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Sparkwood: Scenes From A Small Town #3
Igniting Sparks
I came in for coffee and left with a fiancée.
Let me back up.
First, I got coffee. Then Mina kissed me. And damn—turns out the woman kisses like she means it.
Then she dropped a bigger she needs me to pretend to be her doting fiancé. Something about her aunt’s dance studio and a weird inheritance clause. It’s just a temporary gig for a few weeks. Only problem? I’m not exactly what her upper-crust family had in mind.
Yeah. This should be interesting.
Still, the more they protest, the more I lean into it. I’ve always enjoyed proving people wrong—and let’s be real. How can I say no to Mina?
By the time I leave One More Page with my brew, I’m fake engaged and moving in with the one woman I should absolutely not want.
A roommate who steals my hoodies and struts around in the shortest shorts ever made.
A roommate with knockout legs and big, innocent eyes that are asking for trouble.
A roommate who wants me to teach her everything she’s never experienced.
She’s twelve years younger. She’s off-limits. And she’s making this way too damn hard.
But the worst part?
I want to be the one she learns with. The one she chooses.
Mina has dreams bigger than Sparkwood—bigger than us. And I already know how this story ends.
I just don’t know how to let her go.
Let me back up.
First, I got coffee. Then Mina kissed me. And damn—turns out the woman kisses like she means it.
Then she dropped a bigger she needs me to pretend to be her doting fiancé. Something about her aunt’s dance studio and a weird inheritance clause. It’s just a temporary gig for a few weeks. Only problem? I’m not exactly what her upper-crust family had in mind.
Yeah. This should be interesting.
Still, the more they protest, the more I lean into it. I’ve always enjoyed proving people wrong—and let’s be real. How can I say no to Mina?
By the time I leave One More Page with my brew, I’m fake engaged and moving in with the one woman I should absolutely not want.
A roommate who steals my hoodies and struts around in the shortest shorts ever made.
A roommate with knockout legs and big, innocent eyes that are asking for trouble.
A roommate who wants me to teach her everything she’s never experienced.
She’s twelve years younger. She’s off-limits. And she’s making this way too damn hard.
But the worst part?
I want to be the one she learns with. The one she chooses.
Mina has dreams bigger than Sparkwood—bigger than us. And I already know how this story ends.
I just don’t know how to let her go.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 27, 2025
117 people are currently reading
429 people want to read
About the author
M.L. Broome
40 books1,504 followersM.L. Broome is a bohemian spirit with a New York edge. Her small-town contemporary romances feature smart and sexy heroines over the age of thirty-five, and sizzle with angsty, slow-burn goodness.
Raised on a steady diet of stories, she grew up believing all men should be like Mr. Rochester in Jane Eyre—enigmatic yet unflappable in their devotion. Hence, her own brand of book boyfriend was born.
When M.L. isn’t holding one-sided arguments with her characters (she likens it to herding cats), she loves losing herself to nature on her North Carolina farm, one her rescue fur babies by her side.
Her favorite things? Dressing up and kicking back with a glass of wine and a stunning view, soaking up all the experiences that make the soul and senses tingle.
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Raised on a steady diet of stories, she grew up believing all men should be like Mr. Rochester in Jane Eyre—enigmatic yet unflappable in their devotion. Hence, her own brand of book boyfriend was born.
When M.L. isn’t holding one-sided arguments with her characters (she likens it to herding cats), she loves losing herself to nature on her North Carolina farm, one her rescue fur babies by her side.
Her favorite things? Dressing up and kicking back with a glass of wine and a stunning view, soaking up all the experiences that make the soul and senses tingle.
CONNECT WITH M.L. BROOME
WANT A FREE NOVELLA? CHOOSING MY CHOSEN is a steamy romance with a witchy vibe that's exclusive to her newsletter subscribers.
GRAB YOUR COPY TODAY!
https://BookHip.com/RLDNFJF
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mlbroomerom...
FB PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/mlbroomeromance
TIKTOK: www.tiktok.com/@mlbroomeromance
BOOKBUB: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/m-l-b...
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 12, 2025
In a genre overflowing with morally gray characters, it's a rare treat to find a hero who is an absolute cinnamon roll. Braden in Igniting Sparks by M.L. Broome is just that. He’s a classic hero wrapped in a blanket of genuine warmth and emotional depth. The idea that chivalry is still alive and true love exists is the theme of Igniting Sparks. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a sexy, heated romance that you expect from ML, with some real heavy-hitting lines that made me take a step back when they hit close to home every time.
Mina is a young, ambitious ex-dancer working as a barista and bookseller for Ori, her best friend. Her true love is dance, and she wants to take over the family dance studio, but unless she’s engaged to be married, she’s out of the running. Her family has specific reasons for this requirement, but at 25, Mina hasn’t found the right man for her. Her only option is to concede the studio until the idea of a fake engagement to meet the family requirement is floated. Enter Braden Hammond. Our hero is a sexy, tatted, kind, and protective man, especially when it comes to Mina. He may be older, but he questions if he’s wise when he agrees to this idea. As you get to know him, you understand he’s undeniably a green flag hero. What begins as a practical arrangement brings two people together who have been dancing around their feelings for each other for years.
Mina is nothing like her family and hates every minute she must play to her Aunt Bitsy’s ridiculous requirements. The only reason she does is because she wants to dance again, and the only way she can do that is to take over the studio. After an injury, she can no longer dance professionally, but she can teach, and she’s desperate to keep her dream alive. Braden’s quiet strength and unwavering support create a safe space for her to be herself and learn about herself as she begins to trust him. This dynamic is what makes their relationship so compelling. They don't just fall in love. They build a foundation of mutual understanding and respect that evolves into a beautiful and sexy exploration of a love that feels destined.
Things don’t always go perfectly, though, and there are plenty of times when your heart will break for Mina and Braden as they have to make impossible choices along the way. Igniting Sparks shows us that the most romantic gesture isn’t a grand, sweeping act but consistent support, even when it breaks your heart to do the right thing. If you love age-gap romances with cinnamon roll heroes and heroines with heart, then this is the perfect read for a satisfying, soul-deep happily ever after.
Mina is a young, ambitious ex-dancer working as a barista and bookseller for Ori, her best friend. Her true love is dance, and she wants to take over the family dance studio, but unless she’s engaged to be married, she’s out of the running. Her family has specific reasons for this requirement, but at 25, Mina hasn’t found the right man for her. Her only option is to concede the studio until the idea of a fake engagement to meet the family requirement is floated. Enter Braden Hammond. Our hero is a sexy, tatted, kind, and protective man, especially when it comes to Mina. He may be older, but he questions if he’s wise when he agrees to this idea. As you get to know him, you understand he’s undeniably a green flag hero. What begins as a practical arrangement brings two people together who have been dancing around their feelings for each other for years.
Mina is nothing like her family and hates every minute she must play to her Aunt Bitsy’s ridiculous requirements. The only reason she does is because she wants to dance again, and the only way she can do that is to take over the studio. After an injury, she can no longer dance professionally, but she can teach, and she’s desperate to keep her dream alive. Braden’s quiet strength and unwavering support create a safe space for her to be herself and learn about herself as she begins to trust him. This dynamic is what makes their relationship so compelling. They don't just fall in love. They build a foundation of mutual understanding and respect that evolves into a beautiful and sexy exploration of a love that feels destined.
Things don’t always go perfectly, though, and there are plenty of times when your heart will break for Mina and Braden as they have to make impossible choices along the way. Igniting Sparks shows us that the most romantic gesture isn’t a grand, sweeping act but consistent support, even when it breaks your heart to do the right thing. If you love age-gap romances with cinnamon roll heroes and heroines with heart, then this is the perfect read for a satisfying, soul-deep happily ever after.
October 13, 2025
Once again, this fantastic author has taken me on a whirlwind ride with a story that utterly gripped me. This one was utterly effortless to read - which is an exceptionally nice touch as I'd been fighting my way through several other books and really just wanted to escape for a day. Well, did I escape! I didn't come up for air until I finished. It's rare for me to finish a book in one sitting and the speed with which I blazed through this book just proves that it's not my reading speed that's slowed down but the quality of the books I've read lately just wasn't up to scratch. This fantastic story has it all. Wonderful characters who became instant friends I cared so, so deeply about. An excellent plot that kept me at the edge of my seat. The small-town vibes that made me all warm and cozy - but don't think small-town means there's no drama, because even small towns have narcissistic, uber-rich families that play with the lives of those they deem less than. I cannot get enough of this series!
While I'd met Braden and Mina as side characters in the previous two books in this series, getting their love story is so, so worth it. Braden is such a sweetheart, but still utterly believable, and Mina - let me just say, I had no idea! Her backstory is so brilliantly twisty that even if you've read the other books in this series, you're in for one epic surprise. And the two of them together. Well, they're just perfect.
Also, as an aside, Braden needs to join my reverse harem of book boyfriends, because when you're a book dragon with a veritable hoard, why choose?
Okay, back to the important stuff... Mina's great aunt is a real piece of work. I absolutely loved how the author brought in a side character like that and so perfectly presented this level of toxicity from an older family member who should have been a mother figure, but turns out to be anything but. There is honestly so much to unpack in this book because the life lessons are utterly *chef's kiss* perfect. M.L. Broome got it so, so right and has placed this among my favorite books of all time because of it.
While I'd met Braden and Mina as side characters in the previous two books in this series, getting their love story is so, so worth it. Braden is such a sweetheart, but still utterly believable, and Mina - let me just say, I had no idea! Her backstory is so brilliantly twisty that even if you've read the other books in this series, you're in for one epic surprise. And the two of them together. Well, they're just perfect.
Also, as an aside, Braden needs to join my reverse harem of book boyfriends, because when you're a book dragon with a veritable hoard, why choose?
Okay, back to the important stuff... Mina's great aunt is a real piece of work. I absolutely loved how the author brought in a side character like that and so perfectly presented this level of toxicity from an older family member who should have been a mother figure, but turns out to be anything but. There is honestly so much to unpack in this book because the life lessons are utterly *chef's kiss* perfect. M.L. Broome got it so, so right and has placed this among my favorite books of all time because of it.
October 15, 2025
While I've seen quite a few romances that explore a character's recovery after a toxic romantic relationship, this is a deep and very insightful representation of a character in a toxic familial relationship. I truly appreciate how many little details this author manages to magnify with this story. There are some fantastic reminders worked into this novel.
The ones that stand out most:
Narcissists will always try to make you believe you have no choice and have to play their games. Remember that this isn't true. Although it may be hard to see a way out or daunting to step away, the choice is there. It does exist.
When you step away and cut those ties, more often than not, you'll find incredible alternative opportunities that the toxic individual was keeping hidden from you, or that you simply couldn't see because you were so involved in their games.
Doing what is right for yourself is always a win, even if it means cutting certain people out of your life. Your mental health and wellbeing is the most important.
Sometimes our dreams can change. There is no point in fixating on a dream that isn't valid anymore and you will cause yourself more harm by trying to chase after it out of sheer tenacity. Accept that some unachieved dreams from your past self are okay to let go. It's better to focus on achieving what is meaningful to you now.
This beautiful book made me feel so much and really left its mark. I know I will always have a very special place in my heart for Braden and Mina.
The ones that stand out most:
Narcissists will always try to make you believe you have no choice and have to play their games. Remember that this isn't true. Although it may be hard to see a way out or daunting to step away, the choice is there. It does exist.
When you step away and cut those ties, more often than not, you'll find incredible alternative opportunities that the toxic individual was keeping hidden from you, or that you simply couldn't see because you were so involved in their games.
Doing what is right for yourself is always a win, even if it means cutting certain people out of your life. Your mental health and wellbeing is the most important.
Sometimes our dreams can change. There is no point in fixating on a dream that isn't valid anymore and you will cause yourself more harm by trying to chase after it out of sheer tenacity. Accept that some unachieved dreams from your past self are okay to let go. It's better to focus on achieving what is meaningful to you now.
This beautiful book made me feel so much and really left its mark. I know I will always have a very special place in my heart for Braden and Mina.
July 27, 2025
And M.L. Broome twists at the heart strings yet again. I am a goner for Braden. He is the greenest green flag you can have. A big bad ass, tattood green god. I swear! And their story is so beautiful. Though if I ever meet Bitsy the B**** I'll likely not be as graceful as Mina managed to be. Honestly, she is such a sweetheart and their happy ending, because helloo, ofc there is one, made me bawl my eyes out. Yes, I am one of those, crying for happy endings.
This story is just everything. From insecurities to self-worth and learning to believe in yourself because someone else does. It's about loss in life and incredible oppurtunities. And most of all, it is about love so strong and pure that no distance can difuse it. Count on the Hammond brothers to fall so hard they make grandest romantic gestures this world has ever seen.
M.L. Broome absolutely swept me away again. Truly incredible story. And I am a complete, happy mess for it.
This story is just everything. From insecurities to self-worth and learning to believe in yourself because someone else does. It's about loss in life and incredible oppurtunities. And most of all, it is about love so strong and pure that no distance can difuse it. Count on the Hammond brothers to fall so hard they make grandest romantic gestures this world has ever seen.
M.L. Broome absolutely swept me away again. Truly incredible story. And I am a complete, happy mess for it.
November 16, 2025
This book was super cute. I have been loving this series. Mina all she ever wanted to do was dance and to have her aunt turn over her dance studio to her. However, Mina’s aunt had a stipulation she needed to be married in order to get the dance studio. Braden walked in for a coffee and walked out pretending to be Mina’s fake fiancé to please her aunt. Mina’s aunt Bitsy.. is something else. Braden was very protective of Mina and the things that Bitsy would say to Mina. Mina and Braden always had feelings for each other, but both never acted upon it. This whirlwind fake romance had them falling in love faster than they both saw coming.
September 4, 2025
This book was like a warm bath. Just comfortable, but not really exciting.
I really looked forward to reading this story. I enjoyed both Braden and Mina in the previous books, but I really don’t think Mina held up to her previous self. Maybe my expectations were too high. She did not speak and behave like a 25 year old. She sounded like an 18 year old. She came off as whiney and needy, and I really did not like her until their trip with Bitsy.
In the last 95%, I was ready to break some dishes. Thankfully, I did not have to.
I really looked forward to reading this story. I enjoyed both Braden and Mina in the previous books, but I really don’t think Mina held up to her previous self. Maybe my expectations were too high. She did not speak and behave like a 25 year old. She sounded like an 18 year old. She came off as whiney and needy, and I really did not like her until their trip with Bitsy.
In the last 95%, I was ready to break some dishes. Thankfully, I did not have to.
July 30, 2025
After reading Ash and Ori’s books I have been anxiously awaiting Braden and Mina’s story. I WAS NOT ready for how amazing it turned out!!!! The plot was not at all what I was expecting and the way it all played out was absolutely perfect. The evolution of the characters and their relationships were written beautifully. I had all of feels as the book progressed. Be ready for some emotional highs and lows because this book is a rollercoaster.
July 30, 2025
I loved this novel so much!🤗 Great storyline and a well deserved HEA.🥰 Looking forward to the next one in this captivating series. Kudos to M L Broome~🌺
October 7, 2025
Gosh I absolutely loved this book! Waited to read it on holiday and so glad I did because I couldn’t put it down. I didn’t think ML Broome could top Ash for me but Brayden was divine. Totally fell head over heels for the walking green flag in a tattooed bad boy shell! And So excited to read Kikis story. ML Broome can do no wrong. Loved every book so far.
January 12, 2026
I really like this book. The drama was nice, and I'm glad I took the time to read this book. It has a low spice rating, and the plot was great. I love the love in this book!
August 11, 2025
3.25⭐️’s
“𝓘 𝓴𝓲𝓼𝓼 𝓱𝓮𝓻. 𝓢𝓽𝓻𝓸𝓴𝓮 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓼𝓴𝓲𝓷. 𝓦𝓱𝓲𝓼𝓹𝓮𝓻 𝓱𝓸𝔀 𝓫𝓮𝓪𝓾𝓽𝓲𝓯𝓾𝓵 𝓼𝓱𝓮 𝓲𝓼. 𝓗𝓸𝔀 𝓹𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓭 𝓘 𝓪𝓶. 𝓗𝓸𝔀 𝓵𝓾𝓬𝓴𝔂. 𝓑𝓮𝓬𝓪𝓾𝓼𝓮 𝓘 𝓪𝓶. 𝓢𝓱𝓮’𝓼 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻𝔂𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰. 𝓐𝓷𝓭 𝓘’𝓶 𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓵𝓮𝓽𝓮𝓵𝔂 𝓯𝓾𝓬𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓰𝓸𝓷𝓮.”
Tropes:
🎨Age Gap
🩰Fake Engagement
🎨Forced Proximity
🩰Found Family
“𝓘 𝓴𝓲𝓼𝓼 𝓱𝓮𝓻. 𝓢𝓽𝓻𝓸𝓴𝓮 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓼𝓴𝓲𝓷. 𝓦𝓱𝓲𝓼𝓹𝓮𝓻 𝓱𝓸𝔀 𝓫𝓮𝓪𝓾𝓽𝓲𝓯𝓾𝓵 𝓼𝓱𝓮 𝓲𝓼. 𝓗𝓸𝔀 𝓹𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓭 𝓘 𝓪𝓶. 𝓗𝓸𝔀 𝓵𝓾𝓬𝓴𝔂. 𝓑𝓮𝓬𝓪𝓾𝓼𝓮 𝓘 𝓪𝓶. 𝓢𝓱𝓮’𝓼 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻𝔂𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰. 𝓐𝓷𝓭 𝓘’𝓶 𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓵𝓮𝓽𝓮𝓵𝔂 𝓯𝓾𝓬𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓰𝓸𝓷𝓮.”
Tropes:
🎨Age Gap
🩰Fake Engagement
🎨Forced Proximity
🩰Found Family
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews