Love in the Light

After the night that they spent together trapped in a dark elevator, McKenna James and Caden Grayson have become very close. The first big test of their new relationship comes when they go to McKenna's house for Thanksgiving. Unexpectedly, Ian, McKenna's brother, has brought home her former fiance for Thanksgiving, and he wants to resume their relationship. Overhearing their conversation begins a downward spiral of PTSD and depression for Caden stemming from an auto accident 14 years before in which he was trapped in the car for hours and barely survived. His mother and brother weren't so lucky, and now he wonders if maybe he just isn't ever going to find or deserve lasting happiness. Love in the Light is a very emotional story about letting go of the past. Caden and McKenna are both damaged, but McKenna has healed and Caden has not. Since the relationship had already been established before the book begins, most of this story is about Caden and his issues with depression and PTSD. My knowledge of these mental health issues is limited, but the portrayal rings true in the story. It did seem that Caden's epiphany and its result was a little too easy, but overall, Love in the Light is a nice romance with likable characters interwoven with the serious topic of mental health.

*Trigger warning: panic/anxiety attack, PTSD, depression, vehicular accident Makenna and Caden are still together two months after the fateful elevator incident that has changed their lives. They are very much in love and can't keep their hands off each other. But Makenna chooses not to let Caden know about what she truly feels because she doesn't want to overwhelm Caden. Caden tries not to let his mental health conditions overtake the happiness that he's feeling right now. But after celebrating Thanksgiving with Makenna's family and ex-bf, Caden starts to feel insecure and unworthy of Makenna, not to mention his PTSD and survivor's guilt are looming over his head, which send him into a downward emotional spiral. This is the second (and last) book to the Hearts in Darkness series. I listened to the audiobook while walking (almost three hours) and it was a wonderful experience. I honestly didn't know what to expect before reading this book but I'm glad I continued the series. I loved how the characters, as well as their relationship, developed througout the story. I wished Makenna was part of Caden's recovery but I also understand why he wants to do it alone. His chapters were painful to read and maybe some might find him too whiny or annoying but I think you will never understand how it truly feels until you (or someone you love) experienced it. It was commendable how Makenna handles the situation. As hard as it was for Caden, all the events were also challenging for her. I thought she was brave and very supportive. I also liked her relationship with her family especially with her older brother. I thought the ending was perfect and satisfying! I definitely suggest you to read this book especially if you enjoyed Hearts in Darkness.

Find this review and more at kimberlyfaye reads . When I read Hearts in Darkness last year, I fell in love with Makenna and Caden. I loved how their relationship developed after a few hours trapped in a situation (and an elevator) neither of them could escape from. Their story sucked me in and, while I was thrilled with the novella – it is absolutely one of the best I've ever read, especially considering I thought it was only ever intended to be a standalone – I always kinda wanted a little more of their story. I'm greedy like that. When I learned Laura was releasing a sequel, I was over the moon. I couldn't wait to get more of these two. And you know what? It was everything I wanted and more. I loved so much about Love in the Light, but I can't get into all of it because I refuse to ruin the experience for you. What I will say is that if you're a fan of Hearts and Darkness and, of course, Makenna and Caden, you NEED to read it. It's such an honest portrayal of what comes next in a relationship. It's not all easy – I shed more than a couple tears over this novella. It was beautifully-written and I was entirely wrapped up in it from the very first page. I loved being back with these two characters and watching them truly become part of each other's lives. There were some wonderful scenes with Caden being brought into Makenna's family and some sweet and sexy times with the couple themselves. There were things that were hard to read because I do not enjoy watching a character I love struggle. But one of my favorite scenes was a really special one with Caden and an important person from his past. It totally punched me in the feels. I really can't say enough about how much I loved everything about Love in the Light. If you read Hearts in Darkness, buy this one right now. Chuck aside anything else and jump in. Just be prepared for the feels. If you've not yet read Hearts in Darkness, you should do something about that ASAP. You can binge read the two novellas and I know you will love them just as much as I did. I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.