Sparks Fly, Zakiya N. Jamal (Review by Skylar Wetzel)
When I first read the blurb of Sparks Fly by Zakiya N. Jamal, I knew this was going to be a fun book to read. Stella, a content writer in her late 20s, decides it’s time to lose her virginity, and what better way to do this than in a New York City sex club. What I didn’t expect was how Jamal would create a deep, layered story about vulnerability in shared experiences, acceptance of sexuality, and the ability to have real, flawed relationships with room for forgiveness. The development of Stella and Max’s relationship flows so naturally, even when outside factors, friends, and even tiffs come between them. It was refreshing to read a romance book with an authentic love story, and you could see something substantive building between the two, even when they pretend to be nothing more. They genuinely found each other without some big angsty lead-up.
The fun romance twist for me is when Stella finds out that Max is her CEO’s brother, and on top of that, he is also the creator of an AI tool being forced upon the employees to help write and create content. This storyline completely threw me for a loop, and for a second, I wasn’t sure which direction Jamal would take the plot. Especially when Stella would occasionally hide her feelings about work, and Max only saw his little brother through rose colored glasses. Rest assured, this book does end on an HEA.
The other big piece of this book is Stella choosing to wait later in life for a romantic tryst while still being a strong, competent woman. I thought it highlighted the very real feelings of self-doubt that can come with inexperience, which many readers will relate to. Once Stella and Max do get that chance, though, it is hot, hot, hot! Overall, this was a beautiful, sexy read that I think many will enjoy.