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OC Pride #1
Jumping the Fence
Kevin isn't into guys at all. He's had a string of girlfriends, done all of the usual things a straight man is supposed to do, so why is he dreaming about guys. And why are his dreams better than any reality with his ladies? When Ben, the IT guy, starts flirting with him, Kevin isn't sure what to think. He knows Ben is gay, knows Ben is experienced in the things he only thinks about when no one is watching. When a computer problem turns into a steamy encounter, Kevin tries to go back to being totally straight. Can Ben convince him that dreams can become reality?
200 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2005
2 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 19, 2010
i hate writing bad reviews, and i actually feel badly giving this book only one star b/c it wasnt horrible, but it was bad enough. 'jumping the fence' was oddly disjointed with haphazard flashes of the past that had nothing to do with the plot... my main grievances are as follows:
-I still don’t understand the single appearance/mention of ben's old lover- who was apparently still hung up on him- despite the author taking pains to jam home the hurt in his eyes that ben didn't understand. then there was a page or so dedicated to another old lover who ben was absurdly in love with/in awe of-- who again was mentioned just that once. even by the end of the book i couldn't figure out why the author bothered with these two peripheral characters. they gave absolutely nothing to the story other than adding to my confusion. Not to mention the dozens of references to ben’s penchant for attracting bi-curious guys & getting burned for it. That wasn’t explained either. Why bother writing about it??
-the book was rife with massively overplayed clichés, like how all women are whiney, demanding bitches. this is apparently why kevin begins being attracted to ben- as a man, he must be less trouble to hang out with than women. Also included: the stereotype that states when two men are engaged in *ahem* intimate moments, there’s never any second-guessing about what the other want. Because they’re both guys, each automatically just knows what to do to please the other immediately.
-both main characters were fairly unlikable, mainly b/c the reader knows next to nothing about them- they’re almost entirely one-dimensional. kevin was annoying with his whole i'm-definitely-not-gay-i-just-want-to-suck-guys-off. although ben was pretty much a complete prick, so i guess they kind of fit. other than those two bits about them, i couldn’t tell you a damn thing about either. fine, that’s not entirely accurate: ben liked jazz. kevin spoke spanish and about ¾ through we figure out that he’s pretty family oriented. Furthermore, they didn't seem to have any real interest in one another, other than occasionally admitting a physical attraction. Then, suddenly, it’s true love for the both of them. With minimal conversation and/or physical interaction. Still not quite certain how that could make any sense- even in happy-half-assed-fiction-land.
-there were some really peculiar phrases that threw me off and disrupted the story. Namely mentioning kevin's 'native environment' (I think the author meant mexico, despite him not being born in mexico, but whatever)- which made me think of him as an iguana or baboon... some animal that you’d see on a nature program, at any rate. and can somebody PLEASE explain how the hell you tuck one hand under your armpit and the other across your chest? isn’t that just crossing your arms? or are both hands tucked under the same armpit? Because that’s just awkward. i do realize that this is really not an important line, but i stalled out trying to picture that position. for a while. in fact, i think that's what i remember most about the book.
after this book, i have absolutely zero interest in trying any of ms vaughan's other books.
-I still don’t understand the single appearance/mention of ben's old lover- who was apparently still hung up on him- despite the author taking pains to jam home the hurt in his eyes that ben didn't understand. then there was a page or so dedicated to another old lover who ben was absurdly in love with/in awe of-- who again was mentioned just that once. even by the end of the book i couldn't figure out why the author bothered with these two peripheral characters. they gave absolutely nothing to the story other than adding to my confusion. Not to mention the dozens of references to ben’s penchant for attracting bi-curious guys & getting burned for it. That wasn’t explained either. Why bother writing about it??
-the book was rife with massively overplayed clichés, like how all women are whiney, demanding bitches. this is apparently why kevin begins being attracted to ben- as a man, he must be less trouble to hang out with than women. Also included: the stereotype that states when two men are engaged in *ahem* intimate moments, there’s never any second-guessing about what the other want. Because they’re both guys, each automatically just knows what to do to please the other immediately.
-both main characters were fairly unlikable, mainly b/c the reader knows next to nothing about them- they’re almost entirely one-dimensional. kevin was annoying with his whole i'm-definitely-not-gay-i-just-want-to-suck-guys-off. although ben was pretty much a complete prick, so i guess they kind of fit. other than those two bits about them, i couldn’t tell you a damn thing about either. fine, that’s not entirely accurate: ben liked jazz. kevin spoke spanish and about ¾ through we figure out that he’s pretty family oriented. Furthermore, they didn't seem to have any real interest in one another, other than occasionally admitting a physical attraction. Then, suddenly, it’s true love for the both of them. With minimal conversation and/or physical interaction. Still not quite certain how that could make any sense- even in happy-half-assed-fiction-land.
-there were some really peculiar phrases that threw me off and disrupted the story. Namely mentioning kevin's 'native environment' (I think the author meant mexico, despite him not being born in mexico, but whatever)- which made me think of him as an iguana or baboon... some animal that you’d see on a nature program, at any rate. and can somebody PLEASE explain how the hell you tuck one hand under your armpit and the other across your chest? isn’t that just crossing your arms? or are both hands tucked under the same armpit? Because that’s just awkward. i do realize that this is really not an important line, but i stalled out trying to picture that position. for a while. in fact, i think that's what i remember most about the book.
after this book, i have absolutely zero interest in trying any of ms vaughan's other books.
October 19, 2009
So, I started this book and while I didn't exactly dislike it, it didn't really engage me either. So I was a little less than halfway, and I took a break and read some other stuff.
When I came back to this, I ended up really enjoying it. So I don't know. Did it get better, or was it just my mood? A mystery for the ages.
When I came back to this, I ended up really enjoying it. So I don't know. Did it get better, or was it just my mood? A mystery for the ages.
September 22, 2023
Excellent book!
I first did not understood such fear of being gay, but before writing this comment saw that the book is of 2005 year.
I just did not understood what here were doing memories about Ben's lover, and not explained anything about him.
In everything else - perfect! Pity, that it is so short.
I first did not understood such fear of being gay, but before writing this comment saw that the book is of 2005 year.
I just did not understood what here were doing memories about Ben's lover, and not explained anything about him.
In everything else - perfect! Pity, that it is so short.
Read
April 10, 2009Crossing the Lines by Stephanie Vaughan was my first real M/M romance. Maybe two years ago I read Menage by Emma Holly that has a M/M relationship in it, but one of the guys in the end falls in love for a woman and left the guy. It's a good book, but sincerely I was sad to not have the happily ever after for the boys. So I gave a try to a M/M story. It was Crossing the Line. I like it a lot and soon after finished it I bought Jumping the Fence. Another good read but I remember clearly to be a little disappointed when the story abruptly finish when the two characters have just decided to give a try to their relationship. And when I read that Stephanie Vaughan decided to "expand" it, I didn't understand exactly, I thought she wanted to rewrite the story. Instead she has added some more to the story, telling us what the guys do after their decision to try to be a couple.
Kevin is a latino guy who has had his share of girls in his life, but never been completely satisfy with them. And recently he has had some idea, about guys and about what guys can do when they are alone. He thinks to be only a sexual thing so when he meets Ben, a new colleague at work, he begins to fantasy about him and Ben, and when Ben makes a move on him he is ready to jump into the possibility. But Ken tries to convince himself that it is only sex, cause he is not gay. He only wants to be happy and comfort, and with a guy is more simple then with a girl.
Ben on the other hand is tired to hide. He has left his native home in a bad way cause he was not accepted by his family and now he has no intention to hidden no more. He is a lot attracted by Kevin, he is hot and cute in his inexperience, but Ben has no desire to be his school ship on the unknown sea of gay pleasure. I think Ben is a very patient man. He stands in front of all the insecurities of Kevin and gives him time and space. And everytime Kevin makes a wrong step, he is ready to forgive him.
This is a tender book which tells us Kevin's journey to discover himself. Kevin is a nice character, maybe a bit spoilt, but not bad. He is the product of the society where he is born, but he is good enough to try to overcome it.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1603703853/?...
Kevin is a latino guy who has had his share of girls in his life, but never been completely satisfy with them. And recently he has had some idea, about guys and about what guys can do when they are alone. He thinks to be only a sexual thing so when he meets Ben, a new colleague at work, he begins to fantasy about him and Ben, and when Ben makes a move on him he is ready to jump into the possibility. But Ken tries to convince himself that it is only sex, cause he is not gay. He only wants to be happy and comfort, and with a guy is more simple then with a girl.
Ben on the other hand is tired to hide. He has left his native home in a bad way cause he was not accepted by his family and now he has no intention to hidden no more. He is a lot attracted by Kevin, he is hot and cute in his inexperience, but Ben has no desire to be his school ship on the unknown sea of gay pleasure. I think Ben is a very patient man. He stands in front of all the insecurities of Kevin and gives him time and space. And everytime Kevin makes a wrong step, he is ready to forgive him.
This is a tender book which tells us Kevin's journey to discover himself. Kevin is a nice character, maybe a bit spoilt, but not bad. He is the product of the society where he is born, but he is good enough to try to overcome it.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1603703853/?...
November 3, 2012
Nothing too original, but realistic, entertaining characters
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 7/10
PROS:
- Kevin’s internal thoughts that give voice to the struggles with admitting he’s gay are well thought out, especially given that they were written by a woman.
- Most of the dialogue is fast-paced and realistic. And there’s a scene in which Ben is putting a computer together for Kevin that is full of sexual innuendo. It made me squirm, in a half-uncomfortable, half-anticipatory way.
- The way the guys work up to a relationship is interesting and again, pretty true-to-life. They start with “innocent,” no-strings-attached oral sex, and it’s only when Ben kisses Kevin that Kevin puts on the brakes. I’ve known a lot of guys who denied that they were even bisexual as long as the sex never went beyond oral…whether they were receiving or giving.
CONS:
- I felt sorry for Ben throughout much of the book, as I do for any guy who likes someone who’s straight or who’s gay but isn’t out yet. And I was a little surprised at how easily he allows himself to be drawn into sexual situations with Kevin. Even though Ben struggles with constant “lovesick homosexual pining for the unattainable” (funny, by the way), he doesn’t push Kevin away or get angry when Kevin throws every mixed signal in the book at him. Ben simply offers himself up as a sort of sexual sacrifice.
- The relationship moves really quickly once Kevin comes to terms with his sexuality. And really, the speed with which he takes the plunge and starts coming out to people close to him seems a bit rushed too.
Overall comments: No involved plot, but realistic characters for the most part and well-depicted scenes in which the two guys do everyday, normal things (grocery shopping, for example). Light and fluffy with a minimum of angsty scenes: an enjoyable little read.
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 7/10
PROS:
- Kevin’s internal thoughts that give voice to the struggles with admitting he’s gay are well thought out, especially given that they were written by a woman.
- Most of the dialogue is fast-paced and realistic. And there’s a scene in which Ben is putting a computer together for Kevin that is full of sexual innuendo. It made me squirm, in a half-uncomfortable, half-anticipatory way.
- The way the guys work up to a relationship is interesting and again, pretty true-to-life. They start with “innocent,” no-strings-attached oral sex, and it’s only when Ben kisses Kevin that Kevin puts on the brakes. I’ve known a lot of guys who denied that they were even bisexual as long as the sex never went beyond oral…whether they were receiving or giving.
CONS:
- I felt sorry for Ben throughout much of the book, as I do for any guy who likes someone who’s straight or who’s gay but isn’t out yet. And I was a little surprised at how easily he allows himself to be drawn into sexual situations with Kevin. Even though Ben struggles with constant “lovesick homosexual pining for the unattainable” (funny, by the way), he doesn’t push Kevin away or get angry when Kevin throws every mixed signal in the book at him. Ben simply offers himself up as a sort of sexual sacrifice.
- The relationship moves really quickly once Kevin comes to terms with his sexuality. And really, the speed with which he takes the plunge and starts coming out to people close to him seems a bit rushed too.
Overall comments: No involved plot, but realistic characters for the most part and well-depicted scenes in which the two guys do everyday, normal things (grocery shopping, for example). Light and fluffy with a minimum of angsty scenes: an enjoyable little read.
October 5, 2011
2,5 stars..
I like it, because that story was nice and kinda sweet. As I mentioned once or twice (or even more :P ), I like "gay for you" storyline, but this time I couldn't get into. When I was reading this novel, I had a feeling that something is missing. At one point I was ready to admit, that someone cut a few chapters.
Do you know that feeling, when you want to lick an ice cream, but between you and your ice cream is the wall of glass? You can't lick it through the glass. Maybe now you can get what I mean.
I really wanted give better rating, but I would like to read more about their past and about their daily life. Instead, I get only snippets. I need more. Seriously.
I like it, because that story was nice and kinda sweet. As I mentioned once or twice (or even more :P ), I like "gay for you" storyline, but this time I couldn't get into. When I was reading this novel, I had a feeling that something is missing. At one point I was ready to admit, that someone cut a few chapters.
Do you know that feeling, when you want to lick an ice cream, but between you and your ice cream is the wall of glass? You can't lick it through the glass. Maybe now you can get what I mean.
I really wanted give better rating, but I would like to read more about their past and about their daily life. Instead, I get only snippets. I need more. Seriously.
dnf
September 12, 2016DNF at 40%
This book was given to me in a challenge, and usually I try to finish them, especially since this one is not so big. But the thing is, the further I read, the more I dislike it, so I'd rather stop now and DNF without a rating than finish it, give it one star and a scathing review.
I found the narrative very disjointed and plagued with logical inconsistencies that bug me to no end. Furthermore, both characters were really unlikeable and neithter of them seemed to have much of a personality. While everyone else, especially women, were viewed with disdain, which didn't make me enamored with the book either.
This book was given to me in a challenge, and usually I try to finish them, especially since this one is not so big. But the thing is, the further I read, the more I dislike it, so I'd rather stop now and DNF without a rating than finish it, give it one star and a scathing review.
I found the narrative very disjointed and plagued with logical inconsistencies that bug me to no end. Furthermore, both characters were really unlikeable and neithter of them seemed to have much of a personality. While everyone else, especially women, were viewed with disdain, which didn't make me enamored with the book either.
December 24, 2012
What an odd book! There was a really awkward writing style - swapping first person narratives without warning - and these odd little internal dialogues to really make you work for understanding. Because I spent a lot of time trying to work out who was saying/feeling/thinking what, I found it incredibly difficult to engage with the characters. I also found that I was held at arms-length from the characters by the author which didn’t help make things any easier. Not great, nothing special, maybe worth reading once.
August 10, 2013
This was a nice story about Kevin, a supposedly straight guy, who begins having fantasies about his co-worker, Ben. When the fantasies have a chance to become reality, Kevin takes the chance and finds he enjoys sex with a man. Ben is out and proud gay, but Kevin keeps regressing into the closet and is unable to make a commitment.
Some angst over whether or not Kevin can finally accept who he is and have a real relationship with Ben is about the only drama in this story. Overall, though, it was sweet with some hot scenes and might be a good book for a nice afternoon beach read.
Some angst over whether or not Kevin can finally accept who he is and have a real relationship with Ben is about the only drama in this story. Overall, though, it was sweet with some hot scenes and might be a good book for a nice afternoon beach read.
February 2, 2010
sweet, very sweet gay - for you story, writing was ok, although the characters were a bit flat.
April 29, 2011
sweet love story
January 2, 2012
One of my first GFY reads....like cotton candy. Who doesn't love cotton candy? Maybe you can't live on it, but its good to sneak it every once and a while.
February 18, 2021
2.5 stars
June 19, 2015
Sweet story with sweet MC's.
January 15, 2017
I didn't care for these characters.
May 28, 2011
3.5 stars. Good m/m romance about figuring out who you really are and what you need to be happy.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews