Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Touched #2

Lovers & Monsters

Rate this book
A psychic so powerful his abilities come at a cost. A woman so special she alone has the power to touch him.

From the moment he first shook her hand, Detective Isaac Taylor knew that Sidney Fairchild was in danger. Even without the unwanted psychic powers he sensed it, and he has kept her safe at his side ever since. Through car explosions, police protective custody and numerous attempts on her life, he's kept her alive. But now the danger is personal, and it grows closer every day.

Sidney doesn't know how much more she can take. Escaping a ruthless drug lord was bad enough, but facing the man who forced her into hiding is a whole new kind of terror. A terror she knows can cost her everything – including her sizzling new romance with protective, sexy Detective Ike Taylor.

Desperate to hold on to the love they've found, Isaac and Sidney will both have to face their greatest fear to keep it. But with time running out and the body count rising, can Isaac learn to harness his abilities in time to save her?

262 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 15, 2020

162 people are currently reading
95 people want to read

About the author

Lashell Collins

64 books176 followers
Lashell Collins is an American author of romantic suspense, contemporary and paranormal romance. She spent the last twenty years of her life working in veterinary clinics and garden centers in her home state of Ohio, and is now living her dream of writing full-time. When she's not busy tapping away on her laptop and living vicariously through her characters, she can usually be found watching Grimm, rocking out to Slash, stuffing her face full of Chinese food, or riding on the back of her husband's Harley-Davidson.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
123 (58%)
4 stars
65 (30%)
3 stars
20 (9%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Rosie.
1,653 reviews32 followers
February 16, 2021
I'm enjoying this series! Great world (background) building and getting to know the hero's past. WARNING: This story is dark and my have triggers for some readers.

Highly Recommended: Read It!
Profile Image for SassafrasfromAmazon.
1,170 reviews74 followers
March 16, 2024
4.3⭐️ In Book Two, Sidney’s and Isaac’s relationship gets closer and more intimate. Sidney is a calming force in Isaac’s life. Further, Isaac’s “gifts” are changing, morphing into things he neither anticipates nor understands. Sidney persuades Isaac to seek out someone who can help him understand and purposefully use his psychic abilities.

Isaac and Sidney are extremely likable characters and are fleshed out magnificently. The passion between Isaac and Sidney is nothing short of electrifying, and their connection is undeniable. The pain, fear and passion are written in such a way that seems to enable the reader to experience those emotions vicariously. This attribute greatly enhances the story.

Notwithstanding my enjoyment of this book, there are certain events in the book that are very predictable, incomprehensible or is just not credible. Even so, I found the book to be captivating—it is a good solid read, and so far, it’s shaping up to be an excellent series.
Profile Image for Monique.
626 reviews43 followers
May 6, 2022
The second book was just as entertaining and good as the first, and it wasn't as cliff-hangy.
Witnessing Ike's growth was a beautiful thing; I was so happy to see the poor man open up more, tackle his demons, and get a taste of what it's like to just be normal. He and Sid are awesome together!
The demise of the story's villian had me crackin' up. lol
Profile Image for Nock Leighton.
373 reviews9 followers
November 8, 2021
Love love love

Issac and Sidney are so cute together and meant for each other. I love how they’re romance plays out during the suspense and thriller action of Issa a detective work
Profile Image for Stephanie.
245 reviews13 followers
May 8, 2020
Another great story in this series!! This book picks up where the first book left off.

Sidney is finally free of the ruthless drug lord but she's still in hiding from her ex who is looking to find her. Issac is trying to protect her and working on getting his psychic abilities in some kind of control. He still thinks they make him look like a freak and he is worried Sidney will walk away from him because of them.

So much happens in this book! Secondary characters and stories emerge further and Issac finds someone to help him harness his psychic abilities. This is definitely a romantic suspense page turner that ends with a bang! Strong wonderful characters and very well written! I highly recommend this series!

"But just for the record? I personally think that any woman would be hard pressed to find a more handsome, honorable, and decent guy than Issac Taylor, monsters and all."
2,034 reviews7 followers
June 22, 2020
Wow, I loved this book. I couldn't put this book down once started. I loved these characters. This is second book of series.

I loved Sidney and Isaac together, they helped each other. More was revealed in this book. Isaacs powers and Sidneys past.

Lashell Collins did amazing job on this book.
Profile Image for Valerie.
738 reviews10 followers
May 18, 2020
I absolutely love this series! This book was just as awesome and even more powerful than the first. The love story building between Issac and Sidney is so sweet. It definitely is a first love read. Isaac has been holding himself from any relationship especially with a woman because of his touching psychic abilities. He thinks of it as a monster. But since he met Sidney he doesn't have to hide it from her. She sees no problem with it and thinks he needs to find out and develop it more. He's so used to hiding it with family and his colleagues at work. He has sensed danger surrounding Sidney and it still hasn't gone away.
Sidney only had a moment of peace before she finds out her husband has found her. Isaac goes in protection mode over it. They have cause to worry because dude is psycho crazy. He wants Sidney back at any cost. When the danger gets to Sidney, Issac has to make a decision about using his abilities to save her. He will find out he has more powers than they knew.
This is a book that will not want to put down. I know I didn't. The characters are well developed and there are several storylines to follow but you don't get off track at all. I can't wait for book three to see what happens next. Come through Mrs Collins, come through! I loved, loved it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sharon Hammonds.
130 reviews1 follower
January 1, 2022
I love me some Ike and Sid

I just adore this couple and I'm enjoying this series. So Ike is finding his way and beginning to make peace with his psychic abilities. He didnt like the monsters in his head or this curse. He was basically doing the best he could in the situation. He's staring to trust his partner Pete. So I trust Pete too. I didn't at first but now I do. The cases in this series are really interesting and I never know whodunit. Mrs. Collins can write her booty off. The woman is good. There's never a dull moment. I love it all.
Let me try to calm myself down and write a review. In Lovers & Monsters. A famous porn actor was murdered and I had no idea who was the killer. Even though I was following the case let me tell you this was no "Castle" case. Ike's brother was a suspect which made it worst for Ike because his father was a real pill. But we learn more about why his father's behavior was so rigid towards Ike.
Anyways Sid is such an asset to Ike. Her love and support for him is beautiful. I find myself smiling every time those two come on the pages of my Kindle. Just perfection 🥰 .
And there's much more cover but I can't do it justice. Just start the series you won't be disappointed. Going into book 3 now.
Happy New Years and happy reading!!!
Profile Image for Colette.
176 reviews9 followers
March 26, 2022
This series just keeps getting better and better! It's just so addictive and interesting. I enjoy all the character perspectives with the strong current of Ike and Sid pulling it all together. Their connection is so sweet and genuine, that you can just curl up into it. You can feel the story / series really building up.

It's an absolute bonus that it's IR romance with a beautiful Black woman in love being protected and worshipped. I like a book that acknowledges and lightly touches on it without trying to pull the "colorblind" and /or ignoring it thing, nor making it a big deal that the story becomes *about* racism if it's not meant to be part of the plot. Just a couple natural, playful and/or realistic mentions are enough, which is what the series does.

I'm already pulling through the third book so that says it all! Can't wait to read every book in the bunch.
3,071 reviews17 followers
May 13, 2020
Continues to be Brilliant!!

Isaac usually cannot handle touching others due to the pain and pictures he receives when he does so. When he touches Sidney, he still gets pictures - of a future together, but there is no pain. As their relationship builds this ability to touch, and the appreciation thereof, is quite sensual.

Isaac must embrace his “gift” which he has always considered a curse when danger threatens. Nothing else would have him trying to add to his power rather than avoid it.

Danger, intrigue, a stunning relationship and a bit of magic are the perfect ingredients to this amazing story!!

**I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book**
58 reviews1 follower
August 16, 2020
Totally addicted!

I absolutely LOVE this series. I bought the first book because is looked interesting and was in a paranormal frame of mind. I read it and immediately had to have more of Ike and Sid. Now I am about to purchase the 3rd book with anticipation and dread. Anticipation because I am totally addicted. Dread because I am afraid this may be the last book. I certainly hope not.. There are so many more adventures for Isaac & Sidney and I'd like to read them all.
Profile Image for Scarolet Ellis.
7,445 reviews52 followers
May 15, 2020
Lovers & Monsters by Lashell Collins is an amazing story that I have read. This is book number two in this amazing series and I can not wait to read more from this amazing author. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about romantic suspense, mysteries and paranormal romances.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
80 reviews1 follower
August 22, 2020
This a great series of books

Love this couple they are everything Isaac and Sidney. This book has a balance of everything. I'm glad Isaac faced him fears to rescue Sidney. On to the next book
Profile Image for Debra Stubbins.
334 reviews
April 23, 2021
Intriguing storyline

Strong characters, intriguing storyline makes this a must read in my books!
Absolutely loving this series so far and am very interested in how Ike further developed his gifts and uses them in his job.
1,703 reviews15 followers
December 27, 2022
I have started my binge reading of Psychic Detective Romantic Mysteries of Isaac Taylor and his "shield" Sidney. I loved this story because I kept rushing to get to the part where they finally discovered what Damien Jarvis was doing and where he was. I sort of figured it out early after Isaac and Pete Vega were put on the case of the waitress who was brutally raped, beaten and killed. I am loving being able to see how Isaac and Sidney's relationship develops, seeing how the first book I read was book 9 in this series. I am truly loving this story of this black woman who has two masters, education and computer, but is a victim of an abusive relationship which she was lucky enough to be able to escape and run for her life. Then there is the blond, grey eyed gorgeous white male detective, a member of the Cleveland, Ohio homicide division who happen to get to know each other when Isaac Taylor calls her number by mistake, thinking he is calling his ex-partner on the force who had recently left the Cleveland police department. This story Isaac has this woman named Genevie who has a new age store helping him to discover his abilities because of hypersensitivity to touch. I am truly loving this series and I am trying to write a good enough review so that other people can read this book and this series and enjoy it. This is a good read and would highly recommend this book and the series.
Profile Image for Ivory R.
144 reviews3 followers
May 29, 2020
In Lovers & Monsters, our hero & heroine are falling in love while trying to keep Sidney safe from her insanely obsessed abusive husband. As Sidney and Isaac get to know each other, they notice that Isaac’s abilities are evolving and becoming stronger Sidney tries to convince Isaac to receive training for his psychic abilities. It is a hard struggle for Isaac to accept himself after leaving in fear of the abilities almost all his life. There also a few new characters introduced that I would love to read about possibly in a spin off. The characters are so realistic, and I felt like I was reading about people I have met.

The story pace is action-filled and high pace. No dragging or dull moments. I was figuratively on the edge of my seat, excited to find out what happens next. I liked that the author also highlights serious issues like domestic violence in her stories. I volunteer as a victim advocate and it feels like every story starts out the same with little things that can be overlooked until you put all those things together. I cannot wait for the third book because I believe that a gift as strong as Isaac’s must have been passed down. I also cannot wait to see if my guess is correct! Overall, great read for anyone who loves romance mixed with action, supernatural and suspense.
Profile Image for DJ.
789 reviews
October 30, 2023
I am obsessed with Isaac Taylor mysteries!

Lovers and Monsters Book 2, of Lashell Collins Psychic detective Romantic Mystery series, takes Isaac Taylor and his new love Sydney into more thrilling adventures. Ms. Collins again shows us her wonderful imagination as she further develops the back story of Isaac and Sid thus creating even more depth to these incredible characters. Isaac would still rather ignore his "gifts" but it is getting more difficult to accomplish as Sydney finds herself out of the frying pan and into the fire! Isaac realizes that the only way to protect Sydney may be to embrace and learn to control his psychic talents.

Lashell Collins takes us on an epic suspense journey, full of plot twists and turns, that had us hanging on to our seats, holding our breaths while hoping our hero Isaac would persevere. It amazes me how using only words, Lashell Collins, can make a reader SEE the scene as though it is playing out in front of them in Technicolor! Lashell is an incredible talented writer, whose word craft skills are award worthy! I would love to see these mysteries become TV series in the future.

I can't imagine where Lashell Collins will take Isaac and Sydney next but wherever it is I am sure I will be there, hanging on her every word.

Profile Image for Up All Night With Books.
1,160 reviews44 followers
October 4, 2020
4 STARS
Review by Leah
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog

In Lovers and Monsters, we get more of Issac and Taylor which I love. These two have such a connection and not just because of their powers because they complete each other. With a simple touch, they can center each other.

Lovers and Monsters is a continuation of Voices and Visions. We get to see Issacs and Taylor's relationship slowly bloom into something amazing. We also get a conclusion to Taylor's crazy ex. But it was a bit predictable as to what was going on. But I am a HUGE crime fan and Criminal Minds fan so I am not a fair person to say that either. So saying that the whole build-up works.

Again like book one, we get the whole picture of everything going on. We get the precinct and we get their stories that meld well into this book. It still reminds me of a good sitcom. I really wish there was one out that followed this storyline. I would actually watch tv.

**ARC provided for honest review**
Profile Image for Angel Payne.
Author 90 books3,318 followers
March 13, 2023
I was honestly wondering where Ms. Collins would take Isaac and Sidney's story in this sophomore installment of the series, though I knew I wouldn't be disappointed at all. I'm so glad to have been very right about the expectation.
In the first book, there is--rightly--a lot of focus on Sidney's journey. The obstacles and conflicts she had to overcome in order to ultimately trust Isaac with her life were plentiful and heart-wrenching. In this book, the struggles now shift more of Isaac's internal doubts and sadnesses. It's so relatable and moving and heartbreaking--and I was SO IN for for every incredible moment of it!
In the end, Isaac now has to open himself up, not only to Sidney but to himself, and come to a place of self-acceptance that's so beautiful to behold. The journey was so riveting that I was up until 3 in the morning to finish the last act of the book!
I absolutely am starting book 3 of this series right away--especially to find out what happens to a super special secondary couple here, as well! What an awesome series. I am SO hooked!
3,423 reviews20 followers
May 11, 2020
More with Ike and Sidney

He didn't want to admit to his abilities. He even hated the word psychic. He used it in his work even though it kept him distant from others--until she came along. He protected her and amazingly he touched her. No pain only joy and heat.

They found each other but would the evil she'd run from find her as well? Could he protect her?

Watching these two build a relationship and find each other makes for a super read. The police cases, secondary storylines entice the reader for MORE. We have fellow cops, family members, a psychic guide to look forward to learning more about as well as the couple and their future. I recommend this for readers who like cop stores, special abilities, and romance a three in one winner with amazing characters.
Reviewed for Words Turn Me On
Profile Image for Deb.
1,095 reviews
May 15, 2020
Ms. Collins does it again! “Lovers & Monsters“ continues with another page-turner that does not disappoint! I was glued to my seat from page one with this fast-paced, fresh new plot. Sizzling romance, suspense, a touch of fantasy and surprise twists, are seamlessly woven together with witty dialogue and strong relatable characters for a perfect tapestry! ... Our H/h, Ike & Sidney were damaged until they found each other. The proverbial “yin-yang” couple, they are safe within their own ‘bubble’ but still must battle some past demons. Will their new love survive the many obstacles? ... Okay, there's not a cliffhanger, but I was left craving the next book #3 which I believe is coming soon & I just can't wait ;) I highly recommend this to adult fans of fiction, and I strongly recommend reading Book #1 first, “Voices & Visions” to enhance your reading pleasure!
Profile Image for Thompson615.
550 reviews5 followers
September 10, 2022
Wow!

Second book in the series and this one was just as great as the first! Isaac is learning about his psychic abilities albeit a bit reluctantly. Sidney is encouraging and trying to help. There’s a murderer on the loose and as Isaac works the case, some seriously scary and crazy stuff happens.
Profile Image for Nicky.
1,260 reviews19 followers
April 12, 2025
Still an interesting concept, even if it was a bit instalove. But I do like Isaac and Sidney together. I like that she serves a purpose, an important role to his mysterious powers. The events are pretty predictable. I wasn’t at all surprised at how this turned out. But it was still entertaining all the same.
Profile Image for Nancy  L Thompson.
2,158 reviews15 followers
August 2, 2020
Getting Better...

The character development is getting better with these characters. But there are still questions. Why bring up about his sister in laws baby if that wasn't gonna be part of this story? And why has she not met his other family?
1,583 reviews2 followers
December 30, 2024
Excellent

Yes I'm loving this series. The storytelling is on point with full characters, it even had laugh out loud bits. The pages turn themselves, excellent so pleased about getting this recommendation.
Profile Image for Christine Croke.
609 reviews5 followers
August 25, 2020
OMG! This series just keeps getting better and better. Suspense and romance that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!
Profile Image for Christine Armington.
46 reviews
July 23, 2021
The story was interesting enough to keep me going, we got more insight to the characters, I think I might really like this series, after all!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.