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Balsam Inn #2
Touch the Sky
The first time I met her, Jacinthe Gauthier-Laframboise was running screaming after an escaped donkey while covered in manure.
It wasn’t exactly a meet-cute, but luckily, I’m not looking for a relationship.
Dating has been on the backburner ever since life threw a wrench and left me to raise my daughter on my own.
I’m finally finding my feet again, and they’ve led me to the charming small town of La Cloche. It’s the perfect place to grow my business as a farrier and create some stability for me and my kid.
Unfortunately, Jacinthe makes me feel anything but stable.
She’s a chaotic whirlwind of a woman who doesn’t know the meaning of the word quiet, but somehow, I can’t get her out of my head.
Or my house.
She’s my new landlady’s daughter, and living on the same farm together means there’s no escape: not from her devious dark eyes, her surprising moments of softness, or the way she’s cracking open my heart just as fast as she’s falling into my fantasies.
Letting her in means risking my new life, but letting her go means giving up what might just be the very best thing in this town.
I’ve gotten used to making tough choices, but this could be the most impossible one of all.
Touch the Sky is part of the Balsam Inn series, a trilogy of interconnected steamy sapphic standalones by bestselling author Katia Rose.
It wasn’t exactly a meet-cute, but luckily, I’m not looking for a relationship.
Dating has been on the backburner ever since life threw a wrench and left me to raise my daughter on my own.
I’m finally finding my feet again, and they’ve led me to the charming small town of La Cloche. It’s the perfect place to grow my business as a farrier and create some stability for me and my kid.
Unfortunately, Jacinthe makes me feel anything but stable.
She’s a chaotic whirlwind of a woman who doesn’t know the meaning of the word quiet, but somehow, I can’t get her out of my head.
Or my house.
She’s my new landlady’s daughter, and living on the same farm together means there’s no escape: not from her devious dark eyes, her surprising moments of softness, or the way she’s cracking open my heart just as fast as she’s falling into my fantasies.
Letting her in means risking my new life, but letting her go means giving up what might just be the very best thing in this town.
I’ve gotten used to making tough choices, but this could be the most impossible one of all.
Touch the Sky is part of the Balsam Inn series, a trilogy of interconnected steamy sapphic standalones by bestselling author Katia Rose.
394 pages, Unknown Binding
First published September 23, 2025
134 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
About the author
Katia Rose
25 books991 followersKatia Rose is not much of a Pina Colada person, but she does like getting caught in the rain. She loves to write romances that make her readers laugh, cry, and swoon (preferably in that order). She’s rarely found without a cup of tea nearby, and she’s more than a little obsessed with tiny plants. Katia is proudly bisexual and has a passion for writing about love in all its forms.
Join the Club Katia community and grab your romance freebies! katiarose.com/club-katia
Join the Club Katia community and grab your romance freebies! katiarose.com/club-katia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
October 16, 2025
Katia Rose does it again. I am loving the Balsam Series so much. This is Jacinthe’s story and it had three really unique elements. First, it’s butch/butch MCs, a single parent, and third, Tess is a farrier. Tess and her daughter, Shel, are looking for a home and a community where they can belong. Of course they find their way to La Cloche, where Tess takes over a farrier business. (Side note, I love those YouTube videos of the farriers doing their thing.)
Jacinthe and Tess both tend to put others needs ahead of their own and that has resulted in neither of them dating anyone for a long time. Tess is totally dedicated to raising Shel and Jacinthe is dedicated to taking care of her mom, who suffers from MS, running her farm, and her new partnership running the Balsam Inn.
Katia always writes the best pining and yearning. I love the little descriptions of La Cloche and how the town is kind of a secondary character. The angst, while angsty, isn’t just thrown in the story, it’s developed in a really well written way. Katia doesn’t leave you hanging on why Tess and Jacinthe act the way they do. She brings these two together in a great way, with LOTS of top energy from these two butches.
I can’t wait for Maddie’s story in the third installment!
Jacinthe and Tess both tend to put others needs ahead of their own and that has resulted in neither of them dating anyone for a long time. Tess is totally dedicated to raising Shel and Jacinthe is dedicated to taking care of her mom, who suffers from MS, running her farm, and her new partnership running the Balsam Inn.
Katia always writes the best pining and yearning. I love the little descriptions of La Cloche and how the town is kind of a secondary character. The angst, while angsty, isn’t just thrown in the story, it’s developed in a really well written way. Katia doesn’t leave you hanging on why Tess and Jacinthe act the way they do. She brings these two together in a great way, with LOTS of top energy from these two butches.
I can’t wait for Maddie’s story in the third installment!
September 4, 2025
First I want to thank Katia Rose for providing me with an ARC! I believe this is my 9th book of hers, and I’ve never been disappointed.
Touch the Sky is the second in a series called Balsam Inn focusing on Jacinthe, one of 3 friends (Natalie was on the first book).
This book was slightly different than the others I’ve read from Katia, mainly because in this one a MC has a child. I loved this representation of a lesbian woman having a child at a younger age and what her struggles were being in that position.
I will say the one thing I struggled with was the amount of times they were called butch. I loved that this was a butch x butch couple, but it was emphasized SO much I started to count how many times it was brought up.
Other than that though, I loved the story line and I wish I got to hear more about Joaquin (an “evil” donkey) because I loved those parts.
Both Jacinthe and Tess fit one another perfectly, and every character thrown into the story was wonderful.
For me, this one may have been one of my least favorites, but not because it was not good, only because there are so many of Katia’s books that are absolutely amazing. I can’t wait to read Maddie’s story next in this series!
Touch the Sky is the second in a series called Balsam Inn focusing on Jacinthe, one of 3 friends (Natalie was on the first book).
This book was slightly different than the others I’ve read from Katia, mainly because in this one a MC has a child. I loved this representation of a lesbian woman having a child at a younger age and what her struggles were being in that position.
I will say the one thing I struggled with was the amount of times they were called butch. I loved that this was a butch x butch couple, but it was emphasized SO much I started to count how many times it was brought up.
Other than that though, I loved the story line and I wish I got to hear more about Joaquin (an “evil” donkey) because I loved those parts.
Both Jacinthe and Tess fit one another perfectly, and every character thrown into the story was wonderful.
For me, this one may have been one of my least favorites, but not because it was not good, only because there are so many of Katia’s books that are absolutely amazing. I can’t wait to read Maddie’s story next in this series!
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September 23, 2025
It's release day for Touch the Sky, and I COULD NOT be more excited to take us all back to Balsam Inn for Tess and Jacinthe's story. My latest sapphic romance is filled with swoony small town vibes, a new-in-town hot single mom, heartwarming found family, and a steamy butch for butch pairing 🔥
It's also set during FALL, AKA the season that makes up at least 80% of my personality. If you're a fellow autumn-obsessed bookworm, may I direct you to the picturesque town of La Cloche? This rural community in the Laurentian Mountains of Quebec is what pumpkin spice dreams are made of 😍 It's based on several real-life small towns in the area part of my family is from, and it's become one of my favourite fictional happy places to escape to.
I'm so grateful to all the amazing people helping me get this book out into the world! Seeing early readers fall as hard for Tess and Jacinthe as I have has meant the world to me. If you're just taking your first trip to Balsam Inn now, I hope you love them too!
September 23, 2025
Katia strikes again with another cozy, heartwarming book!
I loved everything about it and honestly couldn't find a single negative thing except that maybe I would have liked to see a little more of how the relationship between Natalie and Brooke was going—partly because I'm a sucker for pretty much every trope in this book hahaha, but seriously everything was perfect, from the first messy meeting down to the last glance.
The thing I enjoyed most about this book was the relationship between Jacinthe and Shell—how they bonded right away, how their the relationship developed quickly and solidly and its centrality in the story. (Too often single mothers' children are slowly pushed to the margins of the plot as the story progresses)
And now here is a list of things you’ll find in this book if you’re still not convinced, this will do it:
- single mum
- small town
- forced proximity
- found family
- new beginning
- strangers to lovers
- slow burn
- queer friend group
- contemporary romance
- butch x butch
-trail riding guide x ferrier
- kinda meet ugly
- x2 pov
and so many sweet moments.
Overall it's 4.5 ⭐ and 3🔥
TW: discussion of abortion - caring for a parent with multiple sclerosis - mention of father's abandonment - mention of cheating (MC dad) - mention of accidental pregnancy
I loved everything about it and honestly couldn't find a single negative thing except that maybe I would have liked to see a little more of how the relationship between Natalie and Brooke was going—partly because I'm a sucker for pretty much every trope in this book hahaha, but seriously everything was perfect, from the first messy meeting down to the last glance.
The thing I enjoyed most about this book was the relationship between Jacinthe and Shell—how they bonded right away, how their the relationship developed quickly and solidly and its centrality in the story. (Too often single mothers' children are slowly pushed to the margins of the plot as the story progresses)
And now here is a list of things you’ll find in this book if you’re still not convinced, this will do it:
- single mum
- small town
- forced proximity
- found family
- new beginning
- strangers to lovers
- slow burn
- queer friend group
- contemporary romance
- butch x butch
-trail riding guide x ferrier
- kinda meet ugly
- x2 pov
and so many sweet moments.
Overall it's 4.5 ⭐ and 3🔥
TW: discussion of abortion - caring for a parent with multiple sclerosis - mention of father's abandonment - mention of cheating (MC dad) - mention of accidental pregnancy
October 8, 2025
This is the second book in the Balsam Inn series. You don't need to read the first book before starting this one. Although I would, because it's incredibly worthwhile.
So, expectations for this book were high. And it completely lived up to them. Man, it was good again!
Jacinthe, the butch from the tourist village of La Cloche, has to deal with a new girl in town. Tess is super butch, so definitely not Jacinthe's type, and the feeling is mutual. Yet, something beautiful blossoms between the two butches.
The story is certainly not too butchy, because both butches are not only tough and raw, but also caring and gentle. The steamy parts, on the other hand... Not so gentle. Good God! Brace yourself for an overdose of top energy and a whole lot of hotness.
Unfortunately, the ending suddenly seemed to come very quickly. I wasn't ready for it at all, and it caught me by surprise. That might also be because the last 10% of the book wasn't part of the story anymore, but included a preview of a few chapters from another book. So I thought I still had a decent chunk of the story ahead of me, but then it was suddenly over. That was a bit of a disappointment. 4.5 ⭐️
So, expectations for this book were high. And it completely lived up to them. Man, it was good again!
Jacinthe, the butch from the tourist village of La Cloche, has to deal with a new girl in town. Tess is super butch, so definitely not Jacinthe's type, and the feeling is mutual. Yet, something beautiful blossoms between the two butches.
The story is certainly not too butchy, because both butches are not only tough and raw, but also caring and gentle. The steamy parts, on the other hand... Not so gentle. Good God! Brace yourself for an overdose of top energy and a whole lot of hotness.
Unfortunately, the ending suddenly seemed to come very quickly. I wasn't ready for it at all, and it caught me by surprise. That might also be because the last 10% of the book wasn't part of the story anymore, but included a preview of a few chapters from another book. So I thought I still had a decent chunk of the story ahead of me, but then it was suddenly over. That was a bit of a disappointment. 4.5 ⭐️
October 17, 2025
Katia Rose does it again! I just love her writing and the stories are so heartwarming! Ugh..so so so good!
September 23, 2025
Touch the Sky was really, really good: Katia Rose has knocked it out of the park, again (and I should know, this is the 12th of her novels that I've binged like this); Balsam Inn is very quickly becoming a favourite sapphic romance novel series of mine; this might just be my new favourite of Katia's works.
Jacinthe & Tess's story was amazing (yes, you'll get hit with the signature laugh, cry, swoon combo) and I simply adored the expansion to the wonderful setting of La Cloche and the beautiful cast characters found therein.
If you've been sleeping on this trilogy, and not yet picked up Paint the Moon, what are you waiting for?! Do it - and then get on Touch the Sky asap: you won't regret it.
I can't wait for Book #3 and Maddie's story 🥺
Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Jacinthe & Tess's story was amazing (yes, you'll get hit with the signature laugh, cry, swoon combo) and I simply adored the expansion to the wonderful setting of La Cloche and the beautiful cast characters found therein.
If you've been sleeping on this trilogy, and not yet picked up Paint the Moon, what are you waiting for?! Do it - and then get on Touch the Sky asap: you won't regret it.
I can't wait for Book #3 and Maddie's story 🥺
Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 23, 2025
4.5 stars*
Thank you so much Katia Rose and StoryOrigin for sending me an early copy of Touch the Sky.
Happy publication day! I feel very grateful to have been given an ARC of this book, one thing about me, is I will absolutely EAT UP a Katia Rose book, every single time. I devoured this one in a day essentially, sat on the couch at lunchtime, finished it by the evening.
I loved the masc for masc representation, it felt incredibly refreshing as you often read sapphic books that are written to be femme for femme and while there is absolutely nothing wrong with this, I feel like you find it in most romance books. It’s so dear to me to also have a book about two lesbians specifically.
I’m a sucker for a single parent trope, and this book had it very well written, I loved Tessa and her daughter’s relationship, and how wholesome and healthy it was. Their bond was beautiful to experience. And I loved how there was also vulnerability and stakes.
There is a feeling of familiarity I feel when I read Katia Rose’s novels. As a French person (although not from Canada!) it’s so nice to read the French words and expressions when reading this series, it makes me feel like I’m part of some inside joke. Also no one does slow burn quite like Katia Rose.
This was one of the first times where the conflict / third act “break” up made sense and didn’t bother me. I felt like it was needed and loved how it ended. If anything, my only complaint is that it wasn’t 100 pages longer!
Overall, I cannot wait to read Maddie’s story next.
Thank you so much Katia Rose and StoryOrigin for sending me an early copy of Touch the Sky.
Happy publication day! I feel very grateful to have been given an ARC of this book, one thing about me, is I will absolutely EAT UP a Katia Rose book, every single time. I devoured this one in a day essentially, sat on the couch at lunchtime, finished it by the evening.
I loved the masc for masc representation, it felt incredibly refreshing as you often read sapphic books that are written to be femme for femme and while there is absolutely nothing wrong with this, I feel like you find it in most romance books. It’s so dear to me to also have a book about two lesbians specifically.
I’m a sucker for a single parent trope, and this book had it very well written, I loved Tessa and her daughter’s relationship, and how wholesome and healthy it was. Their bond was beautiful to experience. And I loved how there was also vulnerability and stakes.
There is a feeling of familiarity I feel when I read Katia Rose’s novels. As a French person (although not from Canada!) it’s so nice to read the French words and expressions when reading this series, it makes me feel like I’m part of some inside joke. Also no one does slow burn quite like Katia Rose.
This was one of the first times where the conflict / third act “break” up made sense and didn’t bother me. I felt like it was needed and loved how it ended. If anything, my only complaint is that it wasn’t 100 pages longer!
Overall, I cannot wait to read Maddie’s story next.
September 18, 2025
You had me at butch4butch.
This review is for a digital ARC provided by the author. Review contains spoilers:
Ok well it seems my Thing for cowboy(girl)s extends to basically all farm and ranch settings. Which is convenient because I live in a big farming area in a big farming country. Anyway.
First of all I think Shel is really well written, often when a kid is brought into a story about adults it can feel annoying or like they're taking away from the story/the characters if they're not written right, but Tess being a mum and the character of Shel herself really add to this story.
The romance story was really sweet, and the plotlines for the obvious story structure of 'relationship falls apart for some reason, then they figure it out and get back together' didn't feel irritating or unnecessary or unrealistic, which many do, in my opinion. That's usually my main reason I end up not enjoying a romance novel, but this one avoids the silly/unnecessary breakup to move the story along, and the things that happen feel authentic and important to the story, not just to the further progression of the story.
I do love a "uh oh I'm into you but we shouldn't/can't date so maybe if we hook up we'll stop having feelings for each other" story. Highly specific but hey been there done that!
The small town setting was great. Also been there done that. Everyone WILL be all up in your business, for better or for worse.
I would've enjoyed if the author had gone into the main characters' butch identities a little more, especially Jacinthe's. I don't think every book with a butch has to be an identity exploration, but it alluded a bit to Jacinthe having complex feelings about her identity as a butch lesbian at the beginning of the book, and so I had hoped it would be brought up again later on.
Besides that though, I did feel that both the main characters were fleshed out well and had good depth to them and their backstories. All in all a well written book - sweet and hot and fun! I definitely recommend!
This review is for a digital ARC provided by the author. Review contains spoilers:
Ok well it seems my Thing for cowboy(girl)s extends to basically all farm and ranch settings. Which is convenient because I live in a big farming area in a big farming country. Anyway.
First of all I think Shel is really well written, often when a kid is brought into a story about adults it can feel annoying or like they're taking away from the story/the characters if they're not written right, but Tess being a mum and the character of Shel herself really add to this story.
The romance story was really sweet, and the plotlines for the obvious story structure of 'relationship falls apart for some reason, then they figure it out and get back together' didn't feel irritating or unnecessary or unrealistic, which many do, in my opinion. That's usually my main reason I end up not enjoying a romance novel, but this one avoids the silly/unnecessary breakup to move the story along, and the things that happen feel authentic and important to the story, not just to the further progression of the story.
I do love a "uh oh I'm into you but we shouldn't/can't date so maybe if we hook up we'll stop having feelings for each other" story. Highly specific but hey been there done that!
The small town setting was great. Also been there done that. Everyone WILL be all up in your business, for better or for worse.
I would've enjoyed if the author had gone into the main characters' butch identities a little more, especially Jacinthe's. I don't think every book with a butch has to be an identity exploration, but it alluded a bit to Jacinthe having complex feelings about her identity as a butch lesbian at the beginning of the book, and so I had hoped it would be brought up again later on.
Besides that though, I did feel that both the main characters were fleshed out well and had good depth to them and their backstories. All in all a well written book - sweet and hot and fun! I definitely recommend!
September 23, 2025
I loved this!
The humour was perfectly timed, and the main characters are so lovable how could you not fall in love with them.
I’ve not really read many butch/butch stories but I really enjoyed this.
I loved getting to see more of Jacinthe’s unique humour and personality and the way Tess took it in her stride.
I’m a sucker for the single Mum trope and love the extra layer having a kid involved brings to the story telling and I think this book captures it so well. Shel is a great addition and matches the energy of both Tess and Jacinthe (minus the swearing….well most of the swearing 😂)
It’s funny and emotional in perfect proportion and the story telling and world building was so well done that I want to live in La Cloche. Specifically in the back. Specifically with Joaquin in the fields waiting to be caught.
The slow burn, the smut and just everything about the build up and execution of this relationship the whole way through is so good and definitely not safe for work reading 😂
I’ve previously read Natalie and Brooke’s story and can’t wait to see what comes from Maddie next 🤞🏻
I read this advanced review copy in exchange for an honest review and read it in less than a day and so glad I got the chance 😀
The humour was perfectly timed, and the main characters are so lovable how could you not fall in love with them.
I’ve not really read many butch/butch stories but I really enjoyed this.
I loved getting to see more of Jacinthe’s unique humour and personality and the way Tess took it in her stride.
I’m a sucker for the single Mum trope and love the extra layer having a kid involved brings to the story telling and I think this book captures it so well. Shel is a great addition and matches the energy of both Tess and Jacinthe (minus the swearing….well most of the swearing 😂)
It’s funny and emotional in perfect proportion and the story telling and world building was so well done that I want to live in La Cloche. Specifically in the back. Specifically with Joaquin in the fields waiting to be caught.
The slow burn, the smut and just everything about the build up and execution of this relationship the whole way through is so good and definitely not safe for work reading 😂
I’ve previously read Natalie and Brooke’s story and can’t wait to see what comes from Maddie next 🤞🏻
I read this advanced review copy in exchange for an honest review and read it in less than a day and so glad I got the chance 😀
September 23, 2025
I've never read a butch/butch story before and found this one extremely enjoyable. This is the second entry in the Balsam Inn trilogy focusing on Jacinthe and single mother Tess. Their first meeting is memorable and there is an appropriate amount of humor to balance the drama and angst. The relationships between all the characters felt genuine, especially how Jacinthe is able to relate to Shel, Tess's daughter. If you like funny, emotional, and well written books, you might want to give this one a read. I look forward to reading the next installment for the third member in the trio of Balsam Inn best friends.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 21, 2025
I enjoyed the pace of the story throughout. I feel like the reader gets a good sense of who both Jacinthe and Tess are as characters. I believe this helped tremendously to explain their interactions and their hesitations throughout the story.
I am also a huge fan of Shel and Gabrielle as fantastic supporting characters. The story wouldn't have been the same without them.
I loved Paint the Moon and I'm happy to say that following it up with Touch the Sky didn't disappoint!
I am also a huge fan of Shel and Gabrielle as fantastic supporting characters. The story wouldn't have been the same without them.
I loved Paint the Moon and I'm happy to say that following it up with Touch the Sky didn't disappoint!
October 18, 2025
I loved the first book in the series and was super excited for this one, however I'm a little sad that I didn't feel like I connected with Jacinthe as an MC the same way I did when she was a supporting character.
I still enjoyed a lot of things, for example being back in La Cloche, and I really liked Tess and Shel.
The fact that Tess was a farrier seemed very original to me, and I liked it because I'm obsessed with watching farrier videos on TikTok, haha.
Shel was also very sweet, and I loved the bond that both Tess and Shel created with La Cloche and its inhabitants, I specially loved the bond of Shel with Jacinthe and Gabrielle.
Thanks to the author for the eArc
I still enjoyed a lot of things, for example being back in La Cloche, and I really liked Tess and Shel.
The fact that Tess was a farrier seemed very original to me, and I liked it because I'm obsessed with watching farrier videos on TikTok, haha.
Shel was also very sweet, and I loved the bond that both Tess and Shel created with La Cloche and its inhabitants, I specially loved the bond of Shel with Jacinthe and Gabrielle.
Thanks to the author for the eArc
September 5, 2025
More than stoked to receive an ARC for this book. I think it’s safe to say at this point that I’m not sure I could get paid enough to not read a book of Katia’s, this was another 5 star read for me.
Particularly loved that it was butch x butch, a pairing close to my own heart. Smashed this in less than 24hrs.
Looking forward to getting a physical copy to add to my 5 star shelf!
Particularly loved that it was butch x butch, a pairing close to my own heart. Smashed this in less than 24hrs.
Looking forward to getting a physical copy to add to my 5 star shelf!
November 28, 2025
This is my favorite Katia Rose book so far. And, incredibly, both characters have excellent relationships to their mothers. There are enough shitty dads to make up for it though.
October 7, 2025
Thank you Katia Rose and StoryOrigin for sending me an early copy of Touch the Sky.
This book was well written and had me both laughing out loud and brought tears to my eyes at parts. I love that we get to know the whole family and get invested in the many relationships throughout the story such as the lesbian friends group or Jacinthe and her mom, even Joaquin the donkey, not just the MCs. Katia does an excellent job painting a picture of La Cloche, making me want to visit there.
While I appreciated change from the norm with the butch x butch relationship, my only complaint about the book was it was over emphasized. It’s almost as though we had to be reminded that they were both butch. Did the author not feel she did an adequate job describing them to convey this.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and cannot wait to read Maddie's story.
This book was well written and had me both laughing out loud and brought tears to my eyes at parts. I love that we get to know the whole family and get invested in the many relationships throughout the story such as the lesbian friends group or Jacinthe and her mom, even Joaquin the donkey, not just the MCs. Katia does an excellent job painting a picture of La Cloche, making me want to visit there.
While I appreciated change from the norm with the butch x butch relationship, my only complaint about the book was it was over emphasized. It’s almost as though we had to be reminded that they were both butch. Did the author not feel she did an adequate job describing them to convey this.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and cannot wait to read Maddie's story.
September 19, 2025
Thank you so much to Katia Rose for the wonderful ARC! I’m happy to share my honest review.
I was thrilled to have the latest Katia Rose book to read! Katia Rose is one of my all time favorites and amongst the very best wlw authors out there. Of course that means my expectations going into this book were sky high but fear not, Katia Rose has indeed touched the sky and has delivered a wonderful read yet again. Touch The Sky is the next installment of the Balsam Inn series and brings us back to the beautiful and quaint small town of La Cloche. I was so happy to be able to go back to La Cloche and revisit its charming landscapes and inhabitants! This was my first butch/butch story and I friggen loved it. Boy have I been missing out! It varies from the more often written femme/femme or butch/femme coupling and offers a wonderful couple that I totally fell in love with.
This book hooked me right away and I couldn’t put it down. I was gleefully entertained until the very last page. Jacinthe and Tess’s story is a great one. Each character was written with such respect and care that they immediately nestled into my heart. Jacinthe is strong, kind and genuine. She only knows how to love one way and that's with every inch of her heart. When you give all of yourself to the people you love, you have got to be selective about who those people are. Jacinthe experiences the typical apprehensions about lowering her guard and definitely has some abandonment issues linked to her fathers disappearing act. Tess is a tough as nails single mom…well maybe the tough as nails part is really the Momma Bear exterior because I found her to be so loving and tender. She is an incredible mom and woman. She puts her daughters wants and needs ahead of her own and is reluctant to allow her attention and love to be divided. Regardless of any obstacles or boundaries that may exist, it is clear that Jacinthe brings light and levity and Tess brings warmth and sincerity.Rose has developed such realistic and lovingly flawed women who live, love and persevere.
Tess and Jacinthe have a beautiful bond and develop a foundation of mutual respect and admiration with which to build a truly aspirational relationship. Living on the same farm allows them to break down each other's walls and overcome life's obstacles together. They compliment one another, help each other and just fit so well together. The attraction and chemistry jumps between Tess and Jacinthe is written so authentically and really resonated with me. I love them together! Jacinthe bonds with Tess’s daughter and they develop a super sweet friendship. I feel like, for me, that was pivotal and what made me believe in the longevity of the romantic relationship between Tess and Jacinthe. The complexities of being a single parent are uniquely difficult but Katia Rose doesn’t shy away from this. If anything, these obstacles are highlighted in a way that demonstrates what an amazing woman Tess was. I appreciated this component of the book and it made their relationship feel more real because adding a child into the mix raises the stakes exponentially. I became quite smitten with both Tess and Jacinthe as their story progressed and found myself rooting for them all along. I would be remiss if I didn’t express my appreciation for the deliciously spicy scenes that were beautifully written and definitely made me feel even more connected to Tess and Jacinthe. I love the addition of quality steamy love scenes and feel like a love story isn’t entirely enjoyable without them. Luckily, some knock your socks off and smokin hot love scenes are signature components of a Katia Rose wlw story and I couldn’t be happier about it!
It was wonderful to be back in La Cloche and felt like visiting with old friends again with Natalie and Maddie. The accompanying characters in this book are a chosen family and, in my experience, those bonds are some of the strongest and most important. Rose writes with such heart and creates people that care about and places that I want to visit. This story has so much lighthearted humor and deep emotion, a combination that is difficult to execute with ease and excellence.. But Rose executes this one two punch with ease. The writing is captivating, insightful, warm, funny and decidedly poignant. I found myself belly laughing, smiling wide and tearing up throughout this story. Katia Rose has written another winner that will make you laugh, tear up and feel everything in between. I highly recommend it for all lovers of quality sapphic romance!
I was thrilled to have the latest Katia Rose book to read! Katia Rose is one of my all time favorites and amongst the very best wlw authors out there. Of course that means my expectations going into this book were sky high but fear not, Katia Rose has indeed touched the sky and has delivered a wonderful read yet again. Touch The Sky is the next installment of the Balsam Inn series and brings us back to the beautiful and quaint small town of La Cloche. I was so happy to be able to go back to La Cloche and revisit its charming landscapes and inhabitants! This was my first butch/butch story and I friggen loved it. Boy have I been missing out! It varies from the more often written femme/femme or butch/femme coupling and offers a wonderful couple that I totally fell in love with.
This book hooked me right away and I couldn’t put it down. I was gleefully entertained until the very last page. Jacinthe and Tess’s story is a great one. Each character was written with such respect and care that they immediately nestled into my heart. Jacinthe is strong, kind and genuine. She only knows how to love one way and that's with every inch of her heart. When you give all of yourself to the people you love, you have got to be selective about who those people are. Jacinthe experiences the typical apprehensions about lowering her guard and definitely has some abandonment issues linked to her fathers disappearing act. Tess is a tough as nails single mom…well maybe the tough as nails part is really the Momma Bear exterior because I found her to be so loving and tender. She is an incredible mom and woman. She puts her daughters wants and needs ahead of her own and is reluctant to allow her attention and love to be divided. Regardless of any obstacles or boundaries that may exist, it is clear that Jacinthe brings light and levity and Tess brings warmth and sincerity.Rose has developed such realistic and lovingly flawed women who live, love and persevere.
Tess and Jacinthe have a beautiful bond and develop a foundation of mutual respect and admiration with which to build a truly aspirational relationship. Living on the same farm allows them to break down each other's walls and overcome life's obstacles together. They compliment one another, help each other and just fit so well together. The attraction and chemistry jumps between Tess and Jacinthe is written so authentically and really resonated with me. I love them together! Jacinthe bonds with Tess’s daughter and they develop a super sweet friendship. I feel like, for me, that was pivotal and what made me believe in the longevity of the romantic relationship between Tess and Jacinthe. The complexities of being a single parent are uniquely difficult but Katia Rose doesn’t shy away from this. If anything, these obstacles are highlighted in a way that demonstrates what an amazing woman Tess was. I appreciated this component of the book and it made their relationship feel more real because adding a child into the mix raises the stakes exponentially. I became quite smitten with both Tess and Jacinthe as their story progressed and found myself rooting for them all along. I would be remiss if I didn’t express my appreciation for the deliciously spicy scenes that were beautifully written and definitely made me feel even more connected to Tess and Jacinthe. I love the addition of quality steamy love scenes and feel like a love story isn’t entirely enjoyable without them. Luckily, some knock your socks off and smokin hot love scenes are signature components of a Katia Rose wlw story and I couldn’t be happier about it!
It was wonderful to be back in La Cloche and felt like visiting with old friends again with Natalie and Maddie. The accompanying characters in this book are a chosen family and, in my experience, those bonds are some of the strongest and most important. Rose writes with such heart and creates people that care about and places that I want to visit. This story has so much lighthearted humor and deep emotion, a combination that is difficult to execute with ease and excellence.. But Rose executes this one two punch with ease. The writing is captivating, insightful, warm, funny and decidedly poignant. I found myself belly laughing, smiling wide and tearing up throughout this story. Katia Rose has written another winner that will make you laugh, tear up and feel everything in between. I highly recommend it for all lovers of quality sapphic romance!
November 8, 2025
i’ve been a fan of katia rose for a while now, and i always appreciate how her books carry this sense of warmth. touch the sky was no different in that regard. it’s cozy, heartfelt, and full of the kind of quiet moments that make sapphic romances so comforting to read. the story follows tess, a single mom and farrier who’s trying to build something steady for herself and her daughter, and jacinthe, a trail-riding business owner balancing her family’s expectations with her own desires.
i really loved the premise and the setup. single mom stories always get me, especially when written with this kind of tenderness and care. tess’s devotion to her daughter and her craft makes her such a grounded, real character. she’s hardworking in a way that feels lived-in, and there’s something so satisfying about seeing a sapphic romance centered on someone who’s both a mother and a woman rediscovering herself. jacinthe, on the other hand, brings this sense of restlessness and independence that complements tess’s steadiness. she’s trying to carry the weight of her family’s legacy while figuring out who she is outside of those expectations. their worlds overlap naturally through their work, and it’s easy to see why they’re drawn to each other.
that being said, i struggled to feel fully invested in their romance. individually, tess and jacinthe are strong characters with depth and well-defined motivations. but together, their connection didn’t fully land for me. i understood why they were attracted to each other, yet i didn’t feel the spark grow beyond that. maybe it was the pacing, maybe it was the way their emotional walls stayed up a little too long, but something about their dynamic felt slightly muted. i wanted more intensity, or even more vulnerability, something that would make their relationship feel as alive as the rest of the story.
the butch x butch pairing, though, is one of the highlights of the book. it’s refreshing to see two women who both embody strength, both in different ways, and how their relationship challenges certain expectations in sapphic romance. katia handled that aspect with so much grace. their attraction wasn’t built on opposites attracting or trying to soften one another, but on a kind of mutual recognition. i just wish the emotional pull matched the potential that dynamic had.
the small-town setting remains one of katia rose’s biggest strengths. the sense of community, the cozy routines, the familiarity of the environment, it all adds texture to the story. i also really liked how the author tied the themes of care and craftsmanship throughout the book, whether through tess’s farrier work or jacinthe’s connection to the land and animals. those details made the world feel real and tangible, and they grounded the more romantic moments in something solid.
touch the sky is still a lovely read, and i’d definitely recommend it to anyone craving a butch x butch pairing or just sapphic romance in general.
3.5 ⭐
i really loved the premise and the setup. single mom stories always get me, especially when written with this kind of tenderness and care. tess’s devotion to her daughter and her craft makes her such a grounded, real character. she’s hardworking in a way that feels lived-in, and there’s something so satisfying about seeing a sapphic romance centered on someone who’s both a mother and a woman rediscovering herself. jacinthe, on the other hand, brings this sense of restlessness and independence that complements tess’s steadiness. she’s trying to carry the weight of her family’s legacy while figuring out who she is outside of those expectations. their worlds overlap naturally through their work, and it’s easy to see why they’re drawn to each other.
that being said, i struggled to feel fully invested in their romance. individually, tess and jacinthe are strong characters with depth and well-defined motivations. but together, their connection didn’t fully land for me. i understood why they were attracted to each other, yet i didn’t feel the spark grow beyond that. maybe it was the pacing, maybe it was the way their emotional walls stayed up a little too long, but something about their dynamic felt slightly muted. i wanted more intensity, or even more vulnerability, something that would make their relationship feel as alive as the rest of the story.
the butch x butch pairing, though, is one of the highlights of the book. it’s refreshing to see two women who both embody strength, both in different ways, and how their relationship challenges certain expectations in sapphic romance. katia handled that aspect with so much grace. their attraction wasn’t built on opposites attracting or trying to soften one another, but on a kind of mutual recognition. i just wish the emotional pull matched the potential that dynamic had.
the small-town setting remains one of katia rose’s biggest strengths. the sense of community, the cozy routines, the familiarity of the environment, it all adds texture to the story. i also really liked how the author tied the themes of care and craftsmanship throughout the book, whether through tess’s farrier work or jacinthe’s connection to the land and animals. those details made the world feel real and tangible, and they grounded the more romantic moments in something solid.
touch the sky is still a lovely read, and i’d definitely recommend it to anyone craving a butch x butch pairing or just sapphic romance in general.
3.5 ⭐
September 7, 2025
Katia Rose is one of those authors who you can rely on to deliver a wonderfully heartwarming story and Touch the Sky is no exception. I absolutely adored this story and was fortunate to be both a Beta and ARC reader. Even on my second read through I was still finding myself laughing out loud and getting all the warm fuzzies. And OMG, that first chapter has to be one of the funniest things I've read in a very long time.
Touch the Sky is the second installment of the Balsam Inn series (following on from Paint the Moon in which was read Natalie and Brooke's story). The series is based around three women who establish and run a bed and breakfast in a property inherited by Natalie. In Touch the Sky we get to read more about Jacinthe and learn about her struggles to manage both her role at the newly established inn and her responsibilities running the farm she lives on with her mother who is suffering from multiple sclerosis. And to say that Natalie is struggling would be an understatement. With so much baggage arising from a sense of abandonment after her father walked out when she was young she is reluctant to let anyone else get close or help out around the farm for fear that they will also let her down.
Tess has moved to La Cloche to take over the local farrier business and in search of a fresh start for herself and her daughter with the hope that they can find somewhere that they can fit in. After the original rental that they had lined up falls over at the last minute, they end up renting the back part of the home where Jactinthe and her mother live. Before long they find themselves increasingly drawn into the wonderfully welcoming community and, naturally, crossing paths with Jacinthe. While there is a strong connection between the two women, both have issues with trust, and the question is whether they can learn to let down their barriers to allow something to grow between them.
As usual, Katia Rose manages to draw the reader into the story with the assistance of a wonderful array of side characters who are there for both Jacinthe and Tess to lean on and who help them to realise the importance of learning to let go of past hurts and learn to trust again.
I am very grateful to Katia Rose for not only allowing me to Beta read this story but also providing me with an ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Touch the Sky is the second installment of the Balsam Inn series (following on from Paint the Moon in which was read Natalie and Brooke's story). The series is based around three women who establish and run a bed and breakfast in a property inherited by Natalie. In Touch the Sky we get to read more about Jacinthe and learn about her struggles to manage both her role at the newly established inn and her responsibilities running the farm she lives on with her mother who is suffering from multiple sclerosis. And to say that Natalie is struggling would be an understatement. With so much baggage arising from a sense of abandonment after her father walked out when she was young she is reluctant to let anyone else get close or help out around the farm for fear that they will also let her down.
Tess has moved to La Cloche to take over the local farrier business and in search of a fresh start for herself and her daughter with the hope that they can find somewhere that they can fit in. After the original rental that they had lined up falls over at the last minute, they end up renting the back part of the home where Jactinthe and her mother live. Before long they find themselves increasingly drawn into the wonderfully welcoming community and, naturally, crossing paths with Jacinthe. While there is a strong connection between the two women, both have issues with trust, and the question is whether they can learn to let down their barriers to allow something to grow between them.
As usual, Katia Rose manages to draw the reader into the story with the assistance of a wonderful array of side characters who are there for both Jacinthe and Tess to lean on and who help them to realise the importance of learning to let go of past hurts and learn to trust again.
I am very grateful to Katia Rose for not only allowing me to Beta read this story but also providing me with an ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 17, 2025
Another great installment in the Balsam Inn series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. We don’t get a lot of butch x butch sapphic novels and Touch the Sky was really refreshing to read. This is a standalone novel but if you read Paint the Moon then you’ll already be familiar with our main character Jacinthe and some of the side characters.
Jacinthe is overworked between helping to run Balsam Inn with her best friends and running La Grange Rouge, her trail riding business. She barely has a minute to herself let alone time for a relationship. Since her father left the picture when she was a young teen it’s just been her and her mom keeping La Grange Rouge going. Unfortunately her mom is in poor health, and not able to help out as much as she used to, though some days she feels better than others.
Tess is a single mom who has moved to the quaint and picturesque town of La Cloche to make a better life for her and her 10 year old daughter. She is taking over a farrier business which entails trimming and shoeing horses’ hooves. She meets Jacinthe when she begins working with the horses at La Grange Rouge. Tess is a tall sexy and strong butch woman and Jacinthe can’t help but find her attractive.
They have a funny initial meet cute that had me giggling out loud. At first the two women try to keep things professional between each other. Neither has time for themselves let alone a relationship. But they begin to realize that life is actually easier when you have someone you can trust and count on for the day to day chores and challenges.
Katia Rose knows how to tell a good story and she always has very well developed characters that you can find a way to relate to. She also creates a well rounded world with interesting side characters. There were plenty of funny moments, tender moments, and spicy moments in Touch the Sky. I can’t wait to read Maddie’s story next.
Jacinthe is overworked between helping to run Balsam Inn with her best friends and running La Grange Rouge, her trail riding business. She barely has a minute to herself let alone time for a relationship. Since her father left the picture when she was a young teen it’s just been her and her mom keeping La Grange Rouge going. Unfortunately her mom is in poor health, and not able to help out as much as she used to, though some days she feels better than others.
Tess is a single mom who has moved to the quaint and picturesque town of La Cloche to make a better life for her and her 10 year old daughter. She is taking over a farrier business which entails trimming and shoeing horses’ hooves. She meets Jacinthe when she begins working with the horses at La Grange Rouge. Tess is a tall sexy and strong butch woman and Jacinthe can’t help but find her attractive.
They have a funny initial meet cute that had me giggling out loud. At first the two women try to keep things professional between each other. Neither has time for themselves let alone a relationship. But they begin to realize that life is actually easier when you have someone you can trust and count on for the day to day chores and challenges.
Katia Rose knows how to tell a good story and she always has very well developed characters that you can find a way to relate to. She also creates a well rounded world with interesting side characters. There were plenty of funny moments, tender moments, and spicy moments in Touch the Sky. I can’t wait to read Maddie’s story next.
September 10, 2025
Katia Rose does it again!
This is my seventh Katia Rose book and they’re all five stars. She just publishes gold.
Touch The Sky made me tear up, giggle, laugh and clutch my chest. The small town appreciation that I can relate to as a small town girl myself, neighbors that show up because they want to support and help. The quiet longing for someone who left a long time ago, the acceptance of responsibilities beyond what one can healthily take on and, on a less serious note, the battle of the carabiners and the matching butch for butch outfits.
Jacinthe and Tess are such a beautiful couple. The growth of, not quite feeling content but resigned to not having a life partner to realizing that the other person just seamlessly fits into your life. Their chemistry is off the charts! The denying, the yearning, the wanting and just the inevitability of their encounters, truly so well written. I mean, they didn’t even take their pants off. Shel is just so cute and not just a side character in the story, we actually see how and why she can relate so much to Jass. Gabrielle, Jacinthe’s mom, portrayed as a a strong woman who also falters and needs time to heal. Natalie, Maddie and Brooke, ever present in their friend’s time of need or just to embarrass her. The found family aspect and girl squad, already present from the first book in the Balsam Inn series, remains and grows in this second book.
Point blank, if Katia Rose writes and publishes it, I’ll read it.
Can’t wait to see what happens with Maddie!
Thank you to Katia Rose and StoryOrigins for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is my seventh Katia Rose book and they’re all five stars. She just publishes gold.
Touch The Sky made me tear up, giggle, laugh and clutch my chest. The small town appreciation that I can relate to as a small town girl myself, neighbors that show up because they want to support and help. The quiet longing for someone who left a long time ago, the acceptance of responsibilities beyond what one can healthily take on and, on a less serious note, the battle of the carabiners and the matching butch for butch outfits.
Jacinthe and Tess are such a beautiful couple. The growth of, not quite feeling content but resigned to not having a life partner to realizing that the other person just seamlessly fits into your life. Their chemistry is off the charts! The denying, the yearning, the wanting and just the inevitability of their encounters, truly so well written. I mean, they didn’t even take their pants off. Shel is just so cute and not just a side character in the story, we actually see how and why she can relate so much to Jass. Gabrielle, Jacinthe’s mom, portrayed as a a strong woman who also falters and needs time to heal. Natalie, Maddie and Brooke, ever present in their friend’s time of need or just to embarrass her. The found family aspect and girl squad, already present from the first book in the Balsam Inn series, remains and grows in this second book.
Point blank, if Katia Rose writes and publishes it, I’ll read it.
Can’t wait to see what happens with Maddie!
Thank you to Katia Rose and StoryOrigins for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 23, 2025
Touch the Sky by Katia Rose is by far my favourite book by Katia. I feel like she has also done a little snooping in my dream journals, learnt some of my absolute favourite tropes, and written a book specifically for me🥰
Small town setting? Check ✔️
Butches? Check and check ✔️
Farrier / trail riding guide (essentially cowgirls)? Check ✔️
Autumnal setting? Check ✔️
We meet the slightly chaotic trail riding guide, Jacinthe, who is currently struggling under the weight of the responsabilities of both her trail riding business and as a co-owner of the newly opened Balsam Inn🐎
Enter Tess, the softer farrier, who has come to the area to hopefully find a home for herself and her adorable daughter, Shelby🛻
When they meet, there is an instant attraction, and Katia has so beautifully written the tension between them, the struggles they both have with the possibility of entering into a new relationship, and the insanely good chemistry between them. There are side characters (some we already know, from Paint The Moon), and some are new. All of them bring a little something to the scenes they are in, giving that extra colour to the pages, be it staging an intervention, or having a mother-to-mother-talk☺️
Touch the Sky is a heartwarming story, with the gorgeous Laurentians as a backdrop, filled with emotions, found family, a demon donkey, and oh my god, the spice. And let me just tell you, one of the spicy scenes may or may not have sparked something within me👀❤️🔥
This book had me laughing, tearing up, and blushing. I was lucky enough to beta read this as well, and I honestly couldn't wait to be able to read it again! And again. And again🫏
Small town setting? Check ✔️
Butches? Check and check ✔️
Farrier / trail riding guide (essentially cowgirls)? Check ✔️
Autumnal setting? Check ✔️
We meet the slightly chaotic trail riding guide, Jacinthe, who is currently struggling under the weight of the responsabilities of both her trail riding business and as a co-owner of the newly opened Balsam Inn🐎
Enter Tess, the softer farrier, who has come to the area to hopefully find a home for herself and her adorable daughter, Shelby🛻
When they meet, there is an instant attraction, and Katia has so beautifully written the tension between them, the struggles they both have with the possibility of entering into a new relationship, and the insanely good chemistry between them. There are side characters (some we already know, from Paint The Moon), and some are new. All of them bring a little something to the scenes they are in, giving that extra colour to the pages, be it staging an intervention, or having a mother-to-mother-talk☺️
Touch the Sky is a heartwarming story, with the gorgeous Laurentians as a backdrop, filled with emotions, found family, a demon donkey, and oh my god, the spice. And let me just tell you, one of the spicy scenes may or may not have sparked something within me👀❤️🔥
This book had me laughing, tearing up, and blushing. I was lucky enough to beta read this as well, and I honestly couldn't wait to be able to read it again! And again. And again🫏
September 29, 2025
Katia Rose is an amazing author, and I was so excited to read her latest book!
This book tells the story of Tess and Jacinthe. Tess is a single mom and a farrier, looking for a fresh start for herself and her daughter in the small town of La Cloche. Jacinthe is a trail riding guide and happens to be living on the same farm where Tess is renting an apartment and the daughter of Tess’s landlady. Tess and Jacinthe strike up a friendship and then attempt a secret, no-strings-attached physical relationship, as neither woman wants the complications that would come with a relationship.
Tess and Jacinthe are the only people standing in the way of their own relationship. But I found their hesitation believable. Tess is dealing with her daughter’s unreliable father, and Jacinthe herself was abandoned by her father as a child. In many ways, Tess and Jacinthe are similar. They are both butch lesbians. At one point, they even accidentally wear the same outfit. (They also have a competition to see whose carbineer is bigger.) On a deeper level, both are caretakers – Tess of her 10-year-old daughter and Jacinthe of her mother who has MS. It felt like these characters understood each other and really connected because of their similarities.
My favorite character was Tess’s daughter Shel. She is adorable and a big part of the plot, because Jacinthe making a commitment to Tess means accepting Shel into her life as well.
I thought the book was sweet, spicy, and a fun read.
Thank you to the author for a free advanced copy of this book.
Highlights:
- butch x butch
- single mom
- she gets knee deep in her passenger seat 🌶️
- lesbian romance
- small town
This book tells the story of Tess and Jacinthe. Tess is a single mom and a farrier, looking for a fresh start for herself and her daughter in the small town of La Cloche. Jacinthe is a trail riding guide and happens to be living on the same farm where Tess is renting an apartment and the daughter of Tess’s landlady. Tess and Jacinthe strike up a friendship and then attempt a secret, no-strings-attached physical relationship, as neither woman wants the complications that would come with a relationship.
Tess and Jacinthe are the only people standing in the way of their own relationship. But I found their hesitation believable. Tess is dealing with her daughter’s unreliable father, and Jacinthe herself was abandoned by her father as a child. In many ways, Tess and Jacinthe are similar. They are both butch lesbians. At one point, they even accidentally wear the same outfit. (They also have a competition to see whose carbineer is bigger.) On a deeper level, both are caretakers – Tess of her 10-year-old daughter and Jacinthe of her mother who has MS. It felt like these characters understood each other and really connected because of their similarities.
My favorite character was Tess’s daughter Shel. She is adorable and a big part of the plot, because Jacinthe making a commitment to Tess means accepting Shel into her life as well.
I thought the book was sweet, spicy, and a fun read.
Thank you to the author for a free advanced copy of this book.
Highlights:
- butch x butch
- single mom
- she gets knee deep in her passenger seat 🌶️
- lesbian romance
- small town
September 6, 2025
It was so great to follow Jacinthe and Tess fall for each other, two persons that do not think they have time for love but in the end of course unavoidable with that chemistry. Jacinthe is working so hard, both with the Balsam Inn with her two best friends, Nathalie and Maddie, and helping her mom with their farm. Tess, a farrier and single mother to 10-year-old Shel, is busy working, taking care of her daughter and is currently struggling to find somewhere to live. When she meets Jacinthe’s mom Gabrielle, she is offered the empty house they have on their property.
When they both live on the farm Tess sees how Jacinthe struggles to cope with all her tasks and long days, so she starts to help with the horses. Jacinthe bonds with Tess’s daughter Shel over having a shitty absent father. They just fit in each other’s life, and they are so attracted to each other, their chemistry is sizzling. Do they want to pursue that, risk their friendship, Jacinthe so worried one more person will leave her just like her dad did, and Tess does not see how she can have a relationship and still have time for her daughter. How all that unravels is amazing to read about.
Now I really look forward to Maddie’s story next. Maddie does not trust Natalie or Jacinthe to set her up with their messy track record, to fall in love with their brother’s ex-fiancée or their landlady. However, I am sure Maddie will somehow find her own perfect match in the next book in the series.
I received a free ARC from the author and leave a review voluntarily.
When they both live on the farm Tess sees how Jacinthe struggles to cope with all her tasks and long days, so she starts to help with the horses. Jacinthe bonds with Tess’s daughter Shel over having a shitty absent father. They just fit in each other’s life, and they are so attracted to each other, their chemistry is sizzling. Do they want to pursue that, risk their friendship, Jacinthe so worried one more person will leave her just like her dad did, and Tess does not see how she can have a relationship and still have time for her daughter. How all that unravels is amazing to read about.
Now I really look forward to Maddie’s story next. Maddie does not trust Natalie or Jacinthe to set her up with their messy track record, to fall in love with their brother’s ex-fiancée or their landlady. However, I am sure Maddie will somehow find her own perfect match in the next book in the series.
I received a free ARC from the author and leave a review voluntarily.
September 25, 2025
I’ve received an ARC in exchange for an honest review and I’d like to thank Katia Rose and StoryOrigin for it! I’ve read Paint The Moon earlier this year and it was one of my favorite readings of the year, so I can say I was excited for book 2, but I was also afraid. When I really like a book and it has a sequel exploring the lives of other characters, I’m always afraid it won’t live up to the original one. And even though I liked Jacinthe as a secondary character, I didn’t know if her story would be that good, but I can say it was! I felt like Jacinthe was sort of a comic relief when I was reading Paint The Moon so I was pleasantly surprised to find out all her struggles and to understand her motivations better. And I loved getting to know Tess too, both main characters had compelling back stories and I could understand where their fears came from. It also made me understand why this was such a slowburn (even though a think they were a little too stubborn). I really liked their romance but I especially liked how the secondary characters were written. Not everyone can create a main character with a child and make it work, but Katia did. Shel is sweet and very cute and I really loved her relationship with Jacinthe. I also loved getting to know Gabrielle better, I hate that she has to go through everything she does. And, of course, it was great getting to see Natalie and Brooke together again, even if I wish I could’ve seen a bit more of them. It was a great boook overall, I can’t wait to see what she has in store for Maddie!
September 5, 2025
Once again, Katia Rose delivers. Touch the Sky is an amazing second book in the Balsam Inn series and this instalment features so many things I adore in a romance novel; sparkling chemistry, humour, a gorgeous setting and sapphics to swoon over. What’s not to love?
Watching everything unfold between Jacinthe and Tess was so enjoyable and with this being Katia’s first foray into the single parent trope, I feel as though she did an excellent job. We met Jacinthe in Paint the Moon and I really liked her as a character then but I’m so glad she got the chance to shine in this book because she deserved it and both Tess and her spunky daughter Shel were perfect additions to the Katia Rose universe. It’s also refreshing to read a book where the author isn’t afraid to talk about her characters being lesbians because I often feel sometimes these days in sapphic novels that authors will do everything they can to describe their characters as a lesbian while being afraid to actually use the term.
I would’ve liked to see a little bit more of Natalie and Maddie in this book but that’s just a selfish wish because I adore them and their relationship with Jacinthe which is why I’m so eager for the chance to dive into Maddie’s story next.
I loved this book and Katia has never let me down. I’d like to thank her for an ARC of this book and I would definitely recommend it if you’ve read and enjoyed her previous work!
Watching everything unfold between Jacinthe and Tess was so enjoyable and with this being Katia’s first foray into the single parent trope, I feel as though she did an excellent job. We met Jacinthe in Paint the Moon and I really liked her as a character then but I’m so glad she got the chance to shine in this book because she deserved it and both Tess and her spunky daughter Shel were perfect additions to the Katia Rose universe. It’s also refreshing to read a book where the author isn’t afraid to talk about her characters being lesbians because I often feel sometimes these days in sapphic novels that authors will do everything they can to describe their characters as a lesbian while being afraid to actually use the term.
I would’ve liked to see a little bit more of Natalie and Maddie in this book but that’s just a selfish wish because I adore them and their relationship with Jacinthe which is why I’m so eager for the chance to dive into Maddie’s story next.
I loved this book and Katia has never let me down. I’d like to thank her for an ARC of this book and I would definitely recommend it if you’ve read and enjoyed her previous work!
September 26, 2025
Touch the Sky is another feel-good romance in the Balsam Inn series by Katia Rose. This one features the butch member of the friend trio from La Cloche, Jacinthe, as she unexpectedly finds herself smitten with the new farrier in town, single mother Tess. Can either woman overcome her past trauma and learn to trust? Tess prioritizes her 10-year-old daughter, Shel, and worries that her own wants could jeopardize the new life they are building.
The lovely imagery of autumn in rural Quebec sets the scene for this romantic comedy with a lot of heart. It features a cheeky donkey, a strong found family, supportive parents, likable main characters, and steamy intimate moments. The great chemistry between the main characters and the realistic dialogue make the relationship believable.
Katia Rose is an auto-read author for me, and this installment did not disappoint. I recommend this book and her other sapphic romance novels.
#horsefarm #farrier #inn #innowner #cheekydonkey #rural #Quebec #Canada #Frenchspeaking #singlemother #foundfamily #fall #autumn #Halloween #forcedproximity #butch/butch #chronicillnessrep #romcom #smalltown #HEA #steamy #bodypositivity
I received a free ARC from the author through StoryOrigin. This is my honest opinion.
The lovely imagery of autumn in rural Quebec sets the scene for this romantic comedy with a lot of heart. It features a cheeky donkey, a strong found family, supportive parents, likable main characters, and steamy intimate moments. The great chemistry between the main characters and the realistic dialogue make the relationship believable.
Katia Rose is an auto-read author for me, and this installment did not disappoint. I recommend this book and her other sapphic romance novels.
#horsefarm #farrier #inn #innowner #cheekydonkey #rural #Quebec #Canada #Frenchspeaking #singlemother #foundfamily #fall #autumn #Halloween #forcedproximity #butch/butch #chronicillnessrep #romcom #smalltown #HEA #steamy #bodypositivity
I received a free ARC from the author through StoryOrigin. This is my honest opinion.
September 23, 2025
I'm always pleasantly surprised to see two main characters who are sensible people, and I loved how that very thing created the sticking point between them. Usually I'm yelling, "Get it together!" at one of the characters in a romance book, but in this case it was more like "Aaaaah be LESS responsible, you two!"
Jacinthe is *actually* kind of a jerk, and she acts awkward in ways that normal people do, and I love both of those things about her. Tess is a total sweetheart, a great mom, and catnip for anyone with a competence kink. I just looked at both these women—and the circumstances and people in their lives—and by about the 40% mark I thought, they're 1000% meant to be family.
This is my second Katia Rose book, and she's swiftly becoming one of my favorite romance authors. Her settings are vivid, almost to the point that they're a character themselves. The side characters are all distinct and developed, and many of them are just delightful people—I loved Shel and Gabrielle and the way they interact with the main characters.
Also, and I can't leave this out, it was intensely sexy at the right moments.
🔥🔥🔥
Jacinthe is *actually* kind of a jerk, and she acts awkward in ways that normal people do, and I love both of those things about her. Tess is a total sweetheart, a great mom, and catnip for anyone with a competence kink. I just looked at both these women—and the circumstances and people in their lives—and by about the 40% mark I thought, they're 1000% meant to be family.
This is my second Katia Rose book, and she's swiftly becoming one of my favorite romance authors. Her settings are vivid, almost to the point that they're a character themselves. The side characters are all distinct and developed, and many of them are just delightful people—I loved Shel and Gabrielle and the way they interact with the main characters.
Also, and I can't leave this out, it was intensely sexy at the right moments.
🔥🔥🔥
September 5, 2025
It made me smile, giggle, and even swoon! Absolutely!
It also touched me, because both MCs have been through a lot and have fears that shape their lives. Life throws them into complicated situations and into decisions they can hardly make.
At least they resist them vehemently.
Sometimes I asked myself, "Why is this so hard for them?"
But from the outside, it's quite simple i think. It's no different in real life!
I thought it was great that both MCs are masculine and butch x butch. There aren't many love stories with this representation. I liked that a lot and it's hot ;)
As the second book in the Balsam Inn Series, which I really enjoyed, things get really hot!
Even though it is also a bit of a slow-burn love story.
Jacinthe and Tess have an explosive chemistry, that's wonderful and extremely well-written! Phew!
Shel, Tess's daughter is a sweet character and i thought that this was a great addicion to this story!
Thanks so much to Katia Rose for a slightly different, but beautiful love story and for the ARC!
It also touched me, because both MCs have been through a lot and have fears that shape their lives. Life throws them into complicated situations and into decisions they can hardly make.
At least they resist them vehemently.
Sometimes I asked myself, "Why is this so hard for them?"
But from the outside, it's quite simple i think. It's no different in real life!
I thought it was great that both MCs are masculine and butch x butch. There aren't many love stories with this representation. I liked that a lot and it's hot ;)
As the second book in the Balsam Inn Series, which I really enjoyed, things get really hot!
Even though it is also a bit of a slow-burn love story.
Jacinthe and Tess have an explosive chemistry, that's wonderful and extremely well-written! Phew!
Shel, Tess's daughter is a sweet character and i thought that this was a great addicion to this story!
Thanks so much to Katia Rose for a slightly different, but beautiful love story and for the ARC!
September 7, 2025
First I have to say I haven't read anything by Katia Rose that I haven't loved. This one is no exception. She has a gift for developing unique and relatable characters (yes both those things!). Touch the Sky is the second installment of the Balsam Inn series. This one follows Jacinthe the pint sized fiery butch who out works and out curses all those around her. She has it tough but wouldn't have it any other way. Tess also wouldn't have it any other way as she centers her life around her daughter Shel. She has come to La Cloche to start an independent life in business for herself hoping it gives her daughter a place to belong. I loved the butch-butch representation especially a butch mother. These two stubbornly cling to old ideas about what can fit in their lives all the while building a whole new life. The combination of great main and secondary characters, a fabulous setting and the development of a relationship is perfect! Not to mention the humor. I would definitely recommend this series and this book. I received an ARC.
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