Love in the Light (Hearts in Darkness Duet Book 2)
ByLaura Kaye
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Readers` Reviews
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
james murphy
I liked seeing Caden and Makenna again. I loved the first but ok in this series and I had really high hopes for this one. Unfortunately I was a little disappointed. There was an event that happened that annoyed me and made the last part of the book annoying. That said I did enjoy the beginning and very end although I found it pretty predictable. Overall a nice story.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
mai mostafa
My Review:
The precursor to this book, Hearts in Darkness, is one of my favorite books ever. In fact, I can pretty much guarantee that this is the book that I've gifted most in my lifetime because I love it so much. I keep a stock of paperback copies of it to give away. As a result, I was so excited to hear that Laura Kaye was writing a sequel to it. BUT that's a LOT of expectation to live up to. Luckily, the sequel was really good.
The reason book #1 was so good was simply because the setup of the book was so creative. Caden is a guy with issues. He's worked through a lot of those issues in a physical way with a transformation of his body with tattoos and piercings. Something that played huge into the first book. Caden is an intimidating looking guy, but Makenna never saw him before the lights went out. As a result, she got to know the man before she had the physical impression of him. They fell in love, fast and hard.
This book takes place two months after that fateful day. The thing is, although Caden has worked through so many of his issues during his lifetime, those issues are still there...lying dormant, but still there. His new relationship with Makenna terrifies Caden. He's lost everything in his life that meant something to him. He loves her and knows he won't be able to survive it if he loses her too and he's sure that he will lose her. That's simply the way his life goes...so he goes into a downward spiral.
This book was so good, but it was also so heartbreaking. Caden's story is horrific...for a 14 yo to go through what he went through. My heart hurts for him. And that's the thing...Makenna gets him like no other person has before, but even for her, she doesn't realize the depth of his emotional scars. I loved the way that the story played out. It worked for me and felt very real. I loved getting to see how Makenna and Caden were after the fact, how they eventually did have to face the reality of his scars, and work their way through them. They came out of this book so much "more"...I loved that about this book. Because the way the first book ended it was more a "happily for now" than a "happily ever after." This book gave me some closure and a sense of happiness and that Makenna and Caden will last forever. I loved it!
Thank you Laura Kaye for writing it! I highly recommend the book. And if you haven't read the first, you NEED TO! Go buy it now and then enjoy this final chapter in their story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review, but I'm hoping it comes out in print so I can buy a copy for my keeper shelf.
The precursor to this book, Hearts in Darkness, is one of my favorite books ever. In fact, I can pretty much guarantee that this is the book that I've gifted most in my lifetime because I love it so much. I keep a stock of paperback copies of it to give away. As a result, I was so excited to hear that Laura Kaye was writing a sequel to it. BUT that's a LOT of expectation to live up to. Luckily, the sequel was really good.
The reason book #1 was so good was simply because the setup of the book was so creative. Caden is a guy with issues. He's worked through a lot of those issues in a physical way with a transformation of his body with tattoos and piercings. Something that played huge into the first book. Caden is an intimidating looking guy, but Makenna never saw him before the lights went out. As a result, she got to know the man before she had the physical impression of him. They fell in love, fast and hard.
This book takes place two months after that fateful day. The thing is, although Caden has worked through so many of his issues during his lifetime, those issues are still there...lying dormant, but still there. His new relationship with Makenna terrifies Caden. He's lost everything in his life that meant something to him. He loves her and knows he won't be able to survive it if he loses her too and he's sure that he will lose her. That's simply the way his life goes...so he goes into a downward spiral.
This book was so good, but it was also so heartbreaking. Caden's story is horrific...for a 14 yo to go through what he went through. My heart hurts for him. And that's the thing...Makenna gets him like no other person has before, but even for her, she doesn't realize the depth of his emotional scars. I loved the way that the story played out. It worked for me and felt very real. I loved getting to see how Makenna and Caden were after the fact, how they eventually did have to face the reality of his scars, and work their way through them. They came out of this book so much "more"...I loved that about this book. Because the way the first book ended it was more a "happily for now" than a "happily ever after." This book gave me some closure and a sense of happiness and that Makenna and Caden will last forever. I loved it!
Thank you Laura Kaye for writing it! I highly recommend the book. And if you haven't read the first, you NEED TO! Go buy it now and then enjoy this final chapter in their story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review, but I'm hoping it comes out in print so I can buy a copy for my keeper shelf.
