Book #70: On the Fence by Kasie West

So don't go judging this book by its cover--because the girl on the cover of this book is definitely not Charlie, the main character in this book. Charlie is a Tomboy with a capital "T," having grown up with three older brothers and a neighbor that might as well be her brother and a doting dad, and she would NEVER wear a skimpy dress like that--all she wears are baggy shorts and whatever sports clothes she needs to play football or basketball with her brothers. But she gets a new job at a boutique clothes store at the mall and ends up having to learn more about clothes and make-up and make some girl friends instead of only hanging out with guys--and she learns some things about herself. And gets into an adorable romance in the meantime! Win win!

This book is a completely uncomplicated, adorable YA romance novel, which made it very fun, quick, and easy to read. I thought that the characters were all very believable and fun. I loved Charlie's life with her big brothers all doting on her and teasing her and treating her just like brothers should--it made me jealous to not have any big brothers of my own. I liked how Charlie was outspoken and never seemed embarrassed or worried about what to say with her brothers, and I liked how she was open to trying new things--like wearing the new clothes and putting on the make-up, eventually--and realized that she didn't have to just be a clone of her brothers for them to love her. Their family has a sad story about her mom's death when Charlie was six, however, and the climax of the story is when Charlie figures out what happened to her and why it's been bothering her for years. I honestly felt like that was a little too dramatic and overpowered by the romance for it to feel realistic (within basically the same day of finding out about her mom's backstory, she finally figures things out with the guy she loves and starts dating him, so all she thinks about is that). But overall, I really liked this story and thought it was a very cute romance (and quick--I finished it in under two hours!). And perfectly clean--thank you YA novel!