Welcome to the Fiery Hot Reads for Icy Cold Nights! The bookish event that will warm up those February nights. There are reviews, giveaways, author interviews, and more. You can find the entire schedule here.
This event being hosted by:
Kimba @ Caffeinated Book
Reviewer
Christy
@Love of BooksVeronica@Mostly Reviews
Heidi @ Rainy Day Ramblings
Cambria @Cambira Hebert
For my stop, I have a review of Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye, along with some great swag, courtesy of Laura!
Series: Stand alone
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Wild Rose Press
Publication Date: 1/21/11
Format: Kindle
Pages: 232
Source: Bought
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 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.
To fight fear, they must both 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?
Love in an Elevator
I love Laura Kaye. Her books, that is. Though she is a very, very lovely person. I've quickly learned that Kaye is a definite go-to author when it comes to romance with a story you will fall in love with and a characters that will win your heart.
Hearts in Darkness has an interesting premise, two people trapped in an elevator, and the attraction that occurs when the lights go out. Makenna and Caden were too busy to see each other's faces before the elevator shuts down. She knows he was big, and had a dragon too on his hand. Caden noticed Makenna's red hair, but didn't get the chance to see more. Caden's claustrophobia causes him to panic, and Makenna's voice soothes him. As they talk, the get to know each other in other ways: through personality, their histories, the way the other moves, smells. It is interesting to think of how people might perceive one another, sight unseen. And of course, I thought that with my luck, the guy would turn out to be less than desirable. Luckily for Cade and Makenna, they are both happy with what they see in the light. But what happens next? The dark provides safety, intimacy. The light forces them to decide whether they want to pursue the attraction.
Caden and Makenna were so easy to fall in love with. Caden is a paramedic, a man who carries a lot of scars from his past. He presents a tough exterior, with tattoos and piercings, but is someone who is gentle and kind. Makenna was an average woman, though she's had her share of sadness, as well. Her kindness and generosity were apparent in the way she cared for Caden when he panicked. And...the chemistry. Holy wow, Laura Kaye has a gift for writing the steam! The build-up between the two is a slow burn, beginning with a touch, then a kiss, and ends with a moment that had me flushed and fanning myself. Fabulous.
Hearts in Darkness is another great romance from one of the new masters of the genre.
Favorite Quote:
She'd just been sitting there gawking without saying a word. Hating the idea he might interpret her silence the wrong way, she blurted out, "You're freaking gorgeous!" Her eyes bugged at her unfiltered honesty. She slapped a hand over her mouth and shook her head in embarrassment. She wished the lights would go off again as the blush roared over her skin.
He smiled. And it changed his whole face. ~55%
"I'm sorry. I couldn't let you go."
"Don't be sorry for that," she rasped and swallowed. "Never be sorry for that." ~68%
"I am very sure I want you, Makenna. Can I have you?" ~ 84%
"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."
Purchase Hearts in Darkness at:
Barnes & Noble | Amazon
About the author:
Connect with Laura at:
Twitter | Facebook | GoodReads | Blog
GIVEAWAY
