Hearts in Darkness (Nikki & Michael, Book 2) [Paperback]

Keri Arthur (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 31, 2000

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Priase for Keri Arthur's previous books: * 'Keri Arthur's imagination and energy infuse everything she writes with zest' Charlaine Harris * 'Smart, sexy and well conceived...thoroughly enjoyable' Kim Harrison * 'Keri Arthur is one of the best supernatural romance writers in the world' Harriet Klausner --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

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: 236 pages
• Publisher: ImaJinn Books (December 31, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1893896714
• ISBN-13: 978-1893896710
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #943,619 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

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Keri Arthur-Best of the Best for Paranormal Romance, August 15, 2002

By 

J. Martin (CA, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hearts in Darkness (Nikki & Michael, Book 2) (Paperback)

For those who have not yet had the joy of reading a Keri Arthur novel, all I can say is that you are truly missing out. Although her first book only came out just over a year ago, she is already an award-winning author and she deserves every kudos that goes her way. HEARTS IN DARKNESS is the second book in the Nikki and Michael series. Although it can be read as a stand alone, for the best reading enjoyment, I truly think that DANCING WITH THE DEVIL should be read first.

In HEARTS IN DARKNESS, Michael and Nikki have been apart for six months. Michael believes that the only way he can overcome his bloodlust is by staying away from the one woman who brings it out in him. But when he learns from the leader of the Circle that Nikki's death is imminent unless he goes to her, he of course can't stay away.

Nikki is overjoyed to have Michael in her life again, for she knows that she will never love anyone else but Michael. She just has to convince Michael that they are better together than apart. The case they are working on has them posing as newlyweds to find out who is kidnapping wealthy men from a resort. Dark magic and a woman from Michael's past are involved in the disappearances. Nikki also has to deal with the dangers of new psychic powers emerging-when she doesn't understand how or where they are coming from. They are in for the fight of their lives.

Nikki and Michael's continuing love story is fantastic. Paranormal romance lovers shouldn't hesitate to purchase this new series. I can't wait to read CHASING THE SHADOWS, the third book in the series, which should be out later this year. Keri Arthur's books are true keepers!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Michael faces his past, Nikki, and black magic, January 22, 2003

By 

Moe811 (New York USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hearts in Darkness (Nikki & Michael, Book 2) (Paperback)

Michael has been gone for six months now, Nikki has all but given up on him and is deep in another case. While following a teenager, she is attacked by several vampires, who kidnap the teen. Just as she is about to follow to Wyoming, Michael reappears, having been assigned a related case by the Circle. Apparently a number of rich men have disappeared from an exclusive resort there and when they return, they stay out of the sun and only come out at night, but aren't obviously vampires. There is something odd about them that the Circle needs clarified and eliminated.

I enjoyed this addition to the series. Michael and Nikki are very appealing characters. The villians are evil enough, and there are several twists in vampire lore to be found. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars excellent book!, May 12, 2002

By 

MizMode "mizmode" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hearts in Darkness (Nikki & Michael, Book 2) (Paperback)

I really liked the first book in the series, Dancing with the Devil(read this one first), but this one, Hearts in Darkness, the second in the series, I loved. Michael is back. Michael and Nikki have to go undercover as a married couple at a resort, to find two missing teenagers, and find out what's been going on with the disappearances of previous guests. You learn a little more about Michael's past, and Nikki's powers, and more supernatural things. And of course, Michael and Nikki get closer. :) I can't wait for the 3rd book.