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Cassandra Grant fell in love with her best friend’s brother, Jake Reilly at the age of fourteen. The love was unrequited because Jake had a girlfriend and always considered Cassie a kid. Cassie moved on with her life and went to college, but never got over her feelings for Jake. Then one fateful night, Jake walks into the bar Cassie’s tending. He’s feeling down because his girlfriend, Sandy turned down his proposal of marriage. He drinks himself into oblivion and Cassie helps him get home. Once she gets him home, one thing leads to another and Cassie gives Jake her virginity. Jake handles the morning after very badly and Cassie ends up feeling used.
Jake never forgot that one night with Cassie, but his long time girlfriend changed her mind and Jake followed through with the marriage. Now, it’s five years later and Jake’s sister Lizzy is getting married. A newly divorced Jake is the best man and Cassie is the maid-of-honor. The moment she sees Jake, Cassie realizes she still has strong feelings for him. Jake’s feeling something too. He is determined to have Cassie and he wants more than just one night. Jake regrets the way he acted after their one night stand and he wants Cassie to know he’s interested.
Cassie is hiding something from Jake, something that could change everything. Will she have the courage to tell him her secret? Will Jake be able to forgive her for keeping the secret for five years?
I have to give Susie Charles high marks for character development. Not only did she do a great job with Cassie and Jake, but the secondary characters that played a huge part in this story were well developed and real. Jake could be a little over the top and a little pushy, but since Cassie needed a little push, it balanced out.
ONE TOUCH is an incredibly poignant story about unrequited love that finally ignites like a match to gasoline. You can feel the love between Cassie and Jake, but they have to find the trust and confidence in themselves and each other to make it work. I think Susie Charles did a remarkable job with this story and I would love to read more by her. I definitely recommend this book; it will capture your heart with just one touch.
Reviewed by Jennifer Ray
for The Road to Romance
September 19, 2004
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