The new romance novel People Pleasing arrives from New York Times bestselling author Hannah Bonam-Young with a promise of heart-warming nostalgia and fresh chemistry. Set to hit shelves on January 5, 2027, the story follows city-grown Nadia Kablukov as she returns to her hometown to help brother Nik launch a brewery, only to run into her former best friend and first love, Aleks Truss. The premise mixes family duty, small-town revival, and the slow-burn resurgence of a once-broken connection.
Plot details: Nadia, Nik, Aleks, and the brewery
When Nik phones Nadia for a hand with his fledgling brewery, she reluctantly leaves the hustle of Union Station behind and heads home. Returning home forces her to confront a tangled past: Aleks, her ex-best friend-turned-ex-lover, has joined the venture as Nik’s business partner. As the duo tinkers with hops and barrels, old habits resurface, and the familiar banter that once defined their friendship turns into something more poignant. Secondary characters—Nadia’s niece Quinn, her brother’s loyal dog Milo, and the ever-present neighborhood memories—add texture, making the story feel like a lived-in small-town tableau.
How to join the official virtual launch on January 6
The Everygirl has partnered with Hannah for a live-online evening titled An Evening With Hannah Bonam-Young. Scheduled for January 6, 2027, the event will feature a conversation with fellow romance writers Lyla Sage and B.K. Borison. Attendees can submit their own questions, listen to discussions about romance tropes, and receive a complimentary copy of People Pleasing. Tickets are sold via a single link; each purchase supports an independent bookstore partner, reinforcing the grassroots literary community. The ticket price includes the People Pleasing paperback and a link to the livestream, ensuring that readers worldwide can participate.
Another virtual gathering: Lovestruck Books’ celebration on January 7
One day after the Everygirl event, Lovestruck Books hosts its own online party, titled People Pleasing with Hannah Bonam-Young. The session runs from 7 pm to 9 pm on January 7, 2027 and is anchored at 44 Brattle Street, Harvard Square (virtual attendance link provided on Eventbrite). The format mirrors the previous night: Hannah is joined by Lyla Sage and B.K. Borison, while The Everygirl moderates a segment and runs a giveaway. Tickets are also sold through Eventbrite, with proceeds directed to independent book retailers.
Exclusive excerpt that sets the tone
The Everygirl released a short excerpt, offering a vivid glimpse of Nadia’s arrival. In the passage, Nadia spots Aleks holding her niece Quinn on the porch, instantly reigniting old feelings. The narration captures the tension of seeing a familiar face amidst childhood chaos, with details like Aleks’s newly trimmed chestnut curls and Milo’s honking car adding cinematic flair. The excerpt also showcases Hannah’s skillful blend of humor and yearning, as Nadia grapples with a sudden, “fuck, shit, fuck” reaction and a lingering sense of unresolved love.
Both virtual events provide fans with a chance to hear Hannah discuss the creative process behind People Pleasing, explore character motivations, and answer audience queries. Whether you’re an avid romance reader or a newcomer curious about the genre’s latest offering, the combined January 6-7 festivities serve as a comprehensive launch platform that ties together plot intrigue, community support, and interactive author access.
