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Daughter of Montague #1.5
What Dreams May Come
With a boldly refreshing premise and a daring heroine to match, this delightful mystery series features the eldest daughter of the not-so-ill-fated Romeo and Juliet—20-year-old Rosie Montague, a young woman possessed of an irreverent wit, an independent spirit—and a penchant for sleuthing . . .
Gentle reader, I, Rosie Montague, present you with the tumultuous events of my recent despite my goal to remain a spinster, I fell instantly in love with Lysander of the House of Beautiful; suffered an unhappy betrothal to a duke, which ended in death for him and almost for me; am now entrapped by a compromising deceit plotted by the enamored Prince of Verona himself, Escalus . . .
Not only am I failing on the spinster front, but I have also failed to set an example for my seven siblings (soon to be eight, thanks to my parents’ embarrassingly undying passion.) Specifically, 13-year-old Katherina, along with her friend, Princess Isabella. In their desire to honor my romance (now ill-fated) by commissioning a sonnet, they imitated my own youthful folly and dressed like well-born young males, complete with stuffed codpieces, and swaggered into the night. Their poetic mission accomplished, they celebrated, landed in scandalous circumstances—and the princess was robbed of her mother’s priceless ring . . .
With our fates and family names at stake, I must save the day. What ensues will require that I visit a brothel, infiltrate the thief’s debaucherous lair, and dodge Escalus. I can only hope to keep intact my virginity—and my life. The latter especially, should my parents find out . . .
Gentle reader, I, Rosie Montague, present you with the tumultuous events of my recent despite my goal to remain a spinster, I fell instantly in love with Lysander of the House of Beautiful; suffered an unhappy betrothal to a duke, which ended in death for him and almost for me; am now entrapped by a compromising deceit plotted by the enamored Prince of Verona himself, Escalus . . .
Not only am I failing on the spinster front, but I have also failed to set an example for my seven siblings (soon to be eight, thanks to my parents’ embarrassingly undying passion.) Specifically, 13-year-old Katherina, along with her friend, Princess Isabella. In their desire to honor my romance (now ill-fated) by commissioning a sonnet, they imitated my own youthful folly and dressed like well-born young males, complete with stuffed codpieces, and swaggered into the night. Their poetic mission accomplished, they celebrated, landed in scandalous circumstances—and the princess was robbed of her mother’s priceless ring . . .
With our fates and family names at stake, I must save the day. What ensues will require that I visit a brothel, infiltrate the thief’s debaucherous lair, and dodge Escalus. I can only hope to keep intact my virginity—and my life. The latter especially, should my parents find out . . .
96 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 22, 2025
129 people are currently reading
1193 people want to read
About the author
Christina Dodd
98 books5,923 followersUpcoming:
— 6/30/26 TEACH THE TORCHES TO BURN: Daughter of Montague Historical Fiction #3 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
New and Now!
—MUCH ADO ABOUT MISTLETOE: Daughter of Montague Christmas novella https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— THUS WITH A KISS I DIE Daughter of Montague Historical Fiction #2
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA Historical Fiction Trade Paperback 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…
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
— WELCOME TO GOTHIC: A Gothic novella in ebook (at last!) https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— WHAT DREAMS MAY COME Daughter of Montague novella 1.5 "I’m the daughter of Romeo and Juliet. Yes, that Romeo and Juliet. No, they didn’t die in the tomb…" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— GIRL ANONYMOUS “Crackling sexual chemistry and a few love scenes guaranteed to scorch readers’ fingers as they turn the pages." — ⭐️ Booklist
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Readers become writers, and Christina has always been a reader. Ultimately she discovered she liked to read romance best because the relationship between a man and a woman is always humorous. A woman wants world peace, a clean house, and a deep and meaningful relationship based on mutual understanding and love. A man wants a Craftsman router, undisputed control of the TV remote, and a red Corvette which will make his bald spot disappear.
When Christina’s first daughter was born, she told her husband she was going to write a book. It was a good time to start a new career, because how much trouble could one little infant be?
Ha! It took ten years, two children and three completed manuscripts before she was published. Now her suspense, paranormal, historical, and mystery novels have been translated into 30 languages and sold more than 15 million copies in print. Praised for her “brilliantly etched characters, polished writing, and unexpected flashes of sharp humor that are pure Dodd” (Booklist), her award-winning books have landed on numerous Best of the Year lists and, much to her mother's delight, Dodd was once a clue in the Los Angeles Times crossword puzzle. She lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest, where her 700 lavender plants share the yard with her husband’s various “Big Projects,” including a treehouse, zipline, and their very own Stonehenge.
Enter Christina’s worlds and join her mailing list for humor, book news and entertainment (yes, she’s the proud author with the infamous three-armed cover) at christinadodd.com. For more information on A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA, visit daughterofmontague.com. Her legions of fans know that when they pick up a Christina Dodd book, they'll find the story, "Wildly entertaining, wickedly witty!"
Christina is married to a man with all his hair and no Corvette, but many Craftsman tools.
(Source: http://www.christinadodd.com )
— 6/30/26 TEACH THE TORCHES TO BURN: Daughter of Montague Historical Fiction #3 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
New and Now!
—MUCH ADO ABOUT MISTLETOE: Daughter of Montague Christmas novella https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— THUS WITH A KISS I DIE Daughter of Montague Historical Fiction #2
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA Historical Fiction Trade Paperback 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…
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
— WELCOME TO GOTHIC: A Gothic novella in ebook (at last!) https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— WHAT DREAMS MAY COME Daughter of Montague novella 1.5 "I’m the daughter of Romeo and Juliet. Yes, that Romeo and Juliet. No, they didn’t die in the tomb…" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— GIRL ANONYMOUS “Crackling sexual chemistry and a few love scenes guaranteed to scorch readers’ fingers as they turn the pages." — ⭐️ Booklist
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Readers become writers, and Christina has always been a reader. Ultimately she discovered she liked to read romance best because the relationship between a man and a woman is always humorous. A woman wants world peace, a clean house, and a deep and meaningful relationship based on mutual understanding and love. A man wants a Craftsman router, undisputed control of the TV remote, and a red Corvette which will make his bald spot disappear.
When Christina’s first daughter was born, she told her husband she was going to write a book. It was a good time to start a new career, because how much trouble could one little infant be?
Ha! It took ten years, two children and three completed manuscripts before she was published. Now her suspense, paranormal, historical, and mystery novels have been translated into 30 languages and sold more than 15 million copies in print. Praised for her “brilliantly etched characters, polished writing, and unexpected flashes of sharp humor that are pure Dodd” (Booklist), her award-winning books have landed on numerous Best of the Year lists and, much to her mother's delight, Dodd was once a clue in the Los Angeles Times crossword puzzle. She lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest, where her 700 lavender plants share the yard with her husband’s various “Big Projects,” including a treehouse, zipline, and their very own Stonehenge.
Enter Christina’s worlds and join her mailing list for humor, book news and entertainment (yes, she’s the proud author with the infamous three-armed cover) at christinadodd.com. For more information on A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA, visit daughterofmontague.com. Her legions of fans know that when they pick up a Christina Dodd book, they'll find the story, "Wildly entertaining, wickedly witty!"
Christina is married to a man with all his hair and no Corvette, but many Craftsman tools.
(Source: http://www.christinadodd.com )
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
July 7, 2025
What Dreams May Come by Christina Dodd
Daughters of Montaque series 1.5. Historical romance novella with minor mystery. Best read as part of the series.
Rosie Montague, daughter of Romeo and Juliet, dresses again as a young man, cod piece and all. She must rescue a ring from a misadventure of sister Katherine and her friend Princess Isabella who lost it in a brothel. But Rosie is too late and she finds out the ring is now in the hands of someone much worse. With the help of the ladies, a masquerade of a madman must be breached.
A jaunt of danger and adventure for the soon to be married Rosie.
Humorous, entertaining and a bit of romance for Rosie and her future husband.
Amusing conversation points and history directed to the reader from Rosie.
Daughters of Montaque series 1.5. Historical romance novella with minor mystery. Best read as part of the series.
Rosie Montague, daughter of Romeo and Juliet, dresses again as a young man, cod piece and all. She must rescue a ring from a misadventure of sister Katherine and her friend Princess Isabella who lost it in a brothel. But Rosie is too late and she finds out the ring is now in the hands of someone much worse. With the help of the ladies, a masquerade of a madman must be breached.
A jaunt of danger and adventure for the soon to be married Rosie.
Humorous, entertaining and a bit of romance for Rosie and her future husband.
Amusing conversation points and history directed to the reader from Rosie.
August 4, 2025
I truly enjoyed Rosie's adventure as she rights a wrong, helps a friend, and pays honor to the love between her parents, Romeo and Juliet. This is an excellent addition to Ms. Dodd's Daughter of Montague series, and it should be read in order for continuity. I am looking forward to reading the next entry in this outstanding series with great anticipation.
December 13, 2025
A cute little novella featuring my favourite medieval amateur detective, Rosaline Montague. Rosie's sister and Princess Isabella venture out into fair Verona disguised as boys and Isabella loses a diamond ring that she should have left at home. Worse still, the loss happened in a house of ill repute that the girls were too innocent to recognize. As they are not-so-quietly freaking out, Rosie discovers them and vows that she will fix things.
Can she successfully disguise herself? Can she plot a way to get the ring back from the nefarious Count Prospero without her recently acquired fiancé, Prince Escalus, finding out? Can she shield Isabella from his displeasure?
I wish I could have read this before the second book, Thus With a Kiss I Die. But it was still a pleasure and when I inevitably reread that volume, I will at last have all the details. I do adore Lady Rosie and hope to read many more of her adventures.
Can she successfully disguise herself? Can she plot a way to get the ring back from the nefarious Count Prospero without her recently acquired fiancé, Prince Escalus, finding out? Can she shield Isabella from his displeasure?
I wish I could have read this before the second book, Thus With a Kiss I Die. But it was still a pleasure and when I inevitably reread that volume, I will at last have all the details. I do adore Lady Rosie and hope to read many more of her adventures.
August 8, 2025
Proudly DNFing.
How dare you.
How dare you market this book as a romance then include a rape scene perpetrated by the (eventual) main love interest against the main female character. "Oh, it was just a short scene, and at first she wasn't consenting but then she was into it!" you may argue.
That's. Still. Rape. If she didn't consent and he kept going (as was in the scene), it's rape.
And not to get too graphic, but it's full penetration rape. To "teach her a lesson" on how not to speak up, use her voice, and protect and care for her sisters.
Absolutely vile. I cannot understand why no one is talking about this.
Feel free to read this or not, but people have to know. Oh, and it happens around the 55% mark for people who still want to read this book but might want to skip over this scene.
Also, he full on spanks her before this. To again, teach her a lesson. Absolutely disgusting on its own, but added to the miasma of putridity are these two factors.
1. She's an unmarried noblewoman, meaning that in that time if her "virtue was compromised" her entire life would come crashing down spectacularly and she'd immediately become a social pariah.
2. He's the freakin' prince of the land. The power imbalance is insane. Disgusting.
I don't understand how women are into this power play. Escalus is known as a man who only knows violence, and apparently he's capable of enforcing humiliating physical and sexual violence on a woman he desires as a sexual partner. WHY is he the love interest?!?! WHY is this presented as a good thing in this novel??? Though it is set in the past, much of the vernacular and values presented in this series align with 21st century values. So why is the love interest a rapist?!??!
And FINALLY, the most egregious part of this is that the main character ends up AGREEING WITH HER ATTACKER. She is like "ohh yeah I did need a lesson on not helping my sisters out because prince escalus is actually right?!" LIKE HUH?
She also mentions several times that when he flirts with her it feels threatening. wHY IS HE BEING SET UP AS THE EVENTUAL LOVE INTEREST?!
I cannot. I cannot with this book.
DNF'd at 67 percent. No I will not be finishing the book. I don't have time for books that promote rape as a good thing and don't call it what it is.
Edit to add: Throughout the entirety of this novella and the previous book the MC stresses how she is not attracted to Prince Escalus and is attracted to another male character, Lysander. This choice is constantly stomped on by both the author and Prince Escalus himself, who traps her into a romantic encounter with him in the first book and then forces an engagement on her. The red flags are a sea of blood I fear.
How dare you.
How dare you market this book as a romance then include a rape scene perpetrated by the (eventual) main love interest against the main female character. "Oh, it was just a short scene, and at first she wasn't consenting but then she was into it!" you may argue.
That's. Still. Rape. If she didn't consent and he kept going (as was in the scene), it's rape.
And not to get too graphic, but it's full penetration rape. To "teach her a lesson" on how not to speak up, use her voice, and protect and care for her sisters.
Absolutely vile. I cannot understand why no one is talking about this.
Feel free to read this or not, but people have to know. Oh, and it happens around the 55% mark for people who still want to read this book but might want to skip over this scene.
Also, he full on spanks her before this. To again, teach her a lesson. Absolutely disgusting on its own, but added to the miasma of putridity are these two factors.
1. She's an unmarried noblewoman, meaning that in that time if her "virtue was compromised" her entire life would come crashing down spectacularly and she'd immediately become a social pariah.
2. He's the freakin' prince of the land. The power imbalance is insane. Disgusting.
I don't understand how women are into this power play. Escalus is known as a man who only knows violence, and apparently he's capable of enforcing humiliating physical and sexual violence on a woman he desires as a sexual partner. WHY is he the love interest?!?! WHY is this presented as a good thing in this novel??? Though it is set in the past, much of the vernacular and values presented in this series align with 21st century values. So why is the love interest a rapist?!??!
And FINALLY, the most egregious part of this is that the main character ends up AGREEING WITH HER ATTACKER. She is like "ohh yeah I did need a lesson on not helping my sisters out because prince escalus is actually right?!" LIKE HUH?
She also mentions several times that when he flirts with her it feels threatening. wHY IS HE BEING SET UP AS THE EVENTUAL LOVE INTEREST?!
I cannot. I cannot with this book.
DNF'd at 67 percent. No I will not be finishing the book. I don't have time for books that promote rape as a good thing and don't call it what it is.
Edit to add: Throughout the entirety of this novella and the previous book the MC stresses how she is not attracted to Prince Escalus and is attracted to another male character, Lysander. This choice is constantly stomped on by both the author and Prince Escalus himself, who traps her into a romantic encounter with him in the first book and then forces an engagement on her. The red flags are a sea of blood I fear.
July 16, 2025
I am disappointed. There was no need for assault. While you can't really penetrate someone with a cod piece - trust me - or google it, the scene was just not in good taste. Further, It does not vibe with the otherwise light/ slightly mocking tone of the book / novella.
April 23, 2025
Love this!
Such a fun series. This novella is as good as the first book! I can hardly wait for the next book in this series! Rosie has to deal with a huge problem her younger sister, Katie and Princess Isabella caused while dressed as young men. How she handles things makes a great story. Plus we see the betrothal of Rosie and Prince Escalus continue, much to her chagrin. Methinks the lady doth protest too much.
Such a fun series. This novella is as good as the first book! I can hardly wait for the next book in this series! Rosie has to deal with a huge problem her younger sister, Katie and Princess Isabella caused while dressed as young men. How she handles things makes a great story. Plus we see the betrothal of Rosie and Prince Escalus continue, much to her chagrin. Methinks the lady doth protest too much.
May 29, 2025
LOVED IT!!! Rosie, as the daughter of Romeo and Juliet, is a spirited young woman who seems to attract trouble and often goes looking for it. This book is a wonderful way to pass a summer afternoon.
Rosie Montague had is all planned out and set up. But when she is discovered in the dark garden with a guy, it was the wrong guy! Ending up betrothed to Escalus, the Prince of Verona, was not how Rosie planned to end her evening, but things only get worse.
Escalus' sister, Isabella, is spending the night with Rosie's younger sister, Katerina, and these two should not have been left unsupervised. During a disguised jaunt around the city, Isabella has her mother's priceless ring stolen. A ring that by tradition will be worn by Escalus' betrothed, Rosie. Now Rosie must set aside her misery and get the ring back. She dons a disguise as a young man and sets out on her own adventure which ends with the discovery of quite a different side of the normally dour Escalus. All Rosie hopes is that her parents don't find out.
Rosie Montague had is all planned out and set up. But when she is discovered in the dark garden with a guy, it was the wrong guy! Ending up betrothed to Escalus, the Prince of Verona, was not how Rosie planned to end her evening, but things only get worse.
Escalus' sister, Isabella, is spending the night with Rosie's younger sister, Katerina, and these two should not have been left unsupervised. During a disguised jaunt around the city, Isabella has her mother's priceless ring stolen. A ring that by tradition will be worn by Escalus' betrothed, Rosie. Now Rosie must set aside her misery and get the ring back. She dons a disguise as a young man and sets out on her own adventure which ends with the discovery of quite a different side of the normally dour Escalus. All Rosie hopes is that her parents don't find out.
April 29, 2025
Basic Plot: Rosie has to retrieve a ring and evade discovery while doing so.
I. Love. These. Books. Yes, I know there is only 1 full book and this novella so far. I still love them with the glee that only a Shakespeare nerd can truly feel. I nearly kicked my feet while reading this. I *GIGGLED*.
I love Rosie and Escalus. I love Isabella, and the famed couple. Guglielmo himself even made a cameo appearance! No, I won't explain beyond a mere note that the Italian name Guglielmo has an English equivalent. So many references to the many works of Shakespeare, subtly worked into the text kept me grinning. The adventure was short and fast-paced, and it was torture to set it down when I was forced to. The plot was kept relatively simple, but still dealt with very cleverly. Rosie and Escalus are so well matched. I'm beyond excited for the next book!
I. Love. These. Books. Yes, I know there is only 1 full book and this novella so far. I still love them with the glee that only a Shakespeare nerd can truly feel. I nearly kicked my feet while reading this. I *GIGGLED*.
I love Rosie and Escalus. I love Isabella, and the famed couple. Guglielmo himself even made a cameo appearance! No, I won't explain beyond a mere note that the Italian name Guglielmo has an English equivalent. So many references to the many works of Shakespeare, subtly worked into the text kept me grinning. The adventure was short and fast-paced, and it was torture to set it down when I was forced to. The plot was kept relatively simple, but still dealt with very cleverly. Rosie and Escalus are so well matched. I'm beyond excited for the next book!
June 16, 2025
A little different from the first book and definitely took Lady roslyn's relationship with the prince to a different level. I'm curious to see if she has to end up marrying him if she chooses to or if she ends up with Lysander
September 14, 2025
On the very night the final events of book one, A Daughter of Fair Verona ended, the adventure for What Dreams May Come begins. Christina Dodd penned this quick novella-length “in between” addition to the series.
What Dreams May Come is book #1.5 in the Daughter of Montague series and was an escapade for Rosie that occurred all in one night. This is a follow up story so doesn’t make a good place to start.
Rosie is trying to get a grip on what just went down earlier in the evening and adjust to her new startling circumstances when she overhears her younger sister and her best friend sneaking in from a clandestine adventure. The girls are dressed in male attire and stirred up over a problem. When Katherina and Isabella spill the tea on what they’ve been up to, Rosie grasps the ramifications better than the younger girls. If Rosie can’t rectify what the girls set in motion, family and individual reputations will be in ruins.
But, Rosie can handle this, so she tells herself, and off she goes in her own male disguise to fix the problems. Before she knows it, she’s in over her head and a certain brooding prince might have to step in and help.
This was a fun lark. It isn’t a big, complicated plot, but it adds a little more to the relationship development between Rosie and Escalus and exposes a powerful enemy who may or may not be a threat to them in the future.
The suspense was good and the light comedic tones were present as were the engaging personalities of the lead heroine and her unwanted suitor. What Dreams May Come is definitely a recommend for those who plan to continue past book one in the series and worth not skipping. An entertaining romp in Romeo and Juliet’s world!
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 9.3.25
What Dreams May Come is book #1.5 in the Daughter of Montague series and was an escapade for Rosie that occurred all in one night. This is a follow up story so doesn’t make a good place to start.
Rosie is trying to get a grip on what just went down earlier in the evening and adjust to her new startling circumstances when she overhears her younger sister and her best friend sneaking in from a clandestine adventure. The girls are dressed in male attire and stirred up over a problem. When Katherina and Isabella spill the tea on what they’ve been up to, Rosie grasps the ramifications better than the younger girls. If Rosie can’t rectify what the girls set in motion, family and individual reputations will be in ruins.
But, Rosie can handle this, so she tells herself, and off she goes in her own male disguise to fix the problems. Before she knows it, she’s in over her head and a certain brooding prince might have to step in and help.
This was a fun lark. It isn’t a big, complicated plot, but it adds a little more to the relationship development between Rosie and Escalus and exposes a powerful enemy who may or may not be a threat to them in the future.
The suspense was good and the light comedic tones were present as were the engaging personalities of the lead heroine and her unwanted suitor. What Dreams May Come is definitely a recommend for those who plan to continue past book one in the series and worth not skipping. An entertaining romp in Romeo and Juliet’s world!
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 9.3.25
June 21, 2025
Sexual abuse warning! Prince Escalus spanks and then mock rapes Rosie to “teach her a lesson.” Revolting. DNF
August 1, 2025
Disturbing. Not necessary for book 2. SKIP IT. I’m going to forget this book exists.
April 30, 2025
An entertaining read.
May 13, 2025
This is really a novella that covers an evenings events. But it was a fun and easy read with the same quirkiness of the first book.
May 10, 2025
Charming fun series. Dodd takes you into the world of Verona and just keep you entertained with escapades, romance and family dynamics.
July 31, 2025
Cute addition to the other two. Sign me up for the next book. Wow didn’t realize this author had so many books- I’ll have to check them out!
July 28, 2025
ipad babied again. basically rosie’s little sister katherina and the prince’s little sister isabella was having a slumbies and they both dressed up as boys and snuck into the night for some tomfoolery. but they tomfooled too close to the mf sun because they danced, they drank, they went to a BROTHEL then another crank duke in a satyr mask stole princess isabella dead mom’s ring. so naturally rosie has to dress like a man and get the ring back. long story short, she lowkey fails after trying to make a wager with duke satyr and she just ends up pissing him off and all of a sudden a bunch of guys in satyr masks chase her down the street but guess who the main chaser is.. the prince! then he takes her into a courtyard garden fountain and spanks her then they like dry hump? it was so random anyways turns out the prince broke duke satyr’s finger and stole the ring back and gave it to miss girl since he was supposed to give that to his wife anyways. rosie returns home and tells the girls she got the ring and that she’s engaged to the prince and the girls are sad because rosie couldn’t be with her One True Love lysander. the end? i was really caught off guard by the humping. i’m gonna buy the next book now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2025
Rosie rides to the rescue! Her sister Katherina and Princess Isabella have a dilemma. Rosie crosses paths with villains and Prince Escalus to solve it. Does she succeed? Who knew that Escalus is a different man in the dark of night. . .
May 8, 2025
3.5 stars
This novella takes place immediately after the first Daughter of Montague story. As with that one, Rosie is impulsive, headstrong, and dedicated to her family. When her little sister and Princess Isabella gets into a pickle, she sets out into the night to fix what they’re mistakes. Fast paced and adventurous. This is short so not a lot of plot depth. Told over the course of a few hours. I missed seeing Romeo and Juliet. I loved the family interactions in book one.
There is one slightly steamy scene with Escalaus that I didn’t love. Involved some light spanking, not my vibe. The scene was just a little unexpected for the stage of relationship. ALso didn’t feel entirely consensual in the beginning of the scene.
I will pick up book two of the series to see if it has the same magic as book one.
This novella takes place immediately after the first Daughter of Montague story. As with that one, Rosie is impulsive, headstrong, and dedicated to her family. When her little sister and Princess Isabella gets into a pickle, she sets out into the night to fix what they’re mistakes. Fast paced and adventurous. This is short so not a lot of plot depth. Told over the course of a few hours. I missed seeing Romeo and Juliet. I loved the family interactions in book one.
There is one slightly steamy scene with Escalaus that I didn’t love. Involved some light spanking, not my vibe. The scene was just a little unexpected for the stage of relationship. ALso didn’t feel entirely consensual in the beginning of the scene.
I will pick up book two of the series to see if it has the same magic as book one.
May 23, 2025
These are so fun!
June 3, 2025
Christina Dodd proves once again a master!
Story full of laughs, suspense, smart women and mild romance! I have read all Christina Dodd's books and have NEVER been disappointed.
Story full of laughs, suspense, smart women and mild romance! I have read all Christina Dodd's books and have NEVER been disappointed.
July 28, 2025
Ohhh hi, dearest! 💕
So let me set the scene: it’s the first sunrise of 2025, the world is quiet, you're cozied up like a human marshmallow under a fluffy blanket, sipping something warm and soul-soothing... you're in full-on "romance novel time" mode.
And then—BOOM 💥—Christina Dodd throws that entire plan out the window.
Because What Dreams May Come isn’t your everyday love story.
Oh no, no. It’s a genre smoothie. A whirlwind of romance, mystery, and a generous swirl of fantasy with a strong shot of “Wait… what the actual plot twist?!”
And what just happened, you ask?
I. LOVED. IT. That’s what. 😍
At the heart of this magical mayhem is our gal Rosie—yes, THAT Rosie, as in the actual daughter of Romeo and Juliet. (Iconic parental baggage, am I right?) She’s smart, a little rebellious, a lot curious, and absolutely the kind of girl who would find a cursed amulet and be like, “Ooh, shiny. Let’s poke it.”
She’s chaos in a corset, and I was HERE. FOR. IT. 🙌
The vibe of the book? It’s like sipping lemonade on a summer porch while someone whispers fairy tales and crime clues in your ear. One minute you're giggling at Rosie’s sass, the next you’re clutching the pages like you're starring in your own detective drama.
Oh, and the magical twists? Honey, my brain was doing interpretive dance trying to keep up. 🌀💃✨
So if you're looking for a book that gives you a swoony romance plus a mystery to untangle plus a sprinkle of Shakespearean drama (because why not?), this one’s your perfect escape hatch.
Final thoughts: It’s whimsical. It’s wild. It’s witty. And honestly? It kind of stole my heart. 💖📚
Read it and let me know when you’re ready to spiral over that ending together. 😏
So let me set the scene: it’s the first sunrise of 2025, the world is quiet, you're cozied up like a human marshmallow under a fluffy blanket, sipping something warm and soul-soothing... you're in full-on "romance novel time" mode.
And then—BOOM 💥—Christina Dodd throws that entire plan out the window.
Because What Dreams May Come isn’t your everyday love story.
Oh no, no. It’s a genre smoothie. A whirlwind of romance, mystery, and a generous swirl of fantasy with a strong shot of “Wait… what the actual plot twist?!”
And what just happened, you ask?
I. LOVED. IT. That’s what. 😍
At the heart of this magical mayhem is our gal Rosie—yes, THAT Rosie, as in the actual daughter of Romeo and Juliet. (Iconic parental baggage, am I right?) She’s smart, a little rebellious, a lot curious, and absolutely the kind of girl who would find a cursed amulet and be like, “Ooh, shiny. Let’s poke it.”
She’s chaos in a corset, and I was HERE. FOR. IT. 🙌
The vibe of the book? It’s like sipping lemonade on a summer porch while someone whispers fairy tales and crime clues in your ear. One minute you're giggling at Rosie’s sass, the next you’re clutching the pages like you're starring in your own detective drama.
Oh, and the magical twists? Honey, my brain was doing interpretive dance trying to keep up. 🌀💃✨
So if you're looking for a book that gives you a swoony romance plus a mystery to untangle plus a sprinkle of Shakespearean drama (because why not?), this one’s your perfect escape hatch.
Final thoughts: It’s whimsical. It’s wild. It’s witty. And honestly? It kind of stole my heart. 💖📚
Read it and let me know when you’re ready to spiral over that ending together. 😏
July 17, 2025
⭐️: 4
🌶️: 1
Okay I’m officially obsessed with this series. This novella takes place immediately after the events of the first book. Like a couple hours later. I didn’t register that at first and assumed it was a few weeks but no. It was mere moments which I absolutely loved.
Mind you, the second book in the series was just released so thankfully it wasn’t like I had long to wait to find out what happens next. But this novella was like an extended epilogue/bridge to the next. And it grew up quite a bit from the first book.
It’s hilarious how spiteful Rosie is about her virginity and it is a tongue in cheek plot point. She’s both annoyed to still be a virgin and proud of it (mainly due to the times where men are OBSESSED with the concept). It was a running joke in the first book and continues in this one as well. Although in this one, a brothel and the women who work there are a huge part of the story.
Things get a lil spicy with Rosie and her betrothed in the garden which I was not expecting. But it felt like an interesting turning point into the more adult themes I’m assuming the second book will have. And I think it helps show her intended has more to him than the stoic, melancholy reputation he has painstakingly built.
I’m excited to continue the series and enjoyed this little adventure before the next big chapter starts!
🌶️: 1
Okay I’m officially obsessed with this series. This novella takes place immediately after the events of the first book. Like a couple hours later. I didn’t register that at first and assumed it was a few weeks but no. It was mere moments which I absolutely loved.
Mind you, the second book in the series was just released so thankfully it wasn’t like I had long to wait to find out what happens next. But this novella was like an extended epilogue/bridge to the next. And it grew up quite a bit from the first book.
It’s hilarious how spiteful Rosie is about her virginity and it is a tongue in cheek plot point. She’s both annoyed to still be a virgin and proud of it (mainly due to the times where men are OBSESSED with the concept). It was a running joke in the first book and continues in this one as well. Although in this one, a brothel and the women who work there are a huge part of the story.
Things get a lil spicy with Rosie and her betrothed in the garden which I was not expecting. But it felt like an interesting turning point into the more adult themes I’m assuming the second book will have. And I think it helps show her intended has more to him than the stoic, melancholy reputation he has painstakingly built.
I’m excited to continue the series and enjoyed this little adventure before the next big chapter starts!
April 24, 2025
So disappointed this was a novella. I am eagerly awaiting Book 2 in this witty, sexy historical romance.
April 25, 2025
I just made an extraordinary discovery.
I am of a certain experienced age and apparently I am still quite able to blush like a virgin.
My o my, this novella sure is a vision of a heady future.
I am of a certain experienced age and apparently I am still quite able to blush like a virgin.
My o my, this novella sure is a vision of a heady future.
May 20, 2025
Fun Novella - Spoilers for book 1!
I didn't enjoy this novella quite as much as the first book in the series, but it was still a fun time. While in the previous book I liked the little sprinkles of anachronistic language that added flavor to the story, in this book I felt that the author, Christina Dodd, dove harder into them, to the point that they took me out of the story several times. The first one was when Rosie thought "OMG." I rolled my eyes so hard. In the first book, she was quite god fearing (as a fifteenth or sixteenth century woman should be), and never used the lord's name in vain. The use of the lord's name is not my issue here, but rather that it was rendered in the modern text-speak vernacular. No one in 15th century Verona is going to use the term "omg." It took me right out of the story; I took off half a star because of it. Luckily there were only a few instances that were this egregious, and the book stuck mostly to the more formal language as used in the first book. Just to be clear, that does not mean it's all thee's and thou's. One of the things that I actually much admired about the first book was how well Dodd managed to balance appropriate sounding language without getting it too bogged down or difficult for the reader to comprehend.
Now that I've finished listing my major complaint, let's move on to the rest of the review. This novella picks up immediately following the events of A Daughter of Fair Verona, with Rosie still reeling over her change in circumstances and what happened between she and Prince Escalus. I have to say, I was not a fan of how the Prince tricked her at the end of the first book, and sadly the trend of him putting Rosie in dubious situations that today would definitely be considered sexual assault continued in this book. It doesn't really matter to me that Rosie enjoys it; it gives me the ick because he doesn't ask or seem to care about her consent. It has honestly soured me a little on him as a character, which sucks because I liked him a lot for 90% of the first book. I guess he is supposed to be redeemed because he clearly loves Rosie, even though she can't see it yet, but it just comes across kind of gross to my modern sensibilities.
Despite that, I still enjoyed the story and I really love the characters. Rosie is fun and clever, and her family is downright hilarious. I am hoping that in the next book we will have a return to some of the banter and flirtation between Rosie and Escalus, because I did really like his character at first, and still do except for the dubious sexual situations. The plot for this novella is kind of a heist scenario, involving a sheltered princess masquerading as a boy and ending up in a brothel, a stolen ring and the quest to retrieve it, the appearance of a dark and possibly demonic masked aristocrat, and a poem composed to celebrate the storied love of Rosie's famous parents, Romeo and Juliet. The story was fast paced and fun despite my complaining; I read it in two sittings but could've finished it in one if I'd had the time. At right around a hundred pages, it is a perfect hour or two of fun, easy reading.
Bottom line, I am loving this series and can't wait to see where the story goes next. I hope the next entry includes a mystery like the first! Dodd's writing makes for a quick, easy read, though I did find a few minor errors in grammar and mixed up words in this novella. At this point in the story, a lot has been set up and I am really looking forward to finding out what direction the story takes. This is a must read for anyone who enjoyed the first book, and will give you something to read while waiting on book two. Recommended.
I didn't enjoy this novella quite as much as the first book in the series, but it was still a fun time. While in the previous book I liked the little sprinkles of anachronistic language that added flavor to the story, in this book I felt that the author, Christina Dodd, dove harder into them, to the point that they took me out of the story several times. The first one was when Rosie thought "OMG." I rolled my eyes so hard. In the first book, she was quite god fearing (as a fifteenth or sixteenth century woman should be), and never used the lord's name in vain. The use of the lord's name is not my issue here, but rather that it was rendered in the modern text-speak vernacular. No one in 15th century Verona is going to use the term "omg." It took me right out of the story; I took off half a star because of it. Luckily there were only a few instances that were this egregious, and the book stuck mostly to the more formal language as used in the first book. Just to be clear, that does not mean it's all thee's and thou's. One of the things that I actually much admired about the first book was how well Dodd managed to balance appropriate sounding language without getting it too bogged down or difficult for the reader to comprehend.
Now that I've finished listing my major complaint, let's move on to the rest of the review. This novella picks up immediately following the events of A Daughter of Fair Verona, with Rosie still reeling over her change in circumstances and what happened between she and Prince Escalus. I have to say, I was not a fan of how the Prince tricked her at the end of the first book, and sadly the trend of him putting Rosie in dubious situations that today would definitely be considered sexual assault continued in this book. It doesn't really matter to me that Rosie enjoys it; it gives me the ick because he doesn't ask or seem to care about her consent. It has honestly soured me a little on him as a character, which sucks because I liked him a lot for 90% of the first book. I guess he is supposed to be redeemed because he clearly loves Rosie, even though she can't see it yet, but it just comes across kind of gross to my modern sensibilities.
Despite that, I still enjoyed the story and I really love the characters. Rosie is fun and clever, and her family is downright hilarious. I am hoping that in the next book we will have a return to some of the banter and flirtation between Rosie and Escalus, because I did really like his character at first, and still do except for the dubious sexual situations. The plot for this novella is kind of a heist scenario, involving a sheltered princess masquerading as a boy and ending up in a brothel, a stolen ring and the quest to retrieve it, the appearance of a dark and possibly demonic masked aristocrat, and a poem composed to celebrate the storied love of Rosie's famous parents, Romeo and Juliet. The story was fast paced and fun despite my complaining; I read it in two sittings but could've finished it in one if I'd had the time. At right around a hundred pages, it is a perfect hour or two of fun, easy reading.
Bottom line, I am loving this series and can't wait to see where the story goes next. I hope the next entry includes a mystery like the first! Dodd's writing makes for a quick, easy read, though I did find a few minor errors in grammar and mixed up words in this novella. At this point in the story, a lot has been set up and I am really looking forward to finding out what direction the story takes. This is a must read for anyone who enjoyed the first book, and will give you something to read while waiting on book two. Recommended.
June 7, 2025
Reeling from the fallout when her own plan to get caught in a compromising position with the man of her dreams backfires on her and suddenly she's betrothed to the grumpy prince instead Rosie just wants to wallow in her own misery. Instead she becomes embroiled in her little sister and Princess Isabella's shenanigans and finds out that maybe marrying the prince may not be as bad as she thinks in a wickedly funny between the novels short story.
April 24, 2025
4.25 🌟
Such a refreshing read! I loved the first book of the series and maybe liked this one even more.
Rosie is such a witty and strong wiled character that you can’t help rooting for her yet laughing at her antics all the same. The Prince is growing on me (a lot actually) and side characters are charming as usual.
I really like how women’s struggles during the regency era were acknowledged in the name of humour. Keep it coming! Cannot wait for the next one.
Such a refreshing read! I loved the first book of the series and maybe liked this one even more.
Rosie is such a witty and strong wiled character that you can’t help rooting for her yet laughing at her antics all the same. The Prince is growing on me (a lot actually) and side characters are charming as usual.
I really like how women’s struggles during the regency era were acknowledged in the name of humour. Keep it coming! Cannot wait for the next one.
April 25, 2025
This is the second book - really it is a novella - of the series and takes up where the first book ended. It s a great read and just as good as the first book. Can’t wait for the next book in June!
April 30, 2025
Very entertaining
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