Books4Tomorrow: REVIEW: GEORGETOWN ACADEMY, #3 by Jessica Koosed Etting & Alyssa Embree Schwartz

Title: Georgetown Academy

Series: Georgetown Academy, #3

Authors: Jessica Koosed Etting & Alyssa Embree Schwartz

Publisher: Coliloquy

Publication Date: January 11, 2013

Genre: YA, Contemporary Fiction

Reviewed by: Books4Tomorrow

Source: Received from publisher via NetGalley

My star rating: 5/5

SUMMARY

The frosty chill that’s settled over Georgetown Academy isn’t just from the winter weather—growing up in the D.C. fishbowl isn’t for everyone, but a break from the Beltway might just restore some sanity.

Ellie Walker’s suffered through a lifetime of scandal in a few short weeks, and now must watch her true love fall for someone else. But will a dose of fresh New England air—and an irresistible newcomer who plays by his own rules—provide the change of pace she so desperately needs?

Riding high after her smashing D.C. debut, Taryn Reyes hatches a plan to cement her relationship with Gabe. But she may get more than she bargained for when she enlists Brooks’ help.

Evan Harnett would do anything to protect her friends. But one moment of weakness, and now she’s on the outs with both Hunter and Ellie. Hot on the trail of a new story, she’s heartbroken to find it leads straight back to Ellie. Can she save her friend and their friendship?

Brinley Madison’s Clinton-esque downfall was bad enough, but between family obligations, protecting her friends, and managing local gossip, will she be able to regain her social standing without losing her peace of mind?

Privileged kids in a posh hotel with nothing to do but scheme and ski—and they thought D.C. was a pressure cooker? One thing’s for sure: what happens in Vermont definitely won’t stay in Vermont.

REVIEW

I know I’ve said it before, but I’ll happily say it again. This stunning series should be made a tv series. It’s filled with beautiful people, rich characterization, drama, love-triangles, betrayal, new love, scheming, and so much more. I can’t wait to for the next book to be released. I just can’t get enough of this excitingly addictive series and its amazing characters.

My new favorite character, who got a lot more of the spotlight in this book than in the previous ones, is Brooks – Brinley’s gorgeous brother. I started taking notice of him in the previous book when he focused his attention on Taryn, but in the third book he’s really coming to life. He might be a little pompous and self-serving at times, but there’s an irresistible goodness to him which attracts me like a moth to a flame. I think I’m mostly looking forward to the next book, so I can get to read more about him (hint, hint, Jessica and Alyssa).

Again, the authors didn’t disappointment and added loads of intrigue to each of the four main characters’ storylines. Something I never thought of before, but which occurred to me while reading and finding out the reason for Weston’s departure in the middle of the school year from his previous school and what he tried to do to Ellie, is that these kids might be privileged in ways we can only dream to be, but their lives can get complicated and life isn’t always fair to them. I look at Ellie’s loyalty to her mom, and Brinley’s father who sold out her best friend’s mom, and it’s clear that the decisions these characters have to make about their personal lives, must be in accordance to what would benefit or what would destroy their parents’ political careers.

I congratulate these two authors for continuing to bring us stellar characters and a series in which readers get to walk in the shoes of the students at Georgetown Academy, where your every move and your every decision could be tomorrow’s front page news. The third book ended on a positive note (in my opinion) and I’m thrilled to see where things might be heading with Brooks and Taryn. Evan’s storyline is a little too dull for my taste, but at least I like her and I think the authors can do a lot of exciting things with her character to stir things up a little at GA. It would be great if she can be the good girl who turns into the bad girl. Of course, Brinley with her straightforward say-it-like-I-see-it personality is still my top favorite character in this series, especially because she’s such a terrific friend to Ellie.

If I don’t stop myself now, I’ll be gushing for another three pages. This is a magnificent series and the writing is superb. It’s refreshing to read about an academy where the characters don’t have any paranormal powers, but where they have to deal with everyday situations in a smorgasbord of political maneuvers which not only affect their own futures, but also those of their parents. It’s real, it’s fun, it’s engaging, and it keeps you on the edge of your seat. Treat yourself and get your hands on the entire series…now!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.