Review: 'A Kiss in the Dark' by Lisa Fox (2015)

Grace’s attraction to her new web designer, amateur boxer and all-around playboy, Ryan Granger, is off the charts. But the bad boy of programming is not someone she needs to get entangled with. She’s got too many responsibilities and no time for games. She has deadlines to meet and a sick father to care for. Ryan is tempting, but being with him is completely unrealistic. Still, a girl can fantasize, right?
Ryan wants Grace badly, but while he’s building her website, they have to keep things strictly professional. Thankfully, walking her home during a city-wide blackout is on his own time and whatever happens in the dark doesn’t count. He’s falling hard for Grace and he is a man used to winning. The only problem is, he’s got to convince her that he’s worthy of her trust.
If there is one review copy that I should have picked up a lot sooner it's Lisa Fox's 'A Kiss in the Dark'; a Harper Impulse novella that was released in 2015. I received the review copy and somehow was under the impression that this was a story set around New Year's Eve. I prefer to read novels set around Christmas/New Year at the end of the year, so I saved this one. But then I actually realised it is not a festive read at all, and put it away again because I had multiple festive reads to finish. A few weeks ago I decided it was finally time to sit down with this read, finally be introduced to author Lisa Fox's writing... And I can say I am really glad I did! 
Grace Betancourt has enough going on in her life; she needs to focus on writing her next novel, think about how to market herself as an author to increase her book sales, and take care of her sick father. Definitely no time for men or romance. But when Grace meets web designer and amateur boxer Ryan Granger, it becomes quite difficult to stick to that rule. Ryan is known as a bit of a playboy, but the chemistry between him and Grace is undeniable. Yet, Grace is his first real client as a web designer, so he needs to keep things professional. When there's a black-out in part of the city, Ryan and Grace get to spend some more time together; the question is, are they both willing to take the risk and start something, or are things simply too complicated?
I've had the pleasure of reading several Harper Impulse romance reads up until now, and I am glad to say Lisa Fox's 'A Kiss in the Dark' certainly is one of my favourites. The story focuses on author Grace who gets to work together with web designer Ryan when she is looking for someone to help her out with her website. The sparks fly between them, but at the same time they both know, for their own reasons, that them starting something would not be the best idea. It's been quite a long time since I've read a story with a great male character at its core, but I straight away liked Ryan. I also easily warmed to Grace and was really rooting for them to get together.
I was also impressed with the author's writing. It almost felt as if I was flying through the pages, and I finished the book way too quickly for my liking. There was also a good mix of description and dialogue; and regular storyline with some steamy scenes added to it. I definitely wouldn't have minded if this had been a full-length novel, and already can't wait to read some more of Lisa Fox's work. If you are looking for a quick romance read, there's definitely no need to look any further. 'A Kiss in the Dark' is a fast-paced, steamy and thoroughly enjoyable novella that I loved from start to finish, and I'm already looking forward to my next Lisa Fox read!

Rating:9/10

  For more information about this book: Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads
Thanks to the author for providing me with a review copy in exchange for an honest review.