The second installment in the Nikki & Michael series, Hearts in Darkness, is yet another captivating paranormal romantic suspense that held my attention until the very last page. I simply couldn't put it down, and once again, it was likely due to the leading vampire, Michael. Michael is the tall, dark, and deadly type that I adore. At the conclusion of the first book, he leaves the heroine, Nikki, because she unknowingly released the darker vampire side of him by giving him her blood to save her life. It's that darkness and the sense that he could be just as much a villain as any other vampire, were it not for his iron will and his deep desire to protect the world from his kind of evil, that truly draw me to him. Additionally, the romantic idea of wanting to protect Nikki from everything, including himself, is quite appealing.
This book begins six months after the first, and Nikki is heartbroken, even though she knew Michael was going to leave her. She has been searching for him while continuing her job as a private investigator. Good luck with that, as he is brooding in a remote cabin and quietly longing for her. Her latest case leads her to a confrontation with a female vampire and her minions, from which she barely escapes alive. Together with another case that points to the same location in Wyoming, it brings her back into Michael's life. Convinced by his superiors at the Circle to take on a case at a resort called Jackson Hole and to bring Nikki with him because she'll die without his protection, Michael reluctantly returns to her and convinces her to pose as newlyweds as a cover during their investigation. Okay, it's an obvious plot device, along with another one in this book that I won't mention, but it works to bring them back together, and that's fine by me.
I'm glad that this time Nikki has the good sense to do everything in her power to make Michael stay and convince him that his life isn't the only one filled with danger and darkness and that she can handle it if he would just let her into his world and his heart. We didn't get the repetition of her feelings this time, although the author did repeat a few set phrases quite a bit, and there were a few grammatical errors and incorrect word usages. I can overlook those for now, but Ms Arthur really did repeat a couple of things to death, such as licking dry lips, snorting softly, and rubbing her arms. However, I'll forgive her for now because the repetitions weren't as irritating this time, and the plot was great, full of interesting characters, emotion, and suspense. These books are filled with all of that. The plot is detailed, the descriptions are vivid enough to allow you to picture the scenes, and the suspense is enough to keep you on the edge of your seat and keep you reading. The romance really flourishes in this one, and although it takes half the book for the lovebirds to realize that there's no use fighting each other, it didn't bother me. I didn't want them to rush their relationship because I was enjoying how stubborn and pigheaded they could be. They're a match made in heaven. Nikki is as stubborn as hell in her desire to overcome Michael's iron will and determination to keep her at a distance, while Michael is steadfast in his desire to protect her from his darkness and the evil in his world, regardless of the pain he would feel in living without her for eternity. Perfect!
Overall, I would say that if you're a fan of darker paranormal romances with plenty of suspense and a great plot, then pick up this series and fall in love with these characters yourself. I didn't hesitate this time when it came to rating. It's a solid four hearts from me, and I'm off to read the next book in the series because I want to know what's going to happen and what changes are going to occur next with Nikki's evolving powers!
ETA: Elizabeth, one of the antagonists, is supposed to be 800 years old, but at one point Michael thinks about how she loves to pit vampires against each other in fights and attributes it to her being born in the time of Roman gladiators. Well, that can't be right if she's only 800 years old! Pretty basic historical inaccuracy.

Better than the first

This is the second book of the Nikki and Michael series by Keri Arthur. It commences with Nikki in pursuit of yet another teenager whose parent fears he is about to flee. This incident resurrects memories for Nikki regarding the previous case and the moment when Michael walked away. Nikki trails the kid into a factory and is assaulted by five vampires. She survives, but her boss, Jake, is shot and ends up in the intensive care unit. Additionally, a police officer asks Nikki if she can locate his niece, given her ability to find people. She consents, tying the niece to the missing teenager she was following.

Michael has been absent from Nikki's life for six months after she saved his life. However, since she gave him human blood, he must once again battle the inner demon within him, and he doesn't want Nikki to be in the crossfire. Nevertheless, fate intervenes and doesn't permit him to remain distant. A case reunites them as Michael has to combat the vampire who is the mastermind behind all that is transpiring. Wealthy men are going missing, and it is up to them to put a stop to it.

Once Michael reenters her life, Nikki is resolute in keeping him there. She desires to demonstrate that they belong together. But how will she achieve this when he is so determined to keep her at a distance? Michael also wants Nikki, yet he doesn't want her in his life due to the darkness that surrounds it, and all the things he has to do to bring down the bad guys. Will they ever manage to make it work?

This was a superior book. At least it contains sex scenes, unlike the previous one. The character development is also significantly better. You finally catch a glimpse of some of the evil in Michael's life and understand why he is keeping Nikki away. It is definitely a four-star read.

Fun, witches, vampires and other entities.

These elements bring a unique charm and excitement to various forms of entertainment. Witches with their magical powers and mysterious spells, vampires with their alluring yet terrifying nature.

Each of these entities has its own distinct characteristics that set them apart from one another. They add an element of the supernatural and the unknown, captivating our imaginations.

And there's more to come! We can look forward to new and exciting interpretations of these classic entities, as well as the introduction of entirely new ones.

YAY! The world of fun and the supernatural is constantly evolving, and we can't wait to see what's next.

Nikki is attempting to carry on with her life without Michael, who departed after their previous escapades. She remains uncertain as to the reason for his departure, but he is aware that their mutual attraction renders their relationship perilous.

Nonetheless, her most recent case reunites them, and it is far from a lighthearted affair. People are disappearing, and currently, it is a young man that Nikki is looking into.

This series is rather well-crafted. The characters are more well-developed and believable compared to those in Anita Blake, and the sense of confusion feels much more authentic. Nikki has to grapple with being a thrall to Michael, and neither of them has any certainty regarding what awaits her or them.

As the story unfolds, the mystery deepens, and Nikki and Michael find themselves in a web of danger and uncertainty. Their relationship continues to be a source of both conflict and support as they strive to solve the case and protect those around them.

Will Nikki be able to overcome her connection to Michael and find a way to move forward? Or will their attraction prove to be their undoing? Only time will tell as the story progresses.

This is the second installment in a truly fantastic series featuring Nikki James and Michael Kelly. As I previously mentioned in the review for the first book of the series, vampire fiction isn't typically my cup of tea. However, the main characters, Nikki James and the vampire Michael Kelly, are simply so captivating that I found myself completely engrossed and unable to put the book down.

Nikki, who is still working as a private investigator for her best friend, mentor, and father figure Jake, is hot on the trail of a teenager. This teenager had met a woman online, but she is far from ordinary. In fact, she kidnaps the boy that Nikki is pursuing. Meanwhile, Michael Kelly, the vampire, is employed by another agency known as The Circle. He is investigating the disappearances of wealthy men from an exclusive vacation resort. Michael and Nikki, in pursuit of the teenager and the missing millionaires, pose as newlyweds vacationing at the resort, which is filled with secrets and danger. I can't reveal more as that's just the beginning.

The characters and the setting are描绘得如此生动，以至于让人感觉仿佛身临其境。有很多次，我都不愿意放下这本书去做其他事情，而当我读到结尾时，更是熬夜到很晚。我马上就要开始读这个系列的下一本书《Chasing Shadows》了。

Michael had firmly vowed to stay away from Nikki in order to safeguard her from the perils that loomed over both of their lives.

Nonetheless, it was far simpler to state this intention than to carry it out, as their life forces had become inextricably bound together.

In the second volume of this series, Nikki is delving into the disappearance of yet another teenager. Matters take an intriguing turn when she uncovers a connection to a vampire from Michael's past.

Meanwhile, Michael is conducting an investigation into the disappearances of several millionaires at a resort in the same vicinity where Nikki is追踪 her missing teenager.

They find themselves with no alternative but to join forces, especially once they realize that both of their cases are tied to the same individual.

Can they manage to continue exploring the bond they share while simultaneously striving to stay alive and vanquish the malevolent vampire responsible for the disappearances?

Michael irritated me for the majority of this book. Every five minutes, he was complaining about how he and Nikki could never be together, how they could never experience happiness together, and so on.

Thankfully, he finally stopped his whining at around page 155 and got down to business. Good grief.

No one truly seems to understand what being a "thrall" implies for Nikki, and in this book, we witness the emergence of some fascinating new abilities that no one can fully explain.

It makes you wonder what lies in store for this crime-fighting duo. Onward to the next book!

Review:

While the world that was created and the plot were both highly engaging, unfortunately, I did not manage to establish a connection with the characters. I had a certain liking for the two main characters, yet due to the sense of distance that I experienced while reading, it became rather difficult for me to fully engage in the story. This might potentially be attributed to the fact that I did not read the first book in the series. However, having said that, I firmly believe that this story has the ability to stand on its own merit, mainly because of the great writing.

I was really fond of the twists, the mystery, and the aspects related to Black magic as well. The fire imps were by far my favorite to read about, and I thoroughly enjoyed the subtle changes that were made in the vampire lore.

Overall, Hearts In Darkness by Keri Authur encompasses all of the essential elements that make up a great Paranormal Romance. It has a captivating plot, interesting characters (even if I didn't connect with them on a personal level), and unique elements that add to its charm. Despite the minor drawback of not feeling a strong connection to the characters, the book still manages to hold the reader's attention and keep them engaged from start to finish.

Michael and Nikki are a hit once more.

Nikki's powers have grown significantly, which gives them an edge in their current situation. However, the situation is far from ideal as Jake is hurt and currently in the ICU, fighting for his life.

Meanwhile, Michael is still grappling with his feelings for Nikki. On one hand, he knows that their mission requires his full focus, but on the other hand, his heart keeps pulling him towards Nikki.

Now, they have a new and dangerous task at hand. They must stop a Black Magic user who has turned into a vampire and is threatening to cause chaos in Jackson Hole, WY. The fate of the town and its people lies in their hands.

Michael and Nikki will have to put aside their personal issues and work together as a team if they hope to succeed in this perilous mission.

It won't be easy, but with Nikki's enhanced powers and Michael's determination, they just might have a chance to save the day.

3.5 Stars

This book is truly a page-turner. It is filled with loads of action and is even better than the first one. It can be considered as your action PNR deluxe. If you don't like authors like Meljean Brooks, Jeanine Frost, and many others, then this book is not for you. However, if you happen to be like me and many others, a lover of a good mix of action and paranormal with a dash of romance and smut, then this is definitely a must-read. Although it is not completely new and does have some cliché romance elements, it is written really well. My favorite part is the action scenes. Arthur excels at writing those. Just like I said in the first book, her prose is great. I think the writing is still the strongest point of the book.

In comparison to "Dancing with the Devil", the character building has improved significantly, at least when it comes to Nikki and Michael. One gets a better understanding of where Michael is coming from. However, there are still many questions. For some reason, the supporting cast, while tantalizing, didn't come through again. In fact, the villains, although nasty, didn't leave much of an impression. Their reasons for their behavior were rather sketchy at best. So when the big showdown happened and Michael had to make those difficult decisions, I was left a bit cold. I did enjoy the action, though. Again, this book is definitely more plot-driven.

The plot is interesting, even if it is kind of predictable. It is a real page-turner right up until the end. And while the end of "Hearts of Darkness" is much more resolved than that of "Dancing with the Devil", I couldn't help but pick up the third book immediately after.

The series is being re-released this summer/autumn. It is a must-read for fans of kickass PNR!

ARC was provided by Publishers through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Once more, there was action right from the start, and I truly love that aspect of this series.

Keri Arthur has indeed discovered a remarkable blend between the paranormal, action, and romance. However, I must admit that I have a particular fondness for the action parts. She has a talent for drawing you in further with each chapter, making it extremely difficult to take even the tiniest of breaks from the book. I constantly found myself thinking, “Ohhh, just one more chapter, I need to see what happens now.”

Maintaining that kind of pace is likely not easy, yet it functions perfectly. I also appreciated the changes in Nikki and Michael. Although I have a small issue with the 'I love you' being casually tossed around after they had known each other for only one week and then hadn't seen each other for 6 months. But hey, that's just my personal preference, and it's such a minor detail that was quickly forgotten. I have to admit that it was nice to see Nikki fighting and not succumbing to angst with Michael.

As much as I like Nikki and Michael as individual characters, I can't quite warm up to their relationship. Maybe I'm just projecting Michael's negativity. I hope that both this and the angst related to their relationship will change in the next installment. This time around, Michael's reasoning against a relationship was a bit easier to understand, especially after meeting Elizabeth.

The writing is truly excellent, and I adored seeing how all the different storylines came together to form one big picture. A pleasant surprise were the fire imps, as I haven't read about anything quite like them before. I hope there will be more such elements in future books.

All in all, a solid 4 stars for this second installment that kept me curious and on the edge of my seat. I'm eagerly looking forward to the next book.

ARC provided by Random House Publishing Group - Bantam Dell via NetGalley.

Plot: The story revolves around vampire-related stuff. It likely delves into the mysterious and often thrilling world of vampires, perhaps exploring their relationships, powers, and the challenges they face.

Thoughts: I can't claim that I didn't enjoy it even a little. There were indeed moments that caught my attention. However, overall, I struggled to find a clear point or a deeper sense within the narrative. It felt a bit disjointed at times.

It's true that this book is somewhat addictive. Each chapter concludes with a cliffhanger, which compels the reader to keep turning the pages. Most readers could probably finish it in a day or two. But since I had ample time, I chose to take my time and savor it slowly.

I did have a good experience reading this book. It introduced some new elements and flavors to my reading palate. Just like it's beneficial to try something different from your usual diet every now and then to avoid monotony, reading this book provided a similar kind of refreshing change.

It's the second book of the Nikki and Michael series. I haven't read the first book, and I don't plan on reading the subsequent ones either. You see, vampire romance just isn't my preferred genre. It's not that I dislike it completely, but it doesn't really resonate with me on a deep level.

This second installment in the Nikki and Michael series truly did not disappoint. Nikki, once again, is on the trail of a teenager who has ventured out to meet a potential girlfriend from the internet, completely unaware that he would encounter an old acquaintance of Michael's.

Michael, who has distanced himself from Nikki for the better part of 6 months in an attempt to control his bloodlust, has now been compelled to team up with her once more. She is in search of two missing teenagers, while he is delving into the disappearances of wealthy men from a popular resort.

Dark magic, fire imps, vampires, and a rather nasty villain all stand in their path, making their journey filled with peril and excitement.

I am quite fond of the development of the relationship between Nikki and Michael. It is progressing at a suitable pace, neither too fast nor too slow. Each of them desires more but is unable to offer more until the situation becomes truly dangerous and they come to the realization that they cannot ignore their feelings any longer.

I truly relished this second book and eagerly anticipate the arrival of books three and four in this captivating series.

This book is an ARC that was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review.