Review: When Sparks Fly by Helena Hunting
There are many promising aspects to this friends-to-lovers story, but the last portion of the book just didn’t do it for me.
There are many promising aspects to this friends-to-lovers story, but the last portion of the book just didn’t do it for me.
While I didn’t love The Viscount Who Loved Me quite as much as the first book in the series, it’s still immensely enjoyable. I think the problem for me was pacing. Some parts dragged along unnecessarily and I tended to lose interest. Those bumps in the road did not prevent the wonderful characters and witty enemies to lovers storyline from shining through, however.
I read the third book in the series before reading this first book. Oh well. I enjoyed Secrets of a Summer Night immensely anyway and read it in one sitting.
Like some people, I read this book after watching the first season of the Netflix series Bridgerton. Since I don’t read much historical romance, I expected The Duke and I to be rather stodgy without all the Hollywood glam, but I became easily addicted to this story that is filled with humor and warmth.
You Loved Me Once is one big angst fest, but I was in the mood for a little drama and boy did it deliver. Serenity, a gynecologic oncologist with severe abandonment issues, can’t commit to her neurosurgeon lover and colleague, Westin. He is a real catch. I found it hard to believe that Westin would stick around for a nearly 3-year-long friends with benefits arrangement when he clearly wants more from their relationship. He is unbelievably patient, but you get the sense that it’s wearing thin. There are plenty of other women waiting in the wings. Serenity is an incredibly compassionate and confident doctor but so indecisive when it comes to Wes that I was never quite sure of the strength of her feelings for him. This one kept me guessing about whether she would let herself love Westin before losing this man who sincerely loves her, or if she would go down a destructive path. When you add in ethical dilemmas and the difficult subject matter of cancer, my stomach was tied in knots throughout. I didn’t care for the past meets present aspect of the story. The significance was lost on me and I was confused as to why […]
Totally Folked is the first book in the Good Folk: Modern Folktales series, and it took me completely by surprise in the best possible way. The first book in a series usually sets the tone, and Totally Folked is far more entertaining than I expected.
It’s a good day whenever I get to spend time with the Shipleys. Waylaid is the latest book in Sarina Bowen’s True North series, and I’ve been waiting for Daphne Shipley’s story.
Exposed is another feather in Kristen Callihan’s cap. It’s the fourth book in her rock star romance series, and it well and truly satisfied my craving for more. We’re not only reunited with all the band members of Kill John and their significant others, but we get a love story for Rye, the bassist.
Deputy Sheriff Jackson James has been on the fringes of many Winston Brothers stories. He’s always seemed like such a great guy and has missed out on love, so when I heard he was getting his own book, Totally Folked, I was more than a little excited. Just Folking Around is the novella prequel. It’s a bit of a tease; an appetizer; an amuse bouche, if you will; a small taste of things to come. Spicy sexytimes things, if this book is any indication.
The Mixtape tugged on every single one of my heartstrings.
I really liked this second-chance bodyguard romance, but the audiobook narration for Code Name: Genesis took my enjoyment to the next level.
The Overdue Life of Amy Byler was a really witty and enjoyable read. As a mom myself, I recognized in Amy Byler the constantly frazzled state that comes from juggling the many needs of your children. I can only imagine how much more difficult it must be as a single parent. I admired how hard-working and resourceful Amy became after being abandoned by her deadbeat ex-husband. She is an expert juggler, and it is easy to see why a large part of her identity comes from being needed by her kids. The need to be needed is a key topic that is addressed in the story. Amy’s two girlfriends are a hoot, pushing her to let loose in New York City and giving her advice throughout the book. Her wicked sense of humor and exploration of the city are highly entertaining. Amy and Daniel, a fellow librarian, make a really cute couple, even if the romance aspect is a little on the bland side. I enjoyed all their dates and geeky book talk. The beginning of each chapter is a little treat featuring funny journal entries written by Amy’s teenage daughter. The Overdue Life of Amy Byler is an amusing book that […]