Contemporary Romance Book Review: Sparks and Spurs

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About the Book

Title: Sparks and Spurs 

Series: Healing Springs Ranch, Book 1 

Author: Jody Hedlund 

Genre: Contemporary Western Romance 

Publisher: Northern Lights Press 

Release Date: July 7, 2025  

Click here to purchase a copy of this book. 

Publisher's Book Description

“Is the powerful McQuaid legacy of love only a thing of the past? Or can such a love still happen today? 

 

Tyler McQuaid has been too busy managing his family’s luxury ranch resort to think about love. But when his dad gets sick and may not have long to live, Tyler begins to question what is truly important. He’s already failed once at love and marriage, but how can he say no to his dad’s sickbed wish that he try again? 

 

Kinsey Wingrove, a traveling nurse, prefers to keep her relationships short and sweet, and yes, even shallow. With the losses she’s already experienced in life, it’s just easier that way. When she arrives at Healing Springs Ranch, she clashes with her new patient’s son, the handsome cowboy who runs the place and doesn’t think she’s the right nurse for his dad. 

 

As sparks fly between Tyler and Kinsey, the meddling, matchmaking McQuaid family sees that more can exist between the two than they will acknowledge. Can Tyler accept and move beyond the mistakes of his past to allow for the McQuaid legacy of love—a fast, furious, and forever kind of love? Or will he let Kinsey’s fears push him away forever?”


My Review

Spurs and Sparks, by Jody Hedlund, is the first book in the Healing Springs Ranch series. Featuring vivid characters and plenty of romantic tension, this novel is both moving and compelling. Set in a beautiful mountain resort in Colorado, this novel is everything a reader could want in an enemies-to-lovers story. Brimming with drama, courage, and love, this western, contemporary romance is quite memorable and enjoyable. 

 

Quickly-paced and well-written, this novel includes creative details that contribute to a captivating plot. Misunderstandings, romantic twists, family drama, and second chances make this story very entertaining. This book also includes characters who are sympathetic and distinct. Not only do they face significant insecurities as a result of past relationships, but they also struggle with the resulting challenges that come from loss, betrayal, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Often, these characters are motivated to make choices and take actions that are surprising and thoughtful. Themes of hope, trust, and faith emerge making this romantic story one that inspires even as it warms the heart. 

 

Spurs and Sparks is a great beginning to the Healing Springs Ranch series. Offering a satisfying reading experience from the first page to the last, this novel is genuinely special. I gladly recommend it, and I will certainly be reading the next book in this series! 

 

*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher/author. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own. 

About the Author: Jody Hedlund

“Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over sixty sweet historical romances and is the winner of numerous awards. She lives in central Michigan with her husband and is the mother of five wonderful children and five spoiled cats. When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.” --Biography from JodyHedlund.com. 

Click here to visit Jody Hedlund's website. 

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