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A Wicked Lovers Novel
By: Shayla Black
Published: June 5, 2012
Publisher: Berkley Heat
Source: Publisher
Mature Content: 18 & Up
GR's Summary:
A friend’s duty.
Tyler Murphy was an LAPD detective, single and happy—until a near-fatal tragedy crippled his friend, fellow detective Eric Catalano. While Tyler supported Eric, he also became a shoulder for Eric’s wife, Delaney, to lean on. But with one naughty suggestion from Eric, a drunken night with Delaney spilled into erotic abandon. Before it was over, Tyler saw his best friend’s wife as a woman and yearned for more. When Eric struggled to deal with the aftermath, Delaney begged Tyler to leave. Crushed, he fled to Louisiana, hoping to escape his longing for the one woman he could never have again…and unaware of what he’d left behind.
A lover’s desire.
After two years of living with regret, Tyler finds Delaney on his doorstep, her husband having abandoned her long ago. She’s protecting a shocking secret and desperately needs refuge from a stalker determined to see her dead. As they fight to stay alive and catch the killer, they struggle to resolve the guilt of their past pleasures. But they can’t deny that what was once a spark is now a flame burning out of control. To possess Delaney—body and soul—Tyler must heal her pain and thwart the evil that’s a mere breath behind her…
Tyler Murphy was an LAPD detective, single and happy—until a near-fatal tragedy crippled his friend, fellow detective Eric Catalano. While Tyler supported Eric, he also became a shoulder for Eric’s wife, Delaney, to lean on. But with one naughty suggestion from Eric, a drunken night with Delaney spilled into erotic abandon. Before it was over, Tyler saw his best friend’s wife as a woman and yearned for more. When Eric struggled to deal with the aftermath, Delaney begged Tyler to leave. Crushed, he fled to Louisiana, hoping to escape his longing for the one woman he could never have again…and unaware of what he’d left behind.
A lover’s desire.
After two years of living with regret, Tyler finds Delaney on his doorstep, her husband having abandoned her long ago. She’s protecting a shocking secret and desperately needs refuge from a stalker determined to see her dead. As they fight to stay alive and catch the killer, they struggle to resolve the guilt of their past pleasures. But they can’t deny that what was once a spark is now a flame burning out of control. To possess Delaney—body and soul—Tyler must heal her pain and thwart the evil that’s a mere breath behind her…
My Thoughts:
Mine to Hold by Shayla Black had a very interesting storyline. It was told from the dual perspectives of Delaney (Del), and Tyler. The story begins when Del shows up on Tyler's doorstep in Louisiana and tells him she needs his help to protect their 15 month old son, Seth. Tyler is shocked to find out that he has a son, and angry that this is the first time that he's being told about him. Delaney explains that he never was the commitment kind of guy, and the only reason that she has come to him is because someone is trying to kill her.
Delaney is a newspaper writer, and has gathered incriminating evidence against the ADA, Carlson, who is working with powerful gang members in Los Angeles where she currently lives. There have been several attempts on her life, and she needs Tyler to protect, and take care of their son, while she returns to L.A., gathers her evidence, and writes her story. Tyler use to be a Vice Detective and Delaney's ex husband's partner and best friend. Delaney and Tyler have a complex past history, and he moved to Louisiana after she asked him to leave. Since then, he's been womanizing as a way to try to forget about Del. When Del and Tyler see each other again they realize that they still have feelings for one another. However, Del is determined to move on, while Tyler has decided to never let her walk away from him again.
The story started at a slow pace for me, but then it picked up pace and I devoured it. I really enjoyed the storyline. It was filled with action, secrets, suspense, and drama. Things got really interesting when Del and Tyler flashed back to the night their son was conceived, and a lot of the story started coming together once I got more information about their past.
I enjoyed to physical chemistry, and intense passion that Del and Tyler shared. I got frustrated that Del was so stubborn about giving a Tyler a chance to prove himself to her, but understood why she was so guarded, and trying to protect her heart after everything that she had been through with her ex husband Eric. I loved seeing the tender side to Tyler, and how he really wanted to be a good father, make Del happy, and protect his new little family. Tyler's friends were like a tight knit family that were loyal, and did everything to help each other out. They accepted Del and Seth in to their circle, and treated them like one of their own. I can't wait to go back and start reading the Wicked Lovers Series in order, so that I can get to know each of the secondary characters better. Ms. Black sure knows how to write a great romance, that not only gives us amazing characters, but an addictive story as well.
I enjoyed to physical chemistry, and intense passion that Del and Tyler shared. I got frustrated that Del was so stubborn about giving a Tyler a chance to prove himself to her, but understood why she was so guarded, and trying to protect her heart after everything that she had been through with her ex husband Eric. I loved seeing the tender side to Tyler, and how he really wanted to be a good father, make Del happy, and protect his new little family. Tyler's friends were like a tight knit family that were loyal, and did everything to help each other out. They accepted Del and Seth in to their circle, and treated them like one of their own. I can't wait to go back and start reading the Wicked Lovers Series in order, so that I can get to know each of the secondary characters better. Ms. Black sure knows how to write a great romance, that not only gives us amazing characters, but an addictive story as well.
My Rating:
I give Mine to Hold by Shayla Black 4 Erotic, Passionate, and Suspense Filled Stars! This story was fast paced, filled with secrets, surprises, and learning to take a chance and let love in after your trust has been shattered. It was about growth, learning to let go of the past, and embrace the future. If you enjoy stories that have elements of love, passion, and erotica, as well as suspense, crime, and action, this is a story that you will enjoy!
My Favorite Quotes:
"You want me to back off, keep my hands to myself?
Even the thought of his hands on her made her belly flip. Yes.
Tyler turned to her as the empty road flew past and the sun crawled up the sky. His green eyes gleamed. He sent her a cocky grin. Don't hold your breath, angel." (Pg. 108)
~Tyler & Delaney
"Welcome to the real me. When you were married to Eric, you saw the pal, the prankster. You saw the guy who didn't take much seriously because I didn't have anything to be serious about. I still want to have fun, but when it comes to you, I'm serious as a fucking heart attack." (Pg. 201)
~Tyler
"Even when everything between us was supposed to be bad and wrong two years ago, I felt a connection to you. A... completeness. I'm beginning to realize that I've never given another woman a chance because they weren't you. I'd built rituals around you, Del, like Tuesday tacos and Sunday afternoon movies, not because I loved the cuisine or the flicks, but because I loved--" (Pg. 202)
~Tyler
"I'll never get enough, he murmured against her lips. I'll never get enough. Every time I taste you, I only want more." (Pg. 203)
~Tyler
"Still struggling to get his breath under control, he fused their lips together and let her have all of the emotion roiling around inside him. The sated exhaustion, the reverence of a man who knew he'd been blessed by someone special, the silent promise to love and protect her, the determination to never let her go." (Pg. 237)
~Tyler
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About the Author:
You know what they say about curiosity and the cat…but if you still want to know, read below.
Shayla Black (aka Shelley Bradley) is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over 30 sizzling contemporary, erotic, paranormal, and historical romances for multiple print, electronic, and audio publishers. She lives in Texas with her husband, munchkin, and one very spoiled cat. In her “free” time, she enjoys reality TV, reading and listening to an eclectic blend of music.
Shayla’s work has been translated in about a dozen languages. She has also received or been nominated for The Passionate Plume, The Holt Medallion, Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence, and the National Reader’s Choice Awards. RT Bookclub has twice nominated her for Best Erotic Romance of the year, as well as awarded her several Top Picks, and a KISS Hero Award.
A writing risk-taker, Shayla enjoys tackling writing challenges with every book.
Giveaway:
(1) Copy of Mine to Hold by Shayla Black
*If Winner is from U.S./Canada-Get a Finished Paperback
*If Winner is International-Get a Gifted eBook
What a great giveaway! Shayla is one of my favorites esp The Wicked Lovers series. They are Hot, Hot, Hot!
ReplyDeleteI've only read Mine to Hold so far, but I have to completely agree with you, and can't wait to read the rest of the series!
DeleteI've heard a lot of good things about Black, and think I would enjoy this one. Especially the suspense.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great review, Lindy!
You should totally check out one of her books! Her books would be perfect for your Sexy Summer Saturdays! Thanks for checking out my review!
DeleteI would LOVE to read this one!! I was interested in reading it before your review, but now that I have read your review, I GOTTA HAVE IT!! Thank you!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Amy!
DeleteGreat review! I'm really intrigued and would love to read this book. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kim :)
DeleteI've only read one other book in this series and loved it. This one sounds like it might even be better. I'm leery of them starting something up when she was married, but I'm curious too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your thoughts and for the giveaway opportunity.
Your Welcome Sophia :)
DeleteShayla Black writes some of the sexiest and romantic stories I've ever read. As for the review, I love that you included quotes from the book. Those are the first things I look for in a review because they're official sneak peaks, giving me an idea about the overall tone of the book. I especially love the last one here...! :)
ReplyDelete"...the reverence of a man who knew he'd been blessed by someone special, the silent promise to love and protect her, the determination to never let her go."
Thanks Jayd! I'm the same way. I love reading quotes in reviews, so I always try to incluse some in my reviews.
DeleteFrom the sound of the review, this looks like a book I would enjoy. I always wonder if there is an event in people's lives that inspire a book such as this?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway!
Your Welcome Meghan!
DeleteYour review sold me with their son's name, Seth, as that is also my son's name. But you also just fed me enough to make me want to drive to another city, or actually give in to my not paying S&H rule and buying the book online. I also loved the sentences from the book that you put in, job well done, Thank you for the chance at the giveaway, Shayla's books either sell really well in this city, or no one carries them. From every review I've read lately she is not to be missed.
ReplyDelete