3.5 rounded up

thank you netgalley + red hook books for the eArc!

"Mind you, I did not enjoy deceiving him. The dependence of women upon men for income turns us all into actors."

this is a bit difficult to review because I have such extremely mixed feelings about it. reading A Rose By Any Other Name felt like someone was scratching my back for me, but kept narrowly missing the spot that needed it the most.

like SOOOO many times the story or the characters were heading in a direction that I was getting really excited about, and then they would suddenly change direction and never go back that way again.

we follow a young woman named Rose who has big dreams and goals for herself, but as a woman in a time that rarely allows women any level of independence, she is struggling to make her dreams a reality. she is in love with her best friend and wants to find a way to live independently with her by her side.

enter William Shakespeare.

this book felt like it had so much that I wanted—
sapphic relationships
a smug, arrogant male love interest (so much potential for drama???)
witchcraft
women fighting for independence
Queen Elizabeth I

I’m sad to say that with all of the opportunity to do some really cool stuff, there wasn’t a whole lot of cool stuff happening.

plot: ★★★☆☆
there as noted previously, there was SOOOO MUCH promise in this plot. things could have gone a hundred million different ways and I was so excited to see where it went. when it seemed to pick the most tame way every time, I started to get disappointed.

this was still a really fun story. I enjoyed reading it and frequently could not put it down, but it just seemed to leave me wanting more at every turn.

writing/prose: ★★★★☆
the writing got a little confusing sometimes, in that, it is written by Rose talking directly to us. but sometimes it’s as if she is in the future telling us the story of her past (making clear references to the future, e.g. Shakespeare’s writing), but then simultaneously she makes note of not knowing what is going to happen or how things will progress. I wish it would have been a little clearer if past-Rose were speaking vs present-Rose.

pacing: ★★★★★
the pacing was really well done. it was steady enough that I always wanted to keep reading, and I even fell asleep with it in my hands more than once because I was trying to read past my bedtime.

characters: ★★★★☆
Rose was a really neat character, but I would be lying if I said she didn’t drive me insane half the time. I love having flawed main characters, but girl. GIRL. the way she kept being reckless, and then getting upset that her family were going to have to pay for her poor choices was like.... ????????? what did you think was going to happen???????

I loved Will and Henry’s characters, especially when interacting with Rose. I would have eaten up another 100 pages of this book if we got more time with all three of them being friends (or whatever) more.

romance: ★★★☆☆
"Who do you think you are?"
"Your undoing."

truly, I hate to say it, but the chemistry between Rose and Cecely was non-existent. do you know how much it kills me to say I was rooting for Rose and Will over Rose and Cecely??? that HURTS.

also, I was actually PRAYING for Henry to get involved with Rose and Will, so we could have extra messy bisexuals, but alas. I will be crying myself to sleep tonight.

over-all: ★★★★☆ 3.5 rounded up to 4
I didn’t love it, but I definitely enjoyed it. I think the premise just sounded so cool, I went in with really high expectations. if anyone ever had a passing interest in Shakespeare, especially his sonnets and the mysteries of his life, I would recommend reading this just on that alone. it’s interesting to see the author’s take on what his life could have been like. especially with the author’s note at the end, you get a feel for her passion for the era and the subject she’s writing about, which added a little something extra to the story in my opinion.

A Rose by Any Other Name was a refreshing historical fiction novel that takes on Shakespeare’s world it a new light. The story follows Rose as she discovers herself and her place in Elizabethan society.

What an interesting way to look at Shakespeare’s works. I mean there is so little truly known about his inspiration or about the man other then basic facts, so getting a story with one person’s interpretation of what inspired some of his more famous poems was quite lovely. I enjoy books where the author gets to take some historical freedoms and put together their ideas of what happened. I also like the fact that they explain this is what they did at the end of the book so that no one is wondering where the information came from. I also thought it was interesting that Rose was portrayed to have been a “witch” and went to trial for her acts. This book just does a lovely job portraying woman and what they went through, experienced and sometimes were forced to do during this time. Rose herself is extremely strong and knows what she wants to achieve. It is so sad that people looked down on her for making those dreams come true with what skills she had readily available to her.
Thank you to Redhook Books and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.

Being a woman in 1591 England is not easy, especially when you have a love of drink, music, and are being accused of witchcraft.... and end up in a relationship with William Shakespeare. Rose has always been a free spirit, someone who loves drinking and playing music, who enjoys meddling with astrology and not taking heed of her mother's warning. Yet when her father dies and a noble accuses Rose and her best friend Cecely of witchcraft they must both flee to London. Yet as they begin a new business in London selling astrological advice and casting secret charms.... Rose meets a noble named Henry and playwright named William Shakespeare and enters into a brief and powerful romance filled with betrayal. This started off really fun but kind of lost me by the end. I just found myself not as invested and drifting off while reading this. I initially was really excited about this but I guess it just didn't really hook me in the end and I would say that it was a case of "it's me not you". I do think if you like stories involving Shakespeare and a bit of alternative history or inspired by narratives, this could be for you!

Release Date: July 16,2024

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Redhook Books | Redhook for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

I absolutely loved the way the author created tension in the story. I loved how she mixed the sixteen century and fantasy. I loved the connection to history. The authors prose was splendid. I loved how unapologetic the author made Rose. I loved this romantic fantasy book, and I can't wait to read more from the author!

Did not finish book. Stopped at 52%.
I was given an ARC thanks to NetGalley and Redhook Books. The opinions espressed are my own.

Did not like. This is misrepresented as fantasy, but it is instead historical fiction that includes magical elements such as alchemy, astrology and witchcraft. This mis-characterization of genre would not have stopped me from reading it.

Instead, my issue was that I was bored and unwilling to keep slogging through to the end. Also, I found most of the characters unlikable and unsympathetic.

**Review: "A Rose by Any Other Name" by Mary McMyne**

"A Rose by Any Other Name" by Mary McMyne is a beautifully crafted historical fiction novel that offers a unique twist on Shakespeare's sonnets. McMyne weaves a captivating tale featuring Rose, a young woman with dreams of performing music at court, her mother, a healer and alleged witch, and Shakespeare himself.

Set in Elizabethan England, the story explores themes of astrology, witchcraft, and societal challenges. Rose's relationships, especially her complex feelings for her best friend and her tumultuous connection with Shakespeare, add layers of intrigue. The detailed character development and well-researched backdrop make for an immersive reading experience.

The beginning and end are particularly strong, though the middle can feel a bit slow. Despite this, the plot twists and character depth keep readers engaged. This novel also offers an LGBTQ perspective, enriching its historical context.

I highly recommend "A Rose by Any Other Name" to fans of historical fiction, the occult, and Shakespearean literature. Mary McMyne's talent for bringing history to life shines through in this well-rounded and vivid narrative.

*This ebook was provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

A Rose by Any Other Name by Mary McMyne is a first person-POV Queer speculative historical reimagining of one of the subjects of Shakespeare’s sonnets, the Dark Lady. Rose is the daughter of a witch who does small magics to help others and an astrologer. While Rose wants to become a court musician and live her life with her good friend and crush, Cecely, a noble lord, Richard Underhill, is obsessed with Rose and wants to marry her.

One of the things I really liked was how Rose and Cecely’s slowburn relationship was built up. It’s obvious from the beginning that Rose is attracted to Cecely but doesn’t act on it for a long time due to societal norms. Both women are known as hedonists who take lovers and live their lives as they please, which later comes back to haunt them. The way the two come together and choose each other at various points was very engaging and had more of a sensual quality, such as Rose noticing the pink tint of Cecely’s hips.

When Rose meets William Shakespeare, there’s an instant connection between the two that remains mostly physical rather than emotional. Will takes Rose on to write the music for his plays and later introduces her as an astromancer and astrologer to his friends, integrating her into his world and the Elizabethan courts. The relationship sours over time and Shakespeare begins to write the Dark Lady sonnets to spite Rose.

The narration is threaded with mentions of astrological signs and the planets, drawing back to Rose’s father, magic, and the interest in the stars of the Elizabethan period. It feels similar to how I have encountered astrology in the present day, such as Cancer ruling someone’s ambitions and has made me interested in doing more research into how far back astrology goes in Europe.

I would recommend this book to fans of Shakespeare’s sonnets, readers who like a light speculative touch to in their historical fiction, and those looking for historical centering Bi/Pan characters.

I was a HUGE fan of The Book of Gothel, so I instantly wanted to read this book. However, I just could not connect to it and ended up DNFing halfway through. The main character, Rose, is unbelievably independent for the time, and honestly just selfish. Her father dies, and her paternal grandmother and uncle do not want to support her family. It is therefore her responsibility to marry into a household that will then house her, her mother, and her five-year-old brother. Yet Rose absolutely refuses to do it because she dreams of playing music in court. I think the fact that her dream was not only so freaking specific (not just play music professionally, but play music IN COURT for THE QUEEN at a time when WOMEN DO NOT WORK) but just so out of reach made her feel delusional to me. And then, on top of that, she kept making the riskiest decisions possible. To get out of consummating her marriage, she lies about being pregnant from a previous engagement. She easily could have been thrown on the street for that alone. And then, literally within days, she's sneaking out in the middle of the night to go romp with Shakespeare. My anger at her dumb decisions made me feel like a conservative old lady clutching my pearls, but this girl just did not think through the consequences of her actions. And it wasn't until she was explicitly told by people that she realized that her behavior was incredibly selfish. I like a bad, morally gray character, but this girl just felt dumb to me. I could not connect with her, and I had to be done. I was really disappointed, because Book of Gothel is one of my favs.

Thank you to Redhook books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Really like the concept of reading about the fictional backstory of Rose from Shakespeare’s work. The plot was interesting and character development was well done. I did prefer The Book of Gothel better, I think because that read more like a fairytale. Overall enjoyed this book and will definitely read more from this author.

I am not usually one to ready a historical fiction title, however when I read this synopsis, I knew I had to jump on this title! Thank you to NetGalley and Redhook for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I will admit I am not a big Shakespear buff, but this book sounded so intriguing that I threw caution to the wind and decided to try it out anyway. I am glad I did! I enjoyed A Rose by Any Other Name despite my very basic knowledge of Shakespear, so please don't let that put you off of this book. It was a well written, obviously lovingly researched, book about Rose Rushe in Elizabethan England. You will get a wonderfully feminist and queer story when you dive into this read. I was particularly drawn to the astrology and occult parts of this book that were so immersive. When you sit down to read this book, prepare to be sent back in time!

A Rose By Any Other Name is a beautifully haunting historical fiction depiction of the myth behind Shakespeare’s “Dark Lady”. 3.5 stars

The writing was vivid and gorgeous. I personally did not quite connect with the story, but I think many will love it.

For fans of S.T. Gibson and Genevieve Gornichec.

Thank you to Redhook Books and NetGalley for an advanced electronic copy in exchange for a honest review.

The premise was intriguing but , i couldnt get into it. I didnt like the female character as much. The cover was beautiful and eye catching. It wasn't for me but , i'm sure it will be someone elses favourite.

I unfortunately could not get into this one. I did finish it though and think others would really enjoy it.
It’s just not something I jive with personally.
The writing was great and well done, the story just wasn’t for me this time.

This riveting novel is the perfect story to bring Shakespeare’s Dark Lady to life: a captivating blend of love, loss, and determination, with a heavy splash of magical
Realism. Rose, our protagonist was fiery and brave, and I loved this depiction of William Shakespeare: brash, brilliant, and deeply insecure. McMyne expertly weaves together history, myth, and rich characterization to create this novel. I could not put it down and read in two sittings!

I enjoyed McMyne's writing but I don't think this is the book for me. I plan to read her first title because that got rave reviews and customers have told me they liked it. I hope to see future titles from her in the future because I feel sure she'll be creating something special again. Thank you for the opportunity to be introduced to a promising new author.

Truly loved this book. The witchy vibes. The dark intensity. It was extremely slow pace for me, but otherwise I truly enjoyed the tale of a feminist in the Shakespeare time piece.
Thank you to NetGalley for the review copy for an honest review.

3.5 stars

I loved the Book of Gothel by this author, and was excited to see she had a new book.

This one follows Rose. She is a musician and some say a witch. She wants to find a job as a court musician, not to be forced to marry and have children.
She has it all planned out. Then tragedy strikes and her world is turned upside down.

I enjoyed this. Just not as much as Gothel. I've said this before, but I am so amazed by the way women were treated in this era. They have no say in anything. I was glad this ended the way it did.

Mary McMyne’s writing will never not impress me. She is a master of dark, atmospheric prose, and has created another deeply impactful story of feminine power and agency. I loved The Book of Gothel so I was thrilled when I found out she was coming out with this book. A Rose by Any Other name is a wonderful weaving of history and fantasy with elements of witchcraft and astrology that I really loved! I loved Rose’s brashness, her fearlessness is pursuing her dreams and her unwillingness to accept anything less. The friendship turned love that she found was really lovely and her affair with Shakespeare was a unique and interesting take on the bard’s life and history. I don’t know a lot of Shakespeare’s real life, but I can see there has been a great deal of research done on McMyne’s part to incorporate true elements and this novel prompted me to do a little bit of research and learning about him myself! It’s fascinating to see him as this insecure, needy man whose pride and ego were unleashed in such selfish ways that they wrought devastation on those around him. If you like queer historical fiction and witchy reads that explore feminine rage and empowerment, this one is for you!!

I was so excited when I got approved for this eARC. I loved the idea of the Dark Lady getting a queer spotlight alongside a queer coded Shakespeare in an Elizabethan England setting obsessed with astrology and witchcraft/wise woman healing. . . But sadly, this just missed the mark for me. 🙁

The story follows Rose, the main protagonist who dreams of becoming a court musician for Queen Elizabeth. She’s incredibly stubborn to the point that I was wondering if she was written to be a stereotypical Taurus only to find out that she’s an Aries. I honestly found her person to be a bit exhausting and frustrating to read due to her claiming to be a great strategist (along with her mother), but time and time again, they both fail to see the ways in which their planning and manipulation can end. As someone who has back up plans for my back up plans, this just irked me to no end and it was so bothersome for me that it really took a lot of potential joy out of the character for me. 😞

Will Shakespeare and Cecely as love interests were (again) written as different astrology signs to what I expected of them. The Taurus aspects of Will were only present in the way he likes to use fashion as a symbol of status, but the way in which he acted made me feel like he was more portrayed as a stereotypical Leo. The man loves his spotlight and refuses to give it up. Cecely was the most practical character of the bunch and screamed Virgo energy, but was written as a Libra which made me scratch my head at a few times. She grounds Rose in a way that I found odd for an air sign, but their dynamic worked somehow. . . 🤨

I don’t mean to be an astrology snob in this entire review, but that’s what ended up really putting a damper on the whole story for me. I did enjoy the Elizabethan England setting and the extensive look into how vital wise folk were for this period when physicians weren’t attainable nor affordable. I can tell McMyne really did her research here and can see her love for this period. 🪶

All in all, I can see how this book can be a great tale of independence in a time of rampant patriarchy, but the main character just wasn’t doing it for me. Thank you goes out to Orbit Books and NetGalley for accepting my request to read this be in exchange for an honest review, and to the author for writing a great representation of wise folk in the Elizabethan period. ❤️

Publication date: July 16!

Overall: 3/5 ⭐️