With thanks to @AbiWalton4 and @bedsqpublishers for the early copy.
Synopsis
When she discovers her biological mother has had a new baby, Chloe doesn’t hesitate to provide a home for her. Failing to meet social services’ financial evaluation, she’s forced into a new initiative: joining households with another prospective guardian.
Surly garage mechanic Warren, who is trying to gain custody of his deaf teenage brother, does not make a great first impression. But as their lives intertwine, Chloe and Warren discover they have more in common than they thought. So much so that the chemistry between them threatens everything they’ve fought for…
Review
A tender and raw story about relationships and all their messy and beautiful moments. It explores the collision of family, love, acceptance, belonging, and gives all the feels!
Bonam-Young’s writing is warm, funny, slow-burn perfection. I was hooked on Chloe and Warren’s story from the get go all the way through to the amazing bonus epilogue from Warren’s pov. I devoured it in two sittings and wasn’t ready for my time with them to come to an end!
It’s a terrific story that has the best of both worlds, the sweet romance blossoming and the adorable moments developing between them all. On the flip side, they have painful pasts to reconcile, and the narrative deals with serious topics of fostering and adoption in a sensitive and meaningful way. This really adds an extra dimension and realness to the characters, we follow their journeys as they help to heal one another and find the home they have always craved – I enjoyed every minute!
Chloe has a strained relationship with her birth mother and high expectations imposed from her adopted parents. Everything changes when she’s called upon to be the caregiver for her newborn sister, Willow. It’s a daunting and lonely situation as Chloe does all she can to be the best parent for her.
Warren comes across as arrogant at first, his walls are up and he doesn’t let his guard down easily. He’s gone through so much for his brother Luke to get them back living together again. I adored Luke, he’s friendly and laidback, instantly forming a bond with Chloe. At the same time, he’s a typical 15 year old dealing with confusing feelings and acting out as a result. It was a joy to see the found family trope play out.
As Chloe and Warren are thrown together by circumstance, I loved their banter and interactions as they navigate their new arrangement. We see the preconceptions they have of each other crumble and bit by bit they support one another and become closer. The tantalising tension and building attraction sizzled off the pages, and I loved the will they/ won’t they vibes.
I really enjoyed seeing Chloe’s confidence grow and the softer side she brings out in Warren. Just as everything seems to be on track, a surprising revelation sends all that they have built into a spin. Can they get back to a sturdier footing?
Next of Kin is an addictively good read about finding your people and taking a chance. It will make you smile, laugh and bring a tear to your eye. If you’re looking for a sweet romance with heart then look no further!
I’m excited to read book 2 in the series, Next to You!
4.75⭐️s
#NextOfKin, #HannahBonamYoung, #BedfordSquarePublishers, #NewBookRelease, #BookReview, #BookRecommendation
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