Mine to Hold (A Wicked Lovers Novel) [Paperback]

Shayla Black (Author)

Book Description

Release date: June 5, 2012 | Series: A Wicked Lovers Novel (Book 6)

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…

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Shayla Black creates emotional, searingly sexy stories that always leave me wanting more.”—New York Times bestselling author Maya Banks

“Scorching, wrenching, suspenseful, Shayla Black’s books are a must-read.”—#1 New York Times bestselling author Lora Leigh

“Much sexy fun is had by all.”—New York Times bestselling author Angela Knight

About the Author

Shayla Black is an award-winning erotic romance author who lives in the South with her family

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Berkley Trade; 1 edition (June 5, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0425245519
• ISBN-13: 978-0425245514
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (81 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #38,123 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

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.

Amazon Author Rankbeta 

(What's this?)

#21 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Erotica

#25 in Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Erotica

#42 in Books > Romance > Romantic Suspense

#21 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Erotica

#25 in Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Erotica

#42 in Books > Romance > Romantic Suspense

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 23 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars So Sinfully Sexy.... June 5, 2012

By Vixhen

Format:Paperback

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

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Not quite a five, but really damned close! June 21, 2012

By Kimberley

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

First of all, may I say that I loved Tyler? Yes, he's the complete Alpha Male, but he does it with such caring and understanding that it tends to make a woman feel like warm goo rather than murderous, lol! I loved Del too. She's strong without being bitchy, warm without being sickening, and watches out for her son first and foremost. Usually I hate the "secret pregnancy" angle, but this one felt more believable for some reason. It must be Shayla Black's deft touch.

One of the things I appreciate about this author is that she can actually write. So much has been said recently about certain books that have BDSM themes that it makes me crazed that a writer that can actually WRITE and has been exploring the BDSM scene for so long has gone unrecognized, at least in comparison to this other "writer." I digress.

Once again, Black's characters are multi-dimensional, the story is rich and complex enough to engage the reader without venturing into "too many plots to keep track of." I can usually count on this author to give me a good, sexy read. And hey, that's good enough for me!

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent addition to my Shayla Black collection June 5, 2012

By M. Kelly

Format:Paperback

ARC read
Reviewed at Another Look Book Reviews

ARC review
Mine to Hold is a wonderful addition to the Wicked Lover's series. Mine to Hold is book 6. You can read it as a stand alone but there are so many awesome updates regarding the previous couples included that it would be more meaningful if you are a fan of the series. Plus they are OH so good.

I've always said that Shayla Black should win a prize for the best first lines of her books. Mine to Hold is no different.

"Tyler, are you aware that all the girls at Sexy Sirens have nick-named you Cockzilla?"

Got your attention right?

The first two chapters push all your curiosity buttons. You need to know how, what, why and when.

Delaney shows up at Tyler's house under mysterious circumstances AND she is toting along a beautiful baby boy... that just happens to be Tyler's. Oh yes, you need to know what the heck is going on. I will be the first to admit that I am not a fan of books about secret pregnancies but Mine to Hold is so much more than that story line. There is drama, action, angst, mystery and of course, hot steamy romance.

One of the many things I loved about Mine to Hold is that Shayla Black answers questions the reader has through the heroine, Delaney. She makes Delaney pose these questions herself.
I'll give you an example.
Delaney needs Tyler to watch over their baby boy, Seth. Tyler's house is full of company when she arrives. The visitors just happen to be each of the previous couples. *squee* Delaney picks up on the fact that a few of the couples have an alternative lifestyle and questions whether or not Seth should be left near people who freely discuss and use floggers and whips.

This thought process that Delaney experienced is completely spot on and is what would be expected of a parent. I would have been so disappointed if Delaney didn't question herself doing the right thing or if she paid no attention. I simply loved that Shayla Black addressed the exact thoughts I was having through Delaney's inner thoughts. This occurrence happens numerous times. Outstanding.

I loved the back story that was written regarding Delaney and Tyler. You want to know and understand how Seth came to be. I thought it was creative and added a lot of insight to how the couple's personalities came to be in their present day situation. I felt for both of them and it was very easy to dislike Delaney's ex-husband, Eric.

As Delaney and Tyler make their way by ever-changing vehicles from Louisiana to LA, you can read how they're becoming reacquainted with one another and their feelings for each other are like simmering electric wires. They cannot deny their chemistry as hard as Delaney tries.

Their intimate scenes are incredibly sexy and emotional. Delaney has been so lonely that your heart breaks to read about how she is affected by just experiencing a hug or a touch by Tyler. She is so worn down from running, single parenthood and loneliness. Tyler has been trying to compensate from his past rejection of Delaney. I love how quickly he just wants to embrace it all, Delaney and Seth.

What Mine to Hold also does is set a perfect stage for Xander's book. What a trip that guy is. I cannot wait to see what Shayla Black has in mind for him.

Teasers: One drunken night, betrayal, disastrous kitchen trickery, Tyler's Angel.