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Sparks Fly
A late bloomer thought a visit to a sex club might jump start her love life, but instead makes an instant connection that turns her whole world upside down, in this adult debut from author Zakiya N. Jamal.
When Stella Renee Johnson’s roommate invites her to a sex club party but bails at the last minute, Stella decides to use the opportunity to finally cash in her V-card. But just when things are heating up between Stella and a sexy stranger, they realize they don’t have protection and Stella, taking it as a sign this wasn’t meant to be, flees.
Frustrated in more ways than one, Stella is shocked to learn that the digital media website where she works is partnering with an AI company. She’s even more shocked when the alluring man from the previous night walks in. Max Williams is the CEO’s brother and the creator of the AI program now threatening her job.
Despite the conflict of interest, Stella and Max can’t resist their magnetic attraction toward each other, and agree to keep their personal lives separate from what’s happening at work. But the more similarities they discover at home—both Black, book smart, and bisexual—the more they butt heads at work. Stella and Max must decide whether to think with their heads and walk away from their budding relationship, or follow their hearts and take a chance on love, no matter the cost.
When Stella Renee Johnson’s roommate invites her to a sex club party but bails at the last minute, Stella decides to use the opportunity to finally cash in her V-card. But just when things are heating up between Stella and a sexy stranger, they realize they don’t have protection and Stella, taking it as a sign this wasn’t meant to be, flees.
Frustrated in more ways than one, Stella is shocked to learn that the digital media website where she works is partnering with an AI company. She’s even more shocked when the alluring man from the previous night walks in. Max Williams is the CEO’s brother and the creator of the AI program now threatening her job.
Despite the conflict of interest, Stella and Max can’t resist their magnetic attraction toward each other, and agree to keep their personal lives separate from what’s happening at work. But the more similarities they discover at home—both Black, book smart, and bisexual—the more they butt heads at work. Stella and Max must decide whether to think with their heads and walk away from their budding relationship, or follow their hearts and take a chance on love, no matter the cost.
320 pages, Paperback
First published December 2, 2025
89 people are currently reading
13541 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 363 reviews
December 23, 2025
4.5/5
I NEEEED more books from this author because this book was so perfect! Literally felt like I was watching a movie while reading it because it touched on so many topics like friendship, careers, and navigating love for the first time. Still can’t believe that this is the first adult book this author has ever written!
I NEEEED more books from this author because this book was so perfect! Literally felt like I was watching a movie while reading it because it touched on so many topics like friendship, careers, and navigating love for the first time. Still can’t believe that this is the first adult book this author has ever written!
November 25, 2025
Sparks Fly is a swoony and steamy romance following Stella, a writer and late bloomer, so ready to lose her virginity that she goes to a sex club hoping to meet someone, and Max, the stranger she hooks up with at said club. When Stella returns to work the following week, she is shocked to come face to face with Max again, as his company partners up with her workplace to introduce an AI program that may wipe out her job entirely.
This was such a fun and bingeable read! Max and Stella had incredible chemistry, and I loved that they took their time getting to know each other while also diving into their attraction in the bedroom. The writing and workplace plot added just enough drama to balance out the otherwise low-stakes vibes, and I loved how everything came together in the end. Max was a complete gentleman, and I adored how obsessed he was with Stella and how willing he was to make things work despite the complications. The man was seriously so smitten and desperate for any attention Stella tossed his way, and it was adorable. If you enjoy sweet and simple romances with a hint of drama, all the steam, and relatable characters, this is the book for you!
Read if you like:
✨Bi4Bi✨
✨Virgin x Serial Monogamist✨
✨NYC Setting✨
✨Afro-Latine MCs✨
✨Healthy Communication✨
~Thank you so much Berkley Romance for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
This was such a fun and bingeable read! Max and Stella had incredible chemistry, and I loved that they took their time getting to know each other while also diving into their attraction in the bedroom. The writing and workplace plot added just enough drama to balance out the otherwise low-stakes vibes, and I loved how everything came together in the end. Max was a complete gentleman, and I adored how obsessed he was with Stella and how willing he was to make things work despite the complications. The man was seriously so smitten and desperate for any attention Stella tossed his way, and it was adorable. If you enjoy sweet and simple romances with a hint of drama, all the steam, and relatable characters, this is the book for you!
Read if you like:
✨Bi4Bi✨
✨Virgin x Serial Monogamist✨
✨NYC Setting✨
✨Afro-Latine MCs✨
✨Healthy Communication✨
~Thank you so much Berkley Romance for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
November 9, 2025
4.25 / 5 Stars
This was a great, quick read with low angst romance! In “Sparks Fly,” Stella is a late bloomer. She is 27 years old and still a virgin and she is ready to lose her V-card. Naturally that leads her to a night at a sex club with her roommate to get the deed over with. There she meets a hot stranger and while they have some fun, there are some snags, they don’t go all the way (PiV sex at least), and Stella skedaddles. Much to her surprise, she sees Max, the sexy stranger, at work the next day because he is the CEO’s brother and he is introducing a new AI product to help her company be more productive. Despite the complications, Max and Stella are still very attracted to each other, which only makes the tangled web they wove even more tangled.
You will probably like this book if you like:
💖 Virgin FMC x Serial Monogamist MMC
💖 Bi4Bi (and other LGBTQ+ representation)
💖 Exploration of being a late bloomer in life
💖 Afro-Latine main characters
💖 Adopted child representation
💖 Discussions of grief
💖 Discussion of use of AI in artistic process
I think the author did a great job of capturing what it feels like to be a later in life virgin. As one, I think she captured the weird juxtaposition of having life experience, skills, and self-confidence in many areas of life, but also feeling inexperienced and insecure in another area. Stella was not fumbling around all the time but she did feel nervous with Max. And then there is the other weird balance of not wanting to make it a big deal but sometimes it does feel like a big deal. It’s complicated and not necessarily straightforward and I really appreciated the portrayal. My only wish was for there to be less of a focus on connecting virginity and penetrative sex. I feel like it just perpetuates a heteronormative connection and that kind of surprised me because there were so many queer characters in this book. I totally understand Stella wanted to experience all aspects of sex but I wish she didn’t feel like she was a virgin until she had PiV sex.
Also if you have ever gotten ahead of yourself in relationships (who amongst us hasn’t) or if you have ever felt like no one that you like likes you back, you will relate heavily to Stella. And there was a lot of queer representation in this book (there is an aromantic side character which was really great to see since it feels rare).
Max and Stella had a pretty low angst relationship which was a nice change of pace. They met in a sex club but after that, they had a pretty standard dating journey. They went on dates. They got to know each other. They hooked up. It was not a slow burn but didn’t feel insta-lusty either which was pretty refreshing too. I felt like sometimes Max felt too perfect. We love an emotionally intelligent and regulated man, but I wanted to see some more emotion out of him especially at the end. And it was hard to tell if Max was being sarcastic or cocky with some of his jokes. I think the former, but it wasn’t always clear.
Because their relationship was low angst, the drama came from other relationships and the work conflict. I feel like we did gloss over some AI related questions (for example, one of Stella’s coworkers asked Max about the environmental impact of AI and that is just ignored), which felt like a missed opportunity to have a deeper discussion.
All of that being said, Max and Stella had fun chemistry and I felt myself rooting for them the whole book.
Thank you Berkley and NetGalley for providing this eARC! All opinions are my own.
Publication Date: December 2, 2025
_______________________
Pre-Read Thoughts: You know when you're in a life slump and then everything you pick up to read just doesn't feel right and then your book slump makes your life slump worse (and rinse and repeat)? Yeah, that's me right now. So I am picking up a book that I am super excited to read and just crossing my fingers. Otherwise, we are going to have to hire one of those Etsy witches to give me some good juju. 😆😆😆
This was a great, quick read with low angst romance! In “Sparks Fly,” Stella is a late bloomer. She is 27 years old and still a virgin and she is ready to lose her V-card. Naturally that leads her to a night at a sex club with her roommate to get the deed over with. There she meets a hot stranger and while they have some fun, there are some snags, they don’t go all the way (PiV sex at least), and Stella skedaddles. Much to her surprise, she sees Max, the sexy stranger, at work the next day because he is the CEO’s brother and he is introducing a new AI product to help her company be more productive. Despite the complications, Max and Stella are still very attracted to each other, which only makes the tangled web they wove even more tangled.
You will probably like this book if you like:
💖 Virgin FMC x Serial Monogamist MMC
💖 Bi4Bi (and other LGBTQ+ representation)
💖 Exploration of being a late bloomer in life
💖 Afro-Latine main characters
💖 Adopted child representation
💖 Discussions of grief
💖 Discussion of use of AI in artistic process
I think the author did a great job of capturing what it feels like to be a later in life virgin. As one, I think she captured the weird juxtaposition of having life experience, skills, and self-confidence in many areas of life, but also feeling inexperienced and insecure in another area. Stella was not fumbling around all the time but she did feel nervous with Max. And then there is the other weird balance of not wanting to make it a big deal but sometimes it does feel like a big deal. It’s complicated and not necessarily straightforward and I really appreciated the portrayal. My only wish was for there to be less of a focus on connecting virginity and penetrative sex. I feel like it just perpetuates a heteronormative connection and that kind of surprised me because there were so many queer characters in this book. I totally understand Stella wanted to experience all aspects of sex but I wish she didn’t feel like she was a virgin until she had PiV sex.
Also if you have ever gotten ahead of yourself in relationships (who amongst us hasn’t) or if you have ever felt like no one that you like likes you back, you will relate heavily to Stella. And there was a lot of queer representation in this book (there is an aromantic side character which was really great to see since it feels rare).
Max and Stella had a pretty low angst relationship which was a nice change of pace. They met in a sex club but after that, they had a pretty standard dating journey. They went on dates. They got to know each other. They hooked up. It was not a slow burn but didn’t feel insta-lusty either which was pretty refreshing too. I felt like sometimes Max felt too perfect. We love an emotionally intelligent and regulated man, but I wanted to see some more emotion out of him especially at the end. And it was hard to tell if Max was being sarcastic or cocky with some of his jokes. I think the former, but it wasn’t always clear.
Because their relationship was low angst, the drama came from other relationships and the work conflict. I feel like we did gloss over some AI related questions (for example, one of Stella’s coworkers asked Max about the environmental impact of AI and that is just ignored), which felt like a missed opportunity to have a deeper discussion.
All of that being said, Max and Stella had fun chemistry and I felt myself rooting for them the whole book.
Thank you Berkley and NetGalley for providing this eARC! All opinions are my own.
Publication Date: December 2, 2025
_______________________
Pre-Read Thoughts: You know when you're in a life slump and then everything you pick up to read just doesn't feel right and then your book slump makes your life slump worse (and rinse and repeat)? Yeah, that's me right now. So I am picking up a book that I am super excited to read and just crossing my fingers. Otherwise, we are going to have to hire one of those Etsy witches to give me some good juju. 😆😆😆
May 30, 2025
This one gripped me from page 1 and I zoomed through - deliciously steamy (I mean, what a meet cute!), soft and tender, and VERY topical (I bet when you pick this up you don’t think you’re going to get a takedown of AI alongside your romance - AND YET!) Loved the writing, loved the conversations on identity and sexuality and complicated friendships and the growing pains of being a late bloomer. Stella completely has my heart. She’s funny, endlessly relatable, and courageous - and truly meets her match in Max.
February 4, 2026
Thanks so much to @berkleypub & @berkleyromance for the free book! #BerkleyPartner
Sparks Fly was a cute, short contemporary romance that covers AI and the ways it impacts modern workplaces—and how human beings can never be replaced—in a realistic and dynamic way. I overall really liked this, but the instalove and hinging big life decisions on someone you haven't known very long was very nonsensical to me, especially when it comes to matters of their career. Stella and Max were good together, and I appreciated that they were both queer and it felt seamless, but they also both seemed impulsive when it came to their relationship. The older I get and the more the world changes, I think that it's okay—at least for me—for books to have a happy for now vibe to them instead of we've known each other for a month and now we're going to be together forever. But that was very much a personal preference!
I liked Jamal's storytelling and wit a lot, so I'm excited to read more from her in the future!
3.5 ⭐️s
Sparks Fly was a cute, short contemporary romance that covers AI and the ways it impacts modern workplaces—and how human beings can never be replaced—in a realistic and dynamic way. I overall really liked this, but the instalove and hinging big life decisions on someone you haven't known very long was very nonsensical to me, especially when it comes to matters of their career. Stella and Max were good together, and I appreciated that they were both queer and it felt seamless, but they also both seemed impulsive when it came to their relationship. The older I get and the more the world changes, I think that it's okay—at least for me—for books to have a happy for now vibe to them instead of we've known each other for a month and now we're going to be together forever. But that was very much a personal preference!
I liked Jamal's storytelling and wit a lot, so I'm excited to read more from her in the future!
3.5 ⭐️s
January 12, 2026
3.5 - to all the recovering lover girls out there (me) this book is not a sign!!!!
this book was cute and had a fun premise! the spicy scenes were good and the MMC was extremely dreamy. I feel very passionately that this book sends a dangerous message to women that men irl can genuinely pursue you and want to get to know you when a relationship starts out based on sex. stay safe out there ladies !!! this is a fictional man !!!
this book was cute and had a fun premise! the spicy scenes were good and the MMC was extremely dreamy. I feel very passionately that this book sends a dangerous message to women that men irl can genuinely pursue you and want to get to know you when a relationship starts out based on sex. stay safe out there ladies !!! this is a fictional man !!!
October 28, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! As a debut adult romance from a YA writer, it still felt innocent while touching more adult topics. Stella and Max were very enjoyable and relatable. This is a super cozy romance that’d I’d recommend to anyone, especially during during the holidays!
February 23, 2026
Sparks Fly taps right into the kind of story I like to indulge in often, a light‑hearted vibe, playful energy, and sharp humor. I went in completely blind (didn’t read the synopsis at all), so I was genuinely surprised when the two main characters first meet at a sex club and even more surprised to learn that the female lead is a virgin. It’s an unexpected setup, but Jamal handles it with charm and humor.
Our FMC, Stella, is thrown for a loop when the digital media company she works for partners with an AI firm, and even more rattled when the captivating mystery man from the sex club walks in. Max Williams, the CEO’s brother and the developer of the AI threatening her job, is the last person she expects to see. As Stella and Max get to know each other, they discover they share more than a spark: they’re both studious, both bi, and both navigating what it means to show up fully as themselves. It’s such a great premise, and Jamal makes it heartfelt and genuine.
I’m not usually a fan of workplace romances as they can feel dull, monotonous, and predictable, but Jamal blends the classic workplace tension and unexpected reunion with a fresh, modern take that ups the intrigue and makes it entertaining. If you're looking for an upbeat, easy, breezy, fun read with a modern twist, you should definitely check out this book!
Thank you Netgalley, Berkley, and Zakiya N. Jamal for the advanced copy.
Our FMC, Stella, is thrown for a loop when the digital media company she works for partners with an AI firm, and even more rattled when the captivating mystery man from the sex club walks in. Max Williams, the CEO’s brother and the developer of the AI threatening her job, is the last person she expects to see. As Stella and Max get to know each other, they discover they share more than a spark: they’re both studious, both bi, and both navigating what it means to show up fully as themselves. It’s such a great premise, and Jamal makes it heartfelt and genuine.
I’m not usually a fan of workplace romances as they can feel dull, monotonous, and predictable, but Jamal blends the classic workplace tension and unexpected reunion with a fresh, modern take that ups the intrigue and makes it entertaining. If you're looking for an upbeat, easy, breezy, fun read with a modern twist, you should definitely check out this book!
Thank you Netgalley, Berkley, and Zakiya N. Jamal for the advanced copy.
March 17, 2026
Sparks fly by Zakiyah N. Jamal
Book from Berkeley romance
-this is a spicy meet and cute eating this up
-the sexual tension is delicious
-her awkwardness and shyness is so me this all new to her
-I love the spicy side then the serious work side
-I love them so much this was an adorable and fun romance chefs kiss
rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book from Berkeley romance
-this is a spicy meet and cute eating this up
-the sexual tension is delicious
-her awkwardness and shyness is so me this all new to her
-I love the spicy side then the serious work side
-I love them so much this was an adorable and fun romance chefs kiss
rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 20, 2026
LOVEDDDDDD
November 13, 2025
3.5 ✨ thank you Berkley Romance for the e-arc! This was a very solid adult debut! I thought the story was cute with the minimal drama. A good palette cleanser.
I thought the relationship between Max and Stella was sweet and the progression of their relationship felt natural. I was nervous about the AI subplot in this story but I think Jamal makes her stance pretty clear on how she feels about it which was definitely appreciated it. Overall really cute story
I thought the relationship between Max and Stella was sweet and the progression of their relationship felt natural. I was nervous about the AI subplot in this story but I think Jamal makes her stance pretty clear on how she feels about it which was definitely appreciated it. Overall really cute story
December 4, 2025
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the arc!
4.75 stars
This was a great adult romance debut! It was compulsively readable, and I literally couldn't put it down (though unfortunately I did have to sleep at some point). I really loved Stella as the FMC; she was a very fun and relatable main character! I loved getting a story about a late-bloomer in the dating scene, and I really enjoyed watching her grow in her relationship with Max. Max was a wonderful MMC; he was literally the perfect man. He was so supportive of everything Stella did, and I really liked him. The side characters were also super fun!
I really liked how the author wrote about relationships in this book. Not only the romantic relationships, but also Stella's friendship with Chelsea. I thought this was such a great plot line, and I really enjoyed it. I also liked the slightly complicated relationship between Max and Miles, and I thought it was very well written as well. This book was incredibly well written; I adore Zakiya's writing style and characterization, and I will 100% by picking up any other books she writes! I would completely recommend this book! :)
4.75 stars
This was a great adult romance debut! It was compulsively readable, and I literally couldn't put it down (though unfortunately I did have to sleep at some point). I really loved Stella as the FMC; she was a very fun and relatable main character! I loved getting a story about a late-bloomer in the dating scene, and I really enjoyed watching her grow in her relationship with Max. Max was a wonderful MMC; he was literally the perfect man. He was so supportive of everything Stella did, and I really liked him. The side characters were also super fun!
I really liked how the author wrote about relationships in this book. Not only the romantic relationships, but also Stella's friendship with Chelsea. I thought this was such a great plot line, and I really enjoyed it. I also liked the slightly complicated relationship between Max and Miles, and I thought it was very well written as well. This book was incredibly well written; I adore Zakiya's writing style and characterization, and I will 100% by picking up any other books she writes! I would completely recommend this book! :)
January 10, 2026
This was a really sweet, surprisingly grounded rom-com with one of the most unexpected meet-cutes I’ve read in a while: she literally bumps into him at a sex club. The twist? Stella is there because she’s tired of being a 27-year-old virgin…but she and Max don’t even hook up that night.
They get separated before that can happen and assume they’ll never see each other again. Then the next morning, she learns that he’s the brother of the CEO at the media company where she works, brought in to help with their AI rollout. Awkward potential? Yes. Actual messy hijinks? Not really. And honestly, I kind of loved that. Hijinks can be fun, but it’s also nice to just read about two people figuring it out instead of trying to cram in as many tropes as possible.
I really appreciated how Stella is written. She’s inexperienced and has never been in a relationship, but she’s not portrayed as painfully awkward or naive. Max isn’t quite as multi-dimensional, but he’s mature, level-headed, and incredibly non-judgmental. He immediately steps back from working directly with her to avoid a conflict of interest, which felt realistic—and like the sign of a man who’s got his shit together and is easy to root for. The romance itself is very “normal people falling for each other” in the best way: dates, friends, feelings, and yes, solid spice. They bond over their shared Afro-Latine culture and the fact that they’re both bi (though I kind of wish that had factored into the story a little more). He’s a wealthy entrepreneur and she’s living in a shoddy Brooklyn walk-up with a roommate, and while that makes Stella wonder what he must think of her, it’s never really presented as something they have to overcome. These two are just a good match.
Overall, this is a low-drama, character-driven romance where the main conflict comes late and has more to do with work and friendships than the relationship itself. No over-the-top contrived scenarios—just two people starting something real. It wasn’t a life-changing read for me, but it was charming, fun, and thoroughly enjoyable. Definitely a good pick if you’re in the mood for a rom-com that feels sexy and grounded.
They get separated before that can happen and assume they’ll never see each other again. Then the next morning, she learns that he’s the brother of the CEO at the media company where she works, brought in to help with their AI rollout. Awkward potential? Yes. Actual messy hijinks? Not really. And honestly, I kind of loved that. Hijinks can be fun, but it’s also nice to just read about two people figuring it out instead of trying to cram in as many tropes as possible.
I really appreciated how Stella is written. She’s inexperienced and has never been in a relationship, but she’s not portrayed as painfully awkward or naive. Max isn’t quite as multi-dimensional, but he’s mature, level-headed, and incredibly non-judgmental. He immediately steps back from working directly with her to avoid a conflict of interest, which felt realistic—and like the sign of a man who’s got his shit together and is easy to root for. The romance itself is very “normal people falling for each other” in the best way: dates, friends, feelings, and yes, solid spice. They bond over their shared Afro-Latine culture and the fact that they’re both bi (though I kind of wish that had factored into the story a little more). He’s a wealthy entrepreneur and she’s living in a shoddy Brooklyn walk-up with a roommate, and while that makes Stella wonder what he must think of her, it’s never really presented as something they have to overcome. These two are just a good match.
Overall, this is a low-drama, character-driven romance where the main conflict comes late and has more to do with work and friendships than the relationship itself. No over-the-top contrived scenarios—just two people starting something real. It wasn’t a life-changing read for me, but it was charming, fun, and thoroughly enjoyable. Definitely a good pick if you’re in the mood for a rom-com that feels sexy and grounded.
November 25, 2025
Sparks Fly, follows FMC Stella who is a virgin and a writer at a digital company. After being ditched by her best friend, she decides to still visit a sex club in hopes of finding someone to take her virginity. What she doesn’t anticipate is finding more than just that, but a connection that turns into so much more than she ever imagined! Unfortunately things don’t go as planned that day, and she runs away assuming she’ll never see him again. But, fortunately for her, she does! He happens to be the CEO of the AI company partnering with the company she works for- he’s her CEO’s brother!
This was an enjoyable read! It was quick and flowed easily. The writing was easy to follow and well paced. I loved Max as the MMC. He and Stella had a binge worthy connection from their very first meeting. Although Stella was the “late bloomer” in this relationship they both came off as very “green” which I found adorable! This is insta-love, though I tend to be more of. Slow burn, I didn’t mind it here at all. There is some third act conflict of some sort, but it was very realistic and not drawn out . I also thought the AI aspect was an interesting addition to the storyline, given current times we are in! I recommend this read and would read more from this author.
Note- this book was unexpectedly spicy 🥵🥵 I’d give it
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5 most of the spice was the first 50% of the book then slowed down on the later half. I gave this 4 stars just due to wishing there was a little more depth to the relationship between Stella and Max.
This was an enjoyable read! It was quick and flowed easily. The writing was easy to follow and well paced. I loved Max as the MMC. He and Stella had a binge worthy connection from their very first meeting. Although Stella was the “late bloomer” in this relationship they both came off as very “green” which I found adorable! This is insta-love, though I tend to be more of. Slow burn, I didn’t mind it here at all. There is some third act conflict of some sort, but it was very realistic and not drawn out . I also thought the AI aspect was an interesting addition to the storyline, given current times we are in! I recommend this read and would read more from this author.
Note- this book was unexpectedly spicy 🥵🥵 I’d give it
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5 most of the spice was the first 50% of the book then slowed down on the later half. I gave this 4 stars just due to wishing there was a little more depth to the relationship between Stella and Max.
January 11, 2026
This one was so cute and fun! I love how it balanced an entertaining romance with very prevalent conversations and conflict surrounding AI in the art/writing communities. It was a short and sweet book to fly through, and I would happily check out more from the author!
CW for sexual content, death of parent, biphobia, grief.
CW for sexual content, death of parent, biphobia, grief.
November 20, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the eARC.
This was difficult to get through. The premise and beginning are excellent- a virgin FMC who goes to a sex club on Valentine's Day to lose her virginity with the first man she can? Sign me up. Where this lost me was the AI aspect of it and the personal relationships between the MCs. The MMC owns an AI company and HAS NO IDEA what his brother is going to use his AI writing tool to do? C'mon. He could not be that clueless.
The dialogue was at times, awkward and juvenile. I could not get into it. The MCs were both childlike and immature. The FMC's friends were THE WORST!!!!! Honestly, how could she be friends with them and never have an honest conversation? This was painful to read and see her struggle to bring up the most basic conversations with her roommate. The insta love and virginity aspect of this plot did not do much for me, other than turn me off. I could not connect with the characters and did not honestly care if they ended up together. This read like a YA romance that was trying to be an adult romance, but fell very short.
I give some grace since this was the author's adult debut, but this was just not for me. This was a quick and easy read, and although it did have some issues.
This was difficult to get through. The premise and beginning are excellent- a virgin FMC who goes to a sex club on Valentine's Day to lose her virginity with the first man she can? Sign me up. Where this lost me was the AI aspect of it and the personal relationships between the MCs. The MMC owns an AI company and HAS NO IDEA what his brother is going to use his AI writing tool to do? C'mon. He could not be that clueless.
The dialogue was at times, awkward and juvenile. I could not get into it. The MCs were both childlike and immature. The FMC's friends were THE WORST!!!!! Honestly, how could she be friends with them and never have an honest conversation? This was painful to read and see her struggle to bring up the most basic conversations with her roommate. The insta love and virginity aspect of this plot did not do much for me, other than turn me off. I could not connect with the characters and did not honestly care if they ended up together. This read like a YA romance that was trying to be an adult romance, but fell very short.
I give some grace since this was the author's adult debut, but this was just not for me. This was a quick and easy read, and although it did have some issues.
November 29, 2025
Sparks Fly is a sweet and spicy delight!
Our lead heroine Stella is feeling like a late bloomer, and in one regards to this she is determined to lose her virginity. She is encouraged by her roommate and best friend to attend a very special sex club to achieve just that. Enter our lead hero Max, and thus begins a sizzling good night…well, until newfound plans fall apart. An impactful meet cute ends a bit disastrously…until our leads' paths cross again.
To quote a certain song, our leads Stella and Max have some really good bed chem, and I loved its exploration! It’s so sensual and positively explored. But one of my favorite moments between them comes outside of the bedroom, when they slow things down for a moment to open up to one another about their fluid sexuality (bi/pan). I always appreciate when a romance deepens through emotional connection, that emotional chord strengthens all that follows. Another exploration I loved was the exploration of the Latine culture. Both leads are Afro-Latine and as someone with a hispanic background it’s always so nice when its explored, even in small ways, like heading to a restaurant called Plantain Chips and eating deliciously familiar food like rope vieja. Loved it!
A subplot featured highlights the danger of A.I. in creative spaces. Stella is a content writer and when a competition comes along to use a newly incorporated “writing aid” (aka A.I.) to write content and win monetary prizes, Stella refuses. Which makes what happens next fantastically ironic. Stella proves there is no replacing human ingenuity and creativity! This subplot was one I was nervous about, but turns out I did not need to fret. The novel positively enforces the need to safeguard human creativity against A.I. Maybe A.I. can be served well in other areas, but it serves no purpose in replacing human, in creating words only humans can truly create. Machines don't have the souls we do, and I love how this is reinforced in the novel.
I will say, I did find the final act rather rushed. I wanted certain things to marinate more, and I wish we could have spent more time to do that. Like further resolution to the strained friendship between Stella and Chelsea; and given Miles is Max's brother, I expected a bit more there. But then again, maybe Milo will have his own book?! I'd be open to it!
Overall, this was a grand time!
Thank you Berkley Romance and NetGalley for this complimentary eARC, I leave this honest review voluntarily.
Our lead heroine Stella is feeling like a late bloomer, and in one regards to this she is determined to lose her virginity. She is encouraged by her roommate and best friend to attend a very special sex club to achieve just that. Enter our lead hero Max, and thus begins a sizzling good night…well, until newfound plans fall apart. An impactful meet cute ends a bit disastrously…until our leads' paths cross again.
To quote a certain song, our leads Stella and Max have some really good bed chem, and I loved its exploration! It’s so sensual and positively explored. But one of my favorite moments between them comes outside of the bedroom, when they slow things down for a moment to open up to one another about their fluid sexuality (bi/pan). I always appreciate when a romance deepens through emotional connection, that emotional chord strengthens all that follows. Another exploration I loved was the exploration of the Latine culture. Both leads are Afro-Latine and as someone with a hispanic background it’s always so nice when its explored, even in small ways, like heading to a restaurant called Plantain Chips and eating deliciously familiar food like rope vieja. Loved it!
A subplot featured highlights the danger of A.I. in creative spaces. Stella is a content writer and when a competition comes along to use a newly incorporated “writing aid” (aka A.I.) to write content and win monetary prizes, Stella refuses. Which makes what happens next fantastically ironic. Stella proves there is no replacing human ingenuity and creativity! This subplot was one I was nervous about, but turns out I did not need to fret. The novel positively enforces the need to safeguard human creativity against A.I. Maybe A.I. can be served well in other areas, but it serves no purpose in replacing human, in creating words only humans can truly create. Machines don't have the souls we do, and I love how this is reinforced in the novel.
I will say, I did find the final act rather rushed. I wanted certain things to marinate more, and I wish we could have spent more time to do that. Like further resolution to the strained friendship between Stella and Chelsea; and given Miles is Max's brother, I expected a bit more there. But then again, maybe Milo will have his own book?! I'd be open to it!
Overall, this was a grand time!
Thank you Berkley Romance and NetGalley for this complimentary eARC, I leave this honest review voluntarily.
November 16, 2025
Read This Book If…you love a sexy meet-cute!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
Sparks Fly by Zakiya N. Jamal
Genre: romance
Setting: NYC
POV: dual, 3rd person, past tense
Spice Level: 4/5🌶, 3-4 explicit scenes
Tropes: millionaire, virgin, phone sex
My Thoughts:
I was hooked from the first line and it did not let up! I binged this in less than 24 hours, so you know it’s good.
I particularly enjoyed how these two accidentally fell into a relationship. They were so sweet and understanding from the jump. I loved how they were both bi, but with vastly different amounts of experience.
With the meet-cute happening in a sex club, I was expecting the spice to more of a focus. While there are plenty of scenes, I didn’t find them to be particularly long or explicit.
I laughed, I pondered, I thought about AI in new ways. I can highly recomend!
Memorable Quote: “Stella Renee Johnson was going to lose her virginity in a sex club.”
Thank you to the publisher for my advance copy! This book will be available December 2!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
Sparks Fly by Zakiya N. Jamal
Genre: romance
Setting: NYC
POV: dual, 3rd person, past tense
Spice Level: 4/5🌶, 3-4 explicit scenes
Tropes: millionaire, virgin, phone sex
My Thoughts:
I was hooked from the first line and it did not let up! I binged this in less than 24 hours, so you know it’s good.
I particularly enjoyed how these two accidentally fell into a relationship. They were so sweet and understanding from the jump. I loved how they were both bi, but with vastly different amounts of experience.
With the meet-cute happening in a sex club, I was expecting the spice to more of a focus. While there are plenty of scenes, I didn’t find them to be particularly long or explicit.
I laughed, I pondered, I thought about AI in new ways. I can highly recomend!
Memorable Quote: “Stella Renee Johnson was going to lose her virginity in a sex club.”
Thank you to the publisher for my advance copy! This book will be available December 2!
January 3, 2026
This was cute! It started off strong with the dedication (I am manifesting). I loved how Stella and Max's relationship developed, it felt really natural and relatable (except maybe the sex club meet cute), and they were both mature and communicative throughout which was so refreshing. I didn't enjoy how much AI was part of the plot, but that's definitely a personal thing. It just hits too close to home and makes me feel like I'm in the middle of my workday, but objectively I thought it was handled well. Solid start for 2026!
January 10, 2026
The book was really good very sweet. I love Max and Stella very cute couple and all he wanted to do is take care of her and love on her making her feel comfortable with her sexuality. I loved the book.
March 4, 2026
This is a very charming romance between a later bloomer and the man she literally runs into at a sex club on Valentine's Day. I thought this was a refreshing way to treat virginity in a romance novel. Stella is 27 and is just ready to sleep with someone, but it doesn't turn into a situation where the male character is fetishizing her virginity or anything like that. Her and Max have excellent chemistry and the book overall has some great conversations about how AI is harming creative fields. Definitely check this out for a fun, swoony romance.
February 9, 2026
loved this for Valentine's day!!!
lots of unexpected topics covered (e.g. AI taking over journalism, adoption, roommate friendships, virginity, bi representation) but it didn't try to go too deep being a fun romance. loved the New York atmosphere and up-to-date references with being tooo cringey
the spice was a little heavier than my usual preference but that's on me for not noticing in the description that they meet in a literal sex club lol. The FMC is a virgin which is rare in romance books and was a fun take but I did feel like it didn't play into the actual scenes as much as it maybe should have.
lots of unexpected topics covered (e.g. AI taking over journalism, adoption, roommate friendships, virginity, bi representation) but it didn't try to go too deep being a fun romance. loved the New York atmosphere and up-to-date references with being tooo cringey
the spice was a little heavier than my usual preference but that's on me for not noticing in the description that they meet in a literal sex club lol. The FMC is a virgin which is rare in romance books and was a fun take but I did feel like it didn't play into the actual scenes as much as it maybe should have.
February 13, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
I enjoyed the romance in Sparks Fly. Stella meets Max at a sex club party, but ends up disappearing on him before they can round the bases. Thankfully, fate intervenes and throws them back into each other's orbit when Max's AI company partners with Stella's journalism website. Despite his technology threatening her job, they decide to take a chance on a relationship. They were really well matched - both understanding of their dating pasts as bisexual individuals and both extremely good at (and invested in) their jobs. I felt like Max really made an effort to integrate himself into Stella's life, and truly wanted her to be part of his world too.
There were a few things that I wasn't a big fan of in this book. Stella's virginity was brought up constantly by everyone (including herself), even though she continually said she didn't want to be defined by it. I also got really frustrated by the way she allowed herself to be a doormat both at work and with her incredibly rude roommate. She excused the behavior so much that it almost seemed like she wanted to be walked all over, and it's hard to root for someone who doesn't want to stand up for themself at all. Max was naive for a super smart guy; the fact that he never figured out Stella was a virgin when they started sleeping together, and the way he defended AI to the person he loved that was being harmed by it, were both maddening.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
I enjoyed the romance in Sparks Fly. Stella meets Max at a sex club party, but ends up disappearing on him before they can round the bases. Thankfully, fate intervenes and throws them back into each other's orbit when Max's AI company partners with Stella's journalism website. Despite his technology threatening her job, they decide to take a chance on a relationship. They were really well matched - both understanding of their dating pasts as bisexual individuals and both extremely good at (and invested in) their jobs. I felt like Max really made an effort to integrate himself into Stella's life, and truly wanted her to be part of his world too.
There were a few things that I wasn't a big fan of in this book. Stella's virginity was brought up constantly by everyone (including herself), even though she continually said she didn't want to be defined by it. I also got really frustrated by the way she allowed herself to be a doormat both at work and with her incredibly rude roommate. She excused the behavior so much that it almost seemed like she wanted to be walked all over, and it's hard to root for someone who doesn't want to stand up for themself at all. Max was naive for a super smart guy; the fact that he never figured out Stella was a virgin when they started sleeping together, and the way he defended AI to the person he loved that was being harmed by it, were both maddening.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
January 7, 2026
cool book idea — really elementary writing style and predictable plot (despite the aforementioned cool idea). spice gave me no electricity… the virginity thing is a Choice… dialogue was not realistic.
i applaud the author for her first adult book. just not for me!
i applaud the author for her first adult book. just not for me!
October 15, 2025
SYNOPSIS
Stella Johnson, a “late bloomer” thought a visit to a sex club might jump start her love life, but instead makes an instant connection that turns her whole world upside down.
OVERALL
one of the spiciest meet cutes i’ve read that left me speechless - i knew i couldn’t NOT binge this book!
Quick chapters with an approachable writing style and main characters that aren’t big or loud but grounded, relatable, and detailed
Great plot that brought the MCs together in a fun way but also offered compelling takes on AI, journalism today, being a “late bloomer”, virginity, sexuality, and friendship
Love this sexy queer, black romance and you will too!
read for
- falling in love in NYC
- Bi4Bi Representation
- BIPOC MCs
- workplace romance
thank you to the publisher for my free copy in exchange for my honest review
Stella Johnson, a “late bloomer” thought a visit to a sex club might jump start her love life, but instead makes an instant connection that turns her whole world upside down.
OVERALL
one of the spiciest meet cutes i’ve read that left me speechless - i knew i couldn’t NOT binge this book!
Quick chapters with an approachable writing style and main characters that aren’t big or loud but grounded, relatable, and detailed
Great plot that brought the MCs together in a fun way but also offered compelling takes on AI, journalism today, being a “late bloomer”, virginity, sexuality, and friendship
Love this sexy queer, black romance and you will too!
read for
- falling in love in NYC
- Bi4Bi Representation
- BIPOC MCs
- workplace romance
thank you to the publisher for my free copy in exchange for my honest review
December 24, 2025
!!!
Sex positive!
Bi 4 bi!
Girlie finds a man that is obsessed with her!
10/10. Amazing. The writing style is very fluid and easy to follow — I’d read 50 pages before I even realized it. Max & Stella are sure to become some of my favorite characters!
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Thank you to my dear friend (the author), Netgalley, and the publisher for my eARC!
Sex positive!
Bi 4 bi!
Girlie finds a man that is obsessed with her!
10/10. Amazing. The writing style is very fluid and easy to follow — I’d read 50 pages before I even realized it. Max & Stella are sure to become some of my favorite characters!
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-
Thank you to my dear friend (the author), Netgalley, and the publisher for my eARC!
January 24, 2026
this wasn’t bad by any means, but it wasn’t great either; it was just ok for me. it was predictable and the insta love was a little cringey. stella’s avoidant personality got annoying when there were multiple things needing confrontation. idk it was just ok and didn’t wow me or anything, but i didn’t hate it. 3.5/5
March 16, 2025
Delightful. This was the bi4bi romance of my dreams. Such a delight! I hope we get more books in this world!!
December 3, 2025
"Im happy i could be your first but all I care about is being your last." ~ Max
Sparks Fly was absolutely perfect!
10/10
No notes!
Sparks Fly was absolutely perfect!
10/10
No notes!
December 7, 2025
This was a fun book that was both cute and had important workplace conversations. I liked how the book started by both mcs meeting at a sx club and instantly hitting off. After meeting in the club the main characters find themselves in the same workplace which complicates the relationship. I liked how the main characters hit off instantly with so much chemistry and sexual tension. I liked that even though the fmc was a virgin it was handled well and wasnt the focus even when she wasn’t any more. I thought the workplace plot on integrating AI into the work was interesting as we have one of the main characters was using AI in his multi millionaire company and the other was against it. I liked how it was addressed it in the book because it felt realistic and is relevant to society now. The romance was hot and heartfelt and i can’t wait to read more of this author’s adult books. Thanks to Berkley romance for this arc for an honest review.
Read for:
- Workplace romance
- Banter and chemistry
- Diverse Characters
- Black fmc and afro Latino mmc
Read for:
- Workplace romance
- Banter and chemistry
- Diverse Characters
- Black fmc and afro Latino mmc
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