AHHHH!!! (Sorry, that was me reacting to this book!)

If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would. It would be a solid 7 stars at least! This was my first Christina Dodd book, and now that I know it’s part of a series, I’ll definitely be reading the rest.

As a huge Romeo and Juliet geek (yes, I was that kid who watched the movie for funsies), I was a little hesitant when I saw this title pop up. But after reading a few reviews, I decided to give it a shot, and I’m so glad I did!
HOLY PALMER’S KISS! I loved this book with a passion that rivals Romeo’s will to die for Juliet (lol). It’s funny and quirky, and feels like a lighthearted satire of R&J, but in all the best ways. It was everything I didn’t know I needed.
From the charming and witty Rosie, to Escalus the elder and younger, and my new personal favorite, Nonna (my new spirit animal)every character brought something special and unique. The story was a total joyride from beginning to end.
Also, the audio narration? PERFECTION.

Huge thanks to Christina Dodd, NetGalley, and RB Media for the opportunity to review this gem.

Oh, did I forget to mention I LOVED THIS BOOK?

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.

This was so good! While it works perfectly if you've read the first volume in the series, dot be deterred if you haven't. It does a great job as a standalone as well. I loved the twists, the family drama, the political naneuvering and the renewed romantic interest.

Not saying more, but go and read this book.

This little series has been so fun. A unique twist on a classic tale mixed with some modern irreverence and humor to add to the fun. Romance, mystery, a touch of murder, and a lot of fun! I actually enjoyed this book even more than the first one.

The audiobook was well done. The actor’s voice was a great match for the tone of the story. There were moments where the volume went up and down as if she pulled away from the mic, which was a little distracting, but overall I really enjoyed listening!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an audio ARC of this book.

An overall fun read!

I enjoyed this audio even more than the first book! The narrator was fantastic in both. She was able to portray each character in their own special voice and personality beautifully.

Rosie, daughter of Romeo and Juliet is at it again to figure out yet another murder mystery. All while she is betrothed to a man she isn't super fond of..yet.

The paranormal aspect was a nice addition. However there was alot going on at times made it a little difficult to follow. With so many different characters. I also only listen to it so that could have been my problem.


** Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this ALC**

I am absolutely obsessed with this series. From the inclusion of random Shakespearean characters and lines to the absolute hilarity of the ghost involved in this book, I can’t get enough of Rosie Montague! This series has everything you could want out of a cozy mystery, but with the added bonus of some romance and cutting wit coming from Rosie and the rest of the Montague clan. I think it is so well done with allowing Rosie to be a modern woman within her time without it feeling like we are moralizing or shoehorning a modern viewpoint into the story. She is exactly the kind of kid who I hope my kids grow up to be, and I can’t wait to continue her story. Also, I definitely think the right man won her heart in the end! Can’t forget a huge thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for the opportunity to review.

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!

Thus with a Kiss I Die by Christina Dodd is an absolute delight! Dodd breathes fresh life into Rosaline, giving her a sharp, witty voice that makes her impossible not to root for. The mystery is perfectly paced—full of intrigue and twists that kept me hooked until the very end. And that love triangle? The resolution was so satisfying, leaving me eager for the next book!

Adding to the magic is narrator Suzy Jackson, who delivers a stellar performance. She effortlessly brings each character to life with distinct voices and emotional depth, making the audiobook an immersive experience.

If you love clever heroines, swoon-worthy romance, and a mystery that keeps you guessing, don’t miss this one. Christina Dodd has crafted something truly special here, and I can’t wait to see where the story goes next!

I really wanted to love this book more than I did. The mix of modern-day and historical elements just didn’t work that well for me. I did enjoy the twist and getting to see their daughter, but the whole storyline with her being tricked by the prince felt kind of boring most of the time. I just couldn’t get into it.

I listened to the audiobook for this one and the narrator did a great job. This book is historical fiction and yet it uses a lot of modern language and phrases but it works and adds some humor into the story. This is book two in the series and I haven’t read book one but still enjoyed this one quite a bit. This book starts with the premise that the death of Romeo and Juliet were greatly exaggerated. Rosalyn is one of their children and she has been determined to avoid marriage until she she found her one true love. Unfortunately the prince tricked her and now she is engaged to him. She is resolute in her fate until she starts to see the ghost of his father determined that she figure out who murdered him. This book was quite a bit of fun and definitely I will keep an eye out for more of these books.

I’m a sucker for a Shakespeare retelling, but this one in particular was a treat. I loved the characters. The main one in particular has such a distinct, strong and sassy voice that I love.

Amazing!!
So, I'm breezing through Goodreads one morning and I see a book that kind of looks familiar...and so I investigate. Sure enough, this is book #2 in the series that I began, and LOVED!! So, I keep my fingers crossed, and... wish granted! I get the book as an ARC!!

So, we have Romeo and Juliet, but the tale is not true! They did not die. They slept... and awoke to create a HUGE, beautiful family!!

In book #2, Rosie, (Rosaline) is 20 and single. She has thwarted off many a suitor, and has finally decided it's time... but just as she schemes a plan for things to go her way, The Prince, well... he has other plans for her!

And that's where we pick up in book 2. And, Rosie is now able to see The Prince's Father (who was murdered some time ago!)

It's sweet. It's funny. It's heartbreaking. It's swoon-y. It will make you L O L, and then tear up too. This is a series you don't want to miss out on!!

And please, START AT BOOK #1... A Daughter of Fair Verona! And, let me know what you think! :)

5 big, shiny, smart 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 for me!!!!

#ThusWithAKissIDie (Daughter of Montague). By #ChristinaDodd and narrated beautifully by #SuzyJackson!

*** RELEASE DATE WAS TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2025 !! *** SO LOOK 👀 FOR IT ON SHELVES NOW!!!!! ***

Thanks so much to #NetGalley, #RBMedia and #RecordedBooksAudio for an ARC of the audiobook, in exchange for an honest review.

You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Insta @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️

The first book in the series was one of my surprise favorites from last year. The sequel marks a fun continuation of the series. The mystery was good and the various plot points came together nicely, but I found the romance to be a bit lackluster. At the end of the first book, we see the prince has essentially tricked Rosie into becoming his bride. It takes way too long in this book to unpack those actions. When the moment finally came, I did enjoy it, but it just felt like we were dancing around it for the entire book which made everything feel a bit long.

Thank you RBMedia and NetGalley for this ARC.

TW: blood, gore, parental death, murder, religious fanaticism

Ahh I love this series so much! Dodd is back again with Rosie Montague, daughter of famed and very much alive Romeo and Juliet. We pick up pretty much right after the last book ended. Rosie is betrothed to Prince Escalus (Cal) due to his trickery in taking Lysander’s place in his and Rosie’s scheme.

Honestly I think I might’ve loved this book more than the first. We get more of Rosie and Cal, Nonna Ursula is a pistol that had me laughing so much, the paranormal aspect was right up my alley and of course the lovable Montague clan was entertaining as always. There was a lot more murder and intrigue in this installment and trying to figure out who the murderer was kept me on my toes. Elder Escalus was so funny and I loved how much he grew to care for Rosie and respect her. I’m so ready for Cal and Rosie to be married already, this has been one of the slowest of burns I’ve read in a while but I’m here for it and I will be back for the next one. There is a bit of religious fanaticism due to an evil cult leader moving through the city. It’s brief but still, heads up on that if it’s triggering to you.

I did listen to most of this book and I think it is more entertaining in that format. Suzy Jackson is a superstar and really brings these characters to life. She really brings out the snark in Rosie and the gruff puppy dog in love in Cal. She’s just amazing and you would not regret listening to this book instead of reading it.

Thank you so much to Recorded Books Media for gifting me an ALC and to Kensington Publishing for gifting me an eARC via NetGalley!

Huzzah! Thus With A Kiss I Die by Christina Dodd is another wildly entertaining and clever addition to the Daughter of Montague series. This book again follows Rosie, the eldest daughter of Romeo and Juliet, and the drama is as delicious as ever—especially with some perfectly woven nods to Hamlet. Yes, Shakespearean crossover chaos, and I am here for it!

Rosie’s strong-willed, quick-witted personality shines in every scene. In a time when women were expected to be silent and submissive, she boldly carves her own path—and it’s an absolute joy to watch her do so. I especially adored the way she frequently breaks the fourth wall with her “dear gentle reader” asides. It adds such a charming layer of intimacy and humor to the narrative.

The hijinks, the danger, the wit—it’s all so much fun. And the audiobook? Chef’s kiss. The narration was pitch-perfect and brought Rosie’s sass and spark to life in all the best ways.

If you love Shakespeare, feisty heroines, and stories with both heart and humor, don’t miss this one!

This was the perfect follow up to the first one. I love the twist on Romeo and Juliet. It was a nice warm cozy mystery romance. I thought the voice narrator did a really great job as well.

🎧Christina Dodd and Suzy Jackson, you two are a match made in heaven! Dodd's classic humor and Jackson's lively narration make for a hilarious combo. How did you manage to top the first one?! This series deserves way more love - more readers, more listeners, more reviews! It's the perfect blend of humor and plot. 10/10 would recommend!

Fab, fab and fun. Another case for young Cal and Rosie to solve and 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

What a wonderful continuation of this series! Rosie is back and sassier than ever. Newly engaged, she and Cal work together to figure out who murdered his father. What Cal doesn't know at first is that Rosie also has the help of the deceased...or at least his ghost. He provides delightful banter and mysterious clues along the way. This book made me laugh even more than the first. I love this cast of characters, with Rosie at the forefront. I also fell more in love with Cal and his quiet, good ways. The chemistry between these two was great. There are moments of hilarity alongside dangerous escapades. Both kept the pages turning. The mystery kept me guessing right up until the characters solved it themselves.

Suzy Jackson narrates this one perfectly. She delivers the wit and humor in a way that brings Rosie's colorful personality alive. Her performance had great timing and made me want to keep listening. I always had a hard time pressing pause so I could live my actual life instead of just listening for hours on end. I enjoyed every second of this delightful story and cannot wait for the next. Fans of Finlay Donovan may find that they love this one with its subtle love triangle, a solid mystery, laughs galore, and a strong, sassy heroine who finds herself where she shouldn't.

Delightful RomCom sequel that’s part romance and part mystery and 100% fun. I absolutely love the quirky and witty banter, the iambic pentameter…what’s not to love. If Shakespeare was this fun I probably would’ve read more of his works.