So, I picked up the audiobook of "Juliet's Daughter: A Verona Mystery" for a quiet weekend listen, and I couldn't stop! This book is like a rollercoaster of intrigue, humor, and silly twists.

The main gal, Juliet's oldest daughter, has this whole "spinster with a mission" vibe going on, trying to keep her eccentric family in check while avoiding disastrous marriage proposals – casual Tuesday stuff. Her parents, Romeo and Juliet, are still passionately dramatic, which adds a layer of hilarious chaos to the mix. Then there's the brooding Duke Stephano, whose three previous wives met unfortunate ends, and our protagonist can't, in good conscience, fall into that trap herself despite her betrothal.

The characters? They're a delightful mix of the absurd and the cunning. You'll find yourself wondering who's genuinely good and who's just really good at playing the game, which I think was wildly intentional on the author's part. There's a dash of romance and a hilarious murder mystery that keeps you guessing.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely, especially if you love classical re-imaginings. If you're into a story where wit is a weapon, and romance is as unpredictable as the weather, this one's for you. Grab it, listen to it, and prepare for a delightful ride that's more comforting than a cup of hot cocoa on a rainy day.

If I had to sum up this book succinctly (not in one word, mind you, that's asking too much) in would be delightfully ridiculous. "A Daughter of Fair Verona" takes two concepts with potential (Period Murder Mystery and A R&J retelling) and combines them in the most over-the-top manner imaginable, leaning into pretty much every fun fact and stereotype we know about the period and the play without a hint of shame.

Truthfully, that strategy can be risky, but here it really worked. I warmed to the characters (The nurse is the true VIP) and had a great time listening to their exploits.

Speaking of which, seeing as this was an audiobook, it bears mentioning that the voice actress did a great job. I 10/10 recommend consuming the book in this manner.

Since I have been a young girl I have loved the story of Romeo and Juliet, call me a hopeless romantic, but I can remember the first time I read it thinking I needed a Romeo in my life, along with crying my eyes out.

Over the years I have read several adaptations of the story, everything from horror to dark romance and I for the most part enjoyed all of them, mostly because I loved seeing how the authors used their imagination to rework the story.

In a Daughter of Fair Verona, Romeo and Juliet survived their usual death and have a daughter named Rosaline ( if you have read Romeo and Juliet you will know who the original Rosaline is ). Rosaline is 20 and unmarried, something that is unheard of at the time, but she has not found a suitor she has felt deserved her.

She evidentially finds herself in trouble when she falls for a wedding crasher of sorts when she meets him at her official betrothal to a suitor her parents finally force upon her. Of course the unsuitable suitor winds up murdered and Rosaline is the prime suspect . She sets out to find the murderer and clear her name.

I really enjoyed the character of Rosaline, she was witty, clever, stubborn and funny. Romeo and Juliet are in the book, but the story mostly centers around Rosalina. I felt the author put a lot of thought into thee story and the characters and loved her take on them. I also think it kept it from being just another cozy mystery.

This book was so much fun and many times I found myself laughing out loud at its wit and charm.

This is also the first book in a new series by the author, and the story does end with a bit of a cliff hanger so I am anxious to see what happens next.

Be sure to pick this one up...it is a most enjoyable read !

A Daughter of Fair Verona By Christina Dodd is a romance-meets-mystery story about the eldest daughter, Roseline “Rosie,” of the iconic, star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet. Yes, you read that right! Imagine if the poison didn’t work on Romeo and Juliet missed when she used her dagger! Rather, R&J grow up and have a boatload of kids (and a very happy sex life)!

This novel follows the story of Rosie Montague, who is betrothed to a questionable match—whom she does not love. The plots takes off when her betrothed is found dead, and the plot turns into a murder mystery who done it in fair Verona, complete with another potential love interest (or two) and Rosie takin the lead to uncover the murderer.

While it is a fun, cozy(ish) mystery, the Shakespeare/theatre references were heavy-handed, which says a lot coming from a theatre scholar and professional. With nods to many other Shakespeare characters (and even a Greek tragedian), I felt myself rolling my eyes a bit at what seemed like forced, overuse of the references. Nevertheless, it was a fun read.

Since I listened to the audiobook, I want to give a shout out to the narrator, Suzy Jackson, who was great!

Since this is Book 1 in a series, I do plan to read the rest as they are released!

𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘧 𝘙𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘑𝘶𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥…

Thanks to this hilarious and witty story, we know. Yes, they are still madly in love, and they have children—lots of them, but their eldest, Rosie, is quite the handful.

Rosie is feisty and independent, but she’s getting to that spinster age (19). Where her parents' original story was angsty and unbridled, Rosie wants nothing to do with that mushy stuff; she doesn’t even like poetry.

