Published by Simon Pulse on May 1, 2012
Length: 352 Pages
Genre (s): Contemporary
Source(s): Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble
In this intensely romantic, modern recounting of the greatest love story ever told, Romeo's original intended- Juliet's cousin Rosaline- tells her side of the tale.
What's in a name, Shakespeare? I'll tell you: Everything.Rosaline knows that she and Rob are destined to be together. Rose has been waiting for years for Rob to kiss her- and when he finally does, it's perfect. But then Juliet moves back to town. Juliet, who used to be Rose's bestfriend. Juliet who now inexplicably hates her. Juliet who is gorgeous, vindictive, and a little bit crazy . . . and who has set her sights on Rob. He doesn't even stand a chance.Rob is devastated over losing Rob to Juliet. This is not how the story was supposed to go. And when rumors start swirling about Juliet's instability, her neediness, and her threats of suicide, Rose starts to fear not only for Rob's heart, but also for his life. Because Shakespeare may have gotten the story wrong, but we all still know how it ends.
When You Were Mine is not just about the one's tragic love story but also one of friendship.
I wasn't sure if I was going to like Rosaline but she is a character that you'd genuinely like. Her character is realistic, with human faults and quite a number of redeeming qualities but still generally believable. Her pain felt real. Her inner struggle and all that as she tries to move one step forward from all the debacle of failed love. But she did linger quite a bit on that. It was understandable, she liked the guy for practically forever. But for once I had hoped that she wouldn't mope around. For all her confusion and inability to fully let go, for always feeling responsible for things she had no control whatsoever for, she just inevitably ends up hurting other people. Especially Len. I felt bad for Len. I mean why torture yourself. But I think he was genuinely in love with Rose that is why he was that patient and accepting with her.
And for once, the support system in this is just as good. Charlie and Olivia despite having their own issues, never failed to be there for Rosaline. Be patient with her, offer her comfort when she needed them the most. Overall it was good friendship. Although the bullying and all that popular clique attitude was all too typical. I was even worried that they'd end up ostracizing Rose for being close with Len, Charlie was a little snarky, but they remained good.
It was adorable, yes cringe word, how things were going so awkwardly well between her and Rob not until Juliet comes crashing in. But her new found romance with Len was much more, how should I say this, heartfelt. Her chemistry with Len is just *squeal moment*. Yes, there was a definite spark in there. Not something I felt when she was swooning over Rob. With her and Rob it was cute, but with Len it was sizzling.
I was not totally convinced by the romance between Rob and Juliet. It was just, BAM, smacks you in the face when you were in that moment when you were too busy gushing over Rob and Rosaline. Rob was okay but seemed insensitive, selfish and confused. He freakin confused me that's for sure. He claims that he loves Juliet, that is why he ended up dumping Rose eventhough technically they weren't even together anyhow. Then says otherwise? If he is being pushed by the situation I hope he wouldn't be such an asshole to use Rose to cover up that pain.
Juliet was, as defined in that synopsis: vindictive. But don't forget, she is rather selfish as well. For denying Rob the truth for the reason of not wanting to hurt him was selfish enough or was she afraid of him leaving her behind. She was depriving him of the truth. It seemed destructive, what they have. Both of them were falling apart. I think that was more tragic than the family discord happening around their backs. Given how their relationship started and was progressing it doesn't take a genius to figure out how things would play out and end for them.
Juliet was, as defined in that synopsis: vindictive. But don't forget, she is rather selfish as well. For denying Rob the truth for the reason of not wanting to hurt him was selfish enough or was she afraid of him leaving her behind. She was depriving him of the truth. It seemed destructive, what they have. Both of them were falling apart. I think that was more tragic than the family discord happening around their backs. Given how their relationship started and was progressing it doesn't take a genius to figure out how things would play out and end for them.
"It's not the hardest part of letting go. The hardest part is just making the choice to do it. Everything after that is easy."
Overall it was a cute story but not the perfect one.
RATING: 4 out of 5
