An Involuntary Spark

Summerhouse #1

by V.C. Archerly

Book #1 in the Summerhouse Series.


Amiira Barnes needs a fresh start. Too much in her life is unraveling at a steady pace and she can't seem to catch her breath or proper footing. She is beautiful, tenacious, witty and honest, and some of those qualities are tested as she deals with a recent breakup from a man who was hiding a damaging secret.


Amiira embarks on a journey as she takes up residence at a summerhouse nearby, as a home away from home, for the weekends. She is sure it is just what she needs to get her mind off of her tumultuous mess of a life. Will that summerhouse, and the people in it, help her or provide even more complications?


A wild mix of emotions, twists, chemistry, longing, and uncertainty, "An Involuntary Spark" is the quintessential summer read, and the first book in the Summerhouse Series. Amiira will be faced with many obstacles and choices. Stay tuned to find out whether she will trust herself, deny connections or slip deeply into self loathing.


Read the preface for FREE goo.gl/CyEOUe

Genres: Romance, Novella, Interracial Romance

ebook

First published March 19, 2013

About the author

Author, Foodie, Word connoisseur, Dreamer. Check out An Involuntary Spark on Amazon, which is book #1 in the Summerhouse series!

Debut book is now FREE!! Check it out here: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ready for a new romantic series? An Involuntary Spark by V. C. Archerly is the foundation novella for the Summerhouse Series where a disillusioned young woman must deal with the emotional fallout of an affair that never should have been. Escaping to new surroundings for the summer, Amiira is taking stock of her life when one of her summer house housemates enters and she feels a pull of attraction she is not sure she should pursue. Kian is quiet, yet serious, and he, too feels some special draw to Amiira. Will what starts out as a quiet and warm friendship develop into something more as these two find a bond in simply talking or will Amiira’s past mistake and the resultant guilt and pain of deception interfere with moving forward?

V. C. Archerly has succeeded in putting down strong roots to cultivate this new series with characters that are not over-the-top, but have a smooth, easy feel to them. The sensual tension is magic and the high intensity hook at the end will either reel you in or send you spiraling off the ledge, either way, I give V. C. Archerly kudos for its execution!

Series: Summerhouse - Book 1
Publication DAte: March 19, 2014
Publisher: V. C. Archerly
Genre: Chick Lit, Romance
Number of Pages: 76
Available from: Amazon

[Bennita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first V.C. Archerly book and I really enjoyed it. It was a nice change to read about a hero who has a kind of quiet sexiness about him. Kian reminded me of the hot surfer type. He was laid back, intelligent and mysterious. He was a nice break from the bombardment of cocky billionaires that I've read about lately, who treat women like objects. Amiira was independent and level-headed, which made her very likable and she also had a shyness about her that made her more well rounded and not too hardened. She had an immediate attraction to Kian and vice versa, but she just came out of a deceptive relationship and wasn't willing to dive back into anything serious, but their connection and the fact that she would be in his presence every weekend didn't help her case and put her in a situation she was going to have a hard time avoiding. Now, I usually read books with a whole lot of steam, but even though there was no sex, their attraction and body language really worked for me. I don't think this book needed the hotter steam factor. Sometimes subtle is better. I also loved the cliffhanger at the end and I can't wait to see what Amiira's ex has up his sleeve. I will definitely read the next book.

[Scarlet · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Involuntary Spark by V. C. Archerly is first book/novella for the Summerhouse Series. The main protagonist is Amiira, independent young woman who must deal with the emotional fallout of an affair with a married senior at her consultancy firm. To deal with her high pressure job and relationship troubles, she takes up residence at a summerhouse nearby, as a home away from home, and there she meets her housemates. She has an immediate attraction to a cocky, intelligent and mysterious Kian and so the story goes...

I like deep and serious books with a message but sometimes I just can’t help but crave for light, sweet but passionate, kind of “fairytale-sh” romance read and this was just what I needed these rainy and sad days. It was a simple yet such an enjoyable read, so sweet, filled with romantic tension. I'm not that into romance novels but this had enough action in them to get me through it, and guess what? The characters were grown ups! YaY!

This is my first book (but not the last) by this author and I enjoyed it so much! I have just one objections: it´s too short and it leaves you craving for more. I would love to read whole Summerhouse series bundled into one book. This fun, flirty, summer love stories will fit just fine into your busy life or get you ready for the holiday spirit.

[Cyndi Becker · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Start of a good thing....

This little novella is a nice kickoff to VC Archerly's summertime series. Considering the # of pages in this initial volume I'm pleasantly surprised that I feel like I got to know Amiira and the storyline premise within such a short time span. Its a quick read that flows along well.

The writing here is solid and the storyline is promising. Our main characters (Amiira & Kian) have spark but Amiiras baggage looks like it will get in the way of a promising summer romance. Great cliffhanger and I'm anxious for the continuation of the story/ the next installment and to get to know Amiira more..

[Ange · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review: An Involuntary Spark by V.C. Archerly

My first thought is - Gimme more!

Amiira has just ended a relationship with Eli, a senior at the consultancy firm she works at, after she discovers he's married. With her high pressure job and relationship troubles, she feels she needs a break from all the stress but she doesn't want to take the time off work so she leases a high priced room in a beachside home with 5 others, for weekend getaways over the summer.
When she arrives and meets her fellow housemates, she has an instant "involuntary" connection with the spunky Kian. She tries to quelch the chemistry, but something's just can't be denied. And then she finds a voicemail on her phone...

This story was fantastic so far. I knew it was part of a series but I was really just getting into it when it was left with a cliff hanger! Come on!!! Talk about a tease! But it was a good tease!
Amiira is a strong, independent woman. She was instantly likable and appealing and seems to have her head screwed on straight. It's so refreshing to read a story about a woman who knows what she wants, that doesn't settle for second best and doesn't play the victim. Hallelujah!
The eclectic mix of housemates make for a promising future storyline. But Kian, the chemistry king, is all sorts of delicious and I think I'd like to just eat him all up myself. Who wouldn't want an Adonis to take interest in them?
I can't wait to see what is going to happen.
The plot is a scenario that I'd love to find myself in, and you can just tell that it's going to get very interesting and hopefully a little saucy!
The adulterer Eli, I think, is going to throw some drama into the mix as well. Good times!

This is my first time reading the work of V.C. Archerly, and I guarantee I'll be looking for more of her work. I'm totally looking forward to devouring the other books in this series!

This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

[The FountainPenDiva, Old school geek chick and lover of teddy bears · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was short. I wanted to love An Involuntary Spark because it was set in Los Angeles--a rarity for most IR books. The beach house the MC rents for the summer is in La Jolla, less than half an hour outside of San Diego and home to some awesome beaches.

Unfortunately it violated one of The Fountain Pen Diva's most important cardinal rules:

Thou Shalt Adoreth Thine Heroine As Mucheth As Thy Adoreth Thine Hero.

Kian was wonderful. In less than a few pages, I was entranced with him myself. Sexy, smart, a world-traveler, and a surfer. And a man who knows what he wants. Where do I get one, lol? Amiira on the other hand was just there. Underwhelming. Bland. I prefer my heroines to be fierce and feisty, to know what they want and be fearless in getting it. I like them to feel fully-actualized and I'm bummed that she got shortchanged. Granted this was a mere taste of a longer work, but I can't see myself wanting to see if Amiira puts on her big girl panties. Fine, she just got out of a bad romance, life happens. Sadly, this happens far too often in romance and it's disturbing to me. I will give kudos for the strong female friendship between Amiira and her go-to girl Naomi. Also for no genderfail with the roommate Riley.

And I am really past done with "caramel/cafe au lait/cinnamon with long hair" type black heroines as if those are the only kind acceptable in IR romance. It's an endless theme I'm not comfortable with, considering how Lupita Nyongo is slowly changing the face of black beauty.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Left Unsatisfied!

Amiira, doesn’t have the bested luck with men. And when she finds out the man she had been seeing is married! that is the final straw. So wanting to get away from the ex at work Amiira decided to get away for the weekend and pays a pretty penny for a expensive room by the sea.

Kian is the man of the hour in this story his hot, rich, a jet-setter what more can you ask for.

The secondary characters were great the really put the fun into this book. I would love to see if VC dose a book on Riley she is such a fab character.

I must say I didn’t get the quite drawn into this book, I enjoyed it and it was a really quick read. I actually would have loved a little more because just as things were getting interesting it finished. VC done a good job the book was well written, and I loved the setting.

If you are looking for a cute series to read this summer then look no further.

[Deborah Bean · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Involuntary Spark by V.C. Archerly is a short read that captures the reader’s attention and does not want to let go. Amiira learns the hard way that dating someone from where you work is never a good idea. She needs a break and finds a room to rent for the weekends. There she meets Kian and that is where the spark comes in. It is instant attraction. I know that some people say that instant attract does not happen. I however disagree. I have been with my other half since the night we met 18 years ago. While I do not usually like cliffhangers, this one leaves me salivating waiting to read the next installment. Well played V.C., well played. I give this book 4 stars because it was quick and entertaining and has a moral lesson in it to boot.

[Sophia Holt · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars to nearly 4 stars

positive: Well written, great story there, interesting story and characters.

negative: too short, understand that it was a novella, but it ended just as the story was unfolding, and it would have helped that the next book was out.


given for an honest review.

(D&S Bookblog)

[Mkittysamom · Rating 4 out of 5]

amazing! I hope there is more coming! I couldn't stop reading, because her descriptions are spot on and I felt as if I were leaning over Amiira and Kiran. ... Warning this book is hot and will stop you abruptly.....

[Tigrish · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I finally got to reading this I was astounded by its short-ness. I guess it's just a sort of introduction into what could be a bigger story. Very well.

My thoughts: I think there will be people out there who like this book, but I was mostly struck by how boring it was. There were a lot of details we could have done without, stuff we readers have to read through but that really doesn't add anything to the story, and I was a little annoyed by the lengthy description of things.

The main character.. yeah.. I didn't really like her. I guess that doesn't help. She felt very shy and timid, and I like my protagonists feisty and kick-ass. Not to say that this is a bad thing, just not really what I like. But it's not always about what I like, I would say this book is probably plenty exciting for middle aged people and older.

So yeah, it's not badly written, just extensive, and the story seems a bit bland. Run of the mill romance incoming. Probably more Jane Austen then Anita Blake if you catch my drift. But that's fine! Just not my favorite cup of tea.

[Arlyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was about a woman's journey of self discovery. She rented a room at a beach house as a weekend getaway, thinking was the perfect opportunity to clear her head and get some distance from an unpleasant situation closer to home.

This story focuses largely on this woman's introspection, so we get a good sense of Amiira through sharing her thoughts and emotions as her journey unfolds. The problem was that so much of the book focused on her introspection, that not too much actually happened outside of Amiira's head. She got out of her comfort zone, regretted some choices, acknowledged her lack of connection to someone special in her life, met someone that she was insanely attracted to...and then proceeded to agonize over the pros and cons of acting on that attraction.

The best part of the book was the last chapter, when two significant events took place...but I after such a tremendous build up, I felt the payoff was lacking in comparison.

This book appears to be the first in a series, so perhaps the best is yet to come.

[Rebekkah Rogers · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story line is intriguing.
The characters are interesting. Amiira is approachable and lovely. While vapid and self absorbed she has an honesty that you can't help but admire.
Kian however has nothing but dark hair. The author really needed to spend some time developing the main man.
The author has a way with pretty prose, however it comes off as very wording because the story was so very short.
With that said I really felt like it wasn't a short story so much as a sample. I didn't get enough of the plot to rush right out and buy the rest of the story.
I wasn't given enough to even wonder about the lives of the characters.
Not sure I would recommend until the whole thing comes out and you have a complete story.
the cliff hanger was a complete let down because it felt more like a chapter break than a story wrap.
Please keep writing, it can be a fantastic story... it's just not there yet.

[Hooked On Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received An Involuntary Spark from Hooked on Books in return from a honest review.
A very good start to what I see being a brilliant series. It is a Well written short read with a good plot and brilliant characters which I really enjoyed. When Amiira Barnes finds out her boyfriend is married she breaks up with him. Distraught she goes of to find a distraction that will serve and heal her. She wants to find something to balance her life back to some kind of normality. Upon searching she comes across a vacation home for the summer in Santa Monica. But.........is she ready for the roller coaster ride she is walking blindly into ? Beware of the cliff hanger that will leave you wanting the second book, like now !!!

[amanda s. · Rating 3 out of 5]

****I received an ecopy of An Involuntary Spark by V. C. Archerly as gift for winning giveaway. I'd love to write an honest review.

I loved it! The way this author write is pretty much comforting, even though my first language is not English. I liked the story flow, with plot that conceived a relatable problem, I enjoyed reading this book. But this book is way too short for my liking, and it left me wanting to read the next installment right away. Is it available yet? I can't find the 2nd book. Hmm.

Overall I enjoyed Amiira as the heroine. She's a normal, mature woman that I think could be 'wilder' in next book. Look forward to read the sequel!

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very quick read. I like the story, the idea of renting a room in a summer house as a weekend getaway sounds fun! The writing and dialog had a very formal feeling to it, it was surpising with the way the dialog was that the main character is only very young 30's. I am interested to see where this story goes and how her possibly love affair plays out... too bad it was so short- wish that the whole story could've been put together in one book.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book and decided to leave a review.
I really liked the story. Amira seems to be an amazing woman mature enough to learn from her mistakes.
What I did not like was the sudden stop ending. Is there a continuation? If I had known the book was going to end like that, I would have saved reading it until I had the whole thing. It felt like going to a steak restaurant and only being served vegetables.

[My Pink Fairytales · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it, but it was way too short...
76 pages seem more like a single chapter, rather than a book...
It's easy like a Sunday morning. :) I liked the subject and the characters and I think I'll buy the next "book" from the series too.

[Lindsey Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't want this to end!!! When does the next one come out??