The attraction is mutual, but Eric must decide if he can protect the secret he holds close to his chest without destroying Cherie, or whether he must walk away from the small-town girl he's falling for.
She's a dreamer.
He's overprotective.
Are you ready for the spark?
This is a standalone book and the first in series for the MacKenny Brothers.
***This book was previously released as The Spark Ignites.***
Kathleen Kelly was born in Penrith, NSW, Australia. When she was four her family moved to Brisbane, QLD, Australia. Although born in NSW she considers herself a QUEENSLANDER!!
She married her childhood sweetheart and they live in Toowoomba.
If you have any questions please e-mail: kathleenkellyauthor@gmail.com
This was a new author for me. I was a little disappointed but, based on the review/recommendation I got I expected more. So maybe that's on me. I struggled with a rating, it's a solid 3.5 so I went with 4. It was an interesting concept for a story. It did feel rushed to me. There was a couple of things that bugged me, it was a truck, then it was a car, then it was a truck. No big deal to the story or the plot, it was a vehicle. But, that stuff bugs me. There was also the matter of evidence left behind. The supposed caliber of these men and their skills, rookie mistake, it wouldn't have happened. The MC aspect of this was light as was the sex. It's the first book in a series, eventually I will try book two. At the time of this post it was available on KU. If you like a lighter read I would recommend this.
Jaw dropping suspense hits you right from the start with this one gripping you almost the second you start reading before adding in a very sweet romance into the mix that makes this book so hard to put down. I loved how expertly Kathleen Kelly combined such a sweet swoony romance with suspense that keeps you on edge without watering down either one of them. With characters that are easy to love and leave you excited to read more from them you can’t go wrong here. Maddock/Eric is a man you’ll fall fast and hard for. Living in witness protection he’s kept himself very much isolated from everyone but his generous heart is still buried under his gruff exterior. That kind heart leads him right to a woman he can’t resist. Cherie doesn’t have much faith in men, with a dad who was never there and a string of broken hearts the only man who’s her constant is her granddaddy. When she finds Eric working on her granddaddy’s farm while her granddaddy recovers from a heart attack the sparks fly instantly! The chemistry between these two is fast and the sparks burn hot, but the relationship that builds is loaded with lots of swoony sweetness. It doesn’t take long though for Eric’s past to catch up and they’re both thrust into some intense action that had me biting my nails. Overall I had a lot of fun reading The Spark Ignites. Maddock/Eric and Cherie are absolutely fantastic along with the entire MacKenney clan and I’m really looking forward to the next in the series.
The Mackenny Brothers, a new series to dive into. Eric's a great character flirty, charming, bossy. What a sassy lil miss Cherie is. I didn't quite get the chemistry between Eric and Cherie, I needed more of a connection. I'm looking forward to all the troubles these boys will get up to and the woman they are paired with. A good start to the series.
I need more ! wow i really liked The Spark Ignites by Kathleen kelly. the story was great it kept me hooked it was intriguing wanting me to know more about the Mackenny brothers. ive written this review twice now and deleted it because I've found once i read over it i was giving away spoilers lol. and i don't want to do that. all ill say is that you need to read this book ! its got all the feel's.😍 its got five hot brother's who are all different in there own way yet bound together by love of family, and devastating loss .
throw in a currupt millionaire ceo bombs , dirty FBI agents witness protection, a grumpy old coote who loves his granddaughter Cherie and one hot as sin McKinney brother Eric aka Maddock his five brother's and their MC and you get lots of sass a few laughs a kidnapping or two and eventually a happy ever after. im so looking forward to reading the next book in the McKinney brother's series which will be Maddocks brother Sean ive already told Kathleen kelly i call dibs on sean ive licked him so he is mine ok. lol. but seriously read this book ! if you have read any books by Kathleen kelly you already know your in for a treat .
Eric often times only hears what he wants to hear, “you think I’m hot?” I ask as I lean against my bike." Eric is such a little tease, “if I sit opposite you I can’t touch you. Don’t you want me to touch you?” Eric whispers sexily." I really liked this book I can't wait for more in this series, the shenanigans these boys gets themselves into is quite something else.
I had never heard of Kathleen Kelly until I downloaded her book, Spark, as part of a promotional package. After reading it, there’s no doubt in my mind that she deserves to be a bestselling author. I'm not typically a fan of the romance genre or books where romance drives the plot, but Spark proves that there are exceptions to every rule. While I usually read thrillers involving motorcycle clubs, Kathleen’s unique approach to that trope
I read Spark in one night; I just couldn’t put it down, not even to eat—which is impressive, considering I’m someone who lives to eat rather than eats to live. Kathleen has completely hooked me on the MacKenny Brothers, and I've already picked up the remaining books in the series.
Eric is a man with a past and in order keep he loves safe all he wants to do is keep a low profile and not get too close to anyone. In the interim he will put his mechanic skills to work and repair the car that her grandfather wants to give Cherie.
Starting with her father Cherie’s relationship with men have taught her that they can’t be depended on or trusted. When she sees Eric fixing her grandfather’s car she is less than thrilled with the idea and it only becomes worse when he starts helping her grandfather out on the farm.
There is no denying the chemistry between them but when Eric’s past finds him he must try to find a way to keep those he loves from his past as well as Cherie and her grandfather safe. This story takes you on a suspenseful ride filled with twists, adventure and love. This is the first book in a new series and I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for the brothers. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
I absolutely love this book. I was pulled into it right from the start and stayed there watching it play out in my head until I had read the last word. There are some really great surprises in this book, I never saw them coming, but I enjoyed reading them. There are twists and turns throughout, that all help to make the story brilliant. I have never read a book by Kathleen Kelly that I have not enjoyed, I do have to admit she is one of my favourite authors and one I always one click. If you've never read a book by her you should give her a go, I don't think you will regret it. I highly recommend this book, it is so worth the rating I have given it.
Wow! What an exciting start to this new book by this author. I have to admit I have been waiting patiently for her next release and it has certainly been worth the wait!
Eric, although not a big fan of small towns, finds himself living a quiet life in a just such a place without the need to socialise. That is until he meets Cherie, the granddaughter of an older man who owns an old car Eric has been working on. She has an inner strength, determination and independence that defines who she really is but at the same time is vulnerable too.
I enjoyed the crossover link between The Grinders CD and this author's other books, a very neat tie in. The chemistry between the lead characters is quite intense and very racy! Their passionate scenes are red hot! Talk about sparks burning into a full on burning fire! 🔥
The characters are great and Eric could put his boots under my bed any day of the week! Mind you his brothers aren't shabby either! 😉 The thing about them is that they felt 'real', they got angry, horny, amused and scared just like everyone does...well okay maybe they might have higher sex drives than the average Joe..who knows? Cherie tells it like it is and the fact that she stands her ground is fantastic, especially when surrounded by so many males!
When the action starts you feel yourself sitting up on the edge of your seat waiting with baited breathe to see what would happen. As each emotion plays out you go through it with the characters as if you are in the story as well, you become that invested in the story.
This is a fast paced story and super easy to read. However I will warn you you will most likely become addicted to the MacKenny brothers just like I have and now I'm wondering about my patience in regards to the next book? Please don't leave it too long Ms. Kelly 🙏🏼 these brothers are so intriguing and hot!
If this book was based on the blurb, it should have been a compelling read:
A feisty waitress. - only if you mean she insists on paying for things and than caves and doesn't. She pretty much does anything Eric asks/demands pretty quickly.
A loner with his guard up. - not even a little bit. Eric pursued Cherie from the minute he saw her.
The attraction is mutual, but Eric must decide if he can protect the secret he holds close to his chest without destroying Cherie, or whether he must walk away from the small-town girl he's falling for. - even if he slightly considers the danger to Cherie he never considers walking away and pursues her even when she tries to back away. His biggest dilemma is figuring out how to lie to her.
She's a dreamer. - She's a small town girl that wants to go anywhere else. This isn't a dreamer. She has absolutely no plans for her future.
He's overprotective. - He's protective and bossy but he does not have an "alpha" vibe. In fact, he doesn't put up much of a struggle when Cherie is selected to be a "decoy" in a very cliché sting of their "bad guy"
This book gave me none of what I was expecting from the blurb. The characters felt flat and one dimensional. I would have DNF'd this if the book had been any longer. It's a short book, I skimmed a lot at the end.
I'm a HUGE fan of the brilliant Kathleen Kelly, who is one of my go to addictions, and boy did she start a new series with a BANG in Spark ! I've been sitting for a couple days trying to figure out how to write this review, as I don't want to give any spoiler douchery away, and yet, still try to describe the awesome goodness that it is. The hero, Eric, is living in a small town because of his past, which has made him quite the loner. And he's been okay with that until he comes face to face with Cherie, the heroine. The sparks are flying, so he can't seem to stay away from her, and they light the sheets on fire during sexy times. Not the mention, their interactions are absolutely hilarious to read, and kept me laughing hard. Then there's the cast of secondaries, which are mainly his crazy brothers, and her cranky grandfather, and all of them definitely added more to this already awesome story. Finally, there's a huge suspense factor that kept me on the edge of my seat while dropping the f-bombs from the twists that I didn't quite see coming. So yeah, this is a fantastic start to what I know will be a fantastic series, and I'm already anxiously waiting for the next book! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
This is a book you won’t want to put down. Things are not always as they seem; take for example the mechanic who is secluded both in his location and his relationships for the past three years. When he comes to the rescue of a cantankerous old man on whose car he has been working on Eric/Maddock finds a way to help this man out by helping on his farm and by still trying to fix the old man’s car on his own time. He knows this car is special to the old man because he wants to give it to his granddaughter who he loves with his whole heart. Eric/Maddox is tired of living his life with no one in it so when Cherie shows up at her grandpa’s farm you can feel the sparks fly. Maybe it’s time to gain a friend and maybe something more.
This story had lots of twists and turns and had you hoping that Eric and Cherie find some ground on which to start any type of relationship. It is packed full of suspense, loyalty and a family’s love for one another with some MC as well. Another great read by Kathleen Kelly that has me looking forward to Sean’s story along with the rest of the MacKenny brothers.
What great adventures just waiting to be told. Congratulations. This Book1 in the MacKenny Brothers Series is awesome and a fabulous read well written and flows so smoothly you simply are drawn in and taken on a adventure showing strength love and devotion between all the brothers. Cherie is a young wowen returns to a small town with it's small town attitudes to see her grandfather who is a stubborn independent bugger. Eric who is currently working as a mechanic who happens to be hidding many secrets. The spark between Cherie and Eric sets off a chain reaction which has so many consequences. this is a action packed story with lots of twists as Cherie who is equally as stubborn and determined as Eric to show she is no push over. When Eric's secrets are revealed and trouble comes to the small town. Cherie is placed in danger. All hell break loose as the secrets are revealed watch what happens when these two and their families become involved. I highly recommend this book and happily leave this review.
After reading ‘Spark of Time’, I absolutely had to go back and properly meet all of these characters. Getting lost in this world is turning out to be one of my favorite things. This one is Maddock & Cherie’s story and both characters are quite fun. Maddock’s hot, secretive (for good, complicated reasons I won’t spoil here) and Cherie’s got an attitude and historically, poor choice in men. I enjoy the other members of the MacKenny family and their friends, co-club members, etc. and absolutely will be devouring the rest of this series.
💛 Motorcycle club life. 🖤 Band of brothers. 💛 J/P hero. 🖤 Action. 💛 Suspense. 🖤 Secret identity. 💛 Small town / mountain town. 🖤 Secrets. 💛 Mechanic male lead. 🖤 Covert operations. 💛 Witness protection. 🖤 Vengeance.
Overall: great writing, real connections, small towns, plenty of enemies … it’s got it all.
This started off pretty strong and then we met Cherie. She isn't the most annoying heroine that I have read, but she definitely is one of them. I thought her POV was very immature. Eric/Maddock's POV came across as very mature and interesting. Cherie was pretty frustrating the whole book. It was frustrating that she pretty quickly assumed that she had sway in the MC after meeting the brothers for all of 5 minutes. She barely knew his real name and all the sudden she is cool with the MC and helps them on the mission.
It was a different approach to the a MC story and I liked that. Overall it was a face paced read with mild spice. The romance was sacrificed a bit to set up the world and the MC.
I started this book late at night, which was a very welcome mistake as I couldn't put it down once starting, and that doesn't happen alot these days. Absolutely blown away by this book. From start to finish I was hooked and couldn't believe what I was reading. As much as I love the Savage Angels series by this author, this series is going to be a new favourite, I can see it now. Definitely a must click, would give more stars if I could.
Three years ago Maddox "Eric" MacKenny's life changed in a way that he has been removed from everything he knows and been a loner. When he ends up meeting Cherie after offering to help her Grandfather who fell ill, he is intrigued. She is feisty and everything he could want in a woman. The problem is he is holding a huge secret and his past is about to come back in full force. Can he keep Cherie safe and will she want to be by his side when she learns the truth?
This was a fun one, I really like the MacKenny brothers there is so much possibility for books here. Cherie is a hoot and she is a girl who has been stuck in a rut with life and finds herself breaking free. Great beginning to new series.
A great start for the MacKenny brothers series. The first characters we meet are Eric and Cherie. Eric is a reserved guy, likes to keeps to himself. Works in the local garage and does a damn good job. Cherie’s a waitress. She hates her home town but stays to watch over her “grumpy” aging grandfather. When they meet they sizzle and spark, the connection that occurs, astonish’s them both. It’s a great start. Or is it? The exciting tale take us through 5 brothers, car bombs, kidnapping and dirty FBI agent’s, phew! Quite a story. I’m definitely looking forward to the boys stories.
I loved this book, it has great characters and plot line that draws you in and keeps you there. They met when they were both dissatisfied with the way their lives were going. It was hit and miss with them as they navigated their way through their relationship. In the end they made it work and found a true friendship that led to an all consuming love .
From start to finish you are hooked. The characters keep you turning the page to see what happens next. Loved Maddock and cherie. Loved meeting the rest of the brothers. Looking forward to the next book.
Good read, a bit choppy when switching speakers, but overall a good read. I will be reading the next book in this series. If you enjoy a bit of violence, family loyalty, unexpected connections in relationships then pick this book. (Reviewed by Lin)
This is my first book by Kathleen Kelly and not my last. I’ve had her on my TBR and just haven’t gotten around to them and can legit kick my own ass for not reading them yet.
Maddock has a good job and a great family. There’s five brothers and a sister who’re totally different yet still very close. Ever hear of being too good at your job? Yup, being too good at his job cost Maddock everything. His life and his family.
It’s been three years since that horrible morning. Maddock AKA Eric is living in a small town. He’s the town mechanic and he’s barely living. He doesn’t have friends, no girlfriend, no contact with his family. He spends his days going to work and coming home.
When a grouchy customer gets under his skin he puts himself out there. With the customer in the hospital Eric brings the car he wants rebuilt for his granddaughter back to the customers farm and works on the car and takes care of his animals until he gets out of the hospital. He can tell the car means a lot to the guy, so he’ll do whatever he can to get it fixed. It keeps his mind busy and off of his siblings. Until the guys granddaughter comes around and Eric’s knocked off his game. He’s stayed low for years. But, one interaction with Cherie and he realizes she just might ruin him.
The only guy that’s ever been there for Cherie has been her granddaddy. He’s the only reason why she’s comeback to this small town where she grew up at. Cherie heads to her grab daddy’s place and runs into the finest, sexiest guy she’s ever seen in her entire life. Against her better judgement she asks him out as a thank you for helping her granddaddy.
They start to spend time together and even though Cherie can tell Eric is hiding things from her, he treats her better than everybody ever has with the exception of her granddaddy.
When somebody tries to kidnap her and takes Eric she knows somethings up. Then, she meets his brothers and learns things that should have her running far away. Instead it has her going with them to get Eric or should she say Maddock.
Cherie didn’t have an easy life with her parents and the town folks. She doesn’t let them bring her down. She’s a strong woman. Cherie is the perfect woman for Eric/Maddock.
Eric/Maddock never wanted any of this to happen. Trying to do the right thing ended up hurting and gutting not only him but his family. He never wanted to find love. But, Cherie walked into his life and knocked him off his feet. Cherie’s going to be the one that makes him want to fight back to get his life back. When he’s got his brothers backing him up and Cherie next to him, he’s ready to fight for his life back.
I opened this book. Sat outside under the tree and couldn’t put it down. I was addicted. The storyline, the main characters and the MacKenny brothers had me reading page after page. And, that ending!!! I need the next book NOW Kathleen.
Man, I’m glad I read this and didn’t add to my TBR list. Kathleen gave us a book with an amazing storyline, characters, side characters. It had everything I look for in a great book. I ESP loved how these brothers even though they are different. They believe in their family bond and it means everything to them. It was my favorite part of the storyline.
Three years ago, Eric Hill's life was blown apart. Forced into hiding in remote Colorado, he’s all but given up. No friends, no family. He’s barely even existing.
This is, until Cherie stumbles into his life. Humble, vivacious and curious. She’s the spark of light that makes him want to come out of hiding. She makes him want to live again.
But he was in hiding for a reason, his secrets kept to protect all he loves—including Cherie.
She deserves more than he can offer and hell, he wants her to have it all.
But when letting his guard down invites trouble, will Eric be able to protect the woman who saved him from the darkness?
Or will his past finally extinguish him for good?
Get ready for the Spark.
From USA Today Best Selling Author, Kathleen Kelly, comes book 1, Spark, in her MacKenny Brothers Series.
I'm a HUGE fan of the brilliant Kathleen Kelly, who is one of my go to addictions, and boy did she start a new series with a BANG in The Spark Ignites! I've been sitting for a couple days trying to figure out how to write this review, as I don't want to give any spoiler douchery away, and yet, still try to describe the awesome goodness that it is. The hero, Eric, is living in a small town because of his past, which has made him quite the loner. And he's been okay with that until he comes face to face with Cherie, the heroine. The sparks are flying, so he can't seem to stay away from her, and they light the sheets on fire during sexy times. Not the mention, their interactions are absolutely hilarious to read, and kept me laughing hard. Then there's the cast of secondaries, which are mainly his crazy brothers, and her cranky grandfather, and all of them definitely added more to this already awesome story. Finally, there's a huge suspense factor that kept me on the edge of my seat while dropping the f-bombs from the twists that I didn't quite see coming. So yeah, this is a fantastic start to what I know will be a fantastic series, and I'm already anxiously waiting for the next book! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
These MacKenny Brothers are going to be a force to be reckoned with not to mention sexy males that walk the walk and talk the talk. Oh don’t get me wrong, they have their personal issues but as a whole, these 5 brothers got it going on.
In trule Kathleen Kelly fashion this is a wonderful storyline with lots of Pop and Sizzle. The twists and turns will keep you on your toes and the romantic parts will curl those toes. This is Maddock’s story and he’s got quite a story to tell. He’s living in witness protection, separated from everything he knows and loves and trying to keep a low profile. But when he meets the spunky and sassy Cherie, all bets are off. He’s drawn to her like a moth to a flame. But Cherie has been hurt before and tired of men that lie to her. So what happens if she finds out Eric, the guy she’s falling for, is really Maddock MacKenny? Can Maddock tell her the truth without the past catching up to him or will his past catch up to him before he tells her?
Amazing start to the series and I know the brother’s stories are going to be great as well. 2 Thumbs up for a great 5 star read, that this reader Highly Recommends.
A new series from Kathleen Kelly for me to love and what's not to love then a series about some seriously hot AF brothers!!
The way this book starts leaves my heart stopping and me uttering the words OMG!! Once I started this book I was unable to put it down. I was completely hooked.
Eric/Maddock has moved to a small town and is living the quiet life, not really socialising with anyone until he meets Cherie, the granddaughter of one of his customers at the garage. She has this sass and fire that calls to him and makes him move out from his self-imposed exile. The chemistry between them is burning red hot.
The action kicks up and you are left on the edge of your seat turning each page to see what would happen next. There are some brilliant twists and turns. Its full of love, loyalty and family ties.
I am excited for the next book in this series to see what happens next
ARC received in exchange for an honest review from the Author and Enticing Journey Book Promotions
Reviewed on Behalf of 3 Degrees of Fiction Book Blogs
This is a new author to me and I loved the book and it was a great start to the series!
Eric hates living in small towns and enjoys the city life but ends up living in the thing he hates a small town which is so quiet that he doesn’t really go out or socialise. This is until he meets Cherie.
Cherie is independent and knows what she wants and is determined to get where she wants but is still vulnerable. Cherie also says it how she sees it and isn’t afraid to stand her ground for what he believes in which is great given she is surrounded by males.
The characters are great and Eric is so hot and sexy and Eric’s brothers are just as steamy! What makes the characters even better is that you can connect to how they are feeling and this makes them feel more real.
When you get into the book and the drama starts you feel like your waiting for what happens next and this keeps your turning the page even if you have other stuff to do that day.
The story is fast paced but is easy to read. I have become addicted to the MacKenny brothers though and can’t wait for the next book.
I was introduced to Kathleen Kelly in the Savage Angels series, which I adored, then moved on to the Grinders and loved her even harder. So to say I was excited to see a new series is an understatement, after reading this one I just know I'm going to fall hard for this series as well. Eric as pretty damn amazing and it was hard not to immediately love Cherie. Her loyalty to her family was all it took. He has secrets, secrets he can't divulge even though it's hard not to when he meets Cherie. Their story is fast paced and shows that loving someone can get you through anything. The other McKenny brothers who were introduced near the end have me itching to get the next book. The Spark Ignites is as expected a well written, highly engaging tale I'll want to read again. Loved it from the first to last page, I read this in one sitting I just could not put it down. Bring on the next McKenny Ms Kelly!!