Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye

Makenna James and Caden Grayson






Hearts in Darkness

By Laura Kaye

Book Blurb:
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?

What a fabulous story!! Hearts in Darkness is a novella that reads like a full story. What an amazing premise for a plot. I love discovering a story that is new and fresh. I also really liked Laura Kaye's style of writing so I'll be looking up other books that she has created. 

Hearts in Darkness explores preconceived notions that a person could have toward another's appearance. It also shows what could happen if stereotypes are removed. To be able to get to know someone so completely and so intimately but without the benefit of seeing what they physically look like is an alluring thought. What a great premise for a story. 

With only a quick glimpse of the back of a tattooed hand and passing glance of ginger hair, Makenna and Caden are trapped in a darkened elevator for hours. What I loved was that the author Laura Kaye thought of all of the possible light sources and then provided valid explanations for why they would not to work. I have such respect for authors that take that extra time to ensure that their readers would buy into the situation. 

Makenna and Caden start off being politely friendly and then gradually over the hours their conversations morph into highly sensitive topics. The pair really get to know each other and even provide support for each other. If it wasn't for them being in the pitch blackness, I think Hearts in Darkness would make an excellent play. 

Eventually the lights are blindingly thrust on and the story continues. 
I have this novella listed as "Erotic" but Hearts in Darkness is not really an erotic novel. Granted there are some super steamy scenes in the book but the story is much deeper.

Teasers: "Wait. Can you please hold that?", Good Sam, Red, spider bite piercing