The Gilded Heiress, Joanna Shupe (Review by Anna Sitthi-amorn)

Joanna Shupe’s The Gilded Heiress is an Anastasia retelling set against the glittering backdrop of New York’s Gilded Age, where opulence and ambition collide with desire and danger. The story feels both escapist and irresistibly entertaining. The novel is told from two points of view, giving readers insight into both main protagonists. Their chemistry is immediate and undeniable, and the pages are filled with discussions, thoughts, and encounters centered on passion and longing. Make no mistake: this is a spicy book. The sex scenes are written in graphic detail and occupy a significant portion of the story. For readers who enjoy open-door romance with no fade-to-black, this is your book. The romance itself is quite predictable, but that predictability can be part of the charm. The novel is romantic, sexy, and indulgent, like slipping into a beautifully decorated world where the outcome is never really in doubt. The narrative may not break new grounds, but it doesn’t need to—sometimes you just need a light, escapist read, especially after working through heavier books. A solid 3 stars read.