Hearts in Darkness

By: Laura Kaye

Narrated by: Erin Jones

Length: 3 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's Summary

Two strangers...

Makenna James thinks her day can't get any worse, until she finds herself stranded in a pitch-black elevator with a complete stranger. Distracted by a phone call, the pin-striped accountant catches only a glimpse of a dragon tattoo on his hand before the lights go out.

Four hours...

Caden Grayson is amused when a harried redhead dashes into his elevator fumbling her bags and cell phone. His amusement turns to panic when the power fails. Despite his piercings, tats, and vicious scar, he's terrified of the dark and confined spaces. Now, he's trapped in his own worst nightmare.

One pitch-black elevator...

To fight fear, they must reach out and open up. With no preconceived notions based on looks to hold them back, they discover just how much they have in common. In the warming darkness, attraction grows and sparks fly, but will they feel the same when the lights come back on?

©2011, 2013 Laura Kaye (P)2013 Laura Kaye

So Sexy but Too Short

Too short but a very enjoyable ride. This is really more of a novella about a couple who meet in unusual circumstances and, as a result of being forced together, end of hitting it off very, very well. As a result, they take the relationship to the next level. They don’t waste any time. But when it works, it works. We really get only a peek at the start of their relationship; the rest has to be imagined. That’s part of what’s enjoyable about the book b/c life rarely wraps up so nicely like so many romance stories end. So it all seems quite plausible though quite uncommon. But it’s a dream many of us would love to come true. I also liked that the h and H are physically and emotionally flawed people yet still very appealing to one another. Both just seemed real, relatable, which added to the plausibility of the story. An added plus was the wittiness in the early dialogue between the H and h.
The ending, or parts of it, was the only aspect that took away from the story for me. Near the end, there was a bit of side-chair psychology that was supposed to be a wow moment; it didn’t work for me. Unlike the rest of the story, it seemed less plausible and didn’t fit; it seemed forced, like a way to point to the couple’s connection. But it came off as false, which then could’ve made the whole relationship seem shallow and only based on lust, with no substance. But I wanted to believe there was more there, so I let it slide. You have to listen to decide for yourself what you think of the rest of the ending…if you can call it that.

9 of 9 people found this review helpful

Short, but Oh So Sweet!!

I with this one was longer, or there were a second installment. Both main characters struggle with their self confidence, and the dark elevator they get stuck in allows them to see each other of who they really are. You can't help but fall for Caden and root for the relationship with Makenna. If you are looking for something short, this is a quick listen and very engaging. I recommend it for all romance fans. It is a good solid contemporary romance with good dialogue and character development.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Quick sweet & steamy listen

This was a sweet and steamy listen about two strangers meeting in an elevator.

Both characters were likable and believable.

Narrator was really good and kind of reminded me of Renée Raudman.

I'm be checking out more from Laura Kaye and the narrator, Erin Jones.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Oh my!! 😍

Wow.. this is definitely my kind of book. I couldn't stop smiling and wished the book would never end.

Not a great fit for narrator

The narrator almost ruined this story. Just not the right fit at all. I wish there was more for the story.

Funny. Sweet & Romantic

I really enjoyed their the witty banter between MacKenna & Caden. When I realized there was a 2nd book, I really hope her family doesn't ruin the peace they have found... This is a fantastic show how people put too much meaning on the physical aspects before getting to know peoples true nature!

Fun Read, creative plot

It really is just the two of them for like 98% of the book. Usually, I get as much enjoyment out of side characters as I do the main characters, but I didn’t even miss them during this story. It was so well done, now my only concern is whether I want to leave these characters in their happy bubble where I left them or continue on with them to their next challenge...

Light and funny!

Good read, light and funny but way too short. I would love to have read more.

Strangers in the dark. What a sweet story

I loved this quick sweet read. It was an unlikely plot of two strangers than are stranded in an elevator. Neither really gets a look at the other, so there is no way for them to judge base on looks. After hours of being stick, they strick up a conversation and come to find they have a lot in common. This is a romantic story about love at first, not glance, but speak or impression. When we look past the outer cover of someone and see them for who they are first before we judge them.
The way the author portrays the emotions and background stories of the two characters is so believable that you can feel the compassion and empathy between them as they share their stories and draw closer together.
In an age when we find we talk less because of electronics, this book reminds you how much you can relate to someone (even a stranger) when you have an honest conversation and talk.

Fabulously Written and HOT!!

I loved this chance meeting. A rugged man who can be tender with a female who compliments him in every way. A must listen for sure.

Fantastic!

A wonderfully sweet story about two people coming together without prejudice or preconceptions. I particularly like the fact that Caden is the one who needs to draw strength from Makenna, instead of her being comforted by 'the big, strong man'. That isn't to say that Caden isn't strong: he is, extraordinarily so. However, past trauma means that he's also the more vulnerable of the two, as the circumstances bring back the past he's learned to live with. Between his gentleness and her understanding, it makes complete sense that they would fall for each other even in such a short period of time.

Light Easy Read

A sweet romance following Makenna James and Caden Grayson as they meet in an elevator during a power cut. With no lights, the only thing they can do is talk, get to know each other, and get through the night until they're rescued. Loved both these characters, and I've got to say the tattooed, pierced, bad boy is not as he seems. The fact of the matter is, these two might not have been paired in any traditional sense, but they are soul mates (in my eyes anyway). The straight laced accountant and the tattooed paramedic..........who would have thought? Light sexy enjoyable romance.

Hearts in Darkness

A unique and interesting concept with tenderness and sexual tension building throughout their time trapped in the lift together. I really enjoyed this book. The characters fit well together.
The narrator was good and really created the atmosphere.

The promise of acceptance

I have listened to this a few times. The hope of love despite the physical and emotional scars we carry is so real and honest you cannot help but read and enjoy this story of love at first...talk?...touch?.... A story of finding the one who help you heal and being brave enough to accept them despite your scars.

Fab short story. Perfect for a long car journey.

Great short story. We'll written and narrated. Left wanting to know more about the couple.
really felt the emotion and the feeling develop between the 2 of them.
Have listened to all the authors current releases and they are now on my automatic buy list.
We'll done, I look forward to more