What do you think?
Rate this book
Daughter of Montague #3
Teach the Torches to Burn
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. . .
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2026
About the author
Christina Dodd
111 books6,015 followersBrand new! TEACH THE TORCHES TO BURN: Daughter of Montague Historical Fiction
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… The Daughter of Romeo and Juliet, the real story
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
New and Now!
— THUS WITH A KISS I DIE Daughter of Montague Historical Fiction
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA Historical Fiction Trade Paperback
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
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 )
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… The Daughter of Romeo and Juliet, the real story
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
New and Now!
— THUS WITH A KISS I DIE Daughter of Montague Historical Fiction
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA Historical Fiction Trade Paperback
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
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 )
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 486 reviews
July 8, 2026
This is a wonderful addition to Christina Dodd's entertaining Daughter of Montague series, which is best when read in order. The story balances wit, humor, and poisonings with mystery, a heartwarming romance, and a gratifying conclusion. I especially enjoyed the party games and the theatrical performance. Suzy Jackson truly brings the characters to life.
July 28, 2026
I absolutely adore this series and Lady Rosaline Montague! Now Princess Rosaline of Verona. I've warmed up to her new husband, Prince Escalus, too. He has gone from the man who tricked her (A Daughter of Fair Verona) to the man Rosie has dutifully chosen (Thus With a Kiss I Die) to the man that she desperately wants to get naked with (Teach the Torches to Burn).
Rosie is juggling a lot of responsibilities: wedding planning, keeping the Montagues and Capulets from shedding each other's blood, supervising the Montague kitchen, plus trying to find private time with her bridegroom. Her patience is wearing thin, especially when it becomes obvious that someone is attempting to poison her. Being who she is, Rosie makes plans.
Another fun romp through fictional Verona. If you haven't yet made the acquaintance of fair Rosaline, what are you waiting for? Forsooth, get thee the first book and commence reading!
Rosie is juggling a lot of responsibilities: wedding planning, keeping the Montagues and Capulets from shedding each other's blood, supervising the Montague kitchen, plus trying to find private time with her bridegroom. Her patience is wearing thin, especially when it becomes obvious that someone is attempting to poison her. Being who she is, Rosie makes plans.
Another fun romp through fictional Verona. If you haven't yet made the acquaintance of fair Rosaline, what are you waiting for? Forsooth, get thee the first book and commence reading!
December 13, 2025
Murder. 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.
The world that Christina Dodd has created with this series is farcical and wonderful. The story is told to us by Rosie, the eldest of Romeo and Juliet's nine children, who is about to be married, finally, at the ripe old age of twenty. Things were very different waaaay back then. Rosie is a wonderful character - smart, beautiful and very savvy. Her groom, Prince Escalus, Cal, was determined in his pursuit of her and nothing was going to dissuade him from his goal of having Rosie as his princess.
The first part started rather slowly with all the reintroduction of everyone and their stories. It may also have to do with Rosie as the sole narrator of the story and her ruminations about the how and why of her betrothal and that she isn't quite resigned to this marriage or Cal as her groom. But that gets resolved as Cal proves himself over and over to Rosie.
It all started with a contentious family dinner. But any time with the Montagues and Capulets are in attendance in the same place it is going to be contentious, it's just that way. Nonna Ursula (Cal's grandmother) holds a seance and predicts a found treasure and a murder. Bursting into this unlikely family scene is an uninvited and definitely unwanted family member, Great-uncle Magno. Dear Reader you really, really want him to be the murder victim, really. Magno is a wine expert and the younger Montague son who thinks himself superior to everyone.
Needless to say, a treasure is found and murder happens and Rosie is right in the middle trying to solve it, planning her wedding, endeavoring to keep the Montagues and Capulets entertained and from shedding too much blood, and trying to come to terms with the feelings she has for Cal. Rosie is a wonder when it comes to organization and solving murder.
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.
The world that Christina Dodd has created with this series is farcical and wonderful. The story is told to us by Rosie, the eldest of Romeo and Juliet's nine children, who is about to be married, finally, at the ripe old age of twenty. Things were very different waaaay back then. Rosie is a wonderful character - smart, beautiful and very savvy. Her groom, Prince Escalus, Cal, was determined in his pursuit of her and nothing was going to dissuade him from his goal of having Rosie as his princess.
The first part started rather slowly with all the reintroduction of everyone and their stories. It may also have to do with Rosie as the sole narrator of the story and her ruminations about the how and why of her betrothal and that she isn't quite resigned to this marriage or Cal as her groom. But that gets resolved as Cal proves himself over and over to Rosie.
It all started with a contentious family dinner. But any time with the Montagues and Capulets are in attendance in the same place it is going to be contentious, it's just that way. Nonna Ursula (Cal's grandmother) holds a seance and predicts a found treasure and a murder. Bursting into this unlikely family scene is an uninvited and definitely unwanted family member, Great-uncle Magno. Dear Reader you really, really want him to be the murder victim, really. Magno is a wine expert and the younger Montague son who thinks himself superior to everyone.
Needless to say, a treasure is found and murder happens and Rosie is right in the middle trying to solve it, planning her wedding, endeavoring to keep the Montagues and Capulets entertained and from shedding too much blood, and trying to come to terms with the feelings she has for Cal. Rosie is a wonder when it comes to organization and solving murder.
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.
May 28, 2026
I once again had so much fun with the latest book in this series. I couldn't wait to dive back into Rosie and Cal's story. And the one where we finally get a wedding but of course not before a bunch of crazy goings on. Nonna Ursula is back with her predictions and of course, there's more mystery and murder involved. Each character involved is so well thought out and fun to follow along with. There was lots of laughing during this read at poor Rosie and Cal's family frustrations and foiling of plans. I cannot wait to continue reading along in this series. The further I get in this series, the more I want to read!
Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for the ARC of this book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for the ARC of this book.
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
June 9, 2026
I’ve finished the latest book in the Montague series. I definitely enjoyed it more than the last one, as Prince Escalus and Rosaline were married at last. The story involves the wedding and all of the events preceding it, along with numerous family and friends. There is someone causing trouble, of course, and several poisonings occur. Rosie is constantly trying to solve problems regarding the poisonings or family drama. I enjoy the comedic writing of the book, very lighthearted.
I recommend the series if you enjoy historical mysteries that don’t take themselves too seriously.
Thanks for the arc of this book by NetGalley and the publisher.
I recommend the series if you enjoy historical mysteries that don’t take themselves too seriously.
Thanks for the arc of this book by NetGalley and the publisher.
August 1, 2026
This just didn’t land for me, I had to really commit to finishing it. I got tired of the same things happening over and over again until it was time to solve the “mystery.” Not my fav.
August 11, 2026
Teach the Touch to Burn Again – Book Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tropes
🌹 Shakespeare-Inspired Retelling
🔎 Murder Mystery
💕 Romance
👑 Prince Romance
😂 Humor & Family Drama
🎭 Historical Fiction
💘 Love & Happily Ever After
I really enjoyed Book Three.Honestly, if you enjoyed Books One and Two, this series just keeps getting better.
At this point, I simply love these books. They're funny, clever, romantic, and have just enough mystery to keep you interested. The author has found such agood balance between all of those elements.
There's honestly not much I need to say about this one because I just had a damn good time reading it.
I finished it in one day because it was so hard to put down. It's fluffy, but somehow never boring, and that's something I really appreciate. Sometimes you want a book that doesn't emotionally destroy you but still keeps you completely entertained.
The ending was also so satisfying. After following Rosaline through three books, I felt like we finally got the payoff her story deserved.
Oh yeah...I am officially a BIG Prince Escalus fan. 👑💕
GO ROSIE! 😂🌹
Verdict
Funny, romantic, mysterious, fluffy, and completely entertaining. This was such a satisfying ending to Rosaline's journey.
I would absolutely recommend this series to a friend. If you enjoyed the first book, KEEP GOING because it only gets better.
I devoured this in a day, and I regret nothing.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tropes
🌹 Shakespeare-Inspired Retelling
🔎 Murder Mystery
💕 Romance
👑 Prince Romance
😂 Humor & Family Drama
🎭 Historical Fiction
💘 Love & Happily Ever After
I really enjoyed Book Three.Honestly, if you enjoyed Books One and Two, this series just keeps getting better.
At this point, I simply love these books. They're funny, clever, romantic, and have just enough mystery to keep you interested. The author has found such agood balance between all of those elements.
There's honestly not much I need to say about this one because I just had a damn good time reading it.
I finished it in one day because it was so hard to put down. It's fluffy, but somehow never boring, and that's something I really appreciate. Sometimes you want a book that doesn't emotionally destroy you but still keeps you completely entertained.
The ending was also so satisfying. After following Rosaline through three books, I felt like we finally got the payoff her story deserved.
Oh yeah...I am officially a BIG Prince Escalus fan. 👑💕
GO ROSIE! 😂🌹
Verdict
Funny, romantic, mysterious, fluffy, and completely entertaining. This was such a satisfying ending to Rosaline's journey.
I would absolutely recommend this series to a friend. If you enjoyed the first book, KEEP GOING because it only gets better.
I devoured this in a day, and I regret nothing.
August 10, 2026
Such a fun and quick read!
August 28, 2026
These books are just so fun! I hope there are more to come.
July 8, 2026
This was funny and witty. It had many moments that were just laugh out loud funny and that end.
That end demands having to read the next book.
That end demands having to read the next book.
May 9, 2026
Verona 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.
Teach the Torches to Burn is the third of a strongly connected series that has an ongoing romance and family arc with each book boasting a standalone mystery.
Rosaline is up to her stomacher in wedding details and top of the list is to keep the two sides of her family who are all assembling for the wedding from renewing their deadly, bloody feuding. Prince Cal’s grandmother decides a séance and dire predictions will cool savage tempers. If that weren’t enough, the one Montague she had no plans to invite shows up and hasn’t been bragging of his superior wine sniffing nose and wine tasting lips for five minutes when he and others including her father are felled by a poison in the wine.
Fortunately, the poisoner fails, but now all must be on the lookout for a murderer and figure out just who was the actual target of the poison. Meanwhile, Cal spies Rosie in a moment with her ‘first and only love’ and determines to show her that her marriage with him will hold no regrets. Virginal Rosie gets a shocker when Cal’s talented lips and fingers give her a preview of what is to come and inflames her lust right when Friar Laurence sternly takes them both in hand and exacts promises. Rosie is confused as to how true love and this restless sensation Cal has wrought in her can be answered so she goes to the expert in love, her mother, Lady Juliet Montague.
As wedding plans, family antics, and a murderer romps about Verona, Rosie is at her clever, fiery best with the aid of Cal, his friends, her family, and Friar Laurence. But does it all end in a wedding or another Shakespearean tragedy.
Teach the Torches to Burn was a fun romp. Rosie and Cal’s heated, spicy relationship is front and center in this one, but its madcap comedy, too. There is a murder mystery and Rosie makes efforts to get answers, but in this one, the answers come from another source. The ending is dramatic and entertaining as I’ve come to expect.
All and all, another fun romp, well placed in the world of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet play with the right style, dialogue, and antics to carry it off. I can’t wait for the next installment in the series and recommend Christina Dodd’s Daughter of Montague series to those who enjoy mystery comedies.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 7.1.26.
Teach the Torches to Burn is the third of a strongly connected series that has an ongoing romance and family arc with each book boasting a standalone mystery.
Rosaline is up to her stomacher in wedding details and top of the list is to keep the two sides of her family who are all assembling for the wedding from renewing their deadly, bloody feuding. Prince Cal’s grandmother decides a séance and dire predictions will cool savage tempers. If that weren’t enough, the one Montague she had no plans to invite shows up and hasn’t been bragging of his superior wine sniffing nose and wine tasting lips for five minutes when he and others including her father are felled by a poison in the wine.
Fortunately, the poisoner fails, but now all must be on the lookout for a murderer and figure out just who was the actual target of the poison. Meanwhile, Cal spies Rosie in a moment with her ‘first and only love’ and determines to show her that her marriage with him will hold no regrets. Virginal Rosie gets a shocker when Cal’s talented lips and fingers give her a preview of what is to come and inflames her lust right when Friar Laurence sternly takes them both in hand and exacts promises. Rosie is confused as to how true love and this restless sensation Cal has wrought in her can be answered so she goes to the expert in love, her mother, Lady Juliet Montague.
As wedding plans, family antics, and a murderer romps about Verona, Rosie is at her clever, fiery best with the aid of Cal, his friends, her family, and Friar Laurence. But does it all end in a wedding or another Shakespearean tragedy.
Teach the Torches to Burn was a fun romp. Rosie and Cal’s heated, spicy relationship is front and center in this one, but its madcap comedy, too. There is a murder mystery and Rosie makes efforts to get answers, but in this one, the answers come from another source. The ending is dramatic and entertaining as I’ve come to expect.
All and all, another fun romp, well placed in the world of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet play with the right style, dialogue, and antics to carry it off. I can’t wait for the next installment in the series and recommend Christina Dodd’s Daughter of Montague series to those who enjoy mystery comedies.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 7.1.26.
August 13, 2026
Big Thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the Publisher for the advanced copy! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
'Teach the Torches to Burn' is the third book of a Romeo and Juliet-inspired series by Christina Dodd.
This time around, Rosie is getting married, and the whole family comes together to celebrate. But, being the offspring of two rival families, their gathering is threatening the peace of the household.
First of all, I love the main lead and how feisty she is and how mouthy. And I loved the side characters as well, though most of the new ones were underdeveloped.
Also, this one had less mystery and more romance to it. It was practically Rosie and her fiancé aching for each other, and less about discovering who is poisoning the wine. Moreover, the romance was kind of off. I love the two main characters together, and they have chemistry, but Rosie always reminds us that her one true love is someone else and marrying the prince is an obligation. Which kind of messed the intensity of the romance a lot.
Finally, the writing was light and enjoyable despite the anachronisms. In addition, the audiobook was nicely produced and the narrator was energetic and delightful.
'Teach the Torches to Burn' is the third book of a Romeo and Juliet-inspired series by Christina Dodd.
This time around, Rosie is getting married, and the whole family comes together to celebrate. But, being the offspring of two rival families, their gathering is threatening the peace of the household.
First of all, I love the main lead and how feisty she is and how mouthy. And I loved the side characters as well, though most of the new ones were underdeveloped.
Also, this one had less mystery and more romance to it. It was practically Rosie and her fiancé aching for each other, and less about discovering who is poisoning the wine. Moreover, the romance was kind of off. I love the two main characters together, and they have chemistry, but Rosie always reminds us that her one true love is someone else and marrying the prince is an obligation. Which kind of messed the intensity of the romance a lot.
Finally, the writing was light and enjoyable despite the anachronisms. In addition, the audiobook was nicely produced and the narrator was energetic and delightful.
July 4, 2026
Kind of a letdown! I feel like this third installment lacked the vibrancy of the first two. Everything - the romance, banter, mystery plotline, side characters, seemed to lack the sparkle that I associate with this series. Despite my disappointment, this was still an enjoyable read, I look forward to future books in this series and Rosie's hijinks.
September 10, 2026
ROSIE MONTAGUE IS GETTING MARRIED!!!
And apparently nobody in Verona knows how to attend a wedding without someone getting MURDERED 😭😂
I absolutely loved being back with Rosie, Cal and this completely chaotic family. What was supposed to be a beautiful wedding celebration quickly turns into poison, prophecies, family drama, old grudges and another mystery that Rosie obviously cannot stay out of.
And honestly???
I would expect NOTHING less from this family 😂
Rosie continues to be one of my favourite parts of this series. She is clever, stubborn, sarcastic and completely incapable of minding her own business when there is a murderer running around Verona.
But ROSIE AND CAL 🥹❤️
Their relationship was everything I wanted it to be. After everything we have watched them go through, seeing them finally preparing to choose each other forever made my heart so happy.
Of course Christina Dodd could not simply give us a peaceful wedding.
We needed murder.
We needed poison.
We needed family feuds.
We needed a séance.
We needed absolute CHAOS. 😂🔥
I also love how ridiculous the entire concept of this series is in the best possible way. Romeo and Juliet survived. They got married. They had children. And now their daughter is running around Verona solving murders while trying to marry a prince.
SHAKESPEARE COULD NEVER 😭😂
This book was funny, romantic, mysterious and completely entertaining. But underneath all the madness, there was so much heart too. Rosie and Cal have come such a long way, and watching their story reach this point felt incredibly satisfying.
The Montagues and Capulets may have survived Romeo and Julie
But can they survive ROSIE’S WEDDING?! 😂🗡️🔥
I loved this chaotic little trip back to Verona.
And apparently nobody in Verona knows how to attend a wedding without someone getting MURDERED 😭😂
I absolutely loved being back with Rosie, Cal and this completely chaotic family. What was supposed to be a beautiful wedding celebration quickly turns into poison, prophecies, family drama, old grudges and another mystery that Rosie obviously cannot stay out of.
And honestly???
I would expect NOTHING less from this family 😂
Rosie continues to be one of my favourite parts of this series. She is clever, stubborn, sarcastic and completely incapable of minding her own business when there is a murderer running around Verona.
But ROSIE AND CAL 🥹❤️
Their relationship was everything I wanted it to be. After everything we have watched them go through, seeing them finally preparing to choose each other forever made my heart so happy.
Of course Christina Dodd could not simply give us a peaceful wedding.
We needed murder.
We needed poison.
We needed family feuds.
We needed a séance.
We needed absolute CHAOS. 😂🔥
I also love how ridiculous the entire concept of this series is in the best possible way. Romeo and Juliet survived. They got married. They had children. And now their daughter is running around Verona solving murders while trying to marry a prince.
SHAKESPEARE COULD NEVER 😭😂
This book was funny, romantic, mysterious and completely entertaining. But underneath all the madness, there was so much heart too. Rosie and Cal have come such a long way, and watching their story reach this point felt incredibly satisfying.
The Montagues and Capulets may have survived Romeo and Julie
But can they survive ROSIE’S WEDDING?! 😂🗡️🔥
I loved this chaotic little trip back to Verona.
July 8, 2026
Teach the Torches to Burn, book 3 in the Daughter of Montague cozy mystery series
First thing I have to say about this book, is it is hilarious! So many times I was laughing out loud to some of what either Rosie said or thought, or some of the other characters, and they are not trying to be funny, they just are!
Once again, FMC Rosie finds herself in the middle of a mystery, and this happens to be during her wedding week! After Princess Ursula completes her Seance, and predicts a murder, nobody believes that it will happen, until it does! A poisoner is amongst them, very unexpected since the Capulets and Montagues usually solve their disagreements by sword. Now Rosie is leery, and on the hunt, since it is likely the poison was intended for her or her betrothed Cal. With the two families in such close proximity, the odds of violence are already heightened, now there is a murderer afoot, and Rosie must determine who they are before someone she loves is murdered.
Love, love, love the way the author writes these books! There are so many things going on leading up to the wedding, including two semi-feuding families gathered together in one space, the very pompous Great Uncle Magno who boasts of being such a world renowned ampelographic specialist. Rosie having to kind of find her new identity, as she realizes managing her parents home will have to shift to another sibling. And one of the funniest parts, Rosie and Cal keep managing to get themselves caught by Friar Laurence, anytime they are committing "lewd" acts, yet they never quite seem to get anywhere beyond frustration with the constant interruptions!!
I enjoyed the "bridal revel", akin to a bachelorette party, where all the women let loose, and Rosie was given many gifts. Where Rosie was informed for her wedding night by Lady Pulissena ""...no matter what...when Prince Escalus removes his codpiece, look impressed!"
The reveal of the murderer is done in such a grand way, Rosie having planned it out spectacularly. This is such a fun and cozy story, with so much humor, you won't want to put it down!
Thank you so much to Kensington Creator HQ, and the author for a copy of this book!
Some fav quotes:
“I remember those days. Skirts up! Cocks out!”"
"Anyway, I can’t imagine that most men display the skill Cal has mastered, else the wives in Verona would be more bedazzled and less dissatisfied."
"Note to self: Avoid men who wear shaggy wolf pelts."
"“He hasn’t stabbed anyone lately.” “Sign of old age,”"
"“We are now going to play pin the fig leaf on Adam and Eve.”"
""I see the two that created you infused you with a like madness of passion.”"
"Oh, would this trial of chastity never end?"
"“A grand man. Good with a sword. Quick with a fart. I admire him.”"
First thing I have to say about this book, is it is hilarious! So many times I was laughing out loud to some of what either Rosie said or thought, or some of the other characters, and they are not trying to be funny, they just are!
Once again, FMC Rosie finds herself in the middle of a mystery, and this happens to be during her wedding week! After Princess Ursula completes her Seance, and predicts a murder, nobody believes that it will happen, until it does! A poisoner is amongst them, very unexpected since the Capulets and Montagues usually solve their disagreements by sword. Now Rosie is leery, and on the hunt, since it is likely the poison was intended for her or her betrothed Cal. With the two families in such close proximity, the odds of violence are already heightened, now there is a murderer afoot, and Rosie must determine who they are before someone she loves is murdered.
Love, love, love the way the author writes these books! There are so many things going on leading up to the wedding, including two semi-feuding families gathered together in one space, the very pompous Great Uncle Magno who boasts of being such a world renowned ampelographic specialist. Rosie having to kind of find her new identity, as she realizes managing her parents home will have to shift to another sibling. And one of the funniest parts, Rosie and Cal keep managing to get themselves caught by Friar Laurence, anytime they are committing "lewd" acts, yet they never quite seem to get anywhere beyond frustration with the constant interruptions!!
I enjoyed the "bridal revel", akin to a bachelorette party, where all the women let loose, and Rosie was given many gifts. Where Rosie was informed for her wedding night by Lady Pulissena ""...no matter what...when Prince Escalus removes his codpiece, look impressed!"
The reveal of the murderer is done in such a grand way, Rosie having planned it out spectacularly. This is such a fun and cozy story, with so much humor, you won't want to put it down!
Thank you so much to Kensington Creator HQ, and the author for a copy of this book!
Some fav quotes:
“I remember those days. Skirts up! Cocks out!”"
"Anyway, I can’t imagine that most men display the skill Cal has mastered, else the wives in Verona would be more bedazzled and less dissatisfied."
"Note to self: Avoid men who wear shaggy wolf pelts."
"“He hasn’t stabbed anyone lately.” “Sign of old age,”"
"“We are now going to play pin the fig leaf on Adam and Eve.”"
""I see the two that created you infused you with a like madness of passion.”"
"Oh, would this trial of chastity never end?"
"“A grand man. Good with a sword. Quick with a fart. I admire him.”"
August 10, 2026
Third book in the series definitely leans more toward the romance elements of the story but doesn’t forget the mystery elements.
The continued use of the main character breaking the fourth wall adds a perfect amount of comedy and feels true to some of Shakespeares work.
No spice but the author does a great job at writing a romantic scene that intrigues.
Teaser for the next book, I can’t wait.
The continued use of the main character breaking the fourth wall adds a perfect amount of comedy and feels true to some of Shakespeares work.
No spice but the author does a great job at writing a romantic scene that intrigues.
Teaser for the next book, I can’t wait.
June 15, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5/5🌟
Five out of five hilarious stars, okay? This book is a lot of irreverent humor, banter, a mystery and is just an absolutely funny retelling of the famous Romeo and Juliet. But not their story, no..the story of their daughter Rosie. What, you say?! Well, you need to read the book and find out! And if I’m being honest, I think I like this version of Romeo and Juliet’s life better (no offense, Shakespeare 😉). I cannot count the number of times I giggled out loud while reading this book! I adored “The Silvers” and the wonderfully strong women and all the advice they give 🤭. There’s fade to black romance and hear me when I say that you too will be rooting for them! Trust me! 1/5🌶️ Thank you the author, Kensington, and NetGalley for the eARC. This voluntary review is my honest thoughts and opinions about the book.
“Logic did not rule the marital union, and sometimes the most unlikely, tumultuous matches were the most loving.”
“…her agony, my fear, the blood, sweat, and tears it took to bring new lives into the world.”
“Remember, Rosie, a man is like this floor. Lay him right, and you can walk on him for the next forty years.”
“Marriages are made in heaven…But so are towering storm clouds that flash and boom and sink a ship and all aboard.”
5/5🌟
Five out of five hilarious stars, okay? This book is a lot of irreverent humor, banter, a mystery and is just an absolutely funny retelling of the famous Romeo and Juliet. But not their story, no..the story of their daughter Rosie. What, you say?! Well, you need to read the book and find out! And if I’m being honest, I think I like this version of Romeo and Juliet’s life better (no offense, Shakespeare 😉). I cannot count the number of times I giggled out loud while reading this book! I adored “The Silvers” and the wonderfully strong women and all the advice they give 🤭. There’s fade to black romance and hear me when I say that you too will be rooting for them! Trust me! 1/5🌶️ Thank you the author, Kensington, and NetGalley for the eARC. This voluntary review is my honest thoughts and opinions about the book.
“Logic did not rule the marital union, and sometimes the most unlikely, tumultuous matches were the most loving.”
“…her agony, my fear, the blood, sweat, and tears it took to bring new lives into the world.”
“Remember, Rosie, a man is like this floor. Lay him right, and you can walk on him for the next forty years.”
“Marriages are made in heaven…But so are towering storm clouds that flash and boom and sink a ship and all aboard.”
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.
July 7, 2026
Honestly, I’m shocked an editor let this pass. It read like a first draft where the author got all her ideas out without any thought to pacing, clarity, or plot. It was missing so much of what made books 1 and 2 so great. It was instead clumsy and convoluted.
Unlike all the other 4-5 star reviews on here, I did not receive a free copy from the author or publisher.
Unlike all the other 4-5 star reviews on here, I did not receive a free copy from the author or publisher.
August 6, 2026
There is always a risk when an author revisits one of literature's most famous tragedies. Romeo and Juliet has been rewritten countless times, often leaning so heavily on the original that it struggles to justify its own existence. Christina Dodd's Teach the Torches to Burn does the opposite. It embraces Shakespeare's framework while creating something that feels refreshingly modern, funny, and emotionally satisfying. More importantly, it gives the story a heroine who steals every scene she's in. Rosie is impossible to ignore, and by the time I reached the final page I couldn't imagine this version of Verona without her.
As the conclusion to the story, this was enormously fun. It balances romance, family drama, mystery, and comedy with surprising confidence. Rather than feeling like a retelling for the sake of nostalgia, it feels like a conversation with the original play—one that asks what might happen if ordinary people had to live in the shadow of one of history's greatest love stories.
The novel follows Rosie, a wonderfully eccentric young woman whose life becomes tangled with Cal, a grounded and charming counterpart who is every bit as engaging as she is. Around them, the familiar tragedy of Romeo and Juliet unfolds, but instead of simply recreating Shakespeare's plot, Dodd uses those legendary lovers almost like gravitational forces, pulling everyone else's lives into their orbit. The result is a story that celebrates romance while acknowledging that real love is often much messier, stranger, and ultimately more enduring than grand declarations beneath balconies.
Rosie is undoubtedly the heart of the novel. She practically jumps off the page from her very first appearance. She's quirky without becoming unbelievable, funny without slipping into caricature, and emotionally authentic throughout. It's easy to write an eccentric heroine whose oddities become her entire personality, but Rosie always feels like a real person first. Her humor, impulsiveness, vulnerabilities, and determination all work together to create someone who is incredibly easy to root for. Even when she makes questionable decisions, they feel like decisions Rosie herself would make rather than convenient plot devices.
Cal proves to be the perfect partner for her. Their relationship is what anchors the novel emotionally. While Romeo and Juliet embody overwhelming passion and youthful impulsiveness, Rosie and Cal represent something quieter and arguably stronger. They build trust, challenge one another, and slowly discover that love isn't simply about dramatic gestures but about choosing each other despite misunderstandings and difficult circumstances.
That contrast between the two couples is what I found most compelling. Romeo and Juliet remain symbols of all-consuming, idealized love, but Rosie and Cal offer something far more grounded. Their romance develops through conversations, shared experiences, and mutual respect rather than instant obsession. Dodd never diminishes Shakespeare's famous lovers, but she gently questions whether lasting love might look very different from legendary love. The parallels between the relationships become one of the novel's greatest strengths, allowing each romance to illuminate the other.
The supporting cast also contributes plenty of charm. Familiar figures from the original story appear in ways that reward readers who know Shakespeare without alienating those who don't. Every interaction helps build a Verona that feels alive rather than simply serving as a backdrop for doomed romance. The humor woven throughout the novel keeps the tone light even when larger emotional stakes begin to emerge.
One of the things I appreciated most was how realistic this interpretation of Romeo and Juliet feels. That may sound odd considering its literary origins, but Dodd grounds the emotional conflicts in believable relationships. Characters communicate imperfectly, make mistakes, hold grudges, and grow over time. The story embraces the theatricality of Shakespeare while never losing sight of genuine human emotion. It makes the world feel inhabited instead of staged.
The pacing also works remarkably well for a conclusion. Threads established earlier come together naturally, character arcs reach satisfying resolutions, and the ending feels earned without becoming overly sentimental. There's a genuine sense of closure while still leaving readers with the warmth that comes from spending time alongside characters they've grown to love.
Ultimately, Teach the Torches to Burn succeeds because it understands that the greatest strength of Romeo and Juliet isn't simply its tragedy—it's the enduring power of love stories to inspire new ones. Christina Dodd honors Shakespeare while confidently telling her own tale. Rosie is one of those rare protagonists who completely owns the novel, and her relationship with Cal provides a beautiful counterpoint to the legendary romance at its center. Funny, heartfelt, quirky, and surprisingly moving, this was a thoroughly enjoyable conclusion to an already wonderful story, and one that reminds us there is always room for another love story in Verona.
As the conclusion to the story, this was enormously fun. It balances romance, family drama, mystery, and comedy with surprising confidence. Rather than feeling like a retelling for the sake of nostalgia, it feels like a conversation with the original play—one that asks what might happen if ordinary people had to live in the shadow of one of history's greatest love stories.
The novel follows Rosie, a wonderfully eccentric young woman whose life becomes tangled with Cal, a grounded and charming counterpart who is every bit as engaging as she is. Around them, the familiar tragedy of Romeo and Juliet unfolds, but instead of simply recreating Shakespeare's plot, Dodd uses those legendary lovers almost like gravitational forces, pulling everyone else's lives into their orbit. The result is a story that celebrates romance while acknowledging that real love is often much messier, stranger, and ultimately more enduring than grand declarations beneath balconies.
Rosie is undoubtedly the heart of the novel. She practically jumps off the page from her very first appearance. She's quirky without becoming unbelievable, funny without slipping into caricature, and emotionally authentic throughout. It's easy to write an eccentric heroine whose oddities become her entire personality, but Rosie always feels like a real person first. Her humor, impulsiveness, vulnerabilities, and determination all work together to create someone who is incredibly easy to root for. Even when she makes questionable decisions, they feel like decisions Rosie herself would make rather than convenient plot devices.
Cal proves to be the perfect partner for her. Their relationship is what anchors the novel emotionally. While Romeo and Juliet embody overwhelming passion and youthful impulsiveness, Rosie and Cal represent something quieter and arguably stronger. They build trust, challenge one another, and slowly discover that love isn't simply about dramatic gestures but about choosing each other despite misunderstandings and difficult circumstances.
That contrast between the two couples is what I found most compelling. Romeo and Juliet remain symbols of all-consuming, idealized love, but Rosie and Cal offer something far more grounded. Their romance develops through conversations, shared experiences, and mutual respect rather than instant obsession. Dodd never diminishes Shakespeare's famous lovers, but she gently questions whether lasting love might look very different from legendary love. The parallels between the relationships become one of the novel's greatest strengths, allowing each romance to illuminate the other.
The supporting cast also contributes plenty of charm. Familiar figures from the original story appear in ways that reward readers who know Shakespeare without alienating those who don't. Every interaction helps build a Verona that feels alive rather than simply serving as a backdrop for doomed romance. The humor woven throughout the novel keeps the tone light even when larger emotional stakes begin to emerge.
One of the things I appreciated most was how realistic this interpretation of Romeo and Juliet feels. That may sound odd considering its literary origins, but Dodd grounds the emotional conflicts in believable relationships. Characters communicate imperfectly, make mistakes, hold grudges, and grow over time. The story embraces the theatricality of Shakespeare while never losing sight of genuine human emotion. It makes the world feel inhabited instead of staged.
The pacing also works remarkably well for a conclusion. Threads established earlier come together naturally, character arcs reach satisfying resolutions, and the ending feels earned without becoming overly sentimental. There's a genuine sense of closure while still leaving readers with the warmth that comes from spending time alongside characters they've grown to love.
Ultimately, Teach the Torches to Burn succeeds because it understands that the greatest strength of Romeo and Juliet isn't simply its tragedy—it's the enduring power of love stories to inspire new ones. Christina Dodd honors Shakespeare while confidently telling her own tale. Rosie is one of those rare protagonists who completely owns the novel, and her relationship with Cal provides a beautiful counterpoint to the legendary romance at its center. Funny, heartfelt, quirky, and surprisingly moving, this was a thoroughly enjoyable conclusion to an already wonderful story, and one that reminds us there is always room for another love story in Verona.
August 7, 2026
I owe this series a review! I don’t think I’ve ever read another series quite like this one, and I am having an absolute blast.
The premise alone is worth picking it up: Romeo and Juliet didn’t die. They lived happily ever after, had a ridiculous number of children, and now their eldest daughter, Rosie, is here to tell us that Shakespeare got a few important details wrong. She happily breaks the fourth wall, talks directly to the reader, pokes fun at the Bard, and somehow makes all of it work.
This series feels like someone took Romeo and Juliet, a cozy murder mystery, a romantic comedy, and a troupe of Shakespeare actors who refuse to stay in character, then mixed them together with a healthy amount of chaos.
There are references to iambic pentameter, thumb-biting, duels, codpieces, impossible family drama, and enough Shakespeare jokes to make any English teacher ridiculously happy. But none of it feels pretentious. It feels like the author is inviting you in on the joke.
And the characters! Rosie is hilarious, clever, stubborn, endlessly curious, and completely aware that she’s living in a story inspired by one of literature’s greatest tragedies. Her running commentary had me laughing throughout the book, and I adore the way she pulls the reader into every ridiculous situation.
The mysteries are genuinely engaging, the dialogue sparkles, the romance is sweet without taking over, and the entire series has this wonderfully self-aware charm that keeps me turning pages with a grin on my face.
These books know exactly what they are. They’re clever without being heavy, funny without becoming parody, and absolutely overflowing with affection for Shakespeare while refusing to put him on a pedestal.
Verily, I am thoroughly entertained and already impatiently awaiting Rosie’s next adventure.
The premise alone is worth picking it up: Romeo and Juliet didn’t die. They lived happily ever after, had a ridiculous number of children, and now their eldest daughter, Rosie, is here to tell us that Shakespeare got a few important details wrong. She happily breaks the fourth wall, talks directly to the reader, pokes fun at the Bard, and somehow makes all of it work.
This series feels like someone took Romeo and Juliet, a cozy murder mystery, a romantic comedy, and a troupe of Shakespeare actors who refuse to stay in character, then mixed them together with a healthy amount of chaos.
There are references to iambic pentameter, thumb-biting, duels, codpieces, impossible family drama, and enough Shakespeare jokes to make any English teacher ridiculously happy. But none of it feels pretentious. It feels like the author is inviting you in on the joke.
And the characters! Rosie is hilarious, clever, stubborn, endlessly curious, and completely aware that she’s living in a story inspired by one of literature’s greatest tragedies. Her running commentary had me laughing throughout the book, and I adore the way she pulls the reader into every ridiculous situation.
The mysteries are genuinely engaging, the dialogue sparkles, the romance is sweet without taking over, and the entire series has this wonderfully self-aware charm that keeps me turning pages with a grin on my face.
These books know exactly what they are. They’re clever without being heavy, funny without becoming parody, and absolutely overflowing with affection for Shakespeare while refusing to put him on a pedestal.
Verily, I am thoroughly entertained and already impatiently awaiting Rosie’s next adventure.
July 3, 2026
Each book in this series gets better and better.
I admit I jumped ship over to Team Cal! The prince proved himself over and over again. What makes him very appealing is how besotted he is with Rosie and how he shows it more.
The pre wedding festivities are agog with prophecy and murder.
Magno the Maggot is a deplorable relative and deserved what he got. The Silvers were my favorite and I cackled at Nonna’s saying at Rosie’s bridal fest.
Romeo breaks wind at the most opportune times to clear out the gravity.
I did wail at one upsetting scene featuring a favorite of mine and for what occurred.
I also was tortured at whether Rosie and Cal would or wouldn’t!! I was about to yell get out during every chapter!
I can’t wait for the next one!
Thanks NetGalley, Edelweiss, Kensington Books,and Christina Dodd for both digital and hard copies.
I admit I jumped ship over to Team Cal! The prince proved himself over and over again. What makes him very appealing is how besotted he is with Rosie and how he shows it more.
The pre wedding festivities are agog with prophecy and murder.
Magno the Maggot is a deplorable relative and deserved what he got. The Silvers were my favorite and I cackled at Nonna’s saying at Rosie’s bridal fest.
Romeo breaks wind at the most opportune times to clear out the gravity.
I did wail at one upsetting scene featuring a favorite of mine and for what occurred.
I also was tortured at whether Rosie and Cal would or wouldn’t!! I was about to yell get out during every chapter!
I can’t wait for the next one!
Thanks NetGalley, Edelweiss, Kensington Books,and Christina Dodd for both digital and hard copies.
July 10, 2026
Y’all!!!!! I was late to the fan wagon on Christina’s new series, because it’s not really my favorite thing to read about one person for multiple books, but I’ve never been happier to be wrong!
If you’re looking for a book that’s equal parts witty banter, simmering chemistry, and “I’ll just read one more chapter” (famous last words), Teach the Torches to Burn absolutely delivers.
Christina Dodd has a talent for creating characters who are delightfully stubborn, wonderfully flawed, and impossible not to root for. The dialogue had me grinning, the tension kept me hooked, and every time I thought I knew where things were headed, the story happily proved me wrong.
This book is like being handed a torch and told, “Don’t play with fire,” while the characters immediately ignore that advice in the most entertaining way possible. The romance sparkles, the humor lands perfectly, and the adventure keeps the pages turning long past any reasonable bedtime.
Five stars. My sleep schedule may never forgive Christina Dodd, but my bookshelf certainly does.
If you’re looking for a book that’s equal parts witty banter, simmering chemistry, and “I’ll just read one more chapter” (famous last words), Teach the Torches to Burn absolutely delivers.
Christina Dodd has a talent for creating characters who are delightfully stubborn, wonderfully flawed, and impossible not to root for. The dialogue had me grinning, the tension kept me hooked, and every time I thought I knew where things were headed, the story happily proved me wrong.
This book is like being handed a torch and told, “Don’t play with fire,” while the characters immediately ignore that advice in the most entertaining way possible. The romance sparkles, the humor lands perfectly, and the adventure keeps the pages turning long past any reasonable bedtime.
Five stars. My sleep schedule may never forgive Christina Dodd, but my bookshelf certainly does.
July 11, 2026
Listening to this book is like being welcomed into a family you already know while still being unique unto itself. Rosie's parents are Romeo and Juliet and their love is just as evident as the story you know and love. Rosalind is getting married to Escalus. Bringing the Montagues, Capalets and Escalus's family together leads to tense situations, funny situations and a murder mystery. The story is quick paced, easy to follow and both a classic and modern story at all once. The narrator fit the story perfectly. This was my first book from this author and I am looking forward to reading more.
Thank you RB media, Recoded Books and Netgalley for this ALC, all opinions are my own.
Thank you RB media, Recoded Books and Netgalley for this ALC, all opinions are my own.
June 15, 2026
Thank you kensingtoncreatorhq, kensingtonbooks, and the author for the gifted eArc. TEACH THE TORCHES TO BURN by Christina Dodd was such a delightful, hilarious, good time of a book. I didn’t realize this was the third book in this series and wish I had read the other two first. This book can be read as a standalone but I feel I would have had more of an impact by reading the other two books first as this follows a large cast of lovable and not so lovable (IYKYK) characters. I had an absolute blast reading through this book following the adventures of Rosie (Romeo and Juliet’s daughter). This series provides an alternate world where Romeo and Juliet survive, marry, and have lots of children. Rosie is in the midst of planning her wedding when a murder mystery takes place and all the antics occur. There were so many quick witted and hilarious scenarios in this story, especially between Rosie and Cal. I found the large cast of characters a little hard to follow at points, which again is why I think reading book 1 and 2 would have benefited me. The author did a good job of recapping important events that happened in previous books though. Anyone who loves the mystery aspect of Knives Out and the romance of Bridgerton with a humorous twist would definitely enjoy TEACH THE TORCHES TO BURN.
June 18, 2026
3.5⭐️
I want be Nonna Ursula when I grow up.
This book follows Rosaline daughter of Romeo and Juliet (yes it’s the same ones you’re thinking of) and her wedding to Cal. Only things don’t go exactly to plan, and there’s a poisoner in their ranks. What would be a fairly stressful event anyway getting two rival houses to get along is made even more interesting by having to find a murderer among their wedding guests.
Coupled with the fact that Rosaline and Prince Cal are trying desperately to be *together* before the wedding day (gasp), and things are not working in their favor.
I love Cal and his support of her.
It was cozy but at the same time very chaotic. A lot of pieces moving at once.
This book is for you if you like:
A book that breaks the fourth wall
Shakespeare/ Shakespeare references
Wanted a HEA for Romeo and Juliet
A cozy murder mystery
A wild cast of characters
Sassy and strong FMCs
This is an arc review. Thank you to the author and Kensington for this eARC.
I want be Nonna Ursula when I grow up.
This book follows Rosaline daughter of Romeo and Juliet (yes it’s the same ones you’re thinking of) and her wedding to Cal. Only things don’t go exactly to plan, and there’s a poisoner in their ranks. What would be a fairly stressful event anyway getting two rival houses to get along is made even more interesting by having to find a murderer among their wedding guests.
Coupled with the fact that Rosaline and Prince Cal are trying desperately to be *together* before the wedding day (gasp), and things are not working in their favor.
I love Cal and his support of her.
It was cozy but at the same time very chaotic. A lot of pieces moving at once.
This book is for you if you like:
A book that breaks the fourth wall
Shakespeare/ Shakespeare references
Wanted a HEA for Romeo and Juliet
A cozy murder mystery
A wild cast of characters
Sassy and strong FMCs
This is an arc review. Thank you to the author and Kensington for this eARC.
August 1, 2026
The wedding day between Lady Rosaline and her prince is fast approaching, and it wouldn't be a Rosie tale without death, danger and intrigue. From sneaky younger siblings, clairvoyant elderly matriarchs, and a dead body or two, every thing seems set against this union between the prince of Verona and the eldest daughter of Romeo and Juliet.
I definitely enjoyed this installment more than the second book. The characters felt more fleshed out and had real motivation behind them. Friar Lawrence and Nurse are still two of my favorite characters in the series and I definitely appreciated Lysander more in this installment than I did in both previous books. I loved the conclusion to the long awaited wedding day and definitely have to go back and read the short stories now.
I definitely enjoyed this installment more than the second book. The characters felt more fleshed out and had real motivation behind them. Friar Lawrence and Nurse are still two of my favorite characters in the series and I definitely appreciated Lysander more in this installment than I did in both previous books. I loved the conclusion to the long awaited wedding day and definitely have to go back and read the short stories now.
July 21, 2026
I loved listening to this fantastic audiobook. I loved the intrigue and the laughs as Rosie and Prince Escalus tie the knot. I loved all of Rosie’s family. I enjoyed listening to the narrator as Rosie must solve a poisoning while she plans her wedding. The narration is wonderful for all of the family members. I received a copy of the audiobook and gave an honest opinion.
July 10, 2026
This book was an ARC read and I adored it! I found myself chuckling to some of the thoughts of the characters while still being intrigued in the mystery piece! You don’t need to read the other books in the series to enjoy this (as I have not). If you enjoy the idea of Shakespeare world, plus a murder mystery, plus soon to be married this one is for you. It was light hearted and gave enough details that I wasn’t left asking question besides WHAT HAPPENS TO THEM IN THE NEXT BOOK???
Displaying 1 - 30 of 486 reviews