Somebody to Hold

Tyler Jamison #2

by April Wilson

In this second installment in the Tyler Jamison and Ian Alexander romantic suspense series, Tyler and Ian face their greatest challenge yet. Homicide detective Tyler Jamison is facing the unthinkable -- a prison sentence for beating the man who assaulted Ian. But that's only the beginning of their troubles, because when Ian's younger sister goes missing, Tyler risks everything to save the sister of the man he loves.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Mystery, LGBT, Contemporary, Audiobook, Suspense

322 pages, Paperback

First published February 4, 2021

About the author

I write about alpha protectors who fall in love hard and unconditionally, through the good and the bad. My characters are strong, sexy, and slightly damaged... because no one is perfect. All of my novels have happy-ever-after endings. What else would you expect from a die-hard romantic? I'm the author of the McIntyre Security Bodyguard Series of contemporary romance novels.

I live in Ohio with my daughter and more than a few dogs and cats. When I'm not writing, I'm reading romance novels and watching movies with happy endings. I'd love to hear from you! You can e-mail me at aprilwilsonwrites@outlook.com. Or, visit my website: aprilwilsonauthor.com.

Thanks!

Reviews

[Snjez · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

This was just ok for me. I still liked the characters, but I didn't enjoy the storyline as much as in the previous book.

Both the drama with Brad and the situation with Ian's sister developed in such an unbelievable way that it was hard for me to stay invested in the story. I would have also appreciated if Ian's character had been more like in book 1 and less of a damsel in distress.

There were some moments between Tyler and Ian that I really liked, but one thing that bothered me was that every crisis, and there were a lot of them, was followed by a sex scene. It became repetitive and uninventive very quickly.

I listened to the audiobook for this one and I really liked both narrators. They definitely made this story more enjoyable for me.

[Lyn❤Loves❤Listening to Real Voices Only!!!!❤️🎧📚 Addict ON HIATUS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio - All the fucking stars!!!

JF Harding and Jack Dupont narrating together should come with a warning label. I was totally useless at work. I was too busy feeling high on their performances.



Story - 3.75 - 4 Stars

Tyler and Ian melted my heart with how much they loved and adored each other. Their romance was definitely a swoon-worthy one. Having said that, I wouldn't have minded if Tyler had treated Ian less like a delicate flower, and that Ian had been a tad less sensitive. I'm not a fan of constantly crying characters, male or female.

As for the crime/drama portion of the story, the police procedurals go from questionable to downright implausible, which caused me to do some eye-rolling. But between the narrators' performances and the MCs love for each other, I couldn't help but enjoy this story. I'm looking forward to the next book when it comes out...in audio format of course!

[Miriam still reading! HIATUS from GR · Rating 3 out of 5]

5 +++++ stars audio

3.5 stars story. This was so much better than book 1!!! Minus 1.5 stars for the annoying/cheesy side characters and the unbelievable eye-rolling angst.

[Johnna · Rating 1 out of 5]

I...did not like this book. At all. I am definitely in the minority here because this book is highly rated. Here are a few things that irritated me:

1. I hated the Brad Turner drama. Maybe it’s because I work in the legal field, but I spent the entire book rolling my eyes. Ian comes from a high powered family. If his parents were so concerned about him, his mom, the District Attorney, could have declined to have someone in her office press charges, or Ian’s dad, a federal judge, could have easily made this case disappear. Is it an abuse of power? Absolutely, but it happens all the time. But no, Ian’s dad just pushes for Tyler to plead guilty. Plus, it never occurred to anyone to save the messages from Turner who was trying to blackmail Ian into having sex with him? Seriously? Tyler was a crappy police officer. This plot line made it hard for me to finish.

2. I hated Tyler’s high-handed attitude. He kept making decisions for Ian despite Ian’s wishes because he was “doing what was best for him”. Honestly, I didn’t like Ian and Tyler together at all.

3. The Layla plot line was stupid as well. I’m sorry, but the daughter of a district attorney and federal judge being sold into a human trafficking ring is so far-fetched. Human traffickers kidnap people who can easily disappear, not someone who would be plastered all of over the news, especially after they killed the man she supposedly ran away with. C’mon.

4. Also, there were some little things that irked me as well. Tyler being on house arrest during business hours, but free to leave the house after 5pm. Yeah, that’s not how house arrest works. Second, he did leave in the middle of the day to help find Layla, but absolutely nothing happens. Also the whole “jail” plot was...well stupid.

I can’t think of a single thing I liked about this book. It never takes me a week to read one book, but this one I struggled with. I’m surprised I even finished it.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really loved the characters of Ian and Tyler and was happy to see things starting to work out for them. Tyler was a lot more comfortable with his sexuality and the life he's trying to make with Ian than he was in the first book. This story takes up almost exactly where the last story left off, so the two books diffidently should be read in order. The first book ended with Tyler coming to Ian’s defense and beating Brad to a pulp because he had chocked Ian nearly unconscious in the bathroom of the club they were at. Even though Tyler was off duty, we knew that there had to be some kind of repercussions for his actions here. Even the police can't get away with this type of behavior. I found the way Tyler handled the entire thing to have been not very smartly conceived. Brad had made a lot of threats and harassments to Ian...mostly pressuring him to have sex and threatening him if he refused. In this day and age everyone from a 5-year kid to a 90- year of grandparent has a cell phone...yet not one recording was ever made of Brad's verbal threats to Ian...not one video or photograph was ever taken of Ian's bruises...not one written, threating note was ever saved. I can't believe that at least 50 or more people wouldn't have been taking video and pictures of what was happening in that bathroom and posting them on Facebook. No one even bothered to call the police, so we are to believe that not one report of the assaults and threats ever made the police records.... not even by Tyler who WAS THE POLICE. I completely believe that no one, no matter who they are, is above the law. It was okay that Tyler was punished...but this happened without anyone offering one iota of evidence or testimony to defend him??? No way Jose! Tyler should have at least filed a report...but no. Ian's father is a judge, and his mother is a defense attorney...but neither of them did one single solitary thing to defend their son either. In spite of liking the narrators and the characters of Tyler and Ian, I have been married to a cop for too many years to be able to buy into most of this. I have to give Ian a boatload of credit for refusing Brad's demands even knowing that he is threating to file charges against Tyler. Let's not forget Ian's father. Ian is 25 or so years old...madly in love with Tyler, knowing that when Brad finally carries out his threat that Tyler is likely to serve some jail time and probably lose his job...and so "dear old dad" convinces Tyler that Ian simply "can't be allowed" to testify if there is a trial.... instead, Tyler is supposed to plead guilty. Really??? In spite of loving Ian and Tyler and the really good parts of this story...the unbelievably frustrating parts, and there were many...outweighed them. I'll give the story 3 stars for those parts that I liked, and for Tyler and Ian...but his whole story has to be taken with a grain of salt.

[Gustaf · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I didn't enjoy this one as much as the first book it was really good!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somebody to Hold

I made the mistake of reading the blurb and it slowed my reading of this book because I didn’t want the anxiety. But, it’s not heavy. Sure some tough things happen in it but they’re pretty quickly resolved and everything is perfect again.

[Jenn (The Book Refuge) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet entry to the series.

I can't wait to see what they do together next.

[Elyse Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m always excited when one of my favorite authors releases a new book, but I’ve been particularly on the lookout for this one-and it DID NOT DISAPPOINT!! I love Tyler and Ian, and Tyler is still one of my favorite characters ever!

I loved following along with him as he starts to find new facets of himself, while we get to further see all the things that we already love about him. I loved watching his relationship with Ian evolve. And my favorite-I love that April Wilson set us up for more books with more characters in the future! I can’t wait!

I LOVED this book and can’t wait for the next one!

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really have to scratch my head here. I just don't see why Somebody to Hold has such high ratings. I found it to be very, I mean very, very, average. For me, there was more to dislike than like. Once again, an author has placed way more importance on steam than on story. Poor Ian must have rug burn with the amount of time he spent on his knees. To be honest, the sex was boring--the same thing over and over, and there was sooo much of it. Much more of a turn off than a turn on.

As for the storyline, there was just too much going on, and little of it was believable. All in all, a big MEH in my book, and the end of the line for me as far as this series goes.

[Amber Fueston · Rating 3 out of 5]

I still love Tyler and Ian and I am happy to see them grow even closer and get to know each others families a bit more. I had a hard time understanding their thought processes though. Why didn't they record the threats that Brad was making over the phone and/or show the police the threatening text messages? What good was keeping Brads threats from Tyler? I was also really disappointed with the way things with Brad ended. It was anticlimactic and boring. Ian's sister's bodyguard drove recklessly all the time, but they just kept overlooking it? Ignoring basic safety issues should be cause for immediate termination. I know it sounds like I hated the story, but I really didn't. I hope that the author continues with all of the characters.

[Caz · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story in this one held together a bit better than in the previous book in that there's one main storyline - the guy Tyler beat up for assaulting Ian threatening to press charges. Both men still do some dumb stuff - mostly not communicating important information in a misguided attempt to protect each other - and there are a few too many sex scenes that feel like filler, but the excellent narration helps paper over the cracks somewhat.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was long awaited by her fans and well worth the wait. April Wilson has created a world of characters you can’t help but adore. It is always great to see lots of characters from this world in each book.
Tyler and Ian are my favourites - their first book was my first foray into the McIntyre universe.
I’m glad to see this has been set up for lots more.
What took months to lovingly craft took us just hours to read and now I’m selfishly wanting more more more.

