Searching for Billy Shakespeare by Crista McHugh-a review

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About the book: Release Date December 26, 2017

Intensely introverted and socially awkward grad student Kate Mireau has loved only one man since she was a little girl.

William Shakespeare.

Unfortunately, he died over four hundred years ago.

Since no modern-day man will ever compete with the Bard’s wit and wisdom, Kate is destined for dissatisfaction in matters of the heart. Besides, any attempt she makes to step out of her comforting world of books usually ends in humiliating disaster. But when she agrees to help her new roommate’s brother prepare for an upcoming audition, she meets a man who makes her pulse race almost as fast as Shakespeare’s insults. ‘Tis said the course of true love never did run smooth, and Kate discovers that Gabe is not an aspiring classical actor—he’s one of Hollywood’s sexiest leading men.

Experience has taught Kate that she’ll just end up embarrassing them both. Will she retreat to her safe world of beloved plays and poetry, consoling herself with the notion that he is a star out of her reach? Or if all the world’s a stage, then maybe Gabe is her chance to find there’s more to life than just words, words, words.

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Review:

Searching for Billy Shakespeare begins with Kate’s best friend, Livvy, talking her into going out with her and her girlfriend for the night. Even though Kate resists, she is eventually persuaded. They run by Kate’s apartment, which she shares with her fiancé. Upon entering, Kate’s world crumbles. She takes a little while to lick her wounds and find a new apartment.

Kate responds to an ad for someone searching for a roommate, and to her utter surprise, she is “approved” by her new roomie, Ari. There are stipulations, but Kate jumps at the chance. It doesn’t take long for Kate to receive a call from an unknown number, only to find out it’s Ari’s brother, Gabe, needing some help for an audition that is a little out of his comfort zone: the classics. Kate is a little intrigued, and before long, finds herself waiting anxiously for his next phone call. After a near tragic event involving Ari, Gabe flies to New York. Kate still has no idea exactly who Gabe actually is, which endears her even more to Gabe. They both eventually decide to take their relationship to the next level, albeit slowly. After a series of mishaps, Kate realizes that what she’s been searching for all along is right in front of her………

Oh, how I’ve missed Crista McHugh’s stories. Searching for Billy Shakespeare is a nicely written tale that moves fast from the very beginning. Kate is a loveable, and nerdy, introvert who is more than comfortable with herself. She just has a little trouble being comfortable with others being comfortable with her quirks, and afraid she won’t fit in, especially in Gabe’s world. Gabe is grounded, even though he is very famous. It absolutely adds to his lovability factor that Gideon Kelly (from the Kelly Brothers series by Crista McHugh) is his best friend. I did NOT see that coming, but was a fun bit thrown in by the author for her loyal readers.

Looking for Billy Shakespeare ultimately teaches us that if something looks too good to be true, it may, in fact, be just the opposite and be the best thing ever! If you’re a fan of quick romantic reads, with a bit of humor and relatable characters, you will never go wrong with anything written by Crista McHugh. Searching for Billy Shakespeare is fun, engaging and endearing. I’m hoping we’ll get a follow-up for some of the other characters we met in this one. Well done, Crista McHugh! Very well done!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Vickie M