Adrian "Bolt" Hall doesn't give a shit about anything....except music.
His goal? Rock stardom.
In 1981, he is on his way. He has the look, the attitude, and a band that kicks ass. The last thing he needs is a distraction. And that's just what SHE is.
From the moment he sees Melody wiggling her ass across the high school parking lot, he can think of nothing else. He vows to make Melody his.
There's just one problem. She can't stand the sight of him.
Melody Stewart grew up in a life of privilege, with wealthy parents who shipped her off to boarding school when she was younger. As she returns to public school for her senior year, there's only one thing on her mind...fitting in.
She's not trying to attract anyone's attention, least of all that of an angry punk rocker intent on taking her virginity. A guy who will use her, then discard her as he has done to countless others.
Melody's determined to resist Bolt's advances...even it if means denying her own attraction to the spike haired, rockstar wannabe.
♥♥♥ Start the Fire is a rockstar romance about falling in love and making love for the first time. If you love opposites attract, enemies to lovers, bully, new adult romance, Start the Fire will be a great addition to your library. ♥♥♥
Author's Note: This book contains a scene of sexual violence that some might find upsetting. Another character will step up to stop it. (This scene is further discussed in future books as these characters grow and mature) Other content matter includes child abuse and the deaths of loved ones.
As a child, Cherié Summers, dreamed of being a writer. And it's in her dreams that Ms. Summers finds inspiration. At age eighteen, a dream she had about her favorite rock star, Billy Idol, turned into her first novel, Start the Fire. But, Ms. Summers didn't get serious about publishing that novel until she turned fifty. Nearly six years later, she has seven published books to her name.
Star the Fire begins her Love on Fire series which she describes as "drama filled, erotic romance about love, sex, friendship, and rock and roll". There are five books in the series that chronicle the trials, tribulations, and romances of the fictional band, Lightning.
For the book Eternally Wild, Ms. Summers veered away from her series to take a stab at paranormal romance. However, the book is still grounded in music. The inspiration for Eternally Wild also came from a dream. One in which Ms. Summers met the ghost of Michael Hutchence. She was compelled to begin writing the book on the 20th anniversary of his death and is thrilled with the outcome, calling it her "steamiest" creation to date.
Writing is only one of Ms. Summers' creative passions. She is also an avid photographer, specializing in portrait photography of animals, nature, and people. Another creative outlet she revels in is belly dancing. She teaches the art of Middle Eastern dance through her local community education program. She also enjoys traveling to music concerts and pop culture conventions with her daughter, Kayla. Atlanta is a favorite destination, and Ms. Summers' dream is to move there when she retires from her day job.
This is the first book in the Love on Fire Series. You'll find that Melody and Arian/Bolt will take you on an emotional roller coaster. Adrian is an arrogant, smug self absorbed teen rock star. He uses and discards women as he sees fit. He's completely taken by Melody, the innocent high school senor. She ignores his advances until her heart starts talking. This book is young love and steamy. There is some adult language, talk about child abuse and some sexual violence that might trigger some. The characters are well developed and the plot is strong. A good start to the series. I read an arc via Voracious Readers and voluntarily chose to review it.
Such a sweet story, that will have tears in your eyes. So have a tissue handy. And then other times you want to ask why?!?! Melody may be the new student in town. But because she was boarded in a all girls school, she really doesn't have any social skills to deal with boys.... Then there's him. Brash, raw, different and very very irritating. But deep down she loves him just for being that. Will she ever be able to tell him to his face. Adrian is a social outcast in school and out of it. He doesn't care if he fails or not. Until she shows up at school one day. A rich girl in a killer pink dress that shows off all her curves. And she drives a Porsche to boot! His obsession to find out who she is and talk to her is bringing out a different side of him. Only he doesn't know how to tell her anything. So he just does his normal thing and picks fights. Only will that be enough to keep the girl of his dreams in his arms forever?
Summers totally catches the raw thoughts and feeling of young adults. You become mesmerized by the characters and enraptured with the story. An enjoyable read and will bring a smile to your face! Her characters are full of fire and ice. Such emotion that you feel like you are right there watching the story.
I started this book because it was the book series for the month for the rockstar romance book club Facebook group. The story looked interesting, and I wanted to check out more in this genre.
I love that this book starts out with a date. It is nice to have a set idea of when the story takes place. We meet Adrian Hall, a rock kid who isn't loving school. I share his sentiment about Mondays. He and the other bandmates seem to have some practicality even though they hate school and are almost done appears like they are seniors.
Melody Stewart definitely captured the bands' attention, especially Adrians. Melody is a transfer from a private school in London. She is smart and has big dreams. Melody and Adrian don't get off to a good start.
This book is definitely for a mature audience and new adults; however, some of the characters' maturity is more like freshmen than seniors.
Melody and Adrian seem to be in a tit-for-tat against each other. Things get worse before they get better. I like that his friends push him to be better. I like that she gave him a second chance. The relationship in this book is very volatile, going from hot to cold and arguments very quickly. Just as you think all is well, they get in another significant fight.
I'm glad the author did show us his nice side even though Adrian has so many issues. However, now due to a traumatic incident, I wonder what will happen to them. The rock band in this book is just starting out. They aren't famous minus a seedy joint in town. Then melody changes that for them and does something really selfless. Things get better again for a while, and then after they graduate, things get steamy.
This book then time jumps to a reunion. Unfortunately, neither Melody nor Adrian are very good at communicating, and they don't work out. I thought it was finally a happy ending, but I guess the author had a different idea.
It has been 5 years since they last saw each other. The band has become famous, and the lifestyle has definitely been taken advantage of by the band. Adrian is still mad at Melody. Melody had a secret that he didn't know about nor want to believe. They finally converse, and you get a happy ending and repartition of the last years separated. Honestly, these last few chapters of the book brought me to tears. The couple did finally mature, and the book and writing seem to be with them.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
This book seemed more like a dark romance than a rockstar romance. It did include plenty of rockstar stuff, but the main characters are troubled, and their actions are very much in jerk territory, at least from Adrian.
A Melody for Adrian was a beautiful book. I really liked reading it and following the crazy emotions of young adults. It was packed full of drama, but in a good way. It was believeable and makes you want to find out what happens in the lives of the characters. All in all, I thought this was a fantastic book.
Adrian, or Bolt as he would rather be called, is a tough punk rocker with a reputation to uphold, but all that seems to go by the wayside when Melody comes to school. His band mates and best friends are worried about him because he doesn't seem to care what others are thinking about him anymore and just keeps fighting with a girl.
Melody is a good girl from an all girls school who goes to public school for the first time. Always told to stand up for what she believes in, she stands up to Bolt on her first day for bullying someone. No one stands up to Bolt without consequences, but Melody can hold her own against him. She can't stand his attitude, but something about him lures her in. Can these two ever quit fighting enough to make something of their attraction?
This book started out very strong but by the end, I was just very frustrated with the characters. Melody and Adrian "Bolt" are high school students through most of this book, and the story is very much geared toward the YA audience. There is just so much angst throughout this book. There is certainly nothing wrong with the high school angst but both Melody and Adrian were so extreme in their behaviors that I wasn't sure what was going on some of the time. Also, some of their actions and reactions were so extreme, to the point of being unhealthy. Despite all of that, I was sucked in pretty quickly and the book certainly has a good pace. The plot points were creative and unexpected and moved the story along very well. I'm not sure I would read it again but it was worth reading once.
"Will they ever stop fighting enough to fall in love?"
A Melody For Adrian by Cherie' Summers is an intriguing coming-of-age story that has a romance that is undeniable. Two opposites that have something in common. I think it's more than sexual chemistry. But they certainly have caught each other's attention right away.
It's not a perfect connection and their differences add to some of their instant attraction. I enjoyed this quirky love story and was intrigued by the sparks that were flying.
It wasn't an easy road to travel for the two but as a fly on the wall there was an entertaining mystery that unfolded little by little.
Lol..this story made me laugh.. in so many spots.. It was so read and wonderful. Adrian was a total dick and an arse.. yet he was real and made me smile. Melody on the othe rhand is his opposite.. These two kind of reminded me of my own life.. with my husband. So watching them interact and their love blossom and the messiness of their lives made me giggle. Their are some very yummy scenes as well and it was so much fun to read this and I'm so glad I got to review it
The book was awesome. I highly recommend it as a must read. What can I say the author is awesome, and her inspirations for the book are also awesome. Great story, sticks to the era its set to and I didn't want to put the tablet down.
I love this author. I love this author. I really adore this author.
As a reader who has completed not only this entire series, but all of Cherie Summers' published works, this by far is the most memorable, and I have become so heavily invested in all of her books and this little alternate reality she has successfully created.
This book hooks you in. These characters are almost instantly entertaining and chapters easily pull you in and leave you wanting to really dive in and get to know these characters. These characters have well-built backgrounds and feel so real. Summers writes in a way that goes so much deeper than surface-level drama or cliche character backgrounds. The description of this book almost does not do it justice!
Melody's character is lovable, and the book slowly reveals more and more about her. I can say the same about Adrian and their supporting characters. While some aspects of the drama that takes place between the characters at times, seems slightly unrealistic or far out of the ordinary, the author does a great job at tying these events together when it comes to cause-and-effect and the unfolding of the plot. There is not senseless side story, drama, or black hole of unnecessary filler information that can sometimes be quite common in this genre of work. I admire how well this book, and all of Summers' work, ties together. You truly get swept up in the little world of "Love on Fire".
A second chance rockstar romance is my favorite. Make it a series of books that continues with the same characters? Now you’ve for sure got me because once I fall in love with the story and the characters I’ll happily remain in their world until I run out of print to read.
I enjoyed how Adrian and Melody met in high school. The punk rocker and the sophisticated girl who spent years in boarding school. I even enjoyed how Adrian was mean to her at first because he didn’t know how else to act.
I’ve defended some of my favorite books when others accuse them of being juvenile, especially where like this story the characters are teens.
Here’s my but. But, Melody should have written Adrian off immediately when Kat rescued her from Adrian- after he hit her and proceeded to rape her - only stopped by Kat. The only woman who stay after something like that are the ones we usually read about in domestic abuse relationships.
Melody watches on while Adrian kisses random girls after his gigs for the sake of his band. As much as you want to like her character, she’s stupid. I’ve read some of the reviews for the next book in this series and I can see that to get a little happy in their lives, Adrian and Melody continue to make a mess of everything.
I like drama, angst, grumpy men, even lost men, but this one is. It for me. I will not be continuing this series.
REVIEW: START THE FIRE (LOVE ON FIRE BOOK 1) BY CHERIE SUMMERS
I do not know this author, to be honest, not sure where I got this book, but it was on my kindle, so I thought, WTH….. well I am glad I did!
This book gave me whiplash - in a good way. This was definitely an enemies to lovers in all fashions.
Bolt - the angsty “punk rocker” is everything you would think an angsty rocker should be, plus some.
Melody - sweet, wealthy, in ways broken, smart, and beautiful with a hint of snark and badass.
Their story starts off in a way that makes you want to tell Melody to run not walk, but then you are no wait, there is something there, have patience.
Bolt is so conflicted on what he is supposed to be versus what he truly is, a talented, smart and loving man -
I love how this story came together and they find their way to each other.
This author pulled rockstar and enemies to lovers together in such a good way. The writing was so good, and for my 80’s friends - you will totally be nostalgic over this book as it is based in 1980 - 1987…….
I will definitely be looking for more from this author.
There’s nothing as fun as young love, young men and their egos and a little jealousy. Melody was new to this school, she’d been studying in England. Now starting her senior year of high school, new country, new school, new friends and boys. She’s a beautiful, smart, sweet girl and her parents are wealthy. Right off she meets Adrian, aka Bolt he’s the lead singer of his band Lightning and a whole lot of trouble. He’s her complete opposite except for her temper. He’s a tough guy and talks a big game to his friends, his bandmates. He pretends Melody means nothing to him but he sees her with Ricky and he goes nuts. Their chemistry is off the charts. I loved that time and distance couldn’t stop how they felt for each other. This is a long epic love story. It’s a roller coaster ride of hurt and every emotional. The ending was wonderful, I’m a sucker for a happy ending. I’m giving this book five stars and highly recommend it.
What the actual heck is this 😭 Adrian is so beyond toxic and Melody acts like an abuse victim. It’s so horrible, and he does abuse her in every way! If you look up to these two as a couple please reevaluate what you deserve from life and love. I may DNF or finish out of pure curiosity of how ridiculous this can go.
I finished. I’m still cringing. This MMC literally thinks having a hard on for her should just automatically show her she’s the only one and he loves her. Although he was interviewed saying “I want to fuck as many women as I can”. Also, he did in fact fuck multiple women so she isn’t the only one to make him hard. She didn’t even ask if he was clean before they had sex for the first time in years Bare. Then he wonders if someone can babysit for a few weeks so he can have sex with her for a few weeks. Like, get to know your daughter 😑
Girls. I’ve seen a lot of 5 stars and gushing over their relationship, but I’m here to say please don’t. It’s drama and it’s fun to read but this should never ever be real life. This is abuse and disrespect in all forms.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Great book and story that will pull you in from page one. It's about a young punk rock teenager and his band. He's the School bad boy and then a new girl starts in school, it carries on from there. You read their story as the years go by and the heart ache that ensues. Some great characters in this book with well developed personalities. The story keeps you interested all the way through and I feel quite bereft that they are no longer in my life. I would recommend this book to you, it does contain adult themes and language but all are appropriate. I was given a copy of this book by voracious readers only for an honest review.
Its hard to decide if I like this. Why are all rock singers shown as whores? I didn't like Adrian at all. It was hard to feel any compassion towards him when his actions were so nasty. He still is all about him and does revenge on her. This shows more in the next one. But still people had to die. Why if he loves her he stays away for five years? Cut off his nose to spite his face?
Good plot and great characters. You have your typical punk wanna be rock star Adrian- who believes he's God's gift to women. He uses and discards them as he sees fit. Then a new little thing catches his eye across from the parking lot. Only she can't stand his rude, smug attitude. He's gorgeous yes, but that attitude is a total turn off to Melody. Too bad her heart has other ideas.
This was a good read. I enjoyed the book. It has a lot of ups and downs and lots of life experiences for the main couple in the book. There were a lot of firsts for the characters too. There is plenty to like in this book. I would rate it a 4.5. I am sure others will enjoy this book as well. I will be reading more of this author in the near future.
This was fine, I liked the general plot and mostly the characters, but I don't know why the attempted rape was in there I know it's a bully romance but there was enough other stuff in there to still qualify I think and I didn't like how much Adrian spoke and thought about sex again I know it's his character but it just felt a little OTT to me. If you can get past that you'll probably enjoy this.
The first book in the Love on Fire series a very good start to this series. I enjoyed seeing Adrian “Bolt” Hall and Melody Stewart's story come together with all its ups and downs. I want to read more in this series. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What an ending! I absolutely love Adrian and Melody. There were times I wanted to smack him up beside the head but even rock stars grow up eventually! I love that she waited for him for 5 years and never gave up on their love! Amazing book and series! Must reads!
Great well written love story set in American high school with gritty characters. A really easy read that would appeal to those who like there romances to have a fair amount of heartache.
I enjoyed this book I found the game playing/moodiness of both main characters irritating but loved the rest of the band especially Kat. However I loved the ending.
The sexual tension between Melody and Adrian is hot. He's in a rock band and can get any girl he wants at the snap of a finger. Only he wants Melody. She doesn't want to get involved with a guy that just wants to have sex and dump. Although the sex is pretty hot. For my generation reminds me of Jon Bon Jovi and his wife. Married since childhood sweethearts. Millions of women want him, he only wants one. Will Melody cave into Adrian? Will he make love to her and dump her? I'm not into spoilers, read the book.
What a delicious romp through teenage angst! The author has artfully crafted a tale of two teens, poised on the cusp of adulthood, eager to reach for the stars and hang the hell on. Unfortunately, the impulsiveness, moodiness and uncertainty so common with teens clouds this couple's judgment with life altering results. When the dust finally settles and the stars no longer blind them to the realities of adulthood, they find what has been lost: True love. This is a great and entertaining read!
A great romance. This is a full-length novel that will keep you turning the pages. It chronicles the trials and tribulations of first love. The characters are detailed and believable. Melody and Bolt meet at high school. They're opposites, and teenage-new adult love is captured in a very real and believable way.