What do you think?
Rate this book
Just Want You Here
An intimate and deeply moving coming-of-age novel about second chances and the inextricable bonds between lovers and friends.
The only love Ari has known is Morgan. Engaged and planning a life with him in New York, Ari is shocked when Morgan sits her down one rainy afternoon and tells her their decade-long relationship is over. They’ve been over for a long time now, he says—and Ari knows he’s right.
Twenty-eight years old and suddenly alone, Ari throws herself into a new job in Boston, as assistant to a tech CEO. Wells is British, twelve years her senior, a devoted husband and father. He’s also captivated by Ari, in a way neither of them can explain. Ignoring every warning signal from friends and their own instincts, they dive into a fiery affair, which becomes more dangerous as Ari finds herself intricately tangled with his wife, Leah.
Nothing can prepare Ari for the choices she must make as she tries to uncover what’s right for herself, and for the people she can’t let go. As a new path opens—a journey of lies and the twisted calculus of protecting them—Ari’s second chance at happiness forces her to consider who she really is. Can you love someone without dragging them under? What does it take to start over again?
The only love Ari has known is Morgan. Engaged and planning a life with him in New York, Ari is shocked when Morgan sits her down one rainy afternoon and tells her their decade-long relationship is over. They’ve been over for a long time now, he says—and Ari knows he’s right.
Twenty-eight years old and suddenly alone, Ari throws herself into a new job in Boston, as assistant to a tech CEO. Wells is British, twelve years her senior, a devoted husband and father. He’s also captivated by Ari, in a way neither of them can explain. Ignoring every warning signal from friends and their own instincts, they dive into a fiery affair, which becomes more dangerous as Ari finds herself intricately tangled with his wife, Leah.
Nothing can prepare Ari for the choices she must make as she tries to uncover what’s right for herself, and for the people she can’t let go. As a new path opens—a journey of lies and the twisted calculus of protecting them—Ari’s second chance at happiness forces her to consider who she really is. Can you love someone without dragging them under? What does it take to start over again?
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 11, 2025
164 people are currently reading
5396 people want to read
About the author
Meredith Turits
3 books37 followersMeredith Turits’s writing and interviews have appeared in publications including Vanity Fair, ELLE, BBC.com, Electric Literature, the Paris Review Daily, and Bustle, where she was a founding editor. She graduated from Tufts University and attended the Yale Writers’ Workshop. She lives in Connecticut. For more information, visit www.meredithturits.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
April 5, 2025
Between 3.5 and 4. Rounded up. Feeling generous.
Wow- that was a roller coaster of a read! Listened to 75% on audio- narration was well done, multiple male and female audio parts.
Disclaimer: this book heavily involves a story based on a love affair between the FMC and her married boss. If this isn’t your cup of tea- this book isn’t for you. Also note- death of a parent, death of a spouse. There is mild swearing and some spice but minimal and I’d describe it written artistically.
So. Much. Raw. Emotion.
Went into this book completely blind. Nothing like a style I read typically-I don’t like sad, raw, emotional reads. This book however kept me pressing play. I needed to hear how MC Ari’s life panned out.
What I liked: the importance of family, or lack there of. Friendships, getting the most out of life, relationships, jobs.
Finding what matters most and going for it! And at the same time how easy it is to get lost in it all- or- lose it all. What the price of mistakes cost you. This, to me, is what the author is trying to convey. I also found the book to be well written, beautifully descriptive. And again- narration was well done.
What I did not like- that ending 😩 I wanted a HEA… I was very confused- maybe someone who read it can enlighten me. If I’m understanding correctly it isn’t HEA. Ends abruptly and a bit confusing. Abrupt as in one sentence to end! I also disliked the best friend Summer- reading reviews I’m apparently not alone in that dislike. With BFF’s like Summer- who needs enemies!
Overall, glad I read this one! I would recommend however only if the triggers are not an issue.
Happy Reading! 📖
Wow- that was a roller coaster of a read! Listened to 75% on audio- narration was well done, multiple male and female audio parts.
Disclaimer: this book heavily involves a story based on a love affair between the FMC and her married boss. If this isn’t your cup of tea- this book isn’t for you. Also note- death of a parent, death of a spouse. There is mild swearing and some spice but minimal and I’d describe it written artistically.
So. Much. Raw. Emotion.
Went into this book completely blind. Nothing like a style I read typically-I don’t like sad, raw, emotional reads. This book however kept me pressing play. I needed to hear how MC Ari’s life panned out.
What I liked: the importance of family, or lack there of. Friendships, getting the most out of life, relationships, jobs.
Finding what matters most and going for it! And at the same time how easy it is to get lost in it all- or- lose it all. What the price of mistakes cost you. This, to me, is what the author is trying to convey. I also found the book to be well written, beautifully descriptive. And again- narration was well done.
What I did not like- that ending 😩 I wanted a HEA… I was very confused- maybe someone who read it can enlighten me. If I’m understanding correctly it isn’t HEA. Ends abruptly and a bit confusing. Abrupt as in one sentence to end! I also disliked the best friend Summer- reading reviews I’m apparently not alone in that dislike. With BFF’s like Summer- who needs enemies!
Overall, glad I read this one! I would recommend however only if the triggers are not an issue.
Happy Reading! 📖
April 14, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ALC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
I'm seriously struggling to understand what even was the point of this book. The beginning was quick to pull me into the story but any excitement quickly fizzled out after 10% of the book.
Was this supposed to be a character study? Unfortunately it was way too choppy in its narrative. Just a small snippet of life and our flaws as human beings? Well the characters did act like complete clowns and still had the audacity to act surprised when their actions had consequences.
Anyways I don't know what this book was supposed to be, I just know I truly despise cheating and that I feel sorry for Lia in the middle of all of this.
I'm seriously struggling to understand what even was the point of this book. The beginning was quick to pull me into the story but any excitement quickly fizzled out after 10% of the book.
Was this supposed to be a character study? Unfortunately it was way too choppy in its narrative. Just a small snippet of life and our flaws as human beings? Well the characters did act like complete clowns and still had the audacity to act surprised when their actions had consequences.
Anyways I don't know what this book was supposed to be, I just know I truly despise cheating and that I feel sorry for Lia in the middle of all of this.
