Reviews with content warning for Alcohol - Out On a Limb

I loved every page of this book!! It was such a joy to read and get lost in their story

I loved the instant connection and chemistry and the seeing it grow and develop throughout the story

I feel like this could quickly become a book that I could reread over and over and never get bored of it

I loved all the characters and their humour was right up my street

Fully sobbing over the ending it was so cute

- disability & amputee
- 1st person, single pov
- accidental pregnancy
- one night stand
- roommates / forced proximity
- no 3rd act break up

Content Warnings

aksmith92's review against another edition

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funny hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Boy, was I nervous to tackle this rom-com book by Hannah Bonam-Young. Pregnancy in romance books is one of my least favorites, but I heard such good things and had to give it a go. I liked how Bonam-Young even said in a preface that she recognizes this accidental pregnancy trope isn't the best, but she wanted to do it anyway. I will say I did find this novel a bit "trope-y," but I had such a good time and couldn't put the book down. I loved the prose, I loved the plot, and I did love the characters for the most part. I think it was also essential to read a book about disabled folks finding joy and love - a premise we most certainly don't get to read that often.

We follow the point of view of Winnifred, or Win, a 28-year-old living and working in Canada and just trying to get by. She has had some challenges in the past, from dealing with an emotionally immature mother, to coming to terms with a toxic past relationship, and living and thriving with a disability: a hand that from birth didn't quite form or grow. At her best friend's Halloween party one night, she meets Bo, or Robert, or Robbie (so many identities!), and they hit off because they both dress up as pirates, and he is missing one leg from the knee down. They relate and understand each other almost instantly, and as you can imagine, one thing leads to another, and oops, Win is pregnant. The problem is she only wanted something casual and hadn't talked to Bo since the party. The book follows Win as she tells Bo and continues her journey in pregnancy.

I LOVED Win and Bo's banter. They were truly a delight to witness. I've heard some reviews about this book where folks say that Bo is one of the most unrealistic characters ever because he is flawless. I would kind of agree - the dude definitely makes minimal mistakes and seems to know what to do in a very challenging situation. But, I will say that after reading Bo's back story and understanding what happened to his leg and what the pregnancy means to him makes me a little less irked by this. Honestly, I feel like every heterosexual dude should read this book on what to do if accidental pregnancy were to happen and how to treat someone going through challenging times. Bo was a joy to read about; I loved his character so much. I also enjoyed Win's relationship with her best friend, Sarah, and Sarah's husband, Caleb. The trio was fun to read. The support Sarah and Win gave to one another was unparalleled, and I love to see a fabulous, solid friendship story in a novel.

I will say, like every single one of the rom-com/romance books I read, I struggle to rate this a 5 star simply because there is a bit of an immature miscommunication issue peppered throughout - it's usually, and in this case, true, that the main female character is CONVINCED that the dude is hung up on an ex, and instead of asking him about it proceeds to make all decisions about their relationship under the assumption that it is fact. I know it is used to create needed tension in a literal romance novel, and quite honestly, it can be realistic. But it simply just drives me mad. I understand Win's apprehension about forming a relationship with Bo - she wants to ensure co-parenting works, not have an ultra-complicated relationship if someone gets hurt, etc. But this whole ex thing didn't need to be in there. Win overthinks! I get it and can get past that. But I disliked the assuming miscommunication in here.

Lastly, there is something insidious about BookTok and tropes recently (in my opinion). I am so tired of the main female characters GAWKING at the main male characters. I understand the author wants to paint a picture of how the main female character finds her love interest attractive in many ways, including physically. But sometimes, it's just so much. I know it's trying to build the relationship, but I candidly feel it's a cop-out for building the relationship more emotionally and interestingly. While this novel didn't overload me with this sentiment, it was too much.

With that said, overall, I enjoyed way more parts of this book than the parts that frustrated me. It was a lovely little read about two people working through challenges as a team and finding ways to love each other. It was beautiful!

Content Warnings

kerrygetsliterary's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful reflective sad 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

Content Warnings

sammymilfort's review against another edition

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emotional funny 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? It's complicated

5.0

Content Warnings

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