It has been a while since I read a Candace Camp book. After reading His Sinful Touch, I wondered why I waited so long. I have several of her offerings in my TBR pile including one of two that precede this book in the Max Moorland series. This book caught my attention right at the beginning of the book and did not let go until the end. Sabrina does not know who she is or why she doesn't know. She walks into Con's investigative agency looking for help. There she finds Alex and elicits his assistance. However, Alex feels he already knows het, not who she is, but her very essence. The adventure continues as they search for her identity. Of course, Alex enlists his family in the search. This is a fast paced read I had trouble putting down. I am so very glad there are so many Mad Morelands. That means a lot of tales to read.

His Sinful Touch was just okay for me. I had a hard time getting into the book and connecting with the characters, it wasn't until about I was halfway through that I felt invested. I was curious however and kept right on reading because I wanted Alexander and Sabrina to get to their HEA. I did enjoy the dual POVs, that helped to keep it interesting. Writing wise I felt it dragged a lot, which was probably why I had a hard time connecting. So, okay story but it just wasn't for me.

The Morelands return with two new novels about twins Alex and Con, now all grown up (and honestly my favorite characters from the earlier books). Alex is now an architect, but when a young woman stumbles into his office looking for his investigator brother, he can’t help but assist her. Sabrina knows something terrible happened to her, and has the injuries to show for it, but she’s suffering complete amnesia. When the kind, handsome stranger takes her home to his family, she worries that she’s putting them all in danger.

I enjoyed this new story, and the plot was more toned down than the previous books. Less supernatural craziness but still plenty of adventure.

His Sinful Touch was just okay. I couldn't get into it and didnt really feel any attachment to the characters.

Pros
Each chapter told from alternating points of view between Sabrina and Alex which kept the story fresh and you got a chance to get into the heads of both characters learning their thoughts and feelings on different occurrences.
The writing itself is appropriate for the period.
A few somewhat steamy scenes to enjoy.
Did I mention a sexy Son of a Duke??
Alex’s family is AMAZING!! I kind of want to back-track to read each of their individual stories as they are quite the zany bunch! (I say KIND OF because of the points below)
Definitely an enjoyable cozy read that you don’t have to put too much thought into.
Enjoyable discussions about the Sufferagette movement.
Cons
Using the same descriptions multiple times (i.e, description of Alex “thick dark hair, soaring cheekbones and the dark slashes of his eyebrows above his clear green eyes”) I understand that you’r describing the same person, but you can switch up the descriptors a LITTLE bit.
The pacing was VERY SLOW. I was beginning to wonder when something was going to happen. There was an inordinate amount of hanging around with Alex’s family and talking about each family member and no furtherance of the plot. Even the relationship between Sabrina and Alex began to get a little tedious. (1st 80% of the book: “God, I want to kiss her….I REALLY want to kiss her…..CAN I KISS HER NOW?” Last 20% of the book… SEX.)
Pro/Con
Slow beginning. A lot of hanging around and getting the back story on the Morelands (good for me, tedious for those who read the prior books of the series as they STILL seemed to be explaining things 22% through the book. If they do this with each book I would be bored to death by this one. As this was my FIRST novel in the series, it was nice to get the down-low on the other family members)

All and all a decent cozy read! Feel free to check it out yourselves!

This is the first book I've read from Candance Camp and it definitely won't be my last!

~~Reviewed by AnnMarie~~

His Sinful Touch is the fifth book in The Mad Morelands series by Candace Camp. I haven’t read any of the other books in the series so can safely say that this one can be fully enjoyed as a stand-alone one. That said, now that I have read this one I will definitely go back and read the others!

Sabrina is running away, from what she doesn’t know because she has lost her memory. When she arrives in London she has advice from a hackney driver to go to an investigative service for help. It is there that she first meets Alexander Moreland. His twin brother owns the agency but Alex helps out occasionally which is why he is at the offices.

Alex has special psychic abilities, not just the normal twin connection, and even before Sabrina enters the building he picks up on her anguish. He knows immediately that he must help her and as soon as she explains her situation, even though he isn’t the investigator of the business, he promises to help her.

The story follows where Alex and Sabrina try to fathom what happened in her past. The time they spend together and a soul-deep connection between them sees their relationship developing. When they discover eventually who Sabrina is running from it seems their relationship is doomed, but Alex swears to do all that he and his family can do to make sure she never ends up back in the hands of the person she was running from.

This book was fabulous. I enjoyed every minute of it because so much was going on. Alex is the perfect hero, such a gentleman, one willing to do all that it takes to look after those that he cares about. Not only did I fall in love with Alex and Sabrina but the whole Moreland family too who I think are an absolute delight to read about. They are definitely not your usual stuffy rich family and I especially loved the psychic abilities that some of the family members had. It gave the whole story that little extra to make it better than your normal Regency Romance. It’s one of the reasons I am determined to go back now and read all the previous stories in the series.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers’ copy of this book.

I am a fan of Candance Camp's books and I really liked this one (paranormal touch included).
It's a bit different from the usual romance and that was one of the things that I found mostly fascinating.
Recommended.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin

I had to much hope for this story but well it wasnt more than average in the end. Unfortunately. I liked the title, the book cover and the first 25% of the story but then it started to bore me and I really had to make myself finish this book.

Haunted by flashbacks!

The Mad Morelands (what a stunning group of people!) are at it again. Or rather life is at them. Alexander Moreland is surprised by a young man who appears at his office disheveled and distressed. Only that young man is a young woman who has completely lost her memory and has by fortuitous circumstances found her way to Moreland's Investigative Agency and will find her way right into Alex's heart.
The hunt to find Sabrina's past will uncover much and put them both at risk. In the journey they will discover much that holds them together and recollections from the mists of their pasts. A rollicking good read with plenty of humor, heart stopping moments, and of course romantic inclinations.

A NetGalley ARC

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

In this next book in the Mad Morelands series, the author has written a lovely story that brings in elements of mystery, paranormal and amnesia into the mix and takes us back into the wonderful world of Morelands.

* I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review*

I enjoyed Sabrina and Alex's story. There's a touch of supernatural, a case of amnesia, and some instalove, but it all works well.

From Goodreads: A lost identity. A dangerous mystery. And a deep love that can conquer it all.

When a mysterious gentleman arrives on his doorstep, Alexander Moreland is astonished to discover that the stranger is not a gentleman at all, but a beautiful young woman disguised as a man, and in great need of assistance. The woman remembers nothing except her own name, Sabrina, and has only the contents of her pockets as clues to her identity: a handkerchief, a pocket watch, a leather pouch, a torn scrap of paper and a gold ring.

Sabrina is certain that she is on the run from someone, or something—how else to explain the bruises on her face and the pervasive sense of dread she feels? She’s also certain that she trusts Alex to help her, and she can’t deny the sparks that fly between them. As they race through the English countryside, Sabrina and Alex must solve the mystery of Sabrina’s past—before whatever she’s running from catches up to them.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

My Thoughts: I've read a number of Ms. Camp's books, but had somehow missed this series (earlier books were released 10+ years ago, this is a new addition to the series). I REALLY enjoyed this book, so much so that I read it all in one day and could not put it down. What made the book for me was the characters and this unconventional family for this time period that is the heart of the series. I picked up the series here with Book 5, and despite that it is easily a standalone read. (That being said, I'm working on finding the others to get the backstory!)

Sabrina and Alex are the focus of the story, and the book starts with a bang as we get glimpses of Sabrina's story, just enough to intrigue and set the tone for what's to come as she starts the search for herself in more ways than one. As she finds Alex, we see him step outside his normal "role" and comfort zone to do what needs to be done to protect and help the woman he quickly is coming to love (it's always amazing how quickly that happens). While the end result is never really in doubt, Ms. Camp makes the getting there interesting and not always predictable. An enjoyable way to spend the afternoon, I'm anxious not only to read the next in the series, but the previous as well. The Mad Morelands are wholly entertaining. (Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to review this!)

3.5 Stars

Alexander Moreland and his twin brother, Con, have always had a mystical "connection." While they can't read each other's mind, they can sense when the other is near, or troubled. Alex is surprised to discover that he feels a similar connection to a stranger who wanders into Con's investigative agency. The stranger is dressed in men's clothing, but is definitely a woman in disguise. The woman needs help finding someone lost, namely, herself. She has no memory of who she is or where she belongs. She is wearing a locket with the name Sabrina engraved, so she assumes that is her name. She has some injuries, and has a feeling of dread, and that she is fleeing something or someone.

Alex's protective instinct ramps into high gear, and he takes Sabrina to his family home while he works on finding out her story. The Moreland family is an unconventional lot, no stranger to scandal, and not afraid of it. They welcome Sabrina into their midst, and she's soon feeling comfortable and safe. Alex decides to have Sabrina attend some social events in the hope that someone will recognize her and solve the mystery of her identity. Sabrina is recognized, first by a woman, Lilah, who claims to be a close friend, then by a pair of men, one who claims to be her guardian, and his son, Peter, who claims to be her husband. As some intense feelings have begun to develop between Alex and Sabrina in a short time, the possibility of her having a husband is very unwelcome news to both of them. A distraught Sabrina refuses to leave with her husband, and returns to the Moreland home.

Knowing that Peter Dearborn and his father will soon demand to take Sabrina back into their care, Alex and Sabrina embark on a road trip, determined to find out the truth. As they retrace Sabrina's steps, their attraction and connection deepens. Alex is determined that Sabrina will be his, no matter what steps he has to take, but in the meanwhile, he attempts to be honorable, and not act on his desires. Sabrina has no such scruples, and she is determined to share love with Alex now, no matter what the future may bring. Even though she is now having hazy memories of standing before a vicar....

Alex and Sabrina are wonderful characters, and it's clear that they belong together. Even so, I admit to being disappointed that they gave in so quickly to passion before they knew all the facts about her past and her relationship with Peter. The story was interesting, fast moving, and exciting. The mental connection that Alex and Sabrina had added a whole 'nother layer of intimacy to their relationship. I would have liked to see the villain(s) suffer a much harsher punishment, as I think they escaped very lightly. HIS SINFUL TOUCH is a well written, enjoyable, and different type of romance due to the paranormal element. Though it's part of THE MAD MORELAND series, it reads very well as a standalone book.

With only the contents of her pocket, no memory of herself, dressed in a man's clothes and bruised, Sabrina found herself in an investigative agency to seek help. But with the real investigator's absence, she found herself depending on Alex, the investigator's twin, who has an unusual ability that is really helpful in any investigations. Judging from her physical and mental state, Sabrina was certain she was in the run from someone and weirdly enough, she feels as if Alex can help her solve the puzzle the puzzle that is her life.
On the other hand, Alex, who came from a family known as Mad Morelands, is having a hard time
believing the 'connection' he seems have with a woman he just met. Also he can't seem to stop himself from falling for her even with the fact that she might be already married. She's carrying a ring after all and other men's stuffs.

The story is ALL romance even though mystery is a big part of it. It is filled with lovely interactions between the two MCs as their attraction is very obvious from the start. Investigating Sabrina's case turned out to be an adventure filled with intrigue and danger. I couldn't help but turn page after page as I was eager to know more. And though, at the back of my mind, I knew what really happened or what will happen, that didn't make reading the story less interesting.
The characters: Obviously, I love the MCs. They're both witty and loving. I also liked the side characters especially the other Morelands whose stories are all in these series. The only other book I've read from this series is the first one and it's amazing because then, ALex and his twin, Con, were only kids who are always in trouble. It's great to see him as a MAN now. :)

Overall, this is a fantastic read I would recommend to everyone who loves Hsitorical Romance, Romance, and a little adventure and intrigue. :) :)

Happy Reading. :)

I am a huge fan of Candace Camp’s Mad Moreland’s series, it holds a very special place in my heart as the first book – Mesmerized – is the first contemporarily written romance novel I ever read. I feel like the Moreland’s are part of my own family and have been extremely impatient waiting for the next set of books in this series. If you like reading a collection of books and following the adventures of each family member, this series gets my highest recommendation. Read them all, I promise you will not be disappointed with the fun, lovable characters Ms. Camp has created and the little paranormal twists the books provide.

Alexander Moreland comes from a large, intellectually minded family of eccentrics. They are called the Mad Moreland’s for their unique and sometimes odd ways but Alex has never minded the notoriety that accompanies his family name. He and his twin brother Constantine were forever getting in scrapes and basically terrorizing the ton with their antics but those days are long past. Alex has grown into a serious man who doesn’t hesitate to help the young woman in disguise who shows up at his brother’s office in search of a hero (even if she doesn’t know it yet). Sabrina might not remember who she is but the strong willed and determined woman knows that danger lurks around every corner. She must work with Alex and his incredible abilities to find out who she is and who is trying to do her harm. If love is the final result, it will all be worth the risks she must take.

I love how Alex and Sabrina are connected from the moment they meet. Not only are the sparks between them palpable, but they soon discover that they have a bond so deep it extends beyond rational thought. Alex is such a likable character that it just feels right that he finds such a wonderful bond with his soulmate. Sabrina is equally likable and I found myself attracted to her desire to do things for herself and not be cowed by the threats to her life. I like it when a heroine takes matters into her own hands and doesn’t play the damsel in distress but rather helps to get herself out of whatever situation she might find herself in.

Ms. Camp has written a love story that I truly enjoyed and kept me anticipating what would happen between them next. She really takes the idea of two people being meant to be to the next level which adds so much to the story. The author also helps newer readers not familiar with the series by giving glimpses into the lives of the other Moreland siblings and giving them an active role in Alex and Sabrina’s love story. Trust me, this will only whet your appetite and send you running out to get the previous 4 books in the series, which have all been re-released just in time for this new addition to the Moreland saga. If you end up knee deep in Candace Camp novels, don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Very pleased with this new love story and highly recommend it for your cold winter’s night reading. Going to spoil myself and read all the previous books in anticipation of the next installment due out later this year.

~ Danielle

3.5 stars

***ARC received in exchnge of an honest opinion***

Although I liked this book (less than I thought I would), it still wasn't what I expect from a Candace Camp historical romance. I don't like the paranormal touch to the story to be completely honest.

I like the love story though and the mystery, but I was hoping for more.

The Victorian romance His Sinful Touch begins on a really intriguing note… a young woman, dressed in man’s clothes, stumbles into the office of a small London detective agency and tells them she wants to hire them to find someone. Herself. She has amnesia, and the only clue to her identity is a gold locket around her neck with the name Sabrina and a date twenty years earlier engraved on it.

The hero of the book is Alexander, one of the sons of the Duke of Moreland, helping out his twin brother Con who owns the agency. Taking on Sabrina’s case, he soon finds himself falling for her, though is wary because evidence indicates she may already be married.

Of course, the plot thickens further once Sabrina’s true identity is discovered, partly through the use of some psychic abilities Alex has never fully explored. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot twists and the steadily building romantic relationship between the two leads but there were a couple of issues that bothered me about the book.

Firstly, the use of the word ‘gotten’ in dialogue between the leads. I was born in the UK and lived there for the first 25 years of my life before moving to Australia, and I have never, ever heard an English person say ‘gotten’. It’s strictly an Americanism, and a member of the upper class in the Victorian era would have considered it utterly uncouth.

Secondly, there was a plot hole I thought was wide enough to drive a coach-and-four through. The American author probably doesn’t know about this, but the UK has, since 1837, required all records of births, marriages and deaths to be sent to the Registrar General’s office, housed at Somerset House in London from 1837 until 1970. Records are indexed by date, so with a date of birth and a first name as uncommon as Sabrina (it didn’t become popularised until the 1950s), they should have been able to discover her identity in short order. A detective agency not even knowing about these records is, frankly, inconceivable.

However, only a picky Brit like me would even NOTICE these issues. If they’ll annoy you, avoid; otherwise, this is a highly enjoyable romp. Four stars.

Favorite Quote: “I swear to you on everything I hold dear, I will not let him have you. You will not be his wife-even if I have to make you a widow”

When a strange man comes bursting into the Moreland’s investigative agency, Alexander Moreland is shocked to discover the man is really a woman and she needs his help to recover her memory. Unable to remember anything beyond her name, the only items she has to identify her is a locket, an embroidered handkerchief, a pocket watch, a pouch full of money, and a gold wedding ring.

Sabrina is unsure who she is but she knows she’s in trouble. Why else would she be dressed in men’s clothing with her face bruised, her head pounding, and a rising sense of dread. Luckily, she happened upon Alex Moreland who insists on helping her. A little bemused by the chemistry that sparks between them, she is unable to explore her feelings until she knows exactly who she is and what happened to her.

As Alex and Sabrina get close to discovering the truth, she learns the hard way it’s not strangers you need to beware of…it’s those far closer to home.

His Sinful Touch is the fifth installment in Candace Camp’s amusing and sexual historical series, The Mad Morelands, and revolves around one of the youngest Morelands, Alexander. Readers who follow the series will remember first meeting Alexander and his twin, Constance, in book one, Mesmerized , and watching these rascals grow up as the series progressed. Now in their 20s, they are more than ready for their own adventures.

As with the previous stories, this too has an underlying paranormal element. Alex is a touch empath and he and the heroine, seem to share a connection with one another; similar to what Alex shares with his twin. Though each story is contained to one hero and heroine, there is a set cast of characters who grow and change with each new book. Starting here will spoil some of the last four books but in my opinion, it’s not that big of a deal.

I haven’t read many romances with an amnestic plotline so I was pleasantly surprised to see this was the setup. The opening scene shows exactly how our heroine loses her memory then flashes to a meet-cute with the hero. Camp plots the scene well, creating a believable mishap and an introduction that generates just the right amount of atmosphere to start us off on the right foot.

From their first introduction, Alex and Sabina instantly click and you can feel the chemistry pulsate between them. As in all of Camp’s stories, her heroes are gallant beta/alpha mixes and her heroines are independent and dauntless. Alex is a born protector. He needs something or someone to champion as his gift is increasing in power and he is beginning to feel the distance between him and his twin as they start going their separate ways.

Sabrina is harder to pin down as we have no idea who she is or where she comes from. She fits in well with the Morelands as she is as opinionated and resourceful as they are. Grateful to Alex and the whole family for their help, she doesn’t wait for the answers to come to her but jumps right in to solve her own mystery.

Alex and Sabrina’s romance moves slow but sure, moving from attraction to love while intertwining with the mystery. Both are vocal in their admiration and we can see the romance developing in their internal and external dialogue. Alex’s guilt towards pursuing Sabrina while she is under his roof rears its head multiple times. Especially after he learns who she is and the circumstances that lead to her amnesia.

Sexually steamy, the scenes between them increase over the timeline of the story. I was a bit surprised how quickly they developed a physical relationship. This all happens in a matter of a couple of weeks. Especially on Sabrina’s end. She is very forward in her attraction to Alex and willingly engages in some heavy petting and eventually more. It’s just not something that I would think a young unmarried woman of this era would do. Once you learn her background, it even makes less sense.

The villain(s) are quite devious and Camp fleshes them out well; using Sabrina’s background to give them a plausible explanation for their actions. A vivacious cast of secondary characters adds to the confusion and humor to the story. The Duchess of Moreland and her daughter and daughter in law continue to crusade for women’s rights and take Sabrina under their wings. Alex’s twin comes home just in time to help and we meet the woman who looks to be the one to serve him his comeuppance. At times the story became a little too verbose for me. I wished to see more action without the step by step guide. An energetic finale resolves the main conflict and assures us Alex and Sabrina are well on their way to their Happily Ever After.

Grade: C+