When Sparks Fly is a new offering from busy Canadian author Helena Hunting. Avery Spark and Declan McCormick have been best friends since college. They have purchased a condo together and host game nights with the other two in their group, Mark and Jerome. Declan, an investment banker, does the investing for Avery and her sisters, London and Harley, for their family business, busy event center Spark House.

Seeking a sizable contract from her alumni association, Avery is set to make the drive to Boulder, a few hours away, to visit old friends, take in a game, and make her presentation for Spark House. The night before the trip, Avery goes on a first date with an online suitor. Declan’s reaction is to meet a friend from work for a drink, get sloshed, and bring home a random. When Declan is in no shape to travel the next day and his SUV is left somewhere downtown, Avery angrily takes her small car in the pouring rain and never makes her destination.

As Avery heals from a tragic accident she needs full time help. A very guilt ridden Declan insists on taking on the task. After all, he can work from home while London and Harley cannot run an event center from home, they are already down one person, and Declan feels he is the reason Avery was so greatly injured.

Through weeks of healing and rehab, they are together 24/7 and piece together quite a different relationship. But is Declan so damaged from his childhood home life that he can have no future other than the past he has known? This is a well crafted story that examines issues of circumstance closely and kindly while presenting engaging characters with humor and feeling. I very much enjoyed this book and I wholeheartedly recommend it!

All I knew about this one before starting it was that it was friends to lovers, forced proximity and it was by Helena Hunting. SOLD!

Avery and Declan have been friends for years and JUST friends until Avery gets hurt in a car accident and Declan becomes her caregiver. I thought they were the cutest couple and found their chemistry to be 🥵 A super fun little read and Avery has two sisters so this is the first in a series, the next book follows London and I can’t wait! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Friends/Best friends-to-lovers is one of my favourite tropes, but I do appreciate it isn't easy to do it well. You have to show the emotional connection and the development of the relationship. Helena Hunting does a great job of doing this as well as creating likeable characters and an entertaining storyline.

Avery Spark lost her parents in a car accident when she and her sisters London and Harley were teenagers. Now all three of them run Spark House (a hotel/an events centre) together. They have a very close relationship and complement each other. Avery enjoys organising events and dealing with customer relations and tries to expand the business by bringing in new contracts. She is on her way to a business meeting at her former university when she gets into a bad car accident. Her best friend/roommate Declan was supposed to be with her driving his SUV to the meeting (Avery's car wasn't suitable for the weather conditions), but he really messed up. Feeling guilty for what happened and eager to earn Avery's forgiveness, he promises to take care of Avery and all her needs.
There is a good reason why these two are best friends-they really understand each other and care. There's also a good reason why neither of them has had a serious romantic relationship for a long time.Avery had her heart broken by Declan's friend and is happier spending her time at work or doing sports rather than dating, and Declan... Declan has a lot of emotional baggage. If you like the trope of close proximity, you can guess that sparks will fly (and bring in lots of heat), but will Avery and Declan find it easy to navigate the new dynamics of their relationship? The book is told from two alternating perspectives -Avery's and Declan's, so we get a pretty good insight into their feelings. This kind of narrative also helps with the pace of the story esp. since the romance itself is slow-burn.
I really liked Avery and her sisters. It was interesting to read about the way they ran the business together dividing roles according to their strengths and how they all had to pull their weight to make sure the company stayed successful. They had very different personalities, but it was obvious that they cared for each other. Avery also has a very supportive group of friends. There is clearly a potential for a series-hooray! I love a good catch-up to see what happens after the HEA.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and the characters. If you are a fan of Helena Hunting's writing style, you know her books are very easy to read and have an addictive quality. Looking forward to reading London's and Harley's stories!

When Sparks Fly is one of those books that kind of came into my life at the perfect time. Although a friend's to lovers storyline at any time is the perfect time imo!

While the plot wasn't totally surprising and we all know how it's going to end, I would say the behind the scenes stuff was different and more indepth than I expected. I really enjoyed how Declan had, not really an excuse, but understandable reasons as to why he was the way he was with relationships. And Avery's background really added to the person she was. Declan's issues were the most successful for me though. It felt very genuine.

I loved these two characters together so thankfully they were together a lot! The chemistry between them in all forms of their relationship worked great. And that is something Hunting does well, her characters have great chemistry which is half the battle! She also writes great dialogue and steam!

Thank you to @stmartinspress for a copy in exchange for an honest review!

This ARC was offered in exchange of an honest and unbiased review:
•
4*
Pros: Belly-warming new adult romance, filled with deep friendship, healthy family relationships and wholesome moments. Deals with physical trauma after a life-altering accident. Features a beautiful and deep friendship, full of love and support. Interesting and entertaining MCs and cast. Also includes a healthy amount of spice 😉
.
Cons: Dialogues and interactions, although healthy and goals-like, are not realistic at all. Last chapters felt forced and too much of a reach.
.
Trigger warning: Car crash, debilitating physical injuries.

I enjoyed Avery and Declan's friends-to-lovers story. This book has a dash of Helena Hunting's trademark humor and a whole lot of heart.

Avery and Declan have been friends since college and roommates for several years. When Avery is injured, Declan becomes her primary caregiver, which leads to some intimate situations. All of that intimacy and togetherness also leads to the discovery of feelings.

I'm excited that this is the first in a series as each Spark sister definitely needs a happily ever after.

I received a review copy of this book via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

I have loved HH's books in the past and best friends who fall in love is a favorite storyline of mine so I was excited to give this one a try.
I liked the first half of the book okay but had trouble relating to Avery a bit ( I'm a mood reader so it may have just been me) but also there was some moments that felt rushed and a little unbelievable to me. Also, one of Avery's sisters is a bit annoying and I don't know...this one was just a miss for me.
I think if the beginning hadn't been so rushed and we had more of a slow burn with the relationship between D & A I might have enjoyed it more.

I've read a bunch of her hockey books, and when I saw this was a friend's to lovers, I jumped to read it. I definitely enjoyed it. I'm trying not to spill too much, but there were some typical romance things, but then a little not so typical. With friends to lovers being my absolute favorite trope, I can understand how others might not enjoy this one quite as much as I did, but will still appreciate it. It's a funny, emotional, a little sad, a lot sweet, well rounded love story.

I am a huge sucker for the friends to lovers trope and Helena Hunting blows it out of the park with this one!
The story focuses on Avery who is manifesting her best life while living with her best friend. From working at a boutique hotel that she runs with her two sisters to her favorite evening activities of sports and being active she is on top of the world. When a tragic accident leaves her needing more help than she bargained for her best friend Declan steps up to the plate and well...we all know where that can lead.
This story is packed with witty one liners, sweet sentiment, and the cutest of backstories. Avery makes for the perfect lead character and Declan is the man of everyone's dreams!

I absolutely adore the writing of Helena Hunting.

When Sparks Fly is a friends to lovers story on steroids!

Avery and Declan have been friends since college and over the years they’ve been through a lot together. They’re living together after pooling their resources and buying a condo. When Avery gets injured and needs help recuperating, Declan insists he will be there every step of the way. Their closeness during this period leads feelings to surface, chemistry which is difficult to ignore, and attraction they can’t deny while also not wanting to risk their friendship.

How far are they going to take this?

Just how far should they go?

Can they come back from this?

Will they want to?

Declan, although intensely loyal is also relationship adverse, and this is likely to cause problems. Especially when Avery realises she doesn’t just love him, she’s in love with him..

I loved the story, the characters, and the feelings!!

Avery seems to have her life together. She runs the Spark House event space with her sisters. She has a great set of guy friends, including Declan her roommate and best friend. And she has a hot date and the perfect dress.

And then there was a serious car accident that left her barely able to take care of herself. Her roomie and bestie, Declan, offered to care of her. However, both Avery and Declan start to realize that the line between best friend and caretaker is starting to blur. Can they successfully move on from best friends to something more?

I absolutely loved this sweet story of friendship to love. Avery was a fun and likeable character and I quickly was invested in her character and her changing relationship with Declan. The story was sweet and well-written, and I am definitely be looking forward to reading future books from this author!

Sweet friends to lovers romance

Helena Hunting has written another beautiful story that pulled at my heartstrings, made me laugh, and had me very frustrated. A friends to lovers romance that explores a friendship before making it more. Avery Spark and Declan McCormick have been friends since college, but what happens when it turns to something more? Will a deerper relationship ruin what they once had?

"I can't deny this attraction anymore. More than that, I don't want to."

Avery and Declan are roomies, living in a condo they own together. With multiple common interests, they are the perfect friends. However, all of that is about to change. Avery is involved in a car accident and Declan becomes her fulltime carer, in every aspect. Spending all of their time together, 24 hours a day 7 days a week for weeks on end, soon brings on a change in the dynamics of their relationship. Time together brings them even closer, but is this because of their current situation, or is it because feelings have always existed but buried? Declan holds on to a lot of guilt over Avery's accident because he should have been with her, but jealousy prevented that. Declan does everything to help Avery in her recovery, in fact things become heated between them. What will happen when Avery recovers and no longer needs Declan's care? Will their relationship meet walls they cannot climb, or will they find happiness together?

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

Avery and Declan likeable and relatable characters. It was an emotional read with what they both had suffered during their childhood. Avery was able to, somewhat, move on from her tragedy, yet Declan still carries the baggage of his past with him, allowing it to affect his thoughts on relationships, mostly to his detriment. I adored Avery, a strong, feisty, loyal and independent woman who always puts others before herself, especially her sisters. Declan has his troubles, yes they do get the better of him and damage his friendship with Avery, but he redeems himself in the sweetest way possible, but will it be enough to keep Avery in his life?

I really enjoyed this book. Ms. Hunting's writing ensures that it was one I couldn't put down. With two likeable main characters, two funny best friends and two wonderful sisters, this story had everything in it and going for it. The ending was just so sweet that it truly summed up how much Avery and Declan meant to one another. WHEN SPARKS FLY has become my favourite Helena Hunting book.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE STARS ✨✨✨✨✨

Harlequin Junkie Recommends!

Helena Hunting's newest flirty romance, When Sparks Fly, was aptly named because boy didn't things get sizzling hot between best friends--who were also roommates--when they decided to give a relationship a try.

It's no secret that I'm a fan of well-told friends to lovers romances. And Helena Hunting had a solid storyline, likable yet flawed characters, and a good amount of real emotions in this book. There was also an interesting backstory for both Avery and Declan in regard to how Declan was raised, and a tragedy that befell Avery's family. It explained a lot about their relationship hang ups. And it was unfortunately part of what caused some of the friction between Declan and Avery as they tried to navigate their friendship-turned-romance.

It was a lot of fun getting to know all of the cast. Avery was athletic, great with people, adored her sisters, and was a wonderful asset to their family business, Spark House. Some of the events Hunting created for them to host...oh my word did they make me laugh. And I have a feeling that the antics were probably based on true events, which made it even funnier. (lol)

Declan was a smart guy who worked in finance, was also athletic, and was fairly laid back. He was definitely a charmer. And was the king of casual hookups--nothing too emotional for him. I'll be honest that it was Declan I became the most frustrated with over time, but it was one of those situations where as a reader I knew it would work out and had to see where Hunting took his part of the story. I'm so glad I persevered because I loved the ending. The grand gesture fit Avery and Declan to a T and had a swoony feel to it that gets me every time. *sigh*

If you are looking for a heartwarming Friends to Lovers story, then When Sparks Fly is right up your alley.

When we meet Declan and Avery, they are longtime best friends and roommates. A car accident changes the status quo and long buried feeling surface that slowly shifts their relationship from friends to “more.”

I genuinely liked Declan and Avery. I found their friendship to be refreshing and appreciated the slow build as they both struggled with their revealed feelings. The approach taken to the “conflict” of the story was also one that I felt respected the value both characters placed on their friendship and having a successful resolution.

When Sparks Fly does double duty. Not only do we see the romantic story of Avery and Declan, we also get to know Avery’s sisters and the small group of friends that surround both Declan and Avery. I am definitely looking forward to seeing what Ms Hunting has in store for Avery’s sisters!

This was a fun story, a friends to lover trope that I enjoyed. Avery Spark is living her dream, running her family's hotel/event center known as Spark House. She works with her two younger sisters and it is now a premiere place to have events in Colorado Springs. She loves working with her sisters, has a great group of friends, and lives in a fantastic condo with her best friend Declan. She is very happy, but is missing a love life. On her way to an activity at her alma mater, that her and Declan were supposed to attend together, she is in a car accident that leaves her immobile and almost an invalid for several weeks. Declan is feeling guilty as well as scared that he almost lost Avery, that he offers to take care of her during her recovery. He arranges to work from home, so he is there 24/7. As he takes care of her and her needs, their friendship begins to shift into something more.

I really enjoyed this story. The characters were all wonderful, from Avery to Declan, Avery's sisters and the group from college that they met with regularly. The back story is that Avery dated Declan's best friend while in college and something happened where that friendship ended and Avery and Declan became roomies as well as inheriting the guys. There is a lot of humour, sexual tension and banter in this one that I loved. The relationships in the story, both family and friendships were amazing. Considering there is a lot of sexual activity, I was surprised I enjoyed this book as much as I did. I tend to be a bit prudish, but this was such a fun story, that I just went with it. I will say that the ending was predictable, but it didn't diminish my enjoyment of the story. I do recommend this one to those who enjoy a good friends to lovers romance and do not have issue with open door romance.

Absolutely adorable story! Best friends to lovers with a lot of steam. The build up was just glorious. The relationship between the sisters was so beautiful. A true family, protecting and defending. The conflict really hurt my heart, I really wanted to smack some sense in the H. But I’m glad he took the time to work through his problems and get to the root cause. I think the relationship was stronger for it. As always, Helena reels you in and gives you that hard won HEA you expect from her.

I liked the first half quite a bit and found it cute. However, some of the characters can get annoying, especially towards the end. I do like how much emphasis recent romances like this one are putting on therapy though. The issues are actually dealt with in a way that is much more realistic than the idea that just falling in love will fix past trauma.

Avery is focused on one thing, Spark House, The hotel and event space that has been in the family for years. She runs it with her sisters and puts all her energy into making it a success and growing the business. She's the athletic client focused sister and definitely is not girlie girl. She'd rather hang out with the guys after a soccer game throwing back beers that get all glammed up. Even her roommate is a guy, Her best friend Declan. They have been friends since college.
Declan is relationship adverse, You would be two of you grew up with his nightmare of parents. Nothing with too much to get back and dig into the heart of the other, let's just call them toxic and they shaped his view in the very dysfunctional relationship. But the one person he's always been dependable for is Avery. They are each others rocks, until a horrible accident sends turmoil into their lives. Decisions were made and ultimately Avery is left broken, battered and with months of healing and rehab. Declan steps up and decides amends can be made with helping Avery do everything. Until everything becomes so much more and lines are crossed that can't be taken back. And the decision to be more comes with so many more layers than they ever expected.

~3.5 Star Review ~

I did enjoy When Sparks Fly and the reason I could not give a full four stars was only because I could not stick with the story. I loved the idea, I love the author to pieces, but the story did not make me fully fall for the story line. The characters had their back story - but I could not connect the dots. This does not mean that others won't love this book. I am sure they will. It just did not fully for me.

I still recommend other readers to read When Sparks Fly. See if this is your cup of tea. What I love about the book community is that we all have our own likes and dislikes. But we still support each other. I love Helena Hunting and look forward to her next book.

A bad decision has life changing effects in this tale of best friends to lovers!

Avey and Declan have been best friends since Avery dated Declans BF in college. These two have even purchased a condo together. Nothing romantic has every came up between them and Avery has always been seen as one of the guys… that is until she isn’t…

Realizing that Avery might eventually meet someone and their perfect existence will be over creates a chain reaction of bad decision making by Declan that results in Avery getting into a terrible car accident… she needs constant care and as the one who put her in the situation, Declan insists on being her full-time caregiver until she is able to take care of herself. The close contact and the intimate situations they find themselves in evolve into more that a caregiver relationship and into a girlfriend /boyfriend situation.

But there are reasons why these two never got together earlier and when their past comes back for them, they find they have what it takes to make this relationship work outside the sickroom or loose everything.

I enjoyed this story and seeing Declan and Avery realize their attraction and feelings for each other and eventually act upon it. The catalyst for their coming together was really dramatic and places Declan in a pretty deep hole to climb out of as the hero of the story. I felt that he did in my opinion and I appreciated that later work he puts into himself in order to be ready and worthy of a relationship.

Overall I enjoyed both Avery and Declan and found myself very invested in the outcome of their relationship.

I listened to this in audiobook form and the dual narrator easy to listen to and handy for navigating the changes in narration. Both narrators had good pacing and complemented each other. The narration was well done and really helped bring Avery and Declan’s story to life.

When Sparks Fly by Helena Hunting is scheduled to release September 21st, 2021.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin’s and the audiobook from Macmillan Audio through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#WhenSparksFly #HelenaHunting #Netgalley #pinkcowlandreads