Touch of Love

A Hurt Comfort MM Romance (Trials of Fear, Book 3)

By: Nicky James

Narrated by: Adam Gold

Length: 10 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's Summary

Ireland is convinced no one can love him when his boundaries include no touching.

With a fear of touch deeply ingrained in his core, Ireland has always floundered with love and relationships. All the therapy in the world doesn’t seem to help, and no one wants to love him broken like he is. 

Raven’s patience and understanding seem genuine, but will he stick around when things slide backward? Because they always do. Can Raven accept Ireland’s limitations, or will he be like everyone else and leave in the end? 

Touch of Love is a hurt comfort MM romance with moderate angst. It is part of the Trials of Fear series, but can be listened to as a stand-alone.

©2018 Nicky James (P)2021 Nicky James

Angsty, hurt/ comfort romance

This was an angsty, wholesome, hurt/ comfort romance.

I absolutely loved Adam Gold's narration. It was real, raw and heartfelt.

The author's writing style appealed to me and drew me in from the very beginning


The characters were likeable, relatable and well fleshed out. The storyline was engaging and compelling and the world building was unique and descriptive.

Overall an enjoyable listen.

This book is part of a series but can be listened to as a standalone

When touch brings pain

Phobia: an extreme or irrational fear or an aversion to something
Haphephobia: the fear of touching or of being touched


If you know me, you know I love Nicky James. Especially her books where main characters have a mental illness. I write extensive reviews where I talk about how the book has impacted me. I’m going to *try* to keep this one shorter.

Wish me luck.

First, I completely related to both Ireland and Raven. Ireland might be the one with the phobia, but Raven has just as much to lose. Just as much to gain. Ireland has his reasons for being touch-averse. Only that phobia runs so much deeper. He goes into panic mode when anyone invades his personal space. Even his job as a nurse is barely tolerable because, frankly, nursing requires touching people. Whether taking a blood pressure reading or administering a needle or simply offering a reassuring squeeze, nurses rely on their interactions with patients to calm them.

Ireland has already been on leave several times because of his inability to cope. The first trigger came out of the blue and devastated him. He’s never really recovered. He’s also never really dealt with the underlying trauma. He’s in therapy, and I understood why he didn’t confront the reason for his beliefs – irrational as they are – but my heart ached.

The book begins with him breaking up with his girlfriend of two years. Julia is also a nurse and she knew what she was getting into when she moved in with Ireland. I think she thought she could fix him. Breakups are never pretty, especially when the life you’ve crafted is so meticulous. Faced with taking apart what they had put together, Ireland is flummoxed. Then the movers show up and he and Julia are still bickering. Now, Raven has seen just about everything as a mover, so he’s not really fazed. But he’s struck by Ireland’s beauty. And he senses depth to the man. But after it comes out that Raven’s gay, Irelands standoffishness gets interpreted as homophobia and it didn’t look good.

Things aren’t always what they seem, and the next time they meet, Raven learns more about Ireland. The third time they meet, it’s on Ireland’s terms and Raven manages to convince the man to go out on a real date.

Thus begins the push and pull, parry and retreat, forward and backward, of this relationship. I wanted so badly for things to progress. Raven’s patience never wavered. Not once. That kind of love is precious. And Ireland’s a smart man. He was able to recognize it. But ingrained beliefs are tough to battle. Ireland is always convinced Raven will leave. And to compound things, Ireland has a physical ailment that requires self-care and if there’s one thing he’s not good at, it’s taking care of himself. But doing better for Raven becomes a thing. Seeing his therapist becomes a thing. Being brutally honest with both himself and Raven becomes a thing.

Then came the setback. I knew it was coming. Didn’t know what form it would take, but there was an inevitability to it. Didn’t stop my heart from breaking all over again. So the question was – could they build back better? Stronger? Or would there always be the physical distance as well as the threat of emotional one as well?

Did I say I was going to write a short review? I lied. Big surprise.

Nicky James novels hit me where it hurts. As someone who struggles with a mental illness, I often see parts of myself in these characters. And although this book was written pre-pandemic, I think the lessons are even more profound. Will I ever be comfortable touching someone again? Having them touch me? Will I ever fall into a friend or relative’s arms and just enjoy the embrace without worrying? I think there are going to be a lot of people relating to Ireland’s dilemma. And that’s sad. That’s something that’s been taken away that we may never get back.

Two more quick things – several characters in this book appeared in previous ones and I always like those little cameos. Holds my interest. And finally I’ll mention Adam Gold. He’s fantastic as a narrator and these books suit him. A chance for him to both demonstrate his talent and to give us Ms. James’ words in an even more moving performance. There are more books and I look forward to them.

awesomeness

I love this series!.

It gets deep, dark and disturbing and triggering but thank God at the end there's light. a must read.

No Comforting Touches

Each book in this series hits me in a different way... The idea of not being able to receive even the briefest of comfort in the smallest of touches just breaks my heart. And to find someone who can love you anyway, that helped mend my heart. Ireland and Raven were compelling characters and this story with its ups and downs, kept me completely engaged. As always, Adam Gold offers a top-notch performance. The combination of Adam Gold and Nicky James is magic.

100% perfection

I am going to miss River and Ireland. These two men will dive into your heart, and lodge in there for good. What a moving, heartbreaking, and beautiful story. How can you go wrong with something written so perfectly by Nikki James and narrated by a master Adam Gold?. Absolute perfection, highly highly recommended.

Beautiful

This one just hit me harder. I really empathized with Ireland and his struggles and of course then there’s Raven - a little older with endless patience. I just ADORED them and their journey.

great!

I have been looking forward to this one for awhile and it didn't disappoint! Adam Gold does a great job of bringing this book to life

Not the Same ol Same ol

Nicky James & Adam Gold…the dynamic duo! This was a unique story, not the same ol same ol. Adam Gold was the perfect choice to bring Nicky James’s writing to life! Both are still my very favorites.

5 is not enough

beautiful books all 3 I've been able to listen to hoping so much for the rest to soon release beautiful doesnt even begin to describe it

Adam is gold

I’m honestly not sure how I’d feel about this book reading it. Nicky is a pro at angst but this was heavy and reading it may have had a whole different feel. Adam Gold is brilliant. His effects and storytelling is above and beyond. I cannot wait for Krew’s story.

Amazing story and narration

Loved this book. Every time I hear the song from Rob Thomas now it chokes me up. Another fantastic book by Nicky James

Amazing!!

never in my whole life have I heard the word IRELAND sound so damn sexy!! I love Ireland and raven! Adam gold, you are magic! Nick James, you are an amazing author. I absolutely love this series!!

Amazing love story against all odds!

Loved the two main characters and their relationship. I cried on several occasions, but also laughed on many too!

Wow

I absolutely loved this book, the emotion just grabs you from page one and doesn't let go.

I knew Adam Gold was good but oh wow does he rock this one. Every time I listen to one of his narrations I just want it to never end so more please 🙏

Deeply emotional and wonderfully romantic

Every book in this series has been exceptional, and Raven and Ireland's romance was no different. Starting out with Ireland in such an emotionally raw state made me instantly connect with him, and as I learned more about his phobia and how it affected his life I only became more invested in his happiness. Listening to Ireland's shame, frustration, and guilt was excruciating at times, and Adam's emotional narration made me feel like I was right there in the room with him as he agonized over his inability to be "normal". Ireland was the kind of guy who put a lot of pressure on himself, and several times I found myself wishing he would give himself a break. Raven's loving support couldn't have been more soothing to me, and I loved watching him rewrite all of Ireland's preconceived notions about what a relationship should be. As the two of them spent more time together, what struck me about Raven wasn't that he perfectly anticipated Ireland's needs, because he did make mistakes at times, but that he listened and adapted his behaviors to make his partner feel safe. Even after Ireland's most triggering moments, Raven was there, offering support and love in whatever way he could. The two of them proved that the strongest love isn't formed with physical intimacy, but with an emotional bond of trust and unconditional support. 

**I voluntarily listened to a free copy of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions. 

Love Ireland so much♥

Ireland is one of my all time favorite from the Trials of Fear series, and I couldn't wait to hear his story with Adam Gold's voice.

It was so good. So, so full with emotions. I love Adam's voice and I love how he narrates, he gives life to these characters.

Loved to be back with Ireland and Raven again, I missed them and their story was just as good for the second time as it was for the first. I fell in love again.

And Krew is next! Wow I really CAN NOT wait for his story.

*my ebook review from earlier:

Nicky James's name is a guarantee for an amazing book. And the Trials of Fear series is so good, mental illness is one of my favorite trope, I love reading about different illnesses and Nicky's writing is always awesome!

This book was so good in every level. I loved Ireland and Raven, both were unique and strong characters.
And the fact that Raven was a singer, OMG I loved him more for this, especially at the end when he performed for Ireland's mom and for Ireland too.

The book was an emotional ride, it hurt to read about Ireland's fears and wars, but at the same time it was beautiful too.
The little touches, the kisses, and oh man, that first kiss was everything! Best of the best kisses!

"Touch is not always painful. Touch can be gentle and soothing. Touch is a form of intimacy."

It was beautiful in and out. I loved reading it and loved every page. The slow heat was so good! It builded up beautifully, and the intimacy of their relationship was lovely!

I highly recommend this book, although it wasn't my favorite in the series, I loved the second book - Shades of Darkness- much better, I've cried over it so many times, but this book was good too!
And plus point for Ireland's T1 diabetes- it was well written.

Amazing & Beautiful Journey 💞💞

Absolutely Loving this series by Nicky James this one is a beautiful and inspirational journey. Ireland & Raven stole my heart they are amazing together, Ireland fighting hard to overcome his phobia of touch he's scared, angry and frustrated feeling alone until he meets Raven he's patient, understanding he sees the beautiful soul that Ireland is the generosity of spirit and loves him for it. Adam Gold has done a Fantastic job bringing these two amazing people to life the voices are captivating Loved it... Had the pleasure of reviewing this can't recommend it enough if you loved books listen to this you won't be disappointed brilliant. 💞💞

In awe!

Story: Nicky James tackles extremely difficult topics in her books, but Touch of Love has become one of my favorites! The care and skill used to describe life with a debilitating phobia, very often visceral and radiating pain, is awe inspiring!
The book is very emotional, dark in places and there are no punches held, but it's beautiful, true and amazingly well written.
The story is a standalone, but do yourself a favor and read / listen to the whole series. It's a true masterpiece!
Narration: Adam Gold did a splendid job with Ireland and Raven. The performance is very emotional and spot on! It enhances the story without overshadowing it and the voice is brilliant! Must be one of my favorite narrations ever! Really impressive <3

oh yes!

this was everything.. it was amazing and sexy.. interesting and wonderful.. the narrator does a gorgeous job with these characters and who they are.. it was perfection and i loved it

perfect and beautiful performance loved

listening to Adam gold preform Ireland and raven's story was beautiful made me feel every emotion from Ireland and raven I felt like I was right along side them

Adam gold did the voices exceltly how I imagined them just beautiful