Stakeout (Aurora Sky Vampire Hunter, #2.5)

by Nikki Jefford

Noel Harper got a second chance at life when the government recruited her as an undercover vampire informant. Since the day they brought her back from the good-as-dead, she has wanted to prove herself worthy.

When a member of her investigative unit is murdered, Noel is paired up with a vampire hunter named Dante to spy on a suspect in Fairbanks. The problem? They're not the only ones on stakeout. Taking down murderous vampires is one thing. Dealing with the past is another. But this time, Noel isn't letting fear win. She's calling in help from the other side and discovers a shocking secret along the way.

(STAKEOUT is an Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter novella told from Noel Harper’s POV. Approximately 53,000 words.)

• ASIN: B00I6NKC4C
• Publish Date: 31 January 2014
• Publish Status: Active
• Format: eBook (Kindle)
• Pages: 182
• Language: English

Reviews

[bookishzelda]

So I admit I was totally leary of reading Stakeout. Not because I don’t like the series because I love it, and Nikki Jefford’s writing but I was just so pissed off at Noel at the end of Northern Bites. I womaned up though and decided to hear her side of the story.

This book is 2.5 but it actually takes place during Northern Bites it’s just Noel’s pov. I really liked seeing her side of the story. I wouldn’t mind having future books being written in both her and Aurora’s povs because she bring something different to the story. Just as much as Valerie does even though I hate to say that. So there is some overlapping but since Dante and Noel were on different missions then Aurora it’s not the same thing over again. We get some new information that is definitely important so you definitely need to read this.

Noel is a pretty tough little chica. I loved that she has some definite sauciness about her but not in the annoying way Valerie does. We get to know more of Noel’s background and why she ended up in the government program. It’s actually pretty crazy and creepy. I also wanted to smack her roommate Trudy. How was that girl so dense. I really liked Noel and the fact that she wasn’t as gothy as she seemed. I also liked that she had a crush on Gavin. I’m not sure but it made her seem more teenagery and not so cold. Gave her more heart.

I think Dante found his way back onto my bad side after reading this. Although he can pretty funny at times he is also frustrating too. Reckless and doesn’t really think about Vampires as more than just monsters. Oh Dante you're so crazy.

Since this a novella it’s short and a quick read. I loved the story though and getting to know Noel. It’s definitely an awesome addition to the series. I can’t wait for Evil Red.

[Angie]

Stakeout is Northern Bites from Noel's POV. It's not a straight retelling, since Aurora and Noel are rarely together, but a couple of conversations are repeats. There are a ton of extras that made me love this series even more! Of course, we get into Noel's head and get to know her a lot better. She's not exactly the goth princess that I assumed she was, and she seems to like vampires even more than I thought. I did get annoyed with her at times, since she constantly whines about how no guy wants her, and they all want Aurora, and blah blah. I know she has her reasons, but I still wanted to shake her out of it!

Anyway. Stakeout shows the other half of the mission carried out in the previous book. While Aurora and Valerie were dealing with Jared, Noel and Dante were keeping tabs on vampire Buck. Nothing too exciting happens, but oh the fun it was to be with Dante! I love him even more now! But, once their mission is over is when the real jaw dropping stuff happens. Noel has a secret past which catches up with her, and she turns to Fane for help. If you've already read Northern Bites you'll know that it ends on something super shocking and made me super mad at him. Well, there's an explanation and it's even more shocking than what we saw from Aurora's POV. This changes everything! If you're not a fan of in between novellas, but a fan of this series, I'd definitely suggest you read Stakeout!

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.