Quick Synopsis

In this sexy and emotional romance from the acclaimed author of Out of the Woods and Out on a Limb, a small-town woman’s journey to spread her wings intertwines with the arrival of an adventurous newcomer who brings out the best in her.

Publisher’s Synopsis

Prudence Welch has found solace in her introverted life in Baysville, a charming tourist town in Northern Ontario. Despite once dreaming of a life beyond its borders, she now finds contentment in her routines: working at her father’s gas station, writing poetry, and caring for her mother, who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease shortly after Prue’s nineteenth birthday. But as her mother’s condition worsens and her father’s concerns about her own future intensify, Prue feels her world slipping further out of control.

Enter Milo Kablukov, an enigmatic wanderer whose beat-up van covered with ill-advised bumper stickers rolls into town just when Prue needs a change. It’s all too easy to let go with him, and Prue can’t help but strike up an unlikely friendship with Milo, which leads to a wild and sexy agreement between them.

Milo, a man of many adventures and countless stories, is not one to settle down. However, his brother’s urgent need for help has brought him to Baysville, and now the intriguing Prue has given him more reason to stay—especially once they start spending more time together, their chemistry intensifying, and casual-sex lessons begin at Prue’s request.

But as their temporary arrangement blossoms into something deeper, Prue and Milo discover that getting out of their comfort zones is one thing . . . taking that leap together is something else entirely.

Book Review

Historically, I have really loved Hannah Bonam-Young’s romance novels. She typically develops her protagonists, emphasizes family, and allows emotion to build. I was excited to read People Watching, especially as autumn fell upon us.

People Watching is a small-town romance about Prue who has stayed in her hometown, at the expense of her dreams, to care for her mother who has early-onset Alzheimer’s. When Milo comes to town to assist his brother with opening a brewery, he never expects for a woman to catch his eye and actually make him think about settling down. Initially, Prue has no interest in the chaotic playboy, but Milo insists on showing her that he has a heart under his alluring exterior.

Although this novel worked for me in the end, People Watching feels a bit like the antithesis to a typical Hannah Bonam-Young romance. Instead of being built on emotions, chemistry, and feelings, Milo and Prud’s relationship is built on lust and thirst. If you love a bit of yearning and a he-just-must-have-her type romance, this book is for you. However, Milo is also a bit like the male protagonists I try to avoid in real life.

The book begins on an entertaining note with Prue trying to brush off Milo’s blatant attempts to woo her. But once Prue gives into her desire, things become physical fast. Unfortunately, it felt like the romance storyline mostly stalled out there. People Watching definitely includes a few plot points that could have been great for character and relationship development but were underutilized. I really prefer a deep emotional connection between protagonists over a purely physical one. Milo and Prue landed more in the later with the context lacking support for pretty words coming out of Milo’s mouth. Still, I did find the family storyline/B-plot to be satisfying and heartwarming.

My largest issue with People Watching largely comes down to Milo and Prue’s characters. I appreciate that while Prue was inexperienced, she was not immature. However, Milo was more of a mixed bag. I see nothing wrong with a slutty male character who has self-awareness, but Milo’s personality did not quite match his reputation. I hate to see a bisexual character automatically become a promiscuous stereotype… and that is what Milo seemed like. There did not seem to be a specific motivation behind his past actions and no event that transpired to change him. So Milo’s action within the plot just did not match what readers were led to expect from him. Consequently, I felt like I either needed to ignore the character’s background and take him for what he was or accept a personality transplant. It was just a bit too inconsistent for me, leaving me feeling like something was off or missing.

Overall, I liked People Watching. I enjoy Hannah Bonam-Young’s writing style and find it a pleasure to read. But I would recommend her other novels over this one.