Georgetown Academy: Season One in The Coliloquy Book Group

Jun 07, 2013 Kate (VerbVixen) rated it it was amazing

MY TOP TEN REASONS TO READ AND LOVE GEORGETOWN ACADEMY:

1. The clothes. I DIE to wear some of these outfits. No seriously, I’m writing this from the grave because I’ve died of clothes envy.
2. Four completely unique and authentic young women’s voices who are dealing with public pressure and scrutiny with the most amount of grace and no small amount of ambition.
3. The writing. It’s quick, it’s easy, it’s accurate and it flows so well that it actually energizes your reading experience.
4. Well the ...more

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Jun 10, 2013 Ais rated it it was amazing

Shelves: luscious-gossip, yaloveydoveystuff, realitybites, e-books-i-own, contemporary, multiple-pov

** Received a copy of the book via the publisher Coliloquy in return for a review **

Recommended for:
1. people who have an interest in the ins and outs of the political world
2. people that enjoy the following book series;Gossip Girl,The It Girl, The Au PairsandPretty Little Liars.

Firstly, I have to thank the publisher for piquing my interest in the Georgetown Academy series by adding a sneak peek of the series in Game. Set. Match. by Jennifer Iacopelli. Similar to the above mentioned novel the Ge ...more

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Jun 08, 2013 Jennie Shaw rated it really liked it

I was fortunate enough to get a copy of GEORGETOWN ACADEMY, Season One, through a R4R on Goodreads and considering that I had never read any books in the series before I started, and then read them all in two days, I’d say that the authors, Jessica Koosed Etting and Alyssa Embree Schwartz are two extremely talented writers.

Being a teen during the age of social media would be hard enough, but knowing that your every move and mistake could affect your parents’ careers would make me consider home- I was fortunate enough to get a copy of GEORGETOWN ACADEMY, Season One, through a R4R on Goodreads and considering that I had never read any books in the series before I started, and then read them all in two days, I’d say that the authors, Jessica Koosed Etting and Alyssa Embree Schwartz are two extremely talented writers.

Being a teen during the age of social media would be hard enough, but knowing that your every move and mistake could affect your parents’ careers would make me consider home-schooling, but that’s just how life is for these gals. The more surprising part was that certain characters actually seemed to thrive on it! Crazy! But as stressful as it was for the characters, when it was their turn to go off-course, the pressure and anxiety made for fantastic reading. The authors did a remarkable job of making American politics accessible, which I appreciated as I’m Canadian, so although I didn't understand *everything*, it was enough for me to follow the story.

All four of the main characters: Ellie, Evan, Brinley, and Taryn are engaging, accessible, and bursting with individuality but they also had one thing in common: fierce loyalty to family. It was an interesting dynamic, because being loyal to their families, often to a fault, meant being disloyal to friendships (or even their own desires) but since I knew where they were coming from, it made it easier for me to understand a character's decisions, even if I didn't agree with them. That emphasis on loyalty really kept things emotionally authentic, in my opinion, which stopped the drama from being over-the-top, no matter just how crazy it got (and rest assured, it gets cray-zay). I also loved the adventure-style options that happened about two-thirds of the way through each book. Being able to choose what character to follow was SUPER fun, even if I ended up reading all four POVs because I didn’t want to miss a single drama-infused moment. Ha!

So, if you like intense high-school drama that’s laced with American politics, then the GEORGETOWN ACADEMY series is for you! And trust me, you should just buy Season One instead of individual books because once you get a taste, you're going to want to gorge yourself on the whole four-course meal. Just make sure to wear a bib, though, because it's juicy, people. Haha!

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Jun 05, 2013 Pretty in Fiction rated it it was amazing

Shelves: reviews-by-jesse

The Georgetown Academy series by Jessica Koosed Etting and Alyssa Embree Schwartz is a drama filled journey through the lives of four girls who live in Washington D.C. The politics of high school are nothing compared to the politics of Georgetown Academy, mostly because these kids are dealing with real politicians! I mean, getting through high school is hard enough without the added pressure of media scrutiny, trying to avoid scandals, and knowing one wrong move could end your parent's political The Georgetown Academy series by Jessica Koosed Etting and Alyssa Embree Schwartz is a drama filled journey through the lives of four girls who live in Washington D.C. The politics of high school are nothing compared to the politics of Georgetown Academy, mostly because these kids are dealing with real politicians! I mean, getting through high school is hard enough without the added pressure of media scrutiny, trying to avoid scandals, and knowing one wrong move could end your parent's political career.

Now, Brinely, Ellie, Taryn and Evan are awesome character all in their own right, but when you add in the boys of GA! Swoon! It's no secret Brooks had been my favorite GA boy ever since that very first glimpse of him in Book One, and my opinion of him is only growing with every book! Gabe is the sensitive bad boy type who's dad has put him in a precarious situation with the girl he likes. You can't help but root for him! And Hunter is the golden boy sweetheart that every girl crushes on, but only one lucky girl gets to call her's. Who doesn't like a loyal, hard working guy who would do anything to make the girl he likes happy?

I really love the fact that in each of the books there is a big event that all of the girls go to and you get to experience it through each of their POVs. It's interactive reading! Technically you don't need to "follow" each of the girls through their event chapter to understand the story, but I always love reading those chapters. The way the characters interact with each other is so much fun. You get to see bits and pieces of what happens through the other girls eyes, but it's not until you've read all the POVs that you really get the whole picture of things. You get to see the way every character has an effect on everyone else throughout the night. Those are always my favorite part to every book in this series!

This is one of those series I wish was a TV show on ABC Family or something just so I could see all of the amazing clothes the characters wear (and who am I kidding, I want to see Brooks too)! But the details about the clothes, or brand dropping, isn't overdone like in some books. It's the way these kids see the world around them. Judging based on brand and price. It's really telling of some of the characters. Brinley has nothing but the best and judges others for wearing anything but classic styles, whereas Taryn knows all the trendy brands and shops. But then you have Evan who isn't rich and can't afford to shop in the same sort of places. Throughout the course of the first season she goes from not noticing brands at all (much like Ellie) to looking at them with almost jealousy. I like that the way the characters dress directly relates to their character growth and social circles because I remember high school, and there were times when what you wore determined where you fit in and how you felt about yourself.

Georgetown Academy is a fun, addictive series and you'll be glad you got the Season One bundle after you race through the first book. From the drama to the romance (oh, the romance!), these books will keep you reading late into the night. Four books for the price of one? Who doesn't love a deal like that! ...more

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Jun 03, 2013 Gen rated it it was amazing

For anyone who has not already caught on to Georgetown Academy series this is the perfect way to get all four books in one. As I already had read & LOVED the three previous books and I was excited yet worried about the fourth installment... how could Book Four live up to the previous three installments? But the GTA authors did not disappoint me! In fact I would have to say that Book Four was my favorite! More scandalous drama, more twists & turns, more intrigue and more fun--- this excitingly ad ...more

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Jun 05, 2013 Ashley - Book Labyrinth rated it really liked it

Shelves: for-review, young-adult, my-books, from-publisher, ebook

I heard about the first 'Georgetown Academy' book when it was released, but based on the description it just didn’t seem like the type of story I would enjoy. But then I kept reading positive reviews, so when a chance to review Season 1 came about, I decided to take a chance. I’m glad I did, because while these books are full of drama, backstabbing, pettiness, and gossip, I found myself having a great time reading them. I think what I appreciated is that the books aren’t actually shallow. Some s I heard about the first 'Georgetown Academy' book when it was released, but based on the description it just didn’t seem like the type of story I would enjoy. But then I kept reading positive reviews, so when a chance to review Season 1 came about, I decided to take a chance. I’m glad I did, because while these books are full of drama, backstabbing, pettiness, and gossip, I found myself having a great time reading them. I think what I appreciated is that the books aren’t actually shallow. Some shallow pursuits may be discussed, but the emotions and characters are very real.

At first the large cast of characters was a bit confusing, but because of their distinct personalities I was able to sort out who was who fairly quickly. I loved reading about the characters and how they all related to one another. Some people have complicated histories, some are exes who remain friends, and some are awkward around each other. You also have friendships starting again, couples who are adorable, couples who are more steamy, and even some couples that you wouldn't see working and yet they do.

I think what intrigued me the most about these stories was the political aspect. All these teens have parents who are high up in government in one way or another, which means that they’re in the spotlight and there are big consequences for little things. Most of us wouldn’t think twice about kissing a guy we like, but what happens when that guy is the son of your mother's political rival? Or what about worrying about other people using you for your parents connections? I loved all these themes, and it made for some pretty high stakes decisions in the books.

The books of 'Georgetown Academy' are mostly a linear story like any other novel, but each book also has at least a couple “choose your own adventure” type moments. These happen when all of the girls are at the same place or moment in time, and you as a reader can choose which girl to follow through a particular scene (personally I liked to read about Evan, the "average" outsider). After that you can continue on with the story, or you can go back and read from all the other POVs as well.

This series was a nice surprise for me. It was light and fun, with some added drama to mix things up. I liked how each volume was relatively short, making the books quick and easy to read. I’m glad I took a chance and read these books, and I look forward to seeing what will happen next at Georgetown Academy. ...more

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Jun 04, 2013 Lindsay rated it liked it

This was a tough book to rate! One the one hand, the writing is great, the characters are completely believable, and there is no shortage of drama. On the other hand, I felt like I was missing out on a lot of the inside jokes (which may or may not have been clever) and minute details which probably made this book magical for some readers. So how am I different from other readers? Well, for one, I'm Canadian! This means that I haven't had American politics taught to me in school, and I haven't ha This was a tough book to rate! One the one hand, the writing is great, the characters are completely believable, and there is no shortage of drama. On the other hand, I felt like I was missing out on a lot of the inside jokes (which may or may not have been clever) and minute details which probably made this book magical for some readers. So how am I different from other readers? Well, for one, I'm Canadian! This means that I haven't had American politics taught to me in school, and I haven't had to worry about who to vote for in the presidential elections. Lines like "He had written her off like a bottom ninety-nine percenter at a Republican fundraiser" made me go HUH? And then they went and said hockey was "unpatriotically Canadian". Yeah. And what's your point? ;)

I don't doubt for a second that schools like this exist. Where children are getting swept up in their parents public personae. I was struck by how the girls repeatedly put their own wants and needs aside for the benefit of their parents. It's actually quite sad, when you think about it. Everyone deserves a childhood, and it feels like they're getting cheated out of theirs. But this just makes the whole thing more dramatic. Teens being forced into very mature, adult situations, and each one of them takes a different approach in how they deal with it.

My favorite part of this book is that the female characters are great role models. Yes, they make mistakes left, right and center, BUT they also show that women can be powerful. Every little girl who dreams big, should read this book. Women can do more than just look pretty; although maybe I should point out that fashion does play a huge part in the book. I know designers like I know American politics: not at all. It's a good thing I have a good imagination.

While each book could feasibly be read on its own, I would definitely recommend the whole package. The beginning of each book does rehash a little of what's going on with the overall plot, so that readers can pick up any of the books and follow along. But then you miss out on the great character development and chemistry.
What's that? You're too busy to read four books?! Well, then it's a good thing that you can pick the length of the books! This may sound confusing, and maybe a little cheezy, but I really loved the 80s throwback! Did anyone else read Choose Your Own Adventure books? While you can't change the outcome of the plot, you can choose which character to follow through the important scenes.
Or you can do what I did, and read ALL of them!

A copy of this book was provided by Coliloquy in exchange for an honest review.

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Jun 13, 2013 Ellen rated it it was amazing

Shelves: e-arc

When I read the blurb for the Georgetown Academy Series, I was immediately intrigued. I have never been one to want to read novels centered are politics, but this sounded right up my alley and like something I would really enjoy, and enjoy it I did. The books feel like you are reading and television series, and if you are a fan of Gossip Girl and those type of shows, then the Georgetown Academy Series is a book along those lines. It centers around the lives of four different girls, Ellie, Brinl When I read the blurb for the Georgetown Academy Series, I was immediately intrigued. I have never been one to want to read novels centered are politics, but this sounded right up my alley and like something I would really enjoy, and enjoy it I did. The books feel like you are reading and television series, and if you are a fan of Gossip Girl and those type of shows, then the Georgetown Academy Series is a book along those lines. It centers around the lives of four different girls, Ellie, Brinley, Evan, and Taryn. All of the girls, with the exception of Evan, have families with a parent/parents that are involved in politics. They attend the Georgetown Academy, which is an elite private school in Washington DC for those whose parents are involved in the political arena in some way. The entire school revolves around politics, and the Washington DC politicians themselves have nothing on the things that their sons and daughters do and take part it. In fact, much of goes on with the students is far more scandalous that what their political parents are involved in.

Ellie is considered the sweetheart of the group, and dates the most popular boy in school, Hunter McKnight. They are considered the "golden couple" of the school, or the JFK and Jackie O, that is until Gabe Mills shows up at school, and two years seem like yesterday when Ellie sees him again. Brinley and her brother Brooks are part of the one of the most esteemed families in DC, the Madisons, and appearance, loyalty to family, and knowing how to play the political game are Brinley's specialties. Ellie and Brinley are best friends. Evan attends Georgetown Academy on a scholarship and is an aspiring up and coming reporter and the former best friend of Ellie and current best friend of Gabe and Luke, which is whole other story. Taryyn's father is the up and coming Hispanic politician that is said could be the first Hispanic President of the United States in the future. She isn't used to playing the political game, having moved from LA where the lives of the stars in Hollywood were much more newsworthy than that of a politician. She rocks her own style and does her own thing, and finds herself targeted by the reigning "Queen of the Academy," but Taryn has never been one to back down from a fight. Then there are the guys, the hot, swoon-worthy, awesome guys at Georgetown Academy that make you just was to sigh.

All of these students lives revolve around the lives of their politically involved parents in some way, shape, or form. Their every move reflects upon their parents, so their choices in who they date, what they do, and how they handle things are always in the limelight. From sex scandals, drug addiction and drug use, career destroying relationships, gay issues, everything and anything you can imagine takes place at Georgetown Academy. Your fashion sense, who you date and who you don't, who you are seen with and who you aren't, everything you do is scrutinized. Does that mean the students always do what they should? No, not by any means, the key being that when and if you do it, you just better not get caught, because if you do, the repercussions of the domino effect that are set in motion can destroy you and your family. Georgetown is a great series and I really enjoyed it. It has romance, drama, conspiracy, all politically themed and very entertaining. If you are looking for a fun series to follow, then Georgetown Academy is just that. Check it out. ...more

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Jun 09, 2013 Autumn Review rated it really liked it

Shelves: review

The Georgetown Academy Series was a nice change of pace for me. It was fun, exciting, and certainly dramatic! As the synopsis says, it covers the lives of four girls who go to a private Academy that's based in the D.C. area. Most of the kids who attend school there have parents who are political figures. Some more famous than others. So, as you can imagine, there is lots of drama, competition, and, well...politics.

By the end, I did end up liking each girl in the series, but some took longer to w The Georgetown Academy Series was a nice change of pace for me. It was fun, exciting, and certainly dramatic! As the synopsis says, it covers the lives of four girls who go to a private Academy that's based in the D.C. area. Most of the kids who attend school there have parents who are political figures. Some more famous than others. So, as you can imagine, there is lots of drama, competition, and, well...politics.

By the end, I did end up liking each girl in the series, but some took longer to warm up to for me. I probably connected with Ellie the most at first, so I'll talk about her first. Ellie is the daughter of a Senator. She's been around the political arena her whole life. Ellie has had to deal with life in the public eye. Her parents divorce caused quite the stir and consequently ruined her first real relationship with her then boyfriend Gabe. Within the first four books, Ellie has had to deal with the return of her ex, back stabbing friends, break-ups, being drugged, finding love again, AND her mother as a contender for VP! Whew! There were times I didn't necessarily agree with some of the choices she made, but she did seem to be a genuine girl and I was happy that she finally took a chance at the end and came clean to her mom about her feelings for Gabe. I can't wait to see what's going to happen for her next. Ellie has some huge changes coming up!

Taryn is new on the scene at the Academy, but her father has been in politics her whole life, so it's nothing new for her. However, life in DC, is a bit more cutthroat than life in sunny California. I liked Taryn right away. Even though she was the new girl, she wasn't intimidated by the established clicks at the school. She stayed true to herself throughout the whole season. I probably relate to Taryn the most out of all the girls. I loved where things ended with her and Brooks too.

Brinley took a while to warm up to. She's the quintessential mean girl of the Academy. She's also Ellie's best friend and her family is basically DC royalty. She is after all, a Madison. Now, Brinley does some things that aren't nice or honest. But, Brinley has had her share of issues to overcome too. Plus, I feel like she has a lot of pressure to look good to keep up the family image. What made me start to like Brinley was when they went on the ski retreat. I loved that she fell for Shane and in the end followed her heart. I just hope she continues on that path.

Lastly, there is Evan. For me, Evan was just ok. Not that I didn't like her, but I felt a bit indifferent to her character. However, I do see the significance of having her be a part of the series. She's the only one of these girls that doesn't come from a political family. She's at the school on a scholarship. She was best friends with Ellie until Brinley got in between them. But, their relationship is slightly turning around, but not without drama.

As for the boys, I'd have to say that Gabe is my favorite. He's honest, sweet, and sexy! I really liked Shane too, but he's only in the season briefly, so I'm hoping to get to know him better in the next season. I did like Brooks too. He's Brinley's brother and he has a thing for Taryn. He comes across a bit uptight, but I liked how he was with Taryn. I think she'll be good for him. Hunter was sweet too.

Overall, I really liked it. I'm interested in continuing with the series, because I'm curious to see what will happen. Books about privates schools/academies always fascinate me a bit. I grew up in a small town, so in some ways it was like going to a private school, but the pressures these kids face and the image they have to uphold is intense! If you like series like Gossip Girl and Pretty Little Liars, you'd likely be a fan of this series. It's fun, dramatic, and addicting!
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Jun 05, 2013 Tammy rated it liked it

Season One of Georgetown Academy is four books in one. If I broke the books into four sections as far as rating I would be giving them different ratings because some stories I enjoyed more than others. My favorite book was three and my least favorite book was four. I liked that all the books were based on a group of kids at a private school in Washington DC. My favorite girl to follow was Ellie. My least favorite was Brinley or Taryn. I really don't like how much Taryn changed for the course of ...more

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Jun 02, 2013 Aimee rated it it was amazing

I am a HUGE Georgetown Academy fan so when I saw that Coliloquy was coming out with a bundle set, I couldn't wait to get SEASON ONE and read it all over again!

Georgetown Academy takes us into the lives of four High School girls: Ellie, Brinley, Evan, and Taryn who all attend the most elite private school in D.C. Then of course there are the guys, but you will have to read it yourself to find out why everyone swooning over BROOKS!!

5 STARS, 2 Thumbs Up... however you want to put it, this series is ...more

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Jun 06, 2013 Stacey (secsec1) rated it really liked it

love this series! this new 4 novel bundle is a great way to get into the series. if you're a fan of gossip girl, the west wing and/or scandal this is the perfect series for you. ...more

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