People Watching by Hannah Bonam-Young

People Watching by Hannah Bonam-Young
on September 11, 2025
Genres: Fiction / Erotica / General, Fiction / Romance / Romantic Comedy
Pages: 368
Format: Audiobook
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In People Watching, Hannah Bonam-Young introduces us to Prudence Welch, a quiet, introverted woman whose life revolves around caring for her mother, recently diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, and working at her father’s gas station in their small Northern Ontario town. Her once-bigger dreams have dimmed under the weight of family responsibilities. Just as life begins to feel like it’s slipping away from her, a free-spirited traveler, Milo Kablukov, rolls into town. His beat-up van and restless nature seem like the exact opposite of Prue’s grounded existence, yet the two strike up an unlikely friendship that blossoms into a casual, intimate arrangement. But as sparks turn into something deeper, both Prue and Milo must decide if they’re willing to risk their hearts and step into the unknown together.

On the surface, the novel explores themes of family obligation, personal growth, and what it means to open yourself up to new experiences. Prue is a character defined by sacrifice—tethered to her family’s struggles while longing for something more. Milo, on the other hand, embodies freedom, adventure, and transience, which makes their connection an interesting clash of worldviews. The story attempts to explore the contrast between rootedness and wanderlust, and whether love can bridge that gap.

I’ve loved Hannah Bonam-Young’s previous books, so I went into this one with high expectations. Unfortunately, People Watching ended up being my least favorite of hers so far. For me, it felt like there were too many threads competing for attention—Prue’s mother’s Alzheimer’s, her father’s hidden struggles, Milo’s extensive romantic history, and Prue’s inexperience. Instead of weaving together seamlessly, it started to feel like multiple storylines mashed into one, which diluted the emotional impact.

The romance itself didn’t click for me either. The connection between Prue and Milo felt rushed and unconvincing, leaning more toward insta-love than slow-burn, which isn’t usually my preference. While I liked Prue’s father as a character, overall I found myself struggling to stay invested. Honestly, I even considered putting it down, but my love for Bonam-Young’s earlier work kept me going. In the end, it was only a middling read for me—about 2.5 stars.

Though People Watching wasn’t a hit for me, I still admire Hannah Bonam-Young’s storytelling and unique voice. This one felt overstuffed and mismatched, but I chalk it up to being “not the right book at the right time” for me personally. I’ll absolutely keep picking up her future releases, because I know what she’s capable of when everything clicks.