Books › That Special Touch
That Special Touch
First published 1991 · 189 pages
A sun-drenched Mediterranean escape where forced proximity and a demanding single father turn a reluctant artist into the heart of an unexpected family.
What it feels like
Reading this vintage romance feels like stepping into a sun-drenched time capsule of 1990s escapism. Set against the idyllic, warm backdrop of Corfu, the atmosphere is thick with the crackling tension of forced proximity and clashing wills. The narrative moves at a brisk, addictive pace, driven by emotionally heightened dialogue and the delicious friction between a fiercely independent heroine and a classically high-handed alpha hero. Beneath the initial power struggles and emotional blackmail lies a surprisingly tender exploration of vulnerability and the messy, beautiful reality of forming an unexpected family. It is a perfect comfort read for those who delight in old-school category romance, offering a satisfying blend of Mediterranean sunshine, domestic coziness, and hard-won romantic surrender.
- Mood
- sun-drenched
- tense
- escapist
- cozy
- Tone
- earnest
- melodramatic
- romantic
- wry
- Pace
- brisk
- Themes
- forced proximity · instant family · melting the ice king · power imbalances · reluctant caregiving
- The writing
- Emotionally heightened and fast-paced, blending scenic Mediterranean descriptions with sharp, dialogue-heavy interpersonal clashes.
- The arc
- Moves from defensive friction and reluctant obligation to a tender, hard-won domestic harmony.
- Who it's for
- Readers who crave vintage category romance featuring demanding alpha heroes, sunny locales, and the irresistible pull of the instant family trope.
Content notes
- power imbalance
- emotional manipulation
- mild angst
About the book
He was sure of himself, she was full of doubts
Elisa had made the most of her summer rest on Corfu--sketching tourists on the beach. Then, just as she was ready to move on, she met Penny Sinclair, and her life turned upside down.
Left unexpectedly without a nanny for his daughter, Penny, Rafe Sinclair had no qualms about ruthlessly organizing Elisa for the job--emotionally blackmailing her into becoming part of Rafe's uneasy household--whether she liked it or not.
But all three of them got rather more than they bargained for...
Description from Open Library.
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