It’s Rue Jay. I’m currently writing Book 4 of a series first, and I’m in Chapter 5 where my protagonist/narrator and her love interest in this book are sharing a one-bed attic room in a tavern, and apparently, there’s a collection of books on a shelf next to the bed. The book my protagonist/narrator picks out apparently has star-crossed vibes, and is titled Two Fair Maidens. The love interest comments that his younger sister would probably read the book, and mentions that it’s probably a star-crossed tragedy like the classic tragedy, Roman & Lieke (working title). Will it be too obvious to my readers? Can I actually make this reference?
In the tragedy, Roman and Lieke might. But the actual characters Mercy and Villi do not. They’re not even together yet. However, the Romeo & Juliet ending does happen in the series, just not with Villi (one of the love interests in Book 4).
The reference is fine. Some people would get it it, some would not. Besides, it’s ancient so it’s free to abuse, even if you thought you were abusing it.