Review: Lucy V. Morgan uses words, descriptions, emotions and colours to shape a world that, in a way, I'd like to be a part of
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 05 31, 2014
Word smithery. There are standards, and the characters of Tainted Touch have high ones. The emphasis that Caitlyn and co put on the superior, clever use of the Queen's English (since the book takes place in England, one can only assume we are using Her Majesty's best - which means I'll be sure to add the 'u' to favourite and colour) is a recurring theme and terrifies me a little. What if I can't "smith hard" enough to do them justice?Caitlyn McCoe doesn't like to be touched. Not even by the people she loves - her sister and her best friends. Her ex did a number on her and now touch is tainted, something she can't enjoy. Something she isn't even sure she deserves. Until she encounters Fist Candy, a handsome boxer that she wouldn't mind touching at all. Art Lyons has his own muddy past - an aborted boxing career, an incomplete physiotherapy degree and four mysterious tattooed slashes on his hip. They can help each other heal, but when Cait's ex, Dominic, reappears, and Art's past threatens to drive a wedge between them, they may not get that chance.There is such wonderful balance in this book - the light and dark aspects of life are shown in brilliant contrast. The fragility of life. The importance of laughter and friendship. The joy of loving and being loved. The agony of being left behind, ignored and lost. Tainted Touch brings moments of genuine hilarity, coupled with the potential to bring a reader to tears. With the exception of the deplorable Dominic (surely it's not coincidence that Dominic sounds so much like demonic?!), the supporting characters are fun and friendly - the kind of people you'd like to be friends with in real life. The conversations feel real, the problems they face authentic. I'd like to say I enjoyed this book but I'm not sure that quite covers it. I'm happy I read Tainted Touch, and not only because Fist Candy might be my favourite nickname ever. Lucy V. Morgan uses words, descriptions, emotions and colours to shape a world that, in a way, I'd like to be a part of. But I think I'll have to work on my smithing before they let me.This is a standalone book, no cliffhanger.~ Beth, 4 stars