Shannon C.’s review of Moonfire (Pure Wildfire Series, Book 3) by Lynne Connolly
Contemporary paranormal romance eBook released by Ellora’s Cave 12 Nov 08

I like Lynne Connolly’s Pure Wildfire books. They’re probably my favorite series she’s got going at the moment, as each of the stories that I’ve read has been consistently readable. Moonfire is no exception, and while it isn’t my favorite entry in the series due to a villain who was so obvious he should have been wearing a neon sign proclaiming, “I AM THE VILLAIN!” it is still a nice addition to the canon. 

Like all of the Pure Wildfire books, this one stands out on its own very well. Up to this point, readers of the series didn’t know much about Jake Keys, the bass player for rock sensation Pure Wildfire, a band composed of talents — this world’s paranormal beings. But this is Jake’s story. He is called back to Springwater, Texas, a town he’d left over a hundred years ago, when his wife is murdered. He doesn’t know much about who killed Cheryl at first, but he does know her sexy yet vulnerable business partner, Teri, didn’t do it.

I usually like Ms. Connolly’s heroines, and Teri was no exception, although I did have a few problems with her. I liked that she is suitably overwhelmed with all the stuff that’s going on around her, and in particular her feelings for Jake. I also liked that she was determined not to be a notch on his bedpost. That seems like a very realistic romantic conflict, and it comes together surprisingly well. My problem, though, is that I thought she veered a bit too much into martyr heroine territory. I understood her reasons for not clarifying that she and Cheryl didn’t have a sexual relationship, but I still found the reasons a bit silly and I thought they added a needless layer of complication. Also, I kind of lost some respect for her due to her relationship with the villain, who, as mentioned above, is not subtle. At all.

Jake is much more likeable, but then, I like Ms. Connolly’s men. Jake is easygoing and a genuinely nice guy, and I loved that he fell head over heels for Teri very quickly, and allowed her her independence without crowding her. Also, the story of Jake as it relates to the town of Springwater was quite sad, and there were a few moments, like when he thinks he’s got to leave Teri forever, where I wanted to reach into the book and give him a hug. Also, I thought his arrangement with Cheryl was interesting, and I felt his grief at losing such a good friend.

The plots in the paranormals I’ve read by Ms. Connolly all tend to lead up to the same thing. The terrorist group out to destroy talents suspects someone, they move in and threaten the heroine, and the hero comes to the rescue. This was no exception, but for the most part I liked it in a comfort-read sort of way. I did, however, have issues with the villain, who is so creepy/obsessive that I couldn’t believe the heroine never once picked up on how obvious he was being about it. And the actual history of the villain made me roll my eyes. A lot.

This is one of the more original paranormal romance series I’ve heard about, and I am sad that there’s only going to be the one more book for me to enjoy. If you’re like me and enjoy a meatier ebook for your money, this is definitely one to try. And, having written this review, I just noticed that Thunderfire, the last book in the series, was recently released! I know exactly what my book budget is getting spent on!

Grade: B

Read other reviews of books in this series by clicking on its tag.

Summary:
One look at Teri Gilpatrick and Jake Keys wants her so bad he can’t think straight. The trouble is, she’s in prison, accused of the murder of his wife, Cheryl. He has to get her free before the people who killed Cheryl come for her too.

But can a shape-shifting firebird, a member of the hottest rock band on the planet, persuade a sassy, independent woman to take a chance on him? Once, that is, she’s not under sentence of death. From the law and from the hidden group seeking to destroy Jake’s band, Pure Wildfire.

Teri’s only salvation is the incredibly sexy Jake Keys, but she wants far more from him than that. Maybe more than he wants to give. And she won’t settle for second best. She wants Jake, and everything he has to offer. Fiery passion and everlasting love. And the amazing Talent he holds.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in the series: