Love Gets A Second Chance To "Spark" And Catch Fire

“Why are you trying so hard to fit in when you were born to stand out?” ― Ian Wallace

It takes two tries for our couple, Kevin and Hugo, to figure things out. When these two meet they became fast friends and eventually lovers, though they had to keep it a secret back in high school.

Kevin tried to be everything his father wanted him to be, so he did what was expected of him: got a girlfriend, took the appropriate classes, was the model son. I really felt bad for Kevin, trying to live up to his father’s expectations, at the same time trying to be who he truly was. It’s so hard for teenagers trying to discover who they are anyway, and the added pressure on Kevin from his father was just devastating for him.

Hugo also hid who he was. He tried to fit in with the other kids doing and saying all the right things. Hugo was such a sweetheart, he was like an old soul trapped in a young body. He had to grow up fast dealing with the loss of his father and living in a town where he had to hide his true self. I loved that he had an older sister with who he could confide in. It was nice to read a story where the sibling was a positive role model for the main character.

In present day we see Hugo and Kevin as adults, brought together again by fate, getting a second chance at love and friendship. Having drifted naturally apart after high school, they are very different people from when they last saw each other, and their lives are very different. Hugo is just the spark that Kevin needs to start living his life the way he wants, and not for other people. Hugo has his own things to deal with, and finally has the strength. They know that each other is what has been missing from their lives.

I loved the flow in this story. The flashbacks were done in such a way that they didn’t distract from the present day story. It was great to read how their friendship developed from the beginning and to understand the feelings Hugo and Kevin had for each other. And to see them reconnect years later, seeing that the love they had for one another never went away, was just beautiful to read.

Overall, this was a pleasant read. Not too rushed, but realistic. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to read a story that will leave you with a smile on your face.

You can buy Spark (Northern Star: Book One here: