Synopsis
If Romeo and Juliet got the Hamilton treatment…who would play the leads? This vividly funny, honest, and charming romantic novel by Dana L. Davis is the story of a girl who thinks she has what it takes…and the world thinks so, too.
Jerzie Jhames will do anything to land the lead role in Broadway’s hottest new show, Roman and Jewel, a Romeo and Juliet inspired hip-hopera featuring a diverse cast and modern twists on the play. But her hopes are crushed when she learns mega-star Cinny won the lead…and Jerzie is her understudy.
Falling for male lead Zeppelin Reid is a terrible idea–especially once Jerzie learns Cinny wants him for herself. Star-crossed love always ends badly. But when a video of Jerzie and Zepp practicing goes viral and the entire world weighs in on who should play Jewel, Jerzie learns that while the price of fame is high, friendship, family, and love are priceless.
Title: Roman + Jewel
Author: Dana L. Davis
Publication Date: January 5, 2021
Publisher: Inkyard Press
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary
Review
This book was Romeo and Juliet inception; a retelling of Romeo and Juliet where the main characters are in a play about Romeo and Juliet. And I was totally here for it!! Humor, heart, and raw energy come together to create this beautiful book. It is an absolute must-read of 2021!
Can I start with the romance? I’m going to start with the romance. I wish I could copy + paste a million heart eye emojis here. Jerzie and Zepplin were so cute together. There is a bit of insta-love/love at first sight (because it’s a retelling of Romeo and Juliet), but it wasn’t too bad. I’m normally not really a fan of the insta-love trope, but I was okay with this one. There was enough time to get to know them both and get to know them together so I was okay with it.
Also, the humor in this book was top notch. Jerzie, the main character, was such a big part of bringing in the humor. She had so much energy and a passion for music and theater and often showed it in funny ways. As well, her little freak-outs and overall thought process were really funny to me. I loved being inside her head for this story.
Aunt Karla was another lovable and hilarious character. Although she was a side character, she still played a big role in Jerzie’s life and in the plot. I loved getting to know her and hearing her side comments and advice about Jerzie’s life.
I really don’t have too much more to say about this book. The plot was well-paced, the conflict was great, the characters were loveable (and will be missed) so it was an automatic high-rated book for me!
Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rating
Mood Board
Dana L. Davis is a novelist and Hollywood actress with previous series regular roles as: Carmen Phillips on TNT’s Franklin and Bash and modern-day mimic Monica Dawson on NBC’s cult series Heroes.
She currently stars on the animated series Star Vs. the Forces of Evil, Craig of the Creek, and She-Ra. Dana has guest-starred in over 20 prestigious primetime series, including 911, Scorpion, Code Black, Grey’s Anatomy, and CSI. She made her film debut in Coach Carter with Samuel Jackson.
In addition to her work on screen, Dana has become a motivational speaker for teens. Her stirring assemblies empower and encourage youth, helping them to redefine what it means to win and lose.
Extremely versatile, Dana is a screenwriter and a trained Violist with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music from Loyola Marymount University. She volunteers for nonprofits like Empowering Lives International, an organization which provides training, resources, and encouragement to underprivileged East African children.
Dana also created her own nonprofit organization Culture For Kids, LA, an organization which gifts inner city children tickets and transportation to see performing arts shows around the Los Angeles area.
Dana was raised in the Midwest and currently resides in Los Angeles with her 9-year-old daughter.
[…] Book View – Book Review, Mood Board The Paper Reels – Book Review, Favorite Quotes BookishEnds – Book Review, Character […]