Member Reviews
The Hundred Loves of Juliet. My fellow readers. I was quite taken by the beautiful telling of this story. It was not just the romantic part of it, but how it was told. You have the main couple Sebastian and Juliet or originally Romeo and Juliet moving across time, but always finding each other.
The question is do they remember one another? Do they pick up where they left off? Now we have Sebastian and Helen. Never have I ever prayed so hard for two people to make it to the end of the book.
The touch and goes of Sebastian on his boat out in the sea and Helen during her interesting trips or that mysterious person who watched her from afar. The character that moved me the most is Sebastian. It’s his story and what he has given up the most that grabs your heart and makes you want to make everything right for him. I didn’t cry while this book, but it’s an emotional book. This book reminds you of being in love and making sure that that person always enjoys feeling the bliss of that same feeling.
I give this book two snaps and a twist. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on!
#TheHundredLovesofJuliet #NetGalley.
The Hundred Loves of Juliet by Evelyn Skye reimagines the classic tale of Romeo and Juliet through the eyes of Helene Janssen, who, amidst her own struggles, finds herself drawn into the enigmatic life of Sebastien Montague, the reincarnation of Romeo. Their connection unfolds across various timelines, blending love and loss, as Helene's optimism contrasts with Sebastien's burdens from centuries of grief. While the narrative starts strong with engaging characters and a unique premise, it eventually loses focus, devolving into predictable tropes that detract from its initial charm. Nevertheless, the novel’s exploration of fate and the enduring nature of love offers a heartfelt experience, making it a worthwhile read for fans of romantic fantasy.
I loved reading Helene and Sebastien’s story! It was beautiful yet heartbreaking. I loved the dual POV and comparisons to Romeo and Juliet. Beautiful story!!
I absolutely LOVED this one! I have always loved the star crossed lover story of Romeo & Juliet. This story was so beautiful - and I loved the magical realism aspect as well. So much of this book gave me Addie LaRue vibes - and that is one of my most favorite books EVER. The authors note at the end really solidified how special this book is to the author, that made me love this one even more.
Very unique retelling, I loved the concept! Reminiscent of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. Sweet and sad, overall lovely - I enjoyed how she portrayed the characters falling in love over and over! Wasn't sure about the characters at first, but ended up loving this book.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!
This was enormously touching (and made even more so by the author’s note). A beautiful, engaging and meaningful story with likable, complex chars haters.
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.
When Helene was in middle school - she was in Romeo and Juliet; however, the boy playing Romeo was a jerk. Helene dreamed up the perfect guy and he was the star in all her stories growing up. She liked to write and this guy was the lead in all of them.
Helene graduates college and marries Merrick, who is a gaslighter and terrible human, but Helene does not realize this at first. After catching him cheating with an intern, Helene packs up and flees California for Alaska. She decides it is time to get serious about writing a novel and rents a small house in a remote village to get her act together. At a local pub, she looks up and catches the eye of Sebastien Montague, a fisherman that is loved by all. When their eyes meet - SPARKS! He is the star of her stories since she was young, in the flesh. However, when she tries to introduce herself, he is rude and dismissive and flees.
Sebastien is harboring a secret that involves both of them and he is trying to keep it from her, but she is drawn to him. Can they meet in the middle and work on this together?
What a cute story - I was a little confused when I started it, but quickly caught on. Gorgeous writing and imagery in this book.
A very cute retelling of Romeo and Juliet. A very cozy read and I love the twists that are added in to make the story unique. I only wish the characters had a bit more depth.
For readers enchanted by the whimsical and romantic, The Hundred Loves of Juliet by Evelyn Skye is a captivating tale that weaves together the threads of fate, love, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy, making it a perfect fit for those who crave a magical and emotional journey that will leave them breathless.
This was beautiful and a big journey. I was in love with this book and its writing. Will read more from Evelyn!
I absolutely adored The Hundred Loves of Juliet. I thought it was a fresh approach to reimagining Shakespeare's famous play. As someone that often has their heads in the clouds dreaming about different ways my life could have been, I love the premise of Romeo and Juliet continuing to find each other in different varations of life. I enjoyed hearing their stories from before, and loved seeing their current love story unfold. I am kind of sad I finishsed this book and can't read it again for the first time. I wanted it to keep going!
This one read more as a YA novel than other and the surpising plot twist nailed it for me. I could barely go on after that
Although the original story is a timeless classic, I found this story to be such unique take! It was such a quick read for me that sucked my in from the beginning. I will say I liked the first half more than the second.. but I still would recommend this book!
Thank you, NetGalley for the advance copy!
I received an advance copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
This story was on its way to a 5-star review for the first 50+ % of the book. I loved the premise that Romeo and Juliet were fated to keep falling in love as her soul was reincarnated again and again. Super unique spin on a familiar story told in a way that felt timeless.
However, I can’t give this book 5 stars. One plot point ruined it for me: the “oops, I was so in love I forgot to take my birth control” surprise pregnancy. This plot line added nothing to the story in my opinion, the resolution at the end of the story would have been okay without a surprise baby. I’m just not a fan of this trope and was really disappointed it appeared in an otherwise really great story.
Shakespeare retellings always make me a little skeptical as someone who only knows the very basics of his writing (and doesn't care to know more). I have to admit that the cover might be what drew me to this book more than anything, and while a lot of the time you CAN judge a book by its cover, this one wasn't for me. I eventually put it down after feeling as if we weren't going to get the character development I need to fully buy in to a story like this. In many ways it read more YA than adult romance, which is fine but not what I was looking for.
I really love the premise of this book. Romeo and Juliet were real and were true soulmates, but Shakespeare didn't get the whole story right. The two lovers didn't simply die - they were cursed. Romeo is immortal and lives on yearning fior his love, and Juliet is reincarnated in a different body, yet always possessing Juliet's spirit. Romeo and Juliet and always drawn together, but if they fall in love it always has tragic results. This is why Sebastien, the name Romeo currently uses, is trying to stay away from Helen, the current version of Juliet. As much as he loves her he believes that if they stay apart she can live on. But fate has other ideas.
I really loved Hele and Sebastien. They are wonderful characters and their chemistry was fantastic. I thought that having Helene be a writer and having her vignettes connect with their past was a really great way to move the plot long and develop the story. What I didn't love was anything involving her ex. I know that was the point, he brought the drama, but I hated how tense he made things and how much if the story he commanded. However overall this was enjoyable and I loved a unique take on such a classic story.
This was a sweet and unique re-telling of Romeo & Juliet - with a twist. It was somewhat predictable and could've used more depth or substance, but I still enjoyed the dual timeline and the uniqueness of the story. Cozy book worth a read!
The author leads readers on a captivating journey through time, blending romance, fantasy, and historical fiction in a poignant narrative. Inspired by classics like "Romeo and Juliet," Skye's modern-day retelling feels fresh and original, yet pays homage to its literary roots. Despite not being the best book ever, Skye's unique take distinguishes it from other adaptations, making it her own. The story follows Helene, grappling with a failed marriage, drawn to Sebastian, who is revealed as Romeo, cursed to find his beloved Juliet across lifetimes. Their tender romance unfolds amidst vivid settings, exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and resilience. While some may find the plot simplistic and the ending leaves questions unanswered, the novel's merits shine through, offering a heartfelt portrayal of love's enduring power.
A sweeping and moving fantasy novel about love and destiny. Reminded me a bit of Outlander but a standalone.
Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
This was such a unique book with an incredible premise. I loved how this took a tale we all know and love and put such a great spin to it. The note about the ending and just what this book means to the author really just cemented how beautiful the story was.