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Some people would consider it a dream to be locked in the library for the entire weekend, but Autumn Collins does not. In fact, she’s pretty sure things couldn’t get worse … until they do. Because Dax Miller, a boy from school with a troublesome reputation, is locked in with her.
Autumn tells herself her friends will come for her. She was supposed to go with them to a bonfire and then a weekend getaway at a friend’s cabin, and when Jeff, her almost-boyfriend, realizes she’s been left at the library, he’ll come rescue her. It’s only a matter of time.
But when no one comes for Autumn, she finds herself getting closer to Dax, and as they fight the hunger and boredom of the long weekend, a friendship begins to form. Dax has a reputation for being a loner, but, despite the rumors of a stint at Juvie, Autumn soon realizes there is more to Dax than meets the eye, and her sudden feelings for him may go beyond friendship. But what happens when the weekend is over and Autumn returns to her old life and her old love interest?
When I read the back cover of By Your Side, I knew I had to read the book. I mean, locked in a library? What reader isn’t 100% there for that? Unfortunately, none of the characters really seemed to care about the books.
The main character, Autumn, suffers from an anxiety disorder that not only affects her everyday life, but sends her into a panic attack when she finds out she is locked in the library. As someone who also suffers from anxiety, I appreciated seeing this represented in fiction, and I enjoyed seeing how accepting, encouraging, and supportive Autumn’s family was, and how Dax became so as well.
However, I really struggled with Autumn’s so-called friends, who come across as shallow and uncaring at times. They seem completely oblivious of her struggles. How they could be so unobservant is beyond me, but, then again, they did end up leaving her at the library in the first place.
Overall, I didn’t think By Your Side was super-spectacular, but it’s still a light, enjoyable read with a cute romance.
Rated: Mild. Characters kiss.
