Really good exciting story.

I think this installment was even better than the last one. There is never-ending action, which is really great. I truly liked the story in this book. It was a bit different from some others, as it incorporated magic and added in the nature part. I can't really say more or I'd give it away. So if you read book one and liked it, then you're going to love this one. If you haven't read book one, well, you should! You need to read it before this one or you will be missing some important information that won't make sense if you haven't read it first. It's a good vampire, paranormal story. I really like this author and have read another series she wrote. I'd say she is right up there with the best if you like vampire/adventure/romance. One thing I also like is that she doesn't go overboard with the sex scenes. I like one or two in a story if it furthers the story and relationship, but not just to have sex for sex's sake. There are too many books out there where three-fourths of the darn book are just sex scenes! Some of them have very little story to them and I don't know if that's because they can write sex scenes more easily and with less plot to fill a book faster and make more books in a series? Those are the ones I end up skimming and don't finish the series. I like plot, well-written subjects, lots of action, and good world building. This book has all of that, so on to the next one!

This is book 2 in the ongoing story of Nikki and Michael.

I would strongly recommend reading book 1 Dancing With the Devil first. Otherwise, it will be difficult to understand the depth of their bind.

I read it and found that I needed to go back and skim some parts to refresh my memory.

Nikki is a private investigator with special abilities, and Michael is a 300-year-old vampire.

Book 2 has the same level of suspense as book one, but the personal relationships really get a chance to develop.

If you are a fan of paranormal romance with lots of action, you will love this book.

I can't wait for the next one.

The story of Nikki and Michael continues to unfold in this exciting second installment. The author has done a great job of maintaining the level of excitement and mystery that made the first book so engaging.

The development of the personal relationships between the characters adds an extra layer of depth to the story.

Overall, this is a great read for anyone who enjoys paranormal romance and action-packed stories.

I highly recommend it.

Oh shit...Oh yes...Michael...

Sorry I got distracted...

Oh how I love Michael. This was truly one hell of a captivating read. Damn it, I really hate that there are only four books in this series. Ms. Arthur never disappoints. She had me completely on the edge of my seat with all the thrilling events that were unfolding. I just couldn't envision how Nikki and Michael were going to manage to get out of the difficult situations they were in.

Thank god for Nikki's remarkable strength and unwavering resolve. And thank god she doesn't always listen to Michael. She is indeed one amazing woman. I adored the way she continuously pursued Michael, being determined to make him change his mind about their relationship as a couple.

The flame imps were something new to me, and they really enhanced the overall flavor of the story.

Nikki's abilities are constantly growing and expanding, and it will be extremely interesting to see where they lead her in the future.

I thought I loved the first book, but let me tell you, this one truly blew me away.

Please do yourself a huge favor and get your hands on this series. It's just that damn good.

Now I'm excitedly moving on to Chasing the Shadows...

Hearts in Darkness is an absolute page-turner, filled with non-stop action from start to finish. It's a book that had such a strong hold on me that I simply didn't want to put it down.

The plot of this story is refreshingly different from the norm. Ms. Arthur has a remarkable talent for introducing new characters into a series and making it feel both magical and completely believable. What I truly love about this book is that it doesn't follow the typical formula of a vampire meeting a girl and them falling in love. It breaks free from the clichés and offers a unique and engaging storyline. I wholeheartedly applaud Ms. Arthur for her ability to keep it fresh and original.

Read more at www.ohmyshelves.com

This series is composed of 90% urban fantasy and 10% romance. The stories are so gritty that there are moments that verge on horror. The romance is an ongoing and serious relationship between a master vampire named Michael and his accidental thrall, Nikki.

This is the second book in the series. Independently, both Michael and Nikki are drawn to a case in Jackson Hole. Something evil is lurking at a fancy resort, abducting people and causing them to vanish without a trace. As it turns out, Michael's maker is implicated in this mystery. But she wasn't just his sire; she was also his first lover. Fire imps play a significant role in this story. They add an extra layer of danger and excitement to the already thrilling plot.

The relationship between Michael and Nikki continues to develop and face new challenges in this book. Their love is put to the test as they navigate the dangerous world of vampires, fire imps, and mysterious disappearances. Can they overcome the obstacles in their path and find a way to be together? Only time will tell in this exciting urban fantasy romance.

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

Just like many of the books I read, I entered this one blindly, only knowing that I had liked all the previous works by Keri Arthur. It wasn't until I received my ARC from NetGalley that I discovered it was the second in the series. However, this in no way detracted from how much I adored it! I felt that the allusions to previous events were well-explained, and this book was not only excellent on its own but also served as a great incentive for me to go and buy the first in the series. It was an incredibly fun read, the kind that hooks you from the very first page and doesn't let go. Had I not been working long 10-12 hour days, I would have finished it within a few days. It was absolutely gripping! :-)

Nikki is such a normal person. Well, aside from 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 believes he has to love from a distance. His suffering is genuine as he doesn't want to drag Nikki into a world filled with danger and things that go bump in the night. While his reluctance has some merit, from the very beginning, 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 of both teens and wealthy business men in a glamorous playland for the rich and famous.

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

I give it a well-deserved 5-star rating and am now off to search for the first book in the series. These are definitely books that I will add to my personal 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 what started as a simple case of finding a runaway teen led her to another group of deadly vampires. But things are about to get even worse because when Michael returns, it's not for her, but for the case.

Wealthy men are disappearing from a resort in Jackson Hole, and that's exactly where Nikki's runaway teen seems to be. Something sinister is happening at the luxury spa, but what? The last thing Michael wants is a confrontation with Nikki, especially when his control over his bloodlust is still so fragile. However, posing as a newlywed couple at the swanky resort might be the best way for both of them to solve their respective cases. This time, Nikki is determined to make Michael realize that life without her is worse than death. But before she can get through to him, a specter from Michael's past emerges, threatening to destroy any hope she has of a future with him. Because this time, the threat isn't physical. It's a matter of the heart.

Arc provided by Netgalley and Bantam-Dell for an honest review.

4 stars

Riveting Paranormal romance/action

When I first embarked on this book, it became quickly evident that it was the second in a series, and I had not read the first. I hesitated for a moment, but then I chose to forge ahead, with the determination that I would set book two aside if I felt lost and go back to read book one. Thankfully, due to the author's skill in providing just enough background information, I was able to read through book two and thoroughly enjoy it. The author managed to give enough context to follow the characters without spoiling the first book. That being said, it is advisable to read book one first. I myself plan to do so since I have every intention of reading the remainder of this series. This review will be brief as I do not wish to disclose too much of the plot line.

In the beginning of this book, we are introduced to Nikki, a young private detective with developing psychic skills. She is working in conjunction with her best friend and mentor, Jake, on a case to keep an eye on a teenage boy whose mother is worried he might run away. In their attempt to follow and protect him, they come into contact with several vampires who not only abduct the boy but also severely injure Jake. Nikki follows Jake to the hospital but knows she must leave to try and find the boy.

Meanwhile, Michael is being called upon by Selina and the group he works with to join forces with Nikki, the very woman he wants to keep his distance from because he loves her but believes he is not good enough for her. Michael's assigned case of wealthy men disappearing without a trace is linked to Nikki's missing teenager and the vampires who took them. The two reluctantly join forces in an action-packed abduction/murder mystery filled with psychics, vampires, witches, and flame imps, as well as romantic interludes between Michael and Nikki.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found it extremely difficult to put down. However, as with everything in life, there are interruptions, and it ended up taking me two days to finish. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys action, romance, and the paranormal. It's a great read!

I really liked book two. The relationship dynamics between Nikki and Michael are quite appealing to me. However, I have to admit that I'm a bit irritated with Michael. At times, he comes across as extremely condescending. I do understand that Nikki is a mortal and is more vulnerable and easily damaged compared to Michael, who is presumably more powerful. But still, his attitude can be quite off-putting. Despite this, I did enjoy book two overall. The story was engaging and kept me hooked from start to finish. I'm now really looking forward to reading the third book. I'm hoping that in the end, Nikki and Michael will have a happily ever after. I want to see how their relationship develops and if Michael can overcome his condescending nature. I'm excited to find out what adventures and challenges await them in the next installment.

This is the second book in the series and it was truly awesome!

Nikki and Michael are an incredibly cute couple. Their interactions are so endearing and charming. What I really appreciate is how they develop and grow as characters throughout the story, especially considering that this is just the second installment.

Their relationship evolves in a natural and believable way, which makes it a joy to follow. I am absolutely hooked on this series and can not wait to read the next book to see what adventures and developments await Nikki and Michael.

I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves a good romance with well-developed characters and an engaging plot.

Rating: 2 out of 5.

This adventure of Nikki and Michael unfortunately failed to meet my expectations. It was rather disappointing. The story seemed to lack that certain spark that would have made it truly engaging.

I didn't really enjoy the relationship between Nikki and Michael. Their connection felt forced and not very believable. There was a lack of chemistry between them, which made it difficult for me to invest in their story.

However, I'm willing to give the next book in the series a chance and see how that goes! Maybe the author will be able to redeem themselves and create a more captivating adventure. I'm hoping for a better plot, more developed characters, and a stronger relationship between the main characters.

ARC Courtesy of Random House Publishing Group - Bantam Dell and NetGalley

Hearts in Darkness (Nikki & Michael #2) by Keri Arthur

Nikki and Michael are once again at the center of a thrilling adventure in this fast-paced and action-packed second installment. Nikki finds herself in the midst of an investigation that results in Jake being hospitalized. Despite leaving her in the hospital at the end of the first book, Michael now turns to her for assistance. The two decide to pose as newlyweds and head to a resort to confront a new and menacing evil.

As the story unfolds, new supernatural beings are introduced, adding an exciting layer to the already rich and diverse world that Keri Arthur has created. Of course, we also get to see the return of the beloved vampires that fans have come to know and love.

If you want to read the rest of this review, be sure to visit www.bsreviewers.blogspot.com.

Title: Hearts in Darkness

Series: Nikki and Michael Bk 2

Author: Keri Arthur

Genre: Paranormal Romance

PASSION WITH A BITE

Private Investigator Nikki James has a mountain of troubles to deal with. Her lover, Michael Kelly, abandoned her without a word, and a seemingly straightforward case of locating a runaway teen led her into a dangerous encounter with a group of lethal vampires. But things are about to take a turn for the worse. When Michael returns, it's not for her, but for the case. Wealthy men are disappearing from a resort in Jackson Hole, and Nikki's runaway teen may be there too. Something sinister is happening at the luxury spa, but what? Michael, whose control over his bloodlust is still precarious, doesn't need a confrontation with Nikki. However, posing as a newlywed couple at the swanky resort might be the best way for them to solve their respective cases. Nikki is determined to make Michael realize that life apart is worse than death. But before she can succeed, a specter from Michael's past emerges, threatening to shatter any hope she has of a future with him. This time, the threat isn't physical; it's a matter of the heart.

This book was an absolute page-turner. I couldn't put it down. Even though it's the second book in the series, I didn't feel completely lost regarding the relationship between Nikki and Michael. Their lives seem to be forever intertwined, no matter how much Michael tries to keep Nikki at a distance. They share a life source, so if he dies, she dies too, but if she dies, he doesn't. I don't think it's fair, but it makes sense given that he's a vampire. After six months of no communication, they're brought together to work on a case of mysterious disappearances at a fancy resort. Nikki also believes the kid she was hired to protect might be there. As they try to uncover the truth behind the disappearances, someone from Michael's past shows up, causing a small rift in their relationship. I'm eagerly looking forward to seeing what happens next in the third book. A+

Review by: Helen

http://www.thebookreadinggals.com