Just One Touch

This is my first book by Debra Mullins and I am definitely interested in reading more of her work in the future. Just One Touch is very unusual in the historical romance genre in that it tackles - and pretty successfully, IMO - the issue of rape/sexual abuse. This is not something that is written about much in this genre and when I have read a book where a character has been raped or abused, I've found that authors often don't deal with it *at all* to my satisfaction and tend to want to gloss over the very real and lengthy process of recovery and healing. This book is an emotion-driven book and although it has a bad guy subplot, the real focus is the loving and trusting relationship that develops slowly but surely between Rogan and Caroline. They are both "damaged" and have much to overcome, especially in their relationship with each other, and Mullins does a great job of portraying this believably and sensitively. My only criticism would be that some of the dialogue between the hero and heroine was a little too corny/sappy for me. MAIN CHARACTERS (contains *spoilers*): Caroline (20) was kidnapped five years ago and the men who kidnapped her sexually abused her. Since then, she has flinched from touching anyone (except for her father, the Duke of Belvingham) and has remained secluded in the country, staying away from society and strangers. Rogan comes from a long line of amazing horse trainers, but all of those in his family who have the gift of this connection also invariably have a raging temper. Rogan fears this side of himself and, once he is married to Caroline, is anxious that his temper never be a source of fear for her. Rogan's patience with and love for Caroline can be seen immediately and watching them help each other battle their demons is truly touching. Although Caroline is a somewhat timid heroine at the beginning, when she decides to take control of her life and fight her memories of the past with Rogan's help, we see her start to come out of her shell. She becomes much stronger and isn't cowed by Rogan or afraid to stand up to him - even when he is angry. The progression occurs slowly enough that one doesn't doubt the believability or authenticity of such a change. SUMMARY (from inside page): "Rogan Hunt would like to forget his disreputable history and rebuild his family's ruined estate in peace and solitude. But when a damsel in distress requires rescuing from highwaymen, he dares not turn away - especially when she is Lady Caroline Ware, the enchantress he has admired for years from afar. Yet when her father offers Rogan her hand in gratitude, the reformed rogue is taken aback, for he never believed this treasure could truly be his... A marriage to the notorious Rogan Hunt? The handsome scoundrel puzzles her, terrifies her. But in the night, his words are kind and caring, his touch tender and patient, arousing a desire she never thought she could feel for any man. But there is danger in his seduction - for surrendering to

This book draws you in immediately. Most books that I have read takes a couple chapters to really draw you in, but this one gets you instantly. Both Rogan and Caroline are hurt deeply by past experiences. Yet both their experiences help each other to overcome them. While their love builds so does the tension of a evil man scheming to get his hands on something Caroline and Rogan have. He will go to any kind of lenghts to get it and Rogan will stop at nothing to stop him and to protect his fragile wife. When starting this book I didn't want to put it down. I have already read this book four times and i am reading it again. I love this book.

I have been a long time fan of Ms. Mullins and I must say that I think her writing is only getting better with each effort she produces. "Just One Touch" is without a doubt is one romantic and moving read that fans of the romance genre will not want to miss. Lady Caroline Ware lives in fear. She was abducted when she was a young girl and tormented. She is now a grown woman and is terrified of men. She is on her way home one night when her coach is set upon by highwaymen but a dark angel comes to her rescue. Rogan Hunt. He comes out of no where and saves her. It's the first time a man touches her and she feels safe. Little does she know she has been touched by her fate. Rogan Hunt is going to change her life if she allows him into her heart. Rogan Hunt is trying to put his life back together again after coming back from the war. His brother and father of sold off all of their legacy in order to drink. He has promised himself that he will not give into his anger and demons. He is on his way home when fate gives him a nudge. He saves the beautiful daughter of the local Duke. He is unprepaired for what the Duke proposes when he attends a meeting he has been invited to. The Duke is being slowly poisoned and he wants to make sure that Caroline is protected. He knows that Rogan is the man for the job. Rogan has a little faith but agrees just the same. He is not good enough for the beautiful Caroline but he can't help but feel things for her. Can she truly find the goodness in him that he thinks is long gone? Can these two people find love and acceptance together? Rogan and Caroline are wonderful characters. Their romance is slowly built and all the more sweet because of this. I truly was engrossed in the read eagerly wanting to see how this story would end. I highly recommend Ms. Mullins. She is a very talented author that has the ability to create stories that entertain the reader until the final page. Official Reviewer for www.romancedesigns.com

Rogan Hunt had been known as a notorious wastrel with a disreputable history. Since coming home from the war he was determined in rebuilding his family's ruined estate and once renowned stables. Racing though the night to let off steam and drive the beasts away that tormented him, he came upon a lady in distress being accosted by brigands. The damsel was the very beautiful and reclusive Lady Caroline Ware, whom he'd admired from afar, so naturally, he pulled off a most dramatic rescue. At the age of fifteen Lady Caroline had been abducted and held for ransom for four days before Bow Street had rescued her. That ordeal had left her emotionally scarred and terrified of a man's touch. As she was delivered home to her father, the ailing Duke of Belvingham, couldn't help but notice the significance of his daughter actually accepting the hand of Rogan Hunt as helped her alight from the coach. She hadn't touched the hand of any man in over five years. Knowing he was dying, and wanting to provide for his daughter's protection, the duke summoned and presented Rogan with a proposition he felt the man would jump at, one that included the hand of his daughter. Rogan who had harbored his own demons refused the offer until the duke explained that he was being poisoned and feared for his daughter's safety should his despicable heir have control of her fortune. Rogan knew he would do anything he could to protect her, even if it meant protecting her from himself. Unfortunately, Rogan's challenge would be protecting them all from an insidious evil before their love and a gentle touch would heal them both. *** What follows is one of the more romantic and touching tales I have had the pleasure of reading this year, as Rogan and Caroline come to learn the meaning of trust and allowing their hearts into one another's keeping. Both the main protagonists were so beautifully fleshed out that the reader will at once find themselves swept up into the emotions of trust and caring that was so evident in the pages. The suspense was palatable and will keep the pages turning into a non-stop read. Wonderful writing completes this marvelous love story that I highly recommend. BRAVA Ms. Mullins on a truly passionate and most romantic love story! --- Marilyn, for www.romancedesigns.com ----

The Duke knows he is dying and has one worry the welfare of his adult daughter Caroline. Years ago she was abducted and though rescued fears the touch of a man. When the Duke meets Rogan Hunt he feels he has found an honorable man who will see to the welfare of his beloved Caroline after he dies. He learns Rogan is obsessed with restoring the honor and reputation to his family name, which starts with money to pay off debts. The Duke offers a marriage of convenience in which Rogan takes care of Caroline and in return will have the funds needed to achieve his objective. Rogan agrees and so does Caroline when her dad makes it a death wish vow. To her surprise, her spouse proves gentle, caring and patient with her. Rogan slowly gets her used to his tender touch and soon this couple falls in love. However, an unknown villain does not want this pair to make it as he has plans for the estates; this person has killed and will do so again to accomplish what he desires. Though the machinations of the villain add suspense, this takes away from a wonderful Regency romance starring two delightful protagonists. Rogan is a gentle person except when it comes to anyone harming his beloved; then he turns into a wild avenger. Caroline is a fabulous lead character whose fear of men makes her atypical of the females who star in sub-genre novels. Debra Mullins provides a wonderful historical romantic suspense that is at its best when a tender Rogan slowly wins over the heart and body of his scarred spouse. Harriet Klausner