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.
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Meant to Be is the adorable tale of a straight-laced, rule keeping, uptight, slightly awkward, know-it-all named Julia and a smart, snarky, goof-ball, slightly jerky yet somehow sweet prankster named Jason. What I loved most about this endearing story was the realism and believability of the characters and story. Also an added perk, if you’d changed Julia’s name to Heather, Jason and Julia’s relationship and interactions would have been startlingly similar to mine and my husband’s (also named Jason). I have mellowed A LOT since high school and college!
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I loved Julia and Jason. Julia is this awkward, insecure nerd-girl who thinks no one gets her or likes her besides her best friend and that her life needs to adhere to her idealized script. She is obsessed with getting together with her crush Mark who she thinks is her MTB (Meant To Be). Julia views the world through a filter that doesn’t give her an accurate view or perspective. What happens when she goes to London however changes things and reveals that maybe, just maybe, the real world is a little more fun and a whole lot more worthwhile the the romanticized bubble she floats around in.
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Jason is that guy that is equal parts annoying and adorable. One second you want to flip him off and the next you want to hug him. He’s rarely serious and often obnoxious and yet incredibly sensitive and vulnerable. I adored him. Jason hardly ever takes anything seriously. Everything is a big joke and he is always looking for the next “good time.”
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I loved how these two characters ended up helping each other to grow and become better people. Julia learned to relax and Jason learned to open up. The banter between these to was incredible. Loved every second. Also awesome was the ending. Totally not what I expected which was great because typically I am pretty good at guessing how a book is going to end. It was really fun to be caught off guard.
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Overall, Meant to Be was a fun read, full of playful banter, hilarious situations, and raw emotions. Highly recommended to anyone looking for a lighthearted contemporary with some real depth.
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Author: Lauren Morrill
Title: Meant to Be
Published: November 13th, 2012 by Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Format: 304 pages Hardcover; Kindle; Nook; Kobo; Smashwords
Website: laurenmorrill.com
Source: ARC provided by NetGalley
My rating: 
Happy Reading!
The blurb intrigued me and your excellent review makes me want to read this now! Thanks, Heather.
It’s really good. =) You should totally read it! =)
I adored this one and I’m not normally a big contemporary fan. It was just so sweet/adorable I couldn’t resist. And I loved the banter. Definitely a highlight.
Yeah, I’m not usually a Contemporary fan myself but this was a really good one! =)
I love it when a book portrays a sweet, good romance. I like how they changed each other to become a better person
I don’t read a lot of contemporary books, but this might be something for me! Great review.
Mel@thedailyprophecy.
Thanks! Hope you enjoy!
Great review! I will have to check it out soon
Awesomesauce! enjoy!
a cute book!
Definitely!
LOVE it when two quirky, opposite character are amazing together! And this one sounds so funny too:))
Lovely review:)
Oh it was. SO so fun!
thanks for the great review! I’m just starting to get into the YA- New Adult titles and this sound great!
Yay! Hope you’ll give this one a try!
Yay, glad you liked this one! I put it on hold ages ago at the library, and it’s finally been processed as a new book and is being shipped to my pick-up library as we speak–can’t wait to start reading it 😀
Yay! Enjoy!
I was lucky enough to win this book in a giveaway! Can’t wait to start it!
Awesome! Enjoy! So, so good. =)