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Berkeley Hills #4
The Spark Between Us
When I move to small town Carolwood, I don't expect to run into a hot-as-sin firefighter with smoldering gray eyes and eight-pack abs. Literally. With my car. Doesn't help matters that Braden Michaels is my brother's best friend. And my new roommate. He’s too busy putting out blazes and igniting them in the hearts of women to pay much attention to me. I’m just here for work—six months of nerding out at a world-renowned science lab, then going home to a nice promotion and the boring men in my comfort zone. I’m not here for a rescue fantasy, a fire station pole dance, or a romantic walk in a vineyard. I’m certainly not here to fall in love. Until one earth-shattering night when we collide in a ball of white-hot sparks, and everything changes. We’re no longer just roommates. I don’t know what we are. But edging open Braden’s complicated heart knocks something loose in mine. All my plans and scientific facts start to pale in comparison with feelings I can’t control. My time here has an expiration date and neither one of us wants to get hurt. Rushing into a burning building seems less risky than chasing the spark between us. Maybe it’s smarter to walk away. Or maybe I've found the one reason to stay. Do opposites attract or are we playing with fire? The Spark Between Us is Sarah and Braden's story in the Berkeley Hills series and is an opposites attract STANDALONE novel.
350 pages, Paperback
Published September 21, 2021
250 people are currently reading
872 people want to read
About the author
Stacy Travis
28 books678 followersStacy Travis writes charming, spicy romance about bookish, sassy women and the hot alphas who fall for them.
Writing makes her infinitely happy, but that might be the coffee talking. She drinks a LOT of it.
She's worked as a journalist, camp counselor, TV writer, SAT tutor, corporate finance researcher, education technology editor, and non-fiction author. When she's not on a deadline, she's in running shoes complaining that all roads seem to go uphill. Or on the couch with a margarita. Or fangirling at a soccer game.
She's never met a dog she didn't want to hug. And if you have no plans for Thanksgiving, she'll probably invite you to dinner.
Stacy lives in Los Angeles with her husband, two sons, and a poorly-trained rescue dog who hoards socks. And she's serious about the Thanksgiving thing.
VISIT MY AMAZON PAGE!
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Writing makes her infinitely happy, but that might be the coffee talking. She drinks a LOT of it.
She's worked as a journalist, camp counselor, TV writer, SAT tutor, corporate finance researcher, education technology editor, and non-fiction author. When she's not on a deadline, she's in running shoes complaining that all roads seem to go uphill. Or on the couch with a margarita. Or fangirling at a soccer game.
She's never met a dog she didn't want to hug. And if you have no plans for Thanksgiving, she'll probably invite you to dinner.
Stacy lives in Los Angeles with her husband, two sons, and a poorly-trained rescue dog who hoards socks. And she's serious about the Thanksgiving thing.
VISIT MY AMAZON PAGE!
https://amzn.to/3bPwy8H
VISIT MY FACEBOOK!
www.facebook.com/stacy.travis.9699
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM!
www.instagram.com/stacytravisauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
September 22, 2021
This contemporary romance was so much fun! It checks several boxes in terms of the tropes inside.
💕 Opposites attract
💕 Brother's best friend
💕 Hot firefighter
💕 Roommates to lovers
💕 Small town romance
Self-proclaimed nerdy girl Sarah needs a place to stay in Carolwood for a six month physics project which will potentially break new ground and establish her tenure. Her brother's best friend Braden, a local firefighter, has a spare room so it seems like the perfect arrangement.
The attraction is instant but neither Sarah nor Braden entertains the idea. Sarah sees herself as a bookish lab girl who could never be with a smokin' hot firefighter like Braden. Meanwhile, Braden is a player and carries a lot of baggage from a prior relationship making him think he is undeserving of someone as perfect as Sarah, assuming she will eventually leave him.
"And if I needed any more reasons why she and I made zero sense, all I had to do was look at her, feel her goodness, listen to her brilliance. Sarah was way out of my league, and my relationship with Ellie taught me that women like that may have firefighter fantasies, but when those wear thin, they walk away."
The attraction becomes too overwhelming and a delicious little brownie bet (read the book to find out!) evolves into the start of walls coming down and boundaries being broken. Sarah and Braden set up rules, pushing them to their limits.
The novel delves deep into issues of control: control over keeping to a life plan for Sarah and control over refusing to fall for a woman for Braden. Lines are crossed and rules are broken with the underlying angst still there due to these control issues.
"I couldn’t decide whether it frustrated me that he could see through my attempts to be stoic or whether I loved that he just knew. What a relief not to hold everything in all the time. But . . . what did I have left if I lost my ability to control what people saw?"
I loved their story! It was sexy and steamy yet sweet with tons of emotions involved. I could relate to the need for control as well as the science and I was so excited to read a reference to Schrodinger's cat! I even learned some physics as well as a little about winemaking.
Sarah embodies everything I look for in her character! Intelligent and goal-oriented, she has enough self-esteem and dignity to know when to call it quits. Braden fits his role to a tee and elicits every emotion I want in a contemporary romance. The story touches on risk, both in relationships and in life, and practically brought me to tears by the end despite starting a little slow initially. I also found the attraction a little too instant especially for someone like Braden but that did not take away from the believability. I would have liked to see more angst but it was wrapped up so beautifully that it made up for it. Plus, it's a great read to indulge your inner firefighter fantasy, ladies!
“There’s beauty in the unexpected . Love is the beauty.”
** Special thanks to author Stacy Travis for generously sending me this ARC to read and review. All quotes come from the uncorrected proof and are subject to change at the time of publication. **
** Available September 20, 2021 **
💕 Opposites attract
💕 Brother's best friend
💕 Hot firefighter
💕 Roommates to lovers
💕 Small town romance
Self-proclaimed nerdy girl Sarah needs a place to stay in Carolwood for a six month physics project which will potentially break new ground and establish her tenure. Her brother's best friend Braden, a local firefighter, has a spare room so it seems like the perfect arrangement.
The attraction is instant but neither Sarah nor Braden entertains the idea. Sarah sees herself as a bookish lab girl who could never be with a smokin' hot firefighter like Braden. Meanwhile, Braden is a player and carries a lot of baggage from a prior relationship making him think he is undeserving of someone as perfect as Sarah, assuming she will eventually leave him.
"And if I needed any more reasons why she and I made zero sense, all I had to do was look at her, feel her goodness, listen to her brilliance. Sarah was way out of my league, and my relationship with Ellie taught me that women like that may have firefighter fantasies, but when those wear thin, they walk away."
The attraction becomes too overwhelming and a delicious little brownie bet (read the book to find out!) evolves into the start of walls coming down and boundaries being broken. Sarah and Braden set up rules, pushing them to their limits.
The novel delves deep into issues of control: control over keeping to a life plan for Sarah and control over refusing to fall for a woman for Braden. Lines are crossed and rules are broken with the underlying angst still there due to these control issues.
"I couldn’t decide whether it frustrated me that he could see through my attempts to be stoic or whether I loved that he just knew. What a relief not to hold everything in all the time. But . . . what did I have left if I lost my ability to control what people saw?"
I loved their story! It was sexy and steamy yet sweet with tons of emotions involved. I could relate to the need for control as well as the science and I was so excited to read a reference to Schrodinger's cat! I even learned some physics as well as a little about winemaking.
Sarah embodies everything I look for in her character! Intelligent and goal-oriented, she has enough self-esteem and dignity to know when to call it quits. Braden fits his role to a tee and elicits every emotion I want in a contemporary romance. The story touches on risk, both in relationships and in life, and practically brought me to tears by the end despite starting a little slow initially. I also found the attraction a little too instant especially for someone like Braden but that did not take away from the believability. I would have liked to see more angst but it was wrapped up so beautifully that it made up for it. Plus, it's a great read to indulge your inner firefighter fantasy, ladies!
“There’s beauty in the unexpected . Love is the beauty.”
** Special thanks to author Stacy Travis for generously sending me this ARC to read and review. All quotes come from the uncorrected proof and are subject to change at the time of publication. **
** Available September 20, 2021 **
September 20, 2021
4.5 stars!
I love this book! A fun, funny, sweet and sexy opposites-attract/brother’s-best-friend-romance with fantastic characters and awesome chemistry, I felt every moment of this gorgeous love story!
This it the third book in the Berkeley Hills series, but can easily be read as a standalone.
Sarah is the third of five sisters to have their stories told in the series. She is studious and a self-declared science nerd who is living to a plan she set years ago, and with a 6 month contract at a world-renowned science lab, she is right on track. With the change in job comes a temporary move out of town, and her older brother arranges for her to stay with his best friend from high school, Braden, a man she hasn’t seen since she was a gangly 12 year old. And when she sets eyes on the gorgeous firefighter – moments after she’s run into the back of his fire truck in her car – she is gobsmacked.
Braden is a genuinely nice guy whose heart was broken by his cheating fiancé two years previously. Since then, he has refused to put his heart at risk again, and has become a bit of a player, engaging in a series of meaningless hook-ups and not letting any women get too close. But he’s an absolute sweetheart, and when it turns out the intelligent, gorgeous woman who just smashed into his truck is the same woman about to share his home for six month as a favour to his best friend, he knows he’s in trouble.
The chemistry is there from the very beginning with these two, but they start off as friends. Sarah is friendly, open, and so funny, and Braden basks in it – so different from the plastic , self-absorbed women that usually throw themselves at him. They develop a quick and easy friendship, and find themselves easily settling into roommate life together. But there’s this undercurrent of attraction that sizzles in every encounter, and we know it’s just a matter of time before something happens.
And wow, does it happen. It only takes one night for everything to change. One moment where they give in to their desires, leading to an encounter that rocks both of their worlds. It’s emotional, honest, and super steamy, with an element of playfulness that reflects the fun of their relationship, and I loved seeing them finally come together. They very quickly realise that once will never be enough, so they decide to continue their affair while Sarah is in town, promising to keep things simple and not fall in love. And we all know how that is going to go.
It’s a wonderful setup, and the story progresses beautifully through so many sexy and romantic moments. Sarah and Braden fall into a relationship that neither of them expected, and it’s one that neither of them shy away from. They quietly acknowledge that they’re falling, and they let it happen, and I enjoyed every moment of the time they spent together.
I’m usually all about the hero in romance novels, and while Braden is a worthy addition to the book boyfriend collection, Sarah absolutely shines in this book as an open and honest woman who knows what she wants, and who doesn’t hold back from getting it. She’s smart, funny, brave and bold, and she puts herself out there for her man, and I adored her.
But what will happen when their time comes to an end? Can they find a way to make it work, and what will they have to give up to make it happen? There is a bit of drama with this one, but it’s shortlived and mostly angst-free, and I was happy to watch it all play out to the ending that left me happy and absolutely satisfied.
Fans of the series will love seeing Sarah’s family again. Family dinner is another highlight, and I especially loved seeing the bond between Sarah and her brother Finn, and the relationship between the two boys – again, so sensible and no drama, which was very welcome.
I loved this one. A fun, sexy and swoony standalone, but also a great addition to the series!
4.5 stars
An Advanced Reader Copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I love this book! A fun, funny, sweet and sexy opposites-attract/brother’s-best-friend-romance with fantastic characters and awesome chemistry, I felt every moment of this gorgeous love story!
This it the third book in the Berkeley Hills series, but can easily be read as a standalone.
Sarah is the third of five sisters to have their stories told in the series. She is studious and a self-declared science nerd who is living to a plan she set years ago, and with a 6 month contract at a world-renowned science lab, she is right on track. With the change in job comes a temporary move out of town, and her older brother arranges for her to stay with his best friend from high school, Braden, a man she hasn’t seen since she was a gangly 12 year old. And when she sets eyes on the gorgeous firefighter – moments after she’s run into the back of his fire truck in her car – she is gobsmacked.
Braden Michaels was a gorgeous, decadent dessert of a man who seemed to have zero control over his smolder. It emanated from his dark eyes, his lazy smile, and his sharp jawline softened by sexy stubble. I normally didn’t get worked up over attractive men, but it was impossible not to notice this one.
Braden is a genuinely nice guy whose heart was broken by his cheating fiancé two years previously. Since then, he has refused to put his heart at risk again, and has become a bit of a player, engaging in a series of meaningless hook-ups and not letting any women get too close. But he’s an absolute sweetheart, and when it turns out the intelligent, gorgeous woman who just smashed into his truck is the same woman about to share his home for six month as a favour to his best friend, he knows he’s in trouble.
The chemistry is there from the very beginning with these two, but they start off as friends. Sarah is friendly, open, and so funny, and Braden basks in it – so different from the plastic , self-absorbed women that usually throw themselves at him. They develop a quick and easy friendship, and find themselves easily settling into roommate life together. But there’s this undercurrent of attraction that sizzles in every encounter, and we know it’s just a matter of time before something happens.
“You don’t dictate what I deserve. Or what I want.” I spoke quietly and folded my arms.
His face reddened and he scrubbed a hand over his features again, exasperated. “Jesus, woman, do you really disagree with me or do you just like to argue?”
I licked my lips. “I do like to argue. But I don’t want to argue about this.”
His eyes heated, pupils dilating. I watched them lazily roam over me.
“What do you want, Sarah?” His voice was low and husky. It was a white flag surrender.
And wow, does it happen. It only takes one night for everything to change. One moment where they give in to their desires, leading to an encounter that rocks both of their worlds. It’s emotional, honest, and super steamy, with an element of playfulness that reflects the fun of their relationship, and I loved seeing them finally come together. They very quickly realise that once will never be enough, so they decide to continue their affair while Sarah is in town, promising to keep things simple and not fall in love. And we all know how that is going to go.
It’s a wonderful setup, and the story progresses beautifully through so many sexy and romantic moments. Sarah and Braden fall into a relationship that neither of them expected, and it’s one that neither of them shy away from. They quietly acknowledge that they’re falling, and they let it happen, and I enjoyed every moment of the time they spent together.
I’m usually all about the hero in romance novels, and while Braden is a worthy addition to the book boyfriend collection, Sarah absolutely shines in this book as an open and honest woman who knows what she wants, and who doesn’t hold back from getting it. She’s smart, funny, brave and bold, and she puts herself out there for her man, and I adored her.
“You shouldn’t change your plans for me. For this. You’re a nice person, Sarah. You deserve a good guy who wants a relationship, not a player like me.”
Braden had no way of knowing it, but he’d just poked the bear. Being called nice was a slap in the face. I wasn’t just a nice girl who studied hard and baked brownies. I was a multifaceted woman who could make plans and change them when she felt like it. I wasn’t the workaholic, responsible drone my family expected me to be. I had cravings and desires, and one of them was standing in front of me, acting like he knew everything. I wanted to punch him. Then kiss him for a long, long time.
But what will happen when their time comes to an end? Can they find a way to make it work, and what will they have to give up to make it happen? There is a bit of drama with this one, but it’s shortlived and mostly angst-free, and I was happy to watch it all play out to the ending that left me happy and absolutely satisfied.
“You’ve got me. And I’m not letting you go.”
Fans of the series will love seeing Sarah’s family again. Family dinner is another highlight, and I especially loved seeing the bond between Sarah and her brother Finn, and the relationship between the two boys – again, so sensible and no drama, which was very welcome.
I loved this one. A fun, sexy and swoony standalone, but also a great addition to the series!
4.5 stars
An Advanced Reader Copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
October 24, 2021
When Sarah gets a 6-month work opportunity an hour away from Berkeley, Sarah needs a temporary place to live so she doesn’t have to make a long commute daily. Her brother’s best childhood friend, Braden, just so happens to live in the wine-country town where Sarah will be working & has an extra room that he offers up to Sarah, as a favor to his buddy.
Braden is a local firefighter who was burned in the past by his ex-fiancé. He’s sworn off love, but can’t stop thinking about his new roomie, Sarah.
The two of them can’t help but start up a casual fling but they have to set some rules: they’ll only hookup for the 6-months Sarah is in town and most importantly, no falling in love under any circumstance. The only problem? Neither Braden nor Sarah can keep their promises.
The Spark Between Us by Stacy Travis is book 3 in the Berkeley Hills series. This was such a great romance! Stacy knows how to write organic, realistic chemistry between main characters, and that was perfectly executed with Braden & Sarah’s romance. I loved the firefighting aspect to this story & also Sarah’s intelligent, brainy qualities. Both Braden & Sarah were such great characters & they really worked together. And the roommate trope was a nice added touch! 4/5 stars.
Braden is a local firefighter who was burned in the past by his ex-fiancé. He’s sworn off love, but can’t stop thinking about his new roomie, Sarah.
The two of them can’t help but start up a casual fling but they have to set some rules: they’ll only hookup for the 6-months Sarah is in town and most importantly, no falling in love under any circumstance. The only problem? Neither Braden nor Sarah can keep their promises.
The Spark Between Us by Stacy Travis is book 3 in the Berkeley Hills series. This was such a great romance! Stacy knows how to write organic, realistic chemistry between main characters, and that was perfectly executed with Braden & Sarah’s romance. I loved the firefighting aspect to this story & also Sarah’s intelligent, brainy qualities. Both Braden & Sarah were such great characters & they really worked together. And the roommate trope was a nice added touch! 4/5 stars.
September 23, 2021
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Sarah has found herself in quite a pickle. She, the quirky, nerdy scientist professor who plans everything, was supposed to be in this small town for 6 months on a job. She was NOT supposed to find herself falling for her temporary roommate, her brother's friend, gorgeous firefighter Braden. But, she can keep this to herself because Braden doesn't do love, and she's the one who told him this was just supposed to be temporary. So she'll just go back home to her professor job, her comfortable life, and eventually forget about how Braden showed her how good life could be when it wasn't planned to the last minute.
I love Sarah and Braden! Opposites attract, witty, fun, and so, so sexy. Braden is so sweet that I wanted to just hug him when he let his vulnerabilities show through, his insecurities that had him believing he didn't deserve love, didn't deserve Sarah. And Sarah with her quirks and her smart brain, equally sweet and perfect with Braden. I have been loving the Berkeley Hills world, and can't wait for more now.
ARC via Social Butterfly PR for an honest review.
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September 23, 2021
Fantastic Romance . . .
Sarah is excited to throw herself into a nerdy science project in a 6-month contract at a world-renowned science lab. Her older brother makes arrangements for her to stay with his best friend, Braden Michaels. She knew him from her pre-teen days but was not prepared for the gorgeous firefighter she meets. Unfortunately, the meeting is not fortuitous since she backed into his vehicle.
One of the very likable things about this story is that Braden and Sarah start off becoming friends, despite the attraction underneath it all. So right away, it is different for Braden who is used to women coming on to him. Braden is a player now, not wanting any serious relationships after his fiancée cheated on him. But he and Sarah settle into a comfortable, playful atmosphere and enjoy being together. When they finally do give in, they decide to continue having a light relationship, assuring each other they won’t fall in love… right.
Both of these characters so such terrific people that the reader wants only the best for them. But Sarah was only here for a limited amount of time. What happens when it’s time to leave? Can she just walk away now? Can he let her go now? Is there any way to make this work where they don’t end up with shattered hearts?
Sarah is excited to throw herself into a nerdy science project in a 6-month contract at a world-renowned science lab. Her older brother makes arrangements for her to stay with his best friend, Braden Michaels. She knew him from her pre-teen days but was not prepared for the gorgeous firefighter she meets. Unfortunately, the meeting is not fortuitous since she backed into his vehicle.
One of the very likable things about this story is that Braden and Sarah start off becoming friends, despite the attraction underneath it all. So right away, it is different for Braden who is used to women coming on to him. Braden is a player now, not wanting any serious relationships after his fiancée cheated on him. But he and Sarah settle into a comfortable, playful atmosphere and enjoy being together. When they finally do give in, they decide to continue having a light relationship, assuring each other they won’t fall in love… right.
Both of these characters so such terrific people that the reader wants only the best for them. But Sarah was only here for a limited amount of time. What happens when it’s time to leave? Can she just walk away now? Can he let her go now? Is there any way to make this work where they don’t end up with shattered hearts?
February 21, 2022
Ehh..it's quite boring for me. I'm expecting some kind of firefighter angsty action shit coming hahaha but nothing really happened. My bad for hoping. It's a very leisure read for sure. It's insta-love and their connection are more on the lust side ig and some lines are just too cheesy🤣.
February 19, 2025
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
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I quite enjoyed this book. Was sweet and addictive
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I quite enjoyed this book. Was sweet and addictive
September 18, 2021
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Hot Roommate Romance Will Make You Swoon
What you need to know about “The Spark Between Us”:
✔ Opposites Attract
✔ Dual Point of View
✔ Roommate Romance
✔ Sarah Finley, scientist
✔ Braden Michaels, firefighter
✔ Forced Proximity
✔ Can be read as a Complete Standalone
✔ Berkeley Hills Series #3
Sarah Finley is a brilliant scientist with her PhD and a desire for a tenured professor position in Berkeley. She is moving to the small town of Carolwood, California so she doesn’t have to commute a great distance to her new temporary job at a lab where she will be working with lasers and experimenting with friction welding. She’s moving instead of commuting because she’s not a great driver and she doesn’t like driving very much. She tends to get distracted and runs into stationary objects.
Braden Michaels is Captain of his firehouse and is friends with Sarah’s brother Finn. He owes Finn so he agrees to let Sarah stay in his spare room while she is in town for her six month job at the lab. He hasn’t seen Sarah since she was much younger and doesn’t really remember much about her. Finn tells Braden not to touch Sarah and describes her as a workaholic science nerd. Braden doesn’t think this will be a problem. Famous last words.
On the way into town Sarah rear ends a fire truck from Braden’s firehouse. He’s driving by on his motorcycle and stops to help his colleagues. When he sees Sarah he’s struck by her ocean eyes and beauty and can’t look or stay away.
That’s when they figure out that they are roommates.
They both feel an undeniable attraction to each other but Braden promised Finn he’d stay away from her and he’s been burned before. He doesn’t want a relationship.
Sarah is only in town for six months and has those plans to become a tenured professor back in Berkeley so they each try to put a stop to their attraction.
Fortunately for us that doesn’t last long. Their attraction is combustible and they can’t help themselves anymore. They agree to a roommates with benefits type of situation.Something with rules that Sarah can follow and keep control. Sarah needs to be in control and the most important rule in this situation is that they can’t fall in love.
I loved this romance. Stacy Travis writes smart, career-focussed women so well and Sarah is a great multi-faceted character. As is Braden, her hot firefighter roommate with a vineyard and a rescue dog.
They unlock each other’s emotions as the months go on and become something more.
“The Spark Between Us” is a slightly angsty, hot (very hot) roommate romance that will make you swoon.
WRITING STYLE: 4/5
PLOT: 4/5
WORLD-BUILDING: 4/5
PACING: 5/5
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 5/5
ROMANCE: 5/5
HEAT: 5/5
I received an e-ARC of this book, my opinions are 100% my own.
Hot Roommate Romance Will Make You Swoon
What you need to know about “The Spark Between Us”:
✔ Opposites Attract
✔ Dual Point of View
✔ Roommate Romance
✔ Sarah Finley, scientist
✔ Braden Michaels, firefighter
✔ Forced Proximity
✔ Can be read as a Complete Standalone
✔ Berkeley Hills Series #3
Sarah Finley is a brilliant scientist with her PhD and a desire for a tenured professor position in Berkeley. She is moving to the small town of Carolwood, California so she doesn’t have to commute a great distance to her new temporary job at a lab where she will be working with lasers and experimenting with friction welding. She’s moving instead of commuting because she’s not a great driver and she doesn’t like driving very much. She tends to get distracted and runs into stationary objects.
Braden Michaels is Captain of his firehouse and is friends with Sarah’s brother Finn. He owes Finn so he agrees to let Sarah stay in his spare room while she is in town for her six month job at the lab. He hasn’t seen Sarah since she was much younger and doesn’t really remember much about her. Finn tells Braden not to touch Sarah and describes her as a workaholic science nerd. Braden doesn’t think this will be a problem. Famous last words.
On the way into town Sarah rear ends a fire truck from Braden’s firehouse. He’s driving by on his motorcycle and stops to help his colleagues. When he sees Sarah he’s struck by her ocean eyes and beauty and can’t look or stay away.
That’s when they figure out that they are roommates.
They both feel an undeniable attraction to each other but Braden promised Finn he’d stay away from her and he’s been burned before. He doesn’t want a relationship.
Sarah is only in town for six months and has those plans to become a tenured professor back in Berkeley so they each try to put a stop to their attraction.
Fortunately for us that doesn’t last long. Their attraction is combustible and they can’t help themselves anymore. They agree to a roommates with benefits type of situation.Something with rules that Sarah can follow and keep control. Sarah needs to be in control and the most important rule in this situation is that they can’t fall in love.
I loved this romance. Stacy Travis writes smart, career-focussed women so well and Sarah is a great multi-faceted character. As is Braden, her hot firefighter roommate with a vineyard and a rescue dog.
They unlock each other’s emotions as the months go on and become something more.
“The Spark Between Us” is a slightly angsty, hot (very hot) roommate romance that will make you swoon.
WRITING STYLE: 4/5
PLOT: 4/5
WORLD-BUILDING: 4/5
PACING: 5/5
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 5/5
ROMANCE: 5/5
HEAT: 5/5
I received an e-ARC of this book, my opinions are 100% my own.
October 12, 2021
Sarah is a professor at Berkley, and about ready for a promotion. She is going to work at a lab some distance from the university, so her brother contacts a friend who lives in the same town as the lab, giving her a place to stay for six months. Sparks instantly hit them when she accidentally hits one of his firetrucks. The characters are terrific, with intense feelings and emotions along with great backstories. The storyline is steamy as they work through their differences and rules to cohabitating. Loved the underlying slow burn that finally strikes and ignites a passionate relationship. The ending wraps up wonderfully. Totally hooked on this series and can not wait to read more of this group.
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.
August 23, 2022
I am a sucker for a good Brother’s Best Friend Romance, add in a small town and a Hot Fireman and what more could you want.
Sarah is a smart scientist professor, and sometimes she gets a little distracted. She temporarily moves in with her Brothers best friend Braden so she will be closer to the lab she is working at for the next 6 months.
Braden Is a hunky firefighter who agree to let his friend Finn’s sister stay with him for a short time, but he doesn’t really remember her and Finn didn’t give him much to go on.
I adored The Spark Between Us. I fell in love with Sarah and Braden. Their chemistry was amazing and the way they were almost instantly comfortable with each other was great! I loved the story line and couldn’t get enough. I had trouble putting it down. I am so glad I read The Spark Between Is and highly recommend it!!
Sarah is a smart scientist professor, and sometimes she gets a little distracted. She temporarily moves in with her Brothers best friend Braden so she will be closer to the lab she is working at for the next 6 months.
Braden Is a hunky firefighter who agree to let his friend Finn’s sister stay with him for a short time, but he doesn’t really remember her and Finn didn’t give him much to go on.
I adored The Spark Between Us. I fell in love with Sarah and Braden. Their chemistry was amazing and the way they were almost instantly comfortable with each other was great! I loved the story line and couldn’t get enough. I had trouble putting it down. I am so glad I read The Spark Between Is and highly recommend it!!
September 22, 2021
What happens when a quirky brainiac temporarily moves in with her brother's sexy firefighter friend? They fall in love, of course! The Spark Between Us is #3 in the Berkeley Hills series, and now we have physician Sarah needing a place to crash while she's temporarily working as a visiting professor at a government lab. Big brother Finn's best friend from childhood, Braden, now happens to be living in the very town Sarah will be working, and he has a spare bedroom to share...
Sarah and Braden's story was so much fun. I love how quirky she is, and how attractive that actually was to Braden while she assumed that she would not be his type based on the skirt parade of beautiful models he is casually seeing. What Sarah doesn't know is that Braden was so badly burned by past relationships -- his ex, his father -- and has closed off his heart.
But the spark between them is undeniable. She's focused on her career, he is a commitaphobe, but they agree to enjoy the chemistry between them for as long as she's in town. Which is all fine and well until they both catch feelings and are afraid to go back on the rules they set in place and tell the other one since their fling has an expiration date.
This story has all the feels. It's sexy and sweet, and the characters are extremely likable. Even though it is part of a series, this book stands on its own. But if you are familiar with the Finley siblings, there is a great family dinner scene with the siblings that also serves as an "a-ha" moment for both Sarah and Braden.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
Sarah and Braden's story was so much fun. I love how quirky she is, and how attractive that actually was to Braden while she assumed that she would not be his type based on the skirt parade of beautiful models he is casually seeing. What Sarah doesn't know is that Braden was so badly burned by past relationships -- his ex, his father -- and has closed off his heart.
But the spark between them is undeniable. She's focused on her career, he is a commitaphobe, but they agree to enjoy the chemistry between them for as long as she's in town. Which is all fine and well until they both catch feelings and are afraid to go back on the rules they set in place and tell the other one since their fling has an expiration date.
This story has all the feels. It's sexy and sweet, and the characters are extremely likable. Even though it is part of a series, this book stands on its own. But if you are familiar with the Finley siblings, there is a great family dinner scene with the siblings that also serves as an "a-ha" moment for both Sarah and Braden.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
September 23, 2021
The Spark Between Us is a beautiful story that I loved so much. Braden is our resident yummy firefighter who has been burned by love which has left him with some internal scars. He no longer has any desire to find a new relationship but he never saw Sarah coming. Sarah is a very smart science nerd who is moving along in the plan she made several years ago, and now she's got a 6 month contract with a world renowned science lab but she must move to do it. Her older brother sends her to stay with his best friend Braden, who she's known since she was 12 years old. The first time they set eyes on each other totally made me laugh hard because it was priceless. They have instant chemistry in spades, not to mention some fun interactions, and they become friends but it's only a matter of time. These two were actually perfect in my eyes, and even though there was a tiny bit of drama, nothing over the top because these two were adults who dealt with each other like adults. So once again, it was a beautiful story, and I sure couldn't get enough of it. I totally believe you'll feel the same after you hit those one click buttons! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
September 29, 2021
I absolutely love firefighter romances, and this book has it in spades! This is the third book in the series, and though I didn't read the other two books, I had no issue reading along and getting swept into the romance that was Braden and Sarah.
This is an opposites attract novel, but you will find yourself laughing hysterically and falling in love all at once.
I so look forward to reading more from this new-to-me author!
This is an opposites attract novel, but you will find yourself laughing hysterically and falling in love all at once.
I so look forward to reading more from this new-to-me author!
September 30, 2021
I absolutely LOVED these characters. I loved their first interaction with each other. I was literally laughing out loud to myself. The banter, the chemistry, the tension. It was perfection. It’s laugh out loud gigglefest. All the feels. This book was such fun and awesome read. If you are looking for an entertaining, sweet, sexy and heartwarming story look no further than this book.
October 1, 2021
Honestly this author is creeping up to my top 5 list of favourite authors!
This book is so smooth to read. All of a sudden I was at the end of the book and hadn’t noticed. I wanted more of Sarah and Braden. They were amazing from page one.
I like the quirky girls. The smart ones that have a mouth on them. Girls that know what they want like Sarah does in this book. She knows what she wants in life and she goes for it. Even when Braden gets thrown in the mix.
Where do I start with hm… sexy firefighter. So sweet and loving. There is no way you’ll not fall for this man. And they are so good together too.
6 months living together and then they are supposed to call it quits. Do they really have to though? That’s what they need ti figure out.
Don’t worry about it being the third book in the series because they are stand alones but you’re going to want to read the whole series after this one.
This book is so smooth to read. All of a sudden I was at the end of the book and hadn’t noticed. I wanted more of Sarah and Braden. They were amazing from page one.
I like the quirky girls. The smart ones that have a mouth on them. Girls that know what they want like Sarah does in this book. She knows what she wants in life and she goes for it. Even when Braden gets thrown in the mix.
Where do I start with hm… sexy firefighter. So sweet and loving. There is no way you’ll not fall for this man. And they are so good together too.
6 months living together and then they are supposed to call it quits. Do they really have to though? That’s what they need ti figure out.
Don’t worry about it being the third book in the series because they are stand alones but you’re going to want to read the whole series after this one.
September 18, 2021
So I haven’t read the previous two books in this series so I can definitely say that this book reads as a stand-alone. But after finishing Sarah and Braden’s book and how great it is I know I will be reading the ones I have missed including Finn’s book too.
I adored Sarah in this story. She is quirky, a little nerdy but has an absolute heart of gold. The unexpected relationship she finds herself in with Braden makes her realize a different side of herself that she ends up by fully embracing. It made for some wonderful reading. It wasn’t smooth sailing and both held back what they were feeling but it all ended up making it such a great story. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
I adored Sarah in this story. She is quirky, a little nerdy but has an absolute heart of gold. The unexpected relationship she finds herself in with Braden makes her realize a different side of herself that she ends up by fully embracing. It made for some wonderful reading. It wasn’t smooth sailing and both held back what they were feeling but it all ended up making it such a great story. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
September 28, 2021
I enjoyed reading this funny, sweet and delightful book by Stacy. I was lucky enough to win an arc of this book. Sarah who is a scientist moves jobs and needs a place to stay and her brother’s best friend is offering her his spare room. Braden is a hot fireman who isn’t looking for love but can’t deny the sparks between him and Sarah. They have a wonderful chemistry and they were so cute!
April 20, 2022
This book had everything that I was looking for.
Sarah is a scientist with her PhD and wants tenured at Berkley. Due to her job she needed to move to Cali so that she wouldn’t have as far travel since she doesn’t drive.
Braden is a Captain of his fire house and happens to be friends with Sarah’s brother. So, Sarah’s staying at Braden’s in his spare room while she goes to work. Her brother Finn tells him to stay away from Sarah but being roomies how long will that last?
This book had all the feels with a little extra spice that will leave you loving these two.
Sarah is a scientist with her PhD and wants tenured at Berkley. Due to her job she needed to move to Cali so that she wouldn’t have as far travel since she doesn’t drive.
Braden is a Captain of his fire house and happens to be friends with Sarah’s brother. So, Sarah’s staying at Braden’s in his spare room while she goes to work. Her brother Finn tells him to stay away from Sarah but being roomies how long will that last?
This book had all the feels with a little extra spice that will leave you loving these two.
Want to read
July 29, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/14/2022)! 🎁
May 12, 2023
A brilliant scientist gets an opportunity to participate in a 6 month experiment in a small town where the handsome Fire chief is her temporary roommate.
Sarah is brilliant but a bit accidental prone. In her big family, she is a version of herself she doesn't always like. So when she gets the opportunity to live somewhere new doing experiments with lasers, she takes it. Sarah's brother's childhood friend has offered to let her stay in his guest room. Little does she know he isn't the teenager she remembers, he is so much more.
Braden has a great job, a lucrative hobby, a nice home, and a big hole in his heart since his fianceé left. Since then his relationships have been casual and safe. When he agrees to let his buddy's little sister stay in his home, he has no idea what is coming for him.
Their meet-cute is a surprise for both of them. Neither one can deny the chemistry and attraction between them. As they settle into a routine with boundaries, both are trying to keep their distance. Once they finally decide to give in to their tension, both quickly develop feelings they try to hide. Sarah was only supposed to be temporary, but Braden's fears and traumas lead him to a place wanting what is best for her even if that means not him.
Dual POV, forced proximity, roommates to lovers, spicy.
This author really likes stereotypes and then flipping them. Sarah is smart and fun, despite her reputation with her sisters. Braden is a whole meal but doesn't see his worth. Let it be known the MMC does date other people while fighting his feelings for the FMC. (No cheating. No OW love scenes but there is some fooling around.) Once Braden decides he can't resist Sarah, he is smitten. Nice HEA and epilogue.
Sarah is brilliant but a bit accidental prone. In her big family, she is a version of herself she doesn't always like. So when she gets the opportunity to live somewhere new doing experiments with lasers, she takes it. Sarah's brother's childhood friend has offered to let her stay in his guest room. Little does she know he isn't the teenager she remembers, he is so much more.
Braden has a great job, a lucrative hobby, a nice home, and a big hole in his heart since his fianceé left. Since then his relationships have been casual and safe. When he agrees to let his buddy's little sister stay in his home, he has no idea what is coming for him.
Their meet-cute is a surprise for both of them. Neither one can deny the chemistry and attraction between them. As they settle into a routine with boundaries, both are trying to keep their distance. Once they finally decide to give in to their tension, both quickly develop feelings they try to hide. Sarah was only supposed to be temporary, but Braden's fears and traumas lead him to a place wanting what is best for her even if that means not him.
Dual POV, forced proximity, roommates to lovers, spicy.
This author really likes stereotypes and then flipping them. Sarah is smart and fun, despite her reputation with her sisters. Braden is a whole meal but doesn't see his worth. Let it be known the MMC does date other people while fighting his feelings for the FMC. (No cheating. No OW love scenes but there is some fooling around.) Once Braden decides he can't resist Sarah, he is smitten. Nice HEA and epilogue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2022
This was a quick read with a good storyline. This book is 4th in the series, but can be read as a standalone. This is Braden and Sarah’s story.
Braden is a sexy firefighter who was burned by his ex fiancé. Now he is a player who is determined to never let love in again…
Sarah is a beautiful, nerdy scientist who is so wrapped up in her structured timeline she forgets to live life…
Sarah’s brother Finn is best friends with Braden. He has agreed to take her on as a roommate for the next six months while she is in town working on an important project for work. Their reintroduction to each other is pretty humerus. Braden vaguely remembered Sarah and he certainly did not remember her being captivating and beautiful.
These two fight their attraction to each other for a whole two weeks…then it is game on. There are rules and no expectation for anything but a good time. Of course that doesn’t last for either one of them and this story takes us through their journey. There is humor, emotion, sexy times and HEA. I enjoyed the story, but I found their relationship frustrating at times. They got their HEA, but I was left wanting a little bit more from them…⭐️⭐️⭐️
Braden is a sexy firefighter who was burned by his ex fiancé. Now he is a player who is determined to never let love in again…
Sarah is a beautiful, nerdy scientist who is so wrapped up in her structured timeline she forgets to live life…
Sarah’s brother Finn is best friends with Braden. He has agreed to take her on as a roommate for the next six months while she is in town working on an important project for work. Their reintroduction to each other is pretty humerus. Braden vaguely remembered Sarah and he certainly did not remember her being captivating and beautiful.
These two fight their attraction to each other for a whole two weeks…then it is game on. There are rules and no expectation for anything but a good time. Of course that doesn’t last for either one of them and this story takes us through their journey. There is humor, emotion, sexy times and HEA. I enjoyed the story, but I found their relationship frustrating at times. They got their HEA, but I was left wanting a little bit more from them…⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 17, 2025
“But I hope you allow yourself to experience the magic sometimes, you know? Sometimes the unexpected yields the most beauty.”
This was so cute. It immediately pulled me in with the banter between the two main characters as well as the sarcasm. This is an easy read that flows, makes you laugh, makes you upset, and makes you smile.
We meet Sarah, a horrible driver and smart asf physicist, that has the opportunity of a lifetime that results in her moving to a small town and rooming with one of her older brother’s best friends.
Then there is our male lead Braden, a hot asf firefighter and someone who is trying to piece back his life after a bitch of an ex did him so wrong.
They go through will they won’t they for a while, but eventually give in to their desires. It’s only for 6 months while Sarah is on a temporary job, what could go wrong ? Overall, I enjoyed the speed of the connection between the two main characters. It was beautifully written.
4/5 ⭐️
🔥 Grumpy x Sunshine
🔥 Small Town
🔥 Brother’s Best Friend
🔥 Opposites Attract
This was so cute. It immediately pulled me in with the banter between the two main characters as well as the sarcasm. This is an easy read that flows, makes you laugh, makes you upset, and makes you smile.
We meet Sarah, a horrible driver and smart asf physicist, that has the opportunity of a lifetime that results in her moving to a small town and rooming with one of her older brother’s best friends.
Then there is our male lead Braden, a hot asf firefighter and someone who is trying to piece back his life after a bitch of an ex did him so wrong.
They go through will they won’t they for a while, but eventually give in to their desires. It’s only for 6 months while Sarah is on a temporary job, what could go wrong ? Overall, I enjoyed the speed of the connection between the two main characters. It was beautifully written.
4/5 ⭐️
🔥 Grumpy x Sunshine
🔥 Small Town
🔥 Brother’s Best Friend
🔥 Opposites Attract
October 28, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this thirds story in the "Berkeley Hills" series. It is a stand alone read that is entertaining. This small town romance is a mix of opposites attract and brother's best friend vibe. This is the story Sarah, the nerdy scientist, and Braden, the firefighter who was burned by love. Braden, as a favor to his friend, has offered his best friend's sister a place to stay while she is working in the area. The attraction between is definitely there and the start a casual relationship with rules. Some rules are made to be broken. This is a fun read that is sweet and sexy. I love the characters and their story develops nicely.
March 31, 2022
this may be my favorite firefighter romance ever
I absolutely adored this story. Sarah is a person regimented with plans and precision. Braden is a man that runs into out of control situations for a living. They think they want different things but they complement each other so well…opposites attract, right.? I shed some tears before the HEA…but the book was totally worth the sobbing I did. Highly recommend
I absolutely adored this story. Sarah is a person regimented with plans and precision. Braden is a man that runs into out of control situations for a living. They think they want different things but they complement each other so well…opposites attract, right.? I shed some tears before the HEA…but the book was totally worth the sobbing I did. Highly recommend
March 2, 2022
Great story
Loved this story. Braden was a lost soul. His last break up made him fill like a sort of loser. Sarah did not feel full in her life. With Braden, she was looser and did what she wanted. Together they were both better. So much better. But it took some pulling of the heart strings to fully commit to each other.
Loved this story. Braden was a lost soul. His last break up made him fill like a sort of loser. Sarah did not feel full in her life. With Braden, she was looser and did what she wanted. Together they were both better. So much better. But it took some pulling of the heart strings to fully commit to each other.
March 2, 2022
I was really taken by surprise by this story. Though it could use a few tweaks in editing, minor mistakes really, I was captivated by the plot. There was clearly quite a bit of knowledge and research out into the details. I adore the characters. Generally, a shorter novel such as this, earns 3stars at most from me. But this one impressed me.
October 27, 2022
First time reader for this author!
This was such a good sweet book! Sarah was so funny and nerdy. Insanely smart while still just a big mess. Braden is a firefighter and they seem like complete opposite’s. However he has a nerdy side as well, and truly loves her questioning mind and intelligence. Loved these two as a couple and loved this book!
This was such a good sweet book! Sarah was so funny and nerdy. Insanely smart while still just a big mess. Braden is a firefighter and they seem like complete opposite’s. However he has a nerdy side as well, and truly loves her questioning mind and intelligence. Loved these two as a couple and loved this book!
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February 9, 2023This book felt so similar to the one I read just before that I just couldn’t get into it and DNF @ 60%
I’m sorry book. I didn’t feel any chemistry between the two main characters.
I’m not rating it because it’s probably a me thing.
Note: There were typos in this book and some sentences that did not make sense because of these.
I’m sorry book. I didn’t feel any chemistry between the two main characters.
I’m not rating it because it’s probably a me thing.
Note: There were typos in this book and some sentences that did not make sense because of these.
October 8, 2024
I love a good nerd/hottie fireman, older brother’s best friend situation and this one delivers! Braeden is so in touch with his emotions—wonderful to see in a romance! I’m all about healthy masculinity and the author shows him working on himself as he heals from a prior relationship. And a pole dancing professor who’s normally sort of Mr. magoo? Nice touch! I need to read the rest of the stories!
February 14, 2022
Not too much to recommend
There is a decent short story here. But the characters are so immature acting. Way too much of their thoughts focused on the sexual, lusting, etc. Writing more fitting of a high schooler .
There is a decent short story here. But the characters are so immature acting. Way too much of their thoughts focused on the sexual, lusting, etc. Writing more fitting of a high schooler .
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