Book Review | On the Fence by Kasie West

After exam week (giant groan), I decided I wanted some cute contemporaries to read. So I headed over to my local library and picked up some very cute, fluffy contemporaries. One of them was On the Fence by Kasie West. I had heard many good things about Kasie West. I had heard that her books were super cute, so I was excited to see that On the Fence was at my library.

Summary:
Charlie is a complete tomboy. Growing up with three brothers and raised by a single dad,

Charlie hasn't exactly been in touch with her "girly" side. But after getting another speeding ticket, Charlie's dad forces her to get a job. Charlie finds herself working at the last place she ever thought she would: a sparkly, fashion-filled, makeup-loving boutique. To her surprise, Charlie is beginning to actually enjoy her job. However, she feels as if she has to hide her newfound feminine side because she fears for her brothers' and dad's reaction.

Simultaneously, Charlie starts to develop some feelings for her neighbor and brother's best friend, Braden. Every time Charlie meets Braden for a late night chat by the fence, Charlie questions her feelings for him more and more.

Charlie needs to find the right balance between her double-life. But in the meantime, she'll probably just play a pick-up game of football.

I usually love cliché contemporaries. However, I found Charlie slightly annoying which made the book hard for me to read. Although I did relate  to Charlie's lack of emotions, I found it irritating, especially in the beginning (slight spoilers but that pick-up game with Dave...). In the end, Charlie's emotions were more rationalized so I was okay with them. I didn't love this book as much as I wanted to. There were some parts that were a little coincidental and made my eyes rolls a little (*ahem* the first meeting by the fence... it got better though!).

Despite the book's frustrating beginning, the ending was really fulfilling. All loose ends were tied, and Charlie sorted out her feelings. I also learned more about Charlie towards the end, and I really enjoyed learning about her past. Overall, I gave this book a 2.95/5 stars, but since I'm feeling generous, I gave it more of a 3/5 stars.