Touch Me

Touch Me by Callie Croix  is a little gem of a story that was not only sexy but also a sweet story of two people embracing love. A few more chapters would’ve created a story with a bit more depth but it was still good as is, with strong characters and an intriguing premise. Some of the smaller nuances would’ve been interesting to explore as I found myself wishing I knew more.

Tianna is newly divorced from a soldier who had a traumatic brain injury. She’s been staying at her brother’s best friend Alex’s house after her divorce. Readers will develop incredible empathy for her as the history of her marriage evolves. Tianna is working through self-esteem issues, and she’s left denying her darker sexual desires.  Tianna has a long way to go in healing (here’s where more details may have been effective) which we see in the subtle nuances of her actions, especially her need to run when things aren’t perfect.

When Alex (aka Army Captain Alex Montoya) comes home on leave, he’s determined to give into everything he’s always wanted and arouse Tianna’s hidden desires - a big move since Tianna's brother is Alex's best friend. She's always been off limits but now there’s nothing to stop him from acting on his feelings. Having her live in his home, even while he was away, gives him a feeling of protectiveness. The arrangement feels incredibly intimate.

Alex is my idea of a perfect alpha hero. He’s completely in love (true love formed over time, not quick lust) with the heroine; he’s strong, confident and handsome, yet at the same time, he’s gentle with her, caring and so protective. It was incredibly sweet that he was committed to helping her put together a new life from her broken past but without the need to be controlling, allowing her to heal on her own terms. Yet Alex was absolutely determined to show her exactly how sexually desirable she was – using every weapon he had including tying her down to make sure he had her full attention.

Though the story is short, Croix infused just enough tension, both sexual and plot-based, to keep the reader flipping pages without realizing how much time has passed. Touch Me is like a delicious espresso shot - short and hot. Read it in one quick shot.

I don’t know if this is totally “outing” an author but I have to tell those of you who follow me and know my favorite authors… this is Kaylea Cross!!! writing in her pen name she uses for her more steamy erotic stories. While I feel her calling is in the romantic suspense, she’s no slacker in light erotica either.

RATING: 4 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries 
This book was given to us through NetGalley. Many thanks.