Once Bitten, Twice Shy (Jaz Parks, #1) in SOS: Serious Overload of Series

Jan 05, 2011 Charlotte (Buried in Books) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: urban-fantasy, vampires

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May 26, 2009 Shelleyrae at Book'd Out rated it really liked it

I've been wanting to start the Jaz Parks series for a while. Jennifer Rardin's unexpected death in 2010 led to a resurgence of interest in her series, and with the final book to be posthumously published in June, I am determined to get up to date by then.
Once Bitten, Twice Shy introduces Jaz Parks, a CIA assassin who enjoys her job but is struggling with the recent loss of her team, and fiance, in a mission gone awry. At his request, Jaz is paired with Vayl, a 300 year old vampire. The partnersh I've been wanting to start the Jaz Parks series for a while. Jennifer Rardin's unexpected death in 2010 led to a resurgence of interest in her series, and with the final book to be posthumously published in June, I am determined to get up to date by then.
Once Bitten, Twice Shy introduces Jaz Parks, a CIA assassin who enjoys her job but is struggling with the recent loss of her team, and fiance, in a mission gone awry. At his request, Jaz is paired with Vayl, a 300 year old vampire. The partnership is unusual but Vayl see's potential in Jazmin's abilities and so far it's been successful, despite Jaz's tendency to crash cars and drool over Vayl's bare chest. Their latest mission involves tracking down a terrorist who plans to unleash a plague on the population but the operation is complicated by a corrupt senator, Vayl's ex wife and an ancient evil.
The plot contains a good mix of mystery, action and humor and moves along at a strong pace. There is quite a lot happening but it doesn't feel crowded, perhaps because there is no elaborate world building or rules to be concerned with. This leaves room for the story and character relationships to unfold without distractions which I appreciate. Jaz's sarcastic sense of humor contributes to the flow of the book, but that isn't to say the plot is without depth. Jaz is recovering from real heartbreak and dealing with a cantankerous father. There is a subtle complexity that sits just below the surface of this book, that may be overlooked.
While the relationship between Jaz and Vayl is part of the story it doesn't overwhelm the plot - their attraction is hot but I'm satisfied to watch it build slowly. The secondary characters that will perhaps create a core team in the series are also appealing with their own quirks and ability to contribute to the story. Bergen is the socially inept computer expert, Cassandra a witch and I expect Cole, a private investigator, will continue to be involved in further story lines.
I can see that I am going to enjoy reading the Jaz Park's series. Once Bitten, Twice Shy is an entertaining and engaging read and I look forward to starting Another One Bites the Dust ...more

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Mar 31, 2009 Charlotte (Buried in Books) rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favourites

I absolutely loved this book. Had a great sense of humour. The chemistry between Jaz and Vayl was electric, you just know that at some point they'll become more than just work collegues, they genuinely care about each other, they just can't bring themselves to say it out loud. A great array of supporting characters as well.

Vayl is a brilliant character, a 291 year old vampire - who's afraid of snakes. Oddly old fashioned and used to keeping everyone at arms length but he's very protective of Jaz ...more

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