Suck It Up, Buttercup

Suck It Up Buttercup by Kristen Painter<br /><br />2nd book in the First Fangs Club series. Paranormal women’s fiction. Best read in series order for background world building and character histories that are influenced in the novel. <br />Cliffhanger. <br />Entertaining and charming. <br /><br />Donna was turned into a vampire in the previous book and then subsequently made Governor of New Jersey. In this story her life situation expands to include her new living arrangements, new assistants, new friends and enemies both old and new. As a former mob boss wife she handles problems with ease and confidence. <br /><br />It’s Donna’s confidence that impressed me the most. She is new to the paranormal world, but by applying life lessons she’s learned, Donna is able to be stand tall and be gracious. Her children’s acceptance is a bit surprising. <br /><br />A tiny bit of humor. A bit more of mob and FBI interactions. Plus a lot of powerful women living and managing their surroundings.<br /><br />I alternated between an ecopy and audio version. The audiobook was narrated by B. J. Harrison who has also done this author’s Shadowvale and Nocturne Falls series. He does a good job in voice differentiations and keeps an even tone throughout.

As good as the first book in this series was, this one is even better. You probably don’t have to read them in order, but I would recommend it because there’s some back story you would be missing. We are thrown for a loop with what Donna discovers. I wondered if this would happen when I read the first one. I just didn’t know exactly how it would play out. Very clever. I love the relationship Donna has with the other ladies who are vampires. They really make the book. This was one book I just couldn’t put down. I almost called into work so I could read. Pierce and Donna grow closer it seems. And we meet another governor who is a real piece of work. It’s suspenseful and also funny in parts. If you don’t read anything else this year, read this series. I can’t recommend it enough.

2.5 stars

This is a wonderful addition to this series. The story picks up right where the first one ends, so for this reason I suggest reading the series in order. The characters are endearing, witty, and easy to connect with. I enjoyed following along on Donna’s journey and look forward to reading what happens next.

At this point I think anyone who has seen anything about me anywhere probably knows I LOVE Kristen Painter books and this one was no different. Although some of her other series are very dear to my heart, this particular heroine definitely resonates with me in a different way, as I am sure she does with many "not 20 something anymore" women out there.<br /><br />Book 2 picks up literally right where book 1 ends, which doesn't always work, but in this case it really allowed me as the reader to feel that I was getting to follow Belladonna's complete journey and transformation. I LOVE that with the vampire stuff being all new to her she asks the questions that often we as readers want to know to (especially as most paranormal worlds have their own unique rules). She's not afraid to let people know that "There should be a handbook for that!". Fans of book 1 will definitely appreciate where book 2 leads you. Personally I prefer it as with all the background set the book is able to move at a faster pace, and I do love a little action (of the fighting kind in this case), and showing that although family is important, sometimes that family can be formed from the outside. <br /><br />I do feel the need mention that this definitely has a little more of a cliffhanger than the first, which is different from the Nocturne Falls series with each completely wrapped up with an HEA - but the main story is completed and it definitely isn't one that I would classify as "throw the book worthy" (I know you readers all know what I mean) - more like just hurry up and get the next one out required! <br /><br />An easy, 5 stars from me and my official Melanie's Muses Approved status! (Yes this is new - Yes this is the first time I am posting it - Yes there will be more details on my website soon!)

I enjoyed the first book in this series, I thought it set the stage nicely for the next book and what I hoped would be an exciting read. I was wrong. I just felt very bleugh about about this book. Although a lot seems to go on, not a lot actually does. I'm left feeling bored. Normally if I'm engaged in a book I can ignore all the little things that don't make sense, like how the hell does it make sense that she is governor? A position of power and she is a 2 day old vampire with absolutely no experience? When there are vampires hundreds of years older that would probably do a better job? Hell, vampires a few months older with more experience. <br />Then there is the relationship with Pierce. It's just strikes me as being a very icky relationship, she's in a position of power over him and he's infatuated with her straight away as she's a vampire and gives up his whole life to work as her assistant... WTF? It could work as long as they don't go down the romantic route but if they do, that's just wrong. It's gross when it happens to women in books and shouldn't change due to role reversal.

Suck It Up, Buttercup, book 2 in the First Fangs Club series, is fun. Fascinating. It is original and uplifting. It is a paranormal high-five to mid-life power. So far, I am buoyed by Belladonna's rise from Cowed Mafia Wife to Fearless Vampire Governor. The story is even-paced, and the action is page-turn able. While reading this story, it really "sucked" to put my Kindle down - at home or at work. I can't wait to start book 3. <br /><br />Keep up the good writing, Ms. Painter!<br /><br />4.5 stars

Belladonna is a middle-aged ex mob wife turned into a vampire. And not just any vampire. She is the Governor of New Jersey vampires. This book is full of humour, action, emotions and interesting characters. Belladonna is strong and tough as she learns what it means to lead. I'm enjoying this series very much and am looking forward to the next book.

1.5ish? Maybe 2. Is it just me, or does it aggravate other people when EVERYTHING goes the characters way. Like EVERYTHING. No character flaws except that her husband was in the mafia, and that isn't even her own flaw. Ugh

It another candy vampire book. I enjoyed it, but not as much as the first. Probably because I got tired of the narrator and will probably read them from now on. Still I switched to something a bit heavier after I was done. I will return to the series when I need another break from heavy stuff.