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First Fangs Club #2
Suck It Up, Buttercup
At 49, Belladonna Barrone’s life has taken some interesting turns. She unwittingly married into the mob but managed to get free when her husband died in a car accident. Most recently she was attacked and turned into a vampire, something else she never intended. As with everything, she’s made the best of her situation.
She just didn’t know this newest situation would also result in her becoming the vampire governor of New Jersey. It’s cool, though. The perks are great, the penthouse is spectacular, and the salary couldn’t have come at a better time. Vampire politics, on the other hand, might be more complicated than she anticipated.
She’s handling it all pretty well, including dealing with another governor who thinks she ought to do his bidding and telling her kids that she’s now one of the immortal, when a new wrinkle from her old life complicates things in ways she would rather ignore. But Belladonna isn’t the kind of woman who runs from her problems.
Instead, she makes a plan and attacks. With her friends at her side, everything goes off without a hitch. Or at least she thinks so until a note shows up telling her the one person who’s been instrumental in making sure her past life stays in the past is in serious dangerous. Belladonna suddenly fears she’s bitten off more than she can chew.
But she’s not about to sacrifice a single one of her friends, so there’s nothing left to do but suck it up, buttercup.
She just didn’t know this newest situation would also result in her becoming the vampire governor of New Jersey. It’s cool, though. The perks are great, the penthouse is spectacular, and the salary couldn’t have come at a better time. Vampire politics, on the other hand, might be more complicated than she anticipated.
She’s handling it all pretty well, including dealing with another governor who thinks she ought to do his bidding and telling her kids that she’s now one of the immortal, when a new wrinkle from her old life complicates things in ways she would rather ignore. But Belladonna isn’t the kind of woman who runs from her problems.
Instead, she makes a plan and attacks. With her friends at her side, everything goes off without a hitch. Or at least she thinks so until a note shows up telling her the one person who’s been instrumental in making sure her past life stays in the past is in serious dangerous. Belladonna suddenly fears she’s bitten off more than she can chew.
But she’s not about to sacrifice a single one of her friends, so there’s nothing left to do but suck it up, buttercup.
361 pages, Paperback
First published April 28, 2020
514 people are currently reading
676 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Painter
176books3,335followersKristen Painter likes to balance her obsessions with shoes and cats by making the lives of her characters miserable and surprising her readers with interesting twists. She currently writes award-winning paranormal romance, paranormal women's fiction, and cozy mysteries. The former college English teacher can often be found on twitter @Kristen_Painter, Facebook at where she loves to interact with readers and her blog: .
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 246 reviews
April 28, 2020
Suck It Up Buttercup by Kristen Painter
2nd book in the First Fangs Club series. Paranormal women’s fiction. Best read in series order for background world building and character histories that are influenced in the novel.
Cliffhanger.
Entertaining and charming.
Donna was turned into a vampire in the previous book and then subsequently made Governor of New Jersey. In this story her life situation expands to include her new living arrangements, new assistants, new friends and enemies both old and new. As a former mob boss wife she handles problems with ease and confidence.
It’s Donna’s confidence that impressed me the most. She is new to the paranormal world, but by applying life lessons she’s learned, Donna is able to be stand tall and be gracious. Her children’s acceptance is a bit surprising.
A tiny bit of humor. A bit more of mob and FBI interactions. Plus a lot of powerful women living and managing their surroundings.
I alternated between an ecopy and audio version. The audiobook was narrated by B. J. Harrison who has also done this author’s Shadowvale and Nocturne Falls series. He does a good job in voice differentiations and keeps an even tone throughout.
2nd book in the First Fangs Club series. Paranormal women’s fiction. Best read in series order for background world building and character histories that are influenced in the novel.
Cliffhanger.
Entertaining and charming.
Donna was turned into a vampire in the previous book and then subsequently made Governor of New Jersey. In this story her life situation expands to include her new living arrangements, new assistants, new friends and enemies both old and new. As a former mob boss wife she handles problems with ease and confidence.
It’s Donna’s confidence that impressed me the most. She is new to the paranormal world, but by applying life lessons she’s learned, Donna is able to be stand tall and be gracious. Her children’s acceptance is a bit surprising.
A tiny bit of humor. A bit more of mob and FBI interactions. Plus a lot of powerful women living and managing their surroundings.
I alternated between an ecopy and audio version. The audiobook was narrated by B. J. Harrison who has also done this author’s Shadowvale and Nocturne Falls series. He does a good job in voice differentiations and keeps an even tone throughout.
April 18, 2020
As good as the first book in this series was, this one is even better. You probably don’t have to read them in order, but I would recommend it because there’s some back story you would be missing. We are thrown for a loop with what Donna discovers. I wondered if this would happen when I read the first one. I just didn’t know exactly how it would play out. Very clever. I love the relationship Donna has with the other ladies who are vampires. They really make the book. This was one book I just couldn’t put down. I almost called into work so I could read. Pierce and Donna grow closer it seems. And we meet another governor who is a real piece of work. It’s suspenseful and also funny in parts. If you don’t read anything else this year, read this series. I can’t recommend it enough.
January 12, 2021
2.5 stars
April 29, 2020
This is a wonderful addition to this series. The story picks up right where the first one ends, so for this reason I suggest reading the series in order. The characters are endearing, witty, and easy to connect with. I enjoyed following along on Donna’s journey and look forward to reading what happens next.
April 28, 2020
At this point I think anyone who has seen anything about me anywhere probably knows I LOVE Kristen Painter books and this one was no different. Although some of her other series are very dear to my heart, this particular heroine definitely resonates with me in a different way, as I am sure she does with many "not 20 something anymore" women out there.
Book 2 picks up literally right where book 1 ends, which doesn't always work, but in this case it really allowed me as the reader to feel that I was getting to follow Belladonna's complete journey and transformation. I LOVE that with the vampire stuff being all new to her she asks the questions that often we as readers want to know to (especially as most paranormal worlds have their own unique rules). She's not afraid to let people know that "There should be a handbook for that!". Fans of book 1 will definitely appreciate where book 2 leads you. Personally I prefer it as with all the background set the book is able to move at a faster pace, and I do love a little action (of the fighting kind in this case), and showing that although family is important, sometimes that family can be formed from the outside.
I do feel the need mention that this definitely has a little more of a cliffhanger than the first, which is different from the Nocturne Falls series with each completely wrapped up with an HEA - but the main story is completed and it definitely isn't one that I would classify as "throw the book worthy" (I know you readers all know what I mean) - more like just hurry up and get the next one out required!
An easy, 5 stars from me and my official Melanie's Muses Approved status! (Yes this is new - Yes this is the first time I am posting it - Yes there will be more details on my website soon!)
Book 2 picks up literally right where book 1 ends, which doesn't always work, but in this case it really allowed me as the reader to feel that I was getting to follow Belladonna's complete journey and transformation. I LOVE that with the vampire stuff being all new to her she asks the questions that often we as readers want to know to (especially as most paranormal worlds have their own unique rules). She's not afraid to let people know that "There should be a handbook for that!". Fans of book 1 will definitely appreciate where book 2 leads you. Personally I prefer it as with all the background set the book is able to move at a faster pace, and I do love a little action (of the fighting kind in this case), and showing that although family is important, sometimes that family can be formed from the outside.
I do feel the need mention that this definitely has a little more of a cliffhanger than the first, which is different from the Nocturne Falls series with each completely wrapped up with an HEA - but the main story is completed and it definitely isn't one that I would classify as "throw the book worthy" (I know you readers all know what I mean) - more like just hurry up and get the next one out required!
An easy, 5 stars from me and my official Melanie's Muses Approved status! (Yes this is new - Yes this is the first time I am posting it - Yes there will be more details on my website soon!)
May 22, 2020
I enjoyed the first book in this series, I thought it set the stage nicely for the next book and what I hoped would be an exciting read. I was wrong. I just felt very bleugh about about this book. Although a lot seems to go on, not a lot actually does. I'm left feeling bored. Normally if I'm engaged in a book I can ignore all the little things that don't make sense, like how the hell does it make sense that she is governor? A position of power and she is a 2 day old vampire with absolutely no experience? When there are vampires hundreds of years older that would probably do a better job? Hell, vampires a few months older with more experience.
Then there is the relationship with Pierce. It's just strikes me as being a very icky relationship, she's in a position of power over him and he's infatuated with her straight away as she's a vampire and gives up his whole life to work as her assistant... WTF? It could work as long as they don't go down the romantic route but if they do, that's just wrong. It's gross when it happens to women in books and shouldn't change due to role reversal.
Then there is the relationship with Pierce. It's just strikes me as being a very icky relationship, she's in a position of power over him and he's infatuated with her straight away as she's a vampire and gives up his whole life to work as her assistant... WTF? It could work as long as they don't go down the romantic route but if they do, that's just wrong. It's gross when it happens to women in books and shouldn't change due to role reversal.
May 10, 2021
Suck It Up, Buttercup, book 2 in the First Fangs Club series, is fun. Fascinating. It is original and uplifting. It is a paranormal high-five to mid-life power. So far, I am buoyed by Belladonna's rise from Cowed Mafia Wife to Fearless Vampire Governor. The story is even-paced, and the action is page-turn able. While reading this story, it really "sucked" to put my Kindle down - at home or at work. I can't wait to start book 3.
Keep up the good writing, Ms. Painter!
4.5 stars
Keep up the good writing, Ms. Painter!
4.5 stars
May 9, 2020
Belladonna is a middle-aged ex mob wife turned into a vampire. And not just any vampire. She is the Governor of New Jersey vampires. This book is full of humour, action, emotions and interesting characters. Belladonna is strong and tough as she learns what it means to lead. I'm enjoying this series very much and am looking forward to the next book.
October 10, 2020
1.5ish? Maybe 2. Is it just me, or does it aggravate other people when EVERYTHING goes the characters way. Like EVERYTHING. No character flaws except that her husband was in the mafia, and that isn't even her own flaw. Ugh
August 20, 2022
It another candy vampire book. I enjoyed it, but not as much as the first. Probably because I got tired of the narrator and will probably read them from now on. Still I switched to something a bit heavier after I was done. I will return to the series when I need another break from heavy stuff.
May 12, 2020
Suck it Up Buttercup (First Fangs Club #2) by Kristen Painter is part of the PWF (Paranormal Women’s Fiction), a wonderful grouping of new fiction by several authors in the genre, written about, and geared for the mature woman.
FFC #2 picks Belladonna up where we left her last: a newly widowed from the mob, newly turned vampire, and the Vampire Governor of New Jersey. She’s got a lot to learn, but keeps her wits about herself the way only a former mob wife can. With grace and discretion. She hopes.
But the past dies hard, and for the newly undead, perhaps not at all. But Donna pulls up her bootstraps, keeps her new friends close, and old enemies, well, perhaps too close.
This is an absolute must read! 1-click NOW for great enjoyment. Full 5-stars.
FFC #2 picks Belladonna up where we left her last: a newly widowed from the mob, newly turned vampire, and the Vampire Governor of New Jersey. She’s got a lot to learn, but keeps her wits about herself the way only a former mob wife can. With grace and discretion. She hopes.
But the past dies hard, and for the newly undead, perhaps not at all. But Donna pulls up her bootstraps, keeps her new friends close, and old enemies, well, perhaps too close.
This is an absolute must read! 1-click NOW for great enjoyment. Full 5-stars.
November 12, 2020
Book 2 of 3!
Such an entertaining story!
I always said I will never read about vampires! They always spook me out and give me nightmares!
But this isn't so with Donna and the gang! She is one badass mom vampire! I love her no-nonsense way of getting to the nitty gritty of defending New Jersey and her friends!
I love that this isn't, yet another romance novel either! They seem to be all over Kindle right now! Some shockingly so! Not that I am against them, I just don't want to be stuck skipping page-after-page through them just to get to the guts of the story!
I'm currently reading the third install of (the First Fangs Club) "Sucker Punch" and can't be happier with it! Another FIVE STAR for me!
Thank you Kristen Painter and her team! I'm ready for more!
Such an entertaining story!
I always said I will never read about vampires! They always spook me out and give me nightmares!
But this isn't so with Donna and the gang! She is one badass mom vampire! I love her no-nonsense way of getting to the nitty gritty of defending New Jersey and her friends!
I love that this isn't, yet another romance novel either! They seem to be all over Kindle right now! Some shockingly so! Not that I am against them, I just don't want to be stuck skipping page-after-page through them just to get to the guts of the story!
I'm currently reading the third install of (the First Fangs Club) "Sucker Punch" and can't be happier with it! Another FIVE STAR for me!
Thank you Kristen Painter and her team! I'm ready for more!
November 17, 2020
This was a really good story. I can always tell when I enjoy a book because I don't skip any pages. I like that Donna is so positive and so caring. Her friends, especially the First Fangs Club are such great characters. AND now, one of Donna's friends has been kidnapped by the fae and want to trade him for Rixaline, the half fae and half vampire that Donna gave sanctuary to. So, I can't wait to get to the next book. I'm sure Donna will be kicking some hinny.
No sex and no swearing.
As to the narration: B.J. Harrison is a great narrator, even if he does need help in the women's voices department.
No sex and no swearing.
As to the narration: B.J. Harrison is a great narrator, even if he does need help in the women's voices department.
April 10, 2020
This was even more amazing than the first story! Be sure to read the first book, It sucks to be me, first. Book #2 can be read as standalone, but it's so much more enjoyable to treat yourself to both! I laughed and smiled through the whole book. could not put it down and was so disappointed when I reached the end because I wanted to keep reading! Many surprises in this book too. Just love this new series!
May 17, 2020
Wow! This second book was such an amazing addition to series! It gets so much better than the first one, and I absolutely loved it! Wonderful characters and story with twists and turns, action packed. I love Donna (Belladonna Barrone) she is a real champ. Love her new friends we were introduced in this book. This crew is crazy and together they can face and fight whatever comes in Donna's way. I highly recommend this new series. It's impossible to put it down! Can't wait for the third book!
August 5, 2020
2020 bk 264 After not enjoying the first one, I did end up with a copy of the second and enjoyed it so much more (still wish she had a different theme for the titles). I felt that this 2nd in the series had a more believable plot, good timing on the humor, excellent timing on the pathos, and allowed the character to balance her mother role with her new duties as Governor (Vampire) of New Jersey. The cliffhanger ending was very well done, so yes, I'll be purchasing the third in this series.
June 7, 2020
Wow!
I was up and down while reading g thks...wasn't sure I was enjoying the story. But about halfway through I became invested with the characters. Going to go find the next book... Lots of plot twists and characters that need their stories told. Good job Kristen Painter!
I was up and down while reading g thks...wasn't sure I was enjoying the story. But about halfway through I became invested with the characters. Going to go find the next book... Lots of plot twists and characters that need their stories told. Good job Kristen Painter!
May 10, 2020
Oh my awesomeness!!!
Seriously amazing story I loved everything about it, the setting, the plot, the characters it was fantastic I can’t wait for more.
Seriously amazing story I loved everything about it, the setting, the plot, the characters it was fantastic I can’t wait for more.
January 15, 2021
This series is becoming one of my favorites in the UF genre. Again did not disappoint.
November 13, 2022
Something new
I haven't enjoyed a series like this in a while, where the whole series is about one main character and her group of friends. I'm having a great time with Belladonna and the First Fangs Club.
I haven't enjoyed a series like this in a while, where the whole series is about one main character and her group of friends. I'm having a great time with Belladonna and the First Fangs Club.
Read
September 25, 2020I cant believe I had to DNF this one. I loves the first one so much! I cant put my finger on why this one seemed so different, I just could not do it.
January 20, 2024
Second in the First Fangs Club cozy paranormal fantasy series and revolving around Donna Barrone, a newly made vampire in New Jersey. The focus is on coping with this new life and its politics.
My Take
Another fun story from Kristen Painter with a woman facing a totally unexpected and new life. Fortunately there are a lot of perks with this job, including a place to live and a great salary with supportive people around her.
It’s all enough to help Donna change her mind about her new “life�. It also causes her to reflect on how bad too much power can weigh on you, which we learn from Painter’s use of third person protagonist point-of-view from Donna’s perspective.
Oh, man, the reason Claudette didn’t like Temo comes out. It sounds par for the course for her. The woman has no judgment.
Fitzhugh is such a jerk! I do love how Donna handles him, lol. She credits her life with Joe and the Mob for how much she learned that has prepared her for her new life. It certainly comes in handy when Donna has to meet the Russian mob boss. Her husband, her deceased husband I should say, Joe, was also a jerk and is an amazing contrast with Pierce. Lucinda is another pain, and for some reason she’s sucking up to Donna big time, hmmm . . . Fitzhugh isn’t the only one Donna, um, handles, lol.
A major series arc is how quickly Donna rises to power after becoming a vampire and how much she enjoys being able to do good, to counteract the bad her husband had done. The good she does for Rixaline is an absolute treat.
Okay, now that is a surprise. Pierce has a good eye for fashion and helps Donna work her wardrobe.
I get such a kick out of her friends from the First Fang Club and how much they want to help her out. As for Joe’s surprise stash. Oh, boy. Yeah, I’d be majorly ticked too. It sure answers a few questions.
Romance is blossoming, and Donna might wanna be careful around that poison garden!
Rixaline is in a tight spot, and when her past is revealed, you’ll want to cry and scream! Of course, when you read of Joe’s “master� plan, you’ll scream too, with laughter. Oh, and “family� means something to Joe. The boy is clueless.
It’s an easy read with Donna such a natural person, which is reflected in the prose. It’s both character-driven with a good bit of action � physical and thoughtful.
There is a nasty little cliffhanger ending, and I simply had to get ! Okay, and partly because I am so, so envious that Donna can eat whatever she likes. Sigh.
The Story
It’s a question of balance in her new life. Balancing the demands of her job and of the politics of interacting with other governors.
One smarmy governor in particular, a bad experience that does not outweigh all those positives!
The Characters
Belladonna “Donna� Barrone is 49 and finally free of the mob. Sort of. Now she’s been turned into a vampire, and gasp, the new vampire governor of New Jersey. Lucky is Donna’s cat. She has a son, Lieutenant Joe Jr, who’s in the Air Force, and Christina, who’s in college. Donna’s new penthouse apartment is in Wellman Towers, where every resident is a supernatural or in a supernatural business. Cammie is Donna’s nun sister, Sister Mary Lazarus Immaculata. Joe is Donna’s . . . what? Not dead husband?
Pierce Harrison, a successful defense lawyer in Manhattan, is Donna’s new assistant. Charlene “Charlie� Rollins, half-banshee with a smidge of fire mage, is Donna’s administrative assistant � and such a blessing! She has a master’s in business management, had been the executive assistant to the CEO of Rothchild’s Antiquities in London, and a concierge at the Regency Hotel. Temo, a descendant of Mafui’e, the Samoan god of earthquakes � which does come in handy, is Donna’s driver and in charge of her security. He’s also former Special Ops and really good behind the wheel with his last job as a bouncer at Spotlight. Penina is Temo’s cousin and backup security. India does Donna’s hair. Dr Ezrun Fox, a gnome, is their doctor and has three sons and two daughters. Jerabeth Smalls, an elemental witch, is in charge of the governor’s greenhouse. Jerabeth’s mother had been a green witch.
The Fae are . . .
. . . the sworn enemy of vampires. Rixaline is half-fae and half-vampire, a dhamfir with a rare ability to find anything. King Dredward rules the fae.
The Vampires
The First Fangs Club is . . .
. . . a support group of new-made vampires and where Donna met Neo, the ditzy Bunni, the adventurous yet old Francine, LaToya Shay Jones (she has a baby and a werewolf boyfriend, Isaiah, who’s also in Rico’s pack), and Meghan Murphy, Donna’s blood sister and a famous supermodel. Lionel is the hunky “young� musician who sired Francine. His current band is Bittersweet, which he fronts as Leif Harker � Charlie is fangirling and it seems that Christina loves the band too. Artie, a movie producer, had been Francine’s third husband. Dr Ursula “La� Goldberg had been Donna’s therapist in her human life. She’s also the empathic facilitator and therapist for the First Fangs Club.
Artemis, the vampire queen of the US and Donna’s grandsire and sire to Claudette, the former New Jersey governor and Donna’s sire. She has a studio in the Village. Hawke Fitzhugh is the showy, obnoxious New York vampire governor, who thinks he’s God’s gift. Greene is the governor of Ohio; Showell is the governor of Maryland.
The Immortus Concilio is a seven-member group who oversee vampire activity. Hubert Renard is the vampire ambassador from France; Sylvie is his wife.
The FBI
Special Agent Rico Medina, a werewolf, had been Donna’s handler when she was planning to be a witness against the Mob. Other agents include Kowalski, Cheng, and Franklin.
Carmella is a dental hygienist. Carmella’s grandmother is intense.
The Mob
New Jersey
Anthony “Big Tony� Villachi, the mob boss in Jersey, is married to the cranky Lucinda, Joe’s sister.
The Russians
Boris Reznikov is their mob boss. His people include Dimitri and Yuri, the unfortunate Russian lunk in Sucks To Be Me , 1. Pravda is their downtown club.
Rigby’s Pub. Blue Bell’s Diner has great pie. Nell is one of their servers. Count DeLaRossi was at one of Francine’s parties. Van Marten’s offers jewelry.
The Cover and Title
The cover is consistent with the first story, Sucks To Be Me , with its range of blues from the deepest navy to a grayed light blue of the gravestone that’s front and center with the slightly embossed title in black. Donna, in a long, sleeveless red dress with her brown hair flowing down her back, is standing at the railing looking out over the lit-up New York skyline. The bottom of the gravestone is wreathed in ivy and fairy lights. Below it is an info blurb in white with the author’s name in an embossed turquoise below that. Going back up to the top is the series information in a white with a red horizontal rule behind it, that ends on each end with spear points.
The title is Donna’s own advice to herself, Suck It Up Buttercup.
My Take
Another fun story from Kristen Painter with a woman facing a totally unexpected and new life. Fortunately there are a lot of perks with this job, including a place to live and a great salary with supportive people around her.
It’s all enough to help Donna change her mind about her new “life�. It also causes her to reflect on how bad too much power can weigh on you, which we learn from Painter’s use of third person protagonist point-of-view from Donna’s perspective.
Oh, man, the reason Claudette didn’t like Temo comes out. It sounds par for the course for her. The woman has no judgment.
Fitzhugh is such a jerk! I do love how Donna handles him, lol. She credits her life with Joe and the Mob for how much she learned that has prepared her for her new life. It certainly comes in handy when Donna has to meet the Russian mob boss. Her husband, her deceased husband I should say, Joe, was also a jerk and is an amazing contrast with Pierce. Lucinda is another pain, and for some reason she’s sucking up to Donna big time, hmmm . . . Fitzhugh isn’t the only one Donna, um, handles, lol.
A major series arc is how quickly Donna rises to power after becoming a vampire and how much she enjoys being able to do good, to counteract the bad her husband had done. The good she does for Rixaline is an absolute treat.
Okay, now that is a surprise. Pierce has a good eye for fashion and helps Donna work her wardrobe.
I get such a kick out of her friends from the First Fang Club and how much they want to help her out. As for Joe’s surprise stash. Oh, boy. Yeah, I’d be majorly ticked too. It sure answers a few questions.
Romance is blossoming, and Donna might wanna be careful around that poison garden!
Rixaline is in a tight spot, and when her past is revealed, you’ll want to cry and scream! Of course, when you read of Joe’s “master� plan, you’ll scream too, with laughter. Oh, and “family� means something to Joe. The boy is clueless.
It’s an easy read with Donna such a natural person, which is reflected in the prose. It’s both character-driven with a good bit of action � physical and thoughtful.
There is a nasty little cliffhanger ending, and I simply had to get ! Okay, and partly because I am so, so envious that Donna can eat whatever she likes. Sigh.
The Story
It’s a question of balance in her new life. Balancing the demands of her job and of the politics of interacting with other governors.
One smarmy governor in particular, a bad experience that does not outweigh all those positives!
The Characters
Belladonna “Donna� Barrone is 49 and finally free of the mob. Sort of. Now she’s been turned into a vampire, and gasp, the new vampire governor of New Jersey. Lucky is Donna’s cat. She has a son, Lieutenant Joe Jr, who’s in the Air Force, and Christina, who’s in college. Donna’s new penthouse apartment is in Wellman Towers, where every resident is a supernatural or in a supernatural business. Cammie is Donna’s nun sister, Sister Mary Lazarus Immaculata. Joe is Donna’s . . . what? Not dead husband?
Pierce Harrison, a successful defense lawyer in Manhattan, is Donna’s new assistant. Charlene “Charlie� Rollins, half-banshee with a smidge of fire mage, is Donna’s administrative assistant � and such a blessing! She has a master’s in business management, had been the executive assistant to the CEO of Rothchild’s Antiquities in London, and a concierge at the Regency Hotel. Temo, a descendant of Mafui’e, the Samoan god of earthquakes � which does come in handy, is Donna’s driver and in charge of her security. He’s also former Special Ops and really good behind the wheel with his last job as a bouncer at Spotlight. Penina is Temo’s cousin and backup security. India does Donna’s hair. Dr Ezrun Fox, a gnome, is their doctor and has three sons and two daughters. Jerabeth Smalls, an elemental witch, is in charge of the governor’s greenhouse. Jerabeth’s mother had been a green witch.
The Fae are . . .
. . . the sworn enemy of vampires. Rixaline is half-fae and half-vampire, a dhamfir with a rare ability to find anything. King Dredward rules the fae.
The Vampires
The First Fangs Club is . . .
. . . a support group of new-made vampires and where Donna met Neo, the ditzy Bunni, the adventurous yet old Francine, LaToya Shay Jones (she has a baby and a werewolf boyfriend, Isaiah, who’s also in Rico’s pack), and Meghan Murphy, Donna’s blood sister and a famous supermodel. Lionel is the hunky “young� musician who sired Francine. His current band is Bittersweet, which he fronts as Leif Harker � Charlie is fangirling and it seems that Christina loves the band too. Artie, a movie producer, had been Francine’s third husband. Dr Ursula “La� Goldberg had been Donna’s therapist in her human life. She’s also the empathic facilitator and therapist for the First Fangs Club.
Artemis, the vampire queen of the US and Donna’s grandsire and sire to Claudette, the former New Jersey governor and Donna’s sire. She has a studio in the Village. Hawke Fitzhugh is the showy, obnoxious New York vampire governor, who thinks he’s God’s gift. Greene is the governor of Ohio; Showell is the governor of Maryland.
The Immortus Concilio is a seven-member group who oversee vampire activity. Hubert Renard is the vampire ambassador from France; Sylvie is his wife.
The FBI
Special Agent Rico Medina, a werewolf, had been Donna’s handler when she was planning to be a witness against the Mob. Other agents include Kowalski, Cheng, and Franklin.
Carmella is a dental hygienist. Carmella’s grandmother is intense.
The Mob
New Jersey
Anthony “Big Tony� Villachi, the mob boss in Jersey, is married to the cranky Lucinda, Joe’s sister.
The Russians
Boris Reznikov is their mob boss. His people include Dimitri and Yuri, the unfortunate Russian lunk in Sucks To Be Me , 1. Pravda is their downtown club.
Rigby’s Pub. Blue Bell’s Diner has great pie. Nell is one of their servers. Count DeLaRossi was at one of Francine’s parties. Van Marten’s offers jewelry.
The Cover and Title
The cover is consistent with the first story, Sucks To Be Me , with its range of blues from the deepest navy to a grayed light blue of the gravestone that’s front and center with the slightly embossed title in black. Donna, in a long, sleeveless red dress with her brown hair flowing down her back, is standing at the railing looking out over the lit-up New York skyline. The bottom of the gravestone is wreathed in ivy and fairy lights. Below it is an info blurb in white with the author’s name in an embossed turquoise below that. Going back up to the top is the series information in a white with a red horizontal rule behind it, that ends on each end with spear points.
The title is Donna’s own advice to herself, Suck It Up Buttercup.
June 22, 2020
Holy Mary and Joseph!!
Suck It Up, Buttercup is book two in Kristen Painter’s First Fangs Club series, it picks up immediately where Sucks To Be Me (book 1) left off.
Belladonna Barrone is barely a week into her new life as a vampire and not just any vampire, through sudden and unexpected events she is now stepping into her role as the Vampire Governor of New Jersey. As if her plate wasn’t already full with her new life and new job she is also still trying to deal with her past human life, specifically working with the FBI to bring down the Villachi family, the Italian mafia that her late husband was second in command of. While cleaning up one mess her husband left for her, a new curveball comes at her at work when someone shows up seeking asylum from the Fae.
Donna is finding her footing in book 2 as a powerful but kind leader, she shows compassion and understanding in dealing with her citizens but she also shows strength and courage when facing those who would underestimate her and try to take advantage.
This is a fun series that I am very much enjoying, I highly recommend it to anyone who might like a bit of cozy paranormal mystery/crime drama with an older more mature heroine. Looking forward to the next book in this series 😊
*** book two does end on a cliffhanger, personally this is not an issue for me but I know other readers hate them so I just wanted to inform
February 6, 2023
I've read and enjoyed a few other books by Kristen Painter but this series feels slightly different: less light-hearted. This is a good thing as the setting for this book needed more weight. I love that Kristen can tweak her writing style to accommodate different reading genres and I absolutely love that her main character in the First Fangs Club series is a middle-aged woman. I did chuckle and smile, recognising many nods to women of my age, although, I wish some of Donna's trademark middle-aged qualities hadn't disappeared - I wear my middle-aged trademarks as badges of honour.
Suck It Up, Buttercup was a very easy audiobook to listen to. The story picks up where the last book, Sucks To Be Me, left off. Our protagonist, Belladonna aka Donna continues to exhibit all the personality traits that I crave in a main character; she's intelligent, resilient, resourceful and has plenty of gumption. I loved seeing her grow in this story. Kristen isn't breaking the mould with any of her supporting characters. However, I enjoyed that she created a wealth of them with various personalities and roles to play to progress the story. I really enjoyed the plot with all its twists and turns, and enjoyed how some of the story threads were satisfactorily concluded by the end while others were left to continue into the next book.
B.J. Harrison is a really good narrator. The story is written from the point of view of our protagonist, Donna, and I think the pace of his narration captured her maturity and personality. Harrison varies his tone to convey the appropriate emotion in every scene. I liked the voices he created for all the characters and didn't feel confused to who was speaking during the dialogue.
I don't think that there's any offensive content within these pages - language, violence or sex. However, some of the implied violence linked with the mafia theme is worth mentioning.
I'd recommend Suck It Up, Buttercup to lovers of second-chance stories, about standing up for what's right and creating your own destiny even if the paranormal genre isn't your usual thing.
Suck It Up, Buttercup was a very easy audiobook to listen to. The story picks up where the last book, Sucks To Be Me, left off. Our protagonist, Belladonna aka Donna continues to exhibit all the personality traits that I crave in a main character; she's intelligent, resilient, resourceful and has plenty of gumption. I loved seeing her grow in this story. Kristen isn't breaking the mould with any of her supporting characters. However, I enjoyed that she created a wealth of them with various personalities and roles to play to progress the story. I really enjoyed the plot with all its twists and turns, and enjoyed how some of the story threads were satisfactorily concluded by the end while others were left to continue into the next book.
B.J. Harrison is a really good narrator. The story is written from the point of view of our protagonist, Donna, and I think the pace of his narration captured her maturity and personality. Harrison varies his tone to convey the appropriate emotion in every scene. I liked the voices he created for all the characters and didn't feel confused to who was speaking during the dialogue.
I don't think that there's any offensive content within these pages - language, violence or sex. However, some of the implied violence linked with the mafia theme is worth mentioning.
I'd recommend Suck It Up, Buttercup to lovers of second-chance stories, about standing up for what's right and creating your own destiny even if the paranormal genre isn't your usual thing.
June 9, 2020
If you haven't read Sucks to be me, put down this book and go read it stat! Suck It Up, Buttercup picks up the story of Belladonna immediately following the events in Sucks To Be Me. I can't wait for Belladonna's Guidebook to Being a Vampire, Volume 1 to be released. I definitely see that more than one volume will be necessary with all the questions she's asking. Maybe we get Belladonna's Guidebook to Vampire Etiquette as well. She can become a best selling author for all the newly turned. She'd be set for many many lifetimes.
I love the ladies of the First Fangs club, and what vampire could live without an assistant like Pierce. I am glad that the story isn't rushing into any kind of relationship, and allowing Belladonna to come to terms with the end of her old life and the beginning of her new one.
I absolutely am wanting to cheer every time she stands up as a strong, independent woman. After living her life under other's standards, she finally can be the woman she was meant to be, and she doesn't shy away from conflict.
I can't wait for book 3, and highly recommend this series to any paranormal fan who doesn't know the rules, and isn't afraid to ask, 'Shouldn't they have a guidebook for this?'
This book fully earned my 5-star rating.
I love the ladies of the First Fangs club, and what vampire could live without an assistant like Pierce. I am glad that the story isn't rushing into any kind of relationship, and allowing Belladonna to come to terms with the end of her old life and the beginning of her new one.
I absolutely am wanting to cheer every time she stands up as a strong, independent woman. After living her life under other's standards, she finally can be the woman she was meant to be, and she doesn't shy away from conflict.
I can't wait for book 3, and highly recommend this series to any paranormal fan who doesn't know the rules, and isn't afraid to ask, 'Shouldn't they have a guidebook for this?'
This book fully earned my 5-star rating.
May 1, 2020
Belladonna Barrone (Donna) is back! New to the vampire world, she is still adjusting to her brand new role as Vampire Governor. Not only is she still dealing with the Russian Mafia, thanks to her late husband, but a few new enemies are now her new normal.
She thought the danger was behind her but the past comes back to slap her in the face once again. I wasn't sure I would like this new series as much as I do, the characters are funny and lovable. I don't normally post quotes from books but there is one that really meant a lot to me “When a woman finds the self confidence to do hard things in life and to stop caring what others think- and what society thinks-that's when you level up as a woman�
I can not wait for more!
If you like strong old(er) women who take no crap then you will love this series.
Sorry, no spoilers from me, read for yourself. You won't be sorry!
She thought the danger was behind her but the past comes back to slap her in the face once again. I wasn't sure I would like this new series as much as I do, the characters are funny and lovable. I don't normally post quotes from books but there is one that really meant a lot to me “When a woman finds the self confidence to do hard things in life and to stop caring what others think- and what society thinks-that's when you level up as a woman�
I can not wait for more!
If you like strong old(er) women who take no crap then you will love this series.
Sorry, no spoilers from me, read for yourself. You won't be sorry!
June 6, 2024
Am I a massive fan of Donna? Not particularly. I found her annoyingly materialistic (which I suppose is consistent as a Mobsters Wife), this continues in this book with designers and her new flat but to a lesser extent than the first book which I appreciate. While she is strong in her role, this isn't accounted to her being in her 50s so she's had better life experiences than a centuries old vampire. So two of my issues in the first book were better in this one, yey! Donna also said a line that hit me just right:
"But there's got to be a balance between caution and compassion."
Loved it, so I have adjusted my opinion of her a bit.
In terms of the plot, I bloody knew it! In my first review I called the twist with the plot. In movies and books, if a character dies mysteriously in a way that leaves their body unrecognisable, they definitely aren't dead. I bloody well called it.
Will I read more of the series? The cliffhanger ending just didn't interest me enough to continue.
"But there's got to be a balance between caution and compassion."
Loved it, so I have adjusted my opinion of her a bit.
In terms of the plot, I bloody knew it! In my first review I called the twist with the plot. In movies and books, if a character dies mysteriously in a way that leaves their body unrecognisable, they definitely aren't dead. I bloody well called it.
Will I read more of the series? The cliffhanger ending just didn't interest me enough to continue.
May 15, 2020
Grace & strength make a pretty badass woman.
You would think after almost 30 years married to a mobster who treated her poorly that Donna would be this meal fragile shell of a woman. Nope she took all of what would have broken other people and let it build her into an amazingly confident strong woman. She is in jilted and still cares for pretty much everybody.
This book picks off where the last one ended in the start of Donna's new life. It's definitely not a smooth start but Donna's instincts and experiences and guide her perfectly. It does end on a bit of a cliffhanger. Not one that should keep you from wanting to read this just enough of a cliffhanger to make you really want to read the next book. I look forward to reading the next book in this series and see what Donna does with the new challenges ahead of her.
You would think after almost 30 years married to a mobster who treated her poorly that Donna would be this meal fragile shell of a woman. Nope she took all of what would have broken other people and let it build her into an amazingly confident strong woman. She is in jilted and still cares for pretty much everybody.
This book picks off where the last one ended in the start of Donna's new life. It's definitely not a smooth start but Donna's instincts and experiences and guide her perfectly. It does end on a bit of a cliffhanger. Not one that should keep you from wanting to read this just enough of a cliffhanger to make you really want to read the next book. I look forward to reading the next book in this series and see what Donna does with the new challenges ahead of her.
May 15, 2020
I loved this second in series. Donna is such a relatable character. She seems like that steadfast friend that everyone wants to have and they are lucky if they do! She really makes a name for herself in this book and settles into her new life as a vampire. However, you can hardly take a breath between scenes before some new horrible surprise is presented. I don't want to spoil anything so I will just call it "The Mission". When Donna has to do "the mission" on her own because the FBI didn't get the job done, I wanted to stand and cheer. There are lots of good triumphant moments that really make you happy for Donna after all the nasty surprises. And that cliffhanger! I can't wait for book three!
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