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The Prince of Broadway

(Uptown Girls #2)

Joanna Shupe (Goodreads Author)

really liked it 4.00 · Rating details · 393 ratings · 121 reviews

In the second novel in Joanna Shupe's the Uptown Girl series, a ruthless casino owner bent on revenge finds his plans upended by a beautiful woman who proves to be more determined than he is—and too irresistible to deny.

Powerful casino owner.
Ruthless mastermind.
Destroyer of men.

He lives in the shadows...

As the owner of the city's most exclusive casino, Clayton Madden holds ...more

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ebook, 384 pages

Published December 30th 2019 by Avon

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December 2019 - Historical Romance Releases

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Sep 04, 2019 Christie«SHBBblogger» rated it did not like it · review of another edition

Shelves: part-of-a-series, revenge-is-sweet, dec2019, gilded-age, historical, advanced-copy

Title: The Prince of Broadway
Series: Uptown Girls #2
Author: Joanna Shupe
Release date: December 30, 2019
Cliffhanger: no
Genre: historical romance

I don't give out a ton of one star ratings, but if I do you know the book really made me angry. Unfortunately this is the case for The Prince of Broadway. I thought for sure this was going to be a huge hit for me considering how much I loved the previous book and enjoyed this author's writing. Not only that, but Clay and Flo were such compelling ...more

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Jan 04, 2020 K.J. Charles added it

Shelves: 1890s, american, m-f

Dodgy casino owner meets society princess who wants to open her own casino for women. She wants him to teach her the trade. But he has a grudge against her father and plans to ruin him. And he tells her so immediately.

I was extremely excited about this, so the point of yelping. The set up is fairly classic romance but to have the immediate full disclosure immediately changes the game: the heroine has to act completely differently if she knows the situation. It adds a lot to the tension between Dodgy casino owner meets society princess who wants to open her own casino for women. She wants him to teach her the trade. But he has a grudge against her father and plans to ruin him. And he tells her so immediately.

I was extremely excited about this, so the point of yelping. The set up is fairly classic romance but to have the immediate full disclosure immediately changes the game: the heroine has to act completely differently if she knows the situation. It adds a lot to the tension between the couple where both of them know this is a bad idea, the hero is trying to dig deep for his human decency, and the heroine has to confront her own morals and realise where they don't look like other people's.

I didn't 100% feel Florence did that latter. She never wonders whether opening an illegal casino is wrong or if gambling is a social ill or the morality of eg having people beaten up for not paying up/cheating; she sort of sidelines the whole thing about her father, and she only gets really upset when it turns out the hero's plots will personally affect her. I am absolutely in favour of heroines getting to be as amoral and selfish as heroes, but I didn't quite feel she owned it: we never see her examine herself in the way the hero does--which might just suggest profound amorality, but she seems to have a fairly powerful sense of right and wrong when it comes to how people treat her. Mind you, she's very young, 21, so probably that factors into the lack of deep thought ahahaha god I'm so old. (Actually I think this might be it: Florence feels to me like someone who would really have grown into her romance heroine shoes aged about 35, when she will be absolutely *rocking*.)

All that said, it is *fantastic* to see a heroine who is in the process of shaking off the social and family requirements to be a people pleaser, and who doesn't want (view spoiler) marriage and kids. I really like the way this series acknowledges there's no meaningful difference between the 'legally' acquired wealth of the Top Families (stolen land and exploited labour) and the criminal classes. And I adored the big hulking miserable git of a hero. Highly enjoyable. ...more

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Dec 13, 2019 Pavlina Read more sleep less blog❤❤ rated it really liked it

Shelves: arc

<3 4 STARS <3

I'm not reading often historical romance even though I love them.So I'm not easy with them!This one hooked me from the beginning, it was fast paced and I enjoyed the story.

There are several things I enjoyed about the book and the characters.Both were interesting and I liked the romance a lot!I loved the attraction and the tension between the characters!Clay is a swoon worthy hero , the heroine was ok . I didn't like her a lot all the time, there were moments she frustrate me.

...more

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Dec 05, 2019 Stacee rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: edelweiss, read-in-2019

I have loved everything I've read from Joanna and I no longer even read the synopsis.

I love love loved Florence and Clay. They're both determined, business minded, and know how to go after what they want. I especially loved that she was ready to do whatever it took to get her casino going. Mamie and Justine are supportive and fantastic sisters, but their grandmother stole every single scene she was in.

Plot wise, it was great. There are a few plot threads and I was eager to read about all of ...more

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Oct 04, 2019 GigiReads rated it did not like it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I had really high hopes for this book but alas! The heroine, lack of chemistry and character development made this a big old dud for me. I didn't read the previous book and maybe these characters were developed there? I felt like book just dropped me right into the middle of a story where I was supposed to already know these people so I felt lost from page 1.

Florence wants to open a casino for ladies. Which is fine and dandy except she seemed to have no concrete plans to make it happen. Her I had really high hopes for this book but alas! The heroine, lack of chemistry and character development made this a big old dud for me. I didn't read the previous book and maybe these characters were developed there? I felt like book just dropped me right into the middle of a story where I was supposed to already know these people so I felt lost from page 1.

Florence wants to open a casino for ladies. Which is fine and dandy except she seemed to have no concrete plans to make it happen. Her plans rest on getting her grandmother to finance it except the grandmother has no idea about any of this. Maybe you should have a business plan in place? Just a thought. So she goes to casinos to play and learn how to run one. It's never explained how she came to be such a card shark or if it was I totally slept through it. Eh. Anyway, she wants personal training from the most successful casino owner in the city so she goes to him and they fall into Insta Lust. He tells her right off the bat that he wants to sleep with her but he intends to take revenge on her father. She doesn't seem to give this much thought until it's convenient for the author to have a conflict at the end of the book.

I'm willing to suspend disbelief to alarming degrees as long as the author creates compelling characters. Unfortunately, Florence is a modern woman in a corset which is fine but please show me how she came to be this way. She goes around proclaiming the fact that She's Not Like Other Girls until my eyes almost rolled all the way out of my head. She had lovers and she will tell you this repeatedly lest you forget that She's Not Like Other Girls. She was very casual about sex, she traipsed around town playing at casinos at all hours of the night, she wanted to be a businesswoman and she proclaimed she would NEVER marry. The problem with all this is that we are being TOLD how independent and daring she is. Florence came across as a self-absorbed spoiled, petulant child instead of an independent liberated woman. The author furthered hammered that point home for me when Florence, in a fit of pique, goes to a rival casino in the middle of the Gilded Age hood to gamble and when she has to be rescued from her idiotic choices she has the lady balls to exclaim that she can take care of herself. Do uptown debutantes in Gilded Age NYC spring forth from the womb as fully formed feminists? They do not. So character development here is a must for me and there was none.

The hero was also suffering from the same lack of development. I was told he was a criminal (he owned a casino which was illegal so that's his only claim to criminality) he's dark and dangerous. I was told this but what I was shown was a man that was a borderline hermit who never left his casino and had a serious case of I'm Not Good Enough For You for Reasons. He was pretty much a cardboard cut out too. There was no nuance to either one of these characters.

The conflict rests entirely on the hero's revenge scheme except he told her he was taking revenge on her father from the get-go so the entire climax felt forced and Florence's inability to forgive him just made her look more like a petulant child. He literally told her his plans and she claimed he lied to her. He insists he never lied he just omitted the finer details..she still feels betrayed. Like, what? He told you and you still slept with him! I just can't even with this heroine. A strong heroine doesn't have to be selfish and inflexible to be independent and she shouldn't have to treat the hero like poop to be strong. Speaking of climaxes this book is much steamier than the author's previous ones but since I wasn't invested in the characters or their relationship I couldn't care less.

Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own. ...more

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Dec 12, 2019 Maria Rose rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 5-star-reads, sexy-as-all-get-out, best-of-2019, top-10ish-of-2019, historical-romance

The Prince of Broadway by Joanna Shupe is an exciting and passionate historical romance featuring a bad boy hero and the daredevil woman who brings him to his knees.

Florence Greene belongs to the upper echelons of society in New York, an ‘Uptown’ girl with a privileged life and background. Yet for some reason, she keeps showing up in Clayton Madden’s gambling club. Women aren’t allowed, but he lets his doorman allow her entry, and she keeps winning from his tables. He’s intrigued and arranges a The Prince of Broadway by Joanna Shupe is an exciting and passionate historical romance featuring a bad boy hero and the daredevil woman who brings him to his knees.

Florence Greene belongs to the upper echelons of society in New York, an ‘Uptown’ girl with a privileged life and background. Yet for some reason, she keeps showing up in Clayton Madden’s gambling club. Women aren’t allowed, but he lets his doorman allow her entry, and she keeps winning from his tables. He’s intrigued and arranges a meeting to find out what she’s up to.

Florence had hoped that the elusive owner of The Bronze House illegal gambling establishment would take notice of her and her persistence has paid off. She’s not interested in a society marriage that she knows her parents would like for her. No, what she wants is to be beholden to no man, and to make her own future. Specifically, she wants to open an all female casino. It’s not like women in private don’t gamble, like the jewelry that changes hands at her grandmother’s euchre games. She prepared to take the heat and the risks. She just needs someone to show her the ropes, and Clayton Manning is that man.

Clay can’t resist Florence’s request, but it comes with some caveats. He’s upfront and honest with her that he finds her attractive and is interested in pursuing an affair while he teaches her how to run her own gaming house. He’s also blunt about his plans for revenge against her father, for reasons he won’t divulge. He’s definitely not interested in any kind of commitment but if she’s looking for a little walk on the wild side, he’s willing and able. Florence has her mind set on her plans, and with the handsome Clay by her side, she’s willing to throw caution to the winds and experience the sensual side of life he has on offer. But when Clay’s plans are fully revealed, will she have succeeded in keeping her heart intact?

I’ve had this author’s books on my to-read list for quite some time but this is the first I’ve actually read. And I’m kicking myself for not diving her work sooner! This is one of my favorite historical romances of the year, a rollicking, sexy adventure with daring and likable characters who don’t fit society’s expectations but have found in each other a perfect match.

Clay is definitely a bad boy hero. He’s got much of the New York police service and major political figures on his payroll, and doesn’t hesitate to exact revenge when warranted. From the start the reader knows that Clay’s reasons for wanting revenge on Florence’s father have to do with how he and his family were pushed out of their home when he was young to make way for a business development owned by her father. For twenty years, he’s been plotting how to get back at Duncan Greene and he’s not going to stop those plans just because Florence is getting under his skin. I appreciated that he was honest with Florence from the start so that she went into the relationship with her eyes open.The real problem for Clay is when he starts to care more about Florence than he wants to.

As for Florence, she is simply a delightful character. Strong, passionate, working during the day with the bounds set on women and at night making her own rules. She’s a skilled card player in her own right and with Clay’s tips and tricks, determined to make her future her own. While she appreciates Clay’s protection, she’s also not above calling him out for his mistakes, and making choices for her benefit. She’s not a prude and is willing to try new sexual experiences (which Clay is happy to introduce to her). And when she discovers what he’s really up to with regards to her father, he’ll have his work cut out for him to make it up to her.

The world building is excellent, the setting of 1891 New York well described via clothing styles, transportation, society expectations and New York City destinations, including the seedier side. Having never read a book set in this era, I found it really interesting and I’m excited to dive into more of the author’s backlist with this setting. The romance is equally entertaining, very sexy with some steamy love scenes, and moments that made me laugh out loud. I couldn’t have asked for more. It’s definitely going on the keeper shelf!

This review appears at Harlequin Junkie: https://harlequinjunkie.com/review-th...

A copy of this story was provided by the publisher via Edelweiss for review. ...more

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Sep 13, 2019 b.andherbooks rated it it was amazing

Shelves: avon, arc, historical, romance

One sentence summary: FUCK YEAH FLORENCE

Florence Greene is a beautiful society darling, certainly not someone who should be sneaking her way into a men-only casino run by one Clayton Madden and challenging even his best dealers. While she is an excellent gambler, Florence is intent on forging her own future as a casino owner in 1890s NYC, a move that will lose her place in nice society but will make her secure in her own future with no need for a marriage or a man to control her. And she needs ...more

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Sep 30, 2019 Jessica Grogan rated it it was ok

I seriously have to wonder what I missed in this book. I disliked Florence from the very beginning so I honestly didn’t care what happened to her. She very much came across (to me, at least) like a sullen teenager behaving badly to try and get attention, not a grown woman.

Insta-lust reared it’s ugly head very early on and that makes a boring read for me, especially when they don’t fight that attraction all that long.

I also found the casino lessons and all the talk of the different games at ...more

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Jan 05, 2020 JenReadsRomance rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historical

It's hard for me to explain why I love this book so much -- I think it's the fact that these 2 aren't playing games with each other, and it's definitely a "I'm a strong woman who knows what I want" and then the book really delivers it. I think Florence is a great character, I loved Clay, it's fucking hot, and that epilogue is my everything. As KJ Charles said in her review, I would very much like a follow up short story when Florence is 35 and has the entire city of New York at her feet. ...more

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Dec 14, 2019 Timitra rated it it was amazing

With Romance I usually fall for the hero first but with this series it's the heroines who have my heart a-twitter, don't get me wrong I love the heroes but the heroines are something extra special. I loved The Prince Of Broadway. It hit all the buttons for me in terms of things I enjoy but there were things here and there that I wasn't fond of. However, those things didn't ruin my overall reading experience. I highly recommend this book and series.

Copy provided provided by publisher through ...more

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Nov 24, 2019 ☕️Kimberly rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: new-releases-2019

Coffee Dates With The Prince Of Broadway

First Date: Clayton Madden owns the most successful casino in the city. Men Only! But a brazen young woman by the name of Florence Greene has appeared three times and even had the audacity to win! Clayton is familiar with the Greenes after dealings with the older sister and when he has had enough, he orders his man Jack to bring her up to his office. He’s shocked to learn the young woman wants lessons on running a casino. Florence has plans to open her own ...more

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Dec 11, 2019 Maida rated it liked it

Shelves: arc, ebooks, series, edelweiss, historical

I don’t care much for revenge stories but I was willing to give this a chance because I love Joanna’s writing so I was hoping she could make it work. I liked Clayton. He was upfront about his desire for revenge from the beginning. Unfortunately, I didn’t like Florence very much. Her aspirations and the way she went about attaining them did not resonate with me. Her personality grated. I was also not convinced about her father’s change of heart. It was too abrupt. I thought the same in the ...more

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Nov 22, 2019 Ellie rated it liked it

I loved the Gilded Age are New York Joanna Shupe creates in her books and had high expectations of this one. I liked it OK but I never quite warmed to the heroine's dream of opening a women’s only casino presented as a safe place.

I liked the hero, understood the reasons for his behaviour and desire for revenge. Overall, I found him relatable and appealing - silent, broody and intimidating, determined to achieve success, led moistly by desire for revenge only to find it carries little comfort ...more

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Jan 01, 2020 Diane K. Peterson rated it really liked it

Shelves: kindle-doc, historical-romance

It is rare when a historical romance is actually different from the usual. Most historical romance writers create lovely stories that stick to the usual conventions. In The Prince of Broadway we have a unique character - Florence Greene is truly a feminist. The middle daughter of a wealthy family, she seeks her path and wants to build a casino just for women. She enlists advice from the most successful and ruthless casino owner in New York, Clayton Madden. Clay is bent on revenge for damage done ...more

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Dec 28, 2019 Sissy's Romance Book Review rated it really liked it

Shelves: series, arc-edelweiss, 4-star, trt, 2019-read, somewhat-hard-to-like-hero, avon

The Prince of Broadway by Joanna Shupe is book Two in the Uptown Girls Series. This is the story of Florence 'Flo' Greene and Clayton 'Clay' Madden. I have read the previous book which did add to my enjoyment of this one but I did feel you could make it a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Clay learned young you have to fight for everything you had after his family was left with nothing. Clay fought his way up to be a successful casino owner but he has held out a wish for vengeance to those ...more

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Dec 31, 2019 Molly rated it really liked it

This was a fun escape - steamy, progressive, emotional and witty. Loved it!

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Jan 16, 2020 Marlene rated it really liked it

Originally published at Reading Reality

I picked this up because I loved the author’s Four Hundred series, of which the Uptown Girls are a spinoff. Admittedly I picked this entry in the series up in spite of not being all that fond of the first book, The Rogue of Fifth Avenue. That was a book where I really loved the hero but had serious problems with the heroine. Still, I liked the setting enough to try again.

And I’m glad I did. It helped that this time I liked spending time with both the hero ...more

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Feb 17, 2019 Yomi M. marked it as to-read

I don't even know what this book is about but just by the title I know I NEED it!!!

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Dec 16, 2019 Tracy Emro rated it liked it

Shelves: edelweiss

New York City’s finest casino, the Bronze House, is not only illegal, it is exclusively for men, but that doesn’t stop Florence Greene from bribing her way in the door or from winning a fortune in an effort to gain the attention of the owner Clayton “Clay” Madden. Florence wants nothing more in life than to own a casino of her own, exclusively for women, she understands the actual games, but she need a teacher for the finer points of club ownership and she has decided that Clay is the perfect New York City’s finest casino, the Bronze House, is not only illegal, it is exclusively for men, but that doesn’t stop Florence Greene from bribing her way in the door or from winning a fortune in an effort to gain the attention of the owner Clayton “Clay” Madden. Florence wants nothing more in life than to own a casino of her own, exclusively for women, she understands the actual games, but she need a teacher for the finer points of club ownership and she has decided that Clay is the perfect man for the job.

Clay has been running games and bets for many years, his success is gratifying, but the true reason he has pushed so hard to succeed is for the money and power he needs to enact his revenege against Duncan Greene, Florence’s father. Duncan bought the property he lived in as a boy, forcing out his family and therefore putting into motion events that changed Clay’s life, including his brother’s death and his father’s abandonment. Clay has spent the last 20 years plotting and is on the brink of seeing his plan come to fruition. He plans on buying the property Duncan’s family home is on and tearing it down to build a casino. So when Florence asks him to teach her the ropes, he agrees but is honest about his feelings towards her father and his sexual interest in her – he won’t tell her why he hates her dad or what he is going to do to him, but says he isn’t trying to ruin him or break him financially, he is also clear that while he is interested in her as a lover, he will not force her or do anything to make her uncomfortable.

Florence can’t imagine what her father did to earn Clay’s hatred, but since he isn’t going to ruin him and she really needs a teacher, she accepts his terms. She is also attracted to him and she is not a virgin, having long ago decided (this crack me up because she is only 21) that she never wants to marry and sees no point in “saving herself”, she has enjoyed lovers, but is determined to keep her relationship with Clay strictly professional. Clay agrees and they begin her lessons.
The more time they spend together, the more the attraction grows, both physically and emotionally, they like each other and enjoy working together, he teaches her the darker side of casino ownership, with lessons on the payoffs and handling cheaters, but through it all, he continues with his plan against her dad. When a Clay pisses off a policeman on his payroll, trouble comes to his club and he and Florence are forced to flee a raid. While hiding in the brothel next door, their relationship takes a serious turn and the result leaves Florence feeling embarrassed and she flees. But after he comes to her rescue while playing at another club, she decides to return and makes it clear that nothing like that will ever happen again. But it does and this time they actually have sex – but Clay’s reaction afterwards is appalling and cruel to Florence, who is justifiably angry and leaves.

Clay thinks this is for the best, until he learns that she has begun taking “lessons” with Mulligan, another crime lord in the city. He finally admits he was wrong and misses her, but when he goes to see her, it is clear that she is not going to let him off the hook that easy. They come to an agreement and their relationship changes, they are both happy and things are going well until Florence learns the truth about Clay’s plans and how it affect her and her hopes and dreams.

This book is very well written, flows nicely and has some very hot, steamy love scenes, but in my opinion, the leads are not likeable, there isn’t really any romance (there is a lot of lust and sex, but that isn’t romance) this book read more like “ChickLit fiction” set in the gilded era, rather than an actual historical romance. Florence has very 21st century ideals and her dream is to run an illegal gaming house. And Clay went from being a badass gaming lord to be Florence’s whipped lover. I really, really didn’t care for the ending, I thought it was unrealistic for the era and just cemented my feeling that Florence was selfish and expected everything to be on her terms. I didn’t actually hate the book, but it is my least favorite by Joanna Shupe and while I would recommend this author and this book, I wouldn’t read it again. This is this the second book in the series and it runs concurrent with the first book, so it can be read as a standalone with no problems.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by Edelweiss and the publisher.* ...more

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Dec 30, 2019 Dhaaruni Sreenivas added it

I'm a well-documented Joanna Shupe fan and have devoured all her books thus far but it took me until this one to really pinpoint why I like her writing as much as I do.

I once offhandedly tweeted that my appreciation that romance novelists like Sarah MacLean, Tessa Dare, Courtney Milan, Alyssa Cole and yes, Joanna Shupe cheerfully brush off the often ludicrous criticism they receive from all corners of the Internet and quietly go on writing nuanced explorations of female agency and desire but of I'm a well-documented Joanna Shupe fan and have devoured all her books thus far but it took me until this one to really pinpoint why I like her writing as much as I do.

I once offhandedly tweeted that my appreciation that romance novelists like Sarah MacLean, Tessa Dare, Courtney Milan, Alyssa Cole and yes, Joanna Shupe cheerfully brush off the often ludicrous criticism they receive from all corners of the Internet and quietly go on writing nuanced explorations of female agency and desire but of course, I got a reply that sanctimoniously informed me that the work of the authors I named isn't historically accurate and the authors are "faux feminist" and recommended I read a book whose hero is a medieval knight who indiscriminately kills hundreds of Muslims during the Crusades and rapes his future wife (but of course she falls in love with him anyway so it's all good).

In school, history was one of my favorite subjects so historical romance is naturally my favorite subgenre of romance but honestly, "historical accuracy" is not very important to me. I have zero desire to read about dysentery and the bubonic plague and I obviously know that wealthy people in the 19th century were generally extremely racist and sexist (as if they still aren't today) but nonetheless, I enjoy reading about a quasi alternate universe where people are always held accountable for how they mistreat others, where mothers and fathers who abandon their children aren't forgiven and where men who abuse their wives are unequivocally condemned and where women, namely women who never thought happiness was even an option for them, are loved and respected and get their happy endings. And the thing is, the historical romance novels that have stuck with me are they aren't like awkwardly forceful about their desire to be feminist (unlike the work of a certain other author that's been attaining some prominence of late....). They just introduce readers to a world where we aren't condemned for desire, both sexual and otherwise. And that in short is why I like Joanna Shupe's books as much as I do.

In this book, Florence is a modern heroine in the best way imaginable but still one of her era. She knows what she wants and is doggedly determined to achieve her goals but never at the expense of her principles. What I loved about this book is that it didn't shy away from depicting Florence as extremely intelligent and competent but also vulnerable and occasionally insecure which felt so much more realistic than pretending her confidence was infallible. She was permitted by the narrative be hurt and angry and sad when wronged and Clay only earned back her forgiveness and regard and love when he actually made substantive amends for what he did and said. Her loving him and him loving her was not enough and that's just how it is sometimes.

There is a quote in Gone Girl from Amy Dunne's internal monologue about how love isn't unconditional because adults have to work for it and perhaps we're supposed to disagree with her because Amy's cuckoo for cocoa puffs but I happen to wholeheartedly agree. Love is about intention and making the active choice to be better than we were born to be, deciding to be smarter and stronger and kinder, for the sake of those we love. We aren't born perfect but in order to earn the love of others, we must endeavor every single day of our lives to be as good as we can and sometimes, it still might not be enough.

But sometimes, like in the case of Florence and Clay, two imperfect people can find each other and work steadfastly every single day to earn each other's affection and regard and eventually get their happy endings, maybe not in the traditional sense with marriage and babies (kudos to Shupe for depicting a heroine who doesn't end up married with 2.5 kids in the epilogue!!) but with laughter and kindness and love. And at the end of the day, that's all that really matters. ...more

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Jan 14, 2020 Gaele rated it it was amazing

Shelves: avon, avon-addicts, harper-collins-group, historic, reviewed, favorites, edelweiss, 2020-favorites

The Greene Sisters have a pretty good life – if it weren’t for their father’s determination to see them all married to ‘suitable’ men. We met Mamie in the first book, where she agreed to a betrothal arranged by her father if her sisters would be left to marry for love. Of course, Florence, always the troublemaker and the most independent and daring of the three is chafing at the expectation of marriage, let alone being told she has to. She’s decided, after being a very clever and curious sort, The Greene Sisters have a pretty good life – if it weren’t for their father’s determination to see them all married to ‘suitable’ men. We met Mamie in the first book, where she agreed to a betrothal arranged by her father if her sisters would be left to marry for love. Of course, Florence, always the troublemaker and the most independent and daring of the three is chafing at the expectation of marriage, let alone being told she has to. She’s decided, after being a very clever and curious sort, that she wants to open a gambling parlor for ladies only – and her success with her grandmother’s card games and some voracious study have made her more determined then ever. To that end, she’s roped Mamie into her ‘illicit night rambles’ to The Bronze House, a new and upscale club for gentlemen – and she’s never been refused entry.

Clayton Maddox has spent the past twenty years planning revenge on Duncan Greene, Florence’s father, for his demolition of his family home when he was a child and the family’s subsequent hardships. He’s started in gambling from the ground floor up, legally and illegally, and built influence that lessens the chances of police raids or trouble. But something about Florence charms and intrigues him – and while he’s honest about wanting to destroy her father, he’s also attracted to her, and agrees to teach her about running a casino.

The connection between these two is not only electric, but everyone can see it BUT them, and brings them both great worry and great satisfaction. Of course, the lack of trust Clayton has for anyone not himself, and Florence’s need for honesty and her unwillingness to believe that he is, in fact, intrigued by her as a whole person and not just a ‘thing’ as most women of society are in her time, makes for some interesting moments. From her heartfelt desire to make her own way, along with her sister’s advice and cheering on, her father’s frustration and Clay’s inability to not need her deep down in his bones brings the two to many moments that will enchant readers as they reach for a cold drink! Taking the interest in the sisters that was built with Mamie’s story, and bringing a determined, stubborn and often willful Florence into the light as we get to hope the best for them – makes this a wonderful installment in the series and a favorite of it so far. Shupe’s writing is clear and evocative, allowing readers easy entry into both character’s thoughts and seeing them played out on the page just as you’d wish is marvelous and a wonderful escape. Set in Gilded Age New York, there is a sense of the city on the move, with fast development, corruption and excitement all to hand – and described with flair as setting and backdrop to our couple’s journey.

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.

Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
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Jan 11, 2020 Nessa rated it liked it

IT'S SAD HOW THE STORY FAILED TO LIVE UP TO ITS SPECTACULAR TITLE. I REGRET READING THIS AFTER FRANK TRIPP'S STORY BECAUSE THE PLOT FORMULATION WAS SIMILAR. THIS SERIES MUST BE READ MONTHS AFTER YOU FINISH ONE BOOK, IF NOT YOU'LL NOTICE HOW THERE'S NO ORIGINALITY TO THE WAY THE AUTHOR WRITES HER STORIES.

MADDEN intrigued me immensely in the first book because I'm a sucker for gambling den owners. Sadly, while I'm okay with his character, I wasn't swept away and the plot didn't do it for me. It ...more

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Dec 14, 2019 AnnMarie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

The Prince of Broadway is the second book in the Uptown Girls series by Joanna Shupe. This can easily be read as a stand-alone novel, but having loved the first book in the series I recommend that you read it. You don't have to read it first, but of course, there will be some spoilers if you don't.

First of all, I love the cover of this book, the couple is just like I pictured them in my mind.

I love that Florence, a young society woman, is planning on having her independence as soon as she is ...more

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Jan 15, 2020 Perrin Larton rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Class, upper or lower, male or female, legal or illegal there is always some kind of distinction regarding class.

Clayton Manning grew up in the lower class, but he had dreams. With hard work, quick thinking, and walking over people, he clawed his way to money, even if he never made it to the upper class.

Florence Greene, upper class all the way. In the upper crust of New York City society, she never wants for anything, except, the freedom to be the person she is inside, without all the societal ...more

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Dec 07, 2019 Angela rated it really liked it

What I like about this book is Clayton. He is a gambling hall owner, a bit rough around the edges and a bit vulgar. You know what I mean…love that about heroes. What I did not care for so much was Florence. I loved her in the previous book but in this story she comes across as a bit naïve and young for her age. She thinks she is worldly but actually she is not. The scenes where Clayton is teaching her about the casino are great. Also the scene at Mulligan’s where Florence decides to go on the ...more

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Dec 29, 2019 Esme Brett rated it really liked it

He’s a fearsome legend and she’s a princess: beautiful but smart, independent and ambitious; aka quicksand for stupid men. Luckily Clay isn’t stupid.

This book is feminist AF (too many great lines for me to even quote!) and the highlight is Florence. She‘s the uptown gal who threatens to shoot the hero after he says some saucy things when they meet and from that moment I was head over heels. PS: she’s also not a virgin

Clay is a Bad Boi with grudges BUT he’s scrupled — this book steered clear of ...more

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Jan 16, 2020 Sarah rated it liked it

Shelves: library, 2020, romance-historical

Florence and Clay are interesting characters individually, but I think both had motivations that were convenient for the story but not realistic. If someone says they're going to ruin your father (who you are often exasperated with but do love), would you still be around them and also not tell your family about it so they can protect themselves? And if you've nursed a grudge for 20 years and your lover is the daughter of the person you want to ruin, do you really think revenge is going to be ...more

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Dec 02, 2019 Niki rated it really liked it

Shelves: steamy, arc, best-heroes, great-covers, damaged-hero

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. 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. ...more

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Jan 06, 2020 Caiti (The Romance Mom) rated it it was amazing

The Prince of Broadway was the last book I finished in 2019 what a way to go out!
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What can I even say? I didn't think JS could possibly write any hotter and yet...she did. Also Florence. Flor. Ence. Florence is big 2020 energy to stick in your back pocket as you continue to fight that good fight. This story and these characters are fantastic.

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Dec 10, 2019 Billie rated it really liked it

Okay authors. If you're going to write really interesting supporting characters, you need to at least be willing to give me novellas about them at some point. In this instance, Bald Jack and Anna (though not necessarily together.)

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Award-winning author JOANNA SHUPE has always loved history, ever since she saw her first Schoolhouse Rock cartoon. While in college, Joanna read every romance she could get her hands on instead of attending classes, yet still managed to graduate with a journalism degree. She ...more