I received an advanced copy of Roman and Jewel through NetGalley so I could share my review with you!

Romeo and Juliet is getting a Broadway remix, and Jerzie Jhames is going to play the lead! Well, the lead’s understudy, that is. Roman and Jewel, a hip-hopera based on the classic story of Romeo and Juliet, is Jerzie’s dream production. It has a killer score, a diverse cast, and lots of potential to be Broadway’s next big hit. Jerzie worked so hard to make it through the arduous audition process, only to learn that the role of Jewel had already been cast as mega-star Cinny. Though Jerzie tries to be a good sport about being the understudy, she can’t help but feel robbed of her chance to find. When she arrives at her first rehearsal, Jerzie feels an instant connection with the male lead, Zeppelin Reid. This romance can only end in disaster, but when the stars align, there’s no telling what may happen!

You can get your copy of Roman and Jewel on January 5th from Inkyard Press!

Though I’ve heard nothing but positive recommendations regarding Dana L. Davis’s books, I was absolutely floored with how much I loved Roman and Jewel! It was so easy to lose myself in the world of Broadway glam and drama. As a theatre professional myself, I appreciate the careful research that must’ve gone into this book to capture the intricacies of the Broadway rehearsal process! Jerzie was such a deep, likable character, I couldn’t help but rooting for her every step of her journey!

My Recommendation-
If you, like me, have a bit of a Broadway obsession, you need to read Roman and Jewel as soon as possible! Roman and Jewel has a heartfelt message about friendship, family, and navigating fame that should not be missed. This book would be perfect for fans of the smash-hit musical Hamilton, as well as theatre-lovers of all ages!

I loved this retelling of Romeo and Juliet. Dana Davis did a brilliant job of making a classic tale modern and relatable. I instantly fell in love with the characters even the ones we're supposed to hate. Jerzie Jhames is an aspiring Broadway star who goes for the role of her dreams to star in a Broadway retelling of Romeo and Juliet only to be cast as un understudy instead of the lead. She's devastated to find out she lost the role to pop star Cinny simply because of her fame, not talent. Head head high she walks into rehearsal and has a chance meeting with Romeo himself, Zeppelin. Could this be live at first sight? Are they the reincarnation of Romeo and Juliet? I loved the drama behind the scenes of the production and cried along with Jerzie through her heartbreak. (And cheered for her during the cat fight). This was one of those books that I just couldn't put down and read in one sitting. The HEA ending felt like a perfect way to end the story, I just wish we could have seen a tiny bit more of Zeppelin and his family working on their healing. I can't wait to read more from this author.

This is definitely one to remember for teens who are obsessed with Hamilton/Broadway/theater and want a swoony romance. Davis's love of the theater is very evident on each page and teens will gravitate towards the book.

I absolutely adore this book! 4.5 stars! This is the perfect YA romance on Broadway. Add in some Shakespeare and a funny aunt and I’m all in!

This isn't so much a retelling of Romeo and Juliet, but a total redo, and it's so refreshing! I love the diversity and rapport of the characters. Their relationships are tense and strained, as well as warm and silly. Such a great mix!

Dana L Davis handles the topics of loss/grief/love/fame/friendship so beautifully, that it doesn't feel like a book with an agenda, but a fun yet touching story that somehow accomplishes all of that gracefully.

I appreciate the depth of the romance, and the promise for what's to come for each character. Although I would have gladly read more, I think the book ends at a perfect point in time with silver linings and promise. Believe me, you need this breath of fresh air!

Thanks so much to Inkyard Press and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Fairly standard YA romcom remake of Romeo and Juliet (pretty obvious, right?). More than just a remake, there's the meta aspect of the hip-hop version of R&J on Broadway that Jerzie is in, understudying Cinny as she plays Jewel to Zeppelin's Roman. Few surprises, but YA romance fans will enjoy the read and the new take on an old, old story.

eARC provided by publisher via Netgalley.

She had been working towards this moment her whole life, and finally, Jerzie was cast in a Broadway musical. Though she was only a backup for the lead actress, it was an opportunity with the promise of more. But when she meets and falls for Zeppelin, the actor playing Roman, she finds her future in jeopardy.

I am always up for a re-telling, and Romeo and Juliet is such a classic to tackle. I thought Davis put a great spin on it and found myself entertained and engrossed in all the show drama.

Here's five things I liked about Roman and Jewel:

1. Jerzie had a great voice. She captured me from page one with her "what's in a name" soliloquy. Her love of theater bled into everything she said and did, and I was captivated by it.

2. Not only could I tell how much Jerzie loved theater, but it was obvious Davis adored it too. The references ran deep and were peppered throughout the story, and I had a great time ingested them all.

3. Being in the city and getting a behind the scenes look at a Broadway musical was fantastic. I got to see all of the moving parts come together as they brought this creation to life, and Davis did an incredible job making me feel as though I was a part of it.

4. There was no shortage of drama in this story, but it worked for me. I couldn't imagine anything associated with Shakespeare being drama free, therefore I embraced and enjoyed it.

5. There was some great exploration of themes such as family, friendship, and love.

Overall: I found myself rooting for Jerzie as she struggled between following her heart or her dreams, and wanting her to be able to do both.

First of all, I am not the target audience for this book. I understand this but I overall feel like I didn't get the book I was promised. As a theatre kid, I enjoyed the musical references and seeing the few rehersals shown. But we mostly got an underdeveloped romance and drama. I also feel like the author put too many Harry Potter references for no reason and explained too much most of the time, but didn't explain when it was needed. Example: she explained that Jerize's aunt's brother is her dad, but did not explain what a CD (as in Certificate of Deposit) where I feel like teens will know the dad thing much more than what a CD is.

Overall, I would recemmond this to teens in my libary who like these sorts of books (like The Sun is Also a Star or even the Selection) but not to everyone.

(Mild spoilers ahead)

This book was very frustrating to read starting around the 40% mark. The instalove was very real, the romance problematic and everything was just a catty mess. I would have just given it a 3 and say it was just not for me, but it got further away from the musical aspect and more into a sorta love triangle, intellectual property theft and arrest.

This book feels absolutely effortless. It was honestly refreshing to read a book that didn't feel like a struggle. As a theatre nerd and lover of Shakespeare, this was a book I needed to read right now. I am tired of the heavy stuff & a lighter book was exactly what I wanted. Was there a somewhat hasty redemption arc at the end that felt a bit out of place? Yes. Did it bother me? Surprisingly, it didn't. I quite honestly love this book.

Having read Davis' previous book, Tiffany Sly Lives Here Now, I loved the premise of a Shakespeare re-telling in the Broadway play. But Davis delivers a story that is even more than that. Blurring lines between our roles on stage, and our personal lives, Davis tackles issues of star-crossed lovers and the instant chemistry. Roman and Jewel are passionate Theater obsessed teens. Convinced that this Broadway re-telling will be their ticket to fame, they will discover something they never expected.

What we think is just going to be an on-stage re-telling of Romeo and Juliet morphs into a re-telling in the streets. This brilliant writing twist of Davis has Roman and Jewel explore themes of family, wanting to be treated like an adult, and how to fight for who we love. What may start off as a story focused on instant chemistry and romance, turns into a deeper exploration of what we would sacrifice for who we love. It asks Roman and Jewel, about destiny.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. Honestly, I didn't love it. It wasn't bad particularly, but it didn't stand out, either. It's the story of a girl who wants to be in a new production on Broadway called Roman and Jewel that is basically a twist on Romeo and Juliet, and who ends up being cast as an understudy instead of the lead role she is hoping for. The main character, Jerzie, is pretty forgettable, and she's one of those main characters who stuff happens to rather than moving the story along herself, and then everything turns out amazing at the end for no particular reason. I also thought the Romeo and Juliet aspects of the book were fairly weak, and I absolutely hated that any time a minor character in the show was mentioned, the narrator needed to mention who that character was an analog for in the actual Romeo and Juliet. If you know Romeo and Juliet, you'll be able to figure it out, and if you don't know it, then naming the Romeo and Juliet characters doesn't add anything. I think I'm especially bummed out by Roman and Jewel because I recently read Chloe Gong's These Violent Delights, which is also a Romeo and Juliet retelling, and is completely breathtaking. The two books have really nothing in common besides Romeo and Juliet, but it was hard not to compare them, and Roman and Jewel just came up a bit short. It's more of a YA insta-love romance than a retelling of Romeo and Juliet, and I was just expecting something more from it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Inkyard Press for a ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Jerzie James has dreamed of being on Broadway her whole life. She has always known she belongs there. She auditions for a musical called Roman and Jewel, a new musical that is a retelling of Romeo and Juliet. Jerzie almost gets cast as the main female role of Jewel. However, the people funding the musical think hiring a celebrity to play Jewel will help ticket sales. This means that pop star Cinny will play Jewel and Jerzie will just be her understudy. Jerzie is devastated, especially when she sees how Cinny doesn’t seem to take the role or job seriously. However, Cinny’s attitude isn’t the only surprise waiting for her at the first rehearsal. Jerzie is surprised at how cute the actor playing Roman is. She might be developing feelings for him! Soon, there is even more drama involving Roman and Jewel for Jerzie. What will happen to Jerzie and her broadway career? Read to find out! Personally, I thought the book was just okay. I liked the storyline and how the book was #ownvoices. I also think broadway is a fun topic that isn't found too often in YA books. However, the story seemed a bit slow paced and boring. I would still recommend it if you are looking for a fun YA read with acting and drama.

Roman and Jewel Review


For some reason, I just didn’t connect with this book. I enjoyed bits and pieces of it, but I was really thrown off by the romance, which was a shame, because as soon as I saw this book, I knew I needed it. In between the beautiful cover, the Shakespearean retelling, and a star-crossed romance, I figured I would love it. Sadly, I didn’t.

Roman and Jewel is the story of Jerzie, an understudy in Broadway’s newest hit. Cast as standby to the lead, and falling in love with a fellow actor, things are about to get ugly. Shakespeare’s iconic play, Romeo and Juliet is tossed on its head, with a dose of diversity, opera, and hip hop thrown in.

My main problem with this book was the romance. Really, it was only the insta love. If the romance had been built over the whole book, I probably would’ve loved it. There was definitely chemistry between Jerzie and Zeppelin, but the speed at which they fell in love felt unrealistic. As soon as they met, they were obsessed with each other, which is always something I hate in books. And, even though this was technically a forbidden romance, it didn’t contain the same angst and anger that Romeo and Juliet did.

Part of the reason that the romance was so unbearable for me may have been the characters. Most of them felt overly perfect, like they could do me wrong. In order to feel realistic, every character needs to have a weakness, and sadly, Zeppelin and Jerzie were missing one. I also felt like a lot of the interactions felt super forced, not like conversations one would have in regular life. Zeppelin was also the typical “bad boy” character we see in so many YA novels, who only needs to meet the right girl to turn him good. Even though all I listed about the characters was complaints, I did really like how well their motivations were written. Every single one had to choose between family and friend, career or love. Hard choices weren’t skipped over, which definitely improved this book in my eyes.

Confession time! I’ve never actually read the actual play of Romeo and Juliet. So, I can’t necessarily speak on whether this was actually a retelling, or very loosely inspired. That being said, I wasn’t exactly a fan of the plot. When I read that our main character was a musical theater person, I was so excited! Sadly, the plot focused way too much on the romance, and not enough on the play. It took me a while to get into this, and I was never completely pulled in.

Despite all of my complaints, I did actually enjoy this. I loved the twists the author put on the story, and I loved the ending. This was fun to read, it just wasn’t my type of book.

i really enjoyed reading this book, I loved the in book play and getting to know Jerzie. I really enjoyed the way the author writes and look forward to more from the author.

I was SO LUCKY to read an eARC of Roman and Jewel.

This book was absolutely delightful. It was such an easy read and made me so happy. Every character is so exuberant and unique. The banter was one of my favourite parts and Jerzie’s inner monologue made me laugh out loud so many times.

My number one piece of advice is to not read the synopsis at all and trust me. It’s a Romeo and Juliet retelling about a Broadway Romeo and Juliet retelling. It’s fun, tense, mysterious, hilarious, and full of angst.

This YA contemporary Romeo and Juliet retelling is perfect for anyone looking for a book to drag you out of a slump!

Overall I’m giving it 4.5 stars the ending felt a tad rushed and I wish we got to see more. I loved every page and I hope everyone reads this when it comes out!! January 2021!!

This book was cute—I am always down for a Romeo and Juliet remix—but it wasn’t my favorite of the ones I’ve read. The MC felt a bit immature at times, which I get since she is young, but is distracted rather than enhanced.

A hip-hop interpretation of Romeo and Juliet? Yes, please! I totally want to watch this on Broadway.

Jerzie James knows she’s the perfect person to play Jewel. She’s been working for this her whole life. So she’s crushed when they pick the famous singer Cinny instead to boost ticket sales, hiring Jerzie as her understudy. And to make matters worse, she and Cinny get off on the wrong foot when Jerzie has an immediate connection with the boy playing Roman.

Ah, young love! This book captures the feeling of seeing someone across the room and being instantly obsessed with them. And the kissing scenes managed to be both hot and sweet.

The setting was perfection. The author made the backstage of a Broadway musical come to life. And all the petty jealousies of who outranked who and who got the better part were so true to life.

The supporting characters were great. Cinny was the perfect villain, sweet in public and terrible once the cameras were gone. And Jerzie’s Aunt Karla was the perfect foil to her personality, with some of the best lines!

This is a must-read for contemporary ya fans.

Thank you to NetGalley and Inkyard Press for the advance review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

There is a new Broadway production based on the tragedy Romeo and Juliet and Jerzie, a true Broadway fan, wants the lead part more than anything! She knows she can play Jewel and when she meets Zeppellin, who plays Roman, she knows she won’t have to fake love. But just like their star crossed namesakes Jerzie and Zeppellin aren’t going to find love that easy. A cute shakespeare inspired romance that will make your heart sing!

“The road less traveled? That road is a nightmare. It’s less traveled for good reason.”

I was really excited to dive into this one. But, my God was I disappointed.
Let’s start with Jerzie. Her general attitude toward everything is so irritating. She is “crushed” to not get the lead role on a Broadway play. Hunny, you can’t logically expect to go from performing in your high school musical to leading Broadway. I mean, it’s possible, but it’s not the end of the world if you get understudy. Like she had the opportunity to network with and impress the heavyweights who could easily call her in for another show a few months down the line. According to the story, Jerzie is a Broadway genius who can learn the blocking of an entire scene after watching it once, compose new musical numbers in minutes, and sing like an angel. She could use this opportunity as a stepping stone; she’s working with an internationally acclaimed pop star for God’s sake! But all she wants to do is mope around and feel bad for herself. Her pessimism is honestly disheartening. Basically, I was unable to get invested in the plot because, from my point of view, there was no problem. Jerzie gets to work on Broadway. She gets to work with legends. She gets famous. It’s not the end of the world if you don’t get the lead role on your very first try, Jerzie.
Then comes Zeppelin. Who cannot tell the truth about anything, ever. Not only is he nineteen to Jerzie’s SIXTEEN, but he also has the personality of a cardboard cutout. By the end of the book, I know more about his featherlight hair than his personality. Everyone in Jerzie’s life tells her that she’s being reckless, and honestly, I agree wholeheartedly. Wandering around alone at night in NYC is not a good idea, Jerzie!!
Finally, we have Cinny, who also has no set personality. Random flashes of emotion do not actually serve to make her any more relatable or realistic, and she just seems like a snake.
This entire story is a cycle of: Zeppelin betrays Jerzie, Cinny is nice to Jerzie, Cinny betrays Jerzie, Zeppelin is nice to Jerzie. And Jerzie keeps throwing herself into this toxic environment instead of, I don’t know, focusing on her career.
In all honesty, I have zero patience for Romeo and Juliet, but I was drawn in by the theater angle.
I understand that the play is a retelling of Romeo and Juliet, but the book is supposed to be about Broadway and the art of drama. I was really looking forward to an inside look at the world of Broadway but I was served a painfully superficial love triangle drama instead.

I liked what this book was trying to do and the heavy broadway influences within the story. However, I didn't find myself connecting to the story or any of the main characters as a whole and the insta-romance in this story was a little meh for me. Overall, just an okay read.

Jerzies dad is Dusty a teacher. She's from New Jersey. I liked the characters. I got bored by the dialogue and descriptions.