The Persistence of Thornes by Micalea Smeltzer

Hawthorne Mills is supposed to be my chance to start over with my brothers. Becoming their guardian wasn't the plan, but I'll do anything it takes to keep them from being put in the system. Even if it means raising two teenage boys when I'm only twenty-three.

There's one thing I don't expect.

 Caleb Thorne.

He's literally descended from the founding family of the town and practically royalty here.

And also my new neighbor.

Which makes him privy to every screw up I make trying to navigate being a parental figure to my younger brothers.

It should be easy enough for me to avoid him but he's annoyingly persistent in wanting to help me. I call it pity even if he insists it's not.

The worst part is there's undeniable chemistry between us and the more time we spend together the harder it becomes to resist.

But nothing good in my life has ever lasted so I fully expect Caleb to be another of those temporary things.

Especially when my past demons finally catch up with me.

Meena’s Reading Vibe: 🌸 Best read on a quiet afternoon, curled up by a window where the sunlight filters through lace curtains. A steaming mug of tea in hand, soft instrumental music or rain sounds playing, and a journal nearby for when the emotions hit too deep. Perfect for readers who love small-town charm, found family, and tender romance wrapped in resilience and healing.