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Jennifer Rardin Tribute and Giveaway
Filed in Giveaways , Jennifer Rardin , The Geeky Lover Posted on September 28, 2010 @ 10:32 am
51 comments
Last week the wonderful author Jennifer Rardin passed away. We, here at Book Lovers Inc, were devastated and still can’t believe it. Jennifer was a wonderful funny and witty author and an even better person.
She was one of nicest authors I ever contacted and she welcomed me with so much warmth.
Her Jaz Parks series is one of the funniest urban fantasy series out there and know one should miss to get to know this wonderful unique heroine. Believe me you will laugh so much and don’t be able to stop.
Here a bit more info about her books:
Once Bitten, Twice Shy – Jaz Parks #1
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?
Another One Bites the Dust – Jaz Parks #2
In their latest mission, Jaz and Vayl are sent to kill an ancient Chinese vamp who’s stolen a vital piece of biotechnology. The catch? They’re undercover as street performers…and Jaz has to bellydance.
Biting the Bullet – Jaz Parks #3
The Raptor, the CIA’s longtime nemesis, is back. Jaz Parks and her vampire boss Vayl are asked to join her brother David’s special ops team to take him down. But when her spirit guide tells her that she’s being lead to the wrong man, and she starts asking the wrong questions, her life — and her job– are threatened. And the one person who can help her–her boss– is off on a wild goose chase. Add to the mix a pack of reavers bent on revenge along with a small army of desert monsters, and BITING THE BULLET will take you so close to the edge of your seat you may want to leave a pillow on the floor just in case.
Bitten to Death – Jaz Park #4
Jaz Parks and her vampire boss, Vayl, have already fought demons, vampires, and reavers. Now, juggling work and family takes on a new dimension as she tackles her latest challenge: nail the Raptor before he can reduce her to Jaz-bits, survive a head-on crash with Vayl’s violent past, and lever her twin’s military career back on track before a dishonorable discharge ruins his life. To top it off, she must also contend with her father’s issues. Is he losing his mind? Or is someone really trying to kill him – from beyond the grave?
One More Bite – Jaz Parks #5
Jaz and Vayl have been assigned to travel to Inverness to prevent an assassination that has the potential to upset the balance between the west coast vampire nests and allow another Raptor to emerge. In the power vacuum left by Edward “the Raptor” Samos’ death, a struggle for supremacy has begun between his former allies: The Coven of Inverness, the Valencian Weres and The Flock. The struggle takes on a new twist when Pete learns that the Valencians have hired an assassin to take out the Coven’s leader, a powerful witch named Floraidh Halsey. Jaz and Vayl must stalk a killer as wily and Gifted as themselves as they travel through the wild, stark beauty of the Highlands. Their travels also bring new heights to their romance, a new depth to their passion, and a bond they are both, at last, willing to seal.
Bite Marks – Jaz Park #6
Jaz is possessed. After biting the neck of a domyter during a forced visit to his territory, she now has unwelcome voices in her head. While fighting for supremacy in her own mind, she finds herself confronted with a near-impossible task: perform perfectly on her next mission or face the unemployment line.
Bitten in Two – Jaz Parks #7Release Date: 12/2/2010
Jaz Parks here. I. Am. Pissed. Just as Vayl and I arrive in Morocco to secure an ancient artifact, he wakes up calling me by another woman’s name. And it’s not even a good one. But since any form of argument transforms him into an unholy terror, I’m forced to play along until the gang and I can figure out what kind of power has so vastly altered his perceptions.
So it’s time for me to do what any well-trained assassin in my position might do. I attack. What follows is a hair-raising, breath-taking bullet train ride to the finish as the crew battles on multiple fronts. I now know what I have to do – I must return to hell one last time.
The final book in her series will be released next year.
Has, our Smutty Lover and reviewer at The Book Pushers, had the idea to start this Tribute for Jennifer Rardin. We want to give you the chance to discover these wonderful novels.
Here are the other participating blogs:
Has/Lou/Minn @ The Book Pushers: Two books up for grabs/choice for the winners. Open internationally to where The Book Depository ships
Kmont @ Lurve a la Mode Giving away two books of winners choice. One international winner and one US winner.
Drensb @ Dren’s B-Spot Has a series review and giveaway of first book.
Angela @ Reading Angel Giving away book of choice for winner. Open Internationally.
Ocelett @ OCD, Vampires, and Rants, oh my! Will be giving away book of choice in the series.
Sidhevicious @ Sidhe Vicious Reviews Winner will choose book of choice.
Renee @ Rennee’s Book Addiction Book of choice. Open internationally and an essay post.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~*~*~Giveaway~*~*~
You can win the first book in the Jaz Parks Series, Once Bitten, Twice Shy.
Just leave a comment telling us what you like most about Urban Fantasy Novels.
Giveaway is open to everyone who can receive books from the Book Depository.
Please leave us a way to contact you (email in blogger profile or twitter name is okay).
Giveaway ends on Saturday, October 9th and we will announce the winner on Sunday.
Good Luck!
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Jennifer Rardin has been on my wish list since her first Jaz Parks book. I'd love to have a chance to start the series.
My favorite thing about Urban Fantasy is the level of dark humor and snarkiness most of these novels have. I love intelligent humor.
These books have been on my wishlist for a little while now, I'd love the opportunity to get started on it, I've heard such amazing things about her and her books and I'm sad I never got the chance to start earlier on her books. I love UF because it keeps me on my toes and on the edge of my seat. There is always so much going on and the world building is amazing and the characters are captivating
june111@att.net
Although I never knew this author, it still saddens me to hear of her passing!
Cherry Mischievous
(not an entry)
I agree with both of theses first two comments! I love UF because of the thrill and the good vs. evil and of course the sometimes forbidden love.
ashleysbookshelf[@]gmail[.]com
Also don't forget to check out my amazing giveaways located at the top of my blog posts.
Ashley's Bookshelf
I love urban fantasy..well..as I see it, they are almost believable. I always walk around wondering if someone is and evil paranormal entity after I read one! lol
(I know, I'm a dork!)
I love urban fantasy because it gives me a chance to escape. I want to believe that magic is real and there is more to the world than we understand.
It is so sad to lose an author!
I've been watching these books for a while now, but never managed to pick them up.
I was sad to read that Jennifer had passed away…
I love UF because they are real, and gritty, and not always pretty!
I like a little humor in my books.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
I love Urban Fantasy because they have at least a touch of the real world in them. I can see myself walking down the same streets.
I love everything about Urban Fantasy I just can not get enough:-)
I would love a chance to win this book I have never had the chance to read them.
Thank you for the oppotunity.
mysteriousredrose(at)yahoo(dot)com
UF is my fave because it's supernatural and reality. You have most of the time, real settings mixed with something supernatural and the heroin is generally a strong willed young woman, sometimes with snark and wit or maybe she's the opposite! It doesn't seem to matter which, because her character is always believable.
The list goes on and on why I like UF. There's more action than romance, with just the right amount of romance–not real big on romance, like some, just not a lot. The plots are always good and intriguing with a bit of a mystery element going on as well.
jessbess2505[at]yahoo[dot]com
I read almost nothing but urban fantasy, but it's hard for me to put into words exactly why. I guess I just really enjoy these crazy creative worlds that the authors take me to.
b(dot)cardone(at)hotmail
I think it's wonderful of you girls/guys to have a tribute for Jennifer Rardin like this.
I haven't read any of her books sofar I must confess, even though I put this series on my wishlist ages ago.
As for UF:
I love UF because even though it takes me away from rl it's also closeby enough to imagine some of the cool creatures in UF might actually be among us.
Would love to read her books, they just look so cool.
UF, well I do like it more than PNR, cos less romance can be good. I like all the asskicking and cool magic
In urban fantasy I like that you're constantly on edge, that you don't know how the story will evolve!
vicky.vak8(at)gmail.com
What I love about UF is that every world is unique in some way. And the sassy, kickass heroines don't hurt either!
ironss[at]gmail.com
What i love about UF is they have our everyday problems plus a lot more.
floatingonabiscuit at gmail.com
I love Urban Fantasy because it takes what we see everyday and spins it on its head. I love that!
Thanks!
Katie
bigferret at email dot com
I enjoy Urban Fantasy because you still get that otherworld feeling and sometimes you even get a little romance thrown into the story line. I'm a romance girl at heart so Urban Fantasy usually does a good job with a small romantic storyline in the book.
apk1princess@live.com
I love the grit and the intensity. New creatures, thrills and action. Not to mention kick-ass heroines!
robin [at] intensewhisper [dot] com
What I like best about UF is the incredible creativity authors show in building their characters and their unique worlds.
I was so sorry to read about Ms. Rardin. You are recognizing her work in such a wonderful way. Thank you.
I was so sorry to hear about the passing of Jennifer Rardin.
I love Urban Fantasy because anything is possible – any creature, any situation, things I could never imagine, can all come to life in the pages of UF books.
I love how urban fantasy takes the conventions of the horror genre – and makes them a part of every day life.
cass at feministdracona dot net
I love the kick-ass women – I would love to be like that.
eva.s.black[@]gmail[.]com
I love the strong female characters and the unique worlds created in UF books.
k_anon[at]hotmail[dot]co[dot]uk
I've heard so many people rave about her books, though I've never read them. I'm saddened to hear that she has passed on.
I love urban fantasy because I rarely come across a book from that genre that I dislike. I love how action packed they are and yet they still have important elements like relationships between friends, family, and romantic interests.
melodiousrevelry (at) gmail (dot) com
I love the urban fantasies becuase they are just that. Fantasy. It doesnt has to be real for me to enjoy the story. at 43 my imagination still works good. They are always filled with hot guys. Because no one knows what i like better than me and my imagination. I am sorry for our loss in the book world. And sorry i havent read any of her books.
chaarmedone1512@aol.com
Thanks for the tribute giveaway!
Very sad to hear about this 🙁
I love Urban Fantasies because there is always a kick ass main character!
chidoryx AT hotmail DOT com
I was so sorry to hear of her loss and I think it is a wonderful thing you are doing.
I love Urban Fantasy novels because for me it is the genre that allows you to do virtually everything.
You can make it a thriller, or a romance or even forensic. You can manipulate time and characters in such a way that it goes towards dystopian..
you can add angels and demons and vampire and shifters…
you can do anything and everything!
For me Urban Fantasy is just so versatile!!
Kelly / yvantis@hotmail.com
I think this is a wonderful tribute.
I like urban fantasy because it lets me escape from the real world.
I love reading fantasy because they integrate the real world with the magical one.
Thanks!
okibi_insanity[at]yahoo[dot]com
HOnestly,
I've never got the difference of urban fantasy books,
but if the books on top count,
then yeah I like them, occasionaly…
regards, maidenhealer@hotmail.com
Rardin was a great author. It saddens me that she left us far too soon. Awesome and touching tribute.
Love urban fantasy because of the setting. And the balance of mystery, suspense, romance and action…and of course fantasy/magic. It is the perfect recipe in my opinion.
patronus89013 at yahoo dot com
I was so sorry to read about the passing of Ms. Rardin.
Anyway, I love Urban Fantasy because it is a mix of what we see, we hear, we do everyday & my favorite genre, fantasy. Plus, I love how the authors create the characters & their world
N_Gel9 at hotmail.com
I'm a new convert to Urban Fantasy – I love the vitality it seems to have as a genre.
This sounds like a wonderful series
adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com
Very sad news.
Urban fantasy has some great female characters
bingomamanorma(at)gmail(dot)com
Very strong female characters
muckingup@yahoo.com
I am sorry to hear of her passing. I had heard of her books, they all looked very good. I have never read her, Sorry to say!!
Urban Fantasy is very interesting to read. All kinds of things happen:) I also love all the strong female characters. We need more of them.
Judy Cox
magnolias_1@msn.com
My main thing I live about the UF genre is the "what if" angle and the awesome kickass women that make up this genre.
I follow on GFC.
(\___/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")
alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com
I like the action and strong female characters found in UF.
throuthehaze at gmail dot com
One of the things I like the most is the strong female characters and that the stories are set in our world with a little twist.
spav05(at)gmail(dot)com
I like the characters and the great way the completely unrealistic events seem normal 🙂
juliecookies(at)gmail.com
Just leave a comment telling us what you like most about Urban Fantasy Novels.
i love the elements of paranormal, the grittiness, the toughness of the heroines, and the way that the authors bend the rules awesomely!
k_sunshine1977 at yahoo dot com
I love the series because literally anything can happen. Your imagination literally gets to run wild while you read them because it's not limited to the "normal" world.
This book has been on my wishlist but I haven't read it yet. I hope to start the series soon.
dawncathlene@titancia.net
I’ve heard of this series but have never read it. I’m sorry to hear of Jennifer Rardin’s passing.
Her legacy will continue to live through her family, friends, fans, and works.
I love the actions, adventures, and romance urban fantasies offer. Reading one is a great way to escape from reality for a while.
Thanks,
Tracey D
booklover0226 at gmail dot com
Jennifer Rardin was a wonderful person, so down to earth.
I was an avid reader of her blog and will truly miss reading her blogs and the way she took time to remark to all the comments left. Jennifer Rardin will be remembered for writing an amazing series but more than that she'll be remembered by her family, friends and fans, for being a remarkable human being.
With UF anything is possible, it gives the reader the chance to loose themselves in a book of fiction with the hint of reality inprinted beneath.
I was saddened to hear of Jennifer's passing. She was so young.
I enjoy the strong heroines and the action in UF.
marlenebreakfield(at)yahoo(dot)com
I enjoy the humor and snark in UF.
dorien_benaets AT hotmail DOT com
I'm not sure I can really narrow down what it is that draws me to urban Fantasy. The strong, female lead. The awesome fantasy aspects. The vampires. hmmm..the list could go on forever.
jlynettes at hotmail dot com
I love urban fantasy because it is our world just with supernatural aspects. The are more realistic than just straight fantasy.
kclapsadl at gmail dot com
I've had my eyes on this series for a while and would love a chance to check it out.
My favorite thing about Urban Fantasy is the mixture of real world and fantasy. It idea that it could be happening right outside my door captures me.
–Allison
akbabcock at gmail dot com