Review: Vixen by Jillian Larkin

Publisher: Random House

Pages: 448

Source: Personal Copy

An entertaining, captivating, and fascinating read. "Vixen" draws you in from the first page, and has readers hooked until the very last word. Jillian Larkin has a new fan, and I will be recommending this one to everyone. Gloria Carmody is "new money," seventeen, rich, and betrothed to Chicago's most desirable and eligible bachelor. Her parents are proud, and her life is set- that is until Gloria does a little exploring and her life as she knows it will be changed forever. She is well aware that her whole life has been completely sheltered and before it's too late she intends to let loose. Incoming: jazz, bobs, short skirts, mobsters, speakeasies, and prohibition. Gloria Carmody and her best friends Lorraine and Marcus enter the forbidden world of the Flappers. Gloria's cousin Clara has a hidden past herself, and attempts to create a new reputation when she is sent to live with Gloria and her aunt. A threat of reform school has Clara running from her skeletons and on her best behavior hoping to redeem herself. Gloria has been kept into the dark as to why Clara has moved to Chicago, but the two do not hit it off. Gloria on the other hand is worried about herself and would like to keep her friends close and her enemies closer- forcing Clara to accompany her on her adventures. When Gloria's mother clue's her in on her father's secrets, she knows the family legacy must be saved by her marriage to Sebastian however, the world of the flappers is not easy to leave behind. 

I loved, loved this book! I can't wait to read book two Jillian Larkin has created an alluring read and I'm so happy to find out that book two is currently out, and there will also be a book three. An amazing historical, young adult read. Initially I thought this would be a book of 'fluff' and I was so wrong. Jillian Larkin threw me into the world of Flappers, and included all the poignant details, leaving me wondering where each character would lead. The topic on interracial relationships was completely off my radar, and I loved the uniqueness of this novel. Gloria is a strong character, and struggles between family responsibilities and life choices. While Gloria is clearly the main character: Lorraine, Marcus and Clara each have their own equally riveting story lines. Larkin did an amazing job moving the storylines along, never having a dull moment. The 20's was termed "The Roaring 20's" for a reason, and these teens demonstrate why.