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4.15 AVERAGE
4.15 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
“Never could I have imagined falling like this, but it’s like my soul recognized hers from the moment I laid eyes on her. I knew—I fucking knew right then and there—that this girl would be everything I’ve been searching for, for so long.”
Overall Rating: 5/5 ⭐️
Spice Rating: 2/5🌶️
Once a Micalea girlie, always a Micalea girlie!
I knew I’d love this book from the moment it was announced that it was being written and we were given its release date. It’s been a while since I’ve reconnected with this world and I’m like a giddy child having this book in my hands and visiting these characters like old friends.
“You’re doing the best you can with what you have. You’re a fighter. It’s how we persist through the hard shit that defines who we are and from where I’m sitting, you’re pretty fucking tough.”
This book felt a bit different from the Wildflowers duet — not in a bad way, and it’s also been a while since I’ve visited these characters and this universe as I’ve said before. It’s a refreshing take on this sort of trying to find yourself, build yourself a life in a small town, and gain love and friendships with new people.
Coming from the Wildflower duet, I didn’t hold much thought for Caleb as a character and didn’t think he’d be that important or interesting but Micalea has proved me WAY WRONG time and time again as I read The Persistence of Thorns and I think I’m in love with Caleb now. That man is everything, and nothing if not down bad for his girl, the most amazing man for his family, and the consent king of all kings (and then being (consensually) the complete opposite behind closed doors??? every girl's dream man if you ask me).
Caleb & Halle’s is a new favorite of mine, without a doubt. I was anticipating some sort of forbidden, sneaking around type thing between Caleb and Halle but the fact that it was the actual opposite and these characters took their time getting to know one another, going from neighbors to friends, to lovers, just hit a sensitive part of me that has me both squealing, crying and holding all the utmost love for Micalea’s writing and for these characters themselves.
It felt so special and even a little nostalgic to see Thayer, Salem and their little family again! And getting to see these characters I know and love so much and their intertwined lives with these new characters was another level of special for me. When I have the mental capacity (ifykyk), i will be reading the wildflowers duet, the novella and this novel all over again and just taking the time to appreciate this series and live it all over again like I did the first time. Thank you, Micalea, for writing such a special and touching series & writing the most beautiful characters.
What to expect in The Persistent of Thorns:
🪻 single dad x single guardian
🪻 small town
🪻 next door neighbors
🪻 forced proximity
🪻 golden retriever x black cat
🪻 age gap
🪻 banter of all banter
Thank you to Micalea, her team & the ever lovely Valentine PR for allowing me to be an arc reader for this release & providing me with an advanced reader copy of The Persistence of Thorns in exchange for an honest review! I received an ARC copy of The Persistence of Thorns and all thoughts & comments on this review are my own!
The Persistence of Thorns released April 23rd, 2025 and everyone needs to go read it asap! 🪻
Overall Rating: 5/5 ⭐️
Spice Rating: 2/5🌶️
Once a Micalea girlie, always a Micalea girlie!
I knew I’d love this book from the moment it was announced that it was being written and we were given its release date. It’s been a while since I’ve reconnected with this world and I’m like a giddy child having this book in my hands and visiting these characters like old friends.
“You’re doing the best you can with what you have. You’re a fighter. It’s how we persist through the hard shit that defines who we are and from where I’m sitting, you’re pretty fucking tough.”
This book felt a bit different from the Wildflowers duet — not in a bad way, and it’s also been a while since I’ve visited these characters and this universe as I’ve said before. It’s a refreshing take on this sort of trying to find yourself, build yourself a life in a small town, and gain love and friendships with new people.
Coming from the Wildflower duet, I didn’t hold much thought for Caleb as a character and didn’t think he’d be that important or interesting but Micalea has proved me WAY WRONG time and time again as I read The Persistence of Thorns and I think I’m in love with Caleb now. That man is everything, and nothing if not down bad for his girl, the most amazing man for his family, and the consent king of all kings (and then being (consensually) the complete opposite behind closed doors??? every girl's dream man if you ask me).
Caleb & Halle’s is a new favorite of mine, without a doubt. I was anticipating some sort of forbidden, sneaking around type thing between Caleb and Halle but the fact that it was the actual opposite and these characters took their time getting to know one another, going from neighbors to friends, to lovers, just hit a sensitive part of me that has me both squealing, crying and holding all the utmost love for Micalea’s writing and for these characters themselves.
It felt so special and even a little nostalgic to see Thayer, Salem and their little family again! And getting to see these characters I know and love so much and their intertwined lives with these new characters was another level of special for me. When I have the mental capacity (ifykyk), i will be reading the wildflowers duet, the novella and this novel all over again and just taking the time to appreciate this series and live it all over again like I did the first time. Thank you, Micalea, for writing such a special and touching series & writing the most beautiful characters.
What to expect in The Persistent of Thorns:
🪻 single dad x single guardian
🪻 small town
🪻 next door neighbors
🪻 forced proximity
🪻 golden retriever x black cat
🪻 age gap
🪻 banter of all banter
Thank you to Micalea, her team & the ever lovely Valentine PR for allowing me to be an arc reader for this release & providing me with an advanced reader copy of The Persistence of Thorns in exchange for an honest review! I received an ARC copy of The Persistence of Thorns and all thoughts & comments on this review are my own!
The Persistence of Thorns released April 23rd, 2025 and everyone needs to go read it asap! 🪻
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
🏠⚖️💧🧁
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence
Moderate: Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Vomit
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
This one was a rollercoaster ride as it was one with ups and downs but I was also trying to figure out how the story was going to go as both characters were trying to find their way ahead. But also both characters had something about them that made you root for them. I liked the chemistry between Caleb & Halle but there were definitely relatable things in the story. It was a good enjoyable read.
Halle moves to a new town with her two brothers but everything still feels out of sorts although she hopes for a hopeful new beginning. Living in a small town isn't something she's used to but she tries to give her brothers all that they need and hopefully have some stability. When she first meets her neighbour Caleb, she's taken aback with his kindness as she's not used to it but there's something about him that draws her to him. While she tries to find another job, she struggles to move forward from what they've all been through but Caleb is there to help her out and give her a chance. As their relationship slowly changes and their bond continues to grow, there'll be some things they'll need to deal with. Will it all be okay in the end?...
Halle moves to a new town with her two brothers but everything still feels out of sorts although she hopes for a hopeful new beginning. Living in a small town isn't something she's used to but she tries to give her brothers all that they need and hopefully have some stability. When she first meets her neighbour Caleb, she's taken aback with his kindness as she's not used to it but there's something about him that draws her to him. While she tries to find another job, she struggles to move forward from what they've all been through but Caleb is there to help her out and give her a chance. As their relationship slowly changes and their bond continues to grow, there'll be some things they'll need to deal with. Will it all be okay in the end?...
I was so excited for Caleb to get his own book. I was so sad for him and how things played out in Salem’s books and how everything transpired between them. Granted I LOVED Thayer and Salem. But I couldn’t wait to see what his story held.
Halle has had a rough go with life, especially now with being guardian of her twin younger brothers. Enter family law lawyer Caleb. Who knows all too well the position she’s in and can’t wait to put her in to a few positions of his own *cough cough* I mean… he has such a strong desire to help her any way he can.
The great thing about Caleb Thorne was he was so very carefully… persistent. Cue where the title comes in.
He knows Halle is skittish and scared, and he does everything to show her he is genuine in his feelings for her.
The dynamic between the twins and Cynthia and Thelma was perfect. I also loved their interactions with Seda… especially in the epilogue.
I feel like this book had big shoes to fill, because of Salem and Thayer’s story. As much as I liked this one, it still couldn’t touch Wildflowers for me. Hence the reason it got 4⭐️ from me. Wildflowers just holds such an important space in my heart and is so nostalgic for me.
But I am for sure over here side-eyeing Laith. Micalea, Please give us his story!! I just KNOW he’ll give Thayer a run for his money and I have a feeling I’ll love him.
Thank you for the privilege to read and review this ARC! I loved getting to go back and reenter Hawthorne Mills!
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
One thing to expect from Miceala Smeltzer? Layers. This book has layers in spades! This book is in a series of standalone novels. The book takes place in Hawthorne Mills. The characters are all interconnected though. Some of the characters are the nosy lesbian lovers who live in sin (who are really the best), Thayer, Laith, Salem, and children.
Halle, 23, just moved to this town with her twin 14 year old brothers. Halle is used to adversity and struggle, and is embarrassed for anyone to help her. However, Hawthorne Mills' residents are friendly and accommodating, much to Halle's horror. Halle also is struggling to find the balance between raising her brothers, being poor, and being a sister instead of a parent. Halle doesn't want her brothers to have the burden she did and still does. Halle meets her next door neighbor, Caleb a lawyer, who is 29 years old. Caleb is a busy professional and divorced father who really has it in his heart to help Halle.
Honestly, I forgot Caleb's character was in other books. I also made the assumption Caleb was dating someone else. Caleb is so terribly pleasant that it's easy to overlook his character. Caleb is absolutely a people pleaser that wants zero conflict with others. Caleb and Halle are alike in that regard.
I do agree and hope that Caleb is Halle's guardian angel. Caleb couldn't deserve a HEA more! I also am fairly certain their hearts secretly break for each other. Caleb is clearly lonely and missing having a completed family. Halle is overwhelmed, exhausted, and has very little hope of taking anything off her too full plate. I loved the title because Caleb is persistent despite all the thorns that come their way. Halle herself could even be seen as a thorn at many points. I was not expecting the twist that comes at the end concerning Halle's past. It was 0% what I envisioned, and I did imagine the possibilities. I can definitely see a future version of these novels with Hallie's twin brothers and Caleb and Salem's daughter, Veda. Boy, is Veda smitten with Casen and Quinn. I'm very looking forward also, to see if Leith will get a HEA?
In closing, I'm struck with what a softhearted and great man Caleb was. Secondly, that Halle really needed Caleb and his friends or she probably would've done everything by herself for the rest of her life (like she always had done). I don’t think I've ever read a nicer character than Caleb! Caleb was always ok with playing second fiddle in love, to see his loved ones get love first! Two never true statements from this book? You can't help who you fall in love with. What ifs are the thieves of joy.
Thank you to Valentine PR and Miceala Smeltzer for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Halle, 23, just moved to this town with her twin 14 year old brothers. Halle is used to adversity and struggle, and is embarrassed for anyone to help her. However, Hawthorne Mills' residents are friendly and accommodating, much to Halle's horror. Halle also is struggling to find the balance between raising her brothers, being poor, and being a sister instead of a parent. Halle doesn't want her brothers to have the burden she did and still does. Halle meets her next door neighbor, Caleb a lawyer, who is 29 years old. Caleb is a busy professional and divorced father who really has it in his heart to help Halle.
Honestly, I forgot Caleb's character was in other books. I also made the assumption Caleb was dating someone else. Caleb is so terribly pleasant that it's easy to overlook his character. Caleb is absolutely a people pleaser that wants zero conflict with others. Caleb and Halle are alike in that regard.
I do agree and hope that Caleb is Halle's guardian angel. Caleb couldn't deserve a HEA more! I also am fairly certain their hearts secretly break for each other. Caleb is clearly lonely and missing having a completed family. Halle is overwhelmed, exhausted, and has very little hope of taking anything off her too full plate. I loved the title because Caleb is persistent despite all the thorns that come their way. Halle herself could even be seen as a thorn at many points. I was not expecting the twist that comes at the end concerning Halle's past. It was 0% what I envisioned, and I did imagine the possibilities. I can definitely see a future version of these novels with Hallie's twin brothers and Caleb and Salem's daughter, Veda. Boy, is Veda smitten with Casen and Quinn. I'm very looking forward also, to see if Leith will get a HEA?
In closing, I'm struck with what a softhearted and great man Caleb was. Secondly, that Halle really needed Caleb and his friends or she probably would've done everything by herself for the rest of her life (like she always had done). I don’t think I've ever read a nicer character than Caleb! Caleb was always ok with playing second fiddle in love, to see his loved ones get love first! Two never true statements from this book? You can't help who you fall in love with. What ifs are the thieves of joy.
Thank you to Valentine PR and Miceala Smeltzer for the opportunity to read this ARC.
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Caleb and Halle's love story was nothing short of amazing. I always liked Caleb in the last two books and The Persistence of Thorns has confirmed and proven why he's my absolute favorite MMC.
If youve read the last two books in this series you'll know he was such a loving and caring person. He deserved his chance at love and Halle was the perfect match.
Halle needed someone to show her what love really is. Someone to put her first for a change. She went through so much and I understood her. As somone who put people needs first it is hard to accept a helping hand or even trust someone to depend on. I felt for her and loved she finally got her happy ending.
If youve read the last two books in this series you'll know he was such a loving and caring person. He deserved his chance at love and Halle was the perfect match.
Halle needed someone to show her what love really is. Someone to put her first for a change. She went through so much and I understood her. As somone who put people needs first it is hard to accept a helping hand or even trust someone to depend on. I felt for her and loved she finally got her happy ending.