Jessica Rules the Dark Side

Written by Beth Fantaskey

Narrated by Katherine Kellgren, Jennifer Ikeda and Jeff Woodman

In this sequel to the breakout hit Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side, Jessica Packwood finds being a newly married teenage vampire princess isn't all that easy. She might be living in a Romanian castle with her husband Lucius Vladescu, but she's also surrounded by undead subjects who aren't ready to welcome her as queen. Then Lucius is accused of murdering a vampire Elder, leaving Jessica more alone than ever. Now she must race against time to clear Lucius' name and save both their lives, even if it means enlisting the help of those she knows are keeping dark secrets.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Jan 9, 2012
• ISBN: 9781464008337

Beth Fantaskey

Beth Fantaskey is the author of Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side, Jessica Rules the Dark Side, Jekel Loves Hyde, and Buzz Kill. Shelives in rural Pennsylvania with her husband and two daughters.

Reviews for Jessica Rules the Dark Side

[rabidgummibear-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed the first book in this series. This book I liked and hated at the same time. Jessica was driving me up a wall with not being able to figure out who did the crimes or become a ruler when she needed to step up. I found myself wanting to yell at the book at times because it was so frustrating to have a main character struggle so stupidly over stepping up to take responsibility. Overall the ending was pretty good, but I had the whole book ending figured out before I was even half way through it.

[sensitivemuse · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I loved the first book and the second one lives up to it (thankfully!) what I really liked about this one while reading was Jessica’s development as a character grows up. Dramatically. Considering she now has to rule and take Lucius place due to the circumstances she had to learn how to take control and she does it gracefully. The plot itself wasn’t so bad although there could have been more substance to it. The reader already has a hunch as to who is behind the entire plot - a little mystery would have been appreciated and would have kept the plot a little more exciting. So the predictability of it sort of dampens the enjoyment of the book.Nevertheless it’s the characters that keep the book going. Jessica and Lucius still have that great chemistry together. It’s the light banter Lucius has with Raniero that was also fun to read throughout the story. Fun to read and it’s light, worth the time - from what I know there’s no more after this one. So to give the duology a nice closing, it’s a good one. (A story about Mindy would be great though.)Bonus points to the cover. Love it!

[myntop · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I liked this book the best out of the series. I loved the element of mystery involved throughout the book, and I especially loved Jessica finding even more strength within herself as she grew throughout the story. To add a little bit on the side, I was completely taken in by the little side dramatic romance going on with the other two main characters. Definitely recommend this series to any vampire/paranormal fan out there.

[luminescent_bookworm · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Not nearly as good as the first. It feel like it should have been left as a stand-alone.

[readingdate · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed the first book in the Jessica series, and thought it was a fun, light-hearted vampire romance, and different from the usual vampire book. With the wedding novella that followed, it seemed that things were left pretty well tied up with Jessica and Lucius. So it was a pleasant surprise to find another book in the Jessica series, and to see what happened after the wedding. This book takes place just a few months later, as Jessica is adjusting to her new life in Romania. Lucius and Jessica have a lot to prove before they can be king and queen, and there’s a murder mystery that casts even more doubt on the pair.

The tone of the book is very different from the first book in part because the focus is less on the romance, and more on the vampire politics. With Lucius spending the greater part of the book imprisoned, the newlyweds don’t get to spend a lot of time together. As Jess tries to figure out the murder mystery and learn to lead the kingdom, she has a couple of friends to help her. Raniero, the Buddhist / surfer / vampire cousin of Lucius, and Jess’s best friend Mindy are around to provide support. They also provide POV’s in the story along with Lucius and Jessica. Raniero and Mindy’s chapters served to provide some laughs and lighten up the story. Part of the charm in the first book is Lucius’s letters to his uncle, and we do get to see some of that again with his letters to Raniero.

The whodunit part of the story was not particularly surprising, and I thought the investigation took too long to get into gear. Jessica was really not up to the task at all for the first half of the book. I was starting to lose interest in the story at some points, though learning about Raniero’s backstory and Mindy’s own detective work and their romance made up for it a little.

I listened to the audiobook, and there are 3 different narrators who read the parts of Jessica, Mindy, and Lucius/Raniero. The narrators overall did a great job with the different accents of the characters. Jessica’s narrator was a little too dramatic for my taste, and didn’t seem to line up with how I thought the character would sound, but that may be personal preference. The chapters are very short in the book and there was a long pause in the audio between chapters that was a little distracting.

Raniero and Mindy were the breakout characters this time around, but the main character Jessica dragged down the story with her indecision. Overall, the sequel has action, character growth, and humor, but lacks some of the spark that made the first book special.

[jacquietalento · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I became obsessed with this book that as soon as I read the 1st one, I had to get the second one. Jessica seeming like the meek and scarred becomes a very strong woman when it comes to her husband. We see a side of her that no one would have ever thought she had. She has to earn the respect of the elders and does so. Her friend Mindy comes and stays with her and gets to see the best man, Raniero that she spent quality time with and all on her side to clear her husband’s name. Someone has been killed with Lucius stake and he is imprisoned. Jessica has to find out who did it before she loses the man she loves and with her friends help and her growing as the Queen she will be, she has to do it fast. Edge of the seat book.

[damarisgcr · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I've actually finished reading Jessica Rules the Dark side a couple of days ago and I am still trying to think of the right words to write this review. To me it was way better than the first book in the series, (Jessica's guide to dating on the dark side) and I LOVED the first book.The story takes place after Lucius and Jessica's wedding. You get sucked into a world of Vampire politics, romance, murder and betrayal. Although, I have to admit that at some parts I found myself confused since I did not read the online short story of Lucius and Jessica's wedding, but I don't feel you really need to to read this sequel because Fantaskey did an excellent job at filling in the blanks. Every time I would find myself confused, things were explained. I only recommend you read it because it's Lucius and Jessica lol.Lucius and Jessica's love still feels very real and has grown a lot more since the first book. It's just so beautiful the way they love each other. I can't even begin to tell you how many times I said "awe" out loud. Not only has their love grown, but both characters have matured a lot as well. Jessica went from not wanting anything to do with Lucius and his world, to stepping up to the plate and taking her rightful place as his wife and soon to be Queen. They go through a lot together and not once did it break them. Fantaskey also gives you a little peek inside the head of Lucius’s great friend, Raniero, and Jessica’s best friend, Mindy. Their little romance was a plus to read. I enjoyed it a lot and I am happy that we got to read their story and got the chance to know them better. Jessica Rules the Dark Side is a great sequel to the first. There isn’t one negative thing I can say about it. I am in love with the characters and the world Fantaskey has created. Her way of storytelling will make you feel like you’re right there in the book watching everything play out. It has a moving romance that will leave your heart all warm and fuzzy. I loved it and I hope Fantaskey has plans to write another book in this series. I think my heart would break if I don’t get more of Lucius and Jessica. A GOOD CHOICE for Reading! Must read, Must buy! 5 out of 5 stars!

[lms8esmith · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed Jessica's rise to power in Jessica Rules the Dark Side. I felt that Jessica could have realized her power to rule sooner than what happens in the book, but I understood that Fantaskey was building the story. I especially liked that Lucius and Jessica draw power from there love for each other; I'm a helpless romantic. When Mindy confesses her love for Raniero, I smiled from ear to ear. :) I hope there is a third book. I would really like to see what happens next.

[pacey1927 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

"Jessica's Guide to Dating On the Dark Side" was one of my first YA paranormal novels that I read as an adult. It sort of led the way for my newest passion. Now I devour about sixty or so book in this genre a year. So the follow up (a couple of years in the making by the way) had a lot to live up to.The book takes up shortly after Jessica (Anastasia now) has married Lucius. She is officially a princess and Lucius a Prince. Anastasia is very uncomfortable in her new position as a ruler. She is squeamish when handing down verdicts of destruction even when the condemned vampire deserves the sentence. She is mocked by her people and only Lucius seems to believe that she can be strong enough to rule their lands. Then an Elder is murdered and the last time he was seen he was publicly threatened by Lucius. All evidence seems to point at Lucius and Anastasia has to pull herself together and prove that he is innocent of the crime before he slips into a coma-like sleep and becomes nearly impossible to awaken. Even if he does awaken, he would likely be mentally ruined.I found I liked the secondary plot even more than the Lucius/Anastasia one. Anastasia's best friend Mindy has come to stay at the castle when her life crumbles back home. She has failed in school and failed in her recent attempt at a relationship with Ronnie, Lucius's friend and the only vampire beach bum in the world. But Ronnie has secrets too and circumstances soon lead to him returing to the castle as well. But who is Ronnie really? Does the peace loving vampire really have a violent and crazy past?The two plot lines weave seamlessly. Each chapter has a heading letting the reader know who is currently narrating the chapter. Fantaskey's writing is beautiful and yet no-nonsense. Her story easily grips the reader's interest. The story never looses speed, the plotting is well paced. I really enjoyed all the characters as well. I did have a few complaints. I easily figured out who the guilty party was before I was halfway through with the book. Maybe we readers are supposed to know and maybe not but I hoped for some kind of twist there. Also we never really find out why one person involved acted the way they did. I wanted an explanation. I also didn't feel the connection to Anastasia as I did in the first book, when she was Jessica. Her meekness and insecurity is surely to be expected of her character. Who wouldn't be the same way when thrown into these circumstances. She finally gets things together by the end of the book but I really wanted her to toughen up throughout the book.The complaints are minor and the positives are plenty. It doesn't quite live up to the first book but it shouldn't have to. "Jessica Rules The Dark Side" is a strong book all on its own. Paranormal fans will enjoy this story. Upon finishing the book I couldn't help but hope we would one day see a third book. Perhaps one in which Anastasia and Lucius introduce their first child?

[cay250 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

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. I couldn't help but compare this series to twilight. Jessica like Bella falls in love with a vampire, marries him and becomes a vampire herself. But unlike the screwed up relationship between Bella and Edward, Jess and Lucius's relationship is more balanced and "healthy". Jessie grows into her own with this book and becomes a young woman to reckon with. I hope this series continues I've become a real fan.

[novelgoddess · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Jessica and Luc are married and Jessica is getting used to life as a princess! Some duties are tougher than others. Like carrying out the death sentence after a trial. But Mindy is able to come for a visit which should help with the transition…except for the fact that one of the Elders and also one of Luc’s Uncles is murdered with a possession of Luc’s. So guess who is suspect #1. Yep, Luc ends up in Solitary while Jessica, Mindy and Luc’s BFF Raniero try to discover what really happened and why.This was a complete departure from the first book…more mystery than romance. I didn’t like it as well as the first book because I was able to call who did it very early on even if I didn’t know all the whys until later. The whole Luc in Solitary where he can’t get the sustenance he needed was unnecessary. I would think the author could have found some more reasonable plot device to light a fire under Jessica’s butt and pull her out of her pity party. There just wasn’t enough to drive the story, which was a disappointment after Dating on the Dark Side.Regardless, it was fun to see Luc and Jess together in a less adversarial situation, their romance was yummy, or maybe it was Luc who was yummy. They are a good balance against each other. The addition of Mindy was a hoot cuz girl calls it like she sees it and she was instrumental in seeing things Jess just couldn’t. And while there was some romance between Mindy and Raniero, there just wasn’t enough. Which is how the whole book really felt…just not enough. Not enough romance, tension, suspense, etc. Here’s hope that if Fantaskey continues with Jessica that she can kick it up a notch.

[bookswithbite · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I absolutely loved Jessica's Guide for Dating on the Dark Side. I thought the author did a great job on picking up right where she left in the last book swinging to forward to this one. Everything in the book I LOVED. The characters, the plot, even the love between Jessica and her new husband Lucius, is sweet and divine!As the reader, you are thrown right in the plot of power. Now that the marriage is complete, Jessica is learning to reign as a Queen. She is learning laws, language, and how to be a Queen in every single aspect of her life. I loved that Jessica show flaws. She is having trouble in learning in what she needs to to. I loved that she doesn't hide it but she stresses out over it. Despite the stress, I really loved how well Jessica and Lucius work together. That is a real marriage. Working together, having each others backs in a trouble time. I adored how the characters not only help each other but grew to love and appreciate each other more.I also adored the growth in the book. Jessica starts off wobbly not sure how to stand on her own two feet always relying on Lucius. Now, it's good to rely on your husband but there will be times where you have to stand on your own two feet with no help. As soon as trouble arose, Jessica took everything in with great strength. She was stressed and tired but she knew what needed to be done. I admire her ability to keep a straight face with all the death and trouble that surrounded her. In the end, Jessica is truly fit to be an amazing queen.Just like the first book., Jessica's Rules The Dark Side is amazing! Every twist or the story, every betrayal seen, Jessica rise with great strength as the Queen. I truly enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more adventures of Jessica and Lucius.

[jrlibrary · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Jessica, who is now married to Lucius Vladescu and living in the Romanian castle, is having trouble getting used to the expectations for a vampire princess. She can't speak the language, which makes it difficult to order anyone around, and she isn't as hard hearted as she needs to be. When Lucius is accused of murder, Jessica is forced into trying to clear his name and get him out of the dungeom before he dies. She has the help of her best friend, Mindy and Lucius' cousin Raniero, but she's not sure who else to trust. Be sure to read Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark SIde first before delving into this one. .

[jacquiet8 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I became obsessed with this book that as soon as I read the 1st one, I had to get the second one. Jessica seeming like the meek and scarred becomes a very strong woman when it comes to her husband. We see a side of her that no one would have ever thought she had. She has to earn the respect of the elders and does so. Her friend Mindy comes and stays with her and gets to see the best man, Raniero that she spent quality time with and all on her side to clear her husband’s name. Someone has been killed with Lucius stake and he is imprisoned. Jessica has to find out who did it before she loses the man she loves and with her friends help and her growing as the Queen she will be, she has to do it fast. Edge of the seat book.

[cats57_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is the second book in a trilogy and I recommend strongly that you do not try to read this as a standalone book. To understand what is going on in Jessica Rules... I truly think you need to read Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side plus I think you will really enjoy the first book!Now that Jessica is married she is trying to settle down in the castle in Romania and before she can find her niche, her husband is accused of murdering one of the Elder Vampires. Jessica hasn't made a very good Princess up until now, but her anger eventually gets the best of her and she learns what she has to do to become the regal Princess we always knew she could be. Thankfully in Jessica's time of need Mindy and her hair salon on wheels enters the picture and plays a big part in helping Jessica to become the strong young woman and Monarch we knew she could be.This book has an excellent mystery going on and while I admit that I did suspect someone right off the bat, it really floored me when a secondary suspect comes into the picture. This was an excellent way to misdirect on the part of the author.The secondary story that follows Lucius's best friend Raniero and Jessica's best friend is priceless. I would love to see a series or at least one standalone book devoted to them. I mean a surfer Vamp? How funny is that?!This book has well fleshed out characters a great story line, is romantic but not overly-saccharine sweet and I loved the way the narrative played between each character. With each chapter (and they are very short chapters) written in a different persons point of view, it kept the story fresh for me.

[coranne_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoy Beth Fantaskey's writing style. Although she is writing about vampires, assassins, and castles in Romania- through her characters she lets us know that she isn't taking all the paranormal too seriously. I love Mindy's character. She is almost like a breath of fresh air in all of the paranormal creepiness. She almost talks to the reader and says to them "What is going on with all this craziness?"I loved that I got to know Mindy and her "beau" better in this book. Hopefully this isn't too much of a spoiler (but it is in the summary, so I guess I am good...) Lucius (Which I accidentally spelled luscious.... but that fits, doesn't it?)and Jessica don't spend many pages together in this book. I understood because of the plot, but missed them interacting together. The way Lucius and Jessica bantered and loved each other was my favorite part of the first book. This book centered around Jessica and Mindy. Jessica really want through a transformation in this book- and grew up.If you were a fan of the first book, you will be a fan of book two- it really was a great book! I will warn you, it did start a little slow, but give it time and you will enjoy what the author has created.I would also suggest that you read Lucius and Jessica's wedding scene which can be found here. It isn't imperative, but it will help you understand more at the beginning of the story.

[yabotd · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I've been looking forward to reading Jessica Rules the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey ever since I first laid my hands on a copy of Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side. I very much enjoyed the first book with the plot twists, unusual teenage characters, and unpredictable romance. I read the story of Antanasia [aka Jessica] and Lucius' wedding on Fantaskey's website (which you should do before reading book two because it's awesome) and could not wait for Jessica Rules the Dark Side to come out.I really enjoyed reading this book. Just like the first, it was a quick read with an unexpected plotline. While the plot was more straightforward than Fantaskey's other works, I didn't mind at all. I was able to predict certain elements ahead of time, but it didn't lessen my enjoyment of the book. Instead, I kept looking for more clues to verify my hypothesis. Also, it's unusual to read about a married couple in YA (for obvious reasons). I liked having these atypical aspects included and appreciated the fact that Fantaskey didn't try to pull a love triangle out of nowhere. Antanasia and Lucius have struggles, sometimes even struggles with each other, but it isn't a matter of lack of love. Their romance is tender and sweet. My favorite addition to Jessica Rules the Dark Side is the perspective of Mindy and Raniero. Having their POV added to the mix livened up the story and gave the readers a new romantic angle to work with. I can't honestly call their side plot a romance in the traditional sense, but there is some passion between this pair. Plus, the two characters are just plain interesting. I particularly enjoyed watching Raniero's transformation and Mindy's reaction, not only to Raniero, but to what she thought she always wanted.If you've already read Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side, I recommend picking up Jessica Rules the Dark Side ASAP. If you haven't, what are you waiting for? Final thoughts: Borrow or buy.

[maryinhb · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I loved Jessica's Rules for Dating on the Dark Side and this one exceeded my expectations. I think I almost liked it more than the first one. I am always worried about a the second in the series and if it will live up to the first. Don't worry, it has everything the first one has and more! There are some serious page turning moments as Jessica must learn to act princessly (I know, not a word, but princely is a word, so why not princess-ly), and save her new husband from certain death. She manages it all just in the nick of time with the help of Mindy, her BFF and stylist extraordinaire. I think Mindy needs some more feature time since her slow wit is becoming quicker and more refined. I didn't get to see much of Lucius and his snarky comments, but Mindy and Raniero helped spice things up again. Raniero's emails to Lucius are bitingly funny (pun intended) and his adoring words to Mindy are something special. Every girl wishes she can get notes like his. I think there is more to tell in the Mindy and Raniero story or at least I hope so. Now I can't wait to see Jessica kick some butt in a new adventure since in this one she really comes into her own.