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The Hundred Loves of Juliet
A woman discovers that she is part of a legendary love story that spans lives, years, and continents in this modern-day reimagining of Romeo and Juliet.
I may go by Sebastien now, but my name was originally Romeo. And hers was Juliet.
It's a frosty fairytale of an evening in small-town Alaska when Helene and Sebastien meet for the first time. Except it isn't the first time. You already know that story, though it didn't happen quite as Shakespeare told it.
To Helene, Sebastien is the flesh-and-blood hero of the love stories she’s spent her life writing. But Sebastien knows better—Helene is his Juliet, and their story has always been the same. He is doomed to find brief happiness with her over and over, before she dies, and he is left to mourn.
Albrecht and Brigitta. Matteo and Amélie. Jack and Rachel. Marius and Cosmina. By any name, no matter where and when in time, the two of them are drawn together, and it always ends in tragedy.
This time, Helene is determined that things will be different. But can these star-cross’d lovers forge a new ending to the greatest love story of all time?
I may go by Sebastien now, but my name was originally Romeo. And hers was Juliet.
It's a frosty fairytale of an evening in small-town Alaska when Helene and Sebastien meet for the first time. Except it isn't the first time. You already know that story, though it didn't happen quite as Shakespeare told it.
To Helene, Sebastien is the flesh-and-blood hero of the love stories she’s spent her life writing. But Sebastien knows better—Helene is his Juliet, and their story has always been the same. He is doomed to find brief happiness with her over and over, before she dies, and he is left to mourn.
Albrecht and Brigitta. Matteo and Amélie. Jack and Rachel. Marius and Cosmina. By any name, no matter where and when in time, the two of them are drawn together, and it always ends in tragedy.
This time, Helene is determined that things will be different. But can these star-cross’d lovers forge a new ending to the greatest love story of all time?
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2023
345 people are currently reading
37729 people want to read
About the author
Evelyn Skye
17 books2,458 followersEvelyn Skye is the New York Times bestselling author of many novels, including The Incredible Kindness of Paper and The Hundred Loves of Juliet. She has also written for books for Netflix and Disney. Evelyn’s novels have been published worldwide and translated into sixteen languages.
Evelyn is a graduate of Stanford and Harvard Law School. She lives in California with her husband and daughter.
Evelyn is a graduate of Stanford and Harvard Law School. She lives in California with her husband and daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,575 reviews
January 16, 2023
this is cute! it reminded me of the ‘the time travellers wife’ and ‘a witch in time.’ its the kind of cozy, romance-across-time story that will give you all the sweet feels.
and while i did enjoy this, its veryyyy simple. so dont expect anything more than a sweet love story. i do wish there was a little more depth to it. the ending does try to shake things up, but it missed the mark for me as i felt it was unnecessary.
but after reading the authors note at the end, i can understand how personal and therapeutic writing this story most likely was for the author, which helped me appreciate this more and why im going to round up my rating.
thank you, random house/del rey, for the ARC!
↠ 3.5 stars
and while i did enjoy this, its veryyyy simple. so dont expect anything more than a sweet love story. i do wish there was a little more depth to it. the ending does try to shake things up, but it missed the mark for me as i felt it was unnecessary.
but after reading the authors note at the end, i can understand how personal and therapeutic writing this story most likely was for the author, which helped me appreciate this more and why im going to round up my rating.
thank you, random house/del rey, for the ARC!
↠ 3.5 stars
July 17, 2023
This is brilliant, modern retelling of star crossed lovers’ classic story! The concept was smart, unique, fresh!
Sebastian and Helene are incarnations of Romeo and Juliet, living thousand lives that ending with tragedy as different people in different bodies for centuries.
In his new life firm: Helene is grieving with her father’s death, nursing her wounds after her failed marriage, dealing with writer’s block. Her path crosses with Sebastian. She feels like she has known this man forever. She couldn’t be so right!
When Helene finds out Sebastian is immortal and he’s not the only one keeps reincarnating in a new body. Sebastian has been doing everything in his power to save the life of his devoted love for centuries. Can he achieve to save his love of his life? Can they find their highly deserved happily ever after?
The book was so surprising! Especially the epic ending is jaw dropping! I didn’t expect it! It was marvelous!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group/ Ballantine, Del Ray for sharing this incredible digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
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Sebastian and Helene are incarnations of Romeo and Juliet, living thousand lives that ending with tragedy as different people in different bodies for centuries.
In his new life firm: Helene is grieving with her father’s death, nursing her wounds after her failed marriage, dealing with writer’s block. Her path crosses with Sebastian. She feels like she has known this man forever. She couldn’t be so right!
When Helene finds out Sebastian is immortal and he’s not the only one keeps reincarnating in a new body. Sebastian has been doing everything in his power to save the life of his devoted love for centuries. Can he achieve to save his love of his life? Can they find their highly deserved happily ever after?
The book was so surprising! Especially the epic ending is jaw dropping! I didn’t expect it! It was marvelous!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group/ Ballantine, Del Ray for sharing this incredible digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
May 31, 2023
4 shiny Romeo and Juliette stars!!!
This book is for all my HOPELESS ROMANTIC girlies and guys out there!! It's such a beautiful story of everlasting love, grief and loss.
Sebastian has had many names, but his first name was Romeo, yes, that Romeo. It turns out there is much more to the story than Shakespeare ever knew. Sebastian/Romeo is actually immortal, and his fated love Juliette keeps getting reincarnated without any recollection of her previous lives. Life draws them together with each life but cruelly only allows them a short time of bliss before a curse rips Juliette away from Romeo and he is forced to despair until she comes back to him again.
I thought this book had such a unique premise and was plotted so distinctively. There are some absolutely GORGEOUS quotes that had my heart melting. I loved the alternating POVs and how we also got to visit Romeo and Juliette in their different lives together. Their love is what you would expect from Romeo and Juliette, and I was swooning for them. I thought the ending was beautiful although I would have preferred a bit more structure and for the loose ends to have been tied up a bit more since there was such an emphasis on the mystery of the curse. I still have so many questions! I really enjoyed this book so much and authors note at the end had me in tears!
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for the gifted arc
This book is for all my HOPELESS ROMANTIC girlies and guys out there!! It's such a beautiful story of everlasting love, grief and loss.
Sebastian has had many names, but his first name was Romeo, yes, that Romeo. It turns out there is much more to the story than Shakespeare ever knew. Sebastian/Romeo is actually immortal, and his fated love Juliette keeps getting reincarnated without any recollection of her previous lives. Life draws them together with each life but cruelly only allows them a short time of bliss before a curse rips Juliette away from Romeo and he is forced to despair until she comes back to him again.
I thought this book had such a unique premise and was plotted so distinctively. There are some absolutely GORGEOUS quotes that had my heart melting. I loved the alternating POVs and how we also got to visit Romeo and Juliette in their different lives together. Their love is what you would expect from Romeo and Juliette, and I was swooning for them. I thought the ending was beautiful although I would have preferred a bit more structure and for the loose ends to have been tied up a bit more since there was such an emphasis on the mystery of the curse. I still have so many questions! I really enjoyed this book so much and authors note at the end had me in tears!
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for the gifted arc
August 1, 2023
Romance or Tragedy? 🎭
In this reimagining of Romeo and Juliet, Helene, who has just filed for divorce from her cheating husband, moves to Alaska despite the fact that she can’t drive in the snow and thinks that 73 degrees is “sweater weather”. She is hoping that the change of scenery will help her to piece together the many vignettes she has written over the years into a full length novel.
The vignettes are all stories of true love, highlighting how a couple meets which end with a presumed “happily ever after”, and she always pictures the same “perfect man” as she writes them.
So, she is SHOCKED when she walks into “The Frosty Otter” upon arrival in her new small town, and recognizes her creation, who is a flesh and blood fisherman by the name of Sebastian Montague.
“I know you”…..she says in confusion…
Sebastian however, understands why.
He is Romeo, who actually never committed suicide as written, but has lived on eternally, and he knows that Helene is the latest reincarnation of his beloved, Juliet, a woman he loves and loses, repeatedly through tragic circumstances every time she finds her way back to him.
They are forever CURSED.
She doesn’t know that her historical romance vignettes are actually memories, that haven’t ended HEA. He knows that her stories, which are also his stories, are all tragedies.
Can Sebastian and Helene finally rewrite history this time? Will their love story be a romance or a tragedy?
Their story unfolds through their present day romance, her sappy vignettes and his journals which chronicle the truth, and because Romeo and Juliet fell in love in Verona in 1376, many of their subsequent relationships take place in, and are written in the style of medieval times-which isn’t a romance genre that I gravitate to.
In addition, the humor in the present day timeline was juvenile and didn’t resonate with me.
I just didn’t feel the chemistry that we are told that they have shared for centuries, and found that I loved the premise more than the execution.
I downloaded this when other reviewers rated it highly, comparing it to “The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” (V.E. Schwab) and although they share the similar themes of eternal life and love, this wasn’t in the same league for me.
A buddy read with DeAnn who may have enjoyed it more? Be sure to watch for her review!
Available Now!
Thank You to Del Rey books for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley. It was a pleasure to offer a candid review!
In this reimagining of Romeo and Juliet, Helene, who has just filed for divorce from her cheating husband, moves to Alaska despite the fact that she can’t drive in the snow and thinks that 73 degrees is “sweater weather”. She is hoping that the change of scenery will help her to piece together the many vignettes she has written over the years into a full length novel.
The vignettes are all stories of true love, highlighting how a couple meets which end with a presumed “happily ever after”, and she always pictures the same “perfect man” as she writes them.
So, she is SHOCKED when she walks into “The Frosty Otter” upon arrival in her new small town, and recognizes her creation, who is a flesh and blood fisherman by the name of Sebastian Montague.
“I know you”…..she says in confusion…
Sebastian however, understands why.
He is Romeo, who actually never committed suicide as written, but has lived on eternally, and he knows that Helene is the latest reincarnation of his beloved, Juliet, a woman he loves and loses, repeatedly through tragic circumstances every time she finds her way back to him.
They are forever CURSED.
She doesn’t know that her historical romance vignettes are actually memories, that haven’t ended HEA. He knows that her stories, which are also his stories, are all tragedies.
Can Sebastian and Helene finally rewrite history this time? Will their love story be a romance or a tragedy?
Their story unfolds through their present day romance, her sappy vignettes and his journals which chronicle the truth, and because Romeo and Juliet fell in love in Verona in 1376, many of their subsequent relationships take place in, and are written in the style of medieval times-which isn’t a romance genre that I gravitate to.
In addition, the humor in the present day timeline was juvenile and didn’t resonate with me.
I just didn’t feel the chemistry that we are told that they have shared for centuries, and found that I loved the premise more than the execution.
I downloaded this when other reviewers rated it highly, comparing it to “The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” (V.E. Schwab) and although they share the similar themes of eternal life and love, this wasn’t in the same league for me.
A buddy read with DeAnn who may have enjoyed it more? Be sure to watch for her review!
Available Now!
Thank You to Del Rey books for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley. It was a pleasure to offer a candid review!
August 3, 2023
And here is a truth I now know: Every woman deserves to be wooed like Juliet, cherished like a queen, revered like a goddess.
Helene imagines the perfect Romeo as she plays the part of Juliet. She names him Sebastion. To deal with grief over losing her father she writes historical vignettes featuring variations of this character. The stories are set in different time periods. In each the man finds his own version of Juliet. Years later Helene is in Alaska to get away from a failed marriage and write a book. Guess who she meets in a bar. That's right. A living breathing Sebastion. This reimagining of Romeo & Juliet is the best I have read. Perhaps because the author was inspired by her love for a husband who could die any day. Filled with Helene's own stories and entries from Sebastion's diaries, this hopeful romance could change the way you think of the Shakespeare classic.
Helene imagines the perfect Romeo as she plays the part of Juliet. She names him Sebastion. To deal with grief over losing her father she writes historical vignettes featuring variations of this character. The stories are set in different time periods. In each the man finds his own version of Juliet. Years later Helene is in Alaska to get away from a failed marriage and write a book. Guess who she meets in a bar. That's right. A living breathing Sebastion. This reimagining of Romeo & Juliet is the best I have read. Perhaps because the author was inspired by her love for a husband who could die any day. Filled with Helene's own stories and entries from Sebastion's diaries, this hopeful romance could change the way you think of the Shakespeare classic.
November 5, 2023
I never found my footing with The Hundred Loves of Juliet.
I understand that the book is Evelyn Skye’s take on Romeo and Juliet, and that in Skye’s version, Romeo (now Sebastian) is immortal and cursed to fall in love with Juliet (now Helene) over and over again, only to then watch her die an untimely death. I also realize that their souls have loved each other for eternity so they’re not really strangers when they first meet in Alaska.
But they kind of are. They’re strangers to the reader, at least. And the problem is, Skye never gives us time to get to know Helene and Sebastian as individuals before they’re thrown together and in love. Their romance only ever feels like a bad case of instalove, and I never believed in it.
It doesn’t help, either, that the villain of the story, Helene’s husband, is caricature-like in his awfulness. Or that the curse is sort of muddled, and then we’re at different times led to believe that it never even existed. But if there isn't a curse, then how can Sebastian’s immortality be explained?
It’s unfortunate that the book has problems, and it’s even more unfortunate that the problems are of the kind I couldn’t read around. Sometimes I can still enjoy a flawed story, but this wasn’t the case with Skye’s latest.
My sincerest appreciation to Evelyn Skye, Del Rey, and NetGalley for the digital review copy. All opinions included herein are my own.
I understand that the book is Evelyn Skye’s take on Romeo and Juliet, and that in Skye’s version, Romeo (now Sebastian) is immortal and cursed to fall in love with Juliet (now Helene) over and over again, only to then watch her die an untimely death. I also realize that their souls have loved each other for eternity so they’re not really strangers when they first meet in Alaska.
But they kind of are. They’re strangers to the reader, at least. And the problem is, Skye never gives us time to get to know Helene and Sebastian as individuals before they’re thrown together and in love. Their romance only ever feels like a bad case of instalove, and I never believed in it.
It doesn’t help, either, that the villain of the story, Helene’s husband, is caricature-like in his awfulness. Or that the curse is sort of muddled, and then we’re at different times led to believe that it never even existed. But if there isn't a curse, then how can Sebastian’s immortality be explained?
It’s unfortunate that the book has problems, and it’s even more unfortunate that the problems are of the kind I couldn’t read around. Sometimes I can still enjoy a flawed story, but this wasn’t the case with Skye’s latest.
My sincerest appreciation to Evelyn Skye, Del Rey, and NetGalley for the digital review copy. All opinions included herein are my own.
July 11, 2023
I'm sorry, but this was... absurd.
Here's what I'm gonna say: I didn't mind the premise, but the writing was not there for me. This is a YA author's debut adult novel, except it reads like it was definitely conceived of and written as a YA novel. Which is not an inherently bad thing, until you're writing about thirty-year-olds (with centuries-old souls, by the way) choosing to deal with issues such as abusive ex-husbands, , and the crushing weight of a centuries-old destiny like they were pre-pubescent teenagers.
The characters needed more attention. The plot needed more attention. The romance needed more attention. The curse needed more attention. (It was THE problem, until it... wasn't?) The ending was a disaster. The emotional content dealt in mature themes, but lacked maturity; I felt like I was reading a high schooler's approximation of how adults talk about their feelings.
It's very clear from Evelyn Skye's afterword that this was an enormously important and personal book for her, which is the only reason why I can't bring myself to give it one-star. Otherwise, respectfully, I'm just here for the story... and this wasn't it.
Here's what I'm gonna say: I didn't mind the premise, but the writing was not there for me. This is a YA author's debut adult novel, except it reads like it was definitely conceived of and written as a YA novel. Which is not an inherently bad thing, until you're writing about thirty-year-olds (with centuries-old souls, by the way) choosing to deal with issues such as abusive ex-husbands, , and the crushing weight of a centuries-old destiny like they were pre-pubescent teenagers.
The characters needed more attention. The plot needed more attention. The romance needed more attention. The curse needed more attention. (It was THE problem, until it... wasn't?) The ending was a disaster. The emotional content dealt in mature themes, but lacked maturity; I felt like I was reading a high schooler's approximation of how adults talk about their feelings.
It's very clear from Evelyn Skye's afterword that this was an enormously important and personal book for her, which is the only reason why I can't bring myself to give it one-star. Otherwise, respectfully, I'm just here for the story... and this wasn't it.
April 29, 2023
With such an interesting premise, a retelling of Romeo and Juliet where Romeo (Sebastien) was immortal and Juliet (Helene) reincarnated, this held promise. Sebastien believes he is cursed, as every life of Juliet’s has died tragically shortly after they meet. He sets out to avoid Helene, but of course fate intervenes and they are thrust together.
I felt the delivery and the writing left me wanting more. The characters were one dimensional. Romeo and Juliet are star-crossed lovers and yet Sebastien and Helene lacked chemistry. I never felt the tension or the pull between them. The extended storyline with Merrick, Helene’s soon-to-be ex-husband, seemed farfetched and I felt detracted rather than added to the story and the risk of Sebastien losing Helene.
I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
I felt the delivery and the writing left me wanting more. The characters were one dimensional. Romeo and Juliet are star-crossed lovers and yet Sebastien and Helene lacked chemistry. I never felt the tension or the pull between them. The extended storyline with Merrick, Helene’s soon-to-be ex-husband, seemed farfetched and I felt detracted rather than added to the story and the risk of Sebastien losing Helene.
I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
January 31, 2023
I love this book. It is a light and fascinating story in which reality and magic blend seamlessly in a modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet. It gave me reminiscent flashes of "The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue" and I can't stop talking about it.
Helene and Sebastien, who started their lives as Romeo and Juliet, are cursed to relive their tragic love story throughout the ages as different people within each generation. He is immortal and never dies, but she is reincarnated, over and over, and always does. He spends his life trying to figure out how to save her from death each and every time they meet. Will they ever be able to break the curse? Can they find their "happily ever after" before time runs out? Will their love eventually be able to transcend time? You'll have to read this book to find out.
I gratefully want to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for giving me the opportunity to read and review this wonderful book.
Helene and Sebastien, who started their lives as Romeo and Juliet, are cursed to relive their tragic love story throughout the ages as different people within each generation. He is immortal and never dies, but she is reincarnated, over and over, and always does. He spends his life trying to figure out how to save her from death each and every time they meet. Will they ever be able to break the curse? Can they find their "happily ever after" before time runs out? Will their love eventually be able to transcend time? You'll have to read this book to find out.
I gratefully want to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for giving me the opportunity to read and review this wonderful book.
Want to read
April 22, 2024It seems that I keep losing my self-control and keep adding more books to my tbr-list.
August 18, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of
The Hundred Loves of Juliet.
How could I not request this after the thrilling premise?
Romeo and Juliet's love story didn't end the way Shakespeare said it did.
Romeo lived! And Juliet is reincarnated again and again with disastrous ends in each life.
I'm so into this! Until I wasn't.
This didn't work for me for a number of reasons:
1. The writing wasn't great; in fact was pretty cheesy and corny. The narrative read almost YA-like though there are plenty of great well-written YA books. This isn't it.
2. There's no chemistry between Helene and Sebastien. Zip. Zilch. Zero. Nada. Bupkis.
3. The short story vignettes were unnecessary filler.
4. After so many reincarnations, Juliet never once reincarnates as a person of color?
Wow. What are the odds?
Is the act of time traveling racist? Is that possible? 😆
5. That nonsense about Merrick was just...silly nonsensical filler.
It was like the author tossed in this not nice person to add drama and tension.
I wanted to like this a lot more.
No, I wanted to love this, but couldn't get past the weak writing, the corny characters, and the premise not living up to its full potential.
How could I not request this after the thrilling premise?
Romeo and Juliet's love story didn't end the way Shakespeare said it did.
Romeo lived! And Juliet is reincarnated again and again with disastrous ends in each life.
I'm so into this! Until I wasn't.
This didn't work for me for a number of reasons:
1. The writing wasn't great; in fact was pretty cheesy and corny. The narrative read almost YA-like though there are plenty of great well-written YA books. This isn't it.
2. There's no chemistry between Helene and Sebastien. Zip. Zilch. Zero. Nada. Bupkis.
3. The short story vignettes were unnecessary filler.
4. After so many reincarnations, Juliet never once reincarnates as a person of color?
Wow. What are the odds?
Is the act of time traveling racist? Is that possible? 😆
5. That nonsense about Merrick was just...silly nonsensical filler.
It was like the author tossed in this not nice person to add drama and tension.
I wanted to like this a lot more.
No, I wanted to love this, but couldn't get past the weak writing, the corny characters, and the premise not living up to its full potential.
April 16, 2025
How could I possibly explain that there is something about this book that feels like "me"? Maybe braver than me, and who I would like to be. Something about this touches me, and its the part of me with indefatigable hope, and who believes that love has the power to break curses. That even when the bad things happen, that we defy them by living with happiness and without fear. That we enjoy and savor the moment even knowing that loss and tragedy could immediately follow. That life is worth living every single moment. That in the face of the unknown, one has to grow and live towards faith and the unknown. That maybe some curses are of our own making because we are afraid to live.
Helene has been writing stories her whole life. Vignettes with a main character, her Romeo. She shares a connection with Juliet. They have the same birthday, and one of her sharpest memories before her father died, was getting to play Juliet in the 8th grade. Fleeing a toxic marriage, she lands in Alaska. Entering a watering hole called the Frosty Otter, she finds herself face to face with the man she has written about her entire life in countless vignettes. Her Romeo. Only his name is Sebastian. She recognizes him immediately. And he turns on his heels and unceremoniously walk straight out.
So what if Romeo never died. What if he was cursed to live for centuries, barely growing older, and through his lengthy lifetime, his Juliet continues to re-incarnate over and over and over again, providing an exquisite life love, only to die shortly, every single time? But what if one time, instead of meeting her on July 10th, this latest Juliet shows up in January? And this Juliet has memories of every single other lifetime they have shared together? What if this Juliet remembers?
Oh I loved absolutely everything about this! So enjoyable to me. It may not touch you in quite the same way. But for me, it hit every single note!
Helene has been writing stories her whole life. Vignettes with a main character, her Romeo. She shares a connection with Juliet. They have the same birthday, and one of her sharpest memories before her father died, was getting to play Juliet in the 8th grade. Fleeing a toxic marriage, she lands in Alaska. Entering a watering hole called the Frosty Otter, she finds herself face to face with the man she has written about her entire life in countless vignettes. Her Romeo. Only his name is Sebastian. She recognizes him immediately. And he turns on his heels and unceremoniously walk straight out.
So what if Romeo never died. What if he was cursed to live for centuries, barely growing older, and through his lengthy lifetime, his Juliet continues to re-incarnate over and over and over again, providing an exquisite life love, only to die shortly, every single time? But what if one time, instead of meeting her on July 10th, this latest Juliet shows up in January? And this Juliet has memories of every single other lifetime they have shared together? What if this Juliet remembers?
Oh I loved absolutely everything about this! So enjoyable to me. It may not touch you in quite the same way. But for me, it hit every single note!
January 26, 2024
This was such a cool story, and super creative. I really enjoyed it.
February 6, 2023
Evelyn Skye made me feel more emotions in the Acknowledgements section of this book than in the entire novel itself. That's not a joke - she has clearly written a very personal story, inspired by her her husband's own illness (and brush with death). The story just doesn't quite work.
The Hundred Loves of Juliet is a contemporary adaption of Romeo and Juliet, woven with The Time Traveler's wife. The characters, in their current forms, meet in Alaska in present day, and the hero is reluctant to become involved with the heroine, due to the myriad of past heartbreak, loss, and death he's experienced. And: it only gets weirder from there.
Sadly, the past-life/reincarnation element really strips our heroine, Helene, of any agency. She fades away as a person as she takes on Juliet's likes, loves, and interests. She's a strong woman dealing with divorce, friendship loss, and big change, and instead we end with a "go with the flow and enjoy the ride" story, ending with, of course, the curse being broken, everyone getting a happily ever after, etc. The way we get there (the last 25% of the book) is just so weird and out of left field that I felt like I was reading a different novel.
All in all, Juliet wasn't for me. If you love fated mates, Romeo and Juliet, or Evelyn Skye, though, it may work for you! Thank you Net Galley, Evelyn Skye, and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Del Rey, for allowing me to read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Hundred Loves of Juliet is a contemporary adaption of Romeo and Juliet, woven with The Time Traveler's wife. The characters, in their current forms, meet in Alaska in present day, and the hero is reluctant to become involved with the heroine, due to the myriad of past heartbreak, loss, and death he's experienced. And: it only gets weirder from there.
Sadly, the past-life/reincarnation element really strips our heroine, Helene, of any agency. She fades away as a person as she takes on Juliet's likes, loves, and interests. She's a strong woman dealing with divorce, friendship loss, and big change, and instead we end with a "go with the flow and enjoy the ride" story, ending with, of course, the curse being broken, everyone getting a happily ever after, etc. The way we get there (the last 25% of the book) is just so weird and out of left field that I felt like I was reading a different novel.
All in all, Juliet wasn't for me. If you love fated mates, Romeo and Juliet, or Evelyn Skye, though, it may work for you! Thank you Net Galley, Evelyn Skye, and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Del Rey, for allowing me to read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 14, 2023
- Ha sido un libro terapéutico, de esos que calman, que te avaden de los problemas y te ayudan a no pensar. Ya he leído con anterioridad a la autora, la pena es que no es tan conocida en nuestro país, y eso me da pena.
- La autora tiene una narrativa que me encanta, es muy sencilla, sin grandes pretensiones, sin necesidad de recurrir a montones de descripciones para meternos de lleno no solo en el escenario en el que estamos sino en la misma trama.
- Estamos ante un retelling algo especial de Romeo y Julieta, en el que Romeo es inmortal y ha vivido época tras época y cada reencarnación de Julieta, pero en todas ellas ha acabado igual que en la obra.
- El primer escenario que se nos presenta sin duda es idílico, me encanta el paisaje de Alaska como fondo para una novela, en ella estamos en la actualidad, con Helene que busca por todos los medios acabar su novela en paz y huir de un marido y una vida en la que no era feliz; allí se encuentra con una capitán de pesca que enseguida llama su atención porque es tal y como ella lo describe en sus libros, es el protagonista que lleva imaginando toda su vida.
- Tenemos también la perspectiva de Sebastien, Romeo en el pasado, que se ha ido a vivir a Alaska alejándose todo lo que puede de la reencarnación de Julieta, huyendo de la maldición que pesa sobre ellos.
- Desde las primeras páginas me he visto completamente enganchada, y no es de esos libros que dices, vale ya me tienes dame más y más acción, es de esos libros bonitos que los coges con entusiasmo y no te decepcionan pero que tienen una trama que se cuece a fuego lento.
- Otra de las cosas que más me han enganchado y gustado es que no solo estamos en la actualidad, puedo decir que me resultaron como flashes del pasado, en algunas ocasiones volvemos a ellos para conocer las vidas de las otras Julietas, pero en el momento en el que se reencuentran y su trágico final; pasamos por Pearl Harbor, la Francia de Maria Antonieta, Suiza en el pasado... y por supuesto Verona y cómo empezó todo.
- Yo he considerado este libro como cozy fantasy, un libro bonito, de redención, de almas rotas que se reencuentran y sanan de forma conjunta, con un final todavía más sanador y bonito.
- La autora tiene una narrativa que me encanta, es muy sencilla, sin grandes pretensiones, sin necesidad de recurrir a montones de descripciones para meternos de lleno no solo en el escenario en el que estamos sino en la misma trama.
- Estamos ante un retelling algo especial de Romeo y Julieta, en el que Romeo es inmortal y ha vivido época tras época y cada reencarnación de Julieta, pero en todas ellas ha acabado igual que en la obra.
- El primer escenario que se nos presenta sin duda es idílico, me encanta el paisaje de Alaska como fondo para una novela, en ella estamos en la actualidad, con Helene que busca por todos los medios acabar su novela en paz y huir de un marido y una vida en la que no era feliz; allí se encuentra con una capitán de pesca que enseguida llama su atención porque es tal y como ella lo describe en sus libros, es el protagonista que lleva imaginando toda su vida.
- Tenemos también la perspectiva de Sebastien, Romeo en el pasado, que se ha ido a vivir a Alaska alejándose todo lo que puede de la reencarnación de Julieta, huyendo de la maldición que pesa sobre ellos.
- Desde las primeras páginas me he visto completamente enganchada, y no es de esos libros que dices, vale ya me tienes dame más y más acción, es de esos libros bonitos que los coges con entusiasmo y no te decepcionan pero que tienen una trama que se cuece a fuego lento.
- Otra de las cosas que más me han enganchado y gustado es que no solo estamos en la actualidad, puedo decir que me resultaron como flashes del pasado, en algunas ocasiones volvemos a ellos para conocer las vidas de las otras Julietas, pero en el momento en el que se reencuentran y su trágico final; pasamos por Pearl Harbor, la Francia de Maria Antonieta, Suiza en el pasado... y por supuesto Verona y cómo empezó todo.
- Yo he considerado este libro como cozy fantasy, un libro bonito, de redención, de almas rotas que se reencuentran y sanan de forma conjunta, con un final todavía más sanador y bonito.
March 15, 2023
I have mixed feelings about this book. At first I loved it, then the last third fell flat for me. The ending needed to be stronger too.
Starting out, the first half is amazing and the premise is adorably unique. However, as it builds on itself we loose some of the magic. There is too much jumping around and travel without any substance being added to progress the story. Without giving away any of the ending, that too is left slightly anticlimactic and undefined.
Overall, I gave it three and a half stars; rounding up to four.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. All thought and options are wholly my own.
Starting out, the first half is amazing and the premise is adorably unique. However, as it builds on itself we loose some of the magic. There is too much jumping around and travel without any substance being added to progress the story. Without giving away any of the ending, that too is left slightly anticlimactic and undefined.
Overall, I gave it three and a half stars; rounding up to four.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. All thought and options are wholly my own.
April 20, 2024
I could not put this book down. The only reason I put it down to 4 stars is because I just wanted to know the ending. I felt some areas I skimmed and if I was thoroughly into the story I would have wanted to read every single word. It was such a sad cumbersome book. I felt for Sebastian so much. They did throw some thrilling moments in there which seemed a little out of place but fit in? I really enjoyed this book. The authors note made me cry. I love when people take real life experiences that should have broken them and turned them into such an amazing novel.
September 20, 2024
5/5
Didn't think I was going to love The Hundred Loves of Juliet as much as I did. It had something from the Bellinger Sisters duology by Tessa Bailey (minus the spice), Romeo and Juliet and magical realism.
Perfect read for fall season; highly recommend.
P.S. Don't skip the acknowledgement portion of the book.
Didn't think I was going to love The Hundred Loves of Juliet as much as I did. It had something from the Bellinger Sisters duology by Tessa Bailey (minus the spice), Romeo and Juliet and magical realism.
Perfect read for fall season; highly recommend.
P.S. Don't skip the acknowledgement portion of the book.
August 23, 2023
So after reading the authors note, I really wanted to give this 5 stars. I understand why she felt compelled to write it. However, the story itself fell flat to me.
We all know the story of Romeo & Juliet (and if you're like me, you've watched the 1996 film relentlessly), two star-crossed lovers who meet, fall in love, secretly wed, and then die. It's tragic but classic. Here, Skye takes that story and twists it a bit. What if Romeo didn't die but is cursed to live forever all while watching reincarnations of Juliet float in his life only to tragically die each time? Sounds very intriguing and since I love R & J, I was stoked to get my hands on this arc at Comic Con.
First let's talk about what I did like. Skye is fantastic at setting a scene. Her imagery really allows you to perfectly visualize where the characters are. And the locations of this book were sublime. From the Alaskan wilderness to Verona, where it all began. I loved the sights and sounds of the world. I also liked the little histories of Juliet reincarnations. They all felt like little short stories thrown in, while at times disjointed, but still fun.
So where did it go wrong for me?
First, the chemistry between the two characters. I get that they're fated lovers and deep down, some part of Helene recognizes Sebastian, but I still needed to feel their connection. It was mostly Helene with her constant "I know him" and Sebastian with this brooding "I love her but she can never know". While Skye was brilliant in her location descriptions, not so much on their feelings for each other. It just suddenly was BAM they're in love and together.
Another big issue I had was the ex-husband drama. This felt extremely over the top and really added nothing to the story except I guess to show how Sebastian/Romeo managed his finances all this time. Part of me was hoping the Merrick was like Paris reincarnated to keep them apart or something. Something that mattered to the core story. But no. It was literally a grown man throwing a fit and really pointless in the overall scheme.
And lastly the curse itself. Yes, we knew there was a curse but that's literally all. Nowhere in his hundreds of years of existence did Romeo ever try to understand this curse. He just presumed "A plague on both your houses" was literally a curse. It felt like very flimsy reasoning for the main point of this story.
Overall, it was just okay. There were moments I liked but overall it felt incohesive and jumbled together.
We all know the story of Romeo & Juliet (and if you're like me, you've watched the 1996 film relentlessly), two star-crossed lovers who meet, fall in love, secretly wed, and then die. It's tragic but classic. Here, Skye takes that story and twists it a bit. What if Romeo didn't die but is cursed to live forever all while watching reincarnations of Juliet float in his life only to tragically die each time? Sounds very intriguing and since I love R & J, I was stoked to get my hands on this arc at Comic Con.
First let's talk about what I did like. Skye is fantastic at setting a scene. Her imagery really allows you to perfectly visualize where the characters are. And the locations of this book were sublime. From the Alaskan wilderness to Verona, where it all began. I loved the sights and sounds of the world. I also liked the little histories of Juliet reincarnations. They all felt like little short stories thrown in, while at times disjointed, but still fun.
So where did it go wrong for me?
First, the chemistry between the two characters. I get that they're fated lovers and deep down, some part of Helene recognizes Sebastian, but I still needed to feel their connection. It was mostly Helene with her constant "I know him" and Sebastian with this brooding "I love her but she can never know". While Skye was brilliant in her location descriptions, not so much on their feelings for each other. It just suddenly was BAM they're in love and together.
Another big issue I had was the ex-husband drama. This felt extremely over the top and really added nothing to the story except I guess to show how Sebastian/Romeo managed his finances all this time. Part of me was hoping the Merrick was like Paris reincarnated to keep them apart or something. Something that mattered to the core story. But no. It was literally a grown man throwing a fit and really pointless in the overall scheme.
And lastly the curse itself. Yes, we knew there was a curse but that's literally all. Nowhere in his hundreds of years of existence did Romeo ever try to understand this curse. He just presumed "A plague on both your houses" was literally a curse. It felt like very flimsy reasoning for the main point of this story.
Overall, it was just okay. There were moments I liked but overall it felt incohesive and jumbled together.
April 18, 2025
This is the love letter to my hopeless romantic soul! The way the author made me feel butterflies, rainbows, and sunshine with the two characters (while Helene was irritable at times lol)! I love them. There's no other way to describe it other than love, which is what describes every aspect of this book. Of course, you get the inkling of fantasy, but that inkling made it so much more romantic. I wish I had time to write the review this book deserves, but I don't have the time right now, so I'm just babbling.
If you get anything from this book... it'll be that being actually being delulu in your romantic endeavors is the solulu.
And Evelyn's backstory to making this book... UGH 😭 SHES MY NEW FAV AUTHOR!
If you get anything from this book... it'll be that being actually being delulu in your romantic endeavors is the solulu.
And Evelyn's backstory to making this book... UGH 😭 SHES MY NEW FAV AUTHOR!
November 6, 2023
My interest was all over the place with this plot, but there was certainly a payoff by the end. I’m curious as to how this book will be received.
The author’s note following the story was simply beautiful ♥️
The author’s note following the story was simply beautiful ♥️
April 12, 2023
I am a reader who finishes books… even if I’m not enjoying them. In my whole life, there’s only one book I haven’t finished, but I can’t stress how close I came to not finishing The Hundred Loves of Juliet. I love reading, and I’ve made such a positive start to my goals this year, however this book almost derailed me because I was putting off reading because I knew that’s what I had to read. I had to literally force myself to pick it up because I was struggling to find the motivation to read it.
To be honest, I just thought it was awful. I am a massive fan of Shakespeare, and Romeo and Juliet is one of my favourite plays, so I thought this book would be perfect for me…however, it was actually one of the worst things I’ve ever read. The word cheesy definitely springs to mind.
Escaping a messy divorce, Helen up-sticks to Alaska to write a book. She’s always written romantic ‘vignettes’ about romantic couples with unrealistic lives. While in Alaska she meets Sebastian, who is literally her male protagonist come to life. She wants to know more, while he’s trying to keep her at arm’s length. The idea is that he’s Romeo, and she’s a reincarnation of Juliet. However, whenever Romeo meets Juliet, she ends up dying. Is Helen going to die or will they finally be able to break the curse?
I’m appalled that some people keep comparing this to The Time Traveler’s Wife, because no such comparison should ever be made. The Time Traveler’s Wife is clever and well-thought out, beautifully written, engaging and compelling. The Hundred Loves of Juliet is the exact opposite. It’s poorly written, overly repetitive and quite frankly, ridiculously boring.
Was there any chemistry between the two romantic leads? No. It felt forced and uninspiring. I didn’t feel as if these were the two greatest lovers of all time. Just poorly written, 2 dimensional mushy, cardboard people.
Did I think the plot was well developed and engaging? No. It was monotonous and weak. Characters do unrealistic things - like give up their job and move to Alaska (I’m just wondering how she funded this trip) to write a book. There’s stereotypes galore (dying dad advice, supportive sister/friends, evil ex-husband) and just parts that don’t even make sense. (When she thinks she sees her husband but can tell it’s not only by his eye-colour. Did she get that close to him? Does he have a twin?)
Did I like any of the characters? No. Because they were bland and ridiculous. They did not speak like real people. They did not react in believable ways. They were not warm and inviting.
I didn’t think it could get any worse (despite ploughing through repetitive stories and over use of the word vignettes) but then the ending section was just farcical.
To conclude, the characters are not well thought out, lack any depth and spark and are just rather flat and lacklustre. The writing I’m afraid is poor, which labours the entire novel and it all just lacks creativity and originality.
I’m sorry, but avoid at any cost.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this novel in exchange for an honest review.
To be honest, I just thought it was awful. I am a massive fan of Shakespeare, and Romeo and Juliet is one of my favourite plays, so I thought this book would be perfect for me…however, it was actually one of the worst things I’ve ever read. The word cheesy definitely springs to mind.
Escaping a messy divorce, Helen up-sticks to Alaska to write a book. She’s always written romantic ‘vignettes’ about romantic couples with unrealistic lives. While in Alaska she meets Sebastian, who is literally her male protagonist come to life. She wants to know more, while he’s trying to keep her at arm’s length. The idea is that he’s Romeo, and she’s a reincarnation of Juliet. However, whenever Romeo meets Juliet, she ends up dying. Is Helen going to die or will they finally be able to break the curse?
I’m appalled that some people keep comparing this to The Time Traveler’s Wife, because no such comparison should ever be made. The Time Traveler’s Wife is clever and well-thought out, beautifully written, engaging and compelling. The Hundred Loves of Juliet is the exact opposite. It’s poorly written, overly repetitive and quite frankly, ridiculously boring.
Was there any chemistry between the two romantic leads? No. It felt forced and uninspiring. I didn’t feel as if these were the two greatest lovers of all time. Just poorly written, 2 dimensional mushy, cardboard people.
Did I think the plot was well developed and engaging? No. It was monotonous and weak. Characters do unrealistic things - like give up their job and move to Alaska (I’m just wondering how she funded this trip) to write a book. There’s stereotypes galore (dying dad advice, supportive sister/friends, evil ex-husband) and just parts that don’t even make sense. (When she thinks she sees her husband but can tell it’s not only by his eye-colour. Did she get that close to him? Does he have a twin?)
Did I like any of the characters? No. Because they were bland and ridiculous. They did not speak like real people. They did not react in believable ways. They were not warm and inviting.
I didn’t think it could get any worse (despite ploughing through repetitive stories and over use of the word vignettes) but then the ending section was just farcical.
To conclude, the characters are not well thought out, lack any depth and spark and are just rather flat and lacklustre. The writing I’m afraid is poor, which labours the entire novel and it all just lacks creativity and originality.
I’m sorry, but avoid at any cost.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this novel in exchange for an honest review.
September 11, 2023
i was so so excited about this because of the premise. i love a tale about star crossed lovers. and on top of that, anything that has a time travel esque / reincarnation plot as well.
however, i unfortunately didn't love this book as much as i thought i would. the characters fell flat, the plot was not fleshed out enough, and the romance lacked chemistry. i thought the plot also wrapped up a bit too nicely and cleanly. i really wish i had loved this more because the premise and plot was so brilliant!
thank you to del rey books for the arc !!
however, i unfortunately didn't love this book as much as i thought i would. the characters fell flat, the plot was not fleshed out enough, and the romance lacked chemistry. i thought the plot also wrapped up a bit too nicely and cleanly. i really wish i had loved this more because the premise and plot was so brilliant!
thank you to del rey books for the arc !!
August 1, 2023
A deeply personal star-crossed love story and loose Romeo & Juliet retelling based on the author's own relationship loving a man with a fatal diagnosis that makes you ask is love worth the risk no matter how much time you may have together?
Helene is running away from a broken marriage and trying to start over in Alaska when she runs into the man who she's based all the heroes in her stories only to find he wants nothing to do with her. Sebastien knows immediately that Helene is his fated lover, Juliet who he has found throughout the years in many different reincarnations only to have their love repeatedly end tragically.
Forced together during a freak storm the truth of their connection eventually comes to light. Helene is skeptical at first but old journals slowly convince her and has her trying to get Seb to give their love another chance.
Spanning centuries and continents, this is a love story for the ages and perfect for fans of books like The time traveler's wife or The invisible life of Addie LaRue. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review.
This was good on audio read by Aspen Vincent, Joe Arden and the author who share's her personal connection to this story at the end of the book. Definitely sure to be one of my favorite romances of 2023!
Steam level: fade to black, mild details
Helene is running away from a broken marriage and trying to start over in Alaska when she runs into the man who she's based all the heroes in her stories only to find he wants nothing to do with her. Sebastien knows immediately that Helene is his fated lover, Juliet who he has found throughout the years in many different reincarnations only to have their love repeatedly end tragically.
Forced together during a freak storm the truth of their connection eventually comes to light. Helene is skeptical at first but old journals slowly convince her and has her trying to get Seb to give their love another chance.
Spanning centuries and continents, this is a love story for the ages and perfect for fans of books like The time traveler's wife or The invisible life of Addie LaRue. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review.
This was good on audio read by Aspen Vincent, Joe Arden and the author who share's her personal connection to this story at the end of the book. Definitely sure to be one of my favorite romances of 2023!
Steam level: fade to black, mild details
December 31, 2023
Magical and wonderful and perfect.
January 15, 2023
I received this as an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review so here it is…
I LOVED this book! It was such a cute story & throughout the whole book I was anticipating how it would end. Helene and Sebastian deserve all the happiness in the world. I would highly recommended this book to anyone who ever loved Romeo & Juliet as a little girl!
I LOVED this book! It was such a cute story & throughout the whole book I was anticipating how it would end. Helene and Sebastian deserve all the happiness in the world. I would highly recommended this book to anyone who ever loved Romeo & Juliet as a little girl!
February 12, 2024
Bastante bonito y fácil de leer.
Tal vez, no he sentido tanto el romanticismo que la historia prometía. Lo he visto más bien como un libro de autoayuda, de saber querer en el presente y dejar los miedos del futuro a un lado.
Tal vez, no he sentido tanto el romanticismo que la historia prometía. Lo he visto más bien como un libro de autoayuda, de saber querer en el presente y dejar los miedos del futuro a un lado.
August 3, 2023
A love story worth reading 💗
Thank you, Del Rey Books & PRH Audio, for the gifted copy of The Hundred Loves of Juliet {partner}
Genre: Romance
Trope: Retelling
Format: 🎧
Audiobook Narration: ☆☆☆☆☆
Pub Date: 8.1.2023
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆.5
"There's no love worth having if it doesn't break your heart when it's over."
I was unsure going in because I'm hyper-critical of romance stories, but The Hundred Loves of Juliet stole my heart. It's a love story for the ages. There wasn't a need for any unnecessary frills because the love between Sebastian and Helene (Romeo and Juliet) carried the whole book.
Not only is this book about the love of Sebastian and Helene and how it spans centuries, but it is also full of hope and what it means to love someone, even if you know you'll lose them in the end. It was such a pure story that reminded me of how special a romance book can be.
The Hundred Loves of Juliet is told through flashbacks/other stories written by Helene, and I was utterly enamored from start to finish. It was such a unique take on the genre. I was thrilled to make it to the end of the book without crying, but then I read the author's note, and that's where the tears came in. If you decide to read this one (and you should), read that note at the end.
❤️ Retelling of Romeo & Juliet
✌🏼 Dual POV
🕰️ Multiple timelines (easy to follow)
🚪 Closed-door romance
📝 Read that author's note
I recommend reading The Hundred Loves of Juliet if you are willing to suspend reality and fall in love with one epic love story.
______
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Thank you, Del Rey Books & PRH Audio, for the gifted copy of The Hundred Loves of Juliet {partner}
Genre: Romance
Trope: Retelling
Format: 🎧
Audiobook Narration: ☆☆☆☆☆
Pub Date: 8.1.2023
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆.5
"There's no love worth having if it doesn't break your heart when it's over."
I was unsure going in because I'm hyper-critical of romance stories, but The Hundred Loves of Juliet stole my heart. It's a love story for the ages. There wasn't a need for any unnecessary frills because the love between Sebastian and Helene (Romeo and Juliet) carried the whole book.
Not only is this book about the love of Sebastian and Helene and how it spans centuries, but it is also full of hope and what it means to love someone, even if you know you'll lose them in the end. It was such a pure story that reminded me of how special a romance book can be.
The Hundred Loves of Juliet is told through flashbacks/other stories written by Helene, and I was utterly enamored from start to finish. It was such a unique take on the genre. I was thrilled to make it to the end of the book without crying, but then I read the author's note, and that's where the tears came in. If you decide to read this one (and you should), read that note at the end.
❤️ Retelling of Romeo & Juliet
✌🏼 Dual POV
🕰️ Multiple timelines (easy to follow)
🚪 Closed-door romance
📝 Read that author's note
I recommend reading The Hundred Loves of Juliet if you are willing to suspend reality and fall in love with one epic love story.
______
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebookend....
Follow me on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/thebookendd...
Follow me on StoryGraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile...
September 15, 2024
I think The Hundred Loves of Romeo is more accurate. 🤭
The premise was interesting but I think the story was presented poorly. It lacks character build up as individuals, as well as relationship build up. Their whole dynamics came out as instalove-ish and I didn't like that at all.
I added this book to my TBR because I saw the video that this was inspired by her and her husband's love story. In all honesty, the Author's Note at the end made up for the whole book.
The premise was interesting but I think the story was presented poorly. It lacks character build up as individuals, as well as relationship build up. Their whole dynamics came out as instalove-ish and I didn't like that at all.
I added this book to my TBR because I saw the video that this was inspired by her and her husband's love story. In all honesty, the Author's Note at the end made up for the whole book.
Read
September 2, 2023This was my last book of August. Not sure about my rating yet. Need to think on it.
Review to come.
Review to come.
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