Out of the Darkness

Coffeeshop Coven #0.2

by Tymber Dalton, Lesli Richardson

The land remembers...

Ancient evil forces a woman to fight for her life - and true love.

Man may forget horrors, but the land remembers. Built on a cursed patch of ground, George Simpson’s house of evil has ruined many lives over its hundred-year existence.

Author Steve Corey rents the place as an early anniversary surprise for his wife, hoping it might repair the deep rift his alcoholism has created in their marriage.

Before they moved to the Simpson house, Samantha Corey thought getting Steve sober was the hard part. But the house's dark nature has turned her thoughts to Matt Barry, Steve’s best friend and agent...and her old love. Can they overcome the ancient evil threatening them all from OUT OF THE DARKNESS?

Love, sex, violence, and a Labrador retriever who's no Lassie.

Genres: Romance, Horror, Suspense, Ghosts, Fantasy, Romantic Suspense

332 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Author Lesli Richardson, who is better-known by her more prolific wild-child Tymber Dalton pen name, lives in the Tampa Bay region of Florida with too many pets of various species. Other pen names of hers include PT Long, Calliope Clockwork, Ravyn Wolf, and Zoe Park. She writes in a wide variety of heat levels and genres, from mainstream sci-fi all the way to scorching ménage.

The USA Today Bestselling Author (as Tymber) and two-time EPIC award winner is a part-time Viking shield-maiden in training who loves to sing karaoke and play D&D with her friends. She’s also the author of over 250 books and counting, including The Reluctant Dom, Cross Country Chaos, Her Vampire Obsession, the Bleacke Shifters series, the Governor Trilogy series, and many others.


She lives in her own little world, but it’s okay—they all know her there.


She loves to hear from readers! Please feel free to drop by her website and sign up for her newsletter to keep abreast of the latest news, snarkage, and releases.
Honest reviews are always welcomed. They help with a book’s visibility and can boost its placement on book retailer sites. Even a few lines about what you felt reading the book will help. Thank you so much, it’s greatly appreciated!

Reviews

[PepperP0t · Rating 5 out of 5]

This read is not the Tymber Dalton you may be expecting and is a re-release from her writings as Lesli Richardson.
One hateful, brutal and cruel crime committed in Florida in 1600's left such oppressive death and misery

Originally Read: October 11, 2013
Rating: 4.75 stars
This entire review and others can be found at: http://www.ireadthatbook.com

[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marriage crumbling around her, author Samantha isn't sure what to do for her husband, Steve. Steve's secretive ways are bringing back terrible flashbacks of when he drank excessively. Could he be breaking his promise again? Has he fallen off the wagon again?

Steve is also a writer who is famous for his thriller mysteries. His marriage with Samantha has been up and down like a roller coaster. He's desperate to show her his love as he knows he's used up almost all her goodwill towards him. For a big declaration of love, for their anniversary, he takes her to Florida to a cabin which is haunted by restless ghosts. Neither Sam nor Steve knows how disturbed the ghosts will be.

To add to this mix, Samantha married Steve because she wanted to start a life and have kids. Steve was the one who would be able to make her dreams come true. She ended her relationship with Matt because of his reluctance to settle down. After eight years, she still has no children to show. There is a reason for this, and if Sam finds out the truth, there will be hell to pay.

OUT OF DARKNESS is filled with twists and turns. Mostly, it is filled with disappointment and heartbreak on Sam's part. Steve's secrets are abhorrent. He basically lied to Sam all their marriage and built a foundation of half-truths. Matt is the best friend of both Steve and Sam. He is also the one who truly loves Sam. It's interesting how one mistake can impact the lives of two people so drastically.

While Sam and Steve try to reconnect in the Florida rental cabin, there are paranormal forces outside of their control. How the ghosts and evil spirits came to be is rather sad. The theme of how the land remembers the evil perpetrated is chilling at times. The possession by a ghost is freakier. If this were a movie, it would definitely be one where movie watchers would be screaming out warnings and hiding behind fingers or pillows.

Yet, this story is a romance novel. It really is, because at the heart of it, two men love one woman. Who is the better one for her? The story lays it out pretty clear who is better for Sam, yet it still gives the perspective of "what if" scenarios. These "what if" scenarios are what brings angst. Steve is not bad nor is he evil. His actions are demoralizing and painful to witness. It's the "wife taken for granted" syndrome which breaks the reader's heart. All too many readers can sympathize with Sam and walk in her shoes. The way a couple can grow apart is also distressing and all too realistic.

Nevertheless, this is still an enjoyable book with some freaky paranormal events. This book is recommended to paranormal readers who aren't afraid of ghosts. If you enjoy happily ever after, this is a book is for you, but with a fitting twist.

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

KcLu's review posted on Guilty Pleasures

4.75 Stars

I’m a huge Tymber Dalton fan, and to be honest I have wanted to read this book since I read the description. I had to beat my chicken side down to read it, but I am so glad I did. Although it had me scared shitless, I enjoyed the hell out of it! I honestly could not stop reading until it was done. This is a wonderfully written beauty of a story!!

For years this house and land has been causing tragedies, and now Sami’s husband, Steve, has surprised her with renting it for the summer. From the get go the house doesn’t feel right so she decides to do some research on it. Being a writer she sees the potential for a book on the house’s history.

Sami is at her wits end with Steve. She has told him this is his last chance at saving their marriage and it isn’t going so good. Since moving into the house Steve’s moods have gotten even worse and at times he doesn’t even seem like his self. She suspects he is drinking again, but can’t find any evidence to prove that.

Steve loves his wife and will do whatever it takes to save his marriage. He doesn’t think he can, and he can’t seem to fight of these dark thoughts and voices that have surrounded him. Can he win the fight against the evils of this house before something bad happens to him or Sami??

Matt is Steve’s best friend and agent, and unbeknown to Steve he is Sami’s former lover. They have a history from before Matt introduced Sami and Steve, a past that has never been resolved. Sami is tired of fighting for Steve to treat her good and tired of fighting her feelings for Matt. But first they have to fight to save Steve from this house. Can they do that before it’s too late??

I can’t say enough good about this book!! I enjoyed it sooo much. I’m the world’s biggest chicken, but I love stories like this. I am a huge fan of great ghost stories!! This one doesn’t disappoint!! Just when you think you have it all figured out another twist pops up and shocks you!! I put this one up there with classics like the Shinning and Amityville. I hope you guys enjoy this one as much as I did!!

[Eva · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has just recently been re-released through a new publisher. Out of the Darkenss is completely different from any of her other books. This is a horror/suspense story. I always enjoy reading anything that Tymber Dalton writes and Out of the Darkness was no exception. Even though it is one of her earlier books, and I probably do enjoy her more recent books a bit better, it is still fabulous.

[Casey (KcLu)]

4.75 Stars review @ www.guiltypleasuresbookreviews.com ...
I’m a huge Tymber Dalton fan, and to be honest I have wanted to read this book since I read the description. I had to beat my chicken side down to read it, but I am so glad I did. Although it had me scared shitless, I enjoyed the hell out of it! I honestly could not stop reading until it was done. This is a wonderfully written beauty of a story!!

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of the Darkness is another amazing novel by the incomparable Tymber Dalton. However, this book took me completely by surprise. While it is the prequel to the Coffeeshop Coven series, it can also be read as a standalone horror novel. This is not your typical Tymber Dalton book, if any of her novels can be called typical. It is totally unique, and actually took me very much by surprise when I read it. I can't say I'm a true fan of horror fiction but this book is far and away above average when it comes to that genre. I absolutely loved every aspect of the story. Add to that the fact that this story won the 2010 Epic Award, and you have a winning novel on your hands.

Author Steve Corey has had a lot of ups and downs in life. Yes, he's a famous author, very famous. But his problems with alcoholism and a host of other troubles have made his life more than just difficult. He seems to be losing his grip on a lot of things, including reality at times. His long-suffering wife, Samantha (Sami) has dealt with things as long as she can. It seemed that he'd dealt with the alcoholism of his past but his rage-fueled rants over nothing, his attitudes towards her, so many other stresses, have used up every reserve she has. When she meets up with Steve's agent, Matt, who unwittingly informs her that Steve has rented a house for the summer located outside Brooksville, Florida. Sami's stunned. It's the final straw. For Steve to do this and not say anything to anyone other than Matt is beyond outrageous. Why should she put up with his nonsense anymore? Why doesn't she just leave and file for divorce?

But, things aren't always that easy. Sami decides to give Steve another chance. They do move to Florida for the summer. But there are things of which neither are aware. The property and house they've rented has a history that most dismiss as legend. But it's a gruesome and horrible history, and as the Coreys both soon realize, the facts behind that history are all too true. As Matt comes to Florida to help deal with Steve's new book, he becomes caught up in the whirlwind of events that soon overtakes all three. Event piles upon event. New and unexplained circumstances arise nearly every day. It truly appears that there is evil present, evil in its truest form. Steve deals in his own way, which is to say seemingly not at all. Sami and Matt are skeptical. Is all this a prank? Do the locals want them out of the way? Their real estate contact certainly seems to be pressuring the Coreys to outright buy the house but why? They don't know anyone in the area. Could this be a deranged fan trying to get Steve's attention? There has to be some explanation. Sami doesn't believe in anything other than reality. There has to be a logical reason for all the strange things that keep happening. Coincidences do happen. That's all it is, right? What other explanation can there be for the bizarre occurrences?

Tymber Dalton has once again crafted an amazingly believable story that blew me away. Brooksville, Florida is a real town, and many of the landmarks that are part of the plot truly exist. Of course, the story is purely fictitious but it's still completely believable. The people are relatable in every way, and I was particularly drawn to a certain subset of characters that made the story all the more enjoyable for me. The fact that this is a true horror story is a departure for Ms. Dalton. But it once again shows how she's able to cross genres with apparent ease. I read this book in one sitting, well into the night, and it scared the heck out of me at times! That's why I give Out of the Darkness my highest recommendation. For me to love a horror story this much is truly something extraordinary. Thank you, Tymber, for writing such an exceptional, award-winning book that again shows just how impressive an author you are, your mastery of your art, and your exceptional writing talent! This is truly a remarkable book! Thanks for reading my review and happy reading!

[Saskia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was totally different then the other Tymber Dalton books I have read, it is a whole other genre, but I loved it. it is the prequel to A Coffeeshop Coven series, but you can read it is a stand alone. I am looking forward to reading the series after finishing this book.

It was really creepy, spooky and fast paced. I couldn't stop reading after I started. Tymber Dalton has a very descriptive style of writing so I could picture the story in my head and was sitting on he edge of my seat while reading. Don't read this book before bedtime.

[Kristinmarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is more along the line of horror than what the author normally writes, but also some romance. Evil exists and I will try to get you. A horrible crime takes place in Florida in the 1600's, does it leave its mark on the area.
Samantha and her husband trying to save their marriage end up in Florida renting the house. Even though it is horror, it has its emotional ups and downs. This is a must read if you are looking for a different read from this author.

[Spinster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Out of the Darkness was my first Tymber Dalton book and it had its first sex scene well after the halfway point. A scene that left me sad and disappointed instead of excited. Not exactly how I initially thought this book would turn out.

I won the book in a contest and kept putting off reading it, mostly because I figured it would be a standard Erotica book with some lame paranormal addition to the story and I never seemed to be in the mood for that. That's one of the reasons I hate having expectations, and I'm absolutely thrilled that once again, my expectations couldn't have been farther from the truth.

The suspense and the pacing of the book were amazing and I had to keep turning the page, so to speak. There weren't many slow points in the story, things kept happening and slowly building up the pressure towards the climax.

I really liked the characterization, Sami and Steve were both well built characters with clear development throughout the book. They had layers and personalities and weren't only shells doing and acting. Matt not so much, but that's OK since he didn't have that big a role in the book. I did enjoy a few of the minor characters as well.

Relating to an alcoholic was something I never thought I'd do, but lo and behold, Steve was the one that got to me. He was an asshole, but he did have reasons behind his actions (sort of) and he admitted it. Sami on the other hand was also an asshole, but she got away with it, never having to face her flaws and I just didn't get inside her head, even though the book was mostly written from her point of view.

The starting point was interesting - a crumbling marriage between people who have so much bad history and built-up resentment, deceit, lies, omissions and whatnot that it's totally fine to pile guilt on someone and feel guilty for sleepwalking. That's some heavy duty fuckedupness. Although, their relationship seemed to have been pretty weird from the start, like Sami never telling her husband that she had lived with his best friend for 3 years, or that she married him just because she wanted a ring on her finger and someone to father her children, even though she was in love with someone else. Like I said, I didn't really get her.

I knew how the book was going to end because there is no other choice in these types of books, but I still kept hoping for some other surprising solution. I was left feeling like Steve paid the price for his alcoholism (a disease, I might add, not a "weakness of character") with his life, while his cheating and deceiving wife finally got all she wanted, losing only 7 years of her life and someone she kind of loved. Seriously, her husband was in the hospital with a serious infection and a friggin' ghost possessing him, and she just wants to do the nasty with someone else. Shame on you, Sami. I just didn't feel the satisfying universal karma thing here.

Even though the characters were acting so stupid sometimes that I would have slapped them around if I could have and there was a lot more puking and fainting going around than I'm used to, I was very entertained by this book and gladly give it 3.5 stars. Creepy old houses are so wonderfully... well, creepy.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read the rest of this series, heard the back story of Julie and what happened. It intrigued me enough that I sought out this one even though it is very different from the rest of the series.

I found myself quickly sucked into what was happening at the house, it sort of became a character itself, the way that it held all the bad things that happened in it. You could tell that the house seemed to influence both Sami and Steve, but Steve more. It was only after everything was said and done you realize how the house got a hold of Steve, how his weakness gave a tiny crack into his mind to let something else take over.

I did love how Sami took back possession of the house, how she was able to clear all the bad things and make it a home.

[Vic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very different from other Tymber Dalton books. Was pretty suspenseful and very little actual sex in this book. It was kind of a horror story but not too scary. Very disturbing things happen in this book and there are definitely trigger events in this story for some.