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Jane's World
Jane's World: The Case of the Mail Order Bride
Jane’s PayBuddy account gets hacked and she inadvertently purchases a mail-order bride from Transnistria. Jane doesn’t realize she’s about to embark on her honeymoon until the bride, Natasha, shows up on her doorstep, with luggage. Jane’s roommate, Ethan, can’t stop drooling over sexy Natasha. Luckily, after the demise of the local newspaper, Jane has just taken a job at the public library where she has lots of coworkers smarter than she is that she enlists to help her figure a way out of this accidental marriage. Natasha believes if she can get Jane to consummate their marriage that, according to California’s new state rulings on same-sex marriage, she’ll be a US citizen. But is that all she’s really after? Or does true romance begin to bloom between Natasha and Jane? If Jane’s part-time girlfriend, Dorothy, has anything to say about it, the answer is no!
240 pages, Paperback
First published June 14, 2016
12 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
Paige Braddock
68 books65 followersPaige Braddock is a Sparky Award winner, an Eisner-nominated artist and writer, and Creative Director Emeritus at Charles M. Schulz Creative Associates. She won a Children's & Family Emmy Award for her work on the Apple documentary, "Who Are You, Charlie Brown?" which won for outstanding nonfiction program.
Braddock has illustrated several Peanuts children’s books. Her other graphic novels for children include the series Stinky Cecil with Andrews McMeel and Peanut, Butter, & Crackers with Penguin Kids. New editions of the Peanut, Butter, & Crackers series are now available in the UK, Italy, Greece, and in Arabic by publisher Nosy Crow.
She lives with her wife Evelyn and their two dogs and a cat in Sebastopol, California.
Braddock has illustrated several Peanuts children’s books. Her other graphic novels for children include the series Stinky Cecil with Andrews McMeel and Peanut, Butter, & Crackers with Penguin Kids. New editions of the Peanut, Butter, & Crackers series are now available in the UK, Italy, Greece, and in Arabic by publisher Nosy Crow.
She lives with her wife Evelyn and their two dogs and a cat in Sebastopol, California.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 7, 2019
'Netgalley ARC provided by The Publisher in exchange for my unbiased review'
Ok read!
Where should i start with this story because i can pick everything that has gone wrong:- lets go with the dialogue which was really horribly written (i am being blunt) The plot consist of a mail-order bride nice topic but was puzzled by the stuff that was being written just to make the storyline seem as chaotic and come out looking good. The author should have researched or do more on this subject because the story did have a bit of some potential in it but came up short there was no chemistry and it was also lacking even from most of the surrounding cast --honestly i do not know what direction the story was going by the time i got to the ending....
Ok read!
Where should i start with this story because i can pick everything that has gone wrong:- lets go with the dialogue which was really horribly written (i am being blunt) The plot consist of a mail-order bride nice topic but was puzzled by the stuff that was being written just to make the storyline seem as chaotic and come out looking good. The author should have researched or do more on this subject because the story did have a bit of some potential in it but came up short there was no chemistry and it was also lacking even from most of the surrounding cast --honestly i do not know what direction the story was going by the time i got to the ending....
May 27, 2016
Jane’s World: The Case of the Mail Order Bride by Paige Braddock is chock-full of humor and wild ride of idiots running amok in Northern California. It’s absurd, ridiculous and loads of fun.
Jane is a quirky goofball who is a former journalist turned librarian. Recently single and not happy about it Jane is slugging through her daily life wondering why Dorothy (the ex) has dumped her yet again. Jane doesn’t seem to have a whole lot of direction in her life (early 30s) at this point when most people are settling into their career and this seems to be the strife between her and Dorothy. All of the sudden because of a $10,000 PayBuddy (Paypal wannabe) mistake as mail order bride named Natasha shows up at her door.
Dorothy loves Jane. She is heartbroken and is kicking herself for letting Jane go. She needs Jane to be more, she needs her to grow up but she’s not really sure why, other than the fact that they always seem to out of sync. Let’s just say Dorothy is less than thrilled when she finds out Jane is “engaged” to a mail order bride from Transnistria.
This whole story is illogical and ludicrous but it is great fun. You have to know going into this one that the whole story is just good, lighthearted fun. It was definitely refreshing to read, I didn’t love it but it has a heavy like.
My Blog: theromanticreaderblog.com
Jane is a quirky goofball who is a former journalist turned librarian. Recently single and not happy about it Jane is slugging through her daily life wondering why Dorothy (the ex) has dumped her yet again. Jane doesn’t seem to have a whole lot of direction in her life (early 30s) at this point when most people are settling into their career and this seems to be the strife between her and Dorothy. All of the sudden because of a $10,000 PayBuddy (Paypal wannabe) mistake as mail order bride named Natasha shows up at her door.
Dorothy loves Jane. She is heartbroken and is kicking herself for letting Jane go. She needs Jane to be more, she needs her to grow up but she’s not really sure why, other than the fact that they always seem to out of sync. Let’s just say Dorothy is less than thrilled when she finds out Jane is “engaged” to a mail order bride from Transnistria.
This whole story is illogical and ludicrous but it is great fun. You have to know going into this one that the whole story is just good, lighthearted fun. It was definitely refreshing to read, I didn’t love it but it has a heavy like.
My Blog: theromanticreaderblog.com
October 5, 2020
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books in exchange for an honest review.
Introduction
Jane’s World is/was (not sure if it’s still around) a webcomic (online comic) that started in 1995. I’ve never heard of nor have I read this comic before I happened to come across this book. This book, while set, I assume, in that ‘Jane’s World’ universe, is not a comic book/graphic novel, but a fully fledged novel. Though there are a few illustrations here and there in between chapters.
I was all set to then turn from mentioning the comic and having never read it before, to the idea that I’ve never read this author before. But there are two links in the book that tell me information about the author. One says ‘About the Author’, the other says ‘By the Author’. I had not read the ‘By the Author’ one until just this moment. Apparently Paige Braddock is also Missouri Vann. And I have read a book by Vann - Whiskey Sunrise - a book I read in February of this year and gave a rating of 4 stars.
This will be/or was my first that I’ve read with the ‘Paige Braddock’ by-line though.
Characters
There are two points of view (I’m fairly certain there are only two, hopefully I’m not forgetting something).
Point of View Characters
Jane ‘J.T.’ Wyatt is a former news journalist for a left leaning newspaper that folded. Needing work, Jane joined the Library as a Librarian. She does not have a Masters in Library Science degree, though. She lives in a trailer park, and specifically in one with some guy named Ethan. I do not know what their relationship is as it was never established, though Jane appears to be fully lesbian, and Ethan is either bisexual (he really seems super close to this one guy, Silas, nicknamed ‘Bigfoot’) or straight (he drools excessively over Natasha). There is a comment by Jane about how Ethan acts like her younger brother, implying that whatever connection they have, it isn’t actually brother-sister. Romantic relationships: Jane has, apparently, dated everyone who will date her within the nearest 20 mile radius, also see Dorothy section.
Dorothy is the owner of a coffee shop. Part of the money came by way of her mother – who sees this infusion of capital as allowing her to constantly be in the coffee shop giving advice. About six weeks before the start of the book, Jane and Dorothy broke up. That’s the kind of relationship they have, though, since college. They date, they break up, they get back together, they break up again, repeat (mostly, it seems, the break ups are instigated by Dorothy).
Characters meet at the Library
Elaine – is the ‘hot’ librarian type that Jane kind of fancies. She’s also the reference librarian
Jake is the children’s librarian who dresses like a hipster.
Janice is the 65+ year old librarian.
Doris is a regular.
Captain Underpants is a regular. Someone who shows up wearing just his underwear and a towel (as a cape) to inform people about the dangers of skynet.
Jane – as mentioned, works here.
Characters meet at the Coffee Shop
Angie is a worker at the coffee shop. She’s big, tall, stern looking with a military bearing, though apparently a marshmallow.
Dorothy’s mother visits a lot to give advice.
Doris is a regular.
Dorothy owns the place and works here.
Characters meet at Jane’s Trailer
Ethan lives in Jane’s trailer.
Silas is Ethan’s BFF and looks like Bigfoot.
Mrs. Beeman is a nearly blind neighbor.
Natasha is a gorgeous woman who turns up one day and says that she’s Jane’s mail order bride.
Jane lives here.
Plot
Six weeks after being dumped by her girlfriend, Dorothy, Jane is bouncing around at her job at the library. She’s just arrived. Frantic phone calls suddenly start coming in from her roommate Ethan. Apparently there’s some hot woman there who wants Jane. Jane makes an excuse and heads home.
Ethan wasn’t wrong – there’s a hot woman there. And she ‘wants’ Jane. Natasha, the hot woman, tells Jane that she’s there as Jane’s mail order bride. She even has a receipt. One thing leads to another and Jane finally realizes that her PayBuddy account had been hacked (no, PayBuddy isn’t a way to get around using the word PayPal, it’s a cheaper alternative – at least in this book universe).
The book then unfolds as follows: Jane attempts to figure out what happened, and how to ‘get out of’ the situation. Much silliness and humor occurs. Some of which is totally over the top.
Humor
There is humor throughout the book. And the beginning can seem downright hilarious at times. There’s a slight problem, though, in that some of the humor 1) is based on silliness and absurdity; 2) gets repeated.
Humor based on absurdity kind of needs to have the absurdity to keep building to keep the humor going (to a certain extent). Meaning that the humor builds from ‘this is funny; this is absurd, but funny and still within the realm of reality; this is absurd and outside the realm of reality’.
The repetitive nature of the jokes is a separate issue. I’ll give one example, though put it behind spoilers.
Overall
This book is set in Northern California. I mention that immediately so I can then note that there’s a vague similarity in the humor level, in the absurdity of the humor, between this book and books I’ve read by Dave Barry set in Florida (referring here to his adult books of fiction (as opposed to his many collections of his essays, and his many children’s books)). I have no real point in mentioning this except that I thought of this while reading the book so . . . there – book reminds me of a Dave Barry book like Big Trouble (which was made into a movie).
I rather liked this book and, in the beginning found it hilarious. As time passed the humor somewhat dimmed and moved into the realm of too absurd and a little too silly.
Up to 77%, I was hovering near a rating of around 4.3 stars (which basically means 4). Then things just got too bizarre and absurd. By the end I'd give the book a rating of 3.66 (basically 4).
For the most part there was some good characterization - though with a heavy dose of absurdness.
Good thing this is a humor book and not a 'lesson book' or I would have to dock a star.
May 19 2016
Introduction
Jane’s World is/was (not sure if it’s still around) a webcomic (online comic) that started in 1995. I’ve never heard of nor have I read this comic before I happened to come across this book. This book, while set, I assume, in that ‘Jane’s World’ universe, is not a comic book/graphic novel, but a fully fledged novel. Though there are a few illustrations here and there in between chapters.
I was all set to then turn from mentioning the comic and having never read it before, to the idea that I’ve never read this author before. But there are two links in the book that tell me information about the author. One says ‘About the Author’, the other says ‘By the Author’. I had not read the ‘By the Author’ one until just this moment. Apparently Paige Braddock is also Missouri Vann. And I have read a book by Vann - Whiskey Sunrise - a book I read in February of this year and gave a rating of 4 stars.
This will be/or was my first that I’ve read with the ‘Paige Braddock’ by-line though.
Characters
There are two points of view (I’m fairly certain there are only two, hopefully I’m not forgetting something).
Point of View Characters
Jane ‘J.T.’ Wyatt is a former news journalist for a left leaning newspaper that folded. Needing work, Jane joined the Library as a Librarian. She does not have a Masters in Library Science degree, though. She lives in a trailer park, and specifically in one with some guy named Ethan. I do not know what their relationship is as it was never established, though Jane appears to be fully lesbian, and Ethan is either bisexual (he really seems super close to this one guy, Silas, nicknamed ‘Bigfoot’) or straight (he drools excessively over Natasha). There is a comment by Jane about how Ethan acts like her younger brother, implying that whatever connection they have, it isn’t actually brother-sister. Romantic relationships: Jane has, apparently, dated everyone who will date her within the nearest 20 mile radius, also see Dorothy section.
Dorothy is the owner of a coffee shop. Part of the money came by way of her mother – who sees this infusion of capital as allowing her to constantly be in the coffee shop giving advice. About six weeks before the start of the book, Jane and Dorothy broke up. That’s the kind of relationship they have, though, since college. They date, they break up, they get back together, they break up again, repeat (mostly, it seems, the break ups are instigated by Dorothy).
Characters meet at the Library
Elaine – is the ‘hot’ librarian type that Jane kind of fancies. She’s also the reference librarian
Jake is the children’s librarian who dresses like a hipster.
Janice is the 65+ year old librarian.
Doris is a regular.
Captain Underpants is a regular. Someone who shows up wearing just his underwear and a towel (as a cape) to inform people about the dangers of skynet.
Jane – as mentioned, works here.
Characters meet at the Coffee Shop
Angie is a worker at the coffee shop. She’s big, tall, stern looking with a military bearing, though apparently a marshmallow.
Dorothy’s mother visits a lot to give advice.
Doris is a regular.
Dorothy owns the place and works here.
Characters meet at Jane’s Trailer
Ethan lives in Jane’s trailer.
Silas is Ethan’s BFF and looks like Bigfoot.
Mrs. Beeman is a nearly blind neighbor.
Natasha is a gorgeous woman who turns up one day and says that she’s Jane’s mail order bride.
Jane lives here.
Plot
Six weeks after being dumped by her girlfriend, Dorothy, Jane is bouncing around at her job at the library. She’s just arrived. Frantic phone calls suddenly start coming in from her roommate Ethan. Apparently there’s some hot woman there who wants Jane. Jane makes an excuse and heads home.
Ethan wasn’t wrong – there’s a hot woman there. And she ‘wants’ Jane. Natasha, the hot woman, tells Jane that she’s there as Jane’s mail order bride. She even has a receipt. One thing leads to another and Jane finally realizes that her PayBuddy account had been hacked (no, PayBuddy isn’t a way to get around using the word PayPal, it’s a cheaper alternative – at least in this book universe).
The book then unfolds as follows: Jane attempts to figure out what happened, and how to ‘get out of’ the situation. Much silliness and humor occurs. Some of which is totally over the top.
Humor
There is humor throughout the book. And the beginning can seem downright hilarious at times. There’s a slight problem, though, in that some of the humor 1) is based on silliness and absurdity; 2) gets repeated.
Humor based on absurdity kind of needs to have the absurdity to keep building to keep the humor going (to a certain extent). Meaning that the humor builds from ‘this is funny; this is absurd, but funny and still within the realm of reality; this is absurd and outside the realm of reality’.
The repetitive nature of the jokes is a separate issue. I’ll give one example, though put it behind spoilers.
Overall
This book is set in Northern California. I mention that immediately so I can then note that there’s a vague similarity in the humor level, in the absurdity of the humor, between this book and books I’ve read by Dave Barry set in Florida (referring here to his adult books of fiction (as opposed to his many collections of his essays, and his many children’s books)). I have no real point in mentioning this except that I thought of this while reading the book so . . . there – book reminds me of a Dave Barry book like Big Trouble (which was made into a movie).
I rather liked this book and, in the beginning found it hilarious. As time passed the humor somewhat dimmed and moved into the realm of too absurd and a little too silly.
Up to 77%, I was hovering near a rating of around 4.3 stars (which basically means 4). Then things just got too bizarre and absurd. By the end I'd give the book a rating of 3.66 (basically 4).
For the most part there was some good characterization - though with a heavy dose of absurdness.
Good thing this is a humor book and not a 'lesson book' or I would have to dock a star.
May 19 2016
November 30, 2019
This was a silly story, but oh so funny! And Jane, the main character, was absolutely, utterly and completely adorable.
May 21, 2016
This book is simply delightful. It's a RomCom in print form, for lesbians. So sweet and funny, with some excitement and danger thrown in, and best of all, a great cast of characters. I love when I meet a whole new group of friends, and every single person in this story was someone I'd want to know - even the characters who Jane didn't love, I still thought they were great.
The story is set up quickly, with Jane's PayBuddy getting hacked and a $10,000 mail order bride being ordered for her without her knowledge. Then we follow the group of friends as they try to figure out how to get Jane's money back and what to do with Natasha, all while Jane still pines for her previous ex. There is a comedy of errors with Jane and her ex both misunderstanding the actions of the other, but it was the believable kind when you still love someone but don't know how they feel about you. No manufactured drama, which I can't stand.
The book is based on characters from the Jane's World comic strip, which I was unfamiliar with, but I'm going to seek out Jane's history immediately. However I had no problem following these characters, and the history of each was explained very clearly. Because it originated as a comic, the book isn't meant to be a literary masterpiece, but rather a light and hysterical story that should cheer you up no matter how down you may be. I was laughing hysterically through the first third of the book, until certain tensions and issues started arising. The logic of the mail order bride plot may have a few holes, but I quickly realized if this was just a funny RomCom on screen, I would totally be buying the set-up, and so I did here as well. The story is a comedy and should be taken as such, just enjoy it! That said, it's a very sweet story, with lovable characters and many great friendships.
I'm so glad I was able to read this, and I thank NetGalley, Bold Strokes Books and Paige Braddock for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review. The honest truth is I simply adore this book, and will definitely be seeking out more of Jane's World.
The story is set up quickly, with Jane's PayBuddy getting hacked and a $10,000 mail order bride being ordered for her without her knowledge. Then we follow the group of friends as they try to figure out how to get Jane's money back and what to do with Natasha, all while Jane still pines for her previous ex. There is a comedy of errors with Jane and her ex both misunderstanding the actions of the other, but it was the believable kind when you still love someone but don't know how they feel about you. No manufactured drama, which I can't stand.
The book is based on characters from the Jane's World comic strip, which I was unfamiliar with, but I'm going to seek out Jane's history immediately. However I had no problem following these characters, and the history of each was explained very clearly. Because it originated as a comic, the book isn't meant to be a literary masterpiece, but rather a light and hysterical story that should cheer you up no matter how down you may be. I was laughing hysterically through the first third of the book, until certain tensions and issues started arising. The logic of the mail order bride plot may have a few holes, but I quickly realized if this was just a funny RomCom on screen, I would totally be buying the set-up, and so I did here as well. The story is a comedy and should be taken as such, just enjoy it! That said, it's a very sweet story, with lovable characters and many great friendships.
I'm so glad I was able to read this, and I thank NetGalley, Bold Strokes Books and Paige Braddock for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review. The honest truth is I simply adore this book, and will definitely be seeking out more of Jane's World.
July 31, 2016
Jane’s World: The Case of the Mail Order Bride is campy and fun. The story started out as a web comic and this book is in continuity with that story, following after vol. 11 of the collected comic.
Jane learns that her PayBuddy account was hacked when the gorgeous Natasha shows up on her doorstep, fresh off the plane from Transnistria, claiming to be the bride that Jane ordered. Jane, of course, has no idea what she's talking about because she's never even considered ordering a bride, but she takes Natasha in while trying to figure out what's going on.
Jane's ex and friend, Dorothy, finds herself jealous when she sees Jane about town with Natasha on her arm and decides it's time to start dating again too. She agrees to try going on a date again with Jill, the player butch who is the one person who Jane doesn't want her to date.
It's hard to convey how silly things get from there, but trust me, do they ever get silly. Jane doesn't really change much from the beginning of the book to the end, except maybe to finally grow some courage when something bad happens to Dorothy. Despite this really being Jane's book, Dorothy goes through a tremendous amount of growth, so that she's a much more likable character at the end than she was at the beginning.
Jane's World has some notably awesome side characters. Doris is a weirdo, but the most loyal person Jane could ever know, willing to throw herself in the way of danger to help her friend. Elaine is sexy, brainy librarian who I want to read more about. Chelle is a badass and deals will Jill in the best possible way.
It's a quick, easy read, so if you're looking for something fun, I'd recommend it. This book won't change your life, but you'll probably have fun with it.
Brooklyn and I talk about Jane's World in this spoiler-filled episode of our podcast, Les Do Books: http://thelesbiantalkshow.podbean.com...
Jane learns that her PayBuddy account was hacked when the gorgeous Natasha shows up on her doorstep, fresh off the plane from Transnistria, claiming to be the bride that Jane ordered. Jane, of course, has no idea what she's talking about because she's never even considered ordering a bride, but she takes Natasha in while trying to figure out what's going on.
Jane's ex and friend, Dorothy, finds herself jealous when she sees Jane about town with Natasha on her arm and decides it's time to start dating again too. She agrees to try going on a date again with Jill, the player butch who is the one person who Jane doesn't want her to date.
It's hard to convey how silly things get from there, but trust me, do they ever get silly. Jane doesn't really change much from the beginning of the book to the end, except maybe to finally grow some courage when something bad happens to Dorothy. Despite this really being Jane's book, Dorothy goes through a tremendous amount of growth, so that she's a much more likable character at the end than she was at the beginning.
Jane's World has some notably awesome side characters. Doris is a weirdo, but the most loyal person Jane could ever know, willing to throw herself in the way of danger to help her friend. Elaine is sexy, brainy librarian who I want to read more about. Chelle is a badass and deals will Jill in the best possible way.
It's a quick, easy read, so if you're looking for something fun, I'd recommend it. This book won't change your life, but you'll probably have fun with it.
Brooklyn and I talk about Jane's World in this spoiler-filled episode of our podcast, Les Do Books: http://thelesbiantalkshow.podbean.com...
October 7, 2017
Likes quirky, awkward and funny characters? Feel like you need a break from all that angst? Doesn't mind a little bit of absurdity, rom com style? Jane's World is the book for you! A pleasant way to spend an afternoon, especially if the last book you've read has left you emotionally drained/a little bit scarred for life.
February 15, 2025
Jane's world
Fun, witty and a curious story that leads you round the houses and back again! I can definitely recommend this comedic mystery.
Fun, witty and a curious story that leads you round the houses and back again! I can definitely recommend this comedic mystery.
June 26, 2018
This book is such a hoot to read - full of warm, engaging, quirky and charming characters. In true lesbian fashion, the dating pool is so small that everyone has dated everyone else at some point - which makes for some hilarious situations.
The story revolves around a hacked account and a mail order bride who arrives at Jane's doorstep expecting to consummate the marriage and legalise the union. She even has the 'love letters' written by Jane as evidence of her commitment. Except - Jane has no idea what is going on, because she never wrote those letters, nor agreed to pay for the mail order bride. However, being the kind soul that she is, she cannot bring herself to throw Natasha out on the streets. Instead she engages friend and ex-cop Chelle to track the hackers, get her money back and continue blundering through life - and donuts - as normal.
A small suspension of disbelief is required when reading the book. Jane's world is a series of comics produced by Paige for her website, and has been woven together as a story for the book. As such, the story focuses on the humour element, rather they tying every loose string together .
The best parts of the books are the characters: Jane, librarian, klutz, loves her glazed donuts and has a soft spot for Natasha, and an even softer spot for Dorothy (which she won't admit even to herself). Dorothy, who broke up with Jane because she was too laid-back, bought herself a cafe and now can't seem to move on in her relationships. Jill, who is foot-loose and fancy free and has just about exhausted her dating pool. Chelle, tough ex-cop, who has a heart of gold and is the one to finally get Jane out of her predicament. Doris, the ever-dependable sidekick, who knows every surveillance trick there is in the book - never mind if she can't really apply them to real life. Plus there is roommate Ethan, who lacking a job, spends most of the time couch surfing. Not to forget the two dogs - Olive and Rusty, who immediately take a liking to Natasha.
The story revolves around the adventures of our heroes as they try to recover the money and find a more permanent residence for Natasha - along the way they encounter a couple of Russian thugs and a spot of kidnapping. Despite all their differences, when push comes to shove, our characters band together, and this results in a happy ending for (almost) all .
One of the best parts of this books is the illustrations by Paige at the start of every chapter - they really bring the story to life and allow you to visualise the characters in much more depth. If you want to read the original comics head over here: Jane's World
Highly recommended if you want a laugh-out read, and are able to suspend disbelief.
The story revolves around a hacked account and a mail order bride who arrives at Jane's doorstep expecting to consummate the marriage and legalise the union. She even has the 'love letters' written by Jane as evidence of her commitment. Except - Jane has no idea what is going on, because she never wrote those letters, nor agreed to pay for the mail order bride. However, being the kind soul that she is, she cannot bring herself to throw Natasha out on the streets. Instead she engages friend and ex-cop Chelle to track the hackers, get her money back and continue blundering through life - and donuts - as normal.
A small suspension of disbelief is required when reading the book. Jane's world is a series of comics produced by Paige for her website, and has been woven together as a story for the book. As such, the story focuses on the humour element, rather they tying every loose string together .
The best parts of the books are the characters: Jane, librarian, klutz, loves her glazed donuts and has a soft spot for Natasha, and an even softer spot for Dorothy (which she won't admit even to herself). Dorothy, who broke up with Jane because she was too laid-back, bought herself a cafe and now can't seem to move on in her relationships. Jill, who is foot-loose and fancy free and has just about exhausted her dating pool. Chelle, tough ex-cop, who has a heart of gold and is the one to finally get Jane out of her predicament. Doris, the ever-dependable sidekick, who knows every surveillance trick there is in the book - never mind if she can't really apply them to real life. Plus there is roommate Ethan, who lacking a job, spends most of the time couch surfing. Not to forget the two dogs - Olive and Rusty, who immediately take a liking to Natasha.
The story revolves around the adventures of our heroes as they try to recover the money and find a more permanent residence for Natasha - along the way they encounter a couple of Russian thugs and a spot of kidnapping. Despite all their differences, when push comes to shove, our characters band together, and this results in a happy ending for (almost) all .
One of the best parts of this books is the illustrations by Paige at the start of every chapter - they really bring the story to life and allow you to visualise the characters in much more depth. If you want to read the original comics head over here: Jane's World
Highly recommended if you want a laugh-out read, and are able to suspend disbelief.
August 22, 2016
Jane gets a call from her friend that there is a situation at home and when she gets there, she finds a woman named Natasha at her doorstep. Apparently her PayBuddy accounts got hacked and as a result purchased a mail-order bride. Jane works at the public library and enlists the help of her co-workers in order to figure out a way out of the marriage.
Meanwhile, Dorothy is having second thoughts about breaking up with Jane and is jealous when she finds out that Jane is supposedly engaged to Natasha.
I enjoyed the humour in Jane's World which was found throughout the book. Although we find out that Jane used to be with Dorothy, by the end of the book, I found myself rooting for them to get back together. Yes it's silly, but still entertaining.
Review also posted here: http://wp.me/p4Pp9O-nS
I was given a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Meanwhile, Dorothy is having second thoughts about breaking up with Jane and is jealous when she finds out that Jane is supposedly engaged to Natasha.
I enjoyed the humour in Jane's World which was found throughout the book. Although we find out that Jane used to be with Dorothy, by the end of the book, I found myself rooting for them to get back together. Yes it's silly, but still entertaining.
Review also posted here: http://wp.me/p4Pp9O-nS
I was given a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 21, 2016
An honest review thanks to NetGalley. DNF. I wanted to like this book, but I couldn't handle it anymore and quit around 50% in. The humor was great, and I liked Jane, but the lack of passion and emotions in this book gets to me. From what I read, there is still a pull between Jane and Dorothy, but we don't feel the emotions from the character, they are flat and did not get me interested in the book and the characters themselves. I was disappointed, when I read, I like to feel, and this was more of a humor book with a lack of emotions. It pains me to give this book such a low rating, but I couldn't even finish it.
June 22, 2016
This book is a graphic novel with the graphic content missing. The author is a graphic novelist and wasn't able to break out of that mould to pull off a text-only novel. The narration is linear, the story is ridiculous, the characters are unidimensional and the humour is stale. The only saving grace is Jane, who is adorable in her awkwardness, but again in a very comic book kind of way.
A review copy received from NetGalley
A review copy received from NetGalley
June 14, 2016
I've received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have to admit that before reading this book, I've never heard of the author though now I realise she's an accomplished comic strip writer. As a matter of fact, the book is a novelisation of a series of comic books with the same name. The publisher cathegorises this book as "general fiction" so do not expect a typical lesbian romance. The book is more of a screwball comedy or a rom-com. Hence, some situations are hilarious but unrealistic which I found very entertaining. However, if you are looking for a stereotipycal lesbian romance you won't find it here.
I also liked the fact that the book has several illustrations obviously borrowed from the comic strip series though for some people, it might conflict with your own mental images of the characters. The main character, Jane, is an anti-heroine: quirky but at the same time, adorable. The secondary characters are well rounded and are a funny addition to the crazyness of the situations. Additionally, the book makes fun of some lesbians stereotypes like the butch, the androgynous, the femme, etc.
In my opinion, the book will work for you if you take the unreal and bizarre situations very lightly and if you don't take anything seriously. That's what I did and found it very entertaining.
I have to admit that before reading this book, I've never heard of the author though now I realise she's an accomplished comic strip writer. As a matter of fact, the book is a novelisation of a series of comic books with the same name. The publisher cathegorises this book as "general fiction" so do not expect a typical lesbian romance. The book is more of a screwball comedy or a rom-com. Hence, some situations are hilarious but unrealistic which I found very entertaining. However, if you are looking for a stereotipycal lesbian romance you won't find it here.
I also liked the fact that the book has several illustrations obviously borrowed from the comic strip series though for some people, it might conflict with your own mental images of the characters. The main character, Jane, is an anti-heroine: quirky but at the same time, adorable. The secondary characters are well rounded and are a funny addition to the crazyness of the situations. Additionally, the book makes fun of some lesbians stereotypes like the butch, the androgynous, the femme, etc.
In my opinion, the book will work for you if you take the unreal and bizarre situations very lightly and if you don't take anything seriously. That's what I did and found it very entertaining.
May 28, 2017
I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley.
This book is based on a comic strip that I've never read, but you don't need any prior knowledge of the comic to understand this story. It's very much a comic in novel form, low-stakes, funny, and charming in a way that feels like a longer version of a sitcom episode. It's a quick and light read with a sense of fun and optimism that made it easy to like. The writing is in service of the characters and humor, no more and no less.
I wasn't blown away, but it's a decent book to spend a few hours with.
This book is based on a comic strip that I've never read, but you don't need any prior knowledge of the comic to understand this story. It's very much a comic in novel form, low-stakes, funny, and charming in a way that feels like a longer version of a sitcom episode. It's a quick and light read with a sense of fun and optimism that made it easy to like. The writing is in service of the characters and humor, no more and no less.
I wasn't blown away, but it's a decent book to spend a few hours with.
April 11, 2022
What a madcap adventure! A witty read with quicky, entertaining characters who never fail to get into trouble. This story manages to be filled with laugh-out-loud moments while keeping the tense moments coming. The chapter-header drawings are a delightful added bonus. Keeping all the characters sorted can be a bit of a challenge, especially two with similar names (Doris and Dorothy), but as the story progresses, it's not a problem. A thoroughly enjoyable story filled with loveable (mostly) characters living rather eccentric (and sometimes slightly implausible) lives. What fun!
June 13, 2017
I probably would have liked this book more if I had read any of the comics, it was an okay novel, but I think you'd need to know the characters first to really enjoy it.
September 11, 2017
fun read. loved how you took a topic and made it a comic in a book. love you writing style.
October 13, 2025
funny and entertaining
The comedic slips into slapstick occasionally, but quite nice.
The setup is handled with ingenuity.
The characters are quite likeable.
The comedic slips into slapstick occasionally, but quite nice.
The setup is handled with ingenuity.
The characters are quite likeable.
June 22, 2016
ARC Netgalley and Bold Strokes - This book is full of light-hearted fun and a whole lot of quirkiness. Jane is the perfect main character for this story as she isn't your usual main character, she isn't brave, she isn't sexy and she most definitely isn't smooth. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book because of the authors ability to maintain some of the humour found in comic book writing while also combining it with the type of writing that makes a novel a good read. The only reason that I gave it 4 stars is because I would have liked to have had a bit more character development around all of the characters but otherwise this is a good read if you are looking to unwind and not have to over think things too much.
July 15, 2016
I enjoyed this book. It is an excellent summer read - light and humorous with some tension and some slap stick as well. But somehow I felt the execution didn't live up to the plot. The plot with Jane's on line "pay buddy" account being hacked and her "accidentally" buying a bride is clever and the dynamics of the characters works well at times but for me it just falls short of what it could have been. I like Jane and her girlfriend and the silly way she behaves but don't read this expecting depth. As I say, a beach read when you don't want to be distracted by a complex book.
I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley in return for an honest review.
I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley in return for an honest review.
June 8, 2016
I really liked the playful vibe. This a book full of lesbians with neither broody despair or stock, recycled romantic plots. I hadn't read the prior books, but I will - there's a well-developed cast, and I'm curious about some of them. The main character came off as fun, hot and having a good sense of humor without a huge ego. Great drawings. Only complaint: the book would benefit from a few sex scenes, since there were a few chapters that instead ended abruptly at the bedroom door and that seemed awkward. I am withholding one star for withholding sex! ;)
April 4, 2017
3 1/2 STARS.
This book is such a cute rom-com. I love the goofiness of it and how absurd the situations are. It's a light, fluffy read and so fun!
Got an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
This book is such a cute rom-com. I love the goofiness of it and how absurd the situations are. It's a light, fluffy read and so fun!
Got an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
July 2, 2016
Review to come.
May 5, 2017
what was that ?
April 22, 2017
This whole thing really did read like a graphic novel someone tried to translate to plain text. Which I guess makes sense considering the source material. The little cartoon panels between chapters really drove that point home.
I was not impressed.
I was not impressed.
Read
September 14, 2017Am I the only reader disappointed that it's not a romance between Jane and Natasha? The summary doesn't exactly spell it out, so I only realised when I saw chapter four is from Dorothy's point of view. Which is where I stopped reading. And lemme guess, Natasha and Ethan? (eugh)
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