Book Review: Undead and Unwed by MaryJanice Davidson
If you’re like me and have a soft spot for the delightful chaos of late-00s paranormal romance—think MaryJanice Davidson, Molly Harper, and Charlaine Harris—Undead and Unwed might just be what you need to satisfy that nostalgic craving. I recently dove into this audiobook experience, and I’m thrilled to share my swirling thoughts about Tiffenie, the 300-year-old vampire heroine who seems to stumble through her undead life with an endearing hot mess energy.
From the very beginning, Tiffenie captured my heart—and my anxiety—as she tumbled from charming disaster to charming disaster. This isn’t your typical badass, competent heroine you might find in today’s paranormal novels. Instead, she embodies a throwback quality that feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s a reminder of those uniquely messy, funny protagonists that once ruled our reading lives. Honestly, falling into her world felt like reuniting with an old friend; her antics kept me chuckling and occasionally gasping at her reckless decision-making.
The novel thrives as Tiffenie navigates through a cozy holiday season in Vermont, and the delightful cast of side characters—each with their quirky traits—added layers of charm to the story. Whether it was Tiffenie’s complicated relationships or her vampire ex-boyfriend Vlad emerging to spice things up, the dynamic kept me entertained and eager to see how things would unfold. Though I must admit her romance with Tyrone felt a bit like a detour, adding a layer of futility to her journey, the humor in their dynamic still provided laughs that made it worthwhile.
Davidson’s writing style is playful and evocative, pulling you right into Tiffenie’s zany world. The pacing felt right on track, maintaining that balance between fun and character development. One of my absolute favorite parts was how well the narrator captured the humorous nuances through her delivery. It was especially delightful to hear how she emphasized Vlad’s pronunciation of “Tiffenie”—it brought the characters to life in a way that felt both authentic and comical.
While the novel is undeniably a product of its time, it’s this very quality that resonated with me. It channels a buoyant millennial humor peppered with pop culture references that are both nostalgic and fun. If you can embrace the delightful chaos that Tiffenie represents, you’ll find yourself swept away in a light-hearted adventure.
Overall, Undead and Unwed is a joyful romp through a whimsical world that reminds us of the joys of imperfection and the hilarity that often accompanies life—both undead and otherwise. If you’re someone who relishes a good chuckle and a few absurd misadventures, this book is perfect for you. It was a cozy escape that left me smiling, and I can’t wait to see where Tiffenie’s journey takes her next!
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the advanced listening copy! If you’re curious about a book that invites you to embrace the hot mess energy in all its glory, look no further. Happy reading! 🎧
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