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Uptown Girls #1
The Rogue of Fifth Avenue
Silver-tongued lawyer.
Keeper of secrets.
Breaker of hearts.
He can solve any problem…
In serving the wealthy power brokers of New York society, Frank Tripp has finally gained the respectability and security his own upbringing lacked. There’s no issue he cannot fix…except for one: the beautiful and reckless daughter of an important client who doesn’t seem to understand the word danger.
She’s not looking for a hero…
Excitement lay just below Forty-Second Street and Mamie Greene is determined to explore all of it—while playing a modern-day Robin Hood along the way. What she doesn’t need is her father’s lawyer dogging her every step and threatening her efforts to help struggling families in the tenements.
However, she doesn’t count on Frank’s persistence…or the sparks that fly between them. When fate upends all her plans, Mamie must decide if she’s willing to risk it all on a rogue…
Keeper of secrets.
Breaker of hearts.
He can solve any problem…
In serving the wealthy power brokers of New York society, Frank Tripp has finally gained the respectability and security his own upbringing lacked. There’s no issue he cannot fix…except for one: the beautiful and reckless daughter of an important client who doesn’t seem to understand the word danger.
She’s not looking for a hero…
Excitement lay just below Forty-Second Street and Mamie Greene is determined to explore all of it—while playing a modern-day Robin Hood along the way. What she doesn’t need is her father’s lawyer dogging her every step and threatening her efforts to help struggling families in the tenements.
However, she doesn’t count on Frank’s persistence…or the sparks that fly between them. When fate upends all her plans, Mamie must decide if she’s willing to risk it all on a rogue…
382 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 28, 2019
425 people are currently reading
8778 people want to read
About the author
Joanna Shupe
34 books2,570 followersWant a free Gilded Age read? Sign up for Joanna's newsletter and receive a link for The Knickerbocker Bride. You'll also be the first to hear about new books and discounts!
http://www.joannashupe.com/newsletter/
USA Today bestselling author JOANNA SHUPE has always loved history, ever since she saw her first Schoolhouse Rock cartoon. Since 2015, her books have appeared on numerous yearly “best of” lists, including Publishers Weekly, The Washington Post, Kirkus Reviews, Kobo, and BookPage.
She currently lives in New Jersey with her two spirited daughters and a dashing husband.
http://www.joannashupe.com/newsletter/
USA Today bestselling author JOANNA SHUPE has always loved history, ever since she saw her first Schoolhouse Rock cartoon. Since 2015, her books have appeared on numerous yearly “best of” lists, including Publishers Weekly, The Washington Post, Kirkus Reviews, Kobo, and BookPage.
She currently lives in New Jersey with her two spirited daughters and a dashing husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 978 reviews
September 22, 2021
Five fuckin’ stars!!
This was pure entertainment and joy from start to finish.
I adored our main characters! Those two were made for each other. They were fleshed out, had depth, their chemistry was flying of the pages and there was a perfect balance between the development of our characters, the plot as well as the romance.
The setting also stood out. Possibly because a lot of the historical romances I’ve read take place in England. But the time period here was different and it was grittier and I liked that. But you’re still surrounded by high society and snobs and privileged people. Women had more rights but also didn’t? Either way, it was atmospheric and I felt wrapped up in it.
I love what Joanna Shupe created here. I wouldn’t change a thing. Except make it longer. Mamie and Frank were it!
This was pure entertainment and joy from start to finish.
I adored our main characters! Those two were made for each other. They were fleshed out, had depth, their chemistry was flying of the pages and there was a perfect balance between the development of our characters, the plot as well as the romance.
The setting also stood out. Possibly because a lot of the historical romances I’ve read take place in England. But the time period here was different and it was grittier and I liked that. But you’re still surrounded by high society and snobs and privileged people. Women had more rights but also didn’t? Either way, it was atmospheric and I felt wrapped up in it.
I love what Joanna Shupe created here. I wouldn’t change a thing. Except make it longer. Mamie and Frank were it!
June 10, 2019
TITLE: THE ROGUE OF FIFTH AVENUE
AUTHOR: Joanna Shupe
SERIES: Uptown Girls
RELEASE DATE: May 28th 2019
GENRE: Historical Romance
RATING:4 Stars
CLIFFHANGER: No
READ MY REVIEW ON THE BLOG (live soon!)
I've been wanting to read a Joanna Shupe story for a while. While the majority of historical romance, set in the Victorian, Regency and Georgian era takes place in Britain, I was intrigued by the US setting of THE ROGUE OF FIFTH AVENUE.
I found both Frank and Mamie very likable. I admired vivacious, Mamie for her humanitarian efforts to help the poor people in her city. She grew up with the literal silver spoon in her mouth so I was pleasantly surprised that this heroine didn't take for granted what was given to her through birthright. In that regard she gets the highest notes. Frank grew up poor but due to good fortune he was able to rid himself of the shackles of poverty and studied law. Today he is one of the top lawyers for the rich and famous. He is untruthful about his background and we know it's always the lies that'll blow up in the main characters's faces.
She challenged him in a way that both infuriated and intrigued him at the same time. In a world of glittering diamonds, Mamie was a fiery ruby, a flame that burned brighter than anything else around it.
So here is the little issue I had with this story: The development of their relationship was based on chemistry and sex. Throughout the whole story they didn't talk, not about the important things concerning themselves anyway. They had explosive sex and, sure, they had great banter but I was missing the get-to-know phase - but I get that would have made the big blow-up in the end impossible. My issue was also a little with Mamie, who - of course - was hurt by Frank's lies. But whenever they were together or whenever she wanted to meet up with Frank it was for sex so she didn't really make a huge effort to get to know him. So I was a little bit annoyed that she couldn't at least understand a little bit that he had to lie to the public and didn't let her in. Even ten minutes before Mamie and Frank were reunited she was still ruminating how she couldn't forgive him for his lies.
He was a blue-blooded, silver-tongued rascal, but Frank Tripp was also a good man. The best man.
With all that being said, I still enjoyed this story immensely. I am very impressed with this author's writing, which just seems to flow effortlessly. It has an almost modern quality to it so it's very readable. The chemistry between the characters made for some witty and clever dialogues and the storyline definitely held my attention. THE ROGUE OF FIFTH AVENUE is a great introduction to Joanna Shupe's works and makes me want to read more of them.
May 13, 2022
Reseña completa: https://masromance.blogspot.com/2022/...
No es un novelón y estaría más en las 3.5, pero me lo he pasado tan bien, que le subo media ;)
Quizás me gustan estas historias, en las que los protagonistas no se llevan muy bien, más que nada, porque la tensión que hay entre los dos, lujuria total pero imposible por las circunstancias, hace terminen siempre discutiendo. Me posiciono de parte de Mamie, que pobre se encuentra al sr. Tripp hasta en la sopa.
Me gustan estas protagonistas rebeldes y, con eso la autora ya me tiene ganada, además, suele recrearse en la parte picantona de la relación, porque la tensión tiene que salir por algún sitio!!1
A él lo conocí en la serie anterior, es el abogado de los tres protagonistas masculinos de la trilogía, ya imagináis que ni me acuerdo, así que no es necesario leerlos antes.
Es una historia entretenida, con el aliciente de salir de los bailes londinenses para meternos en el Nueva York del siglo XIX,
Si os gustan este tipo de historias, con trifulcas entre los protagonistas y muy picantonas, esta puede ser una buena opción (admito que quizás ciertos diálogos son un poco fuera de época)
No es un novelón y estaría más en las 3.5, pero me lo he pasado tan bien, que le subo media ;)
Quizás me gustan estas historias, en las que los protagonistas no se llevan muy bien, más que nada, porque la tensión que hay entre los dos, lujuria total pero imposible por las circunstancias, hace terminen siempre discutiendo. Me posiciono de parte de Mamie, que pobre se encuentra al sr. Tripp hasta en la sopa.
Me gustan estas protagonistas rebeldes y, con eso la autora ya me tiene ganada, además, suele recrearse en la parte picantona de la relación, porque la tensión tiene que salir por algún sitio!!1
A él lo conocí en la serie anterior, es el abogado de los tres protagonistas masculinos de la trilogía, ya imagináis que ni me acuerdo, así que no es necesario leerlos antes.
Es una historia entretenida, con el aliciente de salir de los bailes londinenses para meternos en el Nueva York del siglo XIX,
Si os gustan este tipo de historias, con trifulcas entre los protagonistas y muy picantonas, esta puede ser una buena opción (admito que quizás ciertos diálogos son un poco fuera de época)
January 29, 2021
Frank Tripp is a lawyer! Mamie Greene is the daughter of one of his clients! He ends up following Mamie around town until they bang. During the following and the banging they fight about Mamie's forthcoming betrothal to some dude named CHAUNCEY and about helping a woman accused of murdering her abusive husband and oh, also the banging.
1. Mamie was kind of a tool? I do appreciate that she was a woman of privilege who had begun to realize that privilege and was attempting to better the world in whatever way was available to her: that was interesting and intriguing. But otherwise she was exhausting: her dithering about whether or not she was going to marry Chauncey and then the need to lie about it over and over; her abrasive "attraction" (?) to Frank in the early chapters; etc. Not great.
2. Frank was also just a pile of horny beefcake??? There was so much more that could have been done with a smarmy lawyer discovering a calling to help poor citizens but instead there's too much other crap thrown in there: Frank's backstory and his boners and the reconciliation with his family and his boners and the battle with the cops and his boners and the angst over his job at the firm and his desire to introduce Mamie to his boners and it ends up leaving Frank a mush of a character.
3. There is NO FUCKING WAY we're supposed to believe that Duncan Greene is a good person. He spends 75% of the book as an absolute dictator, raging and roaring in turns only to make a complete 180 at the end. This is lazy.
4. I'm still not a huge fan of gilded age America as a setting? I think this is because it hits too close to home: it's not escapist enough for me. I mean, this book touches on some American shit that remains relevent: economic disparity, domestic abuse, police corruption & brutality—and this is shit that can't teeheed about as "ye olde time troubles". It's fucking real life for a lot of Americans to this very day in the oh-so-futuristic year of 2021, so.
1. Mamie was kind of a tool? I do appreciate that she was a woman of privilege who had begun to realize that privilege and was attempting to better the world in whatever way was available to her: that was interesting and intriguing. But otherwise she was exhausting: her dithering about whether or not she was going to marry Chauncey and then the need to lie about it over and over; her abrasive "attraction" (?) to Frank in the early chapters; etc. Not great.
2. Frank was also just a pile of horny beefcake??? There was so much more that could have been done with a smarmy lawyer discovering a calling to help poor citizens but instead there's too much other crap thrown in there: Frank's backstory and his boners and the reconciliation with his family and his boners and the battle with the cops and his boners and the angst over his job at the firm and his desire to introduce Mamie to his boners and it ends up leaving Frank a mush of a character.
3. There is NO FUCKING WAY we're supposed to believe that Duncan Greene is a good person. He spends 75% of the book as an absolute dictator, raging and roaring in turns only to make a complete 180 at the end. This is lazy.
4. I'm still not a huge fan of gilded age America as a setting? I think this is because it hits too close to home: it's not escapist enough for me. I mean, this book touches on some American shit that remains relevent: economic disparity, domestic abuse, police corruption & brutality—and this is shit that can't teeheed about as "ye olde time troubles". It's fucking real life for a lot of Americans to this very day in the oh-so-futuristic year of 2021, so.
May 19, 2021
Translation widget on The blog!!!
Povestea lui Mamie și a avocatului Frank Tripp, un avocat pe care l-am întâlnit în altă serie a autoarei Joanna Shupe, care mi-a stârnit curiozitatea și a cărui poveste mi-am dorit să o descopăr. Un bărbat cu adevărat deosebit! A fugit dintr-o familie cu un tată bețiv care-și abuza fizic atât soția cât și copiii. Și a muncit din greu pentru a lăsa trecutul în urmă.
Mamie Greene este fiica cea mare a unui important membru al elitei New Yorkului, o tânără căreia îi pasă de oamenii săraci și abuzați de la periferia orașului, care riscă enorm de mult doar din dorința de a-i ajuta.
Frank este cel care o urmărește prin mahalale pentru a o proteja de pericole și, fără să-și dea seama, ajunge să o placă.
Atracția dintre cei doi se simte, înfierbântă aerul din preajma celor doi.
Lucrând la un caz pentru care Mamie i-a solicitat adevărul, cei doi petrec mai mult timp împreună și ajung să își dea seama de sentimentele lor. Dar, când trecutul lui Frank este scos la lumină de dușmani care vor să-i facă rău, acesta este îngrijorat doar pentru respingerea tinerei atunci când aceasta află că a fost mințită.
Un tânăr curajos și luptător, care și-a făcut un nume în lumea celor bogați și privilegiați și care acum trebuie să facă față unui scandal care îi distruge reputația.
Dacă reușește să-și revină sau dacă Mamie îl iartă, rămâne să descoperiți.
O lectură incitantă, alertă, plină de emoții.
Impresiile mele despre serie aici:
https://justreadingmybooks.wordpress....
Povestea lui Mamie și a avocatului Frank Tripp, un avocat pe care l-am întâlnit în altă serie a autoarei Joanna Shupe, care mi-a stârnit curiozitatea și a cărui poveste mi-am dorit să o descopăr. Un bărbat cu adevărat deosebit! A fugit dintr-o familie cu un tată bețiv care-și abuza fizic atât soția cât și copiii. Și a muncit din greu pentru a lăsa trecutul în urmă.
Mamie Greene este fiica cea mare a unui important membru al elitei New Yorkului, o tânără căreia îi pasă de oamenii săraci și abuzați de la periferia orașului, care riscă enorm de mult doar din dorința de a-i ajuta.
Frank este cel care o urmărește prin mahalale pentru a o proteja de pericole și, fără să-și dea seama, ajunge să o placă.
Atracția dintre cei doi se simte, înfierbântă aerul din preajma celor doi.
Lucrând la un caz pentru care Mamie i-a solicitat adevărul, cei doi petrec mai mult timp împreună și ajung să își dea seama de sentimentele lor. Dar, când trecutul lui Frank este scos la lumină de dușmani care vor să-i facă rău, acesta este îngrijorat doar pentru respingerea tinerei atunci când aceasta află că a fost mințită.
Un tânăr curajos și luptător, care și-a făcut un nume în lumea celor bogați și privilegiați și care acum trebuie să facă față unui scandal care îi distruge reputația.
Dacă reușește să-și revină sau dacă Mamie îl iartă, rămâne să descoperiți.
O lectură incitantă, alertă, plină de emoții.
Impresiile mele despre serie aici:
https://justreadingmybooks.wordpress....
Read
January 4, 2020A Gilded Age New York romance starring the highly enjoyable lawyer from a previous book, which was a very great pleasure. I sort of hoped he'd be a bit more ruthless/roguish in fact, but this is very much a redemption story as Frank comes to terms with his background and digs out the human decency from under years of self-protection. I really like the setting of these, with high society and low life, early feminism and plenty of shenanigans. Going straight on to #2!
June 30, 2019
This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceI received this book for free from Avon in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Rogue of Fifth Avenue is the first book in Joanna Shupe's new series "Uptown Girls" I have had a blast with what I read from this author before and I am so pleased that we are seeing more books taking place in the "Gilded Age Era" Romance readers really value seeing some unique settings that aren't really covered in the romance genre and I am delighted with how Shupe has really taken her stories in this world she has created. I was curious about this new series, and I am so pleased that I read this one because I had a blast with this book. Its not perfect but full of so many well packed elements it sweeps you away into this romantic age of American History.
Our story begins with Frank Tipp, who is a high society lawyer in New York City. Frank is called upon to take in hand the daughter of one of his elite clients, Mamie Greene. Mamie Greene has a passion for adventure and helping others. Mamie wants to reach to those that are poor and give a helping hand whenever she can especially for those that are living on the streets and have no voice. What she doesn't need is some fancy uptown lawyer getting in her way and preventing her from doing what she can. But when a close friend of hers is in legal trouble, Frank steps up and they begin working together to exonherate her friend, but their forbidden love is about to take a step into the direction both of them never truly imagined, will Frank and Mamie be up to the challenge? Or do what society expects of them?
The Rogue of Fifth Avenue is a stimulating read that grabbed my attention from the very beginning and I loved so much about this story. Frank and Mamie's chemistry is over the top and we see that its been building for months with Frank having to watch out for Mamie under her father's orders. But their intimate relationship is forbidden because Mamie is betrothed to another man and she knows her father will ruin Frank and all that he has worked for if he ever finds out that there is more than just a platonic relationship happening.
Now I believe the only issue I really had is Mamie at times. I really liked her character for the most part but she was a bit flighty at times and reckless in how she treats Frank at times. Frank I was on board with 100%, and I felt that in some ways Mamie could be reckless with Frank and his career. Its obvious that there was high risk that he would lose everything and from what I could see it seemed like Mamie didn't seem to have a care for the risks involved. I did love her passion for life and standing up for what was right and we do some great character growth in her but at times I did want to straighten her out. Now for our beloved hero, Frank. *sigh* he was sexy as all get out. I love what is he willing to do for Mamie, even risk everything he has worked for. Frank grew up in the slums but left that world behind and made a life for himself and now lives uptown, working with high society and has made a success in his career. I had so much respect for all that he worked hard for and gained but we see him learn the value in doing what is right even at the cost of everything. He puts Mamie as his priority and that was amazing to see in that his love for her, he was willing to fight for her and what she deserved. He is the book boyfriend of the year.
Overall I found Rogue of Fifth Avenue to be a astounding read that takes you back to the Gilded Age, packed with intrigue, a story line to keep you on edge, and a love story that packs a punch with sensuality and epic fighting for your love!!
The Rogue of Fifth Avenue is the first book in Joanna Shupe's new series "Uptown Girls" I have had a blast with what I read from this author before and I am so pleased that we are seeing more books taking place in the "Gilded Age Era" Romance readers really value seeing some unique settings that aren't really covered in the romance genre and I am delighted with how Shupe has really taken her stories in this world she has created. I was curious about this new series, and I am so pleased that I read this one because I had a blast with this book. Its not perfect but full of so many well packed elements it sweeps you away into this romantic age of American History.
Our story begins with Frank Tipp, who is a high society lawyer in New York City. Frank is called upon to take in hand the daughter of one of his elite clients, Mamie Greene. Mamie Greene has a passion for adventure and helping others. Mamie wants to reach to those that are poor and give a helping hand whenever she can especially for those that are living on the streets and have no voice. What she doesn't need is some fancy uptown lawyer getting in her way and preventing her from doing what she can. But when a close friend of hers is in legal trouble, Frank steps up and they begin working together to exonherate her friend, but their forbidden love is about to take a step into the direction both of them never truly imagined, will Frank and Mamie be up to the challenge? Or do what society expects of them?
The Rogue of Fifth Avenue is a stimulating read that grabbed my attention from the very beginning and I loved so much about this story. Frank and Mamie's chemistry is over the top and we see that its been building for months with Frank having to watch out for Mamie under her father's orders. But their intimate relationship is forbidden because Mamie is betrothed to another man and she knows her father will ruin Frank and all that he has worked for if he ever finds out that there is more than just a platonic relationship happening.
Now I believe the only issue I really had is Mamie at times. I really liked her character for the most part but she was a bit flighty at times and reckless in how she treats Frank at times. Frank I was on board with 100%, and I felt that in some ways Mamie could be reckless with Frank and his career. Its obvious that there was high risk that he would lose everything and from what I could see it seemed like Mamie didn't seem to have a care for the risks involved. I did love her passion for life and standing up for what was right and we do some great character growth in her but at times I did want to straighten her out. Now for our beloved hero, Frank. *sigh* he was sexy as all get out. I love what is he willing to do for Mamie, even risk everything he has worked for. Frank grew up in the slums but left that world behind and made a life for himself and now lives uptown, working with high society and has made a success in his career. I had so much respect for all that he worked hard for and gained but we see him learn the value in doing what is right even at the cost of everything. He puts Mamie as his priority and that was amazing to see in that his love for her, he was willing to fight for her and what she deserved. He is the book boyfriend of the year.
Overall I found Rogue of Fifth Avenue to be a astounding read that takes you back to the Gilded Age, packed with intrigue, a story line to keep you on edge, and a love story that packs a punch with sensuality and epic fighting for your love!!
May 1, 2022
He disfrutado muchísimo con la lectura, con Frank y Marion, con Florence y con toda las tramas que hay detrás.
Maravillosa la composición, los enredos y el desenlace.
Una lectura divertida, amena y recomendada.
Maravillosa la composición, los enredos y el desenlace.
Una lectura divertida, amena y recomendada.
October 11, 2022
4 Estrellitas. Me ha gustado mucho, sobre todo la segunda mitad del libro, donde ha mejorado exponencialmente. Echaba de menos que publicaran a Joanna Shupe. En su momento, Titania dejó su primera serie inacaba, y de repente con el auge Bridgerton han recuperado a la autora (algo bueno tenía que tener).
Ésta nueva serie, Chicas de Nueva York, están ambientadas en el Nueva York de finales del siglo XIX y las protagonistas son las hermanas Greene. Tres chicas que han nacido y se han criado en un ambiente privilegiado, y lejos de lo que imponen las restricciones sociales, lucharán por conseguir una libertad y unos derechos a los que no podían aspirar las mujeres.
Marion Greene, o Mamie, como la llaman familiarmente es la hermana mayor. Mamie tiene veintitrés años, es la más obediente y responsable de todas las hermanas, el ojito derecho de su padre, y por eso, es la que está destinada a llevar el buen nombre de la familia. Desde pequeña se le impuso que cuando fuera mayor se casaría con Chauncey Livingstone, el hijo del mejor amigo de su padre. Mamie nunca puso objeción a éste acuerdo, pues conoce a Chauncey desde niños y es un amigo de la familia.
Pero una noche ocurre algo que cambiará la decisión de Mamie. Mamie y su hermana Florence acostumbran a salir a hurtadillas de casa para visitar clubes de juego donde hacer dinero fácil. Mamie tiene un secreto, y es ayudar a familias pobres y desfavorecidas de los barrios bajos, así es como se erige en una joven Robin Hood. Una noche, las caza en acción Frank Tripp, el abogado de su padre, y a cambio de su silencio para con su padre, Frank le pedirá a Mamie una cena en un sitio público.
Aunque a regañadientes, Mamie accede, pues sabe que del eficiente abogado de su padre puede fiarse. El destino los unirá más, cuando Mamie le pide a Frank que acepte un caso peliagudo.
Frank Tripp es un hombre hecho así mismo y con un oscuro pasado. Para convertirse en el mejor y más joven abogado de éxito de Nueva York, ha tenido que trabajar duro. Frank representa a los más poderosos y más ricos de la ciudad. Pero cuando Mamie le pide representar a una familia pobre y sin recursos, él no puede negarse a los ruegos de la joven.
Será éste caso el que vaya uniendo poco a poco a los protagonistas, en su afán por buscar hechos y testigos para resolver el caso. Durante éste tiempo, ellos se enamorarán, con una losa sobre sus cabezas, y es que Mamie está casi prometida, no es suya, y cada día, su padre le exige que firme las capitulaciones matrimoniales, unas capitulaciones, que el mismo Frank ha tenido que redactar.
La química y el deseo es muy fuerte entre ellos, y si algo sabe Joanna Shupe es crear unas escenas sensuales muy buenas, sin llegar a ser vulgares. Admito que al principio el romance no me estaba gustando mucho, pero a medida que leía los capítulos, me iba gustando más.
Sus protagonistas me han encantado, sobre todo Mamie; es una joven fuerte que lucha por lo que quiere, pero atrapada por el machismo de su época, con pocas posibilidades de elegir un futuro, retrasará en lo posible la decisión de su padre hasta que sea inevitable. En cambio, Frank es un personaje que crece y evoluciona mucho durante el libro, sobre todo al final. Frank es un hombre con un oscuro pasado, al que ha tenido que dar la espalda para que sea aceptado entre la alta sociedad, pero ése pasado lo visitará de nuevo para que acepte lo que realmente es.
La suya parece una historia imposible y abocada al fracaso, aunque estén en América. Él es el abogado de su padre y ella una chica de la alta sociedad, criada y educada para ser una dama de la alta sociedad. Pero Joanna Shupe ha sabido darle buen puerto a ésta historia y el resultado me ha dejado muy satisfecha.
El libro me ha encantado y me ha dejado con ganas de conocer las historias de las siguientes hermanas, pues me da que ya sé con quién acabará cada una, y prometen mucho.
Ésta nueva serie, Chicas de Nueva York, están ambientadas en el Nueva York de finales del siglo XIX y las protagonistas son las hermanas Greene. Tres chicas que han nacido y se han criado en un ambiente privilegiado, y lejos de lo que imponen las restricciones sociales, lucharán por conseguir una libertad y unos derechos a los que no podían aspirar las mujeres.
Marion Greene, o Mamie, como la llaman familiarmente es la hermana mayor. Mamie tiene veintitrés años, es la más obediente y responsable de todas las hermanas, el ojito derecho de su padre, y por eso, es la que está destinada a llevar el buen nombre de la familia. Desde pequeña se le impuso que cuando fuera mayor se casaría con Chauncey Livingstone, el hijo del mejor amigo de su padre. Mamie nunca puso objeción a éste acuerdo, pues conoce a Chauncey desde niños y es un amigo de la familia.
Pero una noche ocurre algo que cambiará la decisión de Mamie. Mamie y su hermana Florence acostumbran a salir a hurtadillas de casa para visitar clubes de juego donde hacer dinero fácil. Mamie tiene un secreto, y es ayudar a familias pobres y desfavorecidas de los barrios bajos, así es como se erige en una joven Robin Hood. Una noche, las caza en acción Frank Tripp, el abogado de su padre, y a cambio de su silencio para con su padre, Frank le pedirá a Mamie una cena en un sitio público.
Aunque a regañadientes, Mamie accede, pues sabe que del eficiente abogado de su padre puede fiarse. El destino los unirá más, cuando Mamie le pide a Frank que acepte un caso peliagudo.
Frank Tripp es un hombre hecho así mismo y con un oscuro pasado. Para convertirse en el mejor y más joven abogado de éxito de Nueva York, ha tenido que trabajar duro. Frank representa a los más poderosos y más ricos de la ciudad. Pero cuando Mamie le pide representar a una familia pobre y sin recursos, él no puede negarse a los ruegos de la joven.
Será éste caso el que vaya uniendo poco a poco a los protagonistas, en su afán por buscar hechos y testigos para resolver el caso. Durante éste tiempo, ellos se enamorarán, con una losa sobre sus cabezas, y es que Mamie está casi prometida, no es suya, y cada día, su padre le exige que firme las capitulaciones matrimoniales, unas capitulaciones, que el mismo Frank ha tenido que redactar.
La química y el deseo es muy fuerte entre ellos, y si algo sabe Joanna Shupe es crear unas escenas sensuales muy buenas, sin llegar a ser vulgares. Admito que al principio el romance no me estaba gustando mucho, pero a medida que leía los capítulos, me iba gustando más.
Sus protagonistas me han encantado, sobre todo Mamie; es una joven fuerte que lucha por lo que quiere, pero atrapada por el machismo de su época, con pocas posibilidades de elegir un futuro, retrasará en lo posible la decisión de su padre hasta que sea inevitable. En cambio, Frank es un personaje que crece y evoluciona mucho durante el libro, sobre todo al final. Frank es un hombre con un oscuro pasado, al que ha tenido que dar la espalda para que sea aceptado entre la alta sociedad, pero ése pasado lo visitará de nuevo para que acepte lo que realmente es.
La suya parece una historia imposible y abocada al fracaso, aunque estén en América. Él es el abogado de su padre y ella una chica de la alta sociedad, criada y educada para ser una dama de la alta sociedad. Pero Joanna Shupe ha sabido darle buen puerto a ésta historia y el resultado me ha dejado muy satisfecha.
El libro me ha encantado y me ha dejado con ganas de conocer las historias de las siguientes hermanas, pues me da que ya sé con quién acabará cada una, y prometen mucho.
April 11, 2021
The Rogue of Fifth Avenue by Joanna Shupe was my first book from this author and it will definitely not be the last. I can already say that I’m a fan of her writing. Sometimes reading a historical can be challenging for me because of the dialogue they use in that time era but Shupe just made it effortless for me. I connected with the characters and was invested immediately.
The story was so entertaining thanks to the rebel of a heroine. I adored Mamie because of her independence and confidence. She tried to seduce Frank, the hero, and she delivered on all accounts. Frank was a delicious dirty talking hero with a flawed past. He and Mamie gave me mutual pining, seduction and fabulous romance.
The characters for the next books were introduced as well and I can’t wait to read them. What a wonderful historical romance this book was.
4 Little Rebel Stars
The story was so entertaining thanks to the rebel of a heroine. I adored Mamie because of her independence and confidence. She tried to seduce Frank, the hero, and she delivered on all accounts. Frank was a delicious dirty talking hero with a flawed past. He and Mamie gave me mutual pining, seduction and fabulous romance.
The characters for the next books were introduced as well and I can’t wait to read them. What a wonderful historical romance this book was.
4 Little Rebel Stars
September 24, 2021
buddy-reading with my bookish wife 💖
August 13, 2019
4.5 Estrellas.
Estoy super contenta con esta lectura, últimamente hay pocas novelas históricas que me encanten y es una pena porque siempre ha sido mi subgénero favorito dentro de la romántica, es más algunos años de mi vida los dediqué casi por completo a leer histórica. El caso es que en España se está publicando poca cosa que me atraiga en romance histórico y cuando me lanzo a leer alguno en inglés siempre voy con pies de plomo porque leer histórica en inglés para mi implica que tardaré casi el doble en terminar el libro que si lo leyera en español. Es por eso que estuve rondando bastante este libro sin acabar de decidirme por él, al final me decidí por el motivo más ilógico y absurdo: La sinopsis del segundo libro de esta serie me atrajo muchísimo y por ende quería leer este antes que el segundo ya que las protagonistas son hermanas y sabía que habría mucha continuidad en la historia y no sería de estas series que puedes leer salteados los libros. Así que ha ello me puse con “The Rogue of Fifth Avenue” y que alegría me ha dado, nunca habría esperado que me gustase tanto la historia de Frank y Marion.
A la autora hacía años que no la leía, básicamente desde que se publicaron dos libros de ella en español hace ya bastante, y he de decir que he apreciado una gran evolución en su estilo con respecto a aquellas novelas de debut. Es de esas autoras que se han actualizado y he disfrutado muchísimo leyendo este libro.
La historia está ambientada en el Nueva York de 1890, él es un prestigioso abogado cuyos clientes son los hombres más ricos de la ciudad y ella es la heredera de Duncan Greene, dueño de una naviera muy importante. Marion está prometida al hijo del mejor amigo de su padre desde prácticamente la cuna, a día de hoy se dedica a robar a los ricos más descuidados para luego usar ese dinero en labores de beneficencia en los barrios marginales de la ciudad, todo a espaldas de su padre, por supuesto. Frank, que descubre a lo que se dedica la hija de su cliente se propone detenerla para evitar que acabe en la cárcel o muerta. Juntos se verán envueltos en un caso de asesinato y como el roce hace el cariño, los sentimientos afloran complicando todo ya que Frank oculta su verdadero pasado y Marion no tiene más opción que casarse con su prometido porque la libertad de sus hermanas para elegir esposo depende de ello.
La pareja tiene muchísima química, sabéis que me encanta que los protagonistas no sean nobles porque acabé con un poco de hartazgo de tanto leer sobre damas y caballeros, en este caso debido al contexto de lugar y época hay mucho juego entre Frank y Marion y se dan escenas muy buenas. También en este libro se inicia la relación entre Clayton y Florence, los protas del siguiente libro (el que me hizo leer este), y ¡Qué hype con su historia! Él dueño de un gran casino y ella, la hija mediana de Duncan Greene, una joven de lo más “excéntrica” que se ha fijado como objetivo en la vida abrir su propio casino exclusivo para mujeres. Hay trama de venganza y engaños al parecer, estoy deseando que llegue finales de año para leerlo.
Estoy super contenta con esta lectura, últimamente hay pocas novelas históricas que me encanten y es una pena porque siempre ha sido mi subgénero favorito dentro de la romántica, es más algunos años de mi vida los dediqué casi por completo a leer histórica. El caso es que en España se está publicando poca cosa que me atraiga en romance histórico y cuando me lanzo a leer alguno en inglés siempre voy con pies de plomo porque leer histórica en inglés para mi implica que tardaré casi el doble en terminar el libro que si lo leyera en español. Es por eso que estuve rondando bastante este libro sin acabar de decidirme por él, al final me decidí por el motivo más ilógico y absurdo: La sinopsis del segundo libro de esta serie me atrajo muchísimo y por ende quería leer este antes que el segundo ya que las protagonistas son hermanas y sabía que habría mucha continuidad en la historia y no sería de estas series que puedes leer salteados los libros. Así que ha ello me puse con “The Rogue of Fifth Avenue” y que alegría me ha dado, nunca habría esperado que me gustase tanto la historia de Frank y Marion.
A la autora hacía años que no la leía, básicamente desde que se publicaron dos libros de ella en español hace ya bastante, y he de decir que he apreciado una gran evolución en su estilo con respecto a aquellas novelas de debut. Es de esas autoras que se han actualizado y he disfrutado muchísimo leyendo este libro.
La historia está ambientada en el Nueva York de 1890, él es un prestigioso abogado cuyos clientes son los hombres más ricos de la ciudad y ella es la heredera de Duncan Greene, dueño de una naviera muy importante. Marion está prometida al hijo del mejor amigo de su padre desde prácticamente la cuna, a día de hoy se dedica a robar a los ricos más descuidados para luego usar ese dinero en labores de beneficencia en los barrios marginales de la ciudad, todo a espaldas de su padre, por supuesto. Frank, que descubre a lo que se dedica la hija de su cliente se propone detenerla para evitar que acabe en la cárcel o muerta. Juntos se verán envueltos en un caso de asesinato y como el roce hace el cariño, los sentimientos afloran complicando todo ya que Frank oculta su verdadero pasado y Marion no tiene más opción que casarse con su prometido porque la libertad de sus hermanas para elegir esposo depende de ello.
La pareja tiene muchísima química, sabéis que me encanta que los protagonistas no sean nobles porque acabé con un poco de hartazgo de tanto leer sobre damas y caballeros, en este caso debido al contexto de lugar y época hay mucho juego entre Frank y Marion y se dan escenas muy buenas. También en este libro se inicia la relación entre Clayton y Florence, los protas del siguiente libro (el que me hizo leer este), y ¡Qué hype con su historia! Él dueño de un gran casino y ella, la hija mediana de Duncan Greene, una joven de lo más “excéntrica” que se ha fijado como objetivo en la vida abrir su propio casino exclusivo para mujeres. Hay trama de venganza y engaños al parecer, estoy deseando que llegue finales de año para leerlo.
August 9, 2022
4'5⭐
Lo he disfrutado mucho. Para empezar, el cambio de escenario ha sido muy bienvenido, Nueva York en vez del más habitual Londres, que además se presta estupendamente al aire de Robin Hood de la historia, en la que Mamie roba a los ricos en los casino y luego lo reparte por los barrios bajos. Esa perspectiva es una que no había visto en ninguna historia de este género y me ha gustado mucho el choque y el enfoque.
Los personajes también me han gustado muchísimo. Ambos son tercos, de carácter fuerte, y eso hace que salten chispas entre ellos. He disfrutado mucho de la profundidad de la que los ha dotado la autora, así como de los aspectos complejos de la trama con los secretos que ambos ocultan, los subterfugios, la presión de la familia y la sociedad...
Además, me ha parecido muy bien escrito, con un estilo cuidado pero que permite pasar las páginas sin que una se dé apenas cuenta.
Uno de los problemas que tengo a veces con las historias de este género es con los comportamientos masculinos, pero en este libro no ha pasado. Bueno, sí, por parte de personajes secundarios, pero a mí lo que me importa es el protagonista, porque de lo contrario, a veces me cuesta querer que acabe con la chica. Y en ese aspecto, nada que reprocharle al libro.
Además, tanto Mamie como sus dos hermanas son mujeres de carácter y con convicciones, que no están dispuestas a ceder y encajar a la fuerza en lo que la sociedad exige de ellas, así que tengo muchas ganas de leer los dos siguientes libros y ver qué nos deparan las historias de las dos hermanas Greene restantes.
Lo he disfrutado mucho. Para empezar, el cambio de escenario ha sido muy bienvenido, Nueva York en vez del más habitual Londres, que además se presta estupendamente al aire de Robin Hood de la historia, en la que Mamie roba a los ricos en los casino y luego lo reparte por los barrios bajos. Esa perspectiva es una que no había visto en ninguna historia de este género y me ha gustado mucho el choque y el enfoque.
Los personajes también me han gustado muchísimo. Ambos son tercos, de carácter fuerte, y eso hace que salten chispas entre ellos. He disfrutado mucho de la profundidad de la que los ha dotado la autora, así como de los aspectos complejos de la trama con los secretos que ambos ocultan, los subterfugios, la presión de la familia y la sociedad...
Además, me ha parecido muy bien escrito, con un estilo cuidado pero que permite pasar las páginas sin que una se dé apenas cuenta.
Uno de los problemas que tengo a veces con las historias de este género es con los comportamientos masculinos, pero en este libro no ha pasado. Bueno, sí, por parte de personajes secundarios, pero a mí lo que me importa es el protagonista, porque de lo contrario, a veces me cuesta querer que acabe con la chica. Y en ese aspecto, nada que reprocharle al libro.
Además, tanto Mamie como sus dos hermanas son mujeres de carácter y con convicciones, que no están dispuestas a ceder y encajar a la fuerza en lo que la sociedad exige de ellas, así que tengo muchas ganas de leer los dos siguientes libros y ver qué nos deparan las historias de las dos hermanas Greene restantes.
March 18, 2022
3/17/22 reread: I’m gonna blame the start of the pandemic for why I didn’t give this 5 stars the first go around bc seriously what was I thinking?! Mamie and Frank are everything. Their romance has the perfect amount of 🔥🔥🔥 (that billiards scene tho!!) and angst. It’s also fun to see Mamie seduce Frank towards the beginning and then the tables turn once Frank realizes that he can’t live without her.
4/12/20 original review: My first Joanna Shupe novel definitely did not disappoint! I’ve heard a lot of people rave about her Uptown Girls series, so I knew I had to check it out myself.
I do think that this book started out kind of slow. Things didn’t really get going until the 30% mark for me personally. Also I didn’t absolutely love Frank and Marion. Their characters weren’t that interesting or complex IMO. However, I do think that they had great chemistry and I really enjoyed the smutty delights. I also enjoyed how a murder case was incorporated into the story.
I’m really looking forward to the next books in this series because the characters they’re going to follow sound a lot more interesting/entertaining to me.
4/12/20 original review: My first Joanna Shupe novel definitely did not disappoint! I’ve heard a lot of people rave about her Uptown Girls series, so I knew I had to check it out myself.
I do think that this book started out kind of slow. Things didn’t really get going until the 30% mark for me personally. Also I didn’t absolutely love Frank and Marion. Their characters weren’t that interesting or complex IMO. However, I do think that they had great chemistry and I really enjoyed the smutty delights. I also enjoyed how a murder case was incorporated into the story.
I’m really looking forward to the next books in this series because the characters they’re going to follow sound a lot more interesting/entertaining to me.
October 5, 2022
I’m head over heels for this book!
I need so much more of Mamie and Frank! This book was a very pleasant surprise and my first novel by this author. The way she crafted these characters, and the chemistry between the two main ones literally made me hot under the collar. The tension could be felt of the page, and the sex scenes...I’m still lightheaded. Very well written and an excellent story. Can’t wait for more!
I need so much more of Mamie and Frank! This book was a very pleasant surprise and my first novel by this author. The way she crafted these characters, and the chemistry between the two main ones literally made me hot under the collar. The tension could be felt of the page, and the sex scenes...I’m still lightheaded. Very well written and an excellent story. Can’t wait for more!
March 2, 2025
Abandono en la pagina 75, no he podido seguir con él por mucho que he insistido.
Prometo que lo he intentado pero no lo he podido digerir. Os aseguro que he leído más de 1000 veces los comentarios de las que lo habéis leído, cada vez que he querido abandonar el libro, y todas habéis puesto una valoración super positiva, pero yo no pude con él.
Más de una vez he tenido que consultar la fecha en la que se centraba la trama porque realmente no coincidía con nada de lo que leía. Ni el comportamiento, ni la forma de hablar, ni nada con el siglo XIX, y para mi es muy importante porque me saca de la lectura continuamente.
Es una pena porque la forma de escribir de la autora hace que la lectura sea ágil y fresca pero eso no puede ser todo, al menos para mi.
Prometo que lo he intentado pero no lo he podido digerir. Os aseguro que he leído más de 1000 veces los comentarios de las que lo habéis leído, cada vez que he querido abandonar el libro, y todas habéis puesto una valoración super positiva, pero yo no pude con él.
Más de una vez he tenido que consultar la fecha en la que se centraba la trama porque realmente no coincidía con nada de lo que leía. Ni el comportamiento, ni la forma de hablar, ni nada con el siglo XIX, y para mi es muy importante porque me saca de la lectura continuamente.
Es una pena porque la forma de escribir de la autora hace que la lectura sea ágil y fresca pero eso no puede ser todo, al menos para mi.
May 19, 2019
I had loved Joanna’s Four Hundred series, so I didn’t even need to read the synopsis of this one. I was excited to see it was Frank’s story.
Love love loved Mamie. She’s smart and strong and knows what she wants out of life. She’s genuinely good and fights for people. Frank has been intriguing since I first saw him. Turns out there’s a lot more to him than I expected. I was delighted at the banter and chemistry between Mamie and Frank and loved all of the scenes of them together.
Plot wise, it was fantastic. There are a couple of threads and all of them added a layer to the story. I was interested in everything happening and wanted to know how it would play out.
Overall, it was a fantastic start to a new series. And of course I’m hoping the following books feature Mamie’s sister. I’m especially hopeful for Florence’s story.
FYI: there is a scene of an assault with forceful groping and her being pinned down. She does bite him and get away.
**Huge thanks to Avon Books for providing the arc free of charge**
Love love loved Mamie. She’s smart and strong and knows what she wants out of life. She’s genuinely good and fights for people. Frank has been intriguing since I first saw him. Turns out there’s a lot more to him than I expected. I was delighted at the banter and chemistry between Mamie and Frank and loved all of the scenes of them together.
Plot wise, it was fantastic. There are a couple of threads and all of them added a layer to the story. I was interested in everything happening and wanted to know how it would play out.
Overall, it was a fantastic start to a new series. And of course I’m hoping the following books feature Mamie’s sister. I’m especially hopeful for Florence’s story.
FYI: there is a scene of an assault with forceful groping and her being pinned down. She does bite him and get away.
**Huge thanks to Avon Books for providing the arc free of charge**
November 21, 2023
Un 3,5 para esta historia entretenida, con un romance más pasional que sentimental.
La ambientación nos sitúa en Nueva York, a finales del siglo XIX, más o menos en el entorno de la Gilded Age, la época de la Restauración en Estados Unidos tras la devastación de la guerra. Me ha faltado más precisión histórica, especialmente en lo que se refiere a los encuentros entre los protagonistas. A causa del vocabulario y otras cosas, sentía que estaba de vuelta a nuestra época. Una licencia que se tomó la autora (como ella misma explica al final del libro), pero que me sacaba de contexto continuamente.
La trama, que en un principio parece complicada por la presentación de un caso de asesinato, termina simplificándose, arreglando la situación de forma expeditiva y sin gran revuelo, y centrándose mucho más en el desarrollo del romance de la pareja.
Los protagonistas son Mamie y Frank. Cuando comienza la historia, da la sensación de que estás en mitad de una escena que corresponde a un libro anterior, porque ellos ya se conocen de antes.
Mamie pertenece a la clase rica, pero tiene un especial interés en ayudar a los necesitados, especialmente a los habitantes de Five Points, tan abandonados y despreciados. Tiene un carácter práctico y resolutivo, y posee una extraña mezcla de independencia y docilidad, puesto que se pliega a los deseos de su padre, aunque se mueve por la ciudad con bastante libertad, y su comportamiento recuerda muchas veces al de una joven actual.
Frank es atractivo y arrogante, seguro de sí mismo (aunque también tiene sus propios demonios) y tiene una obsesión con Mamie, aunque se dice a sí mismo que se trata solo de cuidar de los intereses de su cliente, el padre de Mamie, ya que es su abogado. La persigue por todas partes y la provoca, hasta tal punto que Mamie piensa que la odia. Frank ha construido su vida sobre una mentira, y mientras va enamorándose de Mamie, teme que llegue el momento en que el castillo de naipes se derrumbe. Por eso al principio quiere alejarse de ella, aunque sin conseguirlo.
La relación entre ellos se va construyendo en torno al deseo y a la atracción que sienten. Como he dicho al principio es más pasional que sentimental, por lo que, aunque los protagonistas me han caído bien, no he terminado de conectar con ellos, no me han llegado al corazón. Primero es Frank el que reniega de la relación, luego, cuando cambia de opinión, es ella la que no la desea (en apariencia) y, al final, las barreras y los obstáculos (como Duncan, el padre de Mamie) caen con tanta facilidad que una se pregunta porque no lo solucionaron antes si todo era cuestión de decir la verdad.
Por otro lado, algunas cosas me han dejado insatisfecha: ¿qué pasa con Mulligan y la información que le iba a buscar a Frank? Nunca se la da ni vuelve a hacerse mención de él. ¿Y qué pasa con el inspector Byrnes, que está tocando las narices todo el tiempo y luego desaparece solo porque Duncan lo echa de casa? Además, en las últimas páginas aparece un nuevo personaje, casi como un hada madrina, que le resuelve el problema a Frank de recuperar a Mamie solo con un consejo.
En fin, me ha parecido una historia entretenida, bien escrita, pero me ha faltado profundidad en los personajes y un final un poco más elaborado.
La ambientación nos sitúa en Nueva York, a finales del siglo XIX, más o menos en el entorno de la Gilded Age, la época de la Restauración en Estados Unidos tras la devastación de la guerra. Me ha faltado más precisión histórica, especialmente en lo que se refiere a los encuentros entre los protagonistas. A causa del vocabulario y otras cosas, sentía que estaba de vuelta a nuestra época. Una licencia que se tomó la autora (como ella misma explica al final del libro), pero que me sacaba de contexto continuamente.
La trama, que en un principio parece complicada por la presentación de un caso de asesinato, termina simplificándose, arreglando la situación de forma expeditiva y sin gran revuelo, y centrándose mucho más en el desarrollo del romance de la pareja.
Los protagonistas son Mamie y Frank. Cuando comienza la historia, da la sensación de que estás en mitad de una escena que corresponde a un libro anterior, porque ellos ya se conocen de antes.
Mamie pertenece a la clase rica, pero tiene un especial interés en ayudar a los necesitados, especialmente a los habitantes de Five Points, tan abandonados y despreciados. Tiene un carácter práctico y resolutivo, y posee una extraña mezcla de independencia y docilidad, puesto que se pliega a los deseos de su padre, aunque se mueve por la ciudad con bastante libertad, y su comportamiento recuerda muchas veces al de una joven actual.
Frank es atractivo y arrogante, seguro de sí mismo (aunque también tiene sus propios demonios) y tiene una obsesión con Mamie, aunque se dice a sí mismo que se trata solo de cuidar de los intereses de su cliente, el padre de Mamie, ya que es su abogado. La persigue por todas partes y la provoca, hasta tal punto que Mamie piensa que la odia. Frank ha construido su vida sobre una mentira, y mientras va enamorándose de Mamie, teme que llegue el momento en que el castillo de naipes se derrumbe. Por eso al principio quiere alejarse de ella, aunque sin conseguirlo.
La relación entre ellos se va construyendo en torno al deseo y a la atracción que sienten. Como he dicho al principio es más pasional que sentimental, por lo que, aunque los protagonistas me han caído bien, no he terminado de conectar con ellos, no me han llegado al corazón. Primero es Frank el que reniega de la relación, luego, cuando cambia de opinión, es ella la que no la desea (en apariencia) y, al final, las barreras y los obstáculos (como Duncan, el padre de Mamie) caen con tanta facilidad que una se pregunta porque no lo solucionaron antes si todo era cuestión de decir la verdad.
Por otro lado, algunas cosas me han dejado insatisfecha: ¿qué pasa con Mulligan y la información que le iba a buscar a Frank? Nunca se la da ni vuelve a hacerse mención de él. ¿Y qué pasa con el inspector Byrnes, que está tocando las narices todo el tiempo y luego desaparece solo porque Duncan lo echa de casa? Además, en las últimas páginas aparece un nuevo personaje, casi como un hada madrina, que le resuelve el problema a Frank de recuperar a Mamie solo con un consejo.
En fin, me ha parecido una historia entretenida, bien escrita, pero me ha faltado profundidad en los personajes y un final un poco más elaborado.
Read
July 22, 2019Historicals not published in the Regency era are my jam - which makes having to admit that Shupe's writing might not be "my thing" particularly hard. This is the second book I've tried, and ultimately ended up DNF'ing. I gave up on this one at 50% partly out of indifference (I didn't care what the heck happened next) and partly because I wanted to smack the heroine into next Tuesday. The whole Poor Little Rich Girl Robin Hood shtick was...ugh. Were her intentions of helping the poor in Five Points noble when other aid societies withheld help from those who didn't want to be religiously converted? OK, sure. But, she's got money. She's got a name. The apocalypse would need to occur for her engagement to her erstwhile fiance to be broken. So...here's an idea - why not start her own charity? Instead she gambles and steals money and gives it to a few needy families she knows.
But what really got me with her? Her complete disregard of the consequences and dismissal of her own privilege. She's quick to throw her Gilded Age circle under the wheels of the closest moving carriage but she never takes a good long look in the mirror. Also, when the hero gives her very sound reasons why he cannot act on his attraction to her (her father would make it so he'd never work in the town, heck probably half the country, ever again) does she take a breath of a moment to think about that? No. She just brazens her way right into his home with plans to seduce him. The author wants me to think her intentions are good but instead she comes off as spoiled, pampered, and impulsive. Maybe she grows up in the final 50% of the book? I'll never know. Because I was done with her.
It's a shame really. There's a secondary plot thread about a murder case the hero is working that is halfway interesting. I also found many of the colorful secondary characters (Otto the investigator!) really interesting. But the heroine annoyed the ever-lovin' you-know-what out of me so I'm tapping out.
But what really got me with her? Her complete disregard of the consequences and dismissal of her own privilege. She's quick to throw her Gilded Age circle under the wheels of the closest moving carriage but she never takes a good long look in the mirror. Also, when the hero gives her very sound reasons why he cannot act on his attraction to her (her father would make it so he'd never work in the town, heck probably half the country, ever again) does she take a breath of a moment to think about that? No. She just brazens her way right into his home with plans to seduce him. The author wants me to think her intentions are good but instead she comes off as spoiled, pampered, and impulsive. Maybe she grows up in the final 50% of the book? I'll never know. Because I was done with her.
It's a shame really. There's a secondary plot thread about a murder case the hero is working that is halfway interesting. I also found many of the colorful secondary characters (Otto the investigator!) really interesting. But the heroine annoyed the ever-lovin' you-know-what out of me so I'm tapping out.
no-way-jose
May 11, 2024Note to self: per many reviews, heroine is reckless, annoying, partakes in Robin Hood-like thievery, there’s insta-love, and the Gilded Age comes across as too much of a “too modern for historical romance” feeling for me personally. Love this author, but will pass on the series.
September 12, 2023
Me ha gustado muchísimo el libro. Necesitaba una lectura así, me han encantado ambos protas, y la trama me ha tenido enganchada todo el tiempo. Tengo ganas de seguir con la saga
October 17, 2021
Not bad overall, but I had a couple of issues. I found it hard to accept that Mamie still planned to marry the horrible Chauncey for quite a long time after she clearly should have dumped him. Some characters also seemed to have sudden personality changes near the end of the book, and for me the groundwork hadn't been laid well enough for this to be convincing.
Oh well, it wasn't a bad book, just not my fav by this author.
I read this book for the HRBC Romance Across the Ages Challenge, October 2021, theme: Americana-Gilded Age.
Oh well, it wasn't a bad book, just not my fav by this author.
I read this book for the HRBC Romance Across the Ages Challenge, October 2021, theme: Americana-Gilded Age.
October 13, 2020
I really enjoyed this one. I loved watching Frank risk it all for Mamie and watching Mamie not give an inch for her freedom and the life she wanted. The only reason I'm giving this 4 instead of 5 stars is because I didn't believe their love was love instead of lust. There was so much focus on the physical and not as much on the emotional connection. That has to be a perfect balance for me and it felt a little one sided here.
May 20, 2024
3.75✨(rounded up to 4 for GR)
2.25🌶️
It’s a good book! It reads a little slow, particularly in the first half, but once the book fully yields to the main characters’ natural chemistry, yes it still reads a little slow, but so delightfully good.
Unexpectedly dirty talk in the spice, which I loooooved, I see you, Joanna! Frank Murphy Tripp is also the very definition of a man down bad, once he’s all in. He falls first and harder is definitely in the room with us. And the way he is so damned focused on the FMC Mamie’s pleasure… *chef’s kiss*🤌🤌
Mamie is overall likable, with a good heart and personable characterization, although who can come across as frustratingly and loudly naive at times, mostly in regard to the criminal justice system of the time period. Which I guess she wouldn’t be expected to know! So leave the talking and promises to the lawyer maybe :)
Will definitely continue the series, and based on some character moments during this book, I’m very much looking forward to the new main characters and their romance in Book 2!
2.25🌶️
It’s a good book! It reads a little slow, particularly in the first half, but once the book fully yields to the main characters’ natural chemistry, yes it still reads a little slow, but so delightfully good.
Unexpectedly dirty talk in the spice, which I loooooved, I see you, Joanna! Frank Murphy Tripp is also the very definition of a man down bad, once he’s all in. He falls first and harder is definitely in the room with us. And the way he is so damned focused on the FMC Mamie’s pleasure… *chef’s kiss*🤌🤌
Mamie is overall likable, with a good heart and personable characterization, although who can come across as frustratingly and loudly naive at times, mostly in regard to the criminal justice system of the time period. Which I guess she wouldn’t be expected to know! So leave the talking and promises to the lawyer maybe :)
Will definitely continue the series, and based on some character moments during this book, I’m very much looking forward to the new main characters and their romance in Book 2!
May 10, 2022
Ya había leído a esta autora y no me convenció, y en esta tampoco. Conflictos simples que como se prevé se resuelven fácilmente y al ppio parecen odiseas. Aburrida del caso de la pobre señora Potter y de la noble y comprometida protagonista que me ha caído hasta mal en ocasiones, quizás porque no era lógica y había contradicciones que no me he creido
2* y porque lo he terminado, al final algo mejor, pero claro es que pasa todo y rapidísimo
2* y porque lo he terminado, al final algo mejor, pero claro es que pasa todo y rapidísimo
January 25, 2020
Eh, not really my sort of romance. More drama than banter. The ship didn't do much for me, and the plot resolution requires a character to do a sudden personality about-face.
April 23, 2022
3.75**** stars
Oh I really enjoyed this one. This book held some very strong minded main characters and an interesting storyline. I loved the banter between our hero and heroine. It was refreshing and very entertaining.
Frank is a wealthy self-made man, an attorney, who hides from high society that he came from the gutter. He tried for many years to leave behind and forget the circumstances he grew up in. What I liked most about him was that as the mMC he was unusually kind and considerate.
Mamie on the other hand is a rich man’s daughter and a rebel at heart. In secret she’s helping poor families (esp. women) with money and support. And of course that changes how she sees the world they’re living in.
When one of Mamie’s women is accused of murdering her husband Frank is thrown back into all too familiar surroundings of poverty and domestic violence to help Mamie save her friend and her children - and risking at the same time everything he fought very hard for to gain.
I love stories like that. Where the hero’s or heroine’s secret is about to be exposed and they need to decide to either do the right and honorable thing or look away and keep what they have.
And oh so good that scene at the murder trial near the end... that was again true capability porn. Chapeau, Frank! *swoon*
What I didn’t appreciate about the book, however, was the language. Reading this book felt not really like a historical - more like a contemporary. Well sure it’s not regency (it’s the 1890s) and we’re in New York and not London, but nonetheless the way Mamie spoke her mind or the MCs talked to each other and others felt way too modern for that era.
********
As for the narration:
I’m usually not the biggest fan of Justine Eyre. Her voice always sounds like she’s on the verge of tears (or in pain) but she did a very good job, especially with the accents.
********
Soooo... and because of the too modern way of speaking imo, I’m not quite sure if I like to continue with the series even though the other two books sound very interesting too.
Oh I really enjoyed this one. This book held some very strong minded main characters and an interesting storyline. I loved the banter between our hero and heroine. It was refreshing and very entertaining.
"Are we to start with insults then? I had assumed we wait at least until the first course have been served."
Frank is a wealthy self-made man, an attorney, who hides from high society that he came from the gutter. He tried for many years to leave behind and forget the circumstances he grew up in. What I liked most about him was that as the mMC he was unusually kind and considerate.
Mamie on the other hand is a rich man’s daughter and a rebel at heart. In secret she’s helping poor families (esp. women) with money and support. And of course that changes how she sees the world they’re living in.
When one of Mamie’s women is accused of murdering her husband Frank is thrown back into all too familiar surroundings of poverty and domestic violence to help Mamie save her friend and her children - and risking at the same time everything he fought very hard for to gain.
I love stories like that. Where the hero’s or heroine’s secret is about to be exposed and they need to decide to either do the right and honorable thing or look away and keep what they have.
And oh so good that scene at the murder trial near the end... that was again true capability porn. Chapeau, Frank! *swoon*
What I didn’t appreciate about the book, however, was the language. Reading this book felt not really like a historical - more like a contemporary. Well sure it’s not regency (it’s the 1890s) and we’re in New York and not London, but nonetheless the way Mamie spoke her mind or the MCs talked to each other and others felt way too modern for that era.
********
As for the narration:
I’m usually not the biggest fan of Justine Eyre. Her voice always sounds like she’s on the verge of tears (or in pain) but she did a very good job, especially with the accents.
********
Soooo... and because of the too modern way of speaking imo, I’m not quite sure if I like to continue with the series even though the other two books sound very interesting too.
May 28, 2019
Title: The Rogue of Fifth Avenue
Series: Uptown Girls #1
Author: Joanna Shupe
Release date: May 28, 2019
Cliffhanger: No
Genre: historical romance
I've been wanting to try a Joanna Shupe book ever since her previous Four Hundred series came out. Frank Tripp was a secondary character who now starts out the Uptown Girls with his own book. I've read a lot of historical romances set in the old west, but I can't recall any American Gilded Age romances set in high society. The majority of my reads were set in Victorian or Regency England. For that reason alone I was really curious to see if it would be something that I'd enjoy. And enjoy it I did!! It was refreshingly original, well written, and the time period well researched. I've been reading the genre more years than I'd care to admit, and this brought something fresh to the table I quickly devoured. We saw a strong theme of the contrast between upper and lower class and their quality of life. How the opportunities they were born into, or lack of them influenced the path of their life.
Mamie Greene grew up in an affluent, privileged world. Her father is rich and powerful, and though he loves her, has antiquated views on how much control he should have over his daughters' lives. She may not have wanted for anything financially, or had to fear for her safety, but when it came to love and marriage and the rest of her life, she wanted no part in the set of rules that governed her class. Loveless marriages purely for the sake of appearances, all while seeking affection elsewhere? She'd rather stay on the shelf. Her father is determined to unite her with the son of his friend, and will ruin anyone who dares to stand in his way. She obediently agrees to his arranged marriage in exchange for her sisters' freedom to marry for love. What's not to love about a heroine like that? She's also a bit of a rebel, sneaking out at night to gambling clubs to raise money for the less fortunate.
She doesn't just restrict her fundraising to gambling. She lifts as many fat purses as she can get her hands on-until Frank catches her red handed. Hired by her father to keep her out of trouble, he certainly has his hands full with her. From their very first interaction, you see how strong his attraction is for Mamie, and how much he admires her. Up until now, he's admired her from afar, and traded barbs with her when they came in contact with each other. But there's never really any animosity there. He loves that she speaks her mind. Her wit is as sharp as his and she puts it to good use.
“I’m quite capable of speaking my own mind.” “So I’m gathering,” he murmured.
Frank grew up in poverty with no prospects in life. His father was an abusive alcoholic, and after years of fear, hunger, and instability, he wanted more. And he was determined to climb the social ladder by whatever means necessary. He finally did earn his law degree, and with some white lies about his past managed to earn partner at a firm that caters to the top echelon of society. Now that he's clawed his way to the top nothing is going to convince him to put his position at risk. His forbidden attraction for brave and ballsy Mamie could bring him total ruin.
Frank had always kept his career in the forefront of his mind. Success, power and money . . . the New York trifecta. And he’d gained all three. No woman, not even one as intriguing and clever as Mamie Green, would ever jeopardize that.
Frank was always likable, but he really goes through a transformation throughout the book. Mamie brings about some character growth in him: she helps to open his eyes to the life he turned his back on and to show compassion for those who need it most. The murder trial sub-plot was a big way that this came about. Through his efforts to get justice for an abused woman whose rights were violated by crooked cops, he not only gained a new perspective on his career, he uncovered some surprising revelations about his past along the way.
I loved Frank and Mamie together! They had amazing banter and complimented each other perfectly. They also had considerably more steam than I was expecting. Their passion had a lot of friction in the beginning with their battle of the wills, until eventually the spark was struck and there was no going back. Once Frank got to know Mamie, and her predicament regarding her engagement, he had to make a choice. Hold onto everything he always thought he needed, or risk it all for a love he never planned for? Frank is smart as a whip and can solve any problem set in front of him. Once he makes his mind up that he wants something, all bets are off.
I was so thrilled to start this series out at book one! There is a wide array of supporting characters whose stories I can't wait to read. Get in on this series from the ground up, you will find plenty to satisfy in this promising start to the Uptown Girls.
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May 27, 2019
Caffeinated Dates with The Rogue of Fifth Avenue
First Date: Marion (Mamie) Greene made a deal with her father to marry Chauncey, her childhood friend, securing a relationship between the two families and allowing her younger sisters to choose their own husbands. At the time our story begins, no official contracts have been drawn and the promise is merely a gentleman’s agreement between the parents. Mamie has been given time to enjoy society, but she secretly spends her time in gaming halls placing bets and picking the pockets of the ton in order to help the less fortunate in the lower tenements. No one knows and would be shocked at her forward thinking ideas. Frank Tripp, a successful lawyer for society’s elite is called to retrieve Mamie and her sister from a gentleman’s club, something that is becoming a habit. He thinks he is finally going to tell her father about her antics but his curiosity about this feisty young woman prove too much. Oh, how I loved the chemistry and snarky banter that flew between these two. Shupe had me from the very first date and I settled in.
Second Date: Frank Tripp has secrets of his own. Secrets that could ruin his career and the status he has fought to gain. When a mother living in the tenements is arrested for killing her husband, Marion reaches out to Frank for help and the two strike a dangerous bargain. Sensing Maime’s restlessness, her father draws up the marriage contract looking to make the engagement official, but as Mamie feels the noose around her neck her attraction to Frank soars. I loved the building romance and wicked chemistry between these two but also loved the murder case, corrupt police department and class issues that Shupe skillfully wove into the story. Threats, secrets and passion held me spellbound.
Third Date: My Kindle sizzled as things heated up and the outside world slipped away. We learn about Frank’s past and my emotions ranged from sadness to anger. Shupe had me wanting to deck a few men as I prayed for an impossible happily ever after. I knew I was in good hands but still I held my breath as twists, miscommunications, and secrets came to life. I ended my third date grinning like a fool and feeling sated. Goodness, I love Joanne Shupe’s stories. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
First Date: Marion (Mamie) Greene made a deal with her father to marry Chauncey, her childhood friend, securing a relationship between the two families and allowing her younger sisters to choose their own husbands. At the time our story begins, no official contracts have been drawn and the promise is merely a gentleman’s agreement between the parents. Mamie has been given time to enjoy society, but she secretly spends her time in gaming halls placing bets and picking the pockets of the ton in order to help the less fortunate in the lower tenements. No one knows and would be shocked at her forward thinking ideas. Frank Tripp, a successful lawyer for society’s elite is called to retrieve Mamie and her sister from a gentleman’s club, something that is becoming a habit. He thinks he is finally going to tell her father about her antics but his curiosity about this feisty young woman prove too much. Oh, how I loved the chemistry and snarky banter that flew between these two. Shupe had me from the very first date and I settled in.
Second Date: Frank Tripp has secrets of his own. Secrets that could ruin his career and the status he has fought to gain. When a mother living in the tenements is arrested for killing her husband, Marion reaches out to Frank for help and the two strike a dangerous bargain. Sensing Maime’s restlessness, her father draws up the marriage contract looking to make the engagement official, but as Mamie feels the noose around her neck her attraction to Frank soars. I loved the building romance and wicked chemistry between these two but also loved the murder case, corrupt police department and class issues that Shupe skillfully wove into the story. Threats, secrets and passion held me spellbound.
Third Date: My Kindle sizzled as things heated up and the outside world slipped away. We learn about Frank’s past and my emotions ranged from sadness to anger. Shupe had me wanting to deck a few men as I prayed for an impossible happily ever after. I knew I was in good hands but still I held my breath as twists, miscommunications, and secrets came to life. I ended my third date grinning like a fool and feeling sated. Goodness, I love Joanne Shupe’s stories. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
February 24, 2022
Audiobook Review
Overall 4 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 3.5 stars
CW: attempted sexual assault (on page), fighting, murder (secondary character, off page but discussed), mentions of: alcoholism, poverty, domestic violence, and extramarital affairs
I'm slowly making my way through Joanna Shupe's backlist and I really enjoyed this enemies to lovers, forbidden, forced proximity historical romance. Justine Eyre's performance was fantastic and she is definitely a favorite narrator of mine. She voiced Mamie perfectly and captured all her spirit and tenacity.
Mamie and Frank were explosive together and I loved their banter and chemistry. The sexual tension between them was smoking hot and their scenes were so spicy! There is a bit of instalove going on, but I appreciated that they got to truly see the other as the novel progressed. Frank's character arc was an interesting one and though the transformation was relatively quick, I enjoyed seeing him evolve and he won me over by the end. I am always a fan of the hero who is completely gone for the heroine, and once Frank makes up his mind, I loved that he was all in. The Green family was wonderful and Duncan really redeemed himself at the end and I'm excited to read Florence and Justine's books soon!
Overall 4 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 3.5 stars
CW: attempted sexual assault (on page), fighting, murder (secondary character, off page but discussed), mentions of: alcoholism, poverty, domestic violence, and extramarital affairs
I'm slowly making my way through Joanna Shupe's backlist and I really enjoyed this enemies to lovers, forbidden, forced proximity historical romance. Justine Eyre's performance was fantastic and she is definitely a favorite narrator of mine. She voiced Mamie perfectly and captured all her spirit and tenacity.
Mamie and Frank were explosive together and I loved their banter and chemistry. The sexual tension between them was smoking hot and their scenes were so spicy! There is a bit of instalove going on, but I appreciated that they got to truly see the other as the novel progressed. Frank's character arc was an interesting one and though the transformation was relatively quick, I enjoyed seeing him evolve and he won me over by the end. I am always a fan of the hero who is completely gone for the heroine, and once Frank makes up his mind, I loved that he was all in. The Green family was wonderful and Duncan really redeemed himself at the end and I'm excited to read Florence and Justine's books soon!
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