For the Love of the Bard - A Bard's Rest Romance 1

To go for it or not to go for it? That is the question, when two former high school flames return to their Shakespeare-obsessed hometown for a summer of theater and unexpected romance, in a laugh-out-loud rom-com from debut author Jessica Martin.

Literary agent and writer Miranda Barnes rolls into her hometown of Bard's Rest with one goal in mind: to spend the summer finally finishing her YA novel, the next installment in her bestselling fantasy series. Soon after arrival though, Miranda's plan is thrown out the window-the centennial of the town's beloved annual Shakespeare festival is on the horizon, and her mother is in charge of the planning committee.

Before you can say "all's fair in love and war," Miranda is cornered into directing Twelfth Night-while simultaneously scrambling to finish her book, navigating a family health scare, and doing her best to avoid the guy who broke her heart in high school.

When it comes to Adam, the veterinarian with a talent for set design and an infuriating knack for saving Miranda's dog's life, the lady doth protest too much. While she'd like to hate the man forever for their tragic prom night history, it's hard to ignore the chemistry between them. The course of true love doesn't run smooth as Miranda decides whether or not to trust Adam with her heart.

Story Locale: Bard's Rest, New Hampshire (fictional town)

About the author

Jessica Martin

Summary

“Perfect to read on the beach.” –The Boston Globe

To go for it or not to go for it? That is the question when two former high school flames return to their Shakespeare-obsessed hometown for a summer of theater and unexpected romance, in a laugh-out-loud rom-com from debut author Jessica Martin.

Literary agent and writer Miranda Barnes rolls into her hometown of Bard’s Rest with one goal in mind: to spend the summer finally finishing her YA novel, the next installment in her bestselling fantasy series. Yet Miranda’s mother, deep in the planning stages for the centennial of the town’s beloved annual Shakespeare festival, has other ideas. 
 
Before you can say “all’s fair in love and war,” Miranda is cornered into directing Twelfth Night—while simultaneously scrambling to finish her book, navigating a family health scare, and doing her best to avoid the guy who broke her heart on prom night.
 
When it comes to Adam, the veterinarian with a talent for set design and an infuriating knack for winning over Miranda’s dog, the lady doth protest too much. As any Shakespeare lovers knows, the course of true love never did run smooth, and soon Miranda realizes she’ll have to decide whether to trust Adam with her heart again.

Additional text

"If you wished your romcoms had more Shakespeare puns, have I got the book for you! For the Love of the Bard is a delightful ode to complicated family relationships, growing up in the theatre, and opening your heart to a second chance with your first love. The quirky small-town setting is charming, and I wish I could move to Bard's Rest immediately!"
—Jen DeLuca, author Well Played

“Jessica Martin delivers a sizzling second chance romance full of witty banter, quirky characters, and a sensational Shakespeare infused setting in For the Love of the Bard. For anyone who never got over their high school crush or who adores Shakespeare, this is an absolute must read!”
—Jenn McKinlay, New York Times bestselling author of Paris Is Always a Good Idea

“Jessica Martin's rollicking and bighearted debut is a love letter to all things Shakespeare, filled with whip smart banter that would make the Bard himself jealous, a supporting cast I'd love to share an ale with, and best of all, a second chance romance that's the stuff of sonnets. Martin is an author to watch!”
—Victoria Schade, USA Today bestselling author of Dog Friendly 

“Sweet and Shakespearean, For the Love of the Bard sweeps small-town charm and second-chance swoon up into a delightful rom-com fit for the stage.”
—Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka, authors of The Roughest Draft

"With its charming setting and endearing cast of characters, For The Love of the Bard is the kind of book you want to live inside. Brimming with Shakespeare references to delight the brain and a slow burn, banter-filled romance to melt the heart, this romcom captivates. The course of true love might not run smooth for Miranda and Adam, but you'll have a fabulous, laugh-out-loud experience following along with their journey!"
—India Holton, author of The League of Gentlewomen Witches

"Shakespeare wrote that the course of true love never did run smooth, and in Jessica Martin's For the Love of the Bard, that's true in the most delightful way. I laughed and cheered as our heroine Miranda overcame obstacle after obstacle that stood in the way of her heart, finding her way to happiness not only with the swoon-worthy Adam, but with her career and family as well. This charming romance with its cast of quirky, lovable characters will enchant you and make you want to adopt a Puck of your very own. If the question is to read or not to read, the answer is: definitely read."
—Amanda Elliot, author of Sadie on a Plate

Product details

• Authors: Jessica Martin
• Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 28.06.2022
• EAN: 9780593437438
• ISBN: 978-0-593-43743-8
• Dimensions: 140 mm x 210 mm x 25 mm
• Series: A Bard's Rest Romance
• Subject: Fiction > Narrative literature