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Over the Fence
Two neighbors—strangers—with one thing in common—they share a fence.
But is that the only thing they share?
Nathan Fraser lives a solitary life, never letting anyone get too close. It’s safer that way.
Kourtney Whyte hides from the world and behind her work, too afraid to really live her life to the fullest. Rejection is what she knows best.
But one night, the sound of her soft voice and the tantalizing aroma of her evening meal, prove too enticing for Nathan to ignore.
So begins their unconventional relationship—talking, learning, texting, and gradually opening up to one another, all over the fence.
That is, until the day Nathan braves the high fence to protect Kourtney from her past, and changes everything forever.
Can they move forward together, without the buffer of the fence?
Or will their pasts prove to be too much of a barrier?
But is that the only thing they share?
Nathan Fraser lives a solitary life, never letting anyone get too close. It’s safer that way.
Kourtney Whyte hides from the world and behind her work, too afraid to really live her life to the fullest. Rejection is what she knows best.
But one night, the sound of her soft voice and the tantalizing aroma of her evening meal, prove too enticing for Nathan to ignore.
So begins their unconventional relationship—talking, learning, texting, and gradually opening up to one another, all over the fence.
That is, until the day Nathan braves the high fence to protect Kourtney from her past, and changes everything forever.
Can they move forward together, without the buffer of the fence?
Or will their pasts prove to be too much of a barrier?
352 pages, Paperback
First published August 4, 2015
About the author
Melanie Moreland
63 books4,937 followersWelcome Romance Readers!
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A bit about me:
NYT/WSJ/USAT International bestselling author Melanie Moreland, lives a happy and content life in a quiet area of Ontario with her beloved husband of lots of lovely years and their rescue cat, Amber. Nothing means more to her than her friends and family, and she cherishes every moment spent with them.
While seriously addicted to coffee, and highly challenged with all things computer-related and technical, she relishes baking, cooking, and trying new recipes for people to sample. She loves to throw dinner parties, and also enjoys travelling, but finds coming home is always the best part of any trip.
Melanie loves stories, especially paired with a good wine, and enjoys skydiving (free falling over a fleck of dust) extreme snowboarding (falling down stairs) and piloting her own helicopter (tripping over her own feet.) She's learned happily ever-afters, even bumpy ones, are all in how you tell the story.
Melanie is represented by Flavia Viotti at Bookcase Literary Agency. For any questions regarding subsidiary or translation rights please contact her at flavia@bookcaseagency.com
Join my newsletter for news on upcoming releases and sales CLICK HERE
Make sure to follow me on Amazon for new release alerts CLICK HERE
Join me on Facebook in my reader group CLICK HERE
Check out my excerpts on Verve Romance CLICK HERE
A bit about me:
NYT/WSJ/USAT International bestselling author Melanie Moreland, lives a happy and content life in a quiet area of Ontario with her beloved husband of lots of lovely years and their rescue cat, Amber. Nothing means more to her than her friends and family, and she cherishes every moment spent with them.
While seriously addicted to coffee, and highly challenged with all things computer-related and technical, she relishes baking, cooking, and trying new recipes for people to sample. She loves to throw dinner parties, and also enjoys travelling, but finds coming home is always the best part of any trip.
Melanie loves stories, especially paired with a good wine, and enjoys skydiving (free falling over a fleck of dust) extreme snowboarding (falling down stairs) and piloting her own helicopter (tripping over her own feet.) She's learned happily ever-afters, even bumpy ones, are all in how you tell the story.
Melanie is represented by Flavia Viotti at Bookcase Literary Agency. For any questions regarding subsidiary or translation rights please contact her at flavia@bookcaseagency.com
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February 4, 2019
Rating 4.5 Stars
Over the Fence is my very first book by Melanie Moreland. Right here in the beginning of this review, though, I can honestly say that it won’t be my last.
Do you think you could fall for someone just by hearing their voice? Not ever seeing what they look like? Nathan Fraser, self proclaimed best IT guy ever, lived a very solitary life. He kept it that way, it was easier. Nathan had secrets, a darkness in his past he preferred to keep to himself. He lived his life with no strings, no attachments. That way he couldn’t get hurt. He existed pretty much on frozen dinners or take out, and beer, lots of beer.
Nathan knew his previous neighbor had sold the townhouse and moved but it didn’t affect him since he barely had ever even spoken to him. He was vaguely aware that someone new had moved in but he had no idea who it was. Then, while he was sitting outside one evening, feeling a bit lower than usual, he heard someone next door and smelled the most mouth watering aromas he could ever remember. But he couldn’t see since there was a tall privacy fence separating the yards. Then he heard her voice, a beautiful, soft, melodic voice that woke something in him that had long been asleep. After they began speaking through the fence, she did something shocking, she placed a plate of food for Nathan on the top of the fence! She shared her meal with him, the first home cooking he had tasted in years. And a friendship was born.
Kourtney Whyte is a medical researcher with a PHD in front of her name. Kourtney is painfully shy, seeing herself as she was told that she was all her life, as fat, as unattractive, as worthless, as nothing. Her life was filled with emptiness. She kept herself separate from her co-workers, never socializing. On the night that her neighbor began talking to her through the fence, it was difficult for her to even speak with him, even though she knew he couldn’t see her. But she sensed something in him that they shared, loneliness. He was also obviously hungry. That was something she could easily do something about, so she shared her meal with him.
“I like that.”
“Like what?”
“Your laugh.”
“My laugh?”
“It’s like unexpected sunshine on a dark cloudy day, Kourtney.”
A friendship was quickly formed, a bond, through food and laughter. Nathan found himself rushing home so he could go to his back yard to see if she was outside yet. She fed him every night and he found himself drinking less and less beer. He didn’t seem to need it as much to quiet his loud thoughts. She did that.
“I wanted more. She made me want so much more and if I was being honest, I already felt so much more. But would she allow it to change?”
Their friendship progressed from through the fence, to texts. But still, they had not seen each other, until Kourtney’s past came back to haunt her, and Nathan came to the rescue. Now that they were face to face, would Kourtney allow him to stay, or would she reject him?
“Kourtney – she entered my life so quietly, yet had such a profound impact on it, that she had become as necessary to me as breathing.”
I enjoyed this so much. I found myself thinking about them in between the times I was reading, going about my day. They would just pop into my head. Both had secrets, painful pasts. They were like the missing parts to each other. Nathan was the strength she needed to see herself as he saw her, as a beautiful, strong woman. Kourtney was the healing balm Nathan needed to finally forgive himself and move on. She did so much more than feed him, she nourished his heart and soul, he felt peaceful with her. This is one of those books that stays with you. Could you fall in love just by hearing someone’s voice, by getting to know their heart before you ever saw their face? I will definitely be reading more of this author’s books. I can’t wait to see what comes next for her.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/44036...
Over the Fence is my very first book by Melanie Moreland. Right here in the beginning of this review, though, I can honestly say that it won’t be my last.
Do you think you could fall for someone just by hearing their voice? Not ever seeing what they look like? Nathan Fraser, self proclaimed best IT guy ever, lived a very solitary life. He kept it that way, it was easier. Nathan had secrets, a darkness in his past he preferred to keep to himself. He lived his life with no strings, no attachments. That way he couldn’t get hurt. He existed pretty much on frozen dinners or take out, and beer, lots of beer.
Nathan knew his previous neighbor had sold the townhouse and moved but it didn’t affect him since he barely had ever even spoken to him. He was vaguely aware that someone new had moved in but he had no idea who it was. Then, while he was sitting outside one evening, feeling a bit lower than usual, he heard someone next door and smelled the most mouth watering aromas he could ever remember. But he couldn’t see since there was a tall privacy fence separating the yards. Then he heard her voice, a beautiful, soft, melodic voice that woke something in him that had long been asleep. After they began speaking through the fence, she did something shocking, she placed a plate of food for Nathan on the top of the fence! She shared her meal with him, the first home cooking he had tasted in years. And a friendship was born.
Kourtney Whyte is a medical researcher with a PHD in front of her name. Kourtney is painfully shy, seeing herself as she was told that she was all her life, as fat, as unattractive, as worthless, as nothing. Her life was filled with emptiness. She kept herself separate from her co-workers, never socializing. On the night that her neighbor began talking to her through the fence, it was difficult for her to even speak with him, even though she knew he couldn’t see her. But she sensed something in him that they shared, loneliness. He was also obviously hungry. That was something she could easily do something about, so she shared her meal with him.
“I like that.”
“Like what?”
“Your laugh.”
“My laugh?”
“It’s like unexpected sunshine on a dark cloudy day, Kourtney.”
A friendship was quickly formed, a bond, through food and laughter. Nathan found himself rushing home so he could go to his back yard to see if she was outside yet. She fed him every night and he found himself drinking less and less beer. He didn’t seem to need it as much to quiet his loud thoughts. She did that.
“I wanted more. She made me want so much more and if I was being honest, I already felt so much more. But would she allow it to change?”
Their friendship progressed from through the fence, to texts. But still, they had not seen each other, until Kourtney’s past came back to haunt her, and Nathan came to the rescue. Now that they were face to face, would Kourtney allow him to stay, or would she reject him?
“Kourtney – she entered my life so quietly, yet had such a profound impact on it, that she had become as necessary to me as breathing.”
I enjoyed this so much. I found myself thinking about them in between the times I was reading, going about my day. They would just pop into my head. Both had secrets, painful pasts. They were like the missing parts to each other. Nathan was the strength she needed to see herself as he saw her, as a beautiful, strong woman. Kourtney was the healing balm Nathan needed to finally forgive himself and move on. She did so much more than feed him, she nourished his heart and soul, he felt peaceful with her. This is one of those books that stays with you. Could you fall in love just by hearing someone’s voice, by getting to know their heart before you ever saw their face? I will definitely be reading more of this author’s books. I can’t wait to see what comes next for her.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/44036...
Read
October 1, 2015DNF 15%
I think this story had the potential to be cute, it just needs to be edited. The word repetition is killing me...there are only so many times a grown woman should "giggle".
August 7, 2015
3.5 - "I keep waiting for you to walk away." Stars!
Over the Fence is the first book I have read by Melanie Moreland, and on the whole it was a pretty enjoyable read. I think the main thing that stood out for me is that this is a book about two regular people, who although both have pretty unhappy pasts are both living relatively normal lives. It was nice to get back into the real world if you know what I mean, and go through this couples ups and downs with them.
As I said the main story line between this couple is built on their pasts, and what starts as an innocent flirtation between neighbors across their garden fence soon escalates into a full blown relationship after Kourtney receives an unexpected and unwelcome visit from a family member, which pushes Nat into full protective-guy mode.
”We’ve become fence friends.”
It soon becomes clear that all is not well with Kourtney, and Nathan goes out of his way to try and rebuild the confidence and self-esteem of a woman who has had it systematically battered and bruised for most of her life, but he neglects to fully disclose the less savory aspects of his past to her and as is always the case with secrets, the longer you wait to tell them, the harder it becomes.
The main reason this book didn’t hit a higher rating for me is that I found that pretty much every obstacle and problem that was thrown, dropped or just cropped up in this couples path to true love was resolved without any real conflict or issue, everything was dealt with pretty amenably, and forgotten about. There were several plot points that could have added a little more drama if expanded further , and believe me I am not one for erroneous drama, but the story could have done with a little more, everything just felt… nice for wont of a better word.
She entered my life so quietly, yet had such a profound impact on it.
That-said, Over the Fence wasn’t a struggle to read, the writing was immersive and the plot and characters in the main were well developed and likeable, and the epilogue was absolutely adorable. I would happily look to read more from the author that’s for sure.
ARC generously provided by the author via Promo Stars Services, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.
Over the Fence is the first book I have read by Melanie Moreland, and on the whole it was a pretty enjoyable read. I think the main thing that stood out for me is that this is a book about two regular people, who although both have pretty unhappy pasts are both living relatively normal lives. It was nice to get back into the real world if you know what I mean, and go through this couples ups and downs with them.
As I said the main story line between this couple is built on their pasts, and what starts as an innocent flirtation between neighbors across their garden fence soon escalates into a full blown relationship after Kourtney receives an unexpected and unwelcome visit from a family member, which pushes Nat into full protective-guy mode.
”We’ve become fence friends.”
It soon becomes clear that all is not well with Kourtney, and Nathan goes out of his way to try and rebuild the confidence and self-esteem of a woman who has had it systematically battered and bruised for most of her life, but he neglects to fully disclose the less savory aspects of his past to her and as is always the case with secrets, the longer you wait to tell them, the harder it becomes.
The main reason this book didn’t hit a higher rating for me is that I found that pretty much every obstacle and problem that was thrown, dropped or just cropped up in this couples path to true love was resolved without any real conflict or issue, everything was dealt with pretty amenably, and forgotten about. There were several plot points that could have added a little more drama if expanded further , and believe me I am not one for erroneous drama, but the story could have done with a little more, everything just felt… nice for wont of a better word.
She entered my life so quietly, yet had such a profound impact on it.
That-said, Over the Fence wasn’t a struggle to read, the writing was immersive and the plot and characters in the main were well developed and likeable, and the epilogue was absolutely adorable. I would happily look to read more from the author that’s for sure.
ARC generously provided by the author via Promo Stars Services, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.
December 18, 2018
4.25 - 4.5 stars
Sweet safe touching love story.
Amazing hero! *swoon*
Very likable heroine, I only wish she had more spark in her.
I didn’t like that she let her family treat her bad.
But she had a light sweet personality.
I loved how the hero loved her, how he helped her to grow stronger, to believe in herself.
Cute epilogue.
This author writes beautiful books.
I’m her true fan now!
Sweet safe touching love story.
Amazing hero! *swoon*
Very likable heroine, I only wish she had more spark in her.
I didn’t like that she let her family treat her bad.
But she had a light sweet personality.
I loved how the hero loved her, how he helped her to grow stronger, to believe in herself.
Cute epilogue.
This author writes beautiful books.
I’m her true fan now!
Read
August 3, 2016What's The What?
Family should love and protect, not hurt one another. From what I gleaned she had been hurt --badly-- maybe even worse than I had been. Bastards. They better hope we never meet. It sounded as if her hurt stemmed from many years, whereas mine had been abrupt, leaving me reeling at a time when I needed my family the most."
This book is about two people who've been beaten down by those who were supposed to love them the most, thereby leaving the MMC a person who doesn't want any type of meaningful relationship with anyone and THE FMC a person who feels unworthy of any meaningful relationship with anyone.
It's a plot I can certainly empathize with.
They start a blind friendship as they get to know one another from each side of the fence that separates their backyards. A romance slowly blooms; they meet face-to-face; and they find comfort, acceptance, and eventually love together.
My problem is in how this is delivered. It's too long. The themes are beaten to death. The characters are OTT IMHO.
Characters
Her in six words: Shy, Traumatized, Self-conscious, Sweet, Pollyanna, Crier.
Him in six words: Cocksure, Sweet, Genuine, Patient, Sappy, Committed.
Bottom Line
1) This book is too sweet for my taste, but the MMC is certainly the type of man I'd want for my daughter! I can empathize and respect all the FMC has overcome and still struggles with, but she cries A LOT.
2) The storyline moves too slowly for my tastes. Def a romance with a slow burn.
3) While the subject of being overweight and self-conscious is handled very well here, it's too much of a focus for me. There are a lot of long convos and scattered scenes that are centered around her weight: her self-consciousness about it and his loving her just the way she is. He's always saying the exact perfect thing, but after several times of it, I'm just tired of reading the same plot point on repeat.
4) It's a bit unbelievable that she runs an hour EVERY SINGLE DAY at a pace he has trouble keeping up with.... BUT she remains a size 16/18.
5) I think that readers looking for a very OTT sweet love story with very OTT sweet characters will absolutely LOVE this book. The same with women who have a lot of self-esteem issues about outward appearance.
6) I'm not rating this book. It was recommended and loaned by a friend who loved it, and I feel it would be unfair for me to rate it based on my taste not meshing with the sweet characters and storyline.
January 27, 2019
2nd read 1/27/2019
4 stars
I lowered my rating this time around because they were some things that I was annoyed and I’ve forgotten the first time I read this.
First, hero and his f*ck buddy, this OW met the heroine over the fence after hero started to have feelings for her. He went on a date with her. I didn’t like it and even though he wasn’t into the date before going out with her, he looked at her body with lust. I didn’t need to read this.
2nd- Even though heroine was sweet and I like her relationship with the hero, I didn’t like how insecure she was. I wanted to shake her. Also she was damn weak with her family. They abused her and she still didn’t want to press charges against them.
first read 7/11/2016
5 stars.
Another amazing hero from this author.
4 stars
I lowered my rating this time around because they were some things that I was annoyed and I’ve forgotten the first time I read this.
First, hero and his f*ck buddy, this OW met the heroine over the fence after hero started to have feelings for her. He went on a date with her. I didn’t like it and even though he wasn’t into the date before going out with her, he looked at her body with lust. I didn’t need to read this.
2nd- Even though heroine was sweet and I like her relationship with the hero, I didn’t like how insecure she was. I wanted to shake her. Also she was damn weak with her family. They abused her and she still didn’t want to press charges against them.
first read 7/11/2016
5 stars.
Another amazing hero from this author.
March 28, 2016
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★Book Basics★
Genre : - Cont. Romance
Series : - Stand Alone
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? - Yes
Rating - 5
★Review★
I absolutely ADORED this book!
Is it going to be exciting enough for everyone? Probably not. And sometimes I am in the mood for something with a bit more drama too it.
But, I was in the mood for something different. And this book delivers in spades.
It is original, and I love how they "meet". And how the relationship is built up. It is primarily in the hero's POV, and oh that is such a wonderful place to be. And it worked being in his head and getting to know the heroine as he did, and slowly learning why she was as she was.
This is a wonderfully romantic, original, sweet tale of two people with pasts that have led them to lonely lives, connecting in the only way they would allow, and slowly falling in love.
A wonderful 5 stars.
I am most definitely checking out more by this author.
★Book Basics★
Genre : - Cont. Romance
Series : - Stand Alone
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? - Yes
Rating - 5
★Review★
I absolutely ADORED this book!
Is it going to be exciting enough for everyone? Probably not. And sometimes I am in the mood for something with a bit more drama too it.
But, I was in the mood for something different. And this book delivers in spades.
It is original, and I love how they "meet". And how the relationship is built up. It is primarily in the hero's POV, and oh that is such a wonderful place to be. And it worked being in his head and getting to know the heroine as he did, and slowly learning why she was as she was.
This is a wonderfully romantic, original, sweet tale of two people with pasts that have led them to lonely lives, connecting in the only way they would allow, and slowly falling in love.
A wonderful 5 stars.
I am most definitely checking out more by this author.
June 7, 2018
Update 6-7-18
Got the audiobook of this and loved it. The male narrator John Lane did a really good job and sounded very sexy and did well with tell the story. The female part was very small but was good for the small part done. So fell in love with this story again.
Nathan Fraser gets home from work after a bad day. He goes to his backyard to eat his stale sandwich and drink a beer since he can't cook. When he hears his new female neighbor moving around next door and smells the food she is barbecuing. He finds himself making small talk with her thru their shared very tall privacy fence and is shocked that she shares her food with him by leaving him a plate on the top it. As they keep talking thru their fence a friendship develops but Nathan finds himself wanting more from Kourtney than just friendship and wants to see her face to face. He is ready to turn their friendship into more but will have to not only convince Kourtney he is worth the chance but see if she can accept him for his past too.
I borrowed this CC awhile ago so, Thank you CC!! I have my own copy now.
Nathan/Nat and Kourtney/Chefgirl are two people with a painful past who have closed themselves off in certain parts of their lives. They meet as neighbors thru their shared fence and their story takes off from there.
I loved that it is told mostly from the hero's pov. It actually made it a very refreshing change. You only get a very small section from the heroine. It took you through the journey of meeting someone and feeling that connection, getting to know each other, and then taking into love and relationship. It was a slow burn type of story and was one focused on the characters and they journey to find love and happiness with each other.
I really like this and the song that I kept thinking of was from Queen. https://youtu.be/kijpcUv-b8M
Got the audiobook of this and loved it. The male narrator John Lane did a really good job and sounded very sexy and did well with tell the story. The female part was very small but was good for the small part done. So fell in love with this story again.
Nathan Fraser gets home from work after a bad day. He goes to his backyard to eat his stale sandwich and drink a beer since he can't cook. When he hears his new female neighbor moving around next door and smells the food she is barbecuing. He finds himself making small talk with her thru their shared very tall privacy fence and is shocked that she shares her food with him by leaving him a plate on the top it. As they keep talking thru their fence a friendship develops but Nathan finds himself wanting more from Kourtney than just friendship and wants to see her face to face. He is ready to turn their friendship into more but will have to not only convince Kourtney he is worth the chance but see if she can accept him for his past too.
I borrowed this CC awhile ago so, Thank you CC!! I have my own copy now.
Nathan/Nat and Kourtney/Chefgirl are two people with a painful past who have closed themselves off in certain parts of their lives. They meet as neighbors thru their shared fence and their story takes off from there.
I loved that it is told mostly from the hero's pov. It actually made it a very refreshing change. You only get a very small section from the heroine. It took you through the journey of meeting someone and feeling that connection, getting to know each other, and then taking into love and relationship. It was a slow burn type of story and was one focused on the characters and they journey to find love and happiness with each other.
I really like this and the song that I kept thinking of was from Queen. https://youtu.be/kijpcUv-b8M
May 3, 2017
“You’re a nut,” she whispered into my neck.
“Just about you, Chefgirl. Just about you.”
I really enjoyed this story about neighbours Nathan and Kourtney. Their relationship began very unconventionally, speaking through the fence in they backyards but not actually meeting in person. Over the Fence was told in a unique way, almost entirely through Nathan’s point of view.
Kourtney, though transparently insecure, had such a witty sense of humour and warm personality. Much like Nathan, I bonded with her almost immediately. As the story unfolded and her damaged past came to light, I became more and more infuriated on her behalf.
“I hope, after you wash your hands, you and the Palmela sisters have a good night.”
I don’t know what I can say about Nathan other than he was pretty much perfect. He lived such a solitary life that it was great to see some companionship come in to his life as Kourtney fed him over the fence each day. This was not an instal-love story. Instead, the reader got treated to watching Nathan and Kourtney’s friendship blossom into more, despite Kourtney’s apprehension.
“I planned on buying a ladder, though—soon.”
Once Nathan made his way over the fence, the story switched gears a bit. Secrets, insecurities and past mistakes mingled with Nathan and Kourtney’s new relationship, but it didn’t overshadow the true love that was growing. The way Nathan protected Kourtney and helped her move on was swoon worthy.
The unique way the epilogue was presented was also a pleasant bonus to Nathan and Kourtney's story.
Loved this!!
August 17, 2015
***4.5 I'm nuts over you Stars***
This book had it all
-- a subject and heroine so close to my own life
-- funny banter
-- a beautiful love story
-- an awesome, sensitive and loving guy
-- only a bit of angst
and finally...
-- a wonderful lesson learned all around
I have always been a fan of Melanie's writing and when she approached me to read her newest...there was no way I was going to turn her down.
Now normally Melanie's books are about dark, brooding men whose souls are damaged where a woman comes along and adds the light to their lives.
Over the Fence was so different from what I'm used to reading from Melanie but, OMG, I was so impressed. This story delves into a woman with low self esteem and a comical man who breaks her of this affliction. But they both end up having problems with their past and are hiding behind a fence both literally and figuratively.
They start out sharing snarky comments back and forth through the wall which separates them...but Nathan doesn't give up on Kourtney and their relationship builds. Nathan slowly peels the protective barrier Kourtney has placed to protect herself from people like her father and brother.
Things don't go so easy though when Kourtney's past seems to catch up to her and will Nathan be enough to save her from drowning again in self-disappointment?
This book had it all
-- a subject and heroine so close to my own life
-- funny banter
-- a beautiful love story
-- an awesome, sensitive and loving guy
-- only a bit of angst
and finally...
-- a wonderful lesson learned all around
I have always been a fan of Melanie's writing and when she approached me to read her newest...there was no way I was going to turn her down.
Now normally Melanie's books are about dark, brooding men whose souls are damaged where a woman comes along and adds the light to their lives.
Over the Fence was so different from what I'm used to reading from Melanie but, OMG, I was so impressed. This story delves into a woman with low self esteem and a comical man who breaks her of this affliction. But they both end up having problems with their past and are hiding behind a fence both literally and figuratively.
They start out sharing snarky comments back and forth through the wall which separates them...but Nathan doesn't give up on Kourtney and their relationship builds. Nathan slowly peels the protective barrier Kourtney has placed to protect herself from people like her father and brother.
Things don't go so easy though when Kourtney's past seems to catch up to her and will Nathan be enough to save her from drowning again in self-disappointment?
June 19, 2017
This was a reread for me and I enjoyed it better this time so I'm bumping it up to 5 stars.
Nathan is absolutely one of the most perfect heroes I've ever read. He does everything right in my book.
I liked Kourtney too. She was sweet and kind. I loved seeing her grow and become more confident and outgoing all thanks to Nat. I did get a wee bit annoyed with all the self doubt even though it was totally understandable. It just got to be a little too much. But luckily she started turning around.
I loved how they built their relationship on each side of the fence before ever seeing each other. They really fell in love with the person.
Nathan is absolutely one of the most perfect heroes I've ever read. He does everything right in my book.
I liked Kourtney too. She was sweet and kind. I loved seeing her grow and become more confident and outgoing all thanks to Nat. I did get a wee bit annoyed with all the self doubt even though it was totally understandable. It just got to be a little too much. But luckily she started turning around.
I loved how they built their relationship on each side of the fence before ever seeing each other. They really fell in love with the person.
September 27, 2015
3.5 stars
The first 55% was slooowww. I was easily distracted and pretty uninterested. It was running at a 2-3 stars. Once they finally got together "got together" things heated up and I loved it!
This was sweet. Sugary sweet. The Hero was patient and kind with all the heroines self esteem issues. Which were many and deep.
Pet peeves
Hero withheld important info. I really dislike this. However, when it came out at 88%, I was surprisingly totally ok with his explanation, reaction and her forgiveness. The writer did something magical because I was prepared to be totally pissed off and I was not, at all.
The heroine is so insecure and weepy. It drove me nuts. After 55% she started to improve so my enjoyment improved greatly. I admired her strength and how she overcame her history, but I just do not enjoy heroines crying a lot.
The brother just disappeared. I find that hard to believe. It was too easily wrapped up.
Safety exception
The first 55% was slooowww. I was easily distracted and pretty uninterested. It was running at a 2-3 stars. Once they finally got together "got together" things heated up and I loved it!
This was sweet. Sugary sweet. The Hero was patient and kind with all the heroines self esteem issues. Which were many and deep.
Pet peeves
Hero withheld important info. I really dislike this. However, when it came out at 88%, I was surprisingly totally ok with his explanation, reaction and her forgiveness. The writer did something magical because I was prepared to be totally pissed off and I was not, at all.
The heroine is so insecure and weepy. It drove me nuts. After 55% she started to improve so my enjoyment improved greatly. I admired her strength and how she overcame her history, but I just do not enjoy heroines crying a lot.
The brother just disappeared. I find that hard to believe. It was too easily wrapped up.
Safety exception
August 6, 2015
5 love doesn't have to hurt stars
"I needed her to want to talk to me. And I wanted her to need me."
wow. Melanie Moreland did it again! this was truly an amazing read.
Ms. Moreland has a way of creating characters with such depth, that you can't help but fall in love with them. I absolutely LOVED Nathan. He was such an amazing hero and total book boyfriend material! And omg...Kourtney. It's impossible to hear about her past and NOT just want to jump into the book and give her a hug.
In this day and age where looks are everything, it was so refreshing to read a book about two people who fell for each other without truly knowing what the other person looks like. It made thier relationship just that much more genuine and heartfelt.
if you guys have yet to read any of Melanie Moreland's books, I suggest you get on that...IMMEDIATELY. All of her books come HIGHLY recommended by me :-)
Her other books:
Into the Storm
Beneath the Scars
"I needed her to want to talk to me. And I wanted her to need me."
wow. Melanie Moreland did it again! this was truly an amazing read.
Ms. Moreland has a way of creating characters with such depth, that you can't help but fall in love with them. I absolutely LOVED Nathan. He was such an amazing hero and total book boyfriend material! And omg...Kourtney. It's impossible to hear about her past and NOT just want to jump into the book and give her a hug.
In this day and age where looks are everything, it was so refreshing to read a book about two people who fell for each other without truly knowing what the other person looks like. It made thier relationship just that much more genuine and heartfelt.
if you guys have yet to read any of Melanie Moreland's books, I suggest you get on that...IMMEDIATELY. All of her books come HIGHLY recommended by me :-)
Her other books:
Into the Storm
Beneath the Scars
November 18, 2015
I don't know why I seemingly keep picking up disappointing books!
This book started off very interesting but sadly, it couldn't stay that way right to the end. Somewhere around the second quarter, it started to fall short, and halfway through, I almost screamed out in frustration. Kourtney constantly annoyed me with her extreme shyness and very low self-esteem. I knew she had unhappy childhood, grew up with a father who neglected her most of the time and was also bullied by her older brother. But this was just too much! She kept saying the same things over and over again.
“Nobody has ever cared that much.”
“Nobody ever misses me.”
“Nobody ever wants me.”
“Nobody has ever said anything like that to me before.”
“Nobody ever cared.”
“Nobody has ever said that to me before. Ever.”
“Nobody has ever loved me.”
“Nobody ever wanted that for me.”
And in return, Nathan repeatedly told her…
“I’m not nobody.”
“I’m not nobody—remember that, please.”
“I’m not nobody—remember?”
“As we’ve established already, I’m not nobody.”
“I’m not nobody, Kourtney. I’m yours, if you’ll have me.”
Urggg!!! Can you see how suffering I was from reading THESE?!
Though the book contains some good points, the story moved so slow and like I said, there was so much repetition that bored me to tears. In fact, there was not much of a story here but seemed like this book was way too long, unnecessary long! The romantic part and some conversations were somewhat cheesy and too intentionally sweet. Their relationship didn’t appeal enough to hold my interest. I skimmed through some pages just to finish it!
Reading this book was like running a marathon—so exhausted!
This book started off very interesting but sadly, it couldn't stay that way right to the end. Somewhere around the second quarter, it started to fall short, and halfway through, I almost screamed out in frustration. Kourtney constantly annoyed me with her extreme shyness and very low self-esteem. I knew she had unhappy childhood, grew up with a father who neglected her most of the time and was also bullied by her older brother. But this was just too much! She kept saying the same things over and over again.
“Nobody has ever cared that much.”
“Nobody ever misses me.”
“Nobody ever wants me.”
“Nobody has ever said anything like that to me before.”
“Nobody ever cared.”
“Nobody has ever said that to me before. Ever.”
“Nobody has ever loved me.”
“Nobody ever wanted that for me.”
And in return, Nathan repeatedly told her…
“I’m not nobody.”
“I’m not nobody—remember that, please.”
“I’m not nobody—remember?”
“As we’ve established already, I’m not nobody.”
“I’m not nobody, Kourtney. I’m yours, if you’ll have me.”
Urggg!!! Can you see how suffering I was from reading THESE?!
Though the book contains some good points, the story moved so slow and like I said, there was so much repetition that bored me to tears. In fact, there was not much of a story here but seemed like this book was way too long, unnecessary long! The romantic part and some conversations were somewhat cheesy and too intentionally sweet. Their relationship didn’t appeal enough to hold my interest. I skimmed through some pages just to finish it!
Reading this book was like running a marathon—so exhausted!
September 20, 2015
May Contain Spoilers!!!
4.5 Nathan stars. I'm tired so I might miss things I want to say about this lol I loved this. it made me laugh, cry, happy, sad and was just heartbreaking at times. loved Nathan, loved Kourtney, but at times I felt like her insecurities dragged on a little. I feel bad saying that because she went through so much and I know it takes time but because of that the story at times dragged just a little for me, but I still very much loved this. Kourtney is an amazing, beautiful, loving person. I think she is the sweetest heroine:) Nathan was awesome and patient and loving and beautiful! I hated her family so darn much . With that being said the epilogue was my favorite of all .I loved it! My HEA:)!
safety gang safe with exception: in the beginning the H goes on a dinner date with a hook up, but nothing happens he immediately feels bad and,even though ow says something first to cut dinner short (I rather him did that)-he was already not feeling it . I got over it and forgot about it and H won me over. At this time he and h had only talk and ate through fences a few times lol. I don't think H was a manwhore and his past isn't really mention. No mention of oral skills for him(soonya that's for you) lol. h had sex with two different men but they were not satisfying. it has been 6 years for her and a few months for H. I believe both used condoms in the past:) No Other woman(besides that beginning) and no other man drama!
4.5 Nathan stars. I'm tired so I might miss things I want to say about this lol I loved this. it made me laugh, cry, happy, sad and was just heartbreaking at times. loved Nathan, loved Kourtney, but at times I felt like her insecurities dragged on a little. I feel bad saying that because she went through so much and I know it takes time but because of that the story at times dragged just a little for me, but I still very much loved this. Kourtney is an amazing, beautiful, loving person. I think she is the sweetest heroine:) Nathan was awesome and patient and loving and beautiful! I hated her family so darn much . With that being said the epilogue was my favorite of all .I loved it! My HEA:)!
safety gang safe with exception: in the beginning the H goes on a dinner date with a hook up, but nothing happens he immediately feels bad and,even though ow says something first to cut dinner short (I rather him did that)-he was already not feeling it . I got over it and forgot about it and H won me over. At this time he and h had only talk and ate through fences a few times lol. I don't think H was a manwhore and his past isn't really mention. No mention of oral skills for him(soonya that's for you) lol. h had sex with two different men but they were not satisfying. it has been 6 years for her and a few months for H. I believe both used condoms in the past:) No Other woman(besides that beginning) and no other man drama!
January 30, 2019
I love this book.
I love Nathan. He is my ideal neighbour. Too bad I can not cook. He is so sweet, swooning type of alpha male. He has been lonely for many years. Poor thing!
I found Kourtney is bit cheesy and timid. But she grows on me. I can relate to her characters and up bringing. She has been suffer a abuse from her own family. I can relate to her how she feels liberated when she finally get her education and her job. I also love Miss Moreland choice to portrays Kourtney's body as short and curvy. Not a super model body. A body I can relate too.
The story has so many moral message. It is actually a simple, minimum angst/ drama plot. But somehow it is the most delightful book I ever encounter.
5 chef girl stars
I love Nathan. He is my ideal neighbour. Too bad I can not cook. He is so sweet, swooning type of alpha male. He has been lonely for many years. Poor thing!
I found Kourtney is bit cheesy and timid. But she grows on me. I can relate to her characters and up bringing. She has been suffer a abuse from her own family. I can relate to her how she feels liberated when she finally get her education and her job. I also love Miss Moreland choice to portrays Kourtney's body as short and curvy. Not a super model body. A body I can relate too.
The story has so many moral message. It is actually a simple, minimum angst/ drama plot. But somehow it is the most delightful book I ever encounter.
5 chef girl stars
July 30, 2015
Title: Over the Fence
Author: Melanie Moreland
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance, Humor
Series or Standalone: Standalone
Rating: 5 Stars
Review
Over the Fence is a New Adult Contemporary Romance, told mostly from the point of view of the male protagonist, Nathan, as he navigates a new relationship with his new neighbour—and the lady on the other side of the fence—Kourtney. (later in the story, you do see things from her perspective)
This was such an amazing treat for me to read, for multiple reasons, but by far the coolest (by the time I finally realized it), was that this story was super close to home. I’m talking location—though I did connect with both characters on a personal level as well.
These characters are from Canada and for some reason, it took me nearly half the book to realize that all of these places that were being mentioned, weren’t American cities (there are a lot of places in the USA with the same names) but ones in my own backyard. Seriously, if I wasn���t already connected, I would have been after that. It added a whole new cool spin on this book that I wasn’t expecting.
Now, the characters. We’ve got solitary, lives alone Nathan. One that follows almost the same routine every day of the week. He goes to work, he comes home and he drinks a beer or two and eats just enough to survive. Everything with him and his life seems mechanical. Almost robotic. He’s lost all feeling. His house is not a home, but most definitely reflects the life in which he’s been living until he smells the amazing aroma of dinner from over the fence.
Enter Kourtney. Keeping herself hidden away from the world based on what others have spent years making her believe about herself (the worst part being that it was her family doing it), she’s extremely gun shy. But hearing the moaning from the other side of their fence, brings something to life in her and she breaks away from her comfort zone of being alone, keeping away from others, just enough to feed the voice from across the way.
This book was set up amazingly. They didn’t just talk over the fence and have it turn into something more right away. This was taken with slow care, each day both characters getting to know one another, learning and appreciating each other in a way that most don’t have the chance to when they’re face to face all the time. Impressions were made and built, hilarity ensued and it was done perfectly in my opinion.
I wasn’t expecting the story to be as funny as it was. I’m gonna admit that. Sure, from their first meeting I saw shades of humor, but as time progressed, I mean it just got better and better, until there were moments I was laughing so hard I had to put the book down. Their banter together was absolutely priceless and connected me even more to them as a couple when the time came for that to take place.
Nathan right from page one was a sweetheart. He gave Kourtney the one thing that even though he didn’t realize it at the time, she needed more than anything. Compliments, attention and even affection, despite the fence separating them. In the end, the way they do finally come face to face, in this reader’s opinion was fantastic. It made what was already a sweet, funny, kind of silly guy, that much sweeter.
I have to say, I’ve never been quite where Kourtney was in this book, but I have had parts of it in my life, and the long lasting emotional scars it can leave are sometimes worse than the physical ones. So for her to do what she did, reaching out and continuing to talk with Nathan, grow closer, every step of the way I was with her. I sympathized, I loved and I supported her. Every step of her journey, apart from Nathan (even though it did involve him) was a beautiful thing. Getting to see her growth was phenomenal.
But it all can’t be roses, especially in a romance and there was obstacles here too.
Nathan has a past and while he’s helping Kourtney overcome hers, he’s putting his on the backburner. It’s never a good thing when you hold back in a relationship, especially when it’s something as big as what he was holding onto, and with the relationship between the two being so new, I knew at some point the bricks would all come tumbling down. And it did, but it was put back together in the most beautiful way.
I wanted these two broken and lonely people to find love. I wanted them both to be happy, for themselves and for each other and by the time I turned the last page, I’d gotten that in spades. It was such a gradual yet beautiful story and one that at the end, I felt was a true happily ever after.
The author also added a touch at the end that I thought was great. A progression of their life in a way that I’m so glad I got to see. You always wonder what happens to characters you really like when the book finally closes, but here, I got to see it, at least partially, and I know moving on from this book to another, that this couple will be happy. That they’ve gotten everything they could ever want and deserve out of life.
I walked away from this book feeling fulfilled. Happy. It gave me everything I want from a romance and more. So thank you Melanie Moreland for sharing this couple and their struggles and triumphs with the world. It was and is beautiful.
June 16, 2018
Such a sweet romance that will make you smile. Highly recommend.
HEA
Cheating/OW/OM
Any push/pull
Any couple separation
Angst Level: Low
Heat Level: High
HEA
Cheating/OW/OM
Any push/pull
Any couple separation
Angst Level: Low
Heat Level: High
February 27, 2019
I loved this book as much as the first time I’ve read it! There are so many romantic, beautiful moments that I highlighted! I reread the epilogue again multiple times. It’s a beautiful, perfect ending! I can’t recommend this book enough!
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Original review (08/15/2015):
5 -- Chefgirl and Tomcat -- stars
What an amazing and unique story! I love this book so much! This author never disappoints me and I can’t wait for her next book. As always she delivers a story about damaged people who find each other and eventually love each other. Her writing and the plot are so good. I know I will reread this book many times and enjoy it, just like her other books. I highly recommend every book of this author!
Nathan’s days are always the same and lonely. When Kourtney moves in next door, things change for him. After a busy day at work, he’s drinking a beer outside and Kourtney starts cooking. They start talking and Kourtney leaves him a plate on the thick, large fence that separates their gardens. Nathan enjoys her food. Since then, they talk every night while Kourteny is cooking for her and Nathan. Nathan wants to see her, but Kourtney freaks out every time Nathan mentions something about seeing her for the first time. One night, Kourtney needs help and they finally see each other. The meeting doesn’t go like Nathan wanted it, but he’s happy he has finally seen her. Things change after that night, for the both of them.
I love both characters, but I love Nathan a little more. He is damaged and has a difficult time forgetting some bad things from his past. He is sad and lonely, and he really realizes that when he and Kourtney become best friends. They have great conversations. They are both smart and funny. They tease each other a lot and Kourtney always has a great response to Nathan’s teasing. I smiled a lot while reading and I highlighted a lot. Nathan fell in love with Kourtney without seeing her. He appreciates Kourtney’s cooking, likes the evenings they spend together talking and loves her laugh. She is everything he wants and, most importantly, needs. Kourtney needs Nathan just as much, but she’s afraid he won’t want her when he sees her. She also has secrets and not the easiest past, so she’s also damaged. They help each other move on, make each other feel better about themselves and make sure they chase their dreams.
Each chapter title is inside a mobile phone and I found that odd at the beginning, but once I knew how important a mobile phone is for them, it totally fitted. Another great thing about this book is that book is only told from Nathan’s point of view. It added to the mystery about Kourtney. There was a big revelation in the beginning and that kept me reading, because I wanted to know more and how that happened. There was only one chapter told from Kourtney’s point of view and that was necessary. It was nice to read her thoughts. Nathan guessed her thoughts right for the most part, but we got to know one important thing. Another amazing thing is the epilogue. It’s the perfect ending of this amazing book! I’ve reread it multiple times since finishing this book. The only thing I expected, was that there was a little more drama at the end and for me, there was one thing left unsolved.
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Original review (08/15/2015):
5 -- Chefgirl and Tomcat -- stars
What an amazing and unique story! I love this book so much! This author never disappoints me and I can’t wait for her next book. As always she delivers a story about damaged people who find each other and eventually love each other. Her writing and the plot are so good. I know I will reread this book many times and enjoy it, just like her other books. I highly recommend every book of this author!
Nathan’s days are always the same and lonely. When Kourtney moves in next door, things change for him. After a busy day at work, he’s drinking a beer outside and Kourtney starts cooking. They start talking and Kourtney leaves him a plate on the thick, large fence that separates their gardens. Nathan enjoys her food. Since then, they talk every night while Kourteny is cooking for her and Nathan. Nathan wants to see her, but Kourtney freaks out every time Nathan mentions something about seeing her for the first time. One night, Kourtney needs help and they finally see each other. The meeting doesn’t go like Nathan wanted it, but he’s happy he has finally seen her. Things change after that night, for the both of them.
I love both characters, but I love Nathan a little more. He is damaged and has a difficult time forgetting some bad things from his past. He is sad and lonely, and he really realizes that when he and Kourtney become best friends. They have great conversations. They are both smart and funny. They tease each other a lot and Kourtney always has a great response to Nathan’s teasing. I smiled a lot while reading and I highlighted a lot. Nathan fell in love with Kourtney without seeing her. He appreciates Kourtney’s cooking, likes the evenings they spend together talking and loves her laugh. She is everything he wants and, most importantly, needs. Kourtney needs Nathan just as much, but she’s afraid he won’t want her when he sees her. She also has secrets and not the easiest past, so she’s also damaged. They help each other move on, make each other feel better about themselves and make sure they chase their dreams.
Each chapter title is inside a mobile phone and I found that odd at the beginning, but once I knew how important a mobile phone is for them, it totally fitted. Another great thing about this book is that book is only told from Nathan’s point of view. It added to the mystery about Kourtney. There was a big revelation in the beginning and that kept me reading, because I wanted to know more and how that happened. There was only one chapter told from Kourtney’s point of view and that was necessary. It was nice to read her thoughts. Nathan guessed her thoughts right for the most part, but we got to know one important thing. Another amazing thing is the epilogue. It’s the perfect ending of this amazing book! I’ve reread it multiple times since finishing this book. The only thing I expected, was that there was a little more drama at the end and for me, there was one thing left unsolved.
April 2, 2017
Nathan Fraser smelled home cooking across his fence and complimented his neighbor's culinary skills, which led her to leave a plate for him on the fence. For weeks, Nathan and his neighbor Kourtney Whyte culivated an "over the fence" relationship where they conversed, shared meals and got to know each other without seeing the other's face.
It felt like an online relationship to me except they lived next door and heard each other's voice. It amazes me that people can live next door and have no clue what the other looked like. It was generally entertaining though.
The second half of the story when Nat and his chef girl finally met was wrought with body image issues. It also dragged with Nat keeping a huge secret that the author kept alluding to until the last 90% of the book.
In actuality, those feelings about our body is real and I can't fault Kourtney for having them as society says women should look as thin as possible. I spent most of the book trying to guess Kourtney's dress size. (Like that even mattered, right?) I liked Kourntey and felt bad for her as well Nate, so I was happy they met each other and fill that void.
My only complaint was that some parts dragged. Especially everyone's effusive praise of Kourtney. She was nice but I would have liked her to have a couple of bad traits. The author just created a too good to be true character and that's not necessary to get the message of self acceptance, love and forgiveness across.
Still, this was one of the most meaning stories I've listened to all year. It spoke to me.
It felt like an online relationship to me except they lived next door and heard each other's voice. It amazes me that people can live next door and have no clue what the other looked like. It was generally entertaining though.
The second half of the story when Nat and his chef girl finally met was wrought with body image issues. It also dragged with Nat keeping a huge secret that the author kept alluding to until the last 90% of the book.
In actuality, those feelings about our body is real and I can't fault Kourtney for having them as society says women should look as thin as possible. I spent most of the book trying to guess Kourtney's dress size. (Like that even mattered, right?) I liked Kourntey and felt bad for her as well Nate, so I was happy they met each other and fill that void.
My only complaint was that some parts dragged. Especially everyone's effusive praise of Kourtney. She was nice but I would have liked her to have a couple of bad traits. The author just created a too good to be true character and that's not necessary to get the message of self acceptance, love and forgiveness across.
Still, this was one of the most meaning stories I've listened to all year. It spoke to me.
September 17, 2016
4.5 stars.
I love this book!:)
It was simple.
It was funny.
It was lovely.
There are sadness too but that made it more beautiful storyline...
And... from male POV where he thought, talked and behaved like a real man instead of just like a female character with a male name, hm..you know what I mean, duh:)
Oh, the epilogue?
It's perfect!!
I love this book!:)
It was simple.
It was funny.
It was lovely.
There are sadness too but that made it more beautiful storyline...
And... from male POV where he thought, talked and behaved like a real man instead of just like a female character with a male name, hm..you know what I mean, duh:)
Oh, the epilogue?
It's perfect!!
Shelved as 'dnf'
June 6, 2020Audio 5 stars
Story dnf @ Chapter 18 🙄
Story dnf @ Chapter 18 🙄
February 6, 2019
This was a very heartwarming realistic romance. It was a character driven story that really just focused on the relationship, and was refreshing in its simplicity.
These characters are you, me, and everyone we know. No more needs to be written. If you want an authentic love story, read this book.
These characters are you, me, and everyone we know. No more needs to be written. If you want an authentic love story, read this book.
November 25, 2018
4 stars.
Emotional, sweet story about two damaged individuals that meet (unseen) over a privacy fence.
They begin a friendship that ultimately deepens and turns into love for both of them.
Through the small acts of kindness and generosity they share not only does their relationship blossom but they are both soon forced to examine and deal with shattering events from their traumatic pasts .
I loved watching how they both helped each other begin to heal on the inside.
Melanie Moreland writes such character driven stories that have depth and stimulate the readers emotions which I really enjoy to read.
I immensely liked this book.
It finished with a quirky epilogue that was comprised of text messages that was really very sweet and humorous too.
Emotional, sweet story about two damaged individuals that meet (unseen) over a privacy fence.
They begin a friendship that ultimately deepens and turns into love for both of them.
Through the small acts of kindness and generosity they share not only does their relationship blossom but they are both soon forced to examine and deal with shattering events from their traumatic pasts .
I loved watching how they both helped each other begin to heal on the inside.
Melanie Moreland writes such character driven stories that have depth and stimulate the readers emotions which I really enjoy to read.
I immensely liked this book.
It finished with a quirky epilogue that was comprised of text messages that was really very sweet and humorous too.
Shelved as 'no-dnf-zzz-avoid'
October 3, 2015DNF
abused h trope which I'm not reading at the moment. The H was a great guy but again I have the feeling that he will save h from her abusive brother and validate h and her attractiveness by loving her.
I much prefer a h who saves herself and loves herself before needing a man to do those things, but its just a personal preference, no offence to others who liked the book!!
abused h trope which I'm not reading at the moment. The H was a great guy but again I have the feeling that he will save h from her abusive brother and validate h and her attractiveness by loving her.
I much prefer a h who saves herself and loves herself before needing a man to do those things, but its just a personal preference, no offence to others who liked the book!!
August 12, 2015
Kourtney Whyte and Nathan Fraser are both desperately lonely and broken when they meet each other as neighbors on opposite sides of their privacy fence. Without ever seeing each other, the two develop an adorable friendship when Kourtney (or Chefgirl as Nathan nicknames her almost immediately) begins passing the food she cooks over to Nathan (or Nat, as he prefers her to call him). The meals lead to conversation and the conversation leads to genuine feelings. Then, one night Nat hops the fence to protect Chefgirl from an escalating, potentially violent situation and their relationship makes the transition from “over the fence” to “face to face.”
These two are perfect for each other. Both struggling to overcome painful pasts—they heal each other, patching up the gaping wounds and soothing over the insecurities that life and circumstance have doled out to them. At first it’s just Nat being ever patient, loving, and tender while Chefgirl confronts the demons from her past and learns to let them go. Then, later, the roles reverse and Chefgirl guides Nat through his grief, helping him heal and move on. They help each other grow, and it is a beautiful, wonderful thing to watch.
I feel like that description doesn’t even begin to do justice to this story. My heart has been utterly charmed by this book. It’s not a quick, intense read. Their relationship is a beautiful, slow build based on genuine affection, witty banter, and intense physical attraction. There are some steamy scenes in here, but this book is so much bigger than that. The love between Nat and Chefgirl felt so authentic and was just a joy to read. And I lost count of how many times their banter made me giggle. Witty and sweet, this book was like a balm to my heart. I mean…this:
“I like that,” I mused.
“Like what?”
“Your laugh.”
“My laugh?”
I nodded, even though she couldn’t see me. “It’s like unexpected sunshine on a dark cloudy day, Kourtney,” I said after swallowing a mouthful. “I love hearing it. Your giggles light me up, too.”
It’s just…beautiful. We should all be so lucky to get a Nat in our lives. He’s fiercely protective without being an over-the-top alpha. He’s patient and kind, sensitive and sweet. He’s hilarious, goofy, and confident, and somehow still sexy and hot enough under the covers to leave me a little glossy-eyed and panting.
And that epilogue? I can’t remember the last time a book made me smile so hard. What a perfect, rewarding ending to Nat and Chefgirl’s perfectly rewarding story. ~ Shelly, 5 stars
~~~
Excuse me while I try to control my giddy, happy, swooniness long enough to pen this review.
I LOVE THIS BOOK. SO HARD. SO MUCH. IT’S…GAH! PERFECT.
Clearly, I am not doing the best job of controlling myself… #SorryNotSorry
Nathan Fraser isn’t living, he is merely existing. It’s safer and easier that way—easier to avoid getting hurt.
Kourtney Whyte is bruised and broken by her past. She’s quiet, shy and prefers to hide from the world.
One night, with the delicious smells emanating from Kourtney’s barbeque wafting over the fence and into Nathan’s nose, everything for these two quiet, lonely people changes. A friendship is formed, with the fence a safety net, a barrier. Meals, texts, laughs shared over the tall fence that separates and protects them.
But when Nathan braves that fence to protect Kourtney from her past, life changes again. Can a friendship formed without sight become a love affair that lasts forever?
EVERYTHING, everything is what I love about this book. I was riveted from the first page. I’ll read one chapter before bed, I said. I’ll just get it started and then read it tomorrow, I said. Next thing I knew, I was holding my eyes open with toothpicks, laughing and sighing and swooning for this delightful couple. I was completely charmed, and burned through the first 50% in the wee hours of the morning, until I literally couldn’t keep my eyes open any longer.
And when I picked it back up to finish it off, I fell in love all over again. Nat and Chefgirl…so special and so damn right, I can’t stop thinking about all the best bits. Which is basically the entire damn book, but mostly the spot-on, perfect, I-want-every-book-to-end-like-this epilogue.
I’m seriously having trouble controlling my flails, as I think about sweet, kind, strong, protective, funny Nathan; the ginger ninja that I simply swooned for. He’s Book Boyfriend 101—all the best, hottest qualities in one brilliant IT guy. With red hair. Red fucking hair. I die.
And beautiful Kourtney, who was so broken but just the lovingest (it’s a word, deal with it) person. I wanted to wrap her up in a big, warm hug and tell her, like Nat, all the things I adored about her. Her giving, forgiving nature. Her kick-ass sense of humor. Her quirks and her cooking.
Over the Fence is a book that left me smiling HUGE, loving HARD, flailing UNABASHEDLY. I feel warm inside, so flipping happy and just desperate to read it all over again. I need more time with Nat. I want to be friends with Kourtney. I want to be this damn giddy forever. ~ Beth, 5 stars
These two are perfect for each other. Both struggling to overcome painful pasts—they heal each other, patching up the gaping wounds and soothing over the insecurities that life and circumstance have doled out to them. At first it’s just Nat being ever patient, loving, and tender while Chefgirl confronts the demons from her past and learns to let them go. Then, later, the roles reverse and Chefgirl guides Nat through his grief, helping him heal and move on. They help each other grow, and it is a beautiful, wonderful thing to watch.
I feel like that description doesn’t even begin to do justice to this story. My heart has been utterly charmed by this book. It’s not a quick, intense read. Their relationship is a beautiful, slow build based on genuine affection, witty banter, and intense physical attraction. There are some steamy scenes in here, but this book is so much bigger than that. The love between Nat and Chefgirl felt so authentic and was just a joy to read. And I lost count of how many times their banter made me giggle. Witty and sweet, this book was like a balm to my heart. I mean…this:
“I like that,” I mused.
“Like what?”
“Your laugh.”
“My laugh?”
I nodded, even though she couldn’t see me. “It’s like unexpected sunshine on a dark cloudy day, Kourtney,” I said after swallowing a mouthful. “I love hearing it. Your giggles light me up, too.”
It’s just…beautiful. We should all be so lucky to get a Nat in our lives. He’s fiercely protective without being an over-the-top alpha. He’s patient and kind, sensitive and sweet. He’s hilarious, goofy, and confident, and somehow still sexy and hot enough under the covers to leave me a little glossy-eyed and panting.
And that epilogue? I can’t remember the last time a book made me smile so hard. What a perfect, rewarding ending to Nat and Chefgirl’s perfectly rewarding story. ~ Shelly, 5 stars
~~~
Excuse me while I try to control my giddy, happy, swooniness long enough to pen this review.
I LOVE THIS BOOK. SO HARD. SO MUCH. IT’S…GAH! PERFECT.
Clearly, I am not doing the best job of controlling myself… #SorryNotSorry
Nathan Fraser isn’t living, he is merely existing. It’s safer and easier that way—easier to avoid getting hurt.
Kourtney Whyte is bruised and broken by her past. She’s quiet, shy and prefers to hide from the world.
One night, with the delicious smells emanating from Kourtney’s barbeque wafting over the fence and into Nathan’s nose, everything for these two quiet, lonely people changes. A friendship is formed, with the fence a safety net, a barrier. Meals, texts, laughs shared over the tall fence that separates and protects them.
But when Nathan braves that fence to protect Kourtney from her past, life changes again. Can a friendship formed without sight become a love affair that lasts forever?
EVERYTHING, everything is what I love about this book. I was riveted from the first page. I’ll read one chapter before bed, I said. I’ll just get it started and then read it tomorrow, I said. Next thing I knew, I was holding my eyes open with toothpicks, laughing and sighing and swooning for this delightful couple. I was completely charmed, and burned through the first 50% in the wee hours of the morning, until I literally couldn’t keep my eyes open any longer.
And when I picked it back up to finish it off, I fell in love all over again. Nat and Chefgirl…so special and so damn right, I can’t stop thinking about all the best bits. Which is basically the entire damn book, but mostly the spot-on, perfect, I-want-every-book-to-end-like-this epilogue.
I’m seriously having trouble controlling my flails, as I think about sweet, kind, strong, protective, funny Nathan; the ginger ninja that I simply swooned for. He’s Book Boyfriend 101—all the best, hottest qualities in one brilliant IT guy. With red hair. Red fucking hair. I die.
And beautiful Kourtney, who was so broken but just the lovingest (it’s a word, deal with it) person. I wanted to wrap her up in a big, warm hug and tell her, like Nat, all the things I adored about her. Her giving, forgiving nature. Her kick-ass sense of humor. Her quirks and her cooking.
Over the Fence is a book that left me smiling HUGE, loving HARD, flailing UNABASHEDLY. I feel warm inside, so flipping happy and just desperate to read it all over again. I need more time with Nat. I want to be friends with Kourtney. I want to be this damn giddy forever. ~ Beth, 5 stars
July 16, 2015
Over The Fence was a blend of all that is cute, funny, romantic, witty and steamy, with sweet tender moments that will make your heart sigh. I had no idea just how good this would be when I opened the first page; forget insta-love and forget the perfected stereotypes we so often find in romance books, because this couple are proof that beauty is only skin deep.
Told from Nathan's perspective, his and Kourtney's relationship is truly one of friends-to-lovers and as opposed to being overbearing and self-centred as many male POV's often are, Nathan was the opposite; a funny, sensitive guy with an aloofness and protectiveness that was nothing short of sweet. Yes at times it was a little on the saccharine side, but if you can accept this for the lovely romance it is then this matters not and I became completely absorbed in their journey. This a couple who have secrets and painful difficult pasts, are so easy to relate to, grow as the story progresses and bring out the best in one another.
Over the Fence is the first novel I have read by Melanie Moreland and I will certainly be seeking out more from her. Her writing style is engaging, her characters have depth and I literally couldn't put it down. A book I could quite happily pick up and read all over again.
Copy received courtesy of Promo Star Services for an honest and unbiased opinion.
Told from Nathan's perspective, his and Kourtney's relationship is truly one of friends-to-lovers and as opposed to being overbearing and self-centred as many male POV's often are, Nathan was the opposite; a funny, sensitive guy with an aloofness and protectiveness that was nothing short of sweet. Yes at times it was a little on the saccharine side, but if you can accept this for the lovely romance it is then this matters not and I became completely absorbed in their journey. This a couple who have secrets and painful difficult pasts, are so easy to relate to, grow as the story progresses and bring out the best in one another.
Over the Fence is the first novel I have read by Melanie Moreland and I will certainly be seeking out more from her. Her writing style is engaging, her characters have depth and I literally couldn't put it down. A book I could quite happily pick up and read all over again.
Copy received courtesy of Promo Star Services for an honest and unbiased opinion.
September 24, 2015
Very original, cute book. First person Nathan's POV, with the exception of a short part with the heroine Kourtney's POV.
The beginning of the book starts off in a very original way. I love how they got to know each other without the usual overrun of adjectives to describe each other's physical appearance: six pack abs, tall, thin, blah blah.
Nathan and Kourtney spent a lot of time talking to each other. Both of them are lonely and pretty much alone.
Nathan can tell that Kourtney is very shy and fragile. He doesn't rush her to meet in person. He's so appreciative of her company. Kourtney cooks for him. He appreciates her talent and humor.
Their relationship is very gradual. They are just what the other needs. They each had experienced hurt and loss.
Nathan supports and defends Kourtney. I absolutely loved that about him. The word hero really applies to Nathan.
Kourtney's brother is a complete asshole. Kourtney had a dilemma since she had such love to give, but it was going down a black hole. She was stronger than she knew- since she'd been taking steps to move on with her life, including her education, career and moving away from her awful brother.
This story is set in Ontario, Canada, but it felt like it could have been anywhere.
Nathan's past comes out too. I really loved how Kourtney reacts- again she's stronger than she had realized. Very different from some other contemporary books- they talk!
Nathan and Kourtney had some really sensual moments, but I think that their conversations and support of each other was a big stand out for me.
Thanks to JLC for the recommendation! This author is new to me and I would love to read more of her books.
4.25 stars!
The beginning of the book starts off in a very original way. I love how they got to know each other without the usual overrun of adjectives to describe each other's physical appearance: six pack abs, tall, thin, blah blah.
Nathan and Kourtney spent a lot of time talking to each other. Both of them are lonely and pretty much alone.
Nathan can tell that Kourtney is very shy and fragile. He doesn't rush her to meet in person. He's so appreciative of her company. Kourtney cooks for him. He appreciates her talent and humor.
Their relationship is very gradual. They are just what the other needs. They each had experienced hurt and loss.
Nathan supports and defends Kourtney. I absolutely loved that about him. The word hero really applies to Nathan.
Kourtney's brother is a complete asshole. Kourtney had a dilemma since she had such love to give, but it was going down a black hole. She was stronger than she knew- since she'd been taking steps to move on with her life, including her education, career and moving away from her awful brother.
This story is set in Ontario, Canada, but it felt like it could have been anywhere.
Nathan's past comes out too. I really loved how Kourtney reacts- again she's stronger than she had realized. Very different from some other contemporary books- they talk!
Nathan and Kourtney had some really sensual moments, but I think that their conversations and support of each other was a big stand out for me.
Thanks to JLC for the recommendation! This author is new to me and I would love to read more of her books.
4.25 stars!
August 10, 2015
☆ I received an ARC via StarAngels Reviews & Promo Stars Services in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!! ☆
Can two people, who've never met or seen each other, give the other what the other lacks or needs?
Well, that’s what happens between protagonists, Nathan and Kourtney, as they grow from mere acquaintances into something more.
What worked for me in this read, is that it’s not your average romance. It’s intriguingly unconventional with a pair of strangers who’ve never met or seen one another and how a sequence of exchanges can lead to the breaking of barriers for one another and lead to them finding love and themselves.
Author Melanie Moreland’s writing style really captured me in this, as it was funny and endearing-- and about opening yourself, going out of the box and from your comfort zone, and ultimately finding contentment and happiness in your life.
An over all, sweet and uplifting read.
Can two people, who've never met or seen each other, give the other what the other lacks or needs?
Well, that’s what happens between protagonists, Nathan and Kourtney, as they grow from mere acquaintances into something more.
What worked for me in this read, is that it’s not your average romance. It’s intriguingly unconventional with a pair of strangers who’ve never met or seen one another and how a sequence of exchanges can lead to the breaking of barriers for one another and lead to them finding love and themselves.
Author Melanie Moreland’s writing style really captured me in this, as it was funny and endearing-- and about opening yourself, going out of the box and from your comfort zone, and ultimately finding contentment and happiness in your life.
An over all, sweet and uplifting read.
September 21, 2015
4.5 stars
This was a really sweet story about two people who are closed off and alone. It's told almost entirely from Nathan's POV. Nathan is kind of a loner, not letting anyone get close to him. When he gets a new neighbor next door and smells her cooking, he strikes up conversation, gets a plate of food and they start up conversation all without even seeing each other. I really enjoyed this story and how Nathan and Kourtney met. There were a lot of things to like about this one, it was sweet and the second half had some really good sexy scenes. Nathan was a good guy but had secrets. Kourtney hasn't had an easy life and she has self-esteem issues. She's short and curvy and was made fun of her whole life. At times, her insecurities were frustrating and the story did drag on at times but overall I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by this author.
This was a really sweet story about two people who are closed off and alone. It's told almost entirely from Nathan's POV. Nathan is kind of a loner, not letting anyone get close to him. When he gets a new neighbor next door and smells her cooking, he strikes up conversation, gets a plate of food and they start up conversation all without even seeing each other. I really enjoyed this story and how Nathan and Kourtney met. There were a lot of things to like about this one, it was sweet and the second half had some really good sexy scenes. Nathan was a good guy but had secrets. Kourtney hasn't had an easy life and she has self-esteem issues. She's short and curvy and was made fun of her whole life. At times, her insecurities were frustrating and the story did drag on at times but overall I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by this author.
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