Dancing with the Devil (Nikki & Michael, Book 1) [Paperback]

Keri Arthur (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 2001

Private Investigator Nikki James grew up on the tough streets of Lyndhurst and believes there's nothing left to surprise her. All that changes the night she follows teenager Monica Trevgard into the shadows-and becomes a pawn caught in a war between two very different men. One fills her mind with his madness, the other pushes his way into her life-and her heart. Nikki knows how dangerous love can be, but if she wants to survive, she must place her trust in a man who could easily destroy her.

Michael Kelly has come to Lyndhurst determined to end the war between himself and another brother of the night. For 300 years he has existed in life's shadows, gradually learning to control the life from death cravings of a vampire. Nikki not only breaches his formidable barriers with her psychic abilities, but makes Michael believe he may finally have found a woman strong enough to walk by his side and ease the loneliness in his heart. But will his love be enough to protect her from a madman hell-bent on revenge? Or will it drive her into his enemy's deadly trap?

Only together can they overcome the evil threatening to destroy them both. But the secrets they keep from each other might prove to be the greatest threat of all.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A romantic detective vampire tale that will send fans of all three genres comparing her to Huff and Hamilton." -- Harriet Klausner, The Midwest Book Review

"The first in a debut series, this fabulous vampire romance will have readers begging for more! A definite collector's book!" -- Award-winning, best-selling author, Carin Rafferty

About the Author

I started writing when I was about twelve. I’d just finished reading one of Elaine Mitchell’s Brumby books, and hated the fact she killed off my favorite character--so I rewrote the book and changed the ending. I haven’t stopped writing since, though it’s only in the last few years I’ve seriously thought about getting published.In 1997, I placed second in the Washington Romance Writers Novel Beginnings contest (specialty romance) with Heart of the Hunter. In 2000, I was short-listed in the Random House George Turner Prize with Spook Squad (urban fantasy). Dancing with the Devil is my first published book.

I live in Melbourne, Australia, and I’m a dessert and function cook by trade. I’m married to a wonderful man who not only supports my writing, but who does all the housework as well. We have one daughter, one dog and a garden full of weeds. When I’m not working or writing, I can be found parked in front of the TV watching re-runs of the X-Files or Buffy.

Product Details

• Paperback: 248 pages
• Publisher: ImaJinn Books (March 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1893896595
• ISBN-13: 978-1893896598
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #843,424 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Keri Arthur has been nominated in the Best Contemporary Paranormal category of the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Awards, and recently won RT's Career Achievement Award for Urban Fantasy. She lives with her daughter in Melbourne, Australia.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read!, December 28, 2003

By 

Vampire Angel "vampire_angel" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dancing with the Devil (Nikki & Michael, Book 1) (Paperback)

I loved this book, it is about a psychic private detective and her trek through the dangerous vampire filled streets of Lyndhurst. As a former orphan and, street smart kid Nikki James is used to the trouble filled streets, so when she follows a girl(someone she is tracking for her job) into the town's "Haunted house", she thinks she knows what to expect.
Nikki is in for an unwanted surprise when she finds out that she really doesn't know everything about what goes bump in the night.

Because of her psychic abilities she is a high prize for two feuding vampires who have chosen the town of Lyndhurst as their battle ground. But before she knows what has hit her she finds herself on more than friendly terms with one of the vampires. As the story progresses you, the reader, with find yourself face to face with a sociopathic vampire and a strangely erotic vampire romance.

This book is a must read for all vampire lovers. Five stars!
I loved

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What A Supernatural Ride!!, July 3, 2001

By 

Carolyn Christy "Caro" (Fairhaven, Ma. United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dancing with the Devil (Nikki & Michael, Book 1) (Paperback)

First of all, I LOVED this book. I bought it on a whim and I am soooooooooo glad that I did.

Nikki James is a private investigator who possesses physic ability. She believes that there is nothing in this world that would shock her. She has seen it all or so she believes . . .

One night, she trails a young girl into a mansion whose history is steeped in evil. She senses the menace hoovering in the dark shadows. The evil waiting to be unleashed. She has no conceivable idea of what is waiting in the deep shadows.

Nikki becomes a pawn caught between two different vampires. Jasper is supremely evil possessing a madness that threatens her own sanity. Michael has tracked his long time enemy to Lyndhurst, determined to destroy him yet Nikki isn't sure if he is on the side of the angels. Can she trust him?

The deadly cat and mouse game between Jasper and Michael was incredible and kept me on the edge of my seat. Both are trying to outwit the other. The scenes were so realistic, I was drawn into their world. Not too mention all of the other supernatural creatures that wait in the shadows!

This story wasn't so much of a lovestory. Oh, there was romance between Nikki and Michael but it didn't overtake the story. Both of them have secrets they are keeping from each other. Both are afraid to love . . .

From the start of page one until the very end, the action was non stop and intense. I could not put this book down. What a supernatural ride!!!

23 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars LOVER OF VAMPIRE ROMANCES.. EXCELLENT, March 26, 2001

By 

Avid Reader (UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dancing with the Devil (Nikki & Michael, Book 1) (Paperback)

This is Keri Arthur's first published book.. and in my mind excellent. The story is fast moving and leaves you sitting on the edge of your seat.. I read this book in one sitting and was not amused with anyone who interrupted me. The Story.. is of a psychic Detective.. and her colleague.. The case involves a missing rich girl... once found she leads them to a situation that will mean changing their beliefs in everything.. Enter vampires one good, one evil... a load of yukky zombies and you have a fastpace gripping novel... Romance develops with Michael but both have some serious baggage... this is a story that the more sentimental of us..will need a good mansize box of tissues... Very emotional in places.. I loved this book and I believe that those who love a good Vampire Romance with enjoy this book.. so give it a go.. I think its worth it... I can't wait for the sequel... My congratulations to Keri on an excellent story and very enjoyable to read... and I imagine books always have such interesting covers and the print is nice and easy on the eyes