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
HMM! Well its definitely an eye catcher with that beautiful cover. I really enjoyed this book. It has all the the juicy-ness of a gossip girl book but much better to me because of the formalities and the absence of bad language. Its as juicy as one could be in the late 1800s and I love the authenticity of the characters voices. I cant wait to read the sequel!!
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.
Was very predictable and held no suprises for me.
A good read for the most part-can't wait to read #2!
i liked this book, but it was a little predictable, but it was still a pretty good read. but i did read it in 2 days.
This book was surprisingly amazing. Truthfully, I wasn't really expecting to get much from this book or finish it. The reviews stated that it was a lot like the Gossip Girl series which I loathe, but I think the extraordinary attention to the historical aspect appealed to me. I loved everything, the characters, the plot, the suspense, and the romance. I rarely finish books this long if I don't immensely like them, but I couldn't put this one down! I can't wait to read the second one in the series, Rumors!
This book was incredibly predictable and I had it all figured out almost immediately...and got pretty bored with this one partway through. The writing didn't draw me into the story and I really could care less about Elizabeth or Penelope, though Diana was kind of interesting and the closest thing to a real person I saw in the characters, even though she did seem a caricature quite a bit of the time. I really wish that the characters had more depth to them, more nuance. As it was, each person fit neatly into a little sterotyped box and, like stories like this go, their venturing out of their stereotypes (in a stereotypical way for stories like this, I may add) drove the plot. I like the easy read as much as the next person, but I barely finished this book and will not be getting any more of the series. I prefer and recommend the Gemma Doyle trilogy over this series.
I picked up this series of books several months ago to fill my head with nonsense after Lariann died. Reading was a good distraction from the trauma of real life.I read a lot of book the months following, but these are the only ones I have decided I want in my personal collection. The Luxe, Rumors and Envy were a joy to read.
These books follow the life path or 4 young women between 1899-1900 as young New York City Socialites: Elizabeth, Diana, Penelope, and Carolina and their trials and tribulations and the rise and fall of their stars.
I fell in love with the characters and found myself rooting for them in their times of triumph and sad for them in their times of need. I was sad to discover, after reading Envy back in June that it was not in fact the last book and I had to wait until October to read Splendor. I preordered the novel several months ago and have just been waiting and waiting for it to arrive.
All of the Luxe books have been incredibly addicting and I found myself truly caring about Elizabeth, Diana, Henry, Teddy and the rest of the cast again. I found myself cheering out-loud at one point and nearly heart-breakingly sad at another. Most of the time I was reading this I had a cheesy grin upon my face because I was so immersed in the lives of the characters.
I love Loved LOVED the fact that not everyone got their happy endings. Books like that really get on my nerves sometimes, but this one wrapped up nicely. This book was a good ending to the series - everyone pretty much got what they deserved.
Now I find myself wanting more. I want to learn about the lives that were changed by the choices and decisions that were made, I want to know more about Teddy and oddly enough, I want to know more about Aunt Edith. I want the back story to how Elizabeth's father knew. I want more of these characters.
This is a book that would probably transition well into movie format, and I'm sure that they would be so much better then the Twilight movies, heck, you could probably cover all 4 books in a 2 hour movie. How about someone makes Luxe instead of wasting time turning The Host in to a movie.
These books follow the life path or 4 young women between 1899-1900 as young New York City Socialites: Elizabeth, Diana, Penelope, and Carolina and their trials and tribulations and the rise and fall of their stars.
I fell in love with the characters and found myself rooting for them in their times of triumph and sad for them in their times of need. I was sad to discover, after reading Envy back in June that it was not in fact the last book and I had to wait until October to read Splendor. I preordered the novel several months ago and have just been waiting and waiting for it to arrive.
All of the Luxe books have been incredibly addicting and I found myself truly caring about Elizabeth, Diana, Henry, Teddy and the rest of the cast again. I found myself cheering out-loud at one point and nearly heart-breakingly sad at another. Most of the time I was reading this I had a cheesy grin upon my face because I was so immersed in the lives of the characters.
I love Loved LOVED the fact that not everyone got their happy endings. Books like that really get on my nerves sometimes, but this one wrapped up nicely. This book was a good ending to the series - everyone pretty much got what they deserved.
Now I find myself wanting more. I want to learn about the lives that were changed by the choices and decisions that were made, I want to know more about Teddy and oddly enough, I want to know more about Aunt Edith. I want the back story to how Elizabeth's father knew. I want more of these characters.
This is a book that would probably transition well into movie format, and I'm sure that they would be so much better then the Twilight movies, heck, you could probably cover all 4 books in a 2 hour movie. How about someone makes Luxe instead of wasting time turning The Host in to a movie.
I LOVED this book and couldn't put it down. It starts out with a bang and you don't want to stop reading it. Personally, I liked this better than the Gossip Girl series! I can't wait for the sequal to come out this summer to see how things end!
I absoutely loved this book! I couldn't put it down once I started. At first it is kind of confusing but as the storyline goes on you figure out what is happening. Love all the period detail in the book and i'm definately putting #2 on my Wl!
This book was surprisingly amazing. Truthfully, I wasn't really expecting to get much from this book or finish it. The reviews stated that it was a lot like the Gossip Girl series which I loathe, but I think the extraordinary attention to the historical aspect appealed to me. I loved everything, the characters, the plot, the suspense, and the romance. I rarely finish books this long if I don't immensely like them, but I couldn't put this one down! I can't wait to read the second one in the series, Rumors!
Reviewed by Julie M. Prince for TeensReadToo.com
One of the elite, one of the daughters of New York society, is dead.
In life, the lovely and fair Elizabeth Holland is everything a young, turn-of-the-century girl of her position ought to be. But, it's not easy to be proper and mannerly all the time, and a handsome servant who lives in the stable gets to see more of her than anyone else -- much, much more.
No one knows of their secret affair, except Miss Holland's personal maid, Lina. Why did Elizabeth Holland have to go and pick Lina's love interest to treat as her personal plaything? Isn't it enough that the wealthy and admired young lady is betrothed to New York's most eligible bachelor?
Henry Schoonmaker doesn't even want to marry the prim and boring Miss Holland. He's having too much fun living a carefree life and having a secret affair with his fiancé's best friend, Penelope Hayes. But, that sister of Elizabeth's, she is truly spirited. Yes, maybe Diana is the Holland sister for him. Maybe he should defy his father's wishes and forget about Elizabeth...and Penelope.
But, Penelope simply will not be forgotten. Henry Schoonmaker belongs to her. It should be her name linked with his in all the society papers. She'll do whatever it takes to get him back.
The twists and turns readers navigate throughout this book are staggering. With so many different perspectives to balance, the story could become difficult to follow, but author Anna Godbersen deftly guides her readers through the tale.
It can be unclear at times where loyalties should lie, with so many scandalous doings underway. However, this only further adds to the big picture of New York's upper crust society and the games its elitist members must play in order to stay on top.
The mystery of Elizabeth Holland's impending death will keep readers riveted, and by the story's end, they will be crying out for a sequel. I join their ranks in hoping this debut novelist will comply.
One of the elite, one of the daughters of New York society, is dead.
In life, the lovely and fair Elizabeth Holland is everything a young, turn-of-the-century girl of her position ought to be. But, it's not easy to be proper and mannerly all the time, and a handsome servant who lives in the stable gets to see more of her than anyone else -- much, much more.
No one knows of their secret affair, except Miss Holland's personal maid, Lina. Why did Elizabeth Holland have to go and pick Lina's love interest to treat as her personal plaything? Isn't it enough that the wealthy and admired young lady is betrothed to New York's most eligible bachelor?
Henry Schoonmaker doesn't even want to marry the prim and boring Miss Holland. He's having too much fun living a carefree life and having a secret affair with his fiancé's best friend, Penelope Hayes. But, that sister of Elizabeth's, she is truly spirited. Yes, maybe Diana is the Holland sister for him. Maybe he should defy his father's wishes and forget about Elizabeth...and Penelope.
But, Penelope simply will not be forgotten. Henry Schoonmaker belongs to her. It should be her name linked with his in all the society papers. She'll do whatever it takes to get him back.
The twists and turns readers navigate throughout this book are staggering. With so many different perspectives to balance, the story could become difficult to follow, but author Anna Godbersen deftly guides her readers through the tale.
It can be unclear at times where loyalties should lie, with so many scandalous doings underway. However, this only further adds to the big picture of New York's upper crust society and the games its elitist members must play in order to stay on top.
The mystery of Elizabeth Holland's impending death will keep readers riveted, and by the story's end, they will be crying out for a sequel. I join their ranks in hoping this debut novelist will comply.
Wonderfully written YA historical fiction. Perfect blend of teen drama and 1899 New York glamour. Would recommend for anyone looking for a read not to deep or fluffy. Perfect fun read.
The reason I bought the book was the perfectly scrumptious dress pictured on the front. It is truly a fantasy dress - love stories are not my usual reading and it was obvious that's what this was. I finally got around to reading it and I'll have to say it's a good story and I'm getting the next book. Elizabeth, who is truly a good girl, has the unfortunate experience of falling in love with the stable guy and being betrothed to someone she doesn't love for financial reasons. This someone doesn't love her either. To make matters worse, her best friend does love him and her sister comes to love him as well. It would be a triangle plus one, but not the only one, then theres another triangle with Elizabeth, the stable guy and her maid. A true mess. It all takes place in the late 1800's. Elizabeth's family is part of the high society group the Astor's are part of but their father has died and it turns out they are about to go broke.
MY THOUGHTS
To be honest, I usually don't read books like this. I've heard that this book is basically Gossip Girl in the last 1800s, which is kind of true. This book is full of drama, drama, and more drama. I have issues with drama filled books. They just make me upset because there are usually "girl dogs" trying to ruin the lives of the characters I actually like.
This book begins quite interestingly. It begins with the funeral of Elizabeth Holland. Then we go back in time and see the events leading up to the funeral. I usually hate it when books begin with a prologue from the future, but I actually liked how this book began! It brought a sense of mystery and it made me want to read more! I wanted to know what happened to Elizabeth and if there really was a funeral.
As far as characters, I like half and hate the other half. Elizabeth is an angel and always follows the rules, but she has secrets of her own. I had a few issues with Elizabeth, but I liked her overall and I could understand why she acted the way she did. Diana is Elizabeth's sister and the rebellious one. She annoyed me at first, by how much she was always against Elizabeth, but they are sisters, so it makes sense. I acted ended up liking her personality and how she stuck to being herself instead of a proper lady of the time. I loved Henry, though I wish he would stand up to Penelope. Penelope is a psycho "girl dog", and is one of my most hated characters of all time. She's obsessed with Henry and is willing to do ANYTHING to get him. Lina is another character I hate, but not as much as Penelope. She's Elizabeth servant and dreams of a higher class life. She's not psycho, but she does act like a "girl dog". I don't hate her as much because I can understand where she is coming from, but that doesn't excuse her actions.
As far as the romance(s), I did like them. I ship the relationships that Elizabeth and Diana are in. Penelope and Lina can die alone.
IN CONCLUSION
I liked the mystery involved in this book, not so much the drama. I hated half the characters, but the other half I am really rooting for. I will be continuing the series, even though I will regret it. I already read the sequel and that book caused me so much pain. But I am already emotionally invested in this series.
To be honest, I usually don't read books like this. I've heard that this book is basically Gossip Girl in the last 1800s, which is kind of true. This book is full of drama, drama, and more drama. I have issues with drama filled books. They just make me upset because there are usually "girl dogs" trying to ruin the lives of the characters I actually like.
This book begins quite interestingly. It begins with the funeral of Elizabeth Holland. Then we go back in time and see the events leading up to the funeral. I usually hate it when books begin with a prologue from the future, but I actually liked how this book began! It brought a sense of mystery and it made me want to read more! I wanted to know what happened to Elizabeth and if there really was a funeral.
As far as characters, I like half and hate the other half. Elizabeth is an angel and always follows the rules, but she has secrets of her own. I had a few issues with Elizabeth, but I liked her overall and I could understand why she acted the way she did. Diana is Elizabeth's sister and the rebellious one. She annoyed me at first, by how much she was always against Elizabeth, but they are sisters, so it makes sense. I acted ended up liking her personality and how she stuck to being herself instead of a proper lady of the time. I loved Henry, though I wish he would stand up to Penelope. Penelope is a psycho "girl dog", and is one of my most hated characters of all time. She's obsessed with Henry and is willing to do ANYTHING to get him. Lina is another character I hate, but not as much as Penelope. She's Elizabeth servant and dreams of a higher class life. She's not psycho, but she does act like a "girl dog". I don't hate her as much because I can understand where she is coming from, but that doesn't excuse her actions.
As far as the romance(s), I did like them. I ship the relationships that Elizabeth and Diana are in. Penelope and Lina can die alone.
IN CONCLUSION
I liked the mystery involved in this book, not so much the drama. I hated half the characters, but the other half I am really rooting for. I will be continuing the series, even though I will regret it. I already read the sequel and that book caused me so much pain. But I am already emotionally invested in this series.
