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Private #9
Paradise Lost
Paradise awaits....
Now that Cheyenne's murderer has been revealed and Reed knows the truth about who's been stalking her, she's ready to leave the heartache and turmoil of last semester behind. And what better way to recover than a five-star Caribbean vacation?
Reed is reunited with former Billings Girls Kiran and Taylor, and she and her friends take over the exclusive island. They spend their days tanning on white-sand beaches and their nights partying on sixty-foot yachts.
It's heaven on earth.
But as they raise their champagne flutes to toast their friendship, Reed worries that it's all too good to be true. Because even in paradise, the Billings Girls are never far from trouble -- and nothing's more dangerous than the calm before the storm....
Now that Cheyenne's murderer has been revealed and Reed knows the truth about who's been stalking her, she's ready to leave the heartache and turmoil of last semester behind. And what better way to recover than a five-star Caribbean vacation?
Reed is reunited with former Billings Girls Kiran and Taylor, and she and her friends take over the exclusive island. They spend their days tanning on white-sand beaches and their nights partying on sixty-foot yachts.
It's heaven on earth.
But as they raise their champagne flutes to toast their friendship, Reed worries that it's all too good to be true. Because even in paradise, the Billings Girls are never far from trouble -- and nothing's more dangerous than the calm before the storm....
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 24, 2009
47 people are currently reading
2724 people want to read
About the author
Kate Brian
91 books2,312 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 199 reviews
July 21, 2016
Ok seriously!? ANOTHER perfect guy loves Reed?
My friends and I have decided that she is similar to Bella from Twilight. She seems to have very little personality, is guy obsessed, and yet someone all of the guys love her. She's plain and yet somehow she gets everything she wants and the guys cant' stop drooling around her. She comes from an area where she is unnoticed to a new area and it's like shes a drug. (not intending to quote Twlight) Sorry for a rant, but it's starting to irritate me.
Just as long as Upton isn't a vampire.....
My friends and I have decided that she is similar to Bella from Twilight. She seems to have very little personality, is guy obsessed, and yet someone all of the guys love her. She's plain and yet somehow she gets everything she wants and the guys cant' stop drooling around her. She comes from an area where she is unnoticed to a new area and it's like shes a drug. (not intending to quote Twlight) Sorry for a rant, but it's starting to irritate me.
Just as long as Upton isn't a vampire.....
February 28, 2009
ehh it's ok totally liked reed better when she was with josh
July 17, 2020
The endings of these books!!!!! I dare you to read the end and not have to immediately crack the next in the series!
April 29, 2010
This is one of my favorite books of all time! I just love this series. It's a drama but it always has a lot of mystery considering there are crimes committed all the time. The one thing I really like about this author is that I never want to put her books down because there is something exciting happening on each and every page! I would suggest this book to any girl who loves murder mysteries but also likes shows like gossip girl! My favorite character would have to be Reed because she is so down to earth and normal unlike the other girls in this book. I just really like this book!
December 4, 2018
This book was a bit of a let down after the last book. The setting in this book moved to St Barth's where Reed had gone with Noelle's family for Christmas re-uniting with their friends Kiran and Taylor and some other friends from school. While it was still a relatively quick read, I found this instalment a little boring and more predictable than previous. In some ways, it just felt like old ideas being rehashed in a different order. Of course as per pretty much every other instalment, it finished with a cliffhanger so there is a pretty good chance i will be reading book 10
November 6, 2012
Reviewed by Jaglvr for TeensReadToo.com
With the debacle of Sabine finally behind her, Reed finally hopes that life at Easton will quiet down. People are starting to talk about her having a bad vibe around her. Bad luck happens to those that come close to Reed. For now, Josh is sitting beside Ivy's hospital bed. When Josh saved Reed from the bullet, it hit Ivy, instead.
