Out On A Limb

This is a swoony and charming story that lives up to its massive hype. It's a bingeable read that follows the journey of believably flawed characters who go from strangers to friends to falling in love after they hook up and find themselves pregnant. The book hits the ground running with spice but ultimately, this is a story about friendship, connection and building family around you. 

It has a titch of miscommunication and accidental pregnancy (normally both icky in romances for me) but it totally works in this book! I loved seeing Win and Bo grow together, heal each other and build their intimacy from strangers to friends to lovers to soulmates. 

The story also has great disability representation showing how Bo and Win's physical differences impact their lives and how others perceive them. Bo and Win each have familial baggage to contend with leading to some poignant moments and I loved Win and her sister Sarah's bond which added some levity. Bo is a swoony, nerdy leading dude who has his own issues to deal with but he becomes becomes a safe place for Win and I simply adored him (and Bonam-Young's hearty nod to the nerds through him).

Heartwarming, comfy and delightfully swoony, this romance burns bright initially then slow burns as readers witness the changing relationship and connection between Win and Bo. It's a whirlwind of emotions - from awkward and new to comfort and devotion. It's a story about belonging, overcoming, being seen and chosen family.

Favourite Quotes:

".. existing in a body that the word is not designed to accommodate can create so many avenues of empathy for others, who are experiencing the same thing for a variety of reasons. The determination and the resilience that come from that. The community it cultivates." - p271

"I can tell life has not been easy or always kind to you, but you haven't let it turn you hard, not like a stone. You became like water. You move with it all. You're soft ... but powerful." - p282

My Rating: 5 stars

Author: Hannah Bonam-Young

Genre: Romance

Type and Source: Trade Paperback from public library

Publisher: Dell

First Published: June 4, 2024 

Read: August 6-9, 2024

Book Description from GoodReads: Winnifred "Win" McNulty has always been wildly independent. Not one to be coddled for her limb difference, Win has spent most of her life trying to prove that she can do it all on her own. And, with some minor adjustments, she's done just fine.

That is until she has a one-night stand with the incredibly charming Bo, a perfect stranger. And that one night changes everything.

While Bo is surprisingly elated to step up to the plate, Win finds herself unsure of whether she can handle this new challenge on her own or if she’ll need a helping hand.

Together, Win and Bo decide to get to know one another as friends and nothing more. But, as they both should know by now, life rarely goes according to plan.