A review by sidneyellwood
Cut Both Ways by Carrie Mesrobian

2.0

I was excited for this book because hey, we do need more portrayals of bisexuality in fiction, but unfortunately, the way the author chose to portray bisexuality was absolutely dismal and filled with stereotypes, and the author decides not to identify him as bisexual the entire book. I know that people want to avoid labels but this is not helpful for bisexual teens figuring out their sexuality. Mesrobian also stated, in her authors note, that she wanted to explore falling in love with a best friend and how bi teens come to the realization that they're bisexual - well, let me tell you this: you can explore both without resorting to the unfortunate stereotype of infidelity. Consent and communication would have made this book so much better; exploring a bi polyamorous relationship would have been interesting! But, no. He had to cheat.

Both relationships themselves didn't feel developed, nor did the characters in them. Through the entire book it felt like they were only in it for the sex. I don't mind that the book is explicit, but it's the utter lack of any chemistry between either Brandy and Will, or Angus and Will.

Spoiler

It's the pregnancy subplot which lasts for all of two chapters to add drama. It's the fact that Will's implied to be cheating on both of them without a word to either for a while after the book. The ending was unsatisfying and cleared up exactly nothing. I felt like I was left hanging, like nothing was resolved, like the climax should have been fifty pages earlier.