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McRae Bodyguards #1
Touch Her and Die
A grumpy Scottish bodyguard with an iced-over heart, and the sunshine woman who might just melt it.
Daisy
Phoneless, carless, and trapped by my relatives, I make a daring escape in just my fancy underwear. Right as a grouchy but gorgeous bodyguard arrives to rescue me.
Enemies pursue us on our West Coast road trip, so Ben whisks me away to a snowed-in cabin in Scotland. I start falling until I'm ready to let him guard my body in every way possible.
But breaking his rules could cost me everything—including him.
Ben
As a bodyguard, I have one rule: don't get attached. Yet Daisy's got me hooked. When I'm asked to protect her, I can't resist. She's warmth and kindness wrapped up in a curvy package, and I'm willing to cross any line to keep her safe.
Almost.
No matter how torn I am between duty and desire, there’s only one chance I can’t take.
For her, I’ll risk anything—except for my heart.
--
Touch Her and Die is the first in a brand new bodyguard series that brings steam, mystery, and adventure, plus a little revenge plot for our heroines. This is standalone romantic suspense with only-one-bed (twice) and a forbidden element.
Daisy
Phoneless, carless, and trapped by my relatives, I make a daring escape in just my fancy underwear. Right as a grouchy but gorgeous bodyguard arrives to rescue me.
Enemies pursue us on our West Coast road trip, so Ben whisks me away to a snowed-in cabin in Scotland. I start falling until I'm ready to let him guard my body in every way possible.
But breaking his rules could cost me everything—including him.
Ben
As a bodyguard, I have one rule: don't get attached. Yet Daisy's got me hooked. When I'm asked to protect her, I can't resist. She's warmth and kindness wrapped up in a curvy package, and I'm willing to cross any line to keep her safe.
Almost.
No matter how torn I am between duty and desire, there’s only one chance I can’t take.
For her, I’ll risk anything—except for my heart.
--
Touch Her and Die is the first in a brand new bodyguard series that brings steam, mystery, and adventure, plus a little revenge plot for our heroines. This is standalone romantic suspense with only-one-bed (twice) and a forbidden element.
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 13, 2023
About the author
Jolie Vines
56 books2,985 followersJOLIE VINES is a romance novelist who lives in the South West of England with her husband and young son.
From an early age, Jolie lived in a fantasy world and is never happier than when plot dreaming. Jolie loves her heroes to be one-woman guys. Whether they are a huge Highlander, a touch starved earl, or a brooding pilot, they will adore their loved one until the end of time.
Her favourite pastime is wrecking emotions then making up for it by giving her characters deep and meaningful happy ever afters.
Want to contact Jolie? Drop her a line at jolie [at] jolievines.com, or find her in her Facebook Fall Hard reader group. She loves hearing from her readers.
Sign up to her newsletter to be the first to hear about new releases, giveaways, and promotions. https://www.jolievines.com/newsletter
From an early age, Jolie lived in a fantasy world and is never happier than when plot dreaming. Jolie loves her heroes to be one-woman guys. Whether they are a huge Highlander, a touch starved earl, or a brooding pilot, they will adore their loved one until the end of time.
Her favourite pastime is wrecking emotions then making up for it by giving her characters deep and meaningful happy ever afters.
Want to contact Jolie? Drop her a line at jolie [at] jolievines.com, or find her in her Facebook Fall Hard reader group. She loves hearing from her readers.
Sign up to her newsletter to be the first to hear about new releases, giveaways, and promotions. https://www.jolievines.com/newsletter
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 315 reviews
July 14, 2023
Touch Her and Die is book one of the McRae Bodyguards series.
Age gap. Instalove. Grumpy Sunshine. Contemporary Romance. Standalone.
Ben is in charge of the McRae Bodyguard service based in Scotland. He’s a closed off grumpy man tasked with rescuing Daisy who’s located in the US. Daisy is phoneless, carless and climbing out a window when Ben finds her. They’re on the run from her relatives and a masked man who tries to abduct her. Where better to go for safety than Scotland?
I instantly fell in love with Daisy. She’s kind, thoughtful and an amazing friend. She’s sunshine in a bottle. Ben is the total opposite of her. Grumpy. Standoffish. Never lets anyone in. Of course she finds out why and opens him up. This has a few pretty steamy scenes. Daisy definitely takes charge in the bedroom and even a car. Touch Her and Die was full of mystery, angst and was very light and refreshing. Come and get lost in the Scottish Highlands.
Age gap. Instalove. Grumpy Sunshine. Contemporary Romance. Standalone.
Ben is in charge of the McRae Bodyguard service based in Scotland. He’s a closed off grumpy man tasked with rescuing Daisy who’s located in the US. Daisy is phoneless, carless and climbing out a window when Ben finds her. They’re on the run from her relatives and a masked man who tries to abduct her. Where better to go for safety than Scotland?
I instantly fell in love with Daisy. She’s kind, thoughtful and an amazing friend. She’s sunshine in a bottle. Ben is the total opposite of her. Grumpy. Standoffish. Never lets anyone in. Of course she finds out why and opens him up. This has a few pretty steamy scenes. Daisy definitely takes charge in the bedroom and even a car. Touch Her and Die was full of mystery, angst and was very light and refreshing. Come and get lost in the Scottish Highlands.
April 12, 2024
Audiobook production and voice actors 4.5⭐️
Story was enjoyable 3.5⭐️
Story was enjoyable 3.5⭐️
February 11, 2025
A broken bodyguard, a sweet romance
This was an enjoyable, globe-trotting romance that spans from Scotland to LA, then the PNW, before returning to the highlands. Hints of mafia machinations as well as celebrity connections.
I’m intrigued by the large cast of characters, some who clearly have origins in earlier books, others with stories yet to be told. But I was thoroughly delighted by the fact this book is 100% a standalone. I don’t feel like there were any spoilers should I wish to go back to any earlier books.
This was an enjoyable, globe-trotting romance that spans from Scotland to LA, then the PNW, before returning to the highlands. Hints of mafia machinations as well as celebrity connections.
I’m intrigued by the large cast of characters, some who clearly have origins in earlier books, others with stories yet to be told. But I was thoroughly delighted by the fact this book is 100% a standalone. I don’t feel like there were any spoilers should I wish to go back to any earlier books.
July 13, 2023
Ones again Jolie has done an amazing job!!! She gives us McRaes, a tiny glimpse of Sin and a brooding MC!
Ben gets me hooked from the beginning! It’s a fast pace in many ways but it’s lovely!
For the ones that have read and love the McRaes we will love what we get about them.
Even without the McRaes this is a story to read! Mafia hints and hot smex! Best of all?? It really is Touch her and you die!!
Ben gets me hooked from the beginning! It’s a fast pace in many ways but it’s lovely!
For the ones that have read and love the McRaes we will love what we get about them.
Even without the McRaes this is a story to read! Mafia hints and hot smex! Best of all?? It really is Touch her and you die!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2025
Jolie Vines could write a tv manual and I´d read it
Read
December 27, 2023I read this cause the title was funny but I was actually invested in the mystery…but then it never got solved… so
July 21, 2023
Love this author!!
Lets reiterate, I LOVE THIS AUTHOR! However I didn't love the story or the characters! You do get a small glimpse into her past characters that I adored! However, that wasn't enough for me to love this book. The drama just didn't intrigue me, the sexytimes were out shadowed by Bens hot and cold moments! I did like how Daisy was persistent about getting what she wanted which was Ben. I hate to do it but 2.5 stars.😞✌
Lets reiterate, I LOVE THIS AUTHOR! However I didn't love the story or the characters! You do get a small glimpse into her past characters that I adored! However, that wasn't enough for me to love this book. The drama just didn't intrigue me, the sexytimes were out shadowed by Bens hot and cold moments! I did like how Daisy was persistent about getting what she wanted which was Ben. I hate to do it but 2.5 stars.😞✌
September 18, 2025
Ben is a bodyguard. I love bodyguard romances. Especially when they fight it because of the job.
Ben and Daisy were so good together. The story was for the most part very good. I did have some questions left but I think book two will answer them. I also loved the mystery of Daisy’s family. The whole reason why she needed protection and why was very interesting. Or again, I like bodyguard stories! Haha. Either way I loved it and can’t wait to read the next one.
Ben and Daisy were so good together. The story was for the most part very good. I did have some questions left but I think book two will answer them. I also loved the mystery of Daisy’s family. The whole reason why she needed protection and why was very interesting. Or again, I like bodyguard stories! Haha. Either way I loved it and can’t wait to read the next one.
July 23, 2023
An Okay Story
I understand that this was a series starter, but there were just way too many characters (from previous books?) and they weighed the plot down a lot. Ben and Daisy were hard to like. I was tired of them both about halfway through the book, and only finished it out of curiosity to see how the author would wrap everything up. As it turned out, the ending was anticlimactic. I'm sorry that I spent time reading this book, and have no interest in continuing the series.
I understand that this was a series starter, but there were just way too many characters (from previous books?) and they weighed the plot down a lot. Ben and Daisy were hard to like. I was tired of them both about halfway through the book, and only finished it out of curiosity to see how the author would wrap everything up. As it turned out, the ending was anticlimactic. I'm sorry that I spent time reading this book, and have no interest in continuing the series.
January 22, 2024
3.5 - 4 disappointing stars..
I recently finished reading 'Touch her and die', and while I appreciate the author's effort, I must admit that I didn't find it as satisfying as I had hoped.
The story was good until 65% and then the plot and the pacing went downhill. The book title says touch her and die but there was no such ferocity or possessiveness. The title wasn't apt.
Also it felt like after the 65% mark the H didn't do anything except wallowing in his own misery/past relationships and he kept pushing everybody away. He could have taken a moment to sort out his feelings/thoughts.
I have no complaints about the h. She was so understanding and intelligent. And the best thing about her was she was so sure and confident about her decisions as well as Ben's. It took her less than a minute to figure out almost everything and I totally loved her.
The plot was the most disappointing part. I kept expecting some danger or but no, only assumptions were made. It felt incomplete. And then comes the epilogue... I look forward to epilogues in almost every book and I hate it when in the name of epilogue they write something else. I loved Ariel and Jackson but that didn't meant I wanted to read about them in Ben and Daisy's epilogue.
Of course, reading experiences can be subjective, and others might have a different perspective. I believe every book offers something to its readers, even if it wasn't exactly what I was looking for.
Btw it was my first bodyguard romance book and the experience was not so good..
I recently finished reading 'Touch her and die', and while I appreciate the author's effort, I must admit that I didn't find it as satisfying as I had hoped.
The story was good until 65% and then the plot and the pacing went downhill. The book title says touch her and die but there was no such ferocity or possessiveness. The title wasn't apt.
Also it felt like after the 65% mark the H didn't do anything except wallowing in his own misery/past relationships and he kept pushing everybody away. He could have taken a moment to sort out his feelings/thoughts.
I have no complaints about the h. She was so understanding and intelligent. And the best thing about her was she was so sure and confident about her decisions as well as Ben's. It took her less than a minute to figure out almost everything and I totally loved her.
The plot was the most disappointing part. I kept expecting some danger or but no, only assumptions were made. It felt incomplete. And then comes the epilogue... I look forward to epilogues in almost every book and I hate it when in the name of epilogue they write something else. I loved Ariel and Jackson but that didn't meant I wanted to read about them in Ben and Daisy's epilogue.
Of course, reading experiences can be subjective, and others might have a different perspective. I believe every book offers something to its readers, even if it wasn't exactly what I was looking for.
Btw it was my first bodyguard romance book and the experience was not so good..
August 26, 2023
This was an unrealistic couple. One person is fighting that hard against them as a couple then maybe it’s time to give this up. Also, the ending to the main issue why she was on the run felt incomplete. I did love seeing the characters from the previous books and series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2024
Boring and Annoying
I read smutty books to revel in the growly alphas who are obsessed with their women. This guy was a total beta and kind of a sissy. She was doing all the heavy lifting in the relationship for most of the story, and it was annoying. If I wanted to watch women throw themselves at men who don’t share their feelings, I’d relive my 20s. I want these leading men to have some cojones. Also, it’s mafia-adjacent but the storyline was so boring. It didn’t make any sense and I had no interest in following it.
I read smutty books to revel in the growly alphas who are obsessed with their women. This guy was a total beta and kind of a sissy. She was doing all the heavy lifting in the relationship for most of the story, and it was annoying. If I wanted to watch women throw themselves at men who don’t share their feelings, I’d relive my 20s. I want these leading men to have some cojones. Also, it’s mafia-adjacent but the storyline was so boring. It didn’t make any sense and I had no interest in following it.
November 11, 2025
3.5 stars
This is cute. Wholesome, even, despite the heroine's mafia adjacent family. There are some lovely moments - the absolute legend that is Mrs Jessie rescuing our damsel in distress, Dougal the Third and Mr Campbell, the heroine's lack of judgement in tackling cleaning jobs for people in need and so on.
I have a few niggles - the phrase "they got pregnant" which pisses me off - women by far carry the largest part of childbearing and "they" or "we" minimises this - featured. The heroine's sweet and kind of naive outlook seemed improbable given the life she has had. And there was the occasional minor grammatical issue, e.g. "the motel could burn down around us and I wouldn't care" where it should be "could have burned... wouldn't have cared."
Still, a gentle and fun read and well worth a look. I liked the author's note at the end, encouraging readers to let her know what previous characters they'd like to revisit in a cameo. It's kind of nice to think about characters we connect with being out there, carrying on with their lives off page.
This is cute. Wholesome, even, despite the heroine's mafia adjacent family. There are some lovely moments - the absolute legend that is Mrs Jessie rescuing our damsel in distress, Dougal the Third and Mr Campbell, the heroine's lack of judgement in tackling cleaning jobs for people in need and so on.
I have a few niggles - the phrase "they got pregnant" which pisses me off - women by far carry the largest part of childbearing and "they" or "we" minimises this - featured. The heroine's sweet and kind of naive outlook seemed improbable given the life she has had. And there was the occasional minor grammatical issue, e.g. "the motel could burn down around us and I wouldn't care" where it should be "could have burned... wouldn't have cared."
Still, a gentle and fun read and well worth a look. I liked the author's note at the end, encouraging readers to let her know what previous characters they'd like to revisit in a cameo. It's kind of nice to think about characters we connect with being out there, carrying on with their lives off page.
July 9, 2023
Touch Her and Die by Jolie Vines is the First book in the McRae Bodyguards. This is the story of Ben and Daisy. Ben is a apart of Gordain's bodyguard business and has been tasked with finding Daisy and making sure she is okay. Daisy is Ariel's best friend and she had to leave her behind in the states. Daisy was asked to help the family but now is being isolated and she knows something isn't right. When she goes to escape she runs into Ben and they take off to get to safety but nothing goes easy. Sparks few between these two characters. I loved them and so happy that previous characters from other books where referenced in this one. Loved it and can't wait to read more from this author and series.
July 16, 2023
Touch Her and Die is a captivating romance novel that takes readers back to the world of the Wild Scots and Wild Mountain Scots series. The story introduces Ben, a character previously seen in the background, who now takes centre stage. As Ben grapples with his past trauma and unresolved emotions, he finds it challenging to form a meaningful relationship with Daisy, the story's heroine. Jolie skillfully crafts grumpy yet endearing personalities for the main characters, resulting in a balanced and engaging narrative. While Daisy pursues her own journey of self-discovery and escapes her mafia-esque family, her tendency to overlook potential dangers becomes a source of mixed feelings for readers.
Additionally, some readers may find that Ben loses some of his alpha qualities as the book progresses. The ending is somewhat anticlimactic, but the inclusion of familiar and new characters adds depth to the story. Touch Her and Die successfully continues Jolie's interconnected worldbuilding and leaves readers eagerly anticipating future instalments in the McRae Bodyguards series. Overall, it is a captivating romance with emotional depth and a strong sense of familial connection.
Additionally, some readers may find that Ben loses some of his alpha qualities as the book progresses. The ending is somewhat anticlimactic, but the inclusion of familiar and new characters adds depth to the story. Touch Her and Die successfully continues Jolie's interconnected worldbuilding and leaves readers eagerly anticipating future instalments in the McRae Bodyguards series. Overall, it is a captivating romance with emotional depth and a strong sense of familial connection.
August 7, 2023
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Protector
Spice: 🥵 yes
Series: McRae Bodyguards, book 1
Thoughts - Hello Ben, if he was coming to my rescue I would gladly be a damsel In distress. I loved that Daisy MFC was confident as much as she just needed to keep moving forward. she had an idea of what she wanted from life and Ben MMC needed to do a lot of catching up, but thankfully he got there, yay HEA. Special mention to Valentine, how to I always become way to involved with side characters, but he is everything!! Jolie Vines never fails to write a story I don’t love so definitely read her other books and this one.
Plot - Ben is taking a break from bodyguarding, traveling to America to see his family and will quickly check on his friends BFF, who had suddenly stopped contacting her. What he didn’t expect is to become enamoured with the woman he finds escaping the house wearing only her underwear, especially as she’s the woman he’s meant to check on.
* Found family
* That spice 🌶️
* Strong MFC
* Bodyguard
* Curvy MFC
“What to do when he’s the biggest jerk?”
Isobel: How big?
Ariel: On a scale from keying his car to slamming his dick in a door, it’s up there.
Isobel: Tequila shots. Stat.”
Genre: Protector
Spice: 🥵 yes
Series: McRae Bodyguards, book 1
Thoughts - Hello Ben, if he was coming to my rescue I would gladly be a damsel In distress. I loved that Daisy MFC was confident as much as she just needed to keep moving forward. she had an idea of what she wanted from life and Ben MMC needed to do a lot of catching up, but thankfully he got there, yay HEA. Special mention to Valentine, how to I always become way to involved with side characters, but he is everything!! Jolie Vines never fails to write a story I don’t love so definitely read her other books and this one.
Plot - Ben is taking a break from bodyguarding, traveling to America to see his family and will quickly check on his friends BFF, who had suddenly stopped contacting her. What he didn’t expect is to become enamoured with the woman he finds escaping the house wearing only her underwear, especially as she’s the woman he’s meant to check on.
* Found family
* That spice 🌶️
* Strong MFC
* Bodyguard
* Curvy MFC
“What to do when he’s the biggest jerk?”
Isobel: How big?
Ariel: On a scale from keying his car to slamming his dick in a door, it’s up there.
Isobel: Tequila shots. Stat.”
July 1, 2023
Ok, so this is one hell of a book!! I am in love with the McRae Bodyguards!! I absolutely love how Jolie brings all her characters to life, and in this one, she did not disappoint!! The cameos in this one are spectacular!! All the suspense and heat had me on the edge of my seat!! I finished this one in 1 day!! I am addicted to this series already!! Ben Graham is totally swoon worthy!! Daisy Devereux is one kick ass heroine!! The chemistry between these two is off the charts!! I fell in love with Ben in the airport(that nearly broke my heart and put it back together) scene!! I don't want to give too much away, but Ben's mother, that was a hard one to read!! I absolutely love the mention of another one of my favorite authors and that book!! Jolie, you always make me want to live in these books!!! I can not wait for the next book to come out!!!
January 27, 2025
Jolie Vines is my new auto buy author.
This book is the perfect mix of gorgeous romance and intriguing story.
He is the most delicious tortured grump who adores her and falls hard fast…
She learns how to take what she wants after a life of sitting back and being the good girls for everyone else.
It’s spicey, sweet, fun but still quite gritty.
I’ve read both the body count series and Dark Island Scotts as well, this is the perfect softer romance within the same world.
I audiobooked it and it was a great duet performance!
This book is the perfect mix of gorgeous romance and intriguing story.
He is the most delicious tortured grump who adores her and falls hard fast…
She learns how to take what she wants after a life of sitting back and being the good girls for everyone else.
It’s spicey, sweet, fun but still quite gritty.
I’ve read both the body count series and Dark Island Scotts as well, this is the perfect softer romance within the same world.
I audiobooked it and it was a great duet performance!
March 16, 2026
Cute little Scottish romance. I loved Daisy and her personality- she was very fierce and confident. Ben was a great grumpy-turned-sunshine character and I loved the big bulky male stereotype he had. Some of the storyline seemed rushed and the whole “who tried to kidnap her” thing wrapped up too fast for me, but good overall.
Ariel and Jackson definitely were more interesting to me and sadly stole the show, so I’ll be excited to read their story.
Ariel and Jackson definitely were more interesting to me and sadly stole the show, so I’ll be excited to read their story.
July 2, 2023
Too hot to touch but too steamy to resist! This new series starter delivers, as Jolie's books always do. Ben and Daisy are both fleeing pain and danger, but manage to find hope and healing in the midst of the chaos and uncertainty. This book is another winner, nearly impossible to put down!
July 22, 2023
Man, this book just checks so many boxes!
Bodyguard ✔️
Suspense ✔️
Sexy times ✔️
Cameos from previous stories ✔️
sexy Scottish accents ✔️
Does anyone need any other reasons to pick up this book? Mrs. Vines write an intense, sexy, fast paced story that I absolutely recommend!
Bodyguard ✔️
Suspense ✔️
Sexy times ✔️
Cameos from previous stories ✔️
sexy Scottish accents ✔️
Does anyone need any other reasons to pick up this book? Mrs. Vines write an intense, sexy, fast paced story that I absolutely recommend!
July 1, 2023
❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥Love this series starter! Cannot think of anything better than a bodyguard with a brogue! Great romantic suspense with spice…lots of layers to each of the characters with cameos from characters in other series….great read! I couldn’t put it down!❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
July 18, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and loved getting to know Ben and Daisy. The title totally says it all.
August 14, 2025
We ( and the characters) are not here for the plot.
Nice little horny read
Nice little horny read
March 6, 2024
bom smut mas sofri
September 17, 2024
Spice was spicing. Story was cute.
January 24, 2026
Yikes it took me way too long to finish this. 😬😬 It’d give it somewhere between a 1.5 and a 2. This cheesy Hallmark books aren’t for me.
March 10, 2024
back with the mcraes and the scottish boys 😻
July 18, 2023
I adored Ben and Daisy. But I also had mixed feelings about them. I loved how Daisy went after what she wanted in life and love. However, I think she drove me crazy because she never really put into an consideration how much danger she might be in. That was always an "I'll think about it later thought... let's focus on hot times with Ben first." Please don't get me wrong. I love a take charge woman but I love my growly alpha men more and as much as I loved Ben he started to lose some of that alpha as the book progressed. Also the ending kind of seemed anticlimactic to me.
Loved seeing a few of my favorites. Liked getting to know new possible couples. These two may not be up there on my favorite couples list but I can't deny my love for the McRae's and their surrounding family/friends.
*I received a free copy of this story in exchange for my honest and unbiased review*
Loved seeing a few of my favorites. Liked getting to know new possible couples. These two may not be up there on my favorite couples list but I can't deny my love for the McRae's and their surrounding family/friends.
*I received a free copy of this story in exchange for my honest and unbiased review*
February 14, 2026
Honestly, wish we could see the ages of the main characters before we started reading the book because somebody in his mid to late 30s with somebody who just turned 21 years old is disgusting and in this day and age it is even more disgusting. I am not saying that there’s not one 21 year-old in the world who could be with one 36-year-old but in general 21-year-olds are still babies and they have nothing in common with a 36-year-old man. Every single word I read in this book which granted I didn’t get very very far, showed me that this 21 year-old acted like a 16-year-old, so it made it worse. I mean, she had time to take her vibrator with her, but not to put on any clothes except her underwear. DNF.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 315 reviews