Review : By Your Side by Kasie West

Title : By Your Side
Author : Kasie West
Genre : YA contemporary
Release Date : January 31st, 2017
Publisher : HarperTeen

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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?

By Your Side is my fifth Kasie West's books, and I've come to the conclusion : Kasie West never disappoint me. Quite frankly, the reasons why it took me this long to finally pick up this book are because a) I was at the "peak" of senior year when this book was published, so can't really read anything at that moment and b) I was hesitant because there's a lot disappointed reviews of this book--more than usual--and I don't want to be disappointed by Kasie West. But, months later, I finally pick up this book, and I'm so glad I did it.

By Your Side is basically about Autumn Miller, who finds herself stuck in a library, and soon realize she's not alone. Because Dax Miller, a friend (or acquaintance?) from her high school is also there because of something. I personally love Autumn, because honestly she reminds me of myself. Autumn suffers from anxiety (which I also have), and because of that she always try to please people eventhough it's not something she wants to do (which I often do too). She also tends to replay conversations that's embarrassing/awkward/hurtful/etc., which I believe many people with anxiety has done. That's why I could connect very well with her while reading this book. I think Kasie West portrays anxiety well in this book. Dax, on the other hand, was different than the usual Kasie West's love interest. He's a bit of loner and more like someone peoples usually avoid at school, rather than being the "center of the attention". But don't worry, that doesn't make him less swoony! He was charming in the quiet, mysterious-kind-of-way, so definitely still in the book-boyfriend material.

The romance in this book, as expected, is so cute and adorable that I couldn't hold back a squeal. There's a bit hint of love triangle, but really it was obvious who she'd end up with. I love how Autumn can be more relaxed when she's with Dax, and how Dax can let his guard down and be more open when he's with Autumn. They definitely have chemistry since the first time they met at the library. The only relationship that I'm disappointed with is the friendship, since I don't think it was explored enough in this book. But I still love the (brief) friendship-moment we got, especially between Autumn and Lisa.

In conclusion, eventhough this is not my favorite Kasie West's books ever (the title still goes to P.S. I Like You and The Distance Between Us), I still recommend this book to everyone, whether you have read Kasie West's other books or not. It's worth the read!