Joanna ShupeThe Devil of Downtown: Uptown Girls: 3

Jack Mulligan has one rule he lives by Qui n’avance pas, recule - who does not advance retreats. He is the Kingpin in New York - ruling over his territory ruthlessly. Jack has everyone he needs in his pocket and he doesn't do anything without a favor in return.When Justine Greene crosses paths with Mulligan - she is in dangerous territory. She knows how dangerous Mulligan can be, but still she is left with no choice but asking him for help in solving a case that she is working on on behalf of her charity. Mulligan is willing to help Justine, but he doesn't offer his services freely and of course there will be a favor in return.This favor is what starts the unusual relationship between "do-gooder" Justine and Kingpin Mulligan. When their dalliances with one another become more frequent and they begin to long for each other - will either of them stand a chance to be with one another?I absolutely LOVED The Devil of Downtown. The chemistry between Mulligan and Justine was explosive from the moment they met with one another. The sexy times between the two were next level hot hot hot.The way Justine was able to see underneath Jack's tough exterior and not be judgmental about his upbringing said a lot about her character. But how long do they have with one another before they realize that their worlds do not align. How could a Kingpin possibly have a future with a woman who is set on doing good in the world.There were quite a few times where this book brought me to tears. And I ached for both Jack and Justine. I wanted there to be a way that these two made it work and I was rooting for them until the very end.I've read a quite a few historical romances and honestly this was one of the first ones that I have read that was set in America. I truly enjoyed learning about New York in the 1800's and it was a refreshing change in scenery from typical historical romances that are set in London or Europe.This was my first novel by Joanna Shupe, but most definitely won't be my last!

An 1890’s gang scene and seemingly amorous free wheeling attitude might indeed be a turn off in today’s society. Indeed, one might find it off putting. However, by keeping it in perspective and capturing it in this book with the norms and behaviour of that era does not seem so bad. Blend in romance with gang, sex and violence in the 1890s and you get this book. For me, it was a good read.

This book for me was amazing. Jack was just something else, such a beautifully written hero. I loved Justine too obviously but I can’t explain how much I loved Jack. The way he spoke to Justine made my heart clench because it was so lovely.

Ambientado no fim do século 19, The Devil of Downtown traz uma apaixonante trama que mistura romance e o submundo de New York, um herói com uma passado torturado e uma rica herdeira de bom coração.Como acontece com outras obras de seu acervo, Joanna Shupe marca um gol na construção histórica da trama e dos personagens.Momentos divertidos, responsáveis pelos trechos mais leves da trama, e alguns mais emocionais criam um atraente mix que encanta e distrai. A trama flui sem tropeços graças ao texto ágil e o ótimo time de personagens principais e secundários.É, em essência, um belo romance e uma divertida e emocionante estória de dedicação ao próximo.Com certeza, uma obra que agrada aos fãs da autora.

I do love the trope... criminal dark underworld kingpin with a virtuous uptown lady. And this version does it ever so well! When Jack Mulligan meets Justine Greene, sparks fly. The two characters have wonderful chemistry and the story line is pretty believable.The setting is spectacular and well-researched. We find ourselves in late nineteenth century New York City. I love that we have an author who explores this time period. Shupe does a great job with describing the environment, etc. Very romantic, lots of ambiance, gritty dark nights.This would have been a five star read but I was annoyed with some of the side characters (cough, cough, hypocritical sisters) AND the climax of the novel bugged me a bit. I just didn't love how some parts went down. No spoilers, but I was just a little confused during some of the end scenes. And I wasn't sure the hero's character maintained consistency. These tiny failures did not ruin the overall enjoyment of this one.Overall this was a really solid read. Recommended!