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Thunderstruck #1
Both Sides of the Fence
That’s the thing about soulmates—you have to be brave enough to stay with them.
Dee Bullard acted responsibly her whole life. She worked hard, went to college, and became a veterinarian. Now in her late thirties, she’s stuck in the one place she always vowed to leave: her childhood home on a farm in Kansas. Then the boy next door breezes back into town, and past heartache catches up with them both.
After years in the Army’s special forces, there are some things Ricky Lee never talks about. One of those things is the real reason he hasn’t come home in eight years: Dee. She’s a troublemaker who’s left him bearing the consequences one too many times. When Ricky’s father suddenly dies, he’s forced to return to care for his sick mother. Back in Dee’s orbit, Ricky can’t deny her. But he doesn’t think he can survive her either.
With nothing but a low cattle fence and a lifetime of memories standing between them, Ricky and Dee face a reckoning that will either break them forever or unite them for good.
Tropes:
● Small town
● Military
● Second chance
● Childhood sweethearts
● Forced proximity
● Soul mates
● Girl/Boy next door
Spanning thirty-five years, Both Sides of the Fence is a rollercoaster of a love story about the choices you make when you’re young and how they impact you as you grow older. This is a contemporary romance novel containing explicit love scenes and adult language. Please use the Look Inside feature to review trigger warnings.
Dee Bullard acted responsibly her whole life. She worked hard, went to college, and became a veterinarian. Now in her late thirties, she’s stuck in the one place she always vowed to leave: her childhood home on a farm in Kansas. Then the boy next door breezes back into town, and past heartache catches up with them both.
After years in the Army’s special forces, there are some things Ricky Lee never talks about. One of those things is the real reason he hasn’t come home in eight years: Dee. She’s a troublemaker who’s left him bearing the consequences one too many times. When Ricky’s father suddenly dies, he’s forced to return to care for his sick mother. Back in Dee’s orbit, Ricky can’t deny her. But he doesn’t think he can survive her either.
With nothing but a low cattle fence and a lifetime of memories standing between them, Ricky and Dee face a reckoning that will either break them forever or unite them for good.
Tropes:
● Small town
● Military
● Second chance
● Childhood sweethearts
● Forced proximity
● Soul mates
● Girl/Boy next door
Spanning thirty-five years, Both Sides of the Fence is a rollercoaster of a love story about the choices you make when you’re young and how they impact you as you grow older. This is a contemporary romance novel containing explicit love scenes and adult language. Please use the Look Inside feature to review trigger warnings.
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2023
210 people are currently reading
391 people want to read
About the author
Amelia Elliot
7 books50 followersAmelia Elliot works as a trial lawyer, entrepreneur, and author. She publishes on topics of law, business, and politics. “Amelia Elliot” is the pen name for the author’s works in women’s fiction, romance, sci-fi, and political and legal thrillers. She lives with her husband, three big dogs, and three riotous kittens.
Amelia is disabled with chronic illness. One of her favorite things about writing novels is exploring her characters’ human flaws, growth, and triumph over adversity. She writes happy endings because optimism matters.
Amelia is disabled with chronic illness. One of her favorite things about writing novels is exploring her characters’ human flaws, growth, and triumph over adversity. She writes happy endings because optimism matters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
June 28, 2025
Seemingly an unpopular opinion but this book was just okay for me. While it had its highs and tackled some important issues, the dynamic between Dee and Ricky often felt more toxic than romantic. I found their interactions lacked the emotional depth and witty banter that I typically enjoy in a strong romance.
The back and forth with the chapters and years was difficult to keep straight as well. The ending also lacked closure and after everything it should have at least had a clear epilogue and meaningful resolution.
I know the series continues but don’t think I will be…
The back and forth with the chapters and years was difficult to keep straight as well. The ending also lacked closure and after everything it should have at least had a clear epilogue and meaningful resolution.
I know the series continues but don’t think I will be…
May 25, 2023
Wonderful Premier Novel
Both Sides of the Fence is the first published novel by this author, but you'd never know that from reading it. It's polished, and it handles a complex narrative style deftly. It has all of the salaciousness associated with romance novels with none of the sticky sweetness that often puts off readers outside that genre. The two main characters are complicated and flawed people, like real people, yet remain attractive. I enjoyed this book a lot!
Both Sides of the Fence is the first published novel by this author, but you'd never know that from reading it. It's polished, and it handles a complex narrative style deftly. It has all of the salaciousness associated with romance novels with none of the sticky sweetness that often puts off readers outside that genre. The two main characters are complicated and flawed people, like real people, yet remain attractive. I enjoyed this book a lot!
March 30, 2024
I chose this book because of the great 4 star plus reviews. What bothered me was the disconnect between the the two key characters. And more so to see a female depicted as irrational and emotional as to not be able to confront and find out the issues, especially when she is an adult. Somehow the whole structure of presenting the issue also was disconnected and did not gel.
January 26, 2025
Emotionally exacerbating
This was another Stuff Your Kindle pick and I’m so glad I read it. Dee and Ricky’s relationship was SO frustrating and I completely understand how the people in their town felt about them. Both made mistakes and did things wrong in their relationship over the years. I feel like they were both wrongs and had reason to resent the other - yet they continued returning to each other.
Their mothers were a source of wonderful advice for both of them and wound up being instrumental in them finally getting together. All up, despite all their miscommunications and misunderstandings, Dee and Ricky were always going to be together - it was just a matter of time.
I cannot express how wonderful it is to read about people who are the same age me and who grew up at the same time as me. Romance is still a thing in your forties regardless of what Hollywood says. Despite the tears, I cannot regret reading this book and I look forward to reading Jack’s story.
This was another Stuff Your Kindle pick and I’m so glad I read it. Dee and Ricky’s relationship was SO frustrating and I completely understand how the people in their town felt about them. Both made mistakes and did things wrong in their relationship over the years. I feel like they were both wrongs and had reason to resent the other - yet they continued returning to each other.
Their mothers were a source of wonderful advice for both of them and wound up being instrumental in them finally getting together. All up, despite all their miscommunications and misunderstandings, Dee and Ricky were always going to be together - it was just a matter of time.
I cannot express how wonderful it is to read about people who are the same age me and who grew up at the same time as me. Romance is still a thing in your forties regardless of what Hollywood says. Despite the tears, I cannot regret reading this book and I look forward to reading Jack’s story.
September 9, 2023
A very good book came up on my Amazon recommendation and I decided to give it a try. Turned out, I just couldn’t keep it down and finished the whole book right away.
I find it a bit slow and the need to jump back and forth in between Dee and Ricky is annoying yet somehow it gives you the whole perspective from both of them through the ages.
The problem is these two keep NOT communicating with each other and that makes they miss so much time while they should have been together since their 20s. Everyone in their little town, including me!, knows they were meant for each other.
Thank the heaven (or should I say Elliot) that they did find their way and concluded with such beautiful ending.
I find it a bit slow and the need to jump back and forth in between Dee and Ricky is annoying yet somehow it gives you the whole perspective from both of them through the ages.
The problem is these two keep NOT communicating with each other and that makes they miss so much time while they should have been together since their 20s. Everyone in their little town, including me!, knows they were meant for each other.
Thank the heaven (or should I say Elliot) that they did find their way and concluded with such beautiful ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2023
Dee and Ricky… dancing around each other since they were kids. Everyone in town knows they're meant to be together. There's no miscommunication between them; rather, it's a total lack of communication and a whole lot of hurt feelings. I had a little trouble following in the beginning, with the chapters skipping around in time. But as the story went on, that made perfect sense. I liked the main characters, even when their actions frustrated me. It's a beautiful story, with their love spanning the times even when they weren't together. I received a copy of the book, and this is my honest review.
May 6, 2025
Loved this book! It went back and forth with the past and future which I don’t normally enjoy but it was really well done. Dee and Ricky have one hell of a bumpy ride to get to their happily ever after. Their story is full of feels, goosebumps, laughter and tears. I struggled to put this story down, couldn’t get enough of their shenanigans. Thoroughly enjoyed it! It’s left me with a huge smile on my face and giggling to myself remembering their banter.
November 9, 2024
Written in a dual point of view where you definitely feel that the female character is having a tough time. However the male character's viewpoint is then put across and it seems like a whole series of misunderstandings. Love does actually exist! their love is valid. A cute story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 7, 2024
Long love
Vert entertaining love story. From early ages to onset of their 40's this couples love affair was full of ups and downs, angst, poor communication, and jumping to the wrong conclusions.
Eventually they figure it but it was an enjoyable read. I look forward to the next adventure in this series.
Vert entertaining love story. From early ages to onset of their 40's this couples love affair was full of ups and downs, angst, poor communication, and jumping to the wrong conclusions.
Eventually they figure it but it was an enjoyable read. I look forward to the next adventure in this series.
November 7, 2023
I don’t write many reviews because I am not really good at it. Being just a regular Joe, not even a big fan of romance novels, I loved this story. I love stores that go across decades. I was rooting for a HEA and I am so glad it came to. The only thing I missed was a few more epilogues that told me the rest of their story. Will certainly read more from this author.
February 14, 2025
Good read
Really liked this story ,it was,funny ,sad ,romantic and had very likeable characters,I love a small town romance and this didn't disappoint.It's a year's long love story where two people are in love but never seen to get it right or admit how much they are so their mum's have to intervene in a mad way to get them together ,i did read it in a day as it was so easy to get into
Really liked this story ,it was,funny ,sad ,romantic and had very likeable characters,I love a small town romance and this didn't disappoint.It's a year's long love story where two people are in love but never seen to get it right or admit how much they are so their mum's have to intervene in a mad way to get them together ,i did read it in a day as it was so easy to get into
July 23, 2025
Wow
Wow, it took them long enough to figure out that they needed to communicate with each other. Amazing what communication will do for a coypke.
Wow, it took them long enough to figure out that they needed to communicate with each other. Amazing what communication will do for a coypke.
June 23, 2023
A sweet story of love and lost time. Reading one side made me almost mad and hate the other, but the author so carefully gives hints to the other side of the fence/story that finding out the truth made all characters even more endearing. Once I got started, I couldn’t stop reading— a book hasn’t kept me up past my bedtime in a long time but this one did.
I look forward to reading her next book!
I look forward to reading her next book!
June 2, 2023
This was a very well crafted book. Some authors struggle with character development but Amelia did a fantastic job of creating characters that are relatable and simultaneously both likeable and frustrating. I highly recommend this one with the caveat that if you aren't comfortable with descriptive sex this may not be for you but if you like a little spice mixed in with a great storyline, enjoy!
June 28, 2023
rollercoaster
Dee and Ricky´s story had me gripped from the first page, their constant ribbing was amusing and somehow sweet but I kept wondering will they finally get their act together and really become a couple or are they better off going separate ways regarding the thoughtless way they sometimes treated each other.
This is the first book I´ve read from this author and she did a real good job keeping me hooked until the end. I´ll surely read more from her in the future.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Dee and Ricky´s story had me gripped from the first page, their constant ribbing was amusing and somehow sweet but I kept wondering will they finally get their act together and really become a couple or are they better off going separate ways regarding the thoughtless way they sometimes treated each other.
This is the first book I´ve read from this author and she did a real good job keeping me hooked until the end. I´ll surely read more from her in the future.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 8, 2024
Well, this was very disappointing because it began so cute and I was really into the story but both characters quickly began to annoy me. All the petty drama and childishness between them caused so much time lost and so much heartbreak. They also have very poor communication skills. I was really rooting for them for the longest time but changed to these two should not be together because they don't even know how to talk.
August 10, 2025
Meh. Characters were frustrating. I also had a very hard time picturing them, not a whole lot of description when it came to their appearance. Also felt a bit rushed at times. I know they are small town people, but it felt like Dee had her head under a rock even once she became an adult. I just could not connect with the characters at all.
August 12, 2025
Good read
After reading this store. I feel like I'm missing the next story. I'm missing these charters and want read more of their story. The main charter will keep you turning pages. This diffently a adult book. RX. But really a good book..
After reading this store. I feel like I'm missing the next story. I'm missing these charters and want read more of their story. The main charter will keep you turning pages. This diffently a adult book. RX. But really a good book..
July 13, 2023
I read it in one sitting. It grabbed me from the beginning and I couldn’t put it down after that. Perfect summer read.
June 9, 2025
A good read, but a little too many jumps back and fdorth with dates.
July 8, 2025
Well The Lucifer MMC "Hunts The Taliban" Which Means He's A White Genocider, Oppressing Brown People In The Middle East, For Capitalistic Ventures, And Doesn't Regret It, Genocider
Opening the book with him not giving a fuck that he is in someone elses homeland, killing people defending themselves, and insisting he doesn't regret it, is certainly a choice.
I'm so glad the sociocultural norms are shifting away from this shit.
America went there and brutalised then for twenty years, and you want me to feel bad for THIS cunt?
Ok, Imma just give that a whole big "NOT. FOR. THIS. IRISH. GIRL."
We tend to get allergic to white saviours and their bombs and their guns.
_____
Oh wow, he never has a "I shouldn't have been genociding brown people i Iraq and Afghanistan" moment which means the author is an Apologist for genocide.
I have never read a more sancti.onious asshole with the dirtiest dick, pretending emotional investment as hes able to orgasm in many many many other women.
I am glad he felt like he lost a baby.
He deserves all the pain.
Fucking asshole.
She had nothing to be forgiven.
He had an emotional support network.
She didn't.
But be a toxic patriarchial, genocidal cunt, calling him a hero when he deserves to be haunted by the babies od Iraq and Afghanistan that he facilitated their murder.
"hero"
Nazi, Fascist, Zionist Dirtbag.
I wouldn't stay in your company if you think this dirty murderer is moral.
Asshole invader.
Worse. Than Lucifer.
Ugh shes calling the scumbag a hero at the end.
Opening the book with him not giving a fuck that he is in someone elses homeland, killing people defending themselves, and insisting he doesn't regret it, is certainly a choice.
I'm so glad the sociocultural norms are shifting away from this shit.
America went there and brutalised then for twenty years, and you want me to feel bad for THIS cunt?
Ok, Imma just give that a whole big "NOT. FOR. THIS. IRISH. GIRL."
We tend to get allergic to white saviours and their bombs and their guns.
_____
Oh wow, he never has a "I shouldn't have been genociding brown people i Iraq and Afghanistan" moment which means the author is an Apologist for genocide.
I have never read a more sancti.onious asshole with the dirtiest dick, pretending emotional investment as hes able to orgasm in many many many other women.
I am glad he felt like he lost a baby.
He deserves all the pain.
Fucking asshole.
She had nothing to be forgiven.
He had an emotional support network.
She didn't.
But be a toxic patriarchial, genocidal cunt, calling him a hero when he deserves to be haunted by the babies od Iraq and Afghanistan that he facilitated their murder.
"hero"
Nazi, Fascist, Zionist Dirtbag.
I wouldn't stay in your company if you think this dirty murderer is moral.
Asshole invader.
Worse. Than Lucifer.
Ugh shes calling the scumbag a hero at the end.
October 1, 2025
I have mixed feelings about this book. Way too mixed. Every new chapter either strengthened the worst feeling I had about the book or brought up a new one. I hated that the characters barely communicated properly. I hated the MCs equally for being the way that they are. It was a bit fun seeing how they got each other into trouble as kids but after a point, the FMC just felt like a tattle-tale and a pain in the neck, and the MMC felt like someone who barely communicated and expected an equally uncommunicative FMC to communicate. The FMC kept jumping to conclusions and assuming wrong stuff about the MMC; the MMC wasn't all perfect either. I found their relationship pretty toxic and I barely could connect with the MCs and I always felt disgusted with some of the decisions they kept taking as individuals and as two people together. This book left me feeling weird.
June 23, 2025
An Army vet, a veterinary, a small town, and the romance of a literal lifetime - This book has so much potential to be great.
I loved the overall storyline, the moms of the MCs, and the dual perspective in story telling. This was an emotionally complex read - lots of laughs, frustration, and hurt.
The spice was on point and I loved the banter, the flashbacks to the MCs childhood, and the span of a lifelong romance; HOWEVER, the childishness of miscommunication, tantrums, and storming off every argument got old very quickly… especially when those things continued into their FORTIES.
I think this is great for those who love a miscommunication trope, but as a new over communicator… it’s not my favorite trope.
I loved the overall storyline, the moms of the MCs, and the dual perspective in story telling. This was an emotionally complex read - lots of laughs, frustration, and hurt.
The spice was on point and I loved the banter, the flashbacks to the MCs childhood, and the span of a lifelong romance; HOWEVER, the childishness of miscommunication, tantrums, and storming off every argument got old very quickly… especially when those things continued into their FORTIES.
I think this is great for those who love a miscommunication trope, but as a new over communicator… it’s not my favorite trope.
July 13, 2023
After you read the book, you’ll understand the title. It’s about two people going through life together but seeing things from opposite sides. They literally live on opposite sides of a fence from each other. It’s symbolic, too, because the story is about misunderstandings and different perspectives causing them trouble in their relationship. By the end, you realize that both sides were legitimate from their point of view. That’s real life. Neither was bad or wrong. They needed to go through things together to see each other’s side and to embrace forgiveness. It’s a good lesson.
July 13, 2023
I like when a story addresses things like trauma and PTSD without being melodramatic. This book does that. It’s not the main focus of the story, but it is an important element that rounds out the character and explains his behaviors. There’s an amazing part where the characters discuss the psychological impact of spending a career in combat. I was in the military and it was like the author was quoting my friends in conversations we’ve had when we’re being really honest with each other. It really surprised me. I didn’t expect that in a romance novel.
July 3, 2023
Dee and Ricky Lee were friends as children and always got into trouble - fast forward 20 years, and Dee is a veterinarian in her hometown, and Ricky Lee has recently returned after the death of his father.
This romance goes back and forth in time and between Dee and Ricky Lee. It's a cute romance, good for a summer read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This romance goes back and forth in time and between Dee and Ricky Lee. It's a cute romance, good for a summer read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 13, 2023
Without revealing any spoilers, I have to say that I was on the side of the MMC from the very beginning. I thought he was very sympathetic throughout the whole book. The MFC sometimes frustrated me but I had to remember that they were young during some of the events and to be patient and get through the story. The payoff in the end was worth it.
July 13, 2023
OMG Dee would be my girl if she were real. I love her. She’s tough and funny and I was feeling her pain throughout her ups and downs with Ricky. I laughed out loud at some of the stuff she did. At the same time, she felt responsible to her family and community and it was endearing. Such a cool main character
July 13, 2023
This novel is a breath of fresh air in the romance genre. The author has a unique storytelling style that keeps you engaged and invested in the characters even when things are difficult. I couldn't get enough of the undeniable chemistry between the two main characters, or the antics of the locals to help them along.
August 28, 2024
i had a few misgivings, reading the book. the characters should totally sit down and communicate better. but i guess if they did, there wouldn't be a story here. despite their annoying ability to breeze through admitting to each other what they feel, they were a couple i was engaged in learning about. it was a cute story. nicely written
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews