⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Another stunning story from Hannah, she never misses with me, this one has the more morally grey mmc of her books so far and I actually liked how his character was handled, it felt less sugarcoated and more realistic.

I appreciated the exploration of the impact a difficult childhood has on adults how their upbringing affects how they move through life and the relationships they create.

This was a bit darker and had more food for tough and angst, I loved that Chloe and Warren felt both very similar but totally opposite personality and character wise but they still got their happy ending and all the love they deserved.

Thank you to Dell Romance and NetGalley for my free ebook in exchange of an honest review 💖

This was a book that very much surprised me. It's quite short and sometimes it feels rushed when you have book this short but this didn't feel rushed at all. I loved Warren and Chloe, and their relationship, Warren has definitely taken a seat at my Fave MMCs table. There is also no third act breakup! A lot of the times the third act breakups feel forced and they don't actually fit into the story but the author feels they need to add one and THIS HAS NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP, there is a third act conflict but it's not a conflict and it honestly made the story way better. This book is sweet yet spicy with LOTS of tension, it's the perfect slow burn. I loved this book and will be adding this to my shelf to re-read in the future.

Title: A Heartwarming Journey of Family and Love in "Next of Kin" by Hannah Bonam Young

"Next of Kin" by Hannah Bonam Young is a heartwarming tale that begins with Chloe, a 24-year-old woman who, after discovering that her birth mother has had another child, makes a courageous decision to take care of her little sister, Willow. Chloe, having been adopted herself, is determined to provide a better childhood for Willow than she experienced.

Warren, on the other hand, has been tirelessly trying to gain custody of his teenage brother, who is currently in a group home. His struggle lies in finding suitable housing to meet the requirements for custody. The paths of Chloe and Warren cross when a social worker suggests they join forces and temporarily share Chloe's spacious, rent-controlled apartment to overcome their respective challenges.

The initial meeting between Chloe and Warren sets a delightful tone for the story. Warren's reluctance to form connections is evident from the start, but Chloe's persistent and warm nature gradually breaks down his walls. The evolution of their relationship, from distant roommates to close friends and eventually something more, is portrayed with heartwarming authenticity.

One of the highlights of "Next of Kin" is the charming character of Luke, Warren's brother. The interactions between Luke and Chloe add depth and warmth to the narrative, showcasing the strength and beauty of chosen family bonds.

Hannah Bonam Young's writing is not only well-crafted but also highly engaging. The narrative unfolds seamlessly, keeping readers hooked from start to finish. The author skillfully captures the essence of the characters, making them relatable and endearing. The book is a delightful blend of humor, tenderness, and genuine emotion.

Overall, "Next of Kin" is a feel-good story that succeeds in delivering a heartwarming and uplifting experience. The characters' journey from strangers to a makeshift family is beautifully portrayed, leaving a constant smile on the reader's face. Young's storytelling prowess shines through, making this novel a highly enjoyable and satisfying read.

I liked this, but didn't love it. I really liked both characters but the chemistry felt kind of stilted from the beginning. It was like, super enemies but then all of I sudden they're like, "I love you" - it was a VERY unique story and I enjoyed all the different rep I saw. I would try this author again. 3- 3.5 stars

Ugh the way I LOVED this book. First and foremost, I loved the deaf representation, and I would really love to see more of that in romance! And I’m not at all familiar with the foster system, but I learned more than ever possible with both of our MCs being foster parents. There was just such emotional depth and a richness to this story that I think is so rare in contemporary these days. A million stars, and HBY deserves alllllll the success and praise!