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3.99 AVERAGE
3.99 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Prudence Welch is an inexperienced young woman who lives in a small town, works in her father’s store, and helps take care of her mother. She’s an introvert, doesn’t really have friends, and finds solace in her poetry.
Milo Kablukov is an extrovert, very experienced, fun loving young man who does not do commitment, who temporarily moves to Prue’s town to help his older brother open a brewery.
Milo and Prue meet; Milo flirts, Prue is initially unimpressed, and then these two strangers agree to sex lessons - strictly physical and with zero expectations, of course. It was a bit more nuanced than that, but the man who freaked out at just the hint of feelings soon finds himself in love.
There were several sweet elements of the story that I very much enjoyed; how patient and kind Milo was about Prue’s feelings, the open conversations about childhood trauma and family dynamics. There were other elements with which I struggled; the insta-lust/love, the third-act conflict which in this case seemed weak, and what, in my opinion, felt like a lack of character development.
People Watching was very different to previous Hannah Bonam-Young books and that is not necessarily a bad thing. However, it simply didn’t connect with me as much as her previous work.
Milo Kablukov is an extrovert, very experienced, fun loving young man who does not do commitment, who temporarily moves to Prue’s town to help his older brother open a brewery.
Milo and Prue meet; Milo flirts, Prue is initially unimpressed, and then these two strangers agree to sex lessons - strictly physical and with zero expectations, of course. It was a bit more nuanced than that, but the man who freaked out at just the hint of feelings soon finds himself in love.
There were several sweet elements of the story that I very much enjoyed; how patient and kind Milo was about Prue’s feelings, the open conversations about childhood trauma and family dynamics. There were other elements with which I struggled; the insta-lust/love, the third-act conflict which in this case seemed weak, and what, in my opinion, felt like a lack of character development.
People Watching was very different to previous Hannah Bonam-Young books and that is not necessarily a bad thing. However, it simply didn’t connect with me as much as her previous work.
fast-paced
I found this to be an enjoyable read. I liked the relationships between Milo and his family but I don’t think we saw as much as we could have. It did feel like a quick read, a little insta-lovey and lacked perhaps a little depth overall. I’ve seen criticism about Milo’s body count but it felt more like part of his character to show him being a free spirit. Showing the depth of his feelings for Prue that the wild card was wanting to settle.
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
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
Love the author, but didn’t love this book..
My first read from Hannah Bonam-Young, "Out on a Limb", was such a breath of fresh air for the romance genre - a beautifully written love story where disabled characters were at the heart of the romance. Since then, I’ve been making my way through her backlist and usually have a great time.
So, I was very excited to get an advanced copy of her newest book, coming out in early September (with a gorgeous cover that (gently) screams autumn). It’s set in a small town, with characters carrying deep family wounds, a parent with Alzheimer’s (always a difficult storyline to read), fun sibling dynamics, and LGBTQ+ male main character. All elements I usually love -- but this time, it didn’t quite land for me.
It’s certainly emotional and heartfelt, and I liked the family dynamics for both characters. The couple had plenty of chemistry too, but I wish we’d seen more of them outside of the bedroom. It’s quite a spicy book, and some plot points (including the main conflict) just weren’t to my taste. The fact my favourite part was the epilogue, a rushed six-month “where are they now”, says a lot about what I wish the book had given me earlier.
I’ll still read anything Bonam-Young writes, because her voice in romance feels refreshing and important. This one just wasn’t my favourite.
3/5 ⭐
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
My first read from Hannah Bonam-Young, "Out on a Limb", was such a breath of fresh air for the romance genre - a beautifully written love story where disabled characters were at the heart of the romance. Since then, I’ve been making my way through her backlist and usually have a great time.
So, I was very excited to get an advanced copy of her newest book, coming out in early September (with a gorgeous cover that (gently) screams autumn). It’s set in a small town, with characters carrying deep family wounds, a parent with Alzheimer’s (always a difficult storyline to read), fun sibling dynamics, and LGBTQ+ male main character. All elements I usually love -- but this time, it didn’t quite land for me.
It’s certainly emotional and heartfelt, and I liked the family dynamics for both characters. The couple had plenty of chemistry too, but I wish we’d seen more of them outside of the bedroom. It’s quite a spicy book, and some plot points (including the main conflict) just weren’t to my taste. The fact my favourite part was the epilogue, a rushed six-month “where are they now”, says a lot about what I wish the book had given me earlier.
I’ll still read anything Bonam-Young writes, because her voice in romance feels refreshing and important. This one just wasn’t my favourite.
3/5 ⭐
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
First things first: HBY is one of my auto-read authors. Two of her books sit in my rarefied 6-star pantheon (and I don't hand out 6 stars lightly), and two more live on my 5-star favorites shelf. So no one is more pained than I am to admit this is the first time I’ve finished one of her books feeling a bit let down. I didn’t hate it, or even outright dislike it, but People Watching had a few elements that dulled my overall enjoyment.
As a bi person, I was disappointed with how Milo was portrayed in this book. His bisexuality is introduced almost immediately in a way that felt oddly tokenized, and his character leaned into a stereotype every out bi person I know has encountered: potentially well-intentioned but more likely ignorant people insisting we're some variation of lucky, spoiled for choice, must have people in our beds whenever we like, and so on. While yes, some bi people are highly promiscuous (as is true in any orientation), most of us are not, yet this damaging portrayal persists in media. Contrary to popular belief, I—and most bi folks—will not just "fuck anything with legs." I did appreciate the genuine, heartfelt way Milo loved Prue, but between his avoidant/impulsive tendencies and this stereotype-laden depiction, I couldn’t fully get behind him as an MMC.
Prue, on the other hand, was easy to like—sweet with a hidden streak of spice that Milo coaxed out. I admired her devotion to her family and felt I would’ve made similar choices in her position. Interestingly, this is the fourth new romance release I’ve read this year with a significant subplot about a parent dealing with Alzheimer’s. I don’t think that’s a case of imitation—just an uncanny coincidence given publishing timelines. As an only child, I especially appreciated the way HBY captured the unique, deeply personal bond an only child has with their parents. While I didn’t share Prue’s idyllic upbringing with two parents still in love, I recognized the nuances and tenderness in those relationships.
That said, I also never connected with Prue quite as deeply as I’d hoped. One of my favorite things about an HBY novel is the seamless blend of vulnerability and raw emotion into the love story, and those moments were here, shining brightest in Prue and Milo’s serious conversations. In those scenes, it felt most like the HBY I know and love.
Every book has its reader, so while this one wasn’t totally for me, I have no doubt it will resonate deeply with the readers it’s meant for. HBY's position as one of my favorite authors has not changed, and I’ll be first in line for her next release (fingers crossed for Nadia and Aleks!).
Thank you to Dell & NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
🌶🌶🌶
As a bi person, I was disappointed with how Milo was portrayed in this book. His bisexuality is introduced almost immediately in a way that felt oddly tokenized, and his character leaned into a stereotype every out bi person I know has encountered: potentially well-intentioned but more likely ignorant people insisting we're some variation of lucky, spoiled for choice, must have people in our beds whenever we like, and so on. While yes, some bi people are highly promiscuous (as is true in any orientation), most of us are not, yet this damaging portrayal persists in media. Contrary to popular belief, I—and most bi folks—will not just "fuck anything with legs." I did appreciate the genuine, heartfelt way Milo loved Prue, but between his avoidant/impulsive tendencies and this stereotype-laden depiction, I couldn’t fully get behind him as an MMC.
Prue, on the other hand, was easy to like—sweet with a hidden streak of spice that Milo coaxed out. I admired her devotion to her family and felt I would’ve made similar choices in her position. Interestingly, this is the fourth new romance release I’ve read this year with a significant subplot about a parent dealing with Alzheimer’s. I don’t think that’s a case of imitation—just an uncanny coincidence given publishing timelines. As an only child, I especially appreciated the way HBY captured the unique, deeply personal bond an only child has with their parents. While I didn’t share Prue’s idyllic upbringing with two parents still in love, I recognized the nuances and tenderness in those relationships.
That said, I also never connected with Prue quite as deeply as I’d hoped. One of my favorite things about an HBY novel is the seamless blend of vulnerability and raw emotion into the love story, and those moments were here, shining brightest in Prue and Milo’s serious conversations. In those scenes, it felt most like the HBY I know and love.
Every book has its reader, so while this one wasn’t totally for me, I have no doubt it will resonate deeply with the readers it’s meant for. HBY's position as one of my favorite authors has not changed, and I’ll be first in line for her next release (fingers crossed for Nadia and Aleks!).
Thank you to Dell & NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
🌶🌶🌶
I knew from Chapter 1 that this was going to be fire. I loved the two main characters and I loved them even better together. They way that they helped each other on their individual journeys while still giving each other a safe space and reprieve from their worries. I think Prue taught Milo how to sit still, to not run away from his problems. And Milo taught Prue how to have fun. Along with some other things ;).
Even though their chemistry flew right off the page, they felt like real friends and everything between them flowed so naturally. This book made me laugh out loud several times. Prue is a Killer with an absolute heart of gold who knows what she wants. And I’m putting Milo Kablukov in the book boyfriend hall of fame. He had me from the first page.
Even though their chemistry flew right off the page, they felt like real friends and everything between them flowed so naturally. This book made me laugh out loud several times. Prue is a Killer with an absolute heart of gold who knows what she wants. And I’m putting Milo Kablukov in the book boyfriend hall of fame. He had me from the first page.
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I’m sometimes fearful of stranger-to-lovers because I hate insta-love, but I decided to trust Hannah and boy did it pay off!
Prue and Milo are immediately attracted to each other and their attraction was written in such a playful real way, I absolutely loved it! It was also very in-line with their characters, so it felt very organic.
But before they acted on it, they became friends , then they added the benefits - and their friendship got me completely obsessed with the book, I could not put it down!
Prue is busy helping taking care of her mother, who has Alzheimer’s, but her Dad insists she needs to move on with her own life. The hurt we see through Prue, and how she feels regarding her mother’s disease, is something that sadly so many of us can relate to. The sad truth is society nowadays is not equipped to care for the elderly or people with dementia, which causes a lot of hurt and suffering not only to the people going through it but also the ones trying to look after them. I think Hannah did a wonderful job portraying those struggles through Prue and her father.
On the other hand we have Milo, who has his own emotional scars. He’s been running away from his trauma for many years now, and is the definition of “dealing with it through humour” which is also highly relatable. His arc was beautiful and his relationship with his siblings was so heart warming to read about. He finds home and peace not just in Prue, but in their small town community.
Milo is also the definition of “down bad” and “a man who yearns is a man who earns” 😂 and Prue, my sweet strong Prue, deserves all of that yearning.
Their journey together is beautiful, hilarious and heart breaking - I laughed and cried and swooned.
I can’t wait to read more from Hannah Bonam-Young!
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I loved HBY's writing in Next of Kin, and I was not disappointed by People Watching. It hit that sweet spot between being full of emotion and tackling difficult topics while also being incredibly funny and heartwarming. I went into this book mostly blind - I saw art of Prue and Milo, and I was sold. The book had some "tropes" I don't always enjoy (sexually experienced MMC and more inexperienced FMC, as well as what might be classed as "insta love"). However, the way HBY executed these in People Watching just made me love the book even more. There is so much emotional vulnerability and relationship building between Prue and Milo that it didn't feel like they were falling in love quickly. And I absolutely loved their dynamic and Prue's bucket list! It felt so natural for these characters and their circumstances (also goes to show just how sexy consent is).
I loved Prue; I really want more soft FMCs! Now, just because she's soft doesn't mean she isn't strong. Her arc and growth throughout the book were so great to see and made me tear up multiple times, especially when she learned that sometimes being strong means accepting help from others.
Milo is slutty (in the most complimentary way possible). I mean, the tattoos, the moustache and wearing short shorts?! However, his confident, funny, and flirty exterior hides his vulnerable side. When we say we want men who yearn, he is what we are talking about. Down bad is an understatement for this man!
I also have to mention the side-characters: Milo's siblings, Prue's mom and dad - they were all so fleshed out and real! I NEED at least a novella about Prue's parents, and I am very hopeful that we will get to see more of Milo's siblings in the next book.
I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves emotional stories, yearning, as well as funny and hot characters!
Thank you so much to Bedford Square Publishers and NetGalley for the eARC.
I loved Prue; I really want more soft FMCs! Now, just because she's soft doesn't mean she isn't strong. Her arc and growth throughout the book were so great to see and made me tear up multiple times, especially when she learned that sometimes being strong means accepting help from others.
Milo is slutty (in the most complimentary way possible). I mean, the tattoos, the moustache and wearing short shorts?! However, his confident, funny, and flirty exterior hides his vulnerable side. When we say we want men who yearn, he is what we are talking about. Down bad is an understatement for this man!
I also have to mention the side-characters: Milo's siblings, Prue's mom and dad - they were all so fleshed out and real! I NEED at least a novella about Prue's parents, and I am very hopeful that we will get to see more of Milo's siblings in the next book.
I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves emotional stories, yearning, as well as funny and hot characters!
Thank you so much to Bedford Square Publishers and NetGalley for the eARC.