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Privilege #3
Perfect Mistake
MAKE NEW FRIENDS AND KILL THE OLD....
Ariana Osgood has everything she's ever wanted. A place at elite Atherton-Pryce boarding school. Fabulous friends. A new crush. And most importantly, a new identity. Now that she's officially become Briana Leigh Covington, Ariana's troubled past is dead and buried.
Or is it?
When the one person who knows her secret arrives on campus, Ariana decides it's time to say good-bye to her ex-best friend -- forever. From the author of the bestselling PRIVATE novels comes a series about the dark world of wealth, secrets, and PRIVILEGE.
Ariana Osgood has everything she's ever wanted. A place at elite Atherton-Pryce boarding school. Fabulous friends. A new crush. And most importantly, a new identity. Now that she's officially become Briana Leigh Covington, Ariana's troubled past is dead and buried.
Or is it?
When the one person who knows her secret arrives on campus, Ariana decides it's time to say good-bye to her ex-best friend -- forever. From the author of the bestselling PRIVATE novels comes a series about the dark world of wealth, secrets, and PRIVILEGE.
240 pages, Paperback
First published October 27, 2009
25 people are currently reading
1627 people want to read
About the author
Kate Brian
87 books2,311 followersKate Brian is the author of the SHADOWLANDS TRILOGY (SHADOWLANDS, HEREAFTER & ENDLESS), as well as the New York Times bestselling PRIVATE and PRIVILEGE series, and the wildly popular MEGAN MEADE'S GUIDE TO THE MCGOWAN BOYS. She also writes teen fiction under the name Kieran Scott.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
December 14, 2009
It took forever to read Perfect Mistake, and that's my fault. About twenty seconds after Kaitlyn appeared, I flipped to the back in hopes that Ana managed to off her. Yeah, no. That didn't happen.
What happened is that the nicest of the girls is killed and I have to wait another book for Kaitlyn to get shipped off to Australia or Hades. I get that I'm supposed to dislike her (or really enjoy her sociopathic ways) but instead she annoys me and distracts from my enjoyment of Ana being the resident nutjob.
Bother!
What happened is that the nicest of the girls is killed and I have to wait another book for Kaitlyn to get shipped off to Australia or Hades. I get that I'm supposed to dislike her (or really enjoy her sociopathic ways) but instead she annoys me and distracts from my enjoyment of Ana being the resident nutjob.
Bother!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2010
Not overly thrilled with the third installment of this series. Still loving Arianna---but I hate that her jailbird roomate showed up. It wouldn't have been so bad, but this chick is seriously an annoying character, and the book is basically filled with a series of scenes i which she forces Arianna to do her bidding or says she'll rat her out. The blackmail gets really old bc it takes up the entire book.
I'll keep reading, but I hope in the upcoming installments there will be less of the blackmailing. I'd like to see the two of them trust eachother and become friends, but for two sociopathic teen killers, I know that would be even more unlikely and unrealistic than the outrageous demands the roomate makes Arianna carry out.
I'll keep reading, but I hope in the upcoming installments there will be less of the blackmailing. I'd like to see the two of them trust eachother and become friends, but for two sociopathic teen killers, I know that would be even more unlikely and unrealistic than the outrageous demands the roomate makes Arianna carry out.
March 5, 2023
Wow Kate Brian really understands suspense. I love this series. The end was AH-Mazing! I mean it sucks what happened but in the context of this book WOW!
So i really don't like Kaitlynn. I wish Ariana could find a way to get her. At the same time Ariana is letting Kaitlynn have too much power and there is nothing she can do about it.
I can't wait to see where the next book takes us. Side note I really want Palmer to be with Ariana!
PS when I have my first kid I hope it is a daughter and I can name her Ariana I love that name! Sucks I will be naming her after a murderer lol
So i really don't like Kaitlynn. I wish Ariana could find a way to get her. At the same time Ariana is letting Kaitlynn have too much power and there is nothing she can do about it.
I can't wait to see where the next book takes us. Side note I really want Palmer to be with Ariana!
PS when I have my first kid I hope it is a daughter and I can name her Ariana I love that name! Sucks I will be naming her after a murderer lol
May 23, 2021
You know this Is an example of a book that i didnt enjoy for the most part and the ending bringme back yo read the fourth installment of this nuthouse.
April 23, 2019
4 chilling stars....
I can’t stand Kaitlynn! Ariana needs to take her down. This series is crazy and has an unusually large body count. I knew what was coming, but I was still saddened by it. Somehow, Ariana is a sympathetic character, probably because Kaitlynn is even more twisted than Ariana is!
I can’t stand Kaitlynn! Ariana needs to take her down. This series is crazy and has an unusually large body count. I knew what was coming, but I was still saddened by it. Somehow, Ariana is a sympathetic character, probably because Kaitlynn is even more twisted than Ariana is!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2012
OF COURSE, Brian and her jaw-dropping endings. I just saw it coming, so I guess it wasn't as jaw-dropping as I would've thought. Obviously Ariana couldn't be killed, as the series would die off with this book when I know there are more books, and Brigit was one of the 5 who were being analyzed, so I figured. I also know Brian's style, after reading SO many of her books, so I knew something was bound to happen, I was just hoping something wouldn't. Or something that would be for Ariana's benefit.
On the other side, I LOVE PALMER AND ARIANA TOGETHER. Oh my gosh. I'm obsessed with them. I just wish Ariana could tell her "crew" the whole deal and they would still accept her and find a way to rid of Kaitlyn. But sometimes in this book, I was just like ARE YOU KIDDING ME, just put a freaking security camera in the room so you can see Kaitlyn cutting the toenails off or whatever, or in some other cases, like how Ariana isn't telling Lexa about her and Palmer. OR how Ariana didn't think ahead and THROW away the damn Epi Pen or whatever it was, so that Tahira could have died.
Anyways, I just know it's a ticking bomb. I know that in the end, everybody is going to find out Ariana's true identity, along with Kaitlyn's. I'm just waiting for it to happen...
Other than 1 grammatical error, everything was okay with this book. :) I feel like such an over-reactor, "other than 1 grammatical error", like really, it's just one, get over it Kelli. Haha, I'm just a grammar freak like that, I suppose.
I really enjoyed this book, though I must say I liked Brian's other series, Private, a bit better. This one just doesn't seem to get any perfect 5 stars in my ratings like a lot of the Private series books did! Then again, I haven't finished this entire series and it is a lot shorter.
Overall, I would rate this book 4 stars. It wasn't so great I couldn't put it down and was glued to it, but it was pretty damn good. I would recommend the series to friends, but I probably wouldn't read this book twice, compared with other mastermind books. But not bad, not bad at all! Brian never has any bad-written novels. So, onto the next book! :)
On the other side, I LOVE PALMER AND ARIANA TOGETHER. Oh my gosh. I'm obsessed with them. I just wish Ariana could tell her "crew" the whole deal and they would still accept her and find a way to rid of Kaitlyn. But sometimes in this book, I was just like ARE YOU KIDDING ME, just put a freaking security camera in the room so you can see Kaitlyn cutting the toenails off or whatever, or in some other cases, like how Ariana isn't telling Lexa about her and Palmer. OR how Ariana didn't think ahead and THROW away the damn Epi Pen or whatever it was, so that Tahira could have died.
Anyways, I just know it's a ticking bomb. I know that in the end, everybody is going to find out Ariana's true identity, along with Kaitlyn's. I'm just waiting for it to happen...
Other than 1 grammatical error, everything was okay with this book. :) I feel like such an over-reactor, "other than 1 grammatical error", like really, it's just one, get over it Kelli. Haha, I'm just a grammar freak like that, I suppose.
I really enjoyed this book, though I must say I liked Brian's other series, Private, a bit better. This one just doesn't seem to get any perfect 5 stars in my ratings like a lot of the Private series books did! Then again, I haven't finished this entire series and it is a lot shorter.
Overall, I would rate this book 4 stars. It wasn't so great I couldn't put it down and was glued to it, but it was pretty damn good. I would recommend the series to friends, but I probably wouldn't read this book twice, compared with other mastermind books. But not bad, not bad at all! Brian never has any bad-written novels. So, onto the next book! :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2009
Once again, this really promising series is running aground a bit for me. Every time I get my hands on one of these, I want it to be great, and it winds up being a bit eh. I will say to their credit that there are just enough twists that it isn't precisely the plot you concoct in your head as you read, but your guesses won't be far off. Truly unfortunate, as that was one of the real joys of the first book in the series (and even, in retrospect, Last Christmas). I'm putting this series on my deathwatch list, though hopefully it'll get a few more at minimum because for people in the books (whether other APH students or law enforcement) to figure out what Ariana and Kaitlynn have been up to would take some serious time. Though there's no mention of it in my copy of this book, I've seen elsewhere the cover for the fourth installment (coming out in June) so at least we'll get that.
It really is depressing though the bind booksellers and publishers find themselves in these days! (If you'll pardon my pun.) I mean gosh, being only three or four books long -- back in the day, even the serious dreck lasted longer than that (for comparison, Heartbreak Cafe made it 6 books). And anything even moderately successful lasted way longer than that! They've started printing these on paper that genuinely pushes the limits of what can be considered a trade paperback, upped the prices, and even still, they can't seem to stay on the shelves unless someone dies (which is why Privilege still has a shot, as does Private, but does nothing to explain the continued popularity of The Clique).
I know, I know. My reviews are becoming repetitive. These books have just been both a welcome respite from my schoolwork and at the same time a bizarre yet useful part of my schoolwork over the last few years, and I'll miss them. What will I read next?
It really is depressing though the bind booksellers and publishers find themselves in these days! (If you'll pardon my pun.) I mean gosh, being only three or four books long -- back in the day, even the serious dreck lasted longer than that (for comparison, Heartbreak Cafe made it 6 books). And anything even moderately successful lasted way longer than that! They've started printing these on paper that genuinely pushes the limits of what can be considered a trade paperback, upped the prices, and even still, they can't seem to stay on the shelves unless someone dies (which is why Privilege still has a shot, as does Private, but does nothing to explain the continued popularity of The Clique).
I know, I know. My reviews are becoming repetitive. These books have just been both a welcome respite from my schoolwork and at the same time a bizarre yet useful part of my schoolwork over the last few years, and I'll miss them. What will I read next?
November 12, 2009
Arianna's ex- best friend is back. Kaityln i now Lilian and Arianna is still Brianna Leigh "Ana" Since the money Bianna Leigh owes Kaitlyn is still not there, Kaitlyn is haunting ALL the girls in Privlege house. Lexa is moving on from Palmer, while Ana is reacing out FOR Palmer. Lets find out what happenes in the 3rd book of Privilege.
I can make a text to text connection, in Confessions by Kate Brian, Arianna confesses to killing Thomas. Maybe in this series she will have to go back to Brenda T. and confess everything she ever did. But we will just have to find out.
I gave this book 5 stars. Arianna is a really fun character and the girls in Privilege house make it even better. Read this series, after you read all th Private books, to see what Arianna does AFTER she is kicked out of Easton.
I can make a text to text connection, in Confessions by Kate Brian, Arianna confesses to killing Thomas. Maybe in this series she will have to go back to Brenda T. and confess everything she ever did. But we will just have to find out.
I gave this book 5 stars. Arianna is a really fun character and the girls in Privilege house make it even better. Read this series, after you read all th Private books, to see what Arianna does AFTER she is kicked out of Easton.
February 17, 2010
This wasn't as suspenseful as the first two books. Ariana isn't as calculating and crazy as before. In fact, she rationalizes things easier now than ever. Kaitlynn, on the other hand, has been extreme, and plays a more prominent role in the latest installment. As much as I like the drama revolving around her, I wish Ariana could deal away with her already. I'm just waiting for the devious and calculating Ariana to come back, so that I can admire her wits, but still hate her at the same time.
January 15, 2025
I can't believe it's taken me this long to pick up the third installment of this series. The joys of being a mood reader.
This series is wonderful at keeping the reader at the edge of their seat. I finished this in two short sittings - it was too good to put down.
Ariana is an interesting unreliable narrator. You feel swept up in her thinking, even when she's reasoning murder. The surprise arrival of her ex-cell mate Kaitlynn and Ariana's response to the extortion tactics, really allowed us to get a first hand view into the logic of a sociopath.
I was really surprised by the ending and Brigit's fate. I completely believed that Ariana's plan to murder Tahira was going to come to fruition.
The only note I had, was I noticed a fair amount of grammatical errors and spelling mistakes, throughout the writing. The pacing, though fast, oddly felt slow at times as well. After finishing the novel, it almost seemed like not much actually happened. A large portion of the novel focused on Ariana reflecting about the trials she surpassed to get her new life and a lot of scenes where Kaitlynn threatened her into compliance.
This series is wonderful at keeping the reader at the edge of their seat. I finished this in two short sittings - it was too good to put down.
Ariana is an interesting unreliable narrator. You feel swept up in her thinking, even when she's reasoning murder. The surprise arrival of her ex-cell mate Kaitlynn and Ariana's response to the extortion tactics, really allowed us to get a first hand view into the logic of a sociopath.
I was really surprised by the ending and Brigit's fate. I completely believed that Ariana's plan to murder Tahira was going to come to fruition.
The only note I had, was I noticed a fair amount of grammatical errors and spelling mistakes, throughout the writing. The pacing, though fast, oddly felt slow at times as well. After finishing the novel, it almost seemed like not much actually happened. A large portion of the novel focused on Ariana reflecting about the trials she surpassed to get her new life and a lot of scenes where Kaitlynn threatened her into compliance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2020
What a crazy whirlwind! - Kaitlyn is back and she is Ariana’s new roommate in Privilege House. And she is doing her best to make a name for herself amongst the new friends of Ariana’s. She seems to be one step ahead and has made crazy threats to Ariana and her friends without anyone knowing it was her, except Ariana. She knows how Kaitlyn is evil.
Things become more intense when Ariana and Kaitlyn are tapped to join a secret sorority. But they have to pass an initiation and there are only four spots but five girls. And by the end, one gets knocked off. 4 stars!
Things become more intense when Ariana and Kaitlyn are tapped to join a secret sorority. But they have to pass an initiation and there are only four spots but five girls. And by the end, one gets knocked off. 4 stars!
August 27, 2023
Arianna is trying to stay 1 step ahead of Kaitlynn. Each girl gets tapped for a secret society. Only 4 can join out of 5. Kaitlynn wants Arianna to knock out one of the other girls. If she doesn’t then Kaitlynn will take one out permanently. Check out this book to see who gets her way Kaitlynn or Arianna.
January 2, 2021
Surprise surprise! Kaitlynn's back and she's making things much harder for Ariana.
Ariana's better watch her back and make sure her best friends and that doting boyfriend of hers stay far far away from the fact that she's not Briana Leigh and that she murdered her.
Ariana's better watch her back and make sure her best friends and that doting boyfriend of hers stay far far away from the fact that she's not Briana Leigh and that she murdered her.
October 10, 2023
it's hard to review these because there's really nothing new to say with each book but i'm obsessed nonetheless. i was thinking while reading this book that none of the plot would be possible if smart phones were around.
December 2, 2017
Arianna can't catch a break but maybe something good one will come here way in the nxt book.
January 28, 2022
This series gets more and more shocking with every novel. Ariana and Kaitlyn are absolute fucking psychopaths. I LOVE IT.
August 31, 2023
I hate that kaitlyn showed up. I get it. It was needed for another thrill. But I would’ve loved to see Ariana finally make it. She’s my favorite little psychopath.
March 18, 2024
3.5 stars
May 26, 2018
This is definitely guilty pleasure. I read it in a bunch of days--it's just that enthralling. But while this series is good in general, the first book is the best and more intense.
November 20, 2011
***TL;DR SPOILERY PLOT OVERVIEW***
Kaitlynn has wormed her way into Atherton Pryce Hall and is intent on making Ariana's life miserable. Ariana, Kaitlynn, Tahira, Allison and Brigit are invited to an APH secret society and are given tasks to complete. There are only 4 spots open and 5 candidates, so Kaitlynn blackmails Ariana into finding a spot for her, warning that she'll murder one of Ariana's friends if she doesn't succeed. Ariana also has to complete her own task to gain entry into the society, as well as securing Kaitlynn's spot.
Ariana falls in love with Palmer, and sets up Lexa with a guy named Conrad to help her get over him. Tahira cottons on to Ariana's secret society sabotage attempts and thefts at the start of the year, threatening to expose her. Ariana then attempts to kill Tahira at an exclusive Norwegian embassy ball, but her plans are foiled by Kaitlynn. Finally, the night is cut short by the discovery of Brigit's broken body at the foot of the stairs, having fallen prey to Kaitlynn's murderous streak.
***END SPOILERY PLOT OVERVIEW***
I took such a horribly long time to finish this book, but not because it was awful. The Private & Privilege books are very quick reads, but unfortunately I've had little motivation to read anything other than textbooks over the past few months. Everytime I picked up this book I thought 'this is such a fun and quick read, why the hell haven't I finished it yet?' and I'd get a few chapters in and then be forced to put it down due to intervening events. Lather, rinse, repeat.
I've gushed at length in previous reviews about how much I love Ariana. She's an incredibly intelligent and organised teen psycho and I love her. Instead I'll talk about Ariana in relation to Kaitlynn. Kaitlynn was out to ruin Ariana's life in Beautiful Disaster, but the dynamics are completely shaken up in Perfect Mistake. Kaitlynn is living in the same dorm room as Ariana and is now able to torment her 24/7. She cuts Ariana's hair and fingernails while she sleeps, and talks about which one of Ariana's friends she's going to murder, as sanely as if she were choosing which pair of shoes to wear.
It's fascinating how Ariana went from being a cold-blooded killer to the victim, tortured by Kaitlynn's mere presence. I sympathised with Ariana to begin with, having found her twisted psyche interesting and somewhat rational, and now I feel for her even more! Everytime Kaitlynn foiled one of Ariana's plans I just wanted to SCREAM. If Kaitlynn can make Ariana seem like a good girl, you know the bitch is psycho. Kaitlynn is obviously a well-crafted character since she's elicited such strong emotions in me, and I have to give Kate Brian props for that. I do find her seeming omnipresence and omniscience in screwing with Ariana's plans to be a little far-fetched, but that's my only criticism. From here I can only hope she falls face first into a vat of acid sometime soon.
It's no secret that I adore secret societies in any shape or form. I love the secrecy and the notion that they could not only be behind some of the biggest institutions and the global economy today, but have roots going back centuries. There were several points during the Private series where I thought we were being let in on a secret society, but Kate Brian let us down every single time. When Stone & Grave was introduced and appeared to be legit I just about piddled my pants in excitement! I'm hoping it doesn't turn out to be a bunch of rich teens partying in a basement, I want something scandalous and conspiratorial!
Overall: This is a great addition to the Privilege series. If you find Ariana as interesting and justified as I do, you'll love Perfect Mistake. If you hate Kaitlynn and want desperately for her to have her face ripped off by rabid vampire bats, you won't love Perfect Mistake. But if you're interested to see how Ariana could somehow be construed as the lesser of two evils, you'll love this book.
Kaitlynn has wormed her way into Atherton Pryce Hall and is intent on making Ariana's life miserable. Ariana, Kaitlynn, Tahira, Allison and Brigit are invited to an APH secret society and are given tasks to complete. There are only 4 spots open and 5 candidates, so Kaitlynn blackmails Ariana into finding a spot for her, warning that she'll murder one of Ariana's friends if she doesn't succeed. Ariana also has to complete her own task to gain entry into the society, as well as securing Kaitlynn's spot.
Ariana falls in love with Palmer, and sets up Lexa with a guy named Conrad to help her get over him. Tahira cottons on to Ariana's secret society sabotage attempts and thefts at the start of the year, threatening to expose her. Ariana then attempts to kill Tahira at an exclusive Norwegian embassy ball, but her plans are foiled by Kaitlynn. Finally, the night is cut short by the discovery of Brigit's broken body at the foot of the stairs, having fallen prey to Kaitlynn's murderous streak.
***END SPOILERY PLOT OVERVIEW***
I took such a horribly long time to finish this book, but not because it was awful. The Private & Privilege books are very quick reads, but unfortunately I've had little motivation to read anything other than textbooks over the past few months. Everytime I picked up this book I thought 'this is such a fun and quick read, why the hell haven't I finished it yet?' and I'd get a few chapters in and then be forced to put it down due to intervening events. Lather, rinse, repeat.
I've gushed at length in previous reviews about how much I love Ariana. She's an incredibly intelligent and organised teen psycho and I love her. Instead I'll talk about Ariana in relation to Kaitlynn. Kaitlynn was out to ruin Ariana's life in Beautiful Disaster, but the dynamics are completely shaken up in Perfect Mistake. Kaitlynn is living in the same dorm room as Ariana and is now able to torment her 24/7. She cuts Ariana's hair and fingernails while she sleeps, and talks about which one of Ariana's friends she's going to murder, as sanely as if she were choosing which pair of shoes to wear.
It's fascinating how Ariana went from being a cold-blooded killer to the victim, tortured by Kaitlynn's mere presence. I sympathised with Ariana to begin with, having found her twisted psyche interesting and somewhat rational, and now I feel for her even more! Everytime Kaitlynn foiled one of Ariana's plans I just wanted to SCREAM. If Kaitlynn can make Ariana seem like a good girl, you know the bitch is psycho. Kaitlynn is obviously a well-crafted character since she's elicited such strong emotions in me, and I have to give Kate Brian props for that. I do find her seeming omnipresence and omniscience in screwing with Ariana's plans to be a little far-fetched, but that's my only criticism. From here I can only hope she falls face first into a vat of acid sometime soon.
It's no secret that I adore secret societies in any shape or form. I love the secrecy and the notion that they could not only be behind some of the biggest institutions and the global economy today, but have roots going back centuries. There were several points during the Private series where I thought we were being let in on a secret society, but Kate Brian let us down every single time. When Stone & Grave was introduced and appeared to be legit I just about piddled my pants in excitement! I'm hoping it doesn't turn out to be a bunch of rich teens partying in a basement, I want something scandalous and conspiratorial!
Overall: This is a great addition to the Privilege series. If you find Ariana as interesting and justified as I do, you'll love Perfect Mistake. If you hate Kaitlynn and want desperately for her to have her face ripped off by rabid vampire bats, you won't love Perfect Mistake. But if you're interested to see how Ariana could somehow be construed as the lesser of two evils, you'll love this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2009
Ariana Osgood, now known as Briana Leigh Covington (“Ana” to her friends), finally has the life she has carefully constructed. She’s attending Atherton-Pryce, an elite boarding school, moving into the most coveted dorm on campus and her crush has just broken up with his long-time girlfriend. Now he’s available to date her! What more could Ariana ask for? Just as things are starting to fall into place for her, her nemesis, Kaitlynn, is now a student at Atherton-Pryce. Will Kaitlynn reveal Ariana’s secret?
Ariana Osgood is a character most readers would love to hate. Actually, I don’t. I admit I have a strong dislike for people who cheat, lie, manipulate or do whatever it takes to get what they want. Ariana is guilty of all three and she even killed her namesake to steal her life (and money). Despite knowing these things, there’s still a part of me that just likes Ariana.
In the first two books of the series, we learn more about Ariana’s reasoning for wanting revenge (which actually started to develop during the Private series with Reed). In Perfect Mistake, Ariana struggles against resorting to her old behavior now that she finally belongs. But Kaitlynn’s return makes it quite difficult for her.
Kaitlynn is ruthless. Actually, that’s putting it mildly. What’s worse than ruthless? EVIL?!? She’s the type of girl who will stab you in the back (literally) and then go on a shopping spree as if nothing happened. Kaitlynn’s one goal is to make Ariana’s life miserable and naturally she succeeds. She threatens to harm Ariana’s friends if Ariana does not submit to her demands. Fed up, Ariana tries to take matters into her own hands, however Kaitlynn is always one step ahead of her and foils her plans.
To make matters worse, both girls have been tapped for the secret society on campus. Problem is there are four openings and five girls. Kaitlynn wants Ariana to make sure she is one of the chosen or else. Ariana feels she has no choice but to given in to Kaitlynn.
Honestly, it must be hard to be Ariana. She’s trying to maintain her 4.0 GPA, plot and scheme to get her enemy off her back, hook up her best friend with a new guy so she can date her former boyfriend and maintain her deadly secret. Whew! How exhausted she must feel. Would her exhaustion be her downfall? Only time will tell.
True to Ms. Brian’s style, Perfect Mistake ends with a cliffhanger. One that made me want to immediately pick up the fourth book. Unfortunately I will have to wait until June 8th to find out what happens, when Sweet Deceit is released.
Fans of the Privilege series will not be disappointment with this third installment.
Ariana Osgood is a character most readers would love to hate. Actually, I don’t. I admit I have a strong dislike for people who cheat, lie, manipulate or do whatever it takes to get what they want. Ariana is guilty of all three and she even killed her namesake to steal her life (and money). Despite knowing these things, there’s still a part of me that just likes Ariana.
In the first two books of the series, we learn more about Ariana’s reasoning for wanting revenge (which actually started to develop during the Private series with Reed). In Perfect Mistake, Ariana struggles against resorting to her old behavior now that she finally belongs. But Kaitlynn’s return makes it quite difficult for her.
Kaitlynn is ruthless. Actually, that’s putting it mildly. What’s worse than ruthless? EVIL?!? She’s the type of girl who will stab you in the back (literally) and then go on a shopping spree as if nothing happened. Kaitlynn’s one goal is to make Ariana’s life miserable and naturally she succeeds. She threatens to harm Ariana’s friends if Ariana does not submit to her demands. Fed up, Ariana tries to take matters into her own hands, however Kaitlynn is always one step ahead of her and foils her plans.
To make matters worse, both girls have been tapped for the secret society on campus. Problem is there are four openings and five girls. Kaitlynn wants Ariana to make sure she is one of the chosen or else. Ariana feels she has no choice but to given in to Kaitlynn.
Honestly, it must be hard to be Ariana. She’s trying to maintain her 4.0 GPA, plot and scheme to get her enemy off her back, hook up her best friend with a new guy so she can date her former boyfriend and maintain her deadly secret. Whew! How exhausted she must feel. Would her exhaustion be her downfall? Only time will tell.
True to Ms. Brian’s style, Perfect Mistake ends with a cliffhanger. One that made me want to immediately pick up the fourth book. Unfortunately I will have to wait until June 8th to find out what happens, when Sweet Deceit is released.
Fans of the Privilege series will not be disappointment with this third installment.
May 27, 2025
In Perfect Mistake, Ariana Osgood continues her life at the elite Atherton-Pryce Hall boarding school under the assumed identity of Briana Leigh Covington. Having escaped from the Brenda T. Trumball Correctional Facility and eliminated the real Briana Leigh, Ariana believes she has successfully buried her dark past.
However, her newfound stability is threatened when Kaitlynn Nottingham, a former inmate from the correctional facility who knows Ariana's true identity, arrives on campus. Kaitlynn, now posing as Lillian Oswald, blackmails Ariana into granting her access to the exclusive social circles of Atherton-Pryce Hall, including an invitation to the coveted NoBash party.
As Kaitlynn's demands escalate, Ariana finds herself entangled in a dangerous game of manipulation. She must navigate the treacherous waters of high school politics, secret societies, and her own dark impulses to maintain her cover and eliminate the threats to her carefully constructed life.
Key Events
• Kaitlynn's Arrival: Kaitlynn Nottingham arrives at Atherton-Pryce Hall under the alias Lillian Oswald, threatening to expose Ariana's true identity unless her demands are met.
• Blackmail and Manipulation: Kaitlynn coerces Ariana into integrating her into the school's elite social scene, leveraging her knowledge of Ariana's past crimes.
• NoBash Party: The annual NoBash party becomes a focal point of tension, as Ariana must secure Kaitlynn's invitation while managing her own social standing.
• Escalation of Threats: Kaitlynn's manipulations intensify, pushing Ariana to consider drastic measures to protect her secrets.
Character Developments
• Ariana Osgood: Struggles to maintain her fabricated identity while dealing with the resurfacing of her past. Her manipulative tendencies are tested as she confronts new threats.
• Kaitlynn Nottingham: Emerges as a formidable antagonist, using her knowledge of Ariana's past to manipulate and control her.
• Lexa Greene: A fellow student who becomes increasingly suspicious of Ariana's actions, adding to the mounting pressure on Ariana.
Themes
• Identity and Deception: Explores the complexities of maintaining a false identity and the psychological toll it takes.
• Power and Control: Highlights the dynamics of manipulation and the lengths individuals will go to assert dominance.
• Consequences of Past Actions: Demonstrates how past misdeeds can resurface and disrupt even the most carefully constructed facades.
However, her newfound stability is threatened when Kaitlynn Nottingham, a former inmate from the correctional facility who knows Ariana's true identity, arrives on campus. Kaitlynn, now posing as Lillian Oswald, blackmails Ariana into granting her access to the exclusive social circles of Atherton-Pryce Hall, including an invitation to the coveted NoBash party.
As Kaitlynn's demands escalate, Ariana finds herself entangled in a dangerous game of manipulation. She must navigate the treacherous waters of high school politics, secret societies, and her own dark impulses to maintain her cover and eliminate the threats to her carefully constructed life.
Key Events
• Kaitlynn's Arrival: Kaitlynn Nottingham arrives at Atherton-Pryce Hall under the alias Lillian Oswald, threatening to expose Ariana's true identity unless her demands are met.
• Blackmail and Manipulation: Kaitlynn coerces Ariana into integrating her into the school's elite social scene, leveraging her knowledge of Ariana's past crimes.
• NoBash Party: The annual NoBash party becomes a focal point of tension, as Ariana must secure Kaitlynn's invitation while managing her own social standing.
• Escalation of Threats: Kaitlynn's manipulations intensify, pushing Ariana to consider drastic measures to protect her secrets.
Character Developments
• Ariana Osgood: Struggles to maintain her fabricated identity while dealing with the resurfacing of her past. Her manipulative tendencies are tested as she confronts new threats.
• Kaitlynn Nottingham: Emerges as a formidable antagonist, using her knowledge of Ariana's past to manipulate and control her.
• Lexa Greene: A fellow student who becomes increasingly suspicious of Ariana's actions, adding to the mounting pressure on Ariana.
Themes
• Identity and Deception: Explores the complexities of maintaining a false identity and the psychological toll it takes.
• Power and Control: Highlights the dynamics of manipulation and the lengths individuals will go to assert dominance.
• Consequences of Past Actions: Demonstrates how past misdeeds can resurface and disrupt even the most carefully constructed facades.
November 6, 2012
Reviewed by Jaglvr for TeensReadToo.com
Ariana Osgood can't afford to make any mistakes, perfect or otherwise. One small error of judgment on her part will find her right back inside the locked walls of the Brenda T. Ariana thinks she's got life figured out. That is until her nemesis, Kaitlynn Nottingham, shows up on the campus of Atherton-Pryce Hall.
Instead of using the blackmail money and moving to Australia to start a new life, Kaitlynn has decided to buy her way into APH. The unknowing students are introduced to the new student now known as Lillian Oswald. To make matters worse, she is going to be Ariana's new roommate in the prestigious Privilege House.
Ariana is constantly on edge and second-guessing every move Kaitlynn makes. When Ariana, Kaitlynn, and three of the other girls in Privilege House are kidnapped and tagged for the secretive Stone and Grave association, Kaitlynn threatens Ariana again. This time, Ariana has to eliminate one of the other girls because there are only four spots for five girls.
Kaitlynn needs admitted to ensure her future security. Ariana wants in because it will guarantee her admittance into Princeton. Ariana knows that if she fails in eliminating one of the other girls, Kaitlynn will have no qualms about killing someone to get what she wants. After all she's managed to achieve, Ariana knows that a murder would bring the authorities and ruin everything she's built since her escape from the Brenda T.
As the deadline inches closer, Ariana uses her skills to set up a fellow candidate. The entire time, though, Kaitlynn is sending subtle and not-so-subtle hints Ariana's way. But Ariana can't accuse Kaitlynn of the bizarre events happening on their dorm floor because she's managed to make it look as if she's being attacked, as well. No one would believe Ariana. And Ariana has other secrets she's keeping that she can't reveal. She's secretly meeting Palmer, Lexa's ex-boyfriend. In the girlfriend code, it's a no-no, but Ariana can't help herself.
The night of the deadline ends at the NoBash thrown by the Norwegian royal family. Classmate Brigit invites the girls from Privilege House. By the end of the night, one of the girls will be out of the running for Stone and Grave. But how will she be eliminated?
You'll have to pick up PERFECT MISTAKE and find out!
Ariana Osgood can't afford to make any mistakes, perfect or otherwise. One small error of judgment on her part will find her right back inside the locked walls of the Brenda T. Ariana thinks she's got life figured out. That is until her nemesis, Kaitlynn Nottingham, shows up on the campus of Atherton-Pryce Hall.
Instead of using the blackmail money and moving to Australia to start a new life, Kaitlynn has decided to buy her way into APH. The unknowing students are introduced to the new student now known as Lillian Oswald. To make matters worse, she is going to be Ariana's new roommate in the prestigious Privilege House.
Ariana is constantly on edge and second-guessing every move Kaitlynn makes. When Ariana, Kaitlynn, and three of the other girls in Privilege House are kidnapped and tagged for the secretive Stone and Grave association, Kaitlynn threatens Ariana again. This time, Ariana has to eliminate one of the other girls because there are only four spots for five girls.
Kaitlynn needs admitted to ensure her future security. Ariana wants in because it will guarantee her admittance into Princeton. Ariana knows that if she fails in eliminating one of the other girls, Kaitlynn will have no qualms about killing someone to get what she wants. After all she's managed to achieve, Ariana knows that a murder would bring the authorities and ruin everything she's built since her escape from the Brenda T.
As the deadline inches closer, Ariana uses her skills to set up a fellow candidate. The entire time, though, Kaitlynn is sending subtle and not-so-subtle hints Ariana's way. But Ariana can't accuse Kaitlynn of the bizarre events happening on their dorm floor because she's managed to make it look as if she's being attacked, as well. No one would believe Ariana. And Ariana has other secrets she's keeping that she can't reveal. She's secretly meeting Palmer, Lexa's ex-boyfriend. In the girlfriend code, it's a no-no, but Ariana can't help herself.
The night of the deadline ends at the NoBash thrown by the Norwegian royal family. Classmate Brigit invites the girls from Privilege House. By the end of the night, one of the girls will be out of the running for Stone and Grave. But how will she be eliminated?
You'll have to pick up PERFECT MISTAKE and find out!
January 30, 2017
Aaaaand we’re back to trash again. I’m so confused about the timeline of these two series. Wasn’t she locked up for a couple years? How did I skip an entire novel and still miss only a week of this girl’s tragically petty life? Thank god I have no more of these lying around. I’m so done.
So all the fun stuff about psycho Ariana has dropped out of sight and we’re back with a clone of pathetic, naïve Reed from the first series. They could be the same person, as Ariana has taken over the role of the desperate one that will do anything for her ‘friends’. Did I mention she’s only known these people for a week? It also seems she’s fallen in love in that time (no mention of the guy from LAST WEEK that she fell in love with in the first book, btw – what the hell happened in that second book, I wonder?) but she’s still willing to mess with him if it means being BFFs with the cool kids.
The added element of the psycho bitch would maybe be okay if Ariana wasn’t supposed to be equally crazy herself. Instead of seeing a psychopath showdown, Ariana is submissive and scared, feeble and whiny; hardly the loon that made the first book actually interesting. Massive disappointment. Instead of being an edgy thriller set in the private school world, it’s just the same ridiculous teen drama of what to wear and who to date and how to get in with the popular kids. Yawn.
Once again there’s way too many plot holes that are glossed over, like the fact that cops should be working a little harder at solving the messes that occurred in the first book. The very terrible excuses that are given to reason away the most ridiculous crap. And the fact that her entire past is basically ignored. But you know, at least the story’s set at a fancy school again with lots of pretty people. *eyeroll*
The last straw for me was about 150 pages in: Kaitlynn is suddenly called Kaitlynn by one of the other girls who know her only as Lillian and I cannot overlook such an embarrassing continuity error. Not just once, either. Nice. If the author can’t even keep something like that straight, how the hell are we supposed to believe the deception? I am so done.
Absolute rubbish from start to finish. Honestly, who reads this crap? Go for a walk or something. Your brain cells will thank you.
So all the fun stuff about psycho Ariana has dropped out of sight and we’re back with a clone of pathetic, naïve Reed from the first series. They could be the same person, as Ariana has taken over the role of the desperate one that will do anything for her ‘friends’. Did I mention she’s only known these people for a week? It also seems she’s fallen in love in that time (no mention of the guy from LAST WEEK that she fell in love with in the first book, btw – what the hell happened in that second book, I wonder?) but she’s still willing to mess with him if it means being BFFs with the cool kids.
The added element of the psycho bitch would maybe be okay if Ariana wasn’t supposed to be equally crazy herself. Instead of seeing a psychopath showdown, Ariana is submissive and scared, feeble and whiny; hardly the loon that made the first book actually interesting. Massive disappointment. Instead of being an edgy thriller set in the private school world, it’s just the same ridiculous teen drama of what to wear and who to date and how to get in with the popular kids. Yawn.
Once again there’s way too many plot holes that are glossed over, like the fact that cops should be working a little harder at solving the messes that occurred in the first book. The very terrible excuses that are given to reason away the most ridiculous crap. And the fact that her entire past is basically ignored. But you know, at least the story’s set at a fancy school again with lots of pretty people. *eyeroll*
The last straw for me was about 150 pages in: Kaitlynn is suddenly called Kaitlynn by one of the other girls who know her only as Lillian and I cannot overlook such an embarrassing continuity error. Not just once, either. Nice. If the author can’t even keep something like that straight, how the hell are we supposed to believe the deception? I am so done.
Absolute rubbish from start to finish. Honestly, who reads this crap? Go for a walk or something. Your brain cells will thank you.
February 21, 2017
I'M REALLY CONCERNED ABOUT HOW PEOPLE IS ADMITTED IN AMERICAN PRIVATE SCHOOLS.
Is it bad that I feel bad for Ariana cuz to a part of my brain that sounds insane. Anyways, omfg! Many many fucked up things happened here, mutilations, the always present blackmail, intrigue, backfire pranks and again the murder of an innocent (this one was even more than the previous one). God! I fucking hate Kayleight or however is spelled, she's not in denial of her insanity like Ariana but totally nuts, willing killing naive girls like poor Brigit
Is it bad that I feel bad for Ariana cuz to a part of my brain that sounds insane. Anyways, omfg! Many many fucked up things happened here, mutilations, the always present blackmail, intrigue, backfire pranks and again the murder of an innocent (this one was even more than the previous one). God! I fucking hate Kayleight or however is spelled, she's not in denial of her insanity like Ariana but totally nuts, willing killing naive girls like poor Brigit
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2011
Une semaine s'est écoulée depuis l'arrivée d'Ariana Osgood à l'Atherton-Pryce High. Ayant réussi à amasser un million de dollars pour satisfaire Kaitlynn Notthingham, son ancienne compagne de cellule à Brenda-T, elle apprend avec stupéfaction que cette dernière n'a pas utilisé l'argent pour s'envoler dans le sud, mais plutôt pour s'inscrire à APH... Sous le nom de Lilian, Kaitlynn s'infiltrera dans la vie d'Ariana. Toutes deux en lice pour faire partie d'une société secrète, les deux filles devront réaliser chacune une épreuve. Cinq filles. Quatre places. Jusqu'où seront-elles prêtes à aller?
Le personnage d'Ariana est toujours aussi attachant. Je suis toujours aussi étonnée de voir à quel point l'auteure parvient à se glisser dans la peau d'une fille aussi dérangée et dangereuse, et encore plus de nous la faire aimer! L'évolution du personnage est là, Ariana reconnait qu'elle ne peut pas continuer à tuer (!).
J'ai trouvé que dans ce tome l'auteure donnait beaucoup d'indices sur ce qui allait se passer plus tard... en me surprenant à chaque fois. Chaque petit détail est important. J'avais habituellement la même réaction que lorsque j'écoute une série policière : "Ah oui, c'est vrai, j'aurais dû la voir venir..."
Somme toutes, je continuerai à lire la série. Il me semble avoir entendu qu'elle comptera 6 tomes. J'ai franchement hâte d'en connaitre le dénouement, car côté valeurs, on repassera. Une meurtrière qui réussi à se refaire une nouvelle vie sous une identité volée, c'est plus ou moins l'exemple qu'on veut donner... Mais n'est-ce pas à cela que sert la lecture?
Le personnage d'Ariana est toujours aussi attachant. Je suis toujours aussi étonnée de voir à quel point l'auteure parvient à se glisser dans la peau d'une fille aussi dérangée et dangereuse, et encore plus de nous la faire aimer! L'évolution du personnage est là, Ariana reconnait qu'elle ne peut pas continuer à tuer (!).
J'ai trouvé que dans ce tome l'auteure donnait beaucoup d'indices sur ce qui allait se passer plus tard... en me surprenant à chaque fois. Chaque petit détail est important. J'avais habituellement la même réaction que lorsque j'écoute une série policière : "Ah oui, c'est vrai, j'aurais dû la voir venir..."
Somme toutes, je continuerai à lire la série. Il me semble avoir entendu qu'elle comptera 6 tomes. J'ai franchement hâte d'en connaitre le dénouement, car côté valeurs, on repassera. Une meurtrière qui réussi à se refaire une nouvelle vie sous une identité volée, c'est plus ou moins l'exemple qu'on veut donner... Mais n'est-ce pas à cela que sert la lecture?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2011
Click here to read more YA reviews at READING, EATING & DREAMING
Below is my review for the entire Privilege series. This review doesn't contain any spoilers!!
Kate Brian’s Privilege series is a nail-biting spin-off of the Private series. This series is built around Ariana Osgood, who in the Private series murdered her ex-boyfriend (Thomas Pearson) for falling for another girl (Reed Brennan). Subsequently, Ariana attempts, but fails, to kill Reed Brennan, landing her in the Brenda T. Trumbull Correctional Facility for Women-where the Privilege series begins.
To get the full effect I would recommend reading the Private series before beginning the Privilege series, but Privilege, Beautiful Disaster, Perfect Mistake, Sweet Deceit, Pure Sin and Cruel Love would also make a great series on their own. Brian does a magnificent job developing Ariana; in some sick & twisted way you find yourself rooting for her-not for her to kill anyone, of course, but for her to overcome her greatest obstacle- herself.
I gave the Privilege series 3 STARS for those who plan to read it as a stand-alone series and 4 STARS for those who plan to read it as a companion to the Private series. Either way, I recommend reading this series at some point because it is a wicked series, from start to finish, that will have you hanging on the edge of you seat!
-XOXO
Reading, Eating & Dreaming
Below is my review for the entire Privilege series. This review doesn't contain any spoilers!!
Kate Brian’s Privilege series is a nail-biting spin-off of the Private series. This series is built around Ariana Osgood, who in the Private series murdered her ex-boyfriend (Thomas Pearson) for falling for another girl (Reed Brennan). Subsequently, Ariana attempts, but fails, to kill Reed Brennan, landing her in the Brenda T. Trumbull Correctional Facility for Women-where the Privilege series begins.
To get the full effect I would recommend reading the Private series before beginning the Privilege series, but Privilege, Beautiful Disaster, Perfect Mistake, Sweet Deceit, Pure Sin and Cruel Love would also make a great series on their own. Brian does a magnificent job developing Ariana; in some sick & twisted way you find yourself rooting for her-not for her to kill anyone, of course, but for her to overcome her greatest obstacle- herself.
I gave the Privilege series 3 STARS for those who plan to read it as a stand-alone series and 4 STARS for those who plan to read it as a companion to the Private series. Either way, I recommend reading this series at some point because it is a wicked series, from start to finish, that will have you hanging on the edge of you seat!
-XOXO
Reading, Eating & Dreaming
December 7, 2009
Arianna thought that by going to boarding school under a different name, she could move on in life. However, the last person she expected to join her showed up. Ariana cannot turn Kaitlynn in, because if she does, Kaitlynn will expose all of her secrets and they will both be back in prison faster than blinking. At first, the things Kaitlynn demands of Ariana are small - such as an invite to the exclusive NoBash party.
I must say I was a bit disappointed with this one. Not only was it a short read (compared with the first two in the series) but it felt like Ariana hasn't accomplished anything. Sure, she's finally accepted into the group of friends she's trying her best to be ingrained to and acquired accommodations at the plush Privilege House. Of course, it does help that one of Atherton-Pryce's secret societies (Stone and Grave) extended her an invite but she has basically run into obstacle after another created by the wily Kaitlynn.
Where's that psychopath we all know and love? I'm still rooting for Ariana to come out of her shell, so to speak, and show that Kaitlynn exactly what she deserves. This book, like many of Kate Brian's, ends on a thrilling and devastating cliffhanger, and will leave you hungry to read more. I can't wait for things to move at a (hopefully) more frenetic pace with the fourth book, "Sweet Deceit."
Book Details:
Title Perfect Mistake (Privilege, Book 3)
Author Kate Brian
Reviewed By Purplycookie
I must say I was a bit disappointed with this one. Not only was it a short read (compared with the first two in the series) but it felt like Ariana hasn't accomplished anything. Sure, she's finally accepted into the group of friends she's trying her best to be ingrained to and acquired accommodations at the plush Privilege House. Of course, it does help that one of Atherton-Pryce's secret societies (Stone and Grave) extended her an invite but she has basically run into obstacle after another created by the wily Kaitlynn.
Where's that psychopath we all know and love? I'm still rooting for Ariana to come out of her shell, so to speak, and show that Kaitlynn exactly what she deserves. This book, like many of Kate Brian's, ends on a thrilling and devastating cliffhanger, and will leave you hungry to read more. I can't wait for things to move at a (hopefully) more frenetic pace with the fourth book, "Sweet Deceit."
Book Details:
Title Perfect Mistake (Privilege, Book 3)
Author Kate Brian
Reviewed By Purplycookie
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