The undead can really screw up your senior year . . .
Marrying a vampire definitely doesn’t fit into Jessica Packwood’s senior year “get-a-life” plan. But then a bizarre (and incredibly hot) new exchange student named Lucius Vladescu shows up, claiming that Jessica is a Romanian vampire princess by birth—and he’s her long-lost fiancé. Armed with newfound confidence and a copy of Growing Up Undead: A Teen Vampire’s Guide to Dating, Health, and Emotions, Jessica makes a dramatic transition from average American teenager to glam European vampire princess. But when a devious cheerleader sets her sights on Lucius, Jess finds herself fighting to win back her wayward prince, stop a global vampire war—and save Lucius’s soul from eternal destruction.
Review:
Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side has been sitting on my bookshelf waiting to be read for what seems like ages now, but after reading an early copy of the author's second novel, Jekel Loves Hyde (coming May 2010; I highly suggest you pre-order it now!), I knew I had to read her first one. As it turns out, Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side was even better than Jekel Loves Hyde, amazingly enough, and a book that I was truly sad to see come to an end; a feeling that I haven't felt in a long time towards a book.
If you've read my previous reviews dealing with vampire books, I'm usually not their biggest fan, which may be the reason it took me so long to read this, but Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side went far to amaze me, making this one of my favorite vampire novels of all time. Since I loved nearly everything about it: the mystery, the romance, the suspense, and Lucius ( cue the *swoon*).
Jessica was a character who came of being very strong, even if she did appear to be a bit irrational at times, but love makes everyone go a bit crazy, no? And I liked that Lucius and her relationship started up from hate then to friends then to love because I have to admit it was fun to see not only lovey dovy scenes, but the funny bickering between the two of them.
The plot of Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side was one that never truly had a dull moment because with the action, suspense, and funny parts, it was easy to just fly through this in one sitting. I loved finding about the different vampire families because it was very unique, a quality that I love in a book!
The only thing that made this one be a B+ instead of an A+ was the ending. I think Beth was trying to make it as much action packed as possible, and because of that, it was just a bit too much and too rash. Plus, there were a few things that were left wide open.
In all, Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side is a book that has it all: action, romance, a looming war, and amazing characters; leaving it to be a book that I highly, highly suggest! Since I'm sure you'll come to love it just as much as I did if not more!
Grade: B+
Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side is now out in paperback, yet another reason to pick it up!
Source: Author/Harcourt for review. Thanks!
I know exactly what you mean about the ending - it was my least favourite part of the book. I still loved it though, and I'm glad you did too! :)
ReplyDeleteIf you go onto the authors website she has a mini online book that is 22 chapters long of their wedding. I haven't read it but I might?!?!
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I really enjoyed this one as well. I thought the vampires were a little more realistic and dark. I was sad with the ending, there was a lot of potential there and I was almost wishing it had ended with Jessica finding out that Lucius was actually alive. Then the second book could have been about her journy to find him, claim her birthright and fight to win him back. Sorry, I went off on a little tangent.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, on the authors site there is a short story of Jessica & Lucius' wedding. It's not as good as the book, but still fun to read.
Nice review! I really liked this book, glad you enjoyed it too :)
ReplyDeleteI've heard some good things about this book, but I was wary because of the fact that I've come close to overdosing on vamps. Glad that you think it's worth the read. I may have to put it on my library list. :)
ReplyDeleteI've been hearing about this book and might get it after reading your review. I love a witty romance.
ReplyDeleteGreat review!
ReplyDeleteI'm itching to get my hands on this book, it's going to be in my next Amazon order. Ahhh!
I've been wondering about this book for such a long time. Thanks for enlightening me. I really want to read it need. Great enthusiastic review!
ReplyDeleteAwesome review, Lauren! I ordered this book a while ago, it should be here soon. Anyway, I can't wait to read it now. Everyone seems to be liking it :)
ReplyDeleteGreat review! Just like you, I have been thinking about reading this book for so long... I really have to buy it soon!
ReplyDeleteI really liked this book too. To think I was almost afraid to read it because of the cover and title.
ReplyDeleteWe just posted a video interview with Beth Fantaskey, you might like to hear what she is working on!