Review: Dark Room by Heidi McLaughlin & L.P. Dover

A few months back I read Forever My Girl, a novel by Heidi McLaughlin. She’s one of the authors of Dark Room. The other, L.P. Dover, I’ve never read. But now that I’ve read this joint effort, I will want to check out Dover’s solo work, along with more of McLaughlin’s.

I don’t read many romances as sex-driven as Dark Room is. Normally, when a novel has too much sex in it, it turns me off of the story being told. For this book, it was never out of place, never too much, and never too often. Each scene of this nature drove the plot forward in the only way that the story could have been written. I’m was pleasantly surprised by this.

All of the characters in this book, main and secondary, were very fleshed out and I even enjoyed reading Mia’s douche of an ex. Along with the characters, these authors knew how to bring you into the setting. Whether is was inside Society X or an office, I could see each place and see the characters in the scene.

This book had some themes I enjoy in other books and other themes I’ve never quite gotten into before. Somehow, even the ones present in Dark Room that I’m not a fan of, I really liked. When authors can make that happen, they’re definitely ones to keep an eye on.

10 people found this helpful

I LOVED THIS ONE!!! IT WAS AWESOME!!!

The publisher's summary doesn't give much of this story away so when I first started listening, I was thinking what did I get myself into! However, the plot became evident fairy quickly and you know where the story's headed. It's steamy, sexy and builds A LOT chemistry and sexual tension between the H/h. I loved how these two authors keep the listener (or reader) in suspense for a good portion of the story. I was literally on pins and needles wondering when and how the characters were going to find out! I knew it was coming, but was still shocked on how they found out. I LOVED this story, listened to it almost non-stop, and bought the next audio in the series before I even finished this one.

I really liked this wasn't an instant love story and the relation between the H/h is well developed. These lifelong friends have repressed feelings for each other but keep them hidden. It's literally torture for them to be around each other because they both feel the other is off limits.

The plot was an unexpected change and refreshingly different. From how the story starts off your thinking this is going to some kind of kinky story, but it's really an sweet, swoon worthy romance. The sex scenes are descriptive and well developed but not over the top. They were perfect for the Dark Room.

The narration was great! Emily and James both did an amazing job with the characters, emotions and their performance was lively.

Dark Room was juicy and fun to listen too. I felt it deserved all FIVE STARS! I will definitely be on the lookout for more audios by either the authors or narrators. For those who have KU, this was awesome KU/whispersync deal!

9 people found this helpful

So much more

I loved this story. Fate taking a hand even in the most risqué of circumstances and I love that the drama wasn't taken to extreme and levels that aren't relatable. Simplicity in its best form with characters that you instantly fall in love with.

Emily and James are fairly new narrators to me and I very much loved their performances. I can't wait to hear more from them.

8 people found this helpful

Not what it seems

I'm going to start off by saying that this was not what I expected. The synopsis doesn't give anything away. While the Dark room is a important part of the story, this is more of a friends to lovers/ brother's best friend romance. I liked that this wasn't an instant love connection and that the characters had something to build from. Also the duality of their relationship was entertaining. It was a tad bit predictable but still enjoyable.

I wasn't crazy about the voice actors but they did do a good job.I wouldn't say it's worth a credit but I did like this story.

6 people found this helpful

Enjoyable Listen!

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the fantasy aspect of this book. I like the idea of having some your secret desires be fulfilled, the great thing about books is you get to live vicariously through them and do just that in this one.

What about Emily Devereux and James Kavanaugh ’s performance did you like?

James Kavanaugh gave a solid performance, I thought he was great. Emily Devereux did a good job, but some of her delivery I felt could use a different inflection than what was used, and some of the delivery for secondary characters could get a little shouty at times. Overall though I would listen to both of them again.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

This book was on the shorter side so it was very easy to get through in one sitting.

Any additional comments?

Dark Room is book one of the the Society X series and revolves around Mia and Parker and their adventures in the dark room. Society X is a club where if you're an elite member you can have your sexual fantasies fulfilled, but there are some strict rules, and according to the owner, "People know if they break the rules, they're out. There are no second chances at Society X. What are the rules? No Names or numbers, everything is anonymous. Each member enters a room at their own risk." Sounds intriguing!

Enter Mia and Parker. Parker's friend from college is the one who owns the club and Parker is looking at investing. Mia goes to a bachelorette party at Society X and is asked if she would like to become an elite member. Both decide that they would like to try the dark room (it's a try before you buy situation) a room where neither person can see the other and has no clue who the other person might be. Little do they know that they not only in fact know each other, but are very close since Parker is best friends with Mia's brother.

Now for this book you have to suspend some belief, as some of the events in the book just aren't that believable, and a lot of it is predictable, but it's still a fun ride. It's very steamy and the sex scenes are hot. It's got the forbidden aspect to it from both inside the club (it's anonymous sex) and outside of the club. The two leads have good chemistry and there are some really sweet moments mixed in with the sexy ones. If you're looking for a book that's not on the serious side, this one is great!

5 people found this helpful

Ok quick read

I typically love these kind of books especially when they are in a series. I feel that the story was lacking in depth and could have used a lot more Umph. I found myself getting annoyed with the predictability. James performance was amazing and his voice was sultry! I was not a fan of Emily's performance as she could have used more emotion.

2 people found this helpful

Opportunity lost

The plot had definite potential. However, in addition to some very lame dialogue, the narration was bad. The female voice was more suited to a children's book and was a serious distraction from what should have been a steamy story. Very disappointing.

Amazing

Parker is one lucky man. Mia is one sexy smart woman.
They have been friends for a long time. They have an amazing chemistry. There connection is off the charts.

Society X

Dark Room was my first novel by these two authors. I was not disappointed. The Narrators also did a great job bringing Mia and Parker's story to life. There was just enough of everything to keep everything flowing. Can't wait to find more from these authors.

Dark delights

Dark Room is a racy and naughty bit of fun. Society X is a vacation from the normal "club". Almost like Spring Break! (smirks) Maybe a bit Girls Gone Wild!?

Dark Room isn't all naughty though; it's got a sweet story and a wonderful ending. It may start out scratching an itch but ends with dreams and a future.