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A review by pajamamomreads
The Other Side by C.D. Smart
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
TRIGGER WARNINGS
Bullying (in the past, on page)
Bullying (present, on page)
Adult teacher kissing a minor
Strained family relationships
Eating disorder/body image issues
Insecure fmc
Adult fmc argument with a minor
Adult attracted to a minors body (described on page)
A "wait until you're 18" situation
Sex with a student
Arrest (depicted on page)
Let me start by saying this book has many triggers and no trigger warnings listed that I could find anywhere. This is very concerning and problematic especially given the content of the story.
I had several issues with this book, aside from the lack of trigger warnings.
1) I found the FMC generally unlikable. I am used to timid or weak women in the beginning of romance novels and watching them grow into a healed powerful woman and this was not that. She had a lot of trauma and could have healed herself through therapy instead of a minor. She never really stood up for herself or showed much growth through the book.
2) There were some unnecessary and problematic descriptions. It was not a necessary detail to have the only "Hispanic" character be included because she "hocks a loogie" every morning. Along with describing (what I assume is a POC) as having eyes that remind them of demon eyes.
3) Many color descriptions were food related which I thought was an odd choice but that may be personal preference.
4) The MMC is a minor through majority of the book.
The main story line of being together because they were soulmates may have been better adapted if it was in a fantasy setting or more of a mystical storyline. I personally don't find grooming romantic so if they would have had a normal relationship and maybe found each other again in the future would have been more tolerable.
Overall it feels like a book that is justifying grooming behaviors and the opposite of what I expect from an FMC in a women's literature novel. Self growth would have been a much more powerful method.
When I agreed to read and review I was under the impression it was a teacher and college student and would have a mystical theme of fate woven through out. I would not have agreed to read about a minor. I am glad I read it so that I could provide a list of trigger warnings that is very obviously needed.
This very much read as a nonfiction novel rather than a contemporary romance with a bit of "taboo". Also Google is free
Bullying (in the past, on page)
Bullying (present, on page)
Adult teacher kissing a minor
Strained family relationships
Eating disorder/body image issues
Insecure fmc
Adult fmc argument with a minor
Adult attracted to a minors body (described on page)
A "wait until you're 18" situation
Sex with a student
Arrest (depicted on page)
Let me start by saying this book has many triggers and no trigger warnings listed that I could find anywhere. This is very concerning and problematic especially given the content of the story.
I had several issues with this book, aside from the lack of trigger warnings.
1) I found the FMC generally unlikable. I am used to timid or weak women in the beginning of romance novels and watching them grow into a healed powerful woman and this was not that. She had a lot of trauma and could have healed herself through therapy instead of a minor. She never really stood up for herself or showed much growth through the book.
2) There were some unnecessary and problematic descriptions. It was not a necessary detail to have the only "Hispanic" character be included because she "hocks a loogie" every morning. Along with describing (what I assume is a POC) as having eyes that remind them of demon eyes.
3) Many color descriptions were food related which I thought was an odd choice but that may be personal preference.
4) The MMC is a minor through majority of the book.
The main story line of being together because they were soulmates may have been better adapted if it was in a fantasy setting or more of a mystical storyline. I personally don't find grooming romantic so if they would have had a normal relationship and maybe found each other again in the future would have been more tolerable.
Overall it feels like a book that is justifying grooming behaviors and the opposite of what I expect from an FMC in a women's literature novel. Self growth would have been a much more powerful method.
When I agreed to read and review I was under the impression it was a teacher and college student and would have a mystical theme of fate woven through out. I would not have agreed to read about a minor. I am glad I read it so that I could provide a list of trigger warnings that is very obviously needed.
This very much read as a nonfiction novel rather than a contemporary romance with a bit of "taboo". Also Google is free
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Adult/minor relationship, and Bullying
Moderate: Eating disorder
Minor: Racism