Mermaid Fred Bimm is feeling seriously neglected. The three men in her life have deserted her for various reasons. She hasn't heard from Prince Artur or Thomas Pearson since they left Boston, but she sees Jonas all the time. He and his girlfriend, Fred's boss Dr. Barb, are everywhere in their togetherness, highlighting Fred's singleness. Unfortunately, they want Fred to share their happiness, resulting in a string of less than stellar blind dates with a series of losers.

Things begin to look up with the arrival of merfolk Kertal and Tennian. They've been sent by the High King to invite Fred to the Pelagic, a meeting of Undersea Folk. While Fred isn't too keen about the invite, Jonas is thrilled enough for both of them. Before she knows it, she's packed up and headed for Pirate's Cove Resort, where she meets up with Artur and Thomas. While Fred is wary of her reasons for being invited, Thomas and Jonas are honored to be the only bipeds welcomed to the gathering of the mers. When Fred realizes exactly why she's been invited, she's ready to walk away rather than accept the huge responsibility entrusted to her that could change both the human and mer worlds forever.

SWIMMING WITHOUT A NET by MaryJanice Davidson is a story that will entertain, delight and enlighten fans of mermaid Fred. A lot of her history is revealed, leaving the reader anxious for the next story. Fred's mission, which I leave for the reader to discover, opens up a wide range of possibilities that I know this author will take full advantage of. Jonas is thoroughly entertaining in his almost child-like delight in all things mer, and Fred's waffling between Thomas and Artur is much fun. Fans of Ms. Davidson, rejoice -- Fred is back and as sassy as ever!