What I Loved:

This was a raw story. It is a YA genre, but I would definitely say it’s a mature young adult story. I loved that this felt like a real-life high school situation. This reminded a bit of how high school actually was.

How I Felt:

The characters are heartbreaking, yet heartwarming. Cleo comes from a home life that leaves her broken and bruised. She’s a kick-butt kind of girl that does what she needs to for survival. In a book about a house fire that destroyed so much, Cleo is a different spark of fire that Shake needs in his life. Shake is angry and lost. The deaths of his family have torn him apart and he doesn’t know where to go from here. Together, they made an odd, yet perfect pair.

The story follows Cleo and Shake in the aftermath of a house fire where he lost his family. Cleo and Shake both narrate the story, providing a great dual perspective. Shake was a super-popular student but has spiraled out of control recently. Cleo has had a crush on him for years and wants to save him. Their relationship seems to have some secrets, as Cleo may know more about the night of the fire than we think.

The writing is filled with witty comments and smart remarks that threw me right back to my high school days. I enjoyed how this book portrayed real emotions and issues that young adults face. The romance was written well, and I liked how the mystery of Shake’s house fire is told.

Overall, I enjoyed Shakespeare Burning for its intriguing romance between two unlikely people. I liked the dual narrating between Cleo and Shake, and I enjoyed the suspense leading up to what really happened the night of the fire.

To Read or Not To Read:

I would recommend Shakespeare Burning to romance readers that enjoy a raw romance that will break your heart and, maybe, put it back together. I would suggest this book for YA readers that are okay with more mature content (language, slightly more sexual than many YA novels).

Where to Find This Book:

Shakespeare Burning by Charisse Moritz is available at these sites.

Amazon Kindle | Amazon | Goodreads

He’s the boy who wants to disappear.

One mistake and seventeen-year-old Shake LeCasse lost everything. Now there’s no going back and no way to move forward. The once-popular Varsity hockey captain is living in the basement of a grandmother he barely knows, ditching school, avoiding friends and working hard on self-destruction.

She’s the girl nobody sees.

Cleo Lee survives however she can. Lie, cheat, steal, whatever it takes, and saving Mr. Popular isn’t part of the plan. Telling him the truth about the night that destroyed his life is downright dangerous. She needs to keep quiet, be smart and let the guy she’s been half in love with since middle school throw away a future she’d do anything to have. Too bad she sucks at playing it safe.

• Shakespeare Burning by Charisse Moritz
• Genre: YA Romance
• Page Count: 325 pages
• Pub Date: July 29, 2019

Emily Award Finalist and Melody Of Love Award Finalist, Charisse M Moritz divides her life between upstate NY and northern Florida.

When not barricaded inside her writing cave or enjoying every possible minute with her husband and three kids, you’ll find her listening to 60’s music, singing off-key and looking for new reads.

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Goodreads
• Link

I was provided an advanced reader’s copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.

Full list of adult book reviews
Full list of children’s book reviews