This was such a great book! I had been looking for something that was different than my usual hockey, football, baseball themes so when I saw this was about surfers I jumped on it.

Both characters were really great and had very different personalities. They brought the best out in each other and I loved the progression of their relationship. 

Elle was super sweet. She was very personable and bubbly which was a stark contrast to Gia's more reserved personality. I loved how dedicated she was to her sport and how dedicated she was to her relationship with Gia. She really threw herself into their relationship.

Gia was a great character, too. She was very focused and very driven. She loved her friends fiercely and was an incredibly loyal person. 

I loved the surfing aspect. I know absolutely nothing about surfing or the specifics of it so I can't say how accurate the descriptions were, but it FELT authentic. I will say, one thing I didn't like was what happened with their surf standings. I won't get into more detail with that, but it bummed me out how that story line went.

Overall, I definitely recommend this book. It was a fun, easy read with little angst and a whole lotta heart.

I’m somewhat selective on which book to read because as emphasized by one of my favorite authors, you should never waste your time on non-quality books. Quality for me has to have  at least, among others, a good story, good writing and good storytelling. With Melissa Brayden, you can never go wrong. Her stories are always fun and light. She doesn’t write heavy stories with major plot twist that will make you fall off the sofa, she writes stories that will make you stay on the sofa because you feel good. It’s her game. 

Sparks like Ours is a sport-romance book that will give you a glimpse of the world of surfing. Ladies in board shorts trotting the big waves, how cool is that? I think it’s rare that this sport is given the limelight in lesfic so it’s a treat to have this one. Although not explored as much but perhaps there’s really nothing much to it so I’m okay. The main and supporting  characters were very likable. Yep, simply cannot love Gia and Elle and not the others, after all this is a series. I could really care less if they seem to come from one mold by the way they speak. The sweet, sweet Hadley of course is an exception. I enjoyed their banters. Brayden has a knack for writing funny and witty dialogues. It makes you root not only for the romance but also the friendship. 

This may be a good book but being a sports enthusiast with a very competitive spirit, there’s one thing I didn’t like and it’s in the last 10% of this book. Brayden, why??? Nonetheless, this is a totally recommendable book. And I recommend reading the first two installments. 5 stars.

I smirked, gasped and giggled my way through this... in one day. What a ride!

I was really looking forward to this book partly because I enjoyed Gia’s character from the snippets we got to see in previous books, but also because I really love enemies to lovers stories. On top of that, the fact that these ladies are elite surfers, meant that if the chemistry’s right, these two coming together should be sexy as hell, and let me tell you, it didn’t disappoint. 
It felt surprisingly nice to catch up with the other characters form Seven shores again.  
I loved their friendly teasing of Gia as things developed with Elle. 

I’m usually not a big fan of coming out stories because they can end up feeling painfully slow and boring, but here, from the moment things begin to turn, I felt engaged and entertained the whole way through. 
I’m really looking forward to the next installment so I can spend more time with all these lovely women. 

As things went south it was truly heartbreaking and hard to see how they could find a way through. Also appreciated some of the more tense and heart raising moments in there. 
Have to admit I was pretty in love with these two by the end of the book. 
Overall, a sexy and thoroughly enjoyable read and an adorable reminder of what matters most in the end.

Another solid read by Brayden though I have to say the formula is getting a little tired, but this book had less drama than most of her stories which was both refreshing and also a bit underwhelming. I personally love a good amount of angst! But it was nice to see 2 people just fall in love without poor communication muddying the waters. The character’s circumstances provided relatable real world conflict but overall this was a straightforward and enjoyable love story. Both protagonists were extremely likeable.

Easily my favourite of the series so far!!! A must read!!! 

Elle and Gia are rivals on the ocean, both battling for the position of top women's surfer in the world. When they're forced to spend time together, both women are surprised to actually enjoy spending time together. The sparks fly between them, and flirtation gives way to much much more. But can they balance a relationship while still battling for 1st place?

Gia and Elle are definitely my two favourite characters we've met so far. They're so fresh and fun and passionate. I loved Elle's journey, and her confidence that went with every step she took. I loved catching up with the rest of the ladies of the Seven Shores as well - and I'm looking forward to Hadley's story soon! 

The dialogue in this book was exquisite - the prefect balance of quippy and serious. I felt like with this book in particular I could really connect to the characters on a deeper level and really sink into the story and get lost for a few wonderful hours. So so fantastic. Also the descriptions of the surfing were just enough to give us an idea of what was going without being so technical that you get lost. 

Lovely lovely book - I can't wait to have this whole series in paperback. Definitely a perfect summer and a perfect anytime read!

I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Another fantastic novel from the pen of the formidable, Melissa Brayden.

Gia Malone has worked for years to climb the surfing championship ladder and she’s finally one win away from being number one in the world. The only person standing in her way is the current number one, Elle Britton.

When Elle and Gia are thrown together in a new marketing campaign they begin to let their competitive guards down, ultimately seeing each other in a way they never could before. But when surfing has always been number one in your life, where does love fit on the scale?

What a fantastic series, one that I am so glad isn’t ending with this book. The Seven Shores series is one of my favourites to date.

I must admit that in the last two books Gia wasn’t my favourite of the main four friends (Autumn and Hadley were), however after this book that all changed. I definitely have the major hots for Gia but I also think she’s an incredibly amazing friend and person who has an infectious and endearing personality.

Elle on the other hand I wanted to be BFF’s with. She’s happy go lucky and a genuinely good person. Gia and Elle together are a match made in heaven. They have very different traits which compliment each other perfectly. However, when it comes to the love they are incredibly similar as they’d do anything for their friends and the ones they love dearly. They also have the most amazing chemistry that is all encompassing and passionate, which I hadn’t expected to be as potent as what it was.

You have to get on the Seven Shores train but be aware you’re not going to want to get off again!

Another indisputable 5 star novel from Melissa Brayden!

Brayden creates amazing characters. There is always amazing chemistry but this book hits it out of the park! I loved the banter between the characters and all their quirks. In this book Gia is the main focus just like Isabel in book one, and Autumn in book 2. I really want to just sit and drink coffee at the Cats Pajamas with this group and even weird Larry. Book 4, Hadley's turn?

Sparks Like Ours by Melissa Brayden is the third book in her Seven Shores series, this is the story of Gia world-class surfer, and her main rival, Elle Britton, as they work through their mutual antagonism to realise their attraction to each other.

Another tour de force from Ms Brayden. As ever, the dialogue is crisp and witty with just the right amount of sass and sexy encounters. Writing this good never gets stale. A heart warming, life affirming romance that had me longing to smell the surf. I can’t wait to read the next Seven Shore book and find out who Hadley falls in love with.

This is the third book in the “Seven Shores” series and is Gia Malone’s story. Slowly by surely Gia has worked her way up the surfing ranks to being second to Elle Britton, her cheerful and annoying nemesis. Being second has put her in the spotlight and circumstances force them into having to work together.

I’m surprised by how much I like Brayden’s books every time I read one. I don’t know if it’s the covers or the titles that make me think I’m going to get an average read out of them but from the moment I start reading I remember having the same thought in the previous Brayden book. This is well-written with interesting characters and a good story line. 

Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.

This is the third episode of the Seven Shores quartet, formed by Isabel, Autumn, Gia and Hadley. Of the two previous books, the first tells the relationship between Isabel and Taylor and the second develops the relationship between Autumn and Kate. So there will only be Hadley to match (this last chapter has already been announced on the publisher's page, to be published in October 2018)

For those who do not want to read the complete series, each of the books can be read independently without having read the previous ones, although it is advisable to do so and also in the order of its publication, doing so everything will make more sense.

Now, in relation to this story, that of Gia and Elle, it is a situation of going from hatred (not so much hate, rather disgust due to accumulated prejudices over time) to love, without much drama and with many romantic situations.  It is also a story of discovering the attraction to the same sex after having had a life of unsatisfactory heterosexual relationships. And it is also a story of learning what is really important in life and knowing how to prioritize and value it.

And Gia and Elle are so cute! And even though Elle is discovering this new attraction, she is the one who takes the initiative most of the time. But with the strong but sweet Gia as a source of inspiration, who can resist.

So in the end this is a wonderful romance that will not disappoint those who seek a sweet and without angst story, with the addition of finding and following the life of the protagonists of the two previous books in the series.

<i>An ARC was sent to me from Bold Strokes Books through NetGalley for an honest review </i>

I love the Seven Shores Series by Melissa Brayden and eagerly await the release of each new one. ’Sparks Like Ours’ is the story of professional surfer Gia Malone and her rival for the top spot, Elle Britton. Gia thinks Elle is false and plays up to the media way too much, but she can’t help but notice her killer smile and great body. Elle thinks Gia just doesn’t like her. As they are pushed together in a promo deal they get to know each other and the sparks are definitely there - but can it ever go anywhere when they both are vying to be No1? Again Melissa Brayden has written a beautiful romance that manages to be sweet and endearing at times and very hot and heavy. This woman knows how to write throbbing passion! I enjoyed finding out more about Gia outwith her interaction with her friends Isabel, Hadley and Autumn. They are an amazing group of women who are always there for each other and they pull together for Gia when she needs it most. Seeing her in love and vulnerable was new for them as well as for the reader. I liked Elle a lot. She learned a lot about herself and developed as a character. I wanted her to be the one for Gia. Autumn’s story was lovely and brought all of the friends together in a way that bonded them even more. I won’t spoil why, but it was a highlight for me. Ms Brayden always makes me cry happy tears in her books and ‘Sparks Like Ours’ was no exception. It was so utterly romantic that I couldn’t help myself. I want more of the same please…..

I was given this Arc by Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books in return for an honest review.

This is a read addressing the question, is it possible to simultaneously have a work life and personal life. Some would say of course while others would disagree. I believe it all depends on what is acceptable and perceived as good enough. In a relationship, there can be numerous challenges with one of those being regret. As I was reading, I thought both Gia Malone and Elle Britton were interesting and likeable characters. They were easy to cheer for. I was entertained and educated as I learned surfing lingo.  I appreciated the hardwork they put in to be the best and the challenges of affording to compete. The story was well told with bursts of challenges and decisions to be navigated. There were a few loose ends that this reader would have appreciated resolution.

Gia & Elle are a fun pair...while there is nothing really surprising in the storyline.  It is a fun story with a couple of surfers who need to balance love and competition.

Sparks Like Ours by Melissa Brayden is the third book in her Seven Shores series. While the book can be read as a stand-alone, its better to read them in order, so that it isn’t one big giant spoiler for books one and two. As always, Brayden brings something a little extra and refreshing to the romance formula that she has perfected.

Gia Malone is hitting her stride as she rises in the ranks of women’s professional surfing. The biggest thing, no person, in her way is perky Elle Britton. She’s currently number one in the world and Gia can barely stand to be in the same room with her. Gia, normally rather stoic and “chill”, can’t take Elle’s fake and manipulative public persona. It’s only when the two of them are signed to work on an ad campaign together that these sworn adversaries begin to see past their less than accurate, preconceived ideas about each other. 

This series is absolutely charming. Brayden does a masterful job in creating a group of friends who are unique and completely relatable. I read so many books where a group of friends are at the center and they are usually rather generic. The dialogue is absolutely top notch. Brayden uses it to sculpt each character with utter precision, but it all seems completely natural. 

I was happy to see Gia get her own story and even more happy to see that Hadley is not her happily ever after. I liked that Brayden didn’t make Gia turn herself into a completely different person, but rather just let herself be more authentic and open to life’s possibilities.

I honestly would have liked a different ending as far as the women’s professional careers were concerned, but that is just subjective and doesn’t really impact my review of the book. I encourage any lover of romance to pick this up, but start with Eyes Like Those if you really want the most out of this ride.

I was given an ARC of this book by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

The Seven Shores series is the kind of low angst romance I like to read in between hardest books. If you like stories that have a steamy and nice romance with great friendship support and not a lot of drama, these books are definitely for you too.

This was a quick read and similar to the previous book in this series when it came to pacing and tone. I liked the beginning when they were still getting to know each other in a competitive way. I'd have enjoyed reading more of this! Maybe use more of the media aspect or use the surfing in a bigger storyline. As other reviewers have said, I wish the balance between love life and your career was better at the end because it felt like you have to choose at some point. Sometimes, you do have to make hard choices, but it doesn't mean you can't find a way back into it later on.

But all in all, it was a nice F/F romance.

Sparks Like Ours is the third in the Brayden's Seven Shores series (I reviewed the previous book in the series here) which follows the lives of a group of friends living in an apartment complex in Venice Beach. This third installation follows Gia Malone, world-class surfer, and her main rival, Elle Britton, as they work through their mutual antagonism to realise their attraction to each other. Both main characters are well-drawn and realistic, and their path to romance is dealt with in a mature and satisfying way. And Brayden doesn't overdo the 'competitors to lovers' element of the story, as can sometimes be the case with stories like this - Elle and Gia are competitive and dedicated to their sport, but they also respect each other and their fellow competitors, and know that ultimately, they want to be the best for themselves, not just to beat others.

The rest of the Seven Shores gang make plenty of appearances as well, rounding out Gia's life away from the sport and providing advice when she needs it, and it's lovely to see a group of friends playing such an integral part in a romance novel. Elle has her own interesting secondary storyline, involving a guy her friend sets her up on a date with - I totally didn't see where that plot line was going, but I enjoyed it and appreciated that, again, Elle is shown as already having her own friends and her own life. And on top of all that, there's surfing! Brayden doesn't overdo the sporting scenes or the technical elements, so even someone who, like me, knows nothing about surfing, can enjoy that aspect of the book without feeling confused.

This is a great romance novel, and definitely worth a read!

I have been eagerly awaiting another novel from the 'Seven Shores' series, and yet again Melissa Brayden pulled it out of the bag. Always loved MB as an author from the first novel that she's written but I have to be honest her writing and stories get better each time. She is onto a winner yet again with this one.

Gia as we know has always been a great character, mix her up with Elle and you have fantastic chemistry.

Great book and would recommend 100%

It's another beautiful story from Melissa Brayden. I have been waiting to read the story of Gia. The excerpt was fascinating enough to keep me interested. And the story is beautiful and I liked the tension between the characters and how it's developed into passion and love. And it's nice to see all the friends from Seven Shores.

Wow, what a ride (even literally ;) I loved this story, the setting and the main characters. All of them, but especially Elle and Gia. Their chemistry goes through the roof, it's not only sparks, it's a complete fireworks of emotion. Definitely 5 stars!