Once Bitten, Twice Shy by Jennifer Rardon

[snugglekitty]

This is the first in a series about Jaz Parks, government agent and partner to a vampire who was vintage before vintage was cool. Jaz is excited about her new assignment - taking down a plastic surgeon with ties to terrorist organizations and slave trafficking - but still a little confused about her new partner. Why does someone so strong and magical need her? What does she have to offer? And how will he react when he finds out about her past?

Many books in the sexy-tattoo genre* are light and fluffy. This one is not. While short, it manages to touch on some suprisingly deep issues. I enjoyed the sexual tension between two characters with difficult pasts who are trying like hell to respect each other's boundaries. I also enjoyed Jaz' relationships with the other people in her life, especially family members. Finally, this book isn't too tidy. Not every loose end is tied up. No one finds it necessary to explain for pages on end exactly how everything works in this world - they're plenty busy just trying to get by. A good but not compelling read. Three and a half stars. Recommended for fans of That Genre and readers who just like chicks kicking ass.

*You know, you see the woman's tattoo on the front cover, along with lots of skin and a weapon or pentacle?