Speak Now

The wunderkind chef of an acclaimed restaurant is reunited with “the one that got away” when she’s hired to cater her wedding in this charming, full-cast queer rom-com, perfect for fans of Alison Cochrun and Casey McQuiston, by TV writer and former BuzzFeed personality Ash Perez.

What would you do for a second chance at your first love?

Alex Perez is a culinary genius: she’s on the verge of becoming the youngest ever head chef at the famed Sempervirens restaurant, a fine dining treasure tucked away in a boutique hotel in the majestic Big Sur mountains. Her demanding schedule and perfectionist tendencies leave little room to think about romance. That is, until her ex-best friend Genevieve shows up at her restaurant—and gets engaged.

Twelve years ago, Alex was just a quiet transfer student with no friends until she met Genevieve Jones, an effervescent extrovert who took Alex under her wing. They remained inseparable through the rest of high school, until a fateful road trip changed everything, and they haven’t seen or spoken to each other since.

Now Genevieve’s longtime boyfriend Derek, a real estate mogul in the making, has brought her here not only to propose, but to offer sizable investment in the hotel…if they can host and cater the perfect fairytale wedding. Leaving Alex in an impossible situation: cater the wedding for the only woman she’s ever loved, or give up her dream job as a head chef.

Speak Now is a charming and laugh-out-loud funny story of self-discovery and second chances from an exciting new voice in queer fiction, performed by a full cast led by Jena Malone (The Hunger Games, Pride & Prejudice) and Arienne Mandi (The L Word: Generation Q, Chicago PD).

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Listeners will find themselves laughing out loud while contemplating second chances."

"Featuring a talented cast and full sound effects, this audio original is an immersive listening experience. Primary narrator Arienne Mandi gives voice to Alex Perez, a culinary genius on the verge of becoming head chef at Sempervirens, a high-end restaurant in Big Sur, California. This goal has been Alex's sole focus until Genevieve, her former best friend and secret love, re-enters her life. Their reintroduction comes when Genevieve's boyfriend, a real estate professional, proposes at the restaurant and offers an opportunity to help expand it—if Alex will cater all their festivities. As the story is told through a mix of vulnerable voice notes, flashbacks, and comical interactions, Alex must decide what matters more: her dream job or her true love."

"A vibrant, immersive audiobook for anyone experiencing a little gay panic in their life. With its breezy pacing and lively conversational energy, Ash's debut is an easy, joyful listen from start to finish.” (Page Powars, New York Times bestselling author of And They Were Roommates)

"Cinema for my ears! Speak Now is a master class in romantic fiction with witty banter, swoon-worthy romance and heartfelt tension that had me buzzing. Perez elegantly strikes a balance between a story of self-discovery and a yearning-filled second chance romance. This cast is spectacular and had me glued to my earbuds to consume every word and sound. Will be relistening. An absolute MUST listen for your next audiobook!" (Peyton Corrine, bestselling author of Unsteady)

“Hilarious and utterly charming, the world fell away listening to the brilliant performances and engrossing, messy queer love story between Alex and Genevieve. A triumphant love letter to good food, unwavering friendship, and the power of choosing the love and life you deserve. I can’t wait to read everything Ash Perez writes.” (Carlyn Greenwald, author of Sizzle Reel and Director’s Cut)

Great story and narrators!

I don’t think I’ve ever written a review this quickly, but I had to for Speak Now by Ash Perez.

Within the first 20 minutes, I was already searching for a physical copy to buy, only to realize this story is meant to be experienced exactly as it is, as an audiobook. And honestly, that makes it even better.

The full-cast performance is incredible. Every character feels so vivid, so distinct, and so genuinely alive. It’s not just narration, it’s a full experience. The chemistry, the timing, the emotion, it all pulls you in immediately and doesn’t let go.

What really surprised me is how instantly likable everyone is. You don’t have to warm up to the story. It grabs you right away and makes you care. It’s fun, engaging, and just an absolute joy to listen to.

I genuinely cannot say enough good things about this. If you’re even slightly considering it, just press play. You’ll be hooked almost immediately.

Five stars without hesitation.

🌈 living for this audiobook

Finally a full cast audiobook all about queer 🌈 foolery we get into and live through. The narration is impeccable. Beautifully flawed characters ❤️ I’m soo proud of you Ash Perez!!!!!!

Finally queer cringe rom-com

The gays deserve this. If heteros can write corny love stories, let the gays in too

Worth it!

This was my first time listening to this type of audiobook and I enjoyed every second. All the voice actors were fantastic, but Alex, Jenn, and Mic stole my heart. Their performances made them (and their storylines) so easy to love. Truth be told, this story could never happen in real life (it is definitely a wish fulfillment of sorts) but that's what books are for sometimes. It was worth the cost, and I believe I'll be "reading" (listening) again! 🩵