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Touch #5
Comforting Touch
One encounter changed them both. She discovered the lifestyle. He left it.
Ten years later, they meet again.
Chelsea Dunn is excited to start over in San Francisco. Her best friend Kayla lives there, and Chelsea gets a warm welcome into a new BDSM community. If only the man she's been infatuated with for so long was as welcoming. It's just her luck, really. She's never been able to connect with anyone enough to let her guard down fully, and it looks like that won't change.
Rio Kelly has only recently returned to the scene, but he steers clear of emotional attachments. He's grown jaded and cynical over the years, and he's resigned himself to be alone. Even when he sees a ghost from his past. Even when that ghost is the very same girl who changed everything for him a decade ago.
But can he stay away when she shows up at his play party with another Dom?
Ten years later, they meet again.
Chelsea Dunn is excited to start over in San Francisco. Her best friend Kayla lives there, and Chelsea gets a warm welcome into a new BDSM community. If only the man she's been infatuated with for so long was as welcoming. It's just her luck, really. She's never been able to connect with anyone enough to let her guard down fully, and it looks like that won't change.
Rio Kelly has only recently returned to the scene, but he steers clear of emotional attachments. He's grown jaded and cynical over the years, and he's resigned himself to be alone. Even when he sees a ghost from his past. Even when that ghost is the very same girl who changed everything for him a decade ago.
But can he stay away when she shows up at his play party with another Dom?
Unknown Binding
First published March 31, 2015
16 people are currently reading
324 people want to read
About the author
Cara Dee
97 books4,098 followers
I'm often stoically silent or, if the topic interests me, a chronic rambler. In other words, I can discuss writing forever and ever. Fiction, in particular. The love story—while a huge draw and constantly present—is secondary for me, because there's so much more to writing romance fiction than just making two (or more) people fall in love and have hot sex. There's a world to build, characters to develop, interests to create, and a topic or two to research thoroughly. Every book is a challenge for me, an opportunity to learn something new, and a puzzle to piece together. I want my characters to come to life, and the only way I know to do that is to give them substance—passions, history, goals, quirks, and strong opinions—and to let them evolve. Additionally, I want my men and women to be relatable. That means allowing room for everyday problems and, for lack of a better word, flaws. My characters will never be perfect.
Wait…this was supposed to be about me, not my writing.
I'm a writey person who loves to write. Always wanderlusting, twitterpating, kinking, and geeking. There's time for hockey and cupcakes, too. But mostly, I just love to write.
I'm often stoically silent or, if the topic interests me, a chronic rambler. In other words, I can discuss writing forever and ever. Fiction, in particular. The love story—while a huge draw and constantly present—is secondary for me, because there's so much more to writing romance fiction than just making two (or more) people fall in love and have hot sex. There's a world to build, characters to develop, interests to create, and a topic or two to research thoroughly. Every book is a challenge for me, an opportunity to learn something new, and a puzzle to piece together. I want my characters to come to life, and the only way I know to do that is to give them substance—passions, history, goals, quirks, and strong opinions—and to let them evolve. Additionally, I want my men and women to be relatable. That means allowing room for everyday problems and, for lack of a better word, flaws. My characters will never be perfect.
Wait…this was supposed to be about me, not my writing.
I'm a writey person who loves to write. Always wanderlusting, twitterpating, kinking, and geeking. There's time for hockey and cupcakes, too. But mostly, I just love to write.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 10, 2018
Not my favorite. This book features Rio and his slave Chelsea. A bit too hardcore for me.
But this one had a bit more story than some of the other novellas, which was nice.
Still surprisingly hot. And I like that we get glimpses of all of the Touch characters in each book.
But this one had a bit more story than some of the other novellas, which was nice.
Still surprisingly hot. And I like that we get glimpses of all of the Touch characters in each book.
August 11, 2020
The story of Chelsea and Rio, who met years ago when Chelsea was sixteen and Rio was an experienced dom then lost each other and then met again many years after. They will end up in a dom/ slave relationship. Interesting story but to be honest I didn't like that much the chemistry between these two.
January 8, 2023
Chelsea and Rio met at a pivotal part of their lives. Fast forward to 10 years later and both try to avoid the other. That doesn’t last for long!
It was an interesting dynamic. Characters from the series are in this book as well.
The chemistry between Chelsea and Rio is molten hot!🔥🔥🔥. Their 1st scene is 😳😳😳🔥🔥🔥
We get interesting news by the end that will change many character’s lives. This series is so fascinating and nobody can write kink quite like Cara can. She’s master class. SO amazing…. Off to read the next one!
It was an interesting dynamic. Characters from the series are in this book as well.
The chemistry between Chelsea and Rio is molten hot!🔥🔥🔥. Their 1st scene is 😳😳😳🔥🔥🔥
We get interesting news by the end that will change many character’s lives. This series is so fascinating and nobody can write kink quite like Cara can. She’s master class. SO amazing…. Off to read the next one!
March 20, 2023
2.5 out of 5 ☆’s.
”I have found everything I’ve ever wanted and never had.”
ੈ✩‧₊˚
I was so excited to begin this novel & become enamored with Rio + Chelsea’s story. I loved the buildup of their relationship in the previous novel (“Touch of Trouble”) and assumed that their story would end up being my favorite in the series. However — this novelette ended up falling short for me (unfortunately).
I wish that there was some more angst/pining in the beginning of the novel. At times, it felt as though the character’s emotions and reservations could change at the drop of a dime (without substantial reasoning/build up to back them up) which was frustrating to read.
The situation with Miranda was another aspect of the novelette that frustrated me while reading. I understand that Miranda’s situation was used as a parallel (of sorts) to how Chelsea views her younger self — but the entire situation was too drawn out (in my opinion).
I also thought that Chelsea’s attitude towards Miranda in the beginning of the story was unnecessarily harsh. I understand that others might not think the same, though.
”I have found everything I’ve ever wanted and never had.”
ੈ✩‧₊˚
I was so excited to begin this novel & become enamored with Rio + Chelsea’s story. I loved the buildup of their relationship in the previous novel (“Touch of Trouble”) and assumed that their story would end up being my favorite in the series. However — this novelette ended up falling short for me (unfortunately).
I wish that there was some more angst/pining in the beginning of the novel. At times, it felt as though the character’s emotions and reservations could change at the drop of a dime (without substantial reasoning/build up to back them up) which was frustrating to read.
The situation with Miranda was another aspect of the novelette that frustrated me while reading. I understand that Miranda’s situation was used as a parallel (of sorts) to how Chelsea views her younger self — but the entire situation was too drawn out (in my opinion).
I also thought that Chelsea’s attitude towards Miranda in the beginning of the story was unnecessarily harsh. I understand that others might not think the same, though.
June 23, 2017
This was a disappointment. I liked Look But Don't Touch when I read it last year and I was convinced that I would like this one even more. Unfortunately, Rio and Chelsea did not work for me. Chelsea came across more like an obsessed fan girl than a street smart woman who had been in the community for a decade. Rio went from "get her away from me" to "I want you all to myself" WAY too quickly for me to believe him. She was so thirsty for him and he openly admitted they wouldn't have gotten together if she hadn't made a move. Ugh.
Also, I don't understand why Cara Dee went to all of the trouble of creating a group of sexually fluid, open minded kinky people in the incredibly progressive city of San Francisco and then decided to make all of them white. And I don't want to hear about Rio's half Brazilian mother because that just seemed like a reason to give him an "exotic" name (while making him pale with green eyes).
Also, I don't understand why Cara Dee went to all of the trouble of creating a group of sexually fluid, open minded kinky people in the incredibly progressive city of San Francisco and then decided to make all of them white. And I don't want to hear about Rio's half Brazilian mother because that just seemed like a reason to give him an "exotic" name (while making him pale with green eyes).
May 27, 2015
Cara Dee is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors in the BDSM genre. Really enjoyed Rio and Chealsea's story. 3 stars for this one.
January 1, 2021
The evolution of characters continue. Falling in love. Revelations of pasts. So an intricate story she weaves of many people in such a short amount of pages.
August 4, 2022
Method: ebook
Rating: 4/5 stars
H rating: 4/5 - Rio
h rating: 4/5 - Chelsea
Drama: 3/5
Thoughts: Great read!!
March 7, 2019
3.5 Stars
This was really good. I liked the honest and realistic feel of the Dom/slave dynamic. I haven’t had that before and really enjoyed how Rio was a Dom in every aspect.
This story had more depth and gave a lot more background info about the characters than any of the previous novellas. But still, compared to the previous ones, I felt that it wasn’t as strong regarding the feelings between the characters. It felt very moderate but this could be because of their rather strict D/s relationship.
Of course I would have liked more sex scenes, though not just for the sex but to see more of the characters’ interactions during their play, because for a kinky story and after all the other hot reads I anticipated more play scenes in this one. Nonetheless it was a great story and perfect for those who weren't satisfied with the lack of romance in the other books.
I loved parts of this book, for example the party and the auction had me all excited to what would happen next. The play, the sex, Chelsea’s past and all the misunderstandings made this story to a rollercoaster ride. This novella had so much more clusterfuck than the ones before! Loved it!! I also think that it was longer and it wasn’t all about the sex but still very hot! What bothered me though was how Chelsea pined for him all these years and stalked him to no end. Also, I was a bit disappointed in this story because after the huge build-up so far regarding Rio and Chelsea’s first run in ten years ago, I think it could have had a bit more umph to it.
Note: You should have read the previous books in this series before you read this one because although it’s with a different couple, they interact with characters from the entire series and it would at least spoil the other books or raise some questions when they are new to you.
The Story:
This story took its time and didn’t jump right in as the others did because their first meeting ten years ago didn’t go so well.
Chelsea just recently moved to San Francisco from New York and although she was happy to be close to her friend Kayla, she had mixed feelings about seeing Rio at Switch. After they stumbled into each other when Mark’s brother got into a fight at the club, Rio just up and left in a hurry. Chelsea wished she didn’t have those feelings when he was near because they made everything just more complicated.
This was really good. I liked the honest and realistic feel of the Dom/slave dynamic. I haven’t had that before and really enjoyed how Rio was a Dom in every aspect.
This story had more depth and gave a lot more background info about the characters than any of the previous novellas. But still, compared to the previous ones, I felt that it wasn’t as strong regarding the feelings between the characters. It felt very moderate but this could be because of their rather strict D/s relationship.
Of course I would have liked more sex scenes, though not just for the sex but to see more of the characters’ interactions during their play, because for a kinky story and after all the other hot reads I anticipated more play scenes in this one. Nonetheless it was a great story and perfect for those who weren't satisfied with the lack of romance in the other books.
I loved parts of this book, for example the party and the auction had me all excited to what would happen next. The play, the sex, Chelsea’s past and all the misunderstandings made this story to a rollercoaster ride. This novella had so much more clusterfuck than the ones before! Loved it!! I also think that it was longer and it wasn’t all about the sex but still very hot! What bothered me though was how Chelsea pined for him all these years and stalked him to no end. Also, I was a bit disappointed in this story because after the huge build-up so far regarding Rio and Chelsea’s first run in ten years ago, I think it could have had a bit more umph to it.
Note: You should have read the previous books in this series before you read this one because although it’s with a different couple, they interact with characters from the entire series and it would at least spoil the other books or raise some questions when they are new to you.
The Story:
This story took its time and didn’t jump right in as the others did because their first meeting ten years ago didn’t go so well.
Chelsea just recently moved to San Francisco from New York and although she was happy to be close to her friend Kayla, she had mixed feelings about seeing Rio at Switch. After they stumbled into each other when Mark’s brother got into a fight at the club, Rio just up and left in a hurry. Chelsea wished she didn’t have those feelings when he was near because they made everything just more complicated.
June 20, 2017
Chelsea Dunn has just moved to San Francisco to be with her best friend Kayla Brandon. Little does she know that the man who changed her life 10 years ago is there and that their brief encounter all those years ago changed his life as well.
Rio Kelly is through with being attached to a woman but when he sees Chelsea again part of him wants to control her and be the Dom for her.
When Chelsea attends a party at Rio's place how far will Rio go to prevent her being with any man other than him and when a huge misunderstanding occurs will they be able to pick up the broken pieces?
This book is a little different than the others as it involves the slave/owner part of BDSM. I wasn't too sure what to expect but the book explains everything well and shows that it is completely consensual and nothing too crazy and out there.
I liked learning about Chelsea's past and the impact that Rio made when they first met.
The next book looks interesting with Dylan, Cade and Gabriella!
Rio Kelly is through with being attached to a woman but when he sees Chelsea again part of him wants to control her and be the Dom for her.
When Chelsea attends a party at Rio's place how far will Rio go to prevent her being with any man other than him and when a huge misunderstanding occurs will they be able to pick up the broken pieces?
This book is a little different than the others as it involves the slave/owner part of BDSM. I wasn't too sure what to expect but the book explains everything well and shows that it is completely consensual and nothing too crazy and out there.
I liked learning about Chelsea's past and the impact that Rio made when they first met.
The next book looks interesting with Dylan, Cade and Gabriella!
September 27, 2023
Découverte d’un nouveau duo dans cet opus. Les deux protagonistes ont été introduits dansle tome précédent, il est donc naturel qu’ils soient à l’honneur ici.
Si l’ambiance est toujours aussi torride et sensuelle, j’ai eu plus de mal à m’attacher à Rio et Chelsea. Je ne saurais expliquer d’où cela vient, mais le « match » entre eux et moi n’a pas eu lieu.
Toutefois, j’ai apprécié de voir l’évolution des autres couples ou ménages de la série. Les interactions entre les uns et les autres sont toujours aussi goûteuses.
En comparaison avec l’histoire principale, j’ai préféré les scènes bonus sur Greg. Enfin la situation évolue et je commence à l’apprécier et à comprendre l’intérêt de sa présence. La scène avec Mark est très touchante.
Un tome agréable à lire malgré le fait que ce duo n’ai pas réussi à me séduire.
Si l’ambiance est toujours aussi torride et sensuelle, j’ai eu plus de mal à m’attacher à Rio et Chelsea. Je ne saurais expliquer d’où cela vient, mais le « match » entre eux et moi n’a pas eu lieu.
Toutefois, j’ai apprécié de voir l’évolution des autres couples ou ménages de la série. Les interactions entre les uns et les autres sont toujours aussi goûteuses.
En comparaison avec l’histoire principale, j’ai préféré les scènes bonus sur Greg. Enfin la situation évolue et je commence à l’apprécier et à comprendre l’intérêt de sa présence. La scène avec Mark est très touchante.
Un tome agréable à lire malgré le fait que ce duo n’ai pas réussi à me séduire.
February 8, 2021
I think my first Cara Dee book was aftermath, then i went over to the touch series and read the first 4, but never finished the whole series, now i have finished it.
this one can be read as a standalone, but i will rather advice you start from Touch 1 to get the whole story. Cara Dee writes D/s for vanillas, explaining the livestyle and jargons.
thtoughout the series , i gave 3 stars, this one is 2 stars , Chelsea and Rios story burned too fast for me . i just could not connect with them, maybe because the series was Age play Dd lg, lb until now . we are intrroduced to Rio and CHelseas Master /slave relationship out of the blue. just did not do it for me
this one can be read as a standalone, but i will rather advice you start from Touch 1 to get the whole story. Cara Dee writes D/s for vanillas, explaining the livestyle and jargons.
thtoughout the series , i gave 3 stars, this one is 2 stars , Chelsea and Rios story burned too fast for me . i just could not connect with them, maybe because the series was Age play Dd lg, lb until now . we are intrroduced to Rio and CHelseas Master /slave relationship out of the blue. just did not do it for me
August 12, 2020
I'm opposite most reviews I read. I loved this book and cannot get enough of Rio. He's fantastic. It defidently has heavier kink but if you've read any of this series you know it's not vanilla at all.
August 24, 2019
It was okay. But not my favorite. Something about the connection between Rio and Chelsea just didn’t do it for me
March 31, 2020
This series was not only hot but great stories. Best of both of worlds.
April 23, 2020
Greed read
I have enjoyed this series and the characters in Switch. Rio & Chelsea definitely had my interest! The writing is Great!
I have enjoyed this series and the characters in Switch. Rio & Chelsea definitely had my interest! The writing is Great!
April 14, 2024
I didn't really care for this kink....
May 27, 2024
so much better than the other ones. i’m afraid it’s leading me into a rabbit hole 😅
January 26, 2025
This one had a bit of angst for sure!! So glad that Rio and Chelsea get their happily ever after - finally! Master / Slave
BDSM
Doctor
Age gap
BDSM
Doctor
Age gap
July 27, 2020
This was my favorite. I love Ruo and Chelsea together. They just work.
January 1, 2018
This series keeps getting better and better. More updates from the Switch family. This book focuses on Rio and Chelsea.
November 16, 2016
Safety:
September 30, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Comforting Touch offers a gentle, emotionally grounded addition to the Touch series. Focused more on healing and connection than high drama or steamy scenes, this installment leans into quiet intimacy and slow emotional growth.
The characters are likable, and the story carries a soft, comforting tone—as the title suggests—but at times the pacing feels slow, and the plot lacks the momentum or spark found in some of the earlier books. For readers looking for a cozy, emotionally tender read with some spice, this may hit the mark.
While not the most memorable in the series, Comforting Touch still delivers a sweet, soothing story that fits well within the Touch universe.
Comforting Touch offers a gentle, emotionally grounded addition to the Touch series. Focused more on healing and connection than high drama or steamy scenes, this installment leans into quiet intimacy and slow emotional growth.
The characters are likable, and the story carries a soft, comforting tone—as the title suggests—but at times the pacing feels slow, and the plot lacks the momentum or spark found in some of the earlier books. For readers looking for a cozy, emotionally tender read with some spice, this may hit the mark.
While not the most memorable in the series, Comforting Touch still delivers a sweet, soothing story that fits well within the Touch universe.
November 22, 2015
I didn’t like Comforting Touch as much as the others.
It felt too long, and could’ve ended after the forgive me scene for me.
It was still a good read and it was great to see them coming together. The Cade/Dylan tease was both annoying and left me wanting more.
I’m looking forward to the sixth book in the series and hope I don’t have to wait too long, I’m not really that patient.
Kinda bummed that it will be another threesome/poly relationship, because IMO that feels a little been there, done that but I will read it and I will probably love it.
It felt too long, and could’ve ended after the forgive me scene for me.
It was still a good read and it was great to see them coming together. The Cade/Dylan tease was both annoying and left me wanting more.
I’m looking forward to the sixth book in the series and hope I don’t have to wait too long, I’m not really that patient.
Kinda bummed that it will be another threesome/poly relationship, because IMO that feels a little been there, done that but I will read it and I will probably love it.
May 7, 2016
Chelsea and Rio met when she was sixteen. He made a big impression on her and introduced her to the BDSM lifestyle, then suddenly left. They are reunited years later at Switch and starts their 24/7 slave master relationship. This is an exploration of total power exchange and how it would work in a relationship. I liked the daily activity stuff, because it's not abusive or demeaning to the sub. There are several characters who are having problems and all come to Chelsea for some wise advice. Not sure what made her a relationship expert and why everyone sought her out.
December 29, 2015
I love love love Cara Dee's Touch series! I was definitely ecstatic to see a new book out, having enjoyed the first four books of the series. I like how she doesn't overwhelm the reader even though what they are reading may not really be their kink. I am definitely looking forward to Cade, Dylan and Gabriella's story though. A heavenly mix of cg/l, m/m romance, menage and bdsm. Can't wait for more.
April 2, 2015
Touch series
For adults who are interested in BDSM, this is an excellent series. It covers the full spectrum of kink. But the kink is just the frame for this character driven series.
For adults who are interested in BDSM, this is an excellent series. It covers the full spectrum of kink. But the kink is just the frame for this character driven series.
Read
December 31, 2016Avevo delle aspettative.. E sono state deluse, arrivata alla festa mi sembrava quasi ridicola ormai sta cosa dell'asta, del tutto ingiustificata, quasi grottesca... Peccato ci sono rimasta un po' male
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