In this sequel to BITE ME! about AJ Ashe's life as a vampire teenager in a diverse household of vampires, wizards and one soon-to-be-born hybrid, Melissa Francis dishes out action, surprises, and complicated tension that demonstrate just how much more complicated teen angst can get when combined with a side of paranormal abilities. At the start of the book, AJ's former boyfriend is now her step-brother, her two best friends can't stand each other, she's got to hide that she's a vampire, and -oh yeah- she's half Serpentine, the clan that tried to destroy the wizarding clan to which her step-father and step- brothers (including her former boyfriend) belong. Between trying to avert the nightmares caused by the Serpentines trying to claim her as their own, tamping down suspicions within the family and herself regarding her ultimate loyalties, training physically and mentally to resist kidnapping and mind-plundering, and -even worse- helping plan a prom that still doesn't have a theme, AJ's life is in an uproar. She is lucky she can find time to sleep, much less do homework or try to examine her feelings for her now- step-brother, Ryan, or her sexy British trainer, Lex.

LOVE SUCKS! provides great entertainment, fresh storylines, and realistic emotions. Best of all, in no way -positive or negative- would one compare this to the current crop of YA books that appear nothing more than repackaged tales of sparkly vampires (although one aspect's unintentional similarity to the recent spoof movie Vampires Suck! will only make those in the know chuckle). This work stands on its own in a field saturated with sub-par storytelling. Love Sucks! is a whirlwind that is truly satisfying.