Publication Date: 1/23/2017
Blurb from Goodreads: 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.
SASCHA DARLINGTON’S REVIEW
There is something ultimately satisfying about picking up a Kasie West novel. You know that the characters are going to be different from your average read, but also very grounded in reality and you know that you’ll try to read it all in one sitting just because: what happens next?!
Autumn is known to probably everyone in her high school. She’s the girl with the camera, snapping photos of everything and everyone. The camera provides her with a bit of a barrier and the stability she needs because she suffers from an anxiety disorder; that tidbit of information she hasn’t shared with any of her friends because she doesn’t want them to treat her differently.
Enter Dax, who she ends up stuck with in the library. He’s a total enigma whose rumored past is both true and not true. Yes, he ended up in juvie for beating up someone, but the story behind the rumor isn’t what people say.
In the course of a long weekend, Autumn and Dax come to know each other, sometimes begrudgingly, but discover that they want to know each other in the real life outside of this accidental weekend.
One thing I love about this novel is that there are no stereotypes. There were plenty of opportunities for them. Jeff, Autumn’s almost love interest, could have been shown to be a jerk. Davi, Autumn’s friend who may have a crush on Jeff, could have been a backstabber. Even Dax, portrayed by rumors as a druggie outcast, could have been an arrogant bad boy. West never writes the obvious and I love that.
I also love the fact that the relationships in this novel, regardless of the form they take, are good relationships. They are supportive. There is a lot of loyalty and no meanness for meanness sake. That’s not to say that some supporting players, Dax’ mother, for instance, haven’t chosen a wrong road.
Ultimately though, the reader is satisfied with the course of events and the conclusion. And then left waiting for the next Kasie West novel.
You can see my review of her previous novel, P.S. I Like You here.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
From Amazon: By You Side
rating: 
(4 butterflies and a ladybug out of 5 butterflies)