The Flappers: Vixen

Second book in a row that I read mainly for the cover, I think this is becoming a habit. This cover is gorgeous though, I love the expression on her face, her dress, the whole atmosphere of it. Which just so happens to fit the book perfectly. I haven't read or learned much about the 1920s so there were times when I had trouble picturing things and understanding what was being talked about. I, of course, knew about speakeasies, the Prohibition, flappers and jazz but the basics were about as far as my knowledge went. While reading the book I learned a bit more, but was challenged to research more about the 1920s and found it quite a fascinating time period, which made me enjoy the book more than I thought I would.

The characters were as a rule intriguing. My favorite of the main characters was definitely Clara, I think she was the most likable and interesting, with her own mysterious past to boot, plus her relationship with Marcus was so sweet. While I liked Gloria and Jerome there was something about both of them that made their love a bit hard to believe. I think it was partly do to the fact that while they spent a lot of time together, we never actually saw that time, we just heard about it from Gloria afterwards along with her great love for him, I would have much preferred if the book was a little longer and we got to see more of them falling in love before seeing them run away together. Lorraine was probably the most difficult character, she had such a hard time and all her efforts to make things right only made them worse. I felt sympathy for her because all her friends abandoned her because they thought she was a horrible person, but all she had tried to do was help them, but unfortunately she accomplished that in the wrong way and it made them hate her.

The plot was good, not much happened, but when it did it was engaging and thrilling. Even the parts that were slower were interesting and fun to read. The back story with Clara was my favorite part, it was the main thing that kept me reading early on in the book, I wanted to find out what had happened to her in New York City. Gloria's rebellion and her growing confidence and independence was enchanting, she went from a girl trying to prove that she could be a flapper into someone who was not to be taken lightly. I loved it, plus the involvement of the mob and the socialite tied everything together into a fun, interesting package.

In 1923 Chicago, debutant Gloria’s engagement protects her from family scandal, although she might cause one as a speakeasy singer. Best friend Lorraine, the flapper wannabe, is slipping in society standing and chasing the wrong boy. And cousin Clara, here keeping Gloria respectable, hides from a wounded heart and Big Apple past.

I found Gloria unsympathetic: a spoiled, erratic princess pursuing flighty “dreams”. Lorraine’s seductress bad girl role felt forced and fake. Clara’s past mistakes made her intriguing and relatable. Despite easily guessed plot twists, the period slang and speakeasy settings are worth the read! Clearly setting up the sequel.

Age Range: Recommended for ages 13+, but your mileage may vary! Moderate cursing, some violence, rivers of booze, sexual situations, rebellious themes.
Olivia’s Rating: 2.5 out of 5 smiley pumpkins

Reader reviewed by Lia

Vixen was told from the point of of three diffeent girls, Gloria, Clara and Lorraine. Gloria is getting married to one of the most eligible bachelors, Sebastian Grey, but all she wants is the flapper life with no restrictions. Clara has come to live with her aunt, and her cousin Gloria to get away from her previous life. Lorraine is Gloria's friend, and is tired of being hidden Gloria's shadow.

I didn't really enjoy this book as much as I thought I would. The writing and the switcing between narrations was done well, but the character development could have been better. One thing I was glad was addressed was how people back than reacted to different race relationships. That was protrayed very realistically, how close-minded people were.  Fans of Anna Godbersen will enjoy this book.

Reader reviewed by flashlight_reader

Speakeasies. Forbidden romance. Betrayal. Jillian Larkins novel Vixen has all of these elements and more! Vixen is the first novel in the new The Flappers series. In this book, Gloria, the beautiful protagonist, is out to claim her identity before her marriage to the prestigious Sebastian Grey.  After one night at the speakeasy the Green Mill, Gloria finds herself changed, but she doesnt know to what extent. Suddenly, she is more outspoken and mysteriously drawn to Jazz. With her friends Marcus and Lorraine, Gloria continues to frequent the Green Mill despite knowing that her fiancé and mother would be furious if they found out.

 

After several twists and turns (and sultry scenes) Gloria finds herself breaking every rule she has ever known. Her world is changing faster than she thought possible. Gloria starts sneaking out of her house to visit the forbidden speakeasy, protesting against the rules and her pretentious fiancé, and finds herself forming romantic feelings for the clubs taboo pianist, Jerome Johnson. Everything is working out for Gloria until someone betrays her. Could it be Lorraine, her insanely jealous, social-climbing best friend? Clara, her sweeter than pie cousin (with a dark secret) from Pennsylvania? Bastian, Glorias fiancé with a wicked alter-ego? 

 

Larkins beautiful, descriptive language paints a beautiful setting of 1920s Chicago. Her writing style transports the reader to that fantastic era in American history. Capturing the allure of flappers, speakeasies and gangster-ruled Chicago is certainly one of Larkins writing strengthsalong with the development of her characters. The passion between Gloria and Jerome is searing, and gives the reader goose bumps. But Jerome and Gloria arent the only characters shooting sparks. Readers can feel the passion between Marcus and Clara escalating. 

 

The ending of Vixen will leave you with your mouth agape. Lies, scandal, murder, and shocking revelations leave Gloria racing towards a new chapter in her life, and embarking on a journey that no previous Chicago socialite has ever been a part of before. But Gloria isnt the only character facing new adventures. Marcus and Clara have found the beginning of something wonderful, while Lorraine and Bastian are seething in the shadows of jealousy and revenge.

 

The next book in the series, Ingénue, (set to be published in August 2011) will surely beas our young flappers would saytotally Jake.