Dancing with the Devil by Keri Arthur

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Nikki & Michael #1
Publication Date: 30th July 2013 (1st published March 2001)
Pages: 352
Book Source: Random House Publishing & NetGalley

Synopsis: Private Investigator Nikki James grew up on the tough streets of Lyndhurst and believes there’s nothing left to surprise her. But all that changes the night she follows a rich man’s daughter into the shadows and finds herself caught in a war between two very different men. One is a madman, intent on destruction. The other has his own heart of darkness.

 For three hundred years, Michael Kelly has existed in life’s shadows, gradually learning to control his vampire cravings. He is convinced that no one can breach his formidable barriers—until he meets Nikki. With her powerful psychic abilities, Nikki swiftly invades both his mind and his heart. Nikki knows how dangerous love can be . . . but if she wants to survive, she must place her trust in this man who could easily destroy her. For only together can they overcome the evil threatening to destroy them both.

My Thoughts:

I've enjoyed Australian author Kerri Arthur's Riley Jenson Guardian series so was keen to try Dancing with the Devil when I saw it on NetGalley, unaware that it was actually first published more than 10 years ago. Re-edited and re-released with a hot new cover, but given this was some of her first work I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it.  

Nikki is a private investigator with strong psychic abilities - telekinesis  telemetry, telepathy (love it, I gobble up that stuff) she's also stubborn as a mule and sometimes just as stupid. 300 year old tortured vamp Michael is a bit of a hotty but having been around a while he's carrying baggage. 

Together they take on Jasper, who may as well be the devil himself. Keri Arthur does 'evil' well but I like to see evil bastards come to a nasty end ... yep I have a mean streak, you'll just have to read this one yourself if you want to know what happens ;)

Nikki and Michael both have 'issues' which amped up the angst. Now I'm not expecting sunshine and roses in their future, but bring on the sizzle I say. 

Overall a darkly entertaining read.

Next up, Hearts in Darkness and the third and fourth books in the Nikki and Michael series will follow at one month intervals.

Connect with Keri Arthur

Website

Twitter

Facebook