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The Fifth Avenue Rebels #3
The Bride Goes Rogue
By beloved USA Today bestselling author Joanna Shupe, the third installment in the Fifth Avenue Rebels series about an arranged engagement destined for disaster.
A hard-hearted tycoon.
A romantic dreamer.
An engagement set up to fail.
The charismatic and vivacious Katherine Delafield should be married by now. Her father arranged an engagement to the much sought-after tycoon Preston Clarke ages ago. The only problem is Preston refuses to acknowledge it. But this isn't going to stop Katherine from living life to the fullest as she ditches all silly notions of love and marriage and sets out to sample all the excitement New York City has to offer . . . the more scandalous the better. Because no matter what happens, she and Preston will never marry.
After a tormented childhood, Preston is done letting his father control his life--including choosing his bride. But when a mysterious lover at a masquerade turns out to be his would-be fiancée, Preston's resolve begins to crumble. He hadn't expected Katherine to be so charming. Or beautiful. Or passionate. And seeing her out on the town with other men is driving him crazy.
What happens when the wrong bride turns out to be the right woman after all?
A hard-hearted tycoon.
A romantic dreamer.
An engagement set up to fail.
The charismatic and vivacious Katherine Delafield should be married by now. Her father arranged an engagement to the much sought-after tycoon Preston Clarke ages ago. The only problem is Preston refuses to acknowledge it. But this isn't going to stop Katherine from living life to the fullest as she ditches all silly notions of love and marriage and sets out to sample all the excitement New York City has to offer . . . the more scandalous the better. Because no matter what happens, she and Preston will never marry.
After a tormented childhood, Preston is done letting his father control his life--including choosing his bride. But when a mysterious lover at a masquerade turns out to be his would-be fiancée, Preston's resolve begins to crumble. He hadn't expected Katherine to be so charming. Or beautiful. Or passionate. And seeing her out on the town with other men is driving him crazy.
What happens when the wrong bride turns out to be the right woman after all?
376 pages, ebook
First published April 26, 2022
188 people are currently reading
7227 people want to read
About the author
Joanna Shupe
29 books2,593 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 1, 2022
✨I am absolutely feral rn✨
Literally blew my expectations out of the water and I swear they were HIGH after book two (one of my favorite reads in 2021). Seriously, this book was disgustingly good. I’m a mess.
From the first chapter I was a goner. I absolutely loved the set-up. Kat went a little bananas and I always ALWAYS love the unhinged journey. Their relationship was dirty and messy and so goddamn adorable. My king?????? My KINGdom for a man like that my god. My kingdom also for a king dom lmao (I do not kid. Preston changed me.)
Katherine was absolutely into him dominating her and lord knows so was I (do not forgive me father for I have sinned and I have zero regrets). It is my greatest honor to be able to inform you that we achieved “good girl” status. That is absolutely correct the good girl kink is strong in this one. Many things are strong in this one (thighs, thrusts, other “th” things I’m sure), but that scene made me scream, cry, throw a party in its honor. I simply cannot believe we were blessed by Ms. Joanna like that.
The last 25% of this book was Pres groveling and I think that was so hot of this book’s journey. I couldn’t even be mad at the pretty idiot because he was put to the TEST. This is one of the best groveling kinks out there.
It actually reminded me of No Strings Attached a LOT especially at the end. That scene where Natalie Portman’s character finally realized she truly ruined her chances with Ashton and she’s just so heart broken? Yeah that’s this. I watched that movie recently for the first time and was like WOW that’s how the redemption/finally-realized-this-jealous-pining-feeling-is-love arc is supposed to go.
Thank god Kat made him work for it. I was so scared that that wouldn’t happened but I literally could not even be annoyed at his tomfoolery. Also I loved his arc with her dad!!
Do not even get me STARTED on the epilogue. I am not strong enough. My sensibilities are FRAGILE. Batten down your unmentionables because my god Lockwood is coming for a Grade A panty raid. He can have whatever he wants from me wherever he wants it. Bold but I have literally never been more serious in my life. I cannot believe I’m expected to wait for their story. This is my Miranda Priestly moment. Get me that manuscript.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶.75*/5
*This book was hot as shit holy fuck. However I would like to submit a formal plea to please never include “mushroom” during sex scenes. I’d rather not. Also less missionary and more everything else. But my spidey sense tell me Lockwood is going to come through.
Taylor Swift song association: King of My Heart
Thanks to the publisher for an eArc from NetGalley! All opinions are honest and my own.
___________
Update: Just sitting here thinking about this book
Literally blew my expectations out of the water and I swear they were HIGH after book two (one of my favorite reads in 2021). Seriously, this book was disgustingly good. I’m a mess.
From the first chapter I was a goner. I absolutely loved the set-up. Kat went a little bananas and I always ALWAYS love the unhinged journey. Their relationship was dirty and messy and so goddamn adorable. My king?????? My KINGdom for a man like that my god. My kingdom also for a king dom lmao (I do not kid. Preston changed me.)
Katherine was absolutely into him dominating her and lord knows so was I (do not forgive me father for I have sinned and I have zero regrets). It is my greatest honor to be able to inform you that we achieved “good girl” status. That is absolutely correct the good girl kink is strong in this one. Many things are strong in this one (thighs, thrusts, other “th” things I’m sure), but that scene made me scream, cry, throw a party in its honor. I simply cannot believe we were blessed by Ms. Joanna like that.
The last 25% of this book was Pres groveling and I think that was so hot of this book’s journey. I couldn’t even be mad at the pretty idiot because he was put to the TEST. This is one of the best groveling kinks out there.
It actually reminded me of No Strings Attached a LOT especially at the end. That scene where Natalie Portman’s character finally realized she truly ruined her chances with Ashton and she’s just so heart broken? Yeah that’s this. I watched that movie recently for the first time and was like WOW that’s how the redemption/finally-realized-this-jealous-pining-feeling-is-love arc is supposed to go.
Thank god Kat made him work for it. I was so scared that that wouldn’t happened but I literally could not even be annoyed at his tomfoolery. Also I loved his arc with her dad!!
Do not even get me STARTED on the epilogue. I am not strong enough. My sensibilities are FRAGILE. Batten down your unmentionables because my god Lockwood is coming for a Grade A panty raid. He can have whatever he wants from me wherever he wants it. Bold but I have literally never been more serious in my life. I cannot believe I’m expected to wait for their story. This is my Miranda Priestly moment. Get me that manuscript.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶.75*/5
*This book was hot as shit holy fuck. However I would like to submit a formal plea to please never include “mushroom” during sex scenes. I’d rather not. Also less missionary and more everything else. But my spidey sense tell me Lockwood is going to come through.
Taylor Swift song association: King of My Heart
Thanks to the publisher for an eArc from NetGalley! All opinions are honest and my own.
___________
Update: Just sitting here thinking about this book
February 14, 2022
ARC provided by NetGalley and Avon for an honest review. Thank you both for the opportunity to read and review.
Katherine and Preston were engaged or so Katherine thought. It's been a year since her Father informed her that she was engaged to Preston, something his Father and he agreed on years ago. Katherine has waited over a year to plan the wedding, Preston has given no indication on their future wedding or marriage. She has a conversation with her father on why no progress has been made and he encourages her to talk to Preston.
We open with Katherine arriving at Preston's office to discuss the planning of their wedding. And with her she has her journal that has all the notes and idea's she has collected for wedding arrangements. But she receives a major surprise/shock and set back. Preston does not plan or want to marry at all. Preston has a lot of animosity for Katherines father. Katherines father was partners with Prestons and he believes he did his father wrong. She leaves the office angry and upset.
Katherine has had a little bit of a crush on Preston now for a year. She's been keeping tabs on all the gossip surrounding him as well as his mistresses (it seemed like she had no issue with his mistress from my perspective, which kind of pissed me off). So finding out that he's been having fun and she's been dutifully sitting waiting on the sidelines infuriates her. So Katherine decides she going to have an affair. She shares this with her dear friend Nellie and Nellies suggest a risqué (pretty much an orgy) party that's taking place, plus is like a masquerade so she won't be identified. This is were things get interesting.
Katherine attends and is attracted to a gent (guess who and they have masques) at the party and he her. They connect and fool around. They decide to meet at his apartment in the morning and take this further. Well low and behold when they meet their identities are revealed. Preston is furious and thinks he's been set up by her father to be forced into marriage. But the attraction and chemistry the two have is very very difficult to ignore as well. They try to stay away from each other but decide thy can't so they will try to be "friends". That obviously doesn't because them chemistry is to strong, so Katherine then convinces Preston they can have an affair with no marriage. He agrees and so embark on a sexual relationship.
They both have a lot of baggage. Preston's father dies an alcoholic and gambles away their business. Preston had to rebuild and at times not in a honorable way. He's angry with Katherines father for not stoping his father from gambling everything away. Katherine is dealing with the death of her mother a few years back and then finding out her father is dating her mothers best friend. That does not go well for Katherine. There are a lot of small side issues going on in this story that has to be resolved.
The two eventually fall in love and find their HEA. Preston has todo a lot of groveling, he needed to prove to Katherine she's more important than his anger, bitterness and drive to prove he's wealthy and powerful. Oh and a lot of steamy sex between the two (little much for me, guess I’m a bit of a prude).
The pacing on this books was good but I did have some issues. I just found some of the actions and dialogue not true to the era. I know authors are trying to insert cultural and political points in there romance now, but I think their delivery is poor and it sure feels like they are making it as prevalent as the romance. I appreciate what they are implying/advocating for but boy they need to tone it down and make it more believable for the time period (feels like I'm being shouted at with their advocacy). I at times did not believe/feel like these characters were actually from their time period, they acted like contemporaries. Which is a major push from a lot of authors these days.
I would like to say authors please if you want to write a contemporary heroine or hero, don't stick them in a historical. Majority who pick up a historical are wanting to be immersed in the era of the time period and its authenticity. Some authors are going to or have already lost a lot of readers. I hope this trend dies out and soon.
Katherine and Preston were engaged or so Katherine thought. It's been a year since her Father informed her that she was engaged to Preston, something his Father and he agreed on years ago. Katherine has waited over a year to plan the wedding, Preston has given no indication on their future wedding or marriage. She has a conversation with her father on why no progress has been made and he encourages her to talk to Preston.
We open with Katherine arriving at Preston's office to discuss the planning of their wedding. And with her she has her journal that has all the notes and idea's she has collected for wedding arrangements. But she receives a major surprise/shock and set back. Preston does not plan or want to marry at all. Preston has a lot of animosity for Katherines father. Katherines father was partners with Prestons and he believes he did his father wrong. She leaves the office angry and upset.
Katherine has had a little bit of a crush on Preston now for a year. She's been keeping tabs on all the gossip surrounding him as well as his mistresses (it seemed like she had no issue with his mistress from my perspective, which kind of pissed me off). So finding out that he's been having fun and she's been dutifully sitting waiting on the sidelines infuriates her. So Katherine decides she going to have an affair. She shares this with her dear friend Nellie and Nellies suggest a risqué (pretty much an orgy) party that's taking place, plus is like a masquerade so she won't be identified. This is were things get interesting.
Katherine attends and is attracted to a gent (guess who and they have masques) at the party and he her. They connect and fool around. They decide to meet at his apartment in the morning and take this further. Well low and behold when they meet their identities are revealed. Preston is furious and thinks he's been set up by her father to be forced into marriage. But the attraction and chemistry the two have is very very difficult to ignore as well. They try to stay away from each other but decide thy can't so they will try to be "friends". That obviously doesn't because them chemistry is to strong, so Katherine then convinces Preston they can have an affair with no marriage. He agrees and so embark on a sexual relationship.
They both have a lot of baggage. Preston's father dies an alcoholic and gambles away their business. Preston had to rebuild and at times not in a honorable way. He's angry with Katherines father for not stoping his father from gambling everything away. Katherine is dealing with the death of her mother a few years back and then finding out her father is dating her mothers best friend. That does not go well for Katherine. There are a lot of small side issues going on in this story that has to be resolved.
The two eventually fall in love and find their HEA. Preston has todo a lot of groveling, he needed to prove to Katherine she's more important than his anger, bitterness and drive to prove he's wealthy and powerful. Oh and a lot of steamy sex between the two (little much for me, guess I’m a bit of a prude).
The pacing on this books was good but I did have some issues. I just found some of the actions and dialogue not true to the era. I know authors are trying to insert cultural and political points in there romance now, but I think their delivery is poor and it sure feels like they are making it as prevalent as the romance. I appreciate what they are implying/advocating for but boy they need to tone it down and make it more believable for the time period (feels like I'm being shouted at with their advocacy). I at times did not believe/feel like these characters were actually from their time period, they acted like contemporaries. Which is a major push from a lot of authors these days.
I would like to say authors please if you want to write a contemporary heroine or hero, don't stick them in a historical. Majority who pick up a historical are wanting to be immersed in the era of the time period and its authenticity. Some authors are going to or have already lost a lot of readers. I hope this trend dies out and soon.
March 22, 2022
I didn't think Joanna could top The Lady Gets Lucky, but omg THIS BOOK. The chemistry! The tension! The spice!! Katherine has been waiting a year to marry Preston after her father told her that he and Preston's father made a deal for them to marry. When Katherine finally confronts Preston about the betrothal, the arrogant businessman basically laughs in her face and says he could never marry her. Enraged, Katherine decides she's going to stop waiting around for life and go live it. Which means attending scandalous parties and having an affair. This was such a fun hate to love romance and I loved everything about it. Preston is an anti-hero because he's really not a good die and isn't afraid to lie or cheat to get what he wants. Katherine was so fun and I love a heroine who decides to take life by storm. Their chemistry was absolutely amazing and I loved how they couldn't keep their hands off each other, even though they hated each other. And there was some definite groveling at the end and I loved it. Also, as always, the gilded age New York setting was perfect! Seriously, I could not recommend this book enough. You have to pick it up when it releases!
July 11, 2022
Joanna Shupe really is doing something with this series. I’m not going to get over the pairing she’s created.
I want what Preston and Katherine have. 😭
This had me from page one. The moment these two met, and I mean they really met, I couldn’t get enough of them. They instantly hit it off. The story, the dialogue, the chemistry, the steam (had me sweating), the characters, it all read like a dream. It was so good!
I wish we had more moments where the hero was vulnerable. Not to say that it was lacking, but I needed more. He resented his father for what he did and I wish that was explored more, since it affected his pursuit for Katherine. I don’t know if the feud between Katherine’s father and him was ever fully actualised and resolved.
But man, I don’t really have any complaints. It was an absolute joy to read.
4.5 ⭐️
I want what Preston and Katherine have. 😭
This had me from page one. The moment these two met, and I mean they really met, I couldn’t get enough of them. They instantly hit it off. The story, the dialogue, the chemistry, the steam (had me sweating), the characters, it all read like a dream. It was so good!
I wish we had more moments where the hero was vulnerable. Not to say that it was lacking, but I needed more. He resented his father for what he did and I wish that was explored more, since it affected his pursuit for Katherine. I don’t know if the feud between Katherine’s father and him was ever fully actualised and resolved.
But man, I don’t really have any complaints. It was an absolute joy to read.
4.5 ⭐️
May 26, 2022
4.5⭐️
This was nearly damn perfect.
I absolutely LOVED the first half of this. It played out like the romance movie of my dreams in my head: the h goes to the H asking about their wedding, which their fathers agreed to when they were young, and surprise surprise, the hero was like “we don’t even know each other, our fathers were crazy, why would you wanna marry me, because I for sure don’t wanna marry you”. His sole purpose in life is his company and he actually holds a major grudge against the h’s father, so that’s another bumper.
The h is distraught and decides to take life in her own hands, AKA she wants to start affairs and not care about marriage. The H and h go to a masquerade ball that night, and not knowing each others’ identities, things get super hot and the sexual tension, oh my lord. Best steam in a historical romance I’ve read in awhile. The next best thing I loved is all the friendships we see: the men, the women and also the m-f duo I didn't know I needed = Kat (this book's heroine) & Lockwood (next book's hero).
This essentially is ✨ enemies-to-friends-with-benefits-then-to-lovers ✨, which I didn’t think I would like but I loved the setup and how everything played out. Unfortunately, I wanted the ending to go just a little bit differently (I thought the h gave into the H just a bit too easily while he was grovelling).
The hottest Joanna Shupe I’ve read yet and I can’t wait for Nellie and Lockwood’s story 😭💖
This was nearly damn perfect.
I absolutely LOVED the first half of this. It played out like the romance movie of my dreams in my head: the h goes to the H asking about their wedding, which their fathers agreed to when they were young, and surprise surprise, the hero was like “we don’t even know each other, our fathers were crazy, why would you wanna marry me, because I for sure don’t wanna marry you”. His sole purpose in life is his company and he actually holds a major grudge against the h’s father, so that’s another bumper.
The h is distraught and decides to take life in her own hands, AKA she wants to start affairs and not care about marriage. The H and h go to a masquerade ball that night, and not knowing each others’ identities, things get super hot and the sexual tension, oh my lord. Best steam in a historical romance I’ve read in awhile. The next best thing I loved is all the friendships we see: the men, the women and also the m-f duo I didn't know I needed = Kat (this book's heroine) & Lockwood (next book's hero).
This essentially is ✨ enemies-to-friends-with-benefits-then-to-lovers ✨, which I didn’t think I would like but I loved the setup and how everything played out. Unfortunately, I wanted the ending to go just a little bit differently (I thought the h gave into the H just a bit too easily while he was grovelling).
The hottest Joanna Shupe I’ve read yet and I can’t wait for Nellie and Lockwood’s story 😭💖
*Thank you to Avon & Harper Voyager for an e-ARC copy in exchange for an honest review!*
June 15, 2022
Super cute and adorable! I've really loved every book by this author so far 🥰
✅ THE SETUP AND INTRO to their relationship felt very original for a historical romance novel and I really loved that! Normally I don't like things that are super predictable, but you knew exactly what was happening here and it was still so entertaining and cute
✅ LOTS OF FUN TROPES that were done really well. I just enjoyed reading about Katherine and Preston's story so much!
✓ enemies to lovers ✓ friends with benefits ✓ hidden identities
🆗 SOMETIMES IT FELT like the characters were a bit more progressive than would be realistic for the time period. But I always love a strong female so I'm not too upset with this haha
✅ THE ROMANCE was seriously so cute. I usually really dislike when the couple gets together early in a book, but I still really enjoyed this romance. It had a good mix of sexiness and swooniness 💕
Overall, I definitely recommend this book if you want to read a fun and cute historical romance, but want something a little different than the typical Victorian-era book. I loveeee the Gilded Age and I felt like the New York City setting in this one was more prevalent than in some of the author's other books.
Steam Scale: 🔥🔥🔥/3
Swoon Scale: ❤️❤️/3
✅ THE SETUP AND INTRO to their relationship felt very original for a historical romance novel and I really loved that! Normally I don't like things that are super predictable, but you knew exactly what was happening here and it was still so entertaining and cute
✅ LOTS OF FUN TROPES that were done really well. I just enjoyed reading about Katherine and Preston's story so much!
✓ enemies to lovers ✓ friends with benefits ✓ hidden identities
🆗 SOMETIMES IT FELT like the characters were a bit more progressive than would be realistic for the time period. But I always love a strong female so I'm not too upset with this haha
✅ THE ROMANCE was seriously so cute. I usually really dislike when the couple gets together early in a book, but I still really enjoyed this romance. It had a good mix of sexiness and swooniness 💕
Overall, I definitely recommend this book if you want to read a fun and cute historical romance, but want something a little different than the typical Victorian-era book. I loveeee the Gilded Age and I felt like the New York City setting in this one was more prevalent than in some of the author's other books.
Steam Scale: 🔥🔥🔥/3
Swoon Scale: ❤️❤️/3
May 24, 2022
This book starts like so many other historicals: with an arranged marriage. But that's where all similarities cease. This book was fresh and unique and PIPING HOT.
Katherine and Preston are betrothed, or so Katherine believes, until she shows up to his office without an appointment to iron out the details of their wedding. Which is when Preston says, no I absolutely am not going to marry you.
Katherine takes this as you'd expect. She's hurt and embarrassed and leaves in a hurry. Only to return in a FURY to ream this man out. And that is the moment that she begins to live for HERSELF instead of for a man who rejected her without any consideration.
But that is also the moment when Preston's interest in her is piqued. The two end up meeting at a racy masquerade ball and have a steamy moment that neither can forget, without realizing who the other person really is.
I adored this book. It has everything I love in a Joanna Shupe book and more. Excellent chemistry, so much steam, a truly head scratching moment of, how will these two work this out, and an excellent grovel from the hero. I can not get enough of Ms. Shupe's romances!
I was provided an ARC for my honest review.
Katherine and Preston are betrothed, or so Katherine believes, until she shows up to his office without an appointment to iron out the details of their wedding. Which is when Preston says, no I absolutely am not going to marry you.
Katherine takes this as you'd expect. She's hurt and embarrassed and leaves in a hurry. Only to return in a FURY to ream this man out. And that is the moment that she begins to live for HERSELF instead of for a man who rejected her without any consideration.
But that is also the moment when Preston's interest in her is piqued. The two end up meeting at a racy masquerade ball and have a steamy moment that neither can forget, without realizing who the other person really is.
I adored this book. It has everything I love in a Joanna Shupe book and more. Excellent chemistry, so much steam, a truly head scratching moment of, how will these two work this out, and an excellent grovel from the hero. I can not get enough of Ms. Shupe's romances!
I was provided an ARC for my honest review.
March 23, 2025
no thoughts only: THEY
November 25, 2023
This is a well written, entertaining, steamy, historical romance novel. It has a likable female protagonist, sizzling chemistry, supportive friends, family drama, and a happily ever after ending. This is the third entry in Ms. Shupe's outstanding Fifth Avenue Rebels series, and it can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone. Fans of the series will appreciate the appearance of characters from a previous novel. I listened to the audio book, and the narrator, Ms. Kit Swann, has a lovely voice and does an excellent job depicting the characters and their personalities.
July 25, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up
I didn’t quite enjoy this book as much as I did The Lady Gets Lucky, so I was a little disappointed. Still, though, quality writing from JS that brought Gilded Age New York City to life, a fabulous heroine, and great steam.
What I liked:
• Katherine! She was everything I love in a heroine. Strong and confident, she took no shit and was nobody’s fool. She had a big kind heart and a lovable innocence about her and she totally charmed me.
This was a woman on a mission, an avenging queen. Ready to slay kingdoms—or him. He couldn’t move, couldn’t breathe, as she stalked toward him, right past Mrs. Cohen. “It took me until I reached the street to realize the truth.” Katherine let out a harsh laugh that held no mirth. “There is nothing wrong with me. You, Preston Clarke, are the one who has something wrong with him. You are a . . . a heartless clod. One day, you’ll regret letting me go but it’ll be too late. I wouldn’t marry you now if you begged me on bended knee in front of the whole dashed city. You ruined your one chance at having the perfect life. Enjoy your”—she waved her hand to indicate his office—“work. I hope it makes you very happy.” “Katherine, wait,” he called, not quite certain what he was about to say. It didn’t matter. She was already marching toward the door. As she passed Mrs. Cohen, Katherine told his secretary, “You really should find a new employer.”
• The sex was sizzling hot. The anonymous masked hookup between Katherine and Preston at the debauched French Ball was erotic, passionate, and had me burning right along with them. Pure fire. Neither knew who the other was and even though they were costumed and masked, their physical connection was intense and their chemistry undeniable. There’s also something about a man pleasuring himself in front of a woman that just turns me inside out every single time.
She blurted the words. “You could give yourself relief.” He paused in pouring more champagne. “I could,” he said slowly, examining her expression. “Is that something you’d like to see?” Absolutely. How else was she to learn about the male anatomy? “I would. Very much.” […] “How could I refuse?” Fascinated, she watched as he unbuttoned his clothes to reveal his erection. “Spread your legs wider,” he rasped […] Standing directly above her, he kept his gaze locked on her lower half. Oh. The idea of him staring at her bare sex while he touched himself should have embarrassed her, but it did the opposite.
• Preston’s sublime dirty talk made me weak in the knees. And if you like a little “good girl” praise, Preston’s down for that 😌
• Lockwood - I was first intrigued by the duke in The Lady Gets Lucky and was happy that he played a minor part in this one as well. I cannot wait for his book.
• A great grovel. And begging, too.
What I was on the fence about:
• Preston (any time he had his clothes on) was a tough sell for me. I kept going back and forth… I despised him, I liked him. I wanted Katherine to be with him, I wanted Katherine to kick him in the pants. I wanted them to work things out, I wanted her to find someone who deserved her love. Preston’s character was written exactly as I would imagine an ambitious, callous, unscrupulous real estate developer would be at that time and place, but there was little that drew me to him (again, unless he was naked. Are we picking up on a theme here?) Just a personal preference I guess. When he wasn’t being an arrogant ass, I kinda sorta liked him.
Her long lashes fluttered as she blinked at him innocently. He didn’t buy it. She knew exactly what she was doing—tormenting him, as she’d done in the coat closet. “So, you’re allowed to tease me and I can’t do the same?” “You’re allowed to tease, but be prepared. If you bite me, sweetheart, I’ll bite back.” “Is that supposed to be a threat?” Her gaze darted to his mouth. “Because I don’t think I’d mind that.” Oh, Jesus, this girl.
I didn’t quite enjoy this book as much as I did The Lady Gets Lucky, so I was a little disappointed. Still, though, quality writing from JS that brought Gilded Age New York City to life, a fabulous heroine, and great steam.
What I liked:
• Katherine! She was everything I love in a heroine. Strong and confident, she took no shit and was nobody’s fool. She had a big kind heart and a lovable innocence about her and she totally charmed me.
This was a woman on a mission, an avenging queen. Ready to slay kingdoms—or him. He couldn’t move, couldn’t breathe, as she stalked toward him, right past Mrs. Cohen. “It took me until I reached the street to realize the truth.” Katherine let out a harsh laugh that held no mirth. “There is nothing wrong with me. You, Preston Clarke, are the one who has something wrong with him. You are a . . . a heartless clod. One day, you’ll regret letting me go but it’ll be too late. I wouldn’t marry you now if you begged me on bended knee in front of the whole dashed city. You ruined your one chance at having the perfect life. Enjoy your”—she waved her hand to indicate his office—“work. I hope it makes you very happy.” “Katherine, wait,” he called, not quite certain what he was about to say. It didn’t matter. She was already marching toward the door. As she passed Mrs. Cohen, Katherine told his secretary, “You really should find a new employer.”
• The sex was sizzling hot. The anonymous masked hookup between Katherine and Preston at the debauched French Ball was erotic, passionate, and had me burning right along with them. Pure fire. Neither knew who the other was and even though they were costumed and masked, their physical connection was intense and their chemistry undeniable. There’s also something about a man pleasuring himself in front of a woman that just turns me inside out every single time.
She blurted the words. “You could give yourself relief.” He paused in pouring more champagne. “I could,” he said slowly, examining her expression. “Is that something you’d like to see?” Absolutely. How else was she to learn about the male anatomy? “I would. Very much.” […] “How could I refuse?” Fascinated, she watched as he unbuttoned his clothes to reveal his erection. “Spread your legs wider,” he rasped […] Standing directly above her, he kept his gaze locked on her lower half. Oh. The idea of him staring at her bare sex while he touched himself should have embarrassed her, but it did the opposite.
• Preston’s sublime dirty talk made me weak in the knees. And if you like a little “good girl” praise, Preston’s down for that 😌
• Lockwood - I was first intrigued by the duke in The Lady Gets Lucky and was happy that he played a minor part in this one as well. I cannot wait for his book.
• A great grovel. And begging, too.
What I was on the fence about:
• Preston (any time he had his clothes on) was a tough sell for me. I kept going back and forth… I despised him, I liked him. I wanted Katherine to be with him, I wanted Katherine to kick him in the pants. I wanted them to work things out, I wanted her to find someone who deserved her love. Preston’s character was written exactly as I would imagine an ambitious, callous, unscrupulous real estate developer would be at that time and place, but there was little that drew me to him (again, unless he was naked. Are we picking up on a theme here?) Just a personal preference I guess. When he wasn’t being an arrogant ass, I kinda sorta liked him.
Her long lashes fluttered as she blinked at him innocently. He didn’t buy it. She knew exactly what she was doing—tormenting him, as she’d done in the coat closet. “So, you’re allowed to tease me and I can’t do the same?” “You’re allowed to tease, but be prepared. If you bite me, sweetheart, I’ll bite back.” “Is that supposed to be a threat?” Her gaze darted to his mouth. “Because I don’t think I’d mind that.” Oh, Jesus, this girl.
May 28, 2022
Like many books by Shupe, this started out as a book I was really enjoying and then devolved into a book that deeply frustrated me. This one frustrated me more than most, and it verged on making me angry towards the end.
It also included one of my favorite lines I've read in a romance novel in a long time ("That was the most astonishingly terrible proposal of marriage I've ever heard, and that is saying a lot considering Pride and Prejudice is my favorite novel."). But that could not save it from itself.
In short, after going behind her back to take back the property she thought was hers for her museum and absolutely failing to understand why just buying her a new property (all the way in Washington Heights, buying her what I assume is supposed to be basically the Cloisters????) without consulting her as to what would be a suitable replacement and not showing any understanding for why and how he hurt her, I needed more of an effort from him to both acknowledge his own behavior and to win her back. The small gifts did not do anything for me, and I found those to be better than the silly rushed wedding staged at the end. I suppose the merging of the companies was supposed to be part of the gesture, but on that I say: that also sucked. I wanted to see Preston do some of the work to show real character growth. This was BS. Katherine showed way more accountability for her reacting badly to her father's engagement announcement, when honestly that was a lot more understandable anyway! Her father repeatedly didn't tell her about his new relationship, which started only six months after her mother died, and her mother had only been gone for two years. Of course she was upset. Her father should have been an adult and just told her, so she wasn't constantly finding out secondhand.
SPEAKING OF HER FATHER, we just… completely sidestepped the fact that Katherine's father led her to believe she would own the 23rd St property (basically what would become the Flatiron Building I presume???? The real estate cues in this book were a bit too cute by half for me) in order to throw her and Preston in each other's way. And that it directly led to Katherine being hurt by Preston, who rightly believed it was his property but handled it entirely incorrectly. Katherine's father deeply sucked tbh.
Oh, and the whole forged deed thing is just a great reminder of THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DON'T KNOW HOW TO USE ACRIS. End NYC lawyer rant.
ANYWAY. Then the ending was too rushed. I saw zero growth in Preston's character and his ~grand gestures fell too flat given the depth of his behavior. I loved the moments where Katherine determined she deserved better for herself, but they were entirely negated when she forgave Preston too easily and with really no work put in by Preston on growth/improving his behavior. Katherine deserved a better story.
I'm going to finish this series out because I'm interested in Nellie and Lockwood, but I don't know how much more I'll end up reading by Shupe no matter how much I want more Gilded Age set romances. I'm getting pretty tired of being interested in Shupe's ideas and constantly let down by her execution. I was so into the concept of this particular series, and not one single book lived up to what it could/should have been. Two stars for early book potential, but I finished this one feeling angry. Hashtag it's not what you want.
It also included one of my favorite lines I've read in a romance novel in a long time ("That was the most astonishingly terrible proposal of marriage I've ever heard, and that is saying a lot considering Pride and Prejudice is my favorite novel."). But that could not save it from itself.
In short, after going behind her back to take back the property she thought was hers for her museum and absolutely failing to understand why just buying her a new property (all the way in Washington Heights, buying her what I assume is supposed to be basically the Cloisters????) without consulting her as to what would be a suitable replacement and not showing any understanding for why and how he hurt her, I needed more of an effort from him to both acknowledge his own behavior and to win her back. The small gifts did not do anything for me, and I found those to be better than the silly rushed wedding staged at the end. I suppose the merging of the companies was supposed to be part of the gesture, but on that I say: that also sucked. I wanted to see Preston do some of the work to show real character growth. This was BS. Katherine showed way more accountability for her reacting badly to her father's engagement announcement, when honestly that was a lot more understandable anyway! Her father repeatedly didn't tell her about his new relationship, which started only six months after her mother died, and her mother had only been gone for two years. Of course she was upset. Her father should have been an adult and just told her, so she wasn't constantly finding out secondhand.
SPEAKING OF HER FATHER, we just… completely sidestepped the fact that Katherine's father led her to believe she would own the 23rd St property (basically what would become the Flatiron Building I presume???? The real estate cues in this book were a bit too cute by half for me) in order to throw her and Preston in each other's way. And that it directly led to Katherine being hurt by Preston, who rightly believed it was his property but handled it entirely incorrectly. Katherine's father deeply sucked tbh.
Oh, and the whole forged deed thing is just a great reminder of THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DON'T KNOW HOW TO USE ACRIS. End NYC lawyer rant.
ANYWAY. Then the ending was too rushed. I saw zero growth in Preston's character and his ~grand gestures fell too flat given the depth of his behavior. I loved the moments where Katherine determined she deserved better for herself, but they were entirely negated when she forgave Preston too easily and with really no work put in by Preston on growth/improving his behavior. Katherine deserved a better story.
I'm going to finish this series out because I'm interested in Nellie and Lockwood, but I don't know how much more I'll end up reading by Shupe no matter how much I want more Gilded Age set romances. I'm getting pretty tired of being interested in Shupe's ideas and constantly let down by her execution. I was so into the concept of this particular series, and not one single book lived up to what it could/should have been. Two stars for early book potential, but I finished this one feeling angry. Hashtag it's not what you want.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2022
4 Stars
This was my first Joanna Shupe novel, and I think I need to read more of her works! Generally, my HR reading list is fairly full of English aristocrats, but reading a Guilded Age historical was surprisingly a lot more fun than I had anticipated. The Americans were more open-minded in nature, less rigid with the rules, modernism had started to set in, and dare I say it, the morals were a tad loose as well. All of this made for a spunky, spirited romance, and I gobbled it all up.
Quick Review
- Great writing. It flowed well, kept me interested and had crisp pacing.
- Lovely story. I don't think I have come across many "jilted lover embarks on an affair with the one who did the jilting" trope. It was unusual, dramatic, farfetched and hilarious.
- I liked the unscrupulous, ruthless, head up his own ass Preston. He was crazy, dedicated, and defiant, but also sweet, charming, protective and sexy. His grovelling was fun, but again, I would have liked a more angsty POV.
- Katherine was super sweet, spunky, kind, and loving. She never gave the feeling of - What's wrong with you, woman? And I loved that about her. I liked that she admired art, was willing to stand up for herself, and wasn't afraid to be vulnerable. She was someone to easily befriend.
- The romance was light-hearted, mostly mired in lust, but who's complaining? Not me. Their banter was delightful, as were their tender, sharing conversations.
- The downside was the secondary plot about rebuilding the business thing. It wasn't fleshed out well, and Preston's jaded view was unfounded.
- You know, I am desperately looking forward to Lockwood & Nellie's story. Those two seem to have an interesting history together, if the teaser chapter was any indication.
My Recommendation
Oh, yes. Very enjoyable.
This was my first Joanna Shupe novel, and I think I need to read more of her works! Generally, my HR reading list is fairly full of English aristocrats, but reading a Guilded Age historical was surprisingly a lot more fun than I had anticipated. The Americans were more open-minded in nature, less rigid with the rules, modernism had started to set in, and dare I say it, the morals were a tad loose as well. All of this made for a spunky, spirited romance, and I gobbled it all up.
Quick Review
- Great writing. It flowed well, kept me interested and had crisp pacing.
- Lovely story. I don't think I have come across many "jilted lover embarks on an affair with the one who did the jilting" trope. It was unusual, dramatic, farfetched and hilarious.
- I liked the unscrupulous, ruthless, head up his own ass Preston. He was crazy, dedicated, and defiant, but also sweet, charming, protective and sexy. His grovelling was fun, but again, I would have liked a more angsty POV.
- Katherine was super sweet, spunky, kind, and loving. She never gave the feeling of - What's wrong with you, woman? And I loved that about her. I liked that she admired art, was willing to stand up for herself, and wasn't afraid to be vulnerable. She was someone to easily befriend.
- The romance was light-hearted, mostly mired in lust, but who's complaining? Not me. Their banter was delightful, as were their tender, sharing conversations.
- The downside was the secondary plot about rebuilding the business thing. It wasn't fleshed out well, and Preston's jaded view was unfounded.
- You know, I am desperately looking forward to Lockwood & Nellie's story. Those two seem to have an interesting history together, if the teaser chapter was any indication.
My Recommendation
Oh, yes. Very enjoyable.
June 10, 2022
Talk about a book cover that delivers on the heat! I had the most lusty fun seeing young debutante Katherine Delafield toppling tycoon Preston Clark head over heels in love with her, even after he royally messed up.
This really has it all, a naughty masquerade club, masks, joint self-pleasure scenes, sexy nicknames, and more! Whew.
Katherine, with stars in her eyes, storming into Preston's office demanding he honor the betrothal agreement their fathers set up because she has a crush on his tallness sent me, and he handles it like a whole ass, but wow does she show him later.
Loved the quipping, loved their heat. I need to re-read immediately because I devoured this as a treat on vacation and my face was IN FLAMES.
A quote - from an early copy so could change pre-publication:
"I do hope you've stored those memories in a safe, safe place, my king, because they're all you'll ever have of me. 'Fuck,' he said on a long whisper, sounding tortured."
HEEEE
If you can handle it - do the audiobook. WOW the narrator really sold the banter and dirty talk. How dare Joanna Shupe make me feel like a powdered wig and knee breeches a la king louis are SEXY?? Rude (thank you ma'am).
Thank you to Andrew at HarperAudio for the ALC.
Kat is definitely a young and slightly bratty heroine, but I adored her anyway, especially as she made Preston lose his mind and heart.
CW: death by train to a secondary character (in the past, discussed, complications grieving of), discussion of alcoholism and gambling addiction (secondary characters), smoking cigarettes, drinking
This really has it all, a naughty masquerade club, masks, joint self-pleasure scenes, sexy nicknames, and more! Whew.
Katherine, with stars in her eyes, storming into Preston's office demanding he honor the betrothal agreement their fathers set up because she has a crush on his tallness sent me, and he handles it like a whole ass, but wow does she show him later.
Loved the quipping, loved their heat. I need to re-read immediately because I devoured this as a treat on vacation and my face was IN FLAMES.
A quote - from an early copy so could change pre-publication:
"I do hope you've stored those memories in a safe, safe place, my king, because they're all you'll ever have of me. 'Fuck,' he said on a long whisper, sounding tortured."
HEEEE
If you can handle it - do the audiobook. WOW the narrator really sold the banter and dirty talk. How dare Joanna Shupe make me feel like a powdered wig and knee breeches a la king louis are SEXY?? Rude (thank you ma'am).
Thank you to Andrew at HarperAudio for the ALC.
Kat is definitely a young and slightly bratty heroine, but I adored her anyway, especially as she made Preston lose his mind and heart.
CW: death by train to a secondary character (in the past, discussed, complications grieving of), discussion of alcoholism and gambling addiction (secondary characters), smoking cigarettes, drinking
February 3, 2022
The Bride Goes Rogue is about Katherine who has been engaged to be married to Preston for over a year. Their fathers arranged the union, but when Katherine goes to Preston's office to talk about their upcoming nuptials, Katherine gets a very big surprise: Preston is not going to honor the arrangement and he won't marry her. Angry and embarrased, Katherine decides to live her own life and so she finds herself going to a very risqué ball where she meets a dashing, mysterious man. They have a wild epic night together, only to find out the next day that the man is none other than Preston himself! (They were both wearing masks and costumes).
This book is so fun. It has a pretty good groveling scene, you know. I was bawling because man. Joanna Shupe made me go through so many different emotions. Thank you for blessing me with these two. They were a pretty amazing pair! Also this is so steamyyyyyy. There's a carriage scene where she masturbates in front of him and YALL ARENT READY.
This book is so fun. It has a pretty good groveling scene, you know. I was bawling because man. Joanna Shupe made me go through so many different emotions. Thank you for blessing me with these two. They were a pretty amazing pair! Also this is so steamyyyyyy. There's a carriage scene where she masturbates in front of him and YALL ARENT READY.
August 14, 2022
2.5 stars? 3? This one is SOOOOOO HARD TO RATE because I'm very very very divided on our hero. What's with him? He's such a jerk and I hated him for the betrayal he did and how delusional he was until only 15% left of the book. The groveling was good enough to save it from me chucking this book across the room but overall, I have never felt so conflicted before about a historical romance. Also, our heroine is childish. She gets upset over something and she has a meltdown and im like bruh. Chill.
June 4, 2022
by popular demand, preston clarke to teach a masterclass in the fine art of grovelling 👏🏽
books that feature men going on their knees and BEGGGINGGG ?? inject it right into my veins, why don’t you ☝🏽
rtc!
books that feature men going on their knees and BEGGGINGGG ?? inject it right into my veins, why don’t you ☝🏽
rtc!
August 28, 2024
Sorry not for me the sex club/ ball scenes are so out of character with Victorian ethics and high society prudish education (the majority I mean ) and women were so unaware of their sexuality that IMHO aliens or.vampires would have fitted better
May 2, 2022
YES! YES! YES! Mais oui putain!
My favorite Shupe to date—I think.
And not only because the heat was INSANE. Though I must say, the steamy factor certainly helped, the many illicit rendez-vous as titillating as you may hope (yeah even you high expectation people, you're not ready for this). A delightful mix of enemies to lovers/mistaken identity/opposites attracts/role playing/powerplay. The surge of chemistry between these two was impossibly potent. The flirty banter—no, the filthy banter—yes, much better— so entertaining. I can't with how good this story was.
And also how enjoyable it was to witness a woman striving for agency, daring and bold. Kat certainly did a one eighty, from secret crush and long glances across ballrooms to naughty carriage display! Carriage scenes in HR are so underrated. Shupe certainly made this one memorable.
I also want to note that this book contains many French phrases and worst even—terms of endearments— and that I didn't hate it. A few mistakes but no hard feelings about it. The French word play between Kat and Preston was hot AF when usually it comes off ridiculous in most of the romance I've read (French is my first language). #IspeakFrenchFries
You don't want to miss this one. Fun, angst, emotion, a grovel and steam, it has it all!
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
My favorite Shupe to date—I think.
And not only because the heat was INSANE. Though I must say, the steamy factor certainly helped, the many illicit rendez-vous as titillating as you may hope (yeah even you high expectation people, you're not ready for this). A delightful mix of enemies to lovers/mistaken identity/opposites attracts/role playing/powerplay. The surge of chemistry between these two was impossibly potent. The flirty banter—no, the filthy banter—yes, much better— so entertaining. I can't with how good this story was.
And also how enjoyable it was to witness a woman striving for agency, daring and bold. Kat certainly did a one eighty, from secret crush and long glances across ballrooms to naughty carriage display! Carriage scenes in HR are so underrated. Shupe certainly made this one memorable.
I also want to note that this book contains many French phrases and worst even—terms of endearments— and that I didn't hate it. A few mistakes but no hard feelings about it. The French word play between Kat and Preston was hot AF when usually it comes off ridiculous in most of the romance I've read (French is my first language). #IspeakFrenchFries
You don't want to miss this one. Fun, angst, emotion, a grovel and steam, it has it all!
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
May 19, 2022
Joanna Shupe knows how to bring the heat, and this book is steamy! Preston reneges on his marriage contract with Katherine (in an attempt to strike back at his father's former business partner why HELLO Joanna Shupe!). Katherine has put her social life on hold because she's assumed that she doesn't need to make an effort to find a husband. When Preston rejects her, she decides that she's going to have some no strings attached fun at a masquerade ball. Preston also decides to put himself back out there, and they meet again - but this time, in disguise.
The book focuses on what two people who have determined they won't suit do when it turns out they definitely suit between the sheets. Does Kat want a husband? Will Preston give up on his revenge? This is a romance, so the HEA is predestined. The book does a great job of giving us two people who just can't allow themselves the grace to fall in love.
Also, we know we mentioned the steam factor of the book already, but we just want to point out that there are so many historical romances that tease a clandestine encounter or a one night stand but don't follow through. Don't you worry, that night at the masquerade ball pays off for Kat, Preston, and the reader!
This objective review is based on a complimentary advanced reader copy of the book.
The book focuses on what two people who have determined they won't suit do when it turns out they definitely suit between the sheets. Does Kat want a husband? Will Preston give up on his revenge? This is a romance, so the HEA is predestined. The book does a great job of giving us two people who just can't allow themselves the grace to fall in love.
Also, we know we mentioned the steam factor of the book already, but we just want to point out that there are so many historical romances that tease a clandestine encounter or a one night stand but don't follow through. Don't you worry, that night at the masquerade ball pays off for Kat, Preston, and the reader!
This objective review is based on a complimentary advanced reader copy of the book.
June 19, 2022
a girl who knows her worth and a bad boy with excellent grovel skills can’t go wrong with me. 😍
ngl the leads weren’t the most adorable characters—preston had no morals, while katherine had immature moments—but whatever. this book was so entertaining i enjoyed it from beginning to end. plus i loooved their dirty talk. 😂
ngl the leads weren’t the most adorable characters—preston had no morals, while katherine had immature moments—but whatever. this book was so entertaining i enjoyed it from beginning to end. plus i loooved their dirty talk. 😂
June 14, 2023
3.5 Stars
Opinion Breakdown
The Good: The premise, the steam, the grovel, and the characters.
The Not-So-Good: The ending was a little abrupt after their conflict was resolved. I would've liked more time with them as an actual couple.
The Bad: If I had to say something "bad," it would be what I discuss in my overall opinion section below.
Overall: This was enjoyable but also a little odd for me. I don't think I've read a historical romance in this timeframe or in the setting of New York, or at least not many if I have. It was a weird feeling of being contemporary (with the sex scenes and the erotic French ball) but then throw in some proper customs (like her being considered "ruined" and having a period of mourning) that I found kind at odds with one another. Because of this, I'm not really sure how to rate this...so I'm going with a little better than a "just okay" 3 star rating for me.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Katherine and Preston's story. Katherine has finally had enough and confronts Preston after being betrothed to him by an arrangement from their fathers for a year, but Preston tells her that he has no interest in following through with said arrangement. She then decides to start living her life the way she wants to and goes to a French ball, where she has an anonymous liaison with a masked man. Only when they try to meet up the next day to continue their encounter, they are shocked to realize who each other are. They can't seem to stop being drawn to one another though as they have more encounters. There's some drama with Katherine's dad, some sexy times, and some life changes...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between focusing on Katherine and Preston in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings.
H (Hero) rating: 3.5 stars. Preston. I liked him but I also wanted to shake him a few times.
h (heroine) rating: 4 stars. Katherine. I liked her. I appreciated her strength and how she was confident in herself.
Sadness level: Low/moderate. I shed some tears but never needed any tissues.
Push/Pull: Yes,
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Only mild jealousy
Sex scene with OW or OM: Not with the mcs
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends in a cute place but I wanted much more and I'm sure that's just me being greedy again. I would call this a HEA ending
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
Opinion Breakdown
The Good: The premise, the steam, the grovel, and the characters.
The Not-So-Good: The ending was a little abrupt after their conflict was resolved. I would've liked more time with them as an actual couple.
The Bad: If I had to say something "bad," it would be what I discuss in my overall opinion section below.
Overall: This was enjoyable but also a little odd for me. I don't think I've read a historical romance in this timeframe or in the setting of New York, or at least not many if I have. It was a weird feeling of being contemporary (with the sex scenes and the erotic French ball) but then throw in some proper customs (like her being considered "ruined" and having a period of mourning) that I found kind at odds with one another. Because of this, I'm not really sure how to rate this...so I'm going with a little better than a "just okay" 3 star rating for me.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Katherine and Preston's story. Katherine has finally had enough and confronts Preston after being betrothed to him by an arrangement from their fathers for a year, but Preston tells her that he has no interest in following through with said arrangement. She then decides to start living her life the way she wants to and goes to a French ball, where she has an anonymous liaison with a masked man. Only when they try to meet up the next day to continue their encounter, they are shocked to realize who each other are. They can't seem to stop being drawn to one another though as they have more encounters. There's some drama with Katherine's dad, some sexy times, and some life changes...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between focusing on Katherine and Preston in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings.
H (Hero) rating: 3.5 stars. Preston. I liked him but I also wanted to shake him a few times.
h (heroine) rating: 4 stars. Katherine. I liked her. I appreciated her strength and how she was confident in herself.
Sadness level: Low/moderate. I shed some tears but never needed any tissues.
Push/Pull: Yes,
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Only mild jealousy
Sex scene with OW or OM: Not with the mcs
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends in a cute place but I wanted much more and I'm sure that's just me being greedy again. I would call this a HEA ending
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
September 27, 2022
Society miss Katherine Delafield and business tycoon Preston Clarke were betrothed by their fathers. The only problem is Preston refuses to honor it. Realizing she has wasted a year of her life waiting for Preston, Katherine decides to let go and have some fun. But when a masked encounter at a scandalous party brings them together, they need to decide if their temporary liaison could turn into more.
This is the third book in the Fifth Avenue Rebels series. I recommend reading book two first, as that couple makes a few appearances and an event from that book has lasting effects on this hero, Preston.
After his father nearly lost their family fortune and business, Preston has been working non-stop to put things to right. Unfortunately, it has made him a cold workaholic who blames Katherine’s father, Lloyd Delafield (Preston’s father’s former business partner), for not doing more to help his family when they needed it most. Preston is done letting his late father ruin his life…he’s certainly not going to let him choose Preston’s bride. Katherine is unknowingly caught in the middle, believing herself betrothed and devastated when Preston callously tells her it’s not going to happen.
I absolutely loved this book! I fell in love with the characters - especially Katherine - right away. She was open, loving, and organized; expecting that her life was on a happy, predictable path. Preston seemed like a jackass at first, but I loved how possessive and protective he became with Kat. This story was hella sexy and such a wonderful read. I also love Shupe’s world building…both of the characters in this series, and an appearance of a previous series character. The author notes at the end are always great, as well!
Tropes: Arranged Marriage, Feuding Families, Disguised/Masquerade
Steam: 5
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #TheBrideGoesRogue #NetGalley
This is the third book in the Fifth Avenue Rebels series. I recommend reading book two first, as that couple makes a few appearances and an event from that book has lasting effects on this hero, Preston.
After his father nearly lost their family fortune and business, Preston has been working non-stop to put things to right. Unfortunately, it has made him a cold workaholic who blames Katherine’s father, Lloyd Delafield (Preston’s father’s former business partner), for not doing more to help his family when they needed it most. Preston is done letting his late father ruin his life…he’s certainly not going to let him choose Preston’s bride. Katherine is unknowingly caught in the middle, believing herself betrothed and devastated when Preston callously tells her it’s not going to happen.
I absolutely loved this book! I fell in love with the characters - especially Katherine - right away. She was open, loving, and organized; expecting that her life was on a happy, predictable path. Preston seemed like a jackass at first, but I loved how possessive and protective he became with Kat. This story was hella sexy and such a wonderful read. I also love Shupe’s world building…both of the characters in this series, and an appearance of a previous series character. The author notes at the end are always great, as well!
Tropes: Arranged Marriage, Feuding Families, Disguised/Masquerade
Steam: 5
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #TheBrideGoesRogue #NetGalley
May 30, 2022
Joanna Shupe has done it again!! This has to be her hottest book yet 🥵🥵🥵🥵 Seriously, I had to put the book down at times so I could just sit with my thoughts for a second 😂😂😂
I was obsessed with Katherine and Preston from page 1 and the writing and pacing was just so well done. Joanna Shupe is truly at her writing peak right now and I can’t wait to read her future works (especially The Duke Gets Even!)
PS That French Ball scene though 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 I was not prepared 😂
*thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-arc in exchange for an honest reciew*
I was obsessed with Katherine and Preston from page 1 and the writing and pacing was just so well done. Joanna Shupe is truly at her writing peak right now and I can’t wait to read her future works (especially The Duke Gets Even!)
PS That French Ball scene though 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 I was not prepared 😂
*thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-arc in exchange for an honest reciew*
February 21, 2022
The Fifth Avenue Rebels series - book #3
It was a fine day to ambush a fiancé.
— that enticing first sentence caught my attention at the get-go!
The story begins with our heroine Katherine Delafield visiting her not-yet-introduced fiancé, Preston Clarke, to discuss their wedding plans;
he matter-of-factly refuses to honor the purported betrothal, arranged eons ago by their father’s (who were business partners.)
He apologizes, telling Katherine that “it’s for her own good.”
Why is that?
Because Preston does unscrupulous and corrupt things to earn a dollar. He also harbors a hateful grudge against her father.
But, my oh my, I love the SURPRISE that comes next.
Not wanting to waste another minute (or year!) on her ex-fiancé, Katherine is all about having fun. A friend tells her about a very risqué “masquerade” French Ball, taking place the next night. That’s where Katherine meets a man dressed as a French King Louis to her Madame de Pompadour. I’m pleading the fifth as to what ensues.
Who is this masked man that has completely taken over her thoughts? Why is he so intrigued with only her?
Wowww I had no idea Joanna Shupe could write with such spice! This book is extremely sensual, the hottest one yet. If ever two people were made for each other, it’s Katherine and Preston. Their fun role-playing names, “my king” and “reinette or little queen,” had me chuckling. Even though Preston’s known as being hard-hearted, his groveling for Katherine was the cherry on top! The heroines in this series are unlike any I’ve ever read. They’re BOLD. STRONG WILLED. And do the HARD WORK to accomplish what makes them happy — whether it’s a career as a chef, or building an art museum for all not just the rich, like Katherine does. For women in 1895 it’s SHOCKING and so great to read about!
This is a must read series, all can be read alone. So so good, and very creative!
*Thanks so much to Avon Books via NetGalley for kindly approving this arc! All opinions are my own.
It was a fine day to ambush a fiancé.
— that enticing first sentence caught my attention at the get-go!
The story begins with our heroine Katherine Delafield visiting her not-yet-introduced fiancé, Preston Clarke, to discuss their wedding plans;
he matter-of-factly refuses to honor the purported betrothal, arranged eons ago by their father’s (who were business partners.)
He apologizes, telling Katherine that “it’s for her own good.”
Why is that?
Because Preston does unscrupulous and corrupt things to earn a dollar. He also harbors a hateful grudge against her father.
But, my oh my, I love the SURPRISE that comes next.
Not wanting to waste another minute (or year!) on her ex-fiancé, Katherine is all about having fun. A friend tells her about a very risqué “masquerade” French Ball, taking place the next night. That’s where Katherine meets a man dressed as a French King Louis to her Madame de Pompadour. I’m pleading the fifth as to what ensues.
Who is this masked man that has completely taken over her thoughts? Why is he so intrigued with only her?
Wowww I had no idea Joanna Shupe could write with such spice! This book is extremely sensual, the hottest one yet. If ever two people were made for each other, it’s Katherine and Preston. Their fun role-playing names, “my king” and “reinette or little queen,” had me chuckling. Even though Preston’s known as being hard-hearted, his groveling for Katherine was the cherry on top! The heroines in this series are unlike any I’ve ever read. They’re BOLD. STRONG WILLED. And do the HARD WORK to accomplish what makes them happy — whether it’s a career as a chef, or building an art museum for all not just the rich, like Katherine does. For women in 1895 it’s SHOCKING and so great to read about!
This is a must read series, all can be read alone. So so good, and very creative!
*Thanks so much to Avon Books via NetGalley for kindly approving this arc! All opinions are my own.
February 9, 2022
I’m loving the Fifth Avenue Rebels series. You know when you read HR and it’s all, “Omg I can’t be ruined,” and “Where is my chaperone,” and “VIRGINITY IS EVERYTHHHHIIIIINNNNNGGGGGGG!” This is a very fresh take on the gilded age where heroines are doing whatever they want and we aren’t beaten over the head with how SHOCKING and OUTRAGEOUS and SCANDALOUS these actions are. If you’ve read HR you know what I’m talking about. Maybe it’s because this takes place pretty dang close to the 20th century, but I was digging this contemporary feel. The heroine is taking a lover and there isn’t a grandma clutching her pearls over it.
In this book you can expect:
-Joanna Shupe steam! Ah! I love romance and tend to sway on the prudish side and this one was ultra spicy for me. (But maybe not spicy for you?! Idk, it’s all subjective, people.)
-Broken betrothals!
-AHHH SHHHHH MY MYSTERY LOVER IS ACTUALLY MY EX FIANCÉ FUUUUUUUUUUUUU
-Shady business practices
-Territorial dude who can’t figure out his own feelings and why he’s so jealous and territorial. Mmmmmmm.
-Heroine who still calls her dad Daddy…you’ve been warned.
-We just hooking up not falling in love trope feels
-Super sweet ending that I loved!!!
Five stars. Loved it. Want some more of it. Can’t wait for Nellie’s book OMGGGGG GIMME IT!!
I received an ARC from the publisher. Review is my own.
In this book you can expect:
-Joanna Shupe steam! Ah! I love romance and tend to sway on the prudish side and this one was ultra spicy for me. (But maybe not spicy for you?! Idk, it’s all subjective, people.)
-Broken betrothals!
-AHHH SHHHHH MY MYSTERY LOVER IS ACTUALLY MY EX FIANCÉ FUUUUUUUUUUUUU
-Shady business practices
-Territorial dude who can’t figure out his own feelings and why he’s so jealous and territorial. Mmmmmmm.
-Heroine who still calls her dad Daddy…you’ve been warned.
-We just hooking up not falling in love trope feels
-Super sweet ending that I loved!!!
Five stars. Loved it. Want some more of it. Can’t wait for Nellie’s book OMGGGGG GIMME IT!!
I received an ARC from the publisher. Review is my own.
April 25, 2022
Heading into her second season, Katherine Delafield is feeling the pressure of knowing she should’ve been married by now, but her father arranged a betrothal for her years ago. The problem is that her intended, Preston Clarke, has completely ignored it. Done waiting, Katherine confronts Preston and decides to start living for herself, enjoying the fun to be had by a lady in New York City, even if it is scandalous. It hardly matters now as she knows she and Preston will never marry and she’s not likely to marry at all.
Preston endured a difficult childhood with a gambling addicted father who left the family business in a shambles that Preston was left to clean up. As such, he has no intention of marrying the bride his father picked out for him. Unfortunately for Preston and his new resolve, the potential new lover he meets at costume ball turns out to be his erstwhile fiancée. The connection between them is intense and Preston is shocked by how much he genuinely likes Katherine, but given his behavior towards her, convincing her to be his certainly won’t be easy.
I don’t say this often, in fact I’m not sure this has ever truly been the case, but for much of this story, it was the heroine who carried it for me. I loved Katherine in this story so much. She was able to come off as strong and confident while also being kind and never shrewish and I find that is so very rare in heroines lately. Preston definitely had to grow on me because a lot of the time he came off as an entitled prick, but I did so enjoy seeing Katherine upend his entire world and everything he thought he wanted for his life. Katherine’s determination not to settle and to know her own worth resonated with me as this is something I struggle with often and I enjoyed seeing Preston to shape up to become a better version of himself and to be what she needed. I loved Alice and Kit too, but I think this book is my new favorite in the series so far. That said, Nellie and Lockwood really endeared themselves to me in this story because of how good of friends they are to Katherine and I’m very much looking forward to the next book and heavily shipping them together.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Preston endured a difficult childhood with a gambling addicted father who left the family business in a shambles that Preston was left to clean up. As such, he has no intention of marrying the bride his father picked out for him. Unfortunately for Preston and his new resolve, the potential new lover he meets at costume ball turns out to be his erstwhile fiancée. The connection between them is intense and Preston is shocked by how much he genuinely likes Katherine, but given his behavior towards her, convincing her to be his certainly won’t be easy.
I don’t say this often, in fact I’m not sure this has ever truly been the case, but for much of this story, it was the heroine who carried it for me. I loved Katherine in this story so much. She was able to come off as strong and confident while also being kind and never shrewish and I find that is so very rare in heroines lately. Preston definitely had to grow on me because a lot of the time he came off as an entitled prick, but I did so enjoy seeing Katherine upend his entire world and everything he thought he wanted for his life. Katherine’s determination not to settle and to know her own worth resonated with me as this is something I struggle with often and I enjoyed seeing Preston to shape up to become a better version of himself and to be what she needed. I loved Alice and Kit too, but I think this book is my new favorite in the series so far. That said, Nellie and Lockwood really endeared themselves to me in this story because of how good of friends they are to Katherine and I’m very much looking forward to the next book and heavily shipping them together.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
July 20, 2025
4 ⭐️ but not without controversy
I devoured this book, I could not put it down. The first 70% was so much fun and I had my arms up in air for having found a solid 5 ⭐️ story!
This is Preston and Katherine’s story, the synopsis kicks off a super fun and eventful journey. They think they are in lust but clearly more is happening. The setting is different than most HR novels and I was here for that. Katherine is curious and cute and it was fun to be in her head. Something I rarely feel.
Here is the thing, the conflict is so dumb! It’s like the author is grasping at a lot of “little” things to create a believable disruption to their relationship. But they turn out to be meh! That not the biggest issue for me as a reader, it’s Katherine’s reaction to the conflict.
She is an emotionally immature adult, or she becomes one all of a sudden. It’s very hard to witness her reaction and the drama she creates around the conflict and still have respect for her.
Spoiler:
The deed thing was dumb, they both did it🤦♀️ I get it was to manipulate them but still.
Her dramatics to her fathers engagement, was a red flag 🚩she emotionally spiraling out self pity.
She was 3⭐️ started as 5 ⭐️
He was 5 ⭐️ he kept it honest, I can appreciate that.
The beginning was 5 ⭐️
The ending 4⭐️
Should you read it? Definitely yes, and perhaps you won’t be so annoyed with her drama as I was. I am at the airport and the flight is delayed, that can influence my capacity for OTT.
I devoured this book, I could not put it down. The first 70% was so much fun and I had my arms up in air for having found a solid 5 ⭐️ story!
This is Preston and Katherine’s story, the synopsis kicks off a super fun and eventful journey. They think they are in lust but clearly more is happening. The setting is different than most HR novels and I was here for that. Katherine is curious and cute and it was fun to be in her head. Something I rarely feel.
Here is the thing, the conflict is so dumb! It’s like the author is grasping at a lot of “little” things to create a believable disruption to their relationship. But they turn out to be meh! That not the biggest issue for me as a reader, it’s Katherine’s reaction to the conflict.
She is an emotionally immature adult, or she becomes one all of a sudden. It’s very hard to witness her reaction and the drama she creates around the conflict and still have respect for her.
Spoiler:
The deed thing was dumb, they both did it🤦♀️ I get it was to manipulate them but still.
Her dramatics to her fathers engagement, was a red flag 🚩she emotionally spiraling out self pity.
She was 3⭐️ started as 5 ⭐️
He was 5 ⭐️ he kept it honest, I can appreciate that.
The beginning was 5 ⭐️
The ending 4⭐️
Should you read it? Definitely yes, and perhaps you won’t be so annoyed with her drama as I was. I am at the airport and the flight is delayed, that can influence my capacity for OTT.
June 6, 2022
This is definitely my LEAST favorite title of Joanna Shupe that I had read so far.
The whole premise is uninspiring. It feels that the storyline only focuses on Katharine wanting to be "new" Katharine, and "just having fun by having sex" with Preston seems to be the only way to do it. While Preston only focuses "I want to win the buildings" but also "OMG best sex I ever had". It was BORING; I skimmed a lot of pages.
I mean, there must be a way for a woman to show she wants to be different or being "new" rather than just have sex a lot of times. It's not that I don't support "sex-positive" character, all right, it's just that as a READER, it's not a particular topic I enjoy to read. I mean, in book #2, Alice wants to learn to seduce men... but other than "lesson in seduction" there's an exchange of personal dreams, personal insecurities between Alice and Kit. It's a meeting of mind and heart, rather than just meeting of flesh.
Neither Preston and Katharine are inspiring to me. Preston ends up like regular a$$hole male character who huffs and puffs because somebody takes his toys away. Katharine's aim of life seems to only about the wedding at first, wanting to have sex, and what, being cranky because his father wants to re-marry? Yeah, feels like a spoiled child attitude to me.
I didn't enjoy it. I hope book #4 is better.
The whole premise is uninspiring. It feels that the storyline only focuses on Katharine wanting to be "new" Katharine, and "just having fun by having sex" with Preston seems to be the only way to do it. While Preston only focuses "I want to win the buildings" but also "OMG best sex I ever had". It was BORING; I skimmed a lot of pages.
I mean, there must be a way for a woman to show she wants to be different or being "new" rather than just have sex a lot of times. It's not that I don't support "sex-positive" character, all right, it's just that as a READER, it's not a particular topic I enjoy to read. I mean, in book #2, Alice wants to learn to seduce men... but other than "lesson in seduction" there's an exchange of personal dreams, personal insecurities between Alice and Kit. It's a meeting of mind and heart, rather than just meeting of flesh.
Neither Preston and Katharine are inspiring to me. Preston ends up like regular a$$hole male character who huffs and puffs because somebody takes his toys away. Katharine's aim of life seems to only about the wedding at first, wanting to have sex, and what, being cranky because his father wants to re-marry? Yeah, feels like a spoiled child attitude to me.
I didn't enjoy it. I hope book #4 is better.
May 12, 2022
After a year of watching Preston Clarke, her betrothed, galavant about town and ignore her instead of making plans for their wedding, Katherine Delafield takes matters into her own hands and confronts him. But things do not go as planned when Preston informs her they are not betrothed and never will be. Hurt and humiliated Kat leaves, but returns moments later to give Preston a proper setdown, informing him that he will come to regret losing her, he tries to stop her when she turns to go, but Kat is done, she has wasted enough time on Preston Clarke and she won’t waste another second on him! She visits her friend Nellie Young and makes plans to start living her life on her terms, starting with attending the scandalous masquerade known as the French Ball and maybe even taking a lover!
Preston Clarke is sorry that Katherine was hurt by his refusal to marry her, but he refuses to honor any agreement made by her father, the man he blames for his family’s near ruin. His father and Kat’s father were business partners and Kat’s father dissolved their partnership and did nothing to help Preston when his father died and Preston learned the truth about his finances – his father had gambled away everything and if not for the help of his friend Forrest, Preston and his mother would have been homeless. Through sheer determination and hard work, Preston has rebuilt his fortune and he is now poised to build the largest building in the world, that is until he learns Kat’s dad has once again betrayed him and that he may have stolen the property Preston plans to use for his project. That is something Preston will not let happen, he will get the property back by whatever means necessary.
His day goes from bad to worse when his mistress wants more than he is willing to give, they part ways and with the hope of finding a diversion, Preston attends the French Ball and meets an enchanting woman, shares a steamy encounter, and makes plans to meet the next day. Imagine their surprise when they meet the next night and discover the truth! Needless to say, they exchange some heated words and part ways – but they keep running into each other and despite his vow to stay away from her, these two are drawn to one another and embark on an affair. But when his business dealings come between them and he hurts Kat, will he be able to make things right, or has he lost her for good?
This was a well-written, nicely paced story set in America’s Gilded Age with wonderfully complex characters. The book has a lot going on, but it is so well done that it doesn’t feel busy and Kat and Preston’s personal struggles don’t diminish their romance, in fact, their struggles actually enhance their journey to HEA. The book is filled with steamy love scenes, questionable business dealings, great secondary characters, some heartache, a bit of grief, betrayal, a dash of jealousy, and finally a HEA. This is the third book in the series, but it could easily be read as a standalone title and if you love a steamy romance with strong, yet likable characters, then this is a book you do not want to miss!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
Preston Clarke is sorry that Katherine was hurt by his refusal to marry her, but he refuses to honor any agreement made by her father, the man he blames for his family’s near ruin. His father and Kat’s father were business partners and Kat’s father dissolved their partnership and did nothing to help Preston when his father died and Preston learned the truth about his finances – his father had gambled away everything and if not for the help of his friend Forrest, Preston and his mother would have been homeless. Through sheer determination and hard work, Preston has rebuilt his fortune and he is now poised to build the largest building in the world, that is until he learns Kat’s dad has once again betrayed him and that he may have stolen the property Preston plans to use for his project. That is something Preston will not let happen, he will get the property back by whatever means necessary.
His day goes from bad to worse when his mistress wants more than he is willing to give, they part ways and with the hope of finding a diversion, Preston attends the French Ball and meets an enchanting woman, shares a steamy encounter, and makes plans to meet the next day. Imagine their surprise when they meet the next night and discover the truth! Needless to say, they exchange some heated words and part ways – but they keep running into each other and despite his vow to stay away from her, these two are drawn to one another and embark on an affair. But when his business dealings come between them and he hurts Kat, will he be able to make things right, or has he lost her for good?
This was a well-written, nicely paced story set in America’s Gilded Age with wonderfully complex characters. The book has a lot going on, but it is so well done that it doesn’t feel busy and Kat and Preston’s personal struggles don’t diminish their romance, in fact, their struggles actually enhance their journey to HEA. The book is filled with steamy love scenes, questionable business dealings, great secondary characters, some heartache, a bit of grief, betrayal, a dash of jealousy, and finally a HEA. This is the third book in the series, but it could easily be read as a standalone title and if you love a steamy romance with strong, yet likable characters, then this is a book you do not want to miss!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
February 12, 2022
Sighs. I wish I loved this. It had good pacing, decent characters, and the beginning had me glued to the pages but as the story progressed, that quickly fizzled out. This didn’t feel like a historical romance. Sure it had some elements that would categorize it as a historical piece yet it felt more contemporary. I have to agree with a fellow reader—the characters didn’t seem like they were from this era. It threw the whole story off balance. And speaking of the story/plot—very predictable. “The Bride Goes Rogue” is a dime a dozen. Wished I had more decent things to say but overall it was meh.
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