I love friends to lovers romances and Helena Hunting made this one really enjoyable! I absolutely loved the friendship between Avery and Declan, their nonstop banter and ribbing are some of my favorite aspects of this trope… it makes it so much easier to believe a transition from friends to lovers. There were moments when I scoffed, amazed that it took them so long to realize their feelings for each other (especially while living together) because it seemed too obvious but I loved the natural journey this story took. Declan become the caregiver flipped a switch for him and Avery, so much of their relationship was mixed with attraction and chemistry. I loved the tension filled moments from just hanging out, back massages and the sexy shower scenes! As with all romances, there was drama towards the end but I loved how Helena Hunting dealt with it. There was no ‘I love you’ that fixed things instantly, they took the time to heal individually before taking steps to slowly gain back each other’s trust again. This couple and their book just left me feeling happy; there were great friendships, amazing sister bonds, chemistry, steam, frustration, total lack of communication, hope and growth.

Helena Hunting has been an automatic one click author for me for years because she never disappoints! When Sparks Fly was no different and had the perfect amount of sweet and angst! Watching a best friends relationship evolve and grow into something different had me turning pages until the very end! Loved this book.

When Sparks Fly is a fun friends to lovers romance about two friends who never wanted to cross the line from friend to lover, even though they are each other's best friends and to boot, are roommates.

Avery and Declan live in Colorado Springs, Colorado - they've been friends through college and though sparks do fly, they ignore them in order to maintain their safe friendship. While Avery may go on a date or two, nothing ever comes to fruition. Declan, on the other hand, is the king of one night stands.

But when a string of unfortunate events occurs and Avery ends up in a severe car accident, Declan steps up and insists on taking care of Avery, as he had let her down in the past.

Of course lines get blurred, the relationship becomes more physically intense, and emotionally and physically, Declan and Avery are headed down either a complete disaster or their happily ever after.

The book is fun, though I wasn't completely enthralled. I actually couldn't really get into the relationship until the second half of the book. Not sure if it's because it felt disjointed, or because the story was predictable. But there is definitely chemistry toward the second half and Declan redeems himself a bit more.

It's not my favorite of Helena Huntings, but it's still worth a read.

When Sparks Fly is friends to lovers with a twist. When Avery gets injured in a car accident, her bff/roommate Declan steps up to take care of her during her recovery. And he does...take care of her...

This was a fine read, but I didn't really identify or like either of the two main characters so it was harder for me to love.

Declan and Avery's story was hilarious and emotional. I just love Helena Hunting's stories and can't get enough of the chemistry, banter and fun storylines. Overall this was a win! 4 stars!

Declan and Avery have been BEST FRIENDS since there college days, they had classes together, played sports together and now after college they are LIVING together !! She is focused on her work at her families resort destination, Spark House with her two sisters, she is happy BUT loveless .. or so she says ….

Avery has a big presentation to show to her college soccer team but it is a trip and she isn’t a fan of driving .. in the rain .. since her parents were killed in a car accident, so Declan volunteers to take her because he would do anything for Avery. Yes they have been friends for years BUT something deep down in his heart is saying he needs and wants her in a different form other than friends BUT he doesn’t want to ruin there friendship.

So when Avery goes by herself to the presentation because Declan being Declan does something really really stupid something happens that will change BOTH of there lives !!

Can Declan make up for his stupid mistake and can Avery forgive him OR will Sparks Fly because they are together 24/7 and they both realize they are and have been more than friends for years ??

I love this book .. Declan’s transformation after the accident, the way he takes care of Avery will let your heart and all she needed was an eye opener to see what they could have together. So enchanting !!

I really enjoyed the beginning of this book as it had a ton of my favourite tropes— friends to lovers, roommates, one of them is injured and the other takes care of them— to name a few so this had a ton of potential to be a new favourite romance book.

But unfortunately, it just ended up falling flat for me. It grew to be super repetitive, I swear I read the same paragraphs multiple times throughout the book to the point that it was getting frustrating and my enjoyment was waning.

I also just grew super annoyed at the characters and the way they were acting especially towards our main character. Often, she’d defend herself and then everyone else around her made her out to be the bad guy when she really wasn’t. I was glad some of those instances were addressed by the end but it still took away from me loving this book.

So, overall, this just didn’t end up being a book that I could fall in love with. But if you’re into any of the tropes above and want to give this one a shot, definitely do so!!

2/5⭐️

TW: death of parents, car crash, blood, surgery, cheating (not between the main characters)

It's been a while since I last read a Helena Hunting book, so I thought, why not? I enjoyed this one for the most part, but there were some things that bugged me and made me deduct a star since they were close to crossing the line for me.

Declan's actions with other women was one that rubbed me wrong. He doesn't 'cheat' on the heroine per se, but it kind of feels like a betrayal of sorts because of how it happens. When Avery goes on a date, Declan goes out, hooks up with a random woman in the apartment he shares with Avery, out of jealously, of course. The problem is that because of that scene, Avery ends up in a bad car accident and she wasn't even supposed to be driving, Declan was, but he let her down by getting drunk, hooking up and leaving his car across town. I get they weren't a couple, but it still comes off cheater-ish when he had feelings for her and she for him (they don't figure that out until later on though). Then there's the scene with the co-workers he has over after his fight with Avery and the female co-worker who is obviously trying to get in his pants knowing Avery is someone special to Declan. He did nothing to dissuade that. Again, not cheating since they were technically broken up, but it was still wrong nonetheless and gets close to my hard limit of no cheating.

Declan feels he is responsible for Avery's car accident that left her with a broken leg and arm. So he does everything he can to make her comfortable, happy and healthy. It's a little overbearing, but cute and sweet at the same time. I had to admire his dedication, even if the guilt complex became a bit too much.

Avery was the tomboy type of character that I can relate with, so I liked her a lot. The crossing the line with her best friend part seemed a bit forced to me, but I grew to accept it. I liked how cute she and Declan were as a couple, I just wish we had gotten more of them as a couple out in public instead of always at their home keeping things a secret.

Declan blows up big time towards the end of the book and it was utterly frustrating to say the least. He makes a huge deal out of something that isn't and came to the completely wrong conclusions without giving Avery any chance to explain things. At least he sees he has an issue and goes to counseling, but it was hard to forgive him for a while there since he became the complete opposite person he was throughout Avery's recovery.

The last chapter and epilogue were pretty great. I loved the scavenger hunt and then the proposal at the end. It showed Declan was really a sweetheart who was willing to go the extra mile to show his lady that shew as special and that he loved her.

Oh goodness this book is so sweet!!!! My goodness!!!! Ok so we meet Avery and Declan, they are best friends, Avery is a, events planner with her two other sisters, they run a family business. Declan and Avery are best friends, they live together, and of course I knew that this book will be full of denial DENIAL DENIAL!!!!! Clearly they have the hots for each other, but they are in DENIAL!!!! I wont give it up because the book moves QUICK and before you know it you are done with it. But this book is so sweet, How Declan was there for her through out her ordeal, Avery’s relationship with her own sisters, and even their other friends that they have together, UGH this book was heartbreaking to let go!!!!!!! Love romantic comedies, and the spicy kinds too.

Thanks Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

Thank you NetGalley for giving me a free e-galley of this book. As with other Hunting novels I've read, this one is funny, sexy, and an easy read. Avery and her sisters run Spark House, an events venue. Avery is the responsible older sister who has had to take care of her siblings after traumatically losing her parents in a car crash. Declan is her male best friend, and roommate. They both have hidden attraction to each other when an irresponsible decision results in Avery needing constant care from Declan, and their attraction is forced to the surface. They are sweet together, and I appreciate all of the communication they share as their relationship turns romantic. Declan's jealousy that temporarily drives them apart seems sudden and like a bit of plot manipulation, but their time apart allows you to see them grow as characters. Overall, I recommend this book.

I had higher hopes for this one as I love a good friends to lovers trope! It fell a little flat for me though. It was actually really infuriating that she even asked Deck to "help" her with her problem, even though earlier in the book she mentions that she has a vibrator sooooo why not use that instead of asking your best friend for help? To me I just felt like it cheapened their romance. I'm assuming it was to show them they had sexual attraction since they were technically already in love with each other? I don't know, it just didn't sit well with me, it didn't feel realistic. I think they both way overreacted near the end but Deck was just ridiculous. His parents having a bad relationship wasn't much of an excuse since he has had such long and loyal friendships. I did really like how he went to therapy though to help him get through it. It was an ok read overall, I can't say I really loved either of the main characters, which is the one thing I really need in order to love a book.

When Sparks Fly had me cackling with laughter 2 pages in and I was hooked! I read this book so fast, I couldn't put it down. It was definitely a situation where I had a good book and no appreciation for the next day because I read way past my bedtime, which I find to occur frequently with Helena Hunting's books.

Avery and Declan are the swooniest of friends to lovers, roommates to lovers, forced proximity and the tension and yearning was divine. Avery is an active sporty independent woman, who finds herself reliant on her best friend and roommate. This obviously creates some tension and increased intimacy between the two while they come to terms with their feelings and history.

I enjoy a good friends to lovers and this is one of the best. This book is less spicy than some of Helena Huntings independently published books, but still gives heat and steam. Avery's sisters were London and Harley were prominent characters in this book. I struggled with London's character, I didn't like her very much. She held a grudge, I didn't think she placed blame correctly when she was upset, and it was implied she acts differently with different people. She redeemed herself to me in the end, but she was my least favorite in the story.

I loved the friend ground how Avery's friends are all men, i think that is very common but not often part of a story structure.

Overall I really loved this book and didn't want to put it down.

I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily give my review.

This book was so addictive. It is a friends-to-lovers story of Avery and Declan. I could relate to Avery very well, and as always with Helena Hunting's books, the characters are so well developed. This pulled me in from the first page and I couldn't put it down until I was finished. I love these two and their story.

There was great banter, story, and steam to make for an awesome journey that I wish there was more of. The characters feel so real to me, and I desperately want to hang out with them. I highly recommend this book!

This was a cute, fast paced romance and a good book to pick up if you're looking for an in between read. It was, to me, not a super spectacular read, but enjoyable!

Helena's writing style is one I've enjoyed for years now and I had no issue making my way through this book in general, but looking at the writing more critically I have to say though that I wasn't super impressed. There's a lot of repetitive writing throughout the book which kind of messed with the development and deptness of the story sometimes.

The characters were fun to get to know, the romance was cute and I finished the book in 2 sittings so there's that as well.

Overall it's just a mediocre romance for me and one I won't pick up to re-read again. I'd still recommend picking it up if you're looking for a fun, fastpaced friends-to-lovers romance. It's a story you can easily lose yourself in.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an e-arc of this book. This arc was received in exchange for me leaving an honest review

Avery and Declan had great camaraderie and shared a deep connection. This connection was empathized greatly since most of their time is spent together in their condo. The author took great effort in bringing a wide range of emotion and moments to the page. There were light moments mixed with somber ones, but they all added to the story and highlighted how deeply connected Avery and Declan were. I enjoyed their candid moments just as much as their bickering and when they decided to explore their attraction I enjoyed those moments too! Of course, both Avery and Declan had issues and when they came to the surface I appreciated that the author didn't drag the story along. I liked the way the author went about resolving the issue so that Declan and Avery could finally get their HEA.

All in all, a fun yet emotional and steamy read.

**I was feeling a bit conflicted about this story. Although I read it in one sitting and enjoyed the story, there was some part of me that felt like the romance element was forced. Avery and Declan had been best friends since college and had lived together as adults. Although it was mentioned that they both had thought the other was attractive when they first met, I just couldn't wrap my head around the fact that NOW, almost 10 years later, they are suddenly crazy about each other. Neither Avery nor Declan had been pining for each other in all these years. Avery was in a relationship for a while and Declan had never been interested in one, so now that Avery decides to start dating, Declan is jealous and is harboring all of these romantic feelings for her? Although the circumstances they are thrown into and the arrangement they get into might lead to something more, I don't think it would have led to something as powerful as the author portrayed it to be. But that's neither here nor there. As soon as I realized where my thoughts were going I decided to suspend disbelief and just roll with it. And by doing that I found myself enjoying this story so much more.

I’ve read Helena Hunting before and enjoy her work tremendously. Sadly When Sparks Fly was a disappointment. The synopsis sounded promising but the overall execution felt flat and was too predictable.
The characters Avery and Declan felt like characters I’ve met before and his reason for not wanting to be in a relationship wasn’t anything new. How they went to be intimate and then it progressed into a relationship felt rushed and forced.  I was disappointed that it was sex that let them to become closer. I guess I expected more.

I only saw Avery and Declan as friends mainly because there wasn’t much chemistry or a connection between them. The conflict towards the end was too easy and predictable as well.
The friendships were the highlight. Avery and her two sisters London and Harley. The guys Declan, Mark and Jerome. It was obvious and I could feel that they had a strong bond. A certain treasure hunt scene made me smile.

Sometimes a book work and sometimes it doesn’t. When Sparks Fly wasn’t the book for me but that doesn’t mean it can’t be the one for you.

What you need to know about “When Sparks Fly”:
✔ Friends to Lovers
✔ Dual Point of View
✔ Avery Spark, runs Spark House, an event management space
✔ Declan, Avery’s BFF and roommate
✔ Forced Proximity
✔ Complete Standalone

I just want to first say I’ve read most of Helena Hunting’s books and I’ve loved them all. She is consistently one of my go-to authors. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy “When Sparks Fly” terribly much.

In the opening chapters of “When Sparks Fly”, Avery gets into a car accident that is fairly severe. (TW for car accidents) Her best friend and roommate, Declan, blames himself (and I blame him too) as he flaked out on her and didn’t drive her in his SUV like he promised he would. He flaked on her because he picked up some random, got drunk and brought her home with him. This happened even though he knows that Avery is a nervous driver because her parents died in a car accident. Not the best introduction to a male main character.

After the accident, Declan is so consumed with guilt that he insists on caring for Avery himself when she’s released from the hospital.

In between helping Avery go to the bathroom, bathe, wash her hair and give her massages, they become enmeshed in some major forced proximity territory.

Soon, they can no longer deny their attraction and things get physical between them in a pretty steamy way, But will their friendship survive this major change?

Declan is very into casual hookups (see second paragraph) and is anti-relationship/marriage due to his parents’ acrimonious split. I found it difficult to like Declan because of his behaviour leading up to the accident. His repetitive anti-relationship talk was a little eye roll inducing post-accident. He even admits to Avery that his difficulty with emotional intimacy is a red flag for any potential girlfriend. Avery tells the reader and her sisters why Declan is so great but I didn’t really see much evidence of it until the last chapter.

Avery is a strong, independent woman but I found it difficult to get a real sense for the character. After the accident she slips into this semi-relationship with Declan and after that I found that her emotions seemed to be stripped away and she was responding to everything in a too rational and almost a “quotes from your favorite psychiatrist” manner.

Because their relationship is so delicate and fraught with pitfalls I didn’t really enjoy it before the Big Misunderstanding occurred and then had to experience the slog of recovering from that.

It is fantastic that Declan gets the help he needs. I wish this would occur in more romances. I absolutely loved that aspect of the book and everything that followed. I just found that ultimately the spark was missing in “When Sparks Fly”,

WRITING STYLE: 4/5
PLOT: 3/5
WORLD-BUILDING: 3/5
PACING: 3/5
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 3/5
ROMANCE: 2/5

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the author; my opinions are 100% my own.

"When Sparks Fly" by Helena Hunting
A Fun Read
I thoroughly enjoyed my time within this story. Yes, there were some 'closeness' scenes that gave a bit more information that I needed to read; this I say for those who are easily offended. But the scenes were well done and rather needed for the story to be truly complete. I think, if you read the description and it caught your interest so you are reading reviews, you most likely will enjoy this story, too! Happy Reading.
Note: I received an ARC of this story from the publisher via Net Galley
This posting is my honest opinion.

Okay, wow. You will have your heart in your throat pretty early on with this book. Avery's best friend, Declan, breaks a promise that results in an emotional and guilt-ridden journey for him. The easiest way for Declan to ease some of his guilt is to care for Avery while she recovers. Her sister's aren't as quick to forgive, but are also buried in work trying to absorb Avery's duties at their family run business, the Spark House, a destination venue. Each sister's duties were equal to their strengths, so having to face Avery's was difficult for both of them. Avery forgives Declan pretty early on, taking responsibility for her choices, but he can't forgive himself. They become closer than ever and decide to breach the friendship with romance, needless to say, everything starts out great, but devolves quickly as Avery heals and is able to get around on her own again. Declan's previous one night-stand rule was rooted in a childhood featuring horrible selfish parents that cheated on each other in some crazy one-upmanship. There's a great deal of angst and hurt in this book, but finally has an HEA.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing this book in exchange for an impartial review.

I don’t read romances too often so I am picky if I select one to read and review. Thankfully this one was definitely up to snuff. The best friends to lovers story has been done often but this one really does a great job and sets it apart from most. Thanks to the alternating point of view of Avery and Declan it felt real. Now I need to read the author’s backlist, I am a fan!