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Every Time We Touch
Not yet published
Expected 23 May 26A unique, heart-warming romance about finding yourself and letting people in – perfect for fans of Cecelia Ahern and Kirsty Greenwood! 💕 Love is not about how it ends. It’s about choosing how to live…
Bookseller Nelly Blake has a secret. When she touches someone, she sees exactly how their love story will end. The cheating, the ghosting, the awkward letdowns in coffee shops — it’s all laid bare in vivid, unwanted visions. She’s seen every kind of romantic disaster and has concluded the safest option is to stay single forever. No touching. No dating. No love.
But after a brutal rent hike and her beloved Aunt Polly’s cancer diagnosis, Nelly is forced to take on a flatmate to make ends meet. Enter Oliver James — bestselling romance author and recently heartbroken man hiding more than just his actual name.
Then Nelly accidentally touches him… and sees nothing. No ending. No heartbreak. No clue. And that terrifies her more than anything.
As Oliver begins to believe in love again, Nelly must decide whether to keep hiding behind endings — or risk everything for a story she can’t predict.
A heartstopping romantic novel from a fresh new talent. Prepare to fall in love with Nelly and Oliver this summer!
slow burn 🔥
breaking down walls 💕
only one bed 🛌
hot male author ❤️
bookshop setting 📚
building community 🏡
Praise for Lucy '[Mitchell's] writing is deliciously funny and has so much heart.' Sandy Barker
Bookseller Nelly Blake has a secret. When she touches someone, she sees exactly how their love story will end. The cheating, the ghosting, the awkward letdowns in coffee shops — it’s all laid bare in vivid, unwanted visions. She’s seen every kind of romantic disaster and has concluded the safest option is to stay single forever. No touching. No dating. No love.
But after a brutal rent hike and her beloved Aunt Polly’s cancer diagnosis, Nelly is forced to take on a flatmate to make ends meet. Enter Oliver James — bestselling romance author and recently heartbroken man hiding more than just his actual name.
Then Nelly accidentally touches him… and sees nothing. No ending. No heartbreak. No clue. And that terrifies her more than anything.
As Oliver begins to believe in love again, Nelly must decide whether to keep hiding behind endings — or risk everything for a story she can’t predict.
A heartstopping romantic novel from a fresh new talent. Prepare to fall in love with Nelly and Oliver this summer!
slow burn 🔥
breaking down walls 💕
only one bed 🛌
hot male author ❤️
bookshop setting 📚
building community 🏡
Praise for Lucy '[Mitchell's] writing is deliciously funny and has so much heart.' Sandy Barker
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Expected publication May 23, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Love is not about how it ends. It’s about choosing how to live…
📚 Bookshop setting | 💕 Breaking down walls | 🔥 hot male romance author | 🛌 Only one bed / Forced proximity | ❤️ Slow-burn romance | 🌍 UK
TW: Loss of parents at a young age, cancer & treatment
(rating = 4.35)
Bookseller Nelly Blake has a gift she never asked for: with a single touch, she can see exactly how every love story ends: betrayal, heartbreak, disappointment. Determined to protect herself, she’s sworn off relationships entirely. But when financial pressure and her aunt’s illness force her to take in a flatmate, Oliver James enters her life: a guarded, recently heartbroken romance author hiding more than one secret. When Nelly touches him and sees nothing at all, it shakes everything she thought she knew and forces her to consider whether love might be worth the risk after all.
I wasn’t planning to pick up more ARCs, but this one quickly won me over. The premise felt so unique and the cover was impossible to resist. And honestly? I’m so glad I gave in. This book arrived at exactly the right time. It pulled me out of a reading slump within the first few chapters and completely held my attention until the end. It’s warm, heartfelt, and easy to read, yet it carries an emotional weight that gives the story real depth.
Nelly is such an interesting character: closed off, guarded, and shaped by what she’s seen in others. Watching her slowly open up was incredibly satisfying. Oliver was the perfect contrast: thoughtful, quietly intense, and exactly the kind of presence that disrupts her carefully controlled world. Their dynamic felt natural, and I loved seeing both of them grow. The romance is a true slow burn, but it works beautifully. The pacing allows the emotional connection to build in a way that feels genuine and earned and I didn’t mind the wait at all.
Aunt Polly’s storyline hit especially hard for me. Themes around illness and loss are always difficult, but they were handled with care and added another layer of emotional resonance to the story.
What really makes this book stand out is its heart. It’s not just about romance: it’s about learning to trust, releasing the need for control, and choosing love even without certainty.. There’s also a strong sense of found family, community, and connection that made the story feel incredibly comforting.
That said, there were a few moments where the writing and dialogue felt slightly flat or could have been more polished but it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment.
This is a warm, comforting, and quietly powerful story about love in all its forms. Comforting, emotional, impossible to put down, and deeply satisfying. It’s one I’d definitely recommend. And for me, this won’t be the last book I pick up from this author.
I kindly received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much Boldwood Books
📚 Bookshop setting | 💕 Breaking down walls | 🔥 hot male romance author | 🛌 Only one bed / Forced proximity | ❤️ Slow-burn romance | 🌍 UK
TW: Loss of parents at a young age, cancer & treatment
(rating = 4.35)
Bookseller Nelly Blake has a gift she never asked for: with a single touch, she can see exactly how every love story ends: betrayal, heartbreak, disappointment. Determined to protect herself, she’s sworn off relationships entirely. But when financial pressure and her aunt’s illness force her to take in a flatmate, Oliver James enters her life: a guarded, recently heartbroken romance author hiding more than one secret. When Nelly touches him and sees nothing at all, it shakes everything she thought she knew and forces her to consider whether love might be worth the risk after all.
I wasn’t planning to pick up more ARCs, but this one quickly won me over. The premise felt so unique and the cover was impossible to resist. And honestly? I’m so glad I gave in. This book arrived at exactly the right time. It pulled me out of a reading slump within the first few chapters and completely held my attention until the end. It’s warm, heartfelt, and easy to read, yet it carries an emotional weight that gives the story real depth.
Nelly is such an interesting character: closed off, guarded, and shaped by what she’s seen in others. Watching her slowly open up was incredibly satisfying. Oliver was the perfect contrast: thoughtful, quietly intense, and exactly the kind of presence that disrupts her carefully controlled world. Their dynamic felt natural, and I loved seeing both of them grow. The romance is a true slow burn, but it works beautifully. The pacing allows the emotional connection to build in a way that feels genuine and earned and I didn’t mind the wait at all.
Aunt Polly’s storyline hit especially hard for me. Themes around illness and loss are always difficult, but they were handled with care and added another layer of emotional resonance to the story.
What really makes this book stand out is its heart. It’s not just about romance: it’s about learning to trust, releasing the need for control, and choosing love even without certainty.. There’s also a strong sense of found family, community, and connection that made the story feel incredibly comforting.
That said, there were a few moments where the writing and dialogue felt slightly flat or could have been more polished but it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment.
This is a warm, comforting, and quietly powerful story about love in all its forms. Comforting, emotional, impossible to put down, and deeply satisfying. It’s one I’d definitely recommend. And for me, this won’t be the last book I pick up from this author.
I kindly received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much Boldwood Books
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
Every Time We Touch – Lucy Mitchell
Pub Date: 23 May 2026
This book completely stole my heart 💛✨
Every Time We Touch is one of those rare romances that feels both magical and deeply real — a story about love, fate, and the courage it takes to let someone in when you’re terrified of how it might end.
The concept alone had me hooked: Nelly can see how every love story ends with just a touch. And honestly? It’s as heartbreaking as it sounds. Watching her avoid connection to protect herself felt so raw and relatable, especially if you’ve ever been scared of getting hurt.
Then enters Oliver… and everything changes.
What I absolutely loved is how this story builds:
It’s a slow burn done perfectly 🔥
The bookshop setting is cosy, comforting, and full of charm 📚
The found family/community vibes add so much warmth
And the “only one bed” trope? Executed beautifully 👀
But what really makes this book shine is the emotional depth. It’s not just about romance — it’s about:
Learning to trust
Letting go of control
And choosing love even when there are no guarantees
Nelly’s journey is incredibly moving, and Oliver is just the kind of love interest you can’t help but root for — layered, vulnerable, and quietly swoon-worthy.
There’s also this soft thread of magic running through the story that never overwhelms — it just enhances everything, making it feel a little bit special, a little bit different.
✨ Final thoughts:
This is a heartwarming, uplifting romance with a unique twist that will make you smile, ache, and believe in love again.
Perfect for fans of:
Cecelia Ahern • magical realism romance • cosy, emotional love stories
Every Time We Touch – Lucy Mitchell
Pub Date: 23 May 2026
This book completely stole my heart 💛✨
Every Time We Touch is one of those rare romances that feels both magical and deeply real — a story about love, fate, and the courage it takes to let someone in when you’re terrified of how it might end.
The concept alone had me hooked: Nelly can see how every love story ends with just a touch. And honestly? It’s as heartbreaking as it sounds. Watching her avoid connection to protect herself felt so raw and relatable, especially if you’ve ever been scared of getting hurt.
Then enters Oliver… and everything changes.
What I absolutely loved is how this story builds:
It’s a slow burn done perfectly 🔥
The bookshop setting is cosy, comforting, and full of charm 📚
The found family/community vibes add so much warmth
And the “only one bed” trope? Executed beautifully 👀
But what really makes this book shine is the emotional depth. It’s not just about romance — it’s about:
Learning to trust
Letting go of control
And choosing love even when there are no guarantees
Nelly’s journey is incredibly moving, and Oliver is just the kind of love interest you can’t help but root for — layered, vulnerable, and quietly swoon-worthy.
There’s also this soft thread of magic running through the story that never overwhelms — it just enhances everything, making it feel a little bit special, a little bit different.
✨ Final thoughts:
This is a heartwarming, uplifting romance with a unique twist that will make you smile, ache, and believe in love again.
Perfect for fans of:
Cecelia Ahern • magical realism romance • cosy, emotional love stories
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Nelly has been able to see how love ends with one simple touch her whole life. After years of seeing relationships end in heartbreak she is understandably jaded, swearing off love all together. When life throws her another curve ball, Nelly finds herself needing a roommate to bring in some extra cash. Enter Oliver, romance author extraordinaire. Oliver is battling some demons and writers block and he and Nelly quickly bond over their disdain for romance.
The concept here was very sweet- I liked the magical realism aspect of it all. The stories surrounding the side characters was a lot of fun as well. I liked watching the people around Nelly fall into relationships and such around her. Despite her best efforts to advise against it.
Nelly was a very frustrating character. She was so stubborn in her beliefs and unwavering on her stance of love. While I could understand that repeatedly seeing heartbreak and people doing crappy things to each other sucks- there were lots of examples of happy love stories that she still resented because they still had to end. She definitely carried a “ I know better than you” attitude which was a touch annoying at times.
Her relationship with Oliver was a very slooooow burn, and I think the author did a good job of getting you hooked on his character. We love a man with a tragic past. Overall this was sweet and even if I didn’t jive with the FMC, I still had a good time!
The concept here was very sweet- I liked the magical realism aspect of it all. The stories surrounding the side characters was a lot of fun as well. I liked watching the people around Nelly fall into relationships and such around her. Despite her best efforts to advise against it.
Nelly was a very frustrating character. She was so stubborn in her beliefs and unwavering on her stance of love. While I could understand that repeatedly seeing heartbreak and people doing crappy things to each other sucks- there were lots of examples of happy love stories that she still resented because they still had to end. She definitely carried a “ I know better than you” attitude which was a touch annoying at times.
Her relationship with Oliver was a very slooooow burn, and I think the author did a good job of getting you hooked on his character. We love a man with a tragic past. Overall this was sweet and even if I didn’t jive with the FMC, I still had a good time!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Nelly has lived with what she calls a curse ever since she was nine and lost her parents. Now living with her aunt Polly, she’s kept her distance from people—literally. Every time she makes skin-to-skin contact with a stranger, she sees flashes of their future heartbreak, usually tied to betrayal and loss. It’s made her completely jaded about love, and she avoids touch as much as possible to escape the emotional fallout.
When financial struggles push her to take on a housemate, Oliver enters her life. He’s just relocated from London and seems like a practical solution—but from the very first time they touch, something is different. No visions. No flashes. Just… nothing. At first, Nelly hopes it means her curse is gone, but she soon realizes it’s only Oliver who’s immune.
As they grow closer, and as Nelly watches others around her take risks on love despite the pain it can bring, she begins to question everything she thought she knew. Maybe her “curse” isn’t entirely a bad thing. Maybe it’s even a gift.
This was a heartfelt and easy read with a unique premise. I really enjoyed watching Nelly’s growth as she slowly opens herself up to the possibility of love and reframes how she sees her ability. The romance felt natural, and Oliver was such a lovely contrast to her guarded nature.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advanced copy. I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
When financial struggles push her to take on a housemate, Oliver enters her life. He’s just relocated from London and seems like a practical solution—but from the very first time they touch, something is different. No visions. No flashes. Just… nothing. At first, Nelly hopes it means her curse is gone, but she soon realizes it’s only Oliver who’s immune.
As they grow closer, and as Nelly watches others around her take risks on love despite the pain it can bring, she begins to question everything she thought she knew. Maybe her “curse” isn’t entirely a bad thing. Maybe it’s even a gift.
This was a heartfelt and easy read with a unique premise. I really enjoyed watching Nelly’s growth as she slowly opens herself up to the possibility of love and reframes how she sees her ability. The romance felt natural, and Oliver was such a lovely contrast to her guarded nature.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advanced copy. I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
"Every Time We Touch" is a charming and heartfelt romance with a unique premise. Nelly's ability to see how relationships end adds an intriguing twist that explores themes of love, fear, and vulnerability in a fresh way.
The story excels in its emotional core. Nelly's struggles with connection and loss feel genuine, and her journey toward opening herself up is both touching and relatable. Oliver serves as a strong counterpart, and their dynamic is warm, hopeful, and easy to root for.
The pacing of the story is steady, and while the concept is imaginative, the focus remains grounded in the characters and their growth. At times, I wished for a bit more depth regarding how Nelly’s ability works, but this did not detract from the overall experience.
Overall, this is a sweet, uplifting romance about taking risks and choosing love, even when the future is uncertain.
"Every Time We Touch" is a charming and heartfelt romance with a unique premise. Nelly's ability to see how relationships end adds an intriguing twist that explores themes of love, fear, and vulnerability in a fresh way.
The story excels in its emotional core. Nelly's struggles with connection and loss feel genuine, and her journey toward opening herself up is both touching and relatable. Oliver serves as a strong counterpart, and their dynamic is warm, hopeful, and easy to root for.
The pacing of the story is steady, and while the concept is imaginative, the focus remains grounded in the characters and their growth. At times, I wished for a bit more depth regarding how Nelly’s ability works, but this did not detract from the overall experience.
Overall, this is a sweet, uplifting romance about taking risks and choosing love, even when the future is uncertain.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Nelly parece alguien normal, trabaja en una librería, su vida es monótona, pero tiene un poder o si le preguntan a ella es más bien una maldición. Cada vez que toca a alguien ve cómo va a terminar su historia y casi nunca es bonito. Por eso evita el contacto con todo el mundo y vive como en modo seguro, sin arriesgar nada.
Todo cambia cuando aparece Oliver, un escritor encantador que claramente no entra en sus planes. Lo peor es que con él pasan cosas que no puede explicar, como si su don dejara de funcionar o se apagara. Mientras ayuda a otras personas a encontrar segundas oportunidades en el amor, Nelly empieza a cuestionarse si de verdad el destino ya está escrito o si todavía puede cambiarlo.
......
Si hay romance, pero se centra más en la travesía de Nelly por volverse a abrir al amor no solo amoroso.
Gracias Netgalley por el ARC
Todo cambia cuando aparece Oliver, un escritor encantador que claramente no entra en sus planes. Lo peor es que con él pasan cosas que no puede explicar, como si su don dejara de funcionar o se apagara. Mientras ayuda a otras personas a encontrar segundas oportunidades en el amor, Nelly empieza a cuestionarse si de verdad el destino ya está escrito o si todavía puede cambiarlo.
......
Si hay romance, pero se centra más en la travesía de Nelly por volverse a abrir al amor no solo amoroso.
Gracias Netgalley por el ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a touching five-star read. I don’t know if this one got me in the feels extra as like Aunt Polly my mum have been having treatment for breast cancer so I know how rough it is on the person and how helpless you feel watching them go through it, when you add to it the touching and seeing the heartbreak over and over, it would break even the strongest of people I’m sure. Nelly is so much stronger than she realises and it’s beautiful to watch her come to the realisation as well. Oliver was a quandary, as his story unfolds you get to know the real him and realise how much of himself, he hides. It was so well done the way that he unfolds like a flower. This is a beautiful and surprising story that will take you with it on a journey of love and friendship that you would be worse off if you missed. This is another of those special books that will stay with you long after you read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
An ARC from Netgalley
I loved this ❤️
Nelly has a gift that feels more like a curse. When she touches people she can see how their loves end, people cheating, people leaving others, losing love ones.
She struggles to manage this gift, meaning she's never had a serious relationship of her own at the age of 33. In fact she's convinced that love isnt for her!
Oliver is a romance author, but he has writers block after being betrayed in his last relationship.
Can they learn to trust in love together?
A wonderfully heart warming tale that makes you realise that love is worth the risk! ❤️
Out on the 23rd May 26!
5⭐️
I loved this ❤️
Nelly has a gift that feels more like a curse. When she touches people she can see how their loves end, people cheating, people leaving others, losing love ones.
She struggles to manage this gift, meaning she's never had a serious relationship of her own at the age of 33. In fact she's convinced that love isnt for her!
Oliver is a romance author, but he has writers block after being betrayed in his last relationship.
Can they learn to trust in love together?
A wonderfully heart warming tale that makes you realise that love is worth the risk! ❤️
Out on the 23rd May 26!
5⭐️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an ARC of Every Time We Touch from NetGalley and Boldwood Books. I liked this book, and the slow burn romance between Nelly and Oliver. This is a heartfelt, warm, romance book where the two main characters grow throughout the book together. I thought the magical realism in Every Time We Touch was done really well. I’d recommend this book if you want a slow burn romance, with forced proximity and magical realism.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this ARC.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I absolutely loved this story. I loved the setting, a bookshop and enjoyed all the side characters that popped up along the way and indeed popped into the bookshop. It's a fun, fast read packed with humour and touching moments. Having read all of Lucy's books, I think this is her best one yet, a real page turner with wonderful and well-developed main characters that you really warm to.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Amé a Miranda, la actitud que tomo cuando se entero lo del su marido.
RTC
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
RTC
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 ⭐️
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