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Understudy
The high school play is in two months and senior Wren Barlow just became director. Wren still isn't over the fact that she got stiffed as a stagehand instead of the lead role that she totally deserved. Now she is in charge of rehearsals, costumes, navigating around cast member hookups and managing the real life drama at home.
The principal counts on her to succeed because tickets have been sold and the money has been spent. But when he drops a gorgeous bad boy on her and wants him to help the play for extra credit, she falls hard for someone she knows she can't date. With everything spinning out of control, the mysterious and secretive detention king named Derek has a few tricks up his sleeve and wants to help—too bad Wren is scared to give him a chance to prove himself.
The principal counts on her to succeed because tickets have been sold and the money has been spent. But when he drops a gorgeous bad boy on her and wants him to help the play for extra credit, she falls hard for someone she knows she can't date. With everything spinning out of control, the mysterious and secretive detention king named Derek has a few tricks up his sleeve and wants to help—too bad Wren is scared to give him a chance to prove himself.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 14, 2014
3 people are currently reading
668 people want to read
About the author
Cheyanne Young
15 books584 followersCheyanne Young lives in Houston, Texas and is an award-winning author of several books for young adults, including The Last Wish of Sasha Cade, which is being adapted into a TV mini-series by Waterside Studios. She has a Master of Library Science degree from Texas Woman’s University and works as a Teen Librarian.
Cheyanne has a fear of cold weather and a coffee addiction that probably needs an intervention. She loves books, glitter, and sarcasm. Her hidden talents include being able to say the alphabet backwards and typing 130 words per minute. She lives with her family, two spoiled rotten dogs, and a cat that is most likely plotting to take over the world.
Cheyanne has a fear of cold weather and a coffee addiction that probably needs an intervention. She loves books, glitter, and sarcasm. Her hidden talents include being able to say the alphabet backwards and typing 130 words per minute. She lives with her family, two spoiled rotten dogs, and a cat that is most likely plotting to take over the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
January 29, 2017
This was a short and perfectly cute and predictable book to end the year.
This book had everything that I normally do not want to read about, namely: a quite predictable plot, immature characters (even the adults), instant love connection, dramadramadrama and more teenage drama…do I need to go on? But from the summary I figured as much and knowing that, I expected it, which made it not annoying at all.
The one thing that did annoy me was the wrapping up of the story. There was such a build up, so much potential!, to just have it wrapped up in a few sentences. I wish the author would have done more with Derek’s story and even with Gwen as well.
It was sweet and cute and clean and it had potential. Good book to end the year.
This book had everything that I normally do not want to read about, namely: a quite predictable plot, immature characters (even the adults), instant love connection, dramadramadrama and more teenage drama…do I need to go on? But from the summary I figured as much and knowing that, I expected it, which made it not annoying at all.
The one thing that did annoy me was the wrapping up of the story. There was such a build up, so much potential!, to just have it wrapped up in a few sentences. I wish the author would have done more with Derek’s story and even with Gwen as well.
It was sweet and cute and clean and it had potential. Good book to end the year.
March 11, 2020
3.5 stars
Super quick read but irritated that the MC was always so quick to jump to the wrong conclusion without waiting for an explanation.
Super quick read but irritated that the MC was always so quick to jump to the wrong conclusion without waiting for an explanation.
January 4, 2016
Overall Rating 5 Stars
-Book Description: 4
-Cover: 5
-Plot: 3.5
-Creativity: 3.5
-Grammar: 3.5
-Simile Use: 5 (minimal usage)
-Description: 5 (very well written)
-Show And Tell Balance: 5
The cover of this book is what initially drew me in, it promised a quick cute romance, and the description only helped to build this impression. That is exactly what this novel delivered. In the novel, Wren a senior in high school, is looking for a scholarship and needs some extra credits in theater to do it. The only problem? Her annoyingly immature aunt. Now, some people would say, this woman is an adult--why is she acting like this? The truth is, many people don't grow up and there are people out there as self-centered as Wren's aunt. While she was annoying, I loved the fact that Mrs. Young put an adult character that acts like a child in her book. It's a bold move. Many times people can't stand this sort of portrayal, but it is utterly realistic. Also realistic was the voice that was given to Wren. She acted like a teenager, thought like a teenager, fell in love like a teenager, and made stupid mistakes and assumptions as a teenager. Mrs. Young captured the way a 17 year old, or at least one much like myself at that age, thinks. Not only that, there was the adorable bad boy every one is afraid of, while stereotypical, the way it was written still felt fresh and new, plus I love a guy in Converse shoes! Overall, the plot and creativity where perfect for a quick read and the way the author didn't use similies or provide ornate descriptions was great. She let the characters and their actions tell the story -- now that's my kind of book!
-Book Description: 4
-Cover: 5
-Plot: 3.5
-Creativity: 3.5
-Grammar: 3.5
-Simile Use: 5 (minimal usage)
-Description: 5 (very well written)
-Show And Tell Balance: 5
The cover of this book is what initially drew me in, it promised a quick cute romance, and the description only helped to build this impression. That is exactly what this novel delivered. In the novel, Wren a senior in high school, is looking for a scholarship and needs some extra credits in theater to do it. The only problem? Her annoyingly immature aunt. Now, some people would say, this woman is an adult--why is she acting like this? The truth is, many people don't grow up and there are people out there as self-centered as Wren's aunt. While she was annoying, I loved the fact that Mrs. Young put an adult character that acts like a child in her book. It's a bold move. Many times people can't stand this sort of portrayal, but it is utterly realistic. Also realistic was the voice that was given to Wren. She acted like a teenager, thought like a teenager, fell in love like a teenager, and made stupid mistakes and assumptions as a teenager. Mrs. Young captured the way a 17 year old, or at least one much like myself at that age, thinks. Not only that, there was the adorable bad boy every one is afraid of, while stereotypical, the way it was written still felt fresh and new, plus I love a guy in Converse shoes! Overall, the plot and creativity where perfect for a quick read and the way the author didn't use similies or provide ornate descriptions was great. She let the characters and their actions tell the story -- now that's my kind of book!
June 14, 2014
This book is definitely geared t'wards the YA crowd. That being said it was a cute one sit read that detailed the the problems of one teen who is trying to bolster her college resume by joining the cast of the school play. Inadvertently she finds herself as the props director and understudy to the main female lead. She also finds herself attracted to the "bad boy" at school, a definite taboo for her career path. It all plays out in a very cute way and as with many "bad boys" in novels, all is not always as it seems.
April 2, 2020
This is not how high school theater works. Also, I don't think people actually act this way in real life. The main character was a pain in the ass and I wanted to throttle her most of the time because she made terrible decisions.
July 8, 2014
It was cute, but the story line wasn't anything special and the female protagonist kind of drove me crazy.
June 10, 2020
I’m not sure this was good, but I’m giving it 3 stars because I finished it. There were several times I wanted to just put it down because I kept asking myself, what’s the point of continuing to read? I’m all for happy, fluffy contemporary YA books, and yes some are just bad. But they’re fun and light and this book was neither fun nor light. There were some deep issues that the author glazed over, and there could have been some good “how can teens deal with these issues” moments that were just lost opportunities. If you add an issue, deal with it. As for the characters, most were unbelievable or annoying. Why would the main character allow her best friend to distract her love life and not deal with the issue??? And Gwen and Lexi’s stories at the end, ugh!! And do we really think Derek’s backstory was redeeming? I didn’t, I get it, but I wouldn’t date him #redflags.
The aunt in this book has some SERIOUS issues, which made her feel like a totally unbelievable character: 1. You’re an adult, stop whining. 2. That’s not how real jobs work. Also, someone please tell me why her name was Aunt Barlow?? When their LAST name is Barlow. I call my aunts by their first names. Unless her name was Barlow Barlow, did I miss that? I feel like the author tried to make the characters feel like teenagers, but went too far into the stereotypes without giving them any real depth or handling the struggles in their lives. It made it feel hollow. Cause he’s like so cute and my teenaged brain can’t process anything else.
If you’re looking for a good, fun, YA book, move on.
The aunt in this book has some SERIOUS issues, which made her feel like a totally unbelievable character: 1. You’re an adult, stop whining. 2. That’s not how real jobs work. Also, someone please tell me why her name was Aunt Barlow?? When their LAST name is Barlow. I call my aunts by their first names. Unless her name was Barlow Barlow, did I miss that? I feel like the author tried to make the characters feel like teenagers, but went too far into the stereotypes without giving them any real depth or handling the struggles in their lives. It made it feel hollow. Cause he’s like so cute and my teenaged brain can’t process anything else.
If you’re looking for a good, fun, YA book, move on.
May 17, 2017
Wren The main character is Sudley thrown in to the director position of her schools play she also holds the role as understudy for the lead character during the course of the play she come up again drama and a romantic the limits
I really enjoyed this book it was the light and fluffy read in something it was very easy Terry however at certain parts of this book I found it difficult to like Wren she jumped to conclusions and a lot of times I just rolled my eyes she was making things a lot more complicated than they needed to be overall he was a good book and I would recommend it
I really enjoyed this book it was the light and fluffy read in something it was very easy Terry however at certain parts of this book I found it difficult to like Wren she jumped to conclusions and a lot of times I just rolled my eyes she was making things a lot more complicated than they needed to be overall he was a good book and I would recommend it
July 20, 2018
Meh.
So much potential but too much drama (aside from the play, obviously).
For a short story, this took me quite a while to finish.
So much potential but too much drama (aside from the play, obviously).
For a short story, this took me quite a while to finish.
September 4, 2019
Understudy is Predictable, but a cute short read!
Some concepts were unrealistic, like a principal blackmailing a student essentially, and there was a tad too much drama for my taste.
Some concepts were unrealistic, like a principal blackmailing a student essentially, and there was a tad too much drama for my taste.
May 23, 2020
Fun high school romance. A great afternoon read if you need something to calm down after a too intense book.
June 26, 2014
3,5 Stars
So honestly, I kinda expected this to be totally cute and fluffy - all about the romance kinda book.
But Understudy wasn't really what I'd expected.
As I started, I wasn't really impressed with two things: Wren the protagonist, the entire story is told from her POV and also the writing style - it seemed kinda simplistic.
BUT the story line kept me going. While it is angsty, a wee bit predictable (ok quite a lot predictable) it also was funny, entertaining and captivating. So much so that when I got to the end of the book, I was a bit well, disappointed, cause I wanted more.
I am really glad I kept going, despite the fact that I wanted to throw something at Wren for probably the first third of the book, then just screamed at her in fury for the second third, She grew on me and I totally routed for her in the last third. I think my reactions mirror Young's surprisingly well thought out character building. And let me tell you, the characters ALL evolved and changed, Wren grew so much that, after reading the book, I not only liked her, I also remembered doing stupid stuff when I was her age. She seriously came bound and heaps from being Miss opinionated judgment to just trying to be herself, find herself and trying to see others for who they are.
So I really didn't care for Wren. But I cared even less for her friends. Gosh, I just couldn't believe she would actually call people like that her friends. Everything they did, was judge others and make sure they looked good in front of others.
Then there was Derek. Seriously, I totally fell for him from the word go. Totally cute, mysterious- a tad bit bad and more importantly really nice, loyal and fun.
He scoops up a handful of Skittles, drops the green and yellow ones in the small pile and puts the rest in his mouth. “Why are you doing that?” I ask. “I don’t like those colors.”
See what I mean? I mean, who doesn't love a hot, easy going dude that knows what he likes?
I wish there were more scenes with him, since those were my favorite. But often Young just referenced that Wren and Derek had spent time together- so I got not enough fun flirting or witty banter from them for my taste. While I wish I would have had more romance more cute more fluffy, I think if I wouldn't have expected that, I would have been ok with how things are now. Then again, this is pretty short, so it wouldn't have hurt to have more cute and fluffy - especially since Derek is just fabulous.
At first I was not very sure about the writing style. It is to a degree quite straight forward and it felt a bit simple, especially since the MC was actually quite on the bitchy side.
as example:
The only other stagehand is absent today. And I probably wouldn’t have asked him anyhow, because he breathes loudly and always stares down my shirt.
But then Young slowly changed Wren's perceptions and with that her voice and suddenly there were sentences that hit home, suddenly I could relate to Wren.
Why is it that when the perfect guy for me comes along, he’s riddled with imperfections?
I’m not even sure what my point is, but I hope Derek got it anyhow.
The writing style is straight forward. Simply the voice of Wren: snarky, funny, angsty and straight forward. I think it actually worked well with the entire setting up of the book.
Probably the most surprising thing about this book was how well thought out it actually is. After reading it, letting it sink in for a bit, taking a step back of it all... I realised that Young crafted this rather cleverly. It's a deceivingly simple story at first glance. But as one reads, totally side tracked by the humor in it, suddenly one gets drawn in, subtly pointing at deeper issues. Don't get me wrong, this isn't a deep thought provoking book, no. But also while I thought at first glance this is a bit of a "TV series" book it offers more than what one sees at first glance.
My biggest issue- it was too short for my opinion. I think that if Young would have fleshed out a few more scenes- rather than just mentioning that they had happened- this would have been a really great book.
Still a fun read, great character building, fabulous snarky humor and more to it then one would think at first glance. I am definitely looking forward to reading more from Young.
So honestly, I kinda expected this to be totally cute and fluffy - all about the romance kinda book.
But Understudy wasn't really what I'd expected.
As I started, I wasn't really impressed with two things: Wren the protagonist, the entire story is told from her POV and also the writing style - it seemed kinda simplistic.
BUT the story line kept me going. While it is angsty, a wee bit predictable (ok quite a lot predictable) it also was funny, entertaining and captivating. So much so that when I got to the end of the book, I was a bit well, disappointed, cause I wanted more.
I am really glad I kept going, despite the fact that I wanted to throw something at Wren for probably the first third of the book, then just screamed at her in fury for the second third, She grew on me and I totally routed for her in the last third. I think my reactions mirror Young's surprisingly well thought out character building. And let me tell you, the characters ALL evolved and changed, Wren grew so much that, after reading the book, I not only liked her, I also remembered doing stupid stuff when I was her age. She seriously came bound and heaps from being Miss opinionated judgment to just trying to be herself, find herself and trying to see others for who they are.
So I really didn't care for Wren. But I cared even less for her friends. Gosh, I just couldn't believe she would actually call people like that her friends. Everything they did, was judge others and make sure they looked good in front of others.
Then there was Derek. Seriously, I totally fell for him from the word go. Totally cute, mysterious- a tad bit bad and more importantly really nice, loyal and fun.
He scoops up a handful of Skittles, drops the green and yellow ones in the small pile and puts the rest in his mouth. “Why are you doing that?” I ask. “I don’t like those colors.”
See what I mean? I mean, who doesn't love a hot, easy going dude that knows what he likes?
I wish there were more scenes with him, since those were my favorite. But often Young just referenced that Wren and Derek had spent time together- so I got not enough fun flirting or witty banter from them for my taste. While I wish I would have had more romance more cute more fluffy, I think if I wouldn't have expected that, I would have been ok with how things are now. Then again, this is pretty short, so it wouldn't have hurt to have more cute and fluffy - especially since Derek is just fabulous.
At first I was not very sure about the writing style. It is to a degree quite straight forward and it felt a bit simple, especially since the MC was actually quite on the bitchy side.
as example:
The only other stagehand is absent today. And I probably wouldn’t have asked him anyhow, because he breathes loudly and always stares down my shirt.
But then Young slowly changed Wren's perceptions and with that her voice and suddenly there were sentences that hit home, suddenly I could relate to Wren.
Why is it that when the perfect guy for me comes along, he’s riddled with imperfections?
I’m not even sure what my point is, but I hope Derek got it anyhow.
The writing style is straight forward. Simply the voice of Wren: snarky, funny, angsty and straight forward. I think it actually worked well with the entire setting up of the book.
Probably the most surprising thing about this book was how well thought out it actually is. After reading it, letting it sink in for a bit, taking a step back of it all... I realised that Young crafted this rather cleverly. It's a deceivingly simple story at first glance. But as one reads, totally side tracked by the humor in it, suddenly one gets drawn in, subtly pointing at deeper issues. Don't get me wrong, this isn't a deep thought provoking book, no. But also while I thought at first glance this is a bit of a "TV series" book it offers more than what one sees at first glance.
My biggest issue- it was too short for my opinion. I think that if Young would have fleshed out a few more scenes- rather than just mentioning that they had happened- this would have been a really great book.
Still a fun read, great character building, fabulous snarky humor and more to it then one would think at first glance. I am definitely looking forward to reading more from Young.
June 27, 2014
This book is about Wren, a high school senior and an aspiring interior designer. She wants to go to a prestigious arts college, but the only thing keeping her away from that is the dreaded extracurricular activities section. So, what does she decide to do to fix that? Join the school play.... that's being directed by her Aunt, Ms. Barlow. Wren wants the lead, but of course she gets the role as lead stagehand and understudy to the lead.
In drops the dangerous Derek, a mystery to the whole school since he had been arrested. Wren can't keep herself away from him, even if her bestie, Margot, constantly tells her how she can do better.
Then, she ends up having to direct the play herself. This brings her heaps upon heaps of stress, added to the fact that Derek is her "assistant" stage hand. She also needs to figure out to make the play succeed after people quit, get kicked out, and just simply don't do as they're told.
I really liked this story. It was short and sweet, and to the point (as in it didn't completely go into different tangents that weren't wholly explained). With it being only 178 pages (or 2053 locations for those that read on Kindle), it was easy to quickly read it in one sitting.
I liked Wren's character, though she did assume a lot when it had to do with Derek (you know what they say about people who assume things...). But, she did hold up to the stress of directing the play. She even had a sort of epiphany moment (though the reader doesn't really understand this until moments later).
Wren's supporting characters of her aunt and her best friend, Margot, were not my favorite characters. Margot only cared about herself the whole time, and I felt like she was one of those friends that only like talking about themselves (although she did kind of redeem herself, somewhat at the end). Aunt Barlow... jeez, if she was my aunt, I'd shake her and tell her to grow up. Adults don't just quit their jobs like she did, and the foist off the responsibility of dealing with a play that she wrote onto her niece. She didn't even want to help Wren, and when Wren succeeded with the play, she ignored her! Wth, Aunt Barlow? STOP BEING CHILDISH.
On to Derek... He was fine, I guess. Wren and he had good chemistry; they seemed like they could've been really good friends if a romantic relationship didn't work out (of course, if Wren got over her trust issues). I do think that the "Lexie" thing was nicely written into the storyline (in fact, there's a sort of foreshadowing thing to why he was arrested in there, but you don't really realize it until he tells us why he was arrested).
There was only one sentence that didn't work in the whole story, that I noticed, and that was only because there was a word or two deleted from the sentence. So, applause to the author/editor of this book!
As I said, I did like this book, i.e. the storyline was nice, there weren't really plot holes, I didn't absolutely hate the MC or love interest, and there were little to no mistakes in the writing. BUT, the one thing that knocked this down a star, was that I felt like the story got wrapped up too quickly, if you understand what I mean? I felt like there was kind of just the climax, and then just kind of a resolution (as opposed to a climax, falling action, and then a resolution). It actually kind of gave whiplash (not really), but it did make the ending expected to a point that you guessed where it's gonna happen at.
So, this book got 4 stars, and I would recommend this to anyone who like short and sweet romances that can be quickly read.
In drops the dangerous Derek, a mystery to the whole school since he had been arrested. Wren can't keep herself away from him, even if her bestie, Margot, constantly tells her how she can do better.
Then, she ends up having to direct the play herself. This brings her heaps upon heaps of stress, added to the fact that Derek is her "assistant" stage hand. She also needs to figure out to make the play succeed after people quit, get kicked out, and just simply don't do as they're told.
I really liked this story. It was short and sweet, and to the point (as in it didn't completely go into different tangents that weren't wholly explained). With it being only 178 pages (or 2053 locations for those that read on Kindle), it was easy to quickly read it in one sitting.
I liked Wren's character, though she did assume a lot when it had to do with Derek (you know what they say about people who assume things...). But, she did hold up to the stress of directing the play. She even had a sort of epiphany moment (though the reader doesn't really understand this until moments later).
Wren's supporting characters of her aunt and her best friend, Margot, were not my favorite characters. Margot only cared about herself the whole time, and I felt like she was one of those friends that only like talking about themselves (although she did kind of redeem herself, somewhat at the end). Aunt Barlow... jeez, if she was my aunt, I'd shake her and tell her to grow up. Adults don't just quit their jobs like she did, and the foist off the responsibility of dealing with a play that she wrote onto her niece. She didn't even want to help Wren, and when Wren succeeded with the play, she ignored her! Wth, Aunt Barlow? STOP BEING CHILDISH.
On to Derek... He was fine, I guess. Wren and he had good chemistry; they seemed like they could've been really good friends if a romantic relationship didn't work out (of course, if Wren got over her trust issues). I do think that the "Lexie" thing was nicely written into the storyline (in fact, there's a sort of foreshadowing thing to why he was arrested in there, but you don't really realize it until he tells us why he was arrested).
There was only one sentence that didn't work in the whole story, that I noticed, and that was only because there was a word or two deleted from the sentence. So, applause to the author/editor of this book!
As I said, I did like this book, i.e. the storyline was nice, there weren't really plot holes, I didn't absolutely hate the MC or love interest, and there were little to no mistakes in the writing. BUT, the one thing that knocked this down a star, was that I felt like the story got wrapped up too quickly, if you understand what I mean? I felt like there was kind of just the climax, and then just kind of a resolution (as opposed to a climax, falling action, and then a resolution). It actually kind of gave whiplash (not really), but it did make the ending expected to a point that you guessed where it's gonna happen at.
So, this book got 4 stars, and I would recommend this to anyone who like short and sweet romances that can be quickly read.
June 24, 2014
**See this full review and more at http://bookbriefs.net**
Understudy is a young adult high school play story. It ended up being super cute. I can't get enough of stories that center around plays, but Understudy had all of the aspects that I love about this sub-genre theme, and yet it still felt kind of different. Wren's aunt is the theater theater at the school and she wrote the script to the play. Wren tried out for the lead role, and her aunt had the audacity to tell her not fat AT ALL NIECE that she didn't get the part because she was too fat for it. It should come as no surprise that I didn't like Wren's Aunt. And then after a couple of lackluster practices, the aunt over dramatically packs up and leaves her job! I mean talk about immature. She was worse than her students! The play is left without a director, so Wren is kind of forced into that role. This book because just as much the opportunity for Wren to step up to the challenge of putting on a play as a high school senior as it is a cute love story.
Wren is a likable girl. She doesn't label people. Right off the bat she has a crush on the "bad-toy". Her friend says he is bad news and never really gives him a chance but when Wren works on props for the play with him he seems about as nice as they come. I really liked how Derek was with Wren. He is super sweet. And you just know that there is some secret out there that will redeem him. I kept thinking that his reputation just had to be wrong because Derek is always SO NICE. But Cheyanne Young keeps his secret hidden right up until the end.
Wren's Aunt never grows up throughout the story, but luckily she is the only character without growth. Wren really steps up and you don't only get to know her. You get to know a lot of the other students in the play and you get to see glimpses into their personalities as well. I really liked that. Just don't expect Auntie to wake up and grow up. It won't happen. I couldn't stand her, but luckily the main focus in this story is Wren, and I did really like her. I respected her. Even though Wren seemed pretty mature and grown up for her age, the story overall had a little bit of a younger YA feel. It suited the book perfectly. Now with the New Adult Genre, I appreciate when Young Adult books stay clearly in their genre and don't try to bleed into the New Adult age group. I like being able to pick up a book and tell right away that it is Young Adult or New Adult. And Understudy is Young Adult for sure. Understudy is a fun and cute story about a high school play and about finding love.
Understudy is a young adult high school play story. It ended up being super cute. I can't get enough of stories that center around plays, but Understudy had all of the aspects that I love about this sub-genre theme, and yet it still felt kind of different. Wren's aunt is the theater theater at the school and she wrote the script to the play. Wren tried out for the lead role, and her aunt had the audacity to tell her not fat AT ALL NIECE that she didn't get the part because she was too fat for it. It should come as no surprise that I didn't like Wren's Aunt. And then after a couple of lackluster practices, the aunt over dramatically packs up and leaves her job! I mean talk about immature. She was worse than her students! The play is left without a director, so Wren is kind of forced into that role. This book because just as much the opportunity for Wren to step up to the challenge of putting on a play as a high school senior as it is a cute love story.
Wren is a likable girl. She doesn't label people. Right off the bat she has a crush on the "bad-toy". Her friend says he is bad news and never really gives him a chance but when Wren works on props for the play with him he seems about as nice as they come. I really liked how Derek was with Wren. He is super sweet. And you just know that there is some secret out there that will redeem him. I kept thinking that his reputation just had to be wrong because Derek is always SO NICE. But Cheyanne Young keeps his secret hidden right up until the end.
Wren's Aunt never grows up throughout the story, but luckily she is the only character without growth. Wren really steps up and you don't only get to know her. You get to know a lot of the other students in the play and you get to see glimpses into their personalities as well. I really liked that. Just don't expect Auntie to wake up and grow up. It won't happen. I couldn't stand her, but luckily the main focus in this story is Wren, and I did really like her. I respected her. Even though Wren seemed pretty mature and grown up for her age, the story overall had a little bit of a younger YA feel. It suited the book perfectly. Now with the New Adult Genre, I appreciate when Young Adult books stay clearly in their genre and don't try to bleed into the New Adult age group. I like being able to pick up a book and tell right away that it is Young Adult or New Adult. And Understudy is Young Adult for sure. Understudy is a fun and cute story about a high school play and about finding love.
June 24, 2014
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3.5/5
This was a really cute and quick read. The story centers around Wren, a budding interior designer, who is trying to bag the lead role in the school play so as to have something good on her resume when applying for college. Her aunt is directing the play and is a major drama queen. I really did not like that woman. She was so horrible to Wren. When she throws a hissy fit and quits her job, the role of director lands on Wren's shoulders. That is an enormous task to take on, but as they say, the show must go on.
I liked Wren for the most part. I thought it was cool that she was into woodshop and had a thing for interior design. I felt she could be a bit immature at times though and I found myself rolling my eyes at her a couple times. She is 17 I suppose but I felt she could have handled some things better. I really liked Derek. He was such a sweety. You just knew there was more to his "bad boy" reputation than what everyone was saying.
At less than 200 pages this is a really quick read. With a lot of short books I find that some aspects of the story can be rushed and not fleshed out enough. I was worried that would be the case here but luckily it wasn't. Sure I would have liked the book to be longer but it didn't feel lacking. And the ending was adorable. The book takes place over the couple of months it takes to rehearse and put on the play. I liked the play aspect of the story. It was entertaining and I liked seeing all the different aspects of putting on a play.
While I didn't love this book I still enjoyed it. It was cute and fun and proved a nice break from all the emotionally heavy books I have read lately. If you are looking for something quick and sweet then give this one a shot.
3.5/5
This was a really cute and quick read. The story centers around Wren, a budding interior designer, who is trying to bag the lead role in the school play so as to have something good on her resume when applying for college. Her aunt is directing the play and is a major drama queen. I really did not like that woman. She was so horrible to Wren. When she throws a hissy fit and quits her job, the role of director lands on Wren's shoulders. That is an enormous task to take on, but as they say, the show must go on.
I liked Wren for the most part. I thought it was cool that she was into woodshop and had a thing for interior design. I felt she could be a bit immature at times though and I found myself rolling my eyes at her a couple times. She is 17 I suppose but I felt she could have handled some things better. I really liked Derek. He was such a sweety. You just knew there was more to his "bad boy" reputation than what everyone was saying.
At less than 200 pages this is a really quick read. With a lot of short books I find that some aspects of the story can be rushed and not fleshed out enough. I was worried that would be the case here but luckily it wasn't. Sure I would have liked the book to be longer but it didn't feel lacking. And the ending was adorable. The book takes place over the couple of months it takes to rehearse and put on the play. I liked the play aspect of the story. It was entertaining and I liked seeing all the different aspects of putting on a play.
While I didn't love this book I still enjoyed it. It was cute and fun and proved a nice break from all the emotionally heavy books I have read lately. If you are looking for something quick and sweet then give this one a shot.
August 13, 2014
Originally reviewed on The Escapist.
***
When you know the title of the book--Understudy--and started reading, you'll know what this book is obviously about and what will happen eventually. However, even if I know what will happen next, I still read it because well, it sounds cute and my kind of read.
Wren auditioned on their school play for the main role not because it's her dream but because it would look good on her college application. Unfortunately, her teacher-slash-aunt turned her down and gave an 'important' role instead--a prop construction manager. At least she's also the understudy of the lead role. But that is next to impossible, right? Unfortunately again, her aunt resigned as a teacher/director of the play then the principal assigned Wren to be the director. It's like the whole world is on her shoulders! And not to mention there's this hot guy who she instantly crushes on then instantly should forget because he's dangerous. A no-no.
First thing that I noticed in this book was the predictability of events and the mystery of Derek. Then there's like an insta-love that I hoped not there. These are enough reasons to stop reading. But I didn't. Maybe because it's a light read and Wren is fun that made the entire book like a sunshine after a cloudy day.
Understudy is entertaining and cute read. I finished it in one day because it's a kind of book you'd want to finish right away. Also, the story is not so long. I actually remember chick flicks while reading this. I would recommend this to contemporary romance readers.
*Thanks Dianne of Oops! I Read Again Tours and Cheyanne Young for the review ecopy!
***
When you know the title of the book--Understudy--and started reading, you'll know what this book is obviously about and what will happen eventually. However, even if I know what will happen next, I still read it because well, it sounds cute and my kind of read.
Wren auditioned on their school play for the main role not because it's her dream but because it would look good on her college application. Unfortunately, her teacher-slash-aunt turned her down and gave an 'important' role instead--a prop construction manager. At least she's also the understudy of the lead role. But that is next to impossible, right? Unfortunately again, her aunt resigned as a teacher/director of the play then the principal assigned Wren to be the director. It's like the whole world is on her shoulders! And not to mention there's this hot guy who she instantly crushes on then instantly should forget because he's dangerous. A no-no.
First thing that I noticed in this book was the predictability of events and the mystery of Derek. Then there's like an insta-love that I hoped not there. These are enough reasons to stop reading. But I didn't. Maybe because it's a light read and Wren is fun that made the entire book like a sunshine after a cloudy day.
Understudy is entertaining and cute read. I finished it in one day because it's a kind of book you'd want to finish right away. Also, the story is not so long. I actually remember chick flicks while reading this. I would recommend this to contemporary romance readers.
*Thanks Dianne of Oops! I Read Again Tours and Cheyanne Young for the review ecopy!
May 23, 2014
I read this book with the intention of reading a theatre-centered novel. Unfortunately for me, it was another one of those teen love stories. The story follows a girl named Wren who wants to be an interior designer when she ‘s older. Wren’s Aunt Sophie taught theatre at Wren’s high school. Wren decided to audition for the show that her aunt wrote and is directing. Wren is unhappy with her part, but soldiers on because she is the lead’s understudy and she is in charge of set and props. Wren’s aunt makes Wren’s number two a guy who has just gotten back from juvie named Derek. Wren initially doesn’t know about Derek’s past and flirts with him. Wren’s best friend tells her that Derek is not to be trusted and Wren needs to stop talking to him because there is a very cute and popular boy who is interested in Wren. Wren and Derek really start bonding over things involving the show, but their affections start to move more into personal territory. Wren finds out a few things about Derek’s past and demands to know the whole truth, but Derek can not give it to her. To top it all off, Wren’s aunt quits so Wren is blackmailed into directing the show by her Principal and both of her leads have quit. Who other to star opposite her than the very boy she’s trying to avoid?
I’m not completely made of stone, I did like the love story in this book, however, that was not what I was originally looking for so it was a bit off putting. The characters were well written, and the theatre references were good although sparse. I also really like how the book ended and how everything was wrapped up.
I’m not completely made of stone, I did like the love story in this book, however, that was not what I was originally looking for so it was a bit off putting. The characters were well written, and the theatre references were good although sparse. I also really like how the book ended and how everything was wrapped up.
March 23, 2014
I gave this book four stars but it was really more like 3 1/2. It was about a girl who was forced to direct her school play when her aunt suddenly quit, all of the things that go wrong and threaten her success, and the stagehand that captured her attention but had too many secrets. It was a good story and held my interest throughout. The characters were great too. They each had their own separate personalities and voices which was nice because too many indie authors write all of their characters with the same voice and it is left to the reader to imagine the difference. The main character, Wren, was a likable girl but with plenty of flaws which made her much more real and relatable. Derek is a great leading man with layers to his personality so that he was more than just a trophy. The secondary characters were also well written, each different, realistic and intriguing. Her best friend, for example, could sometimes be self-involved and give bad advice but she also had her good friend moments and the author didn't try to suddenly make her perfect at the end like some kind of bad after school special. I gave this book only 3 1/2 stars because it was too brief, only 178 pages, which was more of a novella than a novel. Normally that wouldn't necessarily be a problem but in this case it meant the book wasn't nearly as satisfying as it should have been. Some of the characters and parts of the storyline where left unexplored and/or unresolved. If the author, Cheyanne Young, went back and added more depth and resolution, I think it would have five star potential.
June 28, 2014
With college scholarships looming close and being in the top 10 finalists, Wren discovers that maybe the clue to getting pushed further into the application is by participating in school extra-curriculum activities , so she signs up for the school play which happens to be directed by the school drama teacher - her Aunt Ms Barlow. Wren doesn't get a proper part in the play and is designated to stage design and listed to play "understudy" of the main character if Gwen Summers does not pull through. Also on the stage team is newcomer Derek - fresh from a stint in juvie , he and Wren have chemistry but is chemistry enough for both of them when Wren's friendship with Margot starts getting screwed up as she hates Derek. Fast forward to one week before Opening and it seems that everything is going bottoms up with Ms Barlow resigning and actors/actresses pulling out and leaving ? What will happen when Wren tries to save the play from being destroyed ? Will she be able to save her Aunt's play Love and Suicide in time for Opening Night ? It seems that this particular "Understudy" has a lot more on her plate than reading lines as a back-up and being stage manager/director. For a nice , clean teen novel - Check out Understudy by Cheyanne Young.
January 23, 2016
This was such a cute romance and I loved it. There were some things I didn’t like, but I still I adored Understudy .
Wren Barlow, truly an amusing and engaging character. Young wrote her as a realistic and relatable teenager and I was impressed. Instead of making Wren “not like other girls.” or “better than the rest.” or giving Wren the usual “I’m not fat, but when I look in the mirror…” in order to make her somewhat relatable. Wren was just Wren and that’s all she needed to be in order to be a great character. Truth be told, one of my favorite lines from Wren was, “I’m not fat,” I say confidently, because I know I’m not fat.” I cannot begin to explain how beautiful of a declaration it was. The confidence, the self-pride, the self-respect…it was wonderful to read and I highly respect Young for giving Wren that type of attitude...
Read the rest of this review and more at: https://paigeturnerreads.wordpress.co...
Wren Barlow, truly an amusing and engaging character. Young wrote her as a realistic and relatable teenager and I was impressed. Instead of making Wren “not like other girls.” or “better than the rest.” or giving Wren the usual “I’m not fat, but when I look in the mirror…” in order to make her somewhat relatable. Wren was just Wren and that’s all she needed to be in order to be a great character. Truth be told, one of my favorite lines from Wren was, “I’m not fat,” I say confidently, because I know I’m not fat.” I cannot begin to explain how beautiful of a declaration it was. The confidence, the self-pride, the self-respect…it was wonderful to read and I highly respect Young for giving Wren that type of attitude...
Read the rest of this review and more at: https://paigeturnerreads.wordpress.co...
June 10, 2015
This was a quick fluffy read. I found the main character really frustrating sometimes, especially the way she treated the love interest, but I can also understand her reactions and I think it was realistic. The aunt in the story was just plain awful. I was hoping for some explanation for why she was such a terribly miserable person but that wasn't ever explained. I loved the main male character. It's always refreshing to have a love interest who doesn't treat the female lead like garbage at any point during the story. He was so sweet and caring, and I loved him even more at the end when his big secret is revealed.
June 15, 2015
So.... I don't know where to start...
It wasn't bad... but it wasn't as I expected. I expected better... The characters were really immature, and the adults even more. Aunt Barlow was the most immature and stupid woman ever! She was annoying! And acted like a stupid little brat! What the heck was wrong with her???
Wren... she was...not bad, not good. Derek... was actually nice. But he had his immature moments too. Margot.... annoying.
The story... was nice. But it's like something was missing...
It wasn't bad... but it wasn't as I expected. I expected better... The characters were really immature, and the adults even more. Aunt Barlow was the most immature and stupid woman ever! She was annoying! And acted like a stupid little brat! What the heck was wrong with her???
Wren... she was...not bad, not good. Derek... was actually nice. But he had his immature moments too. Margot.... annoying.
The story... was nice. But it's like something was missing...
May 5, 2014
Fun, entertaining, a perfect weekend read!
I love how vividly the voice comes across in this story of Wren not getting what she wants, but nevertheless finding her course along an uncertain path. One of my favorite qualities of Wren's is she loves woodworking and does her own thing, despite convention, yet she's an everyday girl the reader can relate too. I really enjoy this author's work and look forward to reading more.
I love how vividly the voice comes across in this story of Wren not getting what she wants, but nevertheless finding her course along an uncertain path. One of my favorite qualities of Wren's is she loves woodworking and does her own thing, despite convention, yet she's an everyday girl the reader can relate too. I really enjoy this author's work and look forward to reading more.
October 17, 2014
The question is 'did I like it?' and my answer is
This book had some really good developed ideas however sometimes I felt like the pace dragged on which made me demotivated to finish the book despite it being fairly short.
This book had some really good developed ideas however sometimes I felt like the pace dragged on which made me demotivated to finish the book despite it being fairly short.
June 23, 2015
This is a fun, light-hearted read--perfect for summer! I was in a high school play (once upon a time) and this book brought back so many memories. Derek had a sexy, bad-boy vibe, and Wren was a likable yet flawed character (and flawed main characters are so much more interesting right?) Cheyanne Young is a really talented author; the snarky/witty/cute voice was hilarious and spot-on. I'm officially a fan!
April 1, 2014
Super cute, review to come
March 4, 2014
What a cute story!! Wren was an awesome heroine. I loved Derek as well. Fast paced and kept me interested!!
March 13, 2014
The only I have to say is that I just fell in love with this book.
April 17, 2014
Gaya penceritaannya bagus, ide ceritanya bagus, pengembangan karakter utamanya juga bagus. Tapi sayang perkembangan cerita cintanya kurang memuaskan.
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