Dealing with Demons

This is the very first book Melissa Haag wrote, and all I can think is "how the heck did she do that?" Most first novels lack that grab you by the shoulders and hold on til it's done intensity and interest that you come to love about books. Not the case with Touch. Tessa and her family may be odd, but they are completely real and emotionally complex. Then there's Morik, who is much more than he seems. Paranormal fans, fantasy fans, mystery fans, and romance fans will all find something to love in this novel! I read it during a read-along and was supposed to go a few chapters at a time, but once I read about 10 pages I knew I wasn't putting the book down until I was finished. Well I did have to take a break to interact with my child at her insistence, but otherwise read from start to finish. And I will certainly be re-reading this book, which is about the best compliment I can think of at the moment. Thank you Melissa for a wonderful "touching" story! 5 epic stars love!

*I received this book free from the author to review*

The beginning jumped right into who Tessa was from the very first sentence. It didn't start with you wondering when you will first discover Tessa's abilities to see visions - the very first sentence is her vision. I enjoyed the way that the author jumped right into her visions, so from the very first page I was drawn in, wanting to continue reading. Tessa is such a strong character, I know that I would have a hard time dealing with what she has to do with concerning her visions and the choices that she has to make. As I was reading her story, I just had to know how it would end, it was so hard not to just skip to the end and find out if Tessa would have an end of happiness or an end of sadness. It didn't take long before the plot deepened and I didn't want to put the book down. The conclusion was great and left me with no lingering questions. I loved all of the characters because they were all so well defined with their own personalities. It wasn't like reading a book with people who are all the same. This was a great book to read and I would definitely recommend giving it a chance.

I really enjoyed this book more than I anticipated. I think it is mostly because I was able to respect the characters. Far too often the characters in YA paranormal romances invoke a feeling of envy in the reader because of their romance/appearance/powers/wealth/circumstances etc. This was not the case. The teenagers were sensible and the adults were both loving and flawed.

Touch is about Tessa, a 16 year old who is trapped by a 200 year old family curse. While I call Touch a paranormal romance it is different from most stories in the genre. While the ‘love interest’ propels the plot, there isn’t a ‘fall in love at first sight’ overwhelming romance. I really respect Melissa Haag for this as I think it makes the novel. The complication is that Tessa, as all the women before her, must choose a partner before her 17th birthday. To assist her choice, she catches a glimpse of the future with each potential mate with just a touch. The main catch is that whomever she chooses is cursed to die young.
For the full review, see http://fictitious1.wordpress.com/2013/11/01/touch-by-melissa-haag/

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. It has no sway on my opinion whatsoever.

I loved this book from the blurb on. The idea of being able to predict your future with a man just by touching him is extremely appealing. In my mind it is anyway. Unless of course you see them dying young and leaving you widowed. This is what our poor darling Tessa must endure. She has lived a life with her family shrouded in secrecy until one day she finds the cause of the drama. Morik who is a demon of chaos. The lines seem clearly drawn. Demon = Bad, but what if it's not quite that simple. This story follows Tessa as she uncovers her families secrets and comes to terms with what she wants and what ultimately must be. I loved the whole forbidden love aspect of the story. I also loved seeing whole the relationship between Tessa and Morik develop and blossom onto something unexpected. The supporting characters are strategically placed into this puzzle of a story the ends up fitting together perfectly by the end. I was gripped throughout and just when I started to get SLIGHTLY bored I was thrusted right back in until I finished the book. Who knew I could harbor a crush on a demon. Definitely worth the read!!!!! Very original.

I would like to thank the author Melissa Haag and Never Too Old for Y. A and N. A Books for allowing me to read this book for a honest review.

Tessa is a sixteen year old girl that lives with her mother, aunt Grace, Grandma and Grand aunt Danielle. She has the gift or the cursed that when she touches a boy, she can see her future with him, but the boy always dies at a young age. Tessa must choose a boy before she turns seventeen, the problem is that she cannot choose and condemn someone to an early grave. After an incident at school, Tessa and her family move to a nearby town, then she discovers the truth behind her family gift and meets a demon of chaos, who knows more about her family past than her own family. Will Tessa choose a boy and condemn him to a early death or will she remove her family curse once and for all?

I literally couldn't put this book down I started one Friday night and finish it early evening on Saturday, I just loved how the author developed the characters within the story, the involment of each secondary character had a purpose within the story and the final ending. In other words I love this book, I would read it again just to remember the relationships that were formed. I loved MORIK, the way his character introduces himself to Tessa and then how you end up falling for his flaws and his virtues, he was not your typical knight in shining armor but someone who no matter what has your back. I like the friendship of Tessa with Beatriz, there were parts that made me laugh and cry because of those two.

I truly love the ending of the story and I would love to read more about the romance between the characters and how they fall in love by spending time together and getting to know each other even though they were different in many aspects they both have a happy ending.

I got this book from the author, free of cost, in exchange of an honest review from my side!

Firstly I would love to thank Melissa Haag, author of Touch for giving me this chance of reading and reviewing the book.

The blurb excited me but the book was totally great, even better that I thought it would be. A totally unique and fresh story which you won't even find to resemble any other book out there! The story really thrilled me and the suspense was spooky and eerie as well!

The gift or curse as you like to say that, the main character Tessa has is really freakishly awesome, I mean if you can see your future life with a man whom you chose to be with, then that would be a great advantage but sadly it's not the case for poor Tessa as all the men she sees her future with by just touching them dies early leaving her totally alone and devastated. So that's a huge problem our Tessa has and she just have the time till her seventeenth birthday to choose the correct boy for her but at any case the boy will die early.

The emotional turmoil that she faces is really heart wrenching but the story takes a whirlwind turn when a demon enters the scene and wants to be chosen by someone as he is totally alone and lonely.

Tessa's choice and the uncertainty of her decision will make you chomp on your nails in anticipation and suspense so get ready to enjoy this book and get your copy as quickly as you can.

I accepted this book in exchange for an honest review.

If you have read any of my previous reviews about Melissa Haag's work then you are aware that I am a huge fan and was highly anticipating getting my hands on Touch.

There are so many little moments that I want to talk about. I want to gush about how amazing and hot Morik is. I want to talk about how envious I am of Tessa's ability. But I'm going to keep this review short because I don't want to ruin the chance for people to discover it for themselfs.

I loved the romance in Touch. I loved Tessa and Morik together, everything about it seemed so real. It wasn't that insta-love crap that I see in YA literature. It was a slowly built romance and little by little Tessa felt more and more for Morik. I don't even think she was aware of her growing feelings for Morik, but I am sure he was slyly laying his cards on the table, enjoying every moment of it. They were so sweet together and there was something oddly innocent about them (emphasis on innocent). *heartfelt sigh*

The story line was pretty good though it was a little slow. I was entertained regardless and I even thought there were a couple creepy elements to it. For example, I couldn't believe when the guy who was bullying Tessa just walks infront of a bus. I was like what just happened?! It was so creepy, especially what happened after.

I really enjoyed the characters in Touch and feel that each of them really embodied a certain personality. Tessa was a loner but really just wanted a friend. She wanted to be a part of a world that just didn't allow her. Then there was Beatriz, Tessa's new found best friend, she was crazy and really brought humor and tough-love into the mix. Tessa's grandma was the nurturing hand that really brought the family environment together. And then there was obviously Morik who brought some amazing romance.

I do have one pretty big complaint and I hate to point it out because I loved this book otherwise. The bad guy, Ahgred, wasn't all that bad. Yes, he was very creepy but other then that, he was just a pest. He should have been destroying everything in Tessa's life, holding her grandma hostage, making horrendous deals, killing people, but none of that happened. He just showed up maybe 3 or 4 times and just inconvenienced Tessa by ruining someone elses life. He kinda sucked, in a creepy way.

Even though the bad guy was just eh, I really enjoyed this book. Touch was heavy on romance and I loved every moment of it.

4/5

MY OPINION:

Touch is something different from most books that I've already read. When I first read the synopsis, I had a feeling that I would enjoy this book, and I did. But not that much.

Tessa has to choose, she knows she has too. But can she risk a life? Tessa has grown up, with all the rules that she has to follow written a book. Even though she doesn't know the reasons, she followed them, that is until she met Morik. But the question is, can she trust Morik?

When it comes to the Plot, the book was an obvious hit, I encountered books that talks about death at a touch, but never this kind of gift. It was something new to me, the whole choosing and the rules that were laid out were a complete mystery. The pacing however, is agony for me. It felt like I've been reading for days, which was the case. I can't blame the book THAT much, because I had to admit that I enjoyed reading it, but I felt strained to read it.

I only ever loved three of the characters in the book. Specifically they would be Morik, Gran and Aunt Danielle. Morik is the type of guy that anybody could like because he's a good-natured kind of guy. Sure his appearance is scary (Kinda reminds me of beast in the disney movies), I liked him a lot because he was a really really good guy, he's all kinds of caring, understanding and sweet. Add the fact that he's a tad bit protective only made me like him more. He's one of those characters that you would automatically love just because.

Then there's Gran. She's just a dearie, I loved how she was always there for Tessa. How she understands Tessa, how she just knows what will make Tessa happy. Kinda reminds me of my own grandmother (except Gran is actually Tessa's GREAT grandmother). Aunt Danielle really made me laugh, her bluntness and fun personality made me love her a lot. Plus, even though she's corporeal, there's something lively about her.

But even though I did enjoy the book a little, even though I loved the other three characters, even though the love story was cute and sweet. I don't really liked it enough to give it anymore than a three.

WHY DO I RECOMMEND IT?

Overall, I liked reading Touch. Though I didn't love it, I still enjoyed reading it. It was a sweet, different kind of book. And its definitely something you should try, who knows maybe you'll like it more than I did :D

Wow. Okay first off, Melissa approached me and my friend who do a blog, asked us to review two of her books for her a free book in exchange for a honest review.

Quite frankly I would give this book 10 stars out of 5.

So with that all said and done. Here is the thing, this book went from the highest of highs, to the lowest of lows, so I have a couple different songs that i would choose for this book. First off being: “You’re All I Have” by Snow Patrol, (going with this theme for a second) “Another Lonely Day” by Ben Harper. These two because of the relationship and also the two MCs separate and together. Other songs for the book just certain points or overall are: “My Love” by Sia, “As Much As I Could Ever” by City and Colour. And lastly a little bit of “Nicest Thing” by Kate Nash for the beginning-ish of the book.

What a wonderfully beautiful love story. I have never felt so lonely with two MCs then i have ever with them. It was heartbreaking at times to read because i just knew that they would just create magic together, but i could also see and understand the hesitation of Tessa. I could submerge into this story. My sister came into my room while I was curled up around my laptop reading, me and my Kindle, Kale, are arguing at the moment about putting this book on there in other words he is being a bitch and a half. Anyways she looked at me like i was crazy, but i explained, she still thought i was crazy. . Read this book. Seriously. Do it. Right now. Go on.

My thoughts on plot: Someone else’s review that i read mentioned how this was a love story, and there wasn’t a whole lot of action, and its true. This is a story about a girl that needs to find love before her 17th birthday, its sort of like a harsher, backwards, Beauty and the Beast Tale which only made me love it more as i love that fairytale, its my favorite. Belle is the shit…but that is not the point of this review. While i ususally like paranormal stuff because in the midst of falling in llllooovveee there is action going on, i read this really quickly without ever getting bored. I loved almost every moment of it, and if you are a paranormal fan that likes the action there is a bit in here, do i think that should stop you from trying this book out? hell no. I think its worth your time, and you love…what? no you should love it. Anyways here is the thing Tessa needs to find a male to love before she turns 17, and while the curse is sort of glossed over at first there is reason for it, so keep going all is revealed. Secrets are kept from her, and two beings are after her. I say “beings” because the book calls them demons, well Tessa does, but here is the thing its never confirmed by Morik, and I don’t know if i want to consider them “demons” per-say.

Characters:

**First off, I know i have said this about Melissa in my other reviews but if you haven’t seen them, here is what i need to say. She has such a beautiful way of writing, I love everyone of her characters from them to being completely different from the last, to the point that the men are amazing, in all ways. At times in all her books the books become slightly character driven which i don’t mind at all you can have a kickass plot all you want but if your characters are non-dynamic, and have no real personality then its not worth the read. Melissa makes it worth the read every damn time. So with that said, let me tell you about the characters

Tessa: Its told through her as first person, I loved her as a MC as i love all Melissa’s MCs and thankfully she doesn’t fall into the well there are slight differences from this character to a different MC that Melissa wrote about. Tessa is a little bitter, but she does try her best to make everyone happy at the same time. I love that she did try to put everyone before herself, mostly because no i am not gloating, i am like that most of times, but in the end she does try to find solutions to her problems. She is smart, she is compassionate, and when needs be stands up for herself. Her courage might be lacking when it comes to asking those hard questions, its real, its one of those things where no one wants to do it, but in the end when you need answers you do it, which she did. I really liked her, but she was stubbornly silly at times and i just wanted to yell at her, but i did see where she would think one way verses another.

Morik: Okay i need to complain just for a moment: Melissa, what the hell are you trying to do to me Woman? Everyone MC boy she writes about becomes my new love, and i realize that i might never find my love and my heart breaks, then i hope i will find someone slightly as amazing as these guys are. So Morik, I never thought that he was evil, i couldn’t see it. And that one of the things that i really like about Melissa’s gents, they all share that same trait of well, you have to watch them, and you can see how much they care. They even say the most loveliest things too. Like some of my all time favorite things Morik says are:

“I protect what is mine. What I like comes second to your safety.”

“I don’t know what you want from me,” I whispered. He bent close, his lips a breath away from my own. “A kiss.”

Swoon!

Anyways so more about Morik: Now he is your average, horned, elven earred, tall, dark, being with the an odd personality. He is sort of quiet, but since he is not native-ly human he watches, and asks about normal things for us. But he blends well, he is that silent, awesome types. He is really hard to explain, he is just… well almost perfect. Protective, possessive, but not in an overbearing way. He is charming, and sexy. And and and and yes i am in love.

Oh that ending! Talk about heart-wrenchingly beautiful. I wanted to die, and i wanted to cry, and i wanted to sing, and i wanted to jump up and down. I loved it from cover, to end. And as i love it, i hope that it stays as a stand-alone because its perfect.