Plot wise, it was okay. I loved the addition of the pets and the weddings are always a fun aspect. My main complaint is that the story didn’t feel fully developed to me. There were several pointed mentions of her getting sick towards the end of the story and then nothing. The conflict wasn’t really there and the ending was very abrupt.

I can always count on Susan Mallery for a fun and light hearted summer beach read. This novel was entertaining, well paced, and I found myself really enjoying each of the characters there were a few odd portions of the novel (main character’s mom could talk to animals?) but it made the novel unique.

This wasn’t one that I will remember for months down the road but it was a very entertaining and enjoyable read! Thank you to Net Galley for sending this novel in exchange for an honest review.

DNF (stopped at 20% and then read the end 10%)
2019; HQN/HarperCollins

It breaks my heart that I did not finish a Susan Mallery novel, but am happy I did not force myself to read it. I just couldn't with Renee. I really liked Jasper and wanted him to find his HEA, but I just couldn't see that with Renee. I have enjoyed this series overall, and look forward to any more books in this series.

***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***

Susan Mallery has once again written an amazing story of relationships and overcoming roadblocks. Can two people who see themselves as damaged, undeserving or incapable of forming a relationship find their way to happiness together?
The story takes place in town called Happily Inc. whose primary industry is weddings. Every business in the town caters to brides, grooms and their wedding. Renee is a wedding coordinator and by all accounts very good at her job, she has an affinity for it. Renee ensures that loving couples have weddings of their dreams with no slip-ups. In Renee’s mind, she will never have a wedding because of her fear that she has inherited her mother’s gift.
In the mountains outside of town, Jasper, a famous writer, who prefers to be alone because he knows he can’t get into a serious relationship because, as he puts it, he is “damaged." Jasper has psychological issues as a result of his time in the service. Jasper’s first serious relationship is with a stray dog that he ends up adopting.
What happens when Renee is introduced to Jasper? Can they follow the rules and plans they set out for their relationship? Are they really as undeserving or as damaged as they think?
Meant to Be Yours is a well-written, heart-warming story. The characters are complex and their emotions make you feel like you are on a rollercoaster. The story draws you in and keeps you wondering to the end, do Jasper and Renee get their happily ever after?
Thank you #Netgalley and #Harlequin for approving my request for an advanced readers copy. All opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

What an incredibly fun read by Susan Mallery called Meant to Be Yours. Today is the book's publication release date and I am so excited to share this book with you.



BOOK SUMMARY:
In Happily Inc, love means never having to say “I do”…

Wedding coordinator Renee Grothen isn’t meant for marriage. Those who can, do. Those who can’t, plan. But she never could have planned on gorgeous, talented thriller writer Jasper Dembenski proposing—a fling, that is. Fun without a future. And the attraction between them is too strong for Renee to resist. Now she can have her no-wedding cake…and eat it, too.

After years in the military, Jasper is convinced he’s too damaged for relationships. So a flirtation—and more—with fiery, determined Renee is way too good to pass up…until his flame becomes his muse.

Renee is an expert at averting every crisis. But is she finally ready to leap into the one thing that can never be controlled: love?

I really enjoyed this book. The plot is fresh and I loved that one of the characters is a princess from a distant country. Jasper is a writer who wants to learn how to write an authentic female character but he keeps running into roadblocks as he just doesn't know what a woman thinks, likes, or even wants to talk about. When he meets Renee, a wedding planner, they both hit it off but want no real relationship, just a "friend with benefits." What ensues next is a delightful series of events that have Renee and Jasper both questioning what they truly want. Read the book, you won't be disappointed.


MEANT TO BE YOURS
Author: Susan Mallery
ISBN: 9781335041494




MEANT TO BE YOURS
Author: Susan Mallery
ISBN: 9781335041494
Author Bio:

SUSAN MALLERY is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of novels about the relationships that define women's lives—family, friendship, romance. Library Journal says, “Mallery is the master of blending emotionally believable characters in realistic situations," and readers seem to agree—40 million copies of her books have sold worldwide. Her warm, humorous stories make the world a happier place to live.

Susan grew up in California and now lives in Seattle with her husband. She's passionate about animal welfare, especially that of the two ragdoll cats and an adorable poodle who think of her as mom.

Let's get to know our author even better! Here are some questions that I sent Susan to answer, Enjoy!

WHO IS AN AUTHOR YOU DRAW INSPIRATION FROM?
Years ago, the fabulous Debbie Macomber suggested to me that I stop writing series about
families, and start writing series about people who live in the same town. That advice was the
inspiration for my Fool’s Gold series, which led to my Happily Inc series, as well. I’ll always be
grateful to Debbie for that.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO READ A BOOK?
At home with my feet up on the sofa and a cat curled in my lap.

WHO IS A BOOK CHARACTER YOU’D BE BEST FRIENDS WITH?
Each of my heroines is someone I’d be friends with—after all, I spend months with them, so I
want them to be people I enjoy hanging out with. As for best friends, I’ll go with Ellen Fox,
heroine of The Friendship List, which will come out next year. Ellen had me laughing all the
way through the book. She’s blunt and smart and would drop everything to help someone she
loves.

She’s a single mom who got pregnant in high school. She had sex one time, got pregnant, and
then... nothing. She’s basically a virgin with a kid. But when she discovers what she’s been
missing, she has no inhibitions. Her lack of filter was a source of constant amusement for me.
Every day, I was excited to get back to work so I could spend time with her again. Such a fun
book to write!

PEN & PAPER OR COMPUTER?
Computer. I couldn’t keep up with my thoughts with paper and pen. I type about 120 words per
minute, so that’s easier for me. Hard on my wrists and hands, but easier on my brain.

FAVORITE DECADE IN FASHION HISTORY?
The 1980’s.
KIDDING!!!!!
I am enjoying the fashion of today. I like that there really aren’t any rules anymore, it’s all about
self-expression.

WHAT IS YOUR SIGNATURE DRINK?
A Starbucks latte. This time of year, pumpkin spice. Even though the baristas cannot, for the life
of them, spell Susan.

There’s a lot to love about Meant to Be Yours but a few things I didn’t.

Renée was an ok heroine for me, but I didn’t quite get her commitment issues. I know her father left and her two previous serious relationships blew up, but the way she absolutely refused to love a man seemed almost childish. Especially the way she kept saying, “you can’t make me.”

I loved her as a wedding planner and as a tough “girlfriend” who wouldn’t take crap, but I didn’t get her reactions, except when she stood up for herself with Jasper. That’s when she seemed like a strong confident woman I would like to sit and talk to.

Jasper on the other hand...I don’t feel like we got enough of him. His backstory and commitment issues seemed to be swept away, when in reality they seemed much more interesting and complicated. PTSD is real, it’s effects on your life are real, and if trained professionals tell you that you won’t be normal, there is no way you would easily commit to a long term relationship. I wish that had been explored more.

The sexual and romantic tension were spot on and I loved the animals. I even got a kick out of renees mom being able to talk with animals, though I had a tough time believing animals understood everything she said they did. If animals understand that much, then why does my dog still drink from the toilet??

Anyway, this is a good contemporary romance with a light hearted feel. It’s not earth shattering, but it’s not meant to be. It was fun to read and think about, I just wish a few things had been different.

The town of Happily, Inc. is all about weddings and there is no better wedding planner than Renee Grothen. Working at Weddings Out of the Box, she makes dreams come true for the most demanding brides but has no illusions of her own where weddings are concerned. No matter how promising her relationships have been in the past, they've always crashed and burned. She has no desire to put herself out there, so when the town's resident famous thriller author proposes - no strings, sex only - Renee can't believe her luck.

Jasper Dembenski came back from Afghanistan damaged beyond repair - or so he believes. The only thing that has helped him cope with his PTSD has been his writing. On his way back to Happily, Inc., the town he adopted when he came home from the war, he encounters a stray dog at a campground. He adopts the dog, too, and discovers companionship that soothes his nightmares. When he notices Renee at the town's weekly game night, it doesn't take long for him to let her know he's interested. Once he has her in his bed, what can he do to keep her there?

What happens when the two people least likely to fall in love, realize that love is exactly what they are feeling? Will fear rule out?

There were some pretty unique elements to this book that I will let other readers discover on their own. All I'll say is, watch for the entry of Renee's mom into the story.

I love Susan Mallery's stories, whether they're set in Happily Inc., or Fool's Gold. She has been a favorite author for a lot of years, and this book is a great addition to the fleet! Readers who like some steam with their romance, will love Meant to be Yours. I listened to the audio version, and in my opinion, few narrators can top Tanya Eby.

Meant to be your é o quinto livro da série, e embora eu não tenha lido os livros anteriores, posso dizer que é impossível não se apaixonar pelos personagens e ambiente criados pela Susan nesta série. Além disso, o livro pode ser lido de forma independente aos demais, dessa forma, se você assim como eu ainda não leu os demais livros não se preocupe, você irá compreender completamente a trama apresentada neste livro.
Com uma escrita leve e envolvente, Susan Mallery criou um livro apaixonante no qual acompanhamos a trajetória dos protagonistas ao lidarem com suas escolhas passadas e presentes, por isso, prepare-se para um romance leve com pitadas de drama, romance e um lado fofo e divertido que irá conquistar os leitores.

This is actually the first book in this series that I have read! I will definitely be going through the series, in order this time! Renee and Jasper were an interesting couple. Of course whenever a fling is mentioned, you know it is going to turn into more! It was a great read, and it made me want to read the previous books in the series.
I recommend reading this book, but maybe first the other books first! I wish I would've, but now I get to do a reread after I finish the others!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book.

Renee is a wedding planner in Happily Inc, and is very good at her job. Not so much in her own life though, mostly because of her mother's 'gift': she can communicate with animals and this skill has caused Renee's father to leave and peers to bully her. Jasper is a mystery writer who has just gotten back into town from a long book tour. He too is emotionally damaged, but his is mostly caused by PTSD. They are very attracted to each other -- what else? It's Susan Mallery in Happily Inc! -- and neither is looking for long -term. Renee has never told any of her friends in Happily her big secret, just says she and her mother have a complicated relationship, but eventually tells Jasper and is very surprised that he doesn't tease as well. Mom comes in to visit, says she's got big news - and thoroughly and completely wows her daughters' friends, and finds herself happiness as well.

This wasn't the best of the series, altho it's good. It was fun to see how the others in the series have moved on and how they all still interact almost daily. But I did get tired of both Renee and Jasper moaning about how they could 'never love again''. Surprise -- they could, and did.

I see there's one more story in the series. Can't wait!.


It’s not a bad book at all. I enjoyed touching base with previous Happily Inc couples and seeing where everyone is at in their lives. But for me, I couldn’t enjoy the main couple because Renee drove me loco! 4 stars for Jasper but Renee pushed it down a whole star for me.

Although this is book 5 in a series it can be totally read as a stand alone. I enjoyed this story quite a bit and found that I like the characters and their relationship. I did find Renee to be a bit annoying at some points but overall I liked the book and where the story took me. I will definitely be checking out the rest of the series!

I was captivated from the first word. Absolutely amazing book. The characters were great and so was the storyline. Would definitely read more books from this author. She was able to weave the details together seamlessly.

Jasper is finishing up his book tour and on his way back when he finds himself helping a homeless pup. Plans to take him home were not what he planned.. Never having a dog he has a lot to learn. Arriving back in Happily Inc. he is ready to start on his new book. Renee is loving her job as a wedding planner. She is struggling with her past and not sure of her future. Jasper and Renee work out an agreement that seems to meet each others needs. Both are fearful of a relationship and commitment. As time goes they both realize that it might not be impossible to push past fears and jump in..

Started off cute and enjoyable but just wasn’t up to the usual Susan Mallery book. Got bored. The series should have stoped at the last book. Luckily, Ms. Mallery has other storylines that are worth picking up and you know they should be better than this book.

Love any book from Susan Mallery!! She is s great storyteller! All her books capture your attention. This book was no different!

3.5 stars rounded up to 4

I love Susan Mallery books, she always seems to have a way with getting me all caught up in the characters and their lives. My issue with this one? I didn't care for Renee. I found her entirely unreasonable in just about all respects. I didn't feel as though the reasoning for being hesitant to be in a relationship was logical (she treated Jasper terribly. Everything was his fault. She never apologized for her role. Just waited for him to come to her when I felt that it was usually her behavior that needed apologizing for) and I didn't like how she treated/reacted to her mother.

Why did I round up? The story was good, the rest of the characters were great. I love the town, I love the writing style. Just didn't care for Renee.

Thank you Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3120219622

I'm a big romance fan. I haven't read many traditional romances these days (I've been doing more rom coms and historical fiction) so I was really pleased to have the chance to read Susan Mallery's new book, Meant to Be Yours. Plus, a heroine who's a wedding planner and a hero who's a novelist? I'm totally in.

Here's the synopsis:
In Happily Inc, love means never having to say “I do”…Wedding coordinator Renee Grothen isn’t meant for marriage. Those who can, do. Those who can’t, plan. But she never could have planned on gorgeous, talented thriller writer Jasper Dembenski proposing—a fling, that is. Fun without a future. And the attraction between them is too strong for Renee to resist. Now she can have her no-wedding cake…and eat it, too.
After years in the military, Jasper is convinced he’s too damaged for relationships. So a flirtation—and more—with fiery, determined Renee is way too good to pass up…until his flame becomes his muse.



Renee is an expert at averting every crisis. But is she finally ready to leap into the one thing that can never be controlled: love?
I admit I don't think I realized this was part of a series. Or, if I did know that, I didn't think you really needed to read them in order and could just hop into town whenever you showed up. For the most part, you could. But Renee has so many friends that clearly have had their own stories that a new reader, like myself, was bombarded with characters and no backstory - but the expectation that I should know them and their history. I found myself wondering, was I already supposed to know that Renee knew who Jasper was? It sure felt like it. It was a bit frustrating and unfortunately set the tone for me early on.

I did quite like Jasper and Renee. Their relationship made all sorts of sense, even though they were determined to not actually have a relationship. Everyone in town could see it worked too. I loved reading as they got to know each other and fell for each other. It was hard to read as they went through issues, as they always do in romance novels, but that meant the HEA was an absolute delight.

That being said...Renee's motivations kind of left me baffled. The secret she was keeping from her friends was...odd. It came out of left field and I really found myself laughing and saying, "Seriously? That is her problem?" Maybe I'm inconsiderate or not so open-minded but it really was so out there. I can't say anything because, even though I didn't like it, I don't want to spoil it for anyone else.

One of my favourite things about the main characters was actually their jobs. Books and movies featuring wedding planners and authors are just so much fun for me. I'm not married - nor do we ever plan on getting married - but there's something about experiencing these high stress but romantic events in fiction I just love. I like the drama weddings bring and, as someone who has worked in the event industry, I also like the stress that comes from executing a perfect event. (Of course, there is no such thing as a perfect event. Something, somehow will go wrong.) And obviously I love to read so to see an author write an author is pretty interesting.

As part of the blog tour, I had access to a Q&A the publisher did with Mallery and I wanted to share a couple of the questions I found really interesting. I hope you do, too!

Who is an author you draw inspiration from?
Years ago, the fabulous Debbie Macomber suggested to me that I stop writing series about families, and start writing series about people who live in the same town. That advice was the inspiration for my Fool’s Gold series, which led to my Happily Inc series, as well. I’ll always be grateful to Debbie for that.

What do you hope readers will experience or gain when reading Meant to Be Yours?
I hope Meant to Be Yours will be a happy escape for them, an entertaining break from the stresses of their daily lives. This is a book for readers who like to feel the sharp pings of emotion—and the release of laughter with a guaranteed happy ending.

What drew you into writing romance?
I’ve been a romance reader since I was in middle school, and they’re still the books I enjoy the most. I love everything about them. I still get that intake-of-breath feeling when the characters first kiss. And when they finally overcome their obstacles and admit that they’re meant to be together—there’s just nothing happier or more life-affirming.

Meant to Be Yours wasn't a total winner for me but Susan Mallery's latest novel is still a pretty delightful one. It's perfect if you're looking for a sweet and fun romance where you know you're guaranteed a Happily Ever After. And who knows? Maybe you'll find yourself falling in love with Happily Inc. too.

Buy Links:
Harlequin * Indiebound * Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Books-A-Million
Target * Walmart * Google * iBooks * Kobo

Social Links:
Author Website
Twitter: @susanmallery
Facebook: @SusanMallery
Instagram: @susanmallery
Goodreads

Author Bio
SUSAN MALLERY is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of novels about the relationships that define women's lives—family, friendship, romance. Library Journal says, “Mallery is the master of blending emotionally believable characters in realistic situations," and readers seem to agree—40 million copies of her books have sold worldwide. Her warm, humorous stories make the world a happier place to live.
Susan grew up in California and now lives in Seattle with her husband. She's passionate about animal welfare, especially that of the two ragdoll cats and adorable poodle who think of her as mom.

*An egalley of this novel was provided by the publisher, HarperCollins, in exchange for a review for a blog tour. All opinions are honest and my own.*

Wonderful story by master storyteller Susan Mallery. Her delightful characters are complex and well-thought out The interactions between characters is realistic and the dialog is true and often witty. The emotional plot is character driven and compelling. I cannot recommend this author high enough!

Meant to Be Yours by Susan Mallery is a heart melting read! I fell in love with the hero for standing up for an older stray dog that was about to be shot. He took the dog in and instantly became my hero. An old war veteran, the man was hesitant but he still cared enough to take the dog in...my heart exploded. The dog won a place in my heart too. I felt sympathy right away. The dog was a great fit for the hero and added to this sweet story. Then, there's the heroine. She too, was a sweetheart. I liked the trio. They each had their own flaws yet they still deemed perfect enough to each other. A great fit.

Meant to Be Yours is a must read for all Hallmark fans. It has that trademark that makes you want to dig in deeper. The characters were super easy to love. I recommend this contemporary romance to all.

A sweet instalment in Susan Mallery's enjoyable Happily Inc series. A few interesting twist that I really didn't see coming but somehow worked out in the context of the story. The romance was good (as usual!) but I think what keeps me coming back to this series is the small town charm of Happily Inc; I love the descriptions of all the different themed weddings and the day to day life in the town (I want to go to the Boardroom for Monday night games night!). Meant to Be Yours is fun, romantic, and was just what I was in the mood to read. I'll be looking for the next book in this series!