4 stars

You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.

This is a cute and fun contemporary romantic comedy involving London, a woman running a family bed and breakfast in Colorado with her sisters, and Jackson, a NYC millionaire media mogul. At the beginning of the book, London has just broken up with her boyfriend, so when Jackson approaches her in a bar and asks her out, she politely turns him down. She's just not ready to date yet.

Months later, when London's family business, Spark House, is approached by a media company for a potential partnership, the Spark girls are thrilled. As London is giving her pitch, Jackson walks into the room and sits down. It takes awhile, but London eventually makes the connection and is unnerved. After the meeting, London and Jackson talk and have an instant connection. But, since they'll be working together, they can't act on it. Yet.

This was a cute book that I really enjoyed. Apparently this is the second book in a series, the first book covering the relationship of London's older sister and boyfriend, but there was enough back story in the book that I didn't feel like I missed anything. I loved the relationship between the sisters. It's clear that they love and support each other, although their lack of catty, stupid sister-fights is a bit unrealistic, especially since they work together. LOL Anyway, it was still sweet reading about their relationship and their support of London and her relationship with Jackson was wonderful.

The heat between London and Jackson was palpable. I loved their chemistry, although they were both a bit too sticky sweet to be realistic, but then again, we don't expect too much actual realism in romance novels, do we? The complications the couple went through was realistic, however, and that was refreshing to read. There was a lot of romance in the book, but the spice level is pretty low. Overall, this is a fun, cute, quick read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press. All opinions are my own.

From the moment Jackson and London met, Jackson knew London was a woman he wanted to get to know. London loves working with her sisters at Spark House but the role she has taken on isn’t something she enjoys doing. But working with her sisters with the family business is more important as she copes with her anxiety over the work she does. When a new opportunity has her meeting Jackson for the second time, she is shocked to learn how successful he is but the spark she felt is still there. Jackson has struggled finding a woman that loves him and not his money. The connection that Jackson and London find through the loss of parents as children is wonderful as they can share how that changed their view on life and love. How will they navigate working together and the strong attraction that neither can deny? What a fabulous romance that built and evolved for these busy professionals in an honest and heartfelt way. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.

Cute and mostly enjoyable.
Avery irritated me in this one and I felt bad for London about it. Oldest sisters, man... oops?

First, I love the descriptions of Spark House. I would go there in an instant if it was a real place. I love the sisters and how hard they work to keep the family business not just alive, but to make it thrive. London and Jackson's love story was a cute, slow burn with minimal drama. All in all, I liked the book but it's not my favorite from HH.

I loved the first book in this Spark House series. I love getting to know just a little bit more about the sisters each time. But don’t get me wrong, you can definitely read this as a standalone.

London, recently single, isn’t looking to jump into another relationship any time soon. Enter Jackson Holt, charming CEO and also a new business partner for Spark House. What ensues is a slow burn romance that is worth the wait!!

I love the way Helena Hunting writes relationship between lovers as well as family. This book has all the feels. The chemistry between Jackson and London is palpable from the start. And the dynamics between the sisters is great. (Although I wanted to shake Avery at some points just for being completely ridiculous and a total bridezilla!)

I can’t wait for Harley’s story (fingers crossed!!)

I would definitely recommend this book for anyone who loves a slow burn with a little steam and a super sweet ending!

Thank you St. Martin’s and Netgalley for the eARC.

Helena Hunting is one of a handful of authors who I always look forward to reading. Having read the first book on the series, I was really looking forward to this one too.

I really enjoyed London and Jackson's story. I also love the railroading the Sparks sisters have. They are different and each have their unique strengths and area of expertise where the business is concerned, yet they still have their family dynamic. London is not fully comfortable in her admin role and would much rather focus on the creative side. She stays on the role because that is where the need is. She's a pleaser and gives up her passion to meet the need.

Jackson is the CEO of a company looking to partner with Spark House. He talks an active role in the project after realizing London is the girl from the bar he went to a few months ago that turned him down. They become business partners and friends and eventually lovers. He brings out the "fun" side of her. Of course, you can't get a HEA without some drama, so there is some of that too.

The pace was good for me and I loved seeing how the sisterly relationships have evolved since the first book and seeing them from London's side. I also enjoyed seeing an appearance from Declan. I can't wait for Harley's story, she needs her HEA too.

I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a friend to lovers work a bit of slow burn thrown in. I couldn't wait for them admit they were falling for each other.

Spoilers***

I am giving this book 3.5 stars. I absolutely loved book 1. I feel like this one just didn’t quite get me like book 1. I didn’t quite feel the connection that London and Jackson supposedly had. This book was missing all the banter from book 1. When the inevitable fight that breaks up London and Jackson, happens, I feel like it was quickly resolved and without repercussions. For me, If a man hid what Jackson hid ... he’d have to do some serious work when we got back together to get me to trust him. Instead, London jumps right into his bed. It just didn’t feel realistic. I also feel like they didn’t have much of a connection. Like all they did was screw? Haha maybe im being cynical. I’m hoping that the third book (assuming there will be a third) will wrap it all up and bring me back to the spark sisters world that I so loved in book 1.

Thank you st martins and NetGalley for my ARC

Starry-Eyed Love is the second book in the Spark House series and focuses on the middle sister London. London runs the Spark House with her sisters Avery and Harley. When a new opportunity comes up, London is front and center. However what she didn't count on was the connection with the CEO, Jackson Holt. I really enjoyed both of London and Jackson's meet cutes. It was fascinating to read how London and Jackson would taper down their attraction while working together. They always had great fun together and their banter was on point. They were just very sweet and spicy together. And when nothing was holding them back it was glorious. London and Jackson were great and they were able to find their person. There was also a lot going on with Spark House so it was interesting to see that dynamic in the story and also how it affected London and her sisters. The girls had a close bond and they truly loved each other. I liked all the characters in this read and the plot moved along swimmingly. Overall, an enjoyable story. I can't wait for Harley's book next.

4 ⭐️ for Starry Eyed Love by @helenahunting

Thank you so much to @netgalley, @helenahunting, @letstalkbookspromo, & @stmartinspress for the advanced copy of Starry Eyed Love.

Blurb from Amazon: Having just broken up with her boyfriend, London Spark is not in the mood to be hit on. Especially not when she’s out celebrating her single status with her sisters. So when a very attractive man pays for their drinks and then slips her his number, she passes it right back to him with a ‘thanks, but no thanks’. As the business administrator for their family’s event hotel, the Spark House, London has more important things to worry about, like bringing in new clientele. As luck would have it, a multi-million-dollar company calls a few months later asking for a meeting to discuss a potential partnership, and London is eager to prove to her sisters, and herself, that she can land this deal. Just when she thinks she has nailed her presentation, the company’s CEO, Jackson Holt, walks in and inserts himself into the meeting. Not only that, but he also happens to be the same guy she turned down at the bar a few months ago. As they begin to spend more time together, their working relationship blossoms into something more. It isn’t until their professional entanglements are finally over, that London and Jackson are finally ready to take the next step in their relationship.

Starry Eyed Love was a lovely, fun, & perfect read for warmer weather. I have not read the first, or any other book by Hunting to be honest, & I adored this one. London was a fun character who needed time to find herself after losing herself to work & to men. Jackson had *almost* Christian Grey vibes, but the kind, protective vibes that Christian occasionally exhibited 🤣 I loved his passion for the climate. Reading Starry Eyed Love made me want to visit Colorado! This one is out now!

As usual, Helena Hunting deliver a book that's funny, quirky and at times a tearjerker. I loved being at the Sparkhouse and I can't wait for the next book.

This was an easy, enjoyable read.

"A small smile forms as his gaze moves over my face. I feel it like a gentle caress and heat travels through my veins."

London Spark has just split from her boyfriend when a gorgeous stranger approaches her in a bar. Even though she struggles to take her eyes off him, she declines his invitation to go out on a date. Fast forward three months, the same gorgeous stranger turns out to be the CEO of the company that's offering the family business, Spark House, an opportunity of a lifetime. The buzz is still there between them, but now they're working together, which makes them off-limits to each other.

"That woman looks at you like you're the north star and you look at her like she's your favorite dessert."

This was a delightful read. I loved how Jackson Holt and London met again, and how taken he was with her. I enjoyed their banter and the directness between them. London could be bold, as well as anxious. She was a sweet mix of confidence and awkward uncertainty. Jackson was full of mixed messages, but he was adorable in his cluelessness. This was a slow-burn romance and even though they were very taken with each other, there were a couple of scenes between them where I felt a lack of chemistry between them - possibly due to a lack of spontaneity. For a successful businessman full of charisma, Jackson was quite a tentative guy, at times. He wasn't particularly alpha and I would have liked him to have taken charge a bit more in some situations. Other than that, this was a solid read from an author I always enjoy reading.

A smile resides between the lines of heartache, humor and life. Starry-Eyed Love is a charming mix of irony and emotion that stirs the mind while enticing the heart. From less than ideal to hard to resist, Hunting speaks the language of love with a dash of love and a sprinkling of common sense. From heartbreaking to heartwarming, Starry-Eyed Love is a breath of fresh air.

I am starry-eyed in love with this book. 10 puffy stars! This is the second book in a series about three sisters that own Spark house, a small hotel & events space outside of Denver. I love the first book which was Avery's and now this is London's book. Starry-Eyed Love has everything you could want in a romance book with family and friends. Great scenes, great characters, awesome Hero & Heroine, and lots of angst and tears. Jackson Holt is just yummy (I'm talking about his personality and soul - even if he does screw up) and stressed out London make a great couple. This a book for your forever shelf! The only thing I wasn't crazy about was Bridezilla Avery who was also Businesszilla & Sisterzilla. She was unbelievable and frankly I didn't like her anymore. If you feel the same way, I will let you know that she does overcome it, so keep reading to the end.

Oh and I wish I could see London's puffy stars, too.

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martins publishing for providing a copy of this book (that I will treasure) for an unbiased review.

Some reviewers found this book hilarious but I didn’t find it so; what I found it was super cute and the characters adorable. There was a lot of business talk, media and exposure and sponsorships, which to a retired woman felt like a lot of gibberick. What I loved the most was the careful manner in which Jackson approached London, the attraction present and strong, the way he nurtured the flames and kept it going slow and medium hot, until they were in a position that they could pursue a relation.

London had faced heartache before, and she was leery of falling in love and hurting again, but really, she had no choice, because Jackson was so there, there was this spark between them that was inevitable falling into the attraction.

The three Stark sisters are managing the Stark hotel, but business is increasingly growing and they are ever more busy and rushing. Poor London hardly has time to tent to her Etsy business, and has to juggle space for Jackson and for sleep, even. I loved that despite being irritated at their situation, they’re very patient and loving with their sister Everly, who is planning her wedding and being a bit selfish.

The book was super entertaining with its slow descent into love, the slow burn and the patience, the consideration Jackson gave London, how loving and giving he was. I saw London as a woman who had a lot to give but little time to work it in, who felt anxious when she was out of her element, yet still worked hard to conquer for the sake of the family business. She sacrificed her interest for the sake of the family goal, and no wonder Jackson fell in love with her. With such enchanting characters and such a sweet plot, this book cannot help but be a winner.

I always have been and always will be an avid fan of Helena Hunting’s writing. This Spark House series is so fun and sweet! I adore the family focus on this series and the sisterly bond between London and her sisters. I had the honor of arc reading for the first book in this series as well and I was so excited for sweet London’s story. I related to her personality so much in the sense of being a pushover and she ends up overextending herself. I just wanted to protect her at all costs!

Jackson… this man was so unbelievably perfect for London!!! Their chemistry and banter had me smiling like an idiot and I loved every second of it. I’ve always enjoyed a billionaire romance but I haven’t read one in awhile because it’s not my go-to trope, but this book reminded me that I should definitely read more because I loveddddd it lol.

The writing was fun and upbeat and made this slow burn so fun to read! And trust me when I saw this is a slowwwww burn. It’s so great. Lots of pining and whatnot which just makes the tension that more intense and better!

Overall, this was a really cute story and I can’t wait for the third book to wrap up this sweet sister trilogy! If you love books that have a realistic sisterly bond, a slow burn billionaire romance story, this is a great one to pick up!

*Thank you Helena Hunting, St. Martin’s Press, Social Butterfly PR, and Netgalley for my arc in exchange for an honest review.*

This was a cute romance about a woman who runs a family owned event hotel wit her sisters. When they partner with a larger corporation to help them grow their biz she quickly learns that the handsome CEO is a guy she turned down at the bar a few months earlier.

I enjoyed the characters! They were very likeable and there was so much family love between the sisters. The regular girl, rich guy trope was totally up my alley, loved it! We even get a princess style makeover which was awesome!! There was a little steam but it was more so cheesy but I liked that. London and Jackson were adorable.

I didn't really enjoy the dialogue. It was weirdly formal so some of the conversation felt a little off but it was still cute so it didn't ruin my overall enjoyment.

I recommend this book for people who like event planner, hotel management, or rich guy normal girl kind of stories!!

This is the second book in Helena Hunting's Spark House series, following the three Spark sisters as they each find love. This is London's story. As the sister who never feels comfortable asserting her own needs ahead of anyone else's, she is so deserving of a kind and giving man to let her know she's special and worthy. When Jackson enters the story, it's done quite well. She initially meets him in a dress down situation and has no idea who he is. When she meets him again, it makes it all the more fun. He's extremely wealthy but even though he's confident in his status, he doesn't wallow in it. He uses it to spoil London when he can though....and I did love that.

The book not only follows their push-pull relationship where at first he asks her out, then he pulls back and she asks him out and so on. Everything becomes complicated and confusing for them both until they figure out how to communicate about what is really going on between them. They're simply an adorable match.

I also enjoyed the fact that the story also deals with some of the friction and growing pains going on between the sisters regarding their joint venture, Spark House. It's good to see that sisterly relationship challenged to the point that they are forced to work through some issues as well.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

All the feels and happy sighs
5 Stars

Starry-Eyed Love is the second in Helena Hunting’s Spark House series about three sisters who own and run a boutique hotel together. Each book is about a different sister and stands alone although obviously the sisters feature heavily in all stories. Having said that, I’m glad that I read Avery’s story first in When Sparks Fly, as as much as I liked her in her own story, I didn’t really care for her in this one. But that’s okay, as this is middle sister London’s story.

This book is a bit of insta-spark followed by some slow burn goodness. It’s also got a bit of the friends to lovers trope going on as London and Jackson stay annoyingly in the friend zone for the first wee while. The sexual tension was just exquisite - I just wanted to smoosh their faces together and get them to admit that they liked each other.

Although we do get the story from both London and Jackson’s perspectives, the majority if the time we hear from London. This works to make us just as frustrated as she is when it comes to Jackson. Does he like her as much as she likes him? Why is he playing hot then cold towards her? It’s delightfully annoying and a testament to the always wonderful writing of Helena Hunting.

I adored London as our heroine. She’s dealing with a lot of anxiety and really doesn’t know her place with Spark House or believe in herself as much as she should. She was so relatable and I really wanted her to get her happily ever after. She so deserved it.

Jackson was absolute perfection as the slightly cocky, in charge billionaire. I adored that he was instantly smitten with London and so caring and understanding of her. He was honest with his feelings but also often clueless as to how things were playing out around him. When he realised, and things came crashing down around him, the fact that he was so broken about London - it made my day. It seems like I do enjoy it when an author makes her heroes absolutely miserable without the heroine.

As I said, the slow burn really amps up the sexual tension so much that a simple kiss on the back of the neck had me melting into a puddle of lust. When things finally come to fruition, it felt right and inevitable and oh so satisfying. And once it starts, well, all bets are off!

There were a few difficult issues in the back stories of our characters but while upsetting, the story never wanders into traumatic territory, thankfully. And while this isn’t a romantic comedy, it’s definitely got that light, uplifting quality about it. It’s funny, too. The part where Jackson ‘officially’ asks London out was a hoot. I even told people about it to share the laughs - although most just thought I was a bit strange!

I really loved this story. London was such a great character and I loved that she found her perfect match with Jackson. It was adorable, funny and romantic - another clear winner from Ms Hunting and a book I would very highly recommend. All the feels and happy sighs. Can’t wait for Harley’s story.

Starry-Eyed Love is Book 2 of Helena Hunting's Spark House series and my favorite so far of the two. I think the stories stand perfectly fine on their own so no worries if you haven't read Book 1. I must admit though, London's sister Avery, the heroine of Book 1, was really starting to grate on my nerves this time around.

Although this was a bit of a slow burn, the tension and sparks were certainly flying between Jackson and London. Excellent story with just the right amount of conflict, drama and romance. I look forward to Harley's story.

I loved Jackson in Starry-Eyed Love by Helena Hunting.

London Spark is running her family’s Inn, Spark house, and still crafting her place in the world… fresh off a breakup she is seeing the world with new eyes.

Jackson Holt the hero in this story might be one of my favorite characters, he knows what he wants and he wants London. But he is keenly aware of his position, his business relationship with London, and how this all might reflect on her.

I truly adored witnessing Jackson struggle with his attraction, I love how he found a way to connect with London and how he took joy in her joy!

Hunting’s trademark wit is seen in the character’s banter as well as with London and her sisters and Jackson and his business partner!

Now when these two finally do give into the attraction WOW…. just WOW!

Hh, I would be remiss if I did not add the way these two first meet make this book that might better… sorry I am not telling…read the book!

It is not necessary to read book 1 in the series When Sparks Fly as in this one the couple just appears as secondary characters.

Jackson is new … the read meets him as they open Starry-Eyed Love.