Meet Blaire
An underachieving college student with zero prospects and a ton of issues (hey, being the less-successful twin of a gorgeous supermodel would totally do that to you). She doesn’t do bad boys. Actually, she doesn’t do boys, like, at all. Not that she’s a lesbian. And not that there’s anything wrong with being one. It’s just that…well…she kind of needs to focus on graduating from … graduating from college right now.
And she needs something from Ty. Badly.
Meet Ty
Mixed Martial artist, soon-to-be Welterweight champion of the Xtreme Warrior League and the hottest guy in the Bay Area. He’s cocky, arrogant and completely off-limits to anyone with more than three working brain cells…but dude, HAVE YOU SEEN HIS BUTT?
On top of being a world-class player, Ty has a secret.
And Blaire? She can barely even handle his truths.
Life is about to throw a few knockout punches at both of them. Can they handle the pain?
more
After reading Vicious I was eager to pick up another L.J. Shen book and hearing readers rave about Tyed every chance they got, it was bound to be my next read and I’m so glad I read it.
Tyed is an action-packed, full of tension, misunderstandings, passion and romance between an MMA fighter and a Girl-Next-Door. Tyed was unlike any other MMA Romance stories I’ve read previously; this is quick, witty and even with uncertainties lurking at every corner it is not a heavy read.
I LOVED Blaire and Ty together. In more ways than one, they were perfect for each other even when it felt like that they might have been better apart. Shen’s writing is simple and fluid and not for one moment did it feel like she was trying to pack in as much emotion or drama to get the story going. However, there was one point in the book where Blaire was just asking to be strangled because of her stupidity and her inability to understand the situation and what her grandmother was saying is true. But, you can’t even fault her for her actions because if we see it from a real-life perspective, I’m pretty sure most of us would have done the same thing if not worse.
I adored how Shen brought Ty and Blaire back as a couple after their months-long break-up. It was so Ty and Em and it was kind of coming full circle. They got back together the same way they started. In a fighting ring.
What I would have enjoyed more would have been an epilogue because I’m kinda crazy about them and I love the closure they provide. But aside from that, if you love tattooed hero’s who are totally into the fighting scene, adding this to your TBR is a must! Now, off I go to read more of Shen’s work.
4 Stars!
“I keep my eyes shut, but I’m not all blind to the magic that is Ty Wilder”
Ty is an MMA fighter , “Barbie” is a journalism major.
What happens when two total opposites are thrown together?
” Tyed ”
Barbie:
I’m caving in this moment. Hormones are on a break, and Brain is dead right now. But you know who is rocking it like a bad@ss? Heart..
I love the way Shen can bring a story to life.
Each character feels so real – their quirks, their passion, their pain.
Tyed was a heartbreaking and beautiful journey – taking us through what was and what can be.
One of those stories you can’t put down -you have to know how it ends; at the same time you dread that last page, that moment when you have to close the book and return to your own world.
Blaire is a fun character with a hilarious inner monologue and a unique way of looking at the world. She’s quirky without trying and totally loveable. She’s smart, funny and has no idea that she’s beautiful. She’s also a bit lost right now, struggling to decide what she wants out of life and living in the shadow of her gorgeous supermodel twin. That’s a tough burden because having a supermodel sister would be hard for anyone but she’s your twin? Gah! Blaire handles her angst well until she doesn’t and that’s where the story went slightly off track.
She meets Ty while doing research for a school project and she’s determined to ignore the super hot MMA fighter for various reasons, not the least of which is his playboy ways. He’s tenacious however and turns out to be pretty sweet and the fact that he wants her so badly makes this ultra-hottie impossible to resist. They’re obviously falling for each other but Ty has secrets he’s not ready to share and Blaire’s imagination runs wild. She’s terrified of what he’s hiding but obsesses over it instead of talking it through.
When she finally learns his big secret, Blaire kid of goes crazy. It wasn’t at all the reaction I was expecting from her and that’s not necessarily a deal-breaker for me but in this case, I think it could’ve been done better. Her over-the-top reaction kind of blew up both of their lives and created so much unnecessary drama. It dragged the story out and not in a good way. While both eventually find their HEA, I think there are much better ways this story could have been told. I would have loved to see more honesty and communication because even if they were at odds, love can still blossom. Shen went a different route here and I understand why but it was too dramatic for my tastes.
To be fair, I’d read the entire Sinners of Saint and All Saints High series before reading Tyed, which is her first book so I was accustomed to a more sophisticated level of Shen’s work. The thing that disappointed me about this book is that it’s all told from Blaire’s POV so we never get inside of Ty’s head. It kind of relegated him to a supporting role in Blaire’s story for me instead of this being their story so I definitely would’ve loved to get Ty’s POV. It would have given the character more depth and made for a better read. I also think Blaire’s actions could have been more tailored to him and their situation as opposed to being a generic hysterical-girl freakout if we had both POV. I also would have killed for an epilogue to see where they were in the future.
That said, I enjoyed the story and like both characters very much and would definitely recommend this book. If you’re new to LJ Shen, read this one first though and know that it only gets better from here. The supporting characters were fairly inconsequential but for Blaire’s friend Shane and her twin, Izzy, but they have interesting roles and even more interesting dynamics. Izzy’s a fun character and I hope to someday read her story, although I doubt that will ever happen.
I’ve been on an LJ Shen roll the past few days and Tyed caught my attention immediately when it’s blurb boasted of an underachieving heroine. How often do you see that? Lol.
Summary:
Blaire has always lived in the shadow of her supermodel twin. She just can’t seem to find a passion for anything or figure out what she wants to do with her life. All she needed was some information and interviews for her big assignment so she could graduate and move on. To what, she didn’t know, but she really needed to graduate. She never expected a school assignment would change her life so completely. Ty hasn’t always had it easy. In fact, his life has been full of rage and struggle. He’s finally on the road to success, and ready to reap the benefits of all of his hard work and discipline. Then Blaire blows into his life, and he wants her. But Ty is a complex man with secrets. Blaire knows a lot about the man he is, and he’s not what she would have picked. But she can’t deny she wants him, too. When life lands painful blows, are they sturdy enough to stand against them?
Unfortunately, Tyed just didn’t hit like I wanted it to, especially since I loved the blurb so much. The storyline wasn’t an issue. That is, it wasn’t until the end. I really enjoyed the first seventy-five percent or so. It was sweet, intense, fun, flirty, and humorous. Then I did a mental double-take and tried to figure out where we veered off the path. Did I hate the ending? No. I loved what happened between Blaire and Ty, but the obstacle that was put in their path, and the resulting reactions from both MCs, came out of left field for me. Blaire was a pretty cool chick. I loved her humor and inner monologues. She was a bit of a rebel but still a good girl. I loved her quirky personality and love of music. Ty was fantastic at the growly, sexy, intense alpha male thing. I loved that he pursued Blaire so thoroughly right after their first meeting. Sadly, I didn’t connect with him as much as I would have liked. Getting only Blaire’s POV didn’t work in his favor, IMO. He had a rough and complex past, and I feel it was mostly glossed over with only passing interest without any detail. I still liked him as a hero, but wished his character was a bit more detailed. As a couple, Blaire and Ty were steamy hot. I loved their chemistry and banter. I loved that they complimented each other so well. Blaire helped soothe Ty while he helped her find her passion. In the end, Blaire and Ty’s story was just okay for me. The high points were great, but my issues with the story weren’t minor and I couldn’t overlook them when rating. Supporting cast was also a little underwhelming. I hated that Blaire’s parents made her feel so invisible and unimportant. I didn’t feel that any of their actions showed love and care, but more exasperation and impatience. I also wasn’t a big fan of Izzy. She came off very spoiled and whiny. I also don’t feel that the family tension was ever really addressed or resolved. I did really like Shane, though, until he started causing so many issues. There was no epilogue which was probably my biggest disappointment. If you know my reviews, I love a good epilogue, and I would have liked to have seen where Blaire and Ty end up in the future.
So this book had all the angst and emotions, at the same time there were funny moments there too. L.J. Shen has written one of her awesome books. Tyler and Blaire (aka Barbie) were perfect for each other. I can’t wait to read more from L.J. Shen. Most definitely worth reading it and listening it.
Did you know that this was L.J. Shen’s first book? Tyed was a cute sports romance that could have easily been read in one sitting if I had the chance. This book was full of wit, steam, and angst. The characters were likeable and relatable. There was a lot of love – hate between Ty and Blaire, and they had some really great chemistry. I think they balanced each other out. Blaire’s Grandma Marty was hilarious and had me laughing out loud at times. Her parents (more specifically her mom) annoyed me, with her condescending attitude towards Blaire. I am bummed there won’t be a Shane and Izzy book!
“It looks like Brain and Hormones are in for a fight. Just as long as Heart stays out of the ring.”
Blaire is attending college with the push of her parents. She doesn’t know what she wants to do with her life, so she sleeps through classes and dreams about Charlie Hunnam. She’s given an assignment in her journalism class to write a paper about Mixed Martial Arts. She needs to find a couple fighters to interview. Being inside Blaire’s head was fun as she had some funny responses to things.
“The guy I want is perfectly imperfect, and I’m completely fine with it.”
Tyler Wilder had a rough upbringing and has been in MMA and aiming to win the XWL championship for a few years now. He’s bad, has a past, is full of surprises and secrets. Oh, and he doesn’t give interviews. But when Blaire steps into the ring, all bets are off. Ty was a sexy but broken hero, with a dark past.
It’s my first L.J.Shen book and it won’t be my last, I really liked this author.
I have to say that the topic of mixing romances with MMA wrestlers has enchanted me, because I’m a fan of that sport and many more, so romance that have sports.
The plot of the book is a complete romance, between Blaire, who at twenty-three years old does not know what she wants to do with her life, she only knows that she wants to be happy, even though she is studying for a specialization of which she finds no interest, until she makes an assignment that puts her in Ty’s way. Blaire’s personality is one of those that thinks things through a lot and that can make reading difficult for some.
Ty, a beautiful MMA fighter is a guy who knows that the blows of life are overcome with more blows, and makes his way to fists in a sport that requires much of that, is really a little aggressive and hides a secret that obviously lead him to have problems later with Blaire. He has a completely dominate personality but at the same time sweet. It is really a contradiction but you like the boy.
If something doesn’t fit in the equation is that the drama in the book puts him in a secondary character, but in the end with that character, you don’t understand the point for which he did things, it’s really very confusing, because it’s not a love triangle, but at the same time it doesn’t justify the actions he did, so that was the really bad thing, there was no coherence between the characters and the actions.
A good book, easy to read, and very entertaining, takes the romance one step at a time. But at the same time there’s a lot of drama that I found extremely unnecessary
Honestly I love her books so much and no I haven’t read them all so I was hoping to love this so much more than I did. I struggled though this book.
Awesome idea but I feel like so much was left out. I loved their grandmother and I feel like if the book was written about her then it would have been so much better.
I know this was her first book I’m glad I didn’t read this first I might have never read her again. I love her books so much too.
Blair’s last major assignment before graduating college is to write a paper on MMA fighting. She meets Ty while at the gym he trains and works at. They are thrown together and sparks fly. They are complete opposites and push another out of their comfort zones. Blair’s best friend, Shane, throws a wrench in their relationship with information about Ty. Working their way back to each other takes time as they both heal and move onto the next stages of their lives. Blair grows with confidence and comes into her own. Ty had a rough childhood and he finds his way to make a life and name for himself.
“What are you doing to me, Blaire?” His voice is gruff and throaty. “I’m not sure, but you did it first to me.” I’m unable to swallow the lump in my throat. “Why me?” I hear myself asking, and hate myself for it too, because why the hell not, you know? “It doesn’t look like you’re short on groupies and I don’t exactly make things easy for you.” “I dig your cool.” He leans forward, his lips almost touching mine, his breath on my skin.
Tyed is LJ Shen’s debut novel, and demonstrates her ability to create a unique story with a lot of emotion and layers built into it. It’s very much an “opposites attract” story, and takes you to a lot of places narratively that you don’t necessarily expect. I loved the push-pull dynamic between Blaire and Ty, and I enjoyed how they both defy typical tropes/stereotypes. To me, this is the perfect introduction to Shen’s work.
I just finished Tyed and it was such a great intro to LJ Shen’s books for me because I know how angsty she goes. Which I personally love but before I dove in I wanted to get my feet wet. Tyed was perfect for that.
Blaire, the non “it girl”, who is used to being over shadowed by her super model twin didn’t expect to catch the eye of the force that is the up and coming champ Tyler Wilder. Going through life and school as it may come she had no idea what her passion was but she did know that passing the journalism assignment she was handed on MMA left no option for failure. Ty will do anything to get where he needs to go. The top. No other option. Women didn’t matter and love was no where within reach. Never had been. Except he can’t control the growing fascination he has for the spitfire with blue tipped hair that had the balls to get caught smoking in his gym parking lot. By the end of the book both of them not even know their true passions, they find out what love, loyalty and forgiveness are in the best way. I think it’s safe to say that I’ve not only been “Tyed”, I’ve been “LJed”.
***5 “BMine” stars***
Did not hear it, yet???
There is a new fighter in the town and he is just gorgeous!!!
His name is Tyler “The Zombie” Wilder… but everyone calls him Ty.
Ty is yummy!!! Sexy as hell!!! Hot as a sin!!! Shall i continue???
Oh, God!!! I think…
… and i’m fuckin’ drooling!!!
But i have to be fair… Blaire is equal amazing.
Those two together were amazingly delicious…
I loved that book!!! I really did!!!
L.J. Shen, your debut book was a kick a** journey!!!
I lost my mind in there and i couldn’t stop reading it…
I laughed so much, especially in the half book and i got a little bit emotional at the other half, but i enjoyed every single thing in there…
First of all, i have to say that Blaire hooked me up from the first chapter.
She was so fiesty, she had no filter to what she was saying and that was deliciously adorable…
I couldn’t stop laughing!!!
Well, Blaire was boring of her life, her college studies… everything. She had low expectations and not such a good impression of herself. She was counting to her parents and her twin sister to made it through her life and if she wanted to graduate eventually from college she had to write a paperwork about MMA fighters…
And then, her path collides with the sexy, cocky MMA fighter, Tyler Wilder… and their first encounter was a little bit strange…
Her attraction to him was unwelcoming and dangerous… so she tried to supressed it!!!
“I’m calling you a liar and a bullshitter. All girls like violence. Every woman wants to mate with the victorious warrior. It’s okay, Blaire. It’s in your DNA. Don’t feel bad about it.” His mouth curves into a devastating smile as he brushes his thumb down my spine.”
Ty was one of the best MMA fighters in the town and he was working his ass so hard to earn the title of champion of the Xtreme Warrior League.
He is the hottest guy around and all the women are melting in his presence, but he doesn’t care so much about that.
The women manage to earn his attention about an hour and then puff… he is moving to the next target.
But when he first meet Blaire, there’s something about her that made her worthy the trying…
“I see you… I see what you don’t see about yourself, and it pisses me off that Shane sees it too.”
So from that moment, started a game that Ty was pushing and Blaire was running away.
But her heart was stubling all the time around Ty and as much as her mind trying to persuade her that he was dangerous for her, she just could not resist him.
When they are together is like fire feets gazoline and they burn everything around them. Blaire is discovering a new Ty, a Ty that can be sweet and caring and everything are great between them.
The only shadow above them is that Ty is hidden something from her and when she will discover his secret everything is about to change…
” I kissed him and survived. I kissed him and it was delicious. I kissed him and found out that despite his reputation, and the fears I failed to keep at bay, he was just a boy, kissing a girl, hoping she’d like it—and him—after all.”
As i told you above, i really liked Blaire’s spirit. I liked the way she was seeing life in generally.
The thing that i didn’t like was that she was holding back to Ty and i didn’t like her stubborness in some point. I know that she was in shock after the discovering of his secret but she was too stubborn to accept his truth and she did what she used to do all the time, she run away from him…
In this point, i have to say that i adored her Nanna Marty.She was an incredible and very funny woman…
As for Ty??? I loved that guy from the first moment in that parking lot. He was handsome, hot, cocky…
He was a fighter inside the cage and outside…
I liked the fact that he never gave up on Blaire, his “Barbie” and their first moments was very hot and funny.
I also liked his tattoos, especially the last one and its meaning…
I know that the guy had some anger issues, but for me he was perfect.
Can i have him??? I’ll take care of him!!! No???
God damn it!!! Okay, Barbie, you won!!!!
But you should know that i didn’t like how much you hurt him near to the end.
You should at least had to let him explain you… You gave up so easily on him…. and that made me really, really sad… and angry.
And finally, i have to say some things about Shane.
That guy confused the hell out of me… and i think that i’m still in the same ignorance.
Who the hell he wanted??? Blaire or Izzy???
WTF, man??? I’m possitive that he wanted Blaire…
But still i can not justify his interferences in her relation with Ty all the time!!!
Really, man, you fucked up the things very bad about those two, and that was sneaky and totally unfair.
She didn’t want you, man!!! She wanted Ty!!!
That’s all from me!!!
Tyler Wilder was a fuckin’ amazing bastard and i think he just earn one place in my favorite book boyfriends list forever…
And Blaire… you are the kind of heroine that i adore in the books…
I think that i needed a little bit more of them… But i’ll live!!!
Loved It!!!
Another amazing read by my 1-Click Author!!!
I can’t believe I waited so long to read this one!
So compelling and emotional. I love me a bad boy and Tye was perfect!
Highly recommended!!!
“Tyed” was one of the books from the LJShen, I had no opportunity to read (like Sparrow). Without beating I admit that the cover attracted me from the very beginning, because … I like everything that is connected with boxing.
I was not disappointed.
For two hundred pages can not be a well-developed plot and characters, but LJ Shen surprisingly, it did quite well.
Blaire-old is a girl who does not know what to do and actually see her indecision about his future. In addition, there is a gray mouse, and only a brave woman can say what you think will go up in the “shoes”. I liked her from the start.
Tyler, seemed to me boring. Another packed hero who has success with women. Fortunately, by the time. It proved to be another face, hard to handle, which also earned him my friendship.
The author also developed subplots, like a sister Blaire – Izzy, girl friend – Shane, but a grandmother stole the whole show.
With 80 years, she married again with a 74 year old Simon.
And you know what? This marriage in this book was described and the advice grandmother when Blaire had problems with you and study, they were not quite that comical, and is also full of truth.
“Tyed” is a nice story for one evening. Will take you to the ring, full of problems that can not be solved fist. I, personally pleasantly spent time with her, and I think you also love the history of Tyler and Blaire.
Shy girl meets jock…well, trade jock for an extremely demanding, bad boy, i.e. MMA fighter.
I’m glad I gave this Author a second chance. The first book I read was not my favorite but I’ve had this one on my kindle for a while and was on the hunt for a boxing/fighting book. This book did not disappoint. There were a few cliche parts but some were unexpected. It was funny, steamy, and my favorite part – there was an HEA.
Blaire and Tyler are a perfect example of opposites in every way shape and form. Tyler is a brooding, ego manic. At first meeting, he seems like your typical meat head. All about MMA, and the scars and bruises that go along with it. Blaire comes across as a little bit of an introvert, loner. Doesn’t like the spotlight and almost seems a little loss in life. Unless you ask her about her music. When she’s given an assignment in her journalism class that she has to pass or be forever harassed by her family, her world is turned upside down.
I probably would have given this book 5 stars but there were some plot holes between Blaire and Shane – her childhood best friend and Izzy – Blaire’s twin sister – and Shane. Towards the end of the book, there were some hints of what I felt was missing but still feel like there could have been more included. I have a feeling this Author will be one that I will either love the book or dislike it, and I really loved this book!!
I love books that are so well written that the reader is invested in the characters. This is one of those books. I was so enthralled that I read straight through in one sitting. Such a wonderful story.
3.5 stars.
So let me preface this by saying I LOVE LJ Shen books, BUT I love all of her other books more. Still a really great read, I just had a few issues with pacing, referencing events and conversations not written in the book, and missing out on Ty’s POV. Plus some minor editing issues.
I’m forever Tyed to this story and my love for both Blaire and Tyler. We are given a great MMA romance without the overload of MMA action. Blaire is a fighter in her own way because she follows her heart and what she wants even when she’s torn and falls down. Ty has quite the temper and the rumors going round don’t stop but doesn’t seem to phase him. There’s a will they/won’t they pull I felt throughout the story but that’s what kept me intrigued, I love when a storyline isn’t played out perfectly clear. You want to be caught off guard, it keeps you on your toes. This isn’t the first book I’ve read from this author and it definitely won’t be the last. Her writing style is one that I enjoy and always has you wanting more. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.
For a debut, this one is top notch. I love L.J. Shen and realized that I had missed this one. I love her heroines and her broken heros. She’s amazing at creating a whole world and supporting cast that is completely engaging and fun. Nana is bar none one of my favorites ever! I love Blaire and Ty. I’m now well educated in Shen enough to know that I’m not going to like her male characters at first, and maybe not until late in the game. Ty had my heart early though, which is unusual. This story took me down roads I didn’t expect (as usual) and my only real complaint is that I need more. Extended epilogue, Izzy and Shane’s book… something! I love these characters and this couple and their journey together and apart. I’d like to think that I’m about 70% Blaire. 😉
After reading other books by this author and having some time off I realized Tyed had been sitting on my Kindle unread and had to dive in. It’s hard to believe that Tyed was this author’s debut novel. I was blown away by her writing and absolutely loved this book.
Tyler “Zombie” Wilder. Gah. I loved him from the first moment he sauntered across the parking lot in his skull bandana and grey sweats. Sexy, alpha, broody, and hot as Hades Ty commands Blaire’s attention from their first meeting.
The only thing standing between Blaire and graduation is her last journalism class. When her final assignment forces her out of her normal routine she meets Tyler and sparks fly. I loved how both Blaire and Tyler took each other by surprise and pushed the other out of their comfort zones. Ty’s smart mouth and Blaire’s witty comebacks had me laughing out loud.
The characters were fantastic and quickly dragged me into their world. The author’s amazing ability to connect me as a reader with her characters had me right along for their journey. I laughed out loud, got angry, wanted to reach through my Kindle and knock some sense into them and was left with the goofiest grin on my face in the end. Tyed is one of those amazing reads that sweeps you away and has you torn between devouring it as quickly as you can and slowing down because you don’t want it to end. Another phenomenal read this author and I hope to revisit the XWL world very soon!