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Spark
She’s my best friend. And I want her.
Ruby’s my best friend and bandmate. The sister of my good friend, too. Which makes her “triple off-limits” to me. I’d even say she’s like a sister to me, if it weren’t for the unbrotherly dreams I’ve had about her since age sixteen.
But when Ruby drunkenly kisses me at a party to piss off her ex, the spark I’ve been working hard to snuff out for years bursts into a raging pyre. And now, I can’t stop obsessing about that kiss and yearning for another one.
In fact, after The Kiss That Changed Everything, I’m now determined to do whatever it takes to make Ruby mine, even at the risk of burning my whole world down.
Spark is a complete standalone, best friends to lovers, forced proximity, rockstar romance.
Ruby’s my best friend and bandmate. The sister of my good friend, too. Which makes her “triple off-limits” to me. I’d even say she’s like a sister to me, if it weren’t for the unbrotherly dreams I’ve had about her since age sixteen.
But when Ruby drunkenly kisses me at a party to piss off her ex, the spark I’ve been working hard to snuff out for years bursts into a raging pyre. And now, I can’t stop obsessing about that kiss and yearning for another one.
In fact, after The Kiss That Changed Everything, I’m now determined to do whatever it takes to make Ruby mine, even at the risk of burning my whole world down.
Spark is a complete standalone, best friends to lovers, forced proximity, rockstar romance.
408 pages, Paperback
Published July 16, 2025
620 people are currently reading
710 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Rowe
70 books5,834 followersUSA Today and internationally bestselling author Lauren Rowe lives in San Diego, California, where, in addition to writing books, she performs with her dance/party band at events all over Southern California, writes songs, walks her dogs, and spends time with her family and friends.
Much to Lauren’s thrill, her books have been translated all over the world in multiple languages and hit multiple domestic and international bestseller lists. To find out about Lauren’s upcoming releases and giveaways, and to check out loads of bonus material, sign up for Lauren’s emails at www.LaurenRoweBooks.com.
Lauren loves to hear from readers! Send Lauren an email from her website, say hi on Instagram @laurenrowebooks, and/or come by her Facebook page by searching Facebook for “Lauren Rowe Author.”
Much to Lauren’s thrill, her books have been translated all over the world in multiple languages and hit multiple domestic and international bestseller lists. To find out about Lauren’s upcoming releases and giveaways, and to check out loads of bonus material, sign up for Lauren’s emails at www.LaurenRoweBooks.com.
Lauren loves to hear from readers! Send Lauren an email from her website, say hi on Instagram @laurenrowebooks, and/or come by her Facebook page by searching Facebook for “Lauren Rowe Author.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 334 reviews
October 23, 2025
4 stars
I love being back in the Lauren Rowe universe. Seeing so many of my favorite characters from her previous books always leaves me with a big smile. This was a fantastic friends-to-lovers romance between Ruby and Kendrick from Fugitive Summer. I thoroughly enjoyed the audiobook.
I love being back in the Lauren Rowe universe. Seeing so many of my favorite characters from her previous books always leaves me with a big smile. This was a fantastic friends-to-lovers romance between Ruby and Kendrick from Fugitive Summer. I thoroughly enjoyed the audiobook.
Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 4 stars
Narrators: Full Cast
Narration Rating: 4.5 stars
Genre: Romance
Length: 13h 22m
July 31, 2025
I'm still thinking about this audio 2 days after finishing it. I just needed to sit with it a bit before writing my review. This production set such a high bar. It elevated an already sweet story to a whole other level. It was so engaging, exciting, and MUSICAL! I am a ho for some music in my audios. Even if it does send me scrambling to slow down my listening speed so I can fully appreciate it. Lols!
The story itself was a simple Friends to Lovers. Friends in a band, who have been secretly pining for one another for the better part of 12 years, and they are also band mates and now they are living together and guest mentoring on a musical reality show... with the heroine's ex-boyfriend. No big deal, right?
This book was a wild ride, full of laughs, steam, and two lovable musicians finding their HEA in their best friend. It was sweet, hot, and adorable, all wrapped into one. There wasn't much angst and it was a pleasure to listen to.
There was also lots of cameos by fellow band mates, and characters from other books, which expands the Lauren Rowe musical universe. I've only read Finding Home, from which C-Bomb makes an appearance, but I can't wait to try more in this world.
This was narrated in Duet style by Aaron Stone & Samantha Brentmoor as the main couple, who were complemented by John Lane, Sean Masters, Tim Page, and Connor Crais. It was just brilliant.
4.5 Stars
3.5 on the spice scale
CW: spicy time involving restraints, toys, DP, and some dirty talk
*Thank you to Must Love Audio and the author for an ALC of this title.*
The story itself was a simple Friends to Lovers. Friends in a band, who have been secretly pining for one another for the better part of 12 years, and they are also band mates and now they are living together and guest mentoring on a musical reality show... with the heroine's ex-boyfriend. No big deal, right?
This book was a wild ride, full of laughs, steam, and two lovable musicians finding their HEA in their best friend. It was sweet, hot, and adorable, all wrapped into one. There wasn't much angst and it was a pleasure to listen to.
There was also lots of cameos by fellow band mates, and characters from other books, which expands the Lauren Rowe musical universe. I've only read Finding Home, from which C-Bomb makes an appearance, but I can't wait to try more in this world.
This was narrated in Duet style by Aaron Stone & Samantha Brentmoor as the main couple, who were complemented by John Lane, Sean Masters, Tim Page, and Connor Crais. It was just brilliant.
4.5 Stars
3.5 on the spice scale
CW: spicy time involving restraints, toys, DP, and some dirty talk
*Thank you to Must Love Audio and the author for an ALC of this title.*
July 5, 2025
✨ Rating: 3.5 ⭐️
🎸 Vibes: pining in silence, rockstars
🎶 Song: with me - sum 41
📖 Favourite Quote: "I’d burn down every world for you, in every galaxy, in every lifetime."
📚 Would I recommend? sort of.
💬 Final thoughts: this book could be a lot short if they communicated.
In the package:
📦 tension-filled glances
📦 obsessed rockstar
📦 original music
Kendrick and Ruby have been best friends since they were sixteen. Kendrick is now 28 and he still hasn't told Ruby that he's in love with her. They're in the same band and spend almost every waking hour together. One night, she kisses him to spite her ex, years of buried feelings ignite, and now Kendrick will risk everything to make Ruby his.
The best friends ➡️ friends with benefits ➡️ lovers trope was done well and I loved reading Kendrick's internal monologue. That man was so down bad for Ruby, it was insane 😭 The two were very clearly in love with each other so the miscommunication and lack of communication is what didn't really work for me in this book.
This was a fun rockstar romance book!
Thank you Hambright PR and Lauren Rowe for the arc!
✩⁺₊✩☽⋆ follow me on tiktok ⋆☾✩⁺₊✩
🎸 Vibes: pining in silence, rockstars
🎶 Song: with me - sum 41
📖 Favourite Quote: "I’d burn down every world for you, in every galaxy, in every lifetime."
📚 Would I recommend? sort of.
💬 Final thoughts: this book could be a lot short if they communicated.
In the package:
📦 tension-filled glances
📦 obsessed rockstar
📦 original music
Kendrick and Ruby have been best friends since they were sixteen. Kendrick is now 28 and he still hasn't told Ruby that he's in love with her. They're in the same band and spend almost every waking hour together. One night, she kisses him to spite her ex, years of buried feelings ignite, and now Kendrick will risk everything to make Ruby his.
The best friends ➡️ friends with benefits ➡️ lovers trope was done well and I loved reading Kendrick's internal monologue. That man was so down bad for Ruby, it was insane 😭 The two were very clearly in love with each other so the miscommunication and lack of communication is what didn't really work for me in this book.
This was a fun rockstar romance book!
Thank you Hambright PR and Lauren Rowe for the arc!
✩⁺₊✩☽⋆ follow me on tiktok ⋆☾✩⁺₊✩
July 25, 2025
Spark
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lauren Rowe
Narration by: Austin Stone and Samantha Brentmoor
First of all thank you for Hambright Marketing and Lauren Rowe for the gifted audiobook and ebook. As always, I just love Lauren Rowe’s books! They are fun to read, spicy and just a good time and when you add the audiobook to it well, it is just perfection!
Spark is the story of Kendrick “KC” Cook and Ruby “Ruby Duby” Connelly who were life long friends, best of friends who had this unspoken thing that they were such best friends they didn’t want to ruin that but also were so in love with each other just nobody else would do.
So, what’s a rockstar drummer and the sassy keyboardist to do? Well, I don’t want to spoil the fun but a lot it turns out. And it makes for a delicious story!
I also loved being able to hear the songs that the rockstar band had that played parts in the story! If you want a really good time read Spark! For that matter, I’ve read many of Lauren Rowe’s books and they’ve all been a good time! Go start your Lauren Rowe journey!
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lauren Rowe
Narration by: Austin Stone and Samantha Brentmoor
First of all thank you for Hambright Marketing and Lauren Rowe for the gifted audiobook and ebook. As always, I just love Lauren Rowe’s books! They are fun to read, spicy and just a good time and when you add the audiobook to it well, it is just perfection!
Spark is the story of Kendrick “KC” Cook and Ruby “Ruby Duby” Connelly who were life long friends, best of friends who had this unspoken thing that they were such best friends they didn’t want to ruin that but also were so in love with each other just nobody else would do.
So, what’s a rockstar drummer and the sassy keyboardist to do? Well, I don’t want to spoil the fun but a lot it turns out. And it makes for a delicious story!
I also loved being able to hear the songs that the rockstar band had that played parts in the story! If you want a really good time read Spark! For that matter, I’ve read many of Lauren Rowe’s books and they’ve all been a good time! Go start your Lauren Rowe journey!
July 22, 2025
Kendrick and Ruby’s story is a deliciously slow burn built on years of friendship, unshakable trust, and some serious he falls first pining. Kendrick is absolutely down bad for Ruby, and the emotional payoff is so worth it.
Told in duet narration with a full supporting cast, this performance is next level. The original songs woven into the story are SO GOOD—they made the whole experience feel like a front row seat to both a love story and a concert.
I’ve read a handful of Lauren Rowe’s books and this one might just be my favorite yet. The found family vibes, the chemistry, and that quote?? I mean:
💥 “I’d burn down every world for you, in every galaxy, in every lifetime.” 💥
🎧 If you’re an audiobook lover, do not sleep on this one!
✨ Tropes:
🎤 Rockstar Romance
👫 Friends to Lovers
💘 He Falls First
🏠 Forced Proximity
🫶 Found Family
🚫💞 Bandmate’s Sister
Told in duet narration with a full supporting cast, this performance is next level. The original songs woven into the story are SO GOOD—they made the whole experience feel like a front row seat to both a love story and a concert.
I’ve read a handful of Lauren Rowe’s books and this one might just be my favorite yet. The found family vibes, the chemistry, and that quote?? I mean:
💥 “I’d burn down every world for you, in every galaxy, in every lifetime.” 💥
🎧 If you’re an audiobook lover, do not sleep on this one!
✨ Tropes:
🎤 Rockstar Romance
👫 Friends to Lovers
💘 He Falls First
🏠 Forced Proximity
🫶 Found Family
🚫💞 Bandmate’s Sister
August 13, 2025
I’m just going to dive straight into the review. First off, the duet narration and full cast were brilliant. I loved the creative lyric work by Lauren, which was performed by the cast in the narration—it really brought the book to life.
That said, I did struggle with this book. From a personal perspective, I had a hard time connecting with the FMC, Ruby, until about the 50% mark. After that, I started to enjoy her more. I thought Kendrick was sweet, caring, and passionate about Ruby, but afraid to fully come forward. I did enjoy their chemistry, and while it’s advertised as angsty, I didn’t really feel that it was. Normally, if I feel the angst, I’m overwhelmed with emotion and rooting hard for the couple. I wanted Kendrick to get the love of his life, but I honestly felt Ruby didn’t deserve him.
Lastly, the scene where Ruby pulls the band members into a room to confront Kendricks brother—who spread rumors and lied about her and the situation—was uncomfortable, cringey, and dragged on far too long.
Overall, the story was good, but just not particularly memorable for me
Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+
APK: Audiobook ALC
Audiobook Length: 13hrs 10mins
Narrators: Austin Stone and Samantha Brentmoor - Duet / Full Cast (Also Featuring Connor Crais, John Lane, Sean Masters and Sean Page
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Series or Standalone: Standalone
Tropes or Themes: Rockstar, Best Friends To Lovers, Forced Proximity, He Falls First, It’s Always Been You, Grand Gesture, Sexual Content, Dirty Talk, Praise, Oral, Bondage, Impact Play, Toys, DP Scene and Squirting
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Fable | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
That said, I did struggle with this book. From a personal perspective, I had a hard time connecting with the FMC, Ruby, until about the 50% mark. After that, I started to enjoy her more. I thought Kendrick was sweet, caring, and passionate about Ruby, but afraid to fully come forward. I did enjoy their chemistry, and while it’s advertised as angsty, I didn’t really feel that it was. Normally, if I feel the angst, I’m overwhelmed with emotion and rooting hard for the couple. I wanted Kendrick to get the love of his life, but I honestly felt Ruby didn’t deserve him.
Lastly, the scene where Ruby pulls the band members into a room to confront Kendricks brother—who spread rumors and lied about her and the situation—was uncomfortable, cringey, and dragged on far too long.
Overall, the story was good, but just not particularly memorable for me
Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+
APK: Audiobook ALC
Audiobook Length: 13hrs 10mins
Narrators: Austin Stone and Samantha Brentmoor - Duet / Full Cast (Also Featuring Connor Crais, John Lane, Sean Masters and Sean Page
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Series or Standalone: Standalone
Tropes or Themes: Rockstar, Best Friends To Lovers, Forced Proximity, He Falls First, It’s Always Been You, Grand Gesture, Sexual Content, Dirty Talk, Praise, Oral, Bondage, Impact Play, Toys, DP Scene and Squirting
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Fable | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
July 25, 2025
What can I say, I’m obsessed with Lauren Rowe’s rockstar romances.
This time we finally get our sweet Kendrick’s HEA!
Kendrick and Ruby have known each other since they were 16. Now they’re 28. They’ve been in the successful rock band Fugitive Summer together that whole time. Kendrick’s been in love with Ruby since day one, but she had a crush on Kendrick’s older brother way back when, so Kendrick never made a move.
This book was funny and clever! The Spark vs. Spank fiasco was super entertaining. As usual with these, there’s original music included in the audiobook and it is so well done! “Don’t Call Me” is 💣
Austin Stone and Samantha Brentmoor were both perfect narrators for this duet audiobook.
I love love love this rockstar universe that Lauren Rowe has created! I teared up a few times (the Savage Love remix and the poem at the end!!).
Check it out if you like:
❤️🔥 best friends to FWB to lovers
❤️🔥 rockstar / bandmates
❤️🔥 golden retriever MMC
❤️🔥 forbidden
❤️🔥 fake dating
❤️🔥 he falls first and hard
🎸 “I’ve loved that girl for as long as I can remember.”
🎸 “Fuck being a Doberman. You’re a golden retriever, through and through.”
🎸 “When you find the right person, it changes everything.”
This time we finally get our sweet Kendrick’s HEA!
Kendrick and Ruby have known each other since they were 16. Now they’re 28. They’ve been in the successful rock band Fugitive Summer together that whole time. Kendrick’s been in love with Ruby since day one, but she had a crush on Kendrick’s older brother way back when, so Kendrick never made a move.
This book was funny and clever! The Spark vs. Spank fiasco was super entertaining. As usual with these, there’s original music included in the audiobook and it is so well done! “Don’t Call Me” is 💣
Austin Stone and Samantha Brentmoor were both perfect narrators for this duet audiobook.
I love love love this rockstar universe that Lauren Rowe has created! I teared up a few times (the Savage Love remix and the poem at the end!!).
Check it out if you like:
❤️🔥 best friends to FWB to lovers
❤️🔥 rockstar / bandmates
❤️🔥 golden retriever MMC
❤️🔥 forbidden
❤️🔥 fake dating
❤️🔥 he falls first and hard
🎸 “I’ve loved that girl for as long as I can remember.”
🎸 “Fuck being a Doberman. You’re a golden retriever, through and through.”
🎸 “When you find the right person, it changes everything.”
July 21, 2025
ALC review. This was one of my favorite audiobooks that I have ever listened to. Samantha Brentmoor and Austin Stone did such an amazing job. This audio consumed my life. I didn’t want to do anything except listen once I started. This is a rockstar romance, and there are actual song recordings throughout the book. So good!
Kendrick and Ruby have been best friends and band mates forever, but Kendrick has always loved her. Ruby has recently went through a breakup, and her ex wrote a song about her being in love with someone else the entire time they were together. Kendrick wonders if maybe it could be him. After Ruby drunkingly kisses him at a party to get back at her ex, sparks start to fly. They both start to realize they’ve felt the same about each other this entire time.
This was my first book by Lauren Rowe. After I finished it, I immediately went to her website and bought several of her books. It was that good! I cannot wait to read more of her work. I highly, highly recommend this one! Add it to your list immediately!
Thank you Hambright PR and Lauren Rowe for the alc.
Kendrick and Ruby have been best friends and band mates forever, but Kendrick has always loved her. Ruby has recently went through a breakup, and her ex wrote a song about her being in love with someone else the entire time they were together. Kendrick wonders if maybe it could be him. After Ruby drunkingly kisses him at a party to get back at her ex, sparks start to fly. They both start to realize they’ve felt the same about each other this entire time.
This was my first book by Lauren Rowe. After I finished it, I immediately went to her website and bought several of her books. It was that good! I cannot wait to read more of her work. I highly, highly recommend this one! Add it to your list immediately!
Thank you Hambright PR and Lauren Rowe for the alc.
July 24, 2025
After enjoying the rock star romance The Hate Love Duet I was excited to jump back into this world for Lauren Rowe’s new standalone romance, Spark. Going in I knew that it was going to be a fun listen but I had no idea just how much I would enjoy it.
Spark centres on Kendrick and Ruby who are members of the band Fugitive Summer. Kendrick was one of my favourite side characters in the previous book so I was eager for him to find love. Ruby is Kendrick’s bandmate, best friend and his good friend’s sister which makes her very much off-limits. However, he has been secretly in love with her since they first met twelve years ago at the age of sixteen. Can they be more than friends, or will he destroy their friendship forever?
Friends to lovers is one of my favourite tropes and the sizzling chemistry between these two was brilliant. I also loved their fabulous banter, their friendship was written perfectly and was such a fun and flirty beginning. The world of rock stars and reality tv was so much fun and once the forced proximity came into play, the spice definitely got spicing and it was hot. The narration was also spot on and I loved listening to Samantha Brentmoor and Austin Stone voicing Ruby and Kendrick.
If you had told me when I first joined bookstagram that I would be enjoying steamy romances, I would have laughed, but here we are and this was certainly a fave. I can’t wait to read whatever Lauren Rowe writes next.
Spark centres on Kendrick and Ruby who are members of the band Fugitive Summer. Kendrick was one of my favourite side characters in the previous book so I was eager for him to find love. Ruby is Kendrick’s bandmate, best friend and his good friend’s sister which makes her very much off-limits. However, he has been secretly in love with her since they first met twelve years ago at the age of sixteen. Can they be more than friends, or will he destroy their friendship forever?
Friends to lovers is one of my favourite tropes and the sizzling chemistry between these two was brilliant. I also loved their fabulous banter, their friendship was written perfectly and was such a fun and flirty beginning. The world of rock stars and reality tv was so much fun and once the forced proximity came into play, the spice definitely got spicing and it was hot. The narration was also spot on and I loved listening to Samantha Brentmoor and Austin Stone voicing Ruby and Kendrick.
If you had told me when I first joined bookstagram that I would be enjoying steamy romances, I would have laughed, but here we are and this was certainly a fave. I can’t wait to read whatever Lauren Rowe writes next.
July 10, 2025
ALC Review: Spark
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️
If you’re into friends-to-lovers romances with a golden retriever MMC and a guaranteed happy ending, Spark is a total win. Ruby and her best friend (who’s also her bandmate) have had this slow-burn tension brewing for years—and when she kisses him to get back at her ex? Yeah… game over.
The chemistry between them is so fun to watch unfold. And honestly, the guy? He’s been low-key obsessed with her forever in the sweetest, most swoony way.
The audiobook has a great cast and original music from the band, which made it feel like more of an experience than just a listen. I wasn’t expecting that little touch, but it really worked.
If you love watching best friends realize they’ve been it for each other all along, definitely give Spark a go. It’s heartfelt, sexy, and just a really easy book to fall into!
Releases 7/25! Thank you to @hambright_pr and @laurenrowebooks for providing me with an ALC to review!
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️
If you’re into friends-to-lovers romances with a golden retriever MMC and a guaranteed happy ending, Spark is a total win. Ruby and her best friend (who’s also her bandmate) have had this slow-burn tension brewing for years—and when she kisses him to get back at her ex? Yeah… game over.
The chemistry between them is so fun to watch unfold. And honestly, the guy? He’s been low-key obsessed with her forever in the sweetest, most swoony way.
The audiobook has a great cast and original music from the band, which made it feel like more of an experience than just a listen. I wasn’t expecting that little touch, but it really worked.
If you love watching best friends realize they’ve been it for each other all along, definitely give Spark a go. It’s heartfelt, sexy, and just a really easy book to fall into!
Releases 7/25! Thank you to @hambright_pr and @laurenrowebooks for providing me with an ALC to review!
July 8, 2025
ALC review.
I loved this one!!
Narrated by Austin Stone & Samantha Brentmoor. They absolutely brought the chemistry! I am a sucker for a rockstar romance and this one was so good. Friends to lovers with all the passion, humor, spice, and music! The added songs in this one were a hit for me! I am absolutely loving Lauren Rowe’s work and this is a new rockstar romance fave of mine!!
I loved this one!!
Narrated by Austin Stone & Samantha Brentmoor. They absolutely brought the chemistry! I am a sucker for a rockstar romance and this one was so good. Friends to lovers with all the passion, humor, spice, and music! The added songs in this one were a hit for me! I am absolutely loving Lauren Rowe’s work and this is a new rockstar romance fave of mine!!
July 22, 2025
Thank you to Hambright and Lauren Rowe for the ARC of Spark!
Kendrick and Ruby have been the closest of friends since she joined the band he formed with his older brother and best friend when they were only 16. But Kendrick has been in love with Ruby since the day they met and has never been able to act on it. First, he was too nervous to do anything that might hurt the band. Then there was a messy situation with his brother and Ruby, and since he got back from college, she has been dating a string of losers. It's been 12 years and the band is famous, but they're so firmly in the friend zone that it's slowly killing Kendrick. But when Ruby breaks up with her latest terrible boyfriend, he sees an opportunity to finally let her know how he feels. The trouble is, he doesn't want to ruin their friendship in pursuit of a romantic relationship—no matter how much he's in love with her.
This is maybe the fourth book I've read by Lauren Rowe, and I can safely say that she is a go-to for me when I want a book that helps me zone out of whatever drama is happening in my life. Her novels tend to have low conflict in the central relationship, but because she writes about big groups of friends (including a lot of rock stars), there’s always something going on and high stakes outside the romance. You can read this book as a standalone, but if you've read any of her other books about the members of 22 Goats or C-Bomb from Red Card Riot, you'll enjoy this so much more.
The friends-to-lovers trope is often a hard sell for me because I need a compelling reason why two people haven’t gotten together after 12 years—especially when one side is unrequited. I don't love long-term pining. In this case, Lauren used the band dynamics to keep our main characters apart. First, Kendrick's older brother extracts a promise that none of them will ever make a move on Ruby to preserve the band. Then, there’s a messy situation from Ruby’s 20th birthday party that made Kendrick wary of telling her how he felt because he was convinced she had feelings for someone else. Considering how kind Kendrick is, that was enough to keep them apart, in my opinion, and made the story believable and enjoyable.
Just a side note—the spice in this book is very well done. If you want a really hot book, this one will work for you.
I can't recommend Lauren Rowe's books enough if you're looking for something sweet, spicy, and funny to dissociate from the mess we're currently living through.
4 stars.
Kendrick and Ruby have been the closest of friends since she joined the band he formed with his older brother and best friend when they were only 16. But Kendrick has been in love with Ruby since the day they met and has never been able to act on it. First, he was too nervous to do anything that might hurt the band. Then there was a messy situation with his brother and Ruby, and since he got back from college, she has been dating a string of losers. It's been 12 years and the band is famous, but they're so firmly in the friend zone that it's slowly killing Kendrick. But when Ruby breaks up with her latest terrible boyfriend, he sees an opportunity to finally let her know how he feels. The trouble is, he doesn't want to ruin their friendship in pursuit of a romantic relationship—no matter how much he's in love with her.
This is maybe the fourth book I've read by Lauren Rowe, and I can safely say that she is a go-to for me when I want a book that helps me zone out of whatever drama is happening in my life. Her novels tend to have low conflict in the central relationship, but because she writes about big groups of friends (including a lot of rock stars), there’s always something going on and high stakes outside the romance. You can read this book as a standalone, but if you've read any of her other books about the members of 22 Goats or C-Bomb from Red Card Riot, you'll enjoy this so much more.
The friends-to-lovers trope is often a hard sell for me because I need a compelling reason why two people haven’t gotten together after 12 years—especially when one side is unrequited. I don't love long-term pining. In this case, Lauren used the band dynamics to keep our main characters apart. First, Kendrick's older brother extracts a promise that none of them will ever make a move on Ruby to preserve the band. Then, there’s a messy situation from Ruby’s 20th birthday party that made Kendrick wary of telling her how he felt because he was convinced she had feelings for someone else. Considering how kind Kendrick is, that was enough to keep them apart, in my opinion, and made the story believable and enjoyable.
Just a side note—the spice in this book is very well done. If you want a really hot book, this one will work for you.
I can't recommend Lauren Rowe's books enough if you're looking for something sweet, spicy, and funny to dissociate from the mess we're currently living through.
4 stars.
July 22, 2025
Spank....Oops, I mean Spark 😉 by @laurenrowebooks was by the far one of the best audiobooks I've listened to in a while. Not only was this story fun, cute, and steamy, but the narrators KILLED it!!!
@therealaustinstone and @ms_brentmoor really brought Kendrick & Ruby to life. The banter, oh my darling, the banter was 🔥🔥. I giggled way too much, and I couldn't help but really fall for these characters. I couldn't put this audiobook down, and I truly didn't want it to end.
@hambright_pr I want to thank you for this ALC and for allowing me to be introduced to @laurenrowebooks ❤️❤️. I can't wait to dive into more books from Lauren and become immersed in her writing. I love this story so much, and the friends to lovers trope in this book is done so well 😰.
The story follows Kendrick "KC" and Ruby. They are bandmates/besties who secretly like each other. KC has always loved Ruby since they first met when they were 16. Ruby joined the band and was off limits. For 12 years, he harbored those feelings until a kiss at a party helped him design a plan to get Ruby to fall in love with him. Little did he know, Ruby had feelings for him too, but was oblivious to KCs feelings 😌 . It was cute to listen to their inner thoughts and how blind they were about eachothers feelings. The story was a slow burn in terms of the romance, but besties, once it popped off, IT POPPED OFF!! Holy Moly!!!! The tension, the dirty talk, the spankingssss 💦💦💦💦
I love it when I go blindly into a book or audiobook, and it ends up being one of my favorite reads 📚 😍. I ate this up and left no crumbs. Thank you @hambright_pr
and @laurenrowebooks for this ALC 🥰🥰🥰
‼️Releases July 25th ‼️
@therealaustinstone and @ms_brentmoor really brought Kendrick & Ruby to life. The banter, oh my darling, the banter was 🔥🔥. I giggled way too much, and I couldn't help but really fall for these characters. I couldn't put this audiobook down, and I truly didn't want it to end.
@hambright_pr I want to thank you for this ALC and for allowing me to be introduced to @laurenrowebooks ❤️❤️. I can't wait to dive into more books from Lauren and become immersed in her writing. I love this story so much, and the friends to lovers trope in this book is done so well 😰.
The story follows Kendrick "KC" and Ruby. They are bandmates/besties who secretly like each other. KC has always loved Ruby since they first met when they were 16. Ruby joined the band and was off limits. For 12 years, he harbored those feelings until a kiss at a party helped him design a plan to get Ruby to fall in love with him. Little did he know, Ruby had feelings for him too, but was oblivious to KCs feelings 😌 . It was cute to listen to their inner thoughts and how blind they were about eachothers feelings. The story was a slow burn in terms of the romance, but besties, once it popped off, IT POPPED OFF!! Holy Moly!!!! The tension, the dirty talk, the spankingssss 💦💦💦💦
I love it when I go blindly into a book or audiobook, and it ends up being one of my favorite reads 📚 😍. I ate this up and left no crumbs. Thank you @hambright_pr
and @laurenrowebooks for this ALC 🥰🥰🥰
‼️Releases July 25th ‼️
August 4, 2025
We are back in the River Records universe! Rudy and Kendrick are bandmates and friends…and maybe so much more!! I will get right to it - I LOVED Kendrick! He was charming and swoon worthy and all around a perfect #bookboyfriend Ruby was so funny and I loved how we get to see her realize her true feelings for Kendrick.
The audio was fantastic!!! When I start a Lauren Rowe audiobook I know I am in for a treat and Samantha & Austin were the perfect match for Ruby and Kendrick. The building tension between them was perfect! They had this amazing chemistry and the will they or won’t they moments were * chef’s kiss 💋
🎹THERE ARE ORIGINAL SONGS!!!!
I did know this was a full cast and we get to hear ALL the voices and cameos!! I especially loved the banter and back forth between the bandmates. I loved the themes of found family too.
And my favorite game: Birthday Truth or Dare is back!!
✨ What To Expect:
🎸 Rockstar Romance
👙 Forced proximity
❤️🔥 He Falls First
💞 Best friends to lovers
🐠 Bandmate's sister
🔥 He'd burn the world down for her
🚫 Forbidden/Off Limits
🥁 Rockstar/bandmates
🎹 Touch her & 💀
🧡 Found Family
The audio was fantastic!!! When I start a Lauren Rowe audiobook I know I am in for a treat and Samantha & Austin were the perfect match for Ruby and Kendrick. The building tension between them was perfect! They had this amazing chemistry and the will they or won’t they moments were * chef’s kiss 💋
🎹THERE ARE ORIGINAL SONGS!!!!
I did know this was a full cast and we get to hear ALL the voices and cameos!! I especially loved the banter and back forth between the bandmates. I loved the themes of found family too.
And my favorite game: Birthday Truth or Dare is back!!
✨ What To Expect:
🎸 Rockstar Romance
👙 Forced proximity
❤️🔥 He Falls First
💞 Best friends to lovers
🐠 Bandmate's sister
🔥 He'd burn the world down for her
🚫 Forbidden/Off Limits
🥁 Rockstar/bandmates
🎹 Touch her & 💀
🧡 Found Family
July 23, 2025
It's been a long time since I've read a rockstar romance and honestly I forgot how much I enjoy them! Kendrick and Ruby are in a band together and have been since they were 16. Kendrick has been pining after Ruby for 12 entire years. He has always had to keep his feelings hidden but one kiss finally changes everything. Their friends to lovers romance was sooo good. The burn was slow but it was hot! 🔥 Kendrick was such a golden retriever and I loved how good he was to Ruby. He would literally do anything for this girl!!
I enjoyed this book & will definitely be going back to read more books by Lauren Rowe.
🎧Audio:🎧
This is narrated by Samantha Brentmoor and Austin Stone but also has a supporting cast of Connor Crais, John Lane, Sean Masters, and Tim Paige. I love a full cast of narrators! It just elevates it to a new level. The fact that there are the actual songs on the audiobook with music and everything is amazing to me. This audiobook was fantastic.
What to expect:
🎸Best Friends to Lovers
❤️🔥Fake Dating
🎸Forced Proximity
❤️🔥He Falls First
🎸Rockstar Romance
This one releases July 25. Thank you so much to Lauren Rowe & Hambright PR for this ARC/ALC.
I enjoyed this book & will definitely be going back to read more books by Lauren Rowe.
🎧Audio:🎧
This is narrated by Samantha Brentmoor and Austin Stone but also has a supporting cast of Connor Crais, John Lane, Sean Masters, and Tim Paige. I love a full cast of narrators! It just elevates it to a new level. The fact that there are the actual songs on the audiobook with music and everything is amazing to me. This audiobook was fantastic.
What to expect:
🎸Best Friends to Lovers
❤️🔥Fake Dating
🎸Forced Proximity
❤️🔥He Falls First
🎸Rockstar Romance
This one releases July 25. Thank you so much to Lauren Rowe & Hambright PR for this ARC/ALC.
July 5, 2025
After reading/listening to this amazing story. I can now say it’s by far my favorite Rockstar Romance to date! It was beautifully written and it’s the first audio I’ve ever listened to that had the actual songs and music playing throughout the book! (And I’ve listened to a lot of audios) I devoured this book. I’d say I’m literally obsessed! 🤩 currently adding Lauren’s entire backlog of books to my TBR!
Kendrick meets Ruby in high school and is attracted to her. He wants to spend more time with her so he invites her to audition to be in his band. His brother is hesitant about letting her join them because well she’s a girl potentially joining a band with three other guys! That could potentially rip the band apart. So Kendrick, his brother Kai and other bandmate savage make a pact. Ruby can join them only if she’s off limits to all of them. So she’s destined to be their “little sister”. Ruby and her brother Titus both join the band and they all become very popular. Fast forward 12 years and Kendrick is still completely and utterly obsessed with Ruby. He’s never told anyone. And Ruby is hiding a secret of her own. She’s also very interested in him. Throughout those 12 years neither Ruby nor Kendrick have ever got serious about anyone else. He’s her best friend and he didn’t want to ruin the relationship they share if she didn’t reciprocate his feelings. After some sneaky plans Kendrick has Ruby right where he wants her. Sharing his house and his bed with her. So he plans to seize the opportunity and make her fall in love with him just like he loves her. Do these two best friends/bandmates have what it takes to rock it out the rest of their lives together? Read to find out! 💕
I swear Kendrick must be a saint because he waited 12 years to make his move to try and get the woman of his dreams. They share such a close connection and bond. The dedication and love was unmatched.
Highly recommend this read! Definitely do an immersive read because this audio was everything and more! And I’ll just say the spice was definitely spic-ing!!!
Some of my favorite quotes:
I dreamed a snake chased me off a cliff! 🤭(if you know you know)
I’d burn down every world for you, in every galaxy, in every lifetime!
I’m a slave to this woman’s body, every bit as much as I’m a slave to her heart. Her soul. Her smile. Her laugh.
Why? Because I’m deeply, madly, irrevocably, and infinitely in love with Ruby Margaret Connolly. Addicted to her. Desperate for her. God help me, I was born to love this woman. She’s the one. And there’s no option for me, other than making her mine, through any means necessary.
Thank you Lauren Rowe and Hambright PR for this ARC and ALC!
Kendrick meets Ruby in high school and is attracted to her. He wants to spend more time with her so he invites her to audition to be in his band. His brother is hesitant about letting her join them because well she’s a girl potentially joining a band with three other guys! That could potentially rip the band apart. So Kendrick, his brother Kai and other bandmate savage make a pact. Ruby can join them only if she’s off limits to all of them. So she’s destined to be their “little sister”. Ruby and her brother Titus both join the band and they all become very popular. Fast forward 12 years and Kendrick is still completely and utterly obsessed with Ruby. He’s never told anyone. And Ruby is hiding a secret of her own. She’s also very interested in him. Throughout those 12 years neither Ruby nor Kendrick have ever got serious about anyone else. He’s her best friend and he didn’t want to ruin the relationship they share if she didn’t reciprocate his feelings. After some sneaky plans Kendrick has Ruby right where he wants her. Sharing his house and his bed with her. So he plans to seize the opportunity and make her fall in love with him just like he loves her. Do these two best friends/bandmates have what it takes to rock it out the rest of their lives together? Read to find out! 💕
I swear Kendrick must be a saint because he waited 12 years to make his move to try and get the woman of his dreams. They share such a close connection and bond. The dedication and love was unmatched.
Highly recommend this read! Definitely do an immersive read because this audio was everything and more! And I’ll just say the spice was definitely spic-ing!!!
Some of my favorite quotes:
I dreamed a snake chased me off a cliff! 🤭(if you know you know)
I’d burn down every world for you, in every galaxy, in every lifetime!
I’m a slave to this woman’s body, every bit as much as I’m a slave to her heart. Her soul. Her smile. Her laugh.
Why? Because I’m deeply, madly, irrevocably, and infinitely in love with Ruby Margaret Connolly. Addicted to her. Desperate for her. God help me, I was born to love this woman. She’s the one. And there’s no option for me, other than making her mine, through any means necessary.
Thank you Lauren Rowe and Hambright PR for this ARC and ALC!
July 15, 2025
Spice: 3
Tropes:
rockstar romance
He Falls First
golden retriever MMC
best friends to lovers
forced proximity
bandmates
Dual POV
Oh Spark.... I had no idea I would swoon over you like I did. Well let me take that back, because I'm obsessed with this entire Rockstar World, as we all know. I didn't realize that Kendrick and Ruby would be some of my top new favorite characters! I literally couldn't put my book down, I loved them so much.
Kendrick, my darling, where do I begin? You've pinned after your bestfriend/bandmate since you were teenagers. Why do I love that so much? You're built like a football player, the drummer for the band Fugitive Summer- which is my favorite, don't tell C-Bomb- you're respectful of Ruby, and then you'd kill someone over her and became a possessive sex-craved man that had me wishing you had wrote a song called "Spank" ;) I loved you so much!
Ruby, Ruby Duby- you're the only female in this rockstar band and I love you from your colorful hair to your quick banter, and mad keyboard skills. Do I wish you'd have figured out Kendrick loved you earlier... yes. But do I love how it played out now? Uh Yes! Your sharp whit had me giggling the whole time, it cracked me up.
I also did the audio for this one and the narrators were great for these two. What I also liked about Spark was seeing C-Bomb (from Finding Home) and Laila/Savage (from Hate/Love Duet) play some big roles in this one. That's one of the things I love so much about this world Lauren Rowe has created, seeing characters come back around!
Tropes:
rockstar romance
He Falls First
golden retriever MMC
best friends to lovers
forced proximity
bandmates
Dual POV
Oh Spark.... I had no idea I would swoon over you like I did. Well let me take that back, because I'm obsessed with this entire Rockstar World, as we all know. I didn't realize that Kendrick and Ruby would be some of my top new favorite characters! I literally couldn't put my book down, I loved them so much.
Kendrick, my darling, where do I begin? You've pinned after your bestfriend/bandmate since you were teenagers. Why do I love that so much? You're built like a football player, the drummer for the band Fugitive Summer- which is my favorite, don't tell C-Bomb- you're respectful of Ruby, and then you'd kill someone over her and became a possessive sex-craved man that had me wishing you had wrote a song called "Spank" ;) I loved you so much!
Ruby, Ruby Duby- you're the only female in this rockstar band and I love you from your colorful hair to your quick banter, and mad keyboard skills. Do I wish you'd have figured out Kendrick loved you earlier... yes. But do I love how it played out now? Uh Yes! Your sharp whit had me giggling the whole time, it cracked me up.
I also did the audio for this one and the narrators were great for these two. What I also liked about Spark was seeing C-Bomb (from Finding Home) and Laila/Savage (from Hate/Love Duet) play some big roles in this one. That's one of the things I love so much about this world Lauren Rowe has created, seeing characters come back around!
July 24, 2025
OMG! I can't possibly do justice in a review, explaining the masterpiece that is Spark.
As a reader who has been reading romance for more than 40 years, you can imagine that I've read many friends to lovers novels.
Spark is right up there at the top of the list.
I absolutely adored Kendrick and Ruby's story.
I alternately hated and adored Kai but with Titus and Savage as well as Kendrick and Ruby, Fugitive Summer, and the high-class vehicle for this amazing novel is born.
This is a must-read for anyone who has read any novels featuring characters from River Records bands....and a must read for those who haven't! Why haven't you??
As we've come to expect from Lauren Rowe, we don't just have a story, we have a soundtrack too, featuring some of the amazing tracks that take to the stage.
Another winner for sure!!
As a reader who has been reading romance for more than 40 years, you can imagine that I've read many friends to lovers novels.
Spark is right up there at the top of the list.
I absolutely adored Kendrick and Ruby's story.
I alternately hated and adored Kai but with Titus and Savage as well as Kendrick and Ruby, Fugitive Summer, and the high-class vehicle for this amazing novel is born.
This is a must-read for anyone who has read any novels featuring characters from River Records bands....and a must read for those who haven't! Why haven't you??
As we've come to expect from Lauren Rowe, we don't just have a story, we have a soundtrack too, featuring some of the amazing tracks that take to the stage.
Another winner for sure!!
July 22, 2025
This was the perfect friends to lovers rockstar romance. Ruby and Kendrick has been best friends since high school and is in a band together. Kendrick has been in love with Ruby since the day they met and she's been off limits. I adore their friends to lovers journey so much.
Ruby is feisty and Kendrick is the total golden retriever. The friends to benefits was steamy and I just adore their banter.
They are both in Fugutive Summer and the story takes place in similar time line as The Hate Love Duet. I love seeing all the other characters and listening to the original songs from the bands.
This is a duet narration primarily by Samantha Brentmoor and Austin Stone. We also Connor Crais, John Lane, Sean Masters and Tim Paige which created such a rich listening experience.
Thank you @laurenrowebooks @hambright_pr for a copy of the audiobook.
Ruby is feisty and Kendrick is the total golden retriever. The friends to benefits was steamy and I just adore their banter.
They are both in Fugutive Summer and the story takes place in similar time line as The Hate Love Duet. I love seeing all the other characters and listening to the original songs from the bands.
This is a duet narration primarily by Samantha Brentmoor and Austin Stone. We also Connor Crais, John Lane, Sean Masters and Tim Paige which created such a rich listening experience.
Thank you @laurenrowebooks @hambright_pr for a copy of the audiobook.
July 23, 2025
Lauren Rowe is back with a new rockstar romance! Spark follows bandmates and best friends, Kendrick and Ruby.
Kendrick has had it bad for Ruby since they were 16. 12 years later, and he still hasn’t told her how he feels. Ruby has just broken up with her ex. But when her ex writes a song about her, she finds herself drunk kissing Kendrick and entering into a fake relationship.
I loved being able to hear the songs in this audiobook. Austin Stone and Samantha Brentmoor did a great job making this book come to life.
Tropes You’ll Love:
✨Best Friends to Lovers
✨Rockstar Bandmates
✨He Falls First
✨Pining/Angst
✨Fake Dating
Kendrick has had it bad for Ruby since they were 16. 12 years later, and he still hasn’t told her how he feels. Ruby has just broken up with her ex. But when her ex writes a song about her, she finds herself drunk kissing Kendrick and entering into a fake relationship.
I loved being able to hear the songs in this audiobook. Austin Stone and Samantha Brentmoor did a great job making this book come to life.
Tropes You’ll Love:
✨Best Friends to Lovers
✨Rockstar Bandmates
✨He Falls First
✨Pining/Angst
✨Fake Dating
July 23, 2025
Ruby and Kendrick have been best friends and bandmates for years. Kendrick has always harbored feelings for her but kept them buried until one night when Ruby kissed him, changing everything. Now, he’s determined to show her they’re more than just friends, that they have the spark to make something real. As they explore the shift from friendship to romance, their undeniable chemistry shines.
Samantha Brentmoor and Austin Stone deliver stellar performances as Ruby and Kendrick, capturing both the warmth of their long-standing friendship and the intensity of their growing love. The addition of original music throughout the audiobook adds a rich, immersive layer to the story.
If you're a fan of rockstar romances this one’s a must listen!
Samantha Brentmoor and Austin Stone deliver stellar performances as Ruby and Kendrick, capturing both the warmth of their long-standing friendship and the intensity of their growing love. The addition of original music throughout the audiobook adds a rich, immersive layer to the story.
If you're a fan of rockstar romances this one’s a must listen!
July 12, 2025
If you are like me and you love Lauren Rowe writing then you definitely don’t want to skip out on this one!
Rockstar Romance + Friends to Lovers with some Spicy Scenes = Perfection!!
This Audiobook OMG the full cast absolutely did an exceptional job on this!! They really brought the characters to life! And what I love the most is the songs throughout this one!
(If you didn’t know Lauren Rowe is an amazing Songwriter too!!) Especially because the narrators sing it!! Yes they actually sing all the songs and it really gives you more layers to the story! This audiobook was definitely a great experience listening to this one!
Lauren Rowe has done it again! Spark will have you kicking your feet up and giddying like a school girl who just got a phone call from her crush kind of romance!
This book has one trope that I always love and that’s the friends to lovers trope! And this one absolutely delivered that.
Kendrick just throws golden retriever vibes and I loved every single second of it! That man is the sweetest!
Spark is a standalone but I love the fact that Lauren Rowe brought back some previous characters from her past books! When these characters show up you know it’s going to be a fun time! Especially since these characters (not spoiling anything) have been some of my favorites!!
Rockstar Romance + Friends to Lovers with some Spicy Scenes = Perfection!!
This Audiobook OMG the full cast absolutely did an exceptional job on this!! They really brought the characters to life! And what I love the most is the songs throughout this one!
(If you didn’t know Lauren Rowe is an amazing Songwriter too!!) Especially because the narrators sing it!! Yes they actually sing all the songs and it really gives you more layers to the story! This audiobook was definitely a great experience listening to this one!
Lauren Rowe has done it again! Spark will have you kicking your feet up and giddying like a school girl who just got a phone call from her crush kind of romance!
This book has one trope that I always love and that’s the friends to lovers trope! And this one absolutely delivered that.
Kendrick just throws golden retriever vibes and I loved every single second of it! That man is the sweetest!
Spark is a standalone but I love the fact that Lauren Rowe brought back some previous characters from her past books! When these characters show up you know it’s going to be a fun time! Especially since these characters (not spoiling anything) have been some of my favorites!!
July 15, 2025
Another amazing book by Lauren Rowe! I loved this one! The friends to lovers is 🔥🔥 the spice is spicing 🥵
When KC went to Savage for advice on how to woo Ruby, I thought he was for sure going to blow it. The advice was ridiculously hilarious 😂 It was advice you would get from an overconfident 'player'.
Ruby was great! I loved how she understood how she hurt her ex and owned up to it. She was funny and didn't want to burden her bestie with housing troubles.
The friendship grew into the beautiful relationship it was always ment to be! I cant imagine loving someone for years and not telling them 🥹
The narrators as always did amazing and the music!! so good!
thank you Lauren rowe and Hambright for this gifted ALC!
When KC went to Savage for advice on how to woo Ruby, I thought he was for sure going to blow it. The advice was ridiculously hilarious 😂 It was advice you would get from an overconfident 'player'.
Ruby was great! I loved how she understood how she hurt her ex and owned up to it. She was funny and didn't want to burden her bestie with housing troubles.
The friendship grew into the beautiful relationship it was always ment to be! I cant imagine loving someone for years and not telling them 🥹
The narrators as always did amazing and the music!! so good!
thank you Lauren rowe and Hambright for this gifted ALC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2025
Sweet, sweet Kendrick finally gets his HEA 😍😍 for all my golden retriever lovers, he’s something special, but BOY did that spice surprise the crap out of me 🥵
Lauren Rowe never misses for me. I’m such a fan of her rockstar romances. They give you all the feels, the spice, the pining, the want, the desire, all of it. There’s so much depth in these characters. How they get to where they are. I love it.
I will ALWAYS recommend the audio versions of these books. There’s original music that seriously gives this book an extra edge in my opinion. The fact that I got to listen to Savage Love by Laila featuring Savage made me scream!!! (IYKYK)
I love that these stories are interconnected. You meet all the characters on the Reed Rivers Trilogy and work your way through the stories of the characters. It’s so special and a big reason why I love these books so much!!
Ruby and Kendrick are so dang sweet. Their friendship from the beginning has been one of my favorites. They’re ride or die friends and have been since they were in school. But to see them finally admit their feelings?! 🤯 SO WORTH THE WAIT!
The banter in these books are amazing as well. I cracked up so many times while listening. Kendrick and Savage’s friendship is hilarious. I can’t ever get enough of it!!
I highly recommend this book to those who love rockstar romances with the best banter, all the feelings, and the best friendships ever. I cannot wait for more!
Thank you to Lauren Rowe and Hambright PR for the ALC in exchange for my review!
Lauren Rowe never misses for me. I’m such a fan of her rockstar romances. They give you all the feels, the spice, the pining, the want, the desire, all of it. There’s so much depth in these characters. How they get to where they are. I love it.
I will ALWAYS recommend the audio versions of these books. There’s original music that seriously gives this book an extra edge in my opinion. The fact that I got to listen to Savage Love by Laila featuring Savage made me scream!!! (IYKYK)
I love that these stories are interconnected. You meet all the characters on the Reed Rivers Trilogy and work your way through the stories of the characters. It’s so special and a big reason why I love these books so much!!
Ruby and Kendrick are so dang sweet. Their friendship from the beginning has been one of my favorites. They’re ride or die friends and have been since they were in school. But to see them finally admit their feelings?! 🤯 SO WORTH THE WAIT!
The banter in these books are amazing as well. I cracked up so many times while listening. Kendrick and Savage’s friendship is hilarious. I can’t ever get enough of it!!
I highly recommend this book to those who love rockstar romances with the best banter, all the feelings, and the best friendships ever. I cannot wait for more!
Thank you to Lauren Rowe and Hambright PR for the ALC in exchange for my review!
July 8, 2025
~Alc Review~
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶.5
~Spark~Lauren Rowe~
~Duet Narration~Austin Snow & Samantha Brentmoor~FT. Connor Crais~John Lane~Sean Masters~& Tim Paige~
"I'd burn down every world for you, in every galaxy, in every lifetime."
♡This was my first read by Lauren Rowe & to say I'm obsessed would be an understatement!! This best friends-to-lovers rockstar/bandmate romance was executed perfectly. The chemistry between our FMC Ruby & our MMC Kendrick was spicy, passionate, & the banter was chefs kiss!
This audiobook was perfection! Samantha & Austin did a phenomenal job at bringing our loving couple Ruby & Kendrick to life! On top of that, we got a full supporting cast of amazing narrators to bring the rest of Fugitive Summer to life as well!
I have listened to quite a few rockstar romance books & I love that trope! This audiobook was music to my ears (LITERALLY) I'm audiobook obsessed & this is the first audiobook I have ever listened to where the music that the band performs is played throughout the audiobook!! On top of that, we got the band's album at the end of the audiobook!! This is my petition for another Fugitive Summer album ASAP!
~As Always Happy Reading~
P.S. Thank you so much Hambright PR for this ALC 🧡🤍
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶.5
~Spark~Lauren Rowe~
~Duet Narration~Austin Snow & Samantha Brentmoor~FT. Connor Crais~John Lane~Sean Masters~& Tim Paige~
"I'd burn down every world for you, in every galaxy, in every lifetime."
♡This was my first read by Lauren Rowe & to say I'm obsessed would be an understatement!! This best friends-to-lovers rockstar/bandmate romance was executed perfectly. The chemistry between our FMC Ruby & our MMC Kendrick was spicy, passionate, & the banter was chefs kiss!
This audiobook was perfection! Samantha & Austin did a phenomenal job at bringing our loving couple Ruby & Kendrick to life! On top of that, we got a full supporting cast of amazing narrators to bring the rest of Fugitive Summer to life as well!
I have listened to quite a few rockstar romance books & I love that trope! This audiobook was music to my ears (LITERALLY) I'm audiobook obsessed & this is the first audiobook I have ever listened to where the music that the band performs is played throughout the audiobook!! On top of that, we got the band's album at the end of the audiobook!! This is my petition for another Fugitive Summer album ASAP!
~As Always Happy Reading~
P.S. Thank you so much Hambright PR for this ALC 🧡🤍
July 13, 2025
I was provided an e-ARC & an ALC of this title free and am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Kendrick & Ruby.
“Hot stuff” & “Cutie.”
KC and his gem of a best friend.
This was my second Lauren Rowe ALC, after the Hate Love Duet, and it was an absolute ball park knockout for me. I loved Kendrick’s character so much in Hate Love, and really enjoyed getting to see his story unfold and the way this his own happily ever after came about.
For KC, Ruby was the spark that lit the fuse that caused the explosion— it just took a little while for that spark to catch.
Read if you love:
Rockstar romance
Friends to lovers
He falls first
Fake dating to friends with benefits to MORE
Found family
Good girl
“What if…”
Light miscommunication
Band mates
One bed
Cuddling
He falls first
Protective MMC
Tattooed MMC
Role play
Found family
Yearning
Grand romantic features
Fake dating > real dating
Slow burn
HEA
Thank you so much to Hambright PR & Lauren Rowe for the gifted digital and audio copies!
Kendrick & Ruby.
“Hot stuff” & “Cutie.”
KC and his gem of a best friend.
This was my second Lauren Rowe ALC, after the Hate Love Duet, and it was an absolute ball park knockout for me. I loved Kendrick’s character so much in Hate Love, and really enjoyed getting to see his story unfold and the way this his own happily ever after came about.
For KC, Ruby was the spark that lit the fuse that caused the explosion— it just took a little while for that spark to catch.
Read if you love:
Rockstar romance
Friends to lovers
He falls first
Fake dating to friends with benefits to MORE
Found family
Good girl
“What if…”
Light miscommunication
Band mates
One bed
Cuddling
He falls first
Protective MMC
Tattooed MMC
Role play
Found family
Yearning
Grand romantic features
Fake dating > real dating
Slow burn
HEA
Thank you so much to Hambright PR & Lauren Rowe for the gifted digital and audio copies!
July 20, 2025
4.5 stars
Spark is Kendrick Cook’s story and while it starts off a bit slow it gets alot better the further you read on & I really thought it was a truly wonderful story!
This is a rockstar romance with endearing characters!
The push and pull between Kendrick and Ruby makes an entertaining story! Drama, good friendships, sizzling tension and a possibility of a great future made this an enjoyable read!
I especially loved the witty banter! Ms Rowe has a way with words that makes you fall in love with the characters she writes about!
Spark is Kendrick Cook’s story and while it starts off a bit slow it gets alot better the further you read on & I really thought it was a truly wonderful story!
This is a rockstar romance with endearing characters!
The push and pull between Kendrick and Ruby makes an entertaining story! Drama, good friendships, sizzling tension and a possibility of a great future made this an enjoyable read!
I especially loved the witty banter! Ms Rowe has a way with words that makes you fall in love with the characters she writes about!
July 13, 2025
"She was the SPARK that lit the fuse that caused the explosion."
🧨SPARK by Lauren Rowe drops July 25.
🎧 Duet Narration with some of the best narrators! The audio is perfection!
Another banger!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
What comes with spark...
👙 Forced proximity
👩🏼❤️💋👨🏼 Best friends to lovers
🐠 Bandmate's sister
🛏️ He'd burn the world down for her
🏝️ Forbidden
💞 Rockstar/bandmates
💼 Touch her and di3
#books #booktok #bookstagram #booktokcommunity #bookrecommendations #HPRSpark #LaurenRoweBooks
#HambrightPR
🧨SPARK by Lauren Rowe drops July 25.
🎧 Duet Narration with some of the best narrators! The audio is perfection!
Another banger!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
What comes with spark...
👙 Forced proximity
👩🏼❤️💋👨🏼 Best friends to lovers
🐠 Bandmate's sister
🛏️ He'd burn the world down for her
🏝️ Forbidden
💞 Rockstar/bandmates
💼 Touch her and di3
#books #booktok #bookstagram #booktokcommunity #bookrecommendations #HPRSpark #LaurenRoweBooks
#HambrightPR
July 26, 2025
⋆˚✿˖°♡ 𝗡 𝗘 𝗪 𝗥 𝗘 𝗟 𝗘 𝗔 𝗦 𝗘 & 𝗔 𝗟 𝗖 𝗥 𝗘 𝗩 𝗜 𝗘 𝗪! ♡˖°✿˚⋆
✽ 𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀: Samantha Brentmoor, Austin Stone, Connor Crais, John Lane, Sean Masters & Tim Paige
🎧 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 🎧
You’ll love this book if you like these tropes…♡
ꕤ 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀 ꕤ
❥ Rockstar Romance
✿ Friends-to-Lovers
❥ Golden Retriever Hero
✿ Feisty Heroine
❥ Friends With Benefits
✿ Undeniable Chemistry
❥ Forbidden Romance
✿ Obsessed Rockstar
❥ Found Family
✿ He Falls First
❥ Bandmates Sister
✿ He’s Pining For Her
❥ Forced Proximity
It’s so secret that I’m obsessed with all things Lauren Rowe, so when I saw she had a new release coming I jumped straight onto that and as always, she did not disappoint.
Spark is a friends-to-lovers rockstar romance, and if you are familiar with Lauren’s books then you know that she is in her element when it comes to rockstar romances and this beauty rocks my socks off! I was completely consumed from start to finish.
Lauren drops us right back into the world that is River Records and Fugitive Summer and gives us this sexy, fun, and cute love story about Ruby and Kendrick, two souls that you knew were meant for each other from the beginning, but unfortunately, that’s not how love works sometimes, and even though Kendrick had loved Ruby since the first day he laid eyes on her. She was off-limits. But are they able to control themselves and not give in, or is the chemistry and temptation between these two too much, and will they give in to their mutual love and desire?
I absolutely adored Ruby! She was quick-witted and a fierce firecracker! She often had me laughing throughout the book, and she definitely gave Kendrick a run for his money, and he loved every minute of it. He was BEYOND smitten with her, and I was here for it! The banter between the two of them was top-tier! *Chefs Kiss*
Kendrick was the golden retriever MMC. Which normally isn’t a trope I enjoy that much when it comes to male characters in romance books, but Lauren has a way with her words like no other, and I found myself completely smitten with him also!
I read the eBook and listened to the audiobook, and I have to say, even if you aren’t into audiobooks, I highly recommend picking up this book in audio. Lauren goes all out with her audiobooks. She had a full cast for narration. Her main narration for Ruby and Kendrick was Samantha Brentmoor & Austin Stone, then you add in Connor Crais, John Lane, Sean Masters, and Tim Paige…. All together, it was amazing!! Then to top it off, she adds in some original music she’s written for the band. I was obsessed. I’ve lost count on how many times I’ve played the songs. (She’s done this for previous books, so if you are new to her and intrigued, I suggest starting with Hero: Morgan Brothers Book #1. You won’t be disappointed.)
There’s only one negative thing I can say about this book, and that is that it had to come to an end. I could have easily read/listened for days and not slept! I still can’t get Ruby and Kendrick out of my head, and I’m already excited to listen again for the third time. I think I might start at the very beginning with Hero and make my way through the entire world. It’s been a while since I’ve done that, and I miss the ENTIRE gang!
Seriously, this has gone to my top five reads of 2025! Grab your copy, you won’t be disappointed!
FIVE STARS
✰✰✰✰✰
✽ 𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀: Samantha Brentmoor, Austin Stone, Connor Crais, John Lane, Sean Masters & Tim Paige
🎧 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 🎧
You’ll love this book if you like these tropes…♡
ꕤ 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀 ꕤ
❥ Rockstar Romance
✿ Friends-to-Lovers
❥ Golden Retriever Hero
✿ Feisty Heroine
❥ Friends With Benefits
✿ Undeniable Chemistry
❥ Forbidden Romance
✿ Obsessed Rockstar
❥ Found Family
✿ He Falls First
❥ Bandmates Sister
✿ He’s Pining For Her
❥ Forced Proximity
It’s so secret that I’m obsessed with all things Lauren Rowe, so when I saw she had a new release coming I jumped straight onto that and as always, she did not disappoint.
Spark is a friends-to-lovers rockstar romance, and if you are familiar with Lauren’s books then you know that she is in her element when it comes to rockstar romances and this beauty rocks my socks off! I was completely consumed from start to finish.
Lauren drops us right back into the world that is River Records and Fugitive Summer and gives us this sexy, fun, and cute love story about Ruby and Kendrick, two souls that you knew were meant for each other from the beginning, but unfortunately, that’s not how love works sometimes, and even though Kendrick had loved Ruby since the first day he laid eyes on her. She was off-limits. But are they able to control themselves and not give in, or is the chemistry and temptation between these two too much, and will they give in to their mutual love and desire?
I absolutely adored Ruby! She was quick-witted and a fierce firecracker! She often had me laughing throughout the book, and she definitely gave Kendrick a run for his money, and he loved every minute of it. He was BEYOND smitten with her, and I was here for it! The banter between the two of them was top-tier! *Chefs Kiss*
Kendrick was the golden retriever MMC. Which normally isn’t a trope I enjoy that much when it comes to male characters in romance books, but Lauren has a way with her words like no other, and I found myself completely smitten with him also!
I read the eBook and listened to the audiobook, and I have to say, even if you aren’t into audiobooks, I highly recommend picking up this book in audio. Lauren goes all out with her audiobooks. She had a full cast for narration. Her main narration for Ruby and Kendrick was Samantha Brentmoor & Austin Stone, then you add in Connor Crais, John Lane, Sean Masters, and Tim Paige…. All together, it was amazing!! Then to top it off, she adds in some original music she’s written for the band. I was obsessed. I’ve lost count on how many times I’ve played the songs. (She’s done this for previous books, so if you are new to her and intrigued, I suggest starting with Hero: Morgan Brothers Book #1. You won’t be disappointed.)
There’s only one negative thing I can say about this book, and that is that it had to come to an end. I could have easily read/listened for days and not slept! I still can’t get Ruby and Kendrick out of my head, and I’m already excited to listen again for the third time. I think I might start at the very beginning with Hero and make my way through the entire world. It’s been a while since I’ve done that, and I miss the ENTIRE gang!
Seriously, this has gone to my top five reads of 2025! Grab your copy, you won’t be disappointed!
FIVE STARS
✰✰✰✰✰
July 3, 2025
Kendrick Cook is the drummer for Fugitive Summer. He has always had a crush on Ruby Connelly but she is not only his friend but his bandmate as well so it’s a no go. That is until one accidental kiss has him risking a chance for more. Can this drummer’s beating heart make beautiful music with the band’s keyboardist or will it cause a rift? The whole band is back so you get scenes with them and the dynamic. This is a sweet, slow burn rockstar romance that wi have you singing a tune. Told in first person and dual POV.
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