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Forever and Always #0.5
Touch of Love
Sean and Scarlet’s love progressed over time, growing until it became the blaze that it is now, but how did their relationship begin? In the prologue of the bestselling Forever and Always Series, we see the start of their friendship and their first meeting. When Sean meets Scarlet, his thoughts aren’t exactly chivalrous, and neither are hers. Were they ever really friends? Or were they always meant to be together?
28 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
83 people are currently reading
1155 people want to read
About the author
E.L. Todd
235 books2,710 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author, E. L. Todd is one of the most prolific authors of her genre, having published over a hundred novels. With over one million copies sold, she writes romance stories ranging from contemporary romance, new adult romance, and fantasy romance. She's best known for her Forever and Always Series as well as her Timeless Series.
She loves coffee, ice cream, and anything with sugar.
She loves coffee, ice cream, and anything with sugar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 8, 2018
It's been a while since a book has managed to offend me in so many ways in less than thirty pages. I probably shouldn't indulge myself in too big of a tantrum so here is the abridged version:
- The grammar. Do any authors know how to use the pluperfect anymore?
- The slut shaming:
a) from the heroine - "now I just thought she was a slut." "I was shocked how easy she was."
b) from the hero - "I'd been with slutty girls, but this girl was the queen of whores." Who, need I mention has no problem using a girl he doesn't like for sex. Hypocrite, much?
c) from the author - I don't think you can separate the author's beliefs from the characters' when they choose to write such a caricature, a woman who cheated to get into college, is money grabbing and husband-hunting, ridiculed for being sexually active, wanks her boyfriend off in the library with "friends" at the same table...
- a heroine who refers to herself as a feminist after said prolific slut shaming
- the heroine being a caricature of what men are said to want - petite but curvy, a girl who eats "like normal people, none of that anorexic shit" (don't even get me started on this!) but is still "small", who loves sports, who drinks beer...
- a hero who really needs to ditch that poor little rich boy chip on his shoulder and get over himself: "I was from money. Coupled with my looks, my smarts and my body, I had the pick of the litter" "It took a lot to impress me since I've been with so many women"
- pointless phrases like "after I opened my books, I started to concentrate." because most people start to concentrate before opening their books I suppose.
- general clunky, stilted writing.
- The phrase "double dip" and not referring to salsa. I can't help it - I find this vulgar.
On the plus side, after several failed attempts at her books, I've just deleted eight E.L. Todd books from my library, so at least it's helped with my attempt to trim that down to size.
- The grammar. Do any authors know how to use the pluperfect anymore?
- The slut shaming:
a) from the heroine - "now I just thought she was a slut." "I was shocked how easy she was."
b) from the hero - "I'd been with slutty girls, but this girl was the queen of whores." Who, need I mention has no problem using a girl he doesn't like for sex. Hypocrite, much?
c) from the author - I don't think you can separate the author's beliefs from the characters' when they choose to write such a caricature, a woman who cheated to get into college, is money grabbing and husband-hunting, ridiculed for being sexually active, wanks her boyfriend off in the library with "friends" at the same table...
- a heroine who refers to herself as a feminist after said prolific slut shaming
- the heroine being a caricature of what men are said to want - petite but curvy, a girl who eats "like normal people, none of that anorexic shit" (don't even get me started on this!) but is still "small", who loves sports, who drinks beer...
- a hero who really needs to ditch that poor little rich boy chip on his shoulder and get over himself: "I was from money. Coupled with my looks, my smarts and my body, I had the pick of the litter" "It took a lot to impress me since I've been with so many women"
- pointless phrases like "after I opened my books, I started to concentrate." because most people start to concentrate before opening their books I suppose.
- general clunky, stilted writing.
- The phrase "double dip" and not referring to salsa. I can't help it - I find this vulgar.
On the plus side, after several failed attempts at her books, I've just deleted eight E.L. Todd books from my library, so at least it's helped with my attempt to trim that down to size.
August 29, 2016
I actually read this in June or July, maybe sometime before that. I don't remember much of it but I can see that I've made a note to rate it 3-4 stars, lol, so I guess I liked it. But I'm giving it 3.5 stars.
March 15, 2018
cute little preview to the first book. It was nice to know how they met, but Sean did not impress me.
February 8, 2020
The prequel to the series. The writing style is very immature — yet another bad business venture where the author gives away a freebie, without enough in it to hook the reader.
September 5, 2022
I love this authors books.
I love, love this series.
I loved this book from start to finish.
I love the characters and the story.
Highly Recommend!!!!
I love, love this series.
I loved this book from start to finish.
I love the characters and the story.
Highly Recommend!!!!
May 17, 2018
It is NOT complete book.. so disappointed.
September 2, 2016
I read this prequel after reading books 1 and 2. I have to say this is my favorite of the three. This is the best version of Sean that we've seen, I think. He's confident, cocky, charming. A little slutty, but he's 18 or 19 years old and in college so it's excusable, IMO. It may also be the best version of Scarlet that we've seen. She's comfortable in her own skin and knows what she wants. If this was a stand alone book, or the first to a whole different series it definitely would have piqued my interest.
Here's what I didn't like (which is 99% due to author inconsistency):
1) In the first book Sean tells Scar "Since I dated your friend Nancy before I met you I've always thought of you as off limits". Who's Nancy? This book is about him dating her roommate Theresa. How hard is it to keep a character's name straight?
2) Both characters in the main books claim to have never thought of the other in a romantic/sexual context. Then this book starts off immediately with both of them having the hots for each other. Conflicting much? Don't get me wrong - it was a fun story line to read and would have probably been pretty boring without the sexual chemistry - for the benefit of this story I'm glad, but I have a hard time with authors directly contradicting themselves.
3) They're best friends, right? Supposedly the ONLY reason Sean never made a move was because he presumed Scar would have been adamantly against it because of her friendship with Theresa/Nancy - How, in all that time, did it never come up that she and Theresa/Nancy weren't actually friends? She didn't even like the girl. She never mentioned to Sean "oh, by the way, my 'best friend' Theresa was a cheating manipulator I never really liked, I can't believe you dated her".
4) Sean does a crappy and awkward job of fishing for info on whether Scarlet is anti 'double dipping' (as he calls it). He asks Scar if she has ever dated one of Theresa's exes or if Theresa's ever dated one of hers. That is not the same thing as asking if she ever WOULD date one of her exes (especially given that she's only known Theresa for like a week). The same result the author needed (Sean mis-understanding and believing Scar to be off-limits) could have been obtained if he outright asked her if she ever would date a close friend's ex; since Theresa ISN'T a close friend, but Sean believes she is. At least that would have been more convincing.
To re-iterate: with the exception of that last point (which was a minor annoyance) I really thoroughly enjoyed this short story. The characters are engaging and relatable. They're fun. Their relationship comes off the page. This would have been a solid 4 stars (and I reserve 5 stars for those books I want to re-read over and over) if not for the fact that there are so many direct contradictions to the story that supposedly takes place after. It's just sloppy.
Here's what I didn't like (which is 99% due to author inconsistency):
1) In the first book Sean tells Scar "Since I dated your friend Nancy before I met you I've always thought of you as off limits". Who's Nancy? This book is about him dating her roommate Theresa. How hard is it to keep a character's name straight?
2) Both characters in the main books claim to have never thought of the other in a romantic/sexual context. Then this book starts off immediately with both of them having the hots for each other. Conflicting much? Don't get me wrong - it was a fun story line to read and would have probably been pretty boring without the sexual chemistry - for the benefit of this story I'm glad, but I have a hard time with authors directly contradicting themselves.
3) They're best friends, right? Supposedly the ONLY reason Sean never made a move was because he presumed Scar would have been adamantly against it because of her friendship with Theresa/Nancy - How, in all that time, did it never come up that she and Theresa/Nancy weren't actually friends? She didn't even like the girl. She never mentioned to Sean "oh, by the way, my 'best friend' Theresa was a cheating manipulator I never really liked, I can't believe you dated her".
4) Sean does a crappy and awkward job of fishing for info on whether Scarlet is anti 'double dipping' (as he calls it). He asks Scar if she has ever dated one of Theresa's exes or if Theresa's ever dated one of hers. That is not the same thing as asking if she ever WOULD date one of her exes (especially given that she's only known Theresa for like a week). The same result the author needed (Sean mis-understanding and believing Scar to be off-limits) could have been obtained if he outright asked her if she ever would date a close friend's ex; since Theresa ISN'T a close friend, but Sean believes she is. At least that would have been more convincing.
To re-iterate: with the exception of that last point (which was a minor annoyance) I really thoroughly enjoyed this short story. The characters are engaging and relatable. They're fun. Their relationship comes off the page. This would have been a solid 4 stars (and I reserve 5 stars for those books I want to re-read over and over) if not for the fact that there are so many direct contradictions to the story that supposedly takes place after. It's just sloppy.
January 24, 2016
Have you ever wondered how Sean and Scarlett ever became the best friends that they are? Well in this book we get to see how it all began.
Scarlett was in complete shock when she received her acceptance letter for university, in fact it wasn't real to her until her brother Ryan told her that she wasn't imaging anything and that she was the smartest girl that he knew.
Sean however didn't exactly choose to come to university, if it wasn't for his parents then he wouldn't have bothered, but after considering everything that he had to offer he would rather make his own way instead of just working for the family business as throughout his whole life he had had everything given to him on a plate.
When Scarlett heads into the mess hall with her roommate she can tell that her experience here is going to be a very interesting one as when they both get there her roommate has already attracted a guy to her and they are both happily ignoring her. She decides to go and get something to eat but whilst she is in line waiting for her order she happens to notice a guy with his friends but he clearly stands out way more than the others do, she honestly can't help but think that he is quite attractive. Little does she know is that that same guy has been staring at her but they both don't seem to notice the other watching them.
Sean honestly can't believe his eyes when he first notices Scarlett as he thinks of her as quite a cool chick, but when he notices that she has gone from his view he decides to look for her but ends up having her roommate stop the night at his room. It's not until a few days later that they both meet each other but he seems really gutted when he learns that his girlfriend is Scarlett's best friend. They both end up somehow forming a friendship as they both seem to be into the same stuff, but honestly do you think that they were both cut out as best friends for the rest of their lives of do you secretly think that they were both meant to be together from the first moment they saw each other.
I honesty reckon that you should read this book as it gives you a slight intake as to how they both became friends, and I can tell you that if you loved the other books in this series then you will totally love this book. I was glad that I found this book because I was completely hooked from the beginning.
Scarlett was in complete shock when she received her acceptance letter for university, in fact it wasn't real to her until her brother Ryan told her that she wasn't imaging anything and that she was the smartest girl that he knew.
Sean however didn't exactly choose to come to university, if it wasn't for his parents then he wouldn't have bothered, but after considering everything that he had to offer he would rather make his own way instead of just working for the family business as throughout his whole life he had had everything given to him on a plate.
When Scarlett heads into the mess hall with her roommate she can tell that her experience here is going to be a very interesting one as when they both get there her roommate has already attracted a guy to her and they are both happily ignoring her. She decides to go and get something to eat but whilst she is in line waiting for her order she happens to notice a guy with his friends but he clearly stands out way more than the others do, she honestly can't help but think that he is quite attractive. Little does she know is that that same guy has been staring at her but they both don't seem to notice the other watching them.
Sean honestly can't believe his eyes when he first notices Scarlett as he thinks of her as quite a cool chick, but when he notices that she has gone from his view he decides to look for her but ends up having her roommate stop the night at his room. It's not until a few days later that they both meet each other but he seems really gutted when he learns that his girlfriend is Scarlett's best friend. They both end up somehow forming a friendship as they both seem to be into the same stuff, but honestly do you think that they were both cut out as best friends for the rest of their lives of do you secretly think that they were both meant to be together from the first moment they saw each other.
I honesty reckon that you should read this book as it gives you a slight intake as to how they both became friends, and I can tell you that if you loved the other books in this series then you will totally love this book. I was glad that I found this book because I was completely hooked from the beginning.
March 20, 2014
I really enjoyed reading this and getting the full history of Sean and Scarlet! Sometimes I read books and feel that a little more background information needs to be there for the reader to fully engage and this is what this did, it gave me enough of a introduction to them and made it so I definitely wanted to read this series to see what they got up to! If you are going to read the Forever and Always series don't give this a miss thinking its just an extended prologue, it really isn't its the back story that will give you a much better understanding of both Sean and Scarlet! :)
July 26, 2015
Story is about a guy who whores around with women while trying to deem himself worthy of a girl who he thinks he is undeserving of. Terrible prequel to story.
I like how he already determined that the girl is out of his league by just looking at her. Judging a book by its cover? How presumptuous and shallow of him to determine what she is like without even knowing her. So superficial of him.
This story is heading downhill quickly. Glad that it is a short story. How shallow could he be to flaunt his success and wealth to gain sex. Bastard for using women. What a pig.
I like how he already determined that the girl is out of his league by just looking at her. Judging a book by its cover? How presumptuous and shallow of him to determine what she is like without even knowing her. So superficial of him.
This story is heading downhill quickly. Glad that it is a short story. How shallow could he be to flaunt his success and wealth to gain sex. Bastard for using women. What a pig.
May 6, 2014
Started here at the .5 to get to know the characters a little. And even though it was only a few pages long, it completely captured my attention. The last few pages were a little rushes and flew past their college years. I'm not sure if book one will cover some of that. But I sure hope so. ;) If not, there would be a great story there.
Can't wait to read the first book in the series, Only for you. Have to make a trip to the book store.
Can't wait to read the first book in the series, Only for you. Have to make a trip to the book store.
October 14, 2014
Short introduction to what looks to be an extremely long series...
I got this book and book one for free, I'll have to see how book one goes before I can decide whether I'll commit to this series or not..
We get to meet Scarlet and Sean and see what type of YA they were and how their friendship developed and progressed, its all in a very condensed tale, by book one they are already adults and their friendship has turned into a relationship...let's see what happens...
I got this book and book one for free, I'll have to see how book one goes before I can decide whether I'll commit to this series or not..
We get to meet Scarlet and Sean and see what type of YA they were and how their friendship developed and progressed, its all in a very condensed tale, by book one they are already adults and their friendship has turned into a relationship...let's see what happens...
August 1, 2014
Great short story of how Scarlet and Sean met. If only he amited later in their friendship that he thought she was hot stuff. He also should have figured out that Scarlet wasn't really that idiots friend. They could have had a happily ever after a lot sooner if just talked about there first year. The frustration of the human life.
August 11, 2014
Whoo loved this prologue mini novel about how the friendship started between the main characters, it demonstrated perfect the vicious women world which I love because every women can relate to be burned the same way. I'm glad I read this before the book Only for You, I know who I'm rooting for when I start.
January 19, 2014
great quick read, its a prequel to Sean and Scarlet's story, we meet them at university, soon learn what a player Sean is! Scarlet comes over as the preppy student, but it was great to see how they met!
January 22, 2014
I think we all know one of each of these characters from some time in our lifetime. This read is short and gets you set for what is yet to come. I'm curious to find out for myself.....why don't you join me! I just added all the rest of this series to my wishlist and TBR list!
January 23, 2014
I was so incredibly happy to read about Sean and Scarlett's first encounter with each other in college. I absolutely love their characters and I'm excited to see where their relationship goes. "Touch of Love" was fantastic and I would definitely recommend it!
March 23, 2014
Hmmm interesting to see it from the beginning. Especially knowing that Sean wanted and desired Scarlett but settled for a platonic relationship so he could have her and not lose her. Makes the story all that better.
August 29, 2016
Second Time And Still Love It
Not bad for my second time around. Although I know the whole outcome it remains to keep me going. I'll be reading the whole series yet again.
PS. Can hardly wait for book 51.
Not bad for my second time around. Although I know the whole outcome it remains to keep me going. I'll be reading the whole series yet again.
PS. Can hardly wait for book 51.
September 8, 2014
This is a brief introduction to the Forever and Always series. It's not really long enough to develop the characters or the story for that matter but long enough to draw you in and really want more. On to book one!
May 1, 2015
Touch of Love is a prologue to the Forever and Always Series by E.L. Todd. Scarlet and Sean meet at Harvard where they find each other attractive but only become friends. Touch of Love is somewhat of a tease to get readers interested in the series but is clearly labeled as such.
February 28, 2015
Omg
I'm so happy to read how Sean and Scarlet met, I wish he would have just pulled his head out of his but and said he liked her because she would have got with him. She didn't even like her roommate
I'm so happy to read how Sean and Scarlet met, I wish he would have just pulled his head out of his but and said he liked her because she would have got with him. She didn't even like her roommate
March 31, 2016
Touch of love
I like the fact that we the reader could get a starting glimpse of the bond between Sean and Scarlet. I would of liked a little more bonding storyline. But, it was still opening door for the future plot. Worth the pick up but to short.
I like the fact that we the reader could get a starting glimpse of the bond between Sean and Scarlet. I would of liked a little more bonding storyline. But, it was still opening door for the future plot. Worth the pick up but to short.
August 22, 2014
Ooooh, I'm going to love this series!
February 4, 2014
Touch of love takes you back to the beginning. If you haven't read Only for You yet, I recommend you wait until you red Touch of Love first.
February 7, 2014
This short story is a great start to the series. After I read the first book to the series I wondered why Scarlet and Sean want more than friends, this book answer that question for me.
December 19, 2014
Quick read
This is the beginning of Sean and Scarlet it takes place at Harvard. The beginnings of their relationship and the immediate connection they both felt.
This is the beginning of Sean and Scarlet it takes place at Harvard. The beginnings of their relationship and the immediate connection they both felt.
May 28, 2014
The story continues...
July 23, 2014
Unnecessary but nice intro of the characters Scarlett and Sean. They had chemistry from the start! Men can be so dense and women can be soooooo passive!
October 5, 2014
Finished reading Only For You earlier on today and as this is the prequel to it, I was curious to know how Sean and Scarlett met. A good read and its free what not to love.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews