Customer Reviews

Nice Girls Don't Live Forever (Jane Jameson, Book 3)

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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)

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.

I was really looking forward to this book, and it didn't disappoint. I couldn't put it down, and finished it in one night, at some points laughing out loud for minutes at a time! Definitely one of the better books (and series) in the vampire genre, and I am quite disappointed this was the final book!

A drunk thought Jane Jameson was a deer and shot her. As she lay dying, the vampire Gabriel turns her into a creature of the night like he is (see Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs). They forge a unique relationship of sire and fledgling as well as lovers. They are touring Europe, but Jane knows her mate is not having a good time because at each hotel they stop at he receives a letter that he refuses to discuss with her.

In Brussels, Jane finally sees one of letters sent by Jeanine; it reads like a love letter. Tired of the strange calls, the secret letters, and his refusal to explain what is bothering him, she leaves returning to Half Moon Hollow by herself. She opens a new bookstore aimed at vampires as customers. She also tries to find a way to get her friend's Zeb's house built as his wife's family keeps sending the construction crews away. Jane begins receiving threatening letters warning her to stay away from Gabriel or else. With her life in danger, she needs to persuade her sire to tell her the truth.

Molly Harper has written another delightful vampire tale (see Nice Girls don't Date Dead Men) filled with romance, intrigue and a strong cast. Some family members are in denial refusing to accept Jane's Undead living condition especially her sister and grandmother who want her booted out the family. This leads to some humorous scenarios that act as a counter to the threat. Although the plot is a bit thin, fans will enjoy this nice girl who has adapted quickly to living forever.

Harriet Klausner

There's a story embedded in all the gossip... not a bad story, either. But GAWD, we have to wade through a double bushel-full of cranky old people, spunky Jane cracking jokes every paragraph... it gets one wondering, "Will ANYTHING happen in this book?" The prose is genuinely amusing, most of the time, but there's just TOO much fluff, and it's too damn fluffy.

Reviewed at Another Look Book Reviews

I'm really enjoying this Jane Jameson series. This third book, Nice Girls Don't Live Forever is probably my favourite so far. There was a lot of character development and a captivating story line. I loved it.

I wish Jane was a real person because I'd love to have her as a friend. She is so good to her friends. She is supportive, generous and humourous and in return, her friends are just as companionable back to her. What a brilliant cast of secondary characters this series has. Molly Harper relies on this secondary cast to carry their weight of the story almost as much as her main protagonist, Jane. If it wasn't for Jane's friends, there wouldn't be much of a story at all. This opinion is not meant as a slight at all. Please accept it as the highest praise because I love a story that includes an engaging cast of characters that can hold a reader's interest. Kudos!

Nice Girls Don't Live Forever held quite the puzzling mystery over on the readers trying to figure out what Jane's sire/boyfriend, Gabriel was up to. I believed from the beginning that Gabriel would never have cheated on Jane but why was he so distant and mysterious? If he was so in love with Jane, why couldn't he share some of his deep dark secrets? Gabriel's holding back of information sure did a mind number on Jane and I was feeling sorry for her. Jane handled herself really well. She earned my respect by not chasing him down, crying and forcing him to talk. She held her own by carrying on and being with her friends. She did a great job not sticking them all in the middle.

The only wee bit of respect I lost for Jane was when Gabriel and her do start and have that long overdue talk, she blurts out a few insecurities about not understanding why Gabriel would want her. GAH! I was so hoping she wouldn't be THAT girl. I mean in real life, those girls are a dime a dozen but I wish Jane thought of herself more highly. I wanted to mold Jane into role model and I guess that's not fair.

Jane comes around again for me though with a few awesome sister scenes and I continue to love her relationship with her mom. The pair crack me up. I want to limit the amount of spoilers because there is a lot of great scenes in Nice Girls Don't Live Forever. But I have to share one of my favourite scenes.

"Andrea opened her door, wearing Dick's "Virginia is for Lovers" T-Shirt and no pants, drinking a Budweiser from the can. A Wrestlemania highlights DVD was playing in the background.

"Baby, who is it?" Dick asked, coming out of the kitchen, wearing one of those beer-drinking helmets, jeans and no shirt.

"I take it back, you are not the same woman I met a year ago," I told Andrea.

Andrea burped noiselessly under her breath. "I'm aware."

Funny, emotional, frustrating, the whole package is here to enjoy and I so hope you take the time out to introduce yourself to Jane and her wonderful friends.

Teasers: Courtney nightmares, silver explosion, cryptic letter messages, fresh new bookstore

Children's librarian turned vampire Jane Jameson is not having a good day, or is week or month? First her boyfriend may have just broken up with her in a hotel in Burssels. Then she is suddenly receiving treating letters and to top it all off she is playing mediator to her best friend Zeb and his in-laws due to his impending child's birth. Add this to the fact she is trying to get her newly renovated bookstore off the ground and things are definitely unsettled.

When Gabriel (boyfriend) returns to Half Moon Hollow she still isn't certain what happened to break them up, and especially when he still seems to be attracted to her. But with all the threats etc it seems that surviving a broken heart also seems to be a mater of life and death.

I love the writing style of Molly Harper and Nice Girls Don't Live Forever just helps to cement this belief. Jane is a stubborn but complex character who has some fantastic `one liners'. Ms. Harper has lead the reader on a chase in Nice Girls Don't Live Forever from the start in Brussels to the completion in the fiction town of Half Moon Hollow, you are chasing the killer, solving a mystery and figuring out why Jane's boyfriend has seemingly dumped her (or did he?). It sounds like a lot but Ms. Harper has expertly woven the story together so it was one I couldn't put down. I look forward to reading Jane's next adventures and Joyfully Recommend Nice Girls Don't Live Forever.

Tanya
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

My Simple Ratings Scale
***** Loved It
**** Really Liked It
*** Liked It
** Didn't Like It
* Hated It

I can't write much that hasn't been written before but I adore Jane and her cast of characters and have enjoyed all of Molly's books so far. I have listened to the audios (the reader is fabulous) and get such a kick out of the many stories in one. Looking forward to book #4. The Jane books have it all and I love to be caught off guard (on many things) and laugh out loud. Fun!