The Rogue of Fifth Avenue (Four Hundred, #4)

by Joanna Shupe

[kimbacaffeinate]

Caffeinated Dates with The Rogue of Fifth Avenue

First Date: Marion (Mamie) Greene made a deal with her father to marry Chauncey, her childhood friend, securing a relationship between the two families and allowing her younger sisters to choose their own husbands. At the time our story begins, no official contracts have been drawn and the promise is merely a gentleman’s agreement between the parents. Mamie has been given time to enjoy society, but she secretly spends her time in gaming halls placing bets and picking the pockets of the ton in order to help the less fortunate in the lower tenements. No one knows and would be shocked at her forward thinking ideas. Frank Tripp, a successful lawyer for society’s elite is called to retrieve Mamie and her sister from a gentleman’s club, something that is becoming a habit. He thinks he is finally going to tell her father about her antics but his curiosity about this feisty young woman prove too much. Oh, how I loved the chemistry and snarky banter that flew between these two. Shupe had me from the very first date and I settled in.

Second Date: Frank Tripp has secrets of his own. Secrets that could ruin his career and the status he has fought to gain. When a mother living in the tenements is arrested for killing her husband, Marion reaches out to Frank for help and the two strike a dangerous bargain. Sensing Maime’s restlessness, her father draws up the marriage contract looking to make the engagement official, but as Mamie feels the noose around her neck her attraction to Frank soars. I loved the building romance and wicked chemistry between these two but also loved the murder case, corrupt police department and class issues that Shupe skillfully wove into the story. Threats, secrets and passion held me spellbound.

Third Date: My Kindle sizzled as things heated up and the outside world slipped away. We learn about Frank’s past and my emotions ranged from sadness to anger. Shupe had me wanting to deck a few men as I prayed for an impossible happily ever after. I knew I was in good hands but still I held my breath as twists, miscommunications, and secrets came to life. I ended my third date grinning like a fool and feeling sated. Goodness, I love Joanne Shupe’s stories. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer