Genre: Erotic Contemporary Romance Heat Level: 4 Word Count: 25, 000 ISBN: 978-0-3695-1378-6 Editor: Melissa Hosack Cover Artist: Jay Aheer

A Spark of Romance by Joyce Palmer

Heat Level 4
$3.99
SKU 978-0-3695-1378-6
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Brandy Harding, a thirty-eight-year-old mother with a propensity to put herself at risk for the love of animals, finds herself with a severe case of empty nest. She decides it’s the perfect time to dump her discontent with their twenty-year marriage on her unsuspecting hero husband.

Lucas Harding, a forty-two-year-old fire inspector with a protective streak a mile long, suddenly faces the loss of daily control over his last remaining princess, and now he learns his beautiful wife is discontent with the future of their marriage.

In the prime of their lives, and no longer responsible for the daily needs of their three children, Lucas embarks on an endeavor to bring back the spark of sexual adventure they once shared. The two insatiable lovers discover that the end of one phase only opens the door to the beginning of another, equally rewarding and limited only by the boundaries of their imagination.

Be Warned: sex toys, anal play, bondage, public exhibition

 

Excerpt:

“Hasn’t anyone warned you against traipsing all over the place, rescuing animals, and getting yourself hurt?”

A thrill shot through her heart at his lighthearted demeanor. Maybe he was no longer mad at her. “Well, my husband has mentioned it a time or two.” She batted her eyelashes in playful innocence.

Laughter rumbled through his chest. “I guess you’re the type of woman who ignores her man’s wishes. I gather you have a mind of your own.”

She fidgeted, but he held tight.

“That’s not completely true, but I don’t let him tell me what to do.” A hint of stubborn pride surfaced. Was he attempting to add spark by pretending he wasn’t her husband? This was something they did often when they were younger. A thrill shot through her heart. Had something she said this morning triggered this response? It was confusing, but she’d play along.

He looked down at her face, his brow raised. “Is that right? You don’t like being led by your husband?”

Heat washed over her face and neck. “Well, I don’t like him thinking for me. I have my brain for a reason.”

“Is that right?” He frowned. “He sounds like an asshole.”

She squirmed as he took the wooden steps up to the porch. He gently dropped her on the swing and leaned against the rail in front of her, crossing his ankles and folding his arms over his chest.

She shook her head. “No, he isn’t an asshole. Just a bit bossy.”

“If you were mine, I’d take you over my knee for pulling a stunt like that.” He pointed next door.

Brandy drew a quick breath. He continued the game with her. Intrigued, she gave him a teasing smile while playing along. “What’s your name, Inspector?”

He moaned, but grinned. “I’m Lucas. What’s your name?”

“Brandy.”

He bent and brushed a tendril of wayward hair away from her face. “No doubt named for those big, beautiful caramel-colored eyes.”

 She raised her shoulders. “I don’t know. Probably for the booze my dad liked to drink.”

He frowned before turning to sit beside her on the padded swing. His hand moved over her thigh, avoiding her scraped knee. “Are you going to invite me in?”

She looked into the mysterious depths of his sea-blue eyes. “Do you want me to?”

His eyebrow arched. “Yeah, I do.”

Brandy bounced up off the swing—sore ankle all but forgotten—grabbed his hand and pulled him across the porch and through her back door, wasting no time on second thoughts.

Product Reviews

Score: 4 out of 5 (based on 11 ratings)
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4/5
A Spark of Romance!
Written by Mary on 8th Mar 2026

This is a spicy story about an older couple who have been married for over twenty years. The story is about Brandy and Lucas, who find themselves as empty nesters. She expresses her thoughts and he leaves mad, something that has never happened in their marriage. When a fire erupts sparks return to their marriage as well as a new norm. This is a good story that sucks you in from the very beginning. I love the characters and their connection. When you have been married a long time it is nice to add a few sparks to reconnect.

4/5
A Spark of Romance!
Written by Mary on 8th Mar 2026

This is a spicy story about an older couple who have been married for over twenty years. The story is about Brandy and Lucas, who find themselves as empty nesters. She expresses her thoughts and he leaves mad, something that has never happened in their marriage. When a fire erupts sparks return to their marriage as well as a new norm. This is a good story that sucks you in from the very beginning. I love the characters and their connection. When you have been married a long time it is nice to add a few sparks to reconnect.

5/5
Steamy read!
Written by Andrea R on 8th Mar 2026

This read was sweet and steamy. I do love that it was a short read and how that they got back to to each other. Great story.

5/5
A Spark of Romance
Written by NitaB.bad on 8th Mar 2026

Rekindling sparks when the nest is empty is a beautiful thing. I loved this short read not only for the spice but because this story featured two people already in love just renewing their commitment.

4/5
Sweet and steamy
Written by Dr. Honey’s HEA on 8th Mar 2026

This was a very sweet (and steamy) book! Lucas and Brandy’s story is a bit tamer than what I was expecting still incredibly captivating. This is a short read but in under two hours, we get a low stakes love story of two people finding their way back to their love story in a season of change. It was overall low angst, some high heat (that mirror scene - wow), and lessons that our main characters are still figuring out 20 years later. Loved the HEA!

4/5
A Second-Chance Love That Proves the Spark Never Really Fades
Written by Shae B on 8th Mar 2026

What I really appreciated about A Spark of Romance by Joyce Palmer** is how it explores a stage of love we don’t often see—what happens after the kids are grown and the routine of family life shifts. Instead of first love, this story focuses on rediscovering love, and that made it feel refreshingly real. Brandy and Lucas are a married couple facing the quiet shock of an empty nest, and their struggles feel authentic. Brandy’s restlessness and need for change are relatable, especially as she questions what comes next for her and their relationship. Lucas, with his protective nature and determination to fight for their marriage, brings both heart and intensity to the story. Watching him work to reconnect with his wife—emotionally and romantically—adds genuine depth to their journey. The chemistry between them is strong, but what stood out most was the emotional core. This isn’t just about rekindling passion—it’s about communication, growth, and choosing each other again after years of shared history. The story balances heat with heartfelt moments, showing that long-term love can still evolve and surprise you. If you enjoy romance that focuses on established relationships, second chances within marriage, and characters rediscovering each other in a new chapter of life, this is a heartfelt and engaging read.

4/5
A Spark of Romance
Written by Angi5252 on 8th Mar 2026

Brandy and Lucas have been married twenty years and now have an empty nest. Brandy is discontent with their marriage and Lucas realizes they need a change. I think this short and steamy read is one that shows just because they entered a new norm it doesn’t have to stay mundane. This is a very good and relatable read.

4/5
Twenty years married—and they’re just getting started.
Written by Jwilliams on 8th Mar 2026

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a complimentary copy. Brandy and Lucas Harding have been married for over twenty years, and all three of their kids are grown and out of the house. Brandy is struggling with no longer having her kids to care for, and lets her husband know how unhappy she is. Lucas is a man who does not give up; he is going to fight for his marriage and show Brandy what is in store for them now. Brandy and Lucas embark on a journey that is smoking hot, and you can feel the love these two still have for each other.

5/5
Lucas and Brandy
Written by BeckyS68 on 8th Mar 2026

I enjoyed this book so much! Lucas and Brandy are a fantastic couple who are so easy to relate to. Brandy is having a hard time since the last child left for college. Lucas is doing all he can to understand her struggles. Now Lucas and Brandy are getting a second fire in their marriage, and it is hotter than ever. This is an excellent book that I will be reading again. Be ready for lots of steam!

5/5
Kids Leaving the Nest has its Benefits
Written by Kimmijane on 8th Mar 2026

I love how they still found each other attractive. They have a really deep love, as you should when you have a 20 year marriage. I love how neither wanted to give up and that they were willing to try. We things. If you like a little marital experimenting with BDSM, than this is the book for you!

5/5
excellent read
Written by cee b on 8th Mar 2026

Excellent short complete read. Brandy and Lucas have been together/ married for years. Things have gotten kind of stale. Not necessarily a marriage in trouble just in the same old same old.

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