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Sweets High Romance Series #1
In Plain Sight
When her mom moves in with her rich new fiancé, Maddie Sinclair’s life goes from trailer parks and thrift stores to a pampered life of luxury on the rich side of town. Her soon-to-be stepdad gives Maddie and her siblings everything they could want, including unlimited access to a credit card. Maddie transforms into a new person over Spring Break.
What she doesn’t expect is that everyone thinks she is a new student. Maddie’s new sports car and designer clothes draw in the mean girls, who are nice girls to her now. Boys want her attention and girls want to be her friend. Maddie finds herself crushing hard on Colby Jensen, and for the first time ever, the popular guy actually likes her back.
Colby Jensen grew up in his brother’s shadow. His parents expect him to be the best even though they’re struggling to get the bills paid while maintaining the façade of a perfect life. Colby is sick of pretending like everything is perfect, and he is totally over dating stuck up princesses at school. Then he meets Maddie and wonders where she’s been all his life. She’s genuine and makes him laugh. When he’s around her, he can forget about the drama at home.
Just when things are becoming perfect, a secret from Maddie’s past emerges, threatening to destroy her popularity and everything she’s become. Maddie knows Colby wouldn’t want anything to do with who she used to be. Colby just wishes she’d give him a chance.
From the bestselling author of Summer Unplugged and Ella's Twisted Senior Year, In Plain Sight is a young adult romance told in dual point of view. Contains mild profanity and romantic scenes.
What she doesn’t expect is that everyone thinks she is a new student. Maddie’s new sports car and designer clothes draw in the mean girls, who are nice girls to her now. Boys want her attention and girls want to be her friend. Maddie finds herself crushing hard on Colby Jensen, and for the first time ever, the popular guy actually likes her back.
Colby Jensen grew up in his brother’s shadow. His parents expect him to be the best even though they’re struggling to get the bills paid while maintaining the façade of a perfect life. Colby is sick of pretending like everything is perfect, and he is totally over dating stuck up princesses at school. Then he meets Maddie and wonders where she’s been all his life. She’s genuine and makes him laugh. When he’s around her, he can forget about the drama at home.
Just when things are becoming perfect, a secret from Maddie’s past emerges, threatening to destroy her popularity and everything she’s become. Maddie knows Colby wouldn’t want anything to do with who she used to be. Colby just wishes she’d give him a chance.
From the bestselling author of Summer Unplugged and Ella's Twisted Senior Year, In Plain Sight is a young adult romance told in dual point of view. Contains mild profanity and romantic scenes.
201 pages, ebook
First published July 31, 2016
376 people are currently reading
397 people want to read
About the author
Amy Sparling
98 books804 followersAmy Sparling is the USA Today Bestselling author of books with swoony first loves and heartwarming endings. She lives on the coast of Texas with her family, her spoiled rotten pets, and a huge pile of books.
By day, she works as a librarian, and by night you can find her curled up with a book–either one she’s reading or one she’s writing.
Amy Sparling is the pen name of author Cheyanne Young, but she’ll answer to either name!
By day, she works as a librarian, and by night you can find her curled up with a book–either one she’s reading or one she’s writing.
Amy Sparling is the pen name of author Cheyanne Young, but she’ll answer to either name!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
April 22, 2019
· “There I am, falling for this girl when she’s entirely too good for me.” ·
This is my first Amy Sparling read and I must say I found it terribly sweet ♥ (which was exactly what I was in the mood for). The moment I read the premise, I knew I HAD to read this—A girl becoming rich overnight and having a chance at a new beginning?
As I started reading, I became more and more invested with the characters—Maddie, who had a really tough childhood lacking all sorts of material possesions and friendships but always counting on a hard-working mom and the sweetest sisters, and Colby, who’s being forced to follow his older brother’s steps and to pretend his family’s not broke.
Together, they make perfect sense. So, it’s only a matter of time and fate for the paths of these two to finally cross.
But as she finds herself falling for Colby, Maddie has a predicament—should she tell Colby the truth of who she is or should she just pretend she’s new not only to the neighborhood but also to school like everyone else assumed? Deep down, she knows that, big or small, lies are lies. But the idea of losing Colby and her new friends makes it hard to come clean.
I loved the way Maddie’s life makes a 360º turn overnight—she goes from trailer park girl to billionaire’s step-daughter overnight—and she still manages to stay true to herself. True, she allows herself some shopping and some things money can actually buy, but she never stops being the responsible and supportive daughter or the caring older sister she’s always been.
On that note, I would have loved to see more of Colby—how he manages (if he ever does) to follow his own steps, neverminding what people expect from him.
All in all, “In Plain Sight” is a cute story told from a dual point of view (Maddie’s and Colby’s), with a great premise and good morals.
This is my first Amy Sparling read and I must say I found it terribly sweet ♥ (which was exactly what I was in the mood for). The moment I read the premise, I knew I HAD to read this—A girl becoming rich overnight and having a chance at a new beginning?
As I started reading, I became more and more invested with the characters—Maddie, who had a really tough childhood lacking all sorts of material possesions and friendships but always counting on a hard-working mom and the sweetest sisters, and Colby, who’s being forced to follow his older brother’s steps and to pretend his family’s not broke.
Together, they make perfect sense. So, it’s only a matter of time and fate for the paths of these two to finally cross.
But as she finds herself falling for Colby, Maddie has a predicament—should she tell Colby the truth of who she is or should she just pretend she’s new not only to the neighborhood but also to school like everyone else assumed? Deep down, she knows that, big or small, lies are lies. But the idea of losing Colby and her new friends makes it hard to come clean.
I loved the way Maddie’s life makes a 360º turn overnight—she goes from trailer park girl to billionaire’s step-daughter overnight—and she still manages to stay true to herself. True, she allows herself some shopping and some things money can actually buy, but she never stops being the responsible and supportive daughter or the caring older sister she’s always been.
On that note, I would have loved to see more of Colby—how he manages (if he ever does) to follow his own steps, neverminding what people expect from him.
All in all, “In Plain Sight” is a cute story told from a dual point of view (Maddie’s and Colby’s), with a great premise and good morals.
August 17, 2016
Overall Rating: 4 Stars
-Book Description: 4
-Cover: 5
-Plot: 3
-Creativity: 3
-Simile Use: 4 (minimal usage)
-Description: 4 (well-balanced)
-Show And Tell Balance: 4
This quick, sweet read follows Maddie Sinclair on a journey of discovery about where self-worth comes from and learning that money doesn't define who you are and who you can love. Having lived a rough life she's thrust into a glorious life she could've never dreamed of--not only that, but the popular kids now notice her with her fabulous clothes and hair. She has a hard time adjusting but never forgets who she is. Colby is another story, he's lived a spoiled life, but sees the issues that can come from it. Despite being one of the 'rich kids' he wants to define who he is based on the way he handles life, not based on his parents financial status. This coming of age story shows two sides to learning who you are and has the perfect dash or romance. I'm looking forward to book two and learning more about some of the supporting characters.
-Book Description: 4
-Cover: 5
-Plot: 3
-Creativity: 3
-Simile Use: 4 (minimal usage)
-Description: 4 (well-balanced)
-Show And Tell Balance: 4
This quick, sweet read follows Maddie Sinclair on a journey of discovery about where self-worth comes from and learning that money doesn't define who you are and who you can love. Having lived a rough life she's thrust into a glorious life she could've never dreamed of--not only that, but the popular kids now notice her with her fabulous clothes and hair. She has a hard time adjusting but never forgets who she is. Colby is another story, he's lived a spoiled life, but sees the issues that can come from it. Despite being one of the 'rich kids' he wants to define who he is based on the way he handles life, not based on his parents financial status. This coming of age story shows two sides to learning who you are and has the perfect dash or romance. I'm looking forward to book two and learning more about some of the supporting characters.
June 14, 2017
The first thing that drew me to this book, was the cover. I had never read anything by Sparling but I decided to jump in.
Maddie has had a pretty hard life, but that soon changes. She is welcome to the world of the Rich. There’s Colby whose parents are not financially responsible, but they don’t want him to have a job. He doesn’t date much and you are reminded over and over he’s not like this brother, the womanizer.
In the beginning, I was enjoying it, I liked Maddie. But the writing didn’t hold me the whole time. I know their teenagers but it felt like they were more immature. Also, I think it needs another once over by the editor.
Overall, It’s Two Boundless Stars. It was ok but could have been better.
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Maddie has had a pretty hard life, but that soon changes. She is welcome to the world of the Rich. There’s Colby whose parents are not financially responsible, but they don’t want him to have a job. He doesn’t date much and you are reminded over and over he’s not like this brother, the womanizer.
In the beginning, I was enjoying it, I liked Maddie. But the writing didn’t hold me the whole time. I know their teenagers but it felt like they were more immature. Also, I think it needs another once over by the editor.
Overall, It’s Two Boundless Stars. It was ok but could have been better.
http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com
https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
August 20, 2016
I loved it
I loved this book...I can feel the love and passion between Maddie and Colby.. Its almost like I'm in the book watching it all happen. I love that feeling.
I loved this book...I can feel the love and passion between Maddie and Colby.. Its almost like I'm in the book watching it all happen. I love that feeling.
August 4, 2017
Title: In Plain Sight
Author: Amy Sparling
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance
My Rating: 5 hot pink Stars!
Swooning Level: 4/5
Author: Amy Sparling
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance
My Rating: 5 hot pink Stars!
Swooning Level: 4/5
"Please forgive me for taking so long to see you."
What happens when the love of your life has been there all along?!?
Maddie Sinclair is an outcast, a nobody, the poor girl surrounded by the rich and privileged at her high school. That is until her single mom marries a rich guy and then she is thrust into the world of luxury. With a new house (mansion to be exact!), new clothes and rocking new hot pink hair, Maddie decides to completely reinvent herself. No one noticed her at school before & she has no friends to speak of, so why not pass herself off as the new rich girl?
Soon, Maddie finds herself part of the popular crowd & garnering the attention of Colby Jensen: the heartthrob who's hiding a few secrets of his own. Though Colby never noticed Maddie before, he sure sees her now. But when secrets are revealed, will their past ruin their future or can they make themselves a happily ever after from new beginnings? Can you really find love from what's always been right in front of you?
My angel, my perfect girl, was hiding in plain sight.
Everything about this YA romance was addictive, from Maddie's pink hair to Colby's swoon-worthy dialogue. This was my first Amy Sparling book & she has quickly become one of my top 5 favorite YA authors! I love the fact that this was told from dual POV's, which I love when authors do! (but so rarely do YA books have this). Maddie was the kind of character that you'd want as a bestie & Colby is the kind of boyfriend you always dream about in high school. I enjoyed that while all his guy friends where just looking for fast hookups, Colby was searching for love. That was refreshing to read.
In Plain Sight was a fast-paced read, fitting for summertime (well, all year round TBH.)! Colby was adorable and Maddie was strong...and their story had the perfect ending! Not only do I recommend this book, but I dare you to read it without smiling (or swooning!) once! I look forward to reading more stories from Sparling. In Plain Sight was pretty freaking amazing.
P.S. Oh Colby Jensen how you make me swoon & drool...
~KristaMae~
September 12, 2017
Cute book.
It was a cute Cinderella type story about a girl from the wrong side of the tracks, so to speak, who's mother meets and married her rich prince. I liked this book but could have been more if you know what I mean.
It was a cute Cinderella type story about a girl from the wrong side of the tracks, so to speak, who's mother meets and married her rich prince. I liked this book but could have been more if you know what I mean.
January 8, 2018
Actual rating - 3.5
March 3, 2017
Growing up , Maddie Sinclair has learned to make do with what she has as they move from home to home and she babysits her younger siblings while her mum works two jobs, just to keep the roof which is, in fact, a trailer over their heads and food which equates to bread and as a special treat - damaged goods like pop tarts from one of her mum's jobs. Maddie has been at her new school for the past four months and is the invisible one. That is until after Summer Break when her life completely flips upside down. Her mother has gotten engaged, and they are moving in from their trailer to his house. His house happens to be in the wealthiest neighborhood of their town and a mansion complete with its cinema. Soon Maddie will discover what it is to have money, everything she ever wants and needs and of course her own personal maid Pam. During the summer, Maddie decides to re-invent herself and when her classmates believe she is a newcomer - Maddie goes along with it and finds herself rubbing shoulders and being best buddies with the popular crowd of the school and even finds herself a boyfriend in a jock Colby Jensen. What will happen though when her past is brought to light? Will Maddie be ostracized once again or will her new friends like her for who she is and not for the money she has? I have to admit , I found this read interesting as It did get me thinking about whether the wealthy ones are real that superficial and I have to admit that after attending a rich school as a scholarship kid, it is like this - that if you are not wealthy like them or act as they are then you are frowned upon and picked on as the poor kid. I think that if I came into a lot of money like Maddie, that I too would try and change everything and become a "new me." After finishing this book, I went on and purchased the next one in the series and am looking forward to continuing Amy Sparling's In Plain Sight series.
February 23, 2017
*
Read more of my reviews at Whoo Gives A Hoot
*
If you are on the search for a quick and sweet high school romance for the weekend, then do I have the perfect book for you! In Plain Sight by Amy Sparling was an extraordinary read that I purchased back in August, but finally decided to sit down and give it a look through. It took me about an hour and a half to read through this book and I have to say that it was well worth the $2.99 Kindle price!
The story follows a high school senior, Maddie Sinclair on a journey of self-discovery and learning to overcome even the worst of obstacles. Growing up, Maddie has always dreamed about having enough money to in their bank account to feed and clothe her younger sisters without having to worry about the financial stress. It’s Spring Break and all Maddie is worry about is making sure that there is enough food in their trailer to feed the girls for the long week ahead. However, upon returning home she discovers her mom packing up their trailer, the place they’ve lived for the past four months, announcing that she’s engaged and they’re all moving into his house. Suddenly, Maddie is thrust into a life she never imagined and lands the type a guy she has always wanted. Unfortunately, when a secret from her past emerges, everyone discovers she’s not exactly who she’s been claiming to be…
Overall, I absolutely loved this book and would strongly recommend it to any young adult readers out there looking for a fast-paced and clean romance! I honestly cannot wait to hopefully download, In Every Way, a companion novel to In Plain Sight sometime over the Thanksgiving weekend!
If you are on the search for a quick and sweet high school romance for the weekend, then do I have the perfect book for you! In Plain Sight by Amy Sparling was an extraordinary read that I purchased back in August, but finally decided to sit down and give it a look through. It took me about an hour and a half to read through this book and I have to say that it was well worth the $2.99 Kindle price!
The story follows a high school senior, Maddie Sinclair on a journey of self-discovery and learning to overcome even the worst of obstacles. Growing up, Maddie has always dreamed about having enough money to in their bank account to feed and clothe her younger sisters without having to worry about the financial stress. It’s Spring Break and all Maddie is worry about is making sure that there is enough food in their trailer to feed the girls for the long week ahead. However, upon returning home she discovers her mom packing up their trailer, the place they’ve lived for the past four months, announcing that she’s engaged and they’re all moving into his house. Suddenly, Maddie is thrust into a life she never imagined and lands the type a guy she has always wanted. Unfortunately, when a secret from her past emerges, everyone discovers she’s not exactly who she’s been claiming to be…
Overall, I absolutely loved this book and would strongly recommend it to any young adult readers out there looking for a fast-paced and clean romance! I honestly cannot wait to hopefully download, In Every Way, a companion novel to In Plain Sight sometime over the Thanksgiving weekend!
May 4, 2017
Very much a fairytale...
So, this book wasn't at all realistic, but it was cute and cheesy in the best way. I don't care enough to read about the other characters in the companion novel, and for the entire book I was really waiting for Maddie's stepfather to be like a pedophile or something, but it was literally 100% clean YA fun
So, this book wasn't at all realistic, but it was cute and cheesy in the best way. I don't care enough to read about the other characters in the companion novel, and for the entire book I was really waiting for Maddie's stepfather to be like a pedophile or something, but it was literally 100% clean YA fun
May 13, 2017
This was a good book, but everything happens so quickly. I think had it been longer and there were less spelling/grammar errors I could have given this a much higher rating, but it didn't deserve it. I also didn't enjoy how the resolution is within the last ten or so pages of the book. I think this is worth the read, but could have been better.
March 24, 2017
Cute high school romance.
Very sweet and a good light read. I would recommend for teens. May pass this on to my little sister to enjoy.
Very sweet and a good light read. I would recommend for teens. May pass this on to my little sister to enjoy.
July 7, 2021
Cute little book. Good writing, nothing dramatic, very short, and high school romance. It was also a super clean book.
June 19, 2024
i have a bone to pick with my best friend who recommended this to me — but i’ll let it slide considering she read it in high school 4+ years ago.
it’s almost like they stole this story off Wattpad and turned it into a paperback book. the writing was so ridiculously awful — i would use the adjective “elementary-level” but the use of cuss words might remove this book from that category. HOWEVER you get the gist. and the TYPOS — i’m not even sure this book was even looked over by an editor.
thank the lucky stars it was only 200 pages or i’m not sure i would’ve seen it to the end. that’s really the only positive comment i have for this novel. i do not recommend this read whatsoever unless you want to punish an enemy 🙂
it’s almost like they stole this story off Wattpad and turned it into a paperback book. the writing was so ridiculously awful — i would use the adjective “elementary-level” but the use of cuss words might remove this book from that category. HOWEVER you get the gist. and the TYPOS — i’m not even sure this book was even looked over by an editor.
thank the lucky stars it was only 200 pages or i’m not sure i would’ve seen it to the end. that’s really the only positive comment i have for this novel. i do not recommend this read whatsoever unless you want to punish an enemy 🙂
April 4, 2019
In Plain Sight
This was a sweet story of two teens who met in their senior year of high school. She was a new student who nobody noticed. Until her mother gets engaged to a very wealthy man. Then she is very popular. But when she lands the popular boy in school not all are willing to let them have their own happy ending. What happens when her past is revealed and he doesn't want her around?
This was a sweet story of two teens who met in their senior year of high school. She was a new student who nobody noticed. Until her mother gets engaged to a very wealthy man. Then she is very popular. But when she lands the popular boy in school not all are willing to let them have their own happy ending. What happens when her past is revealed and he doesn't want her around?
April 4, 2019
This was perfect for what it was. A free read. I kind of wish the author had started the book a month or so instead of shoving a plot about what happened before she became rich. I would have loved a bit more of her poor in the rich school and struggling. Then take out a bunch of the fluff added in later in the book.
But if your just looking for a book where every fairytale wish comes true than this is perfect. It has everything going right pretty much the whole story.
But if your just looking for a book where every fairytale wish comes true than this is perfect. It has everything going right pretty much the whole story.
July 4, 2019
I liked this book. I really felt for Maddie and her family in the beginning and I was very happy when things turned around for them. I don't blame her for letting this new lifestyle take over at first, but I am glad she didn't lose her true identity.
Colby is also a down to earth guy. He seems a bit more nervous to dive into something new, but he's growing more into his own identity.
Overall this was a short fun novel!
Colby is also a down to earth guy. He seems a bit more nervous to dive into something new, but he's growing more into his own identity.
Overall this was a short fun novel!
October 9, 2019
Language: R (115 swears, 3 "f"); Mature Content: PG13 (partial nudity, innuendo); Violence: PG
I was intrigued by the premise and had fun reading the way everything unfolded. While I think the resolution might have been too easily handled, the book was entertaining, so I think it fulfilled it's purpose.
I was intrigued by the premise and had fun reading the way everything unfolded. While I think the resolution might have been too easily handled, the book was entertaining, so I think it fulfilled it's purpose.
October 22, 2016
Young love
Nice story about young love. Maddie and Colby struggle to find themselves during high school. Throw in young budding love, money, a past to be hidden, and a mean girl. Those elements make for a great story. Easy read. Good editing. A plot that holds a reader. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
Nice story about young love. Maddie and Colby struggle to find themselves during high school. Throw in young budding love, money, a past to be hidden, and a mean girl. Those elements make for a great story. Easy read. Good editing. A plot that holds a reader. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
August 8, 2018
Adorable Read
I absolutely love this story! It was adorable cute. Maddie and Colby are simply goals. I’m in love with them! This story was simply beautiful with only a handful of mistakes that I’d actually seen that didn’t affect the story in any way.
I absolutely love this story! It was adorable cute. Maddie and Colby are simply goals. I’m in love with them! This story was simply beautiful with only a handful of mistakes that I’d actually seen that didn’t affect the story in any way.
November 4, 2019
A nice concept which remained largely undeveloped. The story felt dragged, especially with all the insta-love. Money does buy happiness, a shiny new boyfriend, a loud mouthed girl pal and new pink hair color.
January 21, 2021
Cute and sweet
This was a sweet short read. It didn't really get into a lot of detail but it was just enough to feel like a quick bite. If your looking for a feel good read this will hit the spot.
This was a sweet short read. It didn't really get into a lot of detail but it was just enough to feel like a quick bite. If your looking for a feel good read this will hit the spot.
January 3, 2017
Better than expected, if still a bit on the generic side.
Part of my process where I'm evaluating keeping or dropping KU. (So far leaning to drop.)
Part of my process where I'm evaluating keeping or dropping KU. (So far leaning to drop.)
July 23, 2017
3.5 stars
September 21, 2017
Such a cute story and very relateable. Most of us can identify with feeling invisible at times and how would we react if we had the chance to start over? I am pretty sure we would all do the same thing. I loved her heart and the love story, and even though things changed for her financially she stayed true to who she was.
December 29, 2017
Awesome
I really liked this book, it didn't take me long to read it, and it's awesome. I would recommend it for someone who wants a quick, but good read.
I really liked this book, it didn't take me long to read it, and it's awesome. I would recommend it for someone who wants a quick, but good read.
March 11, 2019
Nice short read.
April 14, 2019
To be
This book brings together what you were, what you are and what you want to be. Everything you do goes into creating you.
This book brings together what you were, what you are and what you want to be. Everything you do goes into creating you.
October 22, 2019
Hard to get to know the characters. They were a little flat, two-dimensional. Never felt like I got to know them or see them falling in love.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews