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Falling for Romeo

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John can have any girl he wants. Jennifer's never been kissed. Everybody thinks he's perfect. She's got issues with pride and jealousy. They were best friends-once. Now, they're playing Romeo and Juliet. Virgin lips Jennifer must have her first kiss on stage with John, the guy every girl in school wants. The pressure and tension build along with each staged kiss. Both are shocked when feelings bloom. Can either tell which kisses are real and which are for show?

204 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2007

19 people are currently reading
1879 people want to read

About the author

Jennifer Laurens

16 books1,048 followers
Jennifer, aka JM Warwick was born and raised in Southern California and her hometown of Palos Verdes Estates flavors her books: A Season of Eden and An Open Vein. She doesn't limit herself to writing one genre, and was the first to author four romance novels centered around the popular sport of ballroom dancing.She has YA novels published under her YA romance name of Jennifer Laurens: Falling for Romeo, Magic Hands, Nailed and the Heavenly series: Heavenly ( 2009) Penitence (2010) and Absolution (2010) A Season of Eden (2011) and Overprotected ( 2011 ) Grace Doll ( 2012 ) .An Open Vein is under her JM Warwick pen name. Jennifer lives in Utah and has 6 children, one of whom has autism. Jennifer doesn't put stock in reviews - in fact she never reads them.

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5 stars
426 (21%)
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565 (28%)
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660 (32%)
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246 (12%)
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112 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
Profile Image for Britnie.
27 reviews
January 5, 2012
It is not often that I regret reading a book but this was a complete waste of time. There was not one original idea in the whole novel. I mean, I'm honestly at a loss for words here, this is the only book I've ever read where I've closed the cover and literally wondered where the ENTIRE plot went. It is suppose to be a story about two former childhood friends and neighbors who are no longer close but during a school play of "Romeo and Juliet" (where he is Romeo and her Juliet, of course) they 'fall in love'. Sounds okay, right? Except well, nothing happens. The whole novel pretty much takes place at play practice, where the two leads kiss a lot or agonise over having to kiss a lot.

John is is the popular captain of the track team, and on multiple occasions the entire school chants his name for no apparent reason. It came across as shallow and frivolous since it is never even hinted at how it came to be this way. He rules the school, alone, he isn't part of the popular crowd he just IS the popular crowd. It is hinted that he once wasn't so popular but we don't hear anything about that. He has problems at home but those aren't handled very well and contributed very little to the quality of the plot.

Jennifer has no personality AT ALL. She spends her time worrying over her lack of kissing skills and trying to figure out ways to get the best of John. Other than he being completely dumb and clueless (two words: kissing lessons) not to mention vindictive, we know very little of her personality.

We are never told what happened between to two and why they are no longer close. They both might as well have been cut from card board with cookie cutters. And all of the side characters are the same. Bland, stereotypical, and zero personalty.

It was an insult to Shakespeare and Jane Austen (and fans of either, in my opinion) to drag their works of art in to this mess of a book. Honestly, there is not one redeeming quality I can come up with for this story. I'm just glad I checked it out at the library and didn't waste my money on it, but I did waste valuable reading time that I could have been spending on a novel of more substance. And by more substance I mean an actual plot.
Profile Image for Simcsa.
92 reviews94 followers
September 29, 2011
Maybe it's just me, but this was so bad and it bored me so much that I coudn't even finish it.

It's written from both John's and Jennifer's perspective and I think that this completely destroyed the book. From the start, we know what both of them think, we know that they like each other, so there is no need to guess and the end is so evident I would only waste my time by reading it.

If they at least weren't so shallow, maybe I would finish it, but that's not the case. I will give one example. John is interested in Jennifer only because she has become so gorgeous - he called her "beautiful goddess". He is popular (even if there isn't any explanation why), she is seemingly cold and unreachable (and blond) and they used to be friends. Sounds interesting?

The writing is average, a few descriptions, not a big vocabulary, so it's easy read. I don't recommend it, because there are so many great books in the world, you shoudn't waste time on the bad ones.
Profile Image for Joanna.
794 reviews25 followers
February 14, 2016
think, Pride and Prejudice mixed with Romeo and Juliet.
I LOVE IT!
it's sweet. very teen-ish and adorable. Teen love is so cute.
love-hate, hot and cold. it's sooooo endearing. :)
Profile Image for Em-em.
129 reviews20 followers
May 12, 2011
John is the popular and perfect guy who could have any girl that he wanted while Jennifer is just an ordinary, beautiful girl who works hard to be perfect. The two of them used to be friends but as soon as they hit high school they started to grew apart. However, they are reunited to play the characters of Romeo and Juliet. Now, they find themselves falling for each other only they have to figure out which among the kisses is true and which one is done for the sake of art. Moreover, they have to move past pride and jealousy if they want to achieve their desired ending.

I love this book!! Truly love this!! I love a lot of books but this one is on a different level. I was always having this smile on my face while I read it. They are both a perfect match for each other. Their bickering is very funny. I really laughed when they continue to relate their real life problems with the issues presented in the book they are reading in their English class; Pride and Prejudice. Indeed in some ways they are similar to the characters in the book. They are both smart as well. I truly envy their friendship and their love. Both their love and friendship is realistic. This story made me laugh a lot and there was not a dull moment in it. I could not make myself stop reading it even as I watch a movie with my sister I continued sneaking a read I was that hooked. And it is not because the book was constantly keeping me on the edge but because the book gave me this feeling that you only get when you are in love or when you see people in love. The fact that the author wrote the book both in John and Jennifer's perspective made me more excited for them and just wanted to push them to realize what they have for each other but this feeling is non frustrating at all it is like watching two friends fall in love or falling in love yourself. Which you don't get much often. Makes me miss young love not that I am not young I am still very young but not in love though.

As sad as it is, friends sometimes grow apart because they started to have different priorities and likes and you see that a lot. But that doesn't mean that it can't be fixed not only fix but even make it into something better like falling in love.

I gave it a five not because it has mind-boggling plot or action scenes that gets you carried away but it is because it was realistic and it makes a reader feel one of the most important feelings in life and that is LOVE. A good kind of LOVE
Profile Image for Stacey O'driscoll.
107 reviews30 followers
April 14, 2011
SPOILERS AHEAD!

Erm... Okay to start with, I may be a bit mean with the 2 stars but it was not what I was expecting. The writing was awful at times and so much remained, unanswered, unsaid and the ending was just extremely anti-climatic.
Pro's:
At times it could be quite funny.
I love Shakespeare so some of the play scenes I enjoyed.

Cons:
Almost everything remained unanswered. Alex for example, one minute he was bragging to his mates how he was going to sleep with her, the next he just vanished off the scene.
What was the reason behind there big fall out an hatred of each other. Was it really just because they grew apart for a while like a lot childhood friends do? (except me and mine didn't :D) If that is the reason well that's just stupid.
Did He move away in the end or did they stay?
Did he get his coat dry cleaned? Lol
Okay now the other cons, unsaid things. Why didn't he tell her what was said, she just seemed to forget about it.
Why didn't they apologise for being awful at times. Especially her, she was a complete cow at times. She was awful. A kiss ass and even though she could see that everything wasn't perfect for him. She saw how his dad was she knew his family had little money yet she still spent half the book wining about how he had everything. He didn't. She had a lot more.
Now for the ending. So anti climatic. So much that needed to be said, apologies, explanations telling each other they truly did care about each other and after watching them through all these arguments and cruelty to one another what o we get "I like you" "I feel the same way". Wow... deep stuff.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Amy Jacobs.
845 reviews293 followers
November 10, 2011
Author Jennifer Laurens has to be one of the best authors to portray in her writing the perfect blend of teen angst, romance and sweetness. Everything I have read from her has been wonderful and captivating. Falling For Romeo is another wonderfully written book that I wish had been around when I was a teenager trying to find something to read.


John is the perfect crush of his high school. He is sweet, outgoing, a jock, and all around good guy. He volunteers, is a good son and is now playing the lead in the high school play of Romeo and Juliet. Jennifer has won the coveted role of Juliet for the play and happens to be John's next door neighbor. They grew up playing with each other and John considers her his best friend even though he hasn't been much of friend lately. Together they need to work through their differences and put together the best play they can.


I loved the characters in this book. They have real problems and struggle with balancing many activities while trying to renew their friendship. One has a bad home life, the other longs for what was once great between the two. While Jennifer has never been kissed by a boy really, she is nervous over the big kissing scenes that are the pivotal points in the play. It was hilarious at how she tried to get experience in kissing so she wouldn't be horrible at it for John.


While I enjoyed the book and would recommend it in a heartbeat to everyone, I wasn't as excited about it as I normally am with this authors books. Maybe I was turned off a little by the retro looking cover, or maybe it was my reading taste at the time, but it was still a sweet and fun read.
Profile Image for Princess Bookie.
960 reviews98 followers
March 2, 2010
Taken from my blog: princessbookie.com

My Thoughts:I had been wanting to read this one for a while now, but I was putting it off because it looks amazing and I was afraid it wouldn't live up to my expectations. I'm glad I finally started reading it! I loved it! It was so much fun! We meet Jennifer and John who have been neighbors all their lives. At one point they were even best friends. High school happened and they just fell into different cliques and drifted apart. All the girls had the hots for John and Jennifer didn't seem too unpopular herself. They both get cast as Romeo and Juliet in a school play and they are required to spend more time together practicing. I really enjoyed this one a lot. When he kissed her the first time (for the play) it was so fun but when he really gave her the first kiss (when they weren't doing it for the play) it was even better and more romantic! I loved this story! Of course she's so stubborn at the beginning she tells people he's a bad kisser. But deep down, she loved that kiss! I loved this book! It was sweet and beautiful and I want my own John now!

Overall: Loved it! Read it now! Even if its your first Jennifer Laurens book, read it! Its a cute fun book to read when your in the mood for some romance.

Cover: Loved it! The first time I saw this book, I knew it would be good! The back cover of the book is really pretty too!!!!
Profile Image for *¨·٠•●♥✿LINLAN✿♥●•٠·¨*.
292 reviews39 followers
February 4, 2013
I finished "Falling for Romeo" in 2 days; that was very impressing for someone who had fever like me.

"Falling for Romeo" was similar to Japanese manga I love to read. It was about the guy whose name was John. He could have any girl he wanted and the gal named Jennifer who'd never been kissed. Everybody thought he was perfect (of course, except Jennifer). She'd got issues with pride and jealousy. They were best friends ... once. Now, they were playing Romeo and Juliet. Virgin lips Jennifer must have her first kiss on stage with John, the guy every girl in school wanted. The pressure and tension build along with each staged kiss. Both when shocked when feelings bloom.

"Falling for Romeo" was similar to Japanese manga I love to read. So, I really liked the plot; however, somethings in the story didn't clear for me and I was a little bit lost in the part that they discussed in English class. I didn't have a chance to read "Pride and Prejudice" in my English class in Thailand. That was the reason why I give "Falling for Romeo" four stars instead of five.
Profile Image for Alithea.
177 reviews
June 2, 2013
This has got be the most confusing book I have probably ever read. Also a quick read.

I thought the POV's were everywhere, at one minute in third person it was John then the next Jenn, I thought it would've been much better if the POV's in third person were chapter by chapter so it would flow nicely and we get an even thought on each of the characters because all I knew was: Jenn has a love-hate with John. John was a rising popular jock. This whole book for me seemed a bit cliche and very predictable.You have that girl who tries to steal the guy from the main girl, but the main guy has always liked the main girl. Also, the good thing about this book was that it had Pride and Prejudice plot line (with John and Jenns's pride for not telling each other they liked each other) The story line and plot were great they were, but to me it was just confusing.I would've given it a four stars if the POV's were sorted out.
Profile Image for Emma.
272 reviews
June 3, 2010
John and Jennifer are next door neighbors. When they were little, they were the best of friends. Over the years they drifted apart, yet still live next door to each other. They are both the lead actors in William Shakespeare's ROMEO AND JULIET. Jennifer has never been kissed before and she is nervous to have her first kiss with John. John went from a nobody to everyone knowing him and wanted to be his friend and all the girls wanted to go out with him. With everyone knowing who he is, came responsibility and trying to do the best both at school and at home. Even though they both changed through time, they have something in common, their memories. This book is kind of like ROMEO AND JULIET meets PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. Throughout their journey through the play, will they let go of the past/their pride and realize they have something more in common? Read and you'll find out.
Profile Image for Jenna.
636 reviews86 followers
February 6, 2011
If you want to relax your mind from reading all the fantasy books, and just go back to feeling the usual teenage love romance, this sure is a perfect read for you!(:
Personally, I love this book in its simplicity. Though I did not cry in any part of it, but I was moved many times in the sense that I got butterfly stomach in almost every page of the book. Falling for Romeo has the common story of two old best friends who are separated by distance called "growing up", and just before they end their senior year, they notice each other again, but in a different way. Jennifer and John will take you back to feeling like a teenager again, reliving your high school life, and how was it when you're unsure of what another person's is feeling for you. Coming up with different unwarranted guesses all the time. And so I enjoyed reading this.(:
Profile Image for Ivonne .
1,324 reviews18 followers
January 23, 2012
me encantan estos libros juveniles que te deja una sonrisa en la boca...
sobre todo que sean romanticos y entretenidos, la historia se desarrolla en la obra de Romeo y Julieta y como John y Jenn a pesar de haber sido amigos cuando eran niños ahora no lo son, todo cambia cuando crecen mas con la popularidad que se encuentran en la escuela, como los ven los demas y que esten pendiente de todo lo que hacen y dejan de hacer...
la relacion de ellos de amor-odio nos lleva entretenidos durante todo el libro
lo que tambien me gusto es que hablaran de Orgullo y Prejuicio puesto que es uno de mis libros favoritos,los enfrentamientos y debates entre ellos eran lo maximo...
tal vez le falto un poco en algunos momentos puesto que dejaba por el aire ciertas circunstancias pero en general fue un buen libro
Profile Image for jamie.
933 reviews15 followers
March 25, 2017
There was no real conflict. Yes, okay, their pride prevented them form being together, which was made painstakingly aware by the fact the they were readding Pride and Pejudice in class. But a real conflict was missing.

Not that we weren't teased. At the beginning, with John's abusive father, but no, didn't result to anything.
Throughout the book with the various little stories of how John and Jenn used to be bff. Why did they stop being friends, you ask? Well I do not know. That is a good question and could have caused some serious drama. If it were explained at all.
At then end, with the possibility of John's family moving away. But again, nothing ever came from that.

I enjoyed reading this despite all the unanswered questions.

It was just a light, fun little read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Tifferz.
263 reviews
June 12, 2011
This is my first book I have read of Jennifer Laurens and will not be the last. I loved this sweet romance. I could not help but like the main characters and the supporting cast. A very well written story that I will be reading again and I highly recommend this read. It made me wish I had a boy next door best friend! A very good friend lent me this book and I like it so much I will be buying it. It was that good! I know Jennifer has some other books out and I will be checking those out very soon. I love when I find new authors!! It is so exciting! Oh and this is a clean romance just lots of smooching!
Profile Image for Mary.
64 reviews16 followers
August 29, 2011
It was a great book straight forward and romantic
Profile Image for Rachel.
Author 2 books713 followers
January 31, 2011
John Michaels has tried to be everything to everyone – a friend, an idol, a volunteer, a jock and a good son. And now he wants to add actor to his long list of achievements. But in his push for success he has left behind his childhood best friend and neighbor Jennifer Vienvu.

Now cast as Romeo and Juliet in the school play, they must put aside the past and commit to their parts to be believable as the ill-fated lovers in Shakespeare’s romantic tragedy.

Will Jennifer be able to ignore the resentment she feels toward her former friend for being cast aside when he gained rock star status? And when he so easily and immediately steals her spotlight will the competition between the two of them affect their ability to perform?

With an on stage kiss that ignites something between the two of them will pride get in the way of happily ever after?

***

Falling for Romeo is a story of love, trust, friendship and denial. From the very first moment they kiss, the electricity and tension between the two characters builds, leaving readers in knots until the very last page.

The story alternates between Jennifer and John’s point of view and readers follow along with the characters as they struggle to admit to themselves and to each other what their true feelings are.

Once again author Jennifer Laurens has written what might at first glance appear to be a sweet story of high school romance, but is in reality a story that takes your emotions on a rollercoaster ride like in A Season of Eden and the Heavenly trilogy.

Falling for Romeo is a quick and agonizing (in a really good way) read. And is perfect for readers who love a story that will make them feel like their stomach is tied in knots from beginning to end.

On a personal note:

From the number of books I’ve read and reviewed on this site, you may think I am a fangirl of author Jennifer Laurens. That may very well be the case, but my reviews are still honest, I promise. I’ve read all of her books but Magic Hands, and will purchase that very soon.

I don’t know how she does it, as I can’t pinpoint it when I look back at her stories, but the author always has a way of creating a huge amount of tension that continues through the entire story and doesn’t let up until the last second.

Her stories for young adults have that same agonizing/tormenty feel that many of the chick-lit stories do but without a formulaic plot that becomes a pitfall to some authors who write many books in the same genre. Each of her stories is very different from one another, but yet each manages to create the same effect, which is why I love to read (and re-read) her books.

I highly recommend Falling for Romeo if you’re a fan of the author or if you like to feel a bit of anguish for the characters while you read.
Profile Image for Vere.
1 review
June 1, 2012
...
In Falling for Romeo, you have your two main characters Jennifer and John. Jennifer is this beautiful blonde goddess, who every guy likes but are too intimidated by her to ask out, because they feel she's too good for them. John is the most popular guy at school that every girl wants to go out with,every guy wants to be friends with, and every teachers favorite student. He's also a perfectionist. Jennifer and John used to be best friends then they drifted apart. They're always trying to compete with each other and let pride get in the way of the feelings they have for each other. Now Jennifer is playing Juliet in the schools play and guess who's playing Romeo? If you guessed John then you were right on!
...
I read this book for a quick simple read, and that's exactly what it ended up being. It was OK. First lets talk about the bad things. It failed to describe exactly how they drifted apart, it could have helped us understand John better and why he even stopped being friends with her in the first place. I also disliked that the author Jennifer Laurens named the main character Jennifer after her. I just thought that was kind of weird. Also there was no resolution between John and his father, no lesson learned there, which makes me mad cause there's suppose to be a lesson learned or a point to every story. The author also completely dropped the character Alex, even though he did play a big part in the rising action part of this book then was completely forgotten. Towards the end of the book around the climax, I was like OK what happened to Alex is he not going to get slapped? Because he really does truly deserve a slap on the face. And a kick in the b----!
...
The romance part was great though. You could feel the heat and chemistry between John and Jennifer. The kisses were HOT and had me wishing to be kissed like that. I didn't have very high expectations for this book, but the romance part of it ended up being better than I thought it would be, that's why i gave it the three stars. It was a fast and simple short read. Something you read at school in between classes or at lunch. Overall I liked it, but if you are a reader that likes to read books with a purpose I do NOT recommend this book for you. This a book that's just short and sweet for entertainment.
Profile Image for Nina.
326 reviews64 followers
November 15, 2011
How I love Jennifer Laurens!! Kali ini, selain Overprotected--yang jadi favoritku--ceritanya remaja biasa lagi. Meskipun judulnya Falling For Romeo, tapi si Jennifer ini bukan Juliet biasa. John, si Romeo, juga bukan tipikal cowok Romeo. Yaah, namanya juga cuma judul.

Di drama sekolahnya, Jenn memerankan Juliet, dan John memerankan Romeo. John itu cowok biasa--meskipun tampan tipikal cowok-cowok atlet. Jenn dan John *laughing at this little nameplay* tetanggaan, dan mereka teman sejak kecil. Ketika masuk SMA, John dan Jennifer kayak terpisah gitu deh, mereka bergaul di lingkungan pergaulan berbeda. Mereka jarang bicara sejak SMA. Dan ternyata mereka berdua terpilih memerankan Romeo dan Juliet. Mereka diharuskan berciuman--itu lho, waktu Romeo dan Juliet mati bareng--sayangnya, si Jennifer ini ternyata belum pernah dicium.

Udah jelas dong, mereka sebenernya saling cinta. Meskipun aku agak kempes waktu bacanya--habis biasa banget sih, kayak baca teenlit Indonesia biasa--tapi lumayan banget. John itu cowok yang sebenernya jujur, dia cuma agak minder karena Jennifer tumbuh jadi cewek cantik yang diincer seluruh sekolah. Selain itu, kondisi keluarganya juga membuatnya agak keder karena Jennifer itu kaya. John cemburu banget waktu Jennifer minta tolong seorang pemain football lainnya buat latian ciuman *duh*.

Gaya bahasa Jenn Laurens lumayan mengalir dan menyenangkan, meskipun aku yang udah kadung sentimen sama Romeo and Juliet agak sebel karena harus baca cerita cinta nan tragis mereka *huek*. Cocok dibaca sambil dengerin lagu-lagunya Taylor Swift *haha*
Profile Image for Jannat Bhat.
Author 11 books135 followers
December 30, 2012

This book was phenomenal, kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. The author created a world you can picture in your mind , it was just fascinating. Falling for Romeo is one of those books able to put a smile on your face. It is a very cute book with an equally delightful plot.
Jennifer and John are too childhood friends who drifted apart in high school. John has become one of the most popular guys in school and all the girls seem to be in love with him, including Jennifer, even though she would never admit that.Then both John and Jennifer are cast as Romeo and Juliet in the school’s play and sparks fly between them.
This story left me with a smile on my face. Both Jennifer and John are great characters. They are sweet and caring and it is obvious they like each other but are, in the beginning, too stubborn to accept that and make a move. They dance around each other for a little while and their bickering is priceless.I liked the fact that even though John was quite popular he wasn’t a jerk. He didn’t exactly like all the attention he got, which only made him more interesting.I think John and Jennifer were a perfect match for each other. When they were kids their friendship was real and little by little they find a way of connecting again all while pretending they are Romeo and Juliet.They seem real and I couldn’t help but to want them to be together.
All in all, I think this is a very well-written book, that’s realistic and that’s able to make you smile. I do wish, though, that the book could have been longer. I just wanted more after I finished it! Definitely pick this one up, if you're wanting a fun, cute & lovable read.
Profile Image for Mlpmom (Book Reviewer).
3,196 reviews412 followers
October 7, 2011
I love Jennifer Laurens' books. I know that whenever I open one up I can count on a well written story with some loveable characters, realistic story lines, great dialog, some swoon worthy scenes and just something that I know I will get completely immersed in and not want to put down and thankfully this book was no different and did not disappoint!

Two of my most favorite works of literature are Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and then William Shakespear's Romeo and Juliet so when I saw that this book incorporated both of those into the storyline, well, I knew I was going to be in love with this story too and I was.

I loved the building romance in this book and how both main characters had to fight some of there own pride and yes, prejudices, to be able to really look at the person in front of them and see beneath the surface and not judge them by their outward appearances and actions. I loved watching them struggle with their emotions and seeing how they would overcome them.

I am a hopeless romantic so it is nice to be able to read a story that you know will have a happy ever after and leave you with that warm and fuzzy feeling when you finish the story.

I think we all need some happily ever afters in our life and I know that I can count on Laurens to deliver when it comes to that, which I think it why I enjoy her stories so much.
If you haven't tried her books yet you really should. They are just cute fun reads that will leave a smile on your face and make you think about the characters long after you have finished the story.
Profile Image for Liliana Saquicela.
164 reviews8 followers
November 23, 2011
I really hope that it was just me, but this book pretty much sucked!....it was sweet but I didnt really feel it like I usually do with these types do chic-romance-lit book. Like the beginning, kind of threw me off because it's starts with 'Romeo, & 'Juliet' and their kiss and who Jen (Juliet) is so overwhelmed with the kiss and blah blah blah. Havent they been practicing this for a while now? And now suddenly they feel jittery when they have to kiss?...Even if the director had told them to hold off the kiss until almost the very end, it would still feel awkward during their rehearsals wheneve they had dialogue together. Why not start from the beginning when they first were cast and and they felt knowing that they would have to eventually kiss. And don't get me started about he end. Jennifer Laurens drags their confessions of mural liking that you'd expect a better ending, but no. It was so freakin' brief that I actually turned the page just to mak ensure that it was the end. It didn't even feel like the end, and she left a couple of questions hanging. I doubt their will be a sequel so, why not wrap everything up?i should have guessed that this was a crappy book just by looking at the cover. The guy isn't even that handsome, and doesn't even look like he would be in high-school., and the girl, to me she looks like she woke up from a hang-over.Her eye-liner looks kind of washed up. That's my opinion anyways. Weren't they supposed to be oh-so-hot!?!?!?
Profile Image for Mariana.
708 reviews124 followers
March 21, 2011
John is the perfect boy. Jennifer is a nice pretty girl. They used to be best friends, but they grow up and stopped talking to each other; even when they are next-door neighbors they don´t talk at all. Now they must, because they´re playing Romeo &Juliet in the school play, they rehearse together… and they have to kiss each other. That´s how everything starts. Jennifer realizes John´s still important to her, and maybe more than that, John now sees that Jenn is a beautiful girl. The connection they once shared, years ago, has turned into chemistry…is it just because of the play?

Falling for Romeo is a short, nice, and easy to read book telling us a teenage love story, a pretty deep one. The “best friends who fall in love with each other” is not that original, but they way is handled gives you a different story. The characters might be typical, but they have a strong personality, very well developed.
The writing style is totally fluid, simple but very deep and descriptive making everything enjoyable. The way is told, from John and Jenn’s pint of view is one of my favorites.
I think is a very nice, sweet story, nicely achieved, and I liked it because its simplicity but because it´s profound too. I loved the comparison between Pride & Prejudice and things happening in the story, which was pretty cool.
I really recommend it, a quick read, a sweet lovely story.

http://smartgirls-read.blogspot.com/2...
Profile Image for Lisa .
14 reviews
October 8, 2010
John and Jennifer have lived next door to each other since they were kids. When they were younger they played together quite often, now as teenagers they barely speak. But things change when they are to play Romeo and Juliet in their school's drama production. Can John and Jennifer take on the roles of star crossed lovers and feel nothing for one another in their own hearts? Will they be able to keep their relationship strictly professional, or will life imitate art?

This story unfolds as John and Jennifer are preparing for the school play. They are to be Romeo and Juliet, who were madly in love and in the end unable to live without each other. The first time they kiss, Jennifer feels something for John, and vice versa. But both are too proud to admit that its anything more then just acting. As much as they are attracted to each other, neither one wants to risk possible rejection from the other. By opening night however, all those feelings they've been been trying to deny come bubbling to the surface...

The whole time I was reading this book, I wanted to get out my Romeo and Juliet dvd and pop it in. I kept picturing the scenes, romantic, compelling and in the end heart breaking. Though the relationship between John and Jennifer isn't the same as the love story of Romeo and Juliet, it still tugs at the heart strings. They have a special bond because they have known each other since childhood. I enjoyed this book and when I was done, I couldn't stop quoting Shakespeare!


Profile Image for Avon Bernabe.
401 reviews5 followers
February 8, 2012
I really really want to give this book 5stars. Its plot is really the kind I want in a romance book as much as possible. If only it didn't end so abruptly. I wanted more details on some specific issues.
Like, the issue with John's Dad. He used to be proud of him but then, what happened? I was kind of confused there. Though there were a part towards which seems it's gonna be okay, I would have loved a talk between them in the to patch things up officially.
I wanted to learn more about Jenn's brother and John's siblings. I don't know but it seems to me that it lacked some introduction with some of the characters. I also would have wanted a more specific ending for that Alex guy. I mean, he just disappeared and that's kind of impossible given the attitude of the guy. I also think that Jenn's bestfriend was just like an accessory in the story. That's not good. I understand that Jenn and John are the centers of the story but it would have been nice if there;s a balance.

But like what I've just said, its plot is my kind of story. There were just a few issues I had but I still loved it. I love the the hotness of the play. I love the hotness of Jenn and John. I love them both though John should be man enough to voice out his feelings first. He's the man so he should make the first move. tsk tsk. Anyways, they are just perfect for each other. I love their flaws. I love them! And I don't regret reading this book no matter what.
Profile Image for Kath S.
354 reviews263 followers
January 6, 2011

I enjoyed a little bit reading it. It has a lot funny chapters... and lightest, but it's not like the best book ever. I mean, the two principal characters (Jenn and John) are interesting, but I really don't like them.

Jenn is a great girl, she's blonde, she's beautiful, and an excellent actress. But she has a big problem: She's so jealous of John (because he’s popular, he’s charming, he has a lot of girls that want to date with him)

This it's not a couple that falling in love and have a normal relationship. No way. They are competitive.... in everything. And suddenly, they have the principal characters in play "Romeo and Juliet".... And they have to hang out a lot of time together. And the things turns so much hard.

This book has a lot of fights between the principal characters. Sometimes I really like Jenn, but sometimes I really think she’s a little bit vindictive.

If you think this is a love story (duh, read the name), it’s not. This is not another story about “Romeo and Juliet” in comtemporaneity. This is some more like “Pride and Prejudice” (the author names the book a several times), but this is so much bored, and effing slow (I admit, sometimes I really bored about the confrontation between Jenn and John).

It’s a good story and… that’s it :S
Profile Image for Joy (joyous reads).
1,564 reviews290 followers
July 23, 2011
In everyone’s eyes, John could do no wrong.

In Jenn’s eyes, she sees a fraud.

The greatest, most tragic and most romantic play of all—Romeo & Juliet, will either force them to face what they feel toward one another, or sever their frail friendship once and for all.

They were the best of friends but now they couldn’t even stand each other—at least, that’s what everyone sees.

Falling for Romeo is a story about two stubborn, prideful people who will learn how to deal with growing up and the reality that their fears to express their feelings will almost cost them the person they loved all along.

I read this book in three hours. It was that short. In the end I was left feeling bereft. Wanting more. It made my belly ached with every turn of the page. Jenn & John were so awkward. Not because they’re both insecure of their own persons but it was because of the way they kind of lost each other. Lost in the shuffle and the pressures of high school, it was a pain to watch their interactions. I found myself cringing most of the time.

For the most part, the book was real. A bit rushed. A bit frustrating. I want to know if

I just want more.
Profile Image for Lisa  (Bookworm Lisa).
2,240 reviews207 followers
November 6, 2010
Jenn and John are starring opposite each other in a high school production of Romeo and Juliet. They were best friends growing up, but as many child relationships do, they grew apart as they found their own identities and interests.

Unknown to each other, they both harbor regret and pride. They have feelings for each other, but each is reluctant to express themselves. They both fear rejection.

At the time they are in rehearsals and performing, they are studying "Pride and Prejudice" in English class. The teacher poses questions every day, they need to contemplate these questions and record answers in a joural and then have a class discussion. Many interesting conversations erupt from this exercise, helping John and Jenn understand their own emotions. The question dealing with gossip was very interesting. Thoughout the book there are many situations where you can see the negative effect of gossip.

This was a cute and fun read. This is a book that you read, not to enlighten, but to entertain. I know I need books like that often.
Profile Image for Yin Chien.
182 reviews115 followers
December 20, 2010
Falling for Romeo is a story about a boy and a girl who are too proud to express their feelings for one another, which is quite similar to the situation of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett in Pride and Prejudice.

John is the most popular boy in school. He participates in a lot of activities, and in most of them he's the leader. He is Jennifer's next-door neighbour, and they were once best friends.

Jennifer is the most popular girl in school. You may think it is strange that she is not with John. Actually, she does have some special feelings for John, but she just can't convince herself to admit it.

This novel is short and sweet. There are chemistry and sparks between John and Jennifer, but not much happened. I think the plot needs some improvement, because I only observe John and Jennifer's love-hate relationship throughout the novel. I still liked it, though, because it is romantic in a nice way.

I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy a cute love story. Those who like to read chick-lit novels will also find this book entertaining.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
633 reviews18 followers
July 7, 2015
Jennifer and John have been neighbors and friends since childhood, but now that they’re in high school, things have changed. Tension has built between them, and their relationship is of the love-hate variety. Now they are playing Romeo and Juliet in the school play and things are getting stranger. They have to share a kiss on stage (Jenn’s first), and neither can tell what the other is thinking about the kissing. Rumors go around, jealousy and tensions flare, but maybe what they’re feeling is real?

This was a cute and fun little romance. It was fun to see their relationship go on a roller coaster ride, and switch from love to hate in an instant. The story was slightly predictable, but intended for a younger crowd, which it would strongly appeal to. I’d say this is a great book for 14-16 year old teen girls looking for a fun and light romance!

Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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