Book Review: Envy: A Luxe Novel by Anna Godberson

Envy: a Luxe Novelcontinues the story of upper class New York society. The newly married Schoonmakers travel with friends (and enemies) to Florida to escape the cold. The Holland sisters are among them, Elizabeth just returned to society after her harrowing-but-hidden experiences, and Diana getting over her broken heart. Intrigues and jealousies and drama abound in this continuation of the Luxe series.

I was not as interested in the story of this one as the others (reviewed here and here) - it seemed a little to perfectly contrived. I continue to wonder if all elite upper class of turn of the century New York was as depraved and debauched as Godberson portrays them. I got a bit tired of all the descriptions of clothing and rooms as well as the continued lack of morality of most of the characters. I've discovered this kind of book is not usually a favorite with me. However, I will probably read the next book (which I was happy to learn is the last) because I want to know how the story ends.

RATINGS:
s-factor: none

mrg-factor: XX
Though not graphic or descriptive, there is a lot.

v-factor: none

Overall rating: **

Book Review: Rumors: a Luxe Novel by Anna Godberson

Rumors: A Luxe Novelcontinues the stories of the rich and corrupt of New York's turn-of-the-19th-century wealthy class (first book reviewed here). Elizabeth goes out west to live with her secret love, a poor coachman while her sister Diana covers for her faked death and tries to prevent her family from slipping into poverty themselves. People rich and poor conspire to get what (or who) they want at the expense of...well, anyone but themselves.

For what it is (fluffy historical romance) it is actually pretty good. I like the setting and even the descriptions of rich dresses. Sometimes, the less-than-moral standards of pretty much every person gets on my nerves, but it is done without going overboard. I was actually quite surprised at the ending and the powerful effects it had on me. And it left me hanging and waiting somewhat anxiously for the next book.

RATINGS:
s-factor: !
Maybe a few scattered swear words.

mrg-factor: XX
One scene in particular, not described in detail, fortunately. A few other references.

v-factor: none
There is a death, but not described.

Overall rating: ***

Book Review: The Luxe by Anna Godberson

The Luxefollows a group of upper class young adults living in turn of the century New York. It is filled with their intrigues, scandals, gossip, betrayals, backbiting, and generally improper behavior.

This was an absolute fluff book. While it does address some serious topics, it was really more of a sophisticated Sweet Valley High of the Victorian era. I found myself getting caught up in all of the twisted plot lines, and I guess this guilty pleasure is akin to a pretty tame soap opera. The writing is far superior to a SVH book and I really liked the historical element. (sequel reviewed here).

RATINGS:
s-rating: !@
Not too much language (after all, they are supposed to have proper decorum).

mrg-rating: XX
While there was plenty of this kind of scandal going on, for the most part the descriptions were tame.

v-rating: none.

Overall rating: ***