Hokey ending

I give this a 3* because it held my attention, but there wasn’t enough story there. It’s clear from the beginning that Declan is dating Magee after witnessing the s*#t show that was his parents’ marriage. However, he and Avery have a decade-long friendship that seems solid. So when that is ultimately tested, he fails big time. Luckily, he finally realizes he needs therapy or he won’t stand a chance of fixing their relationship.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Berkley through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Helena Hunting is one of my go-to authors and I love reading her books! This one started off with the potential to be a great friends to lovers with forced proximity, but just fell short for me. I started this book multiple times, so that should have been the first sign for me. The first big drama with Declan was disappointing. It was also a pretty traumatic event for not only Avery, but her sisters and Declan himself. This left me a little unsure of where this story was going, but I still had high hopes! Unfortunately, once I got past the halfway mark, I just couldn’t find a way to like Declan and be invested in his and Avery’s HEA. I do like the world and backstory of the Spark sisters, so I’m hoping book 2 will be more up my alley!!

Absolutely adored this friends to lovers story! It was obvious where it was going, but that didn't make it any less enjoyable.

It was refreshing to read about a main character that isn't girly, but more sporty. What was also refreshing was how normal the author made masturbation. You don't really see much of it in books unless it's about men. Kudos for that!

Some of the character's reactions to certain events did make me wonder if it was a little over the top, but that's probably just because I myself tend to deal with conflicts in a very calm way. And that wouldn't make for a very good twist, would it?

All in all, this was such a perfect relatively spicy read. Was really rooting for the characters and the way they found their way to each other sexually wasn't like anything I'd ever read before. Loved it!

There were parts I loved, and parts I hated. I thought Declan was super shady at the beginning of the book, but he did try to redeem himself. Most of the friends-to-lovers part of the book was fun to read, and overall I'm looking forward to seeing more in this series. Helena Hunting has always been a great author.

I absolutely loved this book. Declan and Avery are fire! They are both fun characters and have so much heart. Their friendship was so special and sweet and that you wanted them to be together. I
especially loved Avery’s sisters and all the odd events they had.

This book had it all for me. Love, Laughter and of course sexy times. I can’t wait for the rest of this series!

Helena Hunting never disappoints. Another book of hers that I just couldn't put down. London and Jackson's story was one of fairytales and I can't wait to read more in this series.

This book was super cute. I will say for awhile there I wasn't the biggest fan of Declan but once everything that makes him who he is came out I changed my mind. It was fast paced and fun. I'm excited to read the next book because I know there has to be more about the other two sisters coming!

For some reason, I thought this was a rom-com, but it was more of a “deep feelings” book, except it didn’t feel like that for me either.. I liked the MC’s but I wasn’t in love with them. I liked their chemistry, but again, it didn’t give me a wow factor.. sadly, it was an ok read, but not great for me.

When Sparks Fly by Helena Hunting is the first book in the Spark House series and tells the story of Avery and her best friend Declan. The lines are blurred after Avery gets into a car accident and Declan becomes her caretaker and they explore their feelings. The pacing of the story was perfect for me, and I loved the way the characters were drawn to each other. The push and pull between them was written perfectly, and I loved the dialogue and banter between the characters. It warmed my heart and was a sweet, easy read. I can't wait to read Starry-Eyed Love, the upcoming book in this series!

Thank you so much to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the advanced copy. This review is voluntary, and all opinions are honest and my own.

Helena Hunting has consistently been one of my favorite romance authors, but this unfortunately wasn't my favorite book of hers. I did still really enjoy it, but parts of it just felt weird. & forced (the guilt, the romance ... it just didn't quite hit right for me). I did enjoy the story, and I enjoyed the familial relationships (and ultimately the arc of the main characters), but parts just felt off for me.

Loved it! What a fun book! I like the friends to lovers theme. I connect with her since I too was in a car accident that changed my life. Tho mine was a lifetime change. The Sparks business sounds amazing. Declan and Avery were interesting characters. There were so many things that made this book a fabulous read.

A fun start to a new series! I love a friends to lovers trope and a split narrator and this was a delight

I loved the friend dynamic between our heroine, Avery, and Hero, Declan. Best friends try not to judge one another, but accept their friend for who they are, which is what happens at the beginning of this story. You should also be able to depend on your best friend when he makes a commitment to you, knowing you have concerns about driving distances in the rain. I felt all the same angry and hurt emotions Avery did when she realized WHY Declan wasn't going to be able to drive to their event together. I can understand why he did what he did the night before, but in the morning, he had a chance to make it right, but opted not to. This set the tone of the story for me regarding Declan's character.
There was a lot of predictability with this story, but I did enjoy Declan's attempts to right their relationship "ship". This is probably more a 3.5 star read for me.

What a cute story of two friends denying their feelings for each other. I loved the relationship between Declan and Avery and how an accident puts things into perspective.

This is a friends to lovers romance, sweet and fun. Avery and Declan become roommates and the chemistry is there and of course things start to evolve, like feelings, jealousy and so much more.
This was a great emotional and fun read, definitely give it a try if you favor Friend to lovers trope. Wasn’t one of my favorites by this author, but definitely one I enjoyed.

3.5 stars

Honestly, I had a hard time getting going with this title. I responded better to the audiobook. Overall it was a good listen/read once it got going.

Not my book. Couldn’t get behind the trope. Didn’t understand the entire premise of her job / why it was the focus of the book. Wasn’t invested in the relationship arguments. Didn’t feel the emotion as the characters went through it.

Helena Hunting strikes again! I loved this story and the relationships she created. I hop this ends up as a sort of series and not just a one off. Like always, Hunting has created a world with relationships that feel real and complete… you can feel the history and all the characters fit so well together.

I loved Avery and Declan’s friendship and this book had me hanging on through all the ups and downs. I also really enjoyed Avery’s relationship with her sisters; it’s such a special story and relationship. My emotions were all over the place.

Definitely recommend if you like a little steam and the best friends to lovers trope.

This is probably one of my favourite romances!

I never really gravitated towards friends-to-lovers books but this one was so good! It reminded me of Emily Henry's writing. I thought everything in here was fantastic. I loved the progression both characters went through. I love that our male protagonist was so in love and trying his best to hide it. The conflicts in here were so well done and fit perfectly into the story and the backstories of the two MCs.

Definitely some steamy scenes in this one!

This book was different from any other book I've read by Helena Hunting and in the most refreshing way! I couldn't get enough of the story. The characters had so much depth and the slow burn friends-to-lovers romance was fun to see play out.

The plot itself was EXTREMELY relatable for me. Almost a decade ago my husband broke both hands in an accident at work. Seeing Avery and Declan navigate that recover brought up so many old feelings. Even if you haven't had a similar experience, the author does great at putting you in their shoes.

WHEN SPARKS FLY is perfect for fans of Christina Lauren's books and of course Helena Hunting herself! If you enjoy a fast paced, slow burn romance, with just the right amount of drama and a whole lot of swoon, definitely pick this one up.