Title: By Your Side
Author: Kasie West
Publisher: HarperTeen
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Release: January 31, 2017
Pages: 352
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?
Kasie West is my go-to contemporary author because I know I’m guaranteed some fluff. When I saw the synops for By Your Side I couldn’t be more excited. Trapped in a library? Dream come true! However, this fell so flat for me. It was cute, but very dull. There was no development and I couldn’t get attached to the characters. Easy to do when the two MCs keep reminding us they “didn’t want attachments” just “distractions” which we both know was going to be a bunch of bs. Though I felt for Dax’s situation and thought he was cute, I wish he was fleshed out more. I wish the whole story was fleshed out more.
What I really, really wanted to see was more of Dax and Dax’s growing friendship/relationship. I felt like everything went by so fast! They were stuck in the library for a few days and then hung out a couple times afterwards. Though everything was still pretty cute and made it clear Dax was perfect for her, I didn’t get that attachment. Maybe because Autumn was too focused on Jeff (and I really didn’t care about Jess, at all).
I enjoy Kasie West’s stories and writing, but this was a bit weak ): it was still fun to read though! And the ending was still very cute so there’s that!
Read when you’re in a slump! 😀
the bookish khaleesi 