People Skills by Nina Kenwood

People Skills is an addictive slow-burn romance that demands you keep reading.

Thirty-year-old Charlotte is determined to rebuild her life after her job as a book editor and her relationship with a work colleague both went up in flames. Landing a new position as a personal assistant to the prominent Hillary Hobbs means a shift to living in the coastal town of Barwon Bay, where she can finally get her life back on track.

With a hectic, well-organised work schedule, the one thing Charlotte wasn’t prepared for was a visit from Hillary’s handsome but wayward son, Xavier. He’s the son who published the country’s blockbuster novel and made a killing from it. However, he hasn’t written anything in the years since, and his mother wants Charlotte to help fix Xavier’s writer’s block. She doesn’t have time to fix a broken writer, but she can’t say no to her boss, and she can’t resist a challenge.

When Xavier turns up on her doorstep looking to stay in her spare room, Charlotte needs to set some firm ground rules; it’s look but under no circumstances touch. But the rules get harder to abide by, and Charlotte finds herself drawn to the man who is forbidden fruit. She must remind herself he’s out of her league as she sets him a list of tasks to work through in order to break the cycle of inactivity as a writer. With Xavier making great progress, Charlotte is surprised to find Hillary is trying to get her son and his ex-girlfriend back together again. It makes her realise where she fits into Xavier’s world.

Things get more confusing for Charlotte when Xavier kisses her, and for the longest moment she lets her guard down and kisses him back. Falling in love with Hillary’s son is a rookie move and could cost her the job she loves. Xavier isn’t making it easy, so Charlotte takes the only option available. But is it the right one?

People Skills is a heartfelt love story with lovable, vulnerable characters, including a swoon-worthy hero. It was peppered with both sad, heartfelt moments and laugh-out-loud funny moments. This is another thoroughly entertaining read from Australian author Nina Kenwood.

Reviewer: Carole Brungar

Text Publishing