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Dancers in the Dark & Layla Steps Up: The Layla Collection
In this pair of stories set in the Sookie Stackhouse universe, novella “Dancers in the Dark” and short story “Layla Steps Up,” #1 New York Times' bestselling author Charlaine Harris chronicles the tumultuous beginning of the love story between an unlikely couple. In “Dancers in the Dark,” Rue LeMay is desperate to leave the past behind. Badly in need of money to start over, she takes a job at Blue Moon entertainment, where she'll be dancing with vampires at fancy parties and events. When she ends up paired with a 300-year-old Irish vampire, Sean McClendon, nicknamed the “Aristocrat,” he senses she's hiding a secret. At first, his only concern is that whatever it is doesn't pose a danger to him. But as the two dance together, Sean begins to care deeply about keeping Rue—real name Layla—safe from what threatens past, present, and future. With “Layla Steps Up,” Harris adds a new chapter to this fan favorite tale with an original short story. Set one year after the novella, Sean and Layla are still together, but on the cusp of upheaval. When a sadist with an eye for Sean comes to town, it will be Layla's turn to see if she can protect the man she loves. The Layla Collection brings these stories together for the first time and features a new introduction by Harris.
193 pages, Hardcover
Published September 30, 2020
176 people are currently reading
341 people want to read
About the author
Charlaine Harris
203 books37k followersCharlaine Harris has been a published writer for over forty years. Her first two books were standalones, followed by a long sabbatical when she was having children. Then she began the Aurora Teagarden book, mysteries featuring a short librarian (eventually adapted for Hallmark movies). The darker Lily Bard books came next, about a house cleaner with a dark past and considerable fighting skills.
Tired of abiding by the mystery rules, Harris wrote a novel about a telepathic barmaid that took at least two years to sell. When the book was published, it turned into a best seller, and DEAD UNTIL DARK and the subsequent Sookie books were adapted in Alan Ball's "True Blood" series. At the same time, Harris began the Harper Connelly books. Harper can find the bones of the dead and see their last minute.
When those two series wound to a close, the next three books were about a mysterious town in Texas, called Midnight.
A change in publisher and editor led to Harris's novels about a female gunslinger in an alternate America, Lizbeth Rose. The Gunnie Rose books concluded with the sixth novel.
She's thinking about what to write next.
Tired of abiding by the mystery rules, Harris wrote a novel about a telepathic barmaid that took at least two years to sell. When the book was published, it turned into a best seller, and DEAD UNTIL DARK and the subsequent Sookie books were adapted in Alan Ball's "True Blood" series. At the same time, Harris began the Harper Connelly books. Harper can find the bones of the dead and see their last minute.
When those two series wound to a close, the next three books were about a mysterious town in Texas, called Midnight.
A change in publisher and editor led to Harris's novels about a female gunslinger in an alternate America, Lizbeth Rose. The Gunnie Rose books concluded with the sixth novel.
She's thinking about what to write next.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 27, 2024
I read this only for Layla Steps Up - see bottom for explanation on my erratic borrowing/reading/reviewing shuffle clusterfuck lol
This was a quick read. Layla, as a new vamp, doesn’t seem to know that relationships between vampires, especially between a vampire and her/his maker, doesn’t seem to last very long. Sean has been coddling her, which truly makes no sense because he met her when she was on her own, scared yes, but living despite it. When someone from Sean’s past shows up and he goes missing, Layla shows she’s willing to burn everything around her in order to get Sean back. Fuck ‘em up, Layla.
(I severely botched these two books, lol. First I borrowed Dead of Night only for Dancers in the Dark, not knowing there was another short story of the two, so then I found on Goodreads and StoryGraph that Dancers in the Dark had its own single story entry and shuffled around my review/what was marked read. THEN I found this one, which came in a two story bundle on Libby and I hadn’t needed to go through all the bullshit. But I’m not shuffling things around anymore; I don’t use Goodreads for a page count as it’s difficult to find/change editions anyway, and StoryGraph has this story by itself.)
This was a quick read. Layla, as a new vamp, doesn’t seem to know that relationships between vampires, especially between a vampire and her/his maker, doesn’t seem to last very long. Sean has been coddling her, which truly makes no sense because he met her when she was on her own, scared yes, but living despite it. When someone from Sean’s past shows up and he goes missing, Layla shows she’s willing to burn everything around her in order to get Sean back. Fuck ‘em up, Layla.
(I severely botched these two books, lol. First I borrowed Dead of Night only for Dancers in the Dark, not knowing there was another short story of the two, so then I found on Goodreads and StoryGraph that Dancers in the Dark had its own single story entry and shuffled around my review/what was marked read. THEN I found this one, which came in a two story bundle on Libby and I hadn’t needed to go through all the bullshit. But I’m not shuffling things around anymore; I don’t use Goodreads for a page count as it’s difficult to find/change editions anyway, and StoryGraph has this story by itself.)
August 26, 2020
One thing must be admitted upfront. The book was a smooth read. So smooth, that I finished it in one sitting.
It contains two works.
First one, of novella length, is 'Dancers in the Dark'. It’s an almost coming of age story with romance and danger involved. It began strongly, becoming stronger and more layered. Then it collapsed into a simplistic dimwit routine and buzzed away.
Second one, 'Layla Steps Up' is a short story. It's utter rubbish.
Overall, the book began with a bang and ended with a whimper. Perhaps fans of mushy paranormal romance would find something here. For me it was disappointing, especially after such a gorgeous beginning.
'Nuff said.
It contains two works.
First one, of novella length, is 'Dancers in the Dark'. It’s an almost coming of age story with romance and danger involved. It began strongly, becoming stronger and more layered. Then it collapsed into a simplistic dimwit routine and buzzed away.
Second one, 'Layla Steps Up' is a short story. It's utter rubbish.
Overall, the book began with a bang and ended with a whimper. Perhaps fans of mushy paranormal romance would find something here. For me it was disappointing, especially after such a gorgeous beginning.
'Nuff said.
June 4, 2021
Junk.
I mean, paranormal romance, while not my cup of tea, is not all drivel. However, this has no redeeming qualities, this is Mills & Boon territory, with fangs. Dimwittery galore.
I mean, paranormal romance, while not my cup of tea, is not all drivel. However, this has no redeeming qualities, this is Mills & Boon territory, with fangs. Dimwittery galore.
December 1, 2020
(Actual rating debates in my mind between a 3.5 and 4.) Dancers in the Dark is a novella, and Layla Steps Up is a companion short story that furthers the tale. This was the perfect lighthearted read I needed after DNF-ing a dark novel. I knew I could depend on author Charlaine Harris to deliver a great story, interesting characters, and a sexy paranormal romance.
Rue is fleeing a terrifying past as she settles down in a city halfway across the country, desperate to mask her real identity. A talented dancer, Rue takes a job with Blue Moon Productions, which provides dancers for entertainment venues and private parties. It's been years since vampires revealed themselves to the world, finally freed by the invention of synthetic blood. Blue Moon is popular with the wealthy set because the paired dancers are always human and vampire.
Rue chooses Sean, a handsome Irish vampire, as her partner because he displays no personal interest in her at all, yet the two of them soar when they dance together. The rest of the story develops as they get to know each other, her past is slowly revealed, and danger begins to creep back into her life.
Both of the main characters are well-written, although not as deeply developed as they would have been in a more drawn-out, full-blown novel. Still, I found them intriguing and likeable, as I did several side characters. The surprising conclusion is expanded upon in the subsequent short story which occurs after the events of the main novella. It's good, too. The two companion narratives are well-paired and enjoyable. Definitely worth a read.
Rue is fleeing a terrifying past as she settles down in a city halfway across the country, desperate to mask her real identity. A talented dancer, Rue takes a job with Blue Moon Productions, which provides dancers for entertainment venues and private parties. It's been years since vampires revealed themselves to the world, finally freed by the invention of synthetic blood. Blue Moon is popular with the wealthy set because the paired dancers are always human and vampire.
Rue chooses Sean, a handsome Irish vampire, as her partner because he displays no personal interest in her at all, yet the two of them soar when they dance together. The rest of the story develops as they get to know each other, her past is slowly revealed, and danger begins to creep back into her life.
Both of the main characters are well-written, although not as deeply developed as they would have been in a more drawn-out, full-blown novel. Still, I found them intriguing and likeable, as I did several side characters. The surprising conclusion is expanded upon in the subsequent short story which occurs after the events of the main novella. It's good, too. The two companion narratives are well-paired and enjoyable. Definitely worth a read.
May 11, 2019
Don't Bother
I read this author's books like eating potato chips. They draw me in and keep me buying the next one . . . except this one. The plots are utter cliches and the writing drags. I guess she talked to some dancers, but didn't pay attention; one important thing is that the dance is exhilarating, and after, your feet really hurt, or maybe you hurt all over, and you're exhausted if, human.
I'm sorry I wasted my money on this feeble attempt.
I read this author's books like eating potato chips. They draw me in and keep me buying the next one . . . except this one. The plots are utter cliches and the writing drags. I guess she talked to some dancers, but didn't pay attention; one important thing is that the dance is exhilarating, and after, your feet really hurt, or maybe you hurt all over, and you're exhausted if, human.
I'm sorry I wasted my money on this feeble attempt.
June 30, 2017
I loved the first story. Exploring the world of the vampires as they deal with current life, making ends meet like 'regular' people. I didn't think the second story was as strong, but I did enjoy the characters throughout.
August 26, 2023
Layla is a young woman that has a big hurt in her past. She had one brutal relationship which has scared her intensely, both physically and mentally. In order to make money so she can to finish she decides to join a troup of dancers. The troup concises of a human and a vampire dancing together at events around the city. She shows up for the audition and ends up paired with a 275+ vampire named Sean McClendon.
Unfortunately, the past doesn't always stay in the past and has a way of coming into the present when you least expect it. So it is for Layla. First, Sean is showing entirely too much attention to her moods, and the fear that she lives with. He even starts digging into her past secretly. Then the person who damaged her in the past appears in her city of residence and there is a real danger of her being killed by the person who continues to hold a grudge.
She ends up in great danger and is at the point of death when Sean turns her to save her live.
Following about a year later a short story (Layla Steps Up) finds them living together but she is unaware of some of the circumstances for vampire existence and Seans background. She quickly realizes that she has allowed Sean to pamper her and must "step up" into the power of the vampire nature she now possesses.
It is a wonderful short visit to the world of Sookie Stackhouse and True Blood universe that Charlaine Harris created in the long running series of books from a different city and different of characters. We get to see what other parts of the United States are like in the True Book era. The first title is a novella and the second is a short story, and I read it in an afternoon.
I recommend it to anybody that likes vampire stories and adventures.
Unfortunately, the past doesn't always stay in the past and has a way of coming into the present when you least expect it. So it is for Layla. First, Sean is showing entirely too much attention to her moods, and the fear that she lives with. He even starts digging into her past secretly. Then the person who damaged her in the past appears in her city of residence and there is a real danger of her being killed by the person who continues to hold a grudge.
She ends up in great danger and is at the point of death when Sean turns her to save her live.
Following about a year later a short story (Layla Steps Up) finds them living together but she is unaware of some of the circumstances for vampire existence and Seans background. She quickly realizes that she has allowed Sean to pamper her and must "step up" into the power of the vampire nature she now possesses.
It is a wonderful short visit to the world of Sookie Stackhouse and True Blood universe that Charlaine Harris created in the long running series of books from a different city and different of characters. We get to see what other parts of the United States are like in the True Book era. The first title is a novella and the second is a short story, and I read it in an afternoon.
I recommend it to anybody that likes vampire stories and adventures.
September 22, 2018
What a wonderful delight to enter the world of Sookie again! Even though Sookie is not in these stories, it does not diminish the enjoyment of reading them. Layla is a vulnerable human who is on the run from her former life, and she goes to work as a dancer with a vampire partner to pay her bills.
You just love and feel for Sean from the very beginning. Harris' way with words continues to make her one of my favorite authors that I just can't get enough of. I'm looking forward to reading An Easy Death and I am thrilled she is starting a new series. If you haven't read anything by her, you are doing yourself a disservice!
You just love and feel for Sean from the very beginning. Harris' way with words continues to make her one of my favorite authors that I just can't get enough of. I'm looking forward to reading An Easy Death and I am thrilled she is starting a new series. If you haven't read anything by her, you are doing yourself a disservice!
November 19, 2018
I really enjoyed the first part of the story learning how Sean and Layla fell in love and how she was turned vampire. It was easy to notice parallels between Layla’s background and that of Lily Bard in Harris’ Shakespeare series. Beauty queen. Survivor of vicious attack. I think it worked better in Lily’s story. Even with that character repetition I enjoyed reading the first half of the book. The second half: Lana Steps Up- was more than a little strange. It was just okay for me.
April 14, 2021
Wish I could give this 3.5 stars. Was a pleasant walk down memory line in terms of first getting to read the Sookie Stackhouse books (as in, getting to know vampire ways, interactions with humans, and the like).
Enjoyed Dancers in the Dark a little more than Layla Steps Up. Some of the violence felt too contrived in the latter.
Definitely a good way to distract myself from our world's real monsters.
Enjoyed Dancers in the Dark a little more than Layla Steps Up. Some of the violence felt too contrived in the latter.
Definitely a good way to distract myself from our world's real monsters.
January 6, 2018
I don't know what it is about Charlaine Harris but I love all her books I have read. I always love her characters and feel I know them when I read the books. I am excited to read my next book by Charlaine which I got for my birthday and I know I will love it! (Night Shift). Loved these two stories and hope there is another one featuring Sean and Layla :)
September 17, 2017
Harris Harlequin style and it's good!
I've read just about everything Harris has written. These two stories are super light and easy quick reads. It's worth the $3 for sure. First storey has an almost romance novel feel to it but, it's still thoroughly enjoyable. I like the characters.
I've read just about everything Harris has written. These two stories are super light and easy quick reads. It's worth the $3 for sure. First storey has an almost romance novel feel to it but, it's still thoroughly enjoyable. I like the characters.
November 25, 2017
I really enjoyed this exploration of the Sookieverse in a story that doesn't include Sookie or any other main character from the Southern Vampires. At least, I don't remember any previous mention of these characters; if they are there, they didn't make an impression. The good news is that I will surely notice any mention of them next time I re-read the series; they are that memorable. Charlaine Harris brought them to life so well that I'd enjoy reading a full-length novel based on Layla if that ever happens. Regardless, the stories made a compelling read and left me satisfied.
December 29, 2019
Charlaine Harris is an incredible author!
It doesn't matter what she writes about, it is inevitably an entertaining piece of work. Ms. Harris is a good writer. If I am tired of stressed, reading something by Charlaine Harris perks me up. Such a great talent for bringing characters alive. (Or dead....)
It doesn't matter what she writes about, it is inevitably an entertaining piece of work. Ms. Harris is a good writer. If I am tired of stressed, reading something by Charlaine Harris perks me up. Such a great talent for bringing characters alive. (Or dead....)
December 30, 2019
"Dancers in the Dark" is a re-read for me - I've never realised how grim the plot actually is. It's a very Charlaine Harris kind of story, sweet at first glance but with a bitter undertaste. Also this time around, I'm more aware of Layla's lack of agency and it bothered me. I think the second novella tries to address the agency question a bit more, but fell flat for me.
October 20, 2017
Great fun,both novella were page turners. I would love to read more about Sean and Layla .
I liked the whole dance 💃. Other members the group's were fantastic. Like more stories. Great read. Fantastic ending. Thanks ! D. Page
I liked the whole dance 💃. Other members the group's were fantastic. Like more stories. Great read. Fantastic ending. Thanks ! D. Page
November 22, 2018
Clearly what is called a page turner
Characters are clearly and cleanly defined. But each maintains a twist that surprised and delighted you will enjoy this, although it will leave a longing for more depth
Characters are clearly and cleanly defined. But each maintains a twist that surprised and delighted you will enjoy this, although it will leave a longing for more depth
August 24, 2021
Oh, this was a fun little pair of stories. I always enjoyed the Southern Vampire series-the books decidedly more than the tv show, though I watched that too. This novella length book was a enjoyable little visit back to that world.
April 12, 2023
Super quick read. It’s about what I have come to expect and enjoy from Harris, a mix of romance, violence, intriguing characters and the supernatural. It may not be considered literature, but it’s a cracking good story.
March 5, 2018
Lovely. Layla rocks.
April 27, 2018
Not what I was expecting, not my favorite genre.
October 6, 2018
A quick amusing red. Vintage Harris.
October 18, 2019
Fun Reading
Entertaining to read!! Easy to read and great characters. All of Charlaine Harris's books are fantastic. I've read three of her series and look forward to more.
Entertaining to read!! Easy to read and great characters. All of Charlaine Harris's books are fantastic. I've read three of her series and look forward to more.
November 2, 2019
I really enjoyed the first story, the world building, the character development, it totally pulled me in. The second story seemed choppy, it wasn't as good.
December 19, 2020
My review of this book can be found on my Youtube Vlog at:
https://youtu.be/ox4ginNIkNk
Enjoy!
https://youtu.be/ox4ginNIkNk
Enjoy!
March 19, 2021
I enjoyed these two short stories/novellas that tie in with the Southern Vampire novels. This is fun and short- nothing particularly amazing but a nice quick read
July 21, 2021
A fun read
It moved fast and had a lot of humor in it. Octo-cat is great but the name is too much like octo-mom
It moved fast and had a lot of humor in it. Octo-cat is great but the name is too much like octo-mom
February 28, 2025
My favorite Charlaine harries book / one of my favorite s of all time. Honestly this one is kinda predictable but something about it will always hold a special place in my heart.
March 25, 2025
Classy ending to an unusual romance.
July 7, 2025
4 star
The first novella/short story was probably one of my favorites in the Sookie-verse. The second one kinda ruined my fuzzy feelings from the first one.
The first novella/short story was probably one of my favorites in the Sookie-verse. The second one kinda ruined my fuzzy feelings from the first one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews