When You Were Mine by Rebecca Serle + Giveaway
When You Were Mine by Rebecca Serle
Review of When You Were Mine
Title & Author:
When You Were Mine by Rebecca Serle
Publisher:
Simon Pulse
Publication Date:
05/01/2012
Pages:
334
Source:
Finished copy from publisherIn 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 best friend. 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. Rose 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…. – Goodreads
Rebecca Serle‘s debut When You Were Mine is a sure sign of awesomeness to come from the author. I went through a huge range of emotions while reading When You Were Mine, and even when I was so enraged I almost chucked it at the wall (more on that later), I was still thinking, “Man, this is a damn good book.”
After reading When You Were Mine, I will never look at Romeo and Juliet the same way again. Just like after seeing Wicked in the West End, I’ll never look at the Wizard of Oz the same way. Rebecca Serle did such a freaking fantastic job of taking Romeo and Juliet into modern times and putting a spin on it – and telling it from Rosaline’s point of view.
I loved Rosaline as a protagonist, and her two best friends Charlie and Olivia. Sure, Charlie and Olivia were pretty shallow at certain points, but in the end they were loyal and loving and really came through for Rosaline. Rosaline was so hopeful and happy about Rob and then just crushed and seriously – so many sobs throughout.
Juliet was SUCH A BITCH. I cannot explain to you guys how much I wanted to chuck my book across the room anytime she was mentioned. A conniving, backstabbing, boyfriend stealing bitch. Of course, Rob isn’t blameless and man, I hated him too – even though I fell for him hard in the beginning. I knew what was coming but I couldn’t believe how fast he fell for her. Such an asshole but I just. I can’t. Because it’s Romeo and Juliet, you know? I have so many conflicting feelings.
Can you guys see how many feelings I felt while reading When You Were Mine? I was swoony and happy and then irritated and then enraged and then indignant and swoony again and then crushed and GAH. When You Were Mine is such a roller coaster.
Guys, When You Were Mine by Rebecca Serle is an unbelievably fantastic debut. Rebecca Serle was able to tell such a powerful story that made me feel SO MANY different things and I loved that. Even though I hated it, haha! Seriously, check out When You Were Mine for a powerful contemporary that’s certain to stir up emotion.
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Giveaway of When You Were Mine
Yup, okay, I loved When You Were Mine by Rebecca Serle so freaking much, I’m giving away a copy!
Rules
1) US only – so sorry!
2) 13 years or older
3) Winner has 48 hours to respond to my e-mail
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This sounds so cool! I love books inspired by literature.
Anyone else notice that the tagline on the cover is pretty much identical to the one on Juliet Immortal?
Christina (A Reader of Fictions) recently posted..On My New Arrival Shelf (2)
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This book sounds great! I’ve added it to my TBR.
Doodle recently posted..Sunday Update
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GAH this sounds really good. It seems like I read something really early about someone not liking it, but everything else since then has been positive. I like the books that make you feel ALL THE THINGS while you read, even wanting to fling the book. Plus, I kinda like this cover, which you know is important to this shallow gal! You’ve made me happier about this one because I was a tad bit nervous about it before. HOLLA for that. Love your thoughts, as ALWAYS. Also, I’ve never read a Romeo & Juliet retelling before. So I’m pretty stoked about getting to read this one sometime soon.
Asheley (@BookwormAsheley) recently posted..In My Mailbox {19}
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This book sounds wonderful. I can’t wait to read it. Thank you!
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I’ve definitely been intrigued enough to want to read this one. Sounds like a promising read!
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I love romance novels, and When You Were Mine sounds really good :)
Hwa Sun recently posted..Judge a Book By Its Cover 3
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Thank you for the opportunity to win!
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I cannot wait to read this book! I love the cover too!!
Paige recently posted..Bookshelf Tour Part 1
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Eeeep I’m dying to read this one!
Anna recently posted..Confessions of a Book Freak
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Gah! I wish this book had a different cover! I’ll still read it, though, because its premise propelled it onto my wishlist months ago.
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Ahh! I’ve been hearing so much about this book! I was a bit hesitant about whether or not I actually want to read this book, but after reading your review I’m completely convinced that I HAVE to read it. Great review!
Also thanks for the giveaway. (:
Tabitha recently posted..Because of Low (Sea Breeze #2) by Abbi Glines
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Wow this sounds great! A story of Rosaline’s POV :) can’t wait to read it!
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such a cool idea! can’t wait to read!
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Thanks for the chance to win!!
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From the review this sounds like a real emotional roller coaster. Can’t wait. Thanks
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Very nice review. The book sounds interesting.
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This sounds so awesome! Such a great twist to the classic love story!
I read an excerpt of When You Were Mine and it is awesome!
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Sounds great! I’m always looking for new YA romance.
Samantha R. recently posted..Showcase Sunday
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Thank you so much for your review and for the giveaway!
Sandra recently posted..Review: Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley
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Ooooh…I’m a sucker for a retelling of a classic tale, especially Shakespeare. This sounds really good, even with the forewarning of possibly needing to chuck the book at the wall ;) Thanks for the giveaway!
RivkaBelle recently posted..The One That I Want
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retelling of romeo & juliet?? count me in! :)
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Great review! I’m dying to read this book, it sounds really good. Thanks for the giveaway! :)
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This book sounds awesome, and judging by your reaction it must be amazing!! Can’t wait to get my hands on it:D
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I would love to read this book. It sounds very good.
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This book sounds great! I love twists on the classics. Makes you wonder about them classics huh?
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I’ve always HATED Romeo and Juliet, so normally I stay as far away from any retellings I can (except for Juliet Immortal because Romeo was evil and I was intrigued) but I’m SO glad I read your review. This sounds like it’s right up my alley. And I always love books that go through all the intense emotions. I will definitely be reading this now.
Hannah Lorraine recently posted..The Princesses of Iowa – M. Molly Backes
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This reminds me of this ya book I read that was a twist on Hamlet, from Ophelia’s perspective. Although it will be interesting to read a modern Romeo and Juliet with Juliet being a bitch instead of the kinda helpless child she was in the play. Still I’ll definitely add it to my tbr list. :)
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Sounds really interesting. I can’t wait to see how this retelling turns out!
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I loooved how Wicked gave us a completely different take on a story we thought we all knew and I’m really looking forward to reading this one!
fakesteph recently posted..Top Ten Tuesday: Book Quotes
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I want to read this so badly! I was already intrigued by it, and after seeing your review (as well as all your reactions on Twitter while reading it!) it makes me want it even more. My library hasn’t yet ordered it, either. Thanks for the giveaway!
Ashley @ Ashley Loves Books recently posted..Review: The Summer My Life Began by Shannon Greenland (eARC)
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I really don’t like Romeo & Juliet, but I’m looking forward to seeing how this reimagining works for me. Great review :]
Jasmine Rose recently posted..Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi {Review}
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I love the idea that it’s told from another POV. I also think it’s kind of awesome that Juliette is a beeotch.
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Hope to win I really want this book.
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The summary sounded so good and I automatically put it on my BRL
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Oh this book looks so good, to read Romeo and Juliet’s story from other POVs of other forgotten characters from the cast sounds like a great read.
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