Recovery: Book Two of the Code Black Trilogy

Recovery: Book Two of the Code Black Trilogy picks up from where it left off in Resuscitation and details the recovery of Nikki after a targeted shooting. Dr. Nikki Greenway owns her own cardiologist practice and has a checkered past that is also explored through the book. Vincent Black is the owner of a nightclub called VIN where the synthetic drug, Pure Silk, has been harming his customers. It all links back to Dexter Stone. This time, Nikki also has a new suitor who has been hiding in plain sight.

Recovery reads well for those who haven’t read the first book because the author catches readers up with backstories and synopses of the inciting events that led Nikki and Vincent to where they are now. Still, reading the first installment provides more context and makes this second installment more enjoyable, especially seeing the character growth and enhanced sexual chemistry. This book kept me engaged and looking forward to a confrontation with Stone or finding Nikki’s shooter. Last time, the star side character was Nikki’s best friend, but the real MVPs this time are Vincent’s security, Forrest and Sterling. 

The intimacy in this book is grittier and more intense than the first, but that’s not bad! It gets delightfully explicit. However, I noticed a lot of 50 Shades of Grey references that kind of threw me off, like Nikki’s “psyche” and Vincent’s subtle and not so subtle holds on different parts of Nikki’s life. It kind of took away from the story, for me. Dr. Kenny, one of Dr. Nikki’s colleagues, is also worth mentioning. He’s terrible in his flirtatious advances, but he highlights both Vincent’s jealousy and concern for Nikki. The journey in seeking justice for Nikki wasn’t what I expected, but I hope there’s more on that in the third book.

Recovery: Book Two of the Code Black Trilogy is a solid sequel to the first book in the Code Black Trilogy. Nikki and Vincent are finally defining their feelings for each other and working through trauma and perceived betrayal to test the limits of their potential love for each other. I look forward to the third installment in the series. Fans of more erotic romance, passion and drama would enjoy this book.