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RVHS Secrets #1
Secret Girlfriend
Since her mom died, Amy Whalen’s been invisible—but not in the cool, superpower kind of way. Overlooked at school and ignored at home, Amy holds tight to her few running, painting, and her long-held crush on soccer god, Chris Kent. But as senior year nears, Chris doesn’t just notice her, he needs her. Amy will agree to almost anything to be with him. Everything is great—sort of—until Luke Parker shows up for soccer tryouts and sees through every one of Amy’s defenses. When Luke decides he wants Chris’s spot on the team and wouldn’t sneeze at the captain’s jersey either their rivalry spins out of control. It doesn’t help that Luke also wants the girl Chris kept hidden all AMY.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2013
70 people are currently reading
2886 people want to read
About the author
Bria Quinlan
28 books431 followersBria Quinlan is an award-nominated bestselling author of eight Romantic Comedies and YA Issue Books (that she swears are funny...really. They are.) Her books make you snort Diet Coke out your nose or tear up and curse her name.
Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/ybgdq33r
Kobo: https://tinyurl.com/krvpqjr
BN: https://tinyurl.com/ydf9det6
iBooks: https://tinyurl.com/jrblzqr
Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/y9bcw7za
Twitter: https://tinyurl.com/zsxehx8
Instagram: https://tinyurl.com/yd8nv8tj
BookBub: https://tinyurl.com/y8edzs5d
BREW HA HA SERIES
#1 The Last Single Girl
#2 Worth the Fall
#3 The Catching Kind
#4 The Proposing Kind
#5 Things That Shine
#6 *In Progress*!
STARLIGHT HARBOR
#1 The Sweetest Things
#2 Back to You (summer 2022!!!)
RVHS SECRETS
#1 Secret Girlfriend
#2 Secret Life
YA Standalones
Wreckless
It didn’t surprise anyone when Bria Quinlan started writing YA Rom Coms… after all, her life is a walking sitcom (minus the commercials). Plus, secretly she’s still 16 (although her license says something different). Finally putting those English Literature and Creative Writing degrees and Copy Editing cert to work, Bria’s excited to get her quirky stories on the page to share with the world (or at least a segment of it).
She’s represented by the awesomely amazing Lauren Macleod of the Clan…. Oh, wait. Of Strothman Agency.
Bria writes Romantic Comedies for teens that take hard topics and make you laugh through your tears. You can contact her at briaquinlan.com OR twitter @briaquinlan
She also writes sweet & sassy Contemporary Romances as Caitie Quinn.
A proud Golden Heart Finalist, she’s focusing on writing stories that make you laugh, make you cry and remind you that life is an adventure not to be ignored.
Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/ybgdq33r
Kobo: https://tinyurl.com/krvpqjr
BN: https://tinyurl.com/ydf9det6
iBooks: https://tinyurl.com/jrblzqr
Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/y9bcw7za
Twitter: https://tinyurl.com/zsxehx8
Instagram: https://tinyurl.com/yd8nv8tj
BookBub: https://tinyurl.com/y8edzs5d
BREW HA HA SERIES
#1 The Last Single Girl
#2 Worth the Fall
#3 The Catching Kind
#4 The Proposing Kind
#5 Things That Shine
#6 *In Progress*!
STARLIGHT HARBOR
#1 The Sweetest Things
#2 Back to You (summer 2022!!!)
RVHS SECRETS
#1 Secret Girlfriend
#2 Secret Life
YA Standalones
Wreckless
It didn’t surprise anyone when Bria Quinlan started writing YA Rom Coms… after all, her life is a walking sitcom (minus the commercials). Plus, secretly she’s still 16 (although her license says something different). Finally putting those English Literature and Creative Writing degrees and Copy Editing cert to work, Bria’s excited to get her quirky stories on the page to share with the world (or at least a segment of it).
She’s represented by the awesomely amazing Lauren Macleod of the Clan…. Oh, wait. Of Strothman Agency.
Bria writes Romantic Comedies for teens that take hard topics and make you laugh through your tears. You can contact her at briaquinlan.com OR twitter @briaquinlan
She also writes sweet & sassy Contemporary Romances as Caitie Quinn.
A proud Golden Heart Finalist, she’s focusing on writing stories that make you laugh, make you cry and remind you that life is an adventure not to be ignored.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
December 22, 2015
3 She Was Blind Stars
Amy is invisible to everyone around her. Even her father doesn't see her. During a summer job Amy gets close to Chris the popular guy at school. They pretty much hang out everyday during the summer (Only at work). When it's almost time for school to start Chris comes up with a plan. He needs to stay popular so he can have a better chance at getting into college. So he starts "fake" dating the most popular cheerleader Cheryl. Amy will still be his "real" girlfriend but a secret.
During school Chris ignored Amy and only focused on Cheryl. He left Amy many times without a ride and broke many plans to spend time with her. She even was ok witnessing him making out with Cheryl.
The new guy Luke sees Amy right away. He starts talking to her and giving her rides to school. Amy is too blind to see that Chris is using her and is really dating Cheryl. Even after she catches Chris is many lies she still is blind. Amy has had a crush on Chris since she was younger and now that her dream came true she just can't stop wanting Chris.
Luke tries everything to make Amy see that Chris isn't the guy for her. When Amy finally realizes that Luke is right and she wants to be with him something happens that causes Luke to back off for good.
Will Luke and Amy finally get it together or will Amy stay a secret with her dream guy?
This was a sugary sweet book. I really loved Luke. Amy was immature for a senior and I couldn't believe she let Chris string her along like she did. If I could of reached into my kindle and smack her I would have. lol
My 3 stars are for Luke and his family! I loved them all!
If you want a very light and sweet read this ones for you. I doubt I will be continuing with the series. Too sweet for me. lol
Amy is invisible to everyone around her. Even her father doesn't see her. During a summer job Amy gets close to Chris the popular guy at school. They pretty much hang out everyday during the summer (Only at work). When it's almost time for school to start Chris comes up with a plan. He needs to stay popular so he can have a better chance at getting into college. So he starts "fake" dating the most popular cheerleader Cheryl. Amy will still be his "real" girlfriend but a secret.
During school Chris ignored Amy and only focused on Cheryl. He left Amy many times without a ride and broke many plans to spend time with her. She even was ok witnessing him making out with Cheryl.
The new guy Luke sees Amy right away. He starts talking to her and giving her rides to school. Amy is too blind to see that Chris is using her and is really dating Cheryl. Even after she catches Chris is many lies she still is blind. Amy has had a crush on Chris since she was younger and now that her dream came true she just can't stop wanting Chris.
Luke tries everything to make Amy see that Chris isn't the guy for her. When Amy finally realizes that Luke is right and she wants to be with him something happens that causes Luke to back off for good.
Will Luke and Amy finally get it together or will Amy stay a secret with her dream guy?
This was a sugary sweet book. I really loved Luke. Amy was immature for a senior and I couldn't believe she let Chris string her along like she did. If I could of reached into my kindle and smack her I would have. lol
My 3 stars are for Luke and his family! I loved them all!
If you want a very light and sweet read this ones for you. I doubt I will be continuing with the series. Too sweet for me. lol
October 26, 2013
Poor Amy.
Though the book never came right out and said it, I got the distinct impression that Amy is one of those girls who, because of a combination of circumstances in middle and early high school, got shuttled into the non-popular, never-noticed-unless-they're-a-freak-in-some-way teens. Her mom passed away six years ago, she's shy and quiet, and she likes to run - none of the things that earn you a ticket to popularity in high school.
Which is why Chris never noticed her until they worked together one summer. Turns out she's different from all the other girls he'd ever been with, and really, really pretty. Amy had been crushing on him since her hormones kicked in, and he's instantly smitten. But Chris says that in order to get into Monroe State, he'll need to look impressive on paper, which means being elected onto Homecoming Court, which means dating the most popular girl in school.
Is it stupid that Amy agrees to be Chris's secret girlfriend? Absolutely. Would I have done the same thing? You betcha.
When Luke comes along and treats Amy like the amazing girl she is, she has a tough time - Luke's treating her like she's perfect, and he's the perfect boyfriend, but....CHRIS. Who she's loved forever and adores her and is a really good kisser. So what if his fake girlfriend Cheryl is a total bitch?
Even though I understand Amy's dilemma, I was happy that Quinlan made Luke into the character he was - not coddling, or all-adoring, but really calling Amy out on her choices and asking her to look at her life without blinders on. Even though that's really scary for Amy, it eventually turns out for the best.
And OMG, did I ever swoon at the knight-in-shining-armor act BOTH boys pull for Amy in their own way at the end of the book. Yes, Amy chooses one, but I want to squeeze both of them for being real stand-up guys in the end (let's just brush that little fist fight over Amy on the soccer field under the rug, hmmm?) Not only were they sweet, but for the most part, they were an amazing example of how teen boys SHOULD be treating their girlfriends.
SECRET GIRLFRIEND was the perfect romance for me - a wonderful balance of typical teen angst and a sad past, swoon-worthy boys, and tough choices that, in the end, made the heroine stronger. Not to mention, just enough humor and happiness to make the heartbreak totally worth it. Highly recommended for fans of Stephanie Perkins and Miranda Kinnealy.
Though the book never came right out and said it, I got the distinct impression that Amy is one of those girls who, because of a combination of circumstances in middle and early high school, got shuttled into the non-popular, never-noticed-unless-they're-a-freak-in-some-way teens. Her mom passed away six years ago, she's shy and quiet, and she likes to run - none of the things that earn you a ticket to popularity in high school.
Which is why Chris never noticed her until they worked together one summer. Turns out she's different from all the other girls he'd ever been with, and really, really pretty. Amy had been crushing on him since her hormones kicked in, and he's instantly smitten. But Chris says that in order to get into Monroe State, he'll need to look impressive on paper, which means being elected onto Homecoming Court, which means dating the most popular girl in school.
Is it stupid that Amy agrees to be Chris's secret girlfriend? Absolutely. Would I have done the same thing? You betcha.
When Luke comes along and treats Amy like the amazing girl she is, she has a tough time - Luke's treating her like she's perfect, and he's the perfect boyfriend, but....CHRIS. Who she's loved forever and adores her and is a really good kisser. So what if his fake girlfriend Cheryl is a total bitch?
Even though I understand Amy's dilemma, I was happy that Quinlan made Luke into the character he was - not coddling, or all-adoring, but really calling Amy out on her choices and asking her to look at her life without blinders on. Even though that's really scary for Amy, it eventually turns out for the best.
And OMG, did I ever swoon at the knight-in-shining-armor act BOTH boys pull for Amy in their own way at the end of the book. Yes, Amy chooses one, but I want to squeeze both of them for being real stand-up guys in the end (let's just brush that little fist fight over Amy on the soccer field under the rug, hmmm?) Not only were they sweet, but for the most part, they were an amazing example of how teen boys SHOULD be treating their girlfriends.
SECRET GIRLFRIEND was the perfect romance for me - a wonderful balance of typical teen angst and a sad past, swoon-worthy boys, and tough choices that, in the end, made the heroine stronger. Not to mention, just enough humor and happiness to make the heartbreak totally worth it. Highly recommended for fans of Stephanie Perkins and Miranda Kinnealy.
April 17, 2017
I really, really wish there would have been a prologue or a different beginning chapter to this story because I was a little confused about Amy and Chris. Amy has been crushing on soccer sensation Chris, since fifth grade and now she's his super secret girlfriend. Well how did that happen and why? He has another public girlfriend, but it's all part of The Plan. I wanted to know how that came to be and to try and understand the reasoning behind it--why does he need her so much?
Let's face it, Chris is a total sleezy jerk! Of course, he's talented and handsome, but he's using Amy for some reason and she's completely oblivious to it. When Luke moves in, he immediately sees what's going on and tries to help Amy, but she doesn't want to be helped. I have to say it--Luke is the best part of the story! He's Mr. Manners, kind, handsome, and a wonderful friend to Amy--he can "see" her. Amy is such an interesting mess of contradictions. At times, she's very independent, confident, and strong, but at other times, she's very weak, lacks self-esteem and seems to be very needy, almost to the point of pathetic. I think she just wants to be loved. I understand that a lot of teenagers are trying to figure out who they are and are trying to emerge into competent adults, but her extremes were very frustrating. Her mom passed away years ago, her dad is distant (pretty much non-existent), and she hardly has any friends, so she's got the reasons to be the way she is. In fact, I think the rough and tough Coach cared for her more than her own dad did. I wish I could've jumped through the pages to mother her or befriend her or something--I felt so sorry for her.
Although some things were irritating, I couldn't stop reading. My heartstrings were tugged on a little bit. I wanted to know what was going to happen; I cared about the characters; I wanted to see Amy come into her full potential; and I wanted things to resolve in a good way because who doesn't want and deserve a happy ending? A little part of me also wanted some revenge and pay-back. I thought the book was well-written and true to teenage feelings, angst, and growth. I wanted to spend a little more time in the ending, but all in all, I was satisfied.
Content: mild language (especially Coach); mild romance (some innuendo, implied teen sex,
kissing).
*I won a copy in a giveaway, which did not affect my opinion at all. All thoughts are my own.*
Let's face it, Chris is a total sleezy jerk! Of course, he's talented and handsome, but he's using Amy for some reason and she's completely oblivious to it. When Luke moves in, he immediately sees what's going on and tries to help Amy, but she doesn't want to be helped. I have to say it--Luke is the best part of the story! He's Mr. Manners, kind, handsome, and a wonderful friend to Amy--he can "see" her. Amy is such an interesting mess of contradictions. At times, she's very independent, confident, and strong, but at other times, she's very weak, lacks self-esteem and seems to be very needy, almost to the point of pathetic. I think she just wants to be loved. I understand that a lot of teenagers are trying to figure out who they are and are trying to emerge into competent adults, but her extremes were very frustrating. Her mom passed away years ago, her dad is distant (pretty much non-existent), and she hardly has any friends, so she's got the reasons to be the way she is. In fact, I think the rough and tough Coach cared for her more than her own dad did. I wish I could've jumped through the pages to mother her or befriend her or something--I felt so sorry for her.
Although some things were irritating, I couldn't stop reading. My heartstrings were tugged on a little bit. I wanted to know what was going to happen; I cared about the characters; I wanted to see Amy come into her full potential; and I wanted things to resolve in a good way because who doesn't want and deserve a happy ending? A little part of me also wanted some revenge and pay-back. I thought the book was well-written and true to teenage feelings, angst, and growth. I wanted to spend a little more time in the ending, but all in all, I was satisfied.
Content: mild language (especially Coach); mild romance (some innuendo, implied teen sex,
kissing).
*I won a copy in a giveaway, which did not affect my opinion at all. All thoughts are my own.*
October 31, 2017
I had to stop at 30%. I just couldn't take Amy's continuing self-deception. Her situation sucks bad enough that she doesn't need Jerky McUserface screwing her up even more. Chris is practically the love child of Narcissus and Ouroboros he's so self-involved. And Amy lets her delusions about Chris make her be mean to Luke. I honestly have no idea what Luke sees in her or why he'd stick around in the face of her overt and constant harping. It's to the point that there's something wrong with him for coming back again and again for so much abuse.
So you have Amy being abused by Sir Jerks-a-lot who in turn abuses Luke and I can already see the drama llama caravan forming up for a trip across the desert of High School angst. I'm sorry, but I need some alleviation from the pain to keep me in the book and this is just one gigantic slog with zero sign of relief.
And don't even get me started on the "father" who withdraws from the daughter who needs him when his wife dies. I am so very tired of this trope. That is not normal. That is weak and cowardly and abusive and if I never see this character again it will be too soon. I don't know a ton of families in the situation of having to raise young(ish) children after a spouse dies. But of those I do know of, not one has let that happen. The children are too important and emotionally abandoning them is a betrayal of them and of the relationship you had with your spouse. Would you really default on the most important job you shared as a couple? No matter how much pain you were suffering while it happened? That isn't a sign of a great love, it's a sign of a great selfishness.
Wow, I didn't know I had that rant building. Sorry. There was nothing keeping me in this book. I wish I hadn't started it. I wish I hadn't kept at it as long as I did. I hope I can put it behind me now that I've let the rant out.
So you have Amy being abused by Sir Jerks-a-lot who in turn abuses Luke and I can already see the drama llama caravan forming up for a trip across the desert of High School angst. I'm sorry, but I need some alleviation from the pain to keep me in the book and this is just one gigantic slog with zero sign of relief.
And don't even get me started on the "father" who withdraws from the daughter who needs him when his wife dies. I am so very tired of this trope. That is not normal. That is weak and cowardly and abusive and if I never see this character again it will be too soon. I don't know a ton of families in the situation of having to raise young(ish) children after a spouse dies. But of those I do know of, not one has let that happen. The children are too important and emotionally abandoning them is a betrayal of them and of the relationship you had with your spouse. Would you really default on the most important job you shared as a couple? No matter how much pain you were suffering while it happened? That isn't a sign of a great love, it's a sign of a great selfishness.
Wow, I didn't know I had that rant building. Sorry. There was nothing keeping me in this book. I wish I hadn't started it. I wish I hadn't kept at it as long as I did. I hope I can put it behind me now that I've let the rant out.
October 22, 2013
Bria’s books have always made me miss the innocence of youth. When reading her books I find myself back in high school, experiencing all those feelings of first love again. The story of Luke and Amy bring back all those feelings plus more! I wish I would have had a guy like Luke at my high school. He is the epitome of dreamy. He seemed to say all the right things, and man did he have a way with words! His instant attraction to Amy was great. I loved how he could read Amy so well, but he also tried to give her the time and space to see how her current relationship wasn’t really a relationship. I sympathized with Amy as she faced one of the hard parts of growing up and figuring out her conflicting feelings for Jake and Chris. Chris, well I have no words. The majority of the story I just really couldn’t stand him. It was like watching a train wreck. I wanted to scream at Amy when she couldn’t see Chris for who he was because of her major crush on him. I will say that Chris did redeem himself slightly by the end of the story, so I do hope he will receive a story in this series. If you love remembering the way you experienced butterflies when that one boy you’re interested in talks to you the first time, the first time you hold hands, your first date, experiencing that first big crush, then this is definitely a book you will enjoy. Good clean YA at its best.
October 21, 2013
I really need to learn to stop judging a book by it’s cover! This book tells the story of Amy Whalen, a teenage girl with a crush on the most popular guy in school, Chris Kent. Upon reading the book title and then it’s summary I was a little hesitant . I wasn’t sure I wanted to read something like this. I thought it’d lack depth and I wouldn’t really like it. Well I was wrong. This book is a touching story about finding confidence and finding who you are.
When I first started reading the book I was still unsure if I was going to like it. It opens with Amy pining after Chris. They’ve decided (Chris) that they need to keep their relationship a secret to up keep Chris’s public image. So Amy becomes his secret girlfriend and Cheryl, the head cheerleader, becomes his public one. Oh man I really wanted to wallop Chris upside the head for this! It was so sad to read how easily she’d do anything for Chris even when he was clearly just using her. Amy started off as sort of a weak character but as the story progresses we see her gain confidence and become more assertive. This is in part thanks to Luke, the new guy in town.
Luke was such a sweetheart! He sees Amy and how Chris treats her and won’t stand for it. At times he was a little harsh but I felt that Bria wrote him perfectly. He was telling Amy all the things I the reader was thinking about her relationship with Chris. Seeing their relationship blossom was really cute and I was definitely rooting for Luke.
Aside from all the boy drama, we have the loneliness Amy feels from being ignored not only at school but also by her father. After the death of her mother, Amy & her father practically become strangers . They never interact with one another, aside from post it notes. It was just so sad. I really wasn’t expecting this plot line in the book and I loved reading it.
Overall I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by this book and would recommend it to fans of The Stillburrow Crush.
When I first started reading the book I was still unsure if I was going to like it. It opens with Amy pining after Chris. They’ve decided (Chris) that they need to keep their relationship a secret to up keep Chris’s public image. So Amy becomes his secret girlfriend and Cheryl, the head cheerleader, becomes his public one. Oh man I really wanted to wallop Chris upside the head for this! It was so sad to read how easily she’d do anything for Chris even when he was clearly just using her. Amy started off as sort of a weak character but as the story progresses we see her gain confidence and become more assertive. This is in part thanks to Luke, the new guy in town.
Luke was such a sweetheart! He sees Amy and how Chris treats her and won’t stand for it. At times he was a little harsh but I felt that Bria wrote him perfectly. He was telling Amy all the things I the reader was thinking about her relationship with Chris. Seeing their relationship blossom was really cute and I was definitely rooting for Luke.
Aside from all the boy drama, we have the loneliness Amy feels from being ignored not only at school but also by her father. After the death of her mother, Amy & her father practically become strangers . They never interact with one another, aside from post it notes. It was just so sad. I really wasn’t expecting this plot line in the book and I loved reading it.
Overall I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by this book and would recommend it to fans of The Stillburrow Crush.
July 31, 2016
Voy a ser benevolente porque me divertí leyéndolo xD
La historia estuvo bien. Al principio como que quería golpear a la protagonista pero ese sentimiento se fue disolviendo poco a poco. Me di cuenta que lo mejor era disfrutar de sus tonterías, al ser una historia corta y de carácter divertido supongo que era lo que se buscaba (que te divirtieras no que quisieras golpearla).
Los personajes principales son poco profundos pero divertidos. Amy es tonta, Chris es un idiota y Luke es dulce pero también tiene sus momentos de adolescente absurdo. Conocemos un poco más de Amy que de Chris o Luke.
Algunas de las cosas que pasaron se me hicieron absurdas pero supongo que sin eso no tendría sentido la historia. En fin, al menos me divertí de lo lindo con este trío de locos.
Aunque lo mejor, lo mejor fue la familia Parker en especial los gemelos <3
La historia estuvo bien. Al principio como que quería golpear a la protagonista pero ese sentimiento se fue disolviendo poco a poco. Me di cuenta que lo mejor era disfrutar de sus tonterías, al ser una historia corta y de carácter divertido supongo que era lo que se buscaba (que te divirtieras no que quisieras golpearla).
Los personajes principales son poco profundos pero divertidos. Amy es tonta, Chris es un idiota y Luke es dulce pero también tiene sus momentos de adolescente absurdo. Conocemos un poco más de Amy que de Chris o Luke.
Algunas de las cosas que pasaron se me hicieron absurdas pero supongo que sin eso no tendría sentido la historia. En fin, al menos me divertí de lo lindo con este trío de locos.
Aunque lo mejor, lo mejor fue la familia Parker en especial los gemelos <3
August 26, 2017
This was a good YA book. Well written. I wasn't sure I was going to like it in the beginning but everything pulled out ok in the end. The main characters choices were pretty messed up and I was worried where all this was going and then in walks the hero of the story and he was amazing. I wanted him to walk out of this book and go find a girl that was nicer to him. I wish the story had gone a little deeper with these characters, dug into there brains more but it is written from her POV and you get a lighter book. It all wraps up really well in the end. This is a teen book with some kissing but over all very clean.
December 29, 2014
Despite the title, and the too-obviously perfect alternative to the poor jerk who keeps Amy as the secret girlfriend, oh, and the overdone invisibility thing, I found this very enjoyable. Not at all difficult to predict where it's going, but I wasn't in the mood to be bothered by that.
April 20, 2017
When I started off reading this I detested Chris. It even got to the point where I was annoyed by Amy. I kept thinking what on earth is wrong with this girl. But then I realized I had to take a step back, quit judging her so hard. She clearly doesn't realize what a selfish jerk Chris is to her. She literally has invisibility down to a science. So why would she care if she was the "other girl." She finally has attention from a guy she likes so of course allowing him to use her wouldn't of even be a thought to her.
Well, then Bria wrote more about Amy and added Luke. Then developed the story and the characters, and oh my goodness I was hooked. I'm so glad she added Luke and his manners. Plus, he only had eyes for Amy which was sweet. This is not a new concept, but Bria added so many lovely touches that I loved this story. Plot twists were well done and considering it's a teen story I think she nailed it.
Well, then Bria wrote more about Amy and added Luke. Then developed the story and the characters, and oh my goodness I was hooked. I'm so glad she added Luke and his manners. Plus, he only had eyes for Amy which was sweet. This is not a new concept, but Bria added so many lovely touches that I loved this story. Plot twists were well done and considering it's a teen story I think she nailed it.
November 28, 2018
Oh man that was really cute .. I am in LOVE with each Parker boy and I wish if we can see more of them or have their own spin off :)) .. Luke is such and angel and I really loved the way he handled Amy specially at the beginning .. I didn't care for Chris that much and I don't like his personality but I think he will have a big role on the second book
overall this one was really cute and I liked how simple the plot was :))
overall this one was really cute and I liked how simple the plot was :))
January 17, 2019
Nombres: Luke & Amy.
Pais: USA
Profesiones: Estudiantes - Jugador Futbol Americano & Corredora Campo Traviesa.
Pais: USA
Profesiones: Estudiantes - Jugador Futbol Americano & Corredora Campo Traviesa.
November 27, 2013
I got this book from a giveaway at yacentralbooks.com, and I couldn't thank them enough!
This was the sort of refreshing chick lit book I had been waiting for for a while now. (It reminded me a bit of She's All That for those of you who have seen the movie.) However, Secret Girlfriend definitely had its own flavor. It's about a high school senior named Amy Whalen who has been totally in love with the same boy, Chris, for years and was finally noticed by him this past summer because they worked together. But there is a catch to their relationship: in order for him to accomplish his Plan on getting into his dream college, he needs to maintain his popularity. Meaning, little Miss "Invisible" Amy cannot go out with him in public. Instead, he needs to continue his relationship with the head cheerleader for everyone to see so that he can become Homecoming King. Initially, Amy is fine with this arrangement since, according to Chris, everyone involved in The Plan is aware of their roles. However, when Luke Parker, a new kid with his eye on Chris's position on the soccer field notices Amy, she begins questioning the legitimacy of The Plan.
What I loved about this book is that Amy is more than a girl caught up in the whirlwind of young love; she has her own strengths and weaknesses. As an amazing runner, she is obviously physically strong, but due to a tragedy in her past, she is vulnerable on the inside.
Also, (I have nowhere else to put it but) despite the sadder aspects of this novel, it was absolutely hilarious! I could not stop laughing at some of the parts of the book, much to the annoyance of the people around me.
Great job Ms. Quinlan! Once I picked it up, I could not put it down!
This was the sort of refreshing chick lit book I had been waiting for for a while now. (It reminded me a bit of She's All That for those of you who have seen the movie.) However, Secret Girlfriend definitely had its own flavor. It's about a high school senior named Amy Whalen who has been totally in love with the same boy, Chris, for years and was finally noticed by him this past summer because they worked together. But there is a catch to their relationship: in order for him to accomplish his Plan on getting into his dream college, he needs to maintain his popularity. Meaning, little Miss "Invisible" Amy cannot go out with him in public. Instead, he needs to continue his relationship with the head cheerleader for everyone to see so that he can become Homecoming King. Initially, Amy is fine with this arrangement since, according to Chris, everyone involved in The Plan is aware of their roles. However, when Luke Parker, a new kid with his eye on Chris's position on the soccer field notices Amy, she begins questioning the legitimacy of The Plan.
What I loved about this book is that Amy is more than a girl caught up in the whirlwind of young love; she has her own strengths and weaknesses. As an amazing runner, she is obviously physically strong, but due to a tragedy in her past, she is vulnerable on the inside.
Also, (I have nowhere else to put it but) despite the sadder aspects of this novel, it was absolutely hilarious! I could not stop laughing at some of the parts of the book, much to the annoyance of the people around me.
Great job Ms. Quinlan! Once I picked it up, I could not put it down!
February 27, 2014
Yup, I enjoyed this. I get how people are upset with Amy being kind of a doormat, but there are real people out there that find themselves in these situations you know. I think she just wanted it so badly that she convinced herself of a great many things so she could have that one thing that made her feel good. I thought it was a great story of development for her -- she really did grow and change a lot throughout the book, and it was realistic. And having someone like Luke finally *see* her must have been kind of crazy and confusing.
Oh Luke. Seriously, so adorable. Actually, I think I'm in love with all the Parkers. What a fabulous family. And it wasn't like Luke was perfect either....he was still a teenage guy who could make some stupid decisions of his own.
I thought the back story of Amy was really well done too. And I loved how the father story played out, and how everything didn't just become perfect, but Amy accepted it b/c that's what was good for her.
Amy really ended up having a lot of people looking out for her, and I thought that was kind of great. I loved the Coach and all he did for her, and how much he saw of what was going on. GO COACH!
OK, yeah, don't know what I'm writing anymore. But like I started off this review -- I really enjoyed this book. It was deep, it was adorable, it was frustrating, and it was ultimately satisfying. Can't wait to read Rachel's story!!
Oh Luke. Seriously, so adorable. Actually, I think I'm in love with all the Parkers. What a fabulous family. And it wasn't like Luke was perfect either....he was still a teenage guy who could make some stupid decisions of his own.
I thought the back story of Amy was really well done too. And I loved how the father story played out, and how everything didn't just become perfect, but Amy accepted it b/c that's what was good for her.
Amy really ended up having a lot of people looking out for her, and I thought that was kind of great. I loved the Coach and all he did for her, and how much he saw of what was going on. GO COACH!
OK, yeah, don't know what I'm writing anymore. But like I started off this review -- I really enjoyed this book. It was deep, it was adorable, it was frustrating, and it was ultimately satisfying. Can't wait to read Rachel's story!!
December 31, 2013
I could not put this book down. Secret Girlfriend is one of those books that you will stay up and read all night long because the story is so captivating and you just have to know how this one is going to end.
What I loved: Amy's transformation throughout the book. She learns a lot about herself and has quite the emotional journey. I thought I had a lot of this story figured out but the twists kept coming and kept me reading. I may have even been a sobbing fool at one point. Quinlan's take on relationships is so realistic and honest. She writes about tough stuff and makes it real. Everything about this book is real--the insecurities, the doubt, the love, it's all there. These characters FEEL. And you know what, as hard as it may be to read sometimes it's refreshing.
What left me wanting more: I could read novels about those Parker boys!
Final Verdict: This book will tug at your heartstrings in the best possible way.
What I loved: Amy's transformation throughout the book. She learns a lot about herself and has quite the emotional journey. I thought I had a lot of this story figured out but the twists kept coming and kept me reading. I may have even been a sobbing fool at one point. Quinlan's take on relationships is so realistic and honest. She writes about tough stuff and makes it real. Everything about this book is real--the insecurities, the doubt, the love, it's all there. These characters FEEL. And you know what, as hard as it may be to read sometimes it's refreshing.
What left me wanting more: I could read novels about those Parker boys!
Final Verdict: This book will tug at your heartstrings in the best possible way.
June 18, 2014
Wanted to like this book since it seemed like it would be a fun & lighthearted book about young love, but ended up frustrated. I'm glad Amy finally gets it right, but her weak personality was very annoying. I know she's growing up & learning to be strong, and gets it eventually. But she was so weak willed, that it seems hard to imagine a person in real life like this without having a social disorder.
January 12, 2014
I tried and tried but at 60% I gave up. Amy has the logic of a twelve year old. She 's being used and I can't stand a weak character. I mean is she blind, dump and deaf?
October 22, 2021
3.5 Stars
This is a very good YA book, and if I had read it in elementary school or early junior high it definitely would be a 4 to 5 star but it is geared to ages/experience really far outside my tastes nowadays. I was so beyond frustrated with the heroine's blindness (we are supposed to be, but still)! The hero is super romantic and the kind of real world guy every woman wishes they could find. I teared up at a few of the family-related emotional scenes and absolutely loved the hero's family. Even the "bad" guy in this book learns his lesson, and I can definitely see how he and her best friend are going to have their own story, even though there are just the barest seeds for it here so some people may not even realize it. Things wrap up a little too neatly and quickly at the end following a really steady pace the rest of the time, but it fits the tone of the book and I was happy to see the HEA for the couple (as much as you can with teens anyway). Not sure I will read the next one but only because of me being old as heck now. :-)
This is a very good YA book, and if I had read it in elementary school or early junior high it definitely would be a 4 to 5 star but it is geared to ages/experience really far outside my tastes nowadays. I was so beyond frustrated with the heroine's blindness (we are supposed to be, but still)! The hero is super romantic and the kind of real world guy every woman wishes they could find. I teared up at a few of the family-related emotional scenes and absolutely loved the hero's family. Even the "bad" guy in this book learns his lesson, and I can definitely see how he and her best friend are going to have their own story, even though there are just the barest seeds for it here so some people may not even realize it. Things wrap up a little too neatly and quickly at the end following a really steady pace the rest of the time, but it fits the tone of the book and I was happy to see the HEA for the couple (as much as you can with teens anyway). Not sure I will read the next one but only because of me being old as heck now. :-)
March 28, 2014
3.5
Oh boy. I’m still not sure what to rate this one. Parts I really enjoyed, like Luke. I loved Luke. Other parts drove me literally up the wall. I don’t know if I’ve ever wanted to step into a book and shake a heroine as much as I did here. I thought this was pretty well written. I got sucked into the story and definitely wanted to see what would happen and to see if Amy would ever get a self-esteem. I admit; I was a little confused when starting the book, I felt like I had missed a chapter or prolog. Amy is secretly “dating” the super popular star of the soccer team, Chris. Chris has some big Plan and has to keep Amy a secret in order to achieve all his dreams. Which turn out to be crowned homecoming King. Apparently he thinks if he gets homecoming King he will have a better shot at getting into college. Um, pretty sure Colleges don’t care if you were homecoming royalty. Anyway, he thinks he needs to date the head cheerleader so he can be crowned and can’t get the popular vote if he is openly seen dating Amy. Yeah, real winner.
Amy drove me insane; I could not understand her character. At times she comes across strong, smart, athletic, and normal. Other times she is desperate, pathetic and incapable of making any decent decisions. I get that she’s had a crush on Chris since she was a kid and they were friends/dating during the summer. But, honestly, what girl in her right mind would be okay to settle for a secret relationship. Especially when it’s clear to anyone with eyes that Chris is a total tool, manipulating and using her every chance he gets. He doesn’t call her, can’t be caught having a conversation with her. Doesn’t spend time with her, too busy hanging with the “cool” crowd. Doesn’t kiss her, unless it’s to distract her or shut her up. I mean come on Amy, get a clue. I couldn’t stand her when she was around Chris or thinking about Chris. Ugh. So frustrating.
Then there is Luke. He saved the story for me. I’m still not entirely sure what he really saw in Amy, I guess he was able to see past her insecurities and find her few good qualities. He really does some nice stuff and is just a stud. The whole flood thing was awesome. I get him pulling away towards the end; he got fed-up with Amy too. I kind of think he should have at least talked to her, but really with everything she’d put him through, I again didn’t really blame him. I got really ticked at Amy when about halfway through the book she says to Luke’s brother that “I could never date a guy who treated someone the way he treated Katie.” I cannot believe she said that. HELLO, her LOSER secret boyfriend has been treating her like dirt for weeks and is TOO embarrassed to be seen with her. All Luke had done to Katie is breakup with her nicely and was nice to her when she showed up out of the blue. Amy is just totally irrational with the whole Luke/Katie relationship. And in a weird warped way thought Luke was treating Katie worse than Chris was treating her. Just weird.
So, aside from my venting, (don’t get me started on her dad) I did actually enjoy the book. Amy was nuts, but by the end she does start to figure herself out and once she realizes her feelings for Luke/Chris she gets less annoying.
Content
Romance: Clean.
Language: Mild
Oh boy. I’m still not sure what to rate this one. Parts I really enjoyed, like Luke. I loved Luke. Other parts drove me literally up the wall. I don’t know if I’ve ever wanted to step into a book and shake a heroine as much as I did here. I thought this was pretty well written. I got sucked into the story and definitely wanted to see what would happen and to see if Amy would ever get a self-esteem. I admit; I was a little confused when starting the book, I felt like I had missed a chapter or prolog. Amy is secretly “dating” the super popular star of the soccer team, Chris. Chris has some big Plan and has to keep Amy a secret in order to achieve all his dreams. Which turn out to be crowned homecoming King. Apparently he thinks if he gets homecoming King he will have a better shot at getting into college. Um, pretty sure Colleges don’t care if you were homecoming royalty. Anyway, he thinks he needs to date the head cheerleader so he can be crowned and can’t get the popular vote if he is openly seen dating Amy. Yeah, real winner.
Amy drove me insane; I could not understand her character. At times she comes across strong, smart, athletic, and normal. Other times she is desperate, pathetic and incapable of making any decent decisions. I get that she’s had a crush on Chris since she was a kid and they were friends/dating during the summer. But, honestly, what girl in her right mind would be okay to settle for a secret relationship. Especially when it’s clear to anyone with eyes that Chris is a total tool, manipulating and using her every chance he gets. He doesn’t call her, can’t be caught having a conversation with her. Doesn’t spend time with her, too busy hanging with the “cool” crowd. Doesn’t kiss her, unless it’s to distract her or shut her up. I mean come on Amy, get a clue. I couldn’t stand her when she was around Chris or thinking about Chris. Ugh. So frustrating.
Then there is Luke. He saved the story for me. I’m still not entirely sure what he really saw in Amy, I guess he was able to see past her insecurities and find her few good qualities. He really does some nice stuff and is just a stud. The whole flood thing was awesome. I get him pulling away towards the end; he got fed-up with Amy too. I kind of think he should have at least talked to her, but really with everything she’d put him through, I again didn’t really blame him. I got really ticked at Amy when about halfway through the book she says to Luke’s brother that “I could never date a guy who treated someone the way he treated Katie.” I cannot believe she said that. HELLO, her LOSER secret boyfriend has been treating her like dirt for weeks and is TOO embarrassed to be seen with her. All Luke had done to Katie is breakup with her nicely and was nice to her when she showed up out of the blue. Amy is just totally irrational with the whole Luke/Katie relationship. And in a weird warped way thought Luke was treating Katie worse than Chris was treating her. Just weird.
So, aside from my venting, (don’t get me started on her dad) I did actually enjoy the book. Amy was nuts, but by the end she does start to figure herself out and once she realizes her feelings for Luke/Chris she gets less annoying.
Content
Romance: Clean.
Language: Mild
June 2, 2016
I was not particularly impressed by this book. I don't know, something about it made it seem rather childish. Even the cover seems pretty childish to me. Amy was a very annoying protagonist. First off, why the heck would she agree to be someone's secret girlfriend? He obviously doesn't respect you that much if he's embarrassed to be dating you. And if that wasn't evident by him wanting their relationship to be secret, it because obvious when he didn't want her coming anywhere and telling her she wasn't invited places. Oh, and him ditching their dates and stuff for some other girl. Seriously, I would've dumped that guy three pages into the book. Actually I wouldn't have gone out with him in the first place. I get it, he's her dream guy and all that chiz. BUT SERIOUSLY. One of the reasons I was so annoyed with this book was because Amy had like no self respect. Just dump Chris and be done with it. Then there's Luke, he's a nice, sweet guy who's obviously into Amy. WHY WOULDN'T SHE GO OUT WITH HIM? he's hot and southern too. Some nice pluses. Amy just needs to grow up and stop kidding herself. Chris doesn't actually care about her! The whole time I was reading this book I found myself more annoyed than enjoying it. Sure, it got better towards the end but... This book was just irritating to me. Amy just keeps making excuses for Chris and after the first time it was just really annoying.
Now after that rant... It was pretty amusing seeing Chris and Luke fight over Amy.... I do like that kind of love triangle drama. Though this one was rather annoying. (if you couldn't gather that from my earlier rant) This story gets a 6/10 stars and I feel that rating is quite generous because I'm rather tempted to push it down to 5. I don't exactly recommend this book. If you're looking for a good romance drama, there are plenty other, better books to read.
Synopsis:
Since her mom died, Amy Whalen’s been invisible—but not in the cool, superpower kind of way. Overlooked at school and ignored at home, Amy holds tight to her few constants: running, painting, and her long-held crush on soccer god, Chris Kent. But as senior year nears, Chris doesn’t just notice her, he needs her.
Amy will agree to almost anything to be with him.
Everything is great—sort of—until Luke Parker shows up for soccer tryouts and sees through every one of Amy’s defenses. When Luke decides he wants Chris’s spot on the team and wouldn’t sneeze at the captain’s jersey either their rivalry spins out of control.
It doesn’t help that Luke also wants the girl Chris kept hidden all summer: AMY.
YA ROMANCE BY GOLDEN HEART FINALIST, BRIA QUINLAN
Now after that rant... It was pretty amusing seeing Chris and Luke fight over Amy.... I do like that kind of love triangle drama. Though this one was rather annoying. (if you couldn't gather that from my earlier rant) This story gets a 6/10 stars and I feel that rating is quite generous because I'm rather tempted to push it down to 5. I don't exactly recommend this book. If you're looking for a good romance drama, there are plenty other, better books to read.
Synopsis:
Since her mom died, Amy Whalen’s been invisible—but not in the cool, superpower kind of way. Overlooked at school and ignored at home, Amy holds tight to her few constants: running, painting, and her long-held crush on soccer god, Chris Kent. But as senior year nears, Chris doesn’t just notice her, he needs her.
Amy will agree to almost anything to be with him.
Everything is great—sort of—until Luke Parker shows up for soccer tryouts and sees through every one of Amy’s defenses. When Luke decides he wants Chris’s spot on the team and wouldn’t sneeze at the captain’s jersey either their rivalry spins out of control.
It doesn’t help that Luke also wants the girl Chris kept hidden all summer: AMY.
YA ROMANCE BY GOLDEN HEART FINALIST, BRIA QUINLAN
June 18, 2017
I've been on a bit of a YA chick lit binge lately. Light and easy to read fits the bill right now. But I found this book dissatisfying. I think the author had some interesting ideas, but I don't think they were well executed. I found the whole book a bit flat. There were no real high points in the plot, and the characters were wooden. I love well written dialogue, but dialogue in this book was limited and wooden.
If there is a classification lower than 'G' this is how this book would be rated. After the whole book, I thought at least I could count on a kiss with the boy of her choice. Even the Disney princesses get a good snog at the end of the movie. Instead, in this book the boy just 'brushes his lips' over Amy's. WTF?
All around disappointing. There are better offerings to be read in this genre.
If there is a classification lower than 'G' this is how this book would be rated. After the whole book, I thought at least I could count on a kiss with the boy of her choice. Even the Disney princesses get a good snog at the end of the movie. Instead, in this book the boy just 'brushes his lips' over Amy's. WTF?
All around disappointing. There are better offerings to be read in this genre.
October 13, 2015
Awwww what a cute book. It made me smile and feel happy. It was basically candy for my brain. I read Secret Life, the sequel to this probably a year ago, without knowing that it was a sequel. Yes. I know, stupid. Still it was a bit strange to see Chris (the lead guy in the other book) acting like, let's be honest an asshole in ths one to Amy. And Rachel, the protagonist in the sequel is the best friend in this book and boy is she miles different. But I could see the parallels and foreshadowing in this book :).
I really loved Amy's character, she was honest and genuine and found herself feeling invisible. I loved her story and how her character grew to love Luke Parker. Swoon. Overall a really sweet fluffy read with some depth. Highly reccomend if you just want a quick fun read to immerse yourself in and escape from the real world.
I really loved Amy's character, she was honest and genuine and found herself feeling invisible. I loved her story and how her character grew to love Luke Parker. Swoon. Overall a really sweet fluffy read with some depth. Highly reccomend if you just want a quick fun read to immerse yourself in and escape from the real world.
December 16, 2013
I see that this book has lots of good reviews and how it was a heartwarming light read but I simply cannot bear it. I'm fighting very hard to finish it. It's dragging and moving way too slow. Amy simply pisses me off. she's naive and dumb that (SPOILER) she cant see Chris is plainly cheating on her. She just continues eating up his words and staying loyal to him like a sad lost puppy. This one just didn't do it for me. 2 stars because it has an interesting plot and entertained me a while but it was only temporary. Luke Parker I liked, he voiced my thoughts but he needed to make a move and show he was interested as to seeing Amy was oblivious. And at times could get too harsh and violent. Quit with the "manners" thing if you'll just continue to yell and kick chairs
January 19, 2014
I loved this story. The heroine, Amy, had a fresh, funny, slightly snarky voice that took me right back to high school. I readily identified with her, and could feel her loneliness. That said, I was angry and slightly baffled that she was the last person to see what everyone else kept telling her about Chris and Luke. I wanted to reach into my e-reader and shake her until she figured it out.
Perhaps the urge is just wisdom that comes with experience. Lord knows I should be old enough to know better.
And Luke? At the risk of sounding like a cougar, he's just yummy. Er ... how about, he's the kind of boy all good romance heroes should grow up to be. Yes, that's better. ;)
Perhaps the urge is just wisdom that comes with experience. Lord knows I should be old enough to know better.
And Luke? At the risk of sounding like a cougar, he's just yummy. Er ... how about, he's the kind of boy all good romance heroes should grow up to be. Yes, that's better. ;)
September 28, 2013
I got to read an early version of this book several years ago and it STILL resonates with me. I still think about Amy, Luke, Chris, and Rachel, and all the other wonderful characters Bria created in her Secret Series. It's a gift Bria consistently delivers to her reader: The characters live on with you, in the flesh.
If you're looking for a contemporary romance with believable character growth that pulls at the heartstrings (with snort-worthy humor) then get your hands on anything Quinlan releases. Doooooo iiiiiiiiit.
If you're looking for a contemporary romance with believable character growth that pulls at the heartstrings (with snort-worthy humor) then get your hands on anything Quinlan releases. Doooooo iiiiiiiiit.
January 4, 2016
Did not finish. Could not finish. Yikes how could any one give this five stars? She was dumb and weak. Maybe she pulled it together in the end (I would not know), but would that really save this book? After what I read, I guaran-damn-tee it would not! Secret Girlfriend? After reading the title I should have got a clue and stop while I was ahead. Any girl that's willing to be secret girlfriend is no girl I'd root for. Recommend? Save yourself the trouble. Pulling teeth would be more pleasant then this book.
July 2, 2014
I stayed up until 2:30 to finish reading this book! I wish I had another to say I laughed and I cried. But it is the truth! I loved how Amy evolved and grew into a person she wanted to be and all because of the confidence she gleaned from someone who saw her for who she really is! *dreamy sigh* Everyone needs to find someone like that!!
April 21, 2015
I really don't like Amy that much. I mean, everyone knows Chris was just using her. What happened to girl power? Nevertheless the important thing is that she realized her mistake. I really loved all the characters especially Luke and his brothers. I loved how the story also settled the conflict with her dad. It was a great read all in all.
August 27, 2016
I liked it, but Amy was too much of a doormat. Chris completely walked over her, and I hated that. She also kept pushing Luke away, while he's just really sweet.
So it gave me a terrible feeling, though Luke and his family were very nice characters.
So it gave me a terrible feeling, though Luke and his family were very nice characters.
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