Back in March 2021, Danielle Zimmerman read ROMAN AND JEWEL, a novel by Dana L. Davis, and wrote a review for Amazon. Here’s what she had to say:

I never realized how much I missed experiencing (and listening to) musical theatre until reading ROMAN AND JEWEL. And I’m not even as much of a theatre nerd/buff as some of my friends! ROMAN AND JEWEL perfectly captures the excitement and emotions that are baked into every show, and just how much of an impact one song or musical sequence can have.

But while it’s a love story that’s set against Broadway and an upcoming Hamilton (and dare I say Into the Woods)-ish production of a ROMEO AND JULIET retelling, the musical is just set dressing (for better or worse). There are only glimpses into what the retelling could grow to be, which is both sad because I REALLY want to experience it live and onstage but probably for the best considering it’s a work of fiction within this work of fiction (and therefore will never actually come to pass).

The real emphasis of this book is, of course, on the young couple: Zeppelin Reid (no, really) and Jerzie Jhames. Zeppelin is a 19-year-old newcomer who landed the lead in the new musical opposite, you guessed it… NOT Jerzie. 16-going-on-17-year-old Jerzie is the standby for the lead female part. She would’ve been the actual lead but business decisions led to a famous popstar being cast. But that doesn’t stop the two from suffering a severe case of instalove, just like their Shakespearean counterparts.

And I mean, SEVERE. They’re throwing around the word “love” within days of meeting each other, which is actually even more unsettling than you’d think because Jerzie is incredibly naive. Though it’s perfectly realistic that a 16-year-old wouldn’t know much in the way of life, love, or sexuality, Jerzie seems especially sheltered somehow, even though her favorite musicals would lead you to think otherwise. And so there’s a sort of weird dynamic in their relationship where she asks Zeppelin to teach her things, but also doesn’t really know what she’s asking for. I do wish she had been a touch older in this because I think it would’ve made for a more compelling novel, but I can’t really fault the story for having her be so young. (Although, upon seeing another’s review, the age difference between the two is slightly questionable if you look at it…)

Though I did have a small problem with the age and maturity aspects, I couldn’t help but binge this novel and binge it HARD. It’s incredibly swoon-worthy and sweet, cuddly and hopeful. It strikes a wonderful balance of realism and romance, where their interactions feel so lifelike and electric. And Zeppelin? He may have an odd name (which is explained in the book a bit later), but he’s one of the most wonderful romantic leads I’ve read in a while. I’d love to find my own Zeppelin one day!

As a Shakespeare fan who could really do without ever reading ROMEO AND JULIET ever again (come on guys, it’s not romantic. They’re CHILDREN.), I was unsure of how I was going to feel about ROMAN AND JEWEL. But I’m so very happy to report that it takes all of the best parts of Shakespeare’s writing and the emotions it evokes and updates them into a YA romance that doesn’t just work, but that makes you want to sing musical love songs at the top of your lungs and buy the very first theatre ticket you can when they’re available.

If you’re a fan of theatre, Shakespeare, YA romance, gorgeous boys with dark hair and beautiful blue eyes, or New York City, give this lovely novel a read.