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Aisling Trilogy #2
A Stranger's Touch
Tempest, Claire, and triplets blessed—or cursed—with a special extra sense they would each deny, given the chance . . . Tempest was born with the uncanny ability to learn everything about an object—or even a person—just by the touch of her naked hands. But she knows this gift comes at a price, so she protects herself by keeping those she loves at a distance, But when a sinister enemy threatens all that she holds dear, Tempest is forced to reach out to Marcus Greystone, who she once touched willingly . . . and with passionate abandon. Marcus has never forgotten the sensuous night he and Tempest shared—before she left his bed without a word. Now that she needs his help, Marcus isn't letting her go easily. It's his chance to show Tempest that his touch can also electrify. But a gathering storm of violence is following Tempest, and a killer waits to get his hands on her . . .
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 2, 2023
Known as the reckless sister, the heroine has the tendency to leap into every situation head first and without stopping to think things through. It's this rash behavior that made her sleep with the handsome but cold hero the night of her art exhibit and leave the next morning without a word. It's this rashness that makes her spend a year hunting down an artifact that been haunting her sisters dreams and proceed to break into the building where the piece is being kept. She thought she had it all figured out...until she sees that it's all been a trap.
The hero, rich, spoiled but living with the painful memories of an abusive childhood, isn't accustomed to having his plaything leave before he's finished with it. And he views the heroine as his plaything. His pride was wounded when she leaves without word the morning following their night together so he's spent a great deal of time and energy researching her and tracking her down. He knows about her time spent in a lab and he knows about her powers to see visions by touching an object. So, what started as a means to get revenge for his pride turns into hope that she'll be able to discover who killed his parents. He lures a trap with the artifact as bait and when she comes calling, he blackmails her into working for him.
The heroine felt great attraction for the hero which was why she left in the first place and she really wants to distance herself from temptation but she needs that artifact to stop the evil force targeting her family. So, she agrees to travel with him to his childhood town and investigate a murder over 20 years old. Arriving, she's greeted by less than friendly people. Turns out his father was a real asshole who abused him and his mother and his mother, loved by all, shouldered the abuse for the good of her son and her secret lover. The heroine asking questions has stirred up a whole lot of bitterness and secrets that most would have liked kept quiet. And being by the lake is playing with the heroine's powers, making her envision her dead father. Plus, she's being targeted by the evil force that's been hunting her family.
While at the same time, the hero and heroine must deal with what lies between them. It's clear the hero feels far more deeply towards her than he imagined and she herself wants to be the one to sooth all of his pains. They are bonding like her sisters have with their husbands but unfortunately the hero isn't making things easy. But one thing clear, he'll never allow anyone to hurt her and there's no way she's ever going to be free of him.
I didn't much care for this book. Not because of disagreeable characters-because I rather enjoyed them as a whole. Not because the plot was rather pointless and far too dull to be a suspense novel. I didn't much like it because of its writing style. It was hard to follow. It felt like the authors first language wasn't English and as such the phrases were disjointed and just off at times. I kept thinking ' why would she put it that way?'. Also, this author had the habit of bombarding the reader with questions. One paragraph would have the character rattle off at least 5 questions one after the other and it took so damn long for any of them to be answered. They would be asked again and again and with no answer. It drove me crazy! It didn't flow right and as such I couldn't surrender myself to the story. While I liked the characters, things about them put me off. The hero's possessiveness for starters. Also, how he allowed everyone close to him to talk trash about the heroine. I would have expected someone as supposedly cold and ruthless as the hero not to inspire that familiarity. However, because of his kindness and respect for those around him, I actually gave props. He simply told them that the heroine made him happy so she'll remain. Good man. The heroine was probably the worst investigator. I suppose that's not her typical job but still, try to act nonchalant. No, instead she walks right up to perfect strangers and asked them how the hero's parents were murdered and what they know about it. Of course, she's disliked because of it. Over all, meh for story, meh for characters and a boo for writing aesthetics. 1.5 stars rounded up to a 2 star but I have little interest in reading the other books in the serie
The hero, rich, spoiled but living with the painful memories of an abusive childhood, isn't accustomed to having his plaything leave before he's finished with it. And he views the heroine as his plaything. His pride was wounded when she leaves without word the morning following their night together so he's spent a great deal of time and energy researching her and tracking her down. He knows about her time spent in a lab and he knows about her powers to see visions by touching an object. So, what started as a means to get revenge for his pride turns into hope that she'll be able to discover who killed his parents. He lures a trap with the artifact as bait and when she comes calling, he blackmails her into working for him.
The heroine felt great attraction for the hero which was why she left in the first place and she really wants to distance herself from temptation but she needs that artifact to stop the evil force targeting her family. So, she agrees to travel with him to his childhood town and investigate a murder over 20 years old. Arriving, she's greeted by less than friendly people. Turns out his father was a real asshole who abused him and his mother and his mother, loved by all, shouldered the abuse for the good of her son and her secret lover. The heroine asking questions has stirred up a whole lot of bitterness and secrets that most would have liked kept quiet. And being by the lake is playing with the heroine's powers, making her envision her dead father. Plus, she's being targeted by the evil force that's been hunting her family.
While at the same time, the hero and heroine must deal with what lies between them. It's clear the hero feels far more deeply towards her than he imagined and she herself wants to be the one to sooth all of his pains. They are bonding like her sisters have with their husbands but unfortunately the hero isn't making things easy. But one thing clear, he'll never allow anyone to hurt her and there's no way she's ever going to be free of him.
I didn't much care for this book. Not because of disagreeable characters-because I rather enjoyed them as a whole. Not because the plot was rather pointless and far too dull to be a suspense novel. I didn't much like it because of its writing style. It was hard to follow. It felt like the authors first language wasn't English and as such the phrases were disjointed and just off at times. I kept thinking ' why would she put it that way?'. Also, this author had the habit of bombarding the reader with questions. One paragraph would have the character rattle off at least 5 questions one after the other and it took so damn long for any of them to be answered. They would be asked again and again and with no answer. It drove me crazy! It didn't flow right and as such I couldn't surrender myself to the story. While I liked the characters, things about them put me off. The hero's possessiveness for starters. Also, how he allowed everyone close to him to talk trash about the heroine. I would have expected someone as supposedly cold and ruthless as the hero not to inspire that familiarity. However, because of his kindness and respect for those around him, I actually gave props. He simply told them that the heroine made him happy so she'll remain. Good man. The heroine was probably the worst investigator. I suppose that's not her typical job but still, try to act nonchalant. No, instead she walks right up to perfect strangers and asked them how the hero's parents were murdered and what they know about it. Of course, she's disliked because of it. Over all, meh for story, meh for characters and a boo for writing aesthetics. 1.5 stars rounded up to a 2 star but I have little interest in reading the other books in the serie
March 27, 2008
My rating is more like a 3.5 or 3.75. I enjoyed the story line which is the second book of a continuing puzzle begun in the book "At The Edge" (May07). The series will complete in Sep 08 with the release of "For Her Eyes Only".
Claire, Tempest, and Leona are triplets, their mother a famous psychic...and they have each inherited a part of her powers and an unbreakable connection to each other. Claire's story was the first, but this book was Tempest's story. Tempest is a touch-psychic, she can pick up information from people and objects by touch. She's spent most of her life shielding herself with gloves and trying to keep a lid on her power. She's also a sculptor and she met and 'conquered' Marcus at one of her successful showings. Unfortuantely for her, Marcus isn't quite willing to leave it at that, so he sets a trap for her. He will be the one to walk away, not her.
As I mentioned, I really enjoyed the overall story. The triplets are being pursued by an evil, an ancient curse, and each book reveals a little more about who/what is after them and what it wants. What didn't click with me was the relationship between the heroine and hero. They seemed to spend their time turning away from each other immediately after having some fairly passionate sex! By 3/4 into the book, I could script their actions pretty well. The book also had a mystery involving Marcus and the author did a great job of keeping my guessing til the end. Will I pick up the 3rd book? You bet. I just hope the hero and heroine have some more pleasing feelings for each other rather than almost constant strife. I would categorize these books as stories that contain elements of passion rather than love stories.
Claire, Tempest, and Leona are triplets, their mother a famous psychic...and they have each inherited a part of her powers and an unbreakable connection to each other. Claire's story was the first, but this book was Tempest's story. Tempest is a touch-psychic, she can pick up information from people and objects by touch. She's spent most of her life shielding herself with gloves and trying to keep a lid on her power. She's also a sculptor and she met and 'conquered' Marcus at one of her successful showings. Unfortuantely for her, Marcus isn't quite willing to leave it at that, so he sets a trap for her. He will be the one to walk away, not her.
As I mentioned, I really enjoyed the overall story. The triplets are being pursued by an evil, an ancient curse, and each book reveals a little more about who/what is after them and what it wants. What didn't click with me was the relationship between the heroine and hero. They seemed to spend their time turning away from each other immediately after having some fairly passionate sex! By 3/4 into the book, I could script their actions pretty well. The book also had a mystery involving Marcus and the author did a great job of keeping my guessing til the end. Will I pick up the 3rd book? You bet. I just hope the hero and heroine have some more pleasing feelings for each other rather than almost constant strife. I would categorize these books as stories that contain elements of passion rather than love stories.
October 29, 2009
I really loved this book!! I realized after I was reading it that it was the second book in a trilogy, but it was too good and I didn't want to put it down!
Tempest is a psychic and has the ability to touch an object and learn it's history. She's after an antique that might tell her more about her family, when she realizes that the brooch is within distance of her she sets her sights on getting it.
Too bad the person knows she's coming... and doesn't want to let her go.
Marcus is annoyed that Tempest could walk away from him, so when she needs his help he's more than happy to provide it.. as long as he gets something in return.
I thought the book moved quickly, the plot was engaging and it was definitely different from other books I've read. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because I was a little annoyed with the heroine at some points. She had a habit of rushing into danger, thereby needing to be rescued.. alot. Annoying.
Other than that, a great book I would definitely recommend it, and now I have to go find the first one so I can devour that one lol. Too bad I know what happens :(
Tempest is a psychic and has the ability to touch an object and learn it's history. She's after an antique that might tell her more about her family, when she realizes that the brooch is within distance of her she sets her sights on getting it.
Too bad the person knows she's coming... and doesn't want to let her go.
Marcus is annoyed that Tempest could walk away from him, so when she needs his help he's more than happy to provide it.. as long as he gets something in return.
I thought the book moved quickly, the plot was engaging and it was definitely different from other books I've read. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because I was a little annoyed with the heroine at some points. She had a habit of rushing into danger, thereby needing to be rescued.. alot. Annoying.
Other than that, a great book I would definitely recommend it, and now I have to go find the first one so I can devour that one lol. Too bad I know what happens :(
July 15, 2025
Marcus and Tempest and Love 😍
I started reading this series with book 2 and fell in love with the story, the characters and all the mystery. Reading book 2 first hasn't dampened my desire to read book 1 now. Stories about psychics are favorite tropes for me. I really enjoyed a Stranger's Touch and highly recommend it. (But read book 1 first.) 😘
I started reading this series with book 2 and fell in love with the story, the characters and all the mystery. Reading book 2 first hasn't dampened my desire to read book 1 now. Stories about psychics are favorite tropes for me. I really enjoyed a Stranger's Touch and highly recommend it. (But read book 1 first.) 😘
October 14, 2017
I liked the suspense in this series... it's not too crazy and the extrasensory Celtic stuff makes it interesting! Can't wait to read the next!
December 17, 2020
Great writing of intense drama, love, and suspense.
April 30, 2015
Tempest Best came back to Marcus Greystone and their one night stand best left forgotten.
Marcus needs her to find out who killed his parents in a tragic hit and run and find out the reason why. Tempest needs a special piece of jewelry that is in Marcus’s possession that has the magic of putting her family back together. And in the process maybe it will help Tempest deal with her father’s death of which she has blamed herself for ever since she was a child.
Tempest can hold an object or even touch another human being with her bare hand and come away with that person’s past and emotions and hurts. No wonder she wears gloves all the time. Having that power is amazing in itself, just like this book.
I don’t know why, but I love reading about meeting your one night stand again. There is just so much sexual tension in these stories because the characters know what they did was wrong so they try and stay apart but they of course can’t, no matter how hard they try. And…I…Love…That! I love sexual tension in any given situation, but one night standers are the best. I love the heat and the chemistry between Tempest and Marcus.
A well written book is so enjoyable to read as I’m sure it was to write for Cait London. Every one of her books I have enjoyed immensely. I’m so glad A Stranger’s Touch turned out to be a keeper.
Marcus needs her to find out who killed his parents in a tragic hit and run and find out the reason why. Tempest needs a special piece of jewelry that is in Marcus’s possession that has the magic of putting her family back together. And in the process maybe it will help Tempest deal with her father’s death of which she has blamed herself for ever since she was a child.
Tempest can hold an object or even touch another human being with her bare hand and come away with that person’s past and emotions and hurts. No wonder she wears gloves all the time. Having that power is amazing in itself, just like this book.
I don’t know why, but I love reading about meeting your one night stand again. There is just so much sexual tension in these stories because the characters know what they did was wrong so they try and stay apart but they of course can’t, no matter how hard they try. And…I…Love…That! I love sexual tension in any given situation, but one night standers are the best. I love the heat and the chemistry between Tempest and Marcus.
A well written book is so enjoyable to read as I’m sure it was to write for Cait London. Every one of her books I have enjoyed immensely. I’m so glad A Stranger’s Touch turned out to be a keeper.
December 5, 2014
3.5 STARS
"Tempest, Claire, and Leona: triplets blessed—or cursed—with a special extra sense they would each deny, given the chance . . .
Tempest was born with the uncanny ability to learn everything about an object—or even a person—just by the touch of her naked hands. But she knows this gift comes at a price, so she protects herself by keeping those she loves at a distance, But when a sinister enemy threatens all that she holds dear, Tempest is forced to reach out to Marcus Greystone, who she once touched willingly . . . and with passionate abandon.
Marcus has never forgotten the sensuous night he and Tempest shared—before she left his bed without a word. Now that she needs his help, Marcus isn't letting her go easily. It's his chance to show Tempest that his touch can also electrify. But a gathering storm of violence is following Tempest, and a killer waits to get his hands on her . . ." (From Amazon)
I enjoy this sexy paranormal romantic suspense. London is good at creating chemistry between heroine and hero.
"Tempest, Claire, and Leona: triplets blessed—or cursed—with a special extra sense they would each deny, given the chance . . .
Tempest was born with the uncanny ability to learn everything about an object—or even a person—just by the touch of her naked hands. But she knows this gift comes at a price, so she protects herself by keeping those she loves at a distance, But when a sinister enemy threatens all that she holds dear, Tempest is forced to reach out to Marcus Greystone, who she once touched willingly . . . and with passionate abandon.
Marcus has never forgotten the sensuous night he and Tempest shared—before she left his bed without a word. Now that she needs his help, Marcus isn't letting her go easily. It's his chance to show Tempest that his touch can also electrify. But a gathering storm of violence is following Tempest, and a killer waits to get his hands on her . . ." (From Amazon)
I enjoy this sexy paranormal romantic suspense. London is good at creating chemistry between heroine and hero.
February 7, 2016
Tempest is a triplet, like her mother and siblings, she was born with an ability. Tempest can just touch an object and will know everything about the person(s) that last touched it. Her mother and sister have been dreaming about a brooch. There is evil surrounding them, and the key of what is happening behind the evil stems by getting the brooch. Tempest has been hunting for the brooch, and learns of a private collector. She locates where the brooch is being kept and makes a plan to sneak in and touch it. Except, it doesn't go as planned. Marcus Greystone was waiting for her, they met long ago, and he's never forgotten her. Marcus did research on her family and had a plan of his own. Marcus strikes a deal with Tempest, if she will use her psychic abilities to solve who killed his parents then the brooch will be hers. Tempest takes the challenge, but the evil that her mother and sister dreamed about, has located Tempest. Now Tempest, has many issues on her plate. Is she getting stronger, or is the evil that hunts her depleting her ability? Good Book!
March 24, 2014
This book kept me intrigued because I was curious about who the murderer was and the significance of the brooch. The romance part left a lot to be desired. This would have been better off as solely a sci-fi type of read rather a romance.
I did not feel any connection between Tempest and Marcus. I felt nothing. I just came off feeling these were two people brought together for investigative purposes.
The timing of the book seemed off to me. All of this happened in 5-7 days but it darn sure felt like it happened over a month's time frame. Tempest was a target for any and everything to happen to her and Marcus was the knight or prince to the rescue. That became annoying near the end because it kept repeating itself but with different scenarios.
Last but not least...love in 5-7 days? Really? WoW! Maybe I'm a cynic but this developed too quickly and there was development of the relationship.
I did not feel any connection between Tempest and Marcus. I felt nothing. I just came off feeling these were two people brought together for investigative purposes.
The timing of the book seemed off to me. All of this happened in 5-7 days but it darn sure felt like it happened over a month's time frame. Tempest was a target for any and everything to happen to her and Marcus was the knight or prince to the rescue. That became annoying near the end because it kept repeating itself but with different scenarios.
Last but not least...love in 5-7 days? Really? WoW! Maybe I'm a cynic but this developed too quickly and there was development of the relationship.
September 3, 2009
The Aisling-Bartel triplets are something else - all psychic to some degree. This is Tempest's story. Tempest is searching for a Viking brooch which holds some secret to her families past. The brooch is owned by Marcus Greystone, the man she had a one night stand with a year ago. The sparks fly between these two immediately as they are both strong personalities and neither will give way. When old evil returns to stalk Tempest, Marcus is there as her protector.
I really like these characters. The deep link between twins and triplets has always fascinated me. These three sisters have that going on as well as real psychic gifts. Their adventures are interesting but dragging out what evil is haunting them is driving me nuts.
I really like these characters. The deep link between twins and triplets has always fascinated me. These three sisters have that going on as well as real psychic gifts. Their adventures are interesting but dragging out what evil is haunting them is driving me nuts.
November 16, 2008
I like this series, and this book was good too. I would have given it four stars except that it felt repetative. Not the story necessarily, but the details. She wonders about the fog and the water and who/what she feels. Could it be her father or something more sinister? Every time she has that thought, it's that same thought, in detail, like maybe we'd forgotten. It's okay to wonder about what's in the fog, but after the first couple detailed times, a simple, "what's out there?" will suffice...and that's just one example, it happened with other thoughts and points in the book. But still, it's a good story, I just have to get over that part I guess!
March 13, 2010
Psychic vampire anyone? That's what it looks like this family of psychic triplets are up against. In this book, Tempest, who can feel the history of items and emotions with her bare hands, is tracking down an ancient Viking brooch her family has been seeing in dreams. In the process, she picks up a protector, a vindictive ex, and possibly a psychic vampire.
April 21, 2012
As with the first book in this series, I just couldn't put it down. I usually wait a few months before reading the next book in a series, just so I don't complete the series ahead of the author. But, I just can't wait to read the third installment in this triology.
If you're looking for a good read with mystery, love, danger and based around the paranormal, this book is definitely for you!
If you're looking for a good read with mystery, love, danger and based around the paranormal, this book is definitely for you!
January 6, 2010
I honestly would rate this one 3.5 stars. I am just caught up in this trilogy emotionally and cannot stop until I read all three.
Based on the cover of the first in the trilogy, I expected these to be a little more racy-was looking forward to these being a little racy (must be my current mood!!)
Based on the cover of the first in the trilogy, I expected these to be a little more racy-was looking forward to these being a little racy (must be my current mood!!)
September 24, 2008
I really enjoyed this book. I told a friend to read it and she loved it even more.
October 11, 2008
A very nice read for those you like just a bit of paranormal with their romance.
May 26, 2009
First time reading Cait London great authore.
Read
July 28, 2011Good romance, decent back story. Not edge of your seat stuff, but a fast, easy read.
February 4, 2013
The second book was as good as the first and set you to read the final book and find the final truth.
May 13, 2013
I didn't really care for the characters very much. Some thoughts/conversation was repetitive. The guy came off as wishy-washy and a bit self-serving and the woman was stubborn like a 2 year old.
June 19, 2015
Definitely not as good as the first book in the series, but still worth reading.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews