Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Hearts in Darkness & Chasing the Shadows by Keri Arthur

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Nikki & Michael #2
Publication Date: 27th August 2013 (1st published 2001)
Pages: 336
Book Source: Own purchase

Synopsis: Life has never been so insane for Nikki James. There's another teenager missing. She has another vampire to contend with. Her partner and best friend Jake is in the hospital dying. And a madman is kidnapping the wealthy. Just when it seems nothing else could possibly go wrong, Michael returns-but not for her. This time, however, Nikki has no intention of running from either the case or from what still lies between her and Michael. And she isn't going to let him run, either. The last thing Michael Kelly needs is a confrontation with Nikki-especially when his control over his bloodlust is still so tenuous. But when a kidnapper steps up his agenda to murder, he's forced into a partnership with Nikki to keep her safe. Soon Michael discovers 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 sure to get her killed. Nikki is determined to make Michael see that life apart is worse than death. But before she can make him see the light, a specter from Michael's past rises that could 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. Nikki must compete with the woman-the vampire-for whom Michael gave up life.

My Thoughts: 
Another missing teenager, another dangerous case for Nikki and Nikki and Michael forced to team up in the fight against evil as their cases intertwine.  

The relationship dynamic drove me nuts, Nikki & Michaels' lives are irrevocably linked, the chemistry and emotion is there but Michael's constant "we can never be" got seriously old and seriously irritating!  

Insta-love and fast-forward relationships don't work for me but geez ... these two need to get off the angst train and just get to know each other.   

On the plus side Hearts in Darkness is another action packed installment, the new entities introduced are great, especially the fire imps and I'm really curious about Nikki's morphing abilities. 

I've got my fingers crossed that book 3 is less angst and more of everything else. 









Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Nikki & Michael #3
Publication Date: 24th September 2013 (1st published 2002)
Pages: 352
Book Source: Random House Publishing & NetGalley

Synopsis: Nikki James is in San Francisco at the request of her partner and best friend, Jake. The wife of an old friend is missing, and Jake intends to find her—whatever the cost. The authorities believe the kidnappings to be the work of a sick mind, but Nikki knows that the truth is something much worse—especially since she seems to have an unexpected psychic link to the killer. But as always, she is more than willing to risk her own life to save another’s.

For Michael Kelly, Nikki’s bravado is a source of endless terror. He wants nothing more than to make Nikki a permanent part of his life, but he knows that her quest is sure to get her killed. As they chase through the sewers and tunnels of San Francisco and the body count begins to rise, Michael badgers her to stay off the case, but Nikki has no intention of complying. She wants him to realize that she’s either a full partner in his life or she’s out. But nothing prepares her for the price she has to pay for her stubbornness—the life of someone she loves.

My Thoughts:
Best yet ...

Nikki and Jakes' private investigative work and Michael's missions with the Damask Circle merge once again (much to Michael's displeasure) with a horrifying case that kept me turning the pages, enthralled. 

Michael's condescending attitude and insistence that Nikki is a delicate flower in need of protection or bubble wrap borders on nauseating but I guess a 300 year old vamp isn't going to change his archaic attitude overnight. 

 “I will treat you like a full partner when you act like one” ... oh pul-eeze

Does he forget he and Nikki are life-linked and she's a tough investigator with seriously bad-ass psychic abilities that are morphing into something all-powerful?

Thankfully Nikki & Michael's relationship takes a leap from the angst train into something more 'real' ... not without battles, and ultimatums on Nikki's part and plenty of eye rolling on mine. 

Chasing the Shadows is the most enjoyable of the series so far, up next Kiss the Night Goodbye, hope it lives up to my growing expectations.


See my review of the 1st book in the series Dancing with the Devil


Connect with Keri Arthur

6 comments:

  1. Too funny ... I just started a book called "Blur" and the main character is Nikki and the town she just moved to has vampires! lol!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I have the first book in Arthur's Riley Jensen series and I can't wait to find the time to get started. I've heard really great things about all her books in general and it's good to see that her other series are doing well! Wonderful reviews Sheree =)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Mish, the Riley Jenson series is by far the better series, but this is her earlier work with a bit of a do-over lol.

      Delete

Thanks for taking the time to leave some comment love, I'm a 'comment back' kinda girl. Don't forget to check the 'Notify me' box