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Readers` Reviews
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
devesh gupta
I have recently started reading West's books and I have to say that her novels have been the more cathartic novels. I cannot find novels like the one she writes anymore. They emotionally pull you in and you just get the intense feelings of fulfillment. I was really surprised how close to home she when I found out she went to Fresno State. :) I loved this novel as well as On The Fence. I reread them constantly. How did she capture these slices of life so accurately? What's funny is I'm way past my high school years and yet I am feeling like I'm reliving the glory days when things were much more simple and pure. Thanks, Kasie for giving that to me. These novels hit home every time.
★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
amash
Initial Thoughts
After loving P.S. I Like You and hating The Fill-In Boyfriend, I wasn't sure how to feel going into this book. Would it be adorable and cute or frustrating and cringey?
It turned out to be a bit of both.
What I Liked
Dax. Dax was honestly a pretty compelling character, and turned out to be my favorite character in the story. He was independent and closed off, yet he had this soft gooey center that made me want to love him. At first I was a little confused by his motivations, but as the story went on and I began to understand him better, he really grew on me. Also, he ACTUALLY READ in the library (unlike the other characters, which kind of made the whole plot questionable... but I'll talk more about that later).
The relationship between Dax and Autumn was pretty cute. It definitely followed the hurt-closed-off-guy-opens-up-to-spoilt-rich-girl-who-secretly-has-problems trope, but it was done pretty well. I really liked how organic the relationship seemed (even if the part where them getting stuck in the library was... um... unlikely?)
I also liked the pacing of the book. It wasn't too slow, but it wasn't super fast either. And the plot was not too complex, but had a lot of complexity to it.
What I Didn't Like
Jeff. He was the boy that Autumn was pining over, and honestly he didn't do much except annoy me. Even though he was made out to be a fun, likeable, and go-lucky kind of guy, I couldn't bring myself to care about him in the slightest. He felt too much like a cut-out, and it definitely didn't help that his "best friend" was literally an exact copy of him (except of course he didn't like Autumn).
I honestly didn't really like any of the characters except Dax. All of Autumn's friends were boring, and I couldn't even differentiate between them. And, at some point, there was a little bit of drama when one of the friends told Autumn that another one liked Jeff... and then it was never mentioned again. Like what was the point of that?!?
I really didn't like the parents in this book. They were all frustrating and pointless. Even Dax's mom, who was built up so much, was a complete letdown. Then there were some loose ends left with her. DID THEY MAKE UP? DID DAX TELL HER OFF? The world may never know.
Also can we take a minute and talk about the library. What the hell. First of all, the whole Autumn being left behind thing was stupid and improbable. I just can't see that happening in real life. Secondly, the very first thing I would think of in that situation would be pulling the fire alarm. It was SO FRUSTRATING waiting for Autumn to come up with that on her own. It kind of ruined the whole first part of the book for me.
And Dax was honestly kind of annoying about the whole fire alarm thing. Like just let the girl get out and hide if you don't want to be seen. It's not like they are going to search the library once they realize that she pulled the alarm because she was stuck in there.
And then the whole plot when she finally got out of the library. I mean, I guess I could see how that would happen, but it was all just a little much to believe.
And then Jeff's mom. Oh MY GOSH she was the worst. I actually kind of wanted to strangle her. I get that she was just clinging onto any hope, but it was so unrealistic and annoying.
Let's also take a minute to talk about Autumn's anxiety disorder. She kept it a secret from her friends because she didn't want them to look at her differently. UMMMMM. Honey. If you are scared to tell your "best" friend(s) something like that then are you sure that they are really your friends? I get that talking about stuff like that can be scary sometimes, but that's something that people talk about with their friends. You should see how much I talk to my friends about stuff like that. It's called building a support system.
It wasn't even that I had the hardest time believing that she would keep it from her friends (although it was pretty stupid), what really annoyed me about Autumn's anxiety was how much she whined about it. That was literally half the book. "Oh my gosh my anxiety is so bad and it holds me back from life but I don't want help I just want to suffer in silence please and make my friends think I'm a terrible flake instead of facing my problems. But you know I'm gonna whine about it 24/7 and wonder why this is happening to ME. I'm also going to ignore my parents and brother trying to help me because they JUST DON'T understand my mind."
Overall
As you can probably tell by the amount of good vs. bad things I had to say about By Your Side, this wasn't my favorite book. It wasn't the worst thing that I've ever read, but I don't think I'm going to be picking up anything by Kasie West for quite a while.
I am going to give By Your Side two out of five hearts.
After loving P.S. I Like You and hating The Fill-In Boyfriend, I wasn't sure how to feel going into this book. Would it be adorable and cute or frustrating and cringey?
It turned out to be a bit of both.
What I Liked
Dax. Dax was honestly a pretty compelling character, and turned out to be my favorite character in the story. He was independent and closed off, yet he had this soft gooey center that made me want to love him. At first I was a little confused by his motivations, but as the story went on and I began to understand him better, he really grew on me. Also, he ACTUALLY READ in the library (unlike the other characters, which kind of made the whole plot questionable... but I'll talk more about that later).
The relationship between Dax and Autumn was pretty cute. It definitely followed the hurt-closed-off-guy-opens-up-to-spoilt-rich-girl-who-secretly-has-problems trope, but it was done pretty well. I really liked how organic the relationship seemed (even if the part where them getting stuck in the library was... um... unlikely?)
I also liked the pacing of the book. It wasn't too slow, but it wasn't super fast either. And the plot was not too complex, but had a lot of complexity to it.
What I Didn't Like
Jeff. He was the boy that Autumn was pining over, and honestly he didn't do much except annoy me. Even though he was made out to be a fun, likeable, and go-lucky kind of guy, I couldn't bring myself to care about him in the slightest. He felt too much like a cut-out, and it definitely didn't help that his "best friend" was literally an exact copy of him (except of course he didn't like Autumn).
I honestly didn't really like any of the characters except Dax. All of Autumn's friends were boring, and I couldn't even differentiate between them. And, at some point, there was a little bit of drama when one of the friends told Autumn that another one liked Jeff... and then it was never mentioned again. Like what was the point of that?!?
I really didn't like the parents in this book. They were all frustrating and pointless. Even Dax's mom, who was built up so much, was a complete letdown. Then there were some loose ends left with her. DID THEY MAKE UP? DID DAX TELL HER OFF? The world may never know.
Also can we take a minute and talk about the library. What the hell. First of all, the whole Autumn being left behind thing was stupid and improbable. I just can't see that happening in real life. Secondly, the very first thing I would think of in that situation would be pulling the fire alarm. It was SO FRUSTRATING waiting for Autumn to come up with that on her own. It kind of ruined the whole first part of the book for me.
And Dax was honestly kind of annoying about the whole fire alarm thing. Like just let the girl get out and hide if you don't want to be seen. It's not like they are going to search the library once they realize that she pulled the alarm because she was stuck in there.
And then the whole plot when she finally got out of the library. I mean, I guess I could see how that would happen, but it was all just a little much to believe.
And then Jeff's mom. Oh MY GOSH she was the worst. I actually kind of wanted to strangle her. I get that she was just clinging onto any hope, but it was so unrealistic and annoying.
Let's also take a minute to talk about Autumn's anxiety disorder. She kept it a secret from her friends because she didn't want them to look at her differently. UMMMMM. Honey. If you are scared to tell your "best" friend(s) something like that then are you sure that they are really your friends? I get that talking about stuff like that can be scary sometimes, but that's something that people talk about with their friends. You should see how much I talk to my friends about stuff like that. It's called building a support system.
It wasn't even that I had the hardest time believing that she would keep it from her friends (although it was pretty stupid), what really annoyed me about Autumn's anxiety was how much she whined about it. That was literally half the book. "Oh my gosh my anxiety is so bad and it holds me back from life but I don't want help I just want to suffer in silence please and make my friends think I'm a terrible flake instead of facing my problems. But you know I'm gonna whine about it 24/7 and wonder why this is happening to ME. I'm also going to ignore my parents and brother trying to help me because they JUST DON'T understand my mind."
Overall
As you can probably tell by the amount of good vs. bad things I had to say about By Your Side, this wasn't my favorite book. It wasn't the worst thing that I've ever read, but I don't think I'm going to be picking up anything by Kasie West for quite a while.
I am going to give By Your Side two out of five hearts.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
emily livadary
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
By Your Side by Kasie West
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: January 31, 2017
Rating: 4 stars
Source: ARC sent by the publisher
Summary (from Goodreads):
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?
What I Liked:
Kasie West does it again! This is the seventh novel of hers that I've read, and I enjoyed it. I can always rely on West to deliver a cute, swoony, uplifting, and meaningful story. I love how she tackles certain "tough issues", and yet captivates readers with likable characters and a beautiful story. Suffice it to say, I'm addicted!
It's Friday evenning, and Autumn and her friends had just finished up working on a big paper. They decide to leave the library and go to a bonfire. With a huge group and four different cars, it can get confusing. Autumn doubles back to the library to use the bathroom, leaving her bag and belongings in her crush's car. But when she is finished and goes to leave the library, she realizes that the library is locked down and closed. What's more, her friends are gone. And it's snowing. And it's the weekend of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day... which means she's going to be stuck in the library for three days. No phone, no service, no computer, nothing. She quickly finds out that Dax Miller, a loner who has trouble written all over him, is locked in as well. He's closed off and a boy of few words, but Autumn cracks his exterior as the weekend goes on. They survive the weekend together - but can they survive the aftermath?
Autumn is as wonderful as any of West's other female protagonists. She has quick wit and she's funny. But she's also a little awkward and clumsy, and she suffers from anxiety. She gets panic attacks, and she doesn't want any of her friends to know. While she's in the library, she has panic attacks, and she tells Dax. Autumn really cares about what others think of her, which is why she hasn't told any of her friends about her condition. Autumn is sweet and genuine, and she's also relentless. She is determined to make nice with Dax while they're stuck in the library,
Dax is... at first, a mystery. He has a reputation for being trouble; he spent time in juvie, and he lives with foster parents. People say he's a criminal (he's not), a druggie (he's not), a loner (that, he is). He keeps to himself and opens up to no one... but Autumn gets to him. He reveals why he's in the library, and a lot more. Dax is probably the most "troubled" of any of West's male protagonists, with the most difficult past/present. He seems closed off and emotionless, but he's a very considerate and chivalrous guy, and he's straightforward.
Contrary to what I originally thought, this book does not take place entirely in the library during that three-day weekend. Half of the book is spent in the library with just Dax and Autumn, and the other half is spent in the "after". What happens when Dax and Autumn are back in school? Are they friends? Do they go back to ignoring each other? Will Autumn finally get with Jeff?
I don't want to give away any details about the middle to end of the book, but I loved the second half of the book probably just as much as (if not more so) I loved the first half. Dax and Autumn become closer (as friends) in the library, but they grow more closer after the library. They need each other for different reasons, and I loved seeing them rely on each other.
Speaking of, I loved the romance. It's all Dax and Autumn, despite what the synopsis sort of implies. Autumn had a crush on Jeff, who is a genuinely nice guy. But she never really likes him, and realizes that he isn't for her. Dax is a steady, calming presence that Autumn needs and wants, and she really likes him. Autumn is a ray of sunshine for Dax, and he really likes her. I always want more kissy scenes in West's books, and this book was no exception, but I adored the progression of the romance!
So, no love triangle! Just a whole lot of swoon between Dax and Autumn. Subtle swoon, at first. And then obvious swoon.
I also loved how West handled anxiety and panic attacks. There are a few scenes in which Autumn experiences a panic attack, and I thought West captured those moments really well. My heart broke for Autumn, but at the same time, I love how strong she is. West also handles Dax's backstory well. I don't want to say too much about Dax, but let's just say that he has a difficult past, and again, West writes in those issues well.
West also does a great job with portraying a lot of solid friendships! Autumn's bond with her friend Lisa is sweet and rock-solid. Autumn has a large friend group and it's often hard to connect directly and personally with all of them, and I think West does a great job of expressing this kind of friendships (the large groups, as well as the best friend).
So! Good characterization, good character development, fun story, cute romance? Sold. I liked this book a lot. It's probably not a new favorite of West's (then again, I really love them all), but it does not disappoint. I am looking forward to reading her next book (Lucky in Love, with Scholastic)!
What I Did Not Like:
Nothing specific coming to mind! I suppose I wish there were more kissy scenes (heh). But that seems to be West's style, and that's completely fine!
Would I Recommend It:
Whether you like YA contemporary or not... I would always put West's book on my recommended list. I've read seven of seven and I have yet to be disappointed. I am not a YA contemporary person, but West is my #1 auto-buy author (and she doesn't just read YA contemporary, mind you!). If you love her books, then this one won't disappoint!
Rating:
4.5 stars -> rounded down to 4 stars. This book has such a cute premise (stuck in the library!), and West really delivered. Uplifting and mesmerizing, By Your Side is sure to leave readers with a smile on their face!
By Your Side by Kasie West
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: January 31, 2017
Rating: 4 stars
Source: ARC sent by the publisher
Summary (from Goodreads):
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?
What I Liked:
Kasie West does it again! This is the seventh novel of hers that I've read, and I enjoyed it. I can always rely on West to deliver a cute, swoony, uplifting, and meaningful story. I love how she tackles certain "tough issues", and yet captivates readers with likable characters and a beautiful story. Suffice it to say, I'm addicted!
It's Friday evenning, and Autumn and her friends had just finished up working on a big paper. They decide to leave the library and go to a bonfire. With a huge group and four different cars, it can get confusing. Autumn doubles back to the library to use the bathroom, leaving her bag and belongings in her crush's car. But when she is finished and goes to leave the library, she realizes that the library is locked down and closed. What's more, her friends are gone. And it's snowing. And it's the weekend of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day... which means she's going to be stuck in the library for three days. No phone, no service, no computer, nothing. She quickly finds out that Dax Miller, a loner who has trouble written all over him, is locked in as well. He's closed off and a boy of few words, but Autumn cracks his exterior as the weekend goes on. They survive the weekend together - but can they survive the aftermath?
Autumn is as wonderful as any of West's other female protagonists. She has quick wit and she's funny. But she's also a little awkward and clumsy, and she suffers from anxiety. She gets panic attacks, and she doesn't want any of her friends to know. While she's in the library, she has panic attacks, and she tells Dax. Autumn really cares about what others think of her, which is why she hasn't told any of her friends about her condition. Autumn is sweet and genuine, and she's also relentless. She is determined to make nice with Dax while they're stuck in the library,
Dax is... at first, a mystery. He has a reputation for being trouble; he spent time in juvie, and he lives with foster parents. People say he's a criminal (he's not), a druggie (he's not), a loner (that, he is). He keeps to himself and opens up to no one... but Autumn gets to him. He reveals why he's in the library, and a lot more. Dax is probably the most "troubled" of any of West's male protagonists, with the most difficult past/present. He seems closed off and emotionless, but he's a very considerate and chivalrous guy, and he's straightforward.
Contrary to what I originally thought, this book does not take place entirely in the library during that three-day weekend. Half of the book is spent in the library with just Dax and Autumn, and the other half is spent in the "after". What happens when Dax and Autumn are back in school? Are they friends? Do they go back to ignoring each other? Will Autumn finally get with Jeff?
I don't want to give away any details about the middle to end of the book, but I loved the second half of the book probably just as much as (if not more so) I loved the first half. Dax and Autumn become closer (as friends) in the library, but they grow more closer after the library. They need each other for different reasons, and I loved seeing them rely on each other.
Speaking of, I loved the romance. It's all Dax and Autumn, despite what the synopsis sort of implies. Autumn had a crush on Jeff, who is a genuinely nice guy. But she never really likes him, and realizes that he isn't for her. Dax is a steady, calming presence that Autumn needs and wants, and she really likes him. Autumn is a ray of sunshine for Dax, and he really likes her. I always want more kissy scenes in West's books, and this book was no exception, but I adored the progression of the romance!
So, no love triangle! Just a whole lot of swoon between Dax and Autumn. Subtle swoon, at first. And then obvious swoon.
I also loved how West handled anxiety and panic attacks. There are a few scenes in which Autumn experiences a panic attack, and I thought West captured those moments really well. My heart broke for Autumn, but at the same time, I love how strong she is. West also handles Dax's backstory well. I don't want to say too much about Dax, but let's just say that he has a difficult past, and again, West writes in those issues well.
West also does a great job with portraying a lot of solid friendships! Autumn's bond with her friend Lisa is sweet and rock-solid. Autumn has a large friend group and it's often hard to connect directly and personally with all of them, and I think West does a great job of expressing this kind of friendships (the large groups, as well as the best friend).
So! Good characterization, good character development, fun story, cute romance? Sold. I liked this book a lot. It's probably not a new favorite of West's (then again, I really love them all), but it does not disappoint. I am looking forward to reading her next book (Lucky in Love, with Scholastic)!
What I Did Not Like:
Nothing specific coming to mind! I suppose I wish there were more kissy scenes (heh). But that seems to be West's style, and that's completely fine!
Would I Recommend It:
Whether you like YA contemporary or not... I would always put West's book on my recommended list. I've read seven of seven and I have yet to be disappointed. I am not a YA contemporary person, but West is my #1 auto-buy author (and she doesn't just read YA contemporary, mind you!). If you love her books, then this one won't disappoint!
Rating:
4.5 stars -> rounded down to 4 stars. This book has such a cute premise (stuck in the library!), and West really delivered. Uplifting and mesmerizing, By Your Side is sure to leave readers with a smile on their face!
Sometimes Never :: Perfectly Oblivious (The Perfect Series) :: Away (The Keaton Series Book 1) :: Dragonfly :: Where the Road Takes Me
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
leah gahagan
When it comes to young adult contemporary, Kasie West is a real stand-out. She manages to create likable characters in real-life situations and the end result is a sweet, smart, funny feel-good read.
Autumn is looking forward to a winter weekend getaway with friends, especially since Jeff, her long-time crush, will be there. Instead, a misunderstanding leaves her locked in the public library. When she learns that Dax, the school bad boy, is locked in with her, she's determined to make the best of it and just get through the weekend. Unfortunately, Autumn suffers from anxiety and being trapped in the library, without her medication, becomes a real problem - until help comes from an unlikely source.
Back at home and at school, Autumn tries to return to her usual routines - doing the best she can while keeping her anxiety hidden from her friends. Life seems to be returning to normal... so why can't she stop thinking about Dax?
I thoroughly enjoyed By Your Side and was completely charmed by Autumn and Dax. Autumn was outwardly popular and happy but privately dealing with issues that she was determined to keep from her friends. Dax kept everyone at arms length while he dealt with family issues that had landed him in foster care. It was impossible not to pull for these two who truly saw each other even when others didn't. Even though Autumn made some decisions that frustrated me, they still felt completely realistic for her age and in line with her personality.
There was an amount of suspension of disbelief required when it came to the "locked in the library" scenario. While the lack of cell phones is explained in a believable way, it is still hard to imagine that every single landline phone was behind locked doors. (Ahem.) Beyond that my only quibble is with Autumn's friends who left a lot to be desired. BFF Lisa was... okay, but the rest of the group seemed to be pretty crappy friends and mainly acted like jerks.
By Your Side manages to touch on some serious themes without getting bogged down in drama or angst. Fans of contemporary YA will likely love this latest release from Kasie West.
Autumn is looking forward to a winter weekend getaway with friends, especially since Jeff, her long-time crush, will be there. Instead, a misunderstanding leaves her locked in the public library. When she learns that Dax, the school bad boy, is locked in with her, she's determined to make the best of it and just get through the weekend. Unfortunately, Autumn suffers from anxiety and being trapped in the library, without her medication, becomes a real problem - until help comes from an unlikely source.
Back at home and at school, Autumn tries to return to her usual routines - doing the best she can while keeping her anxiety hidden from her friends. Life seems to be returning to normal... so why can't she stop thinking about Dax?
I thoroughly enjoyed By Your Side and was completely charmed by Autumn and Dax. Autumn was outwardly popular and happy but privately dealing with issues that she was determined to keep from her friends. Dax kept everyone at arms length while he dealt with family issues that had landed him in foster care. It was impossible not to pull for these two who truly saw each other even when others didn't. Even though Autumn made some decisions that frustrated me, they still felt completely realistic for her age and in line with her personality.
There was an amount of suspension of disbelief required when it came to the "locked in the library" scenario. While the lack of cell phones is explained in a believable way, it is still hard to imagine that every single landline phone was behind locked doors. (Ahem.) Beyond that my only quibble is with Autumn's friends who left a lot to be desired. BFF Lisa was... okay, but the rest of the group seemed to be pretty crappy friends and mainly acted like jerks.
By Your Side manages to touch on some serious themes without getting bogged down in drama or angst. Fans of contemporary YA will likely love this latest release from Kasie West.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
daniella blanco
***BEWARE OF SPOILERS***
This is my first Kasie West read. I am really glad I bought four other books of hers.
This book is super adorable. Although, I feel like someone wouldn't get locked in the library, much less two people. It seemed pretty unrealistic at that point.
I originally thought the entire book was just going to be in that library. Boy, I was relieved I didn't have to read over 300 pages of that! There's only so much you can write about being in a library!!
Autumn is your typical teenage girl. Except, she has anxiety that nobody knows about. She gets locked in the library when she declares she had to pee after consuming a crap-ton of soda.
Dax is the "bad boy" at school who was rumored to have spent some time in juvie. He isn't what people make him out to be. He's far from it. He's a boy who's scared of commitment and friendships.
When Autumn and Dax end up in the library together, things could have gotten ugly. They didn't. Their time together is actually pretty fun. They play games and learn secrets.
Whilst watching T.V. and eating stolen food, they see a news broadcast that says Jeff (the guy Autumn likes) has been a wreck and she was presumably with him and currently missing. This sends her in a panic attack.
Her and Dax's friendship sort of dwindles from that moment. He's not a real people-person. He likes to be by himself so he can't help to push Autumn away when she tries to spend time with him.
Autumn feels pressured to tell her friends the truth about her anxiety and she's more pressured to tell Jeff that she doesn't like-like him anymore.
All of that ends with Autumn and Dax as a couple. There are a lot more key parts but you can find those out for yourselves!!
I loved Autumn and Dax's relationship. I feel like it's a typical teenage romance though. Especially with Jeff involved. Although, any normal person wouldn't push their crush to another guy, just saying.
I'm really trying to get into YA contemporary books and I feel like this was a really good place to start. Kasie's writing was very easy to read. It took me a little bit to get into the book, though. But as soon as I was in, I didn't want to put it down!!
It's super cute and will make you grin like a dork!
This is my first Kasie West read. I am really glad I bought four other books of hers.
This book is super adorable. Although, I feel like someone wouldn't get locked in the library, much less two people. It seemed pretty unrealistic at that point.
I originally thought the entire book was just going to be in that library. Boy, I was relieved I didn't have to read over 300 pages of that! There's only so much you can write about being in a library!!
Autumn is your typical teenage girl. Except, she has anxiety that nobody knows about. She gets locked in the library when she declares she had to pee after consuming a crap-ton of soda.
Dax is the "bad boy" at school who was rumored to have spent some time in juvie. He isn't what people make him out to be. He's far from it. He's a boy who's scared of commitment and friendships.
When Autumn and Dax end up in the library together, things could have gotten ugly. They didn't. Their time together is actually pretty fun. They play games and learn secrets.
Whilst watching T.V. and eating stolen food, they see a news broadcast that says Jeff (the guy Autumn likes) has been a wreck and she was presumably with him and currently missing. This sends her in a panic attack.
Her and Dax's friendship sort of dwindles from that moment. He's not a real people-person. He likes to be by himself so he can't help to push Autumn away when she tries to spend time with him.
Autumn feels pressured to tell her friends the truth about her anxiety and she's more pressured to tell Jeff that she doesn't like-like him anymore.
All of that ends with Autumn and Dax as a couple. There are a lot more key parts but you can find those out for yourselves!!
I loved Autumn and Dax's relationship. I feel like it's a typical teenage romance though. Especially with Jeff involved. Although, any normal person wouldn't push their crush to another guy, just saying.
I'm really trying to get into YA contemporary books and I feel like this was a really good place to start. Kasie's writing was very easy to read. It took me a little bit to get into the book, though. But as soon as I was in, I didn't want to put it down!!
It's super cute and will make you grin like a dork!
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
matthew
Autumn was supposed to spend the weekend with her friends and with her crush. When everyone is getting ready to leave from a study session at the library, she has to go pee. When she’s about to head out of the library, every door is locked. It is there that she encounters the silent and mysterious Dax. She slowly starts to get to know him and realizes he’s not a bad guy. She also notices that around him, her anxieties aren’t existent and she can just relax.
Autumn suffers from panic attacks and she hasn’t told any of her friends. She’s scared of the way people might treat her so she keeps it hidden. Autumn is an authentic teen girl with a great personality, and at times she can be awkward but in a cute way. As I mentioned above, Dax is a mysterious guy. Everyone at school has formed their own opinion of him and is why he has a “reputation”. The students think he’s a drug addict who’s a criminal, but he’s actually not. He’s a very reserved and shy guy. His living situation isn’t the best and is why he was at the library. Autumn was very relentless in wanting to know Dax and because of her persistence, Dax was able to open up to her.
I really thought this would be a love-triangle but I’m happy to announce it is not! Kasie West handled this angle very well and I was so happy with the outcome. I was expecting this book’s setting to be completely in the library, but it wasn’t. It was divided between the library and after Autumn and Dax got out, which I really liked since the reader is able to read how Autumn is after getting to know Dax, her interactions with her friends and her crush, and with Dax himself. In the second half of the story, Autumn and Dax got to spend more time together and they grew closer and closer! Their romance was the sweetest! Just the smallest brush of Dax’s finger on Autumn’s jaw would send my heart into overdrive (I had to highlight that part on my Kindle).
I was happy that Autumn could see the difference between her crush and Dax. Where with Jeff, Autumn’s anxieties would be present all the time, with Dax, she could just relax and be herself. He had this calming vibe to him that helped with Autumn’s anxieties and I loved the way Kasie West showed this to the reader. Speaking of anxieties, this subject was also handled really well. It wasn’t thrown into the story just because, but it wasn’t the major focus of the story. It was more in the background but it played a big role as the story progressed. I felt Autumn’s anxieties and my heart went out to her.
To be honest, I was expecting more of the story. With her previous book, I was head-over-heels in love from the get-go. However, I never got that feeling with this one, but I still found it adorable and equally entertaining. The characters are great! There was this one character that had me mad but his reasons were legit so I tried to ignore how I felt towards him. I wish Autumn’s friend Lisa had made more appearances! I feel like she was barely there and I wish she had been. She was funny and a huge supporter of Autumn.
Overall, By Your Side is a sweet and adorable story that’s equally fun and emotional. For me, it did lack that Kasie West magic, but it’s still good.
Autumn suffers from panic attacks and she hasn’t told any of her friends. She’s scared of the way people might treat her so she keeps it hidden. Autumn is an authentic teen girl with a great personality, and at times she can be awkward but in a cute way. As I mentioned above, Dax is a mysterious guy. Everyone at school has formed their own opinion of him and is why he has a “reputation”. The students think he’s a drug addict who’s a criminal, but he’s actually not. He’s a very reserved and shy guy. His living situation isn’t the best and is why he was at the library. Autumn was very relentless in wanting to know Dax and because of her persistence, Dax was able to open up to her.
I really thought this would be a love-triangle but I’m happy to announce it is not! Kasie West handled this angle very well and I was so happy with the outcome. I was expecting this book’s setting to be completely in the library, but it wasn’t. It was divided between the library and after Autumn and Dax got out, which I really liked since the reader is able to read how Autumn is after getting to know Dax, her interactions with her friends and her crush, and with Dax himself. In the second half of the story, Autumn and Dax got to spend more time together and they grew closer and closer! Their romance was the sweetest! Just the smallest brush of Dax’s finger on Autumn’s jaw would send my heart into overdrive (I had to highlight that part on my Kindle).
I was happy that Autumn could see the difference between her crush and Dax. Where with Jeff, Autumn’s anxieties would be present all the time, with Dax, she could just relax and be herself. He had this calming vibe to him that helped with Autumn’s anxieties and I loved the way Kasie West showed this to the reader. Speaking of anxieties, this subject was also handled really well. It wasn’t thrown into the story just because, but it wasn’t the major focus of the story. It was more in the background but it played a big role as the story progressed. I felt Autumn’s anxieties and my heart went out to her.
To be honest, I was expecting more of the story. With her previous book, I was head-over-heels in love from the get-go. However, I never got that feeling with this one, but I still found it adorable and equally entertaining. The characters are great! There was this one character that had me mad but his reasons were legit so I tried to ignore how I felt towards him. I wish Autumn’s friend Lisa had made more appearances! I feel like she was barely there and I wish she had been. She was funny and a huge supporter of Autumn.
Overall, By Your Side is a sweet and adorable story that’s equally fun and emotional. For me, it did lack that Kasie West magic, but it’s still good.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
alain buffing
BY YOUR SIDE was an excellent contemporary romance. Autumn has a strong group of friends and a crush on one of them - Jeff. He fits perfectly with her desire to plan and control her life. She is keeping the fact that she has an anxiety disorder from all her friends because she doesn't want them to treat her differently.
One evening, after a study session in the public library, she finds herself locked in when the library closes. Her friends think that she has caught a ride to the party and bonfire with someone else. She's sure they'll come back for her as soon as they realize. But hours pass, and they don't come back.
Just as panic is setting in, she discovers that she isn't alone in the library. Dax Miller is locked in there with her. Even though Dax goes to the same school, she doesn't really know more about him than the various rumors that say he's spent time in juvie.
Dax isn't quick to share his story with her. He is trying to live his life without attachments. A disappearing father and a mother who chose meth instead of him have taught him that attachments cause a lot of pain. He's counting down the days until he's out of the foster care system and can get away from this place.
When she learns that her friend Jeff has been in a car accident and that people thought she was with him and is now dead, she has an anxiety attack that forces Dax to pull the fire alarm, which he was previously reluctant to do, to get her help.
Now free from the library and with Jeff in a coma, Dax pulls away. Autumn is torn between an old friend who likes her and her new friend who doesn't want any attachments. She also has to find a way to manage her anxiety.
I really liked this story. I could sympathize with Autumn who just wanted to be one of the gang and who didn't quite know what to do about this new boy who wrecked all her careful plans but offered her something she didn't know she needed.
One evening, after a study session in the public library, she finds herself locked in when the library closes. Her friends think that she has caught a ride to the party and bonfire with someone else. She's sure they'll come back for her as soon as they realize. But hours pass, and they don't come back.
Just as panic is setting in, she discovers that she isn't alone in the library. Dax Miller is locked in there with her. Even though Dax goes to the same school, she doesn't really know more about him than the various rumors that say he's spent time in juvie.
Dax isn't quick to share his story with her. He is trying to live his life without attachments. A disappearing father and a mother who chose meth instead of him have taught him that attachments cause a lot of pain. He's counting down the days until he's out of the foster care system and can get away from this place.
When she learns that her friend Jeff has been in a car accident and that people thought she was with him and is now dead, she has an anxiety attack that forces Dax to pull the fire alarm, which he was previously reluctant to do, to get her help.
Now free from the library and with Jeff in a coma, Dax pulls away. Autumn is torn between an old friend who likes her and her new friend who doesn't want any attachments. She also has to find a way to manage her anxiety.
I really liked this story. I could sympathize with Autumn who just wanted to be one of the gang and who didn't quite know what to do about this new boy who wrecked all her careful plans but offered her something she didn't know she needed.
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
janneke krieg
Another adorable Kasie West book! Dax and Autumn were mega adorable and Dax had a few zingers. Their time trapped in the library was amusing, especially all the games they played, and how Dax eventually opened up to her. I especially loved a moment Autumn thought she might have hypothermia and when she mentioned it to Dax, instead of cuddling with her, he was like, "go run up the stairs." But don't worry, there was, of course, a cuddling scene ;) And, yes, I adored it.
I tagged this 'feminism to the max' for one special line. It's in the beginning when Dax is still standoffish and Autumn decides she doesn't need to spend time trying to be friendly with him. She says something like, 'She doesn't need to save a man.' And I was like YES YES MOOOOORE. So yay for a romance that doesn't perpetuate crap like that :D Oh yeah, and then shortly after that she stole his toothpaste since he was being a dillweed, and it was wonderful.
Also loved her brother Owen. He was a sweetie. Oh, and I totally did not call the reason Autumn's friends never came back from her. That totally shocked me.
There was a portion of the book leading up to the end that had a lot of Jeff, and it was kinda meh, but I really liked the way the Jeff thing was ultimately handled, so I shall let it go.
I do wish the library setting had been more fully utilized. Like, okay, Dax likes books and he'd try to read (#swoon) while Autumn wanted to play games, but I don't know, it felt a little lacking (esp compared to how well the doll shop setting in Distance was). Plus, as someone who WORKS in a library, I was like, "why are there no phones at the reference desk? This could have all been avoided." But I'm ignoring that voice in my head ;)
I tagged this 'feminism to the max' for one special line. It's in the beginning when Dax is still standoffish and Autumn decides she doesn't need to spend time trying to be friendly with him. She says something like, 'She doesn't need to save a man.' And I was like YES YES MOOOOORE. So yay for a romance that doesn't perpetuate crap like that :D Oh yeah, and then shortly after that she stole his toothpaste since he was being a dillweed, and it was wonderful.
Also loved her brother Owen. He was a sweetie. Oh, and I totally did not call the reason Autumn's friends never came back from her. That totally shocked me.
There was a portion of the book leading up to the end that had a lot of Jeff, and it was kinda meh, but I really liked the way the Jeff thing was ultimately handled, so I shall let it go.
I do wish the library setting had been more fully utilized. Like, okay, Dax likes books and he'd try to read (#swoon) while Autumn wanted to play games, but I don't know, it felt a little lacking (esp compared to how well the doll shop setting in Distance was). Plus, as someone who WORKS in a library, I was like, "why are there no phones at the reference desk? This could have all been avoided." But I'm ignoring that voice in my head ;)
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
allen jorgensen
Book: By Your Side
Author: Kasie West
Rating: 5 Out of 5 Stars
So, Kasie West is quickly becoming one of my favourite young adult authors. I have read a number of her books over the past couple of years and they always find a way to put me in a good mood. They were cute, fluffy, and are sure to put a smile on your face. By Your Side is no different than any of her books.
Autumn, our main character, finds herself locked in the library over the weekend. Of course, she isn’t alone, Dax, the bad boy is also in there with her. Autumn is determined to get out of there and Dax isn’t. She is also sort of afraid of him at first and this mistrust creates some amazing drama. Then, she allows her feelings to develop. The problem is that she already kind of has a boyfriend. I know, I know...This sounds like most of Kasie’s books. In a sense it is, but there are other factors in this book that I haven’t seen in her other ones.
I did like Autumn’s character. She has an anxiety disorder, which does cause her to have panic attacks. Her friends don’t know about this and think that she just has some strange behaviours. She is fun and loyal, but at the same time she is a real girl. I love how she tries to do what is right and she does seem to want to help others.
Dax is the character who we really don’t know anything about. He has been labeled by others as the bad boy and has rather dark rumours following him. It is these dark rumours that cause the characters to stay away from him. It really is Autumn who breaks down his walls and discovers that not everyone can live an easy life. When Autumn gets around him, Dax just kind of blooms and we get to see his true character.
I do feel kind of bad for Jeff. He is actually a loyal and caring guy, but I do feel like he gets shoved the side. He has been through a lot and I just think that he didn’t deserve what he got. He is really understanding, but that ending of his character just wasn’t realistic for me.
I love the cute nature of the book and it just really pulled me in. I love how this book explores so much: friendship, romance, mental illness, and broken homes. I thought that out of all of Kasie’s books, this more exploded the most issues. I know that I really enjoyed it.
Author: Kasie West
Rating: 5 Out of 5 Stars
So, Kasie West is quickly becoming one of my favourite young adult authors. I have read a number of her books over the past couple of years and they always find a way to put me in a good mood. They were cute, fluffy, and are sure to put a smile on your face. By Your Side is no different than any of her books.
Autumn, our main character, finds herself locked in the library over the weekend. Of course, she isn’t alone, Dax, the bad boy is also in there with her. Autumn is determined to get out of there and Dax isn’t. She is also sort of afraid of him at first and this mistrust creates some amazing drama. Then, she allows her feelings to develop. The problem is that she already kind of has a boyfriend. I know, I know...This sounds like most of Kasie’s books. In a sense it is, but there are other factors in this book that I haven’t seen in her other ones.
I did like Autumn’s character. She has an anxiety disorder, which does cause her to have panic attacks. Her friends don’t know about this and think that she just has some strange behaviours. She is fun and loyal, but at the same time she is a real girl. I love how she tries to do what is right and she does seem to want to help others.
Dax is the character who we really don’t know anything about. He has been labeled by others as the bad boy and has rather dark rumours following him. It is these dark rumours that cause the characters to stay away from him. It really is Autumn who breaks down his walls and discovers that not everyone can live an easy life. When Autumn gets around him, Dax just kind of blooms and we get to see his true character.
I do feel kind of bad for Jeff. He is actually a loyal and caring guy, but I do feel like he gets shoved the side. He has been through a lot and I just think that he didn’t deserve what he got. He is really understanding, but that ending of his character just wasn’t realistic for me.
I love the cute nature of the book and it just really pulled me in. I love how this book explores so much: friendship, romance, mental illness, and broken homes. I thought that out of all of Kasie’s books, this more exploded the most issues. I know that I really enjoyed it.
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
cmac
Kasie West is the queen of fun, cliché-but-lovable contemporaries. And By Your Side is just another addition to her collection.
Alright, so first thing’s first: I didn’t love this one as much as The Distance Between Us, but it’s still a good, quick read if you’re stuck in reading slump or just want to whip through a book pick-me-up. Autumn is a decent main character. She doesn’t make stupid decisions, and she actually talks to her family and friends. Thank you, Kasie, for writing stories where the protagonist isn’t just obsessed with her love life.
As for the boy, Dax, he’s interesting. Of course, he’s the mysterious, loner kid, so naturally he’s attractive as well. What makes this particular bit hilarious is how his loner vibe affects Autumn when they’re locked into the library together. I chuckled at some of their interactions.
The plot of the book is what’s going to get everyone’s attention. Two teenagers stuck in a library? What could be more romantic and/or adventurous?! Unfortunately, the entire book isn’t spent in the library. Actually, only about forty percent of the storyline takes place there, which is kind of a bummer. Once the characters leave the library, I feel like some of their magic fizzles out. Autumn isn’t the quirky, competitive girl, and Dax isn’t the nice, brooding boy anymore. The rest of the world gets in their way.
All in all, By Your Side is for readers who want nothing more than to smile at two teenagers in their sort of meet-cute moment. Plus, it’s a good opportunity to learn how exactly you can get yourself stuck in a library for the weekend. #lifegoals
3/5 stars
*Note: I received a copy of this book from work. This in no way affected my opinion/review.
Alright, so first thing’s first: I didn’t love this one as much as The Distance Between Us, but it’s still a good, quick read if you’re stuck in reading slump or just want to whip through a book pick-me-up. Autumn is a decent main character. She doesn’t make stupid decisions, and she actually talks to her family and friends. Thank you, Kasie, for writing stories where the protagonist isn’t just obsessed with her love life.
As for the boy, Dax, he’s interesting. Of course, he’s the mysterious, loner kid, so naturally he’s attractive as well. What makes this particular bit hilarious is how his loner vibe affects Autumn when they’re locked into the library together. I chuckled at some of their interactions.
The plot of the book is what’s going to get everyone’s attention. Two teenagers stuck in a library? What could be more romantic and/or adventurous?! Unfortunately, the entire book isn’t spent in the library. Actually, only about forty percent of the storyline takes place there, which is kind of a bummer. Once the characters leave the library, I feel like some of their magic fizzles out. Autumn isn’t the quirky, competitive girl, and Dax isn’t the nice, brooding boy anymore. The rest of the world gets in their way.
All in all, By Your Side is for readers who want nothing more than to smile at two teenagers in their sort of meet-cute moment. Plus, it’s a good opportunity to learn how exactly you can get yourself stuck in a library for the weekend. #lifegoals
3/5 stars
*Note: I received a copy of this book from work. This in no way affected my opinion/review.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
edrillan vampire junkie
By Your Side surprised me by the depth hidden behind what I thought would be cotton candy fluff. A last minute potty break as the library is closing and Autumn Collins finds herself on the wrong side of the locked doors. Having put her bag in a friends car she is without a phone and has no way of letting anyone know where she is. She thought she was alone but is surprised to discover that Dax Miller, mysterious boy from the wrong side of the tracks is locked in the library with her. Autumn, not used to indifference tries really hard to break down Dax’s walls and succeeds. Up to a point.
Autumn, who seemed to be your average teenage girl, was hiding a secret from her friends. She has a severe anxiety disorder and takes medication to control her panic attacks. I thought these panic attacks were an interesting way to spotlight what would be pretty normal high school drama. Semi popular girl has a crush on a popular guy that is just starting to like her back. The panic attacks put more emphasis on if he was the right guy for her. Her working through those thoughts while holding panic at bay added tension to what would have been a banal plotline.
Dax was your typical misunderstood teen. His being locked in the library wasn’t an accident, he was actually “taking a break” from his foster family. His character didn’t seem to be so unusual. What was unusual was his self sacrifice for Autumn. That sacrifice and his willingly becoming her safe harbor placed me firmly on his side.
This type of novel is not my usual choice but I really enjoyed the surprise of liking these characters and enjoying their love story. For those of you much younger than myself, I think you’ll identify with these characters even more than I.
Autumn, who seemed to be your average teenage girl, was hiding a secret from her friends. She has a severe anxiety disorder and takes medication to control her panic attacks. I thought these panic attacks were an interesting way to spotlight what would be pretty normal high school drama. Semi popular girl has a crush on a popular guy that is just starting to like her back. The panic attacks put more emphasis on if he was the right guy for her. Her working through those thoughts while holding panic at bay added tension to what would have been a banal plotline.
Dax was your typical misunderstood teen. His being locked in the library wasn’t an accident, he was actually “taking a break” from his foster family. His character didn’t seem to be so unusual. What was unusual was his self sacrifice for Autumn. That sacrifice and his willingly becoming her safe harbor placed me firmly on his side.
This type of novel is not my usual choice but I really enjoyed the surprise of liking these characters and enjoying their love story. For those of you much younger than myself, I think you’ll identify with these characters even more than I.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
jarita166
Book: By Your Side
Author: Kasie West
Rating: 5 Out of 5 Stars
So, Kasie West is quickly becoming one of my favourite young adult authors. I have read a number of her books over the past couple of years and they always find a way to put me in a good mood. They were cute, fluffy, and are sure to put a smile on your face. By Your Side is no different than any of her books.
Autumn, our main character, finds herself locked in the library over the weekend. Of course, she isn’t alone, Dax, the bad boy is also in there with her. Autumn is determined to get out of there and Dax isn’t. She is also sort of afraid of him at first and this mistrust creates some amazing drama. Then, she allows her feelings to develop. The problem is that she already kind of has a boyfriend. I know, I know...This sounds like most of Kasie’s books. In a sense it is, but there are other factors in this book that I haven’t seen in her other ones.
I did like Autumn’s character. She has an anxiety disorder, which does cause her to have panic attacks. Her friends don’t know about this and think that she just has some strange behaviours. She is fun and loyal, but at the same time she is a real girl. I love how she tries to do what is right and she does seem to want to help others.
Dax is the character who we really don’t know anything about. He has been labeled by others as the bad boy and has rather dark rumours following him. It is these dark rumours that cause the characters to stay away from him. It really is Autumn who breaks down his walls and discovers that not everyone can live an easy life. When Autumn gets around him, Dax just kind of blooms and we get to see his true character.
I do feel kind of bad for Jeff. He is actually a loyal and caring guy, but I do feel like he gets shoved the side. He has been through a lot and I just think that he didn’t deserve what he got. He is really understanding, but that ending of his character just wasn’t realistic for me.
I love the cute nature of the book and it just really pulled me in. I love how this book explores so much: friendship, romance, mental illness, and broken homes. I thought that out of all of Kasie’s books, this more exploded the most issues. I know that I really enjoyed it.
Author: Kasie West
Rating: 5 Out of 5 Stars
So, Kasie West is quickly becoming one of my favourite young adult authors. I have read a number of her books over the past couple of years and they always find a way to put me in a good mood. They were cute, fluffy, and are sure to put a smile on your face. By Your Side is no different than any of her books.
Autumn, our main character, finds herself locked in the library over the weekend. Of course, she isn’t alone, Dax, the bad boy is also in there with her. Autumn is determined to get out of there and Dax isn’t. She is also sort of afraid of him at first and this mistrust creates some amazing drama. Then, she allows her feelings to develop. The problem is that she already kind of has a boyfriend. I know, I know...This sounds like most of Kasie’s books. In a sense it is, but there are other factors in this book that I haven’t seen in her other ones.
I did like Autumn’s character. She has an anxiety disorder, which does cause her to have panic attacks. Her friends don’t know about this and think that she just has some strange behaviours. She is fun and loyal, but at the same time she is a real girl. I love how she tries to do what is right and she does seem to want to help others.
Dax is the character who we really don’t know anything about. He has been labeled by others as the bad boy and has rather dark rumours following him. It is these dark rumours that cause the characters to stay away from him. It really is Autumn who breaks down his walls and discovers that not everyone can live an easy life. When Autumn gets around him, Dax just kind of blooms and we get to see his true character.
I do feel kind of bad for Jeff. He is actually a loyal and caring guy, but I do feel like he gets shoved the side. He has been through a lot and I just think that he didn’t deserve what he got. He is really understanding, but that ending of his character just wasn’t realistic for me.
I love the cute nature of the book and it just really pulled me in. I love how this book explores so much: friendship, romance, mental illness, and broken homes. I thought that out of all of Kasie’s books, this more exploded the most issues. I know that I really enjoyed it.
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
nooshin azadi
Kasie West is the queen of fun, cliché-but-lovable contemporaries. And By Your Side is just another addition to her collection.
Alright, so first thing’s first: I didn’t love this one as much as The Distance Between Us, but it’s still a good, quick read if you’re stuck in reading slump or just want to whip through a book pick-me-up. Autumn is a decent main character. She doesn’t make stupid decisions, and she actually talks to her family and friends. Thank you, Kasie, for writing stories where the protagonist isn’t just obsessed with her love life.
As for the boy, Dax, he’s interesting. Of course, he’s the mysterious, loner kid, so naturally he’s attractive as well. What makes this particular bit hilarious is how his loner vibe affects Autumn when they’re locked into the library together. I chuckled at some of their interactions.
The plot of the book is what’s going to get everyone’s attention. Two teenagers stuck in a library? What could be more romantic and/or adventurous?! Unfortunately, the entire book isn’t spent in the library. Actually, only about forty percent of the storyline takes place there, which is kind of a bummer. Once the characters leave the library, I feel like some of their magic fizzles out. Autumn isn’t the quirky, competitive girl, and Dax isn’t the nice, brooding boy anymore. The rest of the world gets in their way.
All in all, By Your Side is for readers who want nothing more than to smile at two teenagers in their sort of meet-cute moment. Plus, it’s a good opportunity to learn how exactly you can get yourself stuck in a library for the weekend. #lifegoals
3/5 stars
*Note: I received a copy of this book from work. This in no way affected my opinion/review.
Alright, so first thing’s first: I didn’t love this one as much as The Distance Between Us, but it’s still a good, quick read if you’re stuck in reading slump or just want to whip through a book pick-me-up. Autumn is a decent main character. She doesn’t make stupid decisions, and she actually talks to her family and friends. Thank you, Kasie, for writing stories where the protagonist isn’t just obsessed with her love life.
As for the boy, Dax, he’s interesting. Of course, he’s the mysterious, loner kid, so naturally he’s attractive as well. What makes this particular bit hilarious is how his loner vibe affects Autumn when they’re locked into the library together. I chuckled at some of their interactions.
The plot of the book is what’s going to get everyone’s attention. Two teenagers stuck in a library? What could be more romantic and/or adventurous?! Unfortunately, the entire book isn’t spent in the library. Actually, only about forty percent of the storyline takes place there, which is kind of a bummer. Once the characters leave the library, I feel like some of their magic fizzles out. Autumn isn’t the quirky, competitive girl, and Dax isn’t the nice, brooding boy anymore. The rest of the world gets in their way.
All in all, By Your Side is for readers who want nothing more than to smile at two teenagers in their sort of meet-cute moment. Plus, it’s a good opportunity to learn how exactly you can get yourself stuck in a library for the weekend. #lifegoals
3/5 stars
*Note: I received a copy of this book from work. This in no way affected my opinion/review.
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
summer rae garcia
First off, I would like to thank the publisher and author for providing me this ARC to review. Please note that the version I read was an advanced copy, and certain events/language may be changed in the published edition.
“Even though I knew this might end in heartbreak, that he might make my life scary and complicated and unpredictable, I knew I couldn't let him walk away. Because I knew he'd also make my life happy and comforting and full.”
Stars (Out of 10): 6/10 Stars
Overall Thoughts: I liked this book, but didn’t love it. It was a quick and enjoyable read, but wasn’t the most unique in terms of characters or plot. But it still managed to draw me in, and I was pretty invested in the relationship by the end! I would have liked to see some more scenes better developed, and the solutions to the differing plot lines as well.
The Good: A good ending with closure, overall a decent and interesting book. A likable cast of characters for the most part as well.
The Bad: In terms of plot, seemed plain, somewhat “unoriginal” and matching the standard cliche of YA romance. In addition, some loose ends were never brought up again or resolved.
SPOILERS BEGIN HERE
The Characters: While I liked the cast of characters for the most part, some issues between them weren’t fully resolved, especially between Jeff, Dallin, and Autumn. I would have liked to see a better and more secure ending for them, and a better explanation of what they standing was by the end of the book. However, I did find Autumn’s anxiety to be pretty realistic (compared to experiences I’ve had with friends with anxiety), and I felt it did add another layer to the story.
The Plot: For the most part, this was fairly standard. Perfect, popular girl has whole life set up with a sporty jock. However, an event happens where she meets the typical bad boy, and her love life is suddenly thrown upside down. And, this perfect girl actually has this “super secret” secret that she just HAS to hide from her friends because they’ll judge her. And in the end, some vague reason that girl doesn’t like jock anymore, and goes with bad boy, and her friends all accept her secret, like we all knew they would from the start. But hey, I still enjoyed it. (My only other issue with the plot is the sudden disappearance of the idea that her friends didn’t realize she wasn’t there? And Jeff being a total jerk and trying to give Dax the wrong idea in the end?)
The Favorite Character: Lisa was a pretty good friend for most of the book, so I have to go with her.
“Even though I knew this might end in heartbreak, that he might make my life scary and complicated and unpredictable, I knew I couldn't let him walk away. Because I knew he'd also make my life happy and comforting and full.”
Stars (Out of 10): 6/10 Stars
Overall Thoughts: I liked this book, but didn’t love it. It was a quick and enjoyable read, but wasn’t the most unique in terms of characters or plot. But it still managed to draw me in, and I was pretty invested in the relationship by the end! I would have liked to see some more scenes better developed, and the solutions to the differing plot lines as well.
The Good: A good ending with closure, overall a decent and interesting book. A likable cast of characters for the most part as well.
The Bad: In terms of plot, seemed plain, somewhat “unoriginal” and matching the standard cliche of YA romance. In addition, some loose ends were never brought up again or resolved.
SPOILERS BEGIN HERE
The Characters: While I liked the cast of characters for the most part, some issues between them weren’t fully resolved, especially between Jeff, Dallin, and Autumn. I would have liked to see a better and more secure ending for them, and a better explanation of what they standing was by the end of the book. However, I did find Autumn’s anxiety to be pretty realistic (compared to experiences I’ve had with friends with anxiety), and I felt it did add another layer to the story.
The Plot: For the most part, this was fairly standard. Perfect, popular girl has whole life set up with a sporty jock. However, an event happens where she meets the typical bad boy, and her love life is suddenly thrown upside down. And, this perfect girl actually has this “super secret” secret that she just HAS to hide from her friends because they’ll judge her. And in the end, some vague reason that girl doesn’t like jock anymore, and goes with bad boy, and her friends all accept her secret, like we all knew they would from the start. But hey, I still enjoyed it. (My only other issue with the plot is the sudden disappearance of the idea that her friends didn’t realize she wasn’t there? And Jeff being a total jerk and trying to give Dax the wrong idea in the end?)
The Favorite Character: Lisa was a pretty good friend for most of the book, so I have to go with her.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
ben palmer
By Your Side surprised me by the depth hidden behind what I thought would be cotton candy fluff. A last minute potty break as the library is closing and Autumn Collins finds herself on the wrong side of the locked doors. Having put her bag in a friends car she is without a phone and has no way of letting anyone know where she is. She thought she was alone but is surprised to discover that Dax Miller, mysterious boy from the wrong side of the tracks is locked in the library with her. Autumn, not used to indifference tries really hard to break down Dax’s walls and succeeds. Up to a point.
Autumn, who seemed to be your average teenage girl, was hiding a secret from her friends. She has a severe anxiety disorder and takes medication to control her panic attacks. I thought these panic attacks were an interesting way to spotlight what would be pretty normal high school drama. Semi popular girl has a crush on a popular guy that is just starting to like her back. The panic attacks put more emphasis on if he was the right guy for her. Her working through those thoughts while holding panic at bay added tension to what would have been a banal plotline.
Dax was your typical misunderstood teen. His being locked in the library wasn’t an accident, he was actually “taking a break” from his foster family. His character didn’t seem to be so unusual. What was unusual was his self sacrifice for Autumn. That sacrifice and his willingly becoming her safe harbor placed me firmly on his side.
This type of novel is not my usual choice but I really enjoyed the surprise of liking these characters and enjoying their love story. For those of you much younger than myself, I think you’ll identify with these characters even more than I.
Autumn, who seemed to be your average teenage girl, was hiding a secret from her friends. She has a severe anxiety disorder and takes medication to control her panic attacks. I thought these panic attacks were an interesting way to spotlight what would be pretty normal high school drama. Semi popular girl has a crush on a popular guy that is just starting to like her back. The panic attacks put more emphasis on if he was the right guy for her. Her working through those thoughts while holding panic at bay added tension to what would have been a banal plotline.
Dax was your typical misunderstood teen. His being locked in the library wasn’t an accident, he was actually “taking a break” from his foster family. His character didn’t seem to be so unusual. What was unusual was his self sacrifice for Autumn. That sacrifice and his willingly becoming her safe harbor placed me firmly on his side.
This type of novel is not my usual choice but I really enjoyed the surprise of liking these characters and enjoying their love story. For those of you much younger than myself, I think you’ll identify with these characters even more than I.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
megan l
** spoiler alert ** LOVE. I'm not sure Kasie West can go wrong when writing contemporary YA. I love everything she's written so far. And this story was no different. She has a way with coming up with unusual storylines that make you go, "Why on earth did no one think to do this sooner? It's perfect." I stayed up until 2 a.m. reading it the first night before forcing myself to put it down and finish up on just the second day.
But onto the story. I was slightly wary at first. Dax didn't seem like someone who would open up and who I would warm up to. But he almost did a complete 180. I love all the little descriptions Autumn uses to describe him like earning his smiles. I practically highlighted the whole book. Dax might be portrayed as a bad boy, but he's really not. He's so sweet to her that he's just a sweet guy in bad boy clothes. He was put in a crappy situation and is having to work with that. Autumn helps him open up and he helps her as well. He's where she truly feels less anxious, and I could see from the start that Jeff was too hyperactive for her to end up with in the long run.
Overall, I loved this book, and, now that we have the reread feature (!), I'll definitely be revisiting this one again and again!
But onto the story. I was slightly wary at first. Dax didn't seem like someone who would open up and who I would warm up to. But he almost did a complete 180. I love all the little descriptions Autumn uses to describe him like earning his smiles. I practically highlighted the whole book. Dax might be portrayed as a bad boy, but he's really not. He's so sweet to her that he's just a sweet guy in bad boy clothes. He was put in a crappy situation and is having to work with that. Autumn helps him open up and he helps her as well. He's where she truly feels less anxious, and I could see from the start that Jeff was too hyperactive for her to end up with in the long run.
Overall, I loved this book, and, now that we have the reread feature (!), I'll definitely be revisiting this one again and again!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
lara hamer
I love romance novels, I actually don’t read any other genre than Romance. I enjoy the adult dirty books, but everyone in a while I need a good young adult book with little to no sexual scenes. About a year ago I read a few books from Kasie West and she is always the author I turn too for a cute younger love story. Most of the books that I have read from this author are innocent high school relationships. Which is a complete 180 from the books I normally read, and that’s why it’s good to sit back relax and read a hallmark movie type book compared to a HBO or almost skinamax movie type book.
Autumn Collins lives by rules. She kinda has to because of her anxiety. So when her friends leave her behind on accident at the local library, her panic attacks are coming on strong. Up until she finds out that Dax Miller is also locked in the library with her. All Autumn wants to do is get out of there, she had big plans with her friends that weekend, and a boy she has been crushing on for at least a year. Finally after what seemed like forever, it seemed like her crush Jeff was liking her back. But instead of a weekend with friends, she was stuck in a library with someone who is rumored to be into drugs, and was in Juvie. Hours go by, and still no one has come to find her. How could her friends not realize that she isn’t with them? As her and Dax realize they’re going to be locked in there longer than they thought they turn to each other to not be bored. Or at least that’s what Autumn wants to do – play cards and kid games. Yet Dax is the quiet type, he doesn’t do well with others and he’s had a past that are most kids nightmares. Along the way they get to know each other, and some secrets. When Autumn finally realizes why her friends or parents never found her, it causes a major panic attack. But when they finally get out, it causes more trouble to Dax then she could of imagined. Will they remain friends after being locked in the library, or will she pretend to her popular friends that she doesn’t know this “criminal”? Either way, things have definitely changed since they were stuck together for so long.
I was very pleased with this book. The writing is always well put and the story line goes into great detail but never too much of an overload. I’ve noticed with Kasie West’s books there always seems to be a hidden meaning or a hidden feeling in the novels that I have read from hers. In this one it was almost as if the guy was always protecting the main character, even though she barely knew him and likewise. That even though Dax was a loaner and never socialized, he would do anything to hide the fact that he was trying to go out of his way to do something for Autumn. My heart broke for moments when the two just didn’t communicate well, hurting each other or others. I found this sweet high school relationship, just that. Sweet. And just what I needed after reading so many adult books that look hardcore to this type of book. Always warms my heart to read a good love story, even if the kids in it don’t realize it for the longest time.
Autumn Collins lives by rules. She kinda has to because of her anxiety. So when her friends leave her behind on accident at the local library, her panic attacks are coming on strong. Up until she finds out that Dax Miller is also locked in the library with her. All Autumn wants to do is get out of there, she had big plans with her friends that weekend, and a boy she has been crushing on for at least a year. Finally after what seemed like forever, it seemed like her crush Jeff was liking her back. But instead of a weekend with friends, she was stuck in a library with someone who is rumored to be into drugs, and was in Juvie. Hours go by, and still no one has come to find her. How could her friends not realize that she isn’t with them? As her and Dax realize they’re going to be locked in there longer than they thought they turn to each other to not be bored. Or at least that’s what Autumn wants to do – play cards and kid games. Yet Dax is the quiet type, he doesn’t do well with others and he’s had a past that are most kids nightmares. Along the way they get to know each other, and some secrets. When Autumn finally realizes why her friends or parents never found her, it causes a major panic attack. But when they finally get out, it causes more trouble to Dax then she could of imagined. Will they remain friends after being locked in the library, or will she pretend to her popular friends that she doesn’t know this “criminal”? Either way, things have definitely changed since they were stuck together for so long.
I was very pleased with this book. The writing is always well put and the story line goes into great detail but never too much of an overload. I’ve noticed with Kasie West’s books there always seems to be a hidden meaning or a hidden feeling in the novels that I have read from hers. In this one it was almost as if the guy was always protecting the main character, even though she barely knew him and likewise. That even though Dax was a loaner and never socialized, he would do anything to hide the fact that he was trying to go out of his way to do something for Autumn. My heart broke for moments when the two just didn’t communicate well, hurting each other or others. I found this sweet high school relationship, just that. Sweet. And just what I needed after reading so many adult books that look hardcore to this type of book. Always warms my heart to read a good love story, even if the kids in it don’t realize it for the longest time.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
mark watson
Title: By Your Side
Author: Kasie West
Age Group: Teen/Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary Fiction/Romance
Series: Standalone
Star Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
I borrowed this book through my local library and reviewed it.
I've heard of Kasie West and her cute, contemporary romances, as well as her successful science fiction duology. I've been curious about her ever since I knew of her, and when I heard about By Your Side, I knew I just had to read it! I mean, a shy good girl and a mysterious, brooding bad boy stuck in a library with each other for an entire weekend? It literally sounds like the perfect plot for a romance, and when I saw the recommendation for it, I was so excited. It sounded so perfect, and to be honest I needed something kind of light. Not to say that this book is shallow; quite the opposite, in fact. The characters were well-developed, and I really liked the way the romance progressed. A love story with two lovable characters at its center, just starting to find themselves? Part of the reason I don't much like contemporary fiction is that often, it seems forced, but that wasn't the case here. I loved this book, and Kasie West has won my heart completely!
Autumn Collins has the perfect weekend ahead of her, and she has plans to make the most of it. Plans to make her longtime crush, Jeff, into something more than a crush. But those plans go wildly awry when she finds herself locked inside the local library with the resident bad boy, Dax Miller. Forced to work together against their will, they grudgingly begin to open up to one another, and their relationship blooms into a real friendship, and maybe something more. But will Autumn go with what makes her feel safe, or will she gain the courage to be true to herself, even if it means risking the ultimate price?
As I said, I really loved this book! At first, it seemed like a sweet, light romance, and a good part of the book was focused on the relationship. But it also focused on important issues: love in all of its forms, the stigma and misunderstanding that often comes with mental illness, and what it really means to be true to yourself, and live your life for yourself. I enjoyed Autumn, and the way she grows from an anxious, frightened girl into a beautiful, brave young woman. I also really loved her aodrable, loving family, and Dax, the unlikely object of her affections. Plus, I just loved the premise. Being locked away in a library with a cute boy? Sigh, so cute! I really enjoyed By Your Side! The bottom line: A sweet love story that talks about mental illness and how to be yourself, By Your Side was like one of my childhood fantasies come true! One of my favorite books of 2017! Next on deck: The Golem's Eye by Jonathan Stroud!
Author: Kasie West
Age Group: Teen/Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary Fiction/Romance
Series: Standalone
Star Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
I borrowed this book through my local library and reviewed it.
I've heard of Kasie West and her cute, contemporary romances, as well as her successful science fiction duology. I've been curious about her ever since I knew of her, and when I heard about By Your Side, I knew I just had to read it! I mean, a shy good girl and a mysterious, brooding bad boy stuck in a library with each other for an entire weekend? It literally sounds like the perfect plot for a romance, and when I saw the recommendation for it, I was so excited. It sounded so perfect, and to be honest I needed something kind of light. Not to say that this book is shallow; quite the opposite, in fact. The characters were well-developed, and I really liked the way the romance progressed. A love story with two lovable characters at its center, just starting to find themselves? Part of the reason I don't much like contemporary fiction is that often, it seems forced, but that wasn't the case here. I loved this book, and Kasie West has won my heart completely!
Autumn Collins has the perfect weekend ahead of her, and she has plans to make the most of it. Plans to make her longtime crush, Jeff, into something more than a crush. But those plans go wildly awry when she finds herself locked inside the local library with the resident bad boy, Dax Miller. Forced to work together against their will, they grudgingly begin to open up to one another, and their relationship blooms into a real friendship, and maybe something more. But will Autumn go with what makes her feel safe, or will she gain the courage to be true to herself, even if it means risking the ultimate price?
As I said, I really loved this book! At first, it seemed like a sweet, light romance, and a good part of the book was focused on the relationship. But it also focused on important issues: love in all of its forms, the stigma and misunderstanding that often comes with mental illness, and what it really means to be true to yourself, and live your life for yourself. I enjoyed Autumn, and the way she grows from an anxious, frightened girl into a beautiful, brave young woman. I also really loved her aodrable, loving family, and Dax, the unlikely object of her affections. Plus, I just loved the premise. Being locked away in a library with a cute boy? Sigh, so cute! I really enjoyed By Your Side! The bottom line: A sweet love story that talks about mental illness and how to be yourself, By Your Side was like one of my childhood fantasies come true! One of my favorite books of 2017! Next on deck: The Golem's Eye by Jonathan Stroud!
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
niall
Kasie West does a great job of delivering stories that are fun to read with swoon. By Your Side definitely had those super cute swoon-worthy moments but It does deal with some issues, especially mental health. Which I thought was executed well through the main character..
Autumn was one of those characters that I liked for most of the book but there was definitely times where she annoyed me. I was frustrated with the most towards the end of the book when I felt she should have more faith in her friends. I liked how Autumn’s anxiety is dealt with and shown. You really get an understanding of how she feels and how people who don’t know would perceive it.
I really liked Dax. He is supposed to be the “bad guy” but it turns out that he was dropped into bad circumstances. None of his doing. He’s very calm and collected but I think it’s more because he doesn’t want to let anyone in. I wish there was a little more with his behind the scenes life. Only because of something that happens in the end of the book that I felt was a little unresolved.
I had mixed feelings about the Jeff situation. Not because of the love triangle or anything, just that it felt too easy. I’m not sure how to explain that really.
My favorite part of the book was Autumn and Dax being locked in the library. Ya I thought it was a little unrealistic that they couldn’t find a phone. Especially this day and age but I didn’t care. I thought all their interactions from beginning to end where great. They don’t become instant friends but being stuck together they find common ground. They start to feel close because they are seeing sides that nobody else sees. The relationship between Autumn and Dax is really what sold me on the book in it’s entirety. They just had such terrific chemistry.
I really loved Autumn’s group of friends. It was nice to have a book where people are not backstabbing you or turning on you because you have a problem. Dallin’s frustrations with Autumn are completely legit, even if he’s being a jerk before they work it out. I also like Autumn’s family and how close they are.
I would consider the book to pretty adorable. I really liked Autumn and Dax and their chemistry. It makes for a fun read.
Autumn was one of those characters that I liked for most of the book but there was definitely times where she annoyed me. I was frustrated with the most towards the end of the book when I felt she should have more faith in her friends. I liked how Autumn’s anxiety is dealt with and shown. You really get an understanding of how she feels and how people who don’t know would perceive it.
I really liked Dax. He is supposed to be the “bad guy” but it turns out that he was dropped into bad circumstances. None of his doing. He’s very calm and collected but I think it’s more because he doesn’t want to let anyone in. I wish there was a little more with his behind the scenes life. Only because of something that happens in the end of the book that I felt was a little unresolved.
I had mixed feelings about the Jeff situation. Not because of the love triangle or anything, just that it felt too easy. I’m not sure how to explain that really.
My favorite part of the book was Autumn and Dax being locked in the library. Ya I thought it was a little unrealistic that they couldn’t find a phone. Especially this day and age but I didn’t care. I thought all their interactions from beginning to end where great. They don’t become instant friends but being stuck together they find common ground. They start to feel close because they are seeing sides that nobody else sees. The relationship between Autumn and Dax is really what sold me on the book in it’s entirety. They just had such terrific chemistry.
I really loved Autumn’s group of friends. It was nice to have a book where people are not backstabbing you or turning on you because you have a problem. Dallin’s frustrations with Autumn are completely legit, even if he’s being a jerk before they work it out. I also like Autumn’s family and how close they are.
I would consider the book to pretty adorable. I really liked Autumn and Dax and their chemistry. It makes for a fun read.
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
mariam
Grade: C
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Kasie West has long been one of my favorite YA authors, but, for the first time, I feel a bit let-down.
I did like that Autumn had anxiety, but By Your Side wasn't a Mental Illness book. Anxiety was just part of Autumn's life and who she is. Medication was viewed positively, too.
I had several problems with the plot, characters, and writing style, though. Dialogue felt very awkward and stilted. Contractions often weren't used in places where I'm certain most people would use contractions (unless they're just ultra formal people, but I don't think Autumn and Dax would classify as that).
I'm still not sure how Autumn fell for Dax because there was little chemistry between them. Plus, I feel like the time covered in the book was too short for them to believably want to get in a relationship, especially after Autumn was crushing on Jeff so recently. Also, Autumn's friends are the worst. Their relationships with her seem only surface level, and I also don't even remember their names, so they clearly didn't matter that much. The parts with Autumn's brother also felt a bit disjointed. The plot with the library should've been great, but that was such a small part of the book, and they honestly did very little and things felt so hot and cold. I think I would've liked it if more if Autumn and Dax had known each other a little better before getting trapped in the library. Also, her photography hobby felt shoehorned in.
The Verdict: Not Kasie West's best. Hoping Lucky in Love later this year will be better.
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Kasie West has long been one of my favorite YA authors, but, for the first time, I feel a bit let-down.
I did like that Autumn had anxiety, but By Your Side wasn't a Mental Illness book. Anxiety was just part of Autumn's life and who she is. Medication was viewed positively, too.
I had several problems with the plot, characters, and writing style, though. Dialogue felt very awkward and stilted. Contractions often weren't used in places where I'm certain most people would use contractions (unless they're just ultra formal people, but I don't think Autumn and Dax would classify as that).
I'm still not sure how Autumn fell for Dax because there was little chemistry between them. Plus, I feel like the time covered in the book was too short for them to believably want to get in a relationship, especially after Autumn was crushing on Jeff so recently. Also, Autumn's friends are the worst. Their relationships with her seem only surface level, and I also don't even remember their names, so they clearly didn't matter that much. The parts with Autumn's brother also felt a bit disjointed. The plot with the library should've been great, but that was such a small part of the book, and they honestly did very little and things felt so hot and cold. I think I would've liked it if more if Autumn and Dax had known each other a little better before getting trapped in the library. Also, her photography hobby felt shoehorned in.
The Verdict: Not Kasie West's best. Hoping Lucky in Love later this year will be better.
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
chris valleau
The problem I always have with Kasie West's stories is that the way they're written never has me fully engrossed with the story. The writing is very bland, even when something adorable or exciting or important it happening. It doesn't really make me feel anything.
Although I liked this book, it was hard to find it believable. I mean, I know that isn't even the point, but it was hard to get over the fact that someone could get stuck in a library for nearly an entire extended weekend. I kept comparing it to my library--where they lock the bathrooms and shut down the computers 15 minutes before actual closing time.
Autumn's library had a vending machine. There's absolutely no eating in my library. I guess it's okay to say her library is cooler than mine.
Anyway! I really did like Autumn! I never thought she was jumping between the two guys--because she wasn't; she was sure she liked Jeff and knew she didn't having those types of feelings for Dax until way later, after she was sure she didn't really like Jeff in that way. This is confusing, I know, but what I'm trying to say is that NO LOVE TRIANGLE OF ANY KIND! In any way!
Kasie West did a good job with Autumn's anxiety attacks! I thought they were believable and they definitely added to her character and I appreciated that!
I would have loved the romance more if only the writing had me more engrossed. Otherwise, this is a great book if you're looking for a quick contemporary!
Overall, 3 stars!
Although I liked this book, it was hard to find it believable. I mean, I know that isn't even the point, but it was hard to get over the fact that someone could get stuck in a library for nearly an entire extended weekend. I kept comparing it to my library--where they lock the bathrooms and shut down the computers 15 minutes before actual closing time.
Autumn's library had a vending machine. There's absolutely no eating in my library. I guess it's okay to say her library is cooler than mine.
Anyway! I really did like Autumn! I never thought she was jumping between the two guys--because she wasn't; she was sure she liked Jeff and knew she didn't having those types of feelings for Dax until way later, after she was sure she didn't really like Jeff in that way. This is confusing, I know, but what I'm trying to say is that NO LOVE TRIANGLE OF ANY KIND! In any way!
Kasie West did a good job with Autumn's anxiety attacks! I thought they were believable and they definitely added to her character and I appreciated that!
I would have loved the romance more if only the writing had me more engrossed. Otherwise, this is a great book if you're looking for a quick contemporary!
Overall, 3 stars!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
dave koga
I will confess that I have fantasized about getting stuck in a library when it was closed before. So a new book by an author I really enjoy with that premise was an instant buy, in fact I pre-ordered it which is not something I do that often. I did love it, it's just a very enjoyable and cute rom-com. The characters were likable, but realistic, they had real world problems that they had to work through, and they grow throughout the story. That's a big part of what I love about this author's books. I loved this one almost as much as The Distance Between Us, which was the first book by this author that I had read, which I read in one night, much like I did with this one. It's right there next to it though. Overall I can't recommend this enough if you're looking for a light, clean contemporary YA novel that has just the right amount of depth to it.
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
keith soans
This was a cute fun contemporary that I enjoyed reading. I liked Autumn the main character, her anxiety disorder was written in a way I understand myself. I enjoyed the drama, it didn't feel fake, high school, or unnecessary. I liked how she learned to stand up for herself in the end and the things she needed for her mental health to stay sane. I also liked how her friends though seemed unsupportive at first in the end was really there for her. Dax the love interest was also really worth the read. I loved a book that shows not all life is cookie cutter and perfect. It shows family problems, some they couldn't get over. This story had a character that wanted to be free so bad but I felt he really just wanted to be seen. They work well together with him calming her down and her supporting him, but none of that is a fix or heals either of them from the hurt they face. It just gives them someone to face things together with. Now it is your very average YA contemporary, there are no surprises or anything. It lost points from me for that because nothing sets it apart from a thousand other stories just like it but I enjoyed reading it all the same. Overall I was happy at the end and that's all that matters!
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
thetick
I received this ARC via Edelweiss for review.
By Your Side is a contemporary novel that starts out with the protagonist, Autumn, trapped inside her public library over a holiday weekend. It turns out a classmate also sought shelter at the library over the weekend, and after begging her not to try and get out because he’ll be sent to a group home if found, an unlikely friendship grows. The premise is great (if you’re going to be trapped somewhere, why not a library?), and I really enjoyed the building of friendships and relationships throughout.
I really could connect with Autumn because she was portrayed with anxiety, making her friendships with outgoing and daring people difficult at times since they didn’t know. It definitely points out that not everyone is comfortable with the same situations, and it’s always a good thing to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and try to understand their point of view.
Dex and Autumn’s romance is obvious, but rewarding with the fact that it opens both of them up to new experiences, and they compliment each other well. And the overall message that true friends will accept you for who you are is always something we need to be reminded of.
By Your Side is a contemporary novel that starts out with the protagonist, Autumn, trapped inside her public library over a holiday weekend. It turns out a classmate also sought shelter at the library over the weekend, and after begging her not to try and get out because he’ll be sent to a group home if found, an unlikely friendship grows. The premise is great (if you’re going to be trapped somewhere, why not a library?), and I really enjoyed the building of friendships and relationships throughout.
I really could connect with Autumn because she was portrayed with anxiety, making her friendships with outgoing and daring people difficult at times since they didn’t know. It definitely points out that not everyone is comfortable with the same situations, and it’s always a good thing to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and try to understand their point of view.
Dex and Autumn’s romance is obvious, but rewarding with the fact that it opens both of them up to new experiences, and they compliment each other well. And the overall message that true friends will accept you for who you are is always something we need to be reminded of.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
leland pitts gonzalez
Romance, clean
Loved this book! Definitely a 4.5 for me as a reader. Such an insightful and beautiful journey into trust, friendship, and a beautiful fall.
Autumn and Dex's story and fall was magically written. Seen through Autumn's eyes as she struggles to get through every day with her anxiety that she hasn't shared with friends, and as she and Dex 'wins' lead to them sharing not only their secrets, but their hearts, this was such a lovely read. Autumn and Dex navigating 'life' outside of the confines of the library where they first connect, working their way through the minefields of their lives, and discovering the real secret that they have in their hearts was beautifully written. I am definitely a big fan of Kasie West. Everything she writes is thoughtful, caring, and with definite read for anyone who is a fan of genuine, honest characters who are working through life and the complications of school, family, and their own thoughts and hearts.
Loved this book! Definitely a 4.5 for me as a reader. Such an insightful and beautiful journey into trust, friendship, and a beautiful fall.
Autumn and Dex's story and fall was magically written. Seen through Autumn's eyes as she struggles to get through every day with her anxiety that she hasn't shared with friends, and as she and Dex 'wins' lead to them sharing not only their secrets, but their hearts, this was such a lovely read. Autumn and Dex navigating 'life' outside of the confines of the library where they first connect, working their way through the minefields of their lives, and discovering the real secret that they have in their hearts was beautifully written. I am definitely a big fan of Kasie West. Everything she writes is thoughtful, caring, and with definite read for anyone who is a fan of genuine, honest characters who are working through life and the complications of school, family, and their own thoughts and hearts.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
tammy krestel
Kasie West has become one of my favorite authors. The first book I read from her was P.S. I Like You and once I finished it, I read all her other YA contemporary books. I was that addicted. When I read the synopsis for By Your Side, I couldn’t wait for it to come out.
I really enjoyed By Your Side so much that I finished it in less than 6 hours while working on and off (Yes I read while I’m at work when it’s slow). It’s not your typical overly cheesy YA contemporary romance (although I do love me some of those), but it will still draw you in. It’s fast paced, charming, funny, and still had enough cutesy swoon worthy moments
I really enjoyed By Your Side so much that I finished it in less than 6 hours while working on and off (Yes I read while I’m at work when it’s slow). It’s not your typical overly cheesy YA contemporary romance (although I do love me some of those), but it will still draw you in. It’s fast paced, charming, funny, and still had enough cutesy swoon worthy moments
Please RateBy Your Side