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Pine Creek Duet #1
All Because Of You
Falling for my brother’s best friend was never the plan.
Hayes Crawford was my teenage crush, but always off limits. Now he is a busy single father and business owner.
Hayes does everything for his friends and family, never expecting anything in return. He doesn’t have time to date, and no one has tempted him to give love a chance.
Until she comes back to town.
Lennon Sumner has barely been back to the small town she was raised in. Her arrival surprises her friends and family, but she knows this is where she needs to be to escape her old life. To her, there is nowhere like Pine Creek.
She wasn’t expecting the adult version of her crush, or his five-year-old daughter, to sneak into her heart. Or that Hayes was going to be her new boss.
Just when her life starts to go right, her past comes back for her, not wanting to let go.
She should have known she couldn’t have something as good as Hayes.
Hayes Crawford was my teenage crush, but always off limits. Now he is a busy single father and business owner.
Hayes does everything for his friends and family, never expecting anything in return. He doesn’t have time to date, and no one has tempted him to give love a chance.
Until she comes back to town.
Lennon Sumner has barely been back to the small town she was raised in. Her arrival surprises her friends and family, but she knows this is where she needs to be to escape her old life. To her, there is nowhere like Pine Creek.
She wasn’t expecting the adult version of her crush, or his five-year-old daughter, to sneak into her heart. Or that Hayes was going to be her new boss.
Just when her life starts to go right, her past comes back for her, not wanting to let go.
She should have known she couldn’t have something as good as Hayes.
- GenresSmall Town Romance
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 6, 2024
37 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
About the author
N. Thompson
7 books32 followersN. Thompson is a contemporary romance author living in the Midwest. She writes about small towns that have captured her heart since childhood.
If she isn't writing, she can be found with a book in her hand and her Italian Mastiff at her side. In her spare time, she likes to drag her husband to antique stores.
If she isn't writing, she can be found with a book in her hand and her Italian Mastiff at her side. In her spare time, she likes to drag her husband to antique stores.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 26, 2025
A Small-town romance that will pull at all of your Heart Strings
I loved everything about this cute little small-town romance. I read this whole book in one sitting, and it left me wanting more of the story when I was done. I will say that this book does have themes of DA so please check your trigger warnings before starting. This book follows our FMC, Lennon, who is in an abusive marriage and plans a way to escape at the very beginning of our story. Lennon runs away to her brother in her childhood hometown, with just a few suitcases, to start her life over. Needing a job to start fresh, Lennon's sister-in-law and childhood best friend, sets her up as a secretary for a local business. Little did Lennon know until she walked in for her interview, that the business owner and her potential boss, is none other than her child-hood crush Hayes. Hayes is not the boy she remembers. He is a man now, a business owner, and a single dad of a cute little girl.
What to Expect
❤️Small-town romance
❤️Brother's Best Friend
❤️Single-Dad
❤️Dual POV
This story is heavy on themes of DA, PTSD, forgiveness of one-self, love after trauma, and loving one-self. I absolutely adored all the characters in this book, especially Hayes daughter, who just captures your heart and holds it hostage. This story was both heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time, but I wouldn't have it any other way. A beautiful story that is a perfect mix of heartache, love, passion, and suspense. I can't wait to get my hands on the second book in this series. I want to read everything this author writes!
I loved everything about this cute little small-town romance. I read this whole book in one sitting, and it left me wanting more of the story when I was done. I will say that this book does have themes of DA so please check your trigger warnings before starting. This book follows our FMC, Lennon, who is in an abusive marriage and plans a way to escape at the very beginning of our story. Lennon runs away to her brother in her childhood hometown, with just a few suitcases, to start her life over. Needing a job to start fresh, Lennon's sister-in-law and childhood best friend, sets her up as a secretary for a local business. Little did Lennon know until she walked in for her interview, that the business owner and her potential boss, is none other than her child-hood crush Hayes. Hayes is not the boy she remembers. He is a man now, a business owner, and a single dad of a cute little girl.
What to Expect
❤️Small-town romance
❤️Brother's Best Friend
❤️Single-Dad
❤️Dual POV
This story is heavy on themes of DA, PTSD, forgiveness of one-self, love after trauma, and loving one-self. I absolutely adored all the characters in this book, especially Hayes daughter, who just captures your heart and holds it hostage. This story was both heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time, but I wouldn't have it any other way. A beautiful story that is a perfect mix of heartache, love, passion, and suspense. I can't wait to get my hands on the second book in this series. I want to read everything this author writes!
November 29, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.25/5)
Review:
All Because of You by N. Thompson is a heartfelt and captivating read that strikes a perfect balance between emotional depth and lighthearted moments.
Hayes Crawford is the epitome of a golden shepherd—a true “Daddy” figure who would move mountains for the people he loves. His protective, caring nature stole the show.
Lennon’s resilience and bravery are inspiring. Her story isn’t just her own; it’s a voice for others who’ve faced similar struggles, making her journey both powerful and relatable.
And Rosie? Oh, Rosie. She’s the sweetest little girl, an absolute gem who adds warmth and charm to every scene she graces.
The characters made this book incredibly easy to fall into. The pacing was spot-on, keeping the story moving without feeling rushed. The splashes of spice were perfectly timed and tastefully done—just enough to keep things exciting.
Knowing there’s another book in the series has me thrilled. Fingers crossed it’s Tessa’s turn to shine next!
Review:
All Because of You by N. Thompson is a heartfelt and captivating read that strikes a perfect balance between emotional depth and lighthearted moments.
Hayes Crawford is the epitome of a golden shepherd—a true “Daddy” figure who would move mountains for the people he loves. His protective, caring nature stole the show.
Lennon’s resilience and bravery are inspiring. Her story isn’t just her own; it’s a voice for others who’ve faced similar struggles, making her journey both powerful and relatable.
And Rosie? Oh, Rosie. She’s the sweetest little girl, an absolute gem who adds warmth and charm to every scene she graces.
The characters made this book incredibly easy to fall into. The pacing was spot-on, keeping the story moving without feeling rushed. The splashes of spice were perfectly timed and tastefully done—just enough to keep things exciting.
Knowing there’s another book in the series has me thrilled. Fingers crossed it’s Tessa’s turn to shine next!
April 4, 2025
This was such a quick and fast pace read. I finished in less than 24 hours. Lennon escapes her abusive ex and moves back to the town she grew up in. Staying with her brother and her best friend and close by to the people who
Mean the most to her. She runs into her high school crush Hayes and those feelings are still all there. She soon is swooning over him and his daughter. Hayes is a single dad who runs his own business. Who finally has his chance to confess his feelings to his best friend’s little sister. But Do they get a happy ever after or is the timing not right for them once again?
This book was a 3.5/4 star for me. I was fully wrapped in from the beginning and enjoyed the story a lot. The downfall I felt as if the relationship part of the story was rushed. There’s also a few parts where I wish more emotion and reaction was played out with Lennon the female character and her past coming back to her. But other than that I highly recommend this story. There is love, loss,spice, trauma, found family, true friendship, protective brother and a small town that sticks together that wraps this story up beautifully. *Safe Haven vibes*
Mean the most to her. She runs into her high school crush Hayes and those feelings are still all there. She soon is swooning over him and his daughter. Hayes is a single dad who runs his own business. Who finally has his chance to confess his feelings to his best friend’s little sister. But Do they get a happy ever after or is the timing not right for them once again?
This book was a 3.5/4 star for me. I was fully wrapped in from the beginning and enjoyed the story a lot. The downfall I felt as if the relationship part of the story was rushed. There’s also a few parts where I wish more emotion and reaction was played out with Lennon the female character and her past coming back to her. But other than that I highly recommend this story. There is love, loss,spice, trauma, found family, true friendship, protective brother and a small town that sticks together that wraps this story up beautifully. *Safe Haven vibes*
August 23, 2024
Some of my favorite tropes are in this book! Single dad ✔️ brothers best friend ✔️ hurt comfort ✔️protector ✔️
I loved that Lennon and Rosie’s relationship blossomed before Hayes and Lennon’s. It sets something so special in motion when the single dad falls for her because of not only who she is but how she is with his daughter.
Lennon was bold and brave through an undeniably hard situation. She deserved every bit of love Hayes gave her. 🩷
The side characters were gold. I want to be Shelby and Tess’s best friend. When they found out what happened her they were devastated they didn’t do anything to stop it.
There was also a fun element of suspense interwoven in the plot. And I loved that. Kept me on my toes.
A sweet debut 🫶
TW: domestic abuse
.
I loved that Lennon and Rosie’s relationship blossomed before Hayes and Lennon’s. It sets something so special in motion when the single dad falls for her because of not only who she is but how she is with his daughter.
Lennon was bold and brave through an undeniably hard situation. She deserved every bit of love Hayes gave her. 🩷
The side characters were gold. I want to be Shelby and Tess’s best friend. When they found out what happened her they were devastated they didn’t do anything to stop it.
There was also a fun element of suspense interwoven in the plot. And I loved that. Kept me on my toes.
A sweet debut 🫶
TW: domestic abuse
.
August 21, 2024
I have to say hands down this is one of favorite reads of 2024!! It had me swooning over the romance, but also on the edge of my seat for the drama. I’m obsessed with Hayes and Lennon and of course Rosie!
While I am typically not someone who likes a book with little spice this book surprised me. The plot and storyline were good I didn’t feel like I was ever begging for the book to get spicy. And the spice we did get was the perfect amount for the characters and their stories.
I hope/this is me begging that we can get bonus scenes for Lennon, Hayes and Rosie. And I want books for so many of the other characters we got introduced to. I don’t think there was a character I hated other than Conner… definitely hated him. So if you need a good small town romance this is it!
I will also say I love that warning about some of the triggers in the book… I really appreciate that the author took the time warn readers before starting the book!
All and all, I definitely will be recommending this book to all my friends and I think it could also be a great book for those looking to start their spicy romance journey! I can’t wait to read more from this author and more of this series! 🩵
While I am typically not someone who likes a book with little spice this book surprised me. The plot and storyline were good I didn’t feel like I was ever begging for the book to get spicy. And the spice we did get was the perfect amount for the characters and their stories.
I hope/this is me begging that we can get bonus scenes for Lennon, Hayes and Rosie. And I want books for so many of the other characters we got introduced to. I don’t think there was a character I hated other than Conner… definitely hated him. So if you need a good small town romance this is it!
I will also say I love that warning about some of the triggers in the book… I really appreciate that the author took the time warn readers before starting the book!
All and all, I definitely will be recommending this book to all my friends and I think it could also be a great book for those looking to start their spicy romance journey! I can’t wait to read more from this author and more of this series! 🩵
September 2, 2024
As the debut book from N. Thompson I am blown away at what a great author she is. I finished reading this and was sad it was over. She provides such great character development and you just fall in love with the characters so quickly. There is a trigger warning and the book starts with a domestic violence situation. However, that is over very quickly and you delve into the world of Pine Creek. All the comfort and love of a small town bring together Hayes and Lennon in a beautiful way. Rosie and Lennon have an immediate bond and we see their relationship blossom in the cutest ways. Shelby is the best friend any woman wants. The pacing of the book is fantastic and kept me reading to see what happened next. The hints of suspense were alluded to throughout the book keeping you on your toes until the end. It’s a wonderful romance that I will be reading more than once for sure. I can’t wait for the next release to see what happens with all my favorite characters in Pine Creek. Bravo to N. Thompson for knocking it out of the park with her first book. Can’t wait to read many more from her.
September 9, 2024
This book absolutely won my heart. If you want a book that perfectly displays small towns and how beautiful and community based they truly are - then this is the one for you (we all know small towns will never stop with the damn gossip though😩)
Lennox, Hayes, and Rosie (can’t forget you too max) are the perfect little family. They compliment each other so well.
This is such a heartbreaking story that will absolutely put you back together. So much healing and growth and strength and love.
There’s tons of action and anticipation and suspense that I promise you will never be bored with this story. Plus the sweet and smutty romance between Lennon and Hayes, the office scene y’all🤭
If you’re looking for a sweet but deep and serious romance with a single dad who also happens to be your brother’s best friend, I promise you won’t be disappointed.
As always y’all, check your trigger warning and protect your peace🫶🏻❣️
Lennox, Hayes, and Rosie (can’t forget you too max) are the perfect little family. They compliment each other so well.
This is such a heartbreaking story that will absolutely put you back together. So much healing and growth and strength and love.
There’s tons of action and anticipation and suspense that I promise you will never be bored with this story. Plus the sweet and smutty romance between Lennon and Hayes, the office scene y’all🤭
If you’re looking for a sweet but deep and serious romance with a single dad who also happens to be your brother’s best friend, I promise you won’t be disappointed.
As always y’all, check your trigger warning and protect your peace🫶🏻❣️
September 2, 2024
The debut book from N. Thompson hit it out of the park! The love story not only between Lennon and Hayes but Lennon and Rosie and the love between friends is everything!
Reading All Because of You, you would never guess this is a new author. You get everything in this book, heart ache, romance, passion, suspense.
The character development and side stories fill you will everything you need and more. You take a deep dive into a small town and the close knit community they are. You quickly grow to know the characters and dare I say love them. To have the love that Lennon and Hayes have is everything you dream about and the author is able to bring you in so quickly you forget you are reading a book!
A modern day romance that I could not put down, counting the days until her next release!
Reading All Because of You, you would never guess this is a new author. You get everything in this book, heart ache, romance, passion, suspense.
The character development and side stories fill you will everything you need and more. You take a deep dive into a small town and the close knit community they are. You quickly grow to know the characters and dare I say love them. To have the love that Lennon and Hayes have is everything you dream about and the author is able to bring you in so quickly you forget you are reading a book!
A modern day romance that I could not put down, counting the days until her next release!
February 17, 2025
All Because of You was beautiful! It had the perfect mix of love, cuteness, spice and suspense. The suspense had me hooked throughout the entire book! The pace of the story unfolding could not have been any more perfect! It flowed so well! I could not put this book down. The spice was so well placed within the story that it didn’t tear away from the plot at all!
Now let’s talk characters…so many dang good characters!
Hayes…the most swoon worthy book daddy. He was so protective of his girls and would stop at NOTHING to make sure they knew they were safe and loved! 🥵
Lennon…what a beautiful soul! Though she had been so broken down she still loved others so big and persevered. Her perseverance and strength pays off! I thoroughly enjoyed her character.
Rosie…captured my heart from her first appearance. She reminds me so much of my nieces. She has such a bright and cheerful spirit and added so much happy to the story even through the really dark times.
I will now forever read N. Thompson! Can’t wait to start Tessa!
Now let’s talk characters…so many dang good characters!
Hayes…the most swoon worthy book daddy. He was so protective of his girls and would stop at NOTHING to make sure they knew they were safe and loved! 🥵
Lennon…what a beautiful soul! Though she had been so broken down she still loved others so big and persevered. Her perseverance and strength pays off! I thoroughly enjoyed her character.
Rosie…captured my heart from her first appearance. She reminds me so much of my nieces. She has such a bright and cheerful spirit and added so much happy to the story even through the really dark times.
I will now forever read N. Thompson! Can’t wait to start Tessa!
September 9, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I just finished Pine Creek Duet by N. Thompson, and I absolutely loved it! This charming small-town romance beautifully captures the unexpected journey of falling for your brother’s best friend. The story had me hooked from the start!
Lennon returns to her hometown seeking a fresh start, and what she finds is both heartwarming and surprising. The chemistry between her and Hayes, along with his adorable daughter, is very well done. Their relationship unfolds in a way that feels real and relatable, which made me root for them every step of the way!
What really stood out to me was the sense of community in Pine Creek. It’s a beautiful reminder of how it truly takes a village, and the support lends so much warmth to the story. The characters are incredibly likable, and I found myself wanting to know more about their backstories as the story unfolded.
I felt all sorts of emotions reading this book! It had me on the edge of my seat anticipating the next move of the characters. As well as hope, happiness, a twinge of sadness, and the perfect amount of spice!
Overall, this book is wholesome and uplifting, the perfect escape I didn't know I needed! I'm eagerly anticipating the next book in the series because I can’t get enough of this sweet goodness. If you love small-town vibes and feel-good romances, you definitely need to check this one out! ❤️
I just finished Pine Creek Duet by N. Thompson, and I absolutely loved it! This charming small-town romance beautifully captures the unexpected journey of falling for your brother’s best friend. The story had me hooked from the start!
Lennon returns to her hometown seeking a fresh start, and what she finds is both heartwarming and surprising. The chemistry between her and Hayes, along with his adorable daughter, is very well done. Their relationship unfolds in a way that feels real and relatable, which made me root for them every step of the way!
What really stood out to me was the sense of community in Pine Creek. It’s a beautiful reminder of how it truly takes a village, and the support lends so much warmth to the story. The characters are incredibly likable, and I found myself wanting to know more about their backstories as the story unfolded.
I felt all sorts of emotions reading this book! It had me on the edge of my seat anticipating the next move of the characters. As well as hope, happiness, a twinge of sadness, and the perfect amount of spice!
Overall, this book is wholesome and uplifting, the perfect escape I didn't know I needed! I'm eagerly anticipating the next book in the series because I can’t get enough of this sweet goodness. If you love small-town vibes and feel-good romances, you definitely need to check this one out! ❤️
September 14, 2024
brother���s best friend
love after trauma
single dad
he falls first
dual pov
small town
Lennon finally gets the courage to run from her abusive boyfriend. She returns home and finds the love and support she needs in her brother’s best friend and his daughter.
I enjoyed this book. It was a sweet and steamy/light spice read. It shows that there is hope after a traumatic relationship. The perfect debut and it makes me look forward to the author’s next book. I’m really hoping we get Tessa’s story.
love after trauma
single dad
he falls first
dual pov
small town
Lennon finally gets the courage to run from her abusive boyfriend. She returns home and finds the love and support she needs in her brother’s best friend and his daughter.
I enjoyed this book. It was a sweet and steamy/light spice read. It shows that there is hope after a traumatic relationship. The perfect debut and it makes me look forward to the author’s next book. I’m really hoping we get Tessa’s story.
October 31, 2025
All Because Of You, my heart is happy!
I absolutely devoured this book and cannot wait to Start Tessa and Scotties book next!
I absolutely love N. Thompson’s writing style, I love the protective families and MMC’s that she writes. There’s heartbreak, broken people and fighters who become whole again. The love Lennon and Hayes have is the perfect example of how romance books should be!
I have read all her books in a day or two, I simply cannot put them down!
If you love romance, protective men and strong heroines, then N. Thompson’s books are for you!!!
I absolutely devoured this book and cannot wait to Start Tessa and Scotties book next!
I absolutely love N. Thompson’s writing style, I love the protective families and MMC’s that she writes. There’s heartbreak, broken people and fighters who become whole again. The love Lennon and Hayes have is the perfect example of how romance books should be!
I have read all her books in a day or two, I simply cannot put them down!
If you love romance, protective men and strong heroines, then N. Thompson’s books are for you!!!
March 14, 2025
I was sold at small town and brothers best friend. But wow, what Ana amazing story to start with. I cried, I laughed, I had butterfly’s. This was such a sweet story. I was so sad but so proud of Lennon. I hope someone who really needs this, sees this book and reads it. It can be that boost some need! Highly recommend!
June 5, 2025
For her first debut, this was amazing. 4.5 ⭐️! The very first page hooks you in. Abuse, suspense, small town romance, brothers best friend, single dad, over protective men. Just a bit of everything you need and it was amazing. I’m so excited to read the next one.
September 28, 2024
This was a good small town romance. Great debut! Looking forward to reading more from this author.
I received an arc and this review is my own.
I received an arc and this review is my own.
November 12, 2024
¡ LITERALLY ADORE HOW OUR FEMALE MAIN LEAD AND THE CHILD JUST FALL IN LOVE WITH EACH OTHER SO QUICK. i gave this book 3 stars seeing as i didn't fully like the writing but enjoyed the story and thought it could've had more however its such a good book.
November 7, 2025
The story was interesting and I loved how the friend group and her brother surrounded Lennon in her time of need. I liked the chemistry between Lennon and Hayes. I have to admit some of the dialogue was stilted which took me out of the story. Still I enjoyed it and will keep reading this author. (The Bluff brothers is amazing!) I didn’t know this was her debut book so I read other titles first
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews