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Last books in a series – being it a short and sweet trilogy or a long intense saga – are always tricky. There is a lot of build up and, let’s face it, expectations that this last story would be the perfect one; not only encapsulating the feel of the whole series, but also giving it a proper closure.
And, Mogul, despite its flaws, is good example of that.
The last book in the Knickerbocker Club series is defiantly not my favorite of the three, but I think it was nice story to finish the trilogy with.
I’m not going to pretend the charming almost mercurial newspaper mogul Calvin Cabot did not immediately catch my attention when he appeared as a side character in the previous books. I was immensely curious what kind of heroine would be his equal; how this seemingly aloof character would fall in love.
And although, I wasn’t necessary disappointed with Calvin and Lillian’s romance, I expected more.
The second chance romance trope was a pleasant surprise, and the opening chapters kept me intrigued, but as the story progressed I was more interested with the sub plot mentioning the Chinese Exclusion Act, than our couple mending their broken relationship.
Both main characters were interesting on their own, but together they just didn’t resonate with me. I never quite connected with the heroine; Lilian seemed really chaotic in her dealings with Calvin, and both of them seemed to be stuck in their tumulus past relationship. I liked Calvin, but the more of him there was the more I was infuriated with his behavior.
Lillian and Calvin are older than when they first get together, but they seem to somehow forget about all the experiences they've lived thru after their separation, and promptly act like their inexperienced-selves from years ago. While with Lilian – a heiress living in privilege, even if she did took upon herself to run her father’s mine – it could be somewhat understandable, with Calvin it was weird.
A lot of the drama and misunderstandings between them could’ve been resolved if they communicated better.
The sub plot revolving around Chinatown and Calvin and his trusty sidekick - Hugo’s past abroad was quite interesting; I really enjoyed this glimpse into the Gilded Age tumulus political and social atmosphere.
Last, but not least, both the great chemistry and some amazing banter carried the story and made the book quite entertaining.
Mogul was a good ending to a good trilogy. I’m quite happy I finally started to read full length books by Joanna Shupe, and I’m sure I’ll read more from her.
~3-4/5 stars
And, Mogul, despite its flaws, is good example of that.
The last book in the Knickerbocker Club series is defiantly not my favorite of the three, but I think it was nice story to finish the trilogy with.
I’m not going to pretend the charming almost mercurial newspaper mogul Calvin Cabot did not immediately catch my attention when he appeared as a side character in the previous books. I was immensely curious what kind of heroine would be his equal; how this seemingly aloof character would fall in love.
And although, I wasn’t necessary disappointed with Calvin and Lillian’s romance, I expected more.
The second chance romance trope was a pleasant surprise, and the opening chapters kept me intrigued, but as the story progressed I was more interested with the sub plot mentioning the Chinese Exclusion Act, than our couple mending their broken relationship.
Both main characters were interesting on their own, but together they just didn’t resonate with me. I never quite connected with the heroine; Lilian seemed really chaotic in her dealings with Calvin, and both of them seemed to be stuck in their tumulus past relationship. I liked Calvin, but the more of him there was the more I was infuriated with his behavior.
Lillian and Calvin are older than when they first get together, but they seem to somehow forget about all the experiences they've lived thru after their separation, and promptly act like their inexperienced-selves from years ago. While with Lilian – a heiress living in privilege, even if she did took upon herself to run her father’s mine – it could be somewhat understandable, with Calvin it was weird.
A lot of the drama and misunderstandings between them could’ve been resolved if they communicated better.
The sub plot revolving around Chinatown and Calvin and his trusty sidekick - Hugo’s past abroad was quite interesting; I really enjoyed this glimpse into the Gilded Age tumulus political and social atmosphere.
Last, but not least, both the great chemistry and some amazing banter carried the story and made the book quite entertaining.
Mogul was a good ending to a good trilogy. I’m quite happy I finally started to read full length books by Joanna Shupe, and I’m sure I’ll read more from her.
~3-4/5 stars