Dead and Dateless

Countess Lilliana Arrabella Guinevere du Marchette, also known as Lil, is the owner of a fledgling matchmaking service called Dead End Dating. They have recently been hired for the monumental, if lucrative, task of finding 28 Alpha males for a mating session with a pack of werewolf women. The challenge is a welcomed one, what with her need to feed a raging addiction to cosmetics and fashion.

Less happily, she finds herself the prime suspect in the murder of one of her clients. Those who know her, know she didn’t do it. The idea would be laughable since she is squeamish of blood and gore. That she is a born vampire is beside the point; she prefers her blood bottled.

Now on the lam from the authorities, she gets a little help from her bounty hunter friend/star of many of her fantasies, Ty Bonner. He is sexy, protective…and unfortunately, a made vampire, so completely unsuitable as an eternity mate. After all, there would be no pitter-patter of little fanged ones running around in such a union.

The clock is ticking on her full moon deadline and she is working hard to fulfill her contract with the Weres while, at the same time, trying not to get thrown to the wolves, herself.

DEAD AND DATELESS is the second book in the Dead End Dating Series. The tone of the book is reminiscent of a Stephanie Plum story, though the main character here is a snobbish but friendly fashionista vampire who is trying to help clients make love matches.

The pacing is good and there are some wonderfully creative and unusual circumstances for the characters to explore, especially in regards to relationships. Humor is light and consistent, and the author manages to add some interesting characterizations in a disapproving, overly controlling mother, and a tantalizing Ty.

Ms Raye’s take on the undead is fun, but there were times in which she seemed to forget that she actually was writing about the undead. There are some inconsistencies that come to one’s attention. For example, details of what it is like to be a vampire in this world include each individual vampire giving off a uniquely identifiable scent which only other vampires can distinguish. This is charming and was used to good effect, except that these vampires don’t generally breathe. It is, therefore, a wonder that they are able to recognize each other in this way.

Although there is a previous book called Dead End Dating, the author gives us enough background that this second book in the series can be a stand alone read.

One must be in the mood for a steady stream of light humor to truly appreciate this book. But any fans of vampire chick lit, should not dismiss DEAD AND DATELESS for a bit of something that can make one howl with laughter.

June 2007