Reviewed by Angie on
I really liked how On the Fence was about a girl who "isn't like other girls" but wasn't about a girl who judges those "other girls." Charlie doesn't see anything wrong with the girly girls, because she just doesn't know any. She's only hung out with her brothers and girls on her sports' teams. She doesn't brush of Amber, who does her makeup at the boutique. She gets to know her and gives this girly-girl business a try. I also liked how Charlie embracing a more feminine look didn't keep her from continuing to be sporty. You can definitely do both and that's okay!
The only thing I didn't care too much for was the little subplot about Charlie's make-up modeling. She's used as a canvas for the cosmetics classes, but washes it all off before going home. I totally get that she doesn't want her brothers making fun of her, but I didn't quite get why she was so desperate to hide it from her father. She's not doing anything wrong. It's for work. So his reaction later on just felt over-the-top and out of nowhere.
There's a pretty cute romance at the center of On the Fence. Charlie and Braden have always been close, and she views him like a brother. But then they start having these late night chats when they can't sleep. It starts out friendly enough, but then the topics grow more personal. Braden also seems to have a problem with Charlie dating, since she's not being herself around the guy. It did take a bit too long for their feelings to finally come out though. But I loved that Braden didn't want Charlie to change, and that he also didn't condemn her for embracing her new self. He knows she can still kick his butt!
On the Fence was a really enjoyable read. There are some parts that are more serious and sad, since Charlie finally starts to deal with her mother's death. She feels like she didn't really know her, so there's nothing to be upset about, but she also has nightmares that suggest she's more affected than she thought. Of course, there has to be some big secret about it which comes out later. But other than that, this is a pretty light, cute romance.
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 18 May, 2015: Finished reading
- 18 May, 2015: Reviewed