Ellis is never truly free. But she understands the rules of her world as the bearer of the long-lost water relic-until she is kidnapped and tortured to the brink of death and discovers there's a new enemy to "alternates" like herself: the US government. So, when young Special Agent Jackson Hunter saves her from a lab fire, Ellis must decide if she should trust his kind heart or fear his fatigues. With her entire family captive, dead, or missing, Ellis takes a chance on the handsome soldier. But not all heroes are flawless, and Ellis is unsure how much of her own tainted past to share with this perfect stranger. The unlikely pair embark on a desperate cross-country search for the water relic that will unlock the ancient power Ellis is destined to wield. Without it, her family, her race, and perhaps the world will crumble in the Summum Malum's tightening fist. Outmaneuvering malignant Shadows, black ops soldiers, and traitorous alternates on her way, Ellis must determine once and for all if the man she's falling for is her greatest asset or her most devastating enemy. TASTE is the blood-pumping sequel to TOUCH, the first installment of the Five Senses saga. Dive deeper into the lore of the alternates and fall in love with Cassie's quippy, reluctantly courageous younger sister on the continuing quest to retrieve the five relics, restore the afterlife, and reunite a family.