Nice Girls Don't Live Forever by Molly Harper
Narrator: Amanda Ronconi
Series: Jane Jameson #3
Published by Audible
Published on: February 10, 2010
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Length: 9 hrs & 4 mins
Format: Audiobook
Source: Purchased
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Nothing sucks the romance out of world travel like a boyfriend who may or may not have broken up with you in a hotel room in Brussels. Jane Jameson's sexy sire Gabriel has always been unpredictable, but the seductive, anonymous notes that await him at each stop of their international vacation, coupled with his evasive behavior over the past few months, finally push Jane onto the next flight home to Half Moon Hollow -- alone, upset, and unsure whether Gabriel just ended their relationship without actually telling her.
Now the children's-librarian-turned-vampire is reviving with plenty of Faux Type O, some TLC from her colorful friends and family, and her plans for a Brave New Jane. Step One: Get her newly renovated occult bookstore off the ground. Step Two: Support her best friend, Zeb, and his werewolf bride as they prepare for the impending birth of their baby...or litter. Step Three: Figure out who's been sending her threatening letters, and how her hostile pen pal is tied to Gabriel. Because for this nice girl, surviving a broken heart is suddenly becoming a matter of life and undeath.
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I don’t usually pace myself whenever I read series, I’m more of a back-to-back kind of girl, but the Molly Harper / Amanda Ronconi duo deserves to be savoured because they make outstanding audiobooks together. NICE GIRLS DON’T LIVE FOREVER is a winning amalgamation of smart aleck humour, three dimensional characters, snappy writing, and excellent narration. The story is more action-packed than usual, and I loved the werewolf tidbits that are scattered throughout this book. It’s the little details that make a series stand out, and JANE JAMESON’s got them in abundance!
These novels usually tend to be pretty straightforward in the plot department, so I was pleasantly surprised by the complexity of this installment’s story. The Courtneys were hilariously stereotypical blondes, and I loved the dynamics between Jane and her two BFF’s: Jolene and Andrea. The latter character is also involved in another thread that was unexpected, but due. And, of course, there’s no shortage of laugh-out-loud moments including Dick’s attempt at “cheering” Jameson up after her supposed break-up with Gabe which proves to be oddly effective. Who knew that getting drunk, swallowing your feelings, and starting a bar fight could be so therapeutic!
I did have one major beef with this novel, and that was Jane and Gabrielle’s continued on-again-off-again relationship woes. I’m not big on the whole “create drama within the main couple with miscommunication” ploy unless the protagonists’ love is still fairly new. Jameson and Nightengale have been together pretty much since book 1, yet they haven’t learned to talk to each other which frustrated me to no end. However, the werewolf morsels did help to distract me from this minor annoyance with their unique details that were both enlightening, and a little scary. I am just thanking my lucky stars that human babies are not born with a full set of teeth like weres are. Ouchie!
What can I possibly say about Amanda Ronconi’s narration that I haven’t said already? Harper’s writing is entertaining enough on its own, but when paired with this talented woman’s voice, it achieves a level of awesomeness that puts it in a league above the rest. Ronconi navigates Jane’s world like it’s her second skin while also doing an excellent job of the secondary characters, and delivering all of the punch lines with pizzazz. She’s one of my top 3 favourite narrators, and this series is the reason why.
NICE GIRLS DON’T LIVE FOREVER is another fun filled installment in a series that consistently delivers barrels of laughs.
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Owner, designer and main blogger behind Rabid Reads. Avid book reader, snowboard bunny, video gamer and Supernatural fan. I love all things paranormal, werewolves especially. Oh, and I’m Canadian, eh!
I need to get back to this series. I’ve listened to a ton of Molly Harper’s stuff, which is all interconnected, but only book one from this series. What’s even better is my library has these, so I don’t have to use my Audible credits.
Melanie Simmons recently posted…My Favorite Audiobook Series Giveaway #audiobookmonth #JIAM2014
I usually don’t rush to read Molly Harper’s books, well except for her werewolf series, but anyway, they aren’t ‘OMG I need the next installment ASAP’ reads but are always, ALWAYS, absolutely hilarious!
Love the review, Carmel! I love the sound of the characters – can’t resist a smark aleck! I agree with you in that after 4 books, I’d think the character couple would have learned to communicate…but they do eventually, right? This is a series I’ve wanted to read for awhile now – and I just had a blogger friend recommend I LISTEN to this series! 😉 So, I’m going on vacation in July and I’m going to give audio a try – since I can’t read in the car. 🙂 I’ll be sure to report in. 😉
These audios are short and super fun. Prepare yourself for an awesome vacation! 😀
Wait…yes I think I still have this one unread
blodeuedd recently posted…White trash Zombie apocalypse – Diana Rowland
You know what to do!
I loved that series. I agree about the relationship thing but since I mostly read for Dick Freaking Cheney, it wasn’t too bothersome 🙂
Felicia the Geeky Blogger recently posted…#JIAM RIPI Giveaway Black Arts by Faith Hunter
Dick is like one of my all time favourite characters. I LOVE him! You too obviously. LOL
MHarper has a wicked sense of humor so I can only imagine how hilarious and fangtastic her audiobooks are.
I always listen over read her books. They are just too good!
I really need to try this author, I love humor mixed in with my paranormal or UF.
kindlemom1 recently posted…Review: Boomerang by Noelle August
If you like light & fun, you can’t go wrong with Harper.
I tried the first book and the narration was good I just didn’t get the humor. It was more corny than funny to me. Maybe I’ll try this series again one day.
Jenese recently posted…Indie Book Fest Tickets are OPEN + Kindle Fire #Giveaway
I read my first Molly Harper book so long ago that I honestly can’t remember how i felt after it, but now I’m totally addicted.
I really liked the first two books in this series, I need to get to this one soon!
Finley Jayne recently posted…Wandering the Shelves: The Arrival
Yes, YES you do!
Interesting, I’ve seen this book around but I haven’t heard much about it other than it being a werewolf UF. Sounds like the conflict was kinda shallow and the relationship woes would kind of grate I guess. Glad to hear you still enjoyed it!
Jeann recently posted…Take Back the Skies by Lucy Saxon Review: Blame the government for everything
This series is actually more about vampires, although she does have a werewolf one too.
Okay, I have the first book, but haven’t read it. Her new one Better Homes and Hauntings turned out to be my first book by her. I think I need to read these to get a better feel of her writing. Good writing.
Christy recently posted…Talking After Midnight by Dakota Cassidy
Nice! I haven’t gotten around to that one yet. Soon I hope!
I read this one a while back… but maybe I should listen to this series… I haven’t listened to anything narrated by Amanda Ronconi, but after reading your review I think I need to change that.
BookaholicCat recently posted…Movie Trailer: If I Stay
Amanda Ronconi’s narration is not to be missed!
Yay for a snarky and fun read! It’s great that this had more complexity and your enjoyed that aspect. Also, it’s so good when a narrator you love is narrating the books you love. Such a good combo and I’m glad that this series is such a hit for you, Carmel!
Siiri recently posted…Review: The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa
Molly Harper and Amanda Ronconi are on my auto-buy list.
This series is #1 on my funny, snarky books list. Molly Harper’s hilarious dialogue always perks me up if I’m feeling tired or down. I just read her newest release, Better Homes and Hauntings, and I’ll definitely be snatching up an audio version when it becomes available next week. Ronconi’s narrating that one too and I’m excited to see (or hear?) what all the fuss is about!
Danya recently posted…ARC Review: Better Homes and Hauntings by Molly Harper
I usually pull out a Molly Harper audio whenever I need a pick me up. I’m saving Better Homes and Hauntings for later. 🙂
Yeah, I’m not the biggest fan of the main couple miscommunication (esp. over and over and over again). Learn how to talk to each other, already. If you’re planning on the long haul, it’s a necessary skill. I do love Molly Harper’s humor in her stories, though.
Mary recently posted…Speed Date with Merry: SHIVER OF LIGHT by Laurel K. Hamilton
The main love interest isn’t the best, but other than that, I have no real complaints about this series.
Oh I love her Naked Werewolves. I think I read the first 2 in this series but it’s been ages. I need to dig those out again I think and finish up the series 🙂
anna recently posted…To Command and Collar (Shadowlands #6) by Cherise Sinclair
Personally, I like spreading Harper’s books out, so no need to rush!
It’s been a while since I read a book by her, like many years but I need to go back to the series, I really enjoyed it.
You should definitely pick this series back up!
I just love the title for this one!! It’s the first time I see it and lol so funny 😀 I haven’t heard of this series but I’m so glad that this series was more complex than you though. It’s always amazing. Great review, Carmel 🙂
Tanja recently posted…Sunday Post (#12)
If the title made you laugh, imagine what the story will do! 😀
I have been drawn to this series, but have not made the time to start it. Sounds like something I would like. Great review.
Stephanie recently posted…Review: The Monster Within by Kelly Hashway
If you’re in need of a good giggle; Harper is a great way to go!
I think I stopped reading this series on book two and completely forgot to continue. I need to fix that ASAP. Love MHarper books 🙂
LilyElement recently posted…Giveaway + Cover Blitz: Ante Up by Amanda Carlson
Haha It happens! At least my job is done cuz I reminded you.
I have a couple of books of hers in my tbr list on my NOOK. They sound like such fun books.
sharonda recently posted…Happy Saturday!!!
There’s not much sex in them so they might be a little tame for you. 😉
I love Molly Harper. I haven’t read anything by her in a long time though.
Well!? What are you waiting for??