A review by queerafictionado
How You Get The Girl by Anita Kelly

emotional funny inspiring lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

OH MY GOD I LOVE THIS BOOK! Anita Kelly does it again! I don’t even know where to begin. I absolutely adored Julie Parker and Elle Cochrane - their chemistry was palpable and oozed off the page. The way Elle just completely understood Julie. Like she could see the thoughts swirling in her head and respond without them needing to be named. Her patience and reassurance and understanding and total respect of Julie and her journey of self discovery even while she grappled with her own inner battles. The way Julie slowly began to let Elle into her life and heart, allowing herself to be vulnerable. And how she showed up for Elle over and over - no questions asked, no judgment, no pushing. The way their energies always seemed to shift in a positive way whenever they were together. The story was emotional and powerful, but also fun and playful. And I adored every moment, every word, every single part of it!

Their journey wasn’t without hiccups and bumps. But that’s to be expected when you have characters like Julie and Elle. And while there were definitely moments where some communication could have helped, it wasn’t done in the typical way miscommunication tropes are often written. It felt true to who these characters were and their journeys - necessary moments for their growth in the story. It felt real and authentic and honest. Elle’s and Julie’s souls are laid bare on the pages of this book. 

I loved witnessing each of their individual journeys. Julie’s exploration of her sexual identity and trying to figure out who she was. Her worries about needing to find the right label and struggling to make sense of the things she felt and didn’t feel and what it all meant. And to discern what the parts of this journey were that truly mattered. Elle’s struggle with migraines and depression, and suddenly finding herself caring for her teenage niece. Reconnecting with basketball after years of removing herself from the world that once defined her. Trying to figure out where she wanted to go in life that wasn’t just running from something else, that was more about passion and fulfillment than mere stability. Both of them beginning to discover the difference between simply existing…and actually living.

Anita also handled some big subjects with extreme care  - like depression, the impact of addiction on families, and the inclusion of trans/non-binary folx in sports. These themes were woven throughout the book in big and small ways that helped bring light to these topics without sensationalizing or trivializing them, adding to the overall story in meaningful ways.

GAH! I just freaking loved this book! So much. I’m rambling now though. So I’ll leave it there. But I highly recommend this book! The first book in the series (Love & Other Disasters) is Julie’s twin sibling London’s story and it was equally amazing! Now I need to go read Ben’s story (which has been on my TBR) and basically everything else Anita Kelly ever writes! 😁

🏳️‍🌈Rep: Aspec FMC, Lesbian FMC, POC, Queer, and Non-binary SCs

📝Tropes/Themes: Sapphic Rom Com, Sports Romance, Practice Dating, Childhood Crush, Athlete, Coach, Found Family, Self Discovery, Foster Parent

⚠️TW/CW: anxiety, depression, sexual content, mentions of addiction, foster care, mention of injury
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