More Than a Touch

Snowberry Creek #2

by Alexis Morgan

In the town of Snowberry Creek, there is always hope....

Wounded in combat, Leif Brevik is haunted by survivor’s guilt. For the first time in his life—unsure if he still has a military career in his future—he feels completely lost. So when a war buddy calls for help with restoration of their fallen brother’s house, he jumps at the chance to regain a sense of purpose.

Zoe Phillips is assigned to monitor Leif’s physical therapy while he’s in town. But she’s a former military nurse, and she senses that his wounds are more than just physical. As she pushes the handsome soldier to open up, the connection between them deepens beyond the professional facade she tries to maintain.

And as Leif begins to put down roots in her beloved hometown, Zoe realizes that maybe having him around is exactly what she needs to heal her own wounded heart as well....

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Military Fiction

338 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 7, 2014

About the author

Alexis Morgan grew up near St. Louis and received a B.A. in English from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. She and her husband have made the Pacific Northwest their home for more than thirty years, where she launched her career as a writer. She is published in paranormal romance, fantasy romance, American West historicals, and most recently, contemporary romances with her new Snowberry Creek series.

Reviews

[Patrizia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stelle e mezza
Davvero una bella storia, che scorre piacevolmente. Fra l'altro i protagonisti di questo libro hanno fatto una comparsata nel cozy mystery scritto da questa autrice che ho letto pochi giorni fa: è stato bello scoprire come finiscono per formare una coppia affiatata.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes you are so busy figuring out the solution to someone else's problem, you cannot see your own. Probably because you do not want to face facts for various reasons. Certainly the case here. Another nice love story involving our returning military and what they face once they come home.

[Nancy Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet story. I love this series - and loved learning Leif's story. Can't wait for the third book - to find out about Spence. Love the whole experience of Leif growing to love the town, too.

[Lisa Malmquist · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leif Brevik is wounded and trying to get his strength back to go back tot he only life he has known in the military.
However, while in rehab he gets a glimpse of another possibility for his life. He is staying in Snowberry Creek with his ex- military Sergeant, Nick, while he gets through his rehab.
Nick wanted him to be partners in their construction company. And Lief meets the nurse at rehab and starts falling for her.
But with his life being up in the air and her PTSD from military life also hanging between them there is a lot to sort out.
Can they figure out a life together or its it just not in the cards?

[Rita · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't really like Zoe. She knew very well what was wrong with her but refused to seek help. And she knew it was ethically wrong to take on Leif as a patient when she was so attracted to him that she was unable to maintain a professional distance. I found myself more interested in Leif's journey with the other characters and with his own healing than with her. Every time they crossed the line by getting intimate while she was his doctor, I just got angry and skimmed past it. Kind of hard to find unprincipled actions romantic.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second in the series, I really liked this book, too. Leif almost lost his foot in the explosion that killed their buddy Spence; when Nick calls him to come help him with Callie’s house, he catches an immediate flight. He also has PTSD, and worries about whether he’ll be able to go back in the service. He goes to therapy, and meets Zoe. He, also, ends up staying in town. Can’t wait to read the next book.

[Denise Kulesa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexis Morgan has done it again. This book was # 2 in the series and just as amazing as the first one. This was Leif and Zoe's story. Zoe was Leif's physical therapist to help with his injuries while overseas and due to patient/doctor rules they could not date. Leif was able to get the surgery he needed to repair everything almost like new which meant no more physical therapy so they were able to overcome obstacles and be together.

I cannot wait for the 3rd book - Spence is alive?!

[Deborah Almada · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an ok read. I was glad to see the characters again. It was not as emotionally satisfying as the first. Maybe it was just that it was heavy. I understand that the subject was hard, but I guess I felt the characters weren't as fleshed out as I hoped.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read these books as a soft break between mysteries and thrillers. I don't care for the descriptive sex and thoughts of same. You can have a romance without the gory details, imo.

[Sunny (Kindles & Wine Book Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review and giveaway posted on Kindles & Wine

I struggled a bit to get into More Than a Touch . The nicknames, characters, background, etc. were written as though they should be familiar. After a bit of difficulty grasping all of the nuances, I realized why: this is the second book in the new-to-me Snowberry Creek series. {BLUSHING} Once I got the people figured out, I found myself enjoying it much more. I do plan to go back and read the first book in the series. I would love to better understand how it all started.

Snowberry Creek is the type of setting I love! It has a true hometown feel where even new people are welcome and feel like they are surrounded by friends. Leif Brevik has no plans to get attached to this town, because he has a strong need to go back to war—being a soldier is the only life he has known and is where he feels he belongs. But he likes Snowberry Creek as he goes through rehabilitation of injuries from his recent tour of duty in Afghanistan. He has a great friend to stay with who has even given him a renovation job while he heals. All of the care he is surrounded with in this town is what I loved best about Snowberry Creek. As for Leif, I loved the strength he showed in certain aspects of his life, but even more than this, I loved his vulnerabilities and how they shaped him throughout the story.

Zoe Phillips has some issues of her own. Helping others as a nurse practitioner is definitely her focus in life, but I loved how she began to see how much her life lacked otherwise. She is the ultimate professional and never crosses any lines, especially since she has her own vulnerabilities due to her time at war. But that proves to be difficult when Leif becomes one of her patients. What I loved most about Zoe was how she handled herself as everything she was comfortable with in life changed and her focus began to waver. Some of my favorite elements of this story included what she discovers about herself while treating Leif and when she lets herself experience more of the life in Snowberry Creek.

The relationship aspect of More Than a Touch took a while to get off the ground due to the baggage that both Leif and Zoe kept so close, but their chemistry was immediate. I found it frustrating yet realistic how they evolved in their relationship. I felt like it took a bit too long for their relationship to develop, yet I did like them as a couple overall. The common ground of both serving in Afghanistan created some very well-written moments throughout the story.

Once I got into the story, I felt the pacing was excellent. The heart of the issues in More Than a Touch were a constant, yet built in to that main story were some other great characters and story lines. Nick and Callie were the reason Leif ended up in Snowberry Creek and their friendships were very special. Mooch, Nick’s dog, was AWESOME! His squirrel/bird-chasing antics had me laughing out loud, and he truly brought out the best in Leif and all others he came into contact with! I loved the physical therapist, Isaac, and Mitch, a fellow patient that Leif gets into some trouble with at BEERS, the bar in town. Austin, who has had some trouble of his own, provides a very touching aspect to this story as well. I truly enjoyed the variety of characters and how they enhanced the story and made Snowberry Creek the special town it is.

Bottom Line
If you enjoy military-themed contemporary romance and stories with vulnerable characters who are in a town surrounded by those helping them, More Than a Touch would be a great book to pick up. If you like series set in a small town, Snowberry Creek is a great place to travel. I wish I would have read Book 1 in this series first, but if you are willing to work through a bit of confusion in the beginning, this can be read as a standalone.

Rating: B

Review copy courtesy of the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review

[Sandy M · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the majority of this second book in Alexis Morgan’s Snowberry Creek series. A small town where her characters are making their homes after finding love. A place where everything is possible, even when they think it’s not. Though this particular story is much slower in pace than the first, you’re right in the middle of everything these folks are going through.

There’s just one thing that doesn’t work for me.


As much as I like Leif and Zoe, their relationship is even slower than the main pace of the book. I never feel connected to them, never feel invested in what is going on between them. That’s mostly because it takes a while before there’s much interaction between them. Leif was injured in an ambush in Afghanistan in which fellow soldier Spencer was killed, so he’s now in therapy and trying to get on with life without his friend. Zoe is a physician’s assistant and is overseeing Leif’s therapy. The first good part of the book is spent in that therapy room with the physical therapist or with Leif’s new friend Mitch, a celebrated hometown quarterback, or both Leif and Zoe are talking things out with their respective friends. There’s really not much going on between them.

They initially meet at an outdoor BBQ at Callie’s, who is the heroine of the first book. Though they spend a bit of time together, there’s not a lot of attraction right off, and because they don’t spend that much time in each other’s company, that spark never flies off the page for me. By the time they get together, it’s too late for sparks. Even then, though, they go their own way afterward, Zoe worried about the professional relationship and Leif is going through a double whammy – why is he the one who survived that ambush and what’s going to happen with his military career due to his recuperation?

Now, all that being said, Leif and Zoe are great characters. They each have their own PSTD to deal with and you do feel their anguish when nightmares and flashbacks rear their ugly heads. You admire their grit and determination to get through it all and live life on their terms the best they can. I enjoy the friendships they have with others, the easy camaraderie and fun. The secondary characters are quite enjoyable. I really like Chief Logan. He tells it like it is and lets no one get away with a thing, including Leif and Mitch. And Mooch? Well, you have to read the series to find out about him and how he comes to be in Snowberry Creek. You can’t help but love Mooch. And I actually really like the side story about Austin, who we met in the first book. I didn’t expect to see him again and it turns out to be a nice twist with Leif getting totally involved with Callie’s cousin.

This is difficult for me, because Alexis Morgan has always been a favorite of mine. You can’t quite believe that a favorite’s book might not work for you, but it’s bound to happen because the old “you can’t please everyone all the time” definitely holds true. Don’t get me wrong – this isn’t a bad book by any means. What I consider a slow pace without sparks could be the exact opposite for you. So if you’re reading this series, stick with it and get to know Leif and Zoe. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series, which is going to give us twists and turns like crazy when Leif’s and Nick’s (from A Time for Home) buddy shows up out of the blue.

See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC received for an honest review
Leif Brevik and Zoe Phillips meet at a mutual friend’s barbeque. Although they are both attracted to each other. They both have some baggage that weighs them down. Corporal Leif Brevik has physical and emotional wounds. His leg was badly injured during his service in the military. Besides the limping that reminds him of his physical wounds he has survivor’s guilt. He survived and one of his closest friends, Spence, did not. He also suffers from PTSD. He is by no means a golden hero. He is still very angry and loses his cool a couple of times. I absolutely LOVED Leif!! I thought he was such a fantastic guy. He was sweet but angry. He was caring but guarded. He was completely taken with Zoe but afraid of his vulnerabilities. Leif is a genuine gentleman, he gave Zoe her space and was always so attentive and caring. You can’t help fall in love with Leif!
One of the many wonderful things that I loved from this author is that she made Spence a real part of this story. One of my favorite parts was when Leif shares a conversation with Spence, it had me in tears. The memory of their lost friend was a very real and present part of this book. Bravo Ms. Morgan! She never glamorized war and she made the soldiers and their feelings real. I thought I was reading about real people living in Snowberry Creek. The friendships and the sense of family that the characters in this book shared felt real and genuine. I felt like if I drove to Snowberry Creek I would find this close-knit community.
Zoe is a nurse practitioner and was also a part of the military. Her time in Iraq left her with her own psychological scars. For me, Zoe was harder to understand because the author gives us a l ot of insight into Leif. We know what makes him tick, what he feels and thinks. We only learn about Zoe’s own struggles towards the end of the book. I also couldn’t understand why Zoe tried to end her relationship with Leif. Although she explains that because she is treating him for his leg it would be an improper relationship between patient and doctor, she also encouraged Leif and enjoyed his company. I really loved Zoe but I found her to be full of contradictions.
As a couple Zoe and Leif were perfect and perfectly wrong for each other. Because both of them carried the experience of the military they both had some instability issues. Zoe had her own wounds and I loved that she tried to heal Leif from his wounds but she hid her own. I also loved that Zoe was ready to move on with her life and she had a very sweet and caring nature. Both Zoe and Leif were very nurturing people. They were surrounded by people that loved them. I thought that when Leif took in Austin it just made him even more fantastic. Austin provided Leif with some healing. I have to say that Austin took me by surprise I never expected him to play such a big part at the end of the story. I definitely recommend this book and even though it deals with the heavy subject of war and the impact it has on soldiers there are also many sweet and funny moments.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Setting: Snowberry Creek: Cassie’s house (soon to be a bed and breakfast); gazebo in memory of Spence; park with a stream and picnic table; Doctor’s office and Therapy room; BEER bar with pool table; court room/sheriff’s office;

Characters:
Corporal Leif Brevik: recovering from IED damaged foot/ankle – starting physical therapy; dealing with PTSD, and with future – if can return to army, or ??; Nick has invited him to join him in business;

Zoe Phillips: physician’s assistant, working with family practice medicine; had been a nurse in army, served in Afghanistan where the pain, blood, death still haunts her, especially that her fiancé died in her arms; now Leif’s doctor, she’s attracted to him, she feels for him… and she is trying to maintain professional distance (… but they keep meeting at the picnic table by the stream in the park ; )

Issac: ex-Marine, Leif’s physical therapist; tough when needs to be

Mitch Calder: town celebrity – made it to professional football / quarterback; knee surgery, home to lick wounds; becomes friends (after shaky start) with Leif as they therapy together.

Cassie and Nick: committed; starting renovations (barely); Nick returns to army finish last few weeks and muster out; Cassie and Leif looking out for each other;

Brandi: Zoe’s assistant; goth-like; fun; fashion/shopping sense bolsters Zoe; becoming friends with Austin;

Austin Locke: Cassie and then Leif reluctantly agree to support a plea for leniency, and then Cassie offers him a job to help remodel the house when his previous employer can’t take him back (hamburger joint) with his record; then Leif offers him a room in the house when his apartment manager tosses his things in the trash and pawns anything of worth; he’s got attitude at first, but eases into being trustworthy;

Sheriff Gage: monitoring things; gives Mitch and get out of jail free card when they are involved in a barroom brawl – and recognizing Leif had shifted into the past, he insists that he go to a veteran’s support group at least once and a day of community service;

Summary:
An evenly paced story of the dance between two damaged people, at a crossroads – who find their peace in each other – along with passion and joy – perhaps feeling its undeserved, but there none the less…

After a 4 month separation… him more surgery and therapy, and now little pain and 80% use – and he makes the choice to leave the army, and wants to make a life with Zoe… oh yeah, she says yes – but that she expects a proper proposal with dinner and dancing.


“He slowly walked around the truck in hopes that he’d find something that turned hmi off. No such luck. Right now he knew what a fish felt like, nibbling at the worm while doing its best to ignore the danger.”

“Leif pulled his MP3 player out of his pocket and lost himself in his music for a while. It gave him something else to think about while he kept spinning the bike pedals. Slow, fast, it didn’t matter. Regardless of the speed, he wasn’t getting anywhere fast, and if that wasn’t a metaphor for his life right now, he didn’t know what was.”

[Deb Lester · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexis Morgan's second book in the Snowberry Creek series, More than a Touch, is sweet contemporary romance about a soldier dealing with PTSD and survivor's guilt. Morgan does a fantastic job of showing the difficulties of a member of the military re-entering normal life and the adjustments they have to make. Leif and Zoe make a great couple who have some obstacles standing in their. Both are wounded in their own way and must help each other to heal. Another great book in this quaint series with a great hometown feel.

What I liked:

This was my first experience with this series and Snowberry Creek was a new town for me. I liked how similar this town was to my own small town, where many people know each other and their lives were intertwined. After loosing a hometown hero, Spence, the town is still recovering when this book starts. I liked the fact that Zoe was already a part of the town and how Leif very quickly became at home there. Mitch the hometown football star, and other characters really bring the town to life. A great new place for readers to visit.

Leif was such a great hero. He was military threw and threw. Everything they did had a commanding air and he just has that presence of a someone who has sworn to protect and serve. The fact that he had survivor's guilt even goes to show how much he cared about his fellow soldiers. I thought his struggles with PTSD seemed very realistic and heart felt. He also had a severe injury to his leg and that's how he meets Zoe.

Zoe is assigned to help Leif with his physical therapy. Even though there is a spark between them from the first time they meet Zoe refuses to let it go beyond the professional because she is determined it is not good business to date patients. But as their friendship grows it's apparent that these two were made for each other. I wasn't quite sure they were going to actually make it, until close to the end. I wished Zoe had figured things out a little sooner, but it was sweet and romantic when she did.

What I didn't like:

This one had a slow pace. It took awhile for the couple to get together and the reader doesn't get much time with them as a couple. That was my only qualm. It made the pacing seem a little draggy at times but it was still a very good love story.

Bottom Line:

This was just a very sweet romantic novel that Morgan shares with readers. It wasn't one of those books that knocks your socks off but it was definitely a feel good novel that many readers will really enjoy. I look forward to reading more about this little small town and the people who live there.

[Janga · Rating 4 out of 5]

More than a Touch is the second novel in Morgan’s Snowberry Creek series that includes “A Soldier’s Heart,” a novella that introduces Nick Jenkins, Leif Brevik, Spencer Lang, and Mooch, their four-legged warrior comrade; A Time for Home, the first novel that features Nick and Callie; “The Christmas Gift,” a novella in Christmas on Main Street that is a Snowberry Creek story but not directly related to the three Army buddies. Morgan combines the appeal of a small-town setting with the emotional punch of stories featuring heroes who are veterans scarred by war experience. Her heroes are engaged in rebuilding their lives in a town with a distinctive identity and a full cast of interesting people. The combination is not unique, but, like Robyn Carr and JoAnn Ross, Morgan gives readers characters with flaws, complexity, and a high likeability quotient and confronts them with conflicts that are credible and compelling, thus producing stories that stand out from others in the subgenre.

Leif and Zoe’s story is sometimes painfully real. Both the physical and psychological traumas that veterans carry with them from the war zone are presented vividly. Some studies place the PTSD rate among veterans of the Iraqi-Afghanistan wars at 20 percent, but other experts believe it is much higher. Such statistics, which have been widely reported, give an added level of reality to this story.

More Than a Touch is the kind of book I like best, one that focuses on relationships and allows them time to develop, the kind that keeps the romance central but shows the protagonists within the contexts of other relationships with family and friends. If you like this kind of book too, I think you will enjoy More Than a Touch. While I recommend the series, this book can be read as standalone.

Second chance is a theme that runs through the entire series. The theme reaches its zenith in the third Snowberry Creek novel, A Reason to Love, which will be released May 6. It is the story of Spencer Lang, the hometown hero believed to have been killed in Afghanistan. I look forward to returning to the small Oregon town for Spence’s story.

See full review at The Romance Dish:
http://www.theromancedish.com/2014/01...

[Michelle the Romance Witch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotion packed and filled with the sorrow and trauma of the life of a combat veteran, More Than a Touch, is the story of two people that have gone through hell and are determined to get their lives back and find their future together. Though not action packed, or filled with dangers like many contemporary romances, Leif and Zoe’s story has the most important element—Heart. Overcoming their own stubbornness and allowing themselves to heal is the first step for both Leif and Zoe, but they needed each other to push them toward those steps. Dealing with their pasts allows them each to understand that though they could live without each other, and maybe even have decent lives, only together will they truly find happiness. I hurt for Leif throughout the story when his injury plagued him or his memories left him racked with guilt, and though I can’t relate personally, I felt connected to him in a way that I never connect with most of the Heroes of my novels. Zoe was an amazing woman herself and I was thrilled when she finally opened up to Leif about her past and accepted his help in moving on. Together I know these two will find healing and the strength to build a long and happy life together. Filled with laughter, strife, love and life, More Than a Touch will take your heart on a roller coaster and leave you a better person for having had to chance to travel this road with the characters. I look forward to reading the next story soon and learning more about the future in store for Leif and Zoe and their many friends in Snowberry Creek.

for full review see my blog at:
http://romancewitchreviews.blogspot.c...

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small town romances are such enjoyment for me, I like how the characters are close, the feel is warm and welcoming yet there is still the drama of family and friends. More Than a Touch is the second book in the series and takes place immediately after the first, as the town still deals with the death of hometown hero Spence.

Leif Brevik was injured at the same time Spence was killed, and has come to Snowberry Creek to heal physically and mentally, plus he plans to help his friend Nick with the renovation of Spence’s home, Leif’s leg is in terrible condition and although he has plans to re-enlist, the doctors have not given him any timetable or guarantees, so his future is up in the air.

Zoe Phillips meets Leif at a party Nick and Callie have, there is an immediate attraction and Leif looks forward to seeing her again, unfortunately the next time they meet is at his physical therapy appointment. Zoe is a nurse practitioner and in charge of his therapy, much to the dismay of both, as she does not believe in mixing business and pleasure.

As Leif works his way through therapy they form a friendship that has both of them moving toward something more, but there are obstacles in the way that the two must get through.

More Than a Touch is an enjoyable romance filled with proud military men and women who have found a place to heal.

Complete review at: Ramblings from a Chaotic Mind

Copy from publisher for an honest review

[Tina J · Rating 3 out of 5]

More Than a Touch is Leif's story.

After coming to Snowberry Creek to help his former Sargent, Nick, Leif starts making attempts at the healing process although more often than not, it feels like "one step foward, two steps back". The pain levels in his damaged leg are increasing and his temper has been at a razor's edge.

Zoe is a nurse practitioner at the clinic that contains the physical therapy center that Leif needs to go to. Though she's a friend of Callie's and they'd met at a cookout already, seeing each other in a professional capacity throws a lot of wrenches in the works.

Both have violent pasts experiences with the military & neither are willing to admit they need outside help to cope with said experiences.

I gave this one only three stars because I felt that Leif deserved more. The book as a whole was good, but it seemed that Mitch and Austin had nearly as much "screen time" as- if not more than- Zoe. There was a lot of Leif & Mitch, Leif & Austin, Zoe & Brandi. Not as much Leif & Zoe. So, yeah, points deducted for that reason only.

[Issa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I less than stellar follow up to the first book. Leif is stuck in Snowberry Creek at the request of his friend Nick trying to heal his ankle from his injury in Afghanistan, and is taking physical therapy overseen by Zoe Phillips, a woman he met at a potluck and felt an attraction to. She puts a halt to the possible relationship for professional reasons, and the story stalls just spinning in circles and Leif waits, does his physio, makes friends, gets in bar fights, and has no respect for Zoe's professional distance. Maybe that's because Zoe is all talk and keeps going after Leif eventually sleeping with him. Shrug. Then we have weird things with her PTSD and I found myself happiest when the book was done. The problem is there really wasn't the same kind of natural angst there that the first book had so it had to be manufactured and that never works. But the next one looks like a doozy so I'm hoping the next one lives up to the first.

[Xenos · Rating 2 out of 5]

So I was really looking forward to "More Than A Touch", the second book in Alexis Morgan's "Snowberry Creek" series. I absolutely loved the first book -- "A Time For Home" -- and couldn't wait for Leif's story. What a disappointment. Leif spent more time and had more chemistry with his buddy Mitch than he did with Zoe. At one point, I actually thought Leif and Mitch might get together...It certainly would've been more exciting. Leif and Zoe's "romance" was too choppy -- they'd go days and sometimes weeks without contact -- and underdeveloped. Simple physical attraction does not a story make...I want some meat with my potatoes, darn it. The bottom line was I really didn't care if they ended up together or not.

At this point, I'm not sure if I want to read the next book. I assumed it was gonna be about Gage (which would've been interesting), but I've heard it's a back-from-the-dead book and the premise alone makes me skeptical.

[Jenelle Kellin · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the first book we met Leif. Injured in the same blast that killed the friend who ended up bringing him to Snowberry Creek, Leif is there to recuperate and heal. He meets Zoe at the physical therapy place he is sent to, as she is the resident nurse practitioner. Zoe recognizes a wounded soul in Leif, as she was a nurse who watched her loved one die in combat. She also believes that her being a few years older makes it impossible for them to be together.

Ive been reading Ms Morgans books for awhile. I adored her Paladins of Darkness series!! She is a great writer. This venture into contemporary romance is a welcome addition to my reading list! I could even compare her to Robyn Carr's Virgin River series, or Susan Mallery's Fools Gold series, which y'all know that I adore those series!! Snowberry Creek is a great series and I cant wait for more!

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

In More Than a Touch(Snowberry Creek Series #2) by Alexis Morgan, Leif is in Snowberry Creek to help his friend with some home renovations in their fallen comrad’s home. He himself was injured in the same attack that killed their friend, and he feels guilty to have been the one to survive. While Leif is in Snowberry Creek he is also working on his own physical and mental recovery…but will he recover enough to return to the military? All Leif has ever been is army. That is his family, it’s what he feels a part of. With his troubles coping and PSTD, the last thing Luke needs is to get wrapped up in the emotions of a relationship on top of everything else. Read More

[Mskychick · Rating 1 out of 5]

First of all, its not believable that an NFL player would be back in his hometown getting rehab in some little dinky dink town
2nd, the Nurse practitioner wouldn't be the one supervising a physical therapist
And 3rd, Zoe should have never EVER kissed Leif when he was her patient. EVER! And if she did, she should have tendered his care to someone else immediately.
Ugh. I'm throwing in the towel on page 158, after she's explained to him that it is a professional violation for her to be romantically involved with them, then she kisses him again. No, just NO.
Plus, it's a homey small town romance, which is not my bag. Please, bring back the PNR books, Ms. Morgan!

[Mallory · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book free of charge in exchange for a fair review. Thanks!

Just as a side note, I did not read the first book in this series, but that did not seem to matter much.

I typically don't read contemporary romance novels, but I did enjoy this book. It had a nice hometown vibe to it which I really liked. My only criticism would be the cursing - I'm pretty sure that for the first third of the book, each page had a sentence that started with "damn." (I'm only slightly exaggerating.) I just found the swearing to be repetitive and unnecessary, but overall I enjoyed this read!

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexis Morgan's "More Than a Touch (Snowberry Creek #2)" is a cute, heartwarming story between Leif Brevik and Zoe Phillips, both likable characters. One of the problems I have with this book is with the issue of believability. Whereas the characters were likable enough, they weren't really believable enough. That being said, it was still a sweet story but I do think it could have been tweeked a wee bit.
I won my copy of this book from the Goodreads.com website.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

#2 in series Strawberry Creek I read this while on vacation, finished on the flight home from Ireland. Leif Brevik was badly injured while serving in the military. He is drawn to Strawberry Creek to do his rehab and to help a buddy restore a house. Things go well until he meets Zoe, a former military nurse and the person in charge of his physical therapy! It is a good story of friends helping friends, romance, and the kindness of others.

[Elizabeth H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book so much I bought the first book! This was my first Alexis Morgan read and I quickly became a fan!

Full review posted at Cocktails & Books blog!

http://www.cocktailsandbooks.com/revi...

A HUGE thanks to the publisher for providing the ARC!

[Allana Kellett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. I currently have a problem with my leg like the main character and am going thru everything he is. The feelings and concerns are right on. Excellent job with that part of the story. I really felt the emotions he was going thru with all of it. Great romance story.
I won this book on goodreads giveaways.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for a military romance and this was a good one. The characters were real as were their problems. They also took their time and space to deal with them. This was an enjoyable read and I'll definitely be adding the rest of the series to my 'to be read' list.

*** I received a copy of this book through goodreads giveaways.

[Chris Conley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Books with wounded warriors are very heartening. This one, in particular, because one of the wounded is a nurse. The way Ms. Morgan handled these characters is great. It was easy to identify with their struggles, even though I have never experienced combat. I will read more of the Snowberry stories.