I received this book complimentary from NetGalley but all opinions are my own.

Ugh. Helena Hunting is just one of my absolute favorite authors. Every books just hits so well. This is no exception. Avery and Declan are both great characters. I really liked the story and the build-up. The climax was great. Just the whole thing was great. Just another fantastic read.

Avery is one strong compassionate loving woman. Declan is one complicated messed up amazing man. Declan has baggage from his childhood. He doesn’t do serious relationships. They have been friends sense collage. Loved the back and fourth between them. Loved there complete openness with each other. They always have each other’s best interest in mind.could not put this book down.

I'm a huge fan of Helena Hunting so I was immediately excited to read this. It kind of reminded of the Clipped Wings series, albeit with less tattoos and sweets :) I liked the development of Avery and Declan's friendship and relationship in the story. The story unfolded organically and wasn't formulaic or boring. The steamy scenes was just steamy enough :) Overall, I enjoyed it and hope it leads to more tales with some of the secondary characters.

Helena Hunting has written some of my favorite romcoms. When Sparks Fly had a premise that caught my attention, and I’m so glad to have the opportunity to review it (thanks Netgalley!).

The opening scene from this book had me cackling out loud. Avery runs Spark House along with her sisters, and this event location is quite different from the classic one you may picture. While they do hold the traditional dinners and parties, they also cater to outdoors events such as the hobbyhorse event we read about in the first few pages. Avery says it best:

“Honestly, no one would believe the weirdness I deal with on a daily basis.”

As for her friend group, Avery’s been “one of the boys” for years now. She met her best friend Declan in college and two other guys made up their friend group. With a love for sports and the outdoors and a dislike for primping and dresses, she fit right into their group dynamic. However, that starts to change following a horrible accident that leaves Avery in need of help. As Avery and Declan get closer, challenges start to get in the way of their relationship and both of them are forced to reflect and work on their individual and collective struggles. The rebuilding of their relationship was very well done. The author didn’t have them just talk once or twice then be totally fine—it was a defined process of talking to communicate needs and fears, therapy sessions, and time spent together but separate (read the book to find out what I mean by this). The development of their relationship was so strong and it felt very real compared to others.

I really enjoyed this book, but not all of the characters were likable. I think the author wanted us to love Avery’s sisters, but it fell short and they ended up being unimportant side characters that were annoying most of the time. Their roles in the company were over explained to the point where it got confusing at times. One of her sisters insisted on hiding business information from Avery, but later blew up on her for being “self-absorbed.” All in all, I just preferred reading about Avery with Declan over all the other scenes.

A good read! I’m always a friends to lovers fan. Avery and Declan have been friends for years. A terrible accident changes the course of their relationship. They each have to work through some pretty challenging circumstances throughout the book. I love their friendship and the effort they put in to make their relationship work in the end.

Such a delightful book! I really liked Avery and Declan as a friend pod and as a couple. And I really appreciated that the end wasn't just Character Screws Up, Stews About it For a Period of Time, and then Apologizes before a HEA. The characters do the work to overcome their issues before the HEA, and I found that refreshing.

A great friends to lovers story. It’s always fun to read a book like When Sparks Fly and then realize the meaning of the title of this book. You will find this funny, a little sappy and a lot of true meaning when you love someone who was the best friend first. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC copy. It’s a good one!

This story is A HIT! OMG. So many favorite parts for Avery and Declan. I laughed, I cried and cheered. I loved how Dec and Avery worked hard at the end (no spoilers) and the ending had me smiling...it was all perfection.

I received this ARC for an honest review. I love Helena Hunting’s writing. She makes her characters come alive and you feel what they feel. Once you pick up one of her books, you don’t want to put it down. This story is an emotional roller coaster and I loved every second of it.
This story is about Avery and Declan. They met in college, but they were just best friends. After college, they bought a condo together. After Avery got injured (not telling how 😉), Declan became her care taker. How does their relationship change? How do they handle the changes? You need to read this book! It’s a must read!

When Sparks Fly is Hunting’s latest contemporary romance that hits all the best aspects of a friends-to-lovers romance.

Avery and Declan are best friends and have been for years. So much so that they’ve been living together for the past two years. But when Avery gets into a car accident and needs someone to take care of her 24/7, Declan steps up the challenge.

Friends-to-lovers is my favourite romance trope, so I jumped on the opportunity to review When Sparks Fly. Hunting is a go-to author for me so I knew I’d enjoy her latest.

Avery and Declan’s friendship is platonic until it’s not. I loved watching their progression and the obstacles they needed to overcome. Shifting a purely platonic friendship to something more comes with a lot of challenges, especially when one of them is notorious for their hookups.

Avery and Declan have similar tastes, so they became friends quickly. They’re both athletic and career driven. However, their stances on relationships couldn’t be more different. Avery prefers more stable relationships while Declan prefers emotion-free hookups. This creates great tension and conflict between Avery and Declan.

I could see where the conflict was going to stem from from a mile away. Hunting makes it obvious throughout the novel. Though this obstacle is obvious, I’m happy that it was dealt with relatively quickly without any unnecessary drama.

Overall, When Sparks Fly is a fun and emotional friends-to-lovers contemporary romance that will have readers swooning in no time. I’ve never read a romance like this before, so I appreciated this unique spin.

Gahhhhh this one just about killed me.
Pulled an all nighter because I couldn't put it down.
Love love love Avery and Declan ❤️
Read

I received an advance copy of, When Sparks Fly, by Helena Hunting. This book was good, but it was boring and slow at times.

For the most part, I enjoyed this story. Declan and Avery are interesting characters who make you want to root for them throughout the book.

However, I can't give it a higher rating than a strong three stars for a few reasons. First, I was uncomfortable with the way the book started and almost set it aside. I worried that the book was going to be about a bunch of oddballs who like to participate in hobby horsing, and that was a huge turn-off. Once I realized that was just a ploy to get my attention, I soldiered on, but it was still with some trepidation. I can't recommend that for a way to open a book. I didn't see the humor in this at all. It was just kind of cringe-worthy.

I found the writing to be annoyingly repetitive throughout the entire book. While I understand the need to underscore certain elements of the story, I don't need to read about them over and over in virtually the same language. It seemed a lot like padding at certain places and in others as if the author was stuck for where to go, so she repeated herself.

The other major problem I had with the book is that the ending seemed very drawn-out and frankly boring. I get that the characters had a lot to deal with before finding their way back, but it didn't have the ring of truth to it. I've never been in therapy, so I have no idea what a therapist would recommend, but Declan's actions seemed out of character to me. Or at least MY perception of his character. Others may disagree. I'm sure the author had a personality in mind that she illustrated with her writing.

If the beginning and the end had been as strong as the middle of the book, this would have been a solid 4-star read. I'd like to say 5-star, but the lack of heat was pretty disappointing. I understand this is my preference speaking, and may not be the point of view others will share. A little more originality would have also gone a long way.

The best parts about the book revolve around how the author can evoke feelings from the reader. That was all done quite well. I loved the loyalty shown among the friends too, even though the relationship counseling from Declan's male friends seemed pretty unrealistic. I also enjoyed that Avery had to realize some truths about her own behavior, and it wasn't all Declan's fault. Kudos there.

All in all, it was a good book, but not memorable.

Thank you for the ARC. My opinions are my own and are freely given.

Loved Avery and Declan! Spark House is Avery’s passion. She loves running it with her sisters. Declan is her best friend and her roommate in the condo they share. A tragic accident causes things to shift. Can these two navigate the crossover into love? A lot of obstacles stand in the way. This book has all the feels! Crossword puzzles, movies, friends, and even a blow up doll! Helena’s books are the best!

This was a cute friends to lovers romance. I loved how realistic it was and how it depicted a real relationship. I definitely felt the chemistry between Avery and Declen and was rooting for them from the beginning.
It was a sweet romance I would definitely recommend.

SPARKS CAN BURN YOU - A review of "When Sparks Fly" by Helena Hunting

Avery and Declan have been best friends since college so co-owning a condo was a natural progression of their relationship. Their careers are separate but most everything else is an extension of their friendship. That is, until Declan forgets his promise to drive Avery to her alumni reunion. He forgot because he over imbibed and brought his date home and now he's hung over. On her way to the reunion Avery is rear-ended and the next time Declan sees her is in the ICU, her athletic little body battered and broken. He is consumed with worry and yes, guilt that his best friend is suffering because he failed her. So he sets about trying to atone for his sins by taking care of Avery himself, even though her two sisters want to bring her home to Spark House, the event destination the three sisters own and operate.

Declan and Avery are forced to confront their mutual feelings because of the intimacy of their respective roles, his as caregiver and hers as the patient. As her recovery progresses, it isn't long before the lines between them blur to where they are all but indistinguishable. Forced to acknowledge their feelings for each other they glory in their new emotional bond until their pasts get in the way and complicate the situation. Can Declan get beyond the horrible example set by his parents?  Is there nothing Avery can do to salvage their friendship and avoid the train wreck their relationship is heading for?

I've read several of Helena Hunting's novels and loved them all but "When Sparks Fly" is in my opinion, the best so far. It is so much more than your run-of-the-mill Rom Coms. The characters come to life and feel like old friends now. The witty dialogue is sometimes laugh out loud funny and at times, moving in its poignancy. I laughed and cried and commiserated with both Declan and Avery as they confront their feelings and cope with the reality of their relationship and the bigger fear of losing their best friend.

Hunting's writing is always fresh and original and that originality shines in this friends to lovers story.  Even though the three sisters in business together in destination and event planning has been done before, it merely serves as a backdrop to the real plot which is the development and evolution of Avery and Declan's relationship. The characters are refreshingly complex and as likely to mess up and make poor decisions as you and I are and we love them in spite of their foibles. And did I mention the sexy love scenes? Ooh la la! Careful you don't get too close 'cause "When Sparks Fly" you could get burned. Four and a half stars.

The expected publication date is September 21, 2021 so check with your favorite bookseller and reserve a copy. This is one you don't want to miss. My thanks to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an Advanced Readers Copy. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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What a cute story about Avery and Declan who have been best friends since college. When Avery is in a bad car accident, and Declan offers to help take care of her while she recovers. Grant it they live together and so it makes sense that she be at home and he is there so why not.... well, except that when you need more help and think you may be developing feelings for your best friend that aren't soo friendly
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I’ll be honest I have read quite a few books by Helena Hunting so when When Sparks Fly found it’s way to my kindle I expected to be reading a hot and steamy hockey book. What I received couldn’t be further from that thought. I received a book about loss, undiscovered love, friendship, and a lot of personal growth. I found a book that had me invested into Declan and Avery.

Hunting brought her A game and then some to this friends to lovers book. You could see the love from the beginning but the twists and turns are so realistic that this reader felt like she was hanging out with friends. Helena was able to put me in with a group of tight friends, that while we have nothing in common, I truly enjoyed being around and watch their lives unfold.

This story is one that will draw you in and keep you there until the last word. You root for the main characters. The flow is flawless, which as a fan of Hunting’s work, you expect. Her characters show growth, both separately and together. I truly enjoyed When Sparks fly, from beginning to end.

When Sparks Fly by H. Hunting, published by St. Martin's Press/ St. Martin's Griffin, is a stand-alone romance.
Avery Sparks is one of three sisters who are running the Top Destination Hotel in Colorado Springs and she's living her dream, her best life. When tragedy changes a lot for her, her family and her friends, things become complicated.
Declan is her best friend since college. They're roommates, they simply get each other. Annnd then , when he becomes her caretaker, things get complicated, more and more.
When Sparks Fly is an outstanding, can't put down anymore read.
A slow burn with characters emotions I could feel through the pages. This is a marathon, not a sprint for Avery and Declan. And this is a highly entertaining, fantastic read for moí.

I went into this book totally blind. All I saw was that Helena Hunting wrote it, so I wanted to read it. I was surprised by the emotional turn this story took (grieving the death of parents, dealing with abandonment issues, & also how to recover physically & mentally from a near-death accident). This romance took the whole “forced proximity” to a new level! I was 100% here for the sexual tension between these two best friends, but it was the unexpected emotional journey that kept me turning the pages.

Fans of HH will definitely devour this one, & I hope you’ll be pleasantly surprised the way I was