Lucy Monroe - Touch Me

TOUCH ME
by Lucy Monroe
1^st in Historical Trilogy Touch Me, Tempt Me & Take Me
Berkley Sensation - September 2005
ISBN 0-4252-0531-2

In her newest love story, bestselling author Lucy Monroe invites you into a world of dazzling beauty, daring adventure, and sensual delight...

Outspoken, opinionated Thea Selwyn is no ordinary lady. Raised in the exotic West Indies, she has none of the starchy propriety Pierson Drake is accustomed to—rather, there is a lush sensuality about this impulsive beauty that tempts him unmercifully. Her delectable curves and wide, innocent eyes are enticing enough, but her breathless response to his touch is a lure he can’t resist.

On a voyage that takes them from tropical paradise to the glittering ballrooms of London, Thea and Drake are pulled into a firestorm of illicit passion. Thea knows that once they reach England, the secrets she’s been keeping will kill whatever Drake feels for her. But Drake’s own history has taught him the value of acceptance and the desolation of loss. Thea is the one women Drake has ever trusted with his heart, and he has no intention of losing her— not to the ghosts of the past or the threats of the present. But can he convince Thea to forget the hard lesson she’s learned and take a chance on love?

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"Monroe brings a fresh voice to historical romance." ~ Stef Ann Holm, USA Today Bestselling author of Pink Moon

Dedication
For my sister, KT. Your support and encouragement means more to me than I could ever say. You are an incredible, special woman and I love you. And with special thanks to Michael Mooney for his help in researching historic sailing vessels. You both have my deepest gratitude.

The story was immaculately presented, true to the period and well edited. The characters were fascinating and make the reader want to know more of their story. The plot was well constructed, with nothing to jar the reader out of the story. The conflict and resolution was handled well and there were no loose ends. 5 Stars - Loves Romance

Lucy Monroe has once again captured the essence of love and put that into a book that will keep you glued to your seat. Touch Me is the perfect title for this tender romance. 5 Stars ~ A Romance Review

TOUCH ME is the quintessential historical romance with exceptionally drawn characters and a unique, absorbing plot. Lucy Monroe has written this with an expertise that is easy to see, and Thea and Pierson's burgeoning relationship easily holds its own against anything contemporary written today. This is the historical romance you want to read when you long for the best of the best. ... Pick up this book and enjoy its originality and emotional impact. - Carolyn Crisher, Romance Reviews Today

TOUCH ME is an extremely romantic story. Drake is a manly man who knows what he wants and takes it. Thea is a headstrong woman who fights for what she believes in. Their journey to the altar is a passionate one and with every breakthrough Drake makes, you'll cheer his success. I really liked this story a lot. - Tammie Ard, Fresh Fiction

The story line is character driven as the cast especially the support players vividly brings out England, the West Indies, and to a lesser degree sailing the Atlantic in 1820. Fans of historical tales will want to journey with Lucy Monroe as her wonderful tale will touch readers hearts, making them look forward to future passages starring the heroine’s half-sister and twin. 9 out of 10 - Harriet Klausner

I have a new favorite historical author and she is Lucy Monroe. I am anxious to read her next installment of the Selwyn clan. - The Best Reviews

Thea and Drake are compelling characters. The resolution of the embezzling plot had a great twist that I enjoyed, as did Thea's confrontation with her father. There are two more Regency-set novels to follow about Thea's brother and sister. I'm looking forward to them. - Rakehell Reviews

"Monroe brings a fresh voice to historical romance." ~ Stef Ann Holm, USA Today Bestselling author of Pink Moon

"Emotional, sexy and romantic. TOUCH ME is just plain wonderful!" - Lori Foster, NYT Bestselling Author of Just a Hint Clint

"Hey Lucy, you can't imagine how happy I am to have found your books, they are wonderful. I just finished. Touch Me which may be the best regency I've read to date since it is so different from the run of the mill historical." ~ Lauren

"Hi Lucy, I finished Touch Me in one day, I absolutely LOVED it. And I absolutely cannot wait until Irisa's story in Tempt Me or Jared's story in Take Me. I wish there was some kind of club where avid fans could get advanced copies ;) I really hope the next two are as good as the first! :)" - AL

"I finished you book 'Touch Me' and just loved it. <snip spoiler> Great job. Took me by surprise and can't wait for 'Tempt Me' I believe it's Irisa's story. When I see it in April I'm definitely buying it and putting it at the top of my TBR pile. For my second Historical I've ever read, it was such an exciting adventure. I'm going to hate when I read the last book. I hate the end of series." ~ Mark

"I just finished reading "Touch Me." I truly enjoyed the book, and am looking forward to reading "Tempt Me." Keep up the good work." ~ Marcia

"I finally read Touch Me. Sooo great! You can see my review of it here." ~ Holly

"I have read & enjoyed your other books, especially Harlequin Presents for a long time, but I just finished "Touch Me" and loved it! Seems I have found another Historical Regency author! Am now eagerly waiting for Irisa's story, & hopefully Jareds!" ~ Alice

"I just recently finished Touch Me and I loved it! I can't wait for the other books in the series." ~ Michelle

"I picked up Touch Me as a book to read while waiting for my daughter as finished field hockey practice...I couldn't put it down! You write brilliantly, from the heart and with wit and character. I can;t wait to read Tempt Me. When can we expect it to reach book shelves? Thank you for contributing to the wonderful world of romance literature!" ~
Valerie M

"Thea and Pierson were both wounded, intriguing, complex, wonderful characters. The action/suspense was fast-paced and thrilling. The sex was HOT and perfect for the story. Not only it offers sufficient romance to the end of the book, the characterization, humour, suspense are perfectly blended in a page turner. It is sometimes shock, sometimes hilarious and sometimes sexy. Absolutely highly recommended and one of the best in the genre. I absolutely loved this book. The author has a great gift in her ability to develop characters. Lucy Monroe writing instantly puts you into the scene. She has a good feel for the period, strong, engaging characters. This was just the kind of romance novel I love. Wonderful characters. Characters that seems real because they are not perfect-something most novels like this lack. The relationship between the leads is endearing. I found the characters to be multi-dimensional and the author weaves a mystery into the story without slowing it down or interrupting the romantic flow. The love scenes are ample & steamy, and the plot is a good one. A fast paced book with an intricate plot that I cannot help but enjoy. The interaction between the leads was great. I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series.

Thea is my kinda girl - outspoken, unafraid to speak her piece, even if it's not the most popular opinion, and willing to take care of herself. She doesn't need a man to protect her. Her relatives have already taught her all she needs to know, maybe even more than they realized. But she eventually finds out that a girl sometimes needs a man, for reasons other than protection. And she finds out that even tough girls like her, need a little tender care." ~ Dionne

"I just finished reading TOUCH ME. It was absolutely wonderful. I couldn't put it down. It was a "one sitting" book. I can't wait for TEMPT ME. You have a new fan!" ~ Missy

"I just finished reading TOUCH ME, what a pleasure, thank you. I'm also upset that TEMPT ME will not be available until April 2006 far too long to wait!! Is the third book about Jared?? I can't wait for two or three!!" ~ Mary

"I just finished reading Touch Me and I really really enjoyed it. I'm from an island myself so it really came alive for me!" ~ Hillary

"Lucy, TOUCH ME was a great debut into the historical market. I laughed when I saw Lori Foster's comment: "If you love Linda Howard, Diana Palmer and Elizabeth Lowell, then I think you'd really love Lucy's work." Of course, I do. I especially love Linda Howard's earlier work, and Diana Palmer can write the virgin's story like nobody's business. LOL" ~ Helen B"

I finished Touch Me and I absolutely loved it! The only historicals I have read before are Stephanie Laurens I love her books, but I have to say that now I have another fave to look for! I don't know I think it's the way the characters' personalities capture your attention. I simply loved Drake and Thea! Looking forward to her sister's story!" ~ Niny

"Hello again, I just got Touch Me last night, and I'm totally blown away. Normally, I'm not a big Historical Romance person. They tend to bug me. But this one is just wonderful. I love the characters and they way they interact. Thea is an amazing heroine. Another great read!!!" ~ Heather

"Lucy, Just wanted you to know I finished it last night and even though I normally don't buy historicals, I enjoyed yours and will look forward to more." ~ Lisa F.

"Hello, I read your book Touch Me it was so amazing! I loved it! I truly didn't want the book to end...Pierson and Thea were the most amazing people and lived a beautiful romance. When I read the book I felt like I was there, I've never read a book like that! I read it for hours a day! Even at work on my breaks. I completely loved it. The way
it when back into the times of England and the story, I can't say enough! I'm so exited to read more! I cant hardly wait for the others to come out! I do wonder is the next about Irisa? I know I shouldn't spoil, but I'm exited ^_^! The book gave me such a look on life. I want to thank you for writing something to amazing!" ~ Amanda

"I just finished "Touch Me" and had to tell you how much I loved it. I understand this is your first historical novel. I must say 'Well done!!' I enjoyed it tremendously." ~ Heather

"Lucy, I loooovvvved Touch Me." ~ Shari

"Hi Lucy, just wanted to say I finished reading TOUCH ME. LOVED it. Looking forward to Tempt Me." ~ Loretta

"I found TOUCH ME at Wal-Mart. I just finished reading it. It was Wonderful. I loved how Thea was not afraid to speak her mind and Pierson was a great hero. I think Irisa is going to be a lot like her sister and I can hardly wait to read her story next. Also I think that Jarad's (Thea's twin brother) book will be fabulous. He has a lot of issues to deal with because of his father's lies. TOUCH ME is a must read. It has a little of everything. Passion, Romance, adventure, mystery. This is a **HOT** read!" ~ Amy