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arieanstar's review against another edition
3.0
Thank you to Netgalley, Inkyard Press, and Dana L. Davis for providing me with an eARC of Roman and Jewel in exchange for an honest review.
This one is gonna be a tough one to articulate. I enjoyed maybe about 30% of the book? Okay, so here's the thing, I think I might be outgrowing the YA contemporary genre, because all the drama just frustrates me to no end! I also did not like that we have a book that is trying to uplift #OwnVoices peoples by putting Jerzie Jhames into the spotlight and making her this talented Broadway prodigy (with the help of years of training), but then the second we put another girl in that same situation, they have to be enemies. I know, I know, we needed an "antagonist" that would make it harder for Jerzie to get the guy of he dreams. But, really, the drama between the two girls just felt so petty and frustrating.
And then we have the mysterious Zeppelin Reid. He didn't feel like anything special to me and I didn't feel that spark that he should have had with Jerzie. So, personally, the romance felt flat and forced, and happened way too fast.
Now, for the next point, I'm definitely going to give Davis a pass, but it really irked me the whole time I was reading the book. There was so much, and I mean SO MUCH, telling instead of showing. I could see that most of the time, we were supposed to be following Jerzie's stream of consciousness, but I just needed more of the showing part. I wanted to feel how Jerzie felt when she would listen to the music in Jerzie Jhames, because it was established that that was her favourite part of the entire musical. I wanted to see New York and Broadway through her fresh eyes. I needed more of the bustling city or click-clacking of their DeLuca shoes on the stage, and her awe in actually being in a Broadway show, but we never got any of that.
This one is gonna be a tough one to articulate. I enjoyed maybe about 30% of the book? Okay, so here's the thing, I think I might be outgrowing the YA contemporary genre, because all the drama just frustrates me to no end! I also did not like that we have a book that is trying to uplift #OwnVoices peoples by putting Jerzie Jhames into the spotlight and making her this talented Broadway prodigy (with the help of years of training), but then the second we put another girl in that same situation, they have to be enemies. I know, I know, we needed an "antagonist" that would make it harder for Jerzie to get the guy of he dreams. But, really, the drama between the two girls just felt so petty and frustrating.
And then we have the mysterious Zeppelin Reid. He didn't feel like anything special to me and I didn't feel that spark that he should have had with Jerzie. So, personally, the romance felt flat and forced, and happened way too fast.
Now, for the next point, I'm definitely going to give Davis a pass, but it really irked me the whole time I was reading the book. There was so much, and I mean SO MUCH, telling instead of showing. I could see that most of the time, we were supposed to be following Jerzie's stream of consciousness, but I just needed more of the showing part. I wanted to feel how Jerzie felt when she would listen to the music in Jerzie Jhames, because it was established that that was her favourite part of the entire musical. I wanted to see New York and Broadway through her fresh eyes. I needed more of the bustling city or click-clacking of their DeLuca shoes on the stage, and her awe in actually being in a Broadway show, but we never got any of that.
fairyblood's review against another edition
4.0
it’s been a while since i’ve read ya i actually really liked! this is written from a musical theatre nerd, with musical theatre enthusiasts (aka me) in mind. cute! wouldn’t recommend!
tinytrashqueen's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
readingintheether's review against another edition
2.0
this had so much potential, it's not even fair how badly i was deceived
cassiesnextchapter's review against another edition
5.0
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.
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.
miss617's review against another edition
4.0
Very cute, quick read. I would love to know what happens next for Jerzie (which is odd because I've been feeling YA series fatigue lately), but the ending was satisfying.
popthebutterfly's review
4.0
Disclaimer: I received an e-arc of this book. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Roman and Jewel
Author: Dana L. Davis
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Diversity: Black main character and side characters
Recommended For...: contemporary lovers, ya readers
Publication Date: January 5, 2021
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 16+ (romance, drug usage, slight language)
Publisher: Inkyard Press
Pages: 336
Synopsis: 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.
Review: For the most part, this book was fun! I loved the way the story was told and how hard this book hooks you from beginning to end. The book has some good character development for most of the characters and the book also has some well done world building. The book also sounds like something a teen would write, which I think is key to YA books.
However, I really wish that the author put more of the musical in the book. The book could have been so much better with the musical aspects in it and I wanted so bad to see it in there. I also thought the love interest was very insufferable and I wanted to yeet him from the book. I didn’t like the redemption arc the villain got, it was a bit too short for my liking, and I didn’t like the instalove trope.
Verdict: Highly recommend!!
Book: Roman and Jewel
Author: Dana L. Davis
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Diversity: Black main character and side characters
Recommended For...: contemporary lovers, ya readers
Publication Date: January 5, 2021
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 16+ (romance, drug usage, slight language)
Publisher: Inkyard Press
Pages: 336
Synopsis: 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.
Review: For the most part, this book was fun! I loved the way the story was told and how hard this book hooks you from beginning to end. The book has some good character development for most of the characters and the book also has some well done world building. The book also sounds like something a teen would write, which I think is key to YA books.
However, I really wish that the author put more of the musical in the book. The book could have been so much better with the musical aspects in it and I wanted so bad to see it in there. I also thought the love interest was very insufferable and I wanted to yeet him from the book. I didn’t like the redemption arc the villain got, it was a bit too short for my liking, and I didn’t like the instalove trope.
Verdict: Highly recommend!!
rodeorocks13's review against another edition
5.0
Not your usual Romeo and Juilet retelling.
Roman and Jewel is an interesting take on a behind the scenes view of a Broadway show. As the rehearsal starts, you meet Jerzie Jhames. As an up and coming actress, she has been cast as the understudy for a much more known Star named Cinny in the role of Jewel. What Jerzie didn't expect was to meet the boy of her dreams and have him cast as Roman.
Just when things begin to look up, the star crossed theme the musical is based on begins to become Jerzies real life. Sometimes life truly does imitate art and you have to take risks for love.
I loved this story even more than I had expected to. It starts off on a strong note and it becomes so hard to put down. I liked the idea of the modern writings used to make Hamilton but then added to the classic tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. The author wrote parallels between the theme of the play and the characters situations in an enjoyable way. This novel has the perfect amount of drama and romance for the targeted audience without being too much that it becomes annoying.
Its hard not to crack a smile or laugh at someone of the situations woven into the plot, in a very good way. Roman and Jewel is an enjoyable, lighthearted and comedic romance that most adult fans should check out.
I received an advanced copy through netgalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Roman and Jewel is an interesting take on a behind the scenes view of a Broadway show. As the rehearsal starts, you meet Jerzie Jhames. As an up and coming actress, she has been cast as the understudy for a much more known Star named Cinny in the role of Jewel. What Jerzie didn't expect was to meet the boy of her dreams and have him cast as Roman.
Just when things begin to look up, the star crossed theme the musical is based on begins to become Jerzies real life. Sometimes life truly does imitate art and you have to take risks for love.
I loved this story even more than I had expected to. It starts off on a strong note and it becomes so hard to put down. I liked the idea of the modern writings used to make Hamilton but then added to the classic tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. The author wrote parallels between the theme of the play and the characters situations in an enjoyable way. This novel has the perfect amount of drama and romance for the targeted audience without being too much that it becomes annoying.
Its hard not to crack a smile or laugh at someone of the situations woven into the plot, in a very good way. Roman and Jewel is an enjoyable, lighthearted and comedic romance that most adult fans should check out.
I received an advanced copy through netgalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
zbrarian's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this retelling of Romeo and Juliet...with a dash of Broadway Hip Hop thrown in. Diverse characters along with betrayal, first love, believing in yourself. The story didn’t focus solely on the Broadway aspect however the writer of the play was definitely a reflection of Lin Manuel Miranda...and it made me smile a lot!
I listened to the audio and the narrator did an awesome job with the voices and inflection. I would definitely recommend this to lovers of R&J!
I listened to the audio and the narrator did an awesome job with the voices and inflection. I would definitely recommend this to lovers of R&J!
delaney572e4's review against another edition
2.0
trigger warnings: mentions of suicide, police interactions (although it was nonviolent), mentions of car crash
I don't know what I was on yesterday, but whatever it was made me unable to write coherently. So I'm just re-writing this whole thing. Anyway...
Jerzie James is sixteen when she gets cast in her first Broadway role. And not just any Broadway role, in a new hip-hop musical retelling of Romeo and Juliet .Unfortunately, instead of getting the lead role of Jewel she was hoping for, she gets the understudy. Instead, Jewel is going to be played by R&B superstar Cinny. As sparks fly between Jerzie and Zepplin, the male lead of the show, conflict erupts between Cinny and Jerzie, and Jerzie is about to learn that nothing is simple in love and theater.
The thing I appreciated most about this book was that it was obviously written by a theater lover for theater lovers. I honestly enjoyed all the allusions to different musicals. That being said, I don't know how someone who was not familiar with theater would feel about it.
As a result of my being a theater fan, my favorite part of the book by far was the story behind the production of Roman and Jewel. I really enjoyed reading about the audition, the rehearsals, and the building of the show. Unfortunately, the book strayed away from this in favor of the insta-love, creepy-age-gap romance.
I was on board for the first couple of scenes between Jerzie and Zeppelin. I saw some chemistry, and their banter was really cute. I was really disappointed to find that the rest of their relationship wasn't written the same way. Part of it was just due to the writing feeling lackluster. The other part was that Zeppelin was 19, while Jerzie was 16. As a 19 year old, there is no way I would date a 16 year old. It doesn't matter that she was "going to be 17 soon." It was still too weird for me. Especially because their relationship moved so fast. It felt like they had only known each other a few weeks before they said I love you.
In general, the fast-paced relationship also just felt unrealistic. I get that it was trying to mirror Romeo and Juliet, but in this particular instance it wasn't believable.
The other main issue I had with the plot was that the second half of the book had so much drama it felt like a reality tv show. It was just too over the top for me.
Besides the parts about the show, my favorite parts were definitely Jerzie's family. I really loved Aunt Karla's character, and I really enjoyed the family interactions. Those were a high point of the book.
Sadly, that wasn't enough to pull me through. And overall, I can't really say I would recommend this book.
Thanks to the publisher for the ARC
I don't know what I was on yesterday, but whatever it was made me unable to write coherently. So I'm just re-writing this whole thing. Anyway...
Jerzie James is sixteen when she gets cast in her first Broadway role. And not just any Broadway role, in a new hip-hop musical retelling of Romeo and Juliet .Unfortunately, instead of getting the lead role of Jewel she was hoping for, she gets the understudy. Instead, Jewel is going to be played by R&B superstar Cinny. As sparks fly between Jerzie and Zepplin, the male lead of the show, conflict erupts between Cinny and Jerzie, and Jerzie is about to learn that nothing is simple in love and theater.
The thing I appreciated most about this book was that it was obviously written by a theater lover for theater lovers. I honestly enjoyed all the allusions to different musicals. That being said, I don't know how someone who was not familiar with theater would feel about it.
As a result of my being a theater fan, my favorite part of the book by far was the story behind the production of Roman and Jewel. I really enjoyed reading about the audition, the rehearsals, and the building of the show. Unfortunately, the book strayed away from this in favor of the insta-love, creepy-age-gap romance.
I was on board for the first couple of scenes between Jerzie and Zeppelin. I saw some chemistry, and their banter was really cute. I was really disappointed to find that the rest of their relationship wasn't written the same way. Part of it was just due to the writing feeling lackluster. The other part was that Zeppelin was 19, while Jerzie was 16. As a 19 year old, there is no way I would date a 16 year old. It doesn't matter that she was "going to be 17 soon." It was still too weird for me. Especially because their relationship moved so fast. It felt like they had only known each other a few weeks before they said I love you.
In general, the fast-paced relationship also just felt unrealistic. I get that it was trying to mirror Romeo and Juliet, but in this particular instance it wasn't believable.
The other main issue I had with the plot was that the second half of the book had so much drama it felt like a reality tv show. It was just too over the top for me.
Besides the parts about the show, my favorite parts were definitely Jerzie's family. I really loved Aunt Karla's character, and I really enjoyed the family interactions. Those were a high point of the book.
Sadly, that wasn't enough to pull me through. And overall, I can't really say I would recommend this book.
Thanks to the publisher for the ARC