A Luminous Touch

Senses and Sensations #3

by Susan Laine

A Senses and Sensations Story Just off work one wintery evening, EMT Jack Waters comes across a blazing building, and he sets out to do his job. A day later he wakes up in a hospital, suffering from severe burns. For a man who values his beauty, the injury is devastating. But Jack hardly has time to process what’s happened. Waiting by his bedside are his cop ex-boyfriend, Kevin Thompson, and his fireman rescuer, Luke Kennard, who both seem determined to compete for his attention—burns or no. Jack pushes Kevin away, fearing the man will want nothing to do with him now, and seems to be proven right when Kevin leaves without a fight. The scene is set for seductive, playful Luke to begin a flirtation with Jack, soothing his fragile ego. When new fires break out all over town, targeting rescue personnel, clues point to someone close to Jack. He survived one fire, but he might not be so lucky next time. For it seems he is pursued by a relentless foe. If he isn’t careful, the flames will reduce him to ashes… unless the love of two men burns him first.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Romance, LGBT, Second Chance, Firefighters, Gay

148 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 26, 2013

About the author

Susan is an award-winning author of LGBTQ erotic romance. She writes for Dreamspinner Press, DSP Publications, Siren BookStrand, Evernight Publishing, and Less Than Three Press. Susan is a Finn writing in English. She likes action flicks, pop music, saunas, and the seasons in Finland. Join Susan's newsletter HERE.

Coming soon new M/M and F/F erotic romances....

Sorry but... I'm taking a bit of a hiatus from writing at the moment. Will keep you apprised of any changes. Huge thanks to anyone who has read my stories and, hopefully, liked them <3

Merry Christmas!

Reviews

[Anna Zedda · Rating 4 out of 5]

voglio le mezze stelline 3 1/2 sarebbe il.voto giusto

[Pixie Mmgoodbookreviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 - 4 Hearts

Review written for MM Good Book Reviews

http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/

This story is part of a series and is best enjoyed in order, although this story can be read as a stand-alone. When Jack hears a woman’s scream and a child’s crying when he is on his way home from work as an EMT he doesn’t think twice about running into a burning building. Waking up in hospital with burns is hard especially when his ex-lover Kevin is in the room, but he rallies when sexy fire-fighter and his rescuer Luke comes to visit. Kevin is pushed away as Jack seems to welcome Luke, and Kevin refuses to just step aside, as Kevin investigates the fires a chilling pattern is found and Jack becomes the target of the arsonists rage.

This is an interesting story of opposites attracting but finding it difficult to connect in a relationship, add in an admirer and a firebug with an obsession and we have an explosive story. Jack comes across as flighty, he loves attention, he loves flirting and he’s boisterous and energetic and although he has deep feelings for Kevin he can’t work out why they keep going their separate ways. Kevin is a more staid man, he’s quite, keeps his emotions to himself and is prudent and stoic, he loves Jack and thinks he knows why they can’t stay together, but he isn’t giving up on them.

Luke is introduced as a potential love interest, but don’t be fooled he is pivotal to the storyline, but not how we first suspect… and not how we secondly suspect either (is that mysterious enough for you *g*). This story has two main focal points, the first is the relationship between Kevin and Jack and them working out between them where they keep going wrong and the second focal point is the mystery of the firebug and his reign of terror and his obsession. Kevin and Jack keep missing the mark and it isn’t until they have a heart to heart that they both face the facts and recognise their own failings, but their love always brought them back together and now they might be able to move forward… but then there is Luke, the sweet sexy fireman with his perchance for bringing roses to Jack.

The mystery surrounding the firebug is really interesting and the way that Jack gets dragged into danger by being in the wrong place at the wrong time adds some tension, you get pulled into the story even while you think at times that Jack acts like a child, you truly want to slap him as he rubs Luke in Kevin’s face. Luckily Jack wises up, but you still want to give him a little slap. I really did like this storyline with its twists and mysterious firebug, and I also liked the way that Jack and Kevin had to delve into themselves to fix their relationship, their relationship isn’t perfect but they don’t give up even when tempted by external forces. I really do hope that Susan Laine will write a story for Luke, because after everything in this book he really deserves his own story.

I have to recommend this to those who love messy relationships, admitting your faults, grabbing onto love, a mystery, danger, hot sex and a happy ending.

[Chappy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so glad Kevin and Jack were able to find a way to resolve their issues. When they get together, boy do the sparks fly. Loved the wax-play scene, don't see those very often.

[Gigi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Luminous Touch is the third in the Senses and Sensations series, behind Sounds of Love and Love in Plain Sight. While I absolutely loved the first two books, focused on a deaf police officer volunteer, Sebastian, and his police officer lover, Jordan, I wasn't quite as taken with this book and it's MCs. Jack, an EMT and Jordan's brother and Kevin, Jordan's police officer partner. The sparks and romance and passion that made the first two books so special were not present in this book. But just because it's not great doesn't mean it's not readable. I still enjoyed it and can recommend it to M/M romance fans looking for some mild angst and healing/comfort. But if it is a toss up between the three books, there is no contest. Read the first one Sounds of Love. It's lovely.

[Gabbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Susan Laine’s books. The Senses and Sensations series is one of my favorites. I’ve been looking forward to reading Jack and Kevin’s book for some time now and was very excited to finally get my greedy hands on a copy of it.

One of the main reasons why I love this series so much is because the characters are so well-written and the story so emotionally driven, you can’t help but care about them. Even though they are far from perfect, they live and breathe off of the written page and into this reader’s heart.

The blurb does an excellent job at describing the story, so I won’t rehash it. We met Jack in the first book of the series and it was apparent that he and Kevin had some sizzling chemistry together. But because Jack has a tendency to be wary of being in a committed relationship, he and Kevin’s relationship has been on and off for several months.

When Jack gets injured, he slowly begins to open his eyes and really see what’s important in life. He soon discovers that his feelings of love he has for Kevin won’t be denied and that life is too short to live in fear. I loved that Ms. Laine didn’t rush this realization for Jack…instead she built it up very realistically and when he does finally open his heart, it brought tears to this reader’s eyes.

I can’t wait to for Ms. Laine to write more of about these characters. Once you read these stories, you too will totally fall in love with these amazing men. (I hope Bro’s story will come soon!) A Luminous Touch is the third book in the Senses and Sensations series. Although it could probably be read as a stand-alone book in the series, I highly recommend reading these books in series order. This way you’ll be able to watch these characters meet, interact and truly form a deep respect and love between them.
Highly Recommended!

The Senses and Sensations books in series order are:

Sounds of Love
Love in Plain Sight
A Luminous Touch

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Der Rettungssanitäter Jack und der Polizist Kevin führen seit einem Jahr eine On-Off-Beziehung. Irgendwie will es nicht so richtig klappen, auch wenn durchaus starke Gefühle im Spiel sind. Doch die beiden Männer sind auch sehr verschieden und Jack liebt es zu spielen; sich auszuprobieren und die Aufmerksamkeit anderer Männer. Dabei zieht es ihn aber immer wieder zurück zu Kevin, der das alles scheinbar stoisch erträgt.

Doch in Kevin brodelt es, denn Jack bedeutet ihm viel mehr, als er eigentlich zugeben möchte. Als Jack bei einem Feuer schwer verletzt wird und danach von einem Feuerwehrmann umworben wird, kann er seine Hilflosigkeit und Eifersucht kaum verbergen. Doch auch für Jack steht nur mehr auf dem Spiel und er muss endlich erwachsen werden und entscheiden was er wirklich will. Und was er bereit ist zu geben.

Kevin und Jack kennt man schon vom ersten Teil der Reihe und müssen hier nicht weiter vorgestellt werden. Vielleicht dachte sich die Autorin auch deswegen, dass sie die Protagonisten nicht näher beschreiben muss. Damit ging der Geschichte leider etwas an Zauber verloren. Kevin und Jack sind tolle Protas, die sehr vielschichtig und interessant sind. Leider erfährt man nur wenig aus ihrer Vergangenheit und Jack ist zeitweise ziemlich anstrengend und auch nur mäßig sympathisch.

Die Geschichte selbst wird ohne Längen, aber eben auch ohne Tiefe erzählt. Der Handlungsstrang mit den Brandstiftungen wird banal und vage abgehandelt und auch der Rivale geht dem Leser nicht wirklich unter die Haut. Schade um die Geschichte, aus der man wirklich deutlich mehr herausholen hätte können. Aber wengistens gab es ja noch Jordan und Sebastian, sowie dessen Bruder Bro. An sich ein nette Couchlektüre, die leider nicht sehr lange im Gedächtnis bleiben wird.

[Rita87 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aspettavo da tanto questo libro, ma alla fine mi ha lasciata con l'amaro in bocca, la storia è bella e i due protagonisti risultano eccezionali dispetto a Bas e Jordan che mi sono risultati in entrambi i libri apatici, jack e Kevin invece rilasciano belle sensazioni, ma avrei sinceramente picchiato Jack, con il suo un atteggiamento a volte fin troppo immaturo. E questo dato poi dalla fretta di molte parti, mi ha letteralmente lasciata con l'amarognolo in bocca.
Peccato, avrei voluto vedere più di loro due come protagonisti, ma troppe seghe mentali, e la voglia di rimanere un ragazzo piacente è desiderabile mi hanno davvero lasciato così così..
consiglio comunque la lettura a chi ama questa scrittrice. Perché ben scritti e ben tradotti.

[Page Crusherz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the first two, but I was wary of this from the beginning. I'm not ashamed to say I skipped to the end and then went right back. I'm glad I did because I could enjoy the chemistry more as I watched it build.

I love these guys and I'll keep coming back :)

[Ivka_s_knihou · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 stars... i love this. maybe because i was in the mood for deconstructing some relationship, but it was a hit with me. i would like very much Luke's book next.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Touching, hot and romantic. Loved to see this crazy but lovely "Family" again.

[Romance and Fantasy for Cosmopolitan Girls · Rating 3 out of 5]

Romance and Fantasy for Cosmopolitan Girls
Con le premesse contenute nel libro precedente della serie, non vedevo l’ora di leggere questo libro dedicato allo spigliato ed irriverente Jack, fratello minore di Jordan, e il calmo e posato Kevin, partner in polizia di Jordan. Purtroppo, però, sono rimasta un po’ delusa. L’autrice ci catapulta in un edificio in fiamme e poi in una stanza d’ospedale con un odioso Jack che tratta malissimo il povero Kevin. Non viene fatto il minimo accenno ai loro trascorsi se non un laconico “abbiamo scopato” di Jack mentre cerca di spiegare a Luke come stanno le cose. Insomma, a mio parere, la storia sarebbe stata maggiormente godibile se ci fosse stata la possibilità di conoscere meglio i retroscena della situazione creatasi tra i due. Durante lo svolgersi dell’azione, con i pov alternati tra Jack e Kev, si riceve una breve e vaga spiegazione su ciò che non aveva permesso alla loro storia di decollare, ma mi sarebbe piaciuto decisamente di più avere uno spaccato più esaustivo. Anche perché così Jack appare solo un ragazzino petulante, tutto concentrato su se stesso e sull’apparenza e ci si chiede cosa ci possa trovare Kevin in uno così. Ovviamente poi la storia migliora, ma in un centinaio di pagine si concentrano troppi fatti, viene messa troppa carne al fuoco e la fine arriva decisamente troppo presto.
Insomma una lettura scorrevole dove ritroviamo, anche se marginalmente, Sebastian e Jordan (più innamorati che mai), ma che a mio parere avrebbe potuto approfondire meglio molti aspetti non solo della storia tra Jack e Kev, ma anche il background stesso dei personaggi secondari come Luke che pare solo una meteora mentre la trama presupponeva un suo corteggiamento serrato nei confronti di Jack e una concorrenza all’ultimo sangue con Kev. Adesso ripongo tutte le mie speranze nel capitolo successivo della serie perché spero ardentemente che Bro e Lacey abbiano il libro che meritano.

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[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series. It can be read as a stand alone, but it’s better if you know read them in order.

The Sense and Sensations series has been both hit and miss for me. The books are equal parts romance and mystery. With each book, I tend to be really into one part of the book and not as interested in the other part. My interest varies with the book, one time I will be caught up in the mystery and the next it will be the romance. I keep hoping for the book which will capture my attention with both.

A Luminous Touch started out well. Jack was floating in and out of consciousness, only to wake up in the hospital and discover he has been in a terrible fire. At his bedside are his brother, Jordan, and his ex, Kevin. It was a good start because the reader is thrown right into the drama of the suspicious fire as well as the relationship drama between Kevin and Jack. They’ve had a confusing on-again, off-again relationship in the past, but it’s always happened in the background of the other books. The reasons were never explained, so they have always piqued my interest.

Their romance was my favorite part of this book. The addition of Luke, who stirs up a lot of jealousy in Kevin, and the fear for Jack’s safety, brought on by the suspicious fires, are the catalysts which finally force them to confront what has been holding their relationship back. It was compelling, and sifting through the various layers of their personalities to finally understand the root of their issues together was interesting.

Then, there was the mystery of the fires. That never managed to capture my attention. For me, it came across as more of a series of events rather than a true mystery. I never felt a burning desire to understand why the fires were happening or to discover the identity of the person setting them. I believe this is a story which could have been better if it had been longer. There simply wasn’t enough time to properly build the suspense.

I would recommend this book to fans of the series, as the romance between Jack and Kevin answers a lot of lingering questions from the other books.

[Aurora Corsini · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nel terzo libro della serie “Sensi e sentimenti”, l’attenzione si sposta su Jack, il fratello minore di Jordan, che nei capitoli precedenti ha vissuto una storia intermittente con Kevin, poliziotto partner del fratello. All’inizio lo troviamo intrappolato nelle fiamme e poi ferito, la bellezza su cui basa molte, troppe, delle sue certezze, deturpata in modo definitivo. La vanità è senza dubbio il suo peccato, che lo spinge a rifiutare quella che crede essere pietà da parte di Kevin, il quale da parte sua è fin troppo chiuso in se stesso, incapace di esprimere quell’amore che lo spinge a tornare sempre da Jack.
Un terzo affascinante incomodo, il pompiere Luke, ruba l’attenzione di Jack e tutto sembra precipitare, mentre scoppiano incendi sempre più mirati e la vita stessa del paramedico ferito è in pericolo. Toccherà a Jack e Kevin essere coraggiosi, decidendo se valga la pena esporsi l’uno per l’altro e abbandonare preconcetti e paure che li avevano tenuti lontani.
Ancora una volta, come nei romanzi precedenti della serie, Susan Laine pone, tramite i propri personaggi, domande sulla natura dell’amore, concentrandosi adesso sulla luminosità del suo tocco unico, qualcosa capace di illuminare gli animi e portare allo scoperto la verità dei sentimenti. Il messaggio è alto, senza dubbio, ma il modo in cui esso viene veicolato ha indubbiamente qualche falla, perché troppi dei passaggi nella vicenda corrono via veloci, oppure sono in bilico tra lo scontato e il già visto. Questo non toglie valore alla storia, ma certamente lo attenua. Restano comunque tutti i personaggi che abbiamo imparato ad amare di libro in libro, ritrovandoli volentieri anche qui, stretti intorno a Jack nel momento del bisogno, e rimane anche il sorriso finale di un sentimento riaffermato, stavolta senza indugi. (recensione pubblicata anche su Romanticamente Fantasy Sito)

[Vivian · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

Sweet EMT seeks loving partner who can handle unrepentant flirting and likes dancing

Bachelor #1: Luke, sexy and caring Fireman who knows what he wants and is willing to go for it
Bachelor #2: Kevin, quiet detective and dependable partner to Jordan, Jack's older brother for years.

History from an on and off again relationship has left both Jack and Kevin feeling a bit wary. They're great together...in bed...but get into trouble with the everyday. Should they try again? Jack is more than ready to say, "Nah" but Kev isn't going anywhere. Of course, Luke is more than happy to push into the space between the two caused by their distancing from each other. Unfortunately, Jack's got more problems than being the bone two hot men are using to play tug-o-war and it's deadly.

Oddly disjointed storytelling that has a nice suspense that draws the reader in, but comes across a little melodramatic. Then there's a sprinkle of D/s and wax play with little lead in so I'm wondering as the reader when did the characters decide this? The story itself feels like it stops and goes which is affected by dialogue which is long-winded and delivered in a fashion that few humans can mimic. I guess that I wanted to like it more than I did.

Favorite quote:
Dumbfounded, Jack stared at the red rose, perfect with its long stem and just-about-to-open bud, and it was clear he had no idea what to do.

Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews
~~A copy was provided to me for a No Glitter Blown Review~~

[Anita Bianchi · Rating 3 out of 5]

http://bianchianita1971.blogspot.it/2...

Premessa: questa è una serie che amo e che fin'ora ho seguito sempre con molto piacere. Detto ciò devo dirvi onestamente che "Il Tocco dell'Amore" non mi ha convinta del tutto. Perchè? Innanzitutto a causa di Jack e Kevin: comportamenti da bimbo capriccioso il primo, zerbino quasi totale il secondo. Visti i romanzi precedenti mi sarei aspettata molto di più da questi due personaggi, in termini di comportamento ma anche di spessore. Avrei volentieri scosso questi due testoni per far entrare loro un po' di sale in zucca! Oltre ai due protagonisti ci sono anche altre situazioni che mi hanno lasciata un pochino perplessa. Un esempio? Ritengo inverosimile che un uomo che si sta riprendendo da terribili ustioni possa anche solo pensare di dedicarsi a giochi erotici con la cera bollente (anche se non è lui a riceverla sul corpo!).
Ok, ho iniziato con ciò che non mi ha convinta, ma devo dirvi anche che è stato un piacere ritrovare Sebastian, Jordan, Bro e tutti gli altri, senza contare l'ingresso di un nuovo personaggio molto promettente: Luke.
Anche la storia riserva qualche bella sorpresa, perciò...

[Nikko · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was not bad but not my favourite.m

[Dre · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was wondering if Jck and Kevin would get a book. I enjoyed their story more than the previous two, although I did like Sebastian and Jordan's stories as well.

[Rachel Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not like this as much as the previous books. I wasn't a big fan of the characters or the main relationship.

[Gyvareva · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

molto bello,trama buona e originale con personaggi interessanti e non scontati.
buona parte thriller non scontata.