Out of the Light, Into the Shadows

Originally I read this anthology because I needed an Erin McCarthy fix. I love her contemporary romance stories, although I have yet to read any of her Vegas Vampire Series or her other paranormal books. But after reading this, I think I'm going to have to change that. I haven't read a Lori Foster story in a few years, and again never had read any of her darker paranormal stories or those written under her pseudonym. So 'Out of the Light' seemed worth trying. A fun, quick, sometimes dark, and different read - I'm really glad I picked it up. Each author's contribution of two short stories was both captivating and refreshing. Definitely no boring stories like in other anthologies! - Have Mercy introduces Mercy and Wyatt, a couple dealing with the really basic subject of love and marriage. Mercy's struggle to reconcile her predicament with wanting a solid marriage to the man she loves and getting him to want that too may be overdone in fiction, but Foster makes this story both interesting and entertaining, with a revelation at the end that pulls at one's heartstrings. - Deal or No Deal is the first of two short stories involving McCarthy's Vegas Vampires, but with a twist. Katie and her brother Peter are the surviving members of the Romanov dynasty. Of course, the bad guy is still Rasputin (who else would it be) and he's after a relic that Katie and Peter find stashed away. Michael, Katie's first love, resurfaces as well having spent his immortal life searching for Katie and now protecting her as he couldn't at the onslaught of the Russian Revolution. Together they sort through the misunderstandings and sad events of their past and figure out their second chance in the present. I absolutely love alternate histories, and thought that if centuries-old vampires were living in Las Vegas (especially Russian royalty), this is exactly how they'd talk and act. Deal or No Deal was funny and sweet with a bit of suspense thrown in. - Total Control literally had my jaw drop (in a good way) as I read the story. I was pulled in from the first sentence and it was like being on one of those smooth roller coasters until reading the last word. The story featuring Brax (Mercy's brother from Foster's previous entry) and Cameo (his assistant) was scorching. In reading Foster's past work, I always thought her sex scenes were straight forward and sometimes a little ordinary for her push-the-envelope publishers (not trying to be harsh, just my opinion). The writing in this story though was satisfyingly extreme, sensual, gritty, and completely draws the reader in with its spell (exactly just like Brax and his powers). Foster's writing made me understand and even sympathize with Brax, his "family gift," and his need for a woman of his own to ensure his survival and sanity. At the same time, both headstrong characters were completely justified in their struggle to be themselves within their relationship. There is quite a bit of action crammed into the end of the story

This anthology seemed to be split into different genres. The first anthology "Have Mercy" was more contemporary, the second novella "Deal or No Deal" more paranormal romance and the last two novellas "Total Control" and Undead Man's Hand" being more dark paranormal romance fantasy (which I prefer). Lori Foster "Have Mercy" Mercedes Jardine has found the man of her dreams, Wyatt Reyes, unfortunately he comes with a tragic past and has a result of that past, causes him to shy away from marriage or starting a family. When Mercedes finds out she's pregnant, Wyatt must prove to Mercedes and her overprotective brother Braxton that he can tear down his walls, come to terms with his demons and be the father and husband Mercedes needs him to be. Wyatt and Mercedes have great chemistry and very hot sex scenes. There was no direct paranormal involved with this particular novella. However, the love that Wyatt and Mercedes share is magical. For those readers looking for a happily ever after (HEA), this story fits the bill. This novella was well done and was able to hold my attention. However, there was more romance in this novella than I usually prefer to read; but the way Lori created the characters, made you want to care about them and see what happens next. 3.5/5 Erin McCarthy "Deal or No Deal" This was another HEA that held my attention and made me care about the characters. Katie Stolin, a former Russian princess and century old vampire, reunites with a lost love and sets out to avenge her family's slaughtering. This story was extremely predictable, albeit interesting, it did feel complete and smoothly done. 3.5/5 L.L. Foster "Total Control" Braxton Jardine has a complicated life. He's big brother to Mercedes Jardine who has a baby on the way, a successful businessman by day and also a vigilante, dispensing his own brand of justice to criminals by night. Finally his eyes are open and he figures out that the love of his life, his assistant Cameo, has been in front of him the whole time. Things get problematic when a pair of sexual sadists he's been chasing, goes after Cameo and puts her life in danger. This was an interesting story. Braxton's character reminds me of the heroine from L.L Foster's The Servant series, Gaby. Braxton and Cameo have sizzling chemistry and I enjoyed this short story a bit more than Foster's other novella. This novella was darker, more dangerous and sexy. 5/5 Erin McCarthy "Undead Man's Hand" This novella uses the supporting characters from Erin's previous novella, Deal or No Deal. Detective Jordan Water's, searches for a vicious serial killer on the Las Vegas strip. Someone has been violently murdering women in the most heinous of ways and leaving their bodies in humiliating poses to be discovered. This story was exciting, mysterious and interesting. This novella was only 89 pages long but the characters were well developed. The story was so smoothly done and complete, I felt like I read an entire boo

The darkest hour is before the dawn... headlines a sinful new anthology where the dark and light sides of desire collide... Embrace the darkness and experience the light in this all-new anthology filled with touching stories of happily ever after alongside smoldering tales of irresistibly dangerous, otherworldly passion. From bewitching emotions and untamed desire to dazzling romance and tantalizing sensuality, these novellas explore the complex facets of the human heart--both the light side and the dark. I personally find that back cover explanation the most useless piece of information ever so I'm going to do a quick recap before we do the review. This anthology has four stories written by two authors (L.L. Foster is Lori Foster's paranormal genre pseudonym) and each authors' set of stories are connected to each other. Meaning the characters are all know each other and in the second story you see men and women from the first. Here are the stories in this particular anthology: 1) Lori Foster - "Have Mercy" - Mercedes didn't need another 6 months to know that she was in love with Wyatt and wanted to spend the rest of her life with him. But how was he going to handle an over protective brother and the possibility of a baby on the way? 2) Erin McCarthy - "Deal or No Deal" - Katie is a vampire. One that's over a hundred years old and managed to survive the end of Tsar era in Russia. Michael is another vampire - one that will do anything to get back the love of both his life and undeath even if it means fighting against a 90 year old misunderstanding? 3) L.L. Foster- "Total Control" - Brax will no longer deny his desire. Cameo is his and it is fine time that she realizes that her only future will be with him! (Mercedes' Brother) 4) Erin McCarthy - "Undead Man's Hand" - With Katie all settled in with Michael, it's finally time for Nick to get his chance at a little eternal love. Jordan might be determined to do the best job she can, but being a murder cop in Vegas has it's ups and downs - and it's definitely a down moment when a new serial case is dumped in her lap. But maybe things can't be too bad if there are hot Russian body guards like Nick around to help take your mind off it all? All in all I thought this was a good anthology. Unsurprisingly to me Lori Foster's stories outshone both of Erin McCarthy's by a big margin, but that's just kind of the way things are with Foster - she usually writes a damn good short story and it's hard to compete with that. Both as 'Lori' and 'L.L.' the stories were sizzling yet emotionally satisfiying, though in her 'L.L.' story you can definitely feel the hint of darkness that permeates more in her paranormal works. I just felt like McCarthy's stories were pretty average, with the endings in both (though Nick and Jordan's was a bit better) very predictable and without any of the challenge or connection that makes such a short story worth while. Overall Feeling - Thumbs up. While McCarthy's stories aren't th

"Have Mercy" by Lori Foster. Mercedes Jardine loves Wyatt Reyes and wants to marry him. However, although he loves her he fears a permanent relationship so he refuses to marry her. Her powerful brother Braxton likes Wyatt, but expects him to come to his senses and wed his sister. Brax's office manager Cameo Smithson tells him to mind his business. "Deal or No Deal". by Erin McCarthy. In Vegas, Russian expatriate Nick Stolin protects two young vampire siblings (he changed back the tsarist period) Kate and Pete Stolin. When Kate puts on a family heirloom, Rasputin knows the necklace with the blood of the ancients inside has surfaced. He plans to steal it to strengthen his power. Michael St. Markov also learns the woman he always loved Katie is alive and he plans to keep her safe. "Total Control" by LL Foster. Brax knows Cameo is the woman for him. He fires her from her job and uses his special power of persuasion to sexually manipulate her. When his Uncle Amos arrives a hurt Cameo does not blink as she helps him. However, the woman who injured Amos is coming for them and using Cam as bait. "Undead Man's Hand" by Erin McCarthy. Las Vegas police detectives Jordan Water and Shawn Marshall investigate a serial killer who drains the blood from his victim. They come to Bellagio to talk with thirteen year old Pete, an allegedly autistic teen who witnessed the assault. He offers nothing. Nick asks Jordan out and she accepts as they are attracted to one another although she thinks his family is dysfunctional. This is a fine collection that readers, especially of paranormal romance, will fully enjoy. This reviewer suggests finishing the two Foster tales back to back and like wise with the McCarthy entries as "Total Control" is a direct sequel to "Have Mercy" and likewise with the two Ms. McCarthy contributions. Fans will enjoy this entreating anthology. Harriet Klausner

Two authors, three pen names, and four solid stories make up the "Out of the Light, Into the Shadows anthology. Lori Foster (AND her alterego LL Foster) and Erin McCarthy each pen two connected stories for this anthology. The total? Three paranormals, one contemporary, and one very happy reader. Foster opens with "Have Mercy" about a hunky hero with a tragic past learning to open himself up to a love-filled future. Her writing just grabs my heart every time. Not to mention her sex scenes will make you sweat! Then comes McCarthy's "Deal or No Deal" set in her 'Vegas Vampires' world. She was once Princess Anastasia, now she's a vegas dealer thanks to the man she loved who betrayed her family. Or did he? I just love reunion romance...even if it takes 100 years! LL Foster adds "Total Control" which had me not just sweating, but looking for a cigarette! The heroine's brother from "Have Mercy" has some talents his little sister doesn't know about. He'll only share his secret with the woman who can calm his beast. Smoking hot Alpha alert!! Last is McCarthy's "Undead Man's Hand" starring a secondary character from "Deal or No Deal". Take one murder detective, stir in a vampire body guard, season with a wacko 100-year old teenage vampire and you'll get a short murder mystery with hot sex to boot. Foster plays with my emotions and McCarthy's Vegas vamps are something totally different from the norm. This one goes on my keeper shelf.