When they touch me

Table of Contents

When they touch me

The novel “When They Touch Me” by Shelagh Milano falls within the werewolf romance genre and explores themes of love, betrayal, and self-discovery. The story centers around Artemisia “Missy” Guerrieri, the daughter of Alpha Franco from the Blood Moon Pack, and Riccardo Saviano, the future Alpha of the Grey Shadow Moon Pack. The narrative begins dramatically on Artemisia’s birthday when Riccardo rejects her as his mate, shattering her dreams and leaving her heartbroken. As she struggles to piece her life back together, she unexpectedly finds herself entangled with not just one, but five mates, leading to a complex web of relationships and emotional turmoil.

As the plot unfolds, Artemisia navigates her feelings for her newfound mates while grappling with the pain of Riccardo’s rejection. Significant events include her interactions with each of her mates, who bring their own challenges and dynamics into her life. The story delves into themes of jealousy, loyalty, and the quest for identity as Artemisia learns to embrace her wolf and the power that comes with it. The tension escalates as she confronts past traumas and faces external threats to her pack, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of love and acceptance within herself and her relationships

Main Characters

The central character of “When They Touch Me” are:

Artemisia “Missy” Guerrieri, the daughter of Alpha Franco from the Blood Moon Pack. Artemisia is depicted as a strong yet vulnerable young woman whose life dramatically shifts when she is rejected by her mate, Riccardo Saviano, the future Alpha of the Grey Shadow Moon Pack. This rejection occurs on her birthday, a day meant for joy, but instead marks the beginning of her emotional turmoil. Throughout the story, Artemisia’s motivations revolve around healing from this heartbreak, discovering her identity, and navigating complex relationships with multiple mates who enter her life after Riccardo’s rejection. Her character development is significant as she evolves from a heartbroken girl into a confident woman who learns to embrace her wolf and the power that comes with it.
Riccardo Saviano, as the antagonist, embodies the complexities of love and rejection. Initially appearing as a typical alpha male, he reveals deeper insecurities and motivations behind his actions. His rejection of Artemisia stems from a desire to protect her from the dangers associated with being mated to him, complicating his character as he grapples with guilt and regret throughout the story.
Other key characters include Cayden, Logan, and Fynn, who are part of Artemisia’s unexpected new mates. Each of these characters brings unique dynamics to the story, contributing to Artemisia’s journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Their relationships with Artemisia evolve as they navigate jealousy, loyalty, and challenges posed by their pack dynamics.

Plot

The main conflict in “When They Touch Me” arises from Artemisia’s emotional struggle following Riccardo’s rejection and her subsequent entanglement with multiple mates. The plot develops through events that force Artemisia to confront her feelings for Riccardo while also exploring new relationships with Cayden, Logan, Fynn, and others. As she begins to heal, she discovers that love can take many forms and that she has the strength to embrace her destiny despite past traumas.

The resolution of this conflict occurs as Artemisia learns to balance her feelings for Riccardo and her new mates while facing external threats to her pack. The climax involves a confrontation that tests their loyalties and ultimately leads to a deeper understanding of love and acceptance among all characters involved. The narrative concludes with Artemisia finding peace within herself and embracing her role within the pack, highlighting themes of resilience and personal growth.

Setting

The story is set in a fictional world where werewolf packs exist, primarily focusing on two packs: the Blood Moon Pack and the Grey Shadow Moon Pack. The setting plays a crucial role in shaping the characters’ experiences; it features lush forests, hidden territories, and traditional pack dynamics that influence interactions. The cultural aspects of werewolf society, including mating rituals and hierarchical structures within packs, significantly impact characters’ decisions and relationships. This backdrop not only enhances fantasy elements but also serves as a metaphor for personal struggles faced by each character.

Themes

Several underlying themes are explored throughout “When They Touch Me.” One prominent theme is love in its various forms, showcasing how relationships can be complex and multifaceted. The novel delves into identity as Artemisia navigates her dual existence as both a human and a wolf, ultimately learning to embrace both sides of herself. Betrayal also plays a significant role; Riccardo’s initial rejection sets off a chain reaction that forces all characters to confront their feelings about loyalty and trust.

Additionally, themes of empowerment emerge as Artemisia grows stronger through adversity, transforming from a heartbroken girl into an assertive leader who understands her worth. The motif of mate bonds serves as both a source of conflict and resolution in the narrative, illustrating how these connections can shape destinies while complicating personal choices.

Author’s Narrative Style

Shelagh Milano employs an engaging narrative style that balances descriptive prose with dynamic dialogue. Her writing captures both emotional depth of characters and thrilling aspects of werewolf lore. Milano’s tone is often intimate, allowing readers to connect deeply with Artemisia’s internal struggles while providing moments of levity through witty exchanges between characters. The author skillfully weaves together romance, drama, and action, creating an immersive reading experience that keeps readers invested in the storyline.

Author’s Point of View

The story is told from a third-person limited perspective, primarily focusing on Artemisia’s thoughts and emotions while occasionally offering insights into other characters’ viewpoints. This narrative choice allows readers to experience Artemisia’s journey intimately while still providing context for other key players in the story. By maintaining this perspective, Milano effectively builds tension around romantic developments and conflicts within pack dynamics.

Personal Reflection

“When They Touch Me” resonates with contemporary themes surrounding identity, empowerment, and complex relationships in an age where individuals often grapple with societal expectations versus personal desires. The exploration of love beyond traditional boundaries reflects current trends in literature that challenge conventional norms regarding romance and partnership. The novel’s focus on self-discovery amid heartbreak speaks to many readers who may find themselves navigating similar emotional landscapes in their lives.

The book’s relevance extends beyond its fictional setting; it mirrors real-world discussions about acceptance, loyalty, and personal growth in relationships today. As readers engage with Artemisia’s journey through love and loss, they may find parallels in their own experiences or those around them.