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When Sparks Fly
Dr. Daniella Waveny is back from a medical posting in Guyana carrying more than just her suitcase. The difficult to diagnose virus that forced her return to her northern Canadian hometown could threaten much more than her livelihood. It could shatter her dreams. Luca McAffery has her own baggage. The iron sculptor and hockey coach carries the world on her shoulders, but when she runs into Daniella, her arms are—fortunately for them both—wide-open. So is her heart. A devastating hit at center ice first brought them together years ago. Will the consequences now tear them apart or will the spark of their passion be hot enough to thaw the secrets that stand between them?
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 10, 2020
8 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Annie McDonald
3 books15 followersAnnie McDonald is a proud Canadian who is insatiably curious about the world. Writing has always nipped at her heels, but it was only at the halfway point of life that she decided to put a collar on it. Now, her goal is to complete a novel set in each of Canada’s provinces and territories.
When not unraveling the tangled webs her characters have woven, Annie enjoys hiking, golfing, and kayaking, all necessary to balance her love of cooking.
She currently lives in the Niagara Region surrounded by grapevines and their promise.
When not unraveling the tangled webs her characters have woven, Annie enjoys hiking, golfing, and kayaking, all necessary to balance her love of cooking.
She currently lives in the Niagara Region surrounded by grapevines and their promise.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
January 15, 2021
Nice, quick read with likable main characters. It got a little sappy towards the end for me but otherwise wasn’t a bad read. It only got three stars because I would’ve liked more depth to their relationship.
October 23, 2020
Dani was nineteen when she volunteered as trainer for the local girls hockey team. A serious mid-ice collision left teenaged Luca with a serious concussion, ending her hockey career. Much has happened in both their lives since that event fifteen years before. Dani left the small Manitoba town of Warren to pursue her medical career eventually finding herself working for a medical mission in Guyana. She returns home to her parents carrying an unknown virus and an uncertain future. Luca has gone on to be a welder and iron sculptor. Her reputation as a skilled hockey coach and trainer has the national women’s hockey team eager to have her join their team but Luca is reluctant to leave her father and her life in Warren behind. When Dani accidentally slips into Luca’s arms at the local arena their worlds collide once again.
This is one of those books you pick up and can’t put down. McDonald gives us a story set in one of the coldest places in Canada, a small town north of Winnipeg. Luca showcases the spirit of community by sharing her home with a teenage hockey player from a more northern community. Through Ziigwan( Ziggy) we see the harsh reality of coping with mean girls on sports teams. Kudos to the author for not shying away from issues faced by First Nations and Métis people. Racism and opiate addictions in small remote communities are common and can't be ignored. Homophobia is touched on as well but I was happy to see representation and acceptance of Ziggy and her friend Nodon who is two-spirited.
This slow burn romance lets readers slip into this frozen world and understand the dynamics of the community while watching Luca and Dani find their way back to each other. Attraction is there from the start. Dani remembers Luca from their one encounter in the past: "She looked into unforgettable eyes that reminded her of the rock-strewn bottom of a crystal blue lake on a hot summer day." I loved the body positive Dani who accepted her Guyanese roots along with her curves. Luca is attracted to Dani but worries events in her past will always be a barricade and like many sexy butches, Luca struggles to admit her fears to Dani. Both women have reasons to hold back their feelings for one another and this lack of communication gets as frustrating for the reader as it does for these women in love. It’s my only knock against this love story.
4.5 stars
ARC received with thanks from Bold Stokes Books via NetGalley for review.
This is one of those books you pick up and can’t put down. McDonald gives us a story set in one of the coldest places in Canada, a small town north of Winnipeg. Luca showcases the spirit of community by sharing her home with a teenage hockey player from a more northern community. Through Ziigwan( Ziggy) we see the harsh reality of coping with mean girls on sports teams. Kudos to the author for not shying away from issues faced by First Nations and Métis people. Racism and opiate addictions in small remote communities are common and can't be ignored. Homophobia is touched on as well but I was happy to see representation and acceptance of Ziggy and her friend Nodon who is two-spirited.
This slow burn romance lets readers slip into this frozen world and understand the dynamics of the community while watching Luca and Dani find their way back to each other. Attraction is there from the start. Dani remembers Luca from their one encounter in the past: "She looked into unforgettable eyes that reminded her of the rock-strewn bottom of a crystal blue lake on a hot summer day." I loved the body positive Dani who accepted her Guyanese roots along with her curves. Luca is attracted to Dani but worries events in her past will always be a barricade and like many sexy butches, Luca struggles to admit her fears to Dani. Both women have reasons to hold back their feelings for one another and this lack of communication gets as frustrating for the reader as it does for these women in love. It’s my only knock against this love story.
4.5 stars
ARC received with thanks from Bold Stokes Books via NetGalley for review.
November 25, 2020
3.75 stars. Had I not read others reviews I would not have been expecting this story to be rooted in hockey in the way that it is. No complaints from me though as I love hockey and the setting works really well with these characters.
Luca is an iron sculptor. She used to play hockey until an incident on the ice left her career heading in other directions. She’s had to put a lot of her own dreams aside to support others, but has found a niche for herself coaching and working on her art.
Daniella is returning to her hometown to work as the team doctor for the local hockey team after working as a doctor in Guyana. She’s not well and is keeping everyone at a safe distance until she can resolve her feelings about her time in Guyana.
I love the diversity in the book, I learnt a lot through reading this and it has definitely piqued my interest in certain aspects of Canadian history. I enjoyed how the history was told through the secondary characters.
The relationship between the two leads is complicated. They have a history but it’s not the one you would expect. They’re attracted to each other but have their reasons to stay away. It makes for an interesting slow burn between two passionate characters.
McDonald has a way with words that mean the descriptive passages about skating and sculpture are almost moving to read. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more McDonald in the future.
I received an e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Luca is an iron sculptor. She used to play hockey until an incident on the ice left her career heading in other directions. She’s had to put a lot of her own dreams aside to support others, but has found a niche for herself coaching and working on her art.
Daniella is returning to her hometown to work as the team doctor for the local hockey team after working as a doctor in Guyana. She’s not well and is keeping everyone at a safe distance until she can resolve her feelings about her time in Guyana.
I love the diversity in the book, I learnt a lot through reading this and it has definitely piqued my interest in certain aspects of Canadian history. I enjoyed how the history was told through the secondary characters.
The relationship between the two leads is complicated. They have a history but it’s not the one you would expect. They’re attracted to each other but have their reasons to stay away. It makes for an interesting slow burn between two passionate characters.
McDonald has a way with words that mean the descriptive passages about skating and sculpture are almost moving to read. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more McDonald in the future.
I received an e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 20, 2020
I think I loved this book by Chapter Six.
There was so much to love, but this passage...
'It had slowly undressed the winter-bound soil, teased out the cold and invited the bravest greens to unravel...' How could someone not be captivated by that?
Add to that the smattering of Ojibwe language, and in particular a specific phrase I had learned that very day. The imagery of the land, the description of snow, and the Northern Lights, and the explanation of Wawatay all spoke to me and by the time I was done, I adored this book.
It was as if Ms. McDonald knew exactly the type of story my heart was aching for, and sat down and wrote it just for me.
Add into the mix the slow romance, the secret and heartbreak that Dani carries, and the shame that weighs Luca down and you have the tale of two complex people that doesn't let go. But the characters that surround them are just as interesting, and I found myself frequently cheering for a couple of them as well.
I really enjoyed Ms. McDonald's first book, and this one proves her skill at reaching into our hearts and plucking just the right heartstrings to compose a masterpiece.
I can't wait to see what she writes next!
There was so much to love, but this passage...
'It had slowly undressed the winter-bound soil, teased out the cold and invited the bravest greens to unravel...' How could someone not be captivated by that?
Add to that the smattering of Ojibwe language, and in particular a specific phrase I had learned that very day. The imagery of the land, the description of snow, and the Northern Lights, and the explanation of Wawatay all spoke to me and by the time I was done, I adored this book.
It was as if Ms. McDonald knew exactly the type of story my heart was aching for, and sat down and wrote it just for me.
Add into the mix the slow romance, the secret and heartbreak that Dani carries, and the shame that weighs Luca down and you have the tale of two complex people that doesn't let go. But the characters that surround them are just as interesting, and I found myself frequently cheering for a couple of them as well.
I really enjoyed Ms. McDonald's first book, and this one proves her skill at reaching into our hearts and plucking just the right heartstrings to compose a masterpiece.
I can't wait to see what she writes next!
October 16, 2020
After reading the blurb of this book I was expecting a different type of story, more secretive, weird disease, and those sorts of things. But there wasn't a lot of that.
Dani came back to northern Canada after a Doctors Abroad posting in Guyana has left her ill. She returns to her hometown and the hockey team to be the team doctor. On her first day back she meets Luca, or actually is reintroduced to her. Years ago Dani was the first to treat Luca when she had a career-ending scuffle on the ice. They are attracted to each other but find objections in their own minds that stop them from acting on it. When their secrets do come spilling out, nothing is holding them back.
I did enjoy this book but it's just such a flimsy story, for me, it certainly lacked depth. The secrets aren't big/ dramatic enough for me to really feel the angst and the drama, it just made me do an eye roll and almost say oh come onnnn out loud. The hard to identify virus that Dani suffers from was pretty predictable knowing where she has spent the last few months/ years. But what can I say sometimes you just want an easy read and that is what this book was for me.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
Dani came back to northern Canada after a Doctors Abroad posting in Guyana has left her ill. She returns to her hometown and the hockey team to be the team doctor. On her first day back she meets Luca, or actually is reintroduced to her. Years ago Dani was the first to treat Luca when she had a career-ending scuffle on the ice. They are attracted to each other but find objections in their own minds that stop them from acting on it. When their secrets do come spilling out, nothing is holding them back.
I did enjoy this book but it's just such a flimsy story, for me, it certainly lacked depth. The secrets aren't big/ dramatic enough for me to really feel the angst and the drama, it just made me do an eye roll and almost say oh come onnnn out loud. The hard to identify virus that Dani suffers from was pretty predictable knowing where she has spent the last few months/ years. But what can I say sometimes you just want an easy read and that is what this book was for me.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
November 24, 2020
I really loved reading When Sparks Fly by Annie McDonald. This is the second novel I’ve read by this author. I enjoyed the first one, but I liked this one even more.
I will confess that one reason I love this story as much as I do may be because it is so Canadian. It’s set in a town just north of Winnipeg, Manitoba, an area known for its extremely long and frigidly cold winters. The descriptions of the cold, the snow, and the sudden changes of the weather from light flurries to dangerous blizzards in a matter of minutes are all true. Add in the references to Tim Horton’s coffee (especially at the hockey rink), the morning Timmies coffee run through the drive through, the pay it backwards in that line, kids playing hockey…there are just so many of these little tidbits that make me think of home in Canada.
This is a slow-burn, gentle romance between Dr. Dani Waveny, and iron sculptor and hockey coach Luca McAffery. Both are well developed characters and have obvious chemistry from their first meeting in the book. I think I fell a bit in love with Luca myself. The secondary characters are equally well developed. All of the characters fit well in their roles. The romance itself is slow and sweet, with a few misunderstandings along the way to add conflict.
This story really is delightful. I can’t wait for Ms. McDonald’s next Canadian romance novel. If you are into tender, slow-burn love stories with a definite Canadian feel, then check out this story.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
I will confess that one reason I love this story as much as I do may be because it is so Canadian. It’s set in a town just north of Winnipeg, Manitoba, an area known for its extremely long and frigidly cold winters. The descriptions of the cold, the snow, and the sudden changes of the weather from light flurries to dangerous blizzards in a matter of minutes are all true. Add in the references to Tim Horton’s coffee (especially at the hockey rink), the morning Timmies coffee run through the drive through, the pay it backwards in that line, kids playing hockey…there are just so many of these little tidbits that make me think of home in Canada.
This is a slow-burn, gentle romance between Dr. Dani Waveny, and iron sculptor and hockey coach Luca McAffery. Both are well developed characters and have obvious chemistry from their first meeting in the book. I think I fell a bit in love with Luca myself. The secondary characters are equally well developed. All of the characters fit well in their roles. The romance itself is slow and sweet, with a few misunderstandings along the way to add conflict.
This story really is delightful. I can’t wait for Ms. McDonald’s next Canadian romance novel. If you are into tender, slow-burn love stories with a definite Canadian feel, then check out this story.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
October 28, 2020
3.5 stars
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I liked it. I didn’t read the blurb too closely (the cover won me over) so I didn’t know what to expect. Based on the cover, I certainly didn’t expect so much page-time dedicated to hockey. I enjoyed learning what a suicide pass was, but some of the minute details overwhelmed the story...at least for me.
Readers who enjoy slow burn romances are in for a treat. This is one of the slowest I’ve read; an observation, not a criticism.
One thing that kept coming to mind while reading was, ‘wow, what an ambitious story.’
On that note, I’ll leave a lineup of what topics this book addresses…hockey, racism, homophobia, addiction and recovery, concussion and long-term effects, lost teen/found teen, hockey, a doctor, a coach, a virus (not COVID, thank goodness), oh, and a romance.
Copy provided by the publisher, Bold Strokes Books, via NetGalley.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I liked it. I didn’t read the blurb too closely (the cover won me over) so I didn’t know what to expect. Based on the cover, I certainly didn’t expect so much page-time dedicated to hockey. I enjoyed learning what a suicide pass was, but some of the minute details overwhelmed the story...at least for me.
Readers who enjoy slow burn romances are in for a treat. This is one of the slowest I’ve read; an observation, not a criticism.
One thing that kept coming to mind while reading was, ‘wow, what an ambitious story.’
On that note, I’ll leave a lineup of what topics this book addresses…hockey, racism, homophobia, addiction and recovery, concussion and long-term effects, lost teen/found teen, hockey, a doctor, a coach, a virus (not COVID, thank goodness), oh, and a romance.
Copy provided by the publisher, Bold Strokes Books, via NetGalley.
February 4, 2021
This book was OK. I liked how the two mc's had a bit of history. This touched upon hockey and injuries. Strong family and chosen family elements. But if I remember quickly, I felt like it was a bit insta love.
January 25, 2024
3 stars
Eh. Not bad, not good. Acceptable. I wasn't really all that much invested, but it wasn't bad, not by a long shot.
But there was one thing that annoyed me to hell:
Flashback. A singular one. And within the first few pages. Couldn't it have been prologue? It was literally just one scene. No reason to postpone it for three pages from the beginning, it wouldn't have spoiled anything if it was in front of the main story and not after three pages of "present time".
It annoyed me, if you couldn't tell.
Eh. Not bad, not good. Acceptable. I wasn't really all that much invested, but it wasn't bad, not by a long shot.
But there was one thing that annoyed me to hell:
Flashback. A singular one. And within the first few pages. Couldn't it have been prologue? It was literally just one scene. No reason to postpone it for three pages from the beginning, it wouldn't have spoiled anything if it was in front of the main story and not after three pages of "present time".
It annoyed me, if you couldn't tell.
May 5, 2024
3.5 Stars
February 2, 2021
When Dani returns to her hometown in Manitoba from Guyana and her work with Doctors Without Borders, she returns with a lot of emotional baggage. On her first day runs into Luca, a trainer at the rink where Dani will now act as the team doctor. The two women juggle their immediate attraction with their responsibilities and the evolving careers.
I'm glad I kept this on my to-read list after it got pushed back in the holiday shuffle because I really enjoyed this book. It is always a joy to read about my home country and especially to explore provinces I'm not as familiar with. I found some of the hockey details got a little long winded and specific and didn't really add much to the story. I also wasn't a huge fan of the "secret" that kept them apart, it was on the weaker side for me. Overall I really enjoyed all the characters, especially all of the diversity in this story. Luca and Dani were well developed, three dimensional characters. Their chemistry was really well done and I enjoyed the slow burn of them relationship in spite of the "secrets".
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I'm glad I kept this on my to-read list after it got pushed back in the holiday shuffle because I really enjoyed this book. It is always a joy to read about my home country and especially to explore provinces I'm not as familiar with. I found some of the hockey details got a little long winded and specific and didn't really add much to the story. I also wasn't a huge fan of the "secret" that kept them apart, it was on the weaker side for me. Overall I really enjoyed all the characters, especially all of the diversity in this story. Luca and Dani were well developed, three dimensional characters. Their chemistry was really well done and I enjoyed the slow burn of them relationship in spite of the "secrets".
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 5, 2020
Dr. Daniella has been working in Guyana as doctor without borders. While there she had a relationship with a woman Yvette who had to come get custody of her niece when her sister died. They became a family but when the people of Guyana got wind of their relationship which they thought they were being discreet began to get threatening Yvette and her niece Tiana left without a goodbye but Dani understood even though she was heartbroken because she loved being a mom to the little girl. Dani stayed even when they still gave her cold shoulder but one day she woke up to mosquitoes bites and she knows they ruin her traps to keep them at bay. She became so ill to the point that she couldn’t move. While coming home to wait for the result of which virus she has she begin to work as doctor for the hockey team in her hometown.
Luca was a great hockey player but a injury ruin her chances of becoming pro but it did give her a wake up call because she could have avoided the attack if she wasn’t high and she got help for her addiction and met her best friend Mighty who was also battling a addiction they both became each other champion.
Dani and Luca meet again when Dani falls into her arms and sparks fly. Luca is a amazing sculptured who is working with Dani mother Prudence on a project. As they get to know each other both are hesitant to start something Dani who doesn’t know what she carries might destroy her dreams at a life and Luca who although overcame her addiction is afraid she doesn’t deserve to have happiness.
This was a heartbreaking read not knowing and I love all the supporting characters. Mighty my favorite because she tells Luca she deserves everything that she already a winner and doesn’t have to continue to prove herself. Love that Luca calls Dani her whole name how she was bold to let her feelings known.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Luca was a great hockey player but a injury ruin her chances of becoming pro but it did give her a wake up call because she could have avoided the attack if she wasn’t high and she got help for her addiction and met her best friend Mighty who was also battling a addiction they both became each other champion.
Dani and Luca meet again when Dani falls into her arms and sparks fly. Luca is a amazing sculptured who is working with Dani mother Prudence on a project. As they get to know each other both are hesitant to start something Dani who doesn’t know what she carries might destroy her dreams at a life and Luca who although overcame her addiction is afraid she doesn’t deserve to have happiness.
This was a heartbreaking read not knowing and I love all the supporting characters. Mighty my favorite because she tells Luca she deserves everything that she already a winner and doesn’t have to continue to prove herself. Love that Luca calls Dani her whole name how she was bold to let her feelings known.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
January 13, 2021
I love how the characters were written. Luca, even after what she went through from her teenage years she grew up to be strong, competent, loving, and well-rounded individual, with some baggage yes but without the angst of her past. Dani who also flourished on her life came with a little personal baggage because of what happened to her recently.
This book involves substance abuse, racism, homophobia, and family. Although the MCs were already displaying attraction to each other early on in the book, they didn’t act upon it in right away. It slowly builds throughout the story.
The story was well written and I enjoyed reading it. Will definitely recommend it to others.
I received an ARC from the publishers through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book involves substance abuse, racism, homophobia, and family. Although the MCs were already displaying attraction to each other early on in the book, they didn’t act upon it in right away. It slowly builds throughout the story.
The story was well written and I enjoyed reading it. Will definitely recommend it to others.
I received an ARC from the publishers through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 28, 2020
This was a miss for me. It may be because I'm not much of a hockey fan (don't tell, or I'll have to renounce my Canadian citizenship). I did like reading a book set in Winnipeg - its a refreshing change of scenery and there's definitely a different groove and culture than the books set in NY, LA, etc. It's always nice to see a different setting and the story and storytelling definitely gave an authentic local feel.
There were a number of intersecting storylines, with the primary being the budding romance between Dani, a doctor returning home to recover after contracting a virus while working overseas, and Luca, a former hockey phenom who has a busy life spent coaching, taking care of her father, working as a welder and working on her art. The characters feel real and the atmosphere, descriptions of life in and around Winnipeg are well done. This is a slow burn as both characters have their own issues and baggage to overcome/come to grips with - and the pacing of their relationship (no instalove) worked. This is a slow burn, slower paced story - not a lot of action or outside obstacles.
My key issue was the amount of exposition and explanation - in creating a realistic setting/situations, the author references things specific to hockey, Winnipeg, etc but then stops to frame in explanations. This impacted the pacing and flow - I wish that some of it was mentioned and allow the readers to google or understand the references from the context that they were made in.
There were a number of intersecting storylines, with the primary being the budding romance between Dani, a doctor returning home to recover after contracting a virus while working overseas, and Luca, a former hockey phenom who has a busy life spent coaching, taking care of her father, working as a welder and working on her art. The characters feel real and the atmosphere, descriptions of life in and around Winnipeg are well done. This is a slow burn as both characters have their own issues and baggage to overcome/come to grips with - and the pacing of their relationship (no instalove) worked. This is a slow burn, slower paced story - not a lot of action or outside obstacles.
My key issue was the amount of exposition and explanation - in creating a realistic setting/situations, the author references things specific to hockey, Winnipeg, etc but then stops to frame in explanations. This impacted the pacing and flow - I wish that some of it was mentioned and allow the readers to google or understand the references from the context that they were made in.
November 7, 2020
Small-town Canada, coming home, doctor-retired hockey player romance with some interesting First Nations rep. I really enjoyed McDonald's first novel, and this one was similarly enjoyable. Fairly quick and engrossing read. Good amounts of tension. Well done side characters and supporting cast.
Both women have past demons they are still struggling with, but they cannot resist each other when sparks fly.
Both women have past demons they are still struggling with, but they cannot resist each other when sparks fly.
October 26, 2020
Lovely romance set in Canada. It has a plethora of diverse characters from varying backgrounds. You will be pulled in by the author's story telling and the characters themselves. This could be the beginning of a series if the author wanted to go that route. Love, pain, addiction, survival and family are the core themes.
November 5, 2020
This is a really well written and poetic novel set in the winter in Manitoba. The best part of the book was the description of the community, and insight Into the diverse culture of the area. The two main characters fall in love in a mist of a story line that is truly Canadian. It’s a unique and inspiring read that is hopeful throughout.
November 14, 2020
Really nice story. I actually could not believe how hard it was to put this book down.
Luca's character reminds me of the younger me. The will for her to help everyone first and thinking of herself as last.
Moving story. The connection between main characters is amazing.
Luca's character reminds me of the younger me. The will for her to help everyone first and thinking of herself as last.
Moving story. The connection between main characters is amazing.
December 19, 2022
This has been a somewhat difficult story to enter, at first it was too slow and convoluted, it was hard for me to follow the things that had happened to the two protagonists. So, but very little by little, I have been getting an idea of those past events, but in the middle of the story new themes have appeared that, in fact, have not helped much to my global understanding. I think the author has tried to introduce some aspects of Canadian culture that I have not been able to catch and that has not been very positive for my overall assessment of the story.
Regarding the romantic relationship between the two protagonists, among all the other things that happen in the story, it has been a bit synthesized. Yes, there is the development of an attraction, Luca and Danielle have known each other since adolescence and although they separated their paths for a long time, the spark between them is rekindled the moment they meet again. But their interactions are brief and shallow until they decide to take the plunge, which is quite advanced in the story, and from here on their relationship becomes quite physical, I am not complaining about that, but it has been too abrupt a change, from zero to one hundred too fast maybe.
I think it has been a too dense story for me, I am interested in romances that are simpler. It is a matter of taste, not quality.
Publisher Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley for my honest review
Regarding the romantic relationship between the two protagonists, among all the other things that happen in the story, it has been a bit synthesized. Yes, there is the development of an attraction, Luca and Danielle have known each other since adolescence and although they separated their paths for a long time, the spark between them is rekindled the moment they meet again. But their interactions are brief and shallow until they decide to take the plunge, which is quite advanced in the story, and from here on their relationship becomes quite physical, I am not complaining about that, but it has been too abrupt a change, from zero to one hundred too fast maybe.
I think it has been a too dense story for me, I am interested in romances that are simpler. It is a matter of taste, not quality.
Publisher Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley for my honest review
December 4, 2020
Even though I am not a big hockey fan, I tend to find myself enjoying all romances that deal with sports. I found When Sparks Fly decent. Before I move on, I have to say that I loved the diversity in this romance. Many romances have the same typical mains - blonde, red hair or brunette. I love it when an author give us a non one of those mains.
There are aspects of this romance that I enjoyed and others that wasn't my favorite. I liked the chemistry between Daniella and Luca. I liked the overall story line. I also like the descriptors used throughout the romance. What I didn't care for was the secrecy behind Daniella illness. I just didn't understand why it was a big deal. Though I enjoyed the sort of mystery behind everything that happened to Daniella I found myself wishes it was presented differently. As I analyze why this bothered me it just felt like hiding the many things dealing with Daniella's race and where she worked was a negative thing. I don't think this was meant to happen, but that is what it felt like to mean. Again, I enjoyed the diversity, but this one thing bugged me.
3.5 stars.
This arc was provided by netgalley and the publisher for an honest review.
There are aspects of this romance that I enjoyed and others that wasn't my favorite. I liked the chemistry between Daniella and Luca. I liked the overall story line. I also like the descriptors used throughout the romance. What I didn't care for was the secrecy behind Daniella illness. I just didn't understand why it was a big deal. Though I enjoyed the sort of mystery behind everything that happened to Daniella I found myself wishes it was presented differently. As I analyze why this bothered me it just felt like hiding the many things dealing with Daniella's race and where she worked was a negative thing. I don't think this was meant to happen, but that is what it felt like to mean. Again, I enjoyed the diversity, but this one thing bugged me.
3.5 stars.
This arc was provided by netgalley and the publisher for an honest review.
September 17, 2022
"She wondered if sex with Dani had become an addiction, with each indulgence demanding another. Like the best potato chip she'd ever had. And again, she was hungry."
Does this author know how to speak my language or what? CHIPS. Chips for dayz. I fucking LOVE CHIPS.
This book was dosed with all things Canada, and I loved the nuances in it from that standpoint alone. I grew up 4 hours from Winnipeg so was completely immersed in the descriptions of the endless sky, the crisp weather, the land, the cultures, the history. MC Danielle and MC Luca had a brief albeit intense encounter in their teens that Dani never forgot. Flash forward 15 years and Dani is back from Doctor's Without Borders with an unknown fiend in her system that causes ++ stress. "Sparks Fly" when Dani and Luca meet again, and you see right where that's going. Luca is devoted and kind and steady. Oh and she welds sculptures, neat. Points for these two from the get go, I liked 'em.
So many major issues are touched upon: homophobia, racism, trauma, high school drama, injuries, two-spirited folk, indigenous issues, accidents, non-accidents.....I was so into the flow of topics, they weaved really well together. I was riveted by everything in the story up until the inevitable hook up. When the romance happened it became super cheesy and flattened the story for me. The OTT love language had my eyes-rolling down a steep hill. Cosmos dancing in eyes as the sex happened, folks. And once again, another book where the end and epilogue is very rushed. This doesn't need to be rushed!
BUT, holy moly peeps, did Ms. McDonald go all out with some of the intimate scene. Don't think I've seen that much *ahem* detail about a certain act thus far in lesfic. If you can dodge my rolling eyeballs from the lingo, you'll probs get a kick outta that.
I still very much encourage reading this for so many reasons! 4.25/5. Go Canada.
Does this author know how to speak my language or what? CHIPS. Chips for dayz. I fucking LOVE CHIPS.
This book was dosed with all things Canada, and I loved the nuances in it from that standpoint alone. I grew up 4 hours from Winnipeg so was completely immersed in the descriptions of the endless sky, the crisp weather, the land, the cultures, the history. MC Danielle and MC Luca had a brief albeit intense encounter in their teens that Dani never forgot. Flash forward 15 years and Dani is back from Doctor's Without Borders with an unknown fiend in her system that causes ++ stress. "Sparks Fly" when Dani and Luca meet again, and you see right where that's going. Luca is devoted and kind and steady. Oh and she welds sculptures, neat. Points for these two from the get go, I liked 'em.
So many major issues are touched upon: homophobia, racism, trauma, high school drama, injuries, two-spirited folk, indigenous issues, accidents, non-accidents.....I was so into the flow of topics, they weaved really well together. I was riveted by everything in the story up until the inevitable hook up. When the romance happened it became super cheesy and flattened the story for me. The OTT love language had my eyes-rolling down a steep hill. Cosmos dancing in eyes as the sex happened, folks. And once again, another book where the end and epilogue is very rushed. This doesn't need to be rushed!
BUT, holy moly peeps, did Ms. McDonald go all out with some of the intimate scene. Don't think I've seen that much *ahem* detail about a certain act thus far in lesfic. If you can dodge my rolling eyeballs from the lingo, you'll probs get a kick outta that.
I still very much encourage reading this for so many reasons! 4.25/5. Go Canada.
November 6, 2020
✨When Sparks Fly✨
Thank you to Netgalley, Annie McDonald and the publisher for sending me an E-Arc
✨
Description: Dr Dani returns home to from her trip to Guyana where she picked up a mysterious virus. That leaves her with her guard up and a deep rooted fear.
Luca has some baggage of her own, a welder and a hockey coach has also closed herself off from the world.
A horrific incident caused their first meeting and now they’re reunited, the chemistry is off the charts. Can the pair let their guards down enough to let the other in?
✨
Rating:
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Romance:❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Steam: ����🔥🔥🔥
Review:
This isn’t my typical read but my god, I LOVED it. It was one of those that once you start it’s hard to put down. The story had me intrigued from the very first page. The characters were relatable and interesting, it was easy to become engrossed in their story. I enjoyed the sporting aspect too.
I loved the diversity and inclusion of sensitive issues and how they were handled. This was a beautiful story from start to finish.
Thank you to Netgalley, Annie McDonald and the publisher for sending me an E-Arc
✨
Description: Dr Dani returns home to from her trip to Guyana where she picked up a mysterious virus. That leaves her with her guard up and a deep rooted fear.
Luca has some baggage of her own, a welder and a hockey coach has also closed herself off from the world.
A horrific incident caused their first meeting and now they’re reunited, the chemistry is off the charts. Can the pair let their guards down enough to let the other in?
✨
Rating:
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Romance:❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Steam: ����🔥🔥🔥
Review:
This isn’t my typical read but my god, I LOVED it. It was one of those that once you start it’s hard to put down. The story had me intrigued from the very first page. The characters were relatable and interesting, it was easy to become engrossed in their story. I enjoyed the sporting aspect too.
I loved the diversity and inclusion of sensitive issues and how they were handled. This was a beautiful story from start to finish.
December 5, 2020
3.5 Stars
C/W: References to past addiction, homophobia and implied racism
If you like stories surrounding sport and f/f relationships, this is the story for you. Dani and Luca are genuinely such easy to love characters and their romance is something you root for from the first meeting. There is Indigenous and Gauyenese representation in this book. While I can't speak on either, I didn't pick up any major red-flags in terms of the representation.
The side-characters were used well and I loved how "When Sparks Fly" didn't shy away from the hyper-competitive nature of high school sport that brings out both the good and bad in people.
While I think the book explains niche topics like hockey and welding well; I also liked the sensitivity that it showed when dealing with storylines of opiate addiction. Sometimes the story did feel like it was too busy, but for the most part, I really enjoyed the direction it went with.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books, Inc. for allowing me to read an e-arc of "When Sparks Fly" by Annie McDonald. All opinions stated are my own.
C/W: References to past addiction, homophobia and implied racism
If you like stories surrounding sport and f/f relationships, this is the story for you. Dani and Luca are genuinely such easy to love characters and their romance is something you root for from the first meeting. There is Indigenous and Gauyenese representation in this book. While I can't speak on either, I didn't pick up any major red-flags in terms of the representation.
The side-characters were used well and I loved how "When Sparks Fly" didn't shy away from the hyper-competitive nature of high school sport that brings out both the good and bad in people.
While I think the book explains niche topics like hockey and welding well; I also liked the sensitivity that it showed when dealing with storylines of opiate addiction. Sometimes the story did feel like it was too busy, but for the most part, I really enjoyed the direction it went with.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books, Inc. for allowing me to read an e-arc of "When Sparks Fly" by Annie McDonald. All opinions stated are my own.
November 12, 2020
Luca McAffrey is a welder, hockey coach and former star ice hockey player who has some demons from her past. Dr Danielle Waverny, has been working with Doctors Abroad in remote Guyana and has been forced to return with an undiagnosed virus which could potentially impact her life. Their paths crossed fleetingly on the ice rink many years ago in traumatic circumstances which changed the course of both their lives, can they both overcome their challenges to pursue their dreams.
I really enjoyed the characters in this book, they were strong yet had their flaws. Being a sports nut but not being familiar with ice hockey I loved learning about some of the technicalities of the sport and loved the having ice hockey incorporated into the story. I did feel the story lag a bit in the middle and was a little frustrated with the miscommunication between Luca and Danielle but overall I enjoyed this book.
I really enjoyed the characters in this book, they were strong yet had their flaws. Being a sports nut but not being familiar with ice hockey I loved learning about some of the technicalities of the sport and loved the having ice hockey incorporated into the story. I did feel the story lag a bit in the middle and was a little frustrated with the miscommunication between Luca and Danielle but overall I enjoyed this book.
January 15, 2021
Dani (34) comes back to her hometown from her assignment as a doctor in Guyana. She has been infected with a virus that is still bothering her. Back home, she joins the medical team of the hockey team.
Luca coaches the hockey team and knows Dani fleetingly from her time as an active player, during which Dani was also responsible for the health of the players.
The two meet again after 15 years on the ice.
I had difficulty getting into the book. There was quite a bit of field hockey jargon used in my eyes, which I sometimes had problems with as a true non-expert. For fans of the sport, however, it can be quite a plus.
The story is written fluidly and will certainly have its lovers, for me it was unfortunately not.
I received a copy from netgalley in exchange for a an honest review.
Luca coaches the hockey team and knows Dani fleetingly from her time as an active player, during which Dani was also responsible for the health of the players.
The two meet again after 15 years on the ice.
I had difficulty getting into the book. There was quite a bit of field hockey jargon used in my eyes, which I sometimes had problems with as a true non-expert. For fans of the sport, however, it can be quite a plus.
The story is written fluidly and will certainly have its lovers, for me it was unfortunately not.
I received a copy from netgalley in exchange for a an honest review.
May 8, 2022
This was a sweet, Canadian queer romance!
The story follows Luca, a hockey coach in Winnipeg, and Dani, a former member of Doctors Beyond Borders, who are both at cross roads in their lives. The two find each other, and with their newfound love come clarity for the future! Cue the awwws.
All in all, this book read like fanfiction to me, but in a good way. It's a slice of life with one scene leading to another without there really being some larger plot or set up and pay off. You're kind of just looking through a window into two women's lives for a minute!
Recommended for anyone who want an easy, breezy, low-drama read.
The story follows Luca, a hockey coach in Winnipeg, and Dani, a former member of Doctors Beyond Borders, who are both at cross roads in their lives. The two find each other, and with their newfound love come clarity for the future! Cue the awwws.
All in all, this book read like fanfiction to me, but in a good way. It's a slice of life with one scene leading to another without there really being some larger plot or set up and pay off. You're kind of just looking through a window into two women's lives for a minute!
Recommended for anyone who want an easy, breezy, low-drama read.
November 10, 2020
My first read by Ms. Anne McDonald. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and thought it was well written. The story touches on Family, Racism, addiction, and homophobia to name a few. I loved how clear the level of communication was between the MC Daniella and Luca. It was a beautiful story and I would recommend this book, 4.5 stars. I look forward to more books from Annie McDonald.
I was provided an ARC copy for my honest opinion.
Thank you NetGalley, Bold Strokes Books Publishers and Annie McDonald
I was provided an ARC copy for my honest opinion.
Thank you NetGalley, Bold Strokes Books Publishers and Annie McDonald
March 15, 2021
As someone who grew up in an area that was not LGBTQ+ friendly, this book was a breath of fresh air that reminded me there are places we find our people.
For me, the strength of this book resides in it's discussion of people and the relationships of all the characters. There is a strong sense of community within this book, from the way the families interact to the friend groups we see, there is a sense of support that these characters have for one another that I truly loved.
The romance in this book was very sweet and I appreciate how communication was emphasized within the relationship, instead of using a lack of communication as a plot device! This healthy communication is something I love to see in books!
I really appreciate the discussion of culture and the issues Indigineous people face within Canada. Those issues weren't just a little side comment either, they were a genuine topic brought up a few times within the book, and it felt like it was natural to see brought up and discussed!
I think the characters were really good, however I do wish they were a little more fleshed out. They are characters who we know are amazing and fantastic, I think I just wanted a little more flesh and dynamic to be added to them.
For me, the strength of this book resides in it's discussion of people and the relationships of all the characters. There is a strong sense of community within this book, from the way the families interact to the friend groups we see, there is a sense of support that these characters have for one another that I truly loved.
The romance in this book was very sweet and I appreciate how communication was emphasized within the relationship, instead of using a lack of communication as a plot device! This healthy communication is something I love to see in books!
I really appreciate the discussion of culture and the issues Indigineous people face within Canada. Those issues weren't just a little side comment either, they were a genuine topic brought up a few times within the book, and it felt like it was natural to see brought up and discussed!
I think the characters were really good, however I do wish they were a little more fleshed out. They are characters who we know are amazing and fantastic, I think I just wanted a little more flesh and dynamic to be added to them.
November 13, 2020
This is a well written book. It has everything - likable main characters, nice development, complex issues, well described surroundings... I would recommend this book to anyone who appreciates good writers and well developed romance. 4 stars from me.
October 24, 2023
3.5* pretty good
Enjoyed the story for different personal issues the main characters deal with. Also enjoyed the different setting and occupations (artist, skater, teacher coach) and Doctors Without Borders-ish & team doctor. Low angst and steamy. A worthwhile read.
Enjoyed the story for different personal issues the main characters deal with. Also enjoyed the different setting and occupations (artist, skater, teacher coach) and Doctors Without Borders-ish & team doctor. Low angst and steamy. A worthwhile read.
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