Touching Wood

Jewel Lakes #0.5

by Claire Wilder

Can you be in love with a woman you've never met?

Logan Malachy is a man of simple pleasures. He loves a mug of piping hot coffee on his porch. The curl of wood under his plane as he slides it along a fresh piece of lumber.


A woman he's never actually met. And can never have.

Ophelia Bradley's favorite client is the gruff, sexy carpenter she speaks with on the phone every day. Talking to Logan is easy--they're basically best friends. But that's all they can ever be.

The chemistry between them is easy to resist...so long as they stay on the phone.

--Author's Note--

Touching Wood is a standalone steamy short read connected to the Jewel Lakes Series with strong Pam & Jim vibes (if TV could be this sexy).

This book is a complete standalone, but for sticklers to reading order, this story could be considered a prequel to the series.

Genres: Romance, Short Stories, Contemporary, Novella, Contemporary Romance, Amazon, Slow Burn

ebook

First published October 25, 2020

About the author

USA Today bestselling author of spicy small-town romance featuring

- Relatable women who always support each other
- Strong, sexy wounded men
- A sometimes rocky but always steamy road that always leads to a guaranteed HEA

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Where to find me:

Website: clairewilder.com
Instagram: instagram.com/clairewilderbooks
Bookbub: bookbub.com/profile/claire-wilder
Amazon: amazon.com/author/clairewilder
Bonus Material: clairewilder.com/extras

Reviews

[Bella Settarra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this short story by Claire Wilder. Touching Wood was well-written and the descriptions, as well as the characters, were vivid and realistic. I loved the way the Jewel Lakes area was portrayed - I really wanted to be there.

Logan came across as a lovely guy - not to mention HOT - with a good heart and a real sense of what was right. The way he spoke to Rick just showed what a decent person he was.

Ophelia was a great character, with a good sense of humour and spirit. I loved the way she interacted with her grandmother, too, who was also brilliantly portrayed.

I'll certainly be reading more of this series and would definitely recommend it.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars



Ophelia Bradley works as an independent dispatch service for the building trades around Jewel Lakes County. She is smart, friendly, and patient. The latter because of her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Rick - who she keeps "waiting" to grow-up.

Logan Malachy is the sole owner of a popular carpentry business. His business has grown in demand throughout the years and had to get someone to help him, even as simple as scheduling meetings and answering calls, which is why he hired Ophelia. Who knew that he would not even meet her in-person until years later when both of them are in a better place.

Touching Wood is told from the first-person POV - Logan, and Ophelia. Both, Ophelia and Loga, have kept their "orbits separate" due to their professional capacity to each other but an important job that hits closer to home brings Ophelia and Logan's orbits colliding until it could no longer be separate. What happens, in the end, is something that should maybe have happened earlier but the slow-burn approach, forlorn-love makes the book organic and real. It is a funny, light read that readers will get a taste of Wilder's writing style. It has a good plot with a blind-date/phone-pal approach. This is the second book I have read for Wilder - the first is Her Property. Touching Wood is the prologue/novella to the Jewel Lake Series and is beginning to get good traction as one of the catchy rom-com series coming from this upcoming author.

[Ren || Reading What I Want · Rating 5 out of 5]

Touching Wood by Claire Wilder literally took me 45 minutes to devour...and devour I did.

Logan is a carpenter/builder and Ophelia owns his answering service. They've flirted and talked over the phone for a while but have never met in person. I loved their inner monologues and I could clearly see their feelings for each other regardless of them both fighting it.

When fate (or a cool grandma) intervenes in their lives and they finally see each other, both can no longer deny their attraction and chemistry. Sparks flew and emotions were tossed up in the air.

A little bit of angst and a little bit of steam wrapped up in a short, sweet, swoony romance. Perfect for a pick-me-up or afternoon read.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ophelia Bradley works an independent dispatch service for the fine building trades near Jewel Lakes County. Logan Malachy has a carpentry business that is getting increasingly popular and he knew he needed help with at least the handling of the phone calls. So three years ago, he hired the friendly, outgoing Ophelia to take care of that end of the business for him.

Logan and Ophelia have never met, but through their phone conversations, they develop a good friendship. Logan knows she has a boyfriend, so he just enjoys her company on the phone, and Ophelia is very comfortable with the relationship they have established. Each of them is so easy to talk to. Both are curious about the other’s physical traits but are satisfied with the way things are. But after all this time, a “special” job will finally bring them together face-to-face, thanks to Ophelia’s Grandma Pearl who needed some steps repaired so she can safely get down to the lake. When she arranges for Ophelia to come over and see Logan’s work, and arranges for Logan to come over to put the finishing touch on, they stare at each other across the living room! Logan is speechless, and Ophelia is so angry at being set up that she runs out. Will the love the two of them have created in their hearts and minds become real and possible now? Or will Ophelia be afraid, or even disappointed, and run back to the familiar, her dud of a drunk boyfriend? Is the dream finally over for Ophelia land Logan?

[Angela Cowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received an ARC for an honest review*

If you want steamy romance AND an immensely satisfying feels-y friends-to-lovers romance, OH MY GOODNESS this is the story for you!
Logan is a literal dream! Sweaty, wounded woodworker who makes dreamy bookshelves and is full of longing. Ophelia, my girl, stuck in a long term dead-end relationship, but still fiesty and hopeful for love.
Not only are they fun and engaging characters to read, they’re also *people* from the first paragraph. You’ll relate to both, you’ll root for both, and you’ll thrill for them.
It’s a shorter read, which makes for a perfect quick escape, just maybe don’t read it while you’re in line for groceries or anything, because those steamy scenes are *fans self* hoo boy...
You cannot go wrong with this story! It’s well written, and so funny in spots I laughed out loud. And actually out loud, not just the smirk people do when they type lol
I can’t wait to see what else Claire Wilder publishes!!

[Amy Reierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really fun quick read. And there is nothing better then a quick HEA, oh just about any time.
Logan and Ophelia have never met but they have a great working relationship. As a dispatcher Ophelia's job keeps her in the know of her clients schedules so when someone dear to her needs a home repair she calls on Logan and being they have become good friends through their work he agrees immediately.
When Logan meets Ophelia's Grandma well she quite a sassy one. And she also spies why Ophelia speaks with so much affection for her "friend"!
Ophelia has a boyfriend of course but is he really, or is more like a comfortable shirt you should have gotten rid of years ago.
Well grandma Pearl is on the job and you won't want to miss it.

I was given an ARC copy of this story for an honest review.

[Joy Westerfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful prequel to this new series! Logan and Ophelia have never met, yet they do talk by phone because she helps him with his business. They both wonder what they look like, but the mystery of not knowing makes it all the better. Logan has feelings for her, but she’s in a relationship and he doesn’t want to interfere. Ophelia is in a bit of a rut in her relationship and isn’t sure what to do about it. Until one day, something changes and their lives take a turn.

This was my first read by this author and I really enjoyed it. It made me laugh and have hope for these two incredible characters. They have sizzling chemistry and their interactions were funny and charming and steamy. I look forward to reading this new series and more by this author.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this short story and I’m kinda hoping that it will be revisited and be made into a full length novel because I would love to hear more from these characters.

Claire Wilder was able to make you feel that connection between Logan and Ophelia straight away which can sometimes be difficult with a short story. Especially given that the characters don’t actually meet each other in person until over halfway through the story. I loved Ophelia’s meddling Grandmother who pretty much pushed them together because she knew they were meant to be together.

Claire Wilder is a new to me author and I’m looking forward to reading more of her work in the future

[Jennifer Jansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this short story about a working relationship that turns into so much more.

Ophelia and Logan have known each other for a couple of years. Both of them are so good together but there is something or someone that stands in their way.

I really liked the banter between the two main characters, especially their phone relationship!

I'll definitely be getting the next in the series. Great feel good book.

[Josie Tamburello · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though i enjoyed the book, it was took quick. I wanted more interaction between Logan and Ophelia. Like more of the phone calls and more of them gettin to know each other face to face. I just wanted to know the characters better more details and maybe a little more conflict from Rick to rile things for the couple.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/31/2021)! 🎁

[Genevieve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read

Nicely written prequel. While short, it’s engaging and maintains attention. Hints of characters and their stories was fun.

“Maybe I could forget about the ripped-up hole in the very center of me by filling it, temporarily, with something soft and anonymous.”

Loved Logan. Definitely interested in more of his story with Ophelia. 3.5 ⭐️

[Shari Jahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was a great evening read! This was a steamy but also sweet little story that made me feel happy for both lovable characters. I am totally looking forward to reading the next installment of the Jewel Lake series Her Property which is Book 1 in the series.

[Kelli Miller a_brunette_bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novella! It was a cute story, it was quick and to the point but I would love to be able to see their relationship moving forward! Overall highly recommend to get you started in this series!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute quick little read. Long enough to become invested in the characters, quick enough to read in an hour or two. Love that they fell for each other through conversation.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I would have waited a lifetime for you."

Sweet and steamy with a little bit of angst, Touching Wood introduces the Jewel Lakes series, focusing on the story of Logan and Ophelia. Logan runs a small business of fine woodworking and hires Ophelia, an independent dispatcher, to help him with providing rates/estimates and scheduling clients. They become friends strictly through a phone relationship yet have an underlying connection and attraction that comes through in their flirtatious banter. But what happens when they meet in person? When Ophelia's grandmother unexpectedly sets the wheels in motion, the simplicity of their easy relationship becomes complicated.

Logan drew me in instantly with his big heart filled with love and patience. Ophelia, however, created resistance, needing to break free from her comfortable yet unhappy relationship with her on-again, off-again boyfriend to realize that loyalty shouldn't come before love. Once she stepped outside her comfort zone and gave herself to Logan completely, they fit together seamlessly, juxtaposing his hard edges with her soft curves just beautifully. I knew this couple was destined to find their HEA. With sneak peeks at some of the characters appearing throughout the series, I'm looking forward to reading more of the stories set in this inviting small town.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Logan and Ophelia interact via the phone on a daily basis. He works with wood projects and she is an answering service. For a long time now they have communicated this way and never met in person. She had been dating someone that was comfortable but a complete jerk and she privately yearned for the relationship to be with Logan. Her grandmother became the catalyst matchmaker that got them together for a brief few minutes. Ophelia changed her world the next day as her jerk boyfriend was dumped.
The characters were terrific, with intense feelings and emotions along with great banter on and off the phone. The storyline flowed well as the two get together and forge a great relationship from there on. Loved the chemistry and twists in the relationship. The ending was great and I can not wait to see how the camp gets going.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[katnick · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this for free in a giveaway. I was pleasantly surprised by how good it was! It takes more time than shorts usually do to develop the romance between Logan and Ophelia as they get to know each other via phone calls before they even meet (although they do start a bit later in their 'call history' so to speak rather than at their first 'meeting'). Their chemistry was great, and though the in-person resolution was a bit rushed (I guess as a consequence of spending so much time on the phone) it was still satisfying. It's obvious that this is part of a larger series, as they name-drop a lot, like you're expected to have read all the main books before this prequel, but overall it was a good time. Enough to convince me to give a main book a shot.

[Ann Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Touching Wood' by Claire Wilder is the first book in her new Jewel Lakes Series and tells the story of Ophelia, who runs a successful phone service, and Logan, one of her clients and a carpenter. Logan and Ophelia have never met, but through their phone conversations, they develop a deep friendship. Each wonder if the friendship could become more but the timing is wrong. Until Grandma sticks her nose into Ophelia's business.

Ms. Wilder never fails to write an engaging story and this book is a great beginning to her series. The story has laughs, secrets, trust issues, passion, and plenty of steam. I enjoyed this books and recommend them to anyone who likes some humor with their romance.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ms. Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ophelia Bradley runs her own dispatch service for a handful of building trades in Jewel Lakes County. She lives in Millerville. Her boyfriend since high school, Rick Raymur, is the heir to Raymur Roofing but he doesn’t take it seriously. He doesn’t take their relationship serious either. He rather hang out with the guys. They have been on again, off again for years.

Logan Malachy is a carpenter who uses Ophelia’s service. At this point, they have never met but talk on the phone a lot. The highlight of his day is talking to her. She loves their conversations too.

Will they ever meet? Can the friendship they’ve formed on the phone be more in real life? Or will Ophelia settle for Rick?

[Dawnmarie Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect romantic and sweet story but with a touch of angst. Ophelia is running a successful phone service and Logan is a client he's also a carpenter. They've talked so many times and really know each other even though they've never met in person. Ophelia has a boyfriend but Rick wishes she were single and so does Grandma Pearl who knows that she deserves better than Rick. What happens when things change and they finally do meet each other? I don't want to say anymore and ruin it for anyone else with spoilers. You really need to read this sweet story. I would recommend reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review. Ophelia has a business that a provides phone service. Logan is one of her clients and they speak daily. Though they have never been face to face, they get to know each other over time. They both have thoughts of each other but she has a boyfriend. They finally meet with a little intervention from family, and everything changes from there. This is a short and sweet romance that is part of the Jewel Lake series. She and Logan are perfect for each other.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ophelia, the female lead, is the virtual PA for Logan, the male lead. They’ve only ever communicated by email and phone but each finds the other fascinating. When they meet, they’re intrigued by each other. But Ophelia has a long term on/off relationship…

This short story is dual POV, well written, and very sweet, though it does have its steamy moments. I appreciated Logan’s patience and ethics as well as Ophelia’s misplaced loyalty. The character development was just as important as the relationship development in this story. I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story. Slow to start for a short read but it was because of the place in each characters lives. They needed to realize what they were actually doing to themselves and whether they wanted to settle for comfortable because it was easy or take a risk for that once in a lifetime love. I loved Logan and Ophelia’s relationship. It was real and genuine built on what makes a friendship solid. Learning about one another over the phone before ever truly ever meeting. Then her sly grandma jumped in. Loved their connection and the major spice that they managed to generate in such short amount of time. Great read. Can’t wait to see them in the rest of the series.

[Christine Fass · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was the perfect after work wind down read. It was sweet and romantic with just the right amount of minor angst. There was no big conflict, just two adults quietly pining after one another. Ophelia is a successful small business owner, Logan is carpenter and one of Ophelia's clients. They have the cutest working relationship even though they had never actually met in person. When they finally do meet it is the push Ophelia needs to finally move out of her comfort zone and choose happiness.

[May Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first book from the author, and I just find this too short. I feel that even if we were told that they have known each other for quite a while (albeit professionally and over the phone, at that), it is still not enough to jump into or blossom into something romantic. The writing is okay (despite some sudden shift from first to third POV in some parts), but I would appreciate this more if this were longer for more slow burn between the MCs.

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is fun and delightful romance that has a few twists and turns that grab you from the start and keeps you till the end. Ophelia and Logan have never met, but due to her business talk every day and start to get to know each other. With a bit of help from those around thing change.

Great addition to the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great book to begin this series. The anguish was evident from both Logan and Ophelia of the unrequited feelings they had towards one another. I did enjoy the meddling Grandmother Pearl, who made them realize that they both could be missing out on something great.

I am voluntarily leaving a review for this book that I received free.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely amazing prequel in the Jewel Lakes series! It is engaging, relatable, romantic, funny, steamy, and well written. The characters are likeable with off the charts chemistry between them. Definitely recommended!

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently found Claire Wilder and fell in love with her writing. This was a short read. The characters are so easy to like and the storyline was enjoyable. If only it was longer with more interaction to Logan and Ophelia's relationship. I definitely want to keep going with the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.