Series: Uptown Girls, #2
Tropes & Traits: damaged hero; unconventional heroine
Publication Date: 12.30.19
Genre/Setting: Historical; Gilded Age; New York City, USA, 1891
Heat Level: 4/5
Rating: 4/5 stars
Florence Greene has never quite fit in with New York City's high society. Her parents certainly don't understand her and she knows her father will soon start pressuring her to marry. She must take steps now to ensure her future independence and work toward her dream of opening a casino for ladies, which means seeking lessons from one of the most mysterious and dangerous men in New York.
Clayton Madden hustled his way up from ruin to become one of the most powerful and wealthiest men in the city. From his upscale casino, The Bronze House, he controls the fortunes of the city's wealthiest and most prominent individuals. But his ultimate goal is to bring ruination upon the man who ruined his family and inadvertently caused his brother's death: one Duncan Greene. So when Greene's daughter sneaks into his club seeking his mentorship, Clay agrees, eager to annoy her father by bringing Florence into the seedier sides of the glitzy city. Clay is always a step ahead of everyone, but even he isn't prepared for the allure of Florence or the long-dead feelings she dredges up in him. Soon Clay has to decide which is more important to him: the revenge plan that has been twenty years in the making or the terrifying feelings of love he's afraid to acknowledge.
Some potential spoilers ahead.
Florence was a well-drawn strong heroine, without the shrewishness that so annoys me and is so common lately, but her utter naivete at times was rather trying, especially given her worldly boasts. I found this book to be very hard to rate. I did wind up liking Florence and her determination to be her own person, but I felt like at times she wasn't fair to Clay and was a bit naive in her understanding of his life, circumstances, and motivations. I was a bit disappointed that she and he didn't actually get married in the end and her dream came relatively easily while Clay had to give up nearly everything he'd worked for. Though at least this came at a time when Clay was ready to move on to more above-board projects so that made this work for me. I loved how utterly brilliant Clay was and always one step ahead of everyone, though I would've liked to see him get one last victory over Bill in the end; the ending emasculated Clay a bit and think my hang up is that that really doesn't fit with the rest of his character, no matter how much he developed he should never lose that edge of danger. I loved being immersed in this world of ruthless, powerful kingpins, all with their own empires and alliances and I don't think Clay should've lost any of that edginess that was so much a part of his allure and mystique. Regardless, I did love how much Clay grew and overcame his past to finally focus on himself and his own happiness. I just wish Florence had shown a bit more of that same growth, though it must be said they had amazing chemistry.
Overall I found this book to be an engrossing read, though I don't think I liked it quite as much as the previous book. Nonetheless, this book was very well written and free of errors, with language so descriptive I could picture everything as though I were watching it on screen. I can't wait for Justine's story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Clayton Madden hustled his way up from ruin to become one of the most powerful and wealthiest men in the city. From his upscale casino, The Bronze House, he controls the fortunes of the city's wealthiest and most prominent individuals. But his ultimate goal is to bring ruination upon the man who ruined his family and inadvertently caused his brother's death: one Duncan Greene. So when Greene's daughter sneaks into his club seeking his mentorship, Clay agrees, eager to annoy her father by bringing Florence into the seedier sides of the glitzy city. Clay is always a step ahead of everyone, but even he isn't prepared for the allure of Florence or the long-dead feelings she dredges up in him. Soon Clay has to decide which is more important to him: the revenge plan that has been twenty years in the making or the terrifying feelings of love he's afraid to acknowledge.
Some potential spoilers ahead.
Florence was a well-drawn strong heroine, without the shrewishness that so annoys me and is so common lately, but her utter naivete at times was rather trying, especially given her worldly boasts. I found this book to be very hard to rate. I did wind up liking Florence and her determination to be her own person, but I felt like at times she wasn't fair to Clay and was a bit naive in her understanding of his life, circumstances, and motivations. I was a bit disappointed that she and he didn't actually get married in the end and her dream came relatively easily while Clay had to give up nearly everything he'd worked for. Though at least this came at a time when Clay was ready to move on to more above-board projects so that made this work for me. I loved how utterly brilliant Clay was and always one step ahead of everyone, though I would've liked to see him get one last victory over Bill in the end; the ending emasculated Clay a bit and think my hang up is that that really doesn't fit with the rest of his character, no matter how much he developed he should never lose that edge of danger. I loved being immersed in this world of ruthless, powerful kingpins, all with their own empires and alliances and I don't think Clay should've lost any of that edginess that was so much a part of his allure and mystique. Regardless, I did love how much Clay grew and overcame his past to finally focus on himself and his own happiness. I just wish Florence had shown a bit more of that same growth, though it must be said they had amazing chemistry.
Overall I found this book to be an engrossing read, though I don't think I liked it quite as much as the previous book. Nonetheless, this book was very well written and free of errors, with language so descriptive I could picture everything as though I were watching it on screen. I can't wait for Justine's story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2711667886?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1
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