Helpful Score: 2
I really enjoyed this book and have started on book 2 (Rumors). The prologues give away WAY too much of the story though, in my opinion so you may want to skip them.
These books are relatively clean, which is not to say there is no innuendo, just no description of the events alluded to.
Lots of girly dresses and flowery descriptions of wealth in 1899. A fun and dramatic series.
These books are relatively clean, which is not to say there is no innuendo, just no description of the events alluded to.
Lots of girly dresses and flowery descriptions of wealth in 1899. A fun and dramatic series.
Helpful Score: 1
Despite the fact that this is a book intended for teens, I loved it! The writing is good, the characters have a lot of depth and the plot was very interesting! I couldn't put this down! Finished it in one day.
Helpful Score: 1
If you can't get enough of Gossip Girl, here's something perfect for you: Anna Godbersen's new trashy series, THE LUXE, set in turn-of-the-century New York. The world is poised on the break of a modern revolution, but within the old and powerful families of New York, tradition and appearances always come first. Love is thrown aside in favor of money and the security of social status.
While I didn't think that THE LUXE was as well written as similar, more popular series, such as Gossip Girl or The A-List, it is perfectly satisfactory as fast, light reading. THE LUXE never pretends to be more than it is--a delicious imitation of Gossip Girl--and you have to admire it for that.
While I didn't think that THE LUXE was as well written as similar, more popular series, such as Gossip Girl or The A-List, it is perfectly satisfactory as fast, light reading. THE LUXE never pretends to be more than it is--a delicious imitation of Gossip Girl--and you have to admire it for that.
Helpful Score: 1
This book is like a soap opera and if you love soap operas (especially the Young and the Restless as this book seems like that one the most) then you'll love this book. It's a case of girl loves boy, boy loves another girl, boy is forced to marry another girl who loves another boy, girl wants to break free from society and do what her heart tells her, etc. But an amazing read that keeps you wanting more (just like soap operas you keep coming back every day to keep finding out what happens). But just an amazing story line and read. I thought this book would be filled with smut but actually just like in the soaps they take their clothes off, kiss, and tahdah...that's the end of the scene and we go to someone else in another situation. Nothing that would make me think twice about giving this book to a tween to read. Now I can't wait to start reading the next book in the series!!
Helpful Score: 1
I was excited to read this book. The synopsis of it reminded me some of "A Great and Terrible Beauty" a little bit. This book really wasn't like that at all; it was okay and somewhat entertaining. I found it to be very predictable and the characters to all be very stereotypical and dull.
This book is set in the late 1800's in New York. Take every Victorian type story you have previously read and this story follows that storyline. Elizabeth's wealthy family is short on money; as Elizabeth is one of the most virtuous figures in New York society she is expected to marry into money. Only Elizabeth loves someone outside her station. Her intended husband also loves someone else; and a different someone (Penelope) loves Elizabeth's intended husband. Of course, Penelope is Elizabeth's best friend and a bit of a catty type of woman. If you have read a million plots like this before, well, this book ends exactly like you would expect it to.
Overall there is a bit of mystery to the plot and some intrigue which propels the story forward. Unfortunately the characters always do exactly what you think they would do. Some of the conversation and the way characters interact is interesting. The writing style itself was very good and very articulate. The book reminds a bit of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" except that there isn't much humor in this story and the characters aren't nearly was witty. I can't vouche for the accuracy with which this era of New York was portrayed because I just don't know much about it; I will trust other reviewers who say that a lot of research went into this book.
So, I thought the book was okay. It was a pretty good page turner. I was disappointed however at the lack of witty conversation between the characters and by the predictability of both the plot and the characters. Based on these things I don't think I will continue with the rest of this series. I just prefer books with a bit more substance and more uniqueness; if they are lacking in those areas sometimes wittiness can make up for it. Unfortunately neither of those were present in this book.
This book is set in the late 1800's in New York. Take every Victorian type story you have previously read and this story follows that storyline. Elizabeth's wealthy family is short on money; as Elizabeth is one of the most virtuous figures in New York society she is expected to marry into money. Only Elizabeth loves someone outside her station. Her intended husband also loves someone else; and a different someone (Penelope) loves Elizabeth's intended husband. Of course, Penelope is Elizabeth's best friend and a bit of a catty type of woman. If you have read a million plots like this before, well, this book ends exactly like you would expect it to.
Overall there is a bit of mystery to the plot and some intrigue which propels the story forward. Unfortunately the characters always do exactly what you think they would do. Some of the conversation and the way characters interact is interesting. The writing style itself was very good and very articulate. The book reminds a bit of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" except that there isn't much humor in this story and the characters aren't nearly was witty. I can't vouche for the accuracy with which this era of New York was portrayed because I just don't know much about it; I will trust other reviewers who say that a lot of research went into this book.
So, I thought the book was okay. It was a pretty good page turner. I was disappointed however at the lack of witty conversation between the characters and by the predictability of both the plot and the characters. Based on these things I don't think I will continue with the rest of this series. I just prefer books with a bit more substance and more uniqueness; if they are lacking in those areas sometimes wittiness can make up for it. Unfortunately neither of those were present in this book.
