This is a romantic comedy but with a twist. It is both emotional and realistic. Jess and Sam have an initial breathtaking spark when they meet, but then the reality of their lives infiltrates their romantic haze. Sam, is in a relationship and Jess has no intention of destroying another woman's life. What follows is a family drama, a relationship imploding and overriding it all romance.

Jess and Sam are easy to like. You want them to be happy together. Sam's ex is out for revenge and to restore her relationship. She behaves badly, but you have to recognise her pain. There is an edge to this story, it's realistic, and despite this, the love between Jess, and Sam grows.

This is an angsty story, but the family dynamics and of course the romance makes the emotional rollercoaster worthwhile. Rather than a romantic comedy, this explores the spectrum of love, families and what it feels like to be the one left behind.

I received a copy of this book from One More Chapter via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

This book was not for me. I think the story had the potential to be good. However, I could not get passed the main character. I found her to be very annoying. So much so, that I felt that it detracted from the story, and made it hard to concentrate. I do think that there was definite potential, and I can see why some would enjoy it. It just wasn't for me.

Jess is a lovely girl. She considerate, and genuinely non-judgemental. She works with victims of domestic abuse at a refuge centre, so it is her deeply held conviction that women should be supportive of each other. Sam is a primary school teacher who works with autistic children. He's also used to taking care of other people's needs first. They are perfect for each other. They really are.

Sometimes it just happens that you meet a person who seems to have been made for you. But what if this soulmate of yours is already in a long-term relationship or even married? There are lines you just don't cross, however intense your feelings are. If you are the single part of the equation, you quietly walk away. If you are the 'taken' part, you either forget about the spark or start questioning the relationship you are in. This is what Sam does and then...he breaks up with his long-term girlfriend. A month later he asks Jess out. Breakups are often messy. Friends and families often take sides and refuse to see the new girlfriend as anything else, but a fling, or even worse 'the other woman'.

We see the events from Jess's point of view and this is why I started this review by saying what a great person she is. Strong, independent, dignified, and emotionally mature. Jules Wake takes this situation and asks us explore What if 'The Other Woman' was the nicest person imaginable, while the ex ...well, we get an exaggerated version of her behaviour, but let's say, she is having trouble moving on.
I loved the sub-plot of Jess's own family and their history. My heart was breaking when I read what she went through as a child. To what extent does our parents' personal life, with its successes and mistakes influence us? Are we doomed to repeat them or do we choose how to live our lives and how to love freely?

This was a quick and entertaining read, despite all these heavy questions (and I haven't even said anything about the social media and how they sometimes add oil to the bonfire of our past relationships). Recommended to anybody who likes looking at both sides and making their own opinion.

What a super cute & easy to read romance. It was a great and cute little love story filled with just enough drama and real-life realities to keep you invested in the story.

Looking for a quick flip through read? Are you a fan of Beth O'Leary? Then this is book is for sure for you!

This is a story exploring the concept of: What makes the 'other' woman in a relationship and does love at first sight exist? A book that shows falling in love and relationships are tricky and difficult. An enjoyable read. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for letting me review this book.

Jules has written an emotional, truthful and hopeful story which had me addicted straight away. It is a light-hearted rom-com full of joy, which I loved every second of. I loved Jess as a character, she is honest and beautiful, I just want the best for her.

Such clever twists and turns but with a real life aspect which is written in a beautifully genuine way. Highly recommend for people who love a bright and easy read to delve into!

Jess and Sam meet at her aunt and uncle's backyard barbeque and instantly feel that spark. But, alas, Sam has a girlfriend. Nonetheless, they stay in touch.

They run into each other again and the spark remains. Still, Sam has a girlfriend.

Soon, Sam no longer has a girlfriend. And, he and Jess are finally free to see each other. A romantic dinner and the sparks are flying. Until that is, the ex shows up and all hell breaks loose!

All in all, this was a cute read. Love at first sight with a dose of Fatal Attraction. No boiled bunnies, thank goodness!

The book is set in Britain, so be prepared to do a little "English" to "American" translation, if you're in the States.

Thank you to NetGalley for a digital ARC in return for an honest review.

This book wasn't really for me and I ended up not finishing it. While it wasn't bad, I just didn't really get into it or connect with the characters and so I just put it aside. I could see that other people would enjoy it, so I don't think it is a bad book, it just wasn't one for me. I"m only giving it a star rating on here because it is a requirement, otherwise I would leave that blank because I don't believe it is fair to give a rating if I didn't finish it. And like I said, it wasn't bad, I just wasn't enjoying it.

Favorite Quotes:

You’re like a cat on a hot tin roof on roller skates. You’re going to break that chair with all your fidgeting.

I’m about as popular as a fart in a spacesuit right now.

It takes a lot to make me mad but I’m like the Incredible Hulk – except without the green and the muscle: when I go, I go. Unfortunately, that usually does end in tears because when I blow, I end up saying a ton of stuff I regret later and then my ire evaporates, leaving me as limp and pathetic as a deflated balloon.

I teach the reception class. It’s like trying to manage meerkats.

… her nose is so stuck up in the air she’s probably sniffing St Peter’s armpits?


My Review:

Lucky me, it was my third-time at-bat and hitting another home run with a delightfully amusing Jules Wake book and I finished up even more enamored with her clever wordplay. I am gradually working my way through the dozen books noted on her Goodreads listing, with the remaining nine proudly residing on my TBR. I adore her witty tales and spunky characters - they beguile and engage me while craftily squeezing my heart.

In addition to a satisfying and entertaining read, Ms. Wake has also provided two fun additions to my Brit Words and Phrases list with shufty – a quick look; and grockle – a derogatory term for tourist, I plan to get a lot of mileage out of both.

I relish Jules Wake’s books. Her plot building is hopeful and genuine with unforgettable setbacks that make her extremely captivating characters take a good look at their lives and move forward.

Jess is a compassionate and selfless person who puts the happiness of others before her own. She has supported her mother for years after her father left her for another woman, but not everything is all it seems. With that being said she meets the man of her dreams and realizes she has become the other woman, although they didn’t start dating until a month after Sam broke up with his ex. Jess is the woman Sam’s friend’s ostracize and his parents think is a mistake. Jess takes that knowledge to analyze her relationship with her mother and her estranged father.

Jess and Sam are so good for each other. Sam is an honorable man and completely in love with Jess which he proves each time he stands up for her with his ex, with his parents, and with his so-called friends. But Victoria, Sam’s ex-girlfriend, is devastated and unhinged. So much so she puts Sam and Jess’s relationship at risk with some very unforgivable and deplorable actions. All I can say is shame on all of Sam’s family and friends who don’t support and trust him to make his own choices.

In conclusion, Jess comes to terms with her past so she can move on with her future. And boy does she give Victoria and her friends the tongue-lashing they deserve in the name of love. Best ending ever!!

I recommend this very realistic and emotional love story filled with love, forgiveness, and an ending worth waiting for.

Thank you to Ms. Wake for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

“I know he’s my Lego piece. We click. “. -Jess

About the book: Jess meets Sam at at cookout at her Aunt and Uncle’s house. Sam is a teacher with students that have special needs and a very good cricket player. Jess works helping women and children that are victims of domestic violence. They hit it off but Sam has a girlfriend, Victoria, who is a social media influencer.
Sam’s breaks up with Victoria and Sam and Jess begin dating. Victoria uses her status to try and jeopardize Sam and Jess’s budding relationship.
Jess also has an estranged father and bitter mother which has always had a huge impact on Jess’s life.

My thoughts: This book was fantastic and I highly, highly recommend it. It seems from the cover that it is a romance which is totally true but this book has so much more.
The relationships in this book are complex and to me feels what real life is more like. Sometimes life and love can be messy and sad as well as sweet and lovely and this book captures all of that.
The characters in this book are wonderful. They range from serious to whimsical and really everything in between. I loved Jess’s Aunt Lynn. She is happy and positive and has such an open home and heart.
Jess also works with victims of domestic abuse and I appreciate the way it was informative and played into the story at the same time.
This is a new to me author but I plan on reading other books by her after enjoying The Spark.

The Spark is such a dreamy book that makes you go “awwww…!”

I loved the concept of how a person does not belong to someone, so his/her affections are not somebody’s property. “Falling out of love” is just as real as “love at first sight.” This book will convince you that such things do exist.

Jess and Sam feel an instant connection when they meet each other for the first time, but there’s a problem. Sam has a long-time girlfriend, Victoria. Even though Sam breaks up with Victoria to be with Jess, Victoria is not having any of it.

What happens next will have you, the reader, experience a range of emotions–from anger and frustration to sadness and joy.

The Spark reminds you that there two sides to every matter and that rage and bitterness can often blind you to the truth. Also, some truths are not palatable but, nevertheless, you have to live with them if you want peace of mind.

It’s a lovely dance of emotions with a highly satisfying ending–for all parties involved.

Thank you NetGalley, HarperCollins Uk, One More Chapter and Jules Wake for gifting me an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Love is patient, love is kind... It’s also very complicated. We always hear the sweet and romantic beginnings of true love, but what about the messier kind of love? The kind of love that sweeps you up, takes over your life and proves itself worth fighting for? I’ve never been a huge fan/believer of instant love, but instant infatuation? An instant spark? Those are things I definitely believe in!
When Jess shows up at her aunt and uncles for a summer barbeque, she never realized her life would change that day. When she strikes up a conversation with Sam, their connection is instant. They vibe on a level neither had experienced before, but Sam is honest right away. He has a girlfriend, but he wants to be friends with Jess. After running into each other around town a few times it’s obvious there are feelings there from either side. When Jess finds out Sam broke up with his girlfriend of four years, she’s conflicted. Is this her fault? Will this woman be as broken as her own mother had been when her father left her for another woman? Do Jess and Sam deserve happiness at the expense of something else? With Sam’s ex doing her absolute best to make their life a living Hell, Sam’s family and friends icing them out and Jess’s difficult relationship with her parents, they face the ultimate question. Is there such a thing as true love?
The Spark is not your typical romance novel, but it is a genuine look at modern love and the people who experience it!

High 3⭐
I'm usually not a fan of insta love romances and this book is practically the definition of instalove - but in this instance it just worked for me.
I loved both main characters, they were instantly likeable and their relationship was written really well. There is a nice amount of development for the characters including side characters. I think this book is packed full of so many important messages.
My only criticism would be that it got quite repetrative quite quickly so there were times I was a little bored with the story. I would have also liked an epilogue, but that's personal preference. Overall, I really enjoyed it and would recommend to anybody looking for a light, easy read.

When Jess and Sam first meet there is instant chemistry, but Sam has a long term girlfriend. Despite this he still wants to be friends with Jess, and later when he is single he wants a chance to be together with her. His ex just won't accept this, and goes out of her way to try and destroy things between Sam and Jess - can they overcome this?

I would have liked to have seen more of an epilogue to see what happened next.

Love is hard! Jess goes to her Aunt’s BBQ and meets Sam, who catches her attention and then some. Sam is attached and they go their separate ways - only to chance meet each other a few months later. They go through the trials and tribulations of new love only to realize he’s (she’s) the one 💍. There are life lessons learned due to past indiscretions but it all works out!!

What would you do if you felt a spark with someone only to find out they are already in a relationship? Put him out of your mind because you don't want to be responsible? You can try- and Jess tries very hard to do just that. But of course, fate had other plans for her and Sam, and they can't stay away from each other. Sam breaks it off with his ex, but she turns into the "evil ex" and proceeds to sabotage their new relationship. This was a cute story and I wish their relationship was developed a little more, along with having a more wrapped up ending. This was a fun story and made me believe that love at first sight, or that 'spark' if you will, still happens and could very well happen to us!! Happy reading!

A delightful romantic comedy from Jules Wake’s irrepressible and irresistible pen, The Spark is a fantastic tale that is hard to put down.

Love at first sight is the kind of thing that only happens in books and movies, it certainly does not happen in real life. However, when Sam and Jess lock eyes at a party, they soon realise that Hollywood wasn’t lying and that you can find your soulmate in the most unlikely and most surprising of places and just know it. Of course, the path of true love never did run smooth. Sam might have fallen head over heels in love with Jess, but there is one small problem: Sam has already got a girlfriend, Victoria, who isn’t about to let her man go without a fight.

Having made a connection at the party, a friendship between Sam and Jess soon blossoms. But the more time he spends messaging Jess and chatting to her, the more Sam realises that he wants to be more than friends with her, so he musters up the courage and tells Victoria that he wants to break things off because he has fallen in love with someone else. Naturally, this does not go down well with Victoria who vows to do whatever it takes to make the woman who stole her boyfriend pay for what she did to her. Victoria is determined to pull out all the stops to break Sam and Jess up, but will she succeed in her nefarious plan? Or will she end up inadvertently strengthening the bond between her ex and his new girlfriend?

With Victoria doing everything in her power to ruin their relationship, will Sam and Jess manage to triumph over all the obstacles she is putting in their way? Or is love at first sight simply not enough when it comes to building a long-lasting relationship?

A fun read that tickles the funny bone and will keep readers eagerly turning the pages, Jules Wake has got another winner on her hands with The Spark. A wickedly witty and highly enjoyable tale where the chemistry is electric, the humour delicious and the romance heart-melting, The Spark is a superb page-turner that has got it all: brilliantly drawn characters, intense emotional drama, laugh out loud moments and even a scheming ex-girlfriend readers will not be able to stop themselves from booing.

An uplifting romantic comedy, Jules Wake’s The Spark is not to be missed.

4.5 stars rounded.

I have SO MANY feelings about this book that I already know that this review is not going to do it justice. I simply cannot get over how much I loved the way the story was written, the powerful messages it delivers, and how close to home it hit.

The Spark follows two characters, Jess and Sam, who both feel an unusually strong connection as soon as they meet. There’s just one problem: Sam is already in a relationship. When Sam decides to break up with his girlfriend and pursue a relationship with Jess, his ex does not handle it well. In fact, she makes it her personal mission to break the two apart.

The reason The Spark fell so close to home for me was because I went through almost these exact same events two years ago. I too had to deal with a vindictive ex who painted me out to be the “other woman” (when I wasn’t) and who spent seemingly all of her time trying to make both me and my partner as miserable as possible.

At one point during the book, I literally put my iPad down, turned to my partner, and said, “I’m not convinced that this author didn’t follow us and write this book based on our story.” The plot came so dangerously close to what I had to go through two years ago that I might have honestly been having a panic attack the entire time I was reading. Rob (my partner) kept having to check in on me to see if I was okay with continuing to read, but there was no way I could have stopped. This book was just so good.

I’d definitely recommend The Spark to anyone interested in romance and women’s fiction. It’s a book about love, but it’s also a book about empathy, compassion, and sacrifice.

I wasn't expecting this to have a missed connection/unrequited element, but that's what I get for not completely reading book synopses. But with some of my favorite tropes present, I was immediately hooked. But I do think the story was a little slow for my preference and I didn't hook into the chemistry as much as I hoped - but I did get strong friendship vibes which is a great foundation for the story.