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On the Outside
High school junior Kayla and her two best friends have always been close. Even after Kayla becomes a cheerleader with a basketball star boyfriend, Riley falls in with the skaters, and Evan loses himself in school, the three remain dedicated to their promise to each to remain friends no matter what. But when a disastrous prom ends with Kayla single and her best friends dating, the strength of their bond will be tested. Because, as Kayla soon realizes, her feelings for Riley are more than just friendly. Dating a girl is something that’s never crossed her mind before, but more than that, she can’t bring herself to hurt Evan. As tension between the two girls grows, Kayla is forced to grapple with the fact that she might be bisexual, in love with Riley, and about to break their friendship apart.
216 pages, Paperback
First published September 9, 2015
56 people are currently reading
1050 people want to read
About the author
Siera Maley
7 books749 followersSiera Maley was born and raised in the southern Bible Belt. After coming out as a lesbian as a teen, she relocated to a more suburban area and now lives with her girlfriend and very adorable dogs while she works on writing young adult lesbian fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
September 10, 2018
This book is the last one I had not yet read – so now I’ve read everything published by this author. I was going to say that it was also my least favorite, but I see another one that I marked the same rating, and looking over it, and recalling it, that other book is ‘worse’ so this is my second least favorite book by this author.
This is the story of three friends – they were friends as children, and they are still friends now that they are in high school, even though the three might not normally be in the same ‘groups’ based on how their lives drifted. Riley, not the main character, kind of has a skater like look, the kind to not normally wear fancy dresses and make-up unless ‘forced’ to do so by her friend; the kind who joined the skaters (the skate-boarders not the roller skaters), and the kind to not have dated . . until this book here started. Evan is the geeky gamer type, the kind who competes in academic competitions, and the kind who might not have otherwise talked much with girls except for falling into a friendship group that consisted entirely of girls (except for him). This leads us to both the third member of this friendship group, and the main character/point of view character – Kayla.
Kayla – since the time the three first became friends – ‘blossomed’ into the cheerleader ‘dating star athletes’ type of person. And before anyone shakes any kind of ‘she’s only dating that guy because she’s a cheerleader’ . . . um . . stick – she actually does find him sexually appealing.
Somewhere near the start of the book, Kayla is going to be going to the prom with her senior boyfriend. She talks her two friends to come along with her in the limo (which will also have other couples). The two reluctantly agree. I mention all of this because: the two friends are under the impression that Kayla might, might, ‘sleep with’ her boyfriend for the first time that night. Riley, for reasons that later get explained, is super pissed about the issue; and I mention all of this because: though they didn’t start the night a couple, Riley and Evan end up ‘doing more’ than the actual couple did that prom night.
Kayla is quite encouraging in having Evan and Riley hook up. Until time passes and the whole thing just rubs her wrong. It’s . . . disturbing to her for reasons she can’t figure out . . . but might guess.
Then, to complicate matters, Kayla’s sister comes home for the summer and has a party. Because of the Riley/Evan issue, and because Kayla ‘just wants to fuck already’; Kayla’s going to go to Nicole’s (the sister) party with a plan. Somehow that ends up with her kissing another girl, getting caught and . . . complications galore.
So… Evan’s a massive asshole in boyfriend mode. Riley doesn’t really fancy guys. Kayla might be bicurious. And no, not ‘the end’, because ‘these things’ are dealt with before ‘the end.’
I’m not really sure why specifically I disliked this book, but, I did. Eh, was readable. I read it. On with the . . . oh, right, that’s everything currently out by this author. Um. On with the next author?
Rating: 2.76
September 10 2018
This is the story of three friends – they were friends as children, and they are still friends now that they are in high school, even though the three might not normally be in the same ‘groups’ based on how their lives drifted. Riley, not the main character, kind of has a skater like look, the kind to not normally wear fancy dresses and make-up unless ‘forced’ to do so by her friend; the kind who joined the skaters (the skate-boarders not the roller skaters), and the kind to not have dated . . until this book here started. Evan is the geeky gamer type, the kind who competes in academic competitions, and the kind who might not have otherwise talked much with girls except for falling into a friendship group that consisted entirely of girls (except for him). This leads us to both the third member of this friendship group, and the main character/point of view character – Kayla.
Kayla – since the time the three first became friends – ‘blossomed’ into the cheerleader ‘dating star athletes’ type of person. And before anyone shakes any kind of ‘she’s only dating that guy because she’s a cheerleader’ . . . um . . stick – she actually does find him sexually appealing.
Somewhere near the start of the book, Kayla is going to be going to the prom with her senior boyfriend. She talks her two friends to come along with her in the limo (which will also have other couples). The two reluctantly agree. I mention all of this because: the two friends are under the impression that Kayla might, might, ‘sleep with’ her boyfriend for the first time that night. Riley, for reasons that later get explained, is super pissed about the issue; and I mention all of this because: though they didn’t start the night a couple, Riley and Evan end up ‘doing more’ than the actual couple did that prom night.
Kayla is quite encouraging in having Evan and Riley hook up. Until time passes and the whole thing just rubs her wrong. It’s . . . disturbing to her for reasons she can’t figure out . . . but might guess.
Then, to complicate matters, Kayla’s sister comes home for the summer and has a party. Because of the Riley/Evan issue, and because Kayla ‘just wants to fuck already’; Kayla’s going to go to Nicole’s (the sister) party with a plan. Somehow that ends up with her kissing another girl, getting caught and . . . complications galore.
So… Evan’s a massive asshole in boyfriend mode. Riley doesn’t really fancy guys. Kayla might be bicurious. And no, not ‘the end’, because ‘these things’ are dealt with before ‘the end.’
I’m not really sure why specifically I disliked this book, but, I did. Eh, was readable. I read it. On with the . . . oh, right, that’s everything currently out by this author. Um. On with the next author?
Rating: 2.76
September 10 2018
February 9, 2017
Quick, fun read. The story was cool and the girls were super adorable together and Siera Maley writes the sweetest hilarious moments, but things just felt very rushed. I kept comparing this to Dating Sarah Cooper which I read recently, and the similarity that caught my attention the most was that they're both written in first-person so you read all about what the protagonist is feeling, but you can still perfectly tell how the other female lead feels too. The author writes all sorts of hints into every interaction between the girls from the very beginning, and it's fun to notice all the little things one does that the other completely misses or misinterprets since she's not aware of her feelings yet. As I said, though, everything happened too fast whereas in Dating Sarah Cooper the time it took the girls to realize their feelings and deal with the whole thing was much more realistic.
December 2, 2020
4 Stars - very enjoyable YA coming out story
I enjoyed this coming of age and coming out story of 3 best friends figuring out their feeling for each other. Everything was very PG and I liked the resolution at the end. There was no unneeded angst.
I enjoyed this coming of age and coming out story of 3 best friends figuring out their feeling for each other. Everything was very PG and I liked the resolution at the end. There was no unneeded angst.
October 8, 2020
This isn’t Maley’s first published book but I’m super curious if she wrote it earlier than her other books. By far it’s the least polished of hers that I’ve read and it felt a lot younger than her other writings. Even though the story takes place at the end of junior year, going on senior year the characters seemed more like 14/15 to me and the narrative skated the surface more than I’m used to with her other books.
Overall, it’s an okay read and has its place. The story centers around a girl who takes the longest time to realize she may like girls AND guys and what that ultimately means when she falls for her best friend who is already dating her other best friend.
If you’re not straight, regardless of age, I think we’ve all been there in the “figuring it out” stage and the fears that evokes so it’s relatable. Just, this one...I wasn’t as deeply invested in the characters and the story lands in a cute category.
I think it’s a good story for someone who is questioning their sexuality and it’s ultimately a comfort/feel good book for the young adult audience.
Overall, it’s an okay read and has its place. The story centers around a girl who takes the longest time to realize she may like girls AND guys and what that ultimately means when she falls for her best friend who is already dating her other best friend.
If you’re not straight, regardless of age, I think we’ve all been there in the “figuring it out” stage and the fears that evokes so it’s relatable. Just, this one...I wasn’t as deeply invested in the characters and the story lands in a cute category.
I think it’s a good story for someone who is questioning their sexuality and it’s ultimately a comfort/feel good book for the young adult audience.
January 6, 2018
I don’t think this book is as good as Siera Maley’s Dating Sarah Cooper and Colorblind but it’s still a cute coming-out story with emphasis on friendship, funny dialogues and adorable characters.
September 21, 2017
"Things between all of us were just showing signs of being on their way back to normal, but every time Riley and I looked at each other, I could tell we were both thinking about ruining it all."3.5 stars. High school best friends who discover they have feelings for each other. Predictable but cute. :)
October 25, 2015
Well... sometimes teen angst isn't that bad for the soul.
Gotta be in the mood for it, though!
Gotta be in the mood for it, though!
September 11, 2018
i love love loved this book so so much. everything about it was amazing!!! the friendship!!! the relationship!!! it was so realistic. i think my favorite part was the fact that no one put a ton of pressure on who their first kiss was and what it was supposed to mean to them. their first kiss didn’t Have to be special and it wasn’t made out to be some big deal. im not sure if that makes a whole lot of sense but it was something i loved so much about this book. everyone PLEASE READ THIS BOOK!!!
June 12, 2019
representation: bisexual mc, lesbian li, lesbian side character, #ownvoices author
Kayla, Riley, and Evan have been best friends their entire lives, and vow to not let high school ruin their bond. When Kayla becomes the typical popular cheerleader who dates jocks and her two friends stay in the shadows, they still remain best friends. However, after a night at prom that ends with Kayla freshly dumped by her boyfriend and her two other best friends in a relationship, things become complicated. Kayla doesn't understand why she's against the idea of Riley and Evan in a relationship, while she begins to question whether it's only boys she's been attracted to her entire life.
I've read a few of Siera Maley's other books by now and I can definitely say this is her weakest one. I'm guessing it was an earlier work and her writing hadn't developed yet. However, it wasn't bad. It was just evident that her writing wasn't as experienced in comparison to something like Colorblind. For example, the prom is a huge factor in the synopsis, but we get a few lines about them dancing, then time jumps and all of a sudden they're leaving. It never felt like the setting was established and we were just moving right along.
Something that I really appreciate about Siera Maley books is she tries to avoid the homophobia. Yes, LGBT teenagers do experience trouble when coming out, but sometimes I'm sick of only reading about people like me in tragic situations. I want something fun, I want to see friends and family accept gay characters after they've experienced a lot of anxiety about their sexuality. We do still need some of those negative stories to acknowledge how far we still need to go in inclusivity, but we need even more of these happy, positive, accepting stories. In this case, Kayla's mother and sister are so hilariously and sweetly positive of her coming out. Even her friends at school, who you'd expect to be unaccepting, respond in encouraging ways to Kayla and Riley's revelations.
The characters weren't as developed and fleshed-out as they could've been, but I still loved them. The relationship between the three best friends developed in a way I didn't expect. I'm so glad the author didn't forcibly break them up or go down the cliched path and have Kayla - being the popular cheerleader - bully her old friends/be homophobic towards Riley (like other f/f contemporary have, which I'm not a fan of). Their actions just seemed mature beyond their ages, where they could all accept each other and be supportive no matter what. It's a great example for the YA genre, and I wish Siera Maley had more attention in it.
On the Outside is simply a sweet, quick f/f contemporary about two best friends falling in love after years of miscommunication. It's also about an unbreakable friendship between three people that don't experience chinks in the armour even after all of them begin confusingly dating. It's something you could read within a matter of hours, so I'd recommend if you need a light and fluffy read!
May 13, 2019
In general, I like it. It is a cute, one-day-reading, book. But, I was expecting a better ending. Not that this book ended badly, but it ended prematurely. When we were getting more about them.. it was over.
It could have an Epilogue, or another chapter, with one year fast forward, for example. With them going to another Prom, because that would be a full circle.
I would like to know how their life had worked after the new couple had formed. I was expecting more details, more information. And another chapter could have fixed this.
It could have an Epilogue, or another chapter, with one year fast forward, for example. With them going to another Prom, because that would be a full circle.
I would like to know how their life had worked after the new couple had formed. I was expecting more details, more information. And another chapter could have fixed this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2019
3.75/5
- Simultaneous self discovery and realizing feelings for your best friend within a group of friends is my favourite love/hate trope
- I love it because it unleashes so many feelings in myself and I’m for some reason at my most empathetic
- That said I “hate” it because heartache sucks,, I don’t want it (but I do want it you know)
- This is my fourth siera Maley book now and idk why I’m surprised that I also loved this one
- The great take away from this and many other books with this dynamic: heteronormativity needs to perish
- also .. she needed an epilogue!!!
- Simultaneous self discovery and realizing feelings for your best friend within a group of friends is my favourite love/hate trope
- I love it because it unleashes so many feelings in myself and I’m for some reason at my most empathetic
- That said I “hate” it because heartache sucks,, I don’t want it (but I do want it you know)
- This is my fourth siera Maley book now and idk why I’m surprised that I also loved this one
- The great take away from this and many other books with this dynamic: heteronormativity needs to perish
- also .. she needed an epilogue!!!
September 1, 2020
3.5 this is my last kindle unlimited trial book and it is a good one to end on. There were a few parts I felt a bit off about but overall it was good. Thank goodness I am free from kindle unlimited it was not for me
November 3, 2015
On the Outside is all about a trio of friends: Kayla, Riley, and Evan. They've been friends since first grade, and before starting high school promised to stay best friends no matter what. It's been hard, but they've managed to stay friends, although not quite as close. Most of this is because Kayla has a boyfriend, but as soon as they break up, Riley and Evan start dating making things even more awkward. More awkward still would be Kayla realizing that she's jealous because she likes Riley too!
I loved the On the Outside had a very strong focus on friendship. It's all from Kayla's POV, so we get to see how awkward things feel to her as she watches her two best friends snuggle up together, then go out without her. Of course, we also get her struggling with her sexuality. Realizing that she likes girls (or at least just Riley) really throws Kayla off. She doesn't know if she's really gay, but she does still like boys, so is she bi? Is she allowed to label herself as bi if she isn't sure, or if Riley is the only girl that she likes? I really liked seeing this, because those are exactly the kind of thoughts that lead to bi-erasure. There is not quota of same-sex people you need to like to be bisexual. If you feel like you are, then you are. It was nice seeing Kayla come to terms with that at the end.
The one thing (or maybe two) that kept me from enjoying On the Outside more was that it ends pretty suddenly. I've noticed with other books by this author, that she rushes the endings. Normally it's just skimming over some final details, but in this case, I felt like everything was building, building, building and then just ended. Even just an epilogue could have taken care of that. I wanted to see how Riley and Kayla being together affected their friendship dynamic, because we got to see that with Riley and Evan. I also just wanted to see Riley and Kayla together, period. There isn't much of that at all, once the truth is out.
I definitely still really liked On the Outside. It's a very quick read, which I finished in one sitting. I love stories of friendship as well as friends-to-lover Romances, so this was certainly going to be a hit for me anyway. I was just disappointed with how everything was resolved.
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
I loved the On the Outside had a very strong focus on friendship. It's all from Kayla's POV, so we get to see how awkward things feel to her as she watches her two best friends snuggle up together, then go out without her. Of course, we also get her struggling with her sexuality. Realizing that she likes girls (or at least just Riley) really throws Kayla off. She doesn't know if she's really gay, but she does still like boys, so is she bi? Is she allowed to label herself as bi if she isn't sure, or if Riley is the only girl that she likes? I really liked seeing this, because those are exactly the kind of thoughts that lead to bi-erasure. There is not quota of same-sex people you need to like to be bisexual. If you feel like you are, then you are. It was nice seeing Kayla come to terms with that at the end.
The one thing (or maybe two) that kept me from enjoying On the Outside more was that it ends pretty suddenly. I've noticed with other books by this author, that she rushes the endings. Normally it's just skimming over some final details, but in this case, I felt like everything was building, building, building and then just ended. Even just an epilogue could have taken care of that. I wanted to see how Riley and Kayla being together affected their friendship dynamic, because we got to see that with Riley and Evan. I also just wanted to see Riley and Kayla together, period. There isn't much of that at all, once the truth is out.
I definitely still really liked On the Outside. It's a very quick read, which I finished in one sitting. I love stories of friendship as well as friends-to-lover Romances, so this was certainly going to be a hit for me anyway. I was just disappointed with how everything was resolved.
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
November 11, 2015
An extremely generous 3 stars.
I didn't realize when I read this that it was the same author who wrote Taking Flight, but in retrospect I can see a LOT of similarities.
Like Taking Flight, this book isn't bad, but it's not particularly good either. It's as middle of the road basic as you can get. But it kept my attention the whole time and more positive representations of bi main characters are always good, so there's that.
Sometimes things are just TOO on the nose, though, which often gives it a very Degrassi, after school special type of feeling. Which isn't a terrible crime, but it sometimes makes the interactions just feel so forced. Also, I felt all of the resolutions were REALLY rushed right at the end, and Kayla and Riley's relationship felt just a little too tame for me, but overall it wasn't like this is the worst thing I've ever read in terms of YA.
I didn't realize when I read this that it was the same author who wrote Taking Flight, but in retrospect I can see a LOT of similarities.
Like Taking Flight, this book isn't bad, but it's not particularly good either. It's as middle of the road basic as you can get. But it kept my attention the whole time and more positive representations of bi main characters are always good, so there's that.
Sometimes things are just TOO on the nose, though, which often gives it a very Degrassi, after school special type of feeling. Which isn't a terrible crime, but it sometimes makes the interactions just feel so forced. Also, I felt all of the resolutions were REALLY rushed right at the end, and Kayla and Riley's relationship felt just a little too tame for me, but overall it wasn't like this is the worst thing I've ever read in terms of YA.
September 2, 2025
3,75 ⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2023
once again this was a lovely little 200 page book from siera maley. i do wholeheartedly believe that the author will never fail when it comes to writing sapphic books. i loved all 3 of the main characters in this book (even the boy which is a shock for me) and their friendship was incredibly sweet. anyway siera maley sapphic supremacy!
August 24, 2019
Part 3 of 4 of my Siera Maley binge ...
This was my least favourite of the books. It was still ok, but Evan really annoyed me. I spent most of the book wishing the two girls would just kick him to the kerb and ride off into the sunset on a big, gay, rainbow-coloured unicorn.
This was my least favourite of the books. It was still ok, but Evan really annoyed me. I spent most of the book wishing the two girls would just kick him to the kerb and ride off into the sunset on a big, gay, rainbow-coloured unicorn.
April 21, 2021
I really like Siera Maley, but in this book she was still a little immature in her writing and did not know how to develop a relationship between women. this book annoyed me a lot because it seemed that the boy was also the protagonist, had more moments of it than the couple of two women.
April 23, 2020
a solid 3.5 sometimes siera maley just hits different
October 8, 2025
3,25/5
I enjoyed this at a high level,but do I believe this was a good book?no.
Like 80 of the book the mc spends her time thinking about how better everything was as "friends" like don't you just love the romance here?😍They were cute,but I really had a moment where I wanted Grace with Kayla and it caught me off guard their chemistry. The Book had realistic dialogue which I appreciate in a book.
I enjoyed this at a high level,but do I believe this was a good book?no.
Like 80 of the book the mc spends her time thinking about how better everything was as "friends" like don't you just love the romance here?😍They were cute,but I really had a moment where I wanted Grace with Kayla and it caught me off guard their chemistry. The Book had realistic dialogue which I appreciate in a book.
August 23, 2019
wayyy too short
February 28, 2022
3.75
I love them, but I think the writing was a little too hurried—which wasn’t exactly the case in taking flight, for example. I wish that the ending was stretched out a bit more, and that we would’ve gotten to see a few more scenes of them together when they finally could be without worrying. But still, loved this and them!
I love them, but I think the writing was a little too hurried—which wasn’t exactly the case in taking flight, for example. I wish that the ending was stretched out a bit more, and that we would’ve gotten to see a few more scenes of them together when they finally could be without worrying. But still, loved this and them!
February 8, 2017
This is another solid entry from Siera Maley. A bit lighter than Dating Sarah Cooper, On the Outside did cover some similar ground. Both were about high school girls coming to terms with their own sexuality, both dealt with friendships turning to love under difficult circumstances.
Dating Sarah Cooper felt a little edgier, though; it had more bite, it examined the different reactions to homosexuality and bisexuality, it looked at GSAs and LGBTQ+ resource centers. While the issues in Dating Sarah Cooper existed both in the minds of the characters and the real world, the issues in On the Outside, strangely enough, were mostly internal. There wasn't much outside pressure here about orientation, it focused more on the awkward love triangle between three childhood friends. And I'm totally okay with that.
While I would say I prefer Dating Sarah Cooper due to its deeper lows and higher peaks, not every coming out story has to feature high drama and external ridicule, especially these days. It's absolutely fine to have queer teens dealing with situations that have more to do with being human than being gay. That's not to say orientation was a non-issue here, though. There was one scene in particular during which Kayla wages an internal conflict with how to label her sexuality that felt absolutely real.
The characters here were all well-written, all of the principal players were layered and textured, and that was really refreshing, particularly in the case of Evan. A lesser writer would have just made Evan the token male bogeyman, but Ms. Maley didn't do that. He was flawed without being malevolent, and I felt that was a critical component. He definitely had his issues, but they were understandable issues. If he had been utterly unsympathetic, it wouldn't have been a love triangle, it would've been a line.
The editing and proofreading were excellent. That's never a given with independently published titles, but it's definitely appreciated. Having to spend time mentally correcting errors can pull you out of the story, but that's rarely an issue with Ms. Maley's books.
So, to sum up, not quite as strong as Dating Sarah Cooper in my opinion (which I consider to be a 4.5-star book), but close enough. Both books deserve strong recommendations.
Dating Sarah Cooper felt a little edgier, though; it had more bite, it examined the different reactions to homosexuality and bisexuality, it looked at GSAs and LGBTQ+ resource centers. While the issues in Dating Sarah Cooper existed both in the minds of the characters and the real world, the issues in On the Outside, strangely enough, were mostly internal. There wasn't much outside pressure here about orientation, it focused more on the awkward love triangle between three childhood friends. And I'm totally okay with that.
While I would say I prefer Dating Sarah Cooper due to its deeper lows and higher peaks, not every coming out story has to feature high drama and external ridicule, especially these days. It's absolutely fine to have queer teens dealing with situations that have more to do with being human than being gay. That's not to say orientation was a non-issue here, though. There was one scene in particular during which Kayla wages an internal conflict with how to label her sexuality that felt absolutely real.
The characters here were all well-written, all of the principal players were layered and textured, and that was really refreshing, particularly in the case of Evan. A lesser writer would have just made Evan the token male bogeyman, but Ms. Maley didn't do that. He was flawed without being malevolent, and I felt that was a critical component. He definitely had his issues, but they were understandable issues. If he had been utterly unsympathetic, it wouldn't have been a love triangle, it would've been a line.
The editing and proofreading were excellent. That's never a given with independently published titles, but it's definitely appreciated. Having to spend time mentally correcting errors can pull you out of the story, but that's rarely an issue with Ms. Maley's books.
So, to sum up, not quite as strong as Dating Sarah Cooper in my opinion (which I consider to be a 4.5-star book), but close enough. Both books deserve strong recommendations.
January 10, 2019
I really loved Riley's character. I wish there were more scenes with her in them. I really didn't like Evan. I was hoping he'd grow on me but he only annoyed me more and more as the story progressed. I would have loved more intimate scenes between Kayla and Riley, but I also can appreciate that is young adult. That said, I would've been content with more kissing even. I do like this author though, but I'm not particularly fond of this book. I am giving this book three stars instead of two because I think it answers some of the questions that many people have when they're discovering their sexuality and that's important. Feeling represented in anything positive is important. That said, this story would probably be a good read for anyone who is struggling with and/or questioning their identity.
May 15, 2016
I read this in like... a few hours. I just couldn't put the book down. I love teen angst and the whole storyline is amazing. <3 This is the second book i've read by Siera Maley and I believe she is well on her way to becoming my favourite author.
October 23, 2015
If you like teenage angst and high school drama, this book is definitely perfect for you.
April 25, 2016
Felt quite slow, and I didn't love the characters, but it was an okay read overall.
February 24, 2018
Read this review and more on my blog at [Roxie Writes].
‘On the Outside’ by Siera Maley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Finished on February 23, 2018
Read with Kindle Unlimited Subscription
FREE on Kindle Unlimited | $2.99 on Kindle | $8.99 in Paperback
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Kayla has had the same two best friends since she was a small child. She, Evan, and Riley have always been there for each other and when they started high school, they vowed to never let anything (or anyone) come between them.
As things tend to go and as high school progresses, Kayla becomes absorbed in cheerleading and her boyfriend. Evan in his studies. And Riley with her skateboarding friends. Still, their love for each other has never wavered.
When Riley and Evan start to date, Kayla soon realizes she has feelings for Riley. She never saw herself liking girls before, and the last thing she wants to do is hurt Evan. Everything becomes a confusing mess.
There’s no ignoring it, though. Her feelings are real, so she has to figure out how to balance them without tearing her friendship apart.
MY REVIEW:
I’ve read Maley’s work before and really liked it. ‘On the Outside’ was just as lovely a read. I love a good coming of age story, and this is a heck of a good one.
I’ve been reading a lot of horror lately, so I wanted something sweeter and more “real life” to cleanse my palate. This book did the job perfectly.
Maley writes teenagers, young love, and burgeoning sexuality extremely well. Her writing style is simple, light, and easy-to-read. The story flows off the pages, and you forget you’re reading.
The friendship between Riley, Evan, and Kayla is genuine and precious and much like many of us had growing up. Even when things get tenuous between them, there is no love lost, and that makes for a lovely story.
I will 100% be reading more of Maley’s work in the future.
‘On the Outside’ by Siera Maley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Finished on February 23, 2018
Read with Kindle Unlimited Subscription
FREE on Kindle Unlimited | $2.99 on Kindle | $8.99 in Paperback
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Kayla has had the same two best friends since she was a small child. She, Evan, and Riley have always been there for each other and when they started high school, they vowed to never let anything (or anyone) come between them.
As things tend to go and as high school progresses, Kayla becomes absorbed in cheerleading and her boyfriend. Evan in his studies. And Riley with her skateboarding friends. Still, their love for each other has never wavered.
When Riley and Evan start to date, Kayla soon realizes she has feelings for Riley. She never saw herself liking girls before, and the last thing she wants to do is hurt Evan. Everything becomes a confusing mess.
There’s no ignoring it, though. Her feelings are real, so she has to figure out how to balance them without tearing her friendship apart.
MY REVIEW:
I’ve read Maley’s work before and really liked it. ‘On the Outside’ was just as lovely a read. I love a good coming of age story, and this is a heck of a good one.
I’ve been reading a lot of horror lately, so I wanted something sweeter and more “real life” to cleanse my palate. This book did the job perfectly.
Maley writes teenagers, young love, and burgeoning sexuality extremely well. Her writing style is simple, light, and easy-to-read. The story flows off the pages, and you forget you’re reading.
The friendship between Riley, Evan, and Kayla is genuine and precious and much like many of us had growing up. Even when things get tenuous between them, there is no love lost, and that makes for a lovely story.
I will 100% be reading more of Maley’s work in the future.
March 17, 2018
Siera Maley does it once again! Man, I'm on a book binge and I've managed to read four books by her in a span of two days and I am loving every single bit of it!
To me, this is a plot line that is often done wrong on several occasions and put through hell. Usually when there is a group of three and two of them starts to date and the odd one out realizes that they like one of the two that are dating, it becomes a mess. Oftentimes, ending the childhood friendships and it's just really toxic to see. And there's usually cheating. Siera Maley managed to avoid practically all of that and I am so thankful that she did. The jealousy is still there and that's expected and it's not too overtop to where it got old. It was understandable and it stayed that way throughout the story. Emotions were high but not unrealistic and all of it was greatly developed.
I apologize if I sound repetitive, it's only because of my insane love for characters and characterizations, but I loved the characters! I loved watching Kayla uncovering her feelings for Riley. I loved watching her struggle with herself because it wasn't supposed to be that way. I loved seeing her discover herself and her development. I loved seeing I loved the way that the story ended.
Awe man, you're gonna make run out of money buying all these books of yours! But it's worth it because they are truly magnificent. I will eventually order this and it's taking all of my willpower not to order it now but I have to wait, sadly. This was truly a joy to read!
To me, this is a plot line that is often done wrong on several occasions and put through hell. Usually when there is a group of three and two of them starts to date and the odd one out realizes that they like one of the two that are dating, it becomes a mess. Oftentimes, ending the childhood friendships and it's just really toxic to see. And there's usually cheating. Siera Maley managed to avoid practically all of that and I am so thankful that she did. The jealousy is still there and that's expected and it's not too overtop to where it got old. It was understandable and it stayed that way throughout the story. Emotions were high but not unrealistic and all of it was greatly developed.
I apologize if I sound repetitive, it's only because of my insane love for characters and characterizations, but I loved the characters! I loved watching Kayla uncovering her feelings for Riley. I loved watching her struggle with herself because it wasn't supposed to be that way. I loved seeing her discover herself and her development. I loved seeing I loved the way that the story ended.
Awe man, you're gonna make run out of money buying all these books of yours! But it's worth it because they are truly magnificent. I will eventually order this and it's taking all of my willpower not to order it now but I have to wait, sadly. This was truly a joy to read!
October 30, 2017
After having read most of Siera Maley's books, I have come to the conclusion that I just really don't like how she brings her stories. This is why:
Endless amounts of (teenage) drama. There is always at least one in the closet and new to being gay/bisexual (which is not a bad thing, I mean the characters are young adults, of course, they have not got it all figured it out. Yet it does annoy me how stereotypical they all fall into the same patterns).
Little to no cute interaction between the characters (with a slight exception for 'Colourblind'); the stories are always so focussed on the drama I have mentioned above, that all the cute moments could be fitted on ten pages, if not less. With 'cute moments' I mean something casual, like sitting in a room talking about life, or, for all I care, philosophizing about a dog wanting to run through the woods.
Rushed endings, which may be the freaking worst part about her stories. When the main characters are finally happy together, without any immediate obstacles before them, the story is so fast-paced and abruptly stopped... It is so unsatisfying after all the drama Maley put the characters (and the reader) through.
The only reason I keep reading her books is for the personality of the characters; there is always a bit of sassy banter between them, I like the humour she puts into the dialogue and I like most (if not all) the characters she creates, both the supporting and main characters.
And I just keep hoping that (one of) her future books will have some of the ingredients I so clearly miss.
Endless amounts of (teenage) drama. There is always at least one in the closet and new to being gay/bisexual (which is not a bad thing, I mean the characters are young adults, of course, they have not got it all figured it out. Yet it does annoy me how stereotypical they all fall into the same patterns).
Little to no cute interaction between the characters (with a slight exception for 'Colourblind'); the stories are always so focussed on the drama I have mentioned above, that all the cute moments could be fitted on ten pages, if not less. With 'cute moments' I mean something casual, like sitting in a room talking about life, or, for all I care, philosophizing about a dog wanting to run through the woods.
Rushed endings, which may be the freaking worst part about her stories. When the main characters are finally happy together, without any immediate obstacles before them, the story is so fast-paced and abruptly stopped... It is so unsatisfying after all the drama Maley put the characters (and the reader) through.
The only reason I keep reading her books is for the personality of the characters; there is always a bit of sassy banter between them, I like the humour she puts into the dialogue and I like most (if not all) the characters she creates, both the supporting and main characters.
And I just keep hoping that (one of) her future books will have some of the ingredients I so clearly miss.
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