Books Like...
If you liked Speak Easy, here are the top 12 books to read next:
- #1
A spicy, ghostly romance with irresistible characters and a richly immersive Prohibition-era setting - ideal for those who want their historical fiction liberally sprinkled with paranormal and lots of heat.
In the book "Bitter Spirits" by Jenn Bennett, set in the Roaring Twenties, Winter, a bootlegger plagued by ghosts, seeks help from Aida Palmer, a spirit medium. As they work together to unravel the mystery behind Winter's curse, their mutual attraction grows amidst a backdrop of prohibition-era San Francisco. The story weaves elements of romance, paranormal intrigue, and historical fiction, capturing the reader's attention with its unique setting and sizzling chemistry between the main characters.
With a focus on the characters' emotional connection and the suspenseful plot involving past traumas and a disturbed villain, "Bitter Spirits" offers a blend of passionate romance, engaging characters, and cleverly interwoven paranormal elements. The book expertly immerses readers in the atmospheric setting of 1920s San Francisco and Chinatown, while delivering a fast-paced tale of restless spirits, dark magic, and bootlegging, making it a must-read for fans of historical paranormal romance.
AIDA PALMER’S TENSE FINGERS GRIPPED THE GOLD LOCKET around her neck as the streetcar came to a stop near Gris-Gris. It was almost midnight, and Velma had summoned her to the North Beach speakeasy on h...January 2014•327 pages - #2
Monsters, magic, and major heat in Jazz Age NOLA - come for the vampires and gargoyles, stay for the daring sensuality and empowering journey. Not for the faint of heart, but a wild, sexy, and surprisingly thoughtful fantasy romp.
"Champagne on Vice" by Victoria Weyland is a fantastical tale set in New Orleans during the 1920s, following the character of Mattie who escapes her unhappy marriage and finds refuge at The House of Verity. There, she encounters a world filled with booze, sex, and mythical creatures like vampires, succubae, oracles, gargoyles, and shape shifters. Despite some readers being caught off guard by the explicit content, the novel beautifully blends the mystical world with the vibrant atmosphere of 1920s French Quarter, NOLA. The story revolves around Mattie's journey of self-discovery, overcoming her past, and embracing the new life she has found among these extraordinary beings.
The writing style of Victoria Weyland in "Champagne on Vice" is praised for its ability to vividly paint a beautiful scene, creating a world where characters form bonds based on respect and consent. While some readers may have been surprised by the spicy content of the book, many appreciated how the darkness of the topics was brought to light through the relationships portrayed in the story. The plot unfolds with intrigue, humor, and a focus on Mattie's growth and her evolving relationship with Daniel, amidst a backdrop of fantastical elements and a richly described setting.
January 2023•316 pages - #3
Short, sweet, and packed with fabulous character dynamics and inclusive rep. Perfect for readers who want unexpected historical romance with strong heroines and tender heroes - just don't expect a long, slow burn!
'Trouble & Strife' by Lara Kinsey is a historical romance novella set in the 1930s in Birmingham, revolving around characters like Sidney, a former brawler, and Elizabeth, a plus-sized chocolatier with chronic pelvic pain. The story features a unique blend of romance, family dynamics, and 1920s street gang intrigue, where the heroine is confident and nurturing, while the hero is a sensitive enforcer willing to be led by her. The writing style is reminiscent of Talia Hibbert's, focusing on complex characters and portraying sweet, sensitive men who adore strong, bossy women in historical settings.
July 2020•148 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Chances Limited ) - #4
A beautifully written, angsty, slow-burn romance with standout characters and delicious banter. If you're craving a heartfelt journey of self-discovery and true love, this is one menu worth ordering from!
'The Wedding Menu' by Letizia Lorini is a captivating romance novel that follows the journey of Amelie and Ian, who transition from strangers to friends to lovers amidst various obstacles and challenges. The book is praised for its engaging storytelling, dual timelines, and well-developed characters that keep the readers hooked until the very end. The writing style is described as immersive, with flashbacks and text message exchanges adding depth to the plot and enhancing the emotional connection between the characters.
A petal falls off the daisy at the center of the table, bright and yellow as the sun even among the many colorful flowers in the bouquet. Leaning forward, I grab it and rub my finger on the velvety su...September 2023•470 pages - #5
A quick, distinctively steamy historical romance that stands out for its gender play and working-class roots - great if you want something different, but be prepared for a novella that keeps things moving fast.
'Hammer & Tongs' by Lara Kinsey is a historical romance novella set in 1920s Birmingham, featuring a bisexual mob boss and a farrier with a penchant for pegging. The story revolves around the dynamic relationship between the masculine of center heroine who dresses as a man and the demisexual male main character. The novella explores themes of gender nonconformity, gentle femdom, and alternative sexual dynamics within a working-class historical setting.
April 2020•129 pages - #6
A vintage-glam mystery with a fierce heroine and twisty plot that leans more on intrigue than romance - great for fans of historical whodunits with a Hollywood twist!
"The Girl Who Knew Too Much" by Amanda Quick is a historical mystery romance set in the 1930s Hollywood era. The story follows Irene, a Chicago secretary who flees after her employer's murder, only to find herself entangled in a dangerous web of ruthless villains, mysterious notations, and deadly secrets in Burning Cove, California. As Irene teams up with the enigmatic hotelier Oliver Ward and faces increasing danger, the plot unfolds with twists, suspense, and a blend of romance against the backdrop of glamorous hotels, movie stars, and a noir atmosphere.
There was blood everywhere in the elegant, white-on-white boudoir. It soaked the dead woman’s silver satin evening gown and the carpet beneath her body. There was blood on the white velvet seat of the...May 2017•458 pages - #7
A cute, heartwarming hockey romance with lovable leads and tons of banter. If you crave a slow-burn friends-to-lovers with found family and just the right amount of spice, you’ll have a great time with The Wingman!
The Wingman by Stephanie Archer is a warm and engaging friends-to-lovers romance. The story revolves around Darcy, who moves to Vancouver after a tough breakup, and her best friend Hayden, a charming hockey player. As Darcy finds her footing in a new city, she discovers her own confidence with Hayden's help, while he secretly grapples with his long-time feelings for her. Their playful banter and steamy chemistry add depth to their relationship, making it a fun and swoon-worthy journey.
Archer's writing style is both relatable and descriptive, allowing readers to feel the emotions and tension between the characters. The pacing of the romance builds slowly, with a satisfying slow burn that enhances the connection between them. The book highlights the importance of found family and character growth, particularly as Darcy reinvents herself with Hayden’s support. Despite some quirky dialogue moments, the story wraps up with heartwarming scenes and plenty of spice that make it an enjoyable addition to the Vancouver Storm series.
“It is. Just wait.” His fresh-out-of-the-shower scent washes over me, clean and sharp, and my stomach dips. “Rule number one: A player is always confident and chill.” I give a pointed look to Hayden b... - #8
An inventive, magical romp through prohibition-era NYC with fae, gangsters, and a heroine who truly evolves - definitely worth checking out if you want your fantasy romance to feel truly unique.
Set in the Roaring 20's era, 'The Prince of Prohibition' by Marilyn Marks follows Adeline, a young woman who transitions from a sheltered life on a farm to the bustling city of New York. Adeline finds herself entangled with the handsome and dangerous Jack, a millionaire bootlegger with an obsessive nature. The book delves into themes of Fae fantasy, magic, and danger, with an intricate plot filled with twists and turns. Readers are drawn into a world where Adeline's growth and development as a character are intricately woven with elements of Welsh mythology and the vibrant setting of the 1920s.
The writing style is described as captivating and engaging, with a perfect balance of suspense and foreshadowing that keeps readers hooked. The characters, particularly Jack and Adeline, are praised for their depth and growth throughout the story, making the book a compelling read filled with adventure, banter, and magical elements.
The Colton Family was strange. It was something I never thought of when I was small, skipping beside my papa to the river every night. I carried the salt and Tommy sat on the porch, scanning the darke...March 2023•464 pages - #9
A clever, sexy, and twisty mix of historical intrigue and queer romance - equal parts thrilling and swoony, with characters you’ll want to slap and hug in equal measure. Perfect start to a high-stakes trilogy!
'Slippery Creatures' by K.J. Charles is a historical fiction novel set in the 1920s London and countryside, blending elements of romance, mystery, and espionage. The story follows Will Darling, a WWI veteran who inherits a bookshop from his uncle and gets entangled in a web of conspiracy, spycraft, and a complex relationship with the intriguing Kim Secretan. The book is praised for its fast-paced plot filled with secret societies, kidnappings, betrayals, and a slow-burn romance between two damaged men. The writing style is described as witty, snarky, and steamy, reminiscent of Golden Age crime fiction, keeping readers engaged and eager to uncover the mysteries surrounding the characters.
It hadn’t always felt this way. When he’d first visited his uncle at Darling’s Used & Antiquarian, he’d simply thought, That’s a lot of books, and when he’d started helping here, they were just work....April 2020•262 pages - #10
A heartwarming, gentle queer romance with old-school charm and lots of love - perfect for those who adore slow-burn, character-driven historicals with happy endings.
'We Could Be So Good' by Cat Sebastian is a sweet and heartwarming MM romance set in the 1950s in New York City. The story follows Nick, a gay city reporter, and Andy, a wealthy newspaper heir, as they fall in love while working together at a newspaper. beautifully captures the delicate and slow burn development of their relationship, set against the backdrop of the challenges faced by queer individuals in the 1950s. The writing style is engaging, with a focus on creating endearing characters and an interesting storyline that keeps readers engaged throughout.
“She’s fine,” Andy lies. His entire goal in life is to delay this conversation until after they leave the office, preferably until they’re somewhere dark and with a liquor license and where nobody can...June 2023•383 pages











