Swimming Without a Net is the second novel in the Fred the Mermaid Trilogy by MaryJanice Davidson

MaryJanice Davidson

MaryJanice Davidson is an American author who writes mostly paranormal romance, but also young adult literature and non-fiction....

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Plot introduction

Swimming Without a Net takes place after the events in Sleeping with the Fishes

Sleeping with the Fishes (novel)

Sleeping with the Fishes is a 2006 paranormal romance by MaryJanice Davidson, in which the central character is a half-mermaid. This is the first book in the Fred the Mermaid series.-Plot summary:...

. Fred is again approached by the sea folk, but this time in order to participate in a ritual of sorts. The novel blends elements of supernatural

Supernatural fiction

Supernatural fiction is a literary genre exploiting or requiring as plot devices or themes some contradictions of the commonplace natural world and materialist assumptions about it....

 and erotic

Erotic literature

Erotic literature comprises fictional and factual stories and accounts of human sexual relationships which have the power to or are intended to arouse the reader sexually. Such erotica takes the form of novels, short stories, poetry, true-life memoirs, and sex manuals...

fiction.

Plot summary

A year has passed since Artur and Thomas declared their love for Fred and then left. Since then, Fred has been passing her days by working at the aquarium and being annoyed by Jonas (her best friend) and Dr. Barb's (her boss) relationship. They have been setting Fred up on various blind dates as well, which have all ended badly. Fred is surprised to discover two Undersea Folk requesting her presence at the Pelagic. At the Pelagic, she discovers the identity of her biological father as well as makes a decision between Artur and Thomas.

Major characters

Swimming Without a Net features the following characters.

• Fredrika "Fred" Bimm: Fred has been continuing her work with Dr. Barb. She has also been thinking about Artur and Thomas, although neither have returned to see her since they both left. Fred has begun going on blind dates, but has had no luck in finding love.
• Artur: High Prince of the Black Sea, Artur has not made contact to Fred since the previous book. He loves Fred and calls her "Rika".
• Thomas: Thomas is a marine biologist and also writes as a romance author under the psydonym Priscilla D'Jacqueline. He has been busy working on his career.
• Jonas Carrey: best friend to Fred and dating Dr. Barb. He continues to work as a chemical scientist at Aveda, a hair care company.

Other characters

• Dr. Barb: She is still dating Jonas as well has continuing to remain professional with Fred whenever possible. She is easily persuaded by Jonas.
• King Mekkam: High King of the Undersea Folk and father of Prince Artur. He has become slightly obsessed with the HBO series Deadwood and swears randomly.
• Tennian: She is a member of the Undersea Folk and was sent by the High King to convince Fred to come to the Pelagic. She appears as a petite young woman with dark blue hair and even darker blue eyes, in mermaid form her tail is a thousand shades of green, like a peacock's tail. She quickly becomes Fred's friend and allie.
• Rennan: Tennian's twin brother. His coloration is the same as his sister. He comes across as rather stuck up and spends a great deal of time trying to avoid Fred because of who her father was.
• Kertal: A male member of the Undersea Folk he came with Tennian to convince Fred to come to the Pelagic. He appears as a twenty-something male with jack-o-lantern orange hair and eyes and humorless disposition.

Release details

Jove Mass market paperback printing: December 2007