Mine to Hold (A Wicked Lovers Novel)

Two years ago Delaney and Tyler had sex because her husband wanted them too. It all turns bad and she's left alone and pregnant. Now she shows up on Tyler's doorstep with their son and someone trying to kill her. Tyler has been sleeping with a different woman every night to try and forget him one time with her. But now that he has her back in his life, he'll do anything to keep her. First they have to stop the dirty ADA from killing her and stopping her from writing the story that will put him away for life. Sex, suspense, and a woman who has been burnt by men and the man who'll love her forever, if she'll give him the chance.

You kind have an idea what a hero might be like when you learn early on that his nickname is "c*ckzilla". Tyler had been living up to the name, sleeping with different women every night, the man loves sex and women, but there's a reason for his actions as he's trying to fill a void that one woman left in his life 2 years ago. Tyler does enjoy his playboy ways, but when Delaney shows up on his doorstep with not only a huge, dangerous problem, but she also has a surprise for Tyler, he's a dad.

Working as a reporter, Delaney (Del), has uncovered criminal activity from Martin Carlson, an L.A. Assistant District Attorney, who's in place to become the next District Attorney and when Del finds out that he's crooked, has law enforcement in his back pocket and he's working with a local gang that's netting him millions of dollars. Del is gathering information for her story when her life takes a dangerous turn. Her home is broken into, she's almost run off the road, the final straw is her car exploding. She's finally able to find Tyler after 2 years and wants him to watch his son, Seth, while she finishes her story, putting Carlson away for good so she can live her life again without constantly looking over her shoulder. What she wasn't prepared for was Tyler's reaction to seeing her again.

To understand Del and Tyler in the present, flashbacks are needed for when they knew each other 2 years before, when Del was married to Tyler's best friend, Eric. One night between Tyler and Del, with her then husband Eric's approval, turns into so much more than just a night of sex that they were planning. Tyler and Del had much deeper feelings for each other, which didn't set well with Eric, and things went downhill fast. Del told Tyler to stay away from her, Del and Eric divorced, and Tyler left town never knowing that their one night together resulted in his son, Seth. Fast forward 2 years and the woman that turned Tyler inside out is back and he will do everything he can to convince her to give him a real chance. But his easy ways are hard for Del to overlook. She knows exactly what Tyler's been up to and she can't believe that his feelings for her are strong enough for him to give up his bed hopping lifestyle.

What I loved about this story was the balance. Often times I find that sex can be really over the top and overpowering in an erotic story, but this book has a strong suspense storyline that balances the steamy sex that Tyler and Del eventually give in to. Tyler really steps up and starts acting like a man who knows he's found the woman he's supposed to be with. He's an alpha all the way, he wants to protect and help Delaney and he was an easy hero to root for. Delaney takes more time to actually get on the "Tyler is now committed to one woman" train. She, understandably so, can't let herself imagine a life with Tyler. As badly as she wants him in his son's life, she takes a long time to believe in him. Tyler wears her down and convinces her to give him and them a chance.

**********
"Tyler..." She clasped her arms around his neck.

"Angel." He scooped her against him and held her tight.

He'd undone her utterly. Now he had to put her back together.

Still struggling to get his breath under control, he fused their lips together and let her have all 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.

...She wasn't ready to trust him totally with her heart yet. But she was going to roll the dice with him, give herself, and hope that he didn't let her down.
**********

The suspense was well paced throughout. Carlson has a lot people working on his side, some surprising people, and Del and Tyler spend much of the story trying to get enough facts for Del's story to put him away. There's an added storyline about Del's ex-husband Eric. He's pretty messed up and goes way over the top in one scene, forcing himself and his anger out on Del and Tyler, and I liked how Del was able to handle herself. Xander shows up and helps out, and oh my God I'm already in book lust with this man. He's playful, flirty, and dealing with enough family angst to last a lifetime. His brother, Javier, is going through a horrible time, so in between helping Tyler keep Del safe, Xander is dealing with a brother who sounds like he's spiraling downward fast. Xander and Javier's story is up next and I can't wait to learn more about them.

I overall really enjoyed this story. Delaney is a heroine who is easy to care about, seeing her struggle with doing what's right for her son, leaving him in other peoples care while she tries to make their future safe. She's really sweet and she's exactly what Tyler needed to see where his future is going. Tyler is a strong, sexy hero and I liked seeing him realize what Delaney means to him not only now, but how he was trying to fill the hole in his life that she made over the past 2 years. Their sex scenes were incredibly hot but I always love the quieter scenes, Tyler holding Del while she cries over missing her son and dealing with the stress of everything coming down around her. It was those scenes mixed with the hotness that Shayla Black always brings and the suspense of the Carlson storyline that made this story a well balanced read that I got pulled right into.

Blog rating: 4/5

Well. This was something. When I read books like this I automatically think of bleached blond airheads with fake boobs, leathery skin and tattoos. I think of, quite simply, white trash. And that's just for the women. I think it's in the descriptions and this book didn't help considering it opened with a scene with an "alpha male" surrounded by former strippers. How could I NOT think white trash?

BUT. The saving grace was Delaney, the heroine of this piece...I say "saving grace" loosely. In comparison to the strippers she was as pure as the driven snow. However, there was that moment two years prior to the beginning of this book when Delaney had sex with the hero, Tyler, per her crippled husband's request. He wanted to watch since he couldn't perform. The sex was mind bending for Tyler and Delaney and true buried feelings came out during their tryst. Delaney then shoved Tyler out of her life in order to try and save her husband - who had been boinking women left and right during their marriage.

The lines of what is morally right and wrong are sort of blurred in these books. You root for the hero and heroine and hate people like, say, the ex-husband, who at one point attempts to rape Delaney in order to flip the tables and make Tyler watch (he's handcuffed to a fridge). I honestly felt this scene was meant to make us totally hate the ex in case we felt any lingering doubt as to how he felt about what he, yes, had instigated. HOWEVER - Delaney and Tyler both had the ability to say "NO". Which is what non-white trash folks would do or really, anyone with scruples and morals.

The thing about this book though - Delaney and Tyler are pretty hot together. The sex scenes were smoldering and it was great to see Tyler go from banging strippers every night to fall all over himself to protect and win Delaney. I respected the fact that Delaney didn't just fall over Tyler and had a very healthy amount of skepticism regarding his man whoring past. Then again...can a woman who slept with another man, whether at the behest of her husband or not, be really judgmental? Part of me thinks no.

And Tyler's man whoring was disgusting. No WAY would I take up with a man like that. So I was with Delaney on not trusting him. At all. But, as a hero, Tyler did a complete 180 on his bad boy behavior and did everything he could to win Delaney's heart and prove to her that he was head over heels in love with her, and always had been. Apparently that was why he'd immersed himself with strippers - to screw away his feelings for Delaney and search for that same kind of connection...uh, yeah. Only a complete idiot would think that would happen with a freaking stripper. Tyler: great at police work, but a complete dunderhead about everything else.

Yet, I did enjoy this book for what it was.

Mine to Hold by Shayla Black
Contemporary Romance -June 5th, 2012
4 ½ stars

Delaney Catalano's life became difficult when her husband, Eric was wheelchair bound in the line of duty. But on one fateful day, Eric asks her to have sex with his partner, Tyler Murphy! (Eric wants to watch her having sex since he cannot give it to her.) Unexpectedly, Del finds raw passion in Tyler's arms that she never found in her husband's and Eric is jealous and angry. When Del finds herself pregnant it the last straw to her now shaky marriage. Del finds her marriage ending in a nasty divorce and eventually pursuing a career as a journalist. But trouble lurks as the dangerous expose she is writing puts her in harms way. In desperation she searches for Tyler to help her.

Tyler Murphy is the love'em and leave'em type. But he secretly carries a torch for his ex-partner's wife. He is shocked when years later Del shows up at his doorstep with a young boy named Seth. And Seth that look exactly like him! Next Del outrageously asks Tyler to take care of Seth while she seeks to run from a powerful enemy who wants to keep her quiet. But Tyler wants answers and he won't take, `No.' He decides that he will protect and care for Del even if he has to seduce her to do so. And watch out Del, because Tyler has had years on honing his skills!

Mine to Hold is hot, Hot, HOT! Fans of Shalya Black will not be disappointed as the author seamlessly mixes sizzling passion and potent suspense. At first, I wasn't sure if I could like a seemingly idle playboy and a woman who could cheat on her husband (even if the husband encouraged it). I wondered how the lies between the main characters could create a healthy relationship. But the obvious and deep love between them pulled at my emotions. The chemistry between Del and Tyler is scorching as Tyler plots his way into the arms of the only woman who he truly cares for. I loved how protective and caring Tyler is of Del and Seth. Although he his shocked and feels betrayed by Del's secrets he puts them first and does not blame her. Instead, he immediately tries to help Del and willingly places himself in danger. Del is still burdened by guilt and her failure as a wife. But her husband never made her feel as loved and sensual as Tyler and she finds she can't resist him. The scenes between the two characters crackle with combustion but what makes them so wonderful to read is how obvious it is that each of them care for each other and are meant to be together. It was with great satisfaction to read them finally find happiness at the end.

Super sexy and romantic, this erotic suspense will knock your socks off!

Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club

LA Times reporter Delaney Catalano wrote fluff pieces when LAPD Vice Detective Tyler Murphy knew her. Now she is at his Lafayette, Louisiana home carrying his infant son Seth while she is on the run from ADA Martin Carlson who had her car with loads of evidence blown up. Tyler asks how his former partner wheelchair bound Eric is doing. She says they divorced sixteen months ago when Eric realized his wife loved his friend and only stayed with him out of duty; he rejected her pity.

However, Carlson's reach is wide and his goons follow Del. As the enemy attempt to kill her and her protector, Del and Tyler know Seth's safety comes before their passion that led to the baby's birth and even their love as they must deal with the ADA's murderous minion.

This is a heated romantic suspense starring a caring "Cockzilla" and a dedicated single mom journalist in trouble. Fast-paced, fans will enjoy this entertaining tale though Carlson's evil empire seems over the top of Mount Lukens. Still filed with twists, Mine to Hold is an engaging heated thriller.

Harriet Klausner

Tyler Murphy, the self-proclaimed "man whore," was a carefree LAPD detective, who loved life and his job. However, that all came to an abrupt end when his partner, Eric Catalano, was nearly fatally injured in the line of duty. Tyler found himself helping Eric and his wife, Delaney, hold it all together. After a night of too much drinking and not enough food, Eric, Tyler, and Delaney charted a course into territory that would change their lives forever. Soon after, Tyler found himself cut off from both Eric and Delaney with little to no warning. Fast forward two years, and Tyler opens his door to find Delaney Catalano on the other side. He could tell from her appearance that she was in trouble. But Delaney brought more than trouble with her; she also dropped the bomb that Tyler has a son.

As a local reporter in L.A., Delaney had stumbled upon information that put Martin Carlson, an up and coming ADA, in bed with some local gang members. With nowhere else to turn, she seeks out Tyler to take care of their son, Seth. Of course, when Tyler hears her entire story, he wants to get involved big time. However, Delaney is adamant that he stay with Seth. If anything happens to her, at least he will still have one parent. Never one to leave his friends or family hanging, Tyler puts himself into the equation that places him and Delaney up close and personal; right where she did not want to be. No matter how hard Delaney tries to ignore the feelings she long since buried, it's impossible to deny that there is something between them. Soon the pair finds themselves not only giving into desires they can no longer contain, but also trying to stay one step ahead of the thugs that Carlson hired to shut Delaney up for good. When Delaney's only contact turns up dead and her evidence ends up missing, she has to make a deal with the devil in order to save herself, or at least save Tyler to ensure the safety of their son.

The chemistry between Tyler and Delaney is so potent that it wafts off the pages, intoxicates you, pulls you in, and holds you in a sinful embrace. You feel the heat they generate and you keep walking towards it even though you know they're about to start a fire. Delaney doesn't want to need Tyler nor does she want to give in to the burgeoning desire she feels. But she does, and her internal fight is so interesting to watch because with him is where she needs to be.

Tyler does a complete 360 degree turn in this book. I was amazed at how he manned up and took responsibility for his newfound family. He accepted the fact that he was a father, even relishing in it. He decided that he not only wanted Delaney, but he needed her and nothing and no one was going to stand in his way. Oh be still my heart! I fell in love with Tyler Murphy in this book. I cheered for him. I wanted him to be happy. I wanted him to kick major ass and claim the woman that completes him. This book has totally reformed "Cockzilla" and turned him into the most beloved male in Wicked Lovers history! Shayla Black, I don't know how you do that voodoo that you do so well, but you rocked it! Loved this book!!!!

Reviewed for The Romance Reviews

I loved everything about this story. EVERYTHING! I'm a sucker for a man who is tough as steel on the outside and a softy on the inside. Tyler and Delaney's story is heart breaking and romantic. You will find that the characters run the gammut of emotions in this book and Shayla Black describes every situation in perfect detail. The moral of Tyler and Delaney's story is that True Love lasts forever and there is always an opportunity for a second chance.

Shayla Black continues to deliver in this book in the Wicked Lover's Series. When Alyssa and Luc got their happily ever after Tyler was left holding his hand in his heart. Little did we know the whole time he was only trying to replace the one person who had ever touched his heart. High action and hot romance will keep you sucked in to the story until the very end.

Great addition to the series. I won't break down the plot as others will and you can read the overview for that. I really enjoyed Tyler and Delaney's story. It was fun to read about his past and get to know him, also to see the way he reacted and changed as events from his past caught up to him. There was such a great connection of friendship with the other members of this series, there to support Tyler when needed. Maybe not Luc, don't think he'll ever be Tyler's biggest fan. If you've read the rest of the stories in this series, you will enjoy this one.

This is one my favorite books in the series. Tyler and Del are explosive together. I loved the back story and the chemistry was so electric. The scenes were extremely hot and I was rooting for these two all the way.

This series just keeps getting better and better. Mine to Hold is one of the best books Shayla BLack has written. Love love love it! Nothing is better than watching a horndog fall to knees in love and a woman that tries to be resistant to his charms. This books has some good suspense a few twists and one smokin hot erotic romance. Can't wait for the next book in this series. Job well done!

I really love this series. The characters are all so believable. And the plots keep you on the edge of your seats. Can't wait to read the rest of this series. I feel like these people are really your friends

This book showed a new side of Tyler. Delaney was in way over her head and Tyler saved the day. Xander made me love him even more by helping in this story as well. Just love this author and writing. 

ABOUT THE BOOK:
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 he supported Eric, he also became a shoulder for Eric's wife, Delaney, to cry 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 killer determined to see her dead. As they fight to stay alive and catch the stalker, 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...

THE REVIEW:
I wanted to love this book and I really tried hard to do just such...however, I had a very hard time finishing even finishing it. Before I get into the nuts and bolts of the review, let me say that I am a HUGE fan of Ms. Black and thus, this review breaks my heart to write.

I have followed along, quite stalkerish if you ask me, the Wicked Lovers series since she released the novels. I found each on riveting, hanging on to every word. I had hoped to find the same with this book but while the ones before were smooth and surprising, Mine To Hold felt choppy, predictable, and at times cliché.

I honestly do not know how to get into describing the characters and the plot without giving the entire book away so I'll say this. While the plot was good, the scenes seemed to drag it down. Some of the words the characters said seemed cliché and had me wondering why the author wanted them to come across as such. Truth be told, Tyler came across as a crude jerk at times. However, what I will say is the love was undeniable written between Tyler and Del. It was swoon worthy and very sweet.

I gave it three stars out of five due to the clichés and writing; however, I do hope the next release will be as good as the first five books Ms. Black wrote for this series. I am diligently crossing me fingers in hopes of.

I loved this book! Shayla Black does a great job building the emotional and sexual intensity between the couple while developing a "can't put it down" page turner. I highly recommend this book and the well written series "Wicked Lovers!"

I could not relate to the characters at all. He was a true stone age man, and even though she seems to have inteligence, she did not always act like she did. It was just an ok read, the story did not pull me in at all.

There's nothing about this book I didn't like. It was filled with steamy sex, but the characters and the love story were so complicated and real. I read it in just two sittings, and enjoyed every moment!

ABOUT THE BOOK:
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 he supported Eric, he also became a shoulder for Eric's wife, Delaney, to cry 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 killer determined to see her dead. As they fight to stay alive and catch the stalker, 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...

THE REVIEW:
I wanted to love this book and I really tried hard to do just such...however, I had a very hard time finishing even finishing it. Before I get into the nuts and bolts of the review, let me say that I am a HUGE fan of Ms. Black and thus, this review breaks my heart to write.

I have followed along, quite stalkerish if you ask me, the Wicked Lovers series since she released the novels. I found each on riveting, hanging on to every word. I had hoped to find the same with this book but while the ones before were smooth and surprising, Mine To Hold felt choppy, predictable, and at times cliché.

I honestly do not know how to get into describing the characters and the plot without giving the entire book away so I'll say this. While the plot was good, the scenes seemed to drag it down. Some of the words the characters said seemed cliché and had me wondering why the author wanted them to come across as such. Truth be told, Tyler came across as a crude jerk at times. However, what I will say is the love was undeniable written between Tyler and Del. It was swoon worthy and very sweet.

I gave it three stars out of five due to the clichés and writing; however, I do hope the next release will be as good as the first five books Ms. Black wrote for this series. I am diligently crossing me fingers in hopes of.

I loved this book! Shayla Black does a great job building the emotional and sexual intensity between the couple while developing a "can't put it down" page turner. I highly recommend this book and the well written series "Wicked Lovers!"

I could not relate to the characters at all. He was a true stone age man, and even though she seems to have inteligence, she did not always act like she did. It was just an ok read, the story did not pull me in at all.

There's nothing about this book I didn't like. It was filled with steamy sex, but the characters and the love story were so complicated and real. I read it in just two sittings, and enjoyed every moment!

This is the first book I've read by Shayla, and before I've looked for an erotic romance with a good storyline and have come up flat until this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it- there's actually a story line along with hot steamy sex along the way!