Just One Touch (Slow Burn, #5) by Maya Banks Series: Slow Burn #5
Published by Avon on May 23rd 2017
Genres: Contemporary, Romantic Suspense
Pages: 352
Goodreads
“But the simple truth was that he needed her every bit as much as she needed him, and he couldn’t come up with a reason that made any sense to him.”
FINAL DECISION: A good romantic suspense with a paranormal bent. The weakest part of the story is the instant love between the main characters. That being said, the two are a good match and the story is well paced and filled with twists.
THE STORY: Isaac Washington comes out to his car after getting coffee and bagels to find someone attempting to steal his vehicle. Instead of the thief he expected, Isaac finds Jenna — a young abused woman who is fleeing for her life. When Isaac is shot by her pursuers, he finds out why. Jenna saves Isaac’s life when she heals his mortal wound. Once he meets her, Isaac, who works for Devereaux Security is determined to use his skills to protect this vulnerable woman.
OPINION: This was a good suspense story with a paranormal twist as is true of the other book in the Slow Burn series.
The main weakness of the story from my view is the instant love aspect. Before the two even know anything about one another, there is something between them. (That works in many books where there is a paranormal or supernatural aspect, but here there is no “mate” or explanation for the instant connection). But this book is anxious to get into the suspense story and deep into the potential of the relationship. I can put aside my initial disbelief in the instant love if the rest of the story is good…and this one worked for me.
Isaac is a strong alpha protector and is determined to protect Jenna and make those who have harmed her pay. While he is possessive, he is also completely devoted to Jenna from almost the moment that they meet. He throws over everything in his life to help her. While the devotion appears unrealistic at times, it also jacks up the tension and suspense in the story because the immediate devotion he has for Jenna makes the story move.
Jenna begins the story abused and weak. But she does not stop there. Much of the story is about Jenna discovering herself and obtaining autonomy over herself. There are quite a few twists and turns in the story and I don’t want to give any of the plot away because the suspense is an essential part of the story.
WORTH MENTIONING: Readers should be willing to accept Banks version of the Alpha male who is possessive with a lot of talk about the heroine belonging to him. Some might find it a little too aggressive and controlling.
CONNECTED BOOKS: JUST ONE TOUCH is the fifth book in the Slow Burn series. While there are overlapping characters, this story is independent of others in the series and can be read alone. There are plenty of appearances by the characters from the other books and readers of those books will be happy for the updates.
STAR RATING: I give this book 3.5 stars.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book via Edelweiss in order to write a review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.