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A review by katiemack
To Get to the Other Side by Kelly Ohlert
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Trixie and Bear's relationship is sweet even if it is based on insta-love and relies pretty heavily on anxious attachment styles and neediness. I also enjoyed the animals; Chick-Chick's presence is refreshing here. That's about where the pros end for me, though.
I appreciate a romance that address childhood trauma and toxic masculinity, like this one does, but to be effective it has to adequately explore these issues and apply them to its characters. For instance, Trixie's arc with her family sort of explains her problematic behavior and manic pixie dream girl tendencies, but it was hard to feel sympathy for her when there's a lack of depth. Bear's subplot also feels slapdash and a little stereotypical--big burly guy wants to run a flower shop and drink wine and watch Grey's Anatomy? Great; good for him.
Parts of this are cute and totally fine. If you don't mind the "quirky" girl stereotype (she says food words when she wants to swear), pick this up.
Trixie and Bear's relationship is sweet even if it is based on insta-love and relies pretty heavily on anxious attachment styles and neediness. I also enjoyed the animals; Chick-Chick's presence is refreshing here. That's about where the pros end for me, though.
I appreciate a romance that address childhood trauma and toxic masculinity, like this one does, but to be effective it has to adequately explore these issues and apply them to its characters. For instance, Trixie's arc with her family sort of explains her problematic behavior and manic pixie dream girl tendencies, but it was hard to feel sympathy for her when there's a lack of depth. Bear's subplot also feels slapdash and a little stereotypical--big burly guy wants to run a flower shop and drink wine and watch Grey's Anatomy? Great; good for him.
Parts of this are cute and totally fine. If you don't mind the "quirky" girl stereotype (she says food words when she wants to swear), pick this up.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse