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Fred the Mermaid #2
Swimming Without a Net
As Fred the Mermaid tries to fit in with her own kind, she finds herself hooked on both Artur, the High Prince of the undersea realm, and Thomas, a hunky marine biologist. She's also caught between two factions of merfolk: those happy with swimming under the radar-and those who want to bring their existence to the surface.
271 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 1, 2007
37 people are currently reading
1763 people want to read
About the author
MaryJanice Davidson
143 books5,400 followersMaryJanice Davidson is an American author and motivational speaker who writes mostly paranormal romance, but also young adult and non-fiction. She is the creator of the popular UNDEAD series and the time-traveling historical fiction A CONTEMPORARY ASSHAT AT THE COURT OF HENRY VIII. MaryJanice is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author who writes a bi-weekly column for USA Today and lives in St. Paul with her family. You can reach her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 252 reviews
May 4, 2016
This second book in the Fred the Mermaid Trilogy is possibly even more fun than the first. I really enjoy it because we get to meet more mer-people than just Artur, including the King! And King Mekkam, a huge fan of the HBO show Deadwood, is definitely a king worth getting to know. ;-)
All of our main players from the first book return in this one, including Dr. Thomas Pearson (who's now known as Priscilla D'Jacqueline, romance novelist, an annoying continuity issue if ever there was one). To my everlasting joy and happiness, Jonas is in this book, too, providing comic relief among other things. ;-) (I love when Fred tosses him "through the (fortunately open) sliding door" to show little Ellie that Fred won't ever let anything happen to her. I have to laugh when he cries out, "My sundaeeee!" lol)
This book has over half of its setting "under the sea," which makes for fun times as we get to see Fred in her other natural element (being a hybrid, she is equally happy on land). And as I said, I really enjoy getting to meet more of the mer-people when Fred travels to the "Pelican," errrr, I mean the Pelagic (and I LOVE Moon Bimm!!!) in the waters near the Cayman Islands (I've been there!). :-)
I also enjoy seeing Fred interact with Artur and Thomas. Both are after her, and she's rather confused as to which one she's most interested in. Will it be Thomas? Or Artur? We have to read book three to find out. ;-)
All of our main players from the first book return in this one, including Dr. Thomas Pearson (who's now known as Priscilla D'Jacqueline, romance novelist, an annoying continuity issue if ever there was one). To my everlasting joy and happiness, Jonas is in this book, too, providing comic relief among other things. ;-) (I love when Fred tosses him "through the (fortunately open) sliding door" to show little Ellie that Fred won't ever let anything happen to her. I have to laugh when he cries out, "My sundaeeee!" lol)
This book has over half of its setting "under the sea," which makes for fun times as we get to see Fred in her other natural element (being a hybrid, she is equally happy on land). And as I said, I really enjoy getting to meet more of the mer-people when Fred travels to the "Pelican," errrr, I mean the Pelagic (and I LOVE Moon Bimm!!!) in the waters near the Cayman Islands (I've been there!). :-)
I also enjoy seeing Fred interact with Artur and Thomas. Both are after her, and she's rather confused as to which one she's most interested in. Will it be Thomas? Or Artur? We have to read book three to find out. ;-)
October 3, 2008
I really enjoy Mary Janice Davidson's books. I know her style puts some people off, but I like a lighthearted fun read.
The Fred the Mermaid series is just that. Fun and lighthearted. With so many books about vampires and werewolves it was refreshing to read about a mermaid. I will definetly pick up the third book in this series when it comes out.
The Fred the Mermaid series is just that. Fun and lighthearted. With so many books about vampires and werewolves it was refreshing to read about a mermaid. I will definetly pick up the third book in this series when it comes out.
September 27, 2011
I liked this one better than the first. Light hearted, quick to read, and full of quirky fun. I love Fred's sarcasm, I love how abrasive she is (reminds me a little of me.. haha). Artur is super smoldering sexy, and it was enjoyable to read about Mermaids (excuse me, Undersea Folk) rather than yet more vampires, werewolves et-al.
