Good, but nothing earthshattering. ( )

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. ( )