The Touch: (The Cotiere Chronicles #2) by Michelle Bolanger

Synopsis: Alexander Koch lives a life most men would kill for. As the sole heir to his family’s enormous wealth, he enjoys the finer things in life despite the crippling pain that increases with every passing day. Until he meets the one he’s intended for. The one whose slightest touch makes the pain vanish. But after a chance meeting at the first Gathering of their kind, the girl runs from him in terror. Now he’s willing to spend every last cent to find her.

Jessalyn Vogt escaped her father’s controlling ways and has settled into a simple life, caring for her horses and brewing coffee for her customers. Until Alexander Koch tracks her down. She wants nothing to do with his arrogance, his money, or the undeniable attraction drawing her to him. But she knows she is the only one who can relieve him of the horrible pain racking his body.

The Cotiere has been reunited, but that was the easy part. Greed and old traditions threaten to tear it apart again. Trust has been compromised and hidden agendas are destroying the fragile truce between parents and children. It’s in the hands of the new counsel to keep it together, even if it means some must be willing to lose everything.

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1NS7Sds

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27390380-the-touch-the-cotiere-chronicles-2

5 Stars-YA Paranormal appropriate for ages 18 and up due to violence

I loved the first book so when the chance came up to review the second I jumped on it!  This book is not for the faint of heart. It’s filled with pain, anger and loss.  The sadness in this book kinda broke my heart.  To need something but not want it; to want something but fear accepting the unknown.  The feelings in this book are written superbly.  I felt Jessi’s fear, her anger at being controlled and her sense of freedom when she started to live her life on her terms.

Jessi is a kind yet fractured soul.  She shows amazing courage by paving her own path.  I loved the fact that she worked with horses that need special attention, it shows her patience as a person.  And I loved that even though she was skeptical when it came to Alexander, she still gave him a chance.  But she isn’t a push-over; she made him work for it!  The balance of frailty and strength is weighed evenly, with no one side as the winner.  I loved that about her character.  Seriously, I loved her character more than the first book.  But don’t tell the author. J

Alexander, swoon! Who doesn’t love a man with a beard? He is brooding and aggressive, yet sensitive to others needs.  Imagine living in pain, physical pain, every day of his life with no end in sight.  I think it would be very lonely to not have that connection with someone.  To not be able to do those simple things for fear of hurting.  He is very determined to find his Jessi.  His perseverance is incredibly attractive to me.  He had a monumental challenge facing him but he never faltered in his determination.

The open honestly in this book was so refreshing. There was no dancing around what wasn’t said.  Everything was laid on the table and the communication was a key focus in this book. The dialogue had great depth and was hurtful as well as healing.  Sometimes you have to say the words to face it and move on.  I highly recommend this book.  It can be read as a stand-alone, you do not need to read the first one.