kimbacaffeinate
Written on May 27, 2020
Justine Greene is devoted to tracking down deadbeats and fighting for fair working conditions. She has earned a reputation on the streets as an angel. She fearlessly tracks down husbands into the depths of the Bowery. One such search brings her to the doorsteps of Jack Mulligan’s gym.
Jack rules his territory with an iron fist. He and his men dress like politicians, and no women is to be harmed. In his world, his word is law, but a little do-gooder from the upper east side is about to challenge him.
Gads, I loved the chemistry and back-and-forth banter between Justine and Jack. Jack is so used to people fearing him, and this tiny little waif of a woman undoes him. It was thrilling watching him fall.
I loved Justine. She knows who she is, what she is about and learns from her mistakes. She is demure but tough..always a lady. She can see past the darker edges of Jack, but also expects him to rise above. She handled her over protective sisters and didn’t believe her privilege entitled her to anything.
Jack was swoon-worthy and earned the respect of the gang not just by force but by fair wages and lifting them up. Shupe did a wonderful job of fleshing him out and sharing his story.
Shupe, long a favorite at Caffeinated Reviewer, brought the period to life and weaved in historical tidbits from the gangs to the breweries and I loved it all. The suspense angle gave us a fright but also allowed for change and growth. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer