Rivals

The Ivy #3

by Lauren Kunze, Rina Onur

Decisions, decisions . . . You’ve survived your first semester and captured the interest of not one but two of the hottest guys on campus. Now who are you going to choose? Callie Andrews returns for her second semester at Harvard determined to do better than the previous fall, where those Bs on her report card seemed pretty good compared to the state of her extracurriculars (F, as in if at first you don’t succeed, you should probably stop trying), friendships (C-minus, since she and former BFF Vanessa are still on thin ice), and love life (D, as in don’t even go there). But various campus rivalries soon threaten to thwart Callie’s resolve. Will Callie ever be a match for— Grace Lee
the take-no-prisoners managing editor Alessandra
the gorgeous transfer student Clint
the guy who might just be too perfect and Gregory
the guy who may never be perfect enough. Callie will face some of the toughest choices in friendships, in loyalties, and in love. The pressure to pick a side—and a suitor—has never been higher. But will she and her friends choose well?

Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary, College, Romance, New Adult, Chick Lit, Realistic Fiction

384 pages, Hardcover

First published March 6, 2012

About the author

Lauren Kunze grew up in Piedmont, California and attended Harvard University where she majored in English literature and minored in neurobiology. After graduation, she deferred a masters program at the University of Oxford in order to finish her first novel, The Ivy, which was conceptualized in collaboration with best friend and former college roommate Rina Onur. Now Lauren writes full-time, and is currently working on subsequent novels in The Ivy Series. She is twenty-five years old.

For news and updates, follow Lauren on twitter: http://twitter.com/laurenkunze

For more about The Ivy Series, visit www.ivybookseries.com

Reviews

[Katelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clint... I like you and all... but, I just LOVE Gregory. Poor guy - it's OBVIOUS (wow, that looks odd in all caps) he loves Callie! Damn these books and the constant problems Callie finds herself facing! Just ONCE I'd like for something to happen the way it's supposed to... this better be an awesome freaking ending! :) Do we REALLY have to wait THAT LONG?! :(


UPDATE - AFTER READING
(Sorry there are probably spoilers)

SO... I totally thought this was going to be the LAST 'Ivy' book. So, you can imagine my surprise when I read the last sentence of the story (that I thought was FINALLY going to end HAPPILY!!) and it ended the way it did.
I seriously almost threw my Nook across the room.
All I can ask is WHYYYY?!
Clint - you and Alexis DESERVE each other.
Gregory - where the HELL are you?!
Alessandra - please just move ON!
And, Callie, dear sweet Callie - please find SOME way to get out of the predicament you now find yourself in.

I can't even imagine having to wait for the next book :(
I really may cry.

BUT - overall, LOVED the book. And LOVE the series! Nothing can make me feel so happy/annoyed/upset/joyous at the same time!!

[AtenRa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The love I feel for this series is ridiculous, really. The Ivy and Secrets were on my Top 10 Best Reads of 2011. And there I was with Rivals, thinking that the novelty will definitely wear off the 3d time around. Yeah well, that didn't happen. I'm glad, and in a weird way proud, to announce that Rivals was as awesome and amazing as its predecessors.

It's just keeps getting better and better! Lauren & Rina are always bringing something new to the table and they deliver every time. They have mastered that fine line between high schoolers and adults and got the perfect middle down pat. Having experienced Harvard life themselves can't hurt, either.
Brilliantly written and devilishly clever, the beginnings of every chapter were my favorite parts of the book. That she-devil Alexis Thorndike can write! (Jessica was right, even her name sounds mean!). I smile at the thought that this is a column in a magazine of one of the most prestigious schools in the whole world, perhaps THE most prestigious. And it's mostly info about exclusive parties and the 15 hottest freshmen? With pictures?? Genius!

Speaking of Alexis, I gotta hand it to her. Even though I am supposed to dislike her, and I do, don't get me wrong, my imaginary hat's off to her. She is one conniving, cunning little…girl. ;) She mostly works behind the scenes in Rivals but that doesn't mean that her actions don't have a devastating effect. Trust me, she knows what she is doing and no one should ever underestimate her.
No spoilers you guys, because A LOT is happening this time around in terms of story/plot and I don't want to ruin it for you. Especially after Secret's heart breaking cliffhanger, I bet you can't wait to see who Callie ends up with. Well, let's just say things for poor Callie are very complicated. And I'll leave you with that.

On second thought, no. I have something else I wanna say, to Lauren and Rina.
WHY OH WHY?? I barely made it through Secrets' cliff and now you went and done it again?? Now I have to wait a whole year to find out what happens next *curses*
I would hate you if I didn't admire you so!

Can I express my eternal love and devotion towards Gregory now? Because God knows he deserves it!
I gave the other guys a chance, I really did, but I just don't know what it is about Gregory that makes me giddy every time he makes an appearance. Is it because he smokes?( I know most people find it disgusting but I think it's alluring. To each his own). Is it because he is a player that makes my inner teen giggle bashfully? I guess it's him being such a stand up guy in spite of that. I will, without any shame, admit that right now he is my literary crush #1!

Mimi, OK, Vanessa, Matt and co. were their old perfect and hilarious selves. I loved how the turn Callie and Vanessas's friendship took was showed and how their friends tried to make them see reason again. Also, the bench scene at the Leather and Lace party was one of the most unbelievable(and effective, if you're thinking of trying it) scenes of friends bonding I have ever read. And the most awkward. And awesome!

Finally, to those of you who still wonder how much of what's happening is true(writers' personal experiences) believe me, I was right there with you. But at the end of the day you'll find that it doesn't really matter. Enjoy the college experience and forget about your problems for a minute. Instead worry about Callie's complicated love life-much better! :)
....
OK enough with the niceties. When is book #4 coming out?? I am not even entertaining the idea of there not being a 4th book, it's simply unacceptable.
So when is it coming out?
Please?
Pretty please??
*now where did I put those cherries...?*

LAST MINUTE EDIT: YAYAYAYAYAY!! *jumps up and down* Just in, Lauren's tweet: "The Ivy is a planned 4 book series. SCANDAL (out Winter 2012) follows Callie & friends through the end of freshman year."
I don't have to wait a whole year, yes! *fist bumps self*
Deep down I am incredibly sad this series is almost over :(

[Pavan · Rating 5 out of 5]

i cannot wait for this book!!!

I have to say though i think clint is amazing i am a full on GREGORY girl at heart!!

I dont want to have to wait to read this book, but all the best things take time ;)

[Rigel Venus]

i can't wait to read the 3rd installment of the ivy series....

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

*An ARC was provided by Greenwillow in exchange for an honest review*

Rating: 2.5 stars out of 5

I will admit, I don't like books like this. I didn't even ask for an ARC of it, Greenwillow just sent me one (THANKS!!). I haven't read the first two books, I didn't understand what was going on. I didn't like it enough to give it 3 stars, I was going to give it 2, but then I read the ending. And you know what I always say about the endings..

It was a good idea, don't get me wrong. But I just didn't like it. It's totally no one's fault but mine because I just don't like these kinds of books in general. The plot was good, the idea was good, it had a lot of things going on and a complex plot (which Kunze and Onur still made understandable, and I totally give them credit for that), but the writing was okay. Again, I just don't like these kinds of books. It's no one's fault but mine. I did laugh at a couple things and there were parts that I thought were really imaginative and funny. The handcuffs I though were a really good idea (I won't tell you any more, you have to read the book :P).

A strong female character is always crucial for me, and I don't feel like Callie fits that description. I can totally understand her being with Clint, but the things she did before that, I just don't understand, and I don't think a REAL strong female would have done them.
In the beginning, I adored Clint. He was totally swoon-worthy. Then came the end. And let's just say, I hate him now. (Read the book :P)
Gregory was okay for me, not especially hot or swoon-worthy.
I really, really liked Mimi and Vanessa, though. They were funny, strong, and, to be honest, I liked them more than I liked Callie.

All in all, not my favorite book, but I'm sure that if I liked chic-lit I would love this book.

Huge thanks to Greenwillow for sending me an ARC of this book when I didn't even ask for it. :)

And another huge thanks to Isabella (here's the link to her profile:
http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/55...) for telling me what the rest of the series was about because, to be honest, I didn't have a clue what was going on. Thanks dalin' :P


~Emily @ Emily's Crammed Bookshelf

[Hannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series ever!!! Hoping for more Greg!

[Sarah Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really hate Lexi, that bitch just pulls one scam after another. Callie was nuts to think that Lexi would stop hounding her because she came clean about the sex tape, especially when Callie still had the one thing Lexi wanted - Clint. Although, to be honest, I'm not a fan of Clint, Matt doesn't have a chance, and I don't get why Gregory is going out with Alessandra, when he obviously loves Callie. I'm pleased that Callie and Vanessa finally became friends again, it was bad that each had actually done nice things for the other, but then the way things went it didn't look like they'd been doing nice things at all.

And then Gregory has to leave because his dad has gone bankrupt! Oh dear.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

More Reviews at http://unforgetablebooks.blogspot.com

Wow!

It is impossible to say I did not love this book because I did. I found it as an amazing break from reality into an exciting world of prestige, rivalries, friendships, fights and college education. I love the creative writing styles that the Kunze uses throughout the book; the magazine editorials, the text messages, the invitations and the emails.

I found myself laughing at nearly every page as I read this book. I found myself curious to find out all the secrets that this book encountered. I enjoyed being surprised at who the Pudding Dues hero was and reading all the exciting events and conflicts Callie confronted.

What I like best about this book is how it never has a boring moment and how the writing flows so nicely. I like how the character's relationships are constantly changing; one moment Callie and Clint's relationship is perfect and the next jealously soars. The amazing way secrets are slowly revealed, like the reason for Grace and Lexi's rivalry. The seemly unimportant lines that I do not pay attention to the first time I read the book, I later realized it was foreshadowing a later event.


My favorite of those lines is Callie saying the Gregory "Are you thinking about applying for a job?" (198 Kunze) and Gregory saying "Maybe." (198 Kunze) This subtly implies a certain misfortune.

The side characters are the best part of the book. Vanessa, Gregory, Mimi, Matt, Dana, Alessandra, Grace, Lexi and OK all have there own personalities and are easy to relate too. They are what makes the book shine into a waterfall of excitement. It is impossible to say exactly what I like about these characters, but each of them play a roll in this book that is needed. The book would not be the same without them.

The main character Callie is what makes this book lose one star. I have compensated for her naivety the last two books because I understood what it is like trying to fit into a new school where everyone else seems to know each other perfectly. I understood why she lied in the last book was because she was stressed and did not want to ruin her relationship with Clint and her reputation. But in this book, she had a perfect opportunity to tell Clint the truth and really should not have invaded his privacy. I feel that Callie has not yet risen up to strong heroine and protagonist land. I hope that in the final book she finally learns that truth equals happyness, lying equals misery and to just appreciate her friends.

During the last two books and the beginning of this book, I really liked Clint as a character. I liked how the love triangle in this book was composed of two boys that I thought were reasonable for Callie to date. But in this book, Clint shows his weak side and completely ignores how mean Lexi really is after he learned what she did to Callie in the previous book. I do not know how Clint expected Callie not to become jealous or mad when he started spending time with Lexi again. I still like Lexi as a character because she is the perfect devious and intelligent villain. Though a bit insecure. I really do not like what Clint did during this book.

Back to the amazing truths of this formidable book!

This book relates a real problem that people face today; the results of financial issues eventually crashing down. I was completely surprised when I learned of the financial issues a certain character faced in this book. I felt sorry for him and I admire his stamina of this dismal occurrence. I am really worried about him. I love books where I feel connected to characters and wish I could solve their problems.

I visited my sister a few times at college during Parents Weekend, so I loved reading about the Harvard version of parents weekend. Vanessa's mom was the best. I had a great time reading about Callie's father for the first time. I enjoyed reading how her father frazzled a professor and her father's conversation with Gregory.

Basically, this book is should not be missed. I typically enjoy Paranormal books more than Realistic Fiction, but found this book addicting and fun read. The story is exciting, I feel connected to most of the characters and I feel the desire to read it again. I hope everyone tries this book out. It is a prefect book to read when you are stressed. Once you start reading it, you will not want to stop.


Title idea for the next and last book:

Since the next book's title is not yet released, I will tell you an idea I created and find as a perfect match to what I feel the next book is going to be based.

Culprit

This would be a impeccable title because the next book is all about figuring out and solving the mystery of who is the IvyInsider.

[Lindsay Heller · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the third installment of The Ivy series Callie and crew continue where we've left off. Gregory realizes the misunderstanding that has kept him and Callie apart, but it may be too late. Now that COMP is over and Callie was rejected from Fifteen Minutes (even after she slaved for editor Alexis Thorndike and broke up with too perfect Clint at Alexis' bequest) she just might get a new opportunity at the Harvard Crimson. At least if Grace Lee, the intrepid editor, has anything to say about it. But with a new, official, beau Callie might be set to start anew. As old rivals and new frenemies come out to play and Callie grows a little more world weary it's clear she still has a lot more to learn. As the Hasty Pudding Social Club and a couple Finals Clubs head to the Caribbean for Spring Break the season is high for drama that wont end until they return to campus and the bottom finally falls out of Callie's strenuously arranged Freshman year.

There's something about Teen Fiction that I love. Perhaps it's that I never grew up properly, or perhaps it's just that I can appreciate all sort of fiction. I can't help it, I just love a bit of cheese every once in awhile. Which is probably why one of my favorite television shows is 'Pretty Little Liars'. I don't care that they introduce plots that disappear without a trace two episodes later. The other day I said to my, also addicted, best friend "Can you imagine how good this show would be if the writing was actually good?" That's sort of the way I feel about Teen Fiction. It's quick to read, almost single serving, and I can never wait to get back to see what happens. And The Ivy series is one of the better ones I've read. Don't get me wrong, I'm a sucker for the supernatural romance/ teenagers saving the world stuff, but I also like the every day normal ones, as long as the character are well done. And in this they are. Callie is a strong character, her guys multidimensional, and her roommates either hilariously diverse or wickedly reactionary. All of this is a winning combination, clearly, cause The Ivy might not be great reading, but it is great fun.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can you believe that I wasn’t even aware that this was already released. My cousin actually e-mailed me and told me to read this one right away cause she just read it and wanted to talk to me about it and “express her feelings” so I immediately started it and WOW (!!!) was it good.

After how book 2 ended I couldn’t wait to find out what would happen and whether Callie would choose Gregory or Clint. I’ve always been on Team Gregory because there was always a spark between Callie and him…even if neither would admit it. While Clint is a great boyfriend, he’s just a little too perfect for my taste. Plus there will always be the fact he dated Lexi for two years and we all know what sort of a person Lexi is.

Callie is still a little too impulsive and it shows when she is suspicious of Clint and Lexi’s relationship. This book showed how calculating of a person Lexi is and the things she’ll do to get what she wants. Also there’s a new couple that I’m really getting behind and its Vanessa and Tyler. Vanessa is Callie’s ex-best friend and one of her roommates and Tyler is Clint’s best friend and roommate. They are always arguing and bickering but its so cute to see cause I think they do care more about each other then they show.

I’ve said it before and its that The Ivy remains my favourite guilty pleasure series to read. This book was full of drama, secrets and reveals. Lauren Kunze always leaves me hanging with her endings and the ending to RIVALS was no different. Fortunately I don’t have to wait too long since book 4 (The Ivy: Scandals) comes out in December of this year.

[Gina Clabo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my these books are so addictive I love this Harvard world and Callie is awesome..The characters in this series are diverse and I love it, it makes you feel like you're right there being part of the group..Love Love and now off to the the final book to find out who is after Callie and if she gets her love she wants..Recommend to all who need a college experience but cheaper then tuition..Thank you Lauren and Rina you have made me a fan of the Ivy even though the pages are 365 in each book I was up all nite loving and laughing every word... Gina Clabo

[Daphne · Rating 3 out of 5]

As if having read my previous review, Lauren Kunze decided in this installment to make Callie a touch more self aware. We finally get some reflection on wealth & privilege & how she completely doesn’t fit into her social circle. We also get to see Clint pull a full 180 as a character and become awful, because we need Callie to break up with him.

Excited to see where the continuous poor communication will take us in the next book!! How else can our characters continue to not discuss things like normal people, resulting in disaster?? Stay tuned.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read of the series.. I would have started with the first two, but I found this book for 79 cents at the thrift store and thought I'd give it a read anyways. Glad I did. It was a really good book, though probably even better if I had read the first two. I now can't wait to read the next book in the series to find out what happens next.

[Reema Patel · Rating 1 out of 5]

garbage

[SB · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm finished with this book. I am currently waiting on the last. I'll give overall review then -- but it ain't looking good, folks!

[Kayla Plutzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was good! I loved that it took place in a real college and it was just a lot of fun!

[Josi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The things that happen to Callie. I do feel her pain. And I absolutely hate Alexis. She so has it in for Callie.

[sreeju]

summer before 7th or 8th grade - edison public library book mobile :)

[Isabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexis Thorndike, oh, how I loathe thee, let me count the ways. I don't think I could have created a better antagonist, myself. I have to say, Kunze and Onur, bravo! I've never wanted to slap a character (out of anger -- not stupidity as it is with most cases) in any other book than I do now, and that's a compliment! Let's begin, shall we?

1. Alexis Thorndike +1
Positives: So really, this 'positives' section should be a 'positive negatives' section, since I don't think I've ever heard of such a BI to the TCH in any other book before, or even in my actual life! She takes blackmail to a whole new level. I think I would rather be publicly humiliated on national television than go through what Lexi puts Callie through. Seriously, this girl is one tough capital B!
Negatives: Um, she's a -- well, I've said it already. In the real world this is a bad thing, but if I'd put it in a book, I'd have to say: HECK YEAH!

2. Clint Weber +/-0
Positives: So um, can we all admit, we kind of love Clint. It a useless cause, I know. Obviously, unless you're an idiot, Callie will end up with our smoking hot, TAKEN neighbor, Gregory Bolton (who sadly also partially resembles the name -- and kind of the looks -- of an ex-boyfriend; and don't worry there's still a book left, and we all knew Kunze and Onur aren't gonna let us off that easy). But in overview until what I'd say as the last third of the book (not to ruin it, but once again, we knew it was going to happen) Clint is Mr. Perfect (ignoring everything that happened first quarter). If you can name on problem with him that doesn't involved baggage, please let me know.
Negatives: Once again, not to ruin it, but Clint ends up being Mr. Not-So-Perfect. And what he does after Spring Break! What the heck, Clint?! All I'm going to say is pay attention to the necklace that Clint gives Callie and everything along with it. I'm saving you from rereading the book.

3. Mimi's French (once again) -.5
Positives: I love her, but...
Negatives: No, it has become enough. The amount of French for me now is becoming slightly unbearable to hair-pulling-out status. If I knew French, I probably wouldn't care, but WHAT THE HECK IS SHE SAYING?!?! Only at like the very end did she start to translate for Callie what she was actually saying. THANK GOD!

4. Gregory Bolton +/-0
Positives: Oh, Gregory Bolton. If I could put the emoji with the two heart-shaped eyes in here I would.
Negatives: Sorry, guys, but I got nothin'. I can't really add any points for him because, let's face the sad truth, we're always going to find a love interest in our adored YA books, doesn't mean we can't love him with all our heart, and rarely would I add points for a love interest, not that Gregory's terrible, because I have obviously expressed my love for him, but I just can't do it.

5. Plot and Story-line/Pace +/-0
Positives: I don't think I will ever write place in a review for any other book besides this series, except for maybe Collapse by Jared Diamond, which is just not my type. Surprisingly though, instead of feeling slight need for a rush of pace that I brush off for the fact that they keep every detail that I do in The Ivy and Secrets, I didn't find myself feeling that way in this book. Just keep reading guys, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Negatives: Not spoiling it, but really Gregory, no warning in the end? Ugh!

So, when I thought about it (SINCE 3.5 STARS DON'T EXIST HERE!) I will round to 4, because I love you, Gregory Bolton, oh, and you, too, Callie, you're great. But yeah, pretty much Gregory ... so dreamy. But! (before I go off to la-la land) let me really put it together. I don't think I've loved Clint more ever than I did in this book, and I don't think I've ever hated him more than I did in this book. Oh, Clint, you should go die ... like now ... and take Lexi with you. Next up ... SCANDAL!

[Taschima · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love my guilty pleasures. The Ivy is like Gossip Girl, only far more interesting (depending on what stage in your life you are). I must say that Kunze and Onur know how to write an entertaining story with enough cat fights and drama to render you satisfied but not annoyed. Isn't that the perfect spot?

Callie Andrews has done nothing but screw up ever since she moved into the campus of Harvard. After hooking up with Gregory (Clint being non the wiser of course)...



...her unwanted sex tape secret going public, and her campus ex-bestie (Vanessa) hating the mere thought of her... well things aren't going great. Tension runs high on her dorm, with both Gregory and Vanessa. On the other hand Matt, Dana, Mimi, and OK are great! I absolutely LOVE OK and Mimi (when will that girl ever give him a break?) and I wish we had more of their private interactions. Maybe in novella style. In fact, all these characters should have their own private scenes shown, I am sure Vanessa has a lot to deliver (and wouldn't mind being the well deserved center of attention for once).

I love/hate Callie, much like I love/hate many of the characters in this story (mainly Vanessa). They can really bring out intense emotions out of me. The misunderstandings, mixed messages, hidden feelings and secrets all make for a fantastically sweet tale. Too much can make your stomach start to hurt true but I think The Ivy manages to hit the happy medium. Callie is just this girl, freshman, who is trying to make sense of the new world around her, and in that sense I strongly connect with her. Being in college myself (though I must admit not Ivy proportions) the problems of finding the place, and people, where you just fit in resonate. Not to mention the parties (sorry mom), drunken mistakes (who, me?), and exams (ugh).

Well, if you have read the previous novels then you are in for a treat! All the characters manage to surprise us. The love triangle is still waving it's flag way up high, Matt is still trying to get Grace's attention, and Alexis is still the most evil woman in the world. But what I most enjoyed about this novel perhaps was how it handled the friendships between these college students. The book isn't about the glamorous life of the Ivy league (though there is of course some of that in between the pages) or about how CRAZY college students can get when away from adult supervision (believe you me, it gets crazy), but about the relationships and most importantly the friendships you make along the way. For that I give this series my full support.

Was thoroughly frustrated at the ending, mostly because I am pretty much sure I know who the IVY Insider is. Plus Clint turn out to be a jerk, not that Callie is a saint but seriously why let the girl feel bad for something she did while you guys where in a break while you did it while you were in did TOGETHER? Lying scumbag, you deserve Alexis. But I can't wit for the next book! I am royally pissed on Grace's and Callie's behalf.

Now excuse me while I go buy the fourth book in the series, Scandal ;)

[Lord Nouda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The full review, along with others like it can be found here: Clickey!

The events in Rivals, predictably, take place a few months after Secrets. Due to what happened at Harvard-Yale and the disastrous poison-pen note written for Vanessa, which was mistakenly thought (by Gregory) to be Callie's note to him saying that they were wrong for each other and she regretted every single moment. Ouch. What kind of guy could bounce back from a supposed rejection like that? Even playboy Greg was noticeably subdued in the early bits of the book.

Clint gets to keep Callie. Greg missed his chance due to a major, major misunderstanding on his part. I was on Team Gregory from the very beginning of the series. I hate nice guys (Clint) who are TOO GOOD to be true.

The Ivy series is very good. In fact, I'm willing to go so far as to put out the claim that it's the BEST of its kind on the market right now. It's intelligently written Young Adult Fiction that isn't based on supernatural critters (Faeries, Vamps, Werewolves..yadda yadda), which is the easy route most mediocre authors are taking due to lack of talent and the gullibility of people in general. Instead it stands on its own merit due to strength of plot, character development and *drum roll*, very good dialogue (sometimes funny + witty, mostly on the spot and just damn good in general).

In the series there is never any, "I fell in love with you just to further the plot even though you lack any endearing qualities other than good looks alone." It's the college life after all. The relationships, however volatile at times, make sense even if they don't always succeed and tend to fall out more often than not. People aren't cut and dried from the same mold.

The co-authors have stated that they won't say which bits about Harvard life are based on their personal experiences (did I mention that they're both Harvard alumni?). The authors are well-educated. It shows in their writing. I was thoroughly impressed with the depth of the writing and educational (literary, since Calli is majoring in English) references. It's not all shallow dialogue about gossip, fashion and relationships (these do turn up at times, especially when Vanessa and Penelope show up). I loved the witty repertoire between Gregory and Callie in class, especially when quoting Great Gatsby and Mrs. Dalloway in not so veiled references to their relationships with one another, and with their current partners. It's just so cute and amusing, especially since both of them are quite clueless about each others' true feelings when everyone else around them can clearly see it for what it is.

The ending is a total bitch though. It's not bad, just wholly unexpected. I was expecting Rivals to end on a more positive note compared to the previous two books. I was really annoyed at a certain character who shall not be named to prevent spoiling the story. (S)He just had to ruin everything when it was getting good. Meh.-.-'

[Jane Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Los.
Odio.
Mucho.
A.
Todos.
MUCHO!!!!!!!!!!!

[Ira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hmmmm. My feelings about the book is neutral. Just.... meh. Still, I am thoroughly impressed with the authors' work! And *gasp* they used to go to Harvard (well I guessed that one from the looks of the legit infos they were disclosing about Harvard), were roommates and bestfriends and that some parts of the books were true!!!! Can you please enlighten us? You guys unceasingly amaze me :")

I am very very disappointed with Clint. What a douchebag. What an asshole. What a jerk. What a liar. What a bastard :| I expected more from him!!! Like he was a martyr or a saint who's going to love Callie unconditionally. I can't believe it :| I wanted Bolton's competition to be a saint... not a douche!!!! Someone who has fallen head over heels in love with Callie :(

As for Gregory... why does it feel like everytime the book ends he is always MIA (aka Missing In Action!? I mean seriously, if I recall everything right =)))) And I really really thought that the book would end on the part when they were stranded. I guess not. And when the moment that I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN WAITING FOR, which is some ALONE TIME FOR GREGORY AND CALLIE, finally arrived it has to end too soon. I mean come on guys!! I need more Gregory-Callie romance here. I can't feel the love! I can't even feel Gregory's pain. All I can feel is Callie's pain whenever Clint does things an awful boyfriend would do. I hope that the next book will not drag. And that I need.. as in NEED more romantic moments between Gregory and Callie. I need to feel their love! I need to feel their prolonged pain for not being together because of a messed up situation. I need to feel their longing!!!! I need more emotions in the upcoming book! Whenever I feel like the book is doing something right it backfires. Like it ends too soon or something is definitely lacking! So please, make me feel what the characters are feeling :)


I am not in love with Rivals but since I'm in love with the series and the first two books I urged myself to read it. And it's not so bad. After all, when you love someone (or something) you tend to over look everything. You tend to feel like everything about it is perfect. Anyyyways, I hopy you guys make the next book more interesting. Thank you! Wondering how many books will there be for this series. Glad to know, though that this series won't be ending soon because for sure I'll be missing Callie and Gregory and Mimi and Vanessa and Matt and OK and fine.... Dana =))))


Thank you authors for sharing your masterpiece with us!! The joy that you share is priceless :D

[Mitchii · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here is one of the reasons why I still read this series:

Tyler Green’s version of I’m Too Sexy

“I’m too sexy for my oxford…too sexy for my polo…So sexy, it hurts.

And I’m too sexy for The Fly…too sexy for The Fly, The Phoenix, and The Spee.”

“I’m too sexy for my oxford…too sexy for my polo…So sexy, it hurts. And I’m too sexy for The Fly…too sexy for The Fly, The Phoenix, and The Spee.”

“I’m too sexy for Harvard—”

See? Fun, fun...fun?

Ok, not so much fun, there is still this whole college drama, misunderstanding, some punching, and manipulation in the form of Alexis Thorndike. Gosh, why am I still reading this book again?

It’s hard for me to admit that I enjoyed this book. It’s much harder to admit that I liked this book. But oh hell, the cat is out of the bag anyway. I liked this book…and well, I enjoyed some of it (SOME of it!). And as Gregory said, you don’t have to like it to find it interesting. Which is true in this case. But for most parts, I’m interested with their very stressful lives. I gotta say it is consistent of making me exasperated. After the whole sex tape, blackmailing thing, there’s another one?! Wow, the manipulation and blackmailing power of Alexis is impressive. Callie is on her radar because she dated Clint. And well, we find out here (The Rivals) that Clint’s not worth it. And yes, Callie I totally agree with you, your relationship history sucks.

I’m keeping up with this series because I really like to know how will Gregory and Callie work things out. You can say I’ve been rooting for them since book one. But obviously, luck is not on their sides. Not even the moon, the stars or whoever is responsible for this; because every time there’s a chance for these two to be together it always end up in confusion, or another drama, therefore miniscule to no development. Le sigh. And you know what? It is starting to get on my nerves. And here I thought they finally sort things out. But noooooo, just when I saw a glint of hope, Gregory went AWOL and Alexis is not yet done with Callie. What the? Yup, there’s more apparently.

And just like the second book the ending was infuriating. I was hoping that this is the final book but I doubt it, especially how it ended. Ok, I’m still up for it. I liked this better than the first two. But gosh can we cut to the chase and end it already. Put them (and mine as well) out of my their misery please.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is a collective review of books 1-3 of The Ivy Series.

Have you ever read so much paranormal fiction that it drives you insane and you CRAVE something new? Well, that's how I found the Ivy Series by Lauren Kunze. I just needed something different - something real almost!

The series is centred around Callie a bright bubbly girls from LA. We follow her through her life and freshman year at the prestigious Harvard University.

We have love triangles, naughty escapades, friendship, love, hate, jealousy, envy and don't forget those vicious bitches either. This series really does have everything with some characters you will love and some you will hate.

If you want me to liken the books to something I would say its like watching an episode of Gossip Girl set in the series of One Tree Hill. I know confusing right? Its so well written I feel I know the characters. I love Mimi (Who I hated at first), Triple V is brilliant and grows so well over the books and Lexi, well you will just hate her!

The guys are pretty hot too, although I have been and always will be Team Gregory.

Don't expect a wishy washy chick lit series, this book does cover so really good issues which I feel are relevant to real life.

I won't go into the synopsis at all as I feel with this review going over the first 3 books in the series I could give spoilers away (This review is being used for all 3 books).

I cannot wait to see what Lauren comes up with after the cliff hanger of Book 3, roll on December for its release! Lauren - if you'd like to put me out of my misery earlier by all means do so!! ;)

A fantastic series I am sure many will love, an insight into the world of Harvard and its students. This series is a great read!

I can't really categories this book; its YA, contemporary, fiction with a little chick-lit and modern! Suitable for mature teens due to mild sexual content but in honesty a great read for everyone older.

This series has ben given 4 out of 5 stars although if I'm honest its more of a 4 and a half!

Review also featured on my blog - http://www.bewitchedbooks.co.uk/

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ha! Because first semester wasn't crazy enough, Rivals hits us with even MORE bombshells that I gobbled up happily.

Plot: Rivals begins with students coming back to J-Term (which, as I understand, is an optional semester at Harvard?) and we begin with the mystery of "who is Callie with?" in response to the cliffhanger in Secrets. But of course, things aren't smooth sailing. We've got jealousy, mistrust, awkward friendships, and an anonymous reportings on the elite social club that Callie and her friends belong to. The Ivy Insider is basically the Harvard version of Gossip Girl. In my opinion, this was the juiciest of the books so far and I can't wait to see how this all wraps up in the finale, Scandal.

Characters: In this novel, we meet Gregory's girlfriend, Alessandra, the product of a Brazilian super model and a millionaire. Of course this creates even more tension with the Clint - Callie - Gregory dilemma. Callie experiences something that she doesn't want to admit to (jealousy) and must learn how to handle it. One thing that I really liked about this book, is that it seems like we got to see more about Dana. Dana has always been in the background as the quiet Ultra conservative Bible thumping character, but I was happy to see her portrayed as a human being instead of a stereotype. I think that's my one complaint with a lot of these characters (as I mentioned in my review of The Ivy), a lot of the characters are stereotypes. But this is a guilty pleasure, so I won't hold it against the series TOO much (but it does bother me every now and then). One other thing. I found Callie and Vanessa's relationship to be kind of confusing. They weren't talking, but they would occasionally make biting jokes at the other and text the other. I didn't really understand if THEY knew that they had drama.

Setting: HAHVAHD. We follow Callie around her classes, her social clubs, her job at the library and to Puerto Rico which was a really fun part of the book.

Short N Sweet: Rivals ups the ante on drama which, let's be honest, is all that we care about. I'm going to be sad when I have to say goodbye to Callie and the gang, and Harvard in the final book Scandal.

[Klaudia Janek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Recommended [return][return]Callie Andrews is back for a third book of Harvard adventures. It is the start of the second semester and Callie has 2 guys interested in her. Everyone at Harvard is freaking out about their grades, they are partying and studying a lot. Callie can no longer take the stress of working on Harvard’s campus magazine and works to COMP for the campus newspaper. Drama ensues in relationships, roommates, social clubs and campus clubs. Callie finally tells her friends what happened with her high school boyfriend in hopes that she will no longer be blackmailed about it. Again, the book ends with a major cliff hanger in anticipation of the 4th and final book of this series.[return][return]I think this is a good series to have in a school library. It appeals to college bound girls, who like to read about college life. This particular series is appealing because it takes place at Harvard, the characters are funny, likeable and not perfect. Although they are all gorgeous. The rumors about Harvard’s centuries old social clubs are interesting to read about. The story is very realistic. I like how many of the students are portrayed as actually interested in their studies. The conversations they have in their study groups are at an intellectually high level. The authors do not talk down to readers. The only thing to note for high school are the scenes alluding to sex and drinking at parties. None of it is really over the top, given that it’s a college campus.[return][return]I think it is a good addition to a school library for pleasure reading. It is not tied into the Commom Core and could not be used in the classroom. But I would recommend it to girls for a fun, quick, weekend read. If your library is going to buy this book, I would recommend buying the first 2 books in this series. It would be difficult to understand the story by just starting at the 3rd book.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH!!! MY!!!! GOSH!!!! OK, so I really liked Rivals, So Callie and Clint are together and I always thought that she belonged with Gregory, and then she and Clint would break up some how or another, you know like she would tell him that he's a nice and all just not the guy for her...and honestly I truely thought that about him he's a nice guy just not the guy for Callie. I never never never expected him to go from...and I'm paraphrasing Thorndike here...Saint to Sinner for a like a minute and straight on to Douchebag, I never saw it coming.

And then the ending....OH MY GOSH!!!! My prediction for who the Ivy Insider is...it has to be Alexis Thorndike cause she is the one that said that some people don't have to lift a finger because they will be their own undoing. Well I think she will have just enough rope to hang herself with. I know Mimi was using her computer to COMP for the Lampoon but she wouldn't do that, not to her friend. Alexis had it out for Grace and Callie both and when Mimi used Callie's computer she and Vanessa both said how easy it would be to hack Callie's computer, that way she takes out both of them at the same time, posting those articles about the parties and the punches and everything. At least Scandal will be out next month, so I won't have to wait long to find out what is up with Gregory and that whole mess and the rest of it.

[Amber (Books of Amber) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hate Clint, Vanessa has grown on me, and I ADORE Gregory and Callie. <3

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Review here: http://booksofamber.blogspot.co.uk/20...

I'm not sure where this book rates in the series so far, because I absolutely love every single one of them. I'm not sure if I ever want this series to end.

I love Callie and her character growth since the first book has been amazing. I can't wait to see where she goes in the future.

I won't spoil you on what happens between the characters, but I love what happened with several of the relationships in this book. The characters that I hated turned out to be the bad guys, which was awesome because it kind of gave me an excuse to want to kill them. I absolutely love Gregory, and I am dying to know what happens with him in the next book.

As always, I love the little sections from the magazines that were at the beginning of each chapter. They were hilarious, and I really like trivia like this.

This is a great spring and summer read, especially as all the characters went away for Spring Break and we got to see what they got up to then. After the ending of this, I am now SO BLOODY EXCITED for the next book. Is it the final one? I don't know, but I certainly hope not.

[GW · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh Callie and Greg. JUST GET BACK TOGETHER ALREADY.

So many lies, so much deceit, so much drama, love it.
But I seriously wanted more things to happen between Callie and Greg.

There was foreshadowing used, but I thought that it was too blunt (because I knew something would happen) with the whole computer log in thing.

And Alexis, why are you still so manipulative?
It's like she never gives up - ever.
She keeps on coming back.

I wanted so much more out of this book - but it was still good.
It's just at the end, I was like NOOOO.
Cliffhanger? AGAIN. I knew it was coming, but MAN.

I need book four now.
I want to know what happens.
There'll probably be a book five too.

But please, more romance.
No more Clint drama.
And Vanessa? It's seriously hot/cold.
Are they even friends? I don't know what I'd even use to describe that.

And maybe a new love interest for Callie?
We all know she'll end up with Greg in the end - but what if she didn't.

All right, I'm pretty much rambling on and on.
But overall, ah, I didn't like this one as much as the first and second one. There was still drama and such, but I wanted more romance, meh. Can't wait to read the next book!