Book of the Week - Bear, Otter and the Kid

Title: Bear, Otter, & the Kid

Author: T.J. Klune

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Length: 350 pages

Rating: 4 Quills

Tags: family drama, kids, angst, in the closet, contemporary

Blurb

Three years ago, Bear McKenna’s mother took off for parts unknown with her new boyfriend, leaving Bear to raise his six-year-old brother Tyson, aka the Kid. Somehow they’ve muddled through, but since he’s totally devoted to the Kid, Bear isn’t actually doing much living—with a few exceptions, he’s retreated from the world, and he’s mostly okay with that. Until Otter comes home.

Otter is Bear’s best friend’s older brother, and as they’ve done for their whole lives, Bear and Otter crash and collide in ways neither expect. This time, though, there’s nowhere to run from the depth of emotion between them. Bear still believes his place is as the Kid’s guardian, but he can’t help thinking there could be something more for him in the world... something or someone.

Review

This is the story of one man's struggles to keep his family together. He must realize that he is not alone and his family is larger than he ever expected. Three years ago, Bear's mom left him to raise his little brother on his own. Since then, he has been doing the best he can to provide a loving stable environment for the Kid, all the while missing the one person who makes him feel like home. When Otter finally returns and they are forced to admit their feelings for each other, fireworks ensue, and not just the good kind.

I had avoided this book for quite awhile because it was so hyped up. I tend to purposely ignore "it" books until they have lasted for awhile. However, this book deserved the hype. I started reading it, planning just to start it for a few minutes before bed. 4 am rolled around and I was just finishing it. The characters drew me in and would not let me go. I experienced a whole gamut of emotions from tears to laugh out loud moments to wanting to rip my hair and knock some sense into Bear and Otter. 

However, my one complaint is that the "big misunderstanding" felt a little contrived. I get that he was being threatened and felt there was no way out but it seemed a little over the top how that played out (no spoilers here though). Despite imperfect characters and a few over-worked moments, this book is a gem. 4 Quills.

You can find Bear, Otter and the Kid at Dreamspinner Press for $6.99.