I have a mild obsession with all things Shakespeare. Okay. Not mild. Probably classified insane. Whatever. Everyone knows it. And when it comes to getting my interest in any modern re-telling, you're going to certainly get it if it has to do Shakespeare. So what if I've read Romeo & Juliet a thousand times? Or if I've read it in a number of variations through the years from other re-tellings? I don't care. I'll still give it a try anyway because it's R & J and based on one of my favorite reads of all time. 
 Naturally, when Juliet Immortal released (in early 2011, I believe?), I wanted it bad. That synopsis? Golden. Not the usual story recycle or anything of that sort. Really sounded like a re-telling with a fresh concept. Unfortunately, I didn't get the book for some time due to funds, busy schedule, etc.. And when I finally bought it earlier this summer from a clearance sale, I was excited all over again. 
 But there was a problem. It completely disappointed me. I probably should've expected it though. It really is hard for me to LOVE a re-telling, particularly a Shakespeare one, and this was just another one to add to the pile of blaaaahhh. In fact, if it hadn't been for the names and a few note toss-ins during the story about the their past, it really could have been just a separate piece all together with no connection at all. I like a re-telling to feel like its own story, but I also like to feel that connection to the original piece as well. I know I mentioned above how much I loved the fresh concept of the idea, and I did and still do, but I still felt disconnected once I'd read. I'm not sure if that makes much sense, but it's hard to explain really. 
 I had quite a bit more to say with this title, more about the characters, but I did find some entertainment in this at least. You can read my full review here at my blog: The Bookaholic 
 Now I think I'll go watch my favorite Romeo... Leonardo DiCaprio. <3