On the Fence by Kasie West
She's a tomboy. He's the boy next door…
Charlie Reynolds can outrun, outscore, and outwit every boy she knows. But when it comes to being a girl, Charlie doesn't know the first thing about anything. So when she starts working at a chichi boutique to pay off a speeding ticket, she finds herself in a strange new world. To cope with the stress of her new reality, Charlie takes to spending nights chatting with her neighbor Braden through the fence between their yards. As she grows to depend on their nightly Fence Chats, she realizes she's got a bigger problem than speeding tickets-she's falling for Braden. She knows what it means to go for the win, but if spilling her secret means losing him for good, the stakes just got too high.
Fun, original, and endearing, On the Fence is a romantic comedy about finding yourself and finding love where you least expect.
Publishes in US: July 1st 2014 by HarperTeen
Genre: YA contemp
Source: Harper Teen via Edelweiss
Series? No
Buy it: Amazon • Barnes & Noble• Kobo • iBookstore
Author stalk away: ~site ~twitter
I wanted to read On The Fence because I was in the need for a summery read plus the fact that I have liked Kasie West's characters and writing style from her paranormal books.
The dynamic between Charlie, our tomboy main character and her brothers is so endearing. They are like an amoeba, where one is, you'll find the rest. They have folded into their circle of boyhood, wrestling with her, playing sports no holds barred with her, and letting her be with them all the time. Part of this group of guys is next door neighbor Braden, who is an only child and loves the inclusion. He has a dad who he dubs jerk and him getting out of the house when dear dad comes home drunk is what leads him to be out so late at night to begin the fence talks with Charlie.
And yes, we can all see where this is going. But I liked how they had a friendship first, and they were aware that if things changed, it would effect more than herself. But I like that as they have the deep conversations at night, she is working out things about herself and her mom who died when she was little. They have this deeper connection and it makes me smile.
Charlie's dad was also present. He was awkward a lot of the time, but he was at least trying. Red in the face talking about conditioner and bras, doing what men shouldn't have to do. I also like that he was in on some of the nerf action. Speaking of, I love the playful nature of the house. That and how the dares kept things adventurous and deepened their bonds.
Through her job she is also getting in touch with parts of herself that she didn't before. That she could be a little girly and it wouldn't be the end of the world. What I think the most important message was though is how she learned to be herself. That she could be girly or wear makeup if she wanted, but that she shouldn't have to be fake or only show half of who she was in order to be liked.
The light nature to the book was also good. Because even though it had some rough subject matter--drunk dads and dead moms--it was dealt with and still managed to focus on the now. Being able to push through, showing your strength and at the same time vulnerability to open up to someone else and share feelings, to lean on them and to get through.
The ending was sweet and nice, but I couldn't help putting down the book and wanting to get more time in their chemistry, in the sureity of their relationship, with others knowing, with their hearts a little less confused.
My question to you, my lovely readers:
Did you ever have a hot next door neighbor?
I think this one would work for me
ReplyDeleteWhoop! So glad you enjoyed. I love that this is so family-oriented and the romance sounds wonderful. I also like this idea "but that she shouldn't have to be fake or only show half of who she was in order to be liked." and that's what young girls should definitely take away from this novel. Can't wait to explore this pretty :)
ReplyDeleteI know, I just wanted more of them finally when they figure it out and get it together. Their family dynamic was fantastic, and I wouldn't mind getting a companion novel from one of the brothers.
ReplyDeleteKasie's paranormal books were pretty great too.
I know, I don't have enough fun and light in my reading rotation
ReplyDeleteI know, it is such a hard lesson to learn. I am still trying to figure out how to fully be myself.
ReplyDeleteHope you give it a chance and love it
ReplyDeleteThis one sounds so sweet, and I alway enjoy how Kasie can wrap humour, wit and family in her books. Glad you enjoyed this one Brandi :)
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean, this was light, fun and fast, but I thought it was a bit too fast, and I wished the author had taken a bit more time to develop things. Still I had a smile on my face when I finished.
ReplyDeleteThis one seems to be popular for reviewing today. I haven't read anything by Kasie but everyone seem to enjoy her books. I'm so glad you enjoyed this one. Great review, Brandi :)
ReplyDeleteI've been wanting to read one of her books and this one sounds great!
ReplyDeleteI've been hearing quite a few good things about this one. I do love the storyline and the sound of the main character. I think I do have to pick this one up!
ReplyDeletelovely review!
I've been meaning to read a Kasie West book. This one seems like a good place to start. Glad you enjoyed!
ReplyDeleteWell... I have a bunch of neighbors. There IS a hot classmate... but I don't like him romantically, XD.
ReplyDeleteSlow romance sounds good! Although I think I'm going to avoid this since I might dislike this one... O_o (always a hit or miss with contemporary)
Oh I love when they're friends first. Brings a special element. I've seen this one about a lot and everyone seems to love it. I think I'm really going to have to give it a go :)
ReplyDeleteAll the blogs that I follow who've read this loved it. I don't necessarily crave stories like this but I get the appeal. I like easy breezy reads with substance
ReplyDeleteI am so relived you loved this one. A few blogger friends didn't like it but others seem to love it. I trust your opinion.
ReplyDeleteThis was a fun read! I also really liked the family dynamic. So realistic!
ReplyDeleteAwesome review :)
How did you know? I do have a super hot neighbor who's my age and is always shirtless. That is a good sight! lol Maybe because the issues weren't so deeply discussed in this book, I didn't find it that interesting. I loved the brothers though! And great use of the word Amoeba. So true with their personalities :D I'm glad you enjoyed this, Brandi! Great review :)
ReplyDeleteThe family being such a big part of this made me so happy. Great review.
ReplyDeleteI love, love, close, endearing sibling relationships in a book. I've got this up next on my pile, so I'm glad it turned out wonderful for you, Brandi.
ReplyDelete