Meet Me at the Drive-In

by C.P. Cabaniss

She’s chasing memories.
All he wants is someone to stay.

Six years ago, Kara spent a beautiful summer with her family in Mountain Ridge, Arkansas. Five years ago, she lost them in an accident. Returning to the small mountain town in hopes of finding healing, she reconnects with Lee, the first boy she ever kissed.

Lee is tired of everyone leaving. After spending his formative years moving from place to place with nomadic parents who had big dreams, he settled in the only place that ever felt like Mountain Ridge. His quiet life is unsettled by Kara, who blows into town like the perfect storm.

As spring turns to summer and the two spend more time together, their connection over shared memories and movies at the drive-in strengthens their bond, pulling them closer together.

Can Kara move beyond the memories that hold her in the past and find a home in Mountain Ridge? Will Lee finally convince someone he’s worth staying for?


This is a saucy new adult romance which means you'll find high physical attraction, more descriptive kissing scenes, and innuendo but with no explicit content. It also contains a moderate use of mild language.

Genres: Friends To Lovers

395 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 14, 2026

About the author

C. P. Cabaniss lives in a small town in the southern United States where she teaches math, imagines—and sometimes writes—stories, and reads too many books at once. She is most inspired while with her horses, meditating in a historic cemetery, or exploring retired naval ships. She loves to travel and has long dreamed of adopting a nomadic lifestyle—though she has yet to determine what this would mean for her collection of books, which seems to grow by the day.

You can find her on Instagram @cpcabaniss_author

Reviews

[C.P. Cabaniss]

I don't rate my own work, but I like to use this space to give updates.

Update February 16, 2026
ARCs have gone out early! Release is set for April 14 (with paperback releasing a week before, and audio coming sometime around this as well).

It's up for preorder now, so be sure to grab a copy!

Update February 7, 2026
I've gotten edits back and am waiting for the printed proof. I'll do a final read through to look for typos, and then it's ready to go!

Update January 7, 2026
The third draft is complete and has been sent to my editor and a final round of beta readers. Release date is April 14, 2026! I can't wait for you to have this one.

Update December 3, 2025
I am in the midst of revisions for the third draft. This one should be releasing in April, 2026! Once this draft is complete, it will go to my editor and a final round of beta reading.

Update November 5, 2025
The book is with alpha readers. As feedback comes in, I am beginning the third draft.

Update October 7, 2025
The second draft is complete! It came in right at 50k words. It will go through another round of reading/revisions before going to beta readers this December.

Update September 2025
I am close to completing the second draft of this novel. It's been a bit of a long process, but I can't wait for this story to come out!

[Alexis Elder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I start? I’m writing this as I cry with joy! I had to slow myself down reading this because I didn’t want it to end. Lee and Kara’s story brought me so much joy, happiness, sadness and anger. I found myself laughing so much. My heart absolutely shattered for Kara after her family passing and for Lee’s upbringing. I appreciated the forgiveness he modeled towards his parents. I was so mad at him for not reading the letter asap, but I also understand that trauma behind it. Mitts is amazing!! I absolutely loved Helen! She reminded me of myself in many ways. This book was well paced and tugged at all the emotions. TY so much C.P. For writing this wonderful book! TY for allowing me to be an ARC reader!

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, I really enjoyed this one. Kara revisits Mountain Ridge to be close to happy memories with her family. She runs into Lee at the drive-in, the stoic boy who she kissed years ago. Now that she’s back, that boy is a man, and there’s so much chemistry between them still! I loved seeing their feelings develop into something real. One of my favorite things about this story is the small town. Everyone truly cares for one another and just added to the found family vibe that I love so much. I’m looking forward to visiting Mountain Ridge again and seeing the rest of the gang’s love stories!

[Maddie Horne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m enamored with this book. I seriously was giddy while reading it… several times!

❤️‍🩹 second chance
❤️‍🩹 she falls first, he falls harder
❤️‍🩹 only one truck
❤️‍🩹 found family
❤️‍🩹 kitty sidekick
❤️‍🩹 meddling roommate (and she’s the best)
❤️‍🩹 no third act breakup
❤️‍🩹 mutual healing
❤️‍🩹 sweet kisses & saucy kisses

I loved reading Lee and Kara’s story so much. They really healed each other and made each other better. And Helen is so sweet!! I know Kara needed a mother figure and boy, was Helen there for her. The kisses were passionate at times, but not lustful, which is the sweet spot for me! Also, the pacing of the novel was *chefs kiss* so good. Kept me interested and reading more and more.

Please, please, please check this book out!!

I’m also so excited for Aaron and Lillian’s story, Meet Me at The….

Thank you to author C.P. Cabaniss for the ARC!

Highlight count: 231

[Cherilyn (Cherwhatyouread) · Rating 4 out of 5]

You never know who you’re going to run into at the drive in.

Kara is on a journey of finding her place in the world after a tragic loss. Kara isn’t expecting to run into Lee at the drive in Mountain Ridge where she’s only planning to stay a couple days. As Kara and Lee reconnect, her stay becomes longer.
Lee finds himself falling into Kara’s orbit even though he worries about when she will leave.

Favorite parts
-them working on cars together.
-Aaron and Lillian— IYKYK, but seriously. Them together and each of them independently with how they interact with the main characters
-Helen- she’s so good to Kara
-their adventures
-that first kiss 👀 so good.
-Kara’s birthday surprise for Lee.

Favorite Quotes
This is dangerous. Kara is a force of nature, a tornado that carries everyone along with her, and I don’t know how to break out of her pull. She grins, the pale scar on her cheek standing out in the fading light. How would it feel against my fingers? How would it feel under my lips?

She grins. “So, you like doing crazy things with me. Good to know.”
I like doing everything with you.
I roll my eyes.
“Don’t go getting any ideas.”
“Oh, I’m already full of them,” she informs me.

Your girl.
Kara is my girl.

[Alex Rabke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC and if you grew up going to the drive in, you’re going to LOVE this. It felt so nostalgic of my childhood, but also has the sweetest love story and friendships in here. Lee and Kara have the sweetest story to follow, but you’ll also fall in love with characters like Papa and Helen.

[Morgan Giesbrecht · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️

A super cute, summer romance!

Kara and Lee were adorable, and I loved getting to see them rekindle their friendship into romance. The healing journey they go on, particularly with Kara’s grief, is beautiful. And the side characters stole the show: I adore Helen and Papa… and I’m DYING for Aaron and Lillian’s romance! 🤭

Content: mild language; innuendo; passionate makeouts

[Elizabeth Mock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this high-swoon, small town, adorable romance! There was so much about this book that I liked! Both main characters, Lee and Kara, are loveable, well-written, and fun to read. Throughout the story, both characters are trying to heal from very painful pasts involving their families, which made them both feel very real and relatable. As their attraction, care, and love for each other grew, they both struggled with insecurities and fears, but I liked that ultimately, they didn't allow those insecurities and fears to stop them from living and loving, and they both sought to heal, grow, and become better people. They're also so funny and their back-and-forth banter and dialogue, both with each other and with other characters in the story, were hilarious and so entertaining!

Lee and Kara's undeniable attraction for each other was intense and oh-so-swoony! But even though their physical attraction to each other is sizzling, it didn't feel like their romance was rushed, superficial, or only based on physical desire. I appreciated that, in addition to their steamy attraction, the author took time to show the characters spending time together, getting to know each other, dating, sharing their stories, flirting, laughing, encouraging each other, and growing in love for one another. My favorite part of any romance book is getting to watch the characters be real with each other, do life together, grow closer as friends and as a couple, and fall in love, so I loved that the author included a lot of that in this story!

I also really enjoyed the side characters in this book. Lee and Kara's friends and family members all had great personalities and hysterical dialogue. The side characters were interesting in ways that made me want to learn more about them and they made this sweet book even more delightful! This is the 2nd book I've read by C.P. Cabaniss and I can say that I'm definitely a fan of her writing and I look forward to reading more books by her!

*Content note: The author labels this book as "saucy" because it has a little more "steaminess" than her other books. Even though this book is kisses-only, there's a lot of descriptions of their heated kisses - both physically (how the kisses feel, where their bodies are touching, etc.) and how the characters are feeling emotionally - and there's lots of description of their physical attraction for each other. This book is still no-spice because there's no explicit content and no sexual content (on or off the page), but I wouldn't call this a "clean" romance.

(I was given a free copy of this book from the author, but all reviews and opinions are mine, are voluntary, and are 100% honest.)

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5

I received a review copy and these are my thoughts:

Kara returns to Mountain Ridge six years after having spent a summer there with her family. Since then, her life has been turned upside down in a tragic way, leaving her wanting to relive the memories of the past in a place where she was once happy.

Lee is the local mechanic in this small town. He and Kara shared a kiss the summer she spent in Mountain Ridge and Lee never quite got over the dark cured beauty who disappeared on him the following day.

Now that Kara is back in Mountain Ridge, and that their mutual attraction is very much still present, can Lee overcome his fears of abandonment and can Kara stop searching and make a home in Mountain Ridge?

I really enjoyed this book. The slow burn was slow! Even though Kara and Lee were clearly still attracted to each other, it took some time for them to go from being flirtatious, to owning their feelings for one another. Once they finally got together, their chemistry was sizzling but they were also cute and sweet. I appreciated that their issues didn’t just magically disappear once they became a couple and instead, they worked through them together and became a mutual safe space.

As always with C. P. Cabaniss’ books, she weaves mental health rep into her stories and the abandonment and grief rep were done with care. There was a good balance between the heavier topics and emotions and the flirty banter and humour.

These two REALLY like kissing! Even though this was a closed door romance, the kisses were heated (but NO hands roaming under clothing).

C. P. Cabaniss did a great job at setting the scene and brining Mountain Ridge to life. I really enjoyed the found family and the side characters. I also adored the epilogue - it was just so sweet!

This is a series I’ll want to continue and I’m VERY curious to see what is up with Lilian and Aaron in book 2.

[No spice/closed door romance/kisses only]

[Ryleigh JS King · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me everything I was expecting and more!
I wasn't expecting to read it in one sitting 😂

Everything from the characters to the plot to the storytelling was exceptional. I was hooked from the first page.

I'm not going to lie, though, the characters are the main reason I loved this book so much. They were each well written with hidden layers you uncovered the more you read. I loved the dynamics between the main characters, Kara and Liam, so much. Their banter always made me smile or laugh. Not only that, but their struggles were explored in depth and not brushed aside.
What makes this book even better is that the "side characters" were well-written, too. They were each given histories, backstories, and struggles they dealt with throughout the story. I cannot wait for the next book so that I can stay with these characters and the community of Mountain Ridge. I'm excited to see where C.P. Cabaniss takes this next story.

I'm highly against spoilers, but if you want a sweet read with banter that will make you laugh, characters you'll fall in love with, and an adorable town you'll want to move to, then this is a book for you. Don't hesitate to grab a copy.

My only warning is that you WILL love the characters and will be stuck desperately waiting for the next book with me 😉😂

I would like to thank the amazing author C.P. Cabaniss for allowing me the opportunity to be an ARC reader for this book. It was truly my honor. I couldn't get enough of the characters! I can't wait to read the next book.

[Heidireadsitall · Rating 5 out of 5]

First things first... can I please move to Mountain Ridge? Because this town completely stole my heart and I am not even a little bit sorry about it.

Kara is just the sweetest thing. I swear I wanted to tuck her right into my pocket and carry her around. Her past is absolutely heartbreaking, but what amazed me most is how much joy she still carries. She's resilient, full of light, and such a little ray of sunshine even after everything she's been through. Watching her come back to Mountain Ridge and slowly start healing just warmed my heart.

Now let's talk about Lee.. y'all. That man is one big ol bag of swoon. I adored him. My heart hurt for him knowing everyone in his life always seemed to leave, so seeing him open his heart again just made me love him even more.

Helen was an absolute gem. The kind of person you just wish you had in your life. She brought so much warmth to this story.
And we cannot forget Mitts, because that sweet little fluffball was the puuurfect animal companion. Every time he showed up it made me smile.

This story had everything I love in a sweet romance. A charming small town, found family, cozy moments, fun little adventures, drive-in movies, and food that made me wish I could pull up a chair and join them. It gave me all the warm and fuzzy feelings and I soaked up every bit of it.

I truly did not want this story to end. If you love a heartfelt small town romance that feels like a warm hug, you're going to fall head over heels for this one just like l did.

Thank you to the author for the arc. These thoughts are my own. :)

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mechanic who loves a woman who takes an interest in cars as well, this summer romance book is one I enjoyed!!! I love cars, it’s been a hobby of mine since I was a kid thanks to my dad. So reading Meet Me at the Drive-In, a romance where a man appreciates a woman who takes an interest in this trade truly was my cup of tea with!!!

Kara, the FMC, is a witty, outgoing, loyal, caring, lady who has a cat named Mitts who is just SOOOOO PRECIOUS!!!

Lee, the MMC, is a closed-off, loyal, reserved, caring, and loving mechanic.

Lee and Kara have known each other for a long time. After 6 years of not seeing each other, it’s like though time has passed; feelings have not. I love the way the yearning is set in this romance. The longing, the stolen stares, the wondering of thoughts drifting towards each other and the way their stories come together. Though they are both on a journey of healing from past experiences. The way they compliment each other truly adds to this story. And of course, the side characters also add to the story and remind you of the importance of having people around you who truly support you and show up when you need them!

As a car girlie I absolutely loved this read!! If you enjoy a small town, found family, second chances, summer-filled romance then you will enjoy this book!

[Amanda Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lee and Kara 😍

You two have captured my heart and this book will be a comfort read for me. 💕

Kara is returning a town that holds many memories for her, the last Summer she spent with her family and her first kiss 👀 Will she find what she's looking for in Mountain Ridge?

Lee is a mechanic who has had a crush on a girl who kissed him and then left, now she's back, but for how long. Will Lee be able to open himself up and trust them to stay when no one else ever has?

You'll love the story of Kara and Lee, you'll adore the town of Mountain Ridge and the people who live there. You'll be able to smell those movie nachos, feel like your visiting the waterfall, and want to revisit over and over again.

💕 This is a closed door book with some saucy scenes - all PG-13 or less, there is some light language to fit a couple of the characters personalities, but no G-D or f*

🚨 Both main characters have experienced some major 'loss' - one lost their family in a car accident and the other has parents chasing fame and fortune and leaving the child behind.

Be sure to read this amazing book, the first of a series, AND support an incredible Indie Author!!


Thank you C.P. Cabaniss for allowing me to alpha, beta and then ARC read! It's been a pleasure seeing this story develop! 💕

[Simone Gremillion · Rating 5 out of 5]

A small town, friends to more romance in Mountain Ridge, AR that all started at a drive-in movie 6 summers ago. I couldn’t put this one down and read it all in one day. The side characters are a hoot as well, I hope to see more of Aaron in the future.

Kara is going back to visit the last place her family spent together for the summer. When what was planned to be a few days turns into so much more and it all starts at the drive-in movies where they spent many nights. Her battery dies while using the radio for the movie and who so happens to show up to help but the town mechanic, the same boy the kissed at 16 and then never saw again.

Lee has been flustered by her since that kiss years ago but knows she won’t stay so why try. When she decides to help out at the mechanic shop that he works at, they are forced to spend much more time together.

Kara is trying to find her place. Will Mountain Ridge be the place she was always meant to be?

#arcread #kindleunlimited #smalltown #closeddoorromance #foundfamily

This is a PG-13 read, with some mild language and descriptive kissing.

**I received an advanced copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Summer · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thoughts:
This was a really cute book! I really enjoyed the second chance trope.
Lee and Kara were so sweet. I loved how they haven’t stopped thinking about each other in years.
It was so sweet how they overcame their struggles together. It did take a while to finally figure out what those struggles were, but it was sweet when they admitted them to each other.
I loved their teasing and flirting. It was so cute.
And I loved the banter between Aaron and Lillian. I’m excited for their book!
I’d recommend this book if you want a sweet, second chance, summer vibes book!

🎥second chance
🎥only one car
🎥she falls first, he falls harder
🎥found family
🎥mutual healing
🎥meddlesome roommate
🎥she stays for him
🎥dual pov

-4☆
- spice: .5* (make outs/closed door. Innuendos. Implied intimacy between married couple)
- language: 🗣️ (no f-words)
- TW/CW: Death of family in car accident (past, vague details). Parental abandonment. Fear of abandonment.

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. This was the first book I have read by Cabaniss but it definitely won’t be the last. It was a very sweet, closed door romance, about finding love and family again after hurt. Kara lost her family in an accident years prior (which was had to read as I started reading this after my parents were in a pretty severe car accident just days prior). My heart really hurt for her (because at least I still had mine) but it allowed me to empathize with her feelings and some of her actions. Lee’s parents lived the nomadic lifestyle and were constantly dropping him with his grandfather. While he had love from Papa, he had fears of abandonment. Through some trials, some of them quite funny, these two learn to love and trust again. 5 stars from me, especially if you are looking for a “beach read” type love story.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

One word comes to mind - swoony! Lee and Kara are perfect characters and bounce off of each other spectacularly. Both have traumatic backgrounds, and seeing their characters grow and challenge each other as they find each other in the midst of their own pain and presuppositions is just so sweet and redemptive. Kara constantly kept me laughing, with Lee being her serious counterpart, which led to some amazing chemistry between the two, with lots of steamy kisses but nothing else, keeping this book swoony and sweet. The side characters add so much depth to the book, especially Helen, who is like everyone's fun, sassy aunt! This is one of my favorite books that I have read this spring, and I highly recommend it.

I received my copy as an ARC copy, but the opinions are my own.

[Emily Beautiful Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received an ARC copy of this book and have decided to give my honest review:

Meet Me at the Drive in by C. P. Cabaniss is a super cute small-town summer romance! It follows Kara, who is taking a mini vacation in Mountain Ridge, Arkansas when she runs into her old high school friend, Lee. It’s the cutest summer read that centers around the town’s drive-in theater, and will make you want to go to the drive-in yourself! 🎥

Kara and Lee have lots of cute moments and chemistry throughout their story. Kara is a fiery, social, independent girl, and Lee is a quiet mechanic who keeps to himself. It’s so fun to watch the characters navigate personal challenges and growth as they work on their feelings for each other. 💕

This book is a super cute closed door romance, with lots of kisses, banter, and no spice. I absolutely loved reading it!

[Rachel Gruber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kara and Lee were so good in the book their back and forth in the book made it interesting .

Lee is a mechanic in mountain Ridge and he kisses Kara and she leaves ,but suddenly she’s back again and stirs up feelings that maybe these two don’t want stirred up again .
They have both had loss and worn through that loss together . I love the side characters (which I think are going to be in later books main ones)

This is the first book in the series so I can’t wait to see what the second book holds , it’s going to be good too.
Thank you to C.P. Cabanas for having me on the arc team
This is a clean book but some scenes that are rated PG 13 some light language but closed door

[Summer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Releases: April 14th

This is a fun, cozy romance book. Our main character, Kara, revisits Arkansas and is reunited with Lee. They slowly rekindle what they started when they were 16 years old, but this time with a little baggage to overcome. The characters are relatable and the communication is open and honest between them, which is a breath of fresh air...especially as the characters work towards emotional healing. It felt a little like Stars Hollow with its small town, girl-next door type of read. It had all the swoon and none of the spice.

This is a perfect book for the upcoming spring days!

[dayen · Rating 4 out of 5]

one thing for sure, THE KEY IN RELATIONSHIP IS COMMUNICATION 🤌🏻✨

when both of them have their own struggles and keep on to themselves cause they don’t want to burden the others 🥹

in the end of the day, you still need to communicate for both sides to get through them together 🫂✨ AND THANK GOD THEY BOTH HAVE THAT 💃🏻🙌🏻

I enjoyed reading this and again i am more intrigued with the other couples in the book 😂 like helloooo what’s that ‘main-main mata’ between Aaron and Lillian
like this one staring to that one and then the other stares back when this one is not looking 🤧😂
aiiipppp aishhh
and their nicknames of each other 🫣 aarrrggghhhh

[Nic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a voluntary ARC. All thoughts are my own.

This was such a sweet and cozy book! It gave off this feeling of being home even though I’ve never been there and I can’t wait to go back! This is peak found family vibes!

This book makes me want to take a vacation so badly. I have got to find a drive in movie theater one of these days.

I absolutely love the entire cast of characters! Each one was uniquely their own and imperfect. I love when we can see relatable struggles and insecurities. We’re always enough even with those flaws.

No spice (just kisses)
Mild explicit language use
No violence/gore
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I just loved this! I can’t wait for the next book(s) in this series.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute romance read. It's not my favorite of Cabaniss's works, but I think that it will be a lovely read for lots of people.

The setting was very cozy: a small town with a strong and welcoming community. The drive-in is such a good meet cute (or meet again cute).

Kate was really great to follow and I loved learning more about her. Lee was a little more into gender roles than I would've liked but it wasn't in a toxic way. I also enjoyed the side characters, especially Helen.

I prefer more of a slow burn, but I could see the pacing of the romance being refreshing for many readers.

[Jessica Baxter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy of Meet me at the Drive-in by C.P. Cabaniss. It was amazing!!

This is the second book I’ve read of hers and it did not disappoint. It was swoon-worthy, adorbale, witty and had just the right level of snark.

I also love the small-town vibes she created in this book. Mountain Ridge is a town I’d love to go visit and catch a movie or two at the drive-in.

This books is a clean romance and has no spice, but all of the pining and longing. She also gives a shoutout to Dolly Parton.

[Anna (Crochetsavetheday) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic and cute read. Movie theater drive ins aren’t in books often enough. Kara and Lee bonded through movies and fell in love in the sweetest way. I love that she started working at the mechanics shop. Kara had a lot of heartache and trauma from losing her family it took a lot to work through while Lee struggled with feeling left behind by family. The banter was very saucy and entertaining. The two had to learn to work together to be together. If you like movie references and popcorn, you may like this read.

[Luci Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Meet Me at the Drive-In! Kara and Lee were such a cute couple and I loved seeing how they grew over the course of the book. Lee really came out of his shell and Kara found her home in Mountain Ridge. I also loved how they supported each other. The side characters were also hilarious. I recommend this book to anyone who loves small town romance, second chances, and found family. I can’t wait to read more from this series!

[Nupur · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading this book expecting a simple romance, and it turned out to be such a soft, comforting read. It’s a no-spice story and full of emotions and those quiet, butterfly moments. The small-town vibe and slow, natural connection between the characters made it feel really warm and nostalgic. Overall, it’s a sweet, feel-good book that feels like a calm summer night, simple, gentle, and a little magical.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is my new favourite book by C. P. Cabaniss. I loved that I was invested from the very beginning! These characters are very real and loveable and if it doesn't make you want to move to this part of the world I don't know what your reading!
I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
This book is
❤️ Sweet
💙 Found family
💛 Small town
💜 Lots of kisses
💚 Funny

[Katie Fryman · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

This was a cute read! Loved the small town vibes and the romance was sooo swoony. The tension between Kara and Lee had me screaming at them to get it together! When they finally have their first kiss.. wow! It was perfection! Definitely a fun read!

Thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Melissa Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! The fun relationship between the two main characters had me smiling throughout the whole book. I loved the banter back and forth as they grew closer to each other.
*Friends to Lovers
*Kisses only

Thank you to the author for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. I loved it and cant wait for more!