meant to be – GoodeyReads

Rating: ★★★
Audience: Contemporary Romance Retelling
Length: 320 pages
Author: Zoraida Cordova
Publisher: Hyperion Avenue
Release Date: August 1st, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

A modern tale of unexpectedly falling in love and finding your voice, Kiss the Girl is the highly anticipated third installment in the acclaimed and best-selling Meant to Be collection.

Ariel del Mar is one of the most famous singers in the world. She and her sisters—together, known as the band Siren Seven—have been a pop culture phenomenon since they were kids. On stage, wearing her iconic red wig and sequined costumes, staring out at a sea of fans, is where she shines. Anyone would think she’s the girl who has everything.

But lately, she wants more . Siren Seven is wrapping up their farewell tour, and Ariel can’t wait to spend the summer just living a normal life—part of a world she’s only ever seen from the outside. But her father, the head of Atlantica Records, has other begin her breakout solo career immediately, starting with a splashy announcement on a morning talk show.

The night before, Ariel and her sisters sneak out of their Manhattan penthouse for a night of incognito fun at a rock concert in Brooklyn. It’s there that Ariel crosses paths with Eric Reyes, dreamy lead singer of an up-and-coming band. Unaware of her true identity, Eric spontaneously invites her on the road for the summer. And for the first time in her life, Ariel disobeys her father—and goes with him.

Caught between the world she longs for and the one she’s left behind, can Ariel follow her dreams, fall in love, and, somehow, find her own voice?

Thank you to Disney Hyperion for the ARC.

A CUTE RETELLING.

This is one of those books where the three star rating might make it seem like a don’t read this book, but honestly, I think it was a me thing and that a lot of others will enjoy this. I won’t say run out and buy it, but I’m also not saying skip it either.

I thought the retelling aspects were subtle and connected well. I noticed nuanced things (as well as big picture) that were fun to see how The Little Mermaid was woven into a contemporary rock star romance. Eric being a hopeless romantic was cuuute. I loved his personality and his optimism. While the insta-attraction didn’t work for me I did like some aspects of the chemistry between Eric and Ariel.

The plot is filled with kind found family band mates and some humorous antics that happen on tour. I did like seeing Ariel find her voice (see what I did there), and stand up to her Dad. AND I absolutely LOVED that her sisters were continually supportive and helpful. I looove tight sibling relationships and that might have been my favorite part of the book.

It’s a sweet book, easy to fly through, a bit of a third act break and a grand gesture to bring it all back together. Take this as you will.

Overall audience notes:

Contemporary Romance Retelling
Language: light (but strong)
Romance: closed door
Violence: low
Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of a Mother (mentioned), strained parent relationships

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Rating: ☆☆☆☆
Audience: Contemporary Romance + Retelling
Length: 304 pages
Author: Julie Murphy
Publisher: Hyperion Avenue
Release Date: August 3rd, 2021
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

After having just graduated with a degree in shoe design, and trying to get her feet on the ground, Cindy is working for her stepmother, who happens to be the executive producer of America’s favorite reality show, Before Midnight. When a spot on the show needs filling ASAP, Cindy volunteers, hoping it might help jump-start her fashion career, or at least give her something to do while her peers land jobs in the world of high fashion.

Turns out being the only plus size woman on a reality dating competition makes a splash, and soon Cindy becomes a body positivity icon for women everywhere. What she doesn’t expect? That she may just find inspiration-and love-in the process. Ultimately, Cindy learns that if the shoe doesn’t fit, maybe it’s time to design your own.

SUFFICIENTLY CHARMED.

I love a good and quick audio book. This was exactly what I was looking for when it was available and I enjoyed it!

Cindy was a great main character. Charming, positive, and I loved her passion for fashion (even if I don’t understand anything about fashion). There was definitely an immediate connection between her and Henry and it made for some solid swoony moments. I really liked them as a couple and how well they complimented each other.

This is the first bachelor/ette based book I’ve read in a few years and it did reiterate the fact that I just don’t love this trope/setting. I feel like it takes away from the main couple getting a chance to further a deeper connection and that’s how it read here. I wanted a few more layers and depth for everyone, but especially Cindy and Henry.

I loved all of the twists of the Cinderella retelling. Having a kind step-mom and step-sisters was exactly what this book needed. I love that kind of support in any read. Besides the superficiality of a few aspects, this was a good read and a strong standalone retelling.

Overall audience notes: