AFTER reading my last book, I really felt like I was dragging my heels trying to pick something new to read. I wanted to pick a book that I would love so I could write a glowing review and wholeheartedly say that I would recommend this book to everyone! So after many days with my head buried in the sand, I finally had a look through iBooks and found a lil number called Meant To Be by Melody Grace.
The Book
Title: Meant to Be
Author: Melody Grace
Publish Date: Feb 24th 2017
Pages: 292
Series: Sweetbriar Cove (#1)
Blurb
Poppy Somerville believes in happily-ever-after. It’s the reason her romance novels have won devoted readers all over the world—and why she’s broken off her engagement just weeks before the wedding instead of settling for less than true love. Escaping to her aunt’s beach cottage in Sweetbriar Cove, Poppy is looking for inspiration to end her writer’s block and finish her new book. She just wasn’t counting on the handsome, gruff contractor making such a racket next door…
Cooper Nicholson doesn’t believe in soul-mates. He thought he’d found his forever once, and the world proved him wrong, so when the cute brunette comes storming over and demands he keep the noise down, romance is the last thing on his mind. But his new neighbour is full of surprises, and soon, their chemistry is too hot to ignore.
As they grow closer, they discover fiction has nothing on the plot twists life has in store. But will Cooper find a way to let go of the past and risk his heart again? And can Poppy find her happy ending — on and off the page?
Meant To Be – Goodreads (2018)
My Review
We all know not to judge a book by the cover but with iBooks, they can go a long way when choosing what to read next! The cover of this book instantly drew me in – I adored the beachy setting, with it making me feel like I could curl up by the fire and lose myself in this love story. This cover ticks every box for me; it looks professional, colourful, cosy and romantic.
Enough cover talk, lets jump right in and start with what I loved about this gem.
- I’m at a point in my life where I honestly have no idea what I want to do. All I know is that I adore reading and writing and that one day I would love to be a writer! So this book, for me, fed my love for that lifestyle. The lifestyle of a romance novel writer living by the ocean who gets knocked upside down by the cute contractor next door. It’s just so cute and cosy, I love it!
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- One thing that tells me I’m reading a good book is if it can draw a tear out of me, either from laughing or crying! This book managed to do both for me and I loved it, especially when Cooper sang karaoke…
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- Something I find really important when reading a book part of a larger series, is the fire within me to want to read the next one. If i finish a book and could take or leave the next one then I know I haven’t enjoyed it. However, with this one I’m definitely going to be picking up book two of the series!
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Right, onto the things I didn’t love so much…
- The biggest critique I have is that the next book in the series (All For You) is £4.99 on iBooks which is quite pricey to me. Most books settle around the £2.99 mark so this difference in price definitely makes me second guess whether it’s worth it. (Obviously I’m going to buy it, I’m an addict)
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- When I finished reading this, I didn’t really feel like I knew Poppy or Cooper very well. Obviously you know their feelings throughout the book but I’m talking about past versions of them, what they’ve been through. I would’ve loved a chapter where they sat up in bed and shared everything! The same with Poppy’s friends, I would’ve loved a little bit more info about her friends but I know that’s coming up in the next book.
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- SPOILER: This book is definitely romantic and inspiring but I would’ve loved for Poppy to have returned to New York and for Cooper to chase her there and surprise her (instead of at the karaoke). A change of scenery would’ve made the relationship feel powerful and meaningful and resilient whilst also giving us a peek into Poppy’s ‘old’ life.
Onto the SUGAR and SPICE rating
SUGAR: 
/5 SPICE: 
/5
Regardless of the critiques, I absoloutely adored reading this book. It made me feel inspired to reach for the life I want and not to settle with anything short of magical. I came away with a huge smile and a happy heart! I would recommend this book to any hopeless romantic who likes a dash of spice.
Overall Rating: 
/5
I hope you enjoyed reading! I’m definitely going to be reviewing the next book in the series sometime soon so stay tuned. Have you guys read this book or any in the series? Let me know!
Catch you in the next review, xo B
Read Astray 