Yet, Rosie finds herself betrothed to the creep Duke Stephano, even though her heart belongs to another. But when the Duke winds up murdered, Rosie is suspected. Now, she must clear her name and protect her family before the real killer gets to her!

I had so much fun with this one. Many of the original play’s characters appear, and I loved that Romeo, although aging, is still a romantic hottie. It was hilarious how Romeo and Juliet jabbed each other at their ill-fated attempt to die for each other. The narrative is filled with Rosie’s snark and humor and sprinkled with lines of Shakespearean verse.

Be prepared for a cliffhanger, as this is book one of a new series.

The audiobook narrator, Suzy Jackson, did a fantastic job with Rosie. Thank you @recordedbooks for this gifted audiobook.

Thank you, @kensingtonbooks and @christinadoddbooks for a gifted book.

Thank You, NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to listen to A Daughter of Fair Verona by Christina Dodd.

I enjoyed this tale of the daughter of Romeo and Juliet. I enjoyed this tale which stemmed from the alternate ending where Romeo and Juliet survive and go to have a family together.

Rosie Montague, the daughter of Romeo and Juliet, is 20 and unmarried, an old maid in that day and age. Every time there is talk of her engagement, the prospective fiance finds someone else to marry. Only this time, he ends up dead and Rosie finds herself amid suspicion.

Think Gossip Girl or Bridgeton with Cobra Kai but with knives. This one was a fun read, something light which could be finished in one sitting.

I would definitely recommend it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!!!
Audiobook review 🎧
Historical retelling/ murder mystery/ rom com

What if Romeo and Juliet did not die but actually lived happily ever after with their 7 children? Their first born, Rosie, is the ULTIMATE eldest daughter, smart, sensible, funny, caretaker of all things in the home (Romeo and Juliet are very busy reciting impassioned poetry to one another)

I thoroughly enjoyed this and the narrator really was the cherry on top for a great audiobook experience. Shes so easy and entertaining to listen to. Christina Dodd delivers a witty laugh out loud story with enough twists and turns to keep me listening. I LOVED the cliffhanger ending. Now give me the next book please🤲🏻

I wanted to stop listening to this book within the first two chapters, then again about 25%. I pushed through, but finally had to stop at 58%. Maybe this would make a decent YA book, but I’ve read many YA books that weren’t this juvenile. It had some cuteness to it, but it was trying to be a romance and a mystery, and succeeding at neither. As much as I hate to quit reading a book before finishing, I could not force myself to finish. I wasn’t invested at all and didn’t care about the outcome.

(And for the record, it’s really weird for a young person to keep referencing their mother and father’s sex life.)

What a fun twist on an old classic! I am looking forward to reading more in this series! I thought the author did a wonderful job mixing the old story with a new one and included a lot of details from the old story that made this one even more special

This is one of the better Romeo and Juliet stories. It's told from the POV of their eldest daughter, Rosie. She has no desire to get married. She manages to find wives for every potential husband her parents send her way. Rosie is funny, smart and ahead of her time. I definitely recommend the audiobook with this one. Suzy Jackson is perfect for this book. She really brings Rosie to life. It's the first book in the series and I can't wait for the next book.

Thank you to NetGalley, Christina Dodd, and RB Media for the opportunity to listen to this book.

In all honesty, I was disappointed. I felt like the author wasn't quite sure what kind of story she was aiming for: a YA novel, a murder mystery, a rom-com, or just creative fanfic. She succeeded, to some extent, at doing all of the above, but I was left shrugging my shoulders. We learn that not only did Romeo and Juliet survive, but they lived happily ever after with abiding physical passion, economic prosperity, and a passel of well-adjusted and loving kids. Rosie, their oldest, was bizarrely named after Romeo's first love, (Rosaline) who was put aside, it turns out, for her abiding chastity. This odd explanation for her name continues to befuddle me, but no matter. Nurse is back, now tasked with keeping Rosie in line as she winds her way through Veronese society, still - act appropriately horrified - an unmarried virgin of almost twenty years. The reference to her advanced age is repeated countless times, and even Rosie herself jokes about how many times the word virgin is audibly uttered in her presence at social events. It turns out she's been tentatively betrothed a few times, but something always comes up, and her latest intended ends up dead early in the book - hence the murder mystery. Rosie was pleasant to spend time with, and the societal descriptions were interesting. I listened to the audiobook, which was well-done, but I was horrified by the numerous grammatical errors. I'm not sure whether the author, the editor, or perhaps the audiobook editing staff is to blame, but they should all know better. The story ends on a bit of a cliff hanger, but I won't feel compelled to seek out the next volume. I will not be sharing my review on other platforms.

I am a Shakespeare nerd, and therefore a sucker for a retelling and Daughter of Fair Verona did not disappoint. It imagines what if Romeo and Juliet survived the tomb and follows their eldest daughter Rosie, who, at the ripe old age of 20, is still happily unmarried. There is some drama, murders ensue, and it falls on Rosie to keep herself and her family safe.

This is a witty and funny murder mystery. The story pokes fun at and pays tribute to the poetic drama that Shakespeare is known for and I ate it up. Rosie and her family were all very endearing. Specifically with Rosie, I loved the juxtaposition of her using “old English” and conforming to gender stereotypes externally and internally using modern English and knowing that she can, and wanting to, break out of those stereotypes.

Thank you RB Media and NetGalley for the advanced listener copy.

I love the idea of Romeo and Juliet not actually dying but living and having a huge family. Rosalyn (Rosie) is practical and contributes to her family in ways they don’t necessarily recognize.
I enjoyed reading A Fair Daughter of Verona. My standard wasn’t strict as I suspect that some wording choices weren’t true to the time period.
I liked the narrator. The mystery is well crafted. I like all the characters.
The ending was interesting. I think it definitely sets up for an additional book, and it looks like this is a new series.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and listen to this book.

I am so excited for book 2 because this is a series in the making! I adored it, it was just chefs kiss between the Shakespearian start because she is the literal daughter of Romeo and Juliet there is also a love corner! I loved the way it was written, within the first chapter I was enthralled and went to finish it ASAP! The murder mystery aspect of it as well was amazing! I just overall loved and enjoyed this book and will be happily waiting for the second book!

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review

What an entertaining read. Yes it reads a little young, a little silly, but it was a lihlgyt, fun read.

Romeo and Juliet have engaged Rosie (their eldest daughter) to Duke Stephano (known for killing his previous wives). He ends up dead at their betrothal party and Rosie is out to find out who is framing her.

The mystery was fast paced and with the help of Prince Escalus, Rosie is able to solve it. But there is twist in the final act, that was a bit unexpected.

How will the romance proceed?

The narration was done well, with each of the characters and emotions well articulated. Cannot wait to read the next book.

Thanks to NetGalley and RBmedia for the advanced copy of this audiobook.

This was a fun, light, quick read that asks the question: what if Romeo & Juliet had lived? The story follows their eldest child, Rosaline, who appears to be the antithesis of her famous parents—not a fan of poetry, doesn’t believe in love at first sight, finds her parents’ relationship to be a bit over the top.
She’s quick witted and independent and finds herself facing a troubling marriage when a murder changes everything. Murder, intrigue, a love triangle kept me hooked.

The narrator, Suzy Jackson, made the characters feel like they were coming to life. I listened to the entire book in 1 day.

The book ends with a cliffhanger which some may find frustrating but it makes me look forward to the next book in this series.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced audio copy of A Daughter of Fair Verona by Christina Dodd.

This was a fun spin on the Romeo and Juliet story, one in which they actually live through their dramatic endeavors and go on to have quite a large family, Rosaline being the eldest and main character of this book. Rosaline, being in her early 20's is extremely intelligent, an unwed virgin (gasp!), and has successfully deflected all betrothals because she doesn't want any of that funny passionate love business her parents rave about. When her most recent betrothal ends up dead, a whodunit plot ensues with poisoning and stabbings galore, and maybe Rosaline will find love after all.

I enjoyed this, didn't love it. An entertaining, passive audio to have on in the background. To be fair, I have read a lot of spins on Shakesperean stories, so perhaps I've had my fill.

This book was absolutely adorable! It was fun and snarky and I just loved the main character's point of view. The Romeo and Juliet spinoff was initially what drew me in, but even after the first two minutes of this audiobook I was hooked. Her wit and banter are LOL level funny and the audio narrator brings the character to life perfectly. Highly recommend this audiobook and am so glad to have received a copy of this from NetGalley!

What a concept! Romeo and Juliet didn't die! Instead they married and are still madly in love, loving, fighting, making up again, to the tune of seven children! Their oldest, Rosaline, is almost twenty, and... horror of horrors, a virgin and unmarried! Which is exactly how she likes it. In fact, she has managed to get out of previous betrothals by finding other wives for the men. Now she is being betrothed to a very unpopular man, Duke Stephano, whose last 3 wives have all died, and has some sort of power over her family. Just before the betrothal party she meets Lysander, a gorgeous man she falls instantly in love with. Still she must proceed with the betrothal to the Duke. At the betrothal party Rosie finds him stabbed to death in the garden. Even though Prince Escalus, the prince of Verona, announces she is innocent, she is still thought to have killed him by the general populace. Rosie realizes her life is in danger and she must discover who did kill the Duke. What follows makes a fun, exciting story. The characters are well drawn, definitely multi-dimensional. There's humor, mystery and romance. I'm very excited that this is going to be a series! I can hardly wait for the next book.

A Daughter of Fair Verona was such a fun spin off of Romeo and Juliet. I really enjoyed this audiobook and was sad to see it hit 100%. Perfect for any fans of My Lady Jane!