Customer Reviews

Touch of Fire

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Prepare yourself to settle down for a "caliente" read, because this book is that and so much more.
From the first line, I was hooked. The author does a wonderful job of introducing Leda, the fae beauty, and Greyhawke Tams, the man she needs to fulfill her quest.
The very nature of their relationship helps to build so much tension - sexually and plot-wise - you could slice it with a dagger. Leda's own inner turmoil, battling her facade as an Earth elemental when she's a Fire elemental at heart, certainly brings things to a boil.
Adding genius to this spicy recipe is the author's subtle manner of guiding you to what you THINK may happen then POW, she presents another piece of the puzzle that keeps you turning the pages, thirsting for more.
Just be aware, this book is not for the chaste. If you desire a book that will keep your mind away from sensuality and sexual attraction, you won't find that here. The author handles the erotic angle tastefully, though I had an "Oh my" moment or two.
If you're interested in a read that will provide you with more bang for your buck, then consider this book a great investment.

A beautiful but dangerous fire mage, a book that could destroy the world, and a man who is forced into bondage against his will . . . all combine to create an intriguing story that's impossible to put down.

Leda needs help, despite the fact that she is a full fire mage and can read auras--warning her of danger and love alike. When Grey is defeated in a bar brawl, she pays the landlord for damages, unbeknownst to the unconscious Grey, making him her bondsman for three months. Grey, of course, is furious at the beautiful fae woman who has magically tethered him to her like a common servant.

The quest--to recover a book of potions discovered, then lost, by Grey. But now the trail of those seeking it is lined with death. Leda must trick Grey into revealing its location, by any means possible, before one of the most powerful mage's finds it for himself. The book contains instructions for creating machines and bombs that could destroy the entire world of this futuristic civilization.

The fantasy world created by author Maria Zannini is unique as she weaves a fascinating plot. The story pulled me in from the first page as Leda's character burst into life through Zannini's witty and charming writing style. When Grey woke up from his pummeling, I was hooked. The tension between Leda and Grey is simply captivating. Bravo.

Touch of Fire is a magical read set in a post apocalyptic setting. Throw in time travel and here is the makings of a riveting story.

Leda and Grey are addicting to read. I never want it to stop. They make an explosive pair and never a dull moment. Leda is a Fire Elemental hunting for a book that could mean catastrophe if in the wrong hands. However, on her hunt she becomes the hunted. Hunted by a man with great power and a knack for the fire element as well. What she does not know is this man has his own secrets and he will stop at nothing to keep them hidden and in the process place into motion his even greater plans to reign.

In a world where magic shoots you to the top of the food chain, it comes as no shock that Grey has no love for Leda. But as her indentured servant for a time and his growing passion for her, he joins her quest and is soon catapulted into a fraying mess.

All in all, I am impressed with Touch of Fire. Leda character is rough and refined on the edges with her sweetness trying to stay hidden. She and Grey are both a treat to read and their pudding passion into something more is even more a treat to read. Not to mention the time travel element and just what is the contents of that book.... even more a pressing read.

Maria Zannini creates complex worlds that draw me in, and make me want to sink into them for a long time. Her heroines are strong and her heroes even stronger. Touch of Fire is no exception. Leda's a fire mage on a mission, and Greyhawke is the kind of scoundrel every woman loves - teasing, intelligent to the point of deviousness, and of course, handsome. She enlists his help to find a lost alchemist's book, wanted by powerful leaders. When the hunters became the hunted, I couldn't stop turning pages to follow the story's twists and turns to the ending, a cliffhanger.
I'm so glad there's now a sequel to Touch of Fire. I can't wait to read Apocalypse Rising! I look forward to following Grey and Leda in their next adventure - into the past.

Wow! Leda, a Fire Elemental Mage/Witch is put on a mission by her Reverend Mother to find a plainfolk man by the name Greyhawke Tams and retrieve a book but not just a book, a book that was The Poor Man's Recipe Book - Page after page listed ingredients for all manner of magic and a host of poisons, a book with weaponry models and designs and explosives of all kinds never seen before. This book could give any mage the power to rule the world and have every being submit to his will.

Greyhawke Tams (Grey) is just plainfolk but the best scavenger hunter for all treasures. He found an ancient book from some ruins, however, when he shared a meal with a commoner one night, he found himself without the book the next morning when he woke along with his long pony tail hair being cut. Grey didn't think much of it; he was just a sexy man who lived a free life and didn't want the hassle of being tied to a woman but only wanted her pleasures, well until his destiny landed in Leda's control and is forced to hunt for the man who took the ancient book from him.

Leda's and Grey's exciting adventure is totally awesome, full of magic, lust, sexual submission and branding by a Fire Lord, jealousy, war, and traitorous back turning. The chemistry sparks between Leda and Grey lead to pretty steamy scenes and their romantic sweet talk will have you falling in love with the characters. I wanted more in the end. Great Read!

When I was a boy Fantasy heroes were muscle-bound men aka Tarzan or Conan; then in a later, more ambivalent era we had heroes with flaws, interestingly pale heroes with red eyes, dependent on demons and vampiric swords. Weak or strong all of them were men. Women were victims or trophies, treacherous schemers making up to bald sorcerers, occasionally heroic but never quite making it as a man.

Male `Mary Sue's' have been replaced by female `Mary Sue's' as Fantasy readerships has changed but real romance demands strong partners. The protagonist, male or female has to meet their match. Good writers understand this instinctively, and Maria Zannini is one of them.

Her heroine in `Touch of Fire is Leda. She is both sardonic and feisty. Her eventual partner, Greyhawk Tams is equally strong minded, chalk to her cheese, and the joy in reading the book is seeing how their relationship develops in a nicely drawn post apocalyptic world. This is important. In Touch of Fire the world building is coherent and real - and ends with a hook that demands a sequel.

The first line of "Touch of Fire" clues the reader in on what to expect: "The Reverend Mother used to tell acolytes that if men were going to brawl, they should at least be naked and glistening with oil." This will be a fun, irreverent trip through a fantasy world with a sassy female mage and a good-looking scavenger who's found a treasure he doesn't understand. For me, part of the pleasure was watching for the references to the "last age," that's disappeared under rubble. By page 15, we've seen "Dak'Ota" province and a mention that the scavenger once found a "tiny statue of a mouse" whose name turns out to be Mee-kee. Romance readers should enjoy this one.

A great read! Sexy romance together with a terrific adventure. I read it in one sitting. Hot hero and a heroine who knows her own mind and isn't going to be deterred from her mission.