Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for the ARC of When Sparks Fly. This is a delightful romantic story of Avery Spark and her best friend, Declan. Since college, Avery and Declan have been best friends, so close that they purchased a condo together. However, their relationship is platonic. That is, until Avery has a date and heads out in a sexy black dress. Declan becomes jealous, although he won’t admit it, and makes a bad decision. That decision puts Avery in a situation where she is seriously hurt. Declan feels guilty and wants to do everything possible to help Avery heal. As they spend more and more time together, their feelings for each other grow. Their relationship advances until insecurity rears its ugly head. What happens as their relationship matures tackles some serious issues, and over time, their relationship changes. Since this is a romance novel, there is always a conflict between the leads, before ending satisfactorily. This did not disappoint.
I enjoyed this novel, especially how the author handled the relationship struggles between Avery and Declan. If I am looking for a romance novel, I will definitely check out more books by Helena Hunting.
#When Sparks Fly #Helena Hunting #NetGalley

As a rule, I don’t enjoy friends to lovers books. However, Helena Hunting is one of my favorite authors so I figured what the heck! I’m so glad I did. I really enjoyed this book! Avery and Declan have been Besties since university. Now roommates they are perfect for each other – as friends. But Avery stirs the pot when she goes out on a date and the ugly monster of jealousy raises its nasty head in Declan’s mind. He doesn’t realize that’s what’s going on, he just goes out picks up some random woman, brings her home, and doesn’t follow through on a plan to drive Avery to an important business event. When she leaves using her own very untrustworthy car, disaster strikes. Avery ends up in a severe accident needing 24 hour care for the foreseeable future.
Now, one would think this is not exactly the set up for a romantic novel but you’d be wrong. Something about being together 24/7, having to rely on somebody for every part of your life, and being the person who has to be the dependable one causes these two to see what’s been in front of them for a long time.
I loved how Ms. Hunting kept it somewhat real. There was crankiness, there was embarrassing toilet time, and there were moments of open emotion brought on by exhaustion and frustration. As the backstory is filled in, the reasons why they have never moved onto the next level of a relationship are clearer and the potential obstacles present themselves.
As I said, I’ve never been a big fan of friends to lovers books but this one definitely captured my interest and was a great read from beginning to end.

Avery is content with her life as she and her two sisters manage Spark House and she couldn’t imagine her life without her roommate who is also her best friend Declan. She may have considered being more than friends when they were much younger, but she valued their friendship more than being another woman that would walk in and out of his life. A serious car accident has Declan playing nursemaid and has both of them questioning their feelings and their relationship.

If Declan could have a do-over when it came to the day of her car accident he would do so many things differently and he is filled with guilt and regret. He is determined to be by Avery’s side as she heals but the parameters of their friendship is changing and they must decide if the reward of being together is worth the risk?

Both Avery and Declan have seen the painful side of love which causes some turmoil along the way, but they have always been able to trust each other so seeing them explore what they could have together was a wonderful experience.

When Sparks Fly they really fly because when the slow burn and sexual tension flowing between Declan and Avery finally comes to a head, it is explosive!

This story is an exceptional friends to lovers story. It will grab you right at the beginning and hold you hostage until the end and it has everything that I have come to expect from a story by Helena Hunting! She has a way of developing memorable characters that you would love to have as friends and wraps them up in a storyline that is fun, entertaining and will leave you with a smile on your face!

When circumstances throw Declan and Avery into a situation where they are together 24/7, they both start looking and appreciating the other differently and feelings that have been simmering for years move closer to the surface. Now, they just have to embrace those feelings that they have for one another and decide if a relationship beyond friendship will be worth it in the end. It is a delicate balance because neither wants to jeopardize the close friendship they have had for so many years.

Loved, loved, loved, loved, loved this book. Helena Hunting wrote such an emotional friends-to-lovers book. It wasn't all fun and laughs, and there was a lot of heartbreak and emotion in this one, and it was worth every tear, every held breath and every "oh, no, why did you do that" moment.

Declan and Avery have been friends forever, roommates for years, and they've never crossed that friendship line. But when Declan drops the ball as a friend, and Avery pays the price, he needs to do all he can to make it up to her. Along the way, the two of them find out that they've really been in love with each other for years, but their past hurts have kept them from risking their friendship to embrace their love.

What a great story. The relationship between Declan and Avery was such a treat. Sure, at times I wanted to shake Declan and scream "why? WHY?!" but every scene just adds to the emotion and the feelings that you experience with this one.

The audio is so well narrated by Jason Clarke and Stella Bloom. Jason is one of the finest male narrators in romance. He can do anything from dark to romcom, and the one thing you can always count on him to deliver is the appropriate emotion of the moment. Stella gives Avery all of the determination and vulnerability that the role called for, an

When Sparks Fly by Helena Hunting is a best friends to lovers romance that was emotional and sweet. Avery and Declan have been friends for a long time and care about each other, but only as friends, right? When Avery is in an accident, he is determined to be there for her. Suddenly they are seeing each other in a different light. Should they take a chance or lose it all?

I enjoyed reading this story and loved Avery and Declan. They had a good friendship that developed into more. Declan was not interested in relationships but was caring and protective of Avery. Avery was sweet and determined. Definitely a sweet and charming read.

Happy reading!

When Sparks Fly is Helena Hunting's latest book release. The story grabbed my attention right from the beginning, but slowly fizzled out about halfway through. It is a very believable best friends to lovers story, a trope that I truly enjoy.

Avery and her two sisters run Spark House, a hotel and event venue that has been in their family for a long time. Declan is Avery's best friend and roommate, so when Avery is severely injured in a car accident, he volunteers to become her caregiver. Their friendship of many years evolves into much more, and they are quite happy living in their little bubble. However and overtime, their emotional baggage rears its ugly head and causes them to reevaluate their romantic relationship.

I liked this book and the secondary characters were very interesting. This story has a bit of spice and a lot of heat. I am hopeful that Avery's two sisters get their own books.

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

Happy Publication Day!

I read this entire book in one sitting. Friends to lovers is probably one of my favorite tropes, and Helena did NOT disappoint! This book had such good imagery. I fell in love with the characters and appreciated the build up. Avery and Declan have had a long friendship that masked their feelings for one another. A chance event causes their roles to change and gives the spark to ignite what has been smoldering below the surface.

5/5 stars!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an advanced e-arc for review.

I do have to admit, this read did feel different from other books I’ve read from her but I still enjoyed Avery and Declan’s story. Two best friends who lived in blind denial of their feelings to each other. I love seeing how the bough will break and what will lead to the two finally giving in. If you’re looking for a friends to lovers that is entertaining, with a supporting cast of characters whose stories you’ll be begging for and sweet endings this one is for you. I listened to the audiobook and Jason Clarke and Stella Bloom were amazing bringing Avery and Declan to life.

This is a book about growth. How to become the person your true love deserves. Avery and Delcan have such a beautiful friendship. Reading how these two overcome all the odds and find true makes your believe in happily ever afters. I love how this story unfolds at just the right pace. There isn't any fluff it's just a straight to the point story. The writing hooks you and honestly I would be surprised if you didn't finish this book in one sitting. This is a book you need on your TBR list.

I love Helena's books. So frickin fabulous. Loved every second. By far of the best books I have read in a long time.

This book has it all. It's funny and emotional. It's friends to lovers, forced proximity and damaged characters all rolled into one beautiful package. The conflict between Avery and Declan made me want to throw my kindle but the resolution was just....everything. It was totally worth the angst and heartache they had to go through to get that beautiful ending.

This is what a romance novel should be. It made me laugh, tear up and certainly gave me the feels. Wonderfully perfect. Thank you publisher and netgalley for this arc in exchange of an honest review.

3.5 A Long Time Coming Stars
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
When Sparks Fly was a book I was looking forward to. Helena Hunting has given me many hours of enjoyment with her Pucked Series. In this book, we have two people who have always felt something for each other BUT never acted on it for a number of reasons.

This friendship has been critical for both of them. They even have a condo together, as roommates, pals, and good friends. It seems the choice Avery made of dating Declan's best friend was a huge turning point. This laid the course of both of them not acting on any feelings they may have had, even after Avery broke up with the friend.

Years have gone by and that line has never been crossed. Then life throws these two a wake-up call in the form of a car accident. Avery is hurt and will need help while she heals. Declan realizes all the time he has wasted and while Avery is healing, let the fun begin.

This had all the necessary steps to have these two come together, have an awakening, and even a conflict moment. The good news is both of them figure out what needs to be done and let all the time it took to get together not stop them from seeing what is right in front of them.

An enjoyable friends to lovers storyline that will keep you hooked right from the start. The chemistry between the main characters was scorching. Another great book from this author.

When Sparks Fly by Helena Hunting... 4 Maple Leafs

"I think I can be good to you. I want to be good for you."

Declan and Avery have been best friends since college, have lived together since they returned from college and have both been harbouring feelings for each other in the back of their minds. Avery is in a horrible car accident and Declan blames himself so demands to take care of her while she is recovering. As they start spending more and more time together, the lines between friendship and more begin to disappear. As life begins to get back to normal, the past and insecurities threaten everything they have come to enjoy.

"You smell yummy," she mutters. "Way better than a turtle."

Declan and Avery are a classic best friends to lovers story. Declan and Avery have the banter that best friends have that has you giggling. It was fun seeing them realize that they had feelings for each other and how they moved from the "friend zone" to more. I felt bad for both of them with the number of things from their pasts that kept bringing them down and making them doubt things. I loved how Declan proved to Avery that he was worth being with her, totally swoon-worthy. Avery's sister London bugged me a little bit with all her negativity. All in all, this was a fun book.

Genre/Trope... Small Town Romance, Best Friends to Lovers, Roommates to Lovers

Point of View... First-Person Dual, Declan and Avery

Avery runs an event planning facility named the Spark House with her sisters. Lots of LOL event shenanigans – a “Hobbyhorse Expo” with horse riding games and competitive tensions between the riders. London and Harley are her sisters, and they all are quite tight --- each with their own specialties to run the events. Our author wrote such a strong and independent heroine in Avery. She is so confident and comfortable with her body, her career, and her friendships. Very refreshing!

Declan is your typical gorgeous finance guy who loves to hang with his buddies and watch sports. He is obviously popular with the ladies to a fault. Avery and Declan are BFF roomies – they actually bought a place together. Never any romantical feelings between the two all through college and the few years they have been shacking up. Declan has women overnight and they have a sign to let each other know if someone is in their room. He is super relationship reluctant which plays into the slow burn of the sexual tension between the two.

A pretty horrific car accident has Avery almost dying and leaves her with multiple broken bones. Declan is distraught as he feels responsible and offers to take over her in-house care full time. So, you know where this is going right? “Forced Proximity” meets “Friends to Lovers” troupe. As Declan is caring for Avery, he begins to really want more than friends – but constantly struggles with his “no relationship” fear. Avery gradually wears him down to move to that “friends with benefits” fun.

When Sparks Fly has some awkward and tenuous situations and a break-up that kind of put me off (just a little because you know they are going to get back together). And they do eventually get to that HEA with a little therapy help along the way. The epilogue is absolutely a sweet bow to tie up this romance – water obstacle race style! You will enjoy this story as a stand-alone and I think Ms. Hunting has some sequels brewing with Avery’s sisters down the road as well.

I received this ARC from Netgalley and the publisher St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.

I love a romance with realistic characters with relatable lives and real world problems. Avery and Declan have been friends since their college days but have never crossed the line into a romantic relationship. Their friendship has survived alot, even Avery dating Declan's best friend and it going up in flames in college couldnt shake it.
I thought Avery was an excellent character, instantly likeable. Her relationships with her sisters was really lovely and I hope they both get their own books. I loved how Avery and Declan's relationship evolved, it developed very naturally and was completely believeable. And really easy to root for. Even though much of this book was light in tone, it did tackle some serious issues. Declan has his demons, and unresolved issues from his past and I liked how it was handled. It wasnt brushed off and he really puts in the work to heal. I have read a few Helena Hunting books now and they have always been fun and entertaining. Now I have another to add to my list!

When Sparks Fly is a standalone contemporary romance.

The book has alternating female and male POVs.

The female POV is Avery. I am so happy that I went into this book blind. I hate spoilers and IMO the book blurb gives away too much.

I really liked Avery and had no idea what to expect from this story. Avery and her sisters own and run an event hotel. I loved this part of the book so much!

The beginning was cute, easy and fun. The book does get a bit more serious (it's definitely more serious than I was expecting). But I thought that what happened added a lot to the story.

I liked the romance. And thought that the hero was an interesting character. And I absolutely loved their friend group. Overall this was a quick enjoyable read!

Are We Really Going to Allow Declan to get away with his selfishness??????

Best Friends ( Roommates) to Lovers? Not my usual cup of tea. But if Helena Hunting is writing it, I am reading it.

When Sparks Fly is a small town charmer. Avery and Declan are best friends and roommates. Avery has been burn in relationships and Declan is a date magnate for females, in general. I mean, they have a code when guests are staying over. So its a no-brainer they don't harbor attraction between each other - in the beginning.

But Declan, I did NOT like. I am okay with him being a womanizer. I not OK with him being a crappy best friend. I can NOT allow him to get away with the damage he caused for being a selfish bastard. His actions was not redeemable for me. He didn't grovel enough for me. And Avery didn't dish out the guilt enough for me. That being said , if Avery is okay with forgiveness who am I to judge?

Now, let's move to the romance. Close proximity is enough to bring out a different side to anyone. Declan is seeing the vulnerable side of Avery while he tries to right his wrong. He becomes the most adoring roommate and willing to help his BFF in anyway he can. Some sacrifices aligned very well with his womanizing ways. But still !!!!!

When Sparks Fly is delightful to read as well as heartbreaking. The group of guys BFFs are adorable and stole the story each time they graced the pages. This is where the delight take place. Prepare yourself for a rollercoaster of emotions. Witty dialogue and steamy sex will keep you turning the page.