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bookishval's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Omg, this is the book I’ve been waiting for. I was starting to think I was being harsh on books I gave 4.5 ratings, bc I’m absolutely selfish with my 5 stars, but this book 100% deserved it. When I have more time I’ll write a more detailed review
Okay, now I have time, let's get into it.
I didn´t give it much thought when I decided to give Out on a Limb a try. I haven't read a book with a pregnancy trope that I truly enjoyed, so maybe that's why I picked it up.
I wasn't prepare to read such a joyful, wholesome and heart-hugging story!! Omggg
Like I said before, I've been kind of reluctant lately to give books 5 stars. With this one, I've only given 3 books that rating in 2023 so far, so I was starting to question myself. Wether or not I was being too picky idk. But then I read this book and I remembered the feeling of just knowing 100% that you'll give it five stars. This book made me believe in love again and at the same time it made me feel sad because there's no way men like Bo exist, or that love stories like theirs are real. This is one of the best romances I've read in my entire life and the fact that I've failed to finish a book twice after reading this one, makes me wonder if it left me in a reading slump.
You know what's the key to such a perfect book? Something this book clearly excelled at? Being written with love and care. Hannah Bonam-Young dropped her heart and soul in this book and I truly appreciate it. I read the Author's Note in the beginning, so I'm aware how important this book is for her, like what it meant to write it and how close to home it hit. So I wanted to take a space in this sort of review to awknowledge that and recognize her effort.
I know I'm not structuring this review properly, but that's what happens when I have so many things to say, so many good things that my brain cannot function and my hands cannot keep up with the pace of my thoughts.
The pregnancy trope was done beautifully in this book. It obviously plays a main part in the plot, something you know just by reading the synopsis. But it goes way beyond that. Win and Bo's journey was such a delight thing to read. From strangers in a party that understood each other too quickly, their chemistry flying out of the roof, to unexpected parents. This two were ready to never see each other again, but the universe said Hell, no and gave us the most romantic story of them falling in love with each other and their baby.
So Winnifred, for example, was this girl that after being in such a toxic and draining relationship, decided to not fall in love again. Her ex completely destroyed her and her self-esteem, leaving her never wanting to give the power to do that again to any other man. Win never expected to get pregnant, let alone be prepare for it. I appreciate the respectful talk about all of Win's options. The possibility of abortion was discussed, however Win was certain she wanted to keep her baby. She knew she wanted to be a mother, and that's what it is about, having the power of deciding. And Win was ready to do it alone. Sure, she was going to let Bo know for mere principle, but she didn't expect him to give her anything in return, she gave him the choice to be a part of it or not. And Bo completely threw her world upside down by being the most thoughtful, loving and caring human being I've read in a very long time.
Coming back to Win, one of the most important things about her pregnancy is coming to terms with how her disability is going to present as a challenge. I would especially like to highlight the scene where she, without thinking, asks her doctor if her kid has all their fingers, if their hands are complete. She hated herself for asking. She knew deep down she would love the kid regardless, but she still asked that question and feels so guilty about it. And it's a bittersweet experience, because she thinks about not having something to share with the baby, or that they would never understand her. And again, she feels guilty for sort of wanting to have that with her child.
I think that pretty much covers her whole dilemma.
Now Bo, sweet perfect Bo, who had more layers than we thought at first.
After knowing he was going to be a father, Bo had one of the most emotional and adorable reactions I've ever read. Because of his past (something we learn later on), Bo had given up the idea of ever being a father, of having a family. And then this girl with whom she had a brief but precious connection in a party drops the bomb and makes him the happiest man alive! I would even say Bo is the best book boyfriend I'm going to read in this year, perhaps be in my top5 of all time.
Both him and Win are dealing with the aftermath of their past toxic relationships and I love the fact that none of their exes made an apperance in the story. Their past played an important role in their romance, but there was no unnecessary drama. Just perfect!
I also don't think there was a 3rd act breakup or conflict in this book, which if you've read my reviews you'll know I absolutely despise. So kudos to Hannah for showing how perfect romance books can be without unsolicited angst.
And that epilogue!! istg that's how you write an epilogue! No such perfect and satisfying epilogue has ever been written!
Thank you, Hannah, for gifting us with this book, for letting me get to know Bo and Win, and for writing with so much love, care and passion.
Okay, now I have time, let's get into it.
I didn´t give it much thought when I decided to give Out on a Limb a try. I haven't read a book with a pregnancy trope that I truly enjoyed, so maybe that's why I picked it up.
I wasn't prepare to read such a joyful, wholesome and heart-hugging story!! Omggg
Like I said before, I've been kind of reluctant lately to give books 5 stars. With this one, I've only given 3 books that rating in 2023 so far, so I was starting to question myself. Wether or not I was being too picky idk. But then I read this book and I remembered the feeling of just knowing 100% that you'll give it five stars. This book made me believe in love again and at the same time it made me feel sad because there's no way men like Bo exist, or that love stories like theirs are real. This is one of the best romances I've read in my entire life and the fact that I've failed to finish a book twice after reading this one, makes me wonder if it left me in a reading slump.
You know what's the key to such a perfect book? Something this book clearly excelled at? Being written with love and care. Hannah Bonam-Young dropped her heart and soul in this book and I truly appreciate it. I read the Author's Note in the beginning, so I'm aware how important this book is for her, like what it meant to write it and how close to home it hit. So I wanted to take a space in this sort of review to awknowledge that and recognize her effort.
I know I'm not structuring this review properly, but that's what happens when I have so many things to say, so many good things that my brain cannot function and my hands cannot keep up with the pace of my thoughts.
The pregnancy trope was done beautifully in this book. It obviously plays a main part in the plot, something you know just by reading the synopsis. But it goes way beyond that. Win and Bo's journey was such a delight thing to read. From strangers in a party that understood each other too quickly, their chemistry flying out of the roof, to unexpected parents. This two were ready to never see each other again, but the universe said Hell, no and gave us the most romantic story of them falling in love with each other and their baby.
So Winnifred, for example, was this girl that after being in such a toxic and draining relationship, decided to not fall in love again. Her ex completely destroyed her and her self-esteem, leaving her never wanting to give the power to do that again to any other man. Win never expected to get pregnant, let alone be prepare for it. I appreciate the respectful talk about all of Win's options. The possibility of abortion was discussed, however Win was certain she wanted to keep her baby. She knew she wanted to be a mother, and that's what it is about, having the power of deciding. And Win was ready to do it alone. Sure, she was going to let Bo know for mere principle, but she didn't expect him to give her anything in return, she gave him the choice to be a part of it or not. And Bo completely threw her world upside down by being the most thoughtful, loving and caring human being I've read in a very long time.
Coming back to Win, one of the most important things about her pregnancy is coming to terms with how her disability is going to present as a challenge. I would especially like to highlight the scene where she, without thinking, asks her doctor if her kid has all their fingers, if their hands are complete. She hated herself for asking. She knew deep down she would love the kid regardless, but she still asked that question and feels so guilty about it. And it's a bittersweet experience, because she thinks about not having something to share with the baby, or that they would never understand her. And again, she feels guilty for sort of wanting to have that with her child.
I think that pretty much covers her whole dilemma.
Now Bo, sweet perfect Bo, who had more layers than we thought at first.
After knowing he was going to be a father, Bo had one of the most emotional and adorable reactions I've ever read. Because of his past (something we learn later on), Bo had given up the idea of ever being a father, of having a family. And then this girl with whom she had a brief but precious connection in a party drops the bomb and makes him the happiest man alive! I would even say Bo is the best book boyfriend I'm going to read in this year, perhaps be in my top5 of all time.
Both him and Win are dealing with the aftermath of their past toxic relationships and I love the fact that none of their exes made an apperance in the story. Their past played an important role in their romance, but there was no unnecessary drama. Just perfect!
I also don't think there was a 3rd act breakup or conflict in this book, which if you've read my reviews you'll know I absolutely despise. So kudos to Hannah for showing how perfect romance books can be without unsolicited angst.
And that epilogue!! istg that's how you write an epilogue! No such perfect and satisfying epilogue has ever been written!
Thank you, Hannah, for gifting us with this book, for letting me get to know Bo and Win, and for writing with so much love, care and passion.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Pregnancy, and Sexual content
Moderate: Cancer
Minor: Toxic relationship
redempta's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
5 🌟
It was a cute story!!!
Loved the writing.
Loved the characters.
Loved the representation.
It was a cute story!!!
Loved the writing.
Loved the characters.
Loved the representation.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer
Minor: Suicide, Toxic relationship, Body shaming, and Death of parent
shector1's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy, Sexual content, and Medical content
Moderate: Ableism
Minor: Abortion, Infertility, Cursing, Suicide, Toxic relationship, and Death of parent
lilli0311's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy
Moderate: Cancer
Minor: Death of parent, Suicide, and Toxic relationship
sarahsbookstacks's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
FIVE STARS! Thank you to the author for sending me an early copy. Hate to admit it but I am indeed a simp for another fridge-like blonde man.
I loved everything about this book. The author’s note at the beginning made me weepy and the tender feelings did not stop there. This entire book felt like a warm cozy hug, and the love between these characters felt so real. Also I loved that Win‘s feisty bestie is named Sarah! There was also such a good balance of humor to match the tender feels, I laughed out loud multiple times!
The disability representation in both main characters (limb difference, lower leg amputee) was excellent, and I could tell reading how much care and personal experience (this is own voices rep for limb difference) Hannah put in to writing this story. I loved it I loved it I loved it.
Enjoy this quote that made me a puddle:
“You are my soul’s purpose, Win. To know you, to love you, to build a family with you, to spend every day taking care of you, to watch you shine and get all the good things you deserve out of this life.” I will no longer accept ily, I want yamsp. :’)
CWs provided by the author in the text: Graphic sexual content, pregnancy and symptoms of pregnancy, brief discussion of abortion (pro-choice stance, not performed), ableism in reference to a limb difference, verbally abusive ex-partner (no reappearance), death of a parent (past, off page) depression and suicide (past, off page), cancer (past, not reoccurring), amputation (past, off page).
I loved everything about this book. The author’s note at the beginning made me weepy and the tender feelings did not stop there. This entire book felt like a warm cozy hug, and the love between these characters felt so real. Also I loved that Win‘s feisty bestie is named Sarah! There was also such a good balance of humor to match the tender feels, I laughed out loud multiple times!
The disability representation in both main characters (limb difference, lower leg amputee) was excellent, and I could tell reading how much care and personal experience (this is own voices rep for limb difference) Hannah put in to writing this story. I loved it I loved it I loved it.
Enjoy this quote that made me a puddle:
“You are my soul’s purpose, Win. To know you, to love you, to build a family with you, to spend every day taking care of you, to watch you shine and get all the good things you deserve out of this life.” I will no longer accept ily, I want yamsp. :’)
CWs provided by the author in the text: Graphic sexual content, pregnancy and symptoms of pregnancy, brief discussion of abortion (pro-choice stance, not performed), ableism in reference to a limb difference, verbally abusive ex-partner (no reappearance), death of a parent (past, off page) depression and suicide (past, off page), cancer (past, not reoccurring), amputation (past, off page).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy, Cancer, Sexual content, and Ableism
Minor: Toxic relationship, Death of parent, and Suicide
Amputation
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