The Hundred Loves of Juliet

"The premise of this book is really what pulled me in. The idea of Romeo and Juliet being star-crossed lovers over HUNDREDS of years, Romeo cursed to live forever and lose Juliet over and over. Juliet cursed to be reincarnated with no memories every time she dies. That is the recipe for an exquisite story. <br/><br/>Unfortunately, the execution feel short of expectation. I was not rooting for Helene and Sebastian as a couple. There was no chemistry between them and honestly it didn’t make any sense for them to fall for each other (other than the fact that Sebastian knew Helene was Juliet, and really there should be more reason than that to start a relationship with someone). <br/><br/>On top of that, we as readers get snippets of past Romeo and Juliet love stories. One was between a witch and a vampire, another between a clockmaker and a waitress. Every single short story was more captivating than Sebastian and Helene’s story. I would have rather read a chronological telling of their story from the very beginning. <br/><br/>Also, that ending was ******* weird. It did not make any sense and felt ridiculous.<br/><br/>Thank you to the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review."

"Despite my not being the biggest fan of the romance genre, after reading The Hundred Lives of Juliet, I can absolutely recommend it to people like me and romance lovers alike. The hook for me was the premise that the main character Helene was actually the reincarnation of Juliet Capulet, who has run into Romeo Montague in present times. He has somehow managed to stay alive (and only visually age about a DECADE - men get all the breaks!) since those days in Verona. He's changed his name, vocation, and location a few times since then and is now known as Sebastian Montague. First of all, I love Romeo and Juliet! I was obsessed with the play in high school and have seen all the movies many, many times. Skye roped me in right away with a scene featuring Romeo and Benvolio preparing to attend the Capulets' ball. Written in modern prose, this previously unseen interaction enhanced my existing R&J knowledge and really made me want to read more. From this early scene, we learn of the characteristic chemical reaction the star-crossed lovers experience upon each meeting, establishing their status as the ultimate SOUL MATES, and it's carried through the book perfectly. They recognize each other instantly regardless of Juliet's current incarnation - it's a powerful thought that you can know someone no matter the time spent apart and despite even death. My favorite part came toward the end, when they work together to vanquish the enemy and live happily ever after, maybe. (No spoilers!) All I'll say is that I just really enjoyed how this character developed; she grew so much that she was the one who figured out what needed to be done and carried it out, with minimal assistance from Sebastian and friends. It was an excellent example of great character development and was definitely empowering for Helene. For all you hard core romance fans, do not despair. There are sex scenes! I am a tad squeamish in general but these were well done, integral to the story and steamy. I mi"

"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."

"I was in love with this book from chapter 1. Such a beautiful story, and the author's inspiration to write it was beautiful too."

"What I Liked:<br/>1. This was a great twist on Romeo and Juliet - I actually liked this version better than the original Romeo and Juliet. I loved that this still stayed true to the star-crossed lovers part of the plot but with a new twist. The fact that they always meet on the same day, always fall in love, but always end tragically. At least in this re-telling they usually have 1-2 years together. <br/><br/>2. Helene - I love that she’s a strong and independent character. I love that she decided to get a divorce from her ****** husband and even when he threatened her, she stood by her decision. I know this is random but I liked that when she found out she was Juliet, she didn’t just immediately believe it. It helped add a little authenticity to the story. <br/><br/>3. Sebastian/Romeo - I can’t imagine living the way Sebastian has. At least Juliet died and didn’t have to live with knowing the truth every single time while Sebastian did. And yet, in every single lifetime he does the same thing over and over because he loves her so much. However, you can tell it definitely has taken its toll over the centuries. <br/><br/>4. Helene and Sebastian - when they do finally decide to be together the romance is so sweet and it really does convey two soulmates who found each other. And even though I knew it was coming, I liked that these versions of them were the exceptions, with Helene getting pregnant and actually giving birth and building their life together<br/><br/>What I Didn’t Like:<br/>1. The whole plot twist with Helene’s ex trying to expose Sebastian - this part of the story felt more like it was telling us rather than showing us what happened. I think this should have been a bigger part of the story and took a bit longer to resolve so that it was more impactful."