April 8, 2009
I enjoyed this book, but not as much as the first. I was a little disappointed with who Fred fell in love with. I was rooting for the other guy, but after all this is only book 2 and there is still book 3, so the possibility is still there for the GUY I like.
February 20, 2014
I enjoy these books but they are simply Betsy with a tail.
June 5, 2017
MaryJanice Davidson has hit it out the park again with the second installment in the Fred the mermaid series. Fred will forever be one of my favorite female lead characters of all time. She will probably put most people off but her brash and no non-sense personality is just the kind of person that I would love to have in my life. Davidson gave us another fun and lighthearted read with all the craziness of the first one.
Davidson picks up about a year after the ending of the first installment in the series. She brings back all of the characters, while also introducing us to a few new ones. In this book, Fred is asked by the mermaid king himself to help them solve the problem of whether the Undersea Folk should now come out of hiding and introduce themselves to the humans, or who they lovingly refer to as bipeds, and Fred is to be their expert witness. To make matters worse, we can not forget the amazingly awkward love triangle between Fred, Artur, and Dr. Thomas Pearson. The craziness that ensues when all these characters are back together in the same place is for the record books, literally.
Davidson has a way of writing her characters that you forget that you are reading a book and not part of a conversation. We are constantly lost in the dialogue between the characters that it makes it near impossible to put the book down, I know I couldn't! Davidson also does an amazing job of showing us that a significant amount of time has passed between the first and second installment without loosing content or our interest. We are given all the important information the way only Fred can tell us! In Swimming Without a Net we are introduced to the other side of Fred, her life as a mermaid. We spend a vast majority of the book under the sea with Artur and the rest of the Undersea Folk. Davidson does and amazing job of showing us this other side of Fred and making it as normal and realistic as possible.
I am sad that this series is coming to an end with the next book but I am interested to see how Davidson is going to end it. I can say that after reading this series Davidson has made me a reader for life! This is a fun easy read that is perfect to take the beach or read by the pool! Cant wait to dive into the next one.
Davidson picks up about a year after the ending of the first installment in the series. She brings back all of the characters, while also introducing us to a few new ones. In this book, Fred is asked by the mermaid king himself to help them solve the problem of whether the Undersea Folk should now come out of hiding and introduce themselves to the humans, or who they lovingly refer to as bipeds, and Fred is to be their expert witness. To make matters worse, we can not forget the amazingly awkward love triangle between Fred, Artur, and Dr. Thomas Pearson. The craziness that ensues when all these characters are back together in the same place is for the record books, literally.
Davidson has a way of writing her characters that you forget that you are reading a book and not part of a conversation. We are constantly lost in the dialogue between the characters that it makes it near impossible to put the book down, I know I couldn't! Davidson also does an amazing job of showing us that a significant amount of time has passed between the first and second installment without loosing content or our interest. We are given all the important information the way only Fred can tell us! In Swimming Without a Net we are introduced to the other side of Fred, her life as a mermaid. We spend a vast majority of the book under the sea with Artur and the rest of the Undersea Folk. Davidson does and amazing job of showing us this other side of Fred and making it as normal and realistic as possible.
I am sad that this series is coming to an end with the next book but I am interested to see how Davidson is going to end it. I can say that after reading this series Davidson has made me a reader for life! This is a fun easy read that is perfect to take the beach or read by the pool! Cant wait to dive into the next one.
May 1, 2020
Der Klappentext klingt vielversprechend und macht für mich neugierig auf mehr. Ich hatte keine Erwartungen an den zweiten Band .
Band 2 ist farblich anders als die anderen beiden Bände. Der zweite Band ist in Farbe Orange und Fred, die Meerjungfrau sitzt im Schaumbad mit ihrem Traummann oder Meerjungenmann. Wie auch immer. Das Buchcover ist sehr nett gestaltet. Es gefällt mir auch sehr gut. Es ist kein Hingucker, aber nett.
Das ist der zweite Teil von „Meerjungfrau sucht Mann“ Fred wird von der Unterwasserwelt gerufen, da sie deren Hilfe brauchen. Fred macht sich mit ihrem besten Freund auf dem Weg und sieht nach 1 Jahr Pause Artur und Thomas wieder. Die beiden Typen hatten sich bei ihr nicht mehr gemeldet und das hat Fred ein wenig sich gewundert.
Ich hatte keine Erwartung vom zweiten Teil, war aber vom ersten Teil begeistert. Die Geschichte ist nicht vorhersehbar, was ich gut finde, denn wenn sie vorhersehbar wäre, wäre es meiner Meinung nach langweilig und nicht überraschend. Das Ende bleibt offen. Ich fand die Geschichte toll, denn wir Leser durften erfahren, wie es als Meerjungfrauen in der Unterwasserwelt zu geht und wie sie mit einander kommunizieren.
Die Geschichte ist nicht eine 0815 Nummer wie in den meisten Geschichten. Sprachlich ist die Geschichte besser geworden und witzig geschrieben.
Die Geschichte hat mir gefallen. Es war nicht langweilig, es war genauso gut wie der erste Band.
Band 2 ist farblich anders als die anderen beiden Bände. Der zweite Band ist in Farbe Orange und Fred, die Meerjungfrau sitzt im Schaumbad mit ihrem Traummann oder Meerjungenmann. Wie auch immer. Das Buchcover ist sehr nett gestaltet. Es gefällt mir auch sehr gut. Es ist kein Hingucker, aber nett.
Das ist der zweite Teil von „Meerjungfrau sucht Mann“ Fred wird von der Unterwasserwelt gerufen, da sie deren Hilfe brauchen. Fred macht sich mit ihrem besten Freund auf dem Weg und sieht nach 1 Jahr Pause Artur und Thomas wieder. Die beiden Typen hatten sich bei ihr nicht mehr gemeldet und das hat Fred ein wenig sich gewundert.
Ich hatte keine Erwartung vom zweiten Teil, war aber vom ersten Teil begeistert. Die Geschichte ist nicht vorhersehbar, was ich gut finde, denn wenn sie vorhersehbar wäre, wäre es meiner Meinung nach langweilig und nicht überraschend. Das Ende bleibt offen. Ich fand die Geschichte toll, denn wir Leser durften erfahren, wie es als Meerjungfrauen in der Unterwasserwelt zu geht und wie sie mit einander kommunizieren.
Die Geschichte ist nicht eine 0815 Nummer wie in den meisten Geschichten. Sprachlich ist die Geschichte besser geworden und witzig geschrieben.
Die Geschichte hat mir gefallen. Es war nicht langweilig, es war genauso gut wie der erste Band.
August 23, 2020
Like the first one, I vacillated between 3 and 4 stars. I ultimately decided on 4 bc I liked it better than book one. I'm glad I read the first one first - I was given this one years ago as a gift - and I feel like even though the author does a good job of recapping the first one, it wouldn't have been as good.
Fred's romantic choices are still not my favorite but at least she has done some reflecting. Her insane jealousy of Tennian is irritating but more in character. There was a bit more character development of the love interests although I still feel like Fred's personality gets transplanted the second she kisses one of them. I did like her self reflection over Thomas being interested only bc she is a mermaid and that he would be into any mermaid. But I really want her to pick no one - even though that is for sure not the way this will go. I did warm up slightly to Artur in this one, but I'm a little disappointed in Fred's choice. It does feel in line with her character that she'd agree to go with him impulsively after seeing Thomas pay attention to Tennian though. I'm interested to see how the trilogy ends.
Fred's romantic choices are still not my favorite but at least she has done some reflecting. Her insane jealousy of Tennian is irritating but more in character. There was a bit more character development of the love interests although I still feel like Fred's personality gets transplanted the second she kisses one of them. I did like her self reflection over Thomas being interested only bc she is a mermaid and that he would be into any mermaid. But I really want her to pick no one - even though that is for sure not the way this will go. I did warm up slightly to Artur in this one, but I'm a little disappointed in Fred's choice. It does feel in line with her character that she'd agree to go with him impulsively after seeing Thomas pay attention to Tennian though. I'm interested to see how the trilogy ends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2026
I’m aware this series is not Davidson’s most popular series. I do think it’s funny though and some things might not land as well as they could, book 2 was always the book that I had to be careful reading on the bus in my college days.
One thing it isn’t though is a facsimile of Betsy the Vampire - they do share some characteristics but then again you can argue that of Christina of The Royal Treatment too as none of them are particularly meek protagonists. Is the premise of having two men compete for your heart a female fantasy? Absolutely. Is it the only plot (inasmuch as semi fantasy politically flavoured fluff can be called a plot at least)? No.
This is a thin book and an easy read when a much needed break from the heavier stuff so it is mostly fluff and a fantastical love storyline that will ultimately have an ending in its concluding third book similar to the ending of I Give It A Year - great film but also unrealistic fluff played straight - that could only have been swallowed in the 2010s but I’ll take it. A nice book to read after December stress too.
One thing it isn’t though is a facsimile of Betsy the Vampire - they do share some characteristics but then again you can argue that of Christina of The Royal Treatment too as none of them are particularly meek protagonists. Is the premise of having two men compete for your heart a female fantasy? Absolutely. Is it the only plot (inasmuch as semi fantasy politically flavoured fluff can be called a plot at least)? No.
This is a thin book and an easy read when a much needed break from the heavier stuff so it is mostly fluff and a fantastical love storyline that will ultimately have an ending in its concluding third book similar to the ending of I Give It A Year - great film but also unrealistic fluff played straight - that could only have been swallowed in the 2010s but I’ll take it. A nice book to read after December stress too.
May 14, 2020
There’s quirky and then there’s Fred. She’s one in a million.
I’ve read other Mary Janice Davidson books and liked them. When I saw this one about merfolk, I had to read it. I wanted to see what twist this author would do on the mermaid trope. The writing style is fluid and kept my attention. I read this one over the course of two afternoons. I didn’t want to put it down, but I had other things to do, so such is life.
That said, Fred, the heroine, isn’t going to be for everyone. She’s blunt, mean and tough. She took a lot of getting used to and to be honest, I wasn’t rooting for her. She said what she felt and didn’t seem to care if she upset anyone. I’m glad she was ballsy, but man…she could be a handful. I wasn’t sure who she’d end up with and the ending wasn’t as satisfying to me as I might have liked, but other readers might love it.
If you want another twist on the merfolk theme, then give this one a try. It’s worth the read.
I’ve read other Mary Janice Davidson books and liked them. When I saw this one about merfolk, I had to read it. I wanted to see what twist this author would do on the mermaid trope. The writing style is fluid and kept my attention. I read this one over the course of two afternoons. I didn’t want to put it down, but I had other things to do, so such is life.
That said, Fred, the heroine, isn’t going to be for everyone. She’s blunt, mean and tough. She took a lot of getting used to and to be honest, I wasn’t rooting for her. She said what she felt and didn’t seem to care if she upset anyone. I’m glad she was ballsy, but man…she could be a handful. I wasn’t sure who she’d end up with and the ending wasn’t as satisfying to me as I might have liked, but other readers might love it.
If you want another twist on the merfolk theme, then give this one a try. It’s worth the read.
April 6, 2024
Fred Bimm, Artur, Thomas
It's been about year since the last book ended and Fred hasn't seen neither of the men who claimed to have feelings for her during this time. Jonah and Dr. Barb has been setting her up on blind dates and they have not been going well.
Then she is summoned by the royal family of the Under Sea folks to come to a meeting that they are having.
Now she is faced with both Artur and Thomas, plus dealing with the other merpeople acting indifferent or avoiding her for a reason that everyone is refusing to tell her.
This time around the characters annoyed me a bit, especially the way Jonah was portrayed this time. He came across as whiny. Plus, this back and forth between Artur and Thomas didn't feel well done. Fred basically seems to make a choice by default by the end of the story and her thoughts throughout came across as childish. On the other hand, I did laugh at few parts as well.
It's been about year since the last book ended and Fred hasn't seen neither of the men who claimed to have feelings for her during this time. Jonah and Dr. Barb has been setting her up on blind dates and they have not been going well.
Then she is summoned by the royal family of the Under Sea folks to come to a meeting that they are having.
Now she is faced with both Artur and Thomas, plus dealing with the other merpeople acting indifferent or avoiding her for a reason that everyone is refusing to tell her.
This time around the characters annoyed me a bit, especially the way Jonah was portrayed this time. He came across as whiny. Plus, this back and forth between Artur and Thomas didn't feel well done. Fred basically seems to make a choice by default by the end of the story and her thoughts throughout came across as childish. On the other hand, I did laugh at few parts as well.
May 5, 2024
Life is getting more interesting
After Fred finished the last book, she was in a quandary about how she was attracted to Artur and Thomas. Each man said that he wanted to pursue her favor, but both were forced by circumstance to attend to prior commitments first.
Now Fred is frustrated that she hasn’t had any communication from either man for an entire year. This is causing her to feel ambivalent towards them while at the same time she has periods where she feels that one or the other is someone she wants to be closer to, followed by a knee-jerk reaction to be glad that they are gone.
Now to really confuse her she is approached by the representatives of the King of the Undersea Folk requesting her presence for some kind of big event. Needless to say that complicates her life much further!
After Fred finished the last book, she was in a quandary about how she was attracted to Artur and Thomas. Each man said that he wanted to pursue her favor, but both were forced by circumstance to attend to prior commitments first.
Now Fred is frustrated that she hasn’t had any communication from either man for an entire year. This is causing her to feel ambivalent towards them while at the same time she has periods where she feels that one or the other is someone she wants to be closer to, followed by a knee-jerk reaction to be glad that they are gone.
Now to really confuse her she is approached by the representatives of the King of the Undersea Folk requesting her presence for some kind of big event. Needless to say that complicates her life much further!
January 27, 2017
This is the second book in Davidson's series about Fred the mermaid. I'd read the first in the series ages ago so it took me a bit of time to feel back in tune with the character -- and the references to things that had happened in the first book. Over time I did, though, and found Fred's first encounter with multiple Undersea Folk quite enjoyable and amusing. (I'm sure Fred wouldn't appreciate the amusing part, but then again I'm not Fred.) There's only one more book in the series and I'm looking forward to reading it soon.
May 16, 2018
3 1/2
This didn't have a big plot going down but rather we find out in the middle that we have a political decision of whether to come out or not to bipeds. There are some fun scenes and Fred's relationship gets more defined, especially since it has been a triangle up to here and now it seems decided. Still even that seems like Fred does not really like anyone, so love... well... she is attracted for certain but doesn't want to be controlled by anyone. So for the fun parts I give it a 3, 1/2 star for some new characters and furthering the overall plot of Fred.
This didn't have a big plot going down but rather we find out in the middle that we have a political decision of whether to come out or not to bipeds. There are some fun scenes and Fred's relationship gets more defined, especially since it has been a triangle up to here and now it seems decided. Still even that seems like Fred does not really like anyone, so love... well... she is attracted for certain but doesn't want to be controlled by anyone. So for the fun parts I give it a 3, 1/2 star for some new characters and furthering the overall plot of Fred.
March 31, 2020
Unique can be great
I enjoyed that the main character felt like an outsider, but actually was a very unique person and best suited to help the undersea folk. I liked that she owned her differences and finally saw them as useful and helpful, to herself and others.
We all need to see our uniqueness as something that can be a force for good.
And as a handicapped person, the only time I feel strong and whole is in the water, where I swim like a fish and float without effort. So I am drawn to everything mermaid.
I enjoyed that the main character felt like an outsider, but actually was a very unique person and best suited to help the undersea folk. I liked that she owned her differences and finally saw them as useful and helpful, to herself and others.
We all need to see our uniqueness as something that can be a force for good.
And as a handicapped person, the only time I feel strong and whole is in the water, where I swim like a fish and float without effort. So I am drawn to everything mermaid.
January 1, 2023
An OK read but Fred isn't much different to Betsy, just more caustic in her humour, & with a dog-in-the-manger attitude to men. The huge chip on her shoulder seems to prevent her having anything pleasant to say to anyone. There are amusing moments but I would have enjoyed it more if she wasn't so abrasive all the time, even with her friends, well, one friend: Jonas has a very thick skin. This is the 2nd book in the series so I will go back & read the first, hoping it's not such a self-pity party, but I won't bother reading any more.
August 15, 2023
Fred the Mermaid is beautiful, and very very angry and grumpy - being summoned to the Pelagiac by the King of the Mermaids is the LAST thing she wants to do, and knowing that Thomas, Artur, Jonas and Dr. Barb are at the resort/meeting adds to the tension, and to Fred's disgruntlement. Will she agree to become one of the Undersea folk full time? Will she sucumb to Artur's proposals, or will she throw him over for Thomas - but, is Thomas meant to be hers, or Tennian's man? Good luck trying not to laugh, and maybe sweat a bit over the romance scenes - life under the sea is NOT dull!
June 5, 2021
-4 stars. funny but short and padded out. double spaced print, 48 chapters with double that many half-pages at the beginning and end of each chapter.
fred slammed her finger down on the window button and yowled into the wind, "passing zone is for passing, shithead!"
"don't make me put the child locks on the windows again."
"be myself? thats your advice? be grouchy and antisocial and foulmouthed?"
fred slammed her finger down on the window button and yowled into the wind, "passing zone is for passing, shithead!"
"don't make me put the child locks on the windows again."
"be myself? thats your advice? be grouchy and antisocial and foulmouthed?"
January 7, 2023
I really enjoyed immersing myself back into the Undersea Folks world again for the second time.
Another easy to follow book and a great read for winding down.
This book seemed to have such a solo focus on Fred though but also the other characters in the previous book.
It would’ve been good if it had been slightly longer!
On to the third and final book of the series I am heading, hopefully this one brings a bit more humour and intimate scenes with it…
Another easy to follow book and a great read for winding down.
This book seemed to have such a solo focus on Fred though but also the other characters in the previous book.
It would’ve been good if it had been slightly longer!
On to the third and final book of the series I am heading, hopefully this one brings a bit more humour and intimate scenes with it…
March 6, 2019
I had so much fun reading this book. I have not read the first one yet, but I love the characters and they are well developed in this story. Half breed mermaid, meeting of all undersea folk to decide if they reveal themselves to the world, love triangle. Just a great and fun story! Can't wait to read more by this author!
August 13, 2019
Fred, the mermaid, isn't quite as annoying (and vulgar) as in the previous book. She is "invited" to a big Undersea Folk pow-wow where she learns more about her bio dad and finds out that her people are debating whether to reveal themselves to the world. Her friend Jonas is still the most entertaining part of the book.
April 4, 2018
The plot was better in the second book than the first - less holes. Still funny, still irreverent. Still a good fluff/ summer read. The plot progression improved between books 1 and 2, and the storyline became a bit more worthwhile. The characters are likeable, and the book is fast paced.
September 6, 2019
Eh, it wasn’t terrible, but was not my thing at all. Also, I didn’t know it was the second book in a trilogy until about 60 pages. Am I glad I read it? Sure, it was cheesy and light (what I needed after several dark and nightmare-inducing books), but I’m not going to read the other two.
July 6, 2020
Süße, witzige, kurzweilige Geschichte. Das war (ohne mein Wissen) schon die zweite Story um Fredrika Bimm. Dennoch habe ich gut rein- und zu den Charakteren gefunden. Und nur für's Protokoll - ich hätte ja sofort den Meermann genommen!
January 29, 2024
Fred is a very different mermaid than some others that will remain nameless. In this one she has to go to the realm of the royal merfamily in the Cayman Islands, her human entourage in tow. This is a cute and sexy read as Fred finds herself caught between a human man and a merman.
March 11, 2018
A fun romp! There needs to be at least one more book because we must know what happens with Artur!
March 28, 2018
Solidly cute fluff. Nice concept. Start with the first in the series, I didn't and it was confusing.
April 2, 2018
Picked this up at the book sale. Light and fluffy, but perfect for a cold afternoon.
February 21, 2019
Did not finish.
September 5, 2019
Slightly better than the first one, but not by much.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 252 reviews