A Touch of Grace by Joyce Palmer

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$4.99
SKU 978-0-3695-1404-2
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Taylor Made for Love, 1

When Austin Taylor returns home after a long military career, battered and weary, he wants to settle down near his family, work alongside his brothers and friends, and make up for lost family time. The last complication he needs is to fall in love with the wrong sister of his family’s dearest friends.

Grace Harper is flying high on the success of her first true crime-inspired mystery novel. She didn’t expect her youthful attraction to the battle-scarred, older boy next door to be reciprocated, especially when her oldest sister had already claimed him. Nor did she expect to gain a psychotic fan so early in her career.

An unexpected disruption to two close-knit families’ steadfast plans, dangerous repercussions of a haunting military scandal, and a fan threatening their youngest superstar test family ties and the loyalty of deep-rooted friendships.

 

Excerpt:

Austin wrapped his arms around her from behind. “What if I want to entertain you?”

“Well,” she giggled, “I like entertainment.”

His large hand covered her stomach. The warm pressure against her navel piercing sent a wave of sensation between her legs, and she sighed.

“Me too, baby.” He dipped his nose against her neck. “Mm, you smell nice.”

Grace stiffened as his erection poked her in the back. Goosebumps covered her body. She turned and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Your familiarity is a pleasant surprise. Are you sure you’re not a little buzzed?”

He eased back with a frown, his hands on her waist.

Pulling him close, she quickly added, “No complaints. I love the way your body feels against mine. You’re warm and solid, and secure.”

His arms held her tight, but he pulled his head back. He studied her with those gorgeous, clear-bronze-colored eyes. “Are you feeling insecure about something?”

She wondered what he was thinking. “Well, this world is full of crazy people. Besides all that, I’m nervous about our family’s reaction if this gets out.”

“We’re consenting adults. You had to know our relationship would change once I came home for good. Unless you’ve moved on, which, if I remember correctly, I encouraged you to do.” He frowned. “Have you had trouble with a guy?”

Her heart fluttered. “No, not really.” Unless it was the strange person mailing her weird fan letters. But other than that, no guys. She needed to redirect his focus. This was the first time he’d verbally acknowledged there was something physical between them. Well, other than that sexually charged kiss four years ago. “So far, my attraction to you has been my best-kept secret. I haven’t given up on us, though. I wasn’t sure if it was one-sided, and just me crushing on the hunkiest guy next door who wasn’t around much.”

“What about that twenty-first birthday kiss?”

“Well, there was that.” She chuckled as she flushed. “I’ve doubted my interpretation of your reaction, thinking my hope built it into something that was in my imagination.”

“It wasn’t your imagination. Trust me,” he groaned. His hands brushed down her back and cupped her behind. “You don’t know how hard it was for me to leave you that night.”

He released her and moved away, leaning his hips against the counter, his hands on either side, gripping the edge of the granite top as he faced her. His scruffy beard and shadowed eyes made him look haunted. If she had to guess, he wasn’t sleeping well. Her heart ached for whatever was dogging him. She knew he held secrets from the battlefield that kept him awake at night. Siblings talked. But as far as she knew, no one was privy to exactly what those memories entailed.

“This is not one-sided, and it hasn’t been for a while now.” He flushed.

Her heart thundered, having dreamed of gaining his undivided attention. Something she’d never been able to accomplish before. Or so she’d thought. What’s a girl to do when she gets what she’s wanted forever, but is entirely at a loss about what to do with it?

Series:
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Product Reviews

Score: 5 out of 5 (based on 16 ratings)
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5/5
Grace & Austin
Written by Nathalie D. on 6th May 2026

THis book was just the perfect companion for a reading break. Steamy, suspenseful, a bit of drama, plenty of heart, family dynamics, and two fantastic MCs. Austin is back home after his career with the military is done, his goal is a peaceful life with his family. He did not count in finding Grace, a family friend, 8 yrs his junior and already a celebrated novelist. The catch, she has had feelings for him for a long time, her older sister has already claim him for herself. The chemistry between these two is magnetic, and soon they fall fully especially when he has to protect her against a fan. A great read!

5/5
Amazing
Written by Sencillez on 6th May 2026

After a long stint in the military hes finally home and all he wants is a quite life but he wasn’t expecting to fall in love with a family friends daughter. As they get to know each other they discover she has a stalker so now they have to survive it and fight to stay together.

4/5
A Touch of Grace!
Written by OlgaG on 6th May 2026

This is a touching and suspenseful story about Grace and Austin. The plot is engaging and intriguing with a bit of mystery, romance and family dynamics. I love touching opening to their story. Under the stars and a moment shared, it sets the tone for their story so nicely.

4/5
His Grace forever
Written by Roberta R on 6th May 2026

If this is the beginning of the series I can not wait to read the rest. Grace is the baby of the Harper family and Austin is 8 years older, he is part of the Taylor family. They have grown up together even though there was an age-gap. They were destined to be together even though outside forces tried to separate them. She had an obsessed fan and he had danger from an outside source. I recommend this book to all romance readers who love a touch of mystery.

5/5
Heartfelt, Uplifting & Beautifully Written
Written by K Ramirez on 6th May 2026

A Touch of Grace by Joyce Palmer is a touching and emotionally rich start to the Taylor Made for Love series. From the very beginning, the story draws you in with its warmth, sincerity, and meaningful exploration of love, growth, and second chances. The characters are well-developed and relatable, each carrying their own emotional journeys that unfold naturally throughout the story. I especially appreciated the depth of feeling woven into their interactions—it makes the romance feel genuine, heartfelt, and truly rewarding. The pacing is smooth, allowing the story to build in a way that feels both engaging and comforting. There’s a lovely balance between emotional moments and uplifting themes, making it a very satisfying read. This book is perfect for readers who enjoy sweet, emotional romance, character-driven stories, and uplifting journeys of love and healing. A beautiful beginning to what promises to be a wonderful series!

5/5
Loved
Written by MissVAformer on 6th May 2026

This is a really good story. I loved the strong family connections. The romance was satisfying and the suspense really kept me engaged. Great book overall.

4/5
Loved it!!
Written by Kimberly R on 6th May 2026

I absolutely LOVED this book. It was an amazing read. I really loved Grace and Austin. They were both incredible characters. I absolutely recommend this book.

5/5
The Perfect Blend of Romance, Steam, Suspense, and Family
Written by A.K. Shaw on 6th May 2026

As a reader who loves romance but also enjoys a good dose of suspense and mystery, A Touch of Grace was exactly the kind of story that pulls me in and refuses to let go. It has the warmth and emotional payoff of a romance, but it also carries enough intrigue, drama, and tension to keep the pages turning. I ended up reading it in one sitting because once I started, I was completely invested from the prologue all the way through to the present-day storyline four years later. What I really enjoyed about this book is that it does not rely on romance alone. Yes, the love story is at the heart of it, and it is a satisfying one, especially with the teen crush that grows into a steamy romance years later, but the story also has humor, family dynamics, emotional depth, and just enough suspense to give it an extra layer of excitement. That blend made the book feel fuller and more memorable. Grace is such an easy heroine to connect with. As a new novelist coming off the success of her first series, she already had my attention, but I especially loved the comparison to Bunny, Jessica Fletcher’s character from Murder, She Wrote. That immediately gave her a fun, clever edge that made her stand out. She felt relatable and real, and I found myself rooting for her from the very beginning. One of the strongest parts of this story is the sense of family and community. I loved that the characters all grew up together and share a history that adds depth to every interaction. The Taylor clan feels genuine, warm, and familiar in the best possible way. John and Charlotte, in particular, really touched me. Their relationship is a beautiful reminder that true love is not just about the exciting moments, but about weathering life’s hardships and joys together. That kind of emotional grounding made the whole story even richer. Joyce Palmer creates a world that feels authentic and lived in, filled with characters who seem like they could be your neighbors, friends, or family. That realism made the romance sweeter, the humor more natural, and the suspense more effective. Everything worked together to create a story that felt both comforting and exciting. A Touch of Grace is a wonderfully strong start to the Taylor Made for Love series. It has romance, heart, lots of steaminess, humor, drama, and a touch of mystery that makes it especially appealing for readers like me who enjoy all three. I am definitely looking forward to seeing what happens with the rest of the Taylor family.

4/5
Touch of Grace
Written by Stacii on 6th May 2026

These two find love through all the danger and family drama that includes even her older sister wanting him.He’s home from the military with a lot of scars inside and out. When she gets a stalker things get serious.

5/5
Enjoyable
Written by DBG69 on 6th May 2026

Grace and Austin are made for each other and their story is a very enjoyable read. A romance that had me hooked with the storyline. Well worth the time spent reading.

5/5
Steamy age-gap friends to lovers stalker romance
Written by itsthejo on 6th May 2026

This is Book 1 of the Taylor Made for Love series. And a wonderful start it is! Look forward to more from this world. 'An unexpected disruption to two close-knit families' steadfast plans, dangerous repercussions of a haunting military scandal, and a fan threatening their youngest superstar test family ties and the loyalty of deep-rooted friendships.' The characters were very appealing and complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was solidly drawn and impressive. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend, Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!

4/5
good love story
Written by cee b on 6th May 2026

A really good love story. I did not dislike anyone, except for the stalker. The chemistry between the two Grace and Austin was great.

5/5
Grace & Austin
Written by Dawn R on 6th May 2026

I really enjoyed Grace and Austin's story. They know they probably shouldn't have feelings for each other but fare had other plans. This book pulled me in right from the start. I enjoyed every second of it.

4/5
A Touch of Grace
Written by Angi5252 on 6th May 2026

Grace and Austin catch feelings for each other even against so many things that should have them saying no. Grace just had her first very successful podcast and Austin is freshly home from his military career which he has the scars to show for it. Grace gains a stalker and finds herself with danger looking right at her. Then there are the feelings she is having for Austin, the man her older sister claims is hers. Then there is Austin who didn’t want to fall in love let alone with his parents friends youngest daughter. But their chemistry is explosive and their love story is building itself. This is an excellent read.

4/5
Suspense and a sweet romance
Written by Kris08 on 6th May 2026

Austin and Grace A protector romance. Her best friend’s brother, and a sister with a crush on him. It’s not angsty. Austin and Grace are sweet together; it’s steamy, they’re all in from the start, and they move pretty quickly. It’s the other storylines that bring the drama. The above-mentioned sister and their parents, with their expectations… A stalker, a person seeking revenge… it was coming from all directions. A few moments where I cringed - the steamy scenes were over-narrated with a lot of tell and awkward statements. But the main story itself, was good. I enjoyed it.

5/5
Great new series starter
Written by Andrea R on 6th May 2026

This series is going to be good. It was dramatic and well written. Chemistry was good and the plot very complex and easy to read and stay interested in. Recommend this one for sure.