Reviewed by Jennifer Rummel for TeensReadToo.com

Right after the wedding she never wanted, Cordelia and her friend, Letty, decide to leave small-town life in Ohio for the dazzling city life of New York City. They've been best friends forever.

Once in the city, they find a boarding house and go out on the town. In a speakeasy, Cordelia meets a boy. They have a moment. In that moment, she tells him the truth about why she really came to New York. She wants to find her father. Unfortunately, Letty overhears. The two girls end up fighting and homeless.

Cordelia comes to NYC to find her father. He welcomes her with open arms. His lifestyle isn't what she's used to, as he runs an illicit business. He also lives in high glamor. When he discovers the identity of the boy Cordelia is dating, he forbids her to see him again. Cordelia doesn't want to go against her new family, but she can't stay away from Thom.

At one of her father's infamous parties, she meets Astrid. Astrid dates her brother, Charlie. She's ultra-glamorous, but her relationship with Charlie is on the rocks. Astrid isn't sure she can trust him, but she loves Cordelia.

Meanwhile, Letty tries to make it as a star. She's got an amazing voice and a new job at a speakeasy. There, she meets a man who could propel her on the fast track to stardom.

Will the three girls find romance and the answer to their huge dreams within New York City?

I've been waiting to read this book since BEA. When it arrived in the library, there *might* have been squealing and a happy dance. The author of THE LUXE series strikes again!

I loved the fashion of the Twenties, the romance, the luxury, and seeing New York City from an architectural standpoint. I also love how the three girls' lives mingled together, even though they weren't always friends. I can't wait to find out what happens next!

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I really enjoyed the author's first series, The Luxe, and couldn't wait for the Bright Young Things series to come out. I've always held an interest in Prohibition Era books and history. However, I was disappointed in this new series. It didn't up and grab me like the first series did. I found myself not caring for the characters, not liking them, and didn't find the book memorable once I finished it...And it took me a while to finish it because I found myself picking up other books to read instead. I will now be passing on the rest of this series.

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With the beginning of the book predicting that of the three females - "one will be famous, one will be married, and one will be dead," how could one not be hooked to the bitter end? The unfortunate thing is this is the first in a series, so I am still unsure which of the leading ladies will end up in each category. Although through this book, I was trying to take a guess at which one would see her life end, hasn't happened yet.

I loved going back in time to an era where alcohol was forbidden and an underground operation. Times were hard but exciting. Making it big happened rarely because it took great talent to become a true star. Now don't get me wrong I am a reality tv viewer, but it seemed so earned and precious when few found themselves with their name in lights.

I am absolutely hooked and am quietly anticipating book 2 in this series. I would pass this book along to those who don't mind take a walk back in time and to those who love to read of women who are trying to find a place to call home.

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A quick read that tells the story of 3 almost 20 somethings whose lives cross as they try to make something of themselves and their dreams in the late 1920's in NYC. Letty and Cordelia are bestfriends, having grown up together in Ohio. They decide to make a break for it and board an evening train to NYC to escape their lives in Ohio. Once in NYC Letty tries her hand at becoming a famous singer and Cordelia goes off in search of her long lost father. Astrid happens to be dating Cordelia's half-brother and an immediate friendship is formed. This is a bit more than fluff as the time period is fleshed out very well in terms of society, dress and culture. I liked the characters enough to give book 2 a go.

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MY THOUGHTS
After reading Rumors, the second book in The Luxe series by the same author, I was worried about this book. What I learned from Rumors was that Anna Godbersen isn't afraid to tear apart your heart. I went ahead and picked it up, knowing what may come, and I actually ended up enjoying this book a little bit more than The Luxe series.

This book is from three perspectives: Cordelia, Letty and Astrid. Cordelia and Letty are best friends that have left their rural town for the big city of New York. Though, for different reasons. Letty wants to make it big and become famous. Cordelia is there to find Darius Grey, a famous gangster that she believe is her father (that left when she was a baby). Astrid, on the other hand, has grown up in New York in luxury. She's currently dating Darius Grey's son and befriends Cordelia. But, of course, shenanigans ensue and everything isn't as simple as it seems.

First of all, I love the setting! This book takes place in the 20's and it felt entirely feel. I admit, I enjoy books that take place in the 20's, it's such an interesting era, but I actually felt like I was in the 20's. Everything was very well-detailed, including the big city.

Also, I love how Anna Godbersen begins her books. I usually hate Prologues that take place in the future, but hers only vaguely hint at what's to come, making me turn the pages faster to figure things out!

One reason why I might've enjoyed this a teensy bit more than The Luxe is how I didn't hate any of the points of view. In The Luxe, there are some perspectives of, basically, the villains and it makes me so upset when I read from their demented perspectives. I actually liked the girls in this book, I didn't love them and they have their flaws, but none of them are Penelope! Though, I did dislike something Cordelia does at the very very beginning (that poor boy).

This book has lots of drama, of course, which generally isn't something I love. This is probably why I can't give this a 4, though, there's less drama in this book than The Luxe. Boy, is that series crazy. Anyway, I still enjoyed this book and the drama, which kind of makes me feel

IN CONCLUSION
Overall, this is a great historical fiction for those who enjoy the 20's, drama, and books featuring the elite. I enjoyed this book and plan on continuing the series.

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