Long time no see! I know that last time I was complaining about not being that into reading like I was going to fall into a reading slump but for some reason, I don’t think that is happening! I read this book in like three sittings and the only reason I put it down was to eat. This was my second Kasie West book and I think I am a fan of her’s now. Let’s dive into this book review before my mom finishes making dinner and I forget everything I have to say! And also, beware of spoilers since there might be a few mentioned in here.
Title: By Your Side
Author: Kasie West
Publisher: HarperTeen
Released: January 31, 2017
Pages: 346 (Paperback)
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?
About the Author:
My Review:
Autumn Collins thought her weekend was going to be perfect. She would be hanging out with her friends and the love of her life Jeff. When Autumn’s bladder decides to show up, she goes back into the library to go to the bathroom before going to a cabin. But when she finishes, Autumn learns two very important things: she is locked in a library and her friends haven’t came to get her. As the clock ticks she learns that she will have to be in this library by herself, or so she thought. Dax Miller might be one of the scariest and mysterious kids in Autumn’s high school and now she is spending the whole weekend with him.
Before diving into this book, I knew there was one thing that was going to happen for sure. Autumn and Dax were going to somehow get together. That is how all books like this end up. I didn’t really have a problem with it either. I have been reading so many books recently about killing people and all so getting to read something like this is sweet.
Some of the events that happened in the book seemed a little unrealistic. The fact that the library didn’t have any phones for them to use? The fact that nobody looked around the library multiple times before leaving? The fact that none of Autumn’s friends noticed that she was missing? That all just seems weird. I understood that Dax’s was dead and Autumn didn’t have her phone but the other stuff seemed weird. I wish I could look past some of the events and for the most part I could but there is some that is in the back of my mind the whole time.
The idea of the book was really sweet and the writing was really intriguing. Kasie West writing is just so light and fun that I could only imagine meeting her would be amazing. I had such a great time reading this book since it only took me a few hours to read it. And I like to think I had a smile on my face the whole time as well. I was actually sort of happy to see that the whole book didn’t follow Autumn and Dax in the library the whole time because I might have gotten tired of reading the whole thing over and over again. I really loved the idea of having Jeff getting in the accident and Autumn seem like she was missing. It added so many layers into the book that I really liked.
There were some problem areas in the character aspect of the book. I pretty much hated every single one of Autumn’s friends in the book. They were developed nicely and they all had so much behind all of them but they are so annoying! There was not one single nice bone in any of them. I mean I understand the whole fact they thought she was dead but not for one minute they thought about checking to make sure? They all knew that she had to go to the bathroom. And overall, I just didn’t like their whole friendship. If they were all her true friends, she wouldn’t have to worry about her friends treating her different when she told them that she had panic attacks and anxiety. I did enjoy Autumn’s brother, Dax, and Autumn but all of the other characters weren’t my favorite. The story would have been totally different without them though so I am happy that they were in it.
Overall, I would have to give this book a 4 out of 5 stars. The book was light and funny that was overall heartfelt. If you have read any of Kasie West other books, this will be like any other read. Perfect for a quick read on the beach or just to warm your heart. You might want to plan your day around this book because you might not want to do anything else afterwards!
Have you read this book? Have you read any of Kasie West’s work? What are your thoughts on this book? What is your favorite contemporary read? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
Happy Reading,
Ann's Reading Corner 
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