cbr17bingo: O
I very rarely cry when I read a book, but this made me almost tear up a couple of times, in the best way, because of some poignant interactions between the characters, including main characters Win and Bo. They meet at mutual friends’ Halloween party, bond over each having a limb difference, and hook up with the intention of having a one night stand. When Win ends up pregnant, they decide to get to know each other as friends and co-parent the baby when it arrives. The rest of the book is the slow burn build of their romance, though the attraction and lust are clearly there all along the way.
This was a such a sweet romance. All of the characters—both romantic leads and side characters—are just genuinely good people without being portrayed as flawless (well, Bo might be). There’s lovely banter between Win and Bo, as well as moments of deep connection and emotional vulnerability. While some of the tropes are clearly recognizable (one night stand, one bed, unexpected pregnancy), the less liked ones are largely avoided (e.g., miscommunication, mostly; and while there is insta lust, it’s not insta love).
I really liked the side characters, including married couple Sarah and Caleb, who are Win’s best friends. Bo is a nerd (I say that so lovingly) who plays D&D with friends who are also sweet and become Win’s friends over time. There’s an interconnected standalone about Sarah and Caleb that I definitely plan to read at some point. I loved this book and recommend it to any romance fan who isn’t sensitive to issues related to pregnancy.
CW: mention of suicide