3.5 ⭐

Huge thanks to NetGalley for the audiobook ARC of Thus With a Kiss I Die! 💀🎧

From the very beginning, this book had me hooked. The opening is fantastic, pulling you right into the story with intensity, sass, and a strong sense of voice. Even without having read the first book, I didn’t feel lost. The author includes smart, seamless recaps throughout that make it easy to follow the plot and characters, which I really appreciated.

The writing is witty, poetic, and often darkly funny, with sharp emotional moments and court intrigue layered into a fantasy setting. It balances romantic tension and danger with some surprisingly heartfelt beats, and the main character is messy, strong, and fun to follow.

Also, I can’t shout out the narrator enough, she was phenomenal! Her delivery captured the wit, heartache, and intensity of the story so well. It felt more like a performance than just a reading, and it added so much to the experience.

That said, while I enjoyed the read, it didn’t totally blow me away. It was fun, entertaining, and a great palate cleanser between heavier reads, especially in audio, but it didn’t fully stick with me the way I’d hoped. Still, it was a solid listen with a lot of charm and voice, and I’d happily check out more from Miranda Joy in the future.

After reading book one I was so excited to get into book two. These characters have such amazing dry humor that I was so ready to keep hanging out with them...and Cal's...dad? I guess? sure? The incorporation of Shakespeare lines and phrases is so well done, I was enjoying giggling along with those too. Romeo and Juliet was one of the first stories I read that somehow just resonated with me, on some weirdly twisted level...what 3rd grader asks for a Romeo and Juliet themed party?

This audio narration is a delight and I truly enjoy this world she's immersing us in, so happy to get the audio from NetGalley!

This was such a good audiobook, I could not stop listening to it!! I love a good mystery book to break up my heavy fantasy series, I kept hearing about this series so had to add it to my TBR ASAP. I hate that the next book is so far out because I absolutely enjoyed book 1 and this book. I can't recommend this enough. Now, excuse me while I see if Christina Dodd has any other books for me to enjoy.

This is the second action packed mystery novel about Romeo and Juliet’s eldest daughter, Rosie Montague. These books are funny and amusing! I enjoy following Rosie on her journey to find answers when it comes to love and uncovering a murderer. Did I mention she’s working with a ghost to find his killer? Christina Dodd’s writing is clever and fun. Rosie’s character is great. She’s hilarious! I also love the balance and contrast Prince Escalus brings in this novel. Overall, this was a super fun book to read! I’m interested in picking up the next book of the series. Suzy Jackson was the perfect voice of Rosie. She did an excellent job narrating this book. Thank you NetGalley RBmedia for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed this one! I’m looking forward to book #3!

It's another DNF for me. I didn't realize it was the second book so i was a little lost. Thank you for the copy

Romeo and Juliet's daughter is betrothed to a prince and she couldn't be more unhappy.....
Yes, THAT, Romeo and Juliet. Their lives didn't end the way Shakespeare wrote. They went on to have many children, including Roseline - Rosie - the protagonist of this story. She is tricked into becoming engaged to a prince thinking that she was being kissed by the hot, handsome, kind, and funny man she had fallen in love with.
This is the second in a series and can work as a stand alone. Since I didn't read the first, I learned what I needed to know; that Rosie had to defy societal expectations and defend herself, her virginity, her life, and her reputation. That is the premise for this book again, but with different loves and nemeses.
This was exactly the funny, lighthearted, book I needed. I will go back and read the first story and look for any future ones.

Thank you NetGalley for an opportunity to listen to this book in return for an unbiased review.

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!!

What a follow up! The continuation of our Rosie’s take dear reader is filled with laughter. I was cracking up at the banter between all of the characters but mostly Rosie and Elder. I started to love Cal through this book unlike the first and much to my chagrin started to root for him as Rosie’s betrothed.

I don’t necessarily think the first book is required reading to start this but it will give a lot more background but the story was enjoyable regardless so don’t feel you can’t jump in. I think we get way more insight and character development in this book so you won’t miss much. And as I said in the last review for book 1….if you’re a Shakespeare loyalist this isn’t for you unless you can handle the poking fun of Romeo and Juliet and believe they didn’t die but went on to have babies.

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.

Rosie is back, and she is trying to adjust to the idea of being betrothed to the prince. She is angry with him -- mostly -- but the prince is very intriguing. Rosie learns more about him and his responsibilities while they hunt a killer and battle together for the safety of Verona. I had a hard time putting this book down because it moves so quickly and there are so many surprises.
The audiobook is also very good. The narrator adds to the humor and intrigue.

I had a lot of fun listening to this story. I laughed out loud at several moments. Having Romeo and Juliet as secondary characters made the nostalgia factor active. They are not the main characters in the story, but knowing that they are there adds an extra factor. The conversations between the characters are very humorous and sometimes even unpredictable. The interactions between the main character and the ghost made the story much more dynamic and fun. I don't know if there will be a sequel, but if there is, I will definitely read it! I listened to the audiobook narrated by Suzy Jackson, which made the text dynamic and very interesting, with different intonations for each character. I will look for more books narrated by her!

So, I actually read this book not realizing at first that it was the second book in a series. I’m happy to say, you don’t have to have read the first book to enjoy the second. The use of modern language is fun and engaging, while the new take on Romeo and Juliet’s love story definitely heals the little part of me that always wished they had survived. I would have loved a little more romance and world building, and the potty humor toward the end wasn’t my vibe. Overall, an easy, fun read. I will be going back to read the first book, and I’ll be looking out for more titles from Christina Dodd. The narrator of the audiobook, Suzy Jackson, also did a great job.

“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.

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.

The narration provided by Suzy Jackson was a perfect fit for the first person dialogue of Rosie. Her young and fresh voice she gives to the character really brings Rosie Montague to life. I noted when I started listening that I was like oh no, it’s too modern, but as I got back into Rosie‘s character, I found myself thinking that this was just us she should sound. She also did a great job differentiating in creating unique voice work for the rest of the character cast.

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!

I loved this audiobook! The narration was lovely, the plot was interesting and not too obvious, and I loved seeing the relationship between the main characters evolve. I'd love to see more of this series in the future.

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

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

This is the second installment in the Daughter of Montague series, and while I enjoyed it, I didn't love it as much as I did the first book. Rosaline is as spunky as ever, and there's a love triangle of sorts, plus plenty of intrigue and attempted murder, but I just didn't feel as connected. Still had a great time, and will eagerly read the next one!

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.

The audiobook production was excellent, and Suzy Jackson does a fantastic job with the narration. She has good pacing, clear pronunciation, distinctive voices to suit each character, and the ability to convey mood and emotion effectively. The story works very well as an audiobook.

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 and audiobook through NetGalley. I volunteered to provide an honest review.

Narrated by SuzyJackson

Thanks to NetGalley for the ALC, and RB Media. All opinions are my own.

Thus With a Kiss I Die is the second book in the Daughter of Montague series, and I’m delighted to report it’s every bit as witty, twisty, and emotionally rich as the first. Rosie Montague—yes, the daughter of those star-crossed lovers—is back, and her reputation as a rebel and mystery-solver is well and truly intact.

In this instalment, Rosie teams up with her betrothed, the ever-honourable Prince Escalus (aka Cal), to investigate the long-unsolved murder of his father, the late prince. It’s a high-stakes mystery set against a backdrop of court politics, tangled loyalties, ghosts and a delightfully messy tangle of hearts. All the beloved characters from book one return, including Lysander of the House of Beautiful—whom Juliet believes she loves, even though her heart is officially promised to Cal.

💔💘 What I loved:

The romantic tension here is so well done—Cal's subtle longing for Rosie and the way he just can't help messing up is funny and sweet. Watching Rosie unravel not only the murder mystery but her own heart is a joy. The story gracefully unfolds into something both clever and deeply touching, and I found myself properly invested in who she would choose, not just romantically but as a partner in the life she’s trying to build. Someone who will be a true partner and never seek to dim her light.

🎙️ The narration by Suzy Jackson is fantastic. Her range, emotion, and ability to bring each character—Rosie, Juliet, Romeo, Cal, Cal's father and many others—to life is a performance worth shouting about. I’m a big fan of her work and thought she elevated the story beautifully.

🏛️ Final thoughts:

Funny, clever, occasionally bittersweet, and always full of heart, this book is a gem. I’ve come to adore Rosie Montague and her opinionated, intelligent, utterly lovable family. I really hope this isn’t the end of the series, because I’m nowhere near ready to let go. Highly recommended for fans of historical-flavoured mystery with romantic tension, sharp dialogue, and unforgettable characters.

What a unique and delightful story and series! I listened to Thus with a Kiss I Die, which is the second book in the Daughter of Montague series by Christina Dodd. This series centers around the premise that the famed Romeo and Juliet of Shakespearean legend survived and did not die together as teenagers. Instead they are happily wed with seven children and are modestly successful wine merchants. The daughter featured in this story and the one before it, is their eldest daughter, Rosalind, or Rosie to her family, who is a spinster at aged 20. She is very intelligent and independent, and initially refuses to be married off. Instead she finds more suitable brides for the three prior suitors to whom she was engaged (including one of her own sisters). In the first book she solves a mystery of who murdered her fourth fiancé.

In this installment, Rosie is now betrothed to the Prince of Verona after she is found in an uncompromising position with him (he was disguised as the young man she thought she was in love with). The prince is excited about the prospect of marrying Rosie, but she wants to hold out for true love like her parents experience. While getting to know his small family, she is tasked with finding the killer of the prince's father. Rosie is smart, accomplished, and very capable of finding the killer, as well as organizing the prince's household while he is off thwarting a revolution. The ending was perfect!

I listened to the audiobook version of this story narrated by Suzy Jackson who did an incredible job providing varying voices for the different characters. I can’t wait to listen to the next book in this wonderful series!