With Christmas break looming, Reed can't face going home to Pennsylvania. She knows she will be hounded by the news after the latest drama at school. It's Noelle who comes to Reed's rescue. She invites Reed to holiday on St. Barth's (yes, this is how it's spelled in the story) with the rest of her family and a small private group. At first Reed hesitates, knowing she can't afford to go. But Noelle insists, and Reed's spirits soar. She's accepted by the Billings girls again, and she'll get to see Kiran and Taylor at long last.
Arriving on the island, Reed gets caught up in the island spirit. Kiran will not take no for an answer when she insists on outfitting Reed for the holiday. Kiran has a company account to shop and spend, so how can Reed say no?
Reed quickly learns of the "Upton Game." The game is simple. Who will be the first to kiss Upton this year? Upton Giles is apparently the most gorgeous, sought after guy on the island. Even Noelle finds him attractive. Reed is intrigued but vows to avoid all boy complications on this holiday. Nothing will make her happier than lying in the sun getting a tan and hanging out with her friends.
But once Reed lays eyes on the infamous Upton, she understands the infatuation with him. He is truly the most spectacular guy she's ever seen. But she still insists she wants no part of the game. The holiday gets hard for Reed though, because Upton has noticed her and also doesn't take no for an answer.
Will Reed be able to resist Upton's advances? Will there be rivalries for Upton's affections? Will the introduction of some new characters (mainly Poppy) wreak more havoc in Reed's life?
Ms. Brian takes a simple pleasure of a vacation holiday and turns it into a crazy, adventurous getaway. For fans of the PRIVATE series, PARADISE LOST almost feels like a holiday, as well. Removed from the boarding school setting, PARADISE LOST is a guilty pleasure that everyone will enjoy.
But, if you're like me, I can't wait to have Reed return to Easton Academy and Billings and find out what happens next!
With the debacle of Sabine finally behind her, Reed finally hopes that life at Easton will quiet down. People are starting to talk about her having a bad vibe around her. Bad luck happens to those that come close to Reed. For now, Josh is sitting beside Ivy's hospital bed. When Josh saved Reed from the bullet, it hit Ivy, instead.
With Christmas break looming, Reed can't face going home to Pennsylvania. She knows she will be hounded by the news after the latest drama at school. It's Noelle who comes to Reed's rescue. She invites Reed to holiday on St. Barth's (yes, this is how it's spelled in the story) with the rest of her family and a small private group. At first Reed hesitates, knowing she can't afford to go. But Noelle insists, and Reed's spirits soar. She's accepted by the Billings girls again, and she'll get to see Kiran and Taylor at long last.
Arriving on the island, Reed gets caught up in the island spirit. Kiran will not take no for an answer when she insists on outfitting Reed for the holiday. Kiran has a company account to shop and spend, so how can Reed say no?
Reed quickly learns of the "Upton Game." The game is simple. Who will be the first to kiss Upton this year? Upton Giles is apparently the most gorgeous, sought after guy on the island. Even Noelle finds him attractive. Reed is intrigued but vows to avoid all boy complications on this holiday. Nothing will make her happier than lying in the sun getting a tan and hanging out with her friends.
But once Reed lays eyes on the infamous Upton, she understands the infatuation with him. He is truly the most spectacular guy she's ever seen. But she still insists she wants no part of the game. The holiday gets hard for Reed though, because Upton has noticed her and also doesn't take no for an answer.
Will Reed be able to resist Upton's advances? Will there be rivalries for Upton's affections? Will the introduction of some new characters (mainly Poppy) wreak more havoc in Reed's life?
Ms. Brian takes a simple pleasure of a vacation holiday and turns it into a crazy, adventurous getaway. For fans of the PRIVATE series, PARADISE LOST almost feels like a holiday, as well. Removed from the boarding school setting, PARADISE LOST is a guilty pleasure that everyone will enjoy.
But, if you're like me, I can't wait to have Reed return to Easton Academy and Billings and find out what happens next!
June 19, 2009
After the cliffhanger ending of the 8th book, I was REALLY excited for this one -- but it was a bit of a let-down. I read the back of the book, which I should NOT have done as that alone provided too much resolution (and I HATE having anything spoiled for me!). But of course, I plowed on anyway, 'cause I've enjoyed most of the other entries in this series quite a bit.
This one though? Eh. I've never liked Reed, and she's not growing on me here. The whole "she's the only one who doesn't try or know what she's doing but things just go her way 'cause she's simply that compelling" schtick is stretched beyond the bounds of its credibility by this one, as is her wide-eyed, "gosh these rich people" patter. The number of secondary characters is getting out of control and exceedingly difficult to keep track of -- it took me most of the book to remember who Daniel and Page Ryan are, and I still don't exactly have it pinned down. To top that off, nearly a dozen other new characters have been added to the mix.
I think the main thing though is the change of scenery -- I've always hated "vacation" books and others which take the characters out of their main setting (like "Infamous," the beyond-boring It Girl book that takes place in NYC). Much of these books' charm comes from the vaguely ominous New England prep school setting, and sending the whole crew on a predictably luxe vacay to St. Barth's was pretty much a snoozefest. Still, since we're started now on the third major story arc of the series, I'll read book 10 to figure out what the heck's going on.
This one though? Eh. I've never liked Reed, and she's not growing on me here. The whole "she's the only one who doesn't try or know what she's doing but things just go her way 'cause she's simply that compelling" schtick is stretched beyond the bounds of its credibility by this one, as is her wide-eyed, "gosh these rich people" patter. The number of secondary characters is getting out of control and exceedingly difficult to keep track of -- it took me most of the book to remember who Daniel and Page Ryan are, and I still don't exactly have it pinned down. To top that off, nearly a dozen other new characters have been added to the mix.
I think the main thing though is the change of scenery -- I've always hated "vacation" books and others which take the characters out of their main setting (like "Infamous," the beyond-boring It Girl book that takes place in NYC). Much of these books' charm comes from the vaguely ominous New England prep school setting, and sending the whole crew on a predictably luxe vacay to St. Barth's was pretty much a snoozefest. Still, since we're started now on the third major story arc of the series, I'll read book 10 to figure out what the heck's going on.
March 27, 2017
totally see the appeal of why i loved this book so much in high school. i remember wanting to go to st.barts to vacation there and meet an upton giles of my own however i did find reed extremely annoying and accusing everyone of her problems.
seriously, take a minute and just think about what your saying right now.
loved how they gang got back together and you really see taylor changed and is more her own person after being told to leave Easton all together, it was good for her.
poppy on the other hand along with the ryans, seirra, and west? drama much.
really excited to finally almost be done because i had never finished the last two book in the series and im almost there!
seriously, take a minute and just think about what your saying right now.
loved how they gang got back together and you really see taylor changed and is more her own person after being told to leave Easton all together, it was good for her.
poppy on the other hand along with the ryans, seirra, and west? drama much.
really excited to finally almost be done because i had never finished the last two book in the series and im almost there!
August 2, 2017
That ending though! Holy moly!
December 11, 2017
Allright, I'm stopping my binge-read now because this is just so bad.
July 8, 2025
3.25
chega um ponto que chega de gente tentando matar essa coitada
chega um ponto que chega de gente tentando matar essa coitada
March 25, 2019
4 stars for Upton. Obviously. And for that crazy cliffhanger ending. But mostly for Upton.
April 23, 2013
After the reveal of Cheyenne's murderer and an unfortunate victim of the murderer getting hospitalized, Reed Brennan just wants to get a break from all this drama.
And what better place to relax than the Caribbeans?
Reed and the Billing girls spend their vacation getting into the best clubs, going to expensive yachts, sunbathing on white-sand beaches, and roasting marshmallows on an open fire while Noelle tells a story about that time she killed a dog because it pleased her.
Okay, the last one is a complete lie. I hope.
Enter Upton: The hottest British (Yes, really) guy in the entire island. Did I mention he's hot? Short story short, he falls for Reed and every girl is jealous.
Um, what?
Okay, seriously, Reed is turning into a below average protagonist. There. I said it. How believable that Upton fell for Reed--instantly, I may add--without any complications. Okay, yes, there's Poppy and her bitchy crew, and Upton's player tendencies, but there was hardly any drama.
It could have been interesting if Reed and another girl were competing for Upton's attention (with him not giving a fuck) and having a bitchy explosion between them.
Pathetic, but more realistic.
And let's not forget that dreadful typo! Basically, Poppy was missing after the Upton fiasco. Then, she came back and told everyone that she sailed over to St. Kitts. The problem is, it's stated that Paige said that, not Poppy, even though Paige was with the girls the whole time. The typo is the name mix up!
WHAT. THE. HELL?
It's nothing new that the editors of this series don't notice the inconsistencies throughout the books: Descriptions and physical appearances are not set in stone. What color is Reed Brennan's hair, Brian? Dark blonde or brown? And what was Thomas Pearson's eye color? Icy blue or brown? MAKE UP YOUR MIND!
But, after that surprising cliffhanger, I'm more than excited to know what happens next.
But, of course.
And what better place to relax than the Caribbeans?
Reed and the Billing girls spend their vacation getting into the best clubs, going to expensive yachts, sunbathing on white-sand beaches, and roasting marshmallows on an open fire while Noelle tells a story about that time she killed a dog because it pleased her.
Okay, the last one is a complete lie. I hope.
Enter Upton: The hottest British (Yes, really) guy in the entire island. Did I mention he's hot? Short story short, he falls for Reed and every girl is jealous.
Um, what?
Okay, seriously, Reed is turning into a below average protagonist. There. I said it. How believable that Upton fell for Reed--instantly, I may add--without any complications. Okay, yes, there's Poppy and her bitchy crew, and Upton's player tendencies, but there was hardly any drama.
It could have been interesting if Reed and another girl were competing for Upton's attention (with him not giving a fuck) and having a bitchy explosion between them.
Pathetic, but more realistic.
And let's not forget that dreadful typo! Basically, Poppy was missing after the Upton fiasco. Then, she came back and told everyone that she sailed over to St. Kitts. The problem is, it's stated that Paige said that, not Poppy, even though Paige was with the girls the whole time. The typo is the name mix up!
WHAT. THE. HELL?
It's nothing new that the editors of this series don't notice the inconsistencies throughout the books: Descriptions and physical appearances are not set in stone. What color is Reed Brennan's hair, Brian? Dark blonde or brown? And what was Thomas Pearson's eye color? Icy blue or brown? MAKE UP YOUR MIND!
But, after that surprising cliffhanger, I'm more than excited to know what happens next.
But, of course.
January 27, 2014
There were so many new characters in this book. I couldn't keep track of them all!! I kinda really like Sawyer. I didn't really like a lot of the new girls, especially Poppy. What annoyed me the most was Upton. I hate that all these boys keep trying to go out with Reed, even though she should obviously be with Josh. I'm also mad at him for not calling her the whole book. This book just reinforcing the fact that I hate Amberly even more. I'm glad that Reed for to see Taylor and Kiran. She needs some relax time. It didn't turn our to be that relaxing, though. Apparently, she has another stalker... Why can't Kate Brian just giver her a break? Reed did get a lot of cool new stuff for Christmas. I thought our wad kind of funny that Noelle's dad got her a present. I did like the present Upton for her, even though I don't like him. When I went to the library this time, I made sure to get the next two bookas to avoid a cliffhanger. I failed at accomplishing this. Next time, I'm just going to get all the ones I haven't read..... Rick Riordan is the king of cliffhangers; Kate Brian is the queen.
December 21, 2018
Ok so this one went down hill a bit, I felt that 90% of the book was just boring, the same old crap, with a new love interest thrown in (Upton, who by the way I totally don’t like and think he is a player). I really do not understand how Reed can be so into him! It was strange how Poppy went missing, but I actually didn’t even care for this plot line. The thing that got me sucked in again (I was giving up on this series), was at the end when Reed was pushed off the boat!! Who could it be? I will listen to the next book to find out!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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April 14, 2009I liked this book because of the funny cute moments, although I have learned that all the books in the series are beginning to get repetitive. The main character, Reed, meets and begins to open up to someone, usually a guy and starts to really like them. Then the antagonist comes around, messes up their relationship. At the end, something bad happens to Reed. From the last few books, she is threatened by death.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2012
I'm a little disappointed with the current storyline of this arc so far. To me, it seems as if the author is trying to extend a series that has already been concluded. I adored the first eight Private novels, but this one seems to be lacking the same suspense factors that were the key of the success of the other Private books. I'm going to continue with this arc, to give it a real chance, but at this point it looks like the storyline has reached its end.
April 28, 2019
I think this is one of my favorite books in the series. I love that it takes place in the Carribean and there is never a dull moment. Wherever Reid goes, trouble follows! This was a fast read and though I like the whole series, some of the books in the series can drag. Not this one. It was great fun and plan to do a reread of all the books in the series soon.
February 19, 2013
Aaaand we're back. This series, like Pretty Little Liars should've ended at book 8, but it is forcibly continued. The story felt forced and Upton's interest in Reed was kind of annoying as she is the most boring person in the group. But meh, what can we do!
April 21, 2009
Much as I liked it, I kind of wish Reed's story would end already. Really, how much more drama is there to feed from?
January 9, 2011
i liked it just like i luved all the other ones i just preffer josh. upton is too player-like. josh is reeds lover 4 eva!!
February 8, 2018
Very happy that Reed is back to being a Billings girl. In addition to being another mystery, it is also very suspenseful. Some of the girls have a lot of growing up to do. Of course there are also some of the girls I just can't stand. What immature babies. I am happy for Reed and Upton. I don't believe in a player changing. Although, I have heard of some men who have changed. Did Reed really change Upton for the better? Who is stalking Reed this time and who tried to kill her? I also don't think Reed should be in competition with Amberly over a room. After all, Amberly is a freshman. It was also proven in the last book that Reed did not mean to do what she did with Dash in the last book. Therefore she should have never lost presidency. Looking forward to the next book. Kate Brian is an incredible writer and I have decided she is another favorite author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2024
No spoilers --listened to on Libby.
I did not realize that my Libby did not have #8 until I finished this and noticed this was #9. However, without book 8, I was not lost or confused, getting into book 9 from 7. Definitely thought this vacation to Caribbean was what Reed did truly needed, but this book was WILD to Reed. What could go wrong in the Caribbeans? SO MUCH! This book had one of the best storylines from this series. I did not expect all that to happen in this book. I listened to this in one sitting because it was SO good! Besides the beginning of this series to build the story, this one is definitely my favorite being in the series.
Cannot wait to "see" what happens in the next book!
Would I recommend? Not to everyone, only if they are looking for an easy YA contemporary series with drama and mystery.
I did not realize that my Libby did not have #8 until I finished this and noticed this was #9. However, without book 8, I was not lost or confused, getting into book 9 from 7. Definitely thought this vacation to Caribbean was what Reed did truly needed, but this book was WILD to Reed. What could go wrong in the Caribbeans? SO MUCH! This book had one of the best storylines from this series. I did not expect all that to happen in this book. I listened to this in one sitting because it was SO good! Besides the beginning of this series to build the story, this one is definitely my favorite being in the series.
Cannot wait to "see" what happens in the next book!
Would I recommend? Not to everyone, only if they are looking for an easy YA contemporary series with drama and mystery.
March 11, 2024
Assez déçu de ce tome 9, rien d'exceptionnel c’était lent et Reed à encore un nouveau love interest qui n’est pas mon préféré.
Je pense que l'aspect vacance et non internat ma deplus, Reed et ses amis passent noël sur les îles avec le soleil, plage, soirée casino et plein de nouveau garçons, il manquait ce côté thriller, soupçons, je t’aime moi non plus et le oh mon dieu que j’aime tant.
Après ça reste un tome filler, la fin s’arrête comme d'habitude sur un cliffhanger, j'espère que le tome 10 sera meilleur.
Je pense que l'aspect vacance et non internat ma deplus, Reed et ses amis passent noël sur les îles avec le soleil, plage, soirée casino et plein de nouveau garçons, il manquait ce côté thriller, soupçons, je t’aime moi non plus et le oh mon dieu que j’aime tant.
Après ça reste un tome filler, la fin s’arrête comme d'habitude sur un cliffhanger, j'espère que le tome 10 sera meilleur.
November 20, 2025
After the major event cliffhanger on Revelation, it continues in a slow start in Lost Paradise.
I guess this is the 3rd arc of the series.
Big new cast of characters and we see some familiars also.
If you read Last Christmas (the prequel novella) you'll be familiar with the Ryan twins.
From a boarding school setting, this shift into an Island setting, Reed and the girls are on a vacation.
Reed looks flat and went back from "Im not like other girls" and eyed by the British handsome guy Thomas Pearson 2.0 Upton Giles but with more personality.
I already have my guess on who's the main villain,
My guess is Mrs. Ryan (i think she also have an affair with Upton.)
The book is pretty silly for me, but i still enjoyed it. I just wish Reed don't have boy drama this time, because it felt like repetitive. I like Upton thou even with a LOT OF RED FLAGS.
Oh Reed! Knock your head.
I guess this is the 3rd arc of the series.
Big new cast of characters and we see some familiars also.
If you read Last Christmas (the prequel novella) you'll be familiar with the Ryan twins.
From a boarding school setting, this shift into an Island setting, Reed and the girls are on a vacation.
Reed looks flat and went back from "Im not like other girls" and eyed by the British handsome guy Thomas Pearson 2.0 Upton Giles but with more personality.
I already have my guess on who's the main villain,
My guess is Mrs. Ryan (i think she also have an affair with Upton.)
The book is pretty silly for me, but i still enjoyed it. I just wish Reed don't have boy drama this time, because it felt like repetitive. I like Upton thou even with a LOT OF RED FLAGS.
Oh Reed! Knock your head.
July 3, 2020
Unfortunately, this was the least interesting Private book so far. The tropical island vacation setting just made this feel more like any other young adult vacation book, and very little of the usual thriller tone was present. Also, Reed's romance life if the least interesting part of this entire series, so having an entire book focused on her dating a guy while on vacation was just lame.
This is getting three stars instead of one for two reasons: Noelle and the last two pages of this book.
This is getting three stars instead of one for two reasons: Noelle and the last two pages of this book.
August 28, 2018
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.
December 25, 2019
Lo empece junto con el de Ariana y el de Ari, lo terminé en dos dias y este...no. No entiendo que tienen Reed que todos son tan buenos y tan... psicopatas con ella déjenla en paz...jajaj lo único bueno de la novela es que están todas las Billings originales.
July 24, 2025
This one had a fun change of scenery, which helped freshen up the series a bit, and there were definitely some dramatic moments that kept me reading. I liked seeing the characters outside of their usual environment and how the mystery continued to unfold.
Still, it didn’t completely grab me the way earlier books did. Some of the plot twists felt a little forced, and I wasn’t as invested in the setting or new characters introduced here.
Overall, it was entertaining enough to keep going with the series, but not one of the strongest installments for me.
Still, it didn’t completely grab me the way earlier books did. Some of the plot twists felt a little forced, and I wasn’t as invested in the setting or new characters introduced here.
Overall, it was entertaining enough to keep going with the series, but not one of the strongest installments for me.
November 10, 2017
Reed's romantic actions in this book irritated me. I actually groaned aloud at some of Upton's cheesy romantic lines and Reed's stupidity. Also there were way too many noticeable typos.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 199 reviews