Out On a Limb

March 25, 2024
Bonam-Young (Next of Kin) puts an endearing spin on the accidental pregnancy trope. Six weeks after a one-night stand, 28-year-old Winnifred “Win” McNulty discovers she’s pregnant. Though Bo was a steamy date with a wicked sense of humor to match her own, Win is hesitant to depend on any man after a past traumatic relationsip. But when she tells him about the pregnancy, he’s eager to help. Will Bo’s kindness, attentiveness, and support for Win and their child change her mind about dating and lead to a more permanent arrangement with her handsome baby daddy? Bonam-Young’s pun-based title refers to spunky Win’s limb difference (her right hand is less developed than her left), which is modeled after the author’s, and gallant Bo’s prosthetic leg, both of which are handled with sensitivity and grace. There’s not much conflict to be had here, as both Win and Bo face down life’s challenges with resilience and positivity. Despite some heavy-handed interior monologues from Win, tenderness, humor, and erotic moments keep things entertaining and make it easy to root for the central couple. This feel-good story will resonate with romantics who don’t take themselves too seriously. Agent: Jessica Alvarez, BookEnds Literary.