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Nick Johnson went through hell during his military tours. When he finally comes home, he's no longer the person who left that sunny day. Unable to be around his family, he finds solace as a member of The Black Tuxedos MC. The brotherhood and camaraderie help him keep his PTSD at bay and when he takes over training at the sanctuary his president's old lady starts, he finds his niche. Shayla Hopkins has had a life that she sums up as craptastic. Forced to flee with her nine-month old, she finds herself in a small town struggling to survive. When Nick finds her living in her van, he steps in and she finds her life changing for the better. Can Nick put the demons from his past to rest or will he continue on his self-destructive path despite his president's best efforts? Will Shayla finally find the family she has always longed for with Nick and his extended family? Or will her past come back and put everyone she's come to care about in danger? **This is book two in a series. While it is a standalone with regard to the couple, to get the best reading experience, you should read Reese first. Intended for mature audiences ages 18+ due to adult situations and scenarios**

255 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 5, 2019

482 people are currently reading
154 people want to read

About the author

Darlene Tallman

168 books618 followers
Lover of words. Author of "perfectly imperfect romance". Since starting this journey in August 2016, I've published eight books, two children's books, and have been part of two different coloring books. In short, I'm fulfilling a lifelong dream and would love to have you join me!

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111 (10%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
Profile Image for Emily.
5,872 reviews548 followers
March 20, 2020
Nick Johnson is struggling, he has PTSD and is a member of the Black Tuxedos MC but he knows it is only a matter of time before he gets called on his behavior. Deciding to get the help he needs he finally relents in bringing his parents in on what is going on. However he ends up meeting Shayla Hopkins and her little baby and something inside him awakens.

Shayla has had a hard time of late, her ex-roommate has hurt her in more ways then one and she fled with her daughter. Nick insists on helping her out bringing her to his family for extra help. Nick lets her know that he plans to explore whats between them but both need to get their heads in order to have a fresh start together. What happens when both of their pasts come back to haunt them though?

Loved this story, a bit of a slow burn. I liked Nick, who if you have read Firefly you remember. I think this was a terrific addition to this series.
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.4k reviews543 followers
December 25, 2023
This one follows the path of the first book, so if you liked that one, this one should be a sure thing for you, it was for me. Nick was fighting so much at the start, but mostly himself. It was nice to see him take the first steps to get himself where he wanted to. It was interesting that while doing this he met Shayla and realized what a gem she was. It started out first with help, but quickly morphed into more for him.

And Shayla, she desperately needed help, even if she didn't want to admit it. Getting help from Nick gave her so much more, a family to really care for her in Nick's blood family and the MC. It was fun to see Shayla come into her own with Nick and then with everyone else too. The best was the girl talk she got from Corrie and Kristin.

Great that these 2 found their HEA.
Profile Image for Carrie.
3,660 reviews36 followers
August 31, 2020
LOVED this story! Nick & Shayla's story follows immediately after Reese's HEA, so I enjoyed reading it immediately after Reese & going right into Matt, as well. I love the sense of family & healing in each story. Not only do the couples help each other to heal, but the whole club immediately embraces each woman into their family fold. I love the way these stories flow! Fabulous characters! : )
Profile Image for Peggy Darrow.
525 reviews6 followers
June 22, 2019
The wait was worth it!!!

Omg I waited ....not so patiently. I gotta tell ya it was worth it. I could not put it down. Nick and Shayla's story is heartbreaking and sweet and heat warming. I can't wait for more....please????!!!!!
2,018 reviews24 followers
June 23, 2019
I hate that we have to see the H kick his ons out of his bed. This is before he meets the h, neither with others after meeting. A lot of crap happens to the h, that poor girl.
Looking forward to the next story.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
805 reviews19 followers
April 8, 2019
I absolutely adored book 1 in the Black Tuxedos MC series, and have anxiously awaited Nick's book. When I saw it had been published, I knew I had to have it, right then!

Nick played a strong role in Reese and Corrie's story, and I knew he was having a hard time, assimilating back into civilian life, after his time in the military. What I didn't know, was he also played a part in another, earlier book by this author (I'm keeping that secret for myself, though!) As I started reading, I have to admit, I had an "aha!" moment and got a little excited! But the more I read, the more my heart hurt for Nick. He was trying to deal with things on his own, when no veteran should have to go through that!

Shayla is such a strong woman! She has dealt with some pretty harsh blows from life, and come out stronger on the other side, never loosing her sunny outlook on life. She is absolutely perfect for Nick, exactly what he needs to pull him out of the funk he is in. And really, he is exactly what she needs, too.

This book was everything I was hoping for from Nick's story! There was an instant connection between Nick and Shayla, one that goes way past simple attraction. It was absolutely beautiful! I'm definitely looking forward to more visits with the Black Tuxedos MC!

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Profile Image for Leslee.
2,652 reviews76 followers
August 8, 2019
Nick knows he is spiraling out of control. He still isn't coping with his past in the military and using alcohol isn't helping. He finally decides he has had enough and reaches out to his friend and MC president Reese. With him taking steps in the right direction, he meets Shayla. A single mom with a sick baby living out of a van, she needs his help and he needs her in his life. Shayla isn't sure about a lot and has been running on fear and adrenaline for a while now. When Nick steps in and helps her, he shows her who he is inside. As they get to know each other, will Shayla take a chance that her luck has finally changed?

I liked the first book in the Black Tuxedos MC, Reese but I loved Nick! Nick and Shayla both have baggage and that stuff doesn't clear up overnight. But Nick knows exactly what is at stake and does everything in his power to care for Shayla physically and emotionally. As always with Ms Tallman's books, Nick's book is filled with heart. He hasn't been a choir boy up to now but he is committed to Shayla from the moment they meet. They slowly build a real relationship and a life together. I cannot wait to read more from this talented author!
2,513 reviews16 followers
April 6, 2019
Awesome book

When this series first came about I was intrigued and hoped all the characters would get a book and also delighted to see a grownup character I’d come to love in one of Ms Tallman’s earlier books. Nick first caught my eye when he was a young lad caught up in a bad situation when he was younger. The book was His Firefly. He was an engaging and lovable kid. Now his book is here and I couldn’t be happier. I’m so sad for poor Nick, his trauma is real and the PTSD is impacting his life terribly. When he finds Shayla things change. He knows he needs help and his Pres Reece sets him on the path to heal with his time and advice. Shayla has come from an appalling situation and needs help. This is where I smiled because Nicks parents are involved and this brings back good memories. So Altho this book is heartbreaking it’s also heartwarming too. Great book and it’s very well written, it has drama, suspense and so much love it will make you cry, smile and laugh. Awesome.
Profile Image for Trish R. Ali.
710 reviews18 followers
November 12, 2019
After reading "His Firefly", I quickly jumped to the second book of The Black Tuxedos MC as I wanted to read about grown-up Nick and catch up on all the characters from that book.

This is another easy read from Darlene Tallman, with a bit more angst and I must say I find her writing has much improved since "His Firely". I really like Nick, he feels like a real person to me and just like his adopted dad Brody, he falls hard and quick for Shayla. Shayla is a single mom who ran away from an abusive "boyfriend" and I'm using that term very loosely.

Although I like the book, I wouldn't say it is MC heavy at all. Infact, I'd say that the MC is just at its peripheral as Ms Tallman doesn't really go into details about going ons in TBT. I'm also a bit disappointed that we don't see much interactions between Nick and his half-siblings. They weren't really introduced properly in this book but we do see lots of Brody (my fav H), Jaycie (Nick's mom).

If you like an easy MC read, do pick up this series.
Profile Image for Debbie Earley.
2,920 reviews18 followers
April 7, 2019
Absolutely loved it

Nick & Shayla's story was absolutely amazing. I was on an emotional roller coaster ride as they told their story of the past as they moved forward in their relationship together. I laughed, I cried, I got angry over everything Shayla had been put through. My heart hurt for Nick as he felt he left his team down and finally asking for help when he realized how bad his PTSD was getting. I fell in love with Nick then Shayla and Meli. I can't wait to see what happens for them in the future. I also can't wait to read Matt's story. As always Darlene you have hit it out of the park!!
Profile Image for Kim Richards.
1,338 reviews7 followers
May 24, 2019
Loved it.

I was pulled into this book from the get go, staying there until I had read every single word that was written. All the while watching it play out in my head.
Twists, turns and surprises await you within the pages of this book. Some surprises are large, some are small, some you may see coming while others you won't. But each and everyone of them is important and help to make the story the fantastic read it is.
Emotions are rife throughout the book and can be felt, some will even pull on your heart strings, just like they did mine.
I highly recommend this book to all you MC fans out there.
Looking forward to more in this series.
Profile Image for Jennifer Soppe.
2,251 reviews13 followers
July 26, 2020
Another emotionally charged romance read

Shayla, a struggling single mom on the run, is surprised when Nick, dog trainer and patched member of the Black Tuxedos MC, knocks on her van window late one night. As the story progresses a helping hand is offered, kindness overwhelms, and when everything seems to be going in the right direction the ugly past makes an appearance jeopardizing their shot at a future together. Darlene Tallman’s Nick is another emotionally charged romance read full of protective alpha male MC members and the soft but sassy women they fall for. I can’t wait to read about Matt and the other members finding their ride or dies.
37 reviews
August 8, 2022
O

This story is a good read. I may have more than one question to ask. The man and woman who were taken to court, and then they received their sentences. You never mentioned why did what they did and why . It was a let down.
It was like you couldn't wait to get on to the next story.
I also like this writer because she gives the leading women brains, back bone and strength, good minds and Humor to survive in this life. And the women can multi task in life and in work. I also appreciate the drama plots gives you the hint of what takes place but not the graphic of the event.



Profile Image for Calia Wilde.
Author 42 books54 followers
April 30, 2019
Sweet story, almost too sweet for biker book

I've been in a book slump. Most content wouldn't take me past the first page. This one pulled me in and kept me going through almost the entire book.
There's minimal internal conflict, which could have been developed much much more. The external conflict (villains, plural) resolved very quickly.

The struggling hero, a biker, meets down on luck single mom. In book magic, he's able to meet all her needs. But the exes get in the way.
1,796 reviews2 followers
February 4, 2021
Pretty good!

I chose this rating because this was a pretty good an interesting book. I really enjoyed most all over the characters. This is a book of abused, obsession, rage, and falling in love and depending on each other. Nick and Shayla where a very interesting couple. I think they were made for each other because they both were dealing with certain situations that had happen in their lives. They had to take time to overcome what had happened to them. I believe that's what really brought them together. Great read! A recommended book to all romance readers and MC lovers.
Profile Image for Ivy Blacke.
Author 20 books22 followers
January 12, 2022
Love at first sight

Shayla is beat down, but never defeated. She takes care of her daughter with every fiber of her being. She won't quit on her because she is her everything.

Nick. Soldier. Protctor. Brother. Bossy biker. Playboy.
One look and all that remained was the bossy biker, the brother, the protector that needed to overcome his soldier past to make a future with two females. Shayla and her daughter. So good to see Nick all grown up and giving back all he learned from the father who raised him.
2,472 reviews32 followers
April 15, 2019
Yes to Nick

Feels like I have waited a long time for this story. When I found out that Nick is Jaycie and Brody's little boy Nicky from Tallman's His Firefly, I absolutely had to read his story. Tallman definitely delivers for Nick which is book two in The Black Tuxedos MC. I suggest reading book 1 Reese before Nick it will give you a better understanding of the characters and storyline. Happy Reading!!
Profile Image for Vikki Purcell.
537 reviews5 followers
October 3, 2019
Nick deals with feeling he let his fellow soldiersxdown. Dealing with PTSD he finds his escape from the nightmares my doing harm to himself. Until Reese steps in and he finds his one.

Shayla is running from an abusive ex. Her life has taught her not to trust. When help is given and a new love shows her she isn't alone she finally learns to trust again.

When ex's try to harm his girl Nick will do anything to protect her.
Profile Image for Heather  Chaotic Creatives.
1,139 reviews52 followers
October 6, 2019
Wow! What a beautiful story. Nick is a man that knows he has reached his breaking point. He knows he needs help and is not afraid to ask for it. Shayla is a young single mother that has never really had anybody besides her grams. It was fate the day Nick ran into Shay and her daughter. As the two of them get to know each other his bossy attitude compliments her sassy little back bone. The two of them need each other to find what they both have been missing and deserve out of life.
Profile Image for Marsha.
578 reviews17 followers
July 3, 2020
Nick & Shay

Darlene Tallman writes about strong women who overcome the sh*t hand life has dealt them. The Black Tuxedo MC is filled with men that know what they want when they see it. Nick does everything he can to help Shay from the moment they meet. I love how he treats her and baby Amelia. Great to see a glimpse of Brody & his firefly as well. Looking forward to more stories from Darlene and lots more from the Black Tuxedos.
Profile Image for Susan.
1,405 reviews1 follower
July 23, 2020
Nick suffers from PTSD, and feels he has nothing to offer in a relationship until he meets Shayla, a single mum who is struggling with all that life has thrown at her. Taking her to his parents he speaks to them about his own issues while finding the strength to support both Shayla and her young daughter. Bad weather, jealous exes and all round drama and problems makes this installment of the Black Tuxedos MC a page-turning novel well worth reading.
Profile Image for Shannon .
473 reviews3 followers
April 6, 2019
Omg!!!

I've been waiting for this book and it was even better then I was picturing. Nick has had me wondering who was going to catch him and my goodness Shayla was perfect!!! I just am enamored with his parents their story was epic so having them in this and sweet Melissa!! Great book!! Now I'm ready for the next!!!!
Profile Image for Jo Adams.
345 reviews4 followers
April 7, 2019
Loved!

Shayla is a single mother,on the run from a abusive ex,bruised and battered,living out of her van,Nick ( who is from his firefly) is a mc member and medically discharged from the marines,with PTSD and drinking to much,he finds Shay & her baby living in the van and helps her out,both going slow and falling for each other.
Loved nick & Shay! Cant wait for book 3
Profile Image for Jolene Huber.
878 reviews11 followers
October 1, 2019
Making It Right

Shayla is a young single mother on the run. Leaving an abusive situation behind. Living out of her van with her infant daughter she has no where to go. Nick hears about her and checks it out. To find things are worse than he thought. Saving her from her situation. And working on gaining her trust. I enjoyed this book.
Profile Image for Fran Zoch, LSoR.
2,142 reviews13 followers
October 3, 2019
Wow just wow

Nick went through some bad things overseas and he blames himself , he comes back in a bad place and the BLACK Tuxedos MC is there to help him out , when he finds Shayla and her daughter in their car he feels the pull to make her safe , these two both need each other more than anything but their pasts are coming back to haunt them
Profile Image for Latifa Morrisette.
2,581 reviews63 followers
October 4, 2019
I absolutely love this book! Nick may be a shortcut is also a sweetheart. When he comes up in single mom Shayla in need, he can't turn her away. With the help of him and his parents, they help her get back on her feet. But when both Shayla and Buck's past come back to haunt them, he'll do everything to protect her. I loved read I g this book and hope to read more in this series.
Profile Image for Wendy Ihnat.
311 reviews5 followers
October 8, 2019
Having multiple experiences with PTSD, Nick's story was taken to heart in a major way. Shayla was surprisingly strong after all shes been through. Throw in having a baby and living in her van and it makes it a very heartwarming, roller coaster, intense story. And then you have Nick's MC family everything Recently started reading quite a few of Darlenes books and I am now a big fan.
Profile Image for Cassandra.
487 reviews
October 13, 2019
Absolutely loved it. I’ve read Darlene’s series that she writes with Liberty but this was her first book that I’ve read. I loved the story between Shay and Nick. It felt like a something a real couple would go through it just something made up for entertainment. I can’t wait to read more this series.
665 reviews2 followers
August 3, 2020
Great series!

I enjoy reading the MC books but this was a new twist on the MC! Great characters that you cant help but love. I read these out of order and started with Matt but read all 3 books in one weekend, just couldnt help myself! HEA not alot of violence (briefly describes some to each woman) but not descriptive like some authors do. You wont be disappointed!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews

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