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If Romeo and Juliet got the Hamilton treatment…who would play the leads? This vividly funny, honest, and charming romantic novel by Dana L. Davis is the story of a girl who thinks she has what it takes…and the world thinks so, too.

Jerzie Jhames will do anything to land the lead role in Broadway’s hottest new show, Roman and Jewel, a Romeo and Juliet inspired hip-hopera featuring a diverse cast and modern twists on the play. But her hopes are crushed when she learns mega-star Cinny won the lead…and Jerzie is her understudy.

Falling for male lead Zeppelin Reid is a terrible idea–especially once Jerzie learns Cinny wants him for herself. Star-crossed love always ends badly. But when a video of Jerzie and Zepp practicing goes viral and the entire world weighs in on who should play Jewel, Jerzie learns that while the price of fame is high, friendship, family, and love are priceless. (Inkyard Press)

Dana L. Davis is a novelist and Hollywood actress with previous series regular roles as: Carmen Phillips on TNT’s Franklin and Bash and modern day mimic Monica Dawson on NBC’s cult series Heroes. She currently stars on the animated series Star Vs. the Forces of Evil, Craig of the Creek, and She-Ra. She made her film debut in Coach Carter with Samuel Jackson. In addition to her work on screen, Dana has become a motivational speaker for teens. Her stirring assemblies empower and encourage youth, helping them to redefine what it means to win and lose. She volunteers for nonprofits like Empowering Lives International, an organization which provides training, resources, and encouragement to underprivileged East African children. Dana also created her own nonprofit organization Culture For Kids, LA, an organization which gifts inner city children tickets and transportation to see performing arts shows around the Los Angeles area.

Dr. Gregory Schwartz grew up in southern California, the son of two former Nebraska farmers. He received his degree in Geography, graduating near the top of his class from UC Berkeley and his Masters of Science in Geography and Sociology from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He eventually returned to graduate school and completed his PhD in Geography (political ecology) at the University of Texas, Austin. His research focused on “payment for ecosystem services”  in Costa Rica where he consulted President Luis Solis and his cabinet about national-level environmental policies. Having taught for three years at California State University, Northridge, and currently at Laney College, Greg is also a frequent podcast contributor and appears in the Netflix original series, Last Chance U, Season 5. Greg, a.k.a. the planet doctor, is an environmental activist, a competitive track and field athlete, and he eats a vegan, organic diet. One of his true joys is zipping around town with his wife and two sons in their electric car.