What do you think?
Rate this book
Apocalypse Series #1
Touch of Fire
Leda, a fire Elemental, has been charged with finding a dangerous alchemist's bible. The trail is cold and her only lead is a plainfolk savage who hates all magical beings.Greyhawke Tams would sooner stay in jail than help a fire mage. But when he discovers the thief who stole the grimoire might also control his future, he joins Leda in a prickly alliance that leads them to the truth about the Earth that was, and a thousand year old secret on how the Elemental mages were born.
260 pages, Paperback
First published October 30, 2007
1 person is currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
Maria Zannini
13 books41 followershttp://mariazannini.blogspot.com/
I homestead on six acres in the middle of nowhere.
My writing runs the gamut from science fiction to time travel to angel romance.
Blogging is my favorite way to connect with friends and followers. On my blog, I talk about dogs, country living, absent husbands, and ghosts. Yeah, I said ghosts.
I hope you'll visit me soon. You can see a complete list of my back list on the blog.
I homestead on six acres in the middle of nowhere.
My writing runs the gamut from science fiction to time travel to angel romance.
Blogging is my favorite way to connect with friends and followers. On my blog, I talk about dogs, country living, absent husbands, and ghosts. Yeah, I said ghosts.
I hope you'll visit me soon. You can see a complete list of my back list on the blog.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 16, 2009
"Miss Lonely Hearts" is a romantic comedy by Charlene Teglia, published by Samhain. The version I read is trade paperback size, $12, and has just under 200 reading pages. I'm a little wiggy about the price for the read, but otherwise did enjoy this little gem of a romance. This is NOT erotic romance. That's not to say the sex isn't hot (cause it is), just that it's pretty 'vanilla' and there's not a whole lot of it. Instead there's more story, which I liked.
Cassandra's been dumped...AGAIN. This time she's positive her uncle is behind it, since if she doesn't marry before her 28th birthday (coming up REAL soon) her inheritance of a cool three mil will pass to him. Of course, maybe the fact that her intended is now engaged to her uncle's daughter is just coincidence? In any event, Cassandra needs a husband quickly! And she's ready to settle down, have a family again, some kids to go with her mutt of a dog...is that too much to ask? Maybe she just needs to get out of rainy Seattle? So on a night involving a friend and alcohol, Cassandra decides to become a mail-order Alaskan bride.
Jason is a former gambler who won the bar he currently owns and runs in a poker game. It came at just the right time and he's enjoying his life in Alaska and the close-knit community. So when not one, not two, but THREE of his bachelor buds get burned by a blonde mail-order bride, Jason decides to dangle himself as bait and prosecute her for mail fraud. If only the beautiful blonde he's been corresponding with didn't seem so...nice...and really really hot...and just about perfect for him!
There were lots of things to like in "Miss Lonely Hearts". The clever banter, the hot sexual attraction, the wonderfully ugly dog, and the hilarious secondary cast (which I would have to say includes the town itself). But I got the feeling this story had been pared down quite a bit; either that or Ms Teglia added in lots of things that never got mentioned again and I felt left hanging a bit. Like the whole uncle and inheritance situation; that was used as impetus for the whole mail-order bride thing, but then never really followed up. And the secondary cast seemed to only be there for the opening scene and wedding and then dropped off the face of the earth! And why not more about the dog? He was one of my favorites!
Ah well. That's why she's the author and I'm just the reader. Don't get me wrong, I still liked the story and would certainly recommend it for my friends who I know like spicy humorous romance. It could just be that I wanted more for my twelve bucks :)
Cassandra's been dumped...AGAIN. This time she's positive her uncle is behind it, since if she doesn't marry before her 28th birthday (coming up REAL soon) her inheritance of a cool three mil will pass to him. Of course, maybe the fact that her intended is now engaged to her uncle's daughter is just coincidence? In any event, Cassandra needs a husband quickly! And she's ready to settle down, have a family again, some kids to go with her mutt of a dog...is that too much to ask? Maybe she just needs to get out of rainy Seattle? So on a night involving a friend and alcohol, Cassandra decides to become a mail-order Alaskan bride.
Jason is a former gambler who won the bar he currently owns and runs in a poker game. It came at just the right time and he's enjoying his life in Alaska and the close-knit community. So when not one, not two, but THREE of his bachelor buds get burned by a blonde mail-order bride, Jason decides to dangle himself as bait and prosecute her for mail fraud. If only the beautiful blonde he's been corresponding with didn't seem so...nice...and really really hot...and just about perfect for him!
There were lots of things to like in "Miss Lonely Hearts". The clever banter, the hot sexual attraction, the wonderfully ugly dog, and the hilarious secondary cast (which I would have to say includes the town itself). But I got the feeling this story had been pared down quite a bit; either that or Ms Teglia added in lots of things that never got mentioned again and I felt left hanging a bit. Like the whole uncle and inheritance situation; that was used as impetus for the whole mail-order bride thing, but then never really followed up. And the secondary cast seemed to only be there for the opening scene and wedding and then dropped off the face of the earth! And why not more about the dog? He was one of my favorites!
Ah well. That's why she's the author and I'm just the reader. Don't get me wrong, I still liked the story and would certainly recommend it for my friends who I know like spicy humorous romance. It could just be that I wanted more for my twelve bucks :)
May 2, 2011
Cute, kind of fluffy story about an aspiring Seattle photographer (wholesome blonde beauty Cass) who needs to get married before her 28th birthday or her inheritance from her late parents will be lost to her. Cass has had two fiancees dump her, which wrecks her confidence and makes her think she's going about this marriage thing all wrong. Perhaps if she placed a personal ad (forget about falling in love) she could find a man she's compatible with and who would want to marry her...
Enter our hero Jason. Twenty-eight-year-old hottie Jason's a former professional gambler, and actually won his Ketchikan, Alaska bar (The Last Resort) in a poker game. When Jason finds out that a couple of his bar regulars have been victims of a "Miss Lonely Hearts" con, he's ticked off and sets out to trap this con artist. He'll beat her at her own game, yes he will...
Jason...
Don't want to say much more, because there's not much more to the story. Jason thinks Cass is Miss Lonely Hearts, but wishes she wasn't because he's wildly attracted to her. And the feeling is mutual. Will Cass get her wedding before it's too late? Will Jason catch "Miss Lonely Hearts"? Will Cass and Jason both find unexpected happiness?
This was a cute story, and pretty easy to read. There's some humor, some sexy dialogue, a couple of erotic scenes (don't let that cover fool you--this is not a bdsm story, but Jason and Cass do have some good times with some handcuffs) but there wasn't all that much drama or conflict. It's pretty short too--can probably be read in about 3 1/2 hours--so if you're looking for some reading entertainment that won't strain your brain Miss Lonely Hearts may put a smile on your face. 3 1/2 stars
Enter our hero Jason. Twenty-eight-year-old hottie Jason's a former professional gambler, and actually won his Ketchikan, Alaska bar (The Last Resort) in a poker game. When Jason finds out that a couple of his bar regulars have been victims of a "Miss Lonely Hearts" con, he's ticked off and sets out to trap this con artist. He'll beat her at her own game, yes he will...
Jason...
Don't want to say much more, because there's not much more to the story. Jason thinks Cass is Miss Lonely Hearts, but wishes she wasn't because he's wildly attracted to her. And the feeling is mutual. Will Cass get her wedding before it's too late? Will Jason catch "Miss Lonely Hearts"? Will Cass and Jason both find unexpected happiness?
This was a cute story, and pretty easy to read. There's some humor, some sexy dialogue, a couple of erotic scenes (don't let that cover fool you--this is not a bdsm story, but Jason and Cass do have some good times with some handcuffs) but there wasn't all that much drama or conflict. It's pretty short too--can probably be read in about 3 1/2 hours--so if you're looking for some reading entertainment that won't strain your brain Miss Lonely Hearts may put a smile on your face. 3 1/2 stars
May 24, 2011
Magically Creative and Adventurously Thrilling!
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!
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!
November 30, 2011
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.
http://www.lovlivlifereviews.com/2011...
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.
http://www.lovlivlifereviews.com/2011...
November 25, 2011
A fun little novella. It could have been a much longer book if some of the elements had been filled out. As it was, it seemed to have been distilled down to bare bones and only the essentials were told. So the story felt complete and I was satisfied but I wished it was longer and more filled out because I really did enjoy it and would have been happy with more. The characters were very interesting and I really liked what there was of them. Some of the side characters were great and I would love to read their stories. There were a couple of pretty hot sex scenes but they were on the humorous side and not nasty or gritty. The hero seemed like the kind of guy we'd all be happy to be in the sack with. An enjoyable way to spend an hour or so.
September 14, 2010
I love the subtle way Ms. Zaninni introduces us to the unique fantasy world of Leda, a beautiful and dangerous fire mage and Greyhawke Tams, an undeniably sexy scavenger tethered to her for three months by a debt for damages to a landlord in a lost brawl. Leda needs Grey in her quest to recover a lost book of potions, a treasure he doesn't quite understand.
The spicy sexual tension between Leda and Grey intensifies as the plot builds and Leda struggles with her inner turmoil.
I knew from the very first line, I would enjoy this book. It drew me in from the beginning and I found myself reading through the night. A great read. Sexy and romantic. Maria Zannini's witty and captivating style had me hooked and I am looking forward to reading more of her creations.
The spicy sexual tension between Leda and Grey intensifies as the plot builds and Leda struggles with her inner turmoil.
I knew from the very first line, I would enjoy this book. It drew me in from the beginning and I found myself reading through the night. A great read. Sexy and romantic. Maria Zannini's witty and captivating style had me hooked and I am looking forward to reading more of her creations.
December 15, 2012
Leda, is a fire elemental on a mission to find a plainsfolk (a non magical person) set in the far future in which our current world has been destroyed and magic is now the way of life. The man in question is Greyhawke, a handsome yet savage man who has somehow discovered a book of great importance - one which several different people want to get their hands on and one which these same people will do anything to stop Leda from finding.
Grey becomes Leda's man servant when she buys him following a bar fight in which he loses and he instantly hates her for the position he finds himself in, but he soon warms to her. He never quite trusts her and she feels she can't completely trust him either, but they work together to find what they need. Seelie, another elemental, albeit an untrained one, trails along for the journey and makes Leda come to terms with her feelings for Grey. Soon enough Leda and Grey no longer have the upper hand in their quest and they end up being separated and damaged along the way.
When I read this book, I felt the characters were familiar and it wasn't until I looked on here that I realised I had read the second book in this series about a year ago! I enjoyed that one as well, but preferred the constant action of this one. There was never a dull moment and at times I really felt for the characters, especially Leda in the hands of Senosai.
I'm hoping there will be more to this series soon as I want to see what happens now Leda and Grey go back to their original world after Apocalypse Rising finished.
Grey becomes Leda's man servant when she buys him following a bar fight in which he loses and he instantly hates her for the position he finds himself in, but he soon warms to her. He never quite trusts her and she feels she can't completely trust him either, but they work together to find what they need. Seelie, another elemental, albeit an untrained one, trails along for the journey and makes Leda come to terms with her feelings for Grey. Soon enough Leda and Grey no longer have the upper hand in their quest and they end up being separated and damaged along the way.
When I read this book, I felt the characters were familiar and it wasn't until I looked on here that I realised I had read the second book in this series about a year ago! I enjoyed that one as well, but preferred the constant action of this one. There was never a dull moment and at times I really felt for the characters, especially Leda in the hands of Senosai.
I'm hoping there will be more to this series soon as I want to see what happens now Leda and Grey go back to their original world after Apocalypse Rising finished.
October 12, 2014
This was a cute little book about when happens you have a miserable family plotting against you, leaving you feeling desperate and willing to do whatever.
Cassandra needs to get married before her 28th birthday or her trust goes to the rest of her family. Having just sabotaged her second engagement Cassie decides that love just isn't in the picture for her, and being a mail order bride is a better option.
Jason, runs the local bar in a small Alaskan town and after hearing that 3 of his customers have been taken in a scam he takes matters in his own hands, places his own add in order to bust her.
You can just imagine all the hi-jinks that come from these 2 very different positions. Both of them end up being very surprised, but it ends in a way better than they could imagine.
Cassandra needs to get married before her 28th birthday or her trust goes to the rest of her family. Having just sabotaged her second engagement Cassie decides that love just isn't in the picture for her, and being a mail order bride is a better option.
Jason, runs the local bar in a small Alaskan town and after hearing that 3 of his customers have been taken in a scam he takes matters in his own hands, places his own add in order to bust her.
You can just imagine all the hi-jinks that come from these 2 very different positions. Both of them end up being very surprised, but it ends in a way better than they could imagine.
May 31, 2011
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.
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.
December 5, 2008
Leda is a Fire Mage and Fae priestess in a clan of earth known as the Gaia Order of Mages and she is on a mission. She has been tasked by her Reverend Mother to recover a magic alchemists book before it can fall into the hands of Tzaka, the Warlord of the Plains...
For the entire review please go to the Best Paranormal & Urban Fantasy Review site on the web, Bitten By Books for the review of Touch of Fire in it's entirety. You won't be sorry.
For the entire review please go to the Best Paranormal & Urban Fantasy Review site on the web, Bitten By Books for the review of Touch of Fire in it's entirety. You won't be sorry.
May 31, 2010
Fun story line, hot hot love scenes, what a surprise! Great ending! I would have liked it if they had made an entire novel out of it and fleshed it out beyond the story where it stopped and carried it into the life the characters end up living beyond where they are when start, it could have been more! I read this book in one day!!
May 20, 2019
Awesome tale of a fantastical future brought on by the past.
Loved the magical feel of this story as it progressed. Great characters that stayed true to their nature. Looking forward to book two and learning more about Leda's heritage as she and Grey's relationship advance.
Great fantasy read with a touch of science!
Loved the magical feel of this story as it progressed. Great characters that stayed true to their nature. Looking forward to book two and learning more about Leda's heritage as she and Grey's relationship advance.
Great fantasy read with a touch of science!
June 5, 2009
I like Charlen Teglia. She is a really good author. after reading Animal Attraction i was a little disapointed in this book. Dont get me wrong it had a plot to it but it wasnt what i was expecting.
June 7, 2011
Enjoyable read.
Want to read
May 29, 2011$4.40, 2nd one is on NetGalley from Carina Press
November 20, 2012
Looking forward to the next book in the series
Read
July 21, 2013After reading True Believers I hesitated starting this book but thought I'd give it a try. It read way too much like TB and I just could not get into it. 17% in deleted.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews