Hot Touch

If the amazing Deborah Smith never publishes another new book again (and considering how long I've waited for the 3rd novella in the MacBrides trilogy that's a distinct possibility), I'll have to be content with re-reads of her unforgettable single title novels, such as A Place to Call Home, Crossroads Cafe or Sweet Hush. Hot Touch, a re-release of a 1989 Loveswept romance, clearly demonstrates Smith's talent, but it's severely hamstrung by multiple Old Skool tropes, most notably the Alpha Male hero. Upon their first meeting, Paul “Blue” Belue immediately assumes that Caroline Fitzsimmons is a trampy hellion who needs to be tamed. He knows what's best for her (which mostly includes kissing her until her traitorous body responds, and throwing her over his shoulder while she flails helplessly) and only comes to his senses when another character (a man of course) tells him that she is more chaste than he believed. Ah Loveswept. I used to think they were the sh&t. In my defense, I was pretty young at the time.There is a lovely subplot about Caroline's unique ability to communicate with animals, and several poignant scenes that highlight her gift. But I couldn't help wishing that our heroine had used her skills to make an alligator take off a few pieces of Blue's anatomy. I'm sure if Smith re-wrote the book today it would be very different - her recent heroes are usually troubled and often dark, but they're not alpha-holes - but Hot Touch is presented in all of its 1980s glory, shoulder pads and all.Re-release edition published by Belle Compass Books, 2017. I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.ETA: New MacBride novella is coming out September 15, 2017! Woot! Finally!