Title: Vixen
Author: Jillian Larkin
Pages: 432
Genre: YA/Historical
Source: Book It Forward ARC Tours
Jazz . . . Booze . . . Boys . . . It’s a dangerous combination.
Every girl wants what she can’t have. Seventeen-year-old Gloria Carmody wants the flapper lifestyle—and the bobbed hair, cigarettes, and music-filled nights that go with it. Now that she’s engaged to Sebastian Grey, scion of one of Chicago’s most powerful families, Gloria’s party days are over before they’ve even begun . . . or are they?
Clara Knowles, Gloria’s goody-two-shoes cousin, has arrived to make sure the high-society wedding comes off without a hitch—but Clara isn’t as lily-white as she appears. Seems she has some dirty little secrets of her own that she’ll do anything to keep hidden. . . .
Lorraine Dyer, Gloria’s social-climbing best friend, is tired of living in Gloria’s shadow. When Lorraine’s envy spills over into desperate spite, no one is safe. And someone’s going to be very sorry. . . . [via GoodReads]
I absolutely love books that take place in the Roarin' 20's. I love the glitz, the glamor, the jazz and smoky lounges... and Ms. Larkin definitely captures it all in Vixen. Through Gloria, Clara and Lorraine we see how these girls come of age in a time of prohibition, speak-easys, and the flapper era.
It was entertaining to read - the storyline was driven and scandalous and full of juicy tidbits that, although I did see some coming, some took me by surprise. Told in alternating chapters through each of the girls perspectives you get to know each girl individually. And that was my main complaint - the characters themselves. I never really liked any of the girls. They were spoiled, deceitful, snotty, selfish and each was on their very own self-destructive path. Of the three, I liked Clara the most. She showed some depth that I wasn't expecting. Her secrets were really the most intriguing aspect of the story and what kept the pages turning for me.
Also make note that this may be inappropriate for younger readers. There is a whole lot of booze, smoking and I thought it was pretty sexy - more so, than your normal YA lit - albeit rendered tastefully.
Although the story does have a steady plot line and is fast-paced, it did not hold my attention long enough for me to continue with the series. All in all, I think fans of YA and/or historical fiction will like this, it just sadly didn't connect with me.
My Rating:
8 comments:
I just picked up this book the other day. I love the roaring 20's. I think it's so glamorous.
Sounds fun! Thanks for the cautionary note :D
I love this book. Especially the scandalous parts. Very entertaining. Nice review.
when I finished this book I decided it was worth giving the second book a chance when it comes out. Like you I love reading about the 20's. Another great and honest review from you, keep them coming
These girls sound like perfect characters for the roarin' 20s, an era I also love! I need to read this one. :)
I had fun with this one too, even though it was very predictable, like you said.
I love the twenties, but now I cam a little hesitant....hmmm...to read or not to read :)
I can't put my finger on it but this one just doens't appeal to me. I think it's becuase I've seen so many lack luster reviews. It sounds like people think it's good enough but just kinda meh.
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