Ambition

Private #7

by Kate Brian

FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. As the new president of Billings Hall and the most eligible girl on campus, Reed has never felt so popular until the police start asking questions about Cheyenne Martin's death.

Genres: Young Adult, Mystery, Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Boarding School

288 pages, Library Binding

First published May 6, 2008

About the author

Kate 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.

Reviews

[Sarah Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a YA contemporary story about students at an elite boarding school.

Reed fell to pieces a bit in this book and she really let things get to her. I did feel sorry for her over the whole Josh situation, but it was her own fault really.

The storyline in this was about Reed trying to raise $5 million for Easton as a way to stop the headmaster from closing Billings house after the fire that burned down one of the other buildings. We also had someone stalking Reed and leaving her things that belonged to Cheyenne, and the girls of Billings house trying to set her up on dates as a way to get over Josh. This was a good story, but it did drag a bit in the middle.

The ending to this was eventful!
7 out of 10

[Nikki the Sapphired Book Dragon AKA NixieNut · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was painful to read. It felt like Reed made one bad decision after another and drug herself in a deeper and deeper mess. And even though she brought most the trouble on herself, I felt kind of sorry for her as with friend like hers you couldn’t help but be paranoid Lol. That being said I was still glued to the pages all the way through and the way it ended guarantees I will be picking up the next book

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Random Thoughts on "Ambition":
*I miss Josh
*I really do not like Ivy,
and I honestly don't see why
she hates Billings THAT much,
i mean i can even see hating them,
but if you ask me, she took it to
an extreme
*I don't know why but I love Noelle,
i mean in the book at one point,
i actually despised her, which kinda
appalled me, but then Reed stook up for
herself and Noelle got all sweet, and then
I totally adored her
*I'm now scared for Reed with the hurt
Noelle is going to cause her, but i gotta
say Reed kind of dug her own hole on this one.
*How could Constance be all bitchy?,
I mean hello, aren't you supposed to be
the nice one???
*I hope Marc isn't a highlight in the
next book. it would annoy mee deeply if
he was.
*What was on the email Dash sent Reed?
*I still say there is something weird
about Sabine, she like tries too hard
or something.
*"Revelation" is going to be interesting. =)

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shopping trips in New York, high stakes parties and suspected murder! What else do you need in a guilty pleasure series?!

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book! I think Reed showed a lot of maturity as she tried to embrace her leadership role and save Billings! The ending was such a 180 from how well things were going, so the rug definitely got pulled out from underneath me finishing the last of this book! So be prepared! Can’t wait for the next one!

[Jacquelyn Simon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not sure what to think about these books. They are still staying decently (and consistently) entertaining, but the characters are so annoying. I feel like I’m back in high school... and I hated high school. While the storyline is entertaining, it’s starting to get a little overplayed. I’m half way through this series and I’m thinking this story really does not need fourteen books. If you want a summery of the series this far, one word, “karma.”

[melhara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the first eight or so books of this series back in middle school and loved it (it's very similar to my guilty pleasure, Gossip Girl and PLL). I've since bought the rest of the series but never got around to finishing it... So I decided to reread this and freshen up my memory!

This series is full of addictive, scandalous, and trashy-YA drama.

This definitely wasn't my favourite volume. Everyone just seemed bitchier than usual?

It might be because I'm dealing with an incredibly condescending colleague at work right now but I absolutely hated Noelle's condescending attitude in this book and was so, so, so happy when Reed confronted her about it. Ivy was a total bitch, but I don't think I hated that too much. Reed was also extremely unlikable in this volume. And I don't really blame her - she's got a lot on her shoulders. She's still being tormented by Cheyenne's death, feeling guilty about her dalliance with Dash behind Noelle's back, heartbroken over her breakup with Josh, and to top it all off, she's in charge of saving Billings from being dismantled while having to deal with all the other drama on the side. If I were her, I'd probably be bitchy and crazy and completely unhinged as well.

[Ashleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the ending of this book saved it.

Ambition is the 7th book in the Private series, which follows Reed Brennan, a young girl who is enrolled in an elite boarding school on a scholarship. Prior to the events in this book, Reed has risen from the bottom to the top of the social ladder to become the president of Billings, an apartment building where all the rich, pretty 'bitches' live. Unfortunately, her presidency seems to be on the brink of crumbling as a fire started in the last book forces the principal to consider closing down Billings, and making the girls spilt up into other buildings. To stop this, Reed comes up with the idea of holding a fundraiser to raise money to save the building.

It's been so long since I read the 6th book that I actually forgot a lot that had happened, and forgot who a lot of characters are. It was an okay story but I found Reed to be really whiny. She's one of those people who seems to create a lot of her own problems and then spends 95% of her time whinging about stuff that's happening to her. Not sure if I'll read the next one.

[Bren fall in love with the sea. · Rating 2 out of 5]

This maybe my least favorite in the Private series.

This one also dragged a bit. I whizzed through all these books and adored the series but certain installments were better than others.

With Ambition certain key characters were not featured and it was all about saving Billings which was a bit dull. That isn't to say it was BAD. But I had high hopes and this one did not meet them.

I am still recommending the series, (which I see many of my GR friends have read) because it is just pure fun. Ambition was one of the more slow moving ones but the series as a whole is still awesome!

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

As much as I love and adore this series, this one is not my favorite. I wish Reed had been honest with Noelle and I am DYING OF CURIOSITY to know what was in that email that Dash wrote to Reed. I don’t know how she could ignore it! (If you can’t tell, I love Dash.) There’s quite a bit of gaslighting in this one; it’s more psychological than some of the others in the series. These books are just so READABLE. They’re short, fast, compelling reads.

[Cecily Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh man!!

These girls in this series, are absolutely insane. Like holy Bitches!!
This is a great example (as I have said in previous reviews from this series) of why I do not have many girl friends. Girls play dirty, and they don't care if they obliterate your whole life!! At least when you see two guys go at it, they throw a few punches and move on. These girls just never quit.
Reed is mentally tortured so much, I would have definitely gone insane by now, and of course this installment just left me with more questions and I just want to hurry to read the next one.
Guilty pleasure for sure!

[Giselle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 7th book of the series was a bit sadder than the others because of her break-up with Josh. It was, as always, still full of drama and mystery. We got to know Noelle more and see Reed go through some big changes and heartaches. I have a feeling Sabine has something to hide. There is just something about her that makes me wonder what she's hiding.

Except for the character development and seeing Reed crash and burn, there was not a lot of actual story development, it felt more like a prequel to the next book where (hopefully) Cheyenne's murder will come to a close.

[Shae Petersen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ahhh Reed is frustrating me so much!! She is not owning her mistakes and she thinks that every guy wants her. I am soo glad Noelle knows about her and Dash and I'm keen to see what happens in the next book in regards to Reed and billings!

[Jilliane Melorin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This particular book is so frustrating 😤😤

[Jordan Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

**3.25 stars**

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow all I have to say

[Janelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following Cheyenne's death, the stalking really kicks into high gear in Ambition, and it's fucking awesome. Reed is haunted by mementos from Cheyenne's life at every turn, from the black balls used in the Billings initiation vote, to items of Cheyenne's clothing, to Cheyenne's signature and sickening perfume. This is juxtaposed against an incredibly superficial background, with the Billings girls fundraising for Easton to save their house and compensate for burning down Gwendolyn Hall.

If you couldn't tell, I absolutely fucking loved the stalking. It was similar to Sara Shepard's Pretty Little Liars series in that at first it seemed like Cheyenne was really haunting Reed from beyond the grave, but then it becomes much more sinister and grounded in reality. You realise that someone is really out for blood, and that person knows everything. I thought the black balls and items of clothing were creepy enough, but switching out Reed's perfume with Cheyenne's was genius - the sense of smell is the sense most closely linked with memory, so I was squirming along with Reed when Cheyenne's signature scent was suddenly everywhere.

I also really felt for Reed during the fundraiser when the video of her and Dash leaked, essentially making her an instant social pariah. I felt her complete and total humiliation, and wanted nothing more than to give her a big hug. She can be annoying as fuck at times, but that scene was just so powerful and well written. There was an overwhelming sense of loneliness, with nowhere to go, nobody to turn to, and nobody to blame it on. Noelle was always there for Reed, so losing Noelle was huge. There was a sense of finality, all I could think was "Okay, this is huge. Final. There is no coming back from this".

As if Reed becoming public enemy #1 wasn't dramatic enough, it's followed up with an epic shot of why-Ivy-really-hates-Billings. We find out the reasons for her falling out with Cheyenne, that she secretly has ties to Ariana and Noelle, and that she's going to take out Noelle when she has the chance. I can't say I believed that she was Cheyenne's killer and Reed's stalker, but it was OMGSOEXCITING nonetheless.

Speaking of Ivy, I pretty much wanted to slam my head against the wall when the author revealed that she was dating Josh 5 minutes after he'd dumped Reed. Ivy is evil and annoying as fuck, and Josh was such a little bitch in Legacy. They sound like they're destined for one another, but mostly they're just really fucking annoying. And I don't understand what Josh sees in Ivy - I'm sure she has a nice side and they both hate Billings, but surely he can see how malicious she is?! It's so hypocritical of him to yell at Reed about how she's become such a Billings girl, and then turn around and date Satan incarnate.

Overall: If I could describe Ambition in 3 words it would be "really fucking exciting". The stalking is turned up to 11 and Reed's relationships are in tatters, all effectively juxtaposed against a superficial private school backdrop. I'd already moved on and read Revelation before writing this review, but I know I was so excited to find out who the second killer was when I finished this book.

[PurplyCookie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The series keeps getting more compelling. I don't know how Brian keeps finding new ways of upping the ante on these books and making them more suspenseful without it feeling contrived, but she has been very successful so far.

Reed Brennan knew being elected president of exclusive Billings Hall would change her life. What she didn't count on was being dumped by her boyfriend, Josh Hollis, or being held responsible for a fire that destroyed Easton Academy's oldest building. While her devastation of losing Josh is written all over her face, she manages to stay strong in the face of every challenge that she meets.

And now the administration wants to shut Billings down. Forever.

As president, it's up to Reed to save Billings Hall. What better way to win over the head­master than to host a glam fund-raising event in New York City? Everyone needs a date, and the newly single Reed is the most eligible girl on campus. All of Easton's hottest boys are angling to take her out, and for once, Reed's biggest problem is which one to choose. The addition of Reed going out on various dates added a little lighthearted humor to the otherwise oftentimes dreary, haunting storyline; while the illustrious gala that takes place works to make the reader want to don her finest and head out for a night on the town.

I thought that the conflict between Noelle and Reed was a long time coming; but can't help but feel that Sabine may have some tricks up her sleeve, as she seems to be spurring conflict between the two.

Reed has never felt so popular or powerful -- until the police start asking questions about Cheyenne Martin's death. Excited party buzz quickly turns to whispered rumors and dark moods, and one thing becomes clear: There is someone who wants to see Billings, and Reed, go down. And they will do anything to make it happen.


Book Details:

Title Ambition (Private, Book 7)
Author Kate Brian
Reviewed By Purplycookie

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like it—the characters, the storyline—but I feel like there’s too much drama. It’s hurting my head, and I’ve had enough jaw-dropping confrontations/moments to last me for a few more weeks. It seems hard to pin these stories as realistic—yeah, border-line-realistic is more like it. And though it’s a fun read, it’s about as dramatic as an episode of One Tree Hill and Gossip Girl but minus the talented actresses/actors and background music.

The end is another shocker. But I seriously doubt all the clues lead to Ivy. I think she’s the scapegoat, and the person who killed Cheyenne was probably Noelle. That would be an unexpected twist, which Kate Brian seems to have a lot of up her sleeves. But still, I want the series to end. The more books that get published, the more drama there is, and I’ve been waiting too long for the conclusion. I don’t want this to turn into another Fearless series (by Francine Pascal) that doesn’t stop till the 36th book. I mean, as much as I like something, too much really IS enough.

So. I've also heard that she's starting a new series, but about Ariana now. Goody? Hm. I don't know how I feel. I'll probably read the first one, but I have a sinking feeling the stories wil be really similiar.

[Kari Gibbs · Rating 2 out of 5]

One of Easton’s oldest buildings has burnt down and it’s all on the shoulders of the Billings’ girls. Now, to make sure they get to keep their house, they have to host a benefit and raised $5 Million for the school, in just a couple of weeks.

All the while, Noelle is stepping on Reed’s toes as president, strange things keep happening to Reed after Cheyenne’s death and Reed’s nemeis, Ivy, is now dating Reed’s ex, Josh. Oh, and Reed is still keeping a little secret at to why she and Josh broke up, but it may not be secret for much longer.

After this book, I am taking a little break from the Private series. I do this to myself every time I read a series. I read them all really close together and I get a little burnt out. I should’ve taken a breather after the last one since I didn’t like it as much as the others, but now I’m sure.

With all of the drama of the other books, this one was very tame. Yeah there’s a little cattyness but not much happened. At least nothing that wasn’t expected. We all kind of new that Ivy was going to bring drama, now we just know why. We also knew that what happened at the Legacy wouldn’t stay at the Legacy and Noelle was bound to find out.

I am giving Ambition 2 stars.

[afshh · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, the only reason I gave this book 3 stars is because Reed finally got what she deserved towards the end. But even then, I didn't think what she got could have been compared to the smackdown I wanted to give this girl.

Reed's blind faith in Noelle is not only disturbing but annoying. And as much as it has been tested, in the past books and in this book, she still stands strongly by Noelle. However, in this book, it's a little different as she finally starts fighting back instead of defending Noelle and going, "Oh, but she's my friend! I trust her!" (or something along those lines)

And just when you think she makes a breakthrough, Reed finds a way to take five steps back and winds up at square one yet again.

The books are all just chock full of drama--to the point that it can get sickening and boring (don't we all have enough drama in our lives already?)--and as they continue on and on, I'm starting to care less and less about Reed. I find I'm rooting against her because, seriously? Reed has never been someone I could relate to (much less like) from the beginning. She's whiny and obsessive and annoying.

I don't even know if I want to continue after this. It's just I like the covers so much and the fonts used are pretty cool too. I don't know. I'm torn, really.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mijn goede voornemen voor dit nieuwe jaar is om zoveel mogelijk boeken uit mijn to-read list te lezen en zo weinig mogelijk boeken op die lijst te plaatsen (op overige delen etc. na), zodat ik die lijst eindelijk eens kan laten krimpen. Ambitie hoorde ook bij dit goede voornemen, aangezien dit deel 7 is van de privé serie en ik echt eens deze serie terug op moest pakken, aangezien dit al veelste lang op mijn lijst staat.

Wat een heerlijke serie is dit toch. Het doet me zo terugdenken aan The It Girl. Dit boek heeft zo'n zelfde setting, namelijk de kostschool. Hoewel het verhaal an sich er helemaal niet op lijkt, krijg ik altijd het gevoel van de it girl terug, een van mijn favoriete series. Ik vind Reed zo'n leek personage. Ze valt van het ene probleem in de andere en het blijft zeer realistisch. Ik moet toegeven dat ik ook liever niet zo'n vriendin als Reed zou hebben en ik het echt niet altijd eens ben met haar keuzes, maar dat maakt het eigenlijk juist leuk. Dit is zo'n boek waarbij je je verstand op nul zet en gewoon gaat lezen.

Op naar deel 8! Gelukkig lag die al thuis.

[Maddie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh have to say this one didn't grip me as much as the others. Maybe because I tried this one as audio, maybe because it was just shitty and there was no point to it. This book was full of Reed feeling jealous of Ivy and Josh, when the whole thing was her damn fault. With a little bit of Noelle bitch thrown in. Her thinking she still owns Billings. At least we find out Ivy's deal. I'm also pleased that Reed got what she deserved with the whole Dash Legacy thing. I'm so pleased Constance sees her for what she is: a complete hypocrite. Wonder what'll happen next.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is getting even more exciting. I love a good mystery. Even though, Reed should of never done what she did with Dash at the Legacy, I'm still rooting for her. I do believe Noelle is trying to take over Billings, although; Reed does not see it and Sabine is trying to warn her at every turn. In the end it proves true. My heart does go out to Reed, with her being treated the way Noelle treats her and having to see Josh with Ivy. Who exactly is Ivy anyway and what is her deal? Did she kill Cheyenne and is she the stalker? We shall see.

[Farahin Zulkifli · Rating 3 out of 5]

I used to love this series when I was in middle school, so Im gonna give it 3 stars. The main character wasn’t an interesting character at all. But I guess the mystery, drama & scandal was what kept me reading 😆 However, the prequel (book of spells) was full of shit that I hated it even then.

[Ley Stanton · Rating 4 out of 5]

what in the holy hell did i just read??? these plot twists just keep getting more and more shocking. honestly i don’t blame reed for not trusting anyone at that school, though she makes some really poor decisions along the way.

[Bianca Farmer · Rating 2 out of 5]

This series drags on. At first it was intriguing and I could even ignore Reed's pitiful whining. But I'm so tired of her crap taste in men and her pity parties. She can't stand up for herself. She can't form a coherent thought. She can't think ahead. She's constantly calling herself ugly and a nobody which is really annoying at this point. Who wants to read about a protagonist who's always waiting for some fabulous super model to swoop in and make her "good enough." I mean after three years at the school you think she'd have some confidence.

I'm tired of the Noelle is or is not a jerk debate.

And Reed couldn't find a decent man to date if it killed her. Thomas was more likable dead than alive. I'm tired of the "he's a bad drunk" excuse they give guys for being dicks in this series. Josh is a controlling, emotionally abusive tool, but lord knows we have to read about how amazing he is and how every fight becomes her fault. He told her Thomas didn't treat her well then turns around and puts down every one of her accomplishments, threatens to leave her all the time, throws temper tantrums, wants to cut her off from her friends, ignores her opinion, and then dates all the women that are exactly like the "girls he hates at Billings". But oh my God lets act like he's perfect and the best guy she could ever find. Give me a break. This series is a crap example of what a healthy relationship looks like. Maybe Ariana should've killed Reed.

[Samanthasue218 · Rating 4 out of 5]

No spoilers. --listened to on Libby.

I started this immediately after listening to Legacy (#6) and finished it in one sitting as well. Legacy leaves you at a cliffhanger, so I had to see what happened in this one. This one continued with just all the right things. I was unsure if I should have sympathy for Reed in this one, or that this is what was going to happen with her actions through this book and it is what it is. I do enjoy Reed as a character though. I don't think she knows how to handle everything that has happened, so it may be just an unlucky situation for everything that is going on currently. However, she could not catch a break in this book with all the choices she has made. I think she needs a "time out" in this book. This had drama and mystery.

On to the next.

Would I recommend? Not to everyone, only if they are looking for an easy YA contemporary series with drama and mystery in a private academy setting.

[✨Jinglemarco✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ambition is totally suspenseful, as well as books five through eight. This second arc is the best one in the Private series. I just like the writing style, so smart, and this clever school setting makes me relive my English literature class. But overall it's a bit too dramatic in a ludicruous way, and the characters are a tad too judgemental. And then, Ivy's reason to hate Billings. A definitely valid reason if it would make sense. How is it possible to rob your grandmother's house? If you are in contact with your nana (and this is the case with Ivy) to get to her stuff it's enough to pay a visit to her, it doesn't need breaking and entering at all!

[Alice Ly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ce livre est tellement frustrant, la fin m’a laissé bouche bée je VEUX savoir ce que Dash a écrit à Reed. D’ailleurs j’en peux plus de Reed elle m’énerve beaucoup trop. Il y a pleins de trucs que je comprends pas dans ce livre il y a trop de mystères j’ai trop hâte de lire le prochain. Reed à enfin eu ce qu’elle méritait à la fin. Le livre était quand même lent, Reed passait son temps à dire que Josh lui manquait et ça en devient barbant de lire ça à tous les chapitres. Les personnages sont détestables