Chasing Sparks

Sparkwood: Scenes from a Small Town, Book 2

De: M.L. Broome

Narrado por: Marie Hawkins, Oliver Highpoint

For six months, I hated Asher Hammond. And then I slept with him.

What started as one night turned into something neither of us expected—something real. Despite Ash's aversion to romance and my diehard belief in happily-ever-afters, we found our rhythm: my heart, his hands, and a passion that could burn down Sparkwood. Between late nights at my bookstore, restoring my crumbling Victorian mansion, and falling for a man who swore love wasn't in his DNA, I let myself believe we were building something lasting. Even if Ash never said those three words, his actions spoke volumes.

Until she showed up. The first—and only—woman Asher ever loved. The one who wrecked him, shattered his heart, and left scars deeper than any ink. And she's not here alone. Ash swears it's over between them, but their shared history—and one too many secrets—make it impossible to ignore the cracks in the fragile foundation of our love story.

I've been second best before, and I refuse to play that role again. Walking away from the man I love is the hardest thing I've ever done. But just when I think I've found my footing, life throws me a twist I never saw coming. Now, I have a secret, too—one that could bring us back together...or tear us apart forever.

Contains mature themes.

©2025 Julie E. Soper (P)2025 Tantor Media

Oh Ash, baby

So I read book one over a year ago. And I was a little worried that I would pick up the second book and be completely lost. Luckily I was not. Ash is still the sexy amazing man that everybody wants. And Ori is literally the librarian bookstore owner who has stolen his heart. This book is great. The angst and hurt in this book literally made my heart hurt. I love that Ash did not betray or a period and I love that they got their happily ever after at the end.

If you read my review on book 1: more of the same

More frustration here in part 2. However, we transition from manwhore who doesn't want to reform drama to an even more manufactured and unbelievable premise. I'm not giving spoilers here but I'll say that if someone screwed me over and damaged me to the point where I changed my entire way of life and still can't forgive them 10 years later, there's no way I'd be doing that person any favors. That's not to mention getting into the middle of - and dragging my family and friends and businesses into the middle of - a dangerous situation that had nothing to do with me. This includes lying to everyone, including brothers and the woman strung along during the entire last 6+ hour book.

They do finally get their HEA but the wrap up was quick and cliche (suddenly the danger was gone and poof, let's get married).

Really, the books weren't that bad... Just not really my style. I didn't empathize with the characters and so I just feel bitter about going through all that for 18ish hours when a little common sense, communication and adult behavior would have saved time. If you can suspend disbelief better than me, I'm sure you'll love this.