The Luxe

Anna Godbersen

Oct 2009 · Luxe Book 1 · Sold by Harper Collins

About this ebook

The Luxe is the first book in the New York Times bestselling Luxe series by Anna Godbersen.

In a world of luxury and deception, where appearance matters above everything and breaking the social code means running the risk of being ostracized forever, five teenagers lead dangerously scandalous lives. This thrilling trip to the age of innocence is anything but innocent.

Pretty girls in pretty dresses, partying until dawn. Irresistible boys with mischievous smiles and dangerous intentions. White lies, dark secrets, and scandalous hook-ups. This is Manhattan, 1899.

Beautiful sisters Elizabeth and Diana Holland rule Manhattan's social scene. Or so it appears. When the girls discover their status among New York City's elite is far from secure, suddenly everyone—from the backstabbing socialite Penelope Hayes to the debonair bachelor Henry Schoonmaker to the spiteful maid Lina Broud—threatens Elizabeth's and Diana's golden future.

With the fate of the Hollands resting on her shoulders, Elizabeth must choose between family duty and true love. But when her carriage overturns near the East River, the girl whose glittering life lit up the city's gossip pages is swallowed by the rough current. As all of New York grieves, some begin to wonder whether life at the top proved too much for this ethereal beauty, or if, perhaps, someone wanted to see Manhattan's most celebrated daughter disappear...

“Mystery, romance, jealous, betrayal, humor, and gorgeous, historically accurate details. I couldn’t put The Luxe down!” —Cecily von Ziegesar, author of the #1 New York Times bestselling Gossip Girl series

Ratings and reviews

I didn't like this book series. Luxe was way to long. All the books in this series were def way to long, Boring, Dull, Slow. Didn't hold my interest. I had high hopes for this series. Such good reviews. However in my opinion the synopsis via wiki, told you what you wanted to know without having to read 4 books!

The main characters are, of course, classist and unlikable. Elizabeth is rude, and sometimes even cruel, to her employees. Diana thinks poverty tourism is romantic. Penelope isn't even subtle about her classism. The men are just wealthy, white men in every way. No inclusion of people of color because of course.

This book was wonderful. The characters are so mischievous. AS you get towards the end of the book, it's get more juicy and juicy. The ending twist wonders why Elizabeth did such a thing.

About the author

Anna Godbersen is the author of the New York Times bestselling Luxe series. She was born in Berkeley, California, and educated at Barnard College. She currently lives in Brooklyn.