Hearts in Darkness Collection

Hearts in Darkness #1-2.5

by Laura Kaye

Two strangers. Four hours. One pitch-black elevator. And their struggle to find love in the light…

This beloved, bestselling series has it all! Scorching hot chemistry. Achingly heartfelt emotion. Strangers-to-lovers, forced proximity, and opposites attract goodness. And, with “one of the most beloved couples in romance,” Caden Grayson and Makenna James will stay with you long after the last page! Plus, a brand-new story and a never-before-published epilogue. All in one gorgeous edition!

This Special Collector’s 10th Anniversary Edition Includes:

Hearts in Darkness – the bestselling story that started it all!

When two strangers get trapped in a pitch-black elevator, they find connection, attraction, and red-hot heat in the darkness.

Lovers at Dawn – a brand-new follow-up story!

In the light of the morning after, these new lovers wake up in each other’s arms. But will this buttoned-up accountant and tattooed paramedic still want what they found in the darkness?

Love in the Light – the bestselling sequel to Hearts in Darkness

Can a man who’s lost everyone he’s ever loved trust that he won’t crash again if he lets himself fall? Or will the pressures of commitment be more than Caden and Makenna’s love story can handle?

Forever in the Light – a never-before published epilogue to the series

The happily-ever-after story Caden and Makenna deserve, including their heartfelt wedding and sexy wedding night!

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Mental Health, Smut, New Adult, Family

289 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 24, 2021

About the author

Laura Kaye is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary and erotic romance and romantic suspense, including the Hard Ink, Raven Riders, Blasphemy, Heroes, and Hearts of the Anemoi series. 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 also writes historical fiction as Laura Kamoie, and lives in Maryland with her husband and two daughters, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

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Reviews

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited when Laura Kaye announced she was going to be releasing a Hearts in Darkness collection- I remember loving Makenna and Caden when I read their books in 2016. I was kind of worried that I wouldn't feel the same this go 'round, but I'm so happy to report I loved them just as much, if not more! It was like visiting old friends and getting to know them all over again.

Original Hearts in Darkness review:
What an absolutely sweet, fun, hot, and utterly delightful read this was! I love Makenna and Caden, love them! She's feisty and so caring, he's strong and so achingly vulnerable...I'm so happy they found each other.
Ms. Kaye did such an amazing job of bringing these 2 to life in such a short number of pages, she had me completely enamored of them both, I didn't want to let them go!

Original Love in the Light review-
I really love Makenna and Caden...I just want to hug and love all over him!
I wanted to come back and write more but I never did! But this kind of sums it up perfectly.

I loved the bonus extras that were included in this box set, it was wonderful to see all the sides to this couple. They are one of my favorite who I don't think get the love they deserve. Caden really stole my heart and broke it all over again. He had such a rough life, he deserved all the happiness and I'm so glad he found Makenna and her family. Gosh I just them them so much!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Caden and Makenna and their journey to HEA. It was beautifully written with lots of angst, drama, amazing family, and hot sex. I really want Ms. Kaye to write books for all of her brothers, especially Patrick.

[Jewlsbookblog · Rating 5 out of 5]

The original stories PLUS two bonus shorts! Caden and Makenna’s story has been a long time favorite-their first auspicious meeting, Caden’s mental health, Makenna’s family, their smexy romance-I love this couple so much! The bonus shorts filled in some gaps, but I never need an excuse to hang out with these two:)

[Christina Astorga · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.8 stars!! This book series was amazing!!! I fell so in love with this gorgeous couple of Caden and Makenna. I never read this author before and was looking for something specific. This book came up in suggestions and I am so stoked that I bought the collection.

This set has the two original books and 2 little bonus extras in between. I loved every single page of this set. It's going on 5pm and I have done about 2 hours of work. At one point, my boss walked by and I just shifted my chair because I needed to finish. This story makes you smile, cry and all the emotions come out. It is fantastic.

[Marcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always one of my favorites!

Hearts in Darkness has always been a top favorite. The story of Caden and Makenna meeting in the trapped elevator was so beautifully written. The connection between these two is so strong and intense. Love in the Light continues their journey, and it was an emotional one. Although their struggles were heartbreaking, I loved how they worked through it. The bonus stories were amazing. I will always want more of Caden and Makenna.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The original Hearts in Darkness was my first romance novella. And still my favorite ever. The elevator scenes were just as wonderful on this repeat read. These two have a great connection right from the start and I love watching them find their footing together. This collection features the original al novella, plus Love in the Light PLUS 2 brand new short additions. You don’t want to miss out on the true HEA and beautiful story in this one.

[Mags · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe it's been ten years since Caden and Makenna's first story was released, but I'm so happy Ms Kaye has marked the occasion with this delightful collection that combines both original stories Hearts in Darkness and Love in Light which are fabulous with two bonus stories which are equally fabulous. And for me, it's a must read for anyone who is a fan of this couple and series.

Would happily recommend.

[Lorena ♡ (semi-ia) · Rating 5 out of 5]

makenna and caden are one of my favorite couples, i love them, i loved re-reading them, and i loved their bonus content too. do yourself a favor, ignore the covers (even though they do give the vibe of the story), and read the two books in this collection.

[A Romance Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5 stars*

Loved it!!

[Catheryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the collection of 4 or 5 novellas. At some points, the pacing is a bit off and feels like its different novellas. But overall, I thought the story was so sweet and emotional. There were parts that just hurt but you get why. But it did feel like they were each other's match.

[CK · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing read! I’ve read the original one years ago and loved this one so much more! This one has the added bonus scenes! 5 stars!!!

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hearts in Darkness.
Makenna is running for the elevator, she calls out to hold it, and Caden stops the doors from closing. McKenna asks him to hit the lobby button for her. As soon as the elevators close and start down, they elevator stops and the power goes out. Makenna comments that it's so dark, she can't see her hand in front of her face. Caden starts to have a panic attack, but with Makenna talking, he doesn't have one. They talk, and learn about each other. Caden is an EMT, Makenna is a accountant. Makenna shares a bottle of water and trail mix with Caden. They start making out, and they have relations. As soon as they are done, the lights come on, and they hear people say they will have them out soon. Caden offers a ride home, where Makenna invites him in. They go to bed, and the next morning they both say they loved that elevator.
Lovers at Dawn
Their morning after the elevator, they spend the day together.
Love in the Light.
Makenna and Caden have been together since the elevator in Hearts in Darkness. Makenna invites Caden to come with her to her family's Thanksgiving. They go, meet her Dad and brothers. Cadens EMT training comes in handy when her Dad and 2 brothers, and a brothers girlfriend are in a car accident due to snowy, icy roads. They are all ok, just some bruises, and a broken arm. They get back home, but Caden is spiraling down. They have a fight and Caden leaves before Makenna can give him some awesome news. They don't see each other for awhile, but his captain takes him to his home to help get Caden out of his head. Caden goes to a therapist, talks, and calms down. Makenna tells her Dad and brother's she is pregnant. Caden is ready to leave work and is asked to help out at the scene of a multi car accident. Makenna is involved in the wreck, she is ok, Caden learns he's gonna be a daddy. Baby is ok. They tell each other 3 words, and get back together with their baby between them. 5 months later Makenna gives birth to their son.
Forever in the Light.
They get married with their families, and son in attendance. They still say to each other that The Love...that elevator.

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Lisa Hemming · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love Makenna and Caden from the Hearts and Darkness Collection which follows them from their first meeting, to the moment they fell in love, to the passionate future which they both deserved. Makenna and Caden are one of my favorite couples and this is actually the third time I have read “Hearts in Darkness” and” Lovers in Light.” I have picked up something new about the characters with each reading and I let myself be taken away by their unexpected but romantic meeting in the dark elevator. They fell for each other by only the sounds of their voices, the touch of their skin and the bond they immediately felt for one another. Makenna’s kindness and sweet voice calmed Caden when he became anxious in the cramped elevator. Caden knew then that Makenna was special and that fate somehow had brought them together. He hoped that once they were rescued they could continue getting to know each other away from the darkness.

Makenna and Caden encountered a few bumps in the road on their journey to happiness which made their love even stronger. Even though demons from Caden’s past came back to haunt him, he had the strength to work through them because he never wanted to lose Makenna’s love and trust. In this collection, Ms. Kaye has added two brand new works where she expands upon Makenna and Caden’s new relationship as they spend more time together. She also gives us a magical happy ending that brought joy to my heart and happiness to our special couple. I highly recommend this collection because it is utterly romantic, hopeful and one you will read over and over again!

[Katie Koziczkowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5☆ It's been a while since I first read Hearts in Darkness and Love in the Light so I remembered some things that happened, but everything during my reread. The first time I read them I liked Love in the Light more, but I feel like it was the opposite this time. I really enjoyed Hearts in Darkness. I liked the instant connection that Caden and Makenna formed and how easy it was for them to get to know each other just by talking and asking questions. They're a good pairing and they can tell that pretty quickly. It was cute and funny with a little sadness mixed in. Lovers at Dawn was a cute brand new story of the morning after. I enjoyed getting to read more about the early state of their relationship. Love in the Light is a really emotional book. It covers some hard topics like PTSD and depression which I thought was written very well. I still really liked this book, I just forgot how emotional it was. It was hard to read what Caden was going through at times and how much he doubts himself and his relationship with Makenna. I liked the 2nd half of it more than the first half. Forever in the Light was a really cute and sweet story and I loved reading it again! I loved reading the journey of Caden and Mckenna's relationship, it definitely wasn't easy and there were a lot of hard times, but they're meant to be together. *I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

[Whispers From · Rating 5 out of 5]

MacKenna is a red headed, beautiful forensic accountant. Caden is a tattooed, pierced paramedic. They are stuck in an elevator together. Caden is claustrophobic but MacKenna calms him. They start talking to keep his mind off the darkness. When they are finally rescued, he takes her home and then she invites him in. Where they finish what they started in the elevator.
Smoking hot sex. A handsome man who’s life has been one tragedy after another. A woman who sees him as a truly good man.
WON THIS IN A GIVEAWAY

LOVER’S AT DAWN..5

MacKenna and Caden wake up together after spending the night together. They were stuck in an elevator and hit it off. There’s might much to say about this on. Caden goes on shift and plan to come back to her house when he gets off.

LOVE IN THE LIGHT…5 stars

This is a story that will tug on your heart strings. MacKenna and Caden are seeing more of each other. Caden is fighting his demons but they look like they may be pull him under. MacKenna wants to do something for Caden but he just keeps pushing her away. Hopefully Caden can get back on track before he loses ManKenna forever.

FOREVER IN THE LIGHT..5 stars

This one is them getting married and the honeymoon. After many ups and downs, MacKenna and Caden finally find their happily ever after.

[Manuela Obojes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the novella (part 1) about half a year ago and really liked it. I had never read about a couple being stuck together in the elevator and it was done really well.
However, I stopped around the beginning of part 2. I wasn't that intrigued anymore once the couple was freed from the elevator and had a relationship.
I picked it up again because I didn't know what to read, and was reallly glad I did.
As some reviewers have pointed out, there are a number of clichés and situations that an avid romance reader may already have come across in other books, multiple times. But I don't mind that at all, as long as it's done well, which was mostly the case for me here.

The writing was fluent and kept me interested (even though some grammatical errors bothered me). I felt for the male main character, Caden, and his struggle with depression. Makenna was a bit more one dimensional, but I likes her determination.

Towards the end, I think some scenes could have been left out, and the declarations of love etc. got too much and were repetitive (esp. in part 3. Also I wished for just a tiny bit more communication from Caden's part during their time apart.

Overall I really enjoyed this story.

[Samantha Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was exactly what I was looking for!
I haven’t managed to find a good read in ages. I can’t even remember where I got the suggestion from.
I ordered it months ago but it was sitting on my bookshelf completely forgotten about. Until a frustrating encounter with my printer had me looking for relief anywhere and there this book was. I started reading the first couple of pages waiting for my arch nemesis (a.k.a the printer) to finally obey my commands and print a label. That was it I was hooked!

Entire collection finished in a weekend. The story was beautiful, I instantly fell in love with characters. The way it was written and portrayed made is easy to get lost in!

This book made me feel and become invested in the ending! I needed to know that the devestating loss & heartbreak had a happily ever after.

My only gripe was that the books weren’t longer. I felt so much more could have been explored with these two but at the same time, once I was at the end I did feel content. Maybe Laura knows best and had mastered the right level of detail in her story telling.

This was my first read from Laura Kaye - can’t wait to get lost in the next one 🥰

[Jody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ten years ago I fell in love with Caden and Makenna and this collection reminded me of just why they hold such a special place in my heart to this day still. This collection takes readers back to where it all began and then expands on their love story to tie up their HEA with a fresh new bow. While original readers of this story will feel nostalgic, newer readers will find this story a well-crafted tale that fits beautifully within the genre as it tackles heavy issues while pulling at your heartstrings.

The additional stories to the original pairing of Caden and Makenna make for a more fully fleshed-out romance. It shows Caden working through his demons with Makenna's love supporting him every step of the way in stories that warmed my heart and showed the true power of love. There were moments that made me smile while some made me cry, but it was all wrapped up in a blanket of love. This couple was truly committed to each other, steaming up the pages throughout each story, in a collection that is the perfect way to celebrate a forever love!

[Trudy Dowling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved having all the awesomeness of Caden and Makenna in one book. I can't think of anything better than the four stories of Caden and Makenna in a 10th anniversary edition. You will soon find me holding tight to the the paperback copy. I know that might sound strange but their story is one of the most beautiful romances I have read since Love Story.

Caden and Makenna meet in an elevator. They just click. Not the tingles when you touch clicking, but the real thing. Strangers in the darkness sharing, getting to know each other without the judgements we put on looks. They were empathetic to each others reactions and stresses.

Hearts in Darkness Collection is their love story. Hearts in Darkness Collection is Caden's journey in mental health. Hearts in Darkness Collection gives hope to the reader that love conquers all eventually. Hearts in Darkness Collection has the happily ever after that this reader has wanted since their wild ride in an elevator.

[Barcie · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I'd like to thank Goodreads and author Laura Kaye for my signed copy of the "Hearts in Darkness" Collection. I enjoyed it very much. The original story has held up well in the past 10 years and does not feel dated at all. The hook is unique — Caden and Makenna — meet when they are trapped in a stalled elevator for hours. The two novellas and two short stories that make up the collection round out their first year together in a completely believable way. Typically, books whose entire plot is about a developing relationship are extremely boring to me, but not this one. Kaye unfolds the story in a very compelling and emotional (and, yes, steamy, too) way as these two mismatched individuals navigate the waters of their relationship. Her portrayal of PTSD, depression and panic disorder is realistic and add depth. You'll find yourself rooting for these two every step of the way. I highly recommend it.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore Laura Kaye's Hard Ink and Raven Riders (which I'm still reading through) series, and was excited to read her Hearts in Darkness special 10th anniversary collection.

This amazing extended novella collection is intensely emotional and passionately steamy and includes: her original Hearts in Darkness and Love in the Light novellas bundled with new content Lover's at Dawn and Forever in the Light.

Readers are sure to fall for Caden and Makenna's intense, passionate, emotional, and heartfelt story.

Note: This collection predominately features trauma, and emotional and mental health issues related to vehicular accidents.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved Caden and Makenna from the moment that I found them! This was the first book by Laura Kaye that I ever read and it is, ultimately, what began my love of her. I am so excited that this love story is all in one place now! Not that I mind having to collect all of the pieces but now that it is in one place it is just all the better and I can really get lost and not come up from air until the end.

This story really captivated me from the very beginning and it still does every single time I reread it. Caden makes my heart hurt and swell at the same time and he makes it hard to not fall in love with him.

Ms. Kaye does a phenomenal job giving her characters a voice and bringing them to life!

[May Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the record, it took me a while to finish this collection because I have been reading the duet repeatedly for the past few years. But I have to admit that Caden's bout of depression in the second book still brings pain to my gut ; thus, I was more or less avoiding that part. But what I love about this story is we see here how Caden really tried to get his groove back and overcome the demons in his head, and he made sure that he could fully recover before telling Makenna how he felt towards her. It is one of the greatest love stories ever told, and it totally fits those who think that they do not deserve to be loved because of the strings of misfortune they experienced in their life. I will definitely never get tired of reading Caden and Makenna.

[BBMoreB ~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an avid reader, it is often difficult to point to the book that got me hooked on a particular author. That is not the case with Laura Kaye; it was Hearts in Darkness the first book I read by her. I instantly fell in love with Makenna & Caden, then with Laura's writing style.

Now Laura has granted my wish with another incredible glance at their love story. Her brutal, realistic depiction of Caden's struggles made this reader love him even more - didn't think it was possible. But what brought the story to the top of my must-read (and recommend - to everyone) list is Makenna's heart. I love the family that these two have made together.

[KDRBCK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hearts in Darkness by L. Kaye is the first book in this series and one of the fírst romance novels that had me hook, line and sinker from start til the last page. A great read, outstanding, a stays with you story that continues in the next book, Love in the Light.

Love in the Light by L. Kaye is the next instalment in the Hearts in Darkness Series. This is not a stand-alone. The books are best read in order. The previous book is Hearts in Darkness.
After reading the first book, I just had to read this one asap. And what can I say, I was so not disappointed. An equal outstanding read, just like the first one, 5 stars.

[Shannon Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all wonder if "love at first sight" really exists....but Caden and Makenna will make you believe that "love at first...well, no sight" is actually just as true! Stuck in a dark elevator after a really craptastic day, with a man who has darkness/claustraphobia issues. Seems like a recipe for disaster. But it turns out to be life altering for both of them.
This anniversary collection of Caden and Mackenna's story will tug at every heart string you have. Caden's struggle battling depression and survivor's guilt from childhood is told with such care and compassion...it gives both a wonderful story of recovery and an education as to the signs we may overlook in those we know. I was worried that Mackenna would allow Caden's struggles to make her into a doormat for his frustrations and problems...but this was most definately NOT the case. Mackenna's strength came through so clearly to show that it is possible to be both gentle and strong at the same time.
This story tugged at my heart strings...in darkness and in light. Well done, Laura Kaye.

[MissKats (Taylor's Version) · Rating 5 out of 5]

➸Meet cute @ elevator.
➸Love at first talk?
➸Broken Heroe.
➸Worshipping Heroine.
➸Unexpected pregnancy.

I wasn't expecting it to be so wrecking, I loved it!
The first book was okay, they meet while she's having a shitty day and he's having a shitty uhmm.. life.
They get stuck in the elevator with no light, he starts having a panic attack because he's claustrophobic and she helps him. They talk and share some pretty deep stuff and they fall immediately in love.
Their relationship seems easy but it's quite complicated and a lot of shit happens and it's really good.
It's so cute and heartbreaking and angsty.
Their chemistry is so sweet and it's a short book so, Read it.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had always really liked these two books and reading them together with the short stories that add more information to them was just so sweet. I loved getting to read the insights after the two "big" stories and that includes when they finally got married. I loved Caden as a character and I think he had the most growth throughout the books and Makenna just went along with him but made him a better person. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants a quick great read.
*I received an ARC for an honest review*

[Lizzie the Book Hoarder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Makenna and Caden get trapped in a dark elevator together for a couple of hours. Over that time they form a connection based on who they are and not how they look. Caden and Makenna are opposites. She is more conservative in appearance and Caden is covered in piercing and tattoos. Can the two of them keep their connection outside of the elevator? Also Caden has a dark past that continues to haunt him and could cause him to miss his chance at happiness with Makenna.
I loved how much Makenna and Caden felt for each other and were willing to support each other through their troubles.

[mlady_rebecca]

Have read and loved the full length novels Hearts in Darkness and Love in the Light. Worth it to rebuy for two bonus shorts?