The Prince of Broadway: Uptown Girls

He lives in the shadows... She is society's darling... In this second novel in the Uptown Girl series, by Joanna Shupe, a ruthless casino owner bent on revenge finds his plans upended by one of the daughters of the man he intends to ruin. Florence Greene comes to Clayton Madden's casino even though women aren't allowed. She intends to find out everything she can about running a casino since she wants to open one for women only. What she finds is a man she simply can't resist in spite of the fact that he intends to ruin her father. Why does Clay hate her father so much? He has told her as much but refuses to divulge the reason. In this second book of this series we meet the middle sister and society darling of the Greene household. In the first book we met Mamie and Frank Tripp who is her father's lawyer. These two are mentioned a few times in this latest book. Both books in this series so far have been of the can't put down variety. Sometimes the second book of a series is a disappointment after a fabulous start but not in this case. I found myself reading into the wee hours of the morning to make certain I didn't miss one thing. I in fact am already re-reading this one as I did the first book even though it has yet to release. I gave it 4.95 of 5.0 stars for story line and characterization. I received a complementary digital ARC of this book from Edelweiss+ to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

The Greene Sisters have a pretty good life – if it weren’t for their father’s determination to see them all married to ‘suitable’ men. We met Mamie in the first book, where she agreed to a betrothal arranged by her father if her sisters would be left to marry for love. Of course, Florence, always the troublemaker and the most independent and daring of the three is chafing at the expectation of marriage, let alone being told she has to. She’s decided, after being a very clever and curious sort, that she wants to open a gambling parlor for ladies only – and her success with her grandmother’s card games and some voracious study have made her more determined then ever. To that end, she’s roped Mamie into her ‘illicit night rambles’ to The Bronze House, a new and upscale club for gentlemen – and she’s never been refused entry. Clayton Maddox has spent the past twenty years planning revenge on Duncan Greene, Florence’s father, for his demolition of his family home when he was a child and the family’s subsequent hardships. He’s started in gambling from the ground floor up, legally and illegally, and built influence that lessens the chances of police raids or trouble. But something about Florence charms and intrigues him – and while he’s honest about wanting to destroy her father, he’s also attracted to her, and agrees to teach her about running a casino. The connection between these two is not only electric, but everyone can see it BUT them, and brings them both great worry and great satisfaction. Of course, the lack of trust Clayton has for anyone not himself, and Florence’s need for honesty and her unwillingness to believe that he is, in fact, intrigued by her as a whole person and not just a ‘thing’ as most women of society are in her time, makes for some interesting moments. From her heartfelt desire to make her own way, along with her sister’s advice and cheering on, her father’s frustration and Clay’s inability to not need her deep down in his bones brings the two to many moments that will enchant readers as they reach for a cold drink! Taking the interest in the sisters that was built with Mamie’s story, and bringing a determined, stubborn and often willful Florence into the light as we get to hope the best for them – makes this a wonderful installment in the series and a favorite of it so far. Shupe’s writing is clear and evocative, allowing readers easy entry into both character’s thoughts and seeing them played out on the page just as you’d wish is marvelous and a wonderful escape. Set in Gilded Age New York, there is a sense of the city on the move, with fast development, corruption and excitement all to hand – and described with flair as setting and backdrop to our couple’s journey. I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Joanna Shupe delivers the unexpected with this modern spin on America's Gilded Age. Looking to establish her own way in the world and avoid the expected "advantageous marriage," Florence plans to open a casino for women and seeks the expert assistance of Clay, the leader of New York's gambling underworld. The inevitable sparks fly and a steamy romance ensues. What makes this story refreshing is how clearly Florence knows herself and how comfortable Clay is with who she is even if he doesn't always understand that he knows her so well. She does the same for him, reveling in flaws that he thinks will send her running. My only concern is that this doesn't have a traditional HEA, particularly for a historical romance. That's a bit of a disappointment when I saw so much growth in the characters leading them in that direction. But I know it's not for everyone. If you didn't read the first book in the series, you are totally fine to read this one first.