🔊Song Pairing: Bubbly - Colbie Caillat

(It’s annoying and far too perky and overplayed)

💭What I thought would happen:

The Spark sisters back again but I thought for sure couldn’t dislike more than the first…

📖What actually happens:

London Spark, the finance and business mind of Spark House is out for drinks when she sees a rugged handsome man but denies an invite for a date.

Some time later that same Neanderthal reappears but clean shaven, wildly successful and of course very rich (because all men in bars are..). Jackson blows London away with his ability to aid in Spark House’s green initiative and opens her to all the opportunities and yet with his help she no longer can keep up with the success…woe is London.

🗯Thoughts:

This book confirms that Avery truly was the worst Spark sister. No wonder book 1 was not for me. She needs to get a friggin grip. Hate hate. Okay but this book isn’t about her but she’s still bringing down my vibe in book 2.

London of course is the girl unlike any other…except she’s plain AF but since she makes origami stars when nervous she’s ADORABLE…I think of Patrick Verona in 10 Things I Hate About You when he says “what’s with this girl, does she have beer flavoured nipples?!”

The excessive monologue in the fore play and throughout the sexy time was nauseatingly painful. Soooo breathy. Stopppppppp. Jackson and London have the chemical reaction of sodium chloride solution..it’s underwhelming.

London, gf, never and I mean EVER refer to a man as scrumptious. It’s a penis, not frosting. That being said, this book is like eating a bunch of candy where your teeth ache and feel furry after. 🤢

And finally…no woman wants to rip her clothes off after eating cured meats and ripened cheese. Enough with the charcuterie Jackson!

I’m aware this will for sure be an unpopular opinion. I just was so optimistic that this would be better than the first.

I loved this adorable love story

London Spark just broke up with her boyfriend, she's out with her two sisters enjoying herself when a stranger pays for their drinks and offers her his number. She declines stating that she has a boyfriend and goes on about her life.

London is too busy focusing on her family hotel business and side etsy projects. One day she sets up a meeting with new clientele when the handsome CEO walks in mid meeting she finds his strangely familiar. Later she discovers that this handsome CEO she is going to be working with is the same guy that hit on her a few month ago. They end up spending a lot of time together planning big events and some sparks defiantly start flying between them but it's complicated because they are business partners so they both work really hard to hide their feelings and keep them at bay.

4.5 stars! I really enjoyed this on audiobook. The narration was perfect and the storyline was really fun. I loved reading about the Spark sisters again and thought London was a great female lead. And Jackson was… hot. I loved the tension between them and the steam was on point. Highly recommend checking this series, this is book 2 and I’m already looking forward to the next one.

Thank you to the publisher and @netgalley for providing a free advanced copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Although London love’s working with her sisters as they manage Spark House, the family business she has been finding it exceedingly difficult to handle her increased work load as her sister Avery plans her wedding and handle the orders for her Etsy store which is what she really enjoys. When she has the opportunity to assist a high profile company with their events it could give Spark House the push they need but she never expected to be the CEO to be the same man she refused a date with a few months earlier.

Jackson is the CEO of a successful company and it wasn’t until he saw London meeting with his team that he realized who she was and he wasn’t about to let the opportunity go to waste. As they spend time together the sparks fly but he knows that they can’t be together until their business arrangement is concluded but his past may end their relationship before it really begins.

Jackson was exactly who London needed in her life as he gave her the support she needed to still be there for her sisters but be able to follow her own dreams as well. I enjoyed the relationship not only between London and Jackson but with her sisters as well. The narrators were a great choice for the characters as they brought their personalities and their story to life.

This is the definition of a slow burn romance. Loved the progression of their relationship but ARGHHHHHH I seriously wanted Jackson to break his damn moral work ethics and kiss her already!!! LOL and then when it finally did happen, it wasn’t as big of an explosion as I was expecting. Still a great novel!

Starry-Eyed Love by Helena Hunting is the second book in the Spark House series. London Spark manages the Spark House with her sisters. Right when she is coming out of a bad relationship she is hit on by a stranger at a bar whom she turns down. Few months later, London takes a meeting with the Holt Enterprise only to find that the CEO, Jackson Holt is none other than the stranger who hit on her at the bar. They instantly fall for each other but don't act on it because of their working relationship. Will they act on their insta-attraction?

This was a cute romance with not too many complications other than misunderstanding. Jackson is the typically high flying dashing hero and London was a typical rom com heroine. I preferred Avery and Declan's story and felt it had more depth. Despite all cliches, this was a quick enjoyable read that I didn't take too seriously. I will definitely be reading the 3rd book in the series.

Thank you St Martin Griffin and Macmillan Audio for sending me the ARC & ALC for this book.

This is your fairly typical adult romance. Honestly, nothing really stood out and the love interests were very meh to me, but there also weren’t really any issues either. I haven’t read the first book in the series, so I was glad this read like a stand alone. A solid 3.5⭐️ read for me.

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 love the mix of romance and business in this book.

I was kindly provided a copy of this book by the publisher (St. Martin's Griffin) or author (Helena Hunting) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

4.25 stars

This book is the second one in a series, and while I think I liked the first one better, I did enjoy this one too. The story’s romance plot-line was sweet, angsty, and intense by turns, all of which I enjoyed. At some points, I wished there had been a bit more of a physical spark (sorry- but pun intended, I suppose?) between the protagonist and her partner, but I still liked their story. There’s something about this writer’s way with words that just seems to work for me, and I’m looking forward to the third instalment in the series. Fun, fluffy-with-some-substance reads.

Thank you to @macmillan_audio @netgalley for the ALC in return for my honest review.
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My thoughts…
Fun. This is book two in the “Spark House” series. I didn’t know that. But, it was fine as a stand-alone. I enjoyed how London and Jackson initially met. Even though the story wasn’t original, the writing was charming, and the characters were fun. I appreciated how London was able to speak her mind, and said what she wanted. Although at times that was contradicted by miscommunication between her and Jackson. Jackson, of course, was a swoon-worthy billionaire. Enough said.

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.

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 did enjoy the narration for the audiobook. Jason Clark and Stella Bloom voiced Jackson and London respectively. Um, Jason may be my new favorite male narrator? I immediately looked up what else I could listen to him narrate. Whew. He. Was. Good. He has such a smooth, rich, sexy voice. He really did well with the female voices too, which can be difficult for some male narrators. Stella did a good job with London’s character, but I did feel the steamy parts were kind of out of place with her sweet and soft voice.

Thanks to Macmillan Audio for an ALC via NetGalley Shelf.

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!

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 read an ecopy first and listened to an audiobook version subsequently. The audiobook is narrated by Stella Bloom and Jason Clarke. They are the same narrators as the first book in the series but this story is a different couple. While they both are very good in the performance, they sounded exactly the same from book to book so if moving directly from book 1 to book 2, it could be confusing. Stella does a good job between her sisters voices but when it came to Selene, the voice was exactly the same as Hailey which was momentarily a bit confusing. The good thing with the audio is that you know when the switch is made from Hailey’s perspective to Jackson because of the male and female narrators.
I listened to this at 1.3. Anything higher was too fast for me to understand the female narrator.
I love a good audiobook and this certainly was. But because of the character change I preferred the ebook in this instance which is opposite of my thoughts on the first book.
Both are a wonderful story and romance so go with your preferred format.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Macmillan Audio.

#StarryEyedLove:⁣
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“There is no better home for my heart than with you”⁣
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Starry Eyed Love is the 2nd book in Spark House series, which follows 3 of my favorite sisters around: Avery, London, & Harley. SEL has its spotlight on London and it was just as fun as the first. ⁣
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This can be read as a standalone, and honestly I think the only reason I would suggest reading the first before jumping into this one is because you get a bit more of the backstory of their parents and how hard it’s been without them. We know that Avery was in an accident previously, which was major for the parent backstory, but isn’t necessary for London story. If I’m being honest, Avery‘s behavior as this bridezills just kind of really made me not like her as much as I did in the first book.⁣
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I do love the Spark sisters, and I am glad they are back in book form. I liked how they have always been very realistic as siblings. It’s not that cookie cutter “we always love each other no one fights tehehe” BS. It’s real. They fight, they yell, they make up. Once again, the great misunderstanding that happens in this book with Jackson and London had me annoyed. Just like in book 1, my feelings for the love interest plummeted afterwards. I guess Helena has a great way of making me love these girls so much that I literally loathe these men when they cross them. 😂⁣
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Jason Clarke and Stella Bloom are both back to read Jackson and London. I was legit confused at first because they did Avery and Declan. I got over it quickly. Jason Clarke’s voice is literally the most perfect voice I’ve ever heard for any steamy scenes. Take note smut authors, get Jason Clarke to read your audiobooks. Stella was wonderful as well with her perfect interpretation of London’s heart and passion. When London left the event, the hurt was so palpable.⁣
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Once again, a solid read from HH, especially on audio. I loved getting to see them more, and cannot wait for Harley. I really feel like we got to know them more, which has me more attached. Thank you so much @smpromance and @macmillan.audio for the gifted copy. Starry Eyed Love is out now⁣
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QOTD: London has a cool ETSY store. If you had one, what would be in your shop?

Starry-Eyed Love – Spark House #2
By: Helena Hunting
Release: May 10th – Out Now!

This segment of the Spark sisters was a nice follow up to the first in the series, When Sparks Fly. This second book focuses on London Spark and her journey to love with Billionaire Jackson Holt.

London is the Finance and Administration person for Spark House. While her passion is around creating unique experiences for customers and her Etsy business, the business role is where she was needed for the family’s company. While she’s much stronger than she gives herself credit, being in this role is both rewarding and taxing on her.

After turning Jackson down on a night out with her sisters, London finds herself in a business meeting with him and his company for a potential eco-friendly partnership. As much as they try to avoid it, lines get crossed between business and pleasure.

This book has love and betrayal. It has characters facing fears and learning to work through them in various cohesive units. Unfortunately, the dialogue keeps it from being a 5 star read like the first in the series. Conversations are disjointed and overly formal at times. At one point I think I said “Who talks like that” out loud. The plot and premise though are spot on.

4 stars

Thank you to @netgalley @smpromance @macmillian.audio @letstalkbookspromo and @getredprbooks for a copy of this book and audiobook in exchange for my honest review. Also, thank you to @berittalksbooks hosting the buddy read chat!

#books #bookishlife #booklover #readingisfun #iowabookstagrammers #iowabookstagram #netgalley #smpromance #macmillianaudio #starryeyedlove #sparkhouse #smpinfluencers #stmartinspress #letstalkbookspromo

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC. I read the previous book in the series called “When Sparks Fly” and loved it, I was so excited to read this (or listen - since I received the audiobook).

Jackson gave me 50 shades/ Christian Grey vibes at times, but in a charming way. Also, my love for Avery has changed from the last book after reading this. I am quite excited for #3 in the spark series, we know Helena is going to give Harley her love story.

Now for the audiobook: I loved listening to this story, the voices were perfect and well matched to the characters.

This was definitely a cute story and I adore the spark sisters. Would recommend for a light fun read and to everyone who read “When Sparks Fly”.

Overall , I liked this book.. I liked the dynamic between the three sisters and liked the way the narrator (Stella Bloom) did all the character voices. However, I wasn't a fan of some things. I didn't like Jason Clarke's narration (although the book mainly relies on the female narrator, so this wasn't make or break). I became a tad sick of hearing about puffy stars , and honestly, I rolled my eyes several times during the open door sex scenes. I have no issue with open door, it just came across as cheesy to me.

I did not read the first book in the series (about older sister Avery), but I will read the third book (if it is written) about the youngest sister-she was my favorite character in this book.

Starry-Eyed Love has so many of my favorite things...
🤵🏼‍♂️ CEO/Millionaire (yes, please)
🖇 Workplace(ish) Romance (I can't ever get enough)
👩🏻‍💻 Sisters running their own business, and the heroine has a successful side hustle (💪🏼 yessss)
🎧 Two of my favorite narrators

I enjoy Helena Hunting's writing. The characters are well developed, and the chemistry and banter are amazing, as always. The only thing that made me just a tiny eh was the secondary drama with the sisters and their business. While I see how it played a part in the overall growth of the FMC, it put a negative vibe in an otherwise joyful read. The burn is slow but steamy, and the H has major swoon points with me. And, as always, Jason Clarke and Stella Bloom made this fun and entertaining romance that much better.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press & Macmillan Audio for my advanced copy.

Starry-Eyed Love was an endearing, enjoyable, and entertaining story.

London and Jackson were a well matched pair. They are both serious and business focused, but bring out a more fun and playful side in each other. They both lost both of their parents tragically, and they share an understanding of how that grief impacts their lives and decisions many years later. Their romance is definitely a slow burn. They have an initial brief meeting, then months later find themselves partnering together on a business collaboration. There is attraction and chemistry, but Jackson in particular is adamant about not mixing business and personal, so we get to see a real friendship build before the business arrangement ends and the relationship escalates.

I especially enjoyed London's character, and particularly identified with her somewhat anxious, fidgety nature. I can't begin to tell you the number of paperclips, pen lids, necklaces, etc. that have fallen victim to my need to keep my hands busy when I'm on the phone or people are in my office. Thanks to London, now I have a stack of star paper strips to mess with instead ;) While Avery frustrated me to no end (really glad her book was first because I don't think I would be inclined to read her story after this book), I also enjoyed the dynamic between the Spark sisters. It is messy and complicated and real.

This is book two in the Spark House series and can be read as a standalone. That said, if you intend to read book one at some point, you should read in order to avoid spoilers.

The audio for this was on point too. Love Jason Clarke!