March 24, 2025
there is a fine line between introspective and fulfilling pacing vs choppy and anticlimatic story telling.. and sadly this one didn't hit the mark when it comes to engaging writing in my opinion. there were a variety of characters and i wish we explored more personality and better pacing when getting to know the characters so a build up of attachment could be formed. i love character driven stories but there needs to be a balance of mundane story telling with compelling pacing and characterization which was missing in this one. i think some people may enjoy it but it felt really lackluster and bland.. i was just waiting for it to be over towards the end bc it felt like there was no end point and the plot was circling around a parking lot. It could be just how i interpreted the characters and story but nonetheless i think there could be mixed opinions on this book!
Thank you to Netgalley, Brilliance Publishing, and Little A for this audio and e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to Netgalley, Brilliance Publishing, and Little A for this audio and e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
February 22, 2025
Just Want You Here by Meredith Turits. Thanks to the author and @littlea for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When Ari’s ten year relationship ends, she knows it’s the right thing when though Morgan is all she’s ever known as a young adult. She throws herself into her new job as an assistant, but becomes entangled in a fiery romance with her boss.
I absolutely loved this one! Ari was such a real and deep character. Despite her morally grey choices, I felt for her and truly understood her. The book was an emotional ride that took me up and down. I couldn’t stand her best friend, Summer, and this aligned me with Ari even more. The ending was heartbreaking but also thoughtful in how it circled around. Highly recommend!
“She doesn’t know what counts as a good decision anymore, what a good decision even means.”
Just Want You Here comes out 3/11.
When Ari’s ten year relationship ends, she knows it’s the right thing when though Morgan is all she’s ever known as a young adult. She throws herself into her new job as an assistant, but becomes entangled in a fiery romance with her boss.
I absolutely loved this one! Ari was such a real and deep character. Despite her morally grey choices, I felt for her and truly understood her. The book was an emotional ride that took me up and down. I couldn’t stand her best friend, Summer, and this aligned me with Ari even more. The ending was heartbreaking but also thoughtful in how it circled around. Highly recommend!
“She doesn’t know what counts as a good decision anymore, what a good decision even means.”
Just Want You Here comes out 3/11.
January 10, 2025
I’m not usually much of a romance reader but this one intrigued me. It's less of a traditional love story and more of a coming of age, finding yourself story. When Morgan breaks off his engagement with Ari, she feels as if her world is coming to an end. He’s all she’s ever known, her high school sweetheart turned adult life fiancé. After floundering around for a bit, she makes some big changes. New city, new apartment, new job…new love interest. But this one comes with big strings attached. Even though she knows she shouldn’t, she finds herself entangled in a love affair that she can’t imagine ending. Although yes, this does sound like a romance, it’s really more about Ari trying to make the right decisions for herself and realizing that everything isn’t as easy as it seems. With lots of mistakes along the way, she tries to forge her own path to happiness. An enjoyable read!
September 5, 2024
2 stars.
Big thanks to the publisher and author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I had pretty high hopes for this book, especially during the first half. It was packed with tension and anticipation, and I found myself eager to see where things were headed. The buildup was really well done, it kept me hooked, and I was excited to see how all the threads would come together. But then the second half happened, and... well, everything just fell flat for me.
It felt like all that tension and buildup was for nothing because the story started to rush through things. Just when I thought things were about to really kick off, the plot sped up, and it seemed like the author just wanted to get to the finish line. I don’t mind fast-paced endings, but this one felt abrupt. There was no real payoff for all the buildup earlier in the story.
And then there’s the character development, or lack thereof. I’m all for complex, evolving characters, but there was nothing here. No growth, no change, nothing to make me feel like these characters were different at the end compared to the beginning. It’s like they were stuck in place, which made it really hard to care about what happened to them. I wanted more depth, more emotion, more of a connection.
Overall, I just ended up feeling disappointed. The book had so much potential, but it didn’t deliver in the end. I expected way more from the characters and the story. It’s a real shame because I was ready to love it.
Big thanks to the publisher and author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I had pretty high hopes for this book, especially during the first half. It was packed with tension and anticipation, and I found myself eager to see where things were headed. The buildup was really well done, it kept me hooked, and I was excited to see how all the threads would come together. But then the second half happened, and... well, everything just fell flat for me.
It felt like all that tension and buildup was for nothing because the story started to rush through things. Just when I thought things were about to really kick off, the plot sped up, and it seemed like the author just wanted to get to the finish line. I don’t mind fast-paced endings, but this one felt abrupt. There was no real payoff for all the buildup earlier in the story.
And then there’s the character development, or lack thereof. I’m all for complex, evolving characters, but there was nothing here. No growth, no change, nothing to make me feel like these characters were different at the end compared to the beginning. It’s like they were stuck in place, which made it really hard to care about what happened to them. I wanted more depth, more emotion, more of a connection.
Overall, I just ended up feeling disappointed. The book had so much potential, but it didn’t deliver in the end. I expected way more from the characters and the story. It’s a real shame because I was ready to love it.
February 26, 2025
I was really invested in this audio from the beginning. It drew me in with its depth and emotion, making me feel connected to the journey in a way I didn’t expect. Even though I wasn’t sure if this new start was the right decision, I found myself wanting to follow it through, curious to see where it would lead. There was something so reflective about it, something that made me think about my own choices and the moments in life when we stand at a crossroads.
As it progressed, I felt a mix of emotions—hope, uncertainty, and a deep sense of introspection. The way it unfolded was both engaging and thought-provoking, making me appreciate the power of storytelling in a whole new way. I loved how it didn’t just tell a story but made me feel a part of it.
By the end, I was sad, but in a way that felt meaningful. It wasn’t just an ending; it was a conclusion that made me reflect even more. Despite the bittersweet feeling, I truly enjoyed the experience. It stayed with me, lingering in my thoughts long after it was over, and that’s what made it so powerful.
As it progressed, I felt a mix of emotions—hope, uncertainty, and a deep sense of introspection. The way it unfolded was both engaging and thought-provoking, making me appreciate the power of storytelling in a whole new way. I loved how it didn’t just tell a story but made me feel a part of it.
By the end, I was sad, but in a way that felt meaningful. It wasn’t just an ending; it was a conclusion that made me reflect even more. Despite the bittersweet feeling, I truly enjoyed the experience. It stayed with me, lingering in my thoughts long after it was over, and that’s what made it so powerful.
March 30, 2025
Decent book; horrible abrupt ending
The book started out holding my attention, and I kept reading because I wanted to know what happened between in the new relationship. However, it dragged on too long. The ending seemed abrupt and just left you wanting more. Was a little disappointing.
The book started out holding my attention, and I kept reading because I wanted to know what happened between in the new relationship. However, it dragged on too long. The ending seemed abrupt and just left you wanting more. Was a little disappointing.
March 16, 2025
The amount of Mac and Cheese in this book is absurd. Ari is a sociopath but also, I can resonate. The last 10 pages are BATSHIT insane. Fuck Morgan, what a loser.
April 28, 2025
There are two versions of me: the person I was before reading this book, and the person I am after. I only ever read books with a HEA, and the themes in this book were so wildly out of the realm of what I would typically reach for, but I just could not stop thinking about this book. Can’t wait to discuss with the author in book club!
July 30, 2025
3.5★ Review to follow.
January 15, 2025
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. This was a strong 3.5 stars for me. Ari has her life all planned out. Finish school, marry her high school sweet heart, have children. Happily ever after. Until one day, her plan is flipped upside down and her secure and comfortable future is gone. After a decade of perpetual double dating with her best friend and her boyfriend, she does not know where to turn. Ari is forced to navigate being 20-something and starting over, having made sacrifices for her first love that did not pay off when she finds herself deeply in love with the wrong person, and once again trying to heal.
This story kept me interested for sure although equally as infuriated. I felt that each situation Ari found herself in I was not privy to the entire story. It felt like the moments were long but the years were short, I felt like I was getting really in the weeds with something and then that story line sort of tapered off. When she finally falls into Leah, I was pretty convinced it was going to rapidly turn into a queer erotica and was not sure what to expect and kind of curious what was about to happen but as quickly as that relationship is built up, its glossed over. Finally, when I was at 95% completion it started to become obvious I was not going to get any of the answers I was looking for. I felt like the ending was obvs a repeating of a very Ari pattern, but I sort of felt like it ended abruptly and after creating such a complex emotional tie to Leah I found it odd to just abort mission and suddenly we're at the wedding with a vague Morgan interaction to wrap it all up. Over all I kept reading for sure, but felt like I did't get any resolution to anything, but maybe thats the point?
This story kept me interested for sure although equally as infuriated. I felt that each situation Ari found herself in I was not privy to the entire story. It felt like the moments were long but the years were short, I felt like I was getting really in the weeds with something and then that story line sort of tapered off. When she finally falls into Leah, I was pretty convinced it was going to rapidly turn into a queer erotica and was not sure what to expect and kind of curious what was about to happen but as quickly as that relationship is built up, its glossed over. Finally, when I was at 95% completion it started to become obvious I was not going to get any of the answers I was looking for. I felt like the ending was obvs a repeating of a very Ari pattern, but I sort of felt like it ended abruptly and after creating such a complex emotional tie to Leah I found it odd to just abort mission and suddenly we're at the wedding with a vague Morgan interaction to wrap it all up. Over all I kept reading for sure, but felt like I did't get any resolution to anything, but maybe thats the point?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2025
(Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for a review. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own)
Publication date: 11 March 2025
Publisher: Little A
This book serves up a hefty dose of emotional turmoil, like a coming-of-age story that's had a few too many shots of existential dread. Ari, our suddenly single protagonist embarks on a journey of self-discovery that involves a morally questionable affair with her married boss because second chances come with a side of ethical dilemmas.
Turits crafts a compelling portrait of Ari's emotional landscape. The raw vulnerability and confusion of navigating heartbreak and unexpected attraction are palpable. The writing is evocative, capturing the messy, complicated nature of human relationships. You'll find yourself empathising with Ari's struggles, even when you want to shake her and yell "girl, what are you doing?"
The exploration of Ari's relationship with Wells is where the book shines and also where it stumbles a bit. The forbidden attraction is undeniably intense and Turits skillfully portrays the intoxicating pull of a connection that defies logic. However, the dynamics with Leah, Wells' wife are often murky and uncomfortable, leaving a lingering sense of unease.
The book raises thought-provoking questions about love, loyalty and the pursuit of happiness. It delves into the gray areas of human relationships, refusing to offer easy answers. But sometimes, the lack of clear moral direction can leave the reader feeling adrift. The pacing can be a bit uneven, with moments of intense emotional exploration interspersed with somewhat rushed plot developments.
Ultimately, this book is a complex and emotionally charged read that will resonate with those who enjoy exploring the messy realities of love and relationships. It's a solid three stars – a bit uneven, a bit uncomfortable but undeniably thought-provoking.
Publication date: 11 March 2025
Publisher: Little A
This book serves up a hefty dose of emotional turmoil, like a coming-of-age story that's had a few too many shots of existential dread. Ari, our suddenly single protagonist embarks on a journey of self-discovery that involves a morally questionable affair with her married boss because second chances come with a side of ethical dilemmas.
Turits crafts a compelling portrait of Ari's emotional landscape. The raw vulnerability and confusion of navigating heartbreak and unexpected attraction are palpable. The writing is evocative, capturing the messy, complicated nature of human relationships. You'll find yourself empathising with Ari's struggles, even when you want to shake her and yell "girl, what are you doing?"
The exploration of Ari's relationship with Wells is where the book shines and also where it stumbles a bit. The forbidden attraction is undeniably intense and Turits skillfully portrays the intoxicating pull of a connection that defies logic. However, the dynamics with Leah, Wells' wife are often murky and uncomfortable, leaving a lingering sense of unease.
The book raises thought-provoking questions about love, loyalty and the pursuit of happiness. It delves into the gray areas of human relationships, refusing to offer easy answers. But sometimes, the lack of clear moral direction can leave the reader feeling adrift. The pacing can be a bit uneven, with moments of intense emotional exploration interspersed with somewhat rushed plot developments.
Ultimately, this book is a complex and emotionally charged read that will resonate with those who enjoy exploring the messy realities of love and relationships. It's a solid three stars – a bit uneven, a bit uncomfortable but undeniably thought-provoking.
March 27, 2025
What do you do when the life you planned is falling apart? This book is a relationship study of a woman in her 20's named Ari and the choices she makes when her fiancée Morgan decides to end their relationship. Ari and Morgan have been together since high school and her best friend Summer is with his best friend Ryan. Morgan's mother is also a second mother to Ari and helped her get through some trying times. Ari and Morgan are engaged but haven't made any plans for their wedding and one day Morgan says he wants to end their relationship. He feels things have gone stagnant and they don't have the spark they had when they got engaged. Ari is devastated and has to move back with her mother, who she doesn't get along with.
The next step in Ari's life is getting a job as an assistant to a British tech guru named Wells. Wells is handsome, witty and also married with a toddler son. Ari quickly enters an affair with Wells, going to see him at the basement apartment of the home he shares with his wife. Ari is a passive character and seems to drift along letting things happen to her rather than making plans. Her friend Summer is also not a good person as she seems to be always angry at Ari and is much more devoted to Ari's ex, Morgan. Ari continues to make bad decisions including a choice to become friends with Wells wife, Leah. I enjoyed the exploration of finding out what you want from life and how difficult it is to maintain relationships. I did find the main character frustrating and hoped for some growth in her character which didn't come. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this ARC in exchange for a review.
The next step in Ari's life is getting a job as an assistant to a British tech guru named Wells. Wells is handsome, witty and also married with a toddler son. Ari quickly enters an affair with Wells, going to see him at the basement apartment of the home he shares with his wife. Ari is a passive character and seems to drift along letting things happen to her rather than making plans. Her friend Summer is also not a good person as she seems to be always angry at Ari and is much more devoted to Ari's ex, Morgan. Ari continues to make bad decisions including a choice to become friends with Wells wife, Leah. I enjoyed the exploration of finding out what you want from life and how difficult it is to maintain relationships. I did find the main character frustrating and hoped for some growth in her character which didn't come. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this ARC in exchange for a review.
December 4, 2024
Can a person truly start over?
This is the question the main character of “Just Want You Here” asks herself as her decade-long relationship – one that sustained her from late adolescence into the formation of her adult life – comes to an end. We watch Ari learn to navigate while struggling to define what her identity is outside of her relationships, whether that be the romantic, familial, or otherwise. Honest, heart-wrenching, and compelling, this book reiterates that none of us knows truly how to place ourselves, no matter how many chances we get to do so.
The good: I would’ve read a hundred more pages. I was so dialed into Ari’s journey, her compulsion to bury herself in others for fear of what will be there when she comes up for air. I think Ari was perfectly flawed in that we saw her wrestle with herself, come to conclusions just to contradict herself in such an intimately human way. The other point of views serve to give us the 360 view of Ari that made her decisions more interesting, more nuanced. The emotional depth of this work pulled me in, and I couldn’t put it down.
The less good: I would’ve read a hundred more pages. While I think this shows how ready I was to stick with Ari’s journey, it is also indicative of how abrupt the end felt. I think the plot twist (no spoilers :D) came very late in the book which left us little time to process the implications of such a big moment. I think ultimately I found the end hopeful, but I would’ve been willing to sit with this draft longer to see how everything played out.
Thank you to NetGalley and Little A for this treasure of a book! Highly recommend checking this out upon its release on 3/11/25!
This is the question the main character of “Just Want You Here” asks herself as her decade-long relationship – one that sustained her from late adolescence into the formation of her adult life – comes to an end. We watch Ari learn to navigate while struggling to define what her identity is outside of her relationships, whether that be the romantic, familial, or otherwise. Honest, heart-wrenching, and compelling, this book reiterates that none of us knows truly how to place ourselves, no matter how many chances we get to do so.
The good: I would’ve read a hundred more pages. I was so dialed into Ari’s journey, her compulsion to bury herself in others for fear of what will be there when she comes up for air. I think Ari was perfectly flawed in that we saw her wrestle with herself, come to conclusions just to contradict herself in such an intimately human way. The other point of views serve to give us the 360 view of Ari that made her decisions more interesting, more nuanced. The emotional depth of this work pulled me in, and I couldn’t put it down.
The less good: I would’ve read a hundred more pages. While I think this shows how ready I was to stick with Ari’s journey, it is also indicative of how abrupt the end felt. I think the plot twist (no spoilers :D) came very late in the book which left us little time to process the implications of such a big moment. I think ultimately I found the end hopeful, but I would’ve been willing to sit with this draft longer to see how everything played out.
Thank you to NetGalley and Little A for this treasure of a book! Highly recommend checking this out upon its release on 3/11/25!
March 11, 2025
⅘ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Just Want You Here
Author: Meredith Turits
Thank you so much Brilliance Audio for this read! This was super good. The book starts off with Ari and Morgan who have been engaged and together for a very long time. He ends up breaking up with her unexpectedly. Devastated, she slowly begins to piece herself back together and finds herself in a relationship with her new married boss and ceo of the company she is working at… however it does not stop there. I don’t want to give away any spoilers but she also ends up being wrapped up in a weird relationship with the bosses wife. This book was definitely like a twisted roller coaster.. all of the characters had their own flaws and it was interesting to watch the complete mess unfold. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this read! The narration was also amazing and I loved that each character had their own narrator for their POV. This book released today 3/11! Happy release day!
Just Want You Here
Author: Meredith Turits
Thank you so much Brilliance Audio for this read! This was super good. The book starts off with Ari and Morgan who have been engaged and together for a very long time. He ends up breaking up with her unexpectedly. Devastated, she slowly begins to piece herself back together and finds herself in a relationship with her new married boss and ceo of the company she is working at… however it does not stop there. I don’t want to give away any spoilers but she also ends up being wrapped up in a weird relationship with the bosses wife. This book was definitely like a twisted roller coaster.. all of the characters had their own flaws and it was interesting to watch the complete mess unfold. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this read! The narration was also amazing and I loved that each character had their own narrator for their POV. This book released today 3/11! Happy release day!
August 21, 2024
The book was good. The second half of the book was much more enjoyable for me as a reader than the first half. In the first half Meredith used very laborious and outlandish language that messed with the flow. There were times where I felt like a thesaurus was used to find a $0.25 word when something more grounded could be used. None of the characters felt like they would use the words that she chose in the beginning. By the end she rectified this.
However that aside I was thoroughly invested in Ari’s story. Because truthfully I think the most despicable character was in fact Wells. I do like that we never get to see Ari change unless she is pushed. It shows the humanness in her character.
A very interesting read!
However that aside I was thoroughly invested in Ari’s story. Because truthfully I think the most despicable character was in fact Wells. I do like that we never get to see Ari change unless she is pushed. It shows the humanness in her character.
A very interesting read!
March 12, 2025
I went into this book blindly and this was such a wild ride. A book that explores relationships, first love, longing, desires and most of all finding yourself. Ari’s world as she knows it has just completely changed. Her long time boyfriend and first love has just broken up with her after a decade long relationship. She starts a new job. Her new boss is totally captivated by her. It’s messy and complicated but also a complex story of Ari starting over and finding herself.
The audiobook is narrated by Megan Tusing, Steve West, Sara Sheckells and Gary Tiedemann. The full cast was so good at having a voice for each of the characters. I loved the way the story was narrated and told. I found it captivating.
The audiobook is narrated by Megan Tusing, Steve West, Sara Sheckells and Gary Tiedemann. The full cast was so good at having a voice for each of the characters. I loved the way the story was narrated and told. I found it captivating.
May 19, 2025
When Morgan and Ari's engagement is broken off, Ari begins to rethink everything. She moves to a new apartment in a new city. She accepts a job as an assistant to Wells and soon she is wrapped up in an affair with her married boss. With some bad decisions and mistakes made, Ari is trying to make the right decisions for herself and find her happiness.
November 7, 2025
no clue what i just read. kept finding myself wondering what the point of this book was. ending confused me too. took me forever to get through this book and honestly wish i didn’t even bother reading it
March 16, 2025
A remarkable debut novel about love, loss and healing.
September 6, 2025
A gripping read but disappointed by the quick ending
April 9, 2025
Startlingly impressive.
April 7, 2025
Definitely got the heart rate elevated in a few spots.
March 6, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Meredith Turit’s debut novel, Just Want You Here, is a story about second chances and growth but it’s more of a cautionary tale about playing with forbidden, passionate love. Ari, a 28-year-old woman who was pretty and talented, became alone and lost after her boyfriend of 10 years broke up with her. Keeping her head above water, she moved to another city and got hired as an executive assistant to Wells, the CEO of a tech company. But things soon began to turn dark as Ari got involved with Wells, a married man with a son. The happiness and passion they felt were spiked with the pain they caused themselves, their family, and their friends.
This book left me devastated for two days after reading it. It felt like the main character was my sister or a best friend whom I cared for and rooted for, only to watch her make mistakes that destroyed her in the end. In life, it hurts when you see someone you love fall apart. The same pain that this story made me feel. I know Ari is a fictional character but the book developed this parasocial connection with her that triggered a heavy emotional response. This just showed how immersive Turit’s storytelling is.
I like that the pacing of the story is dynamic and matches the tone of the scene. For example, the relationship between Ari and Wells happened so fast that it felt like a match catching fire - instant and intense. But when it came to the characters’ thoughts and retrospection, the pacing slowed down, just enough to understand their revelations and let the emotions sink in. This rhythm makes the Just Want You Here raw and real pulling you into Ari’s highs and lows, making you live through every moment alongside her.
If you love emotional love stories that break your heart and piece it back together, this book is for you. Thank you, Meredith Turits, Little A, and NetGalley for the ARC.
🔖
#book #books #bookreview #bookreviews #bookreviewer #bookstagram #bookworm #bookish #reading #booknerd #read #bookaddict #bookstagrammer #bibliophile #bookaholic #meridithturits #justwantyouhere
Meredith Turit’s debut novel, Just Want You Here, is a story about second chances and growth but it’s more of a cautionary tale about playing with forbidden, passionate love. Ari, a 28-year-old woman who was pretty and talented, became alone and lost after her boyfriend of 10 years broke up with her. Keeping her head above water, she moved to another city and got hired as an executive assistant to Wells, the CEO of a tech company. But things soon began to turn dark as Ari got involved with Wells, a married man with a son. The happiness and passion they felt were spiked with the pain they caused themselves, their family, and their friends.
This book left me devastated for two days after reading it. It felt like the main character was my sister or a best friend whom I cared for and rooted for, only to watch her make mistakes that destroyed her in the end. In life, it hurts when you see someone you love fall apart. The same pain that this story made me feel. I know Ari is a fictional character but the book developed this parasocial connection with her that triggered a heavy emotional response. This just showed how immersive Turit’s storytelling is.
I like that the pacing of the story is dynamic and matches the tone of the scene. For example, the relationship between Ari and Wells happened so fast that it felt like a match catching fire - instant and intense. But when it came to the characters’ thoughts and retrospection, the pacing slowed down, just enough to understand their revelations and let the emotions sink in. This rhythm makes the Just Want You Here raw and real pulling you into Ari’s highs and lows, making you live through every moment alongside her.
If you love emotional love stories that break your heart and piece it back together, this book is for you. Thank you, Meredith Turits, Little A, and NetGalley for the ARC.
🔖
#book #books #bookreview #bookreviews #bookreviewer #bookstagram #bookworm #bookish #reading #booknerd #read #bookaddict #bookstagrammer #bibliophile #bookaholic #meridithturits #justwantyouhere
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2025
You know that feeling when you're on a train, the landscape whizzing by, and you're just waiting for that big, beautiful destination to appear on the horizon? That’s what the first half of this book felt like—tense, electric, full of anticipation. I was all in. Ari was taking me somewhere, and I was curious enough to follow.
But then the train stopped. And it didn’t arrive anywhere. It just... ran out of track.
There’s something intriguing about what Turits tried to do here. I appreciate moral ambiguity when it serves a purpose — when it pulls apart the human condition and says, “Look, it’s messy, but here’s what we can learn.” Instead, we were handed a pile of life experiences that led nowhere. Ari saw things, did things, hurt people — and came out the same person she was at the beginning. She had it in her all along to be this version of herself; she just hadn’t noticed. So... what was the point?
The pacing wasn’t bad — I was invested enough to keep flipping pages — but it’s hard to stay on board when the journey leads in circles. And worst of all? Zero character development. Ari doesn’t grow, she doesn’t reckon with her choices, and the emotional depth that could’ve been mined never quite surfaces.
And then there’s Leah. Honestly, she deserved better. I despise cheating in books (and in life), and the way Lia was collateral damage here made my stomach twist. I don’t need my characters to be morally spotless, but I do need their arcs to mean something.
So, what was this book supposed to be? I still don’t know. I just know it left me frustrated, with a sour taste and a sense of missed potential.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for a review.
But then the train stopped. And it didn’t arrive anywhere. It just... ran out of track.
There’s something intriguing about what Turits tried to do here. I appreciate moral ambiguity when it serves a purpose — when it pulls apart the human condition and says, “Look, it’s messy, but here’s what we can learn.” Instead, we were handed a pile of life experiences that led nowhere. Ari saw things, did things, hurt people — and came out the same person she was at the beginning. She had it in her all along to be this version of herself; she just hadn’t noticed. So... what was the point?
The pacing wasn’t bad — I was invested enough to keep flipping pages — but it’s hard to stay on board when the journey leads in circles. And worst of all? Zero character development. Ari doesn’t grow, she doesn’t reckon with her choices, and the emotional depth that could’ve been mined never quite surfaces.
And then there’s Leah. Honestly, she deserved better. I despise cheating in books (and in life), and the way Lia was collateral damage here made my stomach twist. I don’t need my characters to be morally spotless, but I do need their arcs to mean something.
So, what was this book supposed to be? I still don’t know. I just know it left me frustrated, with a sour taste and a sense of missed potential.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for a review.
September 1, 2024
ℝ𝕖𝕤𝕖ñ𝕒𝕤 𝕃𝕚𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕒𝕣𝕚𝕒𝕤 💔❤️🩹♥️
☆Título: Just Want You Here.
☆Autora: Meredith Turits.
☆Calificación: ⭐⭐⭐/5
𝙊𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙞ó𝙣
De antemano, muchas gracias a Netgalley y a la autora por este arc!
𝑱𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝑾𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝑯𝒆𝒓𝒆 es una novela bastante poderosa que toca temas complejos de la vida, las relaciones, la percepción de la edad y la adultez.
Quiero empezar diciendo que, al menos en mi pensar, este libro no es de romance. Si bien, existen menciones de cuestiones amorosas entre los personajes, el propósito del libro va más allá de eso y, ciertamente, estos últimos se encuentran desarrollados de maneras cuestionables.
Así que, verifica los tw antes de leer.
La historia comienza con Ari, una joven de 28 años, con una vida bastante ordinaria y feliz, quien también se encuentra comprometida con su pareja de hace diez años, a quien ama con todo el corazón.
O al menos así era, hasta que él decidió que ya no quería casarse, y las cosas terminaron bastante mal.
Ahora, con el corazón roto, confundida y sola, Ari tendrá que empezar de cero y buscar la manera de continuar su existencia sin el hombre de sus sueños a su lado.
Esto la lleva a aceptar un nuevo trabajo como asistente del CEO de una compañía de tecnología en Boston, por quien -inesperadamente-, comienza a sentir una fuerte atracción.
Wells, un hombre a punto de cumplir 40 años, exitoso, emprendedor, y un padre de familia felizmente casado, jamás esperó que, creyendo tener todo lo que podría desear, su asistente -mucho más joven que él-, generaría en él una nueva sensación de deseo que no había experimentado en mucho tiempo, y a la que ya no se puede resistir.
Ambos (a sabiendas de sus sentimientos uno por el otro), comienzan una aventura, que será tan sólo el principio de sus problemas a medida que sus vidas empiezan a enredarse, así como las pero en ellas.
Ahora Ari deberá enfrentarse a las consecuencias de sus decisiones, mientras lucha para salvar los vínculos que ha creado, y que son lo único que le queda después de tanto dolor en su pasado.
La pregunta más importante es entonces: ¿Será que al fin Ari podrá conseguir esa segunda oportunidad que tanto anhela?
...
𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐚
➡️ Como dije en un principio, no percibí que este libro fuera un relato romántico o centrado como tal en un romance.
La idea principal es entender la realidad de cada personaje, y las complicadas situaciones que los orillaron a tomar decisiones que -para mí-, se podrían clasificar entre cuestionables y MUY cuestionables.
Por lo tanto, no sentí que hubiese romantización alguna de ciertas cosas bastante debatibles que ocurrieron, y en las que se centra parte del plot.
Por un lado, me pareció interesante el poder conocer las perspectivas de cada personaje ante dichas situaciones y el por qué eligieron lo que eligieron hacer para enfrentarse a la pena y el dolor que conllevan.
Por otro lado, tuve muchos sentimientos encontrados debido a esto. La protagonista estaba pasando por MUUUUCHO de verdad, y sentí que cada elección que hacía sólo terminaba convirtiéndose en una especie de auto sabotaje. Y no sólo la lastimaba a ella, sino que a unos cuantos a su alrededor.
𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐣𝐞𝐬
➡️ El Libro se narra en tercera persona y posee POV multiple, por lo que los capítulos son variados y cuentan diferentes versiones de los acontecimientos en general.
𝑨𝒓𝒊𝒂 (FMC), es una mujer compleja de entender. En lo que cabe, siempre tuvo una vida sólida y rodeada de personas que la aman. Sus amigos, Summer y Luke, su familia (que no era funcional del todo), su pareja Morgan y la familia de él.
Y claro, tras el rompimiento repentino del compromiso por parte de Morgan (su prometido actual), su mundo se viene en pedazos, sólo para darse cuenta de que, después de más de diez años de conocerse y de estar juntos, nunca hubo una versión de ella sin él en su vida.
Tener que replantearte todo y hacer borron y cuenta nueva tras semejante noticia no es precisamente fácil ni nada, pero diooos juro que tuve que respirar pacientemente para no estresarme de más con ella.
Era una sensación equivalente a: "𝑚𝑢𝑗𝑒𝑟, 𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑠 𝑑𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑖𝑎𝑑𝑜 𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑎 𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟 𝑐𝑎𝑦𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑜 𝑒𝑛 𝑙𝑎 𝑚𝑖𝑠𝑚𝑎 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑣𝑜𝑐𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑜́𝑛 𝑑𝑒 𝑒𝑠𝑎 𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑎!"
Pero por más que yo le gritara al libro, y sus amigos trataran de ayudarla, no salía de ahí.
Sin embargo, y aunque las cosas terminan dando un giro bastante intenso para ella al final, me gustó ver que empezaba ya de antes a dar los pasos necesarios en la dirección correcta.
(Also, no soy #teamcheating así que en realidad -si bien Ari decía que nunca fue su intención herir a nadie con sus acciones-, no empaticé con sus decisiones en absoluto con respecto a este tema).
𝑾𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒔 (MMC), es un CEO, amado esposo, padre de un nene de menos de dos años, y que -aunque no lo quiera admitir-, se encuentra atravesando una particular crisis de mediana edad.
A poco de cumplir 40 y todo eso parece ser un tanto terrible ñara él, quien termina encontrándose enredado en una nueva fascinación por Ari (su asistente), por la cual su corazón se divide en dos. Su familia y ella.
No diré que me encantó este hombre ni nada, la verdad. Sí hubo un plot twist respecto a él que en cierto punto de la novela me dejó fría, pero más allá de eso, pasaba de él un poco.
𝑳𝒆𝒂𝒉 (FMC) -aka la esposa de Wells-, sí me agradó como personaje. Al menos más que al resto. Esta mujer (quien es una empresaria, madre, esposa, jefa, intelectual, y un montón más todo al mismo tiempo), es un perfecto ejemplo de constancia y dedicación.
De alguna manera, tiene que lidiar con toooodo y se esfuerza mucho por dar la talla en todo lo que hace.
