I received this book for free from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
By Your Side by Kasie West Published by HarperTeen on 2017 January 31
Genres: Contemporary
Pages: 346
Format: E-Arc
Source: Edelweiss
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An irresistible story from Kasie West that explores the timeless question: What do you do when you fall for the person you least expect?
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 at 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?
As of this time, By Your Side is my most favorite Kasie West book followed by The Distance Between Us. The whole time that I was reading this book, I cannot stop grinning from ear to ear. Who wouldn’t want to be locked in a library with a cute and mysterious hottie? I know, I wouldn’t mind (except the part where there’s no food and no changing of undies, ugh) especially if there’s a chance of cuddling with the mentioned hottie. Ha. Anyway, horniness aside, there’s so much more about By Your Side than your feel good contemporary romance YA. The book tackled deep issues like anxiety disorder, child neglect, loneliness, conquering fears, and trust. These things may sound heavy but trust me, Kasie West still managed to make By Your Side as fluffy as possible.
If you know me, I am more inclined to read angsty books than fluffy ones but Kasie West’s books really get me. And By Your Side was no exception. Although it kind of disappointed me that it wasn’t about books (because hello! Most of the story took place inside a library), I was glad that the wonderful characters, the plot, the romance development, and the various issues tackled in the book made up for that.
I’m definitely looking forward to more Kasie West books. But before that, I must read P.S. I Like You first.