I just finished the audiobook for this single dad/second chance romance and am currently wiping away my tears. Wow, that was so expertly written by Helena Hunting and perfectly narrated by Stella Bloom and Jason Clarke! This can certainly be read as a stand alone as I haven't had a chance to read the other books in the series yet (but will definitely be moving them to the top of my TBR now) and didn't feel lost or that I was missing anything.

Harley and Gavin's story was so moving to listen to! Gavin is a widow and single father to Peyton, who Harley was a live-in nanny for as an infant. After an almost kiss late late one night when Harley was trying to comfort Gavin (it started out innocently and was a shock to her that it almost went there too), he moves himself and Peyton away to be closer to his in-laws. Seven years later they move back and run into Harley, bringing her back into their lives, and eventually their hearts - forever (of course!)

I really loved just how heartwarming this story was. Harley is such a sweet heroine and I loved how it was clear she fell in love with Peyton before she even entertained the idea of Gavin as a potential interest. That epilogue was just so sweet and the perfect way to wrap up the story. I can't wait to dive in to the first 2 books now!

Thank you so much to Macmillian Audio and NetGalley for the audiobook in exchange of this honest review.

I didn't realize that this was a series but after listening to this one, I might just have to go back and pick up all of them! I was very happily surprised with the amount of fun in this book as well as the sweetness of the book. I don't know why but the single dad trope just gets to me. I would recommend!

I really enjoyed the story of Harley and Evan although it lent itself as women's fiction vs romance. Having said that it was warm and fabulous read with a delightful HEA. Thank you for the opportunity to listen to this ALC.

This was my first book by helena hunting and i highly enjoyed it. I enjoyed the writing immensely. And will read more from now on. I thought it was a cute and fun rom com. The characters in this was relatable and didnt get on your nerves. Live the witty come backs.

This wasn’t my favorite romance, but it was good.

I usually like single dad romances more, not sure why this one didn’t do it for me!

2.5/5

I wanted to like this book. Helena Hunting writes great dialogue, balances a good plot and knows how to describe things without hitting it too hard. I think she’s creative, builds a great character roster etc.

But this romance starts with the FMC being 20 while the love interest is clearly in his mid thirties. I really struggled to get past that ick, and honestly really couldn’t. I’ll try another book by her, but this wasn’t mine.

I also felt like Harley (the fmc) falls prey to the perfect main character that too many romance writers turn to. She’s just a little flat to me.

I’d already read Make A Wish, a teary-eyed and heartwarming second chance standalone novel in the Spark House series and couldn’t wait to listen to the audio. And what an extraordinary listening experience it was!

Is it me, or do audiobooks have more impact on your emotions because Harley and Gavin's story couldn’t have struck the chords of my heart more? It felt like Stella Bloom and Jason Clarke's narration took Hunting's words to another level, their voices resonating in perfect pitches. Clarke not only excelled in Gavin’s speech, but his female intonation was also outstanding. And the same goes for Bloom, whose voice captured Harley’s, an adorable youngster and other characters.

So, back to Harley. She’s the youngest Spark sister who’s still struggling to forget a past happening and also trying to find her footing in the family-run event hotel. She turned my reading world upside down! It’s been a long while since I’ve come across such a remarkable heroine. She’s so kind and thoughtful to family and her ex-employer that moving towards her goal seemed unlikely.

I had to laugh! Gavin Rhodes’ clueless timing when walking back into Harley’s life couldn’t have been more mortifying. From there on in, a so-called trust develops at a pretty good pace. But, as always in Hunting’s storytelling, we’re in for more than a surprise or three. Gavin is a heart melter. Or should I say a panty-melter? Swoon, you will, shed a tear—no doubt about it. His backstory defines the moment, and emotional hurdles need addressing, but who, you may ask, will take the first step?

Steamy ooh and aah scenes accentuated by Clarke’s husky voice and Bloom’s seductive pronunciation were so visual that I had to change gears in the traffic while listening! Although the audiobook is long, it flew by. Before I knew it, the ending was on its heels and oh my, if there is one series that I had no wish to say goodbye to, it has to be this one.

Although I loved Avery and London’s stories, Harley’s holds a special place in my heart. Kids—get ready to fall hard for the little one wise beyond her years, and family with their ups and downs and misunderstandings is right up my street. Hunting cracked it with her humourous stamp and charismatic storytelling and gave me precisely what I look for in contemporary romance reads. Bravissimo Hunting, and to the narrators—kudos for a job well done!

Many thanks to Macmillian Audio and NetGalley for the audio in exchange for an honest review.

4.5/5 stars!
Helena Hunting is a favorite author of mine and I was so excited to receive an early copy of Make A Wish! This book is the third book in the Spark House series and I loved it just as much as the first two. I enjoyed following Harley and Gavin's story and how they navigated through love, heartbreak and parenting. If you are looking for a light, fun and enjoyable read, I definitely recommend this series!

I can always count on Helena Huntings writing! I know when I pick up a book she’s written it’s going to make me smile and forget about life for a few hours.

Make a Wish is the 3rd book in this series and it’s just as good as the first 2 books! Harley is sweet and kind and Gavin is just afraid of losing someone he loves again. But their love story is perfect. They work so great together and you just can’t help but root for them throughout the book!

What a wonderful conclusion to the Spark sisters series! Lots and lots of angst, guilt, love, and forgiveness. I listened to the audiobook, and narrators Stella Bloom and Jason Clarke did a fantastic job of delivering all the feelings - even those of a 9 year old girl.

I received this audiobook from the publisher through NetGalley.

I’ve had mixed feelings about the Spark House series books that I’ve read, but I loved Harley, so I was really excited for Make a Wish, and it did not disappoint. Harley Sparks starts the story as a nanny for infant Peyton, but when she develops feelings for the baby’s father, things get complicated, and Gavin moves himself and his daughter to be closer to his late wife’s family. Seven years later, they’re back though and their chemistry is as undeniable as ever. I loved this second chance/single dad romance. There is a lot of heavy topics they have to navigate—Gavin is living each day with the loss of his wife and even though he’s moved on, he barely talks about her, which causes pain for both Peyton and Harley. Navigating the family dynamics in this story felt so nicely handled and thoughtful. I loved how big Harley’s heart was and how endearing her relationship with her and Peyton was. I genuinely didn’t want this book to end and yet I could not stop listening. I do wish there was more of Gavin’s POV, but I do love that his perspective was included. Gavin too is so thoughtful and I loved the banter and chemistry of him and Harley. I do wish there was maybe a few more scenes of just Gavin and Harley because I think Peyton was really front and center for their relationship. I thought all the dialogue was great and witty, the chemistry between the characters was wonderful, and I loved Harley’s journey to finding her place in her family business so much. She is strong and kind and there is just so much love in this read. This is one of my favorite Helena Hunting books!

I loved this book. Helena Hunting writes romance so effortlessly. I enjoyed the characters in this story and felt their attraction and vulnerability throughout the story. Supporting characters felt real and added funny commentary to the story.

Make a Wish by Helena Hunting is a sweet nanny romance handled with maturity. It tackles the complicated and challenging topic of death and grief realistically and sensitively, which makes it easy to connect with the characters. While not high drama, it certainly leans more toward angst than fluff.

Harley Spark is twenty at the book's onset and a live-in nanny for the somewhat newly widowed Gavin Rhodes. The charge in her care is the eighteen-month-old Peyton, who, at the time, was teething. Enter late nights and bad judgment. After Peyton tries to kiss Gavin, he soon packs up his life and moves across the state to raise his daughter closer to her maternal grandparents. Harley moves on but gets quite a shock at her family business, Spark House, during a child's birthday party the hotel is hosting. Serendipity seems to have the final say as she learns that Gavin and Peyton have moved back to town.

The book has the well-loved tropes of a single dad, nanny, age gap, and second chance but Hunting spins them in a fresh new way. Harley and Gavin have incredible chemistry -- the spice is spicy. Harley isn't some naive ingenue; she's thoughtful and authentically herself. She is compassionate yet firm in her boundaries. It's beautiful to watch her character grow in both her personal and professional life. Gavin is defined by his grief but is ultimately a good man and a good father. His journey is one of healing and acceptance.

The side characters are perfect enhancements giving balance to the main storyline. They all feel fully fleshed out and necessary to the story, even if they only make minimal appearances. In addition, there is a lovely element of familial bonds and sisterhood. Harley's sisters clearly care deeply about her. Karen (the MIL) is the exception, but Hunting ties it all together for the reader.

I experience this book via audiobook courtesy of NetGalley and Macmillan. The narrators are engaging (and I might have shed a tear or two while listening). Stella Bloom did a fantastic job voicing Harley (and Peyton). I could vividly hear the passion and emotions with which she read the story. Jason Clark has an undeniably sexy voice, but I honestly didn't feel it matched Gavin and the accent was slightly off.

While Make a Wish can be read as a standalone, I was thrilled to find out it is actually the third book in the series. I can't wait to get to know the other Spark sisters better and plan to read their books ASAP.

This book had so many positive moments I'm sure to forget something, but really love how this book depicted the many emotions of grief, the bond a nanny or even babysitter can develop with a child, and the chemistry that can exist between two people even if it isn't the right time. I loved the honest conversations surrounding all of these things and also the inclusion of conversations about counseling and also the sister's conversations around their business.

I did struggle through the parts with Gavin's mother in law. I know I was supposed to and honestly they were really well written but I guess I wanted Gain to handle her differently. Those parts were hard for me to read.

Overall this was a fantastic book and especially good on audio.

I received an advanced listening copy of this book through NetGalley. This is my honest review.

𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐖𝐢𝐬𝐡 (𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 #𝟑)
𝐁𝐲 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐚 𝐇𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠
𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫: 𝐒𝐭. 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧’𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝟏.𝟐𝟒.𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑
𝒞𝑜𝓂𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒮𝑜𝑜𝓃!



I loved being back at the Spark House business and this time watching youngest sister Harley navigate her way to love. ✨

All the Spark Sisters have their own talents and gifts, but Harley has such a big heart and loves kids. In fact, she is helping at a princess-themed Spark House birthday party when Gavin, the man she once nannied for years ago walks back into her life.

Gavin is a single dad who lost his wife in childbirth. Harley had strong feelings for Gavin and his daughter Peyton back when she nannied for them, but now they’re back. But there’s a lot of baggage to unpack here as Gavin and Harley start to fall for each other.

So many emotional elements in here, parenting, grief, guilt, but of course a hot romance too. Harley is such a sweet character and so patient and kind. I was happy that London and Avery also made an appearance; I’m sad that there are only three Spark sisters. Helena Hunting is definitely one of my go-to romance authors.

I highly recommend the audiobook for this one - awesome narration.


Thank you @stmartinspress for this gifted copy and @macmillan.audio for a complimentary audiobook.

I didn't enjoy Harley's story QUITE as much as I did London's and Avery's. I'm not exactly sure why.

I DID like that Harley and Gavin seemed to be on the same page pretty quickly, and there wasn't a lot of "does he/doesn't he" plot to the book. But I think they just went all in really quickly, putting me off a bit.

I did not have a problem with the age difference between the characters. It worked for the story, and it worked for me! And I also adored Peyton. She was a fun character!

I'm giving this a 4-star rating, but it's probably more like 3.5.

Also, I listened to all three books in this series in quick succession, and with the same two narrators for each book, it was slightly off-putting. Nevertheless, the narrators did do a great job on all three!

Thanks for the ARC!

This is the final Spark House story. I loved When Sparks Fly so I had to see how Harley’s story would play out.

Harley helps run Spark House but her roles seem to be diminishing. She’s also in school for education. She runs into Gavin at the very last children’s party she ran at Spark House. Harley was Gavin’s nanny when his wife died. She helped take care of his daughter Peyton. The last time she saw them she tried to kiss Gavin, as a teenage girl.

At first the reconnection is a friendship. Gavin has moved back and Harley is a safe place for Peyton (who is now 9 or 10.) They begin spending a lot of time together, despite Harley having a boyfriend. When things don’t pan out with her boyfriend Gavin convinces her to go out with him. They both are able to release their pent up passion for each other. But Gavin has lived a long time as a solo parent, and his in laws don’t make anything easy for him. Do he and Harley have enough of a bond to make this relationship work?

I spent all of my life babysitting/nannying. I had a little bit of difficulty with the nanny/single dad trope even though she was no longer his nanny. I also now have two kids and the thought of my husband moving on with the babysitter is unsettling. I did love Harley & Gavin’s love when they got together. I’m not sure the spark was built up enough before (especially because it was forbidden.) So it was lacking in the build up for me. There were alot of challenges like having a young daughter in the mix and cranky mother in law which made it interesting.

I love Helena Huntings writing and really enjoyed this story. I just don’t think the trope was for me. Also I really enjoyed the narration! I flew through this story!

Make a Wish by Helena Hunting on audio was absolutely brilliant. The story was captivating and left me wanting to sit in my car to finish the chapter. The characters were well developed and quite realistic. I felt as if I was a part of their world base on the way it was narrated. Having the dual perspectives was absolutely the right way to have this story told.

Harley Spark a young and bright entrepreneur started her career as a nanny with the Rhodes family. She went through a period of time where she questioned herself and her future so she joined her sisters in expanding Spark House a small boutique hotel that focuses on events. Harleys focus was on children's parties and on her last party she runs into Gavin Rhodes and Payton, her last nanny gig.

Gavin has recently moved back to Colorado Springs and takes Payton to a party and runs into her forme nanny and a woman he has always admired for helping him through the toughest time in his life. He invites her for lunch to catch up. And he asks her to babysit Payton a time or two.

With the crazy growth an change at Spark House and within Harley's life does she have time for the Rhodes family? Does she want to.go down that road again and how does her boyfriend feel about that? Does Gavin want more than a friend and caregiver for Payton? Does making a Wish work to anyone in the Sparks or Rhodes family? Lets just say one member might get their wish. . .

This was one of the best audiobooks I have listened to! I loved both narrators. They kept me captivated the entire time, which is saying a lot for me. I can tend to get easily distracted while listening to books.

As far as writing goes, I thought Helena Hunting did a fantastic job writing a true standalone book amongst a trilogy. Having not read the previous two Spark House books, I felt she equipped me with the necessary information to enjoy Harley and Gavin’s love story.

I enjoyed this book so much I will most likely go back and read/ listen to the two previous books in the series.

Special thanks to St. Martin’s Press Griffin and NetGalley for allowing me to listen to this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

The ending of a book has not brought me to tears in a while, but this one got to me. As far as romance novels goes, there is a formula that most of them stick to, and I was happy to see this one go a little bit outside of the norm. Usually, once the couple finally gets together, that's then end of the story, but this happened a bit differently, in that we got to see not just an immediate fantasy happily ever after, but the realistic version, where Harley and Gavin made mistakes and doubted each other. They had to work at making not just their relationship work, but also factoring in what was best for Peyton. It was lovely to see the relationship between not just Gavin and Harley, but also the progression between Peyton and Harley. These were tricky relationships to navigate and I found it incredibly compelling.

I received this story as an ARC in the form of an audiobook and I absolutely loved the narrators chosen for this. The narrators helped draw you into the story and specifically for me, made Harley such a lovable character.

No surprise here that I began this story not realizing that it was part of a series (maybe one day I will be less of a hot mess) but this completely worked as a standalone novel and definitely "sparked" my interest in going back to read the first 2 stories in the series.

Many many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for providing me with this Arc in exchange for my honest review! The publish date for Make a Wish will be 1/24/23, so make sure to check it out!