Touch Off

by Dia Eve

It's not fate at play, but Renee's own doing that has brought her back into the orbit of the man she loved and lost five years ago. Nick, who shared her love for history and had only ever made one friend in his life: Renee. She thought she had closed that chapter for good, but now she finds herself working alongside him in a cramped office, on a high-stakes project. To maintain her composure, she sets up a few rules to keep their interactions professional, but how long can she resist his magnetism before those rules shatter completely? The stolen glances, accidental touches, and desperate words reignite the passion. The undeniable chemistry draws them together. But the real question is: how will they rewrite their story this time? This book is for you if you're a fan of second chances, strangers-to-friends-to-lovers stories, and forced proximity.

277 pages, ebook

Published January 2, 2025

Reviews

[paula ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐

Thank you so much Dia Eve for offering me this ARC in exchange for an honest review of the book

Wow, I really didn't expect to like it so much, but I did. A very quick read and I loved the characters (both main and secondary). I loved the tension between the main characters and the whole development of their characters. Highly recommended 🩷

[Agrata Patel · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I pull in a deep breath and brace myself to say, ‘Marry me.’ His lips pause at my collarbone, and my nerves tense like a drawn bow. ‘As you command.’ He says.”

first off, thank you to the lovely author who provided me with an arc copy of this book 🫶🏼 im so honored to be trusted with my thoughts and opinions on your debut novel.

i am so pleasantly surprised at this read! i will admit, at first i was skeptical. i always have mixed feelings about the second-chance romance trope. but this book was more than just the cutesy little romance story i expected it to be. throughout the story, the author was able to masterfully weave together themes of romantic love, family dynamics, friendships, and the overall intricacies of adult relationships. the heartwarming conclusion won me over—bumping up my rating from a 3.5 stars to a 4 stars.

ill start with the things i loved! i absolutely fell in love with every character in this novel. renee’s best friends stole my heart, offering unwavering support to renee throughout the story. i don’t know why, but i usually hate the best friends in romance stories. they’re typically really nagging and annoying. but ella and harper were the absolute sweetest. the boys were silly and there were a lot of cute moments. even owen was sweet in his own way! i also appreciated the complexity of our main character. the author skillfully included nuances that revealed renee’s privilege and complicated relationship with her mom, adding depth to her story. her journey wasn't just about romance; it was about introspection, self-discovery, and growth. another standout element was the past-and-present timeline. normally, im not a fan of dual timelines, but this one was done well. i loved catching glimpses of Renee's past self in her present-day character—even in subtle ways. finally, like i mentioned before, i loved the ending with its surprising twist and amazing dialogue.

now for the constructive criticism: im docking a star for a few reasons. firstly, i wanted to see more development and screen time for renee’s friends, including ella, harper, and owen. while her friendships with them were heartwarming, i wanted to see more of their interactions play out. i think it could have leveraged the emotional impact of the story. secondly, i wished for more substantial interactions between renee and nick in the present-day chapters. we had a lot of brief encounters and passing glances, which leads me to my third point of lots of repetitive scenes that didn't significantly advance the plot. the constant passing glances between renee and nick in the present began to feel drawn out. lastly, while the poetic writing was aesthetically pleasing, it sometimes felt robotic and took took away from the story. we had a lot of unnecessary, drawn-out descriptions of her heartbeat.

that being said, im quite happy with this read! as i mentioned earlier, it transcended a simple romance story and instead offered us a nuanced exploration of adulthood with complex themes, including multifaceted relationships, career struggles, and the journey for belonging. i appreciate how the author integrated these elements with the romance, creating a truly satisfying read. thank you again, dia, for trusting me with an arc of your work. im looking forward to reading more of your books in the future!

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: Touch Off by Dia Eve
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️

Starting the new year with Touch Off felt like the perfect way to dive into 2025. This dual-timeline romance flips between 2018 and 2024, weaving together the story of Renee and Nick-a couple who are as complicated as they are captivating. Dia Eve writes with such raw emotion that every page pulls you deeper into their world.

Renee is the kind of protagonist you can't help but feel for. She's strong but scarred, trying to move forward while the past keeps pulling her back. And Nick? He's magnetic, quiet, and brooding in a way that makes you want to figure him out. Together, they're electric, like two sides of the same coin-fire and ice, love and heartbreak, all tangled up. They're impossible to choose between because their connection feels so authentic and messy in the best way.

One scene that absolutely stands out is when Renee's car won't start, and Nick unexpectedly steps in to help. It's such a simple moment, but the tension and unspoken feelings between them make it unforgettable. Watching Nick roll up his sleeves and casually fix her car while Renee's trying to keep her emotions in check? It's the kind of charged interaction that says so much without needing big, dramatic words.

And then there's this line: "I don't know when I fell in love with you. But I realized at the moment I lost you, and there was no way to get you back." That quote gutted me. It captures the entire essence of the story-love that's powerful, messy, and unforgettable.

Beyond the romance, the friendships in this book are a huge highlight. Harper and Ella bring humor and heart, grounding Renee in a way that feels so real. And Renee's strained relationship with her mom adds another layer, making the story about more than just love-it's about healing and finding yourself.

If you're into second-chance romances that balance heartbreak and hope, Touch Off is one you can't miss. Dia Eve's storytelling is emotional, nuanced, and completely gripping. Solid 4/5 stars-this book will stick with me for a long time.

[Lili · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a heartwarming read for me. Being able to witness Renee and Nick’s first meeting and their connection from the past, while also seeing their reconnection later in life, was truly beautiful!

I think many of us can relate to the feelings of a hopeless romantic. I often find myself daydreaming or waking up from dreams about a lost love and imagining what it would be like to meet them again. Isn’t it both heartwarming and exciting? It might sound a bit whimsical, but I believe there’s something deeply hopeful about it. This book to me just fit so well and was a great example of that to me.

Ultimately, this story resonated with a part of me and provided a wonderful escape. It filled me with warmth and was truly a lovely read.

[jai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow this book! I’m struggling with where to begin! This is so different from your typical romance, the yearning and miscommunication of Renee and Nick makes the story so much more emotional. The raw emotions of Renee combined with flashbacks of her and Nick really shows how people are meant to be together, despite all the changes they went through, they still came back to each other.
I loved the inclusion of the friendship group - particularly bringing Luca back at the end! Dia Eve perfectly shows how even though life gets in the way, true friends stick together.
Thank you so much to Dia Eve for giving me and ARC copy, thank you for bringing Renee and Nick into this world - their story is so real and raw.
Please, please, please read this book! It is addictive, full of yearning, beautifully written and so easy to binge! I cannot wait to read more of Dia Eve’s works!
4 stars!

[Silke De Buck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Normally, I’m more a fan of the enemies-to-lovers trope, but this friends-to-lovers trope really charmed me. The constant switching between the past and the present made me more and more curious about what went wrong back then and whether things could still be fixed.

If you enjoy Emily Henry’s Happy Place, I can definitely recommend this book! Romance, friendship, and self-growth are all beautifully explored in this story.

[SwoonAndScroll · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I want to kiss him again. No, I don't want it. Not at all."

⭐⭐.5

I'd like to preface this with the fact that I could NEVER write a book, let alone have the courage to put my words out in the world in this form.

This one simply wasn't for me.

I wasn't a big fan of the constant swapping between timelines; and all of the dialogue, while in casual settings, felt very formal and very forced.
There weren't any contractions used, and oftentimes I found myself asking "who actually talks like this?"

The story, however, was good. It was unfortunately let down by the writing style, which just felt very matter-of-fact and not something I personally enjoyed.

Great effort, though, and I encourage Dia to keep at it!

Thank you, Dia, for the opportunity to read this eARC!

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Synopsis:

Renee has finally gotten established not only as a marketing director but also as her own self. No longer caring or relying on other people for self-esteem, she’s the most confident she’s ever been. That is, until she runs into a man from her past: Nick. Five years ago, she and Nick met and started their whirlwind romance, something she had only recently decided she was over. What can this mean? And with the two of them seeming to cross paths in both their professional and personal lives yet again, it feels like the fates are aligning and Renee isn’t too sure that’s a good sign.

Atmosphere:

I liked the plot of the book, but I did feel like the setting and atmosphere of the book were lacking. I didn’t really feel connected to the setting nor were there very many places that held any significance or description. I understand the plot is about two people, but I think that starting with consistent background helps grow some sort of relation between their relationship and their setting. For instance, the university they attended wasn’t named and simply was referred to as “The University” or “the college” which is a shame because it was an integral part of them meeting. Temporary settings such as the Cherry Grove Library or the Mint Museum were mentions but their inner descriptions or the setting and vibes in which they took place were not described at all and therefore did not contribute to the story.

Characters:
I originally found it really hard to root for Nick and Renee because I wasn’t a big fan of Nick as a character, but I actually found that over time, he became a much more likeable character. I really liked Renee as a character, she was deeply insecure which at times could form a lot of communication issues (like her flighty tendency to run from any sort of conflict), but I felt like that made her a good character and a somewhat unreliable narrator. Nick was just good at everything and while I didn’t quite understand that at first, it made him a very good love interest for Renee. I LOVED OWEN. He was so good to Renee and I understand that he was not her type, but I really wish that he was because if she gave him a real chance, he would’ve let her walk all over him and he would’ve been happy. I enjoyed that she had real friends who were fleshed out characters as well. Harper and Ella were two distinct personalities and I enjoyed that. One of my only complaints was that I felt there were not enough physical descriptions of the characters. They didn’t distinctly have very much talked about physicality-wise (other than Nick) and I would’ve enjoyed knowing what they were supposed to look like. I didn’t even realize that Renee’s eyes were blue until the last chapter when Nick compared them to the ocean.

Enjoyment/Intrigue:

I really enjoyed the book. I thought I wasn’t going to like it at first if I am being completely honest, but the more I read it and got into it, the more I was invested in the characters and story. I think the writing style initially turned me off (see writing style slide), but the entire thing as a whole was a good story and kept my interest throughout the majority of the book.

Logic/Relationships:

I felt like the logic of some of the situations was a little confusing, like when Renee would just randomly jump to conclusions that Nick knew she and Owen were faking their relationship despite him having no reason to think that. Like I don’t understand why in these books where there are fake relationships there seems to be an overabundance of people who automatically assume they’re faking it??? Maybe this is a me issue, but if someone tells me they’re dating someone I say “okay” and believe them because why in any real life scenario would anyone pretend to be dating someone??? I also didn’t quite understand the lack of communication between Nick and Renee about their initial breakup. For something that was meant to be a great relationship, they both seemed unable to communicate effectively and about anything going on in their lives. I really liked her relationship with Nick, however and since the majority of the book was focused on them I enjoyed their banter. I wish her relationship with her friends was shown more. This book seemed very centered about her relationship to men and her perceived relationship with them, even when she was with her friends, all of her conversation was about Nick or Owen and never really about herself or her friends. They “went to clubs” but this was always breezed over and we never really got to see a scene or written out part focused on their relationship or their outings without the men involved.

Plot:

The plot was great! I enjoyed the whole storyline and focusing in solely on the idea of the plot, I felt like the idea behind it was very interesting and drew me in. There were times I felt that the pacing of the book could have been better and it would’ve benefited from lengthening conversations. It’s okay to spend some time on boring bits of the conversation, it’s not a movie, it’s okay if there’s extra description that might seem boring, sometimes boring is okay if it establishes characters likes and interests and their connection. Maybe this is a hot take, I’m not sure. I really liked the back and forth from when they first got together to the present day and I liked that we as the reader got to witness her feelings in the moment instead of something like a brief explanation of what happened in her past. However, there were parts where the Present perspective “spoiled” what was going to happen in the Past perspective which sometimes I didn’t appreciate. Like we didn’t know Nick had a girlfriend until Present tense mentioned it and then they revealed it in past tense like it was supposed to be unknown. Like yeah, I know he had a girlfriend, you just told me.

Writing Style:

There were some points in the book where the writing style bothered me to be completely honest. I understand this was an ARC, but there were entire sentences that sometimes just to happened to be unreadable to me not only because of grammar mistakes or typos, but because they were confusingly written. Like when Renee was supposed to say something in response to someone like “I know you will” she instead just said “I know you’ll” and that was the whole statement. And no, this wasn’t the pinnacle example of what I meant, but at the moment it is 2 AM and I cannot for the life of me remember the point where I thought “I have no idea what this means.” The writing certainly got better towards the end and there were cute little quotes here and there that Nick said that I would have annotated if I was the type of person to do that, but overall, I think the primary place this book could benefit in revision in the style it was written in.

[Ru Reads ⁠♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Touch Off" by Dia Eve is an emotionally rich and beautifully written novel that captures the essence of love, loss, and rediscovery. From the very first page, the story pulls you in with its engaging characters and heartfelt narrative.

The novel follows Renee as she navigates the complexities of relationships—both past and present. The dual timelines add depth to her journey, seamlessly transitioning between her college years, filled with laughter and friendships, and the present, where she faces the unexpected return of Nick, the man who once held her heart. Dia Eve crafts these moments with such emotional authenticity that the reader can’t help but feel every joy, heartbreak, and moment of hesitation alongside Renee.

What makes "Touch Off" truly stand out is its well-drawn characters. Renee, Harper, and Ella share a friendship that feels warm and real, filled with witty banter and unwavering support. Nick, on the other hand, is a character wrapped in mystery, making the story even more compelling as secrets from the past unravel. The chemistry between the characters is electric, making every interaction—whether lighthearted or emotionally charged—entirely captivating.

Beyond romance, "Touch Off" explores themes of self-growth, ambition, and the ever-changing nature of relationships. The writing is engaging and immersive, making it easy to lose yourself in the world Dia Eve has created.

For readers who love contemporary fiction with a mix of romance, nostalgia, and personal growth, "Touch Off" is a must-read. This debut novel showcases an author with a remarkable talent for storytelling, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next!

[Shiksha Singhal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary:

The story follows Renee and Nick across a dual timeline—flashing back to their college days when they were in love and in the present, where they are broken up, with Nick having left the city. Now, Renee is focused on proving herself in the marketing sector of her mother’s company. But when Nick unexpectedly returns, moving into her building, old wounds resurface, and despite the heartbreak, she can’t deny the pull she still feels toward him.

Determined to succeed on her own terms, she unexpectedly finds herself working closely with Nick on a high-stakes project. Determined to keep their relationship professional, she establishes strict boundaries. However, as they collaborate, the chemistry between them resurfaces. Stolen glances, accidental touches, and unspoken emotions threaten to break through the walls Renee has built.

As they confront their past and the reasons that drove them apart, Renee must decide whether to guard her heart or risk it all for a second chance. Can they overcome old misunderstandings and rewrite their love story, or will history repeat itself?

Review:

Touch Off by Dia Eve, is a contemporary romance novel that explores themes of second chances and rekindled love.

The dual-timeline narrative is seamlessly executed, with one timeline capturing how they first connected, while the other reveals the aftermath of their breakup. The evolution of their relationship—from two introverted strangers to friends and eventually something more—feels deeply relatable.

[Louise ᥫ᭡܀⊹✿ · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Dia Eve for giving readers like me the incredible opportunity to beta-read her manuscript. It was such an enjoyable experience, and I was happy to provide honest feedback to help refine her work. The process was truly rewarding, and I would be thrilled to collaborate with her again on future books.

Touch Off is a second-chance romance, a trope I don’t typically read. However, after reading this, I think I might just start loving it.

The changes in the e-ARC compared to the beta manuscript were significant and absolutely blew me away. I finished the book in one sitting—yet again—and dedicated a whole day to crafting an aesthetic, character-inspired mood board.

It was completely worth it. I fell in love with the story and its characters, which made the reading experience all the more unforgettable. Without hesitation, I would give this book a glowing 5-star rating.

This story took me on an emotional rollercoaster, leaving me tangled in a whirlwind of feelings I didn’t expect. It impacted me in ways I couldn’t have imagined, and that alone makes it a book worth reading. Dia Eve’s writing is stunning, and this story is a testament to her talent. I expected excellence from her, and she delivered nothing short of perfection.

[Theokas Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a slow burn romance about a couple that first met in college and their meeting again 5 years after they separated.
It is not extremely long so it's easy to read. Once you start you'll be having trouble putting it down.

The characters are everyday people,not exaggerated or beautified, totally relatable. The female protagonist, Renée is a strong female character but not lucking the insecurities and problems everyone faces. I really liked seeing her character develop.

Another thing I liked about this book is that it not only portraits the love story, but also friendships, family drama and everyday life issues.

It has plot twists,it has conflict, heart brake, friendship, companionship and a lot of strong emotions.
There is no spice, but the romance and the feelings between the main characters come across very realistically.

Dia Eve writes in a very interesting style,the chapters alternate between past and present,in a way that gives you the full picture of their relationship, letting you in on the details one step at the time. I really enjoyed that.

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

thank you so much to the author for sending me an ARC of her debut novel to review! 🫶

i went into this book unsure what to expect but this book pleasantly surprised me and i ended up liking it more than i thought i would. this book was such an easy read and i absolutely devoured it. second chance lovers is one of my favourite tropes and i really enjoyed seeing the contrast between their blossoming relationship in college and their reconnection as working adults.

however, there were several things that lowered my rating. while themes like difficult familial relationships and grief were mentioned, i did also feel that there was potential for a deeper level that was not reached. i also would have enjoyed seeing more of the healthy female friendship bond between renee and her 2 besties. another issue i had was that the interactions between renee and nick in the present timeline felt more superficial than those in the past.

nevertheless, i still really enjoyed this book and i thoroughly enjoyed myself during this read!

[Monica Valdez · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️4 out of 5⭐️

If you’re a fan of cute rom-com books, forced close proximity, and mystery break up that GROWS THAT TENSION, then this is for you!

Touch Off follows the main character Renee, who from the start I personally fell in love with, she is THAT GURL! You can’t help but see her as relatable, and honestly I think we all know or have a little bit of Renee in us!

Her character development was slow in the beginning but as the book went on, I was rooting for her! Seeing her navigate love, loss and friendships it was touching! And the twist of the mystery break up left me surprised and saying to myself “I didn’t see that coming…”

The only deduction I give it is some of the time jumps got a bit confusing, and some of the side characters could’ve been left out, since they didn’t seem to add much to the scenes or development of the main characters. I had wished for a bit more cohesive and it was just a slow start. But overall still very good!

You should really give this book a try when you have the chance! Dia Eve you wrote this one from the heart and soul and it shows! 💖

[Highnyzbibliofiles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: ★★★⯪ (3.5)

Renee had her eyes on Nick years ago, but he broke her heart. What could possibly go wrong now that she finally has her life together—only for him to suddenly return? This is a story of second chances.

The storytelling is particularly interesting, resembling a K-drama with its dual timeline narration—switching between the past and present. It explores how their friendship gradually deepens into something more. Soulmates are rare, yet they found that connection within each other.

It’s a good story, though I’m not particularly fond of the "waiting in the shadows for the right moment to strike" kind of situation. When Renee learned that Nick had broken up with his girlfriend, she immediately confessed her love—which, at least to me, felt a bit too convenient. Of course, that’s just my interpretation.

Overall, it’s a good read that captures the notion that love conquers all and always finds its way

[Layla V · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 stars
Touch Off by Dia Eve gave me the same feeling as Linger by The Cranberries, not just because of the mood, but because the lyrics really match the themes of longing, misunderstanding, and love in Renee and Nick’s story.

I usually don’t love multiple timelines, but it worked so well here and added depth to the story. The twists about why they ended things were full of suspense and kept me turning the pages.

The side characters had so much personality, and the friendships, especially between the girls, felt real and raw. Renee’s growth really stood out. Around the 60% mark, she starts standing up for herself, and I loved seeing her come into her own.

And Nick? He remembers all the little things Renee loves, and that line about her eyes? Obsessed.

It’s the kind of book that leaves a soft ache when you finish, in the best way—full of emotion, character growth, and a love story that stays with you.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gave me all the feels! Renee’s friendship with Ella and Harper is absolutely adorable, and her dynamic with Nick is what every relationship should be—mutual respect and a solid friendship as the foundation. The flashback chapters kept me hooked, adding just the right amount of suspense into what went wrong the first time. There’s a trope in here that I’m usually not a fan of, but it worked well in this story and broke my heart in the best way. Also… can we please get a second book for two of the side characters? 👀 Such a fun, emotional read that really tugged at my heartstrings!

📖 Read if you like:
💔 Second chances
🔄 Now and then timeline
👫🏻 Friends to lovers
🧎🏻‍♀️ She falls first
💼 Workplace romance

⚠️ CW: grief and loss of a parent

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 Dia Eve 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.

[Jocelyn Delarosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Rating: ⭐️ 3.25/5

This book was a cute second-chance romance that made for a fun, easy read! This is Dia’s debut novel, and I think it’s a great way to kick off what I hope will be a long writing career. The characters were fun and relatable, with some beautifully poetic writing, and the MMC was so lovable, I was rooting for him to get that second chance okay!

I would have liked a little more character development for some of the secondary characters, but that’s just a personal preference. I’m a bit of a nosey reader, and I always want to dive deeper into the lives of the characters!

Also, some scenes felt like they dragged a bit, and I think the writing could’ve been trimmed in a few areas. Again, this could just be my personal preference.

Overall, a solid debut, and I’m excited to see what Dia writes next!

[Shivani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Touch off a debut novel written by Dia Eve. A young adult romance contemporary romance book.
The book revolves around a rich girl, Renee, and a middle-class boy named Nick.
The novel is written in two different years simultaneously, which gives you an insight into both the past and present of the characters.
Renee was just living her life figuring out what she wanted in her life but suddenly saw Nick, who was Renee's ex-boyfriend, appear, turning her life upside down, and she realised she was still not over him as she continuously got drawn towards Nick. Will she give Nick a second chance, or is she still not over her previous heartbreak from Nick?
The book was such a cute rom-com and has forced proximity that literally had me giggling over again and again.
If you are someone who loves to read a lightheaded rom-com, then just go for it.

[Bookish_lifeee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Touch Off" by Dia Eve is such a gem, especially for a debut novel. The way it flips between past and present feels so real, like you’re catching up with an old friend who has stories to tell. Renee’s journey her messy friendships, heartbreak, and attempts to move on hits all the right emotional notes. And then there’s Nick, who shows up and shakes things up just when she’s trying to get her life together.The writing feels effortless, and the story pulls you in with its warmth and relatability. Honestly, for a first book, it’s really impressive how Dia Eve captures the highs and lows of relationships so vividly. If you’re into character-driven stories with a lot of heart, this one’s definitely worth a read.Loved this and would definitely recommend it to others
4🌟✨🤍

[Tasha B · Rating 2 out of 5]

A quick and compelling read that kept me turning the pages to see how the story unfolded. There’s some beautiful writing throughout, but at times the dialogue felt a little formal rather than natural. There’s quite a few missing/incorrect words and grammar so the flow is a little off. Some scenes ended quite abruptly, and frequent tense changes were a bit distracting. I didn’t really like how casual the scene where they had 5 beers at a bar then Renee drove was? I also struggled to fully understand Renee’s motivations a lot of the time and Nick wasn’t the most likeable character (he sure does narrow his eyes a lot!). That said, the story had me hooked, there were many cute moments and I was invested in seeing where it would go.

[Precious C Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, I will like to thank Dia for the opportunity to read this amazing work of art. I am grateful to be honest. This book made me so emotional—one minute I was blushing and kicking my feet, the next minute I was tearing up. Renee and Nick’s love had me on chokehold, like what’s happening here?😂 Like two lovers getting back together after years of heartbreak and separation, it really makes the heart sick and the moment Renee saw Nick for the first time after everything made me want to cry, which I did.

I so much love the pacing of the novel. Nothing felt rushed and all scenes banged one after the other. For lovers of second chance romance, this is definitely your cup of tea and you have to read it.

Thank you once again, Dia Eve for this masterpiece.🤍

[Carmela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Dia Eve, for giving me the opportunity to read your debut novel! It really showed your love for writing. The novel Touch Off by Dia Eve is about Renee, a businesswoman, and Nick, who is an IT specialist. There’s flashback’s from when they met in college and became good friends and started dating. Then five years later, their paths meet again other when Nick moves in next door. Renee and Nick’s breakup is a mystery throughout the novel.
I would give the novel 4 stars I really enjoyed it. I liked Renee’s friendship with Harper and Ella and how they were always there for one another. I enjoyed how Renee and Nick had the same love for history and books. I loved the tension, banter, and all the cute moments Renee and Nick had.

[Lola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Touch Off is a heartfelt dual-timeline romance that follows Renee and Nick, a couple with a messy yet magnetic connection. Dia Eve’s emotional storytelling captures their journey between 2018 and 2024.
A standout moment is when Nick fixes Renee’s car, a simple yet charged scene brimming with unspoken feelings.

Beyond the romance, the book delves into healing and self-discovery. Renee’s friendships add warmth, while her strained relationship with her mom brings depth.
With its raw emotion and unforgettable lines, Touch Off is a must-read if you love second chance romance!

Thank you to Dia Eve for letting me read an Advanced copy <3!

[Manuela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet second chance romance between Renee and Nick. The story spans from the year 2018 to 2024. Each chapter continuously switches from year and you get to see snippets from when they first met to current day - after them not seeing each other after five years.
I enjoyed the progression of friends to lovers to strangers to back to friends.
I also enjoyed the relationship between Renee's best friends Harper and Ella- it really showed that you can find unconditional love within your best friends.
If you're looking for a sweet second chance story with YA vibes, this book is for you!

[numaira · Rating 3 out of 5]

✨ ARC Review ✨

It was such a cute second-chance romance. The characters are unique, and I live for the good friendship shown in the book. I love their banter and commentary on history and enjoy seeing how they grow and change as the story goes on. It keeps things engaging and interesting and makes the whole experience fun.

While I like the past chapters as they add so much to the ongoing story, the frequent shifts between past and present after each chapter felt a bit overwhelming, when it didn't seem to add much necessary information. As a result, I feel a bit emotionally distant from the story because of the constant disruption.

[alicialovestoread · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was okay. Now this isn't my usual book of choice but the author reached out to me to offer me a copy for my honest opinion.

This has the miscommunication trope which I honestly can not stand! Especially this one. Like the whole premise of this book is when he left her she thought one thing and he thought something else. Super annoying in my opinion. The characters are cute. Nick seems adorable but there is not much depth to them. Like I what to know more! The setting was kind of unclear and not mentioned really. It was overall a cute story and I did enjoy it for the most part but dang I can't get past that miscommunication. It's seriously so frustrating.

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Touch Off is the adorable second chance love story of Renee and Nick. While reading we get to experience time hops between 2018 and 2024, which I enjoyed tremendously! It truly formed the story as to why the characters feel the way they do now. The chemistry between the characters was undeniable! Loved following along through their love story . With such relatable characters, engaging events throughout , loveable side characters and passion this was a great romance read that keeps you grinning and swooning all the way through!

[⟢₊ Ana ⟣ · Rating 4 out of 5]

“𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞?" 𝐈 𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐝.
"𝐈𝐭'𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮'𝐯𝐞 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫. 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧'𝐭 𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠."

4 ⭐️

I’m a sucker for second-chance romances, and this one was no exception! I loved the dual timelines—getting to read about Renee and Nick meeting and falling in love in the past, and then reconnecting in the present was so sweet. It was a quick, enjoyable read that I’d definitely recommend.

Thank you to the Author for the E-ARC in exchange for my honest review!! 🩷

[Georgia Dyde · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It was so heartwarming to read the a second chance love story handled so well by the author. I found that the characters - especially Nick - really became more likeable as the story progressed and meant that I could really root for his and Renee’s relationship as an end game to the plot. Overall, I think this debut is a great example of a romance and I’d fully recommend it! It is a very well paced and well developed with rounded character arcs. Thank you so much to the author :)