-- This title will ship on or after December 02, 2025 --

A late bloomer thought a visit to a sex club might jump start her love life, but instead makes an instant connection that turns her whole world upside down, in this adult debut from author Zakiya N. Jamal.

When Stella Renee Johnson’s roommate invites her to a sex club party but bails at the last minute, Stella decides to use the opportunity to finally cash in her V-card. But just when things are heating up between Stella and a sexy stranger, they realize they don’t have protection and Stella, taking it as a sign this wasn’t meant to be, flees.

Frustrated in more ways than one, Stella is shocked to learn that the digital media website where she works is partnering with an AI company. She’s even more shocked when the alluring man from the previous night walks in. Max Williams is the CEO’s brother and the creator of the AI program now threatening her job. 

Despite the conflict of interest, Stella and Max can’t resist their magnetic attraction toward each other, and agree to keep their personal lives separate from what’s happening at work. But the more similarities they discover at home—both Black, book smart, and bisexual—the more they butt heads at work. Stella and Max must decide whether to think with their heads and walk away from their budding relationship, or follow their hearts and take a chance on love, no matter the cost.

BIO

Zakiya N. Jamal was born in Queens, raised in Long Island, and currently resides in Brooklyn. In other words, she’s a New Yorker through and through. She holds a BA in English from Georgetown University and a MFA in Creative Writing with a concentration in Writing for Children and Young Adults from The New School. Her debut novel If We Were a Movie will be published in 2025 by HarperTeen.

REVIEWS

“Both sexy and sweet, Sparks Fly is simply… delicious.” -- Lauren Blakely, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“An irresistibly steamy ode to late bloomers, Sparks Fly perfectly captures the infectious giddiness of fully coming into one’s own. The prose is smart, the spice delectable, and the love between Stella and Max gentle, authentic, and, indeed, sparkling. Zakiya N. Jamal’s adult debut is a must-read for your shelf!” -- Katie Naymon, author of You Between the Lines

“Timely, relatable, and a true pleasure, Sparks Fly takes the millionaire fantasy and turns it on its head in the best way. Watching late bloomer Stella and the dashing Max navigate bisexuality, love, sex, friendships, family, and the workplace feels like stepping into a complete world. I’ll read anything Zakiya writes.” -- TJ Alexander, USA Today bestselling author of A Gentleman’s Gentleman

“If you’ve ever wanted to throw out the rulebook and rewrite your own story…sexually, emotionally, romantically…Sparks Fly is about to be your next must read! Zakiya Jamal gives us a heroine who isn’t just finding her pleasure, she’s finding her power, and honestly? Iconic. I devoured this book in one sitting and felt seen and empowered on every page. Fiercely sexy, affirming, and as liberating as it is swoony, this is the kind of romance we need more of.” -- Chip Pons, author of Winging It With You

[P]  Berkeley Books  /  December 02, 2025

0.72" H x 8.0" L x 5.19" W (0.59 lbs) 320 pages