Limecello’s review of Out of the Light, Into the Shadows by Lori Foster Erin McCarthy L.L. Foster
Contemporary and paranormal romance anthology published by Berkley on 4 Aug 2009
I got this book based entirely on the authors, because I have enjoyed both Lori Foster and Erin McCarthy’s books in the past. That’s the plus when you’ve built a reputation as a great author. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy Out of the Light, In to the Shadows as much as I would have expected, and in the end am glad that I got it from the library.
Have Mercy by Lori Foster
I thought this might be a return to Ms. Foster’s earlier contemporary romances that I enjoyed so very much, but there’s something … just a little off about it. I could be wrong, but it seems that Ms. Foster’s most recent few novellas start off with the hero and heroine already knowing each other, and the novella dealing with only one aspect of the relationship. I think that didn’t help convince me of the romance and relationship between the characters.
i didn’t feel much of a rapport with the heroine Mercedes Jardine, or the hero Wyatt Reyes. I suppose I wasn’t entirely convinced of the connection between Mercedes and Wyatt, and the story depended on that. I’m afraid I don’t really see the sense of how Mercedes acted either, and that the major role her brother played was due mostly to the fact that Ms. Foster wanted to set up his character for his own novella.
The sexual chemistry between Mercy and Wyatt was well written, but I didn’t put much credence behind the reason why Wyatt protested a binding relationship. I understand his concerns, but simply was unconvinced by the way it was presented. I think the story would’ve been much better if it had been longer. It seems that the length restriction affected the quality of the story.
Grade: D+
Wyatt Reyes is hiding some very dark secrets from his past by making some very grand business plans for his future. Long ago he ruled out the prospect of marriage. But when Mercedes Jardine professes her love, rules become harder to follow.
With her circumstances drastically changed, Mercedes is determined to have it all, and that includes Wyatt’s hand in marriage. Trusting in love alone isn’t easy when she has more than herself to think about.
Mercy needs a solid plan for her future. No matter what it takes, she has to convince Wyatt that a future together will be worth breaking his rules.
Read an excerpt here.
Deal or No Deal by Erin McCarthy
I felt like I was missing something while reading Deal or No Deal. I think it’s because I found that fact that Katie gives up one hundred years of hate and angst so easily not entirely believable. Yes, she does take some time to herself… but the quick turnaround was a bit too pat in my opinion.
I did, however, like Katie’s personality, as well as Michael’s. He’s the perfect example of a loving, devoted, tragic hero. He’s been constant in his affections for a century, and is so adorably confused and crushed when Katie is so harsh initially.
The conflict involving the necklace was a bit too convenient, and I didn’t find it that believable. As Katie had been a vampire for over a hundred years, she should have known something was wrong, or strange about the necklace. Also the manner in which she got Rasputin[‘s] seemed way too easy as well.
Nevertheless, I’m glad that Katie and Michael got together, and they had a cute little story.
Grade: C-
Read an excerpt here.
Total Control by L.L. Foster
In a way I feel like the blurb (which I only found on the website) gives more insight and background than the story itself. There were also too many holes with the “high-level government officials” part, but I suppose that’s not a primary factor. My issue was that there was juxtaposition within the story – the fact that so little is said about Brax, and what kind of person he is, but it’s the entire purpose of the story.
I definitely didn’t think the Jardine’s special talents and skills were explained enough – it wasn’t believable, even for a paranormal or Urban Fantasy story. Nevertheless, the fact that Brax and Cameo’s (what a name!) romance had been initiated in Mercy’s story I think did help. The fact that they’ve been working together for five years also contributes in laying the believable ground work.
I did think that Cameo made quite a transformation – possibly a bit too much, from perfect composed practically robotic assistant, to… well, what she becomes. However, I supposed the events that occur would change anyone. I wasn’t that surprised by the plot twist, but it was clever. I did think that Brax and Cameo had the most believable relationship, and perhaps the best chemistry.
Grade: C
(Urban Fantasy novella by L.L. Foster)
For centuries, males in the Jardine family have been born with a gift: they can sense, capture and manipulate the emotions of others. Such a talent comes with grave responsibility, and the Jardine men, working with high-level government officials, have been given immunity to tame the more psychotic edges of society. Only a very special woman would be able to match such a powerful male. When Brax Jardine realizes that Cameo Smithson can somewhat withstand his influence on her emotions, he’s more than intrigued.He’s in love.
Since meeting her, he’s wanted Cameo, but settling down into a monogamous relationship isn’t easy for the Jardine men. They “feed” off the ultimate, mind-numbing release of sexual activity, using it to counter the corrosive influence of darker animus. Without a woman to soften the edges, a Jardine male starts losing his sanity.
Only when the right woman is found can a Jardine male stop carousing and settle for true love.
Brax already knows that Cameo loves him, but will her love be enough for her to face his horrific battles with inhumanity, and the carnal demands he’ll put on her in the bedroom?
Read an excerpt here.
Undead Man’s Hand by Erin McCarthy
Undead Man’s Hand is twisted, end of story. I knew there was something strange about Peter, but I definitely wasn’t expecting that. I did enjoy the budding romance between Nick and Jordan, and felt that their personalities meshed perfectly, but the major conflict is resolved too easily. I suppose enough happens to Jordan that she is convinced that vampires are real, but it still seemed a bit too contrived. I also have read all of Ms. McCarthy’s vampire novels, but admit that I can’t keep the characters straight anymore. The fact that Nick is a bodyguard for the vice president of the vampire nation really meant nothing to me, and didn’t particularly tie the story to that world.
I liked that each dealt with conflict, and the fact that Nick and Jordan got to know each other. It was cute how well they fit, and how unsure they were of each other. The tragic figures in their families was also another convenient tie, that helped make the pairing more feasible.
I like that Jordan had a lot of sense, was practical, and strong willed. That, and the fact that Nick while extremely strong and capable, is a big softy around Jordan. And she sees that. While not the best, and I think there were some major holes, it was a cute story, and it does have a nice ending.
Grade: C-
I wouldn’t say that this book “blew chunks” as the TGTBTU/Pond grading scale so eloquently states… but I only recommend it with more than a little reservation. In a way, I wish I had the time I spent reading it back. I’m glad I read it because I know I would have been curious about the stories. (Which is indeed why I read it before other books I’ve heard are excellent.) Lori Foster used to be one of my favorite authors, as well as Erin McCarthy. While the novellas didn’t put me off Lori Foster forever, I do plan to proceed with caution considering her most recent books, and think I might be getting her future books from the library first, not the book store. Sad. Nevertheless, if you like both these authors as I do and did and are inquisitive as I am, I recommend you read this book to sate your curiosity.
Overall Grade: C- –
The dark and light sides of desire collide in four brand-new novellas by three of today’s hottest authors.
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.
