By Your Side by Kasie West

Posted February 2, 2017 | 24 Comments

By Your Side by Kasie WestBy Your Side
Author: Kasie West
Published by: HarperTeen
Publication Date: January 31, 2017
Format: eARC
Pages: 352
Source: Publisher

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?

I’ve been a huge fan of Kasie West’s writing since Pivot Point, her debut novel. I’m always eager to read her books without even knowing what they’re about, but I was particularly enthusiastic for By Your Side. Why? They’re stuck in a library for the weekend! C’mon, who of us hasn’t fantasized about being locked in a library or bookstore. Even better, with a cute guy. Fun, right?

Well …

It pains me to say this, but … I’m mostly disappointed. I mean, it’s cute and I didn’t have any major issues with the story itself, but it felt flat. Unfortunately, it lacked the emotion and depth I’m used to from West’s books, making it hard to feel anything for the characters or their situations. I’m not saying the characters are bad, because they aren’t. I actually like Autumn and Dax, but the chemistry wasn’t there.

That’s how it felt to me, anyway. I won’t let this lackluster experience deter me from eagerly awaiting the authors next book, though.

However, if you haven’t read any of her books, I highly suggest starting with The Distance Between Us, On the Fence, or Pivot Point.

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24 responses to “By Your Side by Kasie West”

  3. Tanja

    I liked The Distance Between Us, I’ll check out some of her other work, but I’ll skip this one. I was curious about it because it takes place in a library, that seems like it would be fun to read about.

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  15. Kelly

    That’s such a shame Christy. I’ve only read one other of her previous books before and while I enjoyed it, this sounds like a much slower and more cutesy read rather than anything that’ll tug at those heartstrings. Probably suited to a fluffy, rainy day read. I’m glad you could still enough it though Christy despite that disconnection. Wonderful review!<3

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  20. Bookworm Brandee

    Aww man! I’m sorry this was a disappointment, Christy. It’s always even more of a letdown when it’s a favorite author. And this had so much potential!! Because yes, I have dreamed of being locked in a library…the cute guy would be the cherry on top! 😉 I’ve not read West but I’ll make sure to read your recommendations and steer clear of this one. 🙂

    Bookworm Brandee recently posted: Review ~ Breathe into Me ~ Sara Fawkes #BloggerShame #COYER #ShelfLove
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