Book Series Review: Jennifer Rardin

Back in 2007, I checked this arthur's book out of the library. It was called Once Bitten, Twice Shy. That is a catchy title to those of us who love the paranormal genre. During the three weeks it was checked out to me, I picked it up once or twice. I read the first page and could not get past it. During the next year, 2008, I proceeded to check out this book each time our library processed in a new book of the Jaz Parks series.

After all it had assassins and vampires... it had to be good right?

Here I am in 2009. The fifth book of the series just came out and so once again, I rechecked out the previous four, in addition to the fifth to try again. Five books in two years? I had to see what was going on between the pages of these books.

Maybe it was bad timing all the times before. Maybe I was just waiting for the fifth one to already be out by the time I began to read these books.

For the last week, I have been staying up until the wee hours in the morning devouring this series. I read the first book, Once Bitten, Twice Shy in two late night readings. I knew I needed sleep before I started on the second one... nope. Another One Bites the Dust teased me as it sat on my bedside table. I sat up and read that one in one night.

Okay I am seriously exhausted by this time. Work, class, cats, and life in general are beginning to interfere with Jaz Parks and her life!

That night I am determined that I must wait a day before I begin the third installment in this series...Biting the Bullet. Ha... the book convinced me at least read the first chapter... really what could be the harm in that? One chapter is nothing. Right... not in this series. Halfway through this book, I laid it down and went to sleep.

This one also was finished the next night. By now, my family and friends think I have abandoned them. My co-workers want me to go on vacation or sick leave. (Usually I am the peppy one). My boss wanted the name of the books... that I gladly provided.

One more day of work and then it will be the weekend. I could read all weekend right? Then catch up on my sleep. I began the fourth book, Bitten to Death. It was finished that night. So, it being the weekend and all... I began the fifth one...One More Bite. Next thing you know it is now morning. My kids have soccer games... and I am on refreshment duty.

Okay... do not ask how, but we managed to get through the day. I am now home, so completely exhausted that I imagine I will sleep straight through until Monday morning.

Nope... I enjoyed the books so much that I went and bought all five. To share with my sister. Therefore, I could reread them all when the sixth one hits the stores.

These are not literary masterpieces. They are not destined for bestselling of all time lists.

What these books are- is FUN. They are a joy to read. The title character, Jasmine Elaine Parks, kicks butt. She works for the CIA. She loves her family... even her Granny, whom, she has several conversations with... in her head, as her Granny plays bridge with different people. Her father is a retired Marine. Her mother is deceased... but we do meet her again.

She survived a horrific event and is dealing with survivor's guilt that will touch a cord with anyone who has suffered a loss. She wants to live life fully again but is scared. Aren't we all? With each new book, she progresses on letting go of her guilt and begins to take chances again. On herself, for herself, and others.

That is my favorite part of this series. The hope provided in the background of each page.

Not to mention the humor.

Go ahead, and check this series out.

By the way... my brother- in - law is mad at me... my sister has disappeared into book two.