Speak Now: or Forever Hold Your Peace

by Becky Monson

If there’s one thing that Bridgette Reynolds has learned recently, it’s that the perfect shoes, the perfect hair, and the perfect dress do not make for the perfect proposal. In fact, sometimes they make for the not-so-perfect breakup.

Now, Bridgette must do everything in her power to win Adam back. She knows they are meant to be. And nothing will stand in her way—not her friends, not her grandmother, not even the fact that Adam is now engaged to Serene after a whirlwind romance.

Focused on her plan to win Adam back, Bridgette isn’t expecting Ian—her college best friend, her love, her big regret—to come back into her life. They sink back into their comfortable friendship as if no time has passed at all, making Bridgette start to question her feelings for Adam. But Ian has a few secrets of his own . . . secrets that could shatter their friendship once and for all.

Bridgette has to make some major decisions—should she speak now? Or forever hold her peace?

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit, Fiction, Contemporary, Ebooks, Contemporary Romance, Second Chance Romance

366 pages, Paperback

First published April 9, 2015

About the author

By day, Becky Monson is a mother to three young children, and a wife. By night, she escapes with reading books and writing. In her debut novel, Becky uses humor and true-life experiences to bring her characters to life. She loves all things chick-lit (movies, books, etc.), and wishes she had a British accent. She has recently given up Diet Coke for the fiftieth time and is hopeful this time will last... but it probably won't.

Become a fan on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorBeckyM...

Reviews

[Chrissy (The Every Free Chance Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did I enjoy this book: I really did! This was a fantastic read that I read every free chance I had.

I loved Speak Now. It grabbed me from the very beginning, and it kept me guessing throughout. I didn’t know what team to be on–Team Ian, Team Justin. I kept flip-flopping sides. I was glued to the book. I laughed. I gasped. I questioned. I was involved from the very beginning. I had to see how this story ended.

I loved Bridgette. I think that anyone can relate to her and want to be on her side. Maybe not at first, but by the end, you’ll be on her side. The poor thing went through a lot. There were a few times I wanted to tell her that enough was enough, move on! But I got what she was going through. I loved the other characters as well. Gram was one of my favorites. She cracked me up. The things she read! The guys were well written. I won’t say anything about them because I don’t want to give too much away. Read it.

Overall, this is a great chick-lit read. It moves. It’s funny. It will keep you reading.

Would I recommend it: Absolutely!

Disclosure: I did some editing work on this title. After that work was completed, I was asked by the author to review the book. I received a copy of this book for review purposes. Although I was compensated for the editing work, it in no way affected the outcome of my review. My review is my honest opinion of the book.

http://everyfreechance.com/2015/04/ch...

[Emma · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was so excited about this book looking at the title and cover, but already the blurb wasn’t the most engaging writing-style wise, and I should have followed my instincts.
I had problems with both the story line and the overall writing of the book.
Style: It verged often on the rambling/confused side, and in some parts it was so noticeably strident that it distracted me from the story.
Story: Well, I didn’t care much for the main character, she just didn’t grow on me, I didn’t empathized with her and she was so annoying that it was off-putting. In this book no one knows what they want it’s so irritating, there are all these winy double-crossing people, even Bridgette’s so called friends are back stabbers, not that she doesn’t deserve it. And the guys, oh please… The romance, didn’t give me pulse… Also, if you don’t enjoy reading about cheating leave this book alone.

[Anita · Rating 1 out of 5]

This story was a bit over the top, the writing style had me confused or annoyed more than once, and the people in this book just seemed crazy most of the times.

[Jennifer Peel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book! This author has a way with words. If you're a looking for a fun light-hearted read, you can't go wrong with this book.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a fun read. Light-hearted and silly but fun. Made me laugh and smile.

Content: mild language throughout, some innuendo

[Amy Boehl Frieze · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. I'm a sucker for a good, simple chicklit novel. My daily life is so busy and sometimes I want a simple book, with a simple story line that helps me take my mind off other things. This hit the spot and was perfect. I relate to the main character and was thoroughly entertained. Well done Becky Monson!

[Melissa Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Entertaining and fun!

[Celia Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Monson creates a quintessential work of Chick Lit that left me wondering about all my "what-if's." While I'm happy to leave mine unanswered, Bridgette Reynolds, our heroine, is not. Her life seems to be on a steady course and her goals seem achievable until one fateful conversation causes her life to unravel, leaving her to grapple with the present and past.

Bridgette is not a heroine I immediately warmed to, but then I realized that was quite the point. Ms. Monson wittily narrates the journey of a girl who has a plan for the future - though she is riddled with insecurities and believes that it is through others she will find confidence and contentment - to a woman who knows what she wants and what really matters in life... even if her dreams might not come true.

The cast of quirky characters play off each other well, which creates beautiful tension - some moments are silly and happy, and other moments leave me wanting to gather Bridgette up in a big hug. (Bridgette's grandmother and her gaggle of friends are hilarious and insightful - they deserve a book of their own.) Ultimately, with the help of her two best friends, her grandmother, and a crazy Italian family, Bridgette finds herself.

One of the what-if's is "the one that got away." This part of the book is truly charming and heart tugging. Much like Bridget Jones (Bridget Jones' Diary), there are some seriously uncomfortable moments that will leave you squirming in your chair, wishing you could will Bridgette out of awkward situations.

For me, this was a brilliant read. I would whole-heartedly recommend it. (I really am hoping Ms. Monson finds a second book with this cast of thoroughly entertaining characters.)

[Corey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! This is by far Becky's best book.

[Kathy * Bookworm Nation · Rating 3 out of 5]

Content
Romance: Clean
Language: Mild
Violence: None
Religious: None

[Margo · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like this author, but this h was not so appealing to me. She needed to work on herself. The H and the OM weren't right for her, so it's hard to see this as an HEA. Also, it's not remotely safe, and it makes everything seem somewhat sordid.

[Brooklyn JoJo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was well written but some parts were a little too over the top for me. It also had a love triangle mixed in which I’m not a fan of but overall it was enjoyable and the angst was kept to a minimum thankfully.

[Tracie Banister · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a delight to read from the first page to the last! I was instantly drawn into Bridgette's world and found her to be a fun and relatable heroine. She felt like a real person to me - her job working for a catering company is not glamorous, she lives with her "Gram" (a feisty old broad who's obsessed with her soap and likes to read smutty books), and she has man problems that keep multiplying.

So, who does Bridgette belong with? Adam, the perfect guy who crushes her engagement dreams early in the story, then adds insult to injury by turning around and giving a ring to another girl? Or Ian, the ex from college she has major unresolved issues with? The course of true love does not run smooth for poor Bridge as there are numerous obstacles in her path, and she has to make some really tough choices that affect the happiness of others, as well as her own.

Although there was plenty of angst in this book, there were an equal number of comedic moments that really stuck with me, most of them involving Bridgette's determination to prove that Serene (Adam's too-good-to-be-true fiancee) isn't what she appears to be. And I couldn't help but laugh every time Bridgette's fearsome German boss, Ursula, popped up on the page or was even mentioned (usually along with a Little Mermaid joke). Gram and her pithy comments were also a constant source of amusement to me.

I found Speak Now: or Forever Hold Your Peace to be a very fast-paced and entertaining read. It's definitely going on my list of Favorite Reads for the year. I loved the author's voice and appreciated how her prose flowed and kept me turning pages. A must-read for all my fellow Chick Lit lovers!

[Karan Eleni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on karaneleni.com

Audiobooks are an amazing thing. Even more so when an exemplary author chooses a stellar narrator. The result is Karan listening from start to finish and ignoring everyone in her office.

I absolutely loved SPEAK NOW by Becky Monson! The writing was brilliant and there were many snort-laughs that I'm positive my coworkers snickered at a few times. (#NoShame) Bridgette and her friends made the day fly by with their very relatable lives. Insert memory of reconnecting with My college crush a few years ago and it failing miserably. (Whoops!)

Becky Monson is officially on my "One-Click-Don't-Look List"! (Meaning, I'll one-click her books without bothering to read the descriptions. I know I won't be disappointed!!

[Kathryn Biel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becky Monson hits it out of the park with Speak Now. It is chick lit in it's best form! The superficial, wedding focused Bridgette has her world rocked when she gets dumped instead of getting a proposal. It is nice to see Bridge grow and mature and she tries to figure out if she and Adam are really meant to be together, or if Ian, is really the one that got away, Great supporting characters in Gram, Ashley, Justin, and even the dreaded boss, Ursula. A great read when you want to escape into the world of a 20-something chick in New York City, trying to get her life straightened out.

[Trista Criswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Once again Becky Monson amazes me with her well developed characters and storylines. Great job Becky! I need another book of yours to read now! ;)

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun chick lit read! Great characters, especially Bridgette's grandma! She is laugh out loud funny! I loved the flash-backs in the story too! Great job, Becky!

[Brandon Gilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy this author and this book is well written, but it wasn’t for me. I’m not going to rate it lower just because it didn’t fit what I like personally. Cheating is a big no go for me, and that’s basically what this was to me.

[Gina1230 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great by the pool read .. fast, a little funny , nothing complex .. if looking for something more it’s not it. But I needed light reading and it was perfect

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's official. Becky Monson is my favorite contemporary chick lit author. This is her third book, and the second one that I have read. (I swear I am going to get to that other one soon!) Reading her books is like reading about myself in a parallel universe.

Bridgette is slowly trying to get herself put together. Her world came crashing down when Adam dumped her. She is determined to fight her way back into his life. She holds onto his family by still hanging out with his mom (something I may or may not have done). She has these fantasies of how they will end up back together. She tries to make him jealous. Come on, how many of us have *not* done something like that? Maybe we haven't gone to the same extremes, but we have at least entertained the thoughts.

And then there is the Ian wrinkle. How many of us have that unrequited love from the past? The One That Got Away. What would you do if he suddenly reappeared in your life? Would you go for it, or would you keep on with your life as it is?

I found myself pondering my own situations while reading this book. I reminsced about similar men and similar situations in my past. I found myself melding with Brigette, and some of those past loves of my life blending with Adam and Ian. Isn't that the mark of a great book? Feeling like you are one with the characters?

You also get the hints of Bridget Jones moments (or insert your favorite Brit chick lit character here) that keep you laughing and also hanging your head in embarassment. (Is the name an homage to everyone's favorite chick lit character that started this wave?) You cherish her triumphs and mourn her losses. You may think you know exactly how this book is going to pan out, but I promise you there are enough twists and turns to keep you guessing all along the way.

I just loved this book, and I can't wait for the next one!

I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Lindy Lu Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a funny and witty story. I loved all of the situations Bridgette found her way in. I also liked how the author wrote the story, it was fun and light hearted. She made heavy situations not seem so heavy and turned it around to be quite comical.
Bridgette aka Bridge was a fun character, at first I thought she maybe a little codependent but she comes into her own and shows her woman power. Power to the women!! She has her share of heartaches but handles them like a champ.
Bridge finds herself dumped after the hopes of a proposal only to have him get engaged a couple months later… Ouch! She plans to win Adam back with the help of her friends she is going to do just that. But she runs into an old friend and love, Ian, and as they spend time together old feelings start to come to the surface. Only… Ian has a secret, & this secret is pretty big which could destroy everything after they just reconnected.
Poor, poor Bridge, she has big decisions to make…..
I loved the chemistry between Ian and Bridge, I was pulling for them the entire story. Bridge found herself in so many awkward predicaments. This was a funny and easy read, I had no down time and it kept me entertained. Also this was a clean read with light cussing and no sexual nono’s.

Check out my blog on lindylubookreview.com

[Jen Rattie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever read a book that you started reading thinking it was just going to be a cute, light read but then got sucked into it and couldn’t stop reading?? This was that book for me. I have read a few other of Becky Monson’s books so I know how awesome of a writer she is but she far exceeded expectations for me. By the end of the book I felt like Bridgette was a real life friend of mine and I was actually sad when the book ended. Bridgette was sooo relatable and so grounded it was crazy. I know the character doesn’t view herself that way but she was the backbone for a lot of people, she just didn’t realize it. I really liked the way the author wrote her character and her friends. She totally depicted what it was like to have one girl best friend and one guy best friend. The girl is your friend you go to when you need and emotional response and the guy is who you go to when you just need to vent and then hang out with no feelings. It’s an awesome balance to have, I have been there. I can’t neglect to mention the awesome relationship she has with her gram. Feisty old lady :)

Make sure when you set out to read this book that you have a block of time, you won’t want to put it down.

[Angela · Rating 2 out of 5]

Neither of these boys are good enough for Bridgette, and that makes the romance fall flat completely. Her ex doesn't see a future with her (fair) and distrusts her, but then gets engaged to a new woman in a month; her new love interest is an old flame who broke up with her when another man takes advantage of her, never resolved this conflict by communicating with her, attempts to sweep it under the rug, and then cheats on his fiancee and serious significant other with Bridgette when he wants her back. The whole romance left a bad taste in my mouth.

The saving grace of this book was the romantic subplot between Bridgette's two best friends. They're cute and I kept reading to the end to find out more about their love story together. I'd read a novella about them.

[Jes Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pleasant, slower-paced chick-lit rom-com with a sweet romance. Our poor heroine is dealing with the unexpected breakup up with her boyfriend of two years- only for the only other man she ever loved and another ex to walk into her life. Surely, though, between her not-quite-proper grandmother, two best friends/coworkers, and the mom of her first ex, she can figure things out. But, boy, was there some kind of mid-book twist...

Note that there is some unnecessary bad language and innuendos, but an otherwise delightful read.

[Yocelyne Sky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wish there was more!!!

I really hope there's another book in the works ; Speak Now: and Say I DO haha!! Becky Monson in Speak Now as with her other books, makes you wonder what happens after "The End". It can't be the end. Such a great easy fun read. I'm a sucker for chick flick books and this totally fuels my addiction

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5.0

Readers that love chick-lit will enjoy “Speak Now: or Forever Hold Your Peace.” It is a whimsical story and a quick read.

Read full review in the 2015 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable sweet romance!

[Jeanie Eidem · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Fun read

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome rom-com

I have really enjoyed reading Becky Monson’s books and this one is a gem! The premise intrigued me, and there were many twists and turns. The heroine is so adorable, funny yet tragic in some ways….I really loved her and her Gram. I highly recommend this wonderful book!

[Jessica Washington · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a cute lighthearted romcom. ❤️