Rumors

Reader reviewed by The Fable Fairy

When I began reading The Luxe, which is the first novel of this series, I was very disappointed. The story was not engaging me whatsoever. I am not a fan of the Gossip Girl-esque type novel and knew that The Luxe did read along those lines. In fact, Erin from my local bookstore did tell me it was similar to Gossip Girl except dated 100 years prior. Since their historical fiction selection was limited I picked it up regardless for my challenge. Numerous times I wanted to toss The Luxe aside but decided against it and I am happy I did since I became completely enthralled in the story about 100 pages in.

Reader reviewed by Nicole L.

This is the kind of book I can get into: scandals, lies, dresses, and rumors!!!
Diana Holland, sister to the supposedly dead society star Elizabeth Holland (now happy in California with her lover Will), is in love with Elizabeth's fiance before she died, Henry Schoonmaker. Henry is in mourning for Elizabeth, so he can't court Diana just yet.  But there is more behind the scenes: evil Penelope Hayes is also wanting Henry, and will do ANYTHING (really, anything) to have him marry her.  She also has jealous ex-servant to the Hollands, society girl wannabe Lina Broad sitting in her pocket. Lina proves to be a valuable source for the precious gossip Penelope needs to accomplish her goals.

This book may be light and fluffy in subject matter, but it is too much fun!  I had to put the book down a couple of times to yell at it, because it turned out so completely wrong!  Now I feel the urge to run over to my library and get the sequel, Envy, before I go insane.  It interesting enough for adults to read, but it is still great for teenagers. Some of the concepts are a bit mature, but it is not graphic or smutty at all so a girl as young a 14 could read it and not be fazed.  All in all, a decently clean read because the sex/gore in it is quite vague.

Reader reviewed by Ellina

This is a great follow-up to the Luxe.  I won't say too much, to keep from spoiling it, but it ends in a cliffhanger, and I was heartbroken for some of my favorite characters!!! I just wish I could've seen more character development of Henry Schoonmaker.  He sounds so handsome I want a character behind him.  I'm still reading Envy, and I'm pretty sure a trip to Barnes and Noble will be necessary after October 27, so I can read Splendor (can't wait)
And also, a note on the "mature" content: It is not graphic AT ALL so I thought my mature 13 year old daughter could handle it. If she has questions on the right call she can ask me (because I am her mom) It does have implications of sex, like its predecessor, (really? When kids sneak out at night to meet with their boyfriends they have sex? Is that what they do? lol) but it is not close to anything in Nora Roberts romance novel (which my girl is not allowed to read) or even Gossip Girl.

Reader reviewed by Adriana

Much better than the first in the series, now I feel like I'm hooked and I want to keep going with Envy. In this one, Elizabeth is still believed to be dead at first, but then rumors begin that she was kidnapped and is being held for ransom. In reality she is in California with Will and he is looking to strike it rich in the oil industry. Meanwhile in New York, Diana is still in love with Henry, and so is he, but the rules of society would not look upon their union as proper since his supposed ex-fiance is dead and she was Diana's sister. Penelope continues to scheme for Henry, making friends with his stepmother and trying to elevate her image in high society as that of a worthy candidate for Henry's betrothed. Lina (or Carolina as she starts to call herself) allies herself with a scrupulous salesman named Tristan. She befriends a wealthy old bachelor, and even though he knows her story is a sham, he helps her out with her finances in exchange for her company (sort of like an escort, but without the affair). All in all, way better storylines and I really enjoyed the writing this time, it envokes the time period without being boring or repetitive. One thing though, the ending was very sad for me, I was not expecting it and I have to say that I was sort of let down for that character. It does have some rather graphic scenes in it, so I would say younger teens beware.

Reader reviewed by stephanie