I’ll Meet You There by Heather Demetrios | YA BOOK REVIEW
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If Skylar Evans were a typical Creek View girl, her future would involve a double-wide trailer, a baby on her hip, and the graveyard shift at Taco Bell. But after graduation, the only thing separating Skylar from art school is three months of summer…until Skylar’s mother loses her job, and Skylar realizes her dreams may be slipping out of reach.
Josh had a different escape route: the Marines. But after losing his leg in Afghanistan, he returns home, a shell of the cocksure boy he used to be.
What brings Skylar and Josh together is working at the Paradise—a quirky motel off California’s Highway 99. Despite their differences, their shared isolation turns into an unexpected friendship and, soon, something deeper.
Compelling and ultimately hopeful, this is a powerful examination of love, loss, and resilience.
I’ll Meet You There by Heather Demetrios | BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
MY THOUGHTS
This book had so many great scenes, and meaningful moments. A YA contemporary romance that hit the mark about PTSD and what it means to live in a tiny town as a young adult, off the beaten path in Central California, with no real futures ahead of them. I’ve driven enough times through this area to know exactly what the author means, and she described these towns in a very authentic way.
Nothing comes easy in this book. Ever character struggles in some way, but in everything there is also a glimmer of hope. Something or someone that makes life bearable, hopeful, and enjoyable.
Josh’s POV was the most poignant and emotional part of the book. Getting glimpses of how he really felt, beyond what everybody saw was heartbreaking.
And I really enjoyed the slow burn friends to lovers trope, because of the slow build up Sky and Josh’s interactions and connection was even more meaningful.
Overall I really enjoyed it, but there were a couple things that rubbed me the wrong way. I don’t think it would have bothered me as much if I read the book 5-6 years ago, but times are changing,
This cover was one that stuck out to me when it was released, and a book I thought I would read. I don’t know when I forgot about it, but you have me wishing I didn’t. I need to see if my library has this one. Great review!
I remember seeing it on lists, and on Goodreads, but like you I never added it to my tbr, until I came across a sale on Amazon.
Those stream of consciousness moments from Josh had me in tears at so many moments. I remember reading this book years ago and it has stuck with me since. I loved the dynamic between Josh and Skylar. I just felt like their connection was so authentic in its development.
I agree, his POV was the emotional part of the book, just so raw at times. And I agree, the entire book felt very authentic, from their fears, doubts to how they acted at times.