At First Spark

The Spark Brothers #4

by Liwen Y. Ho

She’s determined to heal this hero’s heart.

Darren Spark doesn’t think twice about risking it all as a firefighter, but he’s wary of putting his heart on the line for love. He's accepted the fact that no woman will want him when he can't promise her a future ... until he meets the one who challenges that belief.

Danica Reed longs to fill in the missing pieces of her past with a family of her own. She’s more than ready to get married and have kids, but she wonders why the perfect man—who's just as into her and wants the same things—keeps taking one step forward in their relationship, then two steps back.

There’s just one obstacle that they can’t seem to overcome. Will the spark that drew them to each other be enough to keep their love burning or will their short-lived romance go down in flames?

At First Spark is a compelling, friends-to-more story full of tenderness and hope that will have you believing in love again.

*Please note this book deals sensitively with the topic of male infertility.

Genres: Clean Romance, Christian Fiction, Christian Romance, Contemporary

Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2023

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Liwen Y. Ho works as a chauffeur and referee by day (AKA a stay at home mom) and a writer by night. Her strength is in creating character-driven, deep POV romance infused with faith, humor, and happy ever afters.

In her pre-author life, she received a Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Western Seminary. She loves makeovers of all kinds, especially those of the heart and mind. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her techie husband and their two children (AKA munchkins).

Sign up for Liwen's newsletter for news about her upcoming releases, book giveaways and more at http://liwenho.com/free-book!

Reviews

[MJSH · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed the first three books in the series about Aiden, Brandon, and Colin and was super excited to read about the fourth Spark brother Darren; the book is fun, heart-felt, poignant and sensitively touches upon topics like adoption and infertility. It was a bit different from what I had imagined Darren’s story would be like but it was a “good” kind of different.
Darren, the hunky firefighter with a gentle and kind soul, doesn’t have a lot in common with Danica who owns a bookstore but they are irresistibly drawn together. Through their shared faith and heart for adoption, Darren and Danica slowly build upon their solid friendship and their budding love is sweet and tender. If you enjoy sweet contemporary romance, you’ll definitely enjoy this book.
I received a copy of the book from the author and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fire-fighting Spark brother doesn't disappoint! Danica and Darren are very, very attracted to each other and enjoy each other's company. Darren has a medical condition that caused his former fiance to break up with him, so he's decided to never marry. Their faith in God is woven into the story seamlessly. The plot has some twists and turns and moves along at a good pace. Liwen Y. Ho writes some of the most swoon-worthy kissing scenes that I've ever read, and some of them never even got to the actual kiss! There's a perfect HEA for this book and a fantastic epilogue. I encourage you to read the Afterword as well as it reveals the author's heart. I'm already looking forward to reading about the next Spark brother! I received an ARC. I chose to write a review and share my opinion.

[DayDreamer8912 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rate: 4.5/5
Genre: Clean Romance/ Sweet Romance


Read it if you like
🌸 Dual Character story
🌸 Life Secret
🌸 Happily Ever After
🌸 Christian values
🌸 Friendship
🌸 Family
🌸 Age gap

Favourite Moments
🌸 Their date
🌸 the accidental text
🌸 The dance floor scene
🌸 Mud bath scene
🌸 the cute nickname that they save each other phone
(lots more)

Swoony Moments
🌸 He is sweet to her.
🌸 Him taking care of his niece.
🌸 Him being jealous
🌸 when he is in action (read then you will know)
Many more

Synopsis:
Darren
A firefighter who has a crush on Danica but because of his deep secret he feels that he can’t give her happy ever after.
Danica
A bibliophile who owns a bookstore. She has a crush on Darren but she feel like he is not interested in her. She also has a secret which she didn’t really tell.
Once the secret is out will they accept each other? Will they have their happily ever after together? Read At First Spark to find out.
Review
This book is just so bittersweet. Love their chemistry so much. Love it when they both work together to save a person who was unconscious. (can’t spoil it too much read it then you will know) Love the fact that they both love children so much that each of them want to adopt some in future. Darren however because of his secret kept on pushing Danica away and says that she deserved better but Danica knows that he is the only one that she loves and she assured him that she will never leave him. Love the way that Darren was there for her when she found what she had been searching for a long time. (read to find out). Love their friends and family are supporting them with advices and comfort at the right time. And of course, love that they depend on God for guidance.

What I learn:
Put God first in a relationship and also in everything. Love is really scary and complicated because you will get hurt at times and you don’t know what will happened in the future when you started to date a person that you love. But when you put God first in a relationship you both can go through hurdles and obstacles that you all will experience and also helps you both to strengthen your bond and also with Him of course.

Can’t wait to read Evan and Emma’s story. A love between Celebrities, it will be totally interesting.

You can purchase Liwen Y.Ho's books on Amazon and it is also available on KU.

[Maggie | TheeReadingRedhead · Rating 3 out of 5]

Darren and Danica are just friends who both have unspoken feelings for each other. Darren is a firefighter who puts out fires each day but can't seem to put out the fire in his heart for Danica. The problem is he can't give her what she wants. Danica longs to have a family of her own after her uncertain upbringing. Both have obstacles from their past standing in the way but God keeps providing an opportunity for them to finally get what they both want. Will they be able to let go of the past and trust God in what seems like an impossible situation? Darren and Danica will learn that with God all things are possible.

This is the 4th book in the Spark Brothers series. I liked that the characters already had a friendship and "friends to more" is one of my favorite tropes. They both loved each other from the start and that was obvious every time they talked. I also liked that they had normal jobs as supposed to actor, writer, author, etc. Four books into the series, it becomes a little unbelievable that everyone in the family is famous in a different way. This one felt more down to earth. This was a cute story albeit slightly predictable. Even still, this was a nice, enjoyable little romance.

[Marylin · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like stories about hunky firemen and sweet bookstore owners, then this is the book for you! Oh, what fun it was to read this book because I could relate to Danica’s love for all things book-related. But, add into the mix a hunky fireman, and then it’s just the icing on the top!
This is the fourth book in this series and boy is it fun! It has a couple of twists and turns in it and the author does a wonderful job developing the whole storyline. I also love how this author brings out how God can direct our steps, past, present, and future.
Liwen Y. Ho is becoming one of my favorites “go-to” authors. I think I’ll definitely be reading more of her books. Her stories are packed full of sweet lessons from God, and how He loves us. They also have wonderful examples woven throughout on how to cherish relationships.
If you like tender stories of love, friendships, and overcoming self-issues, then this is a book you will want to read.
This is a wonderful book to read, I highly recommend you pick it up!

[Kerri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book. I enjoyed getting to know Darren and Danica in this book. Both needed to learn to be honest with their feelings and let God take care of the rest. They both thought they knew the best way to approach their relationship, but they learned that there was a better way. The chemistry was hot between the couple. The problems they each faced were real. This was a heartfelt, inspirational romance.

[Sandra Hartzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a free copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Darren Spark, a firefighter is not able to have children and thinks he’ll never marry. Danica Reed who was adopted as a baby runs a bookstore and is ready to marry. She is confused by Darren’s on again off again feelings for her. This is an uplifting book with themes of adoption, infertility, and dealing with both.

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a nice read. The ideas of sacrificing self for others is..admirable. I enjoyed these characters and their mindsets and really enjoyed watching them gradually grow. There were a few themes here: firefighting (of course from our fire fighter hero), books (yay!), infertility, and adoption. It was a nice addition to this series.

[Heidi Morrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Contemporary Christian fiction

This is definitely my favorite book in the series so far! I felt like I was along for the roller coaster ride! "Watching" Darren and Danica's story was thrilling to say the least. As a bookworm, I totally related to Danica being a bookstore owner. I highly recommend this series!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darren is a firefighter and devout Christian. Danica owns a bookstore and loves to read. When Darren responds to a EMT call at the bookstore, for Danica, it is love a first sight. Darren, having been jilted by his ex-fiancé is very cautious and keeps his distance as the rest of the family tries their hands at matchmaking.

[Rhonda Sledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is so good! On the outside, it looks like the Sparks brothers are perfect, but as the series develops, it becomes clear that these men have their own struggles to overcome. This book was so entertaining, complete with an accidental text. But even with the humor, there is also a great deal of angst. Faith is also woven throughout the book which makes it that much more enjoyable.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love changes us

Sometimes we learn that the things we think we want are not what we really want. When we love someone, our desires change. Like they said story,God uses our differences to help us to grow. Very well done!

[Clara K Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

This book tackled an issue that is a painful one. The author portrayed the pain of infertility with much compassion and a twist. Loved the characters and their struggles and spiritual dependence on God. Great ending.

[Anna Meyer]

I loved how relatable Darren and Danica are in this book. Infertility is something that many couples struggle with. And to know before you even start a relationship? I appreciated that we got a man's perscective on it, too. I am so happy for this couple that got their really happy ending(s)!

[Rebecca White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this sweet story of two people coming together through sharing their struggles. I really enjoyed the way they helped each other through struggles in their lives. It does deal with some hard issue including adoption and infertility.

[Whoeps · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Sharon Rudolph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! I love the family and the storyline. I love how they work through their problems, they don't give up, but work them out. Looking forward to the final book.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another ok. I think Darren was cut short of character development. I was excited about his book and it didn't feel fully fleshed out.

[Kimberly Bransford]

Another sweet and clean story

[Shirley Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I flew through this book. A sweet story of accepting a future that can't yet be seen.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

This was a great book. I love this author. I highly recommend this book and author. I can’t wait to read the next book by this author.

[Barbara Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story that deals with an issue you don't see often in books and one that could be a trigger for some.. Male infertility. So well done. I also love how adoption played a role in this story in several ways. Excellent read!

[Mia2Four · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice story dealing with a very difficult subject. Darren and Danica were perfect for each other.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
Cute, sweet, short. The epilogue was potentially unrealistic, but I loved it.

[Stox4story · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tackling a Touchy Subject Head-On ...Male Infertility

What I love about the Spark Brothers book series is that they tackle elephants in the room. They put a person’s faith to the test. Yes, this is fiction, but wow, does it ever mimic reality. At First Spark delves into the heart wrenching subject of infertility. And this time it’s male infertility rather than female, which offers a completely different perspective, different thought processing and different way of making choices. We see the emotional and mental struggles suffered. We feel the pain, the doubts, the insecurities. All the Spark books have been good. However, this one gets my vote for topping the list.

OBSERVATIONS:
👁... Loved how the author took on male infertility. We are more familiar with the subject of female infertility and how it affects and impacts a woman and her relationships. This book was unique as it looks through the eyes of a man. Yes, the woman involved is affected also (as is the male when a woman is infertile), however, reading this provides a different way of seeing this real life condition. Well done, Liwen Ho, well done❣️

👁 ... This is not an easy subject to write about and can be controversial, but the author doesn't dodge the emotion, the passion or the struggles that need to be discussed.

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a tender story of love and God. These Spark brothers sure do set a girl's heart on fire, especially firefighter, Darren. The chemistry between him and Danica ignites right at the beginning, but Darren is holding back because he cannot have any biological children and he knows that Danica really wants to have her own children as well as adopt some children too.

I like Darren's character. He is tender and compassionate and wants so badly to have a family, but his ex-fiancee made him believe that was not possible. It was hard to watch him take in his brother's happiness with their families and fiancees.

Danica Reed is a sweet person who owns a bookstore. She was adopted as a baby after her birth mom dropped her off at a fire station. She is starting to wonder about her biological family and has decided to do a DNA test.

I like how Danica was able to find out her story and it was great to see what the last page was in her photo album. I loved the epilogue and I am so glad there is another Spark brother to read about I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Priscila · Rating 5 out of 5]

At First Spark by Liwen Ho is the fourth book in her Spark series, and it lives up to the sweet romance and Christian Fiction the author's already gotten us used to. This particular story follows Darren and Danica's, and their long and obstacle-filled journey to love (don't worry, this just means that their HEA is really hard earned, but well deserved).

I found this installment interesting for the fact of Darren's struggle, but I also believe the author handled it pretty well. It's certainly an issue that I haven't found much in books, but I loved the fact that it allows the reader to see some really interesting conversations that portray the deeply brotherly love between the Spark brothers (and friends).

All in all, a perfectly satisfying sweet romance, and a great continuation of the series :)

PS: Can I gush about the cover for a bit? I believe it's just perfect for Darren, and while reading the book I could easily picture him as the model from the cover. (So much sweetness in one picture!)

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this is book 4 in the series, it was the first one I read when I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving this review. I loved this story about a heroic firefighter, Darren Spark, who is more about taking action than sitting down to read about it and a lovely bookstore owner, Danica, who loves to read. They both have feelings of attraction for one another but their relationship has stayed in the friend zone due to Darren's unwillingness to chance romance again after being rejected by his former fiancee for a medical condition that he has no power to change. Their story is a bit complicated but and there are quite a few twists and turns--surprises both good and bad that kept me turning the pages late into the night. Thankfully the characters are blessed with a HEA as the story concludes. I enjoyed this book so much that I went back and read the first three books in the series--each Spark brother has a wonderful story of his own. Can't wait for book 5!

[Pam Vogt]

Liwen Ho never disappoints in her stories and this one is no exception. Darren is a firefighter and EMT who meets beautiful Danica who owns a bookstore and he had a definite spark for her. He had been engaged but due to health issues she broke off their engagement. Darren did not think anyone would ever want to marry him and be faced with his health concerns. Danica was adopted and always had a longing to find her birth mother. Darren and Danica dated but always ended up in the "friend zone." He felt she could do better than him. Danica was not ready to give up on him despite his health issues and felt God would guide her heart to make the right decision. You will have to read this sweet story to see if Danica is able to ever find her birth mother. Can she and Darren get out of that friend zone and become something more. I highly recommend this book.

[Judy and Jim Burdett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of At First Spark.

Darren Spark is from of family of brothers who are gradually getting married and then having babies. It brings up feelings of loss that he thought he had dealt with the loss of being able to be a father of his own children. But seeing his pregnant sister-in-law was bringing back those feelings.

He had become friends with Danica. He tried to convince himself that they were not compatible, and he did not ever want to marry and wish his infertility on a woman, especially Danica, who talked about having her own children some day.

Darren is a fire fighter and Danica has come to love Darren, but his hot/cold responses get old and she cannot figure out why. But there is always a spark between them.

At First Spark was a sweet story.