Cris Reads: JUST ONE SPARK by Jenna Bayley-Burke



- SYNOPSIS - 

Hannah Daniels reads steamy romance novels to forget her last trip on the love roller coaster shredded her heart and tossed it like confetti. Her instincts about men stink, but at work they’re on point. Only her busy schedule means she reads whenever she can make time. Like at the laundromat while sitting on top of a washing machine. Don’t judge.
Firefighter Mason McNally has searched his whole life for a woman who stirs his soul. When he finds her, she’s nose-deep in a racy paperback atop a vibrating washer. Her beauty, boldness, and raw sensuality ignite his interest. But there’s a problem. He’s forgotten he’s wearing a wedding ring.
No amount of hasty explanations that it’s for his brother’s psychology experiment convinces her to give him a chance. But he’s rushed into fiery situations before, and this woman is totally worth the risk. He’ll just have to prove to her that first impressions can be wrong and their spark of attraction is oh so right.



- MY THOUGHTS - 

First of all, can we talk about how much I love a romance reading heroine? Hannah loves to escape into the fantasy world of romance novels to forget her own bad luck with men. When Mason approaches her at the laundromat she’s definitely attracted to him−that is until she spots a wedding ring on his finger. Repulsed by the idea of yet another married man trying to use her to cheat on his wife she makes a quick exit, while Mason is left feeling like he just lost an opportunity with the girl of his dreams.

Not only is Mason not married, but he was only wearing the ring to help his brother with a psychology study he was working on. But Mason is anything but a quitter. He begins a mission to track down this mystery laundromat girl and repair the bad impression she got of him. Mason is a total romantic whose parents taught him that it’s completely possibly to see a woman and just know right from the beginning that she’s the one for you. And that’s what he feels for Hannah. If only he could find her again and avoid looking like a stalker while doing it.

This novel really embraces the idea that when someone is meant for you, fate will find a way to bring you two together. I’d like to say that some of it was due to chance or coincidences but really, Mason’s determination and his consistency really play a big part. He’s supportive and straight-forward and always makes sure that Hannah knows where he stands in terms of his feelings for her and his idea of where they’re headed. He does the most adorable little things for her, like stocking her favorite teas at his apartment and making time in his hectic work schedule to get to see her as often as possible, to make sure she feels comfortable and cared for. And he’s a sexy fireman to boot! Seriously, if Jenna Bayley-Burke could just let me know where to find a man like Mason, I’d really appreciate it.

Hannah is a very career-oriented woman who has worked her butt off to get to where she is. It’s not that she’s not interested in romance, but her history with having her heart broken leaves her a bit gun-shy when it comes to allowing someone into her heart. Her family doesn’t really understand or respect her job and all that she’s accomplished but would prefer to see her taking on the roles of wife and mother instead. Mason is one of the few people who truly has her back and encourages her in her career goals and celebrates her accomplishments. She’s a bit hesitant to put her heart at risk yet again but eventually realizes that with Mason she finds a place where she feels safe and loved. I’m sure all the amazing sex doesn’t hurt either.

I honestly adored this novel from start to finish. I really connected with Hannah’s feelings of protectiveness and trust issues because of her history with men. Mason was the perfect match to balance out her fears and make her feel supported and cared for. Openness, consistency and reliability might not sound like the sexiest traits but when paired with Mason’s passion and desire they were enough to make my mouth water. Why don’t more people celebrate how incredibly sexy a supportive, caring man can be? Hey romance authors, get on that please. I mean…keep in all the dirty talk and hot sex but can your heroes be good listeners who will draw you a nice hot bath too? Thank you in advance.

If you want to read a sexy romance where the hero is the whole package, but not so perfect as to be a caricature, you need to pick up JUST ONE SPARK. If you love a heroine who has goals and aspirations of her own and isn’t afraid to go after them, this one if for you. This story is full of sweet, funny and incredibly sexy moments that will be sure to brighten your day. 


Disclosure: I received an advanced reader's copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions shared are my own.


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- AUTHOR INFO -

By day, USA Today Bestselling author Jenna Bayley-Burke is faster than a speeding toddler, stronger than a stubborn husband, able to leap tall Lego structures in a single bound...but by night, while the family sleeps she writes romance novels where no one ever has to scoop up after the dog, change diapers, clip coupons, drive carpool, do laundry, mop floors, get silly putty out of hair, vacuum, empty the vacuum bag (gross!), exercise, count calories, apply bandaids, clean up puke...wait where was this going? Oh, Jenna writes romance because it is glamorous. Just ask the dog.

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