Review: By Your Side by Kasie West

 

By Your Side

by Kasie West

January 31, 2017
352 pages

Goodreads  Indigo
 

Goodreads Summary:

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?

Review

My love for Kasie West is endless. Her books never disappoint. Her writing always makes me swoon and smile. By Your Side was no exception. It has everything I love in a contemporary story.

As a romantic I've daydreamed of being in a similar situation as Autumn. I mean I wouldn't want to be locked up anywhere but who could resist it if it involves a cute boy and one sleeping bag? It's kind of dreamy lol. In reality however, I questioned how the missing teenager storyline would work but Ms. West presents a plausible explanation. It's logical and I appreciate how it carries through the rest of the story.

Autumn was a character I liked even though I didn't necessarily agree with some of her thoughts. She was confused about what she was feeling and I thought it made sense for her to hold back on expressing them until she was sure. "Possibilities don't hurt as much as realities. Possibilities are exciting and endless. Realities are final." (ARC, p. 25). However, I didn't like how she wasn't upfront when she was confronted. I wanted her to stand up for herself sooner rather than later. True friends would understand her issue.

Autumn and Dax started off cautious around one another. The more time they spent in each other's company the more they shared with each other. I like how Dax pushed Autumn to be honest. In turn, Autumn was by Dax's side when he needed someone. They were good for each other. It was actually really sweet to see them sneaking around~

There's sort of a love triangle thing going on but I wouldn't worry over it. There's no established relationship to speak of therefore no cheating or lying of any kind occurs. It's really about a girl figuring out if what she knows is what she wants. I love that things played out in a proper respectable way.

One thing I would've liked to see a bit more of was a closure on Dax's mom issue. It felt like a big deal but the storyline sort of fizzles out. I guess some things are better left alone? Afterall, Autumn learnt that the hard way.

I cannot recommend By Your Side enough or any other Kasie West books. They're amazing, fast-paced and honestly just a lot of fun to read. As a favourite author of mine I will always read her books. Always.

*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinion are my own and not affected in any way. All quotes were taken from the Advance Review Copy I received.