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Vegas Vampires #6 & 7
Out of the Light, into the Shadows Out of the Light, into the Shadows
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.
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.
342 pages, Paperback
First published July 4, 2009
24 people are currently reading
1230 people want to read
About the author
Lori Foster
407 books11.7k followersSince first publishing in January 1996, Lori Foster has become a USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly and New York Times bestselling author. Lori has published through a variety of houses, including Kensington, St. Martin’s, Harlequin, Silhouette, Samhain, and Berkley/Jove. She is currently published with HQN.
Lori hosts a very special annual “Reader & Author” event in West Chester, Ohio. Proceeds from the event have benefited many worthy causes, including the Hamilton County YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter, the Animal Adoption Foundation, The Conductive Learning Center for children with spina bifida and cerebral palsy, and The One Way Farm, Children’s Home.
Each year Lori donates all proceeds from one book to charity. You can see the benefit romance books here: http://lorifoster.com/benefit-books/
Career Highlights
•In 2001, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Series Romantic Fantasy.
•In 2002, Lori’s book Too Much Temptation was the top-selling romance title for Amazon books.
•In 2003, Say No To Joe was the second “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for Waldenbooks.
•In 2004, Lori Foster was a clue in the New York Times crossword puzzle.
•In 2004, The Secret Life of Bryan was the “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for the BGI group.
•In 2005, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Contemporary Romance.
•In 2006, Jude’s Law was the “Bestselling Romantic Comedy” romance title for the BGI group.
•In 2007, Lori launched a new “urban fantasy” series under the name L.L. Foster. See more on her “dark side” at www.llfoster.com.
•In 2007, Causing Havoc was among Amazon’s Top Ten Editor’s picks in Romance.
•In 2008, Hard to Handle made #2 on The New York Times.
•In 2009, Servant: The Acceptance was Amazon’s #1 Editors’ Pick in Romance.
•In 2010, Lori was a clue in the USA Today Quick Cross puzzle.
Lori hosts a very special annual “Reader & Author” event in West Chester, Ohio. Proceeds from the event have benefited many worthy causes, including the Hamilton County YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter, the Animal Adoption Foundation, The Conductive Learning Center for children with spina bifida and cerebral palsy, and The One Way Farm, Children’s Home.
Each year Lori donates all proceeds from one book to charity. You can see the benefit romance books here: http://lorifoster.com/benefit-books/
Career Highlights
•In 2001, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Series Romantic Fantasy.
•In 2002, Lori’s book Too Much Temptation was the top-selling romance title for Amazon books.
•In 2003, Say No To Joe was the second “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for Waldenbooks.
•In 2004, Lori Foster was a clue in the New York Times crossword puzzle.
•In 2004, The Secret Life of Bryan was the “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for the BGI group.
•In 2005, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Contemporary Romance.
•In 2006, Jude’s Law was the “Bestselling Romantic Comedy” romance title for the BGI group.
•In 2007, Lori launched a new “urban fantasy” series under the name L.L. Foster. See more on her “dark side” at www.llfoster.com.
•In 2007, Causing Havoc was among Amazon’s Top Ten Editor’s picks in Romance.
•In 2008, Hard to Handle made #2 on The New York Times.
•In 2009, Servant: The Acceptance was Amazon’s #1 Editors’ Pick in Romance.
•In 2010, Lori was a clue in the USA Today Quick Cross puzzle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
July 28, 2009
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.
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.
April 11, 2015
ive read this book about 5 times!!! i wish lori foster would write more paranormal romances!!! she's one of the best writers in romance today!!
October 11, 2022
4 stories in one book all related.
They all are sultry sexy hot, reading keep me up at night and wanting more.
They all are sultry sexy hot, reading keep me up at night and wanting more.
January 29, 2010
In This book you find four stories by two authors Erin McCarthy and Lori Foster aka L. L. Foster. I read “Have Mercy” by Lori Foster first; I appreciated the fact that Foster gave real length to the relationship of Wyatt and Mercedes. I enjoyed the love between them and felt the author did a great job in making you feel that you already knew about the previous six months of their relationship and the inner workings of who they were together. This was definitely the better of her two connected stories. I also loved the fact that she was so close to her brother, but I found her brother to be well repulsive in many ways. I hated the way he felt it his right to dig in Wyatt’s background and then to stick his nose in the way that he did it. But I held out hope for him and thought if something could make me like him it would be how he was with Cameo. This leads me to the other half of these two connected stories “Total Control” written as L. L. Foster. I don’t think I have ever hated a HERO of a story as much as I hate Braxton. I will start this by saying the positive I was able to find in story. I liked it ended happy, I like that Cameo was happy because I really liked Cameo. I liked that she slapped his face and wish she would have just beat the hell out of him. He and his Uncle both just kind of made me want to hurl. My problem with Braxton is that he bypassed being an Alpha and went straight into being a control freak creep. I know that Cameo loved him and let him be who he was and accepted him for who he was and what he was. I also know that on some point she was okay with how he treated her and even though I loved Cameo that made me a little ill. But I don’t like any character written the way he was. I almost put the book down because what he did to Cameo at the start of “Total Control” was totally appalling. I felt that he talked to her like a dog a creepy dog that was going to do bad things to her against her will and I thought his Uncle to be just as rude and disgusting in how he treated her and how Braxton let him treat her, but what really got me so totally disgusted by Braxton was that his need for Cameo was totally Sexual and yes I know that at in the end he said he loved her but I didn’t believe it. Every time he explained why he needed her or wanted her it was always about sex or needing her in a sexual way for his release. Ladies he actually told her he could make her like it as in I can make you want it even if you don’t and aren’t ready. EWWW… really what self respecting woman would ever want to be with a man who said he could make you like it knowing you were not really fully willing?
I have just finished the 6th story “Deal or No Deal” and 7th story “Undead Man’s Hands” of the Vegas Vampire Series by Erin McCarthy. Of course “Deal or No Deal” was a very fast quick read, but sadly it didn’t match up in any way with the first 5 stories in this series and that disappointed me. I couldn’t like the characters; however I will say I thought it was funny how Rasputin died. There character fell flat and the love just well seemed stale but again it was 100years of love they supposedly brought back to like in one night. There was nothing in this story it felt like wasted words on wasted paper. So to conclude my review of this Anthology I reluctantly move on to “Undead Man’s Hands” It is defiantly safe to say this was second worse story in the book. But I want to start off by saying what I did like about. I liked the darkness of it, and think that had this been an actual book and had been more deeply explored it cold have been great, and what I mean by this is Peter. I have read a lot of McCarthy’s Vamp books but this is the first story where she has written about the depravity and danger that can come from a man being trapped in body that will never develop. But it ends there, and it wasn’t a full and it wasn’t explored. The only character at all that you connect with is a monster in a weak looking 13yr old body. The others had potential for depth just like in “Deal or No Deal” but fell flat ten-fold comparatively. All in this entire book was a disappointment aside from the first one “Have Mercy” and I may never read a L. L. Foster book again if she thinks that a character like Braxton is actually a good character. I can’t and will not recommend this Anthology to anyone.
I have just finished the 6th story “Deal or No Deal” and 7th story “Undead Man’s Hands” of the Vegas Vampire Series by Erin McCarthy. Of course “Deal or No Deal” was a very fast quick read, but sadly it didn’t match up in any way with the first 5 stories in this series and that disappointed me. I couldn’t like the characters; however I will say I thought it was funny how Rasputin died. There character fell flat and the love just well seemed stale but again it was 100years of love they supposedly brought back to like in one night. There was nothing in this story it felt like wasted words on wasted paper. So to conclude my review of this Anthology I reluctantly move on to “Undead Man’s Hands” It is defiantly safe to say this was second worse story in the book. But I want to start off by saying what I did like about. I liked the darkness of it, and think that had this been an actual book and had been more deeply explored it cold have been great, and what I mean by this is Peter. I have read a lot of McCarthy’s Vamp books but this is the first story where she has written about the depravity and danger that can come from a man being trapped in body that will never develop. But it ends there, and it wasn’t a full and it wasn’t explored. The only character at all that you connect with is a monster in a weak looking 13yr old body. The others had potential for depth just like in “Deal or No Deal” but fell flat ten-fold comparatively. All in this entire book was a disappointment aside from the first one “Have Mercy” and I may never read a L. L. Foster book again if she thinks that a character like Braxton is actually a good character. I can’t and will not recommend this Anthology to anyone.
May 14, 2012
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 book. 5/5
I got this anthology for L.L. Foster's "Total Control" novella. I am a big fan of her The Servant series and figured I'd give this a chance. All of the stories had more romance in them than I usually prefer to read. However, I did get a pleasant surprise by discovering Erin McCarthy. I've never read anything from Erin but judging her from the "Undead Man's Hand" novella, I would probably seek out her series in the future.
I also recommend:
Servant: The Awakening
Halfway to the Grave (Night Huntress, Book 1)
Personal Demons
The Darkest Night (Lords of the Underworld, Book 1)
Grave Illusions
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 book. 5/5
I got this anthology for L.L. Foster's "Total Control" novella. I am a big fan of her The Servant series and figured I'd give this a chance. All of the stories had more romance in them than I usually prefer to read. However, I did get a pleasant surprise by discovering Erin McCarthy. I've never read anything from Erin but judging her from the "Undead Man's Hand" novella, I would probably seek out her series in the future.
I also recommend:
Servant: The Awakening
Halfway to the Grave (Night Huntress, Book 1)
Personal Demons
The Darkest Night (Lords of the Underworld, Book 1)
Grave Illusions
March 23, 2010
There are four short stories in this book: two by Lori Foster (one with her penn, L.L Foster) and two by Erin McCarthy. The two stories by Lori Foster are related. The first story starred a woman named Mercy and the second story starred Mercy's older brother Brax. It's a similar case with the two stories by Erin McCarthy. Her stories continue the Vegas Vampire series. The first story starred a vampire named Katie and the second story starred Katie's friend/bodyguard/uncle named Nick.
None of these stories really stuck out to me. The romances are just too fast and there's not enough time to get to know and love the characters.
None of these stories really stuck out to me. The romances are just too fast and there's not enough time to get to know and love the characters.
August 3, 2011
Note: This review, and all my reviews, comes from my blog - Romantic Rose's Bookshelf (http://romantic-rosesblog.blogspot.com)
Anthology – 4 Stories
So this wonderful anthology has four stories in it – one by Lori Foster, one by L.L. Foster (these two names belong to the same wonderful woman, FYI) and two by the fabulous Erin McCarthy. Both of these ladies have written some of my favorite contemporaries, so I was very excited to stumble across this anthology at my local library (which I visit when I’m broke). Three of the stories have a strong paranormal element (Deal or No Deal, Total Control, Undead Man’s Hand) whereas one is pretty much devoid of paranormal activity (Have Mercy). Without further ado, I bring you your review (each story gets its own section and grade, with an overall grade for the book at the end).
Have Mercy – Lori Foster: Contemporary, 84 pages
I really liked Have Mercy. Wyatt Reyes is sexy and gorgeous, Mercedes (Mercy) Jardine is cute, fun, smart, and strong. Together they make a great pair. The premise of the story is as follows: Mercy and Wyatt have been dating for six months and are totally in love. Mercy, knowing she’s pregnant (even though she’s been on the pill) asks Wyatt if he’ll marry her – but he flat out refuses saying he never wants to marry or have kids, due to some issue in the past. He asks Mercy to move in with him and she agrees, hoping it will give her time to work on their problems and for her to convince him he’ll love a kid before the baby comes.
I won’t reveal all the secrets but I thought this story was realistic, touching, and even a little sad though it had a gorgeous HEA. I felt that our protagonists were well rounded and well developed. The story was fun, short, fast, and sexy. A good read worthy of an A- rating.
Deal or No Deal – Erin McCarthy: Paranormal, 58 pages
Deal or No Deal had the potential to be a favorite – I loved the story line of long-lost lovers reuniting, but having to re-establish trust. Unfortunately, this story was way to short to make the trust-building believable, or any of the plot so it seemed kinda silly at times, and definitely went unrealistically fast. Katie (Maria) Stolin is a duchess – and a vampire. The daughter of the last Tsar of Russia, she was meant for assassination but a vampire guard at the assassination site, Nick, saved both her and Peter (younger brother) from death. Now she lives as an undead blackjack dealer in Las Vegas. Michael St. Markov, her love from the past (now also a vampire) finally finds her after her century in hiding, and professes his love for her – but she doesn’t trust or believe the man she holds responsible for her family’s murder.
I liked the romantic plot well enough (cute at times, sexy at others), the secondary characters provided comic relief and spice, but the plot revolving around Rasputin and a necklace was hard to get into in such a short story. I also didn’t see the trust building really happen and this story was way to short for McCarthy to strongly develop the characters. I did like Michael though. An average read worth of a C rating.
Total Control – L.L. Foster: Paranormal, 86 pages
Braxton Jardine (Mercy’s older brother) has a special talent that enables him to control minds and read emotions with ease. Unfortunately (cry him a river, ladies), to keep himself sane he needs to have sex – a lot (sounds like a variation of ‘blue balls’ to me). His long-time assistant, Cameo Smithson, is the only woman he wants – he needs – and he intends to have her. What follows is a short story of total seduction and surrender with a bit of action thrown in.
Normally, I really like Lori Foster’s Alpha heroes (I can’t speak for L.L. Foster yet) but this one was way too overbearing for me. I found him annoying and insensitive at times, where that normally isn’t the case. Maybe I just didn’t get to know Brax well enough in this short story but I found him almost cheesy in his over-protectiveness. Cameo was a lovely, strong, spirited, open-minded heroine whom I absolutely adored though she had a few moments where I found her calm sanity hard to believe. Overall, I enjoyed the romance, and the action plot was great, but the hero was not my favorite earning this short story a C- rating.
Undead Man’s Hand – Erin McCarthy: Paranormal, 89 pages
Nick Stolin, the vampire bodyguard and ‘big brother’ figure to Katie in Deal or No Deal, is the protagonist in this story – and his female counterpart is human homicide detective Jordan Waters. The story opens with a scene through the eyes of Samantha Keller (who dies immediately after) and then goes to Jordan working on Samantha’s case – and how it intertwines with three other murders. After discovering that a boy was seen in the alley – identified as 'autistic' boy Peter Stolin – Jordan goes to talk to him and meets his ‘father’ Nick. Thirteen-years-old and pale, Peter isn’t any help – but Nick and Jordan soon start a very sexy relationship together. Jordan is enjoying herself, but Peter is really creeping her out. When Nick realizes he loves her and wants to tell her his secret – that he’s a vampire – will Jordan believe him, or walk away? And what of the murders?
This was a story of secrets. We know who the murderer is from page one, and he’s really a chillingly cold, messed-up killer (aren’t all killer’s partially messed up?). The romance was cute, and I liked Jordan’s very realistic reaction to Nick’s secrets. The story was fast-paced and drew you in from page one with chilling, intriguing, sadistic details of murder and light-hearted scenes of love and play. I really enjoyed this story and Nick was the perfect balance of manly-man and sweet-n-sensitive for my tastes. I also really enjoyed the to-catch-a-killer plot in this book. It was extremely well developed. Since I loved Jordan for her down-to-earth realism and I loved Nick for his sweet, yet sexy, nature, this story gets an A rating.
“Sexy”ness rating: Hot and Sexy. Whew.
Overall Rating: B
Bottom Line: This is a fun anthology by two great, well-loved authors. It wasn’t my favorite of theirs, but it was entertaining and fun! There were some great and some average, but overall it was a fast, sexy read that I would recommend.
Anthology – 4 Stories
So this wonderful anthology has four stories in it – one by Lori Foster, one by L.L. Foster (these two names belong to the same wonderful woman, FYI) and two by the fabulous Erin McCarthy. Both of these ladies have written some of my favorite contemporaries, so I was very excited to stumble across this anthology at my local library (which I visit when I’m broke). Three of the stories have a strong paranormal element (Deal or No Deal, Total Control, Undead Man’s Hand) whereas one is pretty much devoid of paranormal activity (Have Mercy). Without further ado, I bring you your review (each story gets its own section and grade, with an overall grade for the book at the end).
Have Mercy – Lori Foster: Contemporary, 84 pages
I really liked Have Mercy. Wyatt Reyes is sexy and gorgeous, Mercedes (Mercy) Jardine is cute, fun, smart, and strong. Together they make a great pair. The premise of the story is as follows: Mercy and Wyatt have been dating for six months and are totally in love. Mercy, knowing she’s pregnant (even though she’s been on the pill) asks Wyatt if he’ll marry her – but he flat out refuses saying he never wants to marry or have kids, due to some issue in the past. He asks Mercy to move in with him and she agrees, hoping it will give her time to work on their problems and for her to convince him he’ll love a kid before the baby comes.
I won’t reveal all the secrets but I thought this story was realistic, touching, and even a little sad though it had a gorgeous HEA. I felt that our protagonists were well rounded and well developed. The story was fun, short, fast, and sexy. A good read worthy of an A- rating.
Deal or No Deal – Erin McCarthy: Paranormal, 58 pages
Deal or No Deal had the potential to be a favorite – I loved the story line of long-lost lovers reuniting, but having to re-establish trust. Unfortunately, this story was way to short to make the trust-building believable, or any of the plot so it seemed kinda silly at times, and definitely went unrealistically fast. Katie (Maria) Stolin is a duchess – and a vampire. The daughter of the last Tsar of Russia, she was meant for assassination but a vampire guard at the assassination site, Nick, saved both her and Peter (younger brother) from death. Now she lives as an undead blackjack dealer in Las Vegas. Michael St. Markov, her love from the past (now also a vampire) finally finds her after her century in hiding, and professes his love for her – but she doesn’t trust or believe the man she holds responsible for her family’s murder.
I liked the romantic plot well enough (cute at times, sexy at others), the secondary characters provided comic relief and spice, but the plot revolving around Rasputin and a necklace was hard to get into in such a short story. I also didn’t see the trust building really happen and this story was way to short for McCarthy to strongly develop the characters. I did like Michael though. An average read worth of a C rating.
Total Control – L.L. Foster: Paranormal, 86 pages
Braxton Jardine (Mercy’s older brother) has a special talent that enables him to control minds and read emotions with ease. Unfortunately (cry him a river, ladies), to keep himself sane he needs to have sex – a lot (sounds like a variation of ‘blue balls’ to me). His long-time assistant, Cameo Smithson, is the only woman he wants – he needs – and he intends to have her. What follows is a short story of total seduction and surrender with a bit of action thrown in.
Normally, I really like Lori Foster’s Alpha heroes (I can’t speak for L.L. Foster yet) but this one was way too overbearing for me. I found him annoying and insensitive at times, where that normally isn’t the case. Maybe I just didn’t get to know Brax well enough in this short story but I found him almost cheesy in his over-protectiveness. Cameo was a lovely, strong, spirited, open-minded heroine whom I absolutely adored though she had a few moments where I found her calm sanity hard to believe. Overall, I enjoyed the romance, and the action plot was great, but the hero was not my favorite earning this short story a C- rating.
Undead Man’s Hand – Erin McCarthy: Paranormal, 89 pages
Nick Stolin, the vampire bodyguard and ‘big brother’ figure to Katie in Deal or No Deal, is the protagonist in this story – and his female counterpart is human homicide detective Jordan Waters. The story opens with a scene through the eyes of Samantha Keller (who dies immediately after) and then goes to Jordan working on Samantha’s case – and how it intertwines with three other murders. After discovering that a boy was seen in the alley – identified as 'autistic' boy Peter Stolin – Jordan goes to talk to him and meets his ‘father’ Nick. Thirteen-years-old and pale, Peter isn’t any help – but Nick and Jordan soon start a very sexy relationship together. Jordan is enjoying herself, but Peter is really creeping her out. When Nick realizes he loves her and wants to tell her his secret – that he’s a vampire – will Jordan believe him, or walk away? And what of the murders?
This was a story of secrets. We know who the murderer is from page one, and he’s really a chillingly cold, messed-up killer (aren’t all killer’s partially messed up?). The romance was cute, and I liked Jordan’s very realistic reaction to Nick’s secrets. The story was fast-paced and drew you in from page one with chilling, intriguing, sadistic details of murder and light-hearted scenes of love and play. I really enjoyed this story and Nick was the perfect balance of manly-man and sweet-n-sensitive for my tastes. I also really enjoyed the to-catch-a-killer plot in this book. It was extremely well developed. Since I loved Jordan for her down-to-earth realism and I loved Nick for his sweet, yet sexy, nature, this story gets an A rating.
“Sexy”ness rating: Hot and Sexy. Whew.
Overall Rating: B
Bottom Line: This is a fun anthology by two great, well-loved authors. It wasn’t my favorite of theirs, but it was entertaining and fun! There were some great and some average, but overall it was a fast, sexy read that I would recommend.
August 1, 2019
This was one of those random books that you just pick up because it looks kind of cool and intriguing. I had no idea that it was part of a series that was already lurking on my shelves and I had no idea of what to expect from the pages of the book. And boy was I happily and pleasantly surprised by everything within its pages! Actually, I’m more than a little disappointed that it’s all over. I just want more!
This is the first of these small novella collections that is only written by two authors. Every other one has had four separate authors creating and weaving their own storylines. And, to add to this, each of the two novellas were directly related to one another. Almost creating a longer mini story with a bit of a break between each. It was certainly a different experience, but one that I thoroughly enjoyed. It’s always nice to experience something a little different.
This collection starts with two stories that are quite a bit more light-hearted and hopeful. They’re sweet and tender, with just a little bit of darkness to the story that draws you in. Then, the next two stories were much darker and twistier. Those sparks of brightness dim a little bit, but just enough to make it a more dark fantasy feeling than the previous stories…
For individual reviews, head to: https://earthandskye.org/out-of-the-l...
This is the first of these small novella collections that is only written by two authors. Every other one has had four separate authors creating and weaving their own storylines. And, to add to this, each of the two novellas were directly related to one another. Almost creating a longer mini story with a bit of a break between each. It was certainly a different experience, but one that I thoroughly enjoyed. It’s always nice to experience something a little different.
This collection starts with two stories that are quite a bit more light-hearted and hopeful. They’re sweet and tender, with just a little bit of darkness to the story that draws you in. Then, the next two stories were much darker and twistier. Those sparks of brightness dim a little bit, but just enough to make it a more dark fantasy feeling than the previous stories…
For individual reviews, head to: https://earthandskye.org/out-of-the-l...
May 19, 2017
Have Mercy
Fantastic opening story! Heartbreaking and yet Hopeful!
Deal or No Deal
I really enjoyed the little twists and turns this story took, bravo!
Total Control
I loved that this story directly connected with the first!
Wonderfully complex characters in both!
Undead Man's Hand
Wow! What a way to end the book; connecting back with the second story, picking up from the end of that short story and continuing it to a final conclusion.
Fantastic opening story! Heartbreaking and yet Hopeful!
Deal or No Deal
I really enjoyed the little twists and turns this story took, bravo!
Total Control
I loved that this story directly connected with the first!
Wonderfully complex characters in both!
Undead Man's Hand
Wow! What a way to end the book; connecting back with the second story, picking up from the end of that short story and continuing it to a final conclusion.
June 23, 2018
This book was very good. The 4 short stories were good plots and tense scenes. I liked how story #1 continued its story in #3. Story #2 continued its story line in #4. Got to see how each one ended with each story different characters. Gave me a good idea of 2 different authors, Erin McCarthy, and L.L. Foster, how they write and will definitely be reading again. Also didn't realize that Lori Foster and L.L.Foster are one and the same. Learn something new everyday. Highly recommend.
July 19, 2025
The last story had spice! But Peter had it coming ... and I love that Nick got to live happily forever!
Though does anyone know what paranormal being Braxton is? Just confused-- did it say he was a vamp?
Though does anyone know what paranormal being Braxton is? Just confused-- did it say he was a vamp?
library
July 30, 20210
March 29, 2022
It was good.
March 21, 2017
I only read "Have Mercy" by Lori Foster. It was a contemporary romance.
October 8, 2012
This is a 4 story novella featuring Lori Foster and Erin McCarthy. Each author wrote 2 stories and each story (by the respective author) share overlapping characters. In Foster's stories you meet brother and sister Braxton and Mercedes Jardine and their potential mates (Cameo and Wyatt). In Erin McCarthy's stories we meet a vampire family consisting of "dad" Nick Stolin and his 100 year old "kids" Katie and Peter (of the Romanov family!). Very cool ideas. A few really awesome moments from our heroes but an underwhelming book as a whole.
2 Stars
Have Mercy by Lori Foster
Mercedes (Mercy) Jardine has fallen in love with Wyatt Reyes and plans to propose. She and Wyatt are in love but Mercy lives a comfortable and independent life thanks to her brother Braxton who is wealthy beyond measure. Wyatt lives modestly, owns his own growing construction company and works hard for everything he has. He doesn't take handouts and he knows Mercy doesn't need him but he wants her to want him, just without marriage.
This one had a couple steamy sex scenes and an appealing hero who is madly in love with the heroine but his tragic past, the one that keeps him from being able to commit to Mercy was (sad of course, but) disappointing. At the very least, based on the cover, title and immense secrecy surrounding Wyatt's past I thought it was going to be earth shattering or paranormal or well, anything but what it was. There was such a build up and no payoff. Besides my issue with that it was only an okay romantic/steamy novella.
2 Stars
Deal or No Deal by Erin McCarthy
Katie (Maria) Stolin is a modern day vampire who used to be a Russian (Romanov) princess. She currently lives in Vegas with her 13 year old formerly hemophiliac brother, Peter and their guardian, the vamp who changed them, Nick Stolin. Nick turned the two near death Romanov kids after their family was murdered. Katie believes her former and first love Michael was the one who betrayed them all those years ago. Michael St. Markov has been searching for Maria for the past 100 years, hoping beyond hope that she survived when the rest of her family died. He's also been tracking the notorious Rasputin, trying when able to put an end to his despicable ways. Finally when a necklace belonging to the Tsarina catches Rasputin's attention he hops a plane to Vegas. Michael follows close behind hoping this time it will lead him to his Maria.
I liked the idea of long, lost love. Particularly 100 years in the making. The way the story was crafted around Romanov/Rasputin history was kind of cool. The story itself turned out to be only so so.
2 Stars
Total Control by L.L. Foster
Braxton Jardine (Mercy's brother from the first novella) is mega rich, mega handsome, mega powerful and is hiding a paranormal secret, one that only his trusted personal assistant Cameo can assuage. With a pair of sexual sadists on the loose Braxton, a long lost uncle and Cameo are all put at risk.
I won't reveal the paranormal aspect of this novella but I'll say that it was equally interesting as it was uninteresting. Brax was a very compelling hero in many respects but the whole story was less than average when it was all said and done.
2 Stars
Undead Man's Hand by Erin McCarthy
In this final novella we revisit Nick Stolin from the Vegas vampires. There's a serial killer on the loose and Detective Jordan Waters wants to question Peter Stolin (who is really a 100 year old vamp suppressed by a 13 year-old body). Peter has been getting progressively more insane and difficult with each passing year and Nick has a lot of regret about if he should have turned someone so young. Peter is difficult and troubled but that lends itself to Detective Walters questioning him and deciding he knows nothing. But that doesn't stop the attraction she and Nick feel for one another.
This novella had a bit of mysterious and intrigue. It was the best of the bunch but still only an okay read.
2 Stars
Have Mercy by Lori Foster
Mercedes (Mercy) Jardine has fallen in love with Wyatt Reyes and plans to propose. She and Wyatt are in love but Mercy lives a comfortable and independent life thanks to her brother Braxton who is wealthy beyond measure. Wyatt lives modestly, owns his own growing construction company and works hard for everything he has. He doesn't take handouts and he knows Mercy doesn't need him but he wants her to want him, just without marriage.
This one had a couple steamy sex scenes and an appealing hero who is madly in love with the heroine but his tragic past, the one that keeps him from being able to commit to Mercy was (sad of course, but) disappointing. At the very least, based on the cover, title and immense secrecy surrounding Wyatt's past I thought it was going to be earth shattering or paranormal or well, anything but what it was. There was such a build up and no payoff. Besides my issue with that it was only an okay romantic/steamy novella.
2 Stars
Deal or No Deal by Erin McCarthy
Katie (Maria) Stolin is a modern day vampire who used to be a Russian (Romanov) princess. She currently lives in Vegas with her 13 year old formerly hemophiliac brother, Peter and their guardian, the vamp who changed them, Nick Stolin. Nick turned the two near death Romanov kids after their family was murdered. Katie believes her former and first love Michael was the one who betrayed them all those years ago. Michael St. Markov has been searching for Maria for the past 100 years, hoping beyond hope that she survived when the rest of her family died. He's also been tracking the notorious Rasputin, trying when able to put an end to his despicable ways. Finally when a necklace belonging to the Tsarina catches Rasputin's attention he hops a plane to Vegas. Michael follows close behind hoping this time it will lead him to his Maria.
I liked the idea of long, lost love. Particularly 100 years in the making. The way the story was crafted around Romanov/Rasputin history was kind of cool. The story itself turned out to be only so so.
2 Stars
Total Control by L.L. Foster
Braxton Jardine (Mercy's brother from the first novella) is mega rich, mega handsome, mega powerful and is hiding a paranormal secret, one that only his trusted personal assistant Cameo can assuage. With a pair of sexual sadists on the loose Braxton, a long lost uncle and Cameo are all put at risk.
I won't reveal the paranormal aspect of this novella but I'll say that it was equally interesting as it was uninteresting. Brax was a very compelling hero in many respects but the whole story was less than average when it was all said and done.
2 Stars
Undead Man's Hand by Erin McCarthy
In this final novella we revisit Nick Stolin from the Vegas vampires. There's a serial killer on the loose and Detective Jordan Waters wants to question Peter Stolin (who is really a 100 year old vamp suppressed by a 13 year-old body). Peter has been getting progressively more insane and difficult with each passing year and Nick has a lot of regret about if he should have turned someone so young. Peter is difficult and troubled but that lends itself to Detective Walters questioning him and deciding he knows nothing. But that doesn't stop the attraction she and Nick feel for one another.
This novella had a bit of mysterious and intrigue. It was the best of the bunch but still only an okay read.
December 17, 2009
I was swore that I was not gonna read any more anthologies; I guess I just don't care for the short stories that have no time for worldbuilding or developing characters. But this one has been ordered from my library for months and just came in. Instead of sending it back unread, I decided some light, romantic Lori Foster and Erin McCarthy may be just what I needed these days.
I am actually mortified that I finished this book. I probably can't even explain my reasons. The first story was by Lori Foster and was pretty much what you'd expect - girl in love with guy, guy in love but with dark secrets in his past, over-protective know-it-all brother and prim & proper brother's personal assistant. The story was quick and predictable except that every once in a while, Ms. Foster's language took a turn that did not seem to fit her style or this story's. "He raped her mouth" particularly jump out at me. I actually felt more interest about the brother and his assistant than the H/H. Rated ** max.
Erin McCarthy's story was somewhat more interesting due to the Vegas Vamps setting, but again it was predictable. I can't even remember the characters' names. Another ** rating.
The next story was from L.L. Foster, Lori's alter-ego for darker paranormals. I was greatly surprised to find this story connected to the first one, and so I got to hear about the brother and assistant after all. There were huge problems, however, because the writing was so similar that it should have been labeled Lori Foster instead. There was a bit of para-occurance in this one but it was out of line with what was previously established. And guess what I heard again? "He raped her with his mouth". That pretty much ruined my barely-there attention to the story. Which was dumb. Rating this one *.
Now I began to expect a continuation of Erin's first story and I was right. It had a bit more suspense in it but not because of any story-telling; it was like it was there just to help establish the bona-fides of the police investigator our hunky bodyguard (anyone else getting tired of this profession?) falls for. Since I did not believe in any of these characters either, I wish the investigative part of this one had been developed. Back up to **.
After I was done, I couldn't believe I read the whole thing! As I thought about it, I decided that this only happened because Ms. Foster and Ms. McCarthy are truly good storytellers that I have enjoyed in the past. Because of their talent, they DID sneak in characters that I wanted to find out about! I just was so disgusted by the poor plot lines that it took me until the end of this anthology to realize it. I know author's don't read my reviews but if any did, I would please ask that they stick to what they are so wonderful at - telling an entire story - and demanding their publishers quit making them break from that important work to write a filler novella. All for stories were pure filler, and did not serve any purpose to furthering their series at all. Just my opinion, OK?
I am actually mortified that I finished this book. I probably can't even explain my reasons. The first story was by Lori Foster and was pretty much what you'd expect - girl in love with guy, guy in love but with dark secrets in his past, over-protective know-it-all brother and prim & proper brother's personal assistant. The story was quick and predictable except that every once in a while, Ms. Foster's language took a turn that did not seem to fit her style or this story's. "He raped her mouth" particularly jump out at me. I actually felt more interest about the brother and his assistant than the H/H. Rated ** max.
Erin McCarthy's story was somewhat more interesting due to the Vegas Vamps setting, but again it was predictable. I can't even remember the characters' names. Another ** rating.
The next story was from L.L. Foster, Lori's alter-ego for darker paranormals. I was greatly surprised to find this story connected to the first one, and so I got to hear about the brother and assistant after all. There were huge problems, however, because the writing was so similar that it should have been labeled Lori Foster instead. There was a bit of para-occurance in this one but it was out of line with what was previously established. And guess what I heard again? "He raped her with his mouth". That pretty much ruined my barely-there attention to the story. Which was dumb. Rating this one *.
Now I began to expect a continuation of Erin's first story and I was right. It had a bit more suspense in it but not because of any story-telling; it was like it was there just to help establish the bona-fides of the police investigator our hunky bodyguard (anyone else getting tired of this profession?) falls for. Since I did not believe in any of these characters either, I wish the investigative part of this one had been developed. Back up to **.
