Baron

Starred review from October 3, 2016
In Shupe’s engaging and sexy second romance set in the glittering Gilded Age, sparks fly when a hardworking and enterprising performer crosses paths with one of New York City’s powerful Knickerbocker families. Railroad tycoon William Sloan knows his fledgling gubernatorial campaign needs his sterling reputation and every single one of his connections to take on the corrupt Tammany Hall political machine. His political aspirations cannot afford the romantic distraction of Ava Jones, who supports her three siblings with the money she earns as the medium Madame Zolikoff. Unlike his sister, Lizzie (the heroine of Magnate), who chafed under society’s strictures, Will doesn’t mind the traditions of New York’s moneyed elite, but Ava’s scorn for the wealthy throws him off balance. He’s intrigued that a young woman with no connections, money, or venerable family name still refuses to be awed by his wealth or impressed by his grand plans. The sexual heat between them burns slowly, but when Will finally gives in, he loses control. Will is starch and pomposity personified, but every minute with Ava, in and out of bed, musses him up and makes him more human. They have nothing in common, but their personalities are highly complementary; Ava’s pragmatism and devotion to her siblings draw out Will’s sense of fair play, honesty, and justice, and it’s increasingly difficult for him to remember why they have to stay in their own social spheres. The impoverished, good-hearted woman marrying the stuffy millionaire is what fairy tales are made of, but Shupe keeps the romance grounded with the realistic details of Ava’s hardscrabble life. This tumultuous love affair will charm even the most jaded society matron.

November 1, 2016
As the president of Northeast Railroad, William Sloane is used to striking deals with a wide variety of individuals, but he isn't about to negotiate with Ava Jones. As Madam Zolikoff, Ava may have conned John Bennett into believing that she can communicate with the deceased, but William knows the whole thing is just an act. Since John is William's running mate in the upcoming New York governor's race, the last thing he needs is for any potential gossip involving John and the phony Madam Zolikoff to hit the scandal sheets. However, extracting John from Ava's mercenary clutches proves to be a bit more difficult than William first imagined once he realizes he may be falling for the seductive con artist himself. With its delightfully different Gilded Age setting and memorable cast of intriguing characters, Baron, the latest sexy entry in Shupe's (Magnate, 2016) Knickerbocker Club series, is tailor-made for any romance reader in search of something fresh and new.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)