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

Speak Easy is set back in the 20′s, and this is my favorite era. I love the music, the flappers, and the fashion, so I was excited to read this. And I so happy that I wasn’t disappointed. Bootlegging was a big business in the time, and Tiny is basically stuck in the middle. Her father runs a business for it, and she has to take care of her sisters, and some of the business too. But with her father’s kidnapping, everything is a mess and she has to fix it before it is too late.

Tiny was an interesting young girl, she has done everything her father has expected of her, and just wants some excitement in her life. I like that she cared for her sister, and she turned out to be one tough cookie for sure with everything that happened. And I enjoyed her feisty personality, especially when it came to Enzo. Now Enzo, is the mystery man that just pops up one day, he extremely hot, and they have one of those instant attractions to each other. Who could blame her, even if he is the crime lords son?

The story takes off from the beginning, and doesn’t really let up till the end. the kidnapping of Tiny’s father sets off a string of events that lands Tiny is some dangerous situations. I mean, we are talking about mobsters, lots of money, sex and booze. There is a slight triangle between Tiny, and the long time best friend Joey, and Enzo. But one thing is for sure, it wasn’t hard to seen who Tiny wanted more. The sexual tension between Tiny and Enzo, was hott, and steamy. But, there is a war over who controls the waterway and business between the two gangs. And Tiny finds herself in the middle. Tiny learned some things along the way and grew into a strong young woman who knows what she wants, all of this leading up to the ending, which was awesome, and the sequel will not be out fast enough.

Overall, Speak Easy was full of sexy gangsters, suspense and steamy romance and with all things that makes the 1920′s so intriguing. I just kept flipping the pages to find out what would happen next. this is not one to be missed.
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