After I was done, I couldn't believe I read the whole thing! As I thought about it, I decided that this only happened because Ms. Foster and Ms. McCarthy are truly good storytellers that I have enjoyed in the past. Because of their talent, they DID sneak in characters that I wanted to find out about! I just was so disgusted by the poor plot lines that it took me until the end of this anthology to realize it. I know author's don't read my reviews but if any did, I would please ask that they stick to what they are so wonderful at - telling an entire story - and demanding their publishers quit making them break from that important work to write a filler novella. All for stories were pure filler, and did not serve any purpose to furthering their series at all. Just my opinion, OK?
January 5, 2017
I only read this for the Foster stories. I thought both were solid stories, I was jsut siehing they were longer.
March 8, 2016
Four short stories of romance. Foster's stories appear to be setting us up for a new series while McCarthy's are a complete set, but only a blip in the Vegas Vampires' world.
Series:
"Have Mercy" (Jardine, 0.1) *
"Total Control" (Jardine, 0.2) *
"Deal or No Deal" (Vegas Vampires, 4.6)
"Undead Man's Hand" (Vegas Vampires, 4.7)
The Stories
Lori Foster's "Have Mercy" finds Mercy Jardine in love with a very proud, marriage-avoiding Wyatt Reyes. It's cute, but a bit of a bulldoze over Wyatt with Mercy ramrodding her own way over him. It does help that Wyatt is already in love with her. Strictly a romance.
L.L. Foster's "Total Control" moves onto Mercy's brother's romance with his assistant Cameo Smithson. It seems that Braxton Jardine has some heavy secrets and Cameo is just the woman to help him survive them. Incorporates psychic powers.
This was my favorite of the four. Primarily because Cameo was such a strong character who stood up for herself. I also enjoyed Foster's premise. I do hope Foster expands this into a series.
Erin McCarthy's "Deal or No Deal" revolves around a gaudy bit of jewelry belonging to the Tsarina. When Maria/Katie Stolin puts it on, it triggers a response in a corresponding necklace worn by Rasputin. Rasputin will do whatever is necessary to retrieve that necklace, and, fortunately for Katie, Michael St. Markov has his own spy in place. A cute romance very poorly done that plays off the Ekaterinberg controversy.
Erin McCarthy's "Undead Man's Hand" tidies up "Total Control" by providing Nick Stolin, the Russian guard who saved the Grand Duke and Duchess by turning them and now works as a bodyguard, with his own romance with Detective Jordan Waters. Ringo Columbia and Kelsey play their part. McCarthy did a much better job of writing this story.
The Cover and Title
An almost-black brown provides the background against which a woman's nude back is highlighted with a swath of red satin draped around her hips.
While the cover reflects the title, the title itself doesn't reflect the theme of this anthology of short stories as their characters do the reverse of "Out of the Light and into the Shadows". It would have been more appropriate as "Out of the Shadows and into the Light". Someone wasn't paying attention…or I'm much too literal!
Series:
"Have Mercy" (Jardine, 0.1) *
"Total Control" (Jardine, 0.2) *
"Deal or No Deal" (Vegas Vampires, 4.6)
"Undead Man's Hand" (Vegas Vampires, 4.7)
The Stories
Lori Foster's "Have Mercy" finds Mercy Jardine in love with a very proud, marriage-avoiding Wyatt Reyes. It's cute, but a bit of a bulldoze over Wyatt with Mercy ramrodding her own way over him. It does help that Wyatt is already in love with her. Strictly a romance.
L.L. Foster's "Total Control" moves onto Mercy's brother's romance with his assistant Cameo Smithson. It seems that Braxton Jardine has some heavy secrets and Cameo is just the woman to help him survive them. Incorporates psychic powers.
This was my favorite of the four. Primarily because Cameo was such a strong character who stood up for herself. I also enjoyed Foster's premise. I do hope Foster expands this into a series.
Erin McCarthy's "Deal or No Deal" revolves around a gaudy bit of jewelry belonging to the Tsarina. When Maria/Katie Stolin puts it on, it triggers a response in a corresponding necklace worn by Rasputin. Rasputin will do whatever is necessary to retrieve that necklace, and, fortunately for Katie, Michael St. Markov has his own spy in place. A cute romance very poorly done that plays off the Ekaterinberg controversy.
Erin McCarthy's "Undead Man's Hand" tidies up "Total Control" by providing Nick Stolin, the Russian guard who saved the Grand Duke and Duchess by turning them and now works as a bodyguard, with his own romance with Detective Jordan Waters. Ringo Columbia and Kelsey play their part. McCarthy did a much better job of writing this story.
The Cover and Title
An almost-black brown provides the background against which a woman's nude back is highlighted with a swath of red satin draped around her hips.
While the cover reflects the title, the title itself doesn't reflect the theme of this anthology of short stories as their characters do the reverse of "Out of the Light and into the Shadows". It would have been more appropriate as "Out of the Shadows and into the Light". Someone wasn't paying attention…or I'm much too literal!
June 8, 2013
4 story anthology, 1 pure romance, 3 paranormals. All with protected sex, except the one with 2 vampires ( I guess they don't really need it protected!).
Lori Foster - 3 stars. A solid effort, Mercedes loves Wyatt & really wants (also needs) to marry him. Wyatt loves Mercedes, but will not marry or ever have kids due to his abusive childhood. Fairly predictable what happens next, but LF doesn't disapoint. We meet Cameo & Mercedes' brother Braxton who star in story 3. This is the pure romance story. We also get the word of the day "efficacious, which means capable of producing a desired effect".
Erin McCarthy - 2 stars. This is paranormal story about Katie & Peter, who happen to be the children of the murdered Czar of Russia in 1918. They're now vampires after being rescued & turned by their former guard. Michael is the Russian prince Katie was in love with. She believes he betrayed her & her family & left them to die. Of course he didn't & they're reunited. Leaps of logic - Michael was trying to kill Rasputin (who's also a vampire). When he's caught it seems his punishment is ... to be turned into a vampire. He then is free to roam around the world for 100 years & collect items of Katie's family & store them (???). Also a jaw dropping reveal - he hasn't had sex in 100 years (REALLY!?!?!?). Part of EM's Vegas Vampire series.
L.L. Foster - 1 stars. This is a really peculiar story. Brax, it turns out is able to manipulate people's emotions & influence their actions. He decides, after 5 years of having sex with every unattached female within 500 miles, that Cameo is his "soulmate". It's hard for her to swallow too. It turns out he finds it hard to influence her, so she's the one. Why he couldn't figure it out after say, 1 year or 18 months isn't really clear. Maybe he's just a dense alpha male. Of course Cameo folds, because it's LOVE!!! Braxton is so domineering & rude, that he turned me off. Basically, I think anyone with a vagina would have suited his "needs".
Erin McCarthy - 3 stars. This is Nic's story (the guard who saved Katie & Peter). He falls for a detective who's trying to catch a serial killer stalking women around casinos. It's an OK story, but the identity of the killer is obvious.
Nic uses protection with Jordan, even though he's a vampire & can't give her any STDs or get her pregnant (awww!). Of course, he also doesn't want her to know he's a vampire.
Lori Foster - 3 stars. A solid effort, Mercedes loves Wyatt & really wants (also needs) to marry him. Wyatt loves Mercedes, but will not marry or ever have kids due to his abusive childhood. Fairly predictable what happens next, but LF doesn't disapoint. We meet Cameo & Mercedes' brother Braxton who star in story 3. This is the pure romance story. We also get the word of the day "efficacious, which means capable of producing a desired effect".
Erin McCarthy - 2 stars. This is paranormal story about Katie & Peter, who happen to be the children of the murdered Czar of Russia in 1918. They're now vampires after being rescued & turned by their former guard. Michael is the Russian prince Katie was in love with. She believes he betrayed her & her family & left them to die. Of course he didn't & they're reunited. Leaps of logic - Michael was trying to kill Rasputin (who's also a vampire). When he's caught it seems his punishment is ... to be turned into a vampire. He then is free to roam around the world for 100 years & collect items of Katie's family & store them (???). Also a jaw dropping reveal - he hasn't had sex in 100 years (REALLY!?!?!?). Part of EM's Vegas Vampire series.
L.L. Foster - 1 stars. This is a really peculiar story. Brax, it turns out is able to manipulate people's emotions & influence their actions. He decides, after 5 years of having sex with every unattached female within 500 miles, that Cameo is his "soulmate". It's hard for her to swallow too. It turns out he finds it hard to influence her, so she's the one. Why he couldn't figure it out after say, 1 year or 18 months isn't really clear. Maybe he's just a dense alpha male. Of course Cameo folds, because it's LOVE!!! Braxton is so domineering & rude, that he turned me off. Basically, I think anyone with a vagina would have suited his "needs".
Erin McCarthy - 3 stars. This is Nic's story (the guard who saved Katie & Peter). He falls for a detective who's trying to catch a serial killer stalking women around casinos. It's an OK story, but the identity of the killer is obvious.
Nic uses protection with Jordan, even though he's a vampire & can't give her any STDs or get her pregnant (awww!). Of course, he also doesn't want her to know he's a vampire.
January 15, 2011
I am a big fan of anthologies but haven't really read Lori and Erin's darker stories--these were really good! Lori's were related to each other, and Erin's were apparently part of her Vegas Vampire's series (which I haven't read yet). The stories were easily read without additional context, and had enough connections to make me happy--I love series stories, so this fit the bill nicely.
Lori Foster's Have Mercy--Mercedes Jardine has been with Wyatt Reyes for six months. She finds out she's pregnant and proposes, hoping for the best, but he's got a dark past that makes him unwilling to commit to permanence, much less a family. (She doesn't tell him why she proposes.)
Erin McCarthy's Deal or No Deal--Katie Stolin's really a Russian princess; Nick, a bodyguard, saves her and her brother Peter from certain death on the day the rest of their family is executed, and turns them to save their lives. She believes her then fiance Michael St. Markov betrayed them, by being the one responsible for turning their family in. He's spent the intervening years looking for her, and catches up to her because she puts a special necklace that contains the blood of all the ancient vampires. Of course, the bad guy wants it, too...
L.L. Foster's Total Control--Mercedes's older brother Braxton Jardine has superpowers--mind-control and emotional control. He's been longing for his buttoned-down assistant, Cameo Smithson, for ages, and decides to reveal himself after he fires her.
Erin McCarthy's Undead Man's Hand--Nick Stolin, the "uncle," meets detective Jordan Waters when she's investigating a string of serial killings.
I liked that for the most part, everyone was pretty smart and none of the conflicts got dragged out unnecessarily over piddling points. Nicely written, hot scenes, and overall a fun set of stories to read.
Lori Foster's Have Mercy--Mercedes Jardine has been with Wyatt Reyes for six months. She finds out she's pregnant and proposes, hoping for the best, but he's got a dark past that makes him unwilling to commit to permanence, much less a family. (She doesn't tell him why she proposes.)
Erin McCarthy's Deal or No Deal--Katie Stolin's really a Russian princess; Nick, a bodyguard, saves her and her brother Peter from certain death on the day the rest of their family is executed, and turns them to save their lives. She believes her then fiance Michael St. Markov betrayed them, by being the one responsible for turning their family in. He's spent the intervening years looking for her, and catches up to her because she puts a special necklace that contains the blood of all the ancient vampires. Of course, the bad guy wants it, too...
L.L. Foster's Total Control--Mercedes's older brother Braxton Jardine has superpowers--mind-control and emotional control. He's been longing for his buttoned-down assistant, Cameo Smithson, for ages, and decides to reveal himself after he fires her.
Erin McCarthy's Undead Man's Hand--Nick Stolin, the "uncle," meets detective Jordan Waters when she's investigating a string of serial killings.
I liked that for the most part, everyone was pretty smart and none of the conflicts got dragged out unnecessarily over piddling points. Nicely written, hot scenes, and overall a fun set of stories to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2010
Anthology. This book was just okay. The four stories weren't anything special, although I usually like the works of both authors more than I liked this book. 2 stories are by Lori Foster (although she's used a very clever alias of L.L. Foster for one of the stories to throw us off ?) and two are by Erin McCarthy. Each author's story is a continuation of the first, which sounds better than it was.
1. Have Mercy by Lori Foster. Mercy has been dating Wyatt for 6 months and wants to take their relationship to the next level but has a big secret to tell Wyatt first/too. Cute story. ***
2. Deal or No Deal by Erin McCarthy. Peter & Katie/Maria are rescued Russian royalty that survived the Tsar and Tsarina execution by being made vampire. Rasputin & Michael St. Markov (don't know if he's a real person) are thrown in. I thought Michael was a wuss, Rasputin a joke (dreadlocks and owns a company that specializes in pron) and there was no substance to Katie/Maria. Peter felt like an afterthought. *
3. Total Control by L.L. Foster. Brax, brother to Mercy in story #1, has finally succumbed to his assistant Cameo's charms, etc. (wink, wink). I would have been humiliated and left red faced and crying by his initial show of interest but not Cameo, she just comes back for more. *
4. Undead Man's Hand. This has Nick (a guard who rescued Peter and Katie/Maria) and Jordan a cop meeting, falling into bed and trying to make a relationship with him not telling her he's a vampire and having literally crazy Peter around. **
1. Have Mercy by Lori Foster. Mercy has been dating Wyatt for 6 months and wants to take their relationship to the next level but has a big secret to tell Wyatt first/too. Cute story. ***
2. Deal or No Deal by Erin McCarthy. Peter & Katie/Maria are rescued Russian royalty that survived the Tsar and Tsarina execution by being made vampire. Rasputin & Michael St. Markov (don't know if he's a real person) are thrown in. I thought Michael was a wuss, Rasputin a joke (dreadlocks and owns a company that specializes in pron) and there was no substance to Katie/Maria. Peter felt like an afterthought. *
3. Total Control by L.L. Foster. Brax, brother to Mercy in story #1, has finally succumbed to his assistant Cameo's charms, etc. (wink, wink). I would have been humiliated and left red faced and crying by his initial show of interest but not Cameo, she just comes back for more. *
4. Undead Man's Hand. This has Nick (a guard who rescued Peter and Katie/Maria) and Jordan a cop meeting, falling into bed and trying to make a relationship with him not telling her he's a vampire and having literally crazy Peter around. **
May 2, 2012
Four short stories by two authors.
Lori Foster´s Have Mercy, Mercedes has to make some serious decisions when she learns that she´s pregnant and her Wyatt claims he never wants any children. Some steamy scenes between them, but also heartbreak when we know what he doesn´t.
Erin McCarthy´s Deal or No Deal, Katie finds herself face to face to the one who deceived her and her family a century ago, and ultimately is responsible for her and her brother becoming vampires. Will she listen when he tries to warn her about Rasputin coming for them?
LL Foster´s Total Control, here we reconnect with Mercedes´s (the first ss) brother and his personal assistant, he´s got paranormal powers, mindcontrol, and now he´s decided to give in to their mutual attraction. His uncle appears needing help and that puts them all in danger.
Erin McCarthy´s Undead Man´s Hand, we return to Las Vegas and the vampires, Katie´s brother and uncle gets drawn into a murder investigation and Nick falls for Jordan, one of the police officers.
All together a good read, 3,5 Stars.
Lori Foster´s Have Mercy, Mercedes has to make some serious decisions when she learns that she´s pregnant and her Wyatt claims he never wants any children. Some steamy scenes between them, but also heartbreak when we know what he doesn´t.
Erin McCarthy´s Deal or No Deal, Katie finds herself face to face to the one who deceived her and her family a century ago, and ultimately is responsible for her and her brother becoming vampires. Will she listen when he tries to warn her about Rasputin coming for them?
LL Foster´s Total Control, here we reconnect with Mercedes´s (the first ss) brother and his personal assistant, he´s got paranormal powers, mindcontrol, and now he´s decided to give in to their mutual attraction. His uncle appears needing help and that puts them all in danger.
Erin McCarthy´s Undead Man´s Hand, we return to Las Vegas and the vampires, Katie´s brother and uncle gets drawn into a murder investigation and Nick falls for Jordan, one of the police officers.
All together a good read, 3,5 Stars.
March 16, 2013
I didn't read all four stories but here is my review for the first 3.
Have Mercy by Lori Foster- This story is an act already in progress. Mercedes and Wyatt have been dating for some time. Mercy wants to take the relationship to the next level, unfortunately Wyatt isn't thinking the same thing she is.
This story was very frustrating. Mercy was too secretive, she is too dependent on her brother and really all of the characters are a little too perfect and vanilla. Honestly I found the story to be quite forgettable.
Deal or No Deal and Undead Man's Hand both by Erin McCarthy are Vegas Vampires novellas. The characters are already established and the scene is pretty much set. I liked them both. I am a fan of the series and found they added to the overall series story. They were both short and sweet.
Have Mercy by Lori Foster- This story is an act already in progress. Mercedes and Wyatt have been dating for some time. Mercy wants to take the relationship to the next level, unfortunately Wyatt isn't thinking the same thing she is.
This story was very frustrating. Mercy was too secretive, she is too dependent on her brother and really all of the characters are a little too perfect and vanilla. Honestly I found the story to be quite forgettable.
Deal or No Deal and Undead Man's Hand both by Erin McCarthy are Vegas Vampires novellas. The characters are already established and the scene is pretty much set. I liked them both. I am a fan of the series and found they added to the overall series story. They were both short and sweet.
December 31, 2015
This was an enjoyable anthology. It's not necessarily one I'll go back and visit, but I enjoyed it for what it was. What is intersting is that the two stories by Lorie Foster (one written under the name of LL Foster) are connected as are the two stories by Erin McCarthy. That did add to the enjoyment of the anthology as a whole. Of all the stories, I did not care for Erin McCarthy's first story and did not finish it. That said I've read other reviews where people found that story to be their favorite.
Here's some quick stats i hope you find helpful...
Stats:
Anthology- 4 stories
Authors- 2
EBook Pages- 221
Genere- Paranormal Romance
Steam Factor- Very Very Hot,no purple prose here.
Here's some quick stats i hope you find helpful...
Stats:
Anthology- 4 stories
Authors- 2
EBook Pages- 221
Genere- Paranormal Romance
Steam Factor- Very Very Hot,no purple prose here.
November 2, 2009
I only read the Lori Foster and the L.L. Foster stories and skipped the Erin McCarthy. Not for any specific reason other than I picked this up from the library to read for Halloween and the holiday was over before I got to the McCarthy stories. I liked Mercy's story just fine but I was completely intrigued by her brother, Brax, in the story. Luckily for me, Brax's story was included in the anthology by Lori Foster's other pen, LL Foster. I really got into Brax' story and enjoyed the characters. I'm a big fan of Foster and now I'm thinking I should read more LLFoster as well!
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July 28, 2011You have got to love a turn of phrase like this:
In those days, when Michael walked into a room she felt as soft and sweet as a bag of cotton candy, ready to dissolve with one touch of his tongue.
Wow. When women write like this, it's called erotica. When men write it, it's called porn!
This book is a nice diversion, a quick read and a nice way to spend a cold winter's afternoon. It is a nice introduction to these two authors; a little taste that whets your appetite for more, especially more of these characters.
In those days, when Michael walked into a room she felt as soft and sweet as a bag of cotton candy, ready to dissolve with one touch of his tongue.
Wow. When women write like this, it's called erotica. When men write it, it's called porn!
This book is a nice diversion, a quick read and a nice way to spend a cold winter's afternoon. It is a nice introduction to these two authors; a little taste that whets your appetite for more, especially more of these characters.
January 3, 2010
I read the Erin McCarthy stories in this book because I love her Vegas Vampire series. But these stories, perhaps because they were so short and felt rushed, were not up to par. I did not connect with the characters or particularly care about what happened to them. I wish McCarthy would write another full length Vegas Vampire book. I loved the first four.
August 30, 2009
the first story NOT SO MUCH, I felt like I was reading something from the 50's. the second book was ok not that much better, if felt very rushed. The third story should have been a book all on its own, would defintley have enjoyed. the fourth and last story I couldn't even finish.
September 13, 2009
I just love anthologies! This one was great because there were actually two storylines with two stories each from Foster and from McCarthy… so you follow more characters in the second stories from the first stories.
January 24, 2012
This was four short stories from two authors I normally like, but none worth reading. Not very sexy, weird paranormal elements (in Foster's stories), I'm not a fan of McCarthy's vampires…. Not worth it!
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