Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I would have loved to really like this book, but unfortunately it wasn't the one for me. The set up arrangement from the start was too unrealistic. I enjoyed the characters and most of their journey together.

This was such a cute romance
I just felt like the fell in love at too soon

I loved how the author portrait deaf kids and the obstacles they have in life
Also the struggle that kids in the system are and hoe they are treated.

Nether less I loved the two main characters and hoe they help each other and how cute they are together

After reading (and loving) Out on a Limb by the same author I was really excited to read this book. I enjoyed it but not as much as Out on a Limb. I didn’t realise this was Hannah’s debut book until I read some other reviews but thinking about it I think you can tell it is.

The story did keep me engaged and I found the plot interesting and quite unique in terms of the foster care aspect but at times the writing was a little bit cheesy. I also found the pacing to be a little bit off, it ended quite abruptly. I would have preferred a longer, less rushed ending, rather than the two epilogues.

It was really good to see some deaf representation in this story and although I’m not deaf, I think it was done well. I will definitely be reading more of Hannah’s books in the future.

As for a rating, I’m somewhere between 3-3.5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

"I'll stay out of your way, you stay out of mine. That's all I ask."

3.5 stars!

A quick-paced romance hitting on some heavier topics. I read this entire book in one sitting, the flow of the book was great and I enjoyed the overall premise and characterisation.

It was nice to see two main characters (and side characters) with deeper issues that they are working through and dealing with. Especially with the highlight of stories featuring those within the care system, family members with addiction and the deaf community. Whilst these topics were a main feature in the lives of the characters, I would say that the relationship between the main characters is more of the focal point.

I did enjoy the romance between the two main characters, I think their partnership was engaging and fun to follow. However it was quite a sudden change from their initial relationship to one of them being together. I would have loved to have had more of the in-between stage and more interactions that showed the build up of their relationship rather than the main method of each scene telling us the developments. I would have preferred longer scenes showcasing the behavioural and character developments of the relationship in subtle and growing ways.

Overall a good romance for those looking for a fast-paced romance with a sweet romance and the mention of heavy topics.


Thank you to Netgalley and Bedford Square Publishers for this eARC.

‘next of kin’ by hannah bonham-young has now become one of my top faves of this year! i binged this in a day and had so many visceral reactions when reading.
i received this as an arc copy through netgalley however, having checked, i believe this book has been out for a little while but has now been picked up by publishers who are changing the covers so that’s why it is back out and available as an arc copy.
the main male character in this is amazing - i can tell he is a man written by a woman. the way he notices little things about her like her favourite flower from the cardigans she wears in order to buy them for her. the nickname he has for her is just so cute, especially his reasoning behind it - i love that it wasn’t just a standard relationship nickname, rather something that plays on his perception of how she has impacted his life. oh and the way he helps with willow, what a godsend for chloe!
i love how the author tackles topics which a lot don’t whilst still keeping it playful with the relationships developed throughout. chloe is such a complex character yet the way she goes through the waves of her new responsibilities as a guardian and protects herself and willow from the harsh actions of some of the people around them.
i wouldn’t normally like children in books but luke was so sweet especially the way he fit in the new family dynamic.
the representation shown in this book impressed me and i liked that the author included a list of content warnings at the beginning of the book.
overall i absolutely loved this book and couldn’t stop thinking about it days after i finished it. highly recommend you read this if you haven’t and i can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy when the new cover is released.

Chloe was in a foster care growing up. She gets a call one day from Child Protective Service to be informed that she is a possible caregiver to her newborn sibling. She chooses to protect her and be her guardian.
Warren is trying to be a guardian of his young brother.
They both are forced to live together for 5 months. They didn’t like each other at first but .. you see where this is going right?

Warner is the the warmest character ever. I’m so happy they found each other. They both deserve the best.

Thank you NetGalley and Bedford Square Publishers for this ARC.

4.5⭐️

I loved Out on a Limb so I was thrilled to receive a DRC of Next of Kin - and I loved it *so* much.

Give me an unconventional family with a whole lot of love to give and I am sold!

I loved how Chloe and Warren started out as reluctant roommates and gradually found themselves becoming a family. The way Chloe cares for Warren’s brother Luke and all the little things Warren does for Chloe and Willow were so sweet.

A *few* things happened a little too quickly for my liking and I would have liked a bit more conflict and struggling with feelings first, but it was heartwarming nonetheless.

I especially loved the extended epilogue at the end from Warren’s POV 🥰

You will LOVE this is you love a book with found family and so much heart ❤️

Thank you for the DRC!

This book is so heart-warming
It felt like a warm hug you need to bring you comfort. I discovered this author this year and every book of hers I read impressed me.
Next of kin is about family, about love at its finest and purest form, about struggling but trying your best everyday. And the romance between our main characters was angsty and emotional, but steamy and with enough banter to give me butterflies.

I cannot recommend it enough!

*Disclaimer: I was kindly provided with an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley.*

If you like the found family trope, you will love this. Chloe was adopted when she was young because of her mum’s issues with alcohol. When she gets a call from CPS, the last thing she expects is for her mother to have had another child (while intoxicated). Chloe ends up taking care of her baby sister, but she has to team up with Warren who is taking care of his deaf brother in order to pass CPS checks. And of course, in close quarters, Warren and Chloe slowly start to discover that a house can also be a home.

Once again, Heather McLarry has made a great book recommendation. Next of Kin is an incredibly sweet story about how sometimes bad things can lead to the best things and you may find your happiness when and where you least expect it. Warren is an absolute sweet heart. This book definitely fits the theme of a man obsessed with the FMC. When reading the book, you can’t help but fall in love with Chloe and her love and care for her little sister. She is loyal and witty and caring and smart and an incredible friend. This is truly a great story. The only critique I have is that the pacing is at times not perfectly done. That is to say, when time is supposed to have passed it doesn’t always come through and it ends up making the pace of the relationship progression feel a little off. But besides that, this is a great book that I would definitely recommend to anyone. It is quite emotional though, so check the TW beforehand.

oh my goodness, this was amazing. I just loved this book. It was sad, in fact, gut-wrenchingly sad, but had the right amount of humour, sarcasm and happiness to keep things flowing. Some huge issues were covered with sensitivity and with a wealth of care for the people affected, both the characters and those reading the book. A masterclass of crafting people that you want to make it, you want to get better and you want to have their happy story.

5 stars, need I say more?

Next of Kin is amazingly writtent and is a heartwarming and beautifully written novel that combines humour, tenderness, and a touch of unexpected romance to create a story that warms my heart.

The premise of two strangers forced to come together for the sake of their younger siblings is both unique and compelling. Chloe and Warren, initially at odds, form an unlikely partnership that adds depth and authenticity to the narrative. The characters are expertly crafted, well devloped, making them relatable and endearing to readers.

What sets this novel apart is the seamless blend of humour and emotion, Bonam-Young is a genius. The bickering between Chloe and Warren adds a delightful touch of comedy, while the challenges they face in fostering their siblings provide moments of genuine heartache and triumph. Bonam-Young masterfully navigates the complexities of family dynamics, friendship, and love, creating a narrative that is both uplifting and thought-provoking.

The character development is excellent, as Chloe and Warren evolve from reluctant partners to a team with a shared purpose. Their individual growth is amazing to witness. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, and the slow-burning romance is expertly woven into the storyline, adding an extra layer of depth to the narrative.

The writing style is engaging and flows effortlessly, making it easy for readers to become immersed in the story. The dialogue is witty and authentic, capturing the essence of the characters and their evolving relationships. The pacing is perfect, keeping the narrative moving while allowing moments of reflection and introspection.

Hannah Bonam-Young has crafted a story that not only entertains but also leaves a lasting impression. This novel is a delightful journey and I can't recommend it enough!

Absolutely loved this book! It was such a beautiful read, and I really liked how much diverse rep there was in it, and rep that was done well and not just shoehorned in. I also loved seeing the forced proximity trope, and how Chloe and Warren came together to form a found family. I can't wait to read more from Hannah!

I really, really loved this book!

Not only did the characters have great chemistry but it had an interesting backstory, compelling side characters and original ideas.

I really liked Warren and Chloe and enjoyed the nickname he made for her, but I also loved Luke and even Willow.

I was expecting a touch more angst than this, considering the general plotline bit found that it still worked without the additional drama.

I look forward to reading Matt and Lane's story!

As someone who is a caregiver in addiction to my career I could immensely relate to this book.
I’m so excited to share this readers as you don’t really find a book like this in this genre of women’s fiction these days. I look forward to sharing more soon and I can’t wait for this book to get out in the world to start reaching people and make them feel less alone.