I laughed. I cried. I fell more in love with HBY’s writing. Amazing, zero complaints. She isn’t capable of putting out a bad book.

I have to admit, the first 100 pages or so of this book didn't feel like a HBY novel. The beginning was a bit slow and the characters didn't feel relatable. After that initial hump, we were off to the races! The storyline really picked up and I found myself recognizing the characters as people I knew in real life, struggling with family illness, traumatic childhoods and trust issues. This story really hit home in a way that I wasn't expecting at all; as the granddaughter of someone with Alzheimers/Dementia this story felt personal.

I loved all of Hannah's previous books and this one was one of my more anticipated books releasing in 2025. I wanted to love this so bad, but it just wasn't for me. There was way too much insta-love, which is one of my biggest book pet peeves. I also think that there might have been too many subplots going on that really took away from the romance, making it seem rushed and not very fleshed out.

✨Book Review✨

📚 Hannah has created characters that are unique and interesting, people you want to be friends with in real life. Both Prue and Milo have complicated family dynamics for completely different reasons. The spicy scenes are extremely descriptive with a door wide open. I love the way Hannah Bonam-Young has tackled some difficult issues in her book. Early Onset Alzheimer’s was a serious topic to bring into the book, and she did so with grace and intentionality. In the same vein, abusive childhoods and strained family relationships because of that shared history is not an easy topic to include in a book, and Hannah has done this well too.

A special thank you to @NetGalley and @AuthorHannahBY for the Advanced Reader Copy!

🌟 If you’re into contemporary romances that are set in small towns, have family relationships that are dynamic, and open door smutty scenes then this book is for you! Preorder it today - it’s set to publish September 9th.

More about: People Watching - Hannah Bonam-Young

📖 Prue likes her life. Sure taking care of a Mom with Early Onset Alzheimer’s is demanding but she is content in her routines and working at her father’s gas station grocery store and writing poetry in her slices of free time. As her Mom’s condition worsens and her world begins to slip out of control Milo enters the scene. Milo is a free spirit who can provide the friendship that Prue needs and maybe even more if they can come to an agreement. Milo isn’t one to settle down, but he’s come to Baysville at the call of his brother who’s in need of help getting his Brewery open. Prue and Milo both have some learning to do from one another: about life, sex, and maybe even… love?

|| Book Review, People Watching, Hannah Bonam-Young, Contemporary Romance ||

oh people watching, how i love you!

hannah has reeled me in again and imm here to stay with book! this is a non spoiler review so i don’t do too much but my goodness you can tell each character in story was written with love. like wholeheartedly. they felt lived in like you’re watching your favorite show and start mid season but it’s comfortable, you know that feeling? yeah she did that. i want to know more so badly. prue is my girl, i related to her in more ways than one, she’s so likable and personable, and growing with her throughout the story was fun. and my softest boy ever, milo. i love him your honor. he deals with a lot and handles it the way i would so i love him even more! and lizzy mcalpine is the perfect person to listen to while reading this one i’ll tell you that! anyways i hope aleks and nadia get a book because the build up is thereeee

I'm a big fan of Hannah Bonam Young and I will read basically anything she writes. My absolute favorite book of her is Out on a Limb. While I don't think this one tops that, I still enjoyed it. The story follows the main character, Prudence, as she tries to deal with a parent with early Alzheimers. She meets Milo who is just passing through town and they hit it off. I liked them both as characters and that the third act break up was not really even a break up but more about communication. I appreciate that Bonam-Young's writing never feel formulaic and that each of her novels has it's own plot. I think it can be tricky to find romance books these days that don't rely heavily on the usual tropes. Overall, it was a fun read.

People Watching is the kind of story that feels like slipping into your favorite hoodie: warm, lived-in, and unexpectedly emotional in all the right ways. Hannah Bonam-Young has such a gift for writing characters who feel real—messy, kind, awkward, stubborn, and deeply human. Prue tugged at every thread of my heart. She’s quietly resilient, shaped by a life she didn’t plan for but lives with fierce care and grace. And Milo? Milo is joy personified. He’s that rare sunshine-love-interest who actually feels complex, not just quirky for the sake of it. Their dynamic is flirty, hot, and full of that soft kind of tension that makes you grin like an idiot while reading.

What I loved most, though, is how tenderly this book explores the emotional labor of caregiving, grief before loss, and the desire to feel chosen—not out of obligation, but because someone sees your full, flawed self and stays. The spice? Top tier. The banter? Immaculate. But it’s the quiet, vulnerable moments that stuck with me. Bonam-Young writes romance with real heart, and People Watching is another gem I’ll be recommending to everyone who needs something a little gentle, a little sexy, and a whole lot of meaningful.

