Nikki’s review of Sunfire (Pure Wildfire, Book 1) by Lynne Connolly
Paranormal erotic romance ebook released 18 Jan 08 by Ellora’s Cave

Aidan is a rock guitarist who is contracted with John Westfall. As their manager, Westfall gets Aidan to play on a charity album with his three daughters. The oldest daughter, Corinne, is an accomplished, talented classical guitarist. The younger twins are talent challenged pop singers. Aiden falls for Corinne immediately and hard but he has a secret. Will Corinne accept him once she knows he is not just a shapeshifter firebird but the one and only phoenix?

I was sucked into Connolly’s version of the phoenix legend. I wasn’t sure if a bird could be masculine enough for me but I shouldn’t have worried. He’s powerful and sexy in whatever form he takes. He isn’t aloof, though. He has a need for Corinne that touched my heart.
I loved Corinne, too. She’s frustrated and unfulfilled as a musician because her father has shaped her career for popular consumption. She’s lost her passion for her art but she isn’t a fool. She knows her father is just using her. She’s drawn to Aiden because he still has that love for his music. With him, she recaptures her own fire, as well.

Sunfire burns quick and hot but it isn’t fleeting. This is a full length title and the characters are solid, the plot developed. I expected the heat but I was pleasantly surprised to get laughs and tears as well.

Secondary characters are excellent. I can’t wait to get more of the band… or Ryan. Which is a good thing since he’s the hero of the next book. So, I’m holding up my cell phone hoping for a quick encore.

Grade: B+

From the backcover:

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!

Publisher Note: This book was previously released under the title Wildfire. It has been expanded for publication at Ellora’s Cave.

Read an excerpt.