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.

I loved how the book had both aspects of pushing Lucius away then having Jessica become jealous of his new interest. It definitely kept things interesting by having them change roles half way through. At first I completely hated Lucius. He was cocky, chauvinistic and old fashioned in all the wrong ways. My feelings changed for him as the book went on due to the author's amazing character development. Lucius grew so much from beginning to end, along with Jessica.
This is told from Jessica's point of view who was a funny and smart teenage girl who had been thrown into this crazy situation. We also got a chance to get into Lucius' head when we see the letters he writes to his Uncle.
The aspect of Jessica being a long lost vampire princess threw me off at first. I thought it was going to be handled in a fairy tale way where they both would sit on thrones and live happily ever after in a castle. I was really wrong. Everything going on in their home country is insane and on edge of a revolution. It was really interesting to have both a love story mixed in with vampire history over the possibility of war.
Usually the endings of books don't sit well with me, but Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side ended perfectly. I adored the events leading up to the final ending that literally kept you guessing until the very end. What I thought was going to happen was so wrong and that made me love this book even more!
Characters: 5/5
Creativity: 5/5
Voice: 5/5
Impact: 5/5
Overall: 5/5
Cover: 5/5
LOVE this cover and the title, so unique and relates to the story.
There is a sequel on Beth Fantaskey's website that you can only read online and I cannot wait to find out what happens next. Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side is romantic, funny and action packed. If you haven't already read this amazing book, go pick yourself up a copy!
I really loved this one too. Lucius's growth, the chemistry, the story, the letters... all of it really worked so well and I just fell head over heels. Thanks for the review and so glad you liked it too!
ReplyDeleteExactly! It's just amazing :)
ReplyDeleteI really must read this. I think it's worth breaking my vamp diet for.
ReplyDeleteHi Juju! I think it will definitely be worth it to break your vamp diet for. It was just amazing :)
ReplyDeleteI have awarded you the One Lovely Blog Award!
ReplyDeletehttp://literary-explorations.blogspot.com/2010/10/one-lovely-blog-award.html
Thank you so much Kate! You're so sweet :)
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed this one! It wasn't really for me, but I did enjoy how Jessica shows a backbone to Lucius.
ReplyDeleteI guess I'm missing out! I must read this. Anything with a snazzy romance is a must! :D
ReplyDeleteHi Kelli! I'm sorry you didn't enjoy this one a ton, but I totally agree. I also loved Jessica's backbone!
ReplyDeleteHey Justine! Yes you must! I'd love to hear what you think of it if you do read this one :)