Joey, but also loved the passionate scenes between Tiny and Enzo. Melanie Harlow did a brilliant job at making all the characters seem very real, and showing the light and dark in their personalities. Although I didn’t agree with all of their actions, I could understand their motives and behaviours, which really credits Melanie Harlow as a writer for making these characters believable and human.

The descriptions of the 1920s were brilliantly done, without them being too overwhelming or too descriptive. The details of day-to-day life and the different establishments was great to read as it all came from Tiny’s perspective and gave a great insight into how somebody who lived in that era would describe their life. Whilst now we would describe the jazz club as glittering and seductive, or the cars as vintage and impressive, we got to see these things as somebody alive in the 1920s would have done, that they were just a part of everyday life. This really helped me connect to the time and place of the novel as seeing the story through Tiny’s eyes made me feel as though I was in her shoes and not looking at the scene as an outsider from a different era.

The bootlegging storyline was fascinating and I loved seeing this common but illegal practice taking place in Tiny’s everyday life. It was a realistic story and had some brilliant historical details that have me wishing to go back in a time machine to the 1920s to see the action firsthand.

I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, and am excited to see how the relationships between Tiny and Joey, and Tiny and Enzo develop, as they are both exciting and somehow I find myself rooting for both boys, which NEVER happens to me. I am a die-hard shipper who has so many times found myself in a serious state of depression when my couple doesn’t end up together (no joke), so I adored how Melanie Harlow was able to make me invested in both relationships and in all the characters. I’d love to see Enzo’s weaknesses to show that he’s not as put-together as he tries to make others appear, and I’d love to see more from Tiny as to how grateful she is to Joey, and accepting the fact that she needs him in her life.

A stunning story which I read through in one sitting. It was mind-blowing and phenomenal and I can’t recommend it enough.

5 dazzling, shiny stars!

[Jennifer Ricketts (Donnie Darko Girl) · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for my stop on the blog tour.*

Wow!! Melanie Harlow has done a spectacular job drawing me into the roaring '20s! I loved this book, every minute, every page, every moment. The action was nonstop, and I was completely riveted. I'll never look at the Prohibition era in quite the same way again.

Tiny and her father are in the bootlegging business. Tiny takes care of her younger sisters after their mother died while giving birth a decade earlier while her older sister has three boys to look after alone since her husband died. Almost right away, Tiny finds herself sinking deeper and deeper into trouble after her father is kidnapped and his kidnappers demand a ransom without much time to come up with the money for his release.

Tiny is street smart, brave, and quick on her feet - and those are just a few of the qualities I love about her. She dives headfirst into danger to save her father and protect her sisters, and every time a wrench is thrown into her plans, she quickly devises a new one. I have no idea how she found the strength to hold it together, but she did.

While she's undeniably clever, she's also reckless - playing with fire in her attraction to Enzo, one of the sons of the man who kidnapped her father. And the attraction is most definitely mutual. Enzo and Tiny's desire for one another sizzles right off the page. They don't trust one another, but they can't stay away from each other either. The more she becomes entangled with Enzo, the more she finds herself enmeshed in the kind of life she claims she doesn't want - a life of danger, illegal gains, and risks.

No matter how much Tiny tries to deny it, she's also attracted to Joey, whom she grew up with and a cousin of her older sister's late husband. Joey has feelings for Tiny, and I liked the way he tried to hide them because they both are fighting their attraction for one another. Though Tiny ends up having to choose between Enzo and Joey, it isn't in the way you might think.

With every twist and turn the plot took, I was impressed with the way everything played out so convincingly and realistically. I loved it! Melanie Harlow took me on an unbelievably wild ride packed with tension, action, and romance. I admire the way she intricately weaved the different characters and plot elements into a story that left me catching my breath at the end. Stop what you're doing and read this book! :D

[Tricia Santos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received copy of ARC. Review to come soon!

7/6/13: Dammit I seriously need to stop reading books that are part of series with unreleased sequels...

7/27/13: See the full review here http://fallinginfall.blogspot.com/201...

I rated Speak Easy four awesome leaves! I have never really read a historical romance before, but I loveddd this one. Maybe because I am kind of obsessed with the 20’s? I mean how could I not be? It’s all parties and superficiality. This book wasn’t at all what I expected, yet it does stay pretty true to the synopsis. It’s a whole mob plot thing which isn’t really my scene. HOWEVER, the hugeee amounts of sexual tension between Enzo and Tiny more than make up for it. They are proof that the 20’s really are free of inhibitions. I loved it. There’s even some attraction between Tiny and Joey, but I am shamelessly Team Enzo. I really felt for Tiny and I was surprisingly able to connect with her on some level. She just wants to be able to move out, go to college, and basically live her life the way she wants to. Which is exactly how I feel right now. The only problem is she has family obligations. Oh, and then all of a sudden her father is kidnapped and she is thrown into the dangerous mob world of the 20’s. She has to come up with an obscene amount of money in a short amount of time while learning how to handle the gangsters and keep her and her father from being killed. Not to mention keeping the rest of her family out of it, and playing a dangerous game with Enzo, the son of the man holding her father hostage. Wow were their scenes hot. Nothing about this book was predictable, except for Tiny and Enzo. It keeps you on your toes. Until it ends. I was most definitely not expecting that ending. For some reason, I thought Speak Easy was a standalone. Wrong. I should start researching that before I read books… I am not good with waiting for sequels, cliffhanger or not. I wouldn’t say that this book ended in a cliffhanger. The major problem was sorted out, which is not surprising because Tiny is one of the strongest heroines I know and not once did I get mad at her. Yet, there are a lot of loose ends left. And it suddenly becomes a love triangle? Wait what, no Team Enzo all the way! Well anyway, pick this book up for a whirlwind adventure… You won’t regret this glimpse into the fabulous world of the 20’s that author Melanie Harlow has created.

[Nancy Brady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full disclosure: This book is a Goodreads giveaway book. Thanks to the Goodreads and the author for the opportunity to be one of its first readers.

Prohibition is the setting for this romantic suspense novel that features Tiny O'Mara, a daughter of a bootlegger, and Enzo, the mob boss's son, and Joey, an old friend. When her father is kidnapped, it is up to her to find the ransom money and quickly. Dealing with two different men, Enzo and Joey, Tiny must figure out who to trust as both want her and both are willing to trade favors to make it happen.

Will Tiny raise the money in time? Will lust overshadow Tiny's good sense? With whom will Tiny end up? A fun read overall with some spicy moments.

[Kayti McGee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gorgeously written historical you won't be able to put down.

[Maria · Rating 2 out of 5]

why not:

1. it's a gangster book
2. main character has her brain between her legs
3. male character is a prick
4. other characters make no sense
5. the story is predictable and rather boring
6. sex scenes are sudden and illogical

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever wanted to step into a time in history just to experience what and how it felt to be there? I have imagined it many times, so when I come across Melanie Harlow’s novel Speak Easy I was excited to read where it might take me.

It begins in the O’Mara family store 1923, the age of prohibition, gangsters, and nightclubs. Frances O’Mara (aka Tiny) helps her father run the store along with his bootlegging operation. A mysterious guy drops off an envelope for Tiny’s father leaving her smitten and curious. Suddenly, her days spent taking care of her sisters, running deliveries, and spending Saturday night with her best friend come to a disruptive halt when a local gangster kidnaps her father, insisting they should accept his protection. Tiny frantically begins selling liquor to earn her fathers freedom with the help of Joey Lupo, who feels obligated to her father and annoys her to no end.

Tiny gathers the first payment and delivers it to the gangster at his nightclub, coming face to face with her mystery man, Enzo DiFiore, who happens to be the son of the gangster holding her father. I felt completely swept up in the scenes of flirty words and stolen kisses steaming off the page between Tiny and Enzo. How could this addiction to each other play out?

However, I couldn’t help being smitten by Joey’s protective stance and smirky one-liners. An impromptu kiss to deter inspectors leads Tiny to think of Joey’s positive attributes (and who could blame her?).

Speak Easy was a page-turner. Every chapter built momentum through the funny interchanges between characters to tense confrontations as Tiny tried the rescue her father from the gangsters. Her growing desire for Enzo catapults with back office touches and sultry kisses. The dangerous gangster atmosphere mixed with climbing social changes of the 1920’s merge expertly by the author. Tiny O’Mara wants more out of life than raising her sisters, helping her father and housekeeping. The author effectively characterizes an emerging strength in women parallel to the changing climate of the 1920’s, which captivated me.


I loved this amazing, thrilling, and sexy adventure into the this historical novel and can not wait for more from Author Melanie Harlow. A must-read!

My rating: 5 out of 5 stars *****

Excellent!

[Delilah · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars--- Original, fun, refreshing, and entertaining as heck! Speak Easy has everything I could ever ask for in a book and so much more. It has its swoon-worthy moments, which I am a sucker for. Also, it has adventure, comedy, drama, action, and ACTION. ;) *wink wink*

What I especially love about this book is that the plot is set in the Prohibition Era. Very original if I must say. Ms. Harlow does an exceptional job of recreating the people, lifestyle, and culture during the Twenties. I wouldn't want to be in same situations that the characters are in. But it was fun being transported back in time and getting a glimpse/feel of the dangerous, lavish, and exciting lives that mobsters and flappers lived.

I love all of the characters in this book, including the supporting characters such as Raymond.

You have Tiny, the heroine. I couldn’t help but fall in love with her character. She is caring, strong, and brave. Although she wants to live an independent, carefree life, she pushes her dreams behind to help take care her family. When her father gets kidnapped, Tiny does every thing that she can to get him back while keeping her sisters and nephews safe at the same time. Tiny is a true flapper. She embraces danger and takes risks. She’s honest, and she isn’t afraid to explore her sexuality.

There’s Enzo, the son of the mobster who’s holding up Tiny’s father for hostage. Then there’s Joey, Tiny’s childhood acquaintance who got on her every nerves growing up. Both are equally as hot and charming. One gal and two men? Obviously, there is a love triangle in the story. I love how Tiny reminds me how we sometimes do crazy stupid things when it comes to love/lust. If I were in her shoes, I wouldn’t know what to do when it comes to Enzo and Joey... even if I knew they are both dangerous for me.

Overall, I highly recommend this book.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well THAT was a lot of fun!

Things I loved about this book:
- The lead character. Tiny just gets stuff done, freaks out when she can, and is totally realistic. Loved her and enjoyed reading how she handled herself in this situation.

- The steam. It's gratuitous and yet totes appropriate. I dug it.

- The setting. I love this time period and this was full of everything I love ABOUT it!

- The danger. This was not some insipid love story nor was it a safe and easy novel; there was danger and strife around every corner, but it wasn't so bad that I got anxious and couldn't enjoy the book. It was well balanced and I appreciated that.

Things I wish were better:
- A physical description of Tiny. I got that she had strawberry blonde hair, it's short, and she has one leg that's shorter than the other... but I don't know her height (apparently she's "tiny"), or her facial features, or the color of her eyes. I don't know the shape of her face or lips or jaw line... I have no picture of her and it made it really difficult to understand why two boys would be so drawn to her when all I can picture is a lopsided hip and short hair.

- A more realistic/non-sexual-based connection to Enzo. I like that they're together and I really dig their attraction to one another, but by the end of the story I was ready for them to have had one good conversation that showed this strange relationship they have might have some legs.

- More description of their home, their surroundings, the club, her clothing... everything! I was eager to drink in all the details and I feel like there weren't enough.

To say I'm eager for the next installment would be an understatement. I hope it's bigger, meatier, with a lot more Enzo, just as much danger, and helluva lot more description.

Cannot wait!

[Kirsty Bicknell · Rating 5 out of 5]

How excited am I that Speak Easy is part of a series and not just a standalone???! Melanie Harlow's characters are so animated and if you are looking for a story with intensity and passion than Speak Easy has it in (illegal!) crate loads!!
Melanie Harlow's detailed descriptions and historical knowledge carry her reader back to 1920s America and a time of prohibition, illegal drinking clubs and gangsters. The biggest irony in the book is Tiny, who is nicknamed because of her height, and initially appears innocent, yet runs her father's bootlegging business with efficiency with stealth. She is also the strongest character in the book, caring for her sisters and raising the ransom money for her father. The reader also sees her develop as she explores her sexual power over men.
Although Speak Easy has a love triangle of sorts I feel that Melanie Harlow justifies its reason for being part of the story. Enzo and Joey are both important parts of the plot and as Tiny is just discovering this part of herself it will be interesting to see how this continues in the sequel.
Speak Easy is well-written, fun, surprising, tense and clever. Melanie Harlow is one to watch!!!

[Delancey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing prohibition-era thrill ride. I loved this debut from promising author Melanie Harlow. Her literary style fits perfectly with the gauzy romance of the prohibition era -- only its clear from the start that this is no Gatsby-esque dreamscape we're in. Tiny and her father are engaged in some small time bootlegging to support the family, and they cross their efforts with those of two bigger fish in the run running pond. Unfortunately for Tiny, one of those fish is the dark, handsome and fiery Enzo, and the push and pull that goes on between them through the course of the book is wonderfully steamy. But we can't forget Joey -- who has his own appeal. Beyond a romping storyline, Harlow has captured the jargon of the era without it feeling forced or false. I can't wait for the next book in the series!

[Tamara Mataya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I HATE historical fiction. Or should I say, I HATED historical fiction. This book changed my mind about a whole genre. It's true to the era without resorting to cliches and stereotypes, but it still manages to feel relevant and NOW.

Well-written and vivid, I was right there with Tiny, breathing in the smoke, rooting for her every whisky-burned step of the way.

Speak Easy is a MUST read, not only for lovers of standard New Adult, but for those looking for something different.

Bootlegging has never been sexier. There's nothing not to love about this sultry read from Harlow. I wait with grabby hands and bated breath for her next book.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this story and will be counting down the days until the sequel is released. Joey or Enzo? I need to know NOW! I'm so happy that I took a tiny chance on this one, considering it isn't the genre I usually go for; it really was fantastic. I highly recommend Speak Easy to anyone looking to take a little break from the angst, and try something different. Historical Fiction and New Adult fans alike will love this one!

You can find my full review on our blog, when the SPEAK EASY Blog Tour stops at Brittany and Bianca Blab Books on July 26th!

[Tori]

An enjoyable NA based on the roaring 20s. Jazz, prohibition, and violence all revolve around a young lady, Tiny, whose small time bootlegging father is kidnapped by a gangster. Tiny lies, scams, and works all angles as she tries to save her father and resist falling in love with the son of the man who kidnapped her dad. A fast paced with plenty of action and steam. Looking forward to book 2-Speak Low.