Sparks Still Fly

Love in LA #2

by Cristina Santos

Can they untangle their complicated past and present to build a future together?
Ten years have gone by since Hollywood star Maeve and ex-marine Owen shared an electric connection that sizzled over video calls during his overseas deployment. Things took a nosedive when their passion ignited and then crashed and burned, leaving hearts bruised and dreams shattered.
Owen's back in town, determined to fix the mess he left behind. But Maeve's heart isn't easy to mend. The past still stings, and trust? Well, that's a fragile thing.
But fate intervenes, intertwining their lives in an unexpected way. A wild night links them indefinitely, forcing Owen and Maeve to confront unresolved emotions and buried desires. As they navigate their bizarre predicament, old wounds resurface, reigniting a fiery mix of longing and hurt.
Owen's unwavering devotion clashes with Maeve's fears and insecurities, challenging her to embrace vulnerability and let love in once more.
Amidst the glitz of Hollywood and the echoes of their shared past, "Sparks Still Fly" is a tale of second chances and the courage to heal. Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions, forgiveness, and the messy journey back to love.
This is book 2 in the Love In LA series, but can be read as a standalone.

Genres: Romance, Second Chance, Found Family, Second Chance Romance, Friends To Lovers, Marriage Of Convenience, Contemporary

Paperback

First published March 1, 2024

About the author

Cristina Santos is a mom of two little boys who hopefully will never read her books. She is married to the man of her dreams and lives lakeside with all her wild boys (pup included) in Nova Scotia, Canada. She loves a good sunset and will forever and ever and ever believe in the power of playlists, 90’s romantic comedies and love stories.

Reviews

[elle · Rating 3 out of 5]

i really enjoyed this book with the exception of ONE thing-

after their first night together, it’s seven years until the FMC/MMC were together again. the MMC stated multiple times that he never intended for it to be one night and that the FMC was his “end game,” his “forever,” etc… yet he was not celibate during the seven years that they were apart. he was supposedly always in love with the FMC and said that he needed those seven years to get his life on track and come back for her. i cannot, FOR THE LIFE OF ME, understand why authors will have MMCs who say they ~never stopped loving~ the FMC while having sex with other people. the idea that the MMC spent seven years having sex with other women while being in love with the FMC and always planning on coming back to her was fucking bizarre and really dampened this story for me.

[Eva Buckerfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sparks Still Fly by Cristina Santos is a book full of heartbreak, unconditional love, struggle and loss. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC and I'm more than grateful that I did. I felt the emotions in this book, the chemistry between the two characters was so strong I felt it in the bottom of my heart. The way the story is built, from where Maeve and Owen start to where they finish, had my broken heart fixed with permanent stitches.

I found the story unique and different from the many contemporary romances I have read in the past, the background of the characters was different and I felt that it made the characters one of a kind. I could feel the pull and push between Maeve and Owen it was compelling and beautiful. You could not only tell how much the characters loved each other but you could feel it. The writing was beautiful and dived deep into the characters' minds, pulling to the surface the right information that filled the moment in the right way. If you take one thing from this review is that this book is a must-read, it's filled with tropes that every reader loves, and it's fast-paced and filled with adventure that we hopeless romantics look for.

I thoroughly enjoyed Sparks Still Fly by Cristina Santos and will read more of her books that she wrote in the past and what's to come in the future.

[Jill (readinginpjs) · Rating 5 out of 5]

*finishes book in tears (for all the emotions, I promise it has an HEA), immediately adds to favs list*

📖 Sparks Still Fly
📝 Cristina Santos
🗓️ 03/01/2024
💜 contemporary romance
📱 read on kindle (arc)
📚 book 2 | Love in LA series

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️
🌶️🌶️

🥹🥰🥹😢😭😮‍💨🥵🥹🥲🥹
(just some of my emotions)

💭 overall thoughts:
I love the “then” and “now” - as much as I love a dual timeline that goes back and forth, that sometimes bugs me because I want to stay in one timeline or the other. I liked starting with “then,” seeing where they started, and coming to present day and how they found their way back to each other.

👱🏻‍♀️fmc: Maeve Howard (19/29)
Super sweet, selfless, caring and romantic (until her heart breaks). The best sister and friend anyone could ask for, yet feels undeserving of love because of childhood trauma/her mother’s influence.

👱🏻‍♂️mmc: Owen James (23/32)
Quiet, protective of those he loves, super sweet and also selfless. Willing (without question) to take on guardianship & raise his friend’s baby.

📖 story:
First of all, I LOVED the “then” part so so much 🥹 from the first chapter I was obsessed with both Maeve & Owen, and the idea of them getting together someday.
By 11% the tears already started…

I love their instant connection - I know this irks some people, but they already had a shared common person they loved (Owen’s sister/Maeve’s best friend), and this bonded them from the start.

The way they found their way back to each other, even though they barely were able to have something to begin with… it just meant so much. I was pretty emotional right along with them while reading 🥹

🤍side characters:
Bring on Charlie & Raf’s book!
Also CAN’T WAIT for those Machado brothers 😍

tropes + topics:
🩵 best friend’s brother
🥈 second chance
💍 accidental marriage
🌟 celebrity fmc
⚓️ former marine mmc
🍼 unexpected baby guardianship
🫶🏼 found family
⏳ dual timeline (then & now)
💞 dual 1st person POV

🫶🏼 books with similar vibes:
•Scandalized by Ivy Owen’s (best friend’s brother, celebrity)
•To Love Jason Thorn (brother’s best friend, celebrity, fake marriage)
•Christina Lauren’s Wild Seasons series (accidental marriages in Vegas)

Thank you to author Cristina Santos for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own!

[BookishRaquel · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Star Rating: 5/5 ⭐
My Spice Rating: 3/5 🌶️

What to expect:
- Best Friend’s Brother
- Second Chance Romance
- Accidental Marriage
- Found Family
- Celebrity FMC
- Former Marine MMC
- Dual POV
- Dual Timeline (then & now)

Sparks Still Fly is a magical story and emotional journey filled with heartbreak, loss, humor, and hope. I loved reading about Owen and Maeve's long, complicated, beautiful relationship. Owen and Maeve have a special past, but things get lost along the way. Owen never stops loving Maeve and does everything he can to get back to her. The story follows Owen and Maeve as they navigate their past, deal with their present feelings, and figure out their future.

This truly is an extraordinary book. I loved how it dives into the past to give readers the background information needed to understand the events taking place in the present. This is the first time I've read a book that uses the 'then and now' approach, which is very effective in telling this story. Maeve took a little longer to soften up, but Owen did not waiver. He is so perfect! The things he did for Maeve are swoon-worthy. Both of them were working through internal battles and trauma, but it was amazing to read how Owen and Maeve finally made their way back to each other. I loved how they supported each other, the little things Owen did for Maeve, the horses, the tattoos, the friends/found family, and the banter between Owen and Maeve.

This story is beautifully written and elicits so many emotions, but it is absolutely worth it. Sparks Still Fly is perfect—from the dedication to the epilogue and everything in between.

Thank you, Cristina Santos, for the e-ARC. Opinions expressed are my own.

[serafina · Rating 2 out of 5]

BORINGGGGG also you can’t just keep throwing TROPES left and right

[Minnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐|4🌶|2🥵

I got an ARC copy of this book to write an honest review.


This book is one of my most anticipated books of 2024. After I read "Lost Love Found" (book one), I knew I needed to read this book as soon as possible. And this book is even better than book one 😎
I knew there was something in the past with Maeve and Owen. There had to be a special reason why they hated each other. Or not each other, it just was Maeve who couldn't stand just one second in the same room as Owen. But that it was that deep of a love, I didn't have expected.
Just the first few sentences in the book:
"Today, I met the man I’m going to marry. Of course, he doesn’t know, and I certainly won’t be telling him or anyone else right this second because he’s my best friend’s older brother. But he’s the one. I feel it with every fiber of my being."
God, that really says everything about their love for each other. But that was 10 years ago. And Owen was a marine and overseas deployed.
I can't say how much I love Owen. I really can't find any words for it. It's impossible. This man is definitely a Gaelic Greek god 😉 He has a filthy mouth and knows how to say "good girl" and "my wife" 🥵

This review definitely isn't good enough for this book, but I really don't know how to come near it.


Follow me on IG for more
https://www.instagram.com/minnie.love...

[Ashley ♡ ❀ ♡ ❀ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book. Overall it was okay of a read. I didn’t really get into the book until the last 3rd of it. I felt like that was when the storyline really took off. There were some parts where I felt bored while reading. Other than that it was a good read and I’m happy there wasn’t a third act break up because it kinda felt like it was going to occur.

[Holly Schwartz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this little family so much! And I also love a second chance SO MUCH. Maeve and Owen’s story was not an easy one but it was so good. I loved that we got to see where they really started, and how easily things between them developed even while he was deployed. The way they had such an INSTANT connection made my heart ache because I knew the rest of their journey wasn’t going to be as easy. And when you add in a some time apart, a little anger, an accidental marriage turned marriage of convenience, and SO MANY FEELINGS…it was chaotic in the best way. And I loved watching them finally figure it out.

It was rough watching them really struggle with their feelings. It was never really a question on how much they loved each other? Even though they never admitted it to each other, it was obvious they had always been pulled together. And they had so much to work through, and it wasn’t easy and it wasn’t always fun… but when they DID! It was so good!

And just like the last I LOVE how close and supportive and loving their friends and family are!

I am VERY excited for Charlie and Raf’s book, I have a feeling that it’s going to be my favorite!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sparks Still Fly by Cristina Santos
Book 2 in the Love in LA Series

“I never, not even for one second, forgot about you fengári mou. How could I? You were in my blood, under my skin, like you embedded yourself in my DNA.”

Owen’s love for Maeve has never wavered. They met because of his little sister and started a friendship while he was deployed. Their love for each other grew until Owen suddenly left Maeve after one night together, staying apart for 7 years. Their reunion takes an unexpected turn and they have to reconcile who they once were to each other and what their future could be.

I really enjoyed this book. I can understand Owen’s reasoning for why he dropped out of Maeve’s life when he did. And seeing all the ways he made it up to her (come on, friggin’ horses?!?!) left me with warm fuzzies and heart eyes.
Maeve has been in love with Owen from day one but is hesitant to show her true feelings. Her mom is abysmal and has always self-projected her flaws onto Maeve. It was hard for Maeve to separate herself from her mother’s issues, and so much doubt in herself lead to doubt in her feelings for Owen and any future they may have. Owen’s steady and reliable love, and ultimately belief in herself, gave her the push to see what an amazing person she already was, and would continue to be for Owen all the people in their lives.

I also loved the side characters and while this was the first book of Christina’s I’ve picked up, I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.

Oh and the dedication for this book? I felt SEEN. Called out. It is me lol.

Thank you to the author, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Star.e.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

️️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

This book led me through a whirlwind of emotions, with unexpected twists and turns. These characters experience heart-wrenching moments, yet amidst the pain, there is an abundance of love and support from both chosen family and some blood relatives.

Maeve and Owen have wonderful chemistry and their story is really sweet, there is a point in the book that I just wanted them to talk things out so badly, but they both have their own trauma to work through and the way their story unraveled was beautifully done and that ending.

Thank you Cristina for letting me read this beauty in advance. I loved it and enjoyed chatting with you while reading it, especially when it got to my favorite nickname on page that melted 🫠 me each time... oh and when I read about a certain mic drop scene where no mic *wink wink was dropped. IYKYK😏

This is the second book in the Love in LA series, but they can be read as standalones. I’m looking forward to read the first book and will happily wait for Charlie and Raf’s story.

[M.A.P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Owen and Maeve had me swooning from the very first page. I loved how their relationship as friends grew into something more, even if they fought against it. The chemistry was undeniable.

Cristina Santos writes with such a brilliant balance of humour, heart, swoon and steam while also factoring in some of life’s hardest moments. Doubt and trauma play massive roles in Sparks Still Fly but I never felt like those things were all encompassing. Even when my heart was breaking there was still hope shining through.

The love the characters had for one another was beautiful and getting to go on this journey with them was a real treat… a sprinkle donut with a honey stick chaser! Pure bliss!

Let’s not forget the supporting cast because they kept our two mains sane during their time apart and even moments together. I loved getting to reconnect with Elaina and Adam and getting to know Raf and Charlie a bit more. Sign me all the way up for book 3, Out of Focus, because I am ready!

I LOVED it!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

They had such a beautiful and emotional story. Owen and Maeve have a unique past. Maeve is Owen's world, and he will stop at nothing to win her back. Owen and Maeve's journey through their past, present emotions, and future plans is described in the story. Owen has solidified himself as one of my favorite book boyfriends. This is a dual-timeline story about a second-chance romance.

After reading a lot of contemporary romances in the past, I thought this one was special and unique.The way it dives into the past to provide readers with the context necessary to comprehend the events occurring in the present is something I really loved. I can't wait to read the next book. It's a fast-paced, action-packed novel that appeals to all hopeless romantics.

Thank you to the author, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Lauren promisevideo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Cristina has done it again with Book 2 in the Love in LA series! I loved Owen and Maeve's story even more than Adam and Elaina's somehow.

Like Book 1, this story explores much more than just the romance arc between our MC's as it also focuses on personal growth, past traumas, and external influences.

Owen was definitely a swoonworthy addition to the book boyfriend list!! "My wife" and "That's my girl", anyone?

This is for our fans of:
• Second Chance Romance
• Best Friend's Brother
• Accidental Marriage
• Time Gap
• Ex-Marine
• Celeb FMC
• Secret Tattoos
• Nicknames
• Healing Arcs

[Sarah D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was absolutely done for after the first book of this series (Lost Love Found) and could not wait to read Maeve and Owen's story.

This book did not disappoint! I laughed, cried, swooned, and swooned some more, got a lil angry, and then smiled like a complete goon - Cristina definitely takes you through it, but I promise it is so so so worth it!

It's a beautiful story that feels like a warm, cozy snuggle on the couch with your favorite blanket, but then you'll have to kick a foot out for some fresh air when things get a bit spicy 🤩

I love MCs who are self-aware and then do the hard thing of working through their past trauma and unresolved feelings/issues for themselves and each other.

You'll come for the:
💒 accidental marriage
🥵 good girl & my wife
✨️ secret tats
🧞‍♂️ witty banter
But you'll stay for everything in between!

I ate this book up, didn't leave one donut sprinkle on my plate, and I know you won't either! 🍩☕️

[Dawn Thoma · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely story about how events can sour a relationship and how life can get in the way, but love always finds its way. I enjoyed how Maeve finally came to realise her worth, that she was a truly loving and lovable person with so much to give, despite her mother’s efforts to convince her otherwise. Maeve and Owen’s romance was able to rekindle after she finally found out why Owen hadn't been in touch.

Thank you to NetGalley and victory editing for providing me an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Lori-Ann Sacrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Cristina's first book "Lost Love Found" so knew I needed to read "Sparks Still Fly". Owen and Maeve's story is beautiful. A few tears, a few struggles and challenges but a whole lot of LOVE and STEAM! 🔥🔥🔥

This book gave me gut wrenching butterflies and shivers down my spine and legs. I loved every minute of it and I can't wait to read Cristina's 3rd book in the LA Series.

Did I mention this book is hot, steamy and spicy? 🔥🔥🔥

[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet and beautiful love story!
Owen and Maeve are so perfect together and I was so excited to see them get their happy ending.
And I was not expecting to fall in love with them like I did.
This book deserves to be read and appreciated!!

[Elle Tansley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received an ARC and finished within 24 hours. Really enjoyed the humour. Was a really good, easy read.

Loved the back story to the characters and the ending was really sweet.

I look forward to the 3rd book in the series!

[amber alyssa 🌟 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luckily received the ARC for this book, and it’s my absolute pleasure writing my first ever review here on Goodreads about a book so wholesome. I had such a great time reading this book and I just can’t help but gush over how the book made me feel. I can’t wait for more books from the series, and especially the Machado brothers! 🫶💕

[Deanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

OH MY GOSH THIS WAS SO FREAKING ADORABLE I LOVED IT 🥹

I love Maeve, I love Owen, I love their close found family, and, once she came on scene, I loved little Julia too.

Owen and Maeve’s story was a long, tangled one. It started with a strong friendship but they got lost along the way and it was a painful journey back to that. There was a lot of tension and angst and harsh words for at least half the book but when they finally got out of their own way and came together? Hot freaking damn! Things were delicious with a lot of dirty talk but there were also incredibly sweet, tender moments too. Owen showing his love by buying Maeve her favourite tea and snacks and all the sprinkle donuts? SWOON

Also I’m not gonna lie, one particular description of Owen definitely helped with his swoon factor too and I thank Cristina for the wonderful imagery 😂

“It’s as if Jensen Ackles and Chris Evans made a baby, and that baby grew into a man”

If that doesn’t make you want to run and read the book, I question your sanity. Overall this was a fairly angsty but ridiculously precious best friend’s brother, second chance ish romance and I utterly adored it. It had small town vibes without being completely small town romance and I highly recommend it!

I also cannot wait for the next book! There’s a scene in this one involving Raf and a mushroom sandwich which has me already obsessed and I know I’m going to love that sweet teddy bear of a man. Bring on Raf and Charlie!!

[Patricia (Spellbound Stories Trish) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am absolutely in love with Owen and Maeve! This book was beautifully written and has a plot that even when I thought I knew the twists was wonderfully surprised. I love a story that keeps me on my toes emotionally and these two were a roller coaster!

Maeve is my hero! This woman is determined and a go getter! She loves so hard and isn’t afraid to protect those she holds dear. With a heroine so fierce it only makes sense that she needs a hero who will balance her out and love her with all he has! Owen my goodness this man proves to be more than I ever imagined!

These two had me hooked and I couldn’t put the book down and now I’m sad because I just want more! This group and world is one of a kind and I am hoping there will be more!

[Kari · Rating 2 out of 5]

ARC from netgalley

Short description:
-best friend's brother
-drunk marriage
-showbiz fml, marine mml

What I loved about it:
-The friendship of the girls
-Raf

Negative thoughts:
It felt too wattpady or cringey. Too many dialog/chatty
There are some typo errors.
50 chapters and there's a lot going on but also nothing going on.
The spicy scenes came out of nowhere

[Sydney Deamues · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 59%. i wanted to like it so bad but i couldn’t.

[fl · Rating 1 out of 5]

Really boring book

[Natalia Forciniti · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️: 9/10 🌶️: 3/5 😭: 1/5 🤣: 2/5

Tropes:
💜 Best friend’s brother
💙 Second Chance
💜 Accidental Marriage
💙 Pining
💜 Time Gap

“Do you ever want to kiss me?” Her voice is so sweet that I can almost taste it as the words land on a whisper against my lips. “Only when I’m breathing.”

(ESP) Tuve el placer de leer la versión beta de esta libro y ya era una preciosura de historia. Aún así, Cristina, logró mejorarla y nos brinda un romance bellísimo que transcurre a lo largo de 10 años sin confundirnos en el tiempo y con un ritmo perfecto.
Ambos personajes son excelentes y nos encariñamos con ellos desde un primer momento. Maeve es todo lo que está bien.  Un personaje super fuerte, con los pies sobre la tierra y extremadamente graciosa. Me encantaría tenerla de amiga! Y Owen… lo amamos. Hay algo más dulce que un hombre súper gruñón absolutamente enternecido por la mujer que ama?
Tenemos una historia de segundas oportunidades y si bien es un trope que yo no suelo preferir les puedo asegurar que está tan bien escrito que su lectura se disfruta plenamente.
Cabe aclarar que, si bien es el segundo libro de la serie, puede leerse perfectamente sin haber leído el primero aunque yo recomiendo su lectura ya que es bellísimo y así pueden disfrutar mejor de todas las interacciones de este grupo de amigos.

(ENG) I had the pleasure of reading the beta version of this book and it was already a beautiful story. However, Cristina managed to improve it and gives us a beautiful romance that takes place over 10 years without confusing us in time and with a perfect pacing.
Both characters are beautiful and we are attached to them from the first pages. Maeve is a super strong character, down to earth and extremely funny. I would love to have her as a friend! And Owen... I love him. Is there anything cuter than a super grumpy guy who is totally smitten by the woman he loves?
It’s a second chance story, and while it's not a trope I usually favor, I can assure you that it's written so well that it's a thoroughly enjoyable read.
It is worth noting that although this is the second book in the series, it can be read without having read the first, although I do recommend it because it is beautiful and you can better enjoy all the interactions of this group of friends.

[Lemmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

“And now? What do you dream of now?” Owen’s eyes are serious, the crease between his brows deep as he takes me in. “You, darling. I don’t know that I ever really stopped dreaming of this fairytale life with you. I just denied the truth hard enough to make myself believe the lies, but–”

Remember when everyone was posting their “Roman Empire” - I didn’t post one at the time…but this, this book would be it. Sparks Still Fly by Cristina will be the book I dream about, shout about, and build a shrine to on my bookshelf. Dramatic much? Yes, but it’s true.

I was lucky to read Cristina’s debut Lost Love Found (Adam + Elaina are 🥹🤍) and then forced her to like me 😂 but when I say I am beyond proud of her for not only writing one book but now 2! And for the newest one to be something I would deem perfection.

I have been so excited for Owen & Maeve’s story and it didn’t disappoint. It actually blew my expectations out of the water. Second chance-ish, best friend’s brother, accidental Vegas marriage?! I mean how could you not want to read it. But it’s so much more. It’s Maeve and her calm, professional exterior vs her frantic, unhinged, hilarious internal thoughts. Her love for Owen, her heartbreak over their past, her path of self discovery and her journey of letting doubts go. It’s Owen. Beautiful, strong, faithful, caring, grumpyish, sweetest Owen. His words will make you cry, melt your heart and disintegrate your panties. The love and the things he does and says to Maeve?! You will want to be Aladdin and rub a lamp looking for a genie 😏 (IYKYK) to make Owen real.

Friend group, found family, the fcking sweetest secret tattoos (on both of them), the snacks, the horses, baby Julia 🥹 I could seriously write a book on why you should read this book.

I could never do this book justice. So do me a favor and yourself and go and read this gem. Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk.
*drops mic*

[Rhyann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC!

The premise of this story sucked me in as soon as I read it, so naturally I was super excited to start reading this story!

I typically don't enjoy stories broken up into two timelines, but the "Then" portion of this story was so well-executed, the transition to "Now" seemed almost seamless.

Young Maeve, our FMC, was so full of life and hopelessly in love with her best friend's older brother. She was an incredibly caring and considerate friend and selflessly loved those around her.

As for Owen, our MMC, he was the epitome of that boy in high school that everyone had a crush on. Sweet and charming, he was the total package.

Their relationship started out so sweet and innocent and developed over the span of many years into something almost tangible.

However, it was in the "Now" that I started to dislike Maeve. For someone that was so quick to give people the benefit of the doubt, she quickly wrote Owen off because of something that he'd said so many years ago. For someone who'd known him for so long, she should've known that all he'd done was try his best to protect her from an uncertain future.

Owen in the present was so incredibly swoonworthy. The sprinkle donuts and horses were enough to make him the perfect book boyfriend, but the fact that he never gave up on Maeve when she gave him so many reasons to, is what made his character so special.

However, the inclusion of "the Julia element" seemed to give the story an incredibly rushed ending, giving almost no time for Maeve and Owen to develop as a couple, that for me, unfortunately took away from all of the buildup that the author had previously masterfully executed.

3 ⭐️

NOTE: ARC received in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Victoria Seidel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Love in LA Series is binge-worthy, deliciously spicy, hysterical, heartwarming and beautifully written.

Lost Love Found and Sparks Still Fly are also guaranteed to have you craving ALL the baked goods, queue all the chocolate chip muffins and sprinkle donuts!!

Cristina Santos’ Love in LA Series begins with Lost Love Found, Elaina and Adam’s love story and our first introduction to Maeve and Owen. After stumbling across Cristina’s Instagram, I knew I found my next read and immediately picked up Lost Love Found only to follow it up with Sparks Still Fly. My only complaint? Knowing that I’ll be waiting for more of Charlie and Raf!

Maeve can’t stand her best friend’s brother. In fact, she despises every last fiber of Owen James even though there was once a time where all she wanted was him. Despite trying to remain indifferent and limit their interactions, Owen has plans of his own and those plans only include certain celebrity. Owen is steadfast and patient as he tries to heal past wounds and ensure a future with Maeve, but Maeve has work of her own to do to make sure their second chance at love isn’t lost.

Cristina’s writing is beautiful, the banter is heated, hilarious and filthy in all the best ways. I went from laughing out loud to tears streaming down my face. Maeve and Owen will have you on the edge of your seat from the moment they meet as they navigate a complicated past and uncertain future.

Favorite quote and totally something I’ve said IRL:
“Oh god, oh god, oh god. No, no, no, no, no, no. No. Oh, please no. Fuck. Shit. Fuck, fuck, fuck!”

Tropes:
Second Chance Love
Found Family
Accidental Marriage
“Good Girl” & “My Wife”
Best Friend’s Brother

*Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Edina · Rating 4 out of 5]

💖✨️🍩Sparks Still Fly by Cristina Santos🍩✨️💖

💐💞OUT NOW💞💐

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶

✨️🎀read if you like:
- best friend's brother
- then & now
- accidental marriage
- second chance
- found family
- dual pov
- open door

From the very first moment when Maeve meets Owen, her best friend's brother, she feels a spark between them, and the immediate connection is undeniable. Their bond deepens during their video calls while Owen is overseas on deployment. However, their love story is short-lived, as Owen, not wanting another woman waiting around and worrying about him, decides to end things abruptly, leaving them both heartbroken and longing for what could have been.

Fast forward seven years later, Owen is back, and he is ready to earn Maeve's forgiveness and make up for the heartbreak he caused her when he shut everyone out.

A wild night interwines their fates indefinitely, leading to an emotional ride as they reconnect.
The book is filled with drama, banter, spice, and heartfelt moments.

"𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳, 𝘧𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘢𝘳𝘪 𝘮𝘰𝘶. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳."

I think the transition from then to now was done seamlessly. It really added to the story and offered a deeper insight into the evolving relationship between Maeve and Owen.

"𝘠𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦."

I adore main characters who grovel, and Owen absolutely redeemed himself. His nicknames for her were simply adorable. It was evident that he was utterly smitten, willing to do anything for her without hesitation.

Everyone would love to have Maeve as a friend, she was so supportive and caring.

I did find the story a bit repetitive at times, which was frustrating, but I was able to overlook that and enjoy the book overall.

I'm excited to see how the series continues and can't thank Cristina Santos enough for letting me be one of her arc readers. 🩷

[Melly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author Cristina Santos for an ARC copy! All thoughts are my own!

I absolutely loved Cristina’s first book Lost Love Found so I was excited when she announced there would be a second book. I had the pleasure of beta reading Sparks Still Fly and loved it! When Cristina said she was making changes I was excited to reread the story! Let me tell you Cristina did not disappoint!

Sparks Still Fly is a beautiful second chance romance. It is book 2 in the Love in LA series. The books are interconnected and can be read as standalone but I highly recommend reading Lost Love Found because it’s amazing! This is Maeve and Owen’s Story.

This book is told in two timelines, starting out 10 years ago when Owen was on active duty to present day. I always love a story with dual timelines as you get so much background info and it just adds more depth to the story. I absolutely love loved Maeve in LLF and I was so excited she was going to get her own book.

Owen and Maeve’s relationship has so much depth to it. The chemistry they share is amazing. There was so much push and pull between these to, plus add the tension!! Dare I say these two are soulmates!! Owen was so sweet and swoony. I literally had butterflies reading this book. I loved Maeve she is super sweet and caring and selfless. She is the best sister and friend you can ask for. She feels undeserving of love due to some childhood trauma.

I love Cristina’s writing style she has a way of writing where you can feel the characters emotions! 10/10 would highly recommend this book! As always *please check TW/CW before reading*

What you can expect:
Best Friend’s Brother
Found Family
Second Chance
Dual POV
Accidental Marriage
Open Door
Secret Tattoos
Lots of “My Wife” and “Good Girl”
Dual Timeline
Video Chats

Thank you Cristina for allowing me to beta read this beautiful book and also being an ARC Reader! I am so happy we bonded with LLF and I am so grateful to call you my friend! I am beyond proud of you and can’t wait for your THIRD book!!!