Wednesday, August 1, 2007

Once Bitten, Twice Shy-Jennifer Rardin

Once Bitten, Twice Shy
Jennifer Rardin
Orbit, Oct 2007, $12.99
ISBN: 9780316020466

Jaz Parker left the Helsinger elite team of vampire killers to become a CIA. paranormal operative. She prefers to work alone as she trusts no one; the critical element for an assassin to stay alive.

However, two and a half century old Romanian expatriate Vayl the vampire wants Jasmine as his partner; anyone else would appreciate the honor of having the top CIA. paranormal agent as her cohort, but not her. Still she has no say except to agree to serve as an expendable bodyguard to the revered Vayl though she wonders why her as he is not telling. Vayl believes Jaz has some unique abilities including the skill to sniff out vampires. As they work in Miami investigating Assan, a plastic surgeon with ties to terrorists, she proves worthy when his blood supply is tainted, Jaz gives him her throat. Vayl knows that Jaz and he belong together beyond lead assassin and apprentice assassin; however, his ex-wife Liliana the vampiress with ties to Assan has plans for her former spouse that exclude Jaz, who must die.

This is a terrific contemporary paranormal CIA thriller starring two likable good guys and an assortment of nasty mortals and vampires. The counter terrorist story line is fast-paced with a chick lit bite as Jaz’s in your face comments are fun to follow although she needs to be kept on decaf. Vayl is her mentor and much more and yet much less. Although Liliana and Assan show no redeeming qualities beyond perfect matches for Gonzo at Guantomino, fans of supernatural suspense thrillers will want to read ONCE BITTEN, TWICE SHY.

Harriet Klausner

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