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Losing Touch
Hairdresser Ash believes she will never have another relationship due to a profound fear of being touched. Her admission onto the mental health ward is nearly over, but she still hasn’t recovered from her phobia.
Harri is finding it increasing difficult to work in fast food catering due to her nerve damage. How can she smile at customers, let alone maintain a relationship, when half her mouth doesn’t work, and anything touching her there hurts so much?
When Harri takes an overdose in a bid to get rid of her pain, she ends up being detained on the same ward as Ash; in the same bedroom, none-the-less.
An instant attraction causes them both to reconsider their futures. But should they begin a relationship with one another when both of them still have things to deal with? And how will Harri’s domineering mother react when she finds out?
A tender lesbian romance about working out how to cope, healing after trauma, and learning to trust again.
Harri is finding it increasing difficult to work in fast food catering due to her nerve damage. How can she smile at customers, let alone maintain a relationship, when half her mouth doesn’t work, and anything touching her there hurts so much?
When Harri takes an overdose in a bid to get rid of her pain, she ends up being detained on the same ward as Ash; in the same bedroom, none-the-less.
An instant attraction causes them both to reconsider their futures. But should they begin a relationship with one another when both of them still have things to deal with? And how will Harri’s domineering mother react when she finds out?
A tender lesbian romance about working out how to cope, healing after trauma, and learning to trust again.
- GenresLesbian
446 pages, Paperback
Published July 29, 2021
10 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
Jenn Matthews
14 books55 followersJenn Matthews lives in England’s South West with her wife, two dogs, and cat. When not working full-time as a health-care assistant at a mental health rehab unit, she can be found avidly gardening, crocheting, writing, or visiting National Trust properties.
Inspired by life’s lessons and experiences, Jenn is a passionate advocate of people on the fringe of society. She hopes to explore and represent other “invisible people” with her upcoming novels.
Inspired by life’s lessons and experiences, Jenn is a passionate advocate of people on the fringe of society. She hopes to explore and represent other “invisible people” with her upcoming novels.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 1, 2021
Incredibly unique story, with a lot of heart and soul. Two young women who both feel broken in their own ways, physically and mentally - connect in their similarities and differences during their stay at a mental health unit in England.
First we meet Harri 22, struggling in her fast food job, because of severe nerve damage that affects her ability to smile, eat and taste let alone feel on one side of her face. She's incredible isolated at the start, and her parents are selfishly dismissive and not there for her. The only person she has is her brother. When the pain and her feelings of failure in life becomes too much, she overdoses on pain pills, and ends up in the mental health ward. She feels she is more plain Jane, she is self conscious and a people pleaser, a more quiet personality but very smart in her own right. She gets brought out of her shell by the more vivacious, Ash, who is her new room mate on the ward.
Ash is 26 a hairdresser, perfect hair, tattoos, a cool rocker girl vibe of jeans and boots with smokey eye-make up completing her look. Her personality is bubbly and a bit brash, but very cool and funky. She's been in the mental health unit a while now, (6 months) trying to deal with her anxieties after her own attempted suicide, after a traumatic experience has her unable to stand physical touch by anyone, even her own family, without massive panic and trauma responses.
Ash has a lot more support, infact her father is so overwhelming positive to her and all the patients at the ward, it makes the comparison to Harri's unfeeling and judgemental mother downright depressing.
The two learn a lot from each other over their stay, getting closer and even overcoming a lot of their trauma, together. Creating their own 'therapy' together regarding their sensitivities to touch and intimacy. It's very slow burn, although the burn itself it's sizzling hot, despite both women's denial, and apprehension. Their own individual assumptions that they are broken and couldn't offer much to a potential partner is a constant lament for both of them - but their compatibility and understanding is so lovely.
There's a dramatic moment toward the end, that I had to scoff at, and it ruined my overall enjoyment and more importantly the believability. Which is a shame. It became overly dramatic at that part, and one character in particular irritated me with their spinelessness. The attempts at mollifying a bully, really pissed me off. Also the lack of communication from other family members, really grated. The fact that NO ONE was stepping up to say or do anything to help, (even supposed professionals) just irritated me further. It's a shame, because it was going so well.
There is HEA, as is the way - but I do wish we could have had more time to see the couple as an actual couple, and not had to suffer the typical forced 'black moment'. But overall, still very good, and an above average read.
First we meet Harri 22, struggling in her fast food job, because of severe nerve damage that affects her ability to smile, eat and taste let alone feel on one side of her face. She's incredible isolated at the start, and her parents are selfishly dismissive and not there for her. The only person she has is her brother. When the pain and her feelings of failure in life becomes too much, she overdoses on pain pills, and ends up in the mental health ward. She feels she is more plain Jane, she is self conscious and a people pleaser, a more quiet personality but very smart in her own right. She gets brought out of her shell by the more vivacious, Ash, who is her new room mate on the ward.
Ash is 26 a hairdresser, perfect hair, tattoos, a cool rocker girl vibe of jeans and boots with smokey eye-make up completing her look. Her personality is bubbly and a bit brash, but very cool and funky. She's been in the mental health unit a while now, (6 months) trying to deal with her anxieties after her own attempted suicide, after a traumatic experience has her unable to stand physical touch by anyone, even her own family, without massive panic and trauma responses.
Ash has a lot more support, infact her father is so overwhelming positive to her and all the patients at the ward, it makes the comparison to Harri's unfeeling and judgemental mother downright depressing.
The two learn a lot from each other over their stay, getting closer and even overcoming a lot of their trauma, together. Creating their own 'therapy' together regarding their sensitivities to touch and intimacy. It's very slow burn, although the burn itself it's sizzling hot, despite both women's denial, and apprehension. Their own individual assumptions that they are broken and couldn't offer much to a potential partner is a constant lament for both of them - but their compatibility and understanding is so lovely.
There's a dramatic moment toward the end, that I had to scoff at, and it ruined my overall enjoyment and more importantly the believability. Which is a shame. It became overly dramatic at that part, and one character in particular irritated me with their spinelessness. The attempts at mollifying a bully, really pissed me off. Also the lack of communication from other family members, really grated. The fact that NO ONE was stepping up to say or do anything to help, (even supposed professionals) just irritated me further. It's a shame, because it was going so well.
There is HEA, as is the way - but I do wish we could have had more time to see the couple as an actual couple, and not had to suffer the typical forced 'black moment'. But overall, still very good, and an above average read.
September 1, 2021
So Sweet!
Harri and Ash meet on a mental health ward after Harri has taken an overdose. Ash has been in and out of the ward for years but when Harri arrives, she finds herself making a connection with Harri. Ash has been struggling for years and finally overcoming her demons, especially now Harri is helping too, but when their connection becomes a bit more of an attraction, both Harri and Ash have to reconsider their futures.
An extremely sweet story with deep and meaningful relation to mental health and how it affects people differently. I love how Jenn takes subjects that are a little sensitive and she shines a light on them to try and normalise and highlight the importance of remember that those dealing with other things in life still deserve to be treated with respect, dignity, and the importance of being open-minded, caring and accepting. Jenn have given an insight into an experience that is often misconstrued and made a taboo subject. In doing so, she successfully shares the normality of getting help.
I really loved Ash and Harri, the portrayal of their connection was very realistic and not without the hesitance that comes with having personal insecurities. They share many personal, meaningful and cute moments as they help each other through their difficulties, be they mental, life, family, they are just there for one another, promoting the importance of being supported and being supportive even if you are struggling to. It really was the truth in that we’re all fighting battles others don’t know about and the fact that kindness is such a big part of this story is just lovely.
Everything covered in the story is handled with the upmost respect and sensitivity, giving the reader enough to become emotionally connected to Harri and Ash. I was cheering them on, just hoping they would overcome their struggles and find happiness that they so much deserved!
I highly recommend this story. It is relatable in one way or another for everyone, and if you are struggling you may just find comfort, encouragement and support in Harri and Ash’s story.
Harri and Ash meet on a mental health ward after Harri has taken an overdose. Ash has been in and out of the ward for years but when Harri arrives, she finds herself making a connection with Harri. Ash has been struggling for years and finally overcoming her demons, especially now Harri is helping too, but when their connection becomes a bit more of an attraction, both Harri and Ash have to reconsider their futures.
An extremely sweet story with deep and meaningful relation to mental health and how it affects people differently. I love how Jenn takes subjects that are a little sensitive and she shines a light on them to try and normalise and highlight the importance of remember that those dealing with other things in life still deserve to be treated with respect, dignity, and the importance of being open-minded, caring and accepting. Jenn have given an insight into an experience that is often misconstrued and made a taboo subject. In doing so, she successfully shares the normality of getting help.
I really loved Ash and Harri, the portrayal of their connection was very realistic and not without the hesitance that comes with having personal insecurities. They share many personal, meaningful and cute moments as they help each other through their difficulties, be they mental, life, family, they are just there for one another, promoting the importance of being supported and being supportive even if you are struggling to. It really was the truth in that we’re all fighting battles others don’t know about and the fact that kindness is such a big part of this story is just lovely.
Everything covered in the story is handled with the upmost respect and sensitivity, giving the reader enough to become emotionally connected to Harri and Ash. I was cheering them on, just hoping they would overcome their struggles and find happiness that they so much deserved!
I highly recommend this story. It is relatable in one way or another for everyone, and if you are struggling you may just find comfort, encouragement and support in Harri and Ash’s story.
November 10, 2022
Really loved this book - characters really well drawn and the backdrop all appeared to be original but real. Excellent main characters & background cast. Highly recommended.
March 19, 2022
When to be touched hurts how can intimacy exist
When to be touched hurts how can intimacy exist?
Ok— so I just have to ask… is it because this is set in Europe or is this place like exclusive or something? Cause I've known more than a "few" mental hospitals in LA & we NEVER had facilities or activities anywhere close to this awesome & I'm feeling some type of way about it?! Lol
When to be touched hurts how can intimacy exist?
Ok— so I just have to ask… is it because this is set in Europe or is this place like exclusive or something? Cause I've known more than a "few" mental hospitals in LA & we NEVER had facilities or activities anywhere close to this awesome & I'm feeling some type of way about it?! Lol
February 25, 2022
Interesting in a good way.
This book kept me interested from the beginning. Not your typical romance, which was a nice change. I wound definitely recommend this one. I will definitively be reading more from this author.
This book kept me interested from the beginning. Not your typical romance, which was a nice change. I wound definitely recommend this one. I will definitively be reading more from this author.
December 11, 2021
Well, this one was painfull.
I suffer from chronical pain. Still undiagnosed after 4 years of looking. Lucky me, it's mostly light, though the build-up sometimes exhaust me and there were a few instances that I blanked out. The mind seem to have this incredile ability to forget when the level of pain is above our ability to deal.
I could perfectly empathize with the character struggles. Her pain, bewilderment, anxiety, panic attacks, anger, feeling of abandonment, everything she felt, it rung a bell.
This was a very very difficult read.
I cried, I was mad as hell as some choices she made, then relieved but still mad, and so on. It was an emotionnal rollercoaster.
But the part where she finally put in words to her family how the pain feels, the use of metaphor to explain and finally see that it reaches them... that was perfect.
It's so hard to explain pain when it's a constant. It may varies in degree from one moment to the other. You get used to it and you just can't stop living because of it. But sometimes, it overpowers you and people around don't understand. The first two years... I hated each time someone asked me how I felt/if I was ok. That a usual way in France to say hello. It's not just "hello". It's "Hi, how do you do ?" all the time. And most people don't care about the answer and I just couldn't answer. I didn't want to say I was alright but I didn't to delve in it either. I'm glad I'm past that but it may be a weird Covid/confinement effect :/ .
The other main has other issue that were absolutely terrifying and the reasons behind her issue were sad beyond mesure.
So. Should you read this book ? Yeah, definitely. But pick a time when you have the stomack for a very long and dark travel toward the light.
I suffer from chronical pain. Still undiagnosed after 4 years of looking. Lucky me, it's mostly light, though the build-up sometimes exhaust me and there were a few instances that I blanked out. The mind seem to have this incredile ability to forget when the level of pain is above our ability to deal.
I could perfectly empathize with the character struggles. Her pain, bewilderment, anxiety, panic attacks, anger, feeling of abandonment, everything she felt, it rung a bell.
This was a very very difficult read.
I cried, I was mad as hell as some choices she made, then relieved but still mad, and so on. It was an emotionnal rollercoaster.
But the part where she finally put in words to her family how the pain feels, the use of metaphor to explain and finally see that it reaches them... that was perfect.
It's so hard to explain pain when it's a constant. It may varies in degree from one moment to the other. You get used to it and you just can't stop living because of it. But sometimes, it overpowers you and people around don't understand. The first two years... I hated each time someone asked me how I felt/if I was ok. That a usual way in France to say hello. It's not just "hello". It's "Hi, how do you do ?" all the time. And most people don't care about the answer and I just couldn't answer. I didn't want to say I was alright but I didn't to delve in it either. I'm glad I'm past that but it may be a weird Covid/confinement effect :/ .
The other main has other issue that were absolutely terrifying and the reasons behind her issue were sad beyond mesure.
So. Should you read this book ? Yeah, definitely. But pick a time when you have the stomack for a very long and dark travel toward the light.
December 21, 2021
Two lost souls finding love
Henrietta Nash found themselves in the same place or different problems. Here are that tried to commit suicide and Ash did not like to be touched due to a previous experience. The author shows how their love grew even in the psychiatric ward they were in and how they became Friends than lovers.
Harri had to learn to stand up for self and Ash had to learn how to trust. I really enjoyed this book and I recommend it for those who like a different kind of love story.
Henrietta Nash found themselves in the same place or different problems. Here are that tried to commit suicide and Ash did not like to be touched due to a previous experience. The author shows how their love grew even in the psychiatric ward they were in and how they became Friends than lovers.
Harri had to learn to stand up for self and Ash had to learn how to trust. I really enjoyed this book and I recommend it for those who like a different kind of love story.
August 15, 2021
I was given a copy as n ARC
Jenn Matthews has quickly become one of my favorite authors. Her characters are flawed and struggling with their own issues but always find a way to persevere. The characters in this story are both hurt and dealing with their own demons but slowly they develop a friendship. The amazingly developed characters as well as Matthew's research which mays the setting real make this book an amazing story of hope and strength.
Jenn Matthews has quickly become one of my favorite authors. Her characters are flawed and struggling with their own issues but always find a way to persevere. The characters in this story are both hurt and dealing with their own demons but slowly they develop a friendship. The amazingly developed characters as well as Matthew's research which mays the setting real make this book an amazing story of hope and strength.
October 12, 2021
Ash has a problem with touching people or being touched. She can't hug or be hugged, she can't kiss or be kissed.
Herri has a nerve damage on her face that makes her life miserable.
They meet in a mental ward and become roomies and friends. They understand and help each other.
This is a clear example of love and trust. No matter how bad you feel, physical and emotionally, you can always find understanding, trust, love.
I highly recommend it.
Herri has a nerve damage on her face that makes her life miserable.
They meet in a mental ward and become roomies and friends. They understand and help each other.
This is a clear example of love and trust. No matter how bad you feel, physical and emotionally, you can always find understanding, trust, love.
I highly recommend it.
August 8, 2021
A very well written story of dealing with the after effects of victim trauma and constant daily pain on the mental/emotional impacts to the people affected. The author wrote in a understanding and caring fashion without being condescending. Not a light hearted romance, it touches on attempted suicide as well.
December 20, 2025
I read this in one sitting. The relationship between Ash and Harri feels raw and believable, especially how attraction grows alongside fear and unfinished healing. It’s gentle, emotional, and honest about trauma without turning it into melodrama.
August 26, 2021
Excellent.
I loved Losing Touch. Wow. What a tough subject. Mental health. Everyone worries about it but no one wants to talk about it. Beautiful story. So moving.
I loved Losing Touch. Wow. What a tough subject. Mental health. Everyone worries about it but no one wants to talk about it. Beautiful story. So moving.
November 23, 2021
Very good.
Read
December 5, 2025boring
August 4, 2023
Thank you Jenn for writing a novel that empathetically and sensitively addresses the experiences of having chronic pain. I have the same type of nerve damage as one of the main characters Harri. This books portrays many feelings and emotions that I have had in relation to my situation. It was comforting to read a story that captures this so well and where the individual is able to find ways to cope with their trauma. I will be sharing this book with others to help give them insight into what life can be like with this condition. Really powerful book in so many ways.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews