Review: By Your Side by Kasie West
SYNOPSIS:
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?
REVIEW:
*Book Received in Exchange for Honest Opinion/Review*
This story started off kind of slow for me, it took several days for me to get into it but around 100 pages in, I was hooked and couldn’t put it down. The characters are rich, complex, and relate-able. Autumn is a breath of fresh air and her honest, poignant voice should resonate with teens trying to find their place and identity in the world. Dax, my heart felt so much for Dax, he is complicated and has been dealt a rough hand in life but is also selfless, caring, and witty. Cue the swooning, how could I not 100% back the Dax and Autumn ship?! Dax is the calm to Autumn’s storm, they make perfect sense together.
I love how Kasie West flawless captures the fickle emotions of teenagers; the struggles and inner monologue they go through when making these decisions. The story is sweet, adorable, and by page 278 you could hear me cheering and chanting “Finally!”. The ending left me wanting more, I wanted to know more about Dax’s relationship with his “family”. I wanted to learn more about Autumn’s friends and what makes them tick. Overall, it was a perfect read for a Sunday afternoon that will leave you with a smile on your face but not a heavy weight in your heart.
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