Bite Marks

Bite Marks by Jennifer Rardin

Jaz Parks #6

Jaz Parks here. But I'm not alone. I'm hearing voices in my head - and they're not mine.

The problem, or maybe the solution, is work. And the job's a stinker this time -- killing the gnomes that are threatening to topple NASA's Australian-based space complex. Yeah, I know. Vayl and I should still be able to kick this one in our sleep. Except that Hell has thrown up a demon named Kyphas to knock us off track. And damn is she indestructible!

Vayl and Jaz's assignment is of the utmost importance. If they fail, NASA's entire infrastructure will crumble leaving one heck of mess in its wake. The job should have been just another notch in their belts, but when Cassandra's Demon comes out to play things get a little hairy as she is one heck of a force to be reckoned with. Add in some crazy voices in Jaz's head, and you have one heck of bumpy ride that may just lead to disaster for this assassin team. They haven't failed a mission yet, but this one may be the one to knock them down. Permanently.

Something I have loved about this series is that while it is full of action and high stakes, there also is plenty of humor and witty comments from the characters. This book however took the humor to a whole new level, yet still maintained that sense of looming danger making it one heck of a ride. Between Cole's kangaroo issues and Jaz's conversations with the "crew" her head, I can't count how many times I burst out laughing. There was another hilarious aspect that was a new element to the series. I won't say too much to keep from spoiling things, but just wait till you meet Jaz's new cat. She sure has one heck of "personality" that will leave you in tears from laughing so hard. 

Jaz and Vayl's relationship is still growing and there are some trust issues on Jaz's part. However, since she is literally what you would call damaged goods, I imagine full trust is still a long ways off. She has either lost or been betrayed by everyone she has ever cared about in her entire life, so it is no wonder none of this comes easy. She also has a tendency to let her temper over run her and jump the gun in certain situations. However, this is all why Vayl is the perfect match for her as he calms her fire and stays the voice of reason she so desperately needs at times. It also seems like Cole has finally realized he just wasn't they guy for her, and is taking it with his usual sense of humor. Which of course causes problems of its own, but at least he isn't trying to come between them anymore. 

This book had a whole lot going on. Between Jaz's possession, the gnomes and their plot to destroy NASA, and a Demon that is bent on dragging Cassandra to Hell, I barely had time to catch a breath. A lot of series by this point can give a sense of deja vu with the dangers just seeming to be a rehashment of previous ones. This is definitely not the case in these books, and I really admire the author's ability to keep things fresh. Bite Marks is a must read that will suck you right in and make you desperate for more. I'd recommend having the next book ready as you won't want a delay in being able to dive into reading it. Definitely another great installment in a fantastic Urban Fantasy series!

Rating:

Buy now at Amazon:
Bite Marks (Jaz Parks, Book 6) 

Challenge Categories:
Outdo Yourself
Horror and Urban Fantasy
Vampire 

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Waiting on Wednesday (43)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights an upcoming release we are greatly anticipating.

My pick this week:

The Neon Graveyard-Signs of the Zodiac #6

by Vicki Pettersson

Publication Date: May 31st, 2011

Amazon Pre-Order: The Neon Graveyard (Sign of the Zodiac, Book 6)

Once she was a soldier for the Light, the prophesied savior who would decide the outcome of the eternal conflict raging unseen in the dark corners of her glittering hometown. Now Joanna Archer is just another mortal—still born of an impossible union of Shadow and Light . . . still hunted by both—and carrying the unborn child of a lover held captive by a depraved demon goddess. Joining forces with a band of rogue Shadow agents, Joanna's ready to storm the stronghold of her demonic foe, risking everything to enter this ghastly, godforsaken realm where the price of admission is her eternal soul. Because in a world that has stripped her of her power, identity, and fortune, Joanna has nothing left to lose—except her baby, her future, and the epic war poised to consume the city.

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One More Bite

One More Bite by Jennifer Rardin

Jaz Parks #5

It's Jaz Parks. I've already smoked the guy who was the pain in the CIA's you-know-what for the past few years. But now, in the power vacuum left by the death of Edward "The Raptor" Samos, a struggle for supremacy has begun between his former allies: The Flock, The Valencian Weres and the Coven of Inverness.

The CIA feels the balance must be maintained. So when an agent planted among the Weres discovers a plot to assassinate the Coven's leader, I and my vampire hottie (and boss), Vayl, are brought in to take out the woman hired to do the deed, a killer who might be as wily and Gifted as ourselves.

So it's off to the Scottish Highlands for some twisted fun among murderers, demons and half-crazed relatives. Sometimes being a top-secret CIA assassin isn't all it's cracked up to be.

Now that Samos is dead, those left standing are scrambling to gain power. Jaz and Vayl's bosses feel that the balance should be kept, so their latest assignment is to stop the assassination of one of the rising powers. Posing as a bunch of ghost hunters they set off to stop a very gifted female assassin with some nasty powers of her own. To make matters more complicated, Jaz's dad has somehow wormed his way into the mission and for the first time ever, Vayl was denied a request by the CIA. The force they are up against needs a warlock's magic to contain it but the new oversight committee gave them Cole instead. Something fishy is going on, so Jaz and Vayl will have to keep a wary eye out if they are to have any hope at surviving this one intact.

In my review of the last book I said I would do a happy dance when Vayl and Jaz finally get together. I am very happy to say that they are definitely on the right track as they pretty much are an official couple now. Of course there still are some issues between them and I'm sure the road will never be completely smooth. That being said, they have taken things very slow, so they should be stable enough to last. There were several points in the book where Jaz is overcome with emotion. As we all know, emotion is not something she is very comfortable with, so it really was monumental for her to be able to show these feelings for Vayl. 

The mission for this book was a little confusing at times as it wasn't really the main focus. Much more time was spent on Jaz's personal growth, her relationship with Vayl, and her issues with her father. Another main issue was this new oversight committee that seems to be meddling in their affairs. I got the sense that they were supposed to be a big potential threat, but I just wasn't feeling the danger. I'm wondering if they will be more of a problem in the future as it seemed like things were being set up for more later. Even if things escalate with them, I'm not sure how much of a threat they can possibly be. Jaz is always paranoid at losing her job because it's practically her entire life. However, I don't think it would hurt her too much in the long run as she could always go "private," like a mercenary, but only for good causes. I guess will we just have to wait and see where things are heading.

Sometimes it can surprise me how much I'm enjoying a series, especially when the fifth book is as good as the first. This series isn't slowing down at all, if anything it is picking up steam. The characters are great and I can't help but to feel everything right along with them. Each new book is harder to put down than the last, and this one is no exception. Be prepared for one heck of ride with plenty of character development along the way. I cannot wait to dive into the next book to see what more trouble is in store for Jaz and the gang. Definitely a top rated Urban Fantasy series!

Rating:

Buy now at Amazon:
One More Bite (Jaz Parks, Book 5)

Challenge Categories:
Outdo Yourself
Horror and Urban Fantasy
Vampire 

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It's Monday! What are you reading (43)

It's Monday! What Are You Reading, hosted by Book Journey, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.






Here's what I read this past week:
 

Cinderella Ninja Warrior by Maureen McGowan (Review)
Sleeping Beauty Vampire Slayer by Maureen McGowan (Review)
Giveaway of both books ^^
Once Bitten, Twice Shy by Jennifer Rardin (Review)
Another One Bites the Dust by Jennifer Rardin (Review)
Biting the Bullet by Jennifer Rardin (Review)
Bitten to Death by Jennifer Rardin (Review)
May R.A.K

I read two choose your own adventure books by Maureen McGowan. They are a retelling of two classic fairy tales with a twist. They are perfect for younger readers and a happy ending is guaranteed. I have a giveaway going on that ends Wednesday.

I also read the first four books in the Jaz Parks series. These books are really great. Full of danger, but Jaz also has a sarcastic wit that will be sure to keep you on your toes. There are so many laugh out loud moments as well making this a really fantastic series. I'll be posting the rest of my reviews of the series next week to wrap things up.

Finally I posted my May R.A.K. which you can find here. It's a great way to share books with others and help fellow readers finally get books on their wish lists. If you haven't heard of this make sure to check it out.


My Upcoming List:


One More Bite by Jennifer Rardin
Bite Marks by Jennifer Rardin
Bitten in Two by Jennifer Rardin
The Deadliest Bite by Jennifer Rardin

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Bitten to Death

Bitten to Death by Jennifer Rardin

Jaz Parks #4

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.



Jaz, Vayl and Dave are teamed up in this installment to enter into an agreement with a Vampere Trust in orfer to get a shot at their number one target, The Raptor. This particular Trust holds particular danger for Vayl as it was the very one he escaped from a very long time ago. Not only is animosity towards him high, but one member in particular has her sights set on Vayl. Jaz and Vayl have face a lot in the past, but the tangled web being weaved may just be enough to ensnare them for good.

This book gives us a further look into Vayl's past. While much of it still remains a mystery, and probably always will, I did enjoy learning more about him. He has made allusions to the fact that Jaz wouldn't have liked the man he used to be and he seems ashamed of his past. However, even though he may have done bad things in the past, that was then. That he had the strength to leave the situation he was in as well as able to survive to make a better man of himself is nothing short of admirable.

Poor Vayl and Jaz, they never seem to be able to catch a break when it comes to their budding relationship. Vayl thinks he is sure about Jaz, yet anytime something comes up with his sons, his thoughts about her seem to go out the window. Jaz on the other hand knows that she loves and needs Vayl, but just cannot bring herself to accept this fact. The fear of losing him is too high. So, when you add in those problems to the psychotic vampire who is trying to steal Vayl away and claim him for her own, you can't expect much progression to happen. It is a shame that everything seems to be against them, and I think I will do a happy dance when they finally get together. As frustrating as the slow progression has been, I prefer it this way as long as that means that they will have a strong foundation and not crumble at the first obstacle, so that in the end everything will have been worth the wait.

I enjoyed this book, but I did have one complaint. The situation with Cole is really starting to grate on my nerves. It is obvious that she will never choose him, and I think he knows that. In fact I bet the only reason he seems to be going after her so hard is the fact that he can't actually have Jaz. He just doesn't seem to be the type to settle down, which is what being with Jaz would lead to. Jaz has herself so worried about crushing him by telling him no, but I just don't think it will really effect him that much in the long run. He may think he loves her, but deep down I think she is just a "safe" outlet for him. So despite that one  issue, I loved the book and cannot wait to read more. I'll have to say the thing I love most about this series is that while there is an overall story arc that leaves unfinished business from book to book, each individual book has its own issue that gets resolved. So, no nasty cliffhangers to drive you nuts, making this series a must read in the urban fantasy genre.

Rating:

Buy now at Amazon:
Bitten to Death (Jaz Parks, Book 4)

Challenge Categories:
Outdo Yourself
Horror and Urban Fantasy
Vampire 

read more

Biting the Bullet

Biting the Bullet by Jennifer Rardin

Jaz Parks #3

This is a mission unlike anything my vampire boss, Vayl, and I have ever been on. It's not our usual take them out and run; it's an undercover mission that needs the whole gang: a psychic, an interpreter, and a weapons specialist. We're joining a Special Ops team to nail the Wizard, a major terrorist thorn in the military's side. We've never gone in with such heavy artillery before, but the more the merrier, right? Um . . . nope. At least not since Vayl and I learned part of our job is to ferret out a mole concealed in our unit.

To add to our problems, we're being harried by a pack of reavers bent on revenge, and targeted by a Seer who wants to share Vayl's power - at any cost. Oh yeah, and let's not forget the army of demonic, soul-sucking parasites either. This is going to be a blast.

Jaz and Vayl typical missions involving taking down a target as quickly as possible, and then getting the heck outta dodge. Their current mission is a little different as they are teaming up with another team to take down one heck of a whopper necromancer called the Wizard. He's been causing mayhem for year and no ones been able to stop him. Despite this, things would be pretty simple for Jaz and Vayl if they also didn't have to figure out the Mole in the other unit that has been feeding the Wizard info. When you take into account their other problems with the reavers that are bent on revenge and the fact that Vayl's attention is straying towards someone else, that means Jaz is in for one heck of a bumpy ride.

I enjoyed the change of setting for this book. It was set overseas, fitting more into my ideas of where covert operations would be. As in the previous book, they are still working in the team format. Only this time their team also includes Jaz's twin brother David's team as well. I was happy to see them working together, even though it was incredibly strained at times due to the situations from the past. However, things are looking positive for their relationship in the future. Perhaps if David decides to forgive Jaz, then she might be able to take the first step in forgiving herself.

There was some major backtracking in the relationship between Jaz and Vayl, and I couldn't help but be disappointed. However, I do think some good might come out of this distance between them as now that she feels she is losing him, she realizes just how much he actually means. Hopefully this will give her the kick in the butt she needs to finally open herself to him. I'm not really sure what is holding her back at this point other than the fear of losing him. Yet, even if she doesn't have a fully romantic relationship with him, she would still be utterly destroyed if anything happened to Vayl. So, logically she should just make the most of whatever time they are given, and at least take the chance at happiness. 

I was really surprised at some of the twist and turns in this book as they really caught me off guard. It can be hard to write without being predictable, so when a book catches me off guard, it definitely impresses me. With each new book that I read in this series I am finding myself more and more eager to read the next, as I just cannot wait to see what happens. The characters are so full of depth that you cannot help but to feel the emotions right along with them, making this a truly fantastic series.

Rating:

Buy now at Amazon:
Biting the Bullet (Jaz Parks)

Challenge Categories:
Outdo Yourself
Horror and Urban Fantasy
Vampires 

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Another One Bites the Dust

Another One Bites the Dust by Jennifer Rardin

Jaz Parks #2

I'm Jaz Parks. CIA assassin. Black belt. Belly dancer at the Corpus Christi Winter Festival. The last is cover for my latest mission: retrieve a vital piece of biotechnology by killing the maniac who stole it. He's Chien-Lung, an obsessive vamp who's invulnerable while wearing his armor - which is constantly.

Then there are the reavers, ancient fiends who murder innocents and eat their souls. Only I can sense them. So it's not long before they'll want me dead, dead, dead.

Jaz is used to playing undercover roles for her assassination missions, and typically doesn't mind. However, when she finds out her latest cover is a belly dancer, she is less than thrilled. Like it or not, she has no choice as their target is a crazy vamp that has stolen a very important piece of technology, a suit that makes the wearer all but invincible. Add into the mix some soul stealing reavers and dreams that can kill. Literally. The good thing is that Jaz can sense and destroy them. The bad thing is that means she will quickly become their top target. What's an assassin to do?

The great dynamic and sexual tension continues in this book between Vayl and Jaz. However Cole, who we met in the last book has "wormed" his way into things and is causing some pretty major friction. I understand that he has a crush on her, which is fine, but I think Jaz needs to stop encouraging him as it is obvious she just doesn't have the right chemistry with Cole. The biggest problem is that Jaz is slightly oblivious to Vayl's feelings for her. Well, I guess oblivious might be the wrong word, it's more like she is in denial of it. If she doesn't acknowledge the feelings then they aren't actually there. I'm wondering if it is actually him that she is afraid of, or if it is herself.  Because of what happened to her fiance, Matt, I think she believes that if she allows herself to care for Vayl, then something terrible will happen to him. She really has a long road ahead of her to overcome her "demons." Luckily Vayl seems to be a very patient man, and will be able to give her the time and understanding she needs.

The overall feel of the book changed from the last one. While Jaz and Vayl had help from some others, they were still a partnership with the others being outsiders. However, in this book we find the one who helped before are now full members of the team. As much as I enjoyed Vayl and Jaz's partnership, I think the team dynamic added so much more to the series. By having the multiple characters and the friction between them, it allowed for both comic relief and for the focus to not be too far stuck on Jaz and Vayl's issues.

I enjoyed this book even more than the previous one. I'm really interested to see Jaz's powers continue to progress, as well as the repercussions of some of the actions of this book. I'm especially enjoying the combination of magic and technology as that makes the story more relatable to the world we live in now. I am very eager to dive into the next book. Definitely a highly recommended urban fantasy that you won't want to miss!

Rating:

Buy now at Amazon:
Another One Bites the Dust (Jaz Parks)

Challenge Categories:
Outdo Yourself
Horror and Urban Fantasy
Vampire 

read more

Waiting on Wednesday (42)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights an upcoming release we are greatly anticipating.

My pick this week:

Angel Burn - Angel Trilogy #1

by L.A. Weatherly

Publication Date: May 24th, 2011

Amazon Pre-Order: Angel Burn

Willow knows she’s different from other girls, and not just because she loves tinkering with cars. Willow has a gift. She can look into the future and know people’s dreams and hopes, their sorrows and regrets, just by touching them. She has no idea where this power comes from. But the assassin, Alex, does. Gorgeous, mysterious Alex knows more about Willow that Willow herself. He knows that her powers link to dark and dangerous forces, and that he’s one of the few humans left who can fight them. When Alex finds himself falling in love with his sworn enemy, he discovers that nothing is as it seems, least of all good and evil. In the first book in an action-packed romantic trilogy, L. A. Weatherly sends listeners on a thrill ride of a road trip – and depicts the human race at the brink of a future as catastrophic as it is deceptively beautiful.

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May R.A.K.

I'm a little late getting this post up. I'll be glad when these finals are over so I can get my mind back ;)

In April I gave away five books:


Went to Ash at Smash Attack Reads.


 



 Went to Kristen at Bookworming in the 21st Century








Went to JL at An Avid Reader's Musings






 I Received:
From JL at An Avid Reader's Musings

From Michelle at Michelle's Book Blog


And now for May:

Here are the rules:

Rules:
• Sign up each month you'd like to participate in.

• Show off your participation! Grab one of the buttons available :)

• Create a wish list and post it in the Google Doc located in each R.A.K post for the month.
{Post on your blog, Amazon, where ever as long as there's a link to it.}

• If you choose to do a R.A.K for someone, check out their wish list and contact that blogger for their address.

• At the end of the month, SHOW US YOUR R.A.K!
Make a post saying 'Thank You' to whoever granted one of your wishes and share it with us :)

OPEN TO EVERYONE!
Let's keep our International bloggers in mind and in our hearts.
Remember, there's always the Book Depository and they offer FREE shipping!


Here is my wishlist, but I do need to make a small request that no Mass Markets are sent. I have really bad double vision at times and the MM's type is too small and the lines are too close for me to be able to read easily. I don't have that problem with trade size paperbacks or hardcovers.

Now I'm off to finds some wonderful bloggers to spoil ;)

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Giveaway with Maureen McGowan

 Sleeping Beauty Vampire Slayer

In this thrilling story full of adventure and romance, Sleeping Beauty is more than just a lonely princess waiting for her prince—she's a brave, tenacious girl who never backs down from a challenge. With vampire-slaying talents that she practices in secret, Sleeping Beauty puts her courage to the test in the dark of night, fighting evil as she searches for a way to break the spell that has cut her off from her family. In a special twist, readers have the opportunity to make key decisions for Sleeping Beauty and decide where she goes next—but no matter the choice; the result is a story unlike any fairy tale you've ever read!

Sleeping Beauty: Vampire Slayer is an entirely new type of fairy tale–one that will keep today's kids guessing and offer them hours of magical fun.

 Cinderella Ninja Warrior

 In this fast-paced story full of adventure and romance, Cinderella is more than just a servant girl waiting for her prince—she's a tough, fearless girl who is capable of taking charge of a dangerous situation. Seeking to escape the clutches of her evil stepmother, Cinderella perfects her ninja skills and magic talents in secret, waiting for the day when she can break free and live happily ever after. In a special twist, readers have the opportunity to make key decisions for Cinderella and decide where she goes next—but no matter the choice; the result is a story unlike any fairy tale you've ever read!

I'm giving away a copy of each of these books. They are ideal for younger readers. You can find my reviews here: Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella. Good luck!

Rules:

1. US and Canada only
2. Giveaway ends 5/18 at Midnight
3. Leave a comment with a contact method to enter
4. Extra entry if you spread the word (Leave a link please)

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