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To Get to the Other Side
Trixie isn’t exactly sure what she was thinking when she stopped her car in the middle of downtown Chicago, scooped up a chicken struggling to cross the road, and drove off� but she does know that she has to find a new home for herself and her new feathered friend. The landlord at her apartment doesn’t allow pets and has caught Trixie in one too many pet-smuggling attempts in the past.
Bear likes his quiet life with his close-knit family, who own a flower business, but he’s in for a rude awakening when his meddlesome sisters post an ad to rent the spare room in his simple home, without asking his permission. Still, when Trixie responds to the ad, he agrees to let her move in, despite immediate worries about keeping things platonic.
Determined to keep her new room, befriend Bear, and give her rescue chicken the care she deserves, Trixie fights to keep her walls up and resist her romantic feelings for Bear. However, it’s not long before the pair’s proximity and chicken parenting ignite flames that have Trixie and Bear testing the boundaries of their platonic ground rules. They have to figure out how to save a family business, pay for mounting vet bills, and navigate their own emotional baggage if they want to find the love that they all deserve.
Bear likes his quiet life with his close-knit family, who own a flower business, but he’s in for a rude awakening when his meddlesome sisters post an ad to rent the spare room in his simple home, without asking his permission. Still, when Trixie responds to the ad, he agrees to let her move in, despite immediate worries about keeping things platonic.
Determined to keep her new room, befriend Bear, and give her rescue chicken the care she deserves, Trixie fights to keep her walls up and resist her romantic feelings for Bear. However, it’s not long before the pair’s proximity and chicken parenting ignite flames that have Trixie and Bear testing the boundaries of their platonic ground rules. They have to figure out how to save a family business, pay for mounting vet bills, and navigate their own emotional baggage if they want to find the love that they all deserve.
336 pages, Paperback
First published December 6, 2022
133 people are currently reading
11868 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 705 reviews
December 7, 2022
OMG! Who dares to say no to a roommate: who’s freaking hot, bicep flexing, a great pancake flipper, chicken wheelchair builder, flower arrangement designer, Grey’s Anatomy binge-watcher, wine gourmet: yes, dear Bear is my dreamy combination for book boyfriend!
That sweet guy saved the damsel in distress Trixie from traffic monsters as she tries to save a chicken’s life in the middle of highway!
Trixie, who always smiles,social, friendly, carrying polka dotted dresses proudly, working at animal shelter, may be the kindest human being who can risk her living situation to help saving the life of a chicken ; including struggling with depth to pay her hospital bills!
When her landlord gives her notice to find another place to live with Miss Chick Chick, she starts looking for a new house ! Luckily dear Bear, a homey guy, also a man in few words, suffering from antics of four demanding sisters, realizes his sisters posted a hilarious ad attracting tenant candidates like bees to honey: informing that he’s looking for a roomie!
When Bear storms out from his bathroom to chase after that poor army of people who ask questions about his home, he realizes the girl he chickened out to ask her phone number is just standing there to rent his room!
Well, both of them have their own financial issues! So they promise themselves to keep in their pants and resume their platonic friendship even though the chemistry is palpable and entire sisters of Bear do everything to bring them together.
Bear only wants to help the gorgeous woman in quirks he can’t get enough of and keep Miss Chick Chick alive ( yes: he has two different roommates! Trixie didn’t mention she would bring her healing chicken and Bear was too kind hearted to kick them out!)
They have so many up and downs because of their emotional baggages. Mostly Bear was the patient and caring one who always gave the space Trixie needed and Trixie was a little irritating with her emotional turmoil but I still liked her a lot. She was quirky, generous, vivid, lovable!
I was planning to give 4 stars to this read but I fell in love with Bear and his entire clan ( I loved family meetings time) so I gave extra half star: rounded up 4.5 stars to 5 extra sweet, entertaining, spandex wearing super hero stars!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Alcove Press for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
That sweet guy saved the damsel in distress Trixie from traffic monsters as she tries to save a chicken’s life in the middle of highway!
Trixie, who always smiles,social, friendly, carrying polka dotted dresses proudly, working at animal shelter, may be the kindest human being who can risk her living situation to help saving the life of a chicken ; including struggling with depth to pay her hospital bills!
When her landlord gives her notice to find another place to live with Miss Chick Chick, she starts looking for a new house ! Luckily dear Bear, a homey guy, also a man in few words, suffering from antics of four demanding sisters, realizes his sisters posted a hilarious ad attracting tenant candidates like bees to honey: informing that he’s looking for a roomie!
When Bear storms out from his bathroom to chase after that poor army of people who ask questions about his home, he realizes the girl he chickened out to ask her phone number is just standing there to rent his room!
Well, both of them have their own financial issues! So they promise themselves to keep in their pants and resume their platonic friendship even though the chemistry is palpable and entire sisters of Bear do everything to bring them together.
Bear only wants to help the gorgeous woman in quirks he can’t get enough of and keep Miss Chick Chick alive ( yes: he has two different roommates! Trixie didn’t mention she would bring her healing chicken and Bear was too kind hearted to kick them out!)
They have so many up and downs because of their emotional baggages. Mostly Bear was the patient and caring one who always gave the space Trixie needed and Trixie was a little irritating with her emotional turmoil but I still liked her a lot. She was quirky, generous, vivid, lovable!
I was planning to give 4 stars to this read but I fell in love with Bear and his entire clan ( I loved family meetings time) so I gave extra half star: rounded up 4.5 stars to 5 extra sweet, entertaining, spandex wearing super hero stars!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Alcove Press for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
March 1, 2022
The book started off well but soon went downhill (like within 10 chapters). The author's execution of the storyline was simply not up to the mark. The characters are bland, their is no personality, no chemistry between them. The plot is boring and you'll eventually get tired and annoyed reading about the chicken who FYI is named 'Chick Chick'. Trixie is very unlikable and unrelatable. She's not like any other girls, she's quirky👀She also has an abusive streak to her character, which the author casually puts in there and ignores. The guy is called 'Bear' who even though the author tries very hard to make him look 'hot and sensitive' just comes across as weak. The 'insta-love' trope doesn't sit well with me at all. The author tries to include other tropes as well, which again the execution is done poorly.
I tried very hard to get into this but couldn't. It was annoyingly boring.
eARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.
I tried very hard to get into this but couldn't. It was annoyingly boring.
eARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.
March 15, 2022
Who knew a story that was brought on by a chicken would be a delightful treat for our hearts? This story was beautiful. Had me feeling so many emotions from tearing up to laughing to being in awe of the sweetness. I enjoyed every page of this book! The quirky, sweet Trixie was so relatable and fun with her mishaps and flaws but flawlessly sincere and heartwarming. The emotions I felt between her and Bear kept me absolutely in a trance the whole time waiting to see how this story would play out. Absolutely flawless! Quirky, funny and relatable characters!
I was given this ARC (ebook format) to review for NetGalley. My opinions stated above are genuinely how I felt about the book after reading it.
I was given this ARC (ebook format) to review for NetGalley. My opinions stated above are genuinely how I felt about the book after reading it.
December 20, 2022
3.25�
Featuring ~ dual 1st person POV, debut, forced proximity, roommates to lovers, slow burn, no steamage
Trixie & Bear
Bear is real mad at his sister's for posting an ad for a room for rent in his house without his permission, but when Trixie comes around looking to move in he starts clucking a different tune.
Trixie is used to being disappointed by her family, so she doesn't think Bear would be interested in her. Slowly they start enjoying each other's company and help each other to work through their issues.
Okay, so I am an animal lover, but Trixie went way above and beyond for a chicken and it started to be a bit much. Going into debt and needing to work like 16 jobs to pay the vet bills is crazy talk. I liked the thought process behind what Bear built for Chick Chick, it was kinda weird, but a cute grand gesture. I loved how she worked at the animal shelter too. And what kinda nod would it be to chickens without the inevitable joke at the beginning.
Overall, a sometimes cute and funny debut that I liked well enough.
I was fortunate enough to receive a kindle copy and the audiobook to review. I tried both on for size and either worked well.
Narrated by Stefanie Kay and Paul Heitsch for 8 hours and 55 minutes, easy to follow at 2-2.5x. They did a lovely job.
*Thanks to the author, Alcove Press, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for my ARC and audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here � ~
Featuring ~ dual 1st person POV, debut, forced proximity, roommates to lovers, slow burn, no steamage
Trixie & Bear
Bear is real mad at his sister's for posting an ad for a room for rent in his house without his permission, but when Trixie comes around looking to move in he starts clucking a different tune.
Trixie is used to being disappointed by her family, so she doesn't think Bear would be interested in her. Slowly they start enjoying each other's company and help each other to work through their issues.
Okay, so I am an animal lover, but Trixie went way above and beyond for a chicken and it started to be a bit much. Going into debt and needing to work like 16 jobs to pay the vet bills is crazy talk. I liked the thought process behind what Bear built for Chick Chick, it was kinda weird, but a cute grand gesture. I loved how she worked at the animal shelter too. And what kinda nod would it be to chickens without the inevitable joke at the beginning.
Overall, a sometimes cute and funny debut that I liked well enough.
I was fortunate enough to receive a kindle copy and the audiobook to review. I tried both on for size and either worked well.
Narrated by Stefanie Kay and Paul Heitsch for 8 hours and 55 minutes, easy to follow at 2-2.5x. They did a lovely job.
*Thanks to the author, Alcove Press, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for my ARC and audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here � ~
April 27, 2022
Thank you Netgalley and Alcove Press for this arc.
It all starts with a chicken running around a very busy road. Two strangers, and love at first sight. They become roommates after Bear's sisters intervene in his love life.
A really fun and easy read. I liked how Bear figured out were his life is going once Trixie started opening his eyes. The chicken was a good add to this story, something totally unexpected but which was a good add in. I loved how Bear's family was dominant in his life and really showed love and concern towards him. The ending was obviously predictable but still a delightful end.
I did wish for a bit more drama or topics in this story, it felt like it only revolved around 2 or 3 major topics. It needed a "big bang". Still an enjoyable and fun read!
It all starts with a chicken running around a very busy road. Two strangers, and love at first sight. They become roommates after Bear's sisters intervene in his love life.
A really fun and easy read. I liked how Bear figured out were his life is going once Trixie started opening his eyes. The chicken was a good add to this story, something totally unexpected but which was a good add in. I loved how Bear's family was dominant in his life and really showed love and concern towards him. The ending was obviously predictable but still a delightful end.
I did wish for a bit more drama or topics in this story, it felt like it only revolved around 2 or 3 major topics. It needed a "big bang". Still an enjoyable and fun read!
February 19, 2022
thank you to netgalley and alcove press for providing me with an e-arc of this book!
i really did not enjoy this, i'm (not) sorry to say!
i can't put my thoughts into sentences, so here's a running list of the things i didn't like:
1) the characters fell so flat—they had exactly 2 character traits each
2) the entire premise was very strange? The chicken thing just felt so irrelevant after a while, and I got so tired every time they brought it up
3) it really feels like the author came up with character names, chose a genre, and did not plan out any of the surrounding details
4) the romance build-up wasn't even well done either—it was bordering on insta-love, which is SUCH a tired trope
5) having your leading man constantly comment on how good a woman's ass looks while she's just... going about her day... is actually not romantic, kelly ohlert!
6) on that note, the fact he described himself as 'blue-balled' THREE times after she literally just breathed around him?? stoppppp
7) when will authors get the memo that characters using alternative swears is not fun or quirky! what the fuck is "oh fish sticks" ???
8) i'm sorry but i laughed at that whole subplot where bear drank beer because he was afraid of being judged for drinking wine. WHAT are you talking about.
9) the sex scene? terrible. awful. i cringed, i barfed, i died, etc etc.
there's definitely more to point out but i can't be too vile. my closing thought will be: if you're a fan of romance novels, don't read this one!
i really did not enjoy this, i'm (not) sorry to say!
i can't put my thoughts into sentences, so here's a running list of the things i didn't like:
1) the characters fell so flat—they had exactly 2 character traits each
2) the entire premise was very strange? The chicken thing just felt so irrelevant after a while, and I got so tired every time they brought it up
3) it really feels like the author came up with character names, chose a genre, and did not plan out any of the surrounding details
4) the romance build-up wasn't even well done either—it was bordering on insta-love, which is SUCH a tired trope
5) having your leading man constantly comment on how good a woman's ass looks while she's just... going about her day... is actually not romantic, kelly ohlert!
6) on that note, the fact he described himself as 'blue-balled' THREE times after she literally just breathed around him?? stoppppp
7) when will authors get the memo that characters using alternative swears is not fun or quirky! what the fuck is "oh fish sticks" ???
8) i'm sorry but i laughed at that whole subplot where bear drank beer because he was afraid of being judged for drinking wine. WHAT are you talking about.
9) the sex scene? terrible. awful. i cringed, i barfed, i died, etc etc.
there's definitely more to point out but i can't be too vile. my closing thought will be: if you're a fan of romance novels, don't read this one!
March 5, 2023
To Get to The Other Side is fun, sweet and lenghtly story. I do enjoy ot though. The story is cute with a chicken as a pet. That had me laughing.
Miss Ohlert certainly knows how to make her story heartwarming with her characters. I want to see more of the character development though. Hopefully on the next book, I can expect more of Miss Ohlert writing.
4 stars
Miss Ohlert certainly knows how to make her story heartwarming with her characters. I want to see more of the character development though. Hopefully on the next book, I can expect more of Miss Ohlert writing.
4 stars
January 9, 2023
Oh my heart, by is the cutest of the cute, and I loved that there was a chicken in it!! This is Ohlert's debut, and I can't wait to see what her sophomore novel will be like after this unique take (the chicken) on a rom-com. Trixie is a super sweet and quirky character and I have to say that Bear is as well. He has the best family, and I was glad they got included one way or another in the story so much. Trixie brought out the animal lover in me to the max (she works in an animal shelter), and this book is filled with them which I loved!! It started out very humorous as well and I was a little sad that the humor kind of petered out about halfway in and then it moved into more serious territory without as many laughs. I love a good blend of both, so I would have loved it if it would have just been that way from start to finish.
I adored the audiobook and I thought Stefanie Kay & Paul Heitsch made for such wonderful narrators. They were both completely fitting for Trixie and Bear, and they made this a real treat to listen to. I would highly recommend the audio and I thought their reading styles brought the text to life in a way I wouldn't have gotten simply from reading the book. It is also a really quick listen at just under 9 hours, and I think the audio just made it more fun for me overall. To Get to the Other Side is a lighter read for the most part, and it basically blends a sunshine and grumpy trope with a miscommunication trope. Miscommunication can drive me crazy sometimes, but it didn’t really bug me here, and I just enjoyed seeing Trixie and Bear’s journey to being together. This is a happily-ever-after story without too much steam so if that is your thing, I would recommend it!
Thank you to the publishers for my complimentary listening and reader copies of this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
I adored the audiobook and I thought Stefanie Kay & Paul Heitsch made for such wonderful narrators. They were both completely fitting for Trixie and Bear, and they made this a real treat to listen to. I would highly recommend the audio and I thought their reading styles brought the text to life in a way I wouldn't have gotten simply from reading the book. It is also a really quick listen at just under 9 hours, and I think the audio just made it more fun for me overall. To Get to the Other Side is a lighter read for the most part, and it basically blends a sunshine and grumpy trope with a miscommunication trope. Miscommunication can drive me crazy sometimes, but it didn’t really bug me here, and I just enjoyed seeing Trixie and Bear’s journey to being together. This is a happily-ever-after story without too much steam so if that is your thing, I would recommend it!
Thank you to the publishers for my complimentary listening and reader copies of this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
August 8, 2022
I think this book did it, y'all. I'm not requesting any more het romance ARCs.
Just kidding; I will probably do this to myself again.
Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for providing this title in exchange for an honest review.
I had a really hard time finishing this book. I started it in late May, had to take a break twice during which I considered opting out of giving feedback, and finished it in August. That's two and a half months for a romcom of a little over 300 pages - that could honestly be cut in half. Here's the thing: I should have listened to the reviewers who mentioned the words "manic pixie dream girl", and I should have realized that wasn't for me before requesting it.
Trixie works at an animal shelter and loves animals, so when she sees a helpless chicken trying to cross the road, she hops off her car and goes to the rescue. The other drivers are not too happy, but luckily Bear (whose name is actually Barrett) is also around at the time and helps Trixie and chicken. They are both instantly attracted to each other. Soon after, Bear's sisters, who are incredibly lacking in boundaries or manners, trick him into having a female roommate so that he might finally have the girlfriend they're all wishing for. Because that's a totally normal and okay thing to do. Lo and behold, Trixie's new pet is about to leave her homeless, and her house search leads her to Bear. When she goes to see the house, he's being accosted by everyone who legit thought he was renting out a room and very pissed off about it... but the thought of living with this quirky girl he's been thinking about ever since their flash meeting changes his mind. Even after he finds out she comes with a sick chicken.
I will try to start with the good parts. Trixie has a backstory that explains why she always seems like a happy, bubbly person with lots of friends, and why she's reluctant to get involved with Bear. I thought that story was interesting and worth exploring. Bear has a backstory that explains why he puts on a macho persona even though he's a "sensitive soul" who likes flowers and wine instead of beer (Chicago men are you okay?), and I thought there was a good intention at questioning and flipping gender roles. Having these two characters work through their insecurities and traumas to let themselves be vulnerable to each other was an interesting premise that was done relatively okay. I love the "and they were roommates" trope, so that's what drew me to this book.
However, the execution of all those things left a lot to be desired. Trixie is a quirky girl and the author beats you over the head with it. Literally, Bear uses the word "quirky" to describe her at least ten times for the first 30 pages or so, and even uses the word "pixie" once. We all have quirks, but being a quirky girl has a very particular flavour, and it checked all of the marks here. Trixie's full name is Trixie (rhymes with "pixie", and I wonder if it's a coincidence at all). She wears fun mismatched socks all the time on purpose. When she stands up, she does a flamingo pose every single time that wears down that side of her pants. Instead of walking or running, she tiptoes, which the author claims is due to her past as a dancer (are all the former dancers I know faking it? I never saw any of them walking on tiptoe). She names her new pet chicken "Chick-Chick", reads books to her, and clucks at her in conversation. She's, of course, petite. With a great ass and boobs. She wears polka dots and brightly-coloured clothes that don't match. She doesn't swear (except for one "damn"), but instead makes up a different curse every single time. I counted at least 15. My favourite might be “Oh Pikachu�.
And of course, all of those things turn Bear on from the start. Trixie shows up at his house and he's already checking out her ass and getting blue balls. For all of the book's intention to paint Bear as a sensitive guy, we spend half the book on him constantly thinking about how sexually frustrated he is by Trixie doing such perverse things as... showering. Or walking in front of him. Or wearing her PJs. I don't mind a good insta-attraction and UST, but here it was done very poorly and I wanted to punch Bear in the face very early on. The chapters are split between Trixie and Bear, showing us both of their POVs, and I feel like the author was split between wanting to convey a "regular" cishet man's thoughts about a woman he's attracted to, and wanting to show him as sensitive, so we have chapters where he's waxing poetry and crying over a chicken, and chapters where he just thinks about Trixie's ass. Funnily enough, at one point he sternly tells himself “no is no� after she refuses to let him comfort her. Cool?
Their backstories and the conflict between them ended up being too repetitive. The author hints at Trixie's backstory, and then she lets us in on it, and then she has Trixie repeating it over and over and over. Yes, we get it, we remember! I also thought that her misunderstanding with Bear towards the end was forced, trauma or not. He was very clear, and yet she was convinced he’d just run out on her. I just� I don’t want to judge anyone’s trauma story, but that felt like too much, or too poorly done. Probably the second.
The way that Bear's sisters meddled with his life was incredibly bad and it was never problematized because "it all worked out". They rent out a room of his own house without his knowledge so that *maybe* a woman will rent and *maybe* he'll fall in love with his tenant and *maybe* they’ll date. Just no. They constantly show up unannounced at his house, walk in, and borrow stuff without him knowing. They make inappropriate comments about Bear and Trixie before they're even together just because “they know�. They follow them to their date with a boombox. They're even invited to witness a moment that should have been between Bear and Trixie, if Bear's family had any concept of boundaries. They were grown-ass women acting like teenagers and I cringed every time they tried to "help".
There are some sexually charged scenes, mentions of sex, and a lot of blueing balls and cores clenching, but nothing more explicit than making out and dry humping on page.
Overall, I thought the story suffered from a lot of character quirks, not enough believable development to the insta-attraction, and plot devices that just felt annoying and trite. It didn't come remotely close to making me swoon or laugh; I just wanted it to be over. It has the potential to be better with some heavy editing.
Just kidding; I will probably do this to myself again.
Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for providing this title in exchange for an honest review.
I had a really hard time finishing this book. I started it in late May, had to take a break twice during which I considered opting out of giving feedback, and finished it in August. That's two and a half months for a romcom of a little over 300 pages - that could honestly be cut in half. Here's the thing: I should have listened to the reviewers who mentioned the words "manic pixie dream girl", and I should have realized that wasn't for me before requesting it.
Trixie works at an animal shelter and loves animals, so when she sees a helpless chicken trying to cross the road, she hops off her car and goes to the rescue. The other drivers are not too happy, but luckily Bear (whose name is actually Barrett) is also around at the time and helps Trixie and chicken. They are both instantly attracted to each other. Soon after, Bear's sisters, who are incredibly lacking in boundaries or manners, trick him into having a female roommate so that he might finally have the girlfriend they're all wishing for. Because that's a totally normal and okay thing to do. Lo and behold, Trixie's new pet is about to leave her homeless, and her house search leads her to Bear. When she goes to see the house, he's being accosted by everyone who legit thought he was renting out a room and very pissed off about it... but the thought of living with this quirky girl he's been thinking about ever since their flash meeting changes his mind. Even after he finds out she comes with a sick chicken.
I will try to start with the good parts. Trixie has a backstory that explains why she always seems like a happy, bubbly person with lots of friends, and why she's reluctant to get involved with Bear. I thought that story was interesting and worth exploring. Bear has a backstory that explains why he puts on a macho persona even though he's a "sensitive soul" who likes flowers and wine instead of beer (Chicago men are you okay?), and I thought there was a good intention at questioning and flipping gender roles. Having these two characters work through their insecurities and traumas to let themselves be vulnerable to each other was an interesting premise that was done relatively okay. I love the "and they were roommates" trope, so that's what drew me to this book.
However, the execution of all those things left a lot to be desired. Trixie is a quirky girl and the author beats you over the head with it. Literally, Bear uses the word "quirky" to describe her at least ten times for the first 30 pages or so, and even uses the word "pixie" once. We all have quirks, but being a quirky girl has a very particular flavour, and it checked all of the marks here. Trixie's full name is Trixie (rhymes with "pixie", and I wonder if it's a coincidence at all). She wears fun mismatched socks all the time on purpose. When she stands up, she does a flamingo pose every single time that wears down that side of her pants. Instead of walking or running, she tiptoes, which the author claims is due to her past as a dancer (are all the former dancers I know faking it? I never saw any of them walking on tiptoe). She names her new pet chicken "Chick-Chick", reads books to her, and clucks at her in conversation. She's, of course, petite. With a great ass and boobs. She wears polka dots and brightly-coloured clothes that don't match. She doesn't swear (except for one "damn"), but instead makes up a different curse every single time. I counted at least 15. My favourite might be “Oh Pikachu�.
And of course, all of those things turn Bear on from the start. Trixie shows up at his house and he's already checking out her ass and getting blue balls. For all of the book's intention to paint Bear as a sensitive guy, we spend half the book on him constantly thinking about how sexually frustrated he is by Trixie doing such perverse things as... showering. Or walking in front of him. Or wearing her PJs. I don't mind a good insta-attraction and UST, but here it was done very poorly and I wanted to punch Bear in the face very early on. The chapters are split between Trixie and Bear, showing us both of their POVs, and I feel like the author was split between wanting to convey a "regular" cishet man's thoughts about a woman he's attracted to, and wanting to show him as sensitive, so we have chapters where he's waxing poetry and crying over a chicken, and chapters where he just thinks about Trixie's ass. Funnily enough, at one point he sternly tells himself “no is no� after she refuses to let him comfort her. Cool?
Their backstories and the conflict between them ended up being too repetitive. The author hints at Trixie's backstory, and then she lets us in on it, and then she has Trixie repeating it over and over and over. Yes, we get it, we remember! I also thought that her misunderstanding with Bear towards the end was forced, trauma or not. He was very clear, and yet she was convinced he’d just run out on her. I just� I don’t want to judge anyone’s trauma story, but that felt like too much, or too poorly done. Probably the second.
The way that Bear's sisters meddled with his life was incredibly bad and it was never problematized because "it all worked out". They rent out a room of his own house without his knowledge so that *maybe* a woman will rent and *maybe* he'll fall in love with his tenant and *maybe* they’ll date. Just no. They constantly show up unannounced at his house, walk in, and borrow stuff without him knowing. They make inappropriate comments about Bear and Trixie before they're even together just because “they know�. They follow them to their date with a boombox. They're even invited to witness a moment that should have been between Bear and Trixie, if Bear's family had any concept of boundaries. They were grown-ass women acting like teenagers and I cringed every time they tried to "help".
There are some sexually charged scenes, mentions of sex, and a lot of blueing balls and cores clenching, but nothing more explicit than making out and dry humping on page.
Overall, I thought the story suffered from a lot of character quirks, not enough believable development to the insta-attraction, and plot devices that just felt annoying and trite. It didn't come remotely close to making me swoon or laugh; I just wanted it to be over. It has the potential to be better with some heavy editing.
February 12, 2022
Round up to 4.5 stars!⭐️
Who tells the funniest hen jokes?
Comedi-hens.
Listen this book was straight up hilarious! I can’t remember the last time I laughed like this.
The story follows Trixie, an absolute ray of sunshine out to safe every stray animal she can find, which now includes Chick-Chick, her pet chicken who didn’t cross the road so successfully. But with a landlord who has a strict no pet rule, and Chick-Chicks’s medical pills pilling up, she finds herself having to move into a new apartment that is pet friendly, and luckily, a Bear needs a new roommate.
Bear is a bit of a grump, speaks in monotones of grunts and taking his huge size into account, doesn’t like being the centre of attention. His whole life is turned up-side down when a polka-dot wearing smiling ball of pure enthusiasm ends up being his new roommate. With his heart racing every time he sees her, this new living arrangement might be harder then he thought. Especially when he realizes living with her will mean co-parenting her sickly pet-chicken. With a cluck here, and a cluck there, they fall into a cozy habit of watching Grey’s anatomy together, making pancakes,going on picnics with their chicken and stealing secret glares at each other. Its only a matter of time until Trixie and Bear fall in love, as Bear’s whole family EGG-spected.
Absolutely brilliant, heart-warming, hilarious and so sweet. If you like any of the following tropes, this is the book for you:
🐓Grumpy/sunshine trope
🐓Forced proximity
🐓Roommates to lovers
🐓Co-parenting (its a chicken it counts)
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of this wholesome and hilarious books! I can’t wait to read anything and everything this author writes in the future.
Who tells the funniest hen jokes?
Comedi-hens.
Listen this book was straight up hilarious! I can’t remember the last time I laughed like this.
The story follows Trixie, an absolute ray of sunshine out to safe every stray animal she can find, which now includes Chick-Chick, her pet chicken who didn’t cross the road so successfully. But with a landlord who has a strict no pet rule, and Chick-Chicks’s medical pills pilling up, she finds herself having to move into a new apartment that is pet friendly, and luckily, a Bear needs a new roommate.
Bear is a bit of a grump, speaks in monotones of grunts and taking his huge size into account, doesn’t like being the centre of attention. His whole life is turned up-side down when a polka-dot wearing smiling ball of pure enthusiasm ends up being his new roommate. With his heart racing every time he sees her, this new living arrangement might be harder then he thought. Especially when he realizes living with her will mean co-parenting her sickly pet-chicken. With a cluck here, and a cluck there, they fall into a cozy habit of watching Grey’s anatomy together, making pancakes,going on picnics with their chicken and stealing secret glares at each other. Its only a matter of time until Trixie and Bear fall in love, as Bear’s whole family EGG-spected.
Absolutely brilliant, heart-warming, hilarious and so sweet. If you like any of the following tropes, this is the book for you:
🐓Grumpy/sunshine trope
🐓Forced proximity
🐓Roommates to lovers
🐓Co-parenting (its a chicken it counts)
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of this wholesome and hilarious books! I can’t wait to read anything and everything this author writes in the future.
February 22, 2022
One day I will be saved form the helms of manic pixie dream girls.
This book is someones cup of tea but certainly not mines. The premise is simple but farfecthed in which our female lead, Trixie, saves a chicken, goes into debt for said chicken and leaves her apartment for this chicken. It is honestly just hilarious how absurd it is.
Our manic pixie dream girl ofcourse finds romance in our grumpy male lead, Bear, who carries as much emotional damage as our female lead, which allows them to bond, grow and become involved.
The writing of this book as well as the writing of their relationship was just a headache. The writing was very flat and bland, written in a one dimensional aspect that had a lot of telling not showing. It didn’t paint anyone in a very good light. If it was geared towards a younger audience it maybe would have made sense but a young adult romance? I cant see it working.
The book was too long for its content and it was a chore to even manage to get through any of it.
Thank you to Netgalley and Alcove Press for providing me with an ARC for an honest review.
This book is someones cup of tea but certainly not mines. The premise is simple but farfecthed in which our female lead, Trixie, saves a chicken, goes into debt for said chicken and leaves her apartment for this chicken. It is honestly just hilarious how absurd it is.
Our manic pixie dream girl ofcourse finds romance in our grumpy male lead, Bear, who carries as much emotional damage as our female lead, which allows them to bond, grow and become involved.
The writing of this book as well as the writing of their relationship was just a headache. The writing was very flat and bland, written in a one dimensional aspect that had a lot of telling not showing. It didn’t paint anyone in a very good light. If it was geared towards a younger audience it maybe would have made sense but a young adult romance? I cant see it working.
The book was too long for its content and it was a chore to even manage to get through any of it.
Thank you to Netgalley and Alcove Press for providing me with an ARC for an honest review.
December 3, 2022
Review for Netgalley
I originally read the e-book & enjoyed it so much, I was so excited when the audiobook came out and it fully lived up to my expectations! This book is SO funny and sweet & addresses so many issues. The fmc is an animal lover & works at a shelter, that won my heart from the get go. Also, I throughly enjoyed the friendship both characters have with the chicken (I enjoy my own chickens so much)! I couldn't have asked for better narrators for this adorable romcom!
I originally read the e-book & enjoyed it so much, I was so excited when the audiobook came out and it fully lived up to my expectations! This book is SO funny and sweet & addresses so many issues. The fmc is an animal lover & works at a shelter, that won my heart from the get go. Also, I throughly enjoyed the friendship both characters have with the chicken (I enjoy my own chickens so much)! I couldn't have asked for better narrators for this adorable romcom!
April 6, 2022
Oh wow, this is just absolutely amazing and super sweet.
And chick chick aww, she was the soul of the book and the mix of emotions is just splendid!
And the writing style, I love it!!
This is the book which got me out of a horrible reading slump I love it so much for that.
A definite 5 out of 5
And chick chick aww, she was the soul of the book and the mix of emotions is just splendid!
And the writing style, I love it!!
This is the book which got me out of a horrible reading slump I love it so much for that.
A definite 5 out of 5
May 2, 2022
To Get to the Other Side
� � � � �
� � � � � � � � � �
Why did the chicken cross the street?
� � � � � � � � � �
When Trixie stopped her car in the middle of a busy road to save a chicken, she wasn’t aware how this chicken would change her life.
Because of her landlord’s no pets policy she is forced to look for a new apartment with her feathered friend.
Bear lives a quiet life alone in his flat until his sisters post an ad to rent out his spare room. But once Trixie appears on his doorstep the two decide to become roommates and despite their plans to keep things platonic things start to heat up between the two.
� � � � � � � � � �
This book was all that I could ask for: A fun and weightless romance novel with a loving main character.
The book made me laugh and cry and I just could not put it down.
Trixie was a character that was relatable. Her fear of disappointing people and loosing them felt so realistic. I love that she isn’t the perfect girl next door but somebody suffering from panic attacks. This just makes her character so much more realistic.
Bear was just a super cuddly person. He seems like the type of person who you would just see and immediately start loving. The way he acts around his family and friends just seems so natural.
The whole relationship and friendship between the two was just so well thought out and seemed so realistic that I found myself feeling along with them.
Just a few side notes: The book is written from both Trixie’s and Bear’s point of view. There is no smut in any of the scenes but some talk about it.
I would like to thank Netgally for providing me with a digital advanced readers copy in exchange for my review.
� � � � � � � � � �
Ratings:
Smut: 🌶 /5
Story: � � � � �
Writing style: � � � � �
� � � � �
� � � � � � � � � �
Why did the chicken cross the street?
� � � � � � � � � �
When Trixie stopped her car in the middle of a busy road to save a chicken, she wasn’t aware how this chicken would change her life.
Because of her landlord’s no pets policy she is forced to look for a new apartment with her feathered friend.
Bear lives a quiet life alone in his flat until his sisters post an ad to rent out his spare room. But once Trixie appears on his doorstep the two decide to become roommates and despite their plans to keep things platonic things start to heat up between the two.
� � � � � � � � � �
This book was all that I could ask for: A fun and weightless romance novel with a loving main character.
The book made me laugh and cry and I just could not put it down.
Trixie was a character that was relatable. Her fear of disappointing people and loosing them felt so realistic. I love that she isn’t the perfect girl next door but somebody suffering from panic attacks. This just makes her character so much more realistic.
Bear was just a super cuddly person. He seems like the type of person who you would just see and immediately start loving. The way he acts around his family and friends just seems so natural.
The whole relationship and friendship between the two was just so well thought out and seemed so realistic that I found myself feeling along with them.
Just a few side notes: The book is written from both Trixie’s and Bear’s point of view. There is no smut in any of the scenes but some talk about it.
I would like to thank Netgally for providing me with a digital advanced readers copy in exchange for my review.
� � � � � � � � � �
Ratings:
Smut: 🌶 /5
Story: � � � � �
Writing style: � � � � �
February 8, 2022
**Thank you to the publishers for sending me this ARC via NetGalley**
I absolutely ADORED this book!!
I typically don’t go for the sunshiny type romance, as I’m most certainly a lover for angst. But I fell in love with this book regardless.
The characters are so lovable. Trixie and Bear are quite literally two puzzle pieces that go hand in hand, both struggling due to parental issues, and it creates depth to both of their characters and understanding. The side characters as well, whether they be human or animal (s/o to my girl Chick Chick!), always left for a great laugh and a love for the family in this book. Though I hated Lyle. Screw Lyle!!!
The writing was also so incredibly good?? Like everything was amazing about it? There wasn’t a bunch of word vomit and the perfect amount of commentary and overload of humor and sarcasm that left for an easy flowing read. Ohlert really put in the effort to not make any spot in the story boring because it always kept building and leaving you with anticipation which is a 100/10 in my book!
All in all, this was such a cute story that had amazing side characters and really had me making the “and they were roommates� joke at least ten times in my annotations (teehee). It left for a beautiful sum of romance, humor, and reflections of the past that led to the growth of two characters who truly needed the other, to be themselves.
I absolutely ADORED this book!!
I typically don’t go for the sunshiny type romance, as I’m most certainly a lover for angst. But I fell in love with this book regardless.
The characters are so lovable. Trixie and Bear are quite literally two puzzle pieces that go hand in hand, both struggling due to parental issues, and it creates depth to both of their characters and understanding. The side characters as well, whether they be human or animal (s/o to my girl Chick Chick!), always left for a great laugh and a love for the family in this book. Though I hated Lyle. Screw Lyle!!!
The writing was also so incredibly good?? Like everything was amazing about it? There wasn’t a bunch of word vomit and the perfect amount of commentary and overload of humor and sarcasm that left for an easy flowing read. Ohlert really put in the effort to not make any spot in the story boring because it always kept building and leaving you with anticipation which is a 100/10 in my book!
All in all, this was such a cute story that had amazing side characters and really had me making the “and they were roommates� joke at least ten times in my annotations (teehee). It left for a beautiful sum of romance, humor, and reflections of the past that led to the growth of two characters who truly needed the other, to be themselves.
February 7, 2022
A great light-hearted contemporary rom-com! You would definitely like this book if you enjoy the grumpy-sunshine and forced-proximity trope.
March 30, 2022
I loved this book. The jokes in the beginning were immaculate.
Thanks to netgalley and alcove press for giving me a e-arc in exchange for a honest review.
Thanks to netgalley and alcove press for giving me a e-arc in exchange for a honest review.
December 7, 2022
Let me start by saying that I LOVED this book and flew through it. I never would have guessed that it was Kelly Ohlert’s debut rom-com. It had all of my favorite tropes - grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, roommates to lovers, meddlesome siblings, and a “one-and-done� moment (but we all know that never works out).
Trixie and Bear were such wonderful characters and I loved how they were developed throughout the story. They were both hilarious and with the dual-pov, you really got inside both of their heads to see how they were really feeling. Sometimes I was screaming at the book just for them to admit to each other what they already knew themselves. Their humor and sarcasm was perfect and just the right amount.
“…the mouthwatering way his jeans framed his butt did not escape my notice.� Girl 💀 Trixie was down BAD from the first moment she met Bear but I mean, so was he so it works out 😂
“If she were the superhero coming to my rescue, I’d have no problem maiming myself on the daily.� BEAR. YOU NAUGHTY MAN. Prime example of a man thinking with his, ya know, instead of his head 😂 Gotta love him for appreciating her, though!
Now let’s talk about THE night. You know the one.
“You’re the sexiest damn man I’ve ever laid eyes on.�
“You’re killing me, woman.�
I was on my knees begging for more during this scene and the fade-to-black definitely hurt me a little 😭 But knowing it happened brought me peace.
I loved Chick-Chick but I absolutely couldn’t care for a chicken the way Trixie (and even Bear) did. And I have chickens!! So you KNOW that girl cared. Bear making the wheelchair for her?? Sobbing. Will not ever recover. Raising my standards one book boyfriend at a time.
The ending was amazing, show-stopping, jaw-dropping, cry happy tears INCREDIBLE. I loved every moment of this story and am so happy for my sweet sunshine and mr. grumpy (and his chaotic good family).
Beyond grateful to Alcove Press and NetGalley for this advanced review copy in exchange for my honest review!
Trixie and Bear were such wonderful characters and I loved how they were developed throughout the story. They were both hilarious and with the dual-pov, you really got inside both of their heads to see how they were really feeling. Sometimes I was screaming at the book just for them to admit to each other what they already knew themselves. Their humor and sarcasm was perfect and just the right amount.
“…the mouthwatering way his jeans framed his butt did not escape my notice.� Girl 💀 Trixie was down BAD from the first moment she met Bear but I mean, so was he so it works out 😂
“If she were the superhero coming to my rescue, I’d have no problem maiming myself on the daily.� BEAR. YOU NAUGHTY MAN. Prime example of a man thinking with his, ya know, instead of his head 😂 Gotta love him for appreciating her, though!
Now let’s talk about THE night. You know the one.
“You’re the sexiest damn man I’ve ever laid eyes on.�
“You’re killing me, woman.�
I was on my knees begging for more during this scene and the fade-to-black definitely hurt me a little 😭 But knowing it happened brought me peace.
I loved Chick-Chick but I absolutely couldn’t care for a chicken the way Trixie (and even Bear) did. And I have chickens!! So you KNOW that girl cared. Bear making the wheelchair for her?? Sobbing. Will not ever recover. Raising my standards one book boyfriend at a time.
The ending was amazing, show-stopping, jaw-dropping, cry happy tears INCREDIBLE. I loved every moment of this story and am so happy for my sweet sunshine and mr. grumpy (and his chaotic good family).
Beyond grateful to Alcove Press and NetGalley for this advanced review copy in exchange for my honest review!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2022
Thank you netgalley for this ARC. The opinions on this review are of my own and honest.
This book was exactly what I needed this spring! Such a cute story and characters drew me in.
The story is about Bear and Trixie who meet while rescuing a chicken. Yes, a chicken. Looking for a new place to live, Trixie rents out a room at Bear's house.
Like all cute romantic books, there is a huge attraction that they fight until they can't any more. Add some meddling but amazing sisters into the story and you have a great read.
I def rate this book a 5/5. The cover is cute, characters are relatable and engaging. The rom com story kept me laughing and turning pages quickly to finish.
This book was exactly what I needed this spring! Such a cute story and characters drew me in.
The story is about Bear and Trixie who meet while rescuing a chicken. Yes, a chicken. Looking for a new place to live, Trixie rents out a room at Bear's house.
Like all cute romantic books, there is a huge attraction that they fight until they can't any more. Add some meddling but amazing sisters into the story and you have a great read.
I def rate this book a 5/5. The cover is cute, characters are relatable and engaging. The rom com story kept me laughing and turning pages quickly to finish.
December 14, 2022
SO CUTE!!!
I loved this book and the narration, perfect one two punch of awesome!
When I first started this book I had no idea what to expect, and I’m so glad I went in blind!
Trixie is so lovable and I enjoyed reading her dialogue with Bear. (Ohhhh but the names�. could have been better.)
Trixie is hyper, chatty, and always wearing a smile. To Bear‘s quiet stoicism. So naturally, they are perfect together!!
When Trixie finds herself needing to move, and fast, she sees a roommate post that fits the bill. Unbeknownst to Bare himself, he is the intended landlord thanks to his meddling sisters.
Thank goodness sisters always know best!!!
I loved this book and the narration, perfect one two punch of awesome!
When I first started this book I had no idea what to expect, and I’m so glad I went in blind!
Trixie is so lovable and I enjoyed reading her dialogue with Bear. (Ohhhh but the names�. could have been better.)
Trixie is hyper, chatty, and always wearing a smile. To Bear‘s quiet stoicism. So naturally, they are perfect together!!
When Trixie finds herself needing to move, and fast, she sees a roommate post that fits the bill. Unbeknownst to Bare himself, he is the intended landlord thanks to his meddling sisters.
Thank goodness sisters always know best!!!
July 11, 2022
Please note that I received this book via NetGalley. This did not affect my rating or review.
What an odd romance. I just wish that I could have liked it more than I did. I just thought after the first few chapters I read that the characters of Trixie and Bear fell flat. And also, I would have strangled Trixie with the whole let's have animals all over the place thing she was into. The insta-love thing as a plot never really works for me either I realize as a romance reader. I like the slow burn and then the execution. Unless you are setting the stage for something fantastic there, I have not in one case bought a insta-love, and this one I felt like ran straight up to that edge and I just kind of huffed and puffed about it.
"To Get to the Other Side" follows Trixie who has to find a new apartment after her landlord refuses her to allow a chicken she rescued into the building. She has just a few days to find a new place. When she shows up to an meet the owner of a house to rent (well room) she finds herself meeting the man she saw the other day when she rescued the chicken. The man (Bear) is annoyed about the whole thing since his sisters did this to help him find a date (yeah that's not how it works!) and then decides to of course rent Trixie a room because hey, she's hot. I don't know guys. I maybe watched too much of "Fear Thy Roommate" the past two weeks when I was sick with COVID, but this is a terrible idea.
With regards to Bear, he's bland as a character and I really didn't like his sisters forcing their way into making him have a relationship. I just have a thing about people jumping over my boundaries, so that's probably why I didn't find any of them cute. I also got really tired of reading about Bear having "blue balls". I felt at times that I was back reading older romance books from a different time. I legit kept muttering I am sick of hearing about this. He can barely even pay attention to Trixie because he's so fixated on her "butt" [the world butt was not used.]
Trixie is a mess. She is just another version of the manic pixie girl trope and I was kind of annoyed about half way through. The sex scene was not great IMHO either.
That's honestly all this book was though. Two people living together, trying to not have sex. It was not that engrossing. I think that there just wasn't enough there for me to care about Bear or Trixie as I was reading. I was tempted to DNF this one, but started it several months back and finally just finished it up. Not the worst romance I have read, so this one gets two stars and not one.
What an odd romance. I just wish that I could have liked it more than I did. I just thought after the first few chapters I read that the characters of Trixie and Bear fell flat. And also, I would have strangled Trixie with the whole let's have animals all over the place thing she was into. The insta-love thing as a plot never really works for me either I realize as a romance reader. I like the slow burn and then the execution. Unless you are setting the stage for something fantastic there, I have not in one case bought a insta-love, and this one I felt like ran straight up to that edge and I just kind of huffed and puffed about it.
"To Get to the Other Side" follows Trixie who has to find a new apartment after her landlord refuses her to allow a chicken she rescued into the building. She has just a few days to find a new place. When she shows up to an meet the owner of a house to rent (well room) she finds herself meeting the man she saw the other day when she rescued the chicken. The man (Bear) is annoyed about the whole thing since his sisters did this to help him find a date (yeah that's not how it works!) and then decides to of course rent Trixie a room because hey, she's hot. I don't know guys. I maybe watched too much of "Fear Thy Roommate" the past two weeks when I was sick with COVID, but this is a terrible idea.
With regards to Bear, he's bland as a character and I really didn't like his sisters forcing their way into making him have a relationship. I just have a thing about people jumping over my boundaries, so that's probably why I didn't find any of them cute. I also got really tired of reading about Bear having "blue balls". I felt at times that I was back reading older romance books from a different time. I legit kept muttering I am sick of hearing about this. He can barely even pay attention to Trixie because he's so fixated on her "butt" [the world butt was not used.]
Trixie is a mess. She is just another version of the manic pixie girl trope and I was kind of annoyed about half way through. The sex scene was not great IMHO either.
That's honestly all this book was though. Two people living together, trying to not have sex. It was not that engrossing. I think that there just wasn't enough there for me to care about Bear or Trixie as I was reading. I was tempted to DNF this one, but started it several months back and finally just finished it up. Not the worst romance I have read, so this one gets two stars and not one.
March 9, 2022
I really enjoyed this corny romance. I’m not really one for reading romance books but this one was really good. Bear and Trixie have similar sad situations when it comes to parent/parents and they handle their trauma in different ways. Bear finally learned how to accept who he is and what he likes and Trixie finally realized that she doesn’t have to me happy and perfect all the time. I will say I got worried about Chick Chick and was going to throw my book across the room if she had died lol. I definitely recommend this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2022
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
SO CUTE. Animal lover and the grump who is actually a softie for Trixie and her fur/feather friends. I fell in love with Trixie and Bear’s relationship and his close family.
The character development of the main characters is just *chefs kiss*. I would have been so devastated if Chick-Chick didn’t pull through� now to find me a man to build me a chicken wheelchair.
SO CUTE. Animal lover and the grump who is actually a softie for Trixie and her fur/feather friends. I fell in love with Trixie and Bear’s relationship and his close family.
The character development of the main characters is just *chefs kiss*. I would have been so devastated if Chick-Chick didn’t pull through� now to find me a man to build me a chicken wheelchair.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2022
An adorable romance that tugs at your heartstrings. I loved the dynamic between the two main characters and how relatable some of their insecurities were. I wish we would've gotten a bit more of Trixie's backstory, but it was a fantastic read, regardless. Highly recommended!
June 4, 2022
To Get to the Other Side by Kelly Ohlert ⭐⭐⭐⭐�
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a really amazing RomCom novel. And I love a book which has a male point of view along with the female, so I totally enjoyed it. The characters were all so lively and heartfelt.
Trixie is a very compassionate and animal-loving woman who stops her car in the middle of traffic to save an injured hen limping on the road. Her heart bleeds every time she sees a helpless animal and tries to sneak it into her "No Pets" apartment- a rule enforced because of her trying to sneak five wildly different animals. She works at a dog and cat rescue and adoption centre. Thanks to her childhood trauma by her parents and her ex-best friends, she is unable to open up to people and always keeps the pretence of a very cheerful person. She keeps smiling whenever she has an audience and has a whole lot of friends.
Bear is an introverted guy who has four sisters. Being with a house full of girls and an absent and asshole father, he started to cave into himself for liking things which are stereotyped to be 'girly' like liking wine, loving to work in his mother's flower boutique, cooking, etc. His sisters meddle in his life whenever they feel he needs their help. They gang up on him and annoy the hell out of him. Bear loves his sisters to the moon but they sometimes- most of the time, get under his skin. They put an ad in the newspaper that he's looking for a roommate- without his permission. He gets really frustrated at this but is surprised when he sees Trixie- the woman whom he saw saving a chicken, come to him asking about the room. He is more surprised when he lets her see the room and considers letting her stay.
Bear's family is heartwarming. His step-father is a perfect replacement for his biological father. His mom reads her children extremely well and has done a very good job raising them. His sisters, Zoey, Fawn, Lexie and Rosie are amazing too! I loved Bella, Owen and Chick-Chick! Gosh, awesome work with the characters.
The plot was pretty good and engaging. The emotions were nicely presented and developed among the characters. I felt both elated and sad reading the details about the animals and how they are treated.
I hope the ARC I got wasn't the final copy cause I found a few grammatical mistakes here and there. However, I'd love it if this story is continued with one of Bear's sisters. I'd like to read more about them!
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a really amazing RomCom novel. And I love a book which has a male point of view along with the female, so I totally enjoyed it. The characters were all so lively and heartfelt.
Trixie is a very compassionate and animal-loving woman who stops her car in the middle of traffic to save an injured hen limping on the road. Her heart bleeds every time she sees a helpless animal and tries to sneak it into her "No Pets" apartment- a rule enforced because of her trying to sneak five wildly different animals. She works at a dog and cat rescue and adoption centre. Thanks to her childhood trauma by her parents and her ex-best friends, she is unable to open up to people and always keeps the pretence of a very cheerful person. She keeps smiling whenever she has an audience and has a whole lot of friends.
Bear is an introverted guy who has four sisters. Being with a house full of girls and an absent and asshole father, he started to cave into himself for liking things which are stereotyped to be 'girly' like liking wine, loving to work in his mother's flower boutique, cooking, etc. His sisters meddle in his life whenever they feel he needs their help. They gang up on him and annoy the hell out of him. Bear loves his sisters to the moon but they sometimes- most of the time, get under his skin. They put an ad in the newspaper that he's looking for a roommate- without his permission. He gets really frustrated at this but is surprised when he sees Trixie- the woman whom he saw saving a chicken, come to him asking about the room. He is more surprised when he lets her see the room and considers letting her stay.
Bear's family is heartwarming. His step-father is a perfect replacement for his biological father. His mom reads her children extremely well and has done a very good job raising them. His sisters, Zoey, Fawn, Lexie and Rosie are amazing too! I loved Bella, Owen and Chick-Chick! Gosh, awesome work with the characters.
The plot was pretty good and engaging. The emotions were nicely presented and developed among the characters. I felt both elated and sad reading the details about the animals and how they are treated.
I hope the ARC I got wasn't the final copy cause I found a few grammatical mistakes here and there. However, I'd love it if this story is continued with one of Bear's sisters. I'd like to read more about them!
April 8, 2022
Thank you Netgalley and the author for providing me an e-Arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. I had a ride on the roller coaster of emotions while reading this book. It will always be listed among those books that are close to my heart and that helped me in some ways.
The book talks about past traumas and the way people react to their traumas via the main characters Trixie and Bear.
Trixie was an interesting character, always cheery and happy despite going through her own struggles. No matter what she was facing, her smile never wavered. That seems a bit difficult but knowing her past, her reactions and her behavior would definitely make sense. I was annoyed with her several times. For instance, when she put the blame on Bear for something she was responsible for. I found that quite immature. I wanted to scream at her face at that time. But, maybe, I didn't do her justice because her personality was shaped by the influence of her past. Whatever her flaws were, I loved her. she was so selfless, that alone made me love her even more.
Bear was completely opposite to Trixie. He was shy and kind of introvert (and I love introverts). again, his personality was also shaped by his past relationship with his father. I don't know who had it worst, but there is no comparison when it comes to traumas. All traumas are painful and difficult to overcome. I loved the way he came in terms with his personality, and how he accepted himself regardless of the stereotypes.
The same goes for Trixie as she learned that it is okay to share her pain and suffering with the people she loved. That it is okay to cry in front of your loved ones. Crying doesn't make you weak or unlovable. It only makes you human.
This book talked about traumas in a way that didn't trigger my traumas. I loved this. Mostly, my traumas get triggered by books. Thankfully, this wasn't the case here.
Totally recommended and I am definitely going to get this book. I need its paperback in my hands (lol).
I really enjoyed this book. I had a ride on the roller coaster of emotions while reading this book. It will always be listed among those books that are close to my heart and that helped me in some ways.
The book talks about past traumas and the way people react to their traumas via the main characters Trixie and Bear.
Trixie was an interesting character, always cheery and happy despite going through her own struggles. No matter what she was facing, her smile never wavered. That seems a bit difficult but knowing her past, her reactions and her behavior would definitely make sense. I was annoyed with her several times. For instance, when she put the blame on Bear for something she was responsible for. I found that quite immature. I wanted to scream at her face at that time. But, maybe, I didn't do her justice because her personality was shaped by the influence of her past. Whatever her flaws were, I loved her. she was so selfless, that alone made me love her even more.
Bear was completely opposite to Trixie. He was shy and kind of introvert (and I love introverts). again, his personality was also shaped by his past relationship with his father. I don't know who had it worst, but there is no comparison when it comes to traumas. All traumas are painful and difficult to overcome. I loved the way he came in terms with his personality, and how he accepted himself regardless of the stereotypes.
The same goes for Trixie as she learned that it is okay to share her pain and suffering with the people she loved. That it is okay to cry in front of your loved ones. Crying doesn't make you weak or unlovable. It only makes you human.
This book talked about traumas in a way that didn't trigger my traumas. I loved this. Mostly, my traumas get triggered by books. Thankfully, this wasn't the case here.
Totally recommended and I am definitely going to get this book. I need its paperback in my hands (lol).
July 2, 2022
An upbeat love story that fully embraces its tropes. A peppy, quirky girl meets a sullen bear-of-a-man with a heart of gold when a chicken stops traffic while crossing the road. The pair moves in together and sparks fly, but they're determined to keep things platonic while they nurse the chicken back to health and wrestle with their personal inner demons. She's been raised in a culture of toxic positivity. He's been raised in a culture of toxic masculinity. Together (and with the help of his boisterous, intervening family) she learns she doesn't have to appear happy all the time and he learns he doesn't have to "act like a man" according to someone else's standards. The prose is quippy, leaning into the quirks of its characters and situations. I loved that the heroine worked in an animal shelter, and the ways caring for animals permeated the entire story, such that multiple forms of love were explored. A sweet, fast read, well suited for readers who are looking for non-steam adult romance that celebrates family and all the ways our personal idiosyncrasies make us shine.
November 24, 2022
This book starts with a girl chasing a chicken and as a person who has chickens- that thrilled me!! So many books that have dogs and cats but not many have chickens that are a star of the show. This was a cute story and had some great advice on overcoming our past or who we should think we should be.
🌀ԴDZ
Trixie spots a chicken running through Chicago and saves it from being run over. In the process she meets a guy who, at the time, she doesn’t expect to see again.
When she shows up to an advertisement about a renting a room, she realizes it’s the same guy. He thinks she’s cute and he’s so happy to see her again he offers her the room. The two start to build a relationship and both have a goal to help the chicken heal and get better.
Trixie has a hard time with her emotions though and struggles to let him in. He proves to her, time and again, that he is going to be there for her and her chicken. She just has to find a way to let him (and everyone else)
🌀ԴDZ
Trixie spots a chicken running through Chicago and saves it from being run over. In the process she meets a guy who, at the time, she doesn’t expect to see again.
When she shows up to an advertisement about a renting a room, she realizes it’s the same guy. He thinks she’s cute and he’s so happy to see her again he offers her the room. The two start to build a relationship and both have a goal to help the chicken heal and get better.
Trixie has a hard time with her emotions though and struggles to let him in. He proves to her, time and again, that he is going to be there for her and her chicken. She just has to find a way to let him (and everyone else)
February 14, 2022
"Leave it to a chicken to throw my life into a tailspin."
This novel has the most unforgettable meet-cute —in the middle of the street, chasing a chicken across the road to rescue it! The whole story is a true delight! We get (loving) meddling siblings, missed connections vibes, sweet family relationships, sublime sexual tension, and lovely character development. There's an ice-cream truck mission, pancake-making, intriguing side-characters —and the potential chicken name Hennifer Lopez! but they go with Chick-Chick in the end.
� She's a former-dancer who works at an animal shelter; He's in construction, and "built like mountains". Because of their ages and the economy right now, they both have side gigs. When Trixie and Bear move in together and need to earn some more money to pay for Chick-Chick's vet bills, shenanigans ensue! (Featuring spandex off-brand superhero costumes, chaotic dog-walking, and wholesome neighbourhood lemonade stands.) Ohlert integrates this into the narrative so easily that you hardly notice it, yet it helps ground the story firmly in a familiar reality. (I know that it's skillfully done because I recently had to stop reading two other books because I could not connect with the romance when I was so saddened by the characters' drowning in hustle culture and the desperation of late-stage capitalism. I felt nothing but enjoyment of their adventures here!)
� I loved all Trixie's quirky, colourful outfits (and mismatched socks!) and I love how much Bear loves them too. I love that Bear is a Grey's Anatomy fan! and he knows Jeopardy episodes by heart! (They spend a lot of time watching reruns on the couch together. He's more of a homebody, which is relatable, but he also injures himself and ends up in a cast.) He makes her food, they go grocery shopping and cook together, help when they're running late for work in the morning, but there's also awkwardness and arguments, so we get a lot of the roommate moments you probably hope for.
� Do not be fooled by all the pastel on the cover! There's HEAT between them! The sex is off-page, but the important capital-R Romance moments —the longing stares, the forearms, fantasizing, the pulling bodies onto laps, rough hands tugging down hips, faces buried in chests, steamy dancing and near-kisses� that's alll there, and it's brilliantly done! I love that most of the time, Trixie is the bold one who makes the sexual advances. Ohlert gives us the always-dreamy "How did you get him to do that?" "I asked." moment! And complimentary silliness like this: "The sexual tension between us was as thick as Tom Selleck's mustache."
� There's parental heartache that's lingered from childhood in how both these characters cope with emotions, and in how they treat themselves. Trixie's parents made her feel like she had to be polite and friendly and "perfect" at all times, and Bear's dad made him question anything not "masculine" behaviour. I found the portrayal of their struggles very real, and even more understandable and natural to the characters as the story progresses.
� Note on the animals: I'm a person who legit will not watch a movie if there's a dog involved at all, because I simply cannot handle the emotional impact of an animal potentially being hurt —even if it ends up being perfectly fine in the end! I will not cope, my world will be shattered. And I was fine reading this! Be aware that when the chicken is rescued, it is not as smooth and fluffy as the cover depicts, its health has deteriorated from being out in the street, and there are some ups and downs with its treatment and recovery at the vet, but somehow Ohlert manages to make the descriptions both evocative and emotionally manageable. I've been in those situations with pets before (treatment cost is more than I can afford, staying up all night and all day with a sick animal, feeling helpless, the sickening guilt and worry of seeing your animal limping when injured) and so I could see the reality in them, but To Get to the Other Side stays light enough —or maybe keeps the difficult moments brief enough� that it isn't weighed down. And did you know chicken wheelchairs exist? Bear hand-makes one for Chick-Chick, and it's the sweetest!
Content warnings: memories of bullying and public humiliation, toxic masculinity (challenged), Trixie's got trauma from strict, judgmental, manipulative parenting and a toxic roommate who betrayed her trust. Bear's dad is rude and mean and cruel, but only appears briefly once or twice.
� She's a former-dancer who works at an animal shelter; He's in construction, and "built like mountains". Because of their ages and the economy right now, they both have side gigs. When Trixie and Bear move in together and need to earn some more money to pay for Chick-Chick's vet bills, shenanigans ensue! (Featuring spandex off-brand superhero costumes, chaotic dog-walking, and wholesome neighbourhood lemonade stands.) Ohlert integrates this into the narrative so easily that you hardly notice it, yet it helps ground the story firmly in a familiar reality. (I know that it's skillfully done because I recently had to stop reading two other books because I could not connect with the romance when I was so saddened by the characters' drowning in hustle culture and the desperation of late-stage capitalism. I felt nothing but enjoyment of their adventures here!)
� I loved all Trixie's quirky, colourful outfits (and mismatched socks!) and I love how much Bear loves them too. I love that Bear is a Grey's Anatomy fan! and he knows Jeopardy episodes by heart! (They spend a lot of time watching reruns on the couch together. He's more of a homebody, which is relatable, but he also injures himself and ends up in a cast.) He makes her food, they go grocery shopping and cook together, help when they're running late for work in the morning, but there's also awkwardness and arguments, so we get a lot of the roommate moments you probably hope for.
� Do not be fooled by all the pastel on the cover! There's HEAT between them! The sex is off-page, but the important capital-R Romance moments —the longing stares, the forearms, fantasizing, the pulling bodies onto laps, rough hands tugging down hips, faces buried in chests, steamy dancing and near-kisses� that's alll there, and it's brilliantly done! I love that most of the time, Trixie is the bold one who makes the sexual advances. Ohlert gives us the always-dreamy "How did you get him to do that?" "I asked." moment! And complimentary silliness like this: "The sexual tension between us was as thick as Tom Selleck's mustache."
� There's parental heartache that's lingered from childhood in how both these characters cope with emotions, and in how they treat themselves. Trixie's parents made her feel like she had to be polite and friendly and "perfect" at all times, and Bear's dad made him question anything not "masculine" behaviour. I found the portrayal of their struggles very real, and even more understandable and natural to the characters as the story progresses.
� Note on the animals: I'm a person who legit will not watch a movie if there's a dog involved at all, because I simply cannot handle the emotional impact of an animal potentially being hurt —even if it ends up being perfectly fine in the end! I will not cope, my world will be shattered. And I was fine reading this! Be aware that when the chicken is rescued, it is not as smooth and fluffy as the cover depicts, its health has deteriorated from being out in the street, and there are some ups and downs with its treatment and recovery at the vet, but somehow Ohlert manages to make the descriptions both evocative and emotionally manageable. I've been in those situations with pets before (treatment cost is more than I can afford, staying up all night and all day with a sick animal, feeling helpless, the sickening guilt and worry of seeing your animal limping when injured) and so I could see the reality in them, but To Get to the Other Side stays light enough —or maybe keeps the difficult moments brief enough� that it isn't weighed down. And did you know chicken wheelchairs exist? Bear hand-makes one for Chick-Chick, and it's the sweetest!
Content warnings: memories of bullying and public humiliation, toxic masculinity (challenged), Trixie's got trauma from strict, judgmental, manipulative parenting and a toxic roommate who betrayed her trust. Bear's dad is rude and mean and cruel, but only appears briefly once or twice.
February 20, 2022
2.5/5
To Get to the Other Side by Kelly Ohlert is a contemporary romance featuring Trixie, who works at an animal shelter, has several friends but keeps everyone at an arms length emotionally and always hides her true feelings behind a smile, and Bear, who loves his family, Grey's Anatomy and pancakes, hates going to clubs and wants to be himself without getting judged. When Trixie rescues a chicken from the middle of the road and decides to keep it, she is forced to find a new place to stay as her landlord doesn't allow pets. And guess what, Bear's meddlesome sisters place an ad to rent a room in his home. Even though he didn't know about the ad, when Trixie shows interest he decides to rent the room. And we get a romance with meddling family, taking care of a chicken, business problems, hospital visits, mounting bills, emotional growth and much more.
The character growth is really great in this one. I appreciate what the author tried to do. The emotional growth that both the characters had to go through was good to see. How gender stereotypes can affect people and the unrealistic expectation that you should always smile and the toll it can take has been done well. The book itself is structured well. There are some really funny scenes.
Still it didn't work for me. I couldn't connect with the story and I think it's because of the writing. I would have liked to know more about the characters. There is a certain conflict which felt too soon in the relationship timeline. Also there wasn't a lot of communication between the main characters, especially regarding the past. I wish we got that conversation.
You can pick this one up if you want to read a book which is easy to read with good character growth, a chicken as a pet, a meddling but adorable family.
�
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for providing an e-arc in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
To Get to the Other Side by Kelly Ohlert is a contemporary romance featuring Trixie, who works at an animal shelter, has several friends but keeps everyone at an arms length emotionally and always hides her true feelings behind a smile, and Bear, who loves his family, Grey's Anatomy and pancakes, hates going to clubs and wants to be himself without getting judged. When Trixie rescues a chicken from the middle of the road and decides to keep it, she is forced to find a new place to stay as her landlord doesn't allow pets. And guess what, Bear's meddlesome sisters place an ad to rent a room in his home. Even though he didn't know about the ad, when Trixie shows interest he decides to rent the room. And we get a romance with meddling family, taking care of a chicken, business problems, hospital visits, mounting bills, emotional growth and much more.
The character growth is really great in this one. I appreciate what the author tried to do. The emotional growth that both the characters had to go through was good to see. How gender stereotypes can affect people and the unrealistic expectation that you should always smile and the toll it can take has been done well. The book itself is structured well. There are some really funny scenes.
Still it didn't work for me. I couldn't connect with the story and I think it's because of the writing. I would have liked to know more about the characters. There is a certain conflict which felt too soon in the relationship timeline. Also there wasn't a lot of communication between the main characters, especially regarding the past. I wish we got that conversation.
You can pick this one up if you want to read a book which is easy to read with good character growth, a chicken as a pet, a meddling but adorable family.
�
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for providing an e-arc in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
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