Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite

Sometimes the hardest part of finding the right person is figuring out what kind of love you really want. In Chasing the Perfect Spark by Dana Lucka, Daniella “Dani” Babich is starting over after a broken engagement leaves her questioning what comes next. She starts a new job, moves into an apartment with her cousin and best friend, Ana, and chooses to stop chasing the idea of a picture-perfect life. Romance, however, refuses to stay simple. She feels a pull toward Joe Luna, a wine marketer she first met in Napa and later grew closer to in Croatia. Then there’s Jax, a vice cop who brings a new kind of excitement into her world. Soon, Dani finds herself pulled toward two men and two very distinct possibilities for her future. Her close-knit Croatian-American family has plenty to say about her choices, adding another layer to a decision that ultimately has to be hers. Daniella must decide whether the spark she’s searching for comes from passion, a deeper emotional bond, or something she hasn’t quite learned to recognize yet. Joe and Jax each bring out something different in her, so how will Dani know which connection is real?

Chasing the Perfect Spark by Dana Lucka held my attention from beginning to end. Dani’s romantic dilemma was my favorite part of the book. I was definitely rooting for one man over the other, and I kept hoping she would figure out what I already wanted for her. Both relationships offered her something different, which made her uncertainty believable rather than frustrating. I liked that it was about more than that choice. She also had to contend with what others expected of her, which added depth to her situation. The Croatian-American family dynamics were a highlight for me, as well. Her bond with her cousin and best friend, Ana, was another part I loved. Their banter was such fun and reminded me of Lorelai and Sookie in Gilmore Girls. The relatives are nosy and opinionated, but they also bring wit and personality to the novel. Lucka’s writing is easy to follow, with plenty of funny moments mixed in with the love story and more serious emotions. I was very happy with where Dani’s heart eventually led her. Anyone looking for a contemporary romance with a love triangle, strong family ties, humor, and plenty of chemistry should pick this one up.