One Good Book Deserves Another

Genre: Light/Comedic Urban Fantasy
Series: Jane Jameson, Book 3
Rating: 4 Stars
Formats: Mass Market Paperback, Kindle


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)