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Spark of Hope #5
Crushed But Not Defeated
Miles
Selfish.
That’s the only way Andrew will ever see me. An abused boy who grew up and became a defense attorney for the rich and famous.
I’ll never forget the look on his face when I told him. The hurt and disgust I saw in his eyes as I stomped all over his dreams.
He left me behind, convincing me he’d hate me forever. Now, circumstances have brought me back into his life. I have one more chance to prove I’m not the man he thinks I am.
I’ll do anything to prove I’m worthy of him.
Andrew
Fixer.
I have been since I was a child, watching my abusive father escape justice, time and time again, and a mother who refused to see his wrongs.
So I grew up to become a therapist, determined to never feel that helpless again.
I swore to make the world a better place, and I had a plan. One I thought I’d execute with my best friend in the world.
Only he had other dreams. He smashed all my hopes in one night, and I’ll never trust him again.
Now I need his help, but I refuse to let him in completely.
He crushed me once, but now, I’m strong and stubborn. I’ll never be defeated.
Selfish.
That’s the only way Andrew will ever see me. An abused boy who grew up and became a defense attorney for the rich and famous.
I’ll never forget the look on his face when I told him. The hurt and disgust I saw in his eyes as I stomped all over his dreams.
He left me behind, convincing me he’d hate me forever. Now, circumstances have brought me back into his life. I have one more chance to prove I’m not the man he thinks I am.
I’ll do anything to prove I’m worthy of him.
Andrew
Fixer.
I have been since I was a child, watching my abusive father escape justice, time and time again, and a mother who refused to see his wrongs.
So I grew up to become a therapist, determined to never feel that helpless again.
I swore to make the world a better place, and I had a plan. One I thought I’d execute with my best friend in the world.
Only he had other dreams. He smashed all my hopes in one night, and I’ll never trust him again.
Now I need his help, but I refuse to let him in completely.
He crushed me once, but now, I’m strong and stubborn. I’ll never be defeated.
168 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 29, 2023
60 people are currently reading
488 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Dykes
92 books2,456 followersNicole Dykes is a wife and a professional assistant/mom to two gorgeous girls. Currently residing in Kansas, she’s a lover of coffee, Kansas City Chiefs, and all things romance.
She's found her passion in writing M/M romance because love is love is love. Some popular works include Hostile, The Spark of Hope Series, and The Kensley Panthers Series!
Email at [email protected]
Or visit my website at Www.authornicoledykes.com
She's found her passion in writing M/M romance because love is love is love. Some popular works include Hostile, The Spark of Hope Series, and The Kensley Panthers Series!
Email at [email protected]
Or visit my website at Www.authornicoledykes.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
May 30, 2023
idk you guys, this made me so emotional that i can easily overlook its flaws.
yes, things aren’t realistic.
yes, miles and andrew could’ve talked sooner.
who cares when we got to see the beginning of this beautiful family? not me, that’s for sure.
i almost cried when miles called evan his kid for the first time.
also, miles and andrew were so good together. my only little complaint is that i wish we got to see more of them.
but i’m still very happy and satisfied.
yes, things aren’t realistic.
yes, miles and andrew could’ve talked sooner.
who cares when we got to see the beginning of this beautiful family? not me, that’s for sure.
i almost cried when miles called evan his kid for the first time.
also, miles and andrew were so good together. my only little complaint is that i wish we got to see more of them.
but i’m still very happy and satisfied.
May 29, 2023
I liked the idea of this much more than the execution.
For what was a really short book, the timeline was so hard to follow. There's no real indication of time passing until you get into a chapter and then you have to work out how long it's been since you were previously told a concrete time period. I always mention when this happens in books, but as someone who is dyscalculic it is SO fucking hard to figure this out mentally and I just give up and get frustrated that I can't follow the story properly.
Also there is barely any dialogue at all, and of the dialogue that is there 95% or possibly more is during sex scenes. Everything else is internal and 'told', yet because the pacing is so fast and disjointed I couldn't connect emotionally to the characters. It was like someone doing a rapid recap of their life and it felt like a clinical report of events.
I need to feel the emotions and I need a good balance between internal thoughts and dialogue to get a connection - even the dual POV didn't help 🥺
I also say this with every book in this series, but with the overarching theme of trauma, these books are so light on angst and emotional turmoil, and have such quick resolutions that I still don't see or feel the trauma of the characters, which is a shame because I'm all about the emotionally damaged characters.
For what was a really short book, the timeline was so hard to follow. There's no real indication of time passing until you get into a chapter and then you have to work out how long it's been since you were previously told a concrete time period. I always mention when this happens in books, but as someone who is dyscalculic it is SO fucking hard to figure this out mentally and I just give up and get frustrated that I can't follow the story properly.
Also there is barely any dialogue at all, and of the dialogue that is there 95% or possibly more is during sex scenes. Everything else is internal and 'told', yet because the pacing is so fast and disjointed I couldn't connect emotionally to the characters. It was like someone doing a rapid recap of their life and it felt like a clinical report of events.
I need to feel the emotions and I need a good balance between internal thoughts and dialogue to get a connection - even the dual POV didn't help 🥺
I also say this with every book in this series, but with the overarching theme of trauma, these books are so light on angst and emotional turmoil, and have such quick resolutions that I still don't see or feel the trauma of the characters, which is a shame because I'm all about the emotionally damaged characters.
May 29, 2023
Crushed But Not Defeated is the perfect finale for this beautiful and emotional series that tugged at my heart many times. This story focuses on Miles and Andrew, who have a shared history that leaves them both in an awkward place in the present.
Andrew has unresolved resentment towards Miles, but they are both in a compromised position where they both need the other. How this author forces these two stubborn characters to finally share their feelings is genius because it mostly coincides with one unfortunate misunderstanding. I was so happy they were finally able to listen and hear one another.
What I enjoyed about this story is how obviously in love these two are with one another, but it takes an extreme situation to force them both to finally share their feelings. Seeing their interactions grow into something so sincere and sweet made for a wonderful second-chance romance.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
Andrew has unresolved resentment towards Miles, but they are both in a compromised position where they both need the other. How this author forces these two stubborn characters to finally share their feelings is genius because it mostly coincides with one unfortunate misunderstanding. I was so happy they were finally able to listen and hear one another.
What I enjoyed about this story is how obviously in love these two are with one another, but it takes an extreme situation to force them both to finally share their feelings. Seeing their interactions grow into something so sincere and sweet made for a wonderful second-chance romance.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
October 28, 2023
Rating: 5/5 ⭐
Steam: 3/5 🔥
POV: Dual, First Person
Hurt/Comfort | Second Chance | Fake Relationship | Childhood Sweethearts | HEA
I started my day as a single forever bachelor. Somehow, I ended it in a committed fake relationship with a kid.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
I have been waiting for Andrew's story for so long and oh it was so worth the wait! It was such a lovely read full of love and passion and low angst, it felt like a warm hug at the end of a long day. I loved how we got to see Miles and Andrew get their opportunity at a second chance through fostering Evan and eventually Oliver. There was tension from them both, stemming from their past, but it added to the passion between them. It does focus more on found family and coming together to support the two boys, but there was some delightful romance as well! This series was the definition of hope and found family and it is bittersweet it is ending, but I loved every minute of it!
Steam: 3/5 🔥
POV: Dual, First Person
Hurt/Comfort | Second Chance | Fake Relationship | Childhood Sweethearts | HEA
I started my day as a single forever bachelor. Somehow, I ended it in a committed fake relationship with a kid.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
I have been waiting for Andrew's story for so long and oh it was so worth the wait! It was such a lovely read full of love and passion and low angst, it felt like a warm hug at the end of a long day. I loved how we got to see Miles and Andrew get their opportunity at a second chance through fostering Evan and eventually Oliver. There was tension from them both, stemming from their past, but it added to the passion between them. It does focus more on found family and coming together to support the two boys, but there was some delightful romance as well! This series was the definition of hope and found family and it is bittersweet it is ending, but I loved every minute of it!
June 22, 2023
Nothing special tbh... The series are okay, not much to say, maybe a better rtc
May 29, 2023
3/5 stars
I still can’t get over how there was no detail. Everything seemed glossed over and skimmed through. I know it’s how she writes, but sometimes it’s needed. I still enjoyed it although I would not classify this as “enemies to lovers”. It’s more of a “i hate you because of of a decision you made” than actual enemies.
I still can’t get over how there was no detail. Everything seemed glossed over and skimmed through. I know it’s how she writes, but sometimes it’s needed. I still enjoyed it although I would not classify this as “enemies to lovers”. It’s more of a “i hate you because of of a decision you made” than actual enemies.
May 26, 2023
"Miles and I met young and bonded hard over that simple fact - we had to take care of ourselves because the people who should have loved us the most didn't"
I've been eagerly awaiting the last book in the Spark of Hope series for quite some time. Though I'm sad this series is finished, I am ecstatic that I finally got to see Andrew get his HEA. Andrew has been present in all of the books in this series. He's the man who started it all, the one who formed the Spark of Hope trauma support group in the first place. We see him throughout each of the books being a shoulder to lean on, the man to come to for advice, and even just an ear to listen. He's an incredible human being who's made it his mission to make the world a better place despite the circumstances of his upbringing. That's always been his plan ever since he was a kid. Well one thing was different. When he was a kid his best friend Miles was included in his plan...until Miles confessed his plans had changed and then everything else changed as well.
I loved how Miles and Andrew's story unfolded. It was obvious to all that these two still had strong feelings for each other, even if it tended to manifest in different ways. There was a lot of hurt left over from their past. Mistakes were made. But when push came to shove and Andrew needed someone Miles showed up. He showed up big time. Seeing these two come together to help someone in need made it clear what a great team they made. Watching them fall deeper in love and become a family made it even clearer. I truly believe these two were meant to be and I enjoyed everything about them finding their way to happiness together.
"I don't care about the past. I just want the future with you."
PS: I just want to add how much I appreciate the author and how they handled the difficult topics this series dealt with. There were many different types of trauma portrayed along with many different ways of coping with said traumas. There's no right way to heal from something that has traumatized a person and what helps one may not help another. Mental health is one of the most important things we as humans can work on and I believe Nicole Dykes did this series justice on that front. So thank you.
I've been eagerly awaiting the last book in the Spark of Hope series for quite some time. Though I'm sad this series is finished, I am ecstatic that I finally got to see Andrew get his HEA. Andrew has been present in all of the books in this series. He's the man who started it all, the one who formed the Spark of Hope trauma support group in the first place. We see him throughout each of the books being a shoulder to lean on, the man to come to for advice, and even just an ear to listen. He's an incredible human being who's made it his mission to make the world a better place despite the circumstances of his upbringing. That's always been his plan ever since he was a kid. Well one thing was different. When he was a kid his best friend Miles was included in his plan...until Miles confessed his plans had changed and then everything else changed as well.
I loved how Miles and Andrew's story unfolded. It was obvious to all that these two still had strong feelings for each other, even if it tended to manifest in different ways. There was a lot of hurt left over from their past. Mistakes were made. But when push came to shove and Andrew needed someone Miles showed up. He showed up big time. Seeing these two come together to help someone in need made it clear what a great team they made. Watching them fall deeper in love and become a family made it even clearer. I truly believe these two were meant to be and I enjoyed everything about them finding their way to happiness together.
"I don't care about the past. I just want the future with you."
PS: I just want to add how much I appreciate the author and how they handled the difficult topics this series dealt with. There were many different types of trauma portrayed along with many different ways of coping with said traumas. There's no right way to heal from something that has traumatized a person and what helps one may not help another. Mental health is one of the most important things we as humans can work on and I believe Nicole Dykes did this series justice on that front. So thank you.
May 28, 2023
I’ve been waiting to finally get Andrew and Miles’s story and I think this was my favorite from the Spark of Hope series and such a great finale.
Andrew and Miles grew up together, first as friends, then as more as they got older but Miles’s decision to deviate a bit from Andrew’s plan for the two of them tore them apart in a way they couldn’t figure out how to fix. But, when Andrew calls on Miles to help him keep a kid safe from some of the horrors they both faced as kids, they get a second chance to reconnect and to talk things out.
Things move fast for these two but with their history, which comes out slowly throughout the story, the pace makes sense - they had big plans for a life together before things got complicated and with Evan needing a permanent support system, they pick up where they left off. Their chemistry is really great and seeing Andrew go on a journey of self-reflection to see why he’s been shutting Miles out all these years was really believable. They fit together so well, understood each other on a different level and were 100% committed to their boys - Evan and Oliver accelerated their relationship, but brought them back together in a way they didn’t think possible.
Nicole saved the best story for last in this series and I enjoyed the quick check-ins with all the past couples to give us an update on how things are going for them now. Looking forward to seeing what comes next from Nicole!
Andrew and Miles grew up together, first as friends, then as more as they got older but Miles’s decision to deviate a bit from Andrew’s plan for the two of them tore them apart in a way they couldn’t figure out how to fix. But, when Andrew calls on Miles to help him keep a kid safe from some of the horrors they both faced as kids, they get a second chance to reconnect and to talk things out.
Things move fast for these two but with their history, which comes out slowly throughout the story, the pace makes sense - they had big plans for a life together before things got complicated and with Evan needing a permanent support system, they pick up where they left off. Their chemistry is really great and seeing Andrew go on a journey of self-reflection to see why he’s been shutting Miles out all these years was really believable. They fit together so well, understood each other on a different level and were 100% committed to their boys - Evan and Oliver accelerated their relationship, but brought them back together in a way they didn’t think possible.
Nicole saved the best story for last in this series and I enjoyed the quick check-ins with all the past couples to give us an update on how things are going for them now. Looking forward to seeing what comes next from Nicole!
May 29, 2023
This book broke my heart and put it back together beautifully!!
This is Andrew’s story, and it was perfect. After a traumatic childhood, Andrew wants nothing more than to help people like him. He’s a therapist, runs a trauma support group, and volunteers at a shelter. He’s kind and understanding, except for the one person who he can’t forgive: Miles.
Miles also had a terrible childhood, and he chose to go into law to make a difference. Yes, he makes great money and doesn’t mind spending it, but he craves that stability after being a child who didn’t know where his next meal would come from.
When Andrew asks Miles for help with a very difficult case, Miles doesn’t hesitate to step in. Andrew needed legal help, but he didn’t bargain for Miles stepping in to care for this poor child.
There’s so much emotion in this book, especially where this child, Evan, is involved. As a therapist Andrew knows how to help, but as a caretaker it’s a whole different story. As a social worker I can say this is absolutely the case.
This was a really beautiful story with:
-Second chance romance
-Childhood sweethearts
-Fake relationship
-So much hope and love
This is Andrew’s story, and it was perfect. After a traumatic childhood, Andrew wants nothing more than to help people like him. He’s a therapist, runs a trauma support group, and volunteers at a shelter. He’s kind and understanding, except for the one person who he can’t forgive: Miles.
Miles also had a terrible childhood, and he chose to go into law to make a difference. Yes, he makes great money and doesn’t mind spending it, but he craves that stability after being a child who didn’t know where his next meal would come from.
When Andrew asks Miles for help with a very difficult case, Miles doesn’t hesitate to step in. Andrew needed legal help, but he didn’t bargain for Miles stepping in to care for this poor child.
There’s so much emotion in this book, especially where this child, Evan, is involved. As a therapist Andrew knows how to help, but as a caretaker it’s a whole different story. As a social worker I can say this is absolutely the case.
This was a really beautiful story with:
-Second chance romance
-Childhood sweethearts
-Fake relationship
-So much hope and love
May 31, 2023
2.8 - 2.9⭐
I honestly had too much hope for this last installment. 😄 Waaay too much.
This series didn't work for me. It's almost as if it lacked definite vision or something. I don't know.
🟢 I loved the gym community and the characters, but their stories just weren't interesting, or rather, interestingly told.
🟣 Andrew and Miles were supposed to have a friends-to-enemies-to-lovers book, right?
Well, that ship sinked at 40%, when Andrew suddenly realized that he wasn't fair to keep Miles at a distance and started apologizing profusely.
Done, the end, the trope is gone with the wind.
🔵 Because as much as an adult Andrew is, not to mention he's a therapist and an educated, wonderful human, who helps everyone, Andrew specifically and childishly holds Miles to a different standard and all the reasoning surrounding that decision didn't convince me he had no other choice but to feel and act that way .
🟡 After being teenage lovers in foster care together and not being friends for years, they overnight switch to adopting two boys together and play house.
I'm sorry to say it, but it was downright ridiculous and not believable.
The only good thing was the great sex and maybe the Pomeranians, yeah.
🔴 Miles and Andrew came together pretty quick and after that it was just them opening up their wallets and making shit happen, I honestly could not get into the story.
Henry and Felix's book is still the best one in the series.
This series did not work for me 😄, no, not at all.
If I conclude with all of the 5 read installments, they objectively go for about 2.8-2.9⭐.
❓ Is Evan getting his own book? Did I read that correctly between the lines?
Evan and Lawrence the jock with the bully trope?
Here's to hoping! 🤞
I honestly had too much hope for this last installment. 😄 Waaay too much.
This series didn't work for me. It's almost as if it lacked definite vision or something. I don't know.
🟢 I loved the gym community and the characters, but their stories just weren't interesting, or rather, interestingly told.
🟣 Andrew and Miles were supposed to have a friends-to-enemies-to-lovers book, right?
Well, that ship sinked at 40%, when Andrew suddenly realized that he wasn't fair to keep Miles at a distance and started apologizing profusely.
Done, the end, the trope is gone with the wind.
🔵 Because as much as an adult Andrew is, not to mention he's a therapist and an educated, wonderful human, who helps everyone, Andrew specifically and childishly holds Miles to a different standard and all the reasoning surrounding that decision didn't convince me he had no other choice but to feel and act that way .
🟡 After being teenage lovers in foster care together and not being friends for years, they overnight switch to adopting two boys together and play house.
I'm sorry to say it, but it was downright ridiculous and not believable.
The only good thing was the great sex and maybe the Pomeranians, yeah.
🔴 Miles and Andrew came together pretty quick and after that it was just them opening up their wallets and making shit happen, I honestly could not get into the story.
Henry and Felix's book is still the best one in the series.
This series did not work for me 😄, no, not at all.
If I conclude with all of the 5 read installments, they objectively go for about 2.8-2.9⭐.
❓ Is Evan getting his own book? Did I read that correctly between the lines?
Evan and Lawrence the jock with the bully trope?
Here's to hoping! 🤞
May 27, 2023
"I was a total idiot when I let him go the first time, but I promise I’ll never be that stupid again. He’s mine forever, and I’m not letting go."
Crushed But Not Defeated is the 5th and final book in Nicole Dykes's Spark of Hope series of linked standalones, centered around a trauma support group and the found family that run it. Whilst each book is a standalone, I do recommend reading them in order to get the full picture of all the characters involved. This is Miles and Andrew's story.
Andrew is the Spark of Hope counsellor around whom all the stories and their characters revolve and in Crushed But Not Defeated he finally gets his own HEA.
Tropes include:
❣️MM romance
❣️Found family
❣️Second chance
❣️Best friends to lovers
❣️Small town
❣️HEA
There are some angsty issues as always in this series, so do be sure to check out the author's warnings.
3.5-4 stars
Crushed But Not Defeated is the 5th and final book in Nicole Dykes's Spark of Hope series of linked standalones, centered around a trauma support group and the found family that run it. Whilst each book is a standalone, I do recommend reading them in order to get the full picture of all the characters involved. This is Miles and Andrew's story.
Andrew is the Spark of Hope counsellor around whom all the stories and their characters revolve and in Crushed But Not Defeated he finally gets his own HEA.
Tropes include:
❣️MM romance
❣️Found family
❣️Second chance
❣️Best friends to lovers
❣️Small town
❣️HEA
There are some angsty issues as always in this series, so do be sure to check out the author's warnings.
3.5-4 stars
March 22, 2024
This is the first book where I've enjoyed the subplot more than the romance.
All the bits with Evan and their interactions with him were adorable. They make amazing parents but as a couple, they're more boring than beige(sorry, beige)
It didn't help that the narrator for Andrew sounded incredibly robotic most of the time.
All the bits with Evan and their interactions with him were adorable. They make amazing parents but as a couple, they're more boring than beige(sorry, beige)
It didn't help that the narrator for Andrew sounded incredibly robotic most of the time.
June 1, 2023
In my v personal opinion, Miles and Andrew’s story, which has been teased through this entire series, deserved much more than this. Under 200 pages simply did not give me enough of these men with the angst they’d built through the 4 earlier books. Not to mention the amount of trauma implied between them.
That said, I have no complaints about the MMCs or plot itself… just the rush of it all. They forgave and committed and had a family so fast. I just… wanted more of them. Which I suppose is a compliment to the author for having me love them before they had their own book.
⭐️ 3.5
That said, I have no complaints about the MMCs or plot itself… just the rush of it all. They forgave and committed and had a family so fast. I just… wanted more of them. Which I suppose is a compliment to the author for having me love them before they had their own book.
⭐️ 3.5
May 30, 2023
5 stars
Crushed but not Defeated is the final book in the Spark of Hope series by Nicole Dykes
Andrew is the guy who thinks he can save the world, and every time he fails (or thinks he has failed), his heart breaks a bit more. Miles is a high-profile defense lawyer. Andrew, Miles, and Roman were friends as kids. All of them grew up with trauma of their own. Miles and Andrew hooked up and came up with a plan, but Miles broke it off and went out on his own. Andrew sees it as a betrayal. He finds himself in a situation where he can go to no other than Miles and is surprised how he steps up and helps him. Old problems come to light, and attitudes change while raising a traumatized teen boy and his much younger brother. Together they try to keep a stable home for the boys, and along the way, they will finally heal broken wounds.
I am so happy to see Andrew's book. We saw him poking around in past books and felt he needed his own happy ending as he is always helping others to get theirs, and it did not disappoint. He and Miles are perfect for one another. While I wish we had some flashbacks (probably the only time I have wished for some) of their youth, I was fully satisfied with the direction this book went. Despite their rough upbringing with their caregivers, they proved that despite their past, they didn't need to follow patterns and became good and supportive parents, quickly showing the boys what a happy family is and giving in to all their animal whims and spoiling them.
Wow! I knew the rest of the series was good, but this was an amazing ending to an amazing series. I am very sad to see it end. With this, I hope it opens up space for an even better series which I don't think is possible. However, I will continue to read everything Nicole puts out. While not a big fan of her older stuff, this series and the Kensley Panthers have my whole heart
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement.***
Crushed but not Defeated is the final book in the Spark of Hope series by Nicole Dykes
Andrew is the guy who thinks he can save the world, and every time he fails (or thinks he has failed), his heart breaks a bit more. Miles is a high-profile defense lawyer. Andrew, Miles, and Roman were friends as kids. All of them grew up with trauma of their own. Miles and Andrew hooked up and came up with a plan, but Miles broke it off and went out on his own. Andrew sees it as a betrayal. He finds himself in a situation where he can go to no other than Miles and is surprised how he steps up and helps him. Old problems come to light, and attitudes change while raising a traumatized teen boy and his much younger brother. Together they try to keep a stable home for the boys, and along the way, they will finally heal broken wounds.
I am so happy to see Andrew's book. We saw him poking around in past books and felt he needed his own happy ending as he is always helping others to get theirs, and it did not disappoint. He and Miles are perfect for one another. While I wish we had some flashbacks (probably the only time I have wished for some) of their youth, I was fully satisfied with the direction this book went. Despite their rough upbringing with their caregivers, they proved that despite their past, they didn't need to follow patterns and became good and supportive parents, quickly showing the boys what a happy family is and giving in to all their animal whims and spoiling them.
Wow! I knew the rest of the series was good, but this was an amazing ending to an amazing series. I am very sad to see it end. With this, I hope it opens up space for an even better series which I don't think is possible. However, I will continue to read everything Nicole puts out. While not a big fan of her older stuff, this series and the Kensley Panthers have my whole heart
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement.***
May 24, 2023
When I pick up a Nicole Dykes book I can’t put it down until I’m done. This book was no exception. Andrew has been a constant character through out all the books in the series. Always thinking of others and offering support to those who need it, unless it is Miles. Once best friends, their relationship is now strained, until Andrew needs help from Miles. I enjoyed watching their relationship play out, getting to know more about each of them, understanding the animosity, and seeing them finally work out their differences. This second chance/forced proximity romance made my heart happy – two kids who lacked family and love finally find that together. This was a perfect way to close out the series. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
May 9, 2024
Que manera tan bonita de acabar una serie ❤️
May 30, 2023
This felt like I was reading while on speed. There was very little dialogue. Very little relationship building. There was very little substance here which is a true shame given the history between Miles and Andrew. This was a real missed opportunity to create an impact of two men who were once inseparable, now living very detached lives yet yearning for what they once had. It felt like "how fast can I write this book so I can move on to my next one." It all felt too simple. There was no build up, no angst, no struggle. And the timeline was bonkers. All of the characters were likeable so that wasn't an issue, but there just wasn't much development.
I have a lot of thoughts but it comes down to this, I wanted more emotion and I didn’t get it.
I have a lot of thoughts but it comes down to this, I wanted more emotion and I didn’t get it.
October 26, 2023
Crushed But Not Defeated is the 5th, and final, book of the Spark Of Hope series by Nicole Dykes. She really saved the best story for last with this one! We’ve been dying to read Miles and Andrew’s story.
This series is based primarily on trauma and the different aspects of it. Nicole touched on various types within each book. Andrew and Miles both had trauma from growing up in the foster system together. Each dealt with abuse and this affected them in different ways.
🏳️🌈 second chance
🏳️🌈 enemies to lovers
🏳️🌈 fake relationship
Andrew fell in love with Miles in high school. He had their lives all mapped out. But after a big fight, Andrew hated the man for turning his back on everything Andrew had envisioned for them. He went on to be a social worker, wanting to help every lost soul that he met, while Miles became a big time defense attorney.
Now, the last thing Andrew wants to do is ask Miles for help, but he’s the only one Andrew can turn to. Evan has been in and out of foster care for years. After a traumatic incident at home, which puts Evan in jail, his mom wants nothing to do with him and he’s put into the system once again. Miles reluctantly agrees to help Andrew.
What starts out as a bid to Evan’s caseworker to get him out of a hellish group home, turns into Andrew offering to take him in. Andrew alone would never get approved so Miles says that they’re boyfriends and that Evan can live with them. Andrew is furious but doesn’t see any other option if they want to get Evan out of that home. To make matters worse, they have to “prove” that they’re really together, so that means sharing a bed. But he knows that in order to help Evan, he will have to fake his love for Miles. As long as he can keep his attraction out of it, he’ll be fine, right?!
Andrew starts to realize that perhaps he’s judged Miles harshly over the years. As they start on their journey with Evan, Andrew sees a side of Miles he had never imagined. Even Miles is surprised as to how much he now wants this insta-family to be real. But could they make this work for real?
*we received an arc, all opinions are our own*
This series is based primarily on trauma and the different aspects of it. Nicole touched on various types within each book. Andrew and Miles both had trauma from growing up in the foster system together. Each dealt with abuse and this affected them in different ways.
🏳️🌈 second chance
🏳️🌈 enemies to lovers
🏳️🌈 fake relationship
Andrew fell in love with Miles in high school. He had their lives all mapped out. But after a big fight, Andrew hated the man for turning his back on everything Andrew had envisioned for them. He went on to be a social worker, wanting to help every lost soul that he met, while Miles became a big time defense attorney.
Now, the last thing Andrew wants to do is ask Miles for help, but he’s the only one Andrew can turn to. Evan has been in and out of foster care for years. After a traumatic incident at home, which puts Evan in jail, his mom wants nothing to do with him and he’s put into the system once again. Miles reluctantly agrees to help Andrew.
What starts out as a bid to Evan’s caseworker to get him out of a hellish group home, turns into Andrew offering to take him in. Andrew alone would never get approved so Miles says that they’re boyfriends and that Evan can live with them. Andrew is furious but doesn’t see any other option if they want to get Evan out of that home. To make matters worse, they have to “prove” that they’re really together, so that means sharing a bed. But he knows that in order to help Evan, he will have to fake his love for Miles. As long as he can keep his attraction out of it, he’ll be fine, right?!
Andrew starts to realize that perhaps he’s judged Miles harshly over the years. As they start on their journey with Evan, Andrew sees a side of Miles he had never imagined. Even Miles is surprised as to how much he now wants this insta-family to be real. But could they make this work for real?
*we received an arc, all opinions are our own*
January 1, 2024
Crushed but not defeated is the final book in the Spark of hope series and it was everything I wanted it to be. Andrew has been such an important part of each book and brought so much needed help and comfort to each character that I was very excited to see where he would end up.
We knew from previous books that there was a lot of tension and unresolved anger between him and Miles, but we were missing the reasons behind it. In this book, we learned how they broke apart when they were younger but also how much they had cared for each other and still did. Andrew had misplaced anger and expectations towards Miles and in this book they were able to properly talk through their issues and rebuild what had been broken.
Miles was similar to Roman in Stalked but not afraid with his arrogance, but we learned very fast how big his heart truly is 🥰. He jumped at the chance to help Andrew even considering the impact it would have on his life.
I loved everything about this story, seeing them form their family and the love they share.
**I received an advanced copy of this book and these are my honest thoughts**
We knew from previous books that there was a lot of tension and unresolved anger between him and Miles, but we were missing the reasons behind it. In this book, we learned how they broke apart when they were younger but also how much they had cared for each other and still did. Andrew had misplaced anger and expectations towards Miles and in this book they were able to properly talk through their issues and rebuild what had been broken.
Miles was similar to Roman in Stalked but not afraid with his arrogance, but we learned very fast how big his heart truly is 🥰. He jumped at the chance to help Andrew even considering the impact it would have on his life.
I loved everything about this story, seeing them form their family and the love they share.
**I received an advanced copy of this book and these are my honest thoughts**
May 29, 2023
This was a nice ending to the whole Spark of Hope series, Andrew and Miles had been previously teased in the previous books and it was clear they had a bit of animosity for one another.
I loved the second chance romance aspect of Andrew and Miles’ relationship, but I do wish we got to see them slowly begin to rekindle their relationship, instead it went from 0 to 100 real quick. I usually never say this but I kind of wish the book had been longer? There were a lot of good tropes and the story itself of why Andrew and Miles were even back in contact with each other was interesting enough, I just felt like everything happened way too quickly.
I loved the second chance romance aspect of Andrew and Miles’ relationship, but I do wish we got to see them slowly begin to rekindle their relationship, instead it went from 0 to 100 real quick. I usually never say this but I kind of wish the book had been longer? There were a lot of good tropes and the story itself of why Andrew and Miles were even back in contact with each other was interesting enough, I just felt like everything happened way too quickly.
May 29, 2023
***ARC Review***
This is my honest review for the ARC I received.
I was a little afraid to start this one because I knew it would mean the end of the series. I have been waiting on Andrew’s story and that burning curiosity to know how he gets his HEA compelled me to start reading. I’m so glad I did because this book is amazing!
The worry, love and care that Andrew has for the people he meets is so significant and all-consuming. He’s a great guy who wants good things for everyone. Miles is a good egg. He’s somewhat misunderstood. He was hurt when Andrew pushed him away, but he’s really full of grace and understanding about it when the MCs have a much needed conversation about what they are doing.
I really appreciated that Miles is the one person that challenges Andrew. They have a lot of history together and it shows. Andrew and Miles rekindling their friendship and relationship is such a balm to any concern about who would be a good partner for Andrew. This pair work really well together and clearly were meant to be together. They share a ton of passion and admiration for one another, once Andrew gets over his hang up about Miles’ choice of profession. There’s so much love there, it’s heartwarming and inspiring. Their chemistry is top notch as well. The family they forge is one of the best decisions they make.
I was glad to see that we get a continuation of Evan’s story from the last book in this series as well. It’s a satisfying resolution to the jarring and horrific events of his life.
It was awesome seeing all of the guys from the series in this book. Nicole gives us little peeks and glimpses into their lives, so we’re up to date on what’s going on with them as well. The Spark of Hope trauma support group really touches lives, and it’s evident in this book.
This was a fabulous series! While it’s bittersweet because it’s ending, it’s also going to be okay, because now that it’s over - we have the opportunity to reread it from the start anytime we want. :)
This is my honest review for the ARC I received.
I was a little afraid to start this one because I knew it would mean the end of the series. I have been waiting on Andrew’s story and that burning curiosity to know how he gets his HEA compelled me to start reading. I’m so glad I did because this book is amazing!
The worry, love and care that Andrew has for the people he meets is so significant and all-consuming. He’s a great guy who wants good things for everyone. Miles is a good egg. He’s somewhat misunderstood. He was hurt when Andrew pushed him away, but he’s really full of grace and understanding about it when the MCs have a much needed conversation about what they are doing.
I really appreciated that Miles is the one person that challenges Andrew. They have a lot of history together and it shows. Andrew and Miles rekindling their friendship and relationship is such a balm to any concern about who would be a good partner for Andrew. This pair work really well together and clearly were meant to be together. They share a ton of passion and admiration for one another, once Andrew gets over his hang up about Miles’ choice of profession. There’s so much love there, it’s heartwarming and inspiring. Their chemistry is top notch as well. The family they forge is one of the best decisions they make.
I was glad to see that we get a continuation of Evan’s story from the last book in this series as well. It’s a satisfying resolution to the jarring and horrific events of his life.
It was awesome seeing all of the guys from the series in this book. Nicole gives us little peeks and glimpses into their lives, so we’re up to date on what’s going on with them as well. The Spark of Hope trauma support group really touches lives, and it’s evident in this book.
This was a fabulous series! While it’s bittersweet because it’s ending, it’s also going to be okay, because now that it’s over - we have the opportunity to reread it from the start anytime we want. :)
June 8, 2023
Tropes: second chances, fake dating, forced proximity
Feels: 4/5
Steam*: 4/5
Kinks: no
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks: child abuse, substance abuse (not by MCs), killing someone in self defense
Miles and Andrew grew up together, in and out of group homes because of their shitty family situations. They fell in love back then. But Andrew broke up with Miles when he chose a future career that Andrew was opposed to, because it seemed selfish and against the do-gooder plan Andrew had for his future.
Many years later, Andrew is working as a therapist and a teen in trouble catches his attention. He wants to help. But Andrew needs Miles help as a criminal defense attorney for the teen. They end up having to move in together and fake date to foster the kid.
This was a lovely story. So emotional. Just made me smile. Miles was so in love with Andrew from the beginning and ready to leap on his second chance, he wanted a life with Andrew. His internal thoughts were the sweetest thing about this book. Andrew and Miles clicked so well as a couple. They were good people, protective parents, and had great chemistry. Kind of wish they had a bit more distance from the kids at some points so they weren't holding themselves back. It was funny that Miles had to be the voice of reason and throw a hand over Andrew's mouth multiple times. Lol.
Some notable moments:
"Andrew snores. And it’s entirely too fucking cute. It’s not full-on loud rumbles, more of a little occasional snort. I smile to myself as I roll to my side and watch him peacefully sleeping like the creeper I am."
"His eyes meet mine, and I see the same passion and fire in them from last night, but I know we need to talk. We can’t complicate things. I can be kind to him without f****** him. It’s totally doable."
"Yeah, he’s going to have to hurry up and fall in love with me again because I’m already there."
*FYI, I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink."
Feels: 4/5
Steam*: 4/5
Kinks: no
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks: child abuse, substance abuse (not by MCs), killing someone in self defense
Miles and Andrew grew up together, in and out of group homes because of their shitty family situations. They fell in love back then. But Andrew broke up with Miles when he chose a future career that Andrew was opposed to, because it seemed selfish and against the do-gooder plan Andrew had for his future.
Many years later, Andrew is working as a therapist and a teen in trouble catches his attention. He wants to help. But Andrew needs Miles help as a criminal defense attorney for the teen. They end up having to move in together and fake date to foster the kid.
This was a lovely story. So emotional. Just made me smile. Miles was so in love with Andrew from the beginning and ready to leap on his second chance, he wanted a life with Andrew. His internal thoughts were the sweetest thing about this book. Andrew and Miles clicked so well as a couple. They were good people, protective parents, and had great chemistry. Kind of wish they had a bit more distance from the kids at some points so they weren't holding themselves back. It was funny that Miles had to be the voice of reason and throw a hand over Andrew's mouth multiple times. Lol.
Some notable moments:
"Andrew snores. And it’s entirely too fucking cute. It’s not full-on loud rumbles, more of a little occasional snort. I smile to myself as I roll to my side and watch him peacefully sleeping like the creeper I am."
"His eyes meet mine, and I see the same passion and fire in them from last night, but I know we need to talk. We can’t complicate things. I can be kind to him without f****** him. It’s totally doable."
"Yeah, he’s going to have to hurry up and fall in love with me again because I’m already there."
*FYI, I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink."
May 26, 2023
We have reached the end of the Spark of Hope Series. Andrew and Miles’s story was everything I knew it would be. The angst was there but not overbearing. And the romance? SWOON. I have to admit Andrew’s hatred for Miles in the beginning was adorable. I wasn’t sure about Miles but as the story unfolded, I just wanted to hug him. He was misunderstood and once Andrew came to realize that, these two were IT for each other.
The biggest part of this story was Evan and then Oliver. This WAS a romance, but those two boys were big characters that shaped both men and their love for each other. This whole family leaned on each other and from that first moment, they built the best dynamic that made me fall for all of them.
I loooooved the relationship between Andrew and Miles. We learned of their past and man, you could feel the tension and love pouring from both of them even when Andrew couldn’t see past his judgment of Miles. These two men were passionate and fierce in their desires to helps others so I know the two of them together will be unstoppable.
I can’t believe we’re at the end of this amazing journey. This series is hope and promise and found family. It’s light and peace and comfort. I’ll ALWAYS come back to this series when I need to be warm and fuzzy inside.
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
ANGST:💧💧
POV: 1st, Dual
𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙚. 𝙈𝙮 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬 𝙞𝙨 𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙮.
The biggest part of this story was Evan and then Oliver. This WAS a romance, but those two boys were big characters that shaped both men and their love for each other. This whole family leaned on each other and from that first moment, they built the best dynamic that made me fall for all of them.
I loooooved the relationship between Andrew and Miles. We learned of their past and man, you could feel the tension and love pouring from both of them even when Andrew couldn’t see past his judgment of Miles. These two men were passionate and fierce in their desires to helps others so I know the two of them together will be unstoppable.
I can’t believe we’re at the end of this amazing journey. This series is hope and promise and found family. It’s light and peace and comfort. I’ll ALWAYS come back to this series when I need to be warm and fuzzy inside.
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
ANGST:💧💧
POV: 1st, Dual
𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙚. 𝙈𝙮 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬 𝙞𝙨 𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙮.
May 28, 2023
◻️ARC Review◻️
“Yeah, he’s going to have to hurry up and fall in love with me again because I’m already there.”
I’ve been dying for Andrew’s story since book 1 in the series, and it did not disappoint. Crushed But Not Defeated, by Nicole Dykes, was a wonderful conclusion to the Spark of Hope series! ❤️
Highlights:
▫️second chance
▫️hurt/comfort
▫️fake relationship
▫️adoption
▫️found family
▫️sexy and sweet
Favorite quote:
“I crave Andrew every second of every day, and not just for sex. I want everything with him. I want to build a life together. But as usual, I guess we’re going to take the scenic route. Fine by me. I’ll never give up.” 🫶🏻🫶🏻
Andrew and Miles concluded the series in such a beautiful way. Their love for the each other, friends, and their adopted children were amazing—could not get enough!! Plus, their chemistry together was out of this world sexy! 🙌🏻🙌🏻
Highly recommend this book (and series)! Nicole always has me falling me in love with every character, and is always an instant read/buy author for me. ❤️❤️
CW: foster system, child neglect
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥
“Yeah, he’s going to have to hurry up and fall in love with me again because I’m already there.”
I’ve been dying for Andrew’s story since book 1 in the series, and it did not disappoint. Crushed But Not Defeated, by Nicole Dykes, was a wonderful conclusion to the Spark of Hope series! ❤️
Highlights:
▫️second chance
▫️hurt/comfort
▫️fake relationship
▫️adoption
▫️found family
▫️sexy and sweet
Favorite quote:
“I crave Andrew every second of every day, and not just for sex. I want everything with him. I want to build a life together. But as usual, I guess we’re going to take the scenic route. Fine by me. I’ll never give up.” 🫶🏻🫶🏻
Andrew and Miles concluded the series in such a beautiful way. Their love for the each other, friends, and their adopted children were amazing—could not get enough!! Plus, their chemistry together was out of this world sexy! 🙌🏻🙌🏻
Highly recommend this book (and series)! Nicole always has me falling me in love with every character, and is always an instant read/buy author for me. ❤️❤️
CW: foster system, child neglect
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥
May 29, 2023
I have absolutely loved this series, and this book was no exception. I downloaded it on release day (today) and binged it in one sitting. I just love how Nicole writes easy but super emotional reads. They’re so easy and enjoyable to binge!
I have been dying to read Andrew’s story since the beginning and it was so worth the wait! Him and Miles were so obviously still in love despite all the years that have passed. I very much enjoyed seeing them forced back together and finally opening up and being honest with each other. I also loved how their story wasn’t just focused on their relationship, it was very much focused on the found family aspect and them coming together to give the boys a home🫶🏼
This was a great way to end the series but I will seriously miss it and the characters so much!
I have been dying to read Andrew’s story since the beginning and it was so worth the wait! Him and Miles were so obviously still in love despite all the years that have passed. I very much enjoyed seeing them forced back together and finally opening up and being honest with each other. I also loved how their story wasn’t just focused on their relationship, it was very much focused on the found family aspect and them coming together to give the boys a home🫶🏼
This was a great way to end the series but I will seriously miss it and the characters so much!
June 2, 2023
3.5 stars
This was a sweet way to wrap up this series. While none of the books have matched my love for books one and two, I've enjoyed them all. They are hopeful and the found family elements are strong, especially in this one. The biggest issue I had with this one was how quickly everything moved. So much happens in this book that needed more time and depth. It was a lovely happy ending, but I needed to see more of the journey there.
This was a sweet way to wrap up this series. While none of the books have matched my love for books one and two, I've enjoyed them all. They are hopeful and the found family elements are strong, especially in this one. The biggest issue I had with this one was how quickly everything moved. So much happens in this book that needed more time and depth. It was a lovely happy ending, but I needed to see more of the journey there.
May 26, 2023
Andrew has been the pinnacle of this series and we finally get to hear his story. I was expecting Miles to be the baddy in the story; the rich, sexy suit-wearing lawyer, who was going to hurt Andrew. Spoiler alert: neither are baddies. This is a story of rekindled love, miscommunication and second chances. It's a humbling tale with two incredible men stepping up to help a child from a life not unlike their own. The subject matter is angsty but the story itself isn't, it has a calmness, which is perfect when trying to be calm and strong around a skittish child. The scenes between Andrew and Miles take a while because they have history to sort out but they are incredibly sexy together. The intensity between them is incredible once they finally voice their feelings. Miles and Andrew are trying their best to help Evan and Oliver work through their trauma. Naturally, Andrew knows the drill; combining his personal experience with his professional training. Miles surprises himself that he is able to help the boys. He uses his own experiences to guide him and it highlights that despite him being successful and a well adjusted adult, the trauma doesn't fully leave you. This book concludes the series. All the characters came together in this book and that gave us closure. The whole series has been 5 stars and one of those series that has a profound effect on the reader. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 26, 2023
ARC kindly provided for the author in exchange for an honest review
We waited a little over a year to read Andrew and the wait was well worth it! His story with Miles took me by surprise at various times, it made me smile a lot, cry and enjoy with them, plus I think Nicole Dykes gave us a kind of little entended epilogue/update on the rest of the Spark of Hope couples and I couldn't be happier! And although it's also sad to say goodbye to these characters, I'm very excited to know what the author has in store for us with her next books, because if I'm sure of one thing, it's that Nicole NEVER disappoints.
I want to start with Miles because, gosh! I didn't expect to love him so much!! I loved reading him always sure of his decisions, desires and knowing that it's not bad that he loves what he does, knowing his past helped me a lot to understand his character, his past relationship with Andrew and that flirtatious, playful and cocky personality that only comes out when he's with him. Also, I really liked reading Miles being vulnerable in front of Andrew & Evan, opening his heart to both of them and the possibility of winning back the love of his life.
I think I'm not wrong when I say that Andrew was the character we've all wanted to read since the first book came out: the therapist whos responsible for bringing Spark of Hope to life, the man with the biggest heart in the world, the most understanding, kind and who always does EVERYTHING possible to help those in need , and who in CBND shows his more human side when he makes mistakes, acts irrationally and gets upset, especially in front of Miles, or whenever he feels guilty for "failing" Evan. Without a doubt, Andrew became one of my favorite characters from Nicole and I think he will always have a special place in my heart.
Miles & Andrew have never had simple lives, and that was what brought them together when they were young, but Miles broke Andrew's heart and dreams years ago and now is the the only person who can help him rescue Evan from the system, and he does it in the most unexpected way and with one of my favorite tropes, and although I expected certain things to happen throughout the plot, Nicole managed to surprise me throughout the book with the dynamic between Miles & Andrew: the way Miles fights for Andrew to see him as a good person, to give him another chance and how much he cares for him, how Andrew learns to let himself be taken care of by Miles, to ask for forgiveness, admit his mistakes and put the past behind, all while their lives take a different turn from what they both expected, but it is obvious that they love and enjoy every moment making me love the end of this series even more.
❤️🩹Andrew: 5/5
❤️🩹Miles: 5/5
❤️🩹Plot: 5/5
❤️🩹Love story: 5/5
❤️🩹Secondary characters: 5/5
❤️🩹Universe: 5/5
❤️🩹Cover: 5/5
🌶️: 2/3
🇪🇸
ARC amablemente proporcionada por la autora a cambio de una reseña honesta
Esperamos un poco más de un año para leer a Andrew y la espera valió la pena! Su historia con Miles me tomó por sorpresa en varios momentos, me hizo sonreír muchísimo, llorar y disfrutar junto a ellos, además, creo que Nicole Dykes nos dio una especia de pequeño epilogo extendido/actualización sobre el resto de las parejas de Spark of Hope y yo no pude ser más feliz! Y aunque también es triste decirle adiós a estos personajes, estoy muy emocionada por saber lo que la autora nos tiene preparado con sus próximos libros, porque si de algo estoy segura es que Nicole NUNCA decepciona.
Quiero empezar hablando de Miles porque, dios! no esperaba amarlo tanto!! Me encantó leerlo siempre seguro de sus decisiones, deseos y sabiendo que no esta mal que ame lo que hace, conocer su pasado me ayudó mucho a entender a su personaje, su relación pasada con Andrew y esa personalidad coqueta, juguetona y engreída que sale solo cuando está con él. Además, me gustó mucho leer a Miles siendo vulnerable frente a Andrew & Evan, abriendo su corazón a ambos y la posibilidad de recuperar al amor de su vida.
Creo que no me equivoco cuando digo que Andrew era el personaje que todas deseábamos leer desde que salió el primer libro: el terapeuta encargado de darle vida a Spark of Hope y de unir a la gran familia que esta serie formo a lo largo de sus libros, el hombre con el corazón más grande del mundo, el más comprensivo, amable y quien siempre hace TODO lo posible por ayudar a quien los necesita, y quien en CBND muestra su lado más humano cuando comete errores, actúa irracionalmente y se molesta, especialmente frente a Miles, o cada vez que siente culpa cuando siente que le esta fallando a Evan. Andrew sin duda se convirtió en uno de mis personajes favoritos de Nicole y creo que siempre tendrá un lugar especial en mi corazón.
Miles & Andrew nunca han tenido vidas sencilla, y eso fue lo que los unió cuando eran jovenes, pero Miles rompió el corazón y los sueños de Andrew años atrás y ahora es la única persona que puede ayudarlo a rescatar a Evan del sistema, y lo hace de la manera más inesperada y con uno de mis tropes favoritos, y aunque esperaba que ciertas cosas pasaran a lo largo de la trama, Nicole se las arregló para sorprenderme a lo largo del libro con la dinámica entre Miles & Andrew: la manera en la que Miles lucha para Andrew lo vea como una buena persona, para que le de otra oportunidad y lo mucho que se preocupa por el, como Andrew aprende a dejarse cuidar por Miles, a pedir perdón, reconocer sus errores y dejar el pasado atrás, todo mientras sus vidas toman un giro completamente distinto al que ambos esperaban, pero que es obvio que ambos aman y disfrutan cada momento haciéndome amar el final de esta serie aún más.
❤️🩹Andrew: 5/5
❤️🩹Miles: 5/5
❤️🩹Trama: 5/5
❤️🩹Historia de amor: 5/5
❤️🩹Personajes secundarios: 5/5
❤️🩹Universo: 5/5
❤️🩹Portada: 5/5
🌶️: 2/3
We waited a little over a year to read Andrew and the wait was well worth it! His story with Miles took me by surprise at various times, it made me smile a lot, cry and enjoy with them, plus I think Nicole Dykes gave us a kind of little entended epilogue/update on the rest of the Spark of Hope couples and I couldn't be happier! And although it's also sad to say goodbye to these characters, I'm very excited to know what the author has in store for us with her next books, because if I'm sure of one thing, it's that Nicole NEVER disappoints.
I want to start with Miles because, gosh! I didn't expect to love him so much!! I loved reading him always sure of his decisions, desires and knowing that it's not bad that he loves what he does, knowing his past helped me a lot to understand his character, his past relationship with Andrew and that flirtatious, playful and cocky personality that only comes out when he's with him. Also, I really liked reading Miles being vulnerable in front of Andrew & Evan, opening his heart to both of them and the possibility of winning back the love of his life.
I think I'm not wrong when I say that Andrew was the character we've all wanted to read since the first book came out: the therapist whos responsible for bringing Spark of Hope to life, the man with the biggest heart in the world, the most understanding, kind and who always does EVERYTHING possible to help those in need , and who in CBND shows his more human side when he makes mistakes, acts irrationally and gets upset, especially in front of Miles, or whenever he feels guilty for "failing" Evan. Without a doubt, Andrew became one of my favorite characters from Nicole and I think he will always have a special place in my heart.
Miles & Andrew have never had simple lives, and that was what brought them together when they were young, but Miles broke Andrew's heart and dreams years ago and now is the the only person who can help him rescue Evan from the system, and he does it in the most unexpected way and with one of my favorite tropes, and although I expected certain things to happen throughout the plot, Nicole managed to surprise me throughout the book with the dynamic between Miles & Andrew: the way Miles fights for Andrew to see him as a good person, to give him another chance and how much he cares for him, how Andrew learns to let himself be taken care of by Miles, to ask for forgiveness, admit his mistakes and put the past behind, all while their lives take a different turn from what they both expected, but it is obvious that they love and enjoy every moment making me love the end of this series even more.
❤️🩹Andrew: 5/5
❤️🩹Miles: 5/5
❤️🩹Plot: 5/5
❤️🩹Love story: 5/5
❤️🩹Secondary characters: 5/5
❤️🩹Universe: 5/5
❤️🩹Cover: 5/5
🌶️: 2/3
🇪🇸
ARC amablemente proporcionada por la autora a cambio de una reseña honesta
Esperamos un poco más de un año para leer a Andrew y la espera valió la pena! Su historia con Miles me tomó por sorpresa en varios momentos, me hizo sonreír muchísimo, llorar y disfrutar junto a ellos, además, creo que Nicole Dykes nos dio una especia de pequeño epilogo extendido/actualización sobre el resto de las parejas de Spark of Hope y yo no pude ser más feliz! Y aunque también es triste decirle adiós a estos personajes, estoy muy emocionada por saber lo que la autora nos tiene preparado con sus próximos libros, porque si de algo estoy segura es que Nicole NUNCA decepciona.
Quiero empezar hablando de Miles porque, dios! no esperaba amarlo tanto!! Me encantó leerlo siempre seguro de sus decisiones, deseos y sabiendo que no esta mal que ame lo que hace, conocer su pasado me ayudó mucho a entender a su personaje, su relación pasada con Andrew y esa personalidad coqueta, juguetona y engreída que sale solo cuando está con él. Además, me gustó mucho leer a Miles siendo vulnerable frente a Andrew & Evan, abriendo su corazón a ambos y la posibilidad de recuperar al amor de su vida.
Creo que no me equivoco cuando digo que Andrew era el personaje que todas deseábamos leer desde que salió el primer libro: el terapeuta encargado de darle vida a Spark of Hope y de unir a la gran familia que esta serie formo a lo largo de sus libros, el hombre con el corazón más grande del mundo, el más comprensivo, amable y quien siempre hace TODO lo posible por ayudar a quien los necesita, y quien en CBND muestra su lado más humano cuando comete errores, actúa irracionalmente y se molesta, especialmente frente a Miles, o cada vez que siente culpa cuando siente que le esta fallando a Evan. Andrew sin duda se convirtió en uno de mis personajes favoritos de Nicole y creo que siempre tendrá un lugar especial en mi corazón.
Miles & Andrew nunca han tenido vidas sencilla, y eso fue lo que los unió cuando eran jovenes, pero Miles rompió el corazón y los sueños de Andrew años atrás y ahora es la única persona que puede ayudarlo a rescatar a Evan del sistema, y lo hace de la manera más inesperada y con uno de mis tropes favoritos, y aunque esperaba que ciertas cosas pasaran a lo largo de la trama, Nicole se las arregló para sorprenderme a lo largo del libro con la dinámica entre Miles & Andrew: la manera en la que Miles lucha para Andrew lo vea como una buena persona, para que le de otra oportunidad y lo mucho que se preocupa por el, como Andrew aprende a dejarse cuidar por Miles, a pedir perdón, reconocer sus errores y dejar el pasado atrás, todo mientras sus vidas toman un giro completamente distinto al que ambos esperaban, pero que es obvio que ambos aman y disfrutan cada momento haciéndome amar el final de esta serie aún más.
❤️🩹Andrew: 5/5
❤️🩹Miles: 5/5
❤️🩹Trama: 5/5
❤️🩹Historia de amor: 5/5
❤️🩹Personajes secundarios: 5/5
❤️🩹Universo: 5/5
❤️🩹Portada: 5/5
🌶️: 2/3
April 18, 2024
I loved Nicole Dykes' Kensley Panthers Series, and her book Hostile is one of my favorite mm reads. So of course I needed to read these too!
I was intrigued by the fact that these books revolve around trauma, and the trauma group called "Spark of Hope". I love an emotional and empowering read.
Okay so, I've been waiting for this book, because Andrew is like the sweetest soul, and we already knew it would be with Miles. The tension between them has shown in a couple of the other books, definably some hate/love chemistry going on there.
Their story is beautiful, and that's all I'll say since the blurb doesn't say much about what else is happening around them. Just how they come together, work together and fall in love all over again, or maybe never stopped, and all the love they both have to give to the ones who needs it - beautiful.
I was intrigued by the fact that these books revolve around trauma, and the trauma group called "Spark of Hope". I love an emotional and empowering read.
Okay so, I've been waiting for this book, because Andrew is like the sweetest soul, and we already knew it would be with Miles. The tension between them has shown in a couple of the other books, definably some hate/love chemistry going on there.
Their story is beautiful, and that's all I'll say since the blurb doesn't say much about what else is happening around them. Just how they come together, work together and fall in love all over again, or maybe never stopped, and all the love they both have to give to the ones who needs it - beautiful.
May 26, 2023
This was the last book in the Spark of Hope series and it cleared up all questions brought up in book 4. This is the story of Andrew and Miles getting together and helping Evan, a teenager, who we met in book 4.
Andrew and Miles had great chemistry together. Their story was fairly low-angst and moved very quickly due to a past history so it felt fairly believable. I would have loved to read about a bit of their past too. In the present it was really great to see them all grow and trust each other as a family.
If you’ve read any other books in this series I absolutely recommend this one as well! It was nice to see all the other couples again and see them all happy!
Andrew and Miles had great chemistry together. Their story was fairly low-angst and moved very quickly due to a past history so it felt fairly believable. I would have loved to read about a bit of their past too. In the present it was really great to see them all grow and trust each other as a family.
If you’ve read any other books in this series I absolutely recommend this one as well! It was nice to see all the other couples again and see them all happy!
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