I absolutely loved this book! The storyline, everything about the scenery! So happy i got the opportunity to read it!

This was super cute. It explores marriage, friendship, and grief. I think it could have used more conflict between the main couple but ultimately I loved Sarah and Caleb. I was also super happy to see Bo and Win in this story!

OUT OF THE WOODS was charming, swoon-worthy, and laugh-out-loud funny. But don't be fooled-- it also tugs on your heartstrings. Sarah feels both stuck and lost, and that's a huge theme throughout the book. Bonam-Young takes you on a journey where you feel all of the feelings right along with Sarah.

Sarah and Caleb embark on a trip into the woods to reconnect with themselves, as much as they reconnect with each other. It's heartwarming and tears are shed with and for Sarah in so many stages of her sharing her heart with those around her. Even if sometimes it's by accident. If you're looking for a cozy little romance story, this isn't it. But if you're looking for real life in a book, and someone LIVING it with the love of their life--this is the one for you.

This one started out fine but lost me halfway through. I just didn’t get the feels from it like I wanted to. I think the writing style was good and I did like the setting and the characters. I felt like it would have been better as a dual point of view. Overall, it was just ok for me.

Wow! I love all books by Hannah Bonam-Young but this one I was truly able to relate to and loved how Sarah and Caleb were able to reconnect and reignite their love for each other. The ending was unpredictable and had me hoping for the best possible outcome which happened and I am so happy for them! I am said to no longer be in this universe but Hannah knocked it out of the park with this book!

I've never read a romance book quite like this one before. I thought it was interesting starting with the MCs not only already together, but for 17 years. I wasn't expecting such a REAL story. Normally you see the relationships bloom, and are left believing that everything will be perfect forever. This story really shows how relationships progress past that newly-in-love phase. I loved the bond you could immediately see between Caleb and Sarah. And I loved that Caleb dropped everything to have a shot at fixing their relationship. You could so obviously see when they start communicating better. The last 25% of the book really got to me. Please read this when you have a chance, you won't regret it.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the ebook in exchange for an honest review!

Huge thank you to NetGalley & Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for this eARC!

After reading one of my favorite books of 2024 Out on a Limb, I was so excited that I was going to hear more about Sarah and Caleb. After 17 years together, they know each other so well and are deeply in love. They are not without their faults though. Caleb was raised to fix issues for Sarah to make her life easier. Sarah wants to try and fail on her own terms without her husband intervening. After her best friend recommends a couple's retreat to help them communicate better, they find that there is more to learn about each other despite being together for more than half their lives.

HBY writes from experience as she is married to her high school sweetheart and it shows. The struggles that Sarah and Caleb had were realistic and not overly dramatic. I appreciated that the author didn't put in a second-act breakup. There were so many funny moments to balance out the heavier topics. I enjoyed the flashback chapters since it was showing vs. telling the earlier parts of the Linwoods' relationship. I adored the side characters and how they became a found family at the retreat. I'm glad we got more Bo and Win at the end, too! Bonus points for the Taylor Swift-related title because I know HBY is a Swiftie. :)

📱𝙆𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙡𝙚 𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬

𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠: Out of the Woods by Hannah Bonam-Young
𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩: Kindle Copy via Netgalley
𝙍𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝘿𝙖𝙩𝙚: January 28, 2025
𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨:

“𝑨𝒍𝒍 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒃𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔.”

----------------

She does it again! Wow, what a story! I loved Caleb and Sarah a lot! They’ve been through so much together, it’s amazing how strong they are. Especially after everything that Sarah went through so young with losing her mother.

I can’t get enough of Hannah’s work. I was accepted for this ARC back in September and put off reading it until closer to release date. I also put off reading it because at the time, I had never read one of her books. Since then I have binged all her work! They all remain close to my heart. I love each and every character she brings to life.

I was leaning on giving this book a 4 or 4.5 star but during the ending the story wrapped up a couple little things nicely that I wasn’t sure was going to get wrapped up at all and when it was, it immediately bumped my rating up to 5 stars!

Thank you so much for this opportunity! I can’t wait to watch out for more of these amazing stories.

I cannot believe I got an ARC for this book!!!!! I relate to Caleb and Sarah so hard as I’ve also been in a relationship since teenage years. I teared up at so many things Sarah was going through and the journey to find themselves and still be right for each other was such a beautiful journey. I loved this so much! The side characters were so funny too.

I ate this book UP!!! It made me laugh, cry, and most importantly made me think about life and how precious those around you are.
I adored Caleb and Sarah's changing dynamics throughout the book and how their relationship was shaped and molded to fit their new lives because we all know we aren't the same at 27 as we were at 19 and seeing that on the page was beautiful.
If you haven't read Hannah Bonam-Young before, you NEED to because she write amazing books that everyone she have the pleasure of reading at least once in their life.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this book early!

This was my first book by this author and I was very pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it - given that its about a couple with marital problems as someone about to get married (whose also marrying their high school sweetheart and is named sarah lol)

I put off finishing this book for that exact reason but once I got into it I was IN!

I laughed, I cried real tears, and now I will think about nothing else all day!

Sarah and Caleb's story is a heartfelt exploration of marriage, growth, and self-discovery. The story follows a couple who has been together since high school and married at the young age of 19. Now in their 30's, they embark on a marriage retreat, hoping to reflect on their lives, determine if they're truly happy, and rekindle the connection they once had.

What struck me most about this book is how deeply personal it felt. Having been with my own partner for over a decade, I found the story incredibly relatable. The couple's journey to balance love and individual fulfillment mirrored many of the questions I’ve pondered in my own relationship. The raw honesty in the characters' conversations and reflections was both touching and thought-provoking. I cried so many times during their conversations and at Sarah's internal thoughts about the marriage she wanted to build.

While the book is emotionally rich, it also offers moments of humor and levity, making it a well-rounded read. It reminds readers that growth is a constant process and that love, when nurtured, can evolve into something even more profound. HBY has done it again!!

Another amazing read from Hannah Bonam-Young! I loved the plot of this story; a marriage in crisis heading off on a couples retreat in the woods to work on their relationship. It was such a beautiful story and the characters/situation they're facing is very relatable.

This is the book that I didn't know that I needed until I read it. These two are high school sweethearts that are having a marriage in crisis. To save their marriage, they are attending a couples retreat to try and rekindle. I didn't find this one overly angsty, but enough that I was fully invested. I found myself cheering for the couple and wanting them to find their HEA together again. A beautiful story that just warmed my heart.

I know I shouldn’t have high expectations for a book I haven’t read yet but there hasn’t been a book from Hannah that I haven’t loved. I have repeatedly told people I would die for Out in a Limb. To say I was excited for Caleb and Sarah was an understatement. This book had so many highlighted moments. Moments of love, grief, healing, and fighting for that one true love.

Thank you NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and Hannah Bonam-Young for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was therapy for my soul. Unfortunately my midlife crisis isn’t that I’m a wife who reads like crazy (ok, that’s accurate), throws fantastic parties and her husband’s company is wildly successful so money is no object but I could still relate to some of the identity questions and feelings of losing yourself.

I loved Sarah and Caleb in Out on a Limb so learning more about them, their relationship and seeing them peel back the layers was really rewarding.

I don’t always love a dual timeline story but this one was really well done. Each flashback shared a piece of their history that was relevant to their current situation.

Initially I was bummed when I realized Win and Bo weren’t going to be part of a bulk of the story but I enjoyed the other characters we met and understand why they couldn’t be part of that storyline.

Loved the 10yr fast forward at the end. Nothing better than I woman who makes it happen!

I loved this one! I connected to the characters in so many ways. It was a great romance with depth and I really enjoyed it. After loving her last book also, I'm officially a fan of this author.

5 ⭐️ Starting 2025 out with a BANG(ER)!

WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ contemporary romance
✨ high school sweethearts
✨ marriage in crisis
✨ camping couples retreat
✨ forced proximity
✨ "who am I without you?"
✨ 30 year old MCs
✨ flashbacks
✨ playful banter
✨ 2.5/5 spice
✨ "good boy", "good wife", switches
✨ found family
✨ lots of Win and Bo cameos 💕
✨ HEA
✨ TW: death of parent, grief, mentions of ALS, absent father


My Thoughts:

A soul book is one that resonates with you on a profound level, leaving a lasting mark on your heart and mind. It's the kind of book where the characters' journeys feel like your own, where their struggles and triumphs mirror your own experiences. Out of the Woods is one of those rare books for me. While certain elements of this story are different from my own, there are so many similarities that I couldn't help but stop (more than a few times) and think, "This is me" or "This is totally my husband and I." It's as if Hannah Bonam-Young somehow saw into my life, captured my story and translated it onto the page in a beautifully nuanced way. I feel an undeniable connection to Sarah and Caleb; their journey mirrors my own in ways that are deeply meaningful. I know their story will stay with me, quietly echoing in the background of my own for a long time to come. 🫶

So what did I love?

Everything. But more specifically . . .

Sarah is such a complex character, and I’ve said it a million times, but I truly connected with her. Like Sarah, I’m in my early 30s, navigating the process of finding myself, or perhaps, more accurately, going through a bit of an existential crisis. While her trauma stems from the loss of her mother and mine comes from a different place, the way those events shaped our lives felt strikingly similar. Both of us found loving, supportive partners early on, who provided comfort and stability during tough times. But over time, those relationships became a lifeline we held onto instead of learning to navigate life independently. It became a "we" instead of a "me," and with that came the question: Who am I without you?

The real question, though, was always: Who am I? Period. After a lot of therapy and self-reflection, I’ve worked through most of the hard stuff, and come out stronger on the other side. But reading Sarah’s journey was almost like therapy in itself. It was a reminder that I’m not alone in this struggle to understand who I am, separate from anyone else, and it honestly was healing to see that reflected in her story.

The relationship between Sarah and Caleb felt incredibly real and relatable. These two clearly love each other. But like any relationship, it's the small, seemingly insignificant issues that can quietly build up into larger problems before anyone even realizes it. What makes their connection so strong, though, is the solid foundation they’ve built on love and trust. Because of that, they’re able to work through their challenges in a way that feels authentic.

What I really appreciated was seeing them navigate these tough moments. In many romance books, conflicts can feel forced or get resolved too easily, but Sarah and Caleb put in the real work. They take the time to do the introspective self-reflection needed before even addressing the problems in their relationship. Ultimately, a relationship can only thrive if both people are willing to grow together, and Sarah and Caleb clearly love each other enough to do just that.

I also just really enjoyed Sarah and Caleb's interactions. They didn't really banter, but instead would have playful conversations. It's as if they're best friends who find joy and amusement with life and they want to share it with each other. I just got such a sense of peace whenever they were happy together.

The spice was HOT. Sarah and Caleb have incredible sexual chemistry from the start, but once they work through the deeper issues in their relationship, they’re able to truly connect on a more intimate level. Since this book takes place during an outdoor camping retreat, you can expect some really fun and steamy moments in interesting places - including a natural pool with a waterfall, the lush forest, and a cozy tent. Also, Sarah and Caleb are both switches, so we get to see both of them take control in one way or another throughout these scenes.

I absolutely adored the bond between Sarah and Win. These two women embody the very essence of true friendship and are sisters in every way that matters. The love, understanding, and support they share with each other is truly beautiful. From childhood to now, they've been each other's constant, always there through life's ups and downs. In moments of struggle, they’re each other’s lifeline, and in times of joy, they celebrate together with pure happiness. Every interaction between them radiates warmth and affection. They are friendship goals. 🫶

The flashbacks absolutely wrecked me. I was not prepared to experience the pain and grief Sarah goes through while losing her mom to ALS. I 100% burst into tears. It wasn’t a dramatic or overly intense scene, but rather a quiet, tender moment that made the loss all the more devastating. (Honestly, I’m tearing up just thinking about it.) The bond between Sarah and her mother was so beautiful, and walking through that loss with Sarah was absolutely heartbreaking. It felt raw and real, and it broke my heart.

This story was truly beautiful, resonating deeply with my heart and leaving a lasting impression. I have no doubt that many others will feel the same way. Hannah Bonam-Young's ability to craft such powerful, moving narratives is unmatched and once again proves why she’s an automatic buy for me.

4.25 ⭐️
I was so excited for this one and it didn’t disappoint, Iloved Sarah and Caleb so much! The marriage in crisis trope is new to me I haven’t really read any until this one but I really enjoyed it. I liked seeing them go through real struggles and I loved seeing Win and Bo again.
Thank you so much NetGalley and the publisher for the free eARC!

ARC Review: Thank you NetGalley & Ballantine!
Publish Date: 1/28/2025

I am completely and utterly obsessed with this book and I wouldn’t have put it down if my life depended on it.
It was absolutely refreshing to read a book that was about a couple in their 30s navigating their lives as individuals and fighting to save their marriage instead of another “enemies to lovers” romance and miscommunication trope. Hannah Bonam-Young’s writing is a true breath of fresh air in this genre as she yet again tackles complex topics all while making you laugh, swoon, and cry and begging for more. As someone married to my high school sweetheart, Sarah and Caleb’s story resonated so deeply with me. I loved how accurately HBY captured the nuance of emotions between two people wanting each other and different things at once. Brava!
What to Expect:
🧡Highschool sweethearts
🧡Grief representation
🧡Spice