Member Reviews
4.5☆
I enjoyed revisiting the Spark sisters.
What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Dual POVs
Part of a series: Spark House
Standalone
HEA
Epilogue
I look forward to reading Harley's story.
J'étais totalement tombée sous le charme du premier opus de cette série et c'est avec plaisir que j'ai retrouvé les 3 soeurs qui composent cette fameuse maison Spark ( étincelles en anglais ) . Je ressors encore une fois séduite , décidément Helena Hunting parvient à chaque fois à me plaire ...
En effet, on retrouve London , la soeur la moins " fun" de ce trio , celle qui gère l'administratif même si ce n'est pas spécialement son truc, celle dont le côté créatif et sa manie des étoiles en origami... J'ai absolument adoré ce personnage qui fait passer sa famille avant tout le reste et même avant elle. Elle est pourtant lucide et conserve la tête froide malgré quelques excès de ses soeurs , enfin surtout de Avery qui a tendance à faire quelques caprices dans ce tome...
Elle est entière et droite et surtout prête à tous les sacrifices pour garder sa relation familiale . Elle possède cependant du caractère dans les affaires et dans ses histoires amoureuses...
Jackson est un homme qui a réussi et qui sait ce qu'il veut. Il est droit et tente de respecter les règles qu'il s'est imposé toute sa vie même si résister à la belle London est moins facile qu'il ne l'aurait supposer. Il a souffert de l'absence de parents et a parfois fait de mauvais choix pour le côté pratique mais il cherche toujours à s'améliorer et à ne pas reproduire les erreurs d'hier...
Leur duo est une évidence et c'est pourquoi c'est aussi délicieux de les voir se débattre pour ne pas céder à la tentation et au bonheur...
En bref : Encore une fois Helena Hunting a trouvé les bons mots et surtout un duo de héros charismatiques et attachants pour me séduire. Cette romance est pleine de peps et d'émotions , elle donne le sourire et met en avant les valeurs de la famille et de la communication . Déjà hâte de découvrir l'histoire de la dernière soeur ....
Once again Helena Hunting has found the right words and especially a duo of charismatic and endearing heroes to seduce me. This romance is full of pep and emotions, it gives a smile and highlights the values of family and communication. I can't wait to discover the story of the last sister ....
This was a fun, relaxing book to read. I haven’t been reading as much as normal the last year or so but I didn’t want this one to end and was actually sad when it was over.
Helena Hunting puts out such sweet romances! I think I enjoyed this second installment in the Spark sisters series even more than the first. The book kicks off with London having just gotten out of a relationship, and she turns down a guy at the bar while she's out with her sisters. A few months later, she's trying to bag a major client for her and her sisters' hotel and event space, and the man she turned down ends up being the head of the company. Of course there's instant attraction and chemistry, but will they keep it professional or let it go farther?
I really liked London's character, or at least I found her super relatable. She had so many stressors and things piling up, and Avery, the main character in the first book, ended up being kind of terrible due to wedding planning, making it all worse. Though the sisters worked through some issues by the end, I hated seeing such a good character be a jerk-it's not unrealistic though!
Though I dislike the miscommunication/withholding information trope, the conflict moved sorta fast and was a catalyst for some other character and storyline growth, so I didn't mind it too much. Read this book if you enjoy a lot of cute chemistry between characters, romances where the guy is great and super-rich, and sister stories.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the e-ARC.
Happy Pub Day to this charming new romance by Helena Hunting! Starry Eyed Love is the second book in the Spark House series. While book one, When Sparks Fly, focuses on the relationship of Avery and Declan, Starry Eyed Love is about London, Avery’s younger sister.
I loved the chemistry between Jackson and London. There was such an openness and vulnerability to their relationship that I adored. Dual narration in romances is one of my favorite story telling devices! Getting into London and Jackson’s headspace fleshed out the story so well.
And while the steam and romantic aspect was perfection, my favorite part of the book was the running of Spark House. London experiences so much growth and I love that by the end of the story she finally achieves some work/personal life balance.
"𝘏𝘦'𝘴 𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘸𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘺 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘦. 𝘞𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘨𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺'𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴."
Candy bacon? Yes please!
𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗬-𝗘𝗬𝗘𝗗 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘 is book two in the Spark House series (after 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸𝘀 𝗙𝗹𝘆) but works as a stand alone. This charming contemporary romance centers around London, who runs Spark House, an event hotel, with her two sisters, and Jackson, a millionaire who unsuccessfully hits on London before her hotel ends up doing business with his company. Once they start working together, they try to keep things professional but end up falling for each other anyway...
London and Jackson are great characters and I loved the relationship between London and her sisters. I found the dialogue a little off-putting (everyone talked so formally!) but the story sucked me in and I was rooting for the couple. I got a 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘺 𝘞𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯 vibe a few times (minus the prostitution!) and that's always a plus in my book.
Thanks to Let's Talk Books, Get Red PR and St. Martin's Romance for the copy to review.
Starry-Eyed Love is the second title in the Spark House series, and what an emotional, slow-burn romance it turned out to be.
Being newly single after breaking up with her former boyfriend all London wanted was a girls’ night out with her sisters in celebration of her new single and perfectly okay with that status. The last thing she was interested in was a new relationship. She had a business to run and a life that needed to focus on Spark House, an event-focused hotel that had been in her family for generations. So when a handsome man buys their meal and slips her his phone number London replied with a firm no thank you… and moved on with her life. She had no idea that they would meet again under very different circumstances. Or that Jackson was exactly what their business needed, and the perfect partner she’d been looking for in her personal life.
Yet they each have a strict rule of no dating clients, no romantic entanglements on the job. Which made Starry-Eyed Love a unique romance where the focus was divided between the slowly developing feelings between London and Jackson, as well as being life/work balance strong in the delivery of their slow-burn romance. Throw in some drama with her sisters and how they don’t always agree on how to move Spark House forward and you’ll find an interesting romance with a couple who takes the slower route to love by working together, getting to know each other, and their pasts, and steadily ratcheting up the emotions, the attraction as they approach the end of the project they’re working on to the time when work no longer will be a barrier to what might be between them.
I enjoyed this couple and their story where the attraction was strong but the characters were mature enough to separate the personal from the business relationships even while still enjoying learning about each other as their personal interactions became stronger. I found them to be believable, and even though I had not read the first story in this series, the overall feeling of their story (and the sisters’ involvement) was easy to follow. But I will go back for the first story soon.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
The Spark sisters keep drawing me in, I love the close bond they share and am completely jealous of their family business! Business at Spark House is picking up and the sisters are starting to divide on what they should do about the future, it was hard not to get annoyed each time Avery would railroad her sisters. While the sisterly bond might have been filled with tension for a majority of the book, London’s chemistry with Jackson was off the charts! Jackson was awesome from the very beginning when he first spotted London in a bar and then later barged into her interview once he released it was her; his inability to stay away from her was completely swoonworthy! While the attraction was instant, London and Jackson fight to keep things professional even though it seemed like a losing battle, and I seriously enjoyed the struggle!
✨release day book review✨
Starry-Eyed Love is officially out today! And I really liked it. But let’s be real- I love everything that Helena Hunting writes.
Read this one if you love:
✨ a billionaire workplace romance
✨ slow burn with steam
✨ three hilarious sisters
✨ dual POV
I loved meeting back up with the Spark sisters for book 2 of this series. This book starts with the sisters out for drinks and London getting asked out by a very hot man. She turns him down. Well guess who she ends up working with a few months later??! Jackson, that same man. And he happens to be the CEO of the company.
I think I liked this book more than the first one. I just felt a better connection to London than I did Avery. London was just so real. She was a hard worker who would do anything for her family even though she was overwhelmed. Jackson was great too. He was charming and paid attention to London. Even though they weren’t “dating,” he could not stay away from her.
Now, I cannot wait for Harley’s book soon to wrap up the series!
This is the second installment of the Spark House Series and the second sister to find her lasting love. There is some slight humor throughout this book but the sweet slow burning chemistry is what keep the pages turning.
With Spark House growing in business each day London finds there isn't much time for extras and social life these days. It is a struggle just to keep up with her etsy story aside from the business task she carries. Just breaking up with her long time boyfriend after noticing they were in different places emotionally, she is fine to spend some time alone. When approached by a sexy man, she is surprised and tells him no. Little did she know she would run into him again.
Jackson Holt has grown his empire to something many never expected of a young man who lost so much early in life. But his business is booming and he is working so hard with the charities to make life easier for kids like him. Work has overpowered his life for a long time and he hasn't been able to find that true beauty that had drawn him in. When he does, he is now working with her and can't act on those feelings.
Will London and Jackson get a chance to see where the feeling that are sparking alive might take them? Will work and past problems stand in the way? Could their similar losses help to bring them closer to one another?
Another lovely installment of this contemporary romance series. It's so fun watching the Spark House find it's place in the highly commercial world of hotels. Excited for Harley's story.
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***
The series is about three sisters, with each sister having their own book. It’s not necessary to have read the first book, but this story does provide some spoilers for the first book.
I liked this story much better than the first book in the series. For starters, London and Jackson were likable characters. Avery’s actions in the first book were a little odd to me and she was just a selfish b*tch in this book.
London made sacrifices to be a part of the family business with her sisters, even though she isn’t completely comfortable in her role. I loved that Jackson made her think about what made her happy and encouraged her to seek that out without telling her what to do.
I loved Jackson. While he’s clearly rich, he doesn’t put off that vibe. He’s very down to earth, even though he can fly around in his private jet. I loved how smitten he was with London and encouraged her follow her own dreams.
Curious to see where Harley’s story will take is in book 3.
Helena Hunting is always great at delivering the perfect story to kick off my spring or summer reading. I love digging into an entertaining story that makes me feel happy between pages even though there is some normal stress that happens in life, especially between the sisters. “Starry-eyed Love” has an adorable meet cute which Helena always has, followed by some betrayals that kept me turning the pages till the ending. Throughly enjoyable!
I will say this, this book in no way helps me solve my Helena Hunting addiction and I am here for it!
The Spark sisters are some of what this author does best. Engaging characters who become part of your book family.
In this slow burn romance, London and Jackson are making us work for their Happily Ever After. While they are both falling for the other, they insist on keeping it professional and it was a refreshing read to not really have instarelationship. It makes them finally getting together so much sweeter. We could call this a friends to lover, office romance because they spend so much time together that they sort of fall deeply into the friendzone. It has it all, witty flirty banter, a little angst. It's emotional at times and the chemistry bubbles off the page.
The only down side to this book, is that there is only one Spark Sister left after this... I will miss these fierce loving women and the men who fall for them.
The story of London and Jackson.
When they first meet he asks her out and she refuses him. Next time they meet is for work, so they need to keep things professional. He is keeping secrets though, so do they have a chance together.
Looking forward to the next book in this series.
Wow! Jackson & London’s Like-Attracts-Like Slow Burn Romance Has A Feel-Good Ending That Leaves You Ready To Rip Into Book Three! A Great Addition To The Spark House Series.
ABOUT THE SPARK HOUSE SERIES:
This is book two in the Spark House series. The series thus far includes:
1. When Sparks Fly (Avery & Declan’s story)
2. Starry-Eyed Love (Jackson & London’s story)
ABOUT SPARK HOUSE:
Near Colorado Springs, Spark House Event Hotel has been in the Spark family for three generations. Is was originally a sprawling home on a large tract of land, but had been converted into a bed and breakfast-type boutique hotel once the family took it over. The sprawling gardens and open fields set against the backdrop of the distant mountains are idyllic, giving Spark House guests a real sense of getting away from it all. Weddings and anniversaries have always been a natural fit for the venue, but the vast property provides ample space, which inspired the recent addition of unique events, to include sports and team-building-themed activities. The owners have always been carefully green-focused. Their efforts continue to this day as new and better methods become available. They have recently begun relationships with like-minded local companies, finding creative ways to work together.
The Spark sisters currently run Spark House. Avery is the oldest of the three, followed by London and Harley. They lost their parents in a car accident when Avery was just sixteen, London fourteen, and Harley was roughly twelve. Their grandmother had taken over raising them at the time. Spark House had been their grandmother’s, and over a decade later, Avery, Harley, and London are taking the reins while their grandmother begins a well-deserved retirement. Avery is the face of Spark House, while London and Harley work mostly behind the scenes.
Avery has big plans for the business and wants to make her grandmother proud. Running Spark House has always been her dream. She works with clients to help create custom events to meet their needs.
London manages business relationships. She oversees contracts, accounts payable, and finances. She secures sponsorships and liaises with vendors, all with a focus on being green-friendly. She works in the background on putting events together, to include things such as centerpieces.
Harley is the social media director, but she helps out with other random tasks when needed.
FROM WHEN SPARKS FLY, BOOK ONE:
Avery Spark, twenty-eight, loves sports and lives for competition. She is naturally athletic, adventurous, and independent. She has thrown herself into her work, only leaving time for occasionally catching up with her friends – Declan, Mark, and Jerome. They enjoy playing soccer and watching sports on TV together. Her last serious relationship was in college, and her relationship with Sam didn’t end well. Sam and Declan had been best friends since high school, but when Declan discovered that Sam was cheating on Avery, he chose his friendship with Avery over Sam. Avery had met Declan in her first days on campus at the University of Colorado, and the two had become fast friends. They shared a love of soccer and other varied interests. At the time she had been seeing a boyfriend from back home, and although she felt an attraction to Declan, by the time her relationship ended, she had already witnessed Declan’s playboy ways. Sam had been a safe choice, or so she had thought. The breakup had made her realize just how dependent she had been upon Sam, and she vowed never to live that way again. Since then, she has dated but never gotten serious with anyone.
Declan, roughly twenty-eight, is glad that he is an only child. He wouldn’t wish his drama on anyone else. His parents divorced when he was eighteen, but in the years before and since, they have used him in an emotional tug of war. He doesn’t kid himself about how messed up he is as a result. He knows he will never be able to have a steady relationship because he doesn’t know how. He is fine with the status quo, though, living the life of a playboy. He has sometimes indulged in hookups, but he has cut back on the randoms lately. He works in finance and loves sports – soccer and hockey in particular. For the past two years, he has shared a condo in Colorado Springs with his best friend since college, Avery. They get along perfectly, and she fits in easily with him and the guys. He and Avery get together regularly with their old college friends, Jerome and Mark. Declan has been loyal to Avery since Sam broke her heart back in college, and he never wants to see her hurt again. He is very protective of her happiness, which is why he needs a distraction when his body suddenly reacts to her. He might find her attractive, but he would never risk breaking her heart.
When an accident leaves Avery hospitalized with multiple fractures, Declan has to face some of his demons. He insists on being her caretaker and working from home during her long recovery. Avery is forced to become dependent on others, something that is very hard to swallow. And sitting still never came easy for her. They live in a bubble, sheltered from the outside world, and not surprisingly, the feelings they had so successfully tamped down for ten years begin to surface. But neither has a successful track record with relationships, and when they finally begin to face the outside world again, their fragile relationship is tested. The couple eventually earns a happy ending.
IN THIS BOOK:
This book opens about one year later. Declan and Avery are planning their wedding, and their grandmother is currently touring Europe with a new boyfriend. Business at Spark House is steadily growing.
Jackson Holt, thirty-five, is the CEO of Holt Media and Consulting. Nearly a billionaire, he started Holt Media eight years ago, but he made his start building several successful apps. His real passion lies in green solutions and making them a viable choice. To him, it is more than a business pursuit. It is very personal. In his youth, his parents developed cancer due to contaminated soil. He grew up watching them fight the illness, and after years of suffering, despite repeated expensive treatments, they both died while he was in college.
That was a difficult time in Jackson’s life. With no siblings, he was orphaned and alone in the world. Trent had been his best friend since youth, and Trent’s parents had helped out a lot over the years. Trent is like a brother and the closest thing Jackson has to family. Soon Jackson was making millions, but he never took to the spotlight. He prefers his privacy, even today. The media pays attention to him, but he tries to keep his private life private.
Work is Jackson’s passion. His good looks and charismatic personality guarantee he could have any woman he wants, but he never did fall into the playboy lifestyle. Relationships have always been difficult for Jackson. After losing his parents, he learned the power that love has to break your heart, so he is cautious. But he also works tirelessly and travels much of the time. He is never home for long, so starting and keeping a relationship is a challenge. He has only had two long-term relationships in his life. He had a girlfriend in his senior year of high school and into college, and a friend-with-benefits situation that never included dating and was more of a convenience than anything else. There were occasional relationships over the years, but nothing that lasted. He had discovered that most women were interested in either the luxury lifestyle he could provide or the doors he could open for them. He had proposed marriage once, but thankfully the woman had turned him down. Hence the appeal of the friend-with-benefits scenario.
Headquartered in New York, Holt Media has a Denver office in the works. Their new Teamology initiative is in the process of creating a network of carefully-screened similar-minded green companies, pairing green companies with prospective sponsors. Influencer Selene Angelis is heading the social media marketing plan for the project in a creative effort to get more reach than traditional marketing plans.
London Sparks, about twenty-seven, loves working with her sisters at Spark House. Spark House is gorgeous, and it brings back precious childhood memories. As orphans, she and her sisters don’t take family for granted, so they appreciate the opportunity to work together. London hasn’t had much luck when it comes to dating, and after breaking up with Daniel, she is wondering about her choice in men. She has never been in love, has never found that spark that sets her heart on fire. She does have a side business doing something that she loves, though. Starry-Eyed Treasures, her Etsy shop, offers original designs using origami stars. She has a nice following. Lately, though, she is finding it increasingly difficult to keep up with orders. She can hardly find enough time for sleep.
Unlike Avery and Harley, London isn’t exactly thrilled with her job at Spark House. When they divided duties, she was stuck with tasks that just don’t come naturally to her. She spends extra time and effort on her duties as a result. She loves designing centerpieces and other creative efforts, but much of her work is dealing with vendors and numbers. She and Harley believe that it is time to hire more staff, but Avery is adamant that they keep things in the family. Avery herself has been increasingly absent as her wedding approaches, but she still refuses to accept the need for change. With a unanimous decision rule instated, London and Harley can only sit back and hope that Avery comes to her senses soon because keeping up with the grueling schedule is becoming increasingly impossible.
When London takes a call from Holt Media and Consulting about a potential opportunity to participate in their new Teamology program, a network of carefully-screened green-friendly companies working towards the same goal, she knows what an amazing opportunity it is. Go Green had recently worked with Spark House and referred them to Holt Media as a potential addition to their program. London shows up at the meeting well-rehearsed and ready to impress, but she never anticipates recognizing the CEO as the man she turned down at a bar several months ago.
When Jackson sees the London presenting to his team, he realizes that their meeting really had been fate. Unfortunately for him, taking on Spark House means that a personal relationship is off the table. In an effort to get to know her in the meantime, he takes on her account personally. He thinks he can manage to not cross the line, but as time goes by it becomes increasingly a challenge. When Trent points out that he has essentially been crossing the line the entire time, he knows the best thing he can do is to take a step back.
As Jackson and London begin a professional relationship, they have the opportunity to build a relationship without the pressure of romance. The problem is that their chemistry is off the charts. London sees Jackson as the king of mixed signals, and she is so entirely confused by his behavior that she finally deduces he is not interested anymore. He may have his reasons, but he keeps them to himself. This hands-off approach resembles an old-fashioned courtship. The couple faces some real challenges, but they eventually find a happy ending.
Wow! Jackson and London’s like-attracts-like slow burn romance has a feel-good ending that leaves you ready to rip into book three. Both are orphaned, and both are afraid of getting hurt in a relationship as a result. They use walls to insulate themselves from heartbreak. London fidgets nonstop, and Jackson has a tendency to fidget as well. They are also both early birds with a tendency to work very long hours. Jackson is adorable. I love that his passion is his work, not a playboy lifestyle. It is a little different than the standard (near) billionaire story in that respect. His character really resonated with me because he felt so authentic. He and London make some mistakes. Their reactions are a bit overly dramatic and could easily be resolved sooner with better communication, but at the same time, it feels relatively authentic – very Venus-Mars related. Jackson sometimes avoids complete answers or fails to communicate effectively, which seems unsurprising for a man. London overreacts, but she does so because she does not have all the facts. I was sad when their story was over – I wanted more.
Jackson and London’s story is a great addition to the Spark House series. It is well-written. There are a few things that bothered me, such as Trent’s occasional behavior. That issue does somewhat explain itself in the end, though. Still, it is an excellent read overall. The plot is fairly simple, but there is a lot going on to keep the reader’s interest. The story is written with attention to detail, giving a rich background to the romance. The characters are wonderfully written. They are very real and three-dimensional. It is written in first person. The POV alternates between Jackson and London. I rate this book 4.5 stars.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There is something about this book, and the previous one - When Sparks Fly, that has a sense of familiarity and I have thought about it a lot whilst reading. I feel it is because the characters are like people we know, they could be our genuine friends and to me, that's a big plus. I like to escape when reading, but it also has to have a convincing storyline. Even from the first chapter, I felt like I was at Spark House and watching this love story unfold with the sisters.
London Spark is the middle sister, the creative one, and also heads up the business administration side of the family run hotel. Jackson Holt may be a self made millionaire, but with his down to earth personality and humble yet sad upbringing, he is not pompous. After London thanks a kind gentleman who paid for drinks on a sisters night out, she is completely shocked to find out he is none other than the man behind Holt Media. They discuss the opportunity of Spark House joining the Teamology initiative headed up by Jackson's company, and it's very clear that they have a special connection. Now they are working together, dating is off the table, which is disappointing for both of them.
This contemporary romance could be considered a slow burn, as they spend time together not only working but getting to know each other without the kissing. Nevertheless, things don't go smoothly with tension between the sisters and Jackson's past. I wouldn't call this an angsty book, more of a realistic relationship with some bumps and tears along the way.
Now that two of the Spark sisters have found their HEA, I am looking forward to reading Harley's tale and wondering who the remarkable man might be that catches her heart.
Helena Hunting’s “Starry-Eyed Love” is book 2 in a series but can definitely be read as a standalone. It’s a second chance workplace romance with Spark sister #2, London, and swoony billionaire, Jackson. Their meet-cute is absolutely superb with mutual flirting, banter and an invitation to a hot air balloon date.
London is trying to elevate the sisters’ shared business by partnering with a company, and it is Jackson who is helping to make that happen - which means they have to keep their attraction to each other controlled and remain in a professional relationship. Their messages via their laptops are cute and flirty; the close proximity during work appointments is on point; and honestly these two simply ooze sexual chemistry.
I enjoyed the story, the humour, and the pining - oh and the open door steam is present, making this book - for me - much better than the first. I was a little frustrated with Jackson and how he handled his secret in the end though. I kinda cringed and wanted to slap his silly head.
On a different note, both London and Jackson have experienced deep sorrow over parental death and decisions based on such a loss is something I definitively resonate with.
“I understand what it’s like to lose parents far earlier than you’d expect. It leaves scars on the heart. Sometimes we need to share those memories to help them heal.”
What I appreciated about this story is that the author takes her time in their road to a HEA. This is a slow burn at its best. The friendship…conversations…sexual tension….it’s just all so raw and genuine. I highly recommend it!
During a rare night out with her sisters, soon after London's latest breakup, a handsome charming man asks her out. Not in the mood to be hit on in a bar, London says she has a boyfriend. Three months later she's humiliated when, sitting in a meeting to lure a new client to her family's event hotel Spark house, that same man turns out to be Jackson Holt, the millionaire CEO. All of a sudden she's working to organize a charity event with him, going on day trips to estate sales, and being flown to New York to meet his influential friends and create more business opportunities. But where was the man who so charmingly asked her out? Now he's all business and the attraction now seems all on her side.
Jackson had never been turned down for a date before, but London didn't seem to know who he was. He hasn't been able to get her out of his mind since, so when he catches sight of her at his own company, he's not willing to let her go. But by agreeing to let her hotel host his event means that she's now a business partner and off limits for dating. Now she seems interested while he's fighting to keep things professional.
I liked the family closeness of the three sisters running Spark House and especially the bond between London and Harley. I never read the first book in the series, but I really hated Avery's attitude about the business and how she kept cluelessly dumping all the work on the other two and refusing to listen to their input on business decisions. The story was a bit slow in the beginning until after the event. But I loved how they were with each other even then as comfortable friends. Jackson seems so down-to-earth for a millionaire in his approach to their relationship. I've read and enjoyed other books by this author and this one was no exception. Sweet romance with a strong family vibe.
I received an advance reader copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.
I absolutely adored the first installment to this series When Sparks Fly. When I got an e-ARC of this one, I was ecstatic as Helena Hunting is quickly becoming one of my most favorite rom-com writers! I was so excited to jump back into the Spark House sisters!
Thank you so much to Netgalley, St. Martin’s Press, SMP Romance and the author Helena Hunting for an advance reader’s copy!
London just got out of a relationship and is out celebrating with her sisters when a guy asks her out. She turned him down due to being emotionally unavailable. A couple of months later, she is set for a business meeting with a multimillion dollar company to grow their hotel Sparks House, and the CEO just so happens to be the same guy she turned down a couple of months ago.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5. Cute, cheesy and charming. That’s how I would describe this book! A classic workplace romance/ dating the CEO that comes with the typical conflict of interest issues. I must say that I liked the first book better than this one. Even though we get a glimpse of Avery and Declan here, Avery seemed like a totally different and annoying character in this one. Which made me like London’s character more and how her love for family is paramount. I loved the bond between the three sisters too. I found Jackson really charming and down to earth despite his VIP status. I couldn’t help but gush over him because he carries himself really well and i love the alpha male vibe!
Read this one if you like: Dating the CEO, work place romance settings, alpha males, billionaire boyfriends
Starry-eyed Love by Helena Hunting
2nd book in the Spark House series. Contemporary romance. Can be read as a stand-alone. This is the second sister’s story and will be a spoiler if the first book was not read. Multiple POV with 80% by London and 20% by Jackson. First person present tense.
Hailey and her sisters run an Hotel that specializes specifically in Events and focusing on promoting green habits. Jackson brings his company to the Sparks Hotel and he and London can’t resist the chemistry and attraction they both feel.
I loved the instant chemistry from the start and what feels like fate bringing them together. The sisters dedication to the business and each other is admirable and without spoilers, their “talk”should have been earlier but at least it was finally done. And I didn’t really agree with the drama at the height of it (throwing a quarter million dollar necklace at his feet was a crime for the faceted sparkle!) but it’s a romance book and everything can’t go right all the time or it would be a boring book. Right?
I enjoyed the sisters closeness and look forward to reading the romance of the next sister.
Delightful, a bit steamy, and a fabulous ending with epilogue.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.