Ride Wild: A Raven Riders Novel :: Dare to Resist (Wedding Dare) :: A Hard Ink/Raven Riders Crossover (1001 Dark Nights) :: Hard As It Gets: A Hard Ink Novel :: Dare (Brothers of Ink and Steel Book 1)
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
anjali shah
Laura Kaye does a fantastic job of bringing Makenna and Caden's feelings into the light of day and illustrating how important they've become to one another in such a short amount of time. Makenna calms Caden's demons, but he's the only one who can truly keep them at bay, and until he understands what he's worth, he'll never be able to keep the past in the darkness and stay in the light with the one person he doesn't feel good enough for but the woman who shows him every day how much he means to her.
One Life. One Chance. No Regrets.
Nobody knows how precious life is better than Caden, but he’s also haunted by what happened to his mother and brother all those years ago, and those scars just won’t seem heal despite how well his life is going since he was trapped in the elevator two months ago with Makenna. Even with Makenna’s honesty and positivity, Caden finds himself stressed and anxious, especially when it comes to meeting Makenna’s family.
Love in the Light is about more than just continuing Makenna and Caden’s connection from “their” elevator experience and the blossoming of their love; it’s more so about Caden gaining freedom from the darkness and ridding himself of the feelings of rejection and abandonment that still plague him regardless of how many years have passed since the accident, and what’s most difficult for Makenna and readers to accept is that it’s not really a battle that she can fight for Caden because not only won’t he allow her to, but she can’t rid him of the demons that control his psyche. It has to come from within, and until Caden’s ready to do that, the darkness wins and everything Caden’s wanted since losing his family hangs in the balance.
I definitely wasn’t expecting Makenna and Caden’s story to take the turn that it did, but the more I thought about it, the more I understood that that’s exactly the direction Laura Kaye needed to take them because without dealing with Caden’s past – a past that is very much still in his present – there’s no moving forward for the couple.
The conclusion to Makenna and Caden’s story is an emotional journey, and it’s one of enlightenment for Caden, which is exactly what he needs to let the light completely in.
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 Poison Apples
One Life. One Chance. No Regrets.
Nobody knows how precious life is better than Caden, but he’s also haunted by what happened to his mother and brother all those years ago, and those scars just won’t seem heal despite how well his life is going since he was trapped in the elevator two months ago with Makenna. Even with Makenna’s honesty and positivity, Caden finds himself stressed and anxious, especially when it comes to meeting Makenna’s family.
Love in the Light is about more than just continuing Makenna and Caden’s connection from “their” elevator experience and the blossoming of their love; it’s more so about Caden gaining freedom from the darkness and ridding himself of the feelings of rejection and abandonment that still plague him regardless of how many years have passed since the accident, and what’s most difficult for Makenna and readers to accept is that it’s not really a battle that she can fight for Caden because not only won’t he allow her to, but she can’t rid him of the demons that control his psyche. It has to come from within, and until Caden’s ready to do that, the darkness wins and everything Caden’s wanted since losing his family hangs in the balance.
I definitely wasn’t expecting Makenna and Caden’s story to take the turn that it did, but the more I thought about it, the more I understood that that’s exactly the direction Laura Kaye needed to take them because without dealing with Caden’s past – a past that is very much still in his present – there’s no moving forward for the couple.
The conclusion to Makenna and Caden’s story is an emotional journey, and it’s one of enlightenment for Caden, which is exactly what he needs to let the light completely in.
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 Poison Apples
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
kathleen hunter
Reviewed by Angela and posted at Under The Covers Book Blog
I vote Love In The Light by Laura Kaye to be the MOST long-awaited sequel ever! After the release of Hearts of Darkness in 2011, Kaye fans has been hounding her for a follow-up of Caden and MaKenna story. If you’ve read that book, you know that it’s well deserved. It took a long while, but the continuous requests for the next installment paid off. Laura Kaye finally gave in and gave her fans what they wanted. What I wanted.
Caden and MaKenna had gotten to know each other in Heart of Darkness without reservations, but it wasn’t nearly enough time to really tell their story. In Love in the Light, we’ll get to finally know what happened after that extraordinary afternoon. Well, two months past and they have been inseparable, but the time has come for the next step of their relationship…meeting her family. Unfortunately, with Caden’s past of loss and sorrow, meeting Makenna’s family and ex-boyfriend will set off all kinds of emotions that will affect them dearly. Don’t get me wrong, his insecurities and vulnerabilities are justified and relatable. Unfortunately, his armor of tattoos and piercing will not be strong enough to shield him from his fears. He’s going to have to brave it.
I was afraid that the expectations and anticipation have been so high for this book that Kaye might not deliver. I should’ve known better to doubt her ability to come through because she did a stellar job. I couldn’t be happier with the turnout of Jace and MaKenna’s story.
Though there were new characters introduced in this book, I was told that there are no plans to continue this series…at this time. It’s a shame because Makenna’s brothers and even her dad are all very intriguing. Kaye is a busy bee with her Hard Ink Series and a new series called Raven Riders MC which scheduled to release in April. I won’t be surprised if she someday announces book three of this series is in the works. Sooner than later I hope.
I vote Love In The Light by Laura Kaye to be the MOST long-awaited sequel ever! After the release of Hearts of Darkness in 2011, Kaye fans has been hounding her for a follow-up of Caden and MaKenna story. If you’ve read that book, you know that it’s well deserved. It took a long while, but the continuous requests for the next installment paid off. Laura Kaye finally gave in and gave her fans what they wanted. What I wanted.
Caden and MaKenna had gotten to know each other in Heart of Darkness without reservations, but it wasn’t nearly enough time to really tell their story. In Love in the Light, we’ll get to finally know what happened after that extraordinary afternoon. Well, two months past and they have been inseparable, but the time has come for the next step of their relationship…meeting her family. Unfortunately, with Caden’s past of loss and sorrow, meeting Makenna’s family and ex-boyfriend will set off all kinds of emotions that will affect them dearly. Don’t get me wrong, his insecurities and vulnerabilities are justified and relatable. Unfortunately, his armor of tattoos and piercing will not be strong enough to shield him from his fears. He’s going to have to brave it.
I was afraid that the expectations and anticipation have been so high for this book that Kaye might not deliver. I should’ve known better to doubt her ability to come through because she did a stellar job. I couldn’t be happier with the turnout of Jace and MaKenna’s story.
Though there were new characters introduced in this book, I was told that there are no plans to continue this series…at this time. It’s a shame because Makenna’s brothers and even her dad are all very intriguing. Kaye is a busy bee with her Hard Ink Series and a new series called Raven Riders MC which scheduled to release in April. I won’t be surprised if she someday announces book three of this series is in the works. Sooner than later I hope.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
selim yoruk
Now that Caden and Makenna are iving life beyond the confines of an elevator, this are a bit harder than they anticipated. Caden has always lived with a shadow weighing on his shoulder. As the only survivor of an accident that claimed his family, Caden has always fought any attachments in his life. Never giving his heart the opportunity to feel love again. The simplest thing for Caden to do was throw himself into his job. Hoping that those shadows would stay hidden just a little longer.
With insecurities plaguing Caden around every turn, stress in the relationship was inevitable. When Makenna takes Caden home to meet her large and very protective family, a new doubt begins to cast a shadow over the two. As an ex-boyfriend jumps into the picture, Caden begins to think of all the reasons that he is not ‘good enough’ for Makenna. Once again anxiety begins to get the best of Caden…resulting in a strain on the relationship. Can Makenna show Caden the light that exists within her heart? Will their love be enough to overcome the obstacles standing in their way?
As a fan of Hearts in Darkness, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Love In The Light!! Trust me…I soaked up every single word! Caden and Makenna had a wild ride experiencing Love in and elevator during Hearts in Darkness. Now that the two have decided to give their relationship a ‘go’ in the real world, things have become a bit more difficult.
As Caden struggles with his insecurities, Makenna does her best to show Caden that she will stand by him during those dark moments. Providing a light that shines through the darkest cloud. Will it be enough to soothe Caden’s tortured soul?
Love in the Light is a story about struggles, strength and the beauty of finding love. Laura Kaye has brought back these beloved characters and shown their deepest imperfections, explosive attraction, and depth of their devotion. All in all - it was the sequel that every reader has wished for. Two hearts….brought together in darkness…..strengthened by the light.
With insecurities plaguing Caden around every turn, stress in the relationship was inevitable. When Makenna takes Caden home to meet her large and very protective family, a new doubt begins to cast a shadow over the two. As an ex-boyfriend jumps into the picture, Caden begins to think of all the reasons that he is not ‘good enough’ for Makenna. Once again anxiety begins to get the best of Caden…resulting in a strain on the relationship. Can Makenna show Caden the light that exists within her heart? Will their love be enough to overcome the obstacles standing in their way?
As a fan of Hearts in Darkness, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Love In The Light!! Trust me…I soaked up every single word! Caden and Makenna had a wild ride experiencing Love in and elevator during Hearts in Darkness. Now that the two have decided to give their relationship a ‘go’ in the real world, things have become a bit more difficult.
As Caden struggles with his insecurities, Makenna does her best to show Caden that she will stand by him during those dark moments. Providing a light that shines through the darkest cloud. Will it be enough to soothe Caden’s tortured soul?
Love in the Light is a story about struggles, strength and the beauty of finding love. Laura Kaye has brought back these beloved characters and shown their deepest imperfections, explosive attraction, and depth of their devotion. All in all - it was the sequel that every reader has wished for. Two hearts….brought together in darkness…..strengthened by the light.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
liron
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
I loved loved loved Hearts in Darkness, to the point that I cyber-stalked Ms. Kaye to write a sequel. I'm not sure what I loved more: the unconventional, original situation Caden and Makenna met, or the characters themselves. I think both. HID packed such a strong romantic and sexy punch in a mere one hundred pages, and left me wanting more.
Years later, Caden and Makenna's story continues in Love in the Light. The story takes place a few months after they meet in that fateful, dark elevator in HID. I'll try not to spoil the story, but I'll say this. If you wanted more Caden and Makenna as I did, you'll enjoy seeing them together, and might even feel like re-reading Heart in Darkness. Having said that, this story is nothing like the original novella.
Other than the main characters, I'm sad to say nothing is original. The plot revolves around Caden's fears and insecurities. One word that kept coming up for me while reading was 'cliche.' There's no real conflict, so there's convenient obstacle points through the story. Just think of the standard plot devices, and you'll find them here...The ex-boyfriend that reappears to create insecurity, the car accident here and there at the precise point in the story, and others than when you read them, you might feel as I did. I think perhaps that was the problem; Heart in Darkness was a short novella; Love in the light is a novel.
ON THE PLUS SIDE: Caden. He's still has a long way to go, and his journey although confusing at times, it's clarified at the end. Most important of all, Ms Kaye's writing. Despite the lack of true conflict, her writing is SOLID. Always is. Here, in Love in the Light, she's still managed to keep me glued to the story until the end. For that, I did enjoy the book. But for now, I think I'll keep Caden and Makenna alive in my heart through Hearts in Darkness - my all-time favorite NOVELLA!
I loved loved loved Hearts in Darkness, to the point that I cyber-stalked Ms. Kaye to write a sequel. I'm not sure what I loved more: the unconventional, original situation Caden and Makenna met, or the characters themselves. I think both. HID packed such a strong romantic and sexy punch in a mere one hundred pages, and left me wanting more.
Years later, Caden and Makenna's story continues in Love in the Light. The story takes place a few months after they meet in that fateful, dark elevator in HID. I'll try not to spoil the story, but I'll say this. If you wanted more Caden and Makenna as I did, you'll enjoy seeing them together, and might even feel like re-reading Heart in Darkness. Having said that, this story is nothing like the original novella.
Other than the main characters, I'm sad to say nothing is original. The plot revolves around Caden's fears and insecurities. One word that kept coming up for me while reading was 'cliche.' There's no real conflict, so there's convenient obstacle points through the story. Just think of the standard plot devices, and you'll find them here...The ex-boyfriend that reappears to create insecurity, the car accident here and there at the precise point in the story, and others than when you read them, you might feel as I did. I think perhaps that was the problem; Heart in Darkness was a short novella; Love in the light is a novel.
ON THE PLUS SIDE: Caden. He's still has a long way to go, and his journey although confusing at times, it's clarified at the end. Most important of all, Ms Kaye's writing. Despite the lack of true conflict, her writing is SOLID. Always is. Here, in Love in the Light, she's still managed to keep me glued to the story until the end. For that, I did enjoy the book. But for now, I think I'll keep Caden and Makenna alive in my heart through Hearts in Darkness - my all-time favorite NOVELLA!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
brandi hutton
There is one book that always delivers all the feels no matter how many times I read it. That book is Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye. This is the book that made me discover Laura Kaye's wonderful stories. Whenever I'm in a book funk or just want to read something quick that will put a smile on my face I always turn to HiD.
When I learned that Laura Kaye was going to continue Makenna and Caden's story, I was in bookworm heaven! I always wonder what happens to my favorite couples once I read the last page of their story. LitL takes place about two months after HiD. Makenna and Caden's first encounter was quite unique and unforgettable. They got stuck in an elevator together. Since that moment, they have been inseparable. In this book, we get to see the ups and downs of their relationship. Caden's tragic starts to play catch up when things get serious with Makenna. Will he be able to let go of the past and take a step towards a HEA with Makenna?
I can't even begin to tell you how much this book made me happy!!! When I finished reading HiD, I was happy with the way it ended. I'm an obsessed bookworm so when I love a couple to pieces I always want to read more about them. LitL exceeded all of my expectations! I knew that there was going to be difficult times ahead for Makenna and Caden. Each relationship is a roller coaster ride of emotions and Makenna and Caden's relationship is no different. I loved how we see them grow as a couple in this book. Each of their sexy, romantic, emotional and tender moments stole my heart. I had butterflies in my stomach just like the first time I met them.
If you have not read these books you are seriously missing out! I highly recommend them! Unforgettable characters, amazing story and a reading escape that will deliver all the feels!
I give, Love in the Light, by Laura Kaye, 4.5 sexy, heart-melting, captivating, wonderful, romantic stars!
When I learned that Laura Kaye was going to continue Makenna and Caden's story, I was in bookworm heaven! I always wonder what happens to my favorite couples once I read the last page of their story. LitL takes place about two months after HiD. Makenna and Caden's first encounter was quite unique and unforgettable. They got stuck in an elevator together. Since that moment, they have been inseparable. In this book, we get to see the ups and downs of their relationship. Caden's tragic starts to play catch up when things get serious with Makenna. Will he be able to let go of the past and take a step towards a HEA with Makenna?
I can't even begin to tell you how much this book made me happy!!! When I finished reading HiD, I was happy with the way it ended. I'm an obsessed bookworm so when I love a couple to pieces I always want to read more about them. LitL exceeded all of my expectations! I knew that there was going to be difficult times ahead for Makenna and Caden. Each relationship is a roller coaster ride of emotions and Makenna and Caden's relationship is no different. I loved how we see them grow as a couple in this book. Each of their sexy, romantic, emotional and tender moments stole my heart. I had butterflies in my stomach just like the first time I met them.
If you have not read these books you are seriously missing out! I highly recommend them! Unforgettable characters, amazing story and a reading escape that will deliver all the feels!
I give, Love in the Light, by Laura Kaye, 4.5 sexy, heart-melting, captivating, wonderful, romantic stars!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
brandon jeune
Hearts in Darkness was a sexy, sweet little story that definitely put a smile on a lot of readers faces. The masses begged and pleaded for more of this passionate couple and Ms Kaye granted that wish. What I wasn't expecting was a book that took silly and sexy and left it in the dust. Here you had passion with pain, fear with joy and healing with unconditional love. Cayden had a terrible tragic past and being trapped with Mackenna in that elevator was the catalyst to peeling off the blinders and the armor that he wore for 14 years and letting life reach back into his soul.
This wasn't a carefree easy read . Yes there was some romantic and hot sexy times that heated up the pages.
There were some funny and heartwarming moments that had me smiling. But.. I had moments of such pain for Makenna that I just wasn't sure if I could go on. This girl was beyond strong. She was steel. With the softest and most loving heart underneath. Caden's suffering broke my heart. Healing had to come from him hitting bottom and I'm so glad that Makenna was strong enough and loved him enough to forgive and help him heal. Not only did Caden have the love of Makenna , he had some amazing friends that wanted him to live the life he deserved.
Caden truly had to battle through the darkness to reach for the light.. His light. Because this brave yet emotionally and physically scarred man was truly light to all that met him. He called Makenna his light out of the darkness but after seeing how many people thought so highly of Caden and how many people he touched.. Just proved Caden was full of light and love. Some pretty scary moments had me biting my nails and I had tears of both sadness and joy. This author filled the pages with more emotion that I can even begin to explain.
I was so happy to see this family get their HEA and it was absolutely worth the wait.
This wasn't a carefree easy read . Yes there was some romantic and hot sexy times that heated up the pages.
There were some funny and heartwarming moments that had me smiling. But.. I had moments of such pain for Makenna that I just wasn't sure if I could go on. This girl was beyond strong. She was steel. With the softest and most loving heart underneath. Caden's suffering broke my heart. Healing had to come from him hitting bottom and I'm so glad that Makenna was strong enough and loved him enough to forgive and help him heal. Not only did Caden have the love of Makenna , he had some amazing friends that wanted him to live the life he deserved.
Caden truly had to battle through the darkness to reach for the light.. His light. Because this brave yet emotionally and physically scarred man was truly light to all that met him. He called Makenna his light out of the darkness but after seeing how many people thought so highly of Caden and how many people he touched.. Just proved Caden was full of light and love. Some pretty scary moments had me biting my nails and I had tears of both sadness and joy. This author filled the pages with more emotion that I can even begin to explain.
I was so happy to see this family get their HEA and it was absolutely worth the wait.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
erica sutch
Makenna James and Caden Grayson thought their time in the elevator was the worst they had to deal with. But real life has a way of tripping up even the most established couple, so it serves that these two would have more to deal with before their true happily ever after. Meeting the family and ghosts of the past still stand in the way of Makenna and Caden’s forever.
This felt like a natural continuation for a couple who met while trapped in a dark elevator. The newness of their relationship means they still have a lot to learn about each other. Though their first book felt a little insta-lovey, this second story gave an extension to their timeline, allowing those initial feelings to develop and deepen while throwing real life challenges their way. As Caden struggles thinking he is not good enough for Makenna, meeting her family only compounds those thoughts in his head, while she fights to prove that he is exactly what she wants.
I loved meeting the James family. The love and support she gets from these men was amazing, though Ian did have to grown on me. They were a great hurdle for the couple, though watching Caden’s spiral after the first meeting hurt.
Caden’s past was equally important in the events of this story. His handling of things was painful and emotional, both for what it did to him and to Makenna. This part of the storyline provided much of the emotional drama. It was while Caden was in the midst of his crash that I really fell in love with this book. Without the crash, it was a nice continuation, but the inclusion of this arc makes the story whole.
I loved what this story gave Makenna and Caden, even for all the struggles they face. Their world became more than just the darkened inside of an elevator and forced them to deal with things that had been brushed aside for far too long.
This felt like a natural continuation for a couple who met while trapped in a dark elevator. The newness of their relationship means they still have a lot to learn about each other. Though their first book felt a little insta-lovey, this second story gave an extension to their timeline, allowing those initial feelings to develop and deepen while throwing real life challenges their way. As Caden struggles thinking he is not good enough for Makenna, meeting her family only compounds those thoughts in his head, while she fights to prove that he is exactly what she wants.
I loved meeting the James family. The love and support she gets from these men was amazing, though Ian did have to grown on me. They were a great hurdle for the couple, though watching Caden’s spiral after the first meeting hurt.
Caden’s past was equally important in the events of this story. His handling of things was painful and emotional, both for what it did to him and to Makenna. This part of the storyline provided much of the emotional drama. It was while Caden was in the midst of his crash that I really fell in love with this book. Without the crash, it was a nice continuation, but the inclusion of this arc makes the story whole.
I loved what this story gave Makenna and Caden, even for all the struggles they face. Their world became more than just the darkened inside of an elevator and forced them to deal with things that had been brushed aside for far too long.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
dana puhl
I was ecstatic when I learned that Laura Kaye was going to write a sequel to one of my most favorite books, Hearts in Darkness. I can’t tell you the amount of times I’ve reread that hot little novella, but it captivated me each time. After my ecstatic feeling, I then became worried because I didn’t know if a sequel could live up to the level of HiD. I’m here to say that it did. It made me cry, many times, people, and I loved it. It had depth, emotional upheaval, and a great romance.
Makenna and Caden met in a darkened elevator without having seen each other’s faces. They fall in love by simple conversation, by a connection that went beyond shallow perceptions. LOVE IN THE LIGHT comes in a few weeks after where Hearts in Darkness ends. The two lovebirds are faced with the holidays and Caden meeting Makenna’s family. It’s here that things begin to unravel, that the past creates a roadblock for these passion-filled lovers to try to overcome.
As someone who personally suffers with PTSD, I felt a deep connection to Caden. His despair, internal battle, and uncontrollable mental spiral felt incredibly real. Poignantly so. It hurt; I cried a lot. I felt as if I were reading myself and at times it was painful to keep reading, but so worth it, too. Makenna is a strong, fighter of a woman who is everything a person suffering could want. She became his light, his beacon for hope, and it was inspiring. This story was everything I could have imagined it to be. I felt it did them justice, that they were given the tale they deserved. It was a beautiful romance with such intense sweetness that made the sad crying turn into happy crying. You will love their sequel, I know it.
**Received an early copy in exchange for an honest review. This is no way affected the outcome of my review**
Makenna and Caden met in a darkened elevator without having seen each other’s faces. They fall in love by simple conversation, by a connection that went beyond shallow perceptions. LOVE IN THE LIGHT comes in a few weeks after where Hearts in Darkness ends. The two lovebirds are faced with the holidays and Caden meeting Makenna’s family. It’s here that things begin to unravel, that the past creates a roadblock for these passion-filled lovers to try to overcome.
As someone who personally suffers with PTSD, I felt a deep connection to Caden. His despair, internal battle, and uncontrollable mental spiral felt incredibly real. Poignantly so. It hurt; I cried a lot. I felt as if I were reading myself and at times it was painful to keep reading, but so worth it, too. Makenna is a strong, fighter of a woman who is everything a person suffering could want. She became his light, his beacon for hope, and it was inspiring. This story was everything I could have imagined it to be. I felt it did them justice, that they were given the tale they deserved. It was a beautiful romance with such intense sweetness that made the sad crying turn into happy crying. You will love their sequel, I know it.
**Received an early copy in exchange for an honest review. This is no way affected the outcome of my review**
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
rima aridi
We first met Caden and Mackenna in Hearts in Darkness and for me was one of the best novellas I’ve ever read, the story line was very unique, while Caden and Mackenna captured my heart. I was left wanting to know so much more of their back story, and also how their relationship would continue after this very brief but steamy encounter.
So it's been a while since I read Hearts in Darkness, but the wait for this sequel was oh so worth it!! This book picks up 2 months after they met on that fateful day, 2 people, in one broken down elevator. Caden and Mackenna are still going strong, and their passion getting hotter page, by page. But as you can guess with one tattooed, hot, but very broken man, you know the path to a happy relationship will not come easy.
This is so true in this sequel for Caden who suffers from PTSD, resulting from a car accident which left his mum and brother dead. Caden carries scars on his body and demons in his head, which reminds him everyday of this tragic event. Can Caden fight his demons and convince himself that he can be happy with Mackenna and that nothing bad will happen to her?
“You own me, Red. Do you know that? There isn’t a part of me that isn’t yours completely.”
Mackenna loves Caden, I adored that the words were always just on the tip of her tongue, but was just to scarred to say them. She loved him for who he was, the scars he wore and the demons he carried.
She didn’t love him despite of all his issues, she loved him because they were part of who he was. And she loved who he was. With everything she had.
If you have read Hearts in Darkness, you have to pick up and read Love in the Light NOW!! You will not be disappointed. This sequel was defiantly an emotional read, but Laura does what she does best giving us a heart felt, sexy, well written story that gave us a perfect conclusion to Caden and Mackenna's story.
So it's been a while since I read Hearts in Darkness, but the wait for this sequel was oh so worth it!! This book picks up 2 months after they met on that fateful day, 2 people, in one broken down elevator. Caden and Mackenna are still going strong, and their passion getting hotter page, by page. But as you can guess with one tattooed, hot, but very broken man, you know the path to a happy relationship will not come easy.
This is so true in this sequel for Caden who suffers from PTSD, resulting from a car accident which left his mum and brother dead. Caden carries scars on his body and demons in his head, which reminds him everyday of this tragic event. Can Caden fight his demons and convince himself that he can be happy with Mackenna and that nothing bad will happen to her?
“You own me, Red. Do you know that? There isn’t a part of me that isn’t yours completely.”
Mackenna loves Caden, I adored that the words were always just on the tip of her tongue, but was just to scarred to say them. She loved him for who he was, the scars he wore and the demons he carried.
She didn’t love him despite of all his issues, she loved him because they were part of who he was. And she loved who he was. With everything she had.
If you have read Hearts in Darkness, you have to pick up and read Love in the Light NOW!! You will not be disappointed. This sequel was defiantly an emotional read, but Laura does what she does best giving us a heart felt, sexy, well written story that gave us a perfect conclusion to Caden and Mackenna's story.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
farhang fassihi
CADEN!!! I was so glad to my wounded lovable hero back after reading Hearts in Darkness. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
If you thought Caden touched your heart before, just wait until you read this one. I just wanted to hold him close and somehow make him realize just how wonderful he truly is. His struggle with PTSD is affecting every aspect of his life, including his relationship with Makenna. The moment he feels he's ready to open himself up to her, something happens to bring his low self esteem to the forefront and make him feel unworthy of the kind of love Makenna offers. He believes he's too messed up inside to give her what she needs and deserves.
Through everything Makenna does nothing but love him, even when that's not what he wants. He's hidden what's going on with him but she still stands strong in her feelings and tries to let him know that when he's ready she'll be there, waiting. In Caden's attempt to protect her from himself he really only ends up destroying her heart. It was painful, in a physical, heart breaking way to watch the two of them suffer when only if they BOTH would've just clung to the other they could've worked through it. But people don't always make the right choices, and in the end I kind of saw the necessity of Caden's actions, even though I felt it could've been handled differently.
The first book was a fantasy come to life. This one is grounded entirely in reality, which can sometimes be ugly and unfair. The fantasy doesn't last, and then what do you do? That's the true test of a relationship...what happens when the awful truth of our flaws is exposed in the light.
If you thought Caden touched your heart before, just wait until you read this one. I just wanted to hold him close and somehow make him realize just how wonderful he truly is. His struggle with PTSD is affecting every aspect of his life, including his relationship with Makenna. The moment he feels he's ready to open himself up to her, something happens to bring his low self esteem to the forefront and make him feel unworthy of the kind of love Makenna offers. He believes he's too messed up inside to give her what she needs and deserves.
Through everything Makenna does nothing but love him, even when that's not what he wants. He's hidden what's going on with him but she still stands strong in her feelings and tries to let him know that when he's ready she'll be there, waiting. In Caden's attempt to protect her from himself he really only ends up destroying her heart. It was painful, in a physical, heart breaking way to watch the two of them suffer when only if they BOTH would've just clung to the other they could've worked through it. But people don't always make the right choices, and in the end I kind of saw the necessity of Caden's actions, even though I felt it could've been handled differently.
The first book was a fantasy come to life. This one is grounded entirely in reality, which can sometimes be ugly and unfair. The fantasy doesn't last, and then what do you do? That's the true test of a relationship...what happens when the awful truth of our flaws is exposed in the light.
Please RateLove in the Light (Hearts in Darkness Duet Book 2)
Love in the Light by Laura Kaye ~ 5 STARS!!!! ABSOLUTE MUST READ!!!
“One Life / One Chance / No Regrets” >>>> I so want this on my body :)
OMG!!!! Just finished Love in the Light and I am so emotional – still crying but happy tears. I can’t tell you how much I LOVE LOVE LOVE this book. I only read Hearts in the Darkness a couple weeks ago knowing that Love in the Light was coming soon. I thought Hearts in the Darkness was very good, but Love in the Light is so much better. Laura Kaye definitely does not disappoint. What an amazing love story! This book is the continuation of Caden and Makenna’s relationship after they got rescued from the elevator.
“Two hearts in the darkness…
Makenna James and Caden Grayson have been inseparable since the day they were trapped in a pitch-black elevator and found acceptance and love in the arms of a stranger. Makenna hopes that night put them on the path to forever—which can’t happen until she introduces her tattooed, pierced, and scarred boyfriend to her father and three over-protective brothers.
Must fight for love in the light…
Haunted by a childhood tragedy and the loss of his family, Caden never thought he’d find the love he shares with Makenna. But the deeper he falls, the more he fears the devastation sure to come if he ever lost her, too. When meeting her family doesn’t go smoothly, Caden questions whether Makenna deserves someone better, stronger, and just more…normal. Maybe they’re just too different—and he’s far too damaged—after all…”
It is hard to write a review without spoiling it for you but I will try my best. If you read Heart in the Darkness you know that Caden and Makenna met in rather unusual circumstances. They were stuck in a broken elevator together for 4 hours. Caden and Makenna could not see each other faces but they connect and fell for each other in the darkness, without the typical physical appearances (Refreshing right?). At a tender age of 14 Caden had to experience the horrible loss of his mother and brother and he never quite gets over the guilt and fear of being trapped. Now that they fall back into every day life routine, can he handle their relationship when the ghost of his past comes lurking back?
“At best, he was a ghost of his former self, and that guy hasn’t even been fully squared away.”
Makenna, she is just a sweet soul, loving, caring and loyal. She is wicked, sharp-tongued, smart and funny. She lost her mom when she was a little girl so growing up with a father and 3 brothers makes her very close to all of them. Just watching the interaction between Makenna and her family, especially her father is so heart-warming. They are naturally very protective of her. The way she stuck by Caden, taking care of him was so sweet. And… there one thing she did for him that completely melts my heart (but I can’t really say what it is sorry…). Well, Caden’s heart was a puddle on the floor :)
“…Of everything I have in my life, I hope you know that I’m most grateful for you this year…”
Caden, oh well… what can I say I was SWOONING over the guy. He is a hot paramedic, a man in uniform of course. And what else? He got tats (meaningful ones) … and he has a broken tortured soul… all the better :). Kidding aside, it was really hard to read how the Caden’s past tormented him and took over his life… He desperately needs a break and healing - someone to save him… HELL, I will do that job! Despite his tough outside facade, Caden is like a big teddy bear, he is sweet and caring and he SAVES people. I mean I don’t have any tattoos but geez after reading this book I want to go out and get myself one!!! FOR REAL!!!
This is a short book so I can not reveal too much about the plot without ruining the surprise. I am just going to say that from the time I read the first page I feel I like I was sitting on hot coals. Just when I thought I was falling into an easy read, something happened and my heart slammed in my throat. One thing happens after the next, my heart was racing so hard, but everything connects nicely and the story seems to flow smoothly until the end.
“…I love you so much that I can barely remember my life before you. I love you so much that I can’t imagine my life without you…”
Love in the Light is just GORGEOUS. It’s such a heart-warming, sexy, romantic love story. I enjoyed the funny banters amongst all of the characters. Laughed out loud couple times for sure “…any time you want me to hammer, drill, or screw, you just let me know.” lol :)
My heart was broken too, I cried ugly tears and then after I was done I couldn’t stop crying happy tears. This book is told in the third person. The writing is AMAZING – so well written. Laura Kaye did a great job at recapping a little of Hearts in the Darkness in this book so if you read that book long ago it is a nice reminder. There are plenty of hot tasteful sex scenes and angst too. And don’t get me started on the brothers…. My God! The eldest is a cop who, married to his job so YES! He needs a story please. The middle brother Ian is rough around the edges… he needs someone to tame him. The youngest, well he has Shima and I want to know more about them. Hell, I feel like even Makenna’s father deserves someone after all these years… GAH!!! I just NEED MORE of Laura Kaye in case you hadn’t noticed!!! LOL!!!
“…it’s you and me, ‘til the end. In the darkness and in the light.”
Cheers to SOULMATES!!! Happy reading everyone!
Thank you for this generous ARC of Love in the Light in exchange for an honest review!