Su desarrollo se hace más y más profundo a medida que se integra en la historia, y en general a mí me gustó mucho conocerla.
...
Entonces, si tengo que decir lo que pienso, creo que es un libro interesante y para reflexionar de ciertos ámbitos en nuestra vida, y como nuestras acciones también impactan en las de otros.
No se trata de decir "esto está bien, y esto está mal". No.
En realidad fue más como un "Hey, las personas pasan por situaciones del asco a veces y, adivina qué: eligen caminos que no son lo ideal para todo el mundo."
So, muy probablemente no será una historia para todo el mundo, pero si estás buscando algo ágil de leer, diferente y especialmente inmersivo...
Pues ésta funcionará sin duda alguna.
☆Título: Just Want You Here.
☆Autora: Meredith Turits.
☆Calificación: ⭐⭐⭐/5
𝙊𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙞ó𝙣
De antemano, muchas gracias a Netgalley y a la autora por este arc!
𝑱𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝑾𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝑯𝒆𝒓𝒆 es una novela bastante poderosa que toca temas complejos de la vida, las relaciones, la percepción de la edad y la adultez.
Quiero empezar diciendo que, al menos en mi pensar, este libro no es de romance. Si bien, existen menciones de cuestiones amorosas entre los personajes, el propósito del libro va más allá de eso y, ciertamente, estos últimos se encuentran desarrollados de maneras cuestionables.
Así que, verifica los tw antes de leer.
La historia comienza con Ari, una joven de 28 años, con una vida bastante ordinaria y feliz, quien también se encuentra comprometida con su pareja de hace diez años, a quien ama con todo el corazón.
O al menos así era, hasta que él decidió que ya no quería casarse, y las cosas terminaron bastante mal.
Ahora, con el corazón roto, confundida y sola, Ari tendrá que empezar de cero y buscar la manera de continuar su existencia sin el hombre de sus sueños a su lado.
Esto la lleva a aceptar un nuevo trabajo como asistente del CEO de una compañía de tecnología en Boston, por quien -inesperadamente-, comienza a sentir una fuerte atracción.
Wells, un hombre a punto de cumplir 40 años, exitoso, emprendedor, y un padre de familia felizmente casado, jamás esperó que, creyendo tener todo lo que podría desear, su asistente -mucho más joven que él-, generaría en él una nueva sensación de deseo que no había experimentado en mucho tiempo, y a la que ya no se puede resistir.
Ambos (a sabiendas de sus sentimientos uno por el otro), comienzan una aventura, que será tan sólo el principio de sus problemas a medida que sus vidas empiezan a enredarse, así como las pero en ellas.
Ahora Ari deberá enfrentarse a las consecuencias de sus decisiones, mientras lucha para salvar los vínculos que ha creado, y que son lo único que le queda después de tanto dolor en su pasado.
La pregunta más importante es entonces: ¿Será que al fin Ari podrá conseguir esa segunda oportunidad que tanto anhela?
...
𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐚
➡️ Como dije en un principio, no percibí que este libro fuera un relato romántico o centrado como tal en un romance.
La idea principal es entender la realidad de cada personaje, y las complicadas situaciones que los orillaron a tomar decisiones que -para mí-, se podrían clasificar entre cuestionables y MUY cuestionables.
Por lo tanto, no sentí que hubiese romantización alguna de ciertas cosas bastante debatibles que ocurrieron, y en las que se centra parte del plot.
Por un lado, me pareció interesante el poder conocer las perspectivas de cada personaje ante dichas situaciones y el por qué eligieron lo que eligieron hacer para enfrentarse a la pena y el dolor que conllevan.
Por otro lado, tuve muchos sentimientos encontrados debido a esto. La protagonista estaba pasando por MUUUUCHO de verdad, y sentí que cada elección que hacía sólo terminaba convirtiéndose en una especie de auto sabotaje. Y no sólo la lastimaba a ella, sino que a unos cuantos a su alrededor.
𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐣𝐞𝐬
➡️ El Libro se narra en tercera persona y posee POV multiple, por lo que los capítulos son variados y cuentan diferentes versiones de los acontecimientos en general.
𝑨𝒓𝒊𝒂 (FMC), es una mujer compleja de entender. En lo que cabe, siempre tuvo una vida sólida y rodeada de personas que la aman. Sus amigos, Summer y Luke, su familia (que no era funcional del todo), su pareja Morgan y la familia de él.
Y claro, tras el rompimiento repentino del compromiso por parte de Morgan (su prometido actual), su mundo se viene en pedazos, sólo para darse cuenta de que, después de más de diez años de conocerse y de estar juntos, nunca hubo una versión de ella sin él en su vida.
Tener que replantearte todo y hacer borron y cuenta nueva tras semejante noticia no es precisamente fácil ni nada, pero diooos juro que tuve que respirar pacientemente para no estresarme de más con ella.
Era una sensación equivalente a: "𝑚𝑢𝑗𝑒𝑟, 𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑠 𝑑𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑖𝑎𝑑𝑜 𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑎 𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟 𝑐𝑎𝑦𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑜 𝑒𝑛 𝑙𝑎 𝑚𝑖𝑠𝑚𝑎 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑣𝑜𝑐𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑜́𝑛 𝑑𝑒 𝑒𝑠𝑎 𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑎!"
Pero por más que yo le gritara al libro, y sus amigos trataran de ayudarla, no salía de ahí.
Sin embargo, y aunque las cosas terminan dando un giro bastante intenso para ella al final, me gustó ver que empezaba ya de antes a dar los pasos necesarios en la dirección correcta.
(Also, no soy #teamcheating así que en realidad -si bien Ari decía que nunca fue su intención herir a nadie con sus acciones-, no empaticé con sus decisiones en absoluto con respecto a este tema).
𝑾𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒔 (MMC), es un CEO, amado esposo, padre de un nene de menos de dos años, y que -aunque no lo quiera admitir-, se encuentra atravesando una particular crisis de mediana edad.
A poco de cumplir 40 y todo eso parece ser un tanto terrible ñara él, quien termina encontrándose enredado en una nueva fascinación por Ari (su asistente), por la cual su corazón se divide en dos. Su familia y ella.
No diré que me encantó este hombre ni nada, la verdad. Sí hubo un plot twist respecto a él que en cierto punto de la novela me dejó fría, pero más allá de eso, pasaba de él un poco.
𝑳𝒆𝒂𝒉 (FMC) -aka la esposa de Wells-, sí me agradó como personaje. Al menos más que al resto. Esta mujer (quien es una empresaria, madre, esposa, jefa, intelectual, y un montón más todo al mismo tiempo), es un perfecto ejemplo de constancia y dedicación.
De alguna manera, tiene que lidiar con toooodo y se esfuerza mucho por dar la talla en todo lo que hace.
Su desarrollo se hace más y más profundo a medida que se integra en la historia, y en general a mí me gustó mucho conocerla.
...
Entonces, si tengo que decir lo que pienso, creo que es un libro interesante y para reflexionar de ciertos ámbitos en nuestra vida, y como nuestras acciones también impactan en las de otros.
No se trata de decir "esto está bien, y esto está mal". No.
En realidad fue más como un "Hey, las personas pasan por situaciones del asco a veces y, adivina qué: eligen caminos que no son lo ideal para todo el mundo."
So, muy probablemente no será una historia para todo el mundo, pero si estás buscando algo ágil de leer, diferente y especialmente inmersivo...
Pues ésta funcionará sin duda alguna.
December 14, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review! I was really intrigued by the premise of this book — I love a messy affair / complicated feelings plot. However, as much as I wanted to like this book, the execution just wasn't there for me. It started out as a fun, easy read, but as it progressed, it became clear that the characters weren't going to evolve, or show any depth. There was a lot of telling and not much showing, and frankly, I just didn't like or care for any of the characters — and not in a fun unlikeable way. Ari's "best friend" Summer was awful, with literally zero redeeming qualities. Random plot points added for shock value fell flat. The supposed climax of the book was rushed and dissatisfying. The ending was left open, with none of the required resolution. Sadly, a big miss for me.
October 5, 2024
my first netgalley advance read! i enjoyed the character development and multiple POVs. the storyline was not as believeable as originally laid out in the beginning. despite the first and second half being wildly different, there were enough twists that left me guessing. an interesting take on the different types of love and loss that life offers.
September 22, 2025
In Just Want You Here, we journey with Ari as she faces the end of a decade-long relationship with her fiancé, a love that had quietly died long before it ended. Seeking a fresh start, she moves from New York to Boston, landing a new job and apartment. It’s there she meets Wells Cahill, a British tech CEO twelve years her senior. Despite every reason not to, the two are drawn to each other with an undeniable magnetism. As Ari grieves her broken engagement and finds herself entangled in an affair with a married father, we witness her navigating choices that are messy, human, and deeply consequential.
I went into this book blind—forgetting the synopsis I’d read when I first requested it on NetGalley—and was captivated from the first pages. The writing is sharp, immersive, and emotionally charged. I felt every beat of Ari’s journey, drawn in by Turits’ ability to capture the nuance of desire, grief, and connection.
Ari herself is such a heartfelt character. Her pull is palpable; even I wanted to be in her orbit. Yes, many of her decisions are questionable, but that’s what makes her compelling. Watching her wrestle with the tug-of-war between logic and emotion was raw and relatable.
Much of the story revolves around Ari’s relationships with the Cahills—Wells, his wife Leah, and their son, Rowan. The tangled intimacy she shares with each of them forms the heart of the book. Their connections are messy, morally complex, but also endearing in their own flawed ways. As a reader, I found myself fascinated rather than judgmental—an effect I think Turits intended.
I also loved the thread of Ari’s friendship with Summer. Their bond felt like real friendship: loyal, imperfect, grounding. The shared history between Ari, Summer, Luke, and Morgan added a rich layer of texture, showing how formative relationships can anchor us even as we change. Ari’s reflection on the weight of being known so completely—of someone holding your whole history—was one of the most thought-provoking aspects of the book for me.
The second half surprised me. I kept expecting a major event to shift the narrative, but the story remained quieter, more inward. That’s when I realised: this isn’t a plot-driven novel, it’s a character study. And for me, that was the strength of it. Being inside Ari’s head, watching her stumble through decisions and deal with the aftermath, was what kept me turning the pages.
This book doesn’t shy away from sensitive themes—cancer, death, depression, infidelity, loss—and it doesn’t wrap them up neatly either. The ending isn’t tidy or entirely satisfying, but it felt true. Even when I disagreed with Ari’s final choices, I respected the honesty of how her story closed.
Overall, Just Want You Here is a fascinating, messy exploration of love, loyalty, and the choices that define us. It reminded me that being human—flawed, conflicted, uncertain—doesn’t have to be isolating. Stories like this help us feel less alone in the chaos of adult life, and that, to me, is their greatest gift.
I went into this book blind—forgetting the synopsis I’d read when I first requested it on NetGalley—and was captivated from the first pages. The writing is sharp, immersive, and emotionally charged. I felt every beat of Ari’s journey, drawn in by Turits’ ability to capture the nuance of desire, grief, and connection.
Ari herself is such a heartfelt character. Her pull is palpable; even I wanted to be in her orbit. Yes, many of her decisions are questionable, but that’s what makes her compelling. Watching her wrestle with the tug-of-war between logic and emotion was raw and relatable.
Much of the story revolves around Ari’s relationships with the Cahills—Wells, his wife Leah, and their son, Rowan. The tangled intimacy she shares with each of them forms the heart of the book. Their connections are messy, morally complex, but also endearing in their own flawed ways. As a reader, I found myself fascinated rather than judgmental—an effect I think Turits intended.
I also loved the thread of Ari’s friendship with Summer. Their bond felt like real friendship: loyal, imperfect, grounding. The shared history between Ari, Summer, Luke, and Morgan added a rich layer of texture, showing how formative relationships can anchor us even as we change. Ari’s reflection on the weight of being known so completely—of someone holding your whole history—was one of the most thought-provoking aspects of the book for me.
The second half surprised me. I kept expecting a major event to shift the narrative, but the story remained quieter, more inward. That’s when I realised: this isn’t a plot-driven novel, it’s a character study. And for me, that was the strength of it. Being inside Ari’s head, watching her stumble through decisions and deal with the aftermath, was what kept me turning the pages.
This book doesn’t shy away from sensitive themes—cancer, death, depression, infidelity, loss—and it doesn’t wrap them up neatly either. The ending isn’t tidy or entirely satisfying, but it felt true. Even when I disagreed with Ari’s final choices, I respected the honesty of how her story closed.
Overall, Just Want You Here is a fascinating, messy exploration of love, loyalty, and the choices that define us. It reminded me that being human—flawed, conflicted, uncertain—doesn’t have to be isolating. Stories like this help us feel less alone in the chaos of adult life, and that, to me, is their greatest gift.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews