I have the paperback copy from the Loveswept collection and have re-read many times. Enjoyed getting to read the story in ebook form . This story still sweeps the reader to the land of Cajuns to experience the power of touch and love.

Ebook from net galley and publishers with thanks. Opinions are entirely my own.

This book was originally published in 1989 and it's surprisingly relevant in today's world. Caroline has a unique ability to speak with animals. She is called to Louisiana to help on a movie set with a wolf-lab mix as the star. The owner is Paul, a vet who runs an animal sanctuary. I liked the idea of communicating with animals. Paul and Caroline are both haunted by their past and it was a good story as they help each other overcome and reach for the future.

This is a reissue of an earlier book by Deborah Smith that I had never read. No matter how old the book, if it’s by her, it will be captivating, engaging and inspired. Every word, every sentence draws the reader deeply into a compelling story filled with emotion.
Hot Touch is such a story. A woman who detests her heritage is called to work in the heart of what she hates. Caroline Fitzsimmons is an animal trainer gifted at reaching animal actors when all else fails. Deep in the Cajun country of Louisiana is a wolf that won’t cooperate with his owner, Paul Belue. He’s never encountered such behavior from Wolf and believes no outside trainer can do anything. Caroline is not an average trainer Paul soon learns. Plus, there is something more present drawing them together, even as Caroline fights it.
The story artfully unfolds as the tenuous relationship grows. Caroline is hiding the truth of her hatred of all things Cajun and of her unique gift. Paul is determined to uncover the why’s.

this was my first Deborah Smith book and I really liked it. The themes were great and well put together. I didn't want it to end. I also liked how I could visualize the plantation. I will surely go check out more by this author.

If the amazing Deborah Smith never publishes another new book or novella 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 an old Loveswept romance, clearly demonstrates Smith's talent, but it's severely hamstrung by multiple Old Skool tropes, most notably the Alpha Male hero. 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.

I read this book when it was originally released in the Loveswept group of books. I have always loved this book! This was one of the few at that time that combined romance with a paranormal edge that I just fell in love with. Paul at the beginning comes across as a cranky, stuck in his ways man who really doesn't want the people in his home but he needs the money. He certainly doesn't think his wolf needs the help of anyone else to perform, let alone someone from Hollywood. Enter Caroline. She has been called in to hopefully get wolf to do what he needs to do for this movie. But she comes across as stuck up, bossy, and high maintenance. Until you truly get to know her and what she hides about herself. She has her own set of secrets and fears. Little does she know that Paul will be just the person to set her free from her own fears and be the one to accept her for who she is! Love, love, love this book!!