Needed

Heart on Fire #1

by Hannah Sparks

I just woke up in the arms of a firefighter after I fainted at my daughter's school.

I've been running on four hours of sleep for weeks, grading papers until midnight, and waking up early to get my daughter ready for school.

I was taking my lunch break in the teacher's lounge when Mrs. Patterson swung the cabinet door open without looking, and it smacked me right in the temple.

Suddenly, I opened my eyes, and I was being cradled in the massive arms of a firefighter, and everyone in the lounge was staring down at me.

He's famous in our town, and all the other teachers want to date him.

I heard the them whispering his name as he lifted me off the floor.

Then I heard Mrs. Patterson laugh and say, "That's probably the closest she's ever been to a man."

He looked down at me and growled loud enough for all of them to hear,

"Are we still on for dinner tonight at seven, Ms. Cummins?"

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Firefighters, Contemporary

264 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 6, 2026

Reviews

[Kristiej · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 out of 5

This is a sweet book and I’m glad I read but s also glad I got it on KU as it doesn’t quite reach reread status. Sorry but I completely forget the names of the two main characters but she is a teacher and struggling mother of one cute little girl and he’s a hot firefighter who became somewhat famous when his calendar picture went viral and he became THE bachelor. He lived the decadent lifestyle for a while. But at heart he’s kind of an old fashioned guy and just wanted someone to ‘see’ him as who he really happened. He gets his chance when he’s dropping something off at the school our heroine teaches at. She’s hit in the side of the head, goes down and our heroine teaches at comes to help her. He’s instantly smitten and wants to start a relationship but she had a bad experience with her daughter’s father and is very hesitant to let down her walls.

As I said I’m glad I read this one and since it’s on KU, I recommend it if you’re looking for something with a bit of a fairytale vibe to it.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Holy inconsistencies and redundancies!

I read a few reviews before I decided to take the plunge and I was hoping they were exaggerating.... Newsflash: They weren't.

There will be spoilers down the way, btw.

I don't know how old Zoe's dad was when Maya got pregnant - maybe 17, perhaps 19. Who knows?

I also don't know if I can handle reading any more of the same sentences back to back. Literally verbatim the same exact sentence. And then sometimes, a secondary sentence with one word changed. 🤦🏼‍♀️

The amount of redundancies in this book knows no bound. And man, did it ever get old! I'd read something in one paragraph, only to read almost the exact same in the next one. And then have to go back to make sure I wasn't losing my mind (I wasn't).

And then the end, when he proposed (not surprising spoiler alert) and he's gushing about how she walked into a burning building to save a lost soul (aka the arsonist), I was thinking, um. No. She didn't. She was trying to leave said burning building and came across him and talked him down. That's not the same. Then, later in the book, she had the same thing mentioned again - how she walked into a burning building to save a lost soul. (See what I did there? Annoying to read the same thing more than once huh? Now you feel the pain of everyone who's read this book on a much smaller scale). Anywho, I digress. It wasn't true the first time and wasn't true the second time either. Sigh.

I really liked Zoe and Shane overall. But I also didn't like Maya. So that didn't help in my enjoyment of the book. At the beginning she was good. But then when she ended things (come on now, we know there's gotta be some drama in there for them to overcome), and totally ghosted him, I thought she was an immature idiot who didn't even give him the chance to explain. Even after he saved her sorry butt in the burning building that HE DID, in fact, enter to save her and that lost soul. She still ghosted him for like 5 weeks or something stupid. I don't do well with stupid women in books. I like strong characters or characters that grow and she was neither.

I am curious enough to read the next book since this one is on a cliffhanger. But I'm sure I'll find plenty of annoyances with that one too. Maybe I'll take better notes during it for my review. 🤔 We'll see.

[Stacia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I chose this one because of an ad on FB describing the meet-cute where the FMC wakes from a blow to the head with a hot firefighter rendering aid. He starts a fake dating ruse to shut up her c*nty co-workers who are making mean-girl comments.

Unfortunately, for me this is where the book peaked. The FMC quickly dispels the dating rumor the moment she gets back to work, so the fun of what seemed like a fake dating trope only lasts about 3 pages. Everything that follows is boring and basic. Seriously, the plain white rice of romance novels. The banter is dry, flirting is non existent and the spice is meh. I didn't feel like either MC gave much in terms of personality. He's supposed to be a former bad boy but I didn't see it. The plot itself seems paint by numbers predictable so I DNF'd at 54%... however, reading other reviews it looks like there is some kind of twist and a cliffhanger ?? But it just wasn't interesting enough for me to stay with it.

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an Amazing Book!!

I just finished Needed by Hannah Sparks, and gave it 4.5 out of 5 stars.

I absolutely loved the relationship between Maya and Shane. Their chemistry was incredible, and every interaction between them felt genuine and heartfelt. Shane showed up for Maya in every possible way, and I honestly think he’s one of the best examples of healthy masculinity I’ve read in a romance. I also loved how deeply he cared for her and how consistently he made her feel safe, supported, and loved. What made me love him even more was the way he showed up for Zoe, Maya’s daughter. He treated her like she was his own, loved her unconditionally, and never made her feel like anything less than family. Watching him step into that role so naturally made their relationship even more meaningful.

My only real issue with the book was Tommy’s storyline. I felt like it didn’t get enough resolution. I really wanted to know what his sentencing was, whether he was ever going to be released, and what ultimately happened with his life. It felt like that part of the story ended a little too abruptly, especially considering how important it was to the overall plot.

Overall, though, this was an amazing read. The romance was beautiful, the emotional moments hit hard, and Maya and Shane’s relationship made this an easy 4.5-star book for me.

[Puna · Rating 2 out of 5]

The troubled kid “flinched when anyone moved too fast.” Just in case you missed it the first time he was “small for his age, flinching when adults moved too fast.” You forgot? It’s okay 5 pages later we’re told he’s “Small for his age, quiet and watchful, the kind of kid who flinched when anyone moved too fast.” If it still hasn’t sunk in just 3 pages later we get the information that he’s “Small for his age. Flinching when adults moved too fast.” Hey, do you finally understand that “he flinched when anyone moved too fast.”?!?!?


It ends on a cliffhanger of the MMC being warned to ‘back off’ and their family being threatened. BUT HE WASN’T DOING ANAYTHING. He wasn’t a cop/pi/fire investigator investigating something. There was no mystery, question or crime he was looking into. Nothing.

[Misty Bunn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Easy, predictable love story- that was fine… but the blatant inconsistencies were beyond annoying. Mainly time lines and character ages. Early in the book, the FMC was 17 and her ex 19 when she got pregnant. Later in the book they are both said to be 17 when it happens. A character is described as wearing grey sweatpants and a white t-shirt, then a few short sentences later his tears hit his orange jumpsuit… ?!?!

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

you know the saying that meeting could have been an email... This novel could have been a novella. A LOT of repetition and unneeded extras.
The story was cute bur probably won't continue with the series.

[farmwifetwo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have given it 4 stars but it hit my least favourite childish pet peeve.

[Elizabeth Hubbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Not really) Needed

A good love story with a jerk turned Hero. Maya has low self esteem from past people shooting her down, she's a teen mom, who's boyfriend/husband finally rejected her. Her parents turned her away, yet, she raises the daughter while getting teaching degree, and becoming a teacher. Not sure where the doubts come from. Shane is the (very) pretty fireman, who was doing his job and now he's every woman's heartthrob. There's the social media tripe that Maya doesn't know she doesn't have to believe. It ends with a cliffhanger ... What?!? ok. Onto book two

[Debbie Perkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of the best authors that I have ever read.

This was a new author for me. I am prepared to binge now. She made me laugh, cry, and laugh again. I read a lot. A whole lot! This was an amazing read. Had depth. Had meaning, not just a fluff read. Hannah Sparks, you have naw reader. Next book now!!!!❤️

[cheryl bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

love it

Aww what can I say what a lovely book from start to finish.. someone who doesn’t give up
And walk away when the going gets too tough for them.. despite being given the opportunity and fighting for the people they love.. a really good feel good story no strong sex scenes just tenderness and love..

[𝒩𝒶𝒹𝒾𝒶𝒽 · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5) – A swoony, emotional start to the Heart on Fire series.

Needed, the first book in the Heart on Fire series, is a small-town romance that blends emotional vulnerability with undeniable chemistry. The story follows an overworked single mom who quite literally falls into the arms of the town’s most admired firefighter—a meet-cute that quickly sets the tone for a swoony, protective-hero romance.

Hannah Sparks leans into familiar but beloved tropes: the exhausted single mother, the small-town golden-boy firefighter, and the simmering tension between longing and insecurity. The heroine’s struggles with exhaustion, judgment from others, and self-doubt add emotional weight to the story. Her vulnerability feels relatable, especially for readers who appreciate heroines balancing parenthood and personal rediscovery.

The hero is very much the “alpha with a soft center” type—confident, protective, and direct about what he wants. Their chemistry sparks early, and the banter mixed with possessive energy will definitely appeal to readers who enjoy intense romantic dynamics. That said, some moments lean into dramatic dialogue and heightened emotional reactions that may feel over-the-top for readers who prefer subtlety.

The pacing moves quickly, with strong romantic momentum driving the plot. While the story focuses heavily on the central relationship, readers looking for deep subplots or complex external conflict may find it more character- than plot-driven.

Overall, Needed is a passionate, trope-filled small-town romance perfect for fans of protective firefighters, single-mom heroines, and fast-burning emotional connections. If you enjoy heartfelt vulnerability paired with bold declarations and small-town gossip drama, this book will likely hit the mark.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will preface this review by saying, I really liked this book. The plot potential was there. (Single mom/teacher meets super sexy firefighter who is looking for his forever)

The characters were likable and realistic. Maya is raising her 13 year old daughter, Zoe…and when she says things like this: “Now I got one-word answers, shrugs, and eye rolls that felt like slaps. She's thirteen, I reminded myself. This is normal.”, I felt this in my soul. She tells Shane that she doesn’t want to date, so he suggests friendship and continues to hold that line. It’s a matter of time before her walls start to crumble. But she keeps some guards up which leads to some 3rd act hurt.

Now my issue - holy repetition. Literal PARAGRAPHS are repeated, sometimes one page later. Like the author couldn’t think of something else and just verbatim copy/pasted. This was a short read (250ish pages) and literally, could have been even shorter without all the repetition. Even situations were repeated (at one point Shane is at the firehouse and Brian comes to talk to him in the equipment room - and then it happens the same way 2 chapters later). Not only is this shocking for a writer; but where is the editor? Did no one flag this in the publishing process???

And it’s sad, because like I said, there was SOOOOO much potential with the book. The plot was cute. There were some really great scenes (the Italian restaurant).

I’ll probably finish the series, but I’m not expecting much change. They are fast reads - I started this one at 3:30 and finished by 11, so if you are looking for an easy, quick read and can look past some garbage editing….you may enjoy this!

⭐️⭐️⭐️
📖: KU

[booknerd · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5 ⭐️

This is a small-town romance featuring an overworked single mother Maya and the town’s most admired firefighter Shane. Blending familiar tropes-single mom, golden-boy hero, and plenty of longing and insecurity. The story has emotional vulnerability, strong chemistry and a heartfelt journey of self-rediscovery.

The hero is very much the “alpha with a soft center” type; confident, protective and direct about what he wants. The chemistry between the leads is immediate, and Shane and Zoe’s (her 11 yr old daughter) banter and intense attraction keep the romance engaging.

The pacing is fast with the relationship taking center stage from beginning to end. the romance is engaging and emotionally driven, but its more character-focused than plot-driven.

One aspect that frustrated me was how Maya handled the conflict near the end. She distances herself from Shane without offering him any explanation, ignores him even after he literally saves her from a fire and despite him being the first to extend an olive branch, the resolution largely consists of tears and reconciliation. I’m not someone who needs excessive groveling in romance novels, but in this case, a simple apology would have gone a long way. she had certainly been through a lot, but it felt like the story brushed past her accountability too quickly.

That said, Shane was easily one of the highlights of the book. He consistently demonstrated strong moral character, patience and genuine care, making him easy to root for throughout the story.

P.S. Be prepared for a cliffhanger ending that leads directly into Brian’s story.

[JoyceLynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This gave full-on Hallmark romance but make it deep vibes and I ate up every single moment 😩💞✨

The journey of learning to love again… to trust again… to truly live again after being buried under insecurities and pain — it hit hard. That kind of darkness? The kind that convinces you there’s no light left? Yeah… that was real. And then here comes Shane 🥹🔥 stepping in as her light, standing ten toes down no matter what.

Even while fighting his own battles, trying to prove himself, he never wavered. Never folded. Never gave up. He loved her through every crack, every doubt, every scar — unapologetically and without hesitation 💘👏🏽

And BABY… the way he showed it?! I was SWOONING 😮‍💨💓 like sir… who told you to be this consistent, this patient, this all in?! Because whew — we all out here needing a Shane to come rescue us just a little bit 😩✨

I’m definitely hooked now. I need more. I want more. This story pulled me in, wrapped me up, and left me sitting here like 🥹💭 “ohhh… so this is love.”

On to the next book because I’m READY 👏🏽📖💞

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly heartwarming read

An accidental hit with a cupboard door
Starts a friends first romance that could lead to more.
A firefighter, a teacher and many surprises, too,
Make this a brilliant read I highly recommend to you.

There are pupils in need and a caring teacher, too,
Whilst others may derogatorily comment on what she’s gone through.
A single Mum with a feisty team and tough role
For whom sleepless nights are taking a toll.

He’s a pin up hero, a calendar poser, too,
Who is fed up of pointless hook ups so wants to change what he’ll do.
Can they bridge the divide and build a way to be two
Or will fate tear them apart despite what they do?

A great sense of community is a thread all the way through
With great characters, a mystery and lots for them to do.
There’s also the impact of past history to discover
As these two endeavour to learn about each other.

There’s a dramatic ending that left me with a wow
So the next in the series is what I need now!!

[Kayleigh Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

He will run into fire for you

I saw one line advertising this book and had me wanting to read this book. It didnt disappoint, a great book with deep plot and characters.
Was some points thay really pull at your heart strings.

She is used to fighting the world alone and the world still throwing punches. She thinks shes too tired and brings too much to the table.
He is used to being seen a surface level but not really seen. He wants to stay around and have a real home, a real family and a real life. One chance encourter leaves more than just a bruise it leaves him wanting to step and lean in.

Really lovely book and a cliff hanger that means book 2 is now on my kindle.

Book quote
He looked down at me in his arms and growled loud enough for all of them to hear, "Are we still on for dinner tonight at seven, Ms. Cummins? I'd hate for a little bump to ruin our plans."

[TWR · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @4%

We’re introduced to a 30-year-old divorced single mother whose internal voice is still shaped by a past emotionally/psychologically damaging relationship, with her ex’s criticism lingering as part of her self-perception. Along with an emotionally distant teenage daughter.

The male lead is then introduced in a highly trope-driven way, he’s a firefighter framed through exaggerated desirability, casual sexual access, and the idea that women routinely throw themselves at him.

Even this early on, it already looks like it’s heading toward a “rescue” dynamic, with the female lead’s workplace migraine being positioned as the setup for him to step in and save her.

DNF because I’m not interested in this trope.

[Cheryl B · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 88% No chemistry

I just couldn't finish. There was no real chemistry. I didn't feel invested. No steamy scenes. Just lacking. The MFC, Maya, was the kind of female character I can't stand. She spends the entire book with a "poor me" attitude and just when you think she has gotten over it, she dumps the male character over a simple misunderstanding without letting him explain. If a male character had done this to the female, we would expect groveling from the male before the female would take him back. But here the male just takes her crap and takes the blame. So, by 88% I couldn't take Maya's crap. She did not deserve a happy ending and the male needed to grow some balls, so I stopped reading. My first book by this author and my last.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really don't fully know how to rate this book. It was a very sweet, simple story, with some very deep subject matter regarding the children that the FMC teaches or has taught. It seemed like it could be a really good plot. Sadly the editing was atrocious. So many mistakes, repeated lines, inconsistent timelines. It became so grating to read. I persisted with it, as I did want to know what happened at the end, only to be met with a cliffhanger 🤦🏻‍♀️. I honestly don't see myself reading the second book, which is a shame, as it was a very sweet story, but unfortunately I just couldn't deal with another book if it was written and edited like this one was.

[Bella · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars

This book was so cute! I really liked it and honestly couldn’t put it down. I absolutely love the single mom/dad trope, and this one was great! The storyline had me hooked and all of the sweet moments pulled me in. The only thing is that sometimes the descriptions would be written and in the book twice, either in a row, or the same description was used throughout the book, and it just messed with the sort of flow going on. I was also surprised about the ending and the cliffhanger before I realized that the next book is from Brian’s POV!

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

storia carina anche se un pò lenta
a parte la cover inguardabile, che però ci sta perchè il protagonista ha fatto il mitico calendario, diventando il classico playboy vuoto, la storia è carina leggibile sopratutto maya la protagonista donna coraggiosissima e forte
peccato che la trama sia lentissima per metà libro per poi prendere il giusto ritmo
diversi errori grammaticali, frasi ripetute (ma li rileggono prima di caricarli???) che penalizzano il tutto
è il primo di una serie di tre
preso in unlimited
tre stelle e mezzo

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had the perfect mix of emotion, chemistry, and drama. The connection between the characters felt natural, and I loved watching their relationship grow through all the tension and challenges they faced. The protective, caring moments made it easy to fall for the MMC, while the emotional depth kept the story from feeling shallow. It was well written, engaging from the start, and had enough heartfelt moments to keep me invested the entire time. A really enjoyable romance with great character dynamics and plenty of feels.

[Jessica Tittermary Culp · Rating 4 out of 5]

firefighter romance

This was a really beautiful story with a reformed golden retriever MMC trying to win the heart of a broken, guarded FMC. Shane and Mayas story was so sweet and delved into how to overcome past trauma and trust again. Some edits need to be made - repetitive lines, copied paragraphs, but really engaging story I was able to finish in a day.

Loved her side characters of Zoe and Millie - really added more depth and perspective to Maya.

[Janine Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

This was a quick series read in between books.
These books all had great storylines but whoever was editing these books didn’t do a very good job because sentences were repeated & even whole paragraphs were repeated!!
Also two of the books had 3rd break ups which I am absolutely not a fan of so they always lose an automatic star rating from me.
These books need to be read in order as well to understand the storyline’s.

[Sarah Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Series review - these were an enjoyable read! The characters were layered with some complexity and interwoven stories that played through the books. No spiciness which was lovely and the themes within touched on a variety of issues. I appreciated the strong characters with good morals who use their skills and powers for good. At times, the plot was totally predictable but it didn’t detract from the enjoyment. I especially appreciated the male friendship that was described between the male characters - they were tight!

[Cathy Moir-Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This One Will Get You - Be Prepared !!!

Maya Cummins was a single-mom raising a teen daughter and a caring schoolteacher who bled for every one of her students. Shane was a firefighter who had been swallowed up in the aftermath of posing in a calendar, shirtless. After three years of easy hookups, he wanted something different, something real and when fate sent him to Maya’s school, the empty feeling in his chest was suddenly less empty.

[Nikki Brackett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow-Steamy Firefighter Romance

First of all- there is a cliffy!!!!! I have a love/hate relationship with cliffhangers…..
But otherwise this was one heck of a steamy firefighter romance. The twist suspense after about 3/4 of the way through I figured it out with the fires but the cliffy?? I’m clueless as to what’s next. I am very excited to read part 2. But the firefighter/teacher romance fit these two phenomenally….. Shane and Mia —- swoon.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story, but no heat & many, many errors.

Love the characters, love the story, but the spice is completely missing. Then the proofreading was horrendous. Many lines repeated immediately, others repeated a few lines down. Many inconsistencies in the story telling. Like “he was wearing gray sweatpants & a white t-shirt.” Then a few lines later it says “as the tears fell down on his orange jumpsuit.”

[Alonna Irizarry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Single mother/ reformed playboy/ firefighter/ slow burn/ found family/ friends to lovers/ OW drama/ third act breakup/ HEA

Trigger warning: arson/ mentions of physical abuse/ bullying/ revenge/ trauma/ cheating(not MCs)/ depression/ death of a loved one

I wanted to like this one but it was predictable and there were quite a few typos. It was also fairly repetitive. The storyline was fine but it could have benefited from more spice.