By Your Side - by Kasie West (Paperback)

About the Book

When Autumn finds herself locked in the library all weekend with Dax, a loner with a bad reputaton, she's surprised at the connection that develops between them.

Book Synopsis

An irresistible story from Kasie West that explores the timeless question: What do you do when you fall for the person you least expect?

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 at 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 Quotes

"A simmering romance that gives weight to mental health and hard choices." - Kirkus Reviews
"West has created an intricately woven story of two possible futures" - School Library Journal on PIVOT POINT
"West's premise is a winner, and Addie is the kind of heroine readers would want as a best friend-loyal, unpretentious, and thoughtful. Two love interests in Addie's divergent futures make things even more interesting, as does a murder subplot. What truly makes West's story memorable, however, is Addie's wry humor ("I've been thinking about books where the main character's parents are going through a divorce. A big theme is rebellion. I think I should give it a try") and the book's fascinating exploration of how life can change with one simple choice. " - Publishers Weekly (starred review) on PIVOT POINT
"What seems like a fairly run-of-the-mill high-school story blossoms into a surprisingly engaging romance and journey of self-discovery" - Booklist about THE FILL-IN BOYFRIEND
"This is a genuinely clever and enjoyable book. Recommend this to fans of authors Sarah Dessen, Elizabeth Eulberg, and Stephanie Perkins as well as lovers of films like Clueless, Ten ThIngs I Hate About You, and Easy A. " - School Library Journal on THE FILL-IN BOYFRIEND
"A sweet, breezy story that is nonetheless meaningful." - Booklist on ON THE FENCE
"West builds enjoyable tension and absorbing chemistry between Charlie and Braden, and her depiction of growing up surrounded by brothers is thoroughly enjoyable. " - Publishers Weekly on ON THE FENCE
"The charming story is beautifully written, and the characters are well developed. Similar in feel to books by Susane Colasanti, West's novel is sweet and captivating." - School Library Journal on THE DISTANCE BETWEEN US