A review by bribreez
Catching Sparks by Hannah Cowan

funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

4.5⭐️/ 5🌶️ (11 times)

The small town of Cherry Peak has quickly become a favorite of mine with characters such as, Brody, Anna, Poppy, Bryce, and more within this series. This new story centered on, Poppy and Garrison. If you’ve read the first book, then you’ll remember Garrison as the CEO of Swift Edge records, a.k.a. the record label that Brody is signed to. Garrison was always about business and didn’t care much about others concerns, but when trouble finds Garrison at work, he finds himself sent away while the company does damage control from the fall out. The last place Garrison wanted to be was, Cherry Peak, but with residents such as, our very own lovely, Poppy, even the grump himself couldn’t deny how much he was attracted to her. For Poppy, she had always known life living in Cherry Peak, and when the newcomer, Garrison comes into town, she can’t help but want to have some fun with him. This story had, small town, friends with benefits, he’s a grumpy billionaire, she’s a feisty, strong, empowering female lead, spice galore, and a whole lot more! 

Hannah never disappoints with her stories, and with Poppy and Garrison’s book, I was once again immersed in the story! Poppy and Garrison’s story was one that I was really curious to see play out especially since, in the first book, I wasn’t a fan of Garrison. At first, I wondered if I would even like Garrison in his own book, but thankfully with Hannah’s magnificent writing, she was able to craft Garrison into a person who had his flaws, but was on his own journey to redeeming himself. As for Poppy, GIRL I ALREADY LOVED HER SINCE THE BEGINNING! Poppy was so upbeat, bright, sassy, and strong. Just the fact that Poppy owned, “Beautifully Bold”, made me want to take a pole dancing class! Poppy was an empowering character, and that came across in the book. In a variety of ways, I got to see how Poppy was a strong female lead, and she continued to impress me. Not to mention, I loved seeing Poppy embrace her sexuality in and out of the bedroom with Garrison. This book stuck me as more sex positive compared to the first book with the way both Garrison and Poppy weren’t ashamed of their wants and desires when it came to being intimate with each other. There was a sense of empowerment in the way both characters were open and vulnerable in expressing what they wanted from each other which was a great aspect to the story. 

I think it’s safe to say that before this book, I wasn’t much of a fan of Garrison, but my opinion changed reading this book. Garrison was a grumpy billionaire who was always about business and nothing else. Coming to Cherry Peak changed him in ways even he didn’t see coming. From befriending people like Johnny, and warming up to Wade (Brody’s grandpa), and having steamy, hot sessions with Poppy, Garrison’s initial impression of the small town and its people became positive. When it came to Poppy though, it became so much more than a friends with benefits arrangement. Instead, Garrison became a possessive man who wanted Poppy all for himself, and when it came to owning up to his true feelings, he was made to work for it which I definitely enjoyed seeing when it came to him groveling. Another great thing I liked about Garrison was him using his money to spoil Poppy! We love a man to spoil his lady love, but also when it came to practical things such as, Poppy needing a new washer and dryer, and Garrison using his connections and wealth to buy her the best washer/ dryer set for her. While that may not scream romantic to some, I think it’s showed just how much Garrison paid attention to Poppy’s needs both in and out of the bedroom. The sexual chemistry was undeniable, but seeing Garrison and Poppy’s connection grow outside of their arrangement revealed just how much Garrison truly cared about Poppy. 

Pretty sure I’ve said this before, but if not I’ll say it again, I LOVE THIS SERIES! If I could visit Cherry Peak and get to hang out with Poppy, Anna, Bryce, Brody, Garrison, and Johnny, I’d LOVE THAT! This book further showed the close knit group between Poppy and her friend which I’ve come to adore from the first book, and seeing Garrison join them was an unexpected surprise that worked out perfectly. Garrison was initially someone I didn’t like much, but hey, he redeemed himself, and became a better person after having spent time in Cherry Peak, and inevitably falling in love with Poppy. I for sure already loved Poppy before this book, but this story made my love for her grow even more! Poppy was a great female lead with her confidence, strength, and empowerment when it came to different aspects of her life. I think compared to the other book, I really appreciated and loved how this book was sex positive and explored different kinks. Not sure if this was something others noticed but for me I thought this book really highlighted sex positivity and exploring intimacy in different ways. Garrison and Poppy had dynamite chemistry in and out of the bedroom, and oh boy did those two really heat things up in the bedroom! By far the spiciest books in the series so far and again…I LOVED IT! Garrison and Poppy were a great couple together, and seeing them go from a friends with benefits situation to a serious relationship was amazing. Kind of ironic that both Garrison and Poppy weren’t looking for something serious, and yet, they ended up in a serious, committed relationship together haha. Everything worked out perfectly in the end, and with the epilogues showing how blissfully happy Garrison and Poppy were together alongside their friend group was heartwarming to see. Definitely recommend this book if you love, small town, he’s a billionaire, she’s a strong, female lead, spice AF, found family, the groveling trope, and much more. Also read the first book in the series too!