A Daughter of Fair Verona (Daughter of Montague) Hardcover – June 25, 2024

A Daughter of Fair Verona by Christina Dodd1st in series, Daughter of Montague. Historical mystery, retellings, comedy. Cliffhanger. Splashes of romance and maybe more to come. 1st person.Once upon a time, a young couple from two warring families, met and fell in love. Tragically, betrayal and lies were told and ended with the lovers both killings themselves.At least that’s the ending per Shakespeare.In this twisted tale, Romeo and Juliet are alive and the parents of seven children. So far. They can’t keep their hands off each other! Monologues, poetry, passion, it’s all too much for Rosie, the oldest. At 20 she is considered a spinster. Up until now, she has managed to re-direct any suitors to another sister, or friend or someone more appropriate for the groom. But now, Duke Stephano is not to be denied. Even though he has had three previous wives, he has made it impossible for Rosie to escape being his next victim...correction, bride.As fate would intervene, Rosie falls in love at first site at her betrothal ball with someone else! Then she actually stumbles upon her betrothed, dead in the garden, with a dagger in the heart! Of course, she’s going to investigate. There are already talks about ghosts wandering the halls.🎧 I alternated between an ebook and audiobook for this story. The narration is performed by Suzy Jackson who has a wonderful sense of comedic timing and delivery. There are specific voices for the main characters. The action and comedy kept me engaged and actively listening. I listened at my preferred of 1.5 and could have go one slightly up or down on this one. The humor and sarcasm was riveting and I enjoyed the story up until the very last 20 seconds when I realized it wasn’t the end, but a cliffhanger. Ugh. And a year now to wait? Good thing I have multiple formats to refresh when the time comes to continue.I recommend the audiobook version for clearly hearing Rosie’s personality.The ebook is great for the descriptions and keeping the family, and friends straight.4.5 because of the cliffhanger.

This was a fun, light romp. The reimagining of the Tale of Romeo and Juliet, or at least its ending, was a sweet frame for a playful story. Fun characters, entertaining plot, and just a bit of intrigue made this a very enjoyable trifle for a couple of lazy vacay days. I look forward to reading the rest of the story.

Just minutes ago, I finished the first story, A Daughter of Fair Verona, (Daughter of Montague, #1). Absolutely loved it! .I love the idea of Shakespeare, but dealing with the language…not so much. I have to stop & try to reason out what he’s saying, what his characters are saying, instead of sailing thru the story. Sometimes, I just want to sail!It’s been a few years since I read Romeo & Juliet. Yet, Rosie, and her family, felt true, but were the perfect blend of flowery & snark. Right up my alley. The only real problem, is that I now have to wait for June before book 2 comes out. That’s months!!Rosie starts out pretty sure of herself. She’s the practical, down to earth Montague. And yes, she’s heard all the stories, (not exactly a secret) and has decided her course. She WANTS to be the unmarried, virgin, daughter of the house…and has taken steps to ensure that outcome. But she’s caught the eye(s) of someone wanting to change that status.Medieval/Rennaisance Verona can be a dangerous place. Rosie is not the only with a goal, an agenda. And not everyone is as forthright as she is. The protected daughter of a respected house is not quite as protected as she thought. She has learned how to protect herself, but if her family, the ones she loves are at risk, all bets are off. How will she protect them? People around her are dropping like flies! How to identify the risk? Neutralize it? Reestablish her preferred existence? Rosie is a perfectly capable young woman.This story is not really a cliffhanger, but I can’t wait to see how things progress. Rosie - and several characters around her - are sure to keep things interesting.Thank you Ms Dodd, for a WONDERFUL story. I eagerly await the next in series, & all that may come after. Thank you!!

This writing is so different from Christina’s other writing it feels like someone else wrote it.It is an interesting story and take on a classic story theme. It took forever for the story to take shape. It had some interesting twists and turns.

Actually, a good cute story. Wasn't sure I was going to like it at first as it was..... a bit too cheesy for me. And I rarely read romances, even comedic ones. But as it progressed, it became less so and I enjoyed the mystery. Liked the end. I think Rosie has met her match!