ŷ

Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Rock meets classical. Paranormal meets mortal. Will anybody get out alive? The members of rock band Pure Wildfire are firebird shape-shifters. Manager John Westfall will sacrifice anything for the power they wield, even his daughter Corinne.Corinne attracts Aidan in a way he's never known before. He'll do anything to release her from Westfall's trap. He offers her marriage, but Aidan wants more from Corinne � he wants her heart. And he'll give her his in return.Classical guitarist Corinne is desperate to escape her father's control. She loves Aidan but craves her freedom � can she trust him to give it to her? Can she trust the wild man of rock with her heart? There's only one way to find out. Dive into the wildfire!

310 pages, ebook

First published March 9, 2003

11 people are currently reading
671 people want to read

About the author

Lynne Connolly

131books313followers
I was born in Leicester, England, and lived in our cobbler’s shop with my parents and sister. It was an old house and most definitely haunted, but I didn’t find out until I left that my great uncle had hung himself in the living room! But I think our ghost might have been older than that. It was built on the site of the old Roman cemetery, and the land had been constantly inhabited, being in the centre of town. Then, when the council bought the house from us to build a road, my grandfather retired and my father went and worked for the Post Office. My mother was a sample machinist; that is, she worked with designers on the prototypes (models or samples) of garments. So I was very well dressed! We bought a relatively modern house in the country, and my mother was blissfully happy. It’s all very well living in a large old house, but it’s a dreadful task to keep it clean and warm!

My mother's side of the family are Romany gypsies, although sadly we haven't any of the old trailers that are so astonishingly beautiful. I was taught to read the Tarot cards, and I usually use two packs; the Rider pack for simple readings and the Crowley Thoth pack for the complex stuff.
I've always had an interest in the paranormal and it's been a delight to be able to put some of this into my novels.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
135 (27%)
4 stars
170 (34%)
3 stars
122 (25%)
2 stars
36 (7%)
1 star
24 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Stacia (the 2010 club).
1,045 reviews4,084 followers
April 7, 2013
LMFO = Laughing my furnace off.

2.5 stars. I'm kind of surprised that I ended up liking Sunfire more than expected, especially considering how plentiful the cheese factor was. And by plentiful, I do mean that a bounty of cheese was bestowed upon me. You bring the wine and we'll feast like kings!

Before I launch into the last few bizarre moments I'd noted (the first several have been listed in my status updates), let's go ahead and talk about the story as a whole.

The first half struggled somewhat with trying to get a story going. In all honesty, I didn't mind the amount of sex upfront, considering how this is an Ellora's Cave book. I expected there to be as much or more sex than plot, but I still wanted to read Sunfire for two reasons : rock stars & shapeshifting firebirds (not the most common shifter out there).

Because the first half didn't seem to have much going for it other than a couple of hot sex scenes, I probably spent way too much time picking apart every single cheese-laden detail I ran across. I had predicted early on that I wouldn't go higher than 2 stars at most for the rating.

But then, there was the second half of the book. This is where we started to see some depth of world and character building. The author gets bonus points for at least having a unique idea of what being a firebird entails. I would have liked to have seen more of the first half of the story used to explain how the firebirds managed to deal with the real world and how they interacted with each other - maybe even more of their history. I loved how there was a soulmates aspect without being hit over the head with it. There was something beautiful and magical about how Aidan could soothe Corinne with his mind. The mental exchanges were very seductive at times.

Highlights : the couple playing music together while she was sitting on his lap with him inside of her, the sensual on-stage scene (exhibition at its finest), as well as the emotional scene of loss and re-connection toward the end.

The story with the father really hampered both sides of the story - the rock star side and the firebird side. We didn't get enough time with the band or with the firebirds because we were dealing too much with the father's obsessiveness (and trying to figure out how he knew so much about what was going on).

I liked enough of the second half of the book that I might consider reading book 2 for the character who is in it, but I probably won't be in any hurry to do so.

If this book could have had a slight story rework/rearrange and some editing of the worst phrasing, it would have been so much better. Having a band named Pure Wildfire and a band member named Splinter is already pretty laughable to start.

And here's how I could have kept on providing you with tacky status updates :

The creases went, faded into the soft skin on her forehead, skin he had a sudden impulse to taste.
He wanted to taste her forehead skin? That's a new one.

she feasted her eyes on him while he dragged her skirt and panties out of the way.
two paragraphs later :
he smiled and drew away, dragging her skirt and panties down her legs.
Did I read this wrong, or did he undress her twice?

They (her breasts) were like the rest of her - amazingly soft, but with an inner strength she was only just beginning to discover.
I can honestly say I've never heard breasts being described as having an inner strength. Boobs of steel?

He gave her breast a long lick. "You taste like chocolate."
I must have missed the scene where he put chocolate on her.

The water rinsed away their differences, made them one.
That's a miraculous shower.

drunk every bit of her body's champagne.
A few orgasms sparkled like champagne. Apparently, it's a theme.
Profile Image for Lady Lioness.
1,085 reviews92 followers
January 2, 2012
This was a free download via All Romance Ebooks and it worked, dammit, because now I'm taking advantage of their current 50% rebate sale for Ellora's Cave titles and shotgunning the rest of the series. Since I want to get back to reading, I give you a review in list form.

Pros

1. Hero is a firebird shifter, which is hella unique.
2. I am a sucker for romances that involve famous people and both the hero & heroine are renowned musicians.
3. Connolly doesn't attempt to whitewash the 'rich and famous' lifestyle. The hero used to be a drug addict and casual sex with random groupies is prevalent among the other band members.
4. The reader gets to go on stage with the band and see what a concert is like from their perspective.
5. Connolly shows the good judgement of using her British background and makes the hero & heroine British. Some of the speech rhythms and language choices in the dialogue conveyed the impression of listening to an English person speak quite nicely.

On the con side, it was a tad too long and there were some pacing issues. It reminded me of Lauren Dane's Never Enough with a sprinkling of Christine Warren's "Others" series. As of 01/02/12, Sunfire is still free at ARE so I highly recommend you pick it up while you can!
Profile Image for Lyndi W..
2,042 reviews207 followers
August 30, 2016
A whole lot of "oh baby" in here. Way too many. Nobody actually says that unless they're mocking bad porn.

The plot and characters were both good. My main complaint is the flowery and cheesy declarations of love. It didn't pair with the raw and raunchy dirty sex scenes.

The chick, Corinne I think, had a TSTL moment that almost made me DNF the whole thing. I was reading with my jaw on the fucking floor because I just could not believe what she was doing. But feeling that level of shock was almost entertaining, like a super huge plot twist. But the twist is that Corinne is a fucking moron. Surprised!?

So minus one star for the ridiculously purple prose and another star for Corinne being dumb as a bag of Legos. I still liked her, though, so don't let my previous statements mislead you.

Would I recommend it? If I could run a find and replace on every utterance of the phrase "oh baby" and substitute "oh fuck", then send you that version of the book... Probably.
Profile Image for AnnaBanana.
397 reviews23 followers
March 7, 2011
This book was a huge surprise for me! I had no idea I would love it so much when I bought it! I've read lots of other shape-shifter books before but this one is by far my favorite. The story was really good, and strong. Most shifter books are lacking in the story, at least they are in my opinion but full of sex. But this one had everything and more! I will be reading more from this author, in fact I just bought 2 and 3 from this series!!!!
Profile Image for Carin.
386 reviews49 followers
August 26, 2012
Shifters, a rock band, an evil plot, anti shifter groups and magic! Oh did I forget to mention SMOKING HOT sex scenes! This book (and series) has is all. Lynne Connolly does a great job writing a unique twist on shifters. Her character development is good and the story is well written. I think you will enjoy this novel as well as the other 3 in the series.
Profile Image for Selena Lang.
664 reviews6 followers
May 23, 2012
I was a bit wishy washy on this book. I liked the premise, but the writing seemed a bit choppy..the story line did not flow well in my opinion. The characters were interesting enough and I had no real problem reading the whole book... not sure if I will read the rest of the series though.
Profile Image for Beth.
Author23 books151 followers
February 29, 2008
Great characters. I love the interwoven paranormal elements with the everyday. Can't wait to read about all the band members in forth coming books.
Profile Image for ѱԾ˥.
1,088 reviews1 follower
December 28, 2009
Surprising good EC book! This is the first the Pure Wildfire series. I will be on the lookout for the next three in the series.
Profile Image for Sandra Standefer.
393 reviews5 followers
October 19, 2019
Damaris has always been a star gazer and her dream is to become a member of the Royal Society, but it is a mans world. Society is gossiping restlessly about her and her family and she is trying to fit in. Lord Glenbreck is a member of the Royal Society and is fascinated by Damaris, but there is no room for love in his life. Logan hates the way society is treating Damaris and know she deserves better and he is the one who can give it to her. I really enjoyed ready Damaris and Logan’s story. I was rooting for Damaris from the beginning. I have to say my favorite part was the end and when you read it you will understand! Definitely recommend this one!
365 reviews
October 13, 2021
Love the characters

Well written story. I love the different idea of rockstar's not appearing as they seem. I read a rockstar romance that mention this band . which you wrote more stories on them. What I don't understand is if he died and she turned and she dies with him how do they stay together if they come back as a baby?
Profile Image for Riverina Romantics.
428 reviews28 followers
January 27, 2013
3.5 Stars

What a really weird book. No, sorry, that isn't the right word. This story was unique.

I love rock star stories. LOVE THEM. Put me in front of a sexy man strumming a guitar and I will melt into a puddle of my own erotic juices...TMI? Anyway. I love them. But I'm used to contemporary plots, not paranormal. So this was something I had to get my head around, especially when I hadn't read the blurb. I just sighted the rock star cover and dived in.

The paranormal elements were like pretty darn awesome. The men of Pure Wildfire were the standard shifters I've become used to. Lynne Connolly had her own spin and I really enjoyed it.

However there were a few things that dulled my enjoyment. I know this is going to sound picky, but I'm a woman a narrow mind when it comes to the physical aspects of my hero. He's gotta be sexy - which Aidan was. He's gotta be a man, not a mouse - tick again, Aidan was a bird ;). But when it came to his firey long red hair, I gotta admit I cringed. I don't think I've ever been attracted to a guy with red hair. Shame on me, yadda yadda. But it was a little point that stuck with me. So that part is merely my own opinion and preference.

Another small point was the editing. I think there was a heap of repetition that could’ve been changed, but unfortunately the part that changed me from a 4.5 to a 3.5 was the anti-climactic ending. It wasn’t strong enough for me.

Now onto the part I love � the bow chica wow wow. Yeah, it had heat in spades. It was smoking. Graphic. Erotic. Passionate. The sex scenes were HOT and made for a damn good read.
This story was very well written and I really did enjoy a lot of it. If the ending had more drama and didn’t seem like such an easy fix I would’ve rated it higher.
Profile Image for Pam.
809 reviews26 followers
June 3, 2012
GoodReads Synopsis: Rock meets classical. Paranormal meets mortal. Will anybody get out alive? The members of rock band Pure Wildfire are firebird shape-shifters. Manager John Westfall will sacrifice anything for the power they wield, even his daughter Corinne.

Corinne attracts Aidan in a way he's never known before. He'll do anything to release her from Westfall's trap. He offers her marriage, but Aidan wants more from Corinne � he wants her heart. And he'll give her his in return.

Classical guitarist Corinne is desperate to escape her father's control. She loves Aidan but craves her freedom � can she trust him to give it to her? Can she trust the wild man of rock with her heart? There's only one way to find out. Dive into the wildfire!

My Thoughts: This is published by Ellora’s Cave and like all the Ellora’s books I’ve read, this one falls under the heading of “Erotica�. But this book have a very engaging storyline. Most erotica I’ve read in the past are really lacking on plot…not this one!

And while I joke about so much of the erotica out there has to do with shape-shifters, this one does have a shape-shifting storyline. Connoly at least took the time to build her shape-shifting world, which makes the story so much better.

This series of four books revolves around a rock band, however they are much tamer than the fictional band in Olivia Cunning’s “Sinners on Tour� series, lol! Connolly’s “Pure Wildfire� guys seem like monks in comparison, but the story is just as engaging and the characters just as endearing.

I’m looking forward to the rest of the series and will have to be on the lookout for more Lynne Connolly books!
Profile Image for Jane Stewart.
2,462 reviews944 followers
September 25, 2010
3.5 stars. Erotic reading with a good back-up story about rock and classical guitarists and firebird shape-shifting.

STORY BRIEF:
Corinne is a classical guitarist who wants to explore different directions. Her father is her manager and made her sign a management contract with him that was not in her best interests. She meets Aidan, lead guitarist in the famous rock band Pure Wildfire. They fall for each other. She thinks he sees her as another groupie of the moment, but she still desires him. He feels more than that and wants to help her with her issues with her father. His band recently lost its backup guitarist and they are considering using Corinne to fill in temporarily. A second storyline involves the paranormal. Aidan and his band members are firebird shape-shifters with mental telepathy powers. Corinne’s father suspects Aidan is a shape-shifter, and he is after something from Aidan that will give him power.

REVIEWER’S OPINION:
It was a pretty good story. The bird shape-shifting was unusual and a new idea. The music and guitar playing made it interesting.

DATA:
Story length: 293 pages. Swearing language: strong. Sexual language: strong/erotic. Number of sex scenes: 12, some were several pages long. Setting: current day England. Copyright: 2008. Genre: erotic paranormal romance.
Profile Image for ⚜️XAR the Bookwyrm.
2,341 reviews17 followers
August 14, 2014
This book was rather interesting, but I found it lacking somewhat too. With it being a full length novel instead of a novella, it didn't lack for plot or world building, something that you don't often see from a book from this publisher. However, what was here was difficult to get through. It felt like the pacing was off, which made parts of the story drag. I wound up reading a couple of other books in the middle of this, which for me is a sure sign something is wrong with the book. Corrine and Aiden didn't wow me as characters either. Don't get me wrong, they worked together, but something was off as well and I didn't feel for them as much as I would have wanted to. All in all, it was a good read, but nothing spectacular, and something I have to think about as far as owning the other novels in the series.
10 reviews
January 23, 2008
What can I say about this book first off - I love paranormal romantic suspense - I also love Rock Music. It is an emotional, high impacting story and one that is on my keeper shelf. The characters are well developed and oozed chemistry that smacked the reader right in the face... There is a particular scene in this book that will stay with me for a long long time if not indefinately - I won't spoil by saying what it is but its highly sensual, sexy, emotional scene that had me wishing I was the heroine.

Lynne weaves and exciting world and her knowledge of rock musicians is evident through out the - fast moving plot. Her talent for creating emotional stories with wonderful characters shows in every story she writes. Looking forward to the next book in the series
Profile Image for Kukko.
554 reviews20 followers
September 4, 2012
I really wanted to like this book....I have a weakness for rockstar romances.

Unfortunately this love story about a shape-shifting rockstar with numerous powers and a talented classical musician (daughter of the rock group's megalomaniac manager) was disappointing. The dialogue was stilted and I just did not care enough.

So, I did not connect with any of the characters and could not get past the shapeshifting into big bird - it just creeped me out (having watched the Alfred Hitchcock classic - Birds). Shapeshifting into a big cat is sexy and erotic....turning into a big bird with feathers...well, that just screams Sesame Street!

Give it 1.5 stars because I did finish it.
Profile Image for Rachel-RN.
2,362 reviews29 followers
September 11, 2013
This was a freebie I got awhile back. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it! I liked the firebird aspect (something that isn't done that often at all). The only "confusing" issue for me was the types/brands of guitars, you mean a guitar isn't just a guitar?! I didn't think this didn't took away from the story.
Profile Image for Mandy Saial.
1,155 reviews
May 13, 2015
This is the first book in the Pure Wildfire series by Lynne Connolly.
I actually wasn't expecting much of a storyline , just a lot of Erotic sex scenes .But this book was actually good .It had an Original and Unique Concept for a storyline and was full of Hott Steamy scenes with Sweaty shape shifting Rockers.
Lets just say it kept me well entertained for a while !!
556 reviews32 followers
April 19, 2012
I downloaded this for the Nook. The story is 597 pages. I really liked the characters in this story and the shape shifting. There is a good storyline that kept me reading. The book is erotica so expect a lot of sex. For me there were a few times when the sex interrupted the story flow. Over all I would like to read more about these band members and shifters.
Profile Image for Samie Kauchis.
Author1 book5 followers
June 26, 2016
Better then I thought it would be... I don't know why but the beginning didn't sit well with me, I found it a bit boring. Luckily things picked up and the book latched right into me. Not one of the best things I've read, but pretty good none the less. :)
Profile Image for Vicki.
17 reviews2 followers
October 27, 2012
I really enjoyed this book which I downloaded as a freebie in book nook. After reading it I just had to buy the rest in this series. Absolutely loved the whole series. It has a little bit of everything in it!
Profile Image for Michelle.
48 reviews4 followers
August 28, 2013
Another great addition to Lynne Connolly's Department 57 series have read most of the series and they are a great read. Action, romance, erotica and an exciting storyline....actually have re-read this series because a love the characters in it.
Profile Image for Mara.
2,511 reviews265 followers
January 2, 2012
This is the way EC should go: good reading with a plot and a good (here musical) background. The sex to story ratio is balanced and you actually care for the characters.

Profile Image for CharleeMoo.
140 reviews12 followers
August 9, 2016
This was a really great read. There is a story mixed in with the smutty (oh so blush worthy smutty). The characters are just fantastic as well as the supporting characters.
Profile Image for Marijee.
33 reviews
January 22, 2012
I enjoyed this story. I purchased this on a whim and it took me by surprise. I really liked the characters and the the tale this author told.
Profile Image for Angarad.
1,503 reviews22 followers
May 12, 2012
Great book. Keep you going till the very end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.