Sparks Fly

I was left wanting a bit more in the romance department especially since this was queer-based. But a good read overall.

Here is a shorter version suitable for Amazon or Goodreads: I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The insights about AI and its use in today’s workplaces were especially interesting. I also loved the friendship dynamics—very well written—and the author handled the spicier themes with care. Looking forward to more books from this author!

Overall, the romance was solidly written. I also liked that the drama came from outside of the relationship for the most part, which made the entire thing feel more realistic and relatable. The author managed to incorporate many themes that worked together well and elevated the plot, which kept the book interesting. It also gets very spicy pretty regularly, so do keep that in mind. However, the writing was often awkward at times throughout the book, both in the exposition and dialogue. This often made the banter and interactions between Stella and Max feel stilted and awkward, even near the end of the book. The characters were also a little flat, and it was difficult to remember who the secondary characters were, though they were diverse. There should have been more tension and inclusion of the conflicts with Chelsea and Miels as well, and these subplots felt underutilized. Overall this was a solid spicy romance that was enjoyable, and I’d be interested in reading more from this author. My thanks to NetGalley and Berkely Publishing for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I enjoyed this book. It was cutesy and spicy at the same time. I really would love if there was a sequel.

I was genuinely impressed by this debut romance. *Sparks Fly* tackles the experience of being a late bloomer sexually and romantically in a way that felt thoughtful, honest, and refreshingly free of judgment. Honestly, I think it’s a much more common experience than people acknowledge—especially among younger millennials and Gen Z. Max and Stella were both such grounded, likable characters. They each had baggage and insecurities, but I appreciated that neither of them weaponized those issues or let them completely derail their relationship. Their dynamic felt mature in a way romance couples often *don’t*, which made me root for them even harder. One thing this book did especially well was consent. Every intimate scene emphasized communication and mutual comfort without sacrificing chemistry, and I loved how the story showed that consent can actually make romance *hotter*, not less sexy. As a former New Yorker, I also really appreciated how NYC was woven into the story. The city felt lived-in and authentic, and the diversity of the cast reflected the actual mix of people, cultures, and identities you encounter there. And speaking as a bisexual woman, I really loved the bisexual representation. It was honestly refreshing to see *both* leads openly identify as bi without the story devolving into tired biphobic tropes or constant identity policing. Max and Stella simply accepted each other fully, which made the romance feel even more comfortable and genuine. I also thought…