Next of Kin Review

By Hannah Bonam-Young

Next Book 1

Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫

Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️

Blurb

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 and, ultimately, the well-being of their siblings.

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.

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Read if you Like:

☕ Roommates

☕ Single guardians

☕ Grumpy sunshine

☕ Found family

☕ Slow burn

My Thoughts:

I loved Out on a Limb so I have been super excited to read Next of Kin, especially with its beautiful new cover. I loved the premise and I am delighted to say it didn't disappoint!

I love a man who is grumpy but has a squishy cinnamon roll inside and Warren is exactly that! Both Chloe and Warren had learned they had to be independent and watching them come to lean on each other was really sweet.

I thought the insights into Chloe's life were really interesting. All the things adults had told her to try to help her ended up making her feel guilty at times instead of actually helping. I would have loved to see her do some therapy to address some of that trauma but I loved that Warren was in therapy.

The only thing I struggled with a bit was Chloe's family. I have quite a few adopted members of my family and they are loved and supported no matter what choices they make. I know there are lots of stories that represent loving adoptive families and every experience should be represented but for me personally reading that aspect of the book was a little difficult.

I highly recommend this book, but it does include themes of addiction and child neglect. If those are sensitive issues for you be aware of that. I can't wait to read more from Hannah Bonam-Young!

🌶️🌶️- This story has one or two open-door spicy scenes as well as some kisses but it relatively slow burn.