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94th out of 2,257 books
—
9,756 voters
Hearts in Darkness
by
Laura Kaye (Goodreads Author)
Makenna James thinks her day can't get any worse, until she finds herself stuck in a pitch-black elevator with a complete stranger. Distracted by a phone call and juggling too much stuff, the pin-striped accountant caught only a glimpse of a dragon tattoo on his hand before the lights went out.
Caden Grayson is amused when a redhead literally falls at his feet. His amusemen...more
Caden Grayson is amused when a redhead literally falls at his feet. His amusemen...more
ebook, 232 pages
Published
April 21st 2011
by The Wild Rose Press
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May 28, 2011
Shawna
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Fans of sexy, sweet tattooed heroes & heartfelt stories
Shelves:
contemporary-romance,
e-book,
tattoos-piercings-body-art,
im-a-cover-hottie-ho,
quick-read-romance,
anthologies-novellas-shorts,
2011-reads,
5-stars,
best-wittiest-banter-dialogue,
favorite-romance-couple-hh-pairings,
firefighter-paramedic-emt,
feel-good-read-pick-me-upper,
hero-abused-scarred-tortured-angst,
hero-beta,
hero-brooding,
hero-gentleman,
hero-im-gaga-over,
hero-i-wanna-marry,
hero-stud-mantel-hall-of-fame,
hero-too-yummy-perfect-to-be-true,
heroine-girl-next-door,
heroine-odd-spinster-wallflower,
heroine-plain-jane-ugly-duckling,
hh-disfigured-injured-scarred-ill,
hh-post-traumatic-stress-disorder,
hh-smart-intellectual-brainy-geek,
i-read-own-faves-keepers,
i-read-kindle,
kindle,
kindle-my-lendable-books,
steam-3-hot,
sweet-romance-left-smile-on-my-face,
beauty-is-in-the-eye-of-beholder,
heroine-redhead,
hero-tattalizing,
laura-kaye
5 stars – Contemporary Romance/Novella
Wow! What a hot, fun, charming surprise this was!
Two strangers...a tattooed, pierced, skull trimmed, scarred hero who’s all rugged bad boy on the outside (think Zsadist look alike) and sweet, considerate, vulnerable teddy bear gentleman on the inside and a smart, funny, understanding, and genuine heroine...discover and explore a deep connection and explosive sexual attraction while stuck together in an elevator. The pitch-black darkness hides their physical...more
Wow! What a hot, fun, charming surprise this was!
Two strangers...a tattooed, pierced, skull trimmed, scarred hero who’s all rugged bad boy on the outside (think Zsadist look alike) and sweet, considerate, vulnerable teddy bear gentleman on the inside and a smart, funny, understanding, and genuine heroine...discover and explore a deep connection and explosive sexual attraction while stuck together in an elevator. The pitch-black darkness hides their physical...more
Opening Line: " Wait! Can you please hold that?"
Ah Caden, my new literary boyfriend, how I would love to get stuck in an elevator with you. Pierced, tattooed, skull trimmed and hitting all my Zsadist fantasy buttons (gah) this bad boy had me in bits from page one. He’s also kind, insecure, lonely and somewhat tortured. Yup he's delicious.
Wow, this was a fantastic little read that I can see myself coming back to again soon. Short, sexy and just oh so good. The only thing that could have made this...more
Ah Caden, my new literary boyfriend, how I would love to get stuck in an elevator with you. Pierced, tattooed, skull trimmed and hitting all my Zsadist fantasy buttons (gah) this bad boy had me in bits from page one. He’s also kind, insecure, lonely and somewhat tortured. Yup he's delicious.
Wow, this was a fantastic little read that I can see myself coming back to again soon. Short, sexy and just oh so good. The only thing that could have made this...more
33 likes · like · see review
This short story was a fast-paced, steamy as well as hot read. The characters were complex and well-developed. Even though it's only a novella there was quite a lot of depth to be found. Also, the sexual tension in the dark was so palpable and well-written. Amazing what an author can bring to life with such a little read.
Caden and Makenna were spending some time in darkness and came back to the light...
18 likes · like · see review
Aug 31, 2011
UniquelyMoi *Dhestiny* BlithelyBookish
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Fans of "fated" romances, and erotica.
Recommended to UniquelyMoi *Dhestiny* BlithelyBookish by:
Juliana and Baba
When total strangers, Caden Grayson and Makenna James, end up stuck together in an elevator that breaks down, somehow there in that pitch black box, they’re able to see more of each other than if they had met on a bright, sunny day. And who knows? Had they met under any other circumstances, appearances would probably have kept them apart but with nothing to get in the way, this seemingly conservative businesswoman and this scarred, tattooed paramedic have to rely on their other senses to get to...more
18 likes · like · see review
Huge 5 stars.
Hearts In Darkness is one of those stories that touches your heart, makes you ponder and leaves a smile on your face for the rest of the day.
The novella begins with two people whose outward appearance is as different as night and day. Makenna is stylish, tailored, attractive, and well-groomed, albeit slightly frazzled. On the other hand, Caden is a nonconformist with tattoos, piercings, and a shaved head. Within seconds of Makenna entering an elevator that Caden was already in, the...more
Hearts In Darkness is one of those stories that touches your heart, makes you ponder and leaves a smile on your face for the rest of the day.
The novella begins with two people whose outward appearance is as different as night and day. Makenna is stylish, tailored, attractive, and well-groomed, albeit slightly frazzled. On the other hand, Caden is a nonconformist with tattoos, piercings, and a shaved head. Within seconds of Makenna entering an elevator that Caden was already in, the...more
19 likes · like · see review
Again - I wouldn't mind at all finding myself stuck in an elevator with Caden. At all.
20 likes · like · see review
Jun 28, 2011
Juliana
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Lovers of amazing gruff/sweet heroes, opposites attract, great chemistry, unusual circumstances
Shelves:
4-half-stars,
2011-reads,
2011-jun-reads,
0-own-as-nook-book,
ebook-digital-copy,
contemporary-romance,
novella,
cr-delicious-hero,
cr-heroine-somewhat-wallflower,
cr-sizzling-chemistry,
cr-opposites-enemies-attract,
best-romance-heroes-ever,
recommended-by-goodreads-friends,
4-to-5-stars,
cr-hero-motorcycle-tattoo-bad-boy,
set-in-usa,
set-in-usa-washington-dc,
cr-hero-disability-illness-scar,
2011-reads-my-favorites-of-the-year,
covers-i-want-to-stare-at-for-hours,
challenge-2011-bb-the-50-states
Not normally a novella fan and didn't have high expectations, but ended up *loving* it (4.5 stars)
I absolutely loved this novella (and like most, only wish it was longer!). Short romances almost invariably get bad ratings from me, because I'm unable to believe any lasting connection, but in this case I had no trouble with that. I found the idea of this new relationship fully believable and wholly enjoyable - and much sweeter than I expected.
{ Hero }
Caden was such a fantastic hero. He's big and b...more
I absolutely loved this novella (and like most, only wish it was longer!). Short romances almost invariably get bad ratings from me, because I'm unable to believe any lasting connection, but in this case I had no trouble with that. I found the idea of this new relationship fully believable and wholly enjoyable - and much sweeter than I expected.
{ Hero }
Caden was such a fantastic hero. He's big and b...more
22 likes · like · see review
Jun 12, 2012
KatLynne
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Everyone who loves a sizzling hot contemporary romance!
Shelves:
novella,
2012-reads,
favorite-treasures,
g-contemporary-romance,
hero-favorite-smokin-hot-sexay,
hero-i-adored,
hero-scarred,
heroine-i-loved,
hunkalicious,
keeper,
kindle-lendable,
kindle-owned,
sensual-steamy,
short-story,
smokin-hot-steamy,
tattooed-bad-boy-hotties,
fire-fighter-paramedic-studs
A perfect little jewel!
Short, Sexy, Sizzling Hot, Tender, Sweet, with emotional depth! Caden Grayson is a hot, tattooed hero that is so easy to love and Makenna is a heroine I adored! How can you go wrong?
This short novella met all my requirements for a great read! My only complaint is that it was so good I wished there had been more!
Edited 6/12/2012 to add the following link
Character Interview - An interview with Caden from Hearts of Darkness
http://fiftyshadesbookclub.blogspot.c...
Short, Sexy, Sizzling Hot, Tender, Sweet, with emotional depth! Caden Grayson is a hot, tattooed hero that is so easy to love and Makenna is a heroine I adored! How can you go wrong?
This short novella met all my requirements for a great read! My only complaint is that it was so good I wished there had been more!
Edited 6/12/2012 to add the following link
Character Interview - An interview with Caden from Hearts of Darkness
http://fiftyshadesbookclub.blogspot.c...
21 likes · like · see review
May 27, 2011
MelissaB
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Fans of tattooed heroes and fun hot stories
Love in an elevator...
Fun short story about two people who meet when they get stuck in an elevator together. The hot tattooed hero is pretty sexy and also sensitive. The heroine was funny and spunky. The whole story takes place over one night but the author made it work. I really liked the characters and story, check it out if you like hot stories with sexy tattooed heroes!
Fun short story about two people who meet when they get stuck in an elevator together. The hot tattooed hero is pretty sexy and also sensitive. The heroine was funny and spunky. The whole story takes place over one night but the author made it work. I really liked the characters and story, check it out if you like hot stories with sexy tattooed heroes!
18 likes · like · see review
4 1/2 stars
Loved, loved, loved Caden! I can't resist a tough-looking guy with a hidden, sweet core. *sighs*
Loved, loved, loved Caden! I can't resist a tough-looking guy with a hidden, sweet core. *sighs*
14 likes · like · see review
I’m not usually a fan of novellas but sometime a quickie just hits the spot! ;)
I have to admit that it was a case of cover lust that convinced me to read this book. I've been disappointed so many times before but I am happy to report that this story more then lives up to its cover.
I thought it was the perfect combination of romance and steaming hot sex!
As I said, I've never really enjoyed novellas. Mostly because you usually don’t have enough time to get to know the characters and I find I hav...more
10 likes · like · see review
EDIT: Hearts in Darkness is currently (as of 10/21) running for .99 at Amazon. I don't know if that is temporary or permanent; but it is an very good price for an very good ss...
I am so pleased. I've had a run of good free Kindle books lately. Usually, most of them are junk books.
I liked this little ss. It wasn't perfect, but I liked the plot more than I thought I would (meet cute in a darkened, stalled elevator); and I really liked the H/h. Makenna and Caden were like regular people and just fe...more
I am so pleased. I've had a run of good free Kindle books lately. Usually, most of them are junk books.
I liked this little ss. It wasn't perfect, but I liked the plot more than I thought I would (meet cute in a darkened, stalled elevator); and I really liked the H/h. Makenna and Caden were like regular people and just fe...more
16 likes · like · see review
This was an unexpected and delightful surprise!
Kaye's realistic, humorous and sexy writing had me never wanting to put it down! I liked this story because it was simple yet complex all wrapped up in fun banter between the hero and heroine; who consequently become entrapped in a dark elevator for hours. Without the convenience of sight, Caden and Makenna are forced to get to know each other through voice, sounds and yes...touch.
This little novella is a refreshing breakaway of the normal "boy me...more
Kaye's realistic, humorous and sexy writing had me never wanting to put it down! I liked this story because it was simple yet complex all wrapped up in fun banter between the hero and heroine; who consequently become entrapped in a dark elevator for hours. Without the convenience of sight, Caden and Makenna are forced to get to know each other through voice, sounds and yes...touch.
This little novella is a refreshing breakaway of the normal "boy me...more
14 likes · like · see review
Sep 17, 2011
Tammy Walton Grant
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommended to Tammy by:
Nikki, Tonya, Uniquely Moi Dhestiny
Oh, my GR friends who've read and recc'ed this book, I think you're on to something.
This was fantabulous. I could argue, as always, that it was too short, but it really wasn't. You get to drop into Makenna and Caden's lives on the night they meet, you stick around for a day or so, then you're gone. You see them just long enough to know that they've found something special with each other, and it's ok to leave them because you know they'll make it. It was short, it was intense, it was awesome.
I...more
This was fantabulous. I could argue, as always, that it was too short, but it really wasn't. You get to drop into Makenna and Caden's lives on the night they meet, you stick around for a day or so, then you're gone. You see them just long enough to know that they've found something special with each other, and it's ok to leave them because you know they'll make it. It was short, it was intense, it was awesome.
I...more
15 likes · like · see review
Hearts in Darkness = Love at first delayed sight.
Second read 05/12. Hearts was a nice little slow-build for such a short book. Two strangers are plunged into darkness when an elevator stalls out. The kicker is that neither one paid much attention to the other before the cables ground to a halt, lending the story an air of mystery about how the two characters will react to one another when the lights come back on.
Our newly acquainted pair use the time to get to know about each other. Secrets are...more
Second read 05/12. Hearts was a nice little slow-build for such a short book. Two strangers are plunged into darkness when an elevator stalls out. The kicker is that neither one paid much attention to the other before the cables ground to a halt, lending the story an air of mystery about how the two characters will react to one another when the lights come back on.
Our newly acquainted pair use the time to get to know about each other. Secrets are...more
15 likes · like · see review
Freakin' fantabulous cover!
Equally stupendous book!
Hearts in Darkness isn't like any stuck-in-an-elevator book I've read. Caden & Mckenna have only enough time to get brief glimpses of each other before the elevator goes black. Then, Caden has a panic attack. Yes, our hero is a bit claustrophobic and we find out the heartbreaking story behind Caden's fear and scars. As the hours pass, they really get to know each other. They laugh, share stories, and the sexual tension thickens. The real fun...more
Equally stupendous book!
Hearts in Darkness isn't like any stuck-in-an-elevator book I've read. Caden & Mckenna have only enough time to get brief glimpses of each other before the elevator goes black. Then, Caden has a panic attack. Yes, our hero is a bit claustrophobic and we find out the heartbreaking story behind Caden's fear and scars. As the hours pass, they really get to know each other. They laugh, share stories, and the sexual tension thickens. The real fun...more
7 likes · like · see review
Highly recommended!
Even though I prefer longer books, this short story surprised me in the best possible way. I found theme of this story very fresh and original. I truly liked the idea about two strangers stuck in darkness of elevator and getting to know each other based only on their personalities. They were able to put aside all prejudices, not caring what the other person look like.
Both characters, Caden and Makenna, they are really sweet and adorable. Story has a rapid course and you will...more
Even though I prefer longer books, this short story surprised me in the best possible way. I found theme of this story very fresh and original. I truly liked the idea about two strangers stuck in darkness of elevator and getting to know each other based only on their personalities. They were able to put aside all prejudices, not caring what the other person look like.
Both characters, Caden and Makenna, they are really sweet and adorable. Story has a rapid course and you will...more
Belle meets Inked and Pierced, the hero's tats are awesome!!
In this short read, I had to set aside two very small peeves: time and sucking. The hero had three facial piercing and it was described that he enjoyed the heroine nibbling and sucking on piercings of said areas. I have a piercing and I understand, I DO. LoL, but piercings need to be kept clean and are vulnerable; therefore, immediate access with unknown mouth is a little icky, but I did get over it, and it leads to safe sex(which is in...more
In this short read, I had to set aside two very small peeves: time and sucking. The hero had three facial piercing and it was described that he enjoyed the heroine nibbling and sucking on piercings of said areas. I have a piercing and I understand, I DO. LoL, but piercings need to be kept clean and are vulnerable; therefore, immediate access with unknown mouth is a little icky, but I did get over it, and it leads to safe sex(which is in...more
9 likes · like · see review
All I can say is that I loooved this novella, what a wonderful and emotional short read.
SCENES/CONTENT: few/hot
GENRE/TONE: contemporary/drama
LENGTH: 76 pages
SCENES/CONTENT: few/hot
GENRE/TONE: contemporary/drama
LENGTH: 76 pages
5 likes · like · see review
Wow, this book blew me away!! I totally fell in love with Makenna and Caden! The is one of the best novellas I have ever read! It's amazing how the author can fit so much into a short story. I will be re-reading this one for years to come!!
9 likes · like · see review
Absolutely loved this story!! Lots of great dialogue, wonderful characters, steamy & romantic sex, and a wonderful HEA. Just adored both of the characters! They were both kind and compassionate and truly belonged together!!
5 likes · like · see review
I actually read this book ages ago. (August 8 2012), But the fact that I can still clearly remember it, as if I'd read it last night... speaks volumes about the impact this book had on me. I read and reviewed this book at a time, when I wasn't that big on writing full and lengthy reviews. In fact almost all my reviews dating back to August or so last year are all short and sweet. The reason for this is simply because I had not entirely gotten into the book review / blogger business yet :) But no...more
6 likes · like · see review
4.5 stars
This book astounded me. I came across it while surfing for some bed time reading material on my Kindle, and it intrigued me. The author managed to pack so much emotion into this novella that I couldn't help but keep turning the pages until I was done. We really get to see what makes each character tick, and that only makes us feel more connected to them. Finished it in one sitting, and loved every second I got to spend with the characters. I loved that Ms. Kaye ended the story on such a...more
This book astounded me. I came across it while surfing for some bed time reading material on my Kindle, and it intrigued me. The author managed to pack so much emotion into this novella that I couldn't help but keep turning the pages until I was done. We really get to see what makes each character tick, and that only makes us feel more connected to them. Finished it in one sitting, and loved every second I got to spend with the characters. I loved that Ms. Kaye ended the story on such a...more
7 likes · like · see review
Yowza, this just blew me away. Such intensity! Full review to come
4 likes · like · see review
I usually never read books like this, so explicit. But the premise sounded very interesting, and I was really curious to see what kind of relationship two people could build from one night together in an elevator. Of course we had the advantage of hearing the thoughts of both ppl, so it was easier for us to believe the relationship that was developing. We knew they were both being honest. But they didnt know. Its hard to imagine two ppl who are so trusting. But I guess that is inevitable in this...more
4 likes · like · see review
Hot diggity daffodil, I couldn't put this book down! Hell, I didn't even bother loading it onto the nook, I just read it off the laptop. I NEVER read off the laptop! THAT'S HOW FANDAMNTASTIC THIS BOOK WAS! It was read-off-the-laptop-screen-eyeballs-be-damned great!
I picked up this book because I was fascinated by the idea of two people meeting in the pure darkness of a broken elevator. Clearly it would be the greatest day of your freakin' life! There was tattoos, sex, elevators, omlettes... By...more
I picked up this book because I was fascinated by the idea of two people meeting in the pure darkness of a broken elevator. Clearly it would be the greatest day of your freakin' life! There was tattoos, sex, elevators, omlettes... By...more
A very sweet and sexy short story, of two strangers that find themselves caught together in an elevator. There in pitch- black they start talking to one another. And there at the cover of the dark, with secrets beeing revealed, they begin to get to know one another...
Normally i'm not a big fan of insta-attraction. But in this case, the whole thing almost felt natural. It is possible to really get to know a person in a few hours. If you're both honest to one another. And the dialogues between tho...more
Normally i'm not a big fan of insta-attraction. But in this case, the whole thing almost felt natural. It is possible to really get to know a person in a few hours. If you're both honest to one another. And the dialogues between tho...more
4 likes · like · see review
It was SUPER SHORT! However, sometimes, as romance readers I want a nice and fulfilling book that is not eons long. It has a lack of what i like to call HEART COMMITMENT. Heart commitment is when a romance books takes you on an emotional roller coaster of sadness that makes your heart commit to the book, even if only to see a HEA. It was fun, but at the same time, i like how Laura Kaye kept it very realistic. You will not find yourself rolling your eyes at this book or the scenario. Its short an...more
I was surprised by how much i truly enjoyed this little novella. The author packed a lot into such a short book, and she somehow made it all work. Whenever i read an erotic novella i usually feel like the plot is rushed in order to get to the naughty bits. I didn't feel this way here. The main characters were likable and damn if Caden (who definitely reminded me...looks wise...of one of my favorite male characters, Zsadist from JR Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series) isn't smoking hot. *fans...more
4 likes · like · see review
Sooo good, only issue was that it was too short. I enjoyed the whole opposites attract story line, even though they couldn't see how opposite they were. Maybe it should be a requirement that before courting begins you should have to spend many hours in the dark getting to know the real person, could bring down the divorce rate. Just a thought.
This book flopped back and forth between H&h's point of views. It really worked for me. It was nice to hear the thoughts and insecurities going on in t...more
This book flopped back and forth between H&h's point of views. It really worked for me. It was nice to hear the thoughts and insecurities going on in t...more
6 likes · like · see review
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Not Just Young Adult: Leslie's "Hearts In Darkness" Review | 2 | 19 | Apr 27, 2012 12:47pm |
Laura Kaye is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary and paranormal romance. Laura's hot, heartfelt stories are all about the universal desire for a place to belong. Laura grew up amidst family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses, cementing her life-long fascination with storytelling and the supernatural. Laura lives in Maryland with her husband, two dau...more
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“I love...that elevator,” she said.
With a sleepy smile and a full heart, he turned his head and kissed into her soft hair. “Aw, Red. I love that elevator, too.”
—
64 people liked it
With a sleepy smile and a full heart, he turned his head and kissed into her soft hair. “Aw, Red. I love that elevator, too.”
“Caden let out his own moan when her lips pressed against the skin in front of his ear. She exhaled roughly. The rush of her breath over his skin brought goose bumps to his neck.
He trailed soft kisses across her cheek until he found her lips.
And then he couldn’t go slow anymore.
And neither could she.”
—
24 people liked it
More quotes…
He trailed soft kisses across her cheek until he found her lips.
And then he couldn’t go slow anymore.
And neither could she.”
Jun 28, 2011 02:08pm
Nov 15, 2012 01:32pm