[Taylor Dawicke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great audio! The narrators were good and I enjoyed listening to this one. Wish the plots had a little more substance but overall I really liked this book.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Usually Í do not read a series that accompanies the same couple, because it is difficult to keep it interesting. But in this case, I liked even more the second book. It helped the wonderful work from the narrators. I look forward to reading the third book.

[Meredith (SweetReadsandTreats) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sweet story that April Wilson began with Somebody to Love continues with even more life changes for our two characters. Having moved in together, they are building a life and I just adore their interactions. Sweet, steamy, or domestic, you can't help but love Ian and Tyler together. In previous books, Tyler seemed almost abrasive but in these 2 books you see a much softer side of him. You see his insecurities, his capacity to love, and his dedication to his profession and family. We begin to see more depth to Ian in this story as well, his strength, his fears, and his intense ability to love. I adored them both in Somebody to Love and I just fell more in love with them both in this story. Love is love, no matter who your heart calls to, even when you find it in the most unexpected of places. I really like how April shows both how accepting a family can be to homosexual relationships while also not sugar coating how awful society at large can be. It's realistic but I'm so glad she gives all her characters a safe harbor in a harsh world.

In the first book, we meet Brad Turner, a controlling side character who has a thing for Ian. This culminates in an altercation between Tyler and Brad, which is left up in the air at the end. In Somebody to Hold the fallout of that altercation leaves everyone struggling including the readers. Plus Ian's sister Layla goes missing. The plot is constantly moving, driving the story along and you'll be at the end wondering how you got there. This is a page turner. This book will leave you heartbroken at times, laughing at other, loving these characters the whole time, and biting your nails for what the future will hold while turning the page to find out. From the start, I was incredibly invested in how things turned out for Ian and Tyler and honestly I can't wait for more story about these two in the future.

[Wide Eyes, Big Ears! · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chicago PD Det Tyler Jamison is facing criminal charges after publicly beating up the sleazy Brad Turner for assaulting Tyler’s boyfriend, Ian Alexander. As Brad continues to play his sick and twisted games with Ian and the threat of jail time and job loss looms over Tyler, Ian’s sister goes missing and the pressure on Tyler and Ian is dialled to eleven. Folks, this is melodrama central. If you don’t think to hard about it, if you can ignore Ian and Tyler’s lack of common sense and strap yourself in, you’ll enjoy the entertaining emotional rollercoaster ride. There’s an art to stringing out the tension long enough to keep the drama interesting, but not so long that it causes the reader to give up in frustration. April Wilson is a master at this. Just when I’d be ready to punch something over Ian or Tyler’s umpteenth lie of “Nothing’s wrong, really, I’m fine”, they’d finally have to come clean. Don’t get me wrong, I love the big lugs and their chemistry together, but the way they withhold information from each other is completely condescending. God forbid they trust the other to act maturely! Dream team JF Harding (as Ian) and Jack DuPont (as Tyler) are excellent on the audiobook.

[Jacqui Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Tyler and Ian have to deal with the looming assault charge against Tyler, Ian’s stalker, the possibility that Tyler may lose his job as a Chicago police detective and Ian’s sister being kidnapped.
Story: 4/5
Heat level: 4/5
POV: first person
Hero: Ian Alexander
Hero: Tyler Jamison
Secondary characters:
Jud Walker, Tyler’s captain
Beth McIntyre, Tyler’s sister
Shane McIntyre, Beth’s husband
Luke, Beth’s and Shane’s son
Ingrid Jamison, Tyler’s mother
Layla, Ian’s sister
Judge Martin Alexander, Ian’s father
District Attorney Ruth Alexander, Ian’s mother
Brad Turner, Ian’s stalker
Miguel Rodriquez, Ian’s bodyguard
Sam Harrison, Ian’s friend and Beth’s bodyguard
Daniel Cooper, Sam’s boyfriend
Sean Dickerson, Layla’s bodyguard
Troy Spencer, Tyler’s lawyer
Jason Miller, Layla’s second bodyguard

[mrs sarah frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow wow wow, hot hot hot, give a girl a fan next time lmao

Love my boys Tyler & Ian

Just when Ian thinks things cannot get any worse than Tyler maybe going to prison for assaulting Brad his sister Layla goes missing. Tyler being Tyler puts everything he’s worked for on the line for Ian.

Two of my favourite lines from Tyler :-

He’s the flame that lights my way in the darkness. He warms my body and soothes my soul.

Ian reminds me of a butterfly - beautiful, captivating and yet also fragile. One dusting of his wings and he’d loose his ability to fly. I don’t ever want to be the reason he suffers further damage.

Loved the epilogue and so excited to see where Jamieson Investigations takes us, bring on book 3!

[Jooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

As much as I loved this sequel, there were also things that frustrated me. Of course Brad Turner wouldn't just roll over and let everything slide, but come on: the amount of phone calls and the content of his text messages... If that is not enough to file an harassment complaint than I don't know what is. And for such a controlling parent judge Alexander is, the whole ordeal with the bodyguard really boggles my mind.
But I still loved how Tyler and Ian complemented each other even when their "I want to protect him" actions made me roll my eyes at times. They were still cute. And the McIntyre family, by blood or association are just the best. I really want to know more about them. So I guess I'm in for a lot more reading

[April Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Undeniably loved

Tyler and Ian definitely weatherd a hurricane of circumstances and emotions. Tyler certainly lived up to strong personality. I loved that he stayed calm and was practical. I'm not surprised he did the right thing for Ian's Family crisis. After all what kind of person would put his needs before his loved ones. And we all know Tyler wouldn't. He's all about family and keeping them safe. No questions. Ian is slowly but gradually learning Tyler does truly love him and his faith is growing. . I loved this book . I look look fed their new life and adventure they start

[Indus · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this but it felt like a really old-fashioned romance novel with Ian playing the role of the damsel of distress who has no agency or capacity. And yes Tyler is able to adjust and make a life for himself but I'm going to be honest- any person who is unable to do the one thing Ian had to do to help Tyler, needs to get help before they are anyone's partner. Perhaps this is considered romantic but in my opinion, it was infantilism at its worst.

I still gave this three stars because the author writes well and i finished the book. It's just unfortunate when i finish a book feeling like the main relationship is doomed.

[Louise Clews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazzzzzing

April you nailed it again. A perfectly fantasticly wonderful book. I loved Tyler and Ian in the first book this just makes them stronger. The book kept me gripped not wanting to put it down you need to know everything is going to be ok!! There are other characters in this a book with a little catch up on their lives. I can't wait for a Layla and Jason's book. No spoilers from me you will have to read this five huge star book yourself and believe me you won't be left disappointed

[Monae Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Tyler Jamison series which is a part of the McIntyre Bodyguard series. Tyler and Ian are a wonderful couple. In this book Tyler Jamison is a homicide detective and he is in love with Ian. You get to meet Ian’s sister Layla in this book. Ian and Tyler have such great moments together in this book and I can’t wait to read more of their story. There is a marriage proposal at the end which I loved. This is a book I highly recommend if you are a fan of April Wilson’s McIntyre Bodyguard series.

[Charlinda Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a little heavier and darker than I expected compared to the first book. I still enjoyed it just as much. I loved Tyler and Ian's dynamic. I'm a sucker for natural dominant and submissive traits in a relationship. Tyler is bossy, very protective, and likes to be in control, while Ian likes to follow his lead and also take care of him. They're a perfect match. You could just feel the love they had for each other. Also I enjoyed getting to know both sides of their families more in this book. I hope there will be a third book. I'd love to have more Tyler and Ian.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tyler and Ian

Now this is a great book to read! April Wilson has done it again which comes as no surprise to me. You have Ian who is fun loving and such a beautiful soul. Then you have Tyler who is the strong but loving man that is Ian's mate. This story is full of love, laughter, tears and suspense. I was anxiously turning the pages just waiting for Brad to ruin so much for them. I really loved this story and hope more are on their way!

[Heather Baxter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ian and Tyler

I always love reading Aprils books. It is like visiting old friends. Tyler and Ian are awesome and a good foil for Sam and Cooper this story was a co giant ion of the first book in this series so you need to have read the other Tyler novel to understand. I felt like Ian's family should have done.it's to support the events that impacted Tyler. It was Tyler's actions to protect Ian that caused the issues.

[Maryann Koenig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. God!!!

I LOVED IT!!!! This book was so so SO good! I couldn’t put it down. The love between Tyler and Ian is so powerful, I just love their connection. I also can’t wait for Layla’s book. That poor girl, I can’t wait to see her with Jason! This series and the McIntyre series are so close to me heart. They are amazing books. April Wilson is just an incredible mastermind! Read this series!!!!

[Janet Brooks Greene · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a bit to get started, but not for the reason you may think... I knew once i got into it I wouldn't be able to stop reading! Finished at 1:30am! Seeing who Tyler has become from the Tyler we 1st met in Vulnerable just warms my heart. He and Ian bring out the best in each other.

Now I can't wait to see where their journey takes them, the birth of Beth's baby and mostly... The story of Layla &Jason!

Thank you April... You delivered as promised!

[Tacky · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dnf at 26%
Ok, I see where this is going. There are a few of my pet peeves in this one. Most importantly when the lovers stop communicating and keep secrets "to protect the other", and end up in completely unnecessary danger. All the characters are far too myopic and dramatic. I'm out x