Thus With a Kiss I Die (Daughter of Montague, #2) – A Delightful Romp Through Verona
When I first heard that Christina Dodd was continuing the story of Rosie and Cal (a.k.a. Escalus) in Thus With a Kiss I Die, I knew I had to dive in! Imagine my uncontainable excitement when I was gifted an ARC! I never win ARCs, and to receive one from a beloved author like Dodd? OMG, I was practically bouncing off the walls!
From the very first chapter, I was drawn back into this whimsical world. Set immediately after the cliffhanger of the first book, we find Rosie in a bit of a pickle—compromised and reluctantly engaged to "the wrong groom." My heart raced for her! The complexity of her relationships with Cal and Lysander kept me engaged as I flipped through the pages. Dodd has crafted these characters so vividly that their struggles felt almost personal.
Rosie is a brilliantly crafted protagonist whose wit and intelligence shine throughout. Watching her navigate the treacherous waters of love and duty—especially when she interacts with the ghost of Cal’s father—was a delightful twist. It’s a clever nod to classic literature, but Dodd brilliantly balances the Shakespearean essence with modern humor. “That’s all the Shakespeare you’re getting in this review,” I chuckled, resonating with her playful tone.
One of my favorite elements of the book is Dodd’s whimsical use of anachronisms and humor. Rosie’s comebacks are sharp, and there were moments I found myself laughing out loud at her banter. The juxtaposition of serious plots with light-hearted dialogue made the reading experience feel like a cozy mystery interspersed with young romance. Who would’ve thought that séances, grumpy grandmas, and cults could make such a charming backdrop? The Montague family, in all their eccentricity, added layers of laughter and warmth that offset the generally heavy themes of love and loss—oh, how I adored their antics!
Dodd’s writing style remains refreshing and accessible. While the pacing initially took a moment to ramp up, once the plot gained speed, I found myself unable to put the book down. The vivid imagery and character dynamics came alive in a way that beckoned me to keep turning the pages.
But let’s not ignore the nostalgic feeling of seeing familiar characters like Romeo and Juliet, who are both hilariously imperfect and charmingly relatable. Their transition to parenthood is fraught with comic potential, and I can’t help but root for their newfound vibrancy. The younger Montagues add even more depth to the story—like the budding romance between Cesario and Cal’s sister, which I found utterly adorable.
In conclusion, Thus With a Kiss I Die is a delightful read for anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries blended with romance and a hint of Shakespearean flair. It appeals not just to the fans of Dodd but also to those looking for humor mixed with heartfelt moments. I’m left with the bittersweet ache of waiting for the next installment—will it be a year? Two years? The anticipation is cruel!
This series might just be my favorite from Dodd yet, which is saying a lot for a long-time fan. If you’re aching for a charming escape into Verona among quirks, laughter, and a little bit of magic, grab your copy. You won’t regret it!
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