The yearing and desire and fury could be felt for miles. Ugh this is was so beautifully written I was enraptured for the jump. I just want to be Rose when I grow up 😂.

I love the concept of this book and the setting but I found myself with not enough astrological knowledge to full grasp some aspects. Additionally the writing style with past tense verbs did not vibe with me as a reader, so it took me a long while to go through. This story wasn't for me but I have shared the title with many friends who I know will have a stronger connection!

Other reviews say if Mother Gothel or Margery Tyrel wrote a book, it would be this one and I agree. This had great setting and world building, banter, and a great story overall.

What can I say about this book?…It’s a masterpiece!⭐️

Themes: lovestruck, sapphic, betrayal, womanhood, witchy vibes, death in the family
Elements: Tudor Era, festivals, potions, nature

Mary McMyne is a new author for me and honestly I am stoked to read more from. This novel really gave it all for me so much more. When it comes to witches, potions, love and devious behavior……I am all set and ready to read.

I enjoyed the medium to slow pace for this and I usually am irritated by slow paced books (this says a lot). The story line and connections with Rose and Cecely. Their friendship really is what connected me from the beginning.

Also I enjoyed how the author made details to the culture and brought that into the story. Really gave an inside look to how life and fashion was during the Elizabethean Era.

If you enjoy S.T. Gibson’s and or Emelia Hart’s novels…I highly recommend this one to give a try.

Historical fiction with a twist of witchcraft, I would recommend this for fans of Her Majesty’s Royal Coven. I enjoyed the balance of queer characters; while Rose was certainly persecuted for being a woman, and for being a witch, this isn’t a story of queer characters suffering because they are queer. Instead, that aspect of their lives brings the most joy into the story. This was very slow paced and sometimes it was hard to push through all of the reckless poor decisions made by Rose but I did feel like they fit her character overall. Lots of astrology talk for those who are interested in it.

"A Rose by Any Other Name" by Mary McMyne is an absolute gem! If you're into historical fiction with a touch of magic and intrigue, this book is a must-read. Set in the rich tapestry of Elizabethan England, it beautifully weaves astrology and witchcraft into the life of Shakespeare's muse, the enigmatic Dark Lady.

The characters are vibrant, the banter is delightful, and the plot is filled with mystery and female empowerment. I loved the fresh take on astrology, which added a unique and exciting element to the story. Plus, the sprinkle of Shakespearean sonnets throughout was a lovely touch. If you're a fan of witchy vibes, Elizabethan drama, and strong female leads, you'll be captivated by this enchanting tale. Highly recommend!

The tags for this book - queer, historical fantasy about the subject of one of Shakespeare's sonnets. The premise grabbed me and I was really excited to sink my teeth into this one. While I found it enjoyable, I found the pacing to be very slow for me which made it difficult to stay super invested in the story. I also found Shakespeare to be the least important aspect of the story and as a Shakes nerd (and because of how the book was marketed) I wanted more from his character. It wasn't the perfect book for me but I can see other history lovers getting really into this one. It is fantasy lite and more of an exploration of a queer woman in Shakespearean times and how she carves out her version of freedom in a restrictive society for women.

This was a fun imagining of Shakespeares love interest. It was an interesting twist giving her magical realism and making her LGBT. I loved her ambitious personality and tenacious spirit even in a time where women had no rights. It is something that resonates with women even now. I loved the character Henri as well. I think the author did an incredible job imagining shakespeares personality. She did a good job of giving him emotional immaturity and a fierce lovers passion. It is something interesting I never would have thought of in this historical figure. If you love zodiac astrology you would love this magic system as well.

I’ve only read a couple of Shakespeares poems and plays but this book was really interesting. I enjoyed it. I will probably buy it or listen to it on audiobook form again.

Rose is desperate to live a life of her own, free from the tyrannical, greedy, and condescending dominion of men. But, how does a girl accomplish this when all the world’s rules, as well as her own mother, demand that she conform? By lying, manipulating, and casting spells, of course. Sometimes, though, we’re tempted by shady, poetic men who protest, albeit deservedly, their talent both on the stage and in the bedroom.

Everything about this book lured me in. But, if I had to describe how it made me feel in one word, I’d say, lukewarm. There just wasn’t enough fire. Except for the Shakespeare bits. Those were hot. Which is weird to me, cause I wanted a sapphic love story, and I just never really felt invested in that relationship.

I did, however, love the way the author captured the time period. Especially the clothing (brocade, bodices, plunging necklines) and the contradictory ways people regarded alchemy, astrology and religion. There was a lot of astrological information that I was not familiar with, but I definitely found it interesting, and I’ve always been curious to learn more.

Even though this book was not my favorite, I’d still like to read the author’s previous novel, The Book of Gothel. And if you like witchy, sapphic, feminist stories featuring a few real-life characters of Elizabethan England, you might like this one.

Thank you Redhook and Orbit Books for the copy to read and review.

This was so uniquely crafted and it was pretty fun. I look forward to seeing what other people think about this. I love that there seems to be an increase in fictive takes on anything revolving around Shakespeare and I enjoy that.

A stunning achievement in feminist fiction, filled with passion, intrigue, and earthy, lush magic. Rose Rushe—inspired by William Shakespeare’s “Dark Lady”—is a heroine you’ll adore: a shrewd, independent, iconoclastic muse for the ages whose struggles and triumphs are grounded in the history of Elizabethan England.

The musically talented daughter of an astrologer and a purported witch, Rose grows up in a world where magic is stitched into the fabric of her being—where star charts, astrolabes, and love spells are part of daily life.

After the death of her father, Rose’s world is thrown into turmoil and her family’s future unsure—especially when she and her dearest friend Cecely are accused of witchcraft, and forced to flee the countryside for London. When Rose’s well-meaning but manipulative mother arranges her marriage to Rose’s affluent childhood friend, Richard Underhill, Rose must confront the truth of who she truly is—and what she really wants: to be a court musician and a woman of independent means, living off her talents.

One night, after a chance meeting with Shakespeare, the tempestuous Rose sees her creative passion and ambition mirrored in the young playwright’s ardor. But is he the greatest love of her life? Or her greatest enemy? As Rose’s skills as a purveyor of magic and astrology grow, and her client list draws the attention—and jealousy—of those in power, she must reckon with her desire for Will and the influence of her gifts, before she loses everything and everyone she holds dear.

A wonderful, LGBTQ+ affirming romantic tale that will hold you in thrall from beginning to end. Mary McMyne’s prose charms and beguiles in equal measure and brings a fresh, imaginative perspective to Shakespeare’s Sonnets.

This one wasn't quite as magical as I was expecting, given McMyne's debut, which focused on the witch from the Rapunzel fairy tale. It's based on Shakespeare's mistress, who dabbles in astrology and things of that nature. I did like Rose; I thought she was strong and willful in a time period where women were encouraged to be the opposite, and I really enjoyed her complex relationship with her mother. Shakespeare on the other hand wasn't a very intriguing character, even though he was Shakespeare. Which I suppose is the point. I also loved how devoted Rose was to her much younger brother. All in all, this was an entertaining historical fiction, just with less magic than I was hoping for.

Book review: 3.75/5 ⭐️
Genre: historical fiction, magical realism
Themes: astrology, independent women, sapphic love, self doubts, betrayals, the Bard
📖 Read if you like: Weyward, The Furies

Happy PUB-day!
Thank you to NetGalley and Redbook Books for an early copy of this book. As the title implies this is the very Rose that inspired the Bard with everlasting words and sonnets that inspire love and betrayal to this day. Mixed with natural witchery, alchemy, forbidden love, familial bonds and expectations, and a modern woman trapped in the confining time of Tudor England this was an interesting combination. A richly written world that I would love to step into with dark secrets and rebellious heroines. It proved a very addictive novel.

I really enjoyed the beginning where invoking Catholicism or the magic of the old world were tantamount to death. It walked the fine line between magical realism and historical fiction. Here we find a young Rose. Promiscuous, tempestuous and strong willed, she is determined on the life of a musician. A salary, a means to provide for herself and make her own choices, which include her friend Cecily. Essentially a woman trapped out of time! When cruel fate intervenes Rose must think not only of herself, but of her family.

I struggled with Rose’s rational at times. Her attitude towards Richard who she previously saw as a friend felt a bit extreme, as did her hope for the future given the circumstances. Her inner monologues were a bit repetitive at times, especially regarding Cecely who I found to be a mystery. This relationship was an obvious parallel to the youthful beauty Shakespeare wrote so sweetly that it was almost too contrived. The novel could have worked without this storyline as there was already a lot going on. If the story only focused on the Dark Lady - who she was, how their attachment formed and soured, and what she went on to become it would have been magical. Or, the Shakespearean element could have been removed and the love story with Cecely would have its own feet with a little more development.

I am a little conflicted because the Shakespearean imaging was well researched and the part that intrigued me the most about this book, but truthfully I think this novel would have been better without it.

Given the title of the book I expected Shakespeare to be more involved from the start. The heat of their relationship and perceptive and desperate personalities were a well imagined compliment, but their initial attraction needed to be better flushed out. It just went 0-100 too fast and there wasn’t enough time to believe this turn of events. The first 100 pages of the book felt like a different one to the middle section.

Overall, there were parts I didn’t think really added to the plot, but it was such a creative and richly imagined narrative. I throughly appreciated Rose’s willful independence and belief she could change the world even if all the world were against her. it was a bit more YA coming of age than anticipated. For all those who enjoy forbidden love, independent women breaking barriers and a healthy dose of witchery this is a novel to be savoured.

A Rose by Any Other Name by Mary McMyne was so dang intriguing!
Mary never disappoints! This lush, magical story behind Shakespeare's sonnets was magical, engaging and so much fun to devour!

I don’t think I truly knew what I was getting into reading this one, but wow did it deliver. I really loved Rose and felt for her struggles as she tried to have an independent life in the 1590s, when everyone just wanted her to marry and provide for her family by marrying well. There are so many ups and downs to her story that will leave your emotions going around on a rollercoaster.

I loved the connections to Williams Shakespeare and how Rose fit into his life and his inspiration for some of his sonnets. I loved that Rose and her mother would do magic and divination in the days when witchcraft could get you easily hung and they found ways to keep it discreet under threat of death. The world felt richer for their magic.

The characters of the world are so well-developed and the relationships are so entangled and complicated. They all felt so real, their problems so important, and their relationships between one another so emotional. I was rooting for Rose throughout the story to truly find her happy ending.

Suzy Rai brought this world to life in a delightful way. I really enjoyed listening to her voice narrating this book and can’t wait to hear more audiobooks voiced by her.

I wanted to like this one so bad. A Shakespeare historical fiction with a bit of fantasy and a queer love story was right up my alley but good lord Rose was wholly unlikeable. not even in the whole flawed character way that makes good stories. she was incredibly selfish, arrogant, too self confident and more. the pacing of this book was abysmal as well like it honestly never picked up but then also things were happening to fast in other places.
maybe i had the wrong kinda expectations for a book like this bc i don’t read a lot of historical fiction. but yeah i dont recommend :(

This book started out very interesting but it lost my interest soon after. I don’t think the writing is bad at all but it wasn’t as gripping as I had wanted it to be.

This book was everything I wanted it to me. The astrology, the romance, the characters. Mary writes through the lens of brilliantly researched history but manages to make everything feel so very much like a reflection of modern times. I loved Book of Gothel and this had the same feel to it. There's something haunting about her prose and the knotted-up romances between all of these characters were mesmerizing. Maybe it's me and I just love a mess, but this was such a beautiful read.

A Rose By Any Other Name is a unique look at a woman’s plight in Elizabethan London, centered around the hypothetical character that inspired some of Shakespeare’s sonnets. This witchy, feminist retelling features a reckless FMC who just wants to live by her own terms. There were periods of the book that felt a little slow, however overall worth the read. Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC.