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.”

I have enjoyed all of Bonam-Young's previous novels, with Out on a Limb being my favorite. I was excited to be back with the same cast of characters. I adore Bonam-Young's writing and this book did not disappoint. The story follows Sarah and Caleb as they navigate their marriage and work through some long term problems. I liked the overall story and message, but I really wished that we got Caleb's POV. Sarah's point of view was all over the place and painted Caleb in a not so great light a lot of the time, but for really minor reasons. I think having his point of view would have brought more depth to their story and relationship. It also did seem at times that Sarah had some deeper issues going on that would need to be addressed more thoroughly than just a week long camping retreat. She spends a lot of the time maladaptive daydreaming due to unprocessed trauma and if that was addressed it was very briefly. Overall, I liked the story, but it wasn't my favorite of HBYs.

Jaw is on the floor. HBY never fails to astound me. Wow this book is so incredible and lovely and emotional and honest. I was hooked from the dedication.

Hannah delivers yet another 5 star book! This was one of the most beautiful, moving, and honest romances that I’ve ever read. It follows a couple through moments that many romance authors don’t always want to write about but Hannah does it with ease and proves that romances don’t have to be all sunshine and rainbows because couples who love each other can and will go through tough times. This book also touches on hard topics that are handled with such care and because you go through the hardships with the characters, it makes you feel like you actually know them and are experiencing everything alongside them.

This book is for the Amy March girlies, the perfectionists who are often too hard on themselves, the fixers who try to protect their loved ones, people who feel like they should have it together but don’t yet, anyone who has lost a loved one, couples who have spent more of their life together than apart, and, of course, romantics. Most importantly, this book is for anyone who wants it to be for them because Hannah writes approachable love stories for anyone who needs a little more comfort and love in their life!

Thank you to Ballantine and NetGalley for an early copy.

In "Out on a Limb", Sarah and Caleb are depicted as a put-together couple, successful and settled in their home. This book explores the underlying tension in their relationship and focuses on the two growing as individuals in a couple. While this can be read as a standalone, I appreciated seeing the contrast between the couple and seeing Sarah and Caleb evolve in this book. HBY did an excellent job balancing between their different timelines, as we saw the two develop from high school sweethearts to a 17 year relationship. This is not a concept often explored in romance novels and I really like how HBY explored this story, however, I felt the ending was rushed.