Touch & Go

by Mira Lyn Kelly

[Lynn]

I admit to having tears in my eyes whilst reading Touch & Go – not only from joy but out of sheer frustration too!

I wasn't expecting such an assault on my emotions when I began reading. It was exhausting at times because you will want to scream at your book/reading device at the characters' actions. I loved both of the protagonists, but seriously wanted to put them both in a bag and shake them violently ;-) Be prepared for love, unrequited love, lies, betrayal, despair and hope.

Sam and Ave have spent twenty years in a loving platonic relationship. As adults they live in the same building, they spend all their spare time together along with a close knit group of friends. They are best friends and share each others secrets, or do they?

Ave Meyers is trying to avoid Stalker Steve aka Steven Hapron's advances so needs a “fake” date to accompany her to a firm's mixer at a swanky hotel. After initially turning her down due to a prior engagement, Sam Farrow changes his plans to help out his best friend – their problems begin when they need to make their “relationship” authentic to convince Steve that Ave is not available.

And so begins a catalogue of events that will have you living all the emotions Sam and Ave go through – there are many. The author does a really thorough job of conveying the depth of feelings the protagonists are dealing with. The tension is palpable at all times during the various changes within Sam and Ave's shifting relationship. What starts out as fun, turns into something that is very believable if it wasn't for deep rooted doubts both of them have. First and foremost they are friends and that is something neither are willing to compromise. With best intentions, or foolishness, they test the boundaries of their twenty year friendship with devastating consequences. What started out as an innocent curiosity back-fires on them spectacularly resulting in them realising they can never go back to being the friends they have always been. Both have kept their change in relationship status to themselves, so are isolated from sharing their emotional burdens with their friends. Only a bold life-changing decision provides the catalyst to finally put Sam and Ave's relationship back on track.

This is the second book I have read by Mira Lyn Kelly and look forward to more in the future.

4½ Stars

***arc generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley***