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Casual Sparks
Daisy's summer in Gunnison is supposed to be all about work and family before she heads to law school in the fall. But a steamy Halloween kiss with a curvy, red-headed Dolly Parton look-alike in Montrose keeps haunting her thoughts. When this mystery woman unexpectedly reappears at her aunt's law firm, their sizzling chemistry reignites. As they work side by side every day, Daisy struggles to keep it casual.
Will their fiery connection burn out, or will it lead to a future neither of them anticipated?
Dolly has faced more than her fair share of challenges this past year, and she's eager for a fresh start. When her first post-college job offer comes, she jumps at the chance. But upon arriving in Gunnison, Dolly is stunned to find that the beautiful, feisty blonde she kissed on Halloween—the one whose name and number she never got—is not only in town, but working at the same law firm! As Dolly navigates her new job and the undeniable attraction to Daisy, she finds herself struggling to keep her past hidden.
Can they keep it casual this summer, or will they let the sparks fly?
This "Legally Blonde" meets "Mid-Western Princess" vibed open-door romance is great for fans of Ashley Herring Blake and "Mistakes Were Made" by Meryl Wilsner.
Will their fiery connection burn out, or will it lead to a future neither of them anticipated?
Dolly has faced more than her fair share of challenges this past year, and she's eager for a fresh start. When her first post-college job offer comes, she jumps at the chance. But upon arriving in Gunnison, Dolly is stunned to find that the beautiful, feisty blonde she kissed on Halloween—the one whose name and number she never got—is not only in town, but working at the same law firm! As Dolly navigates her new job and the undeniable attraction to Daisy, she finds herself struggling to keep her past hidden.
Can they keep it casual this summer, or will they let the sparks fly?
This "Legally Blonde" meets "Mid-Western Princess" vibed open-door romance is great for fans of Ashley Herring Blake and "Mistakes Were Made" by Meryl Wilsner.
357 pages, Paperback
Published May 5, 2025
8 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
May 14, 2025
A sapphic rom-com drama that had many Taylor Swift references. No complaints from me on that front because it added to the comedy. While it had some funny moments, there were serious topics like trauma and mental health illness that were touched on. It felt like there were a lot of side characters to keep track of and the book could use more editing because there were two chapters that were repeated. Despite all of that, it was a sweet and funny read others might enjoy. This wouldn’t be a repeat read for me, unfortunately, but Swifties might love this Love Story. Eh? Okay, I’m done. Happy reading!
📚 3.5 ⭐️
📚 3.5 ⭐️
June 19, 2025
Thank you to Torch Lit Ink for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book was... interesting.
After the first Taylor Swift reference, I thought... Okay. Sure. It’s setting up the time period and characters. After the FIFTIETH Taylor Swift reference, however, I was starting to get a little annoyed. Listen, I love Taylor as much as the next white girl, but it was *constant* and it really did get a little annoying after a while and started to take me out of the book reading experience.
While this was a decently cute sapphic romance, for most of the book, I don't think those women even liked each other. Not in an enemies to lovers kind of way, but in a way where they just didn't get along. But of course, they were saying "I love you" by the end of the book because it’s a romance novel, but it really did not feel realistic.
Having the two main characters have names that are so similar was also a very confusing choice. For the first third of the book or so, I kept having to remind myself which one was Daisy and which one was Dolly.
I would say this book reads as more of a YA romance with juvenile writing, except for the very few, very short spicy scenes.
This book was... interesting.
After the first Taylor Swift reference, I thought... Okay. Sure. It’s setting up the time period and characters. After the FIFTIETH Taylor Swift reference, however, I was starting to get a little annoyed. Listen, I love Taylor as much as the next white girl, but it was *constant* and it really did get a little annoying after a while and started to take me out of the book reading experience.
While this was a decently cute sapphic romance, for most of the book, I don't think those women even liked each other. Not in an enemies to lovers kind of way, but in a way where they just didn't get along. But of course, they were saying "I love you" by the end of the book because it’s a romance novel, but it really did not feel realistic.
Having the two main characters have names that are so similar was also a very confusing choice. For the first third of the book or so, I kept having to remind myself which one was Daisy and which one was Dolly.
I would say this book reads as more of a YA romance with juvenile writing, except for the very few, very short spicy scenes.
June 19, 2025
Will they keep it cool for the summer or will sparks fly?
It all started on a Halloween night when an interrupted hook-up had both our main characters in a tailspin for months. A chance encounter brought them back together, but with real-world pressures at stake, they have to figure out if they even want to continue what they thought they had.
Casual Sparks by Britton Ashley focuses so much on family, mental health, trauma, and the LGBTQ+ experience that while we've got a slow burn and intense tension building between Daisy and Dolly, the romance somehow still falls into the background.
This story was light at times with the banter between everyone, and then intense and heartbreaking—it was an emotional journey for sure. We also witnessed growth that was most evident in how our main characters discussed their relationship. They went from casually (and constantly!) miscommunicating to leaning on each other immediately because, let's face it, Dolly would never have given Daisy that cliffhanger of a letter at the end if it hadn't been for that change.
Where I wasn't crazy about this book was in how young it read, especially with some of their outbursts. I was seriously reevaluating one of the characters during the camping trip... She quickly realized why it happened and took accountability, which I definitely appreciated. The references also didn't quite land for me, but for fans of the musicians, I'm sure it's a bigger moment.
However, where the story worked, it shined.
Thanks to Torch Lit Ink for the ARC!
It all started on a Halloween night when an interrupted hook-up had both our main characters in a tailspin for months. A chance encounter brought them back together, but with real-world pressures at stake, they have to figure out if they even want to continue what they thought they had.
Casual Sparks by Britton Ashley focuses so much on family, mental health, trauma, and the LGBTQ+ experience that while we've got a slow burn and intense tension building between Daisy and Dolly, the romance somehow still falls into the background.
This story was light at times with the banter between everyone, and then intense and heartbreaking—it was an emotional journey for sure. We also witnessed growth that was most evident in how our main characters discussed their relationship. They went from casually (and constantly!) miscommunicating to leaning on each other immediately because, let's face it, Dolly would never have given Daisy that cliffhanger of a letter at the end if it hadn't been for that change.
Where I wasn't crazy about this book was in how young it read, especially with some of their outbursts. I was seriously reevaluating one of the characters during the camping trip... She quickly realized why it happened and took accountability, which I definitely appreciated. The references also didn't quite land for me, but for fans of the musicians, I'm sure it's a bigger moment.
However, where the story worked, it shined.
Thanks to Torch Lit Ink for the ARC!
June 11, 2025
Dolly is probably one of my new favorite FMCs! I loved her spunk & personality! The Chappell Roan & Taylor Swift references were the best. Covered In You was great, but I think this one is even better!! 💖💖💖
June 17, 2025
this book introduced me to a whole new genre of romance, friendship, heartbreak .
May 29, 2025
I bought this book from a vendor at Pride because I wanted to support a local queer author but unfortunately I regretted it almost instantly.
First of all, to address the elephant in the room— this book needed an editor… badly. From words being misused (“poignantly” being used when “pointedly” was the correct word), to the wrong characters’ names being used at certain points, I was already frustrated. But then… my copy of this book had TWO repeated chapters. As in, the title of the chapter was different but it was word for word the same thing as the one before. Chapters 14 and 28 were entirely misprinted and repeats of chapters 13 and 27. So I have no idea what actually happened in the chapters titled That’s So True and Hot to Go.
But that’s fine, because the errors and misprints weren’t the only problems with this book. Admittedly, I’m not much of a romance book girlie, so I won’t criticize the tropes because I know lust at first sight and miscommunication are some people’s cups of tea. My real issue is with how flat the 2 main characters are and how they have little to no personality outside of being incredibly stupid and lusting after each other. They act like teenagers throughout the book, though I believe they are both college grads? In fact, I’m pretty sure every character in this book is an adult, despite the fact that they all talk and act like children. The times when the characters would literally speak in Taylor Swift or Chappell Roan lyrics made me want to SCREAM. NO ONE ACTUALLY TALKS LIKE THAT!!
And that’s another thing… this book has wayyyy too many pop culture references. I started to roll my eyes every time they came up. It felt like the author was relying on song lyrics and references rather than crafting a cohesive story.
There were some interesting elements to this book, I will say. I think Dolly’s story is interesting and she could’ve been an interesting character if the terrible romance hadn’t gotten in the way. I didn’t love the super surface level stereotypical portrayal of PTSD and trauma, but I know I can’t expect much more from a romance book so I’ll forgive that part.
One thing I can’t forgive though is that smut scene (lol). I have to assume the person writing (and the editor if applicable) have never slept with a woman because… oh my god. Grinding each other’s pelvises and a mouth on a nipple = finishing immediately?? Ok.
Honestly I’m mostly mad at this book bc the person at the booth at pride told me they’d read it and it was really good and that I’d like it even as someone who doesn’t enjoy romance very often. I feel lied to. I’d love to read a gay romance book that’s actually realistic and well-written and I’ve been looking high and low. I did not, however, find it in this book.
First of all, to address the elephant in the room— this book needed an editor… badly. From words being misused (“poignantly” being used when “pointedly” was the correct word), to the wrong characters’ names being used at certain points, I was already frustrated. But then… my copy of this book had TWO repeated chapters. As in, the title of the chapter was different but it was word for word the same thing as the one before. Chapters 14 and 28 were entirely misprinted and repeats of chapters 13 and 27. So I have no idea what actually happened in the chapters titled That’s So True and Hot to Go.
But that’s fine, because the errors and misprints weren’t the only problems with this book. Admittedly, I’m not much of a romance book girlie, so I won’t criticize the tropes because I know lust at first sight and miscommunication are some people’s cups of tea. My real issue is with how flat the 2 main characters are and how they have little to no personality outside of being incredibly stupid and lusting after each other. They act like teenagers throughout the book, though I believe they are both college grads? In fact, I’m pretty sure every character in this book is an adult, despite the fact that they all talk and act like children. The times when the characters would literally speak in Taylor Swift or Chappell Roan lyrics made me want to SCREAM. NO ONE ACTUALLY TALKS LIKE THAT!!
And that’s another thing… this book has wayyyy too many pop culture references. I started to roll my eyes every time they came up. It felt like the author was relying on song lyrics and references rather than crafting a cohesive story.
There were some interesting elements to this book, I will say. I think Dolly’s story is interesting and she could’ve been an interesting character if the terrible romance hadn’t gotten in the way. I didn’t love the super surface level stereotypical portrayal of PTSD and trauma, but I know I can’t expect much more from a romance book so I’ll forgive that part.
One thing I can’t forgive though is that smut scene (lol). I have to assume the person writing (and the editor if applicable) have never slept with a woman because… oh my god. Grinding each other’s pelvises and a mouth on a nipple = finishing immediately?? Ok.
Honestly I’m mostly mad at this book bc the person at the booth at pride told me they’d read it and it was really good and that I’d like it even as someone who doesn’t enjoy romance very often. I feel lied to. I’d love to read a gay romance book that’s actually realistic and well-written and I’ve been looking high and low. I did not, however, find it in this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2025
I wanted to love this so much, but the Swiftie references were too much for me I felt lost any time something was said because I'm not up on the swifitie-isms.
I do want to thank Torch Lit Ink for the opportunity to read this book.
I went into this loving the premise that these two people had an off handed chance meeting that somehow would stick with them and make them cross paths again. Daisy's family was an interesting bunch of people and seemed to be very close and would do anything for each other, but you could definitely see that they had always been in a safe place compared to Dolly.
It was really hard for me to follow the timeline of everything because the story seemed to jump back and forth during the POVs or from a memory to present day. Like the first time we meet Dolly, I'm unsure if this was pre-Halloween or post-Halloween or if this is in college/high school. It was nice that you were learning things as the story progressed, but it did make it a bit hard to figure out if you were in the present or not.
However,
Overall, it had too many references to pop culture that it felt like I was in over my head and couldn't enjoy the pieces of the story that were there.
I do want to thank Torch Lit Ink for the opportunity to read this book.
I went into this loving the premise that these two people had an off handed chance meeting that somehow would stick with them and make them cross paths again. Daisy's family was an interesting bunch of people and seemed to be very close and would do anything for each other, but you could definitely see that they had always been in a safe place compared to Dolly.
It was really hard for me to follow the timeline of everything because the story seemed to jump back and forth during the POVs or from a memory to present day. Like the first time we meet Dolly, I'm unsure if this was pre-Halloween or post-Halloween or if this is in college/high school. It was nice that you were learning things as the story progressed, but it did make it a bit hard to figure out if you were in the present or not.
However,
Overall, it had too many references to pop culture that it felt like I was in over my head and couldn't enjoy the pieces of the story that were there.
June 24, 2025
⭐️ // ARC Review
Big thanks to @torchlitink for providing me with an ARC of Casual Sparks! I always appreciate the opportunity to read new stories early. That said, this one just didn’t work for me.
I don’t DNF books, so I pushed through—but it was definitely a struggle. The main issue for me was the miscommunication trope. UGHHH I just couldn’t wrap my head around how the central misunderstanding dragged on for the entire book. It didn’t feel believable, and it made it hard to connect with the characters or root for their relationship.
There was one sex scene in particular that pulled me way out of the story. I won’t go into detail, but let’s just say… there’s no way that scene would play out the way it did in real life. It felt super out of touch.
Dolly and Daisy’s relationship also didn’t click for me. It lacked the spark or emotional pull I was hoping for. Honestly, it just felt like I was reading words on a page without feeling anything between them. And maybe this is a “me” problem, but I kept getting the two names mixed up—I had to go back and reread multiple times just to keep track.
There were also a lot of panic attacks happening, and as someone with an anxiety disorder myself, I understand the impact/intention—but it felt repetitive after a while. I found myself wanting to just say, “okay, but where’s the meat of the story?”
Also… the Taylor Swift references. So many. And I’ll be real—if you’re a Swiftie, you might love that! But I personally can’t stand her,(yeah, I know, sue me😂) so those moments made it even harder for me to stay engaged.
I really wanted to like this book, especially since I was excited by the premise. But in the end, it just wasn’t for me.
Big thanks to @torchlitink for providing me with an ARC of Casual Sparks! I always appreciate the opportunity to read new stories early. That said, this one just didn’t work for me.
I don’t DNF books, so I pushed through—but it was definitely a struggle. The main issue for me was the miscommunication trope. UGHHH I just couldn’t wrap my head around how the central misunderstanding dragged on for the entire book. It didn’t feel believable, and it made it hard to connect with the characters or root for their relationship.
There was one sex scene in particular that pulled me way out of the story. I won’t go into detail, but let’s just say… there’s no way that scene would play out the way it did in real life. It felt super out of touch.
Dolly and Daisy’s relationship also didn’t click for me. It lacked the spark or emotional pull I was hoping for. Honestly, it just felt like I was reading words on a page without feeling anything between them. And maybe this is a “me” problem, but I kept getting the two names mixed up—I had to go back and reread multiple times just to keep track.
There were also a lot of panic attacks happening, and as someone with an anxiety disorder myself, I understand the impact/intention—but it felt repetitive after a while. I found myself wanting to just say, “okay, but where’s the meat of the story?”
Also… the Taylor Swift references. So many. And I’ll be real—if you’re a Swiftie, you might love that! But I personally can’t stand her,(yeah, I know, sue me😂) so those moments made it even harder for me to stay engaged.
I really wanted to like this book, especially since I was excited by the premise. But in the end, it just wasn’t for me.
June 30, 2025
Casual Sparks by Britton Ashley was a joy to read. This sapphic story warmed my heart, made me laugh, and made me cry. Also, shout out to other LGBTQIA+ rep, especially bi rep! Daisy and her cousin have a blast at a Halloween party where Daisy meets Dolly. However, as she is dragged out of the bar, she fails to get Dolly’s number. Fast forward several months later, and in walks Dolly into the family bowling alley, to meet Daisy’s aunt about a job. Daisy is speechless. As they both fumble through trying to keep things professional, deal with their own feelings, and Daisy’s attempts to talk and smooth things over make it worse every time.
The book also deals with PTSD, panic attacks, loss of parents, chronic illness (hey, hey my zebras and POTSies), domestic abuse, grief, and guilt. It was so much more than just a sapphic love story for me. I love how the sisters and cousins love each other so fiercely, but also fight and pick at each other. They also accept Dolly as one of their own (most of them at least). Aunt Diane is a force to be reconned with, and she devotes so much to her law practice and protecting women.
Will you yell at the book for them to just sit down and actually talk? YES!! Isn’t that what a lot of us do, though. Afraid to say the wrong thing, say the wrong thing, or feel like they would never feel the way we do? It can get corny, but I enjoyed it so much. I had not read the first book in the series yet, so I will be going back to do that, and hope we will be seeing more of this crew!
Thank you to TorchLitInk and Britton for the eARC. My review and opinions are honest and my own.
The book also deals with PTSD, panic attacks, loss of parents, chronic illness (hey, hey my zebras and POTSies), domestic abuse, grief, and guilt. It was so much more than just a sapphic love story for me. I love how the sisters and cousins love each other so fiercely, but also fight and pick at each other. They also accept Dolly as one of their own (most of them at least). Aunt Diane is a force to be reconned with, and she devotes so much to her law practice and protecting women.
Will you yell at the book for them to just sit down and actually talk? YES!! Isn’t that what a lot of us do, though. Afraid to say the wrong thing, say the wrong thing, or feel like they would never feel the way we do? It can get corny, but I enjoyed it so much. I had not read the first book in the series yet, so I will be going back to do that, and hope we will be seeing more of this crew!
Thank you to TorchLitInk and Britton for the eARC. My review and opinions are honest and my own.
June 19, 2025
Daisy planned to spend her summer in Gunnison focused on work and family before heading to law school, but the memory of a fiery Halloween kiss with a stunning redhead lingers. When that same woman, Dolly, unexpectedly shows up as a new hire at her aunt’s law firm, the chemistry between them reignites instantly. Dolly, hoping for a fresh start after a rough year, hadn’t expected to run into the mystery blonde who stole her breath months ago. As they work side by side, drawn to each other despite the pasts they’re trying to manage, neither is sure if they can keep things casual—or if they even want to.
Daisy and Dolly’s story had me hooked from that first Halloween kiss. The chemistry, the awkward reunions, the slow-burn tension—it all just worked out perfectly. I loved how the book balanced between fun, flirty moments with deeper conversations about mental health and healing. Both characters felt layered and real, and watching them open up to each other hit me in the softest way.
There were a among side characters to juggle, and the emotional beats and found family warmth love them. Daisy’s family felt like sunshine—chaotic, loud, loving, and exactly what Dolly needed.
If you're into summer stories with emotional depth, slow burns, and soft queer joy, definitely give this one a shot.
Daisy and Dolly’s story had me hooked from that first Halloween kiss. The chemistry, the awkward reunions, the slow-burn tension—it all just worked out perfectly. I loved how the book balanced between fun, flirty moments with deeper conversations about mental health and healing. Both characters felt layered and real, and watching them open up to each other hit me in the softest way.
There were a among side characters to juggle, and the emotional beats and found family warmth love them. Daisy’s family felt like sunshine—chaotic, loud, loving, and exactly what Dolly needed.
If you're into summer stories with emotional depth, slow burns, and soft queer joy, definitely give this one a shot.
June 18, 2025
I was really looking forward to this book, and it didn’t disappoint. There were equal amounts of romance, drama and comedy so that nothing ever felt too heavy or too sweet.
Both Dolly and Daisy have experienced past traumas, but they are both determined to make the world a better place and become lawyers. After a steamy Halloween night kiss, they don’t exchange numbers and are left wondering ‘what if’. Until fate throws them a curveball and they end up working the summer in the same law office.
There is a lot of miscommunication in this book, or rather, a lack of communication, so be warned. Sometimes I wanted to shake Daisy, mostly for not talking things through with Dolly or assuming things. However, Dolly was just as guilty for keeping things bottled up or misunderstanding.
I loved Daisy’s whole family unit, though. Her sisters and cousins were as protective of her as they were sassing her, and I loved how they welcomed Dolly into the home and family without a second thought. Aunt Diane, the owner of the law practice, was a proud matriarch and looked after all the girls with fierce mama bear energy.
This was a fun and engaging story, with great characters and a decent plotline to complement the romance.
Both Dolly and Daisy have experienced past traumas, but they are both determined to make the world a better place and become lawyers. After a steamy Halloween night kiss, they don’t exchange numbers and are left wondering ‘what if’. Until fate throws them a curveball and they end up working the summer in the same law office.
There is a lot of miscommunication in this book, or rather, a lack of communication, so be warned. Sometimes I wanted to shake Daisy, mostly for not talking things through with Dolly or assuming things. However, Dolly was just as guilty for keeping things bottled up or misunderstanding.
I loved Daisy’s whole family unit, though. Her sisters and cousins were as protective of her as they were sassing her, and I loved how they welcomed Dolly into the home and family without a second thought. Aunt Diane, the owner of the law practice, was a proud matriarch and looked after all the girls with fierce mama bear energy.
This was a fun and engaging story, with great characters and a decent plotline to complement the romance.
June 15, 2025
DNF at 15%.
Firstly thank you to TorchLitInk for this eARC!
The premise of this book really had me. It felt like it was going to be a cosy sapphic romance with some difficult moments to read but overall would be one that would leave its mark.
About 3% in, I realised this book wouldn’t be for me. The style of writing was immediately too casual with too many colloquial ‘gen z’ terminology and pop culture references that just felt too casual for me in a book.
The romance which was going to be between Dolly and Daisy starts off immediately without much groundwork so from the get go it just felt too rushed.
There’s also a moment where a side character has been beaten by their husband, and Dolly has a massive go at one of the men who sees it happening. Whilst topics of conversation need to be had surrounding domestic abuse, I just feel that the way Dolly came across in this situation was very aggressive towards a bystander and whilst yes, we shouldn’t be bystanders to something like this, it just really rubbed me up the wrong way and felt like it Will do more harm than good in that conversation.
I think there is an audience for this book but it’s just not for me I’m afraid.
Firstly thank you to TorchLitInk for this eARC!
The premise of this book really had me. It felt like it was going to be a cosy sapphic romance with some difficult moments to read but overall would be one that would leave its mark.
About 3% in, I realised this book wouldn’t be for me. The style of writing was immediately too casual with too many colloquial ‘gen z’ terminology and pop culture references that just felt too casual for me in a book.
The romance which was going to be between Dolly and Daisy starts off immediately without much groundwork so from the get go it just felt too rushed.
There’s also a moment where a side character has been beaten by their husband, and Dolly has a massive go at one of the men who sees it happening. Whilst topics of conversation need to be had surrounding domestic abuse, I just feel that the way Dolly came across in this situation was very aggressive towards a bystander and whilst yes, we shouldn’t be bystanders to something like this, it just really rubbed me up the wrong way and felt like it Will do more harm than good in that conversation.
I think there is an audience for this book but it’s just not for me I’m afraid.
July 16, 2025
is it casual now?
I loved the chapter titles being all my favorite songs.
Although this sophomore sapphic romance can be read as a standalone it is interconnected in the Rockies romance series and I feel like reading book 1 is crucial to understanding book 2. The characters will mean a lot more to you in book 2 and the back story with Heather and Grady is pretty important.
Dolly and Daisy were fated to be together when the universe brought them together a second time. The two had endless miscommunications that were starting to border on frustrating. I realize it was helping build dolly's back story but at some point you're like grow up and talk to each other???
Daisy was childish and dolly was a hot head and that could be disastrous but luckily our two leading ladies figured it out.
I enjoyed being back in Colorado with the fam and honestly I just really want sonic now.
This sophomore release from Britton Ashley showed growth as a writer but brought back all the fun pop culture references we loved in her debut novel. Looking forward to seeing what's next for this group of cousins I've grown to love.
I loved the chapter titles being all my favorite songs.
Although this sophomore sapphic romance can be read as a standalone it is interconnected in the Rockies romance series and I feel like reading book 1 is crucial to understanding book 2. The characters will mean a lot more to you in book 2 and the back story with Heather and Grady is pretty important.
Dolly and Daisy were fated to be together when the universe brought them together a second time. The two had endless miscommunications that were starting to border on frustrating. I realize it was helping build dolly's back story but at some point you're like grow up and talk to each other???
Daisy was childish and dolly was a hot head and that could be disastrous but luckily our two leading ladies figured it out.
I enjoyed being back in Colorado with the fam and honestly I just really want sonic now.
This sophomore release from Britton Ashley showed growth as a writer but brought back all the fun pop culture references we loved in her debut novel. Looking forward to seeing what's next for this group of cousins I've grown to love.
June 5, 2025
I received this book as an arc and took my sweet time reading it, so I hope it's not too late for a review! I've been trying to read more indie Sapphic books, and as a book with mental health rep this book perfectly fit my latest Prideopoly prompt.
Of course when I see a Sapphic book with plus size women on the cover, I'm picking it up. This book may look quite cute and sweet, but it also rather steamy and has some darker topics. Read up on content warnings beforehand just in case! PTSD and Bipolar disorder are well represented, and there are some panic attack moments, but both characters have growth and are doing their best to heal. There's no magic cure, which is most important to me.
While I feel this book could be better suited to someone with a deeper understanding of pop culture (all I got is Chappell), you don't need to understand the pop culture refs to finish the book of course. If you're looking for costumed meet cute, steamy Sapphics, large family gatherings, and (probably) a ton of Swiftie references I missed: pick this one up!
Of course when I see a Sapphic book with plus size women on the cover, I'm picking it up. This book may look quite cute and sweet, but it also rather steamy and has some darker topics. Read up on content warnings beforehand just in case! PTSD and Bipolar disorder are well represented, and there are some panic attack moments, but both characters have growth and are doing their best to heal. There's no magic cure, which is most important to me.
While I feel this book could be better suited to someone with a deeper understanding of pop culture (all I got is Chappell), you don't need to understand the pop culture refs to finish the book of course. If you're looking for costumed meet cute, steamy Sapphics, large family gatherings, and (probably) a ton of Swiftie references I missed: pick this one up!
May 31, 2025
Dolly and Daisy had a hot Halloween out and “forgot” to grab each other’s numbers so imagine Daisy’s surprise when her Aunt Diane shows up and tells her Dolly will be working with them at her law firm for the summer, and staying with Daisy and her family. This can’t go wrong at all.
This book was so cute it’s almost sick. It is FULL of girly musical references (mostly Taylor, but also some of my personal favorite queer artists. Chappell, ofc, Zolita, I think even Xana? I swear Britton and I have the same playlists). There’s mental health, queer, fat, and SA/DV rep. Also, ACAB. That scene was absolutely heartbreaking, and one I’m sure too many of us are familiar with. This is a sequel, but you don’t have to read the first book to get what’s going on, HOWEVER, this one ends on a cliff hanger. If any of these interest you, I highly recommend you check this out! Thanks to Britton and Torch Lit for the review copy so I could help spread the word!
This book was so cute it’s almost sick. It is FULL of girly musical references (mostly Taylor, but also some of my personal favorite queer artists. Chappell, ofc, Zolita, I think even Xana? I swear Britton and I have the same playlists). There’s mental health, queer, fat, and SA/DV rep. Also, ACAB. That scene was absolutely heartbreaking, and one I’m sure too many of us are familiar with. This is a sequel, but you don’t have to read the first book to get what’s going on, HOWEVER, this one ends on a cliff hanger. If any of these interest you, I highly recommend you check this out! Thanks to Britton and Torch Lit for the review copy so I could help spread the word!
June 14, 2025
Casual Sparks is book 2 in the Rockies Romance Series, but can be read as a standalone (I admittedly haven't read book 1 yet but I plan to now). I am hooked on Britton Ashley's writing and adored this wonderful sapphic love story!
Daisy and Dolly have a spicy kiss at a Halloween party and don't get the other's information. So when they run into each other seven months later they are both shocked and excited. These characters are incredible. Not only our FMCs, but the secondary characters too. I seriously had ALL the emotions as I read this story. Britton has given readers a heartwarming tale full of life lessons, mental health representation, and overcoming hardships. But at the same time she's seamlessly woven in hilarity, love, and a dash of spice.
If you are ready for a diverse love story with sassy women, family, friends, plenty of queer representation, and the sweetest HEA, get this book!
Open door spice level: 🌶️🌶️🫑 (2.5/5)
Daisy and Dolly have a spicy kiss at a Halloween party and don't get the other's information. So when they run into each other seven months later they are both shocked and excited. These characters are incredible. Not only our FMCs, but the secondary characters too. I seriously had ALL the emotions as I read this story. Britton has given readers a heartwarming tale full of life lessons, mental health representation, and overcoming hardships. But at the same time she's seamlessly woven in hilarity, love, and a dash of spice.
If you are ready for a diverse love story with sassy women, family, friends, plenty of queer representation, and the sweetest HEA, get this book!
Open door spice level: 🌶️🌶️🫑 (2.5/5)
June 18, 2025
While having a fun girls night out on Halloween at a gay bar with her cousins, Daisy shares a steamy kiss with a cute Dolly Parton look-alike. She gets a shock when that same woman shows up months later for a summer job alongside her at her aunt's law firm. They're both pleasantly surprised. And it turns out Dolly wasn't a fake name Daisy got from her after all.
Daisy's family brings Dolly in like she's one of their own. She even goes along with them for the family camping trip. It's obvious these two have chemistry but with second guessing and plenty of miscommunication, neither really knows where they stand with each other most of the time. But as they get closer, share their history, and find common ground their relationship grows.
This is a sweet, sapphic small town romance with those great found family elements. They're cute together as they navigate their budding romance. It has that HEA / cliffhanger that has you curious about what could happen next for the family.
Daisy's family brings Dolly in like she's one of their own. She even goes along with them for the family camping trip. It's obvious these two have chemistry but with second guessing and plenty of miscommunication, neither really knows where they stand with each other most of the time. But as they get closer, share their history, and find common ground their relationship grows.
This is a sweet, sapphic small town romance with those great found family elements. They're cute together as they navigate their budding romance. It has that HEA / cliffhanger that has you curious about what could happen next for the family.
June 8, 2025
Casual Sparks was such a great read. First off, the cover is absolutely beautiful! I love the character art.
I enjoyed watching Daisy and Dolly’s story develop. A truly inspiring story about two women overcoming trauma and becoming the best version of themselves. Daisy having a list in her phone of all the things Dolly loves? SOOOOO cute. My boyfriend did the same thing for me, so it made my heart melt!
I love how accepting Daisy’s family is. They were just a ray of sunshine and exactly what Dolly needed in her life. The way the family knew how perfect they’d be together and kept nudging them together was adorable.
The mental health representation is what struck me the most about this book, I loved how open and vulnerable the characters were.
I enjoyed watching Daisy and Dolly’s story develop. A truly inspiring story about two women overcoming trauma and becoming the best version of themselves. Daisy having a list in her phone of all the things Dolly loves? SOOOOO cute. My boyfriend did the same thing for me, so it made my heart melt!
I love how accepting Daisy’s family is. They were just a ray of sunshine and exactly what Dolly needed in her life. The way the family knew how perfect they’d be together and kept nudging them together was adorable.
The mental health representation is what struck me the most about this book, I loved how open and vulnerable the characters were.
June 16, 2025
📚✨ Casual Sparks by Britton Ashley
⭐️3/5 | 🌶️2/5
First and most importantly, this book is excellent LGBTQ+ representation. When I see a sapphic romance and plus-size women on the cover? I’m grabbing it immediately.
While I feel this book might hit harder for readers with a stronger grasp of pop culture references, you don’t need to catch them all to enjoy the story. If you’re looking for costumed meet-cutes, and steamy sapphics, pick this one up!
There were some genuinely funny and heartfelt moments, though I did feel like there were a lot of side characters to keep track of. Plus, a couple of repeated chapters threw off the flow a bit. Still, it’s a sweet, funny read that many will enjoy.
⭐️3/5 | 🌶️2/5
First and most importantly, this book is excellent LGBTQ+ representation. When I see a sapphic romance and plus-size women on the cover? I’m grabbing it immediately.
While I feel this book might hit harder for readers with a stronger grasp of pop culture references, you don’t need to catch them all to enjoy the story. If you’re looking for costumed meet-cutes, and steamy sapphics, pick this one up!
There were some genuinely funny and heartfelt moments, though I did feel like there were a lot of side characters to keep track of. Plus, a couple of repeated chapters threw off the flow a bit. Still, it’s a sweet, funny read that many will enjoy.
June 18, 2025
Casual Sparks is the second book in the Rockies Romance Series by Britton Ashley. This story is a cute sapphic romance set in a cozy mountain town in Colorado. Dolly and Daisy first met at a Halloween party, and what seemed like a missed chance turned into a sweet romance. The book uses the miscommunication trope in a fun and lighthearted way. If you're into pop music, you'll catch lots of nods to artists like Taylor Swift, Chappell Roan, and more throughout the story. Overall, I thought it was super funny with some genuinely sweet moments.
😏 cheeky banter
⛺ one tent
❤️🔥 slow burn
📱 she keeps a note of her favorite things
💕 missed connection
⭐ 3.5
🌶️ 2
Thanks to Torch Lit Ink for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
😏 cheeky banter
⛺ one tent
❤️🔥 slow burn
📱 she keeps a note of her favorite things
💕 missed connection
⭐ 3.5
🌶️ 2
Thanks to Torch Lit Ink for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 7, 2025
This is a sweet story of second chances. While the plot flow was a little dijointed due to the dual POVs and timelines, the story itself is good. I had to go back and check a few points as it was rather confusing at times. This method of writing is difficult to write without losing your readers, and I felt it was not completely achieved in this story.
However, having at its root love and found family vibes, the dialogue was brilliant, especially by some of the secondary characters. Having multiple diverse representation is a plus.
However, having at its root love and found family vibes, the dialogue was brilliant, especially by some of the secondary characters. Having multiple diverse representation is a plus.
May 19, 2025
Look, I know I’m biased, but this book is SO GOOD. If I could give it six stars, I would. If I could give it six million stars, I would. You thought Covered In You was good? Casual Sparks is a whole different ball game. Watching Dolly and Daisy shift and evolve throughout this book warms my heart so big and great. I would give a lot of money and/or a limb to read this for the first time again. #onlyonetent
May 30, 2025
First and most importantly, this book is excellent LGBTQ+ representation. This is also an ideal book for the Swifties as it’s full of references to songs and lyrics.
It was a fun read and the tension was incredible. My only real issue was the *spice* scene as it seemed to fall kind of flat considering the amount of tension we had leading up to it, and the amount we got in book one.
Lack of good spice aside, this book was definitely a fun read.
It was a fun read and the tension was incredible. My only real issue was the *spice* scene as it seemed to fall kind of flat considering the amount of tension we had leading up to it, and the amount we got in book one.
Lack of good spice aside, this book was definitely a fun read.
June 30, 2025
So, I was drawn to this sapphic romance because of the trope “only one tent”. I wanted more from this. Won’t go into details as to not spoil it. In terms of interactions, there was a great deal of banter between Dolly and Daisy. I am a vibe reader, some times I felt the vibes, especially all the musical references. Other times, the vibes fell short.
Book Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️3/5
Spice Rating: 🌶️ 1/5
Book Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️3/5
Spice Rating: 🌶️ 1/5
October 12, 2025
This was such a a sweet fun sapphic read! Both FMCs were adorable and I loved all the Taylor Swift references! I also appreciated the mental health and PTSD rep that were done so thoughtfully. It might be a rom-com, but there are definitely some serious themes tackled as well that add a layer of depth.
June 12, 2025
absolutely wonderful characters and found family tropes. but the absolute onslaught of trauma the writer puts the characters though is at odds with vibes of the central romance so I knocked a star off.
September 6, 2025
DNF at 25%
I might be too old for this read, and way too many Taylor Swift mentions. Everyone seems either incredibly immature or just, again way too young for me to connect with anything happening.
I might be too old for this read, and way too many Taylor Swift mentions. Everyone seems either incredibly immature or just, again way too young for me to connect with anything happening.
June 5, 2025
Great sophomore novel! But you can’t leave the ending that ambiguous. I NEED TO KNOWWWWWWW. Loved Dolly and Daisy together!
June 18, 2025
Sparks fly in this wonderfully entertaining and fun romance between two fabulous FMCs! Casual Sparks is full of heart, humor, banter, and sizzling chemistry! I loved reading Dolly and Daisy's story. 🩷
Daisy's focus is on work and family in Gunnison for the summer. She'll be heading to law school in the fall, and now is not the time to get distracted. However, a steamy kiss from the year before is still rattling around in her head. Daisy can't seem to shake the images of the lovely redhead she locked lips with...
A job offer in Gunnison may be just the thing for Dolly. She's had a rough year and is eager for a fresh start. An exciting kiss from Halloween is still rattling around in Dolly's mind, and when she discovers the fiery blond from that night is working at the same law firm, she's not sure she can deny the attraction.
Will the summer be full of electricity and romance, or will the pair keep it casual?
Daisy's focus is on work and family in Gunnison for the summer. She'll be heading to law school in the fall, and now is not the time to get distracted. However, a steamy kiss from the year before is still rattling around in her head. Daisy can't seem to shake the images of the lovely redhead she locked lips with...
A job offer in Gunnison may be just the thing for Dolly. She's had a rough year and is eager for a fresh start. An exciting kiss from Halloween is still rattling around in Dolly's mind, and when she discovers the fiery blond from that night is working at the same law firm, she's not sure she can deny the attraction.
Will the summer be full of electricity and romance, or will the pair keep it casual?
June 26, 2025
AHHH kicking my feet so hard on this one. I loved the first, Ivy lives rent free in my heart.
Okay but DAISY!!!
Daisy is my girl.
I literally cried when I read this because I got so connected to the characters. I can’t wait to see what comes next. BUT PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF WHATEVER, GIVE ME HEATHER AND BLAINE
Okay but DAISY!!!
Daisy is my girl.
I literally cried when I read this because I got so connected to the characters. I can’t wait to see what comes next. BUT PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF WHATEVER, GIVE ME HEATHER AND BLAINE
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