Creating a modern, Shakespeare-inspired teen romance isn’t a groundbreaking concept, and at first glance, this high school tale from Toronto-area authors Teresa Toten and Eric Walters might appear to blend in with any number of similar books. But instead of spiralling into an inane, one-track drama in which queen bees dominate the narrative, The Taming takes a more relatable approach to serious issues.

The chapters alternate between two young narrators. Katie, raised by an unsupportive single mother in a low-income environment, is shy and smart, but has low self-esteem. When she is cast as the lead in a school production of The Taming of the Shrew, she’s surprised to find that being onstage gives her confidence.

Then there’s Evan, a recent transfer who has been kicked out of private school for unspecified reasons. Evan is handsome, smart, and very rich, and when he is cast opposite Katie as the play’s male lead, it doesn’t take long for the duo to pair up off-stage as well.

It quickly becomes apparent that Evan is conceited, spoiled, and manipulative, and he uses Katie’s low self-esteem against her. Convinced she has found true love, Katie lets Evan push her further than she’s comfortable with, and the consequent bruising is both emotional and physical.

As the book alternates between the two narrators, readers see many scenes play out from both points of view, which proves extremely satisfying. What’s more, the characters are skilfully layered – even Evan is not a consummate villain. While it’s clear his actions toward Katie are wrong, glimpses into his own troubled family life suggest where he acquired his bad habits.

Walters and Toten offer an unflinching look at the dark side of young love in a manner that is both believable and – importantly ­– entertaining. Hopefully this book will serve as a reminder that love does not necessarily conquer all.