Romeo for Real
A young man comes to terms with his sexuality in a modern retelling of a Shakespearean classic. When Romeo's homophobic friends can't accept him as gay, he must prove that his love for Julian is real.
On the surface, Romeo has it all: success on the basketball court, a group of friends, including the beautiful Rosie. Deep down he knows something is missing: all he feels for Rosie is friendship. Everything changes when he shares a kiss with openly gay Julian at a party. Despite their obvious attraction, Romeo is less sure of himself than ever, and leaves without even telling Julian his name.
With Rosie's support, Romeo begins exploring his sexuality — and ends up running into Julian again. Realizing how little he knows about other sexual orientations and gender identities, Romeo begins to see the world in a whole new light, and he and Julian begin to fall in love. But his homophobic friends and family can't accept him as gay. After a violent confrontation with one of his old friends, Romeo becomes determined to prove that his love for Julian is real and right.
Romeo for Real will give readers the courage to take pride in who they are and whom they love.
About the Author
MARKUS HARWOOD-JONES is a writer, visual artist and documentary filmmaker. He is the author of the short story collections
Confessions of a Teenage Transsexual Whore and
Everything & All at Once. His feature film,
Mosaic, tells the story of his journey across Canada and the United States to learn more about the trans community. He lives in Toronto.
Reviews
"I applaud Harwood-Jones' concept ... The love story is cute and will likely appeal to some readers looking for a swift queer love-at-first-sight tale ..."
Rob Bittner, CM: Canadian Review of Materials
"Romeo for Real is short, fast paced and easy to follow. It is also informative for YA readers who aren't at all knowledgeable about LGBTQ+ matters."
Beverley C., Educator, NetGalley
"I bet this story is more true to life than I can imagine...I loved reading both books [Romeo for Real and Just Julian] and I think for those who are not fans of reading these are pretty quick reads and pretty important stories."
Sandy Shaver, Librarian, NetGalley
"Together, Romeo and Julian find that as long as they are together, their love can conquer all."
Sarah Atkinson, Resource Links
"...these novels [Just Julian and Romeo for Real] provide much-needed representation for those whom society marginalizes."
Kirkus Reviews
"This was an approachable read for upper middle to high school readers. The dramatics are engaging enough, and the writing should be easy for students in the age range to adapt to and understand."
NetGalley
"The romance stories in Lorimer's Real Love series reflect the diverse world that teens live in — at a reading level for emerging readers."
VOYA
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