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Treadwell Academy #3
The Viscount's Daughter
In some ways, Betsey Norfleet has it all… her dad’s in a famous rock band, her mom runs a glamorous cosmetics company, and her celebutante older sister is the darling of the fashion world. She even has a royal title. But Betsey has a secret, one so terrible that she doesn’t think she can tell anyone. To prevent anyone from finding out the terrible truth about what happened to her over the summer, she arranges to have herself sent off to the Treadwell Academy, a prestigious boarding school in Massachusetts where she hopes to become better friends with Taylor Beauforte, the daughter of one of her dad’s friends.
Under terrible circumstances, Betsey’s able to create the life for herself that she’s always wanted. She starts earning good grades, makes new friends, discovers new skills and even gains the trust of Taylor. But despite all the positive things in her new life, she knows that the truth will catch up to her, eventually. Desperate to accompany Taylor on a school trip to Madrid to visit Taylor’s boyfriend, Todd, Betsey knows she’s risking everything in her life just to keep hiding. Will she ever find the courage to confide in someone, and if she does, will it be too late for anyone to believe her?
In this continuation of the story of the lives of the girls readers first met in The Rock Star’s Daughter, Betsey steps out from her sister’s shadow to shine.
Under terrible circumstances, Betsey’s able to create the life for herself that she’s always wanted. She starts earning good grades, makes new friends, discovers new skills and even gains the trust of Taylor. But despite all the positive things in her new life, she knows that the truth will catch up to her, eventually. Desperate to accompany Taylor on a school trip to Madrid to visit Taylor’s boyfriend, Todd, Betsey knows she’s risking everything in her life just to keep hiding. Will she ever find the courage to confide in someone, and if she does, will it be too late for anyone to believe her?
In this continuation of the story of the lives of the girls readers first met in The Rock Star’s Daughter, Betsey steps out from her sister’s shadow to shine.
415 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 14, 2012
27 people are currently reading
486 people want to read
About the author
Caitlyn Duffy
8 books164 followersCaitlyn Duffy is a Brooklyn-dwelling, chihuahua-lovin' freelance writer, who is currently developing a series of YA novels for Lovestruck Literary around the celebutante students of a fictitious boarding school.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 18, 2012
Actual Rating: 4.5
As I stated in my review of book #2, I flubbed and read this book before the second, but it didn't really matter because the stories and writing is so seamless, I wasn't lost. And I have to say, of the three Treadwell novels out right now, The Viscount's Daughter is my favorite of the three.
The Viscount's Daughter follows the story of Betsey Norfleet, who we met in book #1, The Rock Star's Daughter. Betsey is 14, obscenely rich, royal by marriage, and it seems is completely and totally wild. She has a reputation that is not good, especially since she is linked to her no-holds-barred older sister Bijoux. But Betsey has a secret. A very dark secret that she is scared to share with anyone, including those closest to her. Because this secret can break her family apart and may validate the horrible reputation that she wishes she didn't have.
What I loved:
This book dealt with some really heavy topics, but I loved the treatment of them. I liked seeing the struggle between what was expected versus how Betsey actually wished things could be. She acts a certain way because she thinks that's how she's supposed to act. So when she turns a new leaf, it's hard for people to take her seriously. But her transformation is amazing. She finally demonstrates a courage that so many lack. I wanted to cheer for her and hug her and be her friend.
I also loved the moment where Betsey realizes that her dad cares more than she could ever know. He is a big rock star, but he's also a father. The scene with them together was so touching and so heartfelt.
Finally, I loved the dedication in the beginning of the book. I know a lot of people don't read those, but I do. The dedication to those carrying a secret because there are so many Betsey's in this world resonated with me. You think about all of the people you know and how their secrets affect them and how they might be scared to tell. It's a reminder to always be open and available and to encourage good communication.
What I liked:
I liked the character of Nicola. I liked that she was beautiful and popular, but suffered from a disorder that made her unique and interesting. There is a perception that people of wealth or status are perfect and have these perfect lives but that couldn't be further from the truth.
I liked Bijoux in this book. As much as she annoyed me in the first book, and irritated me in this book, watching her come around and figure out what is important was a cool thing to read. And to see her and her sister reach a new level in their sisterhood - well that was yet another very cool moment in this book.
What I didn't like:
Again, there was very little that I didn't like about this book. Sometimes I wanted to smack Taylor for being a little neurotic. I wanted to smack Betsey for not believing that there was someone who would believe her. But that's part and parcel of the story. So my emotional investment in the characters was exactly what it should be.
Overall, I would highly recommend this book to any YA readers. There is a Gossip Girl element to it with the wealth and the power, but there is so much more substance in this reader's opinion. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
As I stated in my review of book #2, I flubbed and read this book before the second, but it didn't really matter because the stories and writing is so seamless, I wasn't lost. And I have to say, of the three Treadwell novels out right now, The Viscount's Daughter is my favorite of the three.
The Viscount's Daughter follows the story of Betsey Norfleet, who we met in book #1, The Rock Star's Daughter. Betsey is 14, obscenely rich, royal by marriage, and it seems is completely and totally wild. She has a reputation that is not good, especially since she is linked to her no-holds-barred older sister Bijoux. But Betsey has a secret. A very dark secret that she is scared to share with anyone, including those closest to her. Because this secret can break her family apart and may validate the horrible reputation that she wishes she didn't have.
What I loved:
This book dealt with some really heavy topics, but I loved the treatment of them. I liked seeing the struggle between what was expected versus how Betsey actually wished things could be. She acts a certain way because she thinks that's how she's supposed to act. So when she turns a new leaf, it's hard for people to take her seriously. But her transformation is amazing. She finally demonstrates a courage that so many lack. I wanted to cheer for her and hug her and be her friend.
I also loved the moment where Betsey realizes that her dad cares more than she could ever know. He is a big rock star, but he's also a father. The scene with them together was so touching and so heartfelt.
Finally, I loved the dedication in the beginning of the book. I know a lot of people don't read those, but I do. The dedication to those carrying a secret because there are so many Betsey's in this world resonated with me. You think about all of the people you know and how their secrets affect them and how they might be scared to tell. It's a reminder to always be open and available and to encourage good communication.
What I liked:
I liked the character of Nicola. I liked that she was beautiful and popular, but suffered from a disorder that made her unique and interesting. There is a perception that people of wealth or status are perfect and have these perfect lives but that couldn't be further from the truth.
I liked Bijoux in this book. As much as she annoyed me in the first book, and irritated me in this book, watching her come around and figure out what is important was a cool thing to read. And to see her and her sister reach a new level in their sisterhood - well that was yet another very cool moment in this book.
What I didn't like:
Again, there was very little that I didn't like about this book. Sometimes I wanted to smack Taylor for being a little neurotic. I wanted to smack Betsey for not believing that there was someone who would believe her. But that's part and parcel of the story. So my emotional investment in the characters was exactly what it should be.
Overall, I would highly recommend this book to any YA readers. There is a Gossip Girl element to it with the wealth and the power, but there is so much more substance in this reader's opinion. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
February 23, 2013
The Viscount's Daughter is the second book I've read by Caitlyn Duffy, and I've really enjoyed them both. The V's Daughter definitely deals with heavier stuff than The Rockstar's Daughter, like abuse, and parenting, and awkward step-families.
SPOILER ALERTS
I feel like Betsey and Kristijan getting together in the end was my second favorite part of the book, after the end where she moves in with her sister and her step father is sent it prison. I really enjoyed the fellowship and friendship between Bijoux (her sister) and her, mainly because in the end, her sister really had her back. Kristijan is actually her step cousin, which led to her thinking he didn't like her. Really, they're absolutely perfect for each other, partly because Kristijans sister had also been abused by Betsey's step father and didn't judge her for what happened.
My least favorite part of the book would have to be Taylor and Todd breaking up and her getting back together with Jake.
Taylor's character saved Betsey by turning in Betsey's abusive step father, but I feel like of this were a true story, Taylor wouldn't get back together with Jake. I think her and Todd breaking up and her getting back together with Jake was what made me give it four stars instead of five, even though the main storyline focused on Betsey's life. It just seemed out of character for her.
There was a small part where you see Bijoux's breakup with her boyfriend Tobin and Tobin's publicist makes the breakup seem to be the fault of Bijoux even though Tobin cheated on her. It gave an inside look to how tabloids can really twist things.
Betsey was my favorite character because in the initial book, the Rockstar's Daughter, she comes across like an underage alcoholic, but here, you really get to know her and Bijoux. You see that even though the two of them can seem like airhead party girls, they're not all the stuff people like them seem to be.
Nicola was my second favorite character after Betsey. Nicola was a girl at Betsey's boarding school because her father forced her to leave England. He was embarrassed because she had Asperger's syndrome and has trouble conveying her emotions. When you find this out, you realize she's not a stuck up rich girls and you really begin to like her character, as well as her friendliness toward Betsey at a new school.
Overall, I really loved being able to see this side of Betsey, I just wish her stepfather hadn't been there to ruin her life when she's out of the spotlight. I would've given five stars if Taylor had gotten back together with Jake, but I still really enjoyed how it ended, as well as Betsey's realistic emotions for situations.
SPOILER ALERTS
I feel like Betsey and Kristijan getting together in the end was my second favorite part of the book, after the end where she moves in with her sister and her step father is sent it prison. I really enjoyed the fellowship and friendship between Bijoux (her sister) and her, mainly because in the end, her sister really had her back. Kristijan is actually her step cousin, which led to her thinking he didn't like her. Really, they're absolutely perfect for each other, partly because Kristijans sister had also been abused by Betsey's step father and didn't judge her for what happened.
My least favorite part of the book would have to be Taylor and Todd breaking up and her getting back together with Jake.
Taylor's character saved Betsey by turning in Betsey's abusive step father, but I feel like of this were a true story, Taylor wouldn't get back together with Jake. I think her and Todd breaking up and her getting back together with Jake was what made me give it four stars instead of five, even though the main storyline focused on Betsey's life. It just seemed out of character for her.
There was a small part where you see Bijoux's breakup with her boyfriend Tobin and Tobin's publicist makes the breakup seem to be the fault of Bijoux even though Tobin cheated on her. It gave an inside look to how tabloids can really twist things.
Betsey was my favorite character because in the initial book, the Rockstar's Daughter, she comes across like an underage alcoholic, but here, you really get to know her and Bijoux. You see that even though the two of them can seem like airhead party girls, they're not all the stuff people like them seem to be.
Nicola was my second favorite character after Betsey. Nicola was a girl at Betsey's boarding school because her father forced her to leave England. He was embarrassed because she had Asperger's syndrome and has trouble conveying her emotions. When you find this out, you realize she's not a stuck up rich girls and you really begin to like her character, as well as her friendliness toward Betsey at a new school.
Overall, I really loved being able to see this side of Betsey, I just wish her stepfather hadn't been there to ruin her life when she's out of the spotlight. I would've given five stars if Taylor had gotten back together with Jake, but I still really enjoyed how it ended, as well as Betsey's realistic emotions for situations.
March 17, 2013
I should start by saying I'm not exactly Ms. Duffy's demographic of "young adult" but I have been enjoying the Treadwell Academy novels. I'd place this as my second favorite of the series ("The Rock Star's Daughter" would be my first.)
I will say that I was a bit disappointed there was no author's note in this one, as Ms. Duffy did in "The Believer's Daughter", which included information on where runaways might be able to get some help. If anything, the underlying plot point of this book deserves more. As she notes on the dedication page, there are so many Betseys in this world and it seems like a missed opportunity to not give out resources for any who might be Ms. Duffy's readers.
I will say that I was a bit disappointed there was no author's note in this one, as Ms. Duffy did in "The Believer's Daughter", which included information on where runaways might be able to get some help. If anything, the underlying plot point of this book deserves more. As she notes on the dedication page, there are so many Betseys in this world and it seems like a missed opportunity to not give out resources for any who might be Ms. Duffy's readers.
December 26, 2012
i actually think i enjoyed this book more than the other 2 (both of which i really enjoyed). i enjoyed watched betsey's character evolve and i could empathise with her in situations she found herself in. i also enjoyed the fact that a fair part of this book was actually set in treadwell academy, so we got a glimpse into what the lifes of the other 2 main characters of the series so far had grown up with.
i really hope caitlyn writes some more books for this series!
i really hope caitlyn writes some more books for this series!
November 28, 2015
3.5 Stars
April 3, 2013
In "The Vicount's Daughter," the third novel in Caitlyn Duffy's excellent Treadwell Academy series, we actually spend most of the book on the Treadwell campus, experiencing the dorms, teen-girl cruelty, and most of all, opportunity for growth.
"The Viscount's Daughter" follows Betsey Norfleet, whom we met in book one, "The Rock Star's Daughter." In the first book, she was a 14-year-old wild child, running in her glamorous sister Bijoux's shadow. Betsey and Bijoux convinced Taylor (book one's heroine) to go out for a wild afternoon, which ended up with much alcohol consumption and misbehavior, and ended up getting Taylor grounded.
The Viscount is Bijoux and Betsey's stepfather, Danko, a handsome yet cold Croatian man. Every summer, Bijoux and Betsey are required to jet off to Croatia to spend "family time" at Danko's ancestral home. The girls run wild--especially Bijoux, of course--spending days on the beaches and nights in bars. It's the seemingly carefree life of extremely wealthy teens. Plus, Betsey loves spending time with her step-cousins, Kristijan and his kid sister, Magda. Betsey and Kristijan share a comfortable closeness; he even "jokes" that he is Betsey's boyfriend. Croatian summers are lots of fun...
Except for one small secret: since Betsey was 12, Danko has subjected her to some occasional inappropriate behavior. It's mostly little things that were just ookey more than anything, things that might have been accidents, or possibly explained away as cultural differences. The summer when Betsey's 14, something happens that crosses the line completely. From that moment forward, Betsey is determined to get away from her stepfather.
Bijoux and Betsey's father happens to play bass in Pound, the band fronted by Taylor's father. Betsey has always been a mediocre student, but she devises a plot to get thrown out of her expensive Manhattan girls school, and be "sent away" to Taylor's boarding school. She needs distance from her stepfather and career-obsessed, oblivious mother, and she needs a friend. She thinks Treadwell Academy is the place for her, and that Taylor can be the friend she needs.
Betsey finesses an "accident" in her chemistry class. Another girl is injured, and Betsey is invited to leave her Manhattan school. Step one works. Next is getting into Treadwell. There's a daunting entrance exam, and Betsey crams to catch up with the studies she's been blowing off for years.
She ekes by, and soon finds herself on the way to Treadwell. When she gets there, she realizes she's being tossed into a society wherein she knows nobody. Taylor is a year ahead of her, so they don't share any classes. Worse still, Taylor still holds a grudge about all the trouble she got in over the summer.
What Betsey finds at Treadwell is a world in which she can succeed based on her own merits. No longer does she have to live in Bijoux's shadow; no longer does she have to settle for her mother's fleeting attention, or her stepfather's menacing presence. When she realizes how far behind she is, she hires tutors to help her catch up. She finds that she's able to work hard and achieve things on her own.
Eventually, she and Taylor do become close, and Taylor invites Betsey to accompany her to Madrid over Christmas. Taylor's junior symphony is performing a nine-day concert tour, and Taylor is excited because her boyfriend Todd will be there on a school trip of his own. Betsey's excuse for going is that Taylor will be there, but mostly, Kristijan is studying design in Madrid. It's an excuse for Betsey to see Kristijan, as well as to put herself 4000 miles away from her stepfather.
During the trip, some unexpected things happen, which I won't spoil, but "The Viscount's Daughter" has an excellent final act.
I have to admit, this book didn't hook me at first. Betsey was static, still locked in her "Bijoux's sidekick" role. Where it got me was watching Betsey grow as a person. She went from being an apathetic underachiever to being a strong young woman with a good sense that actions have consequences. She's never cared whether she got thrown out of another girls school, but with the hard work she puts in, being kicked out of Treadwell would devastate her.
Betsey makes friends on her own, too: some nerds, some beautiful people. She learns that she has value as a person in her own right, not just as Bijoux's little sister, or her mother's daughter. The confidence with which she faces her pre-Christmas final exams shows an ocean of difference between the ditzy girl at the beginning of the book, and the mature young woman at the end.
In addition to Taylor (from book one), we see a few other characters we've met during the previous books. Nothing big--they don't have a "Treadwell Academy Character Club" or anything, of course--but in the course of Betsey's day, her life comes tangent to others.
This series is addictive, even if the main characters are different in each installment. The overlapping storylines, all tied around this posh girls boarding school, leaves tons of potential for future books. I hope Caitlyn Duffy keeps writing them.
This book is listed for ages 12 and up, and that seems about right. There are some dark undertones, though, of emotional and physical abuse. Nothing graphic, really, but some things could be a little creepy for some younger readers.
Mostly, this is a positive story about a young woman discovering the strength and value within herself, independent of anyone. It's a story most definitely worth reading.
"The Viscount's Daughter" follows Betsey Norfleet, whom we met in book one, "The Rock Star's Daughter." In the first book, she was a 14-year-old wild child, running in her glamorous sister Bijoux's shadow. Betsey and Bijoux convinced Taylor (book one's heroine) to go out for a wild afternoon, which ended up with much alcohol consumption and misbehavior, and ended up getting Taylor grounded.
The Viscount is Bijoux and Betsey's stepfather, Danko, a handsome yet cold Croatian man. Every summer, Bijoux and Betsey are required to jet off to Croatia to spend "family time" at Danko's ancestral home. The girls run wild--especially Bijoux, of course--spending days on the beaches and nights in bars. It's the seemingly carefree life of extremely wealthy teens. Plus, Betsey loves spending time with her step-cousins, Kristijan and his kid sister, Magda. Betsey and Kristijan share a comfortable closeness; he even "jokes" that he is Betsey's boyfriend. Croatian summers are lots of fun...
Except for one small secret: since Betsey was 12, Danko has subjected her to some occasional inappropriate behavior. It's mostly little things that were just ookey more than anything, things that might have been accidents, or possibly explained away as cultural differences. The summer when Betsey's 14, something happens that crosses the line completely. From that moment forward, Betsey is determined to get away from her stepfather.
Bijoux and Betsey's father happens to play bass in Pound, the band fronted by Taylor's father. Betsey has always been a mediocre student, but she devises a plot to get thrown out of her expensive Manhattan girls school, and be "sent away" to Taylor's boarding school. She needs distance from her stepfather and career-obsessed, oblivious mother, and she needs a friend. She thinks Treadwell Academy is the place for her, and that Taylor can be the friend she needs.
Betsey finesses an "accident" in her chemistry class. Another girl is injured, and Betsey is invited to leave her Manhattan school. Step one works. Next is getting into Treadwell. There's a daunting entrance exam, and Betsey crams to catch up with the studies she's been blowing off for years.
She ekes by, and soon finds herself on the way to Treadwell. When she gets there, she realizes she's being tossed into a society wherein she knows nobody. Taylor is a year ahead of her, so they don't share any classes. Worse still, Taylor still holds a grudge about all the trouble she got in over the summer.
What Betsey finds at Treadwell is a world in which she can succeed based on her own merits. No longer does she have to live in Bijoux's shadow; no longer does she have to settle for her mother's fleeting attention, or her stepfather's menacing presence. When she realizes how far behind she is, she hires tutors to help her catch up. She finds that she's able to work hard and achieve things on her own.
Eventually, she and Taylor do become close, and Taylor invites Betsey to accompany her to Madrid over Christmas. Taylor's junior symphony is performing a nine-day concert tour, and Taylor is excited because her boyfriend Todd will be there on a school trip of his own. Betsey's excuse for going is that Taylor will be there, but mostly, Kristijan is studying design in Madrid. It's an excuse for Betsey to see Kristijan, as well as to put herself 4000 miles away from her stepfather.
During the trip, some unexpected things happen, which I won't spoil, but "The Viscount's Daughter" has an excellent final act.
I have to admit, this book didn't hook me at first. Betsey was static, still locked in her "Bijoux's sidekick" role. Where it got me was watching Betsey grow as a person. She went from being an apathetic underachiever to being a strong young woman with a good sense that actions have consequences. She's never cared whether she got thrown out of another girls school, but with the hard work she puts in, being kicked out of Treadwell would devastate her.
Betsey makes friends on her own, too: some nerds, some beautiful people. She learns that she has value as a person in her own right, not just as Bijoux's little sister, or her mother's daughter. The confidence with which she faces her pre-Christmas final exams shows an ocean of difference between the ditzy girl at the beginning of the book, and the mature young woman at the end.
In addition to Taylor (from book one), we see a few other characters we've met during the previous books. Nothing big--they don't have a "Treadwell Academy Character Club" or anything, of course--but in the course of Betsey's day, her life comes tangent to others.
This series is addictive, even if the main characters are different in each installment. The overlapping storylines, all tied around this posh girls boarding school, leaves tons of potential for future books. I hope Caitlyn Duffy keeps writing them.
This book is listed for ages 12 and up, and that seems about right. There are some dark undertones, though, of emotional and physical abuse. Nothing graphic, really, but some things could be a little creepy for some younger readers.
Mostly, this is a positive story about a young woman discovering the strength and value within herself, independent of anyone. It's a story most definitely worth reading.
March 15, 2023
read this in middle school, definitely made an impact on me today - shoutout the treadwell academy series fr
November 20, 2013
This review first appeared on my blog
http://loriscreativity.blogspot.com/2...
I think I'm becoming obsessed with Caitlyn Duffy's writing, I want a new book in the series, NOW!!!
I read this book in about 8 hours, it is a little bit longer than the other two books, but I actually prefer longer books.
I love that in this book it revolved around life at Treadwell Academy, in the other books we didn't get that. The only thing I would say I didn't like is how the book left Taylor's relationship in the end, but I'm hoping there will be a fourth installment in the series to clear that up. And I also really hate the mom in the story, but you'll understand that after you read the book.
Just like the other books in the series, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone. However, I would say that with this book the 12 and over age recommendation is necessary.
With the first two I didn't feel it was necessary, but considering this book deals with sexual abuse, and even someone trying to commit suicide, I don't think it would be appropriate for younger readers.
http://loriscreativity.blogspot.com/2...
I think I'm becoming obsessed with Caitlyn Duffy's writing, I want a new book in the series, NOW!!!
I read this book in about 8 hours, it is a little bit longer than the other two books, but I actually prefer longer books.
I love that in this book it revolved around life at Treadwell Academy, in the other books we didn't get that. The only thing I would say I didn't like is how the book left Taylor's relationship in the end, but I'm hoping there will be a fourth installment in the series to clear that up. And I also really hate the mom in the story, but you'll understand that after you read the book.
Just like the other books in the series, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone. However, I would say that with this book the 12 and over age recommendation is necessary.
With the first two I didn't feel it was necessary, but considering this book deals with sexual abuse, and even someone trying to commit suicide, I don't think it would be appropriate for younger readers.
August 15, 2016
This series is getting steadily worse. I had to force myself to finish this one.
There was zero personality to any of the characters - even though several of them were characters we already knew from the first book. It was like someone just plodded around in this pre-made world and didn't actually know anything about anyone.
There was zero plot either. This poor story just meandered aimlessly through a semester of this girl's life. We watched her eat breakfast, lunch, dinner, talk to this person, that person, have this class, that class. There were so many characters mentioned so briefly that I couldn't keep track of who any of them where, let alone how they fit into whatever was trying to pass as a plot in this book.
The only reason this didn't get merely one star was that what minor storyline managed to sneak through was actually somewhat interesting. I just felt like the author didn't write about that main story for most of the book so we didn't really get anything flushed out properly. The whole experience just felt very surface to me, like we were watching this random girl in a random school who occasionally had interesting things happen to her.
There was zero personality to any of the characters - even though several of them were characters we already knew from the first book. It was like someone just plodded around in this pre-made world and didn't actually know anything about anyone.
There was zero plot either. This poor story just meandered aimlessly through a semester of this girl's life. We watched her eat breakfast, lunch, dinner, talk to this person, that person, have this class, that class. There were so many characters mentioned so briefly that I couldn't keep track of who any of them where, let alone how they fit into whatever was trying to pass as a plot in this book.
The only reason this didn't get merely one star was that what minor storyline managed to sneak through was actually somewhat interesting. I just felt like the author didn't write about that main story for most of the book so we didn't really get anything flushed out properly. The whole experience just felt very surface to me, like we were watching this random girl in a random school who occasionally had interesting things happen to her.
December 11, 2013
This is my third (I think it is all of them so far) Treadwell Academy book by Ms Duffy. I got the first one as a Kindle Freebie, and liked it enough to buy the 2nd, which I liked more, and now this the third which I liked the best of them all.
I did not expect to like these that much as the adventures and misadventures of a bunch of rich preppies is something I would expect to repel me, and yet it did not. Ms Duffy managed to humanize and make vulnerable the type of person I could never stand when I was that age.
Each book dealt with different types of problems, but this was the darkest and most distributing in many ways. Consequently it w the most compelling. I liked the protagonist of this one the best of all of them too. In fact the very flaws that made her human, made her compelling and drew her to me. A damn good read even if you have not read the other two, but better if you had.
I sincerely hope Ms Duffy is not done with the Treadwell Academy. I'm looking hopefully forward to more.
I did not expect to like these that much as the adventures and misadventures of a bunch of rich preppies is something I would expect to repel me, and yet it did not. Ms Duffy managed to humanize and make vulnerable the type of person I could never stand when I was that age.
Each book dealt with different types of problems, but this was the darkest and most distributing in many ways. Consequently it w the most compelling. I liked the protagonist of this one the best of all of them too. In fact the very flaws that made her human, made her compelling and drew her to me. A damn good read even if you have not read the other two, but better if you had.
I sincerely hope Ms Duffy is not done with the Treadwell Academy. I'm looking hopefully forward to more.
September 27, 2014
#3 in the Treadwell Academy series...Wow...this story contains a few very heavy and frightening scenes as it centers around 14 year old Betsey, AKA party-girl extraordinaire. Betsey has definitely seen and done more than most people in her very short life. She is the daughter of a wealthy rock star (love how this book crosses over to Taylor's story from book #1 in the series) and her mother is a cosmetic heiress married to a very wealthy viscount from Croatia. Betsey's life is full of jet-setting from one country to another, drinking excessively, and basically finding trouble everywhere. But, that's not who and what Betsey wants to be. After spending all of her life in her beautiful and charismatic sister's shadow and also going through a horrible series of sexual assaults by someone who should be her protector, Betsey works to turn her life around by attending Treadwell Academy.
I enjoyed this story...I found myself laughing out loud and thoroughly enjoying Betsey's over the top drama. Even with such a dark topic always in the background, this book is light and fun.
I enjoyed this story...I found myself laughing out loud and thoroughly enjoying Betsey's over the top drama. Even with such a dark topic always in the background, this book is light and fun.
September 17, 2012
Caitlyn Duffy, the author of the Treadwell Academy Series, is writing the best contemporary YA series that you probably aren't reading. I have reviewed the other books in the series, The Rock Star's Daughter and The Believer's Daughter, and the latest, The Viscount's Daughter does not disappoint. What I love about this series, and The Viscount's Daughter is a prime example, is that the heroines of these novels are all unique, fierce, and face actual struggles that do not simply involve boys. Ms. Duffy's writing is honest, reflective, brave and a true credit to women everywhere.
That being said, I think I love Betsy more than any other heroine so far in this series. She isn't perfect but she is trying. I especially liked the friendship between Betsy and Taylor -- it is realistic, charming, and sincere.
I cannot wait for the next book in the series! Read these books -- you will not be disappointed!
That being said, I think I love Betsy more than any other heroine so far in this series. She isn't perfect but she is trying. I especially liked the friendship between Betsy and Taylor -- it is realistic, charming, and sincere.
I cannot wait for the next book in the series! Read these books -- you will not be disappointed!
May 16, 2021
I can't be the only middle-aged woman who still enjoys YA novels, right?
I especially like Caitlyn Duffy's Treadwell Academy series. Each consecutive book seems to delve deeper into very serious subject matter in a way that lends support and a message of hope to any teens that may be experiencing hopelessness or despondency in similar situations. Kudos to Ms. Duffy for taking on difficult but relevant topics.
I find the boarding school setting fascinating. I've read the four Treadwell Academy books to date, and this was a re-read. Of the four books, I found Betsey to be the most relatable protagonist, and the one I felt the most compassion for.
I highly recommend this series for other adults like myself, who enjoy YA books, and for the target group. Be warned though, that the subject matter is very serious and encompasses death, teen pregnancies, sexual abuse, underaged drinking, runaways and eating disorders.
I especially like Caitlyn Duffy's Treadwell Academy series. Each consecutive book seems to delve deeper into very serious subject matter in a way that lends support and a message of hope to any teens that may be experiencing hopelessness or despondency in similar situations. Kudos to Ms. Duffy for taking on difficult but relevant topics.
I find the boarding school setting fascinating. I've read the four Treadwell Academy books to date, and this was a re-read. Of the four books, I found Betsey to be the most relatable protagonist, and the one I felt the most compassion for.
I highly recommend this series for other adults like myself, who enjoy YA books, and for the target group. Be warned though, that the subject matter is very serious and encompasses death, teen pregnancies, sexual abuse, underaged drinking, runaways and eating disorders.
March 9, 2015
Betsey is a wild child living in the shadow of her famous sister. But that's OK because at 14 she is a world travelled kid with basically no supervision. Her mom is busy running her company and her father is in a famous band. Betsey has been kicked out of plenty of schools but when she gets tired of the icky attentions of her stepfather, she needs to pull her act together so she can get accepted and stay at the prestigious Treadwell Academy. So Betsey comes up with a plan.
This third book in the Treadwell Academy series deals with the very serious issue of sexual abuse within the family. However, it is not graphic. I felt so sorry for Betsey mainly because she did not think anyone would believe her and was so alone with the secret. But you have to admire her for being strong even if she makes some bad decisions. And I like the way these books are not tied up in neat little bows. At the end of the books things are heading in the right direction but there are still issues.
This third book in the Treadwell Academy series deals with the very serious issue of sexual abuse within the family. However, it is not graphic. I felt so sorry for Betsey mainly because she did not think anyone would believe her and was so alone with the secret. But you have to admire her for being strong even if she makes some bad decisions. And I like the way these books are not tied up in neat little bows. At the end of the books things are heading in the right direction but there are still issues.
January 23, 2014
My favorite so far. Oh, Betsey...she reminds me of some of the teenagers I have coached over the years because she is beautiful, strong, resilient, has the ability to make her life what she wants it to be and ultimately just wants to be noticed and loved. Too many girls look at outward appearances and pass judgements on those around them. Sometimes drastic situations cause them to finally wake up and see people for who they really are inside. This book deals with some very important topics, the most tragic being sexual abuse. It could have touched more onto it, but ultimately I appreciated the outcome. 4.5 This was a great story.
July 19, 2013
Once again, it took a while to get started but by then I was hooked! A wholesome easy read. While it did deal with a difficult theme I appreciate how it was approached. I enjoyed seeing these characters develop from where they were in The Rockstars Daughter. I really wanted to see her stepfather face more than just a punch in the face but I think the mothers reaction is believable as well. Also, I would hate to see Taylor go back to DJ Douchbag after showing so much self-respect in the first book.
February 11, 2013
Betsy Norfeet is an amazing character. She is forever living in the shadow of her beautiful, glamorous older sister. Her escape to Treadwell Academy is her chance to start learning who she really is in her own right. As she learns to be happy with who she is, she finds the courage to deal with the secret she has been guarding for years. I do find it hard to believe that a minor could purchase a ticket to Spain and travel without her parents being aware, though.
July 1, 2013
The writing in this book was average but the plot was decent. The Viscount's Daughter is quite dark, however, the outcome is quite uplifting. It's a happy ending and a good read but not appropriate for very young or quite sensitive readers. I liked it more than The Rock Star's Daughter (haven't read the believers) purely because of the plot. However, I prefer the characters in The Rock Stars. It is a good read
August 12, 2013
This is the 2nd Treadwell book I've read, and I really enjoyed both of them. I've especially enjoyed getting to know Betsey much better after first meeting her in The Rockstar's Daughter.
This book is much darker, as we find out that Betsey is keeping a terrible secret that threatens to destroy her family. Betsey is much misunderstood, and her seemingly dreadful behaviour is due to the secret that she must escape from.
Brilliant stuff - looking forward to the 3rd Treadwell encounter.
This book is much darker, as we find out that Betsey is keeping a terrible secret that threatens to destroy her family. Betsey is much misunderstood, and her seemingly dreadful behaviour is due to the secret that she must escape from.
Brilliant stuff - looking forward to the 3rd Treadwell encounter.
September 19, 2013
I loved this book. I'm at least 10 years past this book's demographic, but it was so well written and I loved how this and the Rock Star's Daughter came together. Betsey's struggle was heartbreaking, but I hope any girl experiencing similar pain would read this and find the strength to talk to someone.
I haven't been able to find the 2nd book in the Treadwell series available for download, but am looking forward to reading it one day. I hope Duffy continues the series.
I haven't been able to find the 2nd book in the Treadwell series available for download, but am looking forward to reading it one day. I hope Duffy continues the series.
March 25, 2016
I liked this part best of all the series. It surprised me that such a serious problems were raised but also I was really happy that the main character story showed that it is ok to look for help and it is ok to confide in people you trust.
The one thing I didn't like was the way Betsey was looking for having some kind of connection/friendship with Taylor. It looked like she was desperate. I know that in some way she was, but it looked like a little bit too much for me.
The one thing I didn't like was the way Betsey was looking for having some kind of connection/friendship with Taylor. It looked like she was desperate. I know that in some way she was, but it looked like a little bit too much for me.
December 4, 2012
The subject matter is so much more than the tale of a spoiled celebutante that spends all of her time partying and flunking out of pricey prep schools. Although difficult to read, I cannot recommend this book enough. Caitlyn Duffy, please write more Treadwell Academy books! I am hooked on the stories of these young ladies you have created. Bravo!
August 25, 2012
Seriously, another teen novel. But I loved it and am hooked on this series. This one focuses on Betsey Norfleet, who we met in a previous novel. She is being molested by her step dad and does whatever she can to get into the Treadwell Academy boarding school. A great read!
April 7, 2013
3 words: Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. I read this for a whole day and I was actually sad it was ending. It is one of the best Young Adult novels i've read so fat and I really wish there was another part to it!
August 13, 2014
So good!!! I loved the 3rd installment! Betsy was an amazing character who you just love all the way through! She is so strong and you just want her to finally have a win and be happy without being afraid!
May 8, 2020
This book was so good. I loved getting to know the character better from this book compared to the first in the series. I also love seeing the main character grow to be comfortable in her own identity
November 22, 2012
I actually love this series, however I did not like the way The Viscount's Daughter ended! I would love to see more about how the girls lives turn out!
February 14, 2013
This book was ok for me. I probably would have liked it more had their been an epilogue, because I felt like the ending just left me wondering what happened.
June 27, 2013
I really enjoy these books. This one was great.
September 2, 2013
Fantastic series.
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