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Just a Touch Away #1
Just a Touch Away
Hannah Martin has an unusual job: she’s a professional cuddler. While she has a big heart for her clients, she hasn’t found someone special to snuggle up to in her personal life.
Winter Sullivan isn’t looking for love. She’s an aloof workaholic who’s built walls of ice around herself. She would rather drive toothpicks under her fingernails than cuddle, and she certainly doesn’t want to share her space with anyone.
When Winter’s estranged father dies, he leaves her one last surprise: she and Hannah, a perfect stranger, will inherit a building together. But there’s a catch: first, they have to live together for ninety-two days.
Winter is determined to dislike her rival, but soon finds Hannah isn’t what she expected at all. Thanks to a hilarious doormat war, a cuddle dare from Winter’s half sister, and a kiss in the most unusual of places, the frosty fortress around her heart begins to melt.
Will she be able to accept that love might be just a touch away?
120,000 words
Tags: enemies to lovers romance, forced proximity romance, ice queen romance, opposites attract romance, roommate romance
Winter Sullivan isn’t looking for love. She’s an aloof workaholic who’s built walls of ice around herself. She would rather drive toothpicks under her fingernails than cuddle, and she certainly doesn’t want to share her space with anyone.
When Winter’s estranged father dies, he leaves her one last surprise: she and Hannah, a perfect stranger, will inherit a building together. But there’s a catch: first, they have to live together for ninety-two days.
Winter is determined to dislike her rival, but soon finds Hannah isn’t what she expected at all. Thanks to a hilarious doormat war, a cuddle dare from Winter’s half sister, and a kiss in the most unusual of places, the frosty fortress around her heart begins to melt.
Will she be able to accept that love might be just a touch away?
120,000 words
Tags: enemies to lovers romance, forced proximity romance, ice queen romance, opposites attract romance, roommate romance
434 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 22, 2022
119 people are currently reading
1453 people want to read
About the author
Jae
127 books3,880 followersJae is the author of twenty-seven award-winning romances between women. She lives in the sunniest city of Germany, near the French and Swiss borders. The writing bug bit her at the age of eleven.
She used to work as a psychologist but gave up her day job in 2013 to become a full-time writer and a part-time editor. As far as she’s concerned, it’s the best job in the world.
When she’s not writing, she is an avid reader of sapphic books, indulges her ice cream and office supply addictions, and watches way too many crime shows.
She used to work as a psychologist but gave up her day job in 2013 to become a full-time writer and a part-time editor. As far as she’s concerned, it’s the best job in the world.
When she’s not writing, she is an avid reader of sapphic books, indulges her ice cream and office supply addictions, and watches way too many crime shows.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 212 reviews
August 29, 2022
4.50 Stars. Jae is at the top of the sapphic slow-burn romance game. The premise of this book, an ice queen forced to co-habitat with a professional cuddler, sounded so cute that I just knew this book was going to be for me, and I was right. I have been reading a lot of YA, fantasy, and horror, so that reading such a sweet, low-angst, slow-burn romance really hit the mark and I ended up enjoyed it from beginning to end.
Jae is not a splashy author so it is almost easy to forget how many giant hits she has in her back catalog. Yet every time I pick up one of her books I just expect that I am going to enjoy it and somehow she just doesn’t let her readers down. Now, I do want to mention that this is a slower paced, lower angst, slow burn romance. If you want something fast moving with soap opera-like drama, then this is not your type of romance. However, that does not mean that this book feels slow or boring. If you follow my reviews you might remember I can get bored with romances that slow down too much or nothing really happens, but that’s not the case here. This story is very character and relationship driven, which keeps the pages moving, and I ate up every second of it.
What I loved to start with was the characters. Ice queen ahead! Props to Jae for writing a good and interesting ice queen character that I really enjoyed getting to know and see slowly melt. Both characters were really well done. Yes, her name is Winter and she is the ice queen. And the other character is Hannah who is the pro cuddler. How great is that for a job!?! It is a real job now and this is the first time I have read about a book character that had it. I also found the secondary characters to be interesting and I could not help but wonder if Jae might be setting up a spinoff book. If so, I’d read it for sure.
I also loved what got the characters together, what sparked everything. In fact, the whole forced cohabitation to get a piece of inheritance property, almost made the story feel like a fauxmance. It put two characters who are complete opposites and don’t know each other at all together (the same way most fauxmances start) and Jae has to somehow convince us by the end of the book they have fallen in love. It’s why I love fauxmances so much because they are not love at first sight so an author has to work very hard. Well Jae had to work hard here too and it just made the romance that much more rewarding because of it. The whole idea and execution completely clicked for me and if you are a fan of “forced” situations in romance or like a similar feel to how a fauxmance works, I think you will enjoy this story too.
There are so many things I would love to talk about like how much I enjoyed the doormat scene, or how there were so many good lines and wonderful growth by our ice queen, and really point out some of the beautiful writing by Jae…but then I would give away too much and ruin the book for people who have not read it yet. I think this is a must for fans looking for cute, feel good romances that are slow burn and don’t have much angst. This was a sweet read with great characters, and I hope that Jae might do a spinoff in the near future so we can see them again soon.
An ARC was given to me for an honest review.
Jae is not a splashy author so it is almost easy to forget how many giant hits she has in her back catalog. Yet every time I pick up one of her books I just expect that I am going to enjoy it and somehow she just doesn’t let her readers down. Now, I do want to mention that this is a slower paced, lower angst, slow burn romance. If you want something fast moving with soap opera-like drama, then this is not your type of romance. However, that does not mean that this book feels slow or boring. If you follow my reviews you might remember I can get bored with romances that slow down too much or nothing really happens, but that’s not the case here. This story is very character and relationship driven, which keeps the pages moving, and I ate up every second of it.
What I loved to start with was the characters. Ice queen ahead! Props to Jae for writing a good and interesting ice queen character that I really enjoyed getting to know and see slowly melt. Both characters were really well done. Yes, her name is Winter and she is the ice queen. And the other character is Hannah who is the pro cuddler. How great is that for a job!?! It is a real job now and this is the first time I have read about a book character that had it. I also found the secondary characters to be interesting and I could not help but wonder if Jae might be setting up a spinoff book. If so, I’d read it for sure.
I also loved what got the characters together, what sparked everything. In fact, the whole forced cohabitation to get a piece of inheritance property, almost made the story feel like a fauxmance. It put two characters who are complete opposites and don’t know each other at all together (the same way most fauxmances start) and Jae has to somehow convince us by the end of the book they have fallen in love. It’s why I love fauxmances so much because they are not love at first sight so an author has to work very hard. Well Jae had to work hard here too and it just made the romance that much more rewarding because of it. The whole idea and execution completely clicked for me and if you are a fan of “forced” situations in romance or like a similar feel to how a fauxmance works, I think you will enjoy this story too.
There are so many things I would love to talk about like how much I enjoyed the doormat scene, or how there were so many good lines and wonderful growth by our ice queen, and really point out some of the beautiful writing by Jae…but then I would give away too much and ruin the book for people who have not read it yet. I think this is a must for fans looking for cute, feel good romances that are slow burn and don’t have much angst. This was a sweet read with great characters, and I hope that Jae might do a spinoff in the near future so we can see them again soon.
An ARC was given to me for an honest review.
May 8, 2023
Update after Audiobook listen:
Audiobook was even more enjoyable with the magic of Abby Craden! She brought it to life beautifully.
4.5 stars
Romance is my favorite genre and what I appreciate most about Jae's books is they're always so much more than a love story. She not only entertains, she informs. Subtly. Her characters are often those who may be different from ourselves or rarely seen in sapphic fiction, and at least one of them also exhibits strong interpersonal/relationship skills. As a reader, I feel like I've grown because of her work.
Professional cuddler Hannah Martin has great strength of character and Jae excels at writing those. She also has aphantasia, as does the writer herself, and this provides a fascinating insight as to how she sees - or doesn't see - things in her mind like the other 96 percent of the population. She's not written as "less than" in any way. Hannah is confident, knows exactly who she is and takes great pride in her work. While she knows she's never going to get rich in her chosen profession, she loves what she does. She's also no doormat.
Winter Sullivan is an icy, wealthy marketing guru and as we get to know her we understand why she's built those very high walls around her heart. And why she's touch averse, which makes the two characters a very interesting mix. Especially when you put them into a forced proximity situation as complete strangers.
This slow burn, age gap romance is a really satisfying read and I look forward to experiencing it again on audiobook!
I recommend Jae's work because of the quality, the warm feels, and the opportunity to come away with a deeper understanding of - and compassion for - the human experience.
Audiobook was even more enjoyable with the magic of Abby Craden! She brought it to life beautifully.
4.5 stars
Romance is my favorite genre and what I appreciate most about Jae's books is they're always so much more than a love story. She not only entertains, she informs. Subtly. Her characters are often those who may be different from ourselves or rarely seen in sapphic fiction, and at least one of them also exhibits strong interpersonal/relationship skills. As a reader, I feel like I've grown because of her work.
Professional cuddler Hannah Martin has great strength of character and Jae excels at writing those. She also has aphantasia, as does the writer herself, and this provides a fascinating insight as to how she sees - or doesn't see - things in her mind like the other 96 percent of the population. She's not written as "less than" in any way. Hannah is confident, knows exactly who she is and takes great pride in her work. While she knows she's never going to get rich in her chosen profession, she loves what she does. She's also no doormat.
Winter Sullivan is an icy, wealthy marketing guru and as we get to know her we understand why she's built those very high walls around her heart. And why she's touch averse, which makes the two characters a very interesting mix. Especially when you put them into a forced proximity situation as complete strangers.
This slow burn, age gap romance is a really satisfying read and I look forward to experiencing it again on audiobook!
I recommend Jae's work because of the quality, the warm feels, and the opportunity to come away with a deeper understanding of - and compassion for - the human experience.
September 28, 2022
Professional cuddling.
One of the characters in this book is a professional cuddler, which is a real job according to Google. If I'm being honest, I'm not entirely comfortable with the concept of professional cuddling. I'm not big on hugs and touches unless it is with my girlfriend, so this could be why I feel this way. I wish I could be more open-minded about it but I can't and if one day the person I'm dating tells me it's her calling to cuddle strangers, I don't think our relationship would survive.
That being said, I have to say that I like the other aspects of the story very much. I like the romance between Winter and Hannah - Strangers forced to live together in an apartment for 92 days to fulfill the requirements of an inheritance. I found humour in the bickering between the two, who were complete opposites of each other. I even like how Winter gradually warmed up to the idea of cuddling with Hannah (which should not be confused with my earlier opinion about doing this for a living).
Even if I didn't like the character's career choice, I can't deny that Jae writes interesting stories in a way that draws me in. This book is still one of the more enjoyable ones I've read lately.
One of the characters in this book is a professional cuddler, which is a real job according to Google. If I'm being honest, I'm not entirely comfortable with the concept of professional cuddling. I'm not big on hugs and touches unless it is with my girlfriend, so this could be why I feel this way. I wish I could be more open-minded about it but I can't and if one day the person I'm dating tells me it's her calling to cuddle strangers, I don't think our relationship would survive.
That being said, I have to say that I like the other aspects of the story very much. I like the romance between Winter and Hannah - Strangers forced to live together in an apartment for 92 days to fulfill the requirements of an inheritance. I found humour in the bickering between the two, who were complete opposites of each other. I even like how Winter gradually warmed up to the idea of cuddling with Hannah (which should not be confused with my earlier opinion about doing this for a living).
Even if I didn't like the character's career choice, I can't deny that Jae writes interesting stories in a way that draws me in. This book is still one of the more enjoyable ones I've read lately.
September 30, 2022
Winter and Hannah should never have met. The former is a forty-one-year-old workaholic, the latter a professional cuddler in her early thirties. They couldn’t be more different and even their relationships with the one person they have in common were entirely opposite. Winter’s late father has always made her life more difficult whereas to Hannah, he was simply an old man looking for some comfort. Both sides of him led to Winter and Hannah having to live in the same apartment for ninety-two days in order to jointly inherit the building.
I really liked Hannah, despite her being way too perfect. That’s interesting to me because Hannah’s touchy-feely self should have annoyed me a lot more than it did, maybe because I don’t have to deal with her IRL but also, I believe, because she’s very respectful of others’ boundaries. On the other hand, I’m sorry to say I never really warmed to Winter. This book is marketed as an ice queen romance but to me, she isn’t an ice queen. There’s more to that title than being cold and rude, which is how I saw her for most of the book, even if she has her tender moments. However, while I like to think I’m nicer than Winter, I share her need for physical distance. I very much dislike being touched by strangers – except in very specific circumstances (yoga instructors, physical therapists) – and by strangers I mean pretty much everyone who isn’t my wife. I’ve already written about her touch being the exception and feeling necessary to my skin. I didn’t have to think very hard to find an idea for the graphic accompanying this review, the t-shirt friends gave me a couple of years ago came to mind immediately.
The two things I liked best in this book are Jae’s descriptions of how professional cuddlers can help people and how aphantasia impacts a person’s perspective on life. The idea of being cuddled by a stranger makes me want to hide behind my couch but I understand a lot better now what it can bring in some cases. Being touched on your own terms is both reassuring and empowering and Hannah’s clientele encompasses a wide array of ways it can enrich a person’s life or allow them to regain control.
Aphantasia is also a foreign experience to me. I know it’s different for everyone, just like dyspraxia is both similar and singular for every dyspraxic person, but again, I understand better what it means to be aphantasic, in a general manner. And it made me think about how my own brain works (surprise!). I don’t have aphantasia, I have a mind’s eye, yet I don’t see movies when I read or write the way some others do. I don’t picture characters or scenery but I get feelings. I do relive some memories, usually the ones I wish I could forget because of course that’s how anxiety works. I can sometimes imagine what voices sound like and can very easily summon smells and tastes, which makes complete sense with how I experience life. I’m all about sensations and emotions. They’re very strong, both the good and the bad. One aspect of Hannah’s aphantasia I’m familiar with is the difficulty to recognize faces, as my wife has prosopagnosia. She’s also one of those people who see movies when they read or write, unlike Hannah. I liked the way Jae described how aphantasia affects Hannah’s life, her outlook, her seize-the-day personality. I always love hearing or reading about how we all experience things in our own unique way, and Jae did a great job of incorporating it into the story without making it sound like a neuroscience lecture.
Even though I had a couple of issues with this book – the pace is uneven, Hannah is too perfect, Winter’s character deserved more subtlety –, it’s an enjoyable read, enlightening, funny and sweet. And there’s a short story featuring Winter and Hannah, A Great Catch, that can be downloaded for free. Jae, being a considerate author, also added a reading companion on her blog, as well as interviews with other aphantasic authors that complete Hannah’s explanations nicely. 3.5⭐️
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my blog (and please buy from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars
September 30, 2022
This was around 3.5 stars for me.
I liked it in the end, but the beginning was a little rough. I felt the “opposites attract” was a little heavy handed with them being complete opposites with everything in their lives. Plus, them being forced to live together for an inheritance just made the whole first half seem forced.
Once I got half way though it picked up and I liked it a lot more.
Jae is obviously a solid writer so I don’t think many people can go wrong with this choice. I know a lot of others enjoyed this more than me by looking at the ratings.
I also want to mention this is an age-gap and difference is about 10 years for those interested in that. And there’s an ice queen…
I liked it in the end, but the beginning was a little rough. I felt the “opposites attract” was a little heavy handed with them being complete opposites with everything in their lives. Plus, them being forced to live together for an inheritance just made the whole first half seem forced.
Once I got half way though it picked up and I liked it a lot more.
Jae is obviously a solid writer so I don’t think many people can go wrong with this choice. I know a lot of others enjoyed this more than me by looking at the ratings.
I also want to mention this is an age-gap and difference is about 10 years for those interested in that. And there’s an ice queen…
August 26, 2022
I'm never sure what type of plot Jae will come up with next. But "cuddling"? I was quickly drawn in and read nonstop to the end all of my emotions pricked by this slow burn romance.
Winter is a successful, driven, web designer - her routines precise. She never allows anyone close emotionally or physically. A thorn in her side: her half-sister Brooke. Hannah was a qualified masseuse and is now trying to expand her new venture as a professional cuddler. Her clients vary in cuddling needs and there are strict guidelines to follow - a safe, warm environment paramount. She is assured of her family's affection.
When Winter's father (Julian) dies, a Living Trust is revealed. She will inherit half of a building (she had tried to purchase it before Julian scooped it up) if certain conditions are met. Hannah gets news that she is the other beneficiary of that Living Trust (Julian was a client of hers). Both women must live together in that building, under one roof for 92 days to fulfill the inheritance stipulations. Each with differing reasons and impetus, they decide to go for it. Cue the doormat wars. Suspicions regarding Hannah's occupation are quick to arise. She has clients coming and going daily - hooker? But then again, she wears fluffy pajamas for "work" and loves tea for heaven's sake!! To add to Winter's frustrations all the tenants in the complex seem to like Hannah and think the two are a "couple".
The author weaves humor and a slow romance in this tale of two women who eventually find completion in one another. One is warm and caring but hides a steely resolve and has aphantasia. The other is an iceberg, she flinches when touched and prefers her own company. Over time the reasons behind Winter's behavior and mindset are revealed. Hannah has her own little hurdles to overcome. Warmth melts ice but boundaries remain until eroded. There is push and pull and our lead characters need to recognize and steadily work through various bumps in the road before a happy ending.
I recommend this book with 5 stars.
This is the second book I've read where one of the lead characters has aphantasia and I learned even more about the complexities of it. The other is "Write for Her" by Kim Hartfield (cleverly mentioned in Jae's storyline). Thank you Jae!
I rec'd a copy from the author. This is a completely voluntary, unbiased review.
Winter is a successful, driven, web designer - her routines precise. She never allows anyone close emotionally or physically. A thorn in her side: her half-sister Brooke. Hannah was a qualified masseuse and is now trying to expand her new venture as a professional cuddler. Her clients vary in cuddling needs and there are strict guidelines to follow - a safe, warm environment paramount. She is assured of her family's affection.
When Winter's father (Julian) dies, a Living Trust is revealed. She will inherit half of a building (she had tried to purchase it before Julian scooped it up) if certain conditions are met. Hannah gets news that she is the other beneficiary of that Living Trust (Julian was a client of hers). Both women must live together in that building, under one roof for 92 days to fulfill the inheritance stipulations. Each with differing reasons and impetus, they decide to go for it. Cue the doormat wars. Suspicions regarding Hannah's occupation are quick to arise. She has clients coming and going daily - hooker? But then again, she wears fluffy pajamas for "work" and loves tea for heaven's sake!! To add to Winter's frustrations all the tenants in the complex seem to like Hannah and think the two are a "couple".
The author weaves humor and a slow romance in this tale of two women who eventually find completion in one another. One is warm and caring but hides a steely resolve and has aphantasia. The other is an iceberg, she flinches when touched and prefers her own company. Over time the reasons behind Winter's behavior and mindset are revealed. Hannah has her own little hurdles to overcome. Warmth melts ice but boundaries remain until eroded. There is push and pull and our lead characters need to recognize and steadily work through various bumps in the road before a happy ending.
I recommend this book with 5 stars.
This is the second book I've read where one of the lead characters has aphantasia and I learned even more about the complexities of it. The other is "Write for Her" by Kim Hartfield (cleverly mentioned in Jae's storyline). Thank you Jae!
I rec'd a copy from the author. This is a completely voluntary, unbiased review.
August 29, 2022
Another entertaining story by Jae
Jae is one of my auto-read authors who writes in a diversity of genres such as contemporary romance, suspense, paranormal, and historical fiction. If you are looking for slow-burn romances, you cannot go wrong with Jae.
Hannah Martin is a professional cuddler. Winter Sullivan is an aloof workaholic. When Winter’s estranged father dies, he leaves a surprise: Winter and Hannah will inherit a building if they manage to live together for 92 consecutive days. Their first interactions are far from friendly but slowly Hannah’s warmth starts to melt Winter’s heart. Will they have a happily ever after?
This is an opposites-attract, enemies to lovers, slow-burn romance with an ice queen thrown in the mix. Beyond that, one thing you can count on is that Jae explores uncommon themes in her books, this time the world of professional cuddlers. I have to admit that I’ve never heard of professional cuddlers before and I had doubts about how it would fit in a romance, but once I started reading this book my uncertainty dissipated.
The unusual themes don’t stop there, apart from being a professional cuddler, Hannah has aphantasia, the inability of the brain to form mental images. Kudos to the author to introduce a neurodivergent character as there are few Sapphic books that feature them and most are about people on the autistic spectrum. The more diverse the genre, the better.
Jae takes her time to introduce the characters whose personalities are a result of their life experiences and backgrounds. Even though the reason for their forced cohabitation might sound a bit strange, their subsequent actions make perfect sense in the context of the story. The author balances the tension of their forced proximity with a good dose of humour which includes a very funny “doormat war”.
The romance itself is at a very slow burn pace as it’s usual with this author. The main characters couldn’t be more different in age, personality, family background, and life experience but Jae manages to make their attraction realistic and convincing. And their first kiss happens in one of the most unusual places I’ve ever read.
Overall, another entertaining story by Jae. 4.5 stars.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Jae is one of my auto-read authors who writes in a diversity of genres such as contemporary romance, suspense, paranormal, and historical fiction. If you are looking for slow-burn romances, you cannot go wrong with Jae.
Hannah Martin is a professional cuddler. Winter Sullivan is an aloof workaholic. When Winter’s estranged father dies, he leaves a surprise: Winter and Hannah will inherit a building if they manage to live together for 92 consecutive days. Their first interactions are far from friendly but slowly Hannah’s warmth starts to melt Winter’s heart. Will they have a happily ever after?
This is an opposites-attract, enemies to lovers, slow-burn romance with an ice queen thrown in the mix. Beyond that, one thing you can count on is that Jae explores uncommon themes in her books, this time the world of professional cuddlers. I have to admit that I’ve never heard of professional cuddlers before and I had doubts about how it would fit in a romance, but once I started reading this book my uncertainty dissipated.
The unusual themes don’t stop there, apart from being a professional cuddler, Hannah has aphantasia, the inability of the brain to form mental images. Kudos to the author to introduce a neurodivergent character as there are few Sapphic books that feature them and most are about people on the autistic spectrum. The more diverse the genre, the better.
Jae takes her time to introduce the characters whose personalities are a result of their life experiences and backgrounds. Even though the reason for their forced cohabitation might sound a bit strange, their subsequent actions make perfect sense in the context of the story. The author balances the tension of their forced proximity with a good dose of humour which includes a very funny “doormat war”.
The romance itself is at a very slow burn pace as it’s usual with this author. The main characters couldn’t be more different in age, personality, family background, and life experience but Jae manages to make their attraction realistic and convincing. And their first kiss happens in one of the most unusual places I’ve ever read.
Overall, another entertaining story by Jae. 4.5 stars.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
September 24, 2022
This one was good, but didn’t blow me away. With Jae’s works, I’ve loved a couple of them, and mostly just thought the rest were okay/average/enjoyable reads that don’t really stick with me after the fact. I think this one (for me) falls in that second camp.
I think some of my main disconnect was with the character Winter. I WANTED to really like her, as ice queens are usually one of my fav tropes, but something about her never clicked with me. I’m not totally sure what it was, but I never really felt charmed by her or was super invested in her. I enjoyed Hannah a lot, and though I also found the professional cuddler thing kinda weird (I am possibly also touch adverse re: strangers and frankly, not a cuddly person) and the word ‘cuddle’ was just used…. way too much, but it was interesting and I did like the emphasis on how platonic touch can be just as important as romantic.
I also have realized… and I feel like this is going to sound very snobby, but writing that uses a lot exclamation points feels… slightly juvenile, to me? And it was something I noticed quite a bit in this book.
I think some of my main disconnect was with the character Winter. I WANTED to really like her, as ice queens are usually one of my fav tropes, but something about her never clicked with me. I’m not totally sure what it was, but I never really felt charmed by her or was super invested in her. I enjoyed Hannah a lot, and though I also found the professional cuddler thing kinda weird (I am possibly also touch adverse re: strangers and frankly, not a cuddly person) and the word ‘cuddle’ was just used…. way too much, but it was interesting and I did like the emphasis on how platonic touch can be just as important as romantic.
I also have realized… and I feel like this is going to sound very snobby, but writing that uses a lot exclamation points feels… slightly juvenile, to me? And it was something I noticed quite a bit in this book.
February 21, 2024
This was good, though I didn't buy the tropes. In the beginning, I felt like it was setup for a straight-forward age-gap Ice Queen romance. Or even a grump v sunshine. But those themes didn't really express very strongly.
Take the age gap. Winter is forty to Hannah's thirty. But Winter's age sits lightly. Hannah is more mature and frankly, more grounded. And Winter's background, for all its pressure on the story and the foundation of her personality, doesn't sit well for someone that old. By forty, she should have twenty years of adult relationship negotiation with her sister. A history with both ups and downs. But all that is present in the story is a relatively recent "betrayal" that you could tell would end up reversed by the end.
And Winter is far too fiery, right from the start, to hang any kind of ice queen moniker on.
And I'll admit that I don't actually get "professional cuddler" and it's emotional aspects in the story. Selling intimacy, even non-sexual intimacy, would present me with some roadblocks in a relationship. And it didn't escape me that the justifications Hannah presents are equivalent to the justifications for sex work. Which Hannah acknowledges mentally, even as she is presenting those justifications. And even if you don't take a moral stand on that as a profession, I have a hard time with that as an aspect of a romantic relationship.
Anyway, that sounds like a lot of negatives for a story I actually enjoyed very well. And Winter and Hannah were very engaging as they worked out how to compromise with each other. And I'm always a fan of building trust into friendship and then more. Seeing Winter find an outlet for her fundamental kindness and learn to lean into Hannah's grounded strength was a great deal of fun. And their banter doesn't hurt, either.
So I'm going to go with four stars for a romance that works without actually leaning into the tropes it seems setup for. But then, this is Jae and she always delivers on the romance.
A note about Steamy: There's a single explicit sex scene putting this on the low end of my steam tolerance. That's actually fairly typical of Jae and fit the story very well. I really liked that they had the "let's go slow" discussion, not least for the acknowledgement that they were both interested in building a strong foundation for a long-term relationship.
Take the age gap. Winter is forty to Hannah's thirty. But Winter's age sits lightly. Hannah is more mature and frankly, more grounded. And Winter's background, for all its pressure on the story and the foundation of her personality, doesn't sit well for someone that old. By forty, she should have twenty years of adult relationship negotiation with her sister. A history with both ups and downs. But all that is present in the story is a relatively recent "betrayal" that you could tell would end up reversed by the end.
And Winter is far too fiery, right from the start, to hang any kind of ice queen moniker on.
And I'll admit that I don't actually get "professional cuddler" and it's emotional aspects in the story. Selling intimacy, even non-sexual intimacy, would present me with some roadblocks in a relationship. And it didn't escape me that the justifications Hannah presents are equivalent to the justifications for sex work. Which Hannah acknowledges mentally, even as she is presenting those justifications. And even if you don't take a moral stand on that as a profession, I have a hard time with that as an aspect of a romantic relationship.
Anyway, that sounds like a lot of negatives for a story I actually enjoyed very well. And Winter and Hannah were very engaging as they worked out how to compromise with each other. And I'm always a fan of building trust into friendship and then more. Seeing Winter find an outlet for her fundamental kindness and learn to lean into Hannah's grounded strength was a great deal of fun. And their banter doesn't hurt, either.
So I'm going to go with four stars for a romance that works without actually leaning into the tropes it seems setup for. But then, this is Jae and she always delivers on the romance.
A note about Steamy: There's a single explicit sex scene putting this on the low end of my steam tolerance. That's actually fairly typical of Jae and fit the story very well. I really liked that they had the "let's go slow" discussion, not least for the acknowledgement that they were both interested in building a strong foundation for a long-term relationship.
November 20, 2025
This was my first book by Jae, who had been recommended to me so many times. It's a low-angst story about two women who are forced to live together in an apartment for 92 days. Only then will they inherit the house. Hannah and Winter couldn't be more different. Hannah is a professional cuddler, warm-hearted and open. Winter, on the other hand, is a tough businesswoman who avoids physical contact and, above all, relationships.
Conflict and friction are inevitable, if only because of their differences in character. And with the conflict comes the attraction between Hannah and Winter. There was chemistry in many scenes, which I really liked. I must admit, however, that I struggled a bit with the story at first, especially with Hannah's profession. After a while, though, I was able to empathize with her and enjoyed the love story between the two.
It was really a story with little fear and drama, and there was no third-act breakup either. It was a really cozy novel, perfect for an afternoon or two on the couch. If you like the tropes of age gap and ice queen, you've come to the right place!
I listened to the German audiobook version and have to say that I didn't really like the narrator. I found her somewhat bland and rather monotonous. She was more of a reader than someone who was right in the middle of the action.
Nevertheless, I can recommend the story of Hannah and Winter!
------------------------
Das war mein erstes Buch von Jae, die mir schon so oft empfohlen wurde. Es ist eine low angst Geschichte über zwei Frauen, die gezwungen werden für 92 Tage gemeinsam in einer Wohnung zu leben. Erst dann bekommen sie das Haus geerbt. Hannah und Winter könnten nicht unterschiedlicher sein. Hannah ist eine professionelle Kuschlerin, warmherzig und offen. Winter hingegen ist eine knallharte Buisnessfrau, die Körperkontakt und vor allem Beziehungen meidet.
Zoff und Konflikte sind allein schon wegen der charakterunterschiede vorprogrammiert. Und mit dem Streit kommt auch die Anziehung zwischen Hannah und Winter. Es knisterte in vielen Szenen, was ich sehr mochte. Ich muss allerdings gestehen, dass ich am Anfang ein bisschen struggle mit der Geschichte und vor allem mit Hannahs Beruf hatte. Nach einer Weile konnte ich mich jedoch gut hineinversetzen und habe die Liebesgeschichte über die beiden genossen.
Es war wirklich eine Geschichte mit wenig Angst und Drama, auch einen 3. Akt breakup gab es nicht. Es war eine wirklich cozy Roman, der perfekt für ein oder zwei Nachmittage auf der Couch. Wer die Tropes Age gap und ice queen mag, ist hier genau an der richtigen Stelle!
Ich habe die deutsche Hörbuchversion gehört und muss sagen, dass mir die Erzählerin nicht so gut gefallen hat. Ich fand sie irgendwie etwas farblos und eher gleichbleibend. Sie war mehr eine Vorleserin als mitten im Geschehen dabei. Das fand ich etwas schade.
Trotzdem kann ich die Geschichte von Hannah und Winter empfehlen!
Conflict and friction are inevitable, if only because of their differences in character. And with the conflict comes the attraction between Hannah and Winter. There was chemistry in many scenes, which I really liked. I must admit, however, that I struggled a bit with the story at first, especially with Hannah's profession. After a while, though, I was able to empathize with her and enjoyed the love story between the two.
It was really a story with little fear and drama, and there was no third-act breakup either. It was a really cozy novel, perfect for an afternoon or two on the couch. If you like the tropes of age gap and ice queen, you've come to the right place!
I listened to the German audiobook version and have to say that I didn't really like the narrator. I found her somewhat bland and rather monotonous. She was more of a reader than someone who was right in the middle of the action.
Nevertheless, I can recommend the story of Hannah and Winter!
------------------------
Das war mein erstes Buch von Jae, die mir schon so oft empfohlen wurde. Es ist eine low angst Geschichte über zwei Frauen, die gezwungen werden für 92 Tage gemeinsam in einer Wohnung zu leben. Erst dann bekommen sie das Haus geerbt. Hannah und Winter könnten nicht unterschiedlicher sein. Hannah ist eine professionelle Kuschlerin, warmherzig und offen. Winter hingegen ist eine knallharte Buisnessfrau, die Körperkontakt und vor allem Beziehungen meidet.
Zoff und Konflikte sind allein schon wegen der charakterunterschiede vorprogrammiert. Und mit dem Streit kommt auch die Anziehung zwischen Hannah und Winter. Es knisterte in vielen Szenen, was ich sehr mochte. Ich muss allerdings gestehen, dass ich am Anfang ein bisschen struggle mit der Geschichte und vor allem mit Hannahs Beruf hatte. Nach einer Weile konnte ich mich jedoch gut hineinversetzen und habe die Liebesgeschichte über die beiden genossen.
Es war wirklich eine Geschichte mit wenig Angst und Drama, auch einen 3. Akt breakup gab es nicht. Es war eine wirklich cozy Roman, der perfekt für ein oder zwei Nachmittage auf der Couch. Wer die Tropes Age gap und ice queen mag, ist hier genau an der richtigen Stelle!
Ich habe die deutsche Hörbuchversion gehört und muss sagen, dass mir die Erzählerin nicht so gut gefallen hat. Ich fand sie irgendwie etwas farblos und eher gleichbleibend. Sie war mehr eine Vorleserin als mitten im Geschehen dabei. Das fand ich etwas schade.
Trotzdem kann ich die Geschichte von Hannah und Winter empfehlen!
September 11, 2022
Ice queen meets professional cuddler... and the rest is history!
July 7, 2023
4.5⭐️ Audio Version
I’m a big Jae and Abby Craden fan and I haven’t read or listen either in awhile. So I got a big hug and cuddle from this one.
I’m a big Jae and Abby Craden fan and I haven’t read or listen either in awhile. So I got a big hug and cuddle from this one.
January 15, 2024
A really excellent book, as I’d expect from Jae, my go to author. Loved the surly sisters. Class. Highly recommended.
February 25, 2026
I love this novel. I have read it more than once and each time is just as wonderful. This is a low-stakes, lowish-angst, slow-burn romance novel. In true Jae fashion, so know what to expect when you go into it. This is a great comfort read for me, it has several fun elements, and overall I just uncomplicatedly like it. Always 5-stars forever.
Highlights:
-I love a slow burn because it gives you plenty of time for the relationship to develop, for the feelings to be big and deep, and for everything to feel organic and realistic.
-So many tropes I love. We have forced proximity, enemies (ish) to lovers, ice queen, cinnamon bun, hurt/comfort(ish), and probably several more. Oh, and only one bed of course.
-I love that Jae often includes something unconventional or underrepresented in their novels. In this case we had a protagonist who was a professional cuddler (real thing!) and who has aphantasia, which is a neurological condition that I have never heard of. I love learning! One character was also probably on the autistic spectrum, but that was not explicitly discussed.
-There was quirky fun to be had. I loved the “doormat war” because it was a perfect example of uncomplicated low stakes mischief and fun, which also included a lot of characterization.
-I enjoyed the obvious attraction between the characters, meanwhile one was strongly in denial and the other was oblivious to it for a long time.
-No pointless third-act-breakup or convoluted angst. There were issues to be had, but they were resolved through…….*gasp* communication.
-There was an unprecedented amount of discussions of cuddling.
-These characters and their relationship dynamics were complicated without being convoluted.
-Oh…. And a very sweet romance of course.
Highlights:
-I love a slow burn because it gives you plenty of time for the relationship to develop, for the feelings to be big and deep, and for everything to feel organic and realistic.
-So many tropes I love. We have forced proximity, enemies (ish) to lovers, ice queen, cinnamon bun, hurt/comfort(ish), and probably several more. Oh, and only one bed of course.
-I love that Jae often includes something unconventional or underrepresented in their novels. In this case we had a protagonist who was a professional cuddler (real thing!) and who has aphantasia, which is a neurological condition that I have never heard of. I love learning! One character was also probably on the autistic spectrum, but that was not explicitly discussed.
-There was quirky fun to be had. I loved the “doormat war” because it was a perfect example of uncomplicated low stakes mischief and fun, which also included a lot of characterization.
-I enjoyed the obvious attraction between the characters, meanwhile one was strongly in denial and the other was oblivious to it for a long time.
-No pointless third-act-breakup or convoluted angst. There were issues to be had, but they were resolved through…….*gasp* communication.
-There was an unprecedented amount of discussions of cuddling.
-These characters and their relationship dynamics were complicated without being convoluted.
-Oh…. And a very sweet romance of course.
October 29, 2022
Just A Touch Away is icy queeny, slowburny, delicious goodness topped with whipped emotions and sprinkles with hugs.
Jae has written a winner of all the stars it needs more than 5.
This book is just perfect, I couldn’t love it more!
The characters are brilliantly written, the storyline is fabulous and the amount of tropes fitted together seamlessly but made me chuckle. We have Ice Queen, forced proximity, age gap and slow-burn as the main ones but then there’s enemies to lovers, fake relationship, opposites attract and there’s more I know there is I just can’t think! I loved them all!
Hannah, Hannah, Hannah. I’m starting with Hannah because I always ramble about how much I love the ice queen and then the melter gets so little of my words, but Hannah deserves so many words.
She is just so fabulously fierce while still being so gentle, compassionate, loving and caring. Hannah is my hero! She is constantly pushing herself out of her comfort zone, pursuing an unusual career that she isn’t guaranteed to make a living from and doing it all with a smile on her face and a skip in her step. She’s so self aware and I greatly admire that, even though she is a caring, giving person at heart, she will not compromise her own feeling of self worth or safety for others. She always tries to find a solution but ultimately she looks after herself first so she can give others what they need, I’m in awe.
I loved how from the start she didn’t let Winter effect her, she saw those walls that Winter has built, she crafted a door in them and just walk right on through! Seriously! Winter stood no chance. She’s a top notch melter. I also love that she is unapologetic about who she is, she’s patient and explains what it means to have aphantasia, but she never see it as an inconvenience and is quick to correct anyone who suggests it is. I could go on about her forever, she really is such an amazing human and I’d love a cuddle session followed by ice-cream please.
Winter, oh Winter. We all know how much I love an Ice Queen and Winter is no exception, but what I love about her is that she’s just so clueless. Yes I know a lot of ice queens are clueless when it comes to letting people in and falling in love but for me Winter is extra clueless. She’s not even just in denial she genuinely has no idea that her life can change and that love isn’t weakness. This has everything to do with her upbringing and a lot of people in that situation would act the same way. What this did do though was let us not only see her melt, and let Hannah in, but it showed us her actually learn and come to the realisation that all aspects of life can be good and it broke my heart.
Winter is a complexed character who is just like a tub of ice-cream, rock sold ice when it first comes out the freezer but give it some time and add a bit of spooning and it soon softens. I love her and I’m so happy that she found Hannah.
These ladies getting to know it other was a joy to read, and in true Jae style this book is the slowest of slow burns, but my god when they do finally get together! It will make your chest ache with emotions and leave you feeling hot under the collar.
I loved this book from beginning to end ❤️
Jae has written a winner of all the stars it needs more than 5.
This book is just perfect, I couldn’t love it more!
The characters are brilliantly written, the storyline is fabulous and the amount of tropes fitted together seamlessly but made me chuckle. We have Ice Queen, forced proximity, age gap and slow-burn as the main ones but then there’s enemies to lovers, fake relationship, opposites attract and there’s more I know there is I just can’t think! I loved them all!
Hannah, Hannah, Hannah. I’m starting with Hannah because I always ramble about how much I love the ice queen and then the melter gets so little of my words, but Hannah deserves so many words.
She is just so fabulously fierce while still being so gentle, compassionate, loving and caring. Hannah is my hero! She is constantly pushing herself out of her comfort zone, pursuing an unusual career that she isn’t guaranteed to make a living from and doing it all with a smile on her face and a skip in her step. She’s so self aware and I greatly admire that, even though she is a caring, giving person at heart, she will not compromise her own feeling of self worth or safety for others. She always tries to find a solution but ultimately she looks after herself first so she can give others what they need, I’m in awe.
I loved how from the start she didn’t let Winter effect her, she saw those walls that Winter has built, she crafted a door in them and just walk right on through! Seriously! Winter stood no chance. She’s a top notch melter. I also love that she is unapologetic about who she is, she’s patient and explains what it means to have aphantasia, but she never see it as an inconvenience and is quick to correct anyone who suggests it is. I could go on about her forever, she really is such an amazing human and I’d love a cuddle session followed by ice-cream please.
Winter, oh Winter. We all know how much I love an Ice Queen and Winter is no exception, but what I love about her is that she’s just so clueless. Yes I know a lot of ice queens are clueless when it comes to letting people in and falling in love but for me Winter is extra clueless. She’s not even just in denial she genuinely has no idea that her life can change and that love isn’t weakness. This has everything to do with her upbringing and a lot of people in that situation would act the same way. What this did do though was let us not only see her melt, and let Hannah in, but it showed us her actually learn and come to the realisation that all aspects of life can be good and it broke my heart.
Winter is a complexed character who is just like a tub of ice-cream, rock sold ice when it first comes out the freezer but give it some time and add a bit of spooning and it soon softens. I love her and I’m so happy that she found Hannah.
These ladies getting to know it other was a joy to read, and in true Jae style this book is the slowest of slow burns, but my god when they do finally get together! It will make your chest ache with emotions and leave you feeling hot under the collar.
I loved this book from beginning to end ❤️
September 9, 2022
.
I really wanted to like this book so badly. I'm so used to loving all of Jae's books that even tho the whole idea of a professional cuddler was slightly off putting for me, I trusted the story will still work for me. Unfortunately that wasn't the case. As a matter of fact I might be allergic to the word "cuddle" with the reaction it was awakening in me every time I read it. I did enjoy the slow burn of the story until it felt like the author realised she needed to wrap things up and rushed through all the parts about the actual relationship.
The two main characters are also difficult to enjoy. Winter starts off as a standard ice queen and at first I enjoyed her immensely. I wish I could say she develops into someone better but instead it feels like she suddenly gets a personality transplant and becomes a completely different person. And then there's Hannah who exhausted me even as a fictional character. Her whole personality was Being Perfect, having aphantasia and being a cuddler. She could read everyone's emotions perfectly and knew what everyone needed. She could de-escalate every fight and never did anything wrong. And she explained her aphantasia and her profession as often as it was possible. I think I just like my characters with some flaws and some realistic personality.
I do wish this book was more focused on the sister, Brooke and Winter, trying to build their relationship when they spent their whole lives blaming each other for things beyond their control.
This book might not have been for me but as always I can't wait for the author's next book.
I really wanted to like this book so badly. I'm so used to loving all of Jae's books that even tho the whole idea of a professional cuddler was slightly off putting for me, I trusted the story will still work for me. Unfortunately that wasn't the case. As a matter of fact I might be allergic to the word "cuddle" with the reaction it was awakening in me every time I read it. I did enjoy the slow burn of the story until it felt like the author realised she needed to wrap things up and rushed through all the parts about the actual relationship.
The two main characters are also difficult to enjoy. Winter starts off as a standard ice queen and at first I enjoyed her immensely. I wish I could say she develops into someone better but instead it feels like she suddenly gets a personality transplant and becomes a completely different person. And then there's Hannah who exhausted me even as a fictional character. Her whole personality was Being Perfect, having aphantasia and being a cuddler. She could read everyone's emotions perfectly and knew what everyone needed. She could de-escalate every fight and never did anything wrong. And she explained her aphantasia and her profession as often as it was possible. I think I just like my characters with some flaws and some realistic personality.
I do wish this book was more focused on the sister, Brooke and Winter, trying to build their relationship when they spent their whole lives blaming each other for things beyond their control.
This book might not have been for me but as always I can't wait for the author's next book.
October 26, 2024
A solidly enjoyable read! If you’re a fan of enemies-to-lovers, age gap, or the ice queen trope, this one’s worth picking up. While it might not be my top favourite from Jae as I can't say I was hooked, it still delivered plenty of sweet and funny moments. Overall, I enjoyed Hannah and Winter's romantic journey!
May 21, 2023
Aphantasia? Cuddle professional? Yep and yep. Jae has some interesting mains.
September 21, 2022
WOW!
Hannah, a professional cuddler, and Winter, a complete workaholic are forced to spend ninety-two days together when Jules, a client of Hannah’s and Winter’s father, dies as part of a condition to inherit a building he’d bought when Winter had been trying to buy it. Winter is instantly trying to find a way to get what she wants and have Hannah gone but as time marches on ahead without them and they get to know one another, Winter is in reach of the happiness she has always longed for if she’ll just take a chance.
Just the perfect story. Ice-queen meets infectious, cute, bright and lovely woman who is the only one who can melt her. Jae has delivered the most amazing slow burn romance, with a fantastic premise and two completely unique characters that completely captured my imagination and my heart. I loved every minute of their ninety-two day adventure and even the challenges they faced, including Winter’s half-sister, Brooke!
Absolutely delicious to the point I had to savour every little moment that transpired. A fantastic tension surrounded Winter and Hannah from the second they met and it simmered away as Winter tried to fight every emotion in body that wanted her to be attracted to Hannah. I was fascinated by Hannah’s job, it sounded totally amazing and was great to learn about. That wasn’t the only thing with Hannah though, and having read the book and imagining this amazing situation they found themselves in, I won’t be the same again. I can’t put it into words, it was just such a contemplative moment of self-discovery while Winter and Hannah did the same.
I loved Winter though, she was beyond perfect. Instantly, I knew no matter how lovely Hannah was, Winter was going to have all my attention. She was so complex and yet I could completely empathise with her views, emotions, feelings towards Hannah, her estranged father, Brooke, and this situation. Brooke was a complete piece of work, which added an extra level of excitement to the story, and made everything about it so much more challenging for Winter. When she finally started trying to get along with Hannah and grow, which was amazing character development, I was so happy for her and just hoped she wouldn’t self sabotage.
I can’t describe how amazing this story was. The moment I started reading I knew I wasn’t going to be able to put it down and I just can’t recommend it enough. This is a must read story for everyone and this review really doesn’t do it justice.
Hannah, a professional cuddler, and Winter, a complete workaholic are forced to spend ninety-two days together when Jules, a client of Hannah’s and Winter’s father, dies as part of a condition to inherit a building he’d bought when Winter had been trying to buy it. Winter is instantly trying to find a way to get what she wants and have Hannah gone but as time marches on ahead without them and they get to know one another, Winter is in reach of the happiness she has always longed for if she’ll just take a chance.
Just the perfect story. Ice-queen meets infectious, cute, bright and lovely woman who is the only one who can melt her. Jae has delivered the most amazing slow burn romance, with a fantastic premise and two completely unique characters that completely captured my imagination and my heart. I loved every minute of their ninety-two day adventure and even the challenges they faced, including Winter’s half-sister, Brooke!
Absolutely delicious to the point I had to savour every little moment that transpired. A fantastic tension surrounded Winter and Hannah from the second they met and it simmered away as Winter tried to fight every emotion in body that wanted her to be attracted to Hannah. I was fascinated by Hannah’s job, it sounded totally amazing and was great to learn about. That wasn’t the only thing with Hannah though, and having read the book and imagining this amazing situation they found themselves in, I won’t be the same again. I can’t put it into words, it was just such a contemplative moment of self-discovery while Winter and Hannah did the same.
I loved Winter though, she was beyond perfect. Instantly, I knew no matter how lovely Hannah was, Winter was going to have all my attention. She was so complex and yet I could completely empathise with her views, emotions, feelings towards Hannah, her estranged father, Brooke, and this situation. Brooke was a complete piece of work, which added an extra level of excitement to the story, and made everything about it so much more challenging for Winter. When she finally started trying to get along with Hannah and grow, which was amazing character development, I was so happy for her and just hoped she wouldn’t self sabotage.
I can’t describe how amazing this story was. The moment I started reading I knew I wasn’t going to be able to put it down and I just can’t recommend it enough. This is a must read story for everyone and this review really doesn’t do it justice.
August 9, 2023
It's the first book I read from Jae. I wonder why it took me so long, probably because Jae wrote a lot of books and I didn’t know where to start. Ice queen being my favorite trope, I finally dove in. Winter’s name is perfect for her, she is aloof, doesn’t do relationships and has minimal social interactions. Like a lot of ice queen, her personality is the result of emotional trauma. There comes Hannah, her total opposite and she is forced to live with her. Winter is forced out of her comfort zone and the first moments of their roomates time was hilarious. I could recommend this book only for Winter character's growth, she is very touching, and I really loved her evolution through the book. Not that Hannah is not lovable, she is even perfect from A to Z and brings so much to Winter. They always end up communicating with each other even if Winter struggles sometimes.
What I love in this trope is watching closed off characters finding the softness deep in their heart thanks to that special someone and for that special someone only. It was perfectly executed. The slow burn was a delight. The book is low angst, has no unnecessary drama and made me laugh a lot. (Note to myself to look for Winter's welcomish doormat). It's also very educational with the aphantasia topic and I learned a lot about the professional cuddler job.
Abby Craden’s narration is perfect and gave life to a lovely story. I can only recommend it.
I look forward to read Brooke's story which I have no doubt, will be really interesting.
What I love in this trope is watching closed off characters finding the softness deep in their heart thanks to that special someone and for that special someone only. It was perfectly executed. The slow burn was a delight. The book is low angst, has no unnecessary drama and made me laugh a lot. (Note to myself to look for Winter's welcomish doormat). It's also very educational with the aphantasia topic and I learned a lot about the professional cuddler job.
Abby Craden’s narration is perfect and gave life to a lovely story. I can only recommend it.
I look forward to read Brooke's story which I have no doubt, will be really interesting.
September 8, 2022
4 stars
This was nice. A relatively predictable and formulaic romance involving a ridiculous clause in a will that requires two strangers to cohabitate. Nothing new.
But it was well written, I liked the MCs and it fulfilled my expectations, so I'm happy with it even if it wasn't groundbreaking.
This was nice. A relatively predictable and formulaic romance involving a ridiculous clause in a will that requires two strangers to cohabitate. Nothing new.
But it was well written, I liked the MCs and it fulfilled my expectations, so I'm happy with it even if it wasn't groundbreaking.
September 12, 2022
This was a good read. The world needs more Hannah Martin's out there!
I enjoyed watching how Hannah very naturally thawed the walls that Winter put around her her whole life. It was tear inducing to read the life Winter and even Brooke went through alone when as sisters they could have leant on one another. I was going to say it was too little too late for Julian, but his actions brought Hannah into Winter's world so he did good there.
The epilogue definitely made me smile at the end.
I enjoyed watching how Hannah very naturally thawed the walls that Winter put around her her whole life. It was tear inducing to read the life Winter and even Brooke went through alone when as sisters they could have leant on one another. I was going to say it was too little too late for Julian, but his actions brought Hannah into Winter's world so he did good there.
The epilogue definitely made me smile at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2022
When a novel can make you laugh, reflect, and ache, and leaves you with a smile and a warm feeling in your heart, then the writer has successfully achieved their goal.
I adore how Hannah and Winter are the opposite of each other, and yet, it's their differences that make them so special.
Where imagination and touch meet. Creativity and helping the other through a touch. Individuality versus community.
Overachieving, perfectionist, broody almost Grinch like Winter versus one of the sweetest and lovable characters ever written, Hannah, for whom family and friends are so important.
There's a lot of growing and transformation in the novel. A lot of learning how to respect each other and how to love someone, without being scared of showing any weaknesses.
Winter is not the typical Ice Queen you would think of, and I loved that. She's unique.
Big girls don't cry, big girls don't show affection, big girls don't need anyone.
Everybody needs someone.
While not everybody is comfortable with someone else's touch, the touch from the one you love and loves you feels magical.
Cuddling has never been so intimate.
I laughed so much, and I recognized myself a bit in Winter and her relationship with her father. It made me think a lot.
A slow burn that will melt any ice cream you might want to eat while reading it.
Bullshit!
Just eat it fast and read it fast like I did.
Too cute. Too sweet.
I adore how Hannah and Winter are the opposite of each other, and yet, it's their differences that make them so special.
Where imagination and touch meet. Creativity and helping the other through a touch. Individuality versus community.
Overachieving, perfectionist, broody almost Grinch like Winter versus one of the sweetest and lovable characters ever written, Hannah, for whom family and friends are so important.
There's a lot of growing and transformation in the novel. A lot of learning how to respect each other and how to love someone, without being scared of showing any weaknesses.
Winter is not the typical Ice Queen you would think of, and I loved that. She's unique.
Big girls don't cry, big girls don't show affection, big girls don't need anyone.
Everybody needs someone.
While not everybody is comfortable with someone else's touch, the touch from the one you love and loves you feels magical.
Cuddling has never been so intimate.
I laughed so much, and I recognized myself a bit in Winter and her relationship with her father. It made me think a lot.
A slow burn that will melt any ice cream you might want to eat while reading it.
Bullshit!
Just eat it fast and read it fast like I did.
Too cute. Too sweet.
April 1, 2023
This story is just so cute pls!! Just finished listening to the audiobook and, once again, Abby Craden did an amazing job!! Her voice is otherworldly.
Anyways, I’m writing this review as I smile like an idiot, so that’s how good this is. Winter and Hannah’s chemistry is chef’s kiss and I loved reading about them and their growing relationship, but also about professional cuddling, that was really interesting. This book was just what I needed 🥰
Anyways, I’m writing this review as I smile like an idiot, so that’s how good this is. Winter and Hannah’s chemistry is chef’s kiss and I loved reading about them and their growing relationship, but also about professional cuddling, that was really interesting. This book was just what I needed 🥰
August 24, 2022
Just a Touch Away
by Jae
MC Hannah Martin & Winter Sullivan
Winter is like a tornado. She’s swirling in emotions. She’s upset about something her father has done. She feels like her father's way of getting back at her is making her share an apartment with a complete stranger for 92 days. Winter has a lot to unpack, you could tell she is upset about the way her father treated her and her mother.
Hannah unfortunately is thrown into a situation. She has no idea the amount of animosity and family issues that have taken place between her old client and his daughter.
I felt like Hannah was a sweet character. She had a tender heart and wanted to understand Winter and why she seemed to be so cold and a distance.
This story had an ice queen, but Winter was a sweet soul who had never felt love from her parents, she was about to confide in Hannah and let her guard down and express her insecurities.
This was a very cute story with a ice Queen who really was a soft Teddy bear they needed to be cared for.
I enjoyed this story four stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
by Jae
MC Hannah Martin & Winter Sullivan
Winter is like a tornado. She’s swirling in emotions. She’s upset about something her father has done. She feels like her father's way of getting back at her is making her share an apartment with a complete stranger for 92 days. Winter has a lot to unpack, you could tell she is upset about the way her father treated her and her mother.
Hannah unfortunately is thrown into a situation. She has no idea the amount of animosity and family issues that have taken place between her old client and his daughter.
I felt like Hannah was a sweet character. She had a tender heart and wanted to understand Winter and why she seemed to be so cold and a distance.
This story had an ice queen, but Winter was a sweet soul who had never felt love from her parents, she was about to confide in Hannah and let her guard down and express her insecurities.
This was a very cute story with a ice Queen who really was a soft Teddy bear they needed to be cared for.
I enjoyed this story four stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 19, 2023
Jae always brings something different to the table. In Just a Touch Away it’s professional cuddling and aphantasia. These topics are not common in my circle of existence so it’s very interesting and amazing that the author forced a spotlight on these topics that are not mainstream but a portion of the population experience or do for a living.
The story itself is very Jae. If you’ve read enough of the author’s work there’s a sense of comfort and familiarity in her stories, like a formula she follows in her mode of writing. It’s mostly the same path just different facade to the walls.
This story is easy, medium angst and educational.
The story itself is very Jae. If you’ve read enough of the author’s work there’s a sense of comfort and familiarity in her stories, like a formula she follows in her mode of writing. It’s mostly the same path just different facade to the walls.
This story is easy, medium angst and educational.
February 29, 2024
Traveling book number five (I think number five I really stopped keeping track at some point)
Definitely one of the better ones in the traveling book group-
I thought Hannah & Winter were such a sweet couple- really liked reading about them.
I loved the forced proximity and the grumpy sunshine in the book as well.
I don't think the whole "professional cuddler" thing is my personal cup of tea, could have done without that but I overall enjoyed the book.
Definitely one of the better ones in the traveling book group-
I thought Hannah & Winter were such a sweet couple- really liked reading about them.
I loved the forced proximity and the grumpy sunshine in the book as well.
I don't think the whole "professional cuddler" thing is my personal cup of tea, could have done without that but I overall enjoyed the book.
January 26, 2024
The newest Jae book was a huge hit for me. A nice, long character-driven enemies to lovers story. I love Jae's slow-burn books so much. There were some very interesting aspects of this one that I enjoyed learning about. One thing about Jae's books is that I always learn something.
Honestly, it wasn't a perfect read for me because of some of the same things that have stood out in other Jae books but Winter and Hannah made me fall in love with them and everything else faded away. The stuff that stood out and pulled me a little bit out of the story were repeated phrases that didn't feel natural (like repeated use of "professional cuddler" or eye color, stuff like that.)
All that being said, Just a Touch Away has a spot on my re-read list, for sure. And don't forget the free short bonus scene, The Welcome Party. It's adorable.
**1/26/24 - on a major Jae binge right now. Enjoyed this reread but a bit less than the first time.**
Honestly, it wasn't a perfect read for me because of some of the same things that have stood out in other Jae books but Winter and Hannah made me fall in love with them and everything else faded away. The stuff that stood out and pulled me a little bit out of the story were repeated phrases that didn't feel natural (like repeated use of "professional cuddler" or eye color, stuff like that.)
All that being said, Just a Touch Away has a spot on my re-read list, for sure. And don't forget the free short bonus scene, The Welcome Party. It's adorable.
**1/26/24 - on a major Jae binge right now. Enjoyed this reread but a bit less than the first time.**
December 23, 2022
6/10
i guess i just expected more
ngl the profession is something that kept me from enjoying this book fully
but also the weird dynamics between characters like i somehow wasnt convinced anything was really happening and novody was who they said they were etc
and when everything was resolved it felt weak
if i had to describe the story with just one word itd be - unconvincing
i guess i just expected more
ngl the profession is something that kept me from enjoying this book fully
but also the weird dynamics between characters like i somehow wasnt convinced anything was really happening and novody was who they said they were etc
and when everything was resolved it felt weak
if i had to describe the story with just one word itd be - unconvincing
August 28, 2022
Hannah Martin has an unusual job: she’s a professional cuddler. She has a giant heart and cares for her clients, but she hasn’t found that special someone to snuggle up with in her personal life.
Winter Sullivan is an aloof workaholic who isn’t looking for love. She’s built a fortress of ice around herself, would rather poke her eyes out than cuddle, and most definitely does not want to share her space with anyone. When Winter’s estranged father dies, he leaves her with one last surprise: she and Hannah will inherit a building together on the condition, that they live together for ninety-two days.
Winter is determined to hate Hannah but quickly realizes she isn’t what she expected. Thanks to a ridiculous doormat war, a cuddle dare from Winter’s half-sister, and a kiss in the most unusual of
places, the glacial walls around her heart begin to melt.
Hannah is a total sweetheart, and I was firmly on Team Hannah from the first minute. She’s kind, caring, compassionate, and an all-around wonderful human. Being a professional cuddler is what makes her feel complete and she loves helping her clients. Hannah has aphantasia which is the inability to form mental images that are not present which is why the power of touch and physical connection is such a major part of who she is. I was impressed by her backbone, going toe to toe with Winter often throughout the book. She could have easily slinked away and let Winter have her way, but she didn’t. Go, girl!
Winter’s frosty facade, lack of social skills, and inability to be empathetic to others made it really difficult for me to connect with her in the beginning. She’s selfish, territorial, and entirely unwelcoming and I loved watching the frost begin to melt as the book progressed.
Hannah’s professional cuddler friends were a delight to get to know. Brooke, Winter’s half-sister, added another layer to Winter’s history. Boy, their relationship was contentious.
Not only did I learn about professional cuddling (I’d love to get my hands on the “Cuddle Sutra”), but I also learned about aphantasia from this book. Having courtside seats to watch Hannah and Winter’s journey from enemies to friends to lovers was special. The doormat war added some comic relief in an otherwise tense and uncomfortable time for our mains. Bravo to Jae for adding that bit of humor!
Just a Touch Away by Jae is a delightful story about getting comfortable being uncomfortable, vulnerability, honesty, letting your guard down, and allowing someone in. It’s low angst, entertaining, and will leave you wanting to cuddle for the next two or three days. Also, Jae has written a bonus scene and a short story sequel to Just a Touch Away so make sure you sign up for her newsletter in order to get the goods!
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Winter Sullivan is an aloof workaholic who isn’t looking for love. She’s built a fortress of ice around herself, would rather poke her eyes out than cuddle, and most definitely does not want to share her space with anyone. When Winter’s estranged father dies, he leaves her with one last surprise: she and Hannah will inherit a building together on the condition, that they live together for ninety-two days.
Winter is determined to hate Hannah but quickly realizes she isn’t what she expected. Thanks to a ridiculous doormat war, a cuddle dare from Winter’s half-sister, and a kiss in the most unusual of
places, the glacial walls around her heart begin to melt.
Hannah is a total sweetheart, and I was firmly on Team Hannah from the first minute. She’s kind, caring, compassionate, and an all-around wonderful human. Being a professional cuddler is what makes her feel complete and she loves helping her clients. Hannah has aphantasia which is the inability to form mental images that are not present which is why the power of touch and physical connection is such a major part of who she is. I was impressed by her backbone, going toe to toe with Winter often throughout the book. She could have easily slinked away and let Winter have her way, but she didn’t. Go, girl!
Winter’s frosty facade, lack of social skills, and inability to be empathetic to others made it really difficult for me to connect with her in the beginning. She’s selfish, territorial, and entirely unwelcoming and I loved watching the frost begin to melt as the book progressed.
Hannah’s professional cuddler friends were a delight to get to know. Brooke, Winter’s half-sister, added another layer to Winter’s history. Boy, their relationship was contentious.
Not only did I learn about professional cuddling (I’d love to get my hands on the “Cuddle Sutra”), but I also learned about aphantasia from this book. Having courtside seats to watch Hannah and Winter’s journey from enemies to friends to lovers was special. The doormat war added some comic relief in an otherwise tense and uncomfortable time for our mains. Bravo to Jae for adding that bit of humor!
Just a Touch Away by Jae is a delightful story about getting comfortable being uncomfortable, vulnerability, honesty, letting your guard down, and allowing someone in. It’s low angst, entertaining, and will leave you wanting to cuddle for the next two or three days. Also, Jae has written a bonus scene and a short story sequel to Just a Touch Away so make sure you sign up for her newsletter in order to get the goods!
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
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