Review: On the Fence by Kasie West

Title: On the Fence

Author: Kasie West

Publisher: Harper Teen

Release Date: July 8th, 2014

Source: Purchased

My Rating: 5/5

For sixteen-year-old Charlotte Reynolds, 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 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.

What a book, guys. What. A. Book. 

This is exactly the kind of book that reminds me why I love summer so much. On the Fence was romantic, funny, heart-warming, and beautiful. I simply adored it.

I just want to dive right into the pages of this book. Charlie's story was inspiring, and I loved watching her grow throughout the novel. I also really wanted to be an honorary member of the Reynolds clan! Seriously, I'm a sucker for sibling relationships (it's an only-child thing) and these guys just made me smile the whole way through the book. They were hilarious and protective and their banter and shenanigans had me laughing out loud. I loved getting to learn about all their little quirks and personalities.

By far, my favourite part of this book was Miss Charlie Reynolds herself. I have a soft spot for tomboys (having been one myself growing up), so I fell in love with Charlie from page one. She was brazen and stubborn and full of life. Just the kind of girl I'd love to be friends with. On the Fence is pitched as a romance, but there was a huge coming-of-age element to it. Charlie learned and changed and really came into her own. I loved getting to watch her try new things and learn more about herself, while never compromising what she loved. It was inspiring to read!

And then there was her relationship with Brayden. Hello, sexual tension! Every time they were on the page together, I could feel that tension growing and growing. I just wanted them to admit it to each other and kiss! It was driving me crazy (in the very best way)! I adored their relationship from the start. They obviously cared about each other so much and just wanted the other to be happy. Their banter was a joy to read and, at points, had me in stitches. Brayden was the perfect match for Charlie in so many ways, and they both had my heart-melting. I loved their fence chats and watching them get to know each other in an entirely new way. Kasie West sure as heck knows how to write amazing characters and even better dialogue!

I will say, I think the ending was a tad rushed. It didn't really take away from the story, but I wouldn't have minded if the last few chapters were a little more fleshed out. Overall, this book was just spectacular. It's one of those books I could read over and over again and just love it more each time! I also adored those small little connections to The Distance Between Us. It gave it just that extra little something special!

On the Fence was even better than I expected it to be. The only thing I don't like is the year-long wait for more of Kasie West's contemporaries! West has leaped onto my auto-buy authors list and I cannot wait for more from her. Put On the Fence on your TBR right now, guys. You're going to love it.

- Ciara (Lost at Midnight) 

Find This Book: Chapters/Indigo | The Book Depository | Goodreads | Kasie West's Website