Member Reviews

Starry Eyed Love by Helena Hunting is the second in a series of novels about the Spark sisters. This time London Spark is in the spotlight. London is working at Spark House, working behind the scenes with the financial end of the business and also designing the floral arrangements for events held there, which is her true passion. When she goes out for the first time in a long time, she turns down a man who just didn't seem to be her type. Later on, at a financial meeting with a green company who wants to partner with Spark House, the CEO of the company sits down, unexpectedly in the meeting and it's the same man she turned down at the bar, Jackson Holt. London is beside herself, will that turn down ruin any chance of working with his company?

As things progress, London and Jackson become very close and, well I don't want to ruin the book for anyone! This is a fast paced, enjoyable novel, as are all of Ms. Hunting's novels. Thank you to the author, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review. If you enjoy Hunting's novels, don't miss this one!

Was this review helpful?

These two had off-the-charts chemistry and it just smoldered forever! An immediate attraction that isn’t acted on and then once it could be, had to be delayed because, reasons. That just made it all the sweeter to resist, and then when it didn’t have to be denied anymore, it imploded and took them both down with it. And through it all, I just wanted to hug both of these characters all the time. They were both so genuine and thoughtful and kind, and it made me dislike almost all the other side characters because they weren’t as nice to them as they were. Except Harley and Mitchell, I really liked them because they were always on London and Jackson’s side. Anyhow, London and Jackson had their moments, but they just fit, they worked so wonderfully together, and they made me so happy that they worked things out and in a way that was perfect for them <3

Was this review helpful?

Helena Hunting made me fall in love with her writing style long ago. Thru these years I was always trying to catch up with her stories, without any exceptions.

When I saw last year that she's planing to write another series I jumped on that horse without thinking too much. I really liked the first book in this series, and I was more than curious where, when and how author will lead us into this world again.

I like Starry Eyed Love, I found here typical Helena's humor, and writing style. I read it in one sitting, because Helena is a really good story teller. She mixed wery well her characters with events in the book, and made a good story. Jackson and London brings fun, swoon on really good level. I liked their slow bur type of romance, but honestly.... I would want a little more passion/tension between them. Besidee that, everything was at the point.

I'm sure this book should be perfect for many readers, and they will have lost ot of fun during reading, just like I had.

Was this review helpful?

This was the second book in the Spark House series that I started last summer. It was so cute, but I didn’t love it as much as the first one. This sequel was more focused on the sisters’ family business, Spark House. It was a little slow until about 60% of the way through it. I loved the characters though. I think London is my favorite of the three sisters! She’s independent, crafty, and owns an Etsy shop (like me!). I also really liked Jackson and how the author gave us his perspective. I didn’t love the conflict there were in and I felt like he should have been more honest. But other than that, I really liked the book!

Was this review helpful?

Such another great book in this series! I loved falling back into the world of the Spark sisters. Please tell me there is a place out there like Spark House because I definitely want to go and visit there! London and Jackson had a chemistry you could feel coming off the page from the very beginning. Jackson was so sweet with the loving and caring way he treated London. You could truly tell how much anguish he was feeling after things between them became rocky. Helena Hunting also gave us a perfectly wrapped HEA!

I loved that we got some more cute sister moments between Avery, London and Harley and can't wait to read Harley's story!

Was this review helpful?

Helena Hunting does it again! Starry-Eyed Love is the romance we all need right now. London is a wonderful heroine: fiercely loyal to her sisters, quirky, and incredibly hardworking. The colleagues flirt plot is fun, spicy, and keeps the story flowing naturally. The Shacking Up series cameos were a wonderful surprise. I will be recommending this to anyone who loves a sweet friends to lovers romance.

Was this review helpful?

When London and Jackson first meet, Jackson crashes and burns. London is just out of a relationship and not read to jump into another one. Second times a charm they say; however, the second meet up is all business, and no pleasure. London and Jackson form a tentative business partnership and table their growing attraction for each other until they can find a way to let business and pleasure mix.

'Starry-Eyed Love' is an enemies(?)-to-friends-to-lovers contemporary romance that has all the feels. The chemistry between the London and Jackson is sharp, Its easy to get invested in their developing relationship. For fans of the first book in the series, this one won't disappoint. However, you don't need to read the first to enjoy the second. This novel also develops the relatonships amongst the sisters a little more thoroughly. Hunting fans will recognize some other key players in this novel that were featured in her other series, "Shacking Up." Again not necessary to read the prior series to enjoy this book, but just a fun surprise..

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Was this review helpful?

I am a fan of Helena Hunting already, but this one solidifies it for me. A fun read with all the right feels. Five STARS.

Was this review helpful?

4.25 Stars

London + Jackson

London is the second Spark sister to find her happily ever after.
She just broke up with her boyfriend and is not looking for someone new right now - that's why she doesn't accept the phone number of this super hot guy at the bar.
But three months later he's suddenly in her life anyway. He's the millionaire CEO of a company they're trying to get to work with their hotel. And he's really interested and invested - even though that part of his business is supposed to be the job of his employees...

LET THE FUN TIMES BEGIN ... 😍

══════════════════

Adorable!

Such a cute romance!
Just like the first book it was so sweet and cute and funny.
I love the whole setting of this series. The family hotel - which they took over from their grandma.

And it's so cute how they try to not start anything as long as they're in business together.
It a real adorable cinderella kind of love story with him being this ultra rich guy flying her to New York for a night ...

They should've probably talked a bit more about things. It was really cute but I kinda hate that we had so many unnecessary misunderstandings or omissions that could've just been cleared with some talking.
But still - I loved reading it. I love the sisters - even though I wanted to throw Avery out every single window with the way she was acting all through the book! Jeez!

Can't wait to read the final book!

STARRY-EYED LOVE was an adorable + sparky + cinderella-y + very sweet love story! I loved reading it! Run to your nearest amazon for your own Jackson - he'll be sold out in no time!

Was this review helpful?

Sparks are flying when London and Jackson are together. But, they are working together and a relationship could be bad for them. The chemistry is off the charts in the fun romance.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

This was a syrupy sweet Hallmark channel worthy book. My sincere thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this sweet book.

To describe it in Hallmark movie blurb terms: “As third generation co-owner of a unique hotel and event center with her two sisters, London Spark doesn’t have much time in her life to pursue her creative dreams, never mind love. But when handsome, self-made millionaire Jackson takes a very active interest in not only her but what his company could do for her family business, London is torn between her desire for him and her duty to her sisters.”

I’m not typically a romance reader, but this was cute.

Was this review helpful?

This is one of those rare romance novels that hits all the elements for enjoyment in the right ratios: romance; meet cute; cute likable characters; plausible storyline; heartfelt and endearing.

I have a hard time—often—finding romance novels that suck me in and this was one that did! It begs to be a movie cast with A-list stars.

With tender human observations, this is a feel-good book we need!

Was this review helpful?

Loved it!
I loved going back to the Spark House & having more of the Spark sisters. London & Jackson’s unique love story was a sweet start & a breathtaking ending to this book!

Was this review helpful?

London is the creative mind of the Spark sisters who has been pigeon-holed into being the meticulous head of running Spark House. In an effort for the venue to go more green, a big eco-friendly company seeks partnership. While in the middle of her pitch, London realizes the company's CEO Jackson, is the same attractive man she turned down at a bar just months before. The two continue working closely as part of the partnership as the line between business and pleasure begins to blur.

**

There is a quote about reading that resonates with me:
"Reading is an exercise in empathy; an exercise in walking in someone else's shoes for a while." -Malorie Blackman.

I often find this to be true but in the case of Starry Eyed Love, walking in London's shoes was as easy as a midday stroll in my favourite runners. She is the most relatable character that I've read in awhile. She is a people pleaser to the point of detriment, putting her own interests (an Etsy store) to run the family business with her sisters. I love that she had her own coping mechanism for her anxiety: making paper stars. London is easy to root for, and that's what I look for in a protagonist.

Jackson was also a swoon-worthy love interest who has experienced his own hardships. I respect his constant understanding and need to take it slow. Together, they were dynamite.

I did prefer this one to the first in the series, but I was a tad put-off by Avery's behaviour. I went from generally liking Avery in her story, to disliking her here. I know it was a subplot to bring the sisters closer together and to show London's growth in her assertiveness but it just seemed to odd to use another former protagonist to do so.

Book featured on Instagram Book featured on my Instagram https://www.instagram.com/meetcute247/?hl=en

Was this review helpful?

I read the first book in the series and really enjoyed all of the characters, as well as the quirky nature of Spark House. Avery and Declan were fun and their story was enjoyable, but I have to say that the story of London and Jackson was so much better. I liked that we got to see the business side of Spark House and to get to know who London was. I have to admit that I was curious what her stars look like and spent an inordinate amount of time on Pinterest and other sites trying to figure out which type of origami stars she was making and then how she was turning things into Etsy products. Way too much time as my family pointed out when they saw me looking at paper folding videos yet again!

Jackson was likeable, and the team around him didn't detract from the story. Although I will admit that some of the loose ends around his past tied up a little too neatly with a bow in the epilogue.

The story moves quickly, but the romance takes time to develop which is nice. Even though they aren't exactly friends first, it's still nice to see them take their time to get to know each other even if the situations are a bit OTT.

I have to admit that I wasn't impressed with how Avery threw around her weight with her sisters, and how she failed to notice that she was doing exactly what she accused Harley and London of doing. But it did match with her personality so I could totally believe that it would play out that way when it came time to planning her big day. And at least Avery and Declan were effectively woven into this story without it being forced or too much.

I am very much looking forward to a book 3. I am also curious to see if there will be a way to swing a 4th book with some other characters. Normally, I like a series to end, but this one seems to be getting better with each plot so maybe I'll be good for a book 4.

If you like Lauren Layne and haven't read any Helena Hunting, then I think you would really like the Spark House series.

Was this review helpful?

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you for letting me read this book St Martin's Press and NetGalley. I enjoyed the first book in the series and felt like I enjoyed this one even more because I knew so much about the sisters already.
Jackson is pretty wonderful, though I would've liked to have seen him a bit more imperfect at times. London is just a doll and definitely deserves the best.
I haven't read the shacking up series yet, though I know some of Hunting's characters from that make a cameo here, and I love crossovers.
Really keen to see Harley's happily ever after, and how it affects the Spark House.

Was this review helpful?

I’m not sure what it was about this book that just really made me happy. But Hunting certainly hit the mark with this one.

She combines the stress of running a business with all that entails; dreams, goals, creative genius – with the delicate balancing act of trying to live your life and finding happiness one deserves.

There were so many emotions wrapped into that stressful situation. And the best emotion of all is Jackson.

Dreamboat extraordinaire, he becomes the best supporter and teacher of business growth for London and the sisters. I just loved the humor, strength, sparks of heat, and TLC that he brings to the relationship. This book truly made me smile so many times, even through a few tears too.

Hunting reaches in and touches all your emotional buttons in this story. The circle of friends and family is tight and not without clashes, but love is strong and definitely finds a way.

Starry-Eyed Love brings a depth of love; passion and intensity for life; and a joyful romance that is so worth the read!

Was this review helpful?

Oh this was a fun read! The flirting in the Google doc totally made my hopeless romantic nerd heart happy. I loved that the characters were 30ish though they had some immature moments that didn’t fit. The Selene storyline could use some work and the fighting with the sisters at the end should have been longer, but worth the read!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

I've been looking forward to this book since I read the first one. This one can be read as a standalone, but I think reading the other book first definitely adds to this one.

The series focuses on a trio of sisters that run their family's event hotel. It was nice to revisit them and learn more about them in this book. Each book focuses on a sister as she finds love.

Helena Hunting always gets me laughing when I read her books. The characters are always well-developed and some of the banter and/or events in the books get me going.

Was this review helpful?

In love with these two! The story kept me glued to the pages and the chemistry was fun to read. This is quickly becoming a favorite series from Helena.

Was this review helpful?