Private

I was quite reluctant to read this book at first because it's in a series and I was only looking for something to read over the next few days but I bought it anyway and am glad I did! You really get to feel close to Reed and what she thinks about the others. Every chapter brings a new dilemma or drama which somehow Reed always gets sucked into. The only draw back about the book is that it leaves you on a cliffhanger which is usually great but personally I think it ended too soon and was too short. I understand that it is a book in a series so they will want to add some mystery at the end so you'll want to read the next book but I prefer a book to end calmly and happily, without thousands of questions left unanswered. I hope you give the book a go and found my review useful.

But too many editorial mistakes. Mainly predictable plot but an easy read. Probably won't continue with the series. Enjoyed the 'it girl' series more.

So it is no secret that I love a good story set in a privileged school, and let face it there are masses to choose from, all with their own unique take and spin. So I was incredibly excited to read this book even if there was not a sniff of super powers or any other particular twist over and above, small town girl moves to a posh school. Also there are 14 books so far in this series so I thought it must be a good series to have so many. If this is the case then I think I am missing something.Reed Brennan was a straight A student in her old school which helped her to get a scholarship to Easton Academy. At the Easton Academy Reed does not excel the same way she used to and quickly begins to struggle with the work. Not long after arriving Reed notices a group of girls across from her room window. These girls are smart and beautiful and the creme de la creme of the school. They are the Billings Girls. Slowly Reed tries to get closer to the group and integrate herself into the group.I had some issues with the main character. I thought Reed was incredibly annoying that she let Noelle, the leader of the Billings girls continue to call her "glass licker" for the whole book. I am a fairly laid back girl and my friends and I have ridiculous nicknames for each other, but even I would have cracked with that and stood up to ---. I also thought that some of the stunts she was asked to do (namely the one where she has to break into school and risks expulsion if caught) were beyond risky. When she finally does stand up to the girls it felt to me like too little too late!I thought that the character of Noelle, and her group of friends, were the most interesting. Noelle may have been nasty and mean, but when she demanded something, no matter how over the top, she stuck by it and followed through. Also we were treated to seeing a softer side of her at times which was a refreshing contrast. When there was no one to play up to she could be nice, and she respected her friends for standing up to her. Also in my head she looked and sounded exactly like the actress who plays Faye in the TV series of the Secret Circle.I found there was very little to this book and actually read it in a couple of hours. I thought there was little story to this book, most of it was centred around Thomas. It could just have been that the book was setting the scene for the rest of the series and I will read the next few books to see if there is a sizzling story buried in there somewhere.

I love books like the Private series. Bitchy rich girls with more secrets than MI5 never fail to hook me. There's something about that lifestyle that appeals to me -- can you imagine being that rich and privileged at such a young age? I certainly can't!Like a lot of YA boarding school fiction, Private instantly reminded me of something like Mean Girls. Reed Brennan is the new girl at an elite boarding school, and finds herself drawn to a clique of girls who rule the school. Sound familiar? Noelle, Ariana, Kiran and Taylor are an odd mix, yet they seem to fit like they've known each other all their lives. They're mean, intolerant and stuck-up, and rule Billings House like Gossip Girl's Serena and Blair rule the Met steps.Not much happens in this book on the scandal side of things, but it's a great start to the series and sets things up nicely. Love interests are introduced, loyalties are tested, and Reed realises her happiness at Easton Academy lies in the hands of the over-privileged.Kate Brian may not have a prize winning book on her hands, but what she does have is a very entertaining, addictive series that fans of Gossip Girl and Pretty Little Liars will fall in love with. If you're looking for a light, easy read that will leave you intrigued, put this book on your list. It's well worth a try!

Reed's first glimpse at Easton Academy is enough to make her panic. What if she doesn't belong here? She's worked so hard to get into this school and get away from home, but is she good enough to even be here? She stumbles out of the car and bumps into a cute boy--and school suddenly looks slightly better. Not to mention that her determination kicks in.However, nothing is easy at this new school. Work starts demanding attention and her advisor is watching closely for any indication that she might not be up to the Academy's standards. Reed's roommate talks all the time, and hanging with her could be social suicide. Then Reed meets the Billings Girls, and suddenly she wants to be one of them more than anything--but what is she willing to do to achieve that same social status?Similar to the IT GIRL novels, Kate Brian spins a fast-paced darker story where Reed is way over her head. The calculating Billings Girls leave you wanting to uncover their deep secrets. Now that Reed has made it into the popular and powerful crowd, where will Invitation Only (Private, Book 2) take her?Reviewed by: Jennifer Rummel