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marinajonesreads's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
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
4.0
This was a nice read. She worked with sensitivity readers and it landed well. The dedication is what drew me in (something like “For anyone who thought Jess was Rory’s best boyfriend.”) and I’m glad I tried it. The characters were lovable, the scenario felt real, and I just love a read where the communication isn’t just awful. They were actually pretty open considering the situation. Would indeed recommend for a quick, lovely book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Bullying, Gaslighting, and Cursing
Moderate: Death of parent, Addiction, Abandonment, Alcohol, Alcoholism, and Chronic illness
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders
cc_shelflove's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
While it is not categorized as YA, I would recommend this book to someone much younger than me. The characters and overall plot were great, but it felt extremely underdeveloped at times. Next of Kin is a roommate to lovers romance. If Chloe and Warren want to be legal guardians for their respective young siblings, they must live together through CPS’s TeamUp program. I enjoyed the disability representation in this book—Chloe’s sister was born with fetal alcohol syndrome and Warren’s brother is deaf—but every time Warren called Chloe ‘dove’ I wanted to vomit. I would still recommend this book to a friend; I think I just expected too much. My overall thoughts summed up: not a lot of substance, but cute-ish.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Abandonment, Death of parent, Panic attacks/disorders, and Drug use
Moderate: Ableism
Minor: Sexual content
andreaareadsbooks's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
FRIENDS. Hannah Bonam-Young does not disappoint. ever.
Any story of hers, I will read always. Every main character she writes? I am a fan.
She writes stories that are geared and level with the likes of Emily Henry - if this doesn't catch your attention -- Her MMCs are swoon worthy to the highest degree.
This book was so incredibly unique - specifically because it dealt with an intricate and difficult topic (that not everyone can relate to but SHOULD be aware of its implications) and includes a cast of main /supporting characters that are fighting various battles of their own (but also together).
The amount of support that pours out of HBY's novels is actually astounding and it reminds you just how much you DESERVE to have others support you/to support others around you!!
We get a found family is the most wholesome of ways, we have amazing supporting characters who make the novel feel whole and complete, we have WARREN - who has a mouth that will make you BLUSH (not kidding) - we have CHLOE who makes space for others and learns to make space for herself - and we just overall have a story that is just chefs kiss perfect.
Honestly I wish it were longer because i love chloe and warren.
Additionally, what I LOVE about HBY is that her stories are so full circle, nothing feels disconnected - and you dont get silly third act breakups AKA GREEN FLAG <3
Fave quotes so you can fall in love :)
Any story of hers, I will read always. Every main character she writes? I am a fan.
She writes stories that are geared and level with the likes of Emily Henry - if this doesn't catch your attention -- Her MMCs are swoon worthy to the highest degree.
This book was so incredibly unique - specifically because it dealt with an intricate and difficult topic (that not everyone can relate to but SHOULD be aware of its implications) and includes a cast of main /supporting characters that are fighting various battles of their own (but also together).
The amount of support that pours out of HBY's novels is actually astounding and it reminds you just how much you DESERVE to have others support you/to support others around you!!
We get a found family is the most wholesome of ways, we have amazing supporting characters who make the novel feel whole and complete, we have WARREN - who has a mouth that will make you BLUSH (not kidding) - we have CHLOE who makes space for others and learns to make space for herself - and we just overall have a story that is just chefs kiss perfect.
Honestly I wish it were longer because i love chloe and warren.
Additionally, what I LOVE about HBY is that her stories are so full circle, nothing feels disconnected - and you dont get silly third act breakups AKA GREEN FLAG <3
Fave quotes so you can fall in love :)
"Show me the messy parts, OK? God knows, I’ve shown you mine."
"I could resist, try to swim out I may have referred to you as a whirlpool… as cheesy as that may be. I could resist, try to swim out, try to avoid it – but it would be easier to float. And, for the first time, I’m not scared to."
“Warren and Luke held space for my fears, my hurt, and my worries. Not once did I feel like I needed to hold back, diminish, or hide. I had never felt that way before.”
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent, Abandonment, Panic attacks/disorders, Drug abuse, Ableism, and Addiction
tetrootz's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug use, Sexual content, Pregnancy, Panic attacks/disorders, Mental illness, Medical trauma, Cursing, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, and Alcohol
breathehopebooks's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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? No
4.0
Very cool rep across the board: deafness, foster care, adoption, fetal alcohol syndrome. Despite the story occuring over the course of a single year, the romantic relationship seemed to develop really fast, but i understand how major life changes—such as raising an infant—can bring people together. I also found Warren’s sweet talking a little weird, but that might just be me.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug use, Addiction, Medical content, Drug abuse, and Medical trauma
Minor: Alcoholism, Panic attacks/disorders, Abandonment, Pregnancy, Alcohol, Child abuse, and Death of parent
sdupont's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I can’t believe I waited this long to read this book! The hype is accurate, you need to this read this one. Hannah’s writing is so cozy and sweet, like being wrapped in a hug. I loved Chloe and Warren. Once they get past their initial discomfort they quickly become very supportive of each other. Despite his grumpy start, Warren really is a sappy sucker. While their romance does swing to the instalove side the found family vibes make it more believable (and tolerable). Honorable mention to Luke. I think having a teen in the home helped drive the story in some ways. Fans of Chloe Liese will enjoy this book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Abandonment, and Drug abuse
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders and Death of parent
amanda_reads13's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Chloe’s life takes an unexpected turn when she tries to get custody of her newborn sister. In order to gain custody, she has to team up with another young foster parent, Warren, who has fought to gain custody of his teen brother.
This was a sweet and cute contemporary romance. This book deals with some very serious topics (foster care, anger issues, adoption, abandonment, and neglect), but it doesn't feel heavy. I think each topic was tackled with respect and understanding.
I really loved the progression of each of these characters and their relationship. Both had a similar beginning, but Chloe was adopted, whereas Warren ended up in the system. Though they both see pretty content to keep distance between them, but the trauma of their past and the reality of their current situation draws them together. They very quickly form an emotional bond as they begin to lean on and depend on each other. As that emotional bond and trust grows, it turns into deep feelings for one another.
I really liked them together. Some parts of the book were pretty cheesy (that song...), but they balanced and complimented each other well. I loved how quickly and deeply they formed a bond with each other's siblings and were always there to fight for and support them.
I liked that they discussed that Warren was dealing with his anger issues, but I wish more time had been spent on addressing it after his blow up. It seemed to be just brushed under the rug.
Tropes: forced proximity, found family, sibling guardianship, slow burn, grumpy/sunshine
This was a sweet and cute contemporary romance. This book deals with some very serious topics (foster care, anger issues, adoption, abandonment, and neglect), but it doesn't feel heavy. I think each topic was tackled with respect and understanding.
I really loved the progression of each of these characters and their relationship. Both had a similar beginning, but Chloe was adopted, whereas Warren ended up in the system. Though they both see pretty content to keep distance between them, but the trauma of their past and the reality of their current situation draws them together. They very quickly form an emotional bond as they begin to lean on and depend on each other. As that emotional bond and trust grows, it turns into deep feelings for one another.
I really liked them together. Some parts of the book were pretty cheesy (that song...), but they balanced and complimented each other well. I loved how quickly and deeply they formed a bond with each other's siblings and were always there to fight for and support them.
I liked that they discussed that Warren was dealing with his anger issues, but I wish more time had been spent on addressing it after his blow up. It seemed to be just brushed under the rug.
Tropes: forced proximity, found family, sibling guardianship, slow burn, grumpy/sunshine
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Addiction, Grief, Panic attacks/disorders, Abandonment, Emotional abuse, and Sexual content
Moderate: Death of parent
themargherita_s's review against another edition
5.0
<spoilerThis story is fast paced (by the 55% mark they were already together), but I think the author did such good job with the execution that it’s barely noticeable and didn’t really bother me. It did, however, stress me the hell out because that meant there was still 50% of the book where things could have gone completely wrong (which stressed me out till the very end because everything is calm until like the last chapter before the epilogue).
I really loved both Chloe and Warren, but my actual favorite character was Luke. The kid was amazing.
Anyway, all together they make a very cute family.
One thing I did not like: we have the main character mentioning a Harry Potter movie marathon on page. I know this series has been picked up by a publisher, so I checked in the with author and she said they should be able to change it in the republished version.
Content Warnings: foster care and adoption, addiction (parent), dugs, alcohol, removal from parent due to substance abuse and neglect, death of a parent by overdose, anger management issues, strained parent-child relationships, anxiety and panic attacks, ableism.
Representation: former foster kid female mc who becomes a guardian for her newborn sister, baby sister with fetal alcohol syndrome, former foster kid male mc who is the guardian for his little brother, deaf little brother. The brother and the MCs all communicate with ASL.
I really loved both Chloe and Warren, but my actual favorite character was Luke. The kid was amazing.
Anyway, all together they make a very cute family.
One thing I did not like: we have the main character mentioning a Harry Potter movie marathon on page. I know this series has been picked up by a publisher, so I checked in the with author and she said they should be able to change it in the republished version.
Content Warnings: foster care and adoption, addiction (parent), dugs, alcohol, removal from parent due to substance abuse and neglect, death of a parent by overdose, anger management issues, strained parent-child relationships, anxiety and panic attacks, ableism.
Representation: former foster kid female mc who becomes a guardian for her newborn sister, baby sister with fetal alcohol syndrome, former foster kid male mc who is the guardian for his little brother, deaf little brother. The brother and the MCs all communicate with ASL.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Alcohol, Death of parent, Drug use, and Panic attacks/disorders
samone2's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Drug abuse and Panic attacks/disorders
casually_literate's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
5.0
This was such a good book! The characters and story feel natural and the emotional beats don't feel forced. Often times traumatic or complicated backstories can feel contrived, but the author does a great job conveying the facts in an honest way that allows the depth of emotions to gradually be revealed through her storytelling.
It's such a heartwarming story about healing and finding your place in the world. I stayed up all night reading it even when it had me sobbing at 3am.
It's such a heartwarming story about healing and finding your place in the world. I stayed up all night reading it even when it had me sobbing at 3am.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Addiction, Emotional abuse, Abandonment, Panic attacks/disorders, and Grief
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, Alcoholism, Death of parent, Drug abuse, Toxic relationship, Addiction, Emotional abuse, and Violence