This is a lot of fun to read. Definitely gave me When Harry Met Sally vibes with the age old question of can men & women just be friends without having romantic feelings. Declan & Avery have been best friends since college. Avery is not your typical girly girl. She likes to play & watch sports with the guys over hanging out with female friends. Declan is super hot & a very reliable friend but he doesn't do relationships. They have a condo together that they have lived in for a couple of years. Avery ends up in a major accident & Declan blames himself because he was supposed to be with her & he flaked. This leads to him volunteering to help her out at home until she can do things on her own rather than having to move in with her sisters who are also trying to keep the family business afloat while Avery recovers. Of course you probably already figured out that sparks start flying between the two of them. I highly recommend reading this to find out what happens to their relationship as Avery heals.

Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for advanced copy in exchange for honest review

I loved this so much! It was funny, steamy, and sweet and left me incredibly happy. It was a wonderful friends to lovers story that has some great angst, sprinkled with some emotions and filled full of great friends and family moments.

Avery and Declan were awesome characters. Friends since college and living together since graduation. I loved their friendship, their ease together and playfulness. But when Avery is in a serious car accident, Declan pulls out all the stops to be there for her in her time of need. And I mean he was willing to help her however he could and with all her needs. Because these two might have been just friends but they both have suppressed some serious feelings for one another. And it was glorious to watch the wonderful building of their relationship and it was so heartfelt. I loved watching their feelings grow and how everything evolved.

Avery was wonderful, smart and caring and could hold her own. Declan totally made me swoon and I loved getting to know him and watching him prove himself to everyone.

But there is so much more to this story that made it so engaging, making me want more and more. I felt invested in these characters, and their story. I was excited while reading and enjoyed the story page after page. Get your copy now!

Avery Spark and her two sisters are currently running Spark House, an event hotel her family owns. Her best friend is also her roommate Declan McCormick. They enjoy the same things including soccer. Declan has a lot of one night stands as he avoids relationships like the plague. His insecurities stems from his parents who divorced because his father cheated and his mother retaliated by cheating. His father is now on his fourth marriage so it is no wonder Declan has insecurities. When he puts a one night stand above Avery, he feels responsible when she ends up in an accident suffering severe injuries. He takes care of her and being together they take their friendship to another level. When something happens that shatters his trust, will they be able to work through it. I loved things they did with friends as well as the crossword puzzles they worked on. He did the down words, she did the across words. Cute story. I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.

This story read smooth like silk! It flowed, it shimmered, and it was strong and smooth. Much like Avery and Declan because at certain times they were all of those. External and internally, they were bruised and battered, but they keep going, never giving up. Friends to lovers, their relationship had such a solid friend base, their vulnerabilities when it grew into more were sweet to see. Bold, confident, and self-assured in almost everything else, those moments made them more human, and more special. The conflict in this book took me by surprise, and the resolution even more so, but it was easy to see why it happened and why it needed to be the way it was. Smart, sexy, funny, and emotional, this story had it all!

Friends-to-lovers is one of my favorite romance tropes! I love watching two people move from friendship to something more and all the trials and tribulations along the way. And When Sparks Fly is one of the best!

Declan and Avery have been best friends since college and roommates for years. Both considered their friendship too valuable to even think about anything romantic—not that they weren’t extremely attracted to each other, they just pushed their feelings way, way back into their minds.

Until they couldn’t deny it any longer. And it took a major catastrophe for that to happen.

Dec and Avery are both a bit bent but not broken when it comes to romantic relationships. Dec’s always been a “love 'em and leave 'em” guy due to his past. But when it comes to Avery, his feelings and his heart finally get through to his stubborn brain and make him realize he deserves happiness and love in his life. That he can love back. Especially when he’s in love with Avery.

But Avery makes him work for it. Dec has to earn back her trust, her friendship, and her heart. And it’s not an easy path—it’s twisty and steep, but Dec is bound and determined.

I loved Avery and Dec’s relationship as both friends and as lovers. Loved their banter. Loved their connection. Loved how they made each other even better people than they already were. I loved everything about When Sparks Fly—it was a fantastic read.

This review is for the audio version of this story. A cute, rom com with a lot of depth, I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book. Avery and Declan are best friends and roommates so we have a friends to romance plot. When Avery is in a car accident and Declan starts taking care of her full time they slip into a couples relationship, however, there are many issues that need to be resolved. Fortunately with the audio narration of duel narrators, it was easy to relate to each character. I had no trouble discerning who was talking. A fun listen and I imagine a quick read also. Very enjoyable.

This was so different from many other romances out there. I read a lot of friends to lovers, but here, in When Sparks Fly, they really are just friends first. Avery and Declan met in college, and have remained friends since, even becoming roommates and buying a condo together. Although both find each other attraction, they are really just friends, even dating other people throughout their time living together. All that changes when Avery is in a terrible car accident that Declan feels responsible for and becomes her caretaker as she recovers from her injuries.

I loved watching how their friendship progressed into more, and the way in which it made that jump was awesome. This books was a lot of fun to read, with not only humor but also a lot of steam rolled in. I'm also a huge fan of a good grovel and you rarely get to see someone put in the work to truly make change, and in this you definitely get to see that. It's such a sweet, but steamy, friends to lover romance!

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for the Advance Reader Copy. I have voluntarily left an honest review.

I received this book from NetGllery and was my first book by Helena Hunting, but it will not be my last! The book was so well written, and I hated to put it down. I loved the friendship between Avery and Declan. They both had so much in common. They had lived together as friends for a couple of years. Avery has watched Declan’s conquests come in and out the door. But one day changes everything when Declan breaks a promise for a stupid reason. I think this is the one time I was so disappointed in Declan and wanted to shake him. In his defense, he had a horrible example in his parents of what a relationship should look like. You can tell how guilty Declan feels when Avery is in an accident and needs constant care. I loved watching the two grow closer together and take steps to push their relationship to another level. But everything can’t stay great when the bubble bursts and the two start back to real life. I was heartbroken about what happened. I strongly encourage you to read the book. I voluntarily wrote a review.

Avery and Declan are adorable. They’re the best of friends and it’s clear to everyone except Avery and Declan that they’re made for each other. Unfortunately, his fear of commitment means they wouldn’t even consider turning this friendship into anything more, until life changes everything. Once they start spending every minute together, things get more intimate for them both and a lot more frustrating for poor Avery. When Declan walks in on a very personal moment, things go from bad to worse until Avery decides to level with him about her needs.

Like everything from Helena Hunting, their story is funny and sweet but not without angst. The delicate balance between them is easily upset and the whole relationship implodes. This is the only part of the book that faltered. The plot was good, but Declan’s reaction seems out of character and doesn’t make much sense. It’s a huge overreaction and doesn’t fit for me, but all’s well that ends well and I enjoyed their story very much.

I thought this book was good but I had some conflicted feelings over it. The main premise of the book was truly enjoyable. I'm a fan of the friends to lovers trope so this wasn't a surprise. I also liked Avery a lot and I really felt for her on multiple levels. Overall, this book has its ups and downs and even that wasn't insurmountable. What was the gigantic stumbling block for me was Declan. I had some very big issues with him and so many of his actions. I found myself trying so hard to get past or forgive him because he just like Avery, is carrying some heavy baggage but some things were plain and simply, a very firm "Nope!" for me and that was what really put a major damper on my enjoyment of this book. I did not like him.

I don’t read a lot of romance novels, but I have to admit that they can be such a great guilty pleasure in the midst of all of the dark, heavy stories I typically read. I was pleasantly surprised by When Sparks Fly. It was a truly fun rom-com and the perfect light-hearted story to end beach season as we head into fall.

Based on best friends Avery and Declan, When Sparks Fly is sort of a modern-day When Harry Met Sally. Avery and Declan had been best friends throughout college and bought a condo together after graduating, but never had any romantic entanglements. One weekend, Declan blows Avery off for a one-night stand, forcing her to make a long drive back to their alma mater. Avery gets into a horrible car accident and Declan, feeling responsible for not having been there, vows to oversee her recovery and rehabilitation. Pushed into more intimate circumstances, the chemistry between the BFFs starts to bubble to the surface.

I absolutely loved the engaging, funny writing! I have to mention a hilarious rant that Avery goes on about straws – plastic versus metal versus paper. I literally laughed out loud and have admittedly gone off on this rant myself! From the conversations Avery has with her sisters to the way Declan hangs out with the boys, the characters were brought to life in a way that I could easily picture actually happening in real life.

When Sparks Fly reminded me of a Hallmark movie! However, I loved that this wasn’t just a simple story of friends turning lovers. Helena Bunting did a great job of keeping the story light-hearted while also weaving in several layers to the characters, making them not only relatable but also much more complex. They each had their own past familial and romantic relationships to reckon with which I thought really drove the plot.

Overall, this is one of my new favorite romance books and I can’t wait to read more of Helena Bunting’s novels!

What a delightful friends to lovers story!

I went in expecting a light read but was drawn in by the seriousness of the car wreck.

This is my first book by Helena Hunting and I will continue to read her!

Oh my gosh. I am a mess, a big messy puddle of emotions right now.

I am an absolute sucker for a friends to lovers romance and Helena just hit this one so hard. It’s so outstanding, I’m in complete awe.

I just have to start by saying..THAT FIRST CHAPTER

If you know, you know. It blew my mind and had me laughing so hard. I’ve literally been sat for the past couple days watching videos I didn’t really need to watch because of this. The stupid thing won’t leave my head, so thanks for that Helena haha.

Avery was a fun character to get to know. She’s smart and has goals that she sets out to achieve no matter what. Having dated a mutual friend of her group and it ending badly her heart was broken and she’s afraid to open up again to anyone but her best friend Declan, the guy she shares a condo with.

*Declan, oh sweet Declan how I love thee.*

Declan is handsome and knows it, he goes through one night stands like nobody’s business. Having grown up the way he has he’s troubled, traumatised even. Having never experienced a healthy relationship he stays clear knowing just how much heartache they can bring. The only constant woman in his life is his best friend Avery.

After a terrible accident leaves Avery unable to do anything, Declan steps up and becomes her carer until she’s fighting fit again. Being restricted from doing things that she needs she relies on her best friend to help her and he’ll do anything to help his best friend.

Throughout the book we get to witness two people who love each other cross the friendship line and the aftermath of doing so. It’s an emotional rollercoaster that’s for sure.

I have an infinite amount of love for these two. Avery and Declan are two incredible characters that impacted my heart so strongly. Their story was so beautiful yet heartbreaking and I just found myself wanting more at all times.

I truly tried to pace myself with this book because I just knew when I finished I’d be insanely sad and I was right, I’m so sad that it’s over

Helena truly delivered with this emotional friends to lovers. It’s funny and emotional all packed up into an amazing read. Hands down one of the best of 2021!

I am finding that I love forced proximity stories and the idea of this one was so intriguing to me.
Declan and Avery have been friends since college and currently roommates and best friends. After Avery gets into a car accident, Declan, feeling guilty, opts to take care of her when she can't do it herself. I appreciate how that part was written. All the uncomfortable, day to day things that we take for granted, Avery needed help with and that was never sugar coated.
Some of my favorite book moments are when the light goes off for two people and they realize they are attracted to each other.
This book was full of steamy chemistry. I laughed so hard in some places, yet felt very emotional in others. The sisters and friends were really great characters too.
Basically, this delivered on everything I was hoping for when I picked it up.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press Group for the ARC.

🌟🌟🌟🌟 4/5 stars

When Sparks Fly is an adorable best-friends-to-lovers story and my favorite Helena Hunting book yet. The book is centered around Avery and Declan, best friends and roommates. The two begin to realize they may have feelings for one another after Avery is in a serious accident and Declan steps up as her caregiver. When things become more serious, things from their past threaten their burgeoning romance, as well as their friendship.

This is such an easy, bingeable read that made me laugh and smile. I loved Avery and Declan as characters and their romance. I enjoyed the dual POV and the side characters could easily have their own spin-offs. I need more stories set at Avery and her sisters’ event hotel, The Spark House.

Overall, When Sparks Fly is a breezy, entertaining love story with endearing characters and plenty of 🔥.

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve always loved this author’s books, and I was excited to read a new one by her. Unfortunately, this didn’t quite hit the spot for me.

Avery and Declan’s friendship was great. The way he stepped up after the accident was sweet, and their eventual coming together was super hot. But then, it kinda went downhill. The remainder of the book was a lot of repetitive thoughts and dialogue that read like word vomit. I was tempted to stop a few times, but pushed on hoping things would get better. While the ending was cute, there was so much that could have been different that would have made me like this more.

Really enjoyed Declan and Avery going from friends to lovers.The story of them getting their was a fun charming story.This was a wonderful read for me an author and book I will be recommending.#netgalley #st.Martins.

3.5*

Friends to lovers will always be one of my top 3 favorite tropes so I was excited for When Sparks Fly- correct me if I'm wrong, but I think this might be Helena Hunting's first true FtL romance!
Avery and Declan have been best friends for years, with not even an inkling of more between them, until Avery finds herself needing full time care after a car accident.
Declan takes it upon himself to become her caregiver, which only seems right since he's pretty much the reason she's in the state she is. Although his actions leading up to Avery's accident were just this side of unforgivable, it was very sweet how caring he was and how hard he tried to make up for her being hurt. To be honest, even though this all happened at the beginning of the book, and we really didn't know him all that well, it almost seemed out of character for him, shirking on doing something for/with Avery.

In his quest to make things up to Avery, Declan offers himself up 100%, for whatever Avery needed. This led to a change in the dynamic between them, and while things were good, really good, for awhile, you just knew something was coming to throw things out of balance.

Even though I was highly tempted to call this quits at 86% thanks to Declan and his issues, I'm glad I continued on. Avery and Declan had too strong, and too long, of a history for things between them to just fade away.


*I'm just putting this out there- I think I much prefer Ms. Hunting's independently published works, more so than her traditionally published ones. When Sparks Fly isn't the first of her trad books I've had trouble with, the last one I actually did not finish. That said, I am looking forward to London's story.

OMG y'all!! I loved this book! I've more than once said, I laughed and cried at a book but I don't think I've hit quite this level of laughter and tears. My sides ached laughing at one scene and my heart broke before being mended later. I loved Declan and Avery. Their friends and family are awesome. There's tons of stressors, both internal and external and *sigh* an amazing love story.

Avery and her sisters run a temporarily struggling but meaningful business they inherited after .their parents tragic and untimely deaths. Avery loves the event spaces, event planning and working with her sisters. She's working so hand to save their legacy and maybe raise enough to restore a fountain on the property for their beloved grandmother. She and her best friend, Declan, bought a condo together and very comfortably live together. They have a two other really close friends who share their love of sports, watching and playing. Declan is her best friend from college a successful financial manager who handles the sister’s money. Declan's emotionally stunted after watching his parents highly dysfunctional relationship. He loves dearly and loyally but romantic relationships elude him. After a huge, immature action on his part leaves Avery to drive alone in horrible weather, an activity she really hates, he knows he's terribly responsible for her battered and broken body. He takes on her caregiving 💯.

As Avery heals, the two's forced proximity ignites their long dormant attraction. Avery's accidental overindulgence during one football party results in what may be the funniest scene I've ever read. Ever! They both make mistakes of course, and Declan really blows it. It was rewarding watching him FINALLY grow and learn to love the one woman for him. He really has to put the work in. Cue the crocodile tears. Their HEA was so satisfying.

Thanks to the author and NetGalley for the ARC.

I just have to say this, I absolutely love this book. You could tell that Avery had the love of what her company was. Her sisters help her too. Declan is Avery's best friend/roommate. The bond that they have is amazing, every best friend should have that bond. They care for one another. Their friendship goes way back to college. There is a part of the book that my heart just stop and I had to know what happen. This is so worth to read. I highly recommend it. A lot happened in this book and I was along for the ride. Another great read Helena Hunting. I just can't say enough about this book.