Review: Jessica Rules the Dark Side

Spoiler if you have not read Jessica's Guide To dating The Darkside. Go read it first! Really, you should it is AMAZING!

Jessica Rules the Dark Side

By: Beth Fantaskey

Source: Around The World ARC Tours
Release Date: January 10th 2012

Summary: It’s one thing to find out you’re a vampire princess. It’s a whole other thing to actually rule. Newly married Jessica Packwood is having a hard enough time feeling regal with her husband, Lucius, at her side. But when evidence in the murder of a powerful elder points to Lucius, sending him into solitary confinement, Jessica is suddenly on her own. Determined to clear her husband’s name, Jessica launches into a full-scale investigation, but hallucinations and nightmares of betrayal keep getting in her way. Jessica knows that with no blood to drink, Lucius’s time is running out. Can she figure out who the real killer is—and whom she can trust—before it’s too late?

Review: The first book in the series, Jessica's Guide to Dating the Dark Side was dark, romantic, and suspenseful. The sequel was all of that and more. At first, I was a bit worried about picking it up. Most of the time, for me, sequels do not hold up to the first book. Especially with one as good as Jessica's Guide. Also with the long wait in between both books it just made me unsure of a sequel. However, I am so glad that I signed up for the ARC tour. Jessica Rules the Dark Side was a fantastic sequel to Jessica's Guide.

Jessica's Guide left so many unanswered questions about Jessica and Lucius's relationship. A girl who knew nothing of vampires throughout her whole life going to go rule them? It couldn't have been easy. This book showed Jessica's struggle and how she over came it. Throughout the novel you get to see Jessica grow as a person and learn so much.

One thing Jessica Rules the Dark Side was missing was romance between Jessica and Lucius. Sure there was a bit, but I felt there could have been more. Well while Lucius was not in jail, anyway. The novel was also missing the sarcasm from Lucius that was present in the first book. We did get romance in the form of Mindy and Raniero. They were an unexpected couple added to the series. Their story was a bit different from the typical romance. If Beth Fantaskey were to write a prequel about them, I would be first in live to buy it!

Once Lucius was thrown into jail, I was able to figure out the mystery to the murder. It was pretty obvious. That was my only problem with Jessica Rules the Dark Side. Yet, the story did throw me for an unexpected  loop every once in while. Beth Fantaskey also kept the suspense and mystery with her excellent writing style and made for an over-all great story. If you enjoyed Jessica's Guide to Dating the Dark Side you will love the sequel!

--Danielle

Also while you are waiting for Jessica Rules the Dark Side, go check out Jessica's and Lucius's wedding that is on Beth Fantaskey's website HERE.