Hearts in Darkness by Keri Arthur is the second volume in the Nikki and Michael series. I was initially curious after reading the first book, eager to explore the further adventures of Nikki and Michael. The first novel was enjoyable, yet it lacked some details for me to be completely enthralled. However, I feel that this book has filled that gap.

Nikki has taken charge of her life, despite the difficulty of Michael's absence. She regrets not sharing her true feelings with him and is angry at his decision to run away. But it's not easy for Michael either. Despite his love for Nikki, he refuses to involve her in his dangerous life. Yet, circumstances force him to return and work with her to protect her. Nikki is investigating a story that seems to be linked to Michael's job. She is searching for a young man who disappeared after a strange online encounter and was kidnapped by vampires, as well as a girl who has been missing for five months. Michael, on the other hand, is trying to find the culprit behind the disappearance of several wealthy men in a large complex. To do this, they must team up and pretend to be a couple on honeymoon, which proves to be more challenging than Michael expected.
The plot of this novel is very interesting, with a great villain. There are several twists and turns that I didn't see coming, which kept me on the edge of my seat. I was also eager to see the evolution of the relationship between Nikki and Michael. It's clear that Michael has a hard time admitting that he needs Nikki in his life, but it's a mutual feeling. The powers of our heroine are constantly evolving, which adds an extra layer of excitement to the story. I loved the ending of the novel, which tied up all the loose ends nicely without leaving a cliffhanger. I'm curious to see what the author has in store for us in the future novels of this series. Overall, it's a pleasure to read and discover each new installment.

Mon avis en Français

My English review

Hearts in Darkness was a significant improvement compared to the first book.

Of course, it's not without its problems. However, both the story and the characters were highly engaging.

Nikki has undergone growth. She is no longer the complainer she was in the first book, nor is she afraid of her emotions. Although I'm not entirely convinced by her newfound confidence in desiring Michael so strongly (I, being a rather proud person myself :P), it was a delight to see her progress towards a more kick-ass status.

Michael still retains a bit too much of the Edward-ian (from the famous Twilight) quality, but he has also matured into adulthood.

The story features an interesting plot and a good pace. It could have been even tighter if the Michael and Nikki dilemma had been more severely trimmed. I still maintain that this series has a bit too much romance for my personal tastes. But I admit that you're hearing the cynic in me with this rather tough declaration. :)

DRC courtesy of the publisher via Netgalley.

Hearts in Darkness by Keri Arthur

My Review:

I absolutely adored this book, just as I did the very first one in the series. The story is captivating and filled with thrilling moments that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Keri Arthur has once again proven herself to be a masterful storyteller, creating a world that is both dark and enchanting. The characters are well-developed and their relationships add an extra layer of depth to the plot. I found myself completely invested in their lives and rooting for them throughout the entire book. I am truly excited to read more by this talented author. Without a doubt, this book deserves a full five stars! *****5 STARS*****

I can't wait to see what other adventures Keri Arthur has in store for us in the future installments of this series.

For some reason, it seemed as if both characters were stronger in the first book BEFORE the "merge". This doesn't make sense to me. After all, being able to borrow part of each other's "gifts" should act as a power enhancer, not a reducer.

Beyond that, the story was just okay. It wasn't great or wonderful. There was no suspense, and for me, there was zero mystery. To be honest, at times it was kind of boring. I wished they could have finished the book faster than they were progressing.

I'm starting to think that I might be becoming a bit of a book snob. However, Keri Arthur's other stories have been far better. Maybe I'm just being too hard on a book that was the author's starting work. All I know is that I will always be completely honest about my enjoyment of a book.

I'll continue to read and evaluate books based on my own standards and preferences, but I'll also try to keep an open mind and give new authors and new works a fair chance.

4.5 Stars

Hearts in Darkness is the second novel in the Nikki and Michael series. It serves as an excellent follow-up to the first book, Dancing with the Devil. The story picks up six months after the conclusion of the first book. Nikki is engaged in another case, while Michael is working hard to relearn how to control his bloodlust. Then, a call brings him back into Nikki's life. They have a common case, and Michael is resolute in keeping Nikki at a distance, believing it's for her own good. However, Nikki is just as determined to bring them closer together.

Hearts in Darkness is truly a great book. I thoroughly relished every moment of it. This time around, the roles are reversed. Nikki is the one actively pushing for a relationship, while Michael attempts to keep things strictly business. But, as expected, that doesn't last long. It was truly wonderful to witness these two characters collaborating as they strive to bring down an evil darkness. The writing is fast-paced and highly compelling. The story and atmosphere are completely distinct from the first book, taking the readers on a全新的 journey with Nikki and Michael. It is an outstanding second installment in the series. I eagerly look forward to reading the next one, Chasing Shadows.

The Nikki and Michael series comes highly recommended to fans of Urban Fantasy.

I have to admit that I liked the first book a little better. However, this particular one also had a great deal of action.

It is a fairly fast-paced read that really keeps you on the edge of your seat, constantly making you eager to know what is going to happen next.

Nikki and Michael are truly great characters. Their personalities are well-developed and they bring a lot of life to the story. I am really looking forward to seeing how their relationship progresses and grows in the next two books.

Once again, I do wish that there was a bit more humor in the story. Humor always has a way of making a book even more enjoyable. But, on the other hand, the action-packed nature of this book more than makes up for the lack of humor. It keeps you engaged from start to finish and makes for a really exciting read.

Overall, I would say that this is a great addition to the series and I can't wait to see what comes next.

The Nikki & Michael series by Keri Arthur has another great continuation. Nikki is well aware that Michael loves her, and she can fathom the reasons why he believes they should be separated, yet she simply refuses to accept it. Then, a new missing persons case unexpectedly brings them back together. This time, they have to pose as a honeymooning couple. They not only have to collaborate to locate a number of missing teenagers but also uncover the evil that is preying on them. When Michael is faced with his past, the big question is whether he will be able to perceive all the goodness that Nikki brings to his life or if the past will overshadow his future. It's a great, adventurous read filled with numerous twists and turns. I'm truly excited to keep on following this series!

I have been extremely critical of a previous series by Keri Arthur - the werewolf reservation books. However, this particular one was a great read!

Nikki is an evolving psychic who works as a private investigator. She is trailing a wealthy teenage boy who gets abducted while she and her partner are assaulted by vampires. The missing boy and the missing daughter of a cop are connected to an investigation being conducted by Michael, Nikki's vampire ex-boyfriend. They are now looking into a resort where rich men are disappearing, and Nikki wants to take advantage of this opportunity to win Michael back, but she faces competition from the vampire who turned Michael.

I truly enjoyed this book. Nikki is a likeable character, the kind of person you would want as a friend. Michael is a vampire with a distinct personality, and you really do hope they get back together. There is romance in the book, but it doesn't overshadow the plot, so there is plenty for fans of urban fantasy and paranormal romance to relish. I will definitely be reading the rest of this series.

2.5 ★s

Life has become an absolute nightmare for Nikki James. Another teenager has gone missing, and she has yet another vampire to deal with. To make matters worse, her partner and best friend Jake is in the hospital, on the verge of dying. And as if that wasn't enough, a madman is kidnapping the wealthy.

Just when it seems that nothing else could possibly go wrong, Michael returns - but not for her. This time, however, Nikki has no intention of running away from either the case or from what still exists between her and Michael. And she isn't going to let him run away either.

The last thing Michael Kelly needs is a confrontation with Nikki, especially when his control over his bloodlust is still so fragile. But when a kidnapper escalates his plan to murder, Michael is forced into a partnership with Nikki to keep her safe. Soon, Michael discovers that the biggest danger he faces may not be from his need to "taste" her, but from his desire to make her a permanent part of his life - a life that is almost certain to get her killed.

Nikki is determined to make Michael understand that a life apart is worse than death. But before she can make him see the light, a spectre from Michael's past emerges that could shatter any hope she has of a future with him. Because this time, the threat isn't physical. It's a matter of the heart. Nikki must compete with the woman - the vampire - for whom Michael gave up his life.

Cliched, sentimental, and not very well-written. The relationship between Nikki and Michael still feels lacking in emotion, despite the sex and psychic connection. There is no joy in their being together. There is very little in the way of positive emotion in the whole story, and definitely no humor. There hardly seems to be much point in continuing if no one is ever happy about anything.

I am still interested in these early books as I have quite a few of Arthur's later ones, and it's always interesting to see beginnings. However, I fail to see why everything has to be so dreary.

Once again, I have to state that you simply cannot go wrong when you pick up a book by Keri Arthur!!!

If you have not read "Dancing with the Devil", I highly recommend that you do. Although this book could be read as a standalone, it would be best absorbed if you have read the first and know everything that has already happened between Nikki and Michael.

I feel that Keri stayed very true to Nikki and Michael's characters from one book to the next. They are both still strong-willed, sometimes pigheaded, and the chemistry between them is still amazing. The storyline is just as action and suspense-packed, if not a little more. In this one, we are introduced to even more entities, which gives this story that extra wow factor for me. In my opinion, this is a definite must-read. I can't wait to read the rest of the series and all future books from Keri!!! I give "Hearts in Darkness" 5 out of 5 stars!!

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley for an honest review.

I really loved it.

It was an experience that truly touched my heart.

The moment I laid my eyes on it, I was captivated.

Every detail, every aspect of it was simply enchanting.

It had a certain charm that drew me in and made me unable to look away.

I found myself completely immersed in it, lost in its beauty and wonder.

The emotions it evoked in me were indescribable.

It made me feel a sense of joy, a sense of excitement, and a sense of peace all at the same time.

I knew then and there that this was something special, something that I would cherish forever.

It will always hold a special place in my heart, a memory that I will look back on with a smile.

The second installment in this captivating series commences with Nikki coming to the realization that she deeply regrets parting ways with Michael. She finds herself constantly missing the profound connection they once shared.

Meanwhile, Nikki is engaged in a case alongside Jake, which unexpectedly intersects with one that Michael is also working on, albeit from a different perspective. In order to defeat the vampire who turned Michael and another malevolent entity using dark magic, Nikki and Michael embark on an undercover mission in Jackson Hole, WY.

If they are unable to emerge victorious in this battle, their personal issues may become the least of their concerns.

I am a devoted fan of Keri Arthur, and I have yet to encounter anything written by her that I didn't thoroughly enjoy. This remains true with this latest offering. In this second book, we gain a wealth of new information about Michael and his activities. Additionally, Nikki discovers that her powers are steadily growing, but she is uncertain whether this is a result of her connection to Michael or some other factor. Personally, I lean towards the latter and eagerly anticipate learning more in the next installment. This is paranormal action adventure at its absolute finest.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this remarkable book.