Reviews

Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye

eesh25's review against another edition

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4.0

Makenna has not been having a very good day. And then she gets stuck in a pitch-black elevator with a complete stranger. That's Caden. The only thing they can do now is wait, for hours. And that's not as easy as it sounds, especially since Caden is afraid of the dark. Obviously, they start talking to each other and realize that they get along really well.

Caden and Makenna didn't get much of a look at each other before the light cut out. And Caden is glad because when people see a big guys with tattoos, they make assumptions. They see a 'bad boy' characters when, in reality, Caden isn't like that at all. He's a really nice guy. He's reserved and quite, a little sad because of some of the things in his past, but definitely a big softy on the inside. He's sweet and funny and an introvert. Makenna is more open and talkative. But an equally likable character.

Things started off awkward, as you might expect from two strangers stuck in an elevator. But when they got off, it was really good. They had genuinely entertaining conversations. They tried to get to know each other. Things were light, and then serious topics came on. Makenna even helped Caden when he panicked because of the dark.

The chemistry between Caden and Makenna was very important and done really well. I could definitely see the two of them together. And that's the point of romance novels, isn't it? To introduce two people who work well together? I mean, it's not the only point but it's definitely an important one. We don't necessarily need to see them in love or dropping the L bomb. Which, in this case, is a good thing because I refuse to believe they feel in love in just a few hours, in an elevator. Thankfully, even when love was brought up, it wasn't pushed. They did not fall in love. But we could see that it was a good possibility for the future.

Overall, this was a very sweet and touching novella that I really enjoyed. Definitely worth checking out. There's a sequel following the same couple, but I'm usually wary of those when it comes to romances and I've heard some bad things, so I'm avoiding it. I liked how this one ended and I don't want anything to sabotage that. But you can read it if you want because I heard good things too. I just don't want to take the risk.

heabooknerd's review against another edition

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5.0

I've always loved Laura Kaye's books but HEARTS IN DARKNESS was phenomenal! The concept of two strangers who don't really get a good look at each other before becoming trapped on an elevator in the dark was a brilliant way to set up a fast developing and steamy romance. When Caden's claustrophobia is soothed by Makenna's friendly voice in the dark he finds solace and peace when normally he'd be filled with panic.

The intimate setting and the complete dark allow each of them to reveal themselves in ways that are normally uncomfortable in the light of day. As their connection grows, they each worry what will happen when the lights come on and they have a chance to see each other. They seem to each instinctively understand each other and Makenna in particular treats Caden with such compassion.

I wanted so much more of Caden and Makenna because I quickly fell in love with both of them and they're just so sweet together. Since the book only covers about 24 hours it's really just a HFN in the end but luckily there's a second book that gives readers more of Caden and Makenna's story.


Content Warning: Caden's lost his mother and brother in a car accident and has struggled with claustrophobia and PTSD ever since.

missmeek1's review against another edition

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3.0

Short little "mind candy" of a book. Just what the doctor ordered.

clockworkbook's review against another edition

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4.0

I adore Caden and Makenna.

thereadernthebeast's review against another edition

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1.0

Intenté que me gustara... de verdad que lo intenté, pero fue demasiado absurdo.

damianameade's review against another edition

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5.0

Content Warning: Parent death, angst, ptsd from an accident

This story has such a fun premise - two strangers, never getting a chance to see each other's faces, get locked in a dark elevator for hours. The darkness allows them to share themselves in ways they never could in the glaring light of day. One thing leads to another and this becomes one of the sweetest sexiest books in my collection.

*Spoiler*
My favorite part is when the lights come back on and Makenna slowly raises her eyes up Caden's body to his face and blurts out Your Fucking Gorgeous! It was so cute and warmed my heart - needed after their very hot sex scene was interrupted.
*End Spoiler*

I think trapped in an elevator is my new favorite trope. The build up was fantastic. The end when they can finally be together comfortably is perfect. Caden is a wonder, sadly-damaged, cinnamon roll and Makenna is the perfect fiery lady for him.

The only issue with this book is that it is too short! Haha. I could have read a whole collection of these kinds of stories. Hearts in Darkness does have a sequel, Love in the Light but its more about Makenna and Caden overcoming their differences, facing off overprotective family, and individual angst.

I recommend Hearts in Darkness for anyone seeking a short, sweet, and sexy read.

yoyo_reads's review

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dark emotional hopeful fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

shawniebooks's review against another edition

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4.0

I love the idea behind this book. When you're trapped in a completely dark, broken elevator with another person for hours, you can really get to know them.

trudyd's review against another edition

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5.0

Even better the second time around. I always imagined it would be scary to be stuck in an elevator. After reading Hearts in Darkness I am thinking it could be lots of fun.


Caden and M.J. get stuck in an elevator with no lighting. They are lucky enough to get to know each other without the window dressing. It is like The Voice, they get to choose if they like the other person based on actions and personality not letting first visual impressions influence.
I was really impressed with the compassion displayed by M.J. It takes a very talented and understanding author to make a terrible situation so beautiful. Caden has needed someone like M.J. for a very long time. Thanks to a stuck elevator he got her. The empathy I felt for Caden was there because of the way his past tragedy was handled.
There time in the elevator was touching. I got to know both of the characters, and they are superb. I can only hope they continue to make me swoon, feel all warm and fuzzy on the conclusion.

I just started listening to audiobooks. This story was a great one to listen to.

wintergirl94's review against another edition

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5.0

Short, sharp and lovely

I seem to have a thing for ‘ugly’ heros right now! Camden and MJ’s story was a lovely romp with a depth I didn’t expect. Recommend if you want something quick and fun but with meaning weaved throughout!