Hearts in Darkness

I have a deep affection for those books that manage to seize my attention firmly and refuse to release it until the very end of the story. In this particular instance, that holds true until this part of the story concludes, given that there are two additional books in this series.

This book commences precisely where the first one left off. After a span of six months during which Nikki had no communication with, nor any sight of, or even a hint of where Michael had disappeared to, she persists in her search for yet another missing teenager. This time around, the situation is more complex as the teenager not only went missing but has unfortunately become a pawn in the hands of a very ancient vampire who has an intriguing past connection with Michael.

When the search directs Nikki to an exclusive Spa Resort, she unexpectedly encounters Michael. From that moment on, sparks begin to fly, although some of them are not of the pleasant variety. The question now is, will they be able to find a way to collaborate once again? You simply must read this book for yourself. If I were to disclose any more details, I would undoubtedly spoil the entire experience for you.

Michael attempts to maintain a distance from Nikki in order to ensure her safety. However, as we are all aware, in these types of books, things don't always go as planned.

Despite Michael's efforts, circumstances bring them back together. They find themselves joining forces to stop a menacing killer who is on the loose.

As they work side by side, their connection deepens, and they begin to realize that they have something special. But with the danger still lurking, they also have to figure out a way to make their relationship work.

Will they be able to overcome the obstacles in their path and find a way to be together? Only time will tell in this thrilling story of love and danger.

Just when it appears that nothing more could conceivably go awry, Michael makes his return - yet not for her. This time around, however, Nikki has no inclination whatsoever of fleeing from either the case or from that which still persists between her and Michael. And she has no intention of allowing him to run away either.

The very last thing that Michael Kelly requires is a confrontation with Nikki - especially when his hold over his bloodlust remains so fragile. But when a kidnapper accelerates his plan to commit murder, he is compelled into a partnership with Nikki in order to safeguard her.

Soon enough, Michael discovers that the gravest danger he faces might not stem from his need to "taste" her, but rather from his longing to have her as a permanent fixture in his life - a life that is certain to put her in mortal peril. Nikki is resolute in making Michael understand that a life apart is worse than death. But before she can succeed in making him see the light, a specter from Michael's past resurfaces, one that could shatter any hope she harbors of a future with him. Because this time, the threat is not physical. It pertains to matters of the heart. Nikki must vie with the woman - the vampire - for whom Michael sacrificed his life.

This is an excellent second installment in this series. I have an affinity for the characters and appreciate how Nikki is evolving. I like Michael, but he needs to enhance his performance. I am eagerly looking forward to delving into the next book.

I received an e-copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

In my review of Dancing with the Devil, the first in the Nikki & Michael series, I lamented the lack of romance. It seemed they were more fixated on the job and the perils surrounding them than on the nascent feelings between them. Well, Hearts in Darkness more than made up for that deficiency.

Hearts in Darkness commences with Nikki clenching her teeth and immersing herself in work, despite the mournful emotions she harbors for Michael's departure. She is trailing yet another petulant teenager who has unwittingly wandered into supernatural trouble. While attempting to rescue the teenager from an internet date that appears dreadfully ominous, Nikki crosses paths with a group of vampires bent on seizing the young boy, Matthew, and ridding themselves of the burden of Nikki and her boss, Jake. Nikki narrowly escapes the clutches of the vampire horde, but her colleague is mortally wounded.

Despite Nikki's close bond with Jake, she resolves to pursue Matthew and the vampires who have him. This fateful decision causes the planets to align, and Nikki once again crosses paths with Michael, the man who owns and, subsequently, broke her heart. This time, Nikki's determination not to let him leave again prompts her to seduce, distract, and allure Michael into revealing his hand and confessing his feelings for her. All the while, Nikki and Michael are hot on the trail of the fiends who have kidnapped not only Matthew but also many wealthy men for unknown reasons.

I was pleasantly surprised by Nikki's newfound spunk. She has completely cast aside all the fear that held her captive during the first book. She has decided once and for all that she is not going to be afraid of opening up and loving someone who could ultimately shatter her. I did raise an eyebrow at how swiftly she transformed from a skittish, docile kitten to a sexy, seductive vixen. But, really, all I could do was smile and admit that Nikki is going after what she wants, consequences be damned. You have to admire that.

Michael remains as frustrating as ever. He is always so hell-bent on keeping Nikki safe, despite the fact that even when she's not with him, she is having brushes with death. What makes him think that having him around to protect her more effectively would be a bad thing? Silly boy, your woman has presented a compelling case. Stop being so stubborn and embrace the fact that she is with you, whether you like it or not!

This book is light-years ahead of the first book, as is often the case with many series. I relished the introduction of other supernatural creatures besides vampires, as well as the romantic back-and-forth between Nikki and Michael. The sex scenes are still a bit brief and not as detailed as those in the Riley Jensen series. It's almost as if Arthur is a tad uneasy about getting too graphic. No worries, Arthur. I've read 50 Shades of Gray. There's very little that can make me faint of heart after that.

Hearts in Darkness is a book that combines a touch of romance, a hint of fantasy, and a whole lot of action. It's the kind of book you'll struggle to put down and will leave you hungry for more and more of Nikki and Michael.

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Hearts in Darkness takes up the story six months after the events of Dancing with the Devil. Michael abandoned Nikki in the hospital and severed their link. The only indication she has that he's still alive is her own continued existence. Nikki and Jake are assigned to follow another teenager. This time, the boy leads them to an abandoned warehouse where he is meeting an internet connection. Little does the boy, or Nikki and Jake, know that the "connection" is actually a vampire. After the vampire successfully abducts the boy and injures Jake, Nikki decides to pursue the vampire alone. As it turns out, a case Michael is currently working on intersects with Nikki's, and the two are once again forced to collaborate. But can they overcome the attraction they both feel, complete the task at hand, and part ways for good?

I believe Hearts in Darkness is a significant improvement over the first book. This is because we are already acquainted with the characters, and the way Keri Arthur concluded Dancing with the Devil left me eager to discover what lay ahead for Nikki and Michael. Their connection was incredibly intense. I appreciate that Arthur chose to keep our characters apart for at least a short period, although from the reader's perspective, it was essentially from one book to the next. I enjoy it when authors take such risks with their characters and their relationships.

This book delved a bit into Michael's past. We learned more about his life before he became a vampire and the reasons behind his transformation. I also had a greater affinity for Nikki in this book. In Dancing with the Devil, she seemed overly impulsive in her actions, but I think this was a result of the upheaval vampires brought to her world. In Hearts in Darkness, while she still maintains a rapid reaction time, she is more inclined to listen to others (specifically Michael) when they tell her to back off a little. I think she has witnessed evil and endured pain, and wants to avoid it at all costs, yet when she knows she must step up to assist or save someone else, she will set aside her fears.

I am truly intrigued to see where Nikki and Michael's story will progress next.

*I was provided a copy by the publisher for an honest review.

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WOW! I finished this book with a big smile on my face and couldn't help but exclaim, "WOW!" ;-)

Just like many of my books, I went into this one blindly, only knowing that I had loved all the previous books by Keri Arthur. It wasn't until I received my ARC from NetGalley that I realized it was the second in the series. But that didn't reduce my enjoyment one bit! I felt that the previous events were well-explained, and this book was excellent on its own while also serving as a springboard to make me want to buy the first in the series. It was a fun read that sucked me in and held me tight from page to page. If I hadn't been working 10 - 12 hour days, I would have finished it within days. It was utterly gripping! :-)

Nikki is so... normal. Well, except for her telekinetic and psychic powers! She's also deeply in love with Michael, who, like most men - whether vampire or human - is being a bit stubborn about it. He's the long-suffering type who thinks he has to love from afar. His reluctance has merit as he doesn't want to drag Nikki into a dangerous world. But from page one, you just want to give him a gentle nudge (in a good way) and make him see what's right in front of him! ;-)

This book was a total thriller! There's simmering passion - hello, hunky vampire in love with our leading lady! LOL! - and oodles of danger as they investigate the disappearances in a playland for the rich and famous.

Teeming with passion, intrigue, and danger - how could you ever put it down???

I give it a super 5-star rating and am now off to find the first book in the series! These will definitely be ones I add to my library. :-)

Enjoy!
XXOO
~Hope

From NetGalley.com:
Hearts in Darkness
Nikki and Michael Book 2
Keri Arthur
Random House Publishing Group - Bantam Dell
Dell
Pub Date - Aug 27 2013

PASSION WITH A BITE

Private Investigator Nikki James has a lot on her plate. Her lover, Michael Kelly, left without a goodbye, and a simple case of stopping a runaway teen led her to another group of deadly vampires. But things are about to get worse. When Michael returns, it's not for her, but for the case.

Wealthy men are disappearing from a resort in Jackson Hole, where Nikki's runaway teen seems to be. Something shady is going on at the luxury spa. The last thing Michael wants is a confrontation with Nikki, especially when his control over his bloodlust is still shaky. But posing as a newlywed couple at the swanky resort might be the best way for them to solve their cases. This time, Nikki is determined to make Michael see that life without her is worse than death. But before she can, a specter from Michael's past emerges, threatening to destroy her hope of a future with him. Because this time, the threat isn't physical. It's a matter of the heart.

A thoroughly entertaining read!

I truly believe that this series is improving with each new installment. The story in this particular book felt more complete and well-developed. It wasn't just a string of life-threatening events one after another. There was a deeper and more complex narrative at play.

The chemistry between Michael and Nikki was even more palpable and believable. Their relationship added an extra layer of interest and depth to the story. I found myself completely invested in their journey and eager to see what would happen next.

Overall, I'm definitely excited to read the third book, Chasing the Shadows. I can't wait to see how the story continues to unfold and what new adventures and challenges Michael and Nikki will face.