review - When You Were Mine

	When You Were Mine by: Rebecca Serle Publication Date: May 1, 2012 Publisher: Simon Pulse Series: Stand Alone Format: eBook on PulseIt Page Count: 334 Genre: Contemporary, Retelling, YA Get your copy: Amazon | B&N
Summary: 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 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…. Summary and cover image from goodreads.
Not being a big Shakespeare fan, I didn't know if I could get into this book. But boy was I surprised by the unique twist Rebecca Serle delivers in When You Were Mine. In the original, Rosaline is sort of a toss-away character, lost in the quintessential love story that is Romeo and Juliet. So in was more a re-imagining than a re-telling.  Going into this book, you kind of have a basic understanding of what is going to happen. Romeo is going to choose Juliet, leaving Rosaline in the dust. But how we get there, that's where the fun happens. Opening the book for the first time and reading Rosaline's story, I was transported into a brand new world, where there are no epic speeches with light breaking through yonder windows. Forgetting about Juliet, I let myself get completely lost in the sweet friendship-turning-into-romance between Rosaline and Rob. I was truly rooting for these two, but the fates wouldn't hear of it. Cue Juliet and her crazy-self. I found myself not wanting to go on, knowing that Rosaline was about to get her heart stomped all over. Despite the trepidation, I soldier on and ended up loving all that followed. As stated, even though you know death is around the corner for Romeo and Juliet, it was the journey with Rosaline that breaks your heart. Definitely a great retelling, modern version of Romeo and Juliet!