By Your Side
by Kasie West
YA Contemporary
Paperback & ebook, 352 Pages
January 31st 2017 by Harper Teen
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?
(Affiliate links included.)
My Review
BY YOUR SIDE is about two teens who are totally on opposite sides of the social circle, but who find themselves stuck together in a library for a long weekend. A little bit of a turn from West's usual with some heavier issues and a slight love triangle made for a surprising, while also interesting read. Full of humor, plenty of sass and sarcasm, as well as some serious heart. An enjoyable sweet romance with a fantastic ending.
I've loved all of Kasie's books, but I love my romance sweet mixed with plenty of humor, which hers generally are. This one was surprising in that I didn't realize what portion of the book would be devoted to the library and then to outside the library. I did have some issues with them actually being "stuck" in the library as there should be a phone somewhere, but I got over it as I got sucked into the story and had to find out what would happen.
My favorite part was towards the end of the library stay because it shows how much these two begin to form a friendship and then when they're free and have to deal with the aftermath and what their lives will now look like. Will they be friends or return to not even acknowledging each other? Will Autumn trust her friends? How about Jeff? I also liked that West doesn't shy away from showing how kids react differently to trauma or worry, even if some of it was hard for Autumn. All the characters came across as authentic, but Autumn and Dax were definitely my favorites.
Speaking of Dax. He's an interesting character. He totally misjudged Autumn (as she does him), but he also figures out things pretty quick. He gets her in a way her friends never really have, although she'd have to let them in more for them to do so. I also really liked Autumn's family and how much they added to the story. There are a couple of places where things come to a head and I was so happy with how things were resolved. The ending was awesome. Loved it!
In the end, was it what I wished for? This was somewhat surprising, but in a good way. It brought out all the feels, I loved the characters, and adored the ending. Can't wait for more from this author!
Content: Clean
Source: Received an eARC through Edelweiss, which did not require a review nor affect it in any way.
I've loved all of Kasie's books, but I love my romance sweet mixed with plenty of humor, which hers generally are. This one was surprising in that I didn't realize what portion of the book would be devoted to the library and then to outside the library. I did have some issues with them actually being "stuck" in the library as there should be a phone somewhere, but I got over it as I got sucked into the story and had to find out what would happen.
My favorite part was towards the end of the library stay because it shows how much these two begin to form a friendship and then when they're free and have to deal with the aftermath and what their lives will now look like. Will they be friends or return to not even acknowledging each other? Will Autumn trust her friends? How about Jeff? I also liked that West doesn't shy away from showing how kids react differently to trauma or worry, even if some of it was hard for Autumn. All the characters came across as authentic, but Autumn and Dax were definitely my favorites.
Speaking of Dax. He's an interesting character. He totally misjudged Autumn (as she does him), but he also figures out things pretty quick. He gets her in a way her friends never really have, although she'd have to let them in more for them to do so. I also really liked Autumn's family and how much they added to the story. There are a couple of places where things come to a head and I was so happy with how things were resolved. The ending was awesome. Loved it!
In the end, was it what I wished for? This was somewhat surprising, but in a good way. It brought out all the feels, I loved the characters, and adored the ending. Can't wait for more from this author!
Content: Clean
Source: Received an eARC through Edelweiss, which did not require a review nor affect it in any way.
Other Books by the Author
And coming July 25th 2017...
About the Author
Have you read any of Kasie's books? If so, do you have a favorite?
No comments
Post a Comment
I love comments! I try to read and reply to them all. Feel free to agree or disagree and generally share your thoughts with me.