Jennifer C. (Cicero75) reviewed Swimming Without a Net (Fred the Mermaid, Bk 2) on + 16 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 13
After having read both Fred the Mermaid books, I've come to the conclusion that I won't be reading any more of Ms. Davidson's books. This series is poorly written - in her acknowledgements the author herself writes, "As I explained to my editor, 'I got nothin'.' I got to the end, it was done, the story was told, and I was on page 200." The main character, Fred, is impossible to relate to (regardless of her being a mermaid) and equally impossible to like. The entire cast of characters is like a parade of stereotypes: the workaholic sexually repressed boss, the metrosexual best friend who everyone believes to be gay, the geeky co-worker who also happens to be a millionaire from writing romance novels, the testosterone-laden suitor who wants to make Fred his princess, and the hippy-dippy mom who's stuck in the '70s. The dialogue is forced and the story line weak. This was my opinion after reading Book 1, and now after giving the series and author a 2nd chance with Book 2 - my opinion has only been reinforced. Don't waste your money or your PBS book credits.
MARK B. (Reads365) reviewed Swimming Without a Net (Fred the Mermaid, Bk 2) on + 3 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
This book was very good! Didn't end at all as I expected it to but at least I didn't throw it against the wall as I have some!
Helpful Score: 6
I think that MJD is spreading herself too thin. This was a very, very, very light read, and I'm not even sure I much *like* Fred. I will not be in such a rush to get the next book... because of COURSE there's going to be another book. I enjoyed her Alaska series more than this one, and I adore the Queen Betsey Books.
Angel H. (grblpwr) reviewed Swimming Without a Net (Fred the Mermaid, Bk 2) on + 38 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
Good book, not quite as good as the first book. I think Fred is a little bit TOO b--chy, I know crankiness is her thing, but I really don't think anyone THIS cranky would be tolerated like she is by the other characters.
Also, isn't this a romance? Why is she so, well, "eh", for lack of a better term, about the love interests. I actually get the feeling she doesn't really like either of them all that much. Sexually attracted, yes, but not really into them.
Also, isn't this a romance? Why is she so, well, "eh", for lack of a better term, about the love interests. I actually get the feeling she doesn't really like either of them all that much. Sexually attracted, yes, but not really into them.
Ashley B. (daredevilgirl013) reviewed Swimming Without a Net (Fred the Mermaid, Bk 2) on + 746 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
I was a bit disappointed in this book. Fred wasn't her usual self. And I have to agree I think MJ is spreading herself to thin. She wrote in this book that it was originally 200 pages long and I believe it should have stayed that way. They storyline was a bit drawn out throughout the book and if you're looking for a love scene..there's only one, and it's about a page long..not detailed at all.
Though I liked the first book a lot more compared to this one, I believe that the third one will be the best after the ending of this book. This book is kinda like the boring movie that you have to go see in order to understand what happens in the next one, which you know will be action packed. So that's what I have to look forward to. I believe the third book will be awesome! *crosses fingers in hope that it will be..because it should be..and if you read the book you'll understand why*
Though I liked the first book a lot more compared to this one, I believe that the third one will be the best after the ending of this book. This book is kinda like the boring movie that you have to go see in order to understand what happens in the next one, which you know will be action packed. So that's what I have to look forward to. I believe the third book will be awesome! *crosses fingers in hope that it will be..because it should be..and if you read the book you'll understand why*
