Book: Sparks Fly by Zakiya N. Jamal
Reviewed by Deb.Reads.Books
Stella, a predictable, shy virgin, does the unthinkable - she spends Valentine’s Day as a single at a sex club. Finally, she is ready to turn in her V-card. She crashes (and splashes) into Max, a mysterious and muscular mystery. Things heat up & he runs to get protection. When he doesn’t turn back up, Stella takes that as a sign & heads out. Fast forward to a few days later at work, and he’s there at a mandatory team meeting - he’s the boss’s brother! Determined to keep things professional, they don’t talk about work, putting them both on an inevitable collision course. Will they survive when things come crashing down?
I love Zakiya N. Jamal’s stories. I had the pleasure of reading her last book, a queer YA love story, which was absolutely adorable. Sparks Fly is her debut adult novel, and it has the same vibe - a shy protagonist, a sweet love story, and is a love letter to NYC. Sparks Fly has the spice though, with adult problems, making the jump to an older audience. I truly love both books. The spice level is a mix of sweet and sexy. It’s a feel good love story with black and queer main characters. I love how Jamal incorporates these details into her stories. As a pansexual woman myself, I love seeing more bi/pan representation in love stories, especially when it’s the lead character(s). I will read anything that Zakiya N. Jamal writes!
Thank you to Berkley & NetGalley for the advance readers copy for review!