This was a good friends to lovers romance. Avery and Declan have been friends for years but never crossed that line. When Avery is in an accident, Declan feels that it was his fault so he steps up to care for her with everything she might need.

After spending a lot more time together, Declan and Avery start to look at each other in a different light. After a little while they decide to try being together. Declan is nervous he will mess things up because of how he lived with his parents and their distorted relationship. Declan had a lot of extracurriculars before he realized his feelings for Avery, so he always worried he would mess things up.

I really loved these two together. I do wish we had seen a little more evidence of their hidden feelings for each other. My heart hurt for Declan a bit when the situation happened between them, he just didn’t know how to handle these feelings. Another thing I wish I knew the answer to was if Declan had any other extracurricular activities during his time apart from Avery. This really isn’t discussed, so I’m hoping he didn’t.

I do hope we will get stories for Avery’s sisters.

Declan and Avery are best friends and nothing more. That is until Avery is in a bad accident and Declan becomes her caregiver while she heals. Close proximity brings lingering chemistry to the forefront that they’ve tried for year to ignore for their friendship. Declan and Avery are H-O-T! A new favorite by Helena Hunting for sure!

If you love a slow-burn best friends romance where it just hits the guy like a ton of bricks that he's a playboy because he never realized he is really in love with his best friend, then Declan and Avery's story will knock your socks off! I always know that Helena Hunting is going to deliver a great story, and I was NOT disappointed by When Sparks Fly!

The romance between roomies/besties Avery and Declan starts off very much as a friends with benefits thing. But it's not long before both of them realize just how much they are IN LOVE with the other, not just love them as a best friend. But Declan is so emotionally stunted as a result of his parents' messy marriage and divorce, and it colors everything he does with Avery. He's actually quite an attentive and generous boyfriend — until a misunderstanding causes their relationship to implode.

There was fault on both sides leading up to the fight and The Breakup, but I really, really loved how much growth there was on Declan's part when it came to working on his issues before he wooed Avery back. Oh my goodness, The Grand Gesture was so sweet!

I loved this story so much and I hope that When Sparks Fly is a start to a new series for the Sparks sisters, because I would love to see Avery's sisters get books of their own!

I received an advanced copy via NetGalley and voluntarily left a review.

I enjoyed this "friends to lovers" contemporary romance. I had never read books by this author, but did in fact like it quite a lot and will be exploring her other books as well.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for fair and honest review.

Avery and Declan's love story was just amazing! This was a great best friend's to lovers story! Declan is great at taking care of Avery while she is recovering. Their forced proximity and the extra time they are spending together forces them to admit to themselves and each other that they are in love with each other. This book was very sweet. I loved the way that Declan and Avery were each other's best friends and their chemistry and banter. I would love to visit Spark House since it sounds like such a wonderful place! I'm happy that Declan and Avery were able to make a real relationship between them work while maintaining and building on their amazing friendship.

I can't wait to read the books about Avery's sisters London and Harper.

4.5 Sweet & Sparkly Stars!
I loved this irresistible friends to lovers romance! Declan and Avery have been best friends, turned roommates, since college. I love the way Hunting wrote their story, making me laugh, cry, swoon, and fall in love. Avery and her sisters have taken over Spark House, the event hotel, after losing their parents. It is Avery's passion and she loves working with her sisters. Declan is so charming, and sweet, with a heart of gold. Except for his close bond with Avery, he avoids relationships after watching the dysfunction of his parents. He and Avery have fun together, take care of each other, share the crossword puzzle, and never cross that friend line. When he makes a poor decision and Avery gets hurt, his guilt weighs heavy on him and he will do anything to earn her forgiveness. The way he takes care of Avery is sweet, a little awkward for them at times, but tender and swoony. When things get a little intimate, they both realize they may have deeper feelings, and a fiery attraction they can't ignore any longer. They are excited for the new feelings they are exploring. But as Avery's wounds heal and they have to get back to the real world, can they remain best friends and lovers, or will the bubble burst and break both their hearts?
I really fell for both Declan and Avery, they were so perfect together. They fit so seamlessly into each other's lives and brought a support, comfort, forgiveness, and unconditional love that they both needed desperately, and their chemistry was off the charts! My heart broke over their predicament and it made me cheer even harder for their HEA. I loved the relationship and banter between all their family and friends that added do much fun, and warmth to this story and can't wait to read more about them. This is a fun, engaging, emotional, and steamy romance that made my heart completely happy!

This was just an ok read for me. Avery and Declan have been friends and roommates for quite a bit of time. When Avery has a car accident and Declan feels responsible because he wasn't there for the drive he wants to be her caretaker. My problem is how quickly things begin with them. They have been living together for a very long time and nothing happened? Now she is frustrated and needs a release. So he helps? I don't know it just didn't click for me. l also wasn't a big fan of her sisters.

I don't honestly know where to begin with this review, this book was so special and so meaning and beautiful all wrapped in a tight wound ball. this book was pure gold, Ive read all of Helena Hunting's books and this book by far is up there with my favorites by her, this book has Declan and Avery two friends who have been through alot with one another, what we don't know is there is feeling brewing beneath this friendship that comes to light in a way that I didn't at first think was possible. well I was wrong Helena Hunting writes it in such a special way, Avery and Declan Cross that line and ohhhhhhhh boy when they do hold onto your seats your in for a wild ride, Goooo Read this book right now,, I absolutely Loved loved loved this book.

What’s not to love about a rom com friends-to-lovers story? And When Sparks Fly certainly has all the ingredients: Avery and Declan have been best friends for years. Avery is just one of the guys’ and has been roommate of Declan for two years now.

And although Avery is used to the string of girlfriends Declan is going through, she still is furious when Declan renegades on his promise to drive her to a reunion, in favour of a one night stand.

When Declan realizes that Avery had a horrible accident on the drive he was supposed to have made, he is feeling totally guilty. Therefore he offers to work from home to help Avery recover. But soon he finds out, that with casts everywhere, Avery is pretty helpless in a lot of situations. So they have some pretty awkward situations. Cute and funny. And slowly they come to realize that after best friends, friends with benefits, they may even become lovers. However, if you have been friends for so long, sometimes your past may creep up on you…

Can they find a new balance in their relationship? Or will they break everything into peaces?

Find out for yourself in this cute and cozy read. Four out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

When Sparks Fly by Helena Hunting

On the fence about this book at first. It is a well written friends to lovers story with H/h near thirty so mature enough and well plotted but for some reason…I had trouble relating to both lead characters and really getting into them and their romance – but – in the end really did enjoy it.

What I liked:
* The friendship between Avery and Declan that existed for probably over a decade
* The supporting characters of Avery’s sisters and the two mutual friends of the couple
* The kindness and caring and true friendship that was exhibited between the four friends from college
* That both Declan and Avery were imperfect
* That both main characters were independent, educated, and financially secure
* That the events Spark House provided were not run of the mill
* I learned about hobby horse enthusiasts and sports related to them
* The growth in both main characters – that the two were able to eventually see the situation not only from their own viewpoint but from their partner’s too
* That the falling out between Declan and Avery seemed real and believable – though immature in some ways
* That it all worked out for the couple in the end
* Wondering about the future of the friends and sisters and if they will get books of their own

What I didn’t like/had more trouble believing:
* Seeing the relationship between Avery and Declan as “real” – but then – perhaps I have never had a friendship such as theirs.

Did I enjoy this book: Yes – more than I thought I would at various points in the story
Would I read more by this author? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s -Griffin for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

I devoured this story this is an amazing start to this new series. This author never dissapoints

This author really wrote some amazing characters, she has a real way with words

“For so long, we were magnets unpolarized. Facing the wrong way and orbiting each other, missing the connection until the world finally aligned and brought us together, only to tear us apart again.” -Helena Hunting

I’ve loved and adored all of the books I’ve read from this author but, this one will forever hold a place in my heart. Reading When Sparks Fly made me see that this is one book that I wish I’d been smacked in the face with a couple years ago because reading about Avery & Declan falling in love.. it just felt so similar. I’ve always loved the trope of falling in love with your best friend and this book depicted that perfectly.

After suffering an accident, Avery finds herself completely dependent on her best friend and roommate Declan & what happens when in such close quarters to the opposite sex? Well.. things get interesting & though these two claim it won’t mess up their friendship, they can’t help but fall into the attraction they’ve long held for each other.

In one of the chapters Avery mentions how they had a foundation of 10 years worth of friendship which to her, meant that trying out a romantic relationship would go over well. But, falling in love with the one man in your life who you love above all others isn’t as easy.. especially when guilt and the past threatens to tear a fledgling relationship apart.

For many reasons, I absolutely loved and empathized with these characters. From beginning to end it was like reading something I didn’t know I needed & I’m so happy I got the opportunity to read this book.

3.25

This is a friends-to-lovers/roommates romance. It is a cute, sweet, and quick read. There is an emotional aspect to it but there are also lots of fun times. Declan and Avery are best friends and roommates. They do practically everything together. Declan has always had casual relationships while Avery had a serious relationship with a mutual friend that ended badly. They both have emotional hang-ups and baggage. When sparks start to fly, will they cross that line and risk losing their friendship or take that leap of faith and get their HEA?

The road to their HEA is bumpy. I loved the chemistry between them in the beginning. They had a great friendship and lots in common. I could feel their connection. I wasn't completely convinced that they would so easily cross that friendship line and convince themselves that they could keep it casual after all that they'd been through together. It felt too easy and needed more build-up. Also, the second half lagged, so I struggled with it. There were wonderful supporting characters in the book that I loved. Avery's sisters were wonderful and supportive. Their mutual friends, Declan, Mark, and Jerome stood by each of their sides and didn't play favorites. This was a good, mostly lighthearted read. I encourage you to read it and form your own opinion. I love this author's books and look forward to her next release!

This is such a cute romance at times and a bit more hot at others. If I had to choose a theme I would say it's a best friends to lovers theme. Helena Hunting has always had a talent of making her stories serious one chapter and hard not to start laughing in the next. And this one definitely didn't miss out on her talent.

The characters are definitely not perfect or even close to but that's what makes them feel much more real. Declan is your typical playboy, fun character but you also start to see the deep damaged boy that he uses the playboy act to hide. Then you have Avery who is more serious especially when it comes to work related things but still she's able to let loose and be one of the guys. She seemed a bit short tempered and snappy but I think it actually shows her as human. With everything she's going through it makes sense and once again real.

The story itself was a fun, hard to put down read. I just kept wanting to see what would happen next through the roller coaster of emotions. I definitely recommend this for new adult and romance fans. It's another great story of Helena Hunting.

Helena comes up with yet another sweet friends-to-lovers romance with a dash of emotional elements in it. The last bit of the book was definitely more serious and emotional. But Avery and Declan's story starts out really fun and cute. With them living together and beings friends for years, then suddenly their friendship took a turn after an accident. Not going to lie, Declan's character was a bit hard to get into. Especially with him being jaded of relationships that caused the misunderstanding towards the end. Despite that, I still enjoyed it.

4 Stars!
4 Stars!
Avery Spark is a 28 yr. old independent, single woman living in Colorado Springs. She's the oldest of three sisters who own and run a hotel event company called Spark House. She loves her job and their family business keeps her pretty busy. When she's not working or with her sister's she's usually enjoying time with her close group of friends. This includes her roommate and best friend Declan. They've shared a decade of friendship and have lived together for the last two years. They have a lot in common and he's always been her rock and safe place to land, but their relationship shifts when she's in an accident and has to lean on and rely on him. He's loyal and always been easy on the eyes, but things have never been more than platonic between them. Lately they've reached a new level of intimacy neither can deny, and she's starting to see him differently. As their emotonal connection and physical attraction grows stronger their relationship changes and evolves. As lines are blurred things turn intense and complicated.

Declan McCormick doesn't do realtionships and enjoys playing the field. The only important woman in his life is his best friend Avery. Her friendship means everything to him. Since college they've built a foundation that has lasted, and she's been his one constant for years. Then he hurts her when he lets her down. Full of regrets he will do anything to make things right between them. When her world is turned upside down he vows to be there for her. As they spend more time together unexpected feelings develop. She affects him more than he'd like to admit, and when they touch it's charged and electric. Soon they aren't sure how to navigate their relationship anymore. Will they ignore what's been right there all along, or will they finally explore how good they could be together?

When Sparks Fly by Helena Hunting is a sexy, friends to lovers, roommates romance full of emotion, chemistry and humor. It's a sweet, fun, flirty story about friendship, family and falling in love. <333

When Sparks Fly is a friends-to-lovers romance that was sweet and angsty and just the right amount of spicy. Avery and Declan have been best friends for years, and I love that easy chemistry they have. Neither are perfect, and they both have some issues they need to work on during the course of the story. Declan pulls some especially boneheaded moves that cause a lot of issues. What I really love, though, is that while Avery is the impetus for change that Declan needs, she herself does not just magically fix him. He has some major issues, and I really enjoyed the fact he had to put in the work and it wasn’t a quick fix, and that it was an ongoing thing. I really loved these two together, and really enjoyed this story.

In her latest novel, Helena Hunting provides an endearing story about two best friends who couldn’t see what was right in front of them until forced proximity helped them open their eyes.

Avery Spark loves her life. She’s the co-owner and manager of her family’s hotel/event place along with her two sisters who she loves dearly. She has a great group of friends and lives with her best friend since college, Declan. Until a car accident that leaves her immobile for a few weeks.

Feeling guilty about not being there for his best friend, Declan steps up and helps Avery any way he can while she recovers. As they spend more time together, lines are crossed and repressed feelings come to the fore. But can their new relationship survive Declan’s trust issues?

I really liked the dynamic between Avery and Declan. It was obvious they cared and had deep feelings for each other right from the start, and even though we quickly find out how much Declan is afraid of commitment and why, it’s clear the two are meant to be together. They just have to find a way to navigate the ups and downs of being together, because there are in fact difficult moments between the two.

I love a good friends to lovers romance plot. Life isnt fair and sometimes the unexpected happens to the best of us all. I also enjoyed the very real feeling of falling for someone you didn't expect you would.

Feeling guilt for being the cause of someone's suffering, whether you mean to or not, is hard to deal with. I'm sure we can all relate to it at some point in our life. Declan and Avery definitely had a lot to work through but I will not spoil much of the book. When Sparks Fly will offer you an emotional, sweet, and engaging read, you don't want to miss this.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley.

Best friends and roommates Avery and Declan crash-land into something more after a serious car accident leaves Avery in need of extra support at home. Declan feels guilty after some bad decisions led him to not be in the car with her as planned when it happened.

Friends-to-lovers stresses me out for some reason, but I loved the depth of feeling and vulnerability founded on the long familiarity between these characters. I could tell their emotional baggage was fully realized because I was genuinely nervous when it reared its ugly head. Also, the cringey romcom moments made me cower, which is truly a high art form.

The romance comes along with disapproving, or at least wary, friends and family since Declan's a certified fuckboy. His journey was really powerful because in the beginning, I was not impressed (nor, I think, was I meant to be). As a friend, he's excellent, but anything more? The man is made of red flags. Seeing him want something for himself and taking cautious steps towards that romantic bond with Avery was beautifully done, even when his self-sabotaging and jealousy finally come to a head in a major blowup. I appreciated in that moment what a solid character Avery is, trying to not be reactive but to set boundaries and require conversation. I was impressed that no characters vilified him but suggested he has some personal demons to work out, nonetheless. It was a good blend of high expectations and genuine caring that leads to some much needed therapy and personal work.

My only complaint is that I think Avery's baggage got less airtime. I'm ok with her filling a more steady and well-adjusted role, but the car crash plot could have been more of a journey, I think, especially since her parents died in a car accident, too. I could see the attempts to acknowledge Avery's dark emotions and physical struggles, but it had a less satisfying and complete arc for my tastes. I've been known to soak up a "nurse me back to health" plot as much as the next person, but something this traumatic needed a bit more nuance and exploration to not come across as a plot device to further the romance.

A brief note to be responsive to queer critiques of the genre: this book perpetuates the definition of "sex" as a heterosexual, P/V act, exclusive to literally everything else, despite the characters' engaging in all kinds of activities. This definition is harmful for a lot of reasons, especially because it belittles a lot of other identities and experiences to suit a heteronormative schema. So be on alert.

This was my first Helena Hunting read, and I was so taken with the emotions and the standards for a healthy relationship, I would definitely pick up another. I'm especially interested in what the other Spark sisters have in store! Thanks to SMP Romance and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.