A Captivating Touch

The Cavallo Brothers #0

by Elsa Winckler

Discover beautiful South Africa in this sweet, heart-warming Cinderella story about a blogger, a billionaire, and one chance meeting.

When it comes to men, if physiotherapist Caitlin Sutherland didn't have bad luck, she’d have no luck at all. To help cope, Caitlin blogs about the men she meets and the bad dates she’d gone on.

While on duty during the annual Wines to Whales bicycle race, a gorgeous, sweaty cyclist walks in and sets her hormones dancing. But he is Don Cavallo; one of the four Cavallo brothers — hotel tycoons, famous as much for their business skills as for the number of beauties seen on their arms.

Billionaire Don Cavallo has his own issues with the other sex. He has yet to find one who is interested in him, not his money or hotels. But when this sexy physio puts her hands on his back, she not only touches his body, but also his heart.

They've both been burned before, but neither of them can stop themselves from playing with fire.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

130 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2014

About the author

I have been reading love stories for as long as I can remember and when I ‘met’ the classic authors like Jane Austen, Elizabeth Gaskell, Henry James The Brontë sisters, etc. during my studies, I was hooked for life.
I married my college boyfriend and soul mate and we are fortunate to live in the picturesque little seaside village of Betty's Bay, South Africa with the ocean a block away and a beautiful mountain right behind us. And although life so far has not always been an easy ride, it has always been an exiting and interesting one!
I like the heroines in my stories to be beautiful, feisty, independent and headstrong. And the heroes must be strong but possess a generous amount of sensitivity. They are of course, also gorgeous! My stories typically incorporate the family background of the characters to better understand where they come from and who they are when we meet them in the story.

Reviews

[Carolien · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read the Cavallo Brothers trilogy more than a year ago, I saw that there was a prequel which was out of print and was disappointed as I wanted to know Caitlan and Don's story. So I was absolutely ecstatic when I heard that it is being re-issued. It landed in my Kindle this morning and I promptly dropped everything to read it. Loved it, maybe my favourite of the series. Don and his brothers own a series of boutique hotels and are avid bicyclists. Caitlan is a physiotherapist on duty at a local cycle race when Don needs treatment and there is an immediate spark between them. Lovely characters and a fun romance. Now, I'll probably hide away for another day or so to reread the rest of the series.

[Sharon Mariampillai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Read

Actual Rating: 3.5

I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thank you Elsa Winckler for the opportunity to read your book. This was an enjoyable read. The story revolves around the romance between Don Cavallo and Caitlin Sutherland. I thought the story was great at times, and slow at other times. I thought the characters were great as well. Don Cavallo is a billionaire who works with his 3 younger brothers in Cape Town. Caitlin Sutherland is a physiotherapist and meets Don when he came to get a massage after a cycling competition. They develop an instant attraction, and have crazy families. This book demonstrates that family always comes first, and although people may be richer than you, it is what is on the inside that counts. As they fell in love, I started to see them open up and be themselves. I thought the ending could have been longer. However, I thought the book and story were still entertaining. Overall, a great read.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fab read! A first time read by this author and I have to say I will be reading more. A great story set in South Africa this is a heartwarming romance about Don and Caitlin . A sweet story about two people both burned before but have such incredible chemistry that they have to try. It’s intense and charming with a great cast of characters that makes you want to read more.

[Rosie Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick easy read, hot romance. It ticks all the boxes of a good chick lit/ Rom com and if I'm not mistaken has plenty more stories to follow it.

The book is set in South Africa, we meet Caitlin Sutherland a physio who doesn't trust men, especially those who shave their legs and who are cyclists. But when she's bowled over by her emotions to a man she's only just met, she's left dazed and confused.

Don Cavallo is one of four handsome brothers who love cycling as a serious hobby and escape from the high profile lives they lead as hotel tycoons. He meets Caitlin during the Wines to Whales cycle race where she is working as a physio for the cyclists. A man who has yet to find a woman who can hold his attention, Don's attention is grabbed from just one touch of Caitlin's magical hands.


Plenty of hot sexual tension will Caitlin must learn to trust a man? And will Don ever want more than just a fling?

[Zee Monodee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful, lovely, & light romp in sunny South Africa!

I jumped on the offer to read and review this book - the blurb had totally grabbed me, and I'd heard tons about Elsa Winckler's writing and wanted to check it out for myself.
She did not leave me disappointed!

I always used to wonder what makes a rom com engaging, that moment when it 'snaps' you up and you become a goner. Touched To The Heart provided the answer - it is all in the timing! You see, the very start itself has some hilarious dialogue, and the scene is set. Caitlyn is talking about cyclists and their shaved legs, also extolling that perhaps, all this sitting in the saddle affects their, ahem, virility...and would you believe it? The hero, Don, catches her - not just once, but twice! - repeating these lines to somebody. How rotten is that kind of luck? Totally the sort of thing normal women can expect happen to them if ever they cross paths with such a prized specimen as a Cavallo brother.

Speaking of the hero, he is absolutely precious! I fell in love with Don, especially in those moments when he tried soooo hard to forget Caitlyn and put her out of his mind. But no deal - she had really wormed her way under his skin. There's nothing he can do about this...except accept that she is the one for him. It was lovely to see him come to this conclusion.

True to category-style romance, there isn't huge extreme conflict in this story, and I welcomed that. It was just a tale of letting love blossom, something you could totally see happen in real life, without the unneccessary drama of a hyped soapie or the like just to make matters more 'interesting'. Simple, easy, breezy - a perfect afternoon's read (yes, it goes by that fast! I finished it in one morning in bed).

I cannot wait for the next book in the series now; I'm praying it's about Hannah and Darryn.

Definitely a book I recommend! It's a delightfully sweet little romance.

*review copy obtained from author in exchange for an honest review*

[Desert Lumens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am beside myself in pure wonderment. This book was amazingly good. First time reading this author and all I can say is WOW. It was odd at first, reading a book based in South Africa but I quickly got over that because the characters and the story was so good! Besides the names of the cities, the author makes these places sound just like any other place. So really they could have been in Hawaii or even Florida. Elsa did such an amazing job! Caitlin and Don have such an interesting story! Actually all of the characters are amazing and she juggled their storylines so well and kept the reader intrigued and wanting more. I for one am dying to read the other books. Hannah’s dark secret with the photographer Darryn, the head strong Zoe and the playboy brother Dale....The best friend Dana and the comic relief brother David. Such good stories to be had! Everyone had such wonderful chemistry! I loved the intense and beautiful bond that Michael and Rosa shared... somewhat that’s rare nowadays. Also, I truly wish for Brendas happiness. I’d love to read about her finding her HEA. She really deserves one. I laughed out loud so many times in this book and I swooned... haha yes, a 🐻 can swoon too! Grab this book, you will absolutely love it! 5 cosmic 💥💥💥💥💥 and 5 twinkling ✨✨✨✨✨ stars from this 🐻. Definitely a 10 star read!

I got this book as an ARC from BookSirens.com for my unbiased review! Check them out!

[Rachel The reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is based in South Africa with visits to the Seychelles so it took me a while to work out the geography and the different seasons to the UK. A traditional style contemporary millionaire romance.

Well written but with limited storyline and research. I say that because Caitlin is supposed to be a sports physiotherapist but is actually a massage therapist in this story. There’s a big difference!

I like that Caitlin and Don both have loving family and friends who support them despite their resistance to a relationship. There’s some sex but not explicit. There’s also a nice HEA.

Over all a light, pleasant read.
I received this book free as an Arc Copy but am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a sweet, heartwarming romance with some definitely steamy parts. You cannot help but read between the lines when Don and Caitlin meet and can’t seem to stop thinking about each other. However, their romance is slow moving as neither of them are particularly trusting of the opposite sex for various reasons. But circumstances and even their parents keep finding opportunities to get them together and reminding them of their intense connection.

Light angst and quick read. Great set up for the rest of the series!

Thanks to Booksirens for the free reader copy, the thoughts and opinion are my own.

[CORINNE · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am reviewing it voluntarily

Well the chemistry in this book was off the charts nice to read about different lifestyles and careers not mattering finally love breaks all barriers

Steamy encounters misunderstandings family interference accidents there must be more books to follow I want to find out what happens with the other siblings

[Ali Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, but a bit predictable. Being in the US I had a hard time following along with many of the references but locals will get it!

[Jennifer Leigh (jenjenbookfan) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Captivating Touch is Don and Caitlin’s story, in which their immediate connection is almost mystical, when she touches him for the first time in her job as a physiotherapist. The question is can she get over her long-standing mistrust of men to find happiness, and can Don trust that someone loves him for him and not just his money? This book was a joy to read. The world-building was great with a well-rounded cast of characters in the 4 Cavallo brothers, Caitlin and her sisters and best friends, as well as the three parents. It sets the stage for lots of witty banter, meddling, a little suspense about Hannah and Darryn, and plenty of material for future books! And when it comes to the main couple, the sizzling chemistry and hot sex scenes are off the charts!! I look forward to reading the future books so I can get the questions answered that I have. I definitely recommend this one!

I received an advance review copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Wendy Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for a couple with chemistry, look no further. Hero and heroine both into each other with a capital I. Fanning face as kids walk in. "Yes sure I can get you your tea, sweetheart. Just let me finish one more chapter..." Recommended.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two romance deniers are forced to change their minds after one therapeutic massage. He's everything she claims to dislike. He doesn't do serious. And yet they can't get enough of each other. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love stories about sisters, and this is the first in a series of stories that explores the Sutherland sisters’ encounters with the gorgeous Cavallo brothers. Set in South Africa and Seychelles, it’s a story about trust, serendipitous meetings and seeing beyond the outward facade to the person beneath.

The dry humour and romance of this story make it an easy read, but it is Caitlin and Don, the unlikely lovers, who keep you turning the pages. You want them to be together. Sensual tension, sparks, whenever they are close, making for some sizzling scenes.
If you are a fan of well-crafted characters and hot romance where the ordinary world meets celebrity, you will enjoy this book.

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

I originally read and reviewed this book on 31 August 2016 when it was title Touched to the Heart.

[Smileyelena Attard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Loved it

[Cindi Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this prequel to the Cavallo Brothers series in one day and could not put it down. Set all over South Africa, A Captivating Touch centres around Caitlin and Don. They may come from different worlds, but the moment they meet each other it’s fireworks! She is small town physiotherapist and he is a hotel tycoon. Not only that, while she is looking for her forever guy, he is a confirmed bachelor. Despite all the reasons why they should work together, love ultimately finds a away.

I loved the brooding, growling Don, he is definitely my New book boyfriend!

[IslandGirl Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars!

This is a sweet and steamy romcom that gives all the feels you can expect from a romance novel. Don and Caitlin are the main characters and had an instant attraction when they first met. They are both wary of getting into a serious relationship but luckily they both have people in their lives (aka moms) who can give them the encouragement needed to act on that attraction.

After the first few pages, I was pulled into the story and couldn't wait to see what would happen next. I felt a connection to the characters and was anxious for them to take their relationship to the next level. The beautiful South African setting with the ocean and mountain views gave this novel a dreamy feel. My only complaint is that part of the story felt a bit too tidy which resulted in the novel being a bit formulaic.

That being said, the writer does a great job of introducing a full cast of supporting characters so now I'm determined to read the others books in the series so I'll get the answers to the burning questions I have; such as, whatever happened to Hannah (Caitlin's sister) to make her so wary of Darryn (Don's brother)!

I received a complimentary advanced review copy and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily a great read with a storyline that entertains throughout the pages and characters that are engaging and well developed with plenty of chemistry throughout the pages.

I received a copy and am voluntary leaving my honest review.

[Elmaret Fourie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don Cavallo. Hotel tycoon. Learned that women only want him for his money and social prestige. A woman who can’t cook? Definitely, a no go for him! Caitlin Sutherland. Physiotherapist. Hates cyclist who shaves their legs. Thinks they are underfed, sinewy and surely sitting on a saddle all day...definitely not virile! Plus she has trust issues. But when Don is in need of a massage after cycling the gruelling Wines to Whales and Caitlin is the only physio...sparks fly. Whether that is from overhearing Caitlin’s phone conversation or the heavenly hands touching him, you will have to find out for yourself 😉 Four Cavallo’s. Three Sutherland’s and one friend... Make sure to read the rest on the Cavallo’s!

[Sandyc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, can’t wait to read the rest of this series. Don and Caitlin are both strong personalities you can’t help but fall I. Love with them and their story The book is well written and easy yo read in a few hours.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Hayley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by Elsa Winckler, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved how protective Don was of Caitlin and the relationship between Don and his brothers. Both Caitlin and Don had really sweet, very close relationships with their families, and that was one of my favorite elements of the story. I’m particularly looking forward to Hannah and Darryn’s story as it appears there will be some mystery and intrigue that wasn’t present in this novel.

The pace of this book was a touch slow, and the timeline was confusing at certain points. However, my main problem was with some of Don’s behavior. While I liked his alpha male nature, I was irritated with how hot and cold he could be. I found his refusal to explain his actions to Caitlin arrogant, off-putting, and not conducive to a healthy relationship.

Nonetheless, this was a romantic and interesting read with some very heartwarming moments. I will continue to read this author’s future works.

*I received an ARC of this book. This is my complete and honest review.*

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caitlin meets Don after he finishes riding a bike race and sparks fly. Both Caitlin and Don are very close with their siblings. Don works with his brothers in the hotel industry while Caitlin is a massage therapist and her sisters have various other pursuits. Caitlin also writes a blog about what is wrong with her dates. She does not have alot of interaction with her father as he left her mother when Caitlin and her sisters were young. Caitlin has trust issues that Don must help her overcome if they are to have a happily ever after.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jill Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like books with instant chemistry this is the book for you. When Caitlin and Don first meet the air is sizzling. The problem though is that Caitlin does not trust men, she thinks they are all like her dad. Don thinks all women are just after his money.
They can’t keep away from each other though as the pull is too strong. This is a well written love story that will have you gripped from the beginning. First one I have read by this author and I can’t wait to read more.
I received a copy from BookSirens and leave my review voluntarily.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story but found it just a tad too predictable. Caitlin has trust issues but her knee jerk reactions got to be a bit much for me.

Not having read the other books in the series this was an interesting introduction to othe other characters. Its just a bit of a shame we now already know who everyone ends up with

[MN Book Lady · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book seemed so familiar to me, and then I discovered I have read another book in this series. And it was great to see where it all began!

This is Caitlin and Don’s story. While complaining about cyclists and their shaved legs, Don comes in after hurting his back on a section of a cycling race. And thinking she’d never see him again, she ignored his shortness with her. Only to have their paths cross several more times over the next few months.

But there always seems to be a misunderstanding between these two and Caitlin has trust issues already. To top it off, both are stubborn and set in their ways.

Caitlin and Don get their happy ending in this stand-alone book in a series.

I really loved how much all three sisters are trying to stay away from the Carello brothers, but they also are completely head over heels in love as well. And the match-making mothers were hilarious. It would be something to see how Caitlin’s mom takes what’s happening to her daughters and writes it in her books.

I received an advanced review copy for free from Book Sirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nikki Sadler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don and Caitlin .. wow. Their attraction was instantaneous, even when they tried to fight it! I loved how the families of both characters were so intertwined within the story itself, it makes me excited to read the rest of their stories and also maybe catch up with these two occasionally!

There was honestly nothing about this book I didn't like, thank you for allowing me to read your wonderful words, Elsa!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[S.S Bandeli · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sizzling romantic novel with bewildering character sketch and plot with a beautiful meaning to love.❣

I received an e-arc for this. And I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

Thank you for the ebook Elsa Winckler. 🤗

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the prequel in The Cavallo Brother's Series and it is Caitlin and Don's story and what a great start to a new series and definitely a must read. Caitlin is a physio therapist and owns her own practice but while helping at a cyclist race for those needing help with there injuries and physio she met Don and she was not happy with her reaction to him but things didn't go well. Don owns several hotel's scattered throughout South Africa and The Seychelles with his brother's bit when he hurt his back and went to have some physio to help it but what he wasn't expecting to have a intense reaction to Caitlin especially as he didn't do relationships so he definitely wasn't going with and couldn't get out of there quick enough. Caitlin and Don's chemistry was so strong and hot but not only are they from different backgrounds and the total opposite of each other but they are perfect together and you find yourself hoping that they can get over all there trust issue's and some how find a way to be together. I absolutely loved this book as it took you into the story right from the first page and kept your attention right until the last one and I couldn't put it down as I wanted to see what would happen next. I really loved the characters and storyline and I can't wait to read the next book in this series. This is only the second book that I have read by Elsa Winckler and I can't wait to read more of her books in the future as she certainly knows how to keep her reader's attention and engaged in the story and I definitely recommend you read this book and you will not be disappointed.

I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.

[Pam Graber · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, so good! Steamy romance and no cheating.

Don Cavallo meets Caitlin Sutherland when he enters her massage tent after a big bike race. As he enters he hears her talking about how she would "never be interested in a cyclist, because they shave their legs." When she also calls their virility into question because of constant contact with bike saddles, he is challenged to prove her wrong, but when she touches his aching back for the first time, the only thought he has is how he can convince her to go out with him.

Caitlin Sutherland distrusts men. She dates, but really that's only to give her fodder for her blog. Meeting Don puts a crimp in her thinking because her immediate attraction to him is new for her, and he doesn't fit into any of the categories she has created. Will she have to create a new one for him entitled, "The ONE"?

These two had more ups and downs than a roller coaster but their attraction to one another is electric and leaps off the page. This book makes me want to find the rest in the series to see how Caitlin's sisters and best friend, Dana fare with Don's other three brothers.

Readers who like some steam with their romance should start with A Captivating Touch. I read it in under a day. It was that good.

[Aria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick, fun read! This is the first book I've read that has been set in Africa so it was an interesting stumbling upon new lingo for certain things. Don is such a steamy character and Caitlin comes off as sweet but also a bit jaded by her terrible dates. Although Don is written as an alpha male, I'm glad he wasn't overbearing, instead, he came across and considerate and helpful. I felt exasperated with Caitlin when she jumped to conclusions but it was understandable. So many characters are introduced and to get answers to some of their own plots, you'll have to read the rest of the series. This book works as a stand-alone. I recommend if you enjoy quick reads, steamy scenes and you don't mind an overbearing mother!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.