Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Vesper #2

Jaded Touch

Rate this book
Three is tormented by the branding scars on her back, broken memories of her fallen creator, and the looming consequences of her secret friendship with Sychar - a male of her kind - a high crime in her world of serpentine guardians.

Then along comes Jack - the human train conductor she saves in an explosion. His touch weakens both her knees and her sense of duty. Now Three must choose between her immortal duties, her forbidden friendship, and her human lover.

With every choice comes a cost, but not every cost is hers to pay...

165 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 4, 2013

3 people are currently reading
231 people want to read

About the author

Nola Sarina

20 books100 followers
Nola Sarina is a paranormal romance, dark fantasy, and erotica author from Alberta, Canada. She loves weaving romances that leave you breathless and challenge typical relationships with the most mind-blowing twists.

Represented by Michelle Johnson of Inklings Literary Agency, Nola is the author of the spicy hot dark fantasy Vesper series. Taking vampires to a whole new level, the Vespers in Gilded Destiny & Jaded Touch live dangerously sexy lives in a harsh world of the balance between mortals and immortals.

Nola is also the co-author of Wild Hyacinthe and THE CORE with friend Emily Faith. Wild Hyacinthe portrays sexy, alpha hero from a unique perspective: an incubus who can't help but kill, while THE CORE invites every reader to throw stereotypes out the window, strip down, and get dirty.

SNEAK PEEK free chapters of all Nola's works are available on her website! http://www.nolasarina.com/sneak-a-pee...

Be sure to join her email contact list for newsletters, exclusive content and to get the latest on all Nola Sarina titles before anyone else: http://www.nolasarina.com/contact/

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
22 (44%)
4 stars
20 (40%)
3 stars
4 (8%)
2 stars
2 (4%)
1 star
1 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Books & Vodka Sodas.
1,126 reviews128 followers
July 22, 2013
It is official--I'm in lust. So much book lust is swimming around my heart and my nether regions at the moment over this series that I feel like a fan girl orgasm is in order!

This time I didn't feel like I was hit by a train, I feel like I was wrung through a blender.

Now, this is not a bad thing.

My reasons for this are because Nola went balls to the walls with her character reaper in the first book. I was panting. I was crying. I was giggling at the fantastic dialogue between Three and Jack so much--then I kept hitting the (don't get to happy) button in my brain--because ANYTHING could happen!

First off, we get more of 'The Original Mother' Vashni! I was soooo waiting for her to snap her fingers and those bully a-holes maids would fall to the ground in a pile of iron! Alas, we possibly have to deal some more with them.

Second, Three is awesome--three is full of this badassery that made me just burst. She is the type of heroine that we readers live for. Strong yet vulnerable and unafraid to show their pain. You need that or they are too hard and to--just unlikable.

Third, Ok what is up with Festus??? For real dude! Cool your jets. We get you are a big bad Vesper. And we get that you are under the thumb of the even bigger a-hole Lavititqas--but dude, I really can't wait for the woman that brings you to your knees!

And now we know--Vashni is full of awesome!

Ok, but really, this story isn't just really well written, paced, and all that wonderful technical stuff that some readers nit-pick about. It is just AWESOME!

Bring on part three, cause I'm ready for some more reader anxiety!

**I received a copy of this book via LOP on behalf of the author in exchange for an honest review.**
Profile Image for VampireNovelFan.
426 reviews227 followers
August 15, 2013
Jaded Touch (Vesper #2) by Nola Sarina

As a follow-up to Gilded Destiny, which I enjoyed quite a bit, I must say that Jaded Touch was also well done. I feel like the Vesper species is a pretty unique addition to the world of urban fantasy. My favorite part of this novel would be the origins and development of their race. Though it’s a short read, a borderline novella, it offers very solid world-building and it pulls me in as effectively as any full length novel, leaving me wanting to know what comes next. The politics and dynamics between male and female Vespers adds just the right amount of tension while still keeping things unpredictable. I still have questions, but I feel as if more layers will be peeled back in the next installment.

The relationship of Jack and Three has me on the fence. Though the dynamic didn’t always work for me, they have a lot of chemistry. As their own characters I liked them quite a bit though. Scarred and tormented, Three has to march by the beat of her own drum due to her origins, so she’s constantly getting into trouble. But deep down she is a genuine person and she’s easy to root for.

Considering how the first book ended I actually was expecting this novel to be a continuation of that one. And considering how this one ended, there are even more possibilities for the next novel. I won’t be giving away spoilers here but I certainly wouldn’t mind a revisit to what could happen between either of those potential storylines.

*ARC provided by the author
*Review also posted to Amazon.
Profile Image for Jacquelyn  Smith.
1,278 reviews
July 27, 2013
An emotional, exciting and different look in writing!


Three was born into torment because she was different branded with scars on her back from a creator that she could not remember.
He was long destroyed for crimes against the serpent guardians.

Ms Sarina is amazing when is comes to creating characters for her books.
Three's life was one of hell with her heartless sisters who torment her everyday.
Jack, Sychar, Three and Samantha was like a car crash it's real bad you don't want watch, but you can't turn away.
The story was amusement park of emotions one minute you up the next you are sad.
Over all great read, well written and I would recommend to it to everyone.



I was given this book for my honest review (LoP)
Profile Image for Felicia.
309 reviews9 followers
July 17, 2013
I received this book in exchange for an honest review (lovers of paranormal) and honestly, I enjoyed it.

This was a good book. I read it without reading the first one which was a bit confusing at first but I felt like I had a good idea about what was going on. The author did a good job tying up loose ends within the books. She answered questions that I had near the end. Initially, I wasn't really into the book because it felt rushed. Things went from 0-60 quickly but I kept reading and in the end I was happy I did. I would really like to read the first one, then reread this. That might make the rushed feeling dissipate.
45 reviews
July 21, 2013
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review (LOP). I loved the book and the main character Three. Its a little different from most of the paranormal books that I read but I would read it again. I'm looking forward to reading other books from this author. I would like to see another book in this series to see what happens with Three and Jack. Or maybe showing what happens with other Gents.
Profile Image for Tami.
147 reviews12 followers
August 27, 2013
Into the Night Reviews
Web: http://intothenightbookreviews.blogsp...
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/IntoTheNightR...
for great book reviews, new release updates, giveaways and more!!

4 out of 5 stars

I really enjoyed Jaded Touch. I think there is definite value in reading Gilded Destiny first as it does provide the back story to the Vespers. While I think you could still read Jaded Touch without it, there are some elements that will just make more sense if you do.

Three is a wonderful, head strong character. Different from other Vespers in that she was not made by the original pair, but rather made by a ‘Gent’ (a male Vesper). As a consequence she is taunted by other ‘Maids’ and susceptible to control should a Gent choose to impose himself upon her. Unlike Levitiqas, Vashni the female Vesper queen, does not banish memories from the maids unnecessarily – consequently Three has some recollection of her origins and her maker, although his precise details have been expunged from her mind.

Jaded Touch is well written. The relationship that evolves between Jack and Three is fabulous. The banter between the two is entertaining and charged with sexual tension, not to mention the underlying risk of death to them both should the Vespers discover their secret. Jack was just wonderful – his willingness to confront Three, despite the consequences clearly conveyed the depth of his feelings for her.

There are other wonderful characters in this story too, I particularly liked Sychar. Despite all the rules and restrictions imposed by the Vespar culture Three and Sychar develop a friendship – something completely forbidden. This was actually one of many transgressions from the rules by both Three and Sychar, and it had me wondering just how much control Levitiqas and Vashni really had. It also had me wondering whether there would be a future story about some sort of Vesper revolt.

As much as the Vespers are terrifying creatures I couldn’t help but feel sorry for Three and Sychar – clearly just wanting to have a level of comfort with their existence but this was simply not allowed. The manipulation by Levitiqas and Vashni is extensive and it is not until almost the very end of the story that you understand its full extent. I do hope we get a Sychar novella in the not too distant future.

There was enough in the two Vesper novellas for me to watch out for any further instalments. Jaded Touch had a bit more substance to it for me and shows great promise for more in this series.
Profile Image for Marilyn's Book Blog.
109 reviews7 followers
August 7, 2013
Jaded Touch is the second Vesper novella to be released by Nola Sarina. Technically, it could be read as a standalone. The Vespers are a combination of human and snake. This novella centers on three characters: Three, Jack, and Sychar.


Three would be considered an "outcast" Vesper because she was created differently than all the other Vespers. She was created by a Gent. Usually female Vespers are created by another female and males are created by another male. It is actually against their "laws" to create a Vesper of the opposite sex. Because of being created differently, Three has a lot of hostility shown toward her by other female Vespers.


The male Vespers (Gents) are taught to despise the female Vespers (Maids), but Sychar, a Gent, has befriended Three. They are best friends but have to keep their friendship secret because they will be severely punished if anyone finds out about it. Their connection is so strong that both Sychar and Three feel like it could have developed into something romantic if given the opportunity.


Then there is Jack. He is a human who works on the trains that the Vespers use for transportation. He knows about the Vesper world and is locked in. Once a human accepts a position in working for the Vespers, they can never leave. The only other option is death which many of the humans succumb to anyway. Jack is very attracted to Three, but that is also forbidden.


I actually feel sorry for all of the Vespers. None of them seem happy. They are not allowed to associate with the opposite sex, so none of them have any real comfort. They are punished for everything they do, and the head Vespers, Levitqas and Vashni, have complete control over their minds. When there is something they don't want their Vespers to remember, Levitiqas and Vashni can remove it from the Vespers' memories.


Jack and Three do act on their feelings for one another which does not go without consequence. They will have to deal with those consequences, but will they have to do it on their own?


There is also an interesting plot twist that takes place with Sychar which ended up making me very sad for him and for Three. I am hoping that story will be played out a little more in the next novella.


I am giving Jaded Touch a 4-STAR rating!

Read all my reviews at www.marilynbookblogger.blogspot.com
Profile Image for Up All Night Book Addict.
1,240 reviews279 followers
October 18, 2016
In Gilded Destiny, we learned that there are severe consequences for Vespers to become involved with humans. We also learned that is most likely inevitable. Now we learn that is it most definitely inevitable for Vespers and humans to come together. Vespers are expected to be a certain way, follow certain rules. With Vespers being immortal, it is more likely that they long for the relationships they would have had as humans.
I was a little lost, at first. Once I got into the book, I found myself hoping for certain things, wishing for that ending that we all want. I was not let down with the interactions between the characters. I adored Three’s character. She suffered as a human and continued to suffer as a Vesper. She felt trapped by her past; ashamed of who she was and who she is. Jack is enthralled with her. He tries to teach her that it is okay to feel, no matter what rules say otherwise. They try to find that balance.
I liked how things unfolded. I like that we didn’t get the sappy ever-after. However, we do get an “ending” that we will all be satisfied with. I left smiling and hoping for more at some point down the line.
Profile Image for Brittany Gilespie.
31 reviews2 followers
July 24, 2013
I was giving this book for an honest review (LOP) WARNING THIS REVEIW HAS A SPOILER IN IT!!!!!!!!!!!

it took me longer to get into the book. I probably would have been not as confused if I read the first one first. But other then that it was an amazing novel. Three's story has so much depth to it and once I got into it she sucked me into her world. The relationship between three and her sisters is very well written. The cleverness of finding songs that most people would recognize to taunt three was ingenious. Also I loved that it came around to Adam and Eve. The plot and story line was amazing. The twists and turns that it takes like the train crash and three saving jack then their relationship blossoming from that. Also sychar getting involved with Samantha and helping three and jack get to her mistress house. Then finding out that sychar was the one who changed three was earth shattering for me. They had such a good friendship and then you find out that he created her. This book took you on a roller coaster ride though the characters lives and emotions. It was very well written and I could recommend it to anyone
Profile Image for Tracy O’Sing.
327 reviews35 followers
October 13, 2015
After reading Gilded Destiny, I was excited to read this next book in the Vesper Series..

Three the only Maid created by a Gent! Living with the maids and feeling their scorn for what and who she is! (And they were, just plain mean)
Jack a train man his sole purpose is to drive the train for the vespers.. Knowing what they are and that everyday could be his last.... Well I'm not going to go into details and give spoilers..


Ms Sarina does an amazing job of creating characters and settings that just work. And along the way you get dragged into it and just can't put it down...
I also enjoyed (I think the favourite part of this story) the mythology behind the Vespers and how they were created...

Looking forward to reading the next book..
Overall a fast paced great read that has left me wanting more..
I would recommend this to fans of paranormal and to those who want something a little bit different..
*I received an ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review @Paranormal, Magic and Mischief blog *
Profile Image for Christine Hughes.
Author 5 books256 followers
August 13, 2013
I was looking forward to reading Nola Sarina's Jaded Touch, especially after reading Gilded Destiny. The newest in Nola's the Vesper series of novellas, she did not disappoint. In this story we meet Three, a Vesper maid and Jack, a trainman. They become locked in a forbidden relationship and the tension is palpable. If they get caught, it means death - for both of them. Within the story is the characterization of a few other kew players I look forward to getting to know. Sychar, Three's best friend and a male Vesper. The only problem is, even their relationship isn't allowed as male Vespers (Gents) and female Vespers (Maids) aren't allowed to interact - not to mention the Gents are taught to despise the Maids.
In all, the movement of the novella was fast paced, timed well and wonderfully interesting. I enjoy reading Ms. Sarina's work and highly recommend this novella to anyone longing for a different kind of paranormal read.
Profile Image for Carrie (Book Fairy) Fort .
758 reviews176 followers
August 18, 2013
FAIRY THOUGHTS
Favorite Line “There was no way I could forget him now. He made sure of it”

Man those Vespers are some crazy, amazing creatures!
Like before I'm a little grossed out by the way the eat but, man the way the fight, torture, and now love more than make up for that.
Three is different, she was made different, she thinks different. Jack works on the train and is human and is against the rules!
Three knows she should care about him but, there is something about him that she just can't let go.
There so much to learn in this book and so much more to come!
It was a great book that showed sometimes you can have all THREE!!!

I was given this book by author in exchange for an honest review.

FOUR "THREE" FAIRIES
Profile Image for Milto  (Through The Eyes Of A Book Goddess).
196 reviews22 followers
August 20, 2013
What can I say? Excellent read.

Nola Sarina has done a wonderful job with Jaded. The story picks up smoothly after Gilded Destiny and more insight is shed where the first book ends.
It is a refreshing and in-depth story. With more light shed upon Vespers (Miss Sarin's interesting breed,,,,,,,,,Half Snake/Half Human)


Without spoiling the book's content, the pyramid between Synchar, Three and Jack is powerful. Even 'monsters' are capable of feelings!!!!!


I cannot wait to find out when and if there will be a third instalment!!!!!!!! The characters in this story ALL deserve their own book!!!!

Bravo Nola Sarina!!!!!!! Jaded got me hooked!!!!
Profile Image for Kelley Harvey.
Author 10 books384 followers
August 19, 2013
OH MY! Nola Sarina spins quite a tale! This story drew me in and didn't let go until the last sentence. The characters, dialogue, and supernova love scenes make this a great read. It does deal a little with domination, but not in a freaky, he's going to beat the crap out of her kind of way... it actually surprised me-when I first figured out there was a ribbon of this theme, I expected to be turned OFF, but Nola totally kept me hooked, and let's just say turned OFF wasn't the direction I went. *wink wink*

I happily recommend JADED TOUCH to anyone who likes a hot love story with amazing characters and expert writing.

(I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.)
Profile Image for Rebecca Yarros.
Author 68 books198k followers
Read
April 16, 2023
I love the Vespers! Talk about dark, edgy, and a triple side of H.O.T. Nola Sarina has a beautiful way with words, bringing such a deep, lyrical quality to this genre. Even better than it's predecessor, Gilded Destiny, Jaded Touch is a stellar follow-up and I can't wait to see what she brings to the table next!
Profile Image for Daniel Kaye.
Author 8 books26 followers
August 7, 2013
Like a roller-coaster, the journey begins slow and builds all the way through to an exciting climax. The ups and downs of the characters’ emotions are portrayed superbly in this second part of a three part series. – This is a must read.
Profile Image for For the Love of Books.
755 reviews28 followers
November 4, 2013
Completely blind sighted, that is how I felt when reading Jaded Touch by Nora Sarina. After reading the first book in the Vesper Novella series (Gilded Destiny) I expected the next book to follow the same structure or at least to continue the same story. But, I was thrown through a loop when I encountered an entirely new story in the second novella which, I have to admit, was at least twice as good as the first one was. I have a renewed respect for the creativity and concise writing that Sarina is able to establish in her novellas. She has a knack for being able to tell a short story but leaving the reader feeling full, as if they have read a longer novel. The beauty of Jaded Touch lay in its fantastic editing, superb overall development, and the original way this novella's storyline was laid out.

It is no secret that I am a sucker for a well written novel. Not only do I demand a great story and development, but I will literally get rid of a book if it is poorly written. As is my experience with Nola Sarina, I am able to dwell in her literary world without interruption by poor grammar, punctuation, or use of words. It is a relief and a pleasure to read a book that is so well written grammatically.

Introducing new characters in a series can sometimes be a tricky feat. When I first met Three (in the novella, of course) I was immediately endeared to her, but skeptical as well. Her vulnerability and the taunting she endured by her fellow Vesper Maids was a feeling I am sure most readers can relate to. I was impressed by Sarina's ability to create a bond between myself and the main character within the first few pages of the novella. Three's taboo attraction, and ultimate relationships, with both the Gent Vesper Sychar and the human worker Jake allow the reader to develop an understanding of the loneliness that Three must endure and her deep ache to rebel against the tyranny and structure she is forced into. Her choice to love Jake and go against her Vesper leaders both risk her life and change it forever, bringing the story to a whole new level and engaging all who read it with the tornado her life becomes.

The first novella in the Vesper Novella series was amazing, I was thrilled with the storyline, the flow, and the content. My experiences with series has shown me that they usually follow either the same pattern or they are simply a continuation of the same story. What kept my attention with Jaded Touch was that it is so unlike Gilded Destiny in every way, so much so that I was constantly waiting for the stories to merge in some way. It was enlightening to find a series in which each book can be so totally different, but also similar at the same time.

Every step of the way, from the timid and stubborn first steps to the torrid and fulfilling ending, Jaded Touch kept this reader enthralled and engaged. Nola Sarina has written yet another novella that met all of the 'needs' on my list and a good number of my 'wants' for a fantastic read, with the grammar, story, and series in total. I will be sticking around for more chapters in the lives of these Vespers. ~Tara (guest reviewer)
33 reviews
August 20, 2013
Jaded Touch is the second book in the Vesper series however is perfectly capable of being a stand alone book. There are a few parts you may understand a little more if you have read book one but nothing to major that you will be lost.

I honestly think this book was better than her first one in the series. The writing was smoother, less errors (yeah, I know...My review has errors,too. But hey, I don't have an editor. LOL), and the conversations were realistic (well, as realistic as you can get in paranormal type books, LOL). I really do love the fact that Nola Sarina chose to think outside of your normal Vampire/Werewolf storyline and opt for something a little more unique.

The Maid (what female Vespers are called..I know a bit sexist sounding right? LOL) Three (Yes, her name is Three) has had a rough life as a Vesper. Always being tormented by her "sisters" because she was created differently than they were. Even her human life was full of tourture. This is her life now though, right? Follow all orders, have no relationships with anyone....a slave in ways.. No way out....Right?

Jack, while human (a very yummy human, no pun intended lol), works for the Vespers as a train operator. He knows what the Vespers are. He also understands how dangerous his job is as well. There's something about Three though that he can't get enough of and when a strange event occurs and she saves his life he gets to spend more one on one time with her. He wants her, badly. Badly enough though that he wants to risk his life for? Even if it's worth it to him, can he get her to believe that it's worth risking her life for him as well? Because after all...what he wants means death for them both.
Profile Image for Pam.
916 reviews45 followers
August 7, 2013
Three gets picked on because she is different than the other maidens. She was made by a Gent not a maiden. She also acts different. She is secretly friends with the Gent Sychar and that is forbidden. She also falls in love with a human named Jack and that can also get her killed. Not knowing much about her past she has always wondered who made her. She has more worries than that when all her secrets come out. Her lover, her friend and she all just may die.

Three is a special character. She is tough, sexy, can be funny at times and hates the traditions that hold her in place. She has some self esteem issues but she has her reasons for that. Jack is an open guy who should be very afraid of the Vespers but doesn't let it stop him from wanting Three. He isn't afraid to stand up for her even knowing he will probably die. Sychar has secrets is his own and has found a way to hide them from everyone. He loves Three because they seem the same rebellious type. They are just friends even if they may love each other.

I really liked the first book in this series and if anything I think I liked this a little more. I got totally wrapped in the story and characters and didn't want to quit reading. You have secrets, love, action, and some wicked creatures that are very original. The author does a great job creating a mix between a vampire and another creature. It may be gory of me but I loved seeing these creatures in action. I wasn't sure what would happen and had a twist I hadn't guessed to the story. I look forward to more in this series as I see it getting better with every story.
Profile Image for Reads & Reviews.
687 reviews15 followers
October 16, 2015
3.5 Stars

Nolan Sarina is a talented author. She effortlessly creates a mythology that is both intriguing and bone chilling with her Vesper series. This second installment in the series does not disappoint.

Jaded Touch is entertaining, exciting, sexy, and, surprisingly, a tear-jerker. Sarina once again tells a tale of forbidden love while revealing more of the Vespers' history and their role in protecting humanity. Three, a Vesper Maid, finds herself loving not one, but two men, that could mean not only her death, but theirs as well. When an unforseen event draws attention to her, Three must make choices that change her life forever.

Jaded Touch, as a novella, isn't long, but it packs a punch. Filled with both romance and friendship, emotions overflow, at times leaving me in tears. I adored Three's relationship with Sychar (who makes his first appearance in book one). It's clear that these two have known each other for awhile. Every page they share is warm and familiar, their conversations natural, their love for each other evident. On the other hand, I didn't really feel Three's relationship with Jack, a human, which felt forced on me for the sake of plot. Honestly, I didn't like Jack all that much and didn't care for Three when she was with him.

Overall, Jaded Touch is a fun read with a nice blend of romance, paranormal lore, and action. Heat Level: 2

*I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Keena.
2 reviews1 follower
August 9, 2013
Review for Jaded Touch- A Vesper Novella by Nola Sarina
I received this book from Paranormal Romance & Authors that rock, for an honest review. Thanks Guys!
I proudly give this Novella 4 fangs

It took three scars to break her and two men to save me. And when I made one choice. I stripped a Vesper of his past and granted another he never imagined.

Three is a Vesper known as a Maid she has lived a life of solitude in large part due to the way she became a vesper. Tormented by her sister Vespers . Sychar is a male Vesper known as a Gent. Him and Three have become friends even though it is forbidden. Jack is a human who works for the Vesper as a train operator. After a train accident Three is forced to come face to face with her foreign feelings for Jack after she saves him. Never knowing the touch of a male she doesn’t know how to handle what her body and heart are telling her. Humans are forbidden the sentence is death for both parties. What will they do for love and how does Sychar play in to it all is the driving force behind this novella. Great read. Hope we get Sychar story next.
Profile Image for Michelle.
Author 25 books454 followers
September 12, 2015
I love how this author takes an epic, tragic world and brings it to life with her character's irreverent sense of humor. Jack was the best, such a breath of fresh air. His journey with Three was wrought with twists that were never quite what I expected, and the stakes were excruciating. Plus, I find the whole idea of a vampires falling in love with a train conductor unreasonably sexy. 4 stars!
Profile Image for Renay.
345 reviews
October 23, 2015
What a roller-coaster, the beginning was a little slow but the build up was great. This book was so entertaining. I loved the excitement and the sexy people. The romance and friendship brings out emotions which many will call a tear-jerker.

This was a fun read with great action, paranormal, and romance.
Profile Image for CDBW.
1,617 reviews81 followers
October 28, 2015
4 Crazy Ass Stars!!!!

Ok, this series is getting better as I delve into each book. There's more understanding of things as explanations become more available. Ok, I'm in this story now. I'm liking where it's heading..
Profile Image for Chrissy Schneider.
1 review1 follower
August 4, 2013
I was given this book to review by LOP...

I did not read the first book.. but this book was pretty good... I did find it kind of predictable in some areas but a good read over all.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.