Some wear large and often ugly scars on the outside, others hide the ugliness that they feel on the inside with complex artwork on their bodies, visible reminders of moments they will never forget. Oh sure, a tattoo can celebrate something good and wonderful, a cherished memory, or even a ‘what the heck’ moment, but for Clay, these tattoos mark every bad and evil moment in his life. Evil that he sees every day, reliving it, feelings of guilt that override the pride he should feel in being a key element to removing several evildoers from the streets. But his time as an undercover operative in the Sultan’s MC have taught him to eschew softness and gentleness – how could he not destroy that with all that he is, was and did?

Dr. Georgette Hadley specializes in tattoo removal, and is quite good at her job. When Clay appears for a consult, looking to remove much of the visible reminders (and marks) ‘earned’ in his time with the Sultans. Arriving and presenting a solid face of intimidation, George is intrigued, for deep within she sees something of the man deep within…. Whether it’s his eyes that don’t quite hide the hurt, or his proper manners and the way something deep within him cries out to her.

Poor Clay has really had a hard time of it – he wasn’t entirely ‘together’ before going deep under in the Sultans, and as often happens, there are a few who escaped capture still out there, vowing to hunt him down. And, in some ways, Clay actually believes that he deserves it – discounting the fact that as part of his job, the tasks he did ALLOWED him to stay and achieve success. And then there’s Georgette. Talented, funny, sweet Georgette with an aura he wants to absorb, but is afraid he too, will hurt her. Widowed very young, she’s not taken another chance with her heart, and the attraction to Clay has her willing to risk it again. But, there are dangers and threats, and some Sultans still out there…..

Anders drags the reader in, and you can feel the character’s pain with the honest and raw way they bare their souls. No one is all good or bad, and we can often find those nuggets of qualities unexplored, and grab to those, hoping that the character will grow and heal enough to find their own worth. Like the first in this series, both characters have issues, but Clay is far more broken and in need of kindness and gentleness, while Georgette’s concerns, until the threats from the gang appear, are far more common to us all and are based in the fear of being hurt. A deft ability to see her characters and make them speak and be vulnerable when it is most important characterizes Anders’ writing in this series, certain to make her a favorite to watch for many.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=”http://wp.me/p3OmRo-8RJ”> <a> I am, Indeed </a>

4.5 Stars
'By Her Touch' by Adriana Anders is book Two in the "Blank Canvas" series. This is the story of Clay Navarro and Dr. Georgette Hadley 'George'. Clay barley made it out of the Sultans biker gang when he was an undercover cop. Part of being in that gang and also being tortured was to be forced to take a tattoo. Clay had come to George to get the really bad ones taken off. Clay finds George very attractive, sweet and total different than what he has been used to. George knows to that Clay is different and can't help but be attracted to him. But his body tells of allot of hard times in his life. George just wants to help heal him but will Clay let her. Clay has more scars on the inside but can George heal those too? Will Clay even let her?
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"Give me a kiss," he demanded, and as she watched, he softened, his gaze running a tender path from her lips to her eyes and back again. "Please kiss me."

Clay Navarro, rough and sweet, and very damaged. Working deep undercover has scarred him inside and out. When he seeks out Dr. George Hadley for tattoo removal, he has no idea the connection he will have with her.

George has her own heartbreak that she has lived with. Her life may not be where she thought it would be, but she has convinced herself she is content. Until she meets Clay. She doesn't understand why someone would mark themselves the way she thinks Clay has. She wants to help him, but didn't expect she would be so drawn to him. She tries to resist crossing the Dr/patient line, and she is only holding on by a thread.

Just as George & Clay start to explore what their feelings are for each other, Clay's past comes back to haunt them. And his past could be deadly.

This is a great second book in this series. I enjoyed the first, but Clay and George's is my favorite! I am so looking forward to the next installment!

This is the first book I read by Ms Anders. I liked the plot , but have mixed feelings about the writing style. At times I found it a little choppy.
That said, the stories about the lives of Clay, the undercover ATF agent, and Dr Georgette Hadley, are heartfelt and complex. Ethics are questioned, the effects of undercover work is eye opening, and in the end, if one overcomes the past and the bad in our lives, their is redemption , hope and love in our future.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

DNF so will not be rating or reviewing. Thank you for the opportunity to review this title.

I'm not even sure how to begin this review. I guess I'll start by mentioning that, although it's not a major theme in this story, there are some flashbacks that are dark. Not in a disturbing way to warrant a disclaimer, just...emotionally hard to take some times. Especially once you start to really like the character.

Much like the first book in this series, the story revolves around unwanted tattoos. Ink that was forced or manipulated on to the persons skin. Clay is an undercover cop who had to go in deep with the Sultans MC. So deep that he pretty much lost himself. Who is was as a man no longer made sense to him. And the ink on his body proved it. He'd truly become one of them. But now that his cover has been blown and the leader of the club behind bars, he's on the run until the court date where he needs to testify. While "hiding out", he needs to remove his tattoos. And where do you think he ends up? That's right. Right in to hands of Georgette Hadley.

I think we all knew from the first book that there was a past that George was dealing with. I mean, she DID know first hand how the removal of tattoos felt. In this book, we learn why. We also get to see just how perfect and nice she really is. Ok, ok. Yes, she had a little bit of a bad side at one time, but that's all changed now. And it takes her loving touch to bring out the best in Clay.

There were times in this book that I lost interest. Not to the point that would have stopped reading it, just to the point where I was getting a little restless with what was to come. But once I got to "the good stuff", I was all in again. The anticipation between Clay and George is so sweet that my heart literally ached for them. His hard exterior in contrast to her soft and loving self made for a perfect couple. He truly is a hero. Can't wait to see who's next...

reviewed by Chris

This was one of the hottest novels I have ever read! I absolutely loved the hero and the heroine and will read more from this author in the future.

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this novel!

Much of Clay Navarro’s story is written on his tattooed and scarred body. As undercover ATF agent in a violent criminal biker gang, he has seen and done things that haunt his waking and sleeping memory. Hiding out in a small, rural town while waiting to testify against the gang and recovering from wounds sustained during their take-down, Clay meets Dr. Georgette Hadley, a dermatologist who removes tattoos. Forced on him by a brutally evil Sultans’ member, Clay has some tattoos he is desperate to be rid of as they identify his undercover status as well as the gang badges. In a way, the removal of these inked emblems is a metaphor for getting his life back. As he endures the pain under Georgette’s skilled and compassionate hands, they both are intensely drawn to one another when they are seemingly opposites. Clay’s undercover life became a part of his psyche almost as indelibly as the ink on his skin. His reason for going in with this particular gang was personal as well as professional which adds an even darker dimension.

Georgette has been a widow for ten years having lost her husband to cancer while still quite young. Her own emotional scars from that trauma, and bad decisions in her teen years, have led Georgette to savor the quiet, safe life of her rural home; but is she it really living or just surviving? Clay’s obviously violent past written on his body should scare her, but their souls seem to recognize each other, so she takes a risk to be with a man who may be too damaged to have a normal life. Not all of the biker gang members were caught; some of the ones left are out for revenge on Clay as someone blew his cover.

This story is very intense in all aspects including the romance, violence, and emotional baggage of both Clay and Georgette. I was very drawn into each of their stories and hard fought for lives. It’s much more than just a good girl falls for an undercover bad boy, tattooed alpha male trope. While ostensibly a romance, this tale is a reminder that people from all levels of social strata make bad and good choices, but ultimately what defines and sometimes saves them is how they overcome tough odds to be better than their circumstances. Love gives this couple a second chance at living instead of just existing; they have to ability heal one another in a profound way despite their individual losses and the darkness in the world. Adriana Anders has a fine hand at drawing out a reader’s emotions both the sensual and deeply moved kind. This story is one of those fasten your seat belts kind of ride, but it’s a journey well worth undertaking.

By Her Touch was an okay read. The character was well developed to put that you could see what drove them. However, the chemistry between Clay and Georgette was non-existing. The story dragged on way too long. I figured out who betrayed Clay to the Sultans at the beginning. So, when the big reveal happened it was meh.
This would be the first title I ever read by this author and so I can’t rightfully say if this was one of her best or not. I can say that this story could be read as a stand along and that this book would be suited towards readers who likes mystery along with light-hearted romance.

This was a touching book about second chances. Clay had been through so much, pain and suffering, and he had no hope for a good life. He suffered thru self incrimination and just went thru the motions. He meets Dr. Hadley (George) to remove his tattoo's, but does this for a court case, and they are all over. George is heartbroken when she sees his body covered, but she is also seriously attracted to him, and it is unethical for her to have a relationship with him. Clay fires her, and tries a couple of times to take it further, but tends to run out on her because he feels he does not deserve someone so good in his life. George makes him see that she needs him too. They end up having some difficulty with a biker group after Clay, but they get thru it, stay together. I am waiting for Jessi's story. The only thing that I was hoping for was more of Uma and Ive.

Four and a half
I think we all carry scars of one sort or another. For some they are invisible , dark and unseen. For others they are present, bright as day and undeniable . Undercover agent Clay carries both, the ink and scars of his life so far and the ones that line his soul. Now hiding out he prepares for that one final push that will see those who have hurt so many finally getting what they deserve.
George has such a need to help others but no one can help ease her sadness. Existing yes but not truly living for the past ten years and yet all that can change in a heartbeat. Her newest patient needs her skills but what if it's really her, just as she is that he really needs? For George the intense desire to touch him is a visceral thing but forbidden. Yet something has undoubtedly woken up inside her but there's a darkness not just inside Clay but following him and their time is running out!
This follow up to Under her Skin is just as harrowing and dark at times and yet there's a sense of redemption permeating it. It felt good to really get to know what makes George tick and I especially enjoy the lighter moments with curmudgeonly characters not to mention those who like to meddle as it made the life portrayed in this small town feel realistic. Yet I have to point out it's a very emotional romance with dark undertones and there are moments that are chilling as its so hard not to empathise with these characters. I read this fully understanding that Clay and George are on a journey of sorts but they are not alone , no they both have to face their past.
This has lots of heat as the couple connect on every level. I loved how the story developed and sincerely hope that Jessie who has played a part in both books will find love too. So my final thoughts are this author has written a very gritty , emotional story that was incredibly hard to put down .
This is a voluntary take on a copy I received from Netgalley and my thoughts are my honest opinion

By Her Touch is the second book I’ve read by Adriana Anders. It’s also the second book I’ve LOVED by Adriana Anders. If you are looking for an author who creates incredibly real, flawed and vulnerable characters who deserve a happy ending, look no further. Clay and George were so perfect for each other, despite everything they had going against them. Just when you think they were on the right path, the story would twist another way and suck you in again.
We first met Dr. Georgette Hadley in Under Her Skin when the heroine of that book needed some tattoos removed. That is the same reason that brings Clay Navarro to George’s little town. As a federal agent working undercover with the Sultans motorcycle club, Clay was forced into situations and actions that scarred him inside and out. Now that he is out – and hiding out until he can testify at trial – Clay is looking for a way to erase the damage done to his appearance. He’s hoping that Dr. Hadley can remove the tattoos that brand him as something he’s no longer pretending to be.
When she sees Clay, George is wary but intrigued. Everything female in her reaches out to the big, tough, scarred, tattooed man who obviously needs help. His skin bears the evidence of the violent life he’s led, and his eyes reveal the tortured past of a man who has seen too much. A widow for the past ten years, George is unprepared for the fierce attraction she feels for the stranger. The pull between them is too strong to resist, though, and soon even their doctor-patient relationship isn’t enough to keep her from reaching out to him.
Clay knows getting involved with the beautiful doctor is a mistake. A happily ever after ending is not in the cards for someone like him, and letting her get close to him will only open her life up to the danger that surrounds his. She refuses to ignore their mutual need, though, and the man deep inside who still believes in the good of the world runs to her like a moth to a flame.
This book was dark and harsh and gritty with its violence and the sexual attraction between Clay and George was very intense. If you’re looking for a sweet, light-hearted romance, this is not the book for you. By Her Touch is a sad, touching love story that will make you feel like your heart is being shredded before you’re done. I loved how George remained true to herself, even when it meant going against her principles as a physician, and when it meant giving up on a dream that wasn’t hers anymore. Clay adored her and it was very obvious how much she meant to him, even though he wasn’t a man who knew how to handle loving someone.
I give By Her Touch 5 stars.

Wooooweeee!!! If you haven't started this fantastic series yet then you are missing out!! I knew from the first book (Under Her Skin) that I had found an author that was an automatic 1-clicker for me! I am so happy to say, Adriana Anders has once again has wow'ed me with By Her Touch!

Clay/Andrew is a cop who was recently undercover to take down a dangerous Motorcycle Club, which literally left him barely breathing. While trying to lay low until he has to testify against the MC, Clay finds an out of the way town to have some of his MC tattoos removed. That's where the dermatologist Dr. Georgette (George) Hadley comes in, or should I say, that's where Clay comes into George's office. Even from their initial meeting, George knows there is a lot to Clay's story-- none of which he wants to share. George agrees to remove Clay's tattoos, a process that will take months. The thing is they both have an undeniable attraction to each other, and as much as they want to pretend the sparks aren't there...they most definitely ARE!!! I love what Adriana Anders had in store for these two!!!

This was such an addictive read! Clay and George both had so much pain in their past that my heart went out to both of them. I loved how deep Ms. Anders went with their storylines. I think this book does a great job with mixing suspense and romance. I also enjoyed getting updates from Uma & Ivan (main characters from the first book). By Her Touch is a 4.5 star novel that EVERYONE needs to read!! I cannot wait for the next book in the Blank Canvas series (In His Hands due out 8/1/17)!!

I am so glad I got a chance to read "By Her Touch". I loved it. Excellent writing.

George has always been the good girl; she doesn't rock the boat and she keeps her head down. When she meets Clay Navarro, something inside of her comes to life in a way that she didn't even know was possible. As their relationship grows, both will be tested in ways they never imagined.
This book was incredible...Anders has a lifelong fan in this reader. I hope that the next book she puts out will be about Ive's sister, Jessie!!

loved it