By Your Side audiobook

*ARC received from Indigo Books and Music for review, thank you to them!*I loved this! I identified so strongly with the protagonist and found the whole story to be more than just your typical romance.

the whole 'trapped in a library with a brooding bad boy' plotline speaks to me on a spiritual level. sigh. a girl can dream and this book is inspiring all of my fantasies.↠ 4 stars

I really really like Kasie West's writing. It's easy and quick to read, but doesn't feel just like fluff/brain candy. There's a depth and theme/lesson to her stories, which I appreciate. Dax and Autumn have a strong chemistry, and I enjoyed how Dax helped Autumn accept herself. I wish the ending wasn't as rushed. The whole book is building up to the romance, which is good, I liked the tension that resulted. It kept me reading. However, I felt everything just wrapped up in a few pages and I just wanted the resolution to happen a little sooner or that the book was longer. I know the book was more about how the characters got to the ending point and not the end point itself, but I just wanted the ending to have a little more to it.

Kasie West just does ya contemporary romance so well.

You know who’s my favorite? Kasie West.You should probably already know this about me, but I’m just reminding you. Kasie West consistently delivers sweet, fun, swoon-worthy stories. She manages to tell a story that touches on serious, relatable topics without making it the sole thing that the story is about. In By Your Side, Autumn finds herself locked in the library… no way to get out and unable to contact anyone. Then she realizes she’s not alone… Dax Miller is in the library too, only it looks like he isn’t exactly trapped. She knows very little about Dax, only that he’s spent time in juvie, and he’s a loner. Not exactly someone she feels entirely safe with, but she just has to stick it out until her friends and her almost-boyfriend realize she’s not where she’s supposed to be … only they don’t. Autumn and Dax have to make the most of their situation, and eventually they start to open up and share with each other, and they find that maybe their preconceived notions about each other aren’t entirely accurate. Now let’s be honest, who among us book nerds wouldn’t love to be trapped in a library for a long weekend? Now throw in a cute boy and I don’t think a single person could say no. But if I’m honest, that’s only part of the story here and maybe only the first third of this book happens in the actual library and it truly might not be what you are hoping for in that regard. However, that’s where West introduces us to Autumn and Dax and shares some of their secrets and why they are who they are… the characters being cut off from everyone else in the story allows us to really get to know them on a very personal level and we learn things about them both that are very important. I’m just going to come out with it right away… I loved Autumn… she’s funny, and smart and super awkward, and she just happens to deal with anxiety. I loved that West created a character who is dealing with anxiety, but she portrays it in a way that totally normalizes it, as it should be! It’s so important in YA today that people read about characters that they can relate to and that young people can see others who are dealing with things they might be and see that it doesn’t have to be life-ending, it’s just something that is a part of her life but she’s so much more than her diagnosis. Seeing her come to terms and finally share with her friends what is really happening in her life is just wonderful. I have to admit too, that I really liked Dax. I suppose you could call Dax a “bad boy”, but I don’t know that that is entirely accurate. He’s certainly the most troubled of all West’s characters. He’s more someone who is trying to make the most of his circumstances and just trying to survive in the situation he finds himself in. As his past is revealed, I understood his loner status, and I got why he kept himself apart from everyone. I do love that he finally opened up to Autumn, and I really loved the evolution of their relationship… is this the swooniest relationship West has written so far? No, I have to admit I’m more partial to some of the others, but I still totally shipped these two so much! Their relationship was slow and sweet and I really enjoyed getting to see them learn to trust each other. I think one of the things that West really excels at with every book (aside from swoony boys) is building and portraying friendships in a really positive way. She truly does it in every book she writes! Autumn here has some amazing friends (despite them leaving her stranded) and while it seems like there are a lot of friends to keep track of, the one to really focus on her connection with her best friend Lisa. It’s always so refreshing to see wonderful friendships portrayed in YA. Overall, another quick favorite from Kasie West! If you’re looking for a quick, sweet read, you definitely need to grab this one, and if you’ve held off on reading ANY Kasie West, I urge you to start at the beginning of her booklist because you really can’t go wrong with a single book! Thank you to the publisher for an early copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.Before Reading Reactions:

***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***By Your Side by Kasie WestPublisher: HarperTeenPublication Date: January 31, 2017Rating: 4 starsSource: ARC sent by the publisherSummary (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!Pre-read squees:EEEEEEEEEEP!!!!!! I cannot wait to read this book! So much love for West's first six books, and I'm sure this one will be AWESOME.

Any Kasie West book is hard to resist but throw in the setting and plot line for her latest, and for any book lover, it is downright impossible to say no to, which is why I didn't even think twice about getting it. West is an autobuy author for me, always has been and will continue to be so. Her latest book just reinforced for me why that statement is true.I was expecting a fun light read filled with a heart stopping romance, with lovable, adorable characters and once again, West delivered. But this was also so much more than a good time. This felt believable and most of all with the beginning setting of being trapped in a library with a hot guy, also one most of us wouldn't mind happening to us in real life as well. Filled with tough issues, real life problems and so much more, West delivered in every way with her latest YA contemporary. It was one I plowed through in a matter of hours and one that left me with a warm feeling and a smile on my face.*ARC copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

4.5 en realidad ❤️Kasie West lo ha vuelto a hacer, me ha ganado un trocito de mi corazón con esta historia. Es cierto que las historias de esta autora no son lo más originales del mundo, pero la forma en la que están narradas y los temas que trata hace que sea muy especial. Con esta me he sentido realmente identificada con la protagonista y hacía mucho tiempo que eso no me sucedía. Autumn es una personaje muy especial, y su conexión con Dax me ha parecido de lo más humana y creíble que he leído en mucho tiempo. Como va surgiendo poco a poco esa chispa entre ellos, dos personas tan diferentes pero a la vez siendo una pieza de un puzle que encaja a la perfección. Sin duda sus escenas me han encantado y me despertaban mucha ternura. Me han hecho sufrir, he suspirado con ellos y me he emocionado. También me ha encantado como trata la autora el tema de la ansiedad, se nota que ha puesto mucho empeño en tratarlo bien y hacer una buena representación. Gracias, Kasie. Si os gustan los libros románticos, os lo recomiendo muchísimo. Sin duda quiero leer más libros de esta autora.

Kasie west, you're the best! Ha! I rhymed!Kasie West is seriously an auto-buy for me. I seriously am impressed by this author. I’ve read all but TWO of her books and I’ve given them ALL 4 or 5 stars. I’ve yet to be disappointed by her books, stories, or writing style. I just love them all! Which makes me nervous each time I pick up one of her books now…. let’s not focus on THAT, shall we!In this story, we find ourselves with our main character Autumn, who finds herself locked in the library with no way to contact anyone after putting all her stuff and phone in a friends car. When she realizes she’s not alone, she starts to freak out especially when she realizes who is also stuck in the library. Dax Miller. She knows very little about Dax, only that he’s spent time in juvie for doing something terrible, and he’s a loner. Not exactly, someone, she feels safe with, but she just has to stick it out until her friends realize she’s not with them.Autumn and Dax have to make the most of their situation, and eventually, they start to open up and share with each other, and they find that maybe their preconceived notions about each other aren’t entirely accurate.I LOVED so many things about this book. I really liked how it took Dax a long time to thaw his icy self. I liked how Autumn suffers from anxiety and how she’s tried to be “normal” and hide it from everyone outside her family. I liked how even though Dax is dark and brooding, he isn’t a jerk or mean or cruel. He just keeps everyone at a distance for good reason too. So I like that it took him a good long while to thaw out and bring himself to care.I love Autumn and how she is smart, nerdy, funny, sassy, and awkward. It adds so much to the realism of the age group and story. I just loved her.Overall I loved everything about this book, the ups, and downs, the depth and cheeseiness of it all.Sexual Content: mildLanguage: mildDrugs/Alcohol: mildViolence: mild

I'm a massive fan of Kasie West's books so I had no doubts that I wouldn't love this book. I have yet to read one of Kasie's contemporaries and not fall in love with it. And By Your Side was extra special to me. I loved the writing, the plot was super cute and fun, I really liked the characters (Jeff was so dumb though), but what I loved most about this book was the representation of anxiety disorder in the main character. I wasn't expecting that aspect of diversity in this book and I was really thrilled to see such a common mental illness being represented in a main stream YA novel. I really related to Autumn because of that. I really loved how the plot didn't focus on her anxiety but it was definitely part of Autumn's life. It showed how she managed her anxiety and how it affected her life. It felt really authentic. I felt like Kasie normalized anxiety disorder in By Your Side. I also loved how supportive Autumn's family was (her mom even encouraged her to take time off from school) and how Dax always tried to help instead of freaking out about it.Overall, I loved By Your Side. It was a cute, fluffy YA with a great representation of anxiety disorder. I definitely recommend this book.

Being trapped inside the library, surrounded with books sounds heavenly for us bookworms. I would love to stay in for the entire day and just read whatever I want and as long as I have food with me, I'll survive. However, that isn't the situation in this book.Autumn Collins accidentally traps herself inside the library. She has no means of communication because her personal belongings were in her friend's car and the library will be closed for the entire weekend. Luckily, she wasn't the only one trapped inside. Dax Miller was a mysterious and lonely guy in her school. There are rumors about him which earned a bad reputation. Autumn wants to know more of his story than believing in the rumors. She tries to engage him in a conversation. Though he's closed off at first, he becomes more comfortable around her. It seems he wasn't a bad guy and thinks she'll enjoy being with him until someone rescues her. I don't want to give much away of the story to avoid spoilers. I really like the story but it wasn't as fluffy and swoon-worthy unlike the ones I've read from the past. I want more romance build up between Dax and Autumn because it missed by a bit. They may have sweet moments but I didn't feel the spark. As for the characters, Autumn is a likable heroine. She's reserved, friendly and nonjudgmental. Dax is a good hero but he's quite boring in my opinion. To conclude this review, Kasie West delivers another great contemporary novel. I may not be a huge fan of Dax but Autumn is my new favorite heroine among her contemporaries (so far). Props also to her suitor, Jeff for being a respectful and classy guy.

I quickly grab my laptop and update this once I had finished reading the book. I have to write it all down before my brain cells forget what I feel about it. I'm so not disappointed when I grab this book. It had been in my sight since it had been published. I wanna grab it but there were other books in my long wanted book list that I need to bought. I bought this book like four days ago while taking my cousins out for a playground in Aeon. They were playing and I forgot to bring my book - I was rushing - and thought it would be nice for me to just go through the bookshop and choose one of the books there for me to read. And yes, here's the book. And I tell you for the second time, I feels so lucky and can't stop reading it once I started. I quickly finished reading The Black Key - the book I currently reading on the time being - and continue on reading this. It was so good! I can't get enough of it! I want it more especially about Autumn and Dax. Dear Kasie West, you are now in my favourite authors list. I'll hunting for your book soon...Full review will be in my blog soon!

I still could definitely count on Ms. Kasie West for an easy read because her writing has this natural fluff to it that anything she writes seems comforting. Also, the story ends very happily so I guess it’s still her standard romantic-comedy. At the same time, she tried to tackle a more serious issue in the story by bringing in anxiety in the plot and I thought she managed to write that well too even though she presented it in a much lighter manner. What’s different this time is how the romance isn’t very predictable. It was quite a whirlwind too but one that is definitely believable and natural. The main characters are also quite unique and I’m definitely swooning over the guy character that not even once turned me off. Plus, the characters get stuck several days at the library! I was automatically into it. Lol.