Avery Spark and her sister's run the event house known as Spark House. Avery loves Spark house, her job, her sister, soccer, and her pals. She lives with Declan, one of her best friends from college. Everything in Avery's life is looking great, until she gets into a horrible car accident, which will involve a long recovery period and the help of someone by her side, Her siblings offer to do it, but with having to keep Spark House running without her, they really do not have the time to take her on, as well. Declan, feeling responsible for the state she finds herself in, insists on taking on the responsibility of caring for her. Soon, they have figured out ways to make some of the more uncomfortable tasks, like getting her to the bathroom and getting her bathed, work, and it seems like they have their groove back. What they do not plan for is the changes this could bring to their relationship, or the challenges her recovery might pose for other aspects of her life.

When Sparks Fly is a fun, light romance. It is an easy read that does not demand much from its audience. However, this reader was not in love with the book. It was fine, and I was even somewhat hooked for the first half of the story. Although it was not particularly believable, it was still fun to watch Avery and Declan discover that perhaps they can be more than just friends. However, when they stepped out of their bubble, and things got real, the bubble burst for this reader and the rest felt like a trudge to get to the end. I had hoped for more, but I am sure other romance lovers will enjoy this friend to lovers romance.

When Sparks Fly, the newest from Helena Hunting, is a fantastic friends-to-lovers romance featuring an independent, business-minded leading lady and the relationship-phobic roommate who’s always meant more to her than either one truly knew.

Avery Spark has always been one of the guys; athletic and more at home around sports than the makeup counter, she’s also the face of her family’s hotel and event planning company. She spends her days running the business with her sisters, and her nights talking sports and hanging with her roommate, Declan. Declan, with his commitment issues and girls that never last more than a few weeks. They’ve been friends since freshman year of college, with a bond made even stronger by past drama, but they’ve never crossed the line into something more. But then Avery is in an accident, and Declan, out of grief and guilt, becomes her primary caretaker on her road to recovery. As Avery heals, her friendship with Declan moves into new territory and the lines begin to blur. As they both begin to see a new future ahead of them, their pasts come back and make them second-guess everything they thought felt right. Relationships aren’t easy, and both Declan and Avery realize that even love based on friendship will take work and patience if they want it to last.

I adored the characters in When Sparks Fly. I thought Avery was a relatable main character, even though she is athletic and I am the exact opposite. I loved that Avery was still very family-oriented, despite balancing work, sports, and hanging with the guys. Her sisters were just as important in her life as everything else, and too often it seems like the jock girls are unable to relate to their feminine sisters. So I loved that Avery made time for everyone, especially when her and her sisters weren’t exactly on the same page. Declan has many faults, and it made him a realistic, but broken, character. Declan went through a bigger transformation throughout the story, and I thought it was perfect. Usually, the sporty, promiscuous guys in romances are alpha types, but Declan was definitely more of a beta and I loved seeing that representation. I think what I enjoyed most about both Declan and Avery is that they both made mistakes, and they were able to see that and own up to it; there was no denying their issues or pretending they were faultless.

Hunting’s story was easy to read; I easily got lost in the pages and found myself devouring this story in just two sittings. There was family drama, friendship drama, romance drama – and Hunting wove it all together very well. When Sparks Fly had laughs and easy-going banter, and Avery and Declan were such a natural progression of friends-to-lovers with just the right amount of conflict. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and I can’t wait to see what Hunting has planned next for the Spark sisters.

Helena Hunting writes seriously good stories. When Sparks Fly is a sweet friends to lovers, “nursing back to health” story, featuring Declan and Avery—two best friends & roommates who secretly catch feelings for each other.

Helena Hunting’s books are perfect for readers who love Christina Lauren or Jasmine Guillory, or for readers who enjoy romances with humor and heart.

While it isn’t my favorite book of all time, I enjoyed Avery and Declan’s story, and I loved how the plot worked to normalize therapy and prioritizing healing, whether of trauma or grief or harmful learned behaviors. I love how both of them working on themselves led to a healthier relationship in the end.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-ARC.

"Avery is my best friend, my soul mate, my everything."
DECLAN WALKER, MARRY ME RIGHT NOW. Avery and Declan's friendship is honestly goals, with their crossword puzzles, their constant roasting and bickering, and most of all, the way they look out for each other. After that car accident, I really thought Declan would never be the same again, let alone Avery. But they both came out stronger than before. When they start to realize the feelings they had for each other were more than just "platonic," I WAS LITERALLY SCREAMING. I love relationships that start off as friends, as I believe friendship is the strongest base to any relationship. I also love the character development of both Avery and Declan, as Declan learns to work on his trust and commitment issues while Avery learns about the essence of communication. ALSO, shoutout to the coolest side characters I've ever seen; Harley, London, Mark and Jerome. I hope Helena gives each of these characters their own stories; I would totally pick them all up. A WONDERFUL BOOK.

Friends-to-lovers is one of my favorite types of romance, and Helena Hunting certainly delivers with this book.

Avery and Declan have been friends since college and now share a condo. After a nasty break-up with Declan’s once best friend, Avery hasn’t dated anyone seriously. Declan is traumatized by his parents’ disastrous relationship, and as a result is convinced he’s not relationship material. Because of all of this, they have repressed their mutual attraction and have gotten comfortable in the friend zone.

Yeah, like that’ll work in the long run.

Avery is in a car accident and, after being discharged from the hospital, requires round-the-clock care and assistance. Declan makes some arrangements at work so he can fill this role, also allowing Avery’s sisters to focus on their shared business. As she needs help with even some of the more intimate tasks, Avery and Declan grow even closer, and the attraction they tried to deny for so long becomes impossible to ignore.

Not only are they now faced with redefining their relationship, Avery’s recovery and increasing independence plays into Declan’s insecurities, which neither of them handles well. When this comes to blows, they have to decide how to move forward – if at all.

I liked how this was ultimately resolved. It shows that relationships require work, especially when there’s underlying trauma. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

This one fell a little flat to me, it was a little predictable and monotonous but still super sweet. I did enjoy Declan a lot as a character. Perhaps I just wasn't in the mood for this book as I love Helena Hunting"s work.

This isn't my first go around with Helena Hunting. I have read half of the Pucked series.

This is a friends to lover tale. One friend lets another friend down and they wind up getting hurt. He then has to nurse her back to health. The problem with this book is that we didn't see much of them being friends first. I think that is what makes a friends to lovers work well. Because this was lacking, I gave it three stars. I just did not feel the connection as well as I wanted between the characters.

Another amazing book with great narration. Helena Hunting never disappoints and yet again I got lost in her book. I enjoyed the friendship and loved the chemistry building between roommates Avery and Declan. The dual narration in the audio book was on point. I’m always in a mood for a Helena Hunting book. Highly recommend

A sweet and fun romance worthy of Helena Hunting! If you've read her before, then you already know what kind of fun you're going to find here.

I was particularly drawn to the romance because the friends-to-friends trope is one of my favorites, and I loved how the author knew how to balance both factors, letting us see Avery and Declan being best friends (and roommates), but also showing the most intimate side of them as a new couple, discovering new and unknown aspects of the other.

As for the subplot, I really liked the idea of these sisters, all with drastically opposite personalities, running this Inn, trying to juggle and pirouette to maintain the family legacy.

A sexy, angsty and emotional friends to lovers romance about friendship and family.
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Helena Hunting never disappoints! When Sparks Fly was so easy to get lost in. I enjoyed the friendship and simmering chemistry between best friends and roommates Avery and Declan. Their connection and genuine love for each other was evident. The audiobook was done in dual person narration which is always a big plus, especially in a romance read! ⁣
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This was exactly the kind of read I needed after so many thrillers last month. I flew threw the audio and although there were some heavier themes involving grief, loss, infidelity and guilt it never felt too heavy. Loved the inclusion of therapy and how positive it is. Looking forward to more from this series!

Well Helena Hunting has easily worked her way into one of my favorite author spots! I read Love Next Door a couple of months ago and I loved it. I’m so glad I then picked up When Sparks Fly because I loved it even more!

I’ve always enjoyed friends-to-lovers romances, but the ones I have read lately have been top-notch and When Sparks Fly is no exception. I loved seeing Avery and Declan’s progression from friends-to-lovers even though it was emotional, messy, and infuriating at times. I think that is why I loved it so much. Real-life relationships are complicated, the stars don’t always align, and people make mistakes, but in the midst of all of that sometimes love does win and that makes it all the more sweeter. Declan was especially flawed and there were quite a few times that he really pissed me off, but I appreciated his growth and that he, and his relationship with Avery, was still a work-in-progress. I mean, aren’t we all?!

Steam: Open door and multiple scenes

If you have been sitting on Helena Hunting like I was, do yourself a favor and pick up one of her books, especially When Sparks Fly. Just be prepared for a powerful and complex love story! And don’t worry, I plan to work through her backlist posthaste!

Thank you so much to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

When Sparks Fly is an adorable friends-to-lovers romance. Declan and Avery's chemistry is obvious from the start, and everyone else sees it well before they do. And that's just part of the fun of this book. The situations while Declan is taking care of Avery are uncomfortable and hilarious, and if you've ever needed the kind of help she does, you'll understand exactly what I mean by that. Of course, things get heated before this pair finally admits their feelings, and we also have that required bit of angst, but in true Helena Hunting fashion, that angst is tempered with funny situations, witty dialogue, and steamy romance. This is the first Spark House book, and we're introduced to a whole group of likable characters, so I'll be interested to see what's next for the series.

This book was SO good. Helena just never disappoints. I can’t wait to see more of the spark sisters in the next books.

Ahhh this was a fun book to read. From the first chapter, it engaged me and I found myself rooting for Avery, no matter which direction she chose to go. I laughed, and yes, I cried too. I enjoyed reading about her relationship with her sisters most of all. I would definitely recommend this!

Helena Hunting is not only a "must buy author" for me, her romantic comedies are some of my favorites. When I saw that "When Sparks Fly" was coming out, I had it pre-ordered in seconds. Getting to read it was a special treat.

Let me say this: it did not disappoint. I love that Avery is content with her life, including her friendship with Declan. Of course, with a solid friendship and an attraction, sparks are sure to fly when he becomes her caregiver... And it left me wishing I had my own injury for Declan to nurse.

This steamy romance is sure to warm up your cold nights... so go get your copy, get comfortable, and absorb all the goodness this book offers!

In When Sparks Fly we follow the journey of roommates and best friends Avery and Declan. Declan messes up big time and spends a majority of the story attempting to make it up to Avery. Along the way they grow closer and closer together, until they can no longer fight the inevitable. The story takes us through struggles and growth, not only together but as individuals. But, no matter how much we learn and grow it only takes one thing to throw us back into old patterns and bad habits.

I went into this one blind, so I didn't really have high expectation. This one just fell flat for me. I didn't find myself attached to Avery or Declan or even rooting for either of them throughout the story. I usually love a good friends to lovers story, but I felt this one was just repetitive and boring. I didn't enjoy the overall premise either which probably sways me even further from liking it. I also do I think it comes down to the story being told from both Avery and Declan's perspectives and the lack of character development. To me, both sounded the exact same and therefore chapter after chapter It was like I was rereading. I need depth with my characters and I just wasn't getting it from them. I would give it a 2.5/5,

Sweet yet emotional. Started off with some very “Helena” moments. Big fan of Helena, this one is a tad different than a lot of her other books. Beautiful friends to lovers book with some very touching moments.

Huge fan of Helena Hunting and When Sparks Fly did not disappoint! I don't know what it is, but I love the proximity and devotion in a injured patient/nurse story. When Avery Spark is injured in a car accident, Declan, out of regret and care, takes care of Avery as she returns to health. This time spent together, draw them together in new ways and sparks fly! The shower scene, the first time they are together, is SO HOT! Wow!! I loved the tenderness and newness of their exploration of each other. Declan is a bit rough around the edges, and a bit unlikeable, the playboy that he is. But I think he redeems himself at the end. Cannot wait for more of the Spark sisters!!

Avery Spark is living her best life. Between her friends, her sisters, and Spark House, the event hotel her family owns, she doesn’t have much time for anything else, especially relationships. She’d rather hang out with her best friend and roommate, Declan McCormick, than deal with the dating scene. But everything changes when she is in a car accident and needs someone to care for her as she heals.

Declan avoids relationships, giving him a playboy reputation that he lives up to when he puts a one-night stand ahead of a promise he made to Avery. While he may not have been the one driving the car, he feels responsible for Avery’s injuries and is determined to make it up to her by stepping into the role of caretaker.

Little did they know that the more time they spend in compromising positions, the attraction they’ve been refusing to acknowledge becomes impossible to ignore. When they finally give in to the spark between them, neither is prepared for the consequences. Their love is fragile and all it will take is a blow from the past to shatter it all.

What a wonderful friends-to-lovers romance! I loved how Helena balanced the serious parts with the funny parts of the story. It all mixed very well. The characters were adorable! I loved how caring Declan was towards Avery. His consideration for all of her needs MELTED MY COLD HEART! I also loved the relationship between Avery and her sisters. I hope they get their own stories written!

I don't understand the mixed reviews. This is a fantastic read by Helena Hunting. I admire Ms. Hunting's fearless attitude when it comes to go between subgenres and take risks with her writing . While I wasn't a fan of her last book, this book is a definite win.