Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of Touch Me by Jacquie D’Alessandro
Historical romance released by Harlequin Blaze 1 Oct 09

One thing I’ve noticed about the Blaze historicals is that while they’re certainly fun and sexy, they also require a fair amount of suspension of disbelief.  Of course if you’re looking for meaty historical accuracy you probably shouldn’t be picking up a category romance that clocks in just over 200 pages and is published under a line that promises fast-paced, sexy fun.  But for a pure escapist delight?  These Blaze historicals have been just the ticket.  Jacquie D’Alessandro’s Touch Me continues down that path, and it’s a fairly pleasing read.

Fans will remember former mistress Genevieve Ralston as a secondary character from the author’s Avon single title release, Love And The Single Heiress.  Genevieve is now living in the quiet town of Little Longstone.  Her lover for the past decade has unceremoniously dumped her, and she finds that the local hot springs help the affliction that ultimately caused him to spurn her.  She’s living a quiet life until one day Simon Cooperstone, Viscount Kilburn, shows up on her doorstep.

Going by the name Simon Cooper, he’s come to Little Longstone to clear his name.  Genevieve’s former lover moved in powerful circles and has been murdered!  Unfortunately for him, Simon was in the wrong place, at the wrong time, and now he’s the prime suspect.  As a spy for the crown, Simon convinces his superiors to give him time to clear his name.  Seems the dead man gave Genevieve a puzzle box, which contains a letter effectively clearing Simon’s good name and unmasking the identity of the real killer.

I know.  When it comes to Romance Land, spies are more prevalent than Dukes in Regency historicals.  But for readers not totally burnt out on spy games, this is a quick sexy read.  Genevieve may have been a mistress, but it hurt when her lover spurned her affections.  She entered their arrangement out of necessity, but after a decade together it’s no wonder that she ultimately fell in love with him.  She’s finally starting to move on with her life, and has absolutely no interest in starting a new relationship or giving her heart to another man.  Then Simon comes along, and the chemistry between them sizzles.

Simon comes to Little Longstone not knowing Genevieve’s roll in her lover’s death.  It’s possible she could have done him in, or hired someone else to do it for her!  However as he spends time with her, he quickly deduces that she’s not only innocent, but doesn’t even know her former lover is dead.  She also doesn’t realize that the puzzle box and innocuous letter are bringing danger to her front door.

Both of these characters have secrets they’re hiding, and it is bothersome that Simon isn’t more open with Genevieve after he deduces she’s an innocent bystander in this whole affair.  Still, I guess being a spy is a hard habit to break.  The ending is terribly romantic, although I’m not sure how terribly realistic – as the happy ending required of a romance novel is certainly going to have fall-out for Simon, who’s a bloody Viscount!  But if you’re looking for fun, sexy, romantic, and an enjoyable way to kill a few hours?  Look for no further.

Grade: B

Summary:

Pleasing a man is something former mistress Genevieve Ralston does very well. But after her lover callously dumps her, she’s definitely off men…until she meets Simon! He’s brooding. Sexy. And she can’t keep her hands off him….

But Simon Cooperstone, Viscount Kilburn, is a spy. His mission: retrieve a mysterious letter in Genevieve’s possession. Intent on seducing her secrets from her, he forgets to guard one thing: his heart.

Each stroke of Genevieve’s talented fingers unleashes his deepest desires. Too late, he realizes that while he may be a master of the art of seduction, he’s no match for a sensual mistress….

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series: