This was an easy, enjoyable read. I liked Avery and Declan, and while they had good chemistry, I didn’t necessarily feel the sexual tension between them. Overall I enjoyed the story. It was a satisfying read.

Declan and Avery are best friends who live together and when Avery gets into a car accident, Declan filled with guilt takes the initiative to be the one to take care of Avery. With all the forced intimacy, it’s impossible to not realize what’s always been there but after Avery’s healed, their relationship outside of their bubble is tested.

I liked it okay. Their chemistry with one another was fun and familiar. The only thing that made me not love it was the abelist-esqe commentary when Avery was hurt and in the hospital as well as when she returned home. It was all written like she wasn’t able to live comfortably in a wheelchair or was something less because she had casts on and didn’t have a lot of mobility.

An overall rating 3.2 out of 5 is what I'm giving this one. Thank you netgalley for the ARC!

I really enjoyed this one and hope that it is the first of a series because we totally need more of the Spark sisters. I’m a sucker for a good friends to lovers romance but this one definitely takes the unique storyline trophy because Declan had to take care of Avery for weeks. That brought out feelings they buried and things got interesting. I didn’t want to put this book down and was a little hungover when it was done. Can’t wait for more!
*I received an ARC for an honest review*

I loved both Avery and Declan and how they finally realized they were perfect for each other. I also enjoyed Avery's sisters and I'm going to see if they have a book and if not I hope they will in the future. Can't wait to read more by this author.

This is the first book that I have read by this author. I enjoyed the story of Avery and Declan immensely. I found the writing to flow well and the story was balanced. The point of view of this story changes periodically from Avery to Declan and back again. The other characters of the story are Avery's sisters and Declan and Avery's buddies from college that they get together with every few weeks. These characters all have important parts throughout the telling of this story. This is a friends to lover story and there is some reference to "getting it on". I thought it was just a little "steamy" in some parts; but, not over the top, very well done. I liked that the dynamics of Avery and Declan's early family life are what led them to where they are today. Declan comes from a dysfunctional family and Avery and her sisters became orphans at a young age (Avery was a teen). Avery and Declan find themselves in close quarters and feelings begin to emerge; that they may have been harboring for a long time. Whether or not they can figure things out and become an actual dating couple remains to be seen. They both have a lot of emotional baggage that needs to be dealt with.
I found the authors way of dealing with conflict and facing one's own emotions/short-comings was done extremely well. Clear heads prevail in times of emotionally charged conflict. All-in-all I found this to be a very good story.

When Sparks Fly combined two of my favorites things in a romance novel; it’s a friends-to-lovers and written by Helena Hunting.
And it gave me all the feels.

Avery and Declan have had a strong friendship for years. They love going on adventures together and share the same type of humor.
But when Avery get injured and needs someone to nurse her back to recovery, the close proximity brings up feelings that have always been just under the surface.
I loved this story, it gave me everything I love about a friends to lovers romance.

I will say towards the end the light and fluffy took on a slightly more serious tone that I didn’t really feel was consistent throughout. I still very much enjoyed it. I’d recommend.

4⭐️

This is a friends to lovers trope... when I read the blurb, I hooked so I was looking forward to it.

Avery and Declan are best-friends and roomies for a couple of years now. And I guess you know where this story is going.

Sigh.

These two were frustrating, clueless but aware at the same time... lol

It's a little bit angsty, frustrating but also heartwarming and inspiring.

I’ve seen books by this author raved about a lot, but never read anything of hers, so when an opportunity to read this one as an ARC came up, I thought why not, let’s see what all the fuss is about.

And… I regret to say, I’m distinctly underwhelmed. I liked Avery, the heroine, well enough, even if she is very Not Like Other Girls. I don’t mind the friends to friends-with-benefits to lovers arc. I do, however, have serious problems with a hero as selfish and thoughtless as Declan. And honestly, this book is really a story about Declan’s personal growth, from a selfish thoughtless jerk sleeping with a different girl every week and letting down people who rely on him, to a guy who realizes he’s in love with his best friend and needs serious therapy if he’s ever going to be able to hold down a relationship with her.

I liked that we saw Declan actually getting that therapy. That’s something that’s all too often glossed over in fiction in general, never mind romance. There’s also some difficult times for Avery as she spends most of the book recuperating from serious injuries, none of which is shied away from. It’s realistic and at times confronting. But by the end of the book, Avery is still pretty much exactly the same person she was at the beginning, and it’s Declan who’s had the growth arc… which is not at all what usually happens in a M/F romance. It felt like wish-fulfillment. That a jerky playboy type really can turn himself around if he falls in love with the right woman. And honestly, that type of story isn’t my jam at all - I don’t like reformed rakes in the historical romances I read, either. So I’m afraid I can’t give this any more than three stars, and I’m not interested enough in Avery’s sisters to bother looking for their books when they come out.

When Sparks Fly is a fun romcom with some emotional baggage thrown in. The first part of the book had me smiling and sighing at the friendship that Avery and Declan have, even though a car accident occurs early in the book. But then once things seem to be going well, something snaps and things get real. By this point of the story, I found myself reacting emotionally to both main characters and I was anxiously searching for a hint at their resolution. Helena Hunting is great at writing flawed characters that bring out the reader’s anger, sympathy, and appreciation somehow all in one story. Avery and Declan may not be the cute and perfect couple, but their relationship feels authentic and relatable.

Thank you to @smpromance @stmartinspress @helenahunting and @netgalley for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

How beautiful is this cover? I adore friends-to-lovers romances, and this book was just what I needed when I read it.

I loved Avery (that’s also one of my favorite girls’ names)--she was one of those characters that I feel like I’d be great friends with in real life. She’s sporty, fun, independent, and running what seems like an awesome business.

When Sparks Fly reminded me a lot of People We Meet On Vacation, mostly in the way the two main characters interacted with each other. All of the relationships in this story were great. Declan and Avery had great banter, but I also loved Avery’s relationship with both her sisters and her other guy friends.

I got to Zoom with Helena Hunting about this book. Let me just say that Helena has been one of the most fun authors to talk to! I especially loved her demonstration of the little stars that London makes in the story.

I can’t wait for the rest of this series: first London’s story and then Harper’s. I’m excited to read more about Spark House and see Avery again in future books!

Thanks to @netgalley and @stmartinspress for a copy! It came out about a week and a half, so even though I’m a little behind, the benefit is you can read it now! 🤣🤣🤣 If you have enjoyed other Helena Hunting books, I think you will enjoy this one as well. ☺️

Avery has been working hard the past years creating her own company with her two younger sisters while living with her best friend Declan. When Declan bails on helping her one morning, she ends up in a horrible accident and is unable to get around. Guilt ridden Dec becomes her caregiver. Soon they both start to wonder if maybe they not just friends.

This is a fun friends to lovers story! I loved that Declan was there for Avery after her accident. This was a fast read and I flew through it.

This was a cute friends-to-lovers story.

Avery and Declan have been best friends for years. Now an adult, not only does he handle the finances for the business that she runs with her two sisters, but he is also Avery’s roommate. When Avery gets seriously injured in a car accident, Declan feels horrible and guilty that he wasn’t there for his friend when she needed him. Trying to make up for his mistake, Declan takes "caregiver" to a whole new level.

Even though I didn’t get the same feels that I usually get from a Hunting book, overall, I enjoyed their story.

A perfect rom com for fans of the "friends to lovers" trope.

Avery and Declan are roommates and platonic friends. But when Avery is injured in an accident, she needs to rely on Declan for help. And when Declan realizes that he might have lost Avery in the accident (and blames himself), he begins to see her in a whole newlight.

When Sparks Fly is a VERY slow burn. I must admit I did get impatient at times waiting for these two to finally realize that they were perfect for each other and the sparks finally started flying. Loved Avery's sisters and their relationship and I suspect there will be two more "sparks" books coming???

Combine, friendship, tragedy, love, and jealousy and you get one heck of a story. Avery and Declan are best friends and roommates. Their relationship is just a friendship until a car accident changes everything. Avery is stuck in two casts and can't care for her basic needs. In comes Declan to the rescue, but the friendship is pushed beyond when Declan helps Avery with her every, and I mean every need. Declan and Avery have to travel some very rocky roads to hopefully come out on the other side with at least a friendship still intact. This was a really fun read that was enjoyable from the beginning to the end. 4 stars. Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC.

This was a great read from an author I trust to entertain.

The Spark sisters were a lot of fun to get to know, and I really got a sense of how close they are. The way her sisters support Avery, even though running the family business isn't their thing, was so heartwarming. I can hardly wait to read the next in the series!

And poor Declan. Such guilt. I admired the way he stepped up to help Avery after her accident, and then helped her work on her driving issues that inevitably multiplied. My heart ached for him having to work through his own issues, but I was proud of him for finally getting the help he so obviously needed.

Overall, the writing itself was solid, the pacing steady, and the dialogue witty and realistic. In fact, the story reminded me of a movie I saw many years ago. Not in a "I've seen this done before" way, rather in that one the broken arm and leg helped a couple reconnect and get a second chance at love. I thought it was a particularly clever way of motivating friends to become lovers.

Helena Hunting is one of my favourite romance authors, and I look forward to reading whatever comes next!

When sparks fly by Helena Hunting

As usual, the author brings to life a beautiful story between two characters that are so much like two magnets. Opposites attract with a heartbreaking life but a story full of life and emotions and where that love of life can lead.

It's not always easy for Avery to open up and it's not always easy to be present at all times even when not required, but Declan is there at all times and I just couldn't stop cheering for him along the way.

Their interaction was so interesting to watch and knowing Helena, she put her mark in with her humour in the most unexpected moments.

I've been a fan of Helena Hunting's novels for a few years, and I was thrilled to hear she was coming out with a new friends-to-lovers story. I knew I was getting into a slow-burn romance, and it definitely delivered! While I loved the book, it fell apart a bit at the end for me.

Avery and Declan have been best friends since college. Things have always been platonic between them, especially after Avery's ex (and Declan's former friend) was caught cheating and broke her heart. Declan knew he had to be there for her, so he pushed away all romantic feelings toward her. When Avery gets in a car accident that may have been prevented had Declan not acted like a fool the night before, everything changes.

Now Avery is totally dependent on Declan for her every need... and I mean her every need. This is where the slow-burn romance really begins. Avery and Declan are sure that they can maintain their friendship while also reaping the benefits, but, to no one's surprise, deeper feelings get in the way.

The second half of the book begins with the two working out a way to be together while keeping their friendship intact, and though I appreciate the way that this situation was handled, I started to get a bit less interested in the story. It felt like the flame that had been growing throughout the first half of the book started to dwindle away, and the story's focus shifted from their relationship to Declan and Avery's shortcomings. It really cooled everything down, and while I always know to expect a huge argument or reveal to halt the progress of the relationship in romance stories like these, I didn't love how their relationship seemed to competely fizzle out for a while.

Overall, this was an adorable story with a lot of highlights, my favorite being the well-done friends-to-lovers trope! The epilogue wrapped it up nicely which is always appreciated it, so I got to finish the book with a smile.

Special thanks to NetGalley for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.

I really enjoyed this one. Avery was a great heroine - I would totally be friends with her. There were times where I wasn’t a fan of Declan but by the end, he did redeem himself. This was an enjoyable friends to lovers story and I so hope this isn’t the last we’ve seen of this world!

Title: When Sparks Fly
Author: Helena Hunting
Series: n/a
Pages: 320
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Date: September 21, 2021

Summary:

Running the Spark House, a hotel/event space that has been in her family for years, has been Avery Spark’s lifelong dream. After years of working hard and making personal sacrifices, Avery and her two younger sisters have turned the Spark House into the premier destination in Colorado Springs. Avery is living her best life—she works with her sisters and loves every minute of it, she has a great group of friends, and she lives in a fantastic condo with her best friend Declan. She might not have any love in her life, but she's happy.

But everything comes to a screeching halt when Avery is in a car accident, leaving her immobile for weeks. After nearly losing Avery, Declan insists that he will be the one to take care of her while she recovers. However, as Declan becomes Avery’s caretaker, lines begin to blur.

Avery and Declan have been best friends since college and always had an attraction to one another, but when she ended up dating his best friend, Sam, they successfully stamped down any feelings they may have ever had for one another. Now, as Declan and Avery spend more time together, they each begin to wonder what would’ve happened if she'd dated him instead of Sam. What starts as a friend helping out another friend turns into foreplay and, before they realize it, they recognize how deeply they care for one another. But when things get serious their past threatens to destroy everything they have built.

Review:

I have mixed feelings about this book. I only gave it three stars, but I think it’s because I’m the wrong audience for this book. First of all, though, I want to say what I liked about it.

From the description, it’s obvious it’s a friends to lovers book. I like Avery, Declan - not so much, but I love Avery’s sisters. I’m looking forward to their books even though I was not thrilled with this one. That’s it. That’s what I liked - Avery’s sisters.

The book is written in first person, alternating between Avery and Declan. That way, the reader gets a lot of information that would be hidden if it used a third person narrator. And that brings me to one of the two things I really didn’t like about it. I don’t like first person and I really don’t like alternating viewpoints. As I implied earlier, it’s a personal taste issue.

However, my real issue with the book is Declan is an immature jerk. He’s thirty-years-old, but acts more like he’s still in college. He makes stupid decisions that hurt other people. He regrets them and accepts his responsibility, but still!!!

Finally, in parts of the book, the dialogue is overblown. Declan and Avery talk to each other like they are sitting in a counselor’s office. No one talks like that in real life.

So yes, three stars, but I will read the sequels. As I said, I want the sisters’ stories.


This book was sent to me by NetGalley in return for an honest review.

I always know when I read a book by Helena Hunting that I am going to love it! I know when I read a book by her I am going to become absorbed with it, and not want to put it down. I read this one in just two sittings.

This was such a well written friends to lovers romance, and it even had some forced proximity in it too. Avery and Declan were just the sweetest characters, and I loved the buildup between them. The buildup between them felt very real. Also, the chemistry between them was so steamy! 🔥 Overall, this is such a cute book and it’ll make you smile when reading it. There is some trauma Avery has to overcome in this book, but the author does a great job at it. If you’re looking for a good romance book to read, I highly recommend checking this one out!