When We Touch

by Tia Louise

A USA Today bestseller.

Emberly Warren was spicy-sweet seduction.
My biggest temptation.
My biggest regret.

I thought she’d always be waiting for me.
I was wrong.

Now I’m back in Oceanside searching for peace, hoping to escape what my life has become.

She isn’t supposed to be here…
Dark hair blowing in the ocean breeze,
Luscious curves barely hidden by thin cotton.

I didn’t come back for her.
But when we touch, I know I’ll do whatever it takes to make her mine.

Genres: Second Chance, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Second Chance Romance, Small Town Romance, Emotional

ebook

First published September 5, 2017

About the author

Tia Louise is the USA Today best-selling, award-winning author of spicy-sweet military romance, small town romance, single parent romance, and romantic suspense novels.

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Reviews

[SueBee★bring me an alpha!★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️! When We Touch (stand-alone). Jack left for college & never returned. A feel-good second chance romance!

“I gaze at him wondering what star crossed what planet in what solar system and said I could have him, even if it’s only for a little while.”

When We Touch (stand-alone) opens up to present day and two worlds colliding. Attorney and heir Jackson Cane Lockwood, Jack has come home and is shocked to discover bakery owner Ember Rose Warren, Em still in town, after over a decade.

Jack and Em must deal with the shock, fight their attraction, cope with hurt, uncover secrets and betrayal. It’s a story of a long-lost puppy-love, meant to stand the test of time, and what ultimately tore them apart.



Seven words to describe Jackson Cane Lockwood, Jack: Charismatic, hard-headed, determined, complex, caring, broken and oh so sweet.



Seven words to describe Bakery owner Ember Rose Warren, Em: Goal-oriented, proud, naïve, strong, trusting, private and lonely.

When We Touch, told from dual POVs, is a feel-good second chance romance, with a little bit of angst, some funny moments and an unfolding mystery. But mostly it’s a story of disappointments, faded hope, lingering memories, betrayal, forgiveness and… love!

***
Hero: ★★★★
Heroine: ★★★★
Plot: ★★★★
Storytelling: ★★★★1/2
Sexual tension: ★★★★
Sex scenes: ★★★★
Story ending: ★★★★1/2
******************************************
OVERALL RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Angst: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Darkness: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Humor: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Kink: | LOW FOCUS |
Romance: | HIGH FOCUS |
Sex frequency: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Suspense: | MEDIUM FOCUS |

ARC provided to me by author Tia Louise in exchange for an honest review.

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 5 out of 5]

When We Touch is my very first book by Tia Louise. I’ve been wanting to read something of hers for a long time and when this came across my path, I jumped at the chance. And wow, just wow! I’m so glad I did. This book was beautiful. It had all the elements that for me make a book a five star read. It had two main characters that instantly won my heart. There was an adorable little four year old girl that I fell in love with. And the heroine is a cake baker. So this book has lots and lots of sugar involved. And don’t let me forget to mention the heat. These two steamed up the pages, their chemistry was combustible. Put all this together, and I’m in love.



Ember Rose knew what she wanted and she wanted Jackson Cane. So the summer before he left for college, she convinced him to teach her how to kiss. To be her first kiss. She knew they wouldn’t stop at just a kiss, and they didn’t. It was the summer she fell in love, and also the summer her heart broke when Jackson left for college and never came back to Oceanside Village.



Jackson Cane is now a high powered attorney. It’s been nearly eleven years since he left Oceanside. But something happened on the last case he worked on. Something that shook his foundation. He needs to get away, he needs time to think. So after all this time, there was no question that he needed to go home. He didn’t think Ember was there any more. That’s what he had been told. But she was there. And she was even more beautiful than she was all those years ago. One look and he knew that he still loved her. That she was the only woman for him. That she was his home.



Ember now has a four year old adorable little daughter, Coco. She is trying to make a life for her and her daughter. She has discovered she has a talent for baking cakes, a really wonderful talent. But while she tries to get her business going and a safe place for the two of them to live, her mother is helping her out. Her very controlling, manipulative mother. Now with Jackson back, the two of them have oceans to wade through to get to the truth of what happened. Of why Jackson didn’t return like he promised. And the more they discover, the stronger their bond becomes. But there are many things at work here, things that could still rip them apart.



This was such a fantastic book. I loved every page of it. No one deserved to finally find their happiness as Jackson, Ember and little Coco did. But of course, that happiness will not come easily. They are going to have to fight for it. But Jackson lost Ember once, and he is not going to lose her again. I am so glad I finally read one of Tia Louise’s books. And I can assure you it won’t be my last.

“When we touch the dream comes true.”

[Tia Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now a USA TODAY BEST-SELLER!!!!!!!!

★ Get WHEN WE TOUCH for FREE in Kindle Unlimited and fall in LOVE...
Amazon US: http://smarturl.it/WWTAmz
Amazon UK: http://smarturl.it/WWTaitl

I'm SO excited about this sexy new stand-alone, second-chance romance!

--> Please ADD IT to your TBR Today!

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[❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

WHEN WE TOUCH Is a second chance standalone romance novel by Tia Louise. In this we meet Ember Rose and Jackson Cane.

In the ‘Prologue’ where it all begins. We’re introduced to these two who were mere teenagers and lovers, Rose a high schooler and Jackson was just on the verge of leaving town and taking off to College.

Jackson was Ember's first with most things when it came to Jackson, first kiss, first boyfriend, first love, first heart break..

We were so damn young, she was even younger. I'd known her since we were little kids, but that summer everything changed. It was my last summer here. It was our first summer together.

Over ten years later:
He'd left his hometown Oceanside the only place he'd ever truly been happy, with big ideas and dreams, but only half of those had come true, the other half he'd left behind.

Jackson always intended to come back for Ember, lies teared them apart, the truth sees them slowing mending hearts that were severed back together again.

This was a slow burn second chance romance at it's best. I was hooked as soon as I started this, I was in my happy place wanting to get carried along on a soul wrenching romance that was discarded like unwanted rubbish when they went their separate ways in life.

Neither have ever really moved on..

I didn't come back for her. But when we touch, I know I'll do whatever it takes to make her mine.

Now he's back..

They may have been apart but their hearts were beating in sync until they met again. Lies tore them apart but the truth found it's way back into their hearts again for them to reconnect.

This threw all the feels, the angst, the heartbreak, the love these two felt we felt alongside them. If you're like me and have a weakness for second chance romances then I highly recommend this one.

[Wendy'sThoughts · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Destined To Be Stars
* * * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
I know when I start a Tia Louise book, I am in good, no great hands. She will take me on a journey that has intricate layers, sensual characters, and a full-on romance with a capital R. When We Touch is a perfect example of the type of writing she does.

I started this in the late afternoon and as time went by... for the life of me, I couldn't stop reading it. It had it all... young love, so intense and real... it made you remember your first time and how overwhelming that type of love is...It had the family "powers that be" cause all kinds of misdirection... which impacted these two when they were their most vulnerable.

You then have the perfect second chance situation...a look, touch, and everything that they were when they were young and fresh... rises up from their emotional ashes and reignites them to burn brighter than ever before.

So, this has all the makings of a modern-day Romeo and Juliet plus any other complex love story Shakespeare had in his collection. It had it all and to tell you more would not be fair...because then you wouldn't have the type of read where you just have to keep reading till the end...

~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Starting and will be fully engaged
with another tale from Tia Louise...
●•●•●•●•●•●•●•
Oh, Tia Louise...
Only You could come up with a Second Chance Romance that Screams...
Must Read Now!

Two young people...
Loving each other ...
And then losing each other...

He thought he would come back and she would be wanting for him...
Oh, how wrong he was...

But then something that wasn't supposed to happen...
Both of them back where it all started, Oceanside...

Will they be able to forgive...Will the pull they feel for each other be enough...
We won't know till we read...

When We Touch- September 5th 2017

A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[Olga therebelreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those wonderful intense reads that delivers everything you want. This story is about friendship, love and second chances. I found it to be well written with twists and turns, peaks and valleys, and OMG moments.

When Jackson and Ember meet for the first time a decade after their teenage romance, they know they are still in love. I love that they are older yet have that off-the-charts chemistry we all hope to actively have later in our lives.








Jackson and Ember not only have to fight to escape her mother’s strict views but also to come to terms with painful secrets and a traumatic past. The love story is occasionally funny, sometimes tear-inducing and very, very heartwarming! It is angsty, emotional and beautifully written. You actually feel the electricity crackle off the pages reading about these two.

Distant memories of young, passionate love are revived and spark an intimate, romantic connection to remind them-and us- that Love is never ending. I highly recommend this read. Love, suspense, and drama at its best!




In short:
Hero 5/5 | Heroine 5/5 | Plot (Point, Originality) 5/5 | Writing Style 4/5 | Steam 4/5 | Romance 5/5 | Angst-Suspense 4/5 | Darkness 0/5 | Humor 3/5 | Secondary Characters 4/5 | Drama-Conflict 4/5 | Mystery 2/5 | Twists 4/5 | Pacing Fast | Action 3/5

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars

“I want you back, Ember Rose. I want it all back.”

Jack and Ember once shared a love to rival the ages. Knowing he was too old for her yet unable to stay away, Jack finally gave into his feelings for Ember and the two shared a magical summer together. Jack’s inevitable first year of law school brings pledges of undying love and a promise the two will make a life together in the future.

Ten plus years later and not only are Ember and Jack leading separate lives, but the two haven’t had any contact since their last night together. When Jack heads home after a decade for some introspection time, of course Karma’s going to find a way to work her magic and put these two in each other’s paths.

“I thought I came here to get away, to find peace, but I came for you.”



The story of Jack and Ember isn’t easy but somehow Tia Louise makes it a beautiful one. Through all of the trials, tribulations and misconceived ideas, these two have always loved each other and that fact is at the heart of this story. Jack’s departure from his old job and life, then subsequent work drama, was handled well and managed to add some intrigue to the book without overwhelming it. In general, the bits and pieces of the past interwoven with the present had me hooked from the beginning.

My only real complaint stems from the separation itself. Ten years? And you never thought to google her? Maybe do a quick Facebook search?



As much as I loved Jack and Ember, I’m already looking forward to more stories from this little seaside town. Maybe a best friend and a sheriff?

ARC provided by the author in exchange for and honest review

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

NOW LIVE!
Amazon US * Amazon UK



When We Touch is one of Tia Louise's sweeter stories and one that I absolutely adored. These characters broke my heart with how damaged and lost they both seemed and it had me rooting for them to finally find their way back to each other. They might not have been seeking each other out but once they were in the same town again their chemistry wouldn't allow them to be far from one another.

I loved that they had such a strong connection and kind of fell right back into a relationship after so many years apart. It wasn't all easy but once they got past old hurts they really opened up to one another and it was amazing to read about.

Bottom line, this is a book I would recommend to anyone that's looking for a true romance.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC provided by the author for an honest review*

Jackson Cane is just to gorgeous!!!



I m a huge fan of second chance romances. I don't know what it is I just love them. So out second chance love and Tia Louise together and I already have a book I m going to love and I was right. This book was brilliant, I enjoyed it from start to finished. Once I picked it up that was it I couldn't put it down.



This story is about first love, heartbreak, betrayal and second chances. Jackson and Emberly story is so good. From the start you just knew that they were meant to be together. The story started of pretty hot. We got to see these to love birds from a young age and how much they loved each other then and how exciting life was going to be. The only thing was Jackson was that little bit older and had plans to go to college so he had to leave Ember but they had mad plans to see each other as much as possible. They just didn't imagine what was goin to happen.



This story had me dying to know what was goin to happen throughout the whole thing. My heart was broken for for both Jackson and Ember. Life wasn't easy growing up in a small town where nearly everyone knew your business. Jackson had gotten away but Ember had to stick it out and make the most of. It's not like she want to move she was happy the only person making it hard was her mum. God that woman was annoying throughout the whole book. I can't believe what she did to Ember. I felt so sorry do it her. Even though it was hard floor Ember to have Jackson back around after 10 years I was so happy for her. She needed a good man in her life.



I have to say I love this authors work so much. Every book she does just keeps getting better and better. This was just excellent. There wasn't a think about it that I didn't like. The characters were great I really liked Embers best friend Tabby and Tia I would actually like more of her and Chad. There was a few characters that got on my nerves but this is what makes a good book. They storyline was really good I couldn't believe the little turn that happen towards the end it was great. I would highly recommend this book and author there isn't a book that I've not liked.

[Candi~Dirty Laundry Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

When We Touch is one of those books that just crept up on me. I wasn't planning on reading it. Mainly cause my reading lately has been non-existent. Kids, work, life, etc. When Tia asked me if I'd like to read an ARC of When We Touch, I hesitated, cause I hate making commitments. I read the blurb and quickly calculated in my head how many days and said YES!

Lately, it seems to take me 6 months to read a book lol. However, this WAS NOT THE CASE! I finished this book in two nights. TWO NIGHTS PEOPLE! I was up to 5am both nights cause I could not put it down. I lost track of hours and everything around me. Tia pulled me into her story like no other. I literally felt like a resident of Oceanside. Jackson Cane and Ember Rose might be my two new favorite people.

This is a second-chance romance. Filled with twists and turns like no other. I can usually figure out where a story is going, this was not the case this time. There were a few times I was completely caught off guard!! Those are the best! Most stories are predictable, and I love being shocked!! And don't even get me going on the feels!! I lost track on how many times I broke out in goosebumps!!

I'm not going to say anything about this or that, cause I hate spoilers. I GIVE NOTHING!! And there's just too many things to say without accidentally ruining something lol! SO JUST GO BUY IT!!!

Tia Louise is a new author to me. As in her books. Her writing is captivating. So descriptive but not in the annoying "prosey" way. She paints a picture for you. You instantly become part of the story. You form that connection like you've known these characters your whole life. I was highly impressed and plan on reading more from this talented author!! This is an absolute must read!!! If you haven't one-clicked this FANTABULOUS book yet, DO IT NOW!!!

[Coco.V · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars!

💝FREE on Amazon today (8/22/2018)!💝

[Malene · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for second chance stories and this was right up my alley. My first book by Tia Louise and she delivered a beautiful and heartfelt one. Why on earth haven't I read any books by this author sooner? That's my mistake and I'm definitely going to make amends for that.

Emberly and Jackson share a long history going way back to them being kids. I felt an immediate connection with them and as they got older my connection only strengthened. Their love was pure and innocent yet also very sensual.
Jackson and Emberly are victims of their surroundings meddling and judgements. Finding their way back to each other was a ride filled with emotions and so many interesting people who had an opinion of them as a couple. I enjoyed myself so much in Emberly and Jackson's company.
There's no doubt that they're soulmates cause their love and history are heartbreaking and beyond beautiful. Their chemistry and connection is out of this world! Whenever they're around one another sparks and need were all over place. I loved it.
I loved that they'd learned from past mistakes and when it finally mattered they stood by one another.

Emberly's bestie Tabby was incredible and the perfect and loyal support for her. Other characters like Coco and André made an impact on me as they also did on Jackson.
There's some surprises along the way and I liked the twist and turns only adding unpredictability to the story which I appreciate.

When We Touch is an incredible second chance romance that delivers with strong and layered characters and bucketful of emotions. Just what I needed and can't recommend it enough.

4 BadAssDirtySaltwaterKissesStars


*advanced copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review*

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful, sweet, hot and emotional second-chance romance! When We Touch is definitely my new favorite Tia book!

[Dri ✰ · Rating 3 out of 5]

2,5 stars!

Infelizmente esse livro não funcionou pra mim.
Achei o casal forçado demais e não convenceu.
Drama relâmpago perto do fim e aquela afobação para o "felizes para sempre".
Gosto quando os autores dão sentido ao título ou o mencionam dentro da história, mas aqui teve tantos que ao invés de me encantar, me irritou...
Nada de novo, nada impressionante...
Pelo visto estou de volta ao meu inferno astral literário!!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review



When We Touch by Tia Louise is a sexy angsty second chance romance that was filled with intricate layers of raw emotions that slowly revealed vulnerable characters and in such created a powerful love story of two former lovers having their worlds collide and forever changed.

Only you, Ember. Only you.” His heart beats against my breast. Our hearts beat together. We’re one, like we were before. Like we were always meant to be.”

Ten years ago, Jackson Cane Lockwood fell in love with a girl. He was her first. Her first boyfriend. First kiss. First love. First everything. Jackson made a promise to Ember Rose but he broke that promise when he walked away from her to pursue his education and career.



Now ten years later, Jackson comes face to face with the only woman that has ever owned his heart. His Ember Rose. But within those ten years, Ember has moved on. She has her cake business and a young daughter. Or has she really moved on from Jackson?

Having Ember Rose in my arms is like winning the fucking lottery. It’s like being named King of Everything. It’s like… I can’t help a grin. My mind is a lovesick teenager. I’m the boy who left ten years ago.”

They say you can never forget your first love and that couldn’t have been more true for Jackson and Ember. One look and touch ruined Ember. She couldn’t forget how Jackson Cane was the only man to make her feel alive. He awakened something inside of her that has been buried for so long.

He kissed me the way he always did, demanding, possessive, take no prisoners. It was so good.”



As Jackson and Ember tries to reconnect and work out their relationships, buried secrets of the past could haunt and tear them apart. What happens when cracks and unwanted drama begins to meddle in their relationship, can their love survive this obstacle?

I want you back, Ember Rose. I want it all back.”



When We Touch is a highly addicting emotional second chance romance that touches on the subject of heartbreak, loss, family, forgiveness, trust, and love. This is a love story that weathered through the storms and proved to us all, love is healing. It is beauty, forgiveness, hope, and faith all wrapped up into one. So if you are looking for a story that was touching, provocative, sensual and heartfelt then I highly recommend When We Touch.

Tia Louise

[Shayna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, heartwarming, sexy, and sweet! Let's be honest, there are A LOT of second chance romances that have come out this year, which I don't mind at all, because I'm a SUCKER for that genre, but when that happens, authors have to step up their game in order to stand out above the rest. Tia Louise HAS DONE JUST THAT with her latest standalone contemporary, WHEN WE TOUCH. I can always count on this author to bring me to my happy place, and she did that instantly with Jackson and Emberly's story.

A second chance romance full of heat and heart, WHEN WE TOUCH made me feel ALL THE THINGS! With a heartbreaking and sweet storyline, and scene-stealing secondary characters, Ms. Louise took her writing to another level. You will cry. You will laugh. You will blush (on multiple occasions) and you will fall head over heels IN LOVE with these characters. When you see the name Tia Louise on the front of a book cover pay attention, grab yourself a copy, and be prepared to experience something truly romantic!

[1-Click Addict Support Group · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet, sexy and deliciously hot second chance love story. If you were given a second chance to reconnect with you soul mate, would you jump at the chance or let it slip by?

Ember knew Jackson was it for her and it didn't matter that he disagreed with her she made sure he knew it. As hard as they tried to make it work, there were others that made sure it didn't. Jackson's love for Ember never extinguished even when he thought she had moved on.

“You were only a girl when I painted you last time. Now you’re a woman.” When I look up, I see her eyes are dark. Her lips are parted, the bottom one clutched below the tips of her white teeth. “I want you inside me.”

After seeing each other after 10 years I knew the sparks were still there but would they act on it? Would Ember forgive Jackson? Could Jackson forgive himself? Could they face their demons, treacherous people and the lies they were told head on? One thing was for sure, those that did them wrong would coming to them what they deserved! And let me just say that Ember's mom was asking for an a$$ whooping!!

There are many emotions this beautiful second chance love had me going through that at times I didn't know what I was feeling. Be prepared to fall in love with Jackson and Ember like I did. ~Kara, 5 stars

[Rejane]

Sighing deeply in resignation.
I give up on finding a good book with an at least normal female character. Because a strong willed independent woman I have no illusions anymore


https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Luisa Rivas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this ARC from the publisher and willingly offer my honest review. I found this book to be a little scattered.  It was sort of lacking in details; information to understand the background of the story was lacking or presented in a disorderly manner, or incomplete.  I felt like I didn't have a grasp of the back story of the characters.  Also, the male character is a lawyer and his professional dealings were not very convincing, they didn't sound all that lawyerly.  In truth, the plot settings didn't convince me, even though the story was nice.  In summary, Jackson and Emberly were friends as children, then fell in love during their teens and were lovers in their senior year of high school.  Jackson left to study to be a lawyer with plans to return to Emberly and be married.  That never happened.  Ten years later, he's a successful lawyer, the youngest partner ever making in a prominent law firm.  However, he's facing a difficult moment in his career, a case that was won but with hidden information that smacks of corruption, and his career and reputation are in jeopardy.  And what does he do?  Run away to his old hometown, buy a truck that is a junk heap of metal and take on a job to paint three store fronts.  HUH?!?!  Then surprise, he learns that Ember is still home and has a little girl.

Ember is living a restricted life.  She's trying to make it as a pastry chef, has a little store left to her by an aunt, and her little girl, product of a one-night stand, lives with her mother.  Here the story is a little fuzzy but seems like she was forced to live for three years with her mother once Coco was born.  Now that she inherited the store, she's preparing the  upstairs to bring Coco to live with her.  Yet, her mother takes care of Coco and pays for her preschool.  She rules the town like a matriarch, rules the church where they go and tries to rule Ember's life too.  Her best friend Tabby helps her at the bakery.

Ember's mother is one of those martinet of a woman, supremely religious and pious but cold-hearted and ruthless.  She pretends that Ember and Coco do as she says, which is living to the strict code of conduct that the church demands.  She believes in a God of judgement, not a God of love.  Really, she was so hateful!  Yet Ember has to dance her tune because she holds the money strings.

When Jackson and Ember meet again, first there is anger on both sides because they feel the other lied.  Then they learn that both were lied to, by their parents, in conjunction, to get them apart.  Jackson's dad didn't want him married to a little nobody and Ember's mom hated Jackson and his family.  Again, more fuzzy details about how Jackson's dad ruined the town and his mother. And Ember's mother hates Jackson and his family for reasons unknown until near the end of the story.

There's also references to a car accident that took the life of Ember's father and older sister.  Her mother changed after the accident and turned into the hateful controlling woman she is at present.  There's also some fuzzy information about the accident as the origin for all their family situations, the hatred, Jack's protectiveness to Ember, Jackson's father desire to leave the town and never return.  It's only towards the end of the book that the truth about the accident and Ember's nightmares come to light.

Reading this book was like driving at night with the car lights off.  I could read it but not enjoy it because I didn't have all the facts and had to ferret them little by little and not completely.  It was an enjoyable read but I didn't feel like the construction was the best.  Just my honest opinion.

[Beneath The Covers Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unconditional love, passion, heartbreak, secrets and lies....this book has it all!! I loved it!

OMG....the feels!! When We Touch opened my heart and burrowed its way deep inside, consuming me with every word written.

This story is so much more for than a second-chance romance. It showcases an unbreakable bond between two people. That when apart, they're never truly whole, and their souls will forever be linked together.

Some people can be quick to dismiss young love, saying "it'll never last" or "they have their whole lives ahead of them". But when you find that rare, profound, once-in-a-lifetime love, it doesn't matter what age you are. And When We Touch clearly represents that true love has no bounds. The trials and tribulations the characters endured brought such raw and conflicting emotions to the story. And these hardships only made the story that much richer and intense.

When We Touch is an exquisitely penned book that features strength, resilience, and a fight for what one wants. Your emotions will be entwined in the story, and your heart will break and heal right along with the characters. Desires and protectiveness combine to make this love story one you won't be able to put down.

Definite 5 star must read!

*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.* ~Kelly

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A second chance romance about a boy who loved a girl, who turns into a man that loves a woman.

Jackson Cane was the older boy her mother warned her about, but Ember Warren didn't care. She wanted everything Jackson had to offer, and she was determined to spend as many minutes with him as possible before he left for college.

The boy who loved a girl, but broke her heart when he left and didn't return.
For.
Ten.
Years.

But things are never what they seem, really. And now that boy is a man. And that girl is a woman. And the sparks they shared that summer a decade ago aren't buried nearly as deep as one would think.

And when they touch, they're like fireworks on a hot summer night.

But secrets are never as hidden as long as one would hope. And sometimes secrets have the power to destroy--hearts, souls, loves. And Oceanside has secrets, some of which will change Jackson and Emberly's lives forever.

But will the secrets extinguish their flame? Or will their sparks ignite the night sky?

[Lisa (Two Bookish Brits) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m in absolute awe with this book, as soon as I read the excerpt on FB I knew I had to have this book and read it straight away and by god I’m super glad I did, it was everything I was hoping for and more!

Ember is an independent woman trying her hardest to set herself up in her bakery to care for herself and her baby CoCo. She’s beautiful and kind and can’t bring herself to say no to anyone but not everything is at it seems, see nursing a broken heart, a heart that’s been broken for over 10 years by a man that’s about to waltz back in her life unknowingly.

Jackson left his home town for collage and to go on to become a lawyer. He’s loyal and independent and has never forgotten his one true love, the one that’s about to shake his world when he bumps into her.

Ember and Jackson’s relationship was quite interesting. Not only is their story heartbreaking at times it’s insanely beautiful and you can’t help but fall for these couples. Even the secondary characters had you falling for them, they were fun and cheery and slightly pushy at times lol.

This is my first read by Tia Louise and damn, I’m definitely going to be reading more. Not only is she an exceptional writer her words capture your heart and mind and keep you hooked until the very last page and even then, they’ll leave you needing more, so much more.

[Michelle Claypot_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars for me

I absolutely loved this second chance romance. Ember and Jackson have known each other since childhood. There are first loves, first heartbreaks, lies, deceit and plenty of plot twists in this fantastic romance. There's also a genuine small town feel to the story. Add in hilarious supporting characters, a gorgeous 4 year old and a hideous stuffed squirrel and you've got the very best kind of second chance love story. Definitely recommend to anyone looking for an easy, fun read.

I received an ARC of this book.

[Radd Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I love your mommy.”
“I love my mommy.”
“Can we both love your mommy?”

“When we touch, the hurts are healed.”


**Synopsis:**
The story starts out with a flashback of Jack and Ember in their hometown on Jack’s last day before he leaves for college. They love each other deeply and are convinced they will last forever.

Fast forward 10 years, and Jack and Ember are living separate lives in separate towns.

Jack is a hotshot attorney who is unsatisfied with his life. Ember is trying to get a baking business off the ground and she’s a mother to an adorable four year old.

When Jack decides to head back to his hometown to get some space from his current circumstance, he is shocked to see Ember.
Ember is none to happy that the guy who left without a backward glance is standing in front of her.
Neither understands lies tore them apart, but when they discover the truth they try for their second chance.
~ “I don’t know what happened or why. I only know you’ll tell me the truth, and we need to know the truth.”

** The following are my thoughts about this book: **

* * I’m not sure I fully understood why Coco didn’t live with Ember. A “plush air conditioned home” and preschool tuition are ok reasons. But still, it seemed odd that her daughter didn’t live with her. Ember lived in a respectable place and Coco could have skipped preschool. So the separation was a little bit head scratching. Especially considering how wacko Ember’s mother was.

* * they were kept apart due to other peoples lies. I can get behind that much easier than lying to each other.

* * here’s the thing that didn’t make sense, Jack was three years older and when he comes back he’s told Ember is going to marry someone else. She was 15 when he left, so did he really believe she was going to get married at 15 or 16 years old? A child bride? That just didn’t make sense why he would accept that story.

* * the twist was a little much. It could have remained relatively straightforward, but it became a little eye rolling with the “saving” thing.

**Overview:**
- Content Warning: Christian references (if that bothers you)
- Setting: Oceanside
- POV: Dual POV
- Tropes: second chance

- Who is the Hero? Jackson Cane (Lockwood) (age: 28). Lawyer. One of the youngest partners at a highly prestigious firm. He typically handles corporate corruption cases and he’s just resigned because of something he found out.
* The following words/phrases were used to describe Hero: a shark, determined, alone, smart, honorable
* H likable? Yes.

- Who is the Heroine? Emberly Rose (age: 25). Owns a bakery specializing in cakes. Has a four year old daughter named Colette (aka Coco Bean). Her mother is an overly religious judgmental b$tch.
* The following words/phrases were used to describe Heroine: good at making penis cakes, talented, working hard to achieve her goals, stifled by her mother
* h likable? Yes.

- h virgin? No
- First time they kiss: technically the first kiss happens in the prologue. But the second chance kiss happens at 39%
- First time they sleep together: technically this happens in the prologue. But the second chance bedroom scene happens at 51%
- Safe sex? for the second chance - they were overcome with passion and didn’t use condoms.
- First time they say I Love You 64%
- steamy? Yes
- OW/OM drama? No
- H/h cheat? No
- Time apart? Technically ten years the first time.
- Did I skip pages? No
- Big secrets? They find out some truth around 51%
- Did I cry? No
- Did I laugh? No
- Did I swoon🥰? Jack is a nice guy but I didn’t have any swoony moments.
- Cliffhanger? No
- HEA? Yes
- Epilogue? many months later
- Recommend? it held my interest.

**Quotes**
“Go home.”
“You are my home.”

“He’s my teacher, my lover, my friend, my everything.”

“Being alone really fucks with your head. Being alone and trapped in a life you hate is even worse.”

“Doing something the way it’s always been done is no excuse to keep doing something wrong.”

“You’ve owned my heart since that very first night.”

[L Cherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second chance love story was hard to put down. I fell in love with all of the characters not just Emberly and Jackson.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars! When We Touch by Tia Louise was so emotional, angsty, sweet and charming. A touching second chance at love story you will love! Jackson Cane and Ember Warren will steal your hearts

Happy reading!

[Romance Readers Retreat · Rating 5 out of 5]

When We Touch by Tia Louise is one of the sweetest second chance romances I have read in awhile. There was just enough mystery and drama to keep things interesting and the typical Tia Louise sexiness to keep my kindle appropriately fogged up.

Jackson is a high priced lawyer who is left in crisis after a recent case. He needs to step back and recent, so he decides to return home. What he is not expecting is to run into Ember, who he had a passionate relationship with in high school shortly before leaving for college. He was lead to believe she had long since moved, but instead she is still home and has an adorable daughter.

Ember hasn't really gotten over Jackson. He was her high school crush and after making her move, he became the man who broke her heart. She has no idea why he didn't keep his promise to return to her. She has moved on with her life though and now runs a bakery and is trying to be the best mother she can for her little girl. She is still hurt over Jackson abandoning her so long ago, but it is hard to deny that they still have a strong attraction to each other.

Jackson cannot help wanting Ember still. He loved her when they were young and it would be every so easy to fall back into her life and her bed. Meddling family and secrets from the past that explain why he never returned stand in the way of them having their happy ending. Are they strong enough this time to make their passionate love story never ending?

I enjoyed this story so much! First of all, Ember's daughter was the cutest thing ever. I just adored her. I also loved her best friend and would love to see her get a book of her own. I hated her mother and you probably will too! Tia Louise manages to write all kinds of stories and make them emotional, believable and impossible to put down. When We Touch carries on that tradition.

[HMS · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. I just wasn't feeling this, nothing new for me so

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tia Louise completely got me with all of the feels in this book. I'm definitely still in book hangover mode as I write this.

Emberly Rose Warren and Jackson Cane have pasts that have been tied together since they were young children. But much of that past is twisted and dark and remains in shadow, although not completely buried. Their young passion and love takes precedent over old secrets, though, and they enjoy one summer full of epic romance, before Jackson heads off to college. They part with promises of letters and visits and pledges to remain true. But old family hatred and new greed interfere with their plans and ten long years pass before Jack returns to Oceanside, to where it all began, in the hopes of figuring out where it all went wrong.

Ember, despite what Jackson has been told, has never left Oceanside. She has also never gotten over the boy, that tasted of cinnamon, who shattered her heart into a million pieces when he left her behind. Her mother, Marjorie, is still living a life tainted by that which happened in her own past. A staid, judgmental, and venom-filled woman, she is hyper-critical of Ember, and loathes and despises everything to do with Jackson's family.

Emberly is trying her hardest to get her fledgling business off the ground, with the help of her loyal friend Tabby. (This may involve the baking of penis-shaped cakes of various colors, flavors and sizes). Unaware that Jackson is back, hired to paint the storefronts of the local downtown, her emotions run the gamut from shock, to denial, to outrage and pain when she encounters him, at her own store.

It takes the involvement of friends, some creative finagling, a date gone horribly wrong, and finally an outpouring of truth for Ember to listen to and to eventually rekindle her love for Jackson. But all is not resolved. Jackson came to Oceanside to get away from the world of corporate law, which he had grown to detest. And that world won't let him go so easily. And Marjorie's decades old enmity towards Jackson's family has only grown stronger since he and Ember have reunited. And she's determined to not let their relationship succeed.

Will their second chance at true love be spoiled by family and secrets, just as their first was? Do Jackson and Ember have the strength necessary to survive all that will be thrown at them?

Tia Louise has outdone herself on this book. It truly is a fairy tale of a story, complete with multiple villains, a tall, dark and handsome prince who rides to the rescue of the beautiful, long-haired princess, saving her from the attack of the smelly ogre. Set in a sleepy, seaside town, the villagers have important roles in how the drama plays out. And just like in any fabled story, there will be trials and tribulations, but true love and a happy ever after are waiting for every reader.

[Marie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited to receive an ARC for When we Touch as Tia Louise is one of my 'go-to' authors for contemporary romance.

This is a second chance romance with Jackson and Ember, who are young lovers whose relationship is cut short when Jackson moves away to college. His promise that he will come back for her doesn't happen and Ember is left to move on in life feeling angry that he forgot her so quickly.

Eleven years later he comes back to town and we start to learn what was behind the young lovers' unexpected split. Ember is clearly still bitter about Jackson's actions and tries to resist his attention.

Tia Louise successfully conveys all of the angst and emotion with this romance and there are some very tense moments wondering whether things will work out for this couple.

I was on the edge of my seat rooting for these two!!