Once Touched, the final novel in Laura Moore's delightful Silver Creek series, is another well-written and engaging romance between two very appealing protagonists.

Quinn Knowles is a kind-hearted and giving young woman. She has a soft spot for abused animals and she is passionate about rescuing injured or abandoned animals. In her mid-twenties, she has never had a serious relationship and now that both of her brothers have fallen in love, she fully realizes what she is missing out on by not having a special person in her life. But her few attempts at intimacy have left her with plenty of self-doubts so Quinn has decided to take a break from looking for Mr. Right.

Ethan Saunders is a photographer in need of a quiet place to recover from the wounds he sustained in an IED attack during his assignment in Afghanistan. Not only does he have fond memories of the time spent on Silver Creek Ranch but it is on the opposite side of the country from his well-meaning but smothering friends and family. Although he is still recovering from the physical injuries he sustained during roadside bombing, Ethan is struggling with survivor's guilt and grief over the deaths of the soldiers who lost their lives in the attack.

Quinn and Ethan get off on the wrong foot at their first meeting and both are a little dismayed when they must work together on the ranch. But as their paths continue to cross, a surprising attraction begins to grow between them. However, Ethan is convinced that he is too old and too broken for someone as sweet and innocent as Quinn, so he tries to keep his distance from her. Meanwhile, Quinn is charmed by Ethan's instant rapport with her beloved herd of goats and she slowly begins to appreciate his sharp intelligence and keen observation skills.

Passion flares between them after Quinn reveals a rather shocking secret and they embark on a no strings fling. Desire slowly turns to love but Quinn knows Ethan will have to confront his painful past before they can fully commit to a future together. She devises a plan that will leave him with no choice but to deal with everything he has been avoiding but will Ethan forgive Quinn for her deception?

Once Touched is a captivating addition to Laura Moore's heartwarming Silver Creek series. The romance between Ethan and Quinn develops at a leisurely pace but it is an absolute joy watching them truly get to know each other before they act on their mutual desire. As always, the Knowles family is in the middle of the action as they offer their advice and support to both Ethan and Quinn. A heartfelt and passion-filled romance that I highly recommend to old and new fans of this wonderful series.
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Quinn loves animals and loves to rescue them. Any animal who needs help is not to hard for her. But when her mom tells her an old friend is coming to stay who needs some recovery time, she finds she may have met her match. Humans can be too hard for Quinn sometimes, she's not always good at relationships, To make matters worse her brothers have found the loves of there lives, which is great for them, but Quinn has yet to meet the right guy for her yet.
Ethan is tired and sore and all he wants is to arrive at the ranch and to be left alone. And what does he get, a chirpy, grown up, Quinn, a regime of hard work to keep him busy while he recovers and a lot more that took him completely by surprise.

This is an enjoyable story, nicely written. Quinn is a loveable character with a heart of gold and Ethan had a lot issues to contend with, he needed a strong woman like Quinn.
This was a wonderful ending to a great series. 5/5 ( )