Next of Kin: A Novel

About this book

Chloe is a dedicated people-pleaser who never hesitates to step up, so when she discovers her birth mother has unexpectedly had another baby, she immediately fights for custody. However, when she fails the financial requirements set by Child Protective Services, she is forced into an unconventional solution: a co-living initiative designed to help prospective guardians prove they can provide a stable home. Her partner in this arrangement is Warren, a surly, guarded mechanic’s apprentice who is struggling to secure custody of his deaf fifteen-year-old brother. From their very first meeting, the two clash—Warren’s abrasive energy is the complete opposite of Chloe’s carefully curated life. Despite their immediate friction, they agree to move in together to ensure their siblings have a safe, permanent future. As they navigate the chaotic realities of newborn care and teenage life, the "enemies to lovers" tension between them begins to shift. Chloe discovers a softer, vulnerable side to Warren that she never expected, and their forced proximity reveals that they are far more alike than they initially realized. As their mutual attraction intensifies, Chloe and Warren must decide if the chemistry building between them is worth jeopardizing the delicate stability they have worked so hard to build.