On The Fence
Author: Kasie West
Series: None
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Release Date: July 1, 2014
Publisher: HarperTeen
Summary:
aka Charlie, being raised by a single dad and three older brothers has its perks. She can outrun, outscore, and outwit every boy she knows – including her longtime neighbor and honorary fourth brother, Braden. 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 of makeup, lacy skirts, and BeDazzlers. Even stranger, she’s spending time with a boy who has never seen her tear it up in a pickup game.
To cope with the stress of faking her way through this new reality, Charlie seeks late-night refuge in her backyard, talking out her problems with Braden by the fence that separates them. But their Fence Chats can’t solve Charlie’s biggest problem: she’s falling for Braden. Hard. 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.
First Sentence: The engine whined against my attempt to go faster.
My Review:
Almost everybody I know loves Kasie West’s books. Her books, however, are either a hit or a miss for me. I loved, loved, absolutely loved Split Second (it is one of my favorite books of 2014 and one of the two 5-star books I gave this year) while The Distance Between Us, the sort of companion novel to On The Fence, failed to impress me much. I didn’t know how I’ll feel about On The Fence when I first started it – all I was really hoping for was for it to impress me more than The Distance Between Us did. I didn’t want to be the only person disappointed with a book that everyone else loved. Imagine my surprise when I actually did enjoy reading On The Fence.
On The Fence is nothing but adorable. It’s a light fluffy book that had me laughing at times and smiling like a fool at other times. I just couldn’t put On The Fence down – I was reading it while I was out browsing the Apple store, reading it while I was walking, reading it while I was on the subway standing without a pole in sight to hold onto, and reading it in the dim light even though it practically made me blind. I literally breezed through On The Fence in three hours. I just couldn’t get enough of it in my life.
“Almost as if I have two lives.”
…
“This life, our fence life. And then our day life.”
“I know what you mean.”
“Why do we do that? Why do we pretend during the day that this doesn’t happen?” (ARC 159)
I absolutely love the family moments between Charlie and her brothers. Charlie’s brothers were hilarious and I adored their relationship with Charlie. Charlie’s brothers genuinely cared for her and I just couldn’t help but admire that kind of brother-sister relationship, especially after hearing and witnessing all my female friends’ non-existent relationships with their brothers. I constantly found myself wishing that I had older brothers like Charlie’s while I was reading On The Fence. I would beg, borrow, or steal for brothers like Charlie’s.
Unlike The Distance Between Us, I definitely felt the chemistry between Charlie and Braden in On The Fence. Their romance were just so sweet and they just get each other so much that I couldn’t help but cheer for both of them. Their relationship was basically perfect and I was still thinking about them hours after I was finished with On The Fence, wishing that I had a relationship like theirs. Too bad I don’t have a cute neighbor that lives next door.
“I thought you weren’t going to tell me.”
…
He propped himself up on his elbow. “Wait. What are you talking about?”
“What are you talking about?” (ARC 273)
I don’t know if you guys know this because I certainly didn’t, but there was a short Caymen moment in On The Fence. If you guys don’t know or forgot who Caymen is, Caymen is the main character in Kasie West’s The Distance Between Us. I practically flailed in excitement when Caymen made her appearance.
Overall, On The Fence definitely did impress me. I just want to hug the book all day and think about Charlie and Braden together. Excuse me while I reread my favorite parts again…
It looks like a good book,especially with the falling in love with the best friend theme.Good review,I’ll be sure to check the book out :)
Braden isn’t a best friend exactly, but more like a brother to Charlie in the beginning of the book.
And thank you!
Kelly recently posted…Life Of A Blogger: Quirks
So happy to hear you loved this one! And a Caymen appearance? I’m now gonna looking forward to that even more!
Great review!
Pili recently posted…Showcase Sunday #42!!
YESSSS, I am so surprised I loved this one! I was expecting it to be meh since I found The Distance Between Us to be meh.
Ha ha, just don’t expect too much from her appearance. Caymen’s appearance was really short.
Thank you Pili! (:
Kelly recently posted…Life Of A Blogger: Quirks
I’ve heard countless good things about this book. I don’t think I’ve seen a review for this were the rating was below 3.5 stars. All this hype makes me want to read this one, even though I don’t like contemporary all that much, but I’m also a little wary. My track record with hyped up books isn’t the best.
Great review :D
Kim @ Kimberly’s Novel Notes recently posted…Booktube-A-Thon Master status post.
I haven’t been looking at other reviews for this one, so I didn’t know that the rating for On the Fence was this high!
Don’t worry, I don’t like contemporaries all that much either, but I ADORED On the Fence. In fact, I’m still thinking about it and it’s been five days since I’ve read it. It’s that good. <3
Thank you Kimberly! :D<3
Kelly recently posted…Life Of A Blogger: Quirks
I started this one the night before my ARC expired, but I want to go pick it up and finish it. I got about halfway through and it was super cute!
Yes, you definitely need to finish this one Flo! The ending of this one is SUPER cute and just GAHHH!
Kelly recently posted…Life Of A Blogger: Quirks
I actually didn’t love On the Fence. I mean, I definitely liked it, but I personally liked The Distance Between Us more. Isn’t it kind of weird feeling when you feel like the only one who felt differently about a book?
Either way, I’m really glad you did end up enjoying On the Fence, especially since Kasie West’s books are hit or miss for you.
Quinn @ Quinn’s Book Nook recently posted…Book Haul #61
Ohh, that was me with The Distance Between Us. I didn’t really enjoy The Distance Between Us and everyone else just LOVED it while I was just meh about it.
Hopefully you’ll enjoy Kasie West’s next contemporary, Quinn! (:
Kelly recently posted…Life Of A Blogger: Quirks
Yay! I’m so glad to hear that Caymen makes an appearance. I just read The Distance Between Us and enjoyed it al lot. I actually read it because I’d heard do many good things about On the Fence and didn’t have my own copy so I read it while waiting, Actually, I’m still waiting. I need this book!
Lina recently posted…Review: ‘The Cracks in the Kingdom’ by Jaclyn Moriarty
Ha ha, don’t get your hopes up, Caymen makes a VERY short appearance.
And if you really enjoyed The Distance Between Us, you’ll most likely enjoy On the Fence too! Hopefully you’ll get your own copy of On the Fence soon! ;D
Kelly recently posted…Life Of A Blogger: Quirks
Oh my gosh! You do that too?! I always seem to reread my favorite parts after I finish a chapter or overall the book. I don’t know why I do it though. And I want to read On The Fence so bad now! There’s also a signing happening next month close but not so close and I’m thinking about bugging my older brother to take me since Kasie West and three other amazing authors will be there. I’m still not sure if I’ll be able to go though…but I still want to read this book! Thanks Kelly for loving this one :D
Yes, I do that too! Ha ha, I do it to relive the moment again and to revive all the swoooons. ;DD
DUDE. GO TO THAT SIGNING. Yes, those two sentences (can the first one even be counted as a sentence?) NEEDS to be in all caps. You need to meet Kasie West and fangirl all over her for me. Better yet, read On the Fence, meet her, and fangirl all over her then. ;D
Kelly recently posted…Life Of A Blogger: Quirks
Yay! So glad to hear you enjoyed this! I’m such a sucker for boy-next-door stories, haha. I totally also wanted to run around hugging this book, too haha. And I loved that Toad was mentioned again, too!!
Yes to the family moments! The brothers just crack me up.
If you’re interested, here’s my review (:
Cyn recently posted…Sunday Post (73) / Stacking the Shelves (53)
Yesss, we definitely need more boy next door stories! But then, reading more of them will make me sad because there’s no cute boy next door to me. ):
Ha ha, we shall both hug this book again! -grabs On the Fence and gives it a HUGE hug-
Kelly recently posted…Life Of A Blogger: Quirks
I have not read any of Kasie West’s books, but Pivot Point and Split Second are absolutely on the top of my list. I really like contemporary stories, but they are very hit or miss for me. But boy do I try to find the hits. It sounds like maybe, just maybe, On the Fence might just be a hit. I really am looking forward to finding out! Thanks for your review!
Jaime Lester recently posted…SPOTLIGHT: Winter Angel
You DEFINITELY need to read Split Second Jaime! It is SO good and one of my favorite books of 2014 and is one of the two books I gave a 5-star rating to this year. Yes, it is THAT good.
I don’t like reading contemporaries, but I just loved On the Fence, so that’s a very good sign for you. ;D
Kelly recently posted…Life Of A Blogger: Quirks
Light and fluffy is always good ! I wasn’t really a fan of On The Fence (of course, I didn’t get that far either) but maybe I will try this one out.
I think you meant to write “The Distance Between Us” instead of “On the Fence?”
But yes, I didn’t really enjoy The Distance Between Us, but On the Fence definitely impressed me, so maybe it’ll also impress you more than The Distance Between Us did!
Kelly recently posted…Life Of A Blogger: Quirks
Great review. I have read good things about this book, I really need add to my TBR, but it’s so big right now ;(
Savannah recently posted…Audiobook Review & Giveaway: Bad for You by Abbi Glines
Thank you Savannah!
Ha ha, I totally get your problem. Hopefully you’ll get to On the Fence in the near future though!
Kelly recently posted…Life Of A Blogger: Quirks
On the fence impressed me so much, I’m definitely going to read another of her books soon. Fluffy contemporary and me rarely go together, so when this book left me with a smile and a sigh I knew it was a good book!
Mel@thedailyprophecy recently posted…Fairytale News 39. Spoilers (2).
This sounds like a lot of fun! I actually haven’t read any of Kasie West’s books so I’m looking forward to picking this one up. :)
I haven’t read the first book, actually to be honest I haven’t even heard of the first book. Or Kasie West.. ;) Well now I have a new author to turn to when I need a fluffy read! :) Thanks for the review!
I have wanted to pick up on the fence for a long time now and your high rating made want to read it more!
I haven’t read a single book by Kasie West, unfortunately, but I really really want to!!
This story seems so sweet and also deep and I have the feeling it would be really a perfect summer read, so I’ll think about buying it this month!
Oh no Kelly. I really enjoyed The Distance Between Us but I think it was more to do with the quirky doll shop & the interesting relationship she has with this slightly older man. I haven’t read On The Fence. Will definitely add it to my TBR. Great review.
Sharlene @ Sharlene Says recently posted…Review: If I Stay by Gayle Forman
Kasie West is one of the authors that I wish I have read yet still haven’t. Almost all of my GR friends love her works. I’m just wondering how complex of an author is she because she writes both cutesy contemporary and sci-fi novels. Like, how cool is that? Love your review by the way. I definitely love re-reading my favorite parts as well! HAHAHA
To me On The Fence wasn’t nearly as good as The Distance Between Us. I didn’t like Charlie that much I guess. I was really excited when Cayman made an appearance, too. I also loved that Cayman’s best friend was a part of On The Fence. I wasn’t expecting that. I’m glad you liked it, though.
This one sounds very interesting. I liked your review a lot. Especialy the last part of it. I’m from Slovenia and every post comes handy to me.
I loved this book myself and reviewed on my blog! Where was the Caymen part? I shall have to go reread it now.
I’m really looking forward to reading this book. It’s been on my tbr for ever! There’s so many good contemporary novels coming out lately.
Great review! :)
I haven’t read any of Kasie West’s book but pivot point has been on my wishlist for the longest time. I didn’t know that this novel is a companion to The Distance Between Us. I’ve heard mixed things about that one. Seeing how you love On The Fence makes me wanna read it for sure. Thanks Kelly, it’s a good review.
Istiningdyah Saptarini recently posted…Monster Thons August 2014 Goals Post
I loved your review, glad you liked it. I recently finished it and it was a perfect summer read. And I love the quotes you picked.
Lea Krnjeta recently posted…Breathe, Annie, Breathe (Hundred Oaks #5) by Miranda Kenneally
Great review :)
I haven’t read any of Kasie West’s books yet, but all I’ve been hearing are positive reviews. The premise of this book interested me a lot more than The Distance Between Us~
If you have time, could you please tell me which of West’s books you’d recommend someone to read first? I’ve also heard good things about Pivot Point, haha.
Good to know you liked On The Fence :) I didn’t care for The Distance Between Us (and I’m glad I’m not the only one!). I guess I’ll pick up On The Fence sometime!
I’ve heard a lot of good things about this book! Looking forward to picking up a copy of this and really happy that the story doesn’t only focus on romance, but also family!
This is on my amazon wish list. Because I wasnt sure if the book was good or not I left it there. Your review has given me confidence to buy it. Looking forward to buying and reading it!
I didn’t really enjoy On the Fence as much as I enjoyed The Distance Between Us. I’m not sure what it was, I just didn’t think that the main character was completely likeable, but I’m glad you and a lot of other people liked the book, because Kasie West is really an amazing author.
Alexis Hernandez recently posted…Mini Book Review: Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
I know you said you enjoyed this one more than the Distance between us, but for me, it was the other way around. I mean the writing was good and fun to read, but the story was very familiar and it felt like i’ve read it before.
It was nice getting a second opinion on this one ..thanks for the review!
I was really hesitant about reading this book. I mean, how many times can you read the girl falls in love with her best friend/almost brother story? But you make it sound very interesting! Especially when you say there is REAL chemistry between the two characters. That’s always important when trying to make a story like this work. I’ll definitely be adding this book to my tbr list! :)
I have yet to read any Kasie West books but from the sound of this I think I’d better check her out! Especially with the boy-next door romance in this book – it has got to be one of my favourite romance themes!
Actually, I’m pretty sure I have a Kasie West book sitting ’round here somewhere.. excuse me. ;)
Fun and fluffy is exactly the kind of book I’m looking for right now! Thank you for this review. Checking library now!
This book sounds really interesting I have been wanting to read it
Happy to hear that you liked this one, it sounds like a nice story. Thanks for your review
Ahhh, I want to read this so bad. I hear good things & now I see you’ve enjoyed this! I’m glad. I’ve seen a lot of DNF & low ratings from you! reading should be enjoyable.
For some reason, i’ve been seeing this book everywhere. Your review makes me want to read the book even more!! After this, maybe i’ll pick up Split Second too (5 Stars?!?!?) :)
This looks like a good little summer read. It seems like a book I would want to read while in the middle of a few heavier books. Something that will ease my, more than likely, weary heart lol. I might actually consider picking this book up sooner or later.
Lyndsey Cumberland recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday #1
Unlike you, I haven’t actually read any of Kasie West’s novels yet, but the way in which you describe your enjoyment of them might actually move me off “the fence.” Get it? LOL. Anywhoo. Thanks for the review. There is something special about the brother-sister relationship. I’m the eldest in my family and how I wish I had older brothers, too. As for the light-hearted relationship between the main characters, I usually opt to read about more depth—but hey, fun-loving romance has its perks, too. Looking forward to reading more of your YA reviews! Until then, happy reading. – Z
Zara Garcia-Alvarez recently posted…Book Review: Elizabeth Is Missing by Emma Healey
Great review. This sounds like a cute summer read. <3
I haven’t read any books by Kasie West yet! I really want to, though! Seems like I would love this book since it’s a fluffy and cute one.
That quote from page 159 of the ARC!! <3 <3
It really sounds like a cute book. I like this kind of light read, that can be fun and make you smile. I’ve never read anything by this authour, but got really curious about the story.
Thais Pampado recently posted…O Aniversário de Anya
I love contemporary books. And this sound promising. I just read Eleanor & Park and would love to read another cute and sweet book that makes me go grinning like a fool. :)
Having a cute neighbor really makes your day huh? I’d love to have one too :p
Kasie West is one of my new favourite authors. I read The Distance Between Us last month and, for me, it was a brilliant contemporary book I had read in a while. Contemporary books are usually either a hit or miss for me, but I find that Kasie West’s writing is absolutely addicting. This review of On The Fence was fantastic and definitely got me excited to read more of her work. Excited to find the Caymen appearance!
I really enjoyed this book and actually read it within a day of starting it. The actual storyline of this book is filled with fluff, which the cover preps you forty being heavy on the cheese factor. The characters in this story are very reminiscent of a 90’s film with all the cool jock boys and giggly girls in sparkles running through the pages however, I loved the family aspect of the book. My one problem though was that the father in the story just seem to sporadically pop up in the novel. Like he’d be distant for chapters on end, but whenever discipline needed to be given, he instantly showed up. Besides this, the book was an easy 4 star for me too.
The cover’s kinda a turn off. Yeah, I’m a cover-judger. Interesting synopsis.
I hope to get in touch with this light read soon.
I have been looking for On The Fence everywhere and I can’t find it! I just found The Distance Between Us though! So I will definitely be reading that soon.
I didn’t love Split Second, but I’m willing to give Kasie West another try. This kind of reminds me of “My Life Next Door” by Huntley Fitzpatrick, just in the fence and the literal boy-next-door. Have you read that?
It really does sound adorable! I don’t usually read contemporary but i feel like after Isla i’m going to need more fluffy relationships to sink into and this sounds perfect, especially since i actually haven’t read anything by Kasie West yet!
I saw On The Fence on tumblr literally every day, either posted with a review of it, or as a chance to win it in a giveaway. So I think I added it to my TBR list, but haven’t had a chance to read it yet. After reading your review, it definitely jumped higher on that list, I need to read it! I like friends who fall in love and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE reading brother-sister, or just any sibling relationship, probably because my relationship with my sister is so bad. It’s good read about loving siblings. I haven’t read anything by Kasie West before, so I’m looking forward to pick up this book!
I’m not really into contemporary books but after reading your viewing and that you really enjoyed this book I think I’m going to have to pick it up and see how good it is! (:
I love contemporary books. I will pick this book up soon.
I love contemporary books
I LOVED this book! It was so cute, fun and entertaining :))))
(I read ‘The Distance Between Us’ too and loved it!!!).
Can’t for more Kasie West’s books <3
thanks for the review!
I’ve read The Distance Between Us by Kasie West and i’ll read this too. and i didn’t quite enjoy that book so thank you for your review on this one. i’m looking for light reading this time to prevent the emotional stress given to me by books (like freaking dead fictional characters like whaaat?!hahaha) . thank you for your review!!!
I really enjoyed reading Pivot Point and and On the Fence has gained my interest, but now hearing that you couldn’t put it down long enough to even go to the apple store, I may have to try finding a copy faster. Thanks for the review, I should probably also red The Distance Between Us now as well :)
I’ve never read any of Kasie West’s book before, but I’ll have to give them a try. I’m glad you enjoyed On the Fence! Nice review!