By Your Side - Review

By Your Side

By: Kasie West

Expected Publication: January 31st 2017 by Harper Teen

352 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss (Thank you!!)

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Goodreads description--In this irresistible story, Kasie West explores the timeless question of what to do when you fall for the person you least expect. Witty and romantic, this paperback original from a fan favorite is perfect for fans of Stephanie Perkins and Morgan Matson.

When Autumn Collins finds herself accidentally locked in the library for an entire weekend, she doesn’t think things could get any worse. But that’s before she realizes that Dax Miller is locked in with her. Autumn doesn’t know much about Dax except that he’s trouble. Between the rumors about the fight he was in (and that brief stint in juvie that followed it) and his reputation as a loner, he’s not exactly the ideal person to be stuck with. Still, she just keeps reminding herself that it is only a matter of time before Jeff, her almost-boyfriend, realizes he left her in the library and comes to rescue her.

Only he doesn’t come. No one does.

Instead it becomes clear that Autumn is going to have to spend the next couple of days living off vending-machine food and making conversation with a boy who clearly wants nothing to do with her. Except there is more to Dax than meets the eye. As he and Autumn first grudgingly, and then not so grudgingly, open up to each other, Autumn is struck by their surprising connection. But can their feelings for each other survive once the weekend is over and Autumn’s old life, and old love interest, threaten to pull her from Dax’s side?

When I featured By Your Side as a Waiting on Wednesday post, Jen and Lisa both commented about wondering how come these two couldn't get out using a window or a computer or phone. I have to say that Kasie West addressed each issue, as I figured she would. Now, I do have to say that I personally didn't want to overanalyze this aspect because I just wanted to have fun with the idea of being stuck in a library after hours. But regardless, every issue was addressed.

I was expecting Autumn and Dax to be stuck in the library for a longer portion of the book, but I'm glad that's not the case. As the description suggests, the two have to figure out if their friendship can survive the real world as they're both from very different circles and backgrounds.

Autumn is pretty popular. She's on the yearbook staff so everyone knows her as the girl behind the camera. She has a large group of friends that appear to be the popular crowd. But Autumn has a bit of a secret. I don't really consider this a spoiler, but you've been warned....are you still here? okay...Autumn struggles with anxiety. It's mentioned that she has an anxiety disorder but no specific one was mentioned. This makes getting locked in the library an extra level of complicated for her.

Dax has the reputation for being a bad boy. As the description states, he was involved in a fight that resulted in spending some time in juvie. No one knows Dax very well, and Autumn rightly points out that it is because he doesn't want to be known. Dax started off very standoffish, and even throughout their stay at the library that didn't change by much. I did find the switch to be a bit abrupt, but I really came to love his character.

Kasie West is one of the authors that I've found to be consistent. I'm sure I won't like every single book that she publishes or writes, but so far I've enjoyed every single one that I've read. And By Your Side was no different. They're always cute, fun, and fast reads for me. I read By Your Side in about a day. And I absolutely love that she keeps her books clean.

Favorite quotes:

-What was I scared of? Letting someone close? Handing him the power to hurt me? Letting go of control? Possibilities don't hurt as much as realities. Possibilities are exciting and endless. Realities are final.

-"Your vision is limited behind that camera."

-"Figure out what you want"...

By Your Side was a cute and fun read for me, but it wasn't surface level only. Kasie West does a great job taking storylines that aren't always original, but crafting characters that bring the stories to light in a way that I don't care if they've been done before. By Your Side gets 4 Stars from me. Have you read By Your Side? What did you think? Let me know!