When you find out your best friend has feelings for you, do you pretend like nothing happened, or do you set him up on a date with someone else so he can get over you?
Harper is about to fly to Iceland and have the trip of her dreams when her roommate cancels last minute. Her childhood best friend, Luke, saves the day when he volunteers to take her roommate's place. It’s a win-win. Harper gets to go on her trip, and her roommate doesn’t lose her money. It all feels like a great idea until Harper realizes they would be sharing the same hotel rooms, and sometimes even the same bed.
Things only get worse when she accidentally reads a text on Luke’s phone, revealing that he has feelings for her and plans to confess them on the trip. Harper is left in a downward spiral, wondering how someone she sees as family could have romantic feelings for her. In an effort to gently turn him down, Harper tries to set Luke up on a date with someone else while they’re in Iceland. However, her plan backfires when jealousy emerges right as Luke begins to move on.
Has Harper fallen for Luke too late, or is there still a chance for this lifelong friendship to turn into something more?
Sparks in Iceland is a stand-alone book in the Flying in Love Series. If you love closed-door romances where you wonder how the characters will get their acts together and confess their feelings, then you’ll love Harper and Luke’s story.
Mandi Lynn Bell is the author of sweet romance novels with the perfect dash of adventure. Mandi spends her days writing and making YouTube videos about self-publishing. When she’s not creating, you can find her exploring the outdoors to get inspiration for her next book
Harper and Luke have been friends for almost their entire lives. They know each other inside and out, yet always keep their friendship to just that: friends only. But when they end up going on a trip to Iceland together, they are forced to confront the feelings that have been stirring inside of them for a while. Both are scared of ruining their friendship though, which leads to miscommunication and Harper trying to set Luke up with someone else on their trip. Will their vacation turn out to be the perfect escape to admit their love for each other, or will their friendship crumble?
Tropes you'll find in this one: -best friends to lovers -international trip -chasing the northern lights -he's been in love with her for years
I've been craving all the cozy and sweet romances recently, and Sparks in Iceland did not disappoint! If you enjoy closed-door, adorable romances, I'd highly recommend checking this one out.
I say this often, but one of my favorite elements in romances is when we get to follow both characters' POVs, and it's so well done in this book! Harper and Luke were both wonderful characters (a mess when it came to their feelings for each other, but it is what it is lol). The friends-to-lovers trope is one I'm just growing to love, but it had me kicking my feet and smiling in this book. Although I did feel as though the inclusion of other potential love interests was a little too frequent (Cassie and Tom), I am so glad that Harper and Luke were finally able to find the right moment to admit their feelings for each other. This book was just too cute!
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Stone Ridge Books for the ARC of Sparks in Iceland by Mandi Lynn Bell!
Thank you, NetGalley and Mandi Lynn Bell, for the free eARC!
The premise interested me, as I'm typically drawn to the friends-to-lovers trope. Two friends who grew up together go on a trip - not anywhere boring, but to Iceland. There, through a series of various adventures, they eventually acknowledge their feelings for each other.
Fans of slow-burn romance would also appreciate this book. The first third of the book was moving a bit slowly for me, and the repeated mention of “like brother and sister” was a bit annoying. At first, there was no chemistry between the main characters IMO, but now that I think about it, well, it actually makes sense, doesn't it? As the FMC honestly got no clue she was invested at first.
The rest of the story is more dynamic, and I just found myself caught between Luke's and Harper's thoughts - I couldn’t put the book away until I finished it.
I like how the author portrayed Luke; he's a great character - caring, predictable in a safe way, grounded. His POV I liked the most. Also, I liked the evolution of Harper, how she grew up to be honest with herself; the inner dialogue transformation in her head felt so real.
I really enjoyed the author's style; reading was easy and engaging. Will definitely pick up more of this author's books.
Thank you to Author Mandi Lynn Bell and @ClosedDoorRomance for the selecting me to be an Advance Reader for this book
When you find out your best friend has feelings for you, do you pretend like nothing happened, or do you set him up on a date with someone else so he can get over you?
You talk to him like an adult and figure out how to proceed…maybe…just me? Cool
I liked this book really buuuut I the main characters frustrated me so much! 😩
At the beginning of the book we are introduced to our FMC Harper as her roommate is backing out of going on a dream vacation. But never fear, our MMC Luke, Harper’s childhood friend is here to save the trip. Great! Love that for her. When a text from Luke’s friend comes across his unattended phone, little miss nosey reads it & finds out Luke has feelings for her. The correct response would be “Hey Luke, what is this text about?” But nope, let’s make it as awkward as possible.
I get that miscommunication is the main conflict in this novel but I would have liked for it to be funnier. It was mostly just frustrating. Harper setting Luke up on the date unnecessarily involved someone else into a big mess (we won’t get started on her 🙄) All of which could have been avoided
Overall I did enjoy the book. It was an easy read and it had funny moments as well as emotional moments. But I think this might be better suited for a younger audience or someone who hasn’t quite mastered good communication skills.
I have a particular fondness for books set in Iceland; the setting always captures my interest. This story follows Harper and Luke on their trip to Iceland. Initially, Harper was meant to go with her roommate, but when her roommate had to cancel at the last minute, Luke eagerly took the opportunity to join her. He has had a crush on Harper, his childhood best friend, for years.
The writing itself is quite good, and the descriptions of Iceland's landscapes are vivid and engaging. However, I felt that the story dragged a bit in the middle. While I appreciate that miscommunication is central to the plot, I believe infusing more humour could have alleviated some of the frustration that arose during those moments. Overall, it’s an easy read that may particularly resonate with younger fans of the genre.
This is the first time I read a book by Mandi Lynn Bell and it won't be the last! I really enjoyed reading this fun romance that sets in Iceland. It was fun to travel to this beautiful country with the 2 main characters who are best friends but who are secretly in love with eachother. The story is well written, it's fun to read, there is always someting new happening, you never get bored. The only thing that I didn't like so much is that the two main characters are so frustrating, sometimes you just want to shake them so they stop being so ridiculous with eachother! But other than that, I really loved this book and that is why I am giving it a 4 stars out of 5!!! Can't wait to read another book by Mandi Lynn Bell!!
Honestly I don't even know what to say this book had me hooked from the first page really couldn't put it down, it’s such an easy read and pages flew by. Usually I’m not a slowburn reader but one had enough tension and really was one of the best slowburns i've read. This book helped me to get put of a reading slump and the characters are so easy to fall in love with. Such good character development for Cassie I was her hater at first, but then how she helped Luke really changed my opinion about her. Definitely could recommend for anyone who's looking for a good palette cleanser. And Thank you Netgalley and Mandi Lynn Bell for the eARC
Okay besties, buckle up because Sparks in Iceland by Mandi Lynn Bell is the kind of romance that makes you want to pack a bag, grab your passport, and immediately book the next flight to Reykjavik. This book is EVERYTHING, atmospheric, swoony, funny, and heart-squeezing in the best possible way.
So the setup: we’ve got two leads who end up thrown together in the most magical, icy, breathtaking setting, Iceland. And let me tell you, the setting itself is a character here. The hot springs, the Northern Lights, the cozy little inns, the landscapes that feel both wild and intimate at the same time… every description made me feel like I was right there, bundled up in a parka but still holding my breath from how gorgeous it all was. This isn’t just “a romance that happens to take place abroad,” it’s a full-on travel experience wrapped in a love story.
The romance? Ugh. My HEART. It’s the perfect mix of banter, tension, and that “oh no, we’re catching real feelings” panic that makes my toes curl while I read. The chemistry leaps off the page, every glance, every accidental brush of hands, every moment when they both clearly want more but are terrified to admit it. The push-and-pull is written so well it almost hurts (in a good way). And when it finally comes together? Fireworks. Literal sparks in Iceland.
What I really loved is how layered the characters are. They’re not just pretty faces in a postcard setting, they’re both carrying baggage, navigating fears, and learning what they really want out of life. Watching them peel back those layers with each other gave the romance depth beyond just the swoon. It’s about growth, vulnerability, and taking chances, not just in love, but in life.
The writing is so engaging, too. It’s witty without trying too hard, emotional without tipping into melodrama, and descriptive enough that you feel the icy wind on your face and the heat of a hot spring on your skin. And yet it never drags, the pacing is tight and addictive. I blew through chapters without realizing how much time had passed because I was so immersed.
By the time I hit the ending, I was sitting there with a ridiculous grin plastered across my face, half tempted to start the book all over again just to relive the journey. It gave me everything I want in a romance: escapism, banter, chemistry, heart, and a setting that makes you want to grab your phone and Google flights.
Final thoughts: Sparks in Iceland is pure magic. It’s the kind of book that reminds you why we fall in love with romance novels in the first place, because they make you feel alive, hopeful, and a little dreamy-eyed. Five absolutely glowing stars because I was hooked from page one, stayed up way too late reading, and closed it feeling like my heart had just been hugged.
Harper planned her dream vacation to Iceland with her friend and roommate, but when her roommate isn’t able to make it anymore, her best friend from childhood Luke volunteers to go with her so she doesn’t look all her deposit money. Little does she know that Luke has been in love with her for years. Will Luke tell her how he feels? How will Harper respond? How are they going to share ONLY ONE BED for a whole week?! Read it and out!
Sparks in Iceland had a very cute premise, childhood friend romance, forced proximity etc etc, however I felt the execution was a little lacking. First, I felt like their friendship was not very well shown. We were constantly told how great friends they were, and how they were always very cuddly friends, but I don’t think we really saw that behavior much, it went straight into awkward, “maybe I like them” territory without establishing their regular relationship. Second, I was annoyed by how bad both of them were about communicating. I realise that the characters were very young (22 and 24 I believe) but they acted like they’ve never dated before or even had friendships before when you had to talk about your feelings. They both jumped to conclusions so much it was frustrating and I found it made them rather unlikable. I kept waiting for them to pull their heads from their butts and start being adults. In particular Harper seemed so out of touch with her own feelings and unable to read the room and a lot of other characters were pulled into her drama undertow. Lastly, if you thought this book could be saved by some hot times after they *SPOILERS* realise that they do in fact love each other you would be wrong, this is a closed door romance…so closed door that they do nothing more than kiss. There is no fade to black because I guess their relationship hasn’t progressed past first base yet. *shrugging guy* So overall, I found the book frustrating because I wanted to like the characters and root for their relationship but they made so many dumb choices I wanted to slap them repeatedly.
2.5 out of 5 stars rounded to 3
Thank you to NetGalley and Stone Ridge Books for the ARC.
"With every sweet gesture, I'd remind myself, it's just Luke. Luke is off limits."
*This was sent to me by Mandi Lynn Bell and Stone Ridge Books via Netgalley for an honest review; thank you so much for the opportunity*
Review This book follows a mostly dual first person narrative of the two love interests Harper and Luke. Their mothers became best friends with each other when pregnant with both protagonists and thus the two grew up together as best friends themselves. This had caused some issues as outsiders to their friendship made assumptions they must be romantic due to being a male/female pairing, something that Harper especially rejected the idea of. After her roommate is unable to join Harper on their planned trip to Iceland, Luke agrees to go in her place which sets off the chain of events that leads to their 'happily ever after'.
For fanfiction or chicklit readers you'll enjoy the one bed trope as when Harper planned the trip she realised it was cheaper to have just one bed. This wasn't an issue when it was Harper and her roommate, but with Luke it quickly turns out to be after accidentally reading a text from Luke's friend which referenced Luke's feelings for her. This text becomes a key part of Harper's inner monologue as she questions her closeness to Luke. Then for Luke's inner monologue too as he becomes rightly paranoid that Harper may have read the text and questions if it is finally time to be honest with Harper about how he feels. This miscommunication becomes an integral part to the events of the story.
The thing I enjoyed most about this book was it's descriptions of the Icelandic scenery. It was very clear the author did her research and cared about giving justice to the gorgeous landscape through her descriptions!
Overall Overall, I think this book is a perfect quick read for those looking for a cosy, tropey romance. That isn't to disparage this book as I did really enjoy it, but it knows what it is and leans into the tropes to create an enjoyable read.
Thanks to Netgalley, Mandi Lynn Bell & Victory Editing for the eARC
The entire basis of the story was all one big miscommunication and the inability for both characters to process emotions. During the course of the book - it isn't really explained as to why both characters felt as if they couldn't discuss their emotions with each other, other than the fact that they didn't want to ruin their friendship.
Though the story never gives any contextual background as to why either would be concerned with that happening. This is a clean romance (no open door scenes), which is refreshing in itself as the characters navigate their vacation and feelings.
A major aspect that I appreciated and enjoyed was the writing specifically for Luke's emotional state and his inner thoughts. I thought that the turmoil was done exceptionally well and made his character more likable and approachable than Harper.
I was underwhelmed by Harper and her character progression as it seemed that all of the miscommunication resulted on her end, especially when attempting to invalid Luke's potential feelings.
Overall, I thought the book was a good read. The only thing I would have liked to have seen more of was the premise of the book, which is the trip to Ireland. It was hard to make sense of the timing and it felt like chapter vs chapter, days had passed.
It seems like the author didn't fully research Iceland ahead of writing this. One of the most identifiable landmarks in Iceland is the Hallgrímskirkja church right in the middle of Reykjavik. My grandmother is Icelandic which is why I was able to pick this up, but the author says the church was built in 1787. When I was going through pictures from my own Iceland trip afterwards with her, my grandmother told me that she left Iceland when the church was still being built. Hallgrímskirkja was built built from 1945-1986. It's possible the author could've meant Reykjavik itsself since it was founded in 1786, but either way, that's the type of information that was so easy to fact check it shouldn't have been wrong in the first place.
Aside from that, the book was cute. Very predictable, very cheesey, & something I could easily see as a Hallmark movie (none of which are bad things). The characters fell a bit flat and there wasn't much depth to them. All the issues between them could've been solved with proper communication, but would've ended up making a very short book. Overall, it was a fun vibe, especially having been to Iceland myself.
Thank you to Netgalley and Victory Editing for the eARC.
This was a delightful story! I didn't really know what to expect going into to it since this is a new to me author, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Harper and Luke made great friends but I also loved seeing their transition to more. It was definitely a slow burn though! Which honestly worked really well, and is my preference, hehe. The setting being a trip to Iceland - yes please! Oh it sounds so gorgeous there!! I've technically been in Iceland but it was just a short layover with no time to leave the airport. I would have *loved* exploring more of this beautiful country. And Sparks in Iceland only made me all the more eager to return. As with most friends to lovers tropes, there were some moments of frustration, especially as Harper couldn't decide what she wanted, but I was definitely rooting for them to figure it out! Sparks in Iceland is an enjoyable read, easy to keep turning the pages, and I really liked the characters. I'll be checking out more from this author. :)
Content: clean, closed door romance. A few mild innuendoes, and a few swear words. Nothing graphic.
I received an ecopy through Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all thoughts expressed are entirely my own.
Sparks in Iceland is a slow burn closed door romance focused on FMC Harper’s trip to Iceland, where longtime best friend and crush, Luke tags along.
I think over everything the miscommunication is the primary conflict, even over the two introduced “alternate love interests” meant to be buffers. It becomes very awkward for long stretches and I think that had me annoyed, as I definitely put it down and picked it back up a couple times. There were also times where the actions and characterization of Harper did not make sense to me. For a character who supposedly wanted to be with Luke, her actions did not reflect acceptance or reciprocal feelings of Luke’s long term crush on her until the snap moment he confessed. Harper seems to have all of the miscommunication placed on her shoulders, which makes her a little less likable than Luke.
It was a very up and down ride of “will they confess?” The writing jumps between the FMC/MMC points of view and I was absolutely rooting for them but there were times where I would get frustrated by the constant miscommunication.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
First off, thank you to Mandi and @ClosedDoorRomance for the chance to ARC read!
I love to travel, and Iceland is high on my bucket list! So I really enjoyed the parts about their itinerary where they were visiting, and what they felt during their experiences. I would have enjoyed more detail along these lines, though I understand if the goal was to keep the book shorter.
Luke seems like a really sweet, golden retriever kinda guy, and I really appreciated that we got his POV and inner thoughts so we could understand his thought process. His chapters were my favorite. And I enjoyed the MCs' two friends, Ava and Wes!
Harper and Cassie, however, frustrated me. And I didn't realize that the miscommunication trope would be so prevalent in this story. For the MCs to have been best friends their whole lives, they're not very good at reading each other.
If miscommunication doesn't bother you, and you enjoy sweet romances with travel, humor, and meddling friends, you'll probably enjoy this book!
This was my first time reading Mandi's books. I enjoyed her writing style and humor, so I'd certainly pick up another one of her books!
Before I start my rants about this book, I am to swear that I like it, it is a great book, it is romantic and it has the same vibe and warmth to it as those romantic films they show on TV during Christmas break. That being said, and as an oblivious girl myself (so much so I ended up with a friend as my apointed translator from hints to "girl, this dude is flirting hard") did Harper not make scream at my screen that she should catch the fucking hint... Other than that, and maybe a tad bit of angry mumbling about Cassie being quite... Well, given a better way to put it, let's say she's not exactly a girls' girl, cause I get it, you like our boy here, but I think it is commom decency to not leave a fellow gal alone, mostly given YOU chose to go solo, while she brought a friend for whatever reason so... Yeah, I'm sorry but the rule is if we go together we stay together, sure we can bring people in, but we absolutely do not go out away from each other so... That made me mad. Other than that it's a great light read, took me about 4 hours to get through it and overall is one of those "aggh, this is making me mad but I like it", kinda book.
*Friends to More *Slow Burn *Witty Banter *Forced Proximity *Fiesty FMC *Dual POV *Jealousy *One Bed (Clean) *Miscommunication *No Swearing
Luke's mom and Harper's mom are best friends, so Luke and Harper have grown up doing everything together. When Harper's roommate drops out of the Iceland trip that Harper's been working, saving, and planning for, Luke steps in and saves the day by covering the other half. But Wes, Luke’s roommate, sends a text that sets the mood of the trip.
Embrace the cringe! The amount of secondhand embarrassment for the main characters is too real, lol. I love the way the author provides the setting and references the locations. Maybe someday I'll get to have my own trip to Iceland and use the book as a partial travel guide ;) For real, though, it was a great read for my flight to Florida. Engaging and entertaining with a few fun "sparks" of wonder.
**ARC reader.
***Not a 5⭐️ because I didn't feel a full range of emotions. I only rate a book that high if I'm so immersed that I cry with the characters. It's a really cute story.
Harper has loved Iceland for as long as she can remember, it has always been her dream destination to visit. So much so, she has saved for years to go on the trip of a lifetime. Her best friend Ava is all set to go with her when she has to stay back for work. In steps Luke, Harper's childhood best friend, who decides to take Ava's place. Everything is fine until they get ready to leave the airport and Harper reads a text that changes everything. How will she survive her trip to Iceland? How will Luke survive it? Will their friendship survive?
This book had me feeling so warm and fuzzy. Between the light-hearted writing to the details that made me feel like I was actually in Iceland. Mandi Lynn Bell wrote a great heartwarming story of love, life, and the thrill of adventure. This book makes you want to travel and see all of the magical places that the world has to offer. If you are ever looking for a book that is comforting and makes you feel giddy, I definitely recommend!
Tropes: Childhood friends to lovers, sudden realization, mutual pining
I loved the setting and the characters were entertaining. Harper and her roommate were planning the trip of a lifetime, to visit Iceland and see the northern lights - however, the roommate gets a new job and isn't able to go. So Harper's best friend, Luke, hops at the chance to go - and hopes this is the time he can finally share his real feelings for her. Only his friend sends a text that Harper sees on his phone before the board their flight - and it makes the majority of the trip uncomfortable because she doesn't think she wants to hear what Luke has to say. They spend almost all their time in Iceland hooking up with other people and not spending much time together. It takes a while for them to connect and that's when the sparks fly.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.
Sparks in Iceland by Mandi Lynn Bell follows a familiar “childhood friends to lovers” storyline set against the breathtaking backdrop of Iceland. The novel blends themes of friendship, love, and self-discovery, with the country’s unique landscape playing a key role in the atmosphere of the story. While the setting was beautiful and added a nice touch of wanderlust, the overall reading experience fell a bit flat for me. I found the plot predictable and lacking in both drama and humor, which made it hard to stay engaged. The pacing felt slow, and without a strong climax or emotional high point, the story didn’t leave much of a lasting impression. That said, I did enjoy the Icelandic elements — the descriptions of the scenery were vivid and one of the few aspects that kept me turning the pages. However, the romance itself didn’t offer any surprises or depth that might set it apart from other stories in the same genre. In the end, Sparks in Iceland didn’t stand out for me. It’s a light, easy read that might appeal to fans of gentle, low-conflict romances, but readers looking for drama, humor, or a gripping plot may find it underwhelming.
Harper has been planning a bucket list trip to Iceland and her roommate was set to join her when her dream job was offered to her and she had to cancel last minute. Harper was all set to go alone, be on an even tighter budget when she got back (think eating ramen for dinner for the next 6 months), when her childhood best friend Luke offered to go with her. The trip was full of all the awkwardness of friends to lovers. I really enjoyed the banter and missed signals between Luke and Harper and kept hoping they would see what everyone else around them had been noticting for years. I loved this journey to Iceland with Harper and Luke. I wanted to hop on a plane and go explore Iceland too.
Review is also available on Goodreads and Amazon. Book to be published on October 21, 2025
***Thank you to Stone Ridge Books , Victory Edititing NetGalley Co-Op and Mandi Lynn Bell for the Advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and words are my own.
The moment I saw that Sparks in Iceland was friends-to-lovers, I instantly knew it would be good because I love a good friends-to-lovers, but I didn't know exactly how good it would truly be! It was the perfect blend of funny and emotional, sweet and heartwarming. I loved the characters for the most part. At first I wasn't sold on the MMC because he didn't really seem to stand up for himself, but in the end I came around. This may be something strange to say about a romance book, but I loved the suspense. It was a perfectly curated push and pull of waiting for the 2 main characters to admit their feelings for each other. I also loved the setting of this book! I have never thought about traveling seriously before, but this book has planted a little travel bug in me! I definitely recommend Sparks in Iceland for anyone looking for a friends-to-lovers romance set in a beautiful place!
*I received a free copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Friends to lovers and miscommunication are some of my favorite tropes. Unfortunately in this book the miscommunication got a bit much for me.
The writing was good and the descriptions of various places in Iceland were fantastic, but the story lagged in the middle. Their worrying about their friendship got too repetitive. Luke was such a sweet and thoughtful guy. After the first half of the book Harper started to annoy me with her stubbornness about her feelings. I wanted to shout at her to open her eyes. Even after figuring out that she loves him, she still did nothing. Every move forward was done by Luke. She pushed him away at first and when he acted the same later she was hurt. After they confessed their feelings I still didn't feel the chemistry between them. I like friends to lovers trope but this story didn't work for me.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGally for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I’m a sucker for a good friends-to-lovers / slow burn trope, but wow—this was really slow. For about the first three-quarters of the book, it felt like the characters were just circling each other without ever really communicating, which got frustrating at times. The last quarter finally delivered the payoff I was waiting for, and I loved seeing their relationship unfold once things finally clicked. I just wish there had been more of that part of the story, and less backstory leading up to it. What kept me turning the pages was the setting—Iceland! The descriptions of the scenery were vivid and exciting to read about, and honestly, they made me want to pack my bags and book a flight. Iceland has always been on my bucket list, and this book only bumped it higher. Overall, the ending left me satisfied but also wishing the pacing had been balanced differently—more romance, less buildup.
Pretty quick chaste read, but not for me. Story follows Harper and Luke as they go to Iceland. Harper was supposed to go with her roommate, but when her job gets in the way, Luke invites himself to take Ava’s place. Luke is Harper’s bff who is in love with her but doesn’t have the cojones to do anything about it. The whole story is Harper trying to guess if Luke likes her like that, while she tries to set him up on dates in Iceland. Also, it seemed pretty clear Harper is not in love with Luke, until he confesses. All the sudden, she’s on board. I just found the main characters whiny and annoying and ultimately didn’t care if they got together.
Thank you, Stone Ridge Books, for providing this book for review consideration through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
"Sparks in Iceland" is a sweet friends-to-lovers romance set in Iceland. When Harper's roommate cancels their trip, her childhood best friend Luke steps in. During the Iceland trip, their friendship deepens into love amid stunning scenery.
"Sparks in Iceland" offers a charming and heartfelt romance set against the breathtaking backdrop of Iceland. The story captures the transition from deep friendship to romantic love between Harper and Luke, highlighting themes of vulnerability, personal growth, and the beauty of unexpected connections. The characters are relatable, and the vivid Icelandic setting adds a magical touch to their evolving relationship. This book is a delightful read for fans of sweet, slow-burn romance with emotionally rich storytelling.
I’m always drawn to novels set in Iceland, and I can never resist a friends-to-lovers storyline. In this case, Luke has been quietly in love with his longtime best friend, Harper, for years.
The idea of them traveling to Iceland together was appealing, but the pacing faltered in the middle of the story. The subplot involving Cassie and Tom felt overdone — especially the intensity of their jealousy. It was hard to believe two people could be so possessive and emotionally invested in someone they had just met that same day, particularly for what was essentially a first date.
While the ending was fairly predictable, it was still satisfying. Overall, this is a light, clean read that’s easy to get through.
Thank you for the Advanced Reader Copy from Stone Ridge Books.
3.5 arper and Luke had this natural connection, and it was easy to root for them. I liked how Luke’s emotional side came out, his inner thoughts felt real and made his character very likable. Harper was a bit more complicated, but her journey still made me smile, even in the awkward and frustrating moments. The setting added a lot to the charm, and the banter between the characters was witty. It was the kind of romance that left me both entertained and warmed. Thank you so much to the author, Stone Ridge Books and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving a honest review
We read about two best friends with feelings for each other but in denial
After Harpers roommate can’t go to Iceland with her, her best friend Luke steps in. A full week of miscommunication, jealousy, fake dating, do they decide to remain as best friends or cross the line
I loved the setting of Iceland which was totally relatable having visited there last year so I could visualise all the places which made the story a little more relatable
The characters were good although I expected more from Harpers as this was mostly her story. Overall a good seasonal romance
Thanks to Netgalley and the author for the early opportunity
Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC in exchange for a review.
Sparks in Iceland is a charming, travel-infused romance that brings together adventure, self-discovery, and the beauty of Iceland. The descriptions of the scenery were vivid and immersive.
The chemistry between the characters was engaging, and I appreciated the themes of finding yourself and taking chances. However, I did find myself wanting a bit more depth in the emotional development and pacing at times.
Overall, it’s a light and enjoyable read, perfect for those who enjoy sweet, wanderlust-filled romances with a cozy, uplifting feel.
If you want a magical tour of Iceland adventures, this is a great quick read for you!
If you love friends who tip toe around having a real conversation with awkward situations and confusing feelings, then this is also a great quick read for you!
As much as I could relate to the hesitation for the MMC and FMC to address the turns in their relationship, I also wanted them to take accountability and communicate! We get the picturesque HEA of the Northern Lights while confessions of feelings, but it was a but messy getting there.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an advanced ARC in return for my honest review.