Guest Reviewer: Adrienne from Dren’s B-spot ~ Bitten to Death by Jennifer Rardin

Summary from back cover:

Jaz Parks here. My latest mission has taken me to the ancient Greek city of Patras; but instead of soaking
up its splendor, I'm here to infiltrate a Vampere Trust.

Only two vamps have ever escaped the tightly bound communities and lived to tell the tale: Edward "The
Raptor" Samos, the most reviled criminal mastermind in recent memory, and Vayl, the CIA's number one
assassin who also happens to be my boss.

The Raptor is trying to take over Vayl's former Trust. Unfortunately the Trust's new leader has her own
plans.

This job is going to be the death of me.

Bitten to Death is book four in Jennifer Rardin’s Jaz Parks series about CIA assassin Jazmin Parks and her entourage of CIA operatives and sidekicks. Jaz and the gang are sent to Greece to infiltrate Vayl’s old vampire group the Trust. Their mission: Kill Edward Samos aka The Raptor before he can take over the
Trust.

What I enjoyed most about this latest installment, readers aren’t swamped with all of the series characters. I love them all, but sometimes five active characters can be a bit much for a storyline. So I really liked how Rardin built a solid story with Jaz, Vayl and her brother Dave. She even introduces a new side-kick! In BTD, readers are given deeper insight into Vayl and his past and we learn more details surrounding his obsession for his dead sons as well. Dave has turned to alcohol to deal with his issues. He’s still having a hard time accepting that he’d been under the control of a Wizard. The relationship between Vayl and Jaz is also given more face time throughout the book. Jaz has some decisions to make that really have her struggling and asking herself if she can really open herself up to him.

Here’s an excerpt from Bitten to death:

In that split second, when everything slows down before a killing, I saw and heard everything.

The fancy wallpaper, yellowed and peeling.

Dave. His bloodshot eyes bulging with shock, yelling, “What the hell are you doing?”

Vayl reaching out to grab me, bellowing, “Stop!”

Marcon’s eyes widening as he saw the advantages of a dead Disa in his Trust.

Sibley’s screech of dismay as her hands flew to cover her won chest.

The sumos’ desperate efforts to plow through the unmoving vamps in front of them.

Disa’s moment of paralysis, stemming from the conviction that of all people, Vayl’s wimpy little avahr would never attempt such a thing.

I pulled the trigger.

As usual, there is plenty of knock-your-socks-off action throughout the entire book as Rardin never disappoints in that area. If you haven’t started this series, what are you waiting for?

Get your read on!

Dren

 

Sites for Jennifer Rardin around the web:

Website I Goodreads

 

This is a part of Jennifer Rardin Tribute month:

Jennifer Rardin Tribute ~ Week 4: Miscellaneous

Jennifer Rardin Tribute month continues!

This week is when we wanted to share all of your experiences!

Both here and at Strange Candy Reviews 2 new contests will go up along w/ some other bloggers sharing their experiences!

Please, we need entries for the fan art contest! You can even win a pre-order of the final Jaz book when it becomes available if you win!

 

To recap on the past week, both here and at Strange Candy Reviews:

• Guest Post & Giveaway: Steph @ Paper Cut Reviews ~ Her Spirit Will Live On
• Guest Post from Nicole Peeler
• Actors to Play the Characters ~ Jaz Parks

There are still ongoing contests, so check them out & enter!!

Jennifer Rardin Tribute: Guest Post & Giveaway from Steph @ Paper Cut Reviews

Her Spirit Will Live On

Hi Everyone! I want to Thank Amanda and Jo-Anne for putting together such a great tribute for the talented Jennifer Rardin. As you all may know she passed away in September and I and alot of her fans were completely surprised and utterly heart broken by this sad news. So I thought it would be nice to share my experience with this remarkable author. I met Jennifer last year for the book signing of Bite Marks *Jazz Parks book 6*. It really does seem like this happened yesterday being so fresh in my memory mostly because it was my first book signing *Squee* and I was going to meet one of my favorite authors!!! Wow I was so happy, excited and extremely nervous *lol* when I realized I was going to meet the master mind behind Jazz Parks! So of course I practiced what I would say *ehem* "Hi Ms. Rardin my name is Steph and I'm such a huge fan!" LOL! Yeah I know so not original but I needed something easy to remember, lol! Okay with this in my mind I approached the Walden's books store and didn't see Jennifer yet anywhere so I thought "Sweet" I can go quickly buy Bite Marks and kinda prepare myself to meet her. Shortly when she arrives and I walk up to the signing table with my book in hand and I introduced myself.  We talked for a bit about the series and how amazing I think it is=) Then I asked if she wouldn't mind if I we could take a picture together and she put her arm around me and with a smile said "Of Course"! Let me tell you I was a truly a happy gal that day not only did I get a book I wanted signed but I met the author=) I will never forget my first book signing and I will never forget how sweet and down to earth Jennifer Rardin was and through her Jazz Parks series and experiences like this one she will continue to live on.  Thank you Jennifer for your stories and your kindness I will never forget you=)

Giveaway Info

Thanks for listening and if you have not read the any of the books in the Jazz Parks series please do give it a chance you will not be disappointed. With saying that I'm giving away one book in the Jazz Parks Series *your choice* and one book of your choice under $10 from the book depository to one lucky winner. So basically one winner will get two books=) All you have to do is leave a comment telling me which two books you would like to have *one book from Jazz Parks Series and one of your choice under $10* with your email address and tell me about your first experience meeting an author or getting a book signed. If you have not done either then tell me how you think this experience would be like and what author would you love to meet and get a book signed from. Giveaway ends November 30th (International wherever The Book Depository ships) =)

Jennifer Rardin Tribute ~ Week 3: Jennifer Rardin

Week 3 has begin and Jo-Anne has been busy over at Strange Candy Reviews! Here’s what’s been happening there so far so you don’t miss anything!

• Guest Post by Dakota Cassidy
• A Message from Larissa Ione Win a SIGNED copy of Bitten In Two!
• Interview with Jennifer Rardin (from Amberkatze’s Book Blog)

Stay tuned here for a chance to win two books from Steph from Paper Cut Reviews tomorrow!

Do you want to share any of your own favorite Jan or Jennifer moments? Drop me a message.

Oh, and do you have any Jaz Parks fan art? Send it to me to be entered into our contest! You can win any Jaz Parks book! I’ll even pre-order the final book in the series for you when it becomes available!

Review: Once Bitten, Twice Shy by Jennifer Rardin

Once Bitten, Twice Shy by Jennifer Rardin
Jaz Parks series 
Publisher: Orbit  
Published: October 8th 2007 

Genre: urban fantasy 
paperback-320 pages

Summary:

I’m Jaz Parks. My boss is Vayl, born in Romania in 1744. Died there too, at the hand of his vampire wife, Liliana. But that’s ancient history. For the moment Vayl works for the C.I.A. doing what he does best–assassination. And I help. You could say I’m an Assistant Assassin. But then I’d have to kick your ass.

Our current assignment seemed easy. Get close to a Miami plastic surgeon named Assan, a charmer with ties to terrorism that run deeper than a buried body. Find out what he’s meeting with that can help him and his comrades bring America to her knees. And then close his beady little eyes forever. Why is it that nothing’s ever as easy as it seems?

My Review:

Once Bitten, Twice Shy is the first novel in the Jaz Parks series by Jennifer Rardin. This was a re-read of the book for me, but my first time writing a review for it. Jaz Parks is an assassin for the CIA and the book starts out with her being assigned as an assistant to 300 year-old vampire, assassin Vayl.

The two go to Miami for a pretty routine job involving Assan, a plastic surgeon. They are supposed to get information on a certain terrorist group, and his involvement with them, then do what they do best. Assassination. Or so they think. Turns out this plot has more bad guys than they imagined, and they aren’t sure who they can trust.

Thankfully, there are some interesting characters they meet along the way that can help them. Bergman, Cole, and Cassandra, all are fascinating and bring in their own dash of flavor to the mix. Vayl and Jaz can’t seem to figure out where they stand, ever, but that’s ok as long as Vayl’s around. *le sigh*

This book grabbed me from the first page and wouldn’t let me go (both times I read it)! The whole cast of characters, even the ones barely mentioned, have such strong and unique voices. And Jaz… Well, there just isn’t anyone quite like Jaz. She might be a bit crazy (shh don’t tell her I said that), silly, violent, and moody, but she’s an awesome heroine to read about and I look forward to the rest of the series!

 

*This book was won by me. It’s signed and I’ll always treasure it. RIP Jennifer*

 

Sites for Jennifer Rardin around the web:

Website I Goodreads

 

Don’t forget all month long is our Jennifer Rardin Tribute on Not-Really-Southern Vamp Chick & Strange Candy Reviews! Read posts, guest posts, reviews, and more! There are also chances to win your choice of book here and a signed copy of Bitten In Two.

Jennifer Rardin Week 2: Jaz Parks!

Ok, so technically Jaz Parks Week started 2 days ago. I’m running behind, but over at Strange Candy Reviews things are running on schedule! Lol!

This week we will be focusing on the main character of the Jaz Parks series. JAZ!! She’s 5’5”, with curly red hair, looks fragile, but is far from it, because she kicks ass!

 

A Few Favorite Quotes:

"I'm just being practical. I knew someday I might have to bare my throat to you. Pete and I discussed that very possibility. As for the danger and risk taking, that's what Pete pays me to do. And you and I both know he intends to get his money's worth."
"Jasmine, I cannot-"
"Why not!"
"Because you are not food!"
I stared at him for a minute; the I started to grin. I couldn't help it.
"Vayl"-I tried to keep my face straight- "I'm not asking you to eat me." 

-Once Bitten, Twice Shy

Sometimes things would be so much simpler if you could just pull out your gun and shoot the bad guy. Reason number seventeen why Indiana Jones is my hero.

-Once Bitten, Twice Shy

I cleared my throat. What do you say when you find out your blood is really filling? It’s not a Manwich: it’s a meal!

-Once Bitten, Twice Shy

 

What do we have in store for you? Well, one of my favorite things from the series is Granny May’s advice filled poker games and such that Jaz has. They crack me up, especially the random people that tend to tag along. So, I’m going to be posting who I would invite to mine… or maybe who might just show up anyway, lol. Jo-Anne already has hers up & it’s AWESOME! Go check it out HERE. Dakota Cassidy will also be stopping in at Strange Candy Reviews so you won’t want to miss that.

Oh! There’s also going to be a fan art contest, which we’ll tell you more about it soon!! If you have Jennifer Rardin or Jaz Parks fan art or know someone who does, your welcome to start sending it in to me or Jo-Anne if you would like.

Book reviews also start this week, so look for those as well. :)

Jennifer Rardin Week 1: Vayl vs. Cole & a Giveaway

To start things off we thought we’d start w/ a debate. Vayl vs. Cole. With Cole you have the cutie, blonde, joking, gum-chewing, best friend. Then with Vayl, you get the gorgeous, dark haired, centuries old vampire, with a unique sense of humor, and an always unfolding past.

Personally, for Jaz, I have to pick Vayl. Here’s a quote that might show you why he’s just so darn yummy. *Sigh*

"When I bite you, it'll be because I want to make your toes curl and your hair stand on end. And you won't need stitches afterward. You'll need crutches."(One More Bite (Jaz Parks, #5))

The two get along perfectly together. They just fit. Now for me, I would probably be happier w/ Cole, maybe. Ah I can’t ever make up my mind! Lol!

So who would you choose? Let us know. Leave a comment w/ your opinion and email and get an entry for any book from the Jaz Parks series from The Book Depository. Make a post about your choice using the awesome buttons Jo-Anne made and come back and leave a link in the Mr. Linky below & get 5 entries! Contest ends December 2nd and is International wherever The Book Depository delivers.

Jo-Anne from Strange Candy Reviews is giving away a signed copy of Bitten in Two by Jennifer Rardin. Go check out her post here to find out how to enter!

 

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BBA November: A Month in Tribute to Jennifer Rardin

It’s time for Not-Really-Southern Vamp Chick’s & BBA’s Tribute to Jennifer Rardin to begin! I hope you all enjoy and that as many of you participate as possible. We want to not only remember her, but celebrate her wonderful Jaz Parks series.

Throughout the month of November, both here and at Strange Candy Reviews, there will be book reviews, guest posts, giveaways & more!

 

Schedule:

November 1st - 7th

Cole v. Vayl - who would you choose?

• Strange Candy Reviews: Cole vs. Vayl Choice & Contest
• Not-Really-Southern Vamp Chick: Cole vs. Vayl Choice & Contest

 

November 8th - 14th

Jaz

• Guest posts by Dakota Cassidy & Carolyn Crane
• Fan art contest

 

November 15th - 21st

Jennifer

• Guest post by Jennifer's agent Laurie
• Guest post by Steph from Papercut Reviews

 

November 22nd - 28th

Miscellaneous

• Guest post by Nicole Peeler on the gadgets in the series
• Fellow blogger guest posts & giveaways:
  • Crystal from Reading Between the Wines: Guest Post & Giveaway
  • Lexie from Poison Rationality: Guest Post & Giveaway
• Which actors would you like to play the characters in the Jaz Parks series?

 

*If you are interested in participating, please feel free to contact me or Jo-Anne.

BBA November: Tribute to Jennifer Rardin Month

When we all heard the sad news about Jennifer last month, thanks again to an idea started by Steph @ Paper Cut Reviews, we decided to do something special. I know a few bloggers, including fellow BBA-ers, who met her and wish there were more wonderful people like her. I myself never met her, but her series is one of the first urban fantasy series that I read that wasn’t a young adult. As you can tell, I was hooked.

I’ll go in to my love of the series more next month. Today I want to let you know that November will be dedicated to Jennifer Rardin and her Jaz Parks series. Our tribute to her.

This task is a bit daunting, so there will not be just one Book Bloggers Anonymous host next month but two. Jo-Anne @ Strange Candy Reviews will be co-hosting with me. She also designed this fabulous button for us, so please spread the love & post it on your sidebar. :)

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There will be book reviews, guest posts, giveaways & more between the two blogs. You will all have a chance to link up reviews. For other things, see below.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now, I know there are many others of you that love this series and have memories you wish to share, so I want to give you a chance to do so. Below are two forms to fill out. One is for anyone to fill out. In it is a place to put your favorite quote from the Jaz series and/or your favorite memory about the series or meeting Jennifer, if you were lucky enough to get the chance to.

The second form is for any authors/bloggers/etc. that would like a chance for their own guest post/interview/dedication/giveaway/etc. next month.

If you would prefer to send an email to me for either, that is perfectly fine. I’m also open to suggestions.

 

Fill out this form for quotes & memories.

Fill out this form for guest posts/dedications/giveaways/etc.