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Heaven Sent #2

Touching Rune

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Rune August embraces her life in New York City in 1894. She has lived again and again through many different time periods but has never found tranquility until she walked into St. Agnes Home for Orphans. In her heart, she believes she has found a place she can call home. She will do everything she can to give the children in the orphanage a better life.

When a developer sets his sights on the property she and the children call home, she doesn’t hesitate to fight back - and win. But that win comes at a terrible price... her life… casting her once again into the shadows.

Refusing to leave the children unprotected, she watches over and protects them in a different form… as the beloved statue in their center garden. But her time as the children’s guardian angel draws to a close when the orphanage is renovated. Rune finds herself packed away and sold. Her new home is now far away from the familiar streets of New York and the children she loves.

Sergei Vasiliev and his best friend and bodyguard, Dimitri Mihailov, run one of the most powerful computer software development companies in the world. Both men carry deep scars from their life on the streets and from living in the world of the ultra-rich. Sergei knows men want him for his power and women want him for his money. Dimitri knows that some men and women would do anything to gain the secrets their company is developing.

Their lives change when Sergei purchases a statue for their home outside of Moscow. There is something about the statue of the young woman that touches an unexpected need deep inside both of them.

An impulsive purchase and a simple wish will change their lives forever. For anyone who touches Rune learns that love and hope are what makes the world a better place. Can she warm the hearts of two bitter, scarred men before the last petal falls from the Christmas rose that grows in the garden that has become her new home or will she be forever frozen, destined to only love them from afar?

288 pages, ebook

First published December 17, 2013

80 people are currently reading
364 people want to read

About the author

S.E. Smith

261 books2,582 followers
S.E. Smith is an internationally acclaimed, New York Times and USA TODAY Bestselling author of science fiction, romance, fantasy, paranormal, and contemporary works for adults, young adults, and children. She enjoys writing a wide variety of genres that pull her readers into worlds that take them away.

Readers can check out her website at https://sesmithfl.com and chat with her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/se.smith.5

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5 stars
387 (47%)
4 stars
256 (31%)
3 stars
145 (17%)
2 stars
21 (2%)
1 star
9 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for  Rosebud.
1,052 reviews194 followers
January 2, 2014
Sergei Vasiliev & Dimitri Mihailov, best friends & successful business partners, may not be brothers by blood but having grown up together on the streets of Russia since early childhood did make them brothers of the heart. They've learned to rely on each other and share in all things, including women. Their one fantasy is to find that one special woman who will accept and love them both despite their many flaws.

Rune August has lived many mortal lives, her last being a protector of orphans at a New York city orphanage in 1894. When that life ended she was able to remain on site watching over her charges as a stone statue in the orphanage's garden. She was happy, she was content, until the decision was made that her statue needed to be removed. Sold and bought at auction she's uprooted and placed in an atrium somewhere in Russia.

Mysterious powers are at work when Rune the statue is once again brought back to life as Rune the woman. There's a reason she's been reincarnated once again. Rune just needs to find out what that reason is and if two arrogant obnoxious pushy gorgeously attractive men play any part in it before she once again dies.

Sweet adult content romantic read that features two men who have no one else but themselves to rely on and/or watch their back. Sure they now have money and stature and the resources to live like kings but they haven't forgotten their roots or that there are those who would take it all from them in a heart beat. I totally connected with them and wanted Rune to be the one who cracks their shell of suspicion and disillusionment to have a HEA ending. Of course I KNEW it would happen (SE Smith has never let me down yet) but it's the journey to that ending that makes the story. Right?

With that being said this was a book that I struggled to finish. I actually put it down multiple times over the first 30% which is rare for me as I love all books written by this author. There was just 'something' that was off. Whether that was because of the lack of depth in the world building or that parts of the story line just didn't make sense or a combination of both I'm not sure, but the result is the same. Not a big fan. Unfortunately any references I make would be spoilers which I don't do. The only very vague reference on one of the problematic areas I feel I CAN comment on is that a flower is involved.

The erotica scenes were HAWT and deliciously sensual but, for me, the plot and erotica have to compliment each other and flow. The scenes do include m-f and m-f-m without any extremely graphic or extreme elements so do know that if you do have concerns about that.

I am on the fence about two tags for this book which is another issue for me. More specifically a paranormal or urban fantasy tag. It is hinted that the paranormal-angel tag is appropriate but then again I do think that an urban fantasy tag might be instead. I just put this out there and leave it to any other readers to weigh in.

22 reviews
January 13, 2015
SE Smith created an enjoyable book that I liked as much the second time as I did the first.

Touching Rune can easily be read as a stand-alone novel, even though it is listed as the second book in SE Smith’s Heaven Sent series; so far in the series the only thing that appears to link the two books are the similar way both books feature Heroines who keep living short/repeated lives and the fact that they deal with a polyandrous relationship, M/F/M (two heroes and one heroine).

Touching Rune is a paranormal contemporary romance with the paranormal element consisting of the heroine returning to earth to help others until she dies again and then the process repeating in another place and time on earth (when the story begins you get the feeling this had occurred several times already).

The majority of this story is set at an old noble estate just outside of Moscow. SE Smith does a wonderful job painting the setting so you can imagine what the estate would look like just before the Winter Holidays is snow covered Russia.

The heroes are two smart, rich, sexy best friends who have longed for someone to share their lives with but have lost hope in the goodness of humanity and so don’t really trust that women want them for anything besides their wealth. The heroine is a feisty ex-Viking who is not happy to have been sent back to earth again and can’t see how she can possibly be supposed to help the heroes. I did feel like the characters all had unique personalities and enjoyed how that shaped interactions between the three of them.

SE Smith does a good job describing the, oft time, humorous reactions of the heroine confronting the technological changes of the last hundred years and how overwhelming they could be to someone who is not used to them.

Overall an enjoyable romance that was fairly predictable but still managed to be a good read.
Profile Image for Melinda.
213 reviews5 followers
February 15, 2020
Touching Rune by S.E. Smith is a wonderful second book in The Heaven Sent series. These books can be read as stand alone. Although with the ending of this one it leaves a little mystery that maybe the foundation setting for book 3 or a future book. Rune has lived past lives and knows her time is short so she does not allow herself to get close to others. Until she wakes up in the home of Sergei and his bodyguard Dimitri. Will Rune have enough time to soften the hearts of these two men before time is up and will she be able to let go when the last petal falls?
Profile Image for Bunny.
279 reviews
May 24, 2017
3.45 Angel Stars

In the series Heaven Sent, there are young women, who have tragically died before their time, given the chance to live many lives and work to help others and answer prayers. Despite what it sounds like, Smith manages to avoid a Christian slant (it helps that in the second book the woman pre-dates christianity) and brings a more spiritual note to this adult romance. I really really wanted to love this book. The first book in the series, Lily's Cowboys, was a favorite and I've always enjoyed Smith's sci-fi novels. Unfortunately, all the things that prevented the first book from being five stars were present in this book and more.

Rune August is the daughter of a Viking warrior who died defending her family and honor in battle. She has since lived hundreds of lives helping people only to die (always tragically) and be reborn again. In all her lives, the only real place she felt at home was in 1894 at St. Agnes Orphanage. When her time is again coming to an end, she asks one thing of the god that has been in control of her fate. She wishes to spend the rest of her time protecting these children. Wish granted, she spends the next century as a statue in the garden of the orphanage until she is sold to wealthy brothers in Russia.

My problem with this story is this: although Rune is a well-developed and extremely lovable character, neither of the two male leads really are. The romance was quick and the only really explanation we receive is that Rune meets all the requirements on their "wishlist" for their woman and she's hot. Rune's point of view is much more developed and we see a little bit into her opening her heart to the men. The fact that the men don't feel developed is strange because both of their POVs are included at parts. The romance feels rushed because although the facts are presented as to why they could fall in love (they want passion, she's passionate/she wants a family, they can give her one), it isn't built up by actual events.
I enjoyed that the main character was very different from Lily in the first book and I like that they had very different ideas of why they were being reborn. Lily was raised deeply Christian but Rune was raised with the Nordic Pantheon. Rune was quick to fight and protect where Lily was sweet and loving.
Overall, a good book but I doubt I will reread it like I did the first. I'm unsure if I will continue to the third book as I kinda wanted a new character but the next book is Rune's sister.

Profile Image for Shan ~A~.
3,426 reviews66 followers
August 26, 2024
Rune August, Sergei Vasiliev, Dimitri Mihailov

I liked this one more than the last, mainly because there was more detail into how Rune ended up in this position. It also felt real that they didn't automatically believe her even if it frustrated the crap out of me.

I loved that Rune didn't take any crap off the guys or anyone for that matter. It would have been unbelievable that men who came from where they came from would have enjoyed a docile woman.

The ending gave hope for more to come in this series, but that doesn't look like it's going to happen. I would have love to have seen more from her siblings.

I just wonder why the author didn't make this series connected through Rune and her family instead of them only being similar in the guardian angel aspect.
Profile Image for Lesa O'Hara.
18 reviews3 followers
July 23, 2017
New way to look at our world thru New eyes

I have just enjoyed a very good book. I have read Mrs Smith's books before and have never been disappointed. Very steamy sex scenes so I would recommend 18plus, but very well written. A unique way to see into our world with infinite possibilities. You will not be disappointed in her writing. I recommend her to my friends all the time. Anew look at the role of guardian angel.
Profile Image for Diana Woodward.
349 reviews
October 3, 2017
To heaven and back

Nice to read of guardian angels vs time travel to right a wrong. To save a life could change a future or someone die and future development. Which would be correct, only God knows. Look forward to the next sisters and brother story. Read all your books. Have read a b a d one yet.
1,137 reviews3 followers
April 28, 2018
Touching Rune by s.e. Smith

You'll call in love with Rune,she's an amazing selfless character that will have you getting for her to get her HEA. Amazing storyline of three people who desperately need each other. A must read as all of S.E.Smith's are!!! Can't wait for Dalla's story!!

33 reviews1 follower
April 25, 2018
Rune

Wow and avoided buying this book for 3 years and I finally broke down and bought it and I cried throughout the book it was beautiful and I wish to know more about the family anxiously waiting sorry it took me so long to read
Profile Image for JodyL.
1,644 reviews5 followers
September 13, 2019
I liked this book better than the first one.
Rune tells the men about the real her, there is no hiding the fact that she will be leaving them as soon as she has accomplished the task set before her.
I love the interaction between Sergey, Dimitri and Rune. The ending is great too!
114 reviews
December 19, 2021
I love this story!

I truly love this series. It’s such a unique story. S.E. Smith never disappoints! This no exception. I love Rune; so very feisty. I hope she continues this series soon.
Profile Image for Lois Alston.
1,864 reviews3 followers
May 11, 2018
Great story

Romance coupled with some danger. Sacrifices can have their own rewards in time. Loved how this story contained both sacrifice and the reward.
Profile Image for Dianne Donovan.
35 reviews2 followers
February 27, 2020
Loved Touching Rune!!!

I loved this story and I can't wait for the next one. SE Smith knows how to tell a story that keeps you entertained and into the story,
15 reviews
March 13, 2021
Not bad.

I love this story but the author left it hanging with Della's challenge and no book been written. Where is it?
Profile Image for Beverly.
1,634 reviews40 followers
January 9, 2023
I enjoyed the premise and the characters. It had more erotic sex than I personally like, but the narration was really good.
43 reviews2 followers
August 9, 2016
3.5 Stars

I started reading the author’s books years ago, before she even had an editor. I like almost all of her stories, but I have to say that this is one of her weakest efforts.

There are several things I like about S. E. Smith’s books (including this one): The world building is interesting and the characters likable. The heroes are strong alpha-males without being jerks, and the heroine is strong and smart and definitely has a backbone. Also, the author doesn’t use the ‘big misunderstanding that could be cleared up with one good talk’ to create tension between her characters. There are definite challenges that the heroes and the heroine have to overcome, but they’re ‘external’ challenges that aren’t due to a lack of communication.

For me, S. E. Smith’s books are like cotton candy: light, sweet, and fluffy. Something I indulge in every now and again. That being said, this book (and the previous two) were too sickly sweet for me. I know, I know – I read these books for the romance, that’s true. But at some point it’s just too much. There are pages upon pages where the characters swear their eternal love and devotion. I felt like I was intruding on their privacy and should leave them alone for a while.

This is one book where I wish I could give a review with half a star. I give the four stars because I’m going to buy the author’s next book. Three stars, for me, mean that I’m not going to buy the next book in the series. But it was definitely a borderline case.

This is the second novel in a series but can be read as a standalone. The storyline is completely disconnected from the first book, Lily’s Cowboys.
Profile Image for Nicolle.
43 reviews6 followers
January 3, 2014
Awesome

Another awesome read to this series by this talented author. I have read all the books in her various series and I must say that with each series the books get better. Not many people believe in reincarnation but it is not even about that it is always about what the power of love can do for a person. All of S.E books are awesome reads and I truly recommend them to anyone looking for fun, happy, sexy reads. Yes some of them have a bit of sci-fi feel to then but the end results always revolves around love. Enjoyed this book as well as all the others from the other series. Highly recommend this author and her books.
Profile Image for Elisa.
403 reviews19 followers
March 6, 2022
A sweet menage??? Really? YUP!

Very sweet touching book. I completely enjoyed it although I did go through a few tissues near the end there. There were a few things I wish had been explained a bit better, but if you need something that is just going to make you feel good, this is the book to buy. Also, since I know some of you wonder about these things, while there weren't a lot of sex scenes, the ones there were, were pretty steamy.

S.E. Smith is on my 'must-buy' list. I have only one more book to go to finish up all the back list and now I have to wait (impatiently I might add) for the next books to get here.
607 reviews5 followers
December 31, 2013
POSSIBLE SPOILERS

I like SE Smith's books and love that she writes so many of them. However, this series doesn't quite work for me. I enjoyed this book but felt if I thought too much about the plot, there are too many holes for me to pick at (eg: security experts being foiled by an actress, same actress somehow gaining access to their itinerary to set up an assassination attempt).

So whilst I'm definitely looking forward to SES's next book, I'm not counting down to the next in this series.
Profile Image for Lucy Kelly.
Author 17 books87 followers
May 31, 2014
Sue is a wonderful writer. This is her second ménage book and a really great story. A woman is reincarnated (in a way)living only long enough to make changes for the good in someone's life and then she dies to move on to the next. What happens when she drops into the life of two best friends who need her?
Profile Image for Teresa Cranner.
68 reviews7 followers
January 17, 2015
I only give 5 stars to books that make me cry, so you know what happened while reading this one...
I also love love love it when there are references to Norway or actual Norwegian in books by non-Norwegian authors, so I think this one should have 6 stars just for that!!
S.E. Smith, you are quickly becoming on of my most favorite authors! <3
800 reviews6 followers
November 9, 2015
Touching and romantic

S.E. Smith is a natural writer with such a gift that she shares with her fans. Rune's story is that of a young woman transported through time to help and protect innocents from harm. I am looking forward to the next book in this series, sister Dalla. Bring it!
Profile Image for Jessica Parsons .
313 reviews7 followers
December 26, 2013
Another great read by this author.

i loved Rune she was a great character, really enjoyed how she reacted to things and showed the men the small joys to be had in life and that not everyone was after there money. Looking forward to more in this series
Profile Image for Angarad.
1,503 reviews22 followers
December 26, 2013
So funny and emotional. I love how Rune could make both Sergei and Dimitri laugh and feel again.
I just wish this book would have been longer but if Dallas's story comes out soon, I ll be happy enough.
Profile Image for ValerieC.
1,343 reviews56 followers
December 28, 2013
Ok... so I actually cried several times during this one. If you don't like tear-jerkers, steer clear, but you will be missing out on another great S.E. Smith book! I will read the next one as soon as it's available.
Profile Image for Heather.
695 reviews1 follower
September 30, 2020
This is the second book in this series.
Rune is a wonderful young woman that certainly deserves a chance at life and love. She has seen so much ugliness and violence in her lives. She has an old soul with a young spirit. Ilike her.
Profile Image for Vixen.
293 reviews
May 30, 2017
Loves it!

It had it's funny moments. Rune was sometimes hilarious and so sweet. The men were awesome and lived the heat between all three of them. Have been waiting forever it seems for the third book to come out.
Profile Image for Emilia Renna.
25 reviews
June 6, 2020
continuing????

When are you going to write, Challenging Calls and others??????? I have read them all repeatedly!! have will be 80 on 8/4/20. I would love to finish these series before I pass!!!!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews

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