Out of the Woods
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks so much to @dellromance for the free eARC!

Are you kidding me??? I LOVED this. This was so incredibly, wonderfully good. This was a true breath of fresh air for me.
Hannah Bonam-Young has a gift when it comes to writing couples with realistic problems and emotions. I’ve always adored the way she incorporates different mental health representations into her books.
This story follows Sarah and Caleb, who go camping for a couples retreat hoping to improve their marriage. I believe that many people will be able to connect to this book. I don’t think you need to be married to understand their relationship struggles. Anyone who has ever been married, been in a relationship, or has simply had a crush on another person can probably relate to at least one part of this book.
There were so many good things packed into this book, including learning to get in touch with your emotions and how to communicate effectively. Of course, HBY adds humor to the story to keep it fun!
I was in my feels on one page, but laughing the next. Plus, Caleb. I love this man, he is quite literally my type. My GoodReads review says that “I would still love Caleb even if he were a worm” so I think that really expresses how much I adored his character.
These two are so good together, and I’m just so in awe of this story. This was perfection.
Be sure to add this book to your TBR for January 28th. In the meantime, make sure you read Out on a Limb!

Read If You Like:
🌲second chance romance
🌲realistic struggles of marriage
🌲flashbacks
🌲therapy representation
🌲experiencing nature when you actually hate nature and exercise

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for this ARC. This review may contain spoilers (mostly in the final paragraph, but I will provide a warning), so proceed with caution.

This book brought me to tears. At times, it felt as though it was written just for me. Knowing that the story reflects Hannah Bonam-Young’s life, along with the fact that she is one of my favorite authors and we share many similarities, made me feel a personal connection to her. Is that weird? Maybe, but it’s the truth.

I got married when I was eighteen, and although our circumstances were different, my early and quick marriage was fueled by young love and challenging situations. There were many similarities between the characters in this book and my own experiences with my husband. Getting married young is whimsical but also difficult, and as someone who’s been through it, I believe the author did an excellent job capturing the realistic struggles and emotions involved.

The chemistry between the two main characters is so palpable that you feel not only their love but also the tension between them, like a taut string preventing you from fully immersing yourself in their relationship at first. While reading Out of the Woods, I felt exposed, as if my own heart were on display. That’s how well-written, realistic, and relatable this book is.

I appreciated the raw and real emotions portrayed—anger, resentment, anxiety, betrayal, and communication barriers, all topped with unbridled sexual tension. It was perfection.

Hannah Bonam-Young consistently delivers diverse and inclusive stories, and Out of the Woods is no exception. The characters are enjoyable and well-rounded, each adding something unique to the narrative. I wouldn’t mind seeing more about some of the other couples featured.

I loved the concept behind the book, the chemistry and progression between the characters, and the plot's development. I was thrilled to see Win and Bo, my favorites, included as well. Reflecting on the majority of the book, it stands out as one of the best I’ve read.

To be transparent, there were aspects I didn’t like. This is where more SPOILERS come in.

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what was missing, but it felt like there was so much going on that some of the less relevant elements diluted the impact of the main points.

For example (SPOILERS), the book includes a throwback POV of Sarah’s childhood and loss. However, since Caleb’s childhood also influenced their marital issues, it would have been incredible to include his POV as well. I think this addition would have better centered the story.

I was also unsure about the young child being brought to the marriage retreat. It seemed to detract from the plot. Given her age and the adult themes being explored, it felt inappropriate and forced. While I understood the idea behind it, I believe it could have been incorporated differently.

The discussion of religion felt somewhat forced, and I wasn’t fond of the drama at the end. It seemed to overshadow the progress they made through hard work and commitment, making their reunion feel less genuine, as if it was driven more by tragedy than by their efforts to improve their marriage.

I know it might seem like I’m being overly critical, but it’s only because I loved most of the book so much that I feel it’s important to address these issues. They occasionally pulled me out of an otherwise compelling and inspiring story, leaving me feeling somewhat unsettled.

This was my first book that I have ever read by Hannah Bonam-Young, but I am so glad I got the opportunity to do so. She has blown up on booktok recently & I have a copy of Out on a Limb on my bookshelf, so I was super excited to dive in. This was a master piece! Most romances are of couples just starting to get together or dating, but it was such a nice change of pace to read a romance about a married couple.

This book is about Caleb & Sarah Linwood, who are best friends with Win & Bo from Out on a Limb. They have been together for 17 years, married young, and have been there for each other through the highs and the lows. Caleb is a successful businessman backed by his family trust fund. His family hasn't been the most present in his life, but he gained a whole new supportive family when he met Sarah. He is caring, likes to stay busy, and does whatever he can to ensure Sarah is happy. Sarah's mom has unfortunately passed away due to ALS, and Caleb was there for her through it all (before, during, & after). Sarah has been grieving for years and has essentially been a house wife after giving up her dream to become a writer (thanks to a very opinionated author) and grieving from her mother's death. Sarah finally wants to have something that is hers, so she decides to throw a gala in memory of her late mother. Unfortunately, the gala isn't as successful as planned, but Caleb wants to make Sarah happy. With good intentions, Caleb steps in and fixes the outcome of the gala. This is not want Sarah wants, she wants to be successful by herself and have something she can be proud of individually. This starts the questioning & turmoil of their relationship - Who is Sarah without Caleb? Does Sarah have something she can be proud of that she did by herself?

Win tells Sarah about a outdoor backpacking retreat for couples, & suggests that Sarah and Caleb go on it to work on their relationship. Sarah convinces Caleb to go on this trip, being the super non-outdoorsy people they are. We meet lots of other couples on this retreat that definitely add some fun to the story. Caleb & Sarah have hard discussions, learn a lot about themselves, and really take the time to understand what they need to do to make their relationship work. But will it be enough?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book because it has heavy discussions about being able to be proud of your individual success, even within a marriage. Sarah rediscovers herself and finds out who she can be as an individual person, without Caleb always being there to "fix." Caleb learns a lot about himself and starts to understand that he doesn't ALWAYS have to be there for Sarah when she fails. Failure is something required for growth. My only negatives from this book is I found the transitions between humorous/spicy scenes to sad scenes a little too fast. I found myself laughing on one page, but then crying a second later. I also didn't love the topics of religion as I felt they were unnecessary to the story.

Overall, this was a phenomenal book and I cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy in January!

Out of the Woods is a gut wrenching beautiful love story. This book was so much more than than a rom-com. There was the aspect of real life situations that aren't so happy but worth the fight. Sarah and Caleb's love story is a love worth fighting for. They teach readers a lesson to always fight for love, to accept change, to heal after a loss, and to put and love yourself first.

3.5 ⭐️ (I should mention that at the time of reading this book, I have not read Out on a Limb yet, so opinions can change once I do) Interconnected stand-alone. You don't have to read Out on a limb to understand this book but it may help you connect to the characters better. To start, I will say that I did really enjoy the book. Sarah and Caleb are so good for each other and while towards the beginning the communication was lacking, it got so much better as the chapters went on. I really enjoyed all of the side characters as well, even though we don't get to connect with them on a super deep level, they weren't 2 dimensional either. They popped off the page every time. The lessons in this book and the advice given between characters was AMAZING. I think this is a great book for someone in the same situation to read. All in all, I did really enjoy this book but I can't get over this feeling that something was missing. I would have loved to have seen Caleb's point of view while at the retreat. It would have been really interesting to see him work through all of his thoughts and for us to get that perspective on the situation. Especially because how of he went into the retreat. I also felt like the conflict at the end was a little forced. I can see why it was added, but I don't think the goals were established enough for the readers to know why some aspects were so important. All in all, this book was such a sweet and easy read and I did enjoy while reading.

Infinity ⭐️ If you know anything about me it’s how much I love Out on a Limb. So when Hannah announced Out of the Woods I knew I needed to read it asap. My eternal gratitude to Dell Romance and Netgalley for making that happen and gifting me a review copy 🙏 I was already attached to Sarah and Caleb from Out on a Limb and I will forever read anything that has to do with Bo and Win. Going into this book, I was a little nervous because I didn’t want Sarah and Caleb to be going through a rough patch, but I trusted Hannah would give us what we needed. I knew right from the beginning this book was going to be an emotional rollercoaster and I was right. I’ve come to expect this from Hannah and her writing (and let me be clear, this is a good thing). Hannah writes such beautiful and complex characters. The depth of feeling she brings to her characters makes me feel like I know them, and this is why I get so attached. I love the dynamics between the characters, and really appreciate the way relationships (both friends and family) are portrayed in this book. I enjoyed the flashback scenes and think they really helped emphasize how the characters got to where they are in present day. There was a perfect amount of spice, a lot of the same humor I expected from reading Out on a Limb, and maybe a few too many tears (mine). Overall I will recommend this book to anyone and everyone. I’m already planning my reread and I can’t wait for everyone else to love this book as much as I do!!

P.S. The paper airplanes really got me 😭

thank you to the sweetest hannah for sending me a copy of her upcoming release (out jan 2025) !! every other month i harass her with questions about when she is finally coming to the west coast, so that i can properly thank her with a big hug and smooch- giving her back some of the love that she gives me with each of her books and characters.

even though every one of her books is special to me, this one is a stand out by all means. while there are some differences between my own relationship and sarah and calebs, one of the biggest similarities is that we have been together since high school. 10 years later… i do share a lot of the doubts, insecurities, and constriction that sarah was feeling and had to work through during this book.

the fear and frustration that comes out of the idea that you are stuck in a glass jar while everyone lives their life around you can be debilitating… but i was awestruck, my heart swelling to another degree, watching their anxiety diminish as the idea of the two of them evolving into something even more beautiful and poetic than what they had come to know themselves as since they were kids came more into light. this book was filled with very difficult conversations (for sarah herself as well as sarah and caleb together) that were intertwined with the anxiety of changing everything they had ever known, but also the lightheartedness of having known each other for so long- WHICH WAS SO REAL. this felt so close and personal for me.

out of the woods felt like a big representation of me and my relationship… it was emotional to see it down on paper so well. i just saw sarah and caleb so intertwined… no matter which way they unravel, they would always be connected in one way or another. the romance between them- the romance of really truly knowing each other and loving each other, bare bones and all, even after all those years, and especially at a crossroads like they were on… was so damn poetic i was left in a pile of my own disbelief.

thats all, sorry i wrote my own book about this book. but i really love it and all that it encapsulates.

First, thank you so much to NatGelley and Dell for the ARC I was able to read.

This book, these characters, Hannah Bonam-Young, amazing all of it. I have never felt more connected to a female character before (and it's not just because my name is Sara). Hannah creates characters that are so real and relatable I feel like she's hacked my phone and learned everything about me. When I found out Sarah and Caleb were getting a book I was so pumped, I loved them in Out on a Limb and was excited to see their story. I haven't read a romance book where the main characters are already married and I think that was one of the elements that made their story so interesting. They already had the happily ever after we all read about, they want to work on how to make that feeling last while also finding their individual passions. This is a beautiful book about a couple trying to grow together while being afraid of growing apart. Out of the Woods is favorite of the year, and honestly a favorite forever. I cannot wait to celebrate its release. An endless thank you to Hannah Bonam-Young for sharing Sarah and Caleb's story.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 stars
🌶🌶🌶 2.5/5 spice level

Hannah Bonam-Young's BEST so far! Breaking usual romance tropes, this book features Sarah and Caleb, an already married couple who have been together since High School. When Sarah finds herself feeling directionless in her mid-thirties, she goes on a quest with her husband to push themselves out of their comfort zone and figure out how they want their relationship dynamics to be moving forward in the next phase of their lives.

This book did a fantastic job of making sure you see the love between Sarah and Caleb and that you're rooting for them the entire time. As a married romance reader, I felt represented in this book. It's a great reminder to listen to your partner's needs and to always put in the work to "keep falling in love".

I really enjoyed the writing. I felt so deeply connected to not only Sarah and Caleb, but the side-characters as well. If you read Out on a Limb, you still get to see Win and Bo and you feel like you're right back in the middle of their family.

This book is written from Sarah's perspective only. The story is told in a past and present timeline from both High School (when she was falling in love with Caleb, and when she was dealing with her mother's battle with MS), and where she is in the present day.

This is a beautifully written story that brings very real world examples of what it means to love your partner for decades. I especially recommend this book to married/long-term relationship romance readers, you will feel very represented in this story.

I cannot wait for this to come out so I can recommend this to everyone!

I laughed. I cried. I sobbed. I blushed and giggled like a school girl. I set the book down and fanned myself. Ahem. I laughed and cried some more. This was everything I love so dearly about reading.

Quick note: I will be continuing to refer to our mmc as Cay because my brother’s name is Caleb and I just refuse. Anyways.

Cay is the hottest nerd. My god.

There is not one bit, one word even, that I do not love about this book. So many times while reading I had to set it down, close my eyes and just let the scene or the paragraph wash over me.

I love Sarah as much as I love Cay. And I love S&C as much as Bo and Win 😭

Getting to see pieces of the dynamic between the moms and the daughters was so special. It makes my heart ache for Win that her mom is the chaos and they lost their anchor with Marcie. These characters feel so real to me.

All the little quirks and details of being with your person for so many years are written beautifully.

Hannah is a master at showing as opposed to telling. Sarah is very distractible, it’s possible she could even be ADHD rep, but the way Hannah takes us through Sarah’s inner monologue is what tells you about Sarah as a character. Sarah never tells us she’s distractible but I know that she is. And that’s just one example. Truly masterful writing.

10/10. No notes.

This is an Advanced Reader Copy that I’m trying not to feel smug about (re: I’m feeling incredibly smug about it) and when I got the notification I was selected as an ARC reader- the way I unceremoniously slapped my entire current reads out of the way without so much as an Irish goodbye was downright disrespectful. You know the joke in book circles that cartoon cover books are hiding some of the spiciest spice? Well yes, but this one is also hiding a shiv because you’re gonna get emotionally stabbed. Surprise!

Sarah Linwood has been married to hot, sweet, and dependable (…which could also be used to describe my favorite Chinese take out order, come to think of it- Caleb and his glasses could also be described as delicious, so, if the boot fits!) Caleb since high school, when they married young so her dying mother could be in attendance. Many years later, Sarah hasn’t just lost touch with Caleb, she feels like she’s lost touch with herself. The two of them set out on a week long wilderness therapy hike. The “wilderness therapy” combination makes me want to shout “synergy” sometimes because it feels like a new age idea drummed up by someone’s nightmare PR department at their corporate job. We get to vicariously swim near waterfalls AND cry in front of practical strangers. Lucky us?

I LOVE the representation you can find in Hannah’s books. I am exceedingly picky about diversity and representation in fiction because so often it feels performative, or worse, monetized. Hannah just doesn’t let me down. She never has. Sarah and Caleb are child free by choice and I love how much of a non-issue it is, how it’s just part of their characters (as it should be) and not some perceived flaw to be fixed or addressed aggressively. It’s never a cheap plot device wielded like a set of keys trying to find the keyhole of a front door in the hands of someone who’s had five margaritas.

This is Hannah’s best book. Look, there, I said it. It is. The storyline, transitions, back and forth timeline, and character arcs are all warm butter smooth, and the emotional wreck we’re dragged through as readers is almost viscerally painful at times because it is so touch-ably real feeling. I cried. And what’s almost worse/better is I knew WHEN I was going to cry, which usually allows me to not cry (feeling emotionally prepared) and yet, I still cried. And! This book doesn’t need editing (collective gasp, broken glass noise, in the distance, sirens) which if you know my reviews I say in practically every one, so wow. It is polished, artfully delivered, and still has unique and lovable characters. I can see glimmers of Cara Bastone, Emily Henry, and Chloe Liese in the writing style, so if you love any of those authors, knees to chest to the bookstore, chop chop.

If you are picky about representation in books, love character led stories, love second chance romance, books that make you cry (sadists, the whole lot of you), and closing a book feeling like maybe everything really is going to be okay, this one is for you. What’s better than crying while reading a book? Crying while reading a book and then getting to close it feeling like your insides are made out of rainbows, that’s what. I rode the high of relief and satisfaction from this book’s ending for DAYS. It’s spicy. It’s sweet. It’s as dependable as a hug from your best friend. It might just be my new take-out comfort read order. What a BANGER. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sarah, grappling with a sense of lost identity, and Caleb, unable to provide the answers she seeks, embark on a weeklong camping trip—an attempt to rekindle the fading spark of their troubled marriage. What unfolds is an intimate journey through self-worth, discovery, grief, and the fragile thread of reconnection.

A compelling narrative that explores the delicate balance between the highs and lows of marriage, shedding light on the resilience needed to navigate the storms and maintain its foundation. The characters felt real, their emotions palpable, pulling me deeper into their world and stirring my own.

It’s a comforting yet thought-provoking read that not only resonated with me but also led me to reflect on my own sense of self and the intricate dynamics of partnership.

Thank you Netgalley for this advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely love Hannah Bonam-Young's dedication to exploring meaningful topics in her books. Yes, they're romances, and yes, they discuss identity, self-worth, and the natural evolution of partnerships because *those are all important parts of being in a relationship.* After seeing them be such wonderful friends in Out on a Limb, I was so excited to see that Sarah and Caleb would be getting their own book in Out of the Woods, and it did not disappoint!

Although filled with it's fair share of laughter and spice, this novel also had plenty of serious moments that not only highlighted personal growth in the characters, but showed the true strength of Sarah and Caleb relationship. Watching them stumble their way through forest hikes, struggle with change and vulnerability, and yet still be there for one another without any hesitation - they're a couple you simply can't help but to root for. For those that might be feeling a bit stagnant in life, or are anxious about change in a relationship, or are just looking for a heartwarming romance, I cannot recommend this book enough. Bonam-Young truly works magic with words.

Thank you to Random House Publishing, Dell, and NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book brilliantly explores themes of identity, partnership, and the evolution of love over time. The author’s writing style captures both the emotional depth and the lighthearted moments with equal finesse. Sarah and Caleb’s comedic misadventures in the wilderness not only highlight their personal growth but also showcase the strength of their relationship. I couldn’t help but love them and root for them every step of the way. This book is a heartwarming reminder that, even through the toughest challenges, true love can be rediscovered and strengthened.

I absolutely loved "Into the Woods by Hannah Bohem-Young. It’s a heartwarming second-chance romance that resonated deeply with me. I felt Caleb and Sarah’s emotions so intensely, and I think many people will relate to their struggle to find meaning and fulfillment in their lives and relationships. The book is not only emotionally powerful but also incredibly well-written, smart and funny. I’m so, so grateful to Hannah Bohem-Young, Random House Publishing Group-Ballentine and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

This was a fun book but it didn’t pack the emotional punch I was expecting. I find that romance novels about people who have been together for a long time and are struggling rarely work for me (see Happy Place). I’m genuinely not sure if it’s cause I can’t relate or if they just lack the angst and development of other stories, but either way, this is just never gonna be my favorite type of book.

That being said, there were many nice moments full of funky side characters and witty comments about camping that I throughly enjoyed. I am excited to read this authors next work!

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for the earc in exchange for an honest review :)

Out of the Woods
By Hannah Bonam-Young

I didn’t know how much my heart needed this book. Out of the Woods is the second book after Out on a Limb, even though you do not have to read Out on a Limb first, the characters will be more familiar, and Out on a Limb is also an amazing book. So go ahead and read it. Both books are 5 stars.

Sarah and Caleb have been together since high school, and have weather terrible storms together. Caleb and Sarah decided to marry to make sure her mother, Marcie, could be with them to celebrate. Sarah lost her mother to ALS just a few months later.

Sarah, now in her thirties, still feels lost. Caleb has always been her knight and shining armor, but she is tired of being the damsel in distress. After having a huge argument about being saved once again, they have the opportunity to go to a couples hike through the woods for a week, where they work to find eachother again.

The pacing was great, and kept me engaged through the whole book. I was cheering for Sarah and Caleb the whole time. The sarcasm and humor had me laughing most of the book. Sarah's internal dialogue and mine are on the exact same wavelength.

If you have ever just felt stuck in a rut and a little lost, this book is for you. It's for everyone. This book is an adult rom-com book, there are a few spicy scenes/sexual innuendo. I would recommend this book to all my friends.

5/5 stars. Hannah is one of my auto-buy authors.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read Out of the Woods and Thank you Hannah for such an amazing book.

I LOVE THIS BOOK. As a person who also found their person when they were 14 I loved getting to read a story of a couple in a similar situation. I felt like I related so much to these characters. I cried, laughed, clutched my pearls. This book has it all, wonderful spicy scenes, fantastic banter and joke, and a truly heartwarming story of two people trying their best for one another and growing together after being together for over a decade. I think I might be rereading this book on a regular basis.

This book was something oh so special. Like seriously, No Notes!

"We've opened our hearts, let the ugly out, and welcomed each other's darkness with kind regard."

As a gal who is married to her high school sweetheart this one hit so close to home. I knew the moment that I read Hannah's author note in the beginning that Sarh & Caleb's story was going to be so relatable. I felt every single possible emotion while reading, and it was absolutely PERFECT! I literally laughed out loud and sobbed big fat tears.

Sarah & Caleb's story is one of young love, self discovery and learning to grow together after experiencing loss and grief. Not only was their situation so relatable for me, but their story was beautifully messy and every bit of me felt for them.

This is my new comfort read, and I absolutely cannot wait to force everyone that I know and love to read it. Thank you HBY for giving us this story!

Many thanks to Random House Publishing Group & NetGalley for this ARC in exchange of my honest review. All thoughts are my own!

What do you do when loving each other is no longer enough? Sarah & Caleb started dating at 14 and were married at 19. Now, over a decade later, so much of who Sarah is, is wrapped up in Caleb - and she’s struggling with her identity. So, Sarah & Caleb ultimately go physically into the woods on a 7 day camping retreat, in order to reignite their flame & get “Out of the Woods”. (Side note, I got OOTW as a surprise song mashed with Getaway Car hehe).

This book impacted me in a way no other book has before. I have major main character syndrome & try to picture myself as the fmc in every book, but with this - I did not have to try very hard. (I too would easily fall victim to becoming a cult member, but that’s not the point I’m making). Her struggles were so real & honest, as was her wondering brain. & CALEB? One of the greatest golden retriever mmc’s (welcome to the best book bfs of all time list). I don’t know if I’ve ever rooted for two people more than them & now that I’m finished reading the book, I would like to request a 10 season minimum sitcom about Sarah, Caleb, Win, Bo, Gus (+ all their future kids), and every single person who was on that retreat.

Overall, this whole story takes a deep dive into the most vulnerable parts of life & left me feeling less alone. It’s always a nice reminder that we don’t need to be great by anyone else’s standards but our own.

WWMGD?

“I am a simple creature, at my core. Give me books, sunlight, water, and a handsome man looking at me like I’m some rare jewel, and I’m all set. Especially when it feels like a long time since I’ve shined for him.”