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Daughter of Montague #3
Teach the Torches to Burn
Not yet published
Expected 30 Jun 26
Romeo and Juliet (yes, that Romeo and Juliet) invite you to join them in celebrating the marriage of their elderly daughter, Rosie (she’s 20!) to Escalus the younger, prince of Verona.
Knives Out meets My Lady Jane meets Taming of the Shrew in Fair Verona, as New York Times bestselling author Christina Dodd’s third installment in her USA Today bestselling series finds a poisoner on the loose on the eve of Rosalind’s wedding to Prince Escalus…
Joining us will be the royal and decorous kin of the groom, the Leonardis, as well as the famously rival families, the upstart Montagues and the snooty Capulets. All will be armed with swords and knives; at least one is skilled with poison. At this joyous event, who could foresee what direful occurrences might befall?
If I, the aforesaid Rosie, blushing bride, noted cynic and sleuth, were asked to identify when the pre-wedding events spiraled out of control, I’d point to that moment when elderly Princess Ursula observed the display of gleaming swords and bared teeth and announced that she would hold a public séance to determine the future of the marriage . .
With the aid of Yorick’s skull and her own considerable dramatic nature, Princess Ursula prophesied three the marriage would be joyous and fertile (the guests yawn,) a long-lost treasure would be found . . . and foul and most unnatural murder would disrupt the fragile peace of Verona.
Before the day was done, two prophesies had been fulfilled. not the fun fertility one. As one death follows another and it’s clear a skilled poisoner lurks among us, coming ever closer to striking down those I love, I use all my wit and skill to discern the reason for the vendetta and uncover the killer’s identity . . . for I would have the holy church bells that now ring a sad lament peel instead for the wedding ceremony and the joyous and fertile future foretold. . .
Knives Out meets My Lady Jane meets Taming of the Shrew in Fair Verona, as New York Times bestselling author Christina Dodd’s third installment in her USA Today bestselling series finds a poisoner on the loose on the eve of Rosalind’s wedding to Prince Escalus…
Joining us will be the royal and decorous kin of the groom, the Leonardis, as well as the famously rival families, the upstart Montagues and the snooty Capulets. All will be armed with swords and knives; at least one is skilled with poison. At this joyous event, who could foresee what direful occurrences might befall?
If I, the aforesaid Rosie, blushing bride, noted cynic and sleuth, were asked to identify when the pre-wedding events spiraled out of control, I’d point to that moment when elderly Princess Ursula observed the display of gleaming swords and bared teeth and announced that she would hold a public séance to determine the future of the marriage . .
With the aid of Yorick’s skull and her own considerable dramatic nature, Princess Ursula prophesied three the marriage would be joyous and fertile (the guests yawn,) a long-lost treasure would be found . . . and foul and most unnatural murder would disrupt the fragile peace of Verona.
Before the day was done, two prophesies had been fulfilled. not the fun fertility one. As one death follows another and it’s clear a skilled poisoner lurks among us, coming ever closer to striking down those I love, I use all my wit and skill to discern the reason for the vendetta and uncover the killer’s identity . . . for I would have the holy church bells that now ring a sad lament peel instead for the wedding ceremony and the joyous and fertile future foretold. . .
320 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication June 30, 2026
4 people are currently reading
797 people want to read
About the author
Christina Dodd
98 books5,956 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 32 reviews
April 26, 2026
I went into Teach the Torches to Burn really excited about the premise, because a reimagining where Romeo and Juliet actually lived, got married, and had a whole family is such a fun idea. It sets up so much potential for drama, legacy, and a fresh take on what “great love” looks like after the story everyone already knows. Then mix in a semi-arranged marriage and a hint of mystery, and it felt like it could be right up my alley.
There are moments where that premise really shines. The world is lively and full of movement, with constant arrivals, secrets, and shifting dynamics between families. There’s a chaotic, theatrical energy running through everything that leans into the more absurd side of Shakespearean plays. If you enjoy stories that feel big, dramatic, and a little unhinged, there’s definitely something here to grab onto.
I also liked the central idea behind Rosaline’s arc, where she has to realize that the kind of love she grew up idolizing isn’t the only version of “true love.” There’s some exploration of how love can be quieter rather than instant and all-consuming, and her struggle to acknowledge that is probably the most consistent thread throughout the book.
That said, this ended up being one of those reads where there are almost too many ideas competing at once. Between the romance, the mystery, the family drama, and the constant references to past events, it started to feel a bit overwhelming. The story is always moving, but not always in a way that gives those ideas space to really land, so nothing quite sticks as strongly as it could. It’s a bit of a kitchen sink book.
The structure didn’t help with that feeling either. Chapters tend to cut off mid-scene and then continue right where they left off, which made the pacing feel disjointed. Instead of building momentum, it reads more like one long stream of events. Combined with a large cast of characters and a lot of backstory being summarized from prior books, it was sometimes hard to stay fully grounded as a new reader.
The romance, which seems meant to be the emotional core, didn’t fully click for me either. Rosaline’s shift from believing she loves Lysander to recognizing her feelings for Cal felt a bit lacklustre. There’s a lot of physical tension between them, but not quite enough emotional development to make that transition feel satisfying, so her realization didn’t hit as strongly as it could have.
There are also moments where the book touches on bigger ideas like gender roles, abuse, or difficult family dynamics, but it doesn’t really dig into them. It often feels like it’s gesturing toward those themes in a slightly sarcastic, exaggerated way rather than fully exploring them. That fits with the farcical tone, but it also adds to that sense of things being surface-level.
Overall, I didn’t dislike this. I can absolutely see the appeal, especially for readers who enjoy dramatic, chaotic, and slightly absurd historical romance. For me, though, it felt like a great premise that got a little lost in its own busyness. Not a bad read, just not one that stuck with me.
Thanks to the publisher and net galley for my copy of this book
There are moments where that premise really shines. The world is lively and full of movement, with constant arrivals, secrets, and shifting dynamics between families. There’s a chaotic, theatrical energy running through everything that leans into the more absurd side of Shakespearean plays. If you enjoy stories that feel big, dramatic, and a little unhinged, there’s definitely something here to grab onto.
I also liked the central idea behind Rosaline’s arc, where she has to realize that the kind of love she grew up idolizing isn’t the only version of “true love.” There’s some exploration of how love can be quieter rather than instant and all-consuming, and her struggle to acknowledge that is probably the most consistent thread throughout the book.
That said, this ended up being one of those reads where there are almost too many ideas competing at once. Between the romance, the mystery, the family drama, and the constant references to past events, it started to feel a bit overwhelming. The story is always moving, but not always in a way that gives those ideas space to really land, so nothing quite sticks as strongly as it could. It’s a bit of a kitchen sink book.
The structure didn’t help with that feeling either. Chapters tend to cut off mid-scene and then continue right where they left off, which made the pacing feel disjointed. Instead of building momentum, it reads more like one long stream of events. Combined with a large cast of characters and a lot of backstory being summarized from prior books, it was sometimes hard to stay fully grounded as a new reader.
The romance, which seems meant to be the emotional core, didn’t fully click for me either. Rosaline’s shift from believing she loves Lysander to recognizing her feelings for Cal felt a bit lacklustre. There’s a lot of physical tension between them, but not quite enough emotional development to make that transition feel satisfying, so her realization didn’t hit as strongly as it could have.
There are also moments where the book touches on bigger ideas like gender roles, abuse, or difficult family dynamics, but it doesn’t really dig into them. It often feels like it’s gesturing toward those themes in a slightly sarcastic, exaggerated way rather than fully exploring them. That fits with the farcical tone, but it also adds to that sense of things being surface-level.
Overall, I didn’t dislike this. I can absolutely see the appeal, especially for readers who enjoy dramatic, chaotic, and slightly absurd historical romance. For me, though, it felt like a great premise that got a little lost in its own busyness. Not a bad read, just not one that stuck with me.
Thanks to the publisher and net galley for my copy of this book
Read
May 9, 2026Verona is full of guests prepared to celebrate the wedding of their prince and Rosaline, daughter of Romeo and Juliet. The Capulets and Montagues are tensing for a fight that Rosaline hopes to head off. Then, a poisoner starts working in their midst. Christina Dodd’s irreverent, bawdy Daughter of Montague series continues with another light and tumultuous historical cozy mystery set in Shakespeare’s Verona.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 7.1.26.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 7.1.26.
April 24, 2026
::Book review: “Teach the Torches to Burn” by Christina Dodd::
Latest, but not last (!) book in the Daughter of Montague series, where fair Rosaline and honorable Prince Escalus get married.
Thank you @NetGalley and @ChristinaDodd for a chance to read this advance copy of ebook.
Every Montague, Capulets and other family relatives arrive at Verona for the celebrations. Even the ones, who were deliberately omitted...
Great uncle Magno Montague is one of the unwanted guests. “The ampélographic specialist” (even grammar corrector is unsure of the spelling 😁 ) and highly rated professor - you would have to read the story and the terminology would be with you forever - this is Magno.
Well, back to Cal and Rosie - is the road to their wedding day strewn with rose petals? Most likely... not.
As soon as guests started to arrive, Nonna Ursula predicts disaster and it follows.
It takes courage, wit, friendship and love to uncover mystery behind the murders.
The passages are brilliantly funny, pathetic moments downgraded by physicalities and still... the story is gripping and leads from one twist to the next and next and ... - until the happy end.
Highly recommend for entertaining reading.
Latest, but not last (!) book in the Daughter of Montague series, where fair Rosaline and honorable Prince Escalus get married.
Thank you @NetGalley and @ChristinaDodd for a chance to read this advance copy of ebook.
Every Montague, Capulets and other family relatives arrive at Verona for the celebrations. Even the ones, who were deliberately omitted...
Great uncle Magno Montague is one of the unwanted guests. “The ampélographic specialist” (even grammar corrector is unsure of the spelling 😁 ) and highly rated professor - you would have to read the story and the terminology would be with you forever - this is Magno.
Well, back to Cal and Rosie - is the road to their wedding day strewn with rose petals? Most likely... not.
As soon as guests started to arrive, Nonna Ursula predicts disaster and it follows.
It takes courage, wit, friendship and love to uncover mystery behind the murders.
The passages are brilliantly funny, pathetic moments downgraded by physicalities and still... the story is gripping and leads from one twist to the next and next and ... - until the happy end.
Highly recommend for entertaining reading.
March 20, 2026
How does this series continue to be more enjoyable upon each new book?! It’s just so much fun, a perfect blend of Shakespearean and modern sensibilities. I can’t wait for the next one! Thanks to Kensington for the ARC.
May 9, 2026
4.5 🌟 rounding up
What an absolute delight it was to read about Rosie and her adventures (and her budding romance with the Prince). Being back in Verona feels like coming back home from a long trip abroad.
Similar to previous books in the series, this book features a murder (or murders), Rosie managing everyone and everything (on top of solving the murders and preparing for her upcoming nuptials), and the slooow burn romance.
As her wedding day approaches, Rosie and her family are busy maintaining peace between the relatives when an arrogant great uncle enters the scene and brings several unfortunate events. Rosie races against time to solve the murder, save hers and her family’s lives, and to make it to her wedding in one piece.
Though the mystery element in this one was not as profound as the previous books, I throughly enjoyed the character arcs of both Rosie and Cal. The teaser for next book has me hooked!! Can’t wait to visit Verona again!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. Review provided voluntarily.
What an absolute delight it was to read about Rosie and her adventures (and her budding romance with the Prince). Being back in Verona feels like coming back home from a long trip abroad.
Similar to previous books in the series, this book features a murder (or murders), Rosie managing everyone and everything (on top of solving the murders and preparing for her upcoming nuptials), and the slooow burn romance.
As her wedding day approaches, Rosie and her family are busy maintaining peace between the relatives when an arrogant great uncle enters the scene and brings several unfortunate events. Rosie races against time to solve the murder, save hers and her family’s lives, and to make it to her wedding in one piece.
Though the mystery element in this one was not as profound as the previous books, I throughly enjoyed the character arcs of both Rosie and Cal. The teaser for next book has me hooked!! Can’t wait to visit Verona again!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. Review provided voluntarily.
Want to Read
February 17, 2026Murder. What vile, reprehensible creature would do such a thing? And, during the festive wedding week of the fair Rosalie and her Prince Escalus? Never fear, dear reader, Rosie will get to the bottom of this.
My thanks to the Publisher and the Author for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
My thanks to the Publisher and the Author for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A love story like this is a rare vintage—one you want to savor until the very last drop! Rosie and Cal have been the "it" couple of our hearts since Book 1, and Teach the Torches to Burn is the grand, explosive, and deeply romantic payoff we’ve all been waiting for.
I’m giving this a 5-star review! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Thanks #NetGalley, author and publisher for this amazing read!
SPOILER ALERT: This review contains major details about the Daughter of Montague series finale! Proceed with caution if you haven't finished your binge-read.
If ever I was waiting for a next book, it was this one. Having avidly followed Rosie and Cal through the novels and novellas, seeing them finally reach this point in Verona was everything. I found myself laughing out loud at their trademark banter; their individual wit and quick minds make them a truly perfect match. I sat down to read and completely lost track of time—the plot and characters are just that immersive.
While it feels like a "perfect ending" because Cal and Rosie finally marry and confess their love, I honestly never want to stop reading about them and their families! The chaos of the pre-wedding events, complete with Princess Ursula’s dramatic séance and the threat of a skilled poisoner, kept the stakes sky-high right until the "I do's." And oh my god... Lysander. Nooooo! I won't say more for fear of spoilers, but that ending glimpse of the next book has me absolutely desperate for more. Truly well done and a marvelous read.
Can't wait for the next one!
I’m giving this a 5-star review! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Thanks #NetGalley, author and publisher for this amazing read!
SPOILER ALERT: This review contains major details about the Daughter of Montague series finale! Proceed with caution if you haven't finished your binge-read.
If ever I was waiting for a next book, it was this one. Having avidly followed Rosie and Cal through the novels and novellas, seeing them finally reach this point in Verona was everything. I found myself laughing out loud at their trademark banter; their individual wit and quick minds make them a truly perfect match. I sat down to read and completely lost track of time—the plot and characters are just that immersive.
While it feels like a "perfect ending" because Cal and Rosie finally marry and confess their love, I honestly never want to stop reading about them and their families! The chaos of the pre-wedding events, complete with Princess Ursula’s dramatic séance and the threat of a skilled poisoner, kept the stakes sky-high right until the "I do's." And oh my god... Lysander. Nooooo! I won't say more for fear of spoilers, but that ending glimpse of the next book has me absolutely desperate for more. Truly well done and a marvelous read.
Can't wait for the next one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley for this advance copy!
This is the 3rd book of this fun series about Romeo and Juliet’s eldest offspring and her love story/adventures with the Prince of Verona.
And just like the previous installments of this series, we find Cal and Rosie getting into the middle of a murder mystery. Hopefully a wedding too (don’t want to spoil it).
Really do enjoy how both leads treat each other like partners. And Rosie seems to have settled things in her head. Some past issues (like Lysander) was cleared up and some new things are brewing. But Cal and Rosie are still surrounded by such an interesting group of people that are mostly a hoot and a heck of a lot of helpful.
Funny and light and so interesting this world because really, what if Romeo and Juliet lived and had kids and their kids started their own love stories??
Looking forward to the next installment of the book.
This is the 3rd book of this fun series about Romeo and Juliet’s eldest offspring and her love story/adventures with the Prince of Verona.
And just like the previous installments of this series, we find Cal and Rosie getting into the middle of a murder mystery. Hopefully a wedding too (don’t want to spoil it).
Really do enjoy how both leads treat each other like partners. And Rosie seems to have settled things in her head. Some past issues (like Lysander) was cleared up and some new things are brewing. But Cal and Rosie are still surrounded by such an interesting group of people that are mostly a hoot and a heck of a lot of helpful.
Funny and light and so interesting this world because really, what if Romeo and Juliet lived and had kids and their kids started their own love stories??
Looking forward to the next installment of the book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Truly enjoying this fun, inventive series, the Daughters of Montague, from Christina Dodd! Teach the Torches to Burn is the third installment, and continuation of Rosie's, (the eldest child of Romeo & Juliet) story. Always imaginative with a great cast of characters, albeit a bit of a slower plot than the first two. Got a bit draggy and drawn out in the middle, but still a good read. #teachthetorchestoburn #christinadodd #netgalley #goodreads
Read
May 11, 2026I received an advance copy from Netgalley. This third installment about Rosaline, daughter of The Romeo and Juiliet (spoiler they lived to have a big brood of kids) and Prince Cal is just as great as the first two books. The characters are likeable, lots of funny asides by Rosie throughout the book, great tension between them, droll observations about family dynamics, something new happening on every page, to include some mysterious poisonings, and a big family wedding. A great read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒂 𝑳𝒆𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒊. 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒇𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒚 𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒂 𝒍𝒊𝒐𝒏. 𝑵𝒐𝒘 𝑰 𝒔𝒂𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕, 𝒔𝒂𝒗𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝑰 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒃𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒖𝒎𝒆𝒅. 𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓, 𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈.
In this third installment, we return to Verona where Romeo and Juliet are alive, well, and hosting a wedding for their daughter Rosie, who is twenty and determined to make her own mark. What should be a joyful celebration quickly turns chaotic when a séance predicts murder, a poisoner begins making their rounds, and long-standing rivalries flare right back to life. Rosie, equal parts bride and reluctant sleuth, finds herself trying to keep the peace and solve a mystery before her wedding bells turn into funeral tolls.
This book totally embraces its playful, slightly ridiculous premise, and that is exactly what makes it so much fun. The author clearly knows the world she is playing in and has a great time twisting it into something both familiar and delightfully unpredictable. The tone is light, witty, and just self-aware enough to keep everything from tipping too far into chaos. I found myself smiling at the banter, the dramatic flair of the characters, and the way the story embraces its theatrical roots while still delivering a genuinely engaging mystery.
What really worked for me is how effortlessly entertaining this was. The stakes are there, but the book never loses its sense of humor or its charm. Rosie is a fantastic guide through all the madness, and watching her juggle family expectations, wedding stress, and a growing list of suspects makes for a thoroughly enjoyable ride. This is the kind of story you settle into when you want something clever, lively, and just a little bit chaotic in the best way. This is what reading Romeo and Juliet in high school should have been! Thank you to Kensington Books for this early copy that publishes June 30, 2026.
In this third installment, we return to Verona where Romeo and Juliet are alive, well, and hosting a wedding for their daughter Rosie, who is twenty and determined to make her own mark. What should be a joyful celebration quickly turns chaotic when a séance predicts murder, a poisoner begins making their rounds, and long-standing rivalries flare right back to life. Rosie, equal parts bride and reluctant sleuth, finds herself trying to keep the peace and solve a mystery before her wedding bells turn into funeral tolls.
This book totally embraces its playful, slightly ridiculous premise, and that is exactly what makes it so much fun. The author clearly knows the world she is playing in and has a great time twisting it into something both familiar and delightfully unpredictable. The tone is light, witty, and just self-aware enough to keep everything from tipping too far into chaos. I found myself smiling at the banter, the dramatic flair of the characters, and the way the story embraces its theatrical roots while still delivering a genuinely engaging mystery.
What really worked for me is how effortlessly entertaining this was. The stakes are there, but the book never loses its sense of humor or its charm. Rosie is a fantastic guide through all the madness, and watching her juggle family expectations, wedding stress, and a growing list of suspects makes for a thoroughly enjoyable ride. This is the kind of story you settle into when you want something clever, lively, and just a little bit chaotic in the best way. This is what reading Romeo and Juliet in high school should have been! Thank you to Kensington Books for this early copy that publishes June 30, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
thanks to NetGalley for the eARC, which I immediately devoured within 24 hours of receiving
⭐️=4.5
summary: book 3 of the Daughter of Montague series—a murdery prophecy leading up to Rosaline’s wedding and simmering Capulet-Montague drama leads to chaos and also she and her future husband are super stupidly horny for each other but can’t bone yet because we must Preserve Virginity so like the primary tensions are a mixture of omg who is going to be poisoned to death and omg I want to have sex with you so bad but the friar keeps cockblocking us and it is a very charming juxtaposition
thoughts: a whimsical and lustily suspenseful time with a fittingly whimsical punishment for the villain. I loved the deliberate anachronisms as usual and also really appreciated the character arcs in this one! Dodd was honest about how someone like Cal would approach sex. he wasn’t, like, suddenly 21st century-ified in his attitudes toward intimacy. he and Rosie had to compromise, and he had to learn to listen to her, which is far more interesting and realistic than suddenly transforming into a sex positive therapy speaking performative male, which I’ve noticed has been a more and more common (and extremely boring and character-ruining) trend in historical romance published in the last few years. anyway this was very good! yay murder <3 yay romance <3 this is extremely delightful and I read it in one sitting overnight and you should too!
⭐️=4.5
summary: book 3 of the Daughter of Montague series—a murdery prophecy leading up to Rosaline’s wedding and simmering Capulet-Montague drama leads to chaos and also she and her future husband are super stupidly horny for each other but can’t bone yet because we must Preserve Virginity so like the primary tensions are a mixture of omg who is going to be poisoned to death and omg I want to have sex with you so bad but the friar keeps cockblocking us and it is a very charming juxtaposition
thoughts: a whimsical and lustily suspenseful time with a fittingly whimsical punishment for the villain. I loved the deliberate anachronisms as usual and also really appreciated the character arcs in this one! Dodd was honest about how someone like Cal would approach sex. he wasn’t, like, suddenly 21st century-ified in his attitudes toward intimacy. he and Rosie had to compromise, and he had to learn to listen to her, which is far more interesting and realistic than suddenly transforming into a sex positive therapy speaking performative male, which I’ve noticed has been a more and more common (and extremely boring and character-ruining) trend in historical romance published in the last few years. anyway this was very good! yay murder <3 yay romance <3 this is extremely delightful and I read it in one sitting overnight and you should too!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Returning to Verona felt like stepping back into chaotic charm… only this time, it didn’t sparkle the same way for me.
Rosie Montague is still witty, dramatic, and fully aware that she’s the sequel to Romeo and Juliet. She breaks the fourth wall often, but I found myself wishing for a little less of the “gentle reader.” What felt fresh before started to feel repetitive here.
The humor is still sharp, and the premise remains delightfully absurd in the best way: Romeo and Juliet’s daughter navigating romance and murder. The world is full of eccentric, loving chaos, and that’s part of its appeal.
However, I couldn't make myself care about the mystery. Magno in particular felt underdeveloped and one-dimensional. Without a compelling antagonist, the stakes were very low.
Rosie and Escalus still have strong chemistry, but the repeated interruptions to their almost-moments started to wear on my nerves. Not because I needed them to do the deed, but because there was no reason to have them try so many times.
Still, there’s something undeniably fun about this series. It’s a mostly clean romance wrapped in a murder mystery, filled with banter, theatrical flair, and a heroine determined not to be tragic.
While this book didn’t reach the magic of the second one for me, it remains a clever and playful continuation of Rosie’s adventures.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Rosie Montague is still witty, dramatic, and fully aware that she’s the sequel to Romeo and Juliet. She breaks the fourth wall often, but I found myself wishing for a little less of the “gentle reader.” What felt fresh before started to feel repetitive here.
The humor is still sharp, and the premise remains delightfully absurd in the best way: Romeo and Juliet’s daughter navigating romance and murder. The world is full of eccentric, loving chaos, and that’s part of its appeal.
However, I couldn't make myself care about the mystery. Magno in particular felt underdeveloped and one-dimensional. Without a compelling antagonist, the stakes were very low.
Rosie and Escalus still have strong chemistry, but the repeated interruptions to their almost-moments started to wear on my nerves. Not because I needed them to do the deed, but because there was no reason to have them try so many times.
Still, there’s something undeniably fun about this series. It’s a mostly clean romance wrapped in a murder mystery, filled with banter, theatrical flair, and a heroine determined not to be tragic.
While this book didn’t reach the magic of the second one for me, it remains a clever and playful continuation of Rosie’s adventures.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Loved this latest addition to the Daughter of Montague series. It is a romp filled with family drama, chaos and of course....murders.
This time we’re deep into Rosie's wedding prep for her marriage to Prince Escalus (Cal). The wedding prep is already stressful but things spiral once the families are all together and there's a poisoner ruining Rosie's attempts at a relatively harmonious event (at least as much as it can be when you bring both the Capulet and Montague families together in one place).
I really enjoy how these books balance humour with the mystery - and of course, that it is the what comes after Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The family dynamics are half the fun (and it is a BIG family). There is always intrigue, tension, and witty dialogue which speeds the story along.
Another great installment—fast, entertaining, and just the right amount of dramatic! Looking forward to the next adventure.
Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for this E-Arc. I was beyond thrilled to receive it.
This time we’re deep into Rosie's wedding prep for her marriage to Prince Escalus (Cal). The wedding prep is already stressful but things spiral once the families are all together and there's a poisoner ruining Rosie's attempts at a relatively harmonious event (at least as much as it can be when you bring both the Capulet and Montague families together in one place).
I really enjoy how these books balance humour with the mystery - and of course, that it is the what comes after Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The family dynamics are half the fun (and it is a BIG family). There is always intrigue, tension, and witty dialogue which speeds the story along.
Another great installment—fast, entertaining, and just the right amount of dramatic! Looking forward to the next adventure.
Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for this E-Arc. I was beyond thrilled to receive it.
April 26, 2026
This is the third book of one of my favorite series, and after finishing it, I am sure that there will be more books to come. My worst fear about this series is that it will end.
Romeo and Juliet are not the stars of this series, and they are not star-struck lovers who died. They lived, and have *nine* children. The main characters are their first child Rosie (Rosaline) and her husband to be, Prince Escalus. They are preparing for their wedding. This is Verona and therefore there is a lot of drama going around. Rosie, for example, is convinced that she is in love with a former beau. (She is mistaken.) There is a great-uncle Magno who is convinced that someone is trying to kill him, and several elderly women - (Nonna Ursula) and her friends - who conduct seances.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and am eagerly looking forward to the next. I received an e-arc from Kensington Publishing, and voluntarily read and reviewed it.
Romeo and Juliet are not the stars of this series, and they are not star-struck lovers who died. They lived, and have *nine* children. The main characters are their first child Rosie (Rosaline) and her husband to be, Prince Escalus. They are preparing for their wedding. This is Verona and therefore there is a lot of drama going around. Rosie, for example, is convinced that she is in love with a former beau. (She is mistaken.) There is a great-uncle Magno who is convinced that someone is trying to kill him, and several elderly women - (Nonna Ursula) and her friends - who conduct seances.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and am eagerly looking forward to the next. I received an e-arc from Kensington Publishing, and voluntarily read and reviewed it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to A John Scognamiglio Book and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. The book will be published on June 30th, 2026.
Number three in the Daughter of Montague rom-com mystery series. Fair Rosaline — our near-spinster (at age 19) heroine — is heading toward her wedding to the dour and scarred (but also smart, fair, and highly smitten) Prince of Verona when bodies start dropping from the efforts of a nefarious poisoner. If you’re new to the series, Rosie is the daughter of famed lovers Romeo and Juliet, who didn’t die after all. This episode has all the snappy dialog, appealing and highly feminist characters, humor, and plot twists of the previous two, with slightly more focus on the romance component than I needed. Still, plenty of fun and an enjoyable read.
Number three in the Daughter of Montague rom-com mystery series. Fair Rosaline — our near-spinster (at age 19) heroine — is heading toward her wedding to the dour and scarred (but also smart, fair, and highly smitten) Prince of Verona when bodies start dropping from the efforts of a nefarious poisoner. If you’re new to the series, Rosie is the daughter of famed lovers Romeo and Juliet, who didn’t die after all. This episode has all the snappy dialog, appealing and highly feminist characters, humor, and plot twists of the previous two, with slightly more focus on the romance component than I needed. Still, plenty of fun and an enjoyable read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Finally, the wedding! And it was everything I hoped for.
Romeo and Juliet did not die. They lived and had (and continue to have) lots of babies. Rosaline is the oldest (20) and is engaged to the prince after he set his sights on her and set it up so they had to marry (see book 1). Now we’re a week away from the wedding and the Montagues and Capulets are filling the city, threatening the fragile peace between the families. But when people start being poisoned, Rosaline and Prince Escalus need to find the poisoner and figure out who is truly in danger. Oh, and try to maintain Rosaline’s virtue.
I enjoy these so much, and this third continues to make me laugh heartily and sigh contentedly. All the stars.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the eARC. These opinions are my own.
Romeo and Juliet did not die. They lived and had (and continue to have) lots of babies. Rosaline is the oldest (20) and is engaged to the prince after he set his sights on her and set it up so they had to marry (see book 1). Now we’re a week away from the wedding and the Montagues and Capulets are filling the city, threatening the fragile peace between the families. But when people start being poisoned, Rosaline and Prince Escalus need to find the poisoner and figure out who is truly in danger. Oh, and try to maintain Rosaline’s virtue.
I enjoy these so much, and this third continues to make me laugh heartily and sigh contentedly. All the stars.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the eARC. These opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the third books featuring Rosie, the beloved daughter of Romeo and Juliet. I was very excited to be back reading this series which features drama, wit and murder. Unfortunately, this newest installment didn’t hit quite the same way, it almost seemed like the author was trying too hard to recapture the magic.
The banter is still strong, the love between Cal and Rosie is very much present as their wedding approaches, but I found myself bored by the mystery elements in this one. I also felt that the many, many will they/wont they scenes were just too much.
However, I still really enjoy this unique series and the premise of the next book does sound amazing. I think this one will remain my least favorite, but I am excited to continue with these delightful characters!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington publishing for his early copy. All opinions are my own.
The banter is still strong, the love between Cal and Rosie is very much present as their wedding approaches, but I found myself bored by the mystery elements in this one. I also felt that the many, many will they/wont they scenes were just too much.
However, I still really enjoy this unique series and the premise of the next book does sound amazing. I think this one will remain my least favorite, but I am excited to continue with these delightful characters!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington publishing for his early copy. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Upon finishing chapter 1 of this book, I told my family, “Don’t mind me if I’m cackling and having trouble breathing, it’s just that this book is that funny.”
I had to remind them multiple times.
I absolutely loved this book. Rosie’s wit and all she does is so much fun to read. I loved her growing feelings for Cal, and how things with Lysander settled. I loved the mystery and the way Friar Laurence kept getting in the way, and how Rosie used her smarts to figure out the mystery and put an end to the whole thing. And finally—FINALLY—they are married! Such a happy time, such an amazing ending to this book, and yet it leaves me wanting so much more of this world. Thankfully, that appears to be coming, and I’ll be first in line once that book comes out!
Fantastic story! I cannot wait to read more!
I had to remind them multiple times.
I absolutely loved this book. Rosie’s wit and all she does is so much fun to read. I loved her growing feelings for Cal, and how things with Lysander settled. I loved the mystery and the way Friar Laurence kept getting in the way, and how Rosie used her smarts to figure out the mystery and put an end to the whole thing. And finally—FINALLY—they are married! Such a happy time, such an amazing ending to this book, and yet it leaves me wanting so much more of this world. Thankfully, that appears to be coming, and I’ll be first in line once that book comes out!
Fantastic story! I cannot wait to read more!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
New to me series which I quickly caught up on the review this ARC! And I’m so glad I did because this is a hilarious, warm, chaotic, and romantic entry in a series that brings to mind greats like Princess Diaries, Beatrice-Hyde Clare with a hefty dose of Sofia Coppola anachronisms put to great use. This third book finally takes us to the royal wedding but what a journey to get there. I absolutely adore Rosie and Cal, and I’m so glad they finally got to do the horizontal bassa danza - I wish we’d gotten to see it a bit more! The mystery was a fun twist (albeit drawn out) and we got to see plenty of the side characters grow and evolve too which is fun. Sneak peek was also very unexpected - I for one already can’t wait for book 4!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a romp! This is book 3 of the series about Rosie, the eldest daughter of Romeo and Juliet, who don’t die after all, contrary to Shakespeare’s version. Rosie has managed to avoid marriage for all of her 20 years but is at last engaged to be married to Prince Escalus. Meanwhile, there is a poisoner among the many people who have gathered in Verona in anticipation of the wedding. There’s lots of action and snarky humor and some smoldering sex, all typical of a Christina Dodd book. And there’s an enticing preview of the next story in this series. While I suppose this book could be read as a standalone, it will be more fun for you if you read the series in order. I enjoyed this book and now have to wait a year for the next one!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I love these books! I can't wait for the next one to come out, and this one has not even been published yet, lol.
In this book, Cal and Rosie are to finally be married, and both the Montague's house and the palace are filled with guests, some wanted and some just barely tolerated. Yes, Montague's and Capulet's are in the same places, so it is a constant battle to entertain them before a real battle starts! The sexual tension between Cal and Rosie is hard to ignore, but every time they try to get together, the Friar catches them. What to do? All the sudden, several poisonings with wine occur and the need to find the person takes up their time. Will the wedding ever happen? Thanks Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for the chance to read this.
In this book, Cal and Rosie are to finally be married, and both the Montague's house and the palace are filled with guests, some wanted and some just barely tolerated. Yes, Montague's and Capulet's are in the same places, so it is a constant battle to entertain them before a real battle starts! The sexual tension between Cal and Rosie is hard to ignore, but every time they try to get together, the Friar catches them. What to do? All the sudden, several poisonings with wine occur and the need to find the person takes up their time. Will the wedding ever happen? Thanks Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for the chance to read this.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I have loved Romeo and Juliet since elementary school (really unsure how I discovered it, other than the fact I was reading absolutely everything in the school library), so I was thrilled when I discovered this series. The idea that they lived, were happy and had kids? Add in a cozy mystery starring their eldest child? So perfect for me. Don't usually read books with morally grey love interests, but I loved the story so much that I continued the series. Can't wait to read the next book.
Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.
Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is another fun and creative variation of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, with Rosie and Cal's wedding set to happen at Christmas. Not only are the wedding preparations underway but so is all the pomp and circumstance of Christmas as well. All the Montagues and Capulets are invited, except for one, who shows up anyway. With Nonna Ursula's constant theatrics and tomfoolery combined with murder, things get lively and it's up to Rosie and her prince to solve the mysteries. Ms. Dodd has such an amazing imagination and a way with words that is truly entertaining on so many levels. I have enjoyed her books for years and continue to do so. with this series Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The city of Verona and the Shakespearean tone were fun! Rosaline the oldest daughter of the prolific Romeo and Juliet is capable, smart, and funny. A heroine that I was rooting for. The setting is the preparation for Rosie’s marriage to prince Escalus. There is continued tension between the two sides of Rosaline’s family and lots of fun side characters. Enjoyed this book as I’ve enjoyed many books by an author I will always come back to!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A clever continuation of this series in which Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet survived to marry and have many children. The eldest daughter, Rosaline, is finally getting married to Prince Escalus in this installment. The banter between them and the dialogue overall is quick-witted and charming. The mystery got a bit lost for me in all of the other details of warring families, thwarted passion, and family drama. Still, a very good addition to the series. Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This author never disappoints! Because of this, I was excited to read the next installment. Trying to decipher who the culprit was that was poisoning the wine, was a crazy whirlwind of possibilities. Of course, the humor is always welcome and the historical is always a favorite part of a book. To leave me dangling with a cliffhanger was both cruel and exciting, for now I have something to look forward to. Loved this book! Book provided by NetGalley.
Read
May 5, 2026I received an advance copy from Netgallery. This third installment about Rosaline, daughter of The Romeo and Juiliet (spoiler they lived to have a big brood of kids) and Prince Cal is just as great as the first two books. The characters are likeable, lots of funny asides by Rosie throughout the book, great tension between them, droll observations about family dynamics, something new happening on every page, to include some mysterious poisonings, and a big family wedding. A great read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I have enjoyed this series, a reimagining of Romeo & Juliet in which they live and have a huge family in Verona. Their eldest daughter Rosie is clever and this is her story as she gets ready to get married. Chock full of lively characters and shenanigans, this is fun and entertaining. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc. Expected publishing in the US 6/30/2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What an excellent series. The characters are amazing, but the day-to-day details of Renaissance Italy also makes the story seem so real and in-the-moment. There is humor and bloodshed and tears and humor and heartbreak. Oh, all my boxes ticked!
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