April 10 is National Siblings Day, and if you’re anything like me, it’s probably an excuse to send your brother a text that says “happy siblings day” and then not hear from him until Christmas. (The one I have is perfect, thank you very much.)

But here’s what got me thinking: readers absolutely eat up a good band-of-brothers romance. There’s something irresistible about the protective older brother, the black sheep who finally gets redeemed, the found-family dynamic where loyalty runs deeper than blood. Why is that?

Maybe it’s because sibling relationships are complicated in ways we all recognize. There’s rivalry and unwavering support living in the same space. There’s knowing someone’s worst moments and loving them anyway. There’s the person who’ll argue with you about everything but wrecks anyone who messes with you. That’s powerful stuff for a story.

Protective older brothers are a romance staple for a reason. Readers want to watch these guarded, careful men finally let their walls down for the right person. They want to see the guy who’s been taking care of everyone else finally get taken care of. And there’s something deeply satisfying about a love story where the hero not only wins his girl but gets to keep his bond with his brothers intact.

The black sheep brother hits differently too. He’s the one who screwed up, who doesn’t fit the family mold, who’s been written off or is convinced he deserves to be. Watching him come home, make amends, and find love because someone sees past his mistakes? That’s a redemption arc that gets me every time.

If you’re craving that band-of-brothers energy, Cross Creek has everything you want. The Hart brothers will steal your heart in the best way. Start with Broken Hart if you want a second-chance romance with real depth, or jump in anywhere because each book stands on its own. Find it here.

Happy Siblings Day. Go text your brother.