Avery and Declan are likable. Nice comes to the forefront, but nice is not terribly exciting. The plot point that changes the environment for Avery and Declan is believable, but there is not enough rousing sentiment to pull the reader into the story. The characters are post-college, yet the tone skews younger making them seem juvenile. This quality leads to tediousness and a flat narrative. There is some heat between the characters but not enough to sustain a spark or a flame for long. If reformatted. this book could work for a junior reader.

In When Sparks Fly, we meet Avery and Declan, friends since college, and housemates now. When tragedy strikes, they will find a new balance in their lives and their relationship.
Overall rating: 3.5

If you enjoy friends-to-lovers, forced proximity and caretaker tropes, strong female MCs, and you don't mind flawed love interests, then this is the book for you.

I love Helena Hunting's books. Meet Cute, and Kiss My Cupcake were two of my favorite romances of last year. But sadly this one didn't meet the same mark for me.

First of all, it's not easy for me to buy into a friends-to-lovers. Either, the attraction has to be there from the get go with a solid reason why they stayed friends instead, or we need to see the relationship grow on the page as they realize they could be more. I don't think When Sparks Fly delivered on either. We can see that they're mildly attracted to each other and are in denial about it. But when they take that step into a sexual relationship, it still came out of nowhere for me.

The main issue for me was that when the big conflict hit Declan was so out of order and I was so offended on Avery's behalf that I just wanted her to move on. To make matters worse, the author clearly didn't feel the same because Avery actually finds a lot of fault in herself instead of calling out Declan's bs for what it is. Which offended me even further. The resolution to the conflict felt awkward to me as well. How they tackled their reconciliation while cute, just did not make sense to me, it felt forced.

Putting those two issues aside, there was also a lot that I enjoyed. I really liked Avery as a character. She was smart, strong-willed, knew what she wanted and was a badass at her job. Such a great MC.

Also, while one of the sisters really grated me, I loved the relationship Avery and her two sisters had and how supportive they were of each other. This is the kind of sisters I always wanna see in books (and in real life).

Most of Declan and Avery's scenes were quite cute, I loved their tradition of doing crosswords together. Also, Declan is just AMAZING at taking care of Avery. He might not be a good significant other, but he's an incredibly loyal and giving friend. If you like the caretaker trope, you're in for a massive treat! I can easily say that despite the fact that I thought their relationship didn't have a good evolution, they gave me smiles all the way. Until the main conflict this book was 4 stars or more for me.

When Sparks Fly by Helena Hunting is a cute, sweet, and cozy read with friends to lovers theme. Don’t forget about emotional moments and steamy ones too. I love the whole idea and concept of Avert and Declan’s story. How one dangerous accident can change your view and feelings toward your best friend. Both Avery and Declan were interesting heroes and their slowly blossoming relationship was amazing to experience.

I have to admit, there were some ups and downs. I am not a fan when a “breaking” point in a story is caused by heroes' too fast judgment and tunnel vision. Where I can understand Declan’s reasoning, he and Avery had a strong foundation in a relationship. But because of this, their reunion was even sweeter and precious. I was smiling so wide when Declan decided to fight for Avery's heart but also their friendship.

Overall the sparks flew when I read When Sparks Fly. Besides amazing heroes, the supportive ones were interesting too. It was a pleasure to read Avery and Declan’s love story

Helena Hunting is one of my favorite authors and friends to lovers is my favorite trope. I was so excited to read When Sparks Fly and it did not disappoint! Declan and Avery were fire and the storyline was *chefs kiss* SO good. I didn’t love Averys sisters….in fact they got. On. My. Nerves. Other than them, I LOVED Hunting’s latest.

This was a really enjoyable story from Helena Hunting and also surpringly emotional.
I was mainly interested in reading this because friends to lovers is one of my favorite romance tropes and it didn't disappoint, I thought Avery and Declan had really good chemistry and trulu shared a connection. Now I wasn't a big fan of Declan's actions on a number of times even where I could see where it came of but it rubbed me the wrong way, but luckily it all works out and the good overcomes the bad.
So you can expect some angst from this book but there's also some funny moments, romantic and sexy ones too, it has a nice balance. I'd surely recommend reading it if you like contemporary romance.

From the first paragraph, I knew this book would be a good one. I immersed myself into the book from the first chapter and I cannot say enough good things about this book! Honestly amazing! The writing is incredible and the plot is just one to die for. I am absolutely obsessed with this book. My favorite part would have to be the character development throughout the book. Character development is something I look forward to and this book did not disappoint.

When Sparks Fly is adorable friends-to-lovers romance that left me questioning my own taste in men, and how I've never gotten to the point of being so precariously taken care of like Avery was. I've never read a friends-to-lovers before. I always thought the trope was a little weird. For me, the guys I've known since their voices dropped aren't people I could EVER imagine getting with. (Well... maybe one). And when I read the synopsis for this, I rushed through it, not catching on to Declan and Avery being friends. However, I'm so happy that I didn't get that part, because I adored this book.

Declan and Avery have been tight-knit friends since college, and have been roommates for years. When Avery gets into a serious accident, Declan takes it upon himself to tend to her every need as she's on the slow mend. Naturally, things take a turn as they get closer through this bond, and the lines between their friendship become blurred.

What I enjoyed so much about these two characters is how naturally their relationship progressed. Unlike most other romance novels, where it takes life altering choices or one night stand mistakes for someone to realize who they truly love, Avery and Declan resembled the closest thing to reality I think I've ever read. And I ate that shit UP. Her relationship with her sisters also dives into real world problems that many siblings run into, which was refreshing to read throughout the romance aspect of it.

Overall however, and the reason I didn't give it a five stars, is I felt the book was a little forgettable. I finished and felt complete, but wasn't rushing to recommend it to friends or add it to my top summer reads. Regardless of that fact, it was an adorable story that I do feel I'll go back to read on a rainy day. I'm very much interested in checking out Helena Hunting's other works!

“When Sparks Fly” is a first time read by Helena Hunting, new author to this reader. When I received this opportunity, I jumped right in and was not disappointed with the read. I was hooked and had to definitely finish as I had a hard time putting the book down.

Avery and Declan are best friends and are roommates who run the Spark House Hotel. Avery has little time for anything else and after an accident, Declan volunteers his services to assist. Well, there are compromising situations that turns their friendship into an intimate one that could jeopardize their relationship. I so love friends to lovers as a trope and this romance between the two just set a good feeling with me as I read the story.

It had all the makings of a good read…humor, steamy love scenes, and nicely written. I thought the characters in the story were well developed and the pace flowed on target for me. I also enjoyed the sub-characters that contributed well to the friendship and support for one another. The only drawback to this good story was the excess on the steamy love scenes. As I do enjoy a moderate bit of steamy romance, I think a little could go a long way without being an overkill.

A nice quick read that was heartwarming, witty and a lovely HEA. Recommend the read.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Griffin for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this book! This is my favorite Helena Hunting book I’ve read so far. Avery gets injured during a car accident and her best friend and roommate, Declan, takes care of her. As they spend time together, they start to develop feelings for each other. I loved the forced proximity and best friends to lovers tropes and I really liked both characters. The book was a little slow for me at the end but I loved the HEA and overall I really enjoyed it.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC!

Not only did the first chapter in When Sparks Fly hook me but also turned my smiles into bellyaching laughter. And that’s only half of it. Hunting’s friends-to-lovers, forced proximity romance is steeped in emotion, her prose powerful, and her characters lovable. Throw an engaging storyline into the mix, and you’ve got one helluva read.

When womaniser Declan McCormick makes a careless error, guilt consumes him. But he can put things right by showing all-out compassion for his best friend and the co-owner of their property, Avery Spark. There’s nothing like a little stress release either, and ooh boy, does he add a sparkle to his responsibilities! Yes, Declan’s a pleaser, guarantees a good time and good-looking to boot.

Nevertheless, I did get a teeny-weeny irritated with Declan and Avery while observing them deal with their new situation. I wasn’t sure whether to give him a good talking to or give her a high five! That said, their sparks of passion excited me to the point of cheering them both on in some pretty gripping scenes. So, when the tough gets going, will they be able to stay friends?

I loved their mutual friends and the way Hunting delved into the running of the family business. However, there were times when I felt sisterly love and concern a tad overpowering. It was a case of if that were me, would I have handled it differently! There’s nothing like Hunting’s writing to get you thinking though. Also, a feel-good story told from a dual perspective in the present is my absolute favourite; the author delivering an interesting troupe of supporting characters being the cherry on the top.

Something Hunting knocked out of the park was the importance she gave to the fear of vulnerability and not just healing emotional wounds, but physical ones, too. How learning to overcome these setbacks is the best road to happiness.

Fingers crossed that we’ll hear more from the Spark House gals but in the meantime, grab this must-read book and enjoy! Bravo Hunting!

ARC kindly received from St. Martin’s Griffin via NetGalley for an honest review.

This is the first book I’ve ever read by Helena Hunting and it didn't disappoint!

I found it extremely easy to read and loved learning about Avery and Declan. They have such a strong bond as friends but when that bubbles into more, you can feel the hesitation from the both of them. They don't want to ruin the great relationship that they do have. I did, however, not 100% care for Declan. He constantly jumped to conclusions and some of his reactions to things seemed outlandish to me. He often went from 0 to 100 really quick which put me off a bit. But overall, I really did enjoy this book. You could feel the underlying attraction between the both of them, the friendship that they have was strong, and I loved the back and forth between them. I laughed, smiled and it left me with the best heartwarming feels. I can’t wait to read more from Helena Hunting!

If you love reading friends to lovers this is a great book for you. I adored the characters, and the story was entertaining. I read the whole book in one day. You can feel the love and friendship between Avery and Declan throughout the book and I enjoyed reading it.

This was a cute rom com that I enjoyed a lot! I love the friends to lovers storyline, even though it seems so popular, it just cannot be overdone! Helena Hunting does a great job with this storyline and keeping it different while keeping all of the components that you love! The characters were lovable and I was rooting for them the whole time. It was pretty predictable, but that is what I like in a light-hearted rom com.

I think it might be time for me to call it quits on Helena Hunting. There is something about the writing - or perhaps the storytelling - that just doesn't work for me anymore. I found myself skimming pages very early in this one. I wasn't charmed by the sort of slapstick beginning, and then I wasn't feeling any connection between Avery and Declan. At all. I didn't even get a friendship vibe from them really. They came off as roommates, and then after the car crash they came off as a severely injured woman and a guy suffering a major (major) guilt complex. I didn't feel any...well...spark between them. And honestly, I didn't really like them very much either.

Ultimately, there wasn't enough in the first 30% of the story to motivate me to finish and it was a DNF for me.

It is no surprise that I loved this book. It had all the witty banter, character development, and steamy times Helena Hunting is famous for. I especially loved Avery's relationship with her sisters, but Dylan (while often immature, impulsive, and infuriating) was mostly a sexy and lovable book boyfriend (and oh so helpful in the shower).

Another thing that it's always a win with HH: her titles! When Sparks Fly? Kiss My Cupcake? Meet Cute? So adorable.

I enjoyed this story so much!
Anything “boy meets girl, girl dates boys’ best friend, best friend cheats on girl, boy and girl are friends for many years, and (finally!) boy and girl are a couple, is right up my alley.
Avery and Declan have been best friends since college.
When Avery dates Declan’s best friend, Sam and things go south, Declan is given a choice…he must choose between his best friend or Avery. Declan picks Avery.
Cue all the feels as Avery and Declan live together with a bit of sexual tension everyone but them seems to notice and you have the beginnings of a typical RomCom.
It takes a serious accident to bring our heroes true feelings out in the open. Since neither is ready to face these feelings, is this new couple destined to fail?
Will time apart for healing and therapy bring our couple together?
You won' t know until less you read "When Sparks Fly" by Helena Hunting.

I have read other books by Helena Hunting, and I truly enjoyed this one the most!
Thank you so much to Net Galley and St. Martin’s for sharing this eARC for me to review.

Oh this is a book I wanted to live! Friends to lovers but in the best way as roomates and all. They start off as best friends and then move into more as life starts to move fast. I couldn't love this more!

Poignant and funny! One of the best friends-to-lovers books I’ve ever read! HH’s characters are memorable and nuanced. It’s hard not to be invested in these characters and their imperfections.

I will read any book that Helena Hunting comes out with! I love her writing style and characterization and this novel is no different.

I haven't read many books from this author so I was excited to read this story. The cover alone is eye-catching and the blurb was interesting. This was a cute friends to lovers romance story with good characters, drama and a HEA. There were moments that made me want to throat punch Declan and it took me a while to warm up to him but I enjoyed Avery a lot. This book was a good way to pass the time and I would give others books from this author a try.