What do you think?
Rate this book
Man of the Month Club: Starlight Bay #7
Stars & Sparks Forever
I’m a jaded divorce attorney, a single dad, and the new guy in town, moving to sleepy Starlight Bay to open a law office for bickering couples dividing their assets.
So yeah, dating isn’t on my radar.
Until I meet my son’s incredibly beautiful, but way too young for me swim instructor, Lana. She’s the ray of sunshine I didn’t know I needed and suddenly, I find myself thinking about her all the time.
When my nanny bails on the Fourth of July, Lana steps in to help me out. Sparks fly between us and for the first time, I can see the possibility of a brighter future. For me and my son.
But I shouldn’t get involved.
She’s too young, too beautiful, too bright—and I’ve already been burned once before. My number one priority is protecting my son.
Besides, everyone knows you can’t hold onto sunshine.
Right?
So yeah, dating isn’t on my radar.
Until I meet my son’s incredibly beautiful, but way too young for me swim instructor, Lana. She’s the ray of sunshine I didn’t know I needed and suddenly, I find myself thinking about her all the time.
When my nanny bails on the Fourth of July, Lana steps in to help me out. Sparks fly between us and for the first time, I can see the possibility of a brighter future. For me and my son.
But I shouldn’t get involved.
She’s too young, too beautiful, too bright—and I’ve already been burned once before. My number one priority is protecting my son.
Besides, everyone knows you can’t hold onto sunshine.
Right?
119 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2022
96 people are currently reading
246 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
July 5, 2025
Really cute fourth of July holiday read!
November 20, 2024
4 Star Review of Stars & Sparks (Starlight Bay #7) by Kara Kendrick
Kara Kendrick is a new author to me and I am surprised I have not read her before. This was an entertaining read that ticked a lot of boxes for me. The only thing is that I would have liked this one to be a little longer so that I could have gotten more background on the characters, however having said that I was hooked on singled dad Grant and Lana’s story.
I love single parent and small town stories so for me Stars & Specks was a win/win. Grant is attracted to his son Hudson’s swim teacher and although they start out as friends, it is obvious that there is an attraction sizzling between them.
The writing was strong and I was cheering for Grant, Hudson and Lana to get the happily ever after that they all deserved.
Kara Kendrick is a new author to me and I am surprised I have not read her before. This was an entertaining read that ticked a lot of boxes for me. The only thing is that I would have liked this one to be a little longer so that I could have gotten more background on the characters, however having said that I was hooked on singled dad Grant and Lana’s story.
I love single parent and small town stories so for me Stars & Specks was a win/win. Grant is attracted to his son Hudson’s swim teacher and although they start out as friends, it is obvious that there is an attraction sizzling between them.
The writing was strong and I was cheering for Grant, Hudson and Lana to get the happily ever after that they all deserved.
Want to read
May 22, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/23/2022)! 🎁
January 3, 2023
Wonderful!! This was a nice quick, short read.
Grant and Lana meet when he is late picking his son, Hudson up from swim. Lana finds out from Hudson that his dad is picking him up. Taylor his nanny isn’t picking him up today. Later Lana meets Willow for a drink at Big Chowder. She notices Grant come in, he comes over and she introduces him to Willow. She asked him if he’d like to join them for a drink. Willow has to leave because of her mother, so they stay and get to know each other. Grant confesses he’s never walked on the beach and now he’s been in starlight Bay for a month. So he asked her to join him. Grant can’t stop looking at her, so he pulls her close and ask her to kiss her. He tells her he needs to go because of Hudson. July 3 comes and Lana is excited for the July 4 festivals. Her last class of the day and only Hudson is left. He starts to cry because he thinks his nanny forgot him. She tries to distracted him by asking him questions and playing a little game. Grant finally shows up and tells his son he’s sorry he’s late. Grant asked her what she’s doing tomorrow and she thinks he wants to take her to the festival. Grant asked her if she can watch Hudson for a few hours in the morning. She agrees because she likes to spend time with him. She shows up the next day and takes Hudson to the beach. Then they head to the July 4 festival and have lots of fun. Grant shows up around noon and she takes them around to the best places. After the fireworks Grant puts Hudson to bed and they sit out on the patio. Grant cups Lana’s
face and she tells him she wants him. He slides his hands down her body and begins to pleasure her. He tells her to let go he’s got her. Afterwords he tells her he wants to take her out on a date and she agrees. The next day, Grant meet her sister Bethany and then he takes her to The Boat House. They enjoy a lobster dinner then head back to his house. They had to his bedroom and get physical. The next morning they sit on the patio and talk he ask her to be his girlfriend. She gets an SOS from her sister but doesn’t see it until a half hour later. She tells Grant she needs to go home. When she gets there she finds her mother there. Lana hasn’t seen her mother since she was in high school she moved to California. Her mother Violet is staying in her room so she has to take the couch. Grant text her and ask if everything‘s all right. She tells him her mother showed up. Lana and Bethany take their mother to the beach and spend the day. Hudson finds her and asked her to help him build a Sandcastle. She tells him his dad should help him with that. She introduces her mother to Grant. She sends a message to Grant asking if she can come over. She tells him about her day with her mother and ask if she can stay the night. She sneaks out the next morning before Hudson weeks finds her mother sitting in the her kitchen. Her mother tells her what a big mistake she’s making seeing Grant who has a son. After her swim lessons she gets a message from her sister asking to go out to eat. She agree to Big Chowder and her mother tags along. As her mother is telling her what a big mistake she’s making with Grant he walked up behind them. He turns on his heels and walks out, she gets up apologizes and runs after him. He tells her he doesn’t want her regretting settling for him so he breaks up with her. She goes back to her house packs all of Violet things back into her suitcase and put them in Bethany‘s room and changes the sheets and climbs into her bed and cries herself to sleep. He gets Hudson ready for bed but his angry at the world. He tries not to take it out on Hudson. But he can tell his son is upset. He puts him to bed and hears him sniffle. He asked his son what is wrong he tells him he heard him arguing with Lana. Hudson tells his dad he wanted her to be his new mommy. His son Hudson tells him she wanted to be with him he didn’t listen to her. Grant tells Hudson he thinks he messed up. He calls the nanny and heads to her house. He throws pebbles at her window, Beth opens the window and tells them she’s not there. Beth tells him she’s probably on the beach. He runs down to the beach and finds her sitting by herself. He tells her he’s sorry he should have listen to her. He tells her he doesn’t want her missing out on anything thing in the world. She tells him he is what she wants she isn’t missing anything. Lana Tells him she loves him, he tells her he loves her too.
Grant and Lana meet when he is late picking his son, Hudson up from swim. Lana finds out from Hudson that his dad is picking him up. Taylor his nanny isn’t picking him up today. Later Lana meets Willow for a drink at Big Chowder. She notices Grant come in, he comes over and she introduces him to Willow. She asked him if he’d like to join them for a drink. Willow has to leave because of her mother, so they stay and get to know each other. Grant confesses he’s never walked on the beach and now he’s been in starlight Bay for a month. So he asked her to join him. Grant can’t stop looking at her, so he pulls her close and ask her to kiss her. He tells her he needs to go because of Hudson. July 3 comes and Lana is excited for the July 4 festivals. Her last class of the day and only Hudson is left. He starts to cry because he thinks his nanny forgot him. She tries to distracted him by asking him questions and playing a little game. Grant finally shows up and tells his son he’s sorry he’s late. Grant asked her what she’s doing tomorrow and she thinks he wants to take her to the festival. Grant asked her if she can watch Hudson for a few hours in the morning. She agrees because she likes to spend time with him. She shows up the next day and takes Hudson to the beach. Then they head to the July 4 festival and have lots of fun. Grant shows up around noon and she takes them around to the best places. After the fireworks Grant puts Hudson to bed and they sit out on the patio. Grant cups Lana’s
face and she tells him she wants him. He slides his hands down her body and begins to pleasure her. He tells her to let go he’s got her. Afterwords he tells her he wants to take her out on a date and she agrees. The next day, Grant meet her sister Bethany and then he takes her to The Boat House. They enjoy a lobster dinner then head back to his house. They had to his bedroom and get physical. The next morning they sit on the patio and talk he ask her to be his girlfriend. She gets an SOS from her sister but doesn’t see it until a half hour later. She tells Grant she needs to go home. When she gets there she finds her mother there. Lana hasn’t seen her mother since she was in high school she moved to California. Her mother Violet is staying in her room so she has to take the couch. Grant text her and ask if everything‘s all right. She tells him her mother showed up. Lana and Bethany take their mother to the beach and spend the day. Hudson finds her and asked her to help him build a Sandcastle. She tells him his dad should help him with that. She introduces her mother to Grant. She sends a message to Grant asking if she can come over. She tells him about her day with her mother and ask if she can stay the night. She sneaks out the next morning before Hudson weeks finds her mother sitting in the her kitchen. Her mother tells her what a big mistake she’s making seeing Grant who has a son. After her swim lessons she gets a message from her sister asking to go out to eat. She agree to Big Chowder and her mother tags along. As her mother is telling her what a big mistake she’s making with Grant he walked up behind them. He turns on his heels and walks out, she gets up apologizes and runs after him. He tells her he doesn’t want her regretting settling for him so he breaks up with her. She goes back to her house packs all of Violet things back into her suitcase and put them in Bethany‘s room and changes the sheets and climbs into her bed and cries herself to sleep. He gets Hudson ready for bed but his angry at the world. He tries not to take it out on Hudson. But he can tell his son is upset. He puts him to bed and hears him sniffle. He asked his son what is wrong he tells him he heard him arguing with Lana. Hudson tells his dad he wanted her to be his new mommy. His son Hudson tells him she wanted to be with him he didn’t listen to her. Grant tells Hudson he thinks he messed up. He calls the nanny and heads to her house. He throws pebbles at her window, Beth opens the window and tells them she’s not there. Beth tells him she’s probably on the beach. He runs down to the beach and finds her sitting by herself. He tells her he’s sorry he should have listen to her. He tells her he doesn’t want her missing out on anything thing in the world. She tells him he is what she wants she isn’t missing anything. Lana Tells him she loves him, he tells her he loves her too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2024
Written in first person from an alternating dual POV, this can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA. This was my first book by this author, and I am excited to read more of her work.
Grant (36) is the single dad of 5-year-old Hudson. Lana (27) is a teacher who also teaches swimming lessons in the summer. Set in Cape Cod in the summer, this would be a good beach read. Lana and Grant are instantly attracted to each other. They can’t stay away from each other, and they both feel like there is “more” to them than just a physical relationship. Hudson is adorable. I thought both characters were likable, and the setting was well described. My only wish is that it would have been longer with the characters more fleshed out and their relationship more detailed.
This is a fast and steamy summer holiday read.
Grant (36) is the single dad of 5-year-old Hudson. Lana (27) is a teacher who also teaches swimming lessons in the summer. Set in Cape Cod in the summer, this would be a good beach read. Lana and Grant are instantly attracted to each other. They can’t stay away from each other, and they both feel like there is “more” to them than just a physical relationship. Hudson is adorable. I thought both characters were likable, and the setting was well described. My only wish is that it would have been longer with the characters more fleshed out and their relationship more detailed.
This is a fast and steamy summer holiday read.
June 17, 2021
This was a quick and easy novella to read! In fact I wished it was longer so that we could really flesh out those back stories because both Grant and Lana had such interesting backgrounds.
I loved Lana, because at the end of the day she was just a nice girl, and super helpful, even though her internal monologue really made her seem younger than she was supposed to be.
In general I love a good single parent trope, and this one didn't disappoint. Hudson was adorable, and I loved how they also showed his relationship developing.
It was amusing how Grant constantly acted the opposite of what he was thinking.
All in all, this was a good quick read, without too much angst or drama. Only wish it was longer!
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
I loved Lana, because at the end of the day she was just a nice girl, and super helpful, even though her internal monologue really made her seem younger than she was supposed to be.
In general I love a good single parent trope, and this one didn't disappoint. Hudson was adorable, and I loved how they also showed his relationship developing.
It was amusing how Grant constantly acted the opposite of what he was thinking.
All in all, this was a good quick read, without too much angst or drama. Only wish it was longer!
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
July 1, 2021
Sweet novella about finding love again.
Lana is a super sweet 27 year old teacher living in a small town. She is the swim teacher for Grant's son and as soon as they meet sparks fly. They are both hesitant is get into a relationship because for Lana she is his son's teacher and for Grant, he doesn't do relationships anymore since his ex and he is 9 years older than her.
Lana and Grant can not deny the attraction between the two of them. and Hudson, Grants son, already loves her.
This was a sweet novella. I just wish that it was longer. It was quick and easy and you can read it in one afternoon. If you love small town romances and single parent, then you will enjoy this book.
Lana is a super sweet 27 year old teacher living in a small town. She is the swim teacher for Grant's son and as soon as they meet sparks fly. They are both hesitant is get into a relationship because for Lana she is his son's teacher and for Grant, he doesn't do relationships anymore since his ex and he is 9 years older than her.
Lana and Grant can not deny the attraction between the two of them. and Hudson, Grants son, already loves her.
This was a sweet novella. I just wish that it was longer. It was quick and easy and you can read it in one afternoon. If you love small town romances and single parent, then you will enjoy this book.
July 3, 2021
Stars & Sparks Forever by Kara Kendrick is a small-town romance. It's the seventh book from the Starlight Bay series.
This one is about a single dad, Grant Thomas, and his son's swim teacher, Lana Jones. The romantic aspect was like love at first sight.cIt was super cute and kind of hot. The plot is simple but on the short side. I would have loved it if it was longer and it had a bettercbuild-up. Nevertheless, it's a really nice story with great characters that are realistic and kind. My favorite part was the fourth of
July party.
This is the first book I read from the series and I enjoyed it a lot. I will rate it with 4 stars.
This one is about a single dad, Grant Thomas, and his son's swim teacher, Lana Jones. The romantic aspect was like love at first sight.cIt was super cute and kind of hot. The plot is simple but on the short side. I would have loved it if it was longer and it had a bettercbuild-up. Nevertheless, it's a really nice story with great characters that are realistic and kind. My favorite part was the fourth of
July party.
This is the first book I read from the series and I enjoyed it a lot. I will rate it with 4 stars.
June 25, 2021
The Sparks fly in this Fourth of July small town insta-love! Grant is the busy, new to town single dad, who falls for Lana, his son’s younger swim instructor. What starts out as an innocent friendship quickly turns into something more. Once they are both able to get past some personal hang-ups to find their HEA, they create a family with the sweetest little boy. While this is an insta-love short story there is a realistic depth to the story and characters. Love the small town story, with the big Fourth of July celebration and the accidental run-ins that make it seem real.
July 1, 2021
This is the 7th book in this series, and is a new author to me, but I will certainly be looking out for her work in the future. Grant is a single dad to his son, and is a jaded divorce attorney, and he move to the small town of Starlight Bay to open a new office. The last things he is looking for is any relationships, but when he meets his son’s swimming instructor, the sparks fly. This is a well written quick read which is entertaining, I would have liked this story to be longer than it was. I look forward to reading more from this author and I recommend this story,
July 3, 2021
This one had me sold on single dad romance. This was a fast read, but a very enjoyable one. Little Hudson was such a cutie. He's going to steal your heart when you read this one. Lana and Grant have great chemistry. Grant is gun shy when it comes to relationships and he's put it out of his mind, but once he meets his son's swimming teacher all bets are off. There is instant attraction. One of my favorite scenes is the festival for the fourth. It's sweet and romantic at the same time. It made my heart happy.
July 3, 2021
Stars and Sparks Forever was a fab novella length story. I was immediately taken in by Grant and Lana they had such a great connection that you couldn't help but hope they would get a hea.
Grant is an attorney and single dad to an adorable little boy, Hudson.
Lana is Hudson's swim teacher and as soon as she and Grant lay eyes on each other sparks fly but Grant had vowed to never fall in love again after his divorce will Lana be the one to change his mind.
A quick read and one I wish had been a little longer but its a story I think everyone will enjoy.
Grant is an attorney and single dad to an adorable little boy, Hudson.
Lana is Hudson's swim teacher and as soon as she and Grant lay eyes on each other sparks fly but Grant had vowed to never fall in love again after his divorce will Lana be the one to change his mind.
A quick read and one I wish had been a little longer but its a story I think everyone will enjoy.
July 5, 2021
This book was such a great read! Grant is a single dad, and a new divorce attorney in Starlight Bay. Lana is his son’s new swimming teacher. There is a definite attraction right away between these two, but between Grant’s job and his ex’s abandonment, Grant doesn’t make time for relationships. I loved the journey these two take and the steam that builds up between them. Kara really gets all the feels into a quick read. Check out this book of any of her books today! You will be glad that you did!
I received an advance copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an advance copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 28, 2021
What a great book
Lana and Beth lost their father when they were in high school. Their mother didn't wait long to take off to CA for communal living. Lana a grade school teacher taught swimming in the summer months. She and Beth loved their lives and where they lived. Lana met Grant, a divorced divorce lawyer and fell in love. Up comes Mommy Dearest, who they haven't seen in years. You have to read what she does. Read how out of the mouth of babes solved their problems. It's really a good book :).
Lana and Beth lost their father when they were in high school. Their mother didn't wait long to take off to CA for communal living. Lana a grade school teacher taught swimming in the summer months. She and Beth loved their lives and where they lived. Lana met Grant, a divorced divorce lawyer and fell in love. Up comes Mommy Dearest, who they haven't seen in years. You have to read what she does. Read how out of the mouth of babes solved their problems. It's really a good book :).
July 3, 2024
As a sucker for a ready-made family, Stars & Sparks Forever satisfied me. Lana and Grant were able to find their to each other despite their differences and responsibilities. Grant may be way older and experienced but Lana's maturity was able to pierce him straight to his heart. Hudson was so lovely, he was like a compass that directed the two when they were about to get lost. They make a perfect family. So lovely!
June 26, 2021
Sparks Fly and the fireworks are amazing in this quick sexy novella.
This was a quick and easy novella. A Perfect HEA to get you ready for the holiday weekend!
I wished it was longer so that we could really flesh out those back stories because both Grant and Lana. But I will take it! It was such a fun way to spend an hour.
This was a quick and easy novella. A Perfect HEA to get you ready for the holiday weekend!
I wished it was longer so that we could really flesh out those back stories because both Grant and Lana. But I will take it! It was such a fun way to spend an hour.
July 9, 2022
Grant is a single dad new to Starlight Bay and Lana's a teacher
He's ten years older than Lana but she brings his cold heart back to life. His son is the first to see how perfect they can be together. Her negligent hippy mother tries to stir up trouble but Lana blasts her but good.
He's ten years older than Lana but she brings his cold heart back to life. His son is the first to see how perfect they can be together. Her negligent hippy mother tries to stir up trouble but Lana blasts her but good.
June 2, 2023
Definitely not my favorite story, but it kept my eyes open til the end. Could have used some more spice and a tad more color in the scenes. The characters were okay and the heroine had a strong spine, which really makes the story believable and relatable. Just not enough angst or suspense to give it depth.
January 18, 2024
It was cute
Overall the story was cute. I wouldn't really say it was spicy (as someone suggested), but it had a good moment or two. Had a decent storyline. A little slower than I'm used to, but worth it.
If you're looking for a fun and flirty romance about a single dad, this fits the bill.
Overall the story was cute. I wouldn't really say it was spicy (as someone suggested), but it had a good moment or two. Had a decent storyline. A little slower than I'm used to, but worth it.
If you're looking for a fun and flirty romance about a single dad, this fits the bill.
July 2, 2021
Single dad? Yes please! I fell in love with the town and the characters. This is not too long but gives us a lot of what we love. Grant and Lana have amazing chemistry which the story flow faster. I couldn't put it down.
January 30, 2022
Spark of Love
Kendrick did it again. Loved Loved Loved this book. I loved how she made the fmc head strong and did not take anything from the mmc.
Pick this book up. It's a cute little 4th of July holiday novella!
Kendrick did it again. Loved Loved Loved this book. I loved how she made the fmc head strong and did not take anything from the mmc.
Pick this book up. It's a cute little 4th of July holiday novella!
May 22, 2023
Lana gets involved with a single dad (Grant) but her mother gets in the way of their relationship and makes it more difficult for them to be together. This story has/had its moments and things were left untold in some ways but overall the story was short and cute.
June 9, 2023
This is a well written short story with great characters. This was a quick easy read for me. This is a book for that lazy afternoon read when all you want to do is relax. This one is worth your time. I think you will enjoy it.
July 17, 2024
Quick Read
I needed a book with fireworks on the cover for a book cover and someone suggested this.
Lana and Grant’s story is a quick, light read. A tiny bit of drama near the end. Quick attraction, short time period, and an HEA.
I needed a book with fireworks on the cover for a book cover and someone suggested this.
Lana and Grant’s story is a quick, light read. A tiny bit of drama near the end. Quick attraction, short time period, and an HEA.
June 29, 2021
I really enjoyed Stars and Sparks Forever and couldn't put it down.
It was a very relatable and I didn't want it to end.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book for Sweet Treats Book Blog.
It was a very relatable and I didn't want it to end.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book for Sweet Treats Book Blog.
July 1, 2021
So glad that Kara Kendrick wrote another sweet, swoony Starlight Bay story 'cause I absolutely love her writing!! ✨💖💖
July 3, 2021
Good
This was a good quick 4th of July romance read. It’s a nice fast read for a summer day out by the pool. Great story.
This was a good quick 4th of July romance read. It’s a nice fast read for a summer day out by the pool. Great story.
July 3, 2021
This was a sexy and hot insta-love story! Age gap love story. Single dad Grant and Lana were just amazing! Grant took a chance on love again with Lana. I read it in one setting! I loved it! 😆
July 4, 2021
Sparks
Another fab addition to The Starlight Bay, Man Of The Month series! Absolutely loved Grant, Hudson & Lana. Such a sweet story for these three. I always enjoy Kara’s writing.
Another fab addition to The Starlight Bay, Man Of The Month series! Absolutely loved Grant, Hudson & Lana. Such a sweet story for these three. I always enjoy Kara’s writing.
July 8, 2021
This was a really cute and romantic story. First time reading this author, won't be the last.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews