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Built to Last #1
Stitches and Sparks
As a nurse, Mia Reed is used to taking care of other people, but now it’s her own broken heart that needs a little TLC. After confessing her love to the man of her dreams, he confessed his own feelings—for her sister. Unable to bear the pitying looks from everyone she knows, Mia flees to a new town for a clean start, without a man to complicate things.
Jesse Murphy, a hot-as-Hades local fighter, is looking to make a fresh start of his own. The killer instinct needed as an MMA fighter has taken the high road out of town, leaving Jesse against the ropes, wondering what comes next. With a long history of short-term flings, romance certainly isn’t it.
Sometimes, fate has its own plans. On a cold spring night, Mia and Jesse's paths converge in a way neither of them expects, one that could change the course of their lives—if they let it.
Try as she might to resist, Jesse’s irrepressible nature and his knack for pulling her back into the world, as well as his bed, might be too much for her to withstand. But can Mia risk her fragile heart again?
In this clash of hearts, they’ll discover that sometimes the toughest fights are the ones most worth winning.
Jesse Murphy, a hot-as-Hades local fighter, is looking to make a fresh start of his own. The killer instinct needed as an MMA fighter has taken the high road out of town, leaving Jesse against the ropes, wondering what comes next. With a long history of short-term flings, romance certainly isn’t it.
Sometimes, fate has its own plans. On a cold spring night, Mia and Jesse's paths converge in a way neither of them expects, one that could change the course of their lives—if they let it.
Try as she might to resist, Jesse’s irrepressible nature and his knack for pulling her back into the world, as well as his bed, might be too much for her to withstand. But can Mia risk her fragile heart again?
In this clash of hearts, they’ll discover that sometimes the toughest fights are the ones most worth winning.
283 pages, Paperback
Published September 8, 2025
10 people want to read
About the author
E.A. Brady
9 books11 followersI write contemporary, feel-good romance with the door left open.
I'm a lifelong New Englander and I set my stories in fictionalized versions of several of my favorite New England locations.
I write about “real” people who are trying their hardest to make it through to their very own happily ever after.
As a reader, I prefer stories that aren't too heavy and leave me closing the book with a satisfied sigh. That's my aim as an author, too.
I'm a lifelong New Englander and I set my stories in fictionalized versions of several of my favorite New England locations.
I write about “real” people who are trying their hardest to make it through to their very own happily ever after.
As a reader, I prefer stories that aren't too heavy and leave me closing the book with a satisfied sigh. That's my aim as an author, too.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 18, 2024
*Thank you to the author for the review copy!*
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up.
This book was so much fun. I really loved all of the characters. They were all written so well and had depth to them.
The two main characters are so cute for each other. I did get a bit of an instalovey vibe from them, which I don't always vibe with, but I thought it was done well in this case. You could tell as the reader that they immediately had a connection and they did try to be friends first before they couldn't stay apart any longer.
They both had their own lives and their own jobs/hobbies so I was worried about what was going to happen when they weren't able to spend much time together, especially in that sensitive beginning part of the relationship, but they came out the other side together!
🥊 Strangers to enemies to lovers
🥊 Second chances
🥊 MMA fighter and nurse romance
🥊 Plenty of spice!
🥊 He falls first
The author does such a good job writing characters that are relatable and realistic. She doesn't give them crazy backstories that make it hard to connect with them. Their backstories are always plausible and believable, which is something I love about her books.
This is definitely a series I want to continue. I'm excited to see what happens next or who the story will follow!
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up.
This book was so much fun. I really loved all of the characters. They were all written so well and had depth to them.
The two main characters are so cute for each other. I did get a bit of an instalovey vibe from them, which I don't always vibe with, but I thought it was done well in this case. You could tell as the reader that they immediately had a connection and they did try to be friends first before they couldn't stay apart any longer.
They both had their own lives and their own jobs/hobbies so I was worried about what was going to happen when they weren't able to spend much time together, especially in that sensitive beginning part of the relationship, but they came out the other side together!
🥊 Strangers to enemies to lovers
🥊 Second chances
🥊 MMA fighter and nurse romance
🥊 Plenty of spice!
🥊 He falls first
The author does such a good job writing characters that are relatable and realistic. She doesn't give them crazy backstories that make it hard to connect with them. Their backstories are always plausible and believable, which is something I love about her books.
This is definitely a series I want to continue. I'm excited to see what happens next or who the story will follow!
May 14, 2024
a lovely thank you to the author for letting me be an arc reader!!!🩷🩷
the way the carly and i were talking about how we wanted a romance with a nurse main character and then this popped up was iconic🤭
mia and jesse. jesse and mia. my heart was going to explode. i absolutely adored the instant attraction between them and it was beautiful to see them become friends first and the lovers UGH LOVE THAT
did i like the little miscommunication? no i never do. it didn’t last that long though, so don’t fret! ALSO i loved that this book kept my attention because i FLEW through it (dont look at the dates i started the 2 weeks before finals i basically read this in one day)🕺🏻🕺🏻🕺🏻
so anyways now i need more boxer x nurse romances😐
the way the carly and i were talking about how we wanted a romance with a nurse main character and then this popped up was iconic🤭
mia and jesse. jesse and mia. my heart was going to explode. i absolutely adored the instant attraction between them and it was beautiful to see them become friends first and the lovers UGH LOVE THAT
did i like the little miscommunication? no i never do. it didn’t last that long though, so don’t fret! ALSO i loved that this book kept my attention because i FLEW through it (dont look at the dates i started the 2 weeks before finals i basically read this in one day)🕺🏻🕺🏻🕺🏻
so anyways now i need more boxer x nurse romances😐
April 24, 2024
*I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️🌶️/5
Mia and Jesse could not come from more diverse backgrounds. Mia is a nurse who recently moved to Oak Harbor in hopes of escaping heartbreak, and Jesse is an MMA fighter/martial artist who pushes everybody away. This book is a traditional meet cute (maybe not so cute, but wholesome either way) and their paths cross again as a spark ignites between them.
Mia, a girl who got her heart broken and is trying to heal from the betrayal of her sister.
Jesse, a fighter who’s trying to make it in the big leagues. These two must work together around the declaration Mia made that labels them as just friends. But as the feelings increase, can they resist?
This book started right at the action and put in little details about their plot, which I liked. Overall this book was good, but I would have preferred more of a resolution at the end (more detail in it) as well as more description as the feelings progressed. This is of course based on preference, and I love how the characters were developed.
TROPES:
* small town
* MMA
* HEA
* Nurse
* friends to lovers
* meet cute
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️🌶️/5
Mia and Jesse could not come from more diverse backgrounds. Mia is a nurse who recently moved to Oak Harbor in hopes of escaping heartbreak, and Jesse is an MMA fighter/martial artist who pushes everybody away. This book is a traditional meet cute (maybe not so cute, but wholesome either way) and their paths cross again as a spark ignites between them.
Mia, a girl who got her heart broken and is trying to heal from the betrayal of her sister.
Jesse, a fighter who’s trying to make it in the big leagues. These two must work together around the declaration Mia made that labels them as just friends. But as the feelings increase, can they resist?
This book started right at the action and put in little details about their plot, which I liked. Overall this book was good, but I would have preferred more of a resolution at the end (more detail in it) as well as more description as the feelings progressed. This is of course based on preference, and I love how the characters were developed.
TROPES:
* small town
* MMA
* HEA
* Nurse
* friends to lovers
* meet cute
April 22, 2024
"Stitches and Sparks" weaves a poignant tale of love's resilience and the transformative power of second chances. Mia Reed, a compassionate nurse, finds herself grappling with a shattered heart after confessing her love to the wrong man—only to have him return those sentiments for her sister. Fleeing to a new town in search of solace and a fresh start, Mia's path unexpectedly crosses with Jesse Murphy, a rugged MMA fighter with his own demons to wrestle.
The narrative unfolds with a delicate balance of vulnerability and strength as Mia and Jesse navigate their respective journeys of healing. Mia, determined to guard her heart against further pain, is drawn to Jesse's irrepressible nature and finds herself entangled in a whirlwind of emotions she thought she'd buried. Jesse, grappling with his own past and uncertain future, discovers in Mia a kindred spirit whose presence sparks a newfound hope.
What ensues is a beautifully crafted tale of love's unexpected twists and turns, as Mia and Jesse confront their fears and insecurities, forging a connection that transcends their pasts. Against the backdrop of a small town and the pulse of the MMA world, their burgeoning romance unfolds with palpable tension and tender moments that will leave readers breathless.
Author E.a Brady deftly explores themes of resilience, redemption, and the redemptive power of love. Through Mia and Jesse's journey, she reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a brighter tomorrow—if we're willing to take the risk.
"Stitches and Sparks" is a compelling open-door romance that captivates from the first page to the last. With its heartfelt storytelling and authentic characters, it's a tale that resonates long after the final chapter, leaving readers rooting for Mia and Jesse's hard-won happily ever after. Whether you're a fan of romance or simply enjoy a story of love's triumph against the odds, this book is sure to satisfy
The narrative unfolds with a delicate balance of vulnerability and strength as Mia and Jesse navigate their respective journeys of healing. Mia, determined to guard her heart against further pain, is drawn to Jesse's irrepressible nature and finds herself entangled in a whirlwind of emotions she thought she'd buried. Jesse, grappling with his own past and uncertain future, discovers in Mia a kindred spirit whose presence sparks a newfound hope.
What ensues is a beautifully crafted tale of love's unexpected twists and turns, as Mia and Jesse confront their fears and insecurities, forging a connection that transcends their pasts. Against the backdrop of a small town and the pulse of the MMA world, their burgeoning romance unfolds with palpable tension and tender moments that will leave readers breathless.
Author E.a Brady deftly explores themes of resilience, redemption, and the redemptive power of love. Through Mia and Jesse's journey, she reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a brighter tomorrow—if we're willing to take the risk.
"Stitches and Sparks" is a compelling open-door romance that captivates from the first page to the last. With its heartfelt storytelling and authentic characters, it's a tale that resonates long after the final chapter, leaving readers rooting for Mia and Jesse's hard-won happily ever after. Whether you're a fan of romance or simply enjoy a story of love's triumph against the odds, this book is sure to satisfy
April 29, 2024
Overall I liked it. I love that he's the one: I don't have relationships and he's the one who falls the fastest. I understood her a lot. I just feel like they left out certain things from the plot that seemed important and in the end we only see how they are resolved, no details.
Also that by 60-70% everything was going too well and it feels like the drama comes (although it's always there, about to explode) and is resolved in a rushed way in the rest of the book.
They stress a lot how small the town is but he saw his parents once a week, I would have liked more intervention from the Murphys.
Mia is definitely a better person than I am, for she wouldn't have been so quick to forgive what was done to her. But it was for her peace of mind, so kudos to her.
°°°°°°
En general me gustó. Amo que él sea el: no tengo relaciones y sea el que más rápido cae. La entendí mucho a ella. Sólo siento que dejaron afuera ciertas cosas de la trama que parecían importantes y al final sólo vemos como se resuelven, sin detalles.
También que para el 60-70% todo iba demasiado bien y se siente que el drama llega (aunque siempre está ahí, a punto de explotar) y se resuelve de forma apresurada en el resto del libro.
Recalcan mucho que chiquito que es el pueblo pero él veía a sus padres una vez a la semana, me hubiese gustado más intervención de los Murphy.
PD: Definitivamente Mía es mejor persona que yo, por que no hubiera perdonado tan rápido lo que le hicieron. Pero era por su paz mental, así que la felicito.
"Fuiste capaz de superar todas mis cosas y darnos otra oportunidad"
Also that by 60-70% everything was going too well and it feels like the drama comes (although it's always there, about to explode) and is resolved in a rushed way in the rest of the book.
They stress a lot how small the town is but he saw his parents once a week, I would have liked more intervention from the Murphys.
Mia is definitely a better person than I am, for she wouldn't have been so quick to forgive what was done to her. But it was for her peace of mind, so kudos to her.
°°°°°°
En general me gustó. Amo que él sea el: no tengo relaciones y sea el que más rápido cae. La entendí mucho a ella. Sólo siento que dejaron afuera ciertas cosas de la trama que parecían importantes y al final sólo vemos como se resuelven, sin detalles.
También que para el 60-70% todo iba demasiado bien y se siente que el drama llega (aunque siempre está ahí, a punto de explotar) y se resuelve de forma apresurada en el resto del libro.
Recalcan mucho que chiquito que es el pueblo pero él veía a sus padres una vez a la semana, me hubiese gustado más intervención de los Murphy.
PD: Definitivamente Mía es mejor persona que yo, por que no hubiera perdonado tan rápido lo que le hicieron. Pero era por su paz mental, así que la felicito.
"Fuiste capaz de superar todas mis cosas y darnos otra oportunidad"
May 6, 2024
3.5⭐
Cute steamy romance between a nurse Mia Reed and a MMA fighter Jesse Murphy. Both characters coming from different background got me worried about how they are going to make it at the end will their relationships be able to cross that phase where they won't be able to give each other time because of their work, but they definitely cross that bridge beautifully while holding onto each other.
It was kind of insta love vibe but it won't make you irritated, we can actually tell that they felt a connection on their first meet so they became friends but when they were not able to control their feelings anymore they became lovers. So it was giving instalove vibe but it's not instalove story. I love this part about the book because I don't like instalove trope much.
I loved the depth in which the characters were portrayed. I also loved the description of their progressive feelings towards each other. It was cute to read it. The side characters were also amazing but I wanted to know more of their stories. The pace of the story was inbetween normal and fast-paced.
Although the story was interesting but after 70% it all felt rushed to me. I wanted last part of the story to be but more descriptive and slow paced. I was hoping to get more details about mia's closure of her and her sister's conflict.
Overall, I enjoyed the story it was cute, sweet, kept me blushing most of the time and I'm looking forward to read next book in series.
Cute steamy romance between a nurse Mia Reed and a MMA fighter Jesse Murphy. Both characters coming from different background got me worried about how they are going to make it at the end will their relationships be able to cross that phase where they won't be able to give each other time because of their work, but they definitely cross that bridge beautifully while holding onto each other.
It was kind of insta love vibe but it won't make you irritated, we can actually tell that they felt a connection on their first meet so they became friends but when they were not able to control their feelings anymore they became lovers. So it was giving instalove vibe but it's not instalove story. I love this part about the book because I don't like instalove trope much.
I loved the depth in which the characters were portrayed. I also loved the description of their progressive feelings towards each other. It was cute to read it. The side characters were also amazing but I wanted to know more of their stories. The pace of the story was inbetween normal and fast-paced.
Although the story was interesting but after 70% it all felt rushed to me. I wanted last part of the story to be but more descriptive and slow paced. I was hoping to get more details about mia's closure of her and her sister's conflict.
Overall, I enjoyed the story it was cute, sweet, kept me blushing most of the time and I'm looking forward to read next book in series.
May 14, 2024
Rating 3.5/5
Spice 2/5
Adorable yet passionate romance unfolds between nurse Mia Reed and MMA fighter Jesse Murphy, who hail from contrasting backgrounds. I was initially concerned about how their relationship would endure amidst their demanding careers, but they navigated this challenge gracefully while staying committed to each other. While their connection seemed almost instantaneous, it was portrayed in a way that felt authentic rather than forced. What started as a friendship based on mutual attraction soon blossomed into something deeper.
The character development was rich, and I appreciated the gradual evolution of their emotions for each other. It was a charming journey to witness. The supporting characters added depth to the story, although I wished for more insight into their backgrounds. The pacing of the narrative struck a balance between steady and brisk, creating a delightful small-town romance with just the right amount of heat.
In summary, I found this book enjoyable and look forward to exploring more works by this author!
Tropes
* small town
* MMA Fighter & Nurse
* friends to lovers
* He falls first
ARC REVIEW
Spice 2/5
Adorable yet passionate romance unfolds between nurse Mia Reed and MMA fighter Jesse Murphy, who hail from contrasting backgrounds. I was initially concerned about how their relationship would endure amidst their demanding careers, but they navigated this challenge gracefully while staying committed to each other. While their connection seemed almost instantaneous, it was portrayed in a way that felt authentic rather than forced. What started as a friendship based on mutual attraction soon blossomed into something deeper.
