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11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Paranormal Chick Lit and Not a Romance, March 23, 2010
This review is from: Nice Girls Don't Live Forever (Jane Jameson, Book 3) (Mass Market Paperback)
Yes, it's yet another paranormal vampire book. The trend that just won't die. But I'm one of those readers who really doesn't want it to. I like my vampire books. As long as they're done well. And they have great characters. And you can't go wrong with a snarky, southern librarian turned antiquarian book selling vampire named Jane.
This is definitely one of the funniest books I've read so far this year. Nice Girls Don't Live Forever is the 3rd in the series, and I haven't read the previous two. I'm of the firm opinion that each book should stand on its own merits, and this one definitely does. I wasn't lost at all, despite some pretty extensive backstory. What did confuse me, though, was that this book, the conclusion of a trilogy, had very little hero in it. He shows up abruptly for about 3 or 4 scenes (a fight or a sex scene), then disappears just as abruptly.
Maybe the romance plays a bigger part of the previous two novels, but it fails quite spectacularly here. It starts out with a did-we-just break-up? drama overseas. Followed by chapter after chapter of Jane moping about the break up. We see far more of just about everyone than Gabriel, our oft-absent hero. Secondary characters abound in this novel and they're all terrific--except for Gabriel the sketchy one. He's off stage somewhere doing something--we're never very clear on what--and has very little presence in the story.
Even those with vampire fatigue would probably enjoy this book. As long as you're not in it for the romance. The one liners are spectacular. NCDLF is told in the first person. Which some people (me) love and others just can't stand. So you've been warned!
My other pet peeve with this particular novel is the ending. It seemed too pat. Too formulaic. I'd have been fine without the entire high school reunion scene.
While this book failed with the romance because the hero was too MIA for me, it was a nice little paranormal mystery/suspense caper. I loved the characters. I loved the whodunnit aspect to the vandalism and stalking issues. I loved the dialogue and the super snarky one liners from our main character, Jane. I just didn't believe in, or really care, about the romance that should have been at the heart of the story.
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9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Jane Jameson's a Bit of an EveryVamp, February 15, 2010
I'm not sure if the Jane Jameson series is intended to be a trilogy or not, but after finishing the third installment, Nice Girls Don't Live Forever, I'd say it reads very well like it should be. Jane's back with her trusty friends, family squabbles, and boyfriend angst in this book about the life and loves of an ex-librarian-turned-vampire just trying to make a little something of herself.
Wielding the double-edged sword of witticism and sarcasm and brandishing a shield of self deprecation to cover insecurity, Jane manages yet again to charm and amuse as she deals with the doubts and fears of a potential cheating sire/lover, the annoyance of family, the terrors of the pink Courtneys, and the danger of a potential stalker, all while she opens her bookstore and helps her best friend and his new wife get ready for cubs...er...kids.
I've enjoyed each book in this series as light, cute, whimsical romps...with a wee bit of fang...and this one in particular was a pleasant road trip towards maturity, confidence, and a freedom of spirit that Jane had been previously lacking. With the comfort of familiar faces that are all quirky and fresh, Nice Girls provides a few hours of relaxation and escapism without forcing you to think too hard or relate too closely to the goings on, even while Jane's exploits and concerns, fears and doubts, hopes and dreams so closely resemble our own. She truly is an Everywoman with fangs, and that's one of the most appealing aspects of this series (trilogy?).
My only significant complaint about this book in particular, and the overall series in general, is that EVERY major issue that Jane had, every true crisis of heart and hope, came to an almost too-comfortable resolution in the last few chapters of this book. I would've liked to have seen a more gradual progression as things fell into place and Jane started growing up and becoming more comfortable with her fangs, instead of having it all piled up at the end. That's strictly a personal preference, however, and not a critique of the way Harper has told her story. I will say it made me question whether or not these characters could remain interesting over a larger arc than what we've been given, and is what's made me think the intent for Jane was a trilogy. Regardless, I say, "Long live the Everyvamp!" And enjoy Jane's latest escapades.
In order the series (trilogy?) is:
Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs (Jane Jameson, Book 1)
Nice Girls Don't Date Dead Men (Jane Jameson, Book 2)
Nice Girls Don't Live Forever (Jane Jameson, Book 3)
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8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Laugh Out Loud, October 3, 2010
This review is from: Nice Girls Don't Live Forever (Jane Jameson, Book 3) (Mass Market Paperback)
It's not very often that I laugh out loud while reading a book, but with the whole Jane Jameson series I was laughing so much my husband kicked me out of bed at night while I was reading it. I picked up book 1 while on vacation wanting an easy, light beach read. I found the humor contagious and quickly ordered books 2 and 3 when I returned. I have to agree with other reviewers who pointed out that these books are more Paranormal Chick Lit as opposed to a Paranormal Romance.
Nice Girls Don't Live Forever starts off with Jane on a plane home from her European Vacation with Gabriel who may or may not have broken up with her. Or maybe she broke up with him. She's not sure. She was fed up with his neglect and crazy behavior and uses the excuse her shop was broken into as an excuse to up and leave. Jane is determined to get on with her undead life and prove that she is capable of succeeding on her own. Only now mysterious letters are showing up telling her Gabe isn't the man she thinks he is and he does nothing to clear the situation by disappearing. Someone is definitely trying to hurt Jane and those around her but who and why?
Jane's sense of humor is still present and in full force. Her family of friends add so much to the story that I love them just as much as I do Jane. While trying to explain to my husband why I was laughing so much I came to the conclusion that Ms. Harper takes all the Vampire, Werewolf, Romance, and Chick Lit clichés and turns them on their heads.
Even though I was warned by others that Gabe was AWOL for a good portion of the book and had a lame excuse, I was still annoyed with him and his decisions and reasons. I guess it fit into the Topsy-turvy world of Jane, but it really was kinda lame.
I enjoyed the story development surrounding Jane's family. Jane's mother is finally embracing Jane's vampirism with embarrassing results. Jane's sister tries to exact her own revenge by outing her to the merchant guild only to alienate herself. Jane's grandmother orders Jane to apologize to her most recent fiancé--apologize for insulting him after he tried to kill Jane.
I laughed and enjoyed myself so much that I was sad when I got to the end and had nothing else to read with Jane in it. I did find on Ms. Harper's website a short story entitled "Nice Girls Don't Sign a Lease Without a Wedding Ring." She's talking to her publisher about a 4th book. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs (Jane Jameson, Book 1)
Nice Girls Don't Date Dead Men (Jane Jameson, Book 2)
Nice Girls Don't Live Forever (Jane Jameson, Book 3)
**UPDATE OCT 2010**
Molly Harper announced on her blog that there will be a 4th Jane Jameson book! I'm very excited. I need more laugh-out-loud books in my life.
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