Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey

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 (Barnesandnoble.com)

When I read the title of this book I thought, "Hmm, that doesn't sound very good". But, I read good reviews on it so I thought I would check it out. It was really good! The story line was a little predictable at times, but at other times I had no idea what was going to happen. It was very well written and I liked the plot and ending. It's nice to read about a main character who is a size 10.

One of the best aspects of the book was Lucius's take on America. Every few chapters Lucius writes a letter to his uncle for the reader to read. He is from Romania and it's really funny when he writes to his uncle about the things that he finds annoying or strange about American culture. There were some very hilarious things that I won't give away but one of my favorite topics was his dislike of the vegan lifestyle (he is a vampire after all).

I really liked the times that Jessica would stick up for herself. At the beginning of the book, we find out that Jessica is 17 years old. But, to me she seemed so young. I didn't really like her character at times but I enjoyed reading about her the more the book went on. I the middle of the book she begins to pine for Lucius even though he's dating some one else, and I was thinking, "Come on. Get over it." I know that she had strong feelings for him but to watch her put herself out there, time after time and get rejected? It was sad.

The ending was really good. I wonder if Jake and Mindy get together in the end? Great story. I loved reading it.


Overall: 4/5