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Permission to Speak Freely
Two lives. One last letter. A love story that refuses to fade.
Inspired by True Events
Samantha Walker is a sharp-tongued forensic scientist more at home in a field lab than a relationship. Lieutenant Colonel Gerald Martinez is a career soldier with a past he rarely speaks of. When they’re thrown together in the Arizona desert in 1981, neither expects a connection—let alone a partnership that will defy time, distance, and duty across two continents and several decades.
Against all odds, Sam and Gerry build something a love story marked by missteps, stubborn loyalty, and rituals uniquely their own. As deployments come and go, their bond deepens—one airport dance, one care package, one argument at a time.
But this isn’t just a story of longing and separation. It’s also one of joy, adventure, and the unbreakable friendships forged along the way—from misfit colleagues to outrageous escapades, laughter echoes through even the darkest chapters.
When Sam writes one final letter decades after they first met, she isn’t closing the book. She’s opening a door. Because some love stories don’t end—they evolve, resonate, and return in unexpected ways.
Permission to Speak Freely is a story of grit, devotion, and the lifelong echoes of a once-in-a-lifetime love—told in fragments, field notes, and the space between goodbye and home.
Perfect for fans of Kristin Hannah, Nicholas Sparks, and Jojo Moyes—readers who crave stories about love, sacrifice, and the enduring bonds that outlast time and distance.
Inspired by True Events
Samantha Walker is a sharp-tongued forensic scientist more at home in a field lab than a relationship. Lieutenant Colonel Gerald Martinez is a career soldier with a past he rarely speaks of. When they’re thrown together in the Arizona desert in 1981, neither expects a connection—let alone a partnership that will defy time, distance, and duty across two continents and several decades.
Against all odds, Sam and Gerry build something a love story marked by missteps, stubborn loyalty, and rituals uniquely their own. As deployments come and go, their bond deepens—one airport dance, one care package, one argument at a time.
But this isn’t just a story of longing and separation. It’s also one of joy, adventure, and the unbreakable friendships forged along the way—from misfit colleagues to outrageous escapades, laughter echoes through even the darkest chapters.
When Sam writes one final letter decades after they first met, she isn’t closing the book. She’s opening a door. Because some love stories don’t end—they evolve, resonate, and return in unexpected ways.
Permission to Speak Freely is a story of grit, devotion, and the lifelong echoes of a once-in-a-lifetime love—told in fragments, field notes, and the space between goodbye and home.
Perfect for fans of Kristin Hannah, Nicholas Sparks, and Jojo Moyes—readers who crave stories about love, sacrifice, and the enduring bonds that outlast time and distance.
539 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 12, 2026
5 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 4, 2026
I read this book as a NetGalley advance reader copy, so I had to finish it to do this review even though I probably would not have otherwise. It is a sweet story of a forensic scientist and an Army soldier’s journeys toward each other. The cover is dumb and makes it looks like a smutty book when it is not, but that’s not a big deal. What’s a bigger deal is that while these people are very nice, I’m not sure anyone edited anything in this book! It was repetitive and so long. Some anecdotes were repeated in multiple sections—some to show opposing perspectives on the same incident but sometimes I wasn’t clear of the purpose.
The printed book is over 500 pages. It would have been a solid read at 200 pages. After 300, I was just waiting and waiting for it to end. Not recommended.
The printed book is over 500 pages. It would have been a solid read at 200 pages. After 300, I was just waiting and waiting for it to end. Not recommended.
January 12, 2026
Permission to speak was a classic "slow burn" reading experience where the payoff at the end almost made up for the dense world-building at the start.
I was given the opportunity to read this book in an early advance, I had a hard time focusing at first since there was so much back ground information and was a bit slow to me. But towards the end I really felt as if I was really there watching this true love story unfold right in front of my eyes. This was a fun spin tbh. I do feel this book should have been shortened. There was way too much over explaining which was a giant buzz kill at some chapters, didn’t hate it but didn’t love it.
I was given the opportunity to read this book in an early advance, I had a hard time focusing at first since there was so much back ground information and was a bit slow to me. But towards the end I really felt as if I was really there watching this true love story unfold right in front of my eyes. This was a fun spin tbh. I do feel this book should have been shortened. There was way too much over explaining which was a giant buzz kill at some chapters, didn’t hate it but didn’t love it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It was a beautifully written, intimate account of a couples life history. I laughed and shed some tears throughout. The time I spent with them was beautiful and heartwarming.
I think anyone who can spend some time with this book will enjoy it. I know everyone will take away something from it, and I'm sure they'll be reflecting on it for a bit (just as I am).
It was a beautifully written, intimate account of a couples life history. I laughed and shed some tears throughout. The time I spent with them was beautiful and heartwarming.
I think anyone who can spend some time with this book will enjoy it. I know everyone will take away something from it, and I'm sure they'll be reflecting on it for a bit (just as I am).
November 8, 2025
Oh my heart... this book was painfully beautiful and not one I will forget very soon even though it has left my heart in knots and my emotions in shambles.
This is a romantic memoir of a love that spanned decades filled with love, hope, friendships and also various challenges.
Sam is a "deaf" forensic osteologist who meets Gerry, an awkward yet endearing young man in the military.
Gerry has not had the easiest or cushiest life growing up and knows little of love. But he knows ONE thing.. he is absolutely enamored of Sam.
With awkward first meetings and experiences, they form a bond through letter writing and reading the same books and chapters while he is away on deployment while she focuses on furthering her ambitions and Gerry on his. But one thing they are sure of is, that they love each others company and connection.
A long distance relationship ensues with all the joy, fun, excitement, disappointments, frustrations, tests and obstacles life throws at them. Trust me, there were many!
There is so much character growth and even stagnation because well, life...
I couldn't stop reading.
With a stunning set of side characters who you have to remember were REAL people! Honestly, this book really touched me to my core.
I am so sad I am not eloquent enough to write a better review. Because this memoir is a part of my DNA right now.
I feel, if you've never read a romance book or are a romance reader who has never read a memoir.. this would be a wonderful place to start!
A million thanks to Netgalley,Habencourt LLC and author for the opportunity to read and share my unbiased thoughts!
This is a romantic memoir of a love that spanned decades filled with love, hope, friendships and also various challenges.
Sam is a "deaf" forensic osteologist who meets Gerry, an awkward yet endearing young man in the military.
Gerry has not had the easiest or cushiest life growing up and knows little of love. But he knows ONE thing.. he is absolutely enamored of Sam.
With awkward first meetings and experiences, they form a bond through letter writing and reading the same books and chapters while he is away on deployment while she focuses on furthering her ambitions and Gerry on his. But one thing they are sure of is, that they love each others company and connection.
A long distance relationship ensues with all the joy, fun, excitement, disappointments, frustrations, tests and obstacles life throws at them. Trust me, there were many!
There is so much character growth and even stagnation because well, life...
I couldn't stop reading.
With a stunning set of side characters who you have to remember were REAL people! Honestly, this book really touched me to my core.
I am so sad I am not eloquent enough to write a better review. Because this memoir is a part of my DNA right now.
I feel, if you've never read a romance book or are a romance reader who has never read a memoir.. this would be a wonderful place to start!
A million thanks to Netgalley,Habencourt LLC and author for the opportunity to read and share my unbiased thoughts!
November 27, 2025
4.5
Thank you Sutoscience LLC , Samantha Walker & NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
In this book we follow Sam & Gerry.
Samantha Walker a forensic scientist & Lieutenant Colonel Gerald Martinez who is a career soldier with a past he rarely speaks of.
This story follows a partnership that defies time , distance and duty across two continents and several decades. We follow their bond deepen as times goes on. This is a story of not just longing and separation it's also of joy , adventure and an unbreakable friendship.
This book was painfully beautiful. It gripped me from the very first chapter and made it very difficult to put down and when I did manage to put it down I couldn't help but think about it.
The writing style was lovely it made it very easy to read. I cant wait for the release of this book so I can own it physically.
This memoir was absolutely breath taking and I believe all romance readers should give this a read once they have the opportunity.
Thank you Sutoscience LLC , Samantha Walker & NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
In this book we follow Sam & Gerry.
Samantha Walker a forensic scientist & Lieutenant Colonel Gerald Martinez who is a career soldier with a past he rarely speaks of.
This story follows a partnership that defies time , distance and duty across two continents and several decades. We follow their bond deepen as times goes on. This is a story of not just longing and separation it's also of joy , adventure and an unbreakable friendship.
This book was painfully beautiful. It gripped me from the very first chapter and made it very difficult to put down and when I did manage to put it down I couldn't help but think about it.
The writing style was lovely it made it very easy to read. I cant wait for the release of this book so I can own it physically.
This memoir was absolutely breath taking and I believe all romance readers should give this a read once they have the opportunity.
January 12, 2026
Some love stories burn fast. This one endures.
Permission to Speak Freely unfolds like memory itself fragmented, tender, and impossibly alive. Sam and Gerry don’t fall in love loudly or easily. Their bond is built in deserts and departure gates, in letters never meant for anyone else to read, in the quiet decision to keep choosing each other across years of absence and sacrifice.
What makes this story ache is its honesty. The love here isn’t perfect or polished it’s stubborn, flawed, deeply human. There is laughter threaded through grief, friendship standing shoulder to shoulder with loss, and a sense that even when people are apart, they are never truly gone.
The final letter doesn’t feel like an ending. It feels like a hand reaching across time, reminding the reader that some connections refuse to fade. They linger. They echo. They change us.
This book doesn’t just tell a love story it lets you feel the weight of it, long after the last page.
Permission to Speak Freely unfolds like memory itself fragmented, tender, and impossibly alive. Sam and Gerry don’t fall in love loudly or easily. Their bond is built in deserts and departure gates, in letters never meant for anyone else to read, in the quiet decision to keep choosing each other across years of absence and sacrifice.
What makes this story ache is its honesty. The love here isn’t perfect or polished it’s stubborn, flawed, deeply human. There is laughter threaded through grief, friendship standing shoulder to shoulder with loss, and a sense that even when people are apart, they are never truly gone.
The final letter doesn’t feel like an ending. It feels like a hand reaching across time, reminding the reader that some connections refuse to fade. They linger. They echo. They change us.
This book doesn’t just tell a love story it lets you feel the weight of it, long after the last page.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
*ARC Review*
I struggled to get into this one at first. The opening moved slowly for me, and I caught myself skimming, waiting for the story to find its momentum. Once it did, though, the emotional core came through.
Knowing it’s inspired by true events kept me invested. Sam and Gerry’s relationship was filled with some incredible stories though. And my favorite part — easily — was how they stayed connected. Their ritual of choosing a book for each tour, reading it together while apart, and writing letters to each other.
It did feel a little long in places, and the pacing wasn’t always ideal for my taste, but the devotion, the small rituals, and the emotional connection made this a memorable read. I’d pick it up again.
I struggled to get into this one at first. The opening moved slowly for me, and I caught myself skimming, waiting for the story to find its momentum. Once it did, though, the emotional core came through.
Knowing it’s inspired by true events kept me invested. Sam and Gerry’s relationship was filled with some incredible stories though. And my favorite part — easily — was how they stayed connected. Their ritual of choosing a book for each tour, reading it together while apart, and writing letters to each other.
It did feel a little long in places, and the pacing wasn’t always ideal for my taste, but the devotion, the small rituals, and the emotional connection made this a memorable read. I’d pick it up again.
January 12, 2026
3.5 stars
This beautiful story is inspired by true events. A slow burn between a forensic scientist and an Army soldier. Their story is a journey, and as we peel back the layers in the world building a heartwarming love story emerges.
I did enjoy the story, but it is a long one, and at times I found myself getting lost in details and slowing down the forward progression. There are bits that are quite verbose for no reason. I was pulled out of the story for word choice and I found myself self-editing while reading. This is a debut novel and I hope with time and practice we see this author publish many more books in the future.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
This beautiful story is inspired by true events. A slow burn between a forensic scientist and an Army soldier. Their story is a journey, and as we peel back the layers in the world building a heartwarming love story emerges.
I did enjoy the story, but it is a long one, and at times I found myself getting lost in details and slowing down the forward progression. There are bits that are quite verbose for no reason. I was pulled out of the story for word choice and I found myself self-editing while reading. This is a debut novel and I hope with time and practice we see this author publish many more books in the future.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
January 12, 2026
3.75 stars. Overall I enjoyed the book, but it felt very
l o n g…
I have a feeling that when an author is crafting a story based on events that actually happened, that there is a need to feel like they should include everything. (Which is never necessary). It just dragged a bit for me and felt a bit repetitive in some of the scenes and sentiments. I like it when a book really moves and keeps me engaged, but I struggled at times.
It’s a sweet story and enjoyable.
It contains low to non existent spice, some swoony moments and some teary ones too.
I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
l o n g…
I have a feeling that when an author is crafting a story based on events that actually happened, that there is a need to feel like they should include everything. (Which is never necessary). It just dragged a bit for me and felt a bit repetitive in some of the scenes and sentiments. I like it when a book really moves and keeps me engaged, but I struggled at times.
It’s a sweet story and enjoyable.
It contains low to non existent spice, some swoony moments and some teary ones too.
I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 12, 2026
This is love story is written over time and we see how the love and challenges theses two go through.and a romantic memoir of a love that spanned de
Sam may be deaf but she will not allow anything stop her becoming a is a forensic osteologist When she first meets Gerry, who is in the military. His life was not one of love but meeting Sam shows him what love is. From the first meeting the two bond while Gerry is on deployment through letters. Both of them grow in their fields but never lose the connection.
A long enduring romance.
Sam may be deaf but she will not allow anything stop her becoming a is a forensic osteologist When she first meets Gerry, who is in the military. His life was not one of love but meeting Sam shows him what love is. From the first meeting the two bond while Gerry is on deployment through letters. Both of them grow in their fields but never lose the connection.
A long enduring romance.
January 16, 2026
5⭐
Wow... just wow
Wow... just wow
December 11, 2025
This book absolutely destroyed me—shattered my heart into tiny pieces. And knowing it’s inspired by true events? My gosh, that hit even harder.
Permission to Speak Freely follows the extraordinary, deeply human journey of Samantha Walker, a sharp-witted forensic scientist, and Lieutenant Colonel Gerald Martinez, a man shaped by duty, silence, and the weight of a life in service. From their first unexpected spark in the Arizona desert in 1981, their story unfolds across continents and decades; told through field notes, fragments, memories, and the fragile space between goodbye and home.
What makes this book so powerful is how real it feels. Their relationship isn’t just romance; it’s missteps, grit, stubborn loyalty, airport dances, letters, shared rituals, and friendships forged in the most unlikely places. It’s the kind of love that grows not despite the distance, but because of it.
And the ending? I was absolutely crying my eyes out. The final letter of both Gerry and Samantha wrecked me in the best and worst ways. I haven’t read many memoir-style stories before, but as a die-hard romance reader, this one grabbed me by the heart and refused to let go.
It’s raw, intimate, beautifully told, and full of the kind of emotional truth that lingers long after the last page.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime love story I’ll be thinking about for a very long time.
Thank you to the author, NetGalley and Habencourt LLC for an eARC. All opinions are my own.
Permission to Speak Freely follows the extraordinary, deeply human journey of Samantha Walker, a sharp-witted forensic scientist, and Lieutenant Colonel Gerald Martinez, a man shaped by duty, silence, and the weight of a life in service. From their first unexpected spark in the Arizona desert in 1981, their story unfolds across continents and decades; told through field notes, fragments, memories, and the fragile space between goodbye and home.
What makes this book so powerful is how real it feels. Their relationship isn’t just romance; it’s missteps, grit, stubborn loyalty, airport dances, letters, shared rituals, and friendships forged in the most unlikely places. It’s the kind of love that grows not despite the distance, but because of it.
And the ending? I was absolutely crying my eyes out. The final letter of both Gerry and Samantha wrecked me in the best and worst ways. I haven’t read many memoir-style stories before, but as a die-hard romance reader, this one grabbed me by the heart and refused to let go.
It’s raw, intimate, beautifully told, and full of the kind of emotional truth that lingers long after the last page.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime love story I’ll be thinking about for a very long time.
Thank you to the author, NetGalley and Habencourt LLC for an eARC. All opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews