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Touch Starved
Recently removed from the life he knew, from his family, and from the land that saw his birth, Rajnish Nayar finds himself lonely. On this new country, on his birthday, what could have been a fatal accident helps him rediscover himself, and perhaps, find a second chance at love.
Erotica writer Stephen Kouris has trouble keeping friends. He has even more troubles keeping lovers, even though all he wants is someone to be by his side always. When he meets exotic Rajnish Nayar, his interest is immediately piqued. Could this shy man be the one? And could he get him to admit his feelings, despite the cultural differences?
Erotica writer Stephen Kouris has trouble keeping friends. He has even more troubles keeping lovers, even though all he wants is someone to be by his side always. When he meets exotic Rajnish Nayar, his interest is immediately piqued. Could this shy man be the one? And could he get him to admit his feelings, despite the cultural differences?
44 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 6, 2015
2 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Lau
12 books25 followersSamantha Lau weaves enchanting M/M romance across genres, creating stories where love knows no boundaries—whether between species, social classes, or parallel dimensions. Her unique blend of Eastern and Western storytelling traditions brings fresh energy to the romance genre, crafting tales that range from cyberpunk adventures to tender contemporary love stories.
Drawing from her multilingual background and love of diverse cultures, she creates rich worlds where the impossible becomes possible and love blooms in the most unexpected places. Her stories feature everything from shape-shifting nagas and passionate demons to cyberpunk runners and small-town fae, but at their heart, they're always about two people finding their way to each other.
When not crafting new worlds or spending time with her beloved dogs, Samantha explores different languages and cultures, finding inspiration for her next love story in every new discovery.
Try one of her books now and be transported to a new world!
Drawing from her multilingual background and love of diverse cultures, she creates rich worlds where the impossible becomes possible and love blooms in the most unexpected places. Her stories feature everything from shape-shifting nagas and passionate demons to cyberpunk runners and small-town fae, but at their heart, they're always about two people finding their way to each other.
When not crafting new worlds or spending time with her beloved dogs, Samantha explores different languages and cultures, finding inspiration for her next love story in every new discovery.
Try one of her books now and be transported to a new world!
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 26, 2015
THREE HEARTS--I have to applaud the author for tackling a story that features real life characters and diversity. *claps* We need more characters like Rajnish. He's a 43 year old Indian man, divorced from his arranged marriage (to a woman) and has a teenage son. There are a good number of older hero MM but this one is closer to unique because the author chose to go outside the usual main character box.
And the other main character, Stephen is in his late thirties!
If you like older heroes, sweet romance, you might like this one.
Rajnish or Raj meets Stephen on a chance encounter - drunk Stephen nearly gets ran over by Raj. The men befriend each other over a length of time, taking a vacation together where the friends finally become lovers. Rajnish was interesting, a late in life bloomer of sorts - he always coasted along his life, did what was expected of him and finally at 43, takes the reins and lives his life for himself. He finally touches the doorknob of his closet. He has to first accept homosexuality in his son and then later himself. Stephen was a patient, friend who took his time, didn't freak Raj out because he saw something special in his friend.
Why this wasn't a 5 star rating?
I'd love to rate this higher just for the different type of character used...but I can't. The story was good, not memorable. Even quiet main characters have the ability to remain on the brain if written to showcase the best characteristics. We sort of get this with Raj but I still don't feel like I got to fully know him and Stephen...I barely knew him. Both men were perfect for each other, I believe they will be partners for a very long time. But I wanted to know more of what made them special, what made them tic. Why was Stephen so rip roaring drunk in the first place? Other than the brief mention of Raj reading Stephen's work (MM romance BTW), why didn't we get to learn how Raj started reading this genre?
The pacing was sedate. For less than 19K, it felt like I read double that due to the slow pace. Don't get me wrong, for Rajnish - he could only have a believable late in life gay moment if the pacing is slow. There is something about this story that needed a little more to make it interesting. It didn't need to be over the top dramatics, I'd have rated this lower if it there was. But something. Raj is an immigrant in a new land, he barely touched on the cultural differences. There is sort of a parallel story with Raj's son, Arun, but he is only there for a few pages to showcase Raj's acceptance of his own sexuality. Also, there was a sense of formality between father and son that tarnished the validity of their closeness in my eyes. Loosen up fellas. :)
There were a few typos but it didn't detract from the story. There were images in the text that didn't really look great on my e-reader. I don't know if it was only a me thing but I just thought I'd mention it. Story didn't need them.
Overall, it was a sweet and slow, no angst, calm romance. Not as intense or deep as I imagined it could be. But I liked.
P.S. this story is set-your-own price on Smashwords, in case you're curious.
A copy provided for an honest review.
And the other main character, Stephen is in his late thirties!
If you like older heroes, sweet romance, you might like this one.
Rajnish or Raj meets Stephen on a chance encounter - drunk Stephen nearly gets ran over by Raj. The men befriend each other over a length of time, taking a vacation together where the friends finally become lovers. Rajnish was interesting, a late in life bloomer of sorts - he always coasted along his life, did what was expected of him and finally at 43, takes the reins and lives his life for himself. He finally touches the doorknob of his closet. He has to first accept homosexuality in his son and then later himself. Stephen was a patient, friend who took his time, didn't freak Raj out because he saw something special in his friend.
Why this wasn't a 5 star rating?
I'd love to rate this higher just for the different type of character used...but I can't. The story was good, not memorable. Even quiet main characters have the ability to remain on the brain if written to showcase the best characteristics. We sort of get this with Raj but I still don't feel like I got to fully know him and Stephen...I barely knew him. Both men were perfect for each other, I believe they will be partners for a very long time. But I wanted to know more of what made them special, what made them tic. Why was Stephen so rip roaring drunk in the first place? Other than the brief mention of Raj reading Stephen's work (MM romance BTW), why didn't we get to learn how Raj started reading this genre?
The pacing was sedate. For less than 19K, it felt like I read double that due to the slow pace. Don't get me wrong, for Rajnish - he could only have a believable late in life gay moment if the pacing is slow. There is something about this story that needed a little more to make it interesting. It didn't need to be over the top dramatics, I'd have rated this lower if it there was. But something. Raj is an immigrant in a new land, he barely touched on the cultural differences. There is sort of a parallel story with Raj's son, Arun, but he is only there for a few pages to showcase Raj's acceptance of his own sexuality. Also, there was a sense of formality between father and son that tarnished the validity of their closeness in my eyes. Loosen up fellas. :)
There were a few typos but it didn't detract from the story. There were images in the text that didn't really look great on my e-reader. I don't know if it was only a me thing but I just thought I'd mention it. Story didn't need them.
Overall, it was a sweet and slow, no angst, calm romance. Not as intense or deep as I imagined it could be. But I liked.
P.S. this story is set-your-own price on Smashwords, in case you're curious.
A copy provided for an honest review.
January 9, 2015
In the interest of full disclosure, I am friends with the author. Having said that, I will also point out that I am excellent at avoidance, so if I didn't honestly love this story, I would have found an excuse not to rate/review it.
Now to try and write a review that isn't my usual "squee" which is about as good as I usually get for books I like. Touch Starved is a lovely, straightforward, simple story. By simple I mean there are no supernatural elements, no explosions, murders, angst, drama, cheating, time travel, whatever, just a sweet little story about two lonely men meeting and falling in love.
When first given the opportunity to read Samantha's story I was a little nervous. What if I didn't like it? What if I had to force myself to read it? But two sentences in I was already engaged and quickly coming to love Raj, and when Stephen came into the picture I found myself just as enamored of him. Without resorting to explosions (yes I might be stuck on explosions, I quite like them, maybe I can beg for an exploding microwave or something, for the next book? *flutters eyelids*) or anything flashy this is a true romance. It is carried on the weight of the characters and the relationship they build together.
I fear this review is a rather sorry effort to explain my love for this story - I don't do serious well and trying to suppress my need to aimlessly ramble is a struggle, but I really want to properly convey my enjoyment. And while I hate to descend into trite phrases, heartwarming rather fits. Sweet, beautiful, lovely. That is how I would describe this story.
Simply put, it just made me happy reading it.
Now to try and write a review that isn't my usual "squee" which is about as good as I usually get for books I like. Touch Starved is a lovely, straightforward, simple story. By simple I mean there are no supernatural elements, no explosions, murders, angst, drama, cheating, time travel, whatever, just a sweet little story about two lonely men meeting and falling in love.
When first given the opportunity to read Samantha's story I was a little nervous. What if I didn't like it? What if I had to force myself to read it? But two sentences in I was already engaged and quickly coming to love Raj, and when Stephen came into the picture I found myself just as enamored of him. Without resorting to explosions (yes I might be stuck on explosions, I quite like them, maybe I can beg for an exploding microwave or something, for the next book? *flutters eyelids*) or anything flashy this is a true romance. It is carried on the weight of the characters and the relationship they build together.
I fear this review is a rather sorry effort to explain my love for this story - I don't do serious well and trying to suppress my need to aimlessly ramble is a struggle, but I really want to properly convey my enjoyment. And while I hate to descend into trite phrases, heartwarming rather fits. Sweet, beautiful, lovely. That is how I would describe this story.
Simply put, it just made me happy reading it.
June 13, 2015
4.5 simply because Contemporary isn't my favorite genre, that being said I must admit that this one suited me and I honestly liked it.
I'm not sure I'm using right expressions but I feel words that best describe this book are sweet cute and happy.
There's no angst, villans or drama. Just two guys trying to figure out their lives and future and if said future will be together.
March 12, 2015
There is only one word that fits this short story and that's romantic. The story begins with Raj (nickname) feeling down on his birthday.He is spending alone wanting more out of life than the usual mundane. Although this story does not have any paranormal aspects fate seem literally steer Raj into Stephen (swoon). Wanting more out of life Raj and Stephen build a friendship which budded into to something beautiful, honest and loving.
March 23, 2015
Really lovely, slow-paced ambulation through the journey of friends to lovers, with ethnic diversity and different cultures meeting. Wish there had been more depth though - a bit too gentle by the end.
February 12, 2024
Such a gentle story! Even with a beginning of one MC knocking the other MC down with his car!
I have read very few books with an Indian MC, I can’t think of any romance books. That Rajnish was forty-three, divorced, and shy made it even better. A Bollywood type character would be able to pull easily. I liked a real person like Rajnish who took baby steps into a relationship with MM romance writer Stephen.
The story is dual POV and both men are in their heads with thoughts of not pushing too quickly for what they want, and Raj having only been intimate within his arranged marriage. Stephen is far more wordly and is trying to take it slow with the chemistry between he and Rajnish as he has been accused in the past of being clingy and pushy.
This is a slow burn story until both MCs realize they are going too slowly. The heat is good between the two.
I enjoyed this novella at KOBO.
I have read very few books with an Indian MC, I can’t think of any romance books. That Rajnish was forty-three, divorced, and shy made it even better. A Bollywood type character would be able to pull easily. I liked a real person like Rajnish who took baby steps into a relationship with MM romance writer Stephen.
The story is dual POV and both men are in their heads with thoughts of not pushing too quickly for what they want, and Raj having only been intimate within his arranged marriage. Stephen is far more wordly and is trying to take it slow with the chemistry between he and Rajnish as he has been accused in the past of being clingy and pushy.
This is a slow burn story until both MCs realize they are going too slowly. The heat is good between the two.
I enjoyed this novella at KOBO.
March 21, 2015
>: Rajnish’s birthday is today. He’s turning 43 and he’s alone. He’s left his homeland of India for the US, where his son is attending school. He is divorced and with few friends here. He’s shy and this makes finding someone even more difficult.
When he runs into a drunken man on the street (literally), he meets Stephen, a writer who is immediately taken by Raj’s shy smile and exotic looks. Raj doesn’t believe it, of course, and besides, he isn’t gay.
Stephen is willing to be Raj’s friend and that’s how the two of them start out, even as Raj is doing some soul-searching, particularly after his son, Arun, comes home to say he’s met someone he loves.
I thought their sex scenes were tender and Stephen tried very hard to make it pleasurable for Raj, which was appreciated. I liked especially that these two started as friends, not as bed partners. That seemed realistic for Raj’s personality.
I thought the blurb a bit misleading because it didn’t seem the cultural differences were all that much of an issue. These two don’t face a whole lot of angst or problems, so this is a quick, soft read.
When he runs into a drunken man on the street (literally), he meets Stephen, a writer who is immediately taken by Raj’s shy smile and exotic looks. Raj doesn’t believe it, of course, and besides, he isn’t gay.
Stephen is willing to be Raj’s friend and that’s how the two of them start out, even as Raj is doing some soul-searching, particularly after his son, Arun, comes home to say he’s met someone he loves.
I thought their sex scenes were tender and Stephen tried very hard to make it pleasurable for Raj, which was appreciated. I liked especially that these two started as friends, not as bed partners. That seemed realistic for Raj’s personality.
I thought the blurb a bit misleading because it didn’t seem the cultural differences were all that much of an issue. These two don’t face a whole lot of angst or problems, so this is a quick, soft read.
January 13, 2015
A very cute love story that all readers of Yaoi will enjoy. I can totally picture this as the screenplay of a Yaoi oneshot manga.
I enjoyed reading this story set in a modern, working-men setting, with hints of multiculturalism (based in New York, but Raj being Indian).
The main characters were both very sweet and you just want them to be together as you turn the pages :)
The author's style is simple and efficient, and you don't get bored or lost at any point. It is all... so very sweet.
This is definitely more in the codes of Yaoi manga than "realistic" homoerotica, which is just as well, as this is what I truly like as a female yaoi reader.
In brief, a story that makes you coo and smile :P
I enjoyed reading this story set in a modern, working-men setting, with hints of multiculturalism (based in New York, but Raj being Indian).
The main characters were both very sweet and you just want them to be together as you turn the pages :)
The author's style is simple and efficient, and you don't get bored or lost at any point. It is all... so very sweet.
This is definitely more in the codes of Yaoi manga than "realistic" homoerotica, which is just as well, as this is what I truly like as a female yaoi reader.
In brief, a story that makes you coo and smile :P
March 16, 2015
Original Post by Fadia (for multitaskingmomma Book Reviews): https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
November 4, 2015
3,49*
Free at smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...
Free at smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...
April 1, 2025
Short novella. It's cute, simple, one man is basically starting over. Though we don't have any insight into the other man's life, or why he was wandering around smashed and falling into traffic. That's a big opportunity for character development which was left out. There were a few clunky sentences that made it sound ESL, and the number of times the book said "his lover" (even before their first kiss) was really annoying. It's a good basic concept, a good romance story, but not polished.
July 29, 2021
2.5 stars.
The story is nice, but probably soon forgoten. The writing is pretty bad though. But I don't mind a little awkward turn of phrasing, but the head hopping, the talking heads and the flat background to everything, well those were annoying. It's like reading a first draft, a lot of potential but it just stops there.
The story is nice, but probably soon forgoten. The writing is pretty bad though. But I don't mind a little awkward turn of phrasing, but the head hopping, the talking heads and the flat background to everything, well those were annoying. It's like reading a first draft, a lot of potential but it just stops there.
April 13, 2015
3 heart review by Cindy
I’m trying to think how to start this review. I picked up this book, intrigued by the aspect of a man in the middle of his life going from an arranged marriage to freedom and discovery.
Raj is a man thrust into a new world with the breakdown of his marriage and a move to a totally new world. He’s left shaken and a little lost and he has no idea what to think when he meets Stephen.
Stephen is a writer who’s immediately smitten with Raj and ends up pursuing a friendship with him. All Stephen wants it so be with someone who doesn’t see him as clingy or demanding.
It’s a great premise, but this story falls a little short. It’s okay, tells a nice tale, but nice is all it is. There’s nothing there that really caught my attention or helped me connect with the characters.
The biggest complaint I have is the constant switching of points of view. There’s nothing that frustrates me more as it makes it difficult to keep track of whose mind we are in. The author changed POV’s every couple of paragraphs and I found it annoying after a while.
That being said, the writing is technically good and the editing is as well. There were a couple of mistakes but nothing that really slowed down the story or is very distracting. To be honest, most people won’t notice them, I’m just kind of overly observant.
It was nice to see characters who take their time and get to know each other before jumping into bed and I liked that Raj seemed to quite easily accept who he was without over-emoting a ton of angst.
This is a short novella so I really can’t say much more without giving everything away, but if you’re looking for something short, without too much angst, this is a nice little read although not something I’ll be re-reading any time soon.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
I’m trying to think how to start this review. I picked up this book, intrigued by the aspect of a man in the middle of his life going from an arranged marriage to freedom and discovery.
Raj is a man thrust into a new world with the breakdown of his marriage and a move to a totally new world. He’s left shaken and a little lost and he has no idea what to think when he meets Stephen.
Stephen is a writer who’s immediately smitten with Raj and ends up pursuing a friendship with him. All Stephen wants it so be with someone who doesn’t see him as clingy or demanding.
It’s a great premise, but this story falls a little short. It’s okay, tells a nice tale, but nice is all it is. There’s nothing there that really caught my attention or helped me connect with the characters.
The biggest complaint I have is the constant switching of points of view. There’s nothing that frustrates me more as it makes it difficult to keep track of whose mind we are in. The author changed POV’s every couple of paragraphs and I found it annoying after a while.
That being said, the writing is technically good and the editing is as well. There were a couple of mistakes but nothing that really slowed down the story or is very distracting. To be honest, most people won’t notice them, I’m just kind of overly observant.
It was nice to see characters who take their time and get to know each other before jumping into bed and I liked that Raj seemed to quite easily accept who he was without over-emoting a ton of angst.
This is a short novella so I really can’t say much more without giving everything away, but if you’re looking for something short, without too much angst, this is a nice little read although not something I’ll be re-reading any time soon.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
November 19, 2015
1.2 stars but rounding to 2 since I reserve the 1 star for the books I abhor.
Mediocre story with no angst, no tension, no awkward moment, no spike in adrenaline. The story just wrote itself. They meet, they start hanging out, they become lovers. No attempt to expand the 2D characters, to elaborate their world. Just a narrow view of these 2MCs having the best of luck to their happily ever after.
And oh my god!!!.. the awful writing!! Using the voice of one character to say what the other was feeling or thinking, jumping points of view between characters from paragraph to the next. Linking the 2 points of view, for example "Raj was feeling shy about going out." Next paragraph, Stephen's point of view "Stephen was feeling shy too." "Too"?! Ok, I get it... fluid, you don't want to separate the pov to chapters, or even paragraphs but to connect them? Inside whose head am I when reading?
Complete disappointment with this one!
Sorry Riayl!
Mediocre story with no angst, no tension, no awkward moment, no spike in adrenaline. The story just wrote itself. They meet, they start hanging out, they become lovers. No attempt to expand the 2D characters, to elaborate their world. Just a narrow view of these 2MCs having the best of luck to their happily ever after.
And oh my god!!!.. the awful writing!! Using the voice of one character to say what the other was feeling or thinking, jumping points of view between characters from paragraph to the next. Linking the 2 points of view, for example "Raj was feeling shy about going out." Next paragraph, Stephen's point of view "Stephen was feeling shy too." "Too"?! Ok, I get it... fluid, you don't want to separate the pov to chapters, or even paragraphs but to connect them? Inside whose head am I when reading?
Complete disappointment with this one!
Sorry Riayl!
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April 10, 2016DNF at 22%
This seems to be a character driven story. If so, there's a notable slip, a shy sales manager? I don't buy it.
It's not annoying, it’s no horribly written. Simply, this book bores me.
Bye, bye, book.
This seems to be a character driven story. If so, there's a notable slip, a shy sales manager? I don't buy it.
It's not annoying, it’s no horribly written. Simply, this book bores me.
Bye, bye, book.
March 18, 2015
Sweet story, but too slow to keep me interested, even at only 44 pages long.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews