The Juliet Spell by Douglas Rees

Book:  The Juliet Spell

Author:  Douglas Rees

Publication Date:  September 27, 2011

Publisher:  Harlequin Teen

Source:  Netgalley and Harlequin Teen

Grade:  A

I wanted the role of Juliet more than anything. I studied hard. I gave a great reading for it—even with Bobby checking me out the whole time. I deserved the part.

I didn't get it. So I decided to level the playing field, though I actually might have leveled the whole play. You see, since there aren't any Success in Getting to Be Juliet in Your High School Play spells, I thought I'd cast the next best—a Fame spell. Good idea, right?

Yeah. Instead of bringing me a little fame, it brought me someone a little famous. Shakespeare. Well, Edmund Shakespeare. William's younger brother.

Good thing he's sweet and enthusiastic about helping me with the play...and—ahem—maybe a little bit hot. But he's from the past. Way past. Cars amaze him—cars! And cell phones? Ugh.

Still, there's something about him that's making my eyes go star-crossed....

My Review
This book was absolutely precious!  Honestly, the story pulled me in from the beginning and I had a hard time putting it down.  I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next with poor Edmund!
I loved all the characters.  Miri was very realistic and Edmund was the cutest thing ever!  I may have fallen for him a little myself.  I liked Drew and even Bobby.  

This book was a very quick read and it’s very light.  There is no great message here.  It’s just a fun story that’s a “what if this happened” sort of book.  It was fun to see the way that Shakespeare was worked in and the end was just a little bit of tragedy as well since Rees created his own pair of star-crossed lovers within the book.  Of course, nothing as heavy as Romeo and Juliet, but it still left me just a little sad.

In fact, the ending was the only part I didn’t like.  That is only because I could not have my purely selfish fantasy ending that would never be possible anyway. : )  Rees actually ended the book the way it needed to end, just not the way I wanted it to end!

I give this book a solid A.  If you are looking for something light and fun, this is a great book to pick up.  Nothing life-changing, but there’s nothing wrong with just enjoying a sweet now and then.