Understudy
Doherty, Jun 2003, 25.95, 384 pp.
ISBN: 0765306557
Actress Robin Mulcahey is rising to the top of her profession at a rapid pace. However, there is one problem with the ascension. Robin died in a car crash in 1998. Her best friend Amy Shiley was near death in the same crash that severely disfigured both bodies beyond recognition. When Robin wore her pendant, everyone concluded that Amy died. By the time she gained enough of her health to realize the error, Amy did nothing to correct the mistake, as she had no one who would care and she did not want to hurt Robin's parents.
Amy in disguise is married to an actor, but still loves Paul, Robin's brother. Unable to ignore her feelings, Amy decides to risk everything to gain Paul's love though he never showed her any feelings beyond that of a big brother. Amy wonders if her gamut will lead to happiness or a deep hurt, but she knows she must try.
Though this reviewer has some doubts about the identity switch as blood type, etc. must match; UNDERSTUDY remains an exhilarating romantic suspense. Amy owns the story line as struggles between her love for Paul and revealing her secret that will hurt people she cares about. The rest of the cast spotlights the dilemma that the lead female protagonist must choose between. Contemporary romance readers will be pleased with this fine work.
Harriet Klausner
This report prepared by Harriet Klausner
