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carleysuzanne's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
reeyabeegale's review against another edition
4.0
I highly enjoyed this book more than I did the first. Though I’m not a big fan of historical romance novels set in America, I can say that I have enough tolerance for it, especially after reading Shuppe’s novels.
I loved Florence; and Madden was an interesting character. I have yet to read (as far as I remember) whose character’s honesty stuck with me as much as Madden’s — it was refreshing to see that his assertiveness was backed up with interactions throughout the book. I hate it when authors write that their characters are this and that, but forgets to write scenes that will back it up.
Two things I didn’t like about this, one more than the other — first (and my biggest gripe) is that “silly” request made by Florence to test Madden’s intentions. It’s hardly humiliating, but I got so annoyed when characters (or even people in real life) ask others to certain things as a way to show their devotion and dedication. It feels degrading for someone’s character and identity, not to mention, holding someone’s strong emotions over their head to gain control is disgustingly evil (not that Florence went to that extent, it was just an explanation for why I didn’t find that part in the book okay at all).
A BIT OF A SPOILER (SKIP IF YOU WANT)
Lastly, I know it’s not a deal breaker and no shade or judgment towards people who choose to live their lives this way, but because this is a book and I was holding out for it — I am disappointed in the ending, and Florence’s sentiments about marriage. I wanted something official, (and this is just me being pessimistic) but people tend to break their promises of forever for whatever reason they might conjure sometime in the future. I know they lived happily together, but I was hoping for a more solid ending than what I got.
Nonetheless, I enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to read the third book! It’s Mulligan’s story, which in the few pages he got introduced in this (2nd) book, convinced me that he might just be my favorite character out of this entire series. Super excited, and definitely looking forward to reading more of this author’s works.
I loved Florence; and Madden was an interesting character. I have yet to read (as far as I remember) whose character’s honesty stuck with me as much as Madden’s — it was refreshing to see that his assertiveness was backed up with interactions throughout the book. I hate it when authors write that their characters are this and that, but forgets to write scenes that will back it up.
Two things I didn’t like about this, one more than the other — first (and my biggest gripe) is that “silly” request made by Florence to test Madden’s intentions. It’s hardly humiliating, but I got so annoyed when characters (or even people in real life) ask others to certain things as a way to show their devotion and dedication. It feels degrading for someone’s character and identity, not to mention, holding someone’s strong emotions over their head to gain control is disgustingly evil (not that Florence went to that extent, it was just an explanation for why I didn’t find that part in the book okay at all).
A BIT OF A SPOILER (SKIP IF YOU WANT)
Lastly, I know it’s not a deal breaker and no shade or judgment towards people who choose to live their lives this way, but because this is a book and I was holding out for it — I am disappointed in the ending, and Florence’s sentiments about marriage. I wanted something official, (and this is just me being pessimistic) but people tend to break their promises of forever for whatever reason they might conjure sometime in the future. I know they lived happily together, but I was hoping for a more solid ending than what I got.
Nonetheless, I enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to read the third book! It’s Mulligan’s story, which in the few pages he got introduced in this (2nd) book, convinced me that he might just be my favorite character out of this entire series. Super excited, and definitely looking forward to reading more of this author’s works.
ehmannky's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I had a lot of fun reading this book and I loved the chemistry of this couple so much. It's always a treat to read a well-written romance in a world that isn't Regency or Regency-adjacent.
The only thing that knocks my review down is I thought there was way too little focus on Clay's trauma and way too much on Florence's hurt feelings. Like, I'm sorry but she comes across as such a spoiled brat for beingway more upset that her grandmother would lose one of her FOUR houses and that the loss of this one house would make it marginally harder to get casino-start up money than she is about Clay's family being ruined by her father. That was just not particularly compelling to me. Especially since she never once reacts to the fact that her father's ruthless real estate dealings led to the death of Clay's brother, his father's abandoning the family, and him being pushed into a life of crime. Like, I'm sorry I'm on Clay's side here. And he tells her from the beginning that he's out to get some kind of revenge on her dad and she has the gall to be mad cause he didn't give her details. And it's especially frustrating since she doesn't even end up living in her grandmother's house!!! They live in her casino!!! I do think there could be a lesson about the value of letting go of the past through Clay's character arc, but the way it was handled was not my favorite. I'm sorry, but Clay's feelings and trauma should have at least been something that Florence at least vaguely considered as something valid. I so deeply appreciate Justine's character in this book, as she brings big "Kim, people are dying" energy to Florence and (to a much lesser extent) Mamie's rich people problems. I am very excited for her book.
I also refuse to believe these sisters saying their dad is a good man like he is such a repulsive character to me. Joanna Shupe you cannot get me to like this character he is garbage who has to be dragged into doing the right thing.
The only thing that knocks my review down is I thought there was way too little focus on Clay's trauma and way too much on Florence's hurt feelings. Like, I'm sorry but she comes across as such a spoiled brat for being
I also refuse to believe these sisters saying their dad is a good man like he is such a repulsive character to me. Joanna Shupe you cannot get me to like this character he is garbage who has to be dragged into doing the right thing.
Content Warnings
Minor: Abandonment and Child death
molly_p_w's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
denitsa_spirova's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
gillianc695a's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
its_thursday's review against another edition
4.0
Florence was a fantastic heroine - strong willed, willing to be honest about what she wants, and sex positive. I loved that her desire to own her own casino and learned from the best never took a back seat to the romance, and when things went wrong with Clay she still doggedly pursued her goals.
Favorite scene: The date Clay took her on to the men's only club to see that dirty painting. Very thoughtful, very hot.
Favorite scene: The date Clay took her on to the men's only club to see that dirty painting. Very thoughtful, very hot.
lolarobins20's review against another edition
5.0
Why did it took me so fucking long to read Joanna Shupe's books?
Freaking amazing, can't recommend her books enough.
I don't know if I will read all her books at once or save them to never finish
Freaking amazing, can't recommend her books enough.
I don't know if I will read all her books at once or save them to never finish
beccacantread's review
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
mostlyfated's review against another edition
3.0
Not my favorite of the series. Book #1 and #3 are much stronger.