🤎 Pru, looks like a cinnamon roll, would kill you
🤍Milo, looks like he could kill you, actually is a cinnamon roll
🤎 never left her hometown, take care of mom
🤍 nomad, trauma with parents
🤎 teacher x student in 🌶️
🤍 russian dirty talk
🤎 pinterest fall girly aesthetic

Once again, Hannah has done it. I will gobble everything she writes

A cute idea with great potential! I feel like there was a lot of trauma happening all at once, just piling on and just not enough time to really delve into the characters and their growth.

I have enjoyed Hannah’s Previous books a lot so I was excited for this one.
Because of that, this one fell flat for me.

It took about 25% for me to get into the story and then I got pulled back out soon after.
It felt quite childish at points, I was envisioning them to be 18 I won’t lie, it felt icky for me when reading certain scenes.
There’s a lot happening at once
Prue was lacking some character substance??
There was potential but too many layers and not enough depth in a way.
Cute and sentimental moments just missing a little something for me

So all in all it seems this one wasn’t my cup of tea but I see how others will enjoy it more and I will obviously continue to read Hannah’s writing in the future!
Thank you for the arc

Love this author!!!! The cover is cute and perfect for fall. Prue is cute and Milo is hot! Perfect combination of family drama and spice. Really enjoy dual POV and the Canadian references.

Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine | Dell for an advanced readers copy of this book.

I don't have enough stars to give this book -- ALL THE STARS IN THE WORLD.

Hannah Bonam-Young is an immediate read for me. Her books are so well crafted that you feel like you're in the story with the characters. Milo and Prue were just the cutest and I adored their story. (Can't wait for the next one - which is painfully obviously coming.) The family dynamics worked so well and felt so... true.

-NOTES-
Bi MMC, artist, has loads of tattoos (ugh, so hot.)
Chapter 3: already emotional
Warning: Alzheimer's (😞)
Chapter 5: tears (already. I'm toast.)
Chapter 7: TENSION - so hot.
MMC is self-trauma-aware
Chapter 14: Nik’s (MMC brother) speakerphone call to Milo in the shop with Prue - hilarious

📚Trope(s): Virgin FMC, Family Trauma, Small Town, He falls first
⭐️Plot: 5/5
🔥Chemistry: 5/5
🌶️Spice: 4/5

4.5 stars — Tender, Thoughtful, and Beautifully Written

People Watching is a quietly powerful story that sneaks up on your heart. Hannah Bonam-Young delivers a tender, introspective romance filled with emotional nuance, authentic characters, and beautifully subtle writing. The slow-burn connection between the leads felt incredibly real, and the exploration of grief, vulnerability, and self-discovery was handled with such care. It’s the kind of book that lingers in your mind long after you finish—comforting, cathartic, and deeply human. A gem of a read.

I'm sorry to say this was a DNF for me at 26%. I'm sad about that because I liked Out of the Woods and Out on a Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young...they had their faults but both relationships were very full-hearted and the men were sweet and devoted. This book rubbed me the wrong way right from the start, when Milo and Prudence met and couldn't stop sexually objectifying each other. I don't think it's romantic when characters think about doing things to each other before they have even had one real conversation. When a guy is overly flirtatious and suggestive despite the girl's obvious distaste, that is a big no-no for me. I slammed the book shut (so to speak) when Milo and Prudence had their first meetup and he leaned in to kiss her. That's an ick I can't get over. Even though I know the author will flesh out the characters some more, I can tell based on her other writing that she is ramping up to a lot of spice. I don't have it in me to read that much spice. OoaL was already too intense. So, I'm sorry to say I had to put a pin in this. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!

I'll read anything HBY writes and I mean that with everything in me. And she did not disappoint. Miles, I love you. You're so hot. Pru, in a lot of ways, I probably am you, but I also love you and want to see you flourish. Exploring the ideas of running vs cementing yourself in place and finding a happy medium in between. We should explore and spread our wings, not staying rooted in one place by expectations, but also we can't run from our problems either. I loved this. Will read it 100 more times.

HBY’S BEST WORK!!!!! I said what I said!!!! Prue and Milo are so special. Their relationship and sweet and tender and HOT HOT HOT and beautiful patient and vulnerable with the signature HBY humor mixed in. I love this little town and all its people and Milo and Prue’s individual journeys and relationships as well as their journey together. This book is a masterclass in romance, banter, and human connection. I think about it every day.

People Watching delivered a beautiful, emotionally layered story that balanced heartfelt realism with sizzling chemistry. Prudence Welch’s journey from self-contained caretaker to a woman rediscovering her desires and agency was rendered with remarkable sensitivity and care. The author’s portrayal of life with a parent suffering from Early Onset Alzheimer's was both devastating and compassionate, adding deep emotional stakes to Prue’s otherwise quiet life in small-town Baysville.
Milo Kablukov was the perfect foil—adventurous, disarming, and deeply human. Their connection built slowly, naturally, and deliciously, with the “casual-sex lessons” turning into something far more vulnerable and tender. The romance was charged with heat, but also trust and emotional growth, making it easy to root for them even when their fears and pasts threatened to pull them apart.
The writing was witty, poignant, and sharp, with dialogue that felt real and characters that stayed with me long after the final page. She masterfully captured what it means to love someone while still learning how to love and choose yourself.
People Watching wasn’t just a love story—it was a story of healing, change, and finding freedom in connection. A standout romance that hit every emotional note.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Hannah Bonam-Young never disappoints. This story, the love story of Prue and Milo is told against the backdrop of dementia and grief, abuse and familial strain. As with all of Bonam-Young’s characters, Prue and Milo are so likable and I rooted for them from the beginning. And the supporting cast of characters - from Prue’s parents to Milo’s siblings, to John the baker, and Clyde - everyone! - made me wish I could crawl in and love in this story forever. Or until she writes her next book!

2 stars

This is like if Lyla Sage wrote a book about Canadians. And no, that’s not the compliment you’re thinking it is. (If you’re new here and unaware of my feelings with Lyla Sage’s books, please help yourself to my reviews on her series). Unfortunately People Watching is another case of the latest Abby Jimenez syndrome. The concept might’ve been there, but the execution wasn’t. And then it’s peppered with problematic situations that the reader is supposed to find endearing

This book had so many red flags in it that I’m shocked it even made it past whomever HBY’s alpha and beta readers are, let alone editing.

Let’s start with the books number one red flag: our MMC, Milo. Consent? Consent who? Milo doesn’t know her. There is an actual line in the book where he says “but your body is saying yes” after our FMC, Prue says “No” when he informs her he’s going to kiss her. He even justifies himself by saying “You hesitated”. I hope readers realize what an egregious problem that scene is. Especially when there is no rebuke towards it by either party. It’s written in a way that seems like you’re supposed to find Milo charming and suave and sexy. But after reading many reviews, not one reader has flagged this issue. Consent being tackled so irresponsibly needs further discussion and awareness, especially when its underlying message is for the reader to praise it instead of condemn the action. Additionally this scene is only the second time these two have met. The first time being a quick exchange where Prue was visibly uncomfortable. Our man Milo’s obsession with her (which was immediate) allows him no space to read a room.

Milo also suffers from some pretty severe childhood trauma and “daddy issues” (his words) but seems to use that as an excuse for his behavior instead of seeking therapy. The entire book we are told how he never stays in one place because he has the urge to flee when things get tough. We are told time and time again how he has no issues in confronting his trauma in any real productive way. It’s mentioned that his brother sought therapy for himself, but given the 300+ pages of this book not once does Milo consider that same path for himself. In the end it reads more like a book with the energy of “I can fix him” or “love heals all”.

When it comes to Prue, our FMC, we are treated to a really great job of how to infantilize a grown adult woman. It makes reading some of the sex scenes uncomfortable. Prue is a 25 year old virgin - (again, this is how she describes herself) and her “virginity” (truly hate using that term because it’s such a patriarchal social construct) is due, not to choice, but because she doesn’t have friends and is lonely and otherwise a social pariah. I think we are meant to believe the reason for this is because she spends all her free time caretaking for her mother who has early onset Alzheimer’s. But that wouldn’t explain her time in high school when she apparently couldn’t make any friends. And as a virgin she asks Milo to give her lessons in sex. (The main trope this book is marketed for, and yet it doesn’t begin to even show its face until the 42% mark). Nothing too much to explain here other than Prue being incredibly adept at all sexual acts she tries for the first time…

Speaking of sex, there is a scene where Milo internally says the following:
“Prue's tits are perfect and begging to be worshiped—covered in goosebumps that I lick as if reading braille with my tongue.”
At best, this is very cringe. At worst, though, this is using a disability in a fetishistic and/or gimmicky sort of way.

And we can’t forget the trauma porn of it all. The list looks like this:
* Mother with early onset Alzheimer’s
* Dad with cancer diagnosis
* MMC (and siblings) suffering abuse in childhood
* Parentified characters
There was just so much trying to go on at once that it took away from actually getting to know the characters.

Some other important things to note: this book took place (if I was calculating correctly) somewhere between 2-3 weeks. Milo and Prue were in love in less than a month. Milo, a self proclaimed commitment-averse man, is cured by love in a few weeks. The epilogue takes place 6 months later where he then proposes. Absolutely no way this man doesn’t up and leave Prue in the middle of the night when his trauma comes back after the love (read: lust) high has lifted.

Thank you so much to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an ARC for this novel!
All opinions are purely my own!

This is my favourite HBY book yet! These characters really snuck their way into my heart and tucked themselves right in. I had such a hard time putting this down. The author does such a good job of handling really really heavy topics while still managing to keep her stories full of love and light-hearted. I will literally recommend HBY to ANYONE who asks. I *loved* this!