From USA Today bestselling author Willow Winters comes a heart-wrenching, edge-of-your-seat gripping, romantic suspense. I ran from him, even though my heart knew better.Love was one thing, but survival another.He chose a life of crime. I never wanted any of it; I only wanted him. I left when the danger bled into my life, taking more than I was willing to sacrifice.I should have known he’d come … sacrifice.
I should have known he’d come for me. Men like him always get what they want.
The temptation in his eyes, the heat of his touch . . . it’s all still there, but his gaze is harsher now and his grasp unrelenting.
He’s not the boy I fell in love with, although pieces of what we once had are still there. I can feel it.
I know what he wants from me, and I know it comes with a steep price. I’ll pay it though, if for no other reason than to touch him again. Just once more.
I’ll close my eyes and forget about the risks that come with this life and with him. I only hope he doesn’t do the same.
Desperate to Touch is book 2 in a series. Hard to Love must be read first.
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I have no idea how any of ya’ll started the epic journey of Seth and Laura like 8 months ago and didn’t go bonkers waiting on each layer of their story to release. So, I consider myself lucky because I just #binged Hard to Love, Desperate to Touch and Tempted to Kiss last week in preparation for Easy to Fall coming in just a little over a week! But I’m only lucky because I just discovered W. Winters / Willow Winters recently. Had I known her greatness back in the day, I’d be bonkers right along with you guys waiting for her words to release because I would have #one-clicked as they released!!
As I always do when I #binge (after the fact/release) I’m reviewing it all in one sitting so here goes ….
As far as beginnings go for a journey, Hard to Love was pretty epic. My heart was trippin guys! Like full on palpitations thru the entire read! I was always feeling , sometimes happy sometimes not, but always passionate ! This author is addictive. Her style and voice gripped me. The storyline gripped me. I felt like I was chasing a high at every turn of the page and I could not wait to find out how every little thing would unfold!
As the journey of Laura and Seth continues in Desperate to Touch , the depth of the story blew me away. We were only in book two of a four book journey, so I expected a lot things to happen (maybe?) but the level of depth and growth the author builds with both Laura and Seth and their story is awe-inspiring! I became even more invested in this story. The tangled web of electrifying skeletons, both in their past and in their present, were starting to clash and I felt I was in the eye of the storm as a reader. It has been a really long time since a fictional couple has gripped me this way. Seriously, where has Willow Winters been my whole life?!?!
That takes us to Tempted to Kiss and what I can only describe as a full-on heart attack! #holdme (if you follow me or even just know me, this would be the part where I tell the author to FUCKTHEFUCKOFF mostly because she/he made me feel too much or they just epically blew me out of the water.) I seriously have never been this alive thru a story of this proportion. Four books so far (if you count the prelude, Longing to Hold) and I am still jonesing for more like a thirsty addict! Exhilarating beyond reason with unimaginable plot twist and turns and that will leave you staring into space long after you finish …. #JesusSaveMeFromThisStory
I know countless people have said this but since I was one who did not heed the warnings, I’m gonna repeat it for those of you in the back … You’re not ready for this. You’ll never be ready for this. You know nothing. You will feel everything. It’s gonna hurt … in the best possible way. #TRUST
Wow, what a story!
The way Seth and Laura reconnect and what transpired between them. Their growth as characters and love for each other, their determination, confidence, the push and pull keeps me wanting to know more! So many secrets and suspense surrounding them keeps me enthralled and wanting more to their story. I can’t wait for what’s to come In book 3!
This is the second book in the Hard to Love series, and the continuation of Seth, and Laura story. This book pics up where book one ends, Laura having left Seth for her own safety, is trying to move on, but Seth isn’t done with her, and he plans to get her back. This was another amazing read in this series, this is well written, the characters have explosive chemistry, and kept me engaged the whole way through. This is intense, emotional, raw, passionate, steamy, dramatic, suspenseful, and a must read. I can’t wait to continue is book three.
Ms. Winters has done it again – another dark masterpiece – a roller coaster of emotions and plot twists I didn’t see coming. This book is everything and then some! She continues to blow me away with each book in the series. I can’t wait to see what happens next. I need to know more about Marcus too!
#MSBB
Holy wow.
I thought there was a good bit to keep up with in the first book, it has nothing on the way my heart is pounding right now.
Years. It’s been years, and Seth & Laura are reunited, although it doesn’t seem to be the happy meeting one would hope for.
Honestly, I’m kind of in love with Seth King. He’s just this balance of all the right things and it’s very captivating.
And freaking Laura. She keeps trying to make the right decisions, and things don’t seem to go her way.
Off to the next book.
I love how Laura and Seth’s reunion was not a traditional one. I love how each one could feel the pull and knew no matter what they were each others halves. Seth is harder now. More red in his blood stream that runs hot. He believes he is the devil in disguise until he is back in the same space with Laura.
I knew Laura was a strong spirited soul. She proved that in book one. Now to see how she is trying her hardest to redeem herself in Seth’s eyes…Its just amazing. The end is just the tip of the iceberg and I cannot wait to see what happens in book 4!!!!
One star less for this part of the series,and that is because I really didn’t like Seth’s behavior towards Laura.
It honestly felt like he is totally different guy in some parts of the book and then he would do something that would remind me of old Seth.
It was frustrating.
What I did like is the story-line.It continuous right from the cliffhanger and it was very mysterious and engaging.
But,one star less because Seth really pissed me of a few times.
She just can’t stay away from him! This is the continuation of book 1, Laura and Seth and oh poor Laura! I just want her to be happy.. and I want Seth to live a normal life. But he can’t. He’s in too deep.
I love these mobster, bad guy stories.
In the last book , Laura’s life just shattered. She has to get away from him. He won’t leave the life and she can’t be around it anymore. But she knows, she wants to stay away from him but she just can’t do it. The way he calls her babygirl… the look he gives her… Love it. Love this series and can’t wait to see what happens next.
Desperate to Touch is book Two in the Hard to Love Series. This continues the story of Laura Roth and Seth King, so you really should read the previous book ‘Hard to Love’ first before starting this one. This book picks up where Laura had left Seth because of the dangerous crime life he has chosen which had started to touch her. Seth of course was hurt by Laura leaving but not willing to let her go so he was set on getting her back. Laura has started to come into her own more in this book and growing to understand herself more but still unsure of Seth’s real feelings. Seth has become more alpha with Laura and has increased his protectiveness since danger isn’t far away. This series just keeps getting better and better. Seth and Laura story doesn’t end in this book but continues into the next one called ‘Tempted to Kiss’. This series is perfect if you want something that takes your mind away from the everyday life and just allows you to ‘live’ in another life.
Seth and Laura are back in this story. Laura left when the danger became too much but now Seth has found her. He will not let her go this time. A life of crime is what he chose and Laura will always be his. Another good read and continuation of this couple’s story.
How does Willow Winters do this to me EVERY time??? I can’t help but get sucked right into her books. Again I did not want to put this book down for one second. Like book one, I read and listen to the audiobook at the same time, and it’s a good thing I did. Any chance I had to enjoy it, I did. At work, in the shower, in the car. You name it, and I was probably reading this book while doing it.
Like I said in my review for Hard to Love Seth and Laura are one of my favorite Willow couples ever! And my love for them was put to the forefront even more in this book.
Anything Seth does or says makes me turn into a puddle of mush. He’s so complex, compelling and SO DAMN HOT Like sometimes I just can’t take it. I have to stop reading, compose myself and then get back to reading. Willow KNOWS how to right my kind of alpha male. Possessive, relentless, and ready to do anything to keep Laura safe and where she is. Laura is somehow so much stronger and confident in this book. She’s not afraid to tell you how she feels or to stand up for herself. Their relationship is inevitable to me and cannot be denied, no matter how hard Laura tries to not have feelings for Seth. It is just so hard not to love (see what I did there ) him. And the chemistry these too have Woah (or whoa not sure of the spelling here). Just woah.
I can’t believe how creative and well written all of Willow’s book are. This book is such a great addition to the Cross brothers world. This book knocked me on my ass and had me literally gasping every other chapter. It’s intense, exciting, all consuming, heart pounding and keeps you on your toes. I have NO clue where Willow will take this but I know I won’t be disappointed. The twists and turns are by no means over just yet and I’m so ready to dive into book three!!
Liked This Installment EVEN MORE Than Book One
*arc generously provided by the promo team in exchange for an honest review*
“And there’s no remedy, for memory
Your face is like a melody,
It won’t leave my head
Your soul is haunting me and telling me
That everything is fine
But I wish I was dead.”
Dark Paradise – Lana Del Rey
What’s this book about? (I’m trying to give as little spoilers as possible)
Laura and Seth were separated for years. Now, he’s back in her life and he wants her to pay.
This was my second read by W. Winters. I purchased the Hard To Love & Desperate To Touch paperbacks on Amazon. Me being a new Winters reader, I had no idea that there’d be a fourth book. But Candi Kane PR posted up a link, so I signed up for all the arcs. I then read the arcs before I received the physical copies (THEY CAME IN FROM AMERICA LOL).
Now to the part that’s interesting. W. Winters made me fall in love with Seth and Laura in book one. I picked up book two right after finishing book one. Desperate To Touch was another thrilling, emotional and page-turning ride. Seth and Laura’s back and forth here was just exquisite. I can’t put it into words how W. Winters captivates me with her work. She’s one of the few authors who use words like magic; she puts a spell on me with every sentence. I’m not a sentimental type, often opting for more aggressive books, but W. Winters gets me EVERY TIME SO FAR. She plays emotions like she’s been born to do it. I can’t talk about the plot at all because it’ll take away the sweet and bitter surprise. The characters’ chemistry is intense (that’s an understatement though). The characters themselves aren’t perfect; they’re oozing realness. Laura really irritates me with some of her actions, yet I love her. How Seth and Laura progress during the novel is just part of how amazing the entire experience is, even if they really REALLY could be making it easier for themselves. If I were to say something negative, it’s that I’m not that invested in Seth’s out-Laura-activities. I read it but not with the enthusiasm that I read the other parts of the story.
And DAMN, W. Winters is the MASTER of CLIFFHANGERS. Sheesh.
I recommend this read to all the W. Winters fans, intense romance lovers, character chemistry on fleek seekers and people who love the thrill of a good cliffy.
To be honest I feel like this story is being drawn out. I was hoping for a little more besides sex with them. I hate that Laura just gave in to him and they both pretend they aren’t “together.” Besides finding out about her dad and them seeing each other again I don’t feel like this book had much of a purpose. The only reason I gave it two stars is because the sex scenes were hot.
I wrote this review based on an advance reading copy that the publisher sent me.
4.5 Cranky Stars
Alright! This one was much better. It traveled one path and didn’t jump around like book one. It was full of edge of your seat action and a few times I kept questioning how stupid Laura is because girl you are in danger. Anytime spent near Seth is hazardous to her health and mental wellbeing but love makes you stupid I suppose. Desperate to Touch takes place eight years later and right after book one where these two find each other again. Well Seth knew where she was, but Laura didn’t know where Seth was. This is that story. A story filled with truths and hurt and lies.
Laura was going through the motions. She has a successful job as a nurse at a psychiatric facility and a nice comfortable place to live. She makes friends with a fellow nurse Bethany and things seem to be going well. She soon realizes that Seth is tasked with following Bethany as a sort of security guard. All too soon they fall back into their toxic ways. Seth is angry and wants to punish Laura and Laura is just desperate to find the boy she loved under all that mean gruff exterior. None of this goes as planned and Seth soon learns that Laura is withholding vital information. Laura isn’t sure who to trust and puts herself in the crosshairs of an evil man once again thanks to Seth or so she thinks. She finds out a scary truth about her past and well let’s just say things go wrong. Very very wrong.
I did like this one more. I will always question Laura and Seth’s relationship. I know they love each other in their own messed up ways I suppose but man they aren’t good for each other. This book does take a trip into the S&M territory once again. I feel like Seth uses sex as a punishment to make Laura act right. I’m sensing the erotic part of this novel may be a theme for this author and that’s cool. I’m not sure if there is a series about the Cross brothers but they are major players in this book. This book ends once again with a big open question mark. I guess it’s on to book three to see what happens next!
The second in Seth and Laura’s story. Years have passed since Laura started over far away from Seth and the crew. There are still secrets that are shadowed in dark corners that we’re waiting to be exposed, but between then and now, Laura finds out Seth isn’t as far as she thought. For Seth, there really was never a question of if, but more of when he would come face to face with her again. The emotions running through him when he does…. turbulent to say the least. I like his inner conflict, what he planned to do vs. what he wants to do vs. what he does when he actually gets her in front of him again. And her thoughts are just as unsettled. Add to this the mystery that’s unfolding around them that seems to focus on them and their past, just more reasons to keep turning the pages and now, grab the next book, Tempted to Kiss~
So Seth & Laura of course picked up where they left off in Hard To Love, but in a adrenaline pumping way that I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. I love how Willow is able to bring the sexiness and softness in her characters that they complement their story very well.
It has been a while since I read Hard To Love, but I didn’t feel lost at all. I love how Laura is a strong woman, who can stand her ground. And than there is Seth, who will do anything, I mean anything for Laura and will stop at nothing to make her his forever. I absolutely loved it and definitely worth more than 5************* I can’t wait to read more from Willow Winters.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book in exchange for honest review.
Even though I had this book in my queue for a while, I couldn’t read it as my reading queue was overflowing and to be honest, I wanted all books together so that I feel actual depth of the series. Finally, I gave in to the urge and finished reading both Desperate to Touch and Tempted to kiss in one shot.
Seth and Laura’s story continues with all the elements you expect from a novel. Here we are several years after the events of Hard To Love, following on from the last chapter of Book 1. Laura ran from Seth and all the danger his lifestyle placed her in, but inevitably, years later, they reconnect. Seth’s current lifestyle is way more dangerous than before. Laura is yet to understand and accept it fully. Seth’s love and passion for her are all mixed up with his anger and hurt but he doesn’t intend to ever let her get away again. Despite their own insecurities, the chemistry between Laura and Seth is undeniable.
Marcus is still a mystery and causes trouble to Cross brothers. He seems to be all-knowing with endless reach. No one ever gets the best of him. No one knows who he is or what he looks like. With officer Walsh may be onside or he may not be—more to be discovered on that one.
It has action, danger and suspense and the book ends on quite the cliff-hanger. I am impatient for the final book to see how the story between these two conclude!
Wow! What a continuation of book 1.
I started this morning and I couldn‘t stop reading. I‘m addicted to Laura and Seth‘s story and I can‘t believe how it ended in this book! What a twist of events.
I loved how we got to see more of their current lives and I‘m so curious about Lauras patients. I feel like there is some sort of twist there aswell.
Seth was great and I could feel how hurt he was that Laura left him all those years ago and that he somehow still loves her alot. I can‘t wait to see how it goes between the two.
I‘m starting with the next book right now, because this series is soooo good you just need to binge read them all!
5 out of 5
Seth is totally my favorite so far out of all Willow Winters books! Holy hotness with an extra side of Bow Chica WowWow!!!! He is sexy as sin and alpha to the core! I was completely sucked into this book from page one and it was so intense! Laura and Seth together?! Hot! And the mystery of Marcus just keeps spinning and it’s getting even more crazy! I can’t wait to dive into Seth and Laura’s next story!
In the second book in series „Hard to Love” we are coming back to Seth and Laura story.
After the events in the first book, Laura is running away of problems and Seth, but she knows that he will find her in the end of the world.
She doesn’t wait to long, because Seth always was near her.
And when they finally met again the fire burned like in hell.
„Desperate to Touch” is a outstanding continuation „Hard to love”. I really like the plot in Seth and Laura story. The desire, lust and chemistry between them is so perfect! I felt these emotions on every page in this book!
Willow Winters done a great job with heroes in her story. Laura grown up, she is more courage and responsible. Finally this woman knows what she wants and she does everything to get her target.
Seth is fragile. Finally! In the first book he was alpha without mercillies and now Winters show us a man with indecisions and sensitivities. Both of them were changed, but these changes are so good!
We have also a black sheep in this book and finally we can know about him more information. I can’t wait what W. Winters preapred for us in the third instalment of this story „Tempted to Kiss”!
„Desperate to Touch” is a really good book. This is steamy, captivating and totally intense story with fantastic heroes inside. If You are wondering about reading this series now You know that you must read this!
From prequel until the end! It is a great mafia-suspense love story.