Oh this story continues to be so hilarious and honestly so original. I love the writing style, most of the characters and the MFC the most, but I think I might be slightly old for this story.

The mystery is kind of obvious to me from the beginning so there wasn’t much intrigue for me.

But if you’re a fan of quirky and funny characters, definitely give it a try.

An extremely satisfying sequel.

I wasn’t sure about the ghost storyline at first, but I ended up falling almost as much in love with Escalus the Elder as I already had with Escalus the Younger!

The mystery, the humour, and the slow burn romance in this book were done really well and I thoroughly enjoyed being back in Verona and surrounded by Romeo, Juliet, Rosaline and the rest of the family.

I really hope we see more of these characters, it would be lovely to revisit them and perhaps read more of some of the characters like Marcellus, Princess Isabella and Lysander. And I’d love to see how the relationship develops, and the arguments and sparks flying that would undoubtedly occur between a married Rosaline & Escalus!

This was such a fun, easy-to-read, and entertaining story! It’s a unique blend of murder mystery, ghostly intrigue, laugh-out-loud comedy, chaotic family drama, and a dash of romance — all wrapped in Shakespearean flair. The twists and turns kept me hooked from start to finish.

I absolutely loved Rosie. As the eldest daughter of Romeo and Juliet, she’s sassy, witty, and totally unforgettable. Her character shines, especially with the clever way she breaks the fourth wall (think Enola Holmes meets Deadpool) — and it works beautifully. It felt natural and added a fresh layer of charm to the story.

I’m definitely hoping for more! I don’t quite see Rosie settling down with Cal just yet, so… when’s my next trip back to Verona?

Thus with a Kiss I Die by Christina Dodd is a refreshingly bold and entertaining historical mystery that cleverly continues the story of Rosaline Montague, the irreverent eldest daughter of the not-so-ill-fated Romeo and Juliet. Set in fair Verona, the book blends mystery, romance, and a touch of the supernatural as Rosaline is tasked by the ghost of Prince Escalus the Elder to solve his murder. The premise is unique and engaging, combining elements of Shakespearean legacy with a modern, witty voice that kept me hooked.

I loved Rosaline’s sharp humor and relatable voice, which adds a contemporary flair to the historical setting. The chemistry between Rosaline and Prince Escalus is electric and filled with tension, passion, and moments of genuine connection. The plot weaves intrigue and danger beneath the glittering surface of Verona society, with a good mix of suspense and romance.

While the story can be complex at times, and the Shakespearean references might not be for everyone, I appreciated the rich world-building and character depth. The blend of mystery, romance, and historical elements makes this a standout in the genre.

Overall, I’m giving Thus with a Kiss I Die four stars. It’s a clever, captivating read perfect for fans of historical mysteries with a twist and strong, witty heroines.

Christina Dodd's Thus With A Kiss I Die delivers a captivating blend of high-stakes romance and clever wit, proving to be a truly engaging read. Dodd excels with a wonderful mix of Shakespearean-level drama and modern sensibility, and as an especial fan of Shakespearean in-jokes, I found myself delighted by the subtle (and not-so-subtle) nods throughout.

As the much-anticipated sequel to an outstanding Romeo and Juliet retelling, this book successfully carries forward much of what made its predecessor so enjoyable. Readers will find the same evocative historic romance elements, a fantastically witty and sassy female main character, and another intriguing murder mystery to unravel. While the first book leaned heavily into the lighter, more comedic aspects of the Romeo and Juliet retelling, Thus With A Kiss I Die shifts gears, incorporating noticeably more Hamlet elements into its dramatic core.

This installment relies on more traditional romantic tropes, particularly a delightful enemies-to-lovers dynamic, which is balanced by plenty of silly antics providing much-needed comedic relief amidst the rising tension. The shift in tone from the previous, more overtly comedic installment to a slightly darker, more dramatically complex narrative works beautifully, showcasing Dodd's versatility. It's a testament to Dodd's skill that she can weave such compelling plots and charming characters into a tapestry rich with literary homage, delivering a book that is both thrilling and genuinely fun.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for bringing us book #2. I look forward to book #3.

Thank you to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. What English major doesn't love Shakespeare and want to know more about Romeo and Juliet? This is what drew me into the book but then the twist of other plays into the plot and how it evolves is fun. I am never sure exactly where the story is going to go but I do enjoy going along for the ride and seeing what Rosaline is going to do now. I did also really like the end where she makes her choice between her One True Love (her emphasis, not mine) and Prince Escalus as it was satisfying for her reasoning. My guess is there will be more books in this series and I will happily gobble it up. 3.75 stars.

I absolutely love this series! Another great adventure with Rosie Montague of Verona.

When last we saw Rosie she had been trapped into a proposal by Prince Escalus. Now she doesn't just have just Escalus to deal with but the ghost of his murdered father.

Highly recommended! It's going to be painful waiting for the next book in the series.

I like this series. I enjoyed the references to other Shakespeare works. I am not even that big a fan of Shakespeare’s writing but I do like more modern takes . I like this “what if version” that is able to combine more modern mannerisms and humor in a 13 century world. I like the deeper look into Escalus and seeing their relationship evolve and grow. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

Words can’t describe how excited I was to get this eARC. I’ve been waiting for this book from the moment I read the last page of the first book. (Which while this is a series they can be read as standalone. But I clearly recommend reading them both.)

As I’ve stated before I’m not huge into historical fiction but these books have a modern feel to them while also staying true to the time period. Plus there’s so much humor, romance, and mystery woven within - it’s the perfect combo for any reader.

While the stories themselves are great, I think the heart of what makes them so good is Rosie. She is such a compelling, witty, and sassy character. I just absolutely adore her! Plus Prince Escalus really came out in this book and is growing on me too. Then put them together and I’m really starting to love their relationship. Their relationship might not be firey and passionate like Romeo and Juliet but it is definitely intriguing and worthy of being a long told tale.

Thank you Christina Dodd for writing such a unique, entertaining series. I cannot wait for the next book!

Read if you love:
🕰️ Historical fiction
🕵️‍♂️ Cozy mystery
👩🏻 Strong female characters

Thank you Kensington and Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Another wonderful time reading book two in the Daughter of Montague books series! I loved book one and was so happy to receive an arc for book two! Read this book if you love Romeo and Juliet and are looking for a lighthearted romp with a good mystery element.

A wonderful Book 2

The best sequels build firmly on the world introduced in the original. Given that believe, Christina Dodd outdoes herself with THUS WITH A KISS I DIE, Book 2 of her Daughter of Montague series.

Book 2 picks up shortly after the conclusion of Book 1, A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA. Rosie remains outspoken and strong-willed. Her parents, Romeo and Juliet, remain deeply in love. And Prince Escalus continues to confound her.

Add in another mystery to solve and this book turns into a fast read.

Readers will find palace intrigue and ghost stories aplenty, along with quirky characters — every series needs a spunky grandmother — to keep the action moving.

The ending surprised me while also satisfying me. I can only hope that Rosie, her family and Escalus return for Book 3.

Thus with a Kiss I Die by Christina Dodd

Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Kensington Publishing, Netgalley, and the author for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Thus with a Kiss I Die was a super intriguing read with top notch Shakespearean references, a lovely romance element, and a good mystery that’ll keep you interested to the very end. This is the second book in the Daughter of Montague series.

The main character, Rosie, is Romeo and Juliet’s eldest daughter. She has been maneuvered into an engagement with Escalus, Prince of Verona. She’s interested in Lysander though. In this one, Rose must solve a murder (just like the previous book), however this time around she has a ghost helping her out along the way.

Escalus’s father, Prince Escalus the Elder, appears as a ghost to Rosie and tells her to find his killer. He promises to unite Rosie with her One True Love, so she starts to find clues and tries to solve the mystery.

Thus with a Kiss I Die is super entertaining, humorous, and delightfully charming every step of the way. The Montague family is always interesting and the chaos is supremely fun. The chemistry between Rosie and Cal is great.

Dodd wonderfully balances mystery/drama and wit while enveloping it all in a Shakespearean style plot. This book, along with the series as a whole, is an absolute joy to read for anyone who likes Shakespeare and/or historical romance novels. Super excited for the third book!

Love in the language of Shakespeare with seamlessly integrated modern vernacular? Sign me up! I found Rosie to be such a spitfire in A Daughter of Fair Verona that I was eager for a follow up in Thus With a Kiss I Die. This time, the mystery finds Rosie in the form of her betrothed's (Prince Escalus) father's ghost who cannot rest until his murderer is caught. Rosie needs to navigate the complexities of trying to avoid yet another scandal (I mean who will marry someone who talks to a ghost....but, it could get her out of this unwanted betrothal) while still trying to end up with her One True Love (Lysander---I mean, he's gorgeous), and not bring further harm to her family's reputation and the prospects of all her younger siblings. No pressure! If only it were that easy, but family, politics, revolution, and wedding plans surge as do the confusing signals from Prince Escalus. What is a girl to think or do? Rosie's life (and happiness) hangs in the balance.

Rosie continued to be entertaining, relatable, and a riot throughout this book. While I did not find this mystery as compelling as in A Daughter of Fair Verona, I was entertained and, while I did guess the culprit earlier in the book, the various ways clues and characters were introduced, I kept second guessing myself. I enjoyed reading how Rosie's character grew, as did her understanding of what love looks like and means, especially in terms of one's lifespan vs. a singular moment built up in one's mind. Other strong female characters in Princess Isabella, the Dowager, and Juliet as well as various appearances by Rosie's sisters helped add context and demonstrated the uniqueness that is Rosie. I hope there is another book coming as I can't wait to read about Rosie's future happiness and love.

The second novel in Christina Dodd's Daughter of Montague series continues to entertain readers with sleuthing adventures of Rosie, the daughter of Romeo and Juliet in the city of Verona. Rosie is betrothed (unfairly in her opinion) to the local Prince, where she is tasked with finding the murderer of her bethrothed's father. So there's mystery, and yet incredible subtle humor in the way Ms. Dodd tells the story. I find this to be very refreshing and can't wait for the third book in the series.

It's probably best to read the books in order to get the full effect! There's a novella between the first and second books (What Dreams May Come) that ties the first books together nicely as well.

I appreciate the advance copy of this book provided by NetGalley and am happy to have submitted an honest review!

📖 ARC Review 📖

Blurb:
🎭 Shakespeare’s greatest couple Romeo and Juliet but with a twist. They not only lived but are happily married and have many, many children. Their oldest daughter feels as if she is in the shadow of their great love story until the fateful day she meets her One True Love. Luck is not on Rosie’s side though for the Prince of Verona has developed an interest in her and tricked her into a betrothal. This book is one wild mash up of murder mystery, ghosts, Shakespearean flair and hilarity!

What I liked:

🎭 The romance in this book is what kept me hooked. From the first book and through this one I was entirely invested in the love story. I can’t say much for fear of spoiling just know it’s the slowest of burns and it felt like the author was teasing me. Play on puppet master!

🎭 The humor laced throughout this story was self deprecating and non serious. I found myself being shocked at what was said and startled into laughter many times. Fair warning this humor lends towards crude so if that offends you this may not be for you.

What I didn’t like:

🎭 The murder mystery in this book didn’t really work for me. It felt disjointed and I could have done without it.

🎭 I was not a fan of the in book summarizing. We had a 3 page catch up on what had happened literally 3 chapters ago. For a book that is only 290 pages this felt insanely unnecessary and irritated me. I’ve seen this done before to help puzzle out clues or with a change of POV but that was not what happened. I was left feeling the author had a word count to meet. 😅

Takeaway:
🎭 Overall I found this book to be a mixed bag. I partially loved it and also didn’t? The humor went a bit too far for me in this second installment and the mystery was lackluster. The style of the story and the romance though still has me hooked? The author managed to make me care about the characters despite the other issues I had. So I’m shocked to say, despite my rating, I will be reading any future books because I HAVE TO KNOW what happens! Rosie girl “good luck, babe!”

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. Having read the first book, I was anxiously awaiting the second and was thrilled to get an advanced copy. Of course, now I am sitting here crying because there isn't a third, fourth, or millionth book out for me to read. Seriously, I finished the last page and kept trying to scroll to the next page multiple times. I need more! Sure, the book hasn't even been published yet, but still.

I have never understood why people think Romeo and Juliet is a great love story; even Shakespeare says it is a tragedy. It's right in the title. I love how it has been rewritten here that they lived through all of it. I truly can't imagine having kids twenty years apart (the mystery series is their oldest, but Juliet is still having babies), but people still do it. Also, letting your husband name your baby after your first love? Rosaline? That's a no from me.

Beyond that rant, I love everything about this series! The characters, the mystery, the plot, everything.


Thanks again to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given and my opinions are my own.

4 Stars

This was such a delightful continuation of the first book in the Rosaline Montague series. I simply adore the way this is written and I fully ship Rosie and the Prince - even if she keeps saying he isn’t handsome, I know he turns her on for sure.

This was such a wonderful use of alot of elements from Hamlet this time. We had the appearance of the old Prince’s ghost, the skull of poor Yorrick and another murder mystery with a couple of twists in there. Plus tension around Juliet’s pregnancy in the middle there.

Overall this was a really fun, easy read and I’m very keen to continue on to the next if the series keeps going.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me a copy of the eARC - this is my honest review*

This book has a Shakespeare-style feel but with a modern flare. This is the second book in the series, and definitely should read in order.
There was a lot of crude humor and innuendo which turned me off a little. I thought this book started off very slow. I originally was hoping for a different ending, but I think it turned out how it needed to. I like how she always put family first and did the right thing despite societal expectations.

I was so happy to see that Rosie Montague return!

This second book picks up shortly after the first with Rosie recovering from her injuries and coming to grips with her betrothal to Prince Escalus. He is not her One True Love but he does make her feel things that she didn't think he could. But as the daughter of Romeo and Juliet she needs to chose true love...or does she?

Rosie is soon engrossed in a mystery presented to her by a ghost, but not just any ghost. This ghost is the father of Prince Escalus and he is looking for justice of his murder fourteen years ago. He tells Rosie (who is the only one that can hear/see him) that she must solve it and then he will make it so Rosie can marry her One True Love and not Prince Escalus.

There is much witty dialogue, references to Shakespeare, and good old fashioned romance. I love these characters even more than in the first novel and I hope there is more to come!

This was a fun read, not bad but not as good as book one.
I enjoyed the mystery aspect of it, and while I felt the supernatural elements were unnecessary, the ghost did make for some good comedic relief lol
I'm normally not a fan of love triangles but this worked out well, only thing was.....I didnt like the controlling and sometimes condescending attitude of her royal suiter 😅
Still love her family dynamics! So again overall fun read but just small things that put me off. One minor critique of the writing is that sometimes they'd use modern terms such as "TMI! TMI!" which is ridiculous for the era this Verona is set in, so it'd throw me off 😂