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Next of Kin
Two bickering strangers, Chloe and Warren, are partnered by Child Protective Services to qualify for next of kin fostering of their younger siblings.
When people-pleasing Chloe learns that her birth mother has unexpectedly had another baby, she doesn’t hesitate to become a next-of-kin guardian. But when she fails to pass Child Protective Services’ financial evaluation, she is faced with a choice: see her baby sister placed in foster care or participate in CPS’ new initiative, TeamUp.
Enter Warren, a surly mechanic’s apprentice attempting to get custody of his deaf fifteen-year-old brother after failing CPS’ housing evaluation. The two strangers immediately clash but agree to live together until Warren can find housing elsewhere and Chloe can further grow her freelance career.
As their lives intertwine, Chloe and Warren both realise that they’re far more similar than they could have imagined. What started as forced begins to feel natural—and far less lonely. Chemistry soon intensifies beyond what either of them can stand, but they must each decide if what burns between them is worth risking their arrangement.
With banter, heart, and steam that will have the reader blushing, NEXT OF KIN is a true underdog story of two young adults redefining what family can look like.
Content Warnings:
For adult readers only due to explicit (consensual) sexual content, child abandonment (referenced in memory), substance abuse and addiction (referenced, not described), foster care and adoption (theme throughout), references to anxiety (brief description of a panic attack), and death of a parent (referenced in memory).
When people-pleasing Chloe learns that her birth mother has unexpectedly had another baby, she doesn’t hesitate to become a next-of-kin guardian. But when she fails to pass Child Protective Services’ financial evaluation, she is faced with a choice: see her baby sister placed in foster care or participate in CPS’ new initiative, TeamUp.
Enter Warren, a surly mechanic’s apprentice attempting to get custody of his deaf fifteen-year-old brother after failing CPS’ housing evaluation. The two strangers immediately clash but agree to live together until Warren can find housing elsewhere and Chloe can further grow her freelance career.
As their lives intertwine, Chloe and Warren both realise that they’re far more similar than they could have imagined. What started as forced begins to feel natural—and far less lonely. Chemistry soon intensifies beyond what either of them can stand, but they must each decide if what burns between them is worth risking their arrangement.
With banter, heart, and steam that will have the reader blushing, NEXT OF KIN is a true underdog story of two young adults redefining what family can look like.
Content Warnings:
For adult readers only due to explicit (consensual) sexual content, child abandonment (referenced in memory), substance abuse and addiction (referenced, not described), foster care and adoption (theme throughout), references to anxiety (brief description of a panic attack), and death of a parent (referenced in memory).
297 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 27, 2022
1741 people are currently reading
91018 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Bonam-Young
17 books10.1k followersHannah is an Amazon bestselling romance author from Ontario, Canada. She lives with her childhood-friend-turned-husband Ben, two kids, and bulldog near Niagara Falls on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples.
Hannah writes romances featuring a cast of diverse, disabled, marginalized, and LGBTQIA+ folks wherein swoon-worthy storylines blend with the beautiful, messy, and challenging realities of life.
When not reading or writing romance you can find her having living-room dance parties with her kids or planning any occasion that warrants a cheese board.
Hannah writes romances featuring a cast of diverse, disabled, marginalized, and LGBTQIA+ folks wherein swoon-worthy storylines blend with the beautiful, messy, and challenging realities of life.
When not reading or writing romance you can find her having living-room dance parties with her kids or planning any occasion that warrants a cheese board.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 9,986 reviews
June 15, 2022
I mean, I liked it.
August 9, 2024
the first half was a 4.5 star for me and then it just went downhill🥲 insta-love strikes again
July 29, 2023
3.75⭐️ read this today. Under 300 pages!!!! Let me tell you War was described as looking straight out of “prison break” and I immediately fell in love I love a criminal looking man LMFAO
December 12, 2023
2.5 stars
Which sucks because this concept was great, the family dynamic/cohabitation storyline was great but the relationship development was lacking. The progression of their relationship made no sense and it was just too heavy handed. All tell and no show. I stuck with it because I hoped the book would get better with time because it had such promise but 😩 idk there’s a five star read in here somewhere the book just needed to pace itself.
Which sucks because this concept was great, the family dynamic/cohabitation storyline was great but the relationship development was lacking. The progression of their relationship made no sense and it was just too heavy handed. All tell and no show. I stuck with it because I hoped the book would get better with time because it had such promise but 😩 idk there’s a five star read in here somewhere the book just needed to pace itself.
September 26, 2024
4.5 stars
Next of Kin is another one of those books that shocked me in the best way possible. It's such a fantastic debut novel!
This story starts out with Chloe finding out her birth mother (Chloe is 24 and was adopted) had another baby and can't take care of it. Not wanting her little sister to go through the same childhood she went through, Chloe decides she'll do whatever it takes to take care of and keep Willow.
Warren has been trying to get custody of his teenage brother who's in a group home for a while now, but it's difficult as he can't find appropriate housing. He needs housing, Chloe has a large rent controlled apartment but is having trouble meeting the financial requirements. A social worker suggests they team up and make it work, if only temporarily.
Chloe and Warren's first meeting had me giggling. You can just tell at the start Warren doesn't want to get to close to anyone, but Chloe wears him down. I loved seeing them go from distant roommates, to friends, to more. I also really loved Warren's brother, Luke and watching him interact with Chloe.
This book was so dang heartwarming. It was well written, engaging and kept a smile on my face. I'll definitely be checking out more from this author. This one was great!
Next of Kin is another one of those books that shocked me in the best way possible. It's such a fantastic debut novel!
This story starts out with Chloe finding out her birth mother (Chloe is 24 and was adopted) had another baby and can't take care of it. Not wanting her little sister to go through the same childhood she went through, Chloe decides she'll do whatever it takes to take care of and keep Willow.
Warren has been trying to get custody of his teenage brother who's in a group home for a while now, but it's difficult as he can't find appropriate housing. He needs housing, Chloe has a large rent controlled apartment but is having trouble meeting the financial requirements. A social worker suggests they team up and make it work, if only temporarily.
Chloe and Warren's first meeting had me giggling. You can just tell at the start Warren doesn't want to get to close to anyone, but Chloe wears him down. I loved seeing them go from distant roommates, to friends, to more. I also really loved Warren's brother, Luke and watching him interact with Chloe.
This book was so dang heartwarming. It was well written, engaging and kept a smile on my face. I'll definitely be checking out more from this author. This one was great!
May 21, 2024
4.25 'Dove🕊' stars
It's no wonder Hannah writes one of the most tender-hearted and healing romances and I have loved each and every book written by her. It's the way she had me swooning, crying, giggling and screaming in this book. The way she writes her character and their stories is so beautiful and realitic. Next of Kin is a story about love, found family, growth, healing, siblings love, determination.
I love it when the two broken characters who grew up alone found each other in the most unexpected ways and time and then heal each other with their love. The way Warren and Chloe healed a part of each other that they both thought was even impossible to touch let alone heal was just so beautiful and endearing. The way they not only healed through each other but also found their home and comfort and family in each other. I loved watching Chloe and Warren fall in love but when Warren fall in love with Willow — it was everything! He always looked at her as his own daughter.
This book is a perfect blend of cuteness, fluff and heartwarming moments. The found family in this was so beautifully done and it hits right in the chest because each and every character was alone before they found the unconditional love. The story started off with Chloe and Warren thrown together in living situation where it benefits them both. They have their siblings with them and they didn't wanted to just throw them into foster mess so they decided to live and support each other. I loved the way they both cared for their siblings and loved them like their own kids. I loved the way healing and trauma was represented and how they both helped each other in the process of finding love and home.
➸ Chloe
She is so precious and I love her all side whether it's kind, quirky and cliché. She's resilient, dedicated and an incredible human and the best big sister. I loved the way she didn't hesitated to accept her little sister even though she was only twenty-four-years-old, she did her absolute best for her sister. Even though she had doubts that she was doing everything wrong, she never hesitated from accepting that she needed help. She's also a plus size heroine and her body positivity only made me love her more because she accepts herself the way she is and I loved how confident she is about herself. One thing she wasn't confident was when she downplayed her feelings and it took her some time to open up about her real feelings but I was glad she was able to do that in the end.
➸ Warren
He is your typical grumpy guy with the most kind-hearted and caring personality. Warren thinks he's not perfect because he never had a perfect life with perfect parents but his determination to provide his younger brother the best life was commendable. I liked that he was working on his anger issues and how to be in control when life don't go the way he planned for it. He's been through a lot in his life because of his parents but he never stopped working hard because he wanted to give his brother a happy and comfortable life. It was so cute to watch Luke and Warren do their brotherly things and whenever Warren hold Willow or cared for her my heart literally melted because of how sweet he was to her. And the nickname he used for Chloe “Dove” 🕊 Why is he so perfect!?
╰┈➤ Chloe and Warren
Teammates? Roommates? Co-parents? Inevitable?
It's no doubt they are the complete opposites of each other. Chloe is bubbly and sunshiny and Warren is all grumpy and dangerous. But together they are just perfect and the cutest! Their romance completely swept me off my feet with their cute and forced proximity moments where they tried to pretend to not like each other but were also falling for each other every second of everyday. I loved the way Chloe wormed her way into Warren's heart because he was scared of messing up their living situationship. Even though they are complete opposites of each other they never stopped helping and caring for each other. They showed their messy and beautiful parts to each other and it was truly beautiful to see them fall in love.
The way Warren comforted Chloe and even helped her with her little sister Willow was so precious. Their chemistry was off the charts with all the tension filled moments they had everytime they were in room together. Their cute family moments with their siblings have all my heart. The way Warren took care of Willow when Chloe was tired or the way Chloe protected Luke— it was just... perfect. They talked about their feelings so easily with each other and didn't even had a third act breakup over a misscommunication. Healthy relationships are so sexy!
The ending was perfect with no third-act breakup over some overused misscommunication trope. They had an argument but they resolved it in their own mature ways! I also loved that cutest and the most wholesome epilogue 🥹❤️ and I also read bonus epilogue which only made me crave more of Warren's pov! I just want more of Chloe and Warren and their cute little family because it was not enough.
“A dove is a symbol of peace.” He reaches towards me, holding my cheek in his palm. “That’s what you are to me… peace.”
It's no wonder Hannah writes one of the most tender-hearted and healing romances and I have loved each and every book written by her. It's the way she had me swooning, crying, giggling and screaming in this book. The way she writes her character and their stories is so beautiful and realitic. Next of Kin is a story about love, found family, growth, healing, siblings love, determination.
I love it when the two broken characters who grew up alone found each other in the most unexpected ways and time and then heal each other with their love. The way Warren and Chloe healed a part of each other that they both thought was even impossible to touch let alone heal was just so beautiful and endearing. The way they not only healed through each other but also found their home and comfort and family in each other. I loved watching Chloe and Warren fall in love but when Warren fall in love with Willow — it was everything! He always looked at her as his own daughter.
“It doesn’t matter where we go. You’ll still be the most gorgeous woman in the room, and I’ll still be the guy trying to figure out how he’s with her.”
This book is a perfect blend of cuteness, fluff and heartwarming moments. The found family in this was so beautifully done and it hits right in the chest because each and every character was alone before they found the unconditional love. The story started off with Chloe and Warren thrown together in living situation where it benefits them both. They have their siblings with them and they didn't wanted to just throw them into foster mess so they decided to live and support each other. I loved the way they both cared for their siblings and loved them like their own kids. I loved the way healing and trauma was represented and how they both helped each other in the process of finding love and home.
➸ Chloe
She is so precious and I love her all side whether it's kind, quirky and cliché. She's resilient, dedicated and an incredible human and the best big sister. I loved the way she didn't hesitated to accept her little sister even though she was only twenty-four-years-old, she did her absolute best for her sister. Even though she had doubts that she was doing everything wrong, she never hesitated from accepting that she needed help. She's also a plus size heroine and her body positivity only made me love her more because she accepts herself the way she is and I loved how confident she is about herself. One thing she wasn't confident was when she downplayed her feelings and it took her some time to open up about her real feelings but I was glad she was able to do that in the end.
“Here, I could choose to exchange part of my hurt for his. We could hold on to it for each other. Ease some.”
➸ Warren
He is your typical grumpy guy with the most kind-hearted and caring personality. Warren thinks he's not perfect because he never had a perfect life with perfect parents but his determination to provide his younger brother the best life was commendable. I liked that he was working on his anger issues and how to be in control when life don't go the way he planned for it. He's been through a lot in his life because of his parents but he never stopped working hard because he wanted to give his brother a happy and comfortable life. It was so cute to watch Luke and Warren do their brotherly things and whenever Warren hold Willow or cared for her my heart literally melted because of how sweet he was to her. And the nickname he used for Chloe “Dove” 🕊 Why is he so perfect!?
“To know you is to love you, and I consider myself privileged to know you.”
╰┈➤ Chloe and Warren
Teammates? Roommates? Co-parents? Inevitable?
It's no doubt they are the complete opposites of each other. Chloe is bubbly and sunshiny and Warren is all grumpy and dangerous. But together they are just perfect and the cutest! Their romance completely swept me off my feet with their cute and forced proximity moments where they tried to pretend to not like each other but were also falling for each other every second of everyday. I loved the way Chloe wormed her way into Warren's heart because he was scared of messing up their living situationship. Even though they are complete opposites of each other they never stopped helping and caring for each other. They showed their messy and beautiful parts to each other and it was truly beautiful to see them fall in love.
“You’re it for me, dove. You’re going to be my last everything. My body knows that as much as the rest of me does. I’ve been aching for you for so long.”
The way Warren comforted Chloe and even helped her with her little sister Willow was so precious. Their chemistry was off the charts with all the tension filled moments they had everytime they were in room together. Their cute family moments with their siblings have all my heart. The way Warren took care of Willow when Chloe was tired or the way Chloe protected Luke— it was just... perfect. They talked about their feelings so easily with each other and didn't even had a third act breakup over a misscommunication. Healthy relationships are so sexy!
“No way, Chloe. I wouldn’t do that. I’m not going anywhere.”
Does he know how long I have wanted to hear someone say that to me? To feel in my bones that they mean it?
The ending was perfect with no third-act breakup over some overused misscommunication trope. They had an argument but they resolved it in their own mature ways! I also loved that cutest and the most wholesome epilogue 🥹❤️ and I also read bonus epilogue which only made me crave more of Warren's pov! I just want more of Chloe and Warren and their cute little family because it was not enough.
February 11, 2024
mans is bald and that was the only thing i could think about for the entire book
July 29, 2024
Buzz cut, anger issues, with a soft spot for her. Yeaaaaa I’m feral. Such a quick read too. So good.
February 12, 2024
I’m impressed that this author went from whatever this was to Out on a Limb in less than a year. That’s a huge accomplishment.
1,5 stars
1,5 stars
Read
April 11, 2025pre-read:
first book i’m reading for the month of april! time to read another hby book because i LOVED out on a limb sm 🥹🫶🏼 it was such a great book and i honestly don’t know if i should read this with high expectations because this is just my second book i’m reading of hers!
first book i’m reading for the month of april! time to read another hby book because i LOVED out on a limb sm 🥹🫶🏼 it was such a great book and i honestly don’t know if i should read this with high expectations because this is just my second book i’m reading of hers!
February 13, 2024
SHE’S MY NEW FAV AUTHOR NOW Y’ALL‼️ smallest things make me so happy🥹
Dab just made my day by tagging me on this<3333
~~~~~~
first of all, my friends who had this book in their tbr since forever like me should run to read this! i don't know why i waited so long, i might be exaggerating but this book touched my soul 😌
okay so while reading the first half of the book i was confused about the good reviews because warren?😤 yeah no please, i wouldn't give him the time of my day. but wait until you get to the second half.(around %40) the rest of the book made me giggling and kicking my feet🤭 i think it was hard to love warren at first because it's single pov and he comes as an asshole BUT he's actually the sweetest person in the world ✨💖😍🥰😌😋🤍
i'm almost at the same age as the main characters (23-24) so reading about them taking care of a newborn and a teenager was emotional for me. i can't possibly imagine having a baby right now so i respect them extra extra extra!! 😌
i loved that warren and chloe healed together and become a family with luke and willow 🥺 the conflict toward the end showed us how they truly care for each other and i never doubted their love🙌🏼
and as much as i hate additional drama, sometimes the books get boring if the couple gets together too soon. but this book gets better after they said iloveyou 🥺 i could read forever about them dating, parenting and just going on about their days😌😍💖🥰
there was no owd, a moment with om but he didn't cause any trouble between them so i count that as no omd and most importantly no third act! i was so nervous that something bad was going to happen but nope this is a mature couple who talks about their problems and solves them 🙌🏼
"But then you came along and teased me about it… and then you stuck. And then you loved me. And more than that, you became the only home I’ve ever really known. The only place I’ve ever really felt safe to be me."
🥺🥺🥺🥺 honestly i cried a little toward the end and some more while reading the epilogue🤭
Dab just made my day by tagging me on this<3333
~~~~~~
first of all, my friends who had this book in their tbr since forever like me should run to read this! i don't know why i waited so long, i might be exaggerating but this book touched my soul 😌
okay so while reading the first half of the book i was confused about the good reviews because warren?😤 yeah no please, i wouldn't give him the time of my day. but wait until you get to the second half.(around %40) the rest of the book made me giggling and kicking my feet🤭 i think it was hard to love warren at first because it's single pov and he comes as an asshole BUT he's actually the sweetest person in the world ✨💖😍🥰😌😋🤍
i'm almost at the same age as the main characters (23-24) so reading about them taking care of a newborn and a teenager was emotional for me. i can't possibly imagine having a baby right now so i respect them extra extra extra!! 😌
i loved that warren and chloe healed together and become a family with luke and willow 🥺 the conflict toward the end showed us how they truly care for each other and i never doubted their love🙌🏼
and as much as i hate additional drama, sometimes the books get boring if the couple gets together too soon. but this book gets better after they said iloveyou 🥺 i could read forever about them dating, parenting and just going on about their days😌😍💖🥰
there was no owd, a moment with om but he didn't cause any trouble between them so i count that as no omd and most importantly no third act! i was so nervous that something bad was going to happen but nope this is a mature couple who talks about their problems and solves them 🙌🏼
"But then you came along and teased me about it… and then you stuck. And then you loved me. And more than that, you became the only home I’ve ever really known. The only place I’ve ever really felt safe to be me."
🥺🥺🥺🥺 honestly i cried a little toward the end and some more while reading the epilogue🤭
August 23, 2024
1⭐️
Words cannot express just how disappointed I was by this book. I'm about to go on a full out rant review because I have so much to say.
The positives about this book: The first half of the book was really really good. The book was set up for success! It seemed like it was going to be really really good; the plot was progressing and it was interesting. I liked the setup of what COULD HAVE BEEN regarding the MC's. However, the good stops there.
The first point I'd like to make about this book: The characters were shallow. So. Damn. Shallow. This was supposed to be a cute fluffy read with some dark undertones regarding alcoholism and drug use. It had the potential to be so good. But all of these issues were completely surface level to the point where you question why it was even included? It did not help the progression of the book! The characters literally had ZERO PERSONALITY!!! Ugh I felt more of a connection talking to rock then I did with anyone in this book. I think this takes the cake of being the most boring and simple-minded characters I've ever had the displeasure of reading about.
Secondly, there was ZERO chemistry and tension between the MC's. It started out having a lot of potential and I was really excited to see how their relationship would develop. WRONG. So wrong. They go from strongly disliking each other and only doing this for their siblings to suddenly MADLY IN LOVE within 2 months. I have never read of such a sudden change; it gave me whiplash. The connection they do have is completely all sexual, and that it SO DISAPPOINTING!! They say that they're in love with each other but all they talk about is sex, sex, sex. I'M ANNOYED PLEASE STOP.
Third, the insta-love in this book was INSANEEE. Holy crap. They go from hating each other to tolerating each other to LOVING each other in a matter of chapters. I kid you not that is exactly how it went. If you're a insta-love fan, then I assure you this is right up your alley. Unfortunately, I am the complete opposite.
Don't even get me started on the singing scene. I swear to god I will jump out of my window if I have to even think about that scene again. It was supposed to be romantic but it was SO CRINGEY.
The fact that this was my first HBY book and it ended up being like that? I've heard amazing things about Out on a Limb but if it's anything like this, I'm going to throw a fit. I cannot and will not subject myself to a book like this again. I will keep an open mind and give her another shot, but it's safe to say that this author and I are not starting off on the right foot.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My first HBY book and I am SOO excited!! I've been wanting to read of book of hers since Out on a Limb was released and now is my chance 🤍🦋
Words cannot express just how disappointed I was by this book. I'm about to go on a full out rant review because I have so much to say.
The positives about this book: The first half of the book was really really good. The book was set up for success! It seemed like it was going to be really really good; the plot was progressing and it was interesting. I liked the setup of what COULD HAVE BEEN regarding the MC's. However, the good stops there.
The first point I'd like to make about this book: The characters were shallow. So. Damn. Shallow. This was supposed to be a cute fluffy read with some dark undertones regarding alcoholism and drug use. It had the potential to be so good. But all of these issues were completely surface level to the point where you question why it was even included? It did not help the progression of the book! The characters literally had ZERO PERSONALITY!!! Ugh I felt more of a connection talking to rock then I did with anyone in this book. I think this takes the cake of being the most boring and simple-minded characters I've ever had the displeasure of reading about.
Secondly, there was ZERO chemistry and tension between the MC's. It started out having a lot of potential and I was really excited to see how their relationship would develop. WRONG. So wrong. They go from strongly disliking each other and only doing this for their siblings to suddenly MADLY IN LOVE within 2 months. I have never read of such a sudden change; it gave me whiplash. The connection they do have is completely all sexual, and that it SO DISAPPOINTING!! They say that they're in love with each other but all they talk about is sex, sex, sex. I'M ANNOYED PLEASE STOP.
Third, the insta-love in this book was INSANEEE. Holy crap. They go from hating each other to tolerating each other to LOVING each other in a matter of chapters. I kid you not that is exactly how it went. If you're a insta-love fan, then I assure you this is right up your alley. Unfortunately, I am the complete opposite.
Don't even get me started on the singing scene. I swear to god I will jump out of my window if I have to even think about that scene again. It was supposed to be romantic but it was SO CRINGEY.
The fact that this was my first HBY book and it ended up being like that? I've heard amazing things about Out on a Limb but if it's anything like this, I'm going to throw a fit. I cannot and will not subject myself to a book like this again. I will keep an open mind and give her another shot, but it's safe to say that this author and I are not starting off on the right foot.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My first HBY book and I am SOO excited!! I've been wanting to read of book of hers since Out on a Limb was released and now is my chance 🤍🦋
July 18, 2025
Grumpy x sunshine but make it custody court edition🤌
Gave Abby Jimenez vibes with extra steam and a side of trauma bonding. I’m usually not a fan of insta lust but this lowkey had me wanting to co parent too 🍼
Gave Abby Jimenez vibes with extra steam and a side of trauma bonding. I’m usually not a fan of insta lust but this lowkey had me wanting to co parent too 🍼
February 29, 2024
3.5 Underwhelming ✨'s
(Slight Spoilers) I desperately wanted to love this because it had all the right makings, with two single guardians teaming up to make their lives easier, full of sweet moments, heartfelt words, steam, and a secretly smitten MC, but, the progression of their relationship and romance made no sense. Right off the bat the FMC, Chloe, was interested in her new roommate and fellow guardian, Warren, while he was straight-up cold and disinterested. As the story continued and Chloe and Warren got to know each other a little, they slowly warmed up but then one confession and they are in love?!?!
I kid you not, 60% through the book they are professing their undying love to each other and decide they are in for the long haul despite both of them juggling being new full-time guardians..... the pacing was just so off and completely caught me off guard. I was having such a good time before that, seeing them open up to each other and slowly thaw out and be vulnerable. I just feel like the writing, pace, and romance needed to be more fleshed out; everything felt forced and rushed. While I didn't love this book, most of the reviews are glowing; it was most likely just not for me and my dislike of instalove.
(Slight Spoilers) I desperately wanted to love this because it had all the right makings, with two single guardians teaming up to make their lives easier, full of sweet moments, heartfelt words, steam, and a secretly smitten MC, but, the progression of their relationship and romance made no sense. Right off the bat the FMC, Chloe, was interested in her new roommate and fellow guardian, Warren, while he was straight-up cold and disinterested. As the story continued and Chloe and Warren got to know each other a little, they slowly warmed up but then one confession and they are in love?!?!
I kid you not, 60% through the book they are professing their undying love to each other and decide they are in for the long haul despite both of them juggling being new full-time guardians..... the pacing was just so off and completely caught me off guard. I was having such a good time before that, seeing them open up to each other and slowly thaw out and be vulnerable. I just feel like the writing, pace, and romance needed to be more fleshed out; everything felt forced and rushed. While I didn't love this book, most of the reviews are glowing; it was most likely just not for me and my dislike of instalove.
July 24, 2025
my sincerest thank you to this book for cleansing my brain and giving me peace after mp, rtc 🧸💓
ִֶָ 𓂃⊹ ִֶָ pre read
i need a book that is the polar opposite of magnolia parks so i can read without feeling like my brain is in a torture chamber. i already know hby will deliver 🥰🧸
ִֶָ 𓂃⊹ ִֶָ pre read
i need a book that is the polar opposite of magnolia parks so i can read without feeling like my brain is in a torture chamber. i already know hby will deliver 🥰🧸
November 17, 2024
4 ★'s
This surprised me a lot. With the lower rating, I suspected this would be shallow, perhaps funny and easygoing. Whilst I could possibly categorize it within the last two, this definitely isn't shallow.
Chloe's story hit me like a truck, tugged at my heartstrings, made me hurt and cry and feel joy as she started to experience life more fully.
✧"No one is owed your history, but there is a trust in telling."✧
In Next of Kin we follow Chloe, 24, recently graduated graphic designer.
Most of her life she has lived in survival mode, adapting to make herself suit her situations and having a hard time trusting people around her.
Out of the blue she received a call from CPS informing her that her birth mother just had a baby that she is unable to take care of, and asking if she would be interested in the next-of-kin care of her sister. In a moment her life changes(spoiler; for the better). After evaluating her situation, Chloe is teamed up with another next-of-kin case, in hopes that they can mutually benefit in the initial months of their siblings care. She now lives with Warren, 24, his teenage brother and her baby sister.
Forced into a situation with people that see her and understand her better than possibly anyone else ever have.
✧"You never have to do that with me. Show me the messy parts, okay? God knows, I've shown you mine."✧
Over to the most important question... How much likeness is there between Warren and Jess?
Even though the circumstances between stars hallow and this book are completely different, I would say Hannah nailed the general feeling off Jess in Warren. Intelligent, responsible, quiet, sarcastic, caring in subtle ways... but has a tendency to answer with anger.
This is one of my absolute fave archetype's of mmc's. Quiet bad boys with great banter with a soft spot for one girl, sign me up day or night.👏 This in combination with Chloe's colorful, creative, glass-half-full, at times messy vibes works so extremely well. Them being for each other what they've never had before. Someone they can trust, show the pretty and the ugly. My heart is so full for them and their little family of their own.
✧"My people were with me the whole time. I just had to let them in."✧
I'm seeing some negative reviews not really understanding Warren, just seeing his angry exterior and not caring for the rest, which I think is so unfortunate as there is so much more to him.
Whilst I was able to enjoy this a lot with simply just Chloe's pov, I know having Warrens pov would've taken this to another level and made more people fall in love with him just as I have.
Chloe's story was probably what stood out most to me personally. Although I cannot relate to her direct circumstances, I do relate so dearly to adapting to your circumstances, not wanting to be a nuisance and making yourself smaller at the benefit of others. Following her as she breaks out of that, being fully herself, trusting others, opening up, stating what's on her mind was incredibly heartwarming, as well as a positive reminder for me personally.🩵
____
⌞Pre-read:⌝
I haven't done the annual fall Gilmore Girls rewatch this year. But I heard the mmc in this is Jess inspired, so hopefully this can work as a substitute hehe
This surprised me a lot. With the lower rating, I suspected this would be shallow, perhaps funny and easygoing. Whilst I could possibly categorize it within the last two, this definitely isn't shallow.
Chloe's story hit me like a truck, tugged at my heartstrings, made me hurt and cry and feel joy as she started to experience life more fully.
✧"No one is owed your history, but there is a trust in telling."✧
In Next of Kin we follow Chloe, 24, recently graduated graphic designer.
Most of her life she has lived in survival mode, adapting to make herself suit her situations and having a hard time trusting people around her.
Out of the blue she received a call from CPS informing her that her birth mother just had a baby that she is unable to take care of, and asking if she would be interested in the next-of-kin care of her sister. In a moment her life changes(spoiler; for the better). After evaluating her situation, Chloe is teamed up with another next-of-kin case, in hopes that they can mutually benefit in the initial months of their siblings care. She now lives with Warren, 24, his teenage brother and her baby sister.
Forced into a situation with people that see her and understand her better than possibly anyone else ever have.
✧"You never have to do that with me. Show me the messy parts, okay? God knows, I've shown you mine."✧
Over to the most important question... How much likeness is there between Warren and Jess?
Even though the circumstances between stars hallow and this book are completely different, I would say Hannah nailed the general feeling off Jess in Warren. Intelligent, responsible, quiet, sarcastic, caring in subtle ways... but has a tendency to answer with anger.
This is one of my absolute fave archetype's of mmc's. Quiet bad boys with great banter with a soft spot for one girl, sign me up day or night.👏 This in combination with Chloe's colorful, creative, glass-half-full, at times messy vibes works so extremely well. Them being for each other what they've never had before. Someone they can trust, show the pretty and the ugly. My heart is so full for them and their little family of their own.
✧"My people were with me the whole time. I just had to let them in."✧
I'm seeing some negative reviews not really understanding Warren, just seeing his angry exterior and not caring for the rest, which I think is so unfortunate as there is so much more to him.
Whilst I was able to enjoy this a lot with simply just Chloe's pov, I know having Warrens pov would've taken this to another level and made more people fall in love with him just as I have.
Chloe's story was probably what stood out most to me personally. Although I cannot relate to her direct circumstances, I do relate so dearly to adapting to your circumstances, not wanting to be a nuisance and making yourself smaller at the benefit of others. Following her as she breaks out of that, being fully herself, trusting others, opening up, stating what's on her mind was incredibly heartwarming, as well as a positive reminder for me personally.🩵
____
⌞Pre-read:⌝
I haven't done the annual fall Gilmore Girls rewatch this year. But I heard the mmc in this is Jess inspired, so hopefully this can work as a substitute hehe
October 5, 2023
yeah hannah pen??? LETHAL
this book was a GIFT
this book was a GIFT
July 3, 2022
Every once in a while, I stumble across a book that might not necessarily have been on my radar. Sometimes, said book will leave me completely and utterly speechless, and wondering why more people aren't reading it. This exact scenario happened to me yesterday. At 7 pm I started reading NEXT OF KIN. By 8:30 pm, I was 23% in and so excited about the story I posted on my Bookstagram that I was reading it. By 10 pm, I was a sobbing, snotty mess and found myself spamming the author's DM's (that's not my proudest moment...) Then, by 11:50 pm I had read the very last page and couldn't wait for morning so I could spam the author some more.
"You never have to do that with me. Show me the messy parts, okay? God knows, I've shown you mine."
Very rarely do I devour a book this quickly. Chloe and Warren's story had me hooked from the very first page, right until the very last. The world-building and character development were incredible and Hannah's writing style was so effortless, making it a joy to read.
"You're it for me, dove. You're going to be my last everything. My body knows that as much as the rest of me does. I've been aching for you for so long."
I'm not a fan of giving away storylines in my reviews, but what I will say is this: If you are a fan of Forced Proximity/Roommates, Grumpy/Sunshine, slow burn, and strangers to lovers, then this book is most definitely for you. Chloe is the kind of heroine I adore because I just know that I would be friends with her in real life. She is such a pure and beautiful person but with a fierce side that comes out every so often. Warren, my poor broken boy. He is just so desperate to be loved and to have someone step up for him and stick around but it terribly afraid of being hurt. My heart ached for him and so many times I had to take a break because the tears streaming down my face were stopping me from reading.
He looks down to where my hands rest in my lap and moves quickly, pulling my wrists apart and holding them in his grasp. "Tell me to stay." Warren says.
There are so many other things I want to say, but I'm in danger of rambling, so my advice would be to READ IT. Honestly, you won't regret it. This book is full of chemistry, humour, pain, and heartache and I defy you not to fall in love with it as much as I have. Hannah Bonam-Young has found herself a new fan in me and she is definitely going to be one to watch in the future.
"You never have to do that with me. Show me the messy parts, okay? God knows, I've shown you mine."
Very rarely do I devour a book this quickly. Chloe and Warren's story had me hooked from the very first page, right until the very last. The world-building and character development were incredible and Hannah's writing style was so effortless, making it a joy to read.
"You're it for me, dove. You're going to be my last everything. My body knows that as much as the rest of me does. I've been aching for you for so long."
I'm not a fan of giving away storylines in my reviews, but what I will say is this: If you are a fan of Forced Proximity/Roommates, Grumpy/Sunshine, slow burn, and strangers to lovers, then this book is most definitely for you. Chloe is the kind of heroine I adore because I just know that I would be friends with her in real life. She is such a pure and beautiful person but with a fierce side that comes out every so often. Warren, my poor broken boy. He is just so desperate to be loved and to have someone step up for him and stick around but it terribly afraid of being hurt. My heart ached for him and so many times I had to take a break because the tears streaming down my face were stopping me from reading.
He looks down to where my hands rest in my lap and moves quickly, pulling my wrists apart and holding them in his grasp. "Tell me to stay." Warren says.
There are so many other things I want to say, but I'm in danger of rambling, so my advice would be to READ IT. Honestly, you won't regret it. This book is full of chemistry, humour, pain, and heartache and I defy you not to fall in love with it as much as I have. Hannah Bonam-Young has found herself a new fan in me and she is definitely going to be one to watch in the future.
August 7, 2022
NEXT OF KIN is an emotional slow-burn romance that navigates life touched by adoption, fostering, and complex family relationships. I appreciated that both Chloe and Warren did individual work to be healthier people, that their relationship supported and enriched that personal growth but wasn't the foundation of it. The tension and desire between Chloe and Warren sizzled, but I think my favorite parts of this book were those sweet domestic moments shared between Chloe, her baby sister Willow, Warren, and his brother Luke. They made their way to becoming a family even before they realized they had, and I deeply enjoyed watching their found family form through kindness, care, and realistic struggles to get to a place of safety, trust, and joy in each other.
Content notes: parental addiction (revisited on page), removal from parent due to substance abuse and neglect (revisited on page), parental overdose (past, off page), fetal alcohol syndrome, anger management struggles.
Content notes: parental addiction (revisited on page), removal from parent due to substance abuse and neglect (revisited on page), parental overdose (past, off page), fetal alcohol syndrome, anger management struggles.
August 3, 2024
War and his doves forever and ever… *bursts into uncontrollable tears*
They had no right to make me feel this single tf 😭
They had no right to make me feel this single tf 😭
September 16, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
Very sweet 🫶
Very sweet 🫶
July 13, 2024
another one that might be more of a 3 or a 3.5 bc i didn't really vibe with the cheesiness of the romance at times, but rounding up bc the story as a whole made up for it and i def def def will be reading more from hannah bonam-young in the future!
Want to read
August 5, 2024I’ve only read one book by Hannah Bonam-Young and I loved it so much that I want to read it again someday soon, but I find it a pity that I haven’t read her other books yet. Anyways, I cannot wait to read more of works and love them!
October 25, 2022
This is such a wonderful story and I need more romances like this in my life. Books with depth but relatively low stakes. None of that constant-miscommunication-drama or huge blowups over something small – just two people getting to know each other and falling into swoon-worthy yet believable love.
Chloe and Warren come from similar backgrounds. Their birth parents aren’t in the picture due to addiction or abandonment and they grew up in the foster system. Both have younger siblings they want to save from their own fates but can’t foster or adopt because of some small knock against either their income or living situation.
So, naturally, these two total strangers move in together in order to have their siblings live with them.
I loved this forced-proximity setup. It’s one of my favorite tropes, and not only was this a solid reason for its presence, but I’ve never seen it done this way and it was so refreshing.
Chloe and Warren’s first meeting is less than stellar – both are nervous and have their backs up – yet even when they were snapping at each other, I could feel the tension radiating from the pages and knew that sparks would fly when they finally got together.
And let me tell you, they did. *fans self*
I have to tip my hat for all the inclusion in this book. I’ve lost count of how many romances I’ve read set in cities that have nothing but white cishet characters in them and it’s like, really? Really? There’s a ton of racial diversity in this book, queer and trans rep, as well as deaf rep, and it’s all handled beautifully.
Warren is one of the more progressive male leads I’ve read lately. He’s working on himself, going to therapy, and constantly trying to be a better man. Obviously, he’s not perfect – no one is – but the best thing about his character is that when he messes up or backtracks, he apologizes. Immediately and with no attempt at excusing his behavior. It was fucking hot.
Chloe’s character progression was just as solid. The way she started opening up to Warren and her friends about her past once she finally felt safe to do so was so natural and organic and I just loved her.
This is such a stellar debut from an indie author. It was funny and sexy and still deep without ever feeling like a drag. I don’t usually compare new authors to established ones, because I feel like that’s a lot of hype and pressure, but I can easily see Hannah Bonam-Young going on to have the kind of success Emily Henry and Tessa Bailey have enjoyed. She’s that good.
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October 30, 2024
i loved this sososo much :(
December 22, 2025
Well, this was interesting. 🕊️🧑🧑🧒🧒🤍
Hannah Bonam-Young does what she does best here: emotionally warm, tender romances that center found family, healing, and people learning how to show up for each other in ways they never planned to. Next of Kin was an easy, enjoyable read, and I flew through it largely because her voice is just… comforting. The wit lands, the inner monologues are funny in that painfully relatable way, and the emotional beats feel sincere even when the setup is doing the absolute most.
Chloe and Warren being forced into cohabitation to co-parent their younger siblings is peak Bonam-Young territory—soft people with heavy responsibilities finding love in the mess. The found family aspect is really the heart of this book, and that’s where it shines. Watching these characters redefine what family means and build something safe out of chaos was genuinely sweet and emotionally satisfying.
Now. Let’s talk about the romance pacing, because this is where I had to side-eye the page a little. The insta-love is strong with this one. There’s not much slow burn or buildup—just a “months later” time skip and suddenly we’re at soulmate confessions. I wanted a little more yearning, a little more tension, a little more earned emotional payoff before we went full “this is my person.”
And as someone who’s worked in CPS… the foster care program concept absolutely sent me. Pairing two strangers together and asking them to cohabitate in order to qualify for custodial rights? I had to laugh. Loudly. It’s wildly unrealistic and logistically bonkers—but also, it’s fiction, and once I accepted that we were operating in Romance Land™ rules, I let it go and enjoyed the ride.
Final verdict: 3.5 stars, rounding up. Comforting, heartfelt, and very on-brand for Bonam-Young. The romance moves a little too fast, and the premise requires a healthy suspension of disbelief, but the found family themes and emotional warmth carry it home. If you’re here for cozy vibes, healing hearts, and soft people doing their best, this one delivers.
Hannah Bonam-Young does what she does best here: emotionally warm, tender romances that center found family, healing, and people learning how to show up for each other in ways they never planned to. Next of Kin was an easy, enjoyable read, and I flew through it largely because her voice is just… comforting. The wit lands, the inner monologues are funny in that painfully relatable way, and the emotional beats feel sincere even when the setup is doing the absolute most.
Chloe and Warren being forced into cohabitation to co-parent their younger siblings is peak Bonam-Young territory—soft people with heavy responsibilities finding love in the mess. The found family aspect is really the heart of this book, and that’s where it shines. Watching these characters redefine what family means and build something safe out of chaos was genuinely sweet and emotionally satisfying.
Now. Let’s talk about the romance pacing, because this is where I had to side-eye the page a little. The insta-love is strong with this one. There’s not much slow burn or buildup—just a “months later” time skip and suddenly we’re at soulmate confessions. I wanted a little more yearning, a little more tension, a little more earned emotional payoff before we went full “this is my person.”
And as someone who’s worked in CPS… the foster care program concept absolutely sent me. Pairing two strangers together and asking them to cohabitate in order to qualify for custodial rights? I had to laugh. Loudly. It’s wildly unrealistic and logistically bonkers—but also, it’s fiction, and once I accepted that we were operating in Romance Land™ rules, I let it go and enjoyed the ride.
Final verdict: 3.5 stars, rounding up. Comforting, heartfelt, and very on-brand for Bonam-Young. The romance moves a little too fast, and the premise requires a healthy suspension of disbelief, but the found family themes and emotional warmth carry it home. If you’re here for cozy vibes, healing hearts, and soft people doing their best, this one delivers.
December 5, 2023
3.5/5 ⭐️
- The writing style in this book made it so easy to read!!! The writing style reminded me so much of Abby Jimenez writing. Literally flew through this book so fast. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
- I love that the plot of the story was so unique in comparison to the other stories I’ve read. I was so invested to see how it would turn out for everyone in the book.
- Took me awhile to really believe in the love story between the characters because it jumped so quickly from them being enemies to lovers, but overall it was a really fun read!!
- The writing style in this book made it so easy to read!!! The writing style reminded me so much of Abby Jimenez writing. Literally flew through this book so fast. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
- I love that the plot of the story was so unique in comparison to the other stories I’ve read. I was so invested to see how it would turn out for everyone in the book.
- Took me awhile to really believe in the love story between the characters because it jumped so quickly from them being enemies to lovers, but overall it was a really fun read!!
July 3, 2024
He gave me the ick
He was rude and quite aggressive, I know he’s got trauma but no thanks
He was rude and quite aggressive, I know he’s got trauma but no thanks
Read
December 19, 2022Sadly, I had to DNF this one, my friends.
I was so excited to read it oh my god. From the moment I knew that the hero holds a baby (the baby is the heroine's baby sister), I wanted to read it. There's just something about guys holding babies... I don't know. But yeah, I read those chapters and it's so undeniably cute!!!! I confirm. Those scenes are cute. It's only one paragraph tho... but lmao I was swooning. The rest? *sighs* I feel like the concept of this book is so good. Like I was behind it, I was rooting for them, I was so into the plot. But sadly, the execution didn't live up to it.
I felt like this story was very rushed. One moment Warren was asking Chloe on a date and the next he was angry with her, ending up cancelling the date they just made. Like ok.. I get it, but it didn't make me feel anything. I wanted angst and groveling! Because Warren is a jerk when Chloe first meets him. And I'm not complaining that Warren was a jerk because I've read so many books where the hero is a jerk when the main character meets him. Fine! But LET HIM GROW, TAKE YOUR TIME, MAKE HIM REALIZE HE'S IN THE WRONG, APOLOGIZE, GROVEL. I won't believe it otherwise. Warren tells Chloe so many horrible stuff and then ten minutes later he's cooking pancakes for her. It doesn't make sense.
The chapters are very short, so maybe if this book was a little bit longer, has more development, it could have landed for me. I just felt like whenever each chapter ended, a scene ended, and then forgotten. I just wanted more. It's very surface-level for me, and it made me not believe in the romance at all. Unfortunately, at one point, I wanted the story to end and I was still missing 100 pages. I'm sorry, I have so many books to read so I had to dnf :( It makes me so sad, because I don't usually do it. But I am a believer that "if you're not enjoying it, just drop it and pick something else." Not every book is for everyone, so this one sadly wasn't for me. But maybe it is for someone else! If you love single mom (the baby is her sister but her mom gave her the rights), roommates to lovers, lonely heroine, found family, read this book.
I was so excited to read it oh my god. From the moment I knew that the hero holds a baby (the baby is the heroine's baby sister), I wanted to read it. There's just something about guys holding babies... I don't know. But yeah, I read those chapters and it's so undeniably cute!!!! I confirm. Those scenes are cute. It's only one paragraph tho... but lmao I was swooning. The rest? *sighs* I feel like the concept of this book is so good. Like I was behind it, I was rooting for them, I was so into the plot. But sadly, the execution didn't live up to it.
I felt like this story was very rushed. One moment Warren was asking Chloe on a date and the next he was angry with her, ending up cancelling the date they just made. Like ok.. I get it, but it didn't make me feel anything. I wanted angst and groveling! Because Warren is a jerk when Chloe first meets him. And I'm not complaining that Warren was a jerk because I've read so many books where the hero is a jerk when the main character meets him. Fine! But LET HIM GROW, TAKE YOUR TIME, MAKE HIM REALIZE HE'S IN THE WRONG, APOLOGIZE, GROVEL. I won't believe it otherwise. Warren tells Chloe so many horrible stuff and then ten minutes later he's cooking pancakes for her. It doesn't make sense.
The chapters are very short, so maybe if this book was a little bit longer, has more development, it could have landed for me. I just felt like whenever each chapter ended, a scene ended, and then forgotten. I just wanted more. It's very surface-level for me, and it made me not believe in the romance at all. Unfortunately, at one point, I wanted the story to end and I was still missing 100 pages. I'm sorry, I have so many books to read so I had to dnf :( It makes me so sad, because I don't usually do it. But I am a believer that "if you're not enjoying it, just drop it and pick something else." Not every book is for everyone, so this one sadly wasn't for me. But maybe it is for someone else! If you love single mom (the baby is her sister but her mom gave her the rights), roommates to lovers, lonely heroine, found family, read this book.
March 23, 2025
I reallyyy thought I was going to love this after adoring out on a limb and with there being so much promise with the premise but it felt so INCREDIBLY insta-lovey... the romance was cute at times but felt so heavy handed after arriving (what felt like) out of no where 🥲 still loved the plot in many ways but didn't work entirely for me
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