Speak Low

Speak Easy #2

by Melanie Harlow

July, 1923

After bootlegging enough whiskey to free her father from the DiFiore crime family, twenty-year old Tiny O'Mara is determined to leave home and take control of her own life.

But it’s going to cost her.

Her alliance with sultry Enzo DiFiore is based more on their intense physical attraction than any loyalty or trust. When he offers her an apartment and nights spent together where anything goes in exchange for some information, she's tempted beyond measure.

But taking Enzo's side means betraying gorgeous childhood pal Joey Lupo, the only man she trusts. And even though they spend most of their time at each other's throats, the heat simmering between them is becoming too hard to ignore--then one night, it boils over.

And won't stop.

As Enzo’s greed and deception escalate and her feelings for Joey deepen, Tiny realizes her mistakes. She just hopes she gets the chance to fix them before it’s too late.

*Speak Low is the sequel to Speak Easy but can be read as a stand alone romance, complete with HEA.

**Speak Low contains mature content and is intended for readers 18+.

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Historical, Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Fiction, Friends To Lovers

310 pages, Paperback

First published October 29, 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...

Find me!
Website→harlow.pub/web
Newsletter→harlow.pub/mh-news
Amazon→harlow.pub/amazon
Instagram→harlow.pub/insta
Bookbub→harlow.pub/bb
Reader Group→harlow.pub/harlots
Facebook→harlow.pub/ap

FULL LIST OF BOOKS:

Series:

Reviews

[mich · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't love this one as much as the first book. I think it's cuz Speak Easy had a lot going on in the plot besides just the romance, which made it more fast-paced and fun, whereas this one seemed to be all about the boy problems (and personally, I tend to like the romance to have equal or less page-time as all the other stuff in my books, especially if the romance isn't completely holding my attention, which it wasn't in this one).

Also, I'm not too thrilled with how the love triangle ended up. I totally fell in love with Joey in this book (which surprised me), so that was cool. Tiny ended up with the right guy for sure, but that does nothing to lessen my disappointment over what happened with Enzo's character. I thought his character could have been so much better (sexy and bad, but with more depth to the badness than what we got). Joey ended up being totally awesome, and Enzo ended up being a total bastard, so it all ended up being a really clear-cut choice which was a little boring to me :P

Oh, and the end wrapped up in an unsatisfying way for me -- too rushed and summarizey.

But overall I liked this duology. It was fun and sexy and just what I was in the mood for.

[Duchess Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

"It's terrifying because I think I'm a pretty tough person, but I had no idea how...unprotected you would make me feel."

I read this immediately after book one, Speak Easy. You kind of have to, as it finished off the story that begins this low angst, plot driven love triangle. I enjoyed this one just as much as the first. I did find Tiny to be a bit wishy washy in this one...too much at times, but I'm happy to say that this ended on an awesome note, with a fantastic epilogue. So glad I gave this series a go, after having it sitting on my tbr for months.

"I've never wanted to do to another person the things I want to do to you. Oh, my God, the things I'm going to do to you..."

A little incentive...I found this one to be even hotter than book one, and you just can't beat a love triangle book with hot sex and a solid story line too.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Speak Low picks up where Speak Easy ended. We were left with a semi-cliffhanger that had me antsy to get my hands on Speak Low. When Joey Lupo decided he’s going to give Tiny O’Mara a sensual kiss to remember, and confuse the hell out of her, I couldn’t wait to see what happens.

After everything Tiny went through to save her father, her father has made a deal with the DiFiore’s and is now working for them – one of the biggest organized crime families in Detroit. In Speak Easy, Tiny gave into her sexual desire for Enzo DiFiore and is now tangled up in his world as his secret lover, since he’s not exactly available to be Tiny’s. But when newly developed feelings for Joey arise, things become even more complicated for Tiny. She’s not sure where her head and heart lies.

Will she choose the dangerous, sexy, and power hungry Enzo? Though she doesn’t have feelings for him, she is drawn to him sexually and sees a way out of her father’s house when he offers her a lavish apartment of her own. Or will she choose her childhood friend, Joey, who is charming, loyal, handsome, and protective? Tiny and Joey have history together. But does Tiny only see him as her childhood friend who she playfully bantered with or is there more to her feelings for him? As Tiny vacillates between Enzo and Joey, she struggles with her emotions and feelings as she tries to do the right thing for her.

I really love Tiny with all her sass and spunk. She’s young, confused, and inexperienced at love and life. She did come across as slightly immature in this book in the beginning, as she makes impulsive and irrational decisions, but this book is about Tiny figuring things out. Tiny internally wars with her heart, wants, and logic. And what she wants may not be what’s best for her future or the direction of her life. She must dig deep to find herself and figure out which man is right for her.

Enzo, Joey, Enzo, Joey… Who does Tiny choose? I fell for the dangerous, bad boy Enzo in the first book. I can’t help myself, I love bad boys. But I always had a twinge of attraction towards Joey, I just didn’t really know him until this book. Joey truly shined in this story and I became smitten with the gorgeous and protective Italian who can cook. I had thought I made my choice in this love triangle in the first book... but Harlow managed something most authors can’t – made me switch teams. Sneaky lady.

This book didn’t have as much mystery and exciting action as Speak Easy, but it was loaded with emotion, romance, and smoking hot sexy times. This book sizzled and popped with fiery chemistry. While I did think a lot of the issues presented in this book were resolved a little too easily and quickly, I was very happy with the romance aspect that took front seat in this installment. I do wish the ending wasn’t so rushed. I would’ve like to see a certain someone swing fists for the girl he claimed he wanted, but I guess it just proves Tiny made the right decision.

I really enjoy Melanie Harlow’s original writing style. This is my first new adult historical romance series, set in the roaring twenties, that I’ve ever read. I love the idea behind flapper girls, sexy mobsters, bootlegging, and underground clubs. It’s all so intriguing. Melanie does a wonderful job with the imagery during this time era. I had a great time reading this series. Tiny is one of those sparkling characters that I just adored. She’s different from any other new adult heroine, that’s for sure. Her journey to finding happiness was not an easy one, as she had to deal with danger, deception, lies, secrets, protecting her family, and dangerous crime mobsters. But she persevered through it all and found love and happiness with the one man that could give her everything that is right for her. I wouldn’t consider this book a stand-alone. I think a reader would be missing out on a lot of the great things that happened in Speak Easy that lead up to this fun and sexy story.

Rating: B
Heat: Hot

-- A Romantic Book Affairs Review


Find us on Twitter and Facebook too!

[Sofie Amalie]

Gotta love et trekantsdrama, hvor hun lige pludselig bare vælger en af fyrene, uden at man helt forstår hvorfor som læser.

[Tamara Mataya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. God.

I thought there was NO WAY Harlow could write scenes hotter than she did in Speak Easy. I WAS WRONG!

I want to roll around on her words. Her characters are gorgeously written, the emotions run high, and everything is lush and vivid. I can't recommend these books enough.

I'm trying not to be a Spoilery Mofo, but I was Team Enzo. Now I'm Team Joey.

Who am I kidding, I'm Team HARLOW. READ THIS SERIES!

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Speak Low picks up right where Speak Easy left off. Joey told Tiny he's moving to Chicago. Now she has conflicted feelings. The problem is the two men she wants are in opposite gangs. How is Tiny supposed to be loyal to them both? She makes a lot of mistakes but it was hard to stay mad at her for long. Tiny reminds me of Scarlet O'Hara - childlike, sometimes bratty, flirty, manipulative, stubborn, endearing, protective, etc.

It started to feel like she based which man she wanted by which man she was in front of at the time. But she quickly came to her senses and made a grand gesture. Yes, she chose right! The epilogue was squee-worthy. We were updated on everybody and everything was as it should be. I loved it. Speak Low wasn't as fast paced and nail biting as Speak Easy but still a great read. Well done!

[Sophie · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 stars ✨

I’m sorry. This book just wasn’t for me. Tiny is so incredibly annoying and also nothing really happened in this book for 200 pages. -.-

[Georgie | The Pink Prose Parlour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Find more reviews on What She Reads
-

Speak Low kicks off where Speak Easy finishes, left with such a cliffhanger in the first book Harlow jumps straight into the deep end. Tiny O'Mara is left more confused than ever, with her feeling growing more intense for Joey what will happen to her and her fling with Enzo? With Joey's need to protect his family will he think too much with his heart and put himself in more danger?

What I love about Speak Low is the romanticism, Melanie has this trick of pulling you in making you feel apart of the story. Every emotion is there to be felt by her readers. Speak Easy was easily a coming of age book while Speak Low is definitely focused more on the heart.

After getting down and dirty with the gangsters of Detroit to get her father back from the DiFiores, Tiny has only one thing on her mind, finally getting out and living her own life. Picking up from Speak Easy Tiny is left with nothing but promises from Enzo DiFiore, after their heated one night together Tiny is deluded with thoughts of lust but her loyalties to her friend Joey Lupo appear to get in the way. I was swooning so much over this novel, Joey my all time favourite character never let me down and in this book he lived up to even more than what I had expected. The tension between Joey and Tiny was just tantalizing.

Tiny was still a great character, in fact I visualised myself as her many of times while reading. She is such a tough and catchy girl, there's no doubt why she has men swooning for her. From the get go there was always a strong chemistry between her and Lupo, I believe her infatuation with Enzo was purely that an infatuation, he was something different and dangerous which sparked her lust and need to feel grounded while everything else was spinning out of control and just as things settles she realised that maybe he might be the wrong choice.

Overall this is one of the best New Adult series I have read, I never thought a historical series would call to me as much as this did but as I've thought plenty of times I was totally born in the wrong decade. It was sensual, exciting and erotic in all the right ways and I didn't feel the need to roll my eyes at anything, which I have started to do quite a bit while reading the New Adult genre.I think for anyone that does love New Adult fiction and they feel that there is a repetitiveness in this genre then this series is perfect as it keeps all the naughty elements of New Adult alive with just adding a little something different.

COVER ART:

The cover is dangerously sexy, with an underlining retro theme the covers from Speak Easy and Speak Low flow perfectly with each other. I'm looking forward to eventually getting myself a hard copy of these book to put on my shelf.

[Edit · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

I must say I don't really like reading about the 20's era, but I liked this series so much. I kinda get to like Joey in this book and was totally happy how it ended.

For me it's my favorite series by Melanie Harlow.

[Delilah · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Disclaimer: I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest review.*

After saving her father from the DiFiore crime family, one would think that Tiny O'Mara's problems are finally all solved. Wrong! Tiny is more confused then ever. This twenty-year old flapper definitely knows that she wants to finally live on her own away from her family, live it up, and fulfill her dream of becoming of a nurse. But the big question is who will she live and explore life with? Will it be with Enzo, the handsome mobster who easily fulfills her sexual cravings and can give her everything that her heart desires? Or with Joey, her dangerous, dashing childhood friend who did everything that he could to protect Tiny and her family? Two hot men promising some form of what she wants. But only one truly has her heart.

5 big shining stars! (Ten stars if I could.) Speak Low exemplifies what a perfect NA novel is to me.

It has a fabulous and very distinct plot. This novel is a rare gem. There are a lot of great books out there, but you won't find anything as amazing as Speak Low. Ms. Harlow is a brilliant writer! I love history and NA/romance novels. But finding a book with both elements and are entwined beautifully is hard. The ones I've read prior to Ms. Harlow's books were cheesy and dramatic.

As always, Ms. Harlow is entertaining as heck! I loved the wittiness of the characters and the fun banter between them. If you were anywhere near me while I was reading, you'd probably hear me LOLing from time to time. I'm guilty of loving the naughty parts. Speak Easy was hot, but Ms. Harlow definitely took it up a notch in Speak Low. I am definitely glad she did! I was very surprised with who Tiny ends up with. But man oh man, I loved how it all turned out. The man who she ends up with had me swooning and fanning myself throughout the last half of the book. Seriously ladies and gents, capital H-O-T! Even after finishing the book hours ago, I am still feeling the effects.

What I loved best about this novel is Tiny. Tiny kicks ass! She is an example of what a heroine should be. She's loving, strong, brave, and determined. She isn't afraid to explore life, and she embraces change and/or accommodates it. Even with changes, she still stays true to herself. She made a mistake of fooling with a man who didn't care for her as much as she did with him. But she didn't let that bring her down. She accepted it as lust/experience and continued on to better things. Tiny stands up for herself and her feelings. When she finally knows what or who she wants, although nervous, she takes risks. I read both Speak Easy and Speak Low. So overall, it was wonderful to watch her transition from a young adult to an adult. And I especially loved watching her fall in love. I love that moment when one of my favorite characters finally realizes who she is in love. Gives me butterflies just thinking about how Tiny wins her man back.

All in all, I definitely recommend this book! I can't count how many hands I've put down this year, but hands down this is one of my favorite books this year!

Ms. Melanie Harlow, please keep them books coming! <3

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hopefully I'll be able to revisit and add on to this review at a later time, but I just wanted to get my thoughts out there while this fantastic book and these incredible characters were still fresh in my mind.

Again, I have to say how refreshing it is to break up all of the contemporary New Adult books that are out there today with something completely different. I love that Speak Low (as well as Speak Easy before it) is a New Adult Historical Romance. And while it takes place during an earlier time in history, it is no less exciting and relatable than anything taking place in the present time. Both of the books in this series are fresh and enjoyable, and I will never pass up Historical Romance novels again. Because if half of them are as difficult to put down as these, I'm hooked.

Speak Low stars off exactly where Speak Easy ends. And although Speak Low could be read as a stand-alone, it continues Tiny's story seamlessly and pulls you right back into her world as if you'd never left. I won't delve too deeply into the plot, because there are a few twists and turns in this one that you should experience for yourself, and of course I would hate to spoil anything! What I will say is that the love triangle between Enzo, Tiny, and Joey continues and the sexual tension between some of these characters and the steamy scenes that follow are something else!

At the close of Speak Easy, I was torn between which guy I wanted Tiny to end up with. This is no longer an issue. Throughout the book and given the actions of some of the characters, it is made abundantly clear which man is perfect for our girl and everything ends as it should, with an incredibly sweet, perfectly perfect happily ever after. This book definitely packs a punch with swoon-worthy moments, sexy scenes, and enough action to keep you on your toes.

Melanie Harlow is on her way to becoming one of my absolute favorite authors. I'm in love with her wiring style and the fact that she can make me forget that I'm even reading a book. She makes her characters truly come alive and become such a part of you that you're so sad to see them go. I know I will miss Tiny, Joey, and Enzo and am sad to see their story end, although I couldn't have hoped for a better conclusion. I still can't believe that I had passed up Historical Romances for this long until reading Speak Easy because I've found that I love them, and if Melanie keeps writing them, I'll keep reading them! I definitely recommend this book to just about anyone!

[Amber Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this duet. It truly played out like a movie in my mind. Set in a time period that has always seemed so interesting to me, the Speak Easy series was truly a delightful read. Never missing a beat, Melanie Harlow seriously did her homework on this series. So detailed, she really allowed the reader's mind to be there, in every single moment. By the end of Speak Low, I adored and admired Tiny. She was brave in her strength of conviction, and was a heroin in her own right. So different because she struggled being at an "in between" time in her life - seen as a kid by many, yet on the cusp of being an adult. However, the series of events that unfold in the story thwart her into becoming her own person. And of course, Melanie Harlow does not disappoint in the "heat" department. Tiny finds herself in a bit of a love triangle. Enzo and Joey provide for many lustful moments. I can not wait for my friends to read this!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book way more than the 2nd book. I loved reading a story based on Detroit in the 1920s. I live in Michigan and it was neat to picture Detroit then vs. now.

Spoiler: I loved how this book took off right where the 1st one left off. I was not thrilled w Tinys decisions in the 1st book and I was worried when she continued on the same path in the 2nd book. I was so happy when she wised up and saw that Enzo was a pig and she had better options right in front of her. She became a stronger, smarter & braver person in the 2nd book because she saw she was being used and decided not to put up with it. she didn't fall for the glitz & glammer Ezno was offering. When she figured out Joey was the man she loved she ran after him & told him how she felt even though she knew he was mad at her. She took the risk & went for what she wanted & it paid off.

I loved it!!!

[Alicia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know why, but I just couldn't sink into the sequel the way I sunk into Speak Easy. I finally finished it up today and it was okay... Maybe I wasn't in the right mood... I don't know. I might be back to edit this later...

[Luna Sol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the second installment. This was certainly a different type of read for me but I thoroughly enjoyed it. And Tiny has become one of my all time favorite heroines. I LOVED that epilogue!!!

[Copper78 · Rating 5 out of 5]

How and why and I just now reading this duet?? It's fantastic. The characters are multi-dimensional, original, genuine and entertaining. It's HOT AF. I mean, have your partner nearby and be prepared for your kindle to melt. I loved that our heroine unapologetically took what she wanted and was in control of her own sexuality. Tiny was fierce, loving and brave. Joey is so protective, loyal and reliable. Enzo was HOT and such a fascinating character too. He was written a way that it could have easily gone the other way and he could have been redeemed and wound up a worthy hero as well. Great writing and a page turning, unique storyline. I finished this in one day. The whole duet in less than 2 days. If you like reading about the Roaring 20s, dynamic characters, a fun plot involving prohibition era bootlegging, mobsters and love don't hesitate to pick this up. I can't believe I waited so long to read it!

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

From insta lust, to slow burn to insta love... To be honest it felt a little forced and all of the sudden Joey was hot, and in the first book he was described as ugly, and Enzo became ugly? I mean both of them were douchebags and honestly neither deserve all that sass and amazingness that is Tiny, but by halfway through the book, Joey became this amazing guy and we were supposed to forget all the shit he talk about her? Mmm kay.

The last chapter felt like a long and super rushed epilogue because all of the sudden everything went warp speed enough to give me whiplash.

Was he sweet with everything after the handkerchief?, yes but it also felt fake like a completely new character it was a bit weird. I honestly thought he was gonna get killed in the end, but then i remembered this is a romance novel so yeah. It would have been a better ending though.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Speak Low picks up right where Speak Easy left off, and doesn't waste much time rehashing the events that unfolded in book one. I really flew through this book just to get more of this couple. Tiny finally realizes her true feelings and fights for her true love, which made the second half of this duet much more enjoyable for me. Still only told in her POV, I give this one a solid 4 stars complete with yummy steamy scenes and HEA.

*Spoiler alert*
I didn't realize this book would feature family of Nick from Forked, so when I realized who she would end up with, I couldn't get on board with the love triangle aspect of Tiny's story. If I had read this series prior to Forked, I might have felt differently.

[Heather Petzold · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this second book in the duet. Although throughout the entire book I couldn’t make up my mind who I wanted her with. And honestly wasn’t sure who Tiny would end up with. After awhile though it became clear who the better choice was. Tiny did quite a bit of growing up on this book. Yes she kept going back and forth on who she wanted to be with which was a little annoying at times. It was mostly because she wouldn’t admit her true feelings. I’m happy with the ending and glad with who she ended up with. This was a really good duet by Melanie.

[Kara Laufeyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tiny O’Mara has rescued her father and life should be going her way, but she has doubts. Her and Enzo’s relationship is an affair only, and she finds herself questioning herself. Joey Lupo has returned and is a full fledged bootlegger and Tiny’s actions in Speak Easy and the current book has her realizing she needs to make changes and fast before it’s too late for Joey. I appreciate the fact that Harlow makes her character recognize her mistakes and try to fix them. Life is full of mistakes, but some are more deadly than others.

[Ella-Maluca Floyd · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jeg var faktisk godt underholdt i bog 1, desværre ikke i bog 2. Der er ikke meget handling ud over konstante sexscener og en naiv, kvindelig hovedperson, der lyver, bedrager venner og går i seng med to mænd alt afhængig af, hvem der kan give hende mest. Slutningen går stærkt og er en lang opsummering af al den handling, som måske kunne have givet historien mere dybde. Det virkelig lidt som om forfatteren til sidst besluttede at der ikke skulle komme en bog 3 og havde travlt med at få rundet af.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to find out what would happen with Tiny O’Mara.

Would she have a future with Enzo DiFiori or would it be with Joey Lupo.

I have to say that Tiny really annoyed me. One minute she’s lusting over Enzo and thinking he’s the one (even though he’s engaged to someone else and he kidnapped her father). The next minute she’s in love with Joey.

The amount of money being thrown around just seemed bizarre. I know 1923 is before the Great Depression but the amount of money that Tiny can get her hands on so quickly seemed out of kilter with the time period.

Love Melanie Harlow and her writing has improved exponentially since this series was published. Tiny has amazing descendants.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Speak Low picks up right where Speak Easy ended. This book was filled with action, suspense, and romance. I wasn’t quite sure what direction the story was going to take. Tiny was struggling with her feelings for two men. Once she finally realized who she wanted, the story had my racing wondering what was going to happen. The story wrapped up nicely and everyone got what they deserved.