Great book! This is the fifth book in the Happily Inc. series. I really enjoyed the chemistry and romance between Renee and Jasper. I would highly recommend this book and series.

I had a hard time getting into this book. maybe it was because I didn’t read the first 4? I’m unsure.
Renee has been hurt way too many times that now she is avoiding it so that she doesn’t get hurt again.
Jasper is a veteran that has seen many horrific things in his deployment, due to that he is haunted by the memories.
I did like Jasper an Renee but I felt like something was missing. I did want to DNF this a few times, but I wanted to be able to finish the book an give it my honest review. That being said… I feel like this book for me personally could have been a lot better. I only kept reading because I wanted to know if there was going to be a HEA and even that was disappointing.

Renee is the ultimate wedding planner. She can't do, so she plans.
Jasper is the writer who has also failed at relationships, so he keeps things shallow, superficial.
Will these two take a chance on love together?

I do love a Susan Mallery book. So satisfying.

4 Solid Susan Stars
Susan Mallery has a way of setting up a perfect situation. She has you all invested with one idea and then sneaks in with another. Two people who are so sure love and marriage ain't happening for them...maybe others but not them...
Then Bam they get the real feelings and things take off from there.
Loved it.

I was a little taken aback when I saw that this book was about Jasper and Renee, not Jasper and Wynn. But, I decided to trust the author and I'm glad I did. I ended up really enjoying Meant to Be Yours. It's probably my favorite out of the series. I just loved watching Jasper and Renee fall in love despite fighting it. They had great chemistry. Jasper has grown a lot since he showed up earlier in the series. I think the author made the right choice in not pairing him with Wynn. Renee was a much better match. I definitely recommend this one. I hope that Wynn gets a book. She deserves some love..

Jasper is a former military man turned writer. Renee is a wedding coordinator. They enter into a mutual agreement of being bed partners. I didn't feel they had chemistry. There were a lot of scenes that I didn't feel move the story forward and so I didn't connect with the characters as I would have liked.
Thank you, Netgalley and HQN.

What a wonderful book! This book takes us back to Happily Inc, a wedding town that has seen the pairing up of four wonderful couples before this. Renee is a wedding planner and Jasper is a writer.
I was actually surprised by the pairing as I was expecting the book to be about Jasper and Wynn, whom he was with before. I quickly figured out that this was a much better pairing!
The character growth in this book is huge and very satisfying. It was down realistically as we all do or say stupid things and have to learn from them. Both of these characters experience this emotional growth and it was great to see.
The supporting characters are also wonderful as usual. They aren’t perfect, friends show up at the wrong time and others say what is right, not what is popular, but they definitely add a wonderful element to the book.
The pacing was different as Renee and Drew hop into bed together quite quickly, but then it slows right down.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys small town romance!
Thank you to Susan Maller, the publishers and to NetGalley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

*I received a copy of this ebook from NetGalley for an honest review*

Short Synopsis:
Renee Grothen, wedding coordinator for Weddings Out of the Box located in Happily, Inc., is not looking for Mr. Right. However, when local celebrity author Jasper Dembenski comes back from his book tour, her pulse starts to race. Jasper believes he is too broken to form any kind of relationship, and Renee has been broken too many times. When Jasper finds he needs help creating a female character in his latest book, he turns to Renee for advice, as well as a fling. Can the two of these look past their broken pasts to form something together?

My Thoughts:
I, surprisingly, really enjoyed this. Meant to Be Yours is the fifth installment in Susan Mallery’s Happily, Inc series. This is the first time reading into this series, however that did not damper my enjoyment of this book. The characters were unique, even though their archetypes were one I’ve seen plenty before. You know, the “I’m too broken” type. I didn’t like Renee’s character, just because she shut down every time Jasper wanted to take that extra step to form a relationship. She didn’t convince me at all that she was “broken” and it annoyed me all the times she would have a mini freak out moment.

Jasper, hands down, was my favorite in this, simply because he was a writer and I really enjoyed seeing his thought process on how he could submerge himself in his craft. I loved him. There really wasn’t much of a plot, instead the author focused more on building the characters and helping them grow as individuals, which I can respect.

Would I Recommend:
This isn’t a steamy romance, so if you’re looking for one who likes those detailed “scenes” this isn’t for you. It is still a fun read, so I would recommend it for those that are just looking for a light fluffy read.

Jasper left the military with severe PTSD and found a talent for writing novels. He still sees himself as broken and has never gotten involved in relationships for more than sex. This suits Renee just fine because she had back luck with relationships in the past. They wind up getting closer to each other, and maybe there is more than just the physical between them.

Though this is book five in the series, you don't have to have read prior novels before reading this one. This is actually an adorable story with very serious themes running through it. Jasper's PTSD is seriously dealt with, and we see how it impacts his day to day life as well as his sense of self. Renee is wholly invested in her job as a wedding coordinator, and the two have physical chemistry even as they clash over his hands-on approach to research for novel writing. The reader gets a look into the world of wedding planning as well as novel writing, and there is plenty of characterization for both outside of the relationship that develops between the two of them. It's a romance novel, we know that the booty calls are going to catch feels, but how it goes along is part of the fun of reading this novel.

All of the friends and family members that we see here are wonderfully rendered and just as real as Renee and Jasper. They're sounding boards for both of them, and help push the plot along. The potentially goofy aspects of Renee's mother's gifts are treated honestly and tenderly by the author, as well as the friends that Renee had made in Happily Inc. I don't feel as though they side with anyone or overshadow our main couple as the novel progresses, and they do have their own story arcs in the background. In fact, we get a bonus novella outlining one of the couples' origin within this book, which is fun to read. I adored all of the characters in this novel and cheered internally when Renee and Jasper were able to push past their fear and insecurities to take a risk on love and happiness.

A Susan Mallery story will be full of angst, joy, sadness, friendship and confusion, but will have a HEA for one or more couple. In this story we find out the mystery behind Renee Grothen's behavior, but I am not going to give an spoilers here.

Jasper left the army with PTSD and started writing as therapy, but it grew into a well paying career. By chance he ended up in Happily Inc., and has been slowly healing, but still thinks he is too damaged to ever have a relationship, but then adopts a dog and makes a number of friends. Renee has been hurt and is no longer willing to give a man the chance to break her heart again, but she is looking for a no strings affair. When Jasper has problems developing a woman character for his latest books, he turns to Renee for help, but is surprised how much he enjoys spending time with her. But will she be willing to open up to him?

I was offered an ARC from NetGalley.com to read, but because I got behind in my reading, in the end I read a hardback copy from the library. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.

Renee Grothen & Jasper Dembenski thought they couldn't have a long term relationship with anyone. Their pasts have gotten in the way. A new pet and a visit from a family member have them wondering if the future can be changed. Are they Meant To Be Yours?

Renee Grothen is the manager of Weddings Out of the Box in Happily, Inc. California. She's been kept very busy with the owner out on maternity leave. Jasper Dembenski is on his way home from a tour for his latest book. A stop at an RV park has him taking in a stray dog. Thinking he'll leave it at the vet's office he comes to but changes his mind when the dog gets to him. Everyone's meeting up at the locals favorite hangout the bar & grill Board Game. Renee and Jasper are thrown together at the same table and an instant attraction comes to light. Renee is good with their one night stand. Jasper is thinking of a longer term agreement. Jasper decides he wants to set his next and final book of his successful detective series at a wedding. So, he insinuates his way into an upcoming wedding that Renee is planning. That ups the tension between them. They're both agreed to go for as long as the relationship lasts and then part ways. Their feeling begin to grow as they get to know each other. Both of them don't want to have deeper feelings that are happening between them. Renee is worried that her friend and his former girlfriend won't be okay with them seeing each other. Jasper gets used to his new dog. He asks Renee for help writing his female character and also the love scenes for his book. She goes into a panic when she realizes that Jasper has a dog. Renee has kept her mother from coming to town by going to visit her. When her mother shows up in Happily, Inc. Renee panics and figures she'll have to move and loose the opportunity to become a partner in Weddings Out of the Box. She's surprised when her friends embrace her mother and the unique ability she has by asking for her advice. Renee figures with her mother's news everyone will find out eventually what her mother has come to tell her. Jasper meets Renee's mom. Her mom ends up in a romantic relationship with a friends father. Renee realizes that her perception of herself and her mom as been all wrong. Renee asks Jasper to come help her find a cat. She decides on the most difficult one at the shelter then asks for her mom's help in finding out the cat's problem. Another trip to the animal shelter results in a friend for her cat. Renee brings her mom in on a wedding to find out what's wrong with the bride's dog and the truth is revealed. A wedding is canceled. Jasper gets advice from his ex-girlfriend. Both realize that they want a permanent relationship. Renee moves bringing her cats with her. A proposal is made and accepted.

Susan Mallery takes you back to her new beloved series Happily, Inc. for the story of novelist Jasper Dembenski and wedding planner Renee Grothen. Each believing that their pasts preclude them from having a loving permanent relationship with some one or each other. Along the way secrets are revealed and realizations made that bring two people who thought they were destined to be alone for the rest of their lives. Showing these two lovable characters that they were Meant To Be Yours.

Jasper is an author needing to close out his famous series with a love interest for his main character. However, there is a problem. Jasper does not write women. He actually considers himself too damaged for a relationship. Enter resident wedding planner, Renee. She is determined to keep their relationship completely casual. Until it isn’t…
I am not a huge fan of Renee. She is just too MUCH. She tends to be a little rude…and then some. However, Jasper was just plain HOT! These two get together as just a casual fling. And as it develops into a “big time” love interest, the story takes off.
I have enjoyed many of Susan Mallery novels. And this one is a perfect palate cleanser. It is hugely entertaining and there is nothing like getting lost in a great romance! Grab this one today!

Susan Mallery is the undisputed queen of small town romance and she is back with another enchanting tale set in Happily Inc full of all the humor, heart and charm that have become her hallmarks: Meant to Be Yours.

Renee Grothen might be a wedding coordinator whose entire business revolves around romance, but while she is perfectly happy to plan the perfect wedding for other people, she has vowed never to walk down the aisle herself. Renee simply isn’t meant for marriage or for long-term relationships. She is perfectly happy being single and in keeping any kind of romantic attachment short, sweet and temporary. But just because she never wants to put on a white dress and be somebody’s wife doesn’t mean that she doesn’t get crushes on guys and she simply cannot stop thinking about one of the town’s most attractive residents: Jasper Dembenski….

Former military man turned thriller writer Jasper has seen too much and endured too much to even bear contemplate a relationship. Still haunted by nightmares from his past, Jasper prefers to put all of his thoughts, energies and efforts into the thrillers which have made him an international bestseller. Jasper is perfectly content spending most of his time either writing his books or traveling all around the world meeting his readers. He is certainly not looking for a relationship nor does he want to get attached to anyone yet when he meets gorgeous redhead Renee Grothen, Jasper is determined to get to know her better.

With the chemistry between them positively electric, indulging in a no-strings fling proves to be a no-brainer. But when their attraction gives way to something far deeper than either one of them imagined, what are they going to do? Are they going to let the past get in the way of the best thing that’s ever happened to them? Or are they going to throw caution to the wind and grab this unexpected chance at happiness with both hands?

Susan Mallery has done it again and penned an irresistible contemporary romance I simply did not want to put down. Meant to Be Yours is a wonderfully emotional, immensely funny and highly uplifting romance about unexpected blessings, second chances and healing from old wounds that kept me glued to its pages throughout. A writer who can deftly juggle light-hearted banter with heart-rending drama, Susan Mallery makes her readers feel every single emotion her characters are going through and keeps them engrossed, entertained and on the edge of their seat throughout.

A first class contemporary romance from the best of the best, Meant to Be Yours is another fabulous tale by a writer who never disappoints: Susan Mallery.

Welcome to Happily Inc. The wedding destination capital of the USA. Here, your every wedding desire is fulfilled. Renee is a wedding coordinator at Weddings Outside of the Box, and she’s really good at her job. You want a Scottish Highland wedding? No problem. A Star Trek Wedding? Easy Peasy. You love apples? Then an apple wedding it is!
But Renee’s problem is that she can’t find love herself. Her father ran off when he was a child, but not before telling her things a parent should never tell their child. Then, after her fiancé finds out her secret, he leaves as well. She’s resigned herself to the fact that she’s not meant to find love and is ok with it.
But then she meets Jasper Dembenski, Jasper’s pretty new to town as well. He’s a bestselling author who was driving through Happily Inc when his car broke down. While waiting for the needed parts, he discovered just how great the town was, found a home, and decided to stay. He loves his pretty solitary life on the mountain and knows that he doesn’t want a relationship because he’s still damaged from his time as a military police officer. He’s had years of therapy, but he still suffers from nightmares and anxiety attacks.
Renee and Jasper have seen each other around town, but hadn’t actually talked to each other until they’re paired up for game night at the local bar.
Ms. Mallery is a wonderful writer, she knows just how to evoke emotions with just the words on a page. You root for these characters, and just when you think that things are bad, she brings it right back around. This is the 5th book in the series, but you can read it just fine without having read the previous ones. But, let me tell you, after reading Jasper and Renee’s story, you’ll want to dive in from the beginning. I know I do. This has a Happily Ever After, but I want more. I’ve got question. I now can’t wait to dive in and immerse myself in all the stories from Happily Inc.

Love is magical in Happily Inc, and this is no exception. Renee is a wedding coordinator but does not want her own HEA, Justin is new to town and is a thriller writer but wants to add a love story to his work in progress, so Renee would be the perfect person to help. Jasper has suffered from PTSD from the military, so he is convinced that he is damaged in the relationship department. So what would be better the friends with benefits!!

This is a sweet but sexy romance with plenty of humor, loved how their relationship developed. Loved catching up with previous characters. Wonderful friendships that have developed. Loved, loved the wedding. All animal lovers must read, loved Koda!!

I love Susan Mallery and I absolutely love this book! First off there are two lost souls that just want to be left alone, RIGHT! Then you have a dog and cats and safari animals. Then in comes the person who the animals can talk to and to top all this off a wacky wedding planner. What’s not to love about this book? You must get it to find out how it all works out! Thanks for the great story Susan!

Meant to Be Yours is a fun, quirky read featuring Jasper, a military vet, who thinks he is too broken to be able to love long-term. And Renee, a wedding planner, who is pretty sure a wedding is NEVER is store for her future. These two meet and decide to "hook up" for as long things work out.

In the meantime, Jasper, who is a writer, takes an interest in Renee's career as a wedding planner to help him study how the female mind works. He thinks this can help him with a female character he's writing. Jasper has a lot to learn, not only about how the female mind works, but about what his heart may need as well.

I really enjoyed this story. Both characters had to do some maturing and growing, but it was nice to see them both work through hard things. The Happily Inc series is great and can be read as standalones, but I'd recommend starting from the beginning to truly get the most out of each story.

Jasper writes suspense novels but lately his readers or perhaps more importantly his editor want him to build a love interest for his swashbuckling mystery solving detective character. His first attempts at a female character has his beta readers in splits; definitely not a winner. Can Renee be his salvation in creating a three dimensional female character for his series?
While Jasper is delightful, Renee didn't exactly endear herself to me from the get go but then the magic of the story catches up and before you know it, it's the end of another delightful chapter in the Happily Inc. series.
Jasper is suffering from PTSD when he first comes to Happily Inc but soon the town calls to him and he finds himself buying a house and settling in to write. Things have gotten a lot better for him since then and he's even recently adopted a dog. He finds Renee intriguing when they partner each other at a Monopoly game and before long they're in bed. Jasper finally gets answers on what a wedding planner does as he searches to flesh out the character in the latest book he's writing. I love how he glazes over and forgets that Renee is around when the muse is calling and his fingers are typing.
Renee however isn't so easy. She's carrying a lot of baggage and definitely comes across as irritating in the beginning. I can't tell you how many times I wanted to tell her to get over herself. She does however have a strong group of girl friends and it's great catching up on the happily ever after's on some of the couples from earlier stories. Renee's life long embarrassment is that her mom can talk to animals. Her reaction to her mom make me cringe but fortunately her friends and even her lover are a lot more accepting than Renee herself. Once Renee accepts her mom for what she is and begins to finally like herself that we see a sea change that turned the tide for me in how I felt about Renee.
While every book in the series features weddings in a box it's great fun to be a part of the planning and execution and even a couple of mishaps with weddings. This sweet romance which even through it comes after the Summer is done brings alive memories of light hearted reading on the beach or on vacation.

A fun book which depicted the romance between the wedding planner Renée and an author who was ex-military Jasper. Friends with benefits transformed to love.

Reading a Susan Mallery after a long time, the story retained her trademark signs of humor and warm relationships. Both Kasper and Renée had their own pasts with secrets slowly getting revealed down the book. Jasper's PTSD was dealt with sensitively.

I liked the constant tug and war and skirmishes between the two main characters. Jasper needed the softer side to be written in the novel and the suggestions given by his friends had humorous results. Romance was a slow burn in its development and chemistry wtitten. The other characters added to the loving atmosphere of the book.

Of note was Renée's mother, she was sweet and and her gifts were a wonder to read. I loved the inclusion of it in the story. The entire story was long and felt a bit slow, but had the sweetness of likable characters. Book 5 in the series, that didn't bother me as I was more involved with Renee and Jasper and their dog Koda.

Overall, a sweet read which warmed the heart and put a smile on my face.

I read other books by Susan Mallery by it's the first I read in this series.
It was a fun and entertaining read, well written and with a cast of interesting characters.
I rooted by Jasper and Renee who are both complex and damaged and I loved their character development and their path to heal and to start trusting each other.
Jasper learns about women, learns how to interact with Renee and how to gain her trust. He's damaged his character development bring him to heal. Renee must learn how to trust again and how to build a meaningful romantic relationship. Their character development is oriented toward a romantic relationship but it also shows how they grow as person.
The cast of characters, both humans and pets, is interesting and well thought, I liked to read the backstory of those featured in the previous instalment and I liked the pets, realistic and lovely.
I'd like to visit the quaint town, so lovely and well described.
The book is well written, full of humour and it always keep your attention.
I think I will read the previous instalment in this series as I really loved this one.
It was an engrossing read and I strongly recommend it.
Many thanks to HQN and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.