Book Review: By Your Side by Kasie West

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By Your Side
Author: Kasie West
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary
Release Date: January 31st 2017 
Review Source: Purchased

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? 

At a Glance: 

Locked in a library? Sold!

Cover:

Kissing. Sold! (I’m a big fan of kissing in books.)

Action:

Definitely no action. Definitely a swoon-worthy book. 

Romance:

Obviously there’s romance, there’s people kissing on the cover. And boy does Kasie West know how to turn on the swoon! 

Something I loved:

While I have made it clear that I love the romance and the kissing in this book, I also love how she gives her characters in depth, “flaws”, something that makes them real and relatable. Autumn and Dax are both living through their own shadows which helps bring them closer together. 

Something I didn’t like:

It ended...?

Would I recommend it?

Absolutely! Kasie West is one of my top favorite YA authors, her books never fail. Check out By Your Side, P.S I Like You, The Fill-in Boyfriend, The Distance Between Us, and everything else by her. I seriously cannot get enough of her work!