Phantom's Touch

Phantom #2

by Julie Leto

Silver-screen action heroine, Lauren Cole, has one more film to make before she’s free from her producer ex-husband, a smothering role, and a life she wants to leave behind. There’s only one thing she wants from that life: the antique sword her husband promised her in the divorce. So she steals it. Holding the weapon for the first time, she unleashes a magic that rivals Tinsel Town special effects—and makes her wonder if she has truly lost her mind.

In 1747, Aiden Forsyth stormed a gypsy camp and fell captive to a powerful curse that has held him within the sword for more than two centuries. Lauren’s touch releases him, but his liberation has limits. Corporeal only during the night, he remains bound by a dark and dangerous magic in the light of day—complicating his vow to protect the woman who holds the key to his ultimate freedom.

So the sexy warrior who haunts her days and inflames her nights must stay intimately close, especially after they learn that the madman trying to kill Lauren has ties to the very curse that has entrapped Aiden’s soul…

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Erotica, Fiction, Fantasy, Ebooks

315 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published December 1, 2008

About the author

Also Knows as Julie Elizabeth Leto

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julie Leto is the multi-published and award-winning author of over forty-five novels for publishers such as Simon & Schuster, Penguin and Harlequin who has now turned her attention to independent publishing. She pens the popular “Dirty” sexy suspense series starring kick-ass, ex-gang girl Marisela Morales and the sensual paranormal “Phantom” books, as well as the crossover series, “Dirty Dare.”
Julie lives on the west coast of Florida with her daughter, a brand-new Border collie mix rescue, a haughty Russian Siberian cat and a wide range of relatives all within driving distance. Readers can find her at www.julieleto.com, on Facebook and as @JulieLeto on Twitter.

Reviews

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this!

[Bookaholics · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phantom’s Touch by Julie Leto
Paranormal Romance Mass Market Paperback - December 2nd, 2008
4 stars

What would you do if the ancient sword you coveted was magically enchanted? What if, by possessing the sword, the man of your dreams would come to you at night and fulfill your darkest fantasies? Phantom’s Touch is an amazing tale by Julie Leto filled with magic, sensuality and sizzling tension.

Lauren Cole has decided to celebrate her divorce by stealing the prized sword her ex-husband had purchased for her but never let her keep. Gleeful at her rightful possession, she soon discovers it has a secret meant only for her. That night a mysterious man suddenly appears and gives her the hottest night of her life, only to disappear in the morning. Was he real or a figment of her imagination?

Aiden has been ensnared in the enchanted sword for centuries. Cursed by an evil sorcerer, he has watched Lauren from afar knowing she is the only one who can set him free. When he is finally released from his prison, he realizes his physical form is only free during the night. In the day, Aiden is trapped within the weapon, his magical powers minimized, existing as a phantom instead of a man. In quest of Aiden’s freedom, Lauren and he must dispel the power of the sword. However, there are those who ruthlessly seek the sorcerer’s dark magic for themselves.

Phantom’s Touch is the second in the series by Julie Leto. Each book features a brother who had been imprisoned in their attempt to save their sister from the sorcerer’s clutches. It was fascinating to read how each brother is trapped and how they make their escape. Aiden’s character was particularly captivating. As a military man he is aggressive, and he know what he wants, but he is also caring and protective of Lauren. I loved that Lauren and Aiden were instantly drawn to each other. Even before she knew his essence was part of the sword, she desired the object, somehow sensing their connection. Julie Leto skillfully brings to life her main characters, but she also has immensely appealing secondary characters. The Rousseau males are particularly attractive. There should be a separate book for each of them! Their short scenes and few appearances were not enough to keep me satisfied. I can’t wait for the third in the series.

Reviewed by Steph from Bookaholics Romance Book Club

[Cherise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Phantom series.

For years movie star Lauren Cole has coveted the sword her husband bought for her, then kept behind glass in their home. She was pulled by the sword and longed for the day when she could touch it and get it out from the glass. Now she and her husband are divorced and the sword is finally, really, hers.

Locked within the sword by a centuries old curse and powerful magic is Aiden Forsyth. When the woman he has admired for years, Lauren, unwittingly releases him from the sword, Aiden vows to find his brothers as he is convinced they suffer the same magical fate.

I liked this book a whole lot better than the previous tale. The previous main characters did nothing for me, I didn’t enjoy them and I had a hard time buying into their story. The secondary couple of Ben and Cat are the only things that kept me reading, and they really rescued that story for me.

This time around I loved the main characters and had no problem at all believing in the impossible and the merging of fantasy with reality. They have all the chemistry that the previous couple was missing and then some. Plus as a bonus Cat and Ben were still around and there were also a bunch of other characters to love and hate.

The story is mythical and sexy and as the saga of the Forsyth family continues I am happily along for the ride.

[Katie(babs) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lauren Cole is one of Hollywood's A-list actresses. She is the star of the action packed Athena movie series, thanks to Ross Marchand, who cleaned her up and saved her from a life on the streets. She and Ross are now officially divorced, and there is one last thing she wants from him that he refuses to give her. Since Lauren has a background of being a thief, she breaks into her ex-husband's house and takes a very expensive and prized sword.

One night as Lauren is working out with the sword in her studio's exercise room, she hears a voice calling to her. Suddenly the sword feels strange in her hands, and she has visions of sex and naked bodies. A man appears out of nowhere and says an evil sorcerer has held him captive within the sword for centuries. Aiden Forsyth is from 1747 and has been searching for his missing sister, who he and his brothers believe was taken by the evil Lord Rogan. Aiden feels he was the victim of a gypsy curse that led him to be enclosed inside the sword. He remembers the day when Lauren came into the shop over three years ago and bought the sword. He has lusted for her ever since. Lauren thinks Aiden is an actor who is taking his role way too seriously. When Aiden shows Lauren his powers, she becomes a believer, and they quickly give into their passion for one another. Lauren doesn't realize that the video camera she set up is recording them. When morning comes, Aiden is invisible and can only go as far as the sword goes.

Things become even more stressful when Lauren's best friend and casting agent, Helen, watches the footage of Lauren and Aiden together. She decides that Aiden would be the perfect hero to be cast in the next Athena movie alongside Lauren. Lauren doesn't know how to explain that Aiden is a phantom that can only be seen at night. No one will believe her. Also, Ross knows it was she who took his sword, and when the evil K'vr organization threatens Ross for the sword, Ross must do whatever he can to get it back. Lauren has to try to help Aiden dispel the sword's power, as well as stay alive, because someone has targeted Lauren for death.

Julie Leto continues her series about the Forsyth brothers and their quest to find out what happened to their sister and the man responsible for ruining their lives. PHANTOM'S TOUCH is the second book in this series about men who are phantoms and become trapped in various objects, and where they are finally free of their prisons because of the women who have the power to break their curses. Aiden has the curse of being placed in a sorcerer's sword that the evil K'vr group wants for the power it holds. Aiden, along with Lauren, must try to break his curse and make sure the sword does not get into the wrong hands.

While there is a great mystery between these pages, there is also an interesting romance between Lauren and Aiden. That may seem a bit strange, especially at the times Aiden is invisible. That still does not stop him from getting a bit frisky with Lauren. And those readers who enjoy the Hollywood setting will not be disappointed because Lauren is surrounded by many Hollywood types such as Helen, who is trying to make Lauren's next movie a success; and Ross, who is very greedy and has his own reasons for making sure Lauren is safe. There is also a mysterious actor, David Drake, who will do whatever he can to be in the next Athena movie. He is a man from Lauren's past and becomes Helen's lover. His motives may come as a surprise.

PHANTOM'S TOUCH should be a pleasing read to those who are a fan of Julie Leto's books, as well as this magical series. I will continue reading because Leto leaves open some loose ends, especially regarding the missing Forsyth sister and her relationship with Rogan, the evil sorcerer who is never seen, but the main catalyst for all the action.

[Angie ~aka Reading Machine~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lauren Cole, an actress famous for her role as Athena, is retrieving a sword that her ex-husband bought for long ago yet in her wildest dreams ever imagine what comes next. She plans on using the sword in her last Athena movie as way of letting Ross Marchand,famous movie producer and her ex-husband, know she's taken what is rightfully hers. Lauren was shaped and molded by Ross but her freedom personally and career wise will be finishing this film. The sword in Lauren's possession is in fact gypsy cursed which has imprisoned Aiden Forsyth since 1747. Aiden has come into awareness just by being around Lauren. Aiden aches to touch Lauren for real when he finds himself standing before believing that Rogan's gypsy curse has been lifted. Aiden and Lauren share a stunning passion that neither of them expected. Only one problem Aiden can only appear from sunset to sunrise each day. Lauren is struggling with her past yet has feelings for Aiden something that she never really expected after her divorce. Aiden wants to go search for his family and to get to know Lauren better. A blast from Lauren's past sets her into a tale spin leaving her hurt and angry. Dr. Ben Rousseau is a professor of Romani studies along with Cat Reyes are searching for Romani artifacts relating to Forsyth Family and Rogan. Ben's father Paschal is actually Paxton Forsyth who had been trapped in a Romani artiface by Rogan. Together they are searching for the remaining brothers and sister. Ben and Cat fly to California to see about the sword. Another mysterious man is also searching for the sword only wanting it's power and greed. Can Lauren let go of her past? Will Aiden gain his freedom from the sword? What does Ross Marchand want from Lauren? Can Ben and Cat help Lauren? How will Lauren's past affect her present? What about the mystery man? Your answers await you in Phantom's Touch.

I've read alot of paranormal books with cursed objects in them yet this presented an unique twist that made for enjoyable reading. The phantom being a man that just exuded sex appeal that made for very naughty thoughts. The interaction between the heroine Lauren and the hero Aiden was like watching a moth going to near flame~it's that hot. The author really played up the sexual tension and appeal which was a feast for the eyes, mind, body, and soul. I definitely want to see more of Aiden and Lauren's story as well as getting to know more about Ben, Cat, and Paschal too.

My only problem or problems with the story are that sometimes the seem to rush and then slow down in her descriptions to weave a really good story for the readers. Personally I'm a fan of getting the information that I need to know about the story a little bit at a time and from what I can infer from the story itself. I thing when the author either rushes or slows down in her craft to weave the story properly something is lost. Don't get me wrong, I really liked the book and will continue reading the series. See for yourself and happy reading!

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phantom’s Touch
Julie Leto
Published: Dec. 8, 2008
Publisher: Signet Eclipse
Series: Forsyth Phantoms Series Bk. 2

Review:

It has been a few years since I have read anything by Julie Leto, and it was just my luck I saw a post about one of her books. Now I am not one to read any books on time travel, books about characters trapped in items only released through some type of magic, books where a person’s soul is trapped in an item to be released by a loved one in another time, or any type of paranormal book that falls into line with this concept. They are one of my least favorite genre’s to read, to be honest. But this book sucked me in.

I began on book 2 of this series but quickly realized that this world and plot Ms. Leto has created, is simply done better justice when it is read not as a stand alone, but as a series (Book 1 Phantom Pleasures). You get a better feel for the background and plot when so many interweaving characters are discussed.

Phantom’s Touch is full of intrigue, romance, and suspense. Julie Leto has created a whole world and characters that are rich and exciting. The plot, while slightly confusing to me at first, until I read Phantom Pleasures (Book 1 of Forsyth Phantoms Series), was fast paced and kept me hanging on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what was next. I kept anticipating to become confused and for reality to become misconstrued but the writing and characters flowed together and not once did I question what was taking place in the lives of the characters and plot. I loved Lauren and Aidan and the sexual tension (and the fact that you couldn’t “see” Aidan during day time hours but could “feel” him) just made this book crackle and pop more. By itself, you are not doing this series justice. Combined together, this series is going right to the top of my favorites. I simply can not believe I discounted this genre before but Mrs. Leto’s gives this genre flair and passion and I can’t wait to read the next installment in this series, Kiss of the Phantom. For that alone I will rate this book, and series, as a must read for all readers.

[Paranormal Romance · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lauren had spent her entire life being less than nothing. Homeless, heroin addicted. Her Ex-husband saved her from the sad existence, that much is true. Though theirs was never a love match, even though Ross was emotionally abusive, she can't ever say he didn't save her life. But now that they are divorced, Lauren is slowly realizing that his hold on her, his control over her every move is even more apparent. She owes him her career as a Hollywood actress, even her name but what he doesn't own is her goddamn sword. He gave that to her as a gift and she'll be damned if he thinks he can sell it off. Never did she imagine that the sword would be much more than an antique but a prison for a sexy warrior cursed beyond time.
Aiden has waited a long time to be free of his cage and the beautiful woman before him is to thank. Even though he is still connected to the sword, and he can only have a physical body during the night, he is determined to use those hours to be as close to Lauren as possible.

Someone is threatening Lauren's life and the sword is the reason. Aiden and Lauren must figure out whole before Aiden is returned to his prison for good and Lauren ends up dead.

I can appreciate the attempts made in regards to plotline and characterization. And even though it was an improvement from the first book I read in this series, I did still find this book lacking. First off, the majority of the story is spent either in a sex scene or a subplot away from the main characters. And trust me, the sex scenes were numerous and instantaneous. From the first second they meet, Lauren and Aiden are fucking. And it never truly got past that in my opinion. Laurens intense and dark past was barely touched on and I would have much preferred that to the lukewarm love story I got. Aiden didn't have much of a personality honestly, and it seems like the author didn't put a lot of effort into making him memberable.

[Jasmyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Phantom's touch we get to meet the another Forsyth brother - once cursed inside an object, this time a magical sword, Aiden is released by Lauren Cole, an actress (quite a scandalous profession in Aiden's time). Aiden is quite an entertaining character, and I dare say I may have liked the second book even more than the first. Lauren Cole is another strong leading woman that isn't going to let some silly thing - oh say, like a man suddenly appearing out of thin air - slow her down. She has goals and she will see them finished - mainly completing her last movie with her ex-husband as the producer. Aiden's goals are far different. Number one is to get out of the sword permanently, and then go find his family.

Once the K'vr get wind that a powerful magical artifact has turned up, they close in quickly and stop at nothing to get their hands on the sword. Aiden and Lauren must put aside their own goals to save each other.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

overall this book was alot better than i expected. i loved both main characters the tough female lead and tthe strong but unchauvanistic male one. the secondary characters were also very well thought out and written. the storyline grabbed me right away and made the unbelievable very believable. i also enjoyed thensteamy sex scenes that were uncharacteristically realistic (no simultaneous orgasms here folks). it was a little weird at first because its so unusual in romances but overall i think itd be better if more took a page out of this book. the only couple downsides were first that i didnt know this was the second in a series until i was a decent amount in. it wasnt too confusing but a little bit of recap couldve conpletely solved this problem for me. also i felt like some of the background points were a little shake and under emphasized. overall a great book though would definitely read again and will try to find others in the series

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish I could give "Phantom's Touch" three and a half stars. Julie Leto's writing is generally smart and smooth as usual, though the typos get old fast. This sequel had the same problems as the first book in the Phantom Series, most significantly that all the characters appealed to me but no single one grabbed my interest. In addition, this installment had pacing, repetition, and loose end issues. The whole evil-staved-off-by-her-touch thing seemed way too similar to the Damon-Alexa vibe in the first book, and - at the same time - not smoothly integrated into the new context. I also would have liked to have other characters' fates more wrapped up. I assume David Drake, the best friend, Gemma, Paschal, and Farrow will appear in the next book, but the tale seemed stopped in midstream (as opposed to packaged as an individual unit in addition to being part of a series). Those complaints registered, it was still a fun, mostly engaging read.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, it's got smoking hot guy's, a strong leading lady, just the right amount of sex but not written like a porno, lol, some shady guy's, a bad guy, an evil cult and some ass-kickery. Julie Leto's character's are fantastic and the storyline really pulls you in. I didn't read the first, I shall be amending that asap, but it wasn't necessary to follow the story arc. I shall also be buying the following books too. I like a good supernatural/romance story and this delivers in spades. I started to read this on the 1st of October and finished it just after midnight, hence the 2nd of October. Really didn't want it to end and now I've got to try and get my mitts on the others in the series.

[Judith Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked on this series since chapter 2 of the first book and can't put them down. The predicaments the main characters get into are hilarious. The romantic scenes can get quite hot and heavy at times. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys paranormal romances.

Movie star Lauren Cole celebrated her divorce by stealing the sword her ex had bought for her but never allowed her to touch. Alone on the set of her next movie she inspects the sword she had coveted for years and suddenly the man of her dreams is released!

Aiden Forsyth tells her he had been trapped in the weapon for centuries but he is only partially released. He is solid only from sundown to sunrise. Will she be able to free him before time is up?

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second in the series, this book concentrates on Aiden Forsyth and the lady that can free him, Lauren Cole. There is less in this book about the K'vr but then they have had a full introduction in the first book. They are, however, still interfering and trying to gain possession of Rogan's artifacts.

Ben and Cat make a reappearance, as does Paschal, but Alexa and Damon are only mentioned briefly. There is still a lot of hot action going on only this time you have Hollywood thrown in the mix too.

A very good second book that will leave you wanting the rest of the series.

[Amanda Bhear · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how Mariah opens up to Rafe to help free him. She puts her family troubles behind her to get herself the strength she needs to let someone into her life instead of just out on the edge as she had been doing, like with ben & those before Rafe. I was glad Rafe was able to get his son back in the end, with the rest of his people. It does make you wonder how they are going to explain to the police & everyone else how a whole village of people appeal out of nowhere. Amazing what magic can do, right?

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let’ go to Hollywood, California, where we meet Actress Lauren Cole and “Phantom” Aiden Forsth. This is the second book in the Phantom Series and I have to say that it is a great book. You have a kick butt actress meeting a soldier who was born and died in the 1700’s. there’s a lot of magic and action. This is a book that I would recommend to anybody

[Barbara ★ · Rating 1 out of 5]

I found this book to be boring and it just couldn't keep my attention. I put it down more times than I can count but finally finished it. I was right, I should have put it down and read something else. Oh well.

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please check out my review of this book at bittenbybooks.com

http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=6508

[Lindy]

I love winning books. :)

[Cassandra · Rating 1 out of 5]

It started out okay, but somehow lost momentum towards the end... I'm a bit ambivalent about the story. Since I've already bought the third one in the series, I'll give it one more shot.

[La-Tessa Montgomery · Rating 3 out of 5]

**3.5 rating**

[Lindsay]

Amazon Freebie 10/10/2012

[Rebekah · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read. Not my favorite though.

[❤️ Dorsey aka Wrath Lover Reviews ❤️]

Kindle Freebie 10/10/12