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Never Say Never #1

Not How I Saw That Going

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Lyndi

Eating carbs and forgetting to fold the laundry aren’t my only talents. I'm also proficient at speaking without thinking. Which is how I ended up confessing my love to a stranger at the grocery store.

The same stranger who also happens to be a firefighter—a very grumpy one—for the exact fire station I owe a debt to.

I didn’t mean to embarrass the man, and I certainly didn’t mean to make him famous. That was a happy coincidence.

He could use some humor in his life.

But when I decided to be my own queen and take back my life, I didn’t expect fake dating the grump to be a part of it.

Fake boyfriends aren’t supposed to come with real feelings.

Moving on is harder than I thought.

Ward

Rescuing a little boy at the grocery store was just a normal day for me. Except usually I’m in gear and getting paid to do so.

Noticing his mom was not part of the norm.

I saw stuff in the war no one wants to see. The kind of stuff you don’t bring up on a first date. Which is why I haven’t. Dated, I mean.

I’ve made it clear that I want to be left alone, but it doesn’t stop my mom from setting me up with women I have no interest in.

I’m certainly not interested in Lyndi. She’s a single mom, whose carelessness made me famous.

Okay, so I can’t blame that all on her—as much as I’d like to.

But she’s there when I need her, and apparently, I need a fake girlfriend.

My best friend insists my heart died in the war, then why does it beat so fast when Lyndi is around?

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2023

119 people are currently reading
1396 people want to read

About the author

Jenessa Fayeth

17 books273 followers

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5 stars
520 (35%)
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494 (33%)
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366 (25%)
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63 (4%)
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17 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
Profile Image for Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls).
2,171 reviews5,145 followers
March 6, 2023
Rom-coms are my coping method. 🤷‍♀️ This was really cute and I found myself smiling and laughing multiple times at the antics of four-year-old Crew and the embarrassment that would follow said antics for Lyndi.

Like some other clean rom-coms I’ve read recently, plot was a 3-star, but content would make it lower for me, personally. I’m not reviewing this book officially, though, so I’m just going to mark it as a 3 on here and call it a day.

Content wise, both Lyndi and Ward notice each other’s physical appearance more than I cared for, but I have a low tolerance for that. It was particularly a bit much at the beginning with Lyndi and his muscles. There’s about a handful of suggestive comments/innuendos that would be found in a 1990s PG-13 movie that would goes over the heads of youngins. A couple cut-off curses (‘holy sh—‘ and ‘a—‘) and other by-words like ‘crap’ and ‘freaking’. Kisses that last up to about five sentences and wanting to be kissed/kissing thoughts happen too. Lyndi’s ex & mom are terrible, belittling people that have affected her mentally and how she views herself. Ward was PTSD from a war that killed half of his men and different events trigger flashbacks for him.

A major thank you to the author for including a trigger warning for PTSD. I wish more authors would realize how important wanting readers about content is and I truly appreciate that this author cared enough to share about it.
Profile Image for Maven_Reads.
1,552 reviews45 followers
January 3, 2026
Not How I Saw That Going by Jenessa Fayeth is a contemporary romance about Lyndi, a quick‑witted single mom who accidentally confesses her love to a stranger in a grocery store (a scene that immediately made me chuckle) and Ward, a reserved ex‑military firefighter whose life is marked by quiet pain and an unexpected attraction that grows into something deeper as they agree to fake date, a choice that teaches them both about healing, trust and what it means to truly open your heart. The story is the first in the Never Say Never series and blends charming laughter with heartfelt emotional beats.

From the very first meet‑cute I found myself smiling at Lyndi’s blend of humor, resilience and occasional embarrassment, especially as she navigates parenthood with her spirited four‑year‑old son Crew (his antics brought me right back to the delightful chaos of real family life). Ward’s slower, more guarded journey toward vulnerability felt sincere and grounded, especially as the narrative touches on his experiences from the war and how much courage it takes to let someone in.

Their chemistry grew on me as playful moments softened into genuine affection, and the way they learn from each other felt honest and emotionally satisfying. That said, the pacing sometimes felt like it teetered between light comedy and introspective depth, and a few moments leaned heavily on trope familiarity rather than emotional payoff.

Based on how much warmth, humor and authentic charm this story offered, I’m giving Not How I Saw That Going 4 out of 5 stars, a recommendation for readers who adore heartfelt friends‑to‑lovers romances with a blend of sweetness, growth and genuine laughs.
Profile Image for Emma.
496 reviews2 followers
January 20, 2023
This book was fun! I’ve read Jenessa’s YA books and loved them so I was excited to read her latest rom-com.

I love stories with kids in them so I found that aspect of the story really fun and entertaining! Crew was pretty adorable and hilarious. ❤️
I liked Lyndi! I loved her positive spirit, her fierce love for her son, and her humor. And I really liked Ward too! I love how he treated Lyndi and her son with respect and care. He was definitely a great male lead!

The romance was a fun and sweet one!
I will say, I’m personally not a big fan of when the MCs repeatedly notice things about each others physical appearance (the girl noticing how muscular the guy is, the guy noticing the girls curves) and the MCs often thinking about kissing each other (I found this was more of a trend in Lyndi’s POV rather than Ward’s). I know this doesn’t bother most people and this is pretty common in rom-coms but it’s why my personal rating was a a little lower. They’re also mild innuendo/suggestive comments which is also common in rom-coms. It was a closed-door romance though.
All that being said, I did really like Lyndi and Ward together! They were really sweet and fun together, and I enjoyed watching them grow closer! From their meet-cute to their fake-dating, they were quite the entertaining couple. I laughed out loud several times.

Overall, I enjoyed this book! While sometimes I felt like the romance was based more on the characters physical attraction, once they got to truly know each other and it became more than that, it was a really sweet romance! I also love that this book wasn’t all fluff but touched on some deep topics as well. If you enjoy rom-coms that include a fun meet-cute, the fake-relationship trope, a hilarious little boy, laugh out loud moments as well as emotional moments, I think you’ll love this one!

*Thank you to the author for the complimentary copy to review! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Profile Image for Nora A.
252 reviews37 followers
January 10, 2023
if your MMC is a firefighter or a man in uniform it already has my heart.

this was a fluffy, swoony, romcom. this book has slow burn, fake dating, and A hot/scarred ex -military fireman and a single mum and the meet cutes. I really liked the writing.
I laughed a lot in the book, I loved the character development of ward and Lyndi. I loved Lyndi and ward's relationship with crew (even though he could be a a lot sometimes) but my favorite character was Maddie (I would love to see her book). I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a sweet romcom.



Thank you to the author for the eARC. these opinions are all mine.
Profile Image for Jessie.
225 reviews
October 4, 2023
When I say this book had me GIGGLING and KICKING MY FEET at 1am I mean it!!! The plot moved quick and the characters were quirky, but it had some hilarious situations and one liners. A super fun, cute read.
Profile Image for Alliy Scott.
427 reviews252 followers
March 23, 2023
1.5 lol 😝

wasn’t for me, the whole thing was ridiculous
and even though it was short it felt soooo long, idk why I even finished it
Profile Image for juli.
119 reviews62 followers
March 31, 2023
Eran todos los tropes necesarios para un buen libro y fue desastroso.

Se me hizo que pasaba todo rápido y de la nada. Los personajes bastante meh.
Profile Image for layan.
194 reviews33 followers
April 14, 2024
super cute premise (i am a sucker for single parent romances) but the writing felt juvenile and incomplete at times
Profile Image for Hannah.
721 reviews72 followers
March 3, 2023
4 stars.

“There’s a difference between being cautious and being afraid…One you control; the other controls you.”

- ptsd rep
- Fireman and Single mom to 4 year old
- Fake dating with slow burn
- Creepy ex boyfriend

Four-year-old Crew is a handddddfull. I have a four year old boy so I can definitely relate to some of those chaotic parenting moments. Lyndi was such a sweet mom to Crew and seeing all of her sacrifices for him was so endearing. And then you throw in Ward’s interactions with Crew. Swoon. So much swoon. Lyndi and Ward both had a lot of growth that needed to happen individually- and I think that was handled really well throughout the story.

Something that was a little strange for me was the family dynamics- including Sophie. Ward’s parents felt very flip of the switch for me- and I honestly still don’t like them- but I was happy for a resolution there. As far as Lyndi and her family issues- I couldn’t figure out what was going on with her mother. The reasoning and the why. I wanted to understand more concerning that strained relationship, but was happy that Lyndi was able to finally find peace.

Something I loved was Caleb- one of Ward’s coworkers. His personality was so likeable. I just want a whole book about him and his adventures in the FBI. Can we make that happen??

This one was so sweet. I couldn’t put it down. That’s how likable I felt these characters were. Crew was a LOT- but I felt like he was written so accurately because my 4 year old has a lot in common with Crew. Overall- this book was great. I thought it was just lovely, and I plan to go through Jenessa’s backlist because I loved her writing style. It felt similar to Sarah Adams for me- which is a win.
Profile Image for Alicia (aliciasalwaysreading).
824 reviews120 followers
January 15, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
GENRE
-rom-com

CONTENT
-🤬: none
-❤️: kisses
-⚠️: mentions of incarceration and drug use, on-page physical abuse (brief), PTSD

I don't know why it took me so long to get to this one. I love Jenessa's writing, and it was really fun to get to know Ward, Lyndi, and Crew. They have a cameo in Date With Danger, which I loved, so it was fun to see how they got together.

Both Lyndi and Ward have some significant issues going on. I enjoyed watching them both grow as people throughout the story. Seeing Ward open up to Lyndi about what he had witnessed and experienced as a soldier was relieving; I could feel the weight he was carrying secondhand! It was nice that he set it out down. And my heart went out to Lyndi. Motherhood is so hard WITH an amazing partner, and she was doing it alone. I admired her tenacity and grit to do whatever she needed to do to ensure she was providing for her son, but I loved watching her let Ward into her small circle of those who she turned to for help.

While there are heavy topics addressed, Jenessa ALWAYS brings the humor! I smiled my way through my binge today.

Favorite Quotes:
-"There's a difference between being cautious and being afraid. One you control; the other controls you."

-"You don't have to fix the whole world. There's beauty in the broken things too."

-"Just because you've been broken and bruised, doesn't mean you aren't a good mom. The best moms are the ones that keep getting up every day and trying their hardest."
Profile Image for Munazzah.
256 reviews4 followers
February 9, 2025
5 ★★★★★

Wow— definitely did not see that coming!! ♥︎♥︎

I loved loved lovedddd this book!! ♡♡♡
Firstly, CREW YOU AMAZING BALL OF SUNSHINE & LIFE OF EVERY PARTY!!! I LOVED YOU! STILL DO!! THE CUTEST (realest) 4 year old!! 😭😭🤌🏻🤌🏻 you made me laugh so hard & also get emo! 😭🫶🏻
Ok and then going onto— Ward & Lyndi— you guys were amazing! The slow burn was sooo gooddd!! ♥︎
Loved the other characters too!!
Would've liked a more extended epi, and seeing her actually confronting her mom about hiding her dad's family from her— but all in all, i loved the book, the plot, everything! ♡♡♡
I loved the slow burn& closed burn Romance!! I just loveeee Closed Door Romances so much better! 😭🤌🏻🫶🏻

THIS BOOK IS A 100% RECOMMENDATION TO Y'ALL!! ♡♡

TROPES:
♥︎ Grumpy×Sunshine
♠︎ Ex-Military guy
♥︎ Fire Fighter
♠︎ Billionaire family
♥︎ Single Mom × her cute 4 year old son
♠︎ Found Family
♥︎ Friends×Lovers
♠︎ Fake Relationship
♥︎ She fell first but he fell harder!
♠︎ Hurt×Comfort
♥︎ Closed Door Romance ♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎
(Can't remember some but most of them are these^^)
206 reviews3 followers
January 30, 2023
Um, yes! This was such a cute rom-com! As a mom of a young boy, this got me right in the heart! The MC, Lyndi is a single mom to a sweet little boy. Enter Ward, who is a grumpy fireman with a story to tell. I love how the background for both characters is true and handled with love. I loved every minute of their journey together, and I laughed a lot, especially while connecting with Lyndi and all her mom moments (Oh, the grocery store and the leg cross!). I was even pleasantly surprised with a twist came and I was on the edge of my seat. While you may know where this story is heading, the path there was super entertaining and not always predictable! I really enjoyed the style of writing, and I would love to read more by her. This is a definite read if you love grumpy sunshine, laugh out loud banter, and a good old HEA story! (Can we get a story with Maddie or Caleb next?!? I am SO hooked on these characters!)
Profile Image for Reads by Hannah.
156 reviews
February 9, 2023
What a great story! The characters were great, the message was heartwarming, and romance was top notch!

Have you ever read single parent stories and disliked how unrealistic they seemed? Look no further! I don’t have kids of my own, but I can only imagine the author was drawing from personal experience when I writing all of the antics the MC’s little boy got into 😂 it’s a good thing he was adorable! Between Lyndi’s struggles as a mom and Ward's experiences in war, this wasn’t a super fluffy, all sunshine and rainbows romcom. But that’s why I loved it! There were some moments that had me near tears and others that had me right on the edge of my seat, but it wasn’t lacking at all in the funny moments and the swoony romance. And now I’m definitely rooting for a certain pair of office rivals to have their story next 👀

I received an advanced copy from the author, all thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Kate.
71 reviews7 followers
January 23, 2023
This is your quintessential rom-com. Single mom, working hard to support her and her little boy; who, by the way, is the cutest most mischievous almost 5 year old you will meet! She falls for the grump ex-military/firefighter that doesn't want love, let alone a kid! When fate keeps interviewing and bringing these two together sparks fly.
This is a romance that has a great build up and nothing but some innocent thoughts and sweet kisses with a HEA.

I really appreciate the realness in this book. I love that Ward discussed his post-war trauma and (without giving too much away) really leans on Lyndi and Collins. I also appreciate that Lyndi didn’t just fall for a billionaire given her financial troubles.

TW: rejection from parental figures, prison, verbal abuse, physical abuse (on the page) and mental health struggles.

I received a eARC in exchange for a complete and honest review. Novel will be available January 31, 2023
Profile Image for ☆Laura☆.
5,190 reviews60 followers
September 24, 2023
2.25⭐️


Empezó bien, pero conforme avanzaba la historia, se estancó.



Por lo regular cuando en el libro hay madres/padres solteros me gusta que los niños estén presentes en la historia, pero en este deberían quitar escenas del Crew, son un desastre; por ejemplo:
-Cuando él niño hace llamadas a los bomberos sin que haya un incendio y Lyndi se sorprende de que la vayan a multar.
-En el super se la pasa rompiendo cosas y Lyndi se hace la loca y no paga.
-Cuando se hace del baño en los juegos, etc.
Profile Image for Linzee.
149 reviews5 followers
May 14, 2024
What a cheesy and cute rom com!

It was slow to begin with and I had a hard time keeping up a good pace but once I really got into the book, I enjoyed it!

It was definitely cheesy but SO cute. I loved the single mom and 4 year old aspect. Being a mom is SO hard but being a single mom, now I’m sure it’s such a challenge in many many many more ways.

The slow burn between Lyndi and Ward was preeeetty dang slow but once got going, it was sweet and perfect for them and this story.

Lyndi and Ward both had pretty complex backgrounds that was interesting to read about and definitely made me feel for them and their traumas. Being able to feel the emotions of a character you read about is a win for me!!

If you are wanting something light and cheesy and cute, read this sweet rom com!
Profile Image for Rachel Luke Parker.
289 reviews432 followers
January 19, 2024
This is the first book I've read from Jenessa and it definitely won't be the last! I love how she perfectly portrayed a rambunctious 4 year old and how much mothers truly go through in raising them. I love that this book had laugh out loud moments, moments that were so relatable, moments to make you swoon and even some suspense.

I love that Ward was such a stand up guy who was dealing with his own demons, but was able to find light in Lyndi. I love that he was her protector and that he was there to build her up. I love that he saw her worth and that he wasn't afraid to tell her.

I love that Lyndi did everything she could to give Crew a wonderful life despite not having a huge support system around her. She was relatable and easy to like.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and will definitely read more from Jenessa!

Physical Intimacy Lvl 2 (Non descriptive making out)
Zero Swearing (a couple swear words dashed out/cut off)
Dual POV

Fake Dating
Single Mom
A hint of Romantic Suspense
Opposites attract
Workplace romance
Profile Image for Jadyn Post.
241 reviews
January 29, 2023
This book was just a bundle of sunshine!!!
I laughed so much while reading this, but also get empathetic for all those single moms out there. Ward was something else. Man oh man I loved him. He and Lyndi deserve a happily ever after for sure.



SPOILERS BELOW!!!


I NEED an extended epilogue of their wedding, and then like 5 years later. They are the cutest couple.
Profile Image for Jill.
835 reviews39 followers
February 17, 2023
Honest representation of kids being rambunctious

If it’s possible to be exhausted after reading, this book did that for me. That little boy was such a terror, in a not trying to be a terror way, that I felt exhausted by his antics. You can tell a real mom wrote the story being able to lay out all the ugly side of raising kids and not just the good.
The title of the book says exactly how I felt about the book, not how I saw that going. It was interesting and I loved the family she found. Had a great ending. My attention just wasn’t kept throughout the book. It was honest and yet still had a fairytale quality to it, especially by the end.
Rating: PG, clean
Profile Image for Kaysie Allyn.
154 reviews1 follower
October 8, 2023
This book was really cute!! Only thing stopping it from being rated higher is that the main character is 24 and keeps calling TikTok, tic tac which was driving me crazy. And that the little kid in it was also driving me nuts hahaha
Profile Image for Rachel.
4 reviews
January 6, 2023
I received an ARC of this book and was able to read it early. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It’s a cute read about Lyndi who is a single mother and her adorable son Crew. At times Crew was a little too much for me but he had his good moments so it evened out.

Lyndi was a really fun main character. I loved her personality and how fiercely she loved her son. I also loved how hard she worked to provide for her family.

Ward is the firefighter she falls for. Their chance meetings at the beginning were really funny and I really enjoyed the twos chemistry and friendship before they got together. I love how he cared for Crew and his nieces. Overall I really liked his character.

I read this book in one afternoon so if that doesn’t tell you it’s entertaining I don’t know what will! I laughed and was emotional throughout it and overall it was a really cute romance!

Profile Image for Claire O'Sullivan.
Author 5 books41 followers
March 21, 2025
Fun romcom!

I would say book 2 is better as a romcom but Ward, Lyndi, a d Crew are fantastic! Don't miss this one!
Profile Image for No life.
57 reviews
June 26, 2025
It was pretty good, I have no complaints
Profile Image for Amy S.
1,267 reviews1 follower
October 6, 2024
I tried the audiobook for this one. The kid voice was grating. I found the parenting choices kind of confusing and the kid was a mess in need of some structure but whatever. The story had some funny moments. The romance between two people with serious trauma seemed like a wreck but there was a brief mention of getting some help so….
Happy ending with hopefully some therapy in the works.

Some violence. No sex. Some language. A bunch of themes kind of referred to but not really touched on deeply; grief, loss, PTSD, family drama, relationship abuse, addiction, war, bullying, etc
Profile Image for Meagan.
236 reviews14 followers
January 30, 2023
This was a fun RomCom. I love how fiercely Lyndi loves her son and how she grows to understand her self worth. Ward is a great MMC with a lot of trauma to work through.
I’d recommend who likes a grumpy MC, firefighter RomComs, and RomComs with a little depth to them.

Thanks to the author for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Naianne Lara.
318 reviews10 followers
April 26, 2023
Boring. A heroine with no self esteem, single mom without a monthly income becomes famous over night on tik tok and falls for a firefighter/heir that wants to save the word. And then there’s a selfish mother in love, an criminal ex and we have the most cliche and predictable and boring story ever.
Profile Image for Stephy Arredondo.
146 reviews2 followers
October 22, 2024
I just didn’t love the beginning of this. The beginning struggles before I liked the characters just made it so I didn’t want to get into the book. Not my fav and was ready for it to end. But as the story went on it was a cute story.
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