Review: Once Touched (Silver Creek #3)

Once Touched (Silver Creek #3)

by Laura Moore

Blurb:

The youngest of the three Knowles siblings, Quinn has in her blood the love of the land and its beautiful creatures. Raising enough money to build an animal sanctuary is a dream Quinn lives every day—while fending off her family’s well-intentioned matchmaking schemes. Though harboring secret fears about intimacy, Quinn soon realizes she cannot fight her growing attraction to a man who has suddenly entered her life.

Scarred by his months in Afghanistan and the violence he witnessed there through his camera lens, photojournalist Ethan Saunders throws himself into hard ranching work as a prescription for healing. But falling for Quinn has given him the one thing he thought he’d lost forever: hope. Ethan discovers that Quinn, like the innocent animals she rescues, is shy, and afraid of entrusting her heart to a man. Passion soon awakens Ethan’s strength, and his tender seduction may be just what Quinn needs to believe in herself—and in his love.

Themes:  Contemporary

Rating: 4.5 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

 I have been wondering what type of man would earn Quinn’s love and, boy, was I thrilled to finally see her meet her match in a strong, sweet and passionate man like Ethan.  This series is one that I stumbled across while searching through Netgalley and wasn’t sure I would love them; I decided to give them a try.  I can honestly say, though, that this series just got better with each book.  Laura Moore has surprised me as a new author that I will be keeping my eyes open for. Quinn’s older brothers have both found love with their beautiful, though unlikely mates, and I wondered if Quinn would find a man to love her and support her in her myriad adventures with animals in need.  Ethan, poor guy, has been living with some shit bottled up for a while now as he heals from a trauma that has changed him at an intrinsic level.  Escaping to the ranch where he spent many happy summers as a child seems like a decent plan, somewhere he can hide while he decided what he wants to do with the rest of his life… at least until he claps eyes on the sweet girl she used to babysit.  All grown up and sexy as hell, Quinn throws Ethan for a loop and he doesn’t quite know how to handle her.  As they work together, each finding their way in their daily interaction, he finds himself drawn to the beauty even as he pushes her away.  But when the heat between them is unleashed, with a simple, but powerful, confession from Quinn, they are both surprised by just how deep their connection goes.  I loved seeing Quinn falling in love with the dangerous and brooding Ethan, her determination to bring him back from the darkness he is trapped in is something I can more than understand with her character as a savior. But the truth was that by simply loving him she changed him irrevocably.  Ethan on the other hand was an ass a good bit of this story, forgivable to a point because of his pain, but thankfully as Quinn finds ways to bring out the softer and sweeter side of this adventurous guy, Ethan’s true loving nature emerges.  There were plenty of laughs, lots of tears, and more than enough sizzling passion to show that this couple was meant for each other beyond any shadow of a doubt.  I loved seeing Quinn’s brothers continuing their HEAs with their women and this seems to be the type of family that has to put themselves and their lovers through the ringer before they ever get their chance at true happiness.   I was sad to see this trilogy end, but I look forward to seeing what future series will be coming from this author and I will certainly be jumping at any chance to read more by Ms. Moore.  If you are looking for a passionate, fun, and interesting story to read that shows the true power of love, understanding, and forgiveness then I highly recommend Once Touched (as well as the previous two stories in this series).

*ebook provided by publisher (via netgalley) for the purpose of an honest and unbiased review.  No compensation was provided.