Touch Me Softly

by Kelly Violet

The road to love is never easy... A secret she wanted to bury... Wynter Simmons was haunted by flashbacks. A year since the incident and she’s still not herself. Just as afraid and ashamed as if it all happened yesterday. When her best friend drags her to a concert, she’s in for another rude awakening. This could either be the best thing to happen or the moment that breaks her for good. Then she met him. A dream he never saw coming... Rafael Tapiro was always drifting. Told for most of his life that he wasn’t good enough, he almost believed it. Now, as the new bassist for the up-and-coming band, Country Blue, things are finally looking up. Too bad he doesn’t have anyone to share it with. But a gig at a crowded club changes everything. It only takes one look, and he’s a goner. The music led him to her. Can they find exactly what they need in each other? Because love comes when you least expect it and when you don’t think you deserve it… Touch Me Softly is the first book in the Reawakening Series. This is a full-length contemporary new adult romance novel with all the angst. Get ready to follow this group of friends as they tackle tough issues and love, all at the same time.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

247 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 4, 2017

About the author

Kelly Violet is a born-and-raised New Yorker, living in a California world. A voracious romance reader, she published her first novel, Touch Me Softly, in December 2017. You can expect her stories to be angsty and gut-wrenching, fun and flirty, or just downright naughty. Music and dancing are her go-to outlets. If there’s a party and dance floor (optional), rest assured that she will be one of the first people to bust a move.

Kelly loves to hear from readers. Connect with her on her various social media sites.

Facebook Fan page: www.facebook.com/AuthorKellyViolet/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/KViolet_Author
Instagram: www.instagram.com/kellyvioletauthor/
Newsletter: www.kellyviolet.com
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/kellyvioletauthor/

Reviews

[Amanda Hupe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Touch me Softly by Kelly Violet is the first book in the Reawakening Series. The book introduces a tortured young woman named Wynter. She has not been the same for a year since she has been attacked. She is in constant torture so much so, that she can’t seem to tell even her best friend. Her best friend comes home from a work trip and begs to take her to see the band Country Blue. Wyn’s best friend is dating the band leader, so she feels that she has to go in order to support her friend, but is also terrified of seeing the man who attacked her. At the show, she discovers he isn’t there. However, there is a new bassist named Rafe. He can’t take his eyes off of Wyn. Rafe senses her discomfort and her pain but is determined to make her feel safe. Will Wyn let Rafe in?

This romance novel is utterly powerful! Be prepared that there are some intense themes within this story and possible triggers regarding sexual assault. I love stories that are REAL! Everything in this story is real from the characters to their reactions to their experiences. Nothing felt like fiction. I felt that the character could easily be my friends in real life. Wyn is everything. Her experiences are absolutely heartbreaking, but her strength is everything! OH, and I can’t forget about Rafe. That is real love. He is patient, understanding, and most of all…respectful. The novel is written beautifully and flows at the perfect pace. I really felt the emotion that the author put into the words. I can’t wait for book two!

But can we also talk about that cover? Lord, it is gorgeous! I love everything about this story. I feel that readers can relate to all of it. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars!

[I Heart Romance Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sigh..

The writing was solid in this book, but I didn't like Wyn. Actually, I liked Wyn but I don't think she was ready for relationship. I was ready for her to take the initiative to go seek professional help and then pursue something with Rafe. She was too emotionally damaged and because of that I didn't feel the chemistry between the characters. I was waiting for the point where she would open up to Rafe but it never came. She told her best friend's boyfriend before she told a crowd of people and Rafe what happened to her. The author never addressed Rafe's insecurity issues and his past because it was all about Wyn. After the secret was out I thought FINALLY we're going to see the love blossom with the characters, but the book ended with so many unanswered questions. What happened with Dar, her move and her relationship? Did things work out? What happened with Zion's sister? So, many unanswered questions. This book would probably have been ok if there was a second book on Wyn and Rafe. This is my first book by this author and I'll most likely give her another shot.

[Fashionista · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was some
Really sweet magical moments in this novel. BUT...the author needs some help with developing a more mature writing style.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very emotional. If you like music stories this might be the one for you. I really like the healing both of these young souls got from each other.

[Bernardeth Gaspar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story

I really liked this story, the characters were solid and strong, good story plot and I will recommend this book to everyone.

[Annmarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love romance with an edge of your seat ending this your book! In this book you meet Wynter with a secret that pretty much disables her to be with anyone and Rafe who is trying to make his mark in life. You journey with them to find peace with themselves and fall in love! Just loved this book!

[Colette · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.6-7 This story was sweet, sultry and highly romantic. It's a love at first sight new adult tale of a hot, sensitive musician (Italian, olive-skinned, long dark hair) and a shy insecure Black woman (petite, braids, large doe-eyed, innocent)..which, btw the cover doesn't match how they look so that could be redone completely. The book has moments that made me giddy with the cuteness! The sweetness is nicely balanced with a deep darkness of Wyn's trauma.

I really enjoyed the story, but there were some issues i'll mention:
Wyn could've used more hobbies. Obviously she is traumatized, but that shouldn't be her only defining traits. A personality did shine through more and more as she started to heal for herself, but what does she like to do? What parts of her made her desirable to Rafe besides his physical attraction.

WYN NEEDED THERAPY. Serious therapy. The fact that it wasn't even mentioned was crazy to me. Even if she refused it, the words should've been uttered. Her trauma is deep, ptsd possibly and she's dealing with it all internally. It does show her strength and resilience, but damn.

Petty annoyance: Although it didn't actually affect the story, Ryfe's inner commentary didn't need to mention "she's so different from other girls I dated!" So much. It's just annoying. Again, didn't mean much, but it's like an annoying space filler.

The last few pages: I think we deserved about 10 more pages to make the ending more satisfying. I wanted to see the last deep conversation the two of them had, not just "we talked for hours." It felt like we were being cheated on what would've been a very interesting conversation. It soured things a bit for me, but didn't ruin the book, but the author honestly should go back and write in those extra pages. He also said he loved her to himself, but not to her. I'd like to have seen that spoken to her.

The story is very good, not my usual style of more interpersonal drama, and all the characters' personalities came through very well.

[Brooklyn Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sweet and sensual New Adult romance between strong, but damaged heroine Wyn, and the compelling, secretive rockstar, Rafe, whose dreams are coming true is a touching, angsty read that will have you feeling a kinship with the characters as they tackle some tough issues.

[Mosaic · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too much inner thoughts, not much happening. It's a sign of telling the audience but not showing the audience.

[Jazmine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow start but a good read about facing your fears and your future. I wish this could get a part 2 because something's are still in question at the end.