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Secondary Characters
When Mabel's best friend, Amber, drags her along on a double date she finds herself falling for Lance, the obnoxious class clown whom she swore she'd have no interest in. The only problem is, she's not sure if she's really the girl Lance is into, or if, like every other guy she knows, it's really Amber he's after.
One thing is clear, if Mabel wants to be the lead in her own love story, she needs to start acting like it.
One thing is clear, if Mabel wants to be the lead in her own love story, she needs to start acting like it.
59 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 25, 2013
5 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Schieffelbein
6 books86 followersRachel grew up in a tiny town in Minnesota. She still lives there, with her husband and their four kids. She coaches high school speech and theater, rides Arabian horses, reads as much as she can, and writes stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 25, 2013
Secondary Characters was an adorable easy read. I loved the entire concept of getting into the head of the people who are usually pushed out of the spotlight. The comic relief, as Lance puts it ;)
Lance and Mabel are so cute together, and I love that I got to be inside both their heads. The writing was beautiful in its simplicity, the voices of the characters were so vibrant, I couldn't put this book down until I finished it. 5 stars, but wish I could give it more :)
Lance and Mabel are so cute together, and I love that I got to be inside both their heads. The writing was beautiful in its simplicity, the voices of the characters were so vibrant, I couldn't put this book down until I finished it. 5 stars, but wish I could give it more :)
February 16, 2014
Oh yeah, this was just what I needed. Super cute novella with 2 main characters that you can't help but LOVE. I seriously loved the concept for this book, and the author pulled it off even better than I was expecting. I seriously LOVED Lance. He was so freaking adorable. Mabel was great too, but most of the time I just wanted to shove her to the side so I could have Lance. I love stories about the more "normal" characters who aren't perfect and popular etc. Yup, definitely happy smile here. :)
June 4, 2013
I am a love story junkie and this story didn't let me down! It was sweet, well-written and I fell instantly in love with the characters (especially Lance, the cutie pie lineman...ah, be still my heart!) I enjoyed the POV switches, I liked seeing the same situations from each characters eyes. It's funny how we can all be looking at the same incident, but see it differently.
I'll be looking for more stories from Rachel!!
I'll be looking for more stories from Rachel!!
July 12, 2013
Secondary Characters was such a cute, sweet, quick story with a really nice message behind it! In just a short amount of pages, author Rachel Schieffelbein allowed me to connect to both main characters, Mabel and Lance.
When comparing herself to her best friend, Mabel always felt that she fell short. She didn’t think she was as pretty, as interesting, or even as funny as the always perfect Amber. These insecurities are something I feel like everyone could relate to in one way or another. I remember when my younger sister moved up to the high school, I always had thoughts similar to Mabel’s. No matter what, Mable thought she was like a secondary character and Amber was the lead (hence the title of the book).
Mable grudgingly agrees to a double date with Amber, Amber’s date who happens to be the equally perfect Nick, and Nick’s obnoxious and annoying best friend, Lance. The last thing she expects is to start feeling all the crush-y, swoon-y feelings toward Lance, someone who couldn’t be more different from her.
Lance, best friend of the confident ladies man A.K.A. Nick, has quite the crush on Mable. He, like Mable, feels like he pales in comparison to his best friend. He feels more like the awkward side kick while his best friend saves the day and snags the girl.
One of my favorite parts about these two characters and the fact that this book had switching point of views, was that we were able to see sides of these characters that they weren’t able to see. To Mable, Lance comes off as this confident, class clown without a care in the world. However, when we get to see inside Lance’s head, we see someone who is just as unsure and insecure as Mable. What first appears to be two characters who couldn’t be more different, soon transforms into two characters who have more in common than first imagined.
Overall, I was quite impressed with how much I liked about this story. Mable and Lance were both enjoyable characters and the blossoming of their relationship was really sweet. I especially loved the main focus of this story, about how you can be the main character in your own story if you allow it. I thought it was really clever how the author worked that theme into this book. If you are looking for a quick, cute story that will remind you of your first high school crush, then I definitely suggest giving Secondary Characters a read!
When comparing herself to her best friend, Mabel always felt that she fell short. She didn’t think she was as pretty, as interesting, or even as funny as the always perfect Amber. These insecurities are something I feel like everyone could relate to in one way or another. I remember when my younger sister moved up to the high school, I always had thoughts similar to Mabel’s. No matter what, Mable thought she was like a secondary character and Amber was the lead (hence the title of the book).
Mable grudgingly agrees to a double date with Amber, Amber’s date who happens to be the equally perfect Nick, and Nick’s obnoxious and annoying best friend, Lance. The last thing she expects is to start feeling all the crush-y, swoon-y feelings toward Lance, someone who couldn’t be more different from her.
Lance, best friend of the confident ladies man A.K.A. Nick, has quite the crush on Mable. He, like Mable, feels like he pales in comparison to his best friend. He feels more like the awkward side kick while his best friend saves the day and snags the girl.
One of my favorite parts about these two characters and the fact that this book had switching point of views, was that we were able to see sides of these characters that they weren’t able to see. To Mable, Lance comes off as this confident, class clown without a care in the world. However, when we get to see inside Lance’s head, we see someone who is just as unsure and insecure as Mable. What first appears to be two characters who couldn’t be more different, soon transforms into two characters who have more in common than first imagined.
Overall, I was quite impressed with how much I liked about this story. Mable and Lance were both enjoyable characters and the blossoming of their relationship was really sweet. I especially loved the main focus of this story, about how you can be the main character in your own story if you allow it. I thought it was really clever how the author worked that theme into this book. If you are looking for a quick, cute story that will remind you of your first high school crush, then I definitely suggest giving Secondary Characters a read!
May 29, 2013
This novella is pretty great. Secondary Characters is a funny and satisfactory read. I felt the different emotions of the characters and laughed at Rachel's humorous, down-to-Earth style of writing. :) Definitely recommend!
UPDATE July 16th, '13
Okay, when I last wrote that review, I was obviously in a hurry and couldn't give this book a proper rant, or something like that. Sooo, allow me now. (And, forgive me, I haven't figured out how to format images and GIFs into reviews, darn Goodreads, so you'll just have to settle for the link.)
Summary: On one side of the story, we have Amber, the perfect, popular blonde girl that everyone wants to be around. And then there's her lowly best friend, Mabel, who has always felt like she's in her best friend's shadow. On the other side, we have Nick, the hot, perfect, romantic guy that everyone wants to date and whom Amber likes. Then there's Lance, Nate's best friend, in the same situation that Mabel is in. Lance likes Mabel, but Mabel despises Lance for his lame fart jokes.
Basically, Mabel and Lance start to fall in love, once she gets past her prejudices, but then through some miscommunications, Mabel starts to think that it's really Amber he's wanting, (like her trashy ex-boyfriend). But then they end up together in the end.
In One word: CUUUTE!
My reaction to this book: http://awesomegifs.com/wp-content/upl...
The Characters. I loved Mabel, she was really well developed and I can see why she felt like she did. And Lance. Ah, Lance. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...
This is him. Awwww. :D
Then there are Nick and Amber. I think they're developed just the way they're sposed to be, and by that I mean that I kind of hated them. lolz, I loved Mabel and Lance's romance MUCH better.
Anyway, this book was awesome, and sweet, and had me lol'ing more than once, but this was a con for me:
Maybe it's just how guys act and think around each other, but I found the swearing in Lance's POV to be a bit excessive. I can take a little of that, but overall it kind of put a bit of a damper on the whole thing for me.
Other than that this was GREAT little story :)
UPDATE July 16th, '13
Okay, when I last wrote that review, I was obviously in a hurry and couldn't give this book a proper rant, or something like that. Sooo, allow me now. (And, forgive me, I haven't figured out how to format images and GIFs into reviews, darn Goodreads, so you'll just have to settle for the link.)
Summary: On one side of the story, we have Amber, the perfect, popular blonde girl that everyone wants to be around. And then there's her lowly best friend, Mabel, who has always felt like she's in her best friend's shadow. On the other side, we have Nick, the hot, perfect, romantic guy that everyone wants to date and whom Amber likes. Then there's Lance, Nate's best friend, in the same situation that Mabel is in. Lance likes Mabel, but Mabel despises Lance for his lame fart jokes.
Basically, Mabel and Lance start to fall in love, once she gets past her prejudices, but then through some miscommunications, Mabel starts to think that it's really Amber he's wanting, (like her trashy ex-boyfriend). But then they end up together in the end.
In One word: CUUUTE!
My reaction to this book: http://awesomegifs.com/wp-content/upl...
The Characters. I loved Mabel, she was really well developed and I can see why she felt like she did. And Lance. Ah, Lance. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...
This is him. Awwww. :D
Then there are Nick and Amber. I think they're developed just the way they're sposed to be, and by that I mean that I kind of hated them. lolz, I loved Mabel and Lance's romance MUCH better.
Anyway, this book was awesome, and sweet, and had me lol'ing more than once, but this was a con for me:
Maybe it's just how guys act and think around each other, but I found the swearing in Lance's POV to be a bit excessive. I can take a little of that, but overall it kind of put a bit of a damper on the whole thing for me.
Other than that this was GREAT little story :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2013
Ever wonder what the best friends of the beautiful, popular people feel like? Well, this is an adorable story addressing just that. Secondary Characters is about Mabel and Lance, the best friends of Amber and the other guy (seriously, I can't remember his name because the author did such a great job getting me to focus on his friend Lance), who seem to live their lives in the shadows of their more popular best friends. Mabel is forced to go on a double date with Lance the class clown, so Amber can go on a date with the other guy. But what starts with Mabel being adamantly against cutie Lance, we get to see her uncover feelings that weren't there to begin with. Both have their own insecurities and fears that they hide behind, as well as clueless best friends who are used to things revolving around them, so we watch along with them to see if they are ever able to get off the sidelines and make their own story happen.
I really enjoyed this sweet, adorable story. It was just what I was looking for and did not disappoint. I really liked Mabel and Lance's characters. Whether they were dealing with past hurts, insecurities, miscommunications, or impending romance, they always felt honest and genuine. I was rooting for them the entire time. If you are looking for a sweet, quick read, full of wonderful characters and an adorable romance, then look no further. Great debut from Rachel Schieffelbein!
I really enjoyed this sweet, adorable story. It was just what I was looking for and did not disappoint. I really liked Mabel and Lance's characters. Whether they were dealing with past hurts, insecurities, miscommunications, or impending romance, they always felt honest and genuine. I was rooting for them the entire time. If you are looking for a sweet, quick read, full of wonderful characters and an adorable romance, then look no further. Great debut from Rachel Schieffelbein!
August 10, 2013
Secondary Characters is a novella that you can read in a day but the story will stay with you. Mabel and Lance each get to tell their side and it makes for a fun, emotional and well written story. Rachel definitely did a great job with this and take it from me as someone who isn't taken up with the romance genre (unless it has paranormal in front of it), this book is for anyone who enjoys a story that is well done. While I could do less with all the romance jargon that true romance books have to have: I mean do Mabel and Lance really need to feel static electricity and have their hearts beat faster all the time? Yes, because it's a romance novel and no matter how much the repetition annoys me, Rachel makes a real fan of me by using well developed characters that take me beyond my romance is not in my top five genres zone. In the end you get a novella that is worth your time and can be read again and again. If you want to enjoy a novel while rooting for starring 'underdogs', pick this one up today.
June 13, 2013
I read this in one sitting. It's so smartly written and as an author I could totally connect with the idea of secondary characters. Since they're not the main focus in a story (or in Mabel and Lance's case life) it's hard to give them the story line and detail they deserve. But the mark of a great book is when the supporting cast is just as well developed as the main characters. This was the case in Ms. Schieffelbein's story. Every character was well developed which is an amazing feat given the story arc is short. I felt the relationships developed at the right speed and was rooting for our two main characters the whole way. I will definitely read more of this author's work.
June 14, 2013
Absolutely adorable story about two people who consider themselves to be background characters in the grand story of their more popular friends' lives. I loved Lance... the goofy class clown with the silly, inappropriate jokes, who's just a really decent guy underneath the humor. And Mabel was likable, funny, and understandably hesitant about being set up on a double date with the guy who makes lame fart jokes. Was just really cute to watch the realizations, the relationship, and the romance through the eyes of Lance & Mabel. If you're looking for a quick, satisfying little romance, pick this one up.
September 5, 2013
Good job Rachel! This novella was very funny and I liked the ending. Also very appropriate for the YA crowd. I also really liked that I could picture some of the places in my head (ex: football team running up the hill to the lockeroom = football game was on Chatfied HS field which is in a little valley; killed those guys from Dover = another little town in SE Minnesota.) I also liked that Mabel(named after the town?? LOL) was not as whiny as she could've been. Actually, the same goes for Amber. You could've taken it in another direction and made them very irritating. It was so great to finally read one of your works. I can't wait for the next one!
May 31, 2013
I enjoyed this novella quite a bit, and I don't normally read short works or YA. I'm sure many people can relate to being 'secondary characters' - an apt and clever title.
The writing is good, the characters are realistic and likeable, and the pacing moves. The only negative for me was the shifts in POV without a clear signal, such as a character name heading or obvious first line. That said, I LOVED getting into the hero's head and I felt the author did a good job of writing from the male point of view.
If you're looking for a short teen romance with a nice HEA, this is for you.
The writing is good, the characters are realistic and likeable, and the pacing moves. The only negative for me was the shifts in POV without a clear signal, such as a character name heading or obvious first line. That said, I LOVED getting into the hero's head and I felt the author did a good job of writing from the male point of view.
If you're looking for a short teen romance with a nice HEA, this is for you.
May 29, 2013
Very short but very very sweet glad to hear about the "Secondary Characters" finally getting they're shine.....but I hate how Mabel doubted herself thinking that no one could ever notice her around Amber I so hate when someone is put on a pedestal just for how they look...... glad to see Mabel get her guy although I was thinking how could she be so blind and not notice how Lance was being annoying because he was trying to impress her.....I guess because she was so caught up worrying about being in the background but I did love this little book didn't put it down once!!
April 22, 2015
This was a fun, cute read and there wasn't anything I didn't like about it. So I guess that's why I gave it 5 stars (changed to 4 since)! Lance was quite an adorable dork, considering he was a hot jock. Over the course of the story, my feelings mirrored Mabel's, in that at first he seemed so very lame, but over time his sweetness shone through. The story made me laugh, too, e.g. on that terrible first double date. All in all I really enjoyed Rachel Schieffelbein's writing style, and the story definitely hooked me in.
July 26, 2013
Picked this up and couldn't put it down until I was done! *SWOON!* This book is darling and the love story has me grinning from ear to ear! Oh, the troubles that romance brings can be so frustrating for most of us. What's important is that we "don't give up!" I could read this over and over AND OVER again!
June 6, 2013
If you're looking for a quick and fun read, then Secondary Characters will fit to your need.
Despite the cover, this book isn't about erotic romance (thank goodness, i kinda fed up of that genre recently). Instead it's about high school romance, one that you find probably not original, but sweet nonetheless.
nice debut :)
Despite the cover, this book isn't about erotic romance (thank goodness, i kinda fed up of that genre recently). Instead it's about high school romance, one that you find probably not original, but sweet nonetheless.
nice debut :)
June 21, 2013
Such a cute book! I absolutely loved that it was told in both points of view of Mabel and lance, it really made the book feel that much more genuine. The story line was great and never felt cheesy. The romance is perfect and adorable and really makes the reader route for the characters. The story is the perfect length for a sweet, easy read. Great summer read by the pool.
June 4, 2013
This novella was exactly what I wanted it to be. It was sweet, romantic, and charming. And I loved the message it delivered to those of us who might not have been the "it" girl or guy in school, but might have been that other girl or guy standing nearby. Lovely!
July 6, 2013
Cute love story that has you rooting for the secondary characters, while the beautiful girl and her gorgeous boyfriend pretty much disappear into insignificance. The fairytale that every high-school girl is hoping for!
December 2, 2013
Once I picked it up, I couldn't stop reading. Lance is absolutely adorable and I loved everything about him. Mabel was awkward and unsure of herself and brought me back to my own teen years. If you're looking for a quick, sweet read, this is it!
October 13, 2013
Sweet and funny. I liked Mabel's transformation of feelings for Lance. I especially loved that Lance was in love with her since the very beginning. You know, not having to wait until "the transformation of the girl/boy" to realize "Damn, I love her/him" was refreshing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2014
Absolutely adored this book. Very short - I think it's a novella but it was fantastic. Very sweet story. Only complaint would be that I wish there was a full length novel because I love the characters of Mabel and Lance so much! Fantastic!!!!
June 6, 2013
Very short teen love story. :)
July 10, 2013
adorbs
September 2, 2016
This is a sweet read about the best friends of the the "it" couple who are always overshadowed but finally get to be the lead in their own love story. When it ended all I wanted was more.
December 20, 2013
ADORABLE.
March 26, 2014
This book is so cute and funny with loveable characters. The writing is good and it's thoroughly addicting. I only wish it had been longer so I could have had more Lance!
August 6, 2014
Cute, easy read! 3.5 stars. Lance is adorable and this little story was a great lunch companion. No drama or angst, just sweet! Sometimes that really is enough. :)
July 28, 2014
Cute. Super short. Breezy read. And just wonderful.
April 6, 2021
I’ve read this book over and over since it was released, so it’s probably about time I reviewed it.
I like the book! It’s adorable, the relationship is cute, and it really was a relatable story for me - like Mabel, I spent high school being the ‘secondary character’ to my best friend. And, like Mabel, I had a guy date me just to get close to my friend. Honestly, I enjoyed the read and I enjoyed the POV changing - I liked seeing both Lance and Mabel’s reaction to the same scene.
I guess the downfall for me had something to do with the way Mabel and Amber interact? There were little bits of the story where even Mabel refers to Amber as boring and treats her like she’s vapid, and Amber herself doesn’t really treat Mabel as I hope a friend would treat me - this being said I do remember being a teenager and having friends that were a little absent once they started dating. It just sort of rubbed me the wrong way, and made me think that if that’s the way Amber acts with Mabel, why would Mabel continue to be friends with her, especially if it makes her always feel like she’s second best.
Of course, maybe I’m just older now and my idea of friendship has changed!
Overall, mostly wholesome and charming read, quick and easy. 3.5 stars, rounded down.
I like the book! It’s adorable, the relationship is cute, and it really was a relatable story for me - like Mabel, I spent high school being the ‘secondary character’ to my best friend. And, like Mabel, I had a guy date me just to get close to my friend. Honestly, I enjoyed the read and I enjoyed the POV changing - I liked seeing both Lance and Mabel’s reaction to the same scene.
I guess the downfall for me had something to do with the way Mabel and Amber interact? There were little bits of the story where even Mabel refers to Amber as boring and treats her like she’s vapid, and Amber herself doesn’t really treat Mabel as I hope a friend would treat me - this being said I do remember being a teenager and having friends that were a little absent once they started dating. It just sort of rubbed me the wrong way, and made me think that if that’s the way Amber acts with Mabel, why would Mabel continue to be friends with her, especially if it makes her always feel like she’s second best.
Of course, maybe I’m just older now and my idea of friendship has changed!
Overall, mostly wholesome and charming read, quick and easy. 3.5 stars, rounded down.
May 16, 2020
This was a really fun quick young adult read. I think we all feel like a secondary character at some point in our lives which made Mabel extremely relatable. I appreciated getting the story from both Mabel and Lance's point of view. It created in the reader the knowledge that Mabel wasn't a secondary character to Lance. Giving you the edge of your seat feeling of: when is she finally going to see it and believe it too? I really enjoyed their sweet romance.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews