When all her efforts to find her missing brother Tom failed, Lily Davies knew only one man would be able to help her: Calvin Cabot. To put it mildly, there is some bad blood between the two, but former reporter Calvin has his finger on the pulse of the city. Lily, however, never thought she would finally track the newspaper MOGUL to an opium den! And I am not saying one more word about the fabulously intricate plot of this wonderful book!

I already counted The Knickerbocker Club at the past year's best series, and MOGUL might be the best book of the lot! Every book in this extraordinary series shows a different aspect of 1889 New York City, every book has a different tone, no two characters are alike, there are surprises galore, and through it all, Joanna Shupe presents a complete picture of an era more vivid than any photograph ever could. Every book is solidly anchored in history, and in MOGUL, Ms. Shupe exposes the little-known Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, and again the author's research is exemplary and perfectly integrated in what is a splendid romance.

MOGUL is bursting with passion, action, and excitement! The characters are exquisitely well-drawn and unusually complex; both Lily and Calvin are extremely strong-willed -- not stupidly obstinate! -- and their relationship is one of the most genuinely passionate I have ever read, and not only from the sexual side; they are passionate people, period. This said, the sex scenes are sizzling hot, and entirely apropos. Calvin has a fascinating backstory, as does his friend and valet Hugo, a freed slave, and they make a formidable duo. I love that Ms. Shupe gives MOGUL a true melting pot vibe, as it reflects the growing United States in the Gilded Age. This is one of those series that I wish would never end; MOGUL blew me away!

Book Summary

The privileged members of the Knickerbocker Club can never climb too high up the social ladder. But for one charming New York bachelor, does the ascent take precedence over love in the Gilded Age?

As owner of a well-respected national newspaper, Calvin Cabot has the means to indulge his capricious taste for excess--and the power to bring the upper crust of society to its knees. So when a desperate heiress from his past begs for his help, Calvin agrees . . . as long as she promises to stay out of his way. Except, like the newsman, this willful beauty always gets what she wants . . .

Lillian Davies lives a life brimming with boundless parties, impressive yachts, and exotic getaways. But when her brother disappears, Lily knows that blood runs thicker than champagne and she'll spare nothing to bring him back alive. Unfortunately, the only man who can help her is the one she never wanted to see again. Can Lily keep Calvin at arm's length long enough to save her brother and protect her name . . . even when the tenacious powerbroker turns out to be absolutely irresistible?