Starry-Eyed Love, book two in the Spark House series is one read you don’t want to miss! I’d already established that I am a glutton for Hunting’s storytelling a while back, so when the first line grabbed my attention, that was it. I was all in! If you haven’t read When Sparks Fly, don’t get your knickers in a twist! Both books can be read and enjoyed as standalones. Now it’s the Spark middle sister’s turn, London.

If there were ever a more endearing encounter, it has to be London and Jackson Holt’s. But my curiosity wasn’t just piqued by the way she graciously turned him down, it was her fidgetiness. I adored how she put her energy to good use; however, bringing in events for the family-run hotel keeps her a little too busy to dedicate the time to her side business cum-hobby.

Although the girls get on well together, there’s a certain amount of friction regarding decision making. And I liked this a lot because working alongside family isn’t always what it is made out to be. London’s determined to pull off a deal, but when the least expected person presents themselves at the negotiating table, I wasn’t the only one left aghast. Guess who’s all suited up and ready to listen to London’s ideas for Spark House’s future?

Jackson’s strategic way of thinking delighted me, but would London be able to cope with all the business jargon? Wow, you could have cut their chemistry with a knife too, but hold on—Hunting reveals his reasons for not mixing business with pleasure at an enjoyable reading pace. So, not only did I learn what made him tick, but also London’s doubts.

Once again, Hunting has seamlessly delivered a romance packed full of emotions. Her plot and characters have depth, the banter is off the charts, and the setting is so life-like that you’d wish you were there. Now I’m keeping my fingers crossed that Hunting gives us Harley’s story. Bravo!

*3 Stars*

ARC kindly received for an honest review.

I liked this book, but it didn't wow me in the same way some of Helena's other books have. I liked the characters, I didn't mind the story. I was not surprised with some things that came out. But I just didn't love it the way I do with some books.

I found the family connection of the sisters to be lovely, and the friendships developing as well. Maybe I'm not just in the right frame of mind lately either, my reading has slowed down a lot as of late. I'd still read more from this world, it's just not one of my faves.

This is the second book in a romantic comedy series, but I hadn’t read the first book and still greatly enjoyed the second one. London has just ended a lackluster relationship and is with her sisters celebrating her new single status when a strange man buys their drinks and asks her out. She politely declines and slides his number back to him. Fast forward a few months and London is doing an important presentation to help grow the family event hotel business and the CEO stops in to join the meeting and London realizes it’s the man from the bar - super rich and successful Jackson Holt. Of course sparks instantly fly but they are doing business together and both are remaining professional. It has some nice humor, sweet scenes and of course some fairly predictable bumps in their relationship, but overall it was an enjoyable book.

She twirled the ice around in her glass full of tequila. She was hoping it would numb her a bit after the overwhelming amount of energy she had dedicated to making this event run smoothly. It was going well, everyone was happy. It made her happy to see all of the guests smiling. But she felt something missing behind her attempts at fake smiles. She needed a spark, something or someone to light the fire in her.

Starry-Eyed Love returns the reader to the lives of the Spark Sisters and their family-run hotel and events business. In this second book of the series, you get to know London, the middle sister, more. Always entering relationships she knows will be dead ends, she’s ready to find someone who could truly be part of her future.

I didn’t enjoy this book as much as book one. I wasn’t very attached to the male MC in this story. Jackson was overly polite for my taste and I didn’t like the omissions of past relationships. I did enjoy London’s character and I thought the overall story was cute, but I wish the book as a whole had hooked my attention a little more.

If you like workplace/forbidden romances and dual narratives, plus enjoyed book one of this series, then give this romance a read.

My review (ARC provided)
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Five stars!

From page one I just knew I was going to love this story. Jackson (H) and London’s (h) story pulled me right in and I loved everything about it, from their initial meeting to their second it had me smiling and swooning.

London has just broken up with her boyfriend and is not looking for any type of hookup or romance right now, so when the rugged and very attractive man at the bar she is at is giving her attention she wants nothing to do with him.

Jackson the ruggedly handsome man also happens to be the millionaire that wants to partner up with London and her sister's company and London has no idea. When they meet up to discuss the partnership they are taken by surprise as to who they are. Jackson knows immediately but it takes some time for London to figure it out, once she does she fears she made a mistake.

The chemistry between them is palpable but they won’t take it to the next level because they want to remain professional. There is a lot of push and pull and you are rooting for them to make it work. Throw in a secretive past and an ex and you get all kinds of angst too.

This book had it all, it is hot, funny, angsty, and sweet the perfect little package. I can’t wait for the next book in the Spark House series. And I loved how the title of this book played into the story!

I'm really enjoying this series about the Spark sisters and their hotel. Spark House. For me, it started out a bit slowly, but quickly gained momentum and I didn't want to put it down! I love the wedding and I'm looking forward to Harley's story also.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.

After reading the first book in Helena’s Hunting’s Spark House series I was looking forward to 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗬-𝗘𝗬𝗘𝗗 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘.

When London and Jackson meet for the first time she shoots him down. Fast forward and the two meet again for business. While working together things heat up between them and the proverbial 𝙨𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙨 fly. But sparks are not always enough…. A lot happens before the two get their happily ever after and at times I was frustrated by the secondary characters in this story.

When London and Jackson finally get their much deserved happily ever I felt better about their journey. I’m giving 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗬-𝗘𝗬𝗘𝗗 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘 the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!

I received the audiobook version via NetGalley but will leave my review here as well. Helena Hunting is another favorite of mine. These sweet rom-com style books are my favorite and Starry-Eyed Love was the cutest. I thoroughly enjoyed reading more about the Spark sisters. London and Jackson were the absolutely cutest - especially with their slow-burn relationship. Timing is a funny thing and I loved reading about these two finding their way to love.

3.5 stars

This is a quick, fun romance that can easily be read in a day. It’s the second book in the Spark House series and it follows the story of London, the middle sister in the Spark family. London puts her own dreams on the back burner so she can help run Spark House, the hotel and event space that she owns with her sisters. When she meets Jackson through a work connection, she is attracted to him right away and realizes that she needs a better work/life balance.

I liked this book a lot more than When Sparks Fly. I think London is a fun, smart and easily relatable character. I enjoyed the family connection, the banter between London and Jackson and the atmosphere of Spark House. I am a sucker for a billionaire romance, so when I realized that sexy, bearded Jackson was the owner of Holt Media, the company Spark House was working with, I knew I was going to enjoy this one. Both London and Jackson have some past traumas that contribute to some of the angst in the story, but it all works out in the end. This book is much steamier than the first which I also really enjoyed.

I do have to say that I find the dialogue in this series to be very stiff and formal. The dialogue doesn’t seem to match the scenes, like when the characters are supposed to be doing something funny or sexy. Also, each conflict is wrapped up too easily where we go from someone storming off in a fit of rage to them coming back immediately with a contrite and too perfect apology. This might just be Hunting’s style, but I’ve only read this series so I’m not familiar with her writing style in other contexts.

Overall I enjoyed this book! If you like a slow burn, dual POV, billionaire romance then this is definitely the book for you!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC to read and review! Starry Eyed Love comes out on May 10th!

I really love this series. Jackson and London’s chemistry is on fire as well as their banter. I enjoyed how they developed a friendship and how that evolves into something more. This one will grab you from the beginning and have you rooting for the until the end.

London and her sisters run the family-owned Spark house. Things are looking up for their business, which might seem like a good thing, but the sisters are already spread thin. London can barely find the time to fulfill the orders for her Etsy shop because there aren't enough hours in the day. But this new deal brings Jackson, and he's something pretty special. But dating would add a whole new layer that requires her time, which she just doesn't have.

I didn't read book one, but I don't feel like I missed out on anything. In fact, I'm glad I didn't because I didn't like Avery and cannot picture an entire book that puts her as the main character. But aside from Avery, the rest of the characters work well together. I really liked Jackson and how he brought out the best in London. Overall, this is a quick and easy read with close-knit sisters who only want the best for each other. Thank you, St. Martin's, for sending this along.

The Spark House sisters are finding their footing even more in this second book than in the first.

Avery, London and Harley Spark are not only sisters but full time third generation business owners and partners running a unique venue event hotel, The Spark House.

This time London takes her turn at not only making a bigger success of their family business but also finding love for herself as well with an almost perfect man.

Since last time I met these very talented women the oldest sister Avery has started planning her wedding to Declan, long time best friend and finally realized love of her life.

This has resulted in middle sister London taking on more and more of hands on client relationship aspect work rather than her more comfortable role as main person coming up with the creations used during events.

Not only that but thanks to a new client the business itself has started taking off in a big way.

As work load increases London finds herself in the midst of an unexpected romance at which time conflict with her sisters ensues which makes her life even more stressful.

Work and love London learns make life pretty hectic, even more than usual, especially while trying to balance both.

With one thing and another it can honestly be said book two combines perfect examples of why working closely with family has to be harder, and also easier than working with people you are not related to.

Add that with a very nicely setup and executed combination showing day to day workings of what it takes to make Spark House special along with a nice relationship angle for London, that of course has its own added complications, and book two takes the series to its next level.

Can hardly wait for what is in store for the future of this series and hopefully Harleys chance at love.
[EArc from Netgalley]
On every book read as soon as it is done and written up for review it is posted on Goodreads and Netgalley, once released then posted on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles as well.

Low-angst romance with a side of chick-lit

I loved the first story in this series of standalone romances, but this second one doesn't quite measure up. It's more of a chick-lit story of the three sisters who are running their family's boutique hotel and event venue; middle sister London's budding relationship with media mogul Jackson was very sweet and expectedly steamy, but it definitely took a back seat to the sisters' interactions as they struggle to find their own work/life balance while the business is growing by leaps and bounds.

It was nice to see Avery and Declan again, though I was a little put off by the change in Avery's personality that saw her providing most of the external conflict for her sister, London. The solution was too long in coming; the showdown could have (and should have) been addressed much earlier but was saved in order to coincide with the resolution of the romance.

London's relationship with Jackson started off as friends who worked together, transitioning to a deeply emotional romance just as soon as it was appropriate. The "breakup before the makeup" felt a little contrived, as the reasons for the breakup were superficial at best, relying entirely on the word of a third party whose own motives weren't even slightly hidden. The course of true love never did run smooth, but in this case neither London nor Jackson wanted to pursue a reconciliation until this third party came forward with a different attitude. One should have had enough faith in the other to talk things out rather than letting the third party blow it all up before putting it all back together again. Makes it kinda hard to believe in the strength of their feelings for each other if they're both willing to let the third party have the final say.

We do get a nice HEA for London and Jackson as well as for the three sisters and their working relationships. I loved being able to "attend" Avery and Declan's wedding, and I really appreciated getting to know Harley a lot better in this book. I hope her story is next. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

I want to like this book more than I do. And I will probably read the next one in the series because I am invested in these 3 sisters. I love their relationship and the way they support each other and have each other's backs. This book is fast-paced, with a mix of fun plot points and serious issues being addressed. However, just like in the first book, I am disappointed in the hero.
-SPOILERS-
While he attempted to draw a line because of their working relationship, he didn't stick to it. Therefore a power dynamic was in play, and he used his power without even realizing he did so. No woman has to agree to go anywhere with a man. Not even if it's a surprise. Not even on a private jet to an amazing business opportunity halfway across the country. Not even if her sisters were in on the plan. Even though in the end she agreed to it - just no. In addition, when a woman breaks up with a man and requests that he not contact her, it is not romantic for him to send gift after gift after gift. To declare that he will not give up until she comes back to him. This storyline is not romantic anymore. It's what happens when a woman is harassed, threatened, gaslit, and stalked. Love means you do what's best for the other person, not what's best for you. In the end, our 2 lovers get their HEA, I just wish it had come about with more equality in the relationship. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC to read and review.

I loved London's story! The chemistry and build up was perfect. The sisters' relationship was so real - coming from 1 of 3 girls myself, I could totally relate! Can't wait for Harley's story next!

Thanks to NetGalley and publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I thought I enjoyed Avery’s story last year, but to me nothing stood out about Starry-eyed love. It was just a basic romance story that felt bland and lacked chemistry between the characters. But if you need something quick and easy to read, it will get the job done.

This is a great continuation of the Spark sisters' stories. Last book was focused on Avery & this one is about London. London is currently working in a role for Spark House that doesn't fit her strengths but it's the one that was left for her to take on while her sisters fulfilled roles made for them. She is a bit frustrated & wants to focus on creative aspects rather than business ones. Also, she is intrigued when she meets Jackson Holt (for the second time, the first being at a bar where he asked her out & she said no) & wants time to see if there is anything to the sparks flying between them. This book is well worth picking up & not getting sleep because you won't want to put it down. I look forward to Harley's story.
Thanks to the publisher & NetGalley for advanced copy in exchange for my honest review

“Sometimes we have to make sacrifices for the people we love.”

Starry Eyed Love is the second book in the Spark House series and revolves around London and Jackson. This workplace romance was such a charming addition to this series. The character development was superb and I really felt like I got to know the characters.

London was a workaholic who was always afraid of disappointing her sisters so she never took a moment for herself. She was all work and no play. Jackson is instantly drawn to her when he spots her in a restaurant, but she declines his advances. When their paths cross again, Jackson is determined to grab ahold of this second chance to get to know London.

“I’ve never had someone to look at me the way Jackson is right now.”

This was truly a slow burn romance, but it allowed Jackson and London to really get to know each other. Their bond blossomed through the time they spent together and the chemistry that simmered below the surface added to their working relationship.

“There’s nothing ordinary about you, London.”

I loved how Jackson encouraged London to begin living for herself and to find balance in her life. He helped push her out of her comfort zone but was also a soft place for her to land. London was also a positive influence in Jackson’s life and caused him to realize what he truly wanted out of life.

I’m enjoying this series and these sisters so much. Full of heart, humor, and heat, this story was so much fun and delightfully entertaining and I can’t wait for Harley’s story.

I really enjoyed this book. London and Jackson were really interesting characters and their romance was fun (until it wasn't of course). Helena Hunting always gives her characters a rough patch. The one thing that really bothered me was Avery's character in this book. She was such a buttface in this book. To the point where I think it has ruined her book for me. I will read the next book though. Harley is pretty much the best sister so I am waiting impatiently.

This is the second book in the Spark House series about three sisters: Avery, London, and Harley. I had a little problem with book one and Avery and Declan's relationship which kept me from really enjoying it. I'm happy to say that London and Jackson Holt's story worked so much better for me. From the cute opening where Jackson asks London out and she turns him down to months later and him reappearing in her business life, this was so enjoyable.

This is a slow burn romance since they are in a business relationship together. They don't even kiss until 65% into the book. Besides the blossoming relationship between London and Jackson, I really enjoyed the sister relationship in this story and the drama that goes with it. Avery is trying to plan her wedding to Declan AND manage Spark House with just the three of them. It's just too much for all of the sisters.

This did start out just a tad too slow for me. There was a lot of business talk between Jackson and London with him showing how "green" he and his company is. I sorta skimmed a bit. Get to the romance!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for my advance readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.