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Speakeasy Taproom #4
Sideways
She’s a political princess and media darling...
There’s no such thing as bad publicity. Yeah, right. Tell that to the PR firm that handles Tracy’s very prominent political family. Pushed by scandal from Boston to the boondocks, now she’s on the other side of the serving tray, dishing up beer and burgers, hoping no one recognizes her. But there’s something very familiar--and maddeningly tempting--about the new caterer at Speakeasy.
He’s a cranky recluse...
Colton was the star of the celebrity chef circuit until he wasn’t anymore. Now he lives in a remote country cabin and spends his time alone, far from the spotlight and liking it that way. Until the gorgeous new waitress at Speakeasy starts poking at his resolve and suddenly all he wants is to see her let down her hair. And spread it all over his pillow. She’s got secrets he knows he won’t like, but he can’t stay away from her.
She lives in the spotlight, and he hates attention. When her public life collides with his private one, can their love write a fairy-tale ending after all?
There’s no such thing as bad publicity. Yeah, right. Tell that to the PR firm that handles Tracy’s very prominent political family. Pushed by scandal from Boston to the boondocks, now she’s on the other side of the serving tray, dishing up beer and burgers, hoping no one recognizes her. But there’s something very familiar--and maddeningly tempting--about the new caterer at Speakeasy.
He’s a cranky recluse...
Colton was the star of the celebrity chef circuit until he wasn’t anymore. Now he lives in a remote country cabin and spends his time alone, far from the spotlight and liking it that way. Until the gorgeous new waitress at Speakeasy starts poking at his resolve and suddenly all he wants is to see her let down her hair. And spread it all over his pillow. She’s got secrets he knows he won’t like, but he can’t stay away from her.
She lives in the spotlight, and he hates attention. When her public life collides with his private one, can their love write a fairy-tale ending after all?
230 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2021
69 people are currently reading
1953 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Hughey
84 books668 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Lisa Hughey started writing romance in the fourth grade. That particular story involved a prince and an engagement. Now, she writes about strong heroines who are perfectly capable of rescuing themselves and the heroes who love both their strength and their vulnerability. She pens romances of all types—suspense, paranormal, and contemporary—but at their heart, all her books celebrate the power of love.
She lives in Cape Ann Massachusetts with her fabulously supportive husband, two out of three awesome mostly-grown kids, and one somewhat grumpy cat.
Yoga, hiking, and traveling are her favorite ways to pass the time when she isn’t plotting new ways to get her characters to fall in love.
You can find her on the web at http://www.lisahughey.com
Instagram: @lisa.hughey
FB https://www.facebook.com/LisaHugheyRo...
Email: lisa@lisahughey.com
She loves to hear from readers!
Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
February 25, 2022
I was in the mood for something light, fun and uplifting and this was it.
I liked the characters and the setting the most. The storyline wasn't very believable, but it was interesting, especially for the first 60% or so. The rest of the story was more predictable and superficial. Overall, an enjoyable read with a female character I actually liked most of the time.
I liked the characters and the setting the most. The storyline wasn't very believable, but it was interesting, especially for the first 60% or so. The rest of the story was more predictable and superficial. Overall, an enjoyable read with a female character I actually liked most of the time.
July 1, 2021
Tracy + Colton.
Tracy is a politician's daughter from Boston. Always pretty, sweet, kind, perfect.
But now she started a bit of a scandal for her family and they told her to leave the city for a while.
She ends up in Colebury, Vermont.
Same place Colton ended up a while ago, after his celebrity-chef career in Boston exploded in a horrible way.
The Speakeasy Taproom people want Colton to be their new caterer chef and Tracy needs any job they have to offer - she doesn't have much money left.
Insta enemy-hatey-sparks between our two darlings...
LET THE FUN TIMES BEGIN!☺
══════════════════
That was adorable!
Full of delicious food and sparks and fun and drama and family.
I really enjoyed reading this. Colt and Tracy were so cute together!
But of course her life is pretty public and he doesn't want anything to do with the press and being in the spotlight ... it might take our darlings a while to get that HEA!
I could read these kinds of books every day for the rest of eternity!
I also wouldn't mind seeing this whole world on Netflix one day!
Can't wait to get more Vermont soon!
SIDEWAYS was an adorable + funny + foody romance! I loved reading it! Run to your nearest amazon for your own Colt - he'll be sold out in no time!
💜
💜
July 3, 2021
So this series is turning out to be spectacular on all fronts! This is my fourth read and I honestly couldn’t tell you which I loved the best because they are all really well done! Sideways had me invested from page one.
Tracy & Colton’s story gives off sparks like a frenemies story would and I liked it! It was perfect for them and their circumstances. The banter between them was spectacular! SO much spark that you’ll find yourself at the end before you’re ready!
This is one I’ll find myself re-reading in the future for sure! Another new-to-me author I’m hoping to read more from soon!
Tracy & Colton’s story gives off sparks like a frenemies story would and I liked it! It was perfect for them and their circumstances. The banter between them was spectacular! SO much spark that you’ll find yourself at the end before you’re ready!
This is one I’ll find myself re-reading in the future for sure! Another new-to-me author I’m hoping to read more from soon!
December 17, 2021
4.5 When Like Meets Like Stars-WAIT, WHAT...
Don't Wait, It's FREE!!!!
* * * * 1/2 Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
I have to say, Speakeasy Taproom Totally Rocks! This series takes everything I love and puts it all together. We get mostly grown people who are at a juncture in their lives. They have had situations happen that have put them in Vermont, either fighting their demons and coming out the other side or they have just landed there and are about to have a journey they didn't know they needed.
Delicious. This is the premise for Sideways. Our gal, Tracy is from a political family. This means everything thing she has done has been analyzed, dictated by, and directed with talking points and cleared by the family's spoke's person to get the "Right Spin".
Well, Tracy had more in her, and unbeknownst to the family, she created her own business and it was very successful. Then an unfortunate situation happened that drew attention to the fact she was the owner. The Family dictated she lay low until they told her things were all clear.
The joke was Tracy didn't do anything wrong, her company was a good one and solid, the family just didn't like what it was and had to figure out their response. Gah...
This brought Tracy to Speakeasy territory. She had a pretend name due to the nature of her family and she decided to use it there. This way she could lay low. But she needed funds that would not trace her to Vermont, so she took on being a waitress at the Speakeasy. She wasn't the best wait staff but boy people loved her service. Being friendly, sparkly, and just plain nice went a long way.
Colton wasn't the only one who was laying low. He was a famed chef who rose to the top of NYC/Boston and the like. He was known for his amazing plates. He also was known for being out of control. It got so bad, he had to leave doing what he loved. It was that or totally be destroyed by drugs, booze, and anything else destructive.
Now he just hides out and sometimes helps his friends here. It is Tracy bouncing around the Taproom that catches his eye and they start off as bickering with Tracy still holding a smile.
These two keep running into each other and soon there is a truce happening for the better good- The Taproom. Preston is asked to cater an event and Tracy is there helping him, being a comfort he never thought he would have. They hit it off and all is good until little ducks come home to roost, meaning all the hiding gets revealed.
This was very strong and I couldn't stop reading it. It was everything I could want in a romance book. Yay!!!
Touchstone (Speakeasy Taproom #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Heartwood (Speakeasy Taproom #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Homecoming (Speakeasy Taproom, #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Sideways (Speakeasy Taproom, #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Wildflower (Speakeasy Taproom, #5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Firefly (Speakeasy Taproom, #6)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Starlight (Speakeasy Taproom, #7)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Stargazer (Speakeasy Taproom, #8)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Safeguard (Speakeasy Taproom, #9)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
Don't Wait, It's FREE!!!!
* * * * 1/2 Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
I have to say, Speakeasy Taproom Totally Rocks! This series takes everything I love and puts it all together. We get mostly grown people who are at a juncture in their lives. They have had situations happen that have put them in Vermont, either fighting their demons and coming out the other side or they have just landed there and are about to have a journey they didn't know they needed.
Delicious. This is the premise for Sideways. Our gal, Tracy is from a political family. This means everything thing she has done has been analyzed, dictated by, and directed with talking points and cleared by the family's spoke's person to get the "Right Spin".
Well, Tracy had more in her, and unbeknownst to the family, she created her own business and it was very successful. Then an unfortunate situation happened that drew attention to the fact she was the owner. The Family dictated she lay low until they told her things were all clear.
The joke was Tracy didn't do anything wrong, her company was a good one and solid, the family just didn't like what it was and had to figure out their response. Gah...
This brought Tracy to Speakeasy territory. She had a pretend name due to the nature of her family and she decided to use it there. This way she could lay low. But she needed funds that would not trace her to Vermont, so she took on being a waitress at the Speakeasy. She wasn't the best wait staff but boy people loved her service. Being friendly, sparkly, and just plain nice went a long way.
Colton wasn't the only one who was laying low. He was a famed chef who rose to the top of NYC/Boston and the like. He was known for his amazing plates. He also was known for being out of control. It got so bad, he had to leave doing what he loved. It was that or totally be destroyed by drugs, booze, and anything else destructive.
Now he just hides out and sometimes helps his friends here. It is Tracy bouncing around the Taproom that catches his eye and they start off as bickering with Tracy still holding a smile.
These two keep running into each other and soon there is a truce happening for the better good- The Taproom. Preston is asked to cater an event and Tracy is there helping him, being a comfort he never thought he would have. They hit it off and all is good until little ducks come home to roost, meaning all the hiding gets revealed.
This was very strong and I couldn't stop reading it. It was everything I could want in a romance book. Yay!!!
Touchstone (Speakeasy Taproom #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Heartwood (Speakeasy Taproom #2)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Homecoming (Speakeasy Taproom, #3)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Sideways (Speakeasy Taproom, #4)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Wildflower (Speakeasy Taproom, #5)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Firefly (Speakeasy Taproom, #6)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Starlight (Speakeasy Taproom, #7)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Stargazer (Speakeasy Taproom, #8)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Safeguard (Speakeasy Taproom, #9)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
November 23, 2021
cute and cozy.
i don't have much to say, but i loved reading this book and the third act break up was just the way i like!
;)
i don't have much to say, but i loved reading this book and the third act break up was just the way i like!
;)
June 30, 2021
Colton is a disgraced celebrity chef. Tracy is a politicians daughter, and her latest business venture is negatively affecting her families political aspirations.
This was a cute, sometimes funny, and touching story. I enjoyed Tracy and Colton as individuals, but I did have trouble feeling the connection between them at times. Their getting together felt a bit rushed and artificial.
I did like how Colton was able to let go of his insecurities and how much his character developed thru the book. Also huge props for the real life view of being a waitress. It's such a hard and thankless job and this book really did it justice.
It was an okay book overall, I just wasn't blown away by it.
This was a cute, sometimes funny, and touching story. I enjoyed Tracy and Colton as individuals, but I did have trouble feeling the connection between them at times. Their getting together felt a bit rushed and artificial.
I did like how Colton was able to let go of his insecurities and how much his character developed thru the book. Also huge props for the real life view of being a waitress. It's such a hard and thankless job and this book really did it justice.
It was an okay book overall, I just wasn't blown away by it.
June 29, 2021
ARC received for an honest review
Yaaaaass b*tches! We're back in the True North-verse, and I can't get enough!
I met Colt and Tracy in one of the other books in this release, and I loved getting their whole store.
There is an insta-hatey/lusty thing going on here and I adored watching our lovelies find their happy.
There is much snark and fight between them, and when secrets are involved I spent the time waiting for the shoe to drop. And all I was thinking was "just tell him, woman!" I knew it would cause troubles but I was glad that they settled things without too much issue.
I really liked the stories of the people of the Speakeasy, and could read stories like this for years to come.
July 10, 2021
Tracy is a socialite from Boston, she finds herself in Vermont without a lot of money after a scandal hit her and she becomes a waitress at the Speakeasy. Colton is a chef who hides in Colebury since he got too overwhelmed from his work. They meet and they hate each other on the spot but it seems like they can't stay away from each other for too long.
I've enjoyed Sideways, it's nicely written and both the main characters were nice and interesting. They are well developed and their hate-love relationship is entertaining.
Tracy and Colton are so different from each other, cheerful the first and grumpy the latter, but they overcome their mutual dislike and easily they become a stable presence in each other lives . I really liked how they help and support each other without being pushy.
I'm looking forward to read more books in this series.
Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.
Want to read
July 1, 2021
Yaaaaass b*tches! We're back in the True North-verse, and I can't get enough!
I met Colt and Tracy in one of the other books in this release, and I loved getting their whole store.
There is an insta-hatey/lusty thing going on here and I adored watching our lovelies find their happy.
There is much snark and fight between them, and when secrets are involved I spent the time waiting for the shoe to drop. And all I was thinking was "just tell him, woman!" I knew it would cause troubles but I was glad that they settled things without too much issue.
I really liked the stories of the people of the Speakeasy, and could read stories like this for years to come.
a>
September 18, 2021
I wasn't sure about this one at the start. I kinda liked Tracy, but the way that she had no reality of "real" life really could have gone the wrong way. It helped that she was genuinely nice and liked people, wanted to get to know them and help them if she could. Her open, bubbly personality was fun, so opposite of Colton, who grumbled more than anything. I loved seeing Colton find himself again the more time he spent with Tracy, but knew he wasn't going to be happy when he found out her secret. I really hated it when Tracy's CeeCee secret came out. It seemed like she genuinely liked who she was better as CeeCee and had more fun. While it sucked short term when the secret came out, in the end it was better. Tracy could incorporate what she liked of CeeCee in her life and work at her job now out in the open, taking things to the next level. I loved that both Tracy and Colton had the same idea of coming to the other, both can be happy in the knowledge that they were picked first, not the only thing left.
July 18, 2021
I enjoyed this standalone book in the Speakeasy spin off series. Tracy is a very sweet young woman that left Boston to get away from a PR scandal. Her prominent family is in politics. Ironically, Tracy is in PR, but her side business conflicted with her parents' wholesome public persona.
Tracy comes to Colebury, to let the dust settle. She hopes it's for a short period of time. Her family
nearly cuts ties. This is ironic, since she kinda holds almost all the cards on her scandal and some other family secrets.
Colton is a surly big city chef-in hiding. His temper got him into hot water. He's friends with Audrey Shipley & has been in town to start over, but is reluctant to go back to being a chef.
I really felt Colton & Tracy's growing chemistry. They each had almost the opposite problem to overcome.
I loved the supporting characters. I recognized them from previous Busy Bean, Speakeasy and True North books.
I love how the spin series build on each other, but really can be standalones.
I would love an audio of this & will love to do a reread.
Tracy comes to Colebury, to let the dust settle. She hopes it's for a short period of time. Her family
nearly cuts ties. This is ironic, since she kinda holds almost all the cards on her scandal and some other family secrets.
Colton is a surly big city chef-in hiding. His temper got him into hot water. He's friends with Audrey Shipley & has been in town to start over, but is reluctant to go back to being a chef.
I really felt Colton & Tracy's growing chemistry. They each had almost the opposite problem to overcome.
I loved the supporting characters. I recognized them from previous Busy Bean, Speakeasy and True North books.
I love how the spin series build on each other, but really can be standalones.
I would love an audio of this & will love to do a reread.
July 2, 2021
Check out our full post for SIDEWAYS on Wicked Reads, which includes an excerpt.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the fourth book in the Speakeasy series, and part of the wider Sarina Bowen True North world. I would definitely suggest that you indulge in them all, but I have to admit I would place this before book three, Homecoming, as the timing for me works better – but it doesn't matter all that much! It was good to see other characters from earlier stories, and the linking between plot lines generally worked well.
Tracy has (a little like Phoebe) had a PR disaster which has caused her to flee Boston. In her case, she was prepared to disappear should the need arise, and has a friend book her a rental car and adopts a secret identity and uses burner phones. By mere chance, she ends up in Colebury, and we all know by now how lucky a coincidence that is for her!
While hiding out, she makes the acquaintance of a very grumpy man, who she recognises as a celebrity chef who vanished a little while ago after a blow-out, which also featured heavily on social media. Colton is very well aware that Cee Cee, as her secret identity is called, is trouble, from his old world, and clearly just in town for a short time. But he also can't help but guide her in the ways of normal life – like how to do one's own laundry.
I really enjoyed the banter between them, and the fact that she helped him regain his control and his ability to cook without melting down or indulging in alcohol. I liked the whole app idea and how it was going to expand. Whilst it felt a little preachy at times, it was always from a good place and not entirely unbelievable. It was inevitable that they would give in to their chemistry, but the buildup was good, and the acceptance of no strings with thick ropes equally binding them together was amusing.
Another good addition to the series, and I look forward to seeing who gets their happily ever after next!
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
June 30, 2021
3.75 stars. This was a pretty good book! Sideways is is book four in the Speakeasy Taproom series, which is a series of standalones by different authors and is set in Sarina Bowen's True North World. This is Tracy and Colton's story. Tracy is a society woman, the daughter of a senator who works in the family business. She also secretly started and runs a high end dating app called Fairytale Ever After. But a scandal erupts with the press when her secret comes out, threatening her family's business and political aspirations. Tracy is advised to get out of Boston and go somewhere that the press can't find her. She escapes and somehow lands in the small town of Colebury, Vermont. She pretends to be someone else, Ceecee, and because she has no money in that name, she ends up getting a job as a waitress at Speakeasy. There she meets Colton. He is a former big name, tv chef who had a melt down on tv, became an alcoholic and had a life implosion. He now recovered and is living in Colebury, where he has several friends at Speakeasy who want him to help out there. He no longer wants any part of the spotlight, preferring to be a recluse. When they meet, Colt judges Tracy as a spoiled rich girl, but soon realizes he misjudged her. She is very smart and a problem solver who is a true romantic at heart. The two spend time together and begin to fall for each other. But what will happen when Tracy is able to return to her real life and when Colt finds out who she really is?
I enjoyed this story. I did feel like I missed a bit of the backstory with Tracy and her friends in their past. I guess this book is a spin off of another series by this author maybe, and I did wish I had more of that back story. But I did like this book in general. It is a slowish burn but Tracy and Colt were really sweet together. They had a bit of a grumpy-sunshine dynamic. The book was a fast paced, easy read. The writing style was not quite my favorite. Still, I enjoyed the Tracy and Colt's story. I was happy they were able to work things out and get their HEA.
Overall, Sideways was an entertaining read and a pretty good book. I am enjoying this fun series and look forward to more in the future.
*arc provided in exchange for an honest review*
I enjoyed this story. I did feel like I missed a bit of the backstory with Tracy and her friends in their past. I guess this book is a spin off of another series by this author maybe, and I did wish I had more of that back story. But I did like this book in general. It is a slowish burn but Tracy and Colt were really sweet together. They had a bit of a grumpy-sunshine dynamic. The book was a fast paced, easy read. The writing style was not quite my favorite. Still, I enjoyed the Tracy and Colt's story. I was happy they were able to work things out and get their HEA.
Overall, Sideways was an entertaining read and a pretty good book. I am enjoying this fun series and look forward to more in the future.
*arc provided in exchange for an honest review*
July 1, 2021
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the fourth book in the Speakeasy series, and part of the wider Sarina Bowen True North world. I would definitely suggest that you indulge in them all, but I have to admit I would place this before book 3 Homecoming, as the timing for me works better - but it doesn't matter all that much! It was good to see other characters from earlier stories, and the linking between plot lines generally worked well.
Tracy has (a little like Phoebe) had a pr disaster which has caused her to flee Boston. In her case she was prepared to disappear should the need arise, and has a friend book her a rental car and adopts a secret identity and uses burner phones. By mere chance she ends up in Colebury. and we all know by now how lucky a coincidence that is for her!
While hiding out she makes the acquaintance of a very grumpy man, who she recognises as a celebrity chef who vanished a little while ago after a blow out, which also featured heavily on social media. Colton is very well aware that Cee Cee, as her secret identity is called, is trouble, from his old world, and clearly just in town for a short time. But he also can't help but guide her in the ways of normal life - like how to do one's own laundry...
I really enjoyed the banter between them, and the fact that she helped him regain his control and his ability to cook without melting down, or indulging in alcohol. I liked the whole app idea, and how it was going to expand. Whilst it felt a little preachy at times, it was always from a good place, and not entirely unbelievable. It was inevitable that they would give in to their chemistry, but the build up was good, and the acceptance of no strings with thick ropes equally binding them together was amusing.
Another good addition to the series, and I look forward to who gets their HEA next!
This is the fourth book in the Speakeasy series, and part of the wider Sarina Bowen True North world. I would definitely suggest that you indulge in them all, but I have to admit I would place this before book 3 Homecoming, as the timing for me works better - but it doesn't matter all that much! It was good to see other characters from earlier stories, and the linking between plot lines generally worked well.
Tracy has (a little like Phoebe) had a pr disaster which has caused her to flee Boston. In her case she was prepared to disappear should the need arise, and has a friend book her a rental car and adopts a secret identity and uses burner phones. By mere chance she ends up in Colebury. and we all know by now how lucky a coincidence that is for her!
While hiding out she makes the acquaintance of a very grumpy man, who she recognises as a celebrity chef who vanished a little while ago after a blow out, which also featured heavily on social media. Colton is very well aware that Cee Cee, as her secret identity is called, is trouble, from his old world, and clearly just in town for a short time. But he also can't help but guide her in the ways of normal life - like how to do one's own laundry...
I really enjoyed the banter between them, and the fact that she helped him regain his control and his ability to cook without melting down, or indulging in alcohol. I liked the whole app idea, and how it was going to expand. Whilst it felt a little preachy at times, it was always from a good place, and not entirely unbelievable. It was inevitable that they would give in to their chemistry, but the build up was good, and the acceptance of no strings with thick ropes equally binding them together was amusing.
Another good addition to the series, and I look forward to who gets their HEA next!
December 25, 2021
The main plot - the heroine in hiding with no money left and having to work - was interesting, but I didn't get the reasons why she had to lie low.
The family was rich and her dad was a senator, all that money for a mansion, nannies, staff must come from some business, a senator's salary would not be enough. Then why was it bad that Tracy was earning money from a dating-app she invented, is a dating app despicable?
Her brother's fiancée somehow found out and went to the press, why not immediately sick a lawyer on her as she signed an NDA. Asking for a 10 000 dollar fee seems ok as it is necessary to keep gold-diggers away although not successful in this case) and to do all the background checks.
Tracy's reasons for never dating seriously because she thought she had to disclose her parent's infidelities to a boyfriend are utterly ridiculous, that is just their concern.
The writing was superficial, only telling not showing how Tracy/Ceecee charmed her customers.
The family was rich and her dad was a senator, all that money for a mansion, nannies, staff must come from some business, a senator's salary would not be enough. Then why was it bad that Tracy was earning money from a dating-app she invented, is a dating app despicable?
Her brother's fiancée somehow found out and went to the press, why not immediately sick a lawyer on her as she signed an NDA. Asking for a 10 000 dollar fee seems ok as it is necessary to keep gold-diggers away although not successful in this case) and to do all the background checks.
Tracy's reasons for never dating seriously because she thought she had to disclose her parent's infidelities to a boyfriend are utterly ridiculous, that is just their concern.
The writing was superficial, only telling not showing how Tracy/Ceecee charmed her customers.
March 22, 2022
Gomez Pugh and Lola James narrate this one. I normally adore Gomez Pugh’s narration, but I was confused about how he did this one - whenever he was voicing dialogue for the hero, Colton, his voice was a weird hoarse/raspy tone. The story is a good one, with a rich political princess meeting a former bad boy chef. It’s heart felt and angsty.
KU + whisper sync
KU + whisper sync
June 29, 2021
I love the World of True North that Sarina Bowen has created so I was beyond thrilled to find out that other authors would be writing books set in this world in this new Speakeasy Taproom series. For me Lisa Hughey is a new author and I am very glad to have discovered her as I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Sideways is a great addition to the Speakeasy Taproom books.
Tracey and Colton were fully fleshed out and engaging characters. I greatly enjoyed reading their story and was very much invested in seeing it come to a happy conclusion.
I am excited to read more books that take place in the World of True North and more specifically the Speakeasy Taproom as I know there will be several by a variety of authors coming out soon. This is a relatable place with characters you care for and want to see a happy outcome given to. Speakeasy Taproom is a wonderful series on its own and a great spin off for Sarina Bowen's True North world.
Tracey and Colton were fully fleshed out and engaging characters. I greatly enjoyed reading their story and was very much invested in seeing it come to a happy conclusion.
I am excited to read more books that take place in the World of True North and more specifically the Speakeasy Taproom as I know there will be several by a variety of authors coming out soon. This is a relatable place with characters you care for and want to see a happy outcome given to. Speakeasy Taproom is a wonderful series on its own and a great spin off for Sarina Bowen's True North world.
June 23, 2021
This book was ok but did not WOW me. The MC's are two different types of people. Tracy is rich who lives the good life. She has a secret identity that she uses when she has to hide and does not want anyone to know who she is or where she is from. Colt is a former celebrity chef who had a meltdown and has since stayed away from cooking. He meets Tracy AKA CeeCee at the Speakeasy Taproom and she gets him to enjoy cooking again. The characters were hard for me to get into but I did not totally dislike them. This is a good addition to the Speakeasy series.
October 15, 2021
**Actually a 3.25-rating, but I am rounding down**
I haven't read this Author before and it kind of sits in my craw to consider giving her a 2nd or 3rd chance because I genuinely believe that readers should never gauge an entire collection of books, from a writer, on one single book. It's better to do, like, a conservative marathon of a series or a couple of standalones, so one can see a pattern or get down a vibe to what is being conveyed.
If I made an assumption from this book alone, I wouldn't keep an eye on this particular writer at all. I don't know if I have become so sensitized or so...I hate to over-use a word, but so Woke to PC culture, so we don't allow writers to get away with microaggressions or subtle hints at, "Do they really have this opinion, in the real world? Or are they conjuring a microcosm of world views to create their own inside their MC's story?"
I believe what unsettles me about rating, then reviewing this book is that the decision to write a heroine who is who Tracy/Cee-Cee is...kind of makes her a singled-out one-dimensional caricature. Not only is she a Rich Girl, she comes from a political charged family. And I mean, she was raised by her Daddy's campaigning, so she has been enmeshed in this BS since she was a child. Probably has grown up with constant PR and a need to field Publicity--Spin the Story, so to speak.
And then not only is she all that, in a much bigger realm of the world her scope of eyesight is myopic. She thinks money is NO BIGGIE. She also has no concept of how to LIVE...only how nannies cared for her and housekeepers did her laundry and maids cleaned her rooms...eesh...
So she designs a Dating App with her geeky/nerdy friends who had to have done all the coding on their own, but she knew how to draw up the Business Plan and then build and build and build on making a product everyone would clamor for. The thing is since she knows the Ins and Outs of Politicking [holding babies & shaking hands] we are told this woman has the means to charm Eskimos to buy stock in ice...ya know, she simply has a way about herself that she can get out of any situation or get into anyone's stoic nature and be their friend.
What's the adage... never met a stranger I couldn't befriend...
My larger issue with Tracy, or who we know as Cee-Cee, her viable Alias when needing to "hide" from press and publicity...is that she is a true-blue Millennial. She likes Gramin' [Instagram]...and making Hashtags, taking Selfies or random pictures and just BLOWING shit up because she is in this constant mode of... can't live Life, but can live inside a faked charming made-up world.
I think there was a good example of this in Tessa Bailey's It Happened One Summer where the heroine could not stop taking pics and Instagraming because she was some kind of Inlfuencer. Tracy is not an influencer but she does one of THE DUMBEST things I have ever read where she is asked to lay low.
Of course she finds herself going under her designed Alias, "Cee-Cee" and going to live in Colebury. And what does she do when laying low to protect her political family? Under her Alias she creates a hashtag Instagram where she is moseying around Colebury and taking pics and generally making PUBLIC not only her freakin' Alias [#ceeinthecountry ]... but also every god-damn body who is a Nobody in Podunk Nowheresville.
This becomes a real contentious issue for me because then she becomes intimately involved with Colt Vega. A Grumpy...kind of Scroogey demoted used-to-be-Famous Chef. And Colt is...one of the better parts of this story which is why I cut this Author some slack. I did not appreciate that for his romantic story he was given someone like Tracy/Cee-Cee...who, uhm...may not ever appreciate Colt for who he is or who he was...and I don't mean an Ex-famous Chef, like a Gordon Ramsay
Colt was a volatile Chef who went down in flames when he became upset with a sous chef and threw a ladle and accidentally burned the person--I think, on national TV. Colt had been having some addiction issues. He talks about drug addictions being rampant inside any Chef's kitchen, but for some weird reason Colt was given so many other addictions... nicotine and alcohol...but not drugs. I know this kind of made me side-eye him, but whatever. An Author can only fabricate a background however they deem fit. It often felt Colt was doing himself no favors by always comparing his level of addictions to OTHERs...as if his meltdown was better than anyone else's in his career.
Colt also had some very famous and popularized restaurants...some where Tracy had dined in, as well. But he was being recruited by Pheobe in Speakeasy and also Audrey, who are BOTH his past Chef friends from the way-back. The thing was... they kept on Colt, trying to get him to come back into at least cooking in a kitchen, Anonymously...for Speakeasy's catering business side. The thing was he had never told them the true reason for leaving and abandoning his greatest passion.
The other reason why I enjoyed Colt was because he still has recipes on his brain and he thinks like a Chef who sees and smells and listens to the world going on around him. This is what is often lacking in authors who write CRs where cooking or being a Chef, in whatever field, is front and center. He had a massive fall from fame and glory, so he has had a bit of time to cope and regroup and somewhat heal, but he is not there yet.
When he meets Tracy, who he will only know as Cee-Cee, he begins to see deeper into her, well beyond her well-to-do Princess ways. I got a bit frustrated and exhausted by this "fish out of water" rotating thing with Tracy...the Rich Girl who has to live in middle-class life. Let's not even fathom that she ever touched genuine poverty levels...she always had means to get money and to have money...and a roof over her head.
Where I disconnect with Tracy is something that comes up once and then a second time in the last few chapters. It's that in order to show readers who this MC is... we have to hear her POV thoughts...and right when she meets Colt...which is simply from across Speakeasy's restaurant, when Colt is at a table and Tracy is sat at her own...each MC pre-judges the other.
Colt already can detect Tracy is a rich girl Princess in a backwoods town...but then when Tracy sees Colt, her vocabulary moves to... "He is attractive in that HOT LATINO way..."??? uh, which WAY? is that exactly. I am unfamiliar with this intention. I felt a little perturbed by this phrasing. It feels a little cringey to me, but maybe I have become so sensitized that I always squint at this kind of wording...it makes me feel a little off kilter about Tracy [...and also the Author].
Then when the moment climaxes of Cee-Cee being discovered for who she actually is, famously, by the way. She brought it on herself by doing the dumb Instagram-ing by Cee-Cee as she kept posting to "broadcast" and people who knew her were able to whittle away exactly where she was located. Then a group of her friends send a married couple to check on her, and one of those people is described as... Tracy's Black friend, D'Andre. His wife and their baby are also there to disguise why HE is there, but the secret is out because not only do they recognie D'Andre... they notice Tracy. The wording of WHO D'Andre was kind of made me do this same cringing-thing again. Like above, where there are subtle indications of racial differences hammered home.
But why are those descriptive words used in any of those manners as a way to tell us who these people are? Colt can simply be a man... a human... an Ex-Chef. Go ahead and tell us his last name, of "Vega", and any reader can decipher he is of some Latino connection. You never have to double-down to explain yourself, nor do you have to pigeon-hole him to us. There are so many "Hot Latino" looks and this sounds so generic and awkward...why say it like this?
And then, the fact that a character of Tracy's status has "a Black friend"?--who just so happens to be an ex- [I assume] NFL football player. It feels kind of weird to shoe-horn in a "black friend" in this manner. You simply can tell readers..." Tracy's friend D'Andre...who used to play for the NFL, in whatever positon" and if readers are keyed in, maybe they can deduce on their own.
Every once in a while...Colt would do something that signified who he had been as a child. Any kind of heritage inside him, given to him by Gran'mas and a Mom is in his food, in his cooking...and old recipes he recalls. No other way did we see him as "Latino".
In fact, he almost nearly bonds with Cee-Cee because once she admits she had eaten or dined at one of his old restaurants... they both have this one moment of, "I love Paris"...or I think it was more like, "I love eating in Paris"...and it showed how they both had been immersed in cushion-y rich, lavish lifestyles because they have PARIS in common. I think at the end, Colt has tickets to Paris hidden on his person, somewhere. So, whatever.
So, then toward the end... Tracy's moral lesson is... she had been charging TOO MUCH for her entrance fee to use her Dating App, Fairy Tale Dating [or something]. Where she would... or could only work with the Elite few who can afford her $10,000 sign up fee?!?!?!
While she is living this hidden middle-class life in Colebury, working as a waitress at Speakeasy...she suddenly has a quick epiphany that her $10,000 surcharge EXCLUDES so many people who deserve to get her great matchmaking skills... because, oh, yeah, I forgot that... while she is living such a low-class life, compared to what she is used to... she keeps her skills at matchmaking going...and it feels so...forced from her.
It makes me recall Austen's Emma in a way, because Tracy/Cee-Cee actually assumes she has some modern-day skill at putting two people who have compatibility together. If you recall Emma has a little self-absorption and an Elitist power about herself to anyone who is lower class than her. Tracy never feels as if she let's this go, even living as her Alias, Cee-Cee.
I am somehow supposed to fathom that Tracy is going to do all this reform and charity work while getting her HEA. Like for women's equal pay... and setting up some kind of work program where a Blue-collar working class woman can get assistance to make it through hardships to make ends meet.
I know or understand Colt was doing nearly the same kind of thing, too...where he was getting involved in charity food prgrams and then somehow offering services for those less fortunate. I kind of feel it means something more from Colt than Tracy... maybe because most of what Tracy wants to do is her asking her Daddy and then now her brother who are BOTH in Poltical positions to reform or change laws...and then also asking her family for HUGE DONATIONS.
I feel like Tracy is still too wrapped up in her old life, because she leaves Colt's small cabin to then buy an old farm house she and Colt will now hire some kind of historical restoration company to help them fix. Tracy cannot live at a lower means; she only did it for this brief time during this book, but cannot seem to make it how she lives, organically. It makes me wonder if she dragged Colt into this mix, too, because they both know how to live life lavishly when they BOTH have unknown amounts of money at their asking.
She did quit her family job [?]...who the heck knows what that was... she was simply a political pawn in their chess games...so now she works for her Dating App exclusively. She did consider making a lower priced entrance fee, but I still think it's shotty business from her & her friends. You don't make it a great, viable business "look" when now you lower the price for rich people and then you make a standardized price for low-income to middle class folk who want a Fairy tale match made? We do not get to hear HOW she changed it effectively to keep the kind of business model she designed when every fee was $10,000/a pop...so, man, I do wonder, just because...
I haven't read this Author before and it kind of sits in my craw to consider giving her a 2nd or 3rd chance because I genuinely believe that readers should never gauge an entire collection of books, from a writer, on one single book. It's better to do, like, a conservative marathon of a series or a couple of standalones, so one can see a pattern or get down a vibe to what is being conveyed.
If I made an assumption from this book alone, I wouldn't keep an eye on this particular writer at all. I don't know if I have become so sensitized or so...I hate to over-use a word, but so Woke to PC culture, so we don't allow writers to get away with microaggressions or subtle hints at, "Do they really have this opinion, in the real world? Or are they conjuring a microcosm of world views to create their own inside their MC's story?"
I believe what unsettles me about rating, then reviewing this book is that the decision to write a heroine who is who Tracy/Cee-Cee is...kind of makes her a singled-out one-dimensional caricature. Not only is she a Rich Girl, she comes from a political charged family. And I mean, she was raised by her Daddy's campaigning, so she has been enmeshed in this BS since she was a child. Probably has grown up with constant PR and a need to field Publicity--Spin the Story, so to speak.
And then not only is she all that, in a much bigger realm of the world her scope of eyesight is myopic. She thinks money is NO BIGGIE. She also has no concept of how to LIVE...only how nannies cared for her and housekeepers did her laundry and maids cleaned her rooms...eesh...
So she designs a Dating App with her geeky/nerdy friends who had to have done all the coding on their own, but she knew how to draw up the Business Plan and then build and build and build on making a product everyone would clamor for. The thing is since she knows the Ins and Outs of Politicking [holding babies & shaking hands] we are told this woman has the means to charm Eskimos to buy stock in ice...ya know, she simply has a way about herself that she can get out of any situation or get into anyone's stoic nature and be their friend.
What's the adage... never met a stranger I couldn't befriend...
My larger issue with Tracy, or who we know as Cee-Cee, her viable Alias when needing to "hide" from press and publicity...is that she is a true-blue Millennial. She likes Gramin' [Instagram]...and making Hashtags, taking Selfies or random pictures and just BLOWING shit up because she is in this constant mode of... can't live Life, but can live inside a faked charming made-up world.
I think there was a good example of this in Tessa Bailey's It Happened One Summer where the heroine could not stop taking pics and Instagraming because she was some kind of Inlfuencer. Tracy is not an influencer but she does one of THE DUMBEST things I have ever read where she is asked to lay low.
Of course she finds herself going under her designed Alias, "Cee-Cee" and going to live in Colebury. And what does she do when laying low to protect her political family? Under her Alias she creates a hashtag Instagram where she is moseying around Colebury and taking pics and generally making PUBLIC not only her freakin' Alias [#ceeinthecountry ]... but also every god-damn body who is a Nobody in Podunk Nowheresville.
This becomes a real contentious issue for me because then she becomes intimately involved with Colt Vega. A Grumpy...kind of Scroogey demoted used-to-be-Famous Chef. And Colt is...one of the better parts of this story which is why I cut this Author some slack. I did not appreciate that for his romantic story he was given someone like Tracy/Cee-Cee...who, uhm...may not ever appreciate Colt for who he is or who he was...and I don't mean an Ex-famous Chef, like a Gordon Ramsay
Colt was a volatile Chef who went down in flames when he became upset with a sous chef and threw a ladle and accidentally burned the person--I think, on national TV. Colt had been having some addiction issues. He talks about drug addictions being rampant inside any Chef's kitchen, but for some weird reason Colt was given so many other addictions... nicotine and alcohol...but not drugs. I know this kind of made me side-eye him, but whatever. An Author can only fabricate a background however they deem fit. It often felt Colt was doing himself no favors by always comparing his level of addictions to OTHERs...as if his meltdown was better than anyone else's in his career.
Colt also had some very famous and popularized restaurants...some where Tracy had dined in, as well. But he was being recruited by Pheobe in Speakeasy and also Audrey, who are BOTH his past Chef friends from the way-back. The thing was... they kept on Colt, trying to get him to come back into at least cooking in a kitchen, Anonymously...for Speakeasy's catering business side. The thing was he had never told them the true reason for leaving and abandoning his greatest passion.
The other reason why I enjoyed Colt was because he still has recipes on his brain and he thinks like a Chef who sees and smells and listens to the world going on around him. This is what is often lacking in authors who write CRs where cooking or being a Chef, in whatever field, is front and center. He had a massive fall from fame and glory, so he has had a bit of time to cope and regroup and somewhat heal, but he is not there yet.
When he meets Tracy, who he will only know as Cee-Cee, he begins to see deeper into her, well beyond her well-to-do Princess ways. I got a bit frustrated and exhausted by this "fish out of water" rotating thing with Tracy...the Rich Girl who has to live in middle-class life. Let's not even fathom that she ever touched genuine poverty levels...she always had means to get money and to have money...and a roof over her head.
Where I disconnect with Tracy is something that comes up once and then a second time in the last few chapters. It's that in order to show readers who this MC is... we have to hear her POV thoughts...and right when she meets Colt...which is simply from across Speakeasy's restaurant, when Colt is at a table and Tracy is sat at her own...each MC pre-judges the other.
Colt already can detect Tracy is a rich girl Princess in a backwoods town...but then when Tracy sees Colt, her vocabulary moves to... "He is attractive in that HOT LATINO way..."??? uh, which WAY? is that exactly. I am unfamiliar with this intention. I felt a little perturbed by this phrasing. It feels a little cringey to me, but maybe I have become so sensitized that I always squint at this kind of wording...it makes me feel a little off kilter about Tracy [...and also the Author].
Then when the moment climaxes of Cee-Cee being discovered for who she actually is, famously, by the way. She brought it on herself by doing the dumb Instagram-ing by Cee-Cee as she kept posting to "broadcast" and people who knew her were able to whittle away exactly where she was located. Then a group of her friends send a married couple to check on her, and one of those people is described as... Tracy's Black friend, D'Andre. His wife and their baby are also there to disguise why HE is there, but the secret is out because not only do they recognie D'Andre... they notice Tracy. The wording of WHO D'Andre was kind of made me do this same cringing-thing again. Like above, where there are subtle indications of racial differences hammered home.
But why are those descriptive words used in any of those manners as a way to tell us who these people are? Colt can simply be a man... a human... an Ex-Chef. Go ahead and tell us his last name, of "Vega", and any reader can decipher he is of some Latino connection. You never have to double-down to explain yourself, nor do you have to pigeon-hole him to us. There are so many "Hot Latino" looks and this sounds so generic and awkward...why say it like this?
And then, the fact that a character of Tracy's status has "a Black friend"?--who just so happens to be an ex- [I assume] NFL football player. It feels kind of weird to shoe-horn in a "black friend" in this manner. You simply can tell readers..." Tracy's friend D'Andre...who used to play for the NFL, in whatever positon" and if readers are keyed in, maybe they can deduce on their own.
Every once in a while...Colt would do something that signified who he had been as a child. Any kind of heritage inside him, given to him by Gran'mas and a Mom is in his food, in his cooking...and old recipes he recalls. No other way did we see him as "Latino".
In fact, he almost nearly bonds with Cee-Cee because once she admits she had eaten or dined at one of his old restaurants... they both have this one moment of, "I love Paris"...or I think it was more like, "I love eating in Paris"...and it showed how they both had been immersed in cushion-y rich, lavish lifestyles because they have PARIS in common. I think at the end, Colt has tickets to Paris hidden on his person, somewhere. So, whatever.
So, then toward the end... Tracy's moral lesson is... she had been charging TOO MUCH for her entrance fee to use her Dating App, Fairy Tale Dating [or something]. Where she would... or could only work with the Elite few who can afford her $10,000 sign up fee?!?!?!
While she is living this hidden middle-class life in Colebury, working as a waitress at Speakeasy...she suddenly has a quick epiphany that her $10,000 surcharge EXCLUDES so many people who deserve to get her great matchmaking skills... because, oh, yeah, I forgot that... while she is living such a low-class life, compared to what she is used to... she keeps her skills at matchmaking going...and it feels so...forced from her.
It makes me recall Austen's Emma in a way, because Tracy/Cee-Cee actually assumes she has some modern-day skill at putting two people who have compatibility together. If you recall Emma has a little self-absorption and an Elitist power about herself to anyone who is lower class than her. Tracy never feels as if she let's this go, even living as her Alias, Cee-Cee.
I am somehow supposed to fathom that Tracy is going to do all this reform and charity work while getting her HEA. Like for women's equal pay... and setting up some kind of work program where a Blue-collar working class woman can get assistance to make it through hardships to make ends meet.
I know or understand Colt was doing nearly the same kind of thing, too...where he was getting involved in charity food prgrams and then somehow offering services for those less fortunate. I kind of feel it means something more from Colt than Tracy... maybe because most of what Tracy wants to do is her asking her Daddy and then now her brother who are BOTH in Poltical positions to reform or change laws...and then also asking her family for HUGE DONATIONS.
I feel like Tracy is still too wrapped up in her old life, because she leaves Colt's small cabin to then buy an old farm house she and Colt will now hire some kind of historical restoration company to help them fix. Tracy cannot live at a lower means; she only did it for this brief time during this book, but cannot seem to make it how she lives, organically. It makes me wonder if she dragged Colt into this mix, too, because they both know how to live life lavishly when they BOTH have unknown amounts of money at their asking.
She did quit her family job [?]...who the heck knows what that was... she was simply a political pawn in their chess games...so now she works for her Dating App exclusively. She did consider making a lower priced entrance fee, but I still think it's shotty business from her & her friends. You don't make it a great, viable business "look" when now you lower the price for rich people and then you make a standardized price for low-income to middle class folk who want a Fairy tale match made? We do not get to hear HOW she changed it effectively to keep the kind of business model she designed when every fee was $10,000/a pop...so, man, I do wonder, just because...
July 6, 2021
3.5 stars for me.
I really liked the book and I liked the characters. I loved the setting and I loved how the story played out. It's just more of a light summerread for me.
I missed the feel of deepness on some level. Yes, I liked Tracy's background and I liked how the plot went for her, but all her life decisions felt on some level a bit superficial. Not like superficial choices but worked out into the story. It felt like: this is what I'm going to do. And it's done. There was no telling about the process of stuff and I missed that.
As for Colt... same thing. His background is been told to you, but not really in depth. He quit his alcohol abuse and you don't really feel the struggle. Just at the start where he doesn't want to look at the bottles of liquor. I also think he turned his views pretty easily around for Tracy.
It was a fun story and I liked reading it. But personally I missed that. But since the chars where cute and the setting was beautifully done, so a well deserved 3.5 stars.
I really liked the book and I liked the characters. I loved the setting and I loved how the story played out. It's just more of a light summerread for me.
I missed the feel of deepness on some level. Yes, I liked Tracy's background and I liked how the plot went for her, but all her life decisions felt on some level a bit superficial. Not like superficial choices but worked out into the story. It felt like: this is what I'm going to do. And it's done. There was no telling about the process of stuff and I missed that.
As for Colt... same thing. His background is been told to you, but not really in depth. He quit his alcohol abuse and you don't really feel the struggle. Just at the start where he doesn't want to look at the bottles of liquor. I also think he turned his views pretty easily around for Tracy.
It was a fun story and I liked reading it. But personally I missed that. But since the chars where cute and the setting was beautifully done, so a well deserved 3.5 stars.
June 23, 2021
I enjoyed going on Tracy & Colt’s journey. Tracy & Colt came from different worlds, but they are what each other needed. A great addition to the Speakeasy world.
Sideways was the first and it definitely won’t by the last book I read by Lisa Hughey. I look forward to more adventures in the future.
I voluntarily reviewed this book.
Sideways was the first and it definitely won’t by the last book I read by Lisa Hughey. I look forward to more adventures in the future.
I voluntarily reviewed this book.
November 22, 2021
Predictable-yes, but I really liked the characters.
Tracy is from a very well known political family. When her brother is dumped by his fiancé who spills the beans about the dating site she founded, Tracy gets out of town and ends up in Vermont.
Colton is a chef who was under a ton of pressure. When he flies off the handle and someone gets injured he’s automatically shunned by the cooking world.
He ends up in Vermont but hasn’t been able to set foot back in the kitchen.
He and Tracy meet and even though they’re both hiding things, they develop feelings for each other.
Loved Colton’s passion for food and Tracy’s passion for life.
Tracy is from a very well known political family. When her brother is dumped by his fiancé who spills the beans about the dating site she founded, Tracy gets out of town and ends up in Vermont.
Colton is a chef who was under a ton of pressure. When he flies off the handle and someone gets injured he’s automatically shunned by the cooking world.
He ends up in Vermont but hasn’t been able to set foot back in the kitchen.
He and Tracy meet and even though they’re both hiding things, they develop feelings for each other.
Loved Colton’s passion for food and Tracy’s passion for life.
July 1, 2021
Sideways is the fourth book in the Speakeasy series, set in Sarina Bowen’s World of True North, but it can be read as a stand-alone.
I really enjoyed reading Tracy and Colt’s story. This is an opposites attract romance with a secret identity thrown in. And it worked for me.
Tracy comes from a wealthy and political Boston family, but she’s hiding out in Vermont following a rather silly scandal involving her secret dating app and her bother’s public breakup. Tracy is suddenly alone in this little town with almost no money and the need to find some answers as to how her brother’s ex found out she owns the dating app that matched them as a couple.
Colt was a brilliant and renowned chef in Boston until a year ago he had a breakdown. He’s been hiding in Colebury ever since, too afraid to cook again. He’s terrified of falling into his old destructive patterns to risk it. He’s extremely grumpy and snarky but not mean. That is, until he meets Cee Cee and his world turns upside down again. This time in a good way.
I’m not a fan of the poor rich girl, but Tracy didn’t give out that vibe. She’s intelligent and successful, albeit a bit disconnected from the real world. Her acquaintance with Colt starts in the frenemies territory and evolves, as does her grasp of what it means to have to work for a living and who she wants to be and how she wants to live her life. I really liked her, and I understood why she chose to lie about her real identity.
Colt has been living in pain for a long time. And it was really an emotional journey for him, to come out of his hermit ways and start living again. To rediscover himself with Tracy’s help and influence. I loved the pace of the story and the way they help each other heal and grow. They have incendiary chemistry and the banter between them is delightful and witty. I really loved them together.
There’s a lot to like about Sideways. I love seeing old friends like Audrey and new friends like Phoebe and Ty. I love the feel of the Speakeasy and the Busy Bean and how they intersect. I love the Vermonty feel of the story, the farmers’ markets and the gardening and the cooking sprees.
I had a great time reading this book and the other books in the Speakeasy series. I really want to read them all, and I cannot wait for the next ones.
I really enjoyed reading Tracy and Colt’s story. This is an opposites attract romance with a secret identity thrown in. And it worked for me.
Tracy comes from a wealthy and political Boston family, but she’s hiding out in Vermont following a rather silly scandal involving her secret dating app and her bother’s public breakup. Tracy is suddenly alone in this little town with almost no money and the need to find some answers as to how her brother’s ex found out she owns the dating app that matched them as a couple.
Colt was a brilliant and renowned chef in Boston until a year ago he had a breakdown. He’s been hiding in Colebury ever since, too afraid to cook again. He’s terrified of falling into his old destructive patterns to risk it. He’s extremely grumpy and snarky but not mean. That is, until he meets Cee Cee and his world turns upside down again. This time in a good way.
I’m not a fan of the poor rich girl, but Tracy didn’t give out that vibe. She’s intelligent and successful, albeit a bit disconnected from the real world. Her acquaintance with Colt starts in the frenemies territory and evolves, as does her grasp of what it means to have to work for a living and who she wants to be and how she wants to live her life. I really liked her, and I understood why she chose to lie about her real identity.
Colt has been living in pain for a long time. And it was really an emotional journey for him, to come out of his hermit ways and start living again. To rediscover himself with Tracy’s help and influence. I loved the pace of the story and the way they help each other heal and grow. They have incendiary chemistry and the banter between them is delightful and witty. I really loved them together.
There’s a lot to like about Sideways. I love seeing old friends like Audrey and new friends like Phoebe and Ty. I love the feel of the Speakeasy and the Busy Bean and how they intersect. I love the Vermonty feel of the story, the farmers’ markets and the gardening and the cooking sprees.
I had a great time reading this book and the other books in the Speakeasy series. I really want to read them all, and I cannot wait for the next ones.
July 25, 2021
Likeable characters and a satisfying story. Nice addition to the series. Some good character growth on both sides.
January 7, 2024
When Tracy's secret business kicks starts a scandal for her family deep in politics, she is pushed out the door to seriously get out of town. So with the help of some friends, she packs a bag, gets a rental car under her friend's name, and hits the road not really sure where to go but somehow ends up in Colebury. Or more specifically Speakeasy. All she knows is that she needs to lie low and figure out how her named got leaked as the creator of this dating app. An app that her brother ended up using and who's fiancé dumped him and threatened to reveal all the family secrets. It doesn't take her long to realize though that her cash is low and that she may be here longer than she expected. So she takes a job she has never had before: a waitress. It's an eye opening experience and one she is terrible at. But! When it comes to marketing, she shines and thinks while she is there she can help Speakeasy. She also doesn't expect to run into Colt. A famous chef who after a public meltdown disappeared. Colt needed a change. His life as a chef took a dangerous and dark turn and in order to avoid going back down that dark path he stopped cooking. Something he loved and was amazing at. But he no longer trusts himself in a kitchen. However, after meeting Tracy, that part of him is slowly waking up. Sure, they didn't hit it off immediately, but after getting to know one another, things changed. With Tracy hiding her identity she is figuring out who she can be out of the public eye and for Colt, he is learning he can enjoy cooking again and avoid the bad habits. But love is never that easy. Not when secrets still lie between one another and media could be on their doorstep as soon as word gets out. I loved Tracy and Colt's story. It had so many twists that made it different and not typical. Colt was this very surly and real character dealing with some heavy stuff and you see him work through it. While Tracy is getting a look at a different sort of life than she grew up with. Such great character developments from both of them. Can't wait for more!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 21, 2021
I loved this book so much! Tracy Thayer is a Boston socialite sent away after a scandal hits her and her family. After driving for hours, she finds herself at the Speakeasy gastropub. Colton Vega used to be the hottest celebrity chef in the east coast until a very public breakdown made him take a step back from it all. When his two good friends Audrey and Phoebe urge him to come to Vermont to take some time to heal, Colt has finally found the peace of mind he always wanted. Tracy and Colton's first time meeting at the Speakeasy isn't a pleasant one, because Colt sees that she's a rich socialite like the ones he used to deal with back in Boston. In order for her to stay under the radar and live for a few weeks, she decides to work at the Speakeasy as a waitress. What I loved about Tracy was the fact she loved love and she loved for people around her to be happy. Even though everyone knew that she was the worst waitress in the world, everyone loved her because she was so charming and just a nice young woman. Colt was very much attracted to her and kept coming back to the gastropub to see how she was doing. Every time he came, Phoebe and Audrey tried to convince to cook again at the Speakeasy. The gruff chef was the complete opposite of Tracy but they got along and he loved helping her learn to do things she never did in her life. Once they crossed that line, Tracy and Colt couldn't keep their hands off of each other. I loved how much Tracy helped Colt get inspired about cooking again and he helped her be more of herself and find her voice. In the end they were both willing to get out of their comfort zones for one another because of how much they loved each other. I did love that touch of Preston Kelly coming to fix their 1850's farmhouse which was mentioned in the previous book. So far I'm loving the Speakeasy books and how well all the stories are linked and the couples are all amazing so far.
July 4, 2021
Billionaire heiress/political royalty meets celebrity chef in small town Colebury, VT. Both have escaped the limelight that follows famous people. For Tracy Thayer, it was the exposure of her owning an elite dating app, which epitomized the opposite of what her politician father emphasized in his campaigns. For Colton Vega, it was his very public, highly televised meltdown. Colt had nothing but disdain for Tracy at first glance with her complicated meal order, but she was just the distraction he needed to stave off Phoebe Stevens and Audrey Shipley from convincing him to be their events chef. It took going into hiding for Tracy, masquerading as CeCe, to experience what typical humans go through with living paycheck to paycheck and using blood, sweat, and tears to get through each day. As Colt got to know CeCe, he finally had the drive to get back into the kitchen, especially when she explains her complicated meal orders aren't just for being trendy. With Colt, Tracy can be herself devoid of others' expectations. When her friends come to visit for a wellness check, her secret is revealed and bursts the bubble she's been living in. Her lies hurt the one she most loved, but at the same time Tracy finds the support and understanding that she's craved from her family. As she got her life in order, Tracy realized that there was one thing missing. Little did she know he thought the same thing.
Beautifully written story by a new to me author. It takes great talent to write a story that weaves in elements of books written by other authors and makes the secondary storyline seamless from book to book.
I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.
Beautifully written story by a new to me author. It takes great talent to write a story that weaves in elements of books written by other authors and makes the secondary storyline seamless from book to book.
I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.
July 5, 2021
Overall Grade: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lisa Hughey’s Sideways introduces us to two more Speakeasy Taproom series characters: Tracy aka Cee-Cee and Colt. Tracy must leave her beloved Boston, escaping a scandal threatening her prestigious family. Needing to go where no one knows her, Tracy lands in Colebury, home to the Speakeasy Taproom, the Busy Bean, and the Gin Mill. Thinking she will only need to stay a few days in Colebury before her scandal blows over, she finds out quickly that it will be much longer. Without enough resources, Tracy finds a job with Speakeasy even though she has no experience. It is there where Tracy meets Colt, an infamous chef hiding away from his own painful scandal.
At first glance, Colt believes Tracy is like every other rich person he served in his former kitchens. After a time, though, he realizes that “Cee-Cee” calms his anxiety and makes him a better person. As these two grow closer, breaking out of their self-imposed restrictions, their journey towards a happy ending is challenged. Will they find their happy ending?
I enjoyed Hughey’s Sideways. I love the Speakeasy Taproom stories that allow us further into that story. It allows us to encounter Sarina Bowen’s characters but it also connects us more deeply to the other stories in the series. Even more, I love a hero who is grumpy and working through his issues, especially when he is met with a sunshiney heroine who makes everyone smile. This is definitely the case with Colt and Tracy. They complement each other: a yin to the other’s yang. Hughey builds their chemistry nicely and their journey draws you into the book.
If you have fallen into the World of True North, then you’ll want to read this Lisa Hughey’s Sideways.
Lisa Hughey’s Sideways introduces us to two more Speakeasy Taproom series characters: Tracy aka Cee-Cee and Colt. Tracy must leave her beloved Boston, escaping a scandal threatening her prestigious family. Needing to go where no one knows her, Tracy lands in Colebury, home to the Speakeasy Taproom, the Busy Bean, and the Gin Mill. Thinking she will only need to stay a few days in Colebury before her scandal blows over, she finds out quickly that it will be much longer. Without enough resources, Tracy finds a job with Speakeasy even though she has no experience. It is there where Tracy meets Colt, an infamous chef hiding away from his own painful scandal.
At first glance, Colt believes Tracy is like every other rich person he served in his former kitchens. After a time, though, he realizes that “Cee-Cee” calms his anxiety and makes him a better person. As these two grow closer, breaking out of their self-imposed restrictions, their journey towards a happy ending is challenged. Will they find their happy ending?
I enjoyed Hughey’s Sideways. I love the Speakeasy Taproom stories that allow us further into that story. It allows us to encounter Sarina Bowen’s characters but it also connects us more deeply to the other stories in the series. Even more, I love a hero who is grumpy and working through his issues, especially when he is met with a sunshiney heroine who makes everyone smile. This is definitely the case with Colt and Tracy. They complement each other: a yin to the other’s yang. Hughey builds their chemistry nicely and their journey draws you into the book.
If you have fallen into the World of True North, then you’ll want to read this Lisa Hughey’s Sideways.
July 5, 2021
Overall Grade: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lisa Hughey’s Sideways introduces us to two more Speakeasy Taproom series characters: Tracy aka Cee-Cee and Colt. Tracy must leave her beloved Boston, escaping a scandal threatening her prestigious family. Needing to go where no one knows her, Tracy lands in Colebury, home to the Speakeasy Taproom, the Busy Bean, and the Gin Mill. Thinking she will only need to stay a few days in Colebury before her scandal blows over, she finds out quickly that it will be much longer. Without enough resources, Tracy finds a job with Speakeasy even though she has no experience. It is there where Tracy meets Colt, an infamous chef hiding away from his own painful scandal.
At first glance, Colt believes Tracy is like every other rich person he served in his former kitchens. After a time, though, he realizes that “Cee-Cee” calms his anxiety and makes him a better person. As these two grow closer, breaking out of their self-imposed restrictions, their journey towards a happy ending is challenged. Will they find their happy ending?
I enjoyed Hughey’s Sideways. I love the Speakeasy Taproom stories that allow us further into that story. It allows us to encounter Sarina Bowen’s characters but it also connects us more deeply to the other stories in the series. Even more, I love a hero who is grumpy and working through his issues, especially when he is met with a sunshiney heroine who makes everyone smile. This is definitely the case with Colt and Tracy. They complement each other: a yin to the other’s yang. Hughey builds their chemistry nicely and their journey draws you into the book.
If you have fallen into the World of True North, then you’ll want to read this Lisa Hughey’s Sideways.
Lisa Hughey’s Sideways introduces us to two more Speakeasy Taproom series characters: Tracy aka Cee-Cee and Colt. Tracy must leave her beloved Boston, escaping a scandal threatening her prestigious family. Needing to go where no one knows her, Tracy lands in Colebury, home to the Speakeasy Taproom, the Busy Bean, and the Gin Mill. Thinking she will only need to stay a few days in Colebury before her scandal blows over, she finds out quickly that it will be much longer. Without enough resources, Tracy finds a job with Speakeasy even though she has no experience. It is there where Tracy meets Colt, an infamous chef hiding away from his own painful scandal.
At first glance, Colt believes Tracy is like every other rich person he served in his former kitchens. After a time, though, he realizes that “Cee-Cee” calms his anxiety and makes him a better person. As these two grow closer, breaking out of their self-imposed restrictions, their journey towards a happy ending is challenged. Will they find their happy ending?
I enjoyed Hughey’s Sideways. I love the Speakeasy Taproom stories that allow us further into that story. It allows us to encounter Sarina Bowen’s characters but it also connects us more deeply to the other stories in the series. Even more, I love a hero who is grumpy and working through his issues, especially when he is met with a sunshiney heroine who makes everyone smile. This is definitely the case with Colt and Tracy. They complement each other: a yin to the other’s yang. Hughey builds their chemistry nicely and their journey draws you into the book.
If you have fallen into the World of True North, then you’ll want to read this Lisa Hughey’s Sideways.
July 3, 2021
...is anyone getting any sleep since the Speakeasy Taproom series has dropped?
Not me!
Sideways is Lisa Hughey's entry in the super creative Speakeasy Taproom series based on Sarina Bowen's True North Series. Book #4 in the series can be read as a standalone ... even out of order ... but you're going to want to read the whole series.
It's a HEA, celeb, riches to rag story where the former celeb is poking the bear ... and he's intrigued (even when he's growling).
Tracy is in unchartered territory. She's used to being the perfect politician's daughter until her scandal has her family sending her out of town while things cool off. She lands in our favorite VT town (Colebury) to wait things out. She quickly realizes that wait things out means "get a job" and she finds herself with a tray and a need to serve.
Colton has been in town a bit longer ... exiled to VT after his career as a celeb chef went south in a hurry. He's got it bad for Tracy even though he's keeping the evil eye flying between them!
I really enjoyed Sideways ... loved Tracy and Colton, the chemistry, witty banter, and the angsty burn. It's a good story, the writing is great, and the characters from the series are like a fun afternoon with fav friends.
If you're looking for a great story, like the whole "lowest to highest point" romance, download Sideways now!
I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
Not me!
Sideways is Lisa Hughey's entry in the super creative Speakeasy Taproom series based on Sarina Bowen's True North Series. Book #4 in the series can be read as a standalone ... even out of order ... but you're going to want to read the whole series.
It's a HEA, celeb, riches to rag story where the former celeb is poking the bear ... and he's intrigued (even when he's growling).
Tracy is in unchartered territory. She's used to being the perfect politician's daughter until her scandal has her family sending her out of town while things cool off. She lands in our favorite VT town (Colebury) to wait things out. She quickly realizes that wait things out means "get a job" and she finds herself with a tray and a need to serve.
Colton has been in town a bit longer ... exiled to VT after his career as a celeb chef went south in a hurry. He's got it bad for Tracy even though he's keeping the evil eye flying between them!
I really enjoyed Sideways ... loved Tracy and Colton, the chemistry, witty banter, and the angsty burn. It's a good story, the writing is great, and the characters from the series are like a fun afternoon with fav friends.
If you're looking for a great story, like the whole "lowest to highest point" romance, download Sideways now!
I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
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