Emotional and uplifting
5 stars

This is the third and final book of the Spark House Trilogy and finally gives us youngest sister Harley’s story. While I have hugely enjoyed the previous two books in this series (When Sparks Fly and Starry-Eyed Love), I’m happy to say that this book stands completely alone and no previous knowledge of the sisters or their books is needed to fall in love with this one. Which I’m completely sure that you will do.

We start off with that nearly-kiss before moving onto the current day and the re-introduction of Harley and Gavin. Even in that first non-encounter I felt the sparks between our pair. And when they meet again, it’s still there and as obvious as if there was a giant bonfire of lust burning beside the couple.

I knew I loved Harley from the moment that Gavin came back into her life. She was wearing an adult fairy outfit, is covered in glitter and yet she’s still panicking about that nearly kiss. No drama over her costume - just a mess of overthinking. She was a delight. I liked her honesty, her ability to self-reflect and also the juxtaposition of her fear, doubt and unsureness and the sexy self-assured sexual minx that comes out when she’s with Gavin. I think her dilemma of finding her own place and passion was so relatable that you’ll be rooting for her from the first.

Gavin himself was a great character if a little more layered that I first realised. At first he’s grumpy, then friendly, and then jealous before finally getting with the programme. He’s unsure - about a lot of things - but he’s as honest as he can be. Even when you know he’s wrong, the reason for his actions is completely understandable. I especially liked his chats with friend, Ian. He was like a little guardian angel giving blunt advice in ways that only men seem able to do.

I always say that I’m not normally keen on stories with children - but then I also don’t think I’ve ever actually disliked a story for that reason. And with that in mind, Peyton was an absolute delight. She was sassy, funny and smarter than she probably should have been. I loved her relationship with her dad as well as her relationship with Peyton. The fact that we get her perspective in the story was the icing I didn’t know I needed on the cake.

While there’s definitely a palpable connection and chemistry between our characters, this is definitely a sloooow burn romance. In fact, Harley has a boyfriend for a while after she meets Gavin again. I know this can be a problem for some people but there’s absolutely no cheating and I personally didn’t feel any lines were crossed - even emotionally. And even so, Harley beats herself up enough about the circumstances anyway. With all that out the way, Harley and Gavin are deliciously hot. And somehow it’s hotter that they have to sneak around to get by Peyton - the little cockblocker!

I’m also not normally one to choose stories with widowers but I couldn’t resist rounding out the Spark House series. And I’m very glad I did. There are definitely some emotional parts where I was shamelessly crying and some uncomfortable truths to be uncovered. But ultimately it’s an uplifting and happy romance that makes all the emotional turmoil more than worth it.

What I’ve especially liked about this trio of books is that whichever sister is in the spotlight - that’s the one you root for and focus on. When it was Avery’s story - she was my favourite. Then London was my favourite. Now Harley has all my love and affection. I’m just glad I’m not that fickle in real life! Maybe. It’s not that I stopped liking the other sisters but Ms Hunting does a fantastic job of giving the reader that insight into the mind of our heroine and making her our number one. It was fantastic to see Harley find her own perfectly imperfect love - and also to see all the sisters have their happily ever afters. Whether you’re reading your way through the Spark House series or just looking for some emotional but happy romance - I’m sure you’ll love this book. 5 stars.

This series has been so delicious to read. And I devoured the last book only to then sit in my feelings that this was it! I'll miss these sisters and Spark House!

I loved Harley from book one and I think of all the sisters she probably connects with me the most. This is a single dad book, which usually not my cup of tea, but if there ever was a book to change my mind on this trop it's this one!

Gavin and his daughter Peyton are the gift that keeps on giving. Peyton is adorable and Harley's relationship with her is probably why people love this trope so much! But it is a second chance romance and second chances are my jam! Harley is not over Gavin, not by a long shot and getting them back together is... the perfect hook for an Helena Hunting story!

Of course nothing in love is easy, so they have a few hurdles to get through before they get their HEA, but trust Helena's quirky humour and sense of timing to deliver a story that has everything to make you feel good!

Can be read as a complete standalone. So come meet the Sparks Sisters!

Another amazing read from the author, she draws us in and keeps the pages turning. I’ve loved every minute of this one.

My favorite of the series. Just something about Gavin and Harley’s romance stood out more.

These two deserved to find that special someone after all they’ve dealt with. Harley really came into her own and happy to see her blossom. Gavin needed that push to move on.

Steamy and funny but has that angsty vibe as well. And prepare yourself for the ex MIL from Hell. She is the wrench in that romance.

This started strong for me on the premise alone - age gap, friends to lovers, widowed single dad… and then there was just so many scenes that had me eye rolling & feeling secondhand awkwardness.

What worked for me:
- tropes (single dad, friends to lovers, age gap)
- family of sisters
- theme of grief & having relatable experiences

What didn’t work for me:
- A part of the weirdness for me was the description and conversations with the child was 9 years old. I felt like the MCs treated her like she was much younger/immature than a smart 9 year old… it created so many cheesy side scenes that took the pace off kilter from the steamy romance.
-I think the childhood development interest was well thought out, but again, it became almost cheesy with the relationship the MC was trying to build with the dad/daughter.

I have been meaning to read a book from this author since I have many of them on my TBR. Receiving the ARC made me prioritize and I am grateful for it as I enjoyed it. I loved the author’s writing style which made me quickly get through the book. I was intrigued from the very first chapter. I felt like I really got to know all the characters, especially the protagonist, Harley (who I think would be my best friend). Her character development was great as she learned to speak up for herself and fight for what she wants. I also liked seeing how other characters learned how to deal with guilt and grief by processing their feelings and seeking support. The characters actually learned to communicate better with each other.

As for the romance, I was rooting for Harley and Gavin from the very beginning. They initially had a connection but could not act on those feelings because of many things. The timing wasn’t right back then, but now they have to fight for what they want. I liked seeing how Gavin opened up and was more flirty with Harley. There were cute and sexy scenes between them that I enjoyed.

Overall, I learned a lot from this book, such as how others deal with trauma and grief. I even learned more about kids. Gavin’s daughter, Peyton, was fun to read about. I was happy it was mentioned that Peyton and Harley both love Disney (as I am a fellow Disney lover too). I liked being on the journey of seeing the couple finally get together and the family uniting. I look forward to reading the previous books to get to know Harley’s sisters better.

MAKE A WISH is the third instalment in Helena Hunting’s contemporary, adult SPARK HOUSE romance series focusing on the Spark sisters: Avery, London and Harley. This is thirty-eight year old, landscape architect and widower Gavin Rhodes, and twenty-eight year old, nanny/co-owner of Spark House/Event hotel Harley Spark’ s story line. MAKE A WISH can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Harley and Gavin) with a final chapter from Peyton, MAKE A WISH follows the building relationship and romance between thirty-eight year old, landscape architect and widower Gavin Rhodes, and twenty-eight year old, nanny/co-owner of Spark House/Event hotel Harley Spark. At twenty years of age, Harley Spark was hired as the nanny to Gavin Rhodes’ infant daughter Peyton but Gavin was struggling in the wake of his wife’s death, and his attraction to our story line heroine. Battling his emotions, Gavin and his daughter Peyton moved across the state, leaving a heart broken Harley in the process. Fast forward to present day wherein Harley is now working for the family owned Spark House and Event Centre, she will come face to face with her past in the guise of Gavin Rhodes and his now nine year old daughter. Hoping to renew their friendship Gavin begins to include our heroine in family events, as well as depending upon Harley to help out in a pinch but all does not go according to plan when the heart wants something more, and guilt and grief threaten any possibility of a future together. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Gavin and Harley, and the potential fall-out as Gavin is unable to let go of the past, and Harley is unable to compete with the ghost of a woman who died too young.

Harley Spark had always intended to get her degree in infant and child care but Gavin’s rejection, and the need to help refurbish the Spark House meant Harley spent most of her time working for the family business. With the hopes of a children’s centre and birthday party event house, Harley’s plans are rejected, and she finds herself at a stalemate with her future going forward. The return of Gavin and his daughter Peyton pulls Harley into the family she once loved and adored but there may be an underlying issue for the man with whom Harley is falling in love. Gavin Rhodes has yet to move forward from the loss of his wife, and in his grief has allowed external forces to control the who, what and how of his nuclear family. Renewing his friendship with Peyton pushes Gavin outside of his current comfort zone, a friendship that quickly turns into something more.

The relationship between Gavin and Harley is one of second chances, of a sorts; a rebuilding friendship wherein Harley is unable to see past the obvious, and Gavin continues to hide behind a wall of grief, guilt and loss. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

All of the previous story line couples plays secondary and supporting characters. We are introduced to Gavin’s soon to be ten year old daughter Peyton, his parents Judith and Gareth, his former in-laws Karen and Kyle, and his friends.co-worker Ian and Lynn.

MAKE A WISH is an emotional story of grief and loss, guilt and struggle, acceptance and love, family, friendships and moving forward. The premise is impassioned and touching; the romance is seductive but heart breaking; the characters are struggling, determined and real.



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Make a Wish is the third book in the Spark House series by Helena Hunting. This series is one of my favorites that makes my heart so warm. This latest book does not disappoint. Make a Wish focuses on the third sister Harley Spark in a second chance, single dad story. True to form Helena delivers a charming story to make any reader fall for this book. The hardest part of this story was when it ended.

Sweet and spicy and everything that is nice in a book! This last book in the Spark sisters series has been the sweetest one, with the youngest Spark sister, Harley. While London and Avery have been developing the concept of Spark House into a franchise with the help of their husbands, Harley has been trying to fit in. The hotel situation has been in a flux, changing directions, and every time her responsibilities are taken away and she has to find another way to fit in and keep working with her sisters. I felt for her because she seems like she was a misfit in the world inhabited by her sisters and her husbands.

Harley’s love is taking care of babies and small children. At nineteen, she started nannying for Gavin. His wife died in childbirth and he was overwhelmed, hence he hired Harley. She worked for them for one year and a half, until one night, when he was most broken by the weight of his loss and single parenthood, she made an attempt to kiss him and he rejected her. Days later, he moved with his daughter to be nearer his in-laws, leaving Harley bereft.

Nine years later, he’s back in town, and both he and his daughter Peyton are reaching out to her, to re-kindle their bonds, except this time, the bond between Harley and Gavin are not employer-employee.

I loved the friends to lovers vibe in this story! Gavin’s mother in law tries to throw a wrench in the works and it’s really frustrating. I loved Gavin’s parents who are so supportive and adore Harley. I felt for Harley and her frustration at all the changes in Spark House that leave her out of her favorite jobs. The love between the Spark sisters is strong and I loved seeing Avery and London at their most domesticated with their husbands. This book was a page turner because I just needed to know what would happen between Gavin and Hartley. It was everything I wanted and needed, everything that is sweet and with some angst thrown in. Utterly delightful!

A heartfelt and endearing conclusion to the Spark House series! Make A Wish is delightful. I simply adored watching our final sister Harley find her HEA with swoony single dad Peyton. This entire series has been such treat- sincere, charming, and heartwarming. The Spark sisters will always have a tender place in my heart.

I was already excited for Harley, but this book has some of my favorite tropes- single dad, second chances, and age gap…all with the best sister girl gang in the Spark ladies. The journey of each of these characters are are charming. Gavin is just so swoony- a dreamboat of a single dad who melts the heart. He’s an amazing dad, and as he opens his heart and explores his connection to Peyton, we see him become the swoony book boyfriend. And Harley is so thoughtful and relatable. Crushing on the newly widowed dad, her shock in seeing him years later. And I loved her connection with Peyton. Helena does a great job of positioning the chemistry of both characters- and I appreciated how we both get sweet moments between Peyton and Harley AND we have much needed solo moments with Gavin to develop them as a couple. And we also get to see them form their own family unit. Harley and Gavin are so sweet together. Their connection blossomed so naturally, and I loved how Harley really helps Peyton and Gavin heal, the undertones of guilt and loss married with hope and healing.

The Spark House series is so full of love and family- and watching these lovely sisters find their love, find their path, and find themselves.

I really enjoyed this series finale! I was so happy to get Harley’s story. I really loved Gavin and his daughter Peyton. I loved everything about the scenes with the sisters. This was an enjoyable contemporary romance and the audio was also well done. Helena is a favorite of mine and I am excited for what she writes next.

Reviewed for A Wanton Book Lover Blog
I think Helena saved the best for last in her third book in the Spark House series. In Make a Wish, Harley, the youngest Spark sister, is feeling a little lost. Her job is changing at Spark House and she isn't sure what the future looks like work related. She has a boyfriend but she isn't in love with him; he is more of a time filler until she finds "the one". Imagine Harley's surprise when the man she used to work as a nanny shows-up at Spark House with his adorable daughter years later. Gavin has only gotten better with age and Harley s's the see's the spark she had a glimpse of with him as a nineteen year old. As Gavin and Harley try to navigate dating, meddling in-laws, and the ghost of Gavin's wife, Helena has put together a sometimes funny, almost realistic story of dating a single father. Harley's character was sweet, caring, and thoughtful and was totally in-love with Gavin's daughter Peyton. Gavin was struggling with the guilt over the death of his wife, being a single dad to a daughter, juggling work, and an intrusive family. All of this cumulates together to create an engaging story of relationships and navigating falling in love. I personally think that this is the best of the Spark House books as I was really invested in Harley's and Gavin's story.

Helena Hunting hit it up to the sky with Make a Wish. Her stories are always filled with light-hearted, funny banter and some serious sexy times. This second- chance, single parent romance will have you laughing at the adorable daughter, loving the super-hot dad and cheering for our glitter goddess heroine.

Harley is working with her sisters at the boutique event hotel, Spark House. She is struggling with all the new opportunities that Spark House is pursuing, while trying to find her “fit” in with all the growth they are experiencing. Her specialty is the hotel’s social media and planning birthday parties. While hosting a 9-year old’s princess’s party, she comes face to face with Gavin (attending with his daughter Peyton) which revisits the most embarrassing moment of her life. 7 years ago, while she was Peyton’s nanny, she tried to kiss her boss (Gavin).

Gavin is a single dad to Peyton. His wife died during childbirth, and he has made it his life’s mission to be the best father he can be. His recollection of Harley is that she was an angel that saved him during the hardest time of his life. She was nanny to Peyton for the first 2 years of her life. It was devastating to Harley when Gavin and Peyton decided to move away so that Peyton could spend time with his in-laws.

Peyton immediately attaches back to Harley and thus begins weekly “lunches” for the three of them. Starts off innocent, then both Gavin and Harley get on with the flirting game. There is a bit of an age gap (9 years) that pops up as an issue to others in the story. Namely the nemesis mother-in-law, Karen, and she certainly works the “Karen-vibe” on Harley. The crazy MIL gets put in her place by Gavin (finally) after a pretty serious break-up. Harley was competing with the ghost of Peyton’s mother and put an ultimatum on the relationship that split them up for a bit. But no worries, Gavin and Harley get their HEA along with the charming Peyton.

Make a Wish is the conclusion of Hunting’s Spark House series, but it totally readable as a standalone. We do see lots of interaction with her sisters Avery and London and their families along with some new babies in the family. And the Epilogue! I dare you to not get through it without the happiest of tears! It was such the perfect ending to this heartwarming story.

I received this ARC from the author, publisher (St. Martin’s Press) and Netgalley for an honest review.

There are so many things about this story I love. Peyton is absolutely adorable. This story had all the feels. A widowed dad and his infant daughter, being taken care of by a nanny. My heart just broke. The mending of it was incredible. Harley was going through her own things with Spark House and it was really sad. Enter Gavin…wow just wow. Harley was actually so much stronger than she thought. Her journey and the healing of Gavin as well as their reconnecting was chefs kiss. Not gonna lie, I did tear up a few times. It was great reading about her sisters and where they were in their lives. And oh how I loved this story.

The final Spark sister to get her HEA was my favorite of the series. Harley is very strong even though she's so young. Her feelings were so deep and so powerful. Peyton was the best part of these characters.

This series was cute and I enjoyed getting to know them

This is the third book in the Spark House series. I just adore these Spark sisters. This is Harley’s story. She’s had a bit of a struggle finding her purpose besides her sisters. But she eventually gets what she wants. She is perfect for Gavin. His story is heartbreaking. He has a hard time letting Harley into his and Peyton’s life. And Peyton, she’s a doll. This is an emotional love story. I loved every word. Once again, Helena Hunting gives us her special romances.

Make a Wish is the third and final book in the Spark House series. This is a series of interconnected standalone romances.

This book is Harley's story. It can be read as a standalone (different narrators) however the main characters of each book are in the other books a lot. So I would definitely recommend reading in order since their stories continue.

Make a Wish starts with us seeing Harley as a 20 year old nanny. The story then moves to the present with Harley at 27.

Family is such an important part of all of these books. And I've definitely enjoyed getting to see the three sisters each get their own book. I've also really loved seeing Spark House grow (their family's event hotel).

Harley was such a great heroine. I loved seeing how much she loves working with kids. And her relationship with Peyton was so fun. However I'm not understanding why so many books lately have the heroine start the book with a boyfriend.

I did like the male POV. It was nice to see a single dad with a precocious 9 year old daughter. And it was interesting to see all of the challenges that the relationship between him and Harley had to overcome. And the grief aspect, while super heart-wrenching, was well told.

I definitely enjoyed this book and the last part of the book was really good (it made me super teary-eyed). However I wish that there had been more that was unexpected . But overall still such a good series.

𝘚𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵, 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤!

I said it before and I say it again, I love when the books in a series keep getting better and better. I loved the previous book and fell in love with this story, it was adorable.

Thank you SMP Romance and NetGalley for this gifted copy.

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I have been waiting for Harley's story since I finished Starry eyed love. I adored Landon's book and fell in love with her story and was expecting the same from Harley's book but unfortunately that was not the case. Let's talk about the good parts first. I really liked Harley as a character, she was lovable and relatable and I loved her relationship with Peyton who was adorable.
Now to the parts that didn't warrant the book more than three stars. Im an avid romance reader and I live for chemistry between the MCs but in this case Gavin and Harley had no chemistry. There was no spark or sizzle which makes a book interesting and engaging. It revolved more around the other stuff than the actual romance.
Maybe it's more a me problem than you problem, so you should give it a chance if you like second chance, single parent romance.

This was such a sweet and cute story. Harley and Gavin are so sweet together. Cue the swoons! But what really got me is Gavin's relationship with his daughter, Peyton. I am obsessed! I still go back to my favourite moments in the book and I still get that same feeling as I read it the first time. This is definitely my favourite book in the series and my new favourite book by Helena.