"Exhilarating romantic suspense"

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

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted June 24, 2003

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Summary

Have you ever wanted somebody else's life?

Robin Mulcahey has always dreamed of being a big-time actress. As a college student, she took endless drama classes and finally snagged the lead of Maggie in Tennessee Williams's Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Now, six years later, she's one of the country's hottest soap-opera stars. She's just won a Daytime Emmy for her portrayal of South Riding's bad girl, and now when it seemed life couldn't get any more perfect, she's wed Declan Blair, an up-and-coming Irish film actor.

So what's the problem?

Robin Mulcahey is dead. She was killed in a devastating car wreck in 1996 while riding with her best friend, Amy Shiley. Amy, battered beyond recognition in the accident, was mistaken for Robin and has played the role of Robin Mulcahey ever since. But Amy's never been able to forget the love she shared with Paul Mulcahey—Robin's older brother.

If you had the chance to become someone else, would you take it?