Review: Undead and Unfinished by MaryJanice Davidson

My Rating: VG, L, H

Published: 2010
Publisher: The Berkley Publishing Group

Author's Website: MaryJaniceDavidson.net

Purchase @ Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com

Vampire Queen Betsy Taylor is fed up with trying to decipher the strange things prophesised in The Book of the Dead. At the end of her tether, she strikes a deal with Satan who promises to help – but only if she and her half-sister Laura pay a visit to Hell.

Hell, it would seem, is more terrifying than Betsy could have ever imagined – a waiting room with bad carpeting, reruns of 70s TV shows and ancient Good Housekeeping magazines. But when Betsy and Laura find themselves catapulted back and forth through time, they realise they could seriously screw everything up for good...

Undead and Unfinished is the ninth instalment in the Queen Betsy series by MaryJanice Davidson. Hillarious, enlightening and confusing are some of the emotions I was feeling whilst reading this book.

Queen Betsy definitely takes us for a ride in this book. We are given more of an insight into the world of Betsy and Sinclair just when everything seems to be bleak between the two of them. I was seriously worried about our lead couple.

As we flit through the times with Betsy and her sister Laura, the spawn of Satan, we learn more about how Betsy came to be and why everything is the way it is. To say the constant time travelling was confusing would be redundant but hey I am going to say it anyway. I got totally confused but in a good way. It had me constantly guessing where Betsy and Laura was going to take me next and what shenangians they would get up to.

I got a bit mad at the ending because it made me feel that this was the end of the series (it might not be but because I can’t find any proof to prove otherwise, I am thinking this is the last in the series). I really hope this is not the last book in the series as it left the series on quite a cliffhanger that has left me with more questions than I had to begin with.

The Queen Betsy series is the best series I have read so far this year. It has brought me many hours of laughter and endless entertainment. To say MaryJanice Davidson is the goddess of comedic writing would be an understatement. Hat off to this lady and she certainly knows how to write amazing fun-filled and amusing stoylines. Hopefully this is not the end.

Disclaimer: I do not own this book, I borrowed it from my local library. I have not been paid to review this book but everything I have said is of my own honest opinion.

In My Mailbox...(17)

In My Mailbox is a meme that is hosted by The Story Siren every Sunday.

I know it's been a while since I have done an IMM but I haven't had much books lately. I have made a promise to myself that I wouldn't buy any more books until I had read all the ones I haven't read yet.

Borrowed From Library

 Undead and Unfinished by MaryJanice Davidson

Sent for Review

 

Logic of Demons: Tee Quest for Nadine's Soul by Hal Goodman - this book was sent to me by the author for review

What did you guys get?

Review: Fish Out of Water by MaryJanice Davidson

My Rating: E, L, H

Published: 2008
Publisher: Piatkus

Author's Website: maryjanicedavidson.net

Purchase @ Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com

Mermaid Fredricka Bimm has finally made her choice between Artur, Prince of the Black Sea, and marine biologist Thomas – or has she? She’s agreed to visit Artur in his underwater home and she’s determined to make their relationship work. Why then is she so unhappy? Is it truly Artur who is the right person for her, or could she have made a mistake in her choice of man?

However, Fred doesn’t have time to dwell on this – the existence of the Undersea Folk is no longer a secret and someone needs to keep them from floundering in the media spotlight. Fred must do everything she can to help but, as civil war threatens to sink the merfolk, she finds her whole world – and love life – is turned completely upside down...

Fish Out of Water is the third and final book in the Fred the Mermaid series by MaryJanice Davidson. This woman is a goddess when it comes to snippy retorts, moody mermaids and over eccentric metro sexual guys.

Fred has currently been the go between the bipeds and the Underwater Folk during their unveiling to the world. Everywhere she goes, Fred is recognised. So Fred decides to move from her little apartment to a four bed roomed cottage near the sea which just so happens, is being used as the public headquarters of the Underwater Folk. Everything comes to a head for Fred in this book; the mystery of her mermaid father is revealed, she finally chooses the man she wants to be with and ends her eight year sex drought and someone is trying to overthrow the King of the Underwater Folk. Never an easy life for Fred.

I was so sad to read that this was the final book as this is a great source of entertainment for me. When I want to read a book that is just light and full of comedy, this is the series I turn to. I can’t stop laughing to myself when I am reading these books because Fred is such a funny and arrogant character. She has just the right mixture of stubborn, dry wit humour and hot headedness that makes me love her.

Overall, I really loved this book and really enjoyed watching Fred make her final decision between the two men in her life. My favourite part is at the end when one of her suitors claims her as his own just like that and no one bats an eyelid not even Fred because this is the man she wants. I would highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a bit of supernatural mixed with a lot of comedy.

Disclaimer: I do not own this book, I borrowed it from my local library. I have not been paid to review this book and everything I have said is of my own honest opinion.

Review: Swimming Without A Net by MaryJanice Davidson

My Rating: VG, B, H

Published: 2008
Publisher: Piatkus

Author's Website: maryjanicedavidson.net

Purchase @ Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com


Half human and half reluctant mermaid, Fredrika Bimm finds herself investigating her watery roots in the latest instalment of her highly original and very funny romantic adventures.

After spending her entire life without seeing another mermaid or merman, there are suddenly undersea folk all over the place when Fred visits the Black Sea. But Fred is still torn between her reluctant attraction to Artur, arrogant high prince of the mer-people, and wealthy human Thomas. Will the trip finally help her make up her mind, and separate the men from the...erm fish?

Swimming Without A Net is the second novel in the Fred the Mermaid series by MaryJanice Davidson.

Fred is called upon to attend a meeting of the mer-people but what she isn’t told is why she has been invited and why no one has bothered to talk to her since she got there. Finally another mermaid, lets her in on the secret and this just causes Fred to be furious. In the end its Fred’s life experiences and advice that help the mer-people come to a decision about an on-going debate that has been hanging around for decades.

I absolutely loved this book. It’s such an easy and short read that you can read it in a day. Fred has me in stitches with her antics and her best friend Jonas is so witty. The way he deals with Fred is amusing. We get to see Artur and Thomas in this book again and they are still fighting for Fred’s affections. We finally see Fred leaning to one side over the other. But I wouldn’t let that fool me into thinking that’s who she will end up being with in the end.

I don’t know about you but I love anything written by MaryJanice Davidson. Her writing style is so comical that she has me laughing at every turn of the page. Fred’s wit and rudeness is just hilarious to read about and can’t wait to read the next instalment, Fish Out of Water. I think it’s definitely worth anyone’s time to sit down and read MaryJanice’s books. They will not disappoint.

Disclaimer: I do not own this book, I borrowed it from my local library. I have not been paid to review this book and everything I have said is of my own honest opinion.

Review: Sleeping With The Fishes by MaryJanice Davidson

My Rating: E, B, H

Published: 2006
Publisher: Piatkus

Author's Website: maryjanicedavidson.net

Purchase @ Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com

Fredericka Bimm – Fred – is a mermaid. But she is not the stuff of legends. A marine biologist, she knows what’s in the water so chooses not to expose herself to those toxins. She’s allergic to shellfish. The sea creatures she can communicate with won’t do her bidding. And she doesn’t have long blonde hair or a perfect body. And she’s definitely not perky!

Fred’s life is mostly spent trying to conceal her origins – and lately she’s been trying to figure out just why there are weird levels of pollutants in the local seawater. Then two strangers come into her life. Her new colleague is a sexy – if over-curious – hunk with a mermaid fixation. The other claims he is Artur, the high prince of the black seas – and Fred’s rightful ruler

Sleeping With The Fishes is the first book in the ‘Fred the Mermaid’ series by MaryJanice Davidson. This book had me giggling non-stop.

Fred is a force to be reckoned with, by that I mean she doesn’t do what other people tell her to do, she’s very unique and holds her own. She reminds me of Betsy from MaryJanice Davidson’s ‘Queen Betsy’ series. They have similar attitudes in that they are always right and everyone around them is wrong and they are both outstandingly funny with their dry wit humour. That’s as close as the comparison gets. Fred doesn’t do dating but she soon finds herself two suitors. Oh how will she choose?

My favourite part of the book was when Fred turns into a mermaid for the first time in the book. I loved The Little Mermaid growing up so it was great to read about the transformation rather than viewing it as a cartoon on the television. I also love the colour of her hair – it sounds funky.

My favourite part of the book has to be when Fred is alone with either of her suitors in a one on one situation. I think it’s hilarious how she reacts around men that find her attractive and aren’t put off by her mannerisms or crass language. Another favourite scene of mine was at the beginning with Fred and her parents. I think that was the most funniest thing I have read about in a long time. I would never personally want it to happen to me as I think I would die from embarrassment but it was so funny reading about it happening to Fred.

I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoyed the ‘Queen Betsy’ series (which I thought was fantastic). There is so much humour in these books that it astounds me, I am literally giggling every time I turn the page. MaryJanice Davidson you are a comedian god. The books aren’t that long either so you can enjoy at least one a day or more if you wanted to.

Disclaimer: I do not own this book, I borrowed it from my local library. I have not been paid to review this book and everything I have said is of my own honest opinion.

In My Mailbox...(9)

In My Mailbox is a meme that is hosted by The Story Siren every Sunday.

This is what I got this week. I bought I Heart Paris and Take A Chance On Me..well actually the boyfriend paid for these hehe. The Stud and I Heart New York are books that I got free in a magazines. I know they are not from the supernatural genre but I thought these books would be good for holiday and in a week's time that is exactly where I will be. I will be sunning it up and probably getting burned so hopefully these books will keep my mind of my burning skin =)

Come to the nightspot where the beautiful people hang out and meet:

Tony Blake – your host and guide – and anything else you want him to be, Fontaine Khaled – jet-setting beauty – her face is her fortune and men are her weakness. Alexandra – her nubile stepdaughter – determined to sample everything the big city has to offer.

Like no book before or since, The Stud gets to grips with the debauched and decadent lifestyle of society’s high-flyers. You won’t believe your eyes...

Cleo Quinn doesn’t have a great track record when it comes to men, but now Will’s come along she’s optimistic. Handsome, attentive and an absolute gentlemen when it comes to her questionable cooking skills, he could be her Mr Right. Things are definitely looking up for Cleo...apart from one small problem with a rather large ego. Johnny LaVenture, sculptor extraordinaire and her childhood adversary, is backing in Channing’s Hill and tormenting Cleo as if he’s never been away.

But life never goes to plan, does it? Johnny isn’t the only one stirring up trouble and, for Cleo’s family and friends, all kinds of sparks are starting to fly. If you think you can put the past behind you, think again...

Fleeing her cheating boyfriend and clutching little more than a crumpled bridesmaid dress, a pair of Louboutins and her passport, Angela jumps on a plane – destination NYC.

Holed up in a cute hotel room, Angela gets a New York makeover from her NBF Jenny and a whirlwind tour of the city that never sleeps. Before she knows it, Angela is dating two sexy guys. And, best of all, she gets to write about it in her new blog (Carrie Bradshaw each your heart out). But it’s one thing telling readers about your romantic dilemmas, it’s another figuring them out for yourself...

Angela has fallen head over heels for the big apple, but does she heart New York more than home?

The Wish was provided to me by Transworld for review as part of their Summer Reading Challenege. If you want to know more or take part, please visit Between The Lines

When Angela Clark’s boyfriend Alex suggests a trip to Paris at the same time as hip fashion mag Belle asks her to write a piece, she jumps at the chance.

But even as she’s falling for the joie de vivre of Paris, someone’s conspiring to sabotage her big break. And when she spots Alex having a ṱȇte-à-tȇte with his ex in a local bar, Angela’s dreams of Parisian passion all start crashing around her.

With London and her old life only a train journey away, Angela can’t decide if she should stay and face the music or run away home...

THE WISH
All Lulu wants is a lovely man and father figure for her young son. In a perfect world, this would be her gorgeous boss, Ben Arlington. He is her dream man. He’s also highly sought after gaming industry millionaire, and engaged to another woman.

THE SECRET
But not for much longer if Ben’s cold-hearted mother has anything to do with it. Sofia Arlington has a secret to protect, a secret so potentially damaging she’ll do anything to keep it hidden.

THE REVENGE
Now a figure from Sofia’s dark past could change everything. Bessie Edwards is determined to get back what’s rightfully hers, and what she’s about to reveal will turn all their glittering lives upside down.

I got Sleeping With The Fishes from the library.

Fredericka Bimm – Fred – is a mermaid. But she is not the stuff of legends. A marine biologist, she knows what’s in the water so chooses not to expose herself to those toxins. She’s allergic to shellfish. The sea creatures she can communicate with won’t do her bidding. And she doesn’t have long blonde hair or a perfect body. And she’s definitely not perky!

Fred’s life is mostly spent trying to conceal her origins – and lately she’s been trying to figure out just why there are weird levels of pollutants in the local seawater. Then two strangers come into her life. Her new colleague is a sexy – if over-curious – hunk with a mermaid fixation. The other claims he is Artur, the high prince of the black seas – and Fred’s rightful ruler!

Review: Undead and Unwelcome by MaryJanice Davidson

My Rating: E, L, H

Published: 2009
Publisher: Thorndike Chivers

Author's Website: maryjanicedavidson.net

Purchase @ Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com

Fifty thousand angry werewolves. That's what Betsy is facing when she takes her werewolf friend Antonia's body to Cape Cod, where the Pack resides at Wyndham Manor. Because Antonia died in her service, Betsy is alive and well - and wrakced with guilt. She has no idea if the Wyndham werewolves will greet her with fangs or friendship. While Besty and her husband, Sinclair, try to make nice, their legal ward, BabyJon, freaks out every werefolf he meets. Meanwhile, back at the St. Paul mansion, Betsy's half sister is raising hell...

Undead and Unwelcome is the eight book in the Queen Betsy series by MaryJanice Davidson. Once again MJ doesn’t disappoint. There’s laughter, witty repertoire, near death experiences, some crafty underhandedness and not to mention some pure craziness.

This book is set about a week after Undead and Unworthy. Antonia the werewolf is dead and now Betsy, Sinclair, Jessica and BabyJon are taking a trip to Cape Cod to return her body to her pack. The pack seems to think that Betsy is responsible for her death so she must appear before their council to plead her case. Meanwhile, Marc, Tina and Laura at back at the St. Paul’s mansion and things start to take a turn for the worst. Things get rather crazy and Marc doesn’t know what to do.

I know I keep repeating myself but seriously, the Queen Betsy series has got to be the best funny series I have ever read. Every page I am laughing out loud to myself because of something Betsy has said or done. Her witty retorts get her into some dangerous entanglements but they also help her get out of them because the majority of the time she is right. And she has Sinclair to back her up when things go wrong.

I have a few favourite moments in this book, one of them was when Betsy and Lara are at the playground and Lara totally takes Betsy by surprise when she unveils the real reason she wanted time alone with Betsy. Also, my other favourite moment is when Tina becomes all feral again, that’s near the end of the book.

Overall, MJ has outdone herself and I can’t wait for Undead and Unfinished to come out so I can find out what other ridiculous situations Betsy gets herself in and out of. Betsy has got to be the most self-centred vampire I have come across when reading any paranormal novels but I love her for it. I would recommend this to anyone who likes reading about vampires and want some laughter.

Disclaimer: I do not own this book, I borrowed it from the library. I have not been paid to review this book and everything I have said is of my own honest opinion.

In My Mailbox...(4)

In My Mailbox is a meme that is hosted by The Story Siren every Sunday.

Fifty thousand angry werewolves. That's what Betsy is facing when she takes her werewolf friend Antonia's body to Cape Cod, where the Pack resides at Wyndham Manor. Because Antonia died in her service, Betsy is alive and well - and wrakced with guilt. She has no idea if the Wyndham werewolves will greet her with fangs or friendship. While Besty and her husband, Sinclair, try to make nice, their legal ward, BabyJon, freaks out every werefolf he meets. Meanwhile, back at the St. Paul mansion, Betsy's half sister is raising hell...

I'm Anita Blake, expert on creatures of the night. I've dined with shapeshifters, danced with werewolves, and been wooed - but not won - by Jean-Claude, the Vampire Master of the City.

And now a darkly dangerous vampire names Alejandro has hti town. He wants me for his human servant. A war of the undead has begun. Over me...

Review: Undead and Unworthy - MaryJanice Davidson

My Rating: E, L, H

Published: 2008
Publisher: Piatkus

Author's Website: maryjanicedavidson.net

Purchase @ Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com


Having recently lost her dad and stepmother, Betsy Sinclair (nee Taylor) is adjusting to rather more than just married life. Their untimely deaths have left her and Eric as sole guardians of her little brother. Two vampire parents – albeit vampire royalty – for a decidedly human baby. Still, Betsy is more than up for the challenge. If only everyone would stop being so nervous around her, given her sudden recent burst of power. Betsy most emphatically Does Not Want To Discuss It, and for the moment everyone is following her lead.

But then the ghost of Betsy’s stepmother turns up at their house. And as stubborn and insufferable as she was in life, she’s even more annoying in death – especially as she regards her demise as all Betsy’s fault!

Undead and Unworthy is the seventh instalment in the Queen Betsy series by MaryJanice Davidson. Once again there is action, humour and some ludicrous outbursts from Betsy, although Tina throws a mean tantrum too.

I absolutely loved this book, I think my favourite part of the book by far was chapter one. Once you read this you will understand and I don’t want to ruin it for those of you who haven’t read it yet. All I can say is Sinclair and Betsy are left very disappointed.

The Fiends make a reappearance in this book and it’s not in a friendly way. Luckily Betsy knows what to do and sorts everything out. I thought it was good to revisit the Fiends as they weren’t mentioned much in the previous book.

Betsy’s powers are a no go area of discussion in this book for her and it seems that everyone else is staying off the subject. I feel bad for Betsy here as she doesn’t know where the powers came from or how to control them if she accidentally calls on them.

I think this book is appropriately named. Betsy feels unworthy for all the things her friends does for her, unworthy to be a queen to the vampires as she doesn’t think she is helping them, unworthy of Sinclair etc etc. Basically Betsy is sort of wallowing in self pity for part of this book until she snaps out of it of course and kicks some butt.

There was a really nice moment where Antonia the werewolf defends Betsy and I thought this was a very loyal thing to do. The ending was rather unexpected and I didn’t like certain parts of it. I can’t really say why or else it will spoil the book for you.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I would recommend it to anyone who doesn’t want to read a serious in depth plot paranormal novel. The series as a whole is great for a laugh and also there is a great plot line to the story but it’s nothing too sinister or tricky to understand. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do know own this book and I have not been paid to review this book. I borrowed this book from the library and everything I have said is of my own honest opinion.

In My Mailbox...(3)

In My Mailbox is a meme that is hosted by The Story Siren every Sunday.

Having recently lost her dad and stepmother, Betsy Sinclair (nee Taylor) is adjusting to rather more than just married life. Their untimely deaths have left her and Eric as sole guardians of her little brother. Two vampire parents – albeit vampire royalty – for a decidedly human baby. Still, Betsy is more than up for the challenge. If only everyone would stop being so nervous around her, given her sudden recent burst of power. Betsy most emphatically Does Not Want To Discuss It, and for the moment everyone is following her lead.

But then the ghost of Betsy’s stepmother turns up at their house. And as stubborn and insufferable as she was in life, she’s even more annoying in death – especially as she regards her demise as all Betsy’s fault!

It wasn’t hard to follow the scent of blood to the living room where the fae had been killed. It had been a violent death, perfect for creating ghosts.

Mercy Thompson enjoys being a mechanic, but life is never simple given her increasing closeness to the local werewolf pack, and her ability to change into coyote form at will. And when a member of the fae community calls in a favour, needing her skills for a covert murder investigation, she jumps into the hunt.

But the dangers multiply and she clashes with shadowed creatures of great power. When her old boss Zee is charged with a brutal assassination, Mercy finds herself fighting alone. There are those who love her, who would keep her safe, but she is way and holds her freedom precious. Until, that is, she has nothing left to lose but her life…

Kitty Norville is a midnight-shift DJ for a Denver radio station – and a werewolf in secret. Sick of lame requests, she accidentally starts ‘The Midnight Hour’, a late-night talk show for the supernaturally disadvantaged.

After desperate vampires, werewolves and witches across the country begin calling into share their woes, her new show is raging success. But it’s Kitty who can use some help. With one sexy werewolf hunter and a few homicidal undead on her trail, Kitty may have bitten off more than she can chew…

Review: Undead and Uneasy - MaryJanice Davidson

My Rating: E, L, H

Published: 2007
Publisher: Piatkus

Author's Website: maryjanicedavidson.net

Purchase @ Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com

Betsy Taylor, undead vampire queen, has been given a new nickname by her nearest and dearest: Bridezilla. Because whether you’re alive or undead, planning weddings is a bitch. Especially when your groom thinks the whole thing is a waste of time.

Betsy’s also dealing with a full house: she lives with a ghost (Cathy), a werewolf (Antonia), a gay physician/human (Marc), her fiancé and vampire king (Eric Sinclair), her best friend (Jessica), and a recovering Fiend (Garrett). But when Sinclair disappears and then, one by one, her friends go missing, Betsy begins to get seriously uneasy…

Undead and Uneasy is the sixth installment in the Queen Betsy series. This book is full of witty comments, action and baby sick.

I don’t know how MaryJanice Davidson does it. Every time I read one of her books I’m constantly giggling to myself. Betsy’s humour , wit and ability to get into trouble no matter what she does just leaves me in hysterics.

Betsy has some trying times in this book but it’s nice to see that she is able to sort out some of her previous problems from the other books in the series. She finally makes amends with John Delk, who was previously a Blade Warrior who killed vampires, and they become friends again. We learn more about Antonia’s pack. Marc finally finds love or more like lust at this stage, but finally he is getting some action.

The book starts with Betsy and Eric looking over wedding announcement cards and as usual Eric shows no enthusiasm for this task. We then go on to Betsy looking for her wedding gown which isn’t successful. Then something terrible happens that affects Betsy deeply and then everyone starts to go missing.

Betsy is alone for the majority of this book apart from the odd phone call from Tina, who is stranded in another country and garbles phones calls from Marc that makes no sense and sounds like he’s in danger. The Vampire Queen is working hard trying to figure this mess all out when she is attacked. Once the attack is over, she is finally able to move on to try and find her loved ones.

Finally clarity hits Betsy, in the strangest of places, during a phone call with her mother. Seriously I think it’s so funny how Betsy comes up with the answers to everything. But even this enemy seems too strong for Betsy. Does she find her loved ones and rescue them? Well I’ll leave you guys to read the book to find out for yourselves.

Again, I have enjoyed this book as I have all the previous book in the series. I think this book is exceptional, highly entertaining, full of antics and baby sick. What more do you want from a book? Well maybe less of the baby sick. I would recommend this book for young adults and upwards and is definitely worth the read.

Disclaimer: I have not bought this book or been given it free of charge and I am not receiving money to review this book. I borrow this book from the local library and everything I have said is based on my honest opinion.

In My Mailbox...(1)

In My Mailbox is a meme that is hosted by The Story Siren every Sunday.

Books that I have borrowed from the libarary this week:

Tall, Dark and Dead by Tate Hallaway

Trouble is magic is so addictive, especially when you've got inner goddesses like Lilith to contend with. And it doesn't stop there for Garnet; if you are going to run an occult bookstore then you've got to expect customers like Sebatian Von Traum, with this piercing brown eyes, sexy accent, killer body and total lack of aura; which means he's dead...

Trouble can be so hard to resist, and what with Vatican witch hungers, long-lost vampire exes and a boyfriend with an ex-wife who is literally stirring in her grave, Garnet Lacey has trouble enough for anyone.

Dark Love by J.R. Ward

In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there's a deadly turf war going on between vampires and their slayers. There exists a secret band of brothers like no other - six vampire warriors who are defenders of their race. Yet none of them relishes killing more than Wrath, the blond leader of the Black Dagger Brotherhood.

The only purebred vampire left on earth, Wrath has a score to settle with teh slayers who murdered his parents centuries ago. But, when one of his most trusted fighters is killed - leaving his half-breed daughter unaware of his existence or her fate - Wrath must usher her into the world of the undead - a world beyond her wildest dreams...

Undead and Uneasy by MaryJanice Davidson

Betsy Taylor, undead vampire queen, has been given a new nickname by her nearest and dearest: Bridezilla. Because whether you're alove or undead, planning weddings is a bitch. Especially when your groom thinks the whole thing is a waste of time.

Betsy's also dealing with a full house: she lives with a ghost (Cathy), a werewolf (Antonia), a gay physician/human (Marc), her fiance and vampire king (Eric Sinclair), her best friend (Jessica), and a recovering Fiend (Garrett). But when Sinclair disappears and then, one by one, her friends go missing, Betsy begins to get seriously uneasy...

Review: Undead and Unpopular - MaryJanice Davidson

My Rating: E, B, L Published: 2006 Publisher: Piatkus Author's Website: maryjanicedavidson.net Available @ Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com Betsy Taylor, Vampire Queen, already has plenty on her plate. For one thing, next week is her 31st birthday – and her 1st anniversary of being undead. On top of that, she still has wedding plans to finalise – and it’s not helping that the prospective groom is avoiding anything to do with it. And then there’s her decision to stop drinking blood – something she has yet to share with Eric Sinclair, her fiancé. So the last thing she wants to deal with is uninvited guests, even if they happen to be powerful European vampires who have finally come to pay their respects the week before her birthday. Some of them don’t want Betsy as their Queen, and will do anything to get rid of her. As if turning thirty last year (not to mention dying) hadn’t been traumatic enough. And trying to give up blood is making her really cranky... Undead and Unpopular is the fifth book from the Queen Betsy series. It will definitely make you laugh out loud, giggle non-stop and have you demanding to have a pair of designer sandals in winter time. I absolutely love this series. Every page I turn, Betsy is always saying or doing something that makes me laugh. Her humour is utterly fantastically flippant but she is a bit precocious when it comes to her Queenly duties and very self centred regarding everything else. Betsy was just a normal girl fascinated with designer shoes, until one day, she died and rose as a vampire. But she wasn’t just any vampire, she was the Queen of all vampires. Apparently this was all foretold in The Book of the Dead, a sort of vampire bible. Some of the vampires weren’t too happy about this and don’t believe she is their Queen. They soon realise once they meet her that there’s no doubt that she is their Queen. She is now organising her wedding to Eric Sinclair, who doesn’t seem to be interested in this human ceremony because to him they are already married and are to be together for at least one thousand years. This irks Betsy something terrible. Her one year anniversary of being dead is just around the corner along with her thirty first birthday and now she decides to go on a hunger strike thinking because she is the Queen she can do anything. As she finds out, it just makes her really cranky and irritable. (WARNING - POSSIBLE SPOILER’S FOR PREVIOUS QUEEN BETSY BOOKS AND FOR THIS BOOK SERIES IN FOLLOWING PARAGRAPH) As in all the Queen Betsy series books so far, there is always some dilemma for Betsy. I think in Undead and Unpopular all the drama for her is based on how she decides to rule her vampire kingdom, at the moment the majority of vampire are still sticking to the old laws. Betsy doesn’t want any vampires killing humans. When she finds out that one of the vampires that has come to pay their long overdue respects was the one that murdered and turned her friend Sophie, she has to take a stand and do the right thing by her friend and by her subjects. But she doesn’t want to just kill the bad vampire, she wants to start afresh so she decides that he has to pay one way or another. It takes a friend’s illness, their reluctance to be turned into a vampire and a fight with a zombie to make Betsy realise what she has to do about Sophie’s problem. Betsy finds clarity in the strangest places. (END OF SPOILER WARNING) Jessica is going through a major crisis in this story as you will find out as you read on and of course Betsy makes it all about her. Betsy is rather self-centred when it comes to most things, but in the end she works it all out and realises it’s not about her at all. Marc is still going about but he’s not really a prominent character in this book. Tina is her usual self and slaving after Eric. Undead and Unpopular isn’t really big on serious plots, but more of a humorous and light read. It’s good for a giggle. There are a few sexual scenes in this book but nothing I would call explicit enough to warrant an ‘X’ rating but I still wouldn’t recommend it to young readers. I think the series is really great and I really enjoy reading them. I can’t wait to find out how the wedding goes. Good luck Betsy! Disclaimer: I have not bought this book or been given it free of charge and I am not receiving any money to review this book. I borrowed this book from the local library and everything I have said is based on my honest opinion.