What if Romeo and Juliet didn't die ? Author Christina Dodd has created a hysterical romantic comedy in this epic Shakespearean retelling. The genre mashup provides historical romance and murder mystery with laugh out loud humor in a book that I could not put down. Rosy is the eldest of seen children and has managed to avoid three betrothals by slyly finding the grooms a better match. When she is forced into a match with a despicable man who ends up murdered at the betrothal party, she becomes the main suspect. The characters are entertaining, the dialogue is witty, and the mystery is well thought out. although the clues were there for the reader to see, the solution was a complete surprise The romantic story was more predictable but quite satisfying. My only complaint is that I need to wait for the sequel. I received a print copy of this book in giveaway contest from Kensington Books Between the Chapters Book Club. But this review is voluntary and I can honestly say that the book is a rom com must read.

This book was so fun! The writing is fast-paced and engaging, and the plot is interesting. Rosaline is an incredibly funny and relatable main character, and I loved the relationships between her and all the other characters. The sibling relationships were especially charming.

In all honesty, I viewed the mystery as a very secondary plot. It was interesting, don't get me wrong, but I was so much more interested in Rosaline's many other misadventures around Verona. I can't wait for the rest of the series!

Loved this! So much fun, and hopefully the first book in what will be a series. Imagine if Romeo and Juliet didn't actually die, but lived to raise a big family and become wealthy wine merchants in Verona. Their oldest child, Rosie, is the main character in the book. Her family betroths her to a nefarious duke, who has been accused of murdering his three previous wives. At their engagement party, Rosie finds him, in the gardens, stabbed to death. Naturally, she is the main suspect, and immediately sets out to clear her name. There's mystery here, as well as lots of romance! I look forward to recommending this title.

Had an absolute blast with this take on Rosaline’s tale of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet! It’s entertaining, suspenseful and downright fun. I look forward to the next book— that cliffy!!

Once upon a time a young couple met and fell in love. You probably know that story, and how it ended (hint: badly). Only here’s the thing: That’s not how it ended at all.

Romeo and Juliet are alive and well and the parents of seven kids. I’m the oldest, with the emphasis on ‘old’—a certified spinster at twenty, and happy to stay that way. It’s not easy to keep your taste for romance with parents like mine. Picture it—constant monologues, passionate declarations, fighting, making up, making out . . . it’s exhausting.

Christina Dodd has done it again! In her latest novel, she reimagines *Romeo and Juliet* in a world where the star-crossed lovers not only survive but thrive, raising a large, spirited family in Verona. The result? A fun and utterly charming historical fiction that will hook you from the first page.

At the center of this story is Rosaline, the eldest daughter of Romeo and Juliet. Clever, rebellious, and independent, Rosaline is a heroine to root for. She’s already deftly passed off four prospective husbands, but she meets her match in Duke Stephano, a man with a dark past and a trail of deceased wives. When Stephano is found dead at their betrothal ball, the story takes a thrilling turn.

As Rosaline works to clear her name, solve the murder, and protect her siblings, Dodd masterfully weaves a tale filled with wit, humor, and emotional depth. The characters are complex and endearing, and fans of *Romeo and Juliet* will love seeing these beloved figures in a new light.

What sets this novel apart is its humor and heart. Dodd has infused the story with a delightful sense of fun, making it a joy to read from start to finish. The vivid setting of Verona and the blend of historical fiction with a Shakespearean twist make this novel stand out.

In short, this is a must-read for fans of historical fiction, Shakespearean retellings, or anyone who loves a witty, heartwarming story. Christina Dodd has crafted an engrossing tale that is as hilarious as it is charming, making it an unforgettable addition to your bookshelf. Don’t miss Rosaline’s adventures in this delightful twist on a classic!

I am honestly shocked at the ending. Not once did I think that this book was a part of a series. But by the end I am so glad it is. I have no idea where book 2 will lead the characters but I am honestly so sad to see that nowhere on Dodd's website there was news of the sequel. A Daughter of Fair Verona was more a historical mystery than anything. It was fun and flirty and I enjoyed the little love triangle, even if Rosie was too naive to see it. But I did not expect the love triangle to unravel the way it did.

While I appreciate the more modern attempt at Shakespearean language, I had to google some words. It isn't the book, it's me. There are also some aspects that leave me a tad confused. It was more that insta-love is a difficult trope for me to swallow. Then again, this is the daughter of Romeo and Juliet. I enjoyed their little cameos but I wish I got a little more of them. Romeo felt a little like a frat dad and Juliet an airhead.

Other than that, this book made me laugh, had me trying to devise the murder mystery, and attempt to pick which man I supported in the love triangle. The best part- I DID NOT SEE THE MURDERER COMING. I feel like I should have knowing I enjoy R&J's story, but it was done so well. I am not glossing over the fact the murderer pulled an atonement and is completely delulu, but I wish the scenes of the antagonist's unvieling were actually longer. They were great, but I hoped for a little less action and more of a melancholoy moment.

If you like Shakespeare and are not a prick about the story and language being insanely accurate, I would say this was quite enjoyable and somehow cosy at the same time.

Thank you Kensington Books for the free ARC for my honest review

This book took me by surprise. I have read many of Christina Dodd’s romantic suspense series and loved them so I was delightfully amused by something completely different.
Rosie, daughter of famed Romeo and Juliet, was such a likeable character. Irreverent and temperamental, she told this story with such ease and had me fully invested in who was committing the dastardly deeds. Need I say I did not see that answer coming.
I did however see the interest from a certain someone that Rosie seemed blind to. I’m all for it, actually I prefer it to her other option, but I won’t see how that plays out until a new book is written to continue the series. I’m not known for patience when reading so that soft cliffhanger hit me hard.
A truly enjoyable read with a twist on the Romeo and Juliet story of old.

4.5 stars rounded up

I am a fan of Christina Dodd, so picking up this book was easy-peasy for me.

Synopsis: What if Romeo and Juliet had not only lived but managed to produce an entire host of children – the eldest of whom happens to be a happy spinster who hates epic love stories because of her parents’ mega-melodramatic, wildly infamous love story. That’s the question Dodd poses to us. Her heroine, the couples eldest daughter, (Rosie) Montague is nineteen. She has a long line of broken betrothals behind her at this point, so when Romeo betroths her to Duke Stephano, it’s an act of desperation. Rosie suspects that the Duke killed at least one of his two previous wives, so she’s less than happy with this situation.

My thoughts: Christina Dodd has created a book full of lovable characters, several dead bodies, surprising plot twists, an even more surprising who-done-it reveal. With plenty of snark, the story is a masterful depiction of how a strong, intelligent, heroine living at a time where only her virtue and virginity “count,” manages to get what she wants from life despite the very real constraints on women at the time. And she had me laughing throughout the read!

A Daughter of Fair Verona had me immersed fully into family, into the events within Verona, the challenges, the politics and the romantic fate that may (or may not) be awaiting Rosie when her efforts to outwit her matchmaking parents seem to hit a brick wall. I loved it ALL and long for book 2!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for a story that kept my attention and had me in stitches!

I thoroughly liked reading this book when I first picked it I did not know what to expect, but I was not disappointed at all. The writing was excellent and the character Rosaline the eldest daughter of Romeo and Juliet keeps the story going without worldly distaste for her parent's continuing show of love and affection towards each other and her father's poetry. There are the suitors that she has spurred away because why be married? Now though Rosie thinks she may have found someone the Prince of Verona will have a say in the matter. An excellent story that is an excellent read and the character of Rosie Montague and the author's writing is what will keep you entertained. I found this to be a wonderful book and very much worth the read.

Fun, breezy read. Improbable and silly in parts but also funny and a little unpredictable in others. I like the creativity and reimagining of a well known story. Mystery felt quite guessable but that didn't detract from my enjoyment. I'll be tuning in for book 2! (esp after that cliffhanger....)

My thanks to the publisher for providing an ARC via netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely adored this revisionist version of Romeo and Juliet. It was so fun to see what the possibilities were if both Romeo and Juliet survived in secret and raised a family. This book has delightful characters and a fun plot and really I can’t think of something more enjoyable than reading this book.

oh my!!!!!
This book is soo soo good.
Romeo and Juliet are not dead and they have a big beautiful family.
Both as parents are freaking hilarious.
the book is a 5 star for me without any question.
A review on my bog is coming soon.

A delightful romp for fans of Shakespeare! Romantic, relatable, and darling. I highly recommend this one.

I really enjoyed this fun book. Rosie has a unique voice and I was instantly drawn into her story and rambling thoughts and speech. She reminded me very much of my daughter! It is a creative concept that Romeo and Juliet did not die but lived a good life, perpetually in love (and lust) to raise a large family. I didn’t realize this was going to be a murder mystery when I started reading but it turned into a rollicking good read. I would definitely recommend this one, and wonder if perhaps there could be another in the series to see what happens to Rosie.

In this fun and enjoyable historical fiction novel, Christina Dodd takes Shakespeare’s famous play and gives it a twist -- Romeo and Juliet both survived and have a large family. Following their eldest daughter Rosaline, who is clever, sensible, rebellious, independent, and charming, readers explore her life as one of the most eligible women in Verona who has palmed her past four prospective husbands off to others. This time, future husband number five is Duke Stephano, whose previous wives have all died quickly and mysteriously, but Rosaline has no need to find him a better wife because he winds up dead at their betrothal ball. Readers will follow Rosaline as she attempts to solve the murder and clear her name all while protecting and supporting her many younger siblings and her disgustingly in love parents. The characters in the novel are easily the best part, with their charming, complex, and dynamic personalities and their many wonderful relationships with each other. Readers will recognize characters from Shakespeare’s play twenty years after its events, and Dodd has captured the wit, humor, and emotion of his original work. This hilarious, immersive, and charming novel is an engrossing read as part of the Shakespearean retelling genre.

I've read her Suspense romances, Historical romances and Paranormal romances, but now Christina Dodd has presented her readers with a Comedic, sarcastic retelling of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. And it is hilarious. But it still has serial murders, sword fighting, family feuds, romance, poetry, and great characters. It starts with the supposition that Romeo and Juliet did not die and they lived happily ever after, parenting seven children. Rosie, the oldest, nauseous from the story about her parents love at first sight romance, wants nothing to do with love at first sight or even marriage. Three times she had been engaged and has instead found her fiancees their soul mates. Suddenly her parents are being threatened by Duke Leir Stephano, three times a widower, demanding Rosie as his bride. This is when she does fall in love at first sight, but not for her fiancee. And when Stephano is found dead, she is the prime suspect. She must become a sleuth to find the real murderer. Can't wait for the next book in the series.

I was gifted with an Advanced Reader's Copy from the publisher via Net.Galley.com. This is my honest, unbiased and voluntary review.

A cute "what if" about the daughter of Romeo and Juliet (yes, that Romeo and Juliet). Rosaline's (Rosie) voice is uniquely her own from the start. She is the first born of the famous couple who did survive their respective deaths, got married and had numerous children. Rosie, at 20, is outspoken, smart and unwed. She has successfully avoided three betrothals until her current one to duke Stephano...and then all goes wrong.

An enjoyable read and I really liked the personality and grit that Rosie showed. I'd recommend it!

A Daughter of Fair Verona was a delightful read! I loved the reimagining and continuation of Romeo and Juliet's life, and this was such a fun take on continuing their legacy with far less sadness. The murder mystery aspect provided some excitement, and the banter between characters was on point. My only warning, this does end on a cliffhanger!

This was really fun and original but tbh Rosie drove me a bit nuts at times. I just wanted her to be smarter than she was - although she has the crime solving down, her ineptitude in knowing/seeing/understanding love was a little frustrating. Though I guess that's the true folly of the story. I'll likely continue with the series and would recommend for anyone looking for a nice bridge book that has little to no spice for later teens. The only thing they may struggle with is the language, but give it a few chapters and it starts to flow.

4 stars.