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Sparks of Desire #3
Finding Hope
Chance O’Connell doesn’t do romance. After the firefighter has his heart broken, his idea of a relationship consists of one night with no attachments. Somehow, the dragon shifter finds himself drawn to Hope, the waitress at the local diner. Rather than make her one of his conquests, he sits in her section and pretends he doesn’t want her.
Hope Sinclair is done with abusive men and being a victim. A new town and a new job at a local diner are all she needs for a fresh start. That is until a sexy firefighter takes up near residence in her section. He wants to be friends, but she wants something more. With the holiday bachelor auction coming up, Hope sets her heart on winning a date with Chance.
One night threatens Chance’s vow to remain single, but by the time he finally admits they belong together, it might prove too late. Turns out Hope didn’t run far enough and her past may be the end of them both.
Hope Sinclair is done with abusive men and being a victim. A new town and a new job at a local diner are all she needs for a fresh start. That is until a sexy firefighter takes up near residence in her section. He wants to be friends, but she wants something more. With the holiday bachelor auction coming up, Hope sets her heart on winning a date with Chance.
One night threatens Chance’s vow to remain single, but by the time he finally admits they belong together, it might prove too late. Turns out Hope didn’t run far enough and her past may be the end of them both.
- GenresDragonsParanormal
107 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2019
105 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Valerie Twombly
63 books504 followersAward winning and bestselling author Valerie Twombly grew up watching Dark Shadows over her mother's shoulder, and from there her love of the fanged creatures blossomed. Today, Valerie has decided to take her darker, sensual side and put it to paper.
When she is not busy creating a world full of steamy, hot men and strong, seductive women, she juggles her time between a full-time job, hubby and dog, in Northern IL.
When she is not busy creating a world full of steamy, hot men and strong, seductive women, she juggles her time between a full-time job, hubby and dog, in Northern IL.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
March 5, 2019
Love the mix of firefighters and dragons! A master of the genre
February 1, 2019
thiś is an exciting suspense filled paranormal shifter romance story.When Hope moved to a small town it was with hope that he Ezekiel never find her.Hex w
her.Her ex was both physically and emotionally abusive.Now he's about to be released from prison.Hope can only pray he's forget about her or not be able to find her.She working as a waitress at a dinner that firefighters come too eat. The first day she sees Chance it's like her blood heats up and she can hardly breathe. He's the most handsome man she'd ever laid eyes on .Chance is a firefighter Dragon shifter from a long line of Dragon shifters from Ireland .He has sworn off on relationships and he's now know as a one time and done man. He had his heart broken, when he fell in love with a woman that when he told her he was a dragon shifter she thought it was a joke.So when he showed her he was a dragon also all he saw was fear in her eyes and she ran being stole by a car dying in his arms.So that's when he swore off relationships. When he walked into the diner and laid eyes on Hope even his Dragon woke up.He started rethinking about maybe settling down. The firefighters annual charity auction .was coming up.Hope decided she was going to win the date with Chance maybe she can make him see that she's a woman not just a waitress. So the night of the auction Hope won the his by paying fifteen hundred dollars for a one on one dinner date. Then one day Chance comes into the diner and Hope asks him if he wants his usual order to which he says he's like to try breakfast.She asks what he wants and he asks her what she would order .Hope says waffles whip cream with strawberries and a side of bacon.Chance says it sounds like dessert.But to order it.Hope ads scrambled eggs also.When she brings his breakfast she tells him she crumbled bacon on top.So Chance crumbles bacon on top.Hope tells him to enjoy an walks away when Chance takes a bite he can't believe how good it tastes. When Hope comeback too top off his coffee. He asks where she wants to go for dinner she says you said you'd cook dinner for me so I'll make dessert. is this the beginning
her.Her ex was both physically and emotionally abusive.Now he's about to be released from prison.Hope can only pray he's forget about her or not be able to find her.She working as a waitress at a dinner that firefighters come too eat. The first day she sees Chance it's like her blood heats up and she can hardly breathe. He's the most handsome man she'd ever laid eyes on .Chance is a firefighter Dragon shifter from a long line of Dragon shifters from Ireland .He has sworn off on relationships and he's now know as a one time and done man. He had his heart broken, when he fell in love with a woman that when he told her he was a dragon shifter she thought it was a joke.So when he showed her he was a dragon also all he saw was fear in her eyes and she ran being stole by a car dying in his arms.So that's when he swore off relationships. When he walked into the diner and laid eyes on Hope even his Dragon woke up.He started rethinking about maybe settling down. The firefighters annual charity auction .was coming up.Hope decided she was going to win the date with Chance maybe she can make him see that she's a woman not just a waitress. So the night of the auction Hope won the his by paying fifteen hundred dollars for a one on one dinner date. Then one day Chance comes into the diner and Hope asks him if he wants his usual order to which he says he's like to try breakfast.She asks what he wants and he asks her what she would order .Hope says waffles whip cream with strawberries and a side of bacon.Chance says it sounds like dessert.But to order it.Hope ads scrambled eggs also.When she brings his breakfast she tells him she crumbled bacon on top.So Chance crumbles bacon on top.Hope tells him to enjoy an walks away when Chance takes a bite he can't believe how good it tastes. When Hope comeback too top off his coffee. He asks where she wants to go for dinner she says you said you'd cook dinner for me so I'll make dessert. is this the beginning
August 22, 2024
not amazing but not bad
The story was ok, the premise was really promising. Sadly it felt an awful lot like all of it was rushed. The blurb gives the impression that there will be some build up, but there’s none anywhere.
It’s like being dropped into the middle of a book.
The writing is good, but it feels an awful lot like the Author isn’t certain if they want closed door romance or open door, intimate scenes seem to describe/skip randomly like the Author isn’t comfortable with the topic. But, like I say the writing style is good, it’s engaging, it just feels like a lot of it is rushed in places that don’t make sense.
The story felt very short for the set up of it, and could have been longer without dragging out, in fact it felt like it was too short and too quick to resolve everything. We go from having had a crush for 2 years and relationship avoidant to suddenly completely ok with a relationship and oh look we’re together? Either we have intended mates, in which case how did he not know for 2 years but figured it out so fast in the story? Or fated mates isn’t the thing in which case… they kinda need to build a relationship?
I would definitely give the book a go, it’s worth it to pass a few hours, and as I say the writing is good, I like the Characters. The story could have done with expanding though.
The story was ok, the premise was really promising. Sadly it felt an awful lot like all of it was rushed. The blurb gives the impression that there will be some build up, but there’s none anywhere.
It’s like being dropped into the middle of a book.
The writing is good, but it feels an awful lot like the Author isn’t certain if they want closed door romance or open door, intimate scenes seem to describe/skip randomly like the Author isn’t comfortable with the topic. But, like I say the writing style is good, it’s engaging, it just feels like a lot of it is rushed in places that don’t make sense.
The story felt very short for the set up of it, and could have been longer without dragging out, in fact it felt like it was too short and too quick to resolve everything. We go from having had a crush for 2 years and relationship avoidant to suddenly completely ok with a relationship and oh look we’re together? Either we have intended mates, in which case how did he not know for 2 years but figured it out so fast in the story? Or fated mates isn’t the thing in which case… they kinda need to build a relationship?
I would definitely give the book a go, it’s worth it to pass a few hours, and as I say the writing is good, I like the Characters. The story could have done with expanding though.
February 2, 2019
I absolutely love this story and it’s about Chance and Hope. Chance is a dragon shifter firefighter who’s had his heart broken now he’s just happy to do one night stands which has earned him a reputation but that’s until he meets Hope. Hope has moved away to this small town to get away from her abusive ex right now he’s still in jail so she should be safe working here as a waitress, when Hope notices Chance she wants him like she’s never wanted anyone before but he acts indifferent to her but that’s not going to stop Hope. The first time Chance saw Hope his dragon also sat up and took notice he sits in her area so he can get to know her but he is very interested and he tries to act all indifferent with her. Hope has heard about Chance’s reputation but she doesn’t care she wants him, the firefighters are having a charity auction and when it was Chance’s turn up on the stage Hope was going to win him for a date she spent every penny on him and she won him and Chance is so worth it. But Hope’s past catches up with her and her ex is out for her blood can Chance keep her safe or will he be too late?. This is a fantastic story a 5 plus ⭐️ read and I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.
January 11, 2019
The heat level of this one was off the charts. Dragons and firefighters, you know it's gonna get hot! As the second installment, this did not disappoint. All the characters at the station are great. Ms. Twombly has the ability to write romance with such finesse. But what keeps you turning pages, the story just grabs you. For a PNR to still read with 'real life' going on, rather than overdoing fantasy. That is going to carry this series until each of these men and women find a HEA. I definitely intend to be here to each one. Chance and Hope had an attraction to each other for years. What happens when they act on it, slow, sweet, make you jealous kinda of love. Each with a past that still hurts deep, the future is what matters most. Enjoying the journey with them is well worth it. This is a must read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 9, 2022
Finding Hope is the first novel that I have read by this author. I read a summary of the book on social media and bought it. I was not sorry that I did. I liked the characters and was intrigued by having dragons as firefighters and rescuers. This story was about Chance and Hope. Hope is a waitress and Chance has sat in her section for two years. Two years of lusting after one another but not doing anything about it. That is all about to change. Hope wins a date with the handsome bachelor and things start to heat up from there. Both characters have been on the receiving end of rejection. Can they heal each other before her ex ends their chances at a HEA?
This was a fast read. I liked all of the characters but was wondering a bit more about Hope's boss and it seems like it was just the two of them working. But overall I enjoyed the story and will look into reading the rest of the books in the series. I did not start at book 1 and was able to follow the storyline with no problems.
This was a fast read. I liked all of the characters but was wondering a bit more about Hope's boss and it seems like it was just the two of them working. But overall I enjoyed the story and will look into reading the rest of the books in the series. I did not start at book 1 and was able to follow the storyline with no problems.
February 13, 2021
Spelling mistakes, and missing information!
Bizarre spelling mistakes that ruined parts of the book. I really hated the fact that she liked him for over two years. Two years!! I wouldn’t have still been trying to pursue him that’s for sure.
Hope is a waitress in a cafe where he comes in all the time. For two years she’s liked him but he’s never shown any interest in her and has a series of one night stands. Chance is a fire fighter and puts himself forward in a charity auction to be bid on. She spends $1500 to win a date with him. That’s pretty desperate!
When they’re together her job isn’t mentioned again! Is she still working? Does she not have any friends? Apart from waitressing what else does she do, when she’s not working? There are a lot of questions that aren’t answered. It makes it feel like it’s only half written.
Bizarre spelling mistakes that ruined parts of the book. I really hated the fact that she liked him for over two years. Two years!! I wouldn’t have still been trying to pursue him that’s for sure.
Hope is a waitress in a cafe where he comes in all the time. For two years she’s liked him but he’s never shown any interest in her and has a series of one night stands. Chance is a fire fighter and puts himself forward in a charity auction to be bid on. She spends $1500 to win a date with him. That’s pretty desperate!
When they’re together her job isn’t mentioned again! Is she still working? Does she not have any friends? Apart from waitressing what else does she do, when she’s not working? There are a lot of questions that aren’t answered. It makes it feel like it’s only half written.
March 7, 2021
Rise from the ashes
Such a gentle love story full of denial, danger, and a flame that will burn hot for all time. I have never read anything by this author before and I found myself drawn into the story and falling in love with the characters. I enjoyed how they both had a past to overcome and with the help of family and friends they became more than they thought possible. The author really brought the steam and made it an integral part of the story. I didn’t feel lost by reading this book first, but now the characters of the previous books are calling for me to find out what happens in their books. This book is a wonderful, fast-paced read that I couldn’t put down until the very end.
Such a gentle love story full of denial, danger, and a flame that will burn hot for all time. I have never read anything by this author before and I found myself drawn into the story and falling in love with the characters. I enjoyed how they both had a past to overcome and with the help of family and friends they became more than they thought possible. The author really brought the steam and made it an integral part of the story. I didn’t feel lost by reading this book first, but now the characters of the previous books are calling for me to find out what happens in their books. This book is a wonderful, fast-paced read that I couldn’t put down until the very end.
January 26, 2019
Hope moves ro Minnisotta from New York to get away from an abusive past and start over. She falls for firefighter and dragon shifter Chance. He is falling for her but has a past as well and is afraid to start anything. An annual action of available bachelors in which Chance is a part changed everything between these two. Will their pasts stand in the way of them finding out what can truly be? Will their live for each other finally win out? This novel is action packed with some mystery and intrigue. It will keep you glued till the end.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 29, 2019
I really enjoyed this touching dragon shifter romance and the two wounded people that it focuses on. Chance and Hope have both been hurt and they carry the emotional scars and baggage to prove it. I loved the evolution of their initial attraction into love and felt that the pacing fit well with the walls they had around their hearts. I felt so much sympathy for each of these characters. Their pasts were so painful and had done so much damage to them. It was relatable and real and that made it easy for me to not only root for this couple but to genuinely connect with them on a deeper level. This book is steamy, sweet and beautifully emotional. This is my impartial, independent review.
January 31, 2019
Hope wants to start over, so she moves to Minnesota from New York to get away from her abusive past. She meets firefighter Chance who is a dragon shifter who has been hurt by a woman in the past. These two are falling for eachother but because of their pasts they're afraid to enter into a relationship. This was a well written book with an interesting storyline. Chance and Hope were strong characters with an undeniable attraction and amazing chemistry. The story had a little action, intrigue, drama and danger. A great read that I highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 8, 2024
This was my first dragon shifter story. Enjoyed the settings and the general feel of this story and found author's description of dragon shifters interesting and realistic.
Main characters and dragon shifter Chance is also a Firefighter. He is strong, a leader and very loyal and protective. Hope, who was an abused woman ran while ex was in jail, found comfort in Chances's home before they even became a couple or in a relationship. She cared and admired Chance for numerous years and finally had a chance to show it at the Fireman's Auction. Their love story grew from this point and some unexpected drama and mysteries followed and keeps reader engaged til end,
Main characters and dragon shifter Chance is also a Firefighter. He is strong, a leader and very loyal and protective. Hope, who was an abused woman ran while ex was in jail, found comfort in Chances's home before they even became a couple or in a relationship. She cared and admired Chance for numerous years and finally had a chance to show it at the Fireman's Auction. Their love story grew from this point and some unexpected drama and mysteries followed and keeps reader engaged til end,
January 17, 2019
This book was such a great read. I loved how the characters developed there relationship. Hope and Chance was just magic together. The way Chance courted Hope making her feel loved and protected. And just erasing the fears she had from her past abusive relationship. Plus I loved how Hope treated him like a man and not a monster because that’s what his previous relationship did to him. Hope loved him even more because was a dragon shifter and a great and honorable man. This book was such a great read
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 26, 2019
Chance found something so precious, a mate. He was so traumatized about fifty years ago when he though that he had found his mate. Mia could not except him as he is and ran away into a car and died in his arms. He did not want Hope to do the same. Finally they got together and then it seemed as if fate was trying to kill her. The authorities find out it is her ex. Can you imagine a human in a shifter prison? I received a complimentary review copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving a honest review.
January 27, 2019
Awwwwwe!!!!
That was such a wonderful book and almost perfect happy ending. I say "almost perfect" because there are no babies yet. But if there is an extended epilogue coming, there should be babies...just saying.
I just cant get enough of the sexy fire fighters that Valerie has created. Its like she has a cheat sheet to my dreams lol.
I would highly recommend this sweet and very HOT book.
Happy reading!
Rating 5 stars
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
That was such a wonderful book and almost perfect happy ending. I say "almost perfect" because there are no babies yet. But if there is an extended epilogue coming, there should be babies...just saying.
I just cant get enough of the sexy fire fighters that Valerie has created. Its like she has a cheat sheet to my dreams lol.
I would highly recommend this sweet and very HOT book.
Happy reading!
Rating 5 stars
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 30, 2019
Talk about a great combination dragons and sexy firefighters. This was a great steamy book. The story will keep you turning the pages till the end. You will not put it down till it is finished. Chance doesn't do relationships or love but one look at Hope the waitress he was starting to think differently. He is drawn to her and not to sure why. His dragon wants her but can he let himself go and truly fall in love and find his mate?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 30, 2019
Chance found something so precious, a mate. He was so traumatized about fifty years ago when he though that he had found his mate. Mia could not except him as he is and ran away into a car and died in his arms. He did not want Hope to do the same. Finally they got together and then it seemed as if fate was trying to kill her. The authorities find out it is her ex. Can you imagine a human in a shifter prison?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 30, 2019
This is a well written book with an interesting story line. The author brings strong characters in Chance and Hope,gives them a strong connection and hot chemistry and weaves a story with a bit of action,intrigue and drama as well as danger. She does a great job building the story and moving it at a steady pace. The supporting characters help to bring the story around. I loved reading their story and would highly recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
February 1, 2019
Nice courtship! Chance seems like a stand up guy. He knows what he does/not want. But crushing on Hope and not acknowledging it because of his fears contradicts his nature. Hope is an awesome survivor. She knows what she wants and has the courage to go after what she wants. This dragonverse is kinda fun. I like the 'special powers' concept! The courtship/romance is fun. The extra characters are intriguing and I look forward to reading about them. Chance does a good job standing up for his woman. I received an ARC from Booksprout for a review. Well done!
February 1, 2019
First in this series for me. I found this a quick read which flowed well. A couple of times I thought the storyline might develop into a bit more, but in the end I enjoyed what I read. I liked the supporting characters and the dialogue between them. Chance and Hope were good characters, I enjoyed watching their relationship develop with the added depth of her being human and him being a dragon shifter. A good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 4, 2019
This was such a great book. The characters were so wonderful and so realistic. Hope has wanted Chance since moving to the small town. Chance had loved before and gotten burned. The fire fighter was a one and done kinda of guy until Hope won a date With him in an auction. The sparks flew and they both knew they were forever. Her abusive ex tried to kill her twice but through it all they got their forever.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 22, 2019
Gotta love a firefighter who is also a dragon shifter. And from the description he is one hot male. And Hope sounds like a beautiful woman that has a huge crush for two years for him. In hopes that he will finally realize she likes him she is going to bid for him at the yearly firefighter bachelor auction. But both have pasts that always stop them from trying to find the one for them. And those pasts keep popping up. Some firefighter action and definitely some hot scenes in and out of the bedroom. I really liked these two characters and the other firefighters are just hilarious.
April 22, 2019
I have read a lot of these types of books lately and honestly found this one to be refreshingly different. Her writing draws you in and keeps you involved throughout the whole story, I found myself in love with not only the characters but also the world she created.
Her descriptions of the characters abilities are so involved, you can truly picture it in your mind. Their attitudes toward the events that are happening makes the story even richer.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Her descriptions of the characters abilities are so involved, you can truly picture it in your mind. Their attitudes toward the events that are happening makes the story even richer.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 12, 2022
Though part of a series, this is a stand alone read. The story is not the most captivating, but it has characters that don't make you want to quit reading and it has a plot. The story has dual point of views, which I found helpful to understand both Hope and Chance. The main characters were not memorable but they were likeable and I found myself hoping for their hea. There were a few editing errors, but overall, not a vad read. Short beach or lazy day read. The story does reference domestic violence which may be a trigger for some. This is an adult read.
January 10, 2019
Chance O’Connell knew a bit of heartbreak once and ever since, has played it safe with one nighters only.
Hope has a crush on the firefighter, Chance, a regular at her section as she waitresses. She wins a date with him at auction.
But there is trouble in the form of an ex just out from prison. Can this dragon shifter save his Hope?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Hope has a crush on the firefighter, Chance, a regular at her section as she waitresses. She wins a date with him at auction.
But there is trouble in the form of an ex just out from prison. Can this dragon shifter save his Hope?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 12, 2019
Verified ARC Reader
dragon firefighter
A fireman walked into a diner …… sweet and well written shifter/ human romance that will have you believing in second chances of happiness and wanting your own hot fireman to snuggle with. Danger and romance equally mixed in a well written and sweet romance story that will leave you with a feel good emotion
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
January 17, 2019
Chance and Hope
Hot dragon shifter firefighter. Love the fact that the female lead is forty and looking for a second chance at love.
This may trigger anyone that has gone through abuse. The story does not go into great detail of the abuse but it does in a fairly dispassionate manner rehash what she went through.
It was a good story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Hot dragon shifter firefighter. Love the fact that the female lead is forty and looking for a second chance at love.
This may trigger anyone that has gone through abuse. The story does not go into great detail of the abuse but it does in a fairly dispassionate manner rehash what she went through.
It was a good story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 31, 2019
Book three in the Sparks Of Desire series what a sick man her ex was. This is a well written book that held my interest throughout. Chance O’Connell is a dragon shifter and he meets Hope Sinclair a human waitress at the local diner where he goes to eat. There is suspense, drama, danger, arson, brakes tampered with, and romance for two people with a lot of things they have to get over from their pasts. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 3, 2019
This story is sweet, dramatic and steamy. Hope and Chase have both experienced pain, loss and heartbreak. They both find themselves attracted to one another. However as their slow burn attraction starts to sizzle, drama and danger cause impediments encroach upon their relationship. I enjoyed that the heroine was a woman over forty, depicted as resilient, vivacious and desirable. VT writes with evocative detail.
July 2, 2020
He is a fireman and he has been burnt by love so so more, one nights stands is all he is interested in now. She is in a new town with a new job but she is still.looking over her shoulder. She sees him and she wants him. It may become too late when her past arrives. Will he be able to keep her safe? Will they be able to fight? See if they can fight against the odds coming for her
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews