When You Were Mine by Rebecca Serle

In this intensely romantic, modern recounting of the greatest love story ever told, Romeo’s original intended—Juliet’s cousin Rosaline—tells her side of the tale. What’s in a name, Shakespeare? I’ll tell you: Everything.     Rosaline knows that she and Rob are destined to be together. Rose has been waiting for years for Rob to kiss her—and when he finally does, it’s perfect. But then Juliet moves back to town. Juliet, who used to be Rose’s best friend. Juliet, who now inexplicably hates her. Juliet, who is gorgeous, vindictive, and a little bit crazy...and who has set her sights on Rob. He doesn’t even stand a chance.     Rose is devastated over losing Rob to Juliet. This is not how the story was supposed to go. And when rumors start swirling about Juliet’s instability, her neediness, and her threats of suicide, Rose starts to fear not only for Rob’s heart, but also for his life. Because Shakespeare may have gotten the story wrong, but we all still know how it ends….

Goodreads Summary


Shakespeare might not have gotten it right, but Rebecca Serle sure did!  Rosaline starts out much as the reader may expect, hopelessly in love with her long-time friend Rob.  Rob doesn't really see her as a love interest at first, but that begins to change in the first portion of the novel.  Rosaline runs out of luck, however, when her former best friend, Juliet, comes back to town.  Juliet seemingly ensnares Rob in a few short days and Rosaline is left in the cold.  Will the story run a different course this time?

Rosaline's character was really true to the story.  She was exactly as I might have pictured the Rosaline from Shakespeare.  Her character was dynamic, changing throughout the story; in the beginning, she didn't seem as in control of her life and decisions, but in the end she matured.  Luckily, the author provides a love interest for this tale instead of merely relying on Rob to do double-duty.  The love interest makes up for the "ugh" factor or Rob and Juliet.  Rob's character reminded me so much of Romeo that I started thinking of him as Romeo in the book.  Juliet was a tad on the whiny side, but from Rosaline's perspective, she fit right in.

Overall, this book is a great read.  If a reader is looking for a twist on Romeo and Juliet that doesn't have the "eh" ending...not quite, at least, then this is the book to pick up.  This book is recommended to young adult/teen readers.

4 Stars

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