In The Duke Gets Even, Joanna Shupe delivers a sizzling historical romance set against the lavish backdrop of Gilded Age New York. The novel intertwines the classic elements of opulent settings, societal pressures, and the shackles of aristocracy with the fiery connections that can emerge against all odds.

Nellie Young is a character crafted in shades of complexity; a woman who has strategically tarnished her own reputation to avoid the binds of marriage, she turns to pursuits of pleasure to maintain her independence. Nellie is refreshingly direct, a rebel not just against societal norms but against the often cookie-cutter roles women are relegated to in historical fiction.

The Duke of Lockwood, on the other hand, is an embodiment of the pressures that come with nobility—prim, proper, yet teetering on the edge of desperation to save his crumbling estate. Shupe expertly peels back Lockwood’s layers, allowing readers to glimpse the man wrestling with burgeoning desires that stray far from his public facade.

The tension between Nellie and Lockwood is palpable. Their initial encounter, a stolen kiss under the moonlit ocean, sets the stage for a relationship that oscillates between passionate clashes and mutual understanding, with authentic emotions that leap off the page. Shupe manages the pacing of their romance masterfully, turning a simple affair into a deep exploration of identity and acceptance.

Thematically, the novel goes beyond mere romance and delves into the cost of societal expectations and the nature of freedom. Nellie’s involvement in an unconventional cause provides a poignant lens through which we examine the era’s social upheavals, adding substance to the steamy liaisons and personal dramas.

Stylistically, Shupe’s writing is fluid, adorned with rich descriptions that captivate the senses and draw readers into a world of both luxury and deception. Her portrayal of 19th-century New York is immersive, with meticulous attention to detail that underscores the story’s authenticity and charm.

While The Duke Gets Even ticks many boxes of a quintessential historical romance, it stands out for its strong, unapologetic heroine and a storyline that champions personal transformation and the courage to defy conventions.

Overall, Joanna Shupe provides an enthralling tale that satisfies the cravings for a fiery love story and makes a poignant statement on the era it represents. Perfect for fans of the genre seeking substance alongside their romance, this novel is a testament to the enduring power of love against the backdrop of societal strictures.