I am a huge fan of Helena Hunting's books, and after I read book one in the Spark House series, When Sparks Fly, I knew that Helena had another hit series. So when I got to read book two, Starry-Eyed Love I knew one chapter in that I was hooked again. I loved Jackson and London as the lead characters, in particular I loved their series of false starts as a couple, Jackson asks her out, she says no, she asks him out, he says no, back and forth. I don't know particularly why I enjoyed that so much, but I did.
The one thing about this book that I did not care for was London's sister Avery. Avery was the protagonist of When Sparks Fly and I loved her, but in this book she was kinda insufferable. Like we knew she was a workaholic from When Sparks Fly, but this was an extreme. She would shut down London and Harley whenever they had any sort of suggestion for the family hotel. If they suggested hiring more help she would accuse them of wanting out of the business. Some of that was probably fear of change, and not wanting to let down the memory of their parents but I still found it just so annoying. I'm hoping that for Harley's book Avery has mellowed out more than she had by the end of the book.
Avery Spark has just broken up with her latest boyfriend, and while she's not heartbroken over it she isn't ready to jump back into dating just yet. Especially after her sisters kindly let her know that she changes when she's dating someone she's serious London instead of fun London. So when a hot stranger, Jackson, asks her out at a bar she lies and says she's in a relationship. The only issue is that several weeks later she runs into him again... and he's the CEO of a company that could help the family hotel grow... London can't help but feel an attraction to him and confesses her white lie to him but Jackson has a policy not to date business partners. As they prepare for the charity event that their throwing together grows closers, so do Jackson and London...
Jackson Holt has never felt an instant connection with another person before he met London in a bar, and when she turned him down he accepted her rejection. So when she unexpectedly shows up at his office for a business meeting he's floored. But unfortunately he has a policy not to date business partners, so he has to turn her down when she asks him out after they meet again. But he's determined to show London that he cares about her in small ways, so that when they no longer are working with one another directly they can start a relationship...

In a return to Spark House, Starry-Eyed Love is the second book in this romantic comedy series and it's London Sparks story. Having just broken up with her boyfriend, she's sworn off men and goes out with her sisters to celebrate and she dismisses an attractive man hitting on her in the bar.

Fast forward and London finds herself working with Jackson Holt, the man who approached her at the bar. They become business associates, and well it's a romantic comedy, so you can pretty much guess what's going to happen between these two. I was really glad that this relationship takes a while to build and grow.

There's some nice banter between these two as well to keep things light and fluffy. There is some conflict and the story does rely on the usual miscommunication for this.

This was a cute romance that works if you are in the mood for something not too heavy, with a sense of humor and a light touch.

Wonderful story.
First and second meeting of London and Jackson, epic. Loved it very much.
Loved the storyline.

Helena writes some of the best steam out there, but did you know that she also writes the most hilarious and swoony stories too? If that is your thing, I promise you won’t be disappointed. I love the Spark sisters and their relationship. They are fierce, driven, boss ladies. But when the right one comes around, they fall fast and hard. I love the forced proximity trope of this story. Co-workers just trying to fight the pull, it is EVERYTHING!

Fate played a chance in meeting again. Love and patience would heal them both so they could finally embrace life. One moment defined their future and meeting again would be a priceless gift.

I loved the first book in this series about the Spark sisters, When Sparks Fly. And so I’ve been eagerly awaiting this second book in the series. And as much as I loved the first cover, I think this one is even better! The story itself was just as good as the first one as well, but different. While both had truly darkest night moments at the end, this one wasn’t as devastating to me as the first one. Because even though I understood London’s reasons for being upset, and knew she was right, I also knew that she could overcome it much easier with some reasonable things done.

The author also brought in some characters from her Shacking Up series, which I have not finished all of those yet. The sister dynamic in this was great because even with how they were there for each other, there was definitely realistic sister stubbornness as well as letting sister get away with things when one thought it wasn’t worth pushing anymore, but then also letting those feelings fester until they blew up.

In a way this was a bit of a Cinderella story, not exactly, but a little bit, so it was fun when that was even mentioned by the characters. I also loved the idea of all the stars that London made, and her Etsy store, all of that was so neat. Now I did have one thing that I wasn’t sure about, the whole bit about there being seasons of the tv show Survivor that were like model competitions. I mean I guess there was one or two seasons where it seemed all the “pretty people” were being kept. But that has changed. And even those pretty people are never still that pretty by the end of that show. They’re all pretty much starving almost down to skin and bones, maybe what they called the heroin-chic models?

I digress, this was a great book, and I loved it!

5 He’s the Spark She’s Been Missing Stars!!!

I’ve been waiting for London’s story since I finished When Sparks Fly and I’m so in love with London and Jackson!!

London wasn’t looking for love the first time she met Jackson when she was out with her sisters after her recent breakup. But fate has a way of intervening in our lives and Jackson is back in her life in the most unexpected of ways and this time, he’s not going to take “no” for an answer… his attraction to London hasn’t waned one bit and now that they’ll be spending a lot of time together planning his event, he’ll do whatever needs to be done to convince London to give him a chance!

This book captured my heart from the very first page and I loved seeing their love begin to grow and how much London realized it’s okay to love and have a life that’s outside of Spark House. It doesn’t take away from her relationship with her sisters and the business they’re putting their heart and soul into. And oh Jackson is my kind of man… tall, handsome oozing chemistry and so confident when it comes to anything in his life… from business to his determination to make London his!

I devoured this book from beginning to end. The story moves effortlessly and is beautiful in how their love grows. This book is also a turning point for Avery, London and Harley and the future of their business. There are some tense moments between the sisters, but the strength of their relationship carries them forward and past these tiffs allowing them to realize in order to grow to what they want, changes need to be made.

Overall, this book is all the things I love about Ms. Hunting’s writing and I highly encourage you to read this series!!

London and her two sisters are third generation owners and operators of Spark House. They want to advance their operations and they just might now have the opportunity with Holt Media. As London is in charge of presentations, she is working on her presentation as she was given short notice of the upcoming meeting. As she is setting up and ready to present, Jackson Holt, CEO of Holt Media walks into the room. As he wasn’t expected, would her presentation go as planned? To back up, London and Jackson met several months ago but their names were never exchanged. He paid for her and her sisters drinks and ask her to go out which she declined. Now he looks like an entirely different man. Gone are the torn jeans, tea shirt, and beard. It doesn’t take her long to remember him though. As they work together, their attraction grows but Jackson is determined to keep anything personal on hold until their business relationship is over and that won’t be until the auction is concluded. As Jackson is very wealthy, he is also weary as so many women in the past have been after his money and not the man. He doesn’t believe that about London but he also doesn’t totally open up about his past. Will that come back to bite him? There is so much more to this story but I know if you read it you won’t be disappointed, I know I wasn’t.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a complimentary copy.

This is a Romance, and this is the second book in the Spark House series. This is London's romance, and I really loved getting to know her character. This book was a cute romance with some steamy times, but it had great characters that fit together so well. I really love the cute banter between the two main characters. I love the mix of romance and business in this book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (St. Martin's Griffin) or author (Helena Hunting) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

Loved this!!! Author Helena Hunting brought the emotions out strong in this story. Love & loss, fear & regret, misunderstandings & forgiveness are what this story represents. Jackson & London have both lost beloved parents & are both afraid to give their complete heart, but as Jackson wears down London they both fall hard. Misunderstandings & incomplete truths tear them apart just as they’re starting. Now forgiveness is all that’s left as they try to move forward with their relationship. I enjoyed the chase Jackson gave for London’s attention, even when he tried not to & I enjoyed the capture of the heart as they each realize the truth of their love. I also enjoyed the build up to Avery & Declan’s wedding, as well as the swift growth of Spark House. This story had many aspects running through it that kept us involved & hooked needing to know what was going to happen next. Definitely recommend. Thank you the publisher & Net Galley for letting me read this book for an honest review.

Oh how I loved Helena Hunting!!! THis was such an entertaining, appealing, and wonderful novel and had some great humor tossed in. I really enjoyed the fun banter between the two main characters. I also liked the mix of romance and business in this book. I can't wait to read more in this series!!

4.5 Just Right Stars
* * * * 1/2 Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
This is a terrific series. It has family, charm, enough conflict, and wonderful romance.

Charm oozes and that is something to value. We have fun meets, the way the story evolves, and lots of heart.

A Win-Win for me.

I really enjoyed the story of sister #2, London Spark, and our Hero, Jackson Holt. London and her two sisters, Avery (When Sparks Fly) and Harley took over the running of their family's boutique hotel after their grandmother retired. When London first meets our Hero in a bar after a night of drinking with her sisters, "post-camping trip Jackson" approaches their table asking London on a date. Fresh from a breakup, she turns Jackson down, and doesn't readily recognize him when their paths cross again in a business meeting. Attraction between the two continue to spark, but because they're working on a fundraiser together, they agree to not pursue a romantic relationship until it's done. I found it refreshing that these two acted as mature and business-responsible adults. Of course, the buildup to that first kiss was totally worth the wait!
Helena Hunting has done a fabulous job with this series creating unique and endearing personalities for each of the sisters. I can't wait to see the Hero she has lined up for Harley!

This was such a cute story! I actually ended up reading most of this book in one day because I kept wanting to know what was going to happen next. Very cute romcom with some steamy moments thrown in there.

London is a great main character and I found her to be very relatable. She’s just trying to find her groove in life while also trying to make everyone around her happy. She’s shut herself off from real relationships because of family trauma. Her sisters are her best friends. It all had such a wholesome feel to it.

I also loved Jackson as the love interest!! He was such a sweet person (not to mention successful and charming). There were a few chapters that were written from his point of view, but I definitely would’ve loved more of those!

I received this book as part of a book tour on Instagram. I have posted this review on Goodreads and on my Bookstagram account (@janinesbookcorner).

Starry-Eyed Love (Spark House #2) was a great read by Helena Hunting. London Spark just broke up with her boyfriend and is not in the mood to be hit on. On the night that she's celebrating her single status with her sister, a very attractive man slips her his number when he pays for their drinks. She tells him no thanks and that she has a boyfriend. London is more worried about bringing in new clientele to their family's event hotel, the Spark House. A few months later, a multi-million dollar company asks for a meeting to discuss a potential partnership. She thinks she has landed the deal when the man who asked her out months ago walks into the meeting. Their working relationship quickly becomes more. I enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to read more by the author.

This is the sweetest cover! I really just love everything about it. Starry-Eyed Love in the second of a trilogy of books about the three Spark sisters. London and her sisters run a family event hotel in Colorado Springs. They’re approached by a big company for a potential partnership in what could be a huge deal for their boutique hotel. It’s a tricky season for the sisters, who have differing opinions on what the future could look like for the business.

When the company’s CEO interrupts London’s presentation for the partnership, she realizes with horror that she’s actually met–and turned down– his advances months ago. She eventually clears the air with Jackson– making sure he knows it was an issue of poor timing more than anything. The two proceed with a friendship and working relationship that evolves into something deeper the closer they get. If you like a Cinderella-ish story with the billionaire trope thrown in, this might be a good fit for you.

There were some cute parts, but overall it’s just not a story that won over my heart. I do love many of Helena Hunting’s books, but I think I prefer her rom-coms. Miscommunication is my absolute least favorite thing in a story, and this had a lot of it. I did not read the first in the series, and I don’t think I’ll read the third. I think this is very much a "it's not you, it's me" situation. (Or maybe my own case of poor timing :)) I know several fellow readers who fell head over heels for the story!

Thanks to SMP Romance for an eARC for a book tour with Let’s Talk Books promo.

Thank you to NetGalley and St.Martin’s Press for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved When Sparks Fly and I was excited to read this one about London, the middle sister but unfortunately I was wasn’t connecting with this book as I did with When Sparks Fly. I was skimming through most of it until the 65% mark where I found it picked up in my opinion. The highlight of this book for me was the characters who popped up from her Shacking Up series and it made me want to re-read that series!

I love Jackson and London. She is hardworking and loves her sisters so much. She doesn't love her job so much, but she loves working with her sisters. Jackson is a guy who makes everything he does become a success. He can help London and her sisters with their business, but he really wants to date her. As their business relationship evolves into more, London is sure that he is the one. Jackson has people telling him that she may just be after his money. He doesn't think so. When London overhears a conversation, she realizes that Jackson hasn't been completely honest with her and isn't sure she can trust him. Can they get past that and make a life together? He has a life in New York, and she has a life in Colorado. How can they be together?

Starry-Eyed Love is the second book by Helena Hunting in her stand-alone books, although I would say she has a great new Spark House series going. While the first book focused on eldest sister Avery, this book is about middle sister London. London balances a lot for the business, financial and creative, but the creative aspect is where her interest lies. However, the financial aspect uses up much of her bandwidth as well as dealing with clients, leaving little for what she truly wants to do.

When London represents the company with a pitch to Holt Media and their green operations initiative, and CEO Jackson Holt decides to sit in when he sees she is the lady that shot him down three months earlier, he is serious and stiff until he realizes she is all he thought she would be.

The story follows the happenings in the following months, the highs and lows as her family business grows and her personal life flourishes. With the ins and outs of this new relationship and the outside forces at play, this is a delightful rom-com. I very much enjoyed this book and series, I do recommend it, and I hope the series will continue with Harley’s story!

Tropes: workplace romance, kinda second chance, cinderella vibes.

Months ago London Spark turned down a handsome man just because she was just getting out of a relationship. She and her sisters just needed to focus on their family-runned inn, and now London is getting calls from a multi-million dollar company that wants to partner with Spark House, and guess who the CEO is? exactly! Jackson Holt, the man from bar. They never exchanged names, so this new meeting was pure coincidence, almost as if the stars wanted to bring them together when the time was right.

I really loved this book because it was so charming and full of cinderella vibes. There were so many sparks between London and Jackson, but they had to wait because working on a project together made it a bit off limits, so the slowburn and tension was palpable in the air, and once all bets were off? they couldn't keep their hands off each other.

There was also a classic drama when one half of the relationship is famous, so if you like angst, here it is! Also, this can be read as a standalone but if you happen to read the first book When Sparks Fly , then you will be surprised to find a slightly different sister relationship here, with more downs than ups, but in the end they are so close and they only have each other, so they end up solving any problem together after a few tears.