Since I read Out on a Limb, Hannah Bonam-Young has been one of my favorite authors. So I was so excited when we found out we were getting more than one book written by her this year. People Watching is her newest release. Today I want to talk about this book and what I thought. Keep on reading to find out more!
A big thank you to Netgalley and Dell for providing me with an eARC to read and review. This doesn’t affect my opinion in any way.
In this sexy and emotional romance from the acclaimed author of Out of the Woods and Out on a Limb, a small-town woman’s journey to spread her wings intertwines with the arrival of an adventurous newcomer who brings out the best in her.
Prudence Welch has found solace in her introverted life in Baysville, a charming tourist town in Northern Ontario. Despite once dreaming of a life beyond its borders, she now finds contentment in her working at her father’s gas station, writing poetry, and caring for her mother, who was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s shortly after Prue’s nineteenth birthday. But as her mother’s condition worsens and her father’s concerns about her future intensify, Prue feels her world slipping further out of control.
Enter Milo Kablukov, an enigmatic wanderer whose beat-up van covered with ill-advised bumper stickers rolls into town just when Prue needs a change. It’s all too easy to let go with him, and Prue can’t help but strike up an unlikely friendship with Milo, which leads to a wild and sexy agreement between them.
Milo, a man of many adventures and countless stories, is not one to settle down. However, his brother’s urgent need for help has brought him to Baysville, and now the intriguing Prue has given him more reason to stay. Especially once they start spending more time together, their chemistry intensifying, and casual-sex lessons start at Prue’s request.
But as their temporary arrangement blossoms into something deeper, Prue and Milo discover that getting out of their comfort zones is one thing . . . taking that leap together is something else entirely.
Review
Hannah Bonam-Young knows how to hit readers in all the feels, and People Watching was no exception. While I haven’t had a family member diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease (thankfully), I do know what it’s like having a grandmother losing their memories for other reasons. It’s not easy and heartbreaking when you see someone struggle with knowing where they are or who everyone is. I definitely teared up a few times while reading this book.
Prue is a character who loves her family and small town with all her heart. She’s devoted to taking care of everyone and wants everything to stay the same as much as possible. Even if her father thinks she’s putting her life on hold to take care of her mother. The ultimatum her father gives her, definitely opens her eyes and makes her realize she does want friendships and maybe even love. Her heart will always be in this town.
Milo didn’t have the best childhood (and that’s putting it lightly) and because of this he’s never stayed in the same place or done anything but casual relationships. Except there’s just something about Prue that makes him wonder if he wants more. I enjoyed Milo’s family and him spending time with them while being back to help with his older brother’s brewery. I do wish a little more time was spent with him dealing with his family and his emotions, but I did feel hints of healing.
Their relationship gets off to a rocky start, because Milo is definitely attracted to her right away. It takes Prue a bit longer to warm up, but them being friends from the start was a lot of fun. There’s some banter and the tension is there. I loved that he started helping her with her to do list to let herself explore some of the things she wanted. This is the first book by Hannah Bonam-Young that got this spicy, but it worked for this story!
There were some elements of miscommunication and some bumps in the road, but I loved how much these characters did communicate. Even when it was rough. I feel that it definitely helped them deal with other aspects of their lives that were harder to open up about. This small town seems like it would be a great place to call home. I definitely wouldn’t be mad if the author decided to give us more books about some of the side characters we met.
Once again, Hannah Bonam-Young made me realize why she’s one of my favorite authors. Have you read anything written by her? If so, do you have a favorite? Let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear from you!
