Private (Private #1) by Kate Brian

Publication Date: 6-27-2006

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Pages: 227

Format: Paperback

Source: Purchased

Goodreads | Amazon

Goodreads Summary:

Tradition, Honor, Excellence...and secrets so dark they're almost invisibleFifteen-year-old Reed Brennan wins a scholarship to Easton Academy -- the golden ticket away from her pill-popping mother and run-of-the-mill suburban life. But when she arrives on the beautiful, tradition-steeped campus of Easton, everyone is just a bit more sophisticated, a bit more gorgeous, and a lot wealthier than she ever thought possible. Reed realizes that even though she has been accepted to Easton, Easton has not accepted her. She feels like she's on the outside, looking in.
Until she meets the Billings Girls.
They are the most beautiful, intelligent, and intensely confident girls on campus. And they know it. They hold all the power in a world where power is fleeting but means everything. Reed vows to do whatever it takes to be accepted into their inner circle.
Reed uses every part of herself -- the good, the bad, the beautiful -- to get closer to the Billings Girls. She quickly discovers that inside their secret parties and mountains of attitude, hanging in their designer clothing-packed closets the Billings Girls have skeletons. And they'll do anything to keep their secrets private.

_______________________________________________________________

I picked this book up at Half-Priced books on the clearance rack for $1.00.  I'm so glad that I did! I read the synopsis, and on the off chance that it might be similar to the Pretty Little Liar series by Sara Shepard which I LOVE I decided to go ahead and take my chances.

Boy, I was right!  This series, at least the first book, is very similar to that of Pretty Little Liars.  Reed Brennan is attending Easton Academy to get away from her pill-popping mother.  She meets some people in her dorm, and realizes that many of these people are so much wealthier than she thought.  Then, she discovers the Billings Girls who seem to be perfect, smart, beautiful, and confident.  They seem to have everything they want and never have trouble getting anything they don't have.  It's then that Reed decides she must be one of them and fit into their little club.  She'll do anything to get in to that group.

There is way to much going on in this little circle of girls.  They really do stick up for each other and look out for those they like, but if you are on the wrong side of this group then you better watch out.  They aren't afraid to hurt you or take you out.  These girls have all the power in the school and they know how to use it.  Reed gets herself involved in situations that are risky and unlike her normal self, but she is so eager to fit in with these girls that she will do anything for them.  She will lie, cheat and steal if it means getting in with their little group.  Reed really gives up a lot of herself to fit in, but she realizes how much she's giving up and tries to take a stand.  It's by taking a stand that she gets in just a little further with this little group of girls.  

Let me tell you a secret...I picked up the first 5 in this series at Half-Priced books on the clearance rack! I just couldn't help myself.  After reading the first one, I'm so happy that I did.  If you enjoyed the Pretty Little Liar series by Sara Shepard, then I really think you should check out this series as well. It has the same mysterious elements, secrets, and overall fun that Pretty Little Liars has.