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Spark #1
Spark
When your past controls your future, how do you move forward?
Velaney Wills knows about that all too well.
Weak, powerless, and fearing the one person who has hurt her the most…can she overcome the barriers to move forward?
Being saved by a muscled Godsend was never on her agenda, but when firefighter, Eric Reilley comes into her life unexpectedly, everything changes.
Velaney has never felt loved or cared for, and her past prevents her from letting anyone in. Eric manages to break down her walls—despite the repercussions that come for them afterwards.
They have an undeniable spark—something she has never felt before, but will it be enough? Can love overcome all obstacles? Can they save each other to protect their love or will her past shatter everything she never knew she needed…?
**Spark is for mature audiences only – strong language, explicit sexual content, and sexual abuse are apparent.**
Velaney Wills knows about that all too well.
Weak, powerless, and fearing the one person who has hurt her the most…can she overcome the barriers to move forward?
Being saved by a muscled Godsend was never on her agenda, but when firefighter, Eric Reilley comes into her life unexpectedly, everything changes.
Velaney has never felt loved or cared for, and her past prevents her from letting anyone in. Eric manages to break down her walls—despite the repercussions that come for them afterwards.
They have an undeniable spark—something she has never felt before, but will it be enough? Can love overcome all obstacles? Can they save each other to protect their love or will her past shatter everything she never knew she needed…?
**Spark is for mature audiences only – strong language, explicit sexual content, and sexual abuse are apparent.**
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
About the author
Brooke Cumberland
28 books2,484 followersBrooke Cumberland is a USA Today Bestselling author who wears many hats on any given day. She co-wrote under the USA Today Bestselling duo, Kennedy Fox for six years before going back to solo writing. She lives in the frozen tundra of Packer Nation with her husband, wild teenager, and four dogs. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading, watching ASMR and reading vlogs on YouTube, or binge-watching a TV show she's most likely behind on. Brooke's addicted to iced coffee, leggings, and naps. She found her passion for telling stories during winter break one year in grad school—and she hasn’t stopped since.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 305 reviews
August 10, 2013
3 Stars
I’ll make this one quick and to the point...
Spark is about a girl named Velaney who has a terrible past. The only ‘family’ she really has is her best friend and room mate, Carissa. One night, there is a fire in her apartment building. Luckily, her new neighbor, Eric, is a fire fighter and gets her out of there. Eric is a sweet and sexy fire fighter from Texas. He saves Velaney. You can tell these two have a Spark between them, but Velaney is hesitant about getting in a relationship with anyone, especially someone like Eric. Eric is always saving Velaney. She is always running into him. A lot starts happening. There is an overload of drama. Velaney’s past comes back to haunt her. A lot of things here were unrealistic to me and just overkill . After all the crazy drama, I am ready for a hea. But no... there is a cliffhanger. For some reason I thought this was a stand alone... my bad for not checking before I read.
I wanted to love this one... but it was just okay for me. It had a ton of potential, I mean a hot, tattooed firefighter saves you from your apartment... come on! Thats a great start to a story, but it just didn’t do it for me. Too much drama, not enough connection... It was really all over the place. I did like Eric a lot. He was sweet, sexy and swoony at times. And Velaney had a moment towards the end where I really liked her too... The sex scenes were pretty hot... thats a definite positive! I hate rating books 3 stars. It’s conflicting for me. I neither loved nor hated this book. It was just alright. That being said, I may give the second one a shot... am I curious enough to find out what happens after that cliffhanger at the end? Maybe.
I’ll make this one quick and to the point...
Spark is about a girl named Velaney who has a terrible past. The only ‘family’ she really has is her best friend and room mate, Carissa. One night, there is a fire in her apartment building. Luckily, her new neighbor, Eric, is a fire fighter and gets her out of there. Eric is a sweet and sexy fire fighter from Texas. He saves Velaney. You can tell these two have a Spark between them, but Velaney is hesitant about getting in a relationship with anyone, especially someone like Eric. Eric is always saving Velaney. She is always running into him. A lot starts happening. There is an overload of drama. Velaney’s past comes back to haunt her. A lot of things here were unrealistic to me and just overkill . After all the crazy drama, I am ready for a hea. But no... there is a cliffhanger. For some reason I thought this was a stand alone... my bad for not checking before I read.
I wanted to love this one... but it was just okay for me. It had a ton of potential, I mean a hot, tattooed firefighter saves you from your apartment... come on! Thats a great start to a story, but it just didn’t do it for me. Too much drama, not enough connection... It was really all over the place. I did like Eric a lot. He was sweet, sexy and swoony at times. And Velaney had a moment towards the end where I really liked her too... The sex scenes were pretty hot... thats a definite positive! I hate rating books 3 stars. It’s conflicting for me. I neither loved nor hated this book. It was just alright. That being said, I may give the second one a shot... am I curious enough to find out what happens after that cliffhanger at the end? Maybe.
October 18, 2013
Velaney Wills has a past, a past which has made her feel weak and damaged, a past that has scarred her for life..
what happens when that past comes back to haunt her?
Will her horrid past ever leave her alone?
Can she be saved?
The book starts off where there is a fire in the building Velaney and her roommate Carissa stay at..When Velaney is saved by a hot firefighter things begin to change. They have an undeniable spark but will is be enough?
"My eyes wandered up to his abs, triceps, and pecks. His
shirt looked painted on, it was so tight against him. The V-neck
was a perfect touch, giving a small view of hair and tattoos on his
chest. His jeans are ripped, of-freaking-course, and his shoes—
no boots, cowboy boots are sticking out the bottom. He stands so
tall and manly—I squint to make sure he is for real."
Eric is a strong, funny, determined firefighter and when he first lays his eyes on a sleeping Velaney, he is determined to find out more about her..there is a spark, he can feel it and he is determined to make her see that they are good together.
Velaney can feel the chemistry she has with Eric but can she open up to him and tell him about her past? She feels safe with him which she hasn't felt in a long time..
Eric manages to break down her walls..
But what happens when her past comes back and is so much more dangerous?
Can Eric save her again?...
“I’m a firefighter. We don’t…usually knock,” he grins,
knowing exactly what I meant. “Okay, fine. I was hoping I’d catch
you naked again. Looks like I got half lucky.” He laughs, and
dodges my hand as I go to slap his shoulder.
“Gees, you really are a perve.” He pouts, putting his
lower lip out as if he’s offended. It immediately puts a soft spot in
my heart as I keep running—literally, into this man. Maybe it’s
okay to let my guard down…"
I loved this book! Well done Brooke!!
I was hooked right from the first page the suspense, the humour, the shocks and horrors kept me reading.
I really felt sorry for Velaney her past was messed up to say the least.I admired her strength to carry on and grow into a stronger person but there were times I wanted her to stop running and embrace it..the "it" being Eric ;)
Now talking of Eric..
Ahhhhh Eric he rocks! I loved how he never gives up on Velaney and helps her through it all.
Oh and he saves her like soo many times :D
Eric is charming, funny,caring , honest and did I mention HOT?
The ending of this book came too quickly and for a few moments(hours) I thought pages were missing..It couldn't just end there!
Give me the next book nowww! I need it!!
.*ARC provided by the author for an honest review*
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August 4, 2013
I'm going to be 100% honest with my review here. I just need to get this out.
REALITY ABUSE OCCURS IN THIS BOOK. PROCEED WITH CAUTION
If I could use two words to describe this book...
It's amazing how one book can have two totally opposing feelings from one minute to the other. It had me feeling a little bit book bipolar.
The book starts out with a bang...or a spark, if you will. Our heroine Velaney is asleep and wakes up to a smoke filled apartment. All of a sudden, in enters our hot Hero, fireman Eric who picks her up and carries her to safety. Eric is her new neighbor. He's sweet, sexy, a Texas boy with southern charm and from the moment he meets Velaney seems to want to get to know her better and take care of her. He's completely swoon worthy and Yum-O. How could it go wrong, right? Unfortunately, this book is just all over the place. It is not steeped in reality. The more you dig into this book, the more outlandish, crazy things start to happen and the characters start to resemble soap opera characters rather than people with real emotions and reactions.
Issue #1:
Eric mysteriously enters Velaney's apartment repeatedly without permission even before they are friends to "check on her". At one point he's in her living room and she walks out from the shower looking for a towel and...yup, he sees her naked.
Another time:
The footsteps stop at the end of the couch. I can feel the heat coming off the body hovering over me, and soon realize it’s not Carissa. My eyes pop open, and I see Eric standing over me.
“What the hell are you doing?” I ask, covering myself up with my shirt that I threw on the floor.
“I came to check up on you,” he answers in the most sweetest,tender voice. He bends down on his knees making his face inches away from mine.
“How do you keep getting in here? Don’t you knock?”
Ummmm...Creeper much?
Issue #2:
Velaney has a painful past. Her brother sexually abused her for two years and she is unable to have a normal relationship because of this. When this is first explained, you feel sympathy for her and want to see her overcome her past and heal to let Eric in. Sadly, this plotline gradually leaves reality station into the realm of ridiculousness. Her brother Aiden suddenly appears and starts threatening her and you're like, ok, big, strong Eric is gonna step in, save the day, and vanquish her monster. Um...that actually happens. And then he comes back again. So he is defeated again. The end of psycho brother?
NO.
He returns at the end.
Dude. This guy is like Jason Voorhees.
He just keeps coming back.
Issue #3:
Veleney's best friend Carissa is a fountain of bad advice and ideas. For example:
She has a plan to get rid of Aiden once and for all. They sneak into her parents house (where he is staying), overpower him and restrain him with zip ties, cover his mouth with duct tape, and threaten him with a hammer and pipe wrench. This is what she tells him:
“Listen, asshole,” she begins, speaking louder than a whisper, but softer than a shout. “As you can see, you are very accessible. I can get to you anytime…anywhere. If you do not leave Velaney or her boyfriend alone, I promise to use this pipe wrench to personally castrate you.” The way Carissa speaks is even making me cringe just thinking about it. Aiden’s eyes grow wider, squirming as he feels Carissa urging the wrench closer to his most sensitive area. “And I never break a promise, Aiden. If you lay one finger on her or Eric, I will hunt you down…and make sure you never use your dick again!”
This is supposed to stop him for good? This is her brilliant plan? This guy abused Velaney for years, has terrorized his parents and is clearly unafraid of any consequences in regard to his behavior. This is like sticking your hand in a honey bee nest to grab some honey.
Yet another example:
Velaney dumps Eric without an explanation (other than) "It isn't going to work out. Sorry."
(Side note.....STUPID! AARGH!)
Anyway, this is Carissa's advice to get Eric back:
“Okay, listen and listen good, my dear,” Carissa begins in a fake French accent. I laugh, trying to take her seriously. “Men cannot resist lace. Lingerie lace, to be exact.” Memories flooded my mind of the first night I met Eric—in a lacy nighty. “Next, men have a soft spot for when a girl places blame on them. Even though you had good reason to do what you did, he cannot know that. You use whatever tool you have to, Lane. Tell him Aunt Flow was in town—you were emotional, unable to make rational choices, bruised from your past…whatever you have to do! Tell him your feelings for him were getting too strong too fast and you just freaked out because you were scared. Blame it entirely on yourself! Trust me—he’ll want to soothe and comfort you right away. He’ll convince himself that it wasn’t your fault at all. He’ll comment on how maybe he rushed things and it was in fact his fault…trust me, Lane—it always works!” “That sounds like a trap, Riss.” “Of course it’s a trap! What do you think relationships are based on?”
Soooo, I could actually keep going with my list of issues but I'm gonna stop there. I will conclude in saying that I wanted to like this, I tried to like this, but this is my final reaction to this book in a nutshell:
Wayyyyy too much eye rolling.
REALITY ABUSE OCCURS IN THIS BOOK. PROCEED WITH CAUTION
If I could use two words to describe this book...
It's amazing how one book can have two totally opposing feelings from one minute to the other. It had me feeling a little bit book bipolar.
The book starts out with a bang...or a spark, if you will. Our heroine Velaney is asleep and wakes up to a smoke filled apartment. All of a sudden, in enters our hot Hero, fireman Eric who picks her up and carries her to safety. Eric is her new neighbor. He's sweet, sexy, a Texas boy with southern charm and from the moment he meets Velaney seems to want to get to know her better and take care of her. He's completely swoon worthy and Yum-O. How could it go wrong, right? Unfortunately, this book is just all over the place. It is not steeped in reality. The more you dig into this book, the more outlandish, crazy things start to happen and the characters start to resemble soap opera characters rather than people with real emotions and reactions.
Issue #1:
Eric mysteriously enters Velaney's apartment repeatedly without permission even before they are friends to "check on her". At one point he's in her living room and she walks out from the shower looking for a towel and...yup, he sees her naked.
Another time:
The footsteps stop at the end of the couch. I can feel the heat coming off the body hovering over me, and soon realize it’s not Carissa. My eyes pop open, and I see Eric standing over me.
“What the hell are you doing?” I ask, covering myself up with my shirt that I threw on the floor.
“I came to check up on you,” he answers in the most sweetest,tender voice. He bends down on his knees making his face inches away from mine.
“How do you keep getting in here? Don’t you knock?”
Ummmm...Creeper much?
Issue #2:
Velaney has a painful past. Her brother sexually abused her for two years and she is unable to have a normal relationship because of this. When this is first explained, you feel sympathy for her and want to see her overcome her past and heal to let Eric in. Sadly, this plotline gradually leaves reality station into the realm of ridiculousness. Her brother Aiden suddenly appears and starts threatening her and you're like, ok, big, strong Eric is gonna step in, save the day, and vanquish her monster. Um...that actually happens. And then he comes back again. So he is defeated again. The end of psycho brother?
NO.
He returns at the end.
Dude. This guy is like Jason Voorhees.
He just keeps coming back.
Issue #3:
Veleney's best friend Carissa is a fountain of bad advice and ideas. For example:
She has a plan to get rid of Aiden once and for all. They sneak into her parents house (where he is staying), overpower him and restrain him with zip ties, cover his mouth with duct tape, and threaten him with a hammer and pipe wrench. This is what she tells him:
“Listen, asshole,” she begins, speaking louder than a whisper, but softer than a shout. “As you can see, you are very accessible. I can get to you anytime…anywhere. If you do not leave Velaney or her boyfriend alone, I promise to use this pipe wrench to personally castrate you.” The way Carissa speaks is even making me cringe just thinking about it. Aiden’s eyes grow wider, squirming as he feels Carissa urging the wrench closer to his most sensitive area. “And I never break a promise, Aiden. If you lay one finger on her or Eric, I will hunt you down…and make sure you never use your dick again!”
This is supposed to stop him for good? This is her brilliant plan? This guy abused Velaney for years, has terrorized his parents and is clearly unafraid of any consequences in regard to his behavior. This is like sticking your hand in a honey bee nest to grab some honey.
Yet another example:
Velaney dumps Eric without an explanation (other than) "It isn't going to work out. Sorry."
(Side note.....STUPID! AARGH!)
Anyway, this is Carissa's advice to get Eric back:
“Okay, listen and listen good, my dear,” Carissa begins in a fake French accent. I laugh, trying to take her seriously. “Men cannot resist lace. Lingerie lace, to be exact.” Memories flooded my mind of the first night I met Eric—in a lacy nighty. “Next, men have a soft spot for when a girl places blame on them. Even though you had good reason to do what you did, he cannot know that. You use whatever tool you have to, Lane. Tell him Aunt Flow was in town—you were emotional, unable to make rational choices, bruised from your past…whatever you have to do! Tell him your feelings for him were getting too strong too fast and you just freaked out because you were scared. Blame it entirely on yourself! Trust me—he’ll want to soothe and comfort you right away. He’ll convince himself that it wasn’t your fault at all. He’ll comment on how maybe he rushed things and it was in fact his fault…trust me, Lane—it always works!” “That sounds like a trap, Riss.” “Of course it’s a trap! What do you think relationships are based on?”
Soooo, I could actually keep going with my list of issues but I'm gonna stop there. I will conclude in saying that I wanted to like this, I tried to like this, but this is my final reaction to this book in a nutshell:
Wayyyyy too much eye rolling.
August 10, 2013
2 stars
Spark is a novel with great potential, that unfortunately was not used even in 10%. This book could easily mesmerize me and be fantastic read but author decided to go another road and this spectacular premise could not handle it, it was just crashed by things that weren’t necessary.
Fantastic blurb made me believe Spark will rock my world, but unfortunately it only made me frustrated and sad. People who supposed to help author with eliminating unnecessary things haven’t done their job. My biggest issue was the fact that there were so many events I couldn’t keep up! It was like bad soap opera where things go from bad to fucking terrible.
The story follows Velaney, 23 year old woman who one night was caught in the fire. Thanks to her hot neighbor who happens to be firefighter she’s alive. He goes to her bedroom and helps her out of the house. And I loved how it started! But after that things went a little downhill…
In only four chapters main character, Valaney meets Eric five or six times. Almost every encounter ended in Eric rescuing Valeney from fire, bar brawl, getting lost in the woods, when she knocked herself on the butt while running and so on. It was absolutely irritating to see her acting like silly damsel in distress. Every damn time.
Velaney feels toward Eric instant attraction that easily changes into insta love, despite the fact she act like she doesn’t care about him at all, it was plain to see how she really feel. Add to the mix, she has a terrible past that hunts her and another situations where she’s helpless and Eric rescues her, there’s nothing I haven’t seen before.
Oh, yeah, there’s a fact that this sexy tattoed firefighter isn’t as smokin’ as I thought he would be, cause he acts like a totall creeper! He just walks inside Velaney apartment every time he feels like it, is almost everywhere where she is like knight in shining armour, waiting for her to fall on her butt to ‘take care’ of her. I mean, what the fuck is that?
Another thing that I despised is the fact that writing is too fast, there’s several things happening at once, I couldn’t connect with characters and I was so mad because of that!
I wish there were more to Eric and Velaney relationship and that there wouldn’t be cliffhanger which was forced! All situation with Aiden is horrible and it’s definitely not well thought.
But there were nice enough moments to make you forget for a while about errors, I loved sex scenes which were enough to show affection and to turn you on.
Overall, I wish someone helped out the author and gave a few tips how to change this soap opra drama to really entertaining and beautiful story, because Spark definitely could melt few hearts.
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July 29, 2013
Betrayal
Denial
Pain
Hatred
When your past controls your future, how do you move forward?
When the people who are meant to love and protect you, leave you broken with no hope, how do trust anyone?
~"You would never be just another girl , Velaney. You are the girl. The way I feel when I'm close to you.. the way my heart races so fast it nearly beats out of my chest anytime I see you. It's unnatural, Velaney."
Velaney has endured a world a hell, growing up in the picture perfect household with picture perfect family, anyone would think she had it all. But behind closed doors Velaney knows the pain of what happens when your own family fails you.
Years later, living with her best friend Carissa and now not having any contact with her family, Velaney refuses to let anyone in. She is broken, why bother with anyone only to end up pushing them away when it all gets to much.
Everything changes the night she wakes up in the arms of Sexy firefighter Eric Reilley.
Never has anyone ignited that kind of Spark in her. Being held in Eric's arms she felt safe for the 1st time since she was a child.
Eric Reilley, lives one floor below Velaney's apartment. After saving Val from the fire, he can't seem to stay away.
Soon they keep bumping into each other and spending more and more time together.
What starts out as a slow friendship build, with a few misunderstandings, eventually turns into more when Eric refuses to let Valenay push him away.
Velaney can't do relationships, but the Spark between Eric and herself can't be denied, the pull he has on her is too strong. When she comes clean about her past he doesn't run, he promises to take things slow, at her pace.
Soon Eric takes the pain away, replacing it with something she always believed she could never have… Someone to Love ,trust and care for her.
But Velaney's past won't seem to let go, when evil comes back into her life refusing to let go, will she be pulled back into the darkness that Eric worked so hard to pull her from?
Is their love strong enough to handle what is about to come their way?
Spark was a very fast paced and intense story at times.
It felt like it is was going one direction then next thing you know you would be hit with the realisation of Valaney's past. It was full on.
Velaney has good reason for her reluctancy to allow a relationship with Eric, finding it hard to move on from a past that haunts her.
But Eric was very patient and when they did get there it was smoking.
~He makes his way down my body by laying fresh, sweet kisses down my torso. he stops at my navel and tongues a ring around it before continuing to go down further.
"So wet," he groans, making me clench my thighs, but he stops me and opens them up for him even wider. ~
Eric was sexy, hot and lets not forget her calls her SWEETHEART…. The ONLY word that melts my heart. When a man calls his woman Sweetheart (Sigh) instant love there.
oh and such a great talker in bed….
~"God Velaney… I've wanted your legs wrapped around me for so long," he mumbles, dropping his lips to my collarbone, suckling it before he make his back up to my mouth. "You taste fucking amazing," he Growls.~
There definitely was a spark between the two.
I was surprised by the direction it went, I wasn't expecting it.
One min I thought I had it figured, but because it was so fast paced it really had me guessing. So many twists.
I think the whole school fire scene was such a big shock. I was like yeah right not gonna happen, surely not… no way and then I kinda had about 3 mins of really believing it. It really felt real. So I was devo but then I was wrong. Hahhaha thank god.
But the 2nd twist in the hospital….. FML omg seriously I was like WHAT THE FUDGE POPSICLE….
GOOD GOD WOMAN what are you doing to me…
I loved Carissa, she was really fun and had a great sense of humour.
Her and her Pussy fairy talks loved it.
Loved Val's words for coming up with new swear words haha
Alex was real sketchy for me from the start, I kinda called it early but wasn't 100% sure.
I think my biggest problem for me was Valaney's family, I was so frustrated that they were the way they were, how did Aiden get away with everything that went on in the book?
How could Velaney and Carissa really believe what they did in that bathroom was a good idea? hahhahaaha
I guess I couldn't agree with her actions dealing with everything.
I was yelling at my kindle why would you do that? OR run?
Eric was so sweet and I was so upset with what happened, couldn't she see what type of person he was?
~"Why are you always saving me?" I ask, breaking the silence. "How can you not realise. " He pauses to place a kiss on my forehead. "You've been the one saving me all along." ~
Finally she realises that she can't allow her past to dictate her future.
The ending was a little OMG creepy!
Yes ladies we have a cliffhanger.. not a bad one, a HEA with a cliffhanger of the danger still following Valaney and Eric.
Overall I liked it. It was fun, steamy, with bit of suspense and few twists and turns
I didn't fall in absolute love with it. But will definitely read the follow up to see how it turns out.
★ 3.75 Stars ★
Buy it
Read it
Love it
*Copy courtesy of the author, in exchange for an honest review*
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July 15, 2013
** copy given to beta read, in an exchange for an honest, spoiler-free review **
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5 Well-Deserved-Stars
Finally, Velaney can leave her home to attend college with her best friend Carissa. Finally, she doesn't have to live in this hell called home any longer. She and her best friend leave and Laney swore she wouldn't return -ever. Her so called home, the place where she should feel save and secure was everything but!!
Despite being away from home, for quite some years, Laney can't get rid of her demons and fears; the demons that stole her childhood. She struggles to enter relationships and can't open up herself - she's too damaged. The only person that knows about the horrible things that happened to Laney is her bestie Carissa; she's also the only person that believed her. How terrible is it to know that your own parents accuse you of lying? Right, it's sucks and hurts.
Laney seems to have everything she needs: a nice apartment with her bestie, a great job, and a fun part-time job with nice co-workers in a bar. She has her routine and she likes it; she didn't need or want a man that knocks her off balance or hurts her (again) - she prefers to be alone. Well, everything seemed to 'work out just fine' for Laney until the night Eric, the very handsome and loveable firefighter, saves her from a fire.
Eric and Laney feel their instant spark when being close to another, but can Eric break down her walls and help her overcome her fears and demons? Is Laney ready to tell her secret and fully trust someone, or even love? It definitively won't be an easy task for both of them but it'll be worth it, because neither of them can deny the spark they feel when thinking, touching, or seeing each other.
Unfortunately, the past won't stay hidden forever and soon the demons comes right back into Laney's life, threatening to destroy everything she loves.
The story has it all: great character/story development, backflashs, and an awesome epilogue! This book is filled with love, angst, passion, and humor. I enjoyed reading every character, especially Eric's - he is a real gentleman and yep I fell for him badly. Carissa is the best friend every girl whishes for and Laney can be lucky to have her. Of course there is one character (I can't tell the name) which I hated, and trust me you'll hate him too and wish him very bad things in life! The story ends with a bit of a cliffhanger and you really want to know what's happening next.
It was a very sweet love story and more than ones I caught myself saying aaawww. So I recommend this book, if you like to read about a girl that's fighting her demons and fears while meeting along the way her true hero.
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5 Well-Deserved-Stars
Finally, Velaney can leave her home to attend college with her best friend Carissa. Finally, she doesn't have to live in this hell called home any longer. She and her best friend leave and Laney swore she wouldn't return -ever. Her so called home, the place where she should feel save and secure was everything but!!
Despite being away from home, for quite some years, Laney can't get rid of her demons and fears; the demons that stole her childhood. She struggles to enter relationships and can't open up herself - she's too damaged. The only person that knows about the horrible things that happened to Laney is her bestie Carissa; she's also the only person that believed her. How terrible is it to know that your own parents accuse you of lying? Right, it's sucks and hurts.
Laney seems to have everything she needs: a nice apartment with her bestie, a great job, and a fun part-time job with nice co-workers in a bar. She has her routine and she likes it; she didn't need or want a man that knocks her off balance or hurts her (again) - she prefers to be alone. Well, everything seemed to 'work out just fine' for Laney until the night Eric, the very handsome and loveable firefighter, saves her from a fire.
Eric and Laney feel their instant spark when being close to another, but can Eric break down her walls and help her overcome her fears and demons? Is Laney ready to tell her secret and fully trust someone, or even love? It definitively won't be an easy task for both of them but it'll be worth it, because neither of them can deny the spark they feel when thinking, touching, or seeing each other.
Unfortunately, the past won't stay hidden forever and soon the demons comes right back into Laney's life, threatening to destroy everything she loves.
The story has it all: great character/story development, backflashs, and an awesome epilogue! This book is filled with love, angst, passion, and humor. I enjoyed reading every character, especially Eric's - he is a real gentleman and yep I fell for him badly. Carissa is the best friend every girl whishes for and Laney can be lucky to have her. Of course there is one character (I can't tell the name) which I hated, and trust me you'll hate him too and wish him very bad things in life! The story ends with a bit of a cliffhanger and you really want to know what's happening next.
It was a very sweet love story and more than ones I caught myself saying aaawww. So I recommend this book, if you like to read about a girl that's fighting her demons and fears while meeting along the way her true hero.
August 1, 2013
Ok, first of all I want to thank Brooke for giving me an advanced copy of this book to review. Let me say this... I absolutely loved this book, and I could relate to Velaney in so many ways, due to the both of us having a horrible thing happening to the both of us in the past. Velaney (aka, Lane, aka Laney aka Vel) has a damaged past and because of that she shuts out everyone except her best friend since birth Carissa. Then one night her life is changed when a sexy firefighter named Eric saves her. She keeps running into Eric, often times literally. Velaney then finds herself battling her feelings for Eric, she knows she is attracted to him and feels this pull towards him, but she doesn't want to have feelings for him at the same time because she feels she cannot be with. Then comes Alex the sweet older brother of Kenna a girl she works with. She feels comfortable with Alex and thinks that she could possibly be with him, but at the same time she is battling feelings for Eric.
Velaney is strong, stronger than most would be considering her past, and the damage it caused. Eric makes her open up and come to terms with her past, like saying things that cause her pain. Velaney is a girl who is very magnetic and pulls you in, makes you feel her pain, and feel overcome with her emotions and that is one reason this book is so great, because not only is Velaney a very detailed, well written character but all the characters in this book are written the same way. You get to know them and feel emotions when it comes to them.
Don't even get me started on Aiden, the cause of Velaney's pain, because that will not be a happy conversation. Needless to say, I believe he should be taken into a room and beaten to a pulp, but who knows it could happen!
This book had be laughing, at times crying, biting my nails and racking my mind trying to figure out what would happen next. It was hard to put down, I found myself sleep reading because I just did not want to stop reading. At times I found myself holding on to my blanket and gasping and I seriously felt the "Spark". Just when you think you know what is going to happen...BAM! you're blindsided and in complete shock!
This book is a tale of learning to forget the past and not let it affect your life. It's about learning to be yourself and letting people in, letting yourself feel, and not fearing the past. Learning to let go and move on allows you to feel things and experience things that you never would have before.
Spark is to be released on August 6th and I would recommend to anyone who will listen to purchase this book. It is worth the money and you will not regret it, and you will find yourself enthralled and love it! You will laugh, possibly cry, smile, growl, chew your nails and fall in love.
**This book is for mature audiences only**
Velaney is strong, stronger than most would be considering her past, and the damage it caused. Eric makes her open up and come to terms with her past, like saying things that cause her pain. Velaney is a girl who is very magnetic and pulls you in, makes you feel her pain, and feel overcome with her emotions and that is one reason this book is so great, because not only is Velaney a very detailed, well written character but all the characters in this book are written the same way. You get to know them and feel emotions when it comes to them.
Don't even get me started on Aiden, the cause of Velaney's pain, because that will not be a happy conversation. Needless to say, I believe he should be taken into a room and beaten to a pulp, but who knows it could happen!
This book had be laughing, at times crying, biting my nails and racking my mind trying to figure out what would happen next. It was hard to put down, I found myself sleep reading because I just did not want to stop reading. At times I found myself holding on to my blanket and gasping and I seriously felt the "Spark". Just when you think you know what is going to happen...BAM! you're blindsided and in complete shock!
This book is a tale of learning to forget the past and not let it affect your life. It's about learning to be yourself and letting people in, letting yourself feel, and not fearing the past. Learning to let go and move on allows you to feel things and experience things that you never would have before.
Spark is to be released on August 6th and I would recommend to anyone who will listen to purchase this book. It is worth the money and you will not regret it, and you will find yourself enthralled and love it! You will laugh, possibly cry, smile, growl, chew your nails and fall in love.
**This book is for mature audiences only**
March 8, 2016
:: 4.2 Sparkling Stars ::
What happens when a sexy firefighter meets the girl of his dreams only to find out she has to overcome emotional demons before they can be together?
Overall this book was very enjoyable. The writing style is superb, the plot is original, and the characters are amazingly complex. I found myself gasping in some places and tearful in others. This book allows readers to really get close to the characters- something that is very hard to come by in many books. While it does end in a cliffhanger I find myself overall happy to have read it. I can’t wait to get my hands on book #2. Would I recommend this book? Yes. While the book deals with themes that may bother some readers (sexual abuse) the author portrays it in a realistic way. Readers will feel deeply for the characters and want the good guys to overcome their obstacles.
Genre: Romance
General Pricing: KINDLE: $3.99 or read FREE on kindle unlimited. PAPERBACK: $12.99
Overall Rating: 4.2 Stars
Recommendation: Yes! Book boyfriend material right here.
What happens when a sexy firefighter meets the girl of his dreams only to find out she has to overcome emotional demons before they can be together?
Overall this book was very enjoyable. The writing style is superb, the plot is original, and the characters are amazingly complex. I found myself gasping in some places and tearful in others. This book allows readers to really get close to the characters- something that is very hard to come by in many books. While it does end in a cliffhanger I find myself overall happy to have read it. I can’t wait to get my hands on book #2. Would I recommend this book? Yes. While the book deals with themes that may bother some readers (sexual abuse) the author portrays it in a realistic way. Readers will feel deeply for the characters and want the good guys to overcome their obstacles.
Genre: Romance
General Pricing: KINDLE: $3.99 or read FREE on kindle unlimited. PAPERBACK: $12.99
Overall Rating: 4.2 Stars
Recommendation: Yes! Book boyfriend material right here.
Want to read
January 4, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/28/2019)! 🎁
July 13, 2013
First and foremost, thank you Brooke for giving us an advanced copy of this book to review. I absolutely loved it! Velaney has a damaged past, the only one she lets in is her best friend since birth Carissa. Then one night a handsome firefighter saves her, and she doesn’t want feelings for him, he’s not someone she thinks she can be with. Enter Alex… a sweet guy she thinks she can be with, problem is, she can’t deny her feelings for Eric.
Things heat up, attraction is undeniable, and their story is amazing. Velaney (aka. Vel, aka Lane aka Laney) has been through so much, and her character really pulls you in, her story is crazy, and if it was me I know I would not be as strong as she is. I loved her made up swear words that she would use, and how Eric makes her come to terms and open up and say things that have only brought her pain.
Just when things start to become amazing, Velaney’s past comes back and you want to scream. Aiden is a horrible person, that’s all there is to it. I mean yes, I want to know what his deal is but more importantly I wish he would get hit by a bus and die. That would have been awesome, but probably ruined the story… maybe in the next book?!
This story will definitely have you on the edge of your seat a few times, and make you not want to stop reading (it was hard for me to put down!). The characters are so well written, and the relationships between them are magnificent! This story grabs you and doesn’t let go until well after reading reading the epilogue. I can’t wait to for the next book (Burn) to come out to see what happens next. This book had a “Spark” to it, was amazing, written beautifully, and will have you always trying to figure out what comes next. Nothing is predictable in this story, and it’s part of the reasons I couldn’t stop reading.
Learning to be yourself, trying to forget the past, and allowing yourself love, are all things that Brooke Cumberland did an amazing job of putting into this book and telling it from Velaney’s point of view. You feel her pain, her uncertainty, her love, etc. Her character grabbed you and you felt for her and everything she had been through.
Now on to Eric, oh Eric…. LOVED HIM! He was so sweet, caring, thoughtful, and sometimes arrogant (not to mentioned a hot firefighter!). I laughed a few times during the book with him always showing up in Carissa and Velaney’s apartment. He’s so sweet and attentive to Velaney, and you know he cares for her, and its not a sham. I wish we could have gotten into his brain too, but I don’t think it would have really told Velaney’s story, and that’s what made this book so special.
Carissa is Velaney’s best friend, and I loved her too, she doesn’t hold anything back and tells things like they are. I loved her terms, and her love of Ryan Philippe! She’s exactly what Velaney needs in a best friend, and the polar opposite! Where Velaney doesn’t swear, she swears like a sailor, Velaney doesn’t sleep around, she only seems to do one night stands. Complete opposite! but that’s what makes it a great friendship!
This book is to be released on August 6th and I encourage all of you to pick it up and read it. You will not regret this purchase, and will love it. Be prepared to be surprised, laugh, fall in love, and bite your fingernails in anticipation!
“I know a part of me will always be damaged by what Aiden did to me, but how can I let that go? How do you let your past go so you can finally focus on the present?” - Velaney, Spark by Brooke Cumberland
****Note: This book is for mature audiences only!!!****
Things heat up, attraction is undeniable, and their story is amazing. Velaney (aka. Vel, aka Lane aka Laney) has been through so much, and her character really pulls you in, her story is crazy, and if it was me I know I would not be as strong as she is. I loved her made up swear words that she would use, and how Eric makes her come to terms and open up and say things that have only brought her pain.
Just when things start to become amazing, Velaney’s past comes back and you want to scream. Aiden is a horrible person, that’s all there is to it. I mean yes, I want to know what his deal is but more importantly I wish he would get hit by a bus and die. That would have been awesome, but probably ruined the story… maybe in the next book?!
This story will definitely have you on the edge of your seat a few times, and make you not want to stop reading (it was hard for me to put down!). The characters are so well written, and the relationships between them are magnificent! This story grabs you and doesn’t let go until well after reading reading the epilogue. I can’t wait to for the next book (Burn) to come out to see what happens next. This book had a “Spark” to it, was amazing, written beautifully, and will have you always trying to figure out what comes next. Nothing is predictable in this story, and it’s part of the reasons I couldn’t stop reading.
Learning to be yourself, trying to forget the past, and allowing yourself love, are all things that Brooke Cumberland did an amazing job of putting into this book and telling it from Velaney’s point of view. You feel her pain, her uncertainty, her love, etc. Her character grabbed you and you felt for her and everything she had been through.
Now on to Eric, oh Eric…. LOVED HIM! He was so sweet, caring, thoughtful, and sometimes arrogant (not to mentioned a hot firefighter!). I laughed a few times during the book with him always showing up in Carissa and Velaney’s apartment. He’s so sweet and attentive to Velaney, and you know he cares for her, and its not a sham. I wish we could have gotten into his brain too, but I don’t think it would have really told Velaney’s story, and that’s what made this book so special.
Carissa is Velaney’s best friend, and I loved her too, she doesn’t hold anything back and tells things like they are. I loved her terms, and her love of Ryan Philippe! She’s exactly what Velaney needs in a best friend, and the polar opposite! Where Velaney doesn’t swear, she swears like a sailor, Velaney doesn’t sleep around, she only seems to do one night stands. Complete opposite! but that’s what makes it a great friendship!
This book is to be released on August 6th and I encourage all of you to pick it up and read it. You will not regret this purchase, and will love it. Be prepared to be surprised, laugh, fall in love, and bite your fingernails in anticipation!
“I know a part of me will always be damaged by what Aiden did to me, but how can I let that go? How do you let your past go so you can finally focus on the present?” - Velaney, Spark by Brooke Cumberland
****Note: This book is for mature audiences only!!!****
September 28, 2013
"You would never be just another girl, Velaney. You are the thee girl."
I'm now officially a massive fan of Brooke Cumberland! The synopsis for this book is pretty vague, so when the author came to me about a Book Trailer for Spark I knew I had to read this book first to get more information about it and make her the perfect trailer! What I got from this book blew me away! It was so freaking good! It was actually SO much more than good! Words like phenomenal, amazing, mind blowing come to mind when I think about it! This book has definitely made it onto my favourites list! The plot of this book had so much in it! It was easy to follow though and it had loads of suspense in it as well! I was totally hyped while reading it! The full book was a massive climax and the climax of a book normally comes down as you get to the end of the book, but this book's climax didn't stop at the last page! It left it at a massive cliff-hanger that has me desperate for the next book! The plot also developed brilliantly! I was completely enthralled with it and I suffered a serious book hangover after reading it! The characters were amazing! Velaney was the main character and she was so brave! I never expected her back story to be so horrible, but she was a character that just got up and tried her best regardless of her past! She grew stronger as this book progressed and I just adored her! I connected instantly with her as well and I actually didn't want to stop reading her story! I could honestly have kept reading! Eric was the love interest of Velaney and he made the temperature in my room heat up! Seriously! I need an Eric in my life! Who wouldn't want a sexy, life-saving fire-fighter? Eric was there for Velaney so much and he saved her more times than I can count! As the book progressed I fell even more in love with him! I also loved how protective he was of Velaney! There was a love triangle that was in this book for some of it! The love triangle was between Velaney, Eric and Alex! I loved both guys and I'll admit that I was torn! I adored both guys, but Eric did make me swoon more though! Plus, I loved he connection with Velaney! The ending to this book has left me desperate for the next one! It was quite a cliff-hanger and I didn't really see it coming at all! It was an amazing ending that will leave you gasping and begging for the next book! The cover is also stunning! It blew me away as soon as I saw it! It suits the book, the characters, the scene everything! Big thank you to Brooke for an ARC of Spark!
I'm now officially a massive fan of Brooke Cumberland! The synopsis for this book is pretty vague, so when the author came to me about a Book Trailer for Spark I knew I had to read this book first to get more information about it and make her the perfect trailer! What I got from this book blew me away! It was so freaking good! It was actually SO much more than good! Words like phenomenal, amazing, mind blowing come to mind when I think about it! This book has definitely made it onto my favourites list! The plot of this book had so much in it! It was easy to follow though and it had loads of suspense in it as well! I was totally hyped while reading it! The full book was a massive climax and the climax of a book normally comes down as you get to the end of the book, but this book's climax didn't stop at the last page! It left it at a massive cliff-hanger that has me desperate for the next book! The plot also developed brilliantly! I was completely enthralled with it and I suffered a serious book hangover after reading it! The characters were amazing! Velaney was the main character and she was so brave! I never expected her back story to be so horrible, but she was a character that just got up and tried her best regardless of her past! She grew stronger as this book progressed and I just adored her! I connected instantly with her as well and I actually didn't want to stop reading her story! I could honestly have kept reading! Eric was the love interest of Velaney and he made the temperature in my room heat up! Seriously! I need an Eric in my life! Who wouldn't want a sexy, life-saving fire-fighter? Eric was there for Velaney so much and he saved her more times than I can count! As the book progressed I fell even more in love with him! I also loved how protective he was of Velaney! There was a love triangle that was in this book for some of it! The love triangle was between Velaney, Eric and Alex! I loved both guys and I'll admit that I was torn! I adored both guys, but Eric did make me swoon more though! Plus, I loved he connection with Velaney! The ending to this book has left me desperate for the next one! It was quite a cliff-hanger and I didn't really see it coming at all! It was an amazing ending that will leave you gasping and begging for the next book! The cover is also stunning! It blew me away as soon as I saw it! It suits the book, the characters, the scene everything! Big thank you to Brooke for an ARC of Spark!
July 16, 2013
I loved this! Thanks to Brooke who sent me an ARC, for review. Where do I start? For one I was so nervous about reading this because I LOVE the Riverside Trilogy so much that I was worried I would be not as excited about this and WOW was I wrong.
Velaney, first is a great name!!! She lives with her best friend Carissa who is so great! One of the best secondary characters I have ever read! After Eric rescues Laney from a fire things get even HOTTER. HA HA Sorry can't help the fire jokes here. He is scortchingly hot! (heehee)
Velaney has a past, a dark and haunting one that she has come back and collide with her possible future in all kinds of ways. Not only was she hurt by someone she should have been able to trust and who should have protected her but even her own parents didn't seem to believe or support her in it. I cannot or will not give you any spoilers. There are so many twists and turns and Brooke's ability to give you the WTFs is ever present. I love the humor and the emotion she adds to her characters, truly bringing them to life. Oh and did I mention ERIC has a COUNRTY ACCENT. OH let the swooning begin because I am from the south and there are NO hot fire fighters like that here. But here is to hoping.
Great story and HOLY BEJESUS, just go get it, read it, love it and review it! Seriously, Brooke Cumberland is a genius and she will have you laughing, swooning and wriggling in your chair. Beware of SPARKing a kindle fire... HA HA HA Sorry last fire joke. Promise. Great Job Brooke and I cannot wait for the next one. OH yes there is more fire coming... Ah crap sorry that was it...
Velaney, first is a great name!!! She lives with her best friend Carissa who is so great! One of the best secondary characters I have ever read! After Eric rescues Laney from a fire things get even HOTTER. HA HA Sorry can't help the fire jokes here. He is scortchingly hot! (heehee)
Velaney has a past, a dark and haunting one that she has come back and collide with her possible future in all kinds of ways. Not only was she hurt by someone she should have been able to trust and who should have protected her but even her own parents didn't seem to believe or support her in it. I cannot or will not give you any spoilers. There are so many twists and turns and Brooke's ability to give you the WTFs is ever present. I love the humor and the emotion she adds to her characters, truly bringing them to life. Oh and did I mention ERIC has a COUNRTY ACCENT. OH let the swooning begin because I am from the south and there are NO hot fire fighters like that here. But here is to hoping.
Great story and HOLY BEJESUS, just go get it, read it, love it and review it! Seriously, Brooke Cumberland is a genius and she will have you laughing, swooning and wriggling in your chair. Beware of SPARKing a kindle fire... HA HA HA Sorry last fire joke. Promise. Great Job Brooke and I cannot wait for the next one. OH yes there is more fire coming... Ah crap sorry that was it...
July 25, 2013
Southern, built, tattoos, piercing and a firefighter...really what more could you ask for? Eric is a Boston firefighter from Texas who is not what you expect him to be. Velaney is a quiet, perceived as innocent, strong and determined. Carissa is her best friend and her family and the one of the very few people who knows about her past.
Things seem to spark for Eric the first time he met Vel, saving her for the first of many times. I wasn't so sure about him in the beginning but you got to see the real him quickly.
Vel wasn't so sure or did she just not want to admit it out of fear. She had a traumatic past and has built up walls that nobody has been able to tear down. She's had to over come obstacles and stop letting the past burn into her present. Relying on Carissa to help her down from panic attacks. Once she was able to bring able to allow Eric in the sparks blazed.
I don't know how Brooke does it but she has given us another fan-friggingtasic book!! I was clutching my kindle not wanting to put it down and finished it in a day! I caught myself holding my breath waiting to know what was going to happen next. I felt apart of Eric and Vel and cried at times and yelled at times. This is definitely a must read!!!!
**ARC given by author for review**
Things seem to spark for Eric the first time he met Vel, saving her for the first of many times. I wasn't so sure about him in the beginning but you got to see the real him quickly.
Vel wasn't so sure or did she just not want to admit it out of fear. She had a traumatic past and has built up walls that nobody has been able to tear down. She's had to over come obstacles and stop letting the past burn into her present. Relying on Carissa to help her down from panic attacks. Once she was able to bring able to allow Eric in the sparks blazed.
I don't know how Brooke does it but she has given us another fan-friggingtasic book!! I was clutching my kindle not wanting to put it down and finished it in a day! I caught myself holding my breath waiting to know what was going to happen next. I felt apart of Eric and Vel and cried at times and yelled at times. This is definitely a must read!!!!
**ARC given by author for review**
July 19, 2013
First off let me say thank you so much to Brooke.for the opportunity of receiving the ARC for this book. So here goes......... one dissapointment in the book, the only one is that it wasn't longer lol this was one amazing read from page one until I got to the end and swiped like four times saying NOOOOO thee has to be more! There is nothing sexier than a firefighter with tats and a nipple ring. The chemistry from the start with Lane and Eric is clear. I won't give any spoilers but the steam factor is holy shiznit hot, and the bestie and roommate of Lanes attitude and outgoing language is hilarious. There is love, but they don't get there immediately . They have obstacles . There is suspense and omg moments where u wanna say WTF! Overall I am very happy with this book. Brooke is very talented and I will read anything she puts out there. So don't even think just buy this book if you like hot as hell firefighters , sassy attitudes, and super hotttttt sexay scenes. You will not be disappointed. I am wondering if ric could possibly put out the fire this book started in my pants! Or keep it going.......hahahahahaha! Wonderful!
July 20, 2013
I could not put this down!
I received an ARC of this novel and I got hooked after reading a few pages! Velaney is such a likeable person with a horrible past she has tried to put it behind her. As for Eric, who wouldn't want a man like him: a southern and sexy firefighter! Velaney has a wonderful friend and roommate, Carissa, who is very funny and also is pretty much Velaney's family and voice of reason.
Eric and Velaney meet when there is a fire on their floor of their apartment building. Eric rescues her from her room. After that, she always seems to run into him or needs his rescuing.
The novel had me laughing at so many parts: Velaney's thoughts, what comes out of Carissa's mouth and Eric's smooth remarks. There are many serious moments as well, one of them having to do with Velaney's family pretty much betraying her.
This is the first I've read of Brooke's stories. I love this one! I'm really anxious for the next installment now! Great job Brooke!
I received an ARC of this novel and I got hooked after reading a few pages! Velaney is such a likeable person with a horrible past she has tried to put it behind her. As for Eric, who wouldn't want a man like him: a southern and sexy firefighter! Velaney has a wonderful friend and roommate, Carissa, who is very funny and also is pretty much Velaney's family and voice of reason.
Eric and Velaney meet when there is a fire on their floor of their apartment building. Eric rescues her from her room. After that, she always seems to run into him or needs his rescuing.
The novel had me laughing at so many parts: Velaney's thoughts, what comes out of Carissa's mouth and Eric's smooth remarks. There are many serious moments as well, one of them having to do with Velaney's family pretty much betraying her.
This is the first I've read of Brooke's stories. I love this one! I'm really anxious for the next installment now! Great job Brooke!
January 19, 2016
I didn't see the warning on the series but if you have any issues with childhood sexual abuse proceed with caution!!
Velaney is a closed off, shy, sexy but doesn't flaunt it, kind of chick that has a past that she runs from. She as built walls around her heart until the day this crazy, sexy, hot firefighter named Eric saves her from her burning apartment building. From that day forward no matter how hard both of them tried to fight it they could not deny the SPARK.
This specific video review (https://youtu.be/XTkkbohuPjo)
For other video reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Stephanie Uncensored
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNTm...
Velaney is a closed off, shy, sexy but doesn't flaunt it, kind of chick that has a past that she runs from. She as built walls around her heart until the day this crazy, sexy, hot firefighter named Eric saves her from her burning apartment building. From that day forward no matter how hard both of them tried to fight it they could not deny the SPARK.
This specific video review (https://youtu.be/XTkkbohuPjo)
For other video reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Stephanie Uncensored
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNTm...
July 18, 2013
I was extremely lucky to have the chance to review the advance copy of this awesome book provided by Brooke.
I loved this book. It was awesome and I cannot wait to read number two.
Once again Brooke has created an interesting world with interesting characters that you fall in love with.
I cannot put into words how this book made me feel, just that everyone should experience the magic of Brooke Cumberland. I know that I have and cannot wait for the future works that she will be creating.
Awesome.
I loved this book. It was awesome and I cannot wait to read number two.
Once again Brooke has created an interesting world with interesting characters that you fall in love with.
I cannot put into words how this book made me feel, just that everyone should experience the magic of Brooke Cumberland. I know that I have and cannot wait for the future works that she will be creating.
Awesome.
July 14, 2013
I haveto say first that i am so happy to havegotten an ARC of this book! I absolutely loved it and i couldn't get enough of Velany and Eric! I cannot wait for book 2 and book 1 isn't even offically out yet. i read this story in about three hours because the charcters would not let me put them down. It kept me guessing until the very last page. I cannot say anymore how much i loved this story!
August 20, 2013
Brooke you have done it yet again, absolute perfection. It was so hard for me to put this book down when I had too. Its a book you could finish in one night given the chance. I can't wait until book 2!
August 11, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. Had sweet moments and some steamy ones! Eric was a hottie! I look forward to more!!
August 1, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. I really like the character of Valaney. I really wish we learn more about Eric maybe in the other book but he was also great.
October 21, 2013
I put of reading this book for one reason only…I heard it had a cliff hanger. And that was partly right. Because actually, where the epilogue ends, I was satisfied with the ending. Ok, yes. There were unanswered questions. But as far as I was concerned, the couple met, got together, faced drama & issues, broke up and got back together. I’m all good. But alas. That’s not the end.
There was definite drama in this book. Velaney came from a messed up childhood. I felt bad for her. Initially, all her "swear words" were annoying and pulled me out of the story. But after it was explained why she didn't swear, I didn't mind them. And I loved the scene where Eric helped her get over one particular word.
My biggest complaint (oddly enough, it wasn't the cliff)...my biggest complaint had to do with Aiden. It wasn't Aiden himself. He was evil, no doubt about it. But I really didn't understand how he escaped prosecution. He was released from jail because "Velaney was lying and he didn't do it"...yet they caught him in her apartment, attacking her and after she was checked out at the hospital, she was asked about the scaring she had and said Aiden was the one who caused it...and yet, HE WAS LET OUT!? I cry foul on that. There is no way that he would be let out. And if he were, there would have at least been a restraining order against him. But no, there was nothing. And because of the lack of consequences for him, the whole story line didn't feel real. He needed punishment. And even if he wasn't sent to prison (or to be drawn & quartered, which he deserved), because of book 2, he should have still been in jail or under investigation. But after getting checked out at the hospital, she never once talked to the police. Never filed a report. There was nothing.
I could overlook those issues when I knew that there was a second book. I'm hoping that there will be some kind of development in the case against Aiden.
My Eric & Valaney.
There was definite drama in this book. Velaney came from a messed up childhood. I felt bad for her. Initially, all her "swear words" were annoying and pulled me out of the story. But after it was explained why she didn't swear, I didn't mind them. And I loved the scene where Eric helped her get over one particular word.
My biggest complaint (oddly enough, it wasn't the cliff)...my biggest complaint had to do with Aiden. It wasn't Aiden himself. He was evil, no doubt about it. But I really didn't understand how he escaped prosecution. He was released from jail because "Velaney was lying and he didn't do it"...yet they caught him in her apartment, attacking her and after she was checked out at the hospital, she was asked about the scaring she had and said Aiden was the one who caused it...and yet, HE WAS LET OUT!? I cry foul on that. There is no way that he would be let out. And if he were, there would have at least been a restraining order against him. But no, there was nothing. And because of the lack of consequences for him, the whole story line didn't feel real. He needed punishment. And even if he wasn't sent to prison (or to be drawn & quartered, which he deserved), because of book 2, he should have still been in jail or under investigation. But after getting checked out at the hospital, she never once talked to the police. Never filed a report. There was nothing.
I could overlook those issues when I knew that there was a second book. I'm hoping that there will be some kind of development in the case against Aiden.
My Eric & Valaney.
January 5, 2014
This book had me laughing in the first few pages, thanks to a lace teddy and Scooby Doo! Velaney can't bring herself to say curse words, and it's adorable to listen to her thoughts. But in the very beginning of the story, she finds herself up close and personal with one very hot, very sexy firefighter named Eric. Heaven knows I wish I had me an Eric!! He's Velaney's knight in shining armor, her guardian angel, her protector all rolled up in one hot, muscled package! But Velaney isn't as quick to admit that as the reader so she keeps denying herself the one thing we keep begging her to give into. She's got some baggage from a bad history and it keeps her from moving forward in life and relationships. Carissa is Velaney's best friend in the world and is there to keep waving her magic wand and pushing Laney to live life and not let the past hold her back. Eric refuses to give up on what he knows feels right, although he does come off a bit stalkerish at first. He's hot, and his heart is in the right place, so it's easy to forgive him.
Velaney finally makes progress moving beyond her nightmares and starts accepting what Eric so eagerly has to offer; however, as fate would have it, the past comes back to haunt her and threaten her newly found strength and happiness. She does what any distraught book damsel does, she runs from the one person she should be running to! You find yourself yelling at her to stop, but she doesn't listen right away. She finally comes to her senses, but is it too late for her and Eric??
This is NOT a stand alone novel, unless you're into nail biting, heart stopping cliffhangers! You find yourself rooting for these two to get their HEA, but you won't find it in Spark...hopefully we'll get it in the second book in the Spark series, Burn.
Velaney finally makes progress moving beyond her nightmares and starts accepting what Eric so eagerly has to offer; however, as fate would have it, the past comes back to haunt her and threaten her newly found strength and happiness. She does what any distraught book damsel does, she runs from the one person she should be running to! You find yourself yelling at her to stop, but she doesn't listen right away. She finally comes to her senses, but is it too late for her and Eric??
This is NOT a stand alone novel, unless you're into nail biting, heart stopping cliffhangers! You find yourself rooting for these two to get their HEA, but you won't find it in Spark...hopefully we'll get it in the second book in the Spark series, Burn.
August 19, 2013
What is not to love when a book contains a hot, tattooed, southern firefighter and that same firefighter also has a piercing and drawl that will make you weak in the knees! Brooke Cumberland weaves us through a love story that is electric and heart breaking all in one book. This is a 4 star read!
Velaney is a twenty something, strong young woman focusing on her independence from her family and enjoying life with her roommate and best friend.
Eric is the southern gentleman that unbeknownst to Velaney, lives in her apartment building. Eric's instincts kick in when their apartment building is on fire and he rushes to help people escape. Little did Eric and Velaney know but their lives would never be the same after that fateful night.
The attraction is immediate and HOT! Eric is determined to purse this attraction and Velaney insists they are only friends.
"But the way you kissed me, the way you made me feel.... it's not something I want to ignore. It's not something I can ignore." ~ Eric
This love story is not without it's fair share of angst. Velaney had a sad and heartbreaking childhood. Her love and affection was betrayed in ways no child should endure. Velaney stills lives with the effects of her childhood although she is determined to move forward and holds her head high doing so.
Brooke creates a page turning story and one which will keep you on the edge of your seat. As people from Velaney's past threaten her future we find the end of the book in a cliffhanger. But before you throw your Kindle don't fret BURN is set to release in October.
Velaney is a twenty something, strong young woman focusing on her independence from her family and enjoying life with her roommate and best friend.
Eric is the southern gentleman that unbeknownst to Velaney, lives in her apartment building. Eric's instincts kick in when their apartment building is on fire and he rushes to help people escape. Little did Eric and Velaney know but their lives would never be the same after that fateful night.
The attraction is immediate and HOT! Eric is determined to purse this attraction and Velaney insists they are only friends.
"But the way you kissed me, the way you made me feel.... it's not something I want to ignore. It's not something I can ignore." ~ Eric
This love story is not without it's fair share of angst. Velaney had a sad and heartbreaking childhood. Her love and affection was betrayed in ways no child should endure. Velaney stills lives with the effects of her childhood although she is determined to move forward and holds her head high doing so.
Brooke creates a page turning story and one which will keep you on the edge of your seat. As people from Velaney's past threaten her future we find the end of the book in a cliffhanger. But before you throw your Kindle don't fret BURN is set to release in October.
Want to read
July 28, 2013 I hear the hero is tattooed, pierced and a firefighter... YUM!
When your past controls your future, how do you move forward?
Velaney Wills knows about that all too well.
Weak, powerless, and fearing the one person who has hurt her the most…can she overcome the barriers to move forward?
Being saved by a muscled Godsend was never on her agenda, but when firefighter, Eric Reilley comes into her life unexpectedly, everything changes.
Velaney has never felt loved or cared for, and her past prevents her from letting anyone in. Eric manages to break down her walls—despite the repercussions that come for them afterwards.
They have an undeniable spark—something she has never felt before, but will it be enough? Can love overcome all obstacles? Can they save each other to protect their love or will her past shatter everything she never knew she needed…?
**Spark is for mature audiences only – strong language, explicit sexual content, and sexual abuse are apparent.**
When your past controls your future, how do you move forward?
Velaney Wills knows about that all too well.
Weak, powerless, and fearing the one person who has hurt her the most…can she overcome the barriers to move forward?
Being saved by a muscled Godsend was never on her agenda, but when firefighter, Eric Reilley comes into her life unexpectedly, everything changes.
Velaney has never felt loved or cared for, and her past prevents her from letting anyone in. Eric manages to break down her walls—despite the repercussions that come for them afterwards.
They have an undeniable spark—something she has never felt before, but will it be enough? Can love overcome all obstacles? Can they save each other to protect their love or will her past shatter everything she never knew she needed…?
**Spark is for mature audiences only – strong language, explicit sexual content, and sexual abuse are apparent.**
November 1, 2013
I love Brooke Cumberland's books. I am patiently waiting for the third book in her Riverside Trilogy to come out so I decided to read SPARK in the interim. WOW...HOLY SMOKES and everything that is hot and burning passion. V & E have a chemistry that sizzles on the page and leaves you wanting more. There were so many twists and surprises in this book that it bordered on a suspense/mystery novel as much as a romance but that is what kept me turning the pages. I need to download BURN now to find out how it all ends up!
Witty dialogue and steamy bedroom scenes with a few disturbing childhood flashbacks.
Witty dialogue and steamy bedroom scenes with a few disturbing childhood flashbacks.
November 24, 2015
Not much of any Sparks going on at all. Plot was blah, I had no connection with the characters at all and found myself bored and skimming at already chapter 6. Eric was creepy and a bit stalkerish. Laney was childish and whiny. The roommate Clarissa was so annoying and I wanted to take her in a dark room and beat her with this book. And live a little and grow a pair and say a curse word!
March 2, 2014
Spark (Spark #1) by Brooke Cumberland
Adult Contemporary. 1st in a series, does not stand alone.
Oh how I wish I knew that Spark by Brooke Cumberland had a bit of a cliffy at the end! It's not a relationship cliffhanger, so it's not quite as bad, but I already had books scheduled to read after, and couldn't take on the next book. I will eventually though, because I want to read more. I really enjoyed the book, and it sucks that I didn't have the freedom to continue, and won't for a few months.
Eric is a super fuck-hot sexy Firefighter, complete with tattoos.
He just moved into Velaney's apartment building when a fire breaks out, and he rushes into her apartment to save her. Coincidentally, it was laundry day, so Velaney was wearing her only clean item, a very sexy nighty.
"Forget him being muscular. He wasn't just muscular; he was chiseled so damn hard he could crack squirrel nuts between his biceps."
Eric is a southern gentleman complete with sexy accent and cowboy boots...and great teeth, Velaney's weakness. I immediately liked Velaney and her roommate. They were funny and down to earth, and it felt like I was hanging with friends I like. Velaney worked off her frustrations by running.
"My pussy fairy needed to twirl her magic wand and give me a big O or I'd run to the point of no longer feeling my insides"
Velaney has baggage. Big time. but she can't help her attraction to Eric, especially when she sees him running...shirtless. Velaney, due to her past, never curses. but I loved her substitutions.
"Sweet baby cheese balls", "Oh hells bells, he has a nipple ring. And tattoos", "Holy shizzwizzle, his body is wicked hot."
Eric wanted Velaney. He made it clear right from day one. In fact, he kept showing up IN her apartment when she least expected it. Like when she takes a shower and forgets her towel...
Little incidents keep happening and luckily for Velaney, Eric seems to always be her Knight in Shining Armor. Though they are just "friends" the sexual tension and banter between Eric and Velaney are fun to read.
"The pull I feel toward him is ridiculous. Perhaps it's the way he is always there for me, saving me when I need it the most. But another part of me knew it was something else. Something unexplainable."
But they are only friends, so when nice, cute guy Alex asks her out, she goes. He's safe, and sweet. But he is not Eric.
Then we learn why she pushes Eric away...her past is way worse than you would think. She thinks she could never be enough for him...that she can't give any guy what they need.
"You drive me insane. The way you talk, the way you smell, the way you don't even know how breathtakingly beautiful you are. It. Drives. Me. Insane."
Then the nice, light, fun book starts taking a crazy dramatic turn. It gets scary. There is danger. And I just can't figure out why there were no police and therapists brought in. There was some major stupidity that happened, and it took away from the story for me, but overall I loved the feel and the writing. I was smiling throughout the book, even though there was some pretty scary heartbreaking scenes. I just really enjoyed Velaney, Eric and especially Carissa, who gets her own book in Flame.
Likes:
•I loved the funny tone of the book, despite the bad shit that went down.
•The girls are totally the type that I want to hang with and they cracked me up.
•Eric, despite his stalker tendencies, was totally charming, he can charm the pants off me anytime.
•Hello, hot firefighter!!!
•The way Eric takes care of Velaney and is so patient with her.
•The sexy flirting and banter.
Dislikes:
•A little too much unnecessary drama.
•Stupidity!!! Call the cops, don't handle shit yourself. Velaney needed therapy, and nobody even suggested it.
•CONDOMS people!
•I don't like when someone gets pushed away for their own good.
•Though the relationship ended in a good spot, there was still a thriller-like cliffhanger at the end.
Rating: 4 stars 3.75 Heat
I really like the feel and the writing style Brooke has. I want to hang out with her (and I will next month at Wicked Book Weekend!), because I think anyone who writes like this is totally my type. I mean she uses "twatwaffle' in it! I loved Eric, there were some hot scenes, but there was just a little too much going on and a lot of stupidity from both girls. Plus, I wish it was clearly labeled that it is a 2 part book. Still, I enjoyed it a lot, and I definitely want to read Burn to find out what happens, and even more so Flame, which can stand alone and is getting rave reviews.
"The way his lips bruise my skin as he suckles my neck washes away every pained memory I've ever had. It's as if he's just what I needed...the spark to help me live again."
Purchase Spark by Brooke Cumberland
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February 9, 2023
This was another nice read in the read-through of the romance/erotica section, of course, the main characters act strange many times but then again our heroine is scarred due to some events in the past but still, it was frustrating to read or listen to the same things again and again. My rating would be 3.5 and up to 4. I overall enjoyed it and I have been lucky that the books I have picked have been the better ones so far. The villain of the story Aiden is the worst kind of human being and so far the best comparison I read was that he was like Jason Varhoos, true enough so far. Okay then I am off to the next part of the story and that's a direct continuation of this book so let's see and keep on reading.
People who don't read generally ask me my reasons for reading. Simply put, I absolutely love reading, so I have made it my motto to Forever Keep on Reading. I love reading everything except for Self Help books, even occasionally. I read almost all the genres but YA, Fantasy, and Biographies are the most read. My favorite series is Harry Potter, but then there are many more books I adore. I have bookcases filled with books that are waiting to be read so I can't stay and spend more time on this review, so remember I loved reading this and love reading more, you should also read what you love and then just Keep on Reading.
People who don't read generally ask me my reasons for reading. Simply put, I absolutely love reading, so I have made it my motto to Forever Keep on Reading. I love reading everything except for Self Help books, even occasionally. I read almost all the genres but YA, Fantasy, and Biographies are the most read. My favorite series is Harry Potter, but then there are many more books I adore. I have bookcases filled with books that are waiting to be read so I can't stay and spend more time on this review, so remember I loved reading this and love reading more, you should also read what you love and then just Keep on Reading.
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