Sparks Fly
-
- $10.99
Publisher Description
A late bloomer thought a visit to a sex club might jump start her love life, but instead makes an instant connection that turns her whole world upside down, in this adult debut from author Zakiya N. Jamal.
When Stella Renee Johnson's roommate invites her to a sex club party but bails at the last minute, Stella decides to use the opportunity to finally cash in her V-card. But just when things are heating up between Stella and a sexy stranger, they realize they don’t have protection and Stella, taking it as a sign this wasn't meant to be, flees.
Frustrated in more ways than one, Stella is shocked to learn that the digital media website where she works is partnering with an AI company. She's even more shocked when the alluring man from the previous night walks in. Max Williams is the CEO's brother and the creator of the AI program now threatening her job.
Despite the conflict of interest, Stella and Max can't resist their magnetic attraction toward each other, and agree to keep their personal lives separate from what’s happening at work. But the more similarities they discover at home—both Black, book smart, and bisexual—the more they butt heads at work. Stella and Max must decide whether to think with their heads and walk away from their budding relationship, or follow their hearts and take a chance on love, no matter the cost.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
This sexy and endearing contemporary from Jamal (If We Were a Movie) finds late-blooming 20-something Stella Renee Johnson, a journalist, determined to lose her virginity. So, at the suggestion of her free-spirited best friend, she heads to a Manhattan sex club on Valentine's Day. There, sparks fly with dashing Max Martinez Williams and the pair embark on what should be a steamy night. Their hookup comes to a screeching halt, however, when both realize they forgot to bring a condom. When Max goes off to hunt one down, Stella grows self-conscious and bails. Max despairs of ever seeing her again— until they run into each other during a work meeting. The digital magazine where Stella works is implementing Max's newly developed AI tool, Sparky, which is aimed at helping writers synthesize research. The pair are thrilled to be reunited, but Stella's coworkers are worried the technology will eliminate their jobs, so the lovers feel they must keep their involvement a secret from everyone at the office. The grounded workplace drama adds heft to a sensual plot helmed by unforgettable leads, both of whom are Black, bisexual, and book smart. The result is a nuanced tale that's sure to please.
