People Skills

by Nina Kenwood

From the acclaimed author of The Wedding Forecast, comes a slow-burn, forced-proximity romance about a PA falling for her boss's son.

Thirty-year-old Charlotte is working hard to reinvent herself since her career as a book editor went up in flames. She's moved to a coastal town and landed a new job as a personal assistant to well-known media personality Hillary Hobbs. Hillary is launching a writers festival, and Charlotte is determined to prove herself capable of every task.

When Hillary's son Xavier arrives in town, Charlotte has a new problem to solve. A one-time bestselling author, Xavier hasn't written a word for years and now he's broken up with his girlfriend and has nowhere to live.

Charlotte finds herself not only offering Xavier her spare room, but also promising Hillary she'll get his life back on track.

But as Charlotte and Xavier spend more time together, an undeniable attraction develops, complicating everything...

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Fiction, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Forced Proximity, Rom Com

384 pages, Paperback

Published October 6, 2026

About the author

Nina Kenwood is the author of the romcoms People Skills and The Wedding Forecast, and the young adult novels Unnecessary Drama and It Sounded Better In My Head.

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I can feel my mind emptying of everything except this.”

This was such a fun, warm and ridiculously easy book to fall into.

It was also a really nice change of pace for me. I’ve been reading some heavier, darker stuff lately, so picking up something light, funny and romantic was exactly what I needed.

People Skills had me smiling more than I expected, and I absolutely loved the whole, books, writers’ festival and coastal town setting. As someone who spends an unreasonable amount of time surrounded by books, put a book editor and a writers’ festival in front of me and I’m basically sold.

Charlotte is trying to rebuild her life after her career goes spectacularly sideways, and I really enjoyed watching her find her feet again. Then there’s Xavier, a formerly bestselling author who has lost his writing mojo, his girlfriend and apparently his ability to organise his own life. Naturally, Charlotte ends up taking him in and promising to get him back on track. Because what could possibly go wrong?

The relationship between Charlotte and Xavier was the highlight for me. There’s plenty of banter, awkwardness, chemistry and those little moments where you’re internally screaming JUST KISS ALREADY. I loved watching their relationship develop naturally, while both of them worked out what they actually wanted from their lives.

But I think what I enjoyed most was living in this world for a while. It was cosy, funny and just genuinely pleasant company. I didn’t want anything particularly complicated from this book, I just wanted to enjoy myself, and it delivered exactly that.

It’s funny without trying too hard, romantic without becoming overly saccharine, and just generally warm and lovely.

A really enjoyable change of pace for me, and a book I was very happy to spend some time with.

I highly recommend.

Thank you Text Publishing and Nina Kenwood for my early readers copy.

Available Now!

[Tara · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

lowkey would read a book just about that crazy family

[Jaclyn]

If someone isn’t writing fan fiction of Chess Lessons, the novel Xavier writes for Charlotte after learning EXACTLY the kind of reader she is, I will flip a table. I have never needed a book more desperately. Nina Kenwood comes along every few years and gives us the greatest rom-com our little hearts can take. This book editor and writers festival devotee lost her mind with this. Barwon Bay is a place I want to live and Charlotte is someone I want to talk books with, especially Austen. On October 6 RUN to get this book. RUN! I could kiss Nina on the mouth in thanks for this book. There is the perfect amount of Xavier touching Charlotte’s arm (and many other places but the arm touches KILL me). Nina Kenwood has done it again.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great news my romance reading slump is officially over!!! Bad news, People Skills was that damn good I fear another one might be headed my way….

I loved every goddam page of this book and I genuinely never wanted it to end. Charlotte and Xavier were real and vulnerable and my heart aches for the both of them!

People Skills truly highlights how scary and daunting it is opening up to a new person. Constantly comparing yourself to their past partners and feeling as though you’ll never measure up.

Charlotte’s monologue was pure vulnerability and honesty and I felt so safe in her head. There’s no other way to describe it.

And Xavier. My Xavier. Writing THE book as your debut and then your next book being a flop. Reading negative reviews and refusing to write again. Watching him overcome all his worries slowly, with Charlotte by his side genuinely warmed my heart so much. Even if you do give up for now, doesn’t mean you’re giving up forever.

Now let’s talk banter. Cause when I think of chemistry and banter I will now be thinking exclusively of Charlotte and Xavier!!! AHHH I love them so much!!! Such a realistic friends to lovers, a relationship that developed over months. And miscommunication in the fear of rejection and fear of not being what the other wants. Is the only miscommunication I’ll accept.

Final note, five stars will be recommending to everyone!!!

Thank you so much text publishing for the arc, you’ve single handedly cured my slump!

[ClaudiaTalksFilm · Rating 4 out of 5]

if you want a book to fill the emily henry void left in your soul from no new release this year, read this - absolutely EXQUISITE!!!

I loved it she is so me like yes if he showed up on my doorstep after I vowed to never see him again I’d also invite him in immediately

so funny, so charming, so intimate!!!

romance between an authors assistant x the authors son set in a small seaside town, really just very very good

[what.karli.reads · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

𝙾𝚑 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚐𝚘𝚘𝚍 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙸 𝚔𝚗𝚎𝚠 𝚒𝚝 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚋𝚎 𝚑𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚕𝚢 𝙽𝚒𝚗𝚊 𝙲𝙰𝙽 𝚠𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚎 𝚊 𝚛𝚘𝚖-𝚌𝚘𝚖 𝚜𝚘 𝚖𝚞𝚌𝚑 𝚜𝚘 𝙸 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚒𝚝 𝚒𝚗 𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛 𝟸𝟺𝚑𝚛𝚜 🫣

𝙲𝚕𝚘𝚜𝚎 𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚡𝚒𝚖𝚒𝚝𝚢, 𝚜𝚎𝚡𝚞𝚊𝚕 𝚝𝚎𝚗𝚜𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚒𝚗 𝚋𝚎𝚝𝚠𝚎𝚎𝚗!

𝙰 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚕𝚍 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚛𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚎, 𝚕𝚎𝚝𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚍𝚘𝚠𝚗 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚐𝚞𝚊𝚛𝚍, 𝚘𝚙𝚎𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚞𝚙 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚞𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚎𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝 𝚜𝚒𝚗𝚐.

𝙰 𝚢𝚎𝚙 𝚢𝚎𝚙 𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝚖𝚘𝚒!!

𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄: 𝐈 𝐰𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 ’𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞’ & 𝐦𝐲 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐀𝐋𝐖𝐀𝐘𝐒 𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐈 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐭.

[Maddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was beautiful and I cried

[Katelyn Rudeen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shoutout to Libro.fm for the early access to this book, it was so cute and VERY Australian lol

[Text Publishing]

The following book reviews have been shared by Text Publishing – publisher of People Skills

‘Everyone needs to read Nina Kenwood. If you've ever had the pleasure of reading her bloody fabulous rom-coms, you'll know she's criminally underrated. Her latest, People Skills, confirms that again.’
Mamamia

‘The greatest, smartest rom com you’ll ever read…If you just want a book that will make you feel good, laugh a little, that also has a deep heart—People Skills by Nina Kenwood is going to do that for you.’
ABC Breakfast

‘Delicious catnip for readers obsessed with the book world and for everyone who needs a little heart flutter in their life.’
Kate Mildenhall

‘A sweet, warm, fun and funny slow burn that hits all the right spots.’
Shailee Thompson, author of How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates

‘Heartwarming, funny and sparkling—I’m obsessed with this book.’
Steph Vizard, author of A Smart Girl’s Guide to Second Chances

[☆amber☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book alongside Nina’s other releases - the banter between Charlotte and Xavier was SO realistic and there were so many laugh out loud and vulnerable moments! I was picturing a Aussie coastal town the whole time I was reading this and I’d love to know which irl town inspired Nina! 👀

I loved how this book was centred around finding your spark and true passion again and how opening yourself up to a new romantic partner can be really tough. Xavier’s vulnerability around having a bestseller than his next book being a flop alongside Charlotte being let go from her dream editing job to be a PA for Hillary led to such an interesting character dynamic, especially since Hillary and Xavier’s family was SO CHAOTIC!!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This, to me, was just the perfect romance. Full of hope and longing and light and the perfect amount of spice , it was just what my heart needed. And who doesn't love a YEARNING, BEGGING man??? I loved the banter, I loved the chemistry, I loved the family dynamic. So so good.

Note: The audiobook was just wonderful. Thank you to Libro FM for a complimentary advance copy.

[da͟r͟i͟a͟ · Rating 5 out of 5]

easy 5 stars !!

i swear, this is the best book i've read this year. everything about it is perfect! the plot is incredibly well-crafted – the author doesn't let you get bored for a single second. the characters are great, vivid, with real human problems and hang-ups. and the xavier family??? i was laughing at them the WHOLE BOOK

author, i love you – thank you for this masterpiece

[thebookybird · Rating 4 out of 5]

The palate cleanser I needed, no cringey tropes, two mature people, bless

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

thank you Libro.FM and the publisher for the ALC of this book!!! i absolutely ate it up!!!

this is a fun rom about an ex-editor and an author (who happens to be the son of her current boss) 👀🤭 i loved the way the narrator brought this story to life and the accents made it extra enjoyable.

there’s a lot of tea drama and yearning in this book!!!! it didn’t yank at my heartstrings which it was it’s not five stars but still a super fun and enjoyable romance :’)

pick up for yearning, workplace drama, and a cutie beach town setting

[Kati Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 of the biggest, juiciest, perfect rom com stars. The Wedding Forecast is one of my absolute favourite books and so the expectations here were sky high. I so hope this book gets Nina Kenwood the recognition she deserves. 100% the best Romance writer in Australia, this is one of those books I finished and then had the thought “should I read it again?”. So so good.

[Julia C · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

Delightful and funny

[vianny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looove. People Skills is such a classic setup done right, an author with writer's block and the girl who's going to change that, except it's so much more grounded than that makes it sound.

Both leads are in their 30s, and it felt so realistic and practical, I really connected with some of the choices our FMC was grappling with. Slow ish burn, forced proximity, Charlotte taking in Xavier because she promised his mom she'd get his life back on track, and watching the tension build from there was so satisfying.

You'll enjoy this if you love:
- 30-something leads
- forced proximity
- slow ish burn

Thanks to Libro.fm for the listening copy. All opinions are my own.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A total banger of a rom com with so much heart. Nina Kenwood, you’ve done it again! I can already feel a book hangover coming. I loved everything about this book. It’s well-plotted, tightly paced and the characters - from Charlotte and Xavier to all the supporting characters especially Hillary - kept me turning the page. They all felt well-rounded and not pastiche (especially Hillary). I loved Charlotte’s journey. She’s had a hard knock after her dream career blows up on her (grrrr men), but she’s picked herself up to find a new dream. Xavier was a total sweetheart battling writers block after his second book flopped and wasn’t well-received. Plus they both have excellent taste by declaring Persuasion is their fave Austen.

What was also refreshing was that the plot developments didn’t trod over tired, predictably cliche beats. For instance, where so many writers would’ve had Charlotte keep it secret from Xavier that she was helping him because of Hillary and this it becomes a third act break up, it’s about the character’s backstory. I laughed quite a few times (poor James 👀 and Hillary’s takedown of men on the apps ‘why is he holding a fish?’).

I’ve loved all of Nina Kenwood’s books and I think this is my favourite now. I also read this in tandem with the audiobook which I highly recommend. Maddy Whittington is a fantastic narrator.

[Alya · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

The queen is baaaccckkkkkk!!

How I missed her and it was such a nice surprise for me this year that shes making a come back after stalking her page last year!! I couldn’t believe ittt

She really stepped up her game in angsty romance and I’m not complaining, the grovelling scenes was okay but i think it was done realistically love it!! And i think thats on writing a character and story without a single tropeee

Charlotte was another character that I instantly fell in love with, she deserves so much more and im always wishing for the best for her🫶🫶 love that shes always professional and doesnt just jump into the relationship and i think the book describes so well as to why boss/employee trope just sucks.

Xavier was fun to read for sure but he did give a man child vibes or maybe cus hes the fav/ youngest child idk. Hes flirting scene with charlotte was sooo gooddd the chemistry was delicious. But hes not the best mmc nina has ever written. First time i ever wish/ imagine a mmc pov cus he was putting us on our toes every time he flirts with charlotte or the cafe scenes especially.

[tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

"we were an established couple (in the privacy of his apartment). we were in love (theoretically). we had a future (that i could never pin down)." nina kenwood i missed you so much. writing is so funny here but the romance was underwhelming cuz it felt so instalovey but it was cute that she got him to start writing again and his first book back was for her. everything else was also lowk underwhelming tbh like both main characters weren't that strong cuz they were both just trying to get over their own internal conflict that i couldn't really relate to, and there aren't any notable side couples, which doesn't really matter to me, but i feel like there really wasn't anything substantial in this book except for the main romance, which i already said was underwhelming so idk

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so thankful to receive a copy of this ARC from
Text Publishing, I have been waiting for new Nina Kenwood work!

People Skills is a wonderful contemporary romance, which has… wait for it… 2 mature main characters!

The friendship/flirtationship/situationship that develops between Charlotte and Xavier is delightful to read. The coastal town where this book is set, feels very real and has that real Aussie Small Town Vibe!

A great palate cleansing read, that left me kicking my feet and giggling like a teenager.

People Skills is available now!

[Kaitlyn Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Libro.fm for providing me with this ALC 🫶🏻

I really enjoyed this! I thought it was funny, dramatic, and romantic! The narrator was also really great.

My only complaint is that, and maybe it’s just my copy, chapter 37 seemed to be cut off? I feel like I miss a whole (important) scene! Maybe I’ll check out the physical copy from my library once it comes out :)

I still highly recommend this fun romcom!

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Text Publishing for gifting us an uncorrected proof of People Skills.

I read this book in a day, it was an easy breezy book to read. I loved the characters, no one seemed like a pantomime villain or had contrived motives that did not make sense. People Skills is such a good time, guaranteed. Rom coms are so back, we are entering another golden age.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderfully real life romantic book. It's fun, it's complicated, it feels obtainable. I think the author did a great job showing how often we make love way more complicated than it ought to be and once we give in, the rewards of love are overwhelming.

[kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

if you’re looking for a perfect romcom to gobble up in like two days baby this it IT!! minus one star for the weak third act but that’s a kat problem….. alas…….

[Ivy Bach · Rating 1.75 out of 5]

i feel like i read a different book compared to everyone else rating this a 5 stars

[erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

this started incredibly strong, but ended in the most boring, predictable way…If you’re looking for a calming, slow-burn romance, this is a perfect read for you!

[Kushmir]

GIVE IT TO ME NOW!!!!!

[Bari (justbookedup) · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is just something about a British romance that gets me every single time, & People Skills was no exception. This was funny, charming, heartfelt & exactly the kind of slow-burn romance I love getting completely wrapped up in.

This is about Charlotte who, after her career as an editor falls apart, makes a fresh start as the personal assistant to media personality Hillary Hobbs. But when Hillary’s son Xavier, a former bestselling author who hasn’t written in years, needs somewhere to live, Charlotte offers him her spare room while also being tasked with helping him get his life back on track.

Charlotte & Xavier were SO good together. Their banter immediately pulled me in, but I loved that their relationship was given time to actually develop. Between becoming roommates, spending more time together & slowly letting their guards down, their chemistry builds in such a natural way. The tension was absolutely tensioning, but it was the quieter moments that really sold me on them.

I also loved how vulnerable both characters were. Charlotte is rebuilding her confidence after her career takes an unexpected turn, while Xavier is struggling with what comes next after losing confidence in his writing. Neither has everything figured out, & watching them navigate their insecurities while slowly becoming a safe place for each other gave the story so much heart.

The family dynamics were another highlight, adding so much humor & chaos to the story.

🎧 I listened on audio, narrated by Maddy Withington, & she did such a great job bringing Charlotte, Xavier & all that British humor to life.

People Skills gave me forced proximity, roommates, fantastic banter, a delicious slow burn & two characters I genuinely loved rooting for. Nina Kenwood absolutely delivered a rom-com that hit every single note I love about this genre.

🏠 Forced Proximity
🔑 Roommates
🔥 Slow Burn
💕 Friends to Lovers
💼 Boss’s Son
🚫 Forbidden-ish Romance
📚 Author MMC x Former Editor FMC
❤️‍🩹 Emotional Healing & Starting Over
💬 Banter
💋 FMC POV

[Laura Black Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m loving this smart and tender Australian romance and thanks a million Text Publishing for the early copy.

Main character Charlotte’s relationship (and her job) recently imploded so she’s left Melbourne and moved to gorgeous beachside Barwon Bay to help Hillary Hobbs put together a writer’s festival – one that will hopefully reenergise both their careers.

Hillary is an over-involved mother meddling with her adult children, and the youngest, author Xavier is in her sights. When he comes to Barwon Bay, looking sheepish and hungover, Charlotte impulsively offers him her spare room and promises that she can fix his writer’s block.

The delicious Xavier is relatively opaque and it takes time for Charlotte to get to know him. Meanwhile the reader is in the front seat for Charlotte’s anxiety – she’s sensible and hardworking and handles Hillary well, but she overthinks everything. Charlotte and Xavier are drawn to each other, and this warmth is interrupted by Xavier's ridiculous family – from Hillary’s meddling, his petulant siblings, narcissistic father, and random ex-girlfriend. All these characters bring the comedy and the charm. I love a family dinner and theirs are hilarious!

Charlotte is so lovely – and relatable. She’s torn between loyalty to Hillary – who may be the key to resurrecting her career, and attraction to Xavier. Her anxiety spirals hold her back and it takes a long time for her to sort through her feelings (maybe too long?).

People Skills takes place over about nine months. The reader can see the growth for both Charlotte and Xavier as they face up to their fears and get themselves together. Obstacles feel real and of course, some of the issues are Charlotte’s own inadequacies, and I loved seeing her work through them.

Overall a charming and very Australian romance – I enjoyed all my time with these delightful people in Barwon Bay.

Thank you again Nina Kenwood and Text Publishing for the ARC. Opinions are my own.