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Never Letting Go #1
Never Forget
After I lost my brother in a fire, I adopted his daughter.
His best friend became the only man she trusted not to leave.
In high school, I always had a crush on him, but he was strictly off limits.
Tonight, he came over to help us settle into our new apartment after the fire.
We built a pillow fort together and my niece snuggled up between us, and asked him, "Sam, you're not going to leave like daddy, right?"
He promised he wouldn't leave, then carried Rosie into her new bedroom and tucked her in.
When he came back, I was standing in the hallway trying not to cry.
I whispered, “Thank you. For everything.”
He shook his head and said, “You don’t have to thank me.”
With my heart pounding, I stepped closer, rose to my tip toes, and kissed him gently on the lips.
He lifted me off my feet as I wrapped my arms around his neck, and he carried me towards my bedroom.
He laid me down gently on the bed as my hair sprawled across the pillow, then stepped back for a moment, his voice rough as he said,
“Tell me to go, Jamie… and I will."
His best friend became the only man she trusted not to leave.
In high school, I always had a crush on him, but he was strictly off limits.
Tonight, he came over to help us settle into our new apartment after the fire.
We built a pillow fort together and my niece snuggled up between us, and asked him, "Sam, you're not going to leave like daddy, right?"
He promised he wouldn't leave, then carried Rosie into her new bedroom and tucked her in.
When he came back, I was standing in the hallway trying not to cry.
I whispered, “Thank you. For everything.”
He shook his head and said, “You don’t have to thank me.”
With my heart pounding, I stepped closer, rose to my tip toes, and kissed him gently on the lips.
He lifted me off my feet as I wrapped my arms around his neck, and he carried me towards my bedroom.
He laid me down gently on the bed as my hair sprawled across the pillow, then stepped back for a moment, his voice rough as he said,
“Tell me to go, Jamie… and I will."
337 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
June 11, 2026
Holy moly! As a paramedic and a former firefighter this book had me in its clutches. Despite the fact that it really didnt read like a romance until very late in the book. Despite the almost non existent spice. Despite the other woman drama that I hate. I devoured this book. (Literally stayed up ALL night before a 48 hour shift to finish it)
I bawled my little heart out. I know what that loss is. Hannah did a good job writing that. When I was reading about the PASS devices my skin started crawling with a need to GO and SAVE and FIX. I love FF romances, but few have ever effected me this much.
Can't wait to sink into the next book by Hannah.
I bawled my little heart out. I know what that loss is. Hannah did a good job writing that. When I was reading about the PASS devices my skin started crawling with a need to GO and SAVE and FIX. I love FF romances, but few have ever effected me this much.
Can't wait to sink into the next book by Hannah.
June 28, 2026
Sam & Jaime
Wow such a beautifully written story that is filled with hope. A love story that transcends the loss of a best friend and a brother.
Great story of heroes who sacrifice their lives daily.
Sam & Jack have been best friends since childhood who became firefighters for Station 33. Sam has always had love for Jaime yet as always kept it a secret. Jack a devoted father who has been raising his daughter Rosie alone after the passing of his wife Sarah & raised his sister Jaime after the death of their parents. Jaime is Jacks sister who has always loved Sam quietly from afar. After losing Jack from complications due to a fire rescue both Sam & Jaime are brought together helping to raise 4 year old Rosie after the death of her Father.
Jacks heroic act of going back inside a burning building to save a little girl and the cause of his death is deemed insubordination. He was told the building was unsafe by his captain and now the City won’t recognize his death as loss during a fire. This forces Jaimie to file a case to help bring reformation to a system that isn’t working for the fire department and protocols that are out dated.
Loved this book. Loved Sam, Jaime and Rosie’s love. How they kept the memory of Jack alive and how the author honored the June 2007 loss of 9 real life heroes from Charleston who lost their life in the Savanah Highway furniture store fire 🔥.
⭐️5
🧑🚒🚒🧯🔥🪽❤️🩹💘🎸
Wow such a beautifully written story that is filled with hope. A love story that transcends the loss of a best friend and a brother.
Great story of heroes who sacrifice their lives daily.
Sam & Jack have been best friends since childhood who became firefighters for Station 33. Sam has always had love for Jaime yet as always kept it a secret. Jack a devoted father who has been raising his daughter Rosie alone after the passing of his wife Sarah & raised his sister Jaime after the death of their parents. Jaime is Jacks sister who has always loved Sam quietly from afar. After losing Jack from complications due to a fire rescue both Sam & Jaime are brought together helping to raise 4 year old Rosie after the death of her Father.
Jacks heroic act of going back inside a burning building to save a little girl and the cause of his death is deemed insubordination. He was told the building was unsafe by his captain and now the City won’t recognize his death as loss during a fire. This forces Jaimie to file a case to help bring reformation to a system that isn’t working for the fire department and protocols that are out dated.
Loved this book. Loved Sam, Jaime and Rosie’s love. How they kept the memory of Jack alive and how the author honored the June 2007 loss of 9 real life heroes from Charleston who lost their life in the Savanah Highway furniture store fire 🔥.
⭐️5
🧑🚒🚒🧯🔥🪽❤️🩹💘🎸
October 29, 2026
it was okay
Never Forget
First time reading this author.
I have no doubt there are small towns that operate with antiquated systems and budget restrictions. Throw in the politics, leadership’s refusal to change and what happened in the fictional town depicted here could be real. The author’s note at the end indicates it did happen.
This story had the opportunity to be excellent. All the ingredients were present.
Small town
Firefighters
Brother’s best friend
Second chance romance
An adorable toddler
Suspense
Highly emotional
Sadly it fell very short for me. It was long on blunders and too many scenes and transitions that didn’t match up. The ages of the main characters were a mystery until the end, with very little or almost no romance.
It ends with a cliffhanger for a supporting character, hoping the reader will immediately move on to the next book. I’m not that invested right now.
Never Forget
First time reading this author.
I have no doubt there are small towns that operate with antiquated systems and budget restrictions. Throw in the politics, leadership’s refusal to change and what happened in the fictional town depicted here could be real. The author’s note at the end indicates it did happen.
This story had the opportunity to be excellent. All the ingredients were present.
Small town
Firefighters
Brother’s best friend
Second chance romance
An adorable toddler
Suspense
Highly emotional
Sadly it fell very short for me. It was long on blunders and too many scenes and transitions that didn’t match up. The ages of the main characters were a mystery until the end, with very little or almost no romance.
It ends with a cliffhanger for a supporting character, hoping the reader will immediately move on to the next book. I’m not that invested right now.
Did Not Finish
September 14, 2026DNF 32%
May 16, 2026
The most heart felt story I ever read…
This story was best I have read in a long time . The Characters were so real I felt I would have loved being their friend and neighbor.
This story was best I have read in a long time . The Characters were so real I felt I would have loved being their friend and neighbor.
July 5, 2026
Wow! There are authors who write fluff and you can tell that it didn’t really cost them much emotion or heart. Well, let me tell you, Hannah Sparks gives her heart, soul, pain and love to this book. Girl, I don’t know how you recover from being wrung out emotionally after pouring your all into your books. I’m sure there must be a glass of wine and some huge hugs from your people involved in the process. I am now going to happily devour the rest of your books, one by one. I’m sure I’ll cry and smile and laugh through all of them. Thank you for making the hours I spent reading this amazing story worth every word you wrote. It gave me all the feels 📕❤️
June 17, 2026
Oh look—hot firefighter on the cover. This is going to be spicy, fun, a little cheesy… right?
Nope. Absolutely not!! I found myself crying over and over again, it wrecked me.
This is not a romance, it’s a book about grief. Grief for the person you lost. Grief for the life you had before, and that guilt of still living after the loss.
We’re talking losing a brother, a best friend, a dad… just wave after wave of heartbreak.
Yes, there’s a brother’s best friend/forbidden vibe, but it’s such a small layer compared to everything else going on. Add in a little OW drama (no cheating), but honestly? Still not the focus.
And the spice? Barely there. More like closed door with a weird peek in, it just didn’t match the emotional weight of the story at all.
What did hit hard was the focus on firefighters, the toll of the job, PTSD, and the fight for change after tragedy. Knowing it’s inspired by the Charleston 9 makes it land even heavier.
Bottom line: Don’t pick this up expecting a spicy firefighter romance. Pick it up if you’re ready for something emotional, heavy, and honestly… heartbreaking.
Nope. Absolutely not!! I found myself crying over and over again, it wrecked me.
This is not a romance, it’s a book about grief. Grief for the person you lost. Grief for the life you had before, and that guilt of still living after the loss.
We’re talking losing a brother, a best friend, a dad… just wave after wave of heartbreak.
Yes, there’s a brother’s best friend/forbidden vibe, but it’s such a small layer compared to everything else going on. Add in a little OW drama (no cheating), but honestly? Still not the focus.
And the spice? Barely there. More like closed door with a weird peek in, it just didn’t match the emotional weight of the story at all.
What did hit hard was the focus on firefighters, the toll of the job, PTSD, and the fight for change after tragedy. Knowing it’s inspired by the Charleston 9 makes it land even heavier.
Bottom line: Don’t pick this up expecting a spicy firefighter romance. Pick it up if you’re ready for something emotional, heavy, and honestly… heartbreaking.
June 15, 2026
Slow mover. Lots of characters who flit about without much purpose; integral roles are played by superficial, off-camera characters. The firefighters are written with compassion, but it is a hard read knowing that the cavalier, idiotic, inept superiors will send the firemen to their deaths. It's nearly impossible for readers to wrap their heads around the story that relies on senseless incineration of humans as its main plot twist. Also, the time shifts (days, weeks, months, years, even decades) move faster than NASCAR. Characters' ages seem inconsistent, as well. This book isn't horrible, but it reads like a lame version of that TV show This is Us ... or whatever that time-shifting family/fire show was. I didn't feel the chemistry between FMC and MMC. Lots of characters are introduced to create a series, but the 18-year time jump makes this novel almost ridiculous. Okay as a palate cleanser, but don't go into it thinking that this is worthy mass-market fiction.
October 28, 2026
Sam and Jamie’s romance shines with in depth character development, heartbreaking emotional intensity, and a compelling storyline that kept me engrossed from start to finish as two adults pick up the pieces for a n orphan after tragedy strikes. The author has a refreshing storytelling voice that doesn’t rely on superfluous details and flowery romance but a deep emotional connection that gets right to the heart of the matter with a multilayered storyline that reflects the inherent danger of firefighting, one woman’s courage to take on the system that turns her brother’s sacrifice into a liability, and a beautiful message about turning a devastating loss into a positive message for the young child who is left behind. I liked the firefighting authenticity the author includes in the storyline that is inspired by a true firefighting tragedy that grabbed me by the heart and wouldn’t let go. I highly recommend this author’s heartfelt storytelling.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2026
Let me just say this book had everything you can imagine. The heartbreak, the true love, the freaking sacrifice that a lot of firefighters do to this day, it starts how she ends up losing her brother in a fire, while the best friend of his who she was. So madly, in love with when she was younger, it becomes a really good support system for her. And her brother's daughter Rosie, it was really, really emotional. You got all the emotions through the whole entire book. It made me tear up at the end. And how they accomplished so much just being themselves. I wish we had more people that would speak up like this. But the only thing I would say about this book I did not like was there wasn't really any spice, but other than that really good book. I haven't read an emotional book like this. In a while.
June 1, 2026
It’s a 2.5 for me.
I found it hard to really get into. It was bordering on boring a lot, and I skimmed some chapters because it was repetitive and slow.
I think the way the author wrote about the tragic fire of the nine was heartbreaking and respectful. Especially since it’s based on an event that took the lives of nine firefighters.
Not my cup of tea but I’m sure many will like the easiness of the story. It’s incredibly uncomplicated. Yes, there’s danger from fires and a little bit of suspense with not knowing who set fire to Jamie’s home. And some slight other woman drama. But it’s all pretty tame and as I said, slow. I won’t continue any books in the series or by this author.
I found it hard to really get into. It was bordering on boring a lot, and I skimmed some chapters because it was repetitive and slow.
I think the way the author wrote about the tragic fire of the nine was heartbreaking and respectful. Especially since it’s based on an event that took the lives of nine firefighters.
Not my cup of tea but I’m sure many will like the easiness of the story. It’s incredibly uncomplicated. Yes, there’s danger from fires and a little bit of suspense with not knowing who set fire to Jamie’s home. And some slight other woman drama. But it’s all pretty tame and as I said, slow. I won’t continue any books in the series or by this author.
July 12, 2026
This is the first book I have rea from this author. Even though I liked the story I was a bit disappointed in Sam. He saw so much that he didn't agree with and yet was to afraid to speak up about it.
Plus the whole situation with Jamie and Bryce was never really fully explained. I have an idea but not really sure because it was only referred to as him talking about their time together.
Also the relationship between Jamie and Sam just didn't seem real. Yes they were crushing on each other as kids but the minute she is back in town nothing is ever said and then the next thing you know they are in bed together.
Plus the whole situation with Jamie and Bryce was never really fully explained. I have an idea but not really sure because it was only referred to as him talking about their time together.
Also the relationship between Jamie and Sam just didn't seem real. Yes they were crushing on each other as kids but the minute she is back in town nothing is ever said and then the next thing you know they are in bed together.
July 2, 2026
More than just a story . . . a genuine message to share . . . never give up!!!!!*****
Easy to read? Nah, because there's so much here to carry away with you, to deal with over time, to measure against the past. Phenomenal characters facing all of life's heavy loads, wicked selfish people, old rules and lazy hearts. Change comes slowly after loads of pain and sacrifice, toll and fight to build new beginnings, and convincing yourself and others you are on the right path. Stay steady and leave this book finished with the story, but never forget!!!!!*****
Easy to read? Nah, because there's so much here to carry away with you, to deal with over time, to measure against the past. Phenomenal characters facing all of life's heavy loads, wicked selfish people, old rules and lazy hearts. Change comes slowly after loads of pain and sacrifice, toll and fight to build new beginnings, and convincing yourself and others you are on the right path. Stay steady and leave this book finished with the story, but never forget!!!!!*****
August 20, 2026
It’s a well written good book but that’s it. It’s just … good.
It’s a quick read. Easy read.
There is no spice!
The “dangerous” scenes seemed so rushed and fast!
There would be an issue or a problem the characters faced and then … “poof” it’s over and solved. Very fast!
It felt like it should be a Hallmark movie.
Especially since it’s based off a real event.
I will say it does sign quite a light on firefighters and how the system works and needed updating. That was interesting to give those of us who don’t know that world a bit of insight.
It’s a quick read. Easy read.
There is no spice!
The “dangerous” scenes seemed so rushed and fast!
There would be an issue or a problem the characters faced and then … “poof” it’s over and solved. Very fast!
It felt like it should be a Hallmark movie.
Especially since it’s based off a real event.
I will say it does sign quite a light on firefighters and how the system works and needed updating. That was interesting to give those of us who don’t know that world a bit of insight.
September 15, 2026
I found out about this book because of an Instagram ad, but man it was hard to get into. There were a lot of parts that were just plain boring. It’s a slower book, doesn’t actually have romance until halfway through and I felt like there was no real buildup for them or yearning. It was just, oh we liked each other when we were younger, both just broke up with our significant others, let’s date? Also, I love you.
The big fire at the end I feel was done really well and respected, but everything else about this book was just lacking.
The big fire at the end I feel was done really well and respected, but everything else about this book was just lacking.
June 23, 2026
Interesting enough story but poorly written.
This was a waste of an afternoon. There are too many plots that come together with such a tidy bow, that the landing is both insincere and unsatisfying. There are character gaps that should have been caught in editing. I found myself wondering throughout the book if it was written by AI. The arc could be compelling, but delivered poorly.
This was a waste of an afternoon. There are too many plots that come together with such a tidy bow, that the landing is both insincere and unsatisfying. There are character gaps that should have been caught in editing. I found myself wondering throughout the book if it was written by AI. The arc could be compelling, but delivered poorly.
July 14, 2026
Sam &Jamie
Heart breaking. I cried so hard. Rosie is adorable. Sam is Jamie's brothers best friend. He is all about her but he stepped back and let her leave once. When she comes back she is with someone else and so is he but he is unhappy in his relationship and is just rolling with the punched with his head down. Jamie is happy with her boyfriend but when the truth about him not wanting the same things as her comes out she can't bring herself to stay with him.
Heart breaking. I cried so hard. Rosie is adorable. Sam is Jamie's brothers best friend. He is all about her but he stepped back and let her leave once. When she comes back she is with someone else and so is he but he is unhappy in his relationship and is just rolling with the punched with his head down. Jamie is happy with her boyfriend but when the truth about him not wanting the same things as her comes out she can't bring herself to stay with him.
June 7, 2026
firefight memorial
What a great story. Had a lot of turns, not sure how I feel about the ending. There so much excitement throughout the story, I felt the ending was definitely missing something. That said I am still give this a 5 star. It was well written. I am entitled to my opinion with the ending, that said the end was still good
What a great story. Had a lot of turns, not sure how I feel about the ending. There so much excitement throughout the story, I felt the ending was definitely missing something. That said I am still give this a 5 star. It was well written. I am entitled to my opinion with the ending, that said the end was still good
July 11, 2026
💖💖
A awesome read but also heart wrenching from the perspective of what firefighters go through to save lives. Some never make it back home. Jamie and Sam love story was a given considering they always had feelings for each other. Ms. Sparks never has let me down in her writing or storytelling.
A awesome read but also heart wrenching from the perspective of what firefighters go through to save lives. Some never make it back home. Jamie and Sam love story was a given considering they always had feelings for each other. Ms. Sparks never has let me down in her writing or storytelling.
July 13, 2026
This is a new to me author…. And this one hurt BAD….. the struggles, the pain, the loss, the fighting for something worth fighting for, the healing, the love…. I cried so hard I had to stop reading more than once…. But I’m so glad I kept going … then to reach the end and see it was a memorial book to a tragedy made me cry again….
August 25, 2026
Omg, this book showed up in my facebook feed and I’m so glad I gave it a chance because this book was amazing! This is a closed door romance (not my usual go to) but I was so invested in this story and these characters that I didn’t mind. I absolutely adored Sam and Jamie. And Rosie stole the show. I can’t wait to read the next book. This was so amazing. A must read.
October 15, 2026
I like the MCs but I don’t feel like we got to see them emotionally connect like at all. How they explained jacks death to Rosie was a little ridiculous. That’s so confusing for a 4yo and they didn’t see a problem with that, especially when she kept bringing it up? Idk I feel like it was all very surface level, it didn’t do it for me. I can appreciate the idea of the plot tho
May 28, 2026
Excellent Book !!
This was a really good book. It had all the emotions you’d expect with a great storyline, characters were lovable which kept me turning the pages well into the night !! I look forward to reading the next one !!
This was a really good book. It had all the emotions you’d expect with a great storyline, characters were lovable which kept me turning the pages well into the night !! I look forward to reading the next one !!
June 7, 2026
I liked the story line. Easy to follow. If you prefer a lighter spice to your romance this is what you’re looking for. Good tension.
This book does focus heavy on the dangerous conditions for fire fighters.
This book does focus heavy on the dangerous conditions for fire fighters.
June 13, 2026
One of the best
Absolutely captured my attention and didn’t disappoint. Great characters. Plot was engaging with enough suspense to keep me guessing. Cried more than I want to admit. Loved it!!
Absolutely captured my attention and didn’t disappoint. Great characters. Plot was engaging with enough suspense to keep me guessing. Cried more than I want to admit. Loved it!!
June 17, 2026
Never Forget
This is a great book . I cried at the end of the book. This book will touch your heart of what they go through to save others in a line of duty as a firefighter. There laughter,love and heartache but things change. You won't be disappointed.
This is a great book . I cried at the end of the book. This book will touch your heart of what they go through to save others in a line of duty as a firefighter. There laughter,love and heartache but things change. You won't be disappointed.
July 5, 2026
get your tissues ready!
I cried reading this story but it was soo soo good. Saw it as a Facebook recommendation and glad I took the chance. Fantastic story about Sam and Jamie that you won’t regret!
I cried reading this story but it was soo soo good. Saw it as a Facebook recommendation and glad I took the chance. Fantastic story about Sam and Jamie that you won’t regret!
July 7, 2026
Crack….could’ve read this in one sitting! It reads like a memoir, Sam & Jamie reflecting on losing her brother/his best friend and trying to make reform within the fire department so another FF death doesn’t occur. Add in that someone clearly wants Jamie out of down and I was SAT.
September 6, 2026
6/10 - this book had me sobbing 2 chapters in. Like silently shaking the bed at midnight hoping I don’t wake my husband up.
But then it just slowed to a crawl and became very predictable. It was good. But I wasn’t blown away. Had the potential to at that beginning though.
But then it just slowed to a crawl and became very predictable. It was good. But I wasn’t blown away. Had the potential to at that beginning though.
September 16, 2026
Awesome book!
This one is real!! I live in a small town and this is often the reality!! This one pulled at my heart. Even made me cry a time or two. I enjoy a book that is so “real” that you feel you are part of the story! My first book by Hannah Sparks and now I’m hooked!
This one is real!! I live in a small town and this is often the reality!! This one pulled at my heart. Even made me cry a time or two. I enjoy a book that is so “real” that you feel you are part of the story! My first book by Hannah Sparks and now I’m hooked!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews