Next of Kin
A Novel
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4.6 • 14 Ratings
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- $11.99
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
Two bickering strangers trying to foster their younger siblings team up to create a stable home, but the chemistry between them threatens to undo their plans—from the viral TikTok author of Next to You and Out on a Limb.
“Funny and huge-hearted and romantic and real.”—New York Times bestselling author Talia Hibbert
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’s new initiative, where two prospective guardians join households to qualify.
Enter Warren, a surly mechanic’s apprentice attempting to get custody of his deaf fifteen-year-old brother. From the moment Warren drives up thirty minutes late, blasting music out of his car, Chloe is convinced that this is a very bad idea. The two immediately clash but eventually agree to live together for the sake of their younger siblings.
As their lives intertwine, and Chloe adjusts to caring for her newborn sister, she begins to see a new, softer side of Warren. In fact, they’re far more similar than she 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 is their mutual attraction worth risking everything they’ve fought for?
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Strangers unite under one roof to raise their younger siblings in this fun if underbaked rom-com from Bonam-Young (Out on a Limb). When 24-year-old Chloe discovers that her unfit birth mother has just had a second child and that Chloe, as next of kin, will be named guardian, she immediately steps up. But failing to meet Child Protective Services' financial requirements leaves her forced to choose between seeing her baby sister sent into foster care, or applying to a new, "unusual" CPS program requiring two potential guardians with different shortcomings to live in one household. With help from her social worker, Chloe meets Warren, a mechanic's apprentice hoping to gain custody of his Deaf 15-year-old brother. Chloe is apprehensive about living with a stranger, especially Warren, whose loud music, tardiness, and seemingly cavalier approach to the situation make her wary. Despite their differences, the two agree to give it a try and, as they settle into their new routine, Chloe sees a warmer and more open side to Warren. It's a contrived setup and Bonam-Young doesn't quite deliver on the character development necessary to make the opposites attract romance work. Still, the chaotic new household gives rise to some endearing moments. For diehard fans of found family tropes, that may be enough.
Customer Reviews
One of my new favorites!
I saw that Ali Hazelwood was promoting this book on IG, and once I noticed the Talia Hibbert review on the cover, I knew it was going to be special! The writing is so strong, and the characters are so endearing and authentic. It doesn’t shy away from serious topics, but it was done with obvious care and sensitivity that was so refreshing and exciting to see. Chloe and Warren’s love was so palpable and beautiful to experience, and I know I’ll be rereading it multiple times in the future. I can’t wait to read more from Bonam-Young!