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Fated Legacy #3

Touch of Fire

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The Darkness has fallen on London and needs a new host.

I use a blowtorch to make sculptures out of twisted iron. I’m an artist, independent, tough and an American. My life plan is to create beautiful art and follow my own destiny.

My fated mate is Simon Howard, the newly crowned Alpha of London.
Simon’s plan is different as I find out when he kidnaps me from a gala event featuring my art.

The Darkness possessed a wolf in the pack and learns many things about shifters. Secret things only known to us.

When the Darkness threatens all they hold dear, will Mariah and Simon be bound together to banish the Darkness?

ebook

Published September 23, 2021

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About the author

Delta James

353 books2,324 followers
Delta James is a USA Today bestselling author of steamy romantic suspense and paranormal romance. Known for her fast-paced, heart-racing, panty-melting stories, Delta writes fierce heroines, dominant heroes, dangerous secrets, and irresistible fated mates. From alpha shifters prowling the wild to powerful billionaires ruling the boardroom, her books deliver heat, suspense, and unforgettable chemistry.

Delta never planned to write romance. In fact, she launched her author career in 2018 after deciding her second act in life needed a little more passion… and possibly a little more bite. Since then, she’s published dozens of addictive romances for readers who love their happily-ever-afters with plenty of steam and danger.

She lives in Florida with her pack of loyal basset hounds (who firmly believe they run the household), and when she’s not writing steamy scenes or plotting revenge for her latest heroine, she can usually be found riding horses, walking the beach, or chasing her next adventure on the river.

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5 stars
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23 (14%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
Profile Image for Delta James.
Author 353 books2,324 followers
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November 11, 2021
The Darkness has fallen on London and needs a new host.

I use a blowtorch to make sculptures out of twisted iron. I’m an artist, independent, tough and an American. My life plan is to create beautiful art and follow my own destiny.

My fated mate is Simon Howard, the newly crowned Alpha of London.
Simon’s plan is different as I find out when he kidnaps me from a gala event featuring my art.

The Darkness possessed a wolf in the pack and learns many things about shifters. Secret things only known to us.

When the Darkness threatens all they hold dear, will Mariah and Simon be bound together to banish the Darkness?
Profile Image for Rose Howse.
914 reviews15 followers
November 12, 2021
As Simon Howard of London discovers his fated mate, Mariah Halsey of the Hamptons of USA tries to deny him. Miriah wants nothing of a fated mate, she's an independent artist from America just in the UK to showcase her metalwork art but she's also an Alpha Shewolf being pursued by Simon and boy does he pursue as she avoids and denies over and over but love and wolf biology will win in the end. Meanwhile the Darkness continues to lurk in it's weak host, threatening those around it. I loved the push/pull, cat/mouse chase that Mariah and Simon go thru, it sure kept things interesting as Mariah ran yet Simon and his wolf continued to call to her. The Darkness has found a new host and continues to threaten the shifters and their loved ones.
Profile Image for Amy Reads Romance.
993 reviews11 followers
November 12, 2021
Mariah is an artist who uses scrap metal and a torch to bring sculpture to life. She has a charity gala to benefit a school in the Hebrides, and her friends and family are all there to see her shine. At a dinner the night before the Gala, she meets him. Her fated mate. Simon and she recognize each other immediately, but she refuses to give in. He chases her down, and claims her, knots and ties her, and together they claim the London pack.
The Darkness is still thriving, this time in the body of the former Alpha of the London pack. What will it take to contain it again? Will they be able to destroy it? Two more books to go, and we'll find out.
This series keeps getting better and better. I love Mariah and Simon as individuals and together. The book really does not function as a standalone, but is much better read as a series. As good as the series is, that is no hardship. This is a five star read I would give six stars if I could. Now I wait with baited breath for the next book in the series!

I received an advance review copy of this book, and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Profile Image for Marybeth.
2,331 reviews22 followers
November 12, 2021
Simon is the son of the alpha of London. Mariah is Roz's daughter. You know that the fur will fly. Mariah, like most of her generation, doesn't want to be mated. When Simon realizes she is his mate, he takes steps to depose his father, with the pack's blessing. Of course, this means his mother is no longer the mistress, but Simon doesn't really care.

This book is a bit different in that although Simon is going to impose his will on Mariah, he does it in a way that Mariah can accept.

There is also the Darkness which has taken over another of the pack. Will they be able to find the wolf and contain the Darkness?

I am really enjoying this series about the future of the packs. The author does a great job with the whole concept.

I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
2,130 reviews16 followers
November 9, 2021
This is the 4th book in the Fated Legacy series by Delta James, this is Mariah Halsey, (up-and-coming sculptors/daughter to the Alpha of Hampton) story. They meet when he attends a dinner at his parents and realizes that Mariah is his fated mate. This doesn't go down too well with her! So when he informs her of his intentions, she runs. As he tries to tame her there are bigger problems looming, The Darkness, has possessed a wolf in the pack and needs to feed and kill. Will Simon and Mariah be able to kill The Darkness or will it escape again????

I received a free copy of this book via the author and voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lisa A.
1,570 reviews13 followers
November 10, 2021
All’s fair in love and war…
The dark entity managed to find a new host. This shifter was more weak-willed and easier to control than the last. As their group gathers to battle the entity, Simon and Mariah gradually come to a meeting of the minds.
I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.
Profile Image for Sherry Wood.
591 reviews5 followers
November 12, 2021
A very well written and exciting book!! Full of mystery and suspense while Simon and Mariah and their friends try to fight The Darkness that has taken over a wolf shifter. Add in some sassy banter between the characters that will keep you reading, plus some really hot sexy scenes and you won't want to put this book down once you start reading. I know I didn't! I read it straight through in one sitting!!
Profile Image for Angela.
3,751 reviews16 followers
November 10, 2021
Mariah's independence and fiery, artistic nature is put to the test when confronted by Simon. And when the darkness strikes close to home, only their combined natures will be able to save the pack. But can they agree that their life together is a fated match?
Profile Image for cheralyn r quinn.
173 reviews1 follower
November 13, 2021
5Stars for sure this fourth entry in the series is good and filled.with suspense, romance, all of the really good stuff!! Y'all need to grab it and read it!!
275 reviews2 followers
November 12, 2021
Touch of Fire

Outstanding series love that this series add to the other series. The children of the other series makes the books so much better. I love that I can add this to the other series that I have read
240 reviews
November 11, 2021
Holy Hot Alpha!

Mariah is an alpha she-wolf who will not bow down to any alpha wolf, fated mate or not. Once the extremely sexy Simon gets his hands on her, she doesn’t have a choice. The Darkness possesses Simon's father.
Profile Image for Sassy Angel.
2,968 reviews
November 26, 2021
I loved this story! I have been a fan of Delta James for a long while now and she just gets better and better. I never want her stories to end. I am excited to see what happens next in this series. I loved this story on Mariah and Simon.

Mariah is in London to do a charity show to help out a school when she discovers her Fated Mate is Simon Howard. She does not take this news lightly because she doesn't want an Alpha as her mate. Simon is thrilled about this turn of events even if she slipped away from him. Changes are coming to his pack with the entrance of his mate to his life. She does her show before he whisks her back to his castle. Mariah and Simon must work through their issues before it's too late. Their friends come to the castle to discuss the Darkness and how to defeat it. Will Mariah and Simon find happiness together?

I received an ARC from the author/publisher for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kathy Heare Watts.
7,108 reviews175 followers
November 10, 2021
THE DARKNESS HAS COME TO LONDON, ENGLAND

The series is an ongoing saga. I love that we see the next generation—the offspring of those from Wayward Mates and Tangled Vines—but we also get to catch up with the couples from the first two series. The story takes place in 2048 and moves around the globe. The fourth story will have Mariah Halsey in London for a charity auction where she has donated several pieces of her unique artwork. Simon Howard has avoided taking over as Alpha of his clan, but it is time to step up and take his rightful place, and once he realizes his fated-mate is here, he is ready to claim her.

“Hello, Mariah. I can’t believe we haven’t met before now, but then I understand your mother eluded your father for years. Rest assured, my sweet mate, you will not be allowed to report that mistake.”

The story’s plot continues with another couple finding themselves as fated mates; this time, it will be Simon Howard of London and Mariah Halsey of the Hamptons. But, it also has issues with the Hunters and the Darkness—who has found itself a new, weaker host. Mariah is in London for a charity auction where all the other couples will also be attending—the last thing she expected was to be called to by her fated mate. The two will have a standoff, shift, and the chase is on—but don’t count this alpha she-wolf out; after all, she is Roz’s daughter.

Genevieve Howard: Simon, are you sure?
Simon: Quite sure, as the other alphas who saw my mate respond to my call, can attest.
Mariah: I’ve lost my appetite. I’d rather go back to the hotel.
Simon: I’m sure you would, love, but let’s table the discussion about where you’re going to spend the night until after dinner. If I loosen my grip on my beautiful mate, she will try and steal away from me.
Mariah: You’ve got that right. Let go of me.
Simon: That is enough, Mariah. You will behave yourself, or you will find yourself receiving my discipline before anything else.
Mariah: Who do you think you are?
Simon: I believe I answered your question, pet. I am Simon Howard, your fated mate.

The story includes Simon taking control of the London pack, declaring he has unseated his weak-willed father as Alpha, and having the loyal backing of their pack. It will have Simon and Mariah playing cat and mouse in the merry chase, capture, capitulation, and claiming.

Simon: Come here, pet. I won’t bite. Well, I suppose that’s not technically true, is it?

“Sated and replete, her eyes closed, and the realm of dreams rose up to embrace her. Sighing, her mind taunted her that she had lost. But her heart whispered to her that she had won. She would choose to listen to her heart.”

The story has the good, the bad, and the evil, and with it comes the loss of some of the London pack members, a new fated-mate pairing, and yet, the Darkness is still a problem. Will the wolves be able to once again defeat and lock away the Darkness preying on the world? This series will continue with at least two more books.

“Taking its next host, the Darkness absorbed its knowledge. The destination seemed a good place to feed, to heal, to become invincible. Then it would return to the city across the sea. It had a score to settle with those descended from the one who had trapped it so long ago.”
Profile Image for Lori.
579 reviews5 followers
November 13, 2021
Book 4 and the overarching story keeps getting better!

Often, when writers write series after series, it can get boring and predictable. Not the case with Delta James Books. This is the 4th book in the next generation of the Wayward Fated mates – the strong alphas and their even stronger mates and I am invested in this series as much as I was in the Wayward Mate series. It is great to know that a generation along has not changed the connection between an alpha male and his fated mate. Time honored tradition states that when an alpha male finds his fated mate, she will be his. Every fated mate knows that should she choose to run, her alpha will follow, and he will not give up until she knows beyond a shadow of a doubt, she is his. Mariah, having heard and felt the call, is determined to lead her own life, and forge her own destiny without a mate. Simon, her alpha wolf mate is just as determined that he will get Mariah. This is their fated story. It is a hot and steamy story that has an HEA. And throughout the book, the Darkness continues to surface and raise havoc but as each book comes to life, those who will do battle against the Darkness continue to grow. It is great that the couples from the previous stories in this series show up in each new story. It will take all of them to fight back against the Darkness that continues to be illusive. The next book in this series, I have no doubt will be a good as this one and the previous ones. I can hardly wait to read it. As for this book, while I guess it could be read alone, the reader will get way more enjoyment out of it, if they have read the other books in the series. A great read!

I received a copy of this book from BookFunnel in exchange for my review
177 reviews
November 14, 2021
The Darkness had descend upon London. It's a good thing a pack of kick ass wolves shifters are there to fight it!
This book tells the story of Mariah and Simon. Mariah is a hell raiser, a talented artist and an alpha she-wolf. An alpha wolf fated mate is the last thing she needs. Simon know she's his the minute he comes near her, too bad Mariah isn't going along with the program and leads him to a merry chase all over London. It's a good thing Simon is one very determined alpha wolf who knows how to bring his mate to heel!
But the darkness had found a powerful host, who is more than happy to do his bidding and must be stopped. Will they succeed?
Simon and Mariah are one of my favourite couples in the series, Simon seems like a pampered English aristocrat but he's anything but! Even though he knows how to be a hard ass when needed, he's kind hearted, generous and loving. I loved the way he treated the people around him, from his assistant to his father former beta. Mariah is strong, hard headed and spunky. She is his worthy match!,
I also loved meeting characters from Delta's other series, it was fun meeting Adam & Rhiannon from Mercenary Masters and Felix from Best Seller, I truly love how all the parallel universes Delta so skilfully creates, come together in one story.
I can't wait for the next story in the series. If I'm guessing correctly, it's going to be Renata's, the Scottish school administrator we had met in this story.
60 reviews
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November 11, 2021
When confronted by a Hunter, Alistair Howard, Alpha of London, is invaded by a poisonous vapour that escapes from his assailant. The Darkness is now ensconced in the London pack.
Mariah Halsey is a celebrated artist participating in a gala event in support of a local charity. Her childhood friends and their mates have all come to London for her show and have all been invited to Tanglewood Castle, the ancestral home of the London pack. Simon has promised his mother to attend the dinner she is hosting in support the charity event.
Simon unexpectedly meets Mariah, his fated mate, when he arrives for the dinner. He clearly and firmly informs Mariah that she is his mate and calls to her. Mariah strongly voices her dismissal of the entire situation, bites Simon and runs away.
Simon and the other shifters are also in London to discuss the threat that the Darkness is posing, not knowing that the It is now inhabiting Alistair. The malevolent spirit, now having invaded a wolf shifter, is bent on revenge on the shifters who banished him from New Orleans. The gala provides the evil spirit the perfect opportunity to kill and create mayhem in London.
The stormy beginning to Simon and Mariah’s steamy relationship is entertaining and amusing as Mariah learns to accept Simon’s dominance and her own need to submit. There is high interest in the plot not knowing how, when, and who the Darkness will next subjugate.
Profile Image for Reader_for_LifeTLG.
2,961 reviews17 followers
November 13, 2021
This is my favorite of the series so far. Mariah is as fierce and feisty as her mom, Rozalyn Kincannon. She refuses to give in to the revered Lord Simon. Little does she know he isn't as civilized as his custom suits make him appear. He is an alpha wolf in his prime and he will claim her with a tenacity that rivals the pursuit her father, Oliver Halsey, had to mate her mother.

The young couples all make an appearance and Mariah's parents (my personal faves of the Wayward Mates series) show up to support their daughter. Roz has only gotten better with age and apparently still has a mean punch. Lol. Her baby girl will not be taken without someone's head rolling. I would pay to see Simon's mom go up against her in a skirmish. The Thrilla in Manila would pale by comparison.

The Darkness is closer than the packs realize and continues to wreak havoc until it inevitably moves on to its next victim. One final tragedy will change the London pack forever.

I received an ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for JigsawGirl.
4,322 reviews
November 13, 2021
I really liked the pairing of Simon and Mariah. Neither one of them were pushovers, and were both strong as well as intelligent. Out of Simon's parents, I trusted his mother much less than his father. I kept expecting her to creep out from some secret passageway.

I loved the way Felix from the Savoy and some of the Baker Street cast were involved in this book. I have to say that the "knot" must be an extremely powerful experience. Mariah flipped her switch so fast that I was surprised.

I enjoyed the chase Simon had to go on to get Mariah. I did expect there would be more info about the Darkness and how it could be contained, but I guess all in good time. I am looking forward to Piper's book.

I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Rhonda Hicks.
4,684 reviews85 followers
November 20, 2021
What can I say about Delta James' writings without sounding redundant? This woman is absolutely brilliant in her prose and 'Touch of Fire', the fourth book in her "Fated Legacy" series is absolutely epic! I normally give some kind of synopsis about the storyline but I'm telling you this from the bottom of my heart, you're going to want to read Every. Single. Word. The push and pull between Simon and Mariah are just classic and the chemistry between them literally jumps off the screen. Darkness has taken another host and gone to London to get stronger but wait until you see whom he takes next! These books only seem to get better with each new story adding another dimension and I can't wait to see where she takes us next. Congratulations, Ms, James on another five-star creation.
Profile Image for Kaye Robinson.
946 reviews4 followers
November 13, 2021
The Artist and the Alpha…

Oh I am so loooving this series, Touch of Fire is the fourth book and it’s Mariah (daughter of the infamous Bae Diogal’s beta Roz) and Simon the new Alpha of London…
Mariah and hr friends are in London for two things, (1) is to showcase her art for a charity benefit, and (2) to track down the Hunter who is infected with the evil entity The Darkness before it gets stronger.
Simon is on the cusp of his future knowing he must take over as the Alpha of the London, wanting his fated mate, so when he meets Mariah at a formal dinner…When these two meet the sparks flew off the pages as they both realise they are fated mates and Mariah makes a run for it with Simon on her tail..I loved the suspense, action and thrills and hot hot hot steamy scenes and I am so looking forward to the next addition to this series.
823 reviews6 followers
November 12, 2021
This is Book Number 4 in the series and features Mariah and Simon. The Darkness has changed host and is now using Simon's father. Whilst the story concentrates on the relationship between Mariah and Simon the Darkness is doing some dastardly evil things! Mariah has no intention of settling down with her fated mate and runs away, she takes shelter in Fitz and JJs club with the intention of flying out of London, however, Simon discovers her plans and thwarts them. The Darkness does make another appearance and tries (and fails) to take another host! Really enjoyed this story. Very well written story, as always and I’m looking forward to reading more in this series.

I received an ARC and this is my review.
Profile Image for Anne  Young-Cronister.
965 reviews
November 13, 2021
Wow!! This emotional journey with Simon and Mariah was really wild! I absolutely adored her spunk and creativeness. She was smart, brave and beautiful. Simon’s equal in every way. Simon is described as blond with blue eyes and incredibly strong in idea as well as intelligence and body. Just my type! These characters were so compelling. This series has been such a build up between the different packs and the Darkness. I’m so looking forward to the next book in this series! Some of our favorite Delta James Characters make appearances in this series. They have been quite the pleasure to read.

I reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
1,032 reviews3 followers
November 13, 2021
Oh Simon Howard is just divine! He is dominant man who knows what he wants and when he feels his fated man is nearby, he is man of action. Mariah Halsey has a different future in mind - she's artistic, feisty, strong and independent. Being a fated mate is not in the agenda but the chemistry between them is explosive and she can't deny him. Love that rumble that all these Alphas have to soothe their fated mates. Add the fact the Darkness is close by - we have a danger, passion and a wonderful story. A winner!
48 reviews
November 11, 2021
I love this story and the couple Simon Howard (who we met briefly in the novella: Claiming The Alpha's Daughter which can be found free on Delta's website) and Mariah Halsey (Roz and Oliver's daughter (Mastering His Mate).
They are so much fun together. Simon the alpha wolf shifter, English aristocrat and alpha she-wolf shifter, Mariah who creates scultures from mental - which a blow torch. Mariah is every inch her mother's daughter and leads Simon a merry chase through a maze and London as they find their fated mate in each other and a happy ending.
As always with Delta's books you have wonderful characters, a great story, lots of excitement and plenty of steam.
471 reviews1 follower
November 13, 2021
Simon is the son of the London Alpha, who has just met his fated mate Mariah, daughter of the Alpha of the Hamptons. She is in London for her charity gala for a good cause. I loved how Simon proclaims she is his mate and her reaction is priceless! A great story line with wonderful characters that appear in each others stories, I loved it. Cheers Ms. James! I am voluntarily leaving my review of this awesome ARC.
43 reviews4 followers
November 13, 2021
This book was a fantastic read from start to finish! I love how the story is developing following the darkness. I love the bond we are seeing form between the children of our bored wayward mates couples, and I love the new ways that couples are interacting in this series (while still honoring some favorite old traditions ;)).

Simon and Mariah are a fantastic couple, and I thoroughly enjoyed their story! I cannot wait to see more of them in future novels!
1,565 reviews13 followers
November 11, 2021
I loved this one. Mariah is so like her mother Roz. Simon deservedly has his hands full. All the characters are real and very rounded. This book is about something very serious but there is so much fun as the women stand up to their mates. There are plenty of different elements including some hot spicy erotic scenes. I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book and I highly recommend it. An enjoyable and very interesting page turner.
Profile Image for Rhonda.
3,803 reviews63 followers
November 11, 2021
I'm really enjoying this new series. Being the 4th book, this is Simon and Mariah's story and boy does it have lots of action. The back and forth between Simon an Mariah is so good and it keeps you wondering if they will make it! Full of mystery, drama and lots of sexy times, this book will keep you invested in it until the end! I loved that even though Mariah ran from him at first, she finally believes in the mating and still stays her strong and sassy self. Be sure to check this out!!
796 reviews7 followers
November 11, 2021
Wow this series a winner! Simon and Mariah’s story is fast paced, full of twists and turns to keep you reading till the very end. Both are strong willed and go after what they want, even in the beginning it’s not quite the same thing. Once they figure themselves out they join with their friends to try and defeat the Darkness! Can’t wait for the next instalment of this saga!
Profile Image for Dennis.
961 reviews27 followers
November 13, 2022
Wonderful Shifter Romance

This is book 3 in the Fated Legacy series. This series continues from another Fated Mate Shifter series that I read previously. I love Paranormal Romances and since Shifters are Paranormal, Shifters are my jam. I particularly love the Fated Mate trope, and this writer does a wonderful job with this trope and with Shifters, so I really love this series and this book. As usual with a shifter romance there is a good amount of smutty content. Also there is a bit of BDSM involved. I recomend this book and I plan to read book 4 soon.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews