I was exasperated with Ireland quite a few times, Maybe just *try* not solely focusing on the negatives, and see how it goes?? Perhaps you can *not* actively push away the person you're terrified will leave you?!? How about you just get a fricking insulin pump already so your friends don't have to worry about you falling into a diabetic coma every other day?!?! lol. But his phobia was told in a way that made it a little easier to empathize with I think, than in the first two books. He was a little slow to make a concerted effort, and it wasn't all linear, but once he got going I appreciated his attempts to overcome. And I really liked the ways the couple found to sort of compromise. There's a middle ground between bulldozing the wishes and feelings of the fearful person, OR never nudging them to move out of their comfort zone at all. And I think this couple ended up getting there. I like where they ended up. ( )

[4.8] Haphephobia - a fear of touching or of being touched.

Ahhhhh my favorite one so far! Each installment follows a similar recipe so this being the third in the series, well, I could predict for the most part how the plot would progress and what setbacks they'd face, but that didn't detract from my enjoyment because the execution was *chef's kiss*.

I'm a complete sucker for romantic relationships built on a foundation of friendship and trust, and the limits on physical touch undeniably amplified the experience.

When it comes down to it, there's still an instalove element of sorts, but their progression from strangers to friends to lovers hit differently with the emphasis placed almost entirely on their emotional bond and path to mutual understanding.

There were a handful of scenes that had my heart squeezing in my chest and me running around in circles because what else does one do when the MCs are being SO GOSH DARN WHOLESOME??

Using the momentum I'd created, forcing myself further, despite his close proximity, I lifted my fingers to my lips, kissed them, and placed them feather-light against his own.

He sighed and closed his eyes; his breath ghosted my hand, and he kissed them back ever so delicately. When he opened his eyes again, I pressed his kiss to my lips in return.

SO SOFT!!! Indirect kisses ftw ( )