This review was a long time coming. I just couldn't make my mind up about the book. I kept changing my mind as to whether or not is was even worth reading or not.

The Luxe follows the Holland sisters, Elizabeth (which I didn't enjoy) and Diana (which I absolutely loved), as they discover that their lives will not be continuing in the way they have enjoyed for most of their life. Both girls are put in a position of family before self and while outwardly they react similarly, their inner thoughts are quite different.

I've decided that "most" of it was worth reading. The characters were what was throwing me off at first. They are split about 50/50 between well written, dynamic people, and static, boring words that make up a person. The characters that drew me in were what kept me reading the book, and what also made me put the second in the series on my Christmas list to see if the remaining characters get any better (I'm a sucker for second chances).

The plot had a somewhat predictable path, but the story was very fitting for the time period it depicted, and moved along at a nice pace that kept the story moving forward (at least when it was focused on one of the characters I liked).

3/5 ( )

Gossip Girl in a bustle. Actually, even less intelligent. If that's possible. ( )

This book is exactly like Gossip Girl (I've only seen the tv show) set in the olden days.

It would have been my dream book when I was a teenager. I wasted all my youth with a series of young adult teen historical romances with titles like "Gabrielle" and "Danielle." I'd read the entire book waiting for the heroine to get kissed by her hot historical honey. And it would only be a peck!

This book was smutty - characters were sleeping with stable boys, back-stabbing, drinking themselves into oblivion. I loved it! It was a rockin' good time. Yes, I guessed the ending within the first 20 pages, but it was still fun to read. I can't wait to read the next one! ( )

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. ( )

I'll admit it - I was attracted to this book solely on the cover picture! Normally I stick to the fantasy genre, with occasional forays into historical fiction à la GWTW, Outlander, The Clan of the Cave Bear, etc. While this is historical fiction, it's very much like Gossip Girl. And like Gossip Girl (the tv show), it's a total guilty pleasure! I couldn't put this book down, and I'm devouring the rest of the series already! ( )