MEANT TO BE by Lauren Morrill

Oh how I loved this novel, let me count the ways J

Right when I saw the cover for Meant to Be, my eyes smiled.  Then I read the book summary, and my brain and heart were both in agreement: I needed this book.  Pronto.  It even inspired a Waiting on Wednesday post--which I only do when I'm really, REALLY salivating over a book.

NetGalley was kind enough to provide the goods, and I have to say, Lauren Morrill did not disappoint.  Meant to Be delivers on every level.  The romance, the laughs, the great London adventure, and two memorable characters who are so different yet so right for each other.

Love it when a book can hook you and then actually fulfill what the jacket promises!

Julia isn't your typical teenage heroine.  For one, she doesn't just believe in love.  She believes in "meant to be"--true love, fated love that finds you when it's ready.  And Julia believes she's already found her MTB.  Even if they haven't spoken in years.  Even if he doesn't know it yet, the charming, handsome Mark Bixford is her fate.

Everything should be gravy, but when Julia goes to London and inexplicably starts to fall for Jason Lippincott, class clown and bane of her existence, it makes her question everything she's ever thought about MTB.

Jason annoys the heck out her with his crude jokes and wildly inappropriate behavior.  He makes Julia want to break the rules just to prove to him--and to herself-- that she's not just a boring "book licker."  But Jason's also charming and sweet when he wants to be.  Singing to her in the park, pulling her into an impromptu dance, kissing her on a rainy day.

Julia thought she had it all figured out.  But,is it Mark or Jason?  Who's really her MTB?  And when all is said and done, will he feel the same?

My favorite parts of the book were the romantic scenes between Jason and Julia.  *Sigh*  That one was a no brainer.  I absolutely loved the scene on the London Eye.  It was exactly what it should be--him catching her fall, both of them not wanting to pull away--so totally romantic.  And their first kiss!  A rainy day in London, in a deserted field far away from everyone, a moment purely theirs?  Miss Morrill certainly has a way with writing heart-melting scenes.  Loved it!

And I also loved that Julia was exactly the opposite of the teenage cynic.  There were times when she and Jason deliberately hurt each--which I didn't like.  But Julia's take on love and "MTB" was so fresh and endearing.  I liked her very much with her lists and her non-rule-breaking persona.  A young girl who actually believes in true love.  Imagine that J

I really liked this one.  I'd definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a fun, romantic YA contemporary!

Happy reading,

Ninja Girl