Book Review: Thus With a Kiss I Die (Daughter of Montague, #2) by Christina Dodd
OMG, you guys! I can hardly contain my excitement—I GOT AN ARC! Seriously, last time I felt this giddy was when I won a school spelling bee in the third grade. Christina Dodd, the fabulous author behind so many beloved titles, has always held a special place on my bookshelf, and to have my hands on a sneak peek of Thus With a Kiss I Die? Pinch me, I must be dreaming!
The Journey Back to Verona
Let’s dive right in—how did I love this book? Let me count the ways… (And, yes, that’s all the Shakespeare you’ll get from me today!) Set in the whimsical world Dodd has created, this sequel picks up right where the last book left off, with Rosie caught in a messy engagement with “the wrong groom.” As she navigates her whirlwind feelings for Lysander and the frustrations of her suitor Cal (who I shall affectionately call “Cal”), the adventure unfolds beautifully.
The opening sets a tone that will resonate throughout the novel: a mix of drama and comedy. Rosie’s struggle to reclaim her fate is both engaging and relatable. But more importantly, it’s downright entertaining. It’s a balance Dodd strikes so well; readers don’t need to be Shakespeare experts to enjoy the references and clever dialogue sprinkled throughout the pages. Her ability to weave humor with heartfelt moments is a true gift.
An Enchanting Cast
What I appreciated most was the rich tapestry of characters. The Montague family is delightful, adding a humorous dimension that contrasts beautifully with the heavier moments of the original Romeo and Juliet. Cal’s awkward attempts at romance and Romeo’s earnest paternal instincts create laugh-out-loud moments. I loved how Dodd allowed their personalities to shine through amid the chaos of familial antics. And can we talk about the cameo from Yorick? What a treat!
Rosie stands out as a heroine you can’t help but root for. Her determination and cleverness are relatable, making her journey captivating. With moments of suspense involving seances and even cults, the narrative takes a delightful turn that makes it hard to put down. I found myself chuckling through her witty comebacks—Dodd has truly mastered the art of dialogue!
A Cozy Mystery with Heart
Though I found that the pacing slowed initially, I promise you it quickly picks up, leading to an enthralling climax. The only thing that truly irked me? The prospect of waiting for the next installment! A year? Two years? That feels like cruel and unusual punishment for this ardent fan.
In summary, if you’re someone who enjoys a cozy mystery vibe laced with romance and a smart heroine, Thus With a Kiss I Die should be on your must-read list. Dodd has found that sweet spot where clever writing meets emotional depth, and the experience left me both satisfied and hungry for more.
Ultimately, the joy of reading this charming tale reminded me why I fell in love with Dodd’s work in the first place. So, until the next book arrives, I find solace in the delightful memories of Rosie, Cal, and their boisterous family. Happy reading!
Discover more about Thus With a Kiss I Die (Daughter of Montague, #2) on GoodReads >>