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Star-Crossed
Your dream's come true. Your school's doing Romeo and Juliet and you get the starring role of Juliet. Perfect! There's just one catch: the boy you HATE is playing Romeo. He isn't any old enemy - your family are at daggers drawn. A bit like in Romeo and Juliet ... except there's no way you're going to fall for him.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 8, 2007
13 people are currently reading
375 people want to read
About the author
Rachael Wing
2 books20 followersMy name is Rachael Alice Wing, and I’m sixteen years old. My birthday is 13th September 1990. I wrote Star-Crossed when I was fourteen (year nine) under the name of ‘Wherefore art thou, Romeo?’ on a writing website, just for something to do, but I got a little bit addicted to writing it, and carried on until the end. I started writing when I was very tiny, ever since I was old enough to write in sentences! I wrote a story for Oxford Reading Tree in year two, about Biff, Chip and Kipper, with a friend and we got a prize for the school for it. That story was inspired by those books, which taught me how to read. Reading really helped to develop my passion for writing, as it broadened my ideas and created so much scope for my imagination.
I’ve always been a big reader, my favourites including things like Harry Potter, Georgia Nicholson series by Louise Rennison and Guitar Girl by Sara Manning – all brilliant books, but slightly different. The books that I read tend to vary in genre, which I feel adds to diversity in my writing and helps me to see different people in different situations. Apart from writing, I like to be with my friends. I have some really great ones who are the most random people I’ll ever meet, complete angels, but crazy fools at best.. I spend a lot of time with my friends; texting them, chatting on msn or just hanging out with them in general- shopping/meals out/cinema seem to be the regular thing, always in Oxford. Oxford is my second home! My weekend is spent in or around the city; Saturday is Stagecoach, where I work and have lessons in drama, dance and singing, and Sunday is either shopping there with various friends or spent frantically doing my homework so that I don’t fail! Weekdays are busy too- schoolwork, cleaning at school (my other part-time job) or at rehearsals for either drama or school play (unlike Jen I don’t get the main parts!), and also staying in Didcot for a Subway (chicken teriyaki all the way!). Its all a bit on the busy side, as I’m coming up to GCSEs summer 2007, but I have chocolate to get me through! Like most girls, I love chocolate! And the only thing better than chocolate is possibly Ben and Jerry’s ice cream; a fettish which was brought on by my friend Christie and my school friends. We love to share the ice cream and have a bit of a chat, and its always a happy time when its 2 tubs for a fiver at Sainsbury’s!
I don’t really have a favourite colour, but if I had to choose I think I’d pick green, because I love green eyes! My eyes are kind of green, and (this is sad!) Harry Potter’s eyes are green, so its obviously the best colour, haha. I love pizza, and I also love to paint and to dance about when nobody’s watching.. its one of my favourite things to do: dancing around my kitchen! Everyone should try it!
I’ve always been a big reader, my favourites including things like Harry Potter, Georgia Nicholson series by Louise Rennison and Guitar Girl by Sara Manning – all brilliant books, but slightly different. The books that I read tend to vary in genre, which I feel adds to diversity in my writing and helps me to see different people in different situations. Apart from writing, I like to be with my friends. I have some really great ones who are the most random people I’ll ever meet, complete angels, but crazy fools at best.. I spend a lot of time with my friends; texting them, chatting on msn or just hanging out with them in general- shopping/meals out/cinema seem to be the regular thing, always in Oxford. Oxford is my second home! My weekend is spent in or around the city; Saturday is Stagecoach, where I work and have lessons in drama, dance and singing, and Sunday is either shopping there with various friends or spent frantically doing my homework so that I don’t fail! Weekdays are busy too- schoolwork, cleaning at school (my other part-time job) or at rehearsals for either drama or school play (unlike Jen I don’t get the main parts!), and also staying in Didcot for a Subway (chicken teriyaki all the way!). Its all a bit on the busy side, as I’m coming up to GCSEs summer 2007, but I have chocolate to get me through! Like most girls, I love chocolate! And the only thing better than chocolate is possibly Ben and Jerry’s ice cream; a fettish which was brought on by my friend Christie and my school friends. We love to share the ice cream and have a bit of a chat, and its always a happy time when its 2 tubs for a fiver at Sainsbury’s!
I don’t really have a favourite colour, but if I had to choose I think I’d pick green, because I love green eyes! My eyes are kind of green, and (this is sad!) Harry Potter’s eyes are green, so its obviously the best colour, haha. I love pizza, and I also love to paint and to dance about when nobody’s watching.. its one of my favourite things to do: dancing around my kitchen! Everyone should try it!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
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March 21, 2009Okay, I'm actually suprised to find this book on here, what with the site being American (I think) and this being published by a brithish teen and it not being particually famous oer here.
I really love this, especially the scene in the club. It is so sweet.
This is an amazing book to read and it really shows teens can write, you don't just need to be old, wrinkly and have studied in university. It can be a natural talent, too.
I really love this, especially the scene in the club. It is so sweet.
This is an amazing book to read and it really shows teens can write, you don't just need to be old, wrinkly and have studied in university. It can be a natural talent, too.
November 10, 2010
Before you judge a book from the cover, read this review and it might (I said might though) change your view. JUST wait there, right there.
I have read this book countless of times. I'm serious. And guess what. This was written by when she was 14, published when she was 16. She would now be...19 but still. A 14-year-old. That's pretty cool and we're talking some good stuff - despite the cover. This was first found a couple of years ago under some books. I thought it sounded good so I read it. And again...and again...and now AGAIN!
This book has such a simply storyline and well written that I just love it. It's also written very differently using 'You' or the Second Tense (I think) which makes it so interesting and just different.
It could be classed as a short story but I think although it is short, it is a book. The scenes and characters are great and so well written. I loved Reuben, her best friend. You just kind of have to love him, he is so funny and lovely.
Even though I have amazing friends and I love them to pieces, I would love a kind of 'gay' or 'boy' best friend. I mean, a guy that you can just kind of talk about anything with and don't have to keep checking if you look okay or are going red. I've told a couple of people my little 'wish' and those that I asked did agree.
This book, even though the cover isn't particularly amazing, is such a sweet, innocent (kind of), interesting story with a modern day Romeo and Juliet tale. And it shows that not every love story means sex and snogging their faces off straight away. I mean I don't mind it in books but still, some authors do get a little over the top on the descriptions of whats happening :S
This story is also so relatable to people my age, teens, because Jen faces so many teen issues.
I would suggest anyone that loves to write or loves Shakespeare and a bit of romance to read this one. It is truly a sweet story and with the 'You', I was able to imagine it happening to myself, probably why I love it so much.
I have read this book countless of times. I'm serious. And guess what. This was written by when she was 14, published when she was 16. She would now be...19 but still. A 14-year-old. That's pretty cool and we're talking some good stuff - despite the cover. This was first found a couple of years ago under some books. I thought it sounded good so I read it. And again...and again...and now AGAIN!
This book has such a simply storyline and well written that I just love it. It's also written very differently using 'You' or the Second Tense (I think) which makes it so interesting and just different.
It could be classed as a short story but I think although it is short, it is a book. The scenes and characters are great and so well written. I loved Reuben, her best friend. You just kind of have to love him, he is so funny and lovely.
Even though I have amazing friends and I love them to pieces, I would love a kind of 'gay' or 'boy' best friend. I mean, a guy that you can just kind of talk about anything with and don't have to keep checking if you look okay or are going red. I've told a couple of people my little 'wish' and those that I asked did agree.
This book, even though the cover isn't particularly amazing, is such a sweet, innocent (kind of), interesting story with a modern day Romeo and Juliet tale. And it shows that not every love story means sex and snogging their faces off straight away. I mean I don't mind it in books but still, some authors do get a little over the top on the descriptions of whats happening :S
This story is also so relatable to people my age, teens, because Jen faces so many teen issues.
I would suggest anyone that loves to write or loves Shakespeare and a bit of romance to read this one. It is truly a sweet story and with the 'You', I was able to imagine it happening to myself, probably why I love it so much.
January 25, 2020
I am INSPIRED by how young this author was when she wrote this, 14-YEAR-OLD, I can't even write a better essay than this when I was 14. It's a typical romance story, nothing too fancy and you could easily find the same story lines in other teen rom com books. I LOVE how she get through her worst time and get right back up and deal with them even when she hates her problem a lot, having a supportive lgbtqh+ bestie to stay on your side and support your hobbies and dreams is so inspirational. LOVE IT!!
April 18, 2021
Has been years since I read this but the story stuck with me.
April 21, 2021
April 2021
So it's been a few years since I've re-read this.
I love this book so much.
It's still one of my top books of all time.
I love it!
One of the best hate-to-love romances ever!
------------------------------
August 2016
So this is actually a re-read for me.
I haven't read it in years!
So this is probably my 3rd time.
And even though it's been a few years, I still enjoyed it.
It's told in a 2nd person narrative which makes it interesting.
Really recommend this for Romeo and Juliet fans, for people who enjoy that love/hate relationship and for fans of school plays.
So it's been a few years since I've re-read this.
I love this book so much.
It's still one of my top books of all time.
I love it!
One of the best hate-to-love romances ever!
------------------------------
August 2016
So this is actually a re-read for me.
I haven't read it in years!
So this is probably my 3rd time.
And even though it's been a few years, I still enjoyed it.
It's told in a 2nd person narrative which makes it interesting.
Really recommend this for Romeo and Juliet fans, for people who enjoy that love/hate relationship and for fans of school plays.
March 26, 2019
4.5 Stars
This was actually way better than I expected :p
The storyline followed like a Romeo and Juliet way, and there were too many dramatic events that made this story seem like a fantasy ;-;
But overall, I guess this book was pretty good (for a romance novel anyway) :>
This was actually way better than I expected :p
The storyline followed like a Romeo and Juliet way, and there were too many dramatic events that made this story seem like a fantasy ;-;
But overall, I guess this book was pretty good (for a romance novel anyway) :>
October 29, 2024
Spent ages trying to remember the name of the author. I read this when I was bout 11/12. And could not put it down. I read it through over 5 times in a row. Absolutely blew me away. Was so impressed with such a young author. Inspired me. Have always been meaning to replace the copy I had of this! I must read this again!
February 5, 2026
I read this book as a teen so rereading it was pure nostalgia!
September 18, 2013
Honestly, I had some doubts reading this back in high school.
The glittery pink and purple front pages were a bit off putting and I was a tad skeptical about another Romeo and Juliet adaptation.
But it came highly recommended so I gave it a shot.
And I'm glad I did.
While it is as cliche as one would expect, I was surprised by how well she played with the story line. As a result, she produced a very sweet and modern rendition of the star-crossed lovers story line which I ended up appreciating for what it is.
What I loved was her writing style. That is what got me to read this out of all the other Romeo-Juliet YA reads in my school library. I do find this one of the more memorable books that I have read so far ( which explains why I've decided to review it in 2013 - almost 6 years after I first read it)
Considering that she wrote this when she was 14, and published it when she was 16, I did give it a bit of slack. But even after taking that into account, this story is definitely worth a look at.
The glittery pink and purple front pages were a bit off putting and I was a tad skeptical about another Romeo and Juliet adaptation.
But it came highly recommended so I gave it a shot.
And I'm glad I did.
While it is as cliche as one would expect, I was surprised by how well she played with the story line. As a result, she produced a very sweet and modern rendition of the star-crossed lovers story line which I ended up appreciating for what it is.
What I loved was her writing style. That is what got me to read this out of all the other Romeo-Juliet YA reads in my school library. I do find this one of the more memorable books that I have read so far ( which explains why I've decided to review it in 2013 - almost 6 years after I first read it)
Considering that she wrote this when she was 14, and published it when she was 16, I did give it a bit of slack. But even after taking that into account, this story is definitely worth a look at.
November 7, 2015
This was one of the first books that I ever read when I was a teenager, and I remember loving it so much, I read it over and over again, until I knew ever line by heart!
I remember feeling the story come alive, as if it lived a life of it's own right before my eyes. And it was incredible.
The characters were so lovable, and they felt real.
I remember feeling the story come alive, as if it lived a life of it's own right before my eyes. And it was incredible.
The characters were so lovable, and they felt real.
December 23, 2020
Jag läste den här boken nån gång när den var ganska ny, och jag var i samma ålder som personerna i boken. För att jag hade hört av någon att den var skriven i andra person och det var intressant. Då vet jag inte om jag tyckte den var så bra? Och jag vet inte om jag tycker den är super nu heller.
Den enda scenen jag kom ihåg visade sig vara VÄLDIGT tidigt, och svängen i relationen mellan huvudkaraktärerna kom oväntat tidigt. Kanske är den ändå lite platt? Men samtidigt helt okej. Grät på ett ställe, men oklart om det är boken eller PMSen.
Nu har jag ju dock fått veta att författaren skrev den här boken när hon var 14 år, och det får man ju bara lov att applådera! För den håller absolut klass med andra böcker i samma genre. Inte bättre men inte heller sämre. Några enstaka unika teman som uppskattas.
En ganska solid trea ändå?
Den enda scenen jag kom ihåg visade sig vara VÄLDIGT tidigt, och svängen i relationen mellan huvudkaraktärerna kom oväntat tidigt. Kanske är den ändå lite platt? Men samtidigt helt okej. Grät på ett ställe, men oklart om det är boken eller PMSen.
Nu har jag ju dock fått veta att författaren skrev den här boken när hon var 14 år, och det får man ju bara lov att applådera! För den håller absolut klass med andra böcker i samma genre. Inte bättre men inte heller sämre. Några enstaka unika teman som uppskattas.
En ganska solid trea ändå?
December 4, 2017
Det här är en bok som jag läser om med jämna mellanrum. Har alltid tyckt om att den var skriven i andraperson.
Den här gången funderade jag över sakerna hon säger till Reuben någonstans i mitten av boken. Jag tycker inte om att hon är elak mot honom. Men, det är inte någonting jag kommer ihåg sen mina tidigare läsningar av boken. Den saken skulle kunna vara en grej som gjorde att jag slutade läsa en bok när jag var yngre...
Den här gången funderade jag över sakerna hon säger till Reuben någonstans i mitten av boken. Jag tycker inte om att hon är elak mot honom. Men, det är inte någonting jag kommer ihåg sen mina tidigare läsningar av boken. Den saken skulle kunna vara en grej som gjorde att jag slutade läsa en bok när jag var yngre...
April 30, 2020
3.5 stars - I read this book about 12 years ago so this was such a nostalgic read for me, it’s not perfect but I do adore it. Full review to come.
February 27, 2021
loved this book it was so real i was really into this book. it was a real teen romance. i wish there was a second book of this. like i feel there has to be more to it than the ending.
September 19, 2023
So freaking good, made me cry, romance was spot on
December 22, 2024
really liked the book! but the ending was quite fast
May 16, 2025
Amazing Made me cry read it a thousand times
Read
November 19, 2025this wasn't good, don't like the second pov
October 19, 2020
I would of liked and appreciated this novel much more if I were around 14 years old when I read it.
I could tell that it was written by a teenager just by reading it. It felt too inexperienced and a little annoying.
I did not like how this story was written in second person, it felt really weird to me, but I did eventually get used to it by the ending.
I liked the story line, but I think it was too dramatic and unrealistic.
I will give Rachael an extra star for effort, so two stars from me.
I could tell that it was written by a teenager just by reading it. It felt too inexperienced and a little annoying.
I did not like how this story was written in second person, it felt really weird to me, but I did eventually get used to it by the ending.
I liked the story line, but I think it was too dramatic and unrealistic.
I will give Rachael an extra star for effort, so two stars from me.
February 7, 2014
This is actually a really good book. Shows that teens can write better than adults if they're given a chance.
(Yeah Twilight fans. Welcome to the real world.)
Some of the stuff in this is pretty cliched, and I'm not sure if this altogether a very faithful retelling (the ending certainly isn't) but you have to give credit to Wing for having the courage to take on one of the most famous literary works of all time and give it her own spin.
The book is worth reading purely for the sarcasm. There are some totally classic lines in here. Particularly love the one about the baboon's butt. LOL.
And a Juliet who is tough, snarky and has a gay best friend?
Hell yeah!
While the ending was a tad unsatisfying and the angst tended to be a bit overboard at times (but this is Romeo and Juliet we're talking about, so), the second person POV, wit, freshness and lightheartedness of this book make it a perfect read for a rainy day.
(Yeah Twilight fans. Welcome to the real world.)
Some of the stuff in this is pretty cliched, and I'm not sure if this altogether a very faithful retelling (the ending certainly isn't) but you have to give credit to Wing for having the courage to take on one of the most famous literary works of all time and give it her own spin.
The book is worth reading purely for the sarcasm. There are some totally classic lines in here. Particularly love the one about the baboon's butt. LOL.
And a Juliet who is tough, snarky and has a gay best friend?
Hell yeah!
While the ending was a tad unsatisfying and the angst tended to be a bit overboard at times (but this is Romeo and Juliet we're talking about, so), the second person POV, wit, freshness and lightheartedness of this book make it a perfect read for a rainy day.
July 8, 2013
Can I just say that this book IS SO AWESOME. I mean I read books 40 mins a day and I've finished this in 3 days. WOW. Just WOW. Rachel Wing is an amazing author. Jen is sometimes annoying. But I guess I'd do the same in that situation. Rubes is so cute. CHRIS BANNER. I CAN'T. He's truly an amazingly, beautifully created character for the story. I wish the book could've been longer though. I wasn't satisfied at the ending as well. The last chapter could've gotten longer. I was a bit disappointed but overall the story was awesome!!!!!!!!!!! I relate so much about Jen's situation. By the way, I freaking hate Maddy. Why can't she just shut up. She's a bitch and how dare she call her own sister a traitor. Chris Banner <3 Jen Anderson FOREVER.
January 4, 2014
Lite kort och ganska förutsägbar, men en gullig bok.
Läste den första gången när jag var kanske 12, och då älskade jag den. Jag kan ogilla böcker jag en gång älskat, som Narnia (de sista böckerna och hur författaren behandlade Susan), men jag har svårt att göra det.
Eftersom jag älskade den då, gillar jag den fortfarande. Att den är skriven i andra person är något unikt som jag inte har stött på någon annanstans. Svårt att leva sig in i i början, men sedan var det lätt att läsa.
Jag skulle rekommendera Hata Romeo för personer under 15 som vill ha en kort, snabb, söt och liiite förutsägbar kärlekshistoria.
Läste den första gången när jag var kanske 12, och då älskade jag den. Jag kan ogilla böcker jag en gång älskat, som Narnia (de sista böckerna och hur författaren behandlade Susan), men jag har svårt att göra det.
Eftersom jag älskade den då, gillar jag den fortfarande. Att den är skriven i andra person är något unikt som jag inte har stött på någon annanstans. Svårt att leva sig in i i början, men sedan var det lätt att läsa.
Jag skulle rekommendera Hata Romeo för personer under 15 som vill ha en kort, snabb, söt och liiite förutsägbar kärlekshistoria.
August 25, 2021
foi um pouco estranho ler em segunda pessoa mas EU AMEI DEMAIS!!! simplesmente perfeito ❤️❤️ a história ser baseada em romeu e julieta só me faz amar mais o livro 😍
February 11, 2011
Oh My Gosh!
my best friend is actually the one who recommended me this book, at first i wasnt too keen on reading it because i hated reading but after this book i wanted to try and read more!
I actually read this book in about 5 hours, once i started reading i was so excited about finishing it! i was actually like hyperventilating while reading the book
So many things i love about the book i'd deffinately read it more than 100 times and still not get bored of it
my best friend is actually the one who recommended me this book, at first i wasnt too keen on reading it because i hated reading but after this book i wanted to try and read more!
I actually read this book in about 5 hours, once i started reading i was so excited about finishing it! i was actually like hyperventilating while reading the book
So many things i love about the book i'd deffinately read it more than 100 times and still not get bored of it
December 29, 2015
Ich habe dieses Buch vor einigen Jahren gelesen, als ich etwa 11 oder 12 Jahre alt war. Diese Geschichte hat mich so sehr berührt, dass ich diesem Buch heute immernoch 4 Sterne gebe, obwohl es mir aufgrund der Einfachheit nicht mehr ganz so gut gefällt wie früher. Dennoch ein wunderbar süßes Buch mit einer herzerwärmenden Geschichte über Freundschaft und den "schmalen Grad zwischen Hass und Liebe".
January 5, 2017
This is a brilliant book.
It is all about a 16 year old girl at high school with her best friend Ruben .
she volunteers to be part of the Romeo and Juliet school play trouble is , Romeo is the only person you hate that is her dream of being Juliet nothing stops her from being Juliet will it go good or will it fall apart piece by piece .
If you like high school problems and falling in love then this is the book for you!
It is all about a 16 year old girl at high school with her best friend Ruben .
she volunteers to be part of the Romeo and Juliet school play trouble is , Romeo is the only person you hate that is her dream of being Juliet nothing stops her from being Juliet will it go good or will it fall apart piece by piece .
If you like high school problems and falling in love then this is the book for you!
March 22, 2015
Please this is one of the books where you just can't judge it by it's cover,
The author was 14 when she wrote this book and yet it is written so well!
The love within this book isn't too quick and isn't too slow.
It's a short book and well worth the read!
The author was 14 when she wrote this book and yet it is written so well!
The love within this book isn't too quick and isn't too slow.
It's a short book and well worth the read!
July 17, 2016
This is one of my favourite novels. I'm honestly not much of a reader but once I started this book I just couldn't stop reading. When you read this story there will be a continuous imagination going around your head. It's definitely a one time good read!
March 2, 2011
This is now my favourite book! It's a beautiful teenage romance book by Rachel Wing!!! Please read this book i suggest to people over the age of 12!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 6, 2013
Good and enjoyable reading, but I might be a little too old for this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews