Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Meant to Be by Lauren Morrill

Meant to Be by Lauren Morrill
Release Date:
November 13, 2012
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Source: Borrowed

Summary

Meant to be or not meant to be . . . that is the question.

It's one thing to fall head over heels into a puddle of hazelnut coffee, and quite another to fall for the—gasp—wrong guy. Straight-A junior Julia may be accident prone, but she's queen of following rules and being prepared. That's why she keeps a pencil sharpener in her purse and a pocket Shakespeare in her, well, pocket. And that's also why she's chosen Mark Bixford, her childhood crush, as her MTB ("meant to be").

But this spring break, Julia's rules are about to get defenestrated (SAT word: to be thrown from a window) when she's partnered with her personal nemesis, class-clown Jason, on a school trip to London. After one wild party, Julia starts receiving romantic texts . . . from an unknown number! Jason promises to help discover the identity of her mysterious new suitor if she agrees to break a few rules along the way. And thus begins a wild goose chase through London, leading Julia closer and closer to the biggest surprise of all: true love.

Because sometimes the things you least expect are the most meant to be. (courtesy of Goodreads)

Review

Sometimes you just can't help loving a book. Meant To Be is one of those books that you should pick up when you're having a bad day. You'll laugh and roll your eyes at the characters' antics. Best of all, you will squeal with joy when the happy ending finally appears - this isn't a spoiler - we all know there's going to be a happy ending.

Most of us bloggers can relate to Julia. Good girl, bookish, organized. She's an extreme version of the ideal student. I found her obstinacy quite annoying. I also thought it was strange that she was so obsessed with the concept of a "Meant To Be" soulmate. Such a fervent belief in one true love seemed at odds with Julia's practical nature. As much as Julia irritated me, I could see that she was a good person beneath all her type A baggage. I couldn't help rooting for her.

Jason is the opposite of Julia. A jokester who lives for today. He was also annoying but less so. He could be a jerk at times and frustratingly irresponsible. But it quickly became clear that there was a nice person underneath. I look at Jason as a great guy who hasn't quite grown up yet, like many teenage boys. Soon, his recklessness and jokes seemed charming rather than annoying.

I loved the book's London setting. London is probably my favorite city in the world. I haven't been there in seven years and I really miss it. I'm always happy to get a tourist glimpse of the city.

The romance is just as satisfying as you would want it to be. The opposite of insta-love. The book takes place over a limited time period, but there's plenty of time for Jason and Julia to really get to know each other. Each character has to break down inner barriers that hides their compatibility. At times I wanted to smack their heads together, but I was ultimately pleased with how Ms. Morrill made sure Jason and Julia were each in the right place to make their relationship seem realistic.

Meant To Be is a funny, joyful romance. Just as in the great romances, two flawed people learn to be more from the other person. It's an easy quick read that will bring out the warm fuzzies.

Rating: 4 / 5

19 comments:

  1. Sounds awesome! I think I need a book like this right now.

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  2. Awwwee!! I LOVED this book! It was cute and fun and everything I wish for in a YA Contemporary Novel. I wasn't so annoyed with Julia but rather laughed about her quirks :)

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  3. Your review just bumped thisup my tbr list! Thanks!:D

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  4. I am ALWAYS on the lookout for a feel good romance! When I'm tired, especially in the evenings, I simply can't force myself to read dystopias. And when I do read a romance, I don't appreciate angst so this sounds like a perfect read for me.
    I'm glad there wasn't instalove between Jason and Julia. It makes me want to pick this up even sooner.
    GReat review, Alison!

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  5. I've seen this one around but haven't picked it up. I do like a sweet romance and I know a few of my readers who would adore this book. I think I'll talk our librarians into getting it -- and read it first!

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  6. Well, I am *definitely* going to read this book now, after your review! Yours and others' review of this book make me wonder if I'll be able to tolerate Julia and Jason, but I guess only time--and reading--will tell. :)

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  7. so glad that you liked Julia and yes loved the city too. I found I could relate to her too lol

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  8. After you review, I will totally pick up this book after a bad day. I need those books that can lift me to another world, making me happy. Thanks for sharing.

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  9. YEAH ALISON!!!! I loved this book too, it was just such a fun and sweet read. I know a lot of people didn't care for it and called it predictable and what not, but honestly, if I picked up a cute rom com and it didn't end happily I'd be royally pissed. This is definitely the perfect read for when you're having a bad day. It's going in the "bad day" stack with Anna and the French Kiss:)

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  10. I've read some lukewarm reviews about this one, but I think it's reader's expectations that decipher whether or not you will like it. This sounds like a typical but well done rom com. I'm really looking forward to the London setting and I hope I can tolerate Jason's antics. I already got this one on my tbr pile. :)

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  11. I found Julia a bit frustrating, too! I am definitely a type A, but sometimes she was a little too snooty. But she did loosen up, and I did end up liking her. And how can I not love a character who loves Pride and Prejudice?

    I think your description of Jason was perfect! "a great guy who hasn't quite grown up yet, like many teenage boys."

    Glad you liked this. It was definitely a fun read.

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  12. Glad you enjoyed this one! I had a lot of fun with this. I can totally relate to booklicker, though I'm not nearly as OCD as she is. I wasn't really annoyed with her, more sorry for her that her brain worked that way. :-) Awesome review!

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  13. This sounds like a good book. I particularly like that they characters are flawed openly. I've heard a lot about this book. I really need to get it and read it already. Great review!

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  14. great review.I am so excited to read this one and that it now it is available on audible.

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  15. I have had this on my wishlist before it ever released. It just sounds SO good! And I love books that take place outside the US. I haven't gotten to do any international travel yet so I just do it through books. :)
    I'm glad this one was so good! I'm having the urge to buy it, but I know I'm so overwhelmed with books already, I'm not sure when I'd read it.

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  16. This sounds just like the one I just reviewed (This Is What Happy Looks Like): charming and cute, likeable characters, and a great setting. Glad you enjoyed yourself with this one, Alison! I know I would, too.

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  17. I'm so glad that you enjoyed this one!! It was adorable and really fun. And I loved that there wasn't an instalove - I didn't really like Jason, but I liked how their relationship progressed.

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  18. Glad this worked for you-I found Jason so annoying and had trouble pushing through it despite loving the cover.

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  19. I really enjoyed this one and it really surprised me because I am not a comtemp fan, I definitely agree with you especially with the fact that if you are having a bad day this book will definitely pick up your mood!

    Kristin @ Young Adult Book Haven

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