MINE TO HOLD by SHAYLA BLACK

Publisher:  The Berkley Publishing Group

Date published:  June 5, 2012

ISBN:  978-0-425-24551-4

Erotic Romance

Paperback

Reviewed by Lynne

Obtained via publisher.

 

Tyler Murphy, an LAPD detective, has one thing in common with his best friend, Eric Catalano.  Eric’s beautiful wife, Delaney.

Following an accident that leaves Eric partially paralyzed, he becomes angry, taking it out on Delaney who has done everything to be a good, caring wife for him.  One night, self-disgust makes Eric urge Tyler to give his wife what he can’t any longer.  Secretly, Tyler has yearned for Delaney, but it still takes a lot of insistence before he gives in to his friend’s shocking request.  What Eric hasn’t counted on was Delaney enjoying everything Tyler does for her.

After that one erotic night, Tyler realizes his deep feelings for Delaney.  Since she has now sent him away, he flees to Louisiana where he focuses on mindless encounters with scores of women he wishes were Delaney. 

When Delaney suddenly shows up on his doorstep, he is shocked to learn he has a son, compliments of their one memorable night together.  But he learns that Delaney is in mortal danger.  Urging him to take care of her son so she can further investigate the man trying to kill her, to prevent her from publishing a damning article about him, Delaney finds Tyler quickly agreeable in the matter.  And delighted to have a son.

Protective and trying to deny his true feelings toward her, Tyler insists on helping Delaney and engages the help of friends who are more than happy to help track down Delaney’s stalker.

Then, as corruption closes in on Delaney and her friends, Tyler fights to keep her safely by his side...and completely his, at all costs.

MINE TO HOLD by Shayla Black is the sixth novel in the Wicked Lovers series.  This is the first book in this series I have read, but it can well stand alone. 

MINE TO HOLD is extremely well written and a deliciously wicked novel, fraught with danger, strong emotions, tension, and eroticism beyond normal expectations.   Written from the hero’s point of view, it is engaging right from the start and keeps you turning pages to see how everything turns out.  Tyler Murphy is a strong, alpha male who is sure to turn many hearts atwitter, especially because he is capable, sensitive, adoring, and protective of his heartthrob, Delaney Catalano.  Delaney is a beautiful woman, capable yet vulnerable in many ways.  It doesn’t take long to care about both of these characters.

The minor characters are wonderful.  There is a whole slew of them, from Tyler’s many friends who are overjoyed at being allowed to care for his son, Seth, to all of the tough guys and gangbangers that enter the story later on.  I enjoyed the billionaire, Xander, who kept making verbal, insinuating passes at Del, which Tyler absolutely hated.  I laughed every time Xander tried hitting on her, usually right in front of Tyler.  This bit of tension and conflict added a lot to this story, and it was fun.

Black clearly has a knack for creating deeply emotional, complex characters. 

Tyler is at first shown as a playboy who goes through women of all kinds, with no desire to marry ever, thanks to the disparaging remarks his mother made to him while growing up.  Later, he matures into a responsible person who steps up to the plate and decides he is capable of marriage and of being a father as well.  A good father at that. 

Delaney, too, grows from a fearful young woman, one who cares deeply for her son and is willing to raise him alone, to a woman who learns to love and trust a man she never thought would be capable of taking her on, or her son.

MINE TO HOLD is a steamy, spicy ride of eroticism that is sure to envelope the reader.  Black is adept at creating passages of lovemaking that make even the pages curl with anticipation and delight.  The reader will find herself fanning off the perspiration once she manages to get through these heart pounding episodes of passion.

Black also has a unique skill of creating suspense that will keep the reader rooted to her seat.  Originality throughout MINE TO HOLD is like a breath of fresh air as Tyler and Delaney come up against dangerous people and betrayal they hadn’t even expected.

If one is seeking to read about strong alpha males, the women who capture their hearts, their strong sexual attractions and relationships, suspense fraught with danger, with subtle blends of sensitivity and even some adorable moments, then MINE TO HOLD is a wonderful book for the reader to find all of these things, and perhaps a lot more.  I loved reading it, and I know others will, too.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

BELONG TO ME by Shayla Black

Publisher: Penguin
Date published: October 2011
ISBN: 9780425243152
Erotic romance BDSM
Mass-market paperback
Reviewed by Gabrielle
Obtained via Publisher


Tara Jacobs never thought that taking a field job would bring her face to face with her past but that is just what it does. When she and her fellow agent need extensive training to pass as a Dom and sub she is introduced to Logan Edington. The very man who broke her heart those many years ago in school. Little did she know that he had a reason for his actions but does she want to even hear that reason now? Tara cannot deny the instant attraction that she feels for Logan but can she keep her heart out of their relationship this time? With Logan determined to break down her walls and find her heart again keeping her mind on her mission and her thoughts away from love is going to be hard.

This book is a hot read and has a good storyline. I liked Logan. He is a good Dom and a great man. Logan has many hurts and has never given up his love for Tara. She was and always will be the woman for him. When he finds out that Tara is the agent that needs training he jumps at the chance and continues to fight for that chance. Tara is a sweet woman whose heart has never really healed from the past hurt. She has closed her heart off to everybody including her fiancée. Never showing her true self. The fireworks begin right from the start with these two and only grow into more as the book goes on. I enjoyed watching their relationship build. We get to see the hot attraction between them but also the love that shines through everything that they do.

Not only is there a romance but also a plotline that grabs the readers attention. The two must learn to trust each other as they work on their mission. There are some twists and turns that happened in this story but I am sorry to say that they did not surprise me. I figured out just who was the one they were after right from the start and through out my reading I kept wondering just when the characters themselves would figure it out. I may have figured it out early on but I did enjoy the relationship that rebuilds between Tara and Logan. They truly love each other and it was nice to see that love last. Watching Tara embrace her inner self was a nice read as well. She learns to listen to her body and give it what it wants and needs. Seeing her give in to them with Logan was a great read. She is not afraid to embrace her new wants and needs. Making this a book full of depth and emotions. The author does a good job of mixing the emotions and romance with the excitement of their mission. Although this book may not be a favorite I enjoyed the writers style and will be looking for more from this author in the future.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

DELICIOUS Boook 3 of the Wicked Lovers series by Shayla Black

Publisher Berkley
Date published March 2010
ISBN 978-0-425-23242-2
Contemporary Erotic Romance
Trade Paperback
Obtained via:Publisher
Reviewed by Danny




Luc Traverson is a man who keeps his promises, so even when he has other plans, he dares to confront the born temptation in the persona of Alyssa Deveraux. They spent a night together not so long ago and he promised to be the guest chef for the opening of her restaurant. She is pure temptation for him, but he wants a “normal” life, which includes a wife, a baby and a house with picket fence. But when Alyssa is threatened because of her job as strip club owner, his protective instincts awaken. Is there a chance for a future together despite Luc’s plans?

I was so happy when I discovered that it was finally time for Luc’s story and I wasn’t disappointed. Luc was an intriguing character in DECADENT and I suffered with him in the book, so I was more than curious to see him get a happy end.

DELICIOUS is definitely a deliciously wicked book, which scorches up the pages and is a real pager turner. What I really liked was the combination of erotic romance and romantic suspense. The story was never predictable or boring and it kept me on the edge of my chair to see who the villain behind the threats against Alyssa was.

DELICIOUS can be read without any problems as a stand-alone, but I can promise you that you will want to catch up on Kimber and Deke’s as well as Morgan and Jake’s stories when you meet them in Luc and Alyssa’s book.

There was one person that nearly stole the story, namely Tyler, Alyssa’s bouncer and bodyguard. He is a truly fascinating character and I really hope that he will get his own book, same goes for Kimber’s brothers. So, pretty please with cherry on top Ms. Black!

DELICIOUS is definitely a keeper you don’t want to miss! So if you are shopping for a really good erotic romance with a generous shot of suspense throw a copy of DELICIOUS in your shopping cart.




THIS IS NOT AN ENDORSEMENT OF THIS BOOK. THIS IS AN OBJECTIVE UNBIASED REVIEW

Welcome to Shayla Blacks's guest blog

A few years ago, my grandmother told me how much she loved my books and stories about magic. Then she said to me in her sweet-sly voice that she just knew any books I wrote about magic would be wonderful.

She made me think. I’d had the idea for TEMPT ME WITH DARKNESS, the first Doomsday Brethren novel, about a dozen years earlier. I had parts lovingly plotted—but then I had big holes. Originally, Marrok (the hero) was a shapeshifter. There was no Doomsday Brethren. Bram, the group’s leader, was merely a friend with a problem. Olivia was still an American girl in London. Her goal was still finding her father, but I didn’t know if she would succeed or how.

I’d also had another idea about a magical book that granted wishes, fantasies—whether good or bad. In my head, that magical book was tied to a story about a human tabloid reporter who stumbled into the book and the wizard sent to retrieve it from her. But again, I had holes. Why was this particular wizard sent to snatch the book from her? For that matter, how had the reporter received the book? Why? This idea eventually morphed into SEDUCE ME IN SHADOW.

When I finally started marrying up these two ideas in my head, the Doomsday Brethren were born. Marrok, one of King Arthur’s banished soldiers, finds himself living in modern UK, an utter recluse. His one outlet is elite wizard Bram. Marrok hates magic…but suddenly finds himself mated to Morganna le Fay’s great-granddaughter and training the Doomsday Brethren to fight like humans in order to deal with a frightful, rising evil immune to magic.

At the end of TEMPT ME WITH DARKNESS, we’re introduced to Caden MacTavish, who returned to the UK only to help his brother recover from a magical malady stemming from the loss of his long-time mate. But Caden is desperate to return to “normal” life, far away from magic and memories and everything he purposely abandoned. With the help of his human reporter and an assignment to shut her up that’s disastrous from the word “go,” Caden becomes embroiled in magickind’s problems. The glue that holds both books together? The Doomsday Brethren! Those were my plot holes. They represented not just motivation and action, but a sense of continuity, family, caring, change, growth, compromise, and love. These warriors banding together for a common cause will change not only magickind forever, but each other as well.

I can’t wait for future installments of this series to release. In book 3 (November 09), POSSESS ME AT MIDNIGHT, you’ll see Ice’s story unfold, learn about his devotion to the one witch he cannot have, his heartbreaking past, along with his incredible sacrifices for his woman and magickind. If you’ve been following along, yes, I’ll continue with storylines about Lucan and Anka, Shock, Bram, and Duke, as well as introduce you to some new members. I Hope you’re excited too!

Thanks, Nana, for the suggestion!

Here is the cover blurb of SEDUCE ME IN SHADOW:

When a villainous wizard escapes from exile, the devastatingly sexy Doomsday Brethren must defend all magickind in the spellbinding second book in bestselling author Shayla Black’s seductive new paranormal series.

Ex-Marine Caden MacTavish has shunned his magical heritage all his life, but he will do anything to heal his desperately ill brother, a Doomsday Brethren warrior in mourning for his missing mate. Posing as a photographer, Caden must convince firecracker tabloid reporter Sydney Blair to reveal the source of her recent exposé on a supernatural power clash. Unfortunately, keeping his hands off the sizzling redhead proves as hard as getting them onto the potent and mystical Doomsday Diary he discovers at her bedside. A bloody rebellion led by an evil, power-hungry wizard is imminent. If Sydney divulges the book’s existence, she will jeopardize magickind’s most deeply guarded secrets and become the ruthless wizard’s number one target. Caden has never trusted magic’s cruel and dangerous powers, but he will protect Sydney with his life and magic—even if it means risking his heart.



Excerpt

“Who is it?”

“Caden. Open the door, Sydney. Now.”

His voice quickly washed away her surprise. A bit angry. Insistent. And dripping sex. She shivered.

Her jittery fingers closed around the lock and unlatched it, then fumbled to grab the knob. Before she could turn it, the door flew open.

Caden filled the doorway, breathing hard, his entire body tense. Those blue eyes lit on her mouth like a laser. Hot. Sydney tingled.

Clearing her throat, she struggled to find her voice. “Why—”

He kicked the door closed. The crash boomed in her little foyer, resounding in her ears, echoing her racing heart as he reached behind his head, gathered his baggy white shirt in his fist, and yanked it off. Tossing it to the floor, he stood silently. Watching. Primed. His muscled chest and shoulders rose and fell with each hard breath. His abdomen rippled. Veins and tendons stood out across his forearms and hands.

Her mouth was agape, and she couldn’t stop staring. Oh my Lord, she’d known he was gorgeous, suspected he was well put together. But this male animal was far more than she bargained for. Dangerous. Pushed to the edge.

Sydney swallowed.

“You know why I’ve come.”

If she hadn’t guessed by now, his sexual growl told her everything.

Had he reconsidered her proposition? Or was it even possible the magical book had persuaded him?

“What about a fling being unfair to me because you’re returning to Dallas?”

Those burning eyes of his lit a path of fire from her face to her breasts, then…between her legs. She felt his stare like a physical caress, as if he’d reached out and rubbed his fingers over her flesh. Sydney steadied herself on the table beside her. Her robe, once slung over her arm, floated to the floor.

“I…can’t stay away. God knows I tried. Do you want me?”

She shouldn’t. This was mad. Dangerous. “Yes.”

His gaze skated over her lingerie once more. “Take it off. All of it.”

“Here?” Her voice squeaked, and she cursed herself. She was never meek, never backed down, and rarely showed vulnerability. She also didn’t sleep with men she’d never dated. But Caden… apparently, she had a whole new set of rules for him.

He lifted a brow, stepped closer, and reached for her. Sydney got the distinct impression that if she didn’t get her silky things off fast enough, he’d dispense with them quickly—and without a lot of care, just like the fantasy she’d written in the magical diary. Her womb clenched at the thought.

It took her two tries, but she plucked at the tie between her breasts and loosened the soft corset. Breathing ragged, she shimmied it over her hips, exposing her breasts to the cool night air and his rapt gaze.

He zeroed in on the hard tips. His possessive stare made her ache.

“The rest,” he growled, eyeing the nearly transparent thong with malice.

A thrill zipped up her spine…

Doomsday Brethren Book 1: TEMPT ME WITH DARKNESS by Shayla Black

Publisher Berkley
Date published September 2008
ISBN 978-1416558583
Paranormal Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Danny




Marrok tried for more than 1500 years to break the curse that the infamous sorceress Morgana Le Fay put on him. He stole her book of power, but couldn’t open it, at least not till he met Olivia Gray.
When he meets Olivia a long dead hope awakens anew, but also his distrust toward witches and everything magical. Nonetheless it seems that she is the key to his freedom so he will do everything to get her to open the cursed Doomsday Diary. What he doesn’t count on is that she manages the most impossible thing, she’s found a way into his heart. Can he trust her with his heart although she looks like his Morgana?

TEMPT ME WITH DARKNESS is Ms. Black’s long awaited debut into the world of paranormal romance and in my opinion it’s a huge success. The book is a brilliant start to her new Doomsday Brethren, a series that once you get hooked won’t let you go. Ms. Black has a talent to absolutely enchant her readers, no matter if with her world building like in TEMPT ME WITH DARKNESS or her typical unforgettable and fascinating characters. Not only Marrok and Olivia are interesting and fascinating characters, but also the other Doomsday warriors. I can hardly wait to read their stories and I am impatiently awaiting the next book of the series, SEDUCE ME IN SHADOW.
The book has everything what a keeper needs, a wonderful hero and heroine, a more than evil villain, great emotions, magic and sensual moments. It’s a book that absolutely grips your interest and you won’t be able to put the book down once you’ve started.
So if you are looking for a book that sweeps you away on an enchanting journey, TEMPT ME WITH DARKNESS is the perfect book for you. I promise you that you won’t be disappointed.

DANGEROUS BOYS AND THEIR TOY by Shayla Black

Publisher Ellora's Cave
Date published May 2008
ISBN 9781419916885
Contemporary Erotica
E-book
Reviewed by Lil

CLICK TO PURCHASE!
There are plenty of erotic stories out on the market and ménage á trois is one of the favorites for many readers who want to indulge in a bit of fantasy. Shayla Black is a name to which readers happily turn.

Detective Cameron Martinez and bounty hunter R.A. Thorn are trying to track down the star witness for the prosecution of a slavery ring head honcho. Their only lead brings them to a place where they observe the charms of Brenna Sheridan and her frustration.

With time at a premium, these two capable males make an interesting deal with their only link to the quarry. Orgasms for information, it is. The situation, however, becomes dangerously serious. Someone is anxious that Brenna not say a word of whatever she knows. Much is at stake with their hearts and lives on the line.

This story packs a lot of steam and heat in a small package. Fantastic if that is what you are looking for to escape into for a bit. We are offered two very different heroes. Both are strong, but while one is a love ‘em and leave ‘em bad boy, the other is a handsome and buff version of Dr. Phil…except in law enforcement.

The heroine and Thorn are the psychologically damaged members of the triangle. Drawbacks come in the form of the tenuous explanation for the heroine’s difficulty and the chest-thumping aggression of the bounty hunter. Cam on the other hand is so emotionally and verbally supportive, helpful, and nurturing that there are occasions when readers may blink. It can feel excessive considering that the therapy-like situations are sometimes occurring in the midst of an amorous interlude.

The guys certainly have some fun and snappy dialogue to make one laugh. With two delectable men to lavish attention upon her, it is hard to imagine the heroine as anything but fortunate.

DANGEROUS BOYS AND THEIR TOY exhibits quite a bit of emotion as three very different personalities find true fulfillment together.

DECADENT by Shayla Black

Publisher Berkley Heat Date published October 2007 ISBN 978-0-425-21721-4 Contemporary Erotica Trade Paperback Reviewed by Lil Kimber Edgington is a virgin in need of knowledge and experience. Her long distance romance with international pop star Jesse McCall has reached the time of serious decisions. She knows herself to be in love with him and is willing to do what it takes to convince him that she can fit into his life. That his life includes ménage à trois does not deter her. She comes up with a plan which includes Deke Trenton who had worked in security and as a bodyguard under her father many years ago. He has a reputation for the same style of encounters for which she needs to be prepared. Better yet, his cousin Luc Traverson, well known chef and cookbook author is happy to make up the third. Nothing goes as hoped. There is a certain road for those with good intentions and things get awfully hot in a hurry. Kim’s insistence on retaining that portion of her innocence which she has saved for her love is at complete odds with the expectations to acquire experience in being part of a threesome. Nevertheless, training to accept and provide pleasure with two partners commences. The manner of Kim and Jesse’s relationship developing over several years through correspondence and phone calls strikes one as a mockery. It was easy to see why Kim proceeded to question her choice of partner when she and her pop star spent time together again. Unfortunately, we are not convinced about where her feelings turn. Likewise, we are not shown what it is about her that has the men believing that they love her. The heroes’ size and prowess move well past improbable to farther into the impossible than readers may have heretofore read. Couple this, pun intended, with the belligerence and antagonistic treatment Deke flings at the heroine with little provocation and due to his own desire for her. There is also a long drawn out build up about a dark secret that haunts him, effects of which make it impossible for him to perform without another man present. Even then, he tends towards the rear guard rather than the forward position though there is an alleged explanation for this. When the revelation is finally made, the reasoning for his angsty behavior is preposterous to the point of severe vexation. Cousin Luc is the more demonstrative and understanding man. Of the three main characters, he is also the most genuinely likeable and seemingly levelheaded. He and Deke are commonly partners in ménage à trois though there is no erotic contact between the two at any time. A mystery element is included and while it does further the story it does not improve it. Scenes of sex are spread thickly, one on top of the other, and many readers will reach saturation point before the end of the book is in sight. One feels deeply uncomfortable in saying so, but DECADENT it may be, however, the untenable storyline is not up to our expectations of the author’s writing. Ms Black is better known for her captivating characters, generous but better placed combustive erotic scenes and a swirl of romance. Readers who can find the humor in a bit of camp and want a book with enough sex scenes to fill them to the hairline will not be disappointed.