The character development was rich, and I appreciated the gradual evolution of their emotions for each other. It was a charming journey to witness. The supporting characters added depth to the story, although I wished for more insight into their backgrounds. The pacing of the narrative struck a balance between steady and brisk, creating a delightful small-town romance with just the right amount of heat.
In summary, I found this book enjoyable and look forward to exploring more works by this author!
Tropes
* small town
* MMA Fighter & Nurse
* friends to lovers
* He falls first
ARC REVIEW
April 18, 2024
Stitches and Sparks was just what I needed after reading some intensely dark romantasy books. It was a super sweet, four 🌶️ open door, small-town romance. Mia and Jesse had some serious chemistry and the author did a great job of relaying that chemistry. I did feel like the plot wasn’t fully fleshed out and glossed over a lot of detail. I was expecting more on Jesse’s fight, since his training was a huge plot line. I also expected more closure for Mia and her sister’s conflict. We don’t get details, just the end result. I’m also firmly in the “describe the FMC’s physical characteristics” camp, though I know the romance community is split on this. I like to have a full picture in my head of the MCs; I almost feel like it disrupts my reading flow when I need to stop and imagine what someone looks like. Overall, I did enjoy this book, and will happily read more of this author!
I received a copy of Stitches and Sparks for free from BookSirens. Thank you to the author, E. A. Brady, for this copy. This review is wholly my own, and I am leaving it voluntarily.
I received a copy of Stitches and Sparks for free from BookSirens. Thank you to the author, E. A. Brady, for this copy. This review is wholly my own, and I am leaving it voluntarily.
May 4, 2024
This was a cute case of near enough insta-love done well. I knew from the start going in that they'd be pining all over one another and safe to say that didn't disappoint.
The back story on both of them felt well rounded and the chemistry between them as they explored a relationship was great.
The plot was fairly fast paced which fit well with the book but sometimes did feel a bit jumpy in places. Especially as I feel if there was a bit more time in the book some side characters could be explored a bit more seeing as they are the hook to reading about them in their own books.
However the story overall was a nice, quick read and the epilogue with a one year later scenario was a special touch as I always love to see further down the line.
I'm hoping to read more of this series as it comes out, I'm curious to see which characters from this book are chosen to have their own romances put down on paper.
Favourite Quote - "I'm not an animal, Mia. I might not decorate but I know how to make a bed."
Favourite Character - Aunt Claire
The back story on both of them felt well rounded and the chemistry between them as they explored a relationship was great.
The plot was fairly fast paced which fit well with the book but sometimes did feel a bit jumpy in places. Especially as I feel if there was a bit more time in the book some side characters could be explored a bit more seeing as they are the hook to reading about them in their own books.
However the story overall was a nice, quick read and the epilogue with a one year later scenario was a special touch as I always love to see further down the line.
I'm hoping to read more of this series as it comes out, I'm curious to see which characters from this book are chosen to have their own romances put down on paper.
Favourite Quote - "I'm not an animal, Mia. I might not decorate but I know how to make a bed."
Favourite Character - Aunt Claire
April 26, 2024
As a professional MMA fighter, Jesse is no stranger to stitches, but when his come out on the bus, he’s lucky there’s a nurse on board, ready to patch him up.
Mia’s care ignites a spark between them that Jesse is determined to explore, even if she only wants to be friends.
Recovering from a breakup that knocked her down a peg or two, Mia isn’t ready for Jesse but that doesn’t stop him from trying. Set in the backdrop of a small town where everyone knows everyone’s business, their budding romance has a lot to overcome but in the end, the love that sparked between them that first night can’t be ignored.
This story has steam, swoony moments, and all the small-town goodness I love. Jesse is everything you want in a book boyfriend—totally gone for the heroine and ready to damage anyone who hurts her—and Mia deserves so much more than she knows. Watching Jesse win her over was at turns heartwarming and heartbreaking, but it’s all worth the fireworks at the end! 😉
Mia’s care ignites a spark between them that Jesse is determined to explore, even if she only wants to be friends.
Recovering from a breakup that knocked her down a peg or two, Mia isn’t ready for Jesse but that doesn’t stop him from trying. Set in the backdrop of a small town where everyone knows everyone’s business, their budding romance has a lot to overcome but in the end, the love that sparked between them that first night can’t be ignored.
This story has steam, swoony moments, and all the small-town goodness I love. Jesse is everything you want in a book boyfriend—totally gone for the heroine and ready to damage anyone who hurts her—and Mia deserves so much more than she knows. Watching Jesse win her over was at turns heartwarming and heartbreaking, but it’s all worth the fireworks at the end! 😉
April 27, 2024
Stitches and Sparks introduces us to the town of Oak Harbour and some of the residents in particular the Murphy family. Jesse and Mia have instant attraction and chemistry and we are taken on their journey together throughout this story. Emotions are tested with dealing with their insecurities and past. I adored the Murphy family and cannot wait to hear more of their stories in the books to come. I love a good sports romance and this one didn’t disappoint and this being my first MMA story it was a joy to read learning about another sport. I cannot wait for Barstools and Beginnings, the next book in the Oak Harbour series and I would highly recommend this one. I received a complementary copy from BookSirens.
May 12, 2024
4.25/5 ⭐️s
LIKES:
- Jesse is a great uncle 💕
- He’s also just a good guy who tries to respect her boundaries and is willing to wait for her
- The bar scene is a shit show, but he listened to her and owned up to his mistake
- His nickname for Mia and how she thinks about it 💛
- Best landlord I’ve ever heard of!
CRITIQUES:
- I like Eddie, but he gives bad advice 😜
- Being lonely, but constantly turning down offers to hang out with potential friends felt frustrating
This book was a solid story with some good stuff going on. It didn’t necessarily grip me at every moment, but I enjoyed it.
Thanks to @booksirens for the eARC.
LIKES:
- Jesse is a great uncle 💕
- He’s also just a good guy who tries to respect her boundaries and is willing to wait for her
- The bar scene is a shit show, but he listened to her and owned up to his mistake
- His nickname for Mia and how she thinks about it 💛
- Best landlord I’ve ever heard of!
CRITIQUES:
- I like Eddie, but he gives bad advice 😜
- Being lonely, but constantly turning down offers to hang out with potential friends felt frustrating
This book was a solid story with some good stuff going on. It didn’t necessarily grip me at every moment, but I enjoyed it.
Thanks to @booksirens for the eARC.
May 15, 2024
First off, thank you so much to the author for allowing me to be an ARC reader for this book! I was so excited to get a romance with a fmc nurse (and so was my fellow ARC reader, Gabbi). I really enjoyed this story. Jesse and Mia had me swooning constantly. I also really enjoyed learning about their families and the juxtapositions that existed between them. There was never a time where I was questioning a the presence of a small detail because everything was explained from the start. It was quick to get through with short chapters and was super easy to follow to. I would definitely recommend it!
🩷🩺🥊
🩷🩺🥊
April 15, 2024
I absolutely adored this! The chemistry of this just sizzles off the page and I felt so invested in Jesse and Mia from the off. Some good back stories too.
I will say, don't read this on a train like I did unless you are prepared to blush- a lot!!
Brilliant escapism, believable and likeable characters, I was rooting for them. I was worried the boxing element may put me off as I'm not the biggest fan, but this took a back seat and the romance was centre stage.
Pop your factor 50 on this one and enjoy! Fantastic and flirty.
I will say, don't read this on a train like I did unless you are prepared to blush- a lot!!
Brilliant escapism, believable and likeable characters, I was rooting for them. I was worried the boxing element may put me off as I'm not the biggest fan, but this took a back seat and the romance was centre stage.
Pop your factor 50 on this one and enjoy! Fantastic and flirty.
April 16, 2024
This was such a cute love story. Both are absolutely lovable, heartwarming characters. It's no wonder they gravitated toward one another. I love how she cared for him so much despite her past heartbreak and obvious trauma stemming from that experience. In return he was determined to knock down all of her walls. I'm still not sure I would've been as good or as big of a person as she was in coming to terms with past familial relationships but good on her!
April 29, 2024
Another amazing book from EA Brady and once again I'm looking forward to the next one. She's found an excellent balance between romance and plot, without too much sexual naughtiness that it puts you off. Characters are realistic - flawed and emotional - and relatible; Mia's experiences reminded me of the hurt of my own past relationships, and I was rooting for Jesse throughout.
April 22, 2024
If you’re looking for a good HEA love story, this is it. The characters’ stories are fun to read. And i do enjoy HEA’s :) As well as a well written story. This fits the bill!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 27, 2024
I got the opportunity to be an advanced reader for this one, and I'm glad I did! It was super cute. I do wish we could have seen more character development with the MFC, and is some parts in the second half, it felt rushed, but overall a quick, cute read!
April 19, 2024
Cute fun book and I enjoyed it!
May 12, 2024
An easy enjoyable read that held my attention from the start.
A love story that had its ups and downs.
Looking forward to reading more of E A Brady.
A love story that had its ups and downs.
Looking forward to reading more of E A Brady.
July 21, 2024
Loved this book!! The chemistry between Jesse and Mia is to die for! I can’t wait for the second book to come out!
May 12, 2024
Stitches and Sparks by E.A. Brady follows Mia and Jesse after, what seems to be, a fated meeting. This was such a cute short read. I loved the chemistry between the two. The main thing I wish was different about the book was I wish it was longer and showed more interaction and development of the romance between Mia and Jesse. I will definitely be recommending this book to friends who want a shorter book to read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 16, 2024
It was a great book …..
The characters were portrayed in a realistic way - the pain , the vulnerability, the connection and everything.
The characters were portrayed in a realistic way - the pain , the vulnerability, the connection and everything.
May 15, 2024
3.8⭐
Cute steamy romance between a nurse Mia Reed and a MMA fighter Jesse Murphy. Both characters coming from different background got me worried about how they are going to make it at the end will their relationships be able to cross that phase where they won't be able to give each other time because of their work, but they definitely cross that bridge beautifully while hokding onto each other.
It was kind of instalove vibe but it won't make you irritated, we can actually tell that they felt a connection on their first meet so they became friends but when they were not able to control their feelings anymore they became lovers. So it was giving instalove vibe but it's not instalove story. I love this part about the book because I don't like instalove trope much.
I loved the depth in which the characters were portrayed. I also loved the description of their progressive feelings towards each other. It was cute to read it. The side characters were also amazing but I wanted to know more of their stories. The pace of the story was inbetween normal and fast-paced.
Although the story was interesting but after 70% it all felt rushed to me. I wanted last part of the story to be but more descriptive and slow paced. I was hoping to get more details about mia's closure of her and her sister's conflict.
Overall, I enjoyed the story it was cute, sweet, kept me blushing most of the time and I'm looking forward to read next book in series.
Cute steamy romance between a nurse Mia Reed and a MMA fighter Jesse Murphy. Both characters coming from different background got me worried about how they are going to make it at the end will their relationships be able to cross that phase where they won't be able to give each other time because of their work, but they definitely cross that bridge beautifully while hokding onto each other.
It was kind of instalove vibe but it won't make you irritated, we can actually tell that they felt a connection on their first meet so they became friends but when they were not able to control their feelings anymore they became lovers. So it was giving instalove vibe but it's not instalove story. I love this part about the book because I don't like instalove trope much.
I loved the depth in which the characters were portrayed. I also loved the description of their progressive feelings towards each other. It was cute to read it. The side characters were also amazing but I wanted to know more of their stories. The pace of the story was inbetween normal and fast-paced.
Although the story was interesting but after 70% it all felt rushed to me. I wanted last part of the story to be but more descriptive and slow paced. I was hoping to get more details about mia's closure of her and her sister's conflict.
Overall, I enjoyed the story it was cute, sweet, kept me blushing most of the time and I'm looking forward to read next book in series.
May 17, 2024
I fell in love with E.A.’s books when I read her book Christmas at Whispering Hills this last Christmas. (If you haven’t read it I definitely recommend putting it on your TBR!)
Stitches & Sparks is the first book in her Built to Last series. I read it and I adored it. It is the story of Mia and Jesse. Mia is new to Oak Harbor and is the school nurse at the town elementary school and Jesse is a MMA fighter and grew up in the town. Mia and Jesse meet on a fateful night when they are both riding the city bus at the same time. After that night Mia and Jesse become friends, and are first it’s just friends because Mia sets that boundary. She has a rough past when it comes to relationships and isn’t sure she’s ready for one. They both want more but Mia is definitely reluctant to admit that fact to herself and Jesse. I don’t want to give away any of the good stuff but they definitely do not stay in the friend zone. I loved this sweet friends to lovers book and if you can’t go and read it right away, I definitely recommend adding it to your TBR, it’ll make you laugh, swoon, and maybe even tear up a bit. I think that’s a great combination of things for a book to make you do if you ask me.
Stitches & Sparks is the first book in her Built to Last series. I read it and I adored it. It is the story of Mia and Jesse. Mia is new to Oak Harbor and is the school nurse at the town elementary school and Jesse is a MMA fighter and grew up in the town. Mia and Jesse meet on a fateful night when they are both riding the city bus at the same time. After that night Mia and Jesse become friends, and are first it’s just friends because Mia sets that boundary. She has a rough past when it comes to relationships and isn’t sure she’s ready for one. They both want more but Mia is definitely reluctant to admit that fact to herself and Jesse. I don’t want to give away any of the good stuff but they definitely do not stay in the friend zone. I loved this sweet friends to lovers book and if you can’t go and read it right away, I definitely recommend adding it to your TBR, it’ll make you laugh, swoon, and maybe even tear up a bit. I think that’s a great combination of things for a book to make you do if you ask me.
August 16, 2024
The story of Mia and Jesse and their budding romance is sweet with a bit of spice! Jesse is an MMA fighter and Mia is a school nurse who is new to town. I loved how Jesse fell quick without even understanding how deep he was getting. Overall this is a nice contemporary romance!
May 16, 2024
Solid contemporary romance… conflicting feelings and emotional pasts.
The story was pretty well written with a good relationship between the MCs. I loved that it started off friendly and then progressed to more. The trust that was built was beautiful and I loved the well done not the same ol spicy scenes. They were unique with some realism behind it.
I did think it was missing some vital parts in regards to communication between the characters and the discussion of topics that didn’t actually get discussed.
Also the ending felt lackluster…. They had such a wonderful moment of love confessions and he didn’t technically say it back when that was kind of the same scenario that happened with the ex and their missed interaction that was promised.
The story was pretty well written with a good relationship between the MCs. I loved that it started off friendly and then progressed to more. The trust that was built was beautiful and I loved the well done not the same ol spicy scenes. They were unique with some realism behind it.
I did think it was missing some vital parts in regards to communication between the characters and the discussion of topics that didn’t actually get discussed.
Also the ending felt lackluster…. They had such a wonderful moment of love confessions and he didn’t technically say it back when that was kind of the same scenario that happened with the ex and their missed interaction that was promised.
May 31, 2024
This is book 1 in Brady's Build to Last series and a good start to a new series. I thought it was well written with main characters Mia and Jesse. I liked their instant draw/chemistry but took time to build. I also appreciated the difference in backgrounds and careers - Mia being a nurse and Jesse a fighter. A good balance of sweet and steam. About 3/4 of the way into it started to feel a bit rushed and would have liked a bit more detail in the end, but overall, I enjoyed it and am looking forward to more!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 20, 2024
I thought this was a very fun, sweet and flirty book. I loved how our two characters meet and aren’t instantly obsessed- in fact, Mia is kinda scared of him. But they get to know each other, and find they have a lot more in common than what you’d think. They’re both good people who are really lonely - and slowly, they find they’re not as lonely together.
It’s a very cute book perfect for an afternoon curling up with a coffee on a picnic somewhere- sweet and summery.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It’s a very cute book perfect for an afternoon curling up with a coffee on a picnic somewhere- sweet and summery.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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