Touched by Flame : A Velmora Novel

by Maiju Tirri

She thought the worst thing that could happen was losing her marriage. She was wrong.

Zana never planned to reinvent herself in her forties. But when a storm swallows her whole and spits her out in a realm that shouldn't exist, reinvention stops being optional.

The Between is just the beginning. Beyond it lies Velmora — dragons, ancient magic, warriors who have lived centuries, and a world that has been waiting for her specifically.

Luke is everything she was taught not to want. Arrogant. Intense. Certain of her in a way no one has ever been. Their connection ignites the moment they meet and refuses to be ignored no matter how hard she tries.

She spent years making herself smaller for a man who never deserved her. Velmora won't let her stay that way.

She is the key. He is the fire. Together, they will burn.

Portal fantasy for grown women who like their romance explicit, their heroines unapologetic, and their heat slow-building and worth the wait. Contains strong language, betrayal, emotional abuse, violence, and explicit sexual content. 18+ strictly.

433 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 28, 2026

About the author

Maiju Tirri is a Finnish contemporary artist and author with over thirty years of experience working internationally as an independent artist, art director, and graphic designer. Her artwork has been exhibited in London, New York, Helsinki, Marbella, and other international locations, and is held in private collections worldwide.

Her creative work has always been rooted in emotion, nature, passion, love, and the intensity of human experience. After years of telling stories through color, movement, and texture, she turned unexpectedly to writing while living abroad in Singapore.

What began as a single idea grew into Touched by Flame, the first book in Velmora Saeries, an adult dark romantasy saga about desire, survival, magic, dragons, and a woman reclaiming her power between worlds.

​Maiju lives between cultures and continents, creating stories through both image and word.

Reviews

[Christina Blanco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advance copy

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is a fast paced story that follows the Fmc through another world after she discovers a deep betrayal.

Zana is faced with a difficult decision to stay in the new world and help save it or return to her life on earth, where she learned to hide who she was after years of abuse and neglect.

There’s dragons, shape shifting, lots of spice, mates, dream walking, healing and self discovery

Major cliffhanger ending

Overall I enjoyed this book and would recommend to anyone who loves extra spice, bonded dragons and a world where abused women are saved and brought to a world they can become warriors

[Kahgreymom · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantasy world filled with dragons and plenty of spice. FMC is caught between two worlds one she has always known and the new fantasy realm she has been thust into. This book is fastpaced and keeps your attention throughtout. I looking forward to the second book.

[Paige Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

~ARC~

I would like to give a big thank you to the author for allowing me the opportunity to read Touched By Flame via ARC. All opinions are my own.

3.5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 💫 (rounded up) 3 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️

Slow burn- he falls first- complex history- detailed world building- awakening- experienced heroine

What an opening novel for a saga! I really feel that I could embrace what the FMC was feeling at the start. Complex world building AND complex interpersonal dynamics! Not your typical romantasy that’s been flooding shelves lately. I would highly recommend for anyone looking for a more adult themed romantasy novel.

[Celinel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I suggest reading the trigger warnings before starting this book, especially for domestic abuse, a cheating husband, and the degradation of women.

This book pulled me in. It is definitely not slow-paced, and it doesn't spend a lot of time on world-building at the beginning. The world-building comes later, but keep in mind that you're reading from Zana's point of view at first. She is confused, troubled, and sometimes it can be hard to tell whether she's experiencing something in reality or in a dream. As the story progresses, you get to see other characters' points of view, and I really liked that because it allowed me to get to know them more deeply.

This romantasy has just the right amount of spice, but it also has a lot of sad moments. The author combines reality with fiction, creating a world that feels relatable for women while also delivering the fantasy of being rescued by your shadow-shifter dragon-bond, super-hot warrior.

The ending is a BIG cliffhanger, so be prepared to speed-read this book because the author keeps you hanging, wondering: Will she finally say yes to Luke?

[Vanessa Titus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from author

Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

If you are looking for a high-heat romantasy that prioritizes passion and personal growth, Touched by Flame is a must-read. While it starts with a heavy focus on character development and the romance, the overarching fantasy elements steadily build, weaving an increasingly complex world that culminates in a cliffhanger.

At the heart of the story is Zana, whose time spent in the mysterious realm of "The Between" triggers a powerful journey of self-discovery. Her evolution is multi-layered—not only does she come into her own as a person and possible magical being, but the book also explores her sexual awakening.

The story masterfully pulls from some of the genre's most beloved tropes:
Fated Mates, Hidden Powers, The Chosen One

Content Note: Prospective readers should be aware that the book contains themes of abuse, which serve as a backdrop to Zana's journey toward healing and empowerment.

[Krystal Caloia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was gifted an ARC copy of this from the author and through Bookfunnel.

This started out really slow for me. It was difficult to get into immediately. But I really liked that the FMC was an older woman and that having more children was off the table, I feel like I dont see that frequently and it was refreshing.

I did get into it though and the last half of the book grabbed hold and didn't let go then ended on a cliffhanger that has me drooling for Book 2!

Spice was a large part of this book. FMC regaining her sexuality and other female characters that are going through the same or already had. The spice itself was classy, it wasn't as detailed as some other books I've read. However, that did not take away the STEAM, spicey scenes were HOT!

There was some inconsistencies that could have just been there since this was an ARC but they still stood out to me.

Overall, a great book and I definitely recommend this!

[Danielle B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zana.

A 40+ heroine.
A betrayed wife.
A woman who gave twenty-three years of her life to a man who slowly made her invisible.

Then one message shattered everything.

And the storm that followed did not end her story.

It awakened her!!!!!!

This is a great story. There's betrayal, vulnerability, hurt, joy, discovery of oneself, passion, and all the spice you can handle.

If you love dragon shifters, magical other realms, slow burn, fantasy this is for you. You will be wanting to go to the in between and vellore yourself. There's cheating in it so mind your triggers. Zana becomes more than she ever realized she could be. Luke is the dragon shifter we all fantasize about. There's a massive cliffhanger at the end that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. There character build is perfect and the descriptions have you feeling like you’re there. Im looking forward to reading more by author Maiju Tirri.

Definitely recommend.
Spice level 🌶🌶🌶🌶

[Chasity Trimble · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by Maiju Tirri, and I really enjoyed getting introduced to the world of Velmora. It took me a little bit to settle into everything, but once I did, I found myself completely invested.

I loved watching the Zane slowly come into her own while all the mysteries surrounding the magic and dragons unfolded. The world-building was easy to get lost in. The magic, dragons and fantasy elements all blended together really well without ever feeling overwhelming.

The romance is definitely a slow burn, which worked for me because it gave the characters time to grow naturally and never overshadowed the adventure. By the end, I was left wanting to know what happens next.

Overall, this was a solid start to the series and I’ll definitely be picking up book two.

[Shannon Thetford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed *Touched by Flame*! The chemistry between the main characters was fantastic, and I loved watching their relationship grow as they faced danger, secrets, and plenty of emotional moments.

The story does a great job balancing romance with action and suspense, so there was never a dull moment. The world-building was interesting without being overwhelming, and I found myself getting attached to the characters pretty quickly.

If you enjoy fantasy romance with strong emotions, great character development, and a romance that keeps you invested, this one is definitely worth picking up. I can't wait to see where the series goes next!

[Books After Bedtime · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are you a middle aged, perimenopausal woman whose kids no longer need her and whose husband has passed over you for a younger woman?

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you suddenly had the opportunity to leave this world behind for a world of magic and dragons and unbelievably hot men?

This is Zana and Touched by Flame is the first part of her story.

If you have been looking for a middle aged heroine, second chance romance, fated partners, "touch her and 💀" vibes .... This will be your next 4-5 star read!!!

[Naomi kimbrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

So wow!  This is quite a book!  This story mainly follows Zana, through a crisis that leads her to the Between, where we learn about two other different places of existence.   This story is very unique and paints a really cool world full of fantasy, danger and adventure.  This book kept me on my toes and I can't wait to find out what happens next!  If you like fantasy, romance and adventure, then this book is a must read!  I received an advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Taryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucky enough to have read an ARC, and this book did not disappoint!
This story follows Zana who after a trauma manages to escape her life when she’s not sure that she really wants to and now has to make a choice. There’s a strong feminist vibe, steamy scenes, dragons, magic and hunky men, what more could you want. 😉
I found the plot to be well fleshed out, fast paced and gripping but a bit repetitive in places.
I am very much looking forward to the next one!

[Jordan Moeller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be an arc reader for this book, I really enjoyed it! There’s a lot going on but I was never bored throughout the whole book. There’s plot is great, fast paced but the ending makes you want to keep reading. I’m excited for the second book! The FMC was written very well, I enjoyed the characterization in this.

[Di T · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is well written with interesting characters and a good plot line. There are a few triggers so please read warnings before starting. The book is fast paced with drama, emotion and spice. As always when we know there’s a second book coming we end on a cliffhanger, leaving us looking forward to the next book.

[Sandra Maloney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caught between different worlds Zana must choose how her journey will continue. This life or death choice has her pulled in two directions…her past or future. This romantasy captures you from the beginning as the FMC experiences personal growth and self discovery.
This book was provided to me as an eARC

[Michele B · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is very intriguing and keeps you pulled in. For my taste, the MFC is a little annoying and unwilling to believe things.
I do like that there are other stories inside the main story.

Looking forward to the next in the series.

[Jody Stoutzenberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was more of a slow read for me. It was story was good I enjoyed it. The trauma of the women and the world they get to choose if only it was real well maybe haha. I cant wait to see what Zana choses.

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC reader here.

So, this was intense. Fast paced, sure, and steamy as intended. A bit so delicate feminist view on the world, power, and sexuality.
The narrative is quite fast forward and it can get confusing. I am sure book 2 will bring more clarity.

[Tresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy from the author!
I was absolutely blown away by this book! Such a fantastic tale that had me swept up from the very beginning.
This is a story of betrayal, love, magic, dragons, mates and so much more.
Oh, and the end, UGH, the end, the cliffhanger will have you screaming at Lana!!! What a way to leave us hanging....
I can not wait for the second book in this incredible new series, this is a MUST READ!!!