The Rogue of Fifth Avenue: Uptown Girls

Joanna Shupe has been an auto-buy for me since her Wicked Deceptions series back in 2016. The characters, stories and era all manage to call to me and provide an entertaining read. Now we’ve got a new heroine to meet in Mamie Greene, betrothed upper-crust young lady and eldest of three girls. She’s agreed to her betrothal in return for her father allowing her younger sisters to marry for love – and while she and her fiancé aren’t actually involved in any great way- they have known one another since childhood and are both “of the right sort”. But Mamie has plenty of other diversions while her fiancé is ‘exploring the world” and none are expected (or particularly desirable) for a young woman of her class. She insists, however, that it is truly her younger sister who is the bad influence, and while she’s not discounting the dangers and choices she is making in her efforts to do ‘good’, she’s also not going to apologize, stop thinking and arguing her point or rein in her behavior. Mamie was the IDEAL heroine here, while she’s not above using her status ad name to gain advantages – she’s also playing a bit of a part in trying to make things better for those who desperately need help. Frank Tripp was born in the Five Points slums and struggled for most of his young life. But he was intelligent and determined, and worked his way out of poverty, changed his name and constructed a new past that has, fortunately, allowed him to join a partnership at the most influential law firm in the city. He’s working for the tonne of New York, and having plenty of fun on the side. In fact, he is the primary lawyer working for Mamie’s father – a man with many connections and a bit of ruthlessness as befits a mogul of the day. Frank isn’t being instructed or told to work for Mamie, or even to follow her, but after watching her pick a man’s pocket in a gambling club and making a bargain to not tell her father of the night – the two will be facing off more and more as time goes on. Neither of these two is willing to admit their suitability intellectually, or actually honestly face the electric connection between them – but there is bound to be plenty of excitement as their relationship continues. From the start – this was an absolutely brilliant book – from the repeated butting heads of Mamie and Frank, to her realization that even though she knew she really didn’t want to marry her fiancé , she really now had second, third and fourth thoughts about their lack of connection. Frank’s determination to ignore his instincts and self-interests career-wise showed just how strong these two affected one another, and his recognition of her awareness and willingness to put herself into dangerous situations to be sure those who need help receive it was met with alternating admiration and frustration. Shupe built the family, times and story to perfection, giving us just enough of a daring heroine that felt enlightened yet not ‘too modern’ but certainly one who will be a favorite for sure. Her sisters are sure to play large parts in the stories to come – and I can’t wait to see just what more they bring to the table. I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Mamie 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. Will Frank be her savior or the rogue he appears to be? Frank has well kept secrets of his own. He appears to be a high born young lawyer with much to offer but behind that facade he hides a past of poverty and abuse. Will his lady choose to stay after discovering his past? I loved this well written start to a new series and could not put it down. I in fact am already re-reading it even though it has yet to release. This book has a WOW FACTOR! I gave it 4.9 of 5.0 stars for story line and characterization. I received a complementary digital ARC of this book to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

fun, exciting....didnt want to put it down