My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Received: gifted
Publication Date: July 1st 2014
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pacing: fast
POV: 1st person & female
Genres & Themes: YA, Contemporary, Romance, Sports, Family, Friendship.
BLURB:
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.
REVIEW:
Charlie is a sixteen-year-old teen who likes playing sports, especially soccer, watching sport games and hanging out with her three brothers.
She’s not your typical teenage girl since she prefers watching a soccer game (or playing it) than go shopping or reading or going to the cinema, etc.
That’s why she and I couldn’t quite ever be best friends but she’s a nice girl so, sure, we could at least get along. But, see, I’m the kind of the girl who will exclusively cheer for players and not be one myself, except if we’re talking about badminton, dancing, cheerleading or gymnastics (which aren’t in Charlie’s list of sports to practice.)
The point is that I couldn’t very much connect with her and…why is she wearing a dress on the cover? Yes, she has a bit of a character development and yes she does get more feminine but, the way I see it, that pretty little summer dress doesn’t match her personality so when I look at that cover it doesn’t feel like it’s Charlie that I see with the guy.
While I think this was a clichéd story (I mean come on…you fall in love with your neighbour who you’ve known since being a child and it takes you to date another guy to see it? Yup, not impressed) and a quite unrealistic one, (who actually has that of a good relationship with their three brothers + father + gets a job without even wanting one?) it was also fast-paced, fun and I certainly had a good time reading it.
The romance was light and cute, absolutely typical of contemporary YA. Nonetheless, that didn’t keep me from thinking it was good and lovely. Braden wasn’t actually my favorite guy, even though he and Charlie get along very well and have much in common. I prefer Evan all the way. That’s when I concluded that she and I are quite different. Is that a bad thing? Absolutely not. But in order to love a certain book, I like feeling some connecting to a main character and feel common interest.
I was lying, actually, when I truly thought she and I were not alike was when she said in the story that she doesn’t know who wrote Pride and Prejudice.
Exactly! I couldn’t believe my eyes! Maybe you would thing that it’s okay (I’m not saying it’s necessarily a bad thing) but that really killed the small connection I had with her because Pride and Prejudice is my favorite classic (and I’m in love with Mr. Darcy—who isn’t? *winks*)
The writing was good and, in general, the story was interesting. Plus, even though the characters felt clichéd, I liked how the story went. It may have been predictable but there were always small things happening that made that fact not an obvious problem.
I would recommend this to anyone seeking a light contemporary read perfect for summer (especially if you’re a fan of sports and characters similar to Charlie.)
Would you consider voting for this review on Goodreads, if it was helpful to you? ^_^
I too felt that it was cute and entertaining, despite being slightly unrealistic, and I quite liked how the story progressed. One can always count on West for a decent light read.
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You liking this author? It’s actually my first book by her but I could definitely say that I will try some others. 🙂 Glad you enjoyed it as well.
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And I thought that this book will only get 5 stars. Sorry if I had to skim through your review. I still need to read this one. 😀 Hope that you will still give West’s other books another chance. Hahahaha.
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Oh sure, I’m very curious about Pivot Point so will give that one a chance 😀
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Ah yes you’re right it’s strange with the cover and it’s a little annoying to have a cliché and unrealistic story… I never read a book by the author but who knows maybe one day.
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She has a nice writing and pacing but definitely should make her stories more realistic. 😛
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I had the same thought about the cover! Reading the blurb makes it seem like she wouldn’t be caught dead in a dress. I like Kasie West and this has been on my TBR list for a while, but I the whole gender norms and stereotyping piece really gets to me. I hate that because the character likes sports she isn’t considered feminine. I’d have to look past that stuff in order to enjoy this one!
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Yeaah, that may cause you a bit of a problem I guess then since the guys keep telling her how unfeminine she is (which is kinda true XD)
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Hmmm…I actually have this on my TBR. You didn’t love it. You didn’t hate it. Now, I’m torn! LOL…oh my word, if my bookworm problems were the only ones I needed to worry about life would be perfect! *snickers* But you mentioned a “light and contemporary read”, which sometimes I need when I’m in between books or when I’m not sure what the heck to read next! Fantastic review Lola! ♥
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Sure! This is a not-so-long fast-paced book that you can definitely pick between 2 long reads or so. 😛 I liked it, really, it was fun! Just had to point to know also negative things because it wasn’t all perfect. 😛
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This one sounds cute, light and fun, perfect for me, since I really don’t want to let summer go!
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I know what you mean. I’m starting school tomorrow. 😦
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Glad you had fun reading this one Lola, even if you couldn’t really relate to Charlie and her lack of Jane Austen knowledge 😉 I always love Kasie’s books, they tend to be light, fun reads and I need those in my life to balance my love of dark, gritty, soul-crushing stories! Thanks for your thoughts!
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Exactly! Completey agree. I liked it and it was nice since I finished School for Good and Evil and it was kinda dark and gothic and stuff. 😛
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I must agree with everything you said, and I’m glad you had fun reading this although you didn’t end up liking it as much as I did. This is the kind of book I need every once in a while, so I guess it does shine as a light, fun book. And oh, I never really thought about the cover like that but now that you mentioned it…hmm. Anyway, great review Lola! 😀
– Naban @ The Literary Oracle
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I just think it’s weird to have this kinda cover in our library when we know the main character is quite different. It doesn’t actually reflect the story. Thank you, Naban! 😀
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I liked this book but I totally understand your quibbles. It’s totally cliche and recycled plot, but for what is worth it, it was entertaining and fun. I especially loved the family dynamics. It feels so good to read such tight family bond in YA! 😀 I’m glad you enjoyed this book! I love all Kasie West books so I recommend you to read Pivot Point or The Distance Between Us (warning: another cliche but fun contemporary! there’ll be lots of laugh XD) Great review, Lola!
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I wouldn’t have so loved for her mother to be present as well. hahah, I’m always up for fun contemporary (or any other genre) reads so will try to find it somewhere 😀 Thanks Abby!
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I think I loved this one more than you did but I am still super happy to see that you did enjoy it! West is an amazing author. I have yet to read anything by her I haven’t loved.
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So many people seem to love this author when she didn’t publish that many books (if my memory is correct. :P) Thank you!
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Ah well you see this girl and I would really get along! I was even willing to try this one out but really cliche and unrealistic is not how I like my contemporary stories. AND SHE DIDN’T KNOW WHO WROTE P&P?! No, I take back what I said at the start! So I’ll probably skip it. But still glad you enjoyed it overall 🙂 Great review, Lola 🙂
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I KNOW, I COULDN’T BELIEVE MY EYES. Aww, sorry to disappoint you but, FYI, it’s light and fun and entertaining. 😀 Thanks!
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This sounds sweet and cute, and a fun escape book – lol, despite not knowing about Jane Austen. I think you would enjoy Pivot Point by her better 🙂
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I’ll try that series too. West has a writing and pacing that I enjoy. 🙂 Thank you!
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I have heard good things about this, but it does sound like the more mindless contemporary romance read that’s just light and fluffy. Still, I am glad you enjoyed this one.
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Thanks! 😀 Yup, was pretty fluffy, even though there were some strong subjects (but the book would have been better without them, IMO.) 😛
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Does not know who wrote PP…no you didn’t!
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Everyone should know about Jane Austen! EVERYONE.
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Hey I just wanted to let you know that I just love your blog so much and that I nominated you for the Liebster Blog Award. In case you don’t know about it, all the info can be found at this link : http://thebookwormcentral.blogspot.com/2014/08/liebster-award-bookworm-central.html
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I though this one was cute and didn’t really mind the cliche, though I did roll my eyes just a tad.
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hhahahah me too. But, like you, it was bearable. 😉
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Sucks when you can’t connect to the characters much! At least you enjoyed it somewhat right? I really enjoyed her Pivot Point series, so maybe try that one out?
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I think I’m going to try that one out, yeah. The concept looks interesting and the ratings are better. Yup, this was was enjoyable even though there was no connection. 😛
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Besides gymnastics, I am not athletic whatsoever; yet I always enjoy reading books about characters who have those talents. Charley sounds like a great MC who is easy to relate to, and the romance sounds sweet. It’s a shame the story is a bit cliche and unrealistic (“who actually has that of a good relationship with their three brothers + father?” <– BAHA!) it sounds like it was entertaining nonetheless, and that's what matters, right? Thanks for sharing and, as always, BRILLIANT review Lola! ❤
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Oh lol but you must have much cardio and be good at running, no? Well, I couldn’t relate to the MC at all since we’re really different but maybe you could. 🙂 Thanks Zoe! 😀
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Awesome review! I totally agree about the dress on the cover–though I haven’t read this book, I do know the synopsis and it confused me, haha. I’m not that interested in sports (mainly because I, um, suck at them) but the ones I am interested in are very similar to yours! Gymnastics is so fun, heh.
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I love gymnastics! It’s awesome when you have moves you want to perform and finally succeed to. I love that feeling. Maybe you won’t connect to the main character either but it still is an entertaining story. 😉
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Maybe I can relate to her being that boyish and having difficulty adjusting to the feminine stuff(like all the makeovers… wooohh.. blame it to having a lot of guy friends and 2 older brothers that I’m so close with) but that’s just that. There’s no other connection. The cover really tells otherwise and I can’t believe she doesn’t know who wrote P&P? Whhaaatt??? Even my brothers know Jane Austen. Ha-ha Awesome review. 🙂
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I knooooow. That is a huge huge turn off. LOLZ. I love Jane Austen 🙂 Hhaha, I’m glad your brothers know about Jane Austen! 😀
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Thanks for the fantastic review, Lola! It’s a shame you couldn’t really connect to Charlie, and I can’t believe she didn’t know who Jane Austen was! But I’m glad you enjoyed it somewhat. 🙂 I currently have this from the library, and after reading all of Kasie West’s other books, I’m intrigued to see what I will think of this one.
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I’ve seen this one about a lot and thought about it. That would bug me about the cover. lol I so know it’s not the thing to focus on but oh man yeah I would. lol
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Loooool, it’s just kinda weird to own a book of a cover that doesn’t reflect the characters. Or worst would be if it didn’t reflect the story!
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I think sometimes cliche books are good. Especially to cleanse the pallet after a heavy book. However, this seems a little bit too cliche for me!
I am not a huge fan of the book covers not reflecting the characters either. It is like they have missed the purpose of the actual cover! 🙂
I am glad you enjoyed this one for the most part. I have The Distance Between us on my kindle so I will get round to a Kasie West book soon! 🙂
Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Alex @ The Shelf Diaries
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It wasn’t THAT cliché…wait it was. But still, enjoyable. 😛
Me neither! But most of all I love having fantasy books in my library (hardcovers) because in my opinion they have the most original covers!
I’ll probably get to that one too one day. Hope you enjoy! Thank you 🙂
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So I’ve spent a lot of time on Wattpad, and after reading your review (and the blurb) for this book, The Fill-In Boyfriend, and P.S. I like you, I AM SO SURE that I’ve seen these stories before, on that website, in various forms.. Like almost exactly, at least what’s conveyed in the blurb. Odds are the execution is different and West has her own voice, but it’s kind of incredible when you can read a blurb and think to yourself… “Have I read this before?” knowing fully well that you have not actually read this book, but somehow recognize the plot so well. That’s beyond cliche, in all honesty. I still look forward to reading some more of Kasie’s work, just because I LOVE easy, lovable, lighthearted YA novels. Although, I’m not sporty, I feel like I might like this book. Unless, of course, it’s one of those “I’m different because I get along with boys” portrayals of what could be strong female characters. I despise those lol. Sorry if this comment got ranty. Sometimes I word vomit! Great review!
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