This book was incredible. I honestly had no idea what to expect going in. And much like Roma and Juliette, I was just thinking about the monsters. But there is so much more going on underneath everything. You all know how much I love politics. We only get to see a little glimpse of it in TVD. But this book really takes a different approach and centres around the tensions between the Nationalists and the Communists. We see the Scarlets and White Flowers breaking down, losing power and control, not just among their members, but amongst the people of Shanghai. And we see the ways people in power will do whatever it takes to keep a place in the hierarchy.

This book was really well written. Every word had me gripping the pages of the book. I didn't want to put it down. But what really sold me was the relationships. Enemies to lovers to enemies to lovers done so well I could cry. It was believable. The tension was palpable. The pain... It was perfect. I loved seeing more of Marshall and Benedict especially. But I think my favourite character was Kathleen. We get to see so much more of her, and I'm really excited to see what she does next, especially after that ending. 

I think this was a perfect Romeo and Juliet retelling. The setting, the characters, the political tensions and backdrop. We got some of the iconic scenes from the play, but with a little twist. The ending to me was well done. It's bittersweet in a way, but also hopeful. And it's a perfect ode to the actual play. 

Overall 4.5/5 stars.