**REVIEW** Touched by Cyn Balog

Nick Cross always listens to the voice in his head. Because if he doesn't? Things can go really, really wrong. Like the day he decided to go off script and saved a girl from being run over . . . and let another one drown. Trying to change the future doesn't work.
But this summer at the Jersey Shore, something's about to happen that Nick never could have predicted. He meets a girl named Taryn and finds out about the Book of Touch. Now the path that he thought he was on begins to shift . . . and there's no way to stop things from happening. Or is there?
In a life where there are no surprises, nothing has prepared Nick for what he's about to discover--or the choice he will be forced to make. . . .

Release Date: August 14, 2012

Published by:  Delacorte Press

Review Copy: Hardcover, 320 pages 

Review

  So this is yet another book that I had eagerly waited and featured on my Waiting on Wednesday post.  Let me tell you it lived up to every bit of anticipation.  With a creepy and attracting cover and a description that includes the ability to follow a script or future path how could I go wrong?  I will admit it wasn't what I thought it was going to be but it was way more and better than what I had expected.  We all know that the decision that we make today will effect the tomorrow that we have.  But seriously knowing what you will loose because of the decision or what you will gain by changing what you do is a scary and powerful thing.  

  This novel was just amazing!  There is no other way to put it.  I was blown away by the amount of thought and detail that went onto all of it.  The "script" that Nick follows or tries to needs it.  In his mind he sees what is supposed to happen and plays it as "You Will's."  Meaning if he sees himself riding a bike home he hears "You will ride your bike home.  You will put it away and run in the house."  I can't imagine having to worry about every move I make in fear of screwing up what I see coming or having the ability to change what I do see.  The fact that Nick hasn't gone nuts yet is amazing and truth be told I felt for him and his need to feel normal.  Living with such knowledge and responsibility can't be easy.

  Nick was such an easy character to read.  I sometimes found his acceptance that no one would befriend him a little annoying but hey when you can see the future getting close to someone can't be easy.  Despite this he doesn't spend his life going "oh woe is me."  Instead he tried to push on and gain some semblance of normal.  Sure it meant looking crazy but certain futures looked to be worth it and you gotta give him credit for the fight he has within himself.  I did expect him to be somewhat of a pity party kind of guy but he just kept on going.  The thing I found more admirable was that he wouldn't  give up.  The future changed and he just kept fighting for what he wanted.

  There are also many other note worthy characters in the novel beside Nick.  His grandmother, his mother and Taryn.  Those of you that have read this probably don't understand the mention of his mother but I really think that her behaviour is a huge reason as to why Nick is such a fighter and fights for what he wants.  This trait may also come from his grandmother.  She is such a wonderful and supportive lady that I can't help but smile when reading about her.  Despite the fact that her daughter and grandson can see the future she wants nothing to do with it.  Not that she denies or loves them any less but more she wants to live her life the way it is meant to play out and not worry about what day may be her last.

The romance here between Nick and Taryn was well done.  I absolutely loved it and its lack of love at first sight.  Those of you that read my reviews know that I will be one of the first to smile and enjoy insta love but this was something completely different to enjoy.  Everything starts with Nick's heroic rescue but it almost ended there as well.  Nick fought the attraction and everything he felt to start, same as Taryn when she realizes what he is.  With being "Touched" Taryn has a unique connection to Nick.  However despite their best efforts they can't stay away from each other.  I loved that they supported each other, genuinely cared for each other and didn't care what others had to say about them.  

  This novel had everything I had hoped for and I seriously found it hard to put it down.  The subject of seeing the future/seeing visions is kind of up my ally right now.  Top that little fact off with Cyn Balog's wonderful writing and unique story, I am all but in book heaven.  The twists that are thrown in throughout the book were more than enough to hold me there and the one nearest the end mad m jaw drop.  However I did seriously enjoy the end and am now more interested than ever to get my hands on the rest of Cyn Balog's work.  This is one that I will be sure to pick up again and I would highly recommend!

Quotes

Of course I couldn't be a lifeguard, not when I could so easily go off script and have thousands of futures competing in my mind, destroying my concentration.  It was like Betty Crocker running a weight loss clinic.

I noticed some of my blood had gotten on her bare shoulder, but I felt awkward rubbing it off.  In my half-assed state I probably would have grabbed her boob.  Sadly enough, that would have been, like, the most action I'd ever gotten from a girl.

The only person on our street who talked to us was the cat lady, but that was because with more than a hundred cats, she had her own issues.

Did I say cocky?  Suddenly I felt like a spider must, trying to scurry up the side of the toilet bowl before it's finally flushed.