Skip to main content

Member Reviews

Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publishers for access to the audio and digital copy of this book! First let me just say that I LOVE Suzy Jackson as a narrator—but specifically as Rosie’s voice! I thoroughly enjoyed the first book but it ended very abruptly. Thankfully this one picked up right where it left off and kept the pace well. The mystery wasn’t quite as gripping but the character development here felt more focal and I enjoyed it a lot. Who doesn’t love a medieval slow burn enemies to lovers style Shakespearean drama?! I laugh out loud and giggle and enjoy this series wholeheartedly!!

Was this review helpful?

Fab, fab, and fun. Another case for young Cal and Rosie to solve is that this time, it's the murder of Escalus the Elder whose ghost is only visible to Rosie.

As always, the story was delivered with just the right level of irreverent humor and romance. I love the dynamic duo and even the third wheel (The One True Love), but honestly, Rosie does not have a chance to resist Cal.

The narration was on point and kept me on the hook.

Cannot wait for the next book.

#ThusWithaKissIDie #NetGalley

Was this review helpful?

What can I say, I’m really a sucker for this series. It’s a lighthearted historical murder-mystery romance.

I love that this is told from the perspective of Rosie—who is the eldest daughter of Romeo and Juliet—since we get to imagine that the most iconic star-crossed lovers in history are still very much alive, and happily in love.

This is a continuation of the Daughter of Montague series, following the first book A Daughter of Fair Verona. I surprisingly loved that book, so when I saw this on NetGalley I just knew I needed to request the arc! Imagine my surprise when I got approved for not only the eARC but also the audioARC too!

I did an immersive read for majority of the book, except for the last 30% when I was listening to it at work. The narrator did an excellent job. Her voice matches Rosie perfectly, and I loved how she was able to translate much of the dry humor that was littered throughout the book.

Thus With a Kiss I Die was witty, hilarious, and just a bit steamy while still having zero spice. And coming from someone who loves smut, I’m actually not mad at all about the lack there of. Would I love to see it? Absolutely. But the characters relationship is completely a slow burn. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if someone told me this was YA with how PG the series is.

Was this review helpful?

We all know the story of Romeo and Juliet. Two crazy kids in love, whose families hated each other they decided to make the ultimate sacrifice and die for each other. One of the greatest tragic love stories of all time. But what if it didn’t end in tragedy? What if Romeo and Juliet had their happy ending and had a large family? In this version of Verona, Romeo and Juliet have a large family, and their eldest daughter Rosaline is the most beautiful, headstrong girl in all of Verona. Unfortunately, Rosaline (Rosie) has got herself in quite a mess with an unwanted prince fiancé, a ghost who only she can see, and a murder investigation. Can Rosie solve the case and figure out her love life before things go horribly wrong? This is the premise of the second book of the Daughter of Montague series by Christina Dodd called “Thus with a Kiss I Die.”

I would like to thank Kensington Publishing and Net Galley for sending me a copy of this novel. While I have not read the first book in this series, I thought the idea of Romeo and Juliet surviving and having a family was such a fun concept. Sometimes you just need a book that is based on a historical work of fiction as a way to escape reality, and that’s okay.

We begin where the first book in the series, “A Daughter of Fair Verona,” left off. Rosie is waiting in a garden for her one true love, Lysander, but her plans are foiled when the Prince of Verona, Escalus, kisses Rosie. Now, she is engaged to a prince. She should be thrilled, but Rosie is trying to think of every possible way to get out of this arrangement. Meanwhile, Rosie and her family are invited to dinner with the Prince and his family, which includes his Nonna Ursula and his young sister, Princess Isabella. Escalus (known as Cal in his family) is an orphan prince. His father was killed by an unknown assassin, and his mother died in a convent while giving birth to Princess Isabella.

While exploring the palace, Rosie hears a voice and discovers that it belongs to the ghost of Prince Escalus the Elder, Cal’s father. He wants Rosie to figure out who killed him, which kicks off the mystery portion of this book. On top of all of this, Juliet is about to give birth. Rosie has her hands full while she is trying to figure out her love life and solve a murder mystery before she is murdered or married to the prince.

This was a fun read that is more modern than historical, with the dialogue. Sure, it's set in 16th-century Verona with Romeo and Juliet as side characters, but you could place Rosie and Cal in a modern setting and it would work just as well. Overall, I found this an absolute joy and a great escape. If you want a historical fiction novel with a unique twist, a murder mystery, and a love triangle, I suggest you read “Thus with a Kiss I Die” by Christina Dodd.

Was this review helpful?

“Dear Reader.” I was so glad I read these books back to back! This series is so fun. I enjoyed this book just as much as the first. The way the book is written, breaking that fourth wall, makes it even more enjoyable. The characters in this book are even more full of life and hilarious at times. (Nonna Ursula was the best!)

Rosie is one of my favorites heroines. She finds herself in another murder mystery, this time with a ghost. We see Rosie take charge of so many situations and I loved that. She spends a lot of time at a palace, and meets Cal’s (Escalus) deceased father, Elder, and she agrees to help find who killed him. There is this mystery to solve, plus danger around every corner. Something special does happen with Rosie’s family that touched my heart.

The Medieval setting is so enjoyable and adds so much to the story, with sword fights and battles. The modern language mixed in and the humor is so fun. The climax was exciting and the ending was perfect, leading into another book.

Suzy Jackson is back as the narrator. And I love her take on these characters. Her expression for each character and situation is so well done. Jackson plays Nonna Ursula perfectly. I need to find more books with her narration.

I received a paperback copy from the publisher. Many thanks for the audio and ebook from NetGalley too!

Was this review helpful?

I love this series that reimagines Shakespeare with main characters from the story of Romeo and Juliet! The characters are appealing, the mystery is engaging, and the banter made me smile. In this reality Romeo and Juliet did not die, but lived to love, marry, and be the greatest love story in Verona. Rosie is their daughter and until now has managed to avoid an arranged marriage. Now she is betrothed to Prince Escalus (Cal) but thinks she is in love with another. Rosie agrees to solve a mystery for Prince Escalus’ family (ok, for the ghost of his father), in exchange to be with her one true love. Danger is all around and as she figures out the mystery she finds more than she bargained for about herself and what she truly wants. Rosie and Cal learn more about each other in this book and I enjoyed watching the connection grow. This is one of those books where everything just worked, the writing, the characters, the plot, and I couldn’t stop reading it. I can’t wait for the next book! I highly recommend this to readers that love clever reimaginings that make you smile.

Was this review helpful?

The second book in Christina Dodd’s daughter of Montague series picks up right where we left off in the first with Rosie Montague Verona (daughter of Romeo and Juliet- in this timeline they live and are very fruitful), unhappily engaged to the Prince of Verona … not by her choice! This is the second engagement she has now had forced upon her and this time her parents are not going to let her get out of it even if she’s already in love with her best friend Lysander.

And if Rosie doesn’t have enough to worry about then this unwanted engagement and the drama that precipitated it (i.e. being caught in a delicate situation together) there is another killer on the loose in Verona and Rosie has the pestering ghost of her fiancé. His father urging her to solve the mystery his murder! And I did say ghost!

This series is an absolute hoot and it has only gotten better with the second book. Rosie‘s honour and sensibilities and Tongue In Cheek attitude make for a fun and spunky read. I also really loved it in the second book. We see her character grow and realize that there’s more to love, marriage and relationships than she thought she knew.

This is a fun and fresh take on the Romeo and Juliet Legacy and I can’t wait to see what Rosie gets up to next!

Was this review helpful?

A YA murder mystery mixing Shakespearian lore with modern language and a kick-butt female lead.

This was a great follow up to the first book from the series, "A Daughter of Fair Verona". While readers would still enjoy this book without reading the first, the first book has important character development which adds to the enjoyment of the second book.

I love that this book is a light homage to Macbeth, where the ghost of a murdered father/king reveals himself to Lady Rosaline, and demands to know who his killer is.

This book has the ingredients that I think make YA books really work
- Courage
- A big heart
- Action
- A solid plot
- Great secondary characters
- A kick-butt leader character
- Feminism

Thank you to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.

This book is best read while sneaking around the halls of a castle, watch out for ghosts.

Was this review helpful?

I absolutely adored the first book in this series, and I’m happy to say that this sequel did not disappoint! While you could enjoy this on its own, it does pick up right where the first book left off, so I recommend reading them in order.

Once again, I loved the characters, the plot, the humor, and the mystery. Rosie is strong-willed, snarky, clever, competent, and kind, and I love spending time in her tempestuous world. I found most of the other characters fun and relatable as well, especially Nonna Ursula.

I was shocked by Prince Escalus’s actions at the end of the previous book, and very happy to see that all turns out well. But Rosie’s two potential romantic relationships are a smaller part of the plot than the mystery of who killed Prince Escalus the Elder, and who attacked Nonna Ursula. Was it the same person, and can Rosie identify the killer before they kill again? There are also fun scenes in which Rosie learns how to run the Prince’s household, survive a riot, and deliver a baby, among other adventures.

I highly recommend this book for fans of Shakespearean stories, historical mysteries, historical romances, and fun stories that will make you laugh out loud.

I received a free advanced review copy of the ebook through NetGalley. I volunteered to provide an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Thus With a Kiss I Die by Christina Dodd
Daughter of Montaque series #2. Historical Retelling romance. Best read in series order.
The eldest daughter of Romeo and Juliet is told it’s time for her to get married. She’s twenty and after the scandal of the serial killer, though she’s still a virgin, her parents are adamant. Rosie Montague tries to arrange to get caught with Lysander, but alas, the Prince of Verona has other ideas.

🎧 I listened to an audiobook narrated by Suzi Jackson. The performance was excellent with timing and emotions to hold the readers attention, including several different distinct voices.

Best of the series. An entertaining love story with an amusing background.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and publisher RBMedia.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Christina Dodd for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Thus with a Kiss I Die coming out June 24, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I really enjoyed the first book, so I was excited to receive this one. It’s been a while since I read the first one, so I might’ve needed a refresher. There were some funny parts, but I didn’t feel like it was as interesting to me as the first book. I would definitely read other books by this author though.

Was this review helpful?

Rosie can't get out of this one! Rosie, the daughter of Romeo and Juliet, is caught in a compromised position with the prince and can't get out of this betrothal. Before the wedding she has to find a killer and secure her place in the palace.

This story continues from where the last one ended. It took about a bit for the story to pick up for me but was well written.

Was this review helpful?

I like Nonna Ursula. I didn't know who the killer was. I didn't like the disciplinati. Baal is creepy.

Was this review helpful?

The second book of the Montague series by Christina Dodd is as enjoyable as the first. Now engaged to the Podesta or Verona, Rosie has a very new role to fill. An added complication is the manifestation of Escalus Sr who was murdered when the current prince was just a boy. The fact that only Rosie can see or hear him adds to the high jinks and adds a level of humor to the tale. Loved this book and love following the story of Romeo and Juliet's family. Hope there is a third in the series.

Was this review helpful?

This is the second book in the Daughter of Montague series and it is as delightful as book one. I am very glad Rosie came to her senses at the end and can’t wait to see where things go from here. Definitely read book one first.

Was this review helpful?

Thus With A Kiss I Die, is the second mystery and The Daughter Of Montague series by Christina Dodd, Rosaline Montagu is the smartest of her siblings, she’s the one who manages the household and she even uses her spare time to find wives that her parents betrove her too but when setting up a coup to finally marry her one true love Lysander and Prince Escalus shows up instead. Her plan was to get caught with Lysander, in a less than proper situation but due to the fact it was dark and making out with her one true love isn’t something she’s ever done she doesn’t know it’s the prince until they get caught and she’s forced to marry him or at least be engaged to him. with the princess dark and Moody persona he is the last person Rosaline wants to marry but she accepts her duty and also his invitation for her in the Montagues to go to his home for dinner. Rosaline is ready to suffer through the dinner but once she gets there she’s met with many surprises they learned the flagellants, a group of homeless religious people have made it to Verona and where they are trouble follows but that’s not the only surprise she also meets Prince Escalus’s Grandfather the only problem is his grandfather has been dead for years. Why Rosaline is the only one who sees him, she doesn’t know what she does know is he wants her to solve his murder. All this and the fact lie sander is also hanging out at the Escalus Castle is all becoming a bit much for Rosaline to add on top of that she’s seeing the prince who she now calls Cal in a whole new light. add in grumpy future in-laws and attempted murder on Cal’s grandmother who she feels a great kinship with and you can see Rosaline has her hands full but of course it’s the Montague’s so there’s going to be more including a new sibling. If they survive the flagellants will Rosaline once again use her sleuthing skills to solve not just a murder but an attempted murder and will she once again find her latest fiancé someone else to love in the end get to be with the love of her life Lysander? these are some of the best well put together well worded mysteries and just the fact that Miss Dodd keeps the romance so fresh and new despite things not changing much between the two books having the same romantic interest. These books are funny and oh so entertaining I just love them and definitely recommend them. #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #ChristinaDodd., #ThusWithTheKissIDie, #DaughterOfVerona?

Was this review helpful?

🤍 Thank you @uplitreads and @christinadoddbooks for the arc of this Thus with a Kiss I Die

The daughter of Romeo and Juliet is back with another laugh-out-loud mystery she must solve! And I enjoyed the heck out of reading this book.

Rosie is absolutely shocking in what she says, and I love her for it. I never know what outrageous thing might come out of her mouth.

Pair this with a mysterious unaliving and I was invested. Not to mention the beautiful setting of Verona. I will definitely be reading the next installment!

★ ★ ★ ★/5
Steam: kissing

Was this review helpful?

I want to express my gratitude to @catherinedoddbooks @kensingtonbooks and @uplitreads for both of these #gifted incredible books.

I was utterly captivated by the first book in the Daughter of Montague series, A Daughter of Fair Verona, which compelled me to dive into the next installment – and I can confidently say I was not disappointed.

The narrative picks up as Rosaline, the spirited daughter of Romeo and Juliet, prepares for her impending marriage to Prince Escalus. In a thrilling twist, she encounters the ghost of her future father-in-law, setting her on a compelling quest to uncover the identity of his killer.

Rosaline's character shines brilliantly; she is feisty, witty, charming, resourceful, and incredibly intelligent. Her sarcasm and vibrant inner dialogue breathe life into the story, making each page a delight to read. Moreover, Prince Escalus proves to be the perfect partner, embracing her quirks with unwavering support. The chemistry between Rosaline and Prince Escalus is nothing short of electric, filled with tension, passion, and deeply genuine moments of connection. The growth of Rosaline was a delight to watch.

The plot masterfully intertwines intrigue and danger beneath the glamorous veneer of Verona society, striking a perfect balance between suspense and romance. The writing is exquisite and draws you in from the very first line.

This series is an absolute treasure and a must-read for anyone who appreciates Shakespearean tales and historical romances. If you crave historical murder mysteries rich with original retellings and unforgettable characters, this book is an unequivocal must-read. Mark your calendars for its release on June 24, 2025 – you won't want to miss it!

Was this review helpful?

Thus with a Kiss I Die is the second book in A Daughter of Fair Verona series by Christina Dodd.
I enjoy the mix of modern with the Shakespearean setting. Rosie is the eldest daughter of Romeo and Juliet and has purposefully stayed single but she was compromised and now has to marry The Prince. She is furious. While at the palace, his father’s ghost asks for her help in finding the assassin who murdered him 11 years before. Not an easy task plus everyone thinks she is going mad for talking to a ghost that no one else sees.
This series is a combination of rom-com and mystery. Very entertaining! There were times I just had to laugh out loud.

Was this review helpful?

I love the humor and the romance. The drama and the mystery make the book a compelling read. Rosie and Escalus are characters that I just want to spend more time with. His family, sister and grandma, are wonderful additions to the side characters in this world.
This book is just freaking awesome!

Was this review helpful?