The Other Dress

Elliot is going to his first anAnime as himself for the first-time. Dressed as his favorite anime, he meets Izzy who has a secret of her own.

Elliot has cosplayed before, he just has never dressed as a girl in front of people. This is something he has only done in private and with his best friend Mya. Now he has designed his costume, Roi, and he thinks he is ready.

Izzy has won top place in the cosplay competitions for the last two years. She is ready to win her third competition. This time she has knocked her costume out of the park. She looks across the hall and she sees Roi, her character's best friend. She is psyched - this will make a great photo op.

The minute Izzy and Elliot meet there is chemistry. Elliot is amazed and charmed by Izzy. It does not seem to matter to her that he is dressed as a girl. It might be because her best friend Jason is a cross-dresser too. As the event goes on the two flirt and their feelings grow.

Then it comes time for Izzy to tell her secret: she's transgender.

I wish this book had come out this year so that I could put it on my best of 2019 list!

The Other Dress (B07KQCMJ3F, 2018) by Emmy Engberts is a sweet, enlightening, and heart tugging love story. Izzy is amazing and so are her parents. I am going to try really hard not to give anything away, but the steps taken in awareness and safety are astute. Izzy's feelings of depression are shared and explained in terms that everyone can understand.

Elliot's reactions and feelings regarding his own identity in relation to cross-dressing are just as illuminating. The steps each character take to be together and work through the issues are difficult. Kudos are also given to the supporting cast for Izzy has an amazing support system. I wish every person would have a support system like Izzy.

The communication between Izzy and Elliot is sweet and funny. The side comments from their friends makes everything easier and harder, which is real life. The love story is something which will put a smile on your face - I am still smiling while typing this. This story is a must read. Add this book to your list it is totally worth it! ✶✶✶✶✶

I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.