An interesting reimagining of Romeo and Juliet, told from the POV of their daughter Rosaline (Rosie). Part cozy mystery, part historical fiction, this was a strong start to the series. Die-hard fans of Shakespeare probably wouldn’t enjoy this book, but those who don’t mind liberties being taken with language and facts of the OG story would probably really enjoy it.

Welcome, dear reader, to the story of Lady Rosaline.

Photo credit to Birmingham Museums Trust on Unsplash.com
Christina Dodd’s A Daughter of Fair Verona is a nod to Shakespeare in so many ways. It’s the story of Romeo and Juliet’s daughter, Rosaline. But wait, didn’t Romeo and Juliet die at the end of the tragic play? Well, not in Dodd’s version of the story. In it, we meet Lady Rosaline Montague, or Rosie, the pragmatic, clever, very non-romantic eldest daughter of one of the most famous poetry-quoting, dying-for-true-love couples in English literature.

When you have true love and wild passion and brokenhearted tragedy stuffed up your nose every day of your life…love and passion lose a little bit of their gilding.

The story is told from Rosie’s point of view. She frequently breaks the fourth wall and addresses the reader directly. A few times she even narrates in stage cues: “Enter stage left: Prince Escalus.” Reading it took me back to my undergraduate Shakespeare class as an English major. Rosie is both the heroine and the narrator of her own story. Dodd did a fantastic job writing this character with wit and wisdom. Many of Rosie’s quips are laugh-out-loud funny.

Another nod to Shakespeare’s plays is in the twist and turns of events throughout the plot. There is an arranged marriage, a dastardly villain, multiple murders, clandestine meetings on balconies and in gardens, and some great scenes with classic characters from Romeo and Juliet, like Nurse and Friar Lawrence. We meet Rosie just as these events begin. She succeeded to make it to nearly 20 years old without being married or falling in love. She has lived a quiet life of managing her family’s household and keeping drama and passion at bay. Yet in one night, all of that changes.

“Now I’m standing here holding a Roman candle; it’s going off in my hand and I don’t know where to throw it for fear of catching the world on fire.” I spoke pleadingly, asking for comfort. “Nurse, you know I’m the sensible one!”…

“Life has found you, Lady Rosie. You couldn’t hide from it forever.” Nurse had the nerve to sound amused.
A Daughter of Fair Verona is truly a witty and fresh story. I enjoyed reading it. Days later, though, I still can’t wrap my mind around the endings (and I say that in the plural because we have the end of the murders in Verona at about 75-80% into the book and then the final ending which ties the strings of the romance together). They both caught me completely off guard. I still can’t decide if it was in a good way. The identity of the mysterious murderer in particular seemed hard to grasp. It didn’t detract to my overall enjoyment of the book, however.

This is book one in Dodd’s new Daughter of Montague series. It sounds like more Shakespeare fan fiction is on the horizon for readers from this author. Don’t miss out!

I have read many of Dodd's previous works and know that she is a capable talented writer with an array of genres under belt.... but this was just so much fun! It felt so outside the norm and was charming, funny, imaginative, suspenseful, and irreverent. I absolutely loved it and cannot wait to read more.

Super funny and snarky re-imagining of Romeo and Juliet, where they both survive and their oldest daughter Rosie is doing her best to dodge the marriage mart. Her fifth betrothal ends with a duke stabbed in the chest in her family garden during the engagement ball and now Rosie is being suspected of the crime. There’s chaos and poisonings and a stern grumpy prince along with another charming gentleman who Rosie falls in love with at first sight. Super fun to read!

I had such high hopes for this book, but honestly, for me it fell a little flat. There was so much going on and so many characters to keep track of, but it felt like the plot didn’t really move forward until about 3/4 of the way through. And I really struggled with the writing style. Dodd switched back and forth (sometimes in the same sentence) between using more historical language and modern vernacular. I think it would have been more effective if she’d picked one or the other to use. I think fans of cozy mysteries may enjoy this one, so it would be worth giving a try if you like those, but I’m not sure I’ll read the next book, myself.

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!!

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.