Sometimes you pick up an author and know they’re going to be a favorite. That’s exactly how I feel about Hannah Bonam-Young. Her books have always worked for me.
Obviously, I was ecstatic when Berkley sent me an ARC of People Watching which is her latest release. Not only does it come out in September but it feels like Bonam-Young’s second fall release after Out of the Woods.
As someone who has read her entire backlist, it does feel like she’s writing certain books with the seasons in mind. She wrote a few winter books, a few summer and spring titles before finally moving on to fall. Maybe that’s just my theory, but it does make sense.
Regardless, I’d like to thank Berkley for sending me an ARC so I was able to read this one early and share my thoughts.
For those who are familiar with Hannah Bonam-Young’s works, her books tend to have an incredible romance yet feature characters dealing with heavier topics outside of that. That’s exactly how it is in People Watching which is why I adored this book.
People Watching follows Milo, who is a nomad but is contacted by his brother to come help out his new brewery. Once there, he meets Prudence who is his charmingly sexy girl-next-door. From the very first time we see these two interact, it’s clear the chemistry is there but that’s just one piece of the puzzle.
Prudence is caring for her mother who has early-onset Alzheimer’s and has no plans of leaving her small town of Baysville. Once Milo enters the picture, things really start to shift for Prudence especially as she’s looking to lose her virginity, too. Milo also has his fair share of childhood trauma to work through and a bond with his siblings that needs some TLC. As you can see, these two have a lot going on.
Despite that, the romance between them blossoms so naturally. Seeing these two people deal with some complex issues and becoming stronger together is so beautiful. Coupled with Bonam-Young’s gorgeous writing, this book feels like pulling that old cardigan from under your bed. It’s warm, cozy and the exact thing you’ve been waiting for.
The